Forensic validation of a SNP and INDEL panel for individualisation of timber from bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum Pursch).

Illegal logging is one of the largest illicit trades in the world, with high profits and generally low risks of detection and prosecution. Timber identification presents problems for law enforcement as traditionally used forensic methods such as wood anatomy and dendrochronology are often unable to confidently match wood evidence to the remains of illegally felled trees. Here we have developed and validated a set of genetic markers for individualisation in bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), a high value timber species often felled illegally in the USA. Using 128 single nucleotide polymorphisms and three insertion/deletion markers developed through massively parallel sequencing, 394 individuals were genotyped on the MassARRAY® iPLEX™ platform (Agena Bio-science™, San Diego, USA) to produce a population reference database for the species. We demonstrate that the resulting DNA assay is reliable, species specific, effective at low DNA concentrations (<1 ng/µL) and suitable for application to timber samples. The PID for the most common profile, calculated using an overall dataset level FST-correction factor, was 1.785 × 10-25 and PID-SIB across all individuals (treated as a single population) was 2.496 × 10-22. The further development of forensic identification assays for timber species has the potential to deliver robust tools for improved detection and prosecution of illegal logging crimes as well as for the verification of legality in reputable supply chains.

Changing concepts in hypertension management.

Hypertension is the most common modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death, and lowering blood pressure with anti-hypertensive drugs reduces target organ damage and prevents cardiovascular disease outcomes. The recent trials SPRINT and HOPE-3 will lead to changes in the way we manage hypertension and impact on clinical practice guidelines. These studies also demonstrate the shift toward automated blood pressure measurements. We have reviewed these studies and others to put them in context with the guidelines that have come before and to describe how they will impact on hypertension treatment thresholds and targets, the treatment of hypertension in the elderly, and changing approaches to the management of hypertension including resistant hypertension.

Intraclass differences among antihypertensive drugs.

The four major classes of antihypertensive drugs­diuretics, ß-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (including angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers)­have significant qualitative and quantitative differences in the adverse effects they cause. Structural and chemical differences have been identified within these classes, especially among the calcium channel blockers and, to a lesser extent, among the thiazide/thiazide-like diuretics. However, it has been more difficult to demonstrate that these differences translate into differential effects with respect to either the surrogate endpoint of blood pressure reduction or, more importantly, hypertension-related cardiovascular complications. Based on a hierarchy-of-evidence approach, differences are apparent between hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone based on evidence of moderate quality. Low-quality evidence suggests atenolol is less effective than other ß-blockers. However, no significant intraclass differences have been established among the other classes of antihypertensive drugs.

Hypertension management initiative prospective cohort study: comparison between immediate and delayed intervention groups.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario's Hypertension Management Initiative (HMI) was a pragmatic implementation of clinical practice guidelines for hypertension management in primary care clinics. The HMI was a prospective delayed phase cohort study of 11 sites enrolling patients in two blocks starting 9 months apart in 2007. The intervention was an evidence-informed chronic disease management program consisting of an interprofessional educational intervention with practice tools to implement the Canadian Hypertension Education Program's clinical practice guidelines. This study compares the change in blood pressure (BP) from baseline to 9 months after the intervention between groups. In the immediate intervention group, the mean BP at baseline was 134.6/79.1 mm Hg (18.2/11.5) and in the delayed intervention group 134.2/77.1 mm Hg (18.9/11.8). The fall in BP in the immediate intervention group from baseline to 9 months after the intervention was 7.3/3.6 mm Hg (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.9-8.7/2.6-4.5) and in the delayed group 8.1/3.3 mm Hg (95% CI: 7.0-9.3/2.5-4.1) (all P<0.0001 were compared from baseline to the end of 9 months of the program in both groups). This study is the first to demonstrate that implementation of an interprofessional knowledge integration initiative for the control of hypertension can rapidly lead to lower BP levels.

[Coronary artery bypass grafting for unstable angina pectoris with aortitis syndrome; report of a case].

A 78-year-old male with aortitis syndrome was referred to our hospital for the treatment of unstable angina pectoris with ischemic mitral regurgitation, which was diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography and coronary artery angiography. Computed tomography showed segmental wall thickness of thoracic and abdominal aorta He underwent an emergent coronary artery bypass grafting. The postoperative course was uneventful without any neurological complications. Postoperative echocardiogram and coronary artery angiography showed good mitral valve function and all patent bypass grafts. He was discharged 33 days after surgery. At 26 months after surgery, he is well without limitation of daily activities and any evidence of myocardial ischemia.

Reporting on sex-based analysis in clinical trials of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Clinical practice recommendations for hypertension do not make recommendations specific to men or women. However, the sex hormones appear to modulate differently the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which plays a central role in the regulation of blood pressure. Today, little is known about the effects of sex on the efficacy of therapies that antagonize the RAS, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). OBJECTIVE: To identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of ACEIs and ARBs in preventing major cardiovascular outcomes, determine what proportion of the trial participants were female, and evaluate whether there was any evidence of a sex difference in the efficacy of these agents. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials that used either ACEIs or ARBs for the treatment of hypertension. RESULTS: Thirteen ACEI trials and nine ARB trials were identified. Sex-specific outcome data were available in six of the ACEI trials and three of the ARB trials. These trials enrolled 74,105 patients; 39.1% were women. Seven of the nine trials indicated that ACEIs or ARBs may be slightly more beneficial in men. The magnitude of these differences, in most trials, was small. CONCLUSIONS: Sex-specific data are reported in 43% of large hypertension clinical trials. Review of the trials reporting sex-specific effect sizes indicates that ACEIs and ARBs may be more effective in men.

The roles of Dippu-allatostatin in the modulation of hormone release in Locusta migratoria.

Dippu-allatostatins (ASTs) have pleiotropic effects in Locusta migratoria. Dippu-ASTs act as releasing factors for adipokinetic hormone I (AKH I) from the corpus cardiacum (CC) and also alter juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis and release from the corpus allatum (CA). Dippu-AST-like immunoreactivity is found within lateral neurosecretory cells (LNCs) of the brain and axons within the paired nervi corporis cardiaci II (NCC II) to the CC and the CA, where there are extensive processes and nerve endings over both of these neuroendocrine organs. There was co-localization of Dippu-AST-like and proctolin-like immunoreactivity within these regions. Dippu-ASTs increase the release of AKH I in a dose-dependent manner, with thresholds below 10(-11)M (Dippu-AST 7) and between 10(-13) and 10(-12)M (Dippu-AST 2). Both proctolin and Dippu-AST 2 caused an increase in the cAMP content of the glandular lobe of the CC. Dippu-AST 2 also altered the release of JH from the locust CA, but this effect depended on the concentration of peptide and the basal release rates of the CA. These physiological effects for Dippu-ASTs in Locusta have not been shown previously.

Isolation of cockroach Phe-Gly-Leu-amide allatostatins from the termite Reticulitermes flavipes and their effect on juvenile hormone synthesis.

Immunoreactivity to cockroach Diploptera punctata allatostatin-7 (Dippu AST-7) has been demonstrated previously in axons innervating the corpora allata of the termite Reticulitermes flavipes. This peptide and Dippu AST-11 inhibited juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis by corpora allata (CA) of brachypterous neotenic reproductives (secondary reproductives) of termites. The present study shows that R. flavipes CA are also inhibited by Dippu AST-2, AST-5, AST-8, and AST-9 at approximately the same rank order of potency as demonstrated in D. punctata. Another allatostatin from Periplaneta americana (Peram AST-12) also inhibits JH synthesis by R. flavipes CA. Sensitivity to the allatostatins is higher in glands with low rates of JH synthesis than in those with relatively high JH synthetic rates as has been demonstrated in CA from male and female secondary reproductives as well as in those from non-egg-laying and egg-laying females. The identical inhibitory effects of R. flavipes brain extract on CA from both D. punctata and R. flavipes and the isolation and identification of five cockroach allatostatins (Dippu AST-1, AST-2, AST-5, AST-8, and Peram AST-12) from termite brain extract reflect the close relationship between cockroaches and termites.

Endocrine and reproductive differences and genetic divergence in two populations of the cockroach Diploptera punctata.

The viviparous cockroach, Diploptera punctata, has been a valuable model organism for studies of the regulation of reproduction by juvenile hormone (JH) in insects. As a result of its truly viviparous mode of reproduction, precise regulation of JH biosynthesis and reproduction is required for production of offspring, providing a model system for the study of the relationship between JH production and oocyte growth and maturation. Most studies to date have focused on individuals isolated from a Hawaiian population of this species. A new population of this cockroach was found in Nakorn Pathom, Thailand, which demonstrated striking differences in cuticle pigmentation and mating behaviours, suggesting possible physiological differences between the two populations. To better characterize these differences, rates of JH release and oocyte growth were measured during the first gonadotrophic cycle. The Thai population was found to show significantly earlier increases in the rate of JH release, and oocyte development as compared with the Hawaiian population. Breeding experiments to determine the degree of interfertility between the two populations demonstrated greatly reduced fertility in crosses between the two populations. Additionally, levels of genetic divergence between the two populations estimated by sequencing a fragment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were surprisingly high. The significant differences in physiology and mating behaviours, combined with the reduced interfertility and high levels of sequence divergence, suggest that these two populations of D. punctata are quite distinct, and may even be in the process of speciation. Moreover, these studies have important implications for the study of JH function in the reproductive cycle of insects, as differences in timing of rates of JH biosynthesis may suggest a process of heterochrony in reproduction between the two populations.

A putative farnesoic acid O-methyltransferase (FAMeT) orthologue in Drosophila melanogaster (CG10527): relationship to juvenile hormone biosynthesis?

Juvenile hormones (JHs) are key regulators of both metamorphosis and adult reproductive processes. Farnesoic acid O-methyltransferase (FAMeT) is thought to be an important enzyme in the JH biosynthetic pathway, catalyzing methylation of farnesoic acid (FA) to methyl farnesoate (MF). Previous evidence in other insects suggested that FAMeT is rate limiting and regulated by a neuropeptide family, the allatostatins. A full-length cDNA encoding a 296 amino acid putative FAMeT has been isolated. A recombinant (r)FAMeT was cloned, expressed and a specific antiserum generated. rFAMeT was assayed for enzymatic activity using a radiochemical assay. In this assay, no activity was detected either with rFAMeT alone or when added to a corpus allatum CA extract. Immunohistochemical analysis was used to confirm the presence of FAMeT in the CA of Drosophila melanogaster ring gland. Analysis of MF, JHIII and JHB3 release in wild type and mutant stocks in the presence and absence of Drome AST (PISCF-type) suggest that Drosophila FAMeT has little if any effect on sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis. Drome AST appears to have a select effect on JH bisepoxide biosynthesis and not MF or JHIII. Additional analysis of MF, JHIII and JHB3 release in strains with a deficiency or decrease of FAMeT compared to wild type shows no significant decrease in MF, JHIII or JH bisepoxide synthesis. Deficiency strains that reduce the level of FAMeT showed reduced longevity relative to wildtype but this result may be due to other genetic influences.

[Mitral valve repair with anterior leaflet augmentation for rheumatic mitral valve disease].

A 74-year-old male with congestive heart failure was referred to our hospital, and massive mitral regurgitation as well as aortic stenosis and regurgitation were detected by echocardiography. His mitral valve was successfully repaired with anterior leaflet augmentation with the equine pericardial patch followed by aortic valve replacement. Postoperative transthoracic Doppler echocardiography revealed no mitral regurgitation. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the 19th postoperative day. At 2 years and 2nd month after the operation, he is well without limitation of daily activities and any evidence of mitral regurgitation.

Comparative genomic analysis of allatostatin-encoding (Ast) genes in Drosophila species and prediction of regulatory elements by phylogenetic footprinting.

The role of the YXFGLa family of allatostatin (AST) peptides in dipterans is not well-established. The recent completion of sequencing of genomes for multiple Drosophila species provides an opportunity to study the evolutionary variation of the allatostatins and to examine regulatory elements that control gene expression. We performed comparative analyses of Ast genes from seven Drosophila species (Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila simulans, Drosophila ananassae, Drosophila yakuba, Drosophila pseudoobscura, Drosophila mojavensis, and Drosophila grimshawi) and used phylogenetic footprinting methods to identify conserved noncoding motifs, which are candidates for regulatory regions. The peptides encoded by the Ast precursor are nearly identical across species with the exception of AST-1, in which the leading residue may be either methionine or valine. Phylogenetic footprinting predicts as few as 3, to as many as 17 potential regulatory sites depending on the parameters used during analysis. These include a Hunchback motif approximately 1.2 kb upstream of the open reading frame (ORF), overlapping motifs for two Broad-complex isoforms in the first intron, and a CF2-II motif located in the 3'-UTR. Understanding the regulatory elements involved in Ast expression may provide insight into the function of this neuropeptide family.

Evolutionary selective trends of insect/mosquito antimicrobial defensin peptides containing cysteine-stabilized alpha/beta motifs.

Insect defensins containing cysteine-stabilized alpha/beta motifs (Cs-alpha/beta defensin) are cationic, inducible antibacterial peptides involved in humoral defence against pathogens. To examine trends in molecular evolution of these antimicrobial peptides, sequences similar to the well-characterized Cs-alpha/beta defensin peptide of Anopheles gambiae, using six cysteine residues as landmarks, were retrieved from genomic and protein databases. These sequences were derived from different orders of insects. Genes of insect Cs-alpha/beta defensin appear to constitute a multigene family in which the copy number varies between insect species. Phylogenetic analysis of these sequences revealed two main lineages, one group comprising mainly lepidopteran insects and a second, comprising Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera insects. Moreover, the topology of the phylogram indicated dipteran Cs-alpha/beta defensins are diverse, suggesting diversity in immune mechanisms in this order of insects. Overall evolutionary analysis indicated marked diversification and expansion of mature defensin isoforms within the species of mosquitoes relative to non-mosquito defensins, implying the presence of finely tuned immune responses to counter pathogens. The observed higher synonymous substitution rate relative to the nonsynonymous rate in almost all the regions of Cs-alpha/beta defensin of mosquitoes suggests that these peptides are predominately under purifying selection. The maximum-likelihood models of codon substitution indicated selective pressure at different amino acid sites in mosquito mature Cs-alpha/beta defensins is differ and are undergoing adaptive evolution in comparison to non-mosquito Cs-alpha/beta defensins, for which such selection was inconspicuous; this suggests the acquisition of selective advantage of the Cs-alpha/beta defensins in the former group. Finally, this study represents the most detailed report on the evolutionary strategies of Cs-alpha/beta defensins of mosquitoes in particular and insects in general, and indicates that insect Cs-alpha/beta defensins have evolved by duplication followed by divergence, to produce a diverse set of paralogues.

Peritoneal dialysis: a clinical update congestive heart failure and PD.

BACKGROUND: There is a belief that peritoneal dialysis may be an important treatment modality for refractory heart failure, allowing at least an improvement in quality if not quantity of life during the last stage of this debilitating chronic disease. This paper examines the rationale behind this modality, critically appraises the available literature, calls for more research in the area and puts forward a framework for considering peritoneal dialysis in refractory heart failure. CONCLUSION: When faced with a patient with refractory heart failure admitted to hospital on multiple occasions because of complications of volume overload, the following approach to initiating peritoneal dialysis should be considered: subjects for dialysis must have a minimal blood pressure, and those whose hemodynamic status improves with diuresis, even though they develop a pre-renal picture, may be the best candidates.

[Diastolic heart failure in patients with aortic valve disease].

From March 2002 to August 2005, 53 patients with age between 30 and 86 underwent surgical treatment for aortic valve disease. Preoperative diastolic heart failure was observed in 15 cases (28.3%). Operative procedures consisted of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in 42 cases [AVR and mitral valve replacement (MVR) in 3], aortic valve plasty (AVP) in 2, and aortic root replacement in 4. Concomitant procedures included maze procedure in 2 cases, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 6, mitral valve surgery in 15, and tricuspid valve annuloplasty (TAP) in 8. There were 7 cases for patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) [13.2%]. There were 2 hospital deaths (both were low-output syndrome). Among the surgical survivors, there were 2 late cardiac-related complications (all cases were cardiac failure). There was no recurrence or re-operation. Although all cases had severe diastolic failure, their systolic function was almost normal. Our study suggested that in patients with aortic valve disease, not PPM but diastolic heart failure correlated strongly with postoperative event and survival.

[Optimal treatment of intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis resembling posterior mediastinal tumor; report of a case].

Intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis is a rare condition accompanying chronic hematologic disease. We present a case of chronic gastric ulcer in which a posterior mediastinal mass was diagnosed as extramedullary hematopoiesis. We underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic resection safely and successfully. This procedure is relevant and safety procedure for differential diagnosis of patients who have chronic anemia with asymptomatic intrathoracic tumors.

Phe-Gly-Leu-amide allatostatin in the termite Reticulitermes flavipes: content in brain and corpus allatum and effect on juvenile hormone synthesis.

In the subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipes, allatostatins (ASTs) with the C-terminus Phe-Gly Leu-amide were localized by immunocytochemistry with antibody against a cockroach AST, Dippu AST-7. AST-immunoreactivity occurred in the corpus cardiacum and corpus allatum and in the lateral and medial neurosecretory cells of the brain that innervate these organs as well as in many other nerve cells of the brain. This was observed in workers, nymphs, soldiers and secondary reproductives. A radioimmunoassay, using anti-Dippu AST-11, demonstrated about 40 fmole equivalents of AST in brains of soldiers and secondary reproductives. The product of the corpora allata in this species was determined to be juvenile hormone III. Its synthesis by corpora allata of secondary reproductives, determined by in vitro radiochemical assay, was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by two cockroach allatostatins, Dippu AST-7 and Dippu AST-11. Thus, as in cockroaches and crickets, allatostatin-containing nerves innervate the corpora allata of this termite species and their production of juvenile hormone is inhibited by these neuropeptides.

A study of signal transduction for the two diuretic peptides of Diploptera punctata.

We investigated second messengers involved in the action of the CRF-related peptide Dippu-DH46 and the calcitonin-like peptide Dippu-DH31 in Diploptera punctata. Dippu-DH46 causes a dose-dependent increase in intracellular cAMP levels, its diuretic activity is mimicked by cAMP agonists, but is attenuated by Rp-cAMPS. Dippu-DH46 acts synergistically with kinins and thapsigargin; both mobilize intracellular Ca2+. Dippu-DH46 also acts synergistically with cAMP agonists, and its effect is inhibited by a PKC inhibitor, suggesting it also activates intracellular Ca2+. Dippu-DH31 has no effect on cAMP levels and its activity is not blocked by cAMP agonists. Neither peptide stimulated cGMP levels in a dose-dependent manner, nor does cGMP have any effect on fluid secretion.

[Adult mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation due to patent ductus arteriosus combined with atrial fibrillation; report of a case].

73-year-old female with mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation due to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with atrial fibrillation (AF) was reported. The patient was admitted for dyspnea on effort. She was diagnosed as mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation due to PDA with AF by transthoracic echocardiography. She underwent mitral valve plasty (quadrangular resection of prolapsed posterior leaflet and annuloplasty with Duran flexible-ring 25 mm), tricuspid annuloplasty (De Vega annuloplasty), PDA direct closure and radiofrequency modified maze procedure. Postoperative echocardiogram showed good mitral and tricuspid valve function. He recovered well after the operation and was discharged in stable sinus rhythm.

[Radiofrequency modified maze operation for chronic atrial fibrillation with ASD; report of a case].

A 61-year-old man with congestive heart failure was referred to our hospital and diagnosed as atrial septal defect (ASD) [Qp/Qs = 1.6] with chronic atrial fibrillation. Occurrence of atrial fibrillation was supposed to be the cause of heart failure rather than L-R shunt of ASD. The patient was successfully operated on with the use of routine cardiopulmonary bypass. Radiofrequency modified maze procedure was done, and then small ASD (1 cm of diameter) was closed with patch. Postoperative transthoracic Doppler echocardiography confirmed clear A wave for transmitral and transtricuspid flow. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged in stable sinus rhythm and has been drug free since then.