bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
JNK1 controls mast cell degranulation and IL-1β production in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Guma Monica , Kashiwakura Jun-ichi , Crain Brian , Kawakami Yuko , Beutler Bruce , Firestein Gary S. , Kawakami Toshiaki , Karin Michael , Corr Maripat
Published: December 2010

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease marked by bone and cartilage destruction. Current biologic therapies are beneficial in only a portion of patients; hence small molecules targeting key pathogenic signaling cascades represent alternative therapeutic strategies. Here we show that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1, but not JNK2, is critical for joint swelling and destruction in a serum transfer model of arthritis. The proinflammatory function of JNK1 requires bone marrow-derived cells, particularly mast cells. Without JNK1, mast cells fail to degranulate efficiently and release less IL-1β after stimulation via Fcγ receptors (FcγRs). Pharmacologic JNK inhibition effectively prevents arthritis onset and abrogates joint swelling in established disease. Hence, JNK1 controls mast cell degranulation and FcγR-triggered IL-1β production, in addition to regulating cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase biosynthesis, and is an attractive therapeutic target in inflammatory arthritis.
Mutation of WRKY transcription factors initiates pith secondary wall formation and increases stem biomass in dicotyledonous plants
Authors: Wang Huanzhong , Avci Utku , Nakashima Jin , Hahn Michael G. , Chen Fang , Dixon Richard A.
Published: December 2010

Stems of dicotyledonous plants consist of an outer epidermis, a cortex, a ring of secondarily thickened vascular bundles and interfascicular cells, and inner pith parenchyma cells with thin primary walls. It is unclear how the different cell layers attain and retain their identities. Here, we show that WRKY transcription factors are in part responsible for the parenchymatous nature of the pith cells in dicotyledonous plants. We isolated mutants of
Medicago truncatula
and
Arabidopsis thaliana
with secondary cell wall thickening in pith cells associated with ectopic deposition of lignin, xylan, and cellulose, leading to an ∼50% increase in biomass density in stem tissue of the Arabidopsis mutants. The mutations are caused by disruption of stem-expressed WRKY transcription factor (TF) genes, which consequently up-regulate downstream genes encoding the
N
AM,
A
TAF1/2, and
C
UC2 (NAC) and CCCH type (C3H) zinc finger TFs that activate secondary wall synthesis. Direct binding of WRKY to the NAC gene promoter and repression of three downstream TFs were confirmed by in vitro assays and in planta transgenic experiments. Secondary wall-bearing cells form lignocellulosic biomass that is the source for second generation biofuel production. The discovery of negative regulators of secondary wall formation in pith opens up the possibility of significantly increasing the mass of fermentable cell wall components in bioenergy crops.
Epigenetic reprogramming during vegetative phase change in maize
Authors: Li Hong , Freeling Michael , Lisch Damon
Published: December 2010

An important step during plant development is the transition from juvenile to adult growth. It is only after this transition that plants are reproductively competent. Given the great danger that transposon activity represents to the germ line, this may also be an important period during development with respect to transposon regulation and silencing. We demonstrate that a change in expression of a key component of the RNA silencing pathway is associated with both vegetative phase change and shifts in epigenetic regulation of a maize transposon.
No Effect of a Selective Serotonergic/Noradrenergic Reuptake Inhibitor on Endurance Performance
Authors: Piacentini Maria Francesca , Meeusen Romain , Buyse Luk , De Schutter Guy , De Meirleir Kenny
Published: December 2010

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a selective serotonin/noradrenaline (5‐HT/NA) reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) on exercise performance. Seven well‐trained male cyclists completed 2 time trials in a doubleblind randomized crossover design ingesting either placebo (PLAC) or 2 × 37.5 mg of Venlafaxine (VEN). Blood samples were collected for adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), prolactin (PRL), cortisol, growth hormone (GH), beta‐endorphins, and catecholamines and were taken at rest, at 30‐min time intervals, at the end of exercise, and during recovery. Performance was not influenced by the SNRI (VEN: 92 min ± 3 min, PLAC: 92 min ± 1 min). Lactate concentrations, heart rate, and fatigue scores were not different between trials. All hormones increased during exercise in both trials. In the VEN trial, ACTH, beta endorphins, and NA concentrations were higher. The results from the present study demonstrate that a SNRI is not able to affect endurance performance in well‐trained cyclists. However, it seems as though the hormonal response to the combination of the pharmacological manipulation and exercise is regulated more by the noradrenergic drive.
NADPH oxidase links endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and PKR activation to induce apoptosis
Authors: Li Gang , Scull Christopher , Ozcan Lale , Tabas Ira
Published: December 2010

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–induced apoptosis and oxidative stress contribute to several chronic disease processes, yet molecular and cellular mechanisms linking ER stress and oxidative stress in the setting of apoptosis are poorly understood and infrequently explored in vivo. In this paper, we focus on a previously elucidated ER stress–apoptosis pathway whose molecular components have been identified and documented to cause apoptosis in vivo. We now show that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced oxidase (NOX) and NOX-mediated oxidative stress are induced by this pathway and that apoptosis is blocked by both genetic deletion of the NOX subunit NOX2 and by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Unexpectedly, NOX and oxidative stress further amplify CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) induction through activation of the double-stranded RNA–dependent protein kinase (PKR). In vivo, NOX2 deficiency protects ER-stressed mice from renal cell CHOP induction and apoptosis and prevents renal dysfunction. These data provide new insight into how ER stress, oxidative stress, and PKR activation can be integrated to induce apoptosis in a pathophysiologically relevant manner.
Oxford Handbook of Palliative Care
Authors: Watson Max , Lucas Caroline , Hoy Andrew , Wells Jo
Published: December 2010

Updated throughout with an additional emphasis on nursing care, this resource is a concise and authoritative guide to modern palliative care. Easily accessible, it's ideal for the busy professional managing patients with end of life care needs.
The HDF1 Histone Deacetylase Gene Is Important for Conidiation, Sexual Reproduction, and Pathogenesis in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Li Yimin , Wang Chenfang , Liu Wende , Wang Guanghui , Kang Zhensheng , Kistler H. Corby , Xu Jin-Rong
Published: December 2010

Head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum is an important disease of wheat and barley. Its genome contains chromosomal regions with higher genetic variation and enriched for genes expressed in planta, suggesting a role of chromatin modification in the regulation of infection-related genes. In a previous study, the FTL1 gene was characterized as a novel virulence factor in the head blight fungus. FTL1 is homologous to yeast SIF2, which is a component of the Set3 complex. Many members of the yeast Set3 complex, including Hos2 histone deacetylase (HDAC), are conserved in F. graminearum. In this study, we characterized the HDF1 gene that is orthologous to HOS2. HDF1 physically interacted with FTL1 in yeast two-hybrid assays. Deletion of HDF1 resulted in a significant reduction in virulence and deoxynivalenol (DON) production. The Δhdf1 mutant failed to spread from the inoculation site to other parts of wheat heads or corn stalks. It was defective in sexual reproduction and significantly reduced in conidiation. Expression of HDF1 was highest in conidia in comparison with germlings and hyphae. Deletion of HDF1 also resulted in a 60% reduction in HDAC activity. Microarray analysis revealed that 149 and 253 genes were down- and upregulated, respectively, over fivefold in the Δhdf1 mutant. Consistent with upregulation of putative catalase and peroxidase genes, the Δhdf1 mutant was more tolerant to H2O2 than the wild type. Deletion of the other two class II HDAC genes had no obvious effect on vegetative growth and resulted in only a minor reduction in conidiation and virulence in the Δhdf2 mutant. Overall, our results indicate that HDF1 is the major class II HDAC gene in F. graminearum. It may interact with FTL1 and function as a component in a well-conserved HDAC complex in the regulation of conidiation, DON production, and pathogenesis.
Identification of a New Waitea circinata Variety Causing Basal Leaf Blight of Seashore Paspalum
Authors: Kammerer S. J. , Burpee L. L. , Harmon P. F.
Published: December 2010

Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) is a saline-tolerant, warm-season turfgrass species popular for golf course use in tropical and subtropical climates. A new variety of Waitea circinata (proposed as W. circinata var. prodigus) is described as the causal agent of basal leaf blight, a novel disease of seashore paspalum. Foliar necrosis and canopy thinning of seashore paspalum were observed on three different golf course fairways in Florida over an 18-month period. Five isolates with profuse, pink to yellow mycelia and small, salmon-colored or yellow to light-brown sclerotia were cultured from diseased turf foliage. Isolates grew rapidly over a temperature range of 25 to 35°C and were initially identified as an uncharacterized variety of W. circinata. Internal transcribed spacer sequences of rDNA from the isolates were compared with sequences from previously described W. circinata varieties. The paspalum isolates formed a phylogenetic clade that was distinct from the other W. circinata varieties. Pathogenicity was confirmed on ‘SeaDwarf’ and ‘SeaIsle Supreme’ seashore paspalum, ‘Penncross’ creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), ‘Senesta’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), and ‘Dark Horse’ roughstalk bluegrass (Poa trivialis). The geographical distribution and potential impact of basal leaf blight is unknown. However, the range of potential turfgrass hosts and environmental conditions conducive for disease development suggest that the pathogen may infect other species in addition to seashore paspalum.
Evaluation of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Rapid Detection of Erwinia amylovora on Pear and Apple Fruit Flowers
Authors: Temple Todd N. , Johnson Kenneth B.
Published: December 2010

Fire blight of pear and apple is frequently an inoculum-limited disease but weather-based forecasting models commonly assume that the pathogen is omnipresent. To improve fire blight risk assessment during flowering, we developed a rapid pathogen detection protocol that uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) to detect DNA of epiphytic Erwinia amylovora on samples of pear and apple flowers. LAMP detected a single flower colonized epiphytically by E. amylovora in a sample of 100 flower clusters (approximately 600 flowers). Samples of 100 flower clusters from orchards (approximately one sample per hectare) were washed and subjected to LAMP, which was completed in 2 h. In three experimental orchards inoculated with E. amylovora, positive LAMP reactions were attained from nine of nine 100-flower cluster samples; pathogen populations in the floral washes averaged 5.2 × 103 CFU per flower as determined by dilution plating. Samples of pear and apple flowers obtained from 60 commercial orchards located in Oregon, Washington, California, and Utah resulted in detection of E. amylovora by LAMP assay from 34 sites, 20 of which developed fire blight. Of samples at early bloom, 10% were positive for epiphytic E. amylovora compared with 28% at petal fall; pathogen density in washes of positive samples averaged 3.2 × 102 CFU per flower. In another 26 orchards, all floral washes were negative for E. amylovora by LAMP and by dilution plating; a light severity of fire blight was observed in 8 of these orchards. Overall, positive detection of epiphytic E. amylovora in commercial orchards by LAMP-based scouting generally occurred at later stages of bloom after heat (risk) units had begun to accumulate, an indication that weather-based forecasting models may be an adequate measure of fire blight risk for many orchardists. Nonetheless, several orchardists communicated that information from the LAMP-based rapid detection protocol resulted in modification of their fire blight management practices.
Effect of Postsymptom Application of Fungicides on Urediniospore Production by Puccinia triticina on Wheat and P. hemerocallidis on Daylily
Authors: Buck J. W. , Wise K. , Dong W.
Published: December 2010

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of post-symptomatic fungicide applications on urediniospore production of leaf rust of wheat, Puccinia triticina, and daylily rust, P. hemerocallidis. Fungicides from five chemical classes were evaluated for their effect on urediniospore production at 24-h intervals post application for 96 h. The quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicide (azoxystrobin) significantly reduced cumulative urediniospore production by P. triticina (40.1 and 11.3% of control) and P. hemerocallidis (37.9 and 35.6% of control) in both trials. The demethylation inhibitor, myclobutanil, significantly reduced urediniospore production by P. hemerocallidis 24 h post treatment in both trials and cumulative production in one trial. Myclobutanil did not affect urediniospore production by P. triticina. Four QoI fungicides significantly reduced urediniospore production by P. triticina at all collection times (24, 48, and 72 h) and cumulative production in both trials. No differences were observed between the QoI fungicides with P. triticina. The four QoI fungicides significantly reduced urediniospore production by P. hemerocallidis compared with the nonfungicide control, with significantly fewer urediniospores produced in the pyraclostrobin-treated lesions compared with azoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, and trifloxystrobin. Differences in leaf morphology between daylily and wheat such as leaf thickness and waxiness may contribute to the differences observed between the two pathosystems. The significant reductions in urediniospore production by postsymptom applications of QoI fungicides, combined with their known fungistatic properties, suggest that these chemistries would be useful for reducing the spread of viable inoculum to noninfested plants.
Effects of Shade Intensity and Duration on Asian Soybean Rust Caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi
Authors: Dias A. P. S. , Li X. , Harmon P. F. , Harmon C. L. , Yang X. B.
Published: December 2010

Field studies to quantify the effects of shade intensity and duration on soybean rust caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi were carried out in Florida in 2006 and 2007. Soybean plants at the V4 stage were inoculated with urediniospores at 2100, 0000, and 0200 h. Inoculated plants were either placed in cages that were covered with shade cloths of different mesh sizes allowing 70, 50, or 20% transmission of sunlight or were not covered so that the plants received 100% of sunlight. Plants kept under 20 and 100% sunlight were sampled 12, 18, and 36 h after inoculation to determine the in vivo germination percentage of urediniospores and the percentage of germ tubes that formed appressoria. In separate experiments, inoculated plants were placed under the shade (20% sunlight) and moved to unshaded conditions after 1, 2, and 7 days. For all experiments, soybean rust incidence and severity were rated 12 days after inoculation. Higher levels of disease incidence and severity were detected in plants under shade compared with those under full sunlight. Shade duration greater than 2 days favored disease development. Within 36 h, in vivo germination of urediniospores and formation of appressoria were not significantly affected by the treatments. These results may explain why soybean rust is more severe in the lower canopy and shaded areas in the field.
Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis in Japan: Prognosis and Therapy
Authors: Horie Yoshinori , Ishii Hiromasa , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: December 2010

Abstract: Background: Recently, the incidence of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has been increasing in Japan; this associated with an increase in alcoholic beverage consumption. Multiple organ failures are frequently observed in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH), most of whom have a poor prognosis similar to fulminant hepatitis; as well numbers of severe AH patients appear to be increasing. Although prognosis of fulminant hepatitis in Japan has been recently improved by intensive treatments such as plasma exchange (PE) that of severe AH has not changed. The objective of this study was to determine whether there was any factor that could determine the prognosis of severe AH

Methods: We carried out nation‐wide survey by asking hospitals certified by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology and hospitals related to ours hospital for the current status of patients seen with severe alcoholic hepatitis since 1998. We investigated correlations between various factors including blood laboratory data, presence of other organ failure, and prognosis

Results: Mortality of patients with severe AH was high (66.4%). The ratio of female patients with severe AH (26%) was higher than that for other ALD (approximately 10%). Mean age was older (Alive: 44 ± 11; Dead: 50 ± 11 years old), white blood cell (WBC) counts were higher (11600 ± 5200; 21800 ± 13400/μl), red blood cell counts were lower (320 ± 95; 265 ± 72 × 104/μl) and prothrombin time (PT) was prolonged (36.2 ± 10.4; 29.1 ± 9.4%, respectively) in patients who had died than in patients who had survived. However, as all differences diminished after carrying out PE, we analyzed data in patients without PE. The results were similar to those in all patients. Prevalence of infection, gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was higher in patients who had died. Although intensive treatments such as PE, hemodialysis, and anticoagulation therapy did not change the prognosis of severe AH, PE improved the prognosis of patients without either GI bleeding or DIC. WBC counts were also slightly higher in patients who had died after carrying out PE. Two cases had been cured by granulocytapheresis (GCAP)

Conclusions: PE can compensate for and reduce the risk due to prolonged PT in patients with severe AH. These results suggest that the patients with markedly elevated WBC counts, prolonged PT, or anemia should, if possible, be treated at an earlier stage with an intensive treatment such as PE, hemodialysis, or anticoagulation therapy before infection, GI bleeding or DIC occurs. Further, GCAP might be useful for severe AH patients with higher WBC counts.
Collaborative learning with a wiki: Differences in perceived usefulness in two contexts of use
Authors: Naismith L. , Lee B.‐H. , Pilkington R.M.
Published: December 2010

This paper investigates the potential of a wiki (FlexWiki) to support collaborative authoring of web resources in authentic coursework by two different sets of education students at different stages of their professional development. Research questions included: (1) how the selected wiki could be blended with curriculum activities and existing technologies to complete collaborative tasks; (2) student and tutor expectations concerning collaborative learning and whether these expectations were met; (3) the barriers and enablers of using the wiki and perceptions of the task‐technology fit. Key findings included that tutors and students were able to use the wiki to complete tasks; tutors and students were positive about learning outcomes but collaboration was not as co‐constructive as hoped for; there were tensions between expectations of collaboration and assessment practices that affected how students collaborated; differences between participants in their group interaction, degree of co‐presence and familiarity with technology led to differences in perceptions of usefulness and actual wiki use; and version‐tracking data from the wiki proved unreliable on its own for gaining insights into actual collaborative processes. These findings suggest the importance of considering detailed local contexts of use when deciding to adopt new tools for supporting collaboration.
Trophic mediation by a fungus in an ant–plant mutualism
Authors: Leroy Céline , Séjalon‐Delmas Nathalie , Jauneau Alain , Ruiz‐González Mario‐Xavier , Gryta Hervé , Jargeat Patricia , Corbara Bruno , Dejean Alain , Orivel Jérôme
Published: December 2010

1. Plants often rely on external, mutualistic partners to survive and reproduce in resource‐limited environments or for protection from enemies. Such interactions, including mycorrhizal symbioses and ant–plant associations, are widespread and play an important role at the ecosystem and community levels. In ant–plant mutualisms, the plants may benefit from both the protection provided by the presence of ants and from the nutrients absorbed from insect debris. However, the role of third partners in plant nutrition, particularly ant‐associated fungi, has never before been demonstrated.

2. We investigate this issue in the ant–plantHirtella physophora. In this model system,Allomerus decemarticulatusants are involved in two, highly specific interactions: first, with their host plant, and, secondly, with a fungus that they actively manipulate. Moreover, the ants combine both plant trichomes and fungal hyphae to make a trap to capture prey.

3. We empirically demonstrate the existence of a third type of interaction between the fungus and the plant through the use of both experimental enrichments with stable isotopes (15N) and histological approaches. The fungus growing in the galleries plays a role in providing nutrients to the host plant, in addition to the structural role it plays for the ants. Fungus‐facilitated nitrogen uptake occurs mainly in old domatia, where abundant hyphae are in close contact with the plant cells. Whether the fungi inside the domatia and those in the galleries are the same is still uncertain.

4. Synthesis.Together, our results show that a fungal partner in an ant–plant mutualism can benefit the plant by improving its nutrient uptake, and they demonstrate the existence of a true tripartite mutualism in this system. Our results add further evidence to the notion that interpretations of some ant–plant symbioses as purely protective mutualisms have overlooked these nutritional aspects.
Genetic mapping of the interface between the ArsD metallochaperone and the ArsA ATPase
Authors: Yang Jianbo , Abdul Salam Abdul Ajees , Rosen Barry P.
Published: December 2010

The ArsD metallochaperone delivers trivalent metalloids, As(III) or Sb(III), to the ArsA ATPase, the catalytic subunit of the ArsAB As(III) efflux pump. Transfer of As(III) increases the affinity of ArsA for As(III), allowing resistance to environmental arsenic concentrations. As(III) transfer is channelled from chaperone to ATPase, implying that ArsD and ArsA form an interface at their metal binding sites. A genetic approach was used to test this hypothesis. Thirteen ArsD mutants exhibiting either weaker or stronger interaction with ArsA were selected by either repressed transactivator yeast two‐hybrid or reverse yeast two‐hybrid assays. Additionally, Lys‐37 and Lys‐62 were identified as being involved in ArsD function by site‐directed mutagenesis and chemical modification. Substitution at either position with arginine was tolerated, suggesting participation of a positive charge. By yeast two‐hybrid analysis K37A and K62A mutants lost interaction with ArsA. All 15 mutations were mapped on the surface of the ArsD structure, and their locations are consistent with a structural model generated by in silico docking. Four are close to metalloid binding site residues Cys‐12, Cys‐13 and Cys‐18, and seven are on the surface of helix 1. These results suggest that the interface involves one surface of helix 1 and the metalloid binding site.
SAP1 is a critical post‐transcriptional regulator of infectivity in malaria parasite sporozoite stages
Authors: Aly Ahmed S. I. , Lindner Scott E. , MacKellar Drew C. , Peng Xinxia , Kappe Stefan H. I.
Published: December 2010

Plasmodium salivary gland sporozoites upregulate expression of a unique subset of genes, collectively called the UIS (upregulated in infectious sporozoites). Many UIS were shown to be essential for early liver stage development, although little is known about their regulation. We previously identified a conserved sporozoite‐specific protein, SAP1, which has an essential role in Plasmodium liver infection. Targeted deletion of SAP1 in Plasmodium yoelii caused the depletion of a number of selectively tested UIS transcripts in sporozoites, resulting in a complete early liver stage arrest. Here, we use a global gene expression survey to more comprehensively identify transcripts that are affected by SAP1 deletion. We find an effect upon both the transcript abundance of UIS genes, as well as of select genes previously not grouped as UIS. Importantly, we show that the lack of SAP1 causes the specific degradation of these transcripts. Collectively, our data suggest that SAP1 is involved in a selective post‐transcriptional mechanism to regulate the abundance of transcripts critical to the infectivity of sporozoites. Although Pysap1‐ sporozoites are depleted of many of these important transcripts, they confer long‐lasting sterile protection against wild‐type sporozoite challenge in mice. SAP1 is therefore an appealing candidate locus for attenuation of Plasmodium falciparum.
Defence responses in plantation‐grown Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens after artificial fungal inoculation
Authors: Deflorio G. , Franz E. , Beadle C. , Mohammed C.
Published: December 2010

The formation of reaction and barrier zones was studied in the xylem of Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens tree stems after wounding and artificial inoculation with two white rot fungi. The study had two objectives: to describe host responses in Eucalyptus spp. by light microscopy and to determine whether they would differ in a fungal treatment (wounding and inoculation by one of two fungal isolates) when compared to a control treatment (wounding only). Eucalyptus globulus and E. nitens developed similar reaction and barrier zones. The E. globulus barrier zone was characterized by kino vein formation. In both hosts, the reaction zone was primarily influenced by content and distribution of living tracheids and parenchyma cells within the sapwood. By contrast, the anatomy of the barrier zone showed similarities to the basic xylem structure of each host, except for some cell types that were newly formed (sclereids, kino veins) or increased in number (parenchyma cells, tracheids). Other cell types were reduced in number or completely absent. Host response in terms of barrier zone width appeared to be greater in the fungal than control treatment. Both wood decay fungi appeared to induce a wider barrier zone in both species than that associated with non‐specific damage caused exclusively by wounding. However, the small number of replicates available for this study was possibly insufficient to provide statistical evidence for different barrier zone width between fungal and control treatments.
Study of the Efficiency of Chemically Assisted Enucleation Method for Handmade Cloning in Goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Akshey YS , Malakar D , De AK , Jena MK , Sahu S , Dutta R
Published: December 2010

Contents

The present investigation was carried out to find an efficient chemically assisted procedure for enucleation of goat oocytes related to handmade cloning (HMC) technique. After 22‐h in vitro maturation, oocytes were incubated with 0.5 μg/ml demecolcine for 2 h. Cumulus cells were removed by pipetting and vortexing in 0.5 mg/ml hyaluronidase, and zona pellucida were digested with pronase. Oocytes with extrusion cones were subjected to oriented bisection. One‐third of the cytoplasm with the extrusion cone was removed with a micro blade. The remaining cytoplasts were used as recipients in HMC. Goat foetal fibroblasts were used as nuclear donors. The overall efficiency measured as the number of cytoplasts obtained per total number of oocytes used was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in chemically assisted handmade enucleation (CAHE) than oriented handmade enucleation without demecolcine (OHE) (80.02 ± 1.292% vs. 72.9 ± 1.00%, respectively, mean ± SEM). The reconstructed and activated embryos were cultured in embryo development medium (EDM) for 7 days. Fusion, cleavage and blastocyst development rate were 71.63 ± 1.95%, 92.94 ± 0.91% and 23.78 ± 3.33% (mean ± SEM), respectively which did not differ significantly from those achieved with random handmade enucleation and OHE. In conclusion, chemically assisted enucleation is a highly efficient and reliable enucleation method for goat HMC which eliminates the need of expensive equipment (inverted fluorescence microscope) and potentially harmful chromatin staining and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation for cytoplast selection.
Intraventricular inflammatory pseudotumor: Report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Gandhi Ravi H. , Li Li , Qian Jiang , Kuo Yu Hung
Published: December 2010

Inflammatory pseudotumors (IP) are non‐neoplastic lesions characterized by collagenous stroma and polyclonal mononuclear infiltrates. It is best characterized in the lung, but can occur in the CNS, mimicking a neoplastic process. We discuss the available literature and our cases in order to elucidate best medical practices when confronted with such a lesion. We report on two cases of intraventricular inflammatory pseudotumor in patients who presented with symptoms of CSF obstruction. Both patients were treated surgically with significant clinical improvement. Histopathologically, both specimens revealed a plasma cell granuloma variant of IP. A Medline search for English articles identified 46 cases of CNS IP, only eight of which were located within the ventricle. As with our case, most patients presented due to CSF obstruction or mass effect. Radiographically, the lesions have a variable appearance although most enhanced with gadolinium. Complete resection was achieved in 67% with a 12% rate of recurrence. With incomplete resection or biopsy alone, progression is seen despite steroid or radiation administration. Malignant transformation was only reported once. CNS IP is a rare pathological entity that cannot be diagnosed through clinical presentation or radiographic characteristics, but rather through a careful neuropathological inspection. The available literature suggests that complete resection with close follow‐up is necessary.
A case of Epstein‐Barr virus associated post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder with CNS involvement: pathological findings at both biopsy and autopsy
Authors: Suzuki Makiko , Kosugi Isao , Terada Tatsuhiro , Shirakawa Kentarou , Suzuki Hitoshi , Kono Satoshi , Miyajima Hiroaki
Published: December 2010

Post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) with CNS involvement is an uncommon and fatal side effect of immunosuppressants. A 55‐year‐old man presented with non‐fluent aphasia, fever, neck stiffness and disturbance of consciousness. Twenty‐one years previously, the patient had undergone kidney transplantation for chronic renal failure. Brain MRI revealed multiple lesions in the bilateral cerebrum, right cerebellum and medulla oblongata. The brain biopsy showed EBV‐positive lymphocytes infiltrating into the subarachnoid and Virchow‐Robins space. The diagnosis of PTLD was made and the patient received a reduction in immunosuppressants. However, the patient died of massive bleeding from a rectal ulcer 3 months after the onset. An autopsy conducted 1 month after the biopsy revealed a diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma at the biopsy site and extracranial PTLD lesions. Moreover, a human cytomegalovirus infection involving the rectum, pancreas, trachea and bladder was confirmed. Comparisons with past cases clarified the characteristics of this case, in particular, the clinicopathological involvement of leptomeninges. In addition, there have so far been only a limited number of such reports demonstrating detailed pathological findings, including both biopsy and autopsy findings. We herein describe the relationship between clinical and pathological findings and demonstrate the way CNS PTLD lesion progresses.
MORAL ENHANCEMENT AND FREEDOM
Authors: HARRIS JOHN
Published: December 2010

This paper identifies human enhancement as one of the most significant areas of bioethical interest in the last twenty years. It discusses in more detail one area, namely moral enhancement, which is generating significant contemporary interest. The author argues that so far from being susceptible to new forms of high tech manipulation, either genetic, chemical, surgical or neurological, the only reliable methods of moral enhancement, either now or for the foreseeable future, are either those that have been in human and animal use for millennia, namely socialization, education and parental supervision or those high tech methods that are general in their application. By that is meant those forms of cognitive enhancement that operate across a wide range of cognitive abilities and do not target specifically ‘ethical’ capacities. The paper analyses the work of some of the leading contemporary advocates of moral enhancement and finds that in so far as they identify moral qualities or moral emotions for enhancement they have little prospect of success.
A TRINITARIAN GRAMMAR OF SIN
Authors: McDOUGALL JOY ANN
Published: December 2010

This essay offers a critical reading of David Kelsey's hamartiology in Eccentric Existence. I elucidate Kelsey's “trinitarian grammar of sin,” which charts how human lives characteristically “miss the mark” of God's creating, consummating, and reconciling ways of relating to us. Kelsey uses this dynamic pattern of divine relating to illuminate the appropriate responses of the Christian life—faith, hope, and love—and their fundamental distortions. I commend three major contributions of Kelsey's hamartiology: his parsing of the relationship between sin and moral evil, his overturning of modernity's anthropocentric paradigm of sin, and his reconstruction of original sin. I conclude with three clusters of questions relating to: first, Kelsey's root paradigm of sin as idolatry, second, his use of impurity and stain language to describe original sin, and third, what is at stake in crafting theological anthropology in the analytical style of Eccentric Existence.
“EARLY CHRISTIAN BINITARIANISM”: FROM RELIGIOUS PHENOMENON TO POLEMICAL INSULT TO SCHOLARLY CONCEPT
Authors: BUCUR BOGDAN G.
Published: December 2010

This article discusses the use of “binitarianism” and related concepts in the study of early Christian writings. A survey of past and present uses of “binitarian monotheism” reveals that there are at least two quite distinct uses of this term, developed in distinct scholarly contexts, each informed by specific theological presuppositions, and assuming specific theological agendas. A certain discrepancy becomes evident between the early Christian phenomenon termed “binitarianism” and its scholarly description. These observations make it necessary to ask whether the flaws of this concept outweigh its usefulness for scholarly reconstructions of early Christian thought.
The identification ofN‐glycosylated residues of the human 5‐HT3B receptor subunit: importance for cell membrane expression
Authors: Massoura Andrew N. , Dover Terri J. , Newman Amy S. , Barnes Nicholas M.
Published: December 2010

J. Neurochem.(2011)116, 975–983.

The 5‐hydroxytryptamine 3 (5‐HT3) receptor is a pentameric ligand‐gated ion channel with potential molecular isoforms arising from different subunit combinations and/or different post‐translational modifications of the individual subunits. SinceN‐glycosylation of the 5‐HT3A subunit impacts cell surface trafficking, the presence ofN‐glycosylation of the human (h) 5‐HT3B subunit and the influence upon cell membrane expression was investigated. Following transient expression of the h5‐HT3B subunit by human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293 cells) stably expressing the h5‐HT3A subunit, theN‐glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin reduced the size of the predominant h5‐HT3B‐immunoreactive protein (∼ 55 kDa reduced to ∼ 40 kDa). Disruption of each consensusN‐glycosylation sequences in the h5‐HT3B subunit (N31S, N75S, N117S, N147S and N182S) resulted in a reduced molecular weight (by ∼ 2–4 kDa) of each mutant when expressed by HEK293 cells stably expressing the h5‐HT3A subunit. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that disruption of each of theN‐glycosylation sequences (individually or combined) reduced the expression of the mutant h5‐HT3B subunit protein in the cell membrane when co‐expressed with the h5‐HT3A subunit. The present study has identified utilisedN‐glycosylation sites of the h5‐HT3B subunit and demonstrated that they promote subunit expression in the cell membrane; a prerequisite for 5‐HT3receptor function.
Deficiency of prohormone convertase dPC2 (AMONTILLADO) results in impaired production of bioactive neuropeptide hormones in Drosophila
Authors: Wegener Christian , Herbert Henrik , Kahnt Jörg , Bender Michael , Rhea Jeanne M.
Published: December 2010

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 581–595.

Peptide hormones synthesized by secretory neurons in the CNS are important regulators of physiology, behavior, and development. Like other neuropeptides, they are synthesized from larger precursor molecules by a specific set of enzymes. Using a combination of neurogenetics, immunostainings, and direct mass spectrometric profiling, we show that the presence of Drosophila prohormone convertase 2 encoded by the gene amontillado (amon) is a prerequisite for the proper processing of neuropeptide hormones from the major neurohemal organs of the CNS. A loss of amon correlates with a loss of neuropeptide hormone signals from the larval ring gland and perisympathetic organs. Neuropeptide hormone signals were still detectable in the adult corpora cardiaca of older amon‐deficient flies which were amon heat‐shock‐rescued until eclosion. A semiquantification by direct peptide profiling using stable isotopic standards showed, however, that their neuropeptide hormone levels are strongly reduced. Targeted expression of GFP under the control of amon regulatory regions revealed a co‐localization with the investigated peptide hormones in secretory neurons of the brain and ventral nerve cord. The lack of AMON activity resulted in a deficiency of L3 larva to enter the wandering phase. In conclusion, our findings provide the first direct evidence that AMON is a key enzyme in the production of neuropeptides in the fruitfly.
A framework for an efficient implementation of logistics collaborations
Authors: Audy Jean‐François , Lehoux Nadia , D'Amours Sophie , Rönnqvist Mikael
Published: December 2010

In order to beat the competition, access new markets, and respect operational, social, and environmental constraints, enterprises establish collaborations with many other business entities. Furthermore, with costs and information sharing, organizations have the opportunity to optimize their logistics activities. However, each enterprise has its own objectives and typically makes its own planning decisions to meet these objectives. Therefore, it becomes crucial to determine how business entities will work together as well as the value of the collaboration. Specifically, it is necessary to identify how logistics activities will be planned and executed, who will take the leadership of the collaboration, and how benefits will be shared. In this article, we explain how to efficiently build and manage inter‐firm relationships. Moreover, we propose five coordination mechanisms that contribute to ensure information sharing, the coordination of logistics activities, and the sharing of benefits. Case studies are used to demonstrate the utility of the framework.
Compliance with leisure‐time physical activity recommendations in pregnant women
Authors: AMEZCUA‐PRIETO CARMEN , LARDELLI‐CLARET PABLO , OLMEDO‐REQUENA ROCÍO , MOZAS‐MORENO JUAN , BUENO‐CAVANILLAS AURORA , JIMÉNEZ‐MOLEÓN JOSÉ J.
Published: December 2010

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with the performance of minimal beneficial leisure‐time physical activity in the first half of pregnancy according to the criteria of the American College of Sport and Medicine (ACSM) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Material and methods. This was a cross‐sectional study carried out at the Maternal and Neonatal University Hospital in Granada, which services the whole population of the hospital reference area. We studied 1,175 healthy pregnant women aged over 18 years. Information about sociodemographics, lifestyles, obstetric antecedents and anthropometric variables were collected. The amount of leisure‐time physical activity was quantified by assigning metabolic equivalents to each activity. The ACSM and ACOG criteria were used to define optimal physical activity in the first half of pregnancy. The frequency of compliance for both criteria was estimated. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted to study the factors associated with the recommendations. Results. Only 20.3% (95% confidence interval 15.50–26.10) of the women complied with ACOG criteria. More women complied with ACSM recommendations (70.8%, 95% confidence interval 67.5–73.8), which are less restrictive criteria. Women aged 30 years old or older and those with a university degree tended to devote more time to exercising according to both recommendations. Conclusion. The prevalence of pregnant women who performed minimal beneficial leisure‐time physical activity was lower with the dominant and more accepted criteria. It is necessary to encourage physical activity, mainly among those who are younger, and those with lower levels of educational attainment.
Influences of local habitat and stream spatial position on fish assemblages in a dammed watershed, the Qingyi Stream, China
Authors: Yan YunZhi , Xiang XiuYing , Chu Ling , Zhan YaoJun , Fu CuiZhang
Published: December 2010

Abstract –  Identifying the underlying mechanisms that explain the spatial variation in stream fish assemblages is crucial for the protection of species diversity. The influences of local habitat and stream spatial position on fish assemblages were examined from first‐order through third‐order streams within a dammed watershed, the Qingyi Stream, China. Based on linear regression models, the most important environmental variables influencing fish species richness were water temperature and wetted width, but stream spatial position variables were less important. Using canonical correspondence analysis, five environmental variables were identified to significantly influence fish assemblages, including three habitats (elevation, substrate and water depth) and two spatial variables (C‐link and Link). Our results suggest that, in a heavily dammed watershed, by blocking the migration routes of fishes, dams weaken the influence of stream spatial position on fish species richness. However, fish species compositions are significantly influenced by both local habitat environment and stream spatial position, which is perhaps owing to the distribution of fish species according to ecological requirements not related to spatial processes.
Genome‐wide Expansion and Expression Divergence of the Basic Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors in Higher Plants with an Emphasis on SorghumF
Authors: Wang Jizhou , Zhou Junxia , Zhang Baolan , Vanitha Jeevanandam , Ramachandran Srinivasan , Jiang Shu‐Ye
Published: December 2010

Plant bZIP transcription factors play crucial roles in multiple biological processes. However, little is known about the sorghum bZIP gene family although the sorghum genome has been completely sequenced. In this study, we have carried out a genome‐wide identification and characterization of this gene family in sorghum. Our data show that the genome encodes at least 92 bZIP transcription factors. These bZIP genes have been expanded mainly by segmental duplication. Such an expansion mechanism has also been observed in rice, arabidopsis and many other plant organisms, suggesting a common expansion mode of this gene family in plants. Further investigation shows that most of the bZIP members have been present in the most recent common ancestor of sorghum and rice and the major expansion would occur before the sorghum‐rice split era. Although these bZIP genes have been duplicated with a long history, they exhibited limited functional divergence as shown by nonsynonymous substitutions (Ka)/synonymous substitutions (Ks) analyses. Their retention was mainly due to the high percentages of expression divergence. Our data also showed that this gene family might play a role in multiple developmental stages and tissues and might be regarded as important regulators of various abiotic stresses and sugar signaling.
Drug Resistant Mechanism of Diaryltriazine Analog Inhibitors of HIV‐1 Reverse Transcriptase Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation and 3D‐QSAR
Authors: Li Zeng , Zhang Hao , Li Yixue , Zhang Jian , Chen Hai‐Feng
Published: December 2010

Diaryltriazine inhibitors have highly potent and effective bioactivities for the wild type of HIV‐1 reverse transcription. To design new drug of antimutant HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase, the mechanism of drug resistance for four types of mutants was revealed. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that Lys101, Leu100, Lys103, Tyr181, and Tyr188 are key residues. Different mutants of key residues may have different interaction modes and lead to different drug resistances. Then, CoMFA and CoMSIA methods were employed to construct 3D quantitative structure–activity relationship models. These models were evaluated by test set compounds. These models can be used to make quantitative prediction of their bioactivities for lead compounds before resorting to in vitro and in vivo experimentation.
Immunoexpression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in the metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of the human tongue
Authors: Zhou CX , Gao Y , Johnson NW , Gao J
Published: December 2010

Background:  Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue has frequent lymph node metastases and poor prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) are reported to degrade basement membrane, facilitating invasion and metastasis. This study determined the expression of MMP‐2/MMP‐9 in primary tongue cancer with or without cervical metastases and analysed the significance of such expression in relation to the presence or absence of metastases.

Methods:  Expressions of MMP‐2/MMP‐9 were detected by immunohistochemistry in 10 specimens of normal oral mucosa, 20 lymph node‐negative tongue cancers, 41 lymph node‐positive tongue cancers and their metastasized tumours in cervical lymph nodes.

Results:  MMP‐2/MMP‐9 expression was seldom found in normal epithelium. In lymph node‐negative tongue cancer, 45% and 40% of these primary tumours were positively stained for MMP‐2/MMP‐9, respectively. Importantly, in lymph node‐positive tongue cancer, 71% and 79% of these primary tumours were positive for MMP‐2/MMP‐9, respectively. Overexpression of MMP‐2/MMP‐9 was present in the metastatic lymph nodes.

Conclusions:  Our results imply that MMP‐2 and/or MMP‐9 play an important role in invasion and metastasis in tongue cancer, and that analysis of MMP expression and/or activity in primary tumours may have a predictive value for the actual or potential presence of cervical metastases.
Simultaneously occurring brown tumours in the mandible and maxilla in a patient with vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Pace C , Crosher R
Published: December 2010

We report a rare case of a 27‐year‐old Asian female presenting with simultaneous brown tumours in the maxilla and mandible secondary to vitamin D deficiency which was a result of dietary deficiency and lack of exposure to sunlight.