bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐receptor tyrosine kinase CSK‐1 controls pharyngeal muscle organization in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Takata Nozomu , Itoh Bunsho , Misaki Kazuyo , Hirose Takashi , Yonemura Shigenobu , Okada Masato
Published: February 2009

C‐terminal Src kinase (Csk) is a non‐receptor type of tyrosine kinase, and serves as an essential negative regulator of Src family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) in vertebrates. However, analyses of Csk and SFKs from primitive animals suggest that the Csk‐mediated mechanisms regulating SFK activity might diverge between evolutional branches, different tissues or SFK family members. We examined in vivo roles of CSK‐1, a Caenorhabditis elegans orthologue of Csk, by generating animals lacking csk‐1 function. Although some csk‐1 mutants died during embryogenesis, the majority of mutants died during the first stage of larval development. In csk‐1 mutants, the function of pharyngeal muscles, the major site of CSK‐1 expression, was severely damaged. The pumping of pharyngeal grinder cells became arrhythmic, causing disabled feeding. Electron microscopy showed that pharyngeal muscle filaments were disorientated in the csk‐1 mutants. These indicate that CSK‐1 is crucial for proper organization of pharyngeal muscles. However, the growth arrest phenotype in csk‐1 mutants could not be suppressed by src‐1 and/or src‐2 mutation, and SRC‐1 was not significantly activated in the csk‐1 mutants. These results suggest that CSK‐1 has an essential function in organization of pharyngeal muscle filaments that does not require C. elegans SFKs.
Finite element analysis of the effects of three preparation techniques on stresses within roots having curved canals
Authors: Cheng R. , Zhou X.‐D. , Liu Z. , Yang H. , Gao Q.‐H. , Hu T.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To compare stress distribution within roots having curved canals prepared by three preparation techniques when subjected to occlusal loads and condensation loads as a consequence of different filling techniques.

Methodology  Three preparation techniques (crown‐down, step‐back and reverse‐flaring) were compared by finite element analysis (FEA). Based on an established FEA model within curved canal, three modified models prepared by different preparation techniques were established by replacing original canal with prepared ones. FEA was performed to investigate the stress distribution under occlusal forces, which were simulated by loads of 500 N in four directions (buccal, lingual, mesial and distal), at 0 (vertical), 30, 45 and 60° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth. In addition, vertical and lateral condensation processes at the curvature were simulated to determine the influence of different canal filling techniques on stress distribution.

Results  When the occlusal and the filling loads were applied, stress distribution around the curvature and the orifice had little change on the three modified prepared models. The reverse‐flaring technique resulted in the least stress with the lateral condensation process. In the case of vertical condensation, the maximum von Mises stress (46.205 MPa) occurred near the loading site. The model also revealed a tendency for stress concentration (30.635 MPa) just below the compacting level.

Conclusions  The study confirms that appropriate canal preparation techniques in simulated curved canals have little influence on stress distribution around the curvature or the orifice. However, vertical compaction induced high stress in the region just below the loading site.
Wheat cultivars grown under organic agriculture and the bread making performance of stone‐ground whole wheat flour
Authors: Gélinas Pierre , Morin Caroline , Reid Judith Frégeau , Lachance Pierre
Published: February 2009

Stone‐ground whole wheat flour is characterised by coarse bran particles and high germ content. Five wheat cultivars were grown over a 3‐year period in eight organic farms in Quebec (Eastern Canada) to determine their respective effects on the quality of stone‐ground whole wheat bread flour. Grain yield (1.2–3.9 t ha−1), grain protein content (11.3–13.1%, based on 13.5% moisture) and dough mixing stability (6.9–11.1 min) of whole wheat flour varied much according to the farming sites. Whole wheat flour from AC Brio significantly gave the lowest pan bread volume (P < 0.05) and best results were obtained with Celtic (whatever the farming site) and site #5 (whatever the cultivar, probably with the exception of AC Brio). Thorough wheat cultivar selection and organic field management would be critical to get whole wheat bread with the highest specific volume.
Flavour characteristics of peanut cultivars developed for southwestern United States
Authors: Ng Ee Chin , Dunford Nurhan T.
Published: February 2009

The main focus of many of the peanut breeding programs is to achieve agronomic improvements over existing cultivars. However, it is also important that desirable sensory characteristics of the peanut varieties are at least maintained during this process. The main objective of this study is to examine flavour characteristics of peanut cultivars developed through traditional breeding. Flavour and aroma evaluations were performed by a trained descriptive sensory panel and a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) equipped with an olfactory detector. The peanut samples were also analysed for their moisture, ash, protein, sugar and oil composition. Sensory analysis carried out by trained panellists showed that there were only minor differences among the peanut cultivars examined in this study. Florunner had high roasted peanut (5.13) and low total off‐flavour (0.88) scores when rated on a zero to fifteen intensity scale. Results of the olfactory evaluation of the peanut cultivars support the sensory tests conducted on the same samples by trained panellists.
Continuous monitoring of yoghurt fermentation using a noble metal electrode array
Authors: Bjorklund Robert B. , Magnusson Christian , Mårtensson Per , Winquist Fredrik , Krantz‐Rülcker Christina
Published: February 2009

An electrochemical probe containing gold, platinum and rhodium working electrodes was used to monitor yoghurt production in a pilot facility. Three commercial starting cultures at 40, 42 and 44 °C transformed milk having 1.5% fat content to mild yoghurt products. The electrochemical changes in the broth during fermentation were recorded as current responses from pulse voltammetry over the electrodes. Principal component analysis of the responses generated two‐dimensional score plots describing the qualitative fermentation progressions. Two distinct fermentation pathways were observed leading to similar final products. The pH was recorded during the fermentations and the data was used as reference values for creating a partial least squares model for prediction of pH as an example of a quantitative application for the sensor. The relative mean squared error for validation of the model using four probes interchangeably was about 2%. The probe was constructed of materials approved for use in the food industry and did not require a standard glass reference electrode.
Low back pain: prevalence and associated risk factors among hospital staff
Authors: Karahan Azize , Kav Sultan , Abbasoglu Aysel , Dogan Nevin
Published: February 2009

Title.  Low back pain: prevalence and associated risk factors among hospital staff.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe the prevalence and risk factors for lower back pain amongst a variety of Turkish hospital workers including nurses, physicians, physical therapists, technicians, secretaries and hospital aides.

Background.  Hospital workers experience more low back pain than many other groups, the incidence varies among countries. Work activities involving bending, twisting, frequent heavy lifting, awkward static posture and psychological stress are regarded as causal factors for many back injuries.

Method.  A 44‐item questionnaire was completed by 1600 employees in six hospitals associated with one Turkish university using a cross‐sectional survey design. Data were collected over nine months from December 2005 to August 2006 and analysed using Chi square and multivariate logistic regression techniques.

Findings.  Most respondents (65·8%) had experienced low back pain, with 61·3% reporting an occurrence within the last 12 months. The highest prevalence was reported by nurses (77·1%) and the lowest amongst secretaries (54·1%) and hospital aides (53·5%). In the majority of cases (78·3%), low back pain began after respondents started working in the hospital, 33·3% of respondents seeking medical care for ‘moderate’ low back pain while 53·8% (n = 143) had been diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc. Age, female gender, smoking, occupation, perceived work stress and heavy lifting were statistically significant risk‐factors when multivariate logistic regression techniques were conducted (P < 0·05).

Conclusion.  Preventive measures should be taken to reduce the risk of lower back pain, such as arranging proper rest periods, educational programmes to teach the proper use of body mechanics and smoking cessation programmes.
Subjective side effects of antipsychotics and medication adherence in people with schizophrenia
Authors: McCann Terence V. , Clark Eileen , Lu Sai
Published: February 2009

Title.  Subjective side effects of antipsychotics and medication adherence in people with schizophrenia.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to describe the prevalence of antipsychotic medication side effects in individuals with schizophrenia, and to assess if a relationship existed between side effects and medication‐taking.

Background.  Non‐adherence to antipsychotics is common in people with schizophrenia. There is a direct relationship between non‐adherence and relapse, but it is unclear if an association exists between side effects and non‐adherence.

Method.  The Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side‐effect Rating Scale was used with a convenience sample of 81 mental health service users with schizophrenia. Participants were recruited from one urban and one rural area in Australia in 2004. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science and nonparametric statistical methods based on the nature of data.

Findings.  Around 20% of participants had missed taking their medication at least once in the week before data collection. About half experienced one or more side effects, but the level of accumulated side effects was not associated with medication omission. Older participants were more likely to experience anticholinergic and allergic side effects than their younger counterparts. Younger women were more likely to experience hormone‐related side effects than older women. Overall, medication omission was not statistically significantly correlated with any of the seven Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side‐effect Rating Scale subscales.

Conclusion.  Greater attention needs to be paid to age‐ and gender‐specific side effects and to monitoring side effects in people prescribed atypical medication antipsychotics. Service users, case managers and prescribers may need additional training to assist them to identify side effects and to take steps to ameliorate or at least minimize their effects.
Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale – Second Edition: initial validation of the Korean version
Authors: Hyun Myung‐Sun , Nam Kyoung‐A , Kang Hee Sun , Reynolds William M.
Published: February 2009

Title.  Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale – Second Edition: initial validation of the Korean version.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to test the validity and reliability of the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale – Second Edition in Korean culture.

Background.  Depression is a significant mental health problem in adolescents. The Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale – Second Edition has been shown to be a useful tool to assess depression in adolescents, with extensive research on this measure having been conducted in western cultures. Measures developed in western cultures need to be tested and validated before being used in Asian cultures.

Method.  The participants were a convenience sample of 440 Korean adolescents with a mean age of 13·78 years (sd = 0·95) from grades 7 to 9 in three public middle schools in South Korea. A cross‐sectional design was used. Back‐translation was used to create the Korean version, with additional testing for cultural meaning and comprehension. The data were collected at the end of 2004.

Results.  Internal consistency reliability for the Korean version of the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale – Second Edition was 0·89, with subscale reliability ranging from 0·66 to 0·81. Evidence for criterion‐related, convergent and discriminant validity for the Korean version of the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale – Second Edition was found. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the 4‐factor structure of Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale – Second Edition.

Conclusion.  Our results support the validity and reliability for the Korean version of the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale – Second Edition as a measure of depression and suggest that it can be used to screen students and to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive interventions in school settings.
Determinants of quality of life for older people living with a disability in the community
Authors: Murphy Kathy , Cooney Adeline , Shea Eamon O. , Casey Dympna
Published: February 2009

Title.  Determinants of quality of life for older people living with a disability in the community.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to identify the determinants of quality of life for older people with a disability living in the community and to construct a model to explain these.

Background.  There is no consensus in the literature as to the meaning of quality of life. Few studies have focused on the determinants of quality of life for people with a disability.

Methods.  A grounded theory study was conducted between 2005 and 2006, using semi‐structured interviews to collect data. The constant comparative technique was used to analyse data. The sample comprised 122 older people with one of six disabilities: stroke (n = 20), arthritis (20), depression (20), vision and hearing deficits (20), learning disability (24) or dementia (18) who were living in the community.

Findings.  A model of the factors that determine quality of life of older people with a disability was developed. ‘Living well’ was conceptualized as the core category. The potential to ‘live well’ was influenced by foundation, mediating and facilitating/constraining factors. Quality of life of older people with a disability was revealed as a complex mix of these factors.

Conclusion.  Quality of life cannot be fully understood unless the totality of factors that have an impact on and shape perceptions are taken into account. The model implies that good support from nurses, a focus on a person’s abilities and access to information and connectedness to others can make a difference and may help people cope in a better way.
Tropical nematode diversity: vertical stratification of nematode communities in a Costa Rican humid lowland rainforest
Authors: POWERS T. O. , NEHER D. A. , MULLIN P. , ESQUIVEL A. , GIBLIN‐DAVIS R. M. , KANZAKI N. , STOCK S. P. , MORA M. M. , URIBE‐LORIO L.
Published: February 2009

Comparisons of nematode communities among ecosystems have indicated that, unlike many organisms, nematode communities have less diversity in the tropics than in temperate ecosystems. There are, however, few studies of tropical nematode diversity on which to base conclusions of global patterns of diversity. This study reports an attempt to estimate nematode diversity in the lowland tropical rainforest of La Selva Biological Research Station in Costa Rica. We suggest one reason that previous estimates of tropical nematode diversity were low is because habitats above the mineral soil are seldom sampled. As much as 62% of the overall genetic diversity, measured by an 18S ribosomal barcode, existed in litter and understorey habitats and not in soil. A maximum‐likelihood tree of barcodes from 360 individual nematodes indicated most major terrestrial nematode lineages were represented in the samples. Estimated ‘species’ richness ranged from 464 to 502 within the four 40 × 40 m plots. Directed sampling of insects and their associated nematodes produced a second set of barcodes that were not recovered by habitat sampling, yet may constitute a major class of tropical nematode diversity. While the generation of novel nematode barcodes proved relatively easy, their identity remains obscure due to deficiencies in existing taxonomic databases. Specimens of Criconematina, a monophyletic group of soil‐dwelling plant‐parasitic nematodes were examined in detail to assess the steps necessary for associating barcodes with nominal species. Our results highlight the difficulties associated with studying poorly understood organisms in an understudied ecosystem using a destructive (i.e. barcode) sampling method.
Bacterial toxin YafQ is an endoribonuclease that associates with the ribosome and blocks translation elongation through sequence‐specific and frame‐dependent mRNA cleavage
Authors: Prysak Meredith H. , Mozdzierz Christopher J. , Cook Angela M. , Zhu Ling , Zhang Yonglong , Inouye Masayori , Woychik Nancy A.
Published: February 2009

Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems on the chromosomes of free‐living bacteria appear to facilitate cell survival during intervals of stress by inducing a state of reversible growth arrest. However, upon prolonged stress, TA toxin action leads to cell death. They have been implicated in several clinically important phenomena – bacterial persistence during antibiotic treatment, biofilm formation and bacterial pathogenesis – and serve as attractive new antibiotic targets for pathogens. We determined the mode of action of the YafQ toxin of the DinJ–YafQ TA system. YafQ expression resulted in inhibition of translation, but not transcription or replication. Purified YafQ exhibited robust ribonuclease activity in vitro that was specifically blocked by the addition of DinJ. However, YafQ associated with ribosomes in vivo and facilitated rapid mRNA degradation near the 5′ end via cleavage at AAA lysine codons followed by a G or A. YafQ(H87Q) mutants lost toxicity and cleavage activity but retained ribosome association. Finally, LexA bound to the dinJ–yafQ palindrome and triggered module transcription after DNA damage. YafQ function is distinct from other TA toxins: it associates with the ribosome through the 50S subunit and mediates sequence‐specific and frame‐dependent mRNA cleavage at 5′AAA – G/A3′ sequences leading to rapid decay possibly facilitated by the mRNA degradosome.
Aureobasidin A arrests growth of yeast cells through both ceramide intoxication and deprivation of essential inositolphosphorylceramides
Authors: Cerantola Vanessa , Guillas Isabelle , Roubaty Carole , Vionnet Christine , Uldry Danièle , Knudsen Jens , Conzelmann Andreas
Published: February 2009

All mature Saccharomyces cerevisiae sphingolipids comprise inositolphosphorylceramides containing C26:0 or C24:0 fatty acids and either phytosphingosine or dihydrosphingosine. Here we analysed the lipid profile of lag1Δlac1Δ mutants lacking acyl‐CoA‐dependent ceramide synthesis, which require the reverse ceramidase activity of overexpressed Ydc1p for sphingolipid biosynthesis and viability. These cells, termed 2Δ.YDC1, make sphingolipids containing exclusively dihydrosphingosine and an abnormally wide spectrum of fatty acids with between 18 and 26 carbon atoms. Like wild‐type cells, 2Δ.YDC1 cells stop growing when exposed to Aureobasidin A (AbA), an inhibitor of the inositolphosphorylceramide synthase AUR1, yet their ceramide levels remain very low. This finding argues against a current hypothesis saying that yeast cells do not require inositolphosphorylceramides and die in the presence of AbA only because ceramides build up to toxic concentrations. Moreover, W303lag1Δlac1Δypc1Δydc1Δ cells, reported to be AbA resistant, stop growing on AbA after a certain number of cell divisions, most likely because AbA blocks the biosynthesis of anomalous inositolphosphorylsphingosides. Thus, data argue that inositolphosphorylceramides of yeast, the equivalent of mammalian sphingomyelins, are essential for growth. Data also clearly confirm that wild‐type strains, when exposed to AbA, immediately stop growing because of ceramide intoxication, long before inositolphosphorylceramide levels become subcritical.
Symptom pattern and pathophysiological correlates of weight loss in tertiary‐referred functional dyspepsia
Authors: Tack J. , Jones M. P. , Karamanolis G. , Coulie B. , Dubois D.
Published: February 2009

Abstract  In patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, weight loss is an alarm symptom, indicative of organic disease. Recent studies reported weight loss in subsets of functional dyspepsia (FD) patients. The aim of this study was to analyse symptom patterns associated with weight loss in tertiary care FD. Six hundred and thirty‐six FD patients (67% female, mean age 43 years) completed a dyspepsia questionnaire, and underwent gastric emptying and gastric barostat studies. After identifying independent symptom domains through orthogonal factor analysis, patients were clustered on the basis of symptom profile. Clusters were compared in terms of their association with weight loss and gastric emptying or sensorimotor function. Weight loss (4.2 kg on average) correlated most strongly with early satiety followed by nausea and vomiting (ρ respectively 0.38, 0.28 and 0.23, all P < 0.0001). Factor analysis revealed three factors: Factor 1 characterized by nausea, vomiting and early satiety; factor 2 by early satiety, postprandial fullness and bloating; and factor 3 by pain, epigastric burning and belching. Subsequent cluster analysis revealed six patient clusters. The most severe cluster, which loaded high on all three factors, and a cluster dominated factor 2 were associated with the highest average weight loss (6.8 and 8.0 kg, respectively). The former cluster was also characterized by visceral hypersensitivity and delayed gastric emptying. The lowest weight loss occurred in the two clusters that had depressed scores for both early satiety associated factors (2.4 and 2.5 kg, respectively). In tertiary care FD, weight loss is strongly associated with two early satiety associated symptom clusters.
The feasibility and reliability of using circular electrode for sphincter of Oddi electromyography in anaesthetised rabbits
Authors: Chen F. , Chen J. , Dong J.‐h. , Chen M. , Li H.‐c. , Li X.‐w. , Li Z.‐h.
Published: February 2009

Abstract  Sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) is the gold standard for assessing sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), but is considered a diagnostic sensitivity of 30–80% and associated with significant complications of pancreatitis. Electromyography (EMG) of sphincter of Oddi (SO) using a circular electrode (CE) may be useful in improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing complications. To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the CE, we record myoelectric activity of SO in rabbits using the CE to compare with the traditional needle electrode (NE). The CE was prepared using a double‐channel biogel catheter with two silver rings at the head of the catheter. The CE was then inserted into the lumen of the SO through the duodenal papilla, and myoelectric activity was recorded in the SO in 30 rabbits. An EMG recorded using an NE was performed at the same time, when the SO was in basal state, after injection of cholecystokinin and N‐butylscopolamine bromide. Electromyographs recorded by the two methods were then evaluated. Satisfactory SO EMGs were acquired using the CE without any injury. Simultaneous recording revealed a very similar traces and one‐to‐one correspondence of SO spike bursts (SOSB). Linear regression analysis showed a significant direct correlation between the two methods for SOSB duration and amplitude. The results suggested that CE was comparable with NE in terms of recording efficacy. The CE also has advantages of easy fixation, accurate localisation, broad applicability and ease of achieving satisfactory outcomes without trauma, compared with the NE.
Does soil nitrogen influence growth, water transport and survival of snow gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora Sieber ex Sprengel.) under CO2 enrichment?
Authors: ATWELL BRIAN J. , HENERY MARTIN L. , BALL MARILYN C.
Published: February 2009

Eucalyptus pauciflora Sieber ex Sprengel. (snow gum) was grown under ambient (370 µL L−1) and elevated (700 µL L−1) atmospheric [CO2] in open‐top chambers (OTCs) in the field and temperature‐controlled glasshouses. Nitrogen applications to the soil ranged from 0.1 to 2.75 g N per plant. Trees in the field at high N levels grew rapidly during summer, particularly in CO2‐enriched atmosphere, but suffered high mortality during summer heatwaves. Generally, wider and more numerous secondary xylem vessels at the root–shoot junction in CO2‐enriched trees conferred fourfold higher below‐ground hydraulic conductance. Enhanced hydraulic capacity was typical of plants at elevated [CO2] (in which root and shoot growth was accelerated), but did not result from high N supply. However, because high rates of N application consistently made trees prone to dehydration during heatwaves, glasshouse studies were required to identify the effect of N nutrition on root development and hydraulics. While the effects of elevated [CO2] were again predominantly on hydraulic conductivity, N nutrition acted specifically by constraining deep root penetration into soil. Specifically, 15–40% shallower root systems supported marginally larger shoot canopies. Independent changes to hydraulics and root penetration have implications for survival of fertilized trees under elevated atmospheric [CO2], particularly during water stress.
Circadian clock‐ and phytochrome‐regulated Dof‐like gene, Rdd1, is associated with grain size in rice
Authors: IWAMOTO MASAO , HIGO KENICHI , TAKANO MAKOTO
Published: February 2009

We report here on the characterization of a putative Dof transcription factor gene in rice (Oryza sativa) –rice Dof daily fluctuations 1 (Rdd1). Daily oscillations in Rdd1 expression were retained after transferring to continuous dark (DD) or light (LL) conditions, indicating circadian regulation. However, Rdd1 showed arrhythmic expression in etiolated coleoptiles. Experiments revealed that the Rdd1 transcript accumulated up to 1 h after transferring from DD to LL conditions and decreased thereafter. We examined Rdd1 expression using phytochrome (phy)‐deficient mutants, and the results showed that phyA and most likely phyB contributed to the regulation of Rdd1 expression. To further examine the role of Rdd1, transgenic rice plants were produced that carried Rdd1 in either a sense (RDD1‐S) or antisense (RDD1‐AS) orientation, driven by a constitutive promoter. The expression of endogenous Rdd1 in response to far‐red light was found to be modified in RDD1‐AS plants compared with wild‐type (WT) or RDD1‐S plants. In addition, RDD1‐AS plants were smaller and flowered later than WT or RDD1‐S plants; decreases in grain length, width and 1000‐grain weight were also recorded. This study demonstrates that Rdd1 is a circadian clock and phy‐regulated gene, which is associated with grain size in rice.
Arabidopsis NF‐YB subunits LEC1 and LEC1‐LIKE activate transcription by interacting with seed‐specific ABRE‐binding factors
Authors: Yamamoto Akiko , Kagaya Yasuaki , Toyoshima Ryoko , Kagaya Michiko , Takeda Shin , Hattori Tsukaho
Published: February 2009

LEAFY COTYLEDON 1 (LEC1) plays vital roles in the regulation of seed maturation in Arabidopsis. LEC1 encodes a homolog of yeast HAP3 or mammalian NF‐YB/CBF‐A subunit of trimeric CCAAT binding factor (CBF). Among the nine paralogs of NF‐YB in Arabidopsis, LEC1‐LIKE (L1L) is most closely related to LEC1, and can complement the lec1 mutation when expressed under the control of the LEC1 promoter. Although the nature of the B3‐type seed maturation regulators as transcription factors have been investigated, knowledge of the molecular action of LEC1 is limited. When co‐expressed with NF‐YC2 in the presence of ABA, we found that LEC1 or L1L, but not other NF‐YBs, activated the promoter of CRUCIFERIN C (CRC), which encodes a seed storage protein. However, additional expression of an NF‐YA subunit interfered with the activation. The LEC1/L1L‐[NF‐YC2] activation depended on ABA‐response elements present in the promoter, which led to the finding that LEC1/L1L‐[NF‐YC2] can strongly activate the CRC promoter in the absence of ABA when co‐expressed with a seed‐specific ABA‐response element (ABRE)‐binding factor, bZIP67. Functional coupling of LEC1/L1L‐[AtNF‐YC2] and bZIP67 was also observed in the regulation of sucrose synthase 2 (SUS2). Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that L1L and bZIP67 formed a protein complex in vivo. These results demonstrate a novel plant‐specific mechanism for NF‐Y subunit function that enables LEC1 and L1L to regulate a defined developmental network.
Rice OPEN BEAK is a negative regulator of class 1 knox genes and a positive regulator of class B floral homeotic gene
Authors: Horigome Ayako , Nagasawa Nobuhiro , Ikeda Kyoko , Ito Momoyo , Itoh Jun‐Ichi , Nagato Yasuo
Published: February 2009

Numerous genes are involved in the regulation of plant development, including those that regulate floral homeotic genes, We identified two recessive allelic rice mutants, open beak‐1 (opb‐1) and opb‐2, which exhibited pleiotropic defects in leaf morphogenesis, inflorescence architecture, and floral organ identity. Abnormal cell proliferation was observed in the leaves and spikelets, and ectopic or overexpression of several class 1 knox genes was detected; thus, the abnormal cell proliferation in opb mutants is probably caused by ectopic class 1 knox gene expression. The opb mutants also had defects in floral organ identity, resulting in the development of mosaic organs, including gluminous lodicules, staminoid lodicules, and pistiloid stamens. These results, together with the reduced expression of a class B gene, indicate that OPB positively regulates the expression of class B genes. Map‐based cloning revealed that OPB encodes a transcription factor that is orthologous to the Arabidopsis JAGGED gene and is expressed in leaf primordia, inflorescence meristem, rachis branch meristems, floral meristem, and floral organ primordia. Taken together, our data suggest that the OPB gene affects cellular proliferation and floral organ identity through the regulation of class 1 knox genes and floral homeotic genes.
Liver transplantation in a patient with propionic acidemia requiring extra corporeal membrane oxygenation during severe metabolic decompensation
Authors: Sato Shuichi , Kasahara Mureo , Fukuda Akinari , Mizuguchi Koichi , Nakagawa Satoshi , Muguruma Takashi , Saito Osamu , Karaki Chiaki , Nakagawa Atsuko , Yoshii Keisuke , Horikawa Reiko
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  LDLT is an effective treatment modality in patients with congenial metabolic liver disease. PA is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency in propionyl‐CoA carboxylase. The present study demonstrates a two‐yr‐old girl with PA who was admitted for metabolic decompensation and immediately treated with CHD and protein intake restriction at 46 days of age. Two yr later, the patient was readmitted for severe metabolic decompensation with complete atrioventricular block and ventricular fibrillation. CHDF and ECMO were indicated because of progressive metabolic and cardiac deterioration. After full recovery of the ejection fraction, planned LDLT was performed to prevent further metabolic decompensation and fatal cardiac insufficiency. No significant events occurred after the operation and the condition of the patient is stable with continued protein restriction and carnitine supplementation.
The mode of interaction between Vitis and Plasmopara viticola Berk. & Curt. Ex de Bary depends on the host species
Authors: Jürges G. , Kassemeyer H.‐H. , Dürrenberger M. , Düggelin M. , Nick P.
Published: February 2009

In order to obtain insight into host responses to grapevine downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), we compared pathogen development on a panel of Vitis species from North America, Asia and Europe. Leaf discs from different host species were inoculated in parallel, and the colonisation of the mesophyll was visualised by aniline blue staining and quantified with respect to infection incidence and mycelial growth. In parallel, the morphology of guard cells was screened for the presence of an internal cuticular rim after staining with acridine orange and using low‐temperature scanning electron microscopy. We observed three response patterns: (i) inhibition of pathogen development early after attachment of zoospores; (ii) successful colonisation of the mesophyll by the pathogen; and (iii) aberrant development, where the pathogen does not attach to guard cells, but produces hyphae on the leaf surface without formation of viable sporangiophores. Inhibition is observed in the North American and Siberian species, successful colonisation prevails in the European hosts, and surface hyphae are found on non‐Siberian Asiatic species. We propose that the interaction between host and pathogen is under control of specific signals that have been subject to evolutionary diversification.
Exogenous Glycinebetaine and Salicylic Acid Application Improves Water Relations, Allometry and Quality of Hybrid Sunflower under Water Deficit Conditions
Authors: Hussain M. , Malik M. A. , Farooq M. , Khan M. B. , Akram M. , Saleem M. F.
Published: February 2009

Limited water availability hampers the sustainability of crop production. Exogenous application of glycinebetaine (GB) and salicylic acid (SA) has been found very effective in reducing the adverse effects of water scarcity. This study was conducted to examine the possible role of exogenous GB and SA application in improving the growth and water relations of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under different irrigation regimes. There were three levels of irrigation, viz. control (normal irrigations), water stress at budding stage (irrigation missing at budding stage) and water stress at flowering stage (FS) (irrigation missing at FS). GB and SA were applied exogenously at 100 and 0.724 mm respectively, each at the budding and FS. Control plants did not receive application of GB and SA. Water stress reduced the leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (LAD), crop growth rate (CGR), leaf relative water contents, water potential, osmotic potential, turgor pressure, achene yield and water use efficiency. Nevertheless, exogenous GB and SA application appreciably improved these attributes under water stress. However, exogenous GB application at the FS was more effective than other treatments. Net assimilation rate was not affected by water stress as well as application of GB and SA. The protein contents were considerably increased by water stress at different growth stages, but were reduced by exogenous GB and SA application. The effects of water stress and foliar application of GB were more pronounced when applied at FS than at the budding stage. Moreover, exogenous GB application was only advantageous under stress conditions.
Potato virus Y Strain Spectrum in New Zealand – Absence of Recombinant N:O Strains
Authors: Fomitcheva Victoria W. , Fletcher John D. , Schubert Joerg
Published: February 2009

Potato virus Y (PVY) is a serious plant pathogen, causing severe yield losses worldwide on members of the Solanaceae, including potato, pepper, tomato and tobacco. During the last two decades new virus strains have been detected, including those representing recombinants between N‐ and O‐strains, now designated PVYNTN and PVYN‐Wilga, respectively. The question of whether recombination is easily induced in nature by mixed infections of potato might be answered by an investigation of strains appearing under isolated conditions such as those in New Zealand. More than 30 PVY isolates collected during the last 20 years were characterized biologically, serologically and using molecular biological approaches. The New Zealand population of PVY isolates was mainly composed of PVYN and PVYO. To date no recombinant strains have been found among the isolates tested. Similarly, experiments performed with these isolates on potatoes under greenhouse conditions with mixed infection PVYN/PVYO did not result in signs of recombination. This raises the question as to the driving force for the appearance of recombinant strains. It also demonstrates the efficacy of plant quarantine measures in New Zealand over the past 20 years.
Completion of the Nucleotide Sequence of a Brazilian Isolate of Southern bean mosaic virus
Authors: Ozato Júnior Tadaiti , Gaspar José Osmar , Belintani Priscila
Published: February 2009

The sequence of the central part (ORF2) of a Brazilian isolate of Southern bean mosaic virus (SBMVSP) is described. This ORF is 2888 nt long and together with the previously‐sequenced 5′ and 3′ ends provides the complete nucleotide sequence of this virus isolate. The SBMVSP RNA encodes four overlapping open reading frames (ORF1, ORF2a, ORF2b, ORF4) and has a genome organization similar to that of the Cocksfoot mottle sobemovirus.
Infection Potential of Hairy Nightshade (Solanum sarrachoides) by Phytophthora infestans and Late Blight Implications of the Alternate Host
Authors: Olanya Ocen M. , Plant Andrew B. , Larkin Robert P. , Honeycutt Charles W.
Published: February 2009

Infection of hairy nightshade (Solanum sarrachoides Sendt.) by Phytophthora infestans has been reported. However, the epidemiological significance of hairy nightshade to potato late blight is not well known. Disease development and infection rates of P. infestans were quantified on hairy nightshade relative to tomato (cv. Brandywine) and potato (cv. Shepody) hosts to evaluate infection potential at 14, 18, 22 and 26°C and 72, 82, 87, and 92% relative humidity (RH). The susceptibility of hairy nightshade to inoculum levels, weed ontogeny, and sporangia production potential were also investigated. Late blight development varied among hairy nightshade, tomato and potato hosts. Pathogen infection rates ranged from 0.0325 to 0.4674 gompits/day (unit for quantifying infection rates), and were significantly (P < 0.05) greater on potato and tomato than on hairy nightshade. Late blight severity was variably affected by RH. Disease levels on hairy nightshade varied with inoculum load; and ranged from 9 to 26% and 26 to 37% at low (5 × 103) and high (25 × 103) sporangia concentrations, respectively. Late blight was recorded irrespective of hairy nightshade ontogeny, and was significantly greater on 8–10 than 4–6‐week‐old plants. These results indicate that pathogen, environmental and host factors affect late blight development on hairy nightshade.
Four‐country surveillance of intestinal intussusception and diarrhoea in children
Authors: Awasthi Shally , Agarwal Girdhar G , Mishra Vikas , Nag Vijay Laxmi , El Sayed Hesham Fathey , Da Cunha Antonio Jose Ledo , Madeiro Alvaro , Jain Dipty , Macharia William M , Ndung'u James , Awasthi Saumya , Wakhlu Ashish
Published: February 2009

Aim:  Establishment of baseline epidemiology of intussusception in developing countries has become a necessity with the possibility of reintroduction of rotavirus vaccine. The current study assessed the seasonal trend in cases admitted with intussusceptions and dehydrating acute watery diarrhoea in children aged 2 months to 10 years.

Methods:  In a prospective surveillance study, teaching and research hospital sites in India (Lucknow and Nagpur), Brazil (Fortazela), Egypt (Ismailia) and Kenya (Nairobi) established a surveillance where a network of hospitals with surgical facilities catered to a reference population of about 1–2 million for reporting of intussusception. One large hospital per site also recruited admitted cases of acute watery diarrhoea.

Results:  From April 2004 to March 2006, 173 and 2346 cases of intussusception and diarrhoea, respectively, were recruited. Cases of intussusception had no apparent seasonality. Most cases of intussusception (61.3%) (107/173) were in the ≤1 year age group, with males comprising 68.8% (119/173) of all cases. Hospital mortality of intussusception was 4.2% (4/96). Cases of diarrhoea peaked in March, with 56.6% (1328/2346) of admitted cases being males. Majority (83.1%) of cases of diarrhoea had received antibiotics, and the hospital mortality was 0.8% (18/2280).

Conclusion:  Intussusception in the four participating countries exhibited no seasonal trend. We found that it is feasible to establish a surveillance network for intussusception in developing countries. Future efforts must define population base before the introduction of rotavirus vaccine and continue for some years thereafter.
Ventilator‐associated pneumonia in a paediatric intensive care unit in a developing country with high HIV prevalence
Authors: Morrow Brenda M , Argent Andrew C
Published: February 2009

Aim:  To obtain preliminary prevalence, aetiological and outcome data on South African paediatric patients with ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP).

Methods:  Non‐bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens taken between January 2004 and September 2005 were prospectively recorded and related clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. VAP was defined as a new isolate on BAL and a modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score ≥5.

Results:  A total of 230 patients aged 3.9 (2.2–9.1) months (median interquartile range (IQR) ) underwent 309 BALs during 244 paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions. Most patients (84%) were admitted with acute infectious diseases, with a 70% incidence of comorbidity. Thirty‐three patients (14.3%) were HIV‐exposed but uninfected and 58 (25.2%) were HIV‐infected.

Of 172 BALs taken ≥48 h after intubation, 63 specimens from 55 patients fulfilled VAP criteria. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most common VAP pathogen, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, viruses, yeasts and Staphylococcus aureus.

Patients who developed VAP had a higher proportion of comorbid conditions (76% vs. 55%, P= 0.01) and reintubations (39% vs. 12%, P < 0.0001) when compared with non‐VAP patients. Median (IQR) length of PICU stay was 12.5 (5–21) days versus 8 (5–14) days (P= 0.03); and the risk adjusted PICU mortality was 1.38 versus 0.79 (P= 0.002) in VAP versus non‐VAP patients, respectively.

Conclusions:  VAP is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and may relate to the high incidence of comorbid conditions in this population. Primary VAP pathogens differ from developed countries.
Pilot evaluation of an early intervention programme for children at risk
Authors: Gwynne Kerry , Blick Bijou A , Duffy Gabrielle M
Published: February 2009

Aim:  Children from vulnerable families, where there is social disadvantage, parental mental health problems, substance abuse or domestic violence, are at risk of attention, language, learning and behaviour problems because of poor attachment and lack of stimulation in the early years. Three primary modes of early intervention have been shown to produce sustained improvements in children's health, education and well‐being despite these risk factors. This pilot aimed to evaluate the Spilstead Model (SM) of early intervention in Australia, which provides a uniquely integrated model of centre‐based care, incorporating all three best‐practice approaches.

Method:  The study targeted all new clients who attended the SM programme over a 12‐month period. A battery of standardised clinician and parent‐rated measures assessed parent, child and family functioning via pre‐post test research design.

Results:  Results indicated large effect size changes (P < 0.01) in parent/child interaction; reduced parent stress; parental satisfaction; parent confidence; parental capacity; family interactions; child well‐being; and total family functioning. A total of 71% of children who presented on initial developmental screening with delays in the clinical range were found to be within the normal range on post‐testing; 41% moved from the below average range to scores within the normal range in language development. Parents noted improvements in externalising behaviours of large effect size (1.46).

Conclusions:  (i) Results were highly positive for both children and parents; (ii) the synergistic nature of the SM may have the potential to maximise outcomes for families via a cumulative programme effect; and (iii) implications for further research were established.
Prevalence and predictors of immunization in a health insurance plan in a developing country
Authors: Sinno Durriyah D. , Shoaib Hikma A. , Musharrafieh Umayyah M. , Hamadeh Ghassan N.
Published: February 2009

Background:  The aim of the present study was to describe rates and predictors of compliance with immunization schedule among children enrolled in the Health Insurance Plan of the American University of Beirut.

Methods:  Charts were reviewed for 774 children, and 154 parents underwent a randomly selected sample survey of demographic characteristics, parental behavior and attitudes, and health‐care system variables.

Results:  The overall compliance rate was 49.9%. By age 4 years, 54.6% of children had taken the required vaccines on time. A total of 86% of parents whose children were non‐compliant had recall bias. Age of the child (older), incorrect parental perception of immunization status, mother’s low education, and use of other health‐care facility, were associated with non‐compliance.

Conclusions:  Health education about vaccines should be promoted, with an emphasis on high‐risk groups. Recall systems and other tools to increase immunization coverage may have an effective role, but in developing countries, aspects such as wide availability of computers and addresses need to be secured before such implementation.
Relationship between body image and lifestyle factors in Japanese adolescent girls
Authors: Mori Kyoko , Sekine Michikazu , Yamagami Takashi , Kagamimori Sadanobu
Published: February 2009

Background:  Body image, defined here as an inaccurate perception of personal bodyweight, plays a significant role in the development of obesity, eating problems and eating disorders. Certain lifestyle factors may influence an individual’s body image, but current knowledge is based mainly on studies in Western populations.

Methods:  The associations between body image and lifestyle factors were investigated in samples of the Japanese female adolescent population.

Results:  Respondents who reported that they ate meals slowly (odds ratio [OR] 1.81, P < 0.001) or only consumed small amounts of food (OR 3.17, P < 0.001) were more likely to underestimate their body image, as determined by their body mass index, than eaters who had average behavior for this age group. Individuals who reported eating faster (OR 1.47, P < 0.001) or consuming large amounts (OR 1.67, P < 0.001); those who do not eat breakfast on a daily basis (OR 1.35, P = 0.006); those who go to bed later than the average time for this age group (OR 1.38, P < 0.001) or sleep <7 h (OR 1.40, P < 0.001) and those individuals who rarely exercise (OR 1.27, P = 0.03) were more likely to overestimate their body image, as determined by BMI, compared with those who had average eating, sleeping and exercise behaviors for this age group.

Conclusions:  Variation from the norm in eating, sleeping and exercise behaviors showed a relationship with a distorted perception of body image in Japanese adolescent girls. These findings are of potential importance in understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in the development of body image and for exploring interventional approaches.