bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical applications of natural killer T cell–based immunotherapy for cancer
Authors: Motohashi Shinichiro , Nakayama Toshinori
Published: February 2008

Human invariant Vα24 natural killer T (NKT) cells are a novel, distinct lymphocyte population, characterized by an invariant T‐cell receptor Vα24 chain paired with Vβ11. Vα24 NKT cells are activated by a specific glicolipid ligand, α‐GalCer, and rapidly produce a large amount of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, thereby modulating other immune cells such as antigen‐specific CD4 and CD8 T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells. Recent studies have shown that NKT cells play pivotal regulatory roles in many immune responses, including antitumor immunity. We herein review the quantitative alteration and functional deterioration of circulating Vα24 NKT cells in various cancer‐bearing patients. We also summarize the recent progress in the clinical studies of NKT cell‐based tumor immunotherapy. Novel immunological results including the increased peripheral blood Vα24 NKT cells and IFN‐producing cells after the immunotherapy were revealed. The details of the safety profile and the antitumor responses were also disclosed. Although the objective clinical responses still remain unclear, some encouraging results have emerged. Therefore, NKT cell‐based immunotherapy may potentially be an effective strategy for the treatment of cancer patients. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 638–645)
Outcome of unrelated donor stem cell transplantation for children with severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Perez‐Albuerne Evelio D. , Eapen Mary , Klein John , Gross Thomas J. , Lipton Jeffery M. , Baker K. Scott , Woolfrey Anne , Kamani Naynesh
Published: February 2008

For children with severe aplastic anemia (SAA) who fail immunosuppressive therapy and lack a human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched sibling donor, unrelated donors provide a source of hematopoietic stem cells. Data from 195 children with acquired SAA who underwent unrelated donor transplantation between 1989 and 2003 were analyzed. Neutrophil recovery (86% at day‐28) was higher with total body irradiation‐containing conditioning regimen and in younger recipients (aged ≤16 years) receiving grafts from older donors (aged >40 years). Recovery was lower after mismatched transplants and transplantations prior to 1997. Mortality rates were higher after mismatched transplants, in recipients with a poor performance score, and when the interval between diagnosis and transplantation was longer than 4 years. When restricted to donor‐recipient pairs with allele‐level HLA typing (8‐loci;n = 118), mortality rates were also higher after mismatched transplants and older recipients receiving grafts from older donors; 5‐year probabilities of overall survival after HLA‐A, ‐B, ‐C, ‐DRB1 matched and mismatched transplants adjusted for donor and recipient age were 57% and 39%, respectively (P = 0·008). The data suggest that unrelated donor transplantation is an acceptable alternative for children; early referral for transplantation and identification of an HLA‐matched (allele‐level) donor offers the best outcome.
The Common Assessment Framework: does the reality match the rhetoric?
Authors: Gilligan Philip , Manby Martin
Published: February 2008

The Common Assessment Framework (CAF) is an important part of the procedures envisaged in the government's Every Child Matters: Change for Children (ECM: CFC) programme. Implementation of CAF, in particular, raises many important questions, not least those arising from the inconsistencies apparent between government rhetoric around the development of multi‐agency services provided to all children with ‘additional’ needs and the actual experiences of children, young people, parents/carers and practitioners in ‘real world’ situations. This paper explores the extent to which the actions of practitioners and the experiences of service users with regard to CAF mirror or differ from those which would be expected in view of the content of government guidance and policy documents. The data used is taken from an evaluation of CAF processes in two locations in northern England over a period of 6 months. It concludes that very small numbers of children and young people actually received the service; that, despite genuine enthusiasm from practitioners for them to be so, the processes observed could not yet be described as fully ‘child centred’; that fathers were insufficiently involved; and that CAF was, in reality, another service ‘rationed’ according to resources available and according to agencies' priorities.
The fine‐scale population dynamics of spruce budworm: survival of early instars related to forest condition
Authors: RÉGNIÈRE JACQUES , NEALIS VINCE G.
Published: February 2008

Abstract1. A lagged, density‐dependent relationship between survival of early instars and host‐tree condition is revealed during outbreaks of spruce budworm,Choristoneura fumiferanaClem. Persistent damage to hosts leads to deterioration of the stand.

2. Resource limitation affects survival during early‐instar dispersal of spruce budworm. Impediments to distinguishing these events with estimates of survival were overcome with a simple model that describes the dispersal and survival processes. The model was used to analyse a recent 15‐year population series from Black Sturgeon Lake and two historical datasets from Green River, in Canada.

3. Defoliation‐induced damage to the trees resulted in increased losses of spring‐emerging larvae that are dispersing in search of feeding sites. Losses were further exacerbated by biotic factors such as maternal fecundity, rates of infection by the pathogen,Nosema fumiferanae, and by weather‐related effects on the foraging period.

4. Survival of early‐stage budworm larvae in persistent outbreaks declined and the likelihood of other density‐related factors such as rate of mortality from natural enemies increased. These results may reconcile outstanding differences in interpretation of the role of the forest resource in spruce budworm population dynamics and point to a common process linking the dynamics of other well‐known budworm species.
Testing the nutrition hypothesis for the adaptive nature of insect galls: does a non‐adapted herbivore perform better in galls?
Authors: DIAMOND SARAH E. , BLAIR CATHERINE P. , ABRAHAMSON WARREN G.
Published: February 2008

Abstract 1. The nutrition hypothesis for the adaptive nature of galls states that gall‐inducing insects control the nutrient levels in galls to their own benefit. Although the nutrition hypothesis is widely accepted, there have been few empirical tests of this idea.

2. A novel method is presented for testing the nutrition hypothesis that links manipulation of gall nutrient levels by the gall inducer to herbivore performance. The effects of adaptation and nutritional advantage are separated by using a herbivore that is adapted to a host plant susceptible to galling but one which never enters the gall environment.

3. Hellinsia glenni (Cashatt), a plume moth (Pterophoridae) and one of its host plants provide an excellent system for testing the nutrition hypothesis because H. glenni larvae feed internally on the relatively nutrient‐poor stems of a goldenrod, Solidago gigantea, but do not venture into the nutrient‐rich galls induced on that plant by a tephritid fly, Eurosta solidaginis. The nutrition hypothesis was tested by transplanting early‐instar H. glenni larvae into galls and stems of S. gigantea to determine if the larvae transplanted to galls would perform better compared with those larvae transplanted to stems.

4. The results support the nutrition hypothesis for the adaptive nature of galls. Hellinsia glenni achieved greater final mass in the gall environment compared with the final mass larvae achieved in the stem environment. There was also evidence that the quality of gall tissue is controlled by the gall inducer, which has not been previously demonstrated for mature E. solidaginis galls.
Asymmetrical costs of sexual conflict in the seaweed fly, Coelopa frigida
Authors: MEADER STEPHEN J. , GILBURN ANDRE S.
Published: February 2008

Abstract 1. Sexual conflict can play an important role in the evolution of animal life‐history characteristics, including lifespan. Seaweed flies show an increase in mortality rates when exposed to brown algae. The seaweed stimulates females to oviposit and males to mount females. Females typically respond to male mounts by performing a violent rejection response.

2. Here the contribution of sexual conflict to the increase in mortality seen in the presence of seaweed was determined. The survival of single and mixed sex pairs of flies was followed in the presence and absence of seaweed.

3. The two sexes showed differential survival rates, with females living longer in the absence of seaweed. The presence of seaweed reduced survival in both sexes. In the presence of seaweed, female survival was lower when paired with a male. Over 40% of the reduction in survival in females in the presence of seaweed appears to be attributable to sexual conflict.

4. The presence of a female did not significantly affect male survival. Thus the mortality cost of being in the presence of the opposite sex and seaweed appears highly asymmetric.

5. In the presence of seaweed, female survival was lower when females were paired with small males. Small males exhibit higher levels of harassment of females, thus it is argued that pre‐copulatory sexual conflict is the probable cause of the increased mortality cost to females of being in the presence of both males and seaweed.
The effect of hind‐tibial spurs on digging rate in female eastern cicada killers
Authors: COELHO JOSEPH R. , HOLLIDAY CHARLES W.
Published: February 2008

Abstract 1. The function of the large hind‐tibial spurs of female eastern cicada killer wasps (Sphecius speciosus), thought to be adaptations to digging, was examined by measuring the effect of spurs on digging rate.

2. Spurs were removed from one group of wasps and left intact in control specimens.

3. Wasps with intact spurs removed soil from the burrow at a rate of 0.98 ± 0.11 (16) g dry mass min−1 [mean ± SEM (N)]. Removal of spurs results in an average digging rate just over one‐half that, 0.54 ± 0.13 (9) g min−1.

4. The difference in digging rate was primarily because of a twofold greater mass of soil unloaded by intact wasps each time they exited the burrow, rather than the rate at which such loads were delivered.

5. Such inefficiency results in an estimated additional 8.2 h requirement to fully excavate an average burrow, or a 1–4% reduction in time available for foraging in spur‐ablated wasps.

6. Calculations suggest that the time lost to digging would result in a 3.9–19.5% reduction in foraging success for spurless females.

7. These temporal and resulting foraging advantages of hind‐tibial spurs presumably provided selection pressure for their evolution from smaller, pre‐existing setae.
Changing temperature regimes have advanced the phenology of Odonata in the Netherlands
Authors: DINGEMANSE NIELS J. , KALKMAN VINCENT J.
Published: February 2008

Abstract 1. Responses of biota to climate change have been well documented for a restricted number of taxa. This study examined shifts in phenology of 37 species of the aquatic insect order Odonata in the Netherlands over the last decade.

2. The present study shows that adults of the Dutch dragonflies and damselflies have advanced their flight dates over recent years due to complex effects of changing temperature regimes on the timing of adult flight dates.

3. Flight dates did not respond to changes in autumn/winter temperatures, advanced with increases in spring temperatures of the focal and previous year, and delayed with increases in summer temperatures of the previous year. Climate change consequently advanced the flight dates of the Odonata because only spring temperatures have increased during the study period.

4. The findings imply that climate change can evoke strong phenological responses in aquatic insects. Moreover, shifts in phenology due to climate change are likely to vary both spatially or temporally, depending on the exact nature of climate change.
Phytoplankton equilibrium phases during thermal stratification in a deep subtropical reservoir
Authors: BECKER VANESSA , HUSZAR VERA LÚCIA M. , NASELLI‐FLORES LUIGI , PADISÁK JUDIT
Published: February 2008

1. Equilibrium and non‐equilibrium hypotheses have often been used to explain observations in community ecology. Published case studies have demonstrated that steady state phytoplankton assemblages are more likely to occur in deep lakes than in shallow mixed ones.

2. Phytoplankton seasonal succession was studied by weekly sampling in Faxinal Reservoir (S Brazil), a subtropical deep, clear, warm monomictic and slightly eutrophic reservoir. This study demonstrated an alternation of steady and non‐steady state phases of phytoplankton assemblages with different dominant species during the steady states.

3. During the studied period, three steady states were identified with different dominant algal species: Anabaena crassa (Cyanobacteria), Nephrocytium sp. (green algae) and Asterionella (diatoms).

4. Each steady state in Faxinal Reservoir developed under stratified conditions of the water column according to the predictions of the disturbance concepts. Apparently, the major forces driving the development and persistence of these steady‐state phases were closely related to thermal stratification and its consequences.

5. This study is the first report on development of more than one steady state within a year in a stratified water body. The development of three steady states might be the result of the relatively long stratification period in the Faxinal Reservoir and to its unique geochemical features.
Population size, weight distribution and food in a persistent population of the rare medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis
Authors: ELLIOTT J. M.
Published: February 2008

1. It is important for species recovery and conservation management projects to know the minimum viable population size for rare and endangered species, such as the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis. Therefore, using a catch‐removal method, this study estimated every two years (1986, 1988, 1990, 1992) the total number of medicinal leeches in a tarn in the English Lake District, and the number of mature adults in the population.

2. Four samples were taken each year in June and July, when water temperatures exceeded 20 °C. Population size was estimated both by maximum likelihood and regression methods. All leeches were weighed alive and size groups were separated by polymodal frequency analysis. A small sample of the blood meal in each leech gut was taken before the leeches were returned to the tarn, and was used to estimate the proportion of mammalian and non‐mammalian blood in the meals.

3. Both methods of estimation produced similar values, increasing confidence in the population estimates. Values for the total population in June and July varied among years from 248 to 288, the maximum value being only 16% higher than the minimum. Values for the number of mature leeches varied from 48 to 58 (19–20% of the total population), and this was an estimate of the effective population size.

4. There were four size groups. The largest mature leeches (live weight >5 g) in group IV formed only 1% of the population, and the smallest (0.02–0.5 g) in group I 14–17%. Most leeches were in two overlapping groups of immature (64–67% of population) and mature (18%) leeches with size ranges of 0.4–3.4 g and 2.5–5 g respectively. The percentage of leeches in each size group was very consistent among years. Blood meals were found in 38–44% of the leeches in group I, 45–50% in group II, 70–75% in group III, and 100% in group IV, but mammalian blood was present only in larger mature leeches (>3.5 g).

5. Medicinal leeches were first detected in the tarn in 1980 and are still present in 2007, so the population has persisted for at least 27 years. Compared with minimum viable population sizes for other species, including many endangered species, values for this medicinal leech population are extremely low, but may be typical of some rare freshwater invertebrates in isolated habitats.
Modulation of immunoglobulin gene conversion frequency and distribution by the histone deacetylase HDAC2 in chicken DT40
Authors: Lin Waka , Hashimoto Shu‐ichi , Seo Hidetaka , Shibata Takehiko , Ohta Kunihiro
Published: February 2008

Modifications of histones are reportedly associated with the regulation of immunoglobulin (Ig) gene diversification mechanisms, but the extent of their involvement in promoting sequence alterations at the Ig variable (V) regions still remains to be elucidated. We have previously demonstrated that Ig gene conversion in the B cell line DT40 is accompanied by the local hyperacetylation of histones, and that its frequency is highly increased in cells treated with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA). In this report, we describe the enhancing effects of the homozygous deletion of HDAC2 (HDAC2–/–) on Ig gene conversion. Remarkably, sequence analysis revealed that the distribution of the gene conversion tracts induced throughout the Ig V regions in HDAC2–/– was significantly different from the diversification patterns in TSA‐treated wild‐type cultures. Furthermore, we found that the effects of HDAC2–/– and of the treatment with TSA were additive as regards histone acetylation, Ig gene transcription, gene conversion frequency and distribution of gene conversion tracts. These results underscore the potential participation of HDAC‐mediated histone acetylation in Ig diversification, but also suggest a specific role of HDAC2 to control the spatial targeting of Ig gene conversion.
Interaction and localization of Necl‐5 and PDGF receptor β at the leading edges of moving NIH3T3 cells: Implications for directional cell movement
Authors: Amano Hisayuki , Ikeda Wataru , Kawano Satoshi , Kajita Mihoko , Tamaru Yoshiyuki , Inoue Naoya , Minami Yukiko , Yamada Akio , Takai Yoshimi
Published: February 2008

It was previously shown that platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor physically and functionally interacts with integrin αvβ3, effectively inducing cell movement. We previously showed that Necl‐5, originally identified as a poliovirus receptor, interacts with integrin αvβ3 and enhances its clustering and the formation of focal complexes at the leading edges of moving cells, resulting in an enhancement of cell movement. We showed here that Necl‐5 additionally interacts with PDGF receptor in NIH3T3 cells and regulates the interaction between PDGF receptor and integrin αvβ3, effectively inducing directional cell movement. PDGF receptor co‐localized with Necl‐5 and integrin αvβ3 at peripheral ruffles over lamellipodia, which were formed at the leading edges of moving cells in response to PDGF, but not at the focal complexes under these ruffles, whereas Necl‐5 and integrin αvβ3 co‐localized at these focal complexes. The clustering of these three molecules at peripheral ruffles required the activation of integrin αvβ3 by vitronectin and the PDGF‐induced activation of the small G protein Rac and subsequent re‐organization of the actin cytoskeleton. These results indicate a key role of Necl‐5 in directional cell movement by physically and functionally interacting with both integrin αvβ3 and PDGF receptor.
Effect of hydrological conditions on nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon dioxide dynamics in a bottomland hardwood forest and its implication for soil carbon sequestration
Authors: YU KEWEI , FAULKNER STEPHEN P. , BALDWIN MICHAEL J.
Published: February 2008

This study was conducted at three locations in a bottomland hardwood forest with a distinct elevation and hydrological gradient: ridge (high, dry), transition, and swamp (low, wet). At each location, concentrations of soil greenhouse gases (N2O, CH4, and CO2), their fluxes to the atmosphere, and soil redox potential (Eh) were measured bimonthly, while the water table was monitored every day. Results show that soil Eh was significantly (P < 0.001) correlated with water table: a negative correlation at the ridge and transition locations, but a positive correlation at the permanently flooded swamp location. Both soil gas profile analysis and surface gas flux measurements indicated that the ridge and transition locations could be a sink of atmospheric CH4, especially in warm seasons, but generally functioned as a minor source of CH4 in cool seasons. The swamp location was a major source of CH4, and the emission rate was higher in the warm seasons (mean 28 and median 23 mg m−2 h−1) than in the cool seasons (both mean and median 13 mg m−2 h−1). Average CO2 emission rate was 251, 380 and 52 mg m−2 h−1 for the ridge, transition and swamp location, respectively. At each location, higher CO2 emission rates were also found in the warm seasons. The lowest CO2 emission rate was found at the swamp location, where soil C content was the highest, due to less microbial biomass, less CO2 production in such an anaerobic environment, and greater difficulty of CO2 diffusion to the atmosphere. Cumulative global warming potential emission from these three greenhouse gases was in an order of swamp > transition > ridge location. The ratio CO2/CH4 production in soil is a critical factor for evaluating the overall benefit of soil C sequestration, which can be greatly offset by CH4 production and emission.
Tubal and ovarian pathways to pelvic epithelial cancer: a pathological perspective
Authors: Jarboe E A , Folkins A K , Drapkin R , Ince T A , Agoston E S , Crum C P
Published: February 2008

Prolongation of ovarian epithelial cancer survival depends on early detection or improved responses to chemotherapy. Gains in either have been modest at best. Understanding the diverse pathogenesis of this disease is critical to early intervention or prevention. This review addresses six important variables, including (i) cell of origin, (ii) site of origin, (iii) initial genotoxic events, (iv) risks imposed by hereditary and other promoting conditions, (v) subsequent factors that promote different patterns of metastatic spread, and (vi) prospects for intervention. This review proposes two distinct pathways to pelvic epithelial cancer. The first initiates in ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), Mullerian inclusions or endometriosis in the ovary. The second arises from the endosalpinx and encompasses a subset of serous carcinomas. The serous carcinogenic sequence in the distal fallopian tube is described and contrasted with lower grade serous tumors based on tumour location, earliest genetic change and ability (or lack of) to undergo terminal (ciliated) differentiation. Ultimately, a clear understanding of tumour origin and the mechanism(s) leading to the earliest phases of the serous and endometrioid carcinogenic sequences may hold the greatest promise for designing prevention strategies and/or developing new therapies.
Molecular markers of human sperm functions
Authors: Muratori Monica , Luconi Michaela , Marchiani Sara , Forti Gianni , Baldi Elisabetta
Published: February 2008

Fertilization is a stepwise process that allows two mature gametes to reach each other, fuse and eventually give rise to a new individual. Despite the tremendous importance of reproduction for species development and maintenance, fertility is decreasing worldwide, with peaks in western countries. It is estimated that about 7% of men experiences problems in conceiving a child because of sperm defects. In such a situation, understanding which are the essential sperm players in each of the steps of the fertilization process is essential for the development of new pharmacological strategies to treat the infertile men, for genetic screening of idiopathic male infertility as well as to produce effective male contraceptive agents. The present review will summarize recent evidence for the identification and characterization of molecular markers of sperm functions with emphasis on post‐ejaculatory maturation events and the process of sperm–oocyte interaction.
Cross‐cultural comparisons of obesity and growth in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Dudley O. , McManus B. , Vogels A. , Whittington J. , Muscatelli F.
Published: February 2008

Introduction  The present study reports cross‐cultural comparisons of body mass index (BMI) and growth in Prader–Willi syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with obesity, growth restriction and mild learning disability. Our objectives were to: (1) compare rates of obesity in adults with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) in France, with data available from Belgium, the UK and the USA; (2) compare growth of French children with PWS with their counterparts in Germany and the USA; and (3) evaluate the contribution of genetic, medical and social parameters to obesity outcome in French children and adults with PWS.

Method  (1) Cross‐sectional comparison of BMI of 40 French adults, 38 Belgian adults, 46 British adults and 292 North American adults; (2) Construction of growth curves for French children aged 2–20 years from longitudinal data for 150 individuals with PWS, and comparison with published growth curves from Germany and the USA; and (3) Longitudinal regression analysis of 141 French children and adults to determine the factors contributing to obesity outcome.

Results  A total of 82.5% French adults with PWS have BMI > 30 compared with 65.8% in Belgium (n.s.), 58.2% in the USA (P < 0.005), and 54.3% in the UK (P < 0.01). Higher rates of obesity in females vs. males were found in the USA sample (P < 0.001) but not in the other samples. In contrast to adults, growth curves for French children with PWS show similar rates of growth compared with children with PWS in Germany and the USA. The principal determining factors of BMI status in the French PWS population are age (P < 0.0001), cohort (born within the last 15 years vs. born over 15 years ago, P < 0.0002) and growth hormone replacement therapy (P < 0.0002). Significant subsidiary effects include domestic situation (P < 0.0001), genetic diagnosis (P < 0.0001) and age of diagnosis (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions  French adults with PWS have significantly higher rates of obesity than adults in the UK and the USA, but growth in French children with PWS is similar to the USA and Germany. Clinical management has a greater impact on obesity outcome in PWS than cultural factors.
New adaptive mesh development for accurate near‐field enhancement computation
Authors: GROSGES T. , BOROUCHAKI H. , BARCHIESI D.
Published: February 2008

An accurate computation of the near‐field enhancement is a key factor for the optimization of nanostructures in plasmonics. This problem has been addressed for Green's dyadic method but remains open for finite element method (FEM) where the use of non‐Cartesian meshes is known to be the most efficient. We present a new adaptive mesh process based on the a posteriori error indicator estimation on the physical solution. This new procedure accelerates drastically the convergence of the solution and minimizes both the memory requirement and the computational time.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of Citrus tristeza virus in Cuba
Authors: Batista L. , Velázquez K. , Estévez I. , Peña I. , López D. , Reyes M. L. , Rodríguez D. , Laranjeira F. F.
Published: February 2008

The spatiotemporal dissemination of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) was evaluated by DASI‐ELISA in orange and grapefruit fields of six citrus producing regions in Cuba, and aphid populations were evaluated in two selected areas. The aphid species found in these areas were Toxoptera citricida (the most efficient vector of CTV), T. aurantii and Aphis spiraecola. A logistic model was the most appropriate to explain the temporal increase in the proportion of CTV‐infected plants for almost all the fields. Although nearly all areas showed an increase in this proportion, there were regions of low CTV spread, which was slower in grapefruit than in orange fields. 2DCORR analysis indicated spatial dependence among immediately adjacent trees, higher in the within‐row direction than in the across‐row direction. Aggregation was also detected by dispersion index and binary power law fitting within quadrats of all sizes. For most fields, autocorrelation analysis showed a significant edge effect and spatial dependence among infected plants of different sub‐areas. Based on these results a new tristeza management strategy was proposed for each region of the country.
Differential responses of red clover cultivars to Sclerotinia trifoliorum under diverse natural climatic conditions
Authors: Öhberg H. , Ruth P. , Bång U.
Published: February 2008

The susceptibility of 15 red clover (Trifolium pratense) cultivars to Sclerotinia trifoliorum under natural conditions in field experiments was investigated at sites in Sweden located at latitudes ranging from 60 to 64°N, with corresponding ranges of climatic regimes and lengths of vegetative growth and winter periods. At each site, 10 red clover cultivars were included: five were common, and five were selected according to the regional climate. Clover rot caused by S. trifoliorum from natural sources occurred in all geographical areas studied, and all cultivars included were affected. The numbers of plants of each cultivar killed by the pathogen was estimated at five sites over 2 years. Severe effects were observed in the first winter at these sites, but while incidence of clover rot increased and diseased areas expanded substantially in the second winter in northern Sweden, this pattern was not observed in southern regions. Tetraploidy, late flowering type and previous selection for resistance among cultivars positively influenced survival rates in the field. Estimates of susceptibility of cultivars obtained under field conditions after 2 years showed strong correlation when compared with rankings of susceptibility caused by an aggressive isolate of S. trifoliorum in previously conducted controlled environment laboratory tests. Yields were correlated to the proportion of gaps caused by the pathogen, indicating its economic importance.
Characterization and pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia isolates associated with cauliflower in Belgium
Authors: Pannecoucque J. , Van Beneden S. , Höfte M.
Published: February 2008

Sixty‐two isolates of Rhizoctonia spp. were collected from Belgian cauliflower fields during 2005 and 2006. The majority of the isolates (60 out of 62) had multinucleate cells and were identified as Rhizoctonia solani. Characterization of anastomosis groups (AGs) was performed using pectic zymograms, PCR‐RFLP and sequencing of the rDNA‐ITS region. The most prevalent AG was AG 2‐1 (55% of isolates), followed by AG 2‐1 subset Nt (11%), AG 1‐1C (8%), AG 5 (8%), AG 4 HGII (6%), AG 3 (5%) and AG 1‐1B (3%). Pathogenic potential towards different vegetable crops and towards maize was determined. Damage to cauliflower and endive was caused by different AGs, with the isolates aggressive towards cauliflower belonging to AG 2‐1, AG 2‐1 subset Nt, AG 4 HGII, AG 1‐1C, AG 1‐1B and AG 2‐2, and those aggressive towards endive belonging to AG 1‐1B, AG 1‐1C, AG 2‐1 subset Nt, AG 2‐2, AG 4 HGII and AG 5. The most aggressive isolates towards bean belonged to AG 2‐1 subset Nt and AG 2‐2, for lettuce to AG 1‐1B and AG 2‐1, on carrot to AG 4 HGII and towards maize to AG 2‐2. Within the isolates of AG 2‐1, variability was observed in PCR‐RFLP pattern and in aggressiveness towards several crops, indicating this subgroup to be heterogeneous. This is the first study concerning the occurrence of R. solani AGs causing wirestem in Belgian cauliflower fields and the first report of aggressive isolates of AG 1‐1C, AG 2‐1 subset Nt and AG 4 HGII associated with cauliflower.
MicroRNA166 controls root and nodule development in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Boualem Adnane , Laporte Philippe , Jovanovic Mariana , Laffont Carole , Plet Julie , Combier Jean‐Philippe , Niebel Andreas , Crespi Martin , Frugier Florian
Published: February 2008

Legume root architecture is characterized by the development of two de novo meristems, leading to the formation of lateral roots or symbiotic nitrogen‐fixing nodules. Organogenesis involves networks of transcription factors, the encoding mRNAs of which are frequently targets of microRNA (miRNA) regulation. Most plant miRNAs, in contrast with animal miRNAs, are encoded as single entities in an miRNA precursor. In the model legume Medicago truncatula, we have identified the MtMIR166a precursor containing tandem copies of MIR166 in a single transcriptional unit. These miRNAs post‐transcriptionally regulate a new family of transcription factors associated with nodule development, the class‐III homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐ZIP III) genes. In situ expression analysis revealed that these target genes are spatially co‐expressed with MIR166 in vascular bundles, and in apical regions of roots and nodules. Overexpression of the tandem miRNA precursor correlated with MIR166 accumulation and the downregulation of several class‐III HD‐ZIP genes, indicating its functionality. MIR166 overexpression reduced the number of symbiotic nodules and lateral roots, and induced ectopic development of vascular bundles in these transgenic roots. Hence, plant polycistronic miRNA precursors, although rare, can be processed, and MIR166‐mediated post‐transcriptional regulation is a new regulatory pathway involved in the regulation of legume root architecture.
Actin depolymerizing factor is essential for viability in plants, and its phosphoregulation is important for tip growth
Authors: Augustine Robert C. , Vidali Luis , Kleinman Ken P. , Bezanilla Magdalena
Published: February 2008

Actin depolymerizing factor (ADF)/cofilin is important for regulating actin dynamics, and in plants is thought to be required for tip growth. However, the degree to which ADF is necessary has been elusive because of the presence of multiple ADF isoforms in many plant species. In the moss Physcomitrella patens, ADF is encoded by a single, intronless gene. We used RNA interference to demonstrate that ADF is essential for plant viability. Loss of ADF dramatically alters the organization of the F‐actin cytoskeleton, and leads to an inhibition of tip growth. We show that ADF is subject to phosphorylation in vivo, and using complementation studies we show that mutations of the predicted phosphorylation site partially rescue plant viability, but with differential affects on tip growth. Specifically, the unphosphorylatable ADF S6A mutant generates small polarized plants with normal F‐actin organization, whereas the phosphomimetic S6D mutant generates small, unpolarized plants with a disorganized F‐actin cyotskeleton. These data indicate that phosphoregulation at serine 6 is required for full ADF function in vivo, and, in particular, that the interaction between ADF and actin is important for tip growth.
Colonization of Sulfurovum sp. on the gill surfaces of Alvinocaris longirostris, a deep‐sea hydrothermal vent shrimp
Authors: Tokuda Gaku , Yamada Akinori , Nakano Kazuma , Arita Nao O. , Yamasaki Hideo
Published: February 2008

Deep‐sea hydrothermal vents are unique light‐independent ecosystems that are sustained by chemosynthetic bacteria. For many of the invertebrates inhabiting in such environments, bacteria play essential roles in both energy acquisition and detoxification of potentially toxic gases such as H2S. In this study, the bacterial flora present on the gills of Alvinocaris longirostris (Bresiliidae: Caridea), a shrimp inhabiting hydrothermal vents (1532 m depth) at the Hatoma Knoll of the Okinawa Trough, was investigated. Bacterial 16S rDNA fragments were successfully amplified from the gills and 70% of these fragments showed an identical pattern in the restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. These fragments were assigned to the ribotype AL‐1. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that AL‐1 forms a monophyletic clade with Sulfurovum spp. (ε‐Proteobacteria). Fluorescence in situ hybridization for AL‐1 and electron microscopy showed the presence of short‐rod bacteria lining up on the cuticular layer of the surface of the gill filaments. These results suggest that bacterial association with gills also occurs in bresiliid shrimps.
Measuring disability in older adults: The International Classification System of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework
Authors: Rejeski W Jack , Ip Edward H , Marsh Anthony P , Miller Michael E , Farmer Deborah F
Published: February 2008

Background:  Despite the importance of disability to geriatric medicine, no large scale study has validated the activity and participation domains of the International Classification System of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) in older adults. The current project was designed to conduct such as analysis, and then to examine the psychometric properties of a measure that is based on this conceptual structure.

Methods:  This was an archival analysis of older adults (n = 1388) who had participated in studies within our Claude D Pepper Older Americans Independence Center. Assessments included demographics and chronic disease status, a 23‐item Pepper Assessment Tool for Disability (PAT‐D) and 6‐min walk performance.

Results:  Analysis of the PAT‐D produced a three‐factor structure that was consistent across several datasets: activities of daily living disability, mobility disability and instrumental activities of daily living disability. The first two factors are activities in the ICF framework, whereas the final factor falls into the participation domain. All factors had acceptable internal consistency reliability (>0.70) and test–retest (>0.70) reliability coefficients. Fast walkers self‐reported better function on the PAT‐D scales than slow walkers: effect sizes ranged from moderate to large (0.41–0.95); individuals with cardiovascular disease had poorer scores on all scales than those free of cardiovascular disease. In an 18‐month randomized clinical trial, individuals who received a lifestyle intervention for weight loss had greater improvements in their mobility disability scores than those in a control condition.

Conclusion:  The ICF is a useful model for conceptualizing disability in aging research, and the PAT‐D has acceptable psychometric properties as a measure for use in clinical research.
Incorporating uncertainty and prior information into stable isotope mixing models
Authors: Moore Jonathan W. , Semmens Brice X.
Published: February 2008

Stable isotopes are a powerful tool for ecologists, often used to assess contributions of different sources to a mixture (e.g. prey to a consumer). Mixing models use stable isotope data to estimate the contribution of sources to a mixture. Uncertainty associated with mixing models is often substantial, but has not yet been fully incorporated in models. We developed a Bayesian‐mixing model that estimates probability distributions of source contributions to a mixture while explicitly accounting for uncertainty associated with multiple sources, fractionation and isotope signatures. This model also allows for optional incorporation of informative prior information in analyses. We demonstrate our model using a predator–prey case study. Accounting for uncertainty in mixing model inputs can change the variability, magnitude and rank order of estimates of prey (source) contributions to the predator (mixture). Isotope mixing models need to fully account for uncertainty in order to accurately estimate source contributions.
TEMS: an alternative method for the repair of benign recto‐vaginal fistulae
Authors: Darwood R. J. , Borley N. R.
Published: February 2008

Indications  The repair of high recto‐vaginal fistula can be challenging since access may be limited via the endo‐anal approach yet the alternative trans‐abdominal route carries significant morbidity. We report the use of TEMS to repair a recto‐vaginal fistula following anterior resection and pelvic radiotherapy.

Method  The patient was placed prone and a 25cm rectoscope was inserted. A proximally based mucosal advancement flap was raised to repair the fistula. The patient was discharged 2 days later and a contrast study confirmed closure of the fistula.

Comparison with other techniques  TEMS allows excellent visualisation of a rectovaginal fistula compared to standard endo‐anal or trans‐vaginal techniques. The morbidity is lower than the trans‐abdominal route.

Comments  TEMS is a useful technique for the repair of benign recto‐vaginal fistula and has distinct advantages over conventional techniques.
Sexual and urinary dysfunction following rectal dissection compared with segmental colectomy
Authors: Perera M. T. P. R. , Deen K. I. , Wijesuriya S. R. E. , Kumarage S. K. , De Zylva S. T. U. , Ariyaratne M. H. J.
Published: February 2008

Introduction  The aim of this study was to assess the impact of nerve sparing surgery and major abdominal surgery on sexual and urinary function in men and women with colorectal cancer undergoing rectal dissection and segmental colectomy.

Method  Forty‐eight patients (group A: 22 males, 26 females; median age 55 years) undergoing rectal dissection were compared with 24 having segmental colectomy (group B: 12 male, 12 female; median age 55 years). Preoperative data were also compared with age‐ and gender‐matched controls (group C).

Results  More patients after rectal dissection vs segmental colectomy had urinary tract infections [15 (31%) vs 3 (17.5%), P = 0.04]. At 37 months, urinary dysfunction after rectal excision was seen in 29 (60%; 20 men) vs nine (37.5%; eight men) after segmental colectomy. Postoperative urinary symptoms were significant in group A, but not in group B (pre: vs post; groups A and B: poor stream – 13%vs 38%, P = 0.001 and 21%vs 21%, P = NS; incontinence – 4.2%vs 17%, P = 0.008 and 8%vs 8%, P = NS; hesitancy – 13%vs 35%, P = 0.034 and 17%vs 21%, P = NS). Sexual health was worse after rectal excision compared with segmental colectomy (men – 62.5%, women – 25%vs 44% of men) respectively. Erectile dysfunction was the chief cause (rectal excision – 50%vs segmental colectomy – 33%). After rectal excision, 6% of women had dyspareunia and 19% reported reduced orgasm but none after segmental colectomy.

Conclusion  More men than women had urinary and sexual impairment after rectal excision than after segmental colectomy. Its aetiology is multifactorial.
A lecithinized superoxide dismutase (PC‐SOD) improves ulcerative colitis
Authors: Suzuki Y. , Matsumoto T. , Okamoto S. , Hibi T.
Published: February 2008

Objective  To assess the safety and efficacy of lecithinized superoxide dismutase (PC‐SOD) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Method  PC‐SOD was injected once daily at doses of 40 mg (n = 22) and 80 mg (n = 20) for a total treatment period of 4 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by UC‐Disease Activity Index (DAI) total score. All side effects were recorded and investigated.

Results  At 4 weeks, the UC‐DAI total score was significantly decreased vs baseline in both the 40 mg and 80 mg groups. It was confirmed that PC‐SOD 80 mg was, at least, not significantly superior to PC‐SOD 40 mg. Twenty incidences of side effects were noted in 12 (54.55%) of 22 patients in the 40 mg group, while there were three incidences of side effects in two (10.00%) of 20 patients in the 80 mg group. None of these side effects was severe. Thus it was concluded that the test drug is safe when given at daily dosages of 40 mg and 80 mg.

Conclusion  In this pilot study PC‐SOD improved UC more rapidly than previously existing drugs. A double blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of PC‐SOD 40 mg/day is required to confirm the efficacy of this agent against UC.
Development of Crohn’s disease following anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy (etanercept)
Authors: Yazisiz V. , Avci A. B. , Erbasan F. , Yildirim B. , Terzioğlu E.
Published: February 2008

Inhibition of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Anti‐TNF antibodies such as infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab are commonly used. There are structural and functional differences among these agents. We describe development of Crohn’s disease in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis receiving anti‐TNF therapy. This case suggests that the appearance of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients on anti‐TNF therapy must be evaluated to find out whether this is a new onset or an exacerbation of underlying inflammatory bowel disease.
Ileocecal interposition for Hirschsprung’s disease: a case report
Authors: Penninckx F. , Van den Eynde W. , D’Hoore A. , Miserez M.
Published: February 2008

An ileocecal interposition (ICI) between the descending colon and anus was performed in a girl, 14 months old, with congenital aganglionosis up to the sigmoid colon. The left colon could not safely be mobilised because the paracolic arcade had been interupted during a preceding colostomy construction. The functional result, 14 years after reconstruction, is excellent: 1–2 easy defecations per day with normal continence for flatus and stool. An ICI may be an appropriate rescue procedure, saving a maximum length of normally innervated bowel and providing a neorecta1 reservoir.
Grade of prolapse and symptoms of haemorrhoids are poorly correlated: result of a classification algorithm in 270 patients
Authors: Gerjy R. , Lindhoff‐Larson A. , Nyström P.‐O.
Published: February 2008

Purpose  Haemorrhoid prolapse is an indication for surgery. A correlation between worsening anatomy and increasing symptoms is commonly assumed. We developed a classification algorithm of prolapse and external component, and evaluated its correlation to symptoms before and after surgery.

Method  A study population comprising 180 patients operated for haemorrhoids in a multicentre randomized trial plus a validation set comprising 90 patients operated by us. The classification used three items: (i) patient self‐report of prolapse requiring manual reposition; (ii) surgeon assessment of prolapse when patient negated manual reposition; (iii) surgeon assessment of external component. Patient self‐reported were rated by frequency (never, 0 points; monthly, 1 point; weekly, 2 points and daily, 3 points). The algorithm yielded three grades: 1, no prolapse; 2, spontaneously reducing prolapse and 3, prolapse needing manual repositioning. The degree of external component was affixed as A, none; B, one or few tags and C, circumferential.

Results  Anatomical grades did not differ between the two sets of patients before or after surgery. Preoperatively, 69% had grade 3 prolapse. Postoperatively, 89% were classified as grades 1A or B. The symptom load was similar for grades 2 and 3; mean 6.5 points preoperatively and 1.8 points postoperatively.

Conclusion  This anatomical classification, based on strict criteria, reliably staged the haemorrhoid prolapse. There was no unique preoperative symptom profile associated with any degree of prolapse with or without an external component. Restored anal anatomy relieved symptoms. The classification also defined recurrence of haemorrhoids.