bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sirolimus in chronic allograft nephropathy in pediatric recipients
Authors: Ibáñez J. P. , Monteverde M. L. , Diaz M. A. , Goldberg J. , Turconi A. F.
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  CAN is a common cause of late graft loss. Nephrotoxicity due to CNIs is known to contribute to CAN. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of SRL in pediatric renal Tx recipients showing CAN in their allograft biopsy. Twenty‐one patients aged 10.4 ± 4.6 yr at Tx time receiving CNIs as primary immunosuppression were converted to SRL at 58.9 ± 49.1 months after Tx, due to progressive decline of renal function and biopsy proven CAN. Mean follow‐up after switch was 19.7 ± 9.5 months. All patients received CsA as part of the immunosuppressive regimen, at a mean dose 4.4 ± 1.2 mg/kg/day. Mean daily dose of SRL three month after conversion was 2.6 ± 0.8 mg/body surface area/day and the mean through levels where 6.9 ± 2.5 ng/mL. Graft biopsies showed Grade I CAN in 12 children and Grade II CAN in nine. After SRL introduction, there were neither acute rejection episodes nor graft losses. GFR improved at three months and was sustained thereafter only in children with Grade I CAN. Post‐Tx time at conversion was the only significant variable between patients who had Grade I CAN and Grade II CAN (33.6 ± 33.3 vs. 92.7 ± 47.5 months, p = 0.003). Nine patients had no AEs, six patients had nine SAE: five diarrhea, one herpes zoster, one pancreatic pseudo cyst, one pneumonia, and one Influenza A infection; 11 patients had 13 AEs: six oral aphthous ulcers, three urinary tract infections, two herpes simplex, one lymphedema, and one nephrotic proteinuria. Significant improvement of GFR occurred in Grade I CAN group at three months from conversion and was sustained during follow‐up. Those who had Grade II CAN experienced no change in GFR. The incidence of AEs and SAE is of concern and further studies are necessary to assess their relevance.
A comparative proteomic analysis of tomato leaves in response to waterlogging stress
Authors: Ahsan Nagib , Lee Dong‐Gi , Lee Sang‐Hoon , Kang Kyu Young , Bahk Jeong Dong , Choi Myung Suk , Lee In‐Jung , Renaut Jenny , Lee Byung‐Hyun
Published: October 2007

A comparative proteomic approach has been adopted in combination with physiological and biochemical analysis of tomato leaves responding to waterlogging stress. Waterlogging resulted in increases of relative ion leakage, lipid peroxidation and in vivo H2O2 content, whereas the chlorophyll content was decreased. Histocytochemical investigations with 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine to localize H2O2 and Evans blue to detect dead cells suggested that oxidative stress has a significant role to leaf senescence. Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), the most abundant leaf protein, was successfully reduced from the samples by a fractionation method based on 15% polyethylene glycol (PEG). Elimination of Rubisco was further confirmed by Western blot analysis. To elucidate the temporal changes of the protein patterns in tomato leaves, the total soluble and the PEG‐fractionated proteins were separated by two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) and visualized by Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining. A total of 52 protein spots were differentially expressed, wherein 33 spots were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry or electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) analysis. The identified proteins are involved in several processes, i.e. photosynthesis, disease resistance, stress and defense mechanisms, energy and metabolism and protein biosynthesis. Results from 2‐DE analysis, combined with immunoblotting clearly showed that the fragments of Rubisco large subunit were significantly degraded. This could result from a higher production of reactive oxygen species in leaves under waterlogging stress. Furthermore, four differentially accumulated proteins were analyzed at the mRNA level, confirming the differential gene expression levels and revealing that transcription levels are not always concomitant to the translation level. A number of novel proteins were differentially expressed or appeared only in the PEG‐fractionated protein samples, indicating that PEG fractionation system can be used as a versatile protein fractionation technique in proteomic analysis to identify novel or low‐abundant proteins from all kinds of plant species.
Effect of mitochondrial genome rearrangement on respiratory activity, photosynthesis, photorespiration and energy status of MSC16 cucumber (Cucumis sativus) mutant
Authors: Juszczuk Izabela M. , Flexas Jaume , Szal Bożena , Dąbrowska Zofia , Ribas‐Carbo Miquel , Rychter Anna M.
Published: October 2007

The effects of changes in mitochondrial DNA in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) mosaic mutant (MSC16) on respiration, photosynthesis and photorespiration were analyzed under non‐stressed conditions. Decreased respiratory capacity of complex I in MSC16 mitochondria was indicated by lower respiration rates of intact mitochondria with malate and by rotenone‐inhibited NADH or malate oxidation in the presence of alamethicin. Moreover, blue native PAGE indicated decreased intensity of protein bands of respiratory chain complex I in MSC16 leaves. Concerning the redox state, complex I impairment could be compensated to some extent by increased external NADH dehydrogenases (NDexNADH) and alternative oxidase (AOX) capacity, the latter presenting differential expression in the light and in the dark. Although MSC16 mitochondria have a higher AOX protein level and an increased capacity, the AOX activity measured in the dark conditions by oxygen discrimination technique is similar to that in wild‐type (WT) plants. Photosynthesis induction by light followed different patterns in WT and MSC16, suggesting changes in feedback chloroplast ΔpH caused by different adenylate levels. At steady‐state, net photosynthesis was only slightly impaired in MSC16 mutants, while photorespiration rate (PR) was significantly increased. This was the result of large decreases in both stomatal and mesophyll conductance to CO2, which resulted in a lower CO2 concentration in the chloroplasts. The observed changes on CO2 diffusion caused by mitochondrial mutations open a whole new view of interaction between organelle metabolism and whole tissue physiology. The sum of all the described changes in photosynthetic and respiratory metabolism resulted in a lower ATP availability and a slower plant growth.
Unprecedented chromosomal diversity and behaviour modify linkage patterns and speciation potential: structural heterozygosity in an Australian spider
Authors: SHARP H. E. , ROWELL D. M.
Published: October 2007

The Huntsman spider Delena cancerides shows an extraordinary level of chromosomal diversity and meiotic complexity. Some populations form normal bivalents at male meiosis, but 14 populations form chains of chromosomes. Six of these populations form two chains, and so show segregation behaviour which is beyond our current understanding of meiotic processes. Chromosomal variation of this sort is rarely tolerated in other species, because the segregation of long chromosome chains frequently results in gametes with too many or too few chromosomes. The resulting reproductive failure may form the basis for reproductive isolation in many species, and so the mechanisms that allow D. cancerides to segregate long chromosome chains have allowed this species to maintain cohesion despite extensive chromosomal variation over its range. The effect these chromosome chains have on the population genetics of the species is discussed, and a model for the evolution of the system is proposed.
Avirulent isolate of the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, survives 7 months in asymptomatic host seedlings
Authors: Takeuchi Y. , Futai K.
Published: October 2007

An avirulent isolate (C14‐5) of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, was inoculated onto 45 seedlings of the susceptible host Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergii) and its viability was investigated. The nematode survived inside host seedlings for approximately 7 months even when the host seemed to overcome the infection based on lack of foliar wilting and the observation of normal oleoresin flow.
Seiridium cardinale on Juniperus species in Greece
Authors: Tsopelas P. , Barnes I. , Wingfield M. J. , Xenopoulos S.
Published: October 2007

Seiridium cardinale, the cause of cypress canker disease, was found on Juniperus foetidissima, J. excelsa, J. oxycedrus and J. phoenicea, in a number of natural juniper woodlands in Greece. The presence of infections was sporadic in most cases, with a limited number of plants affected by the pathogen. At one locality in the Prespes Lakes region of northern Greece, however, the incidence of infection was very high, especially on J. foetidissima and J. excelsa. The identity of S. cardinale was confirmed using morphological characters and comparisons of DNA sequences for the β‐tubulin gene region. The pathogenicity of S. cardinale isolates from Juniperus and Cupressus was verified in cross‐inoculation trials on both potted and field grown plants.
Analysis of the Antimicrobial Activity of Flavonoids and Saponins Isolated from the Shoots of Oats (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Bahraminejad S. , Asenstorfer R. E. , Riley I. T. , Schultz C. J.
Published: October 2007

Crude extracts from the shoots of oat cv. Quoll were tested against four species of bacteria and eight species of fungi. Bacterial growth was not inhibited. The mycelia growth of all Pyrenophora species tested, except Pyrenophora avenae DAR 33699, was inhibited by the crude extract, whereas the mycelia growth of Fusarium graminearum, Mycosphaerella pinodes and Rhizoctonia solani was not affected. Partially purified fractions with high concentrations of flavone‐C‐glycosides had no inhibitory effect against P. teresf. sp. teres and P. teres f. sp. maculata. The saponin 26‐desglucoavenacoside B accounted for most of the activity against P. teres f. sp. teres with a minor contribution from the other saponins, 26‐desglucoavenacoside A and avenacosides A and B.
Identification of the New Strain of Strawberry latent ringspot virus Isolated from Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)
Authors: Borodynko N. , Hasiów B. , Figlerowicz M. , Pospieszny H.
Published: October 2007

Three isolates of Strawberry latent ringspot virus (SLRSV) were obtained from black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.): SLRSV‐G2, SLRSV‐N31 and SLRSV‐W16. The isolates were identified by the host range, particle morphology, serological properties and virus‐specific reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The studies showed that two Polish isolates: SLRSV‐N31 and SLRSV‐W16 are almost identical, while the SLRSV‐G2 isolate is remarkably different. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that SLRSV‐G2 is also distinct from others reported to date. Pairwise comparisons of SLRSV‐G2 with other isolates available in GenBank database showed only 76–79% nucleotide similarity. Therefore, SLRSV‐G2 is proposed as a new strain of SLRSV.
Solanum malacoxylon, a New Natural Host of Stolbur Phytoplasma
Authors: Iriti M. , Quaglino F. , Maffi D. , Casati P. , Bianco P. A. , Faoro F.
Published: October 2007

Stolbur phytoplasma infection has been reported, for the first time, in a new host, Solanum malacoxylon, growing in the Botanical Garden of Milan University. This shrub, native of South America, synthesizes vitamin D compounds, important for biomedical and biotechnological purposes. Pathogen detection was performed by light and transmission electron microscopy, and confirmed by molecular diagnosis, based on PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphic (RFLP) analysis of the phytoplasmal 16S rRNA and tuf genes. By means of enzymatic restriction and phylogenetic analysis on these genes, it was found that the phytoplasma belongs to the Stolbur group, taxonomic subgroup 16SrXII‐A, thus indicating S. malacoxylon as an additional host for this pathogen. Solanum malacoxylon could be then involved in the natural Stolbur phytoplasma spreading throughout South American areas, where this wild plant grows endemically.
Associational resistance mediates predator‐‐prey interactions in a marine subtidal system
Authors: Thornber Carol
Published: October 2007

There is a growing awareness of the role that indirect interactions play in influencing food webs and ecosystem structure. In this study, the hypothesis that crustose algal epibionts provide gastropods associational resistance from predation was investigated through field surveys and laboratory feeding assays. In rocky low intertidal/shallow subtidal systems in the northeast Pacific, several species of crustose algae (the red alga Peyssonnelia meridionalis and crustose corallines) can colonize the shells of living Tegula brunnea snails. The growth patterns of these epibiontic crustose algae allow them to cover their host’s surface completely, which may, in turn, protect their hosts from predation. A multi‐site field survey of T. brunnea revealed that >60% of snails were at least 75% covered with one or more species of crustose algae, with 35% fully covered, indicating that this is common in the field. Laboratory feeding assays revealed that sea stars, a primary predator of T. brunnea, distinguished among snails with different shell coverings; Pisaster consumed nearly three times as many bare (i.e. no crustose algae) snails as those covered with Peyssonnelia, while Pycnopodia consumed four times as many bare snails as those covered with crustose corallines. These results suggest that epibiont crustose algae can benefit their hosts via associational resistance; this finding may have implications for the role of associational resistance in trophic interactions.
Population genetics and evolutionary demography of Ucides cordatus (Decapoda: Ocypodidae)
Authors: Oliveira‐Neto José F. , Pie Marcio R. , Boeger Walter A. , Ostrensky Antonio , Baggio Rafael A.
Published: October 2007

Variation in a fragment of the mitochondrial control region was investigated to assess the population history of the mangrove land crab, Ucides cordatus L., based on 100 individuals from five locations throughout the Brazilian coast. There was considerable variability in the studied fragment, with every individual showing a distinct haplotype. When regions of ambiguous alignment were removed, 90 haplotypes were still recognized, of which only 1 was shared among locations. There was no statistically significant evidence for geographical structure in the pattern of genetic variability based on a nested clade analysis, even though the geographical distances among the farthest collection sites exceeded 3000 km. Moreover, the mismatch distribution of pairwise differences showed a smooth unimodal distribution that is consistent with a recent population expansion of U. cordatus, either when each location was analysed in isolation or when all samples were combined. Interestingly, the estimates for the duration of such expansion vary latitudinally, suggesting that the expansion of the population of U. cordatus proceeded in a southward direction. These results indicate a possible relationship between the growth in the population of the mangrove land crab and the dynamics of mangrove ecosystems during the Quaternary.
Rhythms of feeding activity and food consumption of two Mediterranean burrowing fishes: Gnathophis mystax (Delaroche) and Chlopsis bicolor Rafinesque
Authors: Carpentieri Paolo , Colloca Francesco , Ardizzone Giandomenico
Published: October 2007

Data on the food consumption, feeding activity and periodicity of two burrowing fish, the congrid eel Gnathophis mystax (Delaroche, 1809) and the false moray Chlopsis bicolor Rafinesque, 1810 are presented. In all, 455 specimens were collected by bottom trawl in the central Mediterranean Sea at depths ranging from 140 to 160 m during four 24‐h day–night sampling cycles. The diet of G. mystax and C. bicolor was investigated by means of stomach content analysis. Diet varied significantly with length and maturity stage. During ontogenetic development G. mystax occupied different trophic levels: diet shifted from amphipods, predominantly in the smaller congrid eels [<25 cm total length (TL)] to fish in the larger individuals (>30 cm TL). Before the transition to the icthyophagous phase, the congrid eel showed a more generalistic foraging behaviour where decapods (Solenocera membranacea, Parapenaeus longirostris, Alpheus glaber), cephalopods (Sepiola spp. and Alloteuthis media), benthic (Gobiidae, Callionymus maculatus, Arnoglossus laterna) and benthopelagic fish (Argentina sphyraena) dominated the diet. Smaller C. bicolor (<25 cm TL) fed primarily on amphipods and cephalopods; bigger specimens fed also on decapods both natantian (A. glaber, Processa canaliculata) and reptantian (Medorippe lanata, Goneplax rhomboides). Daily ration values, computed from the Eggers method, ranged from 2.48% to 2.99% wet body weight for C. bicolor and G. mystax, respectively. Diel patterns in stomach fullness and the trophic niche overlap between the two species were also discussed.
Novel, single‐dose, topical treatment of tinea pedis using terbinafine: results of a dose‐finding clinical trial
Authors: De Chauvin Martine Feuilhade , Viguié‐Vallanet Claude , Kienzler Jean‐Luc , Larnier Catherine
Published: October 2007

Tinea pedis is the most common dermatophytosis requiring topical antifungals for at least 1–4 weeks. To determine the effectiveness of a novel topical single dose formulation of terbinafine (film forming solution‐FFS) in the treatment of tinea pedis, 344 outpatients from 43 dermatological centres in France and Bulgaria suffering from tinea pedis with possible extension to soles confirmed by mycological examination (direct and culture) were evaluated for efficacy of terbinafine 1%, 5%, 10% FFS in a randomised double blind vehicle controlled parallel group dose finding study. Evaluations were carried out at baseline, 1 and 6 weeks after a single application of FFS. Effective treatment rate based on negative mycology (direct and culture) and minimal signs and symptoms (two or less with only mild recorded) was measured at week 6. Effective treatment rates at week 6 with terbinafine 1%, 5% and 10% FFS were 66%, 70%, 61% compared with 18% with placebo. All three active preparations were shown to be significantly superior to placebo (P < 0.001). Terbinafine 1% and 5% FFS were shown to be non‐inferior to terbinafine 10% FFS. Terbinafine 1% FFS is an effective, safe dose for the treatment of tinea pedis. This novel product represents a significant advance with the enhanced compliance and convenience that it offers.
Observational study on candidaemia at a university hospital in southern Italy from 1998 to 2004
Authors: Caggiano Giuseppina , Iatta Roberta , Laneve Annamaria , Manca Fabio , Montagna Maria Teresa
Published: October 2007

In an observational study on candidaemia in hospitalised patients, conducted in a southern Italy hospital during 1998–2004, 155 cases were noted. Candida albicans (CA) was isolated in 71 (45.8%) cases involving mainly patients recovered in ICU, General Surgery and Neonatology. Candida non‐albicans (CnA) species were isolated by 84 (54.2%) candidaemic patients, and in particular, Candida parapsilosis was the most frequent species isolated in Pediatric Oncology. 91.6% of the patients had a central venous catheter and only 46.4% were receiving antifungal prophylaxis. Among these patients, 87.5% (63) developed CnA infections; in particular, 41 patients had a C. parapsilosis bloodstream infection. During our study, we observed a variable drift from 1998 to 2003; we registered an evident increment of CnA candidaemia (76.9%) and a decrease of CA cases (23%) only in 2004. The mortality was 26.7%, and we observed that CA was associated with the highest rate of mortality (53.6%). Although Candida infections are correlated primarily with risk factors, their resolution depends on timely diagnosis and early therapy.
Interaction of amphotericin B lipid formulations and triazoles with human polymorphonuclear leucocytes for antifungal activity against Zygomycetes
Authors: Simitsopoulou Maria , Roilides Emmanuel , Maloukou Avgi , Gil‐Lamaignere Cristina , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: October 2007

The frequency of zygomycosis has increased considerably over recent years mainly in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. Little is known about the effects of host innate immunity against different Zygomycetes especially under the influence of antifungal agents. The antifungal activity of human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) in combination with liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB), amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC), voriconazole (VRC) and posaconazole (PSC) against Rhizopus oryzae and Rhizopus microsporus, frequently isolated Zygomycetes, were studied and compared with Absidia corymbifera, a less pathogenic Zygomycete. Antifungal activity was evaluated as per cent of hyphal damage using the XTT metabolic assay. While A. corymbifera was more susceptible to PMN than the other two Zygomycetes, R. microsporus appeared to be the most susceptible to combined effects of amphotericin B formulations and VRC with PMN. LAMB exhibited synergistic activity with PMN in inducing hyphal damage to R. microsporus but not to the other fungi. In contrast, ABLC exhibited synergistic or additive activity with PMN against all three fungi. Among triazoles, only VRC exhibited additive effect with PMN against R. microsporus. Lipid formulations of amphotericin B and particularly ABLC interact with PMN predominantly in inducing augmented hyphal damage to three different species of Zygomycetes.
Diversity of abnormal embryo sacs in indica/japonica hybrids in rice demonstrated by confocal microscopy of ovaries
Authors: Zeng Y. X. , Hu C. Y. , Lu Y. G. , Li J. Q. , Liu X. D.
Published: October 2007

Embryo sac abortion occurs frequently in the spikelet of indica/japonica hybrids in rice. To provide a comprehensive understanding of embryo sac sterility in typical indica/japonica hybrids, a simple eosin B staining procedure for use with confocal microscopy was developed to observe the mature embryo sacs of 35 indica/japonica F1s making up an incomplete diallel cross design (5 × 7). A diversity of abnormal embryo sacs existed in the hybrids. The main types were classified into five categories: (i) embryo sac degeneration (ESD), (ii) embryo sac without egg apparatus, (iii) embryo sac without female germ unit, (iv) embryo sac with abnormal polar nuclei and (v) abnormal small embryo sac (ASES). The frequencies of abnormal embryo sacs in the 35 hybrids ranged from 26.0% to 76.3%, with an average of 48.6%. The highest frequency of abnormality was 31.3% ESD. The frequencies of various abnormalities varied with parental genotype and environment.
Inheritance of aroma compounds in a model population of Fragaria × ananassa Duch.
Authors: Olbricht K. , Grafe C. , Weiss K. , Ulrich D.
Published: October 2007

The inheritance of important aroma compounds is demonstrated by the use of a model population of Fragaria × ananassa. Two cultivars were chosen for the crossing, ‘Mieze Schindler’ and ‘Elsanta’, which differ strongly in pedigree, phenotype, and fruit traits, including flavour. Two hundred seedlings of this cross‐combination were randomly selected from a population of 438 seedlings and propagated, with three plants per seedling. Aroma analysis was performed by automated headspace solid phase micro‐extraction in combination with non‐targeted data analysis (pattern recognition). This method can assist breeding programmes by the preparation and analysis of hundreds of samples by a simple procedure. The method was backed up by the substance identification using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Data processing of 78 detectable volatile compounds by ChromstatTM in the F1 population showed very high variability of the volatile patterns. The ester methyl anthranilate (MA) is a discriminative key compound, being present only in the mother cultivar ‘Mieze Schindler’, and not detectable in ‘Elsanta’. Methyl anthranilate was detectable in one fourth of the F1 population. This low degree of inheritance shows that this important compound is easily lost in the breeding process, which could explain why all investigated modern cultivars do not contain MA. The results are valuable for the choice of breeding partners and for selection in seedling populations.
Using a linkage mapping approach to identify QTL for day‐neutrality in the octoploid strawberry
Authors: Weebadde C. K. , Wang D. , Finn C. E. , Lewers K. S. , Luby J. J. , Bushakra J. , Sjulin T. M. , Hancock J. F.
Published: October 2007

A linkage mapping approach was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with day‐neutrality in the commercial strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa (Duch ex Rozier). Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers were used to build a genetic map with a population of 127 lines developed by crossing the day‐neutral (DN) ‘Tribute’ with the short‐day (SD) ‘Honeoye’. The population was genotyped with AFLP markers and 429 single dose restriction fragments (SDRF) were placed on a consensus map of 1541 cM with 43 linkage groups. Individuals from the mapping population were observed for their flowering habit throughout the growing season in Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), Maryland (MD), Oregon (OR) and California (CA). Eight QTL were found that were either location specific or shared among locations. None of these QTL explained >36% of the phenotypic variation, indicating that the inheritance of day‐neutrality is likely a polygenic trait.
Quantitative trait loci analysis for resistance against Turnip mosaic virus based on a doubled‐haploid population in Chinese cabbage
Authors: Zhang F. L. , Wang M. , Liu X. C. , Zhao X. Y. , Yang J. P.
Published: October 2007

Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) as the major virus infecting Brassica crops, often cause severe yield and quality losses in Chinese cabbage production in China. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for TuMV resistance was conducted with a population of 100 doubled‐haploid lines derived from the F1 between 91‐112 (resistant) and T12‐19 (susceptible) through microspore culture. A total of 376 molecular markers including 235 amplified fragment length polymorphisms, 129 random amplified polymorphic DNAs, 10 simple sequence repeats, one SCAR and one morphological marker were employed to construct a linkage map with 10 linkage groups covering 809.1 cM with an average distance of 2.2 cM between loci. Resistance was assessed by artificial inoculation at the seedling stage and at the adult stage in field conditions, respectively. Four QTLs controlling TuMV resistance were identified with JoinMap QTL 4.0 and interval mapping method. Two QTLs (Tu1,Tu2) were associated with resistance at the seedling stage, each accounting for 58.2% and 14.7% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Two QTLs (Tu3,Tu4) were found corresponding to the disease resistance at the adult plant stage, explaining 48.5% and 32.0% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Marker‐assisted selection for these major QTLs involved in TuMV resistance could be useful in Chinese‐cabbage breeding programmes.
Effect of a muscarinic M3 receptor agonist on gastric motility
Authors: Chiba Toshimi , Kudara Norihiko , Sato Masaki , Inomata Masaaki , Orii Seishi , Suzuki Kazuyuki
Published: October 2007

Muscarinic M3 receptors exist in the gastrointestinal wall in humans and the muscarinic M3 agonist cevimeline hydrochloride (Evoxac) is a candidate therapeutic agent for the treatment of xerostomia in Sjögren’s syndrome. However, M3 receptor agonists are not known to show efficacy for diseases associated with abnormal gastrointestinal motility. Herein the effects are reported of cevimeline on gastric motility in two patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia. The patients both received long‐term proton pump inhibitor therapy for 6 months, but their symptoms persisted. Then cevimeline was administered orally for 8 weeks at 30 mg three times daily (90 mg/day) and their dyspepsia symptoms improved. Electrogastrography was performed to examine gastric motility before and after administration of the M3 agonist. The fasting or nocturnal wave rate was significantly increased after administration compared with before administration, but no significant postprandial changes were seen. No adverse effects of cevimeline were observed. This drug might be a candidate therapeutic agent for non‐ulcer dyspepsia. Because its postprandial effects on gastrointestinal motility are unclear, a dose‐finding clinical study should be performed in the future.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Christophi Christopher , Millar Ian , Nikfarjam Mehrdad , Muralidharan Vijayaragavan , Malcontenti‐Wilson Caterina
Published: October 2007

Despite improvements in the supportive management of severe acute pancreatitis over the last decade, the morbidity and mortality rate remains high. The main feature of this condition is pancreatic necrosis leading to sepsis, with both localized and systemic inflammatory response syndromes. Early pathophysiological changes of the pancreas include alterations in microcirculation, ischemia reperfusion injury, and leukocyte and cytokine activation. The efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy in improving these pathophysiological disturbances is documented for various conditions. However, its effect in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis is undetermined. This report documents the case of a 56‐year‐old woman presenting with severe acute pancreatitis treated by HBO therapy. The severity of disease was based on an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) illness grading score of 11 and a Baltazar based computed tomography severity index (CTSI) score of 9. Administration of 100% oxygen was commenced within 72 h of presentation at a pressure of 2.5 atmospheres for 90 min and given twice daily for a total of 5 days. Therapy was well tolerated with improvements in APACHE II and CTSI grading scores. HBO therapy for severe acute pancreatitis appeared to be safe and may have a role in improving treatment outcomes. Further study is required.
Surgical treatment for ureterocele with special reference to lower urinary tract reconstruction
Authors: Shimada Kenji , Matsumoto Fumi , Matsui Futoshi
Published: October 2007

Objectives:  We reviewed the results of surgical treatment for children with ureterocele, especially addressing the importance of the lower urinary tract reconstruction.

Methods:  We present medical records of 91 children with ureterocele (31 with the intravesical type, and 60 with the ectopic type) treated during the last 14 years. As the initial treatment, we carried out transurethral incision of the ureterocele (TUI). In patients with persistent reflux, breakthrough urinary tract infection (UTI), or signs of bladder outlet obstruction due to a collapsed cele wall, we recommended that patients undergo lower urinary tract reconstruction irrespective of the renal function involved in ureterocele. The average follow‐up period was 5 years (ranging 1 year and 6 months to 14 years).

Results:  Transurethral incision of the ureterocele was carried out as the initial treatment on 68 patients (75%). A total of 34 patients (21 intravesical [68%] and 13 ectopic [22%]) were followed medically after TUI alone. Reconstruction of the lower urinary tract was carried out in 59 patients (65%). Nephroureterectomy combined with bladder level reconstruction was carried out in four children with single system and non‐functioning kidney. Follow‐up voiding cystourethrography showed that only one girl had reflux, which disappeared after the first follow‐up examination. Postoperative UTI occurred in 12 patients (20%) with ectopic ureterocele. Voiding dysfunction was suspected in eight patients.

Conclusion:  We believe that the primary objective for patients with ureterocele, especially of the ectopic type, is to reconstruct the original pathology of the lower urinary tract that may give rise to reflux, obstruction, or abnormalities of urination. Although surgery at the bladder level can be challenging, the lower urinary tract reconstruction successfully corrects the vesicoureteral reflux and bladder outlet pathology under a cosmetically acceptable incision.
Influence of anodization on the fatigue strength of 7050‐T7451 aluminium alloy
Authors: CAMARGO A. , VOORWALD H.
Published: October 2007

In recent years, with higher demand for improved quality and corrosion resistance, recovered substrates have been extensively used. Consequently residual stresses originated from these coatings reduce the fatigue strength of a component. Due to this negative influence occasioned by corrosion resistance protective coatings, an effective process like shot peening must be considered to improve the fatigue strength. The shot peening treatment pushes the crack sources beneath the surface in most of medium and high cycle cases due to the compressive residual stress field (CRSF) induced. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence on the fatigue life of anodic films grown on 7050‐T7451 aluminium alloy by sulphuric acid anodizing, chromic acid anodizing and hard anodizing. The influence on the rotating and reverse bending fatigue strength of anodic films grown on the aluminium alloy is to degrade the stress life fatigue performance of the base material.

A consistent gain in fatigue life in relation to the base material was obtained through the shot peening process in coated specimens, associated to a residual stress field compressive near the surface, useful to avoid fatigue crack nucleation and delay or even stop crack propagation.
Frequency‐based fatigue analysis of non‐stationary switching random loads
Authors: BENASCIUTTI D. , TOVO R.
Published: October 2007

The service loadings in real systems are not only random, but also non‐stationary. The spectral methods based on a frequency‐domain characterization of random loads, which have been used in alternative to classical time‐domain approaches, cannot be applied to non‐stationary loads, because the conventional spectral density spectrum is not able to capture the evolutionary frequency characteristics of non‐stationary loads. This clearly restricts the applicability of the existing frequency‐based methods only to loads which are stationary. At the same time, it is also very difficult to propose general models valid for all types of load non‐stationarity encountered in practice. Therefore, a practical approach is to restrict the analysis to a specific class of non‐stationary loads; in this work, we consider particular non‐stationary loads (i.e. switching loads), which are piecewise stationary in their variance. A frequency‐domain analysis of such loads is proposed, which is based on a combination of the frequency‐based analysis of each adjacent stationary segment, which can be either Gaussian or non‐Gaussian. Numerically simulated load histories, as well as loads measured on mountain bikes in special tracks, are analysed to validate the proposed methodology. The presented results also show the correlation between load non‐stationarity and non‐Gaussianity.
A critical investigation of techniques for stress determination and equivalent static analysis in fatigue life estimation
Authors: GROVÉ A. P. , VAN TONDER F. , HEYNS P. S.
Published: October 2007

This study entails the fatigue analysis of a complex plate‐like structure subjected to random loading. The stress and fatigue life assessment is performed by means of experimental strain gauge measurements, finite element analysis and a quasi‐static fatigue assessment procedure known as the fatigue equivalent static load (FESL) methodology. Firstly, the integrity of shell elements for accurately capturing the stiffness properties and stress distribution in the vicinity of welds is investigated. Furthermore, the stress response of the structure to random dynamic loading is investigated and validated in terms of its suitability for assessment by the FESL methodology. Nominal stress and hot‐spot stress fatigue life predictions are made, based on measurements as well as the FESL procedure. The viability and integrity of the FESL methodology is critically assessed after which the actual fatigue life of the structure under particular loading conditions is determined for comparison.
A high‐cycle fatigue accumulation model based on electrical resistance for structural steels
Authors: SUN B. , YANG L. , GUO Y.
Published: October 2007

For high‐cycle fatigue of metals, the DC electrical resistance is a more sensitive parameter to the initiation of micro‐cracks during the irreversible fatigue damage accumulation process. This implies that the electrical resistance is a suitable parameter that can be consistent with the fatigue damage physical mechanism. The relation between the ratio of electrical resistance changes and the cyclic fraction of the fatigue specimen may reasonably represent deterioration in mechanical properties of structural steels during the high‐cycle fatigue process. The high‐cycle fatigue damage accumulation model based on electrical resistance for structural steels was proposed. The model was verified by some experimental data for three structural steels; normalized 45C steel, 20 Mn steel and 16 Mn steel, and good agreement was obtained. The corresponding fatigue lifetime on the basis of the electrical resistance model was also performed. The results show that the approach to fatigue lifetime prediction and failure based on the electrical resistance is a good non‐destructive technique.
Involvement of astroglial ceramide in palmitic acid‐induced Alzheimer‐like changes in primary neurons
Authors: Patil Sachin , Melrose Joseph , Chan Christina
Published: October 2007

A high‐fat diet has been shown to significantly increase the risk of the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease histochemically characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein in senile plaques and hyperphosphorylated tau in neurofibrillary tangles. Previously, we have shown that saturated free fatty acids (FFAs), palmitic and stearic acids, caused increased amyloidogenesis and tau hyperphosphorylaion in primary rat cortical neurons. These FFA‐induced effects observed in neurons were found to be mediated by astroglial FFA metabolism. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the basic mechanism relating astroglial FFA metabolism and AD‐like changes observed in neurons. We found that palmitic acid significantly increased de‐novo synthesis of ceramide in astroglia, which in turn was involved in inducing both increased production of the Aβ protein and hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein. Increased amyloidogenesis and hyperphoshorylation of tau lead to formation of the two most important pathophysiological characteristics associated with AD, Aβ or senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, respectively. In addition to these pathophysiological changes, AD is also characterized by certain metabolic changes; abnormal cerebral glucose metabolism is one of the distinct characteristics of AD. In this context, we found that palmitic acid significantly decreased the levels of astroglial glucose transporter (GLUT1) and down‐regulated glucose uptake and lactate release by astroglia. Our present data establish an underlying mechanism by which saturated fatty acids induce AD‐associated pathophysiological as well as metabolic changes, placing ‘astroglial fatty acid metabolism’ at the center of the pathogenic cascade in AD.
Differential increase of extracellular dopamine and serotonin in the ‘prefrontal cortex’ and striatum of pigeons during working memory
Authors: Karakuyu Dilek , Herold Christina , Güntürkün Onur , Diekamp Bettina
Published: October 2007

Monoamines, such as dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5‐HT), play a central role in the modulation of cognitive processes at the forebrain level. Experimental and clinical studies based on dopaminergic pathology, depletion or medication indicate that DA, in particular, is involved in working memory (WM). However, it is unclear whether DA is indeed related to WM, whether its function is specific to the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and whether other modulators, such as 5‐HT, might have similar functions. Therefore, the aims of this study were threefold. First, we analysed whether increased prefrontal DA release is related to WM in general or only to its short‐term memory component. Second, we examined whether the DA release during cognitive tasks is specific to prefrontal areas or also occurs in the striatum. Third, we analysed whether prefrontal or striatal 5‐HT release accompanies working and short‐term memory. We approached these questions by using in vivo microdialysis to analyse the extracellular DA and 5‐HT release in the pigeons' ‘PFC’ and striatum during matching‐to‐sample tasks with or without a delay. Here, we show that DA has no unitary function but is differentially released during working as well as short‐term memory in the pigeons' ‘prefrontal’ cortex. Striatal DA shows an increased efflux only during WM that involves a delay component. WM is also accompanied by a ‘prefrontal’ but not a striatal release of 5‐HT, whose efflux pattern is thus partly different to that of DA. Our findings thus show a triple dissociation between transmitters, structures and tasks within the avian ‘prefronto’‐striatal system.
Excitotoxicity mediated by non‐NMDA receptors causes distal axonopathy in long‐term cultured spinal motor neurons
Authors: King A.E. , Dickson T.C. , Blizzard C.A. , Foster S.S. , Chung R.S. , West A.K. , Chuah M.I. , Vickers J.C.
Published: October 2007

Excitotoxicity has been implicated as a potential cause of neuronal degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It has not been clear how excitotoxic injury leads to the hallmark pathological changes of ALS, such as the abnormal accumulation of filamentous proteins in axons. We have investigated the effects of overactivation of excitatory receptors in rodent neurons maintained in long‐term culture. Excitotoxicity, mediated principally via non‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors, caused axonal swelling and accumulation of cytoskeletal proteins in the distal segments of the axons of cultured spinal, but not cortical, neurons. Axonopathy only occurred in spinal neurons maintained for 3 weeks in vitro, indicating that susceptibility to axonal pathology may be related to relative maturity of the neuron. Excitotoxic axonopathy was associated with the aberrant colocalization of phosphorylated and dephosphorylated neurofilament proteins, indicating that disruption to the regulation of phosphorylation of neurofilaments may lead to their abnormal accumulation. These data provide a strong link between excitotoxicity and the selective pattern of axonopathy of lower motor neurons that underlies neuronal dysfunction in ALS.
Different effects of monocarboxylates on neuronal survival and β‐amyloid toxicity
Authors: Wang XiaoNan , Takata Toshihiro , Sakurai Takashi , Yokono Koichi
Published: October 2007

Glucose is a principal metabolic fuel in the central nervous system, but, when glucose is unavailable, the brain can utilize alternative metabolic substrates such as monocarboxylates to sustain brain functions. This study examined whether the replacement of glucose with monocarboxylates (particularly pyruvate and lactate) had an equivalent effect of glucose on neuronal survival in rat hippocampal organotypic slice cultures, or ameliorate the neurotoxicity induced by amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ). The possible mechanism was also explored. We found that pyruvate and lactate alone increased cell death in the hippocampal slice cultures at 24 and 48 h. Supplementation of glucose‐containing culture media and Aβ‐treated culture media with pyruvate, but not lactate, attenuated cell death as strong as with trolox, known as a reactive oxygen species scavenger, and niacinamide, an NAD+ precursor, and this protective effect was reversed by α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid. Pyruvate significantly increased the aconitase activity and the NAD+ levels in the hippocampal slices in the presence of Aβ, but did not maintain the ATP levels. Our results indicate that pyruvate and lactate alone cannot replace glucose as an alternative energy source to preserve the neuronal viability in the hippocampal slice cultures. Pyruvate, in the presence of glucose, improves neuronal survival in the hippocampal slice cultures and also protects neurons against Aβ‐induced cell death in which mitochondrial NAD(P) redox status may play a central role.
Primary and secondary neural networks of auditory prepulse inhibition: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study of sensorimotor gating of the human acoustic startle response
Authors: Campbell Linda E. , Hughes Matthew , Budd Timothy W. , Cooper Gavin , Fulham W. Ross , Karayanidis Frini , Hanlon Mary‐Claire , Stojanov Wendy , Johnston Patrick , Case Vanessa , Schall Ulrich
Published: October 2007

Feedforward inhibition deficits have been consistently demonstrated in a range of neuropsychiatric conditions using prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle eye‐blink reflex when assessing sensorimotor gating. While PPI can be recorded in acutely decerebrated rats, behavioural, pharmacological and psychophysiological studies suggest the involvement of a complex neural network extending from brainstem nuclei to higher order cortical areas. The current functional magnetic resonance imaging study investigated the neural network underlying PPI and its association with electromyographically (EMG) recorded PPI of the acoustic startle eye‐blink reflex in 16 healthy volunteers. A sparse imaging design was employed to model signal changes in blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) responses to acoustic startle probes that were preceded by a prepulse at 120 ms or 480 ms stimulus onset asynchrony or without prepulse. Sensorimotor gating was EMG confirmed for the 120‐ms prepulse condition, while startle responses in the 480‐ms prepulse condition did not differ from startle alone. Multiple regression analysis of BOLD contrasts identified activation in pons, thalamus, caudate nuclei, left angular gyrus and bilaterally in anterior cingulate, associated with EMG‐recorded sensorimotor gating. Planned contrasts confirmed increased pons activation for startle alone vs 120‐ms prepulse condition, while increased anterior superior frontal gyrus activation was confirmed for the reverse contrast. Our findings are consistent with a primary pontine circuitry of sensorimotor gating that interconnects with inferior parietal, superior temporal, frontal and prefrontal cortices via thalamus and striatum. PPI processes in the prefrontal, frontal and superior temporal cortex were functionally distinct from sensorimotor gating.
Methyl sulfides as intermediates in the anaerobic oxidation of methane
Authors: Moran James J. , Beal Emily J. , Vrentas Jennifer M. , Orphan Victoria J. , Freeman Katherine H. , House Christopher H.
Published: October 2007

While it is clear that microbial consortia containing Archaea and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) can mediate the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM), the interplay between these microorganisms remains unknown. The leading explanation of the AOM metabolism is ‘reverse methanogenesis’ by which a methanogenesis substrate is produced and transferred between species. Conceptually, the reversal of methanogenesis requires low H2 concentrations for energetic favourability. We used 13C‐labelled CH4 as a tracer to test the effects of elevated H2 pressures on incubations of active AOM sediments from both the Eel River basin and Hydrate Ridge. In the presence of H2, we observed a minimal reduction in the rate of CH4 oxidation, and conclude H2 does not play an interspecies role in AOM. Based on these results, as well as previous work, we propose a new model for substrate transfer in AOM. In this model, methyl sulfides produced by the Archaea from both CH4 oxidation and CO2 reduction are transferred to the SRB. Metabolically, CH4 oxidation provides electrons for the energy‐yielding reduction of CO2 to a methyl group (‘methylogenesis’). Methylogenesis is a dominantly reductive pathway utilizing most methanogenesis enzymes in their forward direction. Incubations of seep sediments demonstrate, as would be expected from this model, that methanethiol inhibits AOM and that CO can be substituted for CH4 as the electron donor for methylogenesis.