bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosome passenger complexes control anaphase duration and spindle elongation via a kinesin-5 brake
Authors: Rozelle Daniel K. , Hansen Scott D. , Kaplan Kenneth B.
Published: April 2011

During mitosis, chromosome passenger complexes (CPCs) exhibit a well-conserved association with the anaphase spindle and have been implicated in spindle stability. However, their precise effect on the spindle is not clear. In this paper, we show, in budding yeast, that a CPC consisting of CBF3, Bir1, and Sli15, but not Ipl1, is required for normal spindle elongation. CPC mutants slow spindle elongation through the action of the bipolar kinesins Cin8 and Kip1. The same CPC mutants that slow spindle elongation also result in the enrichment of Cin8 and Kip1 at the spindle midzone. Together, these findings argue that CPCs function to organize the spindle midzone and potentially switch motors between force generators and molecular brakes. We also find that slowing spindle elongation delays the mitotic exit network (MEN)–dependent release of Cdc14, thus delaying spindle breakdown until a minimal spindle size is reached. We propose that these CPC- and MEN-dependent mechanisms are important for coordinating chromosome segregation with spindle breakdown and mitotic exit.
Dynamic cortical actin remodeling by ERM proteins controls BCR microcluster organization and integrity
Authors: Treanor Bebhinn , Depoil David , Bruckbauer Andreas , Batista Facundo D.
Published: April 2011

Signaling microclusters are a common feature of lymphocyte activation. However, the mechanisms controlling the size and organization of these discrete structures are poorly understood. The Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin (ERM) proteins, which link plasma membrane proteins with the actin cytoskeleton and regulate the steady-state diffusion dynamics of the B cell receptor (BCR), are transiently dephosphorylated upon antigen receptor stimulation. In this study, we show that the ERM proteins ezrin and moesin influence the organization and integrity of BCR microclusters. BCR-driven inactivation of ERM proteins is accompanied by a temporary increase in BCR diffusion, followed by BCR immobilization. Disruption of ERM protein function using dominant-negative or constitutively active ezrin constructs or knockdown of ezrin and moesin expression quantitatively and qualitatively alters BCR microcluster formation, antigen aggregation, and downstream BCR signal transduction. Chemical inhibition of actin polymerization also altered the structure and integrity of BCR microclusters. Together, these findings highlight a crucial role for the cortical actin cytoskeleton during B cell spreading and microcluster formation and function.
Dual representation of monotone convex functions on 𝐿⁰
Authors: Kupper Michael , Svindland Gregor
Published: April 2011

We study monotone convex functions

ψ
:

L

0

(
Ω
,

F

,

P

)
→
(
−
∞
,
∞
]

\psi :{L}^0(\Omega ,\mathcal {F} ,\mathbb {P})\to (-\infty ,\infty ]

and derive a dual representation as well as conditions that ensure the existence of a

σ
\sigma

-additive subgradient. The results are motivated by applications in economic agents’ choice theory.
Implications of the Hasse principle for zero cycles of degree one on principal homogeneous spaces
Authors: Black Jodi
Published: April 2011

Let

k
k

be a perfect field of virtual cohomological dimension

≤
2

\leq 2

. Let

G
G

be a connected linear algebraic group over

k
k

such that

G

s
c

G^{sc}

satisfies a Hasse principle over

k
k

. Let

X
X

be a principal homogeneous space under

G
G

over

k
k

. We show that if

X
X

admits a zero cycle of degree one, then

X
X

has a

k
k

-rational point.
MEME-ChIP: motif analysis of large DNA datasets
Authors: Machanick Philip , Bailey Timothy L.
Published: April 2011

Motivation: Advances in high-throughput sequencing have resulted in rapid growth in large, high-quality datasets including those arising from transcription factor (TF) ChIP-seq experiments. While there are many existing tools for discovering TF binding site motifs in such datasets, most web-based tools cannot directly process such large datasets.

Results: The MEME-ChIP web service is designed to analyze ChIP-seq ‘peak regions’—short genomic regions surrounding declared ChIP-seq ‘peaks’. Given a set of genomic regions, it performs (i) ab initio motif discovery, (ii) motif enrichment analysis, (iii) motif visualization, (iv) binding affinity analysis and (v) motif identification. It runs two complementary motif discovery algorithms on the input data—MEME and DREME—and uses the motifs they discover in subsequent visualization, binding affinity and identification steps. MEME-ChIP also performs motif enrichment analysis using the AME algorithm, which can detect very low levels of enrichment of binding sites for TFs with known DNA-binding motifs. Importantly, unlike with the MEME web service, there is no restriction on the size or number of uploaded sequences, allowing very large ChIP-seq datasets to be analyzed. The analyses performed by MEME-ChIP provide the user with a varied view of the binding and regulatory activity of the ChIP-ed TF, as well as the possible involvement of other DNA-binding TFs.

Availability: MEME-ChIP is available as part of the MEME Suite at http://meme.nbcr.net.

Contact:  t.bailey@uq.edu.au

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Searching for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) spawning sites in the northwest Gulf of St Lawrence (Canada) using molecular techniques
Authors: Bui Alice O. V. , Castonguay Martin , Ouellet Patrick , Sévigny Jean-Marie
Published: April 2011

Bui, A. O. V., Castonguay, M., Ouellet, P., and Sévigny, J-M. 2011. Searching for Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) spawning sites in the northwest Gulf of St Lawrence (Canada) using molecular techniques. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 911–918. The overexploitation of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the Northwest Atlantic led to the collapse of most stocks and the demise of spawning components in the early 1990s. In the northern Gulf of St Lawrence, the spawning component of Northwest Atlantic Fishery Organization Division 4S was believed no longer to exist after the collapse. To verify this hypothesis, we used molecular techniques to identify cod, haddock, and witch flounder (CHW) eggs precisely, in an attempt to locate the potential remaining spawning sites for cod in the northwest Gulf. Ichthyoplankton surveys were conducted in spring from 2005 to 2008. Results were compared with those of surveys that took place in spring in the same area 20 years earlier to determine if there had been any changes in spawning location and egg abundance. Atlantic cod made up the majority (97%) of CHW eggs identified. The presence of stage I cod eggs proved that there is still a cod spawning component in the northwest Gulf of St Lawrence, but egg abundance has declined by about an order of magnitude compared with the 1980s. There was no obvious difference in the location of cod spawning grounds between the two decades.
Fisher behaviour influences catch productivity and selectivity in West Hawaii's aquarium fishery
Authors: Stevenson Todd C. , Tissot Brian N. , Dierking Jan
Published: April 2011

Stevenson, T. C., Tissot, B. N., and Dierking, J. 2011. Fisher behaviour influences catch productivity and selectivity in West Hawaii's aquarium fishery. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 813–822. In 1999, marine protected areas (MPAs) were implemented along the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, closing ∼35% of the coastline to aquarium fishing. Catch per unit effort and total catch of the most commonly targeted fish, yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), have increased since the implementation of the MPAs, yet its abundance has declined by 45% in areas open to aquarium fishing between 1999 and 2007. How effort allocation, harvesting efficiencies, and job satisfaction influence catch productivity and selectivity in West Hawaii's aquarium fishery are investigated, and how these dynamics explain the discrepancy between catch rates and relative abundance for yellow tang is discussed. Cross-sectional fisher questionnaires, semi-structured fisher interviews, and in situ and ex situ catch analyses were performed. The results indicate that fishers dive deeper when reef fish recruitment is perceived as weak, increase harvest efficiency with larger fishing teams, and intensively harvest “coral-friendly” reef fish to supply the global aquarium fish trade. Experienced fishers were less likely to exit the fishery, and job satisfaction was high despite declining fish stocks. These findings may help explain harvesting efficiencies and fleet investment, underscore the importance for evaluating fisher behaviours, and have potential management implications for other aquarium fisheries.
Regional differences in climate factors controlling chum and pink salmon abundance
Authors: Fukuwaka Masa-aki , Kaga Toshiki , Azumaya Tomonori
Published: April 2011

Fukuwaka, M., Kaga, T., and Azumaya, T. 2011. Regional differences in climate factors controlling chum and pink salmon abundance. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1131–1137. Chum and pink salmon abundances vary on a decadal time-scale. We examined the relationship between large-scale climate indices (CIs), regional climate factors (RFs), and rates of change in regional catches (RCs) of chum and pink salmon in five regions of the North Pacific. Correlation coefficients of RCs with RFs were larger than those of RCs with CIs, although the correlation coefficient of particular variables varied among regions. Climate affected salmon stocks as indicated by significant relationships with various terrestrial and ocean climate factors on a regional scale. These results suggest that no single CI or RF controls salmon abundance in all regions; however, global climate changes could affect regional climate directly and regional salmon abundance indirectly. A warming trend in the North Pacific might affect the long-term change in salmon abundance. The mechanisms controlling regional salmon abundance must be understood better to forecast successfully future conditions for Pacific salmon stocks, because the response of salmon stocks to global climate change varies among regions.
First Report of Pear blister canker viroid in Pear Trees in Argentina
Authors: Nome C. F. , Difeo L. V. , Giayetto A. , Rossini M. , Frayssinet S. , Nieto A.
Published: April 2011

During December 2009 and January 2010, pear trees (Pyrus communis L.) from five orchards located in Allen (Alto Valle) and one in Rio Colorado, both in Rio Negro Province in Argentina, were randomly sampled for Pear blister canker viroid (PBCVd). Ninety-six trees were tested, 20 of cv. Williams, 4 of Abate Fetel, 30 of D'Anjou, and 38 of Packhamn, that showed no symptoms of PBCVd, plus four trees of cv. Red Bartlett that exhibited symptoms of bark pustules and rounded, scaly cankers varying from 2 to 6 cm in diameter on the stems. Purified dsRNA from leaves of 96 trees were analyzed by dot-blot hybridization with a specific probe for PBCVd (2). Of the plants tested, 18 were positive for PBCVd. Three of the positive dsRNAs, with a higher dot-blot signal, were analyzed by electrophoresis in 5% nondenaturing polyacrylamide and a second denaturing polyacrylamide gel. A band, in the portion of viroids migration, was detected with ethidium bromide. The segment corresponding to the three bands was excised and electroeluted. Two-step reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was performed using Moloney-murine leukemia virus (M-MLV) reverse-transcriptase (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI), retrotranscriptase, and PBCVd primers F-5′-GCGGGACAGAAGACGAGGCTCAGGCAGGAAGCAAC-3′ and R-5′-TATAAAAGAAAAAAGCGCTTCGGCGGTGCTCGGG-3′ (3). The product was legated into pUC 19 vector (Fermentas Inc., Glen Burnie, MD) and cloned following the manufacturer's instructions. Four clones were sequenced by the Unidad de Genómica, Instituto de Biotecnología (Argentina) and the sequences were analyzed with the Lasergene Biocomputing Software for Windows (version 8.0.2; DNASTAR, Madison, WI). The four partial sequences of 296 nucleotides from the local sequences were identical to each other and had the highest nucleotide identity (99.7%) with the Spanish PBCVd (GenBank Accession No. D12823). The local sequence was submitted to GenBank (Accession No. HQ606079). PBCVd is a member of the genus Apscaviroid within the family Pospiviroidae. PBCVd is a 316-nucleotide viroid responsible for pear blister canker disease. It causes pustules, cankers, and/or bark symptoms on the pear indicators A 20 and Fieud 37, whereas infections on most commercial pear cultivars remain symptomless (1). These lesions are entry points for other pathogens to infect the plant. This research indicates the need to test pear propagation material in Argentina, since this is the primary way of spreading this pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PBCVd in Argentina.

References: (1) J. Desvignes et al. Plant Dis. 83:419, 1999. (2) R. Flores et al. J. Gen. Virol. 72:1199, 1991. (3) C. Hernandez et al. J. Gen. Virol. 73:2503, 1992.
Pioglitazone Attenuates Acute Cocaine Toxicity in Rat Isolated Heart
Authors: Weinberg Guy L. , Ripper Richard , Bern Sarah , Lin Bocheng , Edelman Lucas , DiGregorio Guido , Piano Mariann , Feinstein Douglas L.
Published: April 2011

Background

The authors tested whether cocaine depresses mitochondrial acylcarnitine exchange and if a drug that enhances glucose metabolism could protect against cocaine-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Methods

Oxygen consumption with and without cocaine was compared in rat cardiac mitochondria using octanoylcarnitine (lipid) or pyruvate (nonlipid) substrates. Isolated hearts from rats with or without a pioglitazone-supplemented diet were exposed to cocaine.

Results

The 0.5 mM cocaine inhibited respiration supported by octanoylcarnitine (82 ± 10.4 and 45.7 ± 4.24 ngatomO min⁻¹ · mg⁻¹ · protein ± SEM, for control and cocaine treatment, respectively; P < 0.02) but not pyruvate-supported respiration (281 ± 12.5 and 267 ± 12.7 ngatomO min⁻¹ · mg⁻¹ · protein ± SEM; P = 0.45). Cocaine altered contractility, lusitropy, coronary resistance, and lactate production in isolated heart. These effects were each blunted in pioglitazone-treated hearts. The pioglitazone diet attenuated the drop in the rate-pressure product (P = 0.002), cocaine-induced diastolic dysfunction (P = 0.04), and myocardial vascular resistance (P = 0.05) compared with that of controls. Lactate production was higher in pretreated hearts (P = 0.008) and in ventricular myocytes cultured with pioglitazone (P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

Cocaine inhibited octanoylcarnitine-supported mitochondrial respiration. A pioglitazone diet significantly attenuated the effects of cocaine on isolated heart. The authors postulate that inhibition of acylcarnitine exchange could contribute to cocaine-induced cardiac dysfunction and that metabolic modulation warrants additional study.
Symbiont infection affects aphid defensive behaviours
Authors: Dion Emilie , Polin Sarah Erika , Simon Jean-Christophe , Outreman Yannick
Published: April 2011

Aphids harbour both an obligate bacterial symbiont,
Buchnera aphidicola
, and a wide range of facultative ones. Facultative symbionts can modify morphological, developmental and physiological host traits that favour their spread within aphid populations. We experimentally investigated the idea that symbionts may also modify aphid behavioural traits to enhance their transmission. Aphids exhibit many behavioural defences against enemies. Despite their benefits, these behaviours have some associated costs leading to reduction in aphid reproduction. Some aphid individuals harbour a facultative symbiont
Hamiltonella defensa
that provides protection against parasitoids. By analysing aphid behaviours in the presence of parasitoids, we showed that aphids infected with
H. defensa
exhibited reduced aggressiveness and escape reactions compared with uninfected aphids. The aphid and the symbiont have both benefited from these behavioural changes: both partners reduced the fitness decrements associated with the behavioural defences. Such symbiont-induced changes of behavioural defences may have consequences for coevolutionary processes between host organisms and their enemies.
ECHO: A reference-free short-read error correction algorithm
Authors: Kao Wei-Chun , Chan Andrew H. , Song Yun S.
Published: April 2011

Developing accurate, scalable algorithms to improve data quality is an important computational challenge associated with recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technology. In this study, a novel error-correction algorithm, called ECHO, is introduced for correcting base-call errors in short-reads, without the need of a reference genome. Unlike most previous methods, ECHO does not require the user to specify parameters of which optimal values are typically unknown a priori. ECHO automatically sets the parameters in the assumed model and estimates error characteristics specific to each sequencing run, while maintaining a running time that is within the range of practical use. ECHO is based on a probabilistic model and is able to assign a quality score to each corrected base. Furthermore, it explicitly models heterozygosity in diploid genomes and provides a reference-free method for detecting bases that originated from heterozygous sites. On both real and simulated data, ECHO is able to improve the accuracy of previous error-correction methods by several folds to an order of magnitude, depending on the sequence coverage depth and the position in the read. The improvement is most pronounced toward the end of the read, where previous methods become noticeably less effective. Using a whole-genome yeast data set, it is demonstrated here that ECHO is capable of coping with nonuniform coverage. Also, it is shown that using ECHO to perform error correction as a preprocessing step considerably facilitates de novo assembly, particularly in the case of low-to-moderate sequence coverage depth.
Characterization of metalloproteins by high-throughput X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Shi Wuxian , Punta Marco , Bohon Jen , Sauder J. Michael , D'Mello Rhijuta , Sullivan Mike , Toomey John , Abel Don , Lippi Marco , Passerini Andrea , Frasconi Paolo , Burley Stephen K. , Rost Burkhard , Chance Mark R.
Published: April 2011

High-throughput X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to measure transition metal content based on quantitative detection of X-ray fluorescence signals for 3879 purified proteins from several hundred different protein families generated by the New York SGX Research Center for Structural Genomics. Approximately 9% of the proteins analyzed showed the presence of transition metal atoms (Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Fe, or Mn) in stoichiometric amounts. The method is highly automated and highly reliable based on comparison of the results to crystal structure data derived from the same protein set. To leverage the experimental metalloprotein annotations, we used a sequence-based de novo prediction method, MetalDetector, to identify Cys and His residues that bind to transition metals for the redundancy reduced subset of 2411 sequences sharing <70% sequence identity and having at least one His or Cys. As the HT-XAS identifies metal type and protein binding, while the bioinformatics analysis identifies metal- binding residues, the results were combined to identify putative metal-binding sites in the proteins and their associated families. We explored the combination of this data with homology models to generate detailed structure models of metal-binding sites for representative proteins. Finally, we used extended X-ray absorption fine structure data from two of the purified Zn metalloproteins to validate predicted metalloprotein binding site structures. This combination of experimental and bioinformatics approaches provides comprehensive active site analysis on the genome scale for metalloproteins as a class, revealing new insights into metalloprotein structure and function.
Ultrastructure and osmoregulatory function of the kidney in larvae of the Persian sturgeon Acipenser persicus
Authors: Taghizadeh Rahmat Abadi Z. , Khodabandeh S. , Abtahi B. , Charmantier G. , Charmantier‐Daures M.
Published: April 2011

The localization of Na+, K+‐ATPase (NKA) and the ultrastructural features of kidney were examined in larvae of the Persian sturgeon Acipenser persicus (L 31–41 mm total length and 182·3–417·3 mg). Investigations were conducted through light and electron microscopy and through immunofluorescence for NKA detection. The kidney nephrons consisted of a large glomerulus and tubules (neck, proximal, distal and collecting), which connected to the ureters. Posteriorly, ureters extended and joined together into a thin‐walled ureter terminal sac. Ultrastructurally, the glomerular cells (podocytes) possessed distinctive pedicels that extended to the basal membrane. The proximal tubule (PT) showed two different cells. The cells lining the anterior part of PT possessed apical tall microvilli (c. 2·7 µm), a sub‐apical tubular system, a basal nucleus and dense granules. Posteriorly in the cells, the sub‐apical tubular system and granules were absent and round mitochondria associated with basolateral infoldings were found; the apical microvilli were reduced. Distal and collecting tubular cells showed the typical features of osmoregulatory cells, i.e. well‐developed basolateral infoldings associated with numerous mitochondria. No immunofluorescence of NKA was detected in the glomeruli. A weak immunostaining was observed at the basolateral side of the cells lining the neck and PT. A strong immunostaining of NKA was observed in the entire cells of the distal tubules, collecting tubules and in some isolated cells of the ureters. In all immunostained cells, the basolateral region showed a much higher fluorescence and nuclei were immunonegative. In conclusion, the epithelial cells of kidney tubules had morphological and enzymatic features of ionocytes, particularly in the distal and collecting tubules. Thus, the kidney of A. persicus larvae possesses active ion exchange capabilities and, beside its implication in excretion, participates in osmoregulation.
The role of brain natriuretic peptide in prognostication and reclassification of risk in patients undergoing vascular surgery*
Authors: Biccard B. M. , Naidoo P.
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to determine whether measurement of pre‐operative brain natriuretic peptide can significantly improve risk stratification of vascular surgical patients. The study endpoint was postoperative raised troponins. Net reclassification improvement was determined for risk categories based on the Revised Cardiac Risk Index. Two reclassifications were conducted based on either the optimal discriminatory point or brain natriuretic peptide tertiles. Two hundred and sixty‐seven patients were studied of whom 36 (13.5%) had raised postoperative troponin. The Revised Cardiac Risk Index score and the pre‐operative brain natriuretic peptide were independent predictors of postoperative troponin elevation (p = 0.02 and p = 0.001, respectively). Reclassification based on the optimal discriminatory point significantly improved risk stratification (net reclassification improvement 38.3% (95% CI 9.3–67.3%), p = 0.01 for the entire cohort and 70.3% (95% CI 27.1–113.6%), p = 0.002 for intermediate risk patients). The brain natriuretic peptide tertiles only improved stratification of intermediate risk patients (net reclassification improvement 50.0% (95% CI 16.7–83.3%), p = 0.01). We have shown that measurement of pre‐operative brain natriuretic peptide is relevant in the context of risk assessment in this cohort of patients.
Guidelines for the management of mature T‐cell and NK‐cell neoplasms (excluding cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma)
Authors: Dearden Claire E. , Johnson Rod , Pettengell Ruth , Devereux Stephen , Cwynarski Kate , Whittaker Sean , McMillan Andrew ,   British Committee for Standards in Haematology
Published: April 2011

The peripheral T‐cell neoplasms are a biologically and clinically heterogeneous group of rare disorders that result from clonal proliferation of mature post‐thymic lymphocytes. Natural killer (NK) cell neoplasms are included in this group. The World Health Organization classification of haemopoietic malignancies has divided this group of disorders into those with predominantly leukaemic (disseminated), nodal, extra‐nodal or cutaneous presentation. They usually affect adults and are more commonly reported in males than in females. The median age at diagnosis is 61 years with a range of 17–90 years. Although some subtypes may follow a relatively benign protracted course most have an aggressive clinical behaviour and poor prognosis. Excluding anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), which has a good outcome, 5‐year survival for other nodal and extranodal T‐cell lymphomas is about 30%. Most patients present with unfavourable international prognostic index scores (>3) and poor performance status. The rarity of these diseases and the lack of randomized trials mean that there is no consensus about optimal therapy for T‐ and NK‐cell neoplasms and recommendations in this guideline are therefore based on small case series, phase II trials and expert opinion.
Towards responsible cord blood banking models
Authors: Rebulla P. , Lecchi L.
Published: April 2011

On 31 May 2010, 14 072 567 bone marrow/apheresis donors registered in 44 countries and 426 501 cord blood units banked in 26 countries for public use were available to treat candidates to haemopoietic stem cell transplant lacking a family related compatible donor. Despite these impressive numbers, additional efforts are required to ensure that all patients, including those from ethnic minorities, can promptly find a suitable donor. Governments, clinicians, scientists, patients and stakeholders should share the responsibility to develop haemopoietic stem cell donation and cord blood banking models able to fully match all patient needs. In this regard, current scientific evidence and prevalent opinions among expert clinicians support solidaristic cord blood donation for public use against the alternative option of commercial autologous cord blood storage.
Adult stem cells and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Scolding N.
Published: April 2011

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disease and a major cause of disability, particularly affecting young adults. It is characterized by patches of damage occurring throughout the brain and spinal cord, with loss of myelin sheaths – the insulating material around nerve fibres that allows normal conduction of nerve impulses – accompanied by loss of cells that make myelin (oligodendrocytes). In addition, we now know that there is damage to nerve cells (neurones) and their fibres (axons) too, and that this occurs both within these discrete patches and in tissue between them. The cause of MS remains unknown, but an autoimmune reaction against oligodendrocytes and myelin is generally assumed to play a major role, and early acute MS lesions almost invariably show prominent inflammation.

Efforts to develop cell therapy in MS have long been directed towards directly implanting cells capable of replacing lost oligodendrocytes and regenerating myelin sheaths. Accordingly, the advent of techniques to generate large numbers of oligodendrocytes from embryonic stem cells appeared a significant step towards new stem cell treatments for MS; while the emerging consensus that adult stem cells from, for example, the bone marrow had far less potential to turn into oligodendrocytes was thought to cast doubt on their potential value in this disease. A number of scientific and medical concerns, not least the risk of tumour formation associated with embryonic stem cells, have however, prevented any possible clinical testing of these cells in patients.

More recently, increasing understanding of the complexity of tissue damage in MS has emphasized that successful cell therapy may need to achieve far more than simply offering a source of replacement myelin‐forming cells. The many and varied reparative properties of bone marrow‐derived (mesenchymal) stem cells may well offer new and attractive possibilities for developing cell‐based treatments for this difficult and disabling condition.
Pulse exposure of haematopoietic grafts to prostaglandin E2in vitro facilitates engraftment and recovery
Authors: Pelus L. M. , Hoggatt J. , Singh P.
Published: April 2011

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function and determine its mechanism of action.

Materials and methods:  HSC were exposed to PGE2 for 2 h and effects on their homing, engraftment and self‐renewal evaluated in vivo. Effects of PGE2 on HSC cell cycle, CXCR4 expression and migration to SDF‐1α were analysed in vitro. Apoptosis was evaluated by examination of survivin expression and active caspase‐3 levels.

Results:  Equivalent haematopoietic reconstitution was demonstrated using 4‐fold fewer PGE2‐treated cells compared to controls. Multilineage reconstitution was stable on secondary transplantation, indicating that PGE2 affects long‐term repopulating HSC (LT‐HSC) and that enhanced chimaerism of PGE2‐pulsed cells results from their initial treatment. PGE2 increased CXCR4 expression on mouse and human HSC, increased their migration to SDF‐1αin vitro and enhanced in vivo marrow homing 2‐fold, which was blocked by a CXCR4 receptor antagonist. PGE2 pulse exposure reduced apoptosis of mouse and human HSC, with increase in endogenous caspase inhibitor survivin, and concomitant decrease in active caspase‐3. Two‐fold more HSC entered the cell cycle and proliferated within 24 h after PGE2 pulse exposure.

Conclusions:  These studies demonstrate that short‐term PGE2 exposure enhances HSC function and supports the concept of utility of PGE2 as an ex vivo strategy to improve function of haematopoietic grafts, particularly those where HSC numbers are limited.
Family participation in child protection practice: an observational study of family group meetings
Authors: Healy Karen , Darlington Yvonne , Yellowlees Josephine
Published: April 2011

Over the past two decades, child protection authorities internationally have begun to implement models of family participation in child protection decision‐making. Debate exists about the extent to which these models promote family involvement in decision‐making. While a significant body of research on family and professional experience and perceptions of models of family participation in decision‐making has emerged, there has been little observational research of these approaches. In this paper, we report on observational data from 11 family group meetings (FGMs) in a child protection context in Queensland, Australia. Under Queensland child protection law, these meetings are referred to as an inclusive process for child protection decision‐making and planning. We draw on observational data to analyse how family inclusion in child protection decision‐making is facilitated, or limited, by the FGM process. We consider tensions in the realization of a participatory ethos in child protection services systems and discuss what practitioners can practically do to enhance family participation in child protection decision‐making.
IL-9+ IL-10+ T cells link immediate allergic response to late phase reaction
Authors: He S-H , Liu Z-Q , Chen X , Song C-H , Zhou L-F , Ma W-J , Cheng L , Du Y , Tang S-G , Yang P-C
Published: April 2011

The mechanism underlying late-phase allergic reactions (LPR) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of a newly described subset of T cells, interleukin (IL)-9+ IL-10+ T cells, in the pathogenesis of LPR. Using a T helper type 2 (Th2) inflammatory mouse model, we examined the frequency of IL-9+ IL-10+ T cells in the jejunum by immunohistochemistry. The LPR in the jejunum was observed afterwards. The cytokine profile of IL-9+ IL-10+ T cells was characterized and the major cytokine that plays the critical role in the initiation of LPR was investigated. Abundant IL-9+ IL-10+ T cells as well as inflammatory cell extravasation in the jejunal sections were observed in sensitized mice 48 h after specific antigen challenge. IL-9+ IL-10+ T cells expressed high levels of macrophage inflammatory protein 1 (MIP1) that could be enhanced by T cell receptor activation. MIP1 facilitated macrophage extravasation in local tissue. Macrophage-derived MIP2 contributed to neutrophil infiltration in the intestine in LPR. Pretreatment with anti-MIP antibody inhibited the LPR in the intestine. IL-9+ IL-10+ T cells play an important role in LPR. This subset of T cells has the potential to be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of LPR and LPR-related inflammation.
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) as prognostic factor in paediatric oncology patients
Authors: Frakking F N J , Brouwer N , Dolman K M , van Woensel J B M , Caron H N , Kuijpers T W , van de Wetering M D
Published: April 2011

Deficiency of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) has been suggested to influence duration of febrile neutropenia and prognosis in paediatric oncology patients. However, there is no consensus on the definition of MBL deficiency. In a cohort of children with cancer, we investigated (i) how to determine MBL deficiency and (ii) whether MBL is a prognostic factor for disease severity. In 222 paediatric oncology patients, 92 healthy children and 194 healthy adults, MBL plasma levels and MBL2 genotype (wild-type: A, variant: O) were determined. Event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS) and paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions were recorded prospectively. In febrile neutropenic patients admitted to the PICU, disease severity was assessed by clinical, microbiological and laboratory parameters. An optimal cut-off value for MBL deficiency was determined to be < 0·20 µg/ml. Wild-type MBL2 genotype patients, including the XA/XA haplotype, had increased MBL levels compared to healthy individuals. MBL deficiency was associated with decreased EFS (P = 0·03), but not with need for PICU admission. A trend for a twice increased frequency of septic shock (80% versus 38%, P = 0·14), multiple organ failure (40% versus 17%, P = 0·27) and death (40% versus 21%, P = 0·27) was observed in the absence of microbiological findings. MBL deficiency was associated with decreased EFS and possibly with an increased severity of disease during PICU admission after febrile neutropenia in the absence of any association with microbiological findings. These findings suggest prognosis to be worse in MBL-deficient compared to MBL-sufficient paediatric oncology patients.
Textural properties of fruit affected by experimental conditions in TPA tests: an RSM approach
Authors: Madieta Emmanuel , Symoneaux Ronan , Mehinagic Emira
Published: April 2011

Texture profile analysis (TPA) is widely used to assess the textural properties of fruit. However, test parameters may potentially affect TPA results. This work studies the influence of the degree of deformation and crosshead speed on the mechanical parameters of apple measured by TPA. In this study, the degree of deformation ranged from 5% to 17.8% and the crosshead speed from 10 to 90 mm min−1. Eight parameters were extracted from the analysis of force–displacement and force–time curves. For each parameter, the mean value and the coefficient of variation (CV) were examined. A central composite design that simultaneously takes into account both input variables, the degree of deformation and crosshead speed, was implemented. It appears that the linear and the quadratic effects of the degree of deformation make it the major variable. However, neglecting the effects (linear and quadratic) of the crosshead speed might be disastrous since they significantly affect parameters such as cohesiveness, gumminess and work 2. Moreover, the CV of hardness 1 depends mainly on the interaction between the degree of deformation and crosshead speed.
Biological effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on three canine mast cell tumor cell lines with various KIT statuses
Authors: TAKEUCHI Y. , FUJINO Y. , FUKUSHIMA K. , WATANABE M. , NAKAGAWA T. , OHNO K. , SASAKI N. , SUGANO S. , TSUJIMOTO H.
Published: April 2011

Takeuchi, Y., Fujino, Y., Fukushima, K., Watanabe, M., Nakagawa, T., Ohno, K., Sasaki, N., Sugano, S., Tsujimoto, H. Biological effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on three canine mast cell tumor cell lines with various KIT statuses. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 97–104.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can be important in the treatment of canine mast cell tumor (cMCT). Meanwhile, some TKIs have been identified as substrates for ABCB1. The inhibitory effect of four TKIs (axitinib, imatinib, masitinib, and vatalanib) for proliferation and phosphorylation of c‐Kit receptor as well as the expression and function of ABCB1 were investigated in three cMCT cell lines (HRMC, VIMC1, and CMMC1). The IC50 values of the TKIs in HRMC, the only cell line with wild‐type KIT, were clearly higher than those in CMMC1 and VIMC1. In HRMC and CMMC1, both the growth and phosphorylation of c‐Kit receptor were suppressed proportionally by the TKIs. VIMC1 required higher concentrations for the inhibition of c‐Kit receptor phosphorylation than those in cell growth. The treatment with cyclosporine increased the effects of the TKIs on VIMC1 since ABCB1 was expressed in VIMC1. The results indicated that cMCT cell lines harboring wild‐type KIT had lower sensitivity to TKIs. The growth of VIMC1 was seemingly reduced by TKIs through the inhibition of other tyrosine kinases than c‐Kit receptor. There was little influence of ABCB1 on TKI effects to the proliferation of VIMC1. These results will be helpful to understand the different sensitivity to TKIs in cMCT patients.
Current status and distribution of golden jackalsCanis aureusin Europe
Authors: ARNOLD Janosch , HUMER Anna , HELTAI Miklós , MURARIU Dumitru , SPASSOV Nikolai , HACKLÄNDER Klaus
Published: April 2011

The golden jackalCanis aureusis one of the most widespread canid species with a range covering areas of central, eastern and southern Europe, northern Africa and parts of Asia. Distribution of the golden jackal in Europe has been dynamic, including dramatic declines (until the 1960s), recovery (1960s and 1970s) and expansion (from the early 1980s onwards).

We present up‐to‐date information on golden jackal status in Europe and range expansion.

For data collection we reviewed the scientific literature and contacted scientists from the relevant countries. We distinguished between vagrant animals and established populations.

In the last decade, there has been an increase in jackal records in areas where the species has not been reported before. Increased presence is recorded northwards and westwards of the distribution range of the golden jackal, specifically in Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia. In Austria, the first case of reproduction was confirmed in 2007; reproduction has also recently been reported in Italy.

Results indicate an ongoing expansion in Europe's jackal population, with a particular spread of the Balkan populations towards central Europe. Although there are numerous reports of sightings, only few originate from confirmed sources and in many areas status is unknown or vague. There is a general lack of ecological data and almost no information on ecological consequences associated with the golden jackal expansion.
In vivo cytochrome and alternative pathway respiration in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana plants with altered alternative oxidase under different light conditions
Authors: FLOREZ‐SARASA IGOR , FLEXAS JAUME , RASMUSSON ALLAN G. , UMBACH ANN L. , SIEDOW JAMES N. , RIBAS‐CARBO MIQUEL
Published: April 2011

The in vivo activity of the alternative pathway (νalt) has been studied using the oxygen isotope fractionation method in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana modified for the expression of the AtAOX1a gene by anti‐sense (AS‐12) or overexpression (XX‐2). Under non‐stressful conditions, νalt was similar in all plant lines regardless of its different alternative pathway capacities (Valt). Total leaf respiration (Vt) and Valt were directly related to growth light conditions while electron partitioning between the cytochrome pathway (CP) and alternative pathway (AP) was unchanged by light levels. Interestingly, the AP functioned at full capacity in anti‐sense plants under both growth light conditions. The role of the AP in response to a high light stress induced by short‐term high light treatment (HLT) was also studied. In wild type and XX‐2, both CP and AP rates increased proportionally after HLT while in AS‐12, where the AP was unable to increase its rate, the CP accommodated all the increase in respiration. The results obtained under high light stress suggest that flexibility in the response of the mitochondrial electron transport chain is involved in sustaining photosynthetic rates in response to this stress while the saturated AP in AS‐12 plants may contribute to the observed increase in photoinhibition.
Water relations of coast redwood planted in the semi‐arid climate of southern California
Authors: LITVAK ELIZAVETA , MCCARTHY HEATHER R. , PATAKI DIANE E.
Published: April 2011

Trees planted in urban landscapes in southern California are often exposed to an unusual combination of high atmospheric evaporative demand and moist soil conditions caused by irrigation. The water relations of species transplanted into these conditions are uncertain. We investigated the water relations of coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) planted in the urbanized semi‐arid Los Angeles Basin, where it often experiences leaf chlorosis and senescence. We measured the sap flux (JO) and hydraulic properties of irrigated trees at three sites in the Los Angeles region. We observed relatively strong stomatal regulation in response to atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (D; JO saturated at D < 1 kPa), and a linear response of JO to photosynthetically active radiation. Total tree water use by coast redwood was relatively low, with plot‐level transpiration rates below 1 mm d−1. There was some evidence of xylem cavitation during the summer, which appeared to be reversed in fall and early winter. We conclude that water stress was not a direct factor in causing leaf chlorosis and senescence as has been proposed. Instead, the relatively strong stomatal control that is adaptive in the native habitat of coast redwood may lead to carbon limitation and other stresses in semi‐arid, irrigated habitats.
Resistance to Plum pox virus in plants expressing cytosolic and nuclear single‐chain antibodies against the viral RNA NIb replicase
Authors: Gil M. , Esteban O. , García J. A. , Peña L. , Cambra M.
Published: April 2011

The expression of engineered single‐chain variable fragments specific to the NIb RNA replicase of Plum pox virus (PPV) (scFv2A) in transgenic plants was successfully used as a strategy to interfere with viral infection. Different scFv2A fusion proteins were constructed to target those subcellular compartments, such as the cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane structures and the nucleus, where NIb protein presumably accumulates. Several transgenic lines of Nicotiana benthamiana plants expressing the scFv2A targeted to the cytosol (2A lines), ER (6K2 lines) and nucleus (NLS lines) were obtained. The protective effect of scFv expression was determined by mechanical virus inoculation in five 2A, three 6K2 and four NLS transgenic lines. The strongest resistance was afforded with the 2A‐3 (six non‐infected plants out of 10), 6K2‐1 (17 out of 33) and NLS‐11 (16 out of 19) transgenic lines. The success of this interference with PPV infection opens new possibilities for the control of this RNA virus and could be exploited not only to confer resistance in transgenic plants, but also to elucidate the role of the non‐structural NIb protein in different cell compartments during viral infection.
Elevated serum interleukin‐7 level in idiopathic steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Kanai Takahiro , Shiraishi Hirohiko , Yamagata Takanori , Ito Takane , Odaka Jun , Saito Takashi , Aoyagi Jun , Momoi Mariko Y.
Published: April 2011

Background:  Several cytokines have a pathological association with idiopathic steroid‐sensitive nephrotic syndrome (ISSNS) in inducing proteinuria or regulating T cells. Because interleukin (IL)‐7 plays important roles in regulating T‐cell proliferation and sustaining naïve or memory T cells, IL‐7 is one of the candidate cytokines in the pathogenesis of ISSNS. Very little is known, however, about the association of IL‐7 with ISSNS. To clarify the IL‐7 dynamics in children with ISSNS, serum IL‐7 level was investigated, from the nephrotic phase before steroid treatment (STx; group A1) to the remission phase with STx (group A2) and without STx (group A3).

Methods:  Eighteen children with ISSNS were included in the present study. A total of 25 paired samples were analyzed for groups A1 and A2, and a total of 10 paired samples for groups A1, A2, and A3 due to recurrence. Two control groups (with normal urinalysis, group B; or with nephrotic syndrome other than ISSNS, group C), matched for age and gender, were also included. Serum cytokine level was measured on bead‐based assay.

Results:  Each serum IL‐7 level in groups A1 and A3 was higher than each serum IL‐7 level of groups C and B, respectively. The group A2 serum IL‐7 level was higher than that of group A1. There was no statistical significance of serum IL‐7 level between group A1 and group A3.

Conclusion:  Serum IL‐7 level was elevated in children with ISSNS regardless of the status of the disease. This brings us one step closer to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of ISSNS in children.
Pediatric pacemakers and ICDs: how to optimize perioperative care
Authors: Navaratnam Manchula , Dubin Anne
Published: April 2011

An increasing number of pediatric patients with permanent pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) require cardiac and noncardiac surgery. It is critical that the anesthesiologist caring for these patients understands the management of the device and the underlying heart disease. Children with these devices are more vulnerable to lead failure and inappropriate shocks compared with the adult population. Preoperative assessment and appropriate reprogramming of the device, in addition to minimizing sources of electromagnetic interference, are keystones in the perioperative care of these patients. Prior consultation with qualified programmers is recommended to enable timely optimization of the device. Magnets may be used in emergency situations but it is important to appreciate the limitations of magnet use on different models of pacemakers and ICDs. Safe and successful perioperative care is dependent upon a well‐organized and coordinated multidisciplinary team approach.
Mortality as an outcome measure following cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease in the current era
Authors: Thiagarajan Ravi R. , Laussen Peter C.
Published: April 2011

Mortality following cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease is rare in the current times. In this review article, we explore current mortality rates, factors associated with mortality, and pitfalls in the use of mortality as a measure for assessing outcomes following congenital heart surgery.
Perioperative management of blood glucose during open heart surgery in infants and children
Authors: Steven James , Nicolson Susan
Published: April 2011

The perioperative management of blood glucose has been controversial since clinical associations between hyperglycemia and adverse outcomes were first reported more than two decades ago. Despite some early evidence supporting a causal relationship between hyperglycemia and adverse outcomes, prospective trials of tight glycemic control have been inconclusive, except in selected populations, like adult diabetics. These trials have consistently reported dramatic increases in the incidence and severity of hypoglycemia, which may also have associated adverse outcomes. Bedside glucose monitors typically used to manage glucose have increasingly been found to introduce systematic inaccuracies. Relevant studies of infants and children undergoing cardiac surgery are considerably fewer in number, requiring clinicians to extrapolate from other clinical conditions and patient populations.