bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for HLA class II susceptible and protective haplotypes for osteomyelitis in pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia
Authors: Al‐Ola K. , Mahdi N. , Al‐Subaie A. M. , Ali M. E. , Al‐Absi I. K. , Almawi W. Y. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe investigated the association of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles and haplotypes with the pathogenesis of sickle cell anemia (SCA) osteomyelitis. SCA patients comprised 42 patients with osteomyelitis and 150 patients without osteomyelitis; HLA‐DRB1* and HLA‐DQB1* genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific priming (SSP). DRB1*100101 (P value corrected for the number of different alleles tested, Pc = 0.003) was positively associated with osteomyelitis. At the haplotype level, DRB1*100101‐DQB1*050101 (Pc = 0.001) was more prevalent among patients, while DRB1*030101‐DQB1*0201 (Pc = 0.020) and DRB1*040101‐DQB1*0302 (Pc = 0.039) were more prevalent among SCA controls, thereby conferring disease susceptibility or protection to these haplotypes, respectively. These results show that specific HLA haplotypes influence SCA osteomyelitis risk and that specific HLA types may serve as markers for identifying SCA patients at high risk for osteomyelitis.
A measure of sexual selection in hermaphroditic animals: parentage skew and the opportunity for selection
Authors: LORENZI M. C. , SELLA G. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe role of sexual selection in shaping the mating system of hermaphrodites is currently widely accepted. However, a quantification of the intensity of sexual selection in hermaphroditic animals has never been accomplished. We evaluated the opportunity for sexual selection for both the female and the male functions in the simultaneous outcrossing hermaphrodite Ophryotrocha diadema by measuring focal hermaphrodites’ paternal and maternal offspring in experimental replicated monogamous and promiscuous populations, using genetic markers to estimate paternity. Opportunity for sexual selection for each of the two sexual functions was quantified by means of the Crow’s index, i.e. the ratio of variance in progeny number to the squared mean number of progeny. In addition, the extent to which the reproductive success was shared among competing individuals was estimated by means of the Nonacs’s B index. We documented that the strength of selection on the male and female function in hermaphrodites with external fertilization depends on the reproductive context. Under a promiscuous regime, hermaphrodites have higher opportunities for selection for both the male and the female function than under the monogamous regime. Moreover, the reproductive skew for the female function becomes greater than that for the male function, moving from monogamy to promiscuity. In our model system, allocation to one sexual function is opposed by any degree of allocation to the other, indicating that sex‐specific patterns of selection operate in this model species.
Effects of the [PSI+] prion on rates of adaptation in yeast
Authors: JOSEPH S. B. , KIRKPATRICK M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe [PSI+] prion in yeast has been shown to improve short‐term growth in some environments, but its effects on rates of adaptation have not been assessed before now. We adapted three yeast genotypes to three novel environments in the presence and the absence of the prion. There were significant differences in adaptation rates between lines with different combinations of genotype, environment, and prion status. We saw no consistent effect, however, of the prion on the rate of adaptation to new environments. A major factor affecting the rate of adaptation was initial fitness in the new environment: lines with low initial fitness evolved faster than lines with high initial fitness.
Interspecific sexual attraction because of convergence in warning colouration: is there a conflict between natural and sexual selection in mimetic species?
Authors: ESTRADA C. , JIGGINS C. D. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWhen species converge in their colour patterns because of mimicry, and those patterns are also used in mate recognition, there is a probability of conflicting selection pressures. Closely related species that mimic one another are particularly likely to face such confusion because of similarities in their courtship behaviour and ecology. We conducted experiments in greenhouse conditions to study interspecific attraction between two mimetic butterfly species,Heliconius eratoandHeliconius melpomene. Both species spent considerable time approaching and courting females of the co‐mimic species. Experiments using wing models demonstrated the importance of colour pattern in this interspecific attraction. Although males ofH. melpomenewere attracted to their co‐mimics as much as to their own females,H. eratomales were more efficient at distinguishing conspecifics, possibly using wing odours. Although preliminary, these results suggest that the use of additional cues may have evolved inH. eratoto reduce the cost of convergence in visual signals withH. melpomene. Overall, our results showed that there might be a cost of mimetic convergence because of a reduction in the efficiency of species recognition. Such cost may contribute to explain the apparently stable diversity in Müllerian mimetic patterns in many tropical butterfly assemblages.
The influence of altitude on endophytic mycobiota in Quercus acuta leaves collected in two areas 1000 km apart
Authors: Hashizume Y. , Sahashi N. , Fukuda K. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryEndophytic fungi were isolated from healthy leaves of the evergreen oak Quercus acuta on Mt Takao in eastern Honshu and on Mt Osuzu in Kyushu, Japan, to study the effect of altitude on endophyte assemblages. Phomopsis sp. 1, Discula sp. and an unidentified species (QA‐b) were isolated most frequently. Comparisons of the nucleotide sequence of the rDNA ITS regions of QA‐b revealed a close match with species of Tubakia. On Mt Takao, Phomopsis sp. 1 and QA‐b were isolated frequently, whereas on Mt Osuzu, Discula sp. and QA‐b were dominant. The isolation frequency of QA‐b decreased as altitude increased, whereas the isolation frequencies of Phomopsis sp. 1 and Discula sp. increased with altitude. In vitro, QA‐b did not grow at temperatures <15°C whereas Phomopsis sp. 1 and Discula sp. still grew at 5°C. These results suggest that Phomopsis sp. 1 and Discula sp. are better adapted to lower temperatures and consequently to higher altitude than QA‐b.
Incidence of Viruses and Nematode Vectors in Lebanese Vineyards
Authors: Hanna E. , Digiaro M. , Elbeaino T. , Choueiri E. , Jawhar J. , Martelli G. P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSurveys for virus diseases and nematode vectors were conducted in 95 commercial vineyards of four different Lebanese districts (Bekaa valley, Mount Lebanon, North and South Lebanon). Out of 915 randomly collected grapevine samples tested by ELISA, 511 (55.8%) were infected by one or more viruses. Grapevine virus A (30.9%) and Grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 3 (23.7%) were the prevailing viruses, followed by Grapevine fleck virus (15.1%), Grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 1 (10.6%) and Grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 2 (8.7%). Arabis mosaic virus was not found whereas Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) and Grapevine virus B were little represented. The most important Lebanese grapevine varieties, i.e. Maghdouchi, Tfeifihi and Beitamouni, had average infection rates between 70% and 87%, whereas varieties of foreign origin had a better sanitary status with the exception of cvs Cinsaut and Thompson (c. 83% infection). Grapevine rupestris stem pitting‐associated virus was detected in 79 of 90 (87.8%) samples tested by RT‐PCR and closteroviruses were recorded in seven of 70 (10%) vines tested. One of these viruses was identified as Grapevine leafroll‐associated virus 5 by ELISA and partial genome sequencing. No nepoviruses other than GFLV were detected in any of 90 samples tested using three different sets of degenerate primers. Xiphinema index was found in 23 of 89 soil samples collected from vineyards, and in three of 15 samples collected primarily under fig trees in fields where no grapevines were grown.
LOW‐DOSE PROPOFOL AMELIORATES HAEMORRHAGIC SHOCK‐INDUCED ORGAN DAMAGE IN CONSCIOUS RATS
Authors: Lee Chung‐Jen , Subeq Yi‐Maun , Lee Ru‐Ping , Wu Wen‐Tien , Hsu Bang‐Gee 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Propofol is an anti‐inflammatory agent commonly used for general anaesthesia and sedation in intensive care unit patients. Haemorrhagic shock (HS) followed by resuscitation can induce the production of several inflammatory mediators, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐a and interleukin (IL)‐10, leading to multiple organ dysfunction and death.
In the present study, we investigated the effects of treatment with high‐dose (10 mg/kg per h) and low‐dose (1 mg/kg per h) propofol after HS on the physiopathology and cytokine levels in conscious rats.
The experiments were designed to induce HS by withdrawing 40% of total blood volume from a femoral artery catheter (6 mL/100 g bodyweight) over 30 min. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored continuously for 48 h after the start of blood withdrawal. Levels of biochemical parameters, including glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were measured 30 min before and 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 and 48 h after the end of the 30 min blood withdrawal period. Serum cytokine levels, including TNF‐a and IL‐10, were measured at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after HS. The kidneys, liver, lungs and small intestine were removed for pathological assessment 48 h after HS.
In the present study, HS significantly increased blood GOT, GPT, BUN, LDH, CPK, TNF‐a and IL‐10 levels in conscious rats. Post‐treatment with high‐dose propofol accentuated systemic hypotension, increased serum TNF‐a and IL‐10 levels and increased the severity of organ damage after HS. In contrast, post‐treatment with low‐dose propofol did not affect MAP, but did suppress increased serum levels of the inflammatory cytokines and improved the survival rate after HS, thus protecting rats against HS‐induced organ damage.
In conclusion, post‐treatment with low‐dose propofol ameliorated HS‐induced markers of organ injury, suppressed the release of TNF‐a and IL‐10 and protected against HS‐induced liver, kidney, lung and small intestine damage in conscious rats. These findings suggest the need to investigate whether low‐dose propofol may be beneficial for patients with HS‐induced organ damage.
IMPLICATIONS OF CROSS‐TALK BETWEEN TUMOUR NECROSIS FACTOR AND INSULIN‐LIKE GROWTH FACTOR‐1 SIGNALLING IN SKELETAL MUSCLE
Authors: Grounds Miranda D , Radley Hannah G , Gebski Bijanka L , Bogoyevitch Marie A , Shavlakadze Thea 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Inflammation, particularly the pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF), increases necrosis of skeletal muscle. Depletion of inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils, cromolyn blockade of mast cell degranulation or pharmacological blockade of TNF reduces necrosis of dystrophic myofibres in the mdx mouse model of the lethal childhood disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is a very important cytokine for maintenance of skeletal muscle mass and the transgenic overexpression of IGF‐1 within muscle cells reduces necrosis of dystrophic myofibres in mdx mice. Thus, IGF‐1 usually has the opposite effect to TNF.
Activation of TNF signalling via the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) can inhibit IGF‐1 signalling by phosphorylation and conformational changes in insulin receptor substrate (IRS)‐1 downstream of the IGF‐1 receptor. Such silencing of IGF‐1 signalling in situations where inflammatory cytokines are elevated has many implications for skeletal muscle in vivo.
The basis for these interactions between TNF and IGF‐1 is discussed with specific reference to clinical consequences for myofibre necrosis in DMD and also for the wasting (atrophy) of skeletal muscles that occurs in very old people and in cachexia associated with inflammatory disorders.
Allosteric modulation of α7 nicotinic receptors selectively depolarizes hippocampal interneurons, enhancing spontaneous GABAergic transmission
Authors: Arnaiz‐Cot J. J. , González J. C. , Sobrado M. , Baldelli P. , Carbone E. , Gandía L. , García A. G. , Hernández‐Guijo J. M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe role of postsynaptic nicotinic receptors for acetylcholine (nAChRs) in mediating fast neurotransmission processes in the CNS is controversial. Here we have studied the modulation of synaptic transmission by an agonist (choline) and an allosteric modulator (5‐OH‐indole) of α7 nAChRs in rat hippocampal neuronal cultures. Choline evoked a fast inactivating inward current, causing neuron depolarization and action potential discharge, thereby enhancing the spontaneous postsynaptic current activity (sPSCs). This effect was markedly enhanced when both choline and 5‐OH‐indole were applied together and was blocked by the selective α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine. This choline action was suppressed by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline, while the glutamatergic receptor antagonist kynurenic acid had no effect. Frequency, but not amplitude or area, of both excitatory and inhibitory miniature postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs and mIPSCs) were drastically reduced when Ca2+ influx was blocked by Cd2+. Additionally, nAChR activation did not modify the mIPSCs. These data suggest that Ca2+ influx through the highly Ca2+‐permeableα7 nAChRs was insufficient to directly activate neurotransmitter release, suggesting that a tight colocalization of this receptor with secretory hot spots is unlikely. In a few cases, the activation of α7 AChRs led to a suppression of spontaneous synaptic transmission. This effect may be related to the potentiation of GABAergic interneurons that inhibit the spontaneous activity of neurons making synapses with the cell under study. We suggest that GABA release is modulated by α7 nAChRs. Thus, selective allosteric modulators of α7 nAChRs could have potential therapeutic applications in brain disorders such as epilepsy and schizophrenia and in alterations of cognition and sensory processing.
Intervention steps for treating laryngospasm in pediatric patients
Authors: BURGOYNE LAURA L. , ANGHELESCU DORALINA L. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryBackground:  Laryngospasm, a potentially life‐threatening complication of anesthesia, is reported more commonly in children (17.4/1000) than in the general population (8.7/1000). However, there are no clinical data on the optimal type and sequence of therapeutic interventions. We therefore characterized the interventions used at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.Methods:  The institutional quality improvement database was reviewed to identify cases of laryngospasm that occurred from July 1999 through December 2002. Patient records were examined to determine the timing of laryngospasm, the airway management technique in use and the type of intervention used to treat the episode.Results:  Twenty one cases of laryngospasm occurred (1/1000) during 21 452 anesthetics delivered in the operating room (19%) or for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures outside of the operating room (81%). Episodes occurred during emergence (47.6%), induction (28.6%) and maintenance (23.8%). Thirty‐eight percent of patients responded to airway repositioning and continuous positive airway pressure. Ten patients (47.6%) were given muscle relaxants and five (23.8%) were intubated.Conclusions:  In the largest single‐institution study to date of laryngospasm in pediatric patients, we found a rate of 1/1000 cases. Treatment followed a basic algorithm comprising continuous positive airway pressure, deepening of anesthesia, muscle relaxation and tracheal intubation.
Comparison of the CobraPLATM (Cobra Perilaryngeal Airway) and the Laryngeal Mask Airway UniqueTM in children under pressure controlled ventilation
Authors: GAITINI LUIS , CARMI NURIT , YANOVSKI BORIS , TOME RIAD , RESNIKOV IGOR , GANKIN IGOR , SOMRI MOSTAFA , ALFERY DAVID 
Published: February 2008

SummaryBackground:  The Laryngeal Mask Airway‐Unique (LMAU) and CobraPLATM (Cobra Perilaryngeal Airway) are supraglottic airway devices. There are no published studies comparing these devices in children breathing with pressure controlled ventilation (PCV).Methods:  Eighty pediatric patients, scheduled for elective general surgery of short duration, were randomly assigned to have either a CobraPLATM or a LMAU used for airway management using PCV. We compared the devices with respect to (i) ability to form an effective cuff seal, (ii) oxygenation, (iii) endtidal carbon dioxide level, (iv) time to achieve an effective airway, (v) airway interventions required for insertion, (vi) fiberoptic score, (vii) respiratory variables and (vii) adverse events.Results:  Cuff seal pressure was significantly higher for CobraPLATM (27.08 ± 4.15 cmH2O) than for LMAU (20.91 ± 2.47 cmH2O). Oxygenation was similar in both groups while the mean endtidal CO2 in the CobraPLATM group was significantly higher than in the LMAU group (36.47 ± 1.93 mmHg vs 34.71 ± 3.05 mmHg, P = 0.021). Time and ease of insertion were similar, with CobraPLATM requiring more frequent jaw lift and LMAU requiring more frequent adjustment of the head and neck to achieve a proper position. Fiberoptic scores were excellent with both devices. Respiratory variables were similar with the exception that the plateau pressure and mean peak pressures were significantly lower with CobraPLATM. There was a low rate of blood mucosal staining of the devices. No patient in either group reported a sore throat.Conclusions:  Both devices appear to be safe and effective in establishing an adequate airway in healthy children undergoing surgery of short duration with PCV.
Emergent excision of a prenatally diagnosed sacrococcygeal teratoma
Authors: TRAN KHA M. , FLAKE ALAN W. , KALAWADIA NINA V. , MAXWELL LYNNE G. , REHMAN MOHAMED A. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryPrenatally diagnosed sacrococcygeal teratomas (SCT) have higher mortality rates than those diagnosed in the neonatal period. Natural history of SCT varies, and management depends on pathophysiology. Treatment may be minimally invasive or require open surgery. Intervention may take place in the prenatal period, or it may occur within minutes to days after birth. Optimal care requires close follow up and communication between members of a multidisciplinary team. We present a case of prenatally diagnosed SCT and address the evaluation, anesthetic considerations, and mechanisms needed to care for this high risk population.
Colony induction and growth inhibition in Desmodesmus quadrispina (Chlorococcales) by allelochemicals released from the filamentous alga Uronema confervicolum (Ulotrichales)
Authors: Leflaive Joséphine , Lacroix Gérard , Nicaise Yvan , Ten‐Hage Loïc 
Published: February 2008

SummaryIn biofilms, the competition between microorganisms for light, nutrients and space is extreme. Moreover, planktonic algae can be considered as competitors insofar as they decrease the available light for the benthic algae. One of the strategies employed by microorganisms to eliminate competitors is the release of inhibiting compounds, a process known as allelopathy. Here we demonstrate that a benthic/epiphytic alga, Uronema confervicolum, produces allelopathic compounds that induce oxidative stress and growth inhibition in the planktonic Desmodesmus quadrispina. Some of these compounds can also trigger the formation of colony in D. quadrispina. As colonies have higher sedimentation rates than unicells, their induction by U. confervicolum might decrease shading. This study is the first report of colony induction in the context of alga–alga interaction. Our results also suggest the implication of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinases in the transduction of the signal leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species in the cells. A comparison with allelochemicals from another planktonic green alga, Monoraphidium aff. dybowski, emphasizes the specificity of colony induction by U. confervicolum, in contrast with oxidative stress which is induced by several compounds. The reciprocal production of inhibiting compounds by D. quadrispina makes this interaction an interesting example of co‐evolution between two microorganisms belonging to different compartments of the ecosystem.
6‐Oxocyclohex‐1‐ene‐1‐carbonyl‐coenzyme A hydrolases from obligately anaerobic bacteria: characterization and identification of its gene as a functional marker for aromatic compounds degrading anaerobes
Authors: Kuntze Kevin , Shinoda Yoshifumi , Moutakki Housna , McInerney Michael J. , Vogt Carsten , Richnow Hans‐Hermann , Boll Matthias 
Published: February 2008

SummaryIn anaerobic bacteria, most aromatic growth substrates are channelled into the benzoyl‐coenzyme A (CoA) degradation pathway where the aromatic ring is dearomatized and cleaved into an aliphatic thiol ester. The initial step of this pathway is catalysed by dearomatizing benzoyl‐CoA reductases yielding the two electron‐reduction product, cyclohexa‐1,5‐diene‐1‐carbonyl‐CoA, to which water is subsequently added by a hydratase. The next two steps have so far only been studied in facultative anaerobes and comprise the oxidation of the 6‐hydroxyl‐group to 6‐oxocyclohex‐1‐ene‐1‐carbonyl‐CoA (6‐OCH‐CoA), the addition of water and hydrolytic ring cleavage yielding 3‐hydroxypimelyl‐CoA. In this work, two benzoate‐induced genes from the obligately anaerobic bacteria, Geobacter metallireducens (bamAGeo) and Syntrophus aciditrophicus (bamASyn), were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized as 6‐OCH‐CoA hydrolases. Both enzymes consisted of a single 43 kDa subunit. Some properties of the enzymes are presented and compared with homologues from facultative anaerobes. An alignment of the nucleotide sequences of bamAGeo and bamASyn with the corresponding genes from facultative anaerobes identified highly conserved DNA regions, which enabled the discrimination of genes coding for 6‐OCH‐CoA hydrolases from those coding for related enzymes. A degenerate oligonucleotide primer pair was deduced from conserved regions and applied in polymerase chain reaction reactions. Using these primers, the expected DNA fragment of the 6‐OCH‐CoA hydrolase genes was specifically amplified from the DNA of nearly all known facultative and obligate anaerobes that use aromatic growth substrates. The only exception was the aromatic compound‐degrading Rhodopseudomonas palustris, which uniquely uses a modified benzoyl‐CoA degradation pathway. Using the oligonucleotide primers, the expected DNA fragment was also amplified in a toluene‐degrading and a m‐xylene‐degrading enrichment culture demonstrating its potential use in less defined bacterial communities. The gene probe established in this work provides for the first time a general tool for the detection of a central functionality in aromatic compound‐degrading anaerobes.