bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite variability in European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) calls for further investigation of its genetic structure and biogeography
Authors: Zarraonaindia Iratxe , Pardo Miguel Angel , Iriondo Mikel , Manzano Carmen , Estonba Andone
Published: June 2009

Zarraonaindia, I., Pardo, M. A., Iriondo, M., Manzano, C., and Estonba, A. 2009. Microsatellite variability in European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) calls for further investigation of its genetic structure and biogeography. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 2176–2182. Attention to genetic and ecological perspectives can enhance strategies for using fishery resources sustainably. A potentially important application is the use of molecular markers to assess the genetic stock structure of a harvested species. In this study, seven microsatellite markers were analysed in anchovy samples from the Bay of Biscay, the Gulf of Cádiz, and the Gulf of Lions to assess the genetic structure of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) populations in the Bay of Biscay and to infer the biogeographic origin of these populations. All samples showed a deficit of heterozygotes that could be explained by non-random mating, Wahlund's effect, and especially by the presence of null alleles. Global FST and RST values, uncorrected and corrected for null alleles, were significant. There was significant genetic heterogeneity between two populations in the Bay of Biscay, suggesting that anchovy there may not be panmictic. Moreover, the results reinforce the hypothesis of a recent common ancestor shared by Bay of Biscay and western Mediterranean anchovy. These results, together with those of earlier studies, suggest merit in further investigating spatio-temporal genetic variation among anchovy populations in the Northeastern Atlantic.
New pole figure calculation software:2DiffCalc
Authors: Garbe Ulf
Published: June 2009

At neutron and synchrotron radiation research facilities, texture measurement with area detectors leads to a large amount of data. During the measurement time, a preliminary analysis of the acquired diffraction patterns is essential. A first view of the resulting pole figures affords the opportunity to evaluate the measurement and to change the instrument parameters accordingly. At a large research facility, the instrument is built with unique adaptations to different scientific cases. At this stage, there is no commercial standard software available to analyse the measured raw data. For these purposes, new software,2DiffCalc, was developed to provide a fast method for pole figure calculation. This software is able to determine the pole figure intensities automatically from the measured area-detector images.2DiffCalccalculates the integral intensities, peak position and width in combination with the pole figure angles.
In situX-ray diffraction of the transformation of gibbsite to α-alumina through calcination: effect of particle size and heating rate
Authors: Gan Bee K. , Madsen Ian C. , Hockridge James G.
Published: June 2009

A study was conducted on the gibbsite to α-alumina (α-Al2O3) transformation dynamics with particular reference to the influence of particle size and heating rate. Coarse- and fine-grained gibbsites were used to examine the transformation paths for the two materials, with particular reference to the upper and lower branch sequences described by Wefers & Misra [Oxides and Hydroxides of Aluminium, (1987), Alcoa Technical Paper No. 19 Revised, Aluminium Company of America]. The main techniques used to assess gibbsite calcination were thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimetry andin situX-ray diffraction, which provided complementary information on transformation behaviour. Whilst the quantitative phase analysis results indicated that the coarse- and fine-grained gibbsites followed both the upper and the lower branch sequences, detailed analysis of the results highlighted specific differences in the transformation behaviour for the two materials. With the loss of three molecules of water as gibbsite transformed to transition aluminas and finally α-Al2O3, there was a high degree of disorder in the crystal structure, resulting in broad and diffuse reflections in the diffraction patterns.
Evaluation of incoherent scattering intensity by transmission and sample thickness
Authors: Shibayama Mitsuhiro , Matsunaga Takuro , Nagao Michihiro
Published: June 2009

The H atom has a large incoherent scattering cross section and is a major source of incoherent scattering intensity, (dΣ/dΩ)inc, in small-angle neutron scattering. By taking account of multiple scattering from H atoms, a useful method (the transmission method orTmethod) is proposed for the estimation of (dΣ/dΩ)incfor various types of hydrogen-containing systems. The incoherent scattering intensity is calculated simply from the transmission,T, and the thickness of the sample,t,i.e.(dΣ/dΩ)inc≅ [exp(Σtott) − 1]/(4πt) = (1 −T)/(4πtT), where Σtot≡ −(lnT)/tis the macroscopic total cross section per unit volume. This method provides a reasonably accurate value of incoherent scattering intensity for various systems. The validity and the extent of applicability of theTmethod are examined for several samples, including light/heavy water mixtures, polymer gels and surfactant aqueous dispersions.
Twinning on pyramidal planes in hexagonal close packed crystals determined along with other defects by X-ray line profile analysis
Authors: Balogh Levente , Tichy Géza , Ungár Tamás
Published: June 2009

A systematic procedure is developed to evaluate the frequency of {10.1}〈10.\overline 2〉 and {11.2}〈11.\overline 3〉 compressive twins and {10.2}〈10.\overline 1〉 and {11.1}〈\overline 1\overline 1.6〉 tensile twins together with dislocation densities, active slip systems and crystallite size in hexagonal close packed (hcp) metals. The effect of pyramidal twinning on X-ray line broadening in hcp metals is fundamentally different from the effect of twinning on close packed planes in face centred cubic (fcc) crystals. Therefore, the usual theoretical descriptions developed previously for fcc crystals cannot be used for pyramidal twinning in hcp crystals. The profile functions of sub-reflections for this type of twinning are derived to be the sum of a symmetrical and an antisymmetrical Lorentzian function. Sub-profile properties are parameterized and the parameter files are incorporated into the convolutional multiple whole profile (CMWP) procedure. The extended procedure,eCMWP, is applied to determine pyramidal twin frequencies together with dislocation densities, active slip systems and crystallite size in Mg deformed at different temperatures, in commercial purity Ti deformed at high temperature and in high-purity Ti deformed at room temperature.
Morphology of polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) micelles in aqueous 1,4-dioxane solutions
Authors: Aizawa Hideki
Published: June 2009

The structures of micelles of the surfactant polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) in 0–50% aqueous 1,4-dioxane solutions (pH 7.2, ionic strength 2.44 mM) were investigated by means of small-angle X-ray scattering. At 1,4-dioxane concentrations of 0–20%, core–shell cylindrical micelles formed because the crown-shaped polysorbate 80 molecules aggregated into a cylindrical layer of four chains entangled with one another through intra- and intermolecular interactions. At 30–40% 1,4-dioxane, core–shell discus micelles formed, and at 50% 1,4-dioxane, core–shell elliptic discus micelles formed by the same mechanism. By changing the 1,4-dioxane solvent concentration and increasing the solvent hydrophobicity, the micelles first change from core–shell cylindrical to core–shell discus and then from core–shell discus to core–shell elliptic discus micelles.
Simultaneous suppression of MITF and BRAFV600E enhanced inhibition of melanoma cell proliferation
Authors: Kido Kenji , Sumimoto Hidetoshi , Asada Sakiyo , Okada Starlyn M. , Yaguchi Tomonori , Kawamura Naoshi , Miyagishi Makoto , Saida Toshiaki , Kawakami Yutaka
Published: June 2009

Microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) is a master gene regulating differentiation of melanocytes, and a lineage survival oncogene mediating pro‐proliferative function in malignant melanoma. However, high expression of MITF also has an anti‐proliferative effect. To clarify the therapeutic implication of MITF as a molecular target for human melanoma, we evaluated the role of MITF in cell proliferation in a panel of human melanoma cell lines which express different levels of MITF. We found that both MITF depletion and forced expression of MITF significantly inhibited proliferation, suggesting that endogenous MITF is regulated at an appropriate level for melanoma cell proliferation, and could be a molecular target for melanoma. However, half of the melanoma cell lines in this study were relatively resistant to MITF depletion, indicating other treatment strategies are required for therapy. Our microarray analysis indicated that regulation of several cell growth–associated molecules may be independent of MITF and dependent on BRAFV600E. Thus to enhance the anti‐proliferative effect of MITF down‐regulation, we combined shRNA‐mediated MITF depletion with BRAFV600E inactivation, another known molecular target for melanoma. Indeed, simultaneous depletion of both MITF and BRAFV600E significantly inhibited melanoma growth even for the melanoma cell lines resistant to MITF depletion. These results suggest MITF may be an important molecular target for human melanoma and simultaneous inhibition of MITF and MAPK signaling may be an attractive strategy for melanoma treatment. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1863–1869)
Impact of oxygen environment on mesenchymal stem cell expansion and chondrogenic differentiation
Authors: Krinner A. , Zscharnack M. , Bader A. , Drasdo D. , Galle J.
Published: June 2009

Introduction:  In vitro expansion and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) rely on specific environmental conditions, and investigations have demonstrated that one crucial factor is oxygen environment.

Objectives:  In order to understand the impact of oxygen tension on MSC culture and chondrogenic differentiation in vitro, we developed a mathematical model of these processes and applied it in predicting optimal assays.

Methods and results:  We compared ovine MSCs under physiologically low and atmospheric oxygen tension. Low oxygen tension improved their in vitro population growth as demonstrated by monoclonal expansion and colony forming assays. Moreover, it accelerated induction of the chondrogenic phenotype in subsequent three‐dimensional differentiation cultures. We introduced a hybrid stochastic multiscale model of MSC organization in vitro. The model assumes that cell adaptation to non‐physiological high oxygen tension reversibly changes the structure of MSC populations with respect to differentiation. In simulation series, we demonstrated that these changes profoundly affect chondrogenic potential of the populations. Our mathematical model provides a consistent explanation of our experimental findings.

Conclusions:  Our approach provides new insights into organization of MSC populations in vitro. The results suggest that MSC differentiation is largely reversible and that lineage plasticity is restricted to stem cells and early progenitors. The model predicts a significant impact of short‐term low oxygen treatment on MSC differentiation and optimal chondrogenic differentiation at 10–11% pO2.
Airway-specific recruitment of T cells is reduced in a CD26-deficient F344 rat substrain
Authors: Schade J , Schmiedl A , Kehlen A , Veres T Z , Stephan M , Pabst R , Von Hörsten S
Published: June 2009

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the airways. Increased levels of T cells are found in the lungs after the induction of an allergic-like inflammation in rats, and flow cytometry studies have shown that these levels are reduced in CD26-deficient rats. However, the precise anatomical sites where these newly recruited T cells appear primarily are unknown. Therefore, we quantified the distribution of T cells in lung parenchyma as well as in large, medium and small airways using immunohistochemical stainings combined with morphometric analyses. The number of T cells increased after the induction of an allergic-like inflammation. However, the differences between CD26-deficient and wild-type rats were not attributable to different cell numbers in the lung parenchyma, but the medium- and large-sized bronchi revealed significantly fewer T cells in CD26-deficient rats. These sites of T cell recruitment were screened further using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction with regard to two hypotheses: (i) involvement of the nervous system or (ii) expression of chemokines with properties of a T cell attractor. No topographical association was found between nerves and T cells, but a differential transcription of chemokines was revealed in bronchi and parenchyma. Thus, the site-specific recruitment of T cells appears to be a process mediated by chemokines rather than nerve–T cell interactions. In conclusion, this is the first report showing a differential site-specific recruitment of T cells to the bronchi in a CD26-deficient rat substrain during an asthma-like inflammation.
Niche assembly of epiphytic bryophyte communities in the Guianas: a regional approach
Authors: Mota de Oliveira Sylvia , Ter Steege Hans , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. , Robbert Gradstein S.
Published: June 2009

Aim Epiphytic bryophyte communities of tropical forests show a gradient in species composition from the base to the top of the host trees, indicating a strong role of niche assembly. This pattern, however, has never been tested at a regional scale. The aim of this study was to test whether niche assembly, rather than dispersal limitation, predominantly drives species composition of bryophyte communities across large spatial scales.

Location Three lowland forests in the Guianas: one near Saul, French Guiana; and two near Mabura Hill, Guyana.

Methods Communities of epiphytic bryophytes were sampled from six different height zones of several trees in three lowland forests. We analysed the composition of these communities using detrended correspondence analysis in order to find the best explanatory variable for the variation in community composition. A multi‐response permutation procedure was used to test the significance of grouping communities by height zone. We conducted an indicator species analysis to classify species as specialists or generalists and then tested, through weighted averaging, if specialists would indeed maintain their preferred height zone across the Guianas.

Results Community composition was explained mainly by height zone. The similarity among communities inhabiting the same height zone of trees, across a distance of up to 640 km, was higher than the similarity among communities established along the vertical gradient of a single standing tree (30–50 m). More than half (57%) of the species had a preferred height zone, and the preference was consistent: species occupied roughly the same height zone on host trees in the different localities. The three local communities investigated were found to belong to the same regional species pool.

Main conclusions Throughout the Guianas, epiphytic bryophyte communities are drawn from the same regional species pool, and their composition is shaped by micro‐environmental conditions. The predominance of niche assembly over dispersal assembly rules is consistently found at both local and regional scales.
Evaluating whether protected areas reduce tropical deforestation in Sumatra
Authors: Gaveau David L. A. , Epting Justin , Lyne Owen , Linkie Matthew , Kumara Indra , Kanninen Markku , Leader‐Williams Nigel
Published: June 2009

Aim  This study determines whether the establishment of tropical protected areas (PAs) has led to a reduction in deforestation within their boundaries or whether deforestation has been displaced to adjacent unprotected areas: a process termed neighbourhood leakage.

Location  Sumatra, Indonesia.

Methods  We processed and analysed 98 corresponding LANDSAT satellite images with a c. 800 m2 resolution to map deforestation from 1990 to 2000 across 440,000 km2 on the main island of Sumatra and the smaller island of Siberut. We compared deforestation rates across three categories of land: (1) within PAs; (2) in adjacent unprotected land lying with 10 km of PA boundaries; and (3) within the wider unprotected landscape. We used the statistical method of propensity score matching to predict the deforestation that would have been observed had there been no PAs and to control for the generally remote locations in which Sumatran PAs were established.

Results  During the period 1990–2000 deforestation rates were found to be lower inside PAs than in adjacent unprotected areas or in the wider landscape. Deforestation rates were also found to be lower in adjacent unprotected areas than in the wider landscape.

Main conclusions  Sumatran PAs have lower deforestation rates than unprotected areas. Furthermore, a reduction in deforestation rates inside Sumatran PAs has promoted protection, rather than deforestation, in adjacent unprotected land lying within 10 km of PA boundaries. Despite this positive evaluation, deforestation and logging have not halted within the boundaries of Sumatran PAs. Therefore the long‐term viability of Sumatran forests remains open to question.
Virological and clinical characteristics of delta hepatitis in Central Europe
Authors: Heidrich B. , Deterding K. , Tillmann H. L. , Raupach R. , Manns M. P. , Wedemeyer H.
Published: June 2009

Summary.  Hepatitis D virus (HDV) or delta hepatitis has mainly been studied in Asian and Mediterranean cohorts, but data on virological and clinical characteristics of HDV‐infected Central and Northern European patients are limited. We investigated virological patterns, as well as biochemical and clinical features of liver disease in 258 HDV infected patients recruited over a period of 15 years at Hannover Medical School. Virological parameters were compared to 2083 anti‐HDV negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive individuals. In this cohort, (i) HDV infection was associated with both suppressed hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication, (ii) the suppression of HBV‐DNA and HCV‐RNA was not related to HDV‐RNA replication, (iii) mean HBsAg levels did not significantly differ between HBV‐monoinfected patients and individuals with delta hepatitis, (iv) HCV coinfection was rather frequent as about one third of our delta hepatitis patients tested anti‐HCV positive, however, without being associated with more advanced liver disease, (v) delta hepatitis patients presented in a high frequency with an advanced stage of liver disease, and (vi) the course of delta hepatitis did not differ between Turkish‐born, Eastern European (EE)‐born and German‐born patients. In summary, in this cohort of patients which is the largest so far Central European single centre group of delta hepatitis patients, we confirm the presence of frequently severe disease and describe novel virological profiles which require consideration in the management of this difficult to treat group of patients.
Adaptive differences in gene expression associated with heavy metal tolerance in the soil arthropod Orchesella cincta
Authors: ROELOFS DICK , JANSSENS THIERRY K. S. , TIMMERMANS MARTIJN J. T. N. , NOTA BENJAMIN , MARIËN JANINE , BOCHDANOVITS ZOLTÁN , YLSTRA BAUKE , VAN STRAALEN NICO M.
Published: June 2009

Field‐selected tolerance to heavy metals has been reported for Orchesella cincta (Arthropoda: Collembola) populations occurring at metal‐contaminated mining sites. This tolerance correlated with heritable increase in metal excretion efficiency, less pronounced cadmium (Cd)‐induced growth reduction and overexpression of the metallothionein gene. We applied transcriptomics to determine differential gene expression caused by this abiotic stress in reference and Cd‐tolerant populations. Many cDNAs responded to Cd exposure in the reference population. Significantly fewer clones were Cd responsive in tolerant animals. Analysis of variance revealed transcripts that interact between Cd exposure and population. Hierarchical cluster analysis of these clones identified two major groups. The first one contained cDNAs that were up‐regulated by Cd in the reference culture but non‐responsive or down‐regulated in tolerant animals. This cluster was also characterized by elevated constitutive expression in the tolerant population. Gene ontology analysis revealed that these cDNAs were involved in structural integrity of the cuticle, anti‐microbial defence, calcium channel‐blocking, sulphur assimilation and chromatin remodelling. The second group consisted of cDNAs down‐regulated in reference animals but not responding or slightly up‐regulated in tolerant animals. Their functions involved carbohydrate metabolic processes, Ca2+‐dependent stress signalling, redox state, proteolysis and digestion. The reference population showed a strong signature of stress‐induced genome‐wide perturbation of gene expression, whereas the tolerant animals maintained normal gene expression upon Cd exposure. We confirmed the micro‐evolutionary processes occurring in soil arthropod populations and suggest a major contribution of gene regulation to the evolution of a stress‐adapted phenotype.
Population genetic patterns suggest a behavioural change in wild common frogs (Rana temporaria) following disease outbreaks (Ranavirus)
Authors: TEACHER AMBER G. F. , GARNER TRENTON W. J. , NICHOLS RICHARD A.
Published: June 2009

We use 14 microsatellite loci to investigate the impact of a viral disease (Ranavirus) on the population genetic structure of wild common frogs (Rana temporaria). Populations with a history of Ranavirus mortalities (and 83% declines in the number of frogs) were compared with populations with no history of infection. Infected ponds showed significantly elevated FIS (homozygote excess), significantly reduced relatedness, and no detectable effect on allelic richness. We hypothesize that the elevated FIS and reduced relatedness are consequences of assortative mating, and that allelic richness is maintained by immigration from nearby populations. Simulations indicate that the elevated FIS cannot be explained by population size reductions, but can indeed be explained by assortative mating (even if a mate choice locus is unlinked to the genetic markers). While the majority of studies consider demographic outcomes following disease outbreaks, our results indicate that emerging infectious diseases could also result in behavioural changes.
A moderate decrease in temperature induces COR15a expression through the CBF signaling cascade and enhances freezing tolerance
Authors: Wang Yi , Hua Jian
Published: June 2009

Temperature has a profound effect on plant growth and development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation are not well understood. In particular, how moderate temperature variations are perceived and transduced inside the plant cells remains obscure. In this study, we analyzed transcriptional responses to a moderate decrease in temperature (cooling) in Arabidopsis thaliana. The cooling response involves a weaker and more transient induction of cold‐induced genes, such as COR15a, than cold response. This induction probably accounts for the increase in freezing tolerance by cooling acclimation. Cooling also induces some defense response genes, and their induction, but not that of COR15a, requires the salicylic acid signaling pathway. Analysis of the regulation of COR15a reveals that cooling induction is mediated through the same C repeat/dehydration‐responsive (CRT/DRE) element as cold induction. Furthermore, we identified a role for CBF1 and CBF4 in transducing signals of moderate decreases in temperature. It appears that variants of the CBF signaling cascade are utilized in cold and cooling responses, and a moderate decrease in temperature may invoke an adaptive response to prepare plants to cope with a more drastic decrease in temperature.
Three‐dimensional imaging of plant cuticle architecture using confocal scanning laser microscopy
Authors: Buda Gregory J. , Isaacson Tal , Matas Antonio J. , Paolillo Dominick J. , Rose Jocelyn K.C.
Published: June 2009

Full appreciation of the roles of the plant cuticle in numerous aspects of physiology and development requires a comprehensive understanding of its biosynthesis and deposition; however, much is still not known about cuticle structure, trafficking and assembly. To date, assessment of cuticle organization has been dominated by 2D imaging, using histochemical stains in conjunction with light and fluorescence microscopy. This strategy, while providing valuable information, has limitations because it attempts to describe a complex 3D structure in 2D. An imaging technique that could accurately resolve 3D architecture would provide valuable additions to the growing body of information on cuticle molecular biology and biochemistry. We present a novel application of 3D confocal scanning laser microscopy for visualizing the architecture, deposition patterns and micro‐structure of plant cuticles, using the fluorescent stain auramine O. We demonstrate the utility of this technique by contrasting the fruit cuticle of wild‐type tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. M82) with those of cutin‐deficient mutants. We also introduce 3D cuticle modeling based on reconstruction of serial optical sections, and describe its use in identification of several previously unreported features of the tomato fruit cuticle.
Interaction between the light quality and flowering time pathways in Arabidopsis
Authors: Adams Sally , Allen Trudie , Whitelam Garry C.
Published: June 2009

Flowering in Arabidopsis is accelerated by a reduced ratio of red light to far‐red light (R/FR), which indicates the proximity of competitive vegetation. By exploiting the natural genetic variation in flowering time responses to low R/FR, we obtained further insight into the complex pathways that fine‐tune the transition to flowering in Arabidopsis. The Bla‐6 ecotype does not flower significantly earlier in response to low R/FR, but is still able to display other features of shade avoidance, suggesting branching of low R/FR signalling. Here we show that the muted flowering response of Bla‐6 is due to high levels of the floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), conferred by a combination of functional FLC and FRIGIDA (FRI) alleles with a ‘weak’FY allele. The Bla‐6 FY allele encodes a protein with a corrupted WW binding domain, and we provide evidence that this locus plays a key role in the natural variation in light quality‐induced flowering in Arabidopsis. In Bla‐6, FLC blocks promotion to flowering by reduced R/FR by inhibiting expression of the floral integrator FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in a dose‐dependent manner. Reduction of FLC removes this obstruction, and Bla6 plants then exhibit strong induction of FT and flower early in response to a low R/FR signal. This paper illustrates the intricate interaction of environmental signals and genetic factors to regulate flowering in Arabidopsis.
Cost‐effectiveness projections of single and combination therapies for visceral leishmaniasis in Bihar, India
Authors: Olliaro Piero , Darley Sarah , Laxminarayan Ramanan , Sundar Shyam
Published: June 2009

Objectives To assess the cost‐effectiveness of current monotherapies and prospective combinations for treating visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Bihar, India in terms of years of life lost (YLL) averted as well as deaths averted.

Methods We employed two methods to estimate the number of avertable deaths in our analysis: one using estimated mortality, the other using direct incidence estimates for VL. Costs of care are based on an average private hospital in Bihar, and data on drug costs were obtained both locally and from the World Health Organization.

Results The cost of monotherapies per averted YLL ranged from US$2 for paromomycin in an outpatient setting to US$20–22 for AmBisome®at 20 mg/kg. The corresponding costs per death averted ranged from US$53–54 to US$523–527. Combinations ranged US$5–8 per YLL averted and US$124–213 per death averted.

Conclusion The available treatments for VL are cost‐effective, and our mortality and incidence‐based methods produce consistent estimates. The combinations considered here were more cost‐effective than most monotherapies. Having multiple treatment options and combining drugs are also likely to reduce drug pressure and prolong the drugs’ life‐span of effective use.
Re‐emerging chikungunya fever: some lessons from Asia
Authors: Bhatia Rajesh , Narain Jai P.
Published: June 2009

Chikungunya is an arboviral infection that re‐emerged in several Asian countries during 2005–2006 after a long period of quiescence. Several microbial, climatic, social and economic factors influenced the occurrence of this disease as well as the rapidity with which it swept across many countries resulting in significant morbidity. Prevention and control of such diseases require not only a strong public health infrastructure but also a precise understanding of the factors that provide a conducive environment for the virus to propagate and infect a large number of people in a short time period. A multipronged response with an active role by the communities is critical for combating chikungunya and other emerging infectious diseases. The paper discusses important lessons that can be learned from the recent outbreaks of chikungunya fever in Asia.
Tuberculosis cluster in an immigrant community: case identification issues and a transcultural perspective
Authors: Tardin A. , Dominicé Dao M. , Ninet B. , Janssens J.‐P.
Published: June 2009

Objectives  In a low incidence area for tuberculosis (TB), a computerized database identified an unusually high proportion of patients coming from one single country between 2004 and 2006. To determine whether they constituted a cluster, whether clustering was due to recent transmission, and to understand what undermined the efficacy of the contact tracing procedure, we conducted a retrospective study of all patients with TB from this country.

Methods  Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates of 15 TB cases originating from the same country over a 2½ year period were analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and/or Rep‐PCR. To identify links between patients, we revisited the social worker’s files, cross‐matched contacts’ databases, and performed internet searches. A cultural evaluation was conducted by an anthropologist and an expert physician, through patient and community key informant interviews and a literature review.

Results  Genotyping confirmed that 11 of 15 patients had identical isolates. Additional data revealed an unsuspected complex network of social links between 9 of these 11 patients. The transcultural evaluation pointed out the major obstacles to efficient contact tracing, such as importance of social stigma related to TB, differences in communication style and health beliefs, and linguistic barriers.

Conclusion  The combined finding of identical genotypes and important social links between patients confirmed the suspicion of a TB cluster due to recent transmission. The cultural evaluation helped to explain the difficulties encountered during the contact tracing procedure, and offered strategies to improve its efficacy despite the magnitude of the social stigma attached to TB in this community.
Lack of endothelial dysfunction in patients under tacrolimus after orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Rouyer Olivier , Talha Samy , Di Marco Paola , Ellero Bernard , Doutreleau Stéphane , Diemunsch Pierre , Piquard François , Geny Bernard
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Background:  Endothelial dysfunction is a significant cause of vascular and end‐organ damage after solid organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to compare endothelial function in healthy controls and in patients who received tacrolimus for immunosuppression after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Methods:  Eight OLT patients and eight age‐ and BMI‐matched healthy subjects were included in the study. Apart from hemodynamic parameters, enzymatic liver function, fasting plasma glucose levels, creatinine, cholesterol, nitric oxide and endothelin‐1 levels were measured. Flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) in the brachial artery was determined by bi‐mode ultrasound.

Results:  Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were higher in OLT recipients compared with the control group, but remained within normal limits. Blood results did not differ significantly between the groups. Circulating nitric oxide (152.2 ± 29.7 vs. 180.6 ± 40.1 μmol/L) and endothelin‐1 (20.5 ± 1.0 vs. 18.9 ± 1.3 pmol/L) values were similar, and the FMD was normal in both groups (10.29 ± 0.89 vs. 9.86 ± 2.43% in controls and OLT recipients, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between plasma tacrolimus levels after OLT and FMD (r = 0.72, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:  As assessed by both laboratory and functional approaches, endothelial function was unaltered in patients taking tacrolimus after OLT. The positive correlation between tacrolimus plasma levels and FMD suggest that tacrolimus might have beneficial effects on endothelial function after OLT.
New co‐attractants synergizing attraction of Cetonia aurata aurata and Potosia cuprea to the known floral attractant
Authors: Vuts J. , Imrei Z. , Tóth M.
Published: June 2009

To improve the efficiency of the known floral attractant of Cetonia aurata aurata and Potosia cuprea [3‐methyl eugenol, 1‐phenylethanol and (E)‐anethol] electroantennographic tests were conducted using the antennae of both species. Among synthetic floral compounds eliciting the highest responses from the antennae, geraniol, (±)‐lavandulol and ß‐ionone, were chosen for field experiments. In field trapping tests in Hungary the addition of (±)‐lavandulol to the known attractant resulted in significantly higher catches of both scarabs than the ternary blend alone or the single compounds. Only geraniol resulted in higher catches of P. cuprea when added to the ternary attractant. The addition of ß‐ionone to the known attractant decreased catches. In further tests the addition of geraniol in the same single dispenser as the known ternary mixture plus (±)‐lavandulol did not increase catches of C. a. aurata and P. cuprea. The improved bait consisting of 3‐methyl eugenol/1‐phenylethanol/(E)‐anethol/(±)‐lavandulol described in this study is recommended for use in trapping of C. a. aurata and P. cuprea for agricultural purposes.
Orall‐histidine exerts antihypertensive effects via central histamine H3receptors and decreases nitric oxide content in the rostral ventrolateral medulla in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Toba Hiroe , Nakamori Ayako , Tanaka Yoshimi , Yukiya Ryosuke , Tatsuoka Keisuke , Narutaki Masako , Tokitaka Masaaki , Hariu Hitoshi , Kobara Miyuki , Nakata Tetsuo
Published: June 2009

1. l‐Histidine is generally found in meat, poultry and fish. To investigate its effects on blood pressure,l‐histidine was administered to 9‐week‐old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

2. Oral administration ofl‐histidine (100 mg / kg) increased histamine content in cerebrospinal fluid and reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP) in SHR. Intracerebroventricular injection ofl‐histidine (0.01 μg / 5 μL) also caused a decrease in MAP, which was reversed by cotreatment with the histamine H3receptor antagonist thioperamide (20.4 μg / 5 μL, i.c.v.). There was a significant, time‐dependent increase (over 6 h) in the NOx(NO2− + NO3−) content of the dialysate from the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), a major vasomotor centre, after oral administration ofl‐histidine.

3. In another experiment, SHR were treated withl‐histidine (100 mg / kg) twice a day for 4 weeks. Chronic treatment withl‐histidine inhibited the age‐dependent increases in systolic blood pressure and urinary noradrenaline excretion seen in vehicle‐treated SHR. Conversely, intracerebroventricular injection of thioperamide (20.4 μg / 5 μL, i.c.v.) reversed the decrease in MAP in response tol‐hisitidine in SHR.

4. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the aortic expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme mRNA was suppressed by chronic treatment withl‐histidine.

5. These results suggest thatl‐histidine decreases blood pressure by attenuating sympathetic output via the central histamine H3receptor in SHR. In addition, the antihypertensive effects ofl‐histidine appear to be associated with an increase in nitric oxide in the RVLM.
Adenosine receptor interactions alter cardiac contractility in rat heart
Authors: Rose’Meyer Roselyn B
Published: June 2009

1. The effect of the adenosine A2receptor (AdoA2R) agonist N6‐[2‐(3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(2‐methylphenyl)‐ethyl]adenosine (DPMA) on adenosine A1receptor (AdoA1R)‐mediated negative inotropic responses was investigated in rat heart.

2. Hearts from male Wistar rats (250–350 g) were perfused with Krebs’–Henseleit solution at constant flow in non‐recirculating Langendorff mode. Hearts were paced at 5 Hz (5 ms duration, supramaximal voltage) via ventricular electrodes. After 30 min equilibration, (R)‐N6‐phenylisopropyl adenosine (R‐PIA) concentration–response curves were constructed in the absence or presence of DPMA.

3. In paced hearts, R‐PIA induced concentration‐dependent decreases in triple product (heart rate × peak systolic developed pressure × dP / dtmax), which were significantly attenuated by 1 nmol / L DPMA with a shift in pEC50from 8.0 ± 0.5 (n = 9) in control hearts to 6.63 ± 1.03 (n = 5) in treated tissues (P < 0.05). The AdoA2AR antagonist 8‐(3‐chlorostyryl)caffeine (1 μmol / L) and the adenylyl cyclase inhibitorcis‐N‐(2‐phenylcyclopentyl)‐azacyclotridec‐1‐en‐2‐amine hydrochloride (MDL12330A; 100 nmol / L) reversed the effects of DPMA on AdoA1R‐mediated negative inotropic actions, whereas the AdoA2BR antagonist alloxazine (3 μmol / L) had no effect on DPMA activity.

4. The results of the present study show that stimulation of the AdoA2R attenuates AdoA1R‐dependent reductions in inotropic state. The receptor involved appears to be the AdoA2AR and its action involves stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity.
Resveratrol inhibits right ventricular hypertrophy induced by monocrotaline in rats
Authors: Yang Dan‐Li , Zhang Hai‐Gang , Xu Ya‐Li , Gao Yun‐Hua , Yang Xiao‐Jiao , Hao Xue‐Qin , Li Xiao‐Hui
Published: June 2009

1. Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol in red wine, exhibits cardioprotective effects in vitro, such as inhibition of angiotensin II‐ or phenylephrine‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in rat neonatal myocyte cultures and suppression of cardiac fibroblast proliferation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of RSV against monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy in rats.

2. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were given a single injection of MCT (50 mg/kg, s.c.) and were then treated with either vehicle (normal saline) or RSV (10 and 30 mg/kg, i.g., twice daily) for 21 days. A separate group of control rats were not injected with MCT and were treated with normal saline for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, all rats were subjected to echocardiography and haemodynamic measurements. In addition, after rats had been killed, the hearts were subjected to histopathological, untrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses.

3. In vehicle‐treated rats, MCT injection resulted in 33% mortality, whereas mortality in RSV‐treated MCT‐injected rats was 0%. In vehicle‐treated rats, MCT increased RV free wall thickness and RV systolic pressure and decreased pulmonary arterial acceleration time at the end of the experimental period. These dynamic changes were ameliorated by RSV in a dose‐dependent manner. Histologically, MCT injection resulted in RV hypertrophy, swollen mitochrondria and cardiomyocyte apoptosis; all these morphological changes were dose‐dependently improved in rats treated with RSV.

4. In conclusion, RSV inhibits the RV hypertrophy induced by MCT in rats and this effect is mediated by both a direct effect of RSV on cardiomyocytes and an indirect effect mediated via a reduction in pulmonary hypertension.
Niemann–Pick disease Type C: From molecule to clinic
Authors: Tang Ying , Li He , Liu Jun‐Ping
Published: June 2009

1. Niemann–Pick Type C disease (NPC) is an incurable cholesterol‐storage disorder that stems from inherited deficiencies of lysosomal proteins involved in intracellular lipid‐trafficking proteins. The condition manifests as progressive neurological impairment and leads to death at an early age.

2. To improve clinical recognization and investigate therapeutic strategies, recent studies using molecular and genetic approaches have led to significant advances in the creation of animal models of NPC, as well as in the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of NPC.

3. Patients with NPC are divided into four groups based on age at presentation, whereas the clinical features of NPC can be divided into five categories based on the severity of the disease. Progressive neuronal loss, especially of cerebellar Purkinje cells, is a hallmark of NPC. Ballooned neurons, axonal abnormalities and astroglyosis are among the pathological changes seen. Severe demyelination is also present in the mouse model of NPC.

4. Mutations in the NPC1 gene cause approximately 95% of cases of NPC, whereas mutations in the NPC2 gene account for the remainder of cases. NPC1 is a transmembrane protein and NPC2 is a soluble protein involved in lipid trafficking in lysosomes. Loss‐of‐function mutations in the NPC1 gene lead to a failure of the calcium‐mediated fusion of endosomes with lysosomes, resulting in the accumulation of cholesterol and other lipids in late endosomes and lysosomes.

5. The present review updates the disorders of NPC from clinical features to animal models and molecular mechanisms.
Ets2 transcription factor, telomerase activity and breast cancer
Authors: Dwyer Julie M , Liu Jun‐Ping
Published: June 2009

1. The enzyme telomerase maintains telomeres (ends of chromosomes) by synthesizing telomeric DNA at each end of the chromosomes. Its association with telomeres has implicated telomerase in cell immortalization.

2. Numerous studies have shown significant levels of telomerase activity in 85% of various types of cancer. Transcriptional control of the catalytic subunit, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), dominates regulation of telomerase. Although several major factors have been identified in regulating TERT, they cannot explain all the transcriptional activity of the hTERT gene.

3. The Ets transcription factor (TF) family is becoming a regular feature in tumourigenesis, particularly in breast cancer. However, the roles and mechanisms of different Ets TFs are largely unknown.

4. The present minireview discusses the research that identified Ets as a regulator of telomerase required for breast cancer cell survival and proliferation, highlighting the discoveries central to understanding the molecular acts used by Ets TFs to mediate TERT gene transcription.
Allosteric networks governing regulation and catalysis of Src‐family protein tyrosine kinases: Implications for disease‐associated kinases
Authors: Cheng Heung‐Chin , Johnson Timothy M , Mills Ryan D , Chong Yuh‐Ping , Chan Khai‐Chew , Culvenor Janetta G
Published: June 2009

1. The Src‐family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) are multidomain oncogenic protein tyrosine kinases. Their overactivation contributes to cancer formation and progression. Thus, synthetic inhibitors of SFKs are being developed as therapeutics for cancer treatment. Understanding the regulatory and catalytic mechanisms of SFKs is necessary for the development of therapeutic SFK inhibitors.

2. Although many upstream regulators and protein substrates of SFKs have been identified, both the mechanisms of activation and catalysis of SFKs are not fully understood. In particular, it is still unclear how the inactive SFKs undergo conformational transition during activation. The mechanism governing the binding of substrates and the release of products during catalysis is another area that requires investigation.

3. Several recent publications indicate the presence of a ‘hydrophobic spine’ formed by four conserved interacting hydrophobic residues in the kinase domain of SFKs. In the present review, we discuss how the assembly and disassembly of the hydrophobic spine residues may govern conformational transition of SFKs during activation. In addition to regulation of kinase activity, the hydrophobic spine is implicated to be involved in catalysis. It has been postulated recently that perturbation of the hydrophobic spine residues is a key step in catalysis.

4. Further investigations to decipher the roles of the hydrophobic spine residues in regulation and catalysis of SFKs will benefit the development of therapeutic SFK inhibitors for cancer treatment.
Oestrogen, telomerase, ovarian ageing and cancer
Authors: Li He , Simpson Evan R , Liu Jun‐Ping
Published: June 2009

1. Oestrogen plays an important role in ageing and ageing‐related development. Lack of oestrogen prompts endocrine cell ageing of the ovary, whereas oestrogen overflow impacts on epithelial cell neoplastic development.

2. Recent studies indicate that oestrogen regulates cell proliferative fates by a mechanism of reprogramming the size of telomeres (ends of chromosomes) in the oestrogen target cells. This is achieved by upregulating the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene in a temporal and spatial manner.

3. Currently, the relationship between oestrogen and telomerase activity in regulating productive cell development and function remains elusive. A number of lines of evidence suggest that telomerase is a downstream target of oestrogen in oestrogen‐dependent reproductive ageing and neoplastic development.

4. The present minireview discusses our current understanding of the mechanisms by which telomerase maintenance of telomere homeostasis mediates oestrogen‐induced ageing and tumourigenesis in the ovary under physiological and pathological conditions.
Glutamine attenuates hyperoxia‐induced acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Perng Wann‐Cherng , Huang Kun‐Lun , Li Min‐Hui , Hsu Ching‐Wang , Tsai Shih‐Hung , Chu Shi‐Jye , Chang Deh‐Ming
Published: June 2009

1. Glutamine is an amino acid that is used to treat various diseases. Glutamine has been reported to have protective effects in human pulmonary epithelia‐like cells exposed to hyperoxia. However, the effects of glutamine in hyperoxia‐induced lung injury have not been investigated in vivo.

2. Mice treated with saline or glutamine [(750 mg/kg) intravenously] were randomly exposed to hyperoxia for 48 or 72 h. Control mice treated with saline or glutamine were exposed to room air. Cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), heat shock protein (HSP) 70, the wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and pathoglogical findings in lung tissue were evaluated to determine the effects of glutamine on acute lung injury. In addition, survival was monitored.

3. Lung expression of HSP70 was significantly enhanced in both the control (room air) and 48 and 72 h hyperoxic glutamine‐treated mice. The W/D ratio, BALF concentrations of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6, MDA levels, MPO activity, neutrophil infiltration and interstitial oedema in lung tissue were significantly lower at 48 and 72 h of hyperoxia in glutamine‐treated mice compared with saline‐treated mice.

4. In a separate series of experiments evaluating survival, after 96 h continuous exposure to hyperoxia, all saline‐treated mice died. In contrast, all glutamine‐treated mice died after 108 h exposure to hyperoxia.

5. The data suggest that glutamine administered to mice during hyperoxia has a protective effect against hyperoxia‐induced acute lung injury and improves survival.