bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curdione Plays an Important Role in the Inhibitory Effect of Curcuma aromatica on CYP3A4 in Caco‐2 Cells
Authors: Hou Xiao-Long , Hayashi-Nakamura Emi , Takatani-Nakase Tomoka , Tanaka Ken , Takahashi Kyoko , Komatsu Katsuko , Takahashi Koichi
Published: February 2010

Curcuma aromatica is a plant belonging to genus Curcuma of family Zingiberaceae and is widely used as supplements in Japan. Rhizomes of C. aromatica have curcumin as a major yellow pigment and curdione as a main ingredient of essential oils. In this study, we investigated the affect of C. aromatica on CYP3A4 using 1α,25‐(OH)2‐D3‐treated Caco‐2 clone cells. Caco‐2 cells were treated with methanol extract (0.1 mg ml−1), its hexane soluble fraction (0.1 mg ml−1), curcumin (4 μM) and curdione (20 μM) for 72 hours. Nifedipine was used as a substrate of CYP3A4. Methanol extract, hexane fraction and curdione inhibited the formation of oxidized nifedipine by 50–70%, and curcumin showed no effect. The IC50s of methanol extract, hexane fraction and curdione to oxidized nifedipine formation were 21, 14 and 3.9 μg ml−1 (16.9 μM), respectively. The content of curdione in methanol extract was 11.4%. Moreover, all of methanol extract, hexane fraction and curdione decreased CYP3A4 protein expression but had no affect on CYP3A4 mRNA expression. Our results showed that these drugs further decreased the CYP3A4 protein expression level after the protein synthesis was inhibited by cychroheximide. These findings suggest that curdione plays an important role in the CYP3A4 inhibitory activity of C. aromatica and curdione might inhibit the activity by accelerating the degradation of CYP3A4.
First Report of Tobacco rattle virus in Sedum in Minnesota
Authors: Lockhart B. E. , Mason S. L.
Published: February 2010

Sedums (Sedum spp.; Crassulaceae) are perennial landscape plants that are grown widely because they are drought tolerant and winter hardy. Plants of Sedum ‘Matrona’ showing faint foliar ringspot symptoms were collected at a nursery retail outlet in St. Paul, MN in July 2008 and tested for possible viral infection by transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examination of negatively stained, partially purified leaf tissue extracts (1). The only virus-like particles observed were rigid, rod-shaped particles similar to those of Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) and other tobraviruses. A random sample of 100 measurements showed particles 20 nm in diameter with two modal lengths of 115 nm and 175 nm. These virus-like particles were confirmed to be those of TRV by immunosorbent electron microscopy (1) using antiserum to TRV (ATCC PVAS 75) and by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using total RNA extracted with the RNeasy Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) and primers that yield a 462-bp amplicon from TRV RNA 1 (4). An amplicon of the expected size was obtained by RT-PCR and its nucleotide sequence (GenBank Accession No. GQ268817) had 95 to 99% identity to published TRV sequences (AAW13192 and AAB48382). Two additional amplicons generated by RT-PCR from separate plants were identical in size and nucleotide sequence to the first. On the basis of virion morphology, serological relatedness, and sequence identity, the virus associated with mild ringspot symptoms in sedum was identified as an isolate of TRV. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of TRV incidence in sedum. Although Arabis mosaic virus is the only other virus reported to occur in sedum (2), we have observed numerous, flexuous filamentous 750 to 800 nm virus-like particles in partially purified extracts of a range of sedums showing mild mosaic and/or vein-clearing symptoms in Minnesota. Similar virus-like particles were not observed by TEM in partially purified extracts from TRV-infected ‘Matrona’ plants, suggesting that they did not contribute to the symptoms observed. We have reported previously (3) the occurrence of TRV in a variety of widely grown perennial ornamentals that provide potential sources of inoculum for spread of this virus by nematode vectors (Trichodorus and Paratrichodorus spp.) that occur commonly in garden soil, and Sedum is now added to the list of potential TRV reservoir plants.

References: (1) Y. S. Ahlawat et al. Plant Dis. 80:590, 1996. (2) A. Gera et al. Acta Hortic. 722:175, 2006. (3) B. E. Lockhart et al. Plant Dis. 79:1249, 1995. (4) D. J. Robinson. J. Virol. Methods 40:57, 1992.
First Report of Leaf Blotch Caused by Septoria phalaridis on Phalaris paradoxa
Authors: Seifbarghi Sh. , Razavi M. , Abbasi M. , Zare R.
Published: February 2010

Phalaris paradoxa (hood canarygrass) is one of the most abundant weeds in wheat fields of Iran. In a survey conducted from 2005 to 2007 in Ilam (Dehloran City) and Golestan (Gorgan City) provinces, leaf blotch symptoms were prevalent on P. paradoxa. Initial symptoms were pale brown and necrotic lesions that were 3 to 4 mm long on the leaves. Severity of the disease on the lower leaves was higher than on the upper leaves. Pycnidia were observed on the adaxial surface of infected leaves, scattered or sometimes in clusters, dark brown, globose, and 70 to 90 μm in diameter, with the ostiole approximately 10 μm in diameter. Conidia were filiform, hyaline, 0 to 3 septate (mostly 1 septate), and 17 to 40 × 1.5 to 2.0 μm. Conidiogenesis type was holoblastic. On the basis of the above morphological characters, this species was identified as Septoria phalaridis Cocc. & Morini (2,3). Sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungus (GenBank Accession No. GU123926) showed 98% homology to Mycosphaerella graminicola strain 687 and 97% to S. passerinii strain ATCC26515 (GenBank Accession Nos. AB435068.1 and AF181696.1). To confirm pathogenicity of the fungus, 25 P. paradoxa seedlings were inoculated at the three-leaf stage with 20 ml of 1 × 107 spores/ml suspension with a hand sprayer. Plants were covered with a clear polyethylene bag to increase humidity and prevent cross contamination. After 72 h, bags were removed and plants were kept in a greenhouse at 21 ± 2/16 ± 2°C (day/night) and a 16-h photoperiod. Control plants received sterilized distilled water only. Leaves of each plant were visually inspected every day and the appearance of disease symptoms was recorded. After 1 month, all inoculated leaves showed symptoms and signs of the disease such as chlorosis, necrosis, and pycnidia, whereas control plants showed no symptoms or signs of disease. The infected plant tissues were examined with a microscope, the pycnidia and pycnidiospores were measured, and S. phalaridis was reisolated from leaf lesions. The first description of S. phalaridis was on P. brachystachys (1); however, to our knowledge, this is the first report of this pathogen on P. paradoxa. In addition, this is a new fungal species for the mycobiota of Iran. Two voucher specimens (IRAN 14078 F and IRAN 14218 F) were deposited in the Fungus Collection of the Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture, Tehran, Iran.

References: (1) G. Cocconi and F. Morini. Mem. R. Accad. Sci. Ist. Bologna, Cl. Sci. Fis. Ser. 4, 6:371, 1884. (2) M. J. Priest. Fungi of Australia, Septoria. ABRS, Canberra. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, 2006. (3) D. N. Teterevnikova-Babayan. Fungi of the Genus Septoria in the USSR. Akademiya Nauk Armyanskoi SSR, Yerevan, 1987.
First Report of Leaf Spot Caused by Phoma multirostrata on Fuchsia × hybrida in Italy
Authors: Garibaldi A. , Gilardi G. , Gullino M. L.
Published: February 2010

Fuchsia × hybrida (Onagraceae) is widely used in gardens and very much appreciated as a potted plant. During the summer of 2008, a severe foliar disease was observed on 1- to 2-year-old plants in several gardens located near Biella (northern Italy). Small necrotic spots were observed on the upper and lower sides of infected leaves. Spots enlarged to form round areas of 2 to 12 mm in diameter and were well defined by a brown-purple margin at temperatures between 15 and 25°C. Severely infected leaves wilted and abscised as disease progressed. The disease occurred on 100% of the plants and at least 30% of the leaf surface was affected. Stems and flowers were not affected by the disease. A fungus was consistently isolated from infected leaves on potato dextrose agar amended with 25 mg/liter of streptomycin. The fungus was grown on leaf extract agar, including 30 g of autoclaved fuchsia leaves per liter, and maintained at 22°C (12-h light, 12-h dark). After 30 days, black pycnidia 150 to 450 μm in diameter developed, releasing abundant hyaline, elliptical, nonseptate conidia measuring 5.6 to 14.3 (10.3) × 1.9 to 5.6 (3.5) μm. On the basis of these morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as a Phoma sp. (2). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of the isolate coded FuHy1 was amplified using primers ITS4/ITS6 (3) and sequenced. BLAST analysis (1) of the 488-bp segment obtained showed an E-value of 0.0 with Phoma multirostrata. The nucleotide sequence has been assigned GenBank Accession No. GU220539. Pathogenicity tests were performed by spraying leaves of healthy 6-month-old potted Fuchsia × hybrida plants with a spore and mycelial suspension (1 × 106 spores or mycelial fragments per milliliter). Noninoculated plants sprayed with water served as controls. Five plants were used for each treatment. Plants were covered with plastic bags for 5 days after inoculation and kept under greenhouse conditions at 20 to 24°C. Symptoms previously described developed on leaves 12 days after inoculation, whereas control plants remained healthy. The fungus was consistently reisolated from the lesions of the inoculated plants. The pathogenicity test was carried out twice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of P. multirostrata on fuchsia in Italy as well as worldwide. The importance of the disease is still limited in Italy.

References: (1) S. F. Altschud et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389, 1997. (2) G. H. Boerema and G. J. Bollen. Persoonia 8:111, 1975. (3) D. E. L. Cooke and J. M. Duncan. Mycol. Res. 101:667, 1997.
Wheat Cultivar-Specific Disease Synergism and Alteration of Virus Accumulation During Co-Infection with Wheat streak mosaic virus and Triticum mosaic virus
Authors: Tatineni Satyanarayana , Graybosch Robert A. , Hein Gary L. , Wegulo Stephen N. , French Roy
Published: February 2010

Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV), the type member of the newly proposed Poacevirus genus, and Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), the type member of Tritimovirus genus of the family Potyviridae, infect wheat naturally in the Great Plains and are transmitted by wheat curl mites. In this study, we examined the ability of these viruses to infect selected cereal hosts, and found several differential hosts between TriMV and WSMV. Additionally, we examined the interaction between WSMV and TriMV in three wheat cultivars at two temperature regimens (19 and 20 to 26°C), and quantified the virus concentration in single and double infections by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Double infections in wheat cvs. Arapahoe and Tomahawk at both temperature regimens induced disease synergism with severe leaf deformation, bleaching, and stunting, with a 2.2- to 7.4-fold increase in accumulation of both viruses over single infections at 14 days postinoculation (dpi). However, at 28 dpi, in double infections at 20 to 26°C, TriMV concentration was increased by 1.4- to 1.8-fold in Arapahoe and Tomahawk but WSMV concentration was decreased to 0.5-fold. WSMV or TriMV replicated poorly in Mace at 19°C with no synergistic interaction whereas both viruses accumulated at moderate levels at 20 to 26°C and induced mild to moderate disease synergism in doubly infected Mace compared with Arapahoe and Tomahawk. Co-infections in Mace at 20 to 26°C caused increased TriMV accumulation at 14 and 28 dpi by 2.6- and 1.4-fold and WSMV accumulated at 0.5- and 1.6-fold over single infections, respectively. Our data suggest that WSMV and TriMV induced cultivar-specific disease synergism in Arapahoe, Tomahawk, and Mace, and these findings could have several implications for management of wheat viruses in the Great Plains.
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae XKK.12 Contains an AroQγ Chorismate Mutase That Is Involved in Rice Virulence
Authors: Degrassi Giuliano , Devescovi Giulia , Bigirimana Joseph , Venturi Vittorio
Published: February 2010

Chorismate mutase (CM) is a key enzyme in the shikimate pathway which is responsible for the synthesis of aromatic amino acids. There are two classes of CMs, AroQ and AroH, and several pathogenic bacteria have been reported to possess a subgroup of CMs designated AroQγ. These CMs are usually exported to the periplasm or outside the cell; in a few cases, they have been reported to be involved in virulence and their precise role is currently unknown. Here, we report that the important rice pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae XKK.12 produces an AroQγ CM which we have purified and characterized from spent supernatants. This enzyme is synthesized in planta and X. oryzae pv. oryzae knock-out mutants are hypervirulent to rice. The role of this enzyme in X. oryzae pv. oryzae rice virulence is discussed.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from paraffin-embedded tissues by INNO-LiPA Rif.TB assay: retrospective analyses of Health Protection Agency National Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory data
Authors: Reddy Srinivasulu , Brown Timothy , Drobniewski Francis
Published: February 2010

Molecular diagnostic methods are of potential value in identifying tuberculosis (TB) and drug resistance where tissue specimens have been submitted for histology but not for microbiological culture. All paraffin-embedded tissue (PET) specimens (n=60) referred to a single national centre over a 42 month study period were analysed using the INNO-LiPA Rif.TB assay; 29/60 patients had been reported to the UK Enhanced Tuberculosis Surveillance database with a diagnosis of TB based on clinical, radiological and histological evidence. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) DNA was detectable in 5 out of 29 reported TB cases (17.2 %); 12 out of 29 of the reported TB cases had a positive MTB culture from a secondary clinical specimen and MTB DNA was detectable in 2 of the 12 (16.7 %) laboratory-confirmed TB cases. Referring clinicians should be aware of the limitations of this assay on PETs, and should request molecular testing only in patients with a high clinical probability of TB and when acid-fast bacilli are seen in tissue specimens.
Neuroendocrine control by dopamine of teleost reproduction
Authors: Dufour S. , Sebert M.‐E. , Weltzien F.‐A. , Rousseau K. , Pasqualini C.
Published: February 2010

While gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) is considered as the major hypothalamic factor controlling pituitary gonadotrophins in mammals and most other vertebrates, its stimulatory actions may be opposed by the potent inhibitory actions of dopamine (DA) in teleosts. This dual neuroendocrine control of reproduction by GnRH and DA has been demonstrated in various, but not all, adult teleosts, where DA participates in an inhibitory role in the neuroendocrine regulation of the last steps of gametogenesis (final oocyte maturation and ovulation in females and spermiation in males). This has major implications for inducing spawning in aquaculture. In addition, DA may also play an inhibitory role during the early steps of gametogenesis in some teleost species, and thus interact with GnRH in the control of puberty. Various neuroanatomical investigations have shown that DA neurones responsible for the inhibitory control of reproduction originate in a specific nucleus of the preoptic area (NPOav) and project directly to the region of the pituitary where gonadotrophic cells are located. Pharmacological studies showed that the inhibitory effects of DA on pituitary gonadotrophin production are mediated by DA‐D2 type receptors. DA‐D2 receptors have now been sequenced in several teleosts, and the coexistence of several DA‐D2 subtypes has been demonstrated in a few species. Hypophysiotropic DA activity varies with development and reproductive cycle and probably is controlled by environmental cues as well as endogenous signals. Sex steroids have been shown to regulate dopaminergic systems in several teleost species, affecting both DA synthesis and DA‐D2 receptor expression. This demonstrates that sex steroid feedbacks target DA hypophysiotropic system, as well as the other components of the brain‐pituitary gonadotrophic axis, GnRH and gonadotrophins. Recent studies have revealed that melatonin modulates the activity of DA systems in some teleosts, making the melatonin‐DA pathway a prominent relay between environmental cues and control of reproduction. The recruitment of DA neurons for the neuroendocrine control of reproduction provides an additional brain pathway for the integration of various internal and environmental cues. The plasticity of the DA neuroendocrine role observed in teleosts may have contributed to their large diversity of reproductive cycles.
Current knowledge on the photoneuroendocrine regulation of reproduction in temperate fish species
Authors: Migaud H. , Davie A. , Taylor J. F.
Published: February 2010

Seasonality is an important adaptive trait in temperate fish species as it entrains or regulates most physiological events such as reproductive cycle, growth profile, locomotor activity and key life‐stage transitions. Photoperiod is undoubtedly one of the most predictable environmental signals that can be used by most living organisms including fishes in temperate areas. This said, however, understanding of how such a simple signal can dictate the time of gonadal recruitment and spawning, for example, is a complex task. Over the past few decades, many scientists attempted to unravel the roots of photoperiodic signalling in teleosts by investigating the role of melatonin in reproduction, but without great success. In fact, the hormone melatonin is recognized as the biological time‐keeping hormone in fishes mainly due to the fact that it reflects the seasonal variation in daylength across the whole animal kingdom rather than the existence of direct evidences of its role in the entrainment of reproduction in fishes. Recently, however, some new studies clearly suggested that melatonin interacts with the reproductive cascade at a number of key steps such as through the dopaminergic system in the brain or the synchronization of the final oocyte maturation in the gonad. Interestingly, in the past few years, additional pathways have become apparent in the search for a fish photoneuroendocrine system including the clock‐gene network and kisspeptin signalling and although research on these topics are still in their infancy, it is moving at great pace. This review thus aims to bring together the current knowledge on the photic control of reproduction mainly focusing on seasonal temperate fish species and shape the current working hypotheses supported by recent findings obtained in teleosts or based on knowledge gathered in mammalian and avian species. Four of the main potential regulatory systems (light perception, melatonin, clock genes and kisspeptin) in fish reproduction are reviewed.
Stressors, glucocorticoids and ovarian function in teleosts
Authors: Leatherland J. F. , Li M. , Barkataki S.
Published: February 2010

The purpose of this overview is to re‐examine the postulated direct and indirect actions of glucocorticoids on ovarian function in teleosts. The re‐examination is undertaken in light of recent advances in the understanding of the stress response itself, the mode of action of the hypothalamus–pituitary gland–ovarian (HPO) axis, the mechanisms of control of oestrogen‐dependent hepatic vitellogenin (VtG) secretion and the apparent roles of corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH) and CRH‐related factors in the regulation of feeding activity. Many of the results of different studies, particularly whole‐animal studies, are conflicting, and little is known as to whether the hormone acts directly on various components of the HPO axis or indirectly by virtue of redirection of energy resources away from ovarian growth to provide a source of metabolic resources for other organ systems involved in the physiological stress response.In vitrostudies provide some new insights into the direct actions of glucocorticoid on hepatic VtG synthesis and ovarian follicle steroidogenesis, but even here, in some studies the cellular sites of action of these hormones is not altogether clear. The overview emphasizes the complexity of the stress response, the complexity of the regulation of glucocorticoid‐dependent gene expression and the extensive interactive nature of the HPO with other hypothalamus–pituitary gland–peripheral endocrine gland axes, such as the thyroid (HPT), ‘somatic’ (GH‐IGF) and interrenal tissue (HPI) axes.
Branch support via resampling: an empirical study
Authors: Freudenstein John V. , Davis Jerrold I.
Published: February 2010

The success of resampling approaches to branch support depends on the effectiveness of the underlying tree searches. Two primary factors are identified as key: the depth of tree search and the number of trees saved per resampling replicate. Two datasets were explored for a range of search parameters using jackknifing. Greater depth of tree search tends to increase support values because shorter trees conflict less with each other, while increasing numbers of trees saved tends to reduce support values because of conflict that reduces structure in the replicate consensus. Although a relatively small amount of branch swapping will achieve near‐accurate values for a majority of clades, some clades do not yield accurate values until more extensive searches are performed. This means that in order to maximize the accuracy of resampling analyses, one should employ as extensive a search strategy as possible, and save as many trees per replicate as possible. Strict consensus summary of resampling replicates is preferable to frequency‐within‐replicates summary because it is a more conservative approach to the reporting of replicate results. Jackknife analysis is preferable to bootstrap because of its closer relationship to the original data.© The Willi Hennig Society 2010.
Insulin resistance and cancer: Epidemiological evidence
Authors: Tsugane Shoichiro , Inoue Manami
Published: February 2010

Over the last 60 years, Japanese people have experienced a rapid and drastic change in lifestyle, including diet. Suspicions have been raised that so‐called ‘Westernization’, characterized by a high‐calorie diet and physical inactivity, is associated with increasing trends in the incidence of cancer of the colon, liver, pancreas, prostate, and breast, as well as type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological evidence from our prospective study, the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective (JPHC) study, and systematic literature reviews generally support the idea that factors related to diabetes or insulin resistance are associated with an increased risk of colon (mostly in men), liver, and pancreatic cancers. These cancers are inversely associated with physical activity and coffee consumption, which are known to decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. The suggested mechanism of these effects is that insulin resistance and the resulting chronic hyperinsulinemia and increase in bioavailable insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) stimulate tumor growth. In contrast, associations with diabetes are less clear for cancer of the colon in women, and breast and prostate, which are known to be related to sex hormones. The effect of insulin resistance or body fat on sex‐hormone production and bioavailability may modify their carcinogenic effect differently from cancers of the colon in men, and liver and pancreas. In conclusion, there is substantial evidence to show that cancers of the colon, liver, and pancreas are associated with insulin resistance, and that these cancers can be prevented by increasing physical activity, and possibly coffee consumption.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1073–1079)
Sensitive immunohistochemical detection of WT1 protein in tumors with anti‐WT1 antibody against WT1 235 peptide
Authors: Ichinohasama Ryo , Oji Yusuke , Yokoyama Hisayuki , Takeuchi Kengo , Fujiwara Tohru , Ishizawa Kenichi , Taniguchi Osamu , Tsuboi Akihiro , Oka Yoshihiro , Sugiyama Haruo
Published: February 2010

The Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) gene is overexpressed in leukemia and various types of solid tumor, such as lung and colorectal cancer, and plays an oncogenic role in their tumorigenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of WT1‐targeting cancer immunotherapy in clinical settings. As expression of WT1 protein in tumor cells is a prerequisite for WT1‐targeting immunotherapy, immunohistochemical methods to detect WT1 protein with high sensitivity and specificity are required. In the present study, we developed a rabbit polyclonal antibody (WT1‐R) against the 9‐mer WT1 235 peptide, which is used for vaccination. The specificity of WT1‐R was confirmed by immunoprecipitation, western blotting analysis, and competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Immunocytochemistry showed the same reactivity against five cell lines (K562, Daudi, HT‐180, SW480, and PC‐14), whereas levels of WT1 mRNA expression determined by real‐time qPCR (RT‐PCR) analysis were not equivalent. Next, we examined the reactivity of WT1‐R in tissue samples compared with a previously developed anti‐WT1 antibody, 6F‐H2. WT1‐R showed greater sensitivity for detecting WT1 protein expression in samples from four different breast cancer patients than 6F‐H2 antibody. The discrepancy in WT1 expression between these methods suggested that immunohistochemical detection of WT1 peptide may be advantageous for predicting the efficacy of WT1 vaccine compared to RT‐PCR, and the highly sensitive WT1 antibody, WT1‐R, may be useful to detect WT1 protein in tumors.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1089–1092)
Using sensation seeking to target adolescents for substance use interventions
Authors: Sargent James D. , Tanski Susanne , Stoolmiller Mike , Hanewinkel Reiner
Published: February 2010

Aims  This study examines the predictive validity of sensation seeking as a predictor of adolescent substance use, in order to optimize targeting for substance use prevention programs.

Design  Longitudinal study.

Setting  Random‐digit dial telephone survey.

Participants  A total of 6522 US adolescents aged 10–14 years at baseline, resurveyed at 8‐month intervals for three subsequent waves.

Measurements  Two outcomes were assessed—onset of binge drinking (more than five drinks in a short time) and established smoking (>100 cigarettes life‐time). Sensation seeking level was assessed at baseline. Logistic regression was used to predict onset of substance use at any follow‐up wave as a function of sensation seeking. The receiver operating characteristics curve was used to illustrate how well sensation seeking predicted substance use as a function of different cut‐off points for defining high sensation seeking, and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AROC) was the metric of predictive validity.

Findings  Of 5834 participants with one or more follow‐up assessments, 5634 reported no binge drinking and 5802 were not established smokers at baseline, of whom 717 (12.7% of 5634) reported binge drinking and 144 (2.5% of 5802) reported established smoking at one or more follow‐up interviews. Sensation seeking predicted binge drinking moderately well [AROC = 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.69, 0.73)] and was a significantly better predictor of established smoking onset [AROC = 0.80 (0.76, 0.83)]. For binge drinking, predictive validity was significantly lower in blacks; for established smoking it was significantly higher for Hispanics. Implications for two targeting interventions are discussed.

Conclusions  Sensation seeking works moderately well at identifying adolescents at risk for onset of binge drinking and established smoking. This study offers a guide for determining the appropriate targeting cut‐off value, based on intervention efficacy, costs and risks.
Social integration in young adulthood and the subsequent onset of substance use and disorders among a community population of urban African Americans
Authors: Green Kerry M. , Doherty Elaine E. , Reisinger Heather S. , Chilcoat Howard D. , Ensminger Margaret
Published: February 2010

Aims  This paper examines the association between social integration in young adulthood and the later onset of substance use and disorders through mid‐adulthood.

Design  Data come from a community cohort of African Americans followed longitudinally from age 6–42 years with four assessment periods.

Setting  The cohort all lived in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago in 1966, an urban disadvantaged setting.

Participants  All Woodlawn first graders in 1966 were asked to participate; 13 families declined (n = 1242).

Measurement  Substance use was measured via interview at age 42 and includes the onset of alcohol and drug use disorders and the onset of cocaine/heroin use between ages 32 and 42 years. Social integration measures were assessed via interview at age 32 and include social roles (employee, spouse, parent), participation in religious and social organizations and a measure of overall social integration. Control variables were measured in childhood and later in the life course.

Findings  Multivariate regression analyses suggest that unemployment, being unmarried, infrequent religious service attendance and lower overall social integration in young adulthood predict later adult‐onset drug use disorders, but not alcohol use disorders once confounders are taken into consideration. Unemployment and lower overall social integration predict onset of cocaine/heroin use later in adulthood.

Conclusions  Results show meaningful onset of drug use and substance use disorders during mid‐adulthood and that social integration in young adulthood seems to play a role in later onset of drug use and drug disorders, but not alcohol disorders.
Emerging molecular knowledge on Radopholus similis, an important nematode pest of banana
Authors: HAEGEMAN ANNELIES , ELSEN ANNEMIE , DE WAELE DIRK , GHEYSEN GODELIEVE
Published: February 2010

Taxonomy: Superkingdom Eukaryota; Kingdom Metazoa; Phylum Nematoda; Class Chromadorea; Order Rhabditida; Suborder Tylenchina; Infraorder Tylenchomorpha; Superfamily Tylenchoidea; Family Pratylenchidae; Subfamily Radopholinae; Genus Radopholus.

Physical properties: Microscopic unsegmented worm; migratory endoparasite of plants. Strong sexual dimorphism; reproduction both by amphimixis and self‐fertilization.

Hosts: Over 250 different plant species, including citrus, black pepper and banana (main host plant).

Symptoms: Purple to black lesions and extensive cavities in plant roots, leading to reduced uptake of water and nutrients. In banana, this may result in poor vegetative growth, reduced bunch weight and toppling of plants.

Disease control: Nematicides, alternative cropping systems, nematode‐free planting material, some resistant cultivars.

Agronomic importance: Major problem in banana plantations in tropical regions worldwide.
The expression, function and regulation of mitochondrial alternative oxidase under biotic stresses
Authors: HANQING FENG , KUN SUN , MINGQUAN LI , HONGYU LI , XIN LI , YAN LI , YIFENG WANG
Published: February 2010

To survive, plants possess elaborate defence mechanisms to protect themselves against virus or pathogen invasion. Recent studies have suggested that plant mitochondria may play an important role in host defence responses to biotic stresses. In contrast with animal mitochondria, plant mitochondria possess a unique respiratory pathway, the cyanide‐insensitive alternative pathway, which is catalysed by the alternative oxidase (AOX). Much work has revealed that the genes encoding AOX, AOX protein and the alternative respiratory pathway are frequently induced during plant–pathogen (or virus) interaction. This raises the possibility that AOX is involved in host defence responses to biotic stresses. Thus, a key to the understanding of the role of mitochondrial respiration under biotic stresses is to learn the function and regulation of AOX. In this article, we focus on the theoretical and experimental progress made in the current understanding of the function and regulation of AOX under biotic stresses. We also address some speculative aspects to aid further research in this area.
Effect of informational internet web pages on patients’ decision‐making: randomised controlled trial regarding choice of spinal or general anaesthesia for orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Groves N. D. , Humphreys H. W. , Williams A. J. , Jones A.
Published: February 2010

This study explored whether patients’ preference for particular types of anaesthesia could be influenced pre‐operatively by giving them the addresses of various relevant websites. Patients at an orthopaedic pre‐assessment education clinic completed a questionnaire, which included a short multiple‐choice general knowledge quiz about anaesthesia, and also questioned them as to their choice of anaesthesia (general or neuraxial). Patients were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. Intervention group members were given the addresses of three relevant anaesthesia and health related websites to access at home. All patients were asked to complete the questionnaires on a second occasion, before surgery. Initially, most patients stated a preference for general anaesthesia. Subsequently, the intervention group altered their preference towards neuraxial anaesthesia compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.0001). The increase in median (IQR [range]) anaesthesia knowledge test score was greater in the intervention group (from 10.0 (9.0–12.0 [5.0–14.0]) to 13.0 (11.0–14.0 [6.0–14.0])) than in the control group (from 10.0 (9.0–11.5 [3.0–13.0]) to 11.0 (9.0–12.0 [4.0–14.0]); p = 0.0068).
Anaesthetics and postoperative cognitive dysfunction: a pathological mechanism mimicking Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Fodale V. , Santamaria L. B. , Schifilliti D. , Mandal P. K.
Published: February 2010

With longevity, postoperative cognitive decline in the elderly has emerged as a major health concern for which several factors have been implicated, one of the most recent being the role of anaesthetics. Interactions of anaesthetic agents and different targets have been studied at the molecular, cellular and structural anatomical levels. Recent in vitro nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies have shown that several anaesthetics act on the oligomerisation of amyloid β peptide. Uncontrolled production, oligomerisation and deposition of amyloid β peptide, with subsequent development of amyloid plaques, are fundamental steps in the generation of Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid β peptide is naturally present in the central nervous system, and is found at higher tissue concentrations in the elderly. We argue that administering certain general anaesthetics to elderly patients may worsen amyloid β peptide oligomerisation and deposition and thus increase the risk of developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction. The aim of this review is to highlight the clinical aspects of postoperative cognitive dysfunction and to find plausible links between possible anaesthetic effects and the molecular pathological mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease. It is hoped that our hypothesis will stimulate further enquiry, especially triggering research into elucidating those anaesthetics that may be more suitable when cognitive dysfunction is a particular concern.
Modification of Tp‐e and QTc intervals during caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia
Authors: Guillon A. , Leyre S. , Remérand F. , Taihlan B. , Perrotin F. , Fusciardi J. , Laffon M.
Published: February 2010

There are no guidelines for the anaesthetic management of caesarean section in women with long QT syndrome; the description of myocardial ventricular repolarisation in healthy women during caesarean delivery could be a first step. The aim of this study was to describe modification of the QT interval, corrected for heart rate, and the interval between the peak and the end of the T‐wave (Tpeak–Tend interval) during caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. We studied 40 patients scheduled for caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either ephedrine or phenylephrine to prevent hypotension. We injected 5 IU oxytocin after delivery. Corrected QT and Tpeak–Tend intervals were unchanged from pre‐operative values after induction of spinal anaesthesia, but increased significantly after oxytocin injection. The choice of vasopressor did not affect the Tpeak–Tend interval. The risk‐benefit balance of oxytocin bolus during caesarean delivery should be discussed with women with a history of long QT syndrome.
Increased adhesive properties of platelets in sickle cell disease: roles for αIIbβ3‐mediated ligand binding, diminished cAMP signalling and increased phosphodiesterase 3A activity
Authors: Proença‐Ferreira Renata , Franco‐Penteado Carla F. , Traina Fabiola , Saad Sara T. O. , Costa Fernando F. , Conran Nicola
Published: February 2010

Whilst high pro‐coagulant activity is reported in sickle cell disease (SCD), the precise role of platelets (PLTs) in SCD inflammatory and vaso‐occlusive processes is unclear. Adhesion of PLTs from healthy controls (CON), SCD individuals (SCD) and SCD patients on hydroxycarbamide (SCDHC) to fibrinogen (FB) was compared using static adhesion assays. PLT adhesion molecules and intraplatelet cyclic adenosine monophosphate (icAMP) were observed by flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. SCD‐PLTs demonstrated significantly greater adhesion than CON‐PLTs to FB. Participation of the αIIbβ3‐integrin in SCD‐PLT adhesion was implicated by increased αIIbβ3activation and data showing that an αIIbβ3‐function‐inhibiting antibody significantly diminished SCD‐PLT adhesion to FB. Platelet activation was potentated by reductions inicAMP; cAMP levels were decreased in SCD‐PLTs, being comparable to those of thrombin‐stimulated CON‐PLTs. Furthermore, SCD‐PLT adhesion to FB was significantly reduced by cilostazol, an inhibitor of cAMP‐hydrolyzing phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A). Both αIIbβ3‐integrin activation andicAMP correlated significantly with fetal haemoglobin in SCD. Accordingly, hydroxycarbamide therapy was associated with lower PLT adhesion and highericAMP. SCD‐PLTs may be capable of adhering to proteins encountered on the inflamed vascular wall and, potentially, participate in vaso‐occlusive processes. Hydroxycarbamide and, speculatively, nitric oxide donor or cyclic‐nucleotide‐targeted therapies may aid in the reversal of PLT adhesive properties in SCD.
Predicting population consequences of ocean climate change for an ecosystem sentinel, the seabird Cassin's auklet
Authors: WOLF SHAYE G. , SNYDER MARK A. , SYDEMAN WILLIAM J. , DOAK DANIEL F. , CROLL DONALD A.
Published: February 2010

Forecasting the ecological effects of climate change on marine species is critical for informing greenhouse gas mitigation targets and developing marine conservation strategies that remain effective and increase species' resilience under changing climate conditions. Highly productive coastal upwelling systems are predicted to experience substantial effects from climate change, making them priorities for ecological forecasting. We used a population modeling approach to examine the consequences of ocean climate change in the California Current upwelling ecosystem on the population growth rate of the planktivorous seabird Cassin's auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus), a demographically sensitive indicator of marine climate change. We use future climate projections for sea surface temperature and upwelling intensity from a regional climate model to forecast changes in the population growth rate of the auklet population at the important Farallon Island colony in central California. Our study projected that the auklet population growth rate will experience an absolute decline of 11–45% by the end of the century, placing this population on a trajectory toward extinction. In addition, future changes in upwelling intensity and timing of peak upwelling are likely to vary across auklet foraging regions in the California Current Ecosystem (CCE), producing a mosaic of climate conditions and ecological impacts across the auklet range. Overall, the Farallon Island Cassin's auklet population has been declining during recent decades, and ocean climate change in this century under a mid‐level emissions scenario is projected to accelerate this decline, leading toward population extinction. Because our study species has proven to be a sensitive indicator of oceanographic conditions in the CCE and a powerful predictor of the abundance of other important predators (i.e. salmon), the significant impacts we predicted for the Cassin's auklet provide insights into the consequences that ocean climate change may have for other plankton predators in this system.
Nitrogen deposition, vegetation burning and climate warming act independently on microbial community structure and enzyme activity associated with decomposing litter in low‐alpine heath
Authors: PAPANIKOLAOU NIKI , BRITTON ANDREA J. , HELLIWELL RACHEL C. , JOHNSON DAVID
Published: February 2010

Low‐alpine heathlands are thought to be particularly sensitive to nitrogen (N) deposition, climate and land management change, yet little is known about how these factors regulate key belowground processes, like litter turnover, under field conditions. Here we use an in situ factorial field experiment to test the effects of increased atmospheric N deposition, climate manipulation and past vegetation burning, and their interactions, on litter decomposition and the activity and diversity of associated microorganisms. The use of litter from within (native) and outwith (standard) the experimental plots also enabled us to test whether decomposition and microbial functional diversity is driven primarily by soil conditions or litter chemistry. In general, extracellular enzyme activities of litter were driven by additions of simulated N deposition with phosphatase being the most responsive. We found that standard litter incubated in plots that had been burnt 8 years previously decomposed slower and lost less N and phosphorus than in unburnt plots. This material also had associated with it the greatest activity of glucosidase and the least diverse microbial community, as assessed by culture‐independent methods. Although all treatments significantly affected microbial diversity, burning explained most of the variability, indicating a close coupling between plant and microbial communities in these treatments. A striking feature of all the data relating to both standard and native litter was an almost complete lack of interactive effects between the treatments. The lack of interactions between the treatments indicates that each perturbation might affect different mechanisms in the decomposition process (including the composition of associated microbial communities) and nutrient cycling.
Personality disorders in offenders with intellectual disability: a comparison of clinical, forensic and outcome variables and implications for service provision
Authors: Alexander R. T. , Green F. N. , O'Mahony B. , Gunaratna I. J. , Gangadharan S. K. , Hoare S.
Published: February 2010

Aim  To establish any differences between patients with and without a diagnosis of personality disorders, being treated in a secure inpatient service for offenders with intellectual disability (ID) in the UK.

Method  A cohort study involving a selected population of people with ID and offending behaviours.

Results  The study included a total of 138 patients, treated over a 6 year period – 77 with a dissocial or emotionally unstable personality disorder and 61 without. Women were more likely to be in the personality disorder group. Both groups had high prevalence of abuse with no significant differences. Depressive disorders and substance abuse were more common in the personality disorder group, while epilepsy and autistic spectrum disorders were more common in the non‐personality disorder group. Rather than differences, what was more striking was the rate and range of these comorbidities across both groups. Although past histories of violence and institutional aggression were no different, compulsory detention under criminal sections and restriction orders were more common in the personality disorder group. There were no differences in treatment outcomes.

Conclusions  Although about half of patients detained in secure units for offenders with ID have a personality disorder, there were more similarities than differences between this group and the rest. While good treatment outcomes supported the case for specialised secure treatment units for people with ID, the case for establishing a more specialised ID–personality disorder unit was less convincing. There is also a need to explore whether there are alternative diagnostic models that can delineate better the group with personality difficulties in this population.
An exploratory study of the defence mechanisms used in psychotherapy by adults who have intellectual disabilities
Authors: Newman D. W. , Beail N.
Published: February 2010

Problem  A significant concept in psychodynamic theory and practice is that of defence mechanisms. The identifications of defences is a key task of the therapist and these are then used in the formulation and form part of the therapist's interventions. Case studies of psychotherapy with adults who have intellectual disabilities (IDs) suggest that they use more primitive defences but this has not been empirically evaluated. This study aimed to find out what defences adults with IDs use within and across sessions of individual psychotherapy.

Methods  Transcripts of psychotherapy sessions with a case series of eight adults with IDs were evaluated using the defence mechanism rating scale.

Results  Contrary to expectation the participants were observed to use a wide range of defences from primitive to mature. There was evidence to suggest that participants had developed a defensive style, but little evidence to show change in defensive structure across the first eight sessions of treatment.

Conclusions  This exploratory study shows that adults who have IDs use a range of defences in psychotherapy and have particular defensive styles. The results suggest that future studies may need more participants and a longer time frame to see if change in defences occurs during psychotherapy. The defence mechanism rating scale may also need some validation work with adults who have IDs and consider inclusion of some defences that are disability‐specific.
Forward genetics in Candida albicans that reveals the Arp2/3 complex is required for hyphal formation, but not endocytosis
Authors: Epp Elias , Walther Andrea , Lépine Guylaine , Leon Zully , Mullick Alaka , Raymond Martine , Wendland Jürgen , Whiteway Malcolm
Published: February 2010

Candida albicans is a diploid fungal pathogen lacking a defined complete sexual cycle, and thus has been refractory to standard forward genetic analysis. Instead, transcription profiling and reverse genetic strategies based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae have typically been used to link genes to functions. To overcome restrictions inherent in such indirect approaches, we have investigated a forward genetic mutagenesis strategy based on the UAU1 technology. We screened 4700 random insertion mutants for defects in hyphal development and linked two new genes (ARP2 and VPS52) to hyphal growth. Deleting ARP2 abolished hyphal formation, generated round and swollen yeast phase cells, disrupted cortical actin patches and blocked virulence in mice. The mutants also showed a global lack of induction of hyphae‐specific genes upon the yeast‐to‐hyphae switch. Surprisingly, both arp2Δ/Δ and arp2Δ/Δarp3Δ/Δ mutants were still able to endocytose FM4‐64 and Lucifer Yellow, although as shown by time‐lapse movies internalization of FM4‐64 was somewhat delayed in mutant cells. Thus the non‐essential role of the Arp2/3 complex discovered by forward genetic screening in C. albicans showed that uptake of membrane components from the plasma membrane to vacuolar structures is not dependent on this actin nucleating machinery.