bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory cells and immune microenvironment in malignant lymphoma
Authors: De Jong D. , Enblad G. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract.It has become clear that the biological and clinical behaviour of malignant lymphoma is not only determined by the properties of the tumour cells themselves but are also largely by the interaction of the tumour cells with their nonmalignant microenvironment. The composition and functional status of the tumour microenvironment is highly variable between different classes of malignant lymphoma and may provide both growth‐supportive and growth suppressive signals via components of the adaptive and innate immune response. In this review, the functional interactions and clinical consequences of these insights are discussed in indolent and aggressive B‐cell lymphomas and in classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
SurR: a transcriptional activator and repressor controlling hydrogen and elemental sulphur metabolism in Pyrococcus furiosus
Authors: Lipscomb Gina L. , Keese Annette M. , Cowart Darin M. , Schut Gerrit J. , Thomm Michael , Adams Michael W. W. , Scott Robert A. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThis work describes the identification and characterization of SurR, Pyrococcus furiosus sulphur (S0) response regulator. SurR was captured from cell extract using promoter DNA of a hydrogenase operon that is downregulated in the primary response of P. furiosus to S0, as revealed by DNA microarray experiments. SurR was validated as a sequence‐specific DNA binding protein, and characterization of the SurR DNA binding motif GTTn3AAC led to the identification of several target genes that contain an extended motif in their promoters. A number of these were validated to contain upstream SurR binding sites. These SurR targets strongly correspond with open reading frames and operons both up‐ and downregulated in the primary response to S0. In vitro transcription revealed that SurR is an activator for its own gene as well as for two hydrogenase operons whose expression is downregulated during the primary S0 response; it is also a repressor for two genes upregulated during the primary S0 response, one of which encodes the primary S0‐reducing enzyme NAD(P)H sulphur reductase. Herein we give evidence for the role of SurR in both mediating the primary response to S0 and controlling hydrogen production in P. furiosus.
Development and clinical evaluation of a microarray for HLA‐A and ‐DRB1 genotyping
Authors: Lee K.‐R. , Park E. , Moon S. H. , Kim J.‐M. , Kwon O.‐J. , Kim M. H. , Sohn Y.‐H. , Ko S.‐Y. , Oh H.‐B. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMicroarray technology makes high‐throughput genotyping possible by permitting the simultaneous analysis of large sets of genes on a small reaction slide. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci showing high polymorphisms are suitable targets for microarray. In this study, we developed a microarray kit with newly designed oligonucleotide probes for the genotyping of HLA‐A and ‐DRB1. In total, 42 probes were designed to hybridize to polymorphic sites for HLA‐A and 36 for HLA‐DRB1. Asymmetric polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using four primers was performed to amplify exon 2 of HLA‐DRB1, whereas symmetric PCR was performed to amplify both exons 2 and 3 of HLA‐A. Evaluation of performance using samples from 138 Koreans disclosed consistent microarray results with all sequence‐based typing at the low‐resolution level. Despite the occurrence of ambiguities in 35 HLA‐A (25.4%) and 5 HLA‐DRB1 (3.6%) cases, correct genotypes were assigned with high certainty by referring to allele distribution in Koreans. These data clearly indicate that our newly developed microarray kit is optimal in determining correct genotypes at the low‐resolution level in Koreans.
The evolution of sex‐determining mechanisms: lessons from temperature‐sensitive mutations in sex determination genes in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: CHANDLER C. H. , PHILLIPS P. C. , JANZEN F. J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSexual reproduction is one of the most taxonomically conserved traits, yet sex‐determining mechanisms (SDMs) are quite diverse. For instance, there are numerous forms of environmental sex determination (ESD), in which an organism’s sex is determined not by genotype, but by environmental factors during development. Important questions remain regarding transitions between SDMs, in part because the organisms exhibiting unique mechanisms often make difficult study organisms. One potential solution is to utilize mutant strains in model organisms better suited to answering these questions. We have characterized two such strains of the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. These strains harbour temperature‐sensitive mutations in key sex‐determining genes. We show that they display a sex ratio reaction norm in response to rearing temperature similar to other organisms with ESD. Next, we show that these mutations also cause deleterious pleiotropic effects on overall fitness. Finally, we show that these mutations are fundamentally different at the genetic sequence level. These strains will be a useful complement to naturally occurring taxa with ESD in future research examining the molecular basis of and the selective forces driving evolutionary transitions between sex determination mechanisms.
A sex‐linked SCAR marker in Bryonia dioica (Cucurbitaceae), a dioecious species with XY sex‐determination and homomorphic sex chromosomes
Authors: OYAMA R. K. , VOLZ S. M. , RENNER S. S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractGenetic crosses between the dioecious Bryonia dioica (Cucurbitaceae) and the monoecious B. alba in 1903 provided the first clear evidence for Mendelian inheritance of dioecy and made B. dioica the first organism for which XY sex‐determination was experimentally proven. Applying molecular tools to this system, we developed a sex‐linked sequence‐characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker for B. dioica and sequenced it for individuals representing the full geographic range of the species from Scotland to North Africa. For comparison, we also sequenced this marker for representatives of the dioecious B. cretica, B. multiflora and B. syriaca, and monoecious B. alba. In no case did any individual, male or female, yield more than two haplotypes. In northern Europe, we found strong linkage between our marker and sex, with all Y‐sequences being identical to each other. In southern Europe, however, the linkage between our marker and sex was weak, with recombination detected within both the X‐ and the Y‐homologues. Population genetic analyses suggest that the SCAR marker experienced different evolutionary pressures in northern and southern Europe. These findings fit with phylogenetic evidence that the XY system in Bryonia is labile and suggest that the genus may be a good system in which to study the early steps of sex chromosome evolution.
What determines dewlap diversity in Anolis lizards? An among‐island comparison
Authors: VANHOOYDONCK B. , HERREL A. , MEYERS J. J. , IRSCHICK D. J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAnimal signalling systems are extremely diverse as they are under different, often conflicting, selective pressures. A classic textbook example of a diverse signal is the anoline dewlap. Both at the inter‐ and intraspecific levels, dewlap size, colour, shape and pattern vary extensively. Here, we attempt to elucidate the various factors explaining the diversity in dewlap size and pattern among seven Anolis sagrei populations from different islands in the Bahamas. The seven islands differ in the surface area, number and kind of predators, sexual size dimorphism and Anolis species composition. In addition, we investigate whether selective pressures acting on dewlap design differ between males and females. Whereas dewlap pattern appears to serve a role in species recognition in both sexes, our data suggest that relative dewlap size is under natural and/or sexual selection. We find evidence for the role of the dewlap as a pursuit‐deterrence signal in both males and females as relative dewlap size is larger on islands where A. sagrei occurs sympatrically with predatory Leiocephalus lizards. Additionally, in males relatively large dewlaps seem to be selected for in a sexual context, whereas in females natural selection, for instance by other predators than Leiocephalus lizards, appears to constrain relative dewlap size.
Mate choice for nonadditive genetic benefits and the maintenance of genetic diversity in song sparrows
Authors: NEFF B. D. , PITCHER T. E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe lek paradox asserts that strong directional selection via female choice should deplete additive genetic variation in fitness and consequently any benefit to females expressing the preference. Recently, we have provided a novel resolution to the paradox by showing that nonadditive genetic effects such as overdominance can be inherited from parent to offspring, and populations with females that express a mating preference for outbred males maintain higher genetic variation than populations with females that mate randomly. Here, we test our dynamic model using empirical data previously published from a small island population of song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). The model assumes that fitness and male trait expression display overdominance effects. The results demonstrate that female choice for outbred males mediated by directional selection on song repertoire size provides a heritable benefit to offspring through reduced inbreeding depression. Within the population, we estimate the heritability of the inbreeding coefficient to be 0.18 ± 0.08 (SD). Furthermore, we show that mate choice for outbred males increases fitness‐related genetic variation in the population by 12% and thereby reduces inbreeding depression by 1% per generation in typical years and upwards of 15% in severe years. Thus, mate choice may help to stave off population extinction in this and other small populations.
A change in competitive context reverses sexual selection on male size
Authors: KASUMOVIC M. M. , ANDRADE M. C. B. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn studies of sexual selection, larger size is often argued to increase male fitness, and relatively smaller males are explained by genetic and/or environmental variation. We demonstrate that a size–development life‐history trade‐off could underlie the maintenance of a broad, unimodal distribution of size in male redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti). Larger males are superior in direct competition, but redback males mature rapidly at small size in the presence of females. In field enclosures, we simulated two competitive contexts favouring development of divergent male sizes. Relatively smaller males lost when competing directly, but had 10 times higher fitness than relatively larger males when given the temporal advantage of rapid development. Linear selection gradients confirmed the reversal of selection on size, showing that it is critical to consider life‐history decisions underlying the development of traits related to fitness.
Changes in Paternal Responsiveness of Prairie Voles (Microtus ochrogaster) in Response to Olfactory Cues and Continuous Physical Contact with a Female
Authors: Jean‐Baptiste Natacha , Terleph Thomas A. , Bamshad Maryam 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn mammals, paternal care is rarely displayed, and we know little about the mechanisms regulating this behavior. Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are ideal mammals for the study of paternal behavior because they are a monogamous, bi‐parental species that is easily raised in the laboratory. Paternal responsiveness occurs at moderate levels in sexually‐naive voles and is heightened following a short cohabitation period of 72 h with a female. To determine how increased levels of paternal care are maintained after the initial cohabitation period, we tested the paternal behavior of males that were housed in isolation, were in physical contact with a female, or were exposed to various olfactory cues. The results indicate that the absence of odor cues from a female did not diminish the male’s motivation to care for infants following the initial cohabitation period. In contrast, odor cues from a male appeared to negatively influence the male’s paternal tendencies. The data also show that males that had continuous physical contact with a female spent more time responding paternally and more time hovering over the young compared to males that were housed alone. Together, these results suggest that although paternal behavior is maximized in response to continuous physical contact with females, olfactory cues may not be necessary for the maintenance of heightened paternal behavior.
Resistance to Xanthomonas spp. in Tomato: Diallel Analysis and Gene Effects Estimative in a Breeding Programme Carried out in Brazil
Authors: Souza Marcelo Francisco Mendes de , Rodrigues Rosana , Amaral Júnior Antonio Teixeira do , Sudré Cláudia Pombo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTomato bacterial spot, caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria [Applied Environment Microbiology71 (2005) 3581], occurs worldwide, wherever tomato is cultivated. The control in the field is hampered by the low efficiency of protective chemicals due to predominantly resistant strains to streptomycin sulphate and copper‐based products [Journal of Phytopathology147 (1999) 397]. Genetic resistance is a more promising alternative for the establishment of cultivations that are more profitable and, above all, less harmful to the ecosystem. In this study, six tomato genotypes and their hybrid diallel combinations, without the reciprocals, were investigated for their reaction to bacterial spot caused by three Xanthomonas races [Annual Review of Phytopathology36 (1998) 41]. Resistance was rated on a grade scale, and by the area under disease progress curve. The diallel analysis was performed according to Griffing [Australian Journal of Biological Sciences9 (1956) 463], Method 2, Model B. The accession UENF 157 was found to be resistant to all pathogen races and UENF 158 to T2. Resistance to T1 was observed in hybrid UENF 155 × UENF 157 and moderate resistance to T2 in UENF 155 × ’Santa Adelia’, UENF 155 × UENF 222 and UENF 157 × UENF 222. In the reaction to T1, additive gene effects were predominant and dominance effects in the resistance to T3. Recessive genes contributed to reduce the manifestation of lesions of the three races as indicated by the two resistance components evaluated.
SUBENDOCARDIAL VIABILITY INDEX IS RELATED TO THE DIASTOLIC/SYSTOLIC TIME RATIO AND LEFT VENTRICULAR FILLING PRESSURE, NOT TO AORTIC PRESSURE: AN INVASIVE STUDY IN RESTING HUMANS
Authors: Chemla Denis , Nitenberg Alain , Teboul Jean‐Louis , Richard Christian , Monnet Xavier , Le Clesiau Hervé , Valensi Paul , Brahimi Mabrouk 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARY

The myocardial perfusion relative to left ventricular (LV) workload may be estimated by the subendocardial viability index (SVI). The SVI is a pressure–time integral ratio: the numerator is the area between aortic and LV pressures during diastolic time (DT) and the denominator is the area under the LV pressure curve during systolic time (ST). New non‐invasive tonometric devices allow estimation of SVI but neglect LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in the calculation. The aim of the present study was to determine the haemodynamic correlates of SVI and to test the effects of neglecting LVEDP on SVI estimation.
High‐fidelity pressures were recorded at rest at the aortic root and LV level in 38 subjects (33 men/five women; mean (±SD) age 47 ± 14 years; nine controls and 29 patients with various cardiac diseases). The SVI (1.16 ± 0.28) was positively correlated with the DT/ST ratio (1.71 ± 0.35; r2 = 0.81) and was negatively correlated with LVEDP (15 ± 7 mmHg; multiple r2 = 0.94). The SVI was not related to aortic pressure (mean, pulse, mean systolic, mean diastolic). In 17 patients with LVEDP > 14 mmHg, the SVI calculated assuming zero LVEDP was 33 ± 15% higher (range 16–70%) than the actual SVI.
The DT/ST ratio was the main determinant of the myocardial perfusion relative to cardiac workload and accounted for 81% of SVI variability, whereas aortic pressure did not contribute. Although LVEDP accounted for only 13% of SVI variability, it should be taken into account in the non‐invasive calculation of SVI in patients with known or suspected increases in LV filling pressure.
Pulmonary hydatid disease diagnosed by bronchoscopy: A report of three cases
Authors: YILMAZ Adnan , TUNCER Leyla Yagci , DAMADOGLU Ebru , SULU Ebru , TAKIR Huriye Berk , SELVI Ummuhan Bayram 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTPulmonary hydatid disease is an important clinical problem where echinococcal infection is endemic. Bronchoscopy is unnecessary in patients with pulmonary hydatid disease who present with a typical clinical picture and radiological appearance. However, it may be performed when a tumour is suspected or when the radiological picture is atypical. This case report presents three patients with pulmonary hydatid disease diagnosed by bronchoscopy. All patients were male, aged between 24 and 30 years, presented with pulmonary symptoms and had an abnormal CXR. Bronchoscopy showed whitish membraneous material in all three patients and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid disease. Cystectomy was performed in two patients and right pneumonectomy was performed in the third because of pulmonary artery involvement. Bronchoscopy may be valuable in the diagnosis of pulmonary hydatid cyst disease in patients with atypical clinical and radiological presentations.
When and how to treat pulmonary non‐tuberculous mycobacterial diseases
Authors: THOMSON Rachel M. , YEW Wing‐Wai 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTNon‐tuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous environmental organisms that have been recognized as a cause of pulmonary infection for over 50 years. Traditionally patients have had underlying risk factors for development of disease; however, the proportion of apparently immunocompetent patients involved appears to be rising. Not all patients culture‐positive for mycobacteria will have progressive disease, making the diagnosis difficult, though criteria to aid in this process are available. The two main forms of disease are cavitary disease (usually involving the upper lobes) and fibronodular bronchiectasis (predominantly middle and lingular lobes). For patients with disease, combination antibiotic therapy for 12–24 months is generally required for successful treatment, and this may be accompanied by drug intolerances and side‐effects. Published success rates range from 30% to 82%. As the progression of disease is variable, for some patients, attention to pulmonary hygiene and underlying diseases without immediate antimycobacterial therapy may be more appropriate. Surgery can be a useful adjunct, though is associated with risks. Randomized controlled trials in well‐described patients would provide stronger evidence‐based data to guide therapy of non‐tuberculous mycobacteria lung diseases, and thus are much needed.
Falls among community‐dwelling elderly people of Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Kojima Satoru , Furuna Taketo , Ikeda Nozomu , Nakamura Mariko , Sawada Yuji 
Published: November 2008

Background:  Although the circumstances surrounding falls among community‐dwelling elderly people have been described by numerous studies, there are few that have reported falls in the northern regions of Japan, such as Hokkaido, that experience a severe winter with heavy snow. As a preliminary study, we surveyed the circumstances of falls among community‐dwelling elderly people in Hokkaido with a self‐administered questionnaire.Methods:  Residents living in private homes throughout Hokkaido were randomly contacted by telephone and those aged over 65 years were recruited for this study. In all, 1000 subjects participated in the survey. A questionnaire was used to obtain the histories of falls, including the number of falls, the season and place of occurrence, and the cause of the falls in the year prior to the survey.Results:  Of the 1000 subjects, 849 (436 men and 413 women; mean age, 73.0 years) completed the questionnaire. Among the 849 subjects, 277 (32.6%) fell at least once during the year of the survey. Of these 277 subjects, 155 subjects (56.0%) experienced two or more falls in the year. Approximately 60% of the falls occurred during the winter. The most common location where falls occurred was on roads or sidewalks, and slipping was the most prevalent cause.Conclusion:  Our findings revealed several aspects regarding the circumstances surrounding falls among community‐dwelling elderly people in Hokkaido.
Co‐administration of l‐cystine and l‐theanine enhances efficacy of influenza vaccination in elderly persons: Nutritional status‐dependent immunogenicity
Authors: Miyagawa Koichi , Hayashi Yoshimitsu , Kurihara Shigekazu , Maeda Akiko 
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The immune response to influenza vaccine is attenuated in elderly persons, though they are at greatest risk for morbidity and mortality by influenza virus infection. Experimental studies demonstrate that co‐administration of l‐cystine and l‐theanine enhanced antigen‐specific production of immunoglobulin in aged mice infected with influenza virus. We thus investigated the effect of l‐cystine and l‐theanine on antibody induction by influenza vaccines in elderly persons.Methods:  Residents in a nursing home were randomly allocated to l‐cystine and l‐theanine (n = 32) or placebo (n = 33). The test substances were administered p.o. for 14 days before immunization. Serum influenza virus antibody titers were measured before and 4 weeks after vaccination.Results:  Vaccination significantly elevated hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers for all the three strains of influenza viruses (A/New Caledonia [H1N1], A/New York [H3N2] and B/Shanghai) in both groups. HI titers after vaccination were not significantly different between the two groups for either strain. Also, the seroconversion rate was not significantly different between the two groups in the aggregate. A stratified analysis showed that the rate of seroconversion was significantly greater in the l‐cystine and l‐theanine group compared with the placebo group for influenza virus A (H1N1) among subjects with low serum total protein (63% vs 10%, P < 0.05) or low hemoglobin (71% vs 9%, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Co‐administration of l‐cystine and l‐theanine before vaccination may enhance the immune response to influenza vaccine in elderly subjects with low serum total protein or hemoglobin.
Water‐ versus land‐based exercise effects on physical fitness in older women
Authors: Bocalini Danilo S , Serra Andrey J , Murad Neif , Levy Rozeli F 
Published: November 2008

Aim:  The effectiveness of a water‐based exercise (WE) program and a walking on land (WL) program was evaluated in older women (aged 62–65 years).Methods:  Fifty healthy sedentary women were randomly assigned to sedentary (S), WE and WL groups. The two groups were exercised for 12 weeks at 70% of the age‐predicted maximum heart rate (HR). The subjects were evaluated before and after the training period, and measurements of bodyweight, HR at rest, maximum aerobic power (VO2max mL/kg per min) and neuromuscular performance (upper and lower body strength; agility; upper and lower body flexibility) were included.Results:  After training, bodyweight was unchanged in both programs. The WE decreased the HR at rest by 10%. Both WE and WL enhanced VO2max by 42% and 32%, respectively. However, for the WE group the VO2max values were significantly higher compared with the WL group (P < 0.05). All neuromuscular parameters improved after exercise, but only the WE group showed a significant improvement on the upper body strength and lower body flexibility. Besides, the upper and lower body strength and upper and lower body flexibility were significantly higher in the WE group compared with the WL group (P < 0.05), respectively.Conclusions:  Current results indicate that the WE and WL programs improved the cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular fitness of older women. Furthermore, when the effectiveness of the training programs were compared, it was verified that the WE program was more powerful in inducing changes in physical fitness versus the WL program.