bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
'Click' Preparation of Carbohydrate 1-Benzotriazoles, 1,4-Disubstituted, and 1,4,5-Trisubstituted Triazoles and their Utility as Glycosyl Donors
Authors: Watt Jacinta A. , Gannon Carlie T. , Loft Karen J. , Dinev Zoran , Williams Spencer J.
Published: November 2008

Glycosyl triazoles can be prepared from readily available anomeric azides through various ‘click’ methodologies: thermal Huisgen cycloaddition with alkynes, strain-promoted Huisgen cycloaddition of benzynes, and CuI-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition of terminal alkynes (CuAAC reaction). Here we investigate the formation of glycosyl 1-benzotriazoles from anomeric and non-anomeric carbohydrate azides using benzynes derived from substituted anthranilic acids. The reactivity of the resulting anomeric 1-benzotriazoles as glycosyl donors was investigated and compared with 1,4-disubstituted glycosyl triazoles (from the CuAAC reaction) and 1,4,5-trisubstituted glycosyl triazoles (prepared by Huisgen cycloaddition of glycosyl azides and dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate). The 1,4,5-trisubstituted glycosyl triazoles were activated by Lewis acids and could be converted to O-glycosides, S-glycosides, glycosyl chlorides, and glycosyl azides. By contrast, under all conditions investigated, the 1,4-disubstituted glycosyl triazoles were unreactive as glycosyl donors. Glycosyl 1-benzotriazoles were generally inert as glycosyl donors; however, a tetrafluorobenzotriazole derivative, which bears electron-withdrawing substituents on the benzotriazole group, was a moderate glycosyl donor and could be converted to an S-glycoside by treatment with thiocresol and tin(iv) chloride.
4-Substituted 3,6-Bis(2-pyridyl)pyridazines: Silver(I) Complexes of 4-Cyano- and 4-(4-Bromophenyl)-3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)pyridazine and Pseudopolymorphs of 1,3,5-Tris{3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)pyridazin-4-yl}benzene
Authors: Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E. , Neuburger Markus , Reymann Sébastien , Schaffner Silvia
Published: November 2008

Metal:ligand complexes are crystallized from reaction mixtures of equimolar amounts of 4-cyano-3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)pyridazine 2 or 4-(4-bromophenyl)-3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)pyridazine 3 and silver(i) triflate. In [Ag2(2)2]2+, the two ligands adopt a head-to-tail arrangement, while a head-to-head motif is confirmed for the solid state structure of [Ag2(3)2]2+. In solution, one ligand environment is observed in each case. Silver(i) reacts with 1,3,5-tris{3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)pyridazin-4-yl}benzene 4 to give highly insoluble powders. The single crystal structures of the pseudopolymorphs (4)·Et2O and 2(4)·2MeCN·H2O are reported; in each structure, the ligand adopts the same conformation, derived from a Cs rather than C3v model structure.
When will integrated pest management strategies be adopted? Example of the development and implementation of integrated pest management strategies in cropping systems in Victoria
Authors: Horne Paul A. , Page Jessica , Nicholson Cam
Published: November 2008

This paper discusses the development and implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for broadacre cropping in Victoria, Australia, with reference to other crops and also the levels of adoption of IPM in Australia and overseas. Levels and rates of adoption are mostly low but with some exceptions. The reasons for differing levels of adoption include the failure of strategies to successfully deal with all pests, the lack of motivation to change to using IPM given current successful pesticide-based controls, and the poor availability of IPM advisors in the field. This paper outlines how IPM strategies for wheat, barley and canola crops were developed and implemented using a collaborative approach between farmers, agronomists and entomologists. It was found that although there were no existing specific IPM strategies for the crops grown in the region of south-eastern Australia, there was sufficient information for farmers to start using an IPM approach. This paper gives a case study of implementing change to IPM from conventional pesticide spraying, including the development of a course in IPM for growers and agronomists. It focuses on the process of changing practices and information transfer rather than on entomological details.
The changing status of invertebrate pests and the future of pest management in the Australian grains industry
Authors: Hoffmann Ary A. , Weeks Andrew R. , Nash Michael A. , Mangano G. Peter , Umina Paul A.
Published: November 2008

The Australian grains industry is dealing with a shifting complex of invertebrate pests due to evolving management practices and climate change as indicated by an assessment of pest reports over the last 20–30 years. A comparison of pest outbreak reports from the early 1980s to 2006–07 from south-eastern Australia highlights a decrease in the importance of pea weevils and armyworms, while the lucerne flea, Balaustium mites, blue oat mites and Bryobia mites have increased in prominence. In Western Australia, where detailed outbreak records are available from the mid 1990s, the relative incidence of armyworms, aphids and vegetable weevils has recently decreased, while the incidence of pasture cockchafers, Balaustium mites, blue oat mites, redlegged earth mites, the lucerne flea and snails has increased. These changes are the result of several possible drivers. Patterns of pesticide use, farm management responses and changing cropping patterns are likely to have contributed to these shifts. Drier conditions, exacerbated by climate change, have potentially reduced the build-up of migratory species from inland Australia and increased the adoption rate of minimum and no-tillage systems in order to retain soil moisture. The latter has been accompanied by increased pesticide use, accelerating selection pressures for resistance. Other control options will become available once there is an understanding of interactions between pests and beneficial species within a landscape context and a wider choice of ‘softer’ chemicals. Future climate change will directly and indirectly influence pest distributions and outbreaks as well as the potential effectiveness of endemic natural enemies. Genetically modified crops provide new options for control but also present challenges as new pest species are likely to emerge.
A Social-Cognitive Approach to Training Teaching Assistants
Authors: Komarraju Meera
Published: November 2008

Across 4 years, 87 teaching assistants (TAs) completed measures designed to assess personal efficacy, teacher efficacy, and liking for teaching before (pretest) and after (posttest) a weeklong training program. Paired sample t tests revealed a significant increase in personal efficacy and liking for teaching, a significant positive correlation between personal efficacy and desire for teaching (at pretest), and a significant positive association among all 3 variables at posttest. Personal efficacy predicted a significant amount of variance in liking for teaching at pretest (24%) and posttest (28%). A social-cognitive framework explains how components of the training program contribute to increased TA personal efficacy and enjoyment of teaching.
Ways of Writing: Linguistic Analysis of Self-Assessment and Traditional Assignments
Authors: Peden Blaine F. , Carroll David W.
Published: November 2008

Scholars of teaching and learning have endorsed self-assessment assignments as a way to encourage greater reflection by students. However, no studies to date have compared writing in self-assessment with traditional academic assignments. We performed a quantitative text analysis of students' language in self-assessment versus traditional assignments from 3 courses. Self-assessment assignments included more references to cognitive words (i.e., words related to insight) than traditional academic assignments. In addition, self-assessments included more emotion words and pronouns and were linguistically simpler than traditional academic assignments. We conclude that self-assessment assignments encourage students to become more reflective, a goal of the American Psychological Association (2007) curricular guidelines.
Student Opinions of the Quality of Teaching Activities Poorly Predict Pedagogical Effectiveness
Authors: Wesp Richard , Miele Joseph
Published: November 2008

As universities increase expectations for evidence of student learning, journals like Teaching of Psychology (ToP) have come to expect outcome data from authors describing teaching techniques. Our comparison of ToP articles published in 1996 and 2006 showed a significant decrease in reliance on student opinion and an increase in the use of more direct assessment data. In a second study, we evaluated whether requiring more direct measures of learning is justified. For 2 classroom activities, students' opinions regarding enjoyment and usefulness of teaching activities poorly correlated with exam performance. It appears that the expectation for direct measures of pedagogical effectiveness is warranted.
Strengthening the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning via Experimentation
Authors: LoSchiavo Frank M. , Shatz Mark A. , Poling Devereaux A.
Published: November 2008

In recent years, national policy experts have questioned the overall quality of educational research, and they have suggested that researchers strengthen their scientific methods by maximizing the use of experimental designs. To promote more rigorous methodology, we discuss several new and often-overlooked opportunities for incorporating experimentation into the scholarship of teaching and learning in psychology. Although experiments can be difficult to conduct in educational settings, our methodological suggestions are particularly well-suited for relatively small-scale studies, like those typically published in Teaching of Psychology.
The Teacher of Teachers Talks about Learning to Learn: An Interview with Wilbert (Bill) J. McKeachie
Authors: Bembenutty Héfer
Published: November 2008

Wilbert J. McKeachie has been the president of the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Association of Higher Education, the American Psychological Foundation, the Division of Educational and School Psychology of the International Association of Applied Psychology, and APA's Divisions 2 and 15. He received his PhD at the University of Michigan in 1949 and is former Director of the University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching. He also served as Chair of the Psychology Department at the University of Michigan from 1961 to 1971. Professor McKeachie has received eight honorary degrees, the American Psychological Foundation Gold Medal for Lifetime Contributions to Psychology, and the American Psychological Association Presidential Citation for exemplary service to the academic and scientific community. His classic book, Teaching Tips, is now in its 12th edition (McKeachie & Svinicki, 2006).

Héfer Bembenutty is an Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at Queens College of The City University of New York in the Department of Secondary and Youth Services. He received his BA in psychology from the University of Michigan, an MS in psychology from Eastern Michigan University, and an MA and PhD in educational psychology from The City University of New York. He maintains an active research agenda in students' and teachers' self-regulation of learning, the effects of test anxiety on learning, homework self-regulation, self-efficacy beliefs, multicultural education, and academic delay of gratification. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in educational psychology, cognition, instruction and technology, human development and learning, classroom management, and multicultural education.
Drosophila Orc6 Facilitates GTPase Activity and Filament Formation of the Septin Complex
Authors: Huijbregts Richard P.H. , Svitin Anton , Stinnett Monica W. , Renfrow Matthew B. , Chesnokov Igor
Published: November 2008

The origin recognition complex or ORC is a six-subunit protein important for DNA replication and other cell functions. Orc6, the smallest subunit of ORC, is essential for both replication and cytokinesis in Drosophila, and interacts with the septin protein Pnut, which is part of the Drosophila septin complex. In this study, we describe the analysis of the interaction of Orc6 with Pnut and whole Drosophila septin complex. Septin complex was purified from Drosophila embryos and also reconstituted from recombinant proteins. The interaction of Orc6 with the septin complex is dependent on the coiled-coil domain of Pnut. Furthermore, the binding of Orc6 to Pnut increases the intrinsic GTPase activity of the Drosophila septin complex, whereas in the absence of GTP it enhances septin complex filament formation. These results suggest an active role for Orc6 in septin complex function. Orc6 might be a part of a control mechanism directing the cytokinesis machinery during the final steps of mitosis.
Single cell analysis of B lymphocytes from Wegener's granulomatosis: B cell receptors display affinity maturation within the granulomatous lesions
Authors: Voswinkel J , Assmann G , Held G , Pitann S , Gross W L , Holl-Ulrich K , Herlyn K , Mueller A
Published: November 2008

Increased amounts of anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA) directed against proteinase 3 (PR3) are a diagnostic and pathogenic hallmark of full-blown Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). Aggregates of B lymphocytes proximal to PR3+ cells as well as plasma cells have been described as substantial components of Wegener's granuloma and could participate in forming tertiary lymphoid structures, which might promote autoantibody formation. Our aim was a molecular analysis of single B cells in order to develop a methodological approach that allows examination of potential ANCA formation in the tissue. Single B cells from cryo-conserved endonasal biopsies of three WG patients were isolated, using laser-assisted microdissection. Subsequently, their immunoglobulin variable heavy (VH) and light (Vκ, Vλ) chain genes were analysed by single cell polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Sixteen immunoglobulin VH-Vκ or VH-Vλ chain gene couples were characterized. Twelve of these immunoglobulin gene couples resembled memory B cells. Two offsprings of one B cell were detected, indicating clonal expansion. VH genes representing 39 single B cells of WG tissues displayed significantly more mutations when compared with VH genes from peripheral blood of a healthy donor. The findings confirm and extend our previous results, arguing for an initial selection and affinity maturation of B cells within Wegener's granuloma. Further, the methodology provides the initial basis for the recombinant generation of antibodies derived from tissue cells.
Toll-like receptor 4 Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms in gastric cancer of intestinal and diffuse histotypes
Authors: Santini D , Angeletti S , Ruzzo A , Dicuonzo G , Galluzzo S , Vincenzi B , Calvieri A , Pizzagalli F , Graziano N , Ferraro E , Lorino G , Altomare A , Magnani M , Graziano F , Tonini G
Published: November 2008

In the present study we investigated the potential role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms as risk factors in the development of gastric cancer. TLR-4 Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile polymorphisms were investigated in 171 Italian patients with sporadic gastric cancer and in 151 controls. Unconditional regression (odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals) were used to investigate the association of the studied polymorphisms with gastric cancer. TLR-4 Thr399Ile polymorphism is linked with an increased susceptibility to gastric cancer (P = 0·023 and hazard ratio = 3·62). No significant association for TLR-4 Asp299Gly polymorphism was found. In the subgroup of patients with intestinal-type gastric cancer, a significant risk of gastric cancer was associated with TLR-4 Thr399Ile genotype (P = 0·006). Our results demonstrated that TLR-4 Thr399Ile polymorphism is linked with an increased susceptibility to gastric cancer. An increased risk for intestinal gastric cancer in carriers of the TLR4 Thr399Ile allele was observed. Future epidemiological studies should consider the possible interactions between proinflammatory genotypes (such as TLR and interleukin-1R polymorphisms) and other risk factors for cancer such as dietary habits and/or exposure to environmental carcinogens.
Increased resistance to CD4+CD25hi regulatory T cell-mediated suppression in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Lawson J M , Tremble J , Dayan C , Beyan H , Leslie R D G , Peakman M , Tree T I M
Published: November 2008

Type I diabetes (T1D) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease characterized by loss of tolerance to islet autoantigens, leading to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells. Peripheral tolerance to self is maintained in health through several regulatory mechanisms, including a population of CD4+CD25hi naturally occurring regulatory T cells (Tregs), defects in which could contribute to loss of self-tolerance in patients with T1D. We have reported previously that near to T1D onset, patients demonstrate a reduced level of suppression by CD4+CD25hi Tregs of autologous CD4+CD25- responder cells. Here we demonstrate that this defective regulation is also present in subjects with long-standing T1D (> 3 years duration; P = 0·009). No difference was observed in forkhead box P3 or CD127 expression on CD4+CD25hi T cells in patients with T1D that could account for this loss of suppression. Cross-over co-culture assays demonstrate a relative resistance to CD4+CD25hi Treg-mediated suppression within the CD4+CD25- T cells in all patients tested (P = 0·002), while there appears to be heterogeneity in the functional ability of CD4+CD25hi Tregs from patients. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that defective regulation is a feature of T1D regardless of disease duration and that an impaired ability of responder T cells to be suppressed contributes to this defect.
Vitamin D insufficiency prior to bariatric surgery: risk factors and a pilot treatment study
Authors: Stein E. M. , Strain G. , Sinha N. , Ortiz D. , Pomp A. , Dakin G. , McMahon D. J. , Bockman R. , Silverberg S. J.
Published: November 2008

Objective  To assess vitamin D status and the influences of race, sun exposure and dietary vitamin D intake on vitamin D levels, and to evaluate two vitamin D repletion regimens in extremely obese patients awaiting bariatric surgery.

Methods  A cross‐sectional analysis of dietary vitamin D, sun exposure, PTH [intact (iPTH) and PTH(1‐84)] and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD; differentiated 25OHD2 and 25OHD3) in 56 obese [body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2] men and women (age 20–64 years). In a pilot clinical trial, 27 subjects with 25OHD levels < 62 nmol/l were randomized to receive ergocalciferol or cholecalciferol for 8 weeks.

Results  Serum 25OHD was low (mean 45 ± 22 nmol/l) and was inversely associated with BMI (r = −0·36, P < 0·01). Each BMI increase of 1 kg/m2 was associated with a 1·3 nmol/l decrease in 25OHD (P < 0·01). BMI, sun exposure, African American race and PTH predicted 40% of the variance in 25OHD (P < 0·0001). Serum 25OHD significantly increased at 4 and 8 weeks in both treatment groups (P < 0·001), whereas PTH(1‐84) declined significantly in subjects treated with cholecalciferol (P < 0·007) and tended to decrease following ergocalciferol (P < 0·09).

Conclusions  In severely obese individuals, those who are African American, have higher BMI and limited sunlight exposure are at greatest risk for vitamin D insufficiency. These demographic factors can help to identify at‐risk patients who require vitamin D repletion prior to bariatric surgery. Commonly prescribed doses of ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol are effective in raising 25OHD. Further investigation is needed to evaluate whether these regimens have differential effects on PTH, and to determine the optimal regimen for vitamin D repletion in the extremely obese patient.
The T‐cell receptor repertoire of regulatory T cells
Authors: Pacholczyk Rafal , Kern Joanna
Published: November 2008

The CD4+ CD25+ regulatory population of T cells (Treg cells), which expresses the forkhead family transcription factor (Foxp3), is the key component of the peripheral tolerance mechanism that protects us from a variety of autoimmune diseases. Experimental evidence shows that Treg cells recognize a wide range of antigenic specificities with increased reactivity to self antigens, although the affinity of these interactions remains to be further defined. The Treg repertoire is highly diverse with a distinct set of T‐cell receptors (TCRs), and yet is overlapping to some extent with the repertoire of conventional T cells (Tconv cells). The majority of Treg cells are generated in the thymus. However, the role of the TCR specificity in directing thymic precursors to become Treg or Tconv cells remains unclear. On the one hand, the higher self reactivity of Treg cells and utilization of different TCRs in Treg and Tconv repertoires suggest that in TCR interactions an initial decision is made about the ‘suitability’ of a developing thymocyte to become a Treg cell. On the other hand, as Treg cells can recognize a wide range of foreign antigens, have a diverse TCR repertoire, and show some degree of overlap with Tconv cells, the signals through the TCR may be complementary to the TCR‐independent process that generates precursors of Treg cells. In this review, we discuss how different features of the Treg repertoire influence our understanding of Treg specificities and the role of self reactivity in the generation of this population.
Expression of galectins‐1, ‐3 and ‐4 varies with strain and type of experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Mathieu Anne , Nagy Nathalie , Decaestecker Christine , Ferdinande Liesbeth , Vandenbroucke Klaas , Rottiers Pieter , Cuvelier Claude A. , Salmon Isabelle , Demetter Pieter
Published: November 2008

Galectins are increasingly the focus of biomedical research. Although they are involved at different stages in inflammation, data on galectins in colitis remain scarce. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the expression of galectins in acute and chronic experimental colitis in mice. Immunohistochemistry for galectins‐1, ‐3 and ‐4 was performed on colon tissue from C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice with acute dextran sodium sulphate colitis and from 129 Sv/Ev IL‐10 knock‐out (IL‐10−/−) mice. From these three mouse strains, we first detected major differences in galectin expression related to the genetic background in the control animals. With regard to inflammation, chronic colitis in IL‐10−/− mice was associated with increased galectin‐4 expression; in contrast with the two other models, no galectin‐1 and ‐3 alterations were observed in IL‐10−/− mice. Acute colitis in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice showed increased galectin‐3 expression in the lamina propria and the crypt epithelium, together with a decreased nuclear expression. These results suggest an involvement of galectins in the development and perpetuation of colonic inflammation and illustrate that the choice of the mouse strain for studying galectins might influence the outcome of the experiments.
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and acute non‐oxidative hepatic injury induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin
Authors: Cheluvappa Rajkumar , Cogger Victoria C. , Kwun Sun Young , O’Reilly Jennifer N. , Le Couteur David G. , Hilmer Sarah N.
Published: November 2008

The liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) is damaged by many toxins, including oxidants and bacterial toxins. Any effect on LSECs of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor, pyocyanin, may be relevant for systemic pseudomonal infections and liver transplantation. In this study, the effects of pyocyanin on in vivo rat livers and isolated LSECs were assessed using electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and biochemistry. In particular, the effect on fenestrations, a crucial morphological aspect of LSECs was assessed. Pyocyanin treatment induced a dose‐dependent reduction in fenestrations in isolated LSECs. In the intact liver, intraportal injection of pyocyanin (11.9 μM in blood) was associated with a reduction in endothelial porosity from 3.4 ± 0.2% (n = 5) to 1.3 ± 0.1% (n = 7) within 30 min. There were decreases in both diameter and frequency of fenestrations in the intact endothelium. There was also a decrease in endothelial thickness from 175.8 ± 5.8 to 156.5 ± 4.0 nm, an endothelial pathology finding previously unreported. Hepatocyte ultrastructure, liver function tests and immunohistochemical markers of oxidative stress (3‐nitrotyrosine and malondialdehyde) were not affected. Pyocyanin induces significant ultrastructural changes in the LSEC in the absence of immunohistochemical evidence of oxidative stress or hepatocyte injury pointing to a novel mechanism for pyocyanin pathogenesis.
Embryonic stem cells reduce liver fibrosis in CCl4‐treated mice
Authors: Moriya Kei , Yoshikawa Masahide , Ouji Yukiteru , Saito Ko , Nishiofuku Mariko , Matsuda Ryosuke , Ishizaka Shigeaki , Fukui Hiroshi
Published: November 2008

We transplanted undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells into the spleens of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐treated mice to determine their effects on liver fibrosis. Carbon tetrachloride at 0.5 ml/kg of body weight was injected intraperitoneally into C57BL/6 mice twice weekly for up to 20 weeks. Four weeks after the first injection, the mice were divided into two groups and those in group 1 received 1 × 105 ES cells genetically labelled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the spleens, while group 2 mice received 0.1 ml of phosphate‐buffered saline. In group 1, GFP‐immunopositive cells were retained and found in areas of fibrosis in the liver, and reduced liver fibrosis was observed as compared with group 2. Secondary transplantation of ES cells at 12 weeks after the initial transplantation enhanced the reduction in liver fibrosis. No teratoma formation or uncontrolled growth of ES cells in organs, including the liver and spleen, was observed in any of the mice. In the livers of group 1 mice, metalloproteinase 9‐immunopositive cells derived from ES cells as well as those from the recipient were observed. These cells were also found to be immunopositive for the hepatoblast marker Delta‐like (DlK‐1), a member of the DlK‐1 family of transmembrane proteins. These results suggest that ES‐based cell therapy is potentially useful for liver fibrosis treatment and that reduction in CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis by transplantation of ES cells may be related closely to the emergence of metalloproteinase‐producing hepatoblast‐like cells.
The histone methylase KMTox interacts with the redox‐sensor peroxiredoxin‐1 and targets genes involved in Toxoplasma gondii antioxidant defences
Authors: Sautel Céline F. , Ortet Philippe , Saksouk Nehmé , Kieffer Sylvie , Garin Jérôme , Bastien Olivier , Hakimi Mohamed‐Ali
Published: November 2008

The ability of living cells to alter their gene expression patterns in response to environmental changes is essential for viability. Oxidative stress represents a common threat for all aerobic life. In normally growing cells, in which hydrogen peroxide generation is transient or pulsed, the antioxidant systems efficiently control its concentration. Intracellular parasites must also protect themselves against the oxidative burst imposed by the host. In this work, we have investigated the role of KMTox, a new histone lysine methyltransferase, in the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. KMTox is a nuclear protein that holds a High Mobility Group domain, which is thought to recognize bent DNA. The enzyme methylates both histones H4 and H2A in vitro with a great preference for the substrate in reduced conditions. Importantly, KMTox interacts specifically with the typical 2‐cys peroxiredoxin‐1 and the binding is to some extent enhanced upon oxidation. It appears that the cellular functions that are primarily regulated by the KMTox are antioxidant defences and maintenance of cellular homeostasis. KMTox may regulate gene expression in T. gondii by providing the rapid re‐arrangement of chromatin domains and by interacting with the redox‐sensor TgPrx1 contribute to establish the antioxidant ‘firewall’ in T. gondii.
In situ immune responses to interstitial pneumonitis in human visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: TUON F. F. , GUEDES F. , FERNANDES E. R. , PAGLIARI C. , AMATO V. S. , SEIXAS DUARTE M. I.
Published: November 2008

Lung disease during active human visceral leishmaniasis is frequently reported. As such, studies have associated pulmonary symptoms to interstitial pneumonitis with a mononuclear infiltrate. However, the immune response in this condition has never been described before. The aim of this study was to determine the immunophenotypic pattern and cytokine profile of lung involvement (IPL) in human visceral leishmaniasis. Quantitative methods of analysis were performed using immunohistochemistry, and were compared with a control group of normal lung. Interstitial macrophages and cd8 cells were increased in IPL, and IL‐4 as well as TNF‐α displayed increased expression when compared to the control group. This inflammatory process with a Th2 pattern, as suggested by increased IL‐4 and low IFN‐γ expression, is consistent with the immune response in other organs of visceral leishmaniasis. The microenvironment of the immune response in this condition is associated with lung disease in patients with interstitial pneumonitis related to visceral leishmaniasis, increasing the chance of bacterial infection.
The presence of sinapyl lignin in Ginkgo biloba cell cultures changes our views of the evolution of lignin biosynthesis
Authors: Uzal Esther Novo , Gómez Ros Laura V. , Pomar Federico , Bernal María A. , Paradela Alberto , Albar Juan P. , Ros Barceló Alfonso
Published: November 2008

Suspension cell cultures (SCCs) from one of the oldest seed plants, Ginkgo biloba, show unpredictable alterations in the nature of the lignins, such as is the recruitment of sinapyl alcohol for lignin biosynthesis, compared with the woody tissues of the same species, which lack syringyl (S) lignins. These results show that, in this gymnosperm, the genes involved in sinapyl alcohol biosynthesis are latent and that their regulatory regions respond, by initiating gene expression, to the developmental signals and the environmental clues, which condition its in vitro culture. G. biloba SCCs not only synthesize S lignins but also their extracellular proteome contains both class III peroxidases capable of oxidizing sinapyl alcohol and enzymes involved in H2O2 production, observation which suggests that the peroxidase branch for the oxidative coupling of sinapyl alcohol units into lignins is operative. The incomplete knowledge of the G. biloba peroxidase‐encoding genes led us to purify, characterize and partially sequence the peroxidase responsible for monolignol oxidation. When the major peroxidase from G. biloba SCCs (GbPrx) was purified to homogeneity, it showed absorption maxima in the visible region at 414 (Soret band), and at 543 and 570 nm, which calls to mind those shown by low‐spin ferric peroxidases. However, the results also showed that the paraperoxidase‐like character of GbPrx is not an obstacle for oxidizing the three monolignols compared with high‐spin ferric peroxidases. Taken together, these results mean that the time at which the evolutionary gain of the segment of the route that leads to the biosynthesis of S lignins took place in seed plants needs to be revised.
Differential usage of storage carbohydrates in the CAM bromeliad Aechmea ‘Maya’ during acclimation to drought and recovery from dehydration
Authors: Ceusters Johan , Borland Anne M. , Londers Elsje , Verdoodt Veerle , Godts Christof , De Proft Maurice P.
Published: November 2008

CAM requires a substantial investment of resources into storage carbohydrates to account for nocturnal CO2 uptake, thereby restricting carbohydrate partitioning to other metabolic activities, including dark respiration, growth and acclimation to abiotic stress. Flexible modulation of carbon flow to the different competing sinks under changing environmental conditions is considered a key determinant for the growth, productivity and ecological success of the CAM pathway. The aim of the present study was to examine how shifts in carbohydrate partitioning could assure maintenance of photosynthetic integrity and a positive carbon balance under conditions of increasing water deprivation in CAM species. Measurements of gas exchange, leaf water relations, malate, starch and soluble sugar (glucose, fructose and sucrose) contents were made in leaves of the CAM bromeliad Aechmea ‘Maya’ over a 6‐month period of drought and subsequently over a 2‐month period of recovery from drought. Results indicated that short‐term influences of water stress were minimized by elevating the level of respiratory recycling, and carbohydrate pools were maintained at the expense of export for growth while providing a comparable nocturnal carbon gain to that in well‐watered control plants. Longer term drought resulted in a disproportionate depletion of key carbohydrate reserves. Sucrose, which was of minor importance for providing substrate for the dark reactions under well‐watered conditions, became the major source of carbohydrate for nocturnal carboxylation as drought progressed. Flexibility in terms of the major carbohydrate source used to sustain dark CO2 uptake is therefore considered a crucial factor in meeting the carbon and energy demands under limiting environmental conditions. Recovery from CAM‐idling was found to be dependent on the restoration of the starch pool, which was used predominantly for provision of substrate for nocturnal carboxylation, while net carbon export was limited. The conservation of starch for the nocturnal reactions might be adaptive with regard to responding efficiently to a return of water stress.
An improved method for the determination of Fc function of immunoglobulins
Authors: Georgakopoulos T. , Tatford O. C. , Tan C. S. , Gurevich V. , Bertolini J.
Published: November 2008

Background and Objectives  The Fc function assay of immunoglobulin G is performed to ensure that the biological activity of the molecule is not compromised during purification and storage. The current British Pharmacopoeia (BP) method is cumbersome, time consuming and requires a continuous source of fresh red blood cells. We have modified the technique to improve the convenience, throughput and reproducibility of the assay by using frozen red blood cells, a microtitre plate format and electronic derivative analysis for processing results.

Materials and Method  Immunoglobulin G samples were assayed using either the BP Fc function procedure or a new procedure incorporating frozen cells, microtitre format and electronic derivative analysis.

Results  The Fc function results demonstrated that there was no significant difference between the BP and the new improved procedure.

Conclusion  In this study, we demonstrated that a new Fc function assay incorporating frozen red blood cells, microtitre format and derivative analysis of haemolysis curves has been shown to be comparable to the standard BP procedure. It offers a more convenient and quicker means of performing analysis of Fc function of immunoglobulins.
Expression Patterns of Endothelial and Inducible Nitric Oxide Isoforms in the Porcine Umbilical Cord
Authors: Chruściel M , Andronowska A , Postek A
Published: November 2008

Contents

Stable fetal–placental blood pressure and flow are extremely important in fetal growth and development. Uncontrolled and long‐standing increased or decreased vascular blood pressure in the umbilical cord (UC) affects hyperaemia or ischaemia and consequently causes fetal death. Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most active factors controlling blood flow through relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle. In this study, we investigated endothelial (eNOS) and inducible (iNOS) nitric oxide synthase expression and NADPH‐diaphorase activity (NADPH‐d) in the porcine UC at various stages of pregnancy. The UCs were collected from pigs on days 40, 60, 75 and 90 of pregnancy and postpartum. Western blot analysis as well as immunohistchemical staining revealed protein presence for eNOS and iNOS in the UC of the pig. The eNOS expression was maintained at a significantly higher level in all analysed days of pregnancy when compared with postnatal stage. Additionally, a significant protein increase for eNOS was observed in a periplacental part of UC on day 90. There were no obvious differences in iNOS protein level in UC samples derived from different stages of pregnancy. NADPH‐diaphorase histochemical activity was correlated with NOS immunoreactivity during all analysed days of pregnancy. These results suggest that NOS isoforms are responsible for regulation of blood circulation in UC and immune responses.
Refrigerated Storage of Red Deer Epididymal Spermatozoa in the Epididymis, Diluted and with Vitamin C Supplementation
Authors: Fernández‐Santos MR , Domínguez‐Rebolledo AE , Esteso MC , Garde JJ , Martínez‐Pastor F
Published: November 2008

We have approached the problem of refrigerated storage of epididymal sperm samples from red deer by comparing three options: storing the genital (testicles within the scrotum), diluting the semen in extender or diluting the semen in extender supplemented with an anti‐oxidant. Twenty‐nine pairs of testes were collected. Spermatozoa from one of each of the pairs were immediately recovered, and diluted to 400 × 106 sperm/ml in Tris‐citrate‐fructose with 20% egg yolk. Control group was stored as such, and Anti‐oxidant group was supplemented with 0.8 mm vitamin C. The remaining epididymides and the diluted samples were stored at 5°C and spermatozoa were analysed at 0, 24, 96 and 192 h for: motility [computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA)], acrosomal integrity, sperm viability (eosine/nigrosine staining), normal tails and chromatin status [sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA)]. In general, seminal quality decreased with storage time. Vitamin C supported progressive motility better at 24 h (median 42% vs 23% Control and 15% epididymis), reduced the incidence of tail abnormalities and protected chromatin. Storing the semen in the epididymis slowed down motility loss, but slightly increased the occurrence of tail abnormalities and viability was lower at 192 h. However, regarding chromatin status, sperm stored in the epididymis was protected similarly to those diluted in the medium supplemented with vitamin C. Although the differences between the three groups were small, there were some advantages in supplementing the extender with vitamin C. Besides, refrigerating the epididymis may be a good option when immediate processing is not available.
Expression and Hormonal Regulation of IL‐11Rα in Canine Uterus During Early Pregnancy
Authors: Guo B , Han B‐C , Tian Z , Zhao T‐Y , Zeng L , Yang Z‐M , Yue Z‐P
Published: November 2008

Contents

Embryo implantation is critical for the successful establishment of pregnancy. Interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) is essential for adequate decidualization in the mouse and human via binding to the specific IL‐11 receptor α (IL‐11Rα). But the expression and regulation of IL‐11 and IL‐11Rα in the canine endometrium remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential expression of IL‐11Rα in canine uterus during early pregnancy and its regulation under different conditions by in situ hybridization. Interleukin‐11Rα mRNA was mainly localized in glandular epithelium in canine uterus. There was a low level of IL‐11Rα expression in the glandular epithelium on days 6, 12 and 17 of pregnancy. On day 20 of pregnancy when embryo implanted, IL‐11Rα mRNA was highly expressed in the glandular epithelium surrounding the embryo, but not in the luminal epithelium and stroma. On day 23 of pregnancy, the expression of IL‐11Rα mRNA maintained a constant level compared with the expression of day 20 and increased on day 28 of pregnancy. During the oestrous cycle, a high level of IL‐11Rα mRNA expression was seen in the oestrous uterus. Progesterone slightly induced the expression of IL‐11Rα mRNA in the ovariectomized canine uterus. These results suggest that IL‐11Rα expression is closely related to canine implantation and up‐regulated by progesterone.
Comparison of the health‐promoting lifestyles of nursing and non‐nursing students in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Can Gulbeyaz , Ozdilli Kursat , Erol Ozgul , Unsar Serap , Tulek Zeliha , Savaser Sevim , Ozcan Seyda , Durna Zehra
Published: November 2008

Undertaking a health‐related course at university can facilitate an awareness of health‐promoting lifestyles. We carried out a descriptive and cross‐sectional study with 1616 university students in Istanbul, Turkey. Students from the nursing schools were compared to those from the schools of social sciences using a Turkish version of the Health‐promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) II after a validation study. The nursing students had more positive health‐promoting lifestyles than those of the non‐nursing students. Furthermore, fourth‐year nursing students had higher scores in most of the subscales of the HPLP II than did the students from the lower years; conversely, the fourth‐year non‐nursing students had lower scores. The sociodemographic variables, self‐perceived health status, relations with family and friends, and self‐perceived academic performance were associated with the HPLP. The implications are discussed for the curricula and on‐campus facilities that focus on health promotion activities.
Bibliometrics, citation indexing, and the journals of nursing
Authors: Smith Derek R. , Hazelton Michael
Published: November 2008

Bibliometric research has risen in popularity during recent years and an increasing number of investigations now have examined the nursing literature. Our article provides a comprehensive overview of citation‐based research in the nursing profession, as well as a discussion of bibliometrics, journal impact factors, and international publishing trends. The debate on evidence‐based practice and its potential influence and relevance for nursing scholars is also covered. Although journal performance indicators are, no doubt, important for the contemporary nursing academic, it is the core research skills and attributes that nursing scholars, academics, and educators will need to consider more carefully in future if the next generation of professional nurse researchers is to truly flourish.
An introduction to understanding elevation‐based topography: how elevation data are displayed – a review
Authors: Belin Michael W , Khachikian Stephen S
Published: November 2008

Abstract

The increased frequency of refractive surgery and the shift towards the correction of higher‐order aberrations necessitates a more detailed understanding of corneal shape. Early topography systems were based on Placido technology, as this was initially more intuitive for the general refractive surgeon. Newer computerized corneal modelling has increased our knowledge beyond what was previously possible. Elevation‐based systems utilize a direct triangulation technique to measure the corneal surface. Elevation‐based Scheimpflug imaging has advantages in that it allows for the measurement of both the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. Posterior measurements are often the first indicators of future ectatic disease, in spite of completely normal anterior curvature. Examination of the posterior corneal surface can often reveal pathology that would otherwise be missed if one was relying on anterior analysis alone. Although there is little disagreement in diagnosing clinically evident keratoconus, agreement on what constitutes ‘form fruste’ or preclinical keratoconus remains elusive. The ability of elevation‐based topography to analyse both anterior and posterior corneal surfaces adds significantly to our ability to identify eyes believed to be ‘at risk’. As more knowledge is gained, it is appreciated that a full understanding of the workings of the human eye requires knowledge obtained from more than just one surface.
Clinical and research applications of anterior segment optical coherence tomography – a review
Authors: Ramos Jose Luiz Branco , Li Yan , Huang David
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is being employed more and more often to image pathologies and surgical anatomy within the anterior segment, specifically in anterior chamber biometry, corneal pachymetric mapping, angle evaluation and high‐resolution cross‐sectional imaging. The cross‐sectional imaging capability of OCT is similar to ultrasound, but its higher resolution allows OCT to measure and visualize very fine anatomic structures. No contact is required. In this review, we describe the utility and limitations of anterior segment OCT.
Synaptic contacts of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 fibres on chemically identified neurons of the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus of the rat
Authors: Kiss József , Csáki Ágnes , Csaba Zsolt , Halász Béla
Published: November 2008

The hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which plays a pivotal role in the control of circadian rhythms, consists of several neuronal subpopulations characterized by different neuroactive substances. This prominent cell group has a fairly rich glutamatergic innervation, but the cell types that are targeted by this innervation are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between the afferent glutamatergic axon terminals and the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)‐, arginine‐vasopressin (AVP)‐ and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐positive neurons of the SCN. Glutamatergic elements were revealed via immunocytochemical double‐labelling for vesicular glutamate transporter type 1 (VGluT1) and type 2 (VGluT2), and brain sections were imaged via confocal laser‐scanning microscopy and electron microscopy. Numerous VGluT2‐immunoreactive axons were observed to be in synaptic contact with VIP‐ and GABA‐positive neurons, and only a few synapses were detected between VGluT2 boutons and AVP neurons. VGluT1 axon terminals exhibiting very moderate distribution in this cell group were observed to be in synaptic contact with chemically unidentified neurons. The findings provide the first morphological data on the termination of presumed glutamatergic fibres on chemically identified neurons of the rat SCN, and indicate that all three prominent cell types of the cell group receive glutamatergic afferents.
Using state‐dependency of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to investigate letter selectivity in the left posterior parietal cortex: a comparison of TMS‐priming and TMS‐adaptation paradigms
Authors: Cattaneo Zaira , Rota Federica , Vecchi Tomaso , Silvanto Juha
Published: November 2008

The state‐dependency of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be used to investigate the neural properties of subregions of the stimulated region. The objective of the present study was to determine whether state‐dependency can reveal letter selectivity in the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC), a region known to contain letter‐selective neurons. In two experiments, we used visual priming and adaptation to modulate the initial activation state of the left PPC prior to application of TMS. In the priming experiment, TMS was applied over the left PPC during the delay between the prime and the target stimulus on each experimental trial. Left PPC TMS reversed the effects of priming by facilitating the detection of non‐primed letters, whereas detection of primed letters was unaffected. As neurons tuned to non‐primed letters were less active at the time of TMS application than neurons tuned to the primed letters, this finding demonstrates that TMS preferentially facilitates the detection of attributes encoded by the less active neural populations. A similar facilitation of the less active neural populations was observed when adaptation was used to suppress letter‐selective neurons prior to application of TMS. Our study demonstrates that TMS‐priming and TMS‐adaptation paradigms can reveal letter selectivity in the left PPC and thus be useful in the study of language processes. Our results also show that the state‐dependent TMS effects obtained with visual priming are similar to those found with TMS adaptation: in both cases, attributes encoded by the less active neural populations are preferentially facilitated.