bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Temperature Dielectrics in the BiScO3–BaTiO3–(K1/2Bi1/2)TiO3Ternary System
Authors: Lim Jong Bong , Zhang Shujun , Kim Namchul , Shrout Thomas R.
Published: March 2009

Perovskite solid solution in the (1−x)[0.4BiScO3–0.6BaTiO3]+x(K1/2Bi1/2)TiO3[BSBT–KBTx] system was synthesized using conventional sintering and hot‐isostatic pressing. Dielectric properties of BSBT ceramics with different dopant levels of KBT were characterized as a function of temperature and frequency for potential use of high‐temperature capacitors. The BSBT ceramics with KBT exhibited high dielectric permittivities (ɛr) (>1700 at RT) and low dielectric loss over the temperature range from 100° to 300°C, with flat temperature coefficients of permittivity (TCɛs). In addition, BSBT ceramics with increasing KBT were observed to possess dielectric relaxation characteristics at temperatures (>RT) as observed in lead‐based relaxors. Furthermore, high energy densities, being on the order of 4.0 J/cm3at 220 kV/cm was observed for the BSBT–KBT20 ceramics from the electric‐field polarization behavior.
Microscopic Age Estimation from the Anterior Cortex of the Femur in Korean Adults*
Authors: Han Seung‐Ho , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Ahn Yong‐Woo , Huh Gi‐Yeong , Kwak Dai‐Soon , Park Dae‐Kyoon , Lee U‐Young , Kim Yi‐Suk
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to develop age‐predicting equations from the anterior cortex of the femur of Korean adults. Seventy‐two femoral samples (44 male and 28 female) were obtained from Korean cadavers and used to develop the equations. The thin sections (<100‐μm thick) were prepared by manual grinding; the sections were not decalcified and were stained with Villanueva bone stain reagent. Analysis of covariance showed no significant differences in age‐adjusted histomorphological variables between sexes. In stepwise regression analysis, osteon population density, average osteon area, and the most anterior cortical width were selected for an age‐predicting equation which produced a high regression correlation (R2 = 0.789). The average Haversian canal area was not significantly related to age for any specimen.
Trace Elemental Analysis of Titanium Dioxide Pigments and Automotive White Paint Fragments for Forensic Examination Using High‐Energy Synchrotron Radiation X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry*
Authors: Nishiwaki Yoshinori , Watanabe Seiya , Shimoda Osamu , Saito Yasuhiro , Nakanishi Toshio , Terada Yasuko , Ninomiya Toshio , Nakai Izumi
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  High‐energy synchrotron radiation x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (SR‐XRF) utilizing 116 keV x‐rays was used to characterize titanium dioxide pigments (rutile) and automotive white paint fragments for forensic examination. The technique allowed analysis of K lines of 9 trace elements in 18 titanium dioxide pigments (rutile), and 10 trace elements in finish coat layers of seven automotive white paint fragments. High‐field strength elements (HFSE) were found to strongly reflect the origin of the titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments, and could be used as effective parameters for discrimination and classification of the pigments and paint fragments. A pairwise comparison of the finish coat layers of seven automotive white paint fragments was performed. The trace elements in the finish coat layers detected by the high‐energy SR‐XRF were especially effective for identification. By introducing the trace element information of primer and electrocoat layers, all the automotive white paint fragments could be discriminated by this technique.
Central Obesity and Insulin Resistance in the Cardiometabolic Syndrome: Pathways to Preclinical Cardiovascular Structure and Function
Authors: Klaus Johanna R. , Hurwitz Barry E. , Llabre Maria M. , Skyler Jay S. , Goldberg Ronald B. , Marks Jennifer B. , Bilsker Martin S. , Schneiderman Neil
Published: March 2009

The cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) has been an organizing conceptual framework for subclinical cardiovascular pathophysiology. Using cross‐sectional data from 338 healthy men and women aged 18 to 55 years, the study examined the role of central adiposity and insulin sensitivity and assessed potential relationships with other metabolic indices (insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, fibrinolysis, lipidemia, endothelial function, and inflammation) and measures of cardiac structure and function (cardiac mass, compliance and contractility, myocardial oxygen demand, and blood pressure). Structural equation modeling analyses, which controlled for sex, age, and race, demonstrated good fit to the data. The derived relationships provided a physiologically consistent model of CMS, with an initiating role for central adiposity and insulin resistance. The model accounted for 30% and 82% of the variance in diastolic blood pressure and myocardial oxygen demand, respectively. The findings suggest predominant pathways through which subclinical metabolic processes may exert pathogenic impact on the heart and vasculature.
Resveratrol: Biologic and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Sadruddin Sarfaraz , Arora Rohit
Published: March 2009

Resveratrol (3,4′,5 trihydroxystilbene), a naturally‐occurring molecule known as a phytoalexin, is synthesized by plants in response to attacks by fungi, bacteria, or other injurious substances; it is also known to possess an array of cardioprotective effects. Recently, studies have shown resveratrol to protect against the metabolic changes associated with hypercaloric diets in mice with induced insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Despite impressive gains in diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a serious clinical problem and threat to public health. The metabolic syndrome, which identifies persons at higher risk for diabetes mellitus and CVD, is approaching a prevalence of nearly 25% of the western world. If the metabolic syndrome can be considered a polar opposite to caloric restriction, then agents that mimic caloric restriction may offer a new therapeutic approach to preventing CVD. The authors discuss the cardioprotective effects of resveratrol and highlight its role in glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism in mice. Armed with the ability to prevent the deleterious effects of excess caloric intake and prevent detrimental cardiovascular events, resveratrol merits proper clinical investigations for its efficacy in treating metabolic diseases and CVD.
Change in Hemoglobin A1c and C‐Reactive Protein Levels in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Khatana Sameed Ahmed M. , Taveira Tracey H. , Choudhary Gaurav , Eaton Charles B. , Wu Wen‐Chih
Published: March 2009

The authors studied the effects on C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels of an intensive intervention to reduce hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) among 58 veterans with type 2 diabetes. Weekly group sessions of behavioral and pharmacologic intervention were conducted for 4 weeks at Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Change in cardiovascular risk factors and CRP levels were compared at baseline and 3 months postintervention. There was a significant decrease in HbA1c (−0.7%±1.9%, P<.01), total cholesterol (−20.3±41.1 mg/dL, P=.01), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (−11.7±31.4 mg/dL, P=.05), systolic blood pressure (−6.9±21.2 mm Hg, P=.03), and diastolic blood pressure (−6.0±10.6 mm Hg, P<.01) over 4 months. There was no significant change in CRP levels (1.1±6.6 mg/L, P=.2). These results suggest that CRP effects may not be adequate to predict changes in cardiovascular risk among diabetic patients and should not be a surrogate for achieving evidence‐based goals in traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Highly Prevalent and Correlates With Impaired Glycemic Control in Consecutive Patients With the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Drager Luciano F. , Queiroz Eduardo L. , Lopes Heno F. , Genta Pedro R. , Krieger Eduardo M. , Lorenzi‐Filho Geraldo
Published: March 2009

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the metabolic syndrome (MS) are independently associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of OSA among consecutive patients with MS and to determine whether OSA is associated with impaired glycemic control. Fifty consecutive patients with a recent diagnosis of MS and no previous diagnosis of OSA underwent a polysomnography and anthropometric and laboratory measurements. The prevalence of OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index ≥15 events per hour of sleep) was 68% and in the same range of all other individual components of MS. Moreover, OSA was associated with increased levels of glucose (P=.03) and glycosylated hemoglobin (P=.03) but not with body mass index (P=.30). Glycosylated hemoglobin was independently associated with glucose (P<.001) and apnea‐hypopnea index (P=.03). The prevalence of OSA is in the same range as all the individual components of MS and is independently associated with impaired glycemic control.
A systematic review of studies validating the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in antepartum and postpartum women
Authors: Gibson J. , McKenzie‐McHarg K. , Shakespeare J. , Price J. , Gray R.
Published: March 2009

Objective:  The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the most widely used screening tool for postpartum depression (PPD). We systematically reviewed the published evidence on its validity in detecting PPD and antepartum depression (APD) up to July 2008.

Method:  Systematic review of validation studies of the EPDS included 1987–2008. Cut‐off points of 9/10 for possible PPD, 12/13 for probable PPD and 14/15 for APD were used.

Results:  Thirty‐seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Sensitivity and specificity of cut‐off points showed marked heterogeneity between different studies. Sensitivity results ranged from 34 to 100% and specificity from 44 to 100%. Positive likelihood ratios ranged from 1.61 to 78.

Conclusion:  Heterogeneity among study findings may be due to differences in study methodology, language and diagnostic interview/criteria used. Therefore, the results of different studies may not be directly comparable and the EPDS may not be an equally valid screening tool across all settings and contexts.
Clinical and radiographic comparison of implants in regenerated or native bone: 5‐year results
Authors: Benić Goran I. , Jung Ronald E. , Siegenthaler David W. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: March 2009

Purpose:The aim of this study was to test whether or not implants associated with bone regeneration show the same survival and success rates as implants placed in native bone in patients requiring both forms of therapy.

Material and methods:Thirty‐four patients (median age of 60.3 years, range 18–77.7 years) had been treated 5 years before the follow‐up examination. Machined screw‐type implants were inserted following one of two surgical procedures: (1) simultaneously with a guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedure, which involved grafting with xenogenic bone substitute material, autogenous bone or a mixture of the two and defect covering with a bio‐absorbable collagen membrane (test) and (2) standard implantation procedure without bone regeneration (control). For data recording, one test and one control implant from each patient were assessed. Examination included measurements of plaque control record (PCR), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), width of keratinized mucosa (KM), frequency of situations with supra‐mucosal location of the crown margin, implant survival assessment and radiographic examination. Radiographs were digitized to assess the marginal bone level (MBL). Differences between groups were tested using the one‐samplet‐test. The estimation of survival rate was based on Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results:The follow‐up period of the 34 GBR and 34 control implants ranged from 49 to 70 months (median time 57 months). Cumulative survival rates reached 100% for the GBR group and 94.1% for the control group without statistical significance. No statistically significant differences for clinical and radiographic parameters were found between the two groups regarding PCR, BOP, PPD, KM and MBL.

Conclusion:The present study showed that, clinically, implants placed with concomitant bone regeneration did not performed differently from implants placed into native bone with respect to implant survival, marginal bone height and peri‐implant soft tissue parameters.
Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone levels adjacent to parallel‐screw cylinder machined‐neck implants and rough‐surfaced microthreaded implants using digitized panoramic radiographs
Authors: Nickenig Hans‐Joachim , Wichmann Manfred , Schlegel Karl Andreas , Nkenke Emeka , Eitner Stephan
Published: March 2009

Objective: The purpose of this split‐mouth study was to compare macro‐ and microstructure implant surfaces at the marginal bone level during a stress‐free healing period and under functional loading.

Material and methods: From January to February 2006, 133 implants (70 rough‐surfaced microthreaded implants and 63 machined‐neck implants) were inserted in the mandible of 34 patients with Kennedy Class I residual dentitions and followed until February 2008. The marginal bone level was radiographically determined, using digitized panoramic radiographs, at four time points: at implant placement (baseline level), after the healing period, after 6 months of functional loading, and at the end of follow‐up.

Results: The median follow‐up time was 1.9 (range: 1.9–2.1) years. The machined‐neck group had a mean crestal bone loss of 0.5 mm (range: 0–2.3) after the healing period, 0.8 mm after 6 months (range: 0–2.4), and 1.1 mm (range: 0–3) at the end of follow‐up. The rough‐surfaced microthreaded implant group had a mean bone loss of 0.1 mm (range: −0.4–2) after the healing period, 0.4 mm (range: 0–2.1) after 6 months, and 0.5 mm (range: 0–2.1) at the end of follow‐up. The two implant types showed significant differences in marginal bone levels (healing period: P=0.01; end of follow‐up: P<0.01).

Conclusions: Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone levels adjacent to machined‐neck or rough‐surfaced microthreaded implants showed that implants with the microthreaded design caused minimal changes in crestal bone levels during healing (stress‐free) and under functional loading.
TRAPPC2L is a Novel, Highly Conserved TRAPP‐Interacting Protein
Authors: Scrivens P. James , Shahrzad Nassim , Moores Adrian , Morin Audrey , Brunet Stephanie , Sacher Michael
Published: March 2009

Mutations in the trafficking protein particle complex C2 protein (TRAPPC2), a mammalian ortholog of yeast Trs20p and a component of the trafficking protein particle (TRAPP) vesicle tethering complex, have been linked to the skeletal disorder spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia tarda (SEDT). Intriguingly, the X‐linked TRAPPC2 is just one of a complement of Trs20‐related genes in humans. Here we characterize TRAPPC2L, a novel, highly conserved TRAPP‐interacting protein related to TRAPPC2 and the uncharacterized yeast open reading frame YEL048c. TRAPPC2L and TRAPPC2 genes are found in pairs across species and show broad and overlapping expression, suggesting they are functionally distinct, a notion supported by yeast complementation studies and biochemical characterization. RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of either TRAPPC2L or TRAPPC2 in HeLa cells leads to fragmentation of the Golgi, implicating both proteins in Golgi dynamics. Gradient fractionation of cellular membranes indicates that TRAPPC2L is found with a portion of cellular TRAPP on very low‐density membranes whereas the remainder of TRAPP, but not TRAPPC2L, is found associated with Golgi markers. YEL048c displays genetic interactions with TRAPP II‐encoding genes and the gene product co‐fractionates with and interacts with yeast TRAPP II. Taken together these results indicate that TRAPPC2L and its yeast ortholog YEL048c are novel TRAPP‐interacting proteins that may modulate the function of the TRAPP II complex.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Changes in Endometrial Natural Killer Cell Expression of CD94, CD158a and CD158b are Associated with Infertility
Authors: McGrath Emma , Ryan Elizabeth J. , Lynch Lydia , Golden‐Mason Lucy , Mooney Eoghan , Eogan Maeve , O’Herlihy Colm , O’Farrelly Cliona
Published: March 2009

Problem  Cycle‐dependent fluctuations in natural killer (NK) cell populations in endometrium and circulation may differ, contributing to unexplained infertility.

Method of study  NK cell phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry in endometrial biopsies and matched blood samples.

Results  While circulating and endometrial T cell populations remained constant throughout the menstrual cycle in fertile and infertile women, circulating NK cells in infertile women increased during the secretory phase. However, increased expression of CD94, CD158b (secretory phase), and CD158a (proliferative phase) by endometrial NK cells from infertile women was observed. These changes were not reflected in the circulation.

Conclusion  In infertile women, changes in circulating NK cell percentages are found exclusively during the secretory phase and not in endometrium; cycle‐related changes in NK receptor expression are observed only in infertile endometrium. While having exciting implications for understanding NK cell function in fertility, our data emphasize the difficulty in attaching diagnostic or prognostic significance to NK cell analyses in individual patients.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Endometrial Osteopontin mRNA Expression and Plasma Osteopontin Levels are Increased in Patients with Endometriosis
Authors: Cho SiHyun , Ahn Young Sun , Choi Young Sik , Seo Seok Kyo , Nam Anna , Kim Hye Yeon , Kim Jae‐Hoon , Park Ki Hyun , Cho Dong Jae , Lee Byung Seok
Published: March 2009

Problem  The aim of this study was to evaluate osteopontin (OPN) mRNA expression in eutopic endometrium and plasma OPN levels in patients with endometriosis.

Method of study  A total of 79 patients with histologically confirmed endometriosis and 43 patients without endometriosis participated in this study. OPN mRNA expression in endometrial tissues was measured by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and plasma concentrations of OPN were quantified using a specific commercial sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Results  Osteopontin mRNA expression in endometrial tissue was significantly higher in women with endometriosis than in controls (P = 0.010). The mean plasma levels of OPN (mean ± S.E.M.) in patients with endometriosis and controls were 407.31 ± 37.80 ng/mL and 165.84 ± 19.29 ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for plasma OPN revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.894, with a sensitivity of 93.0%, specificity of 72.4%, positive likelihood ratio of 3.37, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.1 using a cut‐off value of 167.68 ng/mL.

Conclusion  Osteopontin may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis and plasma OPN may be a useful non‐invasive marker for the diagnosis of endometriosis.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: Interleukin‐17 Increased Progesterone Secretion by JEG‐3 Human Choriocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Pongcharoen Sutatip , Supalap Kwansuda
Published: March 2009

Problem  JEG‐3 choriocarcinoma cell line has previously been reported to express a receptor for interleukin (IL)‐17. The involvement of IL‐17 in the production of progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin by placental trophoblast has not been investigated.

Method of study  The present study investigated the in vitro effect of IL‐17 on progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion by JEG‐3 cells. Both hormones were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results  The results showed that IL‐17 significantly increased progesterone secretion at 6 (P < 0.001) and 24 (P < 0.01) hr, while this cytokine had no effect on hCG secretion.

Conclusion  Interleukin‐17 may regulate the function of JEG‐3 cells through increased progesterone secretion.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Regulation of Nod1 and Nod2 in First Trimester Trophoblast Cells
Authors: Mulla Melissa J. , Yu Andrew G. , Cardenas Ingrid , Guller Seth , Panda Britta , Abrahams Vikki M.
Published: March 2009

Problem:  The cytoplasmic pattern recognition receptors, Nod1 and Nod2, are thought to be important for detecting intracellular bacteria. We have previously reported that first trimester trophoblast cells express Nod1 and Nod2, and that trophoblast Nod2 activation triggers an inflammatory response. The objectives of this study were to characterize the effects of Nod1 stimulation, and to determine the regulation of Nod1 and Nod2, in the trophoblast.

Method of Study:  The effect of Nod1 activation on trophoblast cells was determined by analyzing the cytokine response following treatment with γ‐D‐glutamyl‐meso‐diaminopimelic acid (iE‐DAP). The regulation of Nod1 and Nod2 expression by trophoblast cells was evaluated by RT‐PCR.

Results:  Treatment of trophoblast cells with iE‐DAP significantly increased their production of cytokines and chemokines. In addition, Nod1 and Nod2 mRNA expression was upregulated following treatment of trophoblast cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and this was significantly reduced by the presence of a NFκB inhibitor and a TLR4‐dominant negative (DN).

Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that LPS, through TLR4, increases trophoblast expression of Nod1 and Nod2 via the NFκB pathway; and that Nod1 is functional in the trophoblast. These findings suggest that extracellular recognition of bacterial LPS by TLR4 may prime the trophoblast in preparation for its cytoplasmic recognition of, and response to, bacterial peptides through the Nod proteins.
A retrospective study on the prognosis of teeth with root fracture in patients during the maintenance phase of periodontal therapy
Authors: Takeuchi Noriko , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Tomofuji Takaaki , Murakami Chiharu
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  Teeth with root fracture generally have a poor prognosis requiring extraction; however, some patients do not wish to have these teeth extracted. Dentists do not have enough information regarding the prognosis of teeth with root fracture. This study retrospectively examined the prognosis of teeth with root fracture in the maintenance phase of periodontal treatment and assessed the factors influencing the prognosis of teeth with root fracture. The clinical records of 100 patients, who had entered the maintenance phase of periodontal therapy in a university hospital and had experienced fracture of tooth root, were analyzed. The following parameters were included in the evaluation: age and gender of the subjects, tooth type, restoration and root‐filling of the teeth with root fracture, and number of teeth present. Survival probability was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis. The median survival time (95% confidence interval) was 42 months (22–62 months). Teeth with horizontal fracture had a significantly higher survival probability compared with teeth with vertical fracture. No significant differences were found in the survival probability with regard to gender and tooth type. In conclusion, teeth with horizontal root fracture have a better prognosis compared with teeth with vertical root fracture in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance.
Use of mouthguard rates among university athletes during sport activities in Erzurum, Turkey
Authors: Yeşil Duymuş Zeynep , Gungor Hasan
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes of mouthguard users in Erzurum, Turkey. The participants’ appreciation in the use of protective devices, such as mouthguards, during sport activities was also evaluated. In this study, a 10‐item questionnaire was distributed to 50 coaches and a 10‐item questionnaire was distributed to 768 university athletes of three different sport modalities (basketball, soccer and volleyball) in the Atatürk University Sport Competitions. The Sport Competitions are composed of 20 faculty, except the faculty of dentistry. The result of the coaches’ questionnaires indicated that none of the athletes used mouthguards while participating in sports. Of the coaches, 64% had seen orofacial trauma in their athletes during sport activities and 76% believed that mouthguards prevented oral injuries. Of the coaches, 76% reported that university athletes should use mouthguards in sport activities. The result of the university athletes’ questionnaires revealed that the mouthguard utilization rate was 0%. Of all players, 78.1% were males (age 17–29) and 21.9% were females (age 18–23). Of all players, 7.31% had suffered from one or more type of oral injury while not wearing mouthguards. The results indicate that in Turkey, the use of mouthguards is rare in sports. It should be a combined duty of dentists, sports physicians, and coaches to encourage the use of mouthguards during training and sport activities. Doctors and dentists need to recommend a more intensive education of students in sports medicine and sports dentistry.
Mosaic manifestations of monogenic skin diseases
Authors: Itin Peter , Burger Bettina
Published: March 2009

A genetic mosaic is defined as an organism which is composed of genetically different cell lines which originate from a homogeneous zygote. Etiologically, cutaneous mosaics can be divided into two large categories, epigenetic mosaicism and genomic mosaicism. Genomic mosaics which have two or more genetically different cell populations are not inherited with the exception of paradominant inheritance pattern. Epigenetic mosaics have a structurally homogeneous cell population but there are functional differences induced by modifying factors in the form of gene‐steering retroviral elements that can be inherited. We distinguish five different manifestation patterns of mosaicism, including the Blaschko lines pattern, patchy pattern without midline separation, checkerboard pattern, phylloid pattern and lateralization pattern. All forms of epigenetic mosaicism, including the various patterns of X‐inactivation, appear to be caused by the action of retrotransposons. A new concept is functional autosomal mosaicism transmittable through the action of retrotransposons.
Phagocytosis of bacteria is enhanced in macrophages undergoing nutrient deprivation
Authors: Martinet Wim , Schrijvers Dorien M. , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre , Herman Arnold G. , De Meyer Guido R. Y.
Published: March 2009

Phagocytosis represents a mechanism used by macrophages to remove pathogens and cellular debris. Recent evidence suggests that phagocytosis is stimulated under specific conditions of stress, such as extracellular pressure and hypoxia. In the present study, we show that amino acid or glucose deprivation caused an increase in the phagocytosis of heat‐inactivated Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by macrophages, but not the uptake of platelets, apoptotic cells or beads. Increased phagocytosis of bacteria could be blocked by phagocytosis inhibitors and was found to be dependent on p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activity and scavenger receptor A. Although nutrient deprivation is a strong stimulus of autophagy, autophagosome formation was not critical for the uptake of bacteria because phagocytic clearance was not inhibited after down‐regulation of the autophagy essential gene Atg7. Moreover, enhanced uptake of bacteria should not be considered as a general stress response because phagocytosis of bacteria was not stimulated after exposure of macrophages to the genotoxic agent camptothecin, heat (40 °C) or thapsigargin‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress. Overall, the results obtained in the present study indicate that nutrient deprivation can stimulate macrophages to fight bacterial infections.
Fine Root Distribution in a Lower Montane Rain Forest of Panama
Authors: Hölscher Dirk , Dunker Bianca , Harbusch Marco , Corre Marife
Published: March 2009

In a Panamanian lower montane rain forest we: (1) analyzed the vertical and horizontal distribution of fine roots; and (2) assessed the relationship of fine root mass to thickness of the soil organic layer, soil pH, and soil‐extractable nitrogen. The soil in the study area has developed on volcanic ash deposits and was classified as Hapludand. In randomly distributed samples, the median fine root mass (biomass and necromass, diam ≤ 2 mm) to a depth of 100 cm mineral soil was 544 g/m2, 41 percent of which was found in the organic layer. Fine root mass was approximately twice as high in the vicinity of stems of the tree species Oreomunnea mexicana (1069 g/m2) and the palm species Colpothrinax aphanopetala (1169 g/m2) and was associated with thick organic layers. The median thickness of the soil organic layer in a larger random sample (N= 64) was 8 cm with a considerable variation (interquartile range: 7 cm). In these samples, the density of fine root biomass was correlated with the concentration of extractable nitrogen (r= 0.33, P= 0.011), and on an areal basis, fine root biomass in the organic layer increased with increasing thickness of the organic layer (r= 0.63, P < 0.001) and decreasing pHKCl (r=−0.33, P < 0.01). Fine root biomass in the upper mineral soil did not show significant correlations with any of the studied parameters.
The outer halo globular clusters of M31
Authors: Alves-Brito Alan , Forbes Duncan A. , Mendel Jon T. , Hau George K. T. , Murphy Michael T.
Published: March 2009

We present Keck/HIRES spectra of three globular clusters in the outer halo of M31, at projected distances beyond ≈80 kpc from M31. The measured recession velocities for all three globular clusters confirm their association with the globular cluster system of M31. We find evidence for a declining velocity dispersion with radius for the globular cluster system. Their measured internal velocity dispersions, derived virial masses and mass-to-light ratios are consistent with those for the bulk of the M31 globular cluster system. We derive old ages and metallicities which indicate that all three belong to the metal-poor halo globular cluster subpopulation. We find indications that the radial gradient of the mean metallicity of the globular cluster system interior to 50 kpc flattens in the outer regions, however it is still more metal-poor than the corresponding field stars at the same (projected) radius.
Antiviral resistance in influenza viruses circulating in Central and South America based on the detection of established genetic markers
Authors: García Josefina , Sovero Merly , Torres Alberto L. , Gomez Jorge , Douce Richard , Barrantes Melvin , Sanchez Felix , Jimenez Mirna , Comach Guillermo , De Rivera Ivette , Agudo Roberto , Kochel Tadeusz
Published: March 2009

Background  Recent influenza antiviral resistance studies reveal an alarming increase in both adamantanes and neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) resistant viral strains worldwide, particularly in Asia, Europe and the United States.

Objectives  In this study, we have evaluated influenza virus resistance in Central and South America.

Methods  Influenza viruses, isolated from symptomatic patients throughout Central and South America in 2005–2008 were analyzed for inhibitor resistance. The M2 and NA genes of influenza viruses were sequenced and resistance was inferred by comparison with published sequences and known resistant mutations.

Results  Our results indicate that: (i) resistance to adamantanes was seen in the majority (95·5%) of the influenza A/H3N2 isolates but only in one isolate of the influenza A/H1N1 viruses; (ii) resistance to NAIs began to be detected in A/H1N1 isolates from Central America in 2008; and (iii) none of the influenza B viruses analyzed were resistant to NAIs.

Conclusions  These findings suggest a limited effectiveness of influenza inhibitors due to the detection of resistance among A/H1 and A/H3 viruses.
Managing public health crises: the role of models in pandemic preparedness
Authors: Moghadas Seyed M. , Pizzi Nick J. , Wu Jianhong , Yan Ping
Published: March 2009

Background  Given the enormity of challenges involved in pandemic preparedness, design and implementation of effective and cost‐effective public health policies is a major task that requires an integrated approach through engagement of scientific, administrative, and political communities across disciplines. There is ample evidence to suggest that modeling may be a viable approach to accomplish this task.

Methods  To demonstrate the importance of synergism between modelers, public health experts, and policymakers, the University of Winnipeg organized an interdisciplinary workshop on the role of models in pandemic preparedness in September 2008. The workshop provided an excellent opportunity to present outcomes of recent scientific investigations that thoroughly evaluate the merits of preventive, therapeutic, and social distancing mechanisms, where community structures, priority groups, healthcare providers, and responders to emergency situations are given specific consideration.

Results  This interactive workshop was clearly successful in strengthening ties between various disciplines and creating venues for modelers to effectively communicate with policymakers. The importance of modeling in pandemic planning was highlighted, and key parameters that affect policy decision‐making were identified. Core assumptions and important activities in Canadian pandemic plans at the provincial and national levels were also discussed.

Conclusions  There will be little time for thoughtful and rapid reflection once an influenza pandemic strikes, and therefore preparedness is an unavoidable priority. Modeling and simulations are key resources in pandemic planning to map out interdependencies and support complex decision‐making. Models are most effective in formulating strategies for managing public health crises when there are synergies between modelers, planners, and policymakers.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the Caribbean sea fan coral, Gorgonia ventalina
Authors: ANDRAS JASON P. , RYPIEN KRYSTAL L.
Published: March 2009

Here we report primers for 10 microsatellite loci from the Caribbean sea fan coral, Gorgonia ventalina. Primers were tested on 237 genomic DNA extracts taken directly from tissue samples of G. ventalina. All loci were polymorphic with allelic richness ranging from 4 to 52. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.14 to 0.96. Preliminary data suggest that these microsatellites will be useful tools for studies of the population genetics of this important Caribbean coral species.
Isolation and characterization of 16 microsatellite loci in the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: DAVIS C. S. , MOCK K. E. , BENTZ B. J. , BROMILOW S. M. , BARTELL N. V. , MURRAY B. W. , ROE A. D. , COOKE J. E. K.
Published: March 2009

We isolated 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) and developed conditions for amplifying these markers in four multiplex reactions. Three to 14 alleles were detected per locus across two sampled populations. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.902 and from 0.100 to 0.830, respectively. Three loci deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in one sampled population. One of these loci may be sex linked. These markers will be useful in the study of population structure in this important pest species.
Leader of the pack: faecal pellet deposition order impacts PCR amplification in wombats
Authors: WALKER F. M. , HORSUP A. , TAYLOR A. C.
Published: March 2009

DNA sourced from faeces is notoriously less reliable than that from tissue. Hence, understanding whether faecal pellet quality varies within faecal piles may be important for sample selection. We hypothesized that the order in which faecal pellets are deposited may influence microsatellite polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification success from sampled faeces, more specifically, that first pellets deposited will have signatures of greater success than later ones. In a first test of the hypothesis, first and later‐deposited pellets, as determined from the direction of footprints, were collected from fresh (overnight) faecal piles of northern hairy‐nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus krefftii). DNA extracts were typed for seven microsatellite loci. We found that faecal deposition order significantly affected optical density of bands on autoradiographs (a measure of PCR amplification success) when the first faecal pellet was compared with the last one, but not when the first pellet was only distinguishable from later ones. The absence of a difference in amplification rate between first and later pellets is likely a reflection of the overall high amplification success in this study. That first pellets deposited yield more product suggests they contain more intestinal cells. Although further comparisons are needed, these results may inform sample selection in species for which success of microsatellite PCR amplification of faecal DNA is low. Deposition order may have more of an impact on amplification success and genotyping errors as faecal age increases.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the dace complex: Leuciscus leuciscus (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: DUBUT VINCENT , MARTIN JEAN‐FRANÇOIS , GILLES ANDRÉ , VAN HOUDT JEROEN , CHAPPAZ RÉMI , COSTEDOAT CAROLINE
Published: March 2009

Ten novel polymorphic microsatellites were isolated from the dace complex (Leuciscus leuciscus), which is a European cyprinid species. Four multiplex polymerase chain reaction sets were optimized in order to genotype 26 polymorphic loci in all, including 16 previously published cyprinid‐specific loci. The level of genetic diversity was assessed in 142 dace individuals. We also successfully applied 26 of the microsatellites to 10 related species. These primers thus will be useful to assess population structure of the dace and other cyprinid species, with application for conservation issues and phylogeographical approaches.
Characterization of dinucleotide microsatellite loci and confirmation of sexing primers for the bush dog (Speothos venaticus)
Authors: DEMATTEO KAREN E. , PARKER PATRICIA G. , EGGERT LORI S.
Published: March 2009

Bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) are small, threatened canids from Central and South America. The ability to conduct population‐level studies using noninvasive genetic samples would provide important information on this poorly understood species. We characterized eight dinucleotide microsatellite loci using samples from 15 captive bush dogs. Allelic diversity ranged from 2 to 5 alleles per locus, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.267 to 0.933. All loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and no evidence of genotypic linkage disequilibrium was found. We determined that DBX6 and DBY7, two canid‐specific molecular sexing primers, accurately indicate the sex of individual bush dog samples.
Isolation and characterization of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the millipede Antichiropus variabilis Attems (Diplopoda: Polydesmida: Paradoxosomatidae)
Authors: WOJCIESZEK JANINE M. , SIMMONS LEIGH W.
Published: March 2009

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the Western Australian millipede Antichiropus variabilis. The number of alleles observed ranged from 2 to 12, with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.20 to 0.80. All loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and no pairs of loci were in linkage disequilibrium. Many of the loci amplified successfully in eight other Antichiropus species.
Development and optimization of sequence‐tagged microsatellite site markers to detect genetic diversity within Colletotrichum capsici, a causal agent of chilli pepper anthracnose disease
Authors: RANATHUNGE N. P. , FORD R. , TAYLOR P. W. J.
Published: March 2009

Genomic libraries enriched for microsatellites from Colletotrichum capsici, one of the major causal agents of anthracnose disease in chilli pepper (Capsicum spp.), were developed using a modified hybridization procedure. Twenty‐seven robust primer pairs were designed from microsatellite flanking sequences and were characterized using 52 isolates from three countries India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Highest gene diversity of 0.857 was observed at the CCSSR1 with up to 18 alleles among all the isolates whereas the differentiation ranged from 0.05 to 0.45. The sequence‐tagged microsatellite site markers developed in this study will be useful for genetic analyses of C. capsici populations.
Regulation of STARS and its downstream targets suggest a novel pathway involved in human skeletal muscle hypertrophy and atrophy
Authors: Lamon Séverine , Wallace Marita A. , Léger Bertrand , Russell Aaron P.
Published: March 2009

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a severe consequence of ageing, neurological disorders and chronic disease. Identifying the intracellular signalling pathways controlling changes in skeletal muscle size and function is vital for the future development of potential therapeutic interventions. Striated activator of Rho signalling (STARS), an actin‐binding protein, has been implicated in rodent cardiac hypertrophy; however its role in human skeletal muscle has not been determined. This study aimed to establish if STARS, as well as its downstream signalling targets, RhoA, myocardin‐related transcription factors A and B (MRTF‐A/B) and serum response factor (SRF), were increased and decreased respectively, in human quadriceps muscle biopsies taken after 8 weeks of both hypertrophy‐stimulating resistance training and atrophy‐stimulating de‐training. The mRNA levels of the SRF target genes involved in muscle structure, function and growth, such as α‐actin, myosin heavy chain IIa (MHCIIa) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), were also measured. Following resistance training, STARS, MRTF‐A, MRTF‐B, SRF, α‐actin, MHCIIa and IGF‐1 mRNA, as well as RhoA and nuclear SRF protein levels were all significantly increased by between 1.25‐ and 3.6‐fold. Following the de‐training period all measured targets, except for RhoA, which remained elevated, returned to base‐line. Our results show that the STARS signalling pathway is responsive to changes in skeletal muscle loading and appears to play a role in both human skeletal muscle hypertrophy and atrophy.
Role for Fks1 in the Intrinsic Echinocandin Resistance of
Fusarium solani
as Evidenced by Hybrid Expression in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Katiyar Santosh K. , Edlind Thomas D.
Published: March 2009

The opportunistic mold
Fusarium solani
is intrinsically resistant to cell wall synthesis-inhibiting echinocandins (ECs), including caspofungin and micafungin. Mutations that confer acquired EC resistance in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and other normally susceptible yeast species have been mapped to the Fks1 gene; among these is the mutation of residue 639 from Phe to Tyr (F639Y) within a region designated hot spot 1. Fks1 sequence analysis identified the equivalent of Y639 in
F. solani
as well as in
Scedosporium prolificans
, another intrinsically EC-resistant mold. To test its role in intrinsic EC resistance, we constructed Fks1 hybrids in
S. cerevisiae
that incorporate
F. solani
hot spot 1 and flanking residues. Hybrid construction was accomplished by a PCR-based method that was validated by studies with Fks1 sequences from EC-susceptible
Aspergillus fumigatus
and paired EC-susceptible and -resistant
Candida glabrata
isolates. In support of our hypothesis, hybrid Fks1 incorporating
F. solani
hot spot 1 conferred significantly reduced EC susceptibility, 4- to 8-fold less than that of wild-type
S. cerevisiae
and 8- to 32-fold less than that of the same hybrid with an F639 mutation. We propose that Fks1 sequences represent determinants of intrinsic EC resistance in
Fusarium
and
Scedosporium
species and, potentially, other fungi.
Comparative In Vitro Susceptibilities of Human Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas to a New Investigational Ketolide, CEM-101
Authors: Waites Ken B. , Crabb D. M. , Duffy Lynn B.
Published: March 2009

MICs were determined for an investigational ketolide, CEM-101, and azithromycin, telithromycin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, clindamycin, and linezolid against 36
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
, 5
Mycoplasma genitalium
, 13
Mycoplasma hominis
, 15
Mycoplasma fermentans
, and 20
Ureaplasma
isolates. All isolates, including two macrolide-resistant
M. pneumoniae
isolates, were inhibited by CEM-101 at ≤0.5 μg/ml, making CEM-101 the most potent compound tested.
Efflux Unbalance in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Vettoretti Lucie , Plésiat Patrick , Muller Cédric , El Garch Farid , Phan Gilles , Attrée Inna , Ducruix Arnaud , Llanes Catherine
Published: March 2009

Retrospective analysis of 189 nonredundant strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
sequentially recovered from the sputum samples of 46 cystic fibrosis (CF) patients over a 10-year period (1998 to 2007) revealed that 53 out of 189 (28%) samples were hypersusceptible to the β-lactam antibiotic ticarcillin (MIC ≤ 4 μg/ml) (phenotype dubbed Tic
hs
). As evidenced by
trans
-complementation and gene inactivation experiments, the mutational upregulation of the efflux system MexXY was responsible for various degrees of resistance to aminoglycosides in a selection of 11 genotypically distinct strains (gentamicin MICs from 2 to 64 μg/ml). By demonstrating for the first time that the MexXY pump may evolve in CF strains, we found that a mutation leading to an F1018L change in the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND) transporter MexY was able to increase pump-promoted resistance to aminoglycosides, cefepime, and fluoroquinolones twofold. The inactivation of the
mexB
gene (which codes for the RND transporter MexB) in the 11 selected strains showed that the Tic
hs
phenotype was due to a mutational or functional loss of function of MexAB-OprM, the multidrug efflux system known to contribute to the natural resistance of
P. aeruginosa
to β-lactams (e.g., ticarcillin and aztreonam), fluoroquinolones, tetracycline, and novobiocin. Two of the selected strains synthesized abnormally low amounts of the MexB protein, and 3 of 11 strains expressed truncated MexB (
n
= 2) or MexA (
n
= 1) polypeptide as a result of mutations in the corresponding genes, while 7 of 11 strains produced wild-type though nonfunctional MexAB-OprM pumps at levels similar to or even higher than that of reference strain PAO1. Overall, our data indicate that while MexXY is necessary for
P. aeruginosa
to adapt to the hostile environment of the CF lung, the MexAB-OprM pump is dispensable and tends to be lost or inactivated in subpopulations of
P. aeruginosa
.
Pharmacokinetics of Intracameral Voriconazole Injection
Authors: Shen Ying-Cheng , Wang Mei-Yen , Wang Chun-Yuan , Tsai Tsun-Chung , Tsai Hin-Yeung , Lee Hsin-Nung , Wei Li-Chen
Published: March 2009

Elimination of voriconazole after intracameral injection exhibited an exponential decay with a half-life of 22 min. Voriconazole levels in the vitreous humor were below the detectable limit. The aqueous concentrations achieved with a 25-μg dose during the first 2 h were greater than the previously reported MICs of organisms most involved in fungal endophthalmitis. A rapid decline in intracameral concentration suggests that frequent supplementation of intracameral voriconazole may be required in clinical settings.