bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suppression of the hepcidin‐encoding gene Hamp permits iron overload in mice lacking both hemojuvelin and matriptase‐2/TMPRSS6
Authors: Truksa Jaroslav , Gelbart Terri , Peng Hongfan , Beutler Ernest , Beutler Bruce , Lee Pauline 
Published: September 2009

SummaryHepcidin, the master regulator of enteric iron absorption, is controlled by the opposing effects of pathways activated in response to iron excess or iron attenuation. Iron excess is regulated through a pathway involving the cell surface receptor hemojuvelin (HFE2) that stimulates expression of the hepcidin encoding gene (HAMP). Iron attenuation is countered through a pathway involving the hepatocyte‐specific plasma membrane protease matriptase‐2 encoded by TMPRSS6, leading to suppression of HAMP expression. The non‐redundant function of hemojuvelin and matriptase‐2 has been deduced from the phenotype imparted by mutations of HFE2 and TMPRSS6, which cause iron excess and iron deficiency respectively. Hemojuvelin is positioned to be the ideal substrate for matriptase‐2. To examine the relationship between hemojuvelin and matriptase‐2 in vivo, we crossed mice lacking the protease domain of matriptase‐2 with mice lacking hemojuvelin. Mice lacking functional matriptase‐2 and hemojuvelin exhibited low Hamp (Hamp1) expression, high serum and liver iron, and high transferrin saturation. Surprisingly, the double mutant mice also exhibited lower levels of iron in the heart compared to hemojuvelin‐deficient mice, demonstrating a possible cardioprotective effect resulting from the loss of matriptase‐2. This phenotype is consistent with hemojuvelin being a major substrate for matriptase‐2/TMPRSS6 protease activity.
Identification of pyrethroid resistance associated mutations in the para sodium channel of the two‐spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: Tsagkarakou A. , Van Leeuwen T. , Khajehali J. , Ilias A. , Grispou M. , Williamson M. S. , Tirry L. , Vontas J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe investigated pyrethroid resistance mechanisms in Tetranychus urticae strains from Greece. Combined bioassay, biochemical and synergistic data indicated that although P450 mono‐oxygenase activities were associated with the trait, target site insensitivity was the major resistance component. A 3.3 kb cDNA fragment of the T. urticae para sodium channel gene encompassing segment 4 of domain II to segment 6 of domain IV was obtained by a degenerate PCR strategy. The T. urticae sequence showed highest identity (56%) to the scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, and was phylogenetically classified within the divergent group of Arachnida. Comparison of resistant and susceptible strains identified the point mutation F1538I in segment 6 of domain III, which is known to confer strong resistance to pyrethroids, along with a second mutation (A1215D) in the intracellular linker connecting domains II and III with an unknown role. Three transcripts were identified corresponding to the k and l alternative exons. The mode of inheritance of resistance was confirmed as incompletely recessive, which is consistent with a target site mechanism for pyrethroids.
Identification of a cis‐regulatory element required for 20‐hydroxyecdysone enhancement of antimicrobial peptide gene expression in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Zhang Z. , Palli S. R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe antimicrobial peptide diptericin plays an important role in defence against microorganisms. Drosophila melanogaster diptericin mRNA levels showed an increase during the late final instar larval stage when the ecdysteroid titres increase to initiate metamorphosis. Deletion analysis in Drosophila melanogaster mbn2 (mbn2) cells identified a cis‐regulatory element (AAGAAAGATCCCCTG) necessary for 20‐hydroxyecdysone enhancement of peptidoglycan‐induced expression of diptericin in the 3 kb diptericin promoter. Proteins extracted from mbn2 cells treated with peptidoglycan plus 20‐hydroxyecdysone specifically bound to this element. 20‐hydroxyecdysone also enhanced peptidoglycan‐induced expression of four other antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes –drosomycin, attacin‐A, metchnikowin and cecropin A1. Moreover, in silico promoter analysis using the meme program showed that an eight‐nucleotide region of the identified cis‐regulatory element is present in the promoters of these four AMP genes. These studies suggest that 20‐hydroxyecdysone regulates the expression of AMP genes through a conserved cis‐regulatory element.
Shotgun proteomics approach to characterizing the embryonic proteome of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, at labrum appearance stage
Authors: Li J‐Y. , Chen X. , Hosseini Moghaddam S. H. , Chen M. , Wei H. , Zhong B‐X. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe shotgun approach has gained considerable acknowledgement in recent years as a dominant strategy in proteomics. We observed a dramatic increase of specific protein spots in two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) gels of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) embryo at labrum appearance, a characteristic stage during embryonic development of silkworm which is involved with temperature increase by silkworm raiser. We employed shotgun liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) technology to analyse the proteome of B. mori embryos at this stage. A total of 2168 proteins were identified with an in‐house database. Approximately 47% of them had isoelectric point (pI) values distributed theoretically in the range pI 5–7 and approximately 60% of them had molecular weights of 15–45 kDa. Furthermore, 111 proteins had an pI greater than 10 and were difficult to separate by 2‐DE. Many important functional proteins related to embryonic development, stress response, DNA transcription/translation, cell growth, proliferation and differentiation, organogenesis and reproduction were identified. Among them proteins related to nervous system development were noticeable. All known heat shock proteins (HSPs) were detected in this developmental stage of B. mori embryo. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed energetic metabolism at this stage. These results were expected to provide more information for proteomic monitoring of the insect embryo and better understanding of the spatiotemporal expression of genes during embryonic developmental processes.
Changes in gene expression in the permissive larval host lightbrown apple moth (Epiphyas postvittana, Tortricidae) in response to EppoNPV (Baculoviridae) infection
Authors: Gatehouse H. S. , Poulton J. , Markwick N. P. , Gatehouse L. N. , Ward V. K. , Young V. L. , Luo Z. , Schaffer R. , Christeller J. T. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHost cell and virus gene expression were measured five days after per os inoculation of 3rd instar lightbrown apple moth (LBAM) larvae with the Epiphyas postvittana nucleopolyhedrovirus (EppoNPV). Microarray analysis identified 84 insect genes that were up‐regulated and 18 genes that were down‐regulated in virus‐infected larvae compared with uninfected larvae. From the 134 viral open reading frames represented on the microarray, 81 genes showed strong expression. Of the 38 functionally identifiable regulated insect genes, 23 coded for proteins that have roles in one of five processes; regulation of transcription and translation, induction of apoptosis, and maintenance of both juvenility and actin cytoskeletal integrity. Of the 34 functionally identifiable viral genes that were most strongly expressed, 12 had functions associated with these five processes, as did a further seven viral genes which were expressed at slightly lower levels. A survey of the LBAM‐expressed sequence tag library identified further genes involved in these processes. In total, 135 insect genes and 38 viral genes were analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Twenty‐one insect genes were strongly up‐regulated and 31 genes strongly down‐regulated. All 38 viral genes examined were highly expressed. These data suggest that induction of apoptosis and regulation of juvenility are the major ‘battlegrounds’ between virus and insect, with the majority of changes observed representing viral control of insect gene expression. Transcription and translational effects seem to be exerted largely through modulation of mRNA and protein degradation. Examples of attempts by the insect to repel the infection via changes in gene expression within these same processes were, however, also noted. The data also showed the extent to which viral transcription dominated in the infected insects at five days post inoculation.
Drosomycin, an essential component of antifungal defence in Drosophila
Authors: Zhang Z‐T. , Zhu S‐Y. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDrosomycin is an inducible antifungal peptide of 44 residues initially isolated from bacteria‐challenged Drosophila melanogaster. The systemic expression of drosomycin is regulated by the Toll pathway present in fat body, whereas inducible local expression in the respiratory tract is controlled by the Immune Deficiency (IMD) pathway. Drosomycin belongs to the cysteine‐stabilized α‐helical and β‐sheet (CSαβ) superfamily and is composed of an α‐helix and a three‐stranded β‐sheet stabilized by four disulphide bridges. Drosomycin exhibits a narrow antimicrobial spectrum and is only active against some filamentous fungi. However, recent work using recombinant drosomycin expressed in Escherichia coli revealed its antiparasitic and anti‐yeast activities. Two evolutionary epitopes (α‐ and γ‐patch) and the m‐loop have been proposed as putative functional regions of drosomycin for interaction with fungi and parasites, respectively. Similarity in sequence, structure and biological activity suggests that drosomycin and some defensin molecules from plants and fungi could originate from a common ancestor.
Survival and breeding of polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea in relation to sea ice
Authors: Regehr Eric V. , Hunter Christine M. , Caswell Hal , Amstrup Steven C. , Stirling Ian 
Published: September 2009

Summary1.Observed and predicted declines in Arctic sea ice have raised concerns about marine mammals. In May 2008, the US Fish and Wildlife Service listed polar bears (Ursus maritimus) – one of the most ice‐dependent marine mammals – as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act.2.We evaluated the effects of sea ice conditions on vital rates (survival and breeding probabilities) for polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea. Although sea ice declines in this and other regions of the polar basin have been among the greatest in the Arctic, to date population‐level effects of sea ice loss on polar bears have only been identified in western Hudson Bay, near the southern limit of the species’ range.3.We estimated vital rates using multistate capture–recapture models that classified individuals by sex, age and reproductive category. We used multimodel inference to evaluate a range of statistical models, all of which were structurally based on the polar bear life cycle. We estimated parameters by model averaging, and developed a parametric bootstrap procedure to quantify parameter uncertainty.4.In the most supported models, polar bear survival declined with an increasing number of days per year that waters over the continental shelf were ice free. In 2001–2003, the ice‐free period was relatively short (mean 101 days) and adult female survival was high (0·96–0·99, depending on reproductive state). In 2004 and 2005, the ice‐free period was longer (mean 135 days) and adult female survival was low (0·73–0·79, depending on reproductive state). Breeding rates and cub litter survival also declined with increasing duration of the ice‐free period. Confidence intervals on vital rate estimates were wide.5.The effects of sea ice loss on polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea may apply to polar bear populations in other portions of the polar basin that have similar sea ice dynamics and have experienced similar, or more severe, sea ice declines. Our findings therefore are relevant to the extinction risk facing approximately one‐third of the world’s polar bears.
Environmental, socio‐demographic and behavioural determinants of malaria risk in the western Kenyan highlands: a case–control study
Authors: Ernst Kacey C. , Lindblade Kim A. , Koech David , Sumba Peter O. , Kuwuor Dickens O. , John Chandy C. , Wilson Mark L. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryObjective  To identify risk factors for uncomplicated malaria in highland areas of East Africa at higher risk of malaria epidemics, in order to design appropriate interventions.Methods  Prospective, population‐based, case–control study in the Nandi Hills, a highland area of western Kenya, to identify environmental, sociodemographic and behavioural factors associated with clinical malaria. Data were collected using field observation, a structured questionnaire, and a global positioning system device.Results  We interviewed 488 cases of slide‐confirmed malaria and 980 age‐matched controls. Multivariate analyses associated higher malaria risk with living <250 m of a forest [OR = 3.3 (95% CI 1.5, 7.1)], <250 m of a swamp [2.8 (1.3, 5.9)], <200 m of maize fields [2.0 (1.2, 3.4)], in the absence of trees <200 m [1.6 (1.2, 2.2)], on flat land [1.6 (1.2, 2.2)], in houses without ceilings [1.5 (1.1, 2.2)], in houses with a separate kitchen building [1.8 (1.4, 2.3)] and in households where the female household head had no education [1.9 (1.1, 3.1)]. Travelling out of the study site [2.2 (1.2, 4.1)] was also associated with increased risk.Conclusions  In this East African highland area, risk of developing uncomplicated malaria was multifactorial with a risk factor profile similar to that in endemic regions. Households within close proximity to forest and swamp borders are at higher risk of malaria and should be included in indoor residual spraying campaigns.
Reduced oviposition of Aedes aegypti gravid females in domestic containers with predatory fish
Authors: Pamplona Luciano de Góes Cavalcanti , Alencar Carlos H , Lima José Wellington O. , Heukelbach Jörg 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThe presence of pathogens or predators in water may alter oviposition behaviour of gravid female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. We evaluated the oviposition behaviour of A. aegypti in recipients containing larvivorous fish (Betta splendens and Poecilia reticulata). In four breeders, fish specimens were placed in 15 l of dechlorined water. Four control breeders only contained dechlorined water. Breeders with eucatex ovitraps and approximately 100 male and female mosquitoes were placed in wire netting cages. During a period of 7 weeks, eggs on the ovitraps were counted weekly. The median number of eggs laid in recipients with B. splendens (32.5/week) was lower than in those with P. reticulata (200.5/week) and the control group (186.5/week; P < 0.0001). The oviposition activity index (OAI) for P. reticulata did not show any considerable difference between posture in deposits with and without fish (‐0005). Deposits with B. splendens showed a lower position than those used as controls (‐0627). We conclude that B. splendens can be used to effectively prevent gravid A. aegypti females from laying eggs in large water containers.
Involvement of Phytophthora species in white oak (Quercus alba) decline in southern Ohio
Authors: Balci Y. , Long R. P. , Mansfield M. , Balser D. , MacDonald W. L. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryThis study was initiated to investigate the possible role of Phytophthora species in white oak decline (Quercus alba) in southern Ohio at Scioto Trail State Forest. Surveys demonstrated the presence of four species of Phytophthora including one novel species. By far, the most common species was P. cinnamomi; P. citricola and P. cambivora were isolated infrequently. In few instances, P. cinnamomi was isolated from fine roots and necroses on larger roots. No special pattern of incidence was found, but P. cinnamomi was more commonly isolated from greater Integrated Moisture Index values suggesting moist lower bottomlands favour this Phytophthora species. When tree crown condition was examined relative to the presence of Phytophthora, no significant association was found. However, roots of declining P. cinnamomi‐infested trees had 2.5 times less fine roots than non‐infested and healthy trees, which was significantly different. The population densities of P. cinnamomi from declining trees were significantly greater than from healthy trees, suggesting increased pathogen activity that has the potential to cause dieback and decline and possibly the cause of a reduced fine root amount found on declining trees.
Lactic acid bacteria population in children diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Dicks Leon MT , Fraser Taryn , Doeschate Kim ten , Van Reenen Carol A 
Published: September 2009

Aim:  To determine the effect of trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole treatment on the natural population of lactic acid bacteria in the intestinal tract and to determine if any of the strains developed resistance to antibiotics.Methods:  Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from stool samples of 100 children. The isolates were identified based on biochemical characteristics and DNA profiles obtained from polymerase chain reaction with genus‐ and species‐specific primers. Resistance to sulphamethoxazole, streptomycin, compound sulphonamides, chloramphenicol and vancomycin was tested using the paper‐disk method.Results:  The lactic acid bacteria were identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus pentosus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides, Enterococcus spp. and Weissella spp. Lactobacillus plantarum and Bifidobacterium spp. were not isolated. All strains, except two, were sensitive to chloramphenicol and streptomycin. Thirty‐five percent of the isolates were resistant to vancomycin, 50% to compound sulphonamides and 66% to sulphamethoxazole.Conclusion:  Treatment with trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole repressed a large number of lactic acid bacteria normally present in the intestinal tract of children. A number of strains were resistant to sulphamethoxazole and may be used as probiotics to correct the imbalance in lactic acid bacteria.
Caffeine versus theophylline for apnea of prematurity: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Skouroliakou Maria , Bacopoulou Flora , Markantonis Sophia L 
Published: September 2009

Aim:  To compare standard doses of theophylline and caffeine for apnea of prematurity in terms of apnea frequency and assess the need for therapeutic drug monitoring.Methods:  Seventy neonates less than 33 weeks gestation, breathing spontaneously, were randomly assigned (open‐label) to receive either theophylline or caffeine for treatment or prevention of apnea. The primary outcome measure was the difference in apnea frequency between theophylline and caffeine patient groups. Methylxanthine serum levels were measured on the 1st, 3rd and 7th days of therapy and every 7 days thereafter.Results:  Thirty‐seven neonates received theophylline (T) and 33 caffeine (C) for treatment (8 T/10 C) or prevention of apnea (29 T/23 C). Treatment with either methylxanthine significantly decreased apnea events (T, P= 0.012; C, P= 0.005) while only C prophylaxis appeared to control apnea in infants at risk. Analysis of combined (treatment plus prophylaxis) data showed a significant decrease in apnea frequency only in those infants receiving caffeine (P= 0.001). However, there was no sustained benefit of C over T beyond the first week of therapy.T and C concentrations (2.2–13.9 mg/L; 5.5–23.7 mg/L, respectively) in the majority of cases fell within the recommended therapeutic ranges and were not significantly associated with apnea events.Conclusions:  This study shows an advantage of C over T for premature infants <33 weeks gestation during the first week of therapy. Standard regimens of both methylxanthines do not seem to require routine concentration monitoring in the first 3 weeks of treatment unless indicated by clinical effect.
Stage migration in localized prostate cancer has no effect on the post‐radical prostatectomy Kattan nomogram
Authors: Thanigasalam Ruban , Rasiah Krishan K. , Stricker Phillip D. , Haynes Anne Maree , Sutherland Sarah I.M. , Sutherland Robert L. , Henshall Susan M. , Horvath Lisa G. 
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing on stage migration in an Australian population, and its consequences on the prognostic accuracy of the post‐radical prostatectomy (RP) Kattan nomogram, as in North America widespread PSA testing has resulted in prostate cancer stage migration, questioning the utility of prognostic nomograms in this setting.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study comprised 1008 men who had consecutive RP for localized prostate cancer between 1991 and 2001 at one institution. Two groups were assessed, i.e. those treated in 1991–96 (group 1, the early PSA era), and 1997–2001 (group 2, the contemporary PSA era). Differences in clinicopathological features between the groups were analysed by chi‐squared testing and survival modelling. Individual patient data were entered into the post‐RP Kattan nomogram and the efficacy assessed by receiver‐ operating characteristic curve analysis.RESULTSPatients in group 2 had lower pathological stage disease (P = 0.01) and fewer cancers with Gleason score ≥8 (P < 0.001) than group 1. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative serum PSA level (P < 0.01) and Gleason score (P < 0.01) as strong predictors of biochemical relapse in both groups. In group 2 pathological stage was not significant, but margin involvement became highly significant (P = 0.004). There was no difference in the predictive accuracy of the Kattan nomogram between the groups (P = 0.253).CONCLUSIONSThese findings show a downward stage migration towards organ‐confined disease after the introduction of widespread PSA testing in an Australian cohort. Despite this, the Kattan nomogram remains a robust prognostic tool in clinical practice.
Developments in the surgical management of sporadic synchronous bilateral renal tumours
Authors: Lowrance William T. , Yee David S. , Maschino Alexandra C. , Cronin Angel M. , Bernstein Melanie , Thompson R. Houston , Russo Paul 
Published: September 2009

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVETo examine our experience with managing sporadic bilateral renal masses, focusing on trends in surgical management over time, because as loss of renal function is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, nephron‐sparing approaches are increasingly emphasized in the treatment of kidney tumours, creating new challenges for the treatment of bilateral tumours.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe identified all patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy (PN or RN) at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) during 1989–2008. We compared patients presenting with synchronous bilateral renal masses with those with unilateral tumour and evaluated trends in management using logistic regression.RESULTSOf the 2777 patients studied, 73 (3%) presented with synchronous bilateral disease. The overall survival and clinical/pathological features between groups were similar. Of those patients receiving bilateral operations for synchronous tumours, three had bilateral RN (all before 2003), 28 (38%) had an RN followed by a PN, 10 (14%) had a PN then an RN, and 32 (44%) had bilateral PN. Over time, the proportion of patients receiving bilateral PN increased (P < 0.001); 13 of 14 patients after 2005 had bilateral PN, compared with only 34% (16 of 45) between 1995 and 2004. Forty‐five patients (62%) had the larger tumour removed during the first operation. The concordance rate between tumours in a specific histological subtype was 70% (51/73), and concordance for benign vs malignant disease was 90% (66/73).CONCLUSIONThe use of PN in the management of synchronous bilateral renal masses has increased over time. The contemporary treatment of synchronous bilateral renal masses at MSKCC involves staged PN when feasible, with the more involved kidney (often larger tumour) operated on first.