bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteinase-activated receptors in ovine cervical function
Authors: Mitchell Sharon E. , Robinson John J. , King Margaret E. , Williams Lynda M.
Published: November 2005

In sheep, inflammation not only functions in cervical dilation at parturition, but also plays an important part in the non-pregnant ewe cervix, as demonstrated by the high level of expression of interleukin (IL)-8 at oestrus. Ewes artificially induced to ovulate have significantly lower levels of IL-8 gene expression at oestrus compared with natural oestrus, indicating an inhibition of inflammation and function, offering an explanation for the low rates of conception in vaginally inseminated synchronised ewes. To identify potential pro-inflammatory agents to combat the anti-inflammatory effects of hormonal synchronisation of oestrus, we have investigated the role of proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)-1 and PAR-2. To localise and measure the level of expression of these receptors, ovine-specific probes were derived for PAR-1 and PAR-2 and used for quantitative in situ hybridisation in the ovine cervix. Both PAR-1 and PAR-2 were expressed in the luminal epithelium of the cervix throughout the oestrous cycle, with expression being highest at oestrus. The gene expression of PAR-2 at oestrus was approximately 30% higher than that of PAR-1. Artificial synchronisation of oestrus by either an intravaginal progesterone sponge or prostaglandin F2α injections did not inhibit PAR-1 or PAR-2 expression at oestrus; rather, in the case of PAR-2, progesterone synchronisation increased it. Both synchronising procedures increased the expression of PAR-1 and PAR-2 during the luteal phase of the cycle. Therefore, agonists of PAR-1 and PAR-2 may be potentially useful pro-inflammatory agents countering the inhibition of inflammation by hormonal synchronisation.
Semen characteristics and sperm morphology in the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr) and how these vary with age and season
Authors: de Haas van Dorsser Florine J. , Strick Jacqueline A.
Published: November 2005

The Arabian leopard is a critically endangered species. Since there are only an estimated 200 animals remaining in the wild, careful management of the captive population is necessary to minimise inbreeding. The objective of this study was to characterise sperm morphology and ejaculate quality in captive males. Semen was collected by electroejaculation from 8 adult captive male leopards (aged 2–16 years) during the summer and winter months, and semen parameters, including sperm morphology, were assessed. Two-year-old leopards showed lower total sperm counts per ejaculate than older animals and these counts declined at >8 years. Ejaculates collected during the hot summer showed significantly lower sperm concentrations, total sperm counts, sperm motility and viability and percentage of spermatozoa showing normal morphology than ejaculates collected in the cooler winter. The results showed that the male leopard attains sexual maturity between 2 and 3 years of age and exhibits good semen quality until 8 years. Collection of semen for artificial breeding or banking would best be carried out in the cooler winter months.
Corpus luteum life span and pituitary oestrogen and progesterone receptors in cyclic and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone-treated anoestrous ewes
Authors: Tasende C. , Rodríguez-Piñón M. , Acuña S. , Garófalo E. G. , Forsberg M.
Published: November 2005

The present study investigated the pituitary oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor concentrations in ewes during the oestrous cycle in the breeding season (n = 19), and in anoestrous ewes treated with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (n = 11) and anoestrous ewes treated with progesterone + GnRH (n = 11). The pituitary ER and PR concentrations at the expected time of ovulation and in the early and late luteal phases were measured by binding assay. The pattern of pituitary ER and PR concentrations in the progesterone + GnRH-treated ewes resembled the pattern found during the normal oestrous cycle, with ER and PR concentrations decreasing from the time of ovulation to the early luteal phase. In contrast, in ewes treated with GnRH alone, ER and PR concentrations increased in the early luteal phase, which may increase the inhibitory effects of steroid hormones on luteinising hormone secretion, ultimately leading to the development of subnormal luteal phases.
Cobalt chloride, a hypoxia-mimicking agent, modulates redox status and functional parameters of cultured swine granulosa cells
Authors: Grasselli Francesca , Basini Giuseppina , Bussolati Simona , Bianco Federico
Published: November 2005

Hypoxia occurs physiologically during ovarian follicle growth; this deprivation represents a triggering stimulus for the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by proliferating granulosa cells, which are mostly responsible for the growth of the follicle. Moreover, the steroidogenic activity of these cells ensures a receptive environment for the implantation and development of the early embryo. The present paper reports the adaptive response of swine granulosa cells to cobalt chloride (CoCl2), a chemical hypoxia-mimicking agent. The effects of the treatment were evaluated on cell proliferation, steroidogenesis and VEGF production. In addition, because mithocondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) are possibly involved in O2 sensing, ROS levels and scavenging enzyme activity were investigated. In the present study, CoCl2 had no effect on progesterone production, although it significantly reduced oestradiol synthesis. The addition of CoCl2 to granulosa cell culture stimulated VEGF production and the generation of hydrogen peroxide. Chemical hypoxia had different effects on scavenger enzyme activities: the activity of superoxide dismutase was enhanced, that of peroxidase reduced and catalase activity was unaffected. The net result is a ‘pro-oxidant’ state, which appears to be possibly involved in the stimulation of VEGF production, thus inducing follicular angiogenesis.
Reproductive physiology and artificial insemination studies in wild and captive gerenuk (Litocranius walleri walleri)
Authors: Penfold Linda M. , L. Monfort Steven , Wolfe Barbara A. , Citino Scott B. , Wildt David E.
Published: November 2005

Gerenuk antelope in North American zoos are descended from 28 founders imported from Kenya ~20 years ago. Intensive management is required to prevent inbreeding depression. Artificial insemination has potential for augmenting genetic management, but successful application requires a thorough understanding of species’ reproductive norms. Semen collected from captive (n = 10) and wild (n = 6) gerenuk contained low numbers of morphologically normal spermatozoa (~40%). Age, but not season, influenced (P < 0.05) the proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa (mean ± s.e.m., 12–17 months of age, 10.3 ± 1.9%; 18–26 months of age, 34.4 ± 6.2%; 3–6 years of age, 40.0 ± 4.7%). Seasonality was investigated by analysing faecal testosterone and progesterone in males and females, respectively, by radioimmunoassays. Females cycled all year (ovarian cycle length, 18.7 ± 0.9 days). Testosterone in males did not vary (P > 0.05) with time of year. Three females (3/9, 33%) became pregnant by insemination with 9.75–54.0 × 106 motile fresh or frozen sperm after oestrus synchronisation with two prostaglandin F2α injections, 12 days apart. One female inseminated with frozen–thawed sperm delivered a full-term stillborn calf after 213 days gestation. These results characterise gerenuk reproductive norms and indicate that artificial insemination may be a useful tool in the genetic management of gerenuk.
Studies on the cryopreservation of common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) spermatozoa
Authors: MacCallum C. , Johnston S. D.
Published: November 2005

In an attempt to develop a gamete-recovery protocol for the northern hairy nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii), spermatozoa were removed from the cauda epididymides of four common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) and cryopreserved following a variety of prefreeze storage conditions. Spermatozoa stored for 72 h at 4°C within the testicle before cryopreservation tolerated the freeze–thaw procedure remarkably well, resulting in a higher post-thaw viability (% motile P < 0.01; rate of movement P < 0.01; % live P < 0.01) than sperm recovered on the day of post-mortem, stored in a test tube for 72 h at 4°C and then frozen. The effect of post-thaw dilution with Tris citrate fructose (TCF) diluent on the survival of epididymal common wombat spermatozoa was also investigated. Motility (P < 0.05), rate of sperm movement (P < 0.01) and the percentage of live spermatozoa (P < 0.05) were all significantly greater when spermatozoa were thawed and diluted immediately in TCF than when thawed without dilution. The present study also reports, for the first time, a successful pellet method of freezing wombat spermatozoa on dry ice; volumes of 0.25 and 0.5 mL resulted in higher post-thaw survival compared with 0.1-mL pellets.
Determination of cell survival by RING-mediated regulation of inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein abundance
Authors: Silke John , Kratina Tobias , Chu Diep , Ekert Paul G. , Day Catherine L. , Pakusch Miha , Huang David C. S. , Vaux David L.
Published: November 2005

Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins, which bind to caspases via their baculoviral IAP repeat domains, also bear RING domains that enable them to promote ubiquitylation of themselves and other interacting proteins. Here we show that the RING domain of cIAP1 allows it to bind directly to the RING of X-linked IAP, causing its ubiquitylation and degradation by the proteasome, thus revealing a mechanism by which IAPs can regulate their abundance. Expression of a construct containing the RING of cellular IAP1 was able to deplete melanoma cells of endogenous X-linked IAP, promoted apoptosis, and also markedly reduced their clonogenicity when treated with cisplatin. Cross control of protein levels by RING domains may therefore enable their levels to be manipulated therapeutically.
Expression of a calmodulin-binding KCNQ2 potassium channel fragment modulates neuronal M-current and membrane excitability
Authors: Shahidullah Mohammad , Santarelli Lindsey Ciali , Wen Hua , Levitan Irwin B.
Published: November 2005

KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 ion channel pore-forming subunits coassemble to form a heteromeric voltage-gated potassium channel that underlies the neuronal M-current. We and others showed that calmodulin (CaM) binds to specific sequence motifs in the C-terminal domain of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3. We also found that a fusion protein containing a KCNQ2 CaM-binding motif, coexpressed with KCNQ2 and KCNQ3, competes with the full-length KCNQ2 channel for CaM binding and thereby decreases KCNQ2/3 current density in heterologous cells. We have explored the importance of CaM binding for the generation of the native M-current and regulation of membrane excitability in rat hippocampal neurons in primary cell culture. M-current properties were studied in cultured neurons by using whole-cell patch clamp recording. The M-current density is lower in neurons expressing the CaM-binding motif fusion protein, as compared to control neurons transfected with vector alone. In contrast, no change in M-current density is observed in cells transfected with a mutant fusion protein that is unable to bind CaM. The CaM-binding fusion protein does not influence the rapidly inactivating A-current or the large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel-mediated fast spike afterhyperpolarization in neurons in which the M-current is suppressed. Furthermore, the CaM-binding fusion protein, but not the nonbinding mutant, increases both the number of action potentials evoked by membrane depolarization and the size of the spike afterdepolarization. These results suggest that CaM binding regulates M-channel function and membrane excitability in the native neuronal environment.
Phosphoinositol lipids bind to phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase enhancer GTPase and mediate its stimulatory effect on PI3-kinase and Akt signalings
Authors: Hu Yuanxin , Liu Zhixue , Ye Keqiang
Published: November 2005

Phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase enhancer (PIKE) is a nuclear GTPase that enhances PI3-kinase activity in a GTP-dependent manner. Both PIKE-L and -A isoforms contain GTPase, pleckstrin homology (PH), ADP ribosylation factor-GTPase-activating protein, and two ankyrin repeats domains, and C-terminal ADP ribosylation factor-GTPase-activating protein activates its internal GTPase activity. However, whether PH domain modulates the intramolecular action and subsequently influences its downstream signalings remains elusive. Here we show that PH domain from PIKE-L robustly binds PI(3,4,5)P
3
and exclusively resides in the nucleus. By contrast, the mutant (K679,687N), unable to bind phosphoinositol lipids, translocates to the cytoplasm. This mutation substantially compromises the stimulatory effects on PI3-kinase by PIKE-L. Surprisingly, PH domain from PIKE-A distributes in the cytoplasm. Similar mutation in PH domain of PIKE-A abolishes its binding to PI(3,4,5)P
3
and significantly decreases its activation of Akt. Moreover, amplified PIKE-A from human cancers contains mutations and highly stimulates Akt kinase activity, correlating with its GTPase activity. Thus, phosphatidylinositols regulate PIKE GTPase activity, mediating its downstream PI3-kinase/Akt signaling through a feedback mechanism by binding to its PH domain.
Simple sequence repeat-based consensus linkage map of
Bombyx mori
Authors: Miao Xue-Xia , Xub Shi-Jie , Li Ming-Hui , Li Mu-Wang , Huang Jian-Hua , Dai Fang-Yin , Marino Susan W. , Mills David R. , Zeng Peiyu , Mita Kazuei , Jia Shi-Hai , Zhang Yong , Liu Wen-Bin , Xiang Hui , Guo Qiu-Hong , Xu An-Ying , Kong Xiang-Yin , Lin Hong-Xuan , Shi Yao-Zhou , Lu Gang , Zhang Xianglin , Huang Wei , Yasukochi Yuji , Sugasaki Toshiyuki , Shimada Toru , Nagaraju Javaregowda , Xiang Zhong-Huai , Wang Sheng-Yue , Goldsmith Marian R. , Lu Cheng , Zhao Guo-Ping , Huang Yong-Ping
Published: November 2005

We established a genetic linkage map employing 518 simple sequence repeat (SSR, or microsatellite) markers for
Bombyx mori
(silkworm), the economically and culturally important lepidopteran insect, as part of an international genomics program. A survey of six representative silkworm strains using 2,500 (CA)n- and (CT)n-based SSR markers revealed 17-24% polymorphism, indicating a high degree of homozygosity resulting from a long history of inbreeding. Twenty-nine SSR linkage groups were established in well characterized Dazao and C108 strains based on genotyping of 189 backcross progeny derived from an F
1
male mated with a C108 female. The clustering was further focused to 28 groups by genotyping 22 backcross progeny derived from an F
1
female mated with a C108 male. This set of SSR linkage groups was further assigned to the 28 chromosomes (established linkage groups) of silkworm aided by visible mutations and cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers developed from previously mapped genes, cDNA sequences, and cloned random amplified polymorphic DNAs. By integrating a visible mutation
p
(plain, larval marking) and 29 well conserved genes of insects onto this SSR-based linkage map, a second generation consensus silkworm genetic map with a range of 7-40 markers per linkage group and a total map length of ≈3431.9 cM was constructed and its high efficiency for genotyping and potential application for synteny studies of
Lepidoptera
and other insects was demonstrated.
The antiinflammatory effect of laminar flow: The role of PPARγ, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, and soluble epoxide hydrolase
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Yingjia , Schmelzer Kara , Lee Tzong-Shyuan , Fang Xiang , Zhu Yi , Spector Arthur A. , Gill Sarjeet , Morisseau Christophe , Hammock Bruce D. , Shyy John Y.-J.
Published: November 2005

We previously reported that laminar flow activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in vascular endothelial cells in a ligand-dependent manner that involves phospholipase A2 and cytochrome P450 epoxygenases. In this study, we investigated whether epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), the catalytic products of cytochrome P450 epoxygenases, are PPARγ ligands. Competition and direct binding assays revealed that EETs bind to the ligand-binding domain of PPARγ with
K
d
in the μM range. In the presence of adamantyl-ureido-dodecanoic acid (AUDA), a soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH)-specific inhibitor, EETs increased PPARγ transcription activity in endothelial cells and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Inclusion of AUDA in the perfusing media enhanced, but overexpression of sEH reduced, the laminar flow-induced PPARγ activity. Furthermore, laminar flow augmented cellular levels of EETs but decreased sEH at the levels of mRNA, protein, and activity. Blocking PPARγ by GW9662 abolished the EET/AUDA-mediated antiinflammatory effect, which indicates that PPARγ is an effector of EETs.
Effect of ruminal administration ofEscherichia coliwild type or a genetically modified strain with enhanced high nitrite reductase activity on methane emission and nitrate toxicity in nitrate-infused sheep
Authors: Sar C. , Mwenya B. , Pen B. , Takaura K. , Morikawa R. , Tsujimoto A. , Kuwaki K. , Isogai N. , Shinzato I. , Asakura Y. , Toride Y. , Takahashi J.
Published: November 2005

The effects of two kinds ofEscherichia coli(E. coli) strain, wild-typeE. coliW3110 andE. colinir-Ptac, which has enhanced NO2reduction activity, on oral CH4emission and NO3toxicity in NO3-treated sheep were assessed in a respiratory hood system in a 4×6 Youden square design. NO3(1·3g NaNO3/kg0·75body weight) and/orE. colistrains were delivered into the rumen through a fistula as a single dose 30min after the morning meal.Escherichia colicells were inoculated for sheep to provide an initialE. colicell density of optical density at 660nm of 2, which corresponded to 2×1010cells/ml. The six treatments consisted of saline,E. coliW3110,E. colinir-Ptac, NO3, NO3plusE. coliW3110, and NO3plusE. colinir-Ptac. CH4emission from sheep was reduced by the inoculation ofE. coliW3110 orE. colinir-Ptac by 6% and 12%, respectively. NO3markedly inhibited CH4emission from sheep. Compared with sheep given NO3alone, the inoculation ofE. coliW3110 to NO3-infused sheep lessened ruminal and plasma toxic NO2accumulation and blood methaemoglobin production, while keeping ruminal methanogenesis low. Ruminal and plasma toxic NO2accumulation and blood methaemoglobin production in sheep were unaffected by the inoculation ofE. colinir-Ptac. These results suggest that ruminal methanogenesis may be reduced by the inoculation ofE. coliW3110 orE. colinir-Ptac. The inoculation ofE. coliW3110 may abate NO3toxicity when NO3is used to inhibit CH4emission from ruminants.
Goitre decline in Italy and contribution of the silent and active prophylaxis
Authors: Vella Venanzio
Published: November 2005

Goitre has been declining in Italy since the 1970s and because active prophylaxis (AP) has been very limited, it has been suggested that in most places the decline was due to silent prophylaxis (SP). SP is related to the natural increase in iodine intake because of higher consumption of iodine-rich products associated with socioeconomic development. The hypothesis tested in the present study is that SP has increased iodine intake in Italy with subsequent reduction of goitre and that such changes can be quantified. The analysis is based on surveys carried out between the 1970s and the 1990s where goitre and urinary iodine, a proxy of consumption, were measured in schoolchildren. The contribution of the SP can be quantified in an annual increase in urinary iodine excretion between 2·1 and 4μg/l, and an annual decline in goitre prevalence between 2·1 and 3·6%. In the few areas with AP, there was an annual increase in urinary iodine between 6·5 and 13·1μg/l, while the average annual decline of goitre was between 4·4 and 10%. The present results could be used by policy-makers to predict the future trends in the excretion of urinary iodine and prevalence of goitre in Italy with and without AP. AP is about three times faster than SP in increasing iodine intake, but policy-makers should estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness of AP net of the iodine increase already occurring naturally with the SP.
Whole-grain intake of British young people aged 4–18 years
Authors: Thane C. W. , Jones A. R. , Stephen A. M. , Seal C. J. , Jebb S. A.
Published: November 2005

Inverse associations between whole-grain food consumption and risk of CVD, some cancers and type 2 diabetes have been reported. However, there are few reports of whole-grain intake, particularly among young people. The objective of the present study was to estimate whole-grain intake in a nationally representative sample of young people aged 4–18 years living in Great Britain. Whole-grain intake was estimated using 7d weighed dietary records from 1583 young people who participated in the cross-sectional National Diet and Nutrition Survey in 1997. Whole-grain intake was quantified from the consumption of all foods containing ≥10% whole-grain content. Median whole-grain intake was 7g/d (interquartile range 0–19g/d), with a corresponding mean of 13 (sd18) g/d. Intake was significantly lower among young people whose head of household had a manual occupation, but did not differ significantly by sex, age, region or season. There was no whole-grain intake for 27% of participants. The percentages for less than one and less than three 16g amounts of whole-grain intake per d were 70 and 94, respectively, while corresponding percentages based on 20g amounts were 76 and 97. Foods with <51% whole-grain content provided 28% of whole-grain intake overall, with a higher percentage in older adolescents. The main sources of whole-grain intake were breakfast cereals (56%) and bread (25%). The present study provides the first quantification of absolute whole-grain intake from all significant food sources in any representative age group in the UK. Although there is some debate regarding the quantity of whole grains required for good health, whole-grain intake among British young people is low.
Dietary habits are major determinants of the plasma antioxidant status in healthy elderly subjects
Authors: Anlasik Timur , Sies Helmut , Griffiths Helen R. , Mecocci Patrizia , Stahl Wilhelm , Polidori M. Cristina
Published: November 2005

Previous studies indicate that regular consumption of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is associated with a lower risk for age-related diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the often-reported age-related decrease of plasma antioxidants in man depends on differences in dietary intake or on other age- and gender-related factors. In this observational case-control study, thirty-nine community-dwelling healthy subjects aged 65 years and older consuming high intakes of fruits and vegetables daily (HI) and forty-eight healthy subjects aged 65 and older consuming low intakes of fruit and vegetables daily (LI) were enrolled. Plasma levels of retinol, tocopherols, carotenoids and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as content of protein carbonyls in Ig G were measured. Plasma levels of retinol, tocopherols and carotenoids were significantly higher in group HI than in group LI subjects independent of age and gender. MDA levels were inversely correlated with vitamin A and α-carotene. Protein carbonyls were inversely correlated with γ-tocopherol. In the elderly, a higher daily intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with an improved antioxidant status in comparison to subjects consuming diets poor in fruits and vegetables. Modification of nutritional habits among other lifestyle changes should be encouraged to lower prevalence of disease risk factors in later life.
The conceptual framework for estimating food energy requirement
Authors: Ferro-Luzzi Anna
Published: November 2005

Objective

In anticipation of the revision of the 1985 Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University (FAO/ WHO/UNU) Expert Consultation Report on ‘Energy and Protein Requirements’, recent scientific knowledge on the principles underlying the estimation of energy requirement is reviewed.

Design

This paper carries out a historical review of the scientific rationale adopted by previous FAO/WHO technical reports on energy requirement, discusses the concepts used in assessing basal metabolic rate (BMR), energy expenditure, physical activity level (PAL), and examines current controversial areas. Recommendations and areas of future research are presented.

Conclusions

The database of the BMR predictive equations developed by the 1985 FAO/WHO/UNU Expert Consultation Report on Energy and Protein Requirements needs updating and expansion, applying strict and transparent selection criteria. The existence of an ethnic/tropical factor capable of affecting BMR is not supported by the available evidence. The factorial approach for the calculation of energy requirement, as set out in the 1985 report, should be retained. The estimate should have a normative rather than a prescriptive nature, except for the allowance provided for extra physical activity for sedentary populations, and for the prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases. The estimate of energy requirement of children below the age of 10 years should be made on the basis of energy expenditure rather than energy intake. The evidence of the existence of an ethnic/tropical factor is conflicting and no plausible mechanism has as yet been put forward.
Energy requirements of adults
Authors: Shetty Prakash
Published: November 2005

Objectives

To describe issues related to energy requirements of free living adults and discuss the importance of basal metabolic rate (BMR) and their relationships to total energy expenditure (TEE ) and physical activity level (PAL, derived as TEE/BMR) and to determine the influence of body weight, height, age and sex.

Design

Based on a review of the literature, this paper examines the variability in BMR due to methodology, ethnicity, migration and adaptation (both metabolic and behavioural) due to changes in nutritional status. Collates and compiles data on measurements of TEE in free living healthy adults, to arrive at limits and to compare TEE of populations with different life-styles.

Results and Conclusions

The constancy of BMR and its validity as a reliable predictor of TEE in adults as well as the validity of PAL as an index of TEE adjusted for BMR and thus its use to categorise the physical activity pattern and lifestyle of an individual was confirmed. The limits of human daily energy expenditure at around 1.2×BMR and 4.5×BMR based on measurements made in free living adults have been reported in the literature. A large and robust database now exists of energy expenditure measurements obtained by the doubly labelled water method in the scientific literature and the data shows that, in general, levels of energy expenditure are similar to the recommendations for energy requirements adopted by FAO/WHO/UNU (1985). The review also confirms that metabolic adaptation to energy restriction is not an important factor that needs to be considered when recommending energy requirements for adults in developing countries.
Insights into energy requirements in disease
Authors: Elia Marinos
Published: November 2005

Accurate information about the energy needs of a range of acute and chronic diseases and morbidity is lacking and often complicated by the medication prescribed to treat the condition and also because of the presence of pre-existing malnutrition. Assessing the energy requirements of patients with acute and chronic diseases is more complex than for those in good health. These requirements not only depend on the aggressiveness of the disease and level of inactivity it causes, but also on the treatment, and the presence of prior malnutrition. It used to be generally believed that the energy requirements were increased in a number of diseases. It is now realised that this is not usually the case. Therefore, it is necessary to put these changing ideas into context by considering a wide range of acute and chronic diseases which this paper proposes to do. This paper is almost exclusively restricted to studies that have measured total energy expenditure (TEE) using tracer techniques in both hospital and the community (mostly doubly labelled water and to a lesser extent bicarbonate–urea), and continuous 24–hour indirect calorimetry in artificially ventilated patients in hospital.
Consequences of inadequate food energy and negative energy balance in humans
Authors: Kurpad AV , Muthayya S , Vaz M
Published: November 2005

Energy deficiency is probably best measured in adults by the body mass index (BMI). Acute energy deficiency (AED) is associated with body weight loss, along with changes in body composition, as well as a reduced BMR and physical activity. Chronic energy deficiency (CED) is an inadequacy in food to which individuals adapt, at some cost. Individuals with this have never ‘lost’ weight: they have simply grown less. They adapt to the decreased food energy by reductions in their total energy expenditure (TEE), linked mainly to a lower body size, and to their physical activity. It seems unlikely that enhanced metabolic efficiency contributes substantially to energy saving in CED. Supplementation of energy deficient individuals is accompanied by significant fat deposition; this may have deleterious consequences.

Women in many developing countries achieve a successful outcome to pregnancy in spite of being chronically undernourished. Reductions in basal metabolism and behavioural changes in the form of diminished physical activity could meet most of the extra energy needed for pregnancy. Milk energy output is maintained within the expected range in undernourished lactating mothers. Energy deficiency in children is best measured by height-for-age for stunting, and weight-for-height for wasting. Deficits in behavioural and functional parameters in children exist with undernutrition, and can be reduced by early nutritional supplementation along with the appropriate environment.
Basal metabolic rate studies in humans: measurement and development of new equations
Authors: Henry CJK
Published: November 2005

Objective

To facilitate the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/United Nations University Joint (FAO/WHO/UNU) Expert Consultation on Energy and Protein Requirements which met in Rome in 1981, Schofieldet al.reviewed the literature and produced predictive equations for both sexes for the following ages: 0–3, 3–10, 10–18, 18–30, 30–60 and >60 years. These formed the basis for the equations used in 1985 FAO/WHO/UNU document,Energy and Protein Requirements.

While Schofield's analysis has served a significant role in re-establishing the importance of using basal metabolic rate (BMR) to predict human energy requirements, recent workers have subsequently queried the universal validity and application of these equations. A survey of the most recent studies (1980–2000) in BMR suggests that in most cases the current FAO/WHO/UNU predictive equations overestimate BMR in many communities. The FAO/WHO/UNU equations to predict BMR were developed using a database that contained a disproportionate number – 3388 out of 7173 (47%) – of Italian subjects. The Schofield database contained relatively few subjects from the tropical region.

The objective here is to review the historical development in the measurement and application of BMR and to critically review the Schofieldet al.BMR database presenting a series of new equations to predict BMR.

Design

This division, while arbitrary, will enable readers who wish to omit the historical review of BMR to concentrate on the evolution of the new BMR equations.

Setting

BMR data collected from published and measured values.

Subjects

A series of new equations (Oxford equations) have been developed using a data set of 10 552 BMR values that (1) excluded all the Italian subjects and (2) included a much larger number (4018) of people from the tropics.

Results

In general, the Oxford equations tend to produce lower BMR values than the current FAO/WHO/UNU equations in 18–30 and 30–60 year old males and in all females over 18 years of age.

Conclusions

This is an opportune moment to re-examine the role and place of BMR measurements in estimating total energy requirements today. The Oxford equations' future use and application will surely depend on their ability to predict more accurately the BMR in contemporary populations.
Review of the evidence linking protein and energy to mental development
Authors: Grantham-McGregor Sally , Baker-Henningham Helen
Published: November 2005

Objective

To examine the evidence as to whether the relationship between undernutrition and poor child development is causal.

Design

Selected studies from developing countries were discussed. Observational studies were first considered then experimental studies of preventative and remedial supplementation. The type of functions affected, the presence of sensitive periods and the role of protein and energy versus that of micronutrients were reviewed.

Results

Childhood undernutrition is generally associated with concurrent and longer term deficits in cognition, behaviour and motor skills, although the relationship is likely to be confounded by socio-economic factors. Supplementation trials have had many design problems. However, those beginning at any age from pregnancy up to 24 months have consistently had concurrent benefits suggesting a causal relationship. Supplement begun in older children had little or no effect, albeit there are too few studies to conclude with confidence. The limited evidence suggests that benefits are more likely to be sustained if supplementation begins in late pregnancy or at birth and is continued until the child is at least 24 months old.

Deficits in cognition tend to be global and there is insufficient evidence of specific deficits. There is some evidence that the first 2 years of life are most sensitive to the effects of undernutrition. Most studies have failed to separate the effects of energy and protein from those of micronutrients. One study showed that energy and/or protein affects children's development. Psychosocial stimulation has had consistent benefits on undernourished childrens' development

Conclusions

Public health nutrition programmes should include a component in which children who are at risk are targeted during the first 2 years of life with combined interventions involving nutrition, health care and early stimulation.
The Oxford Brookes basal metabolic rate database – a reanalysis
Authors: Cole TJ , Henry CJK
Published: November 2005

Objective

To produce prediction equations for basal metabolic rate (BMR) derived from weight and height covering the age range from birth to old age.

Design

Cross-sectional data on BMR, sex, age, weight, height, ethnicity and measurement technique from the Oxford Brookes BMR database.

Setting

Worldwide.

Subjects

Data for 13 910 men, women and children from 174 papers published between 1914 and 2001.

Results

Absolute and proportional regression models were developed for each sex, showing a steep rise in predicted BMR with age until 15 years, more pronounced in males than females, then a gradual fall through adulthood. Predicted BMR increased by 6% and 1.4%, respectively, per standard deviation increase in weight and height. Predicted BMR in Caucasians was 4% higher than in non-Caucasians, though the effect size was sensitive to the inclusion or exclusion of data from certain influential publications. The effect of measurement technique on BMR, closed-circuit versus open-circuit, was small, near 1%.

Conclusions

It is possible to develop prediction equations that avoid splitting the data into arbitrary age groups. Heterogeneity between publications is greater than might be expected by chance, probably due to undocumented differences in technique.
Relationship between Custodial Status and Psychosocial Problems among Cocaine‐Abusing Parents Initiating Substance Abuse Treatment
Authors: Lewis Marilyn W. , Petry Nancy M.
Published: November 2005

Using the Addiction Severity Index and Brief Symptom Inventory, drug use and psychosocial problems are compared between 93 custodial and 125 non‐custodial mothers and fathers initiating outpatient treatment for cocaine dependence. Compared to non‐custodial parents, custodial parents experienced more severe current cocaine and alcohol problems, including spending more money on cocaine and alcohol, as well as using more cocaine and being intoxicated on more days. Non‐custodial parents demonstrated more psychological distress, more prior history of alcohol problems, and greater current employment and legal problems than custodial parents. Suggestions are made for differential treatment plans based on these findings.
Identification and Treatment of Patients with Nicotine Problems in Routine Clinical Psychiatry Practice
Authors: Montoya Ivan D. , Herbeck Diane M. , Svikis Dace S. , Pincus Harold Alan
Published: November 2005

The aim of this study is to assess the rates of nicotine problems diagnosed by psychiatrists, the characteristics of psychiatric patients who smoke, and the services provided to them in routine psychiatric practice. Data were obtained by asking psychiatrists participating in the American Psychiatric Institute for Psychiatric Research and Education's Practice Research Network to complete a self‐administered questionnaire to provide detailed sociodemographic, clinical, and health plan information on three of their patients seen during routine clinical practice. A total of 615 psychiatrists provided information on 1,843 patients, of which 280 (16.6%) were reported to have a current nicotine problem. Of these, 9.1% were reported to receive treatment for nicotine dependence. Patients with nicotine problems were significantly more likely to be males, divorced or separated, disabled, and uninsured, and have fewer years of education. They also had significantly more co‐morbid psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia or alcohol/substance use disorders; a lower Global Assessment Functioning score; and poorer treatment compliance than their counterparts. The results suggest a very low rate of identification and treatment of nicotine problems among patients treated by psychiatrists, even though psychiatric patients who smoke seem to have more clinical and psychosocial stressors and more severe psychiatric problems than those who do not smoke. Programs should be developed to raise the awareness and ability of psychiatrists to diagnose and treat patients with nicotine problems, with a particular emphasis on the increased medical and psychosocial needs of psychiatric patients who smoke.
Estimating the Prevalence of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Dependence among New Orleans Arrestees
Authors: Yacoubian George S.
Published: November 2005

The Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Program collects self‐report drug use data and urine specimens from adult arrestees across the United States. Despite high levels of drug use among arrestees, few studies have examined need for alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment within this population. To address this limitation, a secondary analysis was undertaken with a sample of 940 New Orleans arrestees surveyed in 2001. Fifty‐nine percent of the sample was diagnosed as needing AOD treatment. Because “need for treatment” was operationalized as a diagnosis of abuse or dependence, the current results should be viewed as liberal estimates of treatment need. Drug treatment implications for criminal populations are discussed.
Responding to the embodiment of distress in individuals defined as obese: Implications for research
Authors: Meekums Bonnie
Published: November 2005

This article examines the evidence for a relationship between body image distress (BID) and obesity, and between emotional eating and obesity. The need is highlighted for treatment programmes that are responsive to these complex issues and combine this with diet and physical activity. Weight loss programmes so far have had a poor success rate. They have often sought to capitalise on BID as a motivation to lose weight, but there is some evidence that such an emphasis may be self‐defeating, as seriously overweight individuals may eat either to self‐punish or self‐comfort and may also avoid social situations that could support healthy lifestyles.

The case is made for new research that addresses the highlighted psychological aspects of obesity. There is a need for both a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that will enable a statistical inference of causality relating to new treatments and qualitative, interview‐based research to elicit information regarding individual responses to treatment.

Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is proposed as one new treatment option for those individuals whose obesity is linked to emotional eating. Theoretical support and empirical research evidence for DMT are explored. However, since this treatment has not so far been applied with obese individuals, a pilot study is proposed prior to a RCT.
COUNTER 2005: a new Code of Practice and new applications of COUNTER usage statistics
Authors: Shepherd Peter T.
Published: November 2005

The article gives an update on the progress with COUNTER to May 2005. In particular it describes the draft Code of Practice for books and reference works and the results of actual use of COUNTER‐compliant data in the journals area.
Open access: scientists as paradoxical consumers
Authors: Gannon Frank
Published: November 2005

The potential dangers of open access journals to the publishing activities of learned societies and thus to their financial stability and to the other activities they support are described. The interests of scientists in respect of access to research information may be opposed to their interests as members of learned societies.
Rescue of Vasopressin V2 Receptor Mutants by Chemical Chaperones: Specificity and Mechanism
Authors: Robben J. H. , Sze M. , Knoers N.V.A.M. , Deen P.M.T.
Published: November 2005

Because missense mutations in genetic diseases of membrane proteins often result in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention of functional proteins, drug-induced rescue of their cell surface expression and understanding the underlying mechanism are of clinical value. To study this, we tested chemical chaperones and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase pump inhibitors on Madin-Darby canine kidney cells expressing nine ER-retained vasopressin type-2 receptor (V2R) mutants involved in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. Of these nine, only V2R-V206D showed improved maturation and plasma membrane rescue with glycerol, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), thapsigargin/curcumin, and ionomycin but not with other osmolytes or growth at 27°C. This revealed that rescue is mutant specific and that this mutant is prone to rescue by multiple compounds. Rescue did not involve changed expression of molecular chaperones calnexin, heat-shock protein (HSP) 70, or HSP90. V2R antagonist SR121463B treatment revealed that V2R-V206D and V2R-S167T were rescued and matured to a greater extent, suggesting that the rescuing activity of a pharmacological versus chemical chaperone is broader and stronger. Calcium measurements showed that rescue of V2R-V206D by thapsigargin, curcumin, and ionomycin was because of increased cytosolic calcium level, rather than decreased endoplasmic reticulum calcium level. The molecular mechanism underlying rescue by DMSO, glycerol, and SR121463B is different, because with these compounds intracellular calcium levels were unaffected.
The Flagellar Motility ofChlamydomonas pf25 Mutant Lacking an AKAP-binding Protein Is Overtly Sensitive to Medium Conditions
Authors: Yang Chun , Yang Pinfen
Published: November 2005

Radial spokes are a conserved axonemal structural complex postulated to regulate the motility of 9 + 2 cilia and flagella via a network of phosphoenzymes and regulatory proteins. Consistently, a Chlamydomonas radial spoke protein, RSP3, has been identified by RII overlays as an A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) that localizes the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) holoenzyme by binding to the RIIa domain of PKA RII subunit. However, the highly conserved docking domain of PKA is also found in the N termini of several AKAP-binding proteins unrelated to PKA as well as a 24-kDa novel spoke protein, RSP11. Here, we report that RSP11 binds to RSP3 directly in vitro and colocalizes with RSP3 toward the spoke base near outer doublets and dynein motors in axonemes. Importantly, RSP11 mutant pf25 displays a spectrum of motility, from paralysis with flaccid or twitching flagella as other spoke mutants to wild-typelike swimming. The wide range of motility changes reversibly depending on the condition of liquid media without replacing defective proteins. We postulate that radial spokes use the RIIa/AKAP module to regulate ciliary and flagellar beating; absence of the spoke RIIa protein exposes a medium-sensitive regulatory mechanism that is not obvious in wild-type Chlamydomonas.
Different Plk1 Functions Show Distinct Dependencies on Polo-Box Domain-mediated Targeting
Authors: Hanisch Anja , Wehner Anja , Nigg Erich A. , Silljé Herman H.W.
Published: November 2005

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) has multiple important functions during M-phase progression. In addition to a catalytic domain, Plk1 possesses a phosphopeptide-binding motif, the polo-box domain (PBD), which is required for proper localization. Here, we have explored the importance of correct Plk1 subcellular targeting for its mitotic functions. We either displaced endogenous Plk1 through overexpression of the PBD or introduced the catalytic domain of Plk1, lacking the PBD, into Plk1-depleted cells. Both treatments resulted in remarkably similar phenotypes, which were distinct from the Plk1 depletion phenotype. Cells depleted of Plk1 mostly arrested with monoastral spindles, because of inhibition of centrosome maturation and separation. In contrast, these functions were not impaired in cells with mislocalized Plk1. Instead, these latter cells showed a checkpoint-dependent mitotic arrest characterized by impaired chromosome congression. Thus, whereas chromosome congression requires localized Plk1 activity, other investigated Plk1 functions are less dependent on correct PBD-mediated targeting. This opens the possibility that PBD-directed drugs might be developed to selectively interfere with a subset of Plk1 functions.
Nexplorer: phylogeny-based exploration of sequence family data
Authors: Gopalan Vivek , Qiu Wei-Gang , Chen Michael Z. , Stoltzfus Arlin
Published: November 2005

Summary: Nexplorer is a web-based program for interactive browsing and manipulation of character data in NEXUS format, well suited for use with alignments and trees representing families of homologous genes or proteins. Users may upload a sequence family dataset, or choose from one of several thousand already available. Nexplorer provides a flexible means to develop customized views that combine a tree and a data matrix or alignment, to create subsets of data, and to output data files or publication-quality graphics.

Availability: Web access is from

Contact:  arlin.stoltzfus@nist.gov
Rheopexy of synovial fluid and protein aggregation
Authors: Oates Katherine M.N , Krause Wendy E , Jones Ronald L , Colby Ralph H
Published: November 2005

Bovine synovial fluid and albumin solutions of similar concentration are rheopectic (stress increases with time in steady shear). This unusual flow characteristic is caused by protein aggregation, and the total stress is enhanced by entanglement of this tenuous protein network with the long-chain polysaccharide sodium hyaluronate under physiological conditions. Neutron scattering measurements on albumin solutions demonstrate protein aggregation and all measurements are consistent with a weak dipolar attraction energy (of order 3kT) that is most likely augmented by hydrophobic interactions and/or disulfide bond formation between proteins. Protein aggregation appears to play an important role in the mechanical properties of blood and synovial fluid. We also suggest a connection between the observed rheopexy and the remarkable lubrication properties of synovial fluid.