bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grass and oak litter exert different effects on seedling emergence of herbaceous perennials from grasslands and woodlands
Authors: Donath Tobias W. , Eckstein R. Lutz
Published: February 2008

The effects of litter on seedling emergence (e.g. during succession from grassland to woodland) may not only depend on litter amount and environmental conditions but may also be related to litter types. We tested the effect of litter types, litter cover and soil moisture on the emergence of four congeneric pairs of grassland and woodland species.

We carried out a controlled pot experiment (Experiment I) using litter and species from two habitats (grassland vs. woodland), three levels of litter cover (low, medium, high) and two levels of water‐addition (leading to constantly humid or intermittently dry substrate). Amounts of litter were adjusted to result in the same relative light reduction for both litter types. Consequently, we applied 2 g, 4 g and 8 g of grassland litter and 0.5 g, 1 g and 2 g of woodland (oak) litter per pot.

To separate the shade effect of litter from its mechanical plus chemical effects we exposed additional pots with seeds of the same species to deep shade conditions (Experiment II) corresponding to 4 g and 1 g of grass and oak litter, respectively.

Under intermittently dry conditions both litter types increased seedling emergence. In addition, we found a significant interaction between litter type and species origin: seedling emergence of woodland species was significantly lower from beneath grass litter than from beneath oak litter, whereas grassland species emerged equally well from beneath both litter types. Compared with seed germination under a shade cloth, seedling emergence of woodland species from beneath grass litter was reduced by 44%. Litter significantly affected soil humidity and the amplitude of diurnal temperature fluctuations. Differential effects of litter types on woodland and grassland species are probably related to litter structure.

Synthesis. Our experimental data present evidence that ecosystem specific litter effects slow down succession from grassland to woodland and that the effect size is controlled by the litter amount present and the environmental conditions.
Exploring climatic and biotic controls on Holocene vegetation change in Fennoscandia
Authors: Miller Paul A. , Giesecke Thomas , Hickler Thomas , Bradshaw Richard H. W. , Smith Benjamin , Seppä Heikki , Valdes Paul J. , Sykes Martin T.
Published: February 2008

We investigated the potential drivers of Holocene vegetation changes recorded at four Scandinavian pollen sites, two in Sweden and two in Finland, at a time when they were largely free of anthropogenic influence.

We used the generalized dynamic vegetation model LPJ‐GUESS forced with climate anomaly output from an atmospheric general circulation model to simulate tree species dynamics from 10 000 years ago to the present. The model results were compared to high‐resolution pollen accumulation rates gathered at the sites.

Our results indicate that both the observed northern distributional limits of temperate trees, and the limits of Pinus sylvestris and Alnus incana at the tree line, are a result of millennial variations in summer and winter temperatures. The simulation of several distinct trends in species occurrence observed in the pollen record indicates that a time lag due to the slow spreading of species need not be invoked for most species.

Sensitivity studies indicate that competition, natural disturbance and the magnitude of interannual variability play key roles in determining the biomass, establishment and even the presence of species near their bioclimatic limits. However, neither disturbance due to fire nor limits on establishment due to drought were likely to have been major determinants of the observed trends on the timescales considered.

We were unable to limit the modelled occurrence of Picea abies at the study sites to the periods at which it was observed in the pollen records, indicating that we have still not completely understood the driving or limiting factors for Holocene changes in Picea abies abundance.

Synthesis. This study shows that by combining quantitative vegetation reconstructions with a modern, process‐based dynamic vegetation model, we may gain new insights into the potential biotic and abiotic drivers of Holocene vegetation dynamics, and their relative importance. This knowledge will be crucial in enabling us to assess more confidently the response of northern European vegetation to future climate change.
Phylogeography of a Sahelian rodent species Mastomys huberti: a Plio‐Pleistocene story of emergence and colonization of humid habitats
Authors: MOULINE KARINE , GRANJON LAURENT , GALAN MAXIME , TATARD CAROLINE , ABDOULLAYE DOUKARY , ATTEYINE SOLIMANE AG , DUPLANTIER JEAN‐MARC , COSSON JEAN‐FRANÇOIS
Published: February 2008

The multimammate rat Mastomys huberti is a Sahelian species restricted to West Africa. Throughout its distribution area, the species is associated with humid habitats, flood plains and ponds, which make its current distribution highly fragmented. Knowing that humid and dry climatic phases regularly alternated along the Quaternary in West Africa, it can be postulated that the evolutionary history of the species and its genetic variation largely reflect these climatic oscillations. We used mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences to investigate the phylogenetic relationships of M. huberti populations across the totality of the species’ geographical range (Mali, Senegal, Guinea and Mauritania). We found that cytochrome b sequence variation is partitioned into four divergent clades (mean Kimura 2‐parameter genetic distances varying from 0.57 to 3.08%) corresponding to distinct geographical regions. We dated the separation events of these clades between 0.93 and 0.17 million years ago, suggesting that M. huberti history was strongly influenced by the Quaternary climatic variations and related hydrographic network changes. Relationships between lineages and the partitioning of genetic diversity suggest the occurrence of two refuges along the Atlantic coast during arid periods. Moreover, the species’ current range results from a stepwise colonization from west to east. M. huberti colonized recently the Inner Delta of Niger River in Mali, probably during a humid episode some 0.6 million years ago. Demographically stable and highly diversified populations were found in South Senegal and Guinea while populations in North Senegal and in Mali experienced low numbers followed by a demographic expansion during the African Humid Period (c. 14 800–5500 bp). During the last arid period (c. 23 000–18 000 years ago), Malian populations found refuge in the northern parts of the Inner Delta of the Niger River, then expended to the southern parts of the delta and along the course of the Niger River downstream Tombouctou. More recently, M. huberti would have rapidly expanded into irrigated areas along the Senegal River and along the Canal du Sahel, Mali, reflecting the invasive and the pest character of this species.
INVITED REVIEW: Molecular analysis of predation: a review of best practice for DNA‐based approaches
Authors: KING R. A. , READ D. S. , TRAUGOTT M. , SYMONDSON W. O. C.
Published: February 2008

Molecular analysis of predation, through polymerase chain reaction amplification of prey remains within the faeces or digestive systems of predators, is a rapidly growing field, impeded by a lack of readily accessible advice on best practice. Here, we review the techniques used to date and provide guidelines accessible to those new to this field or from a different molecular biology background. Optimization begins with field collection, sample preservation, predator dissection and DNA extraction techniques, all designed to ensure good quality, uncontaminated DNA from semidigested samples. The advantages of nuclear vs. mitochondrial DNA as primer targets are reviewed, along with choice of genes and advice on primer design to maximize specificity and detection periods following ingestion of the prey by the predators. Primer and assay optimization are discussed, including cross‐amplification tests and calibratory feeding experiments. Once primers have been made, the screening of field samples must guard against (through appropriate controls) cross contamination. Multiplex polymerase chain reactions provide a means of screening for many different species simultaneously. We discuss visualization of amplicons on gels, with and without incorporation of fluorescent primers. In more specialized areas, we examine the utility of temperature and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to examine responses of predators to prey diversity, and review the potential of quantitative polymerase chain reaction systems to quantify predation. Alternative routes by which prey DNA might get into the guts of a predator (scavenging, secondary predation) are highlighted. We look ahead to new technologies, including microarrays and pyrosequencing, which might one day be applied to this field.
PERSPECTIVE: A smörgåsbord of markers for avian ecology and evolution
Authors: EDWARDS SCOTT V.
Published: February 2008

The polymerase chain reaction has been a boon to the study of molecular ecology and population genetics of birds. But the nagging truth is that for many bird species, the number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer pairs that one can pick off the shelf and expect to amplify their target loci with ease is frustratingly small. Now, studying DNA sequence variation in natural populations of birds just got a whole lot easier. This issue of Molecular Ecology reports a large‐scale bioinformatics search for exonic sequences conserved between the chicken and zebra finch genomes and flanking polymorphic introns that has generated a staggering 242 PCR primer pairs that readily amplify their single‐copy target loci in five avian species spanning ~100 million years of avian evolution (Backström et al. 2008). As proof of principle, these primers have also been used to survey the genomic landscape in over 110 kb of intronic sequence in the collared flycatcher, a model species in ecology and evolution. These resources pave the way for easy multilocus study of evolving populations and lineages of birds, and bring the goal of quickly turning nonmodel species in to ecological genomic models tantalizingly close.
Origin and number of founders in an introduced insular primate: estimation from nuclear genetic data
Authors: BONHOMME M. , BLANCHER A. , CUARTERO S. , CHIKHI L. , CROUAU‐ROY B.
Published: February 2008

Cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were introduced on the island of Mauritius between 400 and 500 years ago and underwent a strong population expansion after a probable initial founding event. However, in practice, little is known of the geographical origin of the individuals that colonized the island, on how many individuals were introduced, and of whether the following demographic expansion erased any signal of this putative bottleneck. In this study, we asked whether the current nuclear genome of the Mauritius population retained a signature that would allow us to answer these questions. Altogether, 21 polymorphic autosomal and sex‐linked microsatellites were surveyed from 81 unrelated Mauritius individuals and 173 individuals from putative geographical sources in Southeast Asia: Java, the Philippines islands and the Indochinese peninsula. We found that (i) the Mauritius population was closer to different populations depending on the markers we used, which suggests a possible mixed origin with Java playing most probably a major role; and (ii) the level of diversity was lower than the other populations but there was no clear and consistent bottleneck signal using either summary statistics or full‐likelihood methods. However, summary statistics strongly suggest that Mauritius is not at mutation–drift equilibrium and favours an expansion rather than a bottleneck. This suggests that on a short time scale, population decline followed by growth can be difficult to deduce from genetic data based on mutation–drift theory. We then used a simple Bayesian rejection algorithm to estimate the number of founders under different demographic models (exponential, logistic and logistic with lag) and pure genetic drift. This new method uses current population size estimates and expected heterozygosity of Mauritius and source population(s). Our results indicate that a simple exponential growth is unlikely and that, under the logistic models, the population may have expanded from an initial effective number of individuals of 10–15. The data are also consistent with a logistic growth with different lag values, indicating that we cannot exclude past population fluctuation.
Inhibitory Properties of the Antibody Response to Plasmodium vivax Duffy Binding Protein in an Area with Unstable Malaria Transmission
Authors: Ceravolo I. P. , Souza‐Silva F. A. , Fontes C. J. F. , Braga E. M. , Madureira A. P. , Krettli A. U. , Souza J. M. , Brito C. F. A. , Adams J. H. , Carvalho L. H.
Published: February 2008

The function of the Plasmodium vivax Duffy binding protein (DBP) during the erythrocyte invasion process is critical for successful parasite growth and pathogenesis in human infections. Although DBP is the subject of intensive malaria vaccine research, investigations on the functional proprieties of anti‐DBP antibodies in the human population have been limited [Infect Immun68 (2000) 3164]. In the present study, we examined the ability of sera from different populations of the Brazilian Amazon – an area of markedly unstable malaria transmission – to inhibit the erythrocyte‐binding function of the DBP ligand domain (region II, DBPII). We found that long‐term exposure to malaria in the Amazon area elicits DBP‐specific antibodies that inhibit the binding of different DBPII variants to erythrocytes. Despite the great variability of inhibitory antibody responses observed among study participants, we observed a positive correlation between erythrocyte binding‐inhibitory activity and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay anti‐DBP antibodies. Of importance, there was a non‐significant tendency towards increased levels of anti‐DBP antibodies among individuals with asymptomatic P. vivax infections.
Evaluation of Cartilage and Bone Degradation in a Murine Collagen Antibody‐induced Arthritis Model
Authors: Oestergaard S. , Rasmussen K. E. , Doyle N. , Varela A. , Chouinard L. , Smith S. Y. , Qvist P. , Karsdal M. A.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this work was to validate collagen antibody‐induced arthritis (CAIA) model in two mice strains (Balb/c and CD‐1) using clinical, biochemical, microstructural and histological techniques. We induced arthritis in mice using a cocktail of collagen type II (CII) antibodies followed by an injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in different doses in Balb/c and CD‐1 mice strains. Serum CTX‐II levels were measured at study termination and correlated with microscopic severity of joint lesions as determined by a validated scoring systems. Bone involvement was assessed by microcomputer tomography (micro‐CT). Balb/c mice developed rapid (day 6) and robust (100%) arthritis, whereas CD‐1 mice showed only temporary macroscopic signs of disease. Serum CTX‐II levels in Balb/c mice showed a significant increase in cartilage degradation in diseased animals (43–64% compared with non‐diseased mice) and was decreased in animals receiving dexamethasone. Correlation of serum CTX‐II with the microscopic score was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Micro‐CT analysis demonstrated structural damage in bone in the CAIA Balb/c mice, which was prevented by dexamethasone. The CAIA‐LPS model provides a useful supplement to currently available animal models of arthritis. This is a rapid onset and robust model; however, the choice of mouse strain should be evaluated carefully.
The Impact of Substance P Signalling on the Development of Experimental Staphylococcal Sepsis and Arthritis
Authors: Verdrengh M. , Tarkowski A.
Published: February 2008

Substance P (SP), acting on the neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK‐1R), is a neuropeptide, involved in the inflammatory processes. It promotes vasodilatation and increases vasopermeability, thus ensuing extravasation and accumulation of leucocytes at sites of injury. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of SP signalling on the responses during staphylococcal infection and the accompanying arthritis. Three experiments were performed where NK‐1R−/− mice and controls were intravenously infected with different doses of Staphylococcus aureus. Clinical assessment of arthritis was performed as well as histological analysis of bone and cartilage destruction in the joints. In addition, the impact of NK‐1R mutation on bacterial load in the kidneys as well as the phagocytic capacity of blood leucocytes were studied. Mice lacking the NK‐1R displayed significantly higher bacterial load in the kidneys and significantly more severe synovitis and cartilage/bone destruction than the controls when inoculated with 1.4 × 107 staphylococci. Infection with 3.5 × 108 CFU/mouse induced sepsis. Thus, 11 days after bacterial inoculation 15 of 19 mice in the NK‐1R−/− group had died versus 8 of 15 in the control group. Phagocytosis test revealed that significantly fewer macrophages from NK‐1R−/− mice were able to phagocytose S. aureus when compared with macrophages from congenic control mice. Blocking the biological responses to substance P via its receptor NK‐1R results in a less efficient clearance of bacteria leading to more severe arthritic lesions in mice.
Coordinate NF‐κB and STAT1 Activation Promotes Development of Myeloid Type 1 Dendritic Cells
Authors: Vakkila J. , Demarco R. A. , Lotze M. T.
Published: February 2008

NF‐κB and STAT1 are critically involved in the initiation of the inflammatory cascade. Using semi‐automated imaging cytometry and fluorescent antibodies, we screened several factors for their ability to induce nuclear translocation of RelA/NF‐κB and STAT1 in subsets of monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DC). Detailed kinetics and dose–response studies are presented for IL‐1‐, LPS‐, CD40L‐, IFN‐γ‐ and IFN‐α‐stimulated responses. The results are consistent with the notion that simultaneous activation of both STAT1 and NF‐κB pathways at the initiation of differentiation culture is required for efficient priming of IL‐12 production by DC. Maturation of DC led to characteristic NF‐κB and STAT1 distribution and response patterns. During the resting stage, DC differentiated under the presence of IFN‐γ showed sustained STAT activation and remained responsive to LPS. By contrast, PGE2‐supplemented DC could be characterized by negligible responses to LPS and IFN‐γ and a remarkable NF‐κB response to CD40L. STAT1 pathway was suppressed in PGE2‐supplemented cells. We conclude that the magnitude and temporal kinetics of the nuclear shift of STAT1 and NF‐κB in myeloid DC are associated with IL‐12p70 production and are dependent on the nature of the stimulating factors and the polarization state of cells.
CD 127− and FoxP3+ Expression on CD25+CD4+ T Regulatory Cells upon Specific Diabetogeneic Stimulation in High‐risk Relatives of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Vrabelova Z. , Hrotekova Z. , Hladikova Z. , Bohmova K. , Stechova K. , Michalek J.
Published: February 2008

Abnormalities in CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) may contribute to type 1 diabetes (T1D) development. First‐degree relatives of T1D patients are at increased risk especially when they carry certain HLA II haplotypes. Using two novel markers of CD4+CD25+ Treg (CD127− and FoxP3+ respectively), we evaluated number and function of Treg after specific stimulation with diabetogeneic autoantigens in 11 high‐risk (according to HLA‐linked risk) relatives of T1D patients and 14 age‐matched healthy controls using a cytokine secretion assay based on interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production. High‐risk relatives of T1D patients had significantly lower pre‐ and post‐stimulatory number of CD127− Treg than that of healthy controls (P < 0.05). Labelling Treg with FoxP3+ demonstrated similar trend but did not reach statistical significance. Although the stimulation with diabetogenic autoantigens did not lead to a significant change in number of Treg in both groups, the defective function of Treg was performed by significantly higher activation of diabetogeneic T cells in high‐risk relatives of T1D patients compared to healthy controls (P ≤ 0.02). Individuals at increased HLA‐associated genetic risk for T1D showed defects in Treg.
Immunostimulatory Oligodeoxynucleotide Containing TTTCGTTT Motif from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG DNA Potentially Suppresses OVA‐specific IgE Production in Mice
Authors: Iliev I. D. , Tohno M. , Kurosaki D. , Shimosato T. , He F. , Hosoda M. , Saito T. , Kitazawa H.
Published: February 2008

In a previous study of the immunoregulatory properties of commensal bacterial DNA, we identified the strong immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotide (ISS‐ODN) ID35 in the genomic DNA of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). The observed effects of ID35 are because of the unique TTTCGTTT motif located at the 5′ end of the ODN, which is different from the previously identified ISS motifs in humans and mice. In the present study, we used an ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized mouse model to show that ID35 is a potent suppressor of antigen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) production in vivo. This effect was toll‐like receptor 9‐dependent, as GpC negID35 failed to suppress antigen‐specific IgE production. ID35 activated the specific subset of CD11c+CD8a+ dendritic cells, which are associated with T‐helper 1 (Th1)‐type systemic responses, and effectively induced interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) production by CD4+ T cells in OVA‐challenged mice. These immunoregulatory effects of ID35 were comparable with those induced by the murine prototype ODN 1826. Thus, ID35 is the first ISS‐ODN with such a strong immunostimulatory and IgE suppressor activity to be found in immunobiotic bacterial DNA.
Association between PTPN22 C1858T and type 1 diabetes: a replication in continental Italy
Authors: Saccucci P. , Del Duca E. , Rapini N. , Verrotti A. , Piccinini S. , Maccari A. , Canu G. , Angelini F. , Fontana L. , Giannini C. , Chiarelli F. , Manca Bitti M. L. , Bottini N.
Published: February 2008

The missense PTPN22 C1858T polymorphism recently emerged as an important population‐independent risk factor for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and other autoimmune diseases. The PTPN22 gene encodes the lymphoid tyrosine phosphatase (LYP), a negative regulator of signal transduction through the T‐cell receptor. Although the frequency of the polymorphism is variable among different ethnic groups, the association between PTPN22 *T1858 and T1D has been replicated in several populations. Here, we contribute the first replication of the association between PTPN22 and T1D in populations from continental Italy, carried out in two independent samples of T1D patients (N = 216 and 82) and controls (N = 271 and 89). Our data also suggest that T1D carriers of the *T1858 allele could be at increased risk for other comorbid autoimmune disorders.
Characterization of the novel allele HLA‐B*4075
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Zhang Zhixin
Published: February 2008

A novel human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B allele, B*4075, is the close matching allele B*40060101 by one nucleotide substitution in exon 2, at position 272 C→G, which leads to a amino acid change at codon 67 from Ser to Cys (S67C).
HLA‐G protein expression as a potential immune escape mechanism in classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Diepstra A. , Poppema S. , Boot M. , Visser L. , Nolte I. M. , Niens M. , Te Meerman G.J. , Van Den Berg A.
Published: February 2008

Classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL) is characterized by the presence of an abundant reactive infiltrate, lacking effective cytotoxic responses. Especially in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐negative cHL, the neoplastic Hodgkin–Reed–Sternberg (HRS) cells have lost protein expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, enabling escape from cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. However, downregulation of MHC class I generally induces natural killer (NK) cell activation. The paucity of NK cells in the reactive infiltrate of cHL and the systemic NK cell deficiency observed in cHL patients led us to investigate the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G, which is known to inhibit NK‐cell‐ and CTL‐mediated cytotoxicity. By immunohistochemistry, HLA‐G protein was expressed by HRS cells in 54% (95/175) of cHL cases. This expression was associated with absence of MHC class I on the cell surface of HRS cells (P < 0.001) and EBV‐negative status (P < 0.001). Previously, genetic markers located in the proximity of the HLA‐A and HLA‐G genes had been shown to be associated with susceptibility to EBV‐positive cHL. In the present study, these markers associated with MHC class I protein expression but not with presence of HLA‐G. Our results suggest that induction of HLA‐G protein expression in HRS cells contributes to the modulation of immune responses observed in cHL.
Analysis of the 14 bp insertion and deletion polymorphism in human leukocyte antigen‐G gene in two Chinese ethnic populations
Authors: Yan W.‐H. , Lin A. , Li M. , Xu H.‐H. , Zhang Z.‐P. , Wang X.‐X.
Published: February 2008

The biological significance of human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) is now beyond its initial concepts on the fetal–maternal immune regulation. HLA‐G in various pathophysical conditions has been investigated, such as autoimmunity, tumor, inflammation and transplantation. HLA‐G has also been postulated as a chemotherapy response marker both in protein and in genetic contexts. In the current study, a total of 640 Chinese Han and 258 Chinese She ethnic minority populations had been genotyped for the 14 bp insertion (+14 bp) and deletion (−14 bp) polymorphism in the HLA‐G gene. Significant difference was observed for both the +14 bp/+14 bp (15.2% in the Han and 6.6% in the She;P = 0.00048,Pc = 0.00097) and −14 bp/−14 bp (34.5% in the Han and 50.4% in the She;P = 1.05 × 10−5,Pc = 2.1 × 10−5) genotypes between the two populations, and similar significance was found for both +14 bp (40.3% in the Han and 28.1% in the She) and −14 bp allele distributions (P = 1.2 × 10−6,Pc = 2.4 × 10−6). Furthermore, frequencies of the 14 bp genotype and alleles both in the Chinese Han and in the Chinese She populations were compared with other ethnic populations. Data showed that dramatic variations between different ethnic populations were also observed for this polymorphism. In summary, our results indicate that heterogeneity of the 14 bp polymorphism in the HLA‐G gene among different ethnic populations is possibly the result of evolution.
Correlation between specific immunoglobulin E levels and the severity of reactions in egg allergic patients
Authors: Benhamou Avigael H. , Zamora Samuel A. , Eigenmann Philippe A.
Published: February 2008

Different studies proposed specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) cut‐off levels for the diagnosis of egg allergy. Little is known if IgE titres could be helpful for prediction of the severity of the reaction. The aim of this study was to determine whether IgE titres are associated with the severity of the reaction during a standardized egg challenge. We reviewed data obtained during oral challenge tests to egg performed between 2003 and 2005, and attributed a clinical score to the positive reactions. Serum specific IgE levels were analysed in relation with the severity of the reaction. We analysed data from 51 oral food challenges to egg, raw or cooked. Sixteen challenges (31%) were negative and 35 (69%) were positive of which 13 challenges (37% of positive reactions) elicited a severe reaction. IgE levels in our patients ranged from undetectable to 14.90 kU/l. We could determine a cut‐off level of 8.20 kU/l for a 90% probability of clinical reactivity. IgE titres were statistically significantly different between the patients with absent, mild and moderate or severe reaction. Patients with negative challenge had IgE levels between 0.35 and 6.41 kU/l (median 1.17), those with mild and moderate reaction had IgE levels ranging from 0.35 to 14.90 (median 2.47) and patients with severe reactions had IgE between 1.18 and 11.00 (median 3.70) (p = 0.006). Our results show a correlation between IgE titres and the severity of the clinical reaction to egg. IgE titres may help to determine the potential risk of a reaction to eggs.
Expression of chemokine receptor CX3CR1 in infants with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: Cepika Alma‐Martina , Gagro Alenka , Bace Ana , Tjesic‐Drinkovic Dorian , Kelecic Jadranka , Baricic‐Voskresensky Tamara , Matic Mladen , Drazenovic Vladimir , Marinic Igor , Mlinaric‐Galinovic Gordana , Tjesic‐Drinkovic Duska , Vrtar Zvonimir , Rabatic Sabina
Published: February 2008

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) glycoprotein G mimics fractalkine, a CX3C chemokine, which mediates chemotaxis of leukocytes expressing its receptor, CX3CR1. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between RSV infection and expression of perforin and IFN‐γ in CX3CR1‐expressing peripheral blood CD8+ T cells. Samples were collected from infants with RSV bronchiolitis, both in the acute and convalescence phase (n = 12), and from their age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (n = 15). Perforin expression and IFN‐γ secretion in CX3CR1+ CD8+ T cells were assessed by four‐color flow cytometry. The NF‐κB p50 and p65 subunit levels were also determined as markers of RSV‐induced inflammation. Study results showed perforin and CX3CR1 expression to be significantly lower in the convalescent phase of infected infants than in healthy controls. There was no significant difference in IFN‐γ secretion and NF‐κB binding activity between two time‐points in RSV‐infected infants, or when compared with healthy controls. Infants with prolonged wheezing had lower acute‐phase CX3CR1 levels in peripheral blood. These data indicate existence of an event persisting after acute RSV infection that is able to modulate effector functions of cytotoxic T cells, and also link disease severity with CX3CR1 expression.
Suggestions for a uniform terminology in allergology and pneumology
Authors: Niggemann Bodo
Published: February 2008

As authors tend to use different terms for the same entity or meaning, it may be the time for a uniformly use terminology in allergology and pneumology. The proposals reflect personal suggestions and are not authorized by any consensus conference, task force or specialized society. Presented are proposals for concepts– it was not intended to give definitions, which would open an even broader field of differing opinions. To avoid misunderstandings and to standardize scientific language, it seems sensible to agree on a single term – even if several alternatives are possible.
Cadmium Enhances Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide and Amplifies Activities of Catalase, Peroxidases and Superoxide Dismutase in Maize
Authors: Kumar P. , Tewari R. K. , Sharma P. N.
Published: February 2008

Maize (Zea mays L. cv. 777) plants grown in hydroponic culture were treated with 50 μm CdSO4. Growth and metabolic parameters indicative of oxidative stress and antioxidant responses were studied in leaves of plants treated with Cd. Apart from increasing lipid peroxidation and H2O2 accumulation, supply of Cd suppressed growth, fresh and dry mass of plants and decreased the concentrations of chloroplastic pigments. The activities of catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), peroxidase (POD; EC 1.11.1.7), ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11) and superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) were increased in plants supplied 50 μm Cd. Localization of activities of isoforms of these enzymes (POD, APX and SOD) on native gels also revealed increase in the intensities of pre‐existing bands. Stimulated activities of CAT, POD, APX and SOD in maize plants supplied excess Cd do not appear to have relieved plants from excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is, therefore, concluded that supply of 50 μm Cd induces oxidative stress by increasing production of ROS despite increased antioxidant protection in maize plants.
Seed Priming Enhances the Performance of Late Sown Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by Improving Chilling Tolerance
Authors: Farooq M. , Basra S. M. A. , Rehman H. , Saleem B. A.
Published: February 2008

In rice–wheat systems, late sowing of wheat is the major reason of low yield. This yield reduction is principally due to lower and erratic germination, and poor crop establishment because of low temperature prevailing. The present study was conducted to explore the possibility of improving late sown wheat performance by seed priming techniques. Seed priming strategies were: on‐farm seed priming, hydropriming for 24 h, seed hardening for 12 h and osmohardening with KCl or CaCl2 for 12 h. Seed priming improved emergence, stand establishment, tiller numbers, allometry, grain and straw yield, and harvest index. However, seed priming techniques did not affect plant height, number of spikelets, number of grains and 1000 grain weight. Osmohardening with CaCl2 gave more grain and straw yield and harvest index compared with control and other priming treatments, followed by osmohardening with KCl and on‐farm seed priming. Improved yield was attributed principally to better stand establishment and improved number of fertile tillers. Seed priming techniques can be effectively used to improve the performance of late sown wheat.
Effectiveness of Mulching vs. Incorporation of Composted Cattle Manure in Soil Water Conservation for Wheat Based on Eco‐Physiological Parameters
Authors: Egrinya Eneji A. , Inanaga S. , Li X. , An P. , Li J. , Duan L. , Li Z.
Published: February 2008

Abstract The objective was to study soil water conservation and physiological growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using composted cattle manure applied either as mulch or incorporated with soil at 20 Mg ha−1. Haruhikari, a relatively drought‐sensitive and Hongmangmai, a relatively drought‐tolerant wheat, were the cultivars studied under both adequate and deficit irrigation. Fourteen weeks after sowing (WAS), the number of tillers and leaves was significantly reduced by 19 % and 30 % respectively under deficit irrigation and Hongmangmai produced slightly (10 %) more tillers than Haruhikari. Unlike mulching, the incorporation of manure had favourable effects on plants in terms of shoot dry mass (SDM) by 36 % and number of tillers and leaves by 40 %. Haruhikari produced substantially (29 %) greater root mass under adequate irrigation but Hongmangmai produced slightly (2.7 %) more roots and responded much better to manure use whether under adequate or deficit irrigation. As a result, Hongmangmai suffered less severe reductions in tillers and biomass under water stress. In comparison, the mulched manure treatment saved 15 % and 64 % respectively more water than the control and the treatment incorporating manure, but this advantage in water‐saving did not translate to superior plant growth. Leaf water potential (ψl) under adequate irrigation significantly exceeded that under deficit irrigation by 27 % and the ψl of Haruhikari exceeded that of Hongmangmai by 15 %. However, Hongmangmai may be considered more tolerant of dehydration since it maintained much higher net photosynthetic rates (PN) even with a lower leaf water potential. The reduction in the PN and intracellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci) of the cultivars under deficit irrigation was on account of decreasing stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate but on average, the gs of Hongmangmai significantly exceeded that of Haruhikari by as much as 0.53 under adequate irrigation and 0.22 under deficit irrigation. In conclusion, we suggest that the drought tolerance of Hongmangmai was related to its superior root growth and greater ability than Haruhikari, to efficiently utilize incorporated manure for growth under water stress.
Photosynthetic Acclimation to Cold as a Potential Physiological Marker of Winter Barley Freezing Tolerance Assessed under Variable Winter Environment
Authors: Rapacz M. , Tyrka M. , Kaczmarek W. , Gut M. , Wolanin B. , Mikulski W.
Published: February 2008

Winter‐hardiness is a complex trait limiting cultivation of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare) with respect to the regions of temperate climate. In the present studies, we verified whether inexpensive and fast physiological markers characterizing photosynthetic acclimation to cold may provide robust characteristics of winter barley genotypes for improved frost resistance. Freezing tolerance of 28 winter barley varieties and advanced breeding lines were tested for three winters in field‐laboratory experiment and under fully controlled conditions. To increase the environmental variability of freezing tolerance, a part of the plants were also de‐acclimated under semi‐controlled conditions and re‐acclimated in laboratory before freezing tests. After controlled cold acclimation, apparent quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) as well as photochemical (qP) and non‐photochemical (NPQ) coefficients of chlorophyll fluorescence quenching were studied. Field‐laboratory method assessment of freezing tolerance gives distinct and even opposite results in subsequent years. Also de‐acclimation interacted with growth conditions in the field, giving different rankings of genotypes each year. The results obtained suggest that high level of freezing tolerance measured in laboratory, which is connected with photosynthetic acclimation to cold may be not sufficient for the expression of field resistance, especially when winter conditions are not favourable for cold acclimation.
Involvement of Gluconeogenic Pathway in Virulence of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Yang W. , Liu Y. , Chen L. , Qian G. , Liu H. , Hu B. , Liu F.
Published: February 2008

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae causes bacterial leaf blight, one of the most widespread and destructive bacterial diseases of rice. A phosphoenolpyruvate synthase (ppsA)‐disrupted mutant OSPAM was generated by homologous suicide plasmid integration. The mutant was unable to grow in medium with pyruvate or C4‐dicarboxylates as the sole carbon source, compared with the wild‐type, indicating a disruption in ppsA function. The mutant showed a reduction in virulence on rice but still induced a hypersensitive response in tobacco. When the mutant was complemented, the response was recovered to wild‐type. These results suggested that X. oryzae pv. oryzae possesses only PPSA route in gluconeogenesis, which is necessary for virulence.
Variation in Aggressiveness of Stagonospora nodorum Isolates in North Dakota
Authors: Ali S. , Adhikari T. B.
Published: February 2008

Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB), caused by Stagonospora nodorum, is an important disease in the northern Great Plains of the United States and in other wheat‐producing regions in the world. SNB can be managed by different strategies including the use of resistant cultivars. Genetic variation in the pathogen populations is one of the important factors in the development of durable resistant cultivars. Our main objective was to determine variation in aggressiveness/virulence in the 40 isolates of S. nodorum collected from various locations in North Dakota. To achieve this goal, we tested the isolates on two susceptible wheat cultivars (cvs ‘ND495’ and ‘Alsen’) and two resistant wheat cultivars (cvs ‘Erik’ and ‘Salamouni’) – two‐leaf‐stage seedlings under controlled conditions. Aggressiveness of each isolate was characterized by the two epidemiological parameters: percent necrotic leaf area (% NLA) and lesion type (LT) 8 days post‐inoculation. The isolates differed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) for % NLA and LT, and were grouped into three aggressiveness groups (AG): low, medium and highly aggressive. Four isolates (S50, S57, S66 and S89) induced 18–26% NLA and were included into the low aggressive group (AG 1). Three isolates (S15, S39 and S89) induced 57–59% NLA and were considered highly aggressive (AG 3). Thirty‐three isolates were medium aggressive (AG 2). No relationship between AG and mating types was observed. There were significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences in % NLA and LT among wheat cultivars. Significant wheat cultivars by isolates interaction was also demonstrated, suggesting evidence for the existence of host specificity in this system. Overall, our results indicate that S. nodorum isolates prevalent in North Dakota varied greatly in their aggressiveness and that AG 3 isolates can be utilized in breeding wheat for resistance to SNB.
Clear cell ependymoma: a mimicker of oligodendroglioma – report of three cases
Authors: Jain Deepali , Sharma Mehar Chand , Arora Reena , Sarkar Chitra , Suri Vaishali
Published: February 2008

Clear cell variant of ependymoma is a rare entity which morphologically mimics oligodendroglioma and poses a diagnostic dilemma. We describe three cases of clear cell ependymoma in male children which were supratentorial in location. On microscopic examination, these tumors were composed of sheets of clear cells and resembled oligodendroglioma. Electron microscopy confirmed the ependymal nature of these tumors. Clear cell ependymomas are rare and aggressive tumors. More cases need to be reported to determine their therapeutic responsiveness and prognosis.
Medication usage among young adult women: A comparison between Sweden, the USA, and Greece
Authors: Lidell Evy , Luepker Russell , Baigi Amir , Lagiou Areti , Hildingh Cathrine
Published: February 2008

Abstract  This study evaluated whether or not medication usage among young adult women differed across three countries. An additional aim was to evaluate the association between medication use and sociodemographic factors and exercise habits. A sample of 1098 young adult women were selected in Sweden, the USA, and Greece. Consistent medication usage by young adult women in the three countries related to oral contraceptives and vitamins; nevertheless, there were differences. The main differences were found in the use of laxatives, iron supplements, analgesics, antidepressants, and antacid medication. The most outstanding differences were the frequent use of laxatives in Sweden and vitamins in the USA. Different association patterns were found between medication use and culture, sociodemographic factors, and exercise. The assessment of medication use among young adult women can be performed very easily and provides an immediate indication of their well‐being and needs for preventative care.
Nurse staffing and cost of care in adult intensive care units in a university hospital in Thailand
Authors: Thungjaroenkul Petsunee , Kunaviktikul Wipada , Jacobs Philip , Cummings Greta G. , Akkadechanunt Thitinut
Published: February 2008

Abstract  Decisions about nurse staffing levels in intensive care units (ICUs) should be guided by research to ensure optimal outcomes. This descriptive correlational study in a large Thai hospital was designed to evaluate the effect of nurse staffing levels on the costs of care, in terms of medical care cost per patient day and health personnel cost per patient day, in ICUs. The costing data were collected prospectively from the records of 242 critically ill patients while the nurse staffing levels were extracted from hospital management reports. The findings showed that a nurse staffing model with a higher number of registered nurses (RNs) led to an increase in the health personnel cost per patient day. However, a greater number of RNs was associated with improved patient safety and efficiency, thereby reducing the length of stay and the costs of care in the long term. This study provides evidence to support decisions by hospital administrators concerning RN staffing levels.
Exploration of hematological and immunological changes associated with the severity of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japan
Authors: Okano Kozue , Araki Minako , Yamamoto Misa , Ishikawa Toshizo , Ichihara Kiyoshi , Yamada Osamu
Published: February 2008

Abstract  It has been postulated that immune modulation and activation play an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but evidence for this has not yet been well documented. We explored the changes in peripheral immunocompetent cells in relationship to the severity of T2DM in 142 patients, and 34 healthy individuals in Japan. A severity index with 0–12 grades was derived based on the HbA1c level and the number of complications. By multiple regression analysis, the severity index was positively associated with neutrophil counts and negatively associated with platelet and CD19+ lymphocyte counts. However, we did not observe any significant changes in other lymphocyte subsets such as CD4+, CD8+, and CD56+. These results suggest that poor diabetic control may be marked by changes in some blood cell types.
Anticoagulant therapy and pregnancy
Authors: MAKINO AIKO , SUGIURA‐OGASAWARA MAYUMI
Published: February 2008

Low dose aspirin therapy is one of the anticoagulant treatments used during pregnancy. Anticoagulant agents may be useful for several disorders, such as recurrent miscarriage, pre‐eclampsia, fetal growth restriction and infertility. However, it is unclear whether anticoagulant therapy can increase the live birth rate in all of these cases. Recent data suggest that a low‐dose aspirin and heparin combination therapy is effective in the prevention of recurrent pregnancy loss in women with antiphospholipid syndrome. Thrombogenic diseases, for example, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, factor XII deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia, may cause pregnancy loss. The etiology of recurrent miscarriage is often unclear and may be multifactorial, with much controversy regarding diagnosis and treatment. Although 70% of recurrent pregnancy losses are unexplained, anticoagulant therapy is effective in maintaining pregnancy without antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. We conclude that a low‐dose aspirin and heparin combination therapy can be useful for unexplained cases of recurrent pregnancy loss without antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 1–10)
Regulation of human luteinizing hormone receptor in the ovary
Authors: MINEGISHI TAKASHI , NAKAMURA KAZUTO , YAMASHITA SOICHI , IKEDA SADATOMO , KOGURE KAYOKO
Published: February 2008

The luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) is essential for elevated levels of progesterone to maintain pregnancy during the first trimester; the maintenance of the expression of LHR is a key factor controlling the duration of luteal function. Therefore, as the expression of LHR is most likely to be regulated by the stability of the receptor mRNA at the luteal phase of the human menstrual cycle, we focused on studies examining the stability of mRNA rather than the production of mRNA. In addition, LHR (exon 9), one of the splice variants of human LHR (hLHR), was cloned in the corpus luteum of a patient with a regular menstrual cycle. The results of Western blots using Percoll gradient fractionation indicated that hLHR formed complexes with hLHR (exon 9), which are transferred to the lysosome, where they are eventually degraded, instead of being translocated from the endoplasmic reticulum to the transducing organelle. These results showed that hLHR (exon 9) caused a reduction in the expression of functional receptor number and affected the signaling condition of wild‐type hLHR. As the luteal phase progressed hLHR (exon 9) increased relative to hLHR, demonstrating that hLHR (exon 9) was expressed more than hLHR in the late luteal phase. This work reveals the essential function of the regulatory and structural elements involved in human LH receptor splicing, and that hLHR (exon 9) can negatively control the function of wild‐type receptors. Moreover, this finding presented a novel mechanism of regulation of LHR in the human corpus luteum. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 11–16)