bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alveolar macrophage-epithelial cell interaction following exposure to atmospheric particles induces the release of mediators involved in monocyte mobilization and recruitment
Authors: Ishii Hiroshi , Hayashi Shizu , Hogg James C , Fujii Takeshi , Goto Yukinobu , Sakamoto Noriho , Mukae Hiroshi , Vincent Renaud , van Eeden Stephan F
Published: August 2005

Background

Studies from our laboratory have shown that human alveolar macrophages (AM) and bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) exposed to ambient particles (PM10)in vitroincrease their production of inflammatory mediators and that supernatants from PM10-exposed cells shorten the transit time of monocytes through the bone marrow and promote their release into the circulation.

Methods

The present study concerns co-culture of AM and HBEC exposed to PM10(EHC-93) and the production of mediators involved in monocyte kinetics measured at both the mRNA and protein levels. The experiments were also designed to determine the role of the adhesive interaction between these cells via the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in the production of these mediators.

Results

AM/HBEC co-cultures exposed to 100 μg/ml of PM10for 2 or 24 h increased their levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), M-CSF, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, interleukin (IL)-6 and ICAM-1 mRNA, compared to exposed AM or HBEC mono-cultures, or control non-exposed co-cultures. The levels of GM-CSF, M-CSF, MIP-1β and IL-6 increased in co-cultured supernatants collected after 24 h exposure compared to control cells (p < 0.05). There was synergy between AM and HBEC in the production of GM-CSF, MIP-1β and IL-6. But neither pretreatment of HBEC with blocking antibodies against ICAM-1 nor cross-linking of ICAM-1 on HBEC blocked the PM10-induced increase in co-culture mRNA expression.

Conclusion

We conclude that an ICAM-1 independent interaction between AM and HBEC, lung cells that process inhaled particles, increases the production and release of mediators that enhance bone marrow turnover of monocytes and their recruitment into tissues. We speculate that this interaction amplifies PM10-induced lung inflammation and contributes to both the pulmonary and systemic morbidity associated with exposure to air pollution.
Combined prime-boost vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) using a recombinant vaccinia virus and a bacterial plasmid both expressing TBE virus non-structural NS1 protein
Authors: Aleshin SE , Timofeev AV , Khoretonenko MV , Zakharova LG , Pashvykina GV , Stephenson JR , Shneider AM , Altstein AD
Published: August 2005

Background

Heterologous prime-boost immunization protocols using different gene expression systems have proven to be successful tools in protecting against various diseases in experimental animal models. The main reason for using this approach is to exploit the ability of expression cassettes to prime or boost the immune system in different ways during vaccination procedures. The purpose of the project was to study the ability of recombinant vaccinia virus (VV) and bacterial plasmid, both carrying the NS1 gene from tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus under the control of different promoters, to protect mice against lethal challenge using a heterologous prime-boost vaccination protocol.

Results

The heterologous prime-boost vaccination protocol, using a VV recombinant and bacterial plasmid, both containing the NS1 TBE virus protein gene under the control of different promoters, achieved a high level of protection in mice against lethal challenge with a highly pathogenic TBE virus strain. No signs of pronounced TBE infection were detected in the surviving animals.

Conclusion

Heterologous prime-boost vaccination protocols using recombinant VV and bacterial plasmids could be used for the development of flavivirus vaccines.
Echolocation calls and communication calls are controlled differentially in the brainstem of the bat Phyllostomus discolor
Authors: Fenzl Thomas , Schuller Gerd
Published: August 2005

Background

Echolocating bats emit vocalizations that can be classified either as echolocation calls or communication calls. Neural control of both types of calls must govern the same pool of motoneurons responsible for vocalizations. Electrical microstimulation in the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) elicits both communication and echolocation calls, whereas stimulation of the paralemniscal area (PLA) induces only echolocation calls. In both the PAG and the PLA, the current thresholds for triggering natural vocalizations do not habituate to stimuli and remain low even for long stimulation periods, indicating that these structures have relative direct access to the final common pathway for vocalization. This study intended to clarify whether echolocation calls and communication calls are controlled differentially below the level of the PAG via separate vocal pathways before converging on the motoneurons used in vocalization.

Results

Both structures were probed simultaneously in a single experimental approach. Two stimulation electrodes were chronically implanted within the PAG in order to elicit either echolocation or communication calls. Blockade of the ipsilateral PLA site with iontophoretically application of the glutamate antagonist kynurenic acid did not impede either echolocation or communication calls elicited from the PAG. However, blockade of the contralateral PLA suppresses PAG-elicited echolocation calls but not communication calls. In both cases the blockade was reversible.

Conclusion

The neural control of echolocation and communication calls seems to be differentially organized below the level of the PAG. The PLA is an essential functional unit for echolocation call control before the descending pathways share again the final common pathway for vocalization.
Fractional Langevin model of gait variability
Authors: West Bruce J , Latka Miroslaw
Published: August 2005

The stride interval in healthy human gait fluctuates from step to step in a random manner and scaling of the interstride interval time series motivated previous investigators to conclude that this time series is fractal. Early studies suggested that gait is a monofractal process, but more recent work indicates the time series is weakly multifractal. Herein we present additional evidence for the weakly multifractal nature of gait. We use the stride interval time series obtained from ten healthy adults walking at a normal relaxed pace for approximately fifteen minutes each as our data set. A fractional Langevin equation is constructed to model the underlying motor control system in which the order of the fractional derivative is itself a stochastic quantity. Using this model we find the fractal dimension for each of the ten data sets to be in agreement with earlier analyses. However, with the present model we are able to draw additional conclusions regarding the nature of the control system guiding walking. The analysis presented herein suggests that the observed scaling in interstride interval data may not be due to long-term memory alone, but may, in fact, be due partly to the statistics.
Phase I Trial of Recombinant Immunotoxin RFB4(dsFv)-PE38 (BL22) in Patients With B-Cell Malignancies
Authors: Kreitman Robert J. , Squires David R. , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Noel Pierre , FitzGerald David J.P. , Wilson Wyndham H. , Pastan Ira
Published: August 2005

Purpose

To conduct a phase I trial of recombinant immunotoxin BL22, an anti-CD22 Fv fragment fused to truncated Pseudomonas exotoxin.

Patients and Methods

Forty-six pretreated patients with CD22+ non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL; n = 4), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL; n = 11), and hairy cell leukemia (HCL; n = 31) received 265 cycles at 3 to 50 μg/Kg every other day × 3 doses.

Results

BL22 was active in HCL, with 19 complete remissions (CRs; 61%) and six partial responses (PRs; 19%) in 31 patients. Of 19 CRs, 11 were achieved after one cycle and eight after two to 14 cycles. All 25 responders benefited clinically with one cycle. The CR rate was 86% in patients enrolled at ≥ 40 μg/Kg every other day × 3, and 41% at lower doses (P = .011). The median duration for CR was 36 months (range, 5 to 66 months), and eight patients remain in CR at 45 months (range, 29 to 66 months). Lower but significant activity occurred in CLL. Neutralizing antibodies occurred in 11 (24%) of 46 patients (all HCL). A reversible hemolytic uremic syndrome requiring plasmapheresis was observed in one patient with NHL during cycle 1 and in four patients with HCL during cycle 2 or 3. The maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) evaluated at cycle 1 was 40 μg/Kg IV. QOD × 3. The most common toxicities at 30 to 50 μg/Kg every other day × 3 included hypoalbuminemia, transaminase elevations, fatigue, and edema.

Conclusion

BL22 was well tolerated and highly effective in HCL, even after one cycle. Phase II testing is underway to define the efficacy with one cycle and to study safety when additional cycles are needed for optimal response.
Montelukast, Compared With Fluticasone, for Control of Asthma Among 6- to 14-Year-Old Patients With Mild Asthma: The MOSAIC Study
Authors: Garcia Garcia M. Luz , Wahn Ulrich , Gilles Leen , Swern Arlene , Tozzi Carol A. , Polos Peter
Published: August 2005

Background. Guidelines recommend daily controller therapy for mild persistent asthma. Montelukast has demonstrated consistent benefit in controlling symptoms of asthma and may be an alternative, orally administered, nonsteroidal agent for treating mild asthma.

Methods. The Montelukast Study of Asthma in Children (MOSAIC study) was a 12-month, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, noninferiority trial to determine the effect of once-daily, orally administered montelukast (5 mg) (n = 495), compared with twice-daily, inhaled fluticasone (100 μg) (n = 499), on the percentage of asthma rescue-free days (RFDs) (any day without asthma rescue medication and with no asthma-related resource use). Patients 6 to 14 years of age had mild persistent asthma (average percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second: 87.2%; RFDs at baseline: 64%). Montelukast would be considered not inferior to fluticasone if the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for the difference in mean percentages of RFDs (fluticasone minus montelukast) was above −7% (a difference of ∼2 days/month).

Results. The mean percentage of RFDs was 84.0% in the montelukast group and 86.7% in the fluticasone group. The least-squares mean difference was −2.8% (95% confidence interval: −4.7% to −0.9%), within the noninferiority limit of −7%. The proportion of patients requiring systemic corticosteroids and the number of patients with an asthma attack were greater in the montelukast group. Both montelukast and fluticasone were well tolerated.

Conclusions. Montelukast was demonstrated to be not inferior to fluticasone in increasing the percentage of RFDs among 6- to 14-year-old patients with mild asthma. Secondary end points, including percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second value, days with β-receptor agonist use, and quality of life, improved in both groups but were significantly better in the fluticasone treatment group.
Deaths From Residential Injuries in US Children and Adolescents, 1985–1997
Authors: Nagaraja Jyothi , Menkedick John , Phelan Kieran J. , Ashley Peter , Zhang Xiaoling , Lanphear Bruce P.
Published: August 2005

Objective. The majority of deaths from unintentional injuries in children occur in the home environment, but there has not been a comprehensive analysis of residential deaths in the United States since 1985. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and trends of deaths from injuries that occurred in the residential setting.

Methods. Injury-related death rates of all deaths among US children and adolescents who were younger than 20 years from 1985 to 1997 were calculated using National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data from 1985 to 1997 by age group, gender, region, and race. Poisson regression or negative binomial regression was used to test for trends over time in mortality rates.

Results. From 1985 to 1997, an average of 2822 (55%) of 5103 annual unintentional deaths in US children with a known location of injury took place in the home environment. The annual number and incidence of fatal residential injuries decreased by >22%, from 2973 (4.2 per 100000) in 1985 to 2310 (3.0 per 100000) in 1997. The death rate as a result of residential injury was highest in children who were younger than 1 year (12.6 per 100000) and 1 to 4 years (7.9 per 100000) compared with older children, boys compared with girls (4.9 vs 2.8 per 100000), and black children compared with white children (7.0 vs 3.3 per 100000). The highest death rates were attributable to fires (1.5 per 100000), submersion or suffocation (1.3 per 100000), poisoning (0.2 per 100000), and falls (0.1 per 100000).

Conclusions. Despite a 22% decline since 1985, residential injuries remain a leading cause of death in US children and adolescents. Black children were 2 times more likely to die from residential injuries than white children.
Effect of Obesity and High Blood Pressure on Plasma Lipid Levels in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Boyd Gillian S. , Koenigsberg Joanna , Falkner Bonita , Gidding Samuel , Hassink Sandra
Published: August 2005

Objective. To examine the extent of blood lipid abnormalities in overweight children and to determine whether the prevalence of dyslipidemia is different in overweight children with elevated blood pressure (BP) compared with overweight children with normal BP (NBP).

Methods. A retrospective, case-control study on 497 patients 2 to 18 years of age at the Nemours Weight Management Clinic of duPont Hospital for Children was conducted to compare the prevalence of abnormal plasma lipid levels in overweight children with high BP with overweight children with NBP.

Results. Elevated BP was detected in 34.7% of the sample; 27.9% had prehypertension (pre-HTN), and 6.8% had HTN. The rates of abnormal plasma lipid levels were high among overweight children with both NBP and HTN. Significantly more boys with high BP had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with boys with NBP (49.4% vs 27.6%). Significantly more severely obese boys had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with moderately obese boys (40.3% vs 29.3%). The prevalence of elevated BP was much greater in severely obese boys and girls (46.5% and 39%) than moderately obese boys and girls (28.1% and 23.1%).

Conclusions. The high prevalence of dyslipidemia found in this overweight sample supports recent recommendations to collect plasma lipid levels in not only overweight children with BP ≥90th percentile but also in all overweight children.
Randomized Trial of Donor Human Milk Versus Preterm Formula as Substitutes for Mothers' Own Milk in the Feeding of Extremely Premature Infants
Authors: Schanler Richard J. , Lau Chantal , Hurst Nancy M. , Smith Elliot O'Brian
Published: August 2005

Objective. Compared with preterm formula (PF), mother's milk (MM) is associated with lower rates of late-onset sepsis (LOS) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among premature infants. Because not all mothers of premature infants produce sufficient milk to supply their infants throughout hospitalization, we reasoned that pasteurized donor human milk (DM) would be a suitable alternative.

Methods. Extremely premature infants (<30 weeks of gestation) whose mothers intended to breastfeed were assigned randomly to receive either pasteurized DM or PF if the supply of their own MM became insufficient during the study (birth to 90 days of age or hospital discharge). Infection-related events (LOS, NEC, meningitis, presumed sepsis, or urinary tract infection) that occurred after the attainment of a milk intake of 50 mL/kg, dietary intake, growth, skin-to-skin contact, and duration of hospital stay were compared. The primary analysis compared groups DM and PF on an intent-to-treat basis. If no differences were noted, then these groups were combined and compared with the reference group, group MM. If differences were noted, then the subsequent analyses compared each group with group MM.

Results. Of 243 infants, 70 (29%) received only MM; group DM included 81 infants and group PF included 92 infants. Because of poor weight gain, 17 infants (21%), all in group DM, were switched to PF. There were no differences in birth weight, gestational age, multiple births, and age at attainment of feeding of 50 mL/kg among groups. There were no differences between group DM and group PF in LOS and/or NEC, other infection-related events, hospital stay, or number of deaths. Group DM received a greater intake of milk and more nutritional supplements but had a slower rate of weight gain, compared with group PF. Compared with groups DM and PF, group MM had fewer episodes of LOS and/or NEC and total infection-related events and a shorter duration of hospital stay. Group MM also had fewer Gram-negative organisms isolated from blood cultures than did the other groups.

Conclusions. In this randomized, blinded trial of feeding of extremely premature infants, we found that, as a substitute for MM, DM offered little observed short-term advantage over PF for feeding extremely premature infants. Advantages to an exclusive diet of MM were observed in terms of fewer infection-related events and shorter hospital stays.
Smoking During Pregnancy and the Risk for Hyperkinetic Disorder in Offspring
Authors: Linnet Karen Markussen , Wisborg Kirsten , Obel Carsten , Secher Niels Jørgen , Thomsen Per Hove , Agerbo Esben , Henriksen Tine Brink
Published: August 2005

Objective. Maternal smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk for behavioral disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between smoking during pregnancy and hyperkinetic and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in the offspring in a large population-based study.

Methods. This study was designed as a nested case-control study. Data were obtained from Danish longitudinal registers and included 170 children with hyperkinetic disorder and 3765 population-based control subjects, who were matched by age, gender, and date of birth. Potential confounders, including newborn characteristics, socioeconomic status, and family history of psychiatric illnesses, were evaluated by conditional logistic regression analyses.

Results. Women who smoked during pregnancy had a 3-fold increased risk for having offspring with hyperkinetic disorder compared with nonsmokers. Socioeconomic factors and history of mental disorder in the parents or siblings seemed to confound the result to some extent (adjusted relative risk: 1.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–2.8). Adjustment for parental age or exclusion of children with low birth weight (<2500 g), preterm delivery (<37 weeks completed gestation), and Apgar scores <7 at 5 minutes revealed no changes in the results. Also, excluding children with conduct disorders or comorbid disorders revealed no change in the results.

Conclusions. Our results showed an increased risk for hyperkinetic disorder in children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy. This could not be explained by newborn characteristics, parental socioeconomic status, family history of psychiatric hospitalizations or contact as outpatients, conduct disorders, or comorbidity.
Preterm Infants With Congenital Heart Disease and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Postoperative Course and Outcome After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: McMahon Colin J. , Penny Daniel J. , Nelson David P. , Ades Anne M. , Al Maskary Salim , Speer Michael , Katkin Julie , McKenzie E. Dean , Fraser Charles D. , Chang Anthony C.
Published: August 2005

Objective. Success in treatment of premature infants has resulted in increased numbers of neonates who have bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and require surgical palliation or repair of congenital heart disease (CHD). We sought to investigate the impact of BPD on children with CHD after heart surgery.

Methods. This was a retrospective, multicenter study of patients who had BPD, defined as being oxygen dependent at 28 days of age with radiographic changes, and CHD and had cardiac surgery (excluding arterial duct ligation) between January 1991 and January 2002. Forty-three infants underwent a total of 52 cardiac operations. The median gestational age at birth was 28 weeks (range: 23–35 weeks), birth weight was 1460 g (range: 431–2500 g), and age at surgery was 2.7 months (range: 1.0–11.6 months). Diagnoses included left-to-right shunts (n = 15), conotruncal abnormalities (n = 13), arch obstruction (n = 6), univentricular hearts (n = 4), semilunar valve obstruction (n = 3), Shone syndrome (n = 1), and cor triatriatum (n = 1).

Results. Thirty-day survival was 84% with 6 early and 6 late postoperative deaths. Survival to hospital discharge was 68%. There was 50% mortality for patients with univentricular hearts and severe BPD. The median duration of preoperative ventilation was 76 days (range: 2–244 days) and of postoperative ventilation was 15 days (range: 1–141 days). The median duration of cardiac ICU stay was 7.5 days (range: 1–30 days) and of hospital stay was 115 days (range: 35–475 days). Current pulmonary status includes on room air (n = 14), O2 at home (n = 4), and ventilated at home (n = 4) or in hospital (n = 4), and 5 patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions. BPD has significant implications for children who have CHD and undergo cardiac surgery, leading to prolonged ICU and hospital stays, although most survivors are not O2 dependent. Postoperative mortality was highest among patients with univentricular hearts and severe BPD. Optimal timing of surgery and strategies to improve outcome remains to be delineated.
Association of Melanin Pigmentation in the Gingiva of Children With Parents Who Smoke
Authors: Hanioka Takashi , Tanaka Keiko , Ojima Miki , Yuuki Kazuo
Published: August 2005

Objective. The association between gingival pigmentation and active smoking has been established. This investigation is the first to address the relationship between gingival pigmentation in children and passive smoking.

Methods. A case-control study was performed involving 59 nonsmoking children who were selected from patient records of a dental clinic in a rural town in Japan. The number of subjects was based on a power calculation. Two calibrated examiners independently observed labial gingiva via oral photographs.

Results. An interview determined that 61% of children had at least 1 smoking parent. Gingival pigmentation was observed in 71% to 78% of children. Interexaminer agreement was satisfactory (κ = 0.73). Percentage of smoking parents was higher in children with gingival pigmentation (70–71%) than in those who lacked pigmentation (35%). Odds ratios of parental smoking adjusted by age and gender were 5.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.5–20.0) and 5.4 (1.4–21.2) for the 2 examiners.

Conclusion. These findings suggest that excessive pigmentation in the gingiva of children is associated with passive smoking. The visible pigmentation effect in gingiva of children could be useful in terms of parental education.
Childhood Lead Poisoning in 2 Families Associated With Spices Used in Food Preparation
Authors: Woolf Alan D. , Woolf Nicholas T.
Published: August 2005

Although most cases of childhood lead poisoning are caused by contaminated paint and dust in older homes, a variety of unusual sources of lead exposure are occasionally found. We report here 2 families whose children were poisoned by lead-contaminated spices that were purchased in foreign countries, brought to the United States, and then used in the preparation of the family’s food. Six children (2–17 years old) in a family from the Republic of Georgia were poisoned by swanuri marili (lead content: 100 and 2040 mg/kg in separately sampled products) and kharchos suneli (zafron) lead content: 23 100 mg/kg) purchased from a street vendor in Tbilisi, Georgia. The second family had purchased a mixture of spices called kozhambu (lead content: 310 mg/kg) while traveling in India. Both the parents and their 2-year-old child subsequently suffered lead poisoning. The young children in both families required short-term chelation to bring their blood lead levels down to a safer range. Clinicians should be vigilant for all sources of lead contamination, including spices, when whole families are found to have elevated blood lead levels despite a confirmed lead-safe home environment. Families traveling abroad should be aware of the potential health risks associated with the purchase and use of spices that have not been tested for purity.
The Evaluation of Sexual Abuse in Children
Authors: Kellogg Nancy ,   and the Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect
Published: August 2005

This clinical report serves to update the statement titled “Guidelines for the Evaluation of Sexual Abuse of Children,” which was first published in 1991 and revised in 1999. The medical assessment of suspected sexual abuse is outlined with respect to obtaining a history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory data. The role of the physician may include determining the need to report sexual abuse; assessment of the physical, emotional, and behavioral consequences of sexual abuse; and coordination with other professionals to provide comprehensive treatment and follow-up of victims.
Classification of Maize Environments Using Crop Simulation and Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Löffler Carlos M. , Wei Jun , Fast Tim , Gogerty Joe , Langton Steve , Bergman Marlin , Merrill Bob , Cooper Mark
Published: August 2005

The effectiveness of a cultivar evaluation system largely depends on the genetic correlation between genotype performance in multienvironment trials (MET) and in the target population of environments (TPE). Previous classifications of maize (Zea mays L.) environments on the basis of climate and soil did not quantify their impact on the genetic correlations among environments. Consequently, plant breeders have favored classifications based on the similarity of cultivar discrimination in trials. However, these efforts frequently fail to provide adequate assessments of the TPE, since they require long‐term performance data, which are not normally collected due to high cost. To describe the TPE, we performed crop simulations for each U.S. Corn Belt Township for the period 1952 through 2002, using standard CERES‐Maize model inputs. To classify METs, input data were collected at or near the trial sites. Grain yield and biotic stress data for model confirmation were collected from 18 hybrids grown in replicated trials in 266 environments in 2000–2002. On the basis of prevailing conditions during key growth stages, and observed patterns of genotype × environment interactions (GEI), six major environment classes (EC) were identified. The relative frequency of each EC varied greatly from year to year and significant hybrid × EC interaction variance was observed. Our environmental classification system provided a useful description of some of the features of both the TPE and MET. Knowledge of the spatial (locations) and temporal (years) distributions of ECs that influence the incidence of GEI can be used to improve cultivar performance predictability in the U.S. Corn Belt TPE.
Defining Subregions and Estimating Benefits for a Specific‐Adaptation Strategy by Breeding Programs: A Case Study
Authors: Annicchiarico Paolo , Bellah Fadila , Chiari Tiberio
Published: August 2005

Producing specific varieties for each subregion of a target region, instead of widely adapted varieties, may exploit positive genotype × location (GL) interactions to increase crop yields. With reference to the Algerian durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) region, as defined in a Geographic Information System (GIS), this study aimed at (i) comparing additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) vs. joint regression modeling of GL effects, (ii) verifying the reliability of a GIS‐based definition of two subregions that extended the site classification on the basis of GL effects as a function of long‐term winter mean temperature in the GIS, and (iii) comparing wide vs. specific adaptation in terms of observed and predicted yield gains (the latter for scenarios of defined and undefined selection locations). Twenty‐four cultivars from international centers, Europe, and North Africa were evaluated across 3 yr in a total of 47 environments by randomized complete block designs with four replications per trial. The AMMI modeling was distinctly superior to joint regression. The AMMI + cluster analysis and pattern analysis classified test locations consistently and in good agreement with the GIS‐based subregion definition. Under the hypothesis of six selection environments assigned to subregions in proportion to their size (three sites in each of two years) for late stage selection, specific adaptation provided 2 to 7% greater gains than wide adaptation over the region at similar costs. The advantage of specific adaptation was much larger (39% determined on the basis of observed gains) for the smaller, stressful inland subregion, where specific adaptation may also enhance food security. Performing earlier specific selection, or adopting distinct genetic bases for each subregion, may further increase the advantage of specific breeding.
Variation for Seedling Root Architecture in the Core Collection of Pea Germplasm
Authors: McPhee Kevin
Published: August 2005

Root growth is an important component of plant growth but has received little attention by plant breeders because of difficulties associated with root observation. Improved root architecture and production are likely to improve pea (Pisum sativum L.) production because they are often grown on marginal land and suffer from increased disease pressure and poor fertility. The objective of this study was to quantify the phenotypic variation in seedling root production among Pisum germplasm and to classify the root architecture observed. Seed of 330 accessions from the core collection of Pisum germplasm were germinated and grown under artificial conditions for 14 d and their root characters analyzed. Root systems were scanned and digitized by the WinRHIZO program. Data collected included taproot length, shoot length, and root and shoot dry weight. Data generated by WinRHIZO included total root length, surface area, average root diameter, and root volume. Taproot length ranged from 181 to 433 mm, while root and shoot dry weight ranged from 6 to 57 mg and 13 to 104 mg, respectively. Total root length ranged from 54 to 399 cm, root surface area ranged from 9 to 75 cm2, and root volume ranged from 0.11 to 1.12 cm3 Seed weight was significantly correlated with all root characters with the exception of taproot length. Shoot and root dry weight were positively correlated with total root length, average root diameter, and root volume. PI 261631, an accession from Spain, produced the greatest total root length, had a root:shoot weight ratio of 0.79, and the largest root volume (1.12 cm3). Plant breeders will be able to use the wide variation for root characters in their crossing and selection programs to modify root traits during cultivar development.
Soybean Yield and Biomass Responses to Increasing Plant Population among Diverse Maturity Groups: II. Light Interception and Utilization
Authors: Edwards Jeffrey T. , Purcell Larry C. , Karcher Douglas E.
Published: August 2005

Previous experiments evaluating soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield responses to increased plant population have primarily emphasized empirical relationships. We hypothesized that the response of soybean yield to increased plant population under well‐watered conditions was governed by the cumulative amount of light intercepted from emergence until late reproductive development. Experiments evaluating maturity group (MG) 00 through VI soybean were sown at 10, 20, 40, 60, or 100 seeds m−2 at Fayetteville, AR, in 2001, 2002, and 2003. Soybean yield and biomass had an asymptotic relationship with cumulative intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (CIPAR) from emergence to the full‐seed (R6) developmental stage. To obtain 90% of asymptotic biomass required 1175 MJ m−2 of CIPAR, whereas to obtain 90% of asymptotic yield required 605 MJ m−2 of CIPAR. The lower CIPAR value necessary for yield as compared to that of biomass was a result of a linear decrease in harvest index (HI) as CIPAR increased. Cultivars that reached R6 in at least 80 d acquired sufficient CIPAR to obtain 90% of the asymptotic yield, but plant populations needed to reach these CIPAR levels were considerably greater than for cultivars that reached at R6 in 95 or more days. By knowing the duration of the period from emergence to R6 for a given MG, we could estimate a plant population that would result in yields that were 90 to 95% of the asymptotic yield. Overall, this research demonstrates that cumulative light interception under well‐watered conditions explains soybean yield responses to plant population among MGs and environments.
Mutations in Soybean Microsomal Omega‐3 Fatty Acid Desaturase Genes Reduce Linolenic Acid Concentration in Soybean Seeds
Authors: Bilyeu Kristin , Palavalli Lavanya , Sleper David , Beuselinck Paul
Published: August 2005

One major locus (Fan) and several minor loci have been shown to contribute to the linolenic acid level in soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] seeds. TheFangene encodes a microsomal omega‐3 fatty acid desaturase (ArabidopsisFAD3 homolog), and soybeans contain threeFAD3genes. The objective of this work was to characterize candidate soybeanFAD3genes from low linolenic acid soybean lines and associate those alleles with the trait. Mutations in two of the three soybeanFAD3genes were identified, and genotypes with the mutant alleles conferred a reduction of over two thirds of the linolenic acid present in the seed. The two mutant genes contributed unequally but additively to the phenotype. The results demonstrated that the mutant genotype can be identified with mutation‐specific molecular markers in the F2generation, and the low linolenic acid trait will be stably inherited in subsequent generations.
Diagnostic and prognostic significance of biomarkers
Authors: Majkic-Singh Nada , Ignjatovic Svetlana , Kovacevic Radmila , Ilic Milica , Lalic Natasa
Published: August 2005

In modern laboratory medicine there is a growing tendency for finding out the most specific and most sensitive biomarkers as indicators of a disease and diagnostic means for the follow-up treatment and therapeutical results. Detection of sensitive biomarkers was speeded up by world companies as manufacturers of diagnostic reagents. Today, the determination of some biochemical parameters is performed by immunodetermination which uses monoclonal antibodies and different markers, and thus achieving the desired high specificity of determination. The selections of biomarkers which are the most important for the clinical practice and which will give the best diagnostic information, requires large researches including analytical clinical and economic properties. Thanks to statistical methods, especially to ROC analysis, the so-called cutoff-values are determined. On the basis of these values differentiation between sick people and healthy individuals is possible. In other words, the evaluation of clinical specificity requires also inclusion of patients whose clinical picture reflects the disease for which a marker is tested. The development and choice of biomarkers is also helped by IFCC with suggestion of the best procedures and preparation of reference materials. The use of selected biomarkers must be profitable in respect of the price and diagnostic information. In the paper the principles of selection, use diagnostic and prognostic significance of biomarkers is discussed. The following biomarkers served as examples: cardiovascular (troponin T and I myoglobin, CK-MB mass), bone (deoxypyridinolin, osteocalcin, Cterminal propeptide collagen, type I, osteo-alkaline-phosphase), malignant (PSA) and for pancreas diseases (lipase, PAM).
The importance of urinary enzymes in diagnostic of tubular damage caused by proteinuria
Authors: Obrenovic Radmila , Petrovic Dejan , Majkic-Singh Nada , Poskurica Mileta , Stojimirovic Biljana
Published: August 2005

Proteinuria causes damage to proximal tubular cells. To investigate the influence of different levels of glomerular proteinuria, we examined 50 patients (24 male and 26 female). Their creatinine clearance (Ccr) was higher than 50 mL/min (87,29"31,17 mL/min). According to the proteinuria range level patients were separated in three groups. The first group, with proteinuria less than 0,3 g/24h, included 19 persons (7 man and 12 woman), mean age 45,12"13,28 years and mean Ccr 94,27"34,70 mL/min. Proteinuria 0,3?3,0 g/24h is the second group characteristic. This group included 18 patients (8 male and 10 female) mean age 45,39"12,64 years, with mean 90,07"31,89 mL/min. Patients with proteinuria higher than 3,0 g/24h were members of third group. Mean age 50,08"13,73 years and mean Ccr 73,25"20,44 mL/min are caracteristics of 13 members (9 male and 4 female) of the third group. Enzymes alkaline phosphatase (AP), g-glutamil transpherase (gGT) and Nacetyl- b-D-glucosaminidase (b-NAG) were used as parameters of tubular damage. Gama-glutamil transpherase is more sensitive parameter of tubular damage then alkaline phosphatase. N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase is the most sensitive parameter of tubular damage due to proteinuria.
Serum lipids in hypothyroid children: effect of disease and levothyroxine replacement therapy
Authors: Radonjic Vesna , Jelic-ivanovic Zorana , Spasic Slavica , Bogavac-Stanojevic Natasa , Spasojevic-Kalimanovska Vesna , Bojovic Bozidar
Published: August 2005

Hypothyroidism is associated with dislipidaemia and an increased risk of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of disease and long-term levothyroxine replacement therapy on serum lipids in hypothyroid children. We measured concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and thyroid-stimulating hormone in serum samples of 58 children with hypothyroidism (before and after therapy) and in 100 healthy controls. LDL-C and TC values were most markedly affected by the hypothyroid state. The values in the patients were on the average of 100% (LDL-C) and 54% (TC) higher than in the healthy controls. This finding is accordance with the known fact that LDL clearance is slower in hypothyroidism. TG concentrations were slightly higher (p<0.05) and HDL-C lower (p<0.02), but only in some age groups of patients. The effect of long-term L-T4 replacement on LDL-C and TC was quantitatively most pronounced. The values obtained in patients after therapy were markedly lower than before therapy and did not differ significantly from the values found in the corresponding age groups of healthy children. Significantly lower concentrations of HDL-C and TG after L-T4 administration were found only in children aged from 10 to 15 years. When we compared the lipid-lowering effect of L-T4 replacement therapy in normometabolic versus hypometabolic patients, we obtained a significantly greater effect on TC and LDL-C values in the normometabolic than in hypometabolic group (p<0.01). TC and LDL-C concentrations obtained in the L-T4 treated patients correlated well with the corresponding TSH levels (r = 0.770 and 0.725, respectively).
The effect of ovariectomy on thyroid c cells of adult rats
Authors: Filipovic Branko , Sosic-Jurjevic Branka , Manojlovic-Stojanoski Milica , Nestorovic Natasa , Milosevic Verica , Sekulic Milka
Published: August 2005

The structure and function of C cells of adult female rats after ovariectomy (Ovx) were investigated. Intact control and Ovx rats were i.p. treated with sterile olive oil for 4 weeks. Peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) immunohistochemical procedure was applied to localize calcitonin (CT) in thyroid C cells while its serum content was determined by RIA method. Morphometric analyses of the C cells volume, that of their nuclei and relative volume density included stereological method with the multipurpose test system M42. Also, the average number of C cells number per mm2 was calculated. Ovx led to a significant increase in body weight (21%; p<0.005). At the same time the C cells of Ovx rats had a significantly decreased cell volume (13%; p<0.005) and their number per mm2 was increased by 59% (p<0.001) in comparison with the controls. Ovx resulted in reduction of serum CT level by 45% comparing to the corresponding controls. Based on these data it can be concluded that Ovx inhibits both the structure and function of the C cells.
Toxicity of nickel and cadmium in spruce seedlings: Effect of separated and combined treatments on peroxidase and superoxide-dismutase activity
Authors: Radotic Ksenija , Ducic Tanja , Prodanovic Radivoje , Vujcic Zoran , Karadzic Branko , Antic-Jovanovic Svetlana
Published: August 2005

We studied the soluble peroxidase and superoxid-dismutase activity peroxidase isoenzyme pattern and metal content in the needles of 2-year-old spruce grown on soils supplemented with cadmium and nickel concentrations from 3 to 30 mg kg -1 and 50 to 500 mg kg -1 respectively. The two metals were applied both separately and simultaneously. The kinetics of metal assimilation and total accumulated quantity depended on the type of treatment. Following metal exposure, an increase in peroxidase activity in the seedlings treated with Cd and Ni/Cd, and in superoxide-dismutase activity during Ni/Cd treatment was observed. A parallel change of peroxidase isoenzyme pattern occurred. There was a good correlation between accumulated metals in needles and enzyme activities. The effect of Cd on the measured parameters was shown to be stronger comparing to the effect of Ni. The results obtained show that peroxidase and superoxide-dismutase activity and peroxidase isoenzyme pattern could be used to evaluate the capacity of one part of the defense system in spruce seedlings to with-stand metal stress.
Nutritive stress effects on growth and digestive physiology of Lymantria dispar larvae
Authors: Lazarevic Jelica , Peric-Mataruga Vesna
Published: August 2005

The effects of parental and offspring diet on larval growth, food consumption and utilization, and activities of three digestive enzymes (a-amylase trypsin, leucine aminopeptidase) were examined in extremely polyphagous insect, the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar). In parental generation, gypsy moth larvae were reared on oak (Quercus cerris) leaves as optimal host or beech (Fagus silvatica) leaves which contains flavonoids and alkaloids. In offspring generation, after molting into the 4th instar, they were either switched from oak to beech or remained on oak leaves. Decreased growth and food utilization efficiency, increased assimilation efficiency and activities of a-amylase and trypsin were recorded in larvae switched to beech leaves. Significant parental effects were demonstrated for fourth instar duration, weight of fifth instar larvae and specific activity of leucine aminopeptidase. Physiological, ecological and evolutionary context of the obtained results were stressed in the present paper.
Role of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite in apoptosis - relation to endonuclease activity
Authors: Kocic Gordana , Pavlovic Dusica , Djordjevic Vidosava , Bjelakovic Gordana , Stojanovic Ivana
Published: August 2005

Apoptosis is a form of cell death utilized physiologically to maintain tissue homeostasis, as well as in response to various toxic and inflammatory stimuli or anticancer drugs. Since the process of apoptosis is followed by phagocytosis, the cleavage of DNA to low molecular weight material may serve as a protective function limiting the probability of gene transfer to the nuclei of viable neighbor cells. Many different endonucleases have been proposed as candidates responsible for the internucleosomal cleavage of the genomic DNA observed during apoptosis. The main effect was attributed to the alkaline DNase I (Mg 2+ and caspase-dependent) and acid-DNase II. It was also documented that both of them contain a potential protease (caspase) cleavage site, but they can be also activated upon the influence of other "fragmentation factors", including nitric oxide (NO). The complexity of biological effects induced by NO may be the result of the cell redox state changes, due to its potential interaction with superoxide. The apoptotic effect of both, nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO) are dose-dependent and cell-specific may point out the existence of possible "inducible" form of endonuclease.
Biochemical study of hematological diseases in childhood
Authors: Bjelakovic Gordana , Jevtovic-Stoimenov Tatjana , Stojanovic Ivana , Bjelakovic Bojko , Ilic Mira
Published: August 2005

Hematological diseases in childhood occur frequently. Analyses of hematological status as well as standard biochemical analysis of blood, as a result of hematopoetic system function, are of great importance in detection and recognition of these diseases. All hematological diseases appear as disturbance of hematopoetic system function at the level of the production and viability in blood flow; this disturbance is reflected on the hemogram and biochemical analyses of blood plasma and serum. The basic hematological parameters of blood diseases (except disturbance of blood coagulation) are Total blood count cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes with differential leukocytes formulae, trombocytes) hemoglobin concentration, amount of hematocrit (PCV, packed cell volume), erythrocytes sedimentation rate erythrocytes osmotic fragility. Among the standard biochemical analysis the determination of total bilirubin in the calculation fraction of indirect bilirubin, the amount of serum iron and transferrine (TIBC), serum copper and ceruloplasmin are in use in these diseases. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is also use. The measurement of lactate dehydrogenase activity and other enzymological analyses are rarely performed. The basic idea of this report is the evaluation of another biochemical possibility with the aim to understand the nature of hematological disorders by the use a large spectrum of enzyme analyses, which are present in different blood cells and with direct reflection on the serum enzyme activities.
Uloga prostaticnog specificnog antigena u ranoj dijagnozi karcinoma prostate
Authors: Lalic Natasa , Acimovic Miodrag , Majkic-Singh Nada , Micic Sava
Published: August 2005

Prostaticni specificni antigen (PSA) spada u najznacajnije tumorske markere koji se koriste u ranom otkrivanju karcinoma prostate, odredjivanju stadijuma bolesti, kao i pracenju ucinka terapije kod muskaraca sa karcinomom prostate. Standardizacija metoda za odredjivanje PSA komplikuje se pojavom PSA u serumu u obliku vise izoformi od kojih su najznacajnije forme slobodnog PSA, PSA vezanog za alfa-1-antihimotripsin, koje imaju antigene determinante za koje se vezuju razlicita antitela, kao i PSA vezan za alfa-2-makroglobulin, koji nema antigene determinante, tako da se ova izoforma PSA ne moze odrediti pomocu imunoloskih postupaka. Postoji veliki broj imunoloskih metoda za odredjivanje PSA, koje se medjusobno razlikuju po antitelima koja se koriste, po obelezivacu, standardima i po vrednostima PSA koje se dobijaju. Da bi se dizajnirao dobar imunoloski test neophodno je standardizovati kalibratore i odabrati odgovarajuca antitela, pri cemu se mora voditi racuna o ostalim karakteristikama testa kao npr. osobini cvrste faze, kinetici reakcije itd. Posto se nalazi u adenomatoznom, normalnom i kancerogenom tkivu prostate, dijagnosticki znacaj PSA je ogranicen usled preklapanja rezultata kod pacijenata sa karcinomom i benignom hiperplazijom prostate (BPH). Ovo je narocito izrazeno za vrednosti PSA koje se nalaze u tzv. "sivoj zoni", i to izmedju 4,0 i 10,0 ng/mL PSA. Da bi se povecala specificnost za dijagnostiku karcirioma prostate primenjuju se derivati PSA kao sto su: gustina PSA (PSA density) dinamika rasta PSA (PSA velocity), PSA vrednosti korigovane godinama starosti, odredjivanje slobodnog (sl PSA) i kompleksiranog molekula PSA (cPSA) i njihovog odnosa sa ukupnim PSA.