bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lignin Composition and Structure in Young versus AdultEucalyptus globulusPlants
Authors: Rencoret Jorge , Gutiérrez Ana , Nieto Lidia , Jiménez-Barbero J. , Faulds Craig B. , Kim Hoon , Ralph John , Martínez Ángel T. , del Río José C.
Published: November 2010

Lignin changes during plant growth were investigated in a selected Eucalyptus globulus clone. The lignin composition and structure were studied in situ by a new procedure enabling the acquisition of two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D-NMR) spectra on wood gels formed in the NMR tube as well as by analytical pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition, milled-wood lignins were isolated and analyzed by 2D-NMR, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and thioacidolysis. The data indicated that p-hydroxyphenyl and guaiacyl units are deposited at the earlier stages, whereas the woods are enriched in syringyl (S) lignin during late lignification. Wood 2D-NMR showed that β-O-4′ and resinol linkages were predominant in the eucalypt lignin, whereas other substructures were present in much lower amounts. Interestingly, open β-1′ structures could be detected in the isolated lignins. Phenylcoumarans and cinnamyl end groups were depleted with age, spirodienone abundance increased, and the main substructures (β-O-4′ and resinols) were scarcely modified. Thioacidolysis revealed a higher predominance of S units in the ether-linked lignin than in the total lignin and, in agreement with NMR, also indicated that resinols are the most important nonether linkages. Dimer analysis showed that most of the resinol-type structures comprised two S units (syringaresinol), the crossed guaiacyl-S resinol appearing as a minor substructure and pinoresinol being totally absent. Changes in hemicelluloses were also shown by the 2D-NMR spectra of the wood gels without polysaccharide isolation. These include decreases of methyl galacturonosyl, arabinosyl, and galactosyl (anomeric) signals, assigned to pectin and related neutral polysaccharides, and increases of xylosyl (which are approximately 50% acetylated) and 4-O-methylglucuronosyl signals.
A Rice gid1 Suppressor Mutant Reveals That Gibberellin Is Not Always Required for Interaction between Its Receptor, GID1, and DELLA Proteins
Authors: Yamamoto Yuko , Hirai Takaaki , Yamamoto Eiji , Kawamura Mayuko , Sato Tomomi , Kitano Hidemi , Matsuoka Makoto , Ueguchi-Tanaka Miyako
Published: November 2010

To investigate gibberellin (GA) signaling using the rice (Oryza sativa) GA receptor GIBBERELLIN-INSENSITIVE DWARF1 (GID1) mutant gid1-8, we isolated a suppressor mutant, Suppressor of gid1-1 (Sgd-1). Sgd-1 is an intragenic mutant containing the original gid1-8 mutation (L45F) and an additional amino acid substitution (P99S) in the loop region. GID1P99S interacts with the rice DELLA protein SLENDER RICE1 (SLR1), even in the absence of GA. Substitution of the 99th Pro with other amino acids revealed that substitution with Ala (P99A) caused the highest level of GA-independent interaction. Physicochemical analysis using surface plasmon resonance revealed that GID1P99A has smaller K  a (association) and K  d (dissociation) values for GA4 than does wild-type GID1. This suggests that the GID1P99A lid is at least partially closed, resulting in both GA-independent and GA-hypersensitive interactions with SLR1. One of the three Arabidopsis  thaliana GID1s, At GID1b, can also interact with DELLA proteins in the absence of GA, so we investigated whether GA-independent interaction of At GID1b depends on a mechanism similar to that of rice GID1P99A. Substitution of the loop region or a few amino acids of At GID1b with those of At GID1a diminished its GA-independent interaction with GAI while maintaining the GA-dependent interaction. Soybean (Glycine max) and Brassica napus also have GID1s similar to At GID1b, indicating that these unique GID1s occur in various dicots and may have important functions in these plants.
The MAP Kinase MPK4 Is Required for Cytokinesis inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kosetsu Ken , Matsunaga Sachihiro , Nakagami Hirofumi , Colcombet Jean , Sasabe Michiko , Soyano Takashi , Takahashi Yuji , Hirt Heribert , Machida Yasunori
Published: November 2010

Cytokinesis in plants is achieved by the formation of the cell plate. A pathway that includes mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase kinase and MAP kinase kinase (MAPKK) plays a key role in the control of plant cytokinesis. We show here that a MAP kinase, MPK4, is required for the formation of the cell plate in Arabidopsis thaliana. Single mutations in MPK4 caused dwarfism and characteristic defects in cytokinesis, such as immature cell plates, which became much more prominent upon introduction of a mutation in MKK6/ANQ, the MAPKK for cytokinesis, into mpk4. MKK6/ANQ strongly activated MPK4 in protoplasts, and kinase activity of MPK4 was detected in wild-type tissues that contained dividing cells but not in mkk6/anq mutants. Fluorescent protein–fused MPK4 localized to the expanding cell plates in cells of root tips. Expansion of the cell plates in mpk4 root tips appeared to be retarded. The level of MPK11 transcripts was markedly elevated in mpk4 plants, and defects in the mpk4 mpk11 double mutant with respect to growth and cytokinesis were more severe than in the corresponding single mutants. These results indicate that MPK4 is the downstream target of MKK6/ANQ in the regulation of cytokinesis in Arabidopsis and that MPK11 is also involved in cytokinesis.
The Role of the Arabidopsis Morning Loop Components CCA1, LHY, PRR7, and PRR9 in Temperature Compensation
Authors: Salomé Patrice A. , Weigel Detlef , McClung C. Robertson
Published: November 2010

A defining, yet poorly understood characteristic of the circadian clock is that it is buffered against changes in temperature such that the period length is relatively constant across a range of physiologically relevant temperatures. We describe here the role of PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR7 (PRR7) and PRR9 in temperature compensation. The Arabidopsis thaliana circadian oscillator comprises a series of interlocking feedback loops, and PRR7 and PRR9 function in the morning loop. The prr7 prr9 double mutant displays a unique phenotype that has not been observed before in other Arabidopsis clock mutants. In the prr7 prr9 mutant, the effects of temperature are overcompensated, apparently due to hyperactivation of the transcription factors CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1) and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY). Inactivation of CCA1 and LHY fully suppresses the overcompensation defects of prr7 prr9 mutants and rescues their long period phenotype. Overcompensation in prr7 prr9 mutants does not rely on FLOWERING LOCUS C, a previously identified gene required for temperature compensation. Together, our results reveal a role of PRR7 and PRR9 in regulating CCA1 and LHY activities in response to ambient temperature.
ArabidopsisFIMBRIN5, an Actin Bundling Factor, Is Required for Pollen Germination and Pollen Tube Growth
Authors: Wu Youjun , Yan Jin , Zhang Ruihui , Qu Xiaolu , Ren Sulin , Chen Naizhi , Huang Shanjin
Published: November 2010

Actin cables in pollen tubes serve as molecular tracks for cytoplasmic streaming and organelle movement and are formed by actin bundling factors like villins and fimbrins. However, the precise mechanisms by which actin cables are generated and maintained remain largely unknown. Fimbrins comprise a family of five members in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we characterized a fimbrin isoform, Arabidopsis FIMBRIN5 (FIM5). Our results show that FIM5 is required for the organization of actin cytoskeleton in pollen grains and pollen tubes, and FIM5 loss-of-function associates with a delay of pollen germination and inhibition of pollen tube growth. FIM5 decorates actin filaments throughout pollen grains and tubes. Actin filaments become redistributed in fim5 pollen grains and disorganized in fim5 pollen tubes. Specifically, actin cables protrude into the extreme tips, and their longitudinal arrangement is disrupted in the shank of fim5 pollen tubes. Consequently, the pattern and velocity of cytoplasmic streaming were altered in fim5 pollen tubes. Additionally, loss of FIM5 function rendered pollen germination and tube growth hypersensitive to the actin-depolymerizing drug latrunculin B. In vitro biochemical analyses indicated that FIM5 exhibits actin bundling activity and stabilizes actin filaments. Thus, we propose that FIM5 regulates actin dynamics and organization during pollen germination and tube growth via stabilizing actin filaments and organizing them into higher-order structures.
The coat protein leads the way: an update on basic and applied studies with the Brome mosaic virus coat protein
Authors: KAO C. CHENG , NI PENG , HEMA MASARAPU , HUANG XINLEI , DRAGNEA BOGDAN
Published: November 2010

The Brome mosaic virus (BMV) coat protein (CP) accompanies the three BMV genomic RNAs and the subgenomic RNA into and out of cells in an infection cycle. In addition to serving as a protective shell for all of the BMV RNAs, CP plays regulatory roles during the infection process that are mediated through specific binding of RNA elements in the BMV genome. One regulatory RNA element is the B box present in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of BMV RNA1 and RNA2 that play important roles in the formation of the BMV replication factory, as well as the regulation of translation. A second element is within the tRNA‐like 3′ UTR of all BMV RNAs that is required for efficient RNA replication. The BMV CP can also encapsidate ligand‐coated metal nanoparticles to form virus‐like particles (VLPs). This update summarizes the interaction between the BMV CP and RNAs that can regulate RNA synthesis, translation and RNA encapsidation, as well as the formation of VLPs.
Identification of a novel cell type-specific intronic enhancer of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its regulation by mithramycin
Authors: Beaulieu E , Green L , Elsby L , Alourfi Z , Morand E F , Ray D W , Donn R
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the genetic regulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). DNase I hypersensitivity was used to identify potential hypersensitive sites (HS) across the MIF gene locus. Reporter gene assays were performed in different human cell lines with constructs containing the native or mutated HS element. Following phylogenetic and transcription factor binding profiling, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and RNA interference were performed and the effects of incubation with mithramycin, an antibiotic that binds GC boxes, were also studied. An HS centred on the first intron of MIF was identified. The HS acted as an enhancer in human T lymphoblasts (CEMC7A), human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293T) and human monocytic cells (THP-1), but not in a fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) cell line (SW982) or cultured FLS derived from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Two cis-elements within the first intron were found to be responsible for the enhancer activity. Mutation of the consensus Sp1 GC box on each cis-element abrogated enhancer activity and EMSA indicated Sp1 binding to one of the cis-elements contained in the intron. SiRNA knock-down of Sp1 alone or Sp1 and Sp3 together was incomplete and did not alter the enhancer activity. Mithramycin inhibited expression of MIF in CEMC7A cells. This effect was specific to the intronic enhancer and was not seen on the MIF promoter. These results identify a novel, cell type-specific enhancer of MIF. The enhancer appears to be driven by Sp1 or related Sp family members and is highly sensitive to inhibition via mithramycin.
Matching and mismatching between the pedagogical design principles of a math game and the actual practices of play
Authors: Lindström P. , Gulz A. , Haake M. , Sjödén B.
Published: November 2010

The article reports and discusses a long‐term qualitative study of forty 8–10‐year‐old students who regularly played a math game during math lessons for 9 weeks. The goal was to explore the relations between (i) some of the pedagogical principles that underlie the game and (ii) the playing practice in terms of what actually takes place when students play the math game during regular math lessons. The article discusses indications of matches and mismatches between pedagogical principles and playing practice as they appear in analyses of observations and video recordings.

The result highlights the difficulty of predicting areas in which possible mismatches appear between the intentions of the pedagogues and designers of educational technology and the actual use of the technology by the students. This also applies to educational materials that have already been pilot tested and used on a smaller scale. We emphasize the need to observe actual use for extensive periods of time, i.e. to go beyond short‐time user testing.
Nursing phenomena in inpatient psychiatry
Authors: FRAUENFELDER F. , MÜLLER‐STAUB M. , NEEDHAM I. , VAN ACHTERBERG T.
Published: November 2010

Accessible summary

The use of a standardized nursing language enhances nursing quality. The nursing diagnosis classification of North American Nursing Association‐International (NANDA‐I) considers all judgements about individual, family, or community responses to actual or potential health problems/life processes for which nurses are accountable. The nursing diagnoses provide the basis for planning nursing interventions. The NANDA classification is widely used in the daily work of nurses, also in adult inpatient psychiatry.

The present study identifies nursing phenomena representing actual or potential health problems/life processes in journal articles about the psychiatric adult inpatient nursing care. These phenomena are compared with the NANDA‐I classification to elucidate how well this classification covers the realities of nursing work in the mentioned setting.

The NANDA classification describes essential phenomena on the level of labels and definitions. However, some apparently important nursing phenomena are not covered by the labels or definitions of NANDA‐I. Furthermore, there are phenomena that seem covered in the NANDA‐I classification as defining characteristics, related factors or associated risk factors. There is a need for further researches to complete the NANDA‐I classification for the nursing work in the adult inpatient setting.

Little is known about the question if the nursing diagnosis classification of North American Nursing Association‐International (NANDA‐I) describes the adult inpatient psychiatric nursing care. The present study aimed to identify nursing phenomena mentioned in journal articles about the psychiatric inpatient nursing care and to compare these phenomena with the labels and the definitions of the nursing diagnoses to elucidate how well this classification covers these phenomena. A search of journal articles took place in the databases MedLine, PsychInfo, Cochrane and CINAHL. A qualitative content analysis approach was used to identify nursing phenomena in the articles. Various phenomena were found in the articles. The study demonstrated that NANDA‐I describes essential phenomena for the adult inpatient psychiatry on the level of labels and definitions. However, some apparently important nursing phenomena are not covered by the labels or definitions of NANDA‐I. Other phenomena are assigned as defining characteristics or as related factors to construct nursing diagnoses. The further development of the classification NANDA‐I will strengthen the application in the daily work of psychiatric nurses and enhance the quality of nursing care in the inpatient setting.
Hepatitis C treatment among racial and ethnic groups in the IDEAL trial
Authors: Muir A. J. , Hu K. ‐Q. , Gordon S. C. , Koury K. , Boparai N. , Noviello S. , Albrecht J. K. , Sulkowski M. S. , McCone J.
Published: November 2010

Summary.  Previous studies of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment have demonstrated variations in response among racial and ethnic groups including poorer efficacy rates among African American and Hispanic patients. The individualized dosing efficacy vs flat dosing to assess optimaL pegylated interferon therapy (IDEAL) trial enrolled 3070 patients from 118 United States centres to compare treatment with peginterferon (PEG‐IFN) alfa‐2a and ribavirin (RBV) and two doses of PEG‐IFN alfa‐2b and RBV. This analysis examines treatment response among the major racial and ethnic groups in the trial. Overall, sustained virologic response (SVR) rates were 44% for white, 22% for African American, 38% for Hispanic and 59% for Asian American patients. For patients with undetectable HCV RNA at treatment week 4, the positive predictive value of SVR was 86% for white, 92% for African American, 83% for Hispanic and 89% for Asian American patients. The positive predictive values of SVR in those with undetectable HCV RNA at treatment week 12 ranged from 72% to 81%. Multivariate regression analysis using baseline characteristics demonstrated that treatment regimen was not a predictor of SVR. Despite wide‐ranging SVR rates among the different racial and ethnic groups, white and Hispanic patients had similar SVR rates. In all groups, treatment response was largely determined by antiviral activity in the first 12 weeks of treatment. Therefore, decisions regarding HCV treatment should consider the predictive value of the early on‐treatment response, not just baseline characteristics, such as race and ethnicity.
Detection of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri from field samples using single‐tube nested PCR
Authors: Kositcharoenkul N. , Chatchawankanphanich O. , Bhunchoth A. , Kositratana W.
Published: November 2010

A single‐tube nested PCR was developed for detection of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), the causal agent of citrus canker disease. The assay targets the pthA gene of Xcc and utilizes different annealing temperatures for the two primer pairs. It reliably detected as few as 1·0 × 102 Xcc cells, and was unaffected by the presence of PCR inhibitors. It was 10‐fold and 8500‐fold more sensitive than standard PCR and ELISA, respectively. Increased sensitivity was also achieved via the use of a washing method for DNA extraction, as opposed to direct extraction from leaf tissue. When evaluated for Xcc detection in 90 samples collected from affected pomelo orchards, the single‐tube nested PCR was superior to standard PCR, detecting the pathogen in 67 vs. 54 samples. It was also able to detect Xcc from samples with and without symptoms. This assay can be used as a rapid and sensitive technique for routine Xcc detection in field samples for surveillance of citrus canker.
Infection of Rrs1 barley by an incompatible race of the fungus Rhynchosporium secalis expressing the green fluorescent protein
Authors: Thirugnanasambandam A. , Wright K. M. , Atkins S. D. , Whisson S. C. , Newton A. C.
Published: November 2010

Scald disease of barley, caused by the fungal pathogen Rhynchosporium secalis, is one of the most serious diseases of this crop worldwide. Disease control is achieved in part by deployment of major resistance (Rrs) genes in barley. However, in both susceptible and resistant barley plants, R. secalis is able to complete a symptomless infection cycle. To examine the R. secalis infection cycle, Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transformation was used to generate R. secalis isolates expressing the green fluorescent protein or DsRed fluorescent protein, and that were virulent on an Rrs2 plant (cv. Atlas), but avirulent on an Rrs1 plant (cv. Atlas 46). Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that R. secalis infected the susceptible cultivar and formed an extensive hyphal network that followed the anticlinal cell walls of epidermal cells. In the resistant cultivar, hyphal development was more restricted and random in direction of growth. In contrast to earlier models of R. secalis infection, epidermal collapse was not observed until approximately 10 days post‐inoculation in both cultivars. Sporulation of R. secalis was observed in both susceptible and resistant interactions. Observations made using the GFP‐expressing isolate were complemented and confirmed using a combination of the fluorescent probes 5‐chloromethylfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide, in the non‐transformed wild‐type isolate. The findings will enable the different Rrs genes to be better characterized in the effect they exert on pathogen growth and may aid in identification of the most effective resistance.
Pathogenicity of Phragmidium violaceum isolates on European blackberry clones and on leaves of different ages
Authors: Evans K. J. , Gomez D. R. , Jones M. K. , Oakey H. , Roush R. T.
Published: November 2010

Phragmidium violaceum (Pv) isolate F15 was released for biological control of invasive European blackberry in Australia in 1991–1992. This study reports variation in the pathogenicity of isolate F15 and Pv isolates SA1, V1 and V2, collected in southeastern Australia in 1997 or 1998, on a broad sample of genetically variable European blackberry clones collected in 1996–2000. The use of whole shoots or detached leaflet discs led to the same conclusions about the relative susceptibility of a blackberry clone to a particular Pv isolate. Moderate to relatively high numbers of uredinia developed on all 25 blackberry clones inoculated with isolate V1, whereas no or few uredinia of isolates V2 and SA1 developed on Rubus erythrops clone EB20, three clones of Rubus leucostachys (EB9, EB19 and 960804) or Rubus sp. clone SR43. Pv isolate F15 differed from the three isolates collected in Australia in that no or few uredinia of F15 developed on Rubus polyanthemus clone 961107 or three clones of Rubus laciniatus (EB22, KE1, SR14). Isolate F15 also differed from isolates V1 and V2 for the density of uredinia as a function of leaf age in a clone of Rubus anglocandicans found widely in Australia. Isolates V1 and V2 ceased production of uredinia on leaves older than 16 days, whereas Pv isolate F15 continued production of uredinia beyond this leaf age. This study informed selection of additional Pv isolates from Europe for release in Australia in 2004.
Comparison of reduced intensity and myeloablative conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation in patients with malignancies: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Shi‐Xia Xu , Hai‐Qin Xu , Xian‐Hua Tang , Bo Feng , Xiang‐Feng Tang
Published: November 2010

Shi‐Xia X, Hai‐Qin X, Xian‐Hua T, Bo F, Xiang‐Feng T. Comparison of reduced intensity and myeloablative conditioning regimens for stem cell transplantation in patients with malignancies: a meta‐analysis.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: E187–E198. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Objective:  The reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) stem cell transplantation is widely employed for the treatment of many hematologic malignancies, but the survival effectiveness is still unclear. This study conducted an updated meta‐analysis to determine whether any significant difference could be found by using RIC vs. myeloablative conditioning (MAC) regimen for transplantation in patients with malignancies.

Methods:  We electronically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and relevant articles (1987.01–2009.12). Comparative studies were carried out on clinical therapeutic effect of RIC and MAC on the survival outcomes and the transplantation‐related complications.

Results:  We obtained 1776 records, and 29 studies totaling 6235 patients have been assessed. Compared with MAC regimen, the RIC regimen had a higher overall survival (OS) at one‐yr and no difference at two‐yr later after transplantation. RIC regimen had significantly lower rates of disease‐free survival (DFS) after two‐yr follow‐up, lower incidences of ≥ II degree acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD), and lower TRM [OR, 0.61, 95% CI (0.53, 0.69)], but with a higher relapse rate [OR, 1.88(1.41, 2.51)]. No significant difference was found in rates of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and chronic GVHD between the regimens.

Conclusions:  This meta‐analysis confirmed that compared with MAC condition regimen, the RIC regimen had a consistently equivalent or even better rate in OS, but with lower DFS at longer follow‐up.
IDO1 and IDO2 gene expression analysis by quantitative polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Maiwald S. , Wehner R. , Schmitz M. , Bornhäuser M. , Loeb S. , Wassmuth R.
Published: November 2010

Immunomodulatory properties of IDO1 relate to tryptophan catabolism. The degradation of tryptophan by IDO1 leads to suppression of T cell responses. Recently, another enzyme with IDO‐like activity, indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase‐like‐protein 1 (INDOL1, IDO2), has been described in both mice and humans.

In order to study the gene expression of IDO1 and IDO2, we have developed a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. In an exploratory application to the study of the differential expression of IDO1 and IDO2 by professional antigen‐presenting cells and MSCs (mesenchymal stromal cells) under the influence of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and T‐lymphocyte conditioned media (TCM), substantial differences were observed. IDO expression measured by qPCR was valid and reliable in the cell types investigated. Further studies are needed to delineate factors driving IDO expression in MSCs.
Successful second bone marrow transplantation in Omenn’s syndrome after bone marrow aplasia: A case report
Authors: Wahadneh Adel , Bin‐Dahman Haifa , Habahbeh Zeyad , Abu‐Shukear Mohammad , Ajarmeh Mohammad , Zyood Raed , Khaled Ahmad
Published: November 2010

Wahadneh A, Bin‐Dahman H, Habahbeh Z, Abu‐Shukear M, Ajarmeh M, Zyood R, Khaled A. Successful second bone marrow transplantation in Omenn’s syndrome after bone marrow aplasia: A case report.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: E43–E48. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Omenn’s syndrome is a rare inherited variant of SCID. It is inevitably fatal, unless treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. However, treatment‐related complications and graft rejection are major obstacles to the success of transplantation. In this report, we describe an eight‐month‐old baby with Omenn’s syndrome and disseminated BCGosis, who underwent allogenic BMT from his HLA‐matched sister using anti‐GVHD prophylaxis but without a conditioning regimen. Ten days after BMT, he developed acute GVHD involving the skin only (grade 1) with a flare of local BCGosis. Engraftment of 55% was demonstrated by FISH as early as the 11th day post‐BMT. On day +48 post‐BMT, he developed GVHD that was complicated by refractory pancytopenia, resistant to three doses of rituximab. Patient was re‐transplanted (from the same donor) after receiving fludarabine and ATG, with successful engraftment and complete recovery from pancytopenia.
Unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia and iron overload
Authors: Buchbinder David , Nugent Diane , Vu Dan , Soni Amit , Stites Jill , Hsieh Loan , Puthenveetil Geetha
Published: November 2010

Buchbinder D, Nugent D, Vu D, Soni A, Stites J, Hsieh L, Puthenveetil G. Unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a patient with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia and iron overload.

Abstract:  CDA is a heterogenous group of disorders that result in morphologically abnormal erythroid maturation and ineffective erythropoiesis. Curative therapy for CDA focuses on the use of HSCT using fully matched sibling donors. This is the first report of a Type II CDA patient with severe iron overload who was successfully treated with HSCT using a HLA‐matched unrelated donor after aggressive chelation therapy. Given the challenges of HSCT in any patient with CDA and severe iron overload, the role of novel approaches to iron chelation and HSCT is discussed.
Anatomy of the Collateral Ligaments of the Feline Elbow Joint: Functional Implications1
Authors: Engelke E. , Pfarrer C. , Waibl H.
Published: November 2010

With 4 figures and 2 tables

Cats show a higher capability to supinate their forearms than dogs. This suggests a special arrangement of the collateral ligaments of the feline elbow joint. Therefore, the course of the ligaments was examined in 13 adult cats. The size of the ligaments was measured, and effects of passive joint movements were studied. Ligaments of five additional cats were examined histologically. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) had a superficial and deep part, both originating from the humerus. The free humeral portion of the LCL was short and contained fibrous cartilage. Fibre bundles of the deep part inserted into the annular ligament, while the remaining deep fibres and the superficial part inserted with a long antebrachial portion on the radius. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) originated from the humeral epicondyle and divided into cranial and caudal parts. The caudal part inserted medioproximally on the ulna, while the cranial part attached primarily with a long thin part to the caudal aspect of the radius. During supination, the MCL loosened thus allowing medial widening of the joint space, up to 2 mm. A specific feature of the feline elbow is the long thin part of the MCL. Its course through a special furrow distal to the medial coronoid causes the tightening of the feline MCL during pronation. Apart from that, the feline collateral ligaments combine the features of both human and canine cubital anatomy. This explains the range of supination in cats, which is intermediate between humans and dogs.
Adding Ascorbic Acid to Vitrification and IVC Medium Influences Preantral Follicle Morphology, but Not Viability
Authors: Melo MAP , Oskam IC , Celestino JJH , Carvalho AA , Castro SV , Figueiredo JR , Rodrigues APR , Santos RR
Published: November 2010

Contents

In this study, we analysed the effect on morphology and viability of ovine primordial follicles, when ascorbic acid (AA) was added to vitrification and in vitro culture (IVC) media. For morphological analysis, ovarian tissue was vitrified using DMSO or ethylene glycol (EG), to which AA was added or omitted. After warming, the tissue was fixed for histology or 1‐day cultured in the presence or absence of AA. Isolated primordial follicles from ovine ovarian tissue vitrified with DMSO or EG, both supplemented with AA were stained with trypan blue for viability analysis, or 5‐day cultured with or without AA followed by a viability analysis. In this study, we report on the successful vitrification protocol developed for ovine ovarian tissue using EG. Vitrification using DMSO reduced the percentage of morphological normal primordial follicles, whereas addition of AA to the vitrification and culture media did enhance these results (p < 0.05). However, vitrification in a DMSO + AA medium followed by 5‐day IVC resulted in a significant decrease in the follicular viability, independently of the presence of AA in the IVC medium.
Cytochrome P450 2J3/epoxyeicosatrienoic acids mediate the cardioprotection induced by ischaemic post‐conditioning, but not preconditioning, in the rat
Authors: Yu Gang‐Gang , Zeng Xiang‐Jun , Wang Hong‐Xia , Lu Ling‐Qiao , Zheng Shao‐Peng , Ma Li‐Quan , Chang Jing , Wang Jing , Zhang Dong‐Mei , Du Feng‐He , Zhang Li‐Ke
Published: November 2010

1. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases and their arachidonic acid metabolites play a protective role against ischaemia–reperfusion injury. In the present study, we investigated whether endogenous CYP2J3/epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) mediates the cardioprotective effects of ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) and ischaemic post‐conditioning (IPost).

2. Male Wistar rats were subjected to two cycles of IPC, consisting of 5 min ischaemia and 5 min reperfusion, followed by 45 min occlusion and 2 h reperfusion; IPost consisted of three cycles of 30 s reperfusion and 30 s re‐occlusion at the onset of reperfusion. The selective CYP epoxygenase inhibitor N‐methylsulphonyl‐6‐(2‐propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide (MS‐PPOH; 3 mg/kg) was administered 10 min before ischaemia or during ischaemia 10 min before reperfusion started. Cardiac function was measured continuously with a angiocatheter connected to a fluid‐filled pressure transducer and myocardial infarct size was assessed by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining at the end of the experiment.

3. Subjecting rats to IPC and IPost similarly improved cardiac function and reduced myocardial infarct size. Interestingly, IPost, but not IPC, significantly increased CYP2J3 mRNA (1.75 ± 0.22 vs 1.0; P < 0.05) and protein (1.62 ± 0.22 vs 1.0; P < 0.05), as well as 11,12‐EET synthesis compared to I/R (6.2 ± 0.2 vs 2.9 ± 0.2 ng/mg wet weight, respectively; P < 0.01). Administration of MS‐PPOH before ischaemia significantly decreased 11,12‐EET synthesis in both IPC and IPost compared with I/R rats (2.1 ± 0.2, 3.2 ± 0.3 and 2.9 ± 0.2 ng/mg wet weight, respectively; P < 0.01), but decreased the cardioprotective effects, as evidenced by cardiac function and myocardial infarct size, of IPost only.

4. These data indicate that endogenous activation of CYP2J3/EET may be an essential trigger leading to the protective effects of IPost, but not IPC, in the rat heart.
Diaeretus essigellae Starý and Zuparko (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiini), a biological control for Monterey pine aphid, Essigella californica (Essig) (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Cinarini): host‐specificity testing and historical context
Authors: Kimber William , Glatz Richard , Caon Gabriella , Roocke Daniel
Published: November 2010

The Monterey pine aphid (Essigella californica) was accidentally introduced into Australia from the northern hemisphere before being detected in Canberra in 1998. Feeding on some members of Pinaceae, including the commercially important Pinus radiata, the aphid has now spread to almost all pine‐growing areas and is considered to be an important forestry pest. In 2005, a project was commissioned to import the pine aphid parasitoid, Diaeretus essigellae, into Australia and subject it to host‐specificity testing with a view to releasing it as a biological control for E. californica. In 2007, the first wasp pupae arrived at Australian quarantine facilities and emergent adults were used to establish an ongoing Australian culture. Sequencing of 28S rDNA confirmed the identity of the parasitoid and showed that its closest known relative is Diaeretus leucopterus. No‐choice and choice host‐specificity testing was conducted using Monterey pine aphid and eight non‐target aphid species as potential hosts for D. essigellae. Regardless of the testing procedure, E. californica was the only species that was successfully parasitised. This suggests that D. essigellae is highly specific (at genus or species level) and therefore, is a suitable candidate for release into pine plantations to provide control of Monterey pine aphid in Australia. Based on these data, permission to release the wasp from quarantine was granted in November 2009. Although 24 aphidiine parasitoids have been purposely or accidentally introduced to Australia, this is only the second species to have undergone host‐specificity testing and in addition, is the first species released to parasitise a member of the most primitive aphid subfamily, Lachninae. This case study raises interesting questions about the basis for development/analysis of host‐specificity testing of putatively highly specific biocontrol agents where close relatives of their targets either do not exist in the environment or are pests themselves.
Reducing hypothermia in preterm infants with polyethylene wrap
Authors: Rohana Jaafar , Khairina Wan , Boo Nem Yun , Shareena Ishak
Published: November 2010

Background:  Occlusive plastic applied immediately after birth to reduce evaporative heat loss has been proven effective in preterm infants <28 weeks' gestation. However its effectiveness on preterm infants >28 weeks' gestation has not been shown. This study aimed to determine the effect of occlusive wrap at birth on the temperature at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission among infants of greater than or equal to 24 weeks' and less than 34 weeks' gestation.

Methods:  Study infants were randomly assigned to “wrap” or “control” groups. Newborns in the wrap group were wrapped with polyethylene plastic sheets within the first min after birth. Infants randomized to the control group were dried immediately after birth with warmed towels under a warmer, according to the guidelines of Neonatal Resuscitation. Infants' axillary temperatures were measured on admission to the NICU, and after having been stabilized in incubators in the NICU.

Results:  A total of 110 infants were recruited into the study. The mean admission temperature was significantly higher in the wrap group (35.8 vs 34.8°C, P < 0.01). Admission hypothermia (axillary temperature <36.5°C) was present in 38 (78%) and 58 (98%) infants in the wrap and control groups, respectively. Among infants of <28 weeks' gestation, the post‐stabilization temperature was significantly higher in the wrap group.

Conclusions:  Wrapping premature infants with gestational age <34 weeks in polyethylene plastics immediately after birth is associated with lower incidence of hypothermia.
Voriconazole versus natamycin as primary treatment in fungal corneal ulcers
Authors: Arora Ritu , Gupta Deepa , Goyal Jawaharlal , Kaur Ravinder
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background:  To evaluate the efficacy of topical 1% voriconazole versus 5% natamycin in treatment of fungal corneal ulcers.

Design:  A prospective, randomized pilot study in a tertiary care hospital.

Participants:  Thirty patients of microbiologically proven fungal keratitis divided randomly in two groups of 15 patients each.

Methods:  Two groups were treated with either 5% natamycin (group A) or 1% voriconazole (group B) topically as a primary treatment for fungal keratitis. The mean size, depth of infiltrate and LogMAR visual acuity at presentation were comparable in both groups (P > 0.05). Patients were followed up for minimum of 10 weeks or till complete resolution of ulcer, whichever was later. Cultures to identify the causative organisms were performed.

Main Outcome Measure:  Time of resolution of the ulcer.

Results:  Twenty‐nine of the total 30 patients showed complete resolution. Average time of resolution and gain in LogMAR visual acuity was 24.3 days and 1.12 in group A and 27.2 days and 0.77 in group B. These were comparable in the two groups (P > 0.05%). Aspergillus spp. (40%) and Curvularia spp. (30.0%) were found to be most common isolates.

Conclusion:  Topical 1% voriconazole was found to be safe and effective drug in primary management of fungal keratitis, its efficacy matching conventional natamycin. There was no added advantage of using topical 1% voriconazole over topical natamycin as primary treatment in fungal keratitis.
Frequency of symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycaemia in Type 1 diabetes: effect of impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia
Authors: Schopman J. E. , Geddes J. , Frier B. M.
Published: November 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 352–355 (2011)

Aims  To characterize the frequency and the nature (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic) of hypoglycaemia in people with Type 1 diabetes with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia.

Methods  A group of 19 patients with Type 1 diabetes with normal hypoglycaemia awareness were matched for age, sex, duration of diabetes and glycaemic control with 19 patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia. Frequency of severe hypoglycaemia in the preceding year was estimated retrospectively. Capillary blood glucose was monitored prospectively four times daily, over a 4‐week period. All blood glucose values < 3 mmol/l were recorded and classified by symptom response.

Results  The patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia exhibited twice the frequency of all episodes of hypoglycaemia over the 4‐week monitoring period than those with normal awareness (mean ±sd 7.9 ± 5.4 vs. 3.7 ± 3.6, P = 0.003). No differences between the two subgroups were observed in the total number of symptomatic hypoglycaemia episodes (4.2 ± 3.3 vs. 3.2 ± 3.4, P = 0.25). The group with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia had a sevenfold higher incidence of asymptomatic hypoglycaemia than those with normal awareness (3.7 ± 5.3 vs. 0.5 ± 1.2, P = 0.001); these episodes comprised 47% of all glucose values < 3.0 mmol/l in this group, compared with 14% in the normal awareness group. The annual prevalence of severe hypoglycaemia for patients with impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia was 53% compared with 5% for patients with normal awareness, and these patients had a significantly higher incidence of severe events (1.6 ± 2.8 vs. 0.1 ± 0.3, P = 0.001).

Conclusions  Adults with Type 1 diabetes who have impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia are exposed to a much higher incidence of asymptomatic hypoglycaemia than those with normal awareness and are at higher risk of developing severe hypoglycaemia.
IFRS adoption and analysts’ earnings forecasts: Australian evidence
Authors: Cotter Julie , Tarca Ann , Wee Marvin
Published: November 2010

We study 145 large listed Australian firms to explore the impact of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) adoption on the properties of analysts’ forecasts and the role of firm disclosure about IFRS impact. We find that analyst forecast accuracy improves, and there is no significant change in dispersion in the adoption year, suggesting that analysts coped effectively with transition to IFRS. However, we do not observe the expected relationship between firms’ IFRS impact disclosures in their financial statements issued at the end of the transition year with forecast error and dispersion in the adoption year. The results question the timeliness and usefulness of financial statement disclosure, even in a setting where disclosure was mandated by accounting standards (AASB 1047 and AASB 1) and firms had strong incentives to provide information to analysts.
Contained and high‐level production of recombinant protein in plant chloroplasts using a temporary immersion bioreactor
Authors: Michoux Franck , Ahmad Niaz , McCarthy James , Nixon Peter J.
Published: November 2010

Chloroplast transformation is a promising approach for the commercial production of recombinant proteins in plants. However, gene containment still remains an issue for the large‐scale cultivation of transplastomic plants in the field. Here, we have evaluated the potential of using tobacco transplastomic cell suspensions for the fully contained production of a modified form of the green fluorescent protein (GFP+) and, a vaccine antigen, fragment C of tetanus toxin (TetC). Expression of these proteins in cell suspension cultures (and calli) was much less than in leaves, reaching 0.5%–1.5% of total soluble protein (TSP), but still produced 2.4–7.2 mg/L of liquid culture. Much better expression levels were achieved with a novel protein production platform in which transgenic cell suspension cultures were placed in a temporary immersion bioreactor in the presence of Thidiazuron to initiate shoot formation. GFP+ yield reached 660 mg/L of bioreactor (33% TSP), and TetC accumulated to about 95 mg/L (8% TSP). This new production platform, combining the rapid generation of transplastomic cell suspension cultures and the use of temporary immersion bioreactors, is a promising route for the fully contained low‐cost production of recombinant proteins in chloroplasts.
End of an Era? Anti‐Americanism in the Australian Labor Party
Authors: Bloomfield Alan , Nossal Kim Richard
Published: November 2010

Anti‐Americanism, sometimes called the “last acceptable prejudice”, is a common phenomenon in the modern era. This paper explores the ebb and flow of anti‐Americanism in the Australian Labor Party in the post‐Second World War period and argues that while at times it was reasonable or proportionate, at others such criticism became unreasonable, disproportionate and therefore prejudicial. When this occurs the Australia‐US alliance can become strained, the Australian electorate tends to become sceptical of the ALP's credentials on national security and the party's electoral prospects also tend to suffer. Nevertheless, following the brief leadership of the stridently anti‐American Mark Latham, such sentiment in the ALP has been widely discredited and is unlikely to emerge again in its prejudicial form for some time, marking the end of an era.
MILK BANKS THROUGH THE LENS OF MUSLIM SCHOLARS: ONE TEXT IN TWO CONTEXTS
Authors: GHALY MOHAMMED
Published: November 2010

When Muslims thought of establishing milk banks, religious reservations were raised. These reservations were based on the concept that women's milk creates ‘milk kinship’ believed to impede marriage in Islamic Law. This type of kinship is, however, a distinctive phenomenon of Arab tradition and relatively unknown in Western cultures. This article is a pioneer study which fathoms out the contemporary discussions of Muslim scholars on this issue. The main focus here is a religious guideline (fatwa) issued in 1983, referred to in this article as ‘one text’, by the Egyptian scholar Yūsuf al‐Qaradāwī who saw no religious problem in establishing or using these banks. After a number of introductory remarks on the ‘Western’ phenomenon of milk banks and the ‘Islamic’ phenomenon of ‘milk kinship’, this article analyses the fatwa of al‐Qaradāwī‘one text’ and investigates the ‘two contexts’ in which this fatwa was discussed, namely, the context of the Muslim world and that of Muslim minorities living in the West. The first context led to rejecting the fatwa and refusing to introduce the milk banking system in the Muslim world. The second context led to accepting this system and thus allowing Muslims living in the West to donate and receive milk from these banks. Besides its relevance to specialists in the fields of Islamic studies, anthropology and medical ethics, this article will also be helpful to physicians and nurses who deal with patients of Islamic background.
FloodwayGIS: An ArcGIS Visualization Environment to Remodel a Floodway
Authors: Selvanathan Sivasankkar , Dymond Randel L.
Published: November 2010

Floodway modeling has been performed extensively using HECRAS in floodplain studies. The model output is typically exported in GIS format and the floodway boundaries are overlaid on other spatial data to further edit or remodel the floodway to meet FEMA and local development requirements. In this article, a tightly coupled system comprised of a commercial GIS (ArcGIS) and HECRAS is presented. FloodwayGIS provides a comprehensive visual environment to edit, remodel, spatially analyze, and map floodway boundaries. The environment uses the HECRAS executable engine for every remodeling iteration. Four different encroachment editing options are provided within FloodwayGIS, which eliminates the need for a modeler to switch between HECRAS and GIS in the floodway modeling process, and results in savings of modeling time. FloodwayGIS also provides a mapping algorithm based on TIN intersection to produce smooth floodway boundaries that can be mapped in Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) with minor editing.
Similarity Weighted Instance‐based Learning for the Generation of Transition Potentials in Land Use Change Modeling
Authors: Sangermano Florencia , Eastman J Ronald , Zhu Honglei
Published: November 2010

Land use change models are increasingly being used to evaluate the effect of land change on climate and biodiversity and to generate scenarios of deforestation. Although many methods are available to model land transition potentials, they are usually not user‐friendly and require the specification of many parameters, making the task difficult for decision makers not familiar with the tools, as well as making the process difficult to interpret. In this article we propose a simple method for modeling transition potentials. SimWeight is an instance‐based learning algorithm based on the logic of the K‐Nearest Neighbor algorithm. The method identifies the relevance of each driver variable and predicts the transition potential of locations given known instances of change. A case study was used to demonstrate and validate the method. Comparison of results with the Multi‐Layer Perceptron neural network (MLP) suggests that SimWeight performs similarly in its capacity to predict transition potentials, without the need for complex parameters. Another advantage of SimWeight is that it is amenable to parallelization for deployment on a cloud computing platform.