bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects ofBRCA1andBRCA2mutations on female fertility
Authors: Smith Ken R. , Hanson Heidi A. , Mineau Geraldine P. , Buys Saundra S.
Published: October 2011

Women withBRCA1/2mutations have a significantly higher lifetime risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. We suggest that female mutation carriers may have improved fitness owing to enhanced fertility relative to non-carriers. Here we show that women who are carriers ofBRCA1/2mutations living in natural fertility conditions have excess fertility as well as excess post-reproductive mortality in relation to controls. Individuals who tested positive forBRCA1/2mutations who linked into multi-generational pedigrees within the Utah Population Database were used to identify putative obligate carriers. We find that women born before 1930 who are mutation carriers have significantly more children than controls and have excess post-reproductive mortality risks. They also have shorter birth intervals and end child-bearing later than controls. For contemporary women tested directly forBRCA1/2mutations, an era when modern contraceptives are available, differences in fertility and mortality persist but are attenuated. Our findings suggest the need to re-examine the wider role played byBRCA1/2mutations. Elevated fertility of female mutation carriers indicates that they are more fecund despite their elevated post-reproductive mortality risks.
Unique DNA methylome profiles in CpG island methylator phenotype colon cancers
Authors: Xu Yaomin , Hu Bo , Choi Ae-Jin , Gopalan Banu , Lee Byron H. , Kalady Matthew F. , Church James M. , Ting Angela H.
Published: October 2011

A subset of colorectal cancers was postulated to have the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), a higher propensity for CpG island DNA methylation. The validity of CIMP, its molecular basis, and its prognostic value remain highly controversial. Using MBD-isolated genome sequencing, we mapped and compared genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of normal, non-CIMP, and CIMP colon specimens. Multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that each specimen could be clearly classified as normal, non-CIMP, and CIMP, thus signifying that these three groups have distinctly different global methylation patterns. We discovered 3780 sites in various genomic contexts that were hypermethylated in both non-CIMP and CIMP colon cancers when compared with normal colon. An additional 2026 sites were found to be hypermethylated in CIMP tumors only; and importantly, 80% of these sites were located in CpG islands. These data demonstrate on a genome-wide level that the additional hypermethylation seen in CIMP tumors occurs almost exclusively at CpG islands and support definitively that these tumors were appropriately named. When these sites were examined more closely, we found that 25% were adjacent to sites that were also hypermethylated in non-CIMP tumors. Thus, CIMP is also characterized by more extensive methylation of sites that are already prone to be hypermethylated in colon cancer. These observations indicate that CIMP tumors have specific defects in controlling both DNA methylation seeding and spreading and serve as an important first step in delineating molecular mechanisms that control these processes.
Diffuse scattering resulting from macromolecular frustration
Authors: Welberry T. R. , Heerdegen A. P. , Goldstone D. C. , Taylor Ian A.
Published: October 2011

Distinctive diffuse scattering in the form of diffuse rings around Bragg positions has been observed in the diffraction patterns of a crystal of the N-terminal fragment of the Gag protein from Feline Foamy Virus. It is shown that these are caused by geometric frustration as molecules try to pack on the triangular b–c mesh of the space group P6122. In order to explain the strong diffuse scattering it is necessary for the crystal to contain occupational disorder such that each unit cell contains one or other of two different molecular arrangements, A and B. The frustration arises because the nearest-neighbour packing prefers neighbouring cells to be AB or BA, which cannot be achieved on all three sides of a triangle simultaneously. To explain the observation that reciprocal sections hk5n, where n = integer, contain only Bragg peaks it is necessary that A and B are identical molecular arrangements differing only by a translation of 0.2c. The implications of the disorder for solving the structure of the protein by conventional techniques as well as the possibility of using the diffuse scattering for this purpose are discussed.
A genome‐wide association study for quantitative trait loci of show‐jumping in Hanoverian warmblood horses
Authors: Schröder W. , Klostermann A. , Stock K. F. , Distl O.
Published: October 2011

Show‐jumping is an economically important breeding goal in Hanoverian warmblood horses. The aim of this study was a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for quantitative trait loci (QTL) for show‐jumping in Hanoverian warmblood horses, employing the Illumina equine SNP50 Beadchip. For our analyses, we genotyped 115 stallions of the National State stud of Lower Saxony. The show‐jumping talent of a horse includes style and ability in free‐jumping. To control spurious associations based on population stratification, two different mixed linear animal model (MLM) approaches were employed, besides linear models with fixed effects only and adaptive permutations for correcting multiple testing. Population stratification was explained best in the MLM considering Hanoverian, Thoroughbred, Trakehner and Holsteiner genes and the marker identity‐by‐state relationship matrix. We identified six QTL for show‐jumping on horse chromosomes (ECA) 1, 8, 9 and 26 (−log10P‐value >5) and further putative QTL with −log10P‐values of 3–5 on ECA1, 3, 11, 17 and 21. Within six QTL regions, we identified human performance‐related genes including PAPSS2 on ECA1, MYL2 on ECA8, TRHR on ECA9 and GABPA on ECA26 and within the putative QTL regions NRAP on ECA1, and TBX4 on ECA11. The results of our GWAS suggest that genes involved in muscle structure, development and metabolism are crucial for elite show‐jumping performance. Further studies are required to validate these QTL in larger data sets and further horse populations.
Review of guidelines for the prevention and treatment of infection in patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen: Prepared on behalf of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology by a Working Party of the Haemato‐Oncology Task Force
Authors: Davies John M. , Lewis Michael P. N. , Wimperis Jennie , Rafi Imran , Ladhani Shamez , Bolton‐Maggs Paula H. B.
Published: October 2011

Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of infection in patients with an absent or dysfunctional spleen were first published by the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) in 1996 and formally reviewed in 2002. Although the guidelines originated from discussion within the BCSH, the intended readership is wide given the multidisciplinary nature of the management of hyposplenism.
Immunology in the Clinic Review Series; focus on allergies: immunotherapy for food allergy
Authors: Mousallem T , Burks A W
Published: October 2011

OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES

Metabolic Diseases, Host Responses, Cancer, Autoinflammatory Diseases, Type 1 diabetes and viruses.

There is no approved therapy for food allergy. The current standard of care is elimination of the triggering food from the diet and accessibility to epinephrine. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment approach. While desensitization to most foods seems feasible, it remains unclear if a permanent state of tolerance is achievable. The research team at Duke is pioneering immunotherapy for food allergies. Work here has evolved over time from small open-label pilot studies to larger randomized designs. Our data show that immunological changes associated with immunotherapy include reduction in mast cell reactivity, decreased basophil responses, decreased specific-immunoglobulin (Ig)E, increased IgG4 and induction of regulatory T cells. Immunotherapy has generated much excitement in the food allergy community; however, further studies are needed before it is ready for clinical use.
Immunology in the Clinic Review Series; focus on host responses: invariant natural killer T cell activation following transplantation
Authors: Jukes J-P , Jones N D
Published: October 2011

OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES

Allergy, Metabolic Diseases, Cancer, Autoinflammatory Diseases, Type 1 diabetes and viruses.

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells have been shown to play a key role in the regulation of immunity in health and disease. However, iNKT cell responses have also been found to influence both rejection and the induction of tolerance following transplantation of allogeneic cells or organs. Although a number of mechanisms have been identified that lead to iNKT cell activation, how iNKT cells are activated following transplantation remains unknown. This review will attempt to identify potential mechanisms of iNKT cell activation in the context of transplantation by applying knowledge garnered from other disease situations. Furthermore, we put forward a novel mechanism of iNKT cell activation which we believe may be the dominant mechanism responsible for iNKT activation in this setting, i.e. bystander activation by interleukin-2 secreted by recently activated conventional T cells.
Immunology in the Clinic Review Series; focus on allergies: basophils as biomarkers for assessing immune modulation
Authors: Patil S U , Shreffler W G
Published: October 2011

OTHER THEMES PUBLISHED IN THIS IMMUNOLOGY IN THE CLINIC REVIEW SERIES

Metabolic Diseases, Host Responses, Cancer, Autoinflammatory Diseases, Type 1 diabetes and viruses.

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is an effective clinical treatment for hypersensitivity to many allergens. Studies of basophils during immunotherapy have provided insight into underlying immune mechanisms and support the potential use of basophil activation as a biomarker of clinical outcomes. This review examines the evidence for different pathways of basophil modulation associated with various forms of immunotherapy. Better understanding the molecular mechanisms of basophil activation and desensitization and the relationship between suppression of these effector cells to clinical outcomes holds promise for further development and improvement in potential therapies for allergic diseases.
Making sense of heat tolerance estimates in ectotherms: lessons fromDrosophila
Authors: Santos Mauro , Castañeda Luis E. , Rezende Enrico L.
Published: October 2011

1. An increasing body of knowledge suggests that the estimation of critical upper thermal limits (CTmax) is highly dependent on the experimental methodology employed. Here, we employ a theoretical approach to analyse how estimates of CTmax(knock‐down temperatures and times) are affected by measurement protocol.

2. Our model is able to reproduce the results of empirical studies onDrosophila melanogaster, suggesting that it adequately mimics organismal responses during assays. With simulated data sets, we also show that many experimental protocols result in unreliable and often highly biased estimates of CTmaxinDrosophilaand possibly in other ectotherms.

3. The confounding effects of stochasticity, resource depletion (or fatigue) and short‐term acclimatory responses are expected to be higher in longer assays, and therefore, short assays should be generally preferred. The experimental protocol of choice must also take into consideration the range in which measurement accuracy is not affected and the potential problems of thermal inertia in larger organisms.

4. Our findings justify previous concerns that the methodology may have a greater impact on estimates of CTmaxthan the biological process under study, and explain why many studies on the subject have often reported inconsistent and even contradictory results.
Life in the really slow lane: loggerhead sea turtles mature late relative to other reptiles
Authors: Scott Rebecca , Marsh Robert , Hays Graeme C.
Published: October 2011

1. Age at maturity is hard to estimate for species that cannot be directly marked or observed throughout their lives and yet is a key demographic parameter that is needed to assess the conservation status of endangered species.

2. For loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the North Atlantic and North Pacific, juvenile growth rates (c. 10 cm year−1) were calculated by examining size increases during transoceanic journeys; durations of which were estimated from satellite‐tracked Lagrangian surface drifter buoy trajectories.

3. Lagrangian‐derived growth estimates were used in a weighted loglinear model of size‐specific growth rates for loggerhead turtles and combined with newly available information on size at maturity to estimate an age at maturity of 45 years (older than past estimates).

4. By examining the age at maturity for 79 reptile species, we show that loggerhead turtles, along with other large‐bodied Testudine (turtle and tortoise) species, take longer to reach maturity than other reptile species of comparable sizes. This finding heightens concern over the future sustainability of turtle populations. By maturing at an old age, sea turtles will be less resilient to anthropogenic mortality than previously suspected.
An accounting of C‐based trace gas release during abiotic plant litter degradation
Authors: Lee Hanna , Rahn Thom , Throop Heather
Published: October 2011

Recent studies showed that photochemical breakdown (photodegradation) of plant material accounts for a substantial portion of litter decomposition and subsequent trace gas release in ecosystems under high radiative load and low precipitation. In the absence of solar radiation, thermal degradation may also cause trace gas release at temperatures below the ignition point. These observations suggest that the abiotic processes of photodegradation and thermal degradation of plant litter may be important in understanding global trace gas budgets. In a laboratory incubation study, we performed a simultaneous carbon (C) accounting of CO2, CO, and CH4 produced as a byproduct of photodegradation and thermal degradation of six different plant litter types that varied in chemical composition. The patterns of trace gas release during photodegradation and thermal degradation differed considerably across the six plant materials, suggesting that chemical composition of litter may influence the rates of abiotic degradation. There was a strong positive correlation between the rates of trace gas release during photodegradation and temperature. A significant portion of trace gases were produced during low temperature (< 100 °C) thermal degradation of litter in the absence of solar radiation, which was also positively correlated to temperature. In addition, both thermal degradation and photodegradation occurred in the absence of O2. This indicates that the mechanism formerly accepted as photo‐oxidation may only be one of several photodegradation processes. We speculate that the direct breakdown of chemical groups such as carboxyl, carbonyl, and methoxyl groups may result in CO2, CO, and CH4 release. We suggest that the combined processes of thermal and photodegradation of litter may be a previously under accounted source of C‐based trace gases from terrestrial systems.
The effects of land use and climate change on the carbon cycle of Europe over the past 500 years
Authors: Kaplan Jed O. , Krumhardt Kristen M. , Zimmermann Niklaus E.
Published: October 2011

The long residence time of carbon in forests and soils means that both the current state and future behavior of the terrestrial biosphere are influenced by past variability in climate and anthropogenic land use. Over the last half‐millennium, European terrestrial ecosystems were affected by the cool temperatures of the Little Ice Age, rising CO2 concentrations, and human induced deforestation and land abandonment. To quantify the importance of these processes, we performed a series of simulations with the LPJ dynamic vegetation model driven by reconstructed climate, land use, and CO2 concentrations. Although land use change was the major control on the carbon inventory of Europe over the last 500 years, the current state of the terrestrial biosphere is largely controlled by land use change during the past century. Between 1500 and 2000, climate variability led to temporary sequestration events of up to 3 Pg, whereas increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations during the 20th century led to an increase in carbon storage of up to 15 Pg. Anthropogenic land use caused between 25 Pg of carbon emissions and 5 Pg of uptake over the same time period, depending on the historical and spatial pattern of past land use and the timing of the reversal from deforestation to afforestation during the last two centuries. None of the currently existing anthropogenic land use change datasets adequately capture the timing of the forest transition in most European countries as recorded in historical observations. Despite considerable uncertainty, our scenarios indicate that with limited management, extant European forests have the potential to absorb between 5 and 12 Pg of carbon at the present day.
Regulation of CD4+ T‐cell polarization by suppressor of cytokine signalling proteins
Authors: Knosp Camille A. , Johnston James A.
Published: October 2011

Suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins are induced in responses to many stimuli and by binding to cytokine receptors and associated janus kinase (JAK) proteins, directly regulate the activation of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). STAT proteins regulate the expression of many genes required for the differentiation of various CD4+ T helper cell lineages, and there is now accumulating evidence that SOCS also play essential roles in the regulation and maintenance of CD4+ T‐cell polarization. As it is now clear that CD4+ T cells are more plastic than initially thought, it is of particular importance to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating CD4+ T‐cell differentiation. Here we review the current understanding of how STATs and SOCS act in concert to influence the polarization of CD4+ T cells and highlight the relevance of this in disease.
Development and psychometric testing of a measure of informal caregiving for hospitalized older adults
Authors: Gur‐Yaish Nurit , Zisberg Anna , Sinoff Gary , Shadmi Efrat
Published: October 2011

gur‐yaish n., zisberg a., sinoff g. & shadmi e. (2011) Development and psychometric testing of a measure of informal caregiving for hospitalized older adults. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 931–938.

Aim.  This paper is a report of the development and psychometric testing of the questionnaire evaluating informal caregiving for hospitalized older adults.

Background.  Informal caregiving of hospitalized older adults is an understudied phenomenon that lacks a valid and reliable measure to capture its multi‐dimensionality.

Methods.  An instrument development procedure, followed by an empirical study, was conducted from February to November 2009. Instrument development included item generation and content validity, which was established by five experts. The validation study utilized a retrospective between‐patients design. The sample consisted of 279 patients, aged 70 and older, who were hospitalized in a large medical centre in northern Israel. The internal consistency reliability, construct, convergent and divergent validity of the measure were tested.

Results.  The 14‐item scale describes various aspects of informal caregiving for older adults in the hospital setting. The scale has four dimensions: Instrumental care, Supervision of care, Psychological support and Ensuring and Explaining care. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the theoretical model of the four dimensions of care. Reliability analysis revealed acceptable‐to‐high estimates for the total and for the dimensional scores (ranging from 0·78 to 0·89). The convergent and divergent validity coefficients were all in the expected direction.

Conclusions.  The preliminary psychometric properties of the measure showed acceptable results. The measure should be further explored in different cultural settings and for its ability to link between caregiving attributes, as captured by the measure, and hospitalization outcomes in older adults.
The added value of quantitative analysis of on‐therapy impedance‐pH parameters in distinguishing refractory non‐erosive reflux disease from functional heartburn
Authors: Frazzoni M. , Conigliaro R. , Mirante V. G. , Melotti G.
Published: October 2011

Background  By analysis of symptom‐reflux association, endoscopy‐negative refractory heartburn can be related to acid/non‐acid refluxes with impedance‐pH monitoring. Unfortunately, patients frequently do not report symptoms during the test. We aimed to assess the contribution of quantitative analysis of impedance‐pH parameters added to symptom‐reflux association in evaluating patients with endoscopy‐negative heartburn refractory to high‐dose proton pump inhibitor therapy.

Methods  The symptom association probability (SAP), the symptom index (SI), the esophageal acid exposure time and the number of distal and proximal refluxes were assessed at on‐therapy impedance‐pH monitoring. Relationships with hiatal hernia and manometric findings were also evaluated.

Key Results  Eighty patients were prospectively studied. Refractory heartburn was more frequently related to reflux by a positive SAP/SI and/or abnormal impedance‐pH parameters (52/80 cases) (65%) than by a positive SAP/SI only (38/80 cases) (47%) (P = 0.038).

In patients with refractory non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) defined by a positive SAP/SI and/or abnormal impedance‐pH parameters, the prevalence of hiatal hernia was significantly higher (56%vs 21%, P = 0.007) and the mean lower esophageal sphincter tone was significantly lower (18.7 vs 25.8 mmHg, P = 0.005) than in those (35%) with reflux‐unrelated, i.e., functional heartburn (FH). On the contrary, no significant difference was observed subdividing patients according to a positive SAP/SI only.

Conclusions & Inferences  Quantitative analysis of impedance‐pH parameters added to symptom‐reflux association allows a subdivision of refractory‐heartburn patients into refractory NERD and FH which is substantiated by pathophysiological findings and which restricts the diagnosis of FH to one third of cases.
Increased neural progenitors in individuals with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Ekonomou A. , Johnson M. , Perry R. H. , Perry E. K. , Kalaria R. N. , Minger S. L. , Ballard C. G.
Published: October 2011

A. Ekonomou, M. Johnson, R. H. Perry, E. K. Perry, R. N. Kalaria, S. L. Minger and C. G. Ballard (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 344–353

Increased neural progenitors in individuals with cerebral small vessel disease

Aims: Recent work has highlighted a significant increase of neural stem/progenitor cells after stroke in humans. In this study, we examined neurogenesis in small vessel disease, a key concurrent pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Methods: We assayed autopsy tissue from 13 vascular dementia patients with small vessel disease and 12 age‐matched subjects without cerebrovascular pathology, undertaking immunohistochemistry in the affected brain area and the subventricular zone with a well‐characterized battery of antibodies to detect neural stem cells/progenitors and immature neurones, as well as choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity. Results: We showed significant increases ranging from 33% to 92% (P < 0.05) in neural progenitor cells around the areas of microvascular pathology and in the subventricular zone in patients with small vessel disease compared to individuals without cerebrovascular changes, even in patients with severe cerebrovascular disease, as defined by neuropathological assessment. Some of the progenitor cells give rise to immature neurones in the affected areas. These alterations were associated with vascular changes, but were unrelated to the cholinergic deficit observed in the cortex and subventricular zone in these patients, in contrast to other dementias examined such as dementia with Lewy bodies. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for neurogenesis in small vessel disease and may have important implications for the development of new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
The impact of risk information exposure on women's beliefs about direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing for BRCA mutations
Authors: Gray SW , Hornik RC , Schwartz JS , Armstrong K
Published: October 2011

Gray SW, Hornik RC, Schwartz JS, Armstrong K. The impact of risk information exposure on women's beliefs about direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing for BRCA mutations.

Despite an increase in direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic testing, little is known about how variations in website content might alter consumer behavior. We evaluated the impact of risk information provision on women's attitudes about DTC BRCA testing. We conducted a randomized experiment; women viewed a ‘mock’BRCA testing website without [control group (CG)] or with information on the potential risks of DTC testing [RG; framed two ways: unattributed risk (UR) information and risk information presented by experts (ER)]. Seven hundred and sixty‐seven women participated; mean age was 37 years, mean education was 15 years, and 79% of subjects were white. Women in the RG had less positive beliefs about DTC testing (mean RG = 23.8,CG = 25.2;p = 0.001), lower intentions to get tested (RG = 2.8,CG = 3.1;p = 0.03), were more likely to prefer clinic‐based testing (RG = 5.1,CG = 4.8;p = 0.03) and to report that they had seen enough risk information (RG = 5.3,CG = 4.7;p < 0.001). UR and ER exposure produced similar effects. Effects did not differ for women with or without a personal/family history of breast/ovarian cancer. Exposing women to the potential risks of DTC BRCA testing altered their beliefs, preferences, and intentions. Risk messages appear to be salient to women irrespective of their chance of having a BRCA mutation.
Fertilizer Best Management Practices: A Perspective from the Dryland West Asia–North Africa Region
Authors: Ryan J. , Sommer R. , Ibrikci H.
Published: October 2011

Chemical fertilizer use has contributed significantly to increased global food output in the past half century, especially in climatically favourable regions of the world. However, in drier agro‐ecological zones, such as in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) with a Mediterranean‐type climate, fertilizer use has been low but has increased rapidly in the past few decades. Chemical fertilizer use is now widely adopted in rainfed and irrigated agriculture. As elsewhere, fertilizer use is underpinned by concerns about biological and economic efficiency. Fertilizer use efficiency is central to the current concept of fertilizer best management practices (FBMP), which embraces right source, right place, right timing and right application method. In this brief review, we highlight such FBMP concepts as related to agriculture of the WANA region, with emphasis on the key nutrients for crop production. Rainfall has a dominant influence on dryland crop yields. Nitrogen (N) use efficiency increases with increasing rainfall and is influenced by crop rotation. Under rainfed conditions, modest N losses by volatilization can occur. Leaching losses are usually minimal. Phosphorus use (P) efficiency is higher with band application than with broadcasting. Balanced fertilization, especially involving potassium (K) and micronutrients, is fundamental to efficient nutrient use. Fertilizer efficiency is also influenced by soil test values and agronomic factors that influence crop yields, e.g. sowing date and varietal differences. Rational fertilizer application rates are guided by calibration–response trials. Effective fertilizer use in the region is also dictated by external factors such as government policies and a functioning extension service. In contrast to other regions of the world, environmental impacts from the overuse of fertilizers are relatively minor, while developments in fertilizer formulations that promote efficiency have yet to have impact. Despite the relatively low fertilizer use intensity in dryland areas such as the WANA region, the FBMP comprehensive approach is a logical framework within which to achieve the most efficient management and use of fertilizer in the region’s agriculture.
Decay of the Chloroplast Pool of Ascorbate Switches on the Oxidative Burst in UV‐B‐Irradiated Rice
Authors: Lidon F. J. C. , Teixeira M. , Ramalho J. C.
Published: October 2011

A parallel was drawn between UV‐B irradiation and the oxidative burst in the chloroplast lamellae of rice plants (Oryza sativa L. cv. Safari). After irradiation with a total biological effective UV‐B of 20.825 kJ m−2 between the 15th and 21st days following germination, it was found that superoxide, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide increased significantly in stressed leaves. The levels of ascorbate and the kinetics of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase became increasingly inhibited. The developing oxidative burst also diminished photosynthetic pigments and galactolipids accumulation, while the de‐epoxidation state of xanthophylls and lipids peroxidation increased. Following grana disorganisation, the accumulation of chloroplast polypeptides having 72/69, 33/32, 28/26, 22/20 and 18/16 kDa decreased, but the relative proportion of the 49/46 kDa polypeptides increased. The 69/65 kDa polypeptides also diminished on the 15th day. These alterations implicated the failure of both photosystems functioning, but the inhibition of the Hill reactions coupled to the water splitting complex was uppermost. In the 28th day, the chloroplast lamellae of leaves grown after UV‐B exposure revealed a general recovery from oxidative burst and a subsequent higher stacking of thylakoids. It is concluded that UV‐B irradiation becomes lethal when ascorbate oxidation in the xanthophyll cycle limits the antioxidant enzymes kinetics, triggering chloroplast proteolysis and acyl lipid peroxidation because of reactive oxygen species propagation.
Influence of types of sterile cytoplasm on the resistance to sorghum shoot fly (Atherigona soccata)
Authors: Akula Umakanth V. , Poluru Padmaja G. , Jangam Ashok Kumar , Jagannath Patil V.
Published: October 2011

With 2 figures and 3 tables

Shoot fly Atherigona soccata (Rondani) is one of the most important insect pests affecting sorghum during early stages of crop growth. Commercial production of hybrid seed in sorghums relies on a single source of male sterility (A1) resulting in restricted nuclear genetic diversity of male‐sterile (A) as well as restorer (R) lines. Alternative cytoplasms should be exploited to avoid insect pest outbreaks that might be related to the use of single source of cytoplasm. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the non‐milo cytoplasms that are less susceptible to shoot fly. Four isogenic lines in four male‐sterile backgrounds, viz. A1, A2, A3 and A4, and their corresponding maintainer (B lines) lines were studied using a fishmeal technique across rainy and postrainy seasons of 2006–07. The A4 cytoplasm was found to be least susceptible to shoot fly as it was comparatively less preferred for oviposition and had lower deadheart formation across seasons than the other cytoplasms tested and thus can be exploited for developing shoot fly‐resistant hybrids.
Influence of Season on the Freezability of Free‐Range Poultry Semen
Authors: Santiago‐Moreno J , Castaño C , Toledano‐Díaz A , Coloma MA , López‐Sebastián A , Prieto MT , Campo JL
Published: October 2011

Contents

The purpose of the present study was to examine the seasonal variation in freezing damage in free‐range rooster sperm. Over a period of 1 year, heterospermic semen samples were collected weekly by massage from the roosters of 14 Spanish chicken breeds, all housed under natural photoperiod and climatic conditions. All samples were frozen in straws using DMA as a cryoprotectant, placing them first in nitrogen vapour and then plunging them into liquid nitrogen. No seasonal effects on fresh sperm quality were found. Neither did season affect the percentage of viable frozen–thawed spermatozoa nor the percentage with an intact acrosome. However, the collection season influenced (p < 0.05) most frozen–thawed sperm motility values. The percentage of immotile frozen–thawed spermatozoa was lower (p < 0.05) in spring‐collected sperm than in summer‐ or autumn‐collected samples. The percentage of spermatozoa showing progressive motility was higher in spring‐collected sperm compared with winter‐, summer‐ or autumn‐collected samples (p < 0.05). The curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight‐line velocity (VSL) and average path velocity (VAP) values of spring‐collected sperm were also higher (p < 0.05). In conclusion, spring would appear to be the best season for collecting and freezing the semen of free‐range Mediterranean chicken breeds.
Testicular Fluid Content and Scrotal Surface Temperature Increase with Rams’ Sexual Activity
Authors: Ungerfeld R , Fila D
Published: October 2011

Contents

Contact with oestrual ewes induces an increase in LH and testosterone concentrations in rams. LH provokes an increase in testicular capillary permeability in rodents and an increase in testicular fluid in rams. Therefore, the objectives of the present experiment were to determine whether contact with oestrual ewes, including courtship and mating, induces an increase in testicular fluid content and scrotal temperature in rams. During the breeding season, after 2 weeks isolated from females, a total of 18 tests were performed using one ram with one ewe. The rams were allowed to court and mate the ewes during 20 min. Testosterone blood concentrations were measured by RIA from blood samples taken before and immediately after each test. Rectal, scrotal surface and anal skin temperatures were measured before the test, at the end, and 30 min later. At the same moments, ultrasonographic examinations of the testes were performed. Testosterone concentrations increased after the tests (p = 0.016), and ultrasound images were darker at the end of the tests and 30 min later (p < 0.0001). Rectal, anal skin and scrotal temperatures increased at the end of the test, but decreased 30 min later to initials values. The stimulus of oestrual ewes determined an increase in testosterone secretion, which was associated with an increase in testicular fluid content. Fluid content remained increased at least for 30 min after the end of the ram–ewe contact. Contact with oestrual ewes triggered an increase in testicular fluid that remained higher after the end of the test.
High‐flow nasal cannulae and nasal continuous positive airway pressure use in non‐tertiary special care nurseries in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Manley Brett J , Owen Louise , Doyle Lex W , Davis Peter G
Published: October 2011

Aim:  Non‐tertiary centres (NTCs) in Australia and New Zealand are increasingly providing non‐invasive respiratory support, including high‐flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), to newborn infants. We aimed to determine the proportion of NTCs in these countries treating newborn infants with HFNC and nCPAP, and how these therapies are used.

Methods:  We surveyed public and private NTCs in Australia and public NTCs in New Zealand. The survey, directed at senior medical and nursing staff, consisted of questions regarding unit demographics, HFNC and nCPAP use.

Results:  One hundred seventeen responses were received regarding HFNC use, from 88% (80/91) of public hospitals and 64% (37/58) of private hospitals surveyed. Ten (8.5%) responders (nine public and one private) used HFNC; all used the Fisher & Paykel system. HFNC was used for respiratory distress syndrome from birth (9/10 units), as a weaning mode from nCPAP (5/10 units) and as treatment for apnoea (3/10 units). Flow rates used ranged from 1 to 8 L/min, with typical minimum flow of 1 L/min and maximum of 4–6 L/min. The main perceived advantage of HFNC was ‘ease of use’. In the units treating newborn infants with nCPAP, it was used either in an ongoing fashion (43 units), short term or episodically (four units), or only for stabilisation prior to transfer (11 units). Excluding those units using nCPAP only for stabilisation and non‐responders, 47/108 (44%) units were using nCPAP.

Conclusions:  HFNC is being used in NTCs in Australia and New Zealand, and the use of nCPAP has increased over time.
Dense winter bloom of the dinoflagellate Heterocapsa triquetra below the thick surface ice of brackish Lake Shihwa, Korea
Authors: Baek Seung H. , Ki Jang S. , Katano Toshiya , You Kai , Park Bum S. , Shin Hyeon H. , Shin Kyoungsoon , Kim Young O. , Han Myung‐Soo
Published: October 2011

We investigated the seasonal abundance of the dinoflagellate Heterocapsa triquetra (Ehrenberg) F. Stein, as well as the relevant in situ environmental factors, in brackish Lake Shihwa, Korea. We also examined the growth rates and morphological characteristics of the species in laboratory cultures. In the field, the population densities of H. triquetra remained at low levels from late spring to early summer, and then completely disappeared from August to November 2007. Interestingly, a dense bloom of H. triquetra appeared below the ice surface on 17 January 2008; identities of the cells were confirmed by rDNA sequence comparisons. The second peak reached a density of 672 ×  103 cells L−1 on 28 March 2008, at a water temperature of 9.1°C. Laboratory experiments showed that growth rates of H. triquetra increased with incremental temperature increases within the range of 10 and 20°C. The highest growth rate reached by H. triquetra was 0.62 d−1 at 20°C with a salinity of 30. Above 25°C, the dinoflagellate was unable to grow between salinities of 10 and 15, and reached only relatively low growth rates (<0.12 d−1) under other salinity conditions. However, under continuous cultures at 5°C and 8°C, H. triquetra cells retained its growth capability for more than 12 days, implying that H. triquetra can survive and grows even at very low temperatures. The equivalent spherical diameter (ESD) of H. triquetra did not change markedly between 10 and 25°C, but the equivalent spherical diameter was significantly different at 5°C. The cell volume buildup of H. triquetra at low temperatures is one of the important survival strategies to overcome the harsh environmental conditions. These characteristics make H. triquetra a consistently dominant dinoflagellate in Lake Shihwa during the cold winter season.
Obesity and craniofacial structure as risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea: Impact of ethnicity
Authors: SUTHERLAND KATE , LEE RICHARD W.W. , CISTULLI PETER A.
Published: October 2011

OSA is the result of structural and functional abnormalities that promote the repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep. This common disorder is estimated to occur in approximately 4% of men and 2% of women, with prevalence studies from North America, Australia, Europe and Asia indicating that occurrence is relatively similar across the globe. Anatomical factors, such as obesity and craniofacial morphology, are key determinants of the predisposition to airway collapse; however, their relative importance for OSA risk likely varies between ethnicities. Direct inter‐ethnic studies comparing craniofacial phenotypes in OSA are limited. However, available data suggest that Asian OSA populations primarily display features of craniofacial skeletal restriction, African Americans display more obesity and enlarged upper airway soft tissues, while Caucasians show evidence of both bony and soft tissue abnormalities. Our recent comparison of Chinese and Caucasian OSA patients found for the same degree of OSA severity. Caucasians were more obese, and Chinese had more skeletal restriction. However, the ratio of obesity to craniofacial bony size (or anatomical balance, an important determinant of upper airway volume and OSA risk) was similar between Caucasians and Chinese OSA patients. Ethnicity appears to influence OSA craniofacial phenotype but furthermore the relative contribution of the anatomical factors underlying OSA risk. The skeletal restriction craniofacial phenotype may be particularly vulnerable to increasing obesity rates. Better understanding of craniofacial phenotypes encompassing ethnicity may help improve OSA recognition and treatment; however, further studies are needed to elucidate ethnic differences in OSA anatomical risk factors.
Frequency of vitamin D insufficiency in healthy children between 1 and 16 years of age in Turkey
Authors: Oden Akman Alkim , Tumer Leyla , Hasanoglu Alev , Ilhan Mustafa , Caycı Banu
Published: October 2011

Background:  The aim of this study was to establish the frequencies of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among healthy children aged 1–16 years and also to determine the factors affecting the levels of vitamin D in Turkey.

Methods:  A total of 849 healthy individuals whose ages ranged from 1 to 16 years were included in the study. Serum 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase l levels were measured at the end of the winter period. The approximate daily calcium intake was calculated by using a 1‐week diet history.

Results:  We determined that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was 8% and that of vitamin D insufficiency (20–29 ng/mL) was 25.5% in the population investigated. The average daily intake of calcium was especially low in the >8‐year‐old age group (<1300 mg/day).

Conclusion:  Vitamin D insufficiency was found to be very common in the population investigated. The daily calcium intake was below the adequate levels especially in school children. Vitamin D supplementation after the first year of life could be beneficial especially for school children and adolescents. The government must develop public policies for the fortification of milk, milk products, and fruit juices with vitamin D.
Algivory in food webs of three temperate Andean rivers
Authors: SCHMID‐ARAYA JENNY M. , FIGUEROA HERNANDEZ DAVID , SCHMID PETER E. , DROUOT CATHERINE
Published: October 2011

Food web analyses have been fundamental in understanding community organization and ecosystem functioning. To date, a number of studies demonstrate that stream food webs depend to a large extent on allochthonous detritus, but there are more recent studies that show a high degree of autochthony. Our food‐web study was carried out in three Andean rivers (Coilaco, Guampoe and Trancura) within the catchment area of Toltén River in southern Chile. Based on the analyses of 4251 invertebrate gut contents, we found that these Andean stream food webs are dominated by herbivores (range: 50–73% of all species) supported by a species‐rich algal (basal) component, and characterized by a low proportion of omnivores (range: 8–27% of all species) and predatory species (range: 10–24%). Significant differences in the number of feeding links of the herbivores Meridialis diguillina and Antarctoperla michaelseni and the omnivore Smicridea chilensis were found between seasons. The spring herbivore Aubertoperla sp. showed significant differences between rivers. S. chilensis fed on 50 different prey items as compared with the herbivores whose maximum number of links ranged between 37 and 40. Web sizes ranged between 93 and 131 species and the proportion of top species was distinctly lower than those of basal (up to 0.651 in Coilaco River) and intermediate species. Direct connectance (links per species2) values were low and similar among rivers (range: 0.051–0.074), whereas mean food chain length ranged between 2.23 and 2.90. The distributions of web property values from the Andean rivers differed from those previously published. In contrast to previous predictions, mean food chain length in these Andean streams displayed a scale‐invariant pattern across different web sizes, but it was significantly related to the proportion of intermediate species.
New onset sarcoid‐like granulomatosis developing during anti‐TNF therapy: an under‐recognised complication
Authors: Tong D. , Manolios N. , Howe G. , Spencer D.
Published: October 2011

Tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) antagonists have advanced the treatment of inflammatory arthropathies, and are even considered for use in refractory sarcoidosis with some success. Paradoxically, cases of new onset sarcoidosis‐like diseases are increasingly reported in patients receiving TNF‐α antagonists. Here, we report three cases of sarcoid‐like granulomatosis that developed during treatment with TNF‐α antagonists. Review of the Biologics clinic data base at Westmead, Sydney, Australia identified three patients whom, during anti‐TNF therapy, developed non‐caseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. These three cases are described with review of the literature from 2000 to 2009 using PubMed. One hundred and sixty‐nine patients within our data base were reviewed for the period 2003–2009. Sarcoidosis‐like granulomas developed in three patients within a period of 3 to 36 months of treatment with etanercept and/or adalimumab. All cases demonstrated non‐infective, non‐caseating granulomas on renal or lymph node biopsy. Improvement was seen in two cases upon cessation of TNF‐α antagonist and steroid therapy. Interestingly, clinical deterioration was noted upon re‐challenge with the same TNF‐α antagonist in one patient. To date, a total of 37 cases of sarcoid‐like granuloma development after anti‐TNF therapy have been reported in the literature. Development of sarcoidosis‐like granulomatosis in patients treated with TNF‐α antagonists is a phenomenon previously under‐recognised. All three anti‐TNF agents have been observed to cause this phenomenon, suggesting a ‘class effect’ rather than being drug specific.
Ingestion of stimulant medications does not alter bispectral index or clinical depth of anesthesia at 1 MAC sevoflurane in children
Authors: Chambers Neil A. , Pascoe Elaine , Kaplanian Serge , Forsyth Ian
Published: October 2011

Background/Aim:  Children treated with stimulant medications for the behavioral management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may present for elective surgery. Stimulant medication is often continued until the morning of surgery to optimize perioperative behavior. It is unknown whether such stimulant drug ingestion can affect cerebral arousal and alter depth of anesthesia. A clinically relevant alteration in measured depth of anesthesia could form the basis for an evidence‐based recommendation that children taking stimulant medications require a change in the amount of anesthetic delivered or that they require routine monitoring of depth of anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:  Thirty‐four ASA 1 and 2 children aged between 5 and 16, presenting for elective day case surgery, were recruited. Seventeen had a diagnosis of ADHD and had taken stimulant medication on the day of surgery, and 17 were controls. A standard inhalational induction of anesthesia using air, oxygen, and sevoflurane by facemask was performed and maintained for 10 min at 1 MAC endtidal sevoflurane. During this time, no other stimulus was applied to the patient. Bispectral index (BIS) and other markers of depth of anesthesia were recorded after 10 min.

Results:  Children in both groups were of similar ages and weights. There were a higher percentage of boys in the stimulants group. Baseline physiological parameters were similar in both groups. After induction and equilibration for 10 min of anesthesia at 1 MAC endtidal sevoflurane, there was no significant difference in BIS or clinical markers of depth of anesthesia.

Conclusions:  Children taking stimulant medication for ADHD, and who ingest medication on the day of surgery, do not appear to have altered BIS or depth of anesthesia at 1 MAC of sevoflurane. These results do not support a recommendation for a change in anesthetic practice for children having ingested stimulants up to the day of surgery, either in terms of increasing the amount of anesthetic given or monitoring of depth.