bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B surface antigenaemia and alpha‐foetoprotein detection from dried blood spots: applications to field‐based studies and to clinical care in hepatitis B virus endemic areas
Authors: Mendy M. , Kirk G. D. , Van der  Sande M. , Jeng‐Barry A. , Lesi O. A. , Hainaut P. , Sam O. , McConkey S. , Whittle H.
Published: October 2005

Summary.  In many resource‐limited regions with endemic hepatitis B virus (HBV), there is limited infrastructure to collect, process, transport, and store blood samples for identification of persons with chronic HBV infection or with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We describe the application of a simple technique using commercially available kits for detection of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and alpha‐foetoprotein (AFP) in dried blood spots (DBS) collected on filter paper. Study participants included subjects with and without chronic HBV infection and subjects with HCC or cirrhosis. Three to five blood drops were dried on filter paper. Dried blood (equivalent to 20 μL) was eluted and tested for HBsAg by DetermineTM HBsAg and for AFP by counter‐current immuno‐electrophoresis and radio‐immunoassay (RIA). The primary analysis focused on comparison of DBS results to serum testing results as the gold standard. The sensitivity of DBS for detecting chronic HBV infection was 96% (98–98) with specificity of 100% (CI 99–100). Sensitivity of DBS in detecting AFP compared with serum RIA was 73% (60–86) with specificity of 90% (81–98). Both HBsAg and AFP recovery were unaffected when DBS were left at room temperature (30–33 °C) and under humid conditions for up to 28 days prior to elution. We conclude that DBS can be reliably used as an economical and logical alternative for detection of HBsAg in chronically infected patients and for AFP‐based diagnosis of HCC in clinical situations which preclude adequate collection and processing of blood samples. Both research‐oriented field studies and routine clinical care may benefit from application of these techniques in resource‐limited settings.
Antimitochondrial antibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: description of 18 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Ramos‐Casals M. , Pares A. , Jara L.‐J. , Solans R. , Viñas O. , Vázquez P. , Sánchez‐Tapias J.‐M. , Rodés J. , Font J. ,   the HISPAMEC Study Group
Published: October 2005

Summary.  To describe the clinical and immunologic patterns of disease expression of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and positive antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA). We investigated the presence of AMA in 237 consecutive HCV patients with extrahepatic manifestations from an International Registry. AMA were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in triple rat tissue (liver, stomach and kidney), aceton‐fixed criosections and FITC‐conjugated rabbit anti‐human immunoglobulins. We found positive AMA in 18 (8%) out of 237 HCV patients. All patients were female with a mean age at protocol inclusion of 65.8 years (ranging from 37 to 87 years). Twelve (67%) patients fulfilled classification criteria for systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD), including Sjögren's syndrome (n = 7), systemic sclerosis (n = 3) and systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 2). Fourteen (78%) of the HCV‐AMA patients presented at least one of the highly suggestive characteristics of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC): 9 (50%) had a specific M2 pattern, 6 (33%) had more than twice normal levels of alkaline phosphatase, 5 (28%) had raised IgM levels and 4 (22%) a histological pattern compatible with PBC. Five (28%) patients developed neoplasia after detection of AMA. Seven (39%) patients died, due to neoplasia (n = 4), cirrhotic complications (n = 2) and hepatopulmonary syndrome (n = 1). We describe a subset of HCV patients with positive AMA who presented a broad spectrum of clinical features, including liver, autoimmune and neoplasic manifestations. Two‐thirds of these patients presented an associated SAD, mainly Sjögren's syndrome or systemic sclerosis, together with a high frequency of multiple autoantibodies and an increased prevalence of cirrhosis and neoplasia.
Prevalence of, and risk factors for, hepatitis C virus infection among recent initiates to injecting in London and Glasgow: cross sectional analysis
Authors: Judd A. , Hutchinson S. , Wadd S. , Hickman M. , Taylor A. , Jones S. , Parry J. V. , Cameron S. , Rhodes T. , Ahmed S. , Bird S. , Fox R. , Renton A. , Stimson G.V. , Goldberg D.
Published: October 2005

Summary.  Our aim was to compare the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) among recently initiated injecting drug users (IDUs) in London and Glasgow, and to identify risk factors which could explain differences in prevalence between the cities. Complementary studies of community recruited IDUs who had initiated injection drug use since 1996 were conducted during 2001–2002. Data on HCV risk behaviours were gathered using structured questionnaires with identical core questions and respondents were asked to provide an oral fluid specimen which was tested anonymously for anti‐HCV but was linked to the questionnaire. Sensitivities of the anti‐HCV assays for oral fluid were 92–96%. Prevalence of anti‐HCV was 35% (122/354) in London and 57% (207/366) in Glasgow (P < 0.001). Multifactorially, factors significantly associated with raised odds of anti‐HCV positivity were increasing length of injecting career, daily injection, polydrug use, having had a needlestick injury, and having served a prison sentence. In addition lower odds of anti‐HCV positivity were associated with non‐injection use of crack cocaine and recruitment from drug agencies. After adjustment for these factors, the increased odds of anti‐HCV associated with being a Glasgow IDU were diminished but remained significant. HCV continues to be transmitted among the IDU population of both cities at high rates despite the availability of syringe exchange and methadone maintenance. Effectiveness of harm reduction interventions may be compromised by inadequate coverage and failure to reduce sufficiently the frequency of sharing different types of injecting equipment, as well as the high background prevalence of HCV, and its high infectivity. Comprehensive action is urgently required to reduce the incidence of HCV among injectors.
Viral load change and sequential evolution of entire hepatitis C virus genome in Irish recipients of single source‐contaminated anti‐D immunoglobulin*
Authors: Itakura J. , Nagayama K. , Enomoto N. , Hamano K. , Sakamoto N. , Fanning L. J. , Kenny‐Walsh E. , Shanahan F. , Watanabe M.
Published: October 2005

Summary.  In hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, serum viral load is important in the prediction of therapeutic efficacy. However, factors that affect the viral load remain poorly understood. To identify viral genomic elements responsible for the viral load, we investigated samples from a population of Irish women who were iatrogenically infected from a single HCV source by administration of HCV 1b‐contaminated anti‐D immune globulin between 1977 and 1978 (Kenny‐Walsh, N Engl J Med 1999; 340: 1228). About 15 patients were divided into two groups, viral load increasing group (11 patients) and decreasing group (4 patients). Pairs of sera were collected from each patient at interval between 1.1 and 5.8 years. Full‐length sequences of HCV genome were determined, and analyzed for changes in each patient. Sliding window analysis showed that the decreasing group had significantly higher mutation rates in a short segment of NS5B region that may affect the activity of RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase. By comparing each coding regions, significantly higher mutation numbers were accumulated in NS5A region in the increasing group than the decreasing group (0.92 vs 0.16 nucleotides/site/year, P = 0.021). The mutation in certain positions of the HCV genome may be determinant factors of the viral load in a relatively homogeneous patient population.
Identification of glycosaminoglycan‐binding sites within hepatitis C virus envelope glycoprotein E2*
Authors: Olenina L. V. , Kuzmina T. I. , Sobolev B. N. , Kuraeva T. E. , Kolesanova E. F. , Archakov A. I.
Published: October 2005

Summary.  Heparan sulphate is one of the candidate receptors for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Envelope glycoproteins of HCV have been proposed to be responsible for recognition and binding with cell receptors. They are characterized by great genetic polymorphism. In this study the mapping of regions with glycosaminoglycan‐binding properties within HCV envelope proteins has been undertaken. We prepared a set of overlapping peptides corresponding to conserved regions of these envelope proteins and analysed them by solid phase heparin‐binding assay. The search for established glycosaminoglycan‐binding motifs in the HCV envelope proteins showed the absence of the sites corresponding to the glycosaminoglycan‐binding patterns in consensus sequence. We identified one highly conserved and two less conserved heparin‐binding sequences within the envelope protein E2 based on solid phase assay results. We did not find any differences in binding efficiency of these peptides with heparin, heparan sulphate or dextran sulphate. Our data supported the specific association between HCV envelope protein E2 and cell surface glycosaminoglycans. We hypothesize that identified regions from E2 can contribute to HCV binding to cell surface glycosaminoglycans.
Refugia, dispersal and divergence in a forest archipelago: a study of Streptocarpus in eastern South Africa
Authors: HUGHES M. , MÖLLER M. , BELLSTEDT D. U. , EDWARDS T. J. , DE VILLIERS M.
Published: October 2005

We describe a scenario of plant speciation across a relict forest archipelago in South Africa involving Pleistocene habitat expansion‐contraction cycles, dispersal and adaptation to lower temperatures. This is the first population level study using molecular data in South African forests and has significant implications for conservation efforts in this area. Populations of the mesophytic forest floor herbs Streptocarpus primulifolius sensu lato and Streptocarpus rexii were sampled throughout their range in the naturally fragmented forests of eastern South Africa in order to investigate population genetic and phylogenetic patterns within the species complex, using nuclear microsatellites, nuclear ribosomal ITS (internal transcribed spacer) sequences and chloroplast genome sequences. S. primulifolius harbours high levels of genetic diversity at both the nuclear (mean HE = 0.50) and the chloroplast level (each population fixed for a unique haplotype). This is consistent with populations of these coastal species being Pleistocene relicts. In contrast, populations of S. rexii in cooler habitats at higher altitudes and lower latitudes harbour little or no nuclear genetic diversity (mean HE = 0.09) and most share a common chloroplast haplotype. The split of S. rexii from populations intermediate between the two species (S. cf. primulifolius) occurred between 0 and 0.44 million years ago according to the calibrated ITS phylogeny of the taxa. The low genetic diversity and homogeneity of S. rexii is congruent with this species having reached its current range during the Holocene. We found no evidence of monophyly of any of the taxa in this study, which we consider a consequence of recent evolution in a fragmented habitat.
Direct and indirect estimates of gene flow among wild and managed populations of Polaskia chichipe, an endemic columnar cactus in Central Mexico
Authors: OTERO‐ARNAIZ ADRIANA , CASAS ALEJANDRO , HAMRICK JAMES L.
Published: October 2005

Microsatellite markers were used to obtain direct and indirect estimates of gene flow in populations of Polaskia chichipe under different management regimes, in order to understand the genetic consequences of gene flow in the evolutionary process of domestication. P. chichipe is a columnar cactus endemic to the Tehuacan Valley, Central Mexico, and has come under domestication for its edible fruit. Morphological, phenological, physiological, and reproductive differences, apparently attributable to artificial selection, exist between wild and managed populations, which grow sympatrically. However, strong gene flow may counteract the effects of this selection. In this study, we used paternity analysis to demonstrate that although most of the pollinations occur among individuals within the same population at distances < 40 m, pollen flow from other populations is considerable (27 ± 5%). Heterogeneity in pollen clouds sampled by mother plants (FST = 0.12) indicated nonrandom mating, which is probably due to temporal heterogeneity in pollen movement. Spatial structure on local and regional scales is consistent with an isolation‐by‐distance model. The similarity of indirect, direct and demographic estimates of neighbourhood size (74–250 individuals) suggests that this genetic structure is representative of an equilibrium state. These results suggest that traditional management practices have conserved the genetic resources of this species in situ, but also that gene flow is counteracting the effect of domestication to some degree. We discuss our results in the general context of genetic exchange between cultivated and wild populations during the domestication process.
Effects of historical climate change, habitat connectivity, and vicariance on genetic structure and diversity across the range of the red tree vole (Phenacomys longicaudus) in the Pacific Northwestern United States
Authors: MILLER MARK P. , BELLINGER M. RENEE , FORSMAN ERIC D. , HAIG SUSAN M.
Published: October 2005

Phylogeographical analyses conducted in the Pacific Northwestern United States have often revealed concordant patterns of genetic diversity among taxa. These studies demonstrate distinct North/South genetic discontinuities that have been attributed to Pleistocene glaciation. We examined phylogeographical patterns of red tree voles (Phenacomys longicaudus) in western Oregon by analysing mitochondrial control region sequences for 169 individuals from 18 areas across the species’ range. Cytochromebsequences were also analysed from a subset of our samples to confirm the presence of major haplotype groups. Phylogenetic network analyses suggested the presence of two haplotype groups corresponding to northern and southern regions ofP. longicaudus’ range. Spatial genetic analyses (samovaand Genetic Landscape Shapes) of control region sequences demonstrated a primary genetic discontinuity separating northern and southern sampling areas, while a secondary discontinuity separated northern sampling areas into eastern and western groups divided by the Willamette Valley. The North/South discontinuity likely corresponds to a region of secondary contact between lineages rather than an overt barrier. Although the Cordilleran ice sheet (maximum ∼12 000 years ago) did not move southward to directly affect the region occupied byP. longicaudus, climate change during glaciation fragmented the forest landscape that it inhabits. Signatures of historical fragmentation were reflected by positive associations between latitude and variables such as Tajima'sDand patterns associated with location‐specific alleles. Genetic distances between southern sampling areas were smaller, suggesting that forest fragmentation was reduced in southern vs. northern regions.
Molecular evidence for a founder effect in invasive house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) populations experiencing an emergent disease epidemic
Authors: HAWLEY DANA M. , HANLEY DANIEL , DHONDT ANDRÉ A. , LOVETTE IRBY J.
Published: October 2005

The impact of founder events on levels of genetic variation in natural populations remains a topic of significant interest. Well‐documented introductions provide a valuable opportunity to examine how founder events influence genetic diversity in invasive species. House finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) are passerine birds native to western North America, with the large eastern North American population derived from a small number of captive individuals released in the 1940s. Previous comparisons using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers found equivalent levels of diversity in eastern and western populations, suggesting that any genetic effects of the founder event were ameliorated by the rapid growth of the newly established population. We used an alternative marker system, 10 highly polymorphic microsatellites, to compare levels of genetic diversity between four native and five introduced house finch populations. In contrast to the AFLP comparisons, we found significantly lower allelic richness and heterozygosity in introduced populations across all loci. Three out of five introduced populations showed significant reductions in the ratio of the number of alleles to the allele size range, a within‐population characteristic of recent bottlenecks. Finally, native and introduced populations showed significant pairwise differences in allele frequencies in every case, with stronger isolation by distance within the introduced than native range. Overall, our results provide compelling molecular evidence for a founder effect during the introduction of eastern house finches that reduced diversity levels at polymorphic microsatellite loci and may have contributed to the emergence of theMycoplasmaepidemic which recently swept the eastern range of this species.
Molecular architecture and function of the Omp85 family of proteins
Authors: Gentle Ian E. , Burri Lena , Lithgow Trevor
Published: October 2005

Omp85 is a protein found in Gram‐negative bacteria where it serves to integrate proteins into the bacterial outer membrane. Members of the Omp85 family of proteins are defined by the presence of two domains: an N‐terminal, periplasmic domain rich in POTRA repeats and a C‐terminal beta‐barrel domain embedded in the outer membrane. The widespread distribution of Omp85 family members together with their fundamental role in outer membrane assembly suggests the ancestral Omp85 arose early in the evolution of prokaryotic cells. Mitochondria, derived from an ancestral bacterial endosymbiont, also use a member of the Omp85 family to assemble proteins in their outer membranes. More distant relationships are seen between the Omp85 family and both the core proteins in two‐partner secretion systems and the Toc75 family of protein translocases found in plastid outer envelopes. Aspects of the ancestry and molecular architecture of the Omp85 family of proteins is providing insight into the mechanism by which proteins might be integrated and assembled into bacterial outer membranes.
A proteomic analysis of penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae reveals a novel role for PstS, a subunit of the phosphate ABC transporter
Authors: Soualhine Hafid , Brochu Vicky , Ménard François , Papadopoulou Barbara , Weiss Karl , Bergeron Michel G. , Légaré Danielle , Drummelsmith Jolyne , Ouellette Marc
Published: October 2005

Resistance to penicillin is widespread in the Gram‐positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, and while several mutations are known to be implicated in resistance other mechanisms are likely to occur. We used a proteomic screen of two independent mutants in which resistance was selected in vitro. We found a number of differentially expressed proteins including PstS, a subunit of the phosphate ABC transporter of S. pneumoniae. This protein was increased in both mutants, a phenotype correlated to increased RNA expression of the entire phosphate ABC transporter operon. Inactivation of the pstS gene led to increased susceptibility to penicillin in the wild‐type strain. To further link the expression of the ABC phosphate transporter with penicillin resistance, we looked at pstS mRNA levels in 12 independent clinical isolates sensitive and resistant to penicillin and found an excellent correlation between resistance and increased expression of pstS. Inactivation of pstS in one of the clinical isolates significantly reduced penicillin resistance. Global approaches are ideally suited for the discovery of novel factors in the biology of resistance.
Adjustments in hydraulic architecture ofPinus palustrismaintain similar stomatal conductance in xeric and mesic habitats
Authors: ADDINGTON R. N. , DONOVAN L. A. , MITCHELL R. J. , VOSE J. M. , PECOT S. D. , JACK S. B. , HACKE U. G. , SPERRY J. S. , OREN R.
Published: October 2005

We investigated relationships between whole‐tree hydraulic architecture and stomatal conductance inPinus palustrisMill. (longleaf pine) across habitats that differed in soil properties and habitat structure. Trees occupying a xeric habitat (characterized by sandy, well‐drained soils, higher nitrogen availability and lower overstory tree density) were shorter in stature and had lower sapwood‐to‐leaf area ratio (AS:AL) than trees in a mesic habitat. The soil‐leaf water potential gradient (ΨS − ΨL) and leaf‐specific hydraulic conductance (kL) were similar between sites, as was tissue‐specific hydraulic conductivity (KS) of roots. Leaf and canopy stomatal conductance (gSandGS, respectively) were also similar between sites, and they tended to be somewhat higher at the xeric site during morning hours when vapour pressure deficit (D) was low. A hydraulic model incorporating tree height,AS:ALandΨS − ΨLaccurately described the observed variation in individual treeGSref(GSatD = 1 kPa) across sites and indicated that tree height was an important determinant ofGSrefacross sites. This, combined with a 42% higher root‐to‐leaf area ratio (AR:AL) at the xeric site, suggests that xeric site trees are hydraulically well equipped to realize equal – and sometimes higher – potential for conductance compared with trees on mesic sites. However, a slightly more sensitive stomatal closure response to increasingDobserved in xeric site trees suggests that this potential for higher conductance may only be reached whenDis low and when the capacity of the hydraulic system to supply water to foliage is not greatly challenged.
Identification of cold acclimation‐responsiveRhododendrongenes for lipid metabolism, membrane transport and lignin biosynthesis: importance of moderately abundant ESTs in genomic studies
Authors: WEI HUI , DHANARAJ ANIK L. , ARORA RAJEEV , ROWLAND LISA J. , FU YAN , SUN LI
Published: October 2005

We have previously analysed expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from non‐acclimated (NA) and cold‐acclimated (CA)Rhododendronleaves, and identified highly abundant complementary DNAs (cDNAs) possibly involved in cold acclimation. A potentially significant, but relatively unexplored, application of these EST data sets is the study of moderately abundant cDNAs, such as those picked only 1–3 times from eachRhododendronEST library containing ∼ 430 ESTs. Using statistical tests and Northern blots, we established that the probability of differential expression of moderately abundant cDNAs based on the EST data is, indeed, a reasonably accurate predictor of their ‘true’ upregulation or downregulation as 11 out of 13 cDNAs (85%) studied fit this criterion. The analyses also revealed four aspects of cold acclimation inRhododendronleaf tissues. Firstly, the concomitant upregulation of long‐chain acyl‐coenzyme A (acyl‐CoA) synthetase, CTP:cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase and delta‐12 fatty acid desaturase in CA leaf tissues suggests that phospholipid biosynthesis and desaturation are important components of cold hardening inRhododendron. Secondly, upregulation of plastidic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐malic enzyme (NADP‐ME) in CA tissues suggests that malate is an important source of acetyl‐CoA used for fatty acid biosynthesis during cold acclimation. Thirdly, downregulation of plasma membrane intrinsic protein (PIP)2‐1 aquaporin and upregulation of gated outward rectifying K+channel (GORK) in CA tissues may be associated with the protection of overwintering leaves from freeze‐induced cellular dehydration. Fourthly, upregulation of coumarate 3‐hydroxylase may be associated with cell wall thickening in CA tissues. Physiological implications of these results, which reveal potentially novel regulations of cold acclimation in overwintering woody evergreens, are discussed. This work highlights the importance of also investigating low/moderately abundant ESTs (in addition to highly abundant ones) in genomic studies, in that it offers an effective strategy for identifying stress‐related genes, especially when large‐scale cDNA sequencing/microarray studies are not possible.
Higher rates of leaf gas exchange are associated with higher leaf hydrodynamic pressure gradients
Authors: FRANKS PETER J.
Published: October 2005

Steady‐state leaf gas‐exchange parameters and leaf hydraulic conductance were measured on 10 vascular plant species, grown under high light and well‐watered conditions, in order to test for evidence of a departure from hydraulic homeostasis within leaves as hydraulic conductance varied across species. The plants ranged from herbaceous crop plants to mature forest trees. Across species, under standardized environmental conditions (saturating light, well watered), mean steady‐state stomatal conductance to water vapour (gw) was highly correlated with mean rate of CO2 assimilation (A) and mean leaf hydraulic conductance normalized to leaf area (kleaf). The relationship between A and gw was well described by a power function, while that between A and kleaf was highly linear. Non‐linearity in the relationship between gw and kleaf contributed to an increase in the hydrodynamic (transpiration‐induced) water potential drawdown across the leaf (ΔΨleaf) as kleaf increased across species, although across the 10 species the total increase in ΔΨleaf was slightly more than twofold for an almost 30‐fold increase in gw. Higher rates of leaf gas exchange were therefore associated with higher kleaf and higher leaf hydrodynamic pressure gradients. A mechanistic model incorporating the stomatal hydromechanical feedback loop is used to predict the relationship between ΔΨleaf and kleaf, and to explore the coordination of stomatal and leaf hydraulic properties in supporting higher rates of leaf gas exchange.
Effects of nitrogen nutrition on the relationships between the levels of rbcS and rbcL mRNAs and the amount of ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase synthesized in the eighth leaves of rice from emergence through senescence
Authors: IMAI KAZUHIRO , SUZUKI YUJI , MAKINO AMANE , MAE TADAHIKO
Published: October 2005

Soon after the emergence of the eighth leaf blades, rice plants were grown with two (1 and 4 mm) levels of nitrogen (N) supply, and the relationships between the levels of rbcS and rbcL mRNAs, the amount of ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.39) synthesized and the N influx were examined in the eighth leaf blades from emergence through senescence. The levels of both rbcS and rbcL mRNAs, the amount of Rubisco synthesized and the N influx were greater for the 4 mm N treatment than for the 1 mm N treatment throughout the experiment. The amount of Rubisco synthesized was well correlated with the levels of both mRNAs during leaf expansion, but not after the completion of leaf expansion in both N treatments. The ratio of the amount of Rubisco synthesized to the levels of both mRNAs dramatically declined after full expansion. On the other hand, the amount of Rubisco synthesized was well correlated with the N influx in both N treatments. These results indicate that the N influx, namely, N availability, rather than the levels of rbcS and rbcL mRNAs, is more closely related to the amount of Rubisco synthesized in the leaf blade of rice throughout the lifespan of a leaf.
Feeding a soy formula to children with cow's milk allergy: The development of immunoglobulin E‐mediated allergy to soy and peanuts
Authors: Klemola Timo , Kalimo Kirsti , Poussa Tuija , Juntunen‐Backman Kaisu , Korpela Riitta , Valovirta Erkka , Vanto Timo
Published: October 2005

Peanut allergy has been associated with the intake of soy milk or a soy formula. We studied the development of immunoglobulin E antibodies specific to soy and peanuts and of allergic reactions caused by peanuts, in children with confirmed cow's milk (CM) allergy fed either a soy formula or an extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF). One hundred and seventy infants with documented CM allergy (CMA) were randomly assigned to receive either a soy formula or an EHF. The children were followed to the age of 4 yr. Peanut‐specific immunoglobulin E was measured at the age of 4. A detailed history of the occurrence of allergic reactions caused by peanuts was recorded by the parents. Soy‐specific immunoglobulin E antibodies were measured at the time of diagnosis and at the ages of 1, 2 and 4 yr. Immunoglobulin E antibodies to soy (≥0.35 kU/l) were found in 22 of 70 children fed the soy formula, and in 14 of 70 of the children fed the EHF (p = 0.082). In an open challenge with soy at the age of 4, no immediate reactions were observed. One of 72 children from the soy group had a delayed reaction. immunoglobulin E antibodies to peanuts (≥0.35 kU/l) were found in 21 of 70 children fed the soy formula and 17 of 69 infants fed the EHF (p = 0.717). The incidence of reported peanut allergy in the soy group was two of 72 (3%) and four of 76 (5%) in the EHF group (p = 0.68). Development of immunoglobulin E‐associated allergy to soy and peanuts was rare in our study group of milk allergic children. The use of a soy formula during the first 2 yr of life did not increase the risk of development of peanut‐specific immunoglobulin E antibodies or of clinical peanut allergy.
Pre‐incubation of Bradyrhizobium japonicum with jasmonates accelerates nodulation and nitrogen fixation in soybean (Glycine max) at optimal and suboptimal root zone temperatures
Authors: Mabood Fazli , Smith Donald L.
Published: October 2005

Jasmonic acid (JA) and methyl jasmonate, collectively known as jasmonates, are naturally occurring in plants; they are important signal molecules involved in induced disease resistance and mediate many physiological activities in plants. We studied the effect of JA and its methyl ester, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), on the induction of nod genes in Bradyrhizobium japonicum GG4 (USDA3) carrying a plasmid with a translational fusion between B. japonicum nodY and lacZ of Escherichia coli, and the expression activity was measured by β‐galactosidase activity. Both JA and MeJA strongly induced the expression of nod genes. They have little or no deleterious effects on the growth of B. japonicum cells, while genistein (Gen) showed inhibitory effects. We further studied the effect of JA‐ and MeJA‐induced B. japonicum on soybean nodulation and nitrogen fixation under optimal (25°C) and suboptimal (17°C) root zone temperature (RZT) conditions. B. japonicum cells were grown in liquid yeast extract mannitol media and induced with a range of Gen, JA, and MeJA concentrations, including a treatment control with no inducer added. Soybean seedlings were grown at 25 or 17°C RZT with a constant air temperature (25°C) and inoculated, at the vegetative cotyledonary stage, with various B. japonicum induction treatments. Addition of Gen or jasmonates to B. japonicum, prior to inoculation, enhanced nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and plant growth at suboptimal RZT conditions. A higher concentration of Gen was inhibitory at 25°C, while this same concentration was stimulatory at 17°C. Interestingly, pre‐incubation of B. japonicum with JA and MeJA enhanced soybean nodulation and nitrogen fixation under both optimal and suboptimal RZTs. We show that jasmonates are thus a new class of signaling molecules in the B. japonicum‐soybean symbiosis and that pre‐induction of B. japonicum with jasmonates can be used to enhance soybean nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and early plant growth.
Oxygen evolution and respiration of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under two different light regimes applying light/dark intervals in the time scale of minutes
Authors: Avendaño‐Coletta Daniel , Schubert Hendrik
Published: October 2005

The photosynthetic performance of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 exposed to intermittent light was studied by measuring oxygen evolution, respiration and the fluorescence parameters for maximum efficiency of excitation energy capture by photosystem II (PSII) reaction centres (Fv/Fm), PSII quantum yield (ΔF/Fm1) and non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ). Cultures were pre‐acclimated to constant light conditions. Block and sinusoidal light regimes were tested using four photon‐flux densities (PFDs) applied in light/dark intervals of 1:1, 5:5 and 10:10 min. Light use was higher under the sinusoidal light regime compared with the block regime. The accumulated gross photosynthesis of the cyanobacterium was lower under intermittent light conditions compared with predictions from the photosynthesis‐irradiance curve (PI curve). The respiration rates were similar for all light/dark intervals tested. However, the respiration slightly increased with increasing oxygen production for both block and sinusoidal light regime. NPQ, ΔF/Fm′ and Fv/Fm depended on the PFD rather than on the duration of the light/dark intervals tested, and there was no detected influence of the two applied light regimes.
Transcriptomic study of apricot fruit (Prunus armeniaca) ripening among 13 006 expressed sequence tags
Authors: Grimplet Jérôme , Romieu Charles , Audergon Jean‐Marc , Marty Isabelle , Albagnac Guy , Lambert Patrick , Bouchet Jean‐Paul , Terrier Nancy
Published: October 2005

To improve the knowledge of fruit ripening and to provide genomic resources for molecular breeding of apricot (Prunus armeniacaL), 13 006 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were generated from three λzap cDNA libraries of the pericarp tissues at different stages of development (Physiol Plant 105: 294–303), yielding 5219 (40%) Unigenes. At this stage, the very low interlibrary redundancy indicated that EST sampling of the transcriptome of apricot pericarp is still far from being saturated. Seventy‐six percent of Unigenes displayed homologies with public sequences and were clustered into functional categories. The largest expressed categories were related to primary metabolism, stress response, and protein synthesis. Electronic Northern analysis revealed that stress‐related proteins and cell wall modification‐related enzymes strongly increased during ripening. Among 448 isoproteins (amino acid‐level isogenes) detected in the Unigene set, 186 (42%) displayed significant homologies in their coding regions (nucleic acid‐level isogenes).
Psicose inhibits lettuce root growth via a hexokinase‐independent pathway
Authors: Kato‐Noguchi Hisashi , Takaoka Takuya , Izumori Ken
Published: October 2005

Fructose analog, psicose, and glucose analog, mannose, inhibited root growth of lettuce seedlings. Psicose is phosphorylated by hexokinase and fructokinase (EC 2.7.1.4) to psicose‐6‐phosphate with no known capacity for further metabolism. Mannose is phosphorylated by hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1) to mannose‐6‐phosphate which is further metabolized very slowly. Hexokinase is known to have a sugar‐sensing function and possibly triggers a signal cascade resulting in changes of several gene expressions. It was determined, compared with the behaviour of mannose, whether psicose inhibits the root growth through this system. The addition of phosphate into the growth medium of lettuce seedlings did not affect the inhibition by psicose and mannose, and both sugars did not reduce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level in the roots, suggesting that the inhibition is not due to phosphate starvation and ATP depletion. The inhibiting effects of psicose and mannose were overcome by adding sucrose into the medium, which suggests that the inhibition is not caused by accumulation of psicose‐6‐phosphate or mannose‐6‐phosphate in the seedlings. Mannoheptulose, a specific competitive inhibitor of hexokinase, defeated the mannose‐induced inhibiting but was not able to relieve the psicose‐induced inhibition. Thus, the phosphorylation of mannose by hexokinase may trigger a signal cascade resulting in the growth inhibition of lettuce roots, which is consistent with the hypothesis established in Arabidopsis. However, psicose cannot inhibit the growth of lettuce roots via a hexokinase‐mediated pathway, and the phosphorylation of psicose by fructokinase might trigger a hexokinase‐independent signal cascade resulting in the growth inhibition.
Stomatal response characteristics of Tradescantia virginiana grown at high relative air humidity
Authors: Nejad Abdolhossein Rezaei , Van Meeteren Uulke
Published: October 2005

Plants produced at high relative air humidity (RH) show poor control of water loss after transferring to low RH, a phenomenon which is thought to be due to their stomatal behaviour. The stomatal anatomy and responses of moderate (55%) and high (90%) RH grown Tradescantia virginiana plants to treatments that normally induce stomatal closure, i.e. desiccation, abscisic acid (ABA) application and exposure to darkness were studied using attached or detached young, fully expanded leaves. Compared with plants grown at moderate RH the transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and aperture of high RH grown plants measured at the same condition (40% RH) were, respectively, 112, 139 and 132% in light and 141, 188 and 370% in darkness. Besides the differences in stomatal size (guard cell length was 56.7 and 73.3 µm for moderate and high RH grown plants, respectively), there was a clear difference in stomatal behaviour. The stomata responded to desiccation, ABA and darkness in both moderate and high RH grown plants, but the high variability of stomatal closure in high RH grown plants was striking. Some stomata developed at high RH closed in response to darkness or to a decrease in relative water content to the same extent as did stomata from moderate RH grown plants, whereas others closed only partly or did not close at all. Evidently, some as yet unidentified physiological or anatomical changes during development disrupt the normal functioning of some stomata in leaves grown at high RH. The failure of some stomata to close fully in response to ABA suggests that ABA deficiency was not responsible for the lack of stomatal closure in response to desiccation.
Expression of a transcription factor (FsERF1) involved in ethylene signalling during the breaking of dormancy in Fagus sylvatica seeds
Authors: Jiménez Jesús Angel , Rodríguez Dolores , Calvo Angel Pablo , Mortensen Lars Christian , Nicolás Gregorio , Nicolás Carlos
Published: October 2005

By means of reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, using degenerate oligonucleotides conserved among ethylene‐responsive transcription factors, we have isolated and characterized a cDNA clone encoding a protein involved in ethylene signalling during the breaking of dormancy in Fagus sylvatica L. seeds. This clone, named FsERF1, exhibits high homology to ethylene‐responsive factors (ERFs) from several plant species. The expression of FsERF1 as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli confirmed that it was able to bind to the GCC box, a cis element present in the promoters of several ethylene‐responsive genes, corroborating its role as a DNA‐binding protein. Northern analysis showed that the transcript levels increased when dormancy was broken by ethephon (an ethylene‐releasing compound), or by moist prechilling pretreatment at restricted water content, and were almost undetectable when seeds remained dormant by the addition of abscisic acid, aminooxyacetic acid (an ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor) or warm pretreatment, and when seeds were artificially dried, suggesting that FsERF1 function may be more closely related with the transition from seed dormancy to germination than with responses to drought stress mediated by ethylene.
Involvement of components of the phospholipid‐signaling pathway in wound‐induced phenylpropanoid metabolism in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) leaf tissue
Authors: Saltveit Mikal E. , Choi Young‐Jun , Tomás‐Barberán Francisco A.
Published: October 2005

In plant tissue, a wound signal is produced at the site of injury and propagates or migrates into adjacent tissue where it induces increased phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL, EC 4.3.1.5) activity and phenylpropanoid metabolism. We used excised mid‐rib leaf tissue from Romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., Longifolia) as a model system to examine the involvement of components of the phospholipid‐signaling pathway in wound‐induced phenolic metabolism. Exposure to 1‐butanol vapors or solutions inhibited wound‐induced increase in PAL activity and phenolic metabolism. Phospholipases D (EC 3.1.4.4), an enzyme involved in the phospholipid‐signaling pathway is specifically inhibited by 1‐butanol. Re‐wounding tissue, in which an effective 1‐butanol concentration had declined below active levels by evaporation, did not elicit the normal wound response. It appears the 1‐butanol‐treated tissue developed resistance to wound‐induced increases in phenylpropanoid metabolism that persisted even when active levels of 1‐butanol were no longer present. However, a metabolic product of 1‐butanol, rather than 1‐butanol itself, may be the active compound eliciting persistence resistance. Inhibiting a subsequent enzyme in the phospholipid‐signaling pathway, lipoxygenase (LOX; EC 1.13.11.12) with 1‐phenyl‐3‐pyrazolidinone (1P3P) or reducing the product of LOX activity with diethyldithio‐carbamic acid (DIECA) also inhibited wound‐induced PAL activity and phenolic accumulation. The effectiveness of 1‐butanol, DIECA, and 1P3P declined as the beginning of the 1‐h immersion period was delayed from 0 to 4 h after excision. This decline in effectiveness is consistent with involvement of the inhibitors in the production or propagation of a wound signal. The wound signal in lettuce moves into adjacent tissue at 0.5 cm h−1, so delaying application would allow the signal to move into and induce the wound response in adjacent tissue before the delayed application inhibited synthesis of the signal. Salicylic acid (SA) inhibits allene oxide synthase (AOS, EC 4.2.1.92), another enzyme in the phospholipid‐signaling pathway. Exposure to 1 or 10 mM SA for 60 min reduced wound‐induced phenolic accumulation by 26 or 56%, respectively. However, 1 mM SA lost its effectiveness if applied 3 h after excision, while 10 mM SA remained effective even when applied 4 h after excision. At 1 mM, SA may be perturbing the wound signal through inhibition of AOS, while at 10 mM it appears to have some generally inhibitory effect on subsequent phenolic metabolism. These data further implicate the phospholipid‐signaling pathway in the generation of a wound signal that induces phenolic metabolism in wounded leaf tissue.
Effects of intravascular volume therapy using hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) on post‐operative bleeding and transfusion requirements in children undergoing cardiac surgery: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Chong Sung K. , Kum Suk P. , Mi Ja Y. , Kyoung Ok K.
Published: October 2005

Background:  Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) used for intravascular volume expansion may cause coagulation abnormalities, especially in cardiac patients. Although low molecular weight HES (130/0.4) has been developed to minimize its influence on coagulation, experience with HES (130/0.4) in children is limited. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of a HES (130/0.4) infusion on post‐operative blood loss in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods:  Forty‐two children undergoing cardiac surgery were assigned at random to receive either 10 ml/kg fresh frozen plasma (FFP group; n = 21) or HES (130/0.4) (HES group; n = 21) shortly after cardiopulmonary bypass termination. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and international normalization ratio (INR) were measured. In addition, post‐operative transfusion requirements and blood loss until the end of the first post‐operative day were compared.

Results:  INR was significantly prolonged after HES infusion in comparison to the FFP group (P < 0.05). During the first 24 h after surgery, post‐operative blood loss, the use of allogenic blood/blood products and aPTT were similar in all children.

Conclusions:  Our study shows that the administration of a moderate dose of HES (130/0.4) in children undergoing cardiac surgery does not cause more bleeding or a higher transfusion requirement than a FFP infusion, and suggests that the administration of 10 ml/kg HES (130/0.4) is a safe alternative to plasma for intravascular volume replacement in this patient population.
Postoperative outcome among elderly patients after general anesthesia
Authors: Kojima Y. , Narita M.
Published: October 2005

Background:  Preoperative decision‐making for elderly patients requires a long‐term perspective. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative risk factors for decreased 1‐ to 5‐year survival rates and to compare the survival rates of stratified risk groups with those of the sex‐ and age‐matched general population.

Methods:  Subjects were 406 patients, aged 80 years or older, who underwent surgery with general anesthesia. Higher age, male sex, dependency in daily living, low serum albumin level, malignancy, abdominal surgery, emergency surgery and high ASA class were analyzed for survival using univariate and multivariate analysis with Cox's proportional hazard model. One‐ to 5‐year survival rates were estimated using life table analysis for patients divided by risk factors. The survival data were also compared with the cumulative survival rates of the sex‐ and age‐matched general population.

Results:  Multivariate analysis identified three factors that were significantly associated with decreased survival rates: male sex, dependency in daily living and abdominal surgery. Long‐term survival among patients older than 90 years was comparable to those of the general population. Although improved in recent years, overall survival rates were much lower than expected due to poor outcome among patients dependent in daily living and those who underwent abdominal surgery.

Conclusions:  In patients 80 years or older who underwent surgery with general anesthesia, independent risk factors for decreased survival are male sex, dependency in daily living and abdominal surgery. Only patients independent in daily living who underwent non‐abdominal surgery had survival rates comparable to those of the general population.
Does competitive divergence occur if assortative mating is costly?
Authors: Schneider K. A. , Bürger R.
Published: October 2005

Most models of sympatric speciation have assumed that assortative mating has no costs. A few studies, however, have shown that the costs for being choosy can prevent such speciation. Here, we investigate the role of the strength of assortment and of the costs for being choosy for a simple genetic model of a single (‘magic’) trait that mediates both intraspecific competition for a continuum of resources and assortative mating, which is induced by choosy females who preferentially mate with males of similar phenotype. Choosiness may be costly if it is difficult to find a mating partner. Such magic trait models are considered to be most conducive of sympatric speciation. We consider a sexually reproducing population of haploid individuals that is density regulated. The trait is determined by a single locus with multiple alleles. The strength of stabilizing selection (caused by a unimodal resource distribution), the strength of competition, the degree of assortment and the costs for being choosy are independent parameters. We investigate analytically and numerically how these parameters determine the equilibrium and stability structure. In particular, we identify conditions under which no polymorphism at all is maintained as well as conditions under which strong competitive divergence occurs, or the population even splits into two reproductively isolated classes of highly diverse phenotypes. If costs are absent or moderate, genetic variability tends to be minimized at intermediate strengths of assortment, and reproductively isolated classes of phenotypes are a likely result of evolution only for intermediate or strong competition and for very strong assortment. The likelihood of divergence depends relatively weakly on the costs as long as they are not high. With high costs, however, increasingly strong assortment rapidly depletes all genetic variation, and strong competitive divergence is prevented.