bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐reactive and species‐specific immunoglobulin E epitopes of plant profilins: an experimental and structure‐based analysis
Authors: Radauer C. , Willerroider M. , Fuchs H. , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber K. , Thalhamer J. , Ferreira F. , Scheiner O. , Breiteneder H.
Published: June 2006

Background
Profilins are cross‐reactive plant allergens responsible for multiple pollen sensitization and pollen‐associated food allergy. While it is assumed that profilins from different species are immunologically equivalent, some studies suggest partial or even lacking IgE cross‐reactivity between certain profilins.

Objective
We aimed to obtain a semi‐quantitative assessment of the contributions of conserved and species‐specific epitopes to IgE binding of plant profilins.

Methods
We compared model structures of profilins from timothy, mugwort, celery and bell pepper with crystal structures of birch and latex profilins. We predicted potential conformational epitopes that consisted of contiguous patches of at least 20% surface‐exposed residues. Celery and timothy profilins were purified from their natural sources, and profilins from birch, mugwort, bell pepper and latex were expressed in Escherichia coli. The structural integrity of all purified proteins was confirmed by circular dichroism spectroscopy. IgE ELISAs and ELISA inhibitions using sera from 22 profilin‐sensitized allergic patients were carried out.

Results
Peptide backbone conformations of all six profilins were highly similar. Nine variable epitopes and two containing high proportions of conserved residues were predicted. IgE from all sera bound to all tested profilins and the amounts were highly correlated. However, IgE inhibition experiments revealed that up to 60% of total IgE binding was mediated by species‐specific epitopes. The extent of cross‐reactivity among profilins from timothy, birch, latex and celery was greater than cross‐reactivity to mugwort and bell pepper profilins. This pattern was mirrored by sequence similarities among one of the predicted variable epitopes. Patients with IgE to cross‐reactive epitopes displayed allergic reactions to a greater number of plant foods than patients having IgE directed to species‐specific epitopes.

Conclusion
The large extent of cross‐reactivity among plant profilins justifies using a single profilin for diagnosis. However, the fine specificity of IgE directed to variable epitopes may influence the clinical manifestation of profilin sensitization.
Are increased frequency of macrophage-like and natural killer (NK) cells, together with high levels of NKT and CD4+CD25high T cells balancing activated CD8+ T cells, the key to control Chagas’ disease morbidity?
Authors: Vitelli-Avelar D M , Sathler-Avelar R , Massara R L , Borges J D , Lage P S , Lana M , Teixeira-Carvalho A , Dias J C P , Elói-Santos S M , Martins-Filho O A
Published: June 2006

The immunological response during early human Trypanosoma cruzi infection is not completely understood, despite its role in driving the development of distinct clinical manifestations of chronic infection. Herein we report the results of a descriptive flow cytometric immunophenotyping investigation of major and minor peripheral blood leucocyte subpopulations in T. cruzi-infected children, characterizing the early stages of the indeterminate clinical form of Chagas’ disease. Our results indicated significant alterations by comparison with uninfected children, including increased values of pre-natural killer (NK)-cells (CD3– CD16+ CD56–), and higher values of proinflammatory monocytes (CD14+ CD16+ HLA-DR++). The higher values of activated B lymphocytes (CD19+ CD23+) contrasted with impaired T cell activation, indicated by lower values of CD4+ CD38+ and CD4+ HLA-DR+ lymphocytes, a lower frequency of CD8+ CD38+ and CD8+ HLA-DR+ cells; a decreased frequency of CD4+ CD25HIGH regulatory T cells was also observed. These findings reinforce the hypothesis that simultaneous activation of innate and adaptive immunity mechanisms in addition to suppression of adaptive cellular immune response occur during early events of Chagas’ disease. Comparative cross-sectional analysis of these immunophenotypes with those exhibited by patients with late chronic indeterminate and cardiac forms of disease suggested that a shift toward high values of macrophage-like cells extended to basal levels of proinflammatory monocytes as well as high values of mature NK cells, NKT and regulatory T cells, may account for limited tissue damage during chronic infection favouring the establishment/maintenance of a lifelong indeterminate clinical form of the disease. On the other hand, development of an adaptive cell-mediated inflammatory immunoprofile characterized by high levels of activated CD8+ cells and basal levels of mature NK cells, NKT and CD4+ CD25HIGH cells might lead to late chronic pathologies associated with chagasic heart disease.
Metformin therapy improves coronary microvascular function in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance
Authors: Topcu Semra , Tok Derya , Caliskan Mustafa , Ozcimen Emel Ebru , Gullu Hakan , Uckuyu Ayla , Erdogan Dogan , Zeyneloglu Hulusi , Muderrisoglu Haldun
Published: June 2006

Background  Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are thought to have increased cardiovascular risk. Metformin therapy reduces whole‐body insulin resistance (IR) in patients with type‐2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Objective  As insulin resistance accompanying PCOS may be reversed by metformin therapy, we hypothesized that metformin therapy might improve coronary microvascular functions in women with PCOS and IR.

Patients and methods  We treated 16 women with PCOS and IR with metformin, and measured coronary flow reserve (CFR) at the beginning and after 6 months of metformin therapy using transthoracic second‐harmonic Doppler echocardiography.

Results  At the end of the 6 months of metformin therapy, baseline coronary diastolic peak flow velocity (DPFV) did not change significantly (from 24·6 ± 4·3 to 23·0 ± 3·1, P = 0·106); however, hyperaemic coronary DPFV (from 68·2 ± 12·7 to 74·5 ± 9·7, P = 0·08), and CFR (from 2·75 ± 0·48 to 3·3 ± 0·5, P = 0·016) was significantly improved by metformin therapy.

Conclusion  In women with PCOS, coronary microvascular function and CFR are significantly improved by 6 months of therapy with metformin.
Evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging of aortic dilatation and coarctation in adult Turner syndrome patients
Authors: Ilyas Mohammad , Chu Carol , Ettles Duncan , Mathew Verghese , Atkin Stephen
Published: June 2006

Objective  Turner syndrome has well‐recognized cardiovascular complications that appear in up to 40% of the patients and are more common in monosomy X. Left‐sided obstructive lesions are relatively more frequent and predispose to aortic root dilatation and life‐threatening aortic dissection. However, bicuspid aortic valves, hypertension, coarctation and aortic stenosis are also at risk of aortic dissection. Currently there is no clear guideline regarding the best single test for detection or monitoring aortic disease progression.

Design  Routine thoracic aortic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was introduced to the dedicated Turner syndrome clinic, with repeated MRI examination every 2 years to detect or assess progression of aortic lesions.

Results  Seven out of a total of 17 patients developed aortic anomalies during the course of surveillance, which included coarctation as well as aortic dilatation. None of these patients had any cardiovascular symptoms and the vascular abnormalities were detected on MRI at presentation or during the course of their follow‐up. In patients with previously normal aortic imaging, the time interval for the lesion to be detectable varied between 2 and 6 years. In one patient there was progression of an established lesion over the 2‐year period.

Conclusion  In the few patients presented here, regular imaging at first consultation followed by every 2 years would appear to be warranted, although the exact frequency of imaging and by what modality still need to be ascertained definitively.
Determination of zooplankton dietary shift following a zebra mussel invasion, as indicated by stable isotope analysis
Authors: MAGUIRE CAITRIONA M. , GREY JONATHAN
Published: June 2006

1. Freshwaters with established zebra mussel populations typically exhibit reduced chlorophyll a concentrations, but the subsequent impacts upon zooplankton are varied. We hypothesised that in an invaded system with less phytoplankton but available allochthonous subsidy, zooplankton may utilise greater proportions of allochthonous matter and that this could be traced by analysis of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes.

2. We used archived zooplankton samples which had been consistently preserved and which spanned the invasion period of an Irish lake, Lough Erne. Increasing reliance upon allochthonous resources would be reflected in an increase in zooplankton δ13C away from phytoplankton which is relatively 13C‐depleted in humic‐stained L. Erne.

3. Analysis of a series of monthly samples (1992–96, 1999–2003) revealed significant 13C‐enrichment of mixed zooplankton, Eudiaptomus gracilis and Mysis relicta post‐zebra mussel invasion; δ13C values approached −27‰ typical of terrestrial organic matter during spring and autumn. Changes in zooplankton elemental composition also suggested a switch to a lower quality diet. However, analysis of zooplankton δ13C from an annual, single‐point (June) time series spanning 28 years (1977–2004) suggested that when phytoplankton was sufficiently abundant, zooplankton used this resource and their δ13C remained relatively constant around −32‰. Post‐invasion enrichment of mysid δ15N may reflect a shift towards carnivory, but planktonic prey abundance was reduced and a subsequent loss of body condition could result in the same isotopic changes.

4. Our results indicate that in L. Erne, when phytoplankton was reduced by zebra mussel filtering, zooplankton assimilated more from allochthonous matter, and potentially sustained a higher population than would otherwise be possible. Thus, zebra mussel impact on foodweb structure and function is likely to be different in lakes subject to varying subsidy levels.
Facilitation and interference among three predators affect their consumption of a stream‐dwelling mayfly
Authors: NILSSON ERIKA , HERTONSSON PIA , STENBERG MARIKA , BRODERSEN JAKOB , OLSSON KARIN , STENROTH PATRIK , LAKOWITZ THOMAS , BRÖNMARK CHRISTER , NYSTRÖM PER , MCINTOSH ANGUS R.
Published: June 2006

1. We experimentally tested if a multiplicative risk model accurately predicted the consumption of a common mayfly at risk of predation from three predator species in New Zealand streams. Deviations between model predictions and experimental observations were interpreted as indicators of ecologically important interactions between predators.

2. The predators included a drift‐feeding fish [brown trout (T), Salmo trutta], a benthivorous fish [galaxiid (G), koaro, Galaxias brevipennis] and a benthic predatory stonefly (S; Stenoperla sp.) with Deleatidium sp. mayflies as prey. Eight treatments with all predator species combinations and a predator‐free control were used. Experiments were performed in aquaria with cobbles as predator refuges for mayflies and we measured the proportion of prey consumed after 6 h for both day and night trials.

3. Trout consumed a higher proportion of prey than other predators. For the two predator treatments we found less than expected prey consumption in the galaxiid + trout treatment (G + T) for both day and night trials, whereas a higher than expected proportion of prey was consumed during night time in the stonefly + trout (S + T) treatment.

4. The results indicate interference (G + T) and facilitation (S + T) between predators depending on predator identity and time of day. Thus, to make accurate predictions of interspecific interactions, it is necessary to consider the ecology of individual species and how differences influence the direction and magnitude of interactions.
Detectability of residual Epiphany and gutta‐percha after root canal retreatment using a dental operating microscope and radiographs – an ex vivo study
Authors: Schirrmeister J. F. , Hermanns P. , Meyer K. M. , Goetz F. , Hellwig E.
Published: June 2006

Aim  To compare the detectability of residual Epiphany and gutta‐percha after root canal retreatment using a dental operating microscope and radiographic examination with the residual area measured after rendering the roots transparent.

Methodology  Sixty extracted single‐rooted maxillary central incisor teeth were enlarged to apical size 40. Thirty canals were filled using vertically compacted Epiphany, the remainder were filled with vertically compacted gutta‐percha and AH Plus sealer. After re‐instrumentation to apical size 50, radiographs of the roots were taken in buccolingual and mesiodistal direction. Residual filling material was categorized by three observers using the radiographs and a dental operating microscope. The area of remaining material that was made visible by radiographs was measured with the aid of a computer image analysis programme. After clearing the roots, areas of residual filling material on the root canal wall were measured using a microscope.

Results  Computer image analysis of the radiographs showed significantly smaller areas of remaining gutta‐percha and Epiphany compared with the analysis of the transparent teeth that revealed only one absolutely clean root (Epiphany). Especially in the gutta‐percha group, the scores determined by the observers using radiographic examination gave an over‐optimistic impression of cleanliness compared with the scores determined by the visualization through the microscope.

Conclusion  Especially for remaining gutta‐percha, the operating microscopes provided better detection of residual root filling material in retreated maxillary incisor teeth.
Dental health of 5‐year‐old children and parents’ perceptions for oral health in the prefectures of Athens and Piraeus in the Attica County of Greece
Authors: KALYVAS D. I. , TAYLOR C. M. , MICHAS V. , LYGIDAKIS N. A.
Published: June 2006

Summary.  Objectives.  This study was undertaken in 2001 in order to investigate the dental health status of 5‐year‐olds in an urban community within Attica County in Greece and the views of the carers of this age group.

Methods.  Three hundred and forty‐five nursery children were examined, using the WHO methods and criteria. Parents’ views were recorded in a questionnaire.

Results.  Overall, 48·4% had some experience of dental decay. The mean dmft of the whole study population was 2·6, whereas the mean dmft of the subjects with active decay was 5·4; in these cases untreated decay was the highest component (mean dt = 5·0). A questionnaire using phone calls to the children's homes achieved a 100% response rate. Ninety‐five per cent of parents thought that a child should visit the dentist at this early age and 79·5% of responders answered that they had already visited the dentist with their child for different reasons. Three‐quarters (75·4%) of parents had received information about fluoride, whereas 72·5% answered that did not use any type of fluoride for their child at home. It was reported that 63·5% of children ate snacks, sweets, cakes, biscuits, and gums between the main meals of the day and 31% of the subjects more than once per day.

Conclusions.  Caries indicies were higher from the National 2003–4 survey and were attributed to the increasing number of immigrants in some areas. The population under investigation had the appropriate information for the prevention of dental decay but they appear to maintain unhealthy behaviours in their everyday living.
Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: a nurse‐led domiciliary service
Authors: Tomlinson Mark , John Gibson G.
Published: June 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a successful transformation of clinical practice from inpatient diagnosis and initiation of treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome to a nurse‐led domiciliary model increasing patient access and choice.

Background.  Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is common, affecting globally 2–4% of the adult population. It is characterized by periodic complete or partial collapse of the upper airway, leading to hypoxaemia and sleep fragmentation, resulting in daytime sleepiness and impaired quality of life. It can be treated successfully with nocturnal continuous positive airway pressure. Strategies for diagnosis and initiation of treatment have traditionally been inpatient‐based, but limited facilities and increasing demand in many countries have necessitated alternative strategies.

Methods.  As an extension to our current inpatient provision, we have established nurse‐led domiciliary investigation and treatment. Patients meeting predefined criteria undergo a limited sleep study followed by therapy initiation at home. Confirmation of investigation findings, evaluation of treatment, education and long‐term review are carried out in nurse‐led clinics.

Results.  We evaluated outcome in the first 150 patients managed in this way between August 2002 and December 2003. In our highly selected patient group, 79% of those who undertook a trial of treatment continued at 3 months, with average compliance >5 hours per night, a figure which compares favourably with our overall patient population. Statistically significant sustained improvement in sleepiness was seen. Independent predictors of long‐term acceptability of continuous positive airway pressure were disease severity and magnitude of improvement in sleepiness.

Conclusion.  A nurse‐led service for domiciliary diagnosis, treatment initiation and on‐going management of selected patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is feasible and cost‐effective, with outcomes comparable with conventional inpatient services. This approach is applicable in most countries where increasing demand for investigations greatly exceeds the availability of traditional facilities.
Infection dynamics of Neoheterobothrium hirame (Monogenea) on juvenile olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel), in coastal waters of Japan
Authors: Shirakashi S , Yamada T , Yamada T , Ogawa K
Published: June 2006

A recent epidemic of the invasive monogenean Neoheterobothrium hirame is suspected to have caused the significant decline of the commercial catch of olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, in Japan. To clarify the causal link between parasite invasion and host depletion, we monitored the infections of N. hirame on juvenile flounder for 2 years at two widely separate bays, Obama Bay, experiencing a devastating reduction in flounder catches, and Miyako Bay with a stable catch. Prevalence, mean intensity and abundance of developmental stages of N. hirame were compared between the bays and between fish year classes. Fishes captured at Obama Bay harboured three times more worms than those at Miyako Bay and had a significantly higher overall prevalence of infection. In addition, there was a negative correlation between parasite intensity and host condition factor at Obama Bay, suggesting a causal link between the N. hirame epidemic and the reduction of local flounder populations.
Enhanced viability of a nervous necrosis virus‐infected stable cell line over‐expressing a fusion product of the zfBcl‐xL and green fluorescent protein genes
Authors: Chen S‐P , Yang H‐L , Lin H‐Y , Chen M‐C , Wu J‐L , Hong J‐R
Published: June 2006

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) infection induces host cell apoptosis by an ill‐understood process. We utilized a fusion between enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and the zfBcl‐xL gene in GL‐av cells to select for zfBcl‐xL stable cell lines and to assess the effectiveness of the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐xL in circumventing NNV‐induced cell death. Stable EGFP and EGFP‐Bcl‐xL‐expressing clones were obtained at high purity within 2.5–3 months. In the latter, the EGFP‐Bcl‐xL fusion protein (approximately 58.2 kDa, as ascertained by Western blot) was predominantly targeted to mitochondria. We assayed for apoptosis in red‐spotted grouper NNV Tainan no. 1 (RGNNV TN1)‐infected cells with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)‐mediated end labelling (TUNEL) of DNA at different virus doses. NNV infection of NNV Bcl‐xL GL‐av cell line revealed a protective effect, with a decrease in TUNEL‐positive cells of 7%, 8% and 31.8% at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively. In addition, RGNNV infection of the Bcl‐xL GL‐av cell line revealed a protective effect, with an enhanced viability of 3%, 40% and 73% at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. We conclude that NNV‐induced apoptotic cell death can be lessened in transgenic grouper fish cells.
Specifications provided by practitioners for fabrication of removable acrylic prostheses in Tanzania
Authors: CARNEIRO L. C.
Published: June 2006

summary  This study aimed at determining the standard of communication between practitioners and dental laboratory technicians in fabrication of removable acrylic prosthetic appliances using written prescriptions. Three hundred and seventy‐nine prescriptions submitted to the Dental Laboratory of Muhimbili National Hospital (January 1998–May 2004) were assessed for their instructive quality. Only specifications necessary for the fabrication of a removable acrylic prosthesis were considered. Analysis was according to type of appliances and indicated specifications by practitioners. EPI 6 was used with chi‐square test for statistical analysis at a 0·05 level of significance. All 379 prescriptions had designation of practitioner and type of appliance indicated and most were authorized by doctors (67%; n = 254) and for partial dentures (86·5%; n = 328). The majority of the complete dentures (13·5%; n = 51) were authorized by students (49%; n = 25) in comparison with partial dentures (86·5%; n = 328) that were authorized mainly by doctors (71·9%; n = 236). Teeth required (83·4%; n = 316) was the most indicated specification and interns were the most instructive of practitioners. For complete dentures, the only significantly indicated specification was appointment date for occlusal registration. The most significantly indicated specifications for partial dentures was teeth required followed by appointment date for fitting, shade, claSPS and secondary impression. The standards of communication between practitioners and dental laboratory technicians in the fabrication of removable acrylic prostheses are generally inadequate as most required specifications were not indicated by practitioners. Work undertaken by technicians should be accompanied by a detailed written prescription, completion of work authorization be included in the curriculum and Dental Laboratory Vouchers in use be evaluated.
Coalescent‐based hypothesis testing supports multiple Pleistocene refugia in the Pacific Northwest for the Pacific giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus)
Authors: STEELE CRAIG A. , STORFER ANDREW
Published: June 2006

Phylogeographic patterns of many taxa are explained by Pleistocene glaciation. The temperate rainforests within the Pacific Northwest of North America provide an excellent example of this phenomenon, and competing phylogenetic hypotheses exist regarding the number of Pleistocene refugia influencing genetic variation of endemic organisms. One such endemic is the Pacific giant salamander, Dicamptodon tenebrosus. In this study, we estimate this species’ phylogeny and use a coalescent modeling approach to test five hypotheses concerning the number, location and divergence times of purported Pleistocene refugia. Single refugium hypotheses include: a northern refugium in the Columbia River Valley and a southern refugium in the Klamath‐Siskiyou Mountains. Dual refugia hypotheses include these same refugia but separated at varying times: last glacial maximum (20 000 years ago), mid‐Pleistocene (800 000 years ago) and early Pleistocene (1.7 million years ago). Phylogenetic analyses and inferences from nested clade analysis reveal distinct northern and southern lineages expanding from the Columbia River Valley and the Klamath‐Siskiyou Mountains, respectively. Results of coalescent simulations reject both single refugium hypotheses and the hypothesis of dual refugia with a separation date in the late Pleistocene but not hypotheses predicting dual refugia with separation in early or mid‐Pleistocene. Estimates of time since divergence between northern and southern lineages also indicate separation since early to mid‐Pleistocene. Tests for expanding populations using mismatch distributions and ‘g’ distributions reveal demographic growth in the northern and southern lineages. The combination of these results provides strong evidence that this species was restricted into, and subsequently expanded from, at least two Pleistocene refugia in the Pacific Northwest.
Population genetic structure of Arabidopsis lyrata in Europe
Authors: CLAUSS MARIA J. , MITCHELL‐OLDS THOMAS
Published: June 2006

Population genetic theory predicts that the self‐incompatible and perennial herb, Arabidopsis lyrata, will have a genetic structure that differs from the self‐fertilizing, annual Arabidopsis thaliana. We quantified the genetic structure for eight populations of A. lyrata ssp. petraea in historically nonglaciated regions of central Europe. Analysis of 20 microsatellite loci for 344 individuals demonstrated that, in accordance with predictions, diploid populations had high genome‐wide heterozygosity (HO = 0.48; HE = 0.52), high within‐population diversity (83% of total) compatible with mutation–drift equilibrium, and moderate differentiation among populations (FST = 0.17). Within a single population, the vast majority of genetic variability (92%) was found at the smallest spatial scale (< 3 m). Although there was no evidence of biparental inbreeding or clonal propagation at this scale (FIS = 0.003), significant fine‐scale spatial autocorrelation indicated localized gene flow presumably due to gravity dispersed seeds (Sp = 0.018). Limited gene flow between isolated population clusters (regions) separated by hundreds of kilometres has given rise to an isolation by distance pattern of diversification, with low, but significant, differentiation among regions (FST = 0.05). The maintenance of geographically widespread polymorphisms and uniformly high diversity throughout central Europe is consistent with periglacial survival of A. lyrata ssp. petraea north of the Alps in steppe‐tundra habitats during the last glacial maximum. As expected of northern and previously glaciated localities, A. lyrata in Iceland was genetically less diverse and highly differentiated from central Europe (HE = 0.37; FST = 0.27).
Carbon partitioning and export in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana with altered capacity for sucrose synthesis grown at low temperature: a role for metabolite transporters
Authors: LUNDMARK MARIA , CAVACO ANA M. , TREVANION STEPHEN , HURRY VAUGHAN
Published: June 2006

We investigated the role of metabolite transporters in cold acclimation by comparing the responses of wild‐type (WT) Arabidopsis thaliana (Heynh.) with that of transgenic plants over‐expressing sucrose‐phosphate synthase (SPSox) or with that of antisense repression of cytosolic fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase (FBPas). Plants were grown at 23 °C and then shifted to 5 °C. We compared the leaves shifted to 5 °C for 3 and 10 d with new leaves that developed at 5 °C with control leaves on plants at 23 °C. At 23 °C, ectopic expression of SPS resulted in 30% more carbon being fixed per day and an increase in sucrose export from source leaves. This increase in fixation and export was supported by increased expression of the plastidic triose‐phosphate transporter AtTPT and, to a lesser extent, the high‐affinity Suc transporter AtSUC1. The improved photosynthetic performance of the SPSox plants was maintained after they were shifted to 5 °C and this was associated with further increases in AtSUC1 expression but with a strong repression of AtTPT mRNA abundance. Similar responses were shown by WT plants during acclimation to low temperature and this response was attenuated in the low sucrose producing FBPas plants. These data suggest that a key element in recovering flux through carbohydrate metabolism in the cold is to control the partitioning of metabolites between the chloroplast and the cytosol, and Arabidopsis modulates the expression of AtTPT to maintain balanced carbon flow. Arabidopsis also up‐regulates the expression of AtSUC1, and to lesser extent AtSUC2, as down‐stream components facilitate sucrose transport in leaves that develop at low temperatures.
Visual and PCR assessment of light leaf spot (Pyrenopeziza brassicae) on winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus) cultivars
Authors: Karolewski Z. , Fitt B. D. L. , Latunde‐Dada A. O. , Foster S. J. , Todd A. D. , Downes K. , Evans N.
Published: June 2006

Methods to assess light leaf spot (Pyrenopeziza brassicae) on winter oilseed rape cultivars were compared in laboratory, controlled‐environment and field experiments. In controlled‐environment experiments with seedling leaves inoculated at GS 1,4, the greatest differences in percentage area affected byP. brassicaesporulation were observed with inoculum concentrations of 4 × 103or 4 × 104spores mL−1, rather than 4 × 102or 4 × 105spores mL−1, but older leaves had begun to senesce before assessment, particularly where they were severely affected byP. brassicae. In winter oilseed rape field experiments, a severe light leaf spot epidemic developed in 2002/03 (inoculated, September/October rainfall 127·2 mm) but not in 2003/04 (uninoculated, September/October rainfall 40·7 mm). In‐plot assessments discriminated between cultivars best in February/March in 2003 and June in 2004, but sometimes failed to detect plots with many infected plants (e.g. March/April 2004). Ranking of cultivar resistance differed between seedling experiments done under controlled‐environment conditions and field experiments. The sensitivity of detection ofP. brassicaeDNA extracted from culture was greater using the PCR primer pair PbITSF/PbITSR than using primers Pb1/Pb2.P. brassicaewas detected by PCR (PbITS primers) in leaves from controlled‐environment experiments immediately and up to 14 days after inoculation, and in leaves sampled from field experiments 2 months before detection by visual assessment.
Protection of olive planting stocks against parasitism of root‐knot nematodes by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Castillo P. , Nico A. I. , Azcón‐Aguilar C. , Del Río Rincón C. , Calvet C. , Jiménez‐Díaz R. M.
Published: June 2006

The effects were investigated, under controlled conditions, of single and joint inoculation of olive planting stocks cvs Arbequina and Picual with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Glomus intraradices, Glomus mosseae or Glomus viscosum, and the root‐knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica, on plant performance and nematode infection. Establishment of the fungal symbiosis significantly increased growth of olive plants by 88·9% within a range of 11·9–214·0%, irrespective of olive cultivar, plant age and infection by M. incognita or M. javanica. In plants free from AMF, infection by Meloidogyne spp. significantly reduced the plant main stem diameter by 22·8–38·6%, irrespective of cultivar and plant age. Establishment of AMF in olive plants significantly reduced severity of root galling by 6·3–36·8% as well as reproduction of both Meloidogyne spp. by 11·8–35·7%, indicating a protective effect against parasitism by root‐knot nematodes. Infection by the nematodes influenced root colonization by AMF, but the net effect depended on the AMF isolate–olive cultivar combination. It is concluded that prior inoculation of olive plants with AMF may contribute to improving the health status and vigour of cvs Arbequina and Picual planting stocks during nursery propagation.
Mutants in wheat showing multipathogen resistance to biotrophic fungal pathogens
Authors: Boyd L. A. , Smith P. H. , Hart N.
Published: June 2006

Five fast‐neutron‐derived mutants were isolated from the wheat line Hobbit ‘sib’ that show enhanced field resistance towards Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici, the causal agent of yellow rust. Subsequent testing showed the yellow rust resistance phenotypes to differ between mutants, to be expressed at different growth stages and, in some cases, to show an isolate interaction. Three mutants, I3‐48, I3‐49 and I3‐54, exhibited an enhanced yellow rust resistance phenotype from the third seedling leaf onwards, while mutants I3‐27 and I3‐30 did not show an altered yellow rust phenotype until later growth stages. Additional resistance for brown rust (causal agent Puccinia triticina) was identified in mutants I3‐27, I3‐30, I3‐48 and I3‐49, and for powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici in mutants I3‐27, I3‐30, I3‐48 and I3‐54, although in some cases the resistance was isolate‐specific.
DNA identification and morphological description of the first confirmed larvae of Hetaeriinae (Coleoptera: Histeridae)
Authors: Caterino Michael S. , Tishechkin Alexey K.
Published: June 2006

Abstract.  Using DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal (18S) and mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase I) genes (a modified DNA barcoding approach), we positively identify, for the first time, larvae of hetaeriine Histeridae. Species in this subfamily occur as obligate associates of social insect colonies, particularly those of neotropical army ants. Of several larval specimens collected from bivouacs of Eciton burchelli, we identify the two larval instars of Paratropinus scalptus, and discuss a quite different first instar larva near Euxenister. The larvae are described and illustrated, with attempts to homologize all chaetotaxy to other known histerid larvae. Phylogenetic trees for 18S and cytochrome oxidase I, for over twenty hetaeriine taxa, are compared with each other and with a previous hypothesis of relationships in the subfamily.
Chloroquine or amodiaquine combined with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine for uncomplicated malaria: a systematic review
Authors: Hwang Jimee , Bitarakwate Edward , Pai Madhukar , Reingold Arthur , Rosenthal Philip J. , Dorsey Grant
Published: June 2006

Objective  To compare the efficacies against uncomplicated falciparum malaria of chloroquine (CQ), amodiaquine (AQ), sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) and combinations of these inexpensive drugs.

Methods  We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, BIOSIS, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, DARE, Digital Dissertations and Current Controlled Trials for randomised or quasi‐randomised controlled trials conducted between 1991 and June 2004 regardless of language and geography. We also contacted malaria experts, searched reference lists, and contacted individual authors for unreported study characteristics and additional data. Unpublished data were sought and included in the analyses.

Results  Thirteen randomised trials (n = 4248) were identified and the summary relative risks of treatment failure at 28 days were calculated. There was marginal benefit in adding CQ to SP, compared with SP monotherapy (RR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.54–1.02). Combining AQ with SP was associated with a significantly lower risk of treatment failure than SP monotherapy (RR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.15–0.82) and AQ monotherapy (RR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.42–0.83). AQ plus SP was associated with a significantly lower risk of treatment failure than CQ plus SP (RR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.25–0.72). Serious adverse events were rare and did not increase with combination therapy.

Conclusion  Amodiaquine plus SP remains an efficacious, affordable and safe option for treating malaria in certain settings.
Negotiating improved case management of childhood illness with formal and informal private practitioners in Uganda
Authors: Tawfik Youssef , Nsungwa‐Sabitii Jesca , Greer George , Owor Joseph , Kesande Rosette , Prysor‐Jones Suzanne
Published: June 2006

Objective  In Uganda, formal and informal private practitioners (PPs) provide most case management for childhood illness. This paper describes the impact of negotiation sessions, an intervention to improve the quality of PPs’ case management of childhood diarrhoea, acute respiratory infection and malaria in a rural district in Uganda.

Method  Negotiation sessions targeted PPs working at private clinics and drug shops. The aim was to improve key practices extracted from the national Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Guidelines, and to measure the PPs’ performance before and after the intervention.

Results  Post‐intervention the quality of case management for childhood diarrhoea, acute respiratory infection and malaria was generally better, although certain practices appeared resistant to change. We discovered various types of PPs who were mostly unregistered by the district authorities.

Conclusions  Results suggest the importance of maintaining ongoing monitoring and support to PPs to understand barriers to change and to encourage more practice improvement. Modifications to the intervention are needed to take it to scale and render it more sustainable. Getting local organizations and professional associations more involved could make it easier to establish and maintain contact with PPs. The government needs to simplify registration procedures and reduce associated fees to encourage PPs to register and thus be included in a large‐scale intervention. Future interventions need to measure the impact on improving childhood case management at the community/household level.
Automated detection of malaria pigment: feasibility for malaria diagnosing in an area with seasonal malaria in northern Namibia
Authors: De Langen Adrianus J. , Van Dillen Jeroen , Witte Piet de , Mucheto Samson , Nagelkerke Nico , Kager Piet
Published: June 2006

Objective  To evaluate the feasibility of automated malaria detection with the Cell‐Dyn® 3700 (Abbott Diagnostics, Santa Clara, CA, USA) haematology analyser for diagnosing malaria in northern Namibia.

Methods  From April to June 2003, all patients with a positive blood smear result and a subset of patients with no suspicion of malaria were included. Blood smear and a venous blood sample (to determine haemoglobin, platelet and malaria pigment levels) were collected from each patient. Malaria pigment test characteristics, correlations with blood parameters and pigment clearance time were calculated. Finally, a subset of blood samples was run twice to evaluate the consistency of test outcome.

Results  Two hundred and eight patients were included. Ninety had a positive blood smear result of which 84 tested positive for malaria pigment and 118 patients had a negative blood smear result of which four tested positive for malaria pigment. Test characteristics as compared with microscopy were as follows: sensitivity 0.93, specificity 0.97, positive predictive value 0.95, negative predictive value 0.95. Rerun of the blood samples resulted in a change of diagnosis in 14%. After 4 weeks, 33% of patients with an initially positive pigment result still tested positive. Malaria pigment was found to be negatively correlated with haemoglobin.

Conclusions  Automated detection of malaria pigment is a useful diagnostic tool in this semi‐rural area. In low‐risk malaria season, the test can be used for diagnosing malaria because of the high sensitivity. In high‐risk malaria season, the test can be used for excluding malaria in case of a negative pigment result because of the high specificity.
Acute undifferentiated fever in Binh Thuan province, Vietnam: imprecise clinical diagnosis and irrational pharmaco‐therapy
Authors: Phuong Hoang L. , De Vries Peter J. , Nagelkerke Nico , Giao Phan T. , Hung Le Q. , Binh Tran Q. , Nga Tran. T. Thanh , Nam Nguyen V. , Kager Piet A.
Published: June 2006

Objectives  To describe the characteristics of patients consulting commune primary healthcare posts for acute undifferentiated fever not being malaria (AUF), and to explore the diagnostic and therapeutic responses of the healthcare workers.

Methods  All patients presenting with AUF at 12 commune health posts and one clinic at the provincial malaria station, Binh Thuan, a dengue endemic province in southern Vietnam, were included. Record forms were used to fill in patient and diseases characteristics, pre‐referral treatment, signs and symptoms, provisional diagnosis and installed treatment, referral and final outcome.

Results  Two thousand ninety‐six patients were included from April 2001 to March 2002. The median delay to attend the health posts was, 0.87 day for >5, 1.15 days for children aged 5–15 years and 1.41 days for adults (P < 0.001). Sixty‐five per cent of patients took some measures before consulting the health post, of whom 82% applied self‐medication and 69% took antibiotics. Pre‐referral medication with antibiotics increased with age (RR 1.012 per year of age; 95% CI: 1.004–1.019). The diagnostic and therapeutic response of healthcare workers was very unspecific. The tourniquet test was inappropriately used as general discriminating test, not only for detecting dengue haemorrhagic fever. Empiric antibiotic therapy was installed in 77.2% of cases.

Conclusions  Management of uncomplicated fever, not being malaria, at the primary healthcare level in Vietnam is non‐specific, dominated by searching signs of hemorrhagic dengue and empiric antibiotic treatment. This can probably be improved by better education.
Concurrent comparison of three water contact measurement tools in four endemic villages of the Philippines. The schistosomiasis transmission ecology in the Philippines project (STEP)
Authors: Payne G. , Carabin H. , Tallo V. , Alday P. , Gonzalez R. , Joseph L. , Olveda R. , McGarvey S. T.
Published: June 2006

Background  Schistosomiasis japonica is a chronic helminthic infection contracted through contact with water infested with Schistosoma japonicum. The infection is associated with severe disease and is an important public health concern in Philippines.

Object  To estimate the agreement in the frequency of water contact between bimonthly interviews, self‐administered diaries and observations.

Methods  A total of 286 individuals were followed over either a 4 or a 6 months period. Agreement between direct observation and both the bimonthly and diary methods were estimated.

Results  The agreement between the observation and the bimonthly interview was 71.8% when days without any water contacts were considered, but decreased to 23.3% when only days with at least some water contact were considered. The agreement between the observation and the diary was 78.7% when days without any water contacts were considered and 40.8% when only days with some water contacts were considered.

Conclusions  Agreement about the degree of water contact is poor between the different measurement tools. This has important implications for future research, since a high degree of measurement error can severely bias any results from studies involving water contact.

Keywords  Schistosoma japonicum , fresh water , Philippines , epidemiologic measurement , agreement
Subarachnoidal and intraventricular human neurocysticercosis: application of an antigen detection assay for the diagnosis and follow‐up
Authors: Bobes Raúl J. , Hernández Marisela , Márquez Carlos , Fragoso Gladis , García Esperanza , Parkhouse R. Michael E. , Harrison Leslie J. S. , Sciutto Edda , Fleury Agnès
Published: June 2006

Background  Neurocysticercosis (NC) is a parasitic disease of the central nervous system caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium. Although imaging studies are recommended for diagnosis and follow‐up of patients, their high cost and restricted availability limit their use. Among various immunological tests, the detection of HP10 antigen in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) has proved to be a useful tool for the diagnosis of NC in the case of viable but not dead parasites.

Objectives  This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of the detection of HP10 antigen for the diagnosis and follow‐up of NC patients.

Methods  The effectiveness of this HP10 assay was analysed for the CSF of 46 confirmed NC cases (21 men, 25 women) who had been clinically and radiologically described.

Results  In 21 of 24 NC patients (87.5%) with viable parasites localized in the SA space at the base of the brain or in the ventricles these were detected by means of the HP10 assay, whilst none of the three patients with viable parasites in the parenchyma or sulci had these detected. Used for the follow‐up of patients after cysticidal treatment, it was showed that levels of HP10 dropped significantly only among those patients whose cysticerci were clearly damaged.

Conclusions  HP10 antigen assay is recommended as a support for diagnosis and follow‐up in NC patients with viable parasites localized in the SA space at the base of the brain or in the ventricles, thereby potentially reducing the number of imaging studies required.
Prevalence and screening costs of hepatitis C virus among Ugandan blood donors
Authors: Hladik W. , Kataaha P. , Mermin J. , Purdy M. , Otekat G. , Lackritz E. , Alter M. J. , Downing R.
Published: June 2006

Background  Screening donated blood for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is important for HCV prevention and is routinely practiced in North America and Europe. However, in many African countries little is known about HCV prevalence or cost‐effectiveness of HCV antibody (anti‐HCV) screening.

Methods  We investigated 2592 plasma specimens collected consecutively from blood donors in central Uganda in 1999. Routine screening by the blood bank included human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and syphilis. To assess HCV prevalence and cost‐effectiveness of testing, specimens were additionally tested for anti‐HCV IgG by enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA). Specimens repeatedly reactive (RR) on EIA were tested with a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA).

Results  Overall, 107 (4.1%) specimens were HCV EIA RR. Fifteen EIA RR specimens (0.6%, 95% confidence interval = 0.3–0.9%) were RIBA positive and 47 (1.8%) were RIBA indeterminate. Most (80%) RIBA‐positive specimens were non‐reactive for HIV, HBsAg, and syphilis. RIBA positivity was not associated with donor age, sex, number of donations, HIV, or HBsAg positivity. Costs of screening donors for anti‐HCV by using EIA were estimated at US$782 per potential transfusion‐associated HCV infection (exposure to RIBA‐positive blood) averted.

Conclusions  Current screening tests for other infections are ineffective in removing HCV‐positive donations. Testing costs are considerable; cost‐effectiveness of identifying HCV‐infected donors will be critical in decision making about HCV screening in Uganda.