bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of Visual Rust Assessments and DNA Levels of Phakopsora pachyrhizi in Soybean Genotypes Varying in Rust Resistance
Authors: Paul C. , Hill C. B. , Hartman G. L.
Published: April 2011

Soybean resistance to Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the cause of soybean rust, has been characterized by the following three infection types: (i) immune response (IM; complete resistance) with no visible lesions, (ii) resistant reaction with reddish brown (RB) lesions (incomplete resistance), and (iii) susceptible reaction with tan-colored (TAN) lesions. Based on visual assessments of these phenotypes, single gene resistance in soybean to P. pachyrhizi has been documented, but colonization within infected tissues based on fungal DNA (FDNA) levels in different soybean genotypes had not been analyzed. The research used a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) assay to compare visual disease assessment to FDNA in controlled inoculation experiments using two isolates of P. pachyrhizi. The objective of the first experiment was to compare data from digital visual disease assessment to FDNA from Q-PCR assays using digital visual disease assessment using five resistant soybean genotypes (one IM and four RB) and five susceptible genotypes (TAN). The objective of the second experiment was to quantify FDNA using Q-PCR at different time points after inoculation to determine if levels of fungal colonization differed in five soybean genotypes with different levels of resistance (one IM, two RB, and two TAN). For experiment 1, the numbers of uredinia and uredinia per lesion on four of the five resistant soybean genotypes were lower (P < 0.05) than the other six genotypes. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in FDNA concentrations were found among soybean genotypes with TAN lesions and among soybean genotypes with RB lesions. Soybean cultivar UG5 (IM phenotype) had significantly less (P < 0.05) FDNA than all of the other genotypes. Some genotypes that produced TAN lesions had significantly lower (P < 0.05) or non-significantly different FDNA concentrations compared to those genotypes that produced RB lesions. For experiment 2, the regression of FDNA on days after inoculation was significant (P < 0.01) with positive slopes for all genotypes except for UG5, in which FDNA declined over time, indicating a reduction of fungal colonization. The results of this Q-PCR FDNA screening technique demonstrates its use to distinguish different types of resistance, and could be used to facilitate the evaluation of soybean breeding populations, where precise quantification of incomplete and/or partial resistance is needed to identify and map quantitative trait loci.
Disease Severity and Microsclerotium Properties of the Sorghum Sooty Stripe Pathogen, Ramulispora sorghi
Authors: Brady C. R. , Noll L. W. , Saleh A. A. , Little C. R.
Published: April 2011

Ramulispora sorghi causes sooty stripe of sorghum. Disease severity in irrigated and dryland plots was measured for 25 susceptible sorghum genotypes during the 2007 and 2008 growing seasons using a rating scale based upon percent leaf area infected. Disease severity ratings were approximately 1.4 points higher (P < 0.0001) on the rating scale in the irrigated plots than dryland plots for 2007 and 2008. Sooty stripe lesions were collected from each sorghum genotype in irrigated plots and assessed for mean microsclerotium production within lesions, microsclerotium size, and sporogenic germination, with significant differences apparent between genotypes for microsclerotium size (P = 0.01) and sporogenic germination (P = 0.01). There was no relationship between disease severity and microsclerotium production within leaf lesions, microsclerotium size, or sporogenic germination; however, there was a positive and significant correlation between microsclerotia production within a lesion and microsclerotium size (R2 = 0.19, P < 0.0001). Although microsclerotia from sorghum lesions varied in structural characteristics and their ability to produce spore masses, these qualities were dependent upon the sorghum genotype from which the microsclerotia were derived, because the R. sorghi population was genetically uniform as determined by internal transcribed spacer sequences and random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction.
Familiarity affects the assessment of female facial signals of fertility by free-ranging male rhesus macaques
Authors: Higham James P. , Hughes Kelly D. , Brent Lauren J. N. , Dubuc Constance , Engelhardt Antje , Heistermann Michael , Maestriperi Dario , Santos Laurie R. , Stevens Martin
Published: April 2011

Animals signal their reproductive status in a range of sensory modalities. Highly social animals, such as primates, have access not only to such signals, but also to prior experience of other group members. Whether this experience affects how animals interpret reproductive signals is unknown. Here, we explore whether familiarity with a specific female affects a male's ability to assess that female's reproductive signals. We used a preferential looking procedure to assess signal discrimination in free-ranging rhesus macaques, a species in which female facial luminance covaries with reproductive status. We collected images of female faces throughout the reproductive cycle, and using faecal hormone analysis to determine ovulation, categorized images as coming from a female's pre-fertile, ovulating, or post-fertile period. We printed colour-calibrated stimuli of these faces, reproducing stimuli perceptually the same in colour and luminance to the original appearance of females. These images were presented to males who were either unfamiliar or familiar with stimuli females. Overall, males distinguished ovulatory from pre-ovulatory faces. However, a significant proportion of males did so only among males familiar with stimuli females. These experiments demonstrate that familiarity may increase a receiver's ability to use a social partner's signals to discern their reproductive status.
Human cytomegalovirus immediate-early gene expression is restricted by the nuclear domain 10 component Sp100
Authors: Adler Martina , Tavalai Nina , Müller Regina , Stamminger Thomas
Published: April 2011

Nuclear domains 10 (ND10s) are discrete subnuclear structures that contain the three major protein components promyelocytic leukaemia protein (PML), hDaxx and Sp100. Previous studies identified the ND10-components PML and hDaxx as cellular restriction factors that independently counteract human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection via the repression of viral immediate-early (IE) gene expression. Consequently, we asked whether Sp100 is likewise involved in this repressive activity. Infection of Sp100 knockdown (kd) cells with HCMV resulted in a significantly increased plaque-forming ability. In addition, ablation of Sp100 led to a considerable increase in the number of IE1-expressing cells, indicating that Sp100 suppresses the initiation of viral gene expression. Next, double-kd cells, lacking either Sp100/hDaxx or Sp100/PML, were generated. Here, infection resulted in an additional enhancement in HCMV replication efficacy compared with the single-kd cells. Thus, our results further strengthen the concept that the three major ND10-components independently contribute to the cellular restriction of HCMV replication.
The viral ankyrin repeat protein (ORF124L) from infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus attenuates nuclear factor-κB activation and interacts with IκB kinase β
Authors: Guo Chang-Jun , Chen Wei-Jian , Yuan Li-Qun , Yang Li-Shi , Weng Shao-Ping , Yu Xiao-Qiang , He Jian-Guo
Published: April 2011

The ankyrin (ANK) repeat is one of the most common protein–protein interaction motifs, found predominantly in eukaryotes and bacteria, but the functions of the ANK repeat are rarely researched in animal viruses, with the exception of poxviruses. Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) is a typical member of the genus Megalocytivirus in the family Iridoviridae and is a causative agent of epizootics in fish. The genome of ISKNV contains four putative viral ANK (vANK) repeat proteins and their functions remain largely unknown. In the present study, it was found that ORF124L, a vANK repeat protein in ISKNV, encodes a protein of 274 aa with three ANK repeats. Transcription of ORF124L was detected at 12 h post-infection (p.i.) and reached a peak at 40 h p.i. ORF124L was found to localize to both the nucleus and the cytoplasm in mandarin fish fry cells. ISKNV ORF124L interacted with the mandarin fish IκB kinase β protein (scIKKβ), and attenuated tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)- or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced activity of a nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)–luciferase reporter but did not interfere with the activity of an activator protein 1 (AP-1)–luciferase reporter. Phosphorylation of IκBα and nuclear translocation of NF-κB were also impaired by ISKNV ORF124L. In summary, ORF124L was identified as a vANK repeat protein and its role in inhibition of TNF-α-induced NF-κB signalling was investigated through interaction with the mandarin fish IKKβ. This work may help to improve our understanding of the function of fish iridovirus ANK repeat proteins.
A discovery 70 years in the making: characterization of the Rose rosette virus
Authors: Laney Alma G. , Keller Karen E. , Martin Robert R. , Tzanetakis Ioannis E.
Published: April 2011

Rose rosette was first described in the early 1940s and it has emerged as one of the most devastating diseases of roses. Although it has been 70 years since the disease description, the rosette agent is yet to be characterized. In this communication, we identify and characterize the putative causal agent of the disease, a negative-sense RNA virus and new member of the genus Emaravirus. The virus was detected in 84/84 rose rosette-affected plants collected from the eastern half of the USA, but not in any of 30 symptomless plants tested. The strong correlation between virus and disease is a good indication that the virus, provisionally named Rose rosette virus, is the causal agent of the disease. Diversity studies using two virus proteins, p3 and p4, demonstrated that the virus has low diversity between isolates as they share nucleotide identities ranging from 97 to 99%.
In vivo function of the murid herpesvirus-4 ribonucleotide reductase small subunit
Authors: Milho Ricardo , Gill Michael B. , May Janet S. , Colaco Susanna , Stevenson Philip G.
Published: April 2011

The difficulty of eliminating herpesvirus carriage makes host entry a key target for infection control. However, its viral requirements are poorly defined. Murid herpesvirus-4 (MuHV-4) can potentially provide insights into gammaherpesvirus host entry. Upper respiratory tract infection requires the MuHV-4 thymidine kinase (TK) and ribonucleotide reductase large subunit (RNR-L), suggesting a need for increased nucleotide production. However, both TK and RNR-L are likely to be multifunctional. We therefore tested further the importance of nucleotide production by disrupting the MuHV-4 ribonucleotide reductase small subunit (RNR-S). This caused a similar attenuation to RNR-L disruption: despite reduced intra-host spread, invasive inoculations still established infection, whereas a non-invasive upper respiratory tract inoculation did so only at high dose. Histological analysis showed that RNR-S−, RNR-L−and TK−viruses all infected cells in the olfactory neuroepithelium but unlike wild-type virus then failed to spread. Thus captured host nucleotide metabolism enzymes, up to now defined mainly as important for alphaherpesvirus reactivation in neurons, also have a key role in gammaherpesvirus host entry. This seemed to reflect a requirement for lytic replication to occur in a terminally differentiated cell before a viable pool of latent genomes could be established.
Diverse gene reprogramming events occur in the same spatial clusters of distal regulatory elements
Authors: Hakim Ofir , Sung Myong-Hee , Voss Ty C. , Splinter Erik , John Sam , Sabo Peter J. , Thurman Robert E. , Stamatoyannopoulos John A. , de Laat Wouter , Hager Gordon L.
Published: April 2011

The spatial organization of genes in the interphase nucleus plays an important role in establishment and regulation of gene expression. Contradicting results have been reported to date, with little consensus about the dynamics of nuclear organization and the features of the contact loci. In this study, we investigated the properties and dynamics of genomic loci that are in contact with glucocorticoid receptor (GR)–responsive loci. We took a systematic approach, combining genome-wide interaction profiling by the chromosome conformation capture on chip (4C) technology with expression, protein occupancy, and chromatin accessibility profiles. This approach allowed a comprehensive analysis of how distinct features of the linear genome are organized in the three-dimensional nuclear space in the context of rapid gene regulation. We found that the transcriptional response to GR occurs without dramatic nuclear reorganization. Moreover, contrary to the view of transcription-driven organization, even genes with opposite transcriptional responses colocalize. Regions contacting GR-regulated genes are not particularly enriched for GR-regulated loci or for any functional group of genes, suggesting that these subnuclear environments are not organized to respond to a specific factor. The contact regions are, however, highly enriched for DNase I–hypersensitive sites that comprehensively mark cell-type–specific regulatory sites. These findings indicate that the nucleus is pre-organized in a conformation allowing rapid transcriptional reprogramming, and this organization is significantly correlated with cell-type–specific chromatin sites accessible to regulatory factors. Numerous open chromatin loci may be arranged in nuclear domains that are poised to respond to diverse signals in general and to permit efficient gene regulation.
Calling Cards enable multiplexed identification of the genomic targets of DNA-binding proteins
Authors: Wang Haoyi , Mayhew David , Chen Xuhua , Johnston Mark , Mitra Robi David
Published: April 2011

Transcription factors direct gene expression, so there is much interest in mapping their genome-wide binding locations. Current methods do not allow for the multiplexed analysis of TF binding, and this limits their throughput. We describe a novel method for determining the genomic target genes of multiple transcription factors simultaneously. DNA-binding proteins are endowed with the ability to direct transposon insertions into the genome near to where they bind. The transposon becomes a “Calling Card” marking the visit of the DNA-binding protein to that location. A unique sequence “barcode” in the transposon matches it to the DNA-binding protein that directed its insertion. The sequences of the DNA flanking the transposon (which reveal where in the genome the transposon landed) and the barcode within the transposon (which identifies the TF that put it there) are determined by massively parallel DNA sequencing. To demonstrate the method's feasibility, we determined the genomic targets of eight transcription factors in a single experiment. The Calling Card method promises to significantly reduce the cost and labor needed to determine the genomic targets of many transcription factors in different environmental conditions and genetic backgrounds.
Duplicate Maize Wrinkled1 Transcription Factors Activate Target Genes Involved in Seed Oil Biosynthesis
Authors: Pouvreau Benjamin , Baud Sébastien , Vernoud Vanessa , Morin Valérie , Py Cyrille , Gendrot Ghislaine , Pichon Jean-Philippe , Rouster Jacques , Paul Wyatt , Rogowsky Peter M.
Published: April 2011

WRINKLED1 (WRI1), a key regulator of seed oil biosynthesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), was duplicated during the genome amplification of the cereal ancestor genome 90 million years ago. Both maize (Zea mays) coorthologs ZmWri1a and ZmWri1b show a strong transcriptional induction during the early filling stage of the embryo and complement the reduced fatty acid content of Arabidopsis wri1-4 seeds, suggesting conservation of molecular function. Overexpression of ZmWri1a not only increases the fatty acid content of the mature maize grain but also the content of certain amino acids, of several compounds involved in amino acid biosynthesis, and of two intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Transcriptomic experiments identified 18 putative target genes of this transcription factor, 12 of which contain in their upstream regions an AW box, the cis-element bound by AtWRI1. In addition to functions related to late glycolysis and fatty acid biosynthesis in plastids, the target genes also have functions related to coenzyme A biosynthesis in mitochondria and the production of glycerol backbones for triacylglycerol biosynthesis in the cytoplasm. Interestingly, the higher seed oil content in ZmWri1a overexpression lines is not accompanied by a reduction in starch, thus opening possibilities for the use of the transgenic maize lines in breeding programs.
The 21-Nucleotide, but Not 22-Nucleotide, Viral Secondary Small Interfering RNAs Direct Potent Antiviral Defense by Two Cooperative Argonautes inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Xian-Bing , Jovel Juan , Udomporn Petchthai , Wang Ying , Wu Qingfa , Li Wan-Xiang , Gasciolli Virginie , Vaucheret Herve , Ding Shou-Wei
Published: April 2011

Arabidopsis thaliana defense against distinct positive-strand RNA viruses requires production of virus-derived secondary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) by multiple RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. However, little is known about the biogenesis pathway and effector mechanism of viral secondary siRNAs. Here, we describe a mutant of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV-Δ2b) that is silenced predominantly by the RNA-DEPENDENT RNA POLYMERASE6 (RDR6)-dependent viral secondary siRNA pathway. We show that production of the viral secondary siRNAs targeting CMV-Δ2b requires SUPPRESSOR OF GENE SILENCING3 and DICER-LIKE4 (DCL4) in addition to RDR6. Examination of 25 single, double, and triple mutants impaired in nine ARGONAUTE (AGO) genes combined with coimmunoprecipitation and deep sequencing identifies an essential function for AGO1 and AGO2 in defense against CMV-Δ2b, which act downstream the biogenesis of viral secondary siRNAs in a nonredundant and cooperative manner. Our findings also illustrate that dicing of the viral RNA precursors of primary and secondary siRNA is insufficient to confer virus resistance. Notably, although DCL2 is able to produce abundant viral secondary siRNAs in the absence of DCL4, the resultant 22-nucleotide viral siRNAs alone do not guide efficient silencing of CMV-Δ2b. Possible mechanisms for the observed qualitative difference in RNA silencing between 21- and 22-nucleotide secondary siRNAs are discussed.
Rice APOPTOSIS INHIBITOR5 Coupled with Two DEAD-Box Adenosine 5′-Triphosphate-Dependent RNA Helicases Regulates Tapetum Degeneration
Authors: Li Xingwang , Gao Xinqiang , Wei Yi , Deng Li , Ouyang Yidan , Chen Guoxing , Li Xianghua , Zhang Qifa , Wu Changyin
Published: April 2011

Programmed cell death (PCD) during tapetum degeneration in postmeiotic anthers is critical for the proper development of male gametophytes in flowering plants. Although several genes involved in this process have been identified recently, the molecular mechanism is still poorly understood. Here, we show that knockout of rice (Oryza sativa) APOPTOSIS INHIBITOR5 (API5), which encodes a putative homolog of antiapoptosis protein Api5 in animals, results in delayed degeneration of the tapetum due to inhibition of the tapetal PCD process leading to defects in formation of male gametophytes. Os API5 is a nuclear protein that interacts with two DEAD-box ATP-dependent RNA helicases, API5-INTERACTING PROTEIN1 (AIP1) and AIP2. AIP1 and AIP2 are homologs of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Suppressor of Bad Response to Refrigeration1 protein 2 (SUB2p) that have critical roles in transcription elongation and pre-mRNA splicing. Os AIP1 and AIP2 can form dimers and interact directly with the promoter region of CP1, a rice cysteine protease gene. Suppression of Os AIP1/2 leads to down-regulation of CP1, resulting in sterility, which is highly similar to the effects of suppressed expression of Os CP1. Our results uncover a previously unknown pathway for regulating PCD during tapetum degeneration in rice, one that may be conserved among eukaryotic organisms.
OSU‐DY7, a novel D‐tyrosinol derivative, mediates cytotoxicity in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and Burkitt lymphoma through p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway
Authors: Bai Li‐Yuan , Ma Yihui , Kulp Samuel K. , Wang Shu‐Huei , Chiu Chang‐Fang , Frissora Frank , Mani Rajeswaran , Mo Xiaokui , Jarjoura David , Byrd John C. , Chen Ching‐Shih , Muthusamy Natarajan
Published: April 2011

Drug resistance and associated immune deregulation limit use of current therapies in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), thus warranting alternative therapy development. Herein we demonstrate that OSU‐DY7, a novel D‐tyrosinol derivative targeting p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), mediates cytotoxicity in lymphocytic cell lines representing CLL (MEC‐1), acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (697 cells), Burkitt lymphoma (Raji and Ramos) and primary B cells from CLL patients in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The OSU‐DY7‐induced cytotoxicity is dependent on caspase activation, as evidenced by induction of caspase‐3 activation and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage and rescue of cytotoxicity by Z‐VAD‐FMK. Interestingly, OSU‐DY7‐induced cytotoxicity is mediated through activation of p38 MAPK, as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and downstream target protein MAPKAPK2. Pretreatment of B‐CLL cells with SB202190, a specific p38 MAPK inhibitor, results in decreased MAPKAPK2 protein level with concomitant rescue of the cells from OSU‐DY7‐mediated cytotoxicity. Furthermore, OSU‐DY7‐induced cytotoxicity is associated with down regulation of p38 MAPK target BIRC5, that is rescued at protein and mRNA levels by SB202190. This study provides evidence for a role of OSU‐DY7 in p38 MAPK activation and BIRC5 down regulation associated with apoptosis in B lymphocytic cells, thus warranting development of this alternative therapy for lymphoid malignancies.
Single‐dose pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime and fluconazole during concurrent clinical use in cold‐stunned Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)
Authors: INNIS C. J. , CERESIA M. L. , MERIGO C. , SCOTT WEBER E. , PAPICH M. G.
Published: April 2011

Innis, C. J., Ceresia, M. L., Merigo, C., Scott Weber III, E., Papich, M. G. Single‐dose pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime and fluconazole during concurrent clinical use in cold‐stunned Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 82–89.

Single‐dose pharmacokinetics of intramuscularly administered ceftazidime (22 mg/kg) and subcutaneously administered fluconazole (21 mg/kg) were investigated during concurrent clinical use in naturally cold‐stunned Kemp’s ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). Maximum mean concentration for ceftazidime was 61.31 μg/mL, and time of maximum concentration was 1.56 h postinjection. Maximum mean concentration for fluconazole was 26.16 μg/mL, and time of maximum concentration was 0.79 h postinjection. Results indicate that the ceftazidime dose and dosing interval used in this study are likely to be effective in treating susceptible strains of bacteria in Kemp’s ridley turtles. However, the fluconazole dose and dosing interval are not likely to be effective against filamentous fungal pathogens that are often involved in marine turtle fungal infections.
Hepatitis a seroprevalence in children and young adults in Istanbul, Turkey: seroprevalence change and associated factors
Authors: Ceran N. , Yüksel Kocdogan F. , Mert D. , Erdem İ. , Dede B. , Adaleti R. , Özyürek S. , Karagül E. , Göktaş P.
Published: April 2011

Summary.  Hepatitis A is a widespread infectious disease. The prevalence of the disease is closely related to socioeconomic status (SES) and environmental factors. Understanding its prevalence is essential for instituting appropriate precautions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis A and evaluate the associated demographic features in children and young adults in Istanbul. In total, 630 individuals between the ages of 5–24 were included in the study. They were classified into four age groups (5–9, 10–14, 15–19 and 20–24 years). The seropositivity of hepatitis A in the whole study population was 40%. Age‐specific prevalence was 11.4% in children 5–9 years old, 29% in those 10–14 years old, 49.7% in those 15–19 years old and 69% in those 20–25 years old. Seropositivity was associated with increasing age, low SES, large family size, low maternal educational level, use of unsafe drinking water and living in regions with poor infrastructure and incomplete urbanization. When we compared our results with previous seroprevalence studies performed in Istanbul, we found an epidemiological shift towards increasing age. Factors associated with changes in prevalence were urbanization and associated infrastructure improvement, knowledge of the disease by the population, use of good hygiene and use of vaccination in those at high risk.
Nucleus‐ and nucleomorph‐targeted histone proteins in a chlorarachniophyte alga
Authors: Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Burki Fabien , Keeling Patrick J.
Published: April 2011

The plastid of chlorarachniophytes is distinguished by the retention of a relict nucleus (nucleomorph) derived from a green algal endosymbiont, which is located in the periplastidal compartment (PPC). The nucleomorph genome of a chlorarachniophyte, Bigelowiella natans, encodes several plastid‐targeted proteins and hundreds of housekeeping proteins, but it lacks many fundamental genes to maintain itself. Here we report the first two host nucleus‐encoded genes for proteins targeted to the nucleomorph, histone H2A and H2B. We identified 20 histone genes from the host nuclear genome, and based on phylogenetic analyses predicted that most of these are derived from the host, but that two histone genes are symbiont‐derived. The genes both encode N‐terminal extensions resembling PPC targeting signals, further suggesting they function in the nucleomorph. Using green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins expressed in transformed cells, we confirmed that the putative symbiont H2A and H2B were targeted into the nucleomorph, whereas putative host proteins were localized to the host nucleus. Furthermore, we have developed a method to temporarily synchronize B. natans cells, and confirmed that both host and symbiont histone expression is controlled during the cell cycle. Our findings provide the first evidence of how the nucleomorph may be regulated by host‐encoded gene products.
The association between neighbourhoods and adverse birth outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of multi‐level studies
Authors: Metcalfe Amy , Lail Parabhdeep , Ghali William A. , Sauve Reg S.
Published: April 2011

Metcalfe A, Lail P, Ghali WA, Sauve RS. The association between neighbourhoods and adverse birth outcomes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of multi‐level studies. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011; 25: 236–245.

Many studies have examined the role of neighbourhood environment on birth outcomes but, because of differences in study design and modelling techniques, have found conflicting results. Seven databases were searched (1900–2010) for multi‐level observational studies related to neighbourhood and pregnancy/birth. We identified 1502 articles of which 28 met all inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis was used to examine the association between neighbourhood income and low birthweight. Most studies showed a significant association between neighbourhood factors and birth outcomes. A significant pooled association was found for the relationship between neighbourhood income and low birthweight [odds ratio = 1.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 1.20] whereby women who lived in low income neighbourhoods had significantly higher odds of having a low birthweight infant. This body of literature was found to consistently document significant associations between neighbourhood factors and birth outcomes. The consistency of findings from observational studies in this area indicates a need for causal studies to determine the mechanisms by which neighbourhoods influence birth outcomes.
A simple detached leaf assay provides rapid and inexpensive determination of pathogenicity of Pythium isolates to ‘all year round’ (AYR) chrysanthemum roots
Authors: Pettitt T. R. , Wainwright M. F. , Wakeham A. J. , White J. G.
Published: April 2011

A detached leaf assay was developed to determine the pathogenicity of Pythium isolates to cut‐flower chrysanthemum roots. Leaves from young plants were excised and inoculated by insertion of a plug of mycelium into a slit cut in the excised petiole. After incubation leaves were assessed for presence and extent of necrosis. Necrosis indicated pathogenicity and was consistently confirmed by comparisons with whole plant inoculations. The rate of necrosis spread also gave some indication of virulence. Isolates of Pythium sylvaticum, P. ultimum and HS group were the most virulent, with a mean rate of spread of 14·6 mm per day, significantly (P < 0·05) faster than the mean rate of spread, 1·6 mm per day, of less virulent isolates. Less virulent isolates included P. irregulare, P. oligandrum and P. aphanidermatum. The latter was unexpected, as P. aphanidermatum is an important species in pythium root rot epidemics in chrysanthemums elsewhere. The value of the detached leaf assay for screening large numbers of isolates was demonstrated in a survey of isolates from clinic samples from chrysanthemum nurseries and in a series of dilution‐plating experiments looking at numbers of Pythium propagules in commercial chrysanthemum beds showing root rot. In the survey, the predominant pathogenic species was identified as P. sylvaticum and the most likely source of infection was contaminated soil as opposed to blocking media or irrigation water, whilst in soil colonization studies the use of detached leaf assays demonstrated a relationship between pathogenic inoculum concentration in soil and the expression of root rot symptoms.
Control of root hair development in Arabidopsis thaliana by an endoplasmic reticulum anchored member of the R2R3‐MYB transcription factor family
Authors: Slabaugh Erin , Held Michael , Brandizzi Federica
Published: April 2011

The evolution of roots and root hairs was a crucial innovation that contributed to the adaptation of plants to a terrestrial environment. Initiation of root hairs involves transcriptional cues that in part determine cell patterning of the root epidermis. Once root hair initiation has occurred, elongation of the root hair takes place. Although many genes have been identified as being involved in root hair development, many contributors remain uncharacterized. In this study we report on the involvement of a member (here dubbed maMYB) of the plant‐specific R2R3‐MYB family of transcription factors in root hair elongation in Arabidopsis. We show that maMYB is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum membrane with the transcription factor domain exposed to the cytosol, suggesting that it may function as a membrane‐tethered transcription factor. We demonstrate that a truncated form of maMYB (maMYB84–309), which contains the R2R3‐MYB transcription factor domain, is localized and retained in the nucleus, where it regulates gene expression. Silencing of maMyb resulted in plants with significantly shorter root hairs but similar root hair density compared with wild type, implying a role of the protein in root hair elongation. 2,4‐D (2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), an exogenous auxin analog that promotes root hair elongation, rescued the short root hair phenotype and maMyb mRNA was induced in the presence of 2,4‐D and IAA (indole‐3‐acetic acid). These results indicate a functional role of maMYB, which is integrated with auxin, in root hair elongation in Arabidopsis.
Unexplained polyposis: a challenge for geneticists, pathologists and gastroenterologists
Authors: Mongin C , Coulet F , Lefevre JH , Colas C , Svrcek M , Eyries M , Lahely Y , Fléjou J‐F , Soubrier F , Parc Y
Published: April 2011

Mongin C, Coulet F, Lefevre JH, Colas C, Svrcek M, Eyries M, Lahely Y, Fléjou J‐F, Soubrier F, Parc Y. Unexplained polyposis: a challenge for geneticists, pathologists and gastroenterologists.

Two main colorectal polyposis syndromes have been described, familial adenomatous polyposis and MUTYH‐associated polyposis syndromes. Some polyposis remains unexplained: 20% of adenomatous polyposis and serrated polyposis. The aim of this study was to evaluate in a cohort of patients with unexplained polyposis whether a genetic defect could be detected. Individuals presenting polyposis with more than 40 adenomas or more than 20 serrated polyps (hyperplastic, sessile serrated and mixed), without causative mutation identified, were included. Complementary explorations on APC or MUTYH were performed: search for APC mosaicism, splicing‐affecting mutations, large genomic rearrangement of MUTYH. Four genes of Wnt pathway (AXIN2, PPP2R1B, WIF1, SFRP1) and two genes of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) pathway (SMAD4, BMPR1A) were screened for germline mutation. Twenty‐five patients had an unexplained adenomatous polyposis (familial or sporadic). Five pathogenic mutations were found: four in APC gene (with one case of mosaicism) and one in BMPR1A gene. The exploration of APC mosaicism was better performed from adenoma DNA with high‐resolution melting. The screening of the candidate genes did not find any causative mutation. Thirteen individuals had an unexplained serrated polyposis and a frameshift on SMAD4 gene was identified. All mutations were identified in familial cases of polyposis. After new pathological examination, both BMPR1A and SMAD4 cases were found to be associated with a juvenile polyposis while the polyposis was initially described as adenomatous or undetermined. In 17% (6/38) of the patients the causative mutation of the polyposis was identified. Genetic causes were heterogeneous. Sporadic polyposis patients must be considered as potential APC mosaicism. The histological classification of polyposis is strongly important in direct genetic exploration.
Thoracic complications following lung transplantation: 64‐MDCT findings
Authors: Caruso Settimo , Crino’ Francesca , Milazzo Mariapina , Vitulo Patrizio , Bertani Alessandro , Marrone Gianluca , Mamone Giuseppe , Maruzzelli Luigi , Miraglia Roberto , Carollo Vincenzo , Luca Angelo , Gridelli Bruno
Published: April 2011

Caruso S, Crino’ F, Milazzo M, Vitulo P, Bertani A, Marrone G, Mamone G, Maruzzelli L, Miraglia R, Carollo V, Luca A, Gridelli B. Thoracic complications following lung transplantation: 64‐MDCT findings. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 673–684. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The aim of this review is to present the wide spectrum of common and uncommon thoracic complications that can affect the lung after transplantation. These complications were analyzed using 64 multi‐detector row helical CT (MDCT). Sixty‐four MDCT techniques and parameters are illustrated. Correlations of imaging findings and pathologic and histologic specimens obtained by transbronchial biopsy and broncoalveolar lavage are illustrated in representative cases.
Sexual Conflict Over Spermatophore Attachment in a Nuptially Feeding Cricket
Authors: Prokop Pavol , Maxwell Michael R.
Published: April 2011

Sexual conflict is implicated in the evolution of nuptial feeding. One function of nuptial gifts lies in mating effort, where the female’s eating of the gift reduces her likelihood of prematurely terminating sperm transfer. We test several ideas regarding sexual conflict in the nuptially feeding wood cricket Nemobius sylvestris. In this cricket, males pass two kinds of spermatophores to females: spermless microspermatophores and larger sperm‐filled macrospermatophores. Females may palpate the males’ forewing secretions as a possible additional form of nuptial feeding. We manipulated male mobility and female feeding regime to examine the effects on spermatophore transfer, macrospermatophore attachment duration, and palpations of the males’ forewings. Neither male confinement nor female feeding regime affected the occurrence of macrospermatophore transfer. Males transferred the macrospermatophore sooner to low‐food females than to high‐food females. Males that were freely mobile (unconfined and sham treatments) had longer macrospermatophore attachment durations than confined males, while female feeding regime did not affect attachment duration. The overall occurrence of female palpation was not significantly affected by female feeding regime. However, high‐food females were more likely to perform short palpations before microspermatophore transfer, while low‐food females were more likely to palpate after macrospermatophore transfer. Sexual conflict is evident in that males appear to guard against premature removal of the sperm‐filled macrospermatophore. Low‐food females appear to facilitate the early transfer of the macrospermatophore, while being more likely to perform relatively long post‐insemination palpations than better‐fed females.
Update in paediatric asthma management: Where is evidence challenging current practice?
Authors: Robinson Paul D , Van Asperen Peter
Published: April 2011

Extrapolation of management strategies based on results from predominantly adult asthma studies frequently occurs in paediatric asthma despite increasing evidence that paediatric asthma and, in particular, pre‐school recurrent wheeze are very different disease entities. Response to medications in paediatric subjects is often different from that seen in their older adolescent and adult counterparts. In this update, we discussed recent studies that have had important implications for future paediatric asthma management. The overuse of combination inhaled steroid and long‐acting beta2 agonist inhalers in paediatric asthma despite ongoing safety concerns is an increasing trend in paediatric asthma, and recent evidence has helped clarify how they should be used in children. Other aspects discussed include the role of oral corticosteroids in pre‐school viral‐induced wheeze and the utility of leukotriene receptor antagonists in exercise‐induced asthma.
Sleep quality of Chinese adolescents: Distribution and its associated factors
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Su Hong , Zou Yanfeng , Chen Juan , Wu Jialing , Chang Weiwei
Published: April 2011

Aim:  To investigate the sleep quality status and its associated factors (including psychological and physiological as well as social demographic factors) among Chinese mainland adolescents.

Methods:  Ten schools, including junior schools, senior schools and universities of Hefei (the capital of Anhui Province in China), were randomly selected. By using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Self‐Rated Health Measurement Scale Version 1.0, University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Self‐rating Anxiety Scale and a demographic survey, a cross‐sectional study was implemented to 5226 students of the selected schools to investigate the adolescents' sleep quality, self‐rated health, psychological status and demographic variables.

Results:  There were significant sleep quality differences between different groups of grade level, residence, family type, self‐report personality, self‐report examination scores, self‐rated health, depression, loneliness and anxiety according to the results of the univariate analysis (P < 0.01 or <0.05). The multivariate analysis indicated that high grade level (OR = 1.490, 95%CI = 1.350–1.645), living in rural areas (OR = 0.874, 95%CI = 0.799–0.956), poor self‐rated health (OR = 0.934, 95%CI = 0.926–0.942), high degree of depression (OR = 1.867, 95%CI = 1.514–2.302) and anxiety (OR = 1.976, 95%CI = 1.647–2.372) may be the influencing factors of poor sleep.

Conclusions:  The poor sleep quality of many adolescents may be attributed to various causes, especially psychological reasons.
Cochlear function in 1‐year‐old term infants born with hypoxia‐ischaemia or low Apgar scores
Authors: Jiang Ze D , Zang Zeng , Wilkinson Andrew R
Published: April 2011

Aim:  To examine the influence of perinatal hypoxia‐ischaemia (HI) or low Apgar scores on distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in infants at 1 year and detect any postnatal changes.

Methods:  Eighty‐eight term infants born with perinatal HI or low Apgar scores alone were recruited at 1 year of age. The ears with type A tympanogram (normal) were studied with DPOAEs at 10 frequencies between 0.5 kHz and 10 kHz.

Results:  DPOAE pass rates were decreased at all frequencies 1–10 kHz, particularly 1 and 2 kHz in both infants born with HI and those with low Apgar scores (χ2= 3.80–15.09, P < 0.05–0.01). Overall pass rates in the two groups were also decreased (X2= 10.78 and 12.12, P < 0.01 and 0.01). No marked differences were found between infants born with HI and those with low Apgar score. Compared with those recorded at 1 and 6 months, DPOAE pass rates at 1 year were increased slightly in infants born with HI, but showed no marked changes in those born with low Apgar scores.

Conclusions:  DPOAE pass rates, mainly at 1 and 2 kHz, were decreased at 1 year in infants born with perinatal HI and low Apgar scores, suggesting a relative poor cochlear function. Further studies are needed to ascertain the hearing acuity.
Mild traumatic brain injury: Improving quality of care in the paediatric emergency department setting
Authors: Sharpe Sarah , Kool Bridget , Shepherd Michael , Dalziel Stuart , Ameratunga Shanthi
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in childhood can impose a significant threat to life and longer‐term disability. This study investigated the extent to which the documentation of key indicators of healthcare quality in the emergency department (ED) setting was consistent with clinical guidelines for the management of children with mild TBI (MTBI).

Methods:  The clinical records of a random sample of 60 children (stratified by ethnicity and age group), who were seen and discharged from a large metropolitan paediatric hospital ED following a head injury, were systematically reviewed to examine the processes of care and follow‐up.

Results:  Based on the documentation in clinical records, processes designed to identify and manage potentially life‐threatening acute complications (e.g. computed tomography scanning to identify intracranial haemorrhage) were consistent with best practice standards. However gaps existed between current and best practice for some aspects of care that could minimise risks of longer‐term disability from MTBI. For example, relevant clinical criteria were well documented, but this information did not appear to be applied systematically to identify and to follow up children with definite or possible MTBI.

Conclusion:  The apparent absence of a systematic approach to the diagnosis and follow‐up of MTBI in children presenting to ED suggests a missed opportunity to minimise the risk of disability following these injuries. Greater attention to an integrated care pathway that improves the identification, documentation, and follow‐up of children with MTBI presenting to ED is required.
Detection of microorganisms in exhaled breath condensate during acute exacerbations of COPD
Authors: ZAKHARKINA TETYANA , KOCZULLA A.‐REMBERT , MARDANOVA OLGA , HATTESOHL AKIRA , BALS ROBERT
Published: April 2011

Background and objective:  One hallmark of COPD is colonization and infection of the lung. Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are acute deteriorations of the chronic disease and are associated with a change of the pulmonary microbial balance. The collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) can be used to non‐invasively determine markers of lung disease. The aim of the present study was to compare the results of assays based on the detection of microbial nucleic acids from EBC and from spontaneous sputum in patients with AECOPD.

Methods:  EBC and sputa of 29 adults with AECOPD were obtained. Isolated DNA or RNA were used as starting material for the PCR assays to detect Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, influenza viruses (AH 1, AH 3) and respiratory syncytial virus.

Results:  Bacterial or viral nucleic acids were identified in 14 EBC and 21 sputa from 29 patients. Results from EBC did not correlate well with those from sputum. Viral and S. pneumoniae nucleic acids were detected only in sputum, whereas L. pneumophila DNA was only found in EBC. In three EBC and 10 sputa nucleic acids of more than one microorganism was detected.

Conclusions:  Bacterial nucleic acids can be identified in EBC of COPD patients with exacerbations. The results obtained from EBC and sputum did not correlate well.
Simple clinical score is associated with mortality and length of stay of acute general medical admissions to an Australian hospital
Authors: Li J. Y. Z. , Yong T. Y. , Hakendorf P. , Roberts S. , O'Brien L. , Sharma Y. , Ben‐Tovim D. , Thompson C. H.
Published: April 2011

Background:  In a rural Irish hospital, a simple clinical score (SCS) determined at the time of admission enabled stratification of acute general medical admissions into five categories that were associated incrementally with patients' immediate and 30‐day mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the representative performance of this SCS in predicting the outcomes of general medical admissions to an Australian teaching hospital.

Methods:  A retrospective chart review was undertaken of a representative sample from 480 admissions in 2007 to an urban university teaching hospital in Australia. The SCS was calculated and related to that patient's outcome in terms of mortality, length of stay, nursing home placement on discharge, the occurrence of medical emergency team call and intensive care unit transfer. These data were compared, where possible, with the outcomes reported in the Irish hospital.

Results:  Four hundred and seventeen complete sets of data allowed calculation of the SCS. There were significant linear correlations of the SCS (divided into quintiles) and patients' in‐hospital and 30‐day mortality, their length of stay and their discharge to a nursing home. There was no association of the SCS and the patients' readmission rate, intensive care unit transfer rate or likelihood of a medical emergency team call. The significant trends replicated those from the Irish hospital.

Conclusion:  The SCS can predict significant outcomes for general medical admissions in an Australian hospital despite obvious differences to the hospital of its derivation. A wider study of Australasian hospitals and the performance of the SCS as a predictor of general medical admission outcomes is underway.