bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Molecular Epidemiology of Human Rhinovirus C in Children and Adults in Hong Kong Reveals a Possible Distinct Human Rhinovirus C Subgroup
Authors: Lau Susanna K. P. , Yip Cyril C. Y. , Lin Ada W. C. , Lee Rodney A. , So Lok-Yee , Lau Yu-Lung , Chan Kwok-Hung , Woo Patrick C. Y. , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: August 2009

BackgroundA novel human rhinovirus (HRV) species, HRV-C, was recently discovered, but its clinical features and epidemiology, compared with HRV-A and HRV-B, remains poorly understood, especially in adults

MethodsOne thousand two hundred nasopharyngeal aspirate samples obtained from hospitalized children and adults during a 1-year period were subject to reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to detect HRV. The clinical and molecular epidemiology of the 3 HRV species was analyzed

ResultsHRVs were detected in 178 (29.7%) of 600 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from children and 42 (7%) of 600 nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from adults. HRV-A was most prevalent (n=111), followed by HRV-C (n=91) and HRV-B (n=18). Although upper respiratory tract infection was the most common presentation in children, 8 (62%) of the 13 adults with HRV-C infection had pneumonia, compared with 6 (27%) of the 22 adults with HRV-A infection (P<.05). Wheezing episodes were also more common among individuals with HRV-C (37%) and HRV-A (20%) infection than among those with HRV-B (0%) infection (P<.05). Clinical and molecular data analysis revealed HRV-C as a frequent cause of community and institutionalized outbreaks. A diverse set of HRV-C genotypes was circulating throughout the year, among which a potential distinct subgroup of strains was observed

ConclusionHRV-C is associated with pneumonia in adults and outbreaks of respiratory infections requiring hospitalization. A potential novel HRV-C subgroup was identified
Medical and Nursing Students with Suboptimal Protective Immunity against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases
Authors: Pavlopoulou Ioanna D. , Daikos George L. , Tzivaras Andreas , Bozas Evangelos , Kosmidis Chris , Tsournakas Constantinos , Theodoridou Maria
Published: August 2009

Objectives.

Medical and nursing students (hereafter referred to as “healthcare students”) are at risk of contracting and transmitting infectious diseases in a hospital Setting. The aim of our study was to evaluate the vaccination history of healthcare students and their serologic immunity against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Design.

Prospective cohort study.

Setting.

A tertiary care children's hospital in Athens, Greece, which is affiliated with the University of Athens.

Methods.

Healthcare students were recruited during April through November 2007. The information obtained from these students during personal interviews included demographics and whether there was a history of varicella, measles, mumps, rubella, and/or hepatitis A or B virus infection. Vaccination history and documentation of disease were abstracted from available medical records. Serum antibodies against the above-mentioned viral agents were determined by use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seronegative students and those with immunization gaps were referred to local vaccination clinics, and compliance was assessed 3 months later.

Results.

A total of 187 healthcare students were recruited, 131 (70.1%) of whom provided complete documentation of vaccination history. Adequate immunity against diphtheria and tetanus was documented for 55 (37.2%) and 73 (49.3%) of the 148 participants, respectively, whereas age-appropriate vaccination against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, and poliomyelitis was noted for 138 (93.2%), 147 (99.3%), 147 (99.3%), and 147 (99.3%) healthcare students, respectively. Of 185 healthcare students, 171 (92.4%) were immune to varicella. Of 182 healthcare students, 179 (98.4%) were immune to measles, 163 (89.6%) were immune to mumps, and 176 (96.7%) were immune to rubella. Of 179 healthcare students, 151 (84.4%) were immune to hepatitis B virus. Of 178 healthcare students, 26 (14.6%) were immune to hepatitis A virus. Antibodies (10 IU/L or higher) to hepatitis B surface antigen were detected for 151 (84.4%) of 179 healthcare students, and antibodies (10 IU/L or higher) to hepatitis A virus were detected for 26 (14.6%) of 178 healthcare students. Fewer than 30% of participants were in full compliance with recommended vaccinations.

Conclusions.

We have determined that there is a certain proportion of healthcare students who are susceptible to certain vaccine-preventable diseases. The development of an appropriate vaccination strategy is required to decrease the risk of transmission in a hospital setting.
Next generation software for functional trend analysis
Authors: Berriz Gabriel F. , Beaver John E. , Cenik Can , Tasan Murat , Roth Frederick P.
Published: August 2009

Summary: FuncAssociate is a web application that discovers properties enriched in lists of genes or proteins that emerge from large-scale experimentation. Here we describe an updated application with a new interface and several new features. For example, enrichment analysis can now be performed within multiple gene- and protein-naming systems. This feature avoids potentially serious translation artifacts to which other enrichment analysis strategies are subject.

Availability: The FuncAssociate web application is freely available to all users at http://llama.med.harvard.edu/funcassociate.

Contact:  fritz_roth@hms.harvard.edu
The Ayurvedic Medicine Salacia oblonga Attenuates Diabetic Renal Fibrosis in Rats: Suppression of Angiotensin II/AT1 Signaling
Authors: He Lan , Qi Yanfei , Rong Xianglu , Jiang Jianmin , Yang Qinglin , Yamahara Johji , Murray Michael , Li Yuhao
Published: August 2009

In human diabetic nephropathy, the extent of tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the leading cause of end‐stage renal disease; fibrosis is closely correlated with renal dysfunction. Although a wide array of medicinal plants play a role in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, there are few reports of the application of herbal medicines in amelioration of renal fibrosis, or the underlying mechanisms by which such benefits are mediated. The efficacy of the Ayurvedic antidiabetic medicine Salacia oblonga (SO) root on rat renal fibrosis was investigated. An aqueous extract from SO (100 mg/kg, p.o., 6 weeks) diminished renal glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, as revealed by van Giesen‐staining. SO also reduced renal salt‐soluble, acid‐soluble and salt‐insoluble collagen contents. These changes were accompanied by normalization of hypoalbuminemia and BUN. Gene profiling revealed that the increase in transcripts encoding the glomerulosclerotic mediators collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)‐1 observed in ZDF rat kidney was suppressed by SO. In rat‐derived mesangial cells, similar to the effect of the AT1 antagonist telmisartan, SO and its major component mangiferin suppressed the stimulatory effect of angiotensin II on proliferation and increased mRNA expression and/or activities of collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, AT1, TGF‐β1 and PAI‐1. Considered together the present findings demonstrate that SO attenuates diabetic renal fibrosis, at least in part by suppressing anigiotensin II/AT1 signaling. Further, it now emerges that mangiferin is an effective antifibrogenic agent.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Authors: Hodson Alexander
Published: August 2009

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infection and inflammation of the upper female genital tract, is a common condition managed by General Practitioners (GPs). It accounts for one in 60 consultations in women of reproductive age. Early diagnosis, management and, if necessary, referral is essential to help prevent serious long-term complications such as ectopic pregnancy, infertility and chronic pelvic pain. This article outlines the causes, clinical features, treatment and follow-up of PID.
Assessment and Diagnosis of Sensory Disturbance
Authors: Douglass Chris , McDermott Christopher J.
Published: August 2009

A patient may use various terms to describe sensory disturbance. Commonly used terms include numbness, pins and needles, tingling or pain. The actual area or pattern of sensory loss is more helpful in diagnosing the underlying cause, than focussing on the qualitative description of the sensory disturbance. Sensory disturbance can occur due to pathology anywhere along the sensory pathway: from the sensory cortex and deep white matter of the brain, through the spinal cord and nerve roots to the peripheral nerves ( Fig. 1 ). Assessment of paraesthesia therefore needs to be performed in an organized manner after a careful clinical history taking, which should guide the investigations in a focused direction to answer a specific question.
Inactivation of the infralimbic but not the prelimbic cortex impairs consolidation and retrieval of fear extinction
Authors: Laurent Vincent , Westbrook R. Frederick
Published: August 2009

Rats were subjected to one or two cycles of context fear conditioning and extinction to study the roles of the prelimbic cortex (PL) and infralimbic cortex (IL) in learning and relearning to inhibit fear responses. Inactivation of the PL depressed fear responses across the first or second extinction but did not impair learning or relearning fear inhibition (experiment 1). Inactivation of the IL did not affect inhibition across the first extinction but disrupted its long-term retention. Inactivation of the IL impaired inhibition across the second extinction, and inactivation before or after this extinction impaired long-term retention (experiments 2 and 3). Inactivation of the IL before the retention test restored extinguished fear responses (experiment 4). These results show for the first time that neuronal activity in the PL is involved in the expression of fear responses but not in the learning that underlies long-term fear inhibition. They also confirm that the IL is involved in this inhibitory learning: Specifically, they show that the IL is critical for consolidation and retrieval of this inhibitory learning. The role of the IL is discussed in terms of a contemporary neural model of fear extinction.
LBD18/ASL20Regulates Lateral Root Formation in Combination withLBD16/ASL18Downstream ofARF7andARF19in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Han Woo , Kim Nan Young , Lee Dong Ju , Kim Jungmook
Published: August 2009

The LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN/ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2-LIKE (LBD/ASL) genes encode proteins harboring a conserved amino acid domain, referred to as the LOB (for lateral organ boundaries) domain. While recent studies have revealed developmental functions of some LBD genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and in crop plants, the biological functions of many other LBD genes remain to be determined. In this study, we have demonstrated that the lbd18 mutant evidenced a reduced number of lateral roots and that lbd16 lbd18 double mutants exhibited a dramatic reduction in the number of lateral roots compared with lbd16 or lbd18. Consistent with this observation, significant β-glucuronidase (GUS) expression in ProLBD18:GUS seedlings was detected in lateral root primordia as well as in the emerged lateral roots. Whereas the numbers of primordia of lbd16, lbd18, and lbd16lbd18 mutants were similar to those observed in the wild type, the numbers of emerged lateral roots of lbd16 and lbd18 single mutants were reduced significantly. lbd16 lbd18 double mutants exhibited additively reduced numbers of emerged lateral roots compared with single mutants. This finding indicates that LBD16 and LBD18 may function in the initiation and emergence of lateral root formation via a different pathway. LBD18 was shown to be localized into the nucleus. We determined whether LBD18 functions in the nucleus using a steroid regulator-inducible system in which the nuclear translocation of LBD18 can be regulated by dexamethasone in the wild-type, lbd18, and lbd16 lbd18 backgrounds. Whereas LBD18 overexpression in the wild-type background induced lateral root formation to some degree, other lines manifested the growth-inhibition phenotype. However, LBD18 overexpression rescued lateral root formation in lbd18 and lbd16lbd18 mutants without inducing any other phenotypes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that LBD18 overexpression can stimulate lateral root formation in auxin response factor7/19 (arf7 arf19) mutants with blocked lateral root formation. Taken together, our results suggest that LBD18 functions in the initiation and emergence of lateral roots, in conjunction with LBD16, downstream of ARF7 and ARF19.
ArabidopsisSTN7 Kinase Provides a Link between Short- and Long-Term Photosynthetic Acclimation
Authors: Pesaresi Paolo , Hertle Alexander , Pribil Mathias , Kleine Tatjana , Wagner Raik , Strissel Henning , Ihnatowicz Anna , Bonardi Vera , Scharfenberg Michael , Schneider Anja , Pfannschmidt Thomas , Leister Dario
Published: August 2009

Flowering plants control energy allocation to their photosystems in response to light quality changes. This includes the phosphorylation and migration of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) proteins (state transitions or short-term response) as well as long-term alterations in thylakoid composition (long-term response or LTR). Both responses require the thylakoid protein kinase STN7. Here, we show that the signaling pathways triggering state transitions and LTR diverge at, or immediately downstream from, STN7. Both responses require STN7 activity that can be regulated according to the plastoquinone pool redox state. However, LTR signaling does not involve LHCII phosphorylation or any other state transition step. State transitions appear to play a prominent role in flowering plants, and the ability to perform state transitions becomes critical for photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana mutants that are impaired in thylakoid electron transport but retain a functional LTR. Our data imply that STN7-dependent phosphorylation of an as yet unknown thylakoid protein triggers LTR signaling events, whereby an involvement of the TSP9 protein in the signaling pathway could be excluded. The LTR signaling events then ultimately regulate in chloroplasts the expression of photosynthesis-related genes on the transcript level, whereas expression of nuclear-encoded proteins is regulated at multiple levels, as indicated by transcript and protein profiling in LTR mutants.
Biochemical Insights on Degradation ofArabidopsisDELLA Proteins Gained From a Cell-Free Assay System
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhu Danmeng , Huang Xi , Li Shuang , Gong Yinan , Yao Qinfang , Fu Xiangdong , Fan Liu-Min , Deng Xing Wang
Published: August 2009

The phytohormone gibberellic acid (GA) regulates diverse aspects of plant growth and development. GA responses are triggered by the degradation of DELLA proteins, which function as repressors in GA signaling pathways. Recent studies in Arabidopsis thaliana and rice (Oryza sativa) have implied that the degradation of DELLA proteins occurred via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Here, we developed an Arabidopsis cell-free system to recapitulate DELLA protein degradation in vitro. Using this cell-free system, we documented that Lys-29 of ubiquitin is the major site for ubiquitin chain formation to mediate DELLA protein degradation. We also confirmed the specific roles of GA receptors and multisubunit E3 ligase components in regulating DELLA protein degradation. In addition, blocking DELLA degradation with a PP1/PP2A phosphatase inhibitor in our cell-free assay suggested that degradation of DELLA proteins required protein Ser/Thr dephosphorylation activity. Furthermore, our data revealed that the LZ domain of Arabidopsis DELLA proteins is essential for both their stability and activity. Thus, our in vitro degradation system provides biochemical insights into the regulation of DELLA protein degradation. This in vitro assay system could be widely adapted for dissecting cellular signaling pathways in which regulated proteolysis is a key recurrent theme.
Antitumor effect of photodynamic therapy with chlorin‐based photosensitizer DH‐II‐24 in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Lim Young‐Cheol , Yoo Je‐Ok , Park Donghyun , Kang Gu , Hwang Byeong‐Moon , Kim Young‐Myeong , Ha Kwon‐Soo
Published: August 2009

While photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recognized as a promising therapeutic modality for the treatment of various cancers and diseases, developments of effective photosensitizers are highly desired to improve the prospect for the use of PDT. In this study, we evaluated DH‐II‐24, a new photosensitizer, for antitumor PDT in vitro and in vivo. Loaded into human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116), DH‐II‐24 was primarily accumulated in mitochondria, lysosomes, and endoplasmic reticula. Administration of DH‐II‐24 followed by light exposure induced necrotic cell death in a dose‐dependent manner, whereas DH‐II‐24 in the absence of light induced minimal cell death. In order to investigate the distribution and phamacokinetics of the photosensitizer in vivo, DH‐II‐24 was intravenously injected to female BALB/c nude mice. Fluorescence imaging in vivo showed that DH‐II‐24 was rapidly distributed across the entire body and then mostly eliminated at 24 h. Next, effectiveness of DH‐II‐24‐mediated PDT was examined on colorectal carcinoma xenografts established subcutaneously in BALB/c nude mice. DH‐II‐24 (1 mg/kg, i.v. administration) followed by light exposure significantly suppressed growth of xenograft tumors, compared to light exposure or DH‐II‐24 alone. Histological examination revealed necrotic damage in PDT‐treated tumors, concomitantly with severe damage of tumor vasculature. These results suggest that DH‐II‐24 is a potential photosensitizer of photodynamic therapy for cancer. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 2431–2436)
Monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis in first‐degree relatives of patients with sporadic (non‐familial) chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Matos Daniel M. , Ismael Sebastião J. , Scrideli Carlos A. , De Oliveira Fábio M. , Rego Eduardo M. , Falcão Roberto P.
Published: August 2009

Although biological similarities have been described among monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), the relationships between these two conditions are not fully understood, and new epidemiological studies in different populations and different countries continue to be reported. Here, we investigated 167 first‐degree relatives from 42 families of patients with non‐familial (sporadic) CLL, using four‐colour flow cytometry. MBL was found in seven of 167 subjects (4·1%). Monoclonality was detected in all cases either by light‐chain restriction or by polymerase chain reaction. Fluourescence in situ hybridization did not show any chromosomal abnormality. The prevalence of MBL according to age was 0 (0/54) in individuals aged less than 40 years, 2·5% (2/81) between 40 and 60 years, and 15·6% (5/32) in individuals over 60 years. The prevalence of MBL cases in individuals over 60 years was similar to that found in familial CLL relatives at the same age group. This suggests that in older first‐degree relatives of patients with sporadic CLL, the risk of MBL detection is as high as in older first‐degree relatives from CLL families, which could render these individuals belonging to ‘sporadic CLL families’ as susceptible as individuals from ‘familial CLL’ to the development of clinical CLL.
Differential effects of Nucleostemin suppression on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in the bladder cancer cell lines 5637 and SW1710
Authors: Nikpour P. , Mowla S. J. , Jafarnejad S. M. , Fischer U. , Schulz W. A.
Published: August 2009

Objectives:  The Nucleostemin (NS) gene encodes a nucleolar protein enriched in adult and embryonic stem cells. NS is thought to regulate cancer cell proliferation, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. In this study, we have investigated the role of NS in bladder cancer.

Materials and methods:  Expression of NS was determined by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in bladder carcinoma cell lines and in normal uro‐epithelial cell cultures. We used an RNAi strategy to investigate the function of NS in two selected carcinoma cell lines.

Results:  High NS expression was found in most bladder carcinoma cell lines and normal uro‐epithelial cells. Knockdown of NS expression induced a severe decline in cell proliferation in 5637 and SW1710 cell lines, both with mutant p53. Apoptosis was more strongly enhanced in 5637 cells lacking RB1 than in SW1710 cells lacking p16INK4A. Moreover, NS‐siRNA‐treated 5637 cells accumulated mainly in G2/M, whereas SW1710 cells arrested in G0/G1.

Conclusion:  Our data indicate that NS expression is necessary for cell proliferation and evasion of apoptosis in bladder cancer cells, independent of its effect on p53. Also, we speculate that the precise effect of NS on cell cycle regulation may relate to functional status of RB1 and CDKN2A/p16INK4A.
The recent genetics of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism – novel insights and new questions
Authors: Semple Robert K. , Topaloglu A. Kemal
Published: August 2009

The complex organization and regulation of the human hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis render it susceptible to dysfunction in the face of a variety of genetic insults, leading to different degrees of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH). Although the genetic basis of some HH was recognized more than 60 years ago the first specific pathogenic defect, in the KAL1 gene, was only identified within the last 20 years. In the past decade, the rate of genetic discovery has dramatically accelerated, with defects in more than 10 genes now associated with HH. Several themes have emerged as the genetic basis of HH has gradually been uncovered, including the association of some genes such as FGFR1, FGF8, PROK2 and PROKR2, both with HH in association with hyposmia/anosmia (Kallmann syndrome) and with normosmic HH, thus blurring the clinical distinction between ontogenic and purely functional defects in the axis. Many examples of digenic inheritance of HH have also been reported, sometimes producing variable reproductive and accessory phenotypes within a family with non‐Mendelian inheritance patterns. In strictly normosmic HH, human genetics has made a particularly dramatic impact in the past 6 years through homozygosity mapping in consanguineous families, first through identification of a key role for kisspeptin in triggering GnRH release, and very recently through demonstration of a critical role for neurokinin B in normal sexual maturation. This review summarises current understanding of the genetic architecture of HH, as well as its diagnostic and mechanistic implications.
Unfavourable trends in cardiovascular and metabolic risk in paediatric and adult patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
Authors: Mooij Christiaan F. , Kroese Jeanne Margot , Claahsen‐van der Grinten Hedi L. , Tack Cees J. , Hermus Ad R.M.M.
Published: August 2009

Context  As a result of the introduction of treatment with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, now 60 years ago, congenital adrenal hyperplasia has become a lifelong chronic disease. Whether long‐term treatment of the disease leads to long‐term side effects remains unknown. In this respect, especially cardiovascular risk seems to be important.

Evidence synthesis  We reviewed the reported prevalence of conventional cardiovascular risk factors, i.e. obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure and dyslipidaemia in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Overall, the studies suggest a tendency towards an increased body mass index and fat mass, the presence of insulin resistance and hypertension, although data are relatively scarce and obtained in heterogeneous populations.

Conclusions  Our findings suggest that adult CAH patients tend to have a cluster of metabolic risk factors, which are consistent with the metabolic syndrome. This notion may have consequences for the care for this group of patients.
Rapid changes in fish community structure and habitat distribution following the precipitation of lake phosphorus with aluminium
Authors: LUND STEPHAN S. , LANDKILDEHUS FRANK , SØNDERGAARD MARTIN , LAURIDSEN TORBEN L. , EGEMOSE SARA , JENSEN HENNING S. , ANDERSEN FREDE Ø. , JOHANSSON LISELOTTE S. , VENTURA MARC , JEPPESEN ERIK
Published: August 2009

1. Fish community structure and habitat distribution of the abundant species roach, perch and ruffe were studied in Lake Nordborg (Denmark) before (August 2006) and after (August 2007) aluminium treatment to reduce internal phosphorus loading.

2. Rapid changes in fish community structure, abundance and habitat distribution occurred following a decline in in‐lake phosphorus concentrations from 280 to 37 μg P L−1 and an increase in Secchi depth transparency from 1.1 to 1.9 m (August). The proportion of perch in overnight gill net catches increased, whilst roach decreased, and the average weight of all key species increased.

3. The habitat distribution of perch and roach changed from a high proportion in the upper pelagic and littoral zones in 2006, towards enhanced proportions in the deeper pelagic and profundal zone in 2007. The abundance of large‐bodied zooplankton increased and the abundance of benthic invertebrates decreased in the same period, suggesting that the habitat shift was not induced by food limitation.

4. Ruffe shifted from the littoral and upper profundal zones towards the deep profundal zone, likely reflecting an increased predation risk in the littoral zone and better oxygen conditions in the deep profundal.

5. Our results indicate that enhanced risk of predation in the upper pelagic and the littoral zones and perhaps improved oxygen concentrations in the deeper profundal zone at decreasing turbidity are responsible for the observed habitat shift. The results indicate that fish respond rapidly to changes in nutrient state, both in terms of community structure and habitat use.
Risk factors for erectile dysfunction in healthy Japanese men
Authors: Imai Atsushi , Yamamoto Hayato , Hatakeyama Shingo , Iwabuchi Ikuya , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Koie Takuya , Kamimura Noritaka , Danjyo Kazuma , Ohyama Chikara
Published: August 2009

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) in healthy men. A comprehensive risk factor investigation was carried out in a Japanese community. The subjects were 280 healthy male volunteers with an average age of 56 years (range: 20–83 years) who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2006. They were residents of Iwaki district, Hirosaki City, in northern Japan. The participants completed the five‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (I‐PSS) surveys at the site of examination. We measured blood pressure and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). We also measured risk factors for metabolic syndrome and sex hormones. We compared these risk factors with the IIEF‐5 scores. Ninety‐five participants (34%) scored 11 points or fewer on the IIEF‐5 survey (severe/moderate ED), 154 (55%) scored 12–21 points (mild ED) and 31 (11%) scored 22 points or more (no ED). The prevalence of ED in the Japanese rural community was 89% (249/280). The severe/moderate ED group had significantly higher total I‐PSS scores (p = 0.001), baPWV values (p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001) than the mild/no ED group. The same group had significantly lower free testosterone (p < 0.001) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (p < 0.001) than the mild/no ED group. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant differences in baPWV (p = 0.003), total I‐PSS (p = 0.015) and free testosterone (p = 0.003). Lower urinary tract symptoms, baPWV and free testosterone are independent risk factors for ED in healthy Japanese men.
Real‐time computation of subdiffraction‐resolution fluorescence images
Authors: WOLTER S. , SCHÜTTPELZ M. , TSCHEREPANOW M. , VAN DE LINDE S. , HEILEMANN M. , SAUER M.
Published: August 2009

In the recent past, single‐molecule based localization or photoswitching microscopy methods such as stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) or photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM) have been successfully implemented for subdiffraction‐resolution fluorescence imaging. However, the computational effort needed to localize numerous fluorophores is tremendous, causing long data processing times and thereby limiting the applicability of the technique. Here we present a new computational scheme for data processing consisting of noise reduction, detection of likely fluorophore positions, high‐precision fluorophore localization and subsequent visualization of found fluorophore positions in a super‐resolution image. We present and benchmark different algorithms for noise reduction and demonstrate the use of non‐maximum suppression to quickly find likely fluorophore positions in high depth and very noisy images. The algorithm is evaluated and compared in terms of speed, accuracy and robustness by means of simulated data. On real biological samples, we find that real‐time data processing is possible and that super‐resolution imaging with organic fluorophores of cellular structures with ∼20 nm optical resolution can be completed in less than 10 s.
A new method of imaging particle tracks in solid state nuclear track detectors
Authors: WERTHEIM D. , GILLMORE G. , BROWN L. , PETFORD N.
Published: August 2009

Solid state nuclear track detectors are used to determine the concentration of α particles in the environment. The standard method for assessing exposed detectors involves 2D image analysis. However 3D imaging has the potential to provide additional information relating to angle as well as to differentiate clustered hit sequences and possibly energy of α particles but this could be time consuming. Here we describe a new method for rapid high‐resolution 3D imaging of solid state nuclear track detectors. A ‘LEXT’ OLS3100 confocal laser scanning microscope (Olympus Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) was used in confocal mode to successfully obtain 3D image data on four CR‐39 plastic detectors. Three‐dimensional visualization and image analysis enabled characterization of track features. This method may provide a means of rapid and detailed 3D analysis of solid state nuclear track detectors.
Comparative phylogeography among hydrothermal vent species along the East Pacific Rise reveals vicariant processes and population expansion in the South
Authors: PLOUVIEZ S. , SHANK T. M. , FAURE B. , DAGUIN‐THIEBAUT C. , VIARD F. , LALLIER F. H. , JOLLIVET D.
Published: August 2009

The use of sequence polymorphism from individual mitochondrial genes to infer past demography has recently proved controversial because of the recurrence of selective sweeps acting over genes and the need for unlinked multilocus data sets. However, comparative analyses using several species for one gene and/or multiple genes for one species can serve as a test for potential selective effects and clarify our understanding of historical demographic effects. This study compares nucleotide polymorphisms in mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I across seven deep‐sea hydrothermal vent species that live along the volcanically active East Pacific Rise. Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) method, developed to trace shared vicariant events across species pairs, indicates the occurrence of two across species divergence times, and suggests that the present geographical patterns of genetic differentiation may be explained by two periods of significant population isolation. The oldest period dates back 11.6 Ma and is associated with the vent limpet Lepetodrilus elevatus, while the most recent period of isolation is 1.3 Ma, which apparently affected all species examined and coincides with a transition zone across the equator. Moreover, significant negative Tajima’s D and star‐like networks were observed for all southern lineages, suggesting that these lineages experienced a concomitant demographic and geographical expansion about 100 000–300 000 generations ago. This expansion may have initiated from a wave of range expansions during the secondary colonization of new sites along the Southern East Pacific Rise (founder effects below the equator) or recurrent bottleneck events because of the increase of eruptive phases associated with the higher spreading rates of the ridge in this region.
Use of Immobilized HLA‐A2:Ig Dimeric Proteins to Determine the Level of Epitope‐Specific, HLA‐Restricted CD8+ T‐Cell Response
Authors: Horowitz A. , Li X. , Poles M. A. , Tsuji M.
Published: August 2009

A novel assay to assess antigen‐specific cytokine release from stimulated CD8+ T cells derived from the mucosal and peripheral blood compartments has been developed and standardized using the influenza A virus matrix protein (MP) peptide, GILGFVFTL. This technology is based on the capacity for the human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A2:Ig dimeric protein to stimulate CD8+ T cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I‐restricted fashion without the necessity for antigen presenting cells (APC). This assay has been optimized utilizing a 9‐amino acid residue (9mer) peptide, the optimal peptide length for presenting an epitope to CD8+ T cells. Compared to existing assays, this more sensitive and specific methodology requires fewer cells, enabling easier and more accurate monitoring of the CD8+ T‐cell response in biological compartments, such as the mucosa during the course of viral infection and may be utilized to assess epitope‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses in vaccine trials.
Estimates of motion and strain rates across active faults in the frontal part of eastern Himalayas in North Bengal from GPS measurements
Authors: Mullick Mallika , Riguzzi Federica , Mukhopadhyay Dhruba
Published: August 2009

Within the 2500 km stretch of the Himalayas, a narrow window between longitudes 88.185°E and 88.936°E in the frontal Himalayas in North Bengal, crisscrossed by several active fault traces, presents an interesting region for crustal deformation study. We have estimated velocities of 8 GPS stations located in this area and the accumulating strain rate by two different methods. A total shortening of 11.1 ±1.5 mm yr−1 is occurring across a set of four E–W running faults: Gorubathan, Matiali, Chalsa and Baradighi. The strain rate becomes higher in the NE part of the network, reaching −(0.25 ± 0.12) μstrain yr−1 with azimuth 21°. A statistically significant extension of 10.9 ± 1.6 mm yr−1 is estimated across the Gish transverse fault with a maximum strain rate of 0.36 ± 0.08 μstrain yr−1 with azimuth 103°. The accumulating strain will be probably released through future earthquakes.
Serum neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin correlates with kidney function in renal allograft recipients
Authors: Malyszko Jolanta , Malyszko Jacek S. , Mysliwiec Michal
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  The value of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a novel marker for early detection of acute renal failure has been highlighted recently. The aim of this study was to assess whether serum NGAL correlates with kidney function in kidney allograft recipients. Serum NGAL, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were evaluated in 100 kidney allograft recipients on triple therapy: calcineurin inhibitor, mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine, prednisone and healthy volunteers. Kidney transplant recipients had significantly higher NGAL than the control group. Serum NGAL in univariate analysis was strongly correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.78). Estimated GFR (r = −0.69), on the other hand, was moderately correlated with white blood cell count (r = 0.43) and only weakly with other parameters. In multiple regression analysis, the best predictor of serum NGAL was eGFR (beta −0.69), with other predictors being white blood cell count (beta 0.25) and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) (beta 0.23) explaining 82% of NGAL concentration. Even a successful kidney transplantation is associated with kidney injury as reflected by elevated serum NGAL and lowered eGFR. Therefore, NGAL needs to be investigated as a potential early marker for impaired kidney function/kidney injury, especially in patients with other risk factor for kidney damage, i.e., hypertension or diabetes.
Management of Heliothis spp. in cotton by augmentative releases of Trichogramma pretiosum Ril1
Authors: King E. G. , Bouse L. F. , Bull D. L. , Coleman R. J. , Dickerson W. A. , Lewis W. J. , Lopez J. D. , Morrison R. K. , Phillips J. R.
Published: August 2009

Trichogramma pretiosum releases were made in cotton in Arkansas (1981‐82) and North Carolina (1983) to evaluate their efficacy in management of Heliothis spp. The results show that it is not feasible at this time to manage Heliothis in cotton by augmentative releases of the egg parasite in areas where insecticides represent the major control practice for management of insect pests. There are also other factors which limit utility of this biological control measure in some areas of the USA cotton belt.

Versuche zur Bekämpfung von Heliothis spp. an Baumwolle durch zunehmende Freilassung von Trichogramma pretiosum Ril.

Es wurden Trichogramma preftosum‐Freilassungen in Baumwollfeldern in Arkansas (1981‐82) sowie North Carolina (1983) durchgeführt, um die Wirksamkeit dieses Eiparasiten zur Bekämp‐fung von Heliothis spp. kennenzulernen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß es zur Zeit nicht möglich ist, Heliothis durch zunehmende Freilassung von Trichogramma in Gebieten zu bekämpfen, wo Insektizide die Schädlingsbekämpfung bestimmen. Auch andere Gründe wurden festgestellt, welche die Möglichkeit einer derartigen biologischen Bekämpfungsmaßnahme in einigen Baum‐wollanbau‐Gebieten der USA begrenzen.
Preliminary results on the utilization of Trichogramma evanescens Westw. to control the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee in the Philippines1
Authors: Tran L. C. , Hassan S. A.
Published: August 2009

Trials on the use of Trichogramma evanescens Westw. against the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee in the Philippines were carried out at six locations throughout the country. The parasitism reached 40 to 76.9 % depending on the population density of the insect pest in the area. Further trials are undertaken to improve the effectiveness of Trichogramma by determining the optimum releasing time and dose.

Vorläufige Ergebnisse über die Verwendung von Trichogramma evanescens Westw. zur Bekämp‐fung des Asiatischen Maiszünslers, Ostrinia furnacalis Guen. auf den Philippinen

Versuche zur Anwendung von Trichogramma evanescens Westw. zur Bekämpfung des Maiszünslers Ostrinia furnacalis Guenee wurden auf den Philippinen an 6 verschiedenen Orten durchge‐führt. Abhangig von der Schädlingsdichte sowie anderen Faktoren reichte die Parasitierung durch Trichogramma von 40 bis 76,9%. Weitere Versuche werden durchgeführt, um die Wirksamkeit der Nützlinge zu erhöhen und gleichzeitig die günstigsten Freilassungstermine sowie die richtige Trichogramma‐Dosis festzu‐stellen.
Mass production of Trichogramma maidis Pint, et Voeg. and its field application against Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. in Switzerland1
Authors: Bigler F.
Published: August 2009

The egg parasite Trichogramma maidis Pint, et Voeg. is being mass reared and released against Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. in corn in Switzerland since 1978. According to the number of generations of the pest, different release strategies have been developed. In the one generation area, three times 50.000 adults per hectare are released, whereas in the two generations area 150.000 adults per hectare are released only once per generation. In order to get a long activity period by adult parasites, different developmental stages of the parasites are mixed. The average parasitization rate of the eggs of O. nubilalis varied between the years from 75 % to 93 % and the reduction of plant attack was in the same order of magnitude. Biological control of O. nubilalis with T. maidis is nowadays well established in farmers practise and has become an important tool in integrated control in corn in Switzerland.

Massenzucht von Trichogramma maidis Pint. et Voeg. und ihr Freilandeinsatz gegen Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn. in der Schweiz

Seit 1978 wird in der Schweiz der Eiparasit T. maidis in Massenzucht gehalten und in Maisfeldern gegen O. nubilalis eingesetzt. In Abhängigkeit von der Anzahl der Generationen dieses Schädlings wurden verschiedene Freisetzungsmethoden entwickelt. In Gebieten mit einer Generation pro Jahr wurden dreimal 50.000 T. maidis‐Adulte/ha freigesetzt, dagegen in Gebieten mit zwei Generationen im Jahr pro Generation nur einmal 150.000 Adulte/ha. Um eine möglichst lange Aktivitätsperiode der adulten Parasiten zu erreichen, wurden Parasiten unterschiedlicher Entwick‐lungsstadien gemeinsam ausgebracht. Die durchschnittliche Parasitierungsrate der O. nubilalis‐Eier schwankte in den verschiedenen Jahren zwischen 75 % und 93 %; die Reduktion des Pflanzenbefalls lag in der gleichen Größenordnung. Heutzutage hat die biologische Bekämpfung von O. nubilalis mit T. maidis einen festen Platz in der Landwirtschaft und ist in der Schweiz zu einem wichtigen Instrument des integrierten Pflanzenschutzes im Maisanbau geworden.
Biological studies on Trichogrammatoidea bactrae fumata Nagaraja in the laboratory1
Authors: Lim G. T.
Published: August 2009

This paper deals with laboratory studies on Trichogrammatoidea bactrae fumata, parasitizing Corcyra cephalonica. Results are reported on the development, longevity, fecundity, mortality of immature stages, sex ratio in parasitized eggs and rate of parasitism.

The development from egg to adult was ranging from 8–9 days. Virgin females produced all male offspring. However, fed or starved mated female parasitoids produced either female, male or both sexes. The total mean number of offspring produced by virgin females was significantly higher than that of mated females (102.5 and 67.4, respectively). When starved, females produced an average of about 10 offspring only. The longevity of fed females was significant longer than fed males. The overall mortality of immatures produced by mated and virgin females was not significantly different. This mortality was also independent of the nutritional state of the mother (fed or starved). The mean total number of C. cephalonica eggs parasitized by fed mated and virgin parasitoids was 49.0 and 48.7, respectively.

Laboruntersuchungen zur Biologie von Trichogrammatoidea bactrae fumata Nagaraja

Es wird über die Ergebnisse von Laboruntersuchungen (Entwicklung, Lebensdauer, Fekundität, Mortalität der immaturen Stadien, Geschlechterverhältnis in den parasitierten Eiern sowie Parasi‐tierungsrate) der in Corcyra cephalonica parasitierenden Schlupfwespe Trichogrammatoidea bactrae fumata berichtet.

Die Entwicklungszeit vom Ei bis zur Imago betrug 8‐9 Tage. Unbefruchtete Weibchen hatten nur männliche Nachkommen. Jedoch zeigten befruchtete Weibchen, die gefüttert wurden oder hungerten, sowohl nur weibliche oder nur männliche als auch Nachkommen beiderlei Geschlechts. Die durchschnittliche Zahl der Nachkommenschaft unbefruchteter Weibchen war signifikant höher als bei befruchteten Weibchen (102,5 und 67,4). Hungernde Weibchen hatten i. M. nur 10 Nachkommen. Die Lebensdauer gefütterter Weibchen war signifikant länger als diejenige der gefütterten Männchen. Hinsichtlich der Larvenmortalität von Nachkommen befruchteter oder unbefruchteter Weibchen ergab sich kein signifikanter Unterschied; auch war die Larvenmortalität nicht abhängig vom Ernährungszustand der Muttertiere (hungernd oder gefüttert). Die durchschnittliche Gesamtzahl parasitierter C. cephalonica‐Eier betrug bei gefütter‐ten, befruchteten Weibchen 49,0 und bei unbefruchteten Weibchen 48,7.
Behavioural variations among strains of Trichogramma spp.
Authors: Pak G. A.
Published: August 2009

Host‐age selection by parasites is the selection between hosts of different ages. The literature on host‐age selection by Trichogramma (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) egg parasites is reviewed. Data from 52 different studies concerning 28, mostly lepidopterous host species, were classified. Different aspects of parasitism of the hosts by the parasites are identified: 1. preference, 2. attack, 3. oviposition, 4. development, and 5. mortality. Six basic types are inferred to describe the different relationships between host‐age and parasitism by Trichogramma spp. In nearly all types, young hosts are more frequently accepted for parasitism than older hosts. For different host species of the same family, relationship types generally were not consistent. Relationship types may also vary between different Trichogramma species on the same host species. This indicates the importance of studying host‐age selection for the evaluation of candidate Trichogramma strains for inundative biological control programs. The data are discussed in relation to optimal foraging theory.

Verhaltensvariationen verschiedener Trichogramma‐Stämme. Eine Literaturübersicht über die Wirtsalter‐Selektion

Als Wirtsalter‐Selektion der Parasiten wird die Selektion zwischen Wirten verschiedenen Alters bezeichnet. Es wird eine Literaturübersicht über die Wirtsalter‐Selektion der Eiparasiten, Tricho‐gramma spp. gegeben. Daten aus 52 verschiedenen Untersuchungen, wobei 28 Wirtsarten, überwiegend Schmetterlinge, betrachtet wurden, werden ausgewertet. Verschiedene Aspekte der Parasitierung der Wirte durch die Parasiten werden ausgewiesen: 1. Präferenz, 2. Angriff, 3. Eiablage, 4. Entwicklung und 5. Mortalität. Aufgrund von Basis‐Typen wird die unterschiedliche Beziehung zwischen dem Wirtsalter und der Parasitierung durch Trichogramma spp. dargestellt. Bei fast alien Typen werden junge Wirtstiere wesentlich häufiger parasitiert als ältere. Bei verschiedenen Wirtsarten der gleichen Familie stimmen im allgemeinen die Beziehungs‐Typen nicht überein. Auch können die Beziehungs‐Typen verschiedener Trichogramma‐Arten bei gleicher Wirtsart variieren. Diese Beobachtungen zeigen, wie wichtig Untersuchungen zur Wirts‐alter‐Selektion sind, um geeignete Trichogramma‐Stämme für die Massenfreisetzung im Rahmen von biologischen Kontrollprogrammen auszuwählen. Die Daten werden in bezug auf eine optimale Wirtswahl diskutiert.
A functional simulation of European vine moth Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff. (Lep., Tortricidae) population development
Authors: Gabel B. , Mocko V.
Published: August 2009

This paper discusses several functions which could describe the process of the passing of insect population from one developmental stage into another. A final development function is based on the classical autocatalytic equation, modified for this problem. The function was primarily derived to characterize the developmental changes in the population of the European vine moth, Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff. The applicability of the modified function was checked on the rearing data from laboratory and the field conditions. A detailed description of the method of rearing Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff. in natural conditions is presented.

Eine funktionelle Simulation der Populationsentwicklung des Bekreuzten Traubenwicklers, Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff. (Lep., Totricidae)

Mehrere Funktionen werden eröml;rtert, mit denen es möml;glich ist, den Prozeß des Überganges einer Insektenpopulation von einem Entwicklungsstadium zum anderen zu beschreiben. Die Ergebnis‐funktion der Entwicklung ist auf der klassischen Gleichung der Autokatalisation gegründet, die für dieses Problem modifiziert wurde. Die Funktion diente ursprünglich zur Charakterisierung der Entwicklungsveränderungen in der Population des Bekreuzten Traubenwicklers, Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff. Die Verwendbarkeit der modifizierten Gleichung wurde an dem Schädling im Labor und in der Natur erprobt. Eine genaue Beschreibung der Zuchtmethode des Bekreuzten Traubenwicklers unter natürlichen Bedingungen wird gegeben.