bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of routine pre‐operative bedside echocardiography in detecting aortic stenosis in patients with a hip fracture*
Authors: Loxdale S. J. , Sneyd J. R. , Donovan A. , Werrett G. , Viira D. J.
Published: October 2011

The prevalence and severity of aortic stenosis in unselected patients admitted with a hip fracture is unknown. Derriford Hospital operates a routine weekday, pre‐operative, targeted bedside echocardiography examination on all patients admitted with a hip fracture. We carried out a prospective service evaluation for 13 months from October 2007 on all 501 admissions, of which 374 (75%) underwent pre‐operative echocardiography. Of those patients investigated, 8 (2%) had severe, 24 (6%) moderate and 113 (30%) had mild aortic stenosis or aortic sclerosis. Eighty‐seven of 278 (31%) patients with no murmur detected clinically on admission had aortic stenosis on echocardiography and of the 96 patients in whom a murmur was heard pre‐operatively, 30 (31%) had a normal echocardiogram. Detection of a murmur does not necessarily reflect the presence of underling aortic valve disease. However, if a murmur is heard then the likelihood of the lesion's being moderate or severe aortic stenosis is increased (OR 8.5; 95% CI 3.8–19.5). Forty‐four (12%) of our unselected patients with fractured femur had either moderate or severe aortic stenosis (with or without moderate or severe left ventricular failure), or mild stenosis with moderately or severely impaired left ventricular function.
Genome‐wide association analysis for feed efficiency in Angus cattle
Authors: Rolf M. M. , Taylor J. F. , Schnabel R. D. , McKay S. D. , McClure M. C. , Northcutt S. L. , Kerley M. S. , Weaber R. L.
Published: October 2011

Estimated breeding values for average daily feed intake (AFI; kg/day), residual feed intake (RFI; kg/day) and average daily gain (ADG; kg/day) were generated using a mixed linear model incorporating genomic relationships for 698 Angus steers genotyped with the Illumina BovineSNP50 assay. Association analyses of estimated breeding values (EBVs) were performed for 41 028 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and permutation analysis was used to empirically establish the genome‐wide significance threshold (P < 0.05) for each trait. SNPs significantly associated with each trait were used in a forward selection algorithm to identify genomic regions putatively harbouring genes with effects on each trait. A total of 53, 66 and 68 SNPs explained 54.12% (24.10%), 62.69% (29.85%) and 55.13% (26.54%) of the additive genetic variation (when accounting for the genomic relationships) in steer breeding values for AFI, RFI and ADG, respectively, within this population. Evaluation by pathway analysis revealed that many of these SNPs are in genomic regions that harbour genes with metabolic functions. The presence of genetic correlations between traits resulted in 13.2% of SNPs selected for AFI and 4.5% of SNPs selected for RFI also being selected for ADG in the analysis of breeding values. While our study identifies panels of SNPs significant for efficiency traits in our population, validation of all SNPs in independent populations will be necessary before commercialization.
Genome‐wide associations for investigating time‐dependent genetic effects for milk production traits in dairy cattle
Authors: Strucken E. M. , Bortfeldt R. H. , de Koning D. J. , Brockmann G. A.
Published: October 2011

Phenotypic variation in milk production traits has been described over the course of a lactation as well as between different parities. The objective of this study was to investigate whether variation in production is affected by different loci across lactations. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using a 50‐k SNP chip was conducted in 152 divergent German Holstein Friesian cows to test for association with milk production traits over different lactations. The first four lactations were analysed regarding milk yield, fat, protein, lactose, milk urea nitrogen yield and content as well as somatic cell score. Two approaches were used: (i) Wilmink curve parameters were used to assess the genetic effects over the course of a lactation and (ii) test‐day yield deviations (YD) were used as a normative approach for a GWAS. The significant effects were largest for markers affecting curve parameters for which there was a statistical power <0.8 of detection even in this small design. While significant markers for YDs were detected in this study, the power to detect effects of a similar magnitude was only 0.11, suggesting that many loci may have been missed with this approach in the present design. Furthermore, all significant effects were specific for a single lactation, leading to the conclusion that the variance explained by a certain locus changes from lactation to lactation. We confirm the common evidence that most production traits vary in the degree of persistency after the peak as a result of genetic influence.
Hodgkin lymphoma as Richter transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a retrospective analysis of world literature
Authors: Bockorny Bruno , Codreanu Ion , Dasanu Constantin A.
Published: October 2011

Richter transformation in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) represents an entity of considerable genetic, molecular, immunological and clinical heterogeneity. A rare occurrence, Hodgkin variant of Richter syndrome, has not been comprehensively characterized or systematized to date. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the existing cases of Hodgkin lymphoma as Richter syndrome reported in the medical literature in the previous three and a half decades. Our search identified 86 such patients; this entity affects predominantly older men and the most common histological subtype is mixed cellularity. Interval between the diagnosis of CLL and subsequent development of Hodgkin lymphoma is circa 4·3 years. The overall survival of patients was approximately 1·7 years in our analysed cohort. However, our pooled data showed that patients in whom CLL had been treated with fludarabine had a shorter survival after transformation compared to the ones not treated with this agent. The role of immunosuppression and Epstein–Barr virus infection in the aetiopathogenesis of this entity remains to be clarified.
Longitudinal analysis of antibody response to immunization in paediatric survivors after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Inaba Hiroto , Hartford Christine M. , Pei Deqing , Posner Meredith J. , Yang Jie , Hayden Randall T. , Srinivasan Ashok , Triplett Brandon M. , McCulllers Jon A. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Leung Wing
Published: October 2011

The long‐term antibody responses to re‐immunization in recipients of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) have not been well studied. We prospectively and longitudinally evaluated the antibody responses to eight vaccine antigens (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B, and poliovirus) and assessed the factors associated with negative titres in 210 allo‐HSCT recipients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Antibody responses lasting for more than 5 years after immunization were observed in most patients for tetanus (95·7%), rubella (92·3%), poliovirus (97·9%), and, in diphtheria‐tetanus‐acellular pertussis (DTaP) recipients, diphtheria (100%). However, responses to pertussis (25·0%), measles (66·7%), mumps (61·5%), hepatitis B (72·9%), and diphtheria in tetanus‐diphtheria (Td) recipients (48·6%) were less favourable, with either only transient antibody responses or persistently negative titres. Factors associated with vaccine failure were older age at immunization; lower CD3, CD4 or CD19 counts; higher IgM concentrations; positive recipient cytomegalovirus serology; negative titres before immunization; acute or chronic graft‐versus‐host disease; and radiation during preconditioning. These response patterns and clinical factors can be used to formulate re‐immunization and monitoring strategies. Patients at risk for vaccine failure should have long‐term follow‐up; those with loss of antibody response or no seroconversion should receive booster immunizations.
Deregulated expression of HMGA2 is implicated in clonal expansion of PIGA deficient cells in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria
Authors: Murakami Yoshiko , Inoue Norimitsu , Shichishima Tsutomu , Ohta Rieko , Noji Hideyoshi , Maeda Yusuke , Nishimura Jun‐ichi , Kanakura Yuzuru , Kinoshita Taroh
Published: October 2011

Patients with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) have expanded clonal cells bearing a somatic mutation in the PIGA gene. Our previous study on two PNH patients with chromosome 12 rearrangements demonstrated the involvement of HMGA2 expression in clonal expansion. The present study investigated HMGA2 expression in PNH patients without chromosomal abnormalities. The expression of short HMGA2 with latent exon was significantly high in peripheral blood cells from 18 of 24 patients. Over‐expression of truncated HMGA2 in mouse bone marrow cells caused expansion in recipient mice. These results support the idea that deregulated expression of HMGA2 causes expansion of PNH cells.
Recent advances in the understanding of Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Badalian‐Very Gayane , Vergilio Jo‐Anne , Degar Barbara A. , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Rollins Barrett J.
Published: October 2011

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a proliferative disease of cells that share phenotypic characteristics with the primary antigen presenting cells of the epidermis. Its clinical manifestations are highly variable, extending from very benign forms to a disseminated, aggressive disease that causes significant mortality. Although many of the fundamental pathogenetic features of LCH have been enigmatic, recent advances have led to a much clearer understanding of the disease. In particular, careful molecular analyses of mouse models and human LCH samples suggest that LCH’s cell of origin may not be the epidermal LC itself but a myeloid‐derived precursor. Advanced genomic technologies have revealed the presence of activating, somatic BRAF mutations in the majority of patient specimens. Together, these observations have produced a new picture of LCH as a myeloid neoplasm. These advances are likely to have profound implications for the use of targeted therapeutics in LCH.
Hydraulic‐habitat modelling for setting environmental river flow needs for salmonids
Authors: DUNBAR M. J. , ALFREDSEN K. , HARBY A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract  There is an increasing demand for tools to assist in the management of environmental flows in rivers. Changes in river discharge act on biota through a hydraulic template, which is mediated by channel morphology. Hence, environmental flow assessments also need to consider channel morphology, especially if morphology has been altered by human activities. Computer models describing the preferences of fish for hydraulic microhabitats have been applied to environmental flow problems since the mid‐1970s. Salmonids have been a particular focus for these methods. Other reviews have provided comprehensive coverage of the basic features and principles of such models. These are briefly discussed focusing on the developments that have occurred in the last 15 years and whose application has so far been infrequent. These include improvements to the representation of hydraulics at reach‐scale and of longer river sections, and improved representation of interacting physical variables that describe habitat. The central theme is the spatial coverage and fundamental granularity of such models. Despite a broad literature, there is a lack of documented examples of the application of hydraulic‐habitat models through all stages in the environmental flow decision‐making process. The review concludes with four short examples that illustrate the use of model output.
Gravity and magnetic investigation on the distribution of volcanic rocks in the Qinggelidi area, north‐eastern Junggar Basin (north‐west China)
Authors: Yushan Yang , Yuanyuan Li , Tianyou Liu
Published: October 2011

A detailed investigation on the location of magmatic intrusions in the Carboniferous strata of the Qinggelidi area, north‐eastern Junggar Basin, is presented based on the interpretation of gravity and magnetic data constrained by petrophysical data, seismics and surface geology. The wavelet multi‐resolution analysis based on the discrete wavelet transform is adopted to the regional‐residual separation of gravity and magnetic anomalies. A power spectrum analysis is applied to estimate the source depths corresponding to different scales. A comparative analysis on the characteristics of local gravity and magnetic anomalies improved our understanding of volcanic rock distribution in the Carboniferous strata. Generally speaking, in total 75 anomalies are recognized, among which 23 are inferred to be the responses of basalts, diabases and andesites with high density and strong magnetization. Twelve anomalies are assumed to be caused by andesites, rhyolites and volcanic breccias with medium‐low density and high magnetization. There are still five anomalies that are believed to be generated by volcanic tuffs with low density and weak magnetization. Lastly, four cross‐sections in 3D gravity and magnetic modelling are displayed to provide a more thorough image of volcanic rocks in our study area.
No growth stimulation by CO2 enrichment in alpine glacier forefield plants
Authors: Inauen Nicole , Körner Christian , Hiltbrunner Erika
Published: October 2011

Since 1850, glaciers in the European Alps have lost around 40% of their original area, releasing bare forefields, which are colonized by alpine pioneer species, setting the scene for later successional stages. These expanding pioneer communities are likely less restricted by resources and competition than late‐successional systems. We thus hypothesized that rising atmospheric CO2 concentration will enhance plant growth in these high‐elevation communities. Nine characteristic, perennial glacier forefield species were assembled in microcosms and grown at a nearby experimental site in the Swiss Alps (2440 m a.s.l.). The communities were exposed to an elevated CO2 concentration of 580 ppm by free‐air CO2 enrichment for three seasons. Four study species were additionally grown in isolation in containers, half of which received a low dose of mineral fertilizer (25 kg N ha‐1 a‐1) in order to explore a potential nutrient limitation of the CO2 response. Responses of growth dynamics and peak season biomass of the two graminoid species, four forbs and three cushion forming species were analysed by repeated nondestructive assessments and a final biomass harvest. After three seasons, none of the species were stimulated by elevated CO2, irrespective of mineral nutrient addition, which by itself enhanced growth in the fertilized plants by +34% on average. Increased CO2 concentration did not affect total (above‐ plus belowground) biomass but reduced aboveground biomass by −35% across all species, even in the fast growing ones. This reduced aboveground biomass was associated with higher biomass partitioning to roots. Foliar nonstructural carbohydrate concentration increased and nitrogen concentration in leaves decreased under elevated CO2. We observed downward adjustment of photosynthetic capacity by on average −26% under long‐term exposure to 580 ppm CO2 (assessed in graminoids only). Our results indicate that glacier forefield pioneers, growing under harsh climatic conditions are not carbon limited at current atmospheric CO2 concentration.
Evolution of grape seed flavan‐3‐ols during ripening of different grape cultivars
Authors: Piñeiro Zulema , Canepa Daniela , Palma Miguel , Barroso Carmelo G.
Published: October 2011

Evolution of both catechin and epicatechin grape seed content was established for ten white and six red grape varieties during the ripening period. Chemometric techniques (cluster analysis and partial least squares analysis) were used for data analysis. An initial increasing stage and a final stabilisation step for both compounds have been observed for most varieties during ripening, including both red and white grape varieties. On the other hand, three red varieties (Tintilla de Rota, Tempranillo and Graciano) and two white varieties (Vijiriega and Muscat á Petit Grain) kept away from the rest showed particular trends. Graciano was the only cultivar that presented differences in catechin and epicatechin behaviour during its ripening period.
Effect of microwave drying on the phytochemical composition of volatiles of ginger
Authors: Kubra Ismail R. , Rao Lingamallu J. M.
Published: October 2011

The influence of drying methods on the volatile components of Zingiber officinale rhizomes was studied. The drying methods employed were convection (CD) and microwave (MW) drying. The drying time reduced significantly from 720 min in case of CD to 25–48 min in MW drying depending on the microwave power level (PL 100, 80, 60 and 40 correspond to 800, 660, 525 and 385W, respectively). The MW‐dried (PL100, 800W) sample retained the maximum volatile fraction (3% v/w). Seventy‐four constituents accounting for more than 99% of the essential oil from fresh ginger were identified. The concentration of major compound (zingiberene), in essential oils, was marginally increased (7%) in MW dried (PL100), whereas it was decreased not only in CD (43%) but also at other MW PLs employed in drying (25–49%). Hence, it could be concluded that MW substantially reduced the drying time and the sample dried at PL 100 retained maximum quantity of volatiles.
Antioxidant effect of turmeric powder, nitrite and ascorbic acid on stored chicken mince
Authors: Sharma Jitendra , Ponnusamy Pazhaniandi Prabhakaran , Tanwar Vinay Kumar , Das Sudip Kumar , Goswami Meena
Published: October 2011

This investigation was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant effect of turmeric (turmeric 1000 ppm, turmeric 5000 ppm), nitrite (nitrite 200 ppm) and ascorbic acid (ascorbic acid 500 ppm) on raw minced chicken stored at 4 ± 1 °C. Physicochemical properties [pH, water activity, cooking loss, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid (FFA)] were evaluated on 0, 2, 4 and 6th day of storage. Highly significant differences (P < 0.01) in pH, TBA value, PV and FFA value were noticed between treatments and between storage periods. TBA values were observed to be lowest for nitrite 200 ppm and then turmeric 5000 ppm, and there was no significant difference between nitrite 200 ppm and turmeric 5000 ppm, and both were superior to ascorbic acid 500 ppm and turmeric 1000 ppm. Among different treatments, PV was found to be lowest in turmeric 5000 ppm and highest in nitrite 200 ppm. FFA value was found to be lowest in turmeric 5000 ppm and highest in ascorbic acid 500 ppm among all treated samples. It can be concluded that turmeric has potential to replace synthetic antioxidants presently used in meat processing with many added advantages.
Composite wheat–germinated brown rice flours: selected physicochemical properties and bread application
Authors: Charoenthaikij Phantipha , Jangchud Kamolwan , Jangchud Anuvat , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , No Hong Kyoon
Published: October 2011

Selected physicochemical properties of composite [wheat/germinated brown rice (GBRF)/germinated glutinous brown rice (GGNBRF)] flours at 100:0:0 (control), 70:30:0, 60:30:10, 60:40:0 and 50:40:10 (%) were evaluated. Germination (steeping at pH 3 for 24 h at 35 °C) increased free gamma‐aminobutyric acid from 2.11 to 32.7 and 2.41 to 30.69 mg per 100 g flour for GBRF and GGNBRF, respectively. The 60:30:10 and 50:40:10 composite flours exhibited the lower peak viscosity (70.42 and 68.54 RVU, respectively). The setback viscosity of composite flours containing GGNBR was significantly lower than other flours. The presence of GBRF and GGNBRF significantly lowered specific volume and expansion ratio of breads. However, all sensory liking scores, except for appearance, were not significantly different among composite flour breads. Overall liking scores of all breads ranged from 6.8 to 7.2 (like moderately). This study demonstrated feasibility of incorporating GBRF and GGNBRF up to 50% by weight in bread formulations without compromising sensory liking.
Effect of heat treatment and individual shrink packaging on quality and nutritional value of bell pepper stored at suboptimal temperature
Authors: Ilić Zoran S. , Trajković Radmila , Pavlović Radoš , Alkalai‐Tuvia Sharon , Perzelan Yaacov , Fallik Elazar
Published: October 2011

The goal of this study was to develop a technology for prolonged storage of pepper fruit at low temperature, based on physical treatments and packaging materials. Physical and compositional changes of red bell pepper fruit (Capsicum annuum L. cv.’Selika’) were monitored during 21 days of cold storage (at 2 °C) plus 3 days at 20 °C (market simulation). Fruits were treated with tap and hot water and stored without packaging or sealing each fruit in individual shrink packaging (Cryovac®). This research revealed that individual shrink packaging following prestorage with hot water rinse (55 °C for 15 s) over brushes, significantly reduced weight loss, softening, decay incidence and chilling injury, while maintaining a quality. The wrapped fruit ripened normally (carotenoid content increased) during shelf‐life period, when shifted to 20 °C after unwrapping. This study showed that antioxidant levels of pepper fruit may be preserved during storage.
Simplified purification of chondroitin sulphate from scapular cartilage of shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
Authors: Kim Seon‐Bong , Ji Cheong‐Il , Woo Jin‐Wook , Do Jeong‐Ryong , Cho Seung‐Mock , Lee Yang‐Bong , Kang Suk‐Nam , Park Joung‐Hyun
Published: October 2011

Chondroitin sulphate (ChS) from the scapular cartilage of the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) was purified by two‐stage enzymatic hydrolysis and a fractional precipitation process using isopropyl alcohol. Characteristics of the ChS fraction were investigated using cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis and FT‐IR spectra. A maximum hydrolysis rate of 78.26% was achieved with 1.35% (w/w) Alcalase and 1.20% (w/w) Flavourzyme. A minimum nitrogen content of 2.89% was obtained with 1.43% (w/w) Alcalase and 1.33% (w/w) Flavourzyme, as determined by response surface methodology. The precipitation of ChS from the enzymatic hydrolysates was optimised at 40% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol, which contained 2% (w/v) NaCl to lower the nitrogen content. The precipitate was further purified via membrane filtration (molecular‐weight cut‐off, 3 kDa) to remove salt and low‐molecular‐weight materials. The ChS purified by enzymatic hydrolysis, isopropyl alcohol precipitation and membrane filtration was identified as ChS C by electrophoresis and FT‐IR spectra.
Comparison of aromatic and phenolic compounds in cherry wines with different cherry cultivars by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS and HPLC
Authors: Sun Shu Y. , Jiang Wen G. , Zhao Yu P.
Published: October 2011

To compare the influence of cultivars on the production of aroma compounds and polyphenols, eight cherry varieties (six sweet and two sour) were fermented into cherry wines, and their compositions were analysed. Results showed that by headspace solid microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS), a total of twenty‐first aromatic compounds, mostly consisting of esters, acids, terpenoids and C13‐norisoprenoids, were identified, and eleven polyphenols including five anthocyanins and six phenolic acids were quantified using HPLC. May Duck and Early Richmond wines contained significantly higher levels of phenolic acids (>42 mg L−1) that were associated with high contents of chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids and also relatively high amounts of octanoic acid and β‐damascenone (odour activity values ≥1000). Hongdeng, Zhifuhong and Bing wines were characterised by higher concentrations of anthocyanins (>41 mg L−1) and also relatively higher levels of isopentyl acetate. Lapins and Governer Wcod wines were distinguished by lower concentrations of polyphenols and relatively higher contents of ethyl 3‐methylbutanoate.
Nesfatin‐1 Suppresses Energy Intake, Co‐localises Ghrelin in the Brain and Gut, and Alters Ghrelin, Cholecystokinin and Orexin mRNA Expression in Goldfish
Authors: Kerbel B. , Unniappan S.
Published: October 2011

Nesfatin‐1 is a novel anorectic peptide encoded in the precursor protein nucleobindin‐2 (NUCB2). We recently reported the presence and appetite suppressing effects of nesfatin‐1 in goldfish. Nesfatin‐1 has been co‐localised with ghrelin in the stomach of rats. Whether nesfatin‐1 influences other appetite regulatory peptides in goldfish remains unclear. The main objectives of the present study were to investigate whether nesfatin‐1 co‐localises ghrelin in goldfish, and to test whether exogenous nesfatin‐1 influences endogenous ghrelin, cholecystokinin (CCK) and orexin A (OXA). We found co‐localisation of nesfatin‐1‐like and ghrelin‐like immunoreactivity in the enteroendocrine cells of the goldfish anterior intestine (J‐loop). Furthermore, co‐localisation of ghrelin and nesfatin‐1 was also observed in the posterior nucleus lateralis tuberis of the goldfish hypothalamus, a brain region implicated in the regulation of food intake. These findings suggest a functional relationship between ghrelin and nesfatin‐1 in goldfish. In support of this, i.c.v. administration of goldfish (gf) nesfatin‐1 [25 ng/g body weight (BW)], suppressed food intake and the expression of mRNAs encoding preproghrelin, ghrelin receptor (GHS‐R 1a‐1), CCK and NUCB2 in the forebrain of fed fish, as well as ghrelin and NUCB2 mRNA in the hypothalamus of unfed fish, both at 1 h post‐injection. Nesfatin‐1 stimulated hypothalamic CCK mRNA expression at 30 min post‐injection in fed fish, and inhibited OXA mRNA in the unfed fish hypothalamus 1 h post‐injection. Similarly, i.c.v. injections of gfghrelin (1 ng/g BW), although stimulating food intake, suppressed NUCB2 and preproghrelin mRNAs, but not ghrelin receptor mRNA expression in the forebrain. It is also evident that exogenous ghrelin and nesfatin‐1 mRNAs encoding these peptides. Our novel results indicate interactions between nesfatin‐1 and ghrelin, CCK and orexin, and show that nesfatin‐1 acts on other appetite regulatory peptides in a time‐ and feeding status‐dependent, as well as tissue‐specific, manner in goldfish.
Preactivation of the interferon signalling in liver is correlated with nonresponse to interferon alpha therapy in patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus
Authors: Xiao C. , Qin B. , Chen L. , Liu H. , Zhu Y. , Lu X.
Published: October 2011

Summary.  Interferon alpha (IFN‐α) therapy is widely used to treat patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) but the sustained response rate is low, and the molecular mechanisms for the ineffectiveness of IFN‐α treatments are not known. We screened differentially expressed genes between responders (Rs) and nonresponders (NRs) in patients with CHB treated with IFN‐α to explore the molecular basis for treatment failure. Expression profiling was performed on percutaneous needle liver biopsy specimens taken before therapy. Gene expression levels were compared between seven patients who did not respond to therapy (NR) and six who did respond (R). Gene ontology category and KEGG pathway were analysed for differentially expressed genes, and the selected differentially expressed genes were confirmed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We identified 3592 genes whose expression levels differed significantly between all Rs and NRs (P < 0.05); many of these genes are IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs) and immune‐related genes. The ISGs were more highly expressed, while immune‐related genes were inhibited in NRs before IFN‐α treatment. Two ISGs (CEB1 and USP18) that are linked in an IFN inhibitory pathway are highly expressed in NRs, and a potential antiviral gene ISG20 was inhibited in NRs, suggesting a possible rationale for treatment nonresponse. Patients who do or do not respond to IFN have different liver gene expression profiles before IFN‐α treatment. Preactivation of the IFN signalling pathway leading to the increased expression of inhibitory ISGs and inhibition of immune response in the pretreatment livers was associated with treatment failure.
Susceptibility of grapevine tissues to Neofusicoccum luteum conidial infection
Authors: Amponsah N. T. , Jones E. E. , Ridgway H. J. , Jaspers M. V.
Published: October 2011

This study investigated the ability of Neofusicoccum luteum to infect wounded shoots, trunks, pruned cane ends, leaf surfaces, buds, berries and roots, and its further progression into stem tissues. All tissue types were susceptible to infection except roots, with highest incidences in trunks (100%), cane ends (100%), shoots (92%) and buds (88%), indicating that in New Zealand, N. luteum is primarily a trunk and shoot pathogen. In trunks, there were no external symptoms, although N. luteum could be reisolated from 60 to 70 cm acropetally from the inoculation site after 4 months, by which time the pathogen had progressed into side shoots which became necrotic. Wounded and non‐wounded buds became infected; most were killed, with basipetal progression of the pathogen into the supporting shoots. Berries wounded and inoculated at the pre‐bunch closure stage were susceptible to N. luteum infection, with isolation incidence increasing over the season and peaking at harvest, when infected berries became mummified and produced pycnidia with many conidia. The pathogen was also able to progress from berries into bunch stems and supporting canes. Results from this research have indicated that N. luteum infection can occur in all aerial grapevine tissues and progress to young stem tissues where it causes wood necrosis. Growers should remove mummified berries from vineyard trash to ensure that pruning and trimming times do not coincide with rainy periods when conidia are released and dispersed. Furthermore, the susceptibility of buds to N. luteum infection indicates the need for fungicide sprays before budburst in spring.
Meganodular anhydritization: a new mechanism of gypsum to anhydrite conversion (Palaeogene–Neogene, Ebro Basin, North‐east Spain)
Authors: ORTÍ FEDERICO , ROSELL LAURA , PLAYÀ ELISABET , SALVANY JOSEP M.
Published: October 2011

A number of Palaeogene to Early Neogene gypsum units are located along the southern margins of the Ebro Basin (North‐east Spain). These marginal units, of Eocene to Lower Miocene age, formed and accumulated deposits of Ca sulphates (gypsum and anhydrite) in small, shallow saline lakes of low ionic concentration. The lakes were fed mainly by ground water from deep regional aquifers whose recharge areas were located in the mountain chains bounding the basin, and these aquifers recycled and delivered Ca sulphate and Na chloride from Mesozoic evaporites (Triassic and Lower Jurassic). In outcrop, the marginal sulphate units are largely secondary gypsum after anhydrite and exhibit meganodules (from 0·5 to >5 m across) and large irregular masses. In the sub‐surface these meganodules and masses are mostly made of anhydrite, which replaced the original primary gypsum. The isotopic composition (11·1 to 17·4‰ for δ18OVSMOW; 10·7 to 15·3‰ for δ34SVCDT) of secondary gypsum in this meganodular facies indicates that the precursor anhydrite derived from in situ replacement of an initial primary gypsum. As a result of ascending circulation of deep regional fluid flows through the gypsum units near the basin margins, the gypsum was partly altered to anhydrite within burial conditions from shallow to moderate depths (from some metres to a few hundred metres?). At such depths, the temperatures and solute contents of these regional flows exceeded those of the ground water today. These palaeoflows became anhydritizing solutions and partly altered the subsiding gypsum units before they became totally transformed by deep burial anhydritization. The characteristics of the meganodular anhydritization (for example, size and geometry of the meganodules and irregular masses, spatial arrangement, relations with the associated lithologies and the depositional cycles, presence of an enterolithic vein complex and palaeogeographic distribution) are compared with those of the anhydritization generated both in a sabkha setting or under deep burial conditions, and a number of fundamental differences are highlighted.
A common plant cell‐wall protein HyPRP1 has dual roles as a positive regulator of cell death and a negative regulator of basal defense against pathogens
Authors: Yeom Seon‐In , Seo Eunyoung , Oh Sang‐Keun , Kim Ki Woo , Choi Doil
Published: October 2011

Although hybrid proline‐rich proteins (HyPRPs) are ubiquitous in plants, little is known about their roles other than as cell‐wall structural proteins. We identified the gene HyPRP1 in Capsicum annuum and Nicotiana benthamiana, which encodes a protein containing proline‐rich domain and eight‐cysteine motif (8CM) that is constitutively expressed in various organs, mostly in the root, but is down‐regulated upon inoculation with either incompatible or compatible pathogens. Ectopic expression of HyPRP1 in plants accelerated cell death, showing developmental abnormality with down‐regulation of ROS‐scavenging genes, and enhanced pathogen susceptibility suppressing expression of defense‐related genes. Conversely, silencing of HyPRP1 suppressed pathogen‐induced cell death, but enhanced disease resistance, with up‐regulation of defense‐related genes and inhibition of in planta growth of bacterial pathogens independently of signal molecule‐mediated pathways. Furthermore, the secreted 8CM was sufficient for these HyPRP1 functions. Together, our results suggest that a common plant cell‐wall structural protein, HyPRP1, performs distinct dual roles in positive regulation of cell death and negative regulation of basal defense against pathogen.
Sphingolipid Δ8 unsaturation is important for glucosylceramide biosynthesis and low‐temperature performance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Ming , Markham Jonathan E. , Cahoon Edgar B.
Published: October 2011

Plants contain a large diversity of sphingolipid structures, arising in part from C4 hydroxylation and Δ4 and Δ8 desaturation of the component long‐chain bases (LCBs). Typically, 85–90% of sphingolipid LCBs in Arabidopsis leaves contain a cis or transΔ8 double bond produced by sphingoid LCB Δ8 desaturase (SLD). To understand the metabolic and physiological significance of Δ8 unsaturation, studies were performed using mutants of the Arabidopsis SLD genes AtSLD1 and AtSLD2. Our studies revealed that both genes are constitutively expressed, the corresponding polypeptides are ER‐localized, and expression of these genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yields mixtures of cis/transΔ8 desaturation products, predominantly as trans isomers. Consistent in part with the higher expression of AtSLD1 in Arabidopsis plants, AtSLD1 T‐DNA mutants showed large reductions in Δ8 unsaturated LCBs in all organs examined, whereas AtSLD2 mutants showed little change in LCB unsaturation. Double mutants of AtSLD1 and AtSLD2 showed no detectable LCB Δ8 unsaturation. Comprehensive analysis of sphingolipids in rosettes of these mutants revealed a 50% reduction in glucosylceramide levels and a corresponding increase in glycosylinositolphosphoceramides that were restored by complementation with a wild‐type copy of AtSLD1. Double sld1 sld2 mutants lacked apparent growth phenotypes under optimal conditions, but displayed altered responses to certain stresses, including prolonged exposure to low temperatures. These results are consistent with a role for LCB Δ8 unsaturation in selective channeling of ceramides for the synthesis of complex sphingolipids and the physiological performance of Arabidopsis.
Outcomes in pediatric cardiac transplantation with a positive HLA cross‐match
Authors: Richmond Marc E. , Hsu Daphne T. , Mosca Ralph S. , Chen Jonathan , Quaegebeur Jan M. , Addonizio Linda J. , Lamour Jacqueline M.
Published: October 2011

Richmond ME, Hsu DT, Mosca RS, Chen J, Quaegebeur JM, Addonizio LJ, Lamour JM. Outcomes in pediatric cardiac transplantation with a positive HLA cross‐match.  Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: 29–35. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Previous studies have shown poor outcomes in pediatric heart transplant recipients with a high PRA or a positive direct donor–recipient cross‐match. This study describes outcomes in patients with a positive cross‐match at a large pediatric program. Pediatric heart transplant patients at a large single center between January 1993 and July 2009 were reviewed; those with cross‐match data were analyzed. Cross‐match data were available in 242/262 (92.4%) patients. Indications for transplant were cardiomyopathy (58%), CHD (32%), and retransplant (7%). PRA was ≥10% in 31/213 (14.6%) patients. A retrospective cross‐match was positive in 17/31 (55%) patients with PRA ≥10% and 0/182 with PRA <10%. In positive cross‐match patients, rejection frequency in the first year post‐transplant was higher than negative cross‐match patients (1.69 vs. 0.96 episodes/pt year, p = 0.014). There was no difference in rejection frequency after the first year post‐transplant (0.18 vs. 0.12 episodes/pt year, p = 0.14). Overall survival was not significantly different between the groups with a median follow‐up time of 4.5 yr. Heart transplantation in patients with a positive cross‐match may result in good medium‐term survival but a higher frequency of early rejection. Further investigation is warranted to define which patients with a positive cross‐match will do poorly.
Central pontine myelinolysis: A case report and clinical–pathological review
Authors: Cui Rosa , Fayek Sameh , Rand Elizabeth B. , Feygin Tamara , Khrichenko Dmitry , Shaked Abraham
Published: October 2011

Cui R, Fayek S, Rand EB, Feygin T, Khrichenko D, Shaked A. Central pontine myelinolysis: A case report and clinical–pathological review. Pediatr Transplantation 2011. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  An 11‐yr‐old child presented with acute mental status changes and spastic quadriplegia after orthotopic liver transplantation. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings were consistent with central pontine and EPM. Initial immunosuppression included tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and corticosteroids. Given that neurotoxicity is a well‐established side effect of CNI, the patient was converted to rapamycin and subsequently experienced significant neurologic recovery. The temporal resolution of the patient’s symptoms suggests that prompt recognition of central pontine and EPM and conversion from tacrolimus to rapamycin during the early post‐operative course may have therapeutic benefits for patients undergoing pediatric transplant with CNI‐related neurotoxicity.
N‐ and C‐terminal degradomics: new approaches to reveal biological roles for plant proteases from substrate identification
Authors: Huesgen Pitter F. , Overall Christopher M.
Published: October 2011

Proteolysis is an irreversible post‐translational modification that regulates many intra‐ and intercellular processes, including essential go/no‐go decisions during cell proliferation, development and cell death. Hundreds of protease‐coding genes have been identified in plants, but few have been linked to specific substrates. Conversely, proteolytic processes are frequently observed in plant biology but rarely have they been ascribed to specific proteases. In mammalian systems, unbiased system‐wide proteomics analyses of protease activities have recently been tremendously successful in the identification of protease substrate repertoires, also known as substrate degradomes. Knowledge of the substrate degradome is key to understand the role of proteases in vivo. Quantitative shotgun proteomic studies have been successful in identifying protease substrates, but while simple to perform they are biased toward abundant proteins and do not reveal precise cleavage sites. Current degradomics techniques overcome these limitations by focusing on the information‐rich amino‐ and carboxy‐terminal peptides of the original mature proteins and the protease‐generated neo‐termini. Targeted quantitative analysis of protein termini identifies precise cleavage sites in protease substrates with exquisite sensitivity and dynamic range in in vitro and in vivo systems. This review provides an overview of state‐of‐the‐art methods for enrichment of protein terminal peptides, and their application to protease research. These emerging degradomics techniques promise to clarify the elusive biological roles of proteases and proteolysis in plants.
NADPH‐d‐Positive Mast Cells in the Canine Paranal Sinus
Authors: Stefanov I. , Vodenicharov A.
Published: October 2011

With 3 figures

This study aimed to investigate the enzyme histochemical expression of NADPH‐d in mast cells in the wall of the paranal sinus in male and female dogs. NADPH‐d‐positive cells with weak, medium and strong enzyme histochemical expression were observed in the stroma of the sinus near the blood vessels of the microcirculatory bed and around the apocrine and sebaceous glands. In the same areas, mast cells with similar dimensions and morphology were demonstrated by metachromasia on paraffin and cryostat cross‐sections and stained with 0.1% toluidine blue in McIlvane’s buffer (pH 3). These findings suggest that the mast cells that are located in the stroma near the blood vessels, the lining epithelium and the glands correspond with the cells with marked NADPH‐d activity. The possibility of mast cells having nitric oxide activity could be used in the regulation of mast cells function when treating paranal sinus tumours and inflammations.
Responses to Variation in Song Length by Male White‐Crowned Sparrows
Authors: Nelson Douglas A. , Poesel Angelika
Published: October 2011

Bird song has the potential to convey a variety of information about the singer, including the singer’s current motivational state. A recent review by Searcy & Beecher (2009) (Anim. Behav. 78, 2009; 1281) emphasized how little is currently known about whether song functions as an aggressive signal in territorial interactions. A recent observational study of song length variation in the Puget Sound white‐crowned sparrow reported that males shorten the terminal trill in their single song type while singing close by another male, and shorten the trill even further immediately before chasing the opponent. Here, we report the results of two song playback experiments designed to test whether males distinguish the differences in song length that occur in agonistic and non‐agonistic contexts. We found that males gave stronger responses, as measured by close approach distances, to either a series of songs increasing in duration (compared to a series decreasing in duration), or to long loud songs (compared to short soft songs). In both experiments, males gave weaker responses to the stimuli hypothesized to be more aggressive. Males shortened their songs in response to both simulated intrusions. Combined with the observational data on song variation in different contexts, these experiments support the conclusion that song length variation contains information about aggressive motivation in the white‐crowned sparrow.
Non‐Conceptive Sexual Behavior in Spiders: A Form of Play Associated with Body Condition, Personality Type, and Male Intrasexual Selection
Authors: Pruitt Jonathan N. , Burghardt Gordon M. , Riechert Susan E.
Published: October 2011

In the socially polymorphic spider Anelosimus studiosus, males mature early in the reproductive season and recruit to the webs of juvenile females and guard them until they mature. During the period before females mature, males and females engage in repeated bouts of non‐conceptive (play) sexual behavior, where the pair courts and engages in mock copulation; both males and females gain performance‐enhancing experience via these encounters. In this study, we examined the factors that underlie individual variation in the tendency to engage in non‐conceptive mating and determine whether it impacts male–male competition for females. We found that docile females, being less resistant to mating in general, are more likely to accept male courtship and non‐conceptive copulation as juveniles. Personality type influenced the exhibition of non‐conceptive sexual behavior in males as well. High body condition males of the aggressive phenotype were more likely to engage in non‐conceptive sexual behavior than males with lower body condition. Body condition did not influence docile males’ propensity to engage in non‐conceptive sexual behavior, but female size did. Docile males engaged in more non‐conceptive sexual displays with larger females. Engaging in non‐conceptive sexual displays negatively impacted male performance in staged male–male contests for access to females. This cost was greatest for males of the aggressive phenotype, which are otherwise favored in male–male contests. Our findings indicate expression of non‐conceptive sexual displays is linked to personality and results in reproductive performance trade‐offs for male A. studiosus.
Determination of Moisture Deficit and Heat Stress Tolerance in Corn Using Physiological Measurements and a Low‐Cost Microcontroller‐Based Monitoring System
Authors: Kebede H. , Fisher D. K. , Young L. D.
Published: October 2011

In the southern United States, corn production encounters moisture deficit coupled with high‐temperature stress, particularly during the reproductive stage of the plant. In evaluating plants for environmental stress tolerance, it is important to monitor changes in their physical environment under natural conditions, especially when there are multiple stress factors, and integrate this information with their physiological responses. A low‐cost microcontroller‐based monitoring system was developed to automate measurement of canopy, soil and air temperatures, and soil moisture status in field plots. The purpose of this study was to examine how this system, in combination with physiological measurements, could assist in detecting differences among corn genotypes in response to moisture deficit and heat stress. Three commercial hybrids and two inbred germplasm lines were grown in the field under irrigated and non‐irrigated conditions. Leaf water potential, photosynthetic pigments, cell membrane thermostability (CMT) and maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) were determined on these genotypes under field and greenhouse conditions. Variations observed in air and soil temperatures, and soil moisture in plots of the individual corn genotypes helped explain their differences in canopy temperature (CT), and these variations were reflected in the physiological responses. One of the commercial hybrids, having the lowest CT and the highest CMT, was the most tolerant among the genotypes under moisture deficit and heat stress conditions. These results demonstrated that the low‐cost microcontroller‐based monitoring system, in combination with physiological measurements, was effective in evaluating corn genotypes for drought and heat stress tolerance.