bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CcsBA is a cytochrome
c
synthetase that also functions in heme transport
Authors: Frawley Elaine R. , Kranz Robert G.
Published: June 2009

Little is known about trafficking of heme from its sites of synthesis to sites of heme-protein assembly. We describe an integral membrane protein that allows trapping of endogenous heme to elucidate trafficking mechanisms. We show that CcsBA, a representative of a superfamily of integral membrane proteins involved in cytochrome
c
biosynthesis, exports and protects heme from oxidation. CcsBA has 10 transmembrane domains (TMDs) and reconstitutes cytochrome
c
synthesis in the
Escherichia coli
periplasm; thus, CcsBA is a cytochrome
c
synthetase. Purified CcsBA contains heme in an “external heme binding domain” for which two external histidines are shown to serve as axial ligands that protect the heme iron from oxidation. This is likely the active site of the synthetase. Furthermore, two conserved histidines in TMDs are required for heme to travel to the external heme binding domain. Remarkably, the function of CcsBA with mutations in these TMD histidines is corrected by exogenous imidazole, a result analogous to correction of heme binding by myoglobin when its proximal histidine is mutated. These data suggest that CcsBA has a heme binding site within the bilayer and that CcsBA is a heme channel.
Setting the pace of the
Neurospora
circadian clock by multiple independent FRQ phosphorylation events
Authors: Tang Chi-Tai , Li Shaojie , Long Chengzu , Cha Joonseok , Huang Guocun , Li Lily , Chen She , Liu Yi
Published: June 2009

Protein phosphorylation plays essential roles in eukaryotic circadian clocks. Like PERIOD in animals, the
Neurospora
core circadian protein FRQ is progressively phosphorylated and becomes extensively phosphorylated before its degradation. In this study, by using purified FRQ protein from
Neurospora
, we identified 43 in vivo FRQ phosphorylation sites by mass spectrometry analysis. In addition, we show that CK-1a and CKII are responsible for most FRQ phosphorylation events and identify an additional 33 phosphorylation sites by in vitro kinase assays. Whole-cell metabolic isotope labeling and quantitative MS analyses suggest that circadian oscillation of the FRQ phosphorylation profile is primarily due to progressive phosphorylation at the majority of these newly discovered phosphorylation sites. Furthermore, systematic mutations of the identified FRQ phosphorylation sites led to either long or short period phenotypes. These changes in circadian period are attributed to increases or decreases in FRQ stability, respectively. Together, this comprehensive study of FRQ phosphorylation reveals that regulation of FRQ stability by multiple independent phosphorylation events is a major factor that determines the period length of the clock. A model is proposed to explain how FRQ stability is regulated by multiple phosphorylation events.
Ups1p and Ups2p antagonistically regulate cardiolipin metabolism in mitochondria
Authors: Tamura Yasushi , Endo Toshiya , Iijima Miho , Sesaki Hiromi
Published: June 2009

Cardiolipin, a unique phospholipid composed of four fatty acid chains, is located mainly in the mitochondrial inner membrane (IM). Cardiolipin is required for the integrity of several protein complexes in the IM, including the TIM23 translocase, a dynamic complex which mediates protein import into the mitochondria through interactions with the import motor presequence translocase–associated motor (PAM). In this study, we report that two homologous intermembrane space proteins, Ups1p and Ups2p, control cardiolipin metabolism and affect the assembly state of TIM23 and its association with PAM in an opposing manner. In ups1Δ mitochondria, cardiolipin levels were decreased, and the TIM23 translocase showed altered conformation and decreased association with PAM, leading to defects in mitochondrial protein import. Strikingly, loss of Ups2p restored normal cardiolipin levels and rescued TIM23 defects in ups1Δ mitochondria. Furthermore, we observed synthetic growth defects in ups mutants in combination with loss of Pam17p, which controls the integrity of PAM. Our findings provide a novel molecular mechanism for the regulation of cardiolipin metabolism.
Rapid detection, classification and accurate alignment of up to a million or more related protein sequences
Authors: Neuwald Andrew F.
Published: June 2009

Motivation: The patterns of sequence similarity and divergence present within functionally diverse, evolutionarily related proteins contain implicit information about corresponding biochemical similarities and differences. A first step toward accessing such information is to statistically analyze these patterns, which, in turn, requires that one first identify and accurately align a very large set of protein sequences. Ideally, the set should include many distantly related, functionally divergent subgroups. Because it is extremely difficult, if not impossible for fully automated methods to align such sequences correctly, researchers often resort to manual curation based on detailed structural and biochemical information. However, multiply-aligning vast numbers of sequences in this way is clearly impractical.

Results: This problem is addressed using Multiply-Aligned Profiles for Global Alignment of Protein Sequences (MAPGAPS). The MAPGAPS program uses a set of multiply-aligned profiles both as a query to detect and classify related sequences and as a template to multiply-align the sequences. It relies on Karlin–Altschul statistics for sensitivity and on PSI-BLAST (and other) heuristics for speed. Using as input a carefully curated multiple-profile alignment for P-loop GTPases, MAPGAPS correctly aligned weakly conserved sequence motifs within 33 distantly related GTPases of known structure. By comparison, the sequence- and structurally based alignment methods hmmalign and PROMALS3D misaligned at least 11 and 23 of these regions, respectively. When applied to a dataset of 65 million protein sequences, MAPGAPS identified, classified and aligned (with comparable accuracy) nearly half a million putative P-loop GTPase sequences.

Availability: A C++ implementation of MAPGAPS is available at http://mapgaps.igs.umaryland.edu.

Contact:  aneuwald@som.umaryland.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
ChromA: signal-based retention time alignment for chromatography–mass spectrometry data
Authors: Hoffmann Nils , Stoye Jens
Published: June 2009

Summary: We describe ChromA, a web-based alignment tool for chromatography–mass spectrometry data from the metabolomics and proteomics domains. Users can supply their data in open and standardized file formats for retention time alignment using dynamic time warping with different configurable local distance and similarity functions. Additionally, user-defined anchors can be used to constrain and speedup the alignment. A neighborhood around each anchor can be added to increase the flexibility of the constrained alignment. ChromA offers different visualizations of the alignment for easier qualitative interpretation and comparison of the data. For the multiple alignment of more than two data files, the center-star approximation is applied to select a reference among input files to align to.

Availability: ChromA is available at http://bibiserv.techfak.uni-bielefeld.de/chroma. Executables and source code under the L-GPL v3 license are provided for download at the same location.

Contact:  stoye@techfak.uni-bielefeld.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Exploring the Evidence Base for Acupuncture in the Treatment of Ménière′s Syndrome—A Systematic Review
Authors: Long Andrew F. , Xing Mei , Morgan Ken , Brettle Alison
Published: June 2009

Ménière′s syndrome is a long‐term, progressive disease that damages the balance and hearing parts of the inner ear. To address the paucity of information on which evidence‐based treatment decisions should be made, a systematic review of acupuncture for Ménière′s syndrome was undertaken. The method used was a systematic review of English and Chinese literature, from six databases for randomized, non‐randomized and observational studies. All studies were critically appraised and a narrative approach to data synthesis was adopted. Twenty‐seven studies were included in this review (9 in English and 18 in Chinese languages): three randomized controlled trials, three non‐randomized controlled studies and four pre‐test, post‐test designs. All but one of the studies was conducted in China. The studies covered body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, fluid acupuncture point injection and moxibustion. The studies were of varying quality. The weight of evidence, across all study types, is of beneficial effect from acupuncture, for those in an acute phase or those who have had Ménière′s syndrome for a number of years. The review reinforces the importance of searching for studies from English and Chinese literature. The transferability of the findings from China to a Western context needs confirmation. Further research is also needed to clarify questions around the appropriate frequency and number of treatment/courses of acupuncture. The weight of evidence suggests a potential benefit of acupuncture for persons with Ménière′s disease, including those in an acute phase and reinforces the importance of searching for published studies in the Chinese language.
Prevalence and seasonality of Hematodinium (Alveolata: Syndinea) in a Scottish crustacean community
Authors: Hamilton K. M. , Shaw P. W. , Morritt D.
Published: June 2009

Hamilton, K. M., Shaw, P. W., and Morritt, D. 2009. Prevalence and seasonality of Hematodinium (Alveolata: Syndinea) in a Scottish crustacean community. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 1837–1845. Protist parasites of the genus Hematodinium were detected in seven crustacean species (Cancer pagurus, Carcinus maenas, Liocarcinus depurator, Munida rugosa, Necora puber, Pagurus bernhardus, and Pagurus prideaux) from the Clyde Sea in Scotland. Seasonal screening of different tissues with sensitive molecular probes showed average infection of 3–23%, with prevalence reaching almost 60% in hermit crabs (P. bernhardus) and brachyuran hosts in spring and >30% in C. pagurus and N. puber in autumn. During summer, Hematodinium infections were rare. Hematodinium seemed to be present in all host sizes sampled. The infection was equally distributed between males and females in most host species, except C. maenas, where males seemed to be more susceptible to infection. PCR amplification of the Hematodinium ribosomal RNA gene in crustacean tissue detected the parasite most frequently in muscle, gills, and heart throughout the 2-year sampling period.
A method for rapid, targeted CNV genotyping identifies rare variants associated with neurocognitive disease
Authors: Mefford Heather C. , Cooper Gregory M. , Zerr Troy , Smith Joshua D. , Baker Carl , Shafer Neil , Thorland Erik C. , Skinner Cindy , Schwartz Charles E. , Nickerson Deborah A. , Eichler Evan E.
Published: June 2009

Copy-number variants (CNVs) are substantial contributors to human disease. A central challenge in CNV-disease association studies is to characterize the pathogenicity of rare and possibly incompletely penetrant events, which requires the accurate detection of rare CNVs in large numbers of individuals. Cost and throughput issues limit our ability to perform these studies. We have adapted the Illumina BeadXpress SNP genotyping assay and developed an algorithm, SNP-Conditional OUTlier detection (SCOUT), to rapidly and accurately detect both rare and common CNVs in large cohorts. This approach is customizable, cost effective, highly parallelized, and largely automated. We applied this method to screen 69 loci in 1105 children with unexplained intellectual disability, identifying pathogenic variants in 3.1% of these individuals and potentially pathogenic variants in an additional 2.3%. We identified seven individuals (0.7%) with a deletion of 16p11.2, which has been previously associated with autism. Our results widen the phenotypic spectrum of these deletions to include intellectual disability without autism. We also detected 1.65–3.4 Mbp duplications at 16p13.11 in 1.1% of affected individuals and 350 kbp deletions at 15q11.2, near the Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome critical region, in 0.8% of affected individuals. Compared to published CNVs in controls they are significantly (P = 4.7 × 10−5 and 0.003, respectively) enriched in these children, supporting previously published hypotheses that they are neurocognitive disease risk factors. More generally, this approach offers a previously unavailable balance between customization, cost, and throughput for analysis of CNVs and should prove valuable for targeted CNV detection in both research and diagnostic settings.
Relationship between body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) in perimenopausal Korean women
Authors: Kim C. J. , Oh K. W. , Rhee E. J. , Kim K. H. , Jo S. K. , Jung C. H. , Won J. C. , Park C. Y. , Lee W. Y. , Park S. W. , Kim S. W.
Published: June 2009

Objectives  Osteoporosis is a disease that increases the fracture rates and it is the major cause of increased mortality and morbidity in the elderly people. To determine which component of body composition is most important to bone health, we analysed the relationship between elements of the body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) in Korean women.

Design  Cross‐sectional clinical study.

Patients  Totally 1694 women (mean age 51 years) were selected from subjects who participated in a medical check‐up program.

Measurements  Body composition analysis was performed by segmental bioelectric impedance method and lean mass, fat mass and per cent body fat measured. Waist : hip ratio (WHR) was assessed as a marker for visceral fat. Lumbar spine (l‐spine) BMD was measured by dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). As menopausal status could not be confirmed in all subjects, we divided the subjects into two groups according to the age > 50 years and < 50 years.

Results  Among the entire population, 599 subjects (35·4%) were osteopaenic and 229 subjects (13·5%) were osteoporotic. The bivariate correlation among the variables showed that weight had the highest correlation with fat mass. Mean lean mass was decreased and the WHR increased as the subjects progressed from normal to osteoporotic status; fat mass was the highest among the osteopaenic subjects. l‐spine BMD showed a positive correlation with lean mass, and a negative correlation with WHR by bivariate correlation analysis. However, fat mass had a negative correlation with l‐spine BMD only after adjustment for age and weight. Multiple regression analysis with l‐spine BMD as the dependent variable showed that age, height, fasting insulin, lean mass and WHR were significant determinants of the l‐spine BMD (R2 = 0·170, P < 0·05).

Conclusion  In this Korean female population, l‐spine BMD showed a consistently positive correlation with lean mass and a negative correlation with WHR. Fat mass failed to show any consistent correlation with l‐spine BMD in this study population.
Disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with an altered expression of low‐affinity Fcγ receptors and costimulatory molecules on dendritic cells
Authors: Carreño Leandro J. , Pacheco Rodrigo , Gutierrez Miguel A. , Jacobelli Sergio , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: June 2009

Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the interface between immunity and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. The capture of immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐containing immune complexes (ICs) by low‐affinity Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) expressed on DCs may influence the immunogenicity/tolerogenicity of these cells, depending on the activating/inhibitory potential of FcγRs. Because of the key role that low‐affinity FcγRs play in determining the magnitude of the response in IC‐driven inflammation, these receptors are likely to play a role in autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To evaluate if an altered expression of costimulatory molecules and/or FcγRs could account for disease severity, we evaluated the expression of these molecules on immature and mature DCs derived from peripheral blood monocytes of SLE patients and healthy donors. Our results show an increased expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86. Furthermore, the ratio of CD86/CD80 is higher in SLE patients compared with healthy donors. Conversely, while the expression of activating FcγRs was higher on DCs from SLE patients, expression of inhibitory FcγRs was lower, compared with DCs obtained from healthy donors. As a result, the activating to inhibitory FcγR ratio was significantly higher in DCs from SLE patients. The altered ratio of activating/inhibitory FcγRs on mature DCs showed a significant correlation with the activity of SLE, as determined by the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. We postulate that the increased ratio of activating/inhibitory FcγRs expressed on DCs from SLE patients can contribute to the failure of peripheral tolerance in the IC‐mediated phase of autoimmune pathogenesis.
Quantification and examination of depression‐related mental health literacy
Authors: Dunn Kirsten I. , Goldney Robert D. , Grande Eleonora Dal , Taylor Anne
Published: June 2009

Objective  The aim of the study was to create an algorithm to measure depression‐related mental health literacy.

Method  Participants were those recruited for the 1998 and 2004 South Australian Health Omnibus Surveys. Two unprompted questions were selected from a mental health literacy questionnaire and responses were quantified through allocation of scores agreed by a focus group of mental health professionals.

Results  An application of the algorithm resulted in findings consistent with those of other research, providing face validity for the method developed. The application allowed for examination of overall levels of depression‐related mental health literacy, with improvement found between 1998 and 2004. Similarly, differences in overall literacy according to demographics were also uncovered.

Conclusions  Tracking mental health literacy within populations is important as it has been shown to be related to individual help‐seeking as well as provision of support for those with a mental disorder. The method devised in this study allows for comparisons of literacy levels to be made across populations and time. It also offers increased capacity for statistical application.
Clinical in situ study investigating abrasive effects of two commercially available toothpastes
Authors: GILES A. , CLAYDON N. C. A. , ADDY M. , HUGHES N. , SUFI F. , WEST N. X.
Published: June 2009

Summary  The aim of this study was to determine if the abrasive effect on dentine of two commercially available toothpastes, known to vary in their in vitro abrasive levels, can be differentiated in an in situ model after 10 days, assessed by contact profilometry. This was a single centre, single blind, randomized, split mouth, two treatment, in situ study, in 34 healthy subjects, evaluating the abrasive effects of two marketed desensitizing toothpastes, (Colgate® Sensitive Multi Protection toothpaste – C; Sensodyne® Total Protection – S). Subjects wore bi‐lateral, lower buccal appliances, each fitted with four dentine sections which were power brushed three times a day with the treatment regimen. Each subject received two toothpaste treatments for 10 days during the treatment period. Samples were measured at baseline and day 10 by contact and non‐contact profilometry and day 5 by contact profilometry. Thirty‐four subjects were included in the efficacy analysis. Results from contact profilometry showed statistically significant (P < 0·0001) dentine loss compared to baseline at day 5 and 10 for both pastes. At each time point, C showed statistically significantly greater dentine loss than S, P < 0·0001. After 10 days treatment, the difference in dentine loss between the pastes was 1·4 μm. The non‐contact profilometry data showed similar trends. After 10 days of treatment, C showed statistically significantly greater dentine loss than S, with treatment difference of 0·9 μm, P = 0·0057. The methodology used has successfully differentiated between the abrasivity of the two pastes in respect of dentine surface loss over time in an in situ environment.
Diurnal and seasonal variation in the carbon isotope composition of leaf dark‐respired CO2 in velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina)
Authors: SUN WEI , RESCO VÍCTOR , WILLIAMS DAVID G.
Published: June 2009

We evaluated diurnal and seasonal patterns of carbon isotope composition of leaf dark‐respired CO2 (δ13Cl) in the C3 perennial shrub velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) across flood plain and upland savanna ecosystems in the south‐western USA. δ13Cl of darkened leaves increased to maximum values late during daytime periods and declined gradually over night‐time periods to minimum values at pre‐dawn. The magnitude of the diurnal shift in δ13Cl was strongly influenced by seasonal and habitat‐related differences in soil water availability and leaf surface vapour pressure deficit. δ13Cl and the cumulative flux‐weighted δ13C value of photosynthates were positively correlated, suggesting that progressive 13C enrichment of the CO2 evolved by darkened leaves during the daytime mainly resulted from short‐term changes in photosynthetic 13C discrimination and associated shifts in the δ13C signature of primary respiratory substrates. The 13C enrichment of dark‐respired CO2 relative to photosynthates across habitats and seasons was 4 to 6‰ at the end of the daytime period (1800 h), but progressively declined to 0‰ by pre‐dawn (0300 h). The origin of night‐time and daytime variations in δ13Cl is discussed in terms of the carbon source(s) feeding respiration and the drought‐induced changes in carbon metabolism.
Sex‐related adaptive responses of Populus cathayana to photoperiod transitions
Authors: ZHAO HONGXIA , LI YAN , DUAN BAOLI , KORPELAINEN HELENA , LI CHUNYANG
Published: June 2009

Populus cathayana Rehd., a dioecious tree species, occupies a wide range of habitats in southwest China. Both males and females were grown under two regimes of photoperiod, from mid‐length to short‐day photoperiod (SD shift), or to long‐day photoperiod (LD shift). SD shift triggered leaf senescence in both males and females by decreasing net photosynthesis rate (A), transpiration (E), and chlorophyll pigment (Chl), non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) and indoleacetic acid (IAA) contents, while increasing abscisic acid (ABA), malonaldehyde (MDA) and free proline (Pro) contents. The antioxidant enzyme (e.g. POD, CAT and SOD) activities and capability to maintain ultrastructural integrity also decreased under SD shift. Males exhibited faster leaf senescence than did females, as shown by greater decreases in A, E, Chl and IAA. However, males maintained a less senescent stage than did females, as indicated by higher values of A, Chl, NSC, IAA and antioxidant enzyme activities. Conversely, A, E, NSC and IAA contents and antioxidant enzyme activities were enhanced by lower O2•− in females, whereas reduced by higher O2•− in males under LD shift. Such sex‐dependent responses of P. cathayana to photoperiod transitions showed that males and females possess different adaptabilities, which may relate to sex‐specific leaf senescence speed under changing environments.
Frontiers in Clinical Immunology 2008
Authors: Deniz G. , Oral H. B. , Zouali M.
Published: June 2009

In recent years, investigations in immunology have led to progress in clinical medicine, including understanding transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, immune deficiencies, inflammation, transplantation, cancer and the development of new vaccines. At a meeting recently held on the Mediterranean shore, advances in several facets of clinical immunology were the focus of discussion. Here, we highlight some of the debates that reflected advances in a variety of human immune disorders.
HUMAN STUDY: FOSB proteins in the orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices of human alcoholics
Authors: Watanabe Hiroyuki , Henriksson Richard , Ohnishi Yoshinori N. , Ohnishi Yoko H. , Harper Clive , Sheedy Donna , Garrick Therese , Nyberg Fred , Nestler Eric J. , Bakalkin Georgy , Yakovleva Tatjana
Published: June 2009

The transcription factor ΔFosB is accumulated in the addiction circuitry, including the orbitofrontal and medial prefrontal cortices of rodents chronically exposed to ethanol or other drugs of abuse, and has been suggested to play a direct role in addiction maintenance. To address this hypothesis in the context of substance dependence in humans, we compared the immunoreactivities of FOSB proteins in the orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (OFC and DLPFC respectively) between controls and alcoholics using semiquantitative immunoblotting. In both structures, we detected three forms of FOSB, one of which was ΔFOSB, but in neither case did their immunoreactivities differ between the groups. Our results indicate that the ΔFOSB immunoreactivity in the human brain is very low, and that it is not accumulated in the OFC and DLPFC of human alcoholics, suggesting that it may not be directly involved in addiction maintenance, at least not in ethanol dependence.
CLINICAL STUDY: Effect of saquinavir/ritonavir (1000/100 mg bid) on the pharmacokinetics of methadone in opiate‐dependent HIV‐negative patients on stable methadone maintenance therapy
Authors: Jamois Candice , Smith Patrick , Morrison Royce , Riek Myriam , Patel Arpna , Schmitt Christophe , Morcos Peter N. , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: June 2009

This study was performed to determine the effect of two protease inhibitors, saquinavir (SQV, oral 1000 mg bid) boosted by ritonavir (RTV, oral 100 mg bid), on pharmacokinetics (PK) of methadone in opiate‐dependent HIV‐negative patients on stable methadone maintenance therapy. This was a two‐center, open‐label, one‐sequence cross‐over, multiple‐dose study in 13 HIV‐negative patients who were on stable methadone therapy (oral, 60–120 mg qd). All patients continued methadone treatment on days 2–15. All patients received SQV/RTV in combination with methadone from days 2–15. PK of methadone was assessed on day 1 (alone) and on day 15 when methadone treatment was combined with SQV/RTV at steady state. Twelve patients completed the study. Median age, body weight and height were 50 years (range: 24–54 years), 80 kg (range: 57–97 kg) and 174 cm (range: 163–189 cm), respectively. All patients were Caucasian, and 11 were smokers. Median methadone dose was 85 mg qd. Geometric mean area under curve of the plasma concentration‐time curve over 24 hour dosing interval (AUC0–24 hour) ratio of methadone with and without SQV/RTV was 0.81% (90% confidence interval: 71–91%). There was no significant plasma protein‐binding displacement of methadone by SQV/RTV. The combination of SQV/RTV and methadone was well tolerated. There were no clinically significant adverse events or significant changes in laboratory parameters, electrocardiograms or vital signs. The 19% decrease in R‐methadone AUC0–24 hour in the presence of SQV/RTV was not clinically relevant. There appears to be no need for methadone dose adjustment when methadone (60–120 mg qd) and SQV/RTV (1000/100 mg bid) are coadministered.
Homozygous feature of isolated triphalangeal thumb–preaxial polydactyly linked to 7q36: no phenotypic difference between homozygotes and heterozygotes
Authors: Semerci CN , Demirkan F , Özdemir M , Biskin E , Akin B , Bagci H , Akarsu NA
Published: June 2009

Preaxial polydactyly is a common limb malformation in humans with variable clinical expression. Different types of triphalangeal thumb‐preaxial polydactyly phenotypes were mapped to the chromosome 7q36 region. We studied a large Turkish family of 69 individuals, of whom 22 individuals were affected. In all, 11 affected family members were clinically and radiologically evaluated. All affected individuals had a triphalangeal thumb and a preaxial (hypoplastic) extra digit bilaterally, with minimal intrafamilial variation. No feet involvement was observed. Linkage and haplotype analyses using 20 informative meioses confirmed the 7q36 region contained the LIMBR1 gene. Maximum logarithm of the odds (LOD) scores were obtained with DNA markers D7S550 and D7S2423. We have further identified a novel C to T alteration at position 4909 bp in the critical zone of polarizing activity regulatory sequence (ZRS) region, in the intron 5, of the LMBR1 gene. One affected male with homozygous status and no phenotypic difference from affected family members with heterozygous status represented the first homozygote case of the triphalangeal thumb‐preaxial polydactyly phenotype.
Quality of life and psychosocial sequelae in children undergoing hematopoietic stem‐cell transplantation: A review
Authors: Tremolada Marta , Bonichini Sabrina , Pillon Marta , Messina Chiara , Carli Modesto
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  This paper reviews the research published in the last 18 yr on QoL and psycho‐social sequelae in pediatric patients who have undergone HSCT. A corpus of 47 empirical studies was selected and is presented here. From this selection five main topics linked to psychological adjustment to HSCT emerged: QoL; psychological symptoms; cognitive sequelae; social adaptation; psycho‐social interventions for children. The information which emerged from the review of the literature is discussed with special attention to methodological issues. Directions for future research are proposed.
Nocardia farcinica pericarditis after kidney transplantation despite prophylaxis
Authors: McPhee L. , Stogsdill P. , Vella J.P.
Published: June 2009

Abstract: A deceased‐donor kidney transplant recipient developed purulent pericarditis caused by Nocardia despite trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP–SMX) prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii. She was treated empirically with ceftriaxone and amikacin and subsequently underwent sternotomy with drainage of an intrapericardial abscess. Culture and susceptibility data demonstrated Nocardia farcinica, which was susceptible to SMX and amikacin, although resistant to ceftriaxone. Nocardia asteroides, the more common human pathogen, is generally susceptible to third‐generation cephalosporins and TMP–SMX. N. farcinica is rare in the United States, more virulent and resistant than N. asteroides, and is more likely to cause disseminated disease. Successful therapy of disseminated Nocardia infections is dependent upon choice of appropriate empiric antibiotics in addition to surgical drainage of purulent fluid collections. TMP–SMX prophylaxis may not be sufficient to prevent infections due to Nocardia species in all immunosuppressed transplant recipients. Here, a rare complication of this unusual pathogen is discussed.
Donor profiles: demographic factors and their influence on the donor career
Authors: Veldhuizen I. J. T. , Doggen C. J. M. , Atsma F. , De Kort W. L. A. M.
Published: June 2009

Background and objectives  Studying the contribution of demographic factors to the donor career provides important knowledge to be used for donor management. The aim of this study is to gain insight into donor characteristics, more specifically into the demographic profile of active vs. resigned donors, and multi‐gallon vs. occasional donors.

Materials and methods  The study population consisted of all registered Dutch whole‐blood donors between 1 January 2004 and 1 January 2005 (N = 370 470). The effect of several blood donor characteristics and demographic variables on (i) resigning donating and (ii) being a multi‐gallon donor were assessed. Blood donor characteristics were extracted from the blood bank information system and included age, sex, blood group, number of donations and invitations. Demographic characteristics were constituted by population data on urbanization level, socio‐economic status (income, housing value), and ethnicity.

Results  Men clearly resigned less often than women (odds ratio (OR) 0·73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·72–0·75). Being older than 24 years, having a high income, a high‐priced house, living in less urbanized areas or areas with relatively few ethnically diverse people also reduced the stopping risk. With respect to multi‐gallon donorship, men were five times more often multi‐gallon donor than women (OR 5·27, 95% CI 5·15–5·39) irrespective of the number of donation invitations. Furthermore, multi‐gallon donors appeared to live in urbanized areas and have a higher income than occasional donors.

Conclusion  Our results show that different donor profiles can be distinguished. Differences between active and resigned donors include age, the number of donations, sex, socio‐economic‐status, ethnicity, and urbanization level. The factors highly associated with being a multi‐gallon donor are sex, age, socio‐economic status, and to a lesser extent urbanization level. Donor profiles do provide the blood bank with knowledge on their donor population, which may be used as valuable information for donor recruitment and retention policies.
Vaginal Ring and Round Ligament of the Uterus in the Female Cat
Authors: Watson A.
Published: June 2009

The peritoneum was examined for the existence of a vaginal ring and the round ligament of the uterus was dissected through the inguinal region in eleven embalmed adult female cats. In all cats, there was no evidence of a peritoneal evagination into the inguinal canal. There was no vaginal ring and no vaginal process. The round ligament of the uterus passed through the inguinal canal and disintegrated in the fascia a short distance beyond the superficial inguinal ring.
Physiological Responses and Dry Matter Partitioning of Summer Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Genotypes Subjected to Drought Conditions
Authors: Kumar A. , Sharma K. D.
Published: June 2009

Drought is the most important limitation to summer mungbean production in the tropics and subtropics dependent on usually insufficient summer rainfall. As increased irrigation is not a viable answer to the problem, an economically and environmentally desirable solution is new varieties with drought tolerance. However, there is little genotypic information on drought tolerance in summer mungbean. The objectives of this study were to assess the genotypic differences in physiological traits and dry matter partitioning in mungbean and to measure the association of these traits with crop performance under drought conditions. Six mungbean genotypes were tested in drought micro plots at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India. A split plot design was used; two irrigation treatments (watered and droughted) in the main plots and six mungbean genotypes in the subplots with three replicate micro plots. Drought decreased leaf water status, rates of photosynthesis (Pn) and altered dry matter partitioning in different plant parts. Our results showed that Pn did not limit yield, but it was partitioning of dry matter governed by leaf water content (RWC) which influenced the final yield. RWC was positively correlated to the number of pods per plant and seed yield, genotypes maintaining high RWC produced higher seed yield. Therefore, the drought tolerance of summer mungbean was related to the maintenance of high RWC, which can be used as a physiological marker to identify and develop superior genotypes suited to drought‐prone environments.
Production and characterization of an amphidiploid line between Brassica rapa and a wild relative Diplotaxis tenuifolia
Authors: Jeong B. H. , Saga T. , Okayasu K. , Hattori G. , Kaneko Y. , Bang S. W.
Published: June 2009

Intergeneric hybridization was performed between Brassica rapa and Diplotaxis tenuifolia following embryo rescue. Twenty‐three F1 hybrid plants were developed from the cross B. rapa × D. tenuifolia and confirmed to be amphihaploids with 21 chromosomes in mitosis. Chromosome doubling of F1 hybrids by colchicine treatment resulted into five amphidiploid plants which exhibited (20–21)II + (0–2)I at metaphase I (MI) of pollen mother cells. Sib‐crossing and/or open‐pollination among amphidiploid plants for more than four generations resulted in the development of an ADt‐06 line with reproductive systems capable of maintaining an amphidiploid line. The ADt‐06 line was intermediate in some morphological traits between two parental species, and was characterized by a slightly pungent taste as a physiological trait. Analyses for genomic DNA confirmed that this line was a hybrid between two species. This new amphidiploid ADt‐06 line could be a useful genetic resource for the breeding of new leafy salad vegetables.
Rotenone partially reverses decreased BKCa currents in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic mice
Authors: Dong Ling , Xie Man‐Jiang , Zhang Peng , Ji Le‐Le , Liu Wen‐Chong , Dong Ming‐Qing , Gao Feng
Published: June 2009

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause vascular complications and impair vasodilation in diabetes mellitus. Large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium channels (BKCa) modulate vascular tone and play an important negative feedback role in vasoconstriction. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ROS regulate the function of BKCa in diabetic cerebral artery smooth muscle cells.

Diabetes was induced in male BALB/c mice by injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 180 mg/kg, i.p., dissolved in sterile saline). Control and diabetic mice were treated with 12.7 µmol/L rotenone, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I, or placebo every other day for 5 weeks. The whole‐cell patch clamp‐technique and functional vasomotor methods were used to record BKCa currents and myogenic tone of cerebral artery smooth muscle cells.

In the diabetic group, there was a significant decrease in spontaneous transient outward currents in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells compared with control. Although the currents were only moderately increased in rotenone‐treated diabetic mice, they remained significantly lower than in the control group. Furthermore, the macroscopic BKCa currents that were decreased in diabetic mice were partially recovered in rotenone‐treated diabetic mice (P < 0.05 vs untreated diabetic group).

The posterior cerebral artery from diabetic mice had a significantly higher myogenic tone than the control group, but this impaired contraction was partially reversed in the rotenone‐treated diabetic group (P < 0.05 vs untreated diabetic group).

The H2O2 concentration was significantly increased in cerebral arteries from diabetic mice compared with control. This increase in H2O2 was significantly blunted by rotenone treatment.

In conclusion, rotenone partially reverses the decreased macroscopic BKCa currents in STZ‐induced Type 1 diabetic mice and this reversal of BKCa currents may be related to the inhibitory effects of rotenone on H2O2 production. Reactive oxygen species, particularly H2O2, are important regulators of BKCa channels and myogenic tone in diabetic cerebral artery.
Seeking knowledge, discovering learning: Uncovering the impetus for baccalaureate nursing studies in Malaysian Borneo
Authors: Birks Melanie , Francis Karen , Chapman Ysanne
Published: June 2009

Changes to the nursing profession over recent decades have provoked an increasing migration of nursing education into the tertiary sector. For nurses who live and work in developing nations, such as Malaysia, opportunities for further study might be limited, particularly for those located in more remote regions. This paper reports on a research study of registered nurses who undertook baccalaureate degree studies in off‐campus mode in Malaysian Borneo. A grounded theory methodology was employed in this research, which is part of a larger study into the nature and outcomes of change experienced as a result of postregistration degree studies. This paper explores the reasons why nurses in this location enrolled in one such course and the extent to which completion of their studies addressed their motivational goals. The findings indicate that the experience of learning and acquisition of knowledge was well beyond what was expected, resulting in a sense of achievement that was similarly unanticipated.
Physical activity six months after a myocardial infarction
Authors: Brändström Yvonne , Brink Eva , Grankvist Gunne , Alsén Pia , Herlitz Johan , Karlson Björn W
Published: June 2009

In the present study, we wished to explore physical activity in middle‐aged patients 6 months after a myocardial infarction and to compare the patients’ self‐reported activity level with pedometric measures of footsteps/day. The sample comprised 89 patients with myocardial infarction, aged ≤ 65 years. The self‐report question showed that < 40% of the patients were engaged in at least 30 min of physical activity every day. The pedometric physical activity data showed a daily mean number of steps of 6719. The self‐report question was correlated with the pedometric registration data. Among myocardial infarction patients, physical activity 6 months after the acute heart attack was insufficient in the majority of patients, both when evaluated with a self‐report question and when evaluated with a pedometer. Efforts to increase physical activity after myocardial infarction are warranted.
Compliance in peritoneal dialysis: A qualitative study of renal nurses
Authors: McCarthy Alexandra , Cook Peta S , Fairweather Carrie , Shaban Ramon , Martin‐McDonald Kristine
Published: June 2009

End‐stage renal failure is a life‐threatening condition, often treated with home‐based peritoneal dialysis (PD). PD is a demanding regimen, and the patients who practise it must make numerous lifestyle changes and learn complicated biomedical techniques. In our experience, the renal nurses who provide most PD education frequently express concerns that patient compliance with their teaching is poor. These concerns are mirrored in the renal literature. It has been argued that the perceived failure of health professionals to improve compliance rates with PD regimens is because ‘compliance’ itself has never been adequately conceptualized or defined; thus, it is difficult to operationalize and quantify. This paper examines how a group of Australian renal nurses construct patient compliance with PD therapy. These empirical data illuminate how PD compliance operates in one practice setting; how it is characterized by multiple and often competing energies; and how ultimately it might be pointless to try to tame ‘compliance’ through rigid definitions and measurement, or to rigidly enforce it in PD patients. The energies involved are too fractious and might be better spent, as many of the more experienced nurses in this study argue, in augmenting the energies that do work well together to improve patient outcomes.
Advanced pregnancy loss in the rudimentary horn of an undiagnosed unicornuate uterus
Authors: Perez‐Medina Tirso , García‐Andrade Carmen , Bajo‐Arenas José
Published: June 2009

A case of advanced pregnancy loss in the rudimentary horn of a unicornuate uterus is presented herein. The unknown uterine malformation and advanced pregnancy resulted in the condition being incorrectly diagnosed on ultrasound. After a failed attempt at dilatation and curettage, a correct diagnosis was made and proper treatment was given during salvage laparotomy performed for arising complications (coagulopathy).
Primary adenocarcinoma of the vagina successfully treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and carboplatin
Authors: Takemoto Shuji , Ushijima Kimio , Nakaso Kazumi , Fujiyoshi Naoki , Kamura Toshiharu
Published: June 2009

Primary vaginal adenocarcinoma unassociated with antenatal diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure is extremely rare. The strategy for treating this disease has not yet been established due to its rarity and, therefore, the prognosis remains poor. A 69‐year‐old woman presented with vaginal bleeding but no history of antenatal DES exposure. She had a solid tumor in the recto‐vaginal space, diagnosed as FIGO stage III vaginal adenocarcinoma. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and carboplatin, the tumor became undetectable. Thereafter, radiotherapy was applied to the pelvis and vagina in order to reinforce the state of remission. The patient remains free from recurrence 1 year after discharge. The present case was successfully treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, suggesting that chemotherapy may be an option for the treatment of this type of tumor.
Third S. S. Ratnam Memorial Lecture 2007. Ovarian cancer: Is there hope for women?
Authors: Sivanesaratnam Vallipuram
Published: June 2009

Ovarian cancer is today the most lethal female cancer with an overall survival of only 49.9%. The currently available screening modalities are disappointing in detecting highly curable early stage ovarian cancer. Natural history of ovarian cancer is unknown; it appears it can develop quickly from normal looking ovaries. Timely referral of women with non‐specific symptoms (such as abdominal bloating, pelvic pain) for an ultrasound scan or blood CA125 assessments may help in the early diagnosis. Patients with Stage IA or IB disease with grade 1 tumors have a cure rate of >90%; this is likely to be compromised by laparoscopic surgery. In selected patients fertility preservation with good obstetric outcome is possible. However, the relapse rate in ‘high risk’ early stage ovarian cancers is 40–45%; adjuvant chemotherapy is needed. Only 20–25% of those with stage III and IV disease are cured. Despite a high primary response (70%) majority (70–75%) will relapse and all are likely to succumb. Optimal debulking surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy are needed for stages III and IV disease; the outcome is superior if managed by gynecologic oncologists. Where cost of drugs is an important consideration, an alternative is carboplatin (an affordable and equally effective drug). The role of vaccines needs further study. When relapses occur palliation will be the aim in most instances. Oral contraceptives, breast feeding, tubal sterilization and hysterectomy also have a protective effect. Risk‐reducing salpingo‐oopherectomy has been suggested in women with BRCA mutations.
Automatic auditory off‐response in humans: an MEG study
Authors: Yamashiro Koya , Inui Koji , Otsuru Naofumi , Kida Tetsuo , Kakigi Ryusuke
Published: June 2009

We recorded cortical activities in response to the onset and offset of a pure tone of long duration (LONG) and a train of brief pulses of a pure tone with an interstimulus interval of 50 ms (ISI–50 ms) or 100 ms (ISI–100 ms) by use of magnetoencephalograms in 11 healthy volunteers to clarify temporal and spatial profiles of the auditory on‐ and off‐cortical response. Results showed that a region around the superior temporal gyrus (STG) of both hemispheres responded to both the onset and offset of the stimulus. The location of the source responsible for the main activity (N1m) was not significantly different between the on‐ and off‐responses for any of the three tones. The peak latency of on‐N1m was similar under the three conditions, while the peak latency of off‐N1m was precisely determined by the ISI, which suggested that off‐N1m is based on short‐term memory of the stimulus frequency. In addition, there was a positive correlation of the N1m amplitude of N1m between the on‐ and off‐responses among the subjects. The present results suggested that auditory on‐N1m and off‐N1m have similar physiological significance involved in responding to abrupt changes.
A review of resistance breeding options targeting western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte)
Authors: Ivezić Marija , Raspudić Emilija , Brmež Mirjana , Majić Ivana , Brkić Ivan , Tollefson Jon J. , Bohn Martin , Hibbard Bruce E. , Šimić Domagoj
Published: June 2009

1 This review presents the latest research regarding maize resistance breeding against western corn rootworm (WCR) in the U.S.A. and Europe.

2 Investigations in Europe on the development of maize cultivars possessing resistant mechanisms against WCR are just beginning. In 2003, the European Commission implemented measures aimed at slowing down the spread of the WCR in Europe. Nevertheless, this pest has already been found in 20 countries of the European region. To establish a sustainable production system, the evaluation of native (nontransgenic) resistance in maize cultivars is essential.

3 This review emphasizes the future challenges involved in the research of native resistance breeding in maize against the insect.