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Tuesday, November 21, 2006

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Total Clips: 3

	Date	Outlet
Medical findings reported by University of Florida, U.S., scientists	11/21/2006	Life Science Weekly
Baldwin eighth in state production: Meanwhile, be alert for burrower bug infestation in peanuts	11/21/2006	Press-Register
'Report a Grinch' campaign returns before Christmas	11/20/2006	Catholic Online


Medical findings reported by University of Florida, U.S., scientists 11/21/2006 Life Science Weekly		Return to Top
AU is mentioned as a collaborator in this research. No Web link was available Medical findings reported by University of Florida, U.S., scientists. Study 1 Breast cancer progression could be linked to epigenetic silencing of the tumor suppressor cystatin M. Cystatin M is a secreted inhibitor of lysosomal cysteine proteases. Several lines of evidence indicate that cystatin M is a tumor suppressor important in breast malignancy; however, the mechanism(s) that leads to inactivation of cystatin M during cancer progression is unknown, scientists in the United States reported. Inspection of the human cystatin M locus uncovered a large and dense CpG island within the 5' region of this gene (termed CST6). Analysis of cultured human breast tumor lines indicated that cystatin M expression is either undetectable or in low abundance in several lines; however, enhanced gene expression was measured in cells cultured on the DNA demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), explained L.B. Ai and colleagues, University of Florida. Increased cystatin M expression does not correlate with a cytotoxic response to 5-aza-dC; rather, various molecular approaches indicated that the CST6 gene was aberrantly methylated in these tumor lines as well as in primary breast tumors. Moreover, 60% (12 of 20) of primary tumors analyzed displayed CST6 hypermethylation, indicating that this aberrant characteristic is common in breast malignancies. Finally, preinvasive and invasive breast tumor cells were microdissected from 9 archival breast cancer specimens. Of the 5 tumors displaying CST6 gene methylation, 4 tumors displayed methylation in both ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast carcinoma lesions and reduced expression of cystatin M in these tumors was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, noted the scientists. The researchers concluded, In summary, this study establishes that the tumor suppressor cystatin M is a novel target for epigenetic silencing during mammary tumorigenesis and that this aberrant event can occur before development of invasive breast cancer. Ai and colleagues published their study in Cancer Research (Epigenetic silencing of the tumor suppressor cystatin M occurs during breast cancer progression. Cancer Res, 2006;66(16) 7899-7909). For additional information, contact K.D. Brown, University of Florida, College Medical, Dept. of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Box 100245, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. Study 2 Foamy virus vectors expressing siRNAs inhibit simian immunodeficiency virus. According to researchers in the United States, Viral vectors available for gene therapy are either inefficient or suffer from safety concerns for human applications. Foamy viruses are nonpathogenic retroviruses that offer several unique opportunities for gene transfer in various cell types from different species. In this report, we describe the use of simian foamy virus type 1 (SFV-1) vector to examine the efficacy of therapeutic genes. Hairpin short-interfering RNA (siRNA) that targets the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) rev/env was placed under the control of the PolIII U6 snRNA promoter for expression and screened for silencing target genes using cognate target-reporter fusions, said Jeonghae Park and collaborators at the University of Florida and Auburn University. We have identified an effective siRNA (designated R2), which reduces the rev and env gene expression by 89% and 95%, respectively. Using the simian foamy virus type 1 (SFV-1) based vector, we delivered the MITI expressed R2 siRNA into cultured cells and challenged with SIV. The results show that the R2 siRNA is a potent inhibitor of SIV replication as determined by p27 expression and reverse transcriptase assays, reported the researchers. Vectors based on a non-pathogenic SFV-1 vector may provide a safe and efficient alternative to currently available vectors, and the SIV model will help devise protocols for effective anti-HIV gene therapy. Park and associates published their study in Virology (Inhibition of simian immunodeficiency virus by foamy virus vectors expressing siRNAs. Virology, 2005;343(2) 275-282). For additional information, contact Ayalew Mergia, Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA. mergiaa@mail.vetmed.ufl.edu. Study 3 Female subjects, matched for age and fitness, have higher intramyocellular lipid compared with their male counterparts. Little is known about the relationship between intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and coronary artery disease (CAD)/noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus risk factors. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between IMCL and CAD/noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus risk factors in healthy male (n=9) and female (n=10) subjects with similar norm-based aerobic fitness and body composition, researchers in the United States report. White and coworkers at the University of Florida collected data from [n]ineteen volunteers (21-36 years) [who] completed health and physical activity questionnaires, cardiovascular and body composition evaluation, and assessment of thigh IMCL using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Measurements included blood pressure, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), homocysteine, insulin resistance (IR), percentage of body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, physical activity levels, and cardiovascular fitness. Analysis of variance was used for group comparisons. Correlation analyses were used to determine association between variables, and stepwise regression was used to determine predictive variables of IR. The data showed, Women had 2-fold higher IMCL and greater IR than men (p<0.05). Men had greater plasma homocysteine and interleukin 6 concentration (p<0.05) as well as stronger correlations with CAD risk factors than female subjects. Correlation analyses using all subjects revealed a significant relationship between IMCL and waist-to-hip ratio, body weight, percentage of body fat, and IR. In the regression analysis, age, IMCL, and TNF-alpha were the strongest predictors of IR (R2=0.62, p<0.01). Our results suggest, concluded the authors, that female subjects, matched for age and fitness, have higher IMCL compared with their male counterparts. IMCL was correlated with several CAD and prediabetes markers in both male and female subjects. In the final regression model, age, IMCL, and TNE-alpha were the strongest predictors of IR. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted. White and colleagues published their study in Metabolism - Clinical and Experimental (Cardiovascular/noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus risk factors and intramyocellular lipid in healthy subjects a sex comparison. Metabolism, 2006;55(1) 128-134). For additional information, contact L.J. White, University of Florida, Dept. Applied Physiol & Kinesiology, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.


Baldwin eighth in state production: Meanwhile, be alert for burrower bug infestation in peanuts 11/21/2006 Press-Register		Return to Top
Ron Weeks, AU peanut entomologist, is cited as a source for this story. Baldwin County is the eighth-ranked agricultural county in Alabama. Total farm receipts for 2005 were $143 million. The greenhouse, sod and nursery business brought in about $52.7 million in 2005. Peanuts are a major row crop in the county with 23,639 acres planted. Baldwin is the second-ranked peanut-harvesting county by acres but No. 1 in pounds of peanuts produced. The peanut crop is close to a $17 million crop this season. Cotton is the next row crop with 10,505 acres planted. Cotton is a $4 million crop this year. There were nearly 8,000 acres of wheat and oats planted for grain this last year. This acreage may be close to double next season. Growers planted 3,863 acres of soybeans, 2,015 acres of corn and 149 acres in grain sorghum this year. Corn acres may go up this next season as well. As far as the rest of the state, Baldwin County is ranked first in peanut production, second in nursery and sod, fourth in egg, 14th in cattle, 15th in cotton and 16th in corn production. The information for this article was given to me by Ed Kane, consultant in Baldwin County; Ron Weeks, Auburn University peanut entomologist; and Roger Baine with Anderson's Peanuts. This insect was the cause of more than half a million dollars of damage to peanuts in southwest Alabama in 2006. Burrower bugs have been a problem in the Wiregrass on several occasions during the last 10 years, but on a much more sporadic nature than in southwest Alabama. It has been an almost unknown and easily forgotten pest of peanuts. However, it did not go away this year. Knowledge gathering and plans for defense for next year should be taken. The burrower bug can be found in small numbers in every peanut field in southwest Alabama. They overwinter as adults in residue and debris in and around fields. They have piercing-sucking mouth parts and feed on the seed seeking a protein source for food. Rainfall and moist conditions during mid-July through August will usually keep them from causing significant damage. In years of hot dry weather in July and August the burrower bug is attracted to peanut fields of high organic matter and litter and shows up in higher numbers in those fields. The insect then sucks on the peanuts in search of food and moisture. The damage cannot be seen on the outside of the peanut. In fact you must look under the skin of the peanut to see the damage. The burrowing bug damage looks similar to stinkbug damage on soybeans. The kernel will first turn a cream color and then a yellow. Several months after the damage the kernels turn black. If 2.6 percent of your kernels or three out of 100 kernels are affected the peanuts go Seg II. Seg II peanuts sell for only 35 percent of the loan value of peanuts. That brings their value down to $125 per ton. That is a tremendous loss to a peanut grower. What can a grower do next year to protect his peanuts from the burrower bug? Burying the litter is the safest method. Burrowing bugs typically do not affect fields with no litter. However, litter on the top is beneficial in detracting TSWV on peanuts. High organic matter is also a real plus in increasing field productivity. Another option is to scout your suspect fields (fields with high organic matter, litter or close by a field that had burrower bugs last year) for the burrowing bug starting in July or whenever the peanuts are pegging and the drought has started. Scout for the insect under the peanut plant and in the first 2 inches of the soil. The burrower bug is about a quarter of an inch long, is black and has hair on its back legs. When pinched this insect puts out a smell, much like a stink bug. It almost looks like a black beetle. However, the burrower bug is the only insect that follows this description and puts off the stinking odor. The threshold number is when more than two bugs per row feet are found on or in the soil during pod fill. The labeled insecticides are used as a preventative treatment and are Lorsban 15 G, Clorphyrifos 15G and Nufos 15G applied over the row. Applying this insecticide requires a significant rain to activate them and spread them in the soil in order for the chemical to take full affect. Waiting on a good rain can often be chancy. To my knowledge, the burrower bug has never been a problem outside of southwest Alabama. These are the only controls that I know of at this time. (Richard Petcher is a county extension agent with the Baldwin County office, Alabama Cooperative Extension System. He may be reached at 937-7176 or 943-5611/928-0860, ext. 2222, or at rpetcher@aces.edu.)
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'Report a Grinch' campaign returns before Christmas 11/20/2006 Catholic Online Susan Brinkmann		Return to Top
This story mentions the AU SGA Holiday Celebration. 'Report a Grinch' campaign returns before Christmas The Catholic Standard and Times PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (The Catholic Standard and Times) - Christmas is back. Here come the lights, the trees, the greeting cards and - the Grinches. The Liberty Counsel, a national pro-bono litigation firm dedicated to advancing religious freedom, is once again offering its Report a Grinch program, to make it easy for the public to report problems with the way public schools and work places recognize Christmas. We have been receiving quite a few 'grinch' reports already this year, the organization reported in a Nov. 3 press release about the problems that spring up regarding the constitutional separation of church and state at Christmastime. In one instance, the organization says, the American Civil Liberties Union is threatening to sue Berkley, Mich., over a nativity scene in a display that includes a Star of David, a Christmas tree, and Santa Claus. Another instance involves a man in Mississippi who says his local Lowe's chain store has insulted him by plastering Happy Holidays signs all over the store. If that sort of grinch is at work in your town or school, you can send an e-mail or call Liberty Counsel to file a grinch report. We've always had the 'Friend or Foe' Christmas campaign, but the 'Grinch Report' ... started [as part of that program] last year, said Robin Bryant, public relations director for the organization. The Friend or Foe project offers free legal assistance to members of the public who believe their right to celebrate and honor Christmas is being abridged. If you have a computer, you can go to our Web site and submit the information, or you can call directly, and we have an intake person who will take down the information. Depending on how far the infraction has gone, or what it pertains to, depends on what action will be taken next, Bryant said. For instance, if a school wants to remove all the Christmas songs from its annual Christmas program, and call it a holiday program, the organization's lawyers will attempt to educate administrators of the school by sending them a legal memorandum explaining the constitutionality of Christmas. We will attempt to educate them on what the [U.S.] Constitution says, Bryant said. We usually start out that way, and wait for a response, and then eventually get them to a point where they will change their policy and allow Christmas back in. If they don't change their policy and relent, and let Christmas back in, then we'll take whatever action is necessary to make things change. We're friendly to organizations, companies, or schools that keep Christmas, and we're not friendly to those who don't, Bryant added. An important part of the program is educating the public, which is why the program offers two downloadable legal memoranda, which can be given to school administrators or local authorities, explaining the law in clear and precise terms. For example, if an employer, school administrator of civic organization wants to know how to handle the erection of a nativity scene as part of its Christmas display, one memorandum explains The display of nativity scenes and religious symbols takes on two forms publicly sponsored and privately sponsored, both of which can be displayed on public property. A publicly sponsored scene is one that is erected and maintained by public officials. A privately sponsored scene is one that is erected and maintained by private citizens. Both are constitutional, and both can be displayed on public property, the organization states. It goes on to explain The main difference is that a publicly sponsored scene should have some form of secular display in the same context, while a privately sponsored scene need not have any secular symbols, but should probably have a sign indicating the display is privately sponsored. Said Bryant The way it works is, if you want to put up a nativity scene there also has to be other secular symbols, such as a tree or Rudolph or Santa. It cannot be exclusive - either one way or the other. The trick to putting up a proper display is education, she said, which is why Liberty Counsel has instituted yet another segment of its Friend or Foe campaign - called the Help Save Christmas campaign. The Help Save Christmas program is more educational, Bryant said. If you educate the public, they won't back down when a problem comes up. They'll know who to call and where to go to get that problem resolved.' For a $25 donation, people can order an action pack that includes buttons and bumper stickers saying, I helped save Christmas, return address labels, and the legal memoranda that explain the law as it applies to schools, public property and work places. We've found in the past that many people will say after the holidays 'That happened to me, but I didn't know what to do or where to go', Bryant said. Wearing the buttons or displaying the bumper stickers helps others who have a question to know where to go for help. Liberty Counsel has pro-bono attorneys and affiliates across the country. Grinch reports are being filed for 2006, and there have already been a few legal victories. In its press release, Liberty Counsel announced that Auburn University agreed to change its Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony event to the new Holiday Celebration featuring the Lighting of the Christmas Tree, after a student leader teamed up with the Liberty Counsel over the issue. The effort resulted in a petition drive, which elicited more than 20,000 e-mails to the school's student government association. There has been a disturbing trend toward censorship of Christmas celebrations, but people all across America are fighting back to help save Christmas, said Mathew Staver, the founder of Liberty Counsel. The Friend or Foe Christmas campaign is stirring millions of Americans to help save Christmas, and to preserve our religious freedom before it is lost forever, Staver added. Visit the Help Save Christmas Web site www.helpsavechristmas.org to submit a complaint and order action packs, or call (800) 671-1776.
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