bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of 19 strains of Malassezia dermatis from healthy human skin in Korea
Authors: LEE Yang Won , KIM Sang Min , OH Byung Ho , LIM Sang Hee , CHOE Yong Beom , AHN Kyu Joong
Published: December 2008

This research was conducted on the cultured samples of 160 healthy men and women aged 0–80 years without any skin disease. Nineteen clinical isolates of Malassezia dermatis showed positive in a catalase test and all grew in 0.5% Tween‐60 and 0.1% Tween‐80 added to 2% glucose/1% peptone culture medium. Round and ellipsoidal yeast cells and budding of the yeast cells were observed by microscopy, resembling Malassezia sympodialis, Malassezia furfur and Malassezia nana. The 26S rDNA polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) pattern was the same as for M. dermatis (JCM 11348), the standard strain. 26S rDNA and ITS1 sequencing were performed for exact identification, showing 99% accordance with M. dermatis (AB070361), M. dermatis (AB070356), confirming the species to be new and first to be reported in Korea. Taking a molecular biological classification approach by analyzing the 26S rDNA PCR‐RFLP patterns, we have successfully isolated 19 cases of M. dermatis– the first in Korea.
Quantitative trait loci for fatty acid composition in longissimus dorsi and abdominal fat: results from a White Duroc × Erhualian intercross F2population
Authors: Guo T. , Ren J. , Yang K. , Ma J. , Zhang Z. , Huang L.
Published: December 2008

A whole‐genome scan was performed on 660 F2animals including 250 barrows and 410 gilts in a White Duroc × Erhualian intercross population to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fatty acid composition in the longissimus dorsi muscle and abdominal fat. A total of 153 QTL including 63 genome‐wide significant QTL and 90 suggestive effects were identified for the traits measured. Significant effects were mainly evident on pig chromosomes (SSC) 4, 7, 8 and X. No association was detected on SSC3 and 11. In general, the QTL detected in this study showed distinct effects on fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle and abdominal fat. The QTL for fatty acid composition in abdominal fat did not correspond to those identified previously in backfat and the majority of QTL for the muscle fatty acid composition were mapped to chromosomal regions different from previous studies. Two regions on SSC4 and SSC7 showed significant pleiotropic effects on monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in both longissimus muscle and abdominal fat. Another two QTL with significant multi‐faceted effects on MUFA and PUFA in the longissimus muscle were found each on SSC8 and SSCX. Chinese Erhualian alleles were associated with increased ratios of MUFA to saturated fatty acid at most of the QTL detected, showing beneficial effect in terms of human health.
Factor structure of the Parenting Sense of Competence scale using a normative sample
Authors: Gilmore L. , Cuskelly M.
Published: December 2008

Background  The Parenting Sense of Competence (PSOC) scale is a commonly used measure of parental self‐efficacy. Previous investigations of the factor structure of this instrument have been unsatisfactory and there is no adequate normative group against which at‐risk groups can be compared.

Methods  A non‐clinical sample of 586 mothers and 615 fathers completed the PSOC.

Results  Factor analysis produced three acceptable factors (Satisfaction, Efficacy, Interest) that accounted for 47.3% and 50.1% of the variance for mothers and fathers respectively. Mothers reported higher efficacy than fathers, and fathers reported greater satisfaction with the parenting role than did mothers.

Conclusion  The PSOC contains three useful factors that reflect satisfaction with the parental role, parenting efficacy and interest in parenting. The paper provides normative data against which at‐risk groups can be compared.
The effect of multimodal stimulation and cutaneous application of vegetable oils on neonatal development in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vaivre‐Douret L. , Oriot D. , Blossier P. , Py A. , Kasolter‐Péré M. , Zwang J.
Published: December 2008

Background  Preterm newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit are deprived of sensory stimulation. Tactile/kinaesthetic stimulation results in weight gain. Studies involving the cutaneous application of vegetable oils have shown improvement in somatic growth and on skin barrier function.

Objective  To assess the neurodevelopmental and biological benefits of the simultaneous use of multimodal stimulation (SMS) and the cutaneous application of vegetable oils.

Setting  Tertiary referral centre serving the Poitou‐Charentes region of France.

Methods  Randomized controlled trial of 49 low‐risk preterm infants, born at 31‐ to 34‐week gestation. Each infant was randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, Sensori‐Tonico‐Motor (STM) touch for 10 days with either: sweet almond oil, ISIO4 blended oil, or placebo – normal saline, or to a control group who did not receive any intervention. The primary outcome was weight gain. Secondary outcomes were linear growth, neurological maturation, psychomotor development and number of days of admission. Analysis was by intention‐to‐treat.

Results  The group who received STM with ISIO4 oil demonstrated enhanced weight gain (+57%, 95% CI 37–76) compared with controls (P = 0.030). All STM groups showed shorter admission times (mean reduction 15 days, 95% CI 23–50 days hospitalised, P = 0.005), and an increase in body length (P = 0.030).

Both groups of oil massaged babies (almond and ISIO4) showed an increased neurological score (P = 0.001) compared to controls. The infants receiving ISIO4 oil had an associated increase in psychomotor scores (P = 0.028), time spent in quiet wakefulness (P = 0.036), improved orientation (P = 0.036), and enhanced development of the oculomotor (P = 0.012) and sensorimotor (P = 0.003) systems. An additional benefit seen was improved moisturization (P = 0.001), and quicker recovery of dermatological conditions. No adverse dermatological events were observed.

Conclusions  The combination of STM and cutaneous application of oils to healthy preterm babies resulted in enhanced weight gain and neurological development, and a shorter stay in hospital.
A systematic review of the features that indicate intentional scalds in children
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: December 2008

.
 
Maguire S.,
Moynihan S.,
Mann M.,
Potokar T. &
Kemp A. M.
(
2008
)

,
34
,
1072
–
1081
.
 
DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2008.02.011
.

Background  Most intentional burns are scalds, and distinguishing these from unintentional causes is challenging.

Aim  To conduct a systematic review to identify distinguishing features of intentional and unintentional scalds.

Methods  We performed an all language literature search of 12 databases 1950–2006. Studies were reviewed by two paediatric/burns specialists, using standardized methodology. Included: Primary studies of validated intentional or accidental scalds in children 0–18 years old and ranked by confirmation of intentional or unintentional origin. Excluded: Neglectful scalds; management or complications; studies of mixed burn type or mixed adult and child data.

Results  A total of 258 studies were reviewed, and 26 included. Five comparative studies ranked highly for confirmation of intentional/unintentional cause of injury. The distinguishing characteristics were defined based on best evidence. Intentional scalds were commonly immersion injuries, caused by hot tap water, affecting the extremities, buttocks or perineum or both. The scalds were symmetrical with clear upper margins, and associated with old fractures and unrelated injuries. Unintentional scalds were more commonly due to spill injuries of other hot liquids, affecting the upper body with irregular margins and depth.

Conclusions  We propose an evidence‐based triage tool to aid in distinguishing intentional from unintentional scalds, requiring prospective validation.
Cost‐effectiveness of gastrostomy placement for children with neurodevelopmental disability
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: December 2008

.
 
Craig G.,
Lawson M.,
Reilly S. &
Spitz L.
(
2008
)

,
93
,
873
–
877
.

Introduction  Malnutrition and growth deficiency are common in neurologically impaired children. Gastrostomy placement has been shown to result in significant catch‐up growth, improved health of the child and reduction in family stress; its cost‐effectiveness has not been investigated.

Aims  Costs related to gastrostomy placement are estimated here from a prospective controlled study of children referred to a tertiary paediatric centre in the UK.

Methods  Costs of inpatient stay, medication, tests, general practitioner consultations, community health care, equipment and parents' indirect costs were estimated at baseline and follow‐up. Costs of the different types of gastrostomy surgery are given.

Results  Results for both time periods were available for 54 of the 76 children recruited to the study. Five‐day food diaries were kept at baseline and follow‐up. Costs of food increased slightly but not significantly post surgery from £33 to £40 (€44 to €54, US$65 to US$78) per week. Variation in cost between cases was considerable, but the mean net cost difference of £20.80 (CI £−43.79 to £85.35) [€28 (CI €−59 to €115), US$41 (CI US$−86 to US$167)] per week per child including for food and surgery was also not significant. Community service costs were significantly lower post surgery. Few parents reported personal costs at either time point, although many had reduced or stopped paid work to care for the child.

Conclusion  As gastrostomy placement for these children resulted in significant clinical benefit at no significant extra cost, it is concluded that the procedure is cost‐effective.
What are the keys to successful adrenal venous sampling (AVS) in patients with primary aldosteronism?
Authors: Young William F. , Stanson Anthony W.
Published: December 2008

Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is the criterion standard to distinguish between unilateral and bilateral adrenal disease in patients with primary aldosteronism. The keys to successful AVS include appropriate patient selection, careful patient preparation, focused technical expertise, defined protocol, and accurate data interpretation. The use of AVS should be based on patient preferences, patient age, clinical comorbidities, and the clinical probability of finding an aldosterone‐producing adenoma. AVS is optimally performed in the fasting state in the morning. AVS is an intricate procedure because the right adrenal vein is small and may be difficult to locate – the success rate depends on the proficiency of the angiographer. The key factors that determine the successful catheterization of both adrenal veins are experience, dedication and repetition. With experience, and focusing the expertise to 1 or 2 radiologists at a referral centre, the AVS success rate can be as high as 96%. A centre‐specific, written protocol is mandatory. The protocol should be developed by an interested group of endocrinologists, radiologists and laboratory personnel. Safeguards should be in place to prevent mislabelling of the blood tubes in the radiology suite and to prevent sample mix‐up in the laboratory.
Comparison of pelvic fin rays, scales and otoliths for estimating age and growth of bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus
Authors: ZYMONAS N. D. , McMAHON T. E.
Published: December 2008

Abstract  The suitability of three anatomical structures to determine age and growth of bull trout, Salvelinus confluentus (Suckley), was assessed. Scales and pelvic fin rays collected from recaptured bull trout 96–265 mm TL were used to validate annulus formation and assess the accuracy and precision of back calculation. Ageing precision and agreement of assigned ages were compared among scales, fin rays and otoliths from bull trout 52–711 mm TL. Annulus formation was validated for 88% (14 of 16 fish) of recaptured bull trout using pelvic fin rays and 68% using scales (15 of 22 fish). Annulus formation in fin rays occurred between late April to early June, and the hyaline (non‐growth) band began forming in late August. Back‐calculated length was not significantly different from measured length at initial capture either for fin rays or scales (P ≥ 0.19), and absolute percent error was 7.2 ± 1.2 (mean ± SE; n = 14) for fin rays and 8.7 ± 1.9 (n = 15) for scales. Consistency of back‐calculated lengths at age between tag and recapture samples for individual fish was similar for fin rays (mean absolute difference = 8.2% ± 0.9; n = 33) and scales (9.4% ± 1.4; n = 40). However, fin rays (87% precision) and otoliths (90%) provided notably higher ageing precision than scales (68%) and closer agreement of assigned ages, particularly for fish older than age 4. Pelvic fin rays appear to offer more accurate and precise age and growth determinations than scales and a non‐lethal alternative to otoliths, but further work is needed to validate the accuracy and precision of ageing large, migratory bull trout.
Spatio‐temporal impact of climate change on the activity and voltinism of the spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus
Authors: JÖNSSON ANNA MARIA , APPELBERG GUSTAF , HARDING SUSANNE , BÄRRING LARS
Published: December 2008

The spruce bark beetle Ips typographus is one of the major insect pests of mature Norway spruce forests. In this study, a model describing the temperature‐dependent thresholds for swarming activity and temperature requirement for development from egg to adult was driven by transient regional climate scenario data for Sweden, covering the period of 1961–2100 for three future climate change scenarios (SRES A2, A1B and B2). During the 20th century, the weather supported the production of one bark beetle generation per year, except in the north‐western mountainous parts of Sweden where the climate conditions were too harsh. A warmer climate may sustain a viable population also in the mountainous part; however, the distributional range of I. typographus may be restricted by the migration speed of Norway spruce. Modelling suggests that an earlier timing of spring swarming and fulfilled development of the first generation will significantly increase the frequency of summer swarming. Model calculations suggest that the spruce bark beetle will be able to initiate a second generation in South Sweden during 50% of the years around the mid century. By the end of the century, when temperatures during the bark beetle activity period are projected to have increased by 2.4–3.8 °C, a second generation will be initiated in South Sweden in 63–81% of the years. The corresponding figures are 16–33% for Mid Sweden, and 1–6% for North Sweden. During the next decades, one to two generations per year are predicted in response to temperature, and the northern distribution limit for the second generation will vary. Our study addresses questions applicable to sustainable forest management, suggesting that adequate countermeasures require monitoring of regional differences in timing of swarming and development of I. typographus, and planning of control operations during summer periods with large populations of bark beetles.
Climate warming and the evolution of morphotypes in a reptile
Authors: LEPETZ VIRGINIE , MASSOT MANUEL , CHAINE ALEXIS S. , CLOBERT JEAN
Published: December 2008

Climate warming is known to have effects on population dynamics through variations in survival, fecundity and density. However, the impacts of climate change on population composition are still poorly documented. Morphotypes are powerful markers to track changes in population composition. In the common lizard, Lacerta vivipara, individuals display two types of dorsal patterns: reticulated (R individuals) and linear (L individuals). We examined how local warming affected intrapopulation frequencies of these morphotypes across 11 years. We observed changes in morph frequency of dorsal patterns across years, paralleling the rise of spring temperatures. The proportion of R individuals increased with June temperatures in juveniles, yearlings, and adult males and females. Three mechanisms could explain these changes: phenotypic plasticity, microevolution and/or dispersal between populations. We investigated the ontogenetic determinism, fitness and recruitment rates associated with dorsal morphotypes. Dorsal pattern ontogeny showed temperature dependence but this relationship was not associated with the warming trend during this study. We found variation by morphotype in survival and clutch size, but these factors did not explain R frequency increases. Among all the parameters considered in this study, only a decrease of immigration, which was more pronounced in the L morphotype, could explain the change in population composition. To our knowledge, this provides the first evidence of the impact of climate warming on population composition due to its effects on immigration.
Wood composition and energy content in a poplar short rotation plantation on fertilized agricultural land in a future CO2 atmosphere
Authors: LUO ZHI‐BIN , POLLE ANDREA
Published: December 2008

To study the influence of elevated CO2 and nitrogen (N) fertilization on wood properties and energy, Populus×euramericana trees were exposed to ambient CO2 (about 370 μmol mol−1 CO2) or elevated CO2 (about 550 μmol mol−1 CO2) using Free Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) technology in combination with two N levels. Elevated CO2 was maintained for 5 years. After three growing seasons, the plantation was coppiced, one half of each experimental plot was fertilized and secondary sprouts were harvested after two growing seasons. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectra of wood revealed significant effects of both elevated CO2 and N fertilization on wood chemistry, in particular, significant increases in lignin and decreases in N content. These results were corroborated by chemical analysis. Neither elevated CO2 nor N fertilization affected the calorific value of wood, which was 19.3 MJ kg−1. N fertilization enhanced the energy production per land area by 16–69% because of higher aboveground woody biomass production than on nonfertilized land. Estimates indicate that high yielding poplar short rotation cultivation may significantly contribute as an alternative feedstock for energy production.
Changes in fertilizer‐induced direct N2O emissions from paddy fields during rice‐growing season in China between 1950s and 1990s
Authors: ZOU JIANWEN , HUANG YAO , QIN YANMEI , LIU SHUWEI , SHEN QIRONG , PAN GENXING , LU YANYU , LIU QIAOHUI
Published: December 2008

Nitrogen fertilizer‐induced direct nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions depend on water regimes in paddy fields, such as seasonal continuous flooding (F), flooding–midseason drainage–reflooding (F‐D‐F), and flooding–midseason drainage–reflooding–moist intermittent irrigation but without water logging (F‐D‐F‐M). In order to estimate the changes in direct N2O emission from paddy fields during the rice‐growing season in Mainland of China between the 1950s and the 1990s, the country‐specific emission factors of N2O‐N under different water regimes combined with rice production data were adopted in the present study. Census statistics on rice production showed that water management and nitrogen input regimes have changed in rice paddies since the 1950s. During the 1950s–1970s, about 20–25% of the rice paddy was continuously waterlogged, and 75–80% under the water regime of F‐D‐F. Since the 1980s, about 12–16%, 77%, and 7–12% of paddy fields were under the water regimes of F, F‐D‐F, and F‐D‐F‐M, respectively. Total nitrogen input during the rice‐growing season has increased from 87.5 kg N ha−1 in the 1950s to 224.6 kg N ha−1 in the 1990s. The emission factors of N2O‐N were estimated to be 0.02%, 0.42%, and 0.73% for rice paddies under the F, F‐D‐F, and F‐D‐F‐M water regimes, respectively. Seasonal N2O emissions have increased from 9.6 Gg N2O‐N each year in the 1950s to 32.3 Gg N2O‐N in the 1990s, which is accompanied by the increase in rice yield over the period 1950s–1990s. The uncertainties in N2O estimate were estimated to be 59.8% in the 1950s and 37.5% in the 1990s. In the 1990s, N2O emissions during the rice‐growing season accounted for 8–11% of the reported annual total of N2O emissions from croplands in China, suggesting that paddy rice development could have contributed to mitigating agricultural N2O emissions in the past decades. However, seasonal N2O emissions would be increased, given that saving‐water irrigation and nitrogen inputs are increasingly adopted in rice paddies in China.
Herbage growth rates on heterogeneous swards as influenced by sward‐height classes
Authors: Şahin Demirbağ N. , Röver K.‐U. , Wrage N. , Hofmann M. , Isselstein J.
Published: December 2008

The contribution of four classes of sward height to daily herbage growth rates of a heterogeneous sward in eight periods throughout a grazing season was investigated in two continuous cattle‐grazing systems differing in intensity (moderate stocking rate: MC; lenient stocking rate: LC). At the beginning and end of periods of 12 to 28 d, the compressed sward height (CSH) was measured in exclusion cages at eighteen fixed points per cage to derive daily growth rates for the four classes of sward height. Stratified calibrations were made to relate sward height to herbage mass for each treatment in each period. Quadratic regressions described the relationship between herbage growth rate and initial CSH for each treatment in each period. For scaling up to the scale of the plot, CSH was measured monthly at 100 points per plot. Daily herbage growth rates declined from more than 100 kg dry matter (DM) ha−1 d−1 on both treatments at the beginning of the grazing season to 20 kg DM ha−1 d−1 or less, especially on treatment LC. This was due to the larger area covered by tall herbage on treatment LC than on treatment MC. On treatment MC, daily herbage growth rate was predominantly derived from short sward areas of up to 12 cm in height while sward areas taller than 12 cm contributed most to daily growth rates on treatment LC in early summer. The method used is considered suitable for estimating daily herbage growth rates of different classes of sward height in extensively managed pastures and can easily be adapted to deal with more heterogeneous swards than used in this study.
Patients’, physicians’, and pharmacists’ preferences towards coagulation factor concentrates to treat haemophilia with inhibitors: results from the COHIBA Study
Authors: SCALONE L. , MANTOVANI L. G. , BORGHETTI F. , VON MACKENSEN S. , GRINGERI A.
Published: December 2008

Summary.  Despite modern highly efficacious technologies, there is still a lack of consensus on how to optimally treat haemophilia patients with inhibitors. The aim of the study was to evaluate preferences towards the characteristics of different coagulation factor concentrates for haemophilia inhibitors patients, from the perspective of patients or their caregivers, haematologists and pharmacists. A discrete choice study was conducted. Potential products were described with eight selected characteristics: perceived viral safety, risk of anamnestic response, possibility of undergoing major surgery, frequency of infusions in prophylaxis, number of infusions to stop bleeding, time to stop bleeding, time to pain recovery and cost. Participants received 16 pairs of potential products and chose from each pair the option they considered better. Data were analysed with a random‐effects conditional logistic model. Totally 1614 observations were obtained from 37 patients/caregivers, 39 physicians and 25 pharmacists from Italy. Cost was the most important characteristic to every group. For patients/caregivers, the next most important factors were: risk of anamnestic response, possibility of undergoing major surgery and perceived viral safety. For physicians, the next most important characteristics were: risk of anamnestic response, number of infusions to stop bleeding and possibility of undergoing major surgery. For pharmacists, the next most important factors were: time to stop bleeding, time to pain recovery and possibility of undergoing major surgery. Decisions on treatments must take into account patients’ clinical needs; however, preferences can also play an important role in the choice and success of treatments. The results of this study could, therefore, help decision‐makers to optimize the overall benefits of treatments.
Comparison of biomechanical gait parameters of young children with haemophilia and those of age‐matched peers
Authors: STEPHENSEN D. , DRECHSLER W. , WINTER M. , SCOTT O.
Published: December 2008

Summary.  Quality of life for children with haemophilia has improved since the introduction of prophylaxis. The frequency of joint haemorrhages has reduced, but the consequences of reduced bleeding on the biomechanical parameters of walking are not well understood. This study explored the differences in sagittal plane biomechanics of walking between a control group (Group 1) of normal age‐matched children and children with haemophilia (Group 2) with a target ankle joint. A motion capture system and two force platforms were used to collect sagittal plane kinematic, kinetic and temporal–spatial data during walking of 14 age‐matched normal children and 14 children with haemophilia aged 7–13 years. Group differences in maximum and minimum flexion/extension angles and moments of the hip, knee and ankle joints, ground reaction forces and temporal–spatial gait cycle parameters were analysed using one‐way anova. Significant changes (P < 0.05) in kinematic and kinetic parameters but not temporal–spatial parameters were found in children with haemophilia; greater flexion angles and external moments of force at the knee, greater ankle plantarflexion external moments and lower hip flexion external moments. These results suggest that early biomechanical changes are present in young haemophilic children with a history of a target ankle joint and imply that lower limb joint function is more impaired than current clinical evaluations indicate. Protocols and quantitative data on the biomechanical gait pattern of children with haemophilia reported in this study provide a baseline to evaluate lower limb joint function and clinical progression.
Plasma fractionation, a useful means to improve national transfusion system and blood safety: Iran experience
Authors: CHERAGHALI A. M. , ABOLGHASEMI H.
Published: December 2008

Summary.  In 1974, the government of Iran established Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) as national and centralized transfusion system. Since then donations of blood may not be remunerated and therapy with blood and its components are free of charges for all Iranian patients. Donations are meticulously screened through interviewing donors and lab testing the donations using serological methods. Currently, Iranian donors donate 1 735 000 units of blood annually (donation index: 25/1000 population). Implementation of a highly efficient donor selection programme, including donors interview, establishment of confidential unit exclusion programme and laboratory screening of donated bloods by IBTO have led to seroprevalence rates of 0.41%, 0.12% and 0.004% for HBV, HCV and HIV in donated bloods respectively. Since 2004, IBTO has initiated a programme to enter into a contract fractionation agreement for the surplus of recovered plasma produced in its blood collecting centres. Although IBTO has used this project as a mean to improve national transfusion system through upgrading its quality assurance systems, IBTO fractionation project has played a major role in improving availability of plasma‐derived medicines in Iran. During 2006–2007, this project furnished the Iran market with 44% and 14% of its needs to the intravenous immunoglobulin and albumin, respectively. Iranian experience showed that contract fractionation of plasma in countries with organized centralized transfusion system, which lack national plasma fractionation facility, in addition to substantial saving on national health resource and enhancing availability of plasma‐derived medicines, could serve as a useful means to improve national blood safety profile.
Roles of proinflammatory cytokines and the Fas/Fas ligand interaction in the pathogenesis of inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Kondo Masahiro , Murakawa Yohko , Harashima Nanae , Kobayashi Shotai , Yamaguchi Shuhei , Harada Mamoru
Published: December 2008

Within the lesions of inflammatory myopathies, muscle fibres and invading mononuclear cells express Fas and Fas ligand (FasL), respectively. However, the roles of the Fas/FasL interaction in the pathogenesis of inflammatory myopathies are not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated the roles of proinflammatory cytokines and the Fas/FasL system in the pathogenesis of inflammatory myopathies. In vitro culturing of muscle cells with the proinflammatory cytokines interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin (IL)‐1β synergistically increased Fas expression, susceptibility to Fas‐mediated apoptosis, and the expression of cytoplasmic caspases 8 and 3. In addition, culturing of muscle cells with activated CD4+ T cells induced muscle cell apoptosis, which was partially inhibited by anti‐FasL antibody. We also tested the possibility that T helper (Th) 17, which is an IL‐17‐producing helper T‐cell subset that plays crucial roles in autoimmune and inflammatory responses, participates in the pathogenesis of inflammatory myopathies. Interestingly, in vitro culturing of dendritic cells with anti‐Fas immunoglobulin M (IgM) or activated CD4+ T cells induced the expression of mRNA for IL‐23p19, but not for IL‐12p35, in addition to proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, IL‐23p19 and IL‐17 mRNAs were detected in the majority of biopsy samples from patients with inflammatory myopathies. Taken together, these results suggest that proinflammatory cytokines enhance Fas‐mediated apoptosis of muscle cells, and that the Fas/FasL interaction between invading dendritic cells and CD4+ T cells induces local production of IL‐23 and proinflammatory cytokines, which can promote the proliferation of Th17 cells and enhance Fas‐mediated apoptosis of muscle cells, respectively.
Common themes emerge in the transcriptional control of T helper and developmental cell fate decisions regulated by the T‐box, GATA and ROR families
Authors: Miller Sara A. , Weinmann Amy S.
Published: December 2008

Cellular differentiation requires the precise action of lineage‐determining transcription factors. In the immune system, CD4+ T helper cells differentiate into at least three distinct effector lineages, T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2 and Th17, with the fate of the cell at least in part determined by the transcription factors T‐box expressed in T cells (T‐bet), GATA‐3 and retinoid‐related orphan receptor γt (RORγt), respectively. Importantly, these transcription factors are members of larger families that are required for numerous developmental transitions from early embryogenesis into adulthood. Mutations in members of these transcription factor families are associated with a number of human genetic diseases due to a failure in completing lineage‐specification events when the factor is dysregulated. Mechanistically, there are both common and distinct functional activities that are utilized by T‐box, GATA and ROR family members to globally alter the cellular gene expression profiles at specific cell fate decision checkpoints. Therefore, understanding the molecular events that contribute to the ability of T‐bet, GATA‐3 and RORγt to define T helper cell lineages can provide valuable information relevant to the establishment of other developmental systems and, conversely, information from diverse developmental systems may provide unexpected insights into the molecular mechanisms utilized in T helper cell differentiation.
Toll‐like receptor agonists induce inflammation and cell death in a model of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Rydberg Camilla , Månsson Anne , Uddman Rolf , Riesbeck Kristian , Cardell Lars‐Olaf
Published: December 2008

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer. The present study describes TLR expression and function in healthy and malignant airway epithelial cells. The squamous cell carcinoma cell line Detroit‐562 was compared with the healthy bronchial epithelial cell line NL‐20 and primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs). TLR2, TLR3 and TLR5 were present in primary head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Consistent with this, Detroit‐562 expressed TLR2, TLR3 and TLR5, whereas NL‐20 expressed mainly TLR3 and HNECs expressed TLR2‐5. In Detroit‐562, Pam3CSK4, poly(I:C) and flagellin, ligands for TLR2, TLR3 and TLR5, respectively, induced an up‐regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1), an increase in interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 secretion and a decrease in cell viability. Additionally, poly(I:C) affected IL‐1β production and the migratory behaviour of Detroit‐562. NL‐20 responded with a slight increase in IL‐8 secretion upon poly(I:C) stimulation. Poly(I:C) induced a small increase in IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8 production in HNECs, while Pam3CSK4increased viability. The TLR signalling was transcription‐dependent, but the pathways involved differed among TLRs as well as cells. In Detroit‐562, TLR2 and TLR5 activation was mediated via c‐jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK)‐, p38‐, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐ and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB‐related pathways, while TLR3 was dependent on NF‐κB. In NL‐20, TLR3 signalled via p38, and in HNECs, NF‐κB, JNK and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) appeared to be involved. We found that TLR agonists induced a robust response in HNSCCs, characterized by generation of inflammation and cell death. A similar response was not seen in normal epithelial cells. Thus, the TLR system should be considered an important target in future antitumour immunotherapy.
Orthodontic treatment and management of limited mouth opening and oral lesions in a patient with congenital insensitivity to pain: case report
Authors: PADUANO S. , IODICE G. , FARELLA M. , SILVA R. , MICHELOTTI A.
Published: December 2008

Summary  Congenital insensitivity to pain is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by dramatic impairment of pain perception since birth and is generally caused by a hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy with loss of the small‐calibre, nociceptive nerve fibres. We report a 9‐year‐old case, with a generalized congenital insensitivity to pain. The patient was referred to our Department by a private orthodontist for severe limited mouth opening and multiple oral ulcers which greatly worsened after starting the orthodontic treatment. The management of his oral lesions of the limited mouth opening and of the orthodontic treatment are described. The management approach aimed to improve mandibular range of motion and associated stretching and a self‐modeling mouthguard to avoid cheek self‐biting. This protocol allowed continuing the orthodontic treatment to restore the occlusion. Finally, good occlusion, normal function and better quality of patient’s life were achieved.
Oral health‐related quality of life in patients seeking care for dentin hypersensitivity
Authors: BEKES K. , JOHN M. T. , SCHALLER H‐G. , HIRSCH C.
Published: December 2008

Summary  The aim of the present study was to evaluate oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) impairment in patients seeking care for their hypersensitive teeth in comparison with general population subjects and to investigate the influence of gender and age on OHRQoL in these populations. Study participants were 656 patients without removable prosthodontics who sought treatment for their hypersensitive teeth in German dental offices. These patients were asked to complete the German form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐G) prior to treatment. The sum of OHIP‐G item responses (OHIP‐G49, 0–196) characterized the OHRQoL impairment. Patients’ OHIP summary scores were compared with those in a sample of the German general population (n = 1541). The influence of population (patients vs. general population subjects), gender and age was investigated using a multivariable linear regression model. Age presented a curvilinear association with OHRQoL, with lower OHIP scores associated with younger and older adults and higher OHIP scores (indicating impaired OHRQoL) associated with middle‐aged adults in both the patient and general populations. Gender influence depended on the population, i.e. female general population subjects had lower OHIP scores than male general population subjects and female patients had higher OHIP scores than male patients. Mean OHIP summary scores indicated that patients with hypersensitive teeth reported considerably more impaired OHRQoL (approximately 22 OHIP units) than subjects in the general population. The present study suggests that the oral condition of hypersensitive teeth is significantly associated with impaired OHRQoL.
Effect of different head positions on the jaw closing point during tapping movements
Authors: YAMAMOTO T. , NISHIGAWA K. , BANDO E. , HOSOKI M.
Published: December 2008

Summary  This study aimed to investigate the effects of different head positions on jaw closing points during tapping movements. The jaw movements of 20 adult volunteers were assessed using a new jaw‐tracking device. All subjects had stable maximal intercuspation with their natural dentitions. The subjects were asked to seat on a dental chair with their head upright, and tapping movements were recorded for 5 s without any further instructions. After the chair was reclined to the horizontal position, tapping movements were also recorded with the head in the supine position. The location of the tapping point was defined as the jaw position which was the most closed to the maximum intercuspal position during each tapping stroke. Fifteen tapping points were obtained from the upright and supine head positions of each subject. Six‐hundred tapping points were compared to evaluate the effects of different head positions. With the head upright, tapping points were relatively stable and close to the jaw position at the maximum intercuspation. However, in the supine position, tapping points varied widely and shifted forward. The average distance between the positions of the incisal point at the maximum intercuspation and at the tapping points was 0·11 mm (SD, 0·10) in the upright position and 0·30 mm (SD, 0·08) in the supine position. A Wilcoxon signed rank test showed a significant difference (P < 0·01) between these distances. We conclude that tapping points shift anteriorly in the supine position.
Rhizobia utilize pathogen‐like effector proteins during symbiosis
Authors: Kambara Kumiko , Ardissone Silvia , Kobayashi Hajime , Saad Maged M. , Schumpp Olivier , Broughton William J. , Deakin William J.
Published: December 2008

A type III protein secretion system (T3SS) is an important host range determinant for the infection of legumes by Rhizobium sp. NGR234. Although a functional T3SS can have either beneficial or detrimental effects on nodule formation, only the rhizobial‐specific positively acting effector proteins, NopL and NopP, have been characterized. NGR234 possesses three open reading frames potentially encoding homologues of effector proteins from pathogenic bacteria. NopJ, NopM and NopT are secreted by the T3SS of NGR234. All three can have negative effects on the interaction with legumes, but NopM and NopT also stimulate nodulation on certain plants. NopT belongs to a family of pathogenic effector proteases, typified by the avirulence protein, AvrPphB. The protease domain of NopT is required for its recognition and a subsequent strong inhibition in infection of Crotalaria juncea. In contrast, the negative effects of NopJ are relatively minor when compared with those induced by its Avr homologues. Thus NGR234 uses a mixture of rhizobial‐specific and pathogen‐derived effector proteins. Whereas some legumes recognize an effector as potentially pathogen‐derived, leading to a block in the infection process, others perceive both the negative‐ and positive‐acting effectors concomitantly. It is this equilibrium of effector action that leads to modulation of symbiotic development.
Haem acquisition is facilitated by a novel receptor Hma and required by uropathogenic Escherichia coli for kidney infection
Authors: Hagan Erin C. , Mobley Harry L. T.
Published: December 2008

Iron acquisition, mediated by specific outer membrane receptors, is critical for colonization of the urinary tract by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). The role of specific iron sources in vivo, however, remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified a 79 kDa haem receptor, haemacquisition protein Hma, and established that it functions independently of ChuA to mediate haemin uptake by UPEC strain CFT073. We demonstrated that expression of hma promotes TonB‐dependent haemin utilization and the Hma protein binds haemin with high affinity (Kd = 8 μM). Hma, however, lacks conserved His residues shown to mediate haem uptake by other bacterial receptors. In contrast, we identified Tyr‐126 as a residue necessary for Hma‐mediated haemin utilization. In a murine co‐infection model of UTI, an isogenic hma mutant was out‐competed by wild‐type CFT073 in the kidneys (P < 0.001) and spleens (P <  0.0001) of infected mice, indicating its expression provided a competitive advantage in these organs. Furthermore, a hma chuA double mutant, which is unable to utilize haemin, was unable to colonize the kidneys to wild‐type levels during independent infection (P = 0.02). Thus, we demonstrate that UPEC requires haem for kidney colonization and that uptake of this iron source is mediated, in part, by the novel receptor, Hma.
Novel Escherichia coli RF1 mutants with decreased translation termination activity and increased sensitivity to the cytotoxic effect of the bacterial toxins Kid and RelE
Authors: Diago‐Navarro Elizabeth , Mora Liliana , Buckingham Richard H. , Díaz‐Orejas Ramón , Lemonnier Marc
Published: December 2008

Novel mutations in prfA, the gene for the polypeptide release factor RF1 of Escherichia coli, were isolated using a positive genetic screen based on the parD (kis, kid) toxin–antitoxin system. This original approach allowed the direct selection of mutants with altered translational termination efficiency at UAG codons. The isolated prfA mutants displayed a ∼10‐fold decrease in UAG termination efficiency with no significant changes in RF1 stability in vivo. All three mutations, G121S, G301S and R303H, were situated close to the nonsense codon recognition site in RF1:ribosome complexes. The prfA mutants displayed increased sensitivity to the RelE toxin encoded by the relBE system of E. coli, thus providing in vivo support for the functional interaction between RF1 and RelE. The prfA mutants also showed increased sensitivity to the Kid toxin. Since this toxin can cleave RNA in a ribosome‐independent manner, this result was not anticipated and provided first evidence for the involvement of RF1 in the pathway of Kid toxicity. The sensitivity of the prfA mutants to RelE and Kid was restored to normal levels upon overproduction of the wild‐type RF1 protein. We discuss these results and their utility for the design of novel antibacterial strategies in the light of the recently reported structure of ribosome‐bound RF1.
Initiation of flight muscle apoptosis and wing casting in the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta
Authors: AZIZI TOGHARA , JOHNSTON J. SPENCER , VINSON S. BRADLEIGH
Published: December 2008

Abstract Newly‐mated Solenopsis invicta flight queens cast (shed) their wings within 24 h. An examination of their flight muscle cells reveals numerous apoptotic (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labelling positive) nuclei. By contrast, flight muscle cells of mature alate virgin (MAV) females removed 24 h earlier from a managed laboratory colony exhibit neither wing casting nor the presence of apoptotic nuclei. Using MAV‐females, the initiation of flight muscle apoptosis and wing casting is compared with artificial mating using seminal fluid with sperm, seminal fluid with no sperm, saline as a negative control, the mating flight as simulated in the laboratory, elevated CO2 exposure, application of methoprene (a juvenile hormone analogue), or injection of 20‐hydroxyecdysone. Numerous apoptotic nuclei are revealed in the flight muscle cells of mated dealate females 24 h after a natural mating flight but not in MAV‐females controls. Only artificial mating of MAV‐females reveals a similar pattern of apoptotic nuclei flight muscle 24 h after insemination. None of the other factors tested induces flight muscle cell apoptosis in MAV‐females. Methoprene dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone, at a concentration of 0.44 ng per μL per ant, stimulates 90% of MAV‐females to shed their wings within 24 h, as opposed to 10% or less wing shedding for the methyl ethyl ketone control and all other treatments.
Vβ Usage and T Regulatory Cells in Children Following Partial or Total Thymectomy after Open Heart Surgery in Infancy
Authors: Eysteinsdottir J. H. , Freysdottir J. , Skaftadottir I. , Helgason H. , Haraldsson A. , Ogmundsdottir H. M.
Published: December 2008

During open heart surgery in infants the thymus was usually removed, partly or completely. Our previous studies on 16 such children indicated reduced T‐cell output later in life with signs of extrathymic maturation of the T cells, but no reduction in T regulatory cells (CD4+CD25+). The diversity of the T‐cell repertoire in these children was examined to test if the extrathymic microenvironment could alter Vβ usage. The expression of Foxp3 and CD127 in CD4+CD25high T cells was measured in order to determine whether the T regulatory cells had the phenotype of natural T regulatory cells. There was a wide distribution of Vβ usage in both study and control groups. Significant variability was found in Vβ usage for CD4+ and CD8+ T cells when the distribution of the percentage of T cells expressing each Vβ family was analysed between individuals within each group (P < 0.001; Kruskal–Wallis). Significant difference was also found in average usage of Vβ2, Vβ5.1 and Vβ14 chains within CD4+ T cells and Vβ2, Vβ8 and Vβ21.3 chains within CD8+ cells between the groups (P < 0.05; Student’s t‐test). There was no difference between the two groups with regard to the proportion of CD4+CD25high T cells and no difference in the average expression of Foxp3 or CD127 within the CD4+CD25high population. Our data provide evidence that cardiothoracic surgery in infants and total or partial thymectomy alters Vβ usage, suggesting more limited selection in such children than in the control group. The frequency of natural T regulatory cells seems to be unimpaired.
Clathrin‐ and Dynamin‐Dependent Coated Vesicle Formation from Isolated Plasma Membranes
Authors: Miwako Ishido , Schröter Thomas , Schmid Sandra L.
Published: December 2008

We have developed a new rapid cell‐free assay for endocytic clathrin‐coated vesicle formation using highly purified rat liver plasma membrane sheets. After incubation in the presence of cytosol and nucleotides, released vesicles were collected by high‐speed centrifugation and incorporated cargo receptors were detected by Western blotting. Three different cargo receptors were internalized into vesicles while a receptor, known to be excluded from coated pits, was not. The recruitment of cargo receptors into the vesicle fraction was cytosol, ATP and temperature‐dependent and was enhanced by addition of GTP. Vesicle formation in this assay was confirmed by subcellular fractionation and EM analysis. Plasma membranes stripped of their endogenous coat proteins with 0.5 m Tris retained vesicle formation activity, which was highly dependent on clathrin and dynamin. Coat proteins and dynamin were not sufficient for clathrin‐coated vesicle formation, and other peripheral membrane proteins recruited from the cytosol are required. The nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue, AMPPNP did not support clathrin‐coated vesicle formation; however, surprisingly, GTPγS was as effective as GTP. This assay will provide a powerful tool to dissect the minimum machinery and to probe the hierarchy of events involved in cargo selection and endocytic clathrin‐coated vesicle formation.