bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of AIB1 predicts resistance to chemoradiotherapy and poor prognosis in patients with primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: He Li‐Ru , Liu Meng‐Zhong , Li Bin‐Kui , Rao Hui‐Lan , Deng Hai‐Xia , Guan Xin‐Yuan , Zeng Yi‐Xin , Xie Dan
Published: May 2009

AIB1 (amplified in breast cancer 1) is frequently overexpressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the significance of AIB1 expression in chemoradiotherapy (CRT) sensitivity and its effect on prognosis are still unclear. In this study, the expression of AIB1 was examined by immunohistochemistry in 98 biopsy specimens of primary ESCC patients treated with definitive CRT. AIB1 overexpression was found in 63/98 (64.3%) of the ESCCs. There was a significant association between AIB1 overexpression and distant lymph node metastases (P = 0.011), but not regional lymph node metastases. In the M0 subgroup, overexpression of AIB1 was observed more frequently in stage T4 than in stage T2–3 (66.7%vs 38.5%, P = 0.031). In addition, AIB1 expression was the only factor that showed a significant correlation with CRT response, in which overexpression of AIB1 was observed more frequently in the CRT resistant group than in the CRT effective group (86.5%vs 50.8%, P < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that AIB1 overexpression was associated with poor progression‐free survival (PFS) (P < 0.001) and poor disease‐specific survival (DSS) (P <0.001). Furthermore, AIB1 expression could stratify patient survival in stages T2–3, T4, N1, and M0 (P < 0.05), as well as in the CRT effective group (P < 0.05), and AIB1 overexpression and CRT resistance were evaluated as significant independent prognostic factors for both PFS and DSS in multivariate analysis. These findings suggest that overexpression of AIB1 is a useful predictor of CRT resistance and an independent molecular marker of poor prognosis for ESCC patients. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1591–1596)
A genetic association between bovine serum and colostrum lysozyme levels
Authors: LIE Ø. , SOLBU H. , SYED M.
Published: May 2009

Summary Serum and colostrum lysozyme activity was determined in primiparous cows employing a lysoplate method described elsewhere. Samples from 336 animals were collected over a 5‐year period from a research station. The animals were sired by 20 elite bulls, one of which (1893) is probably heterozygous for a dominant high lysozyme level gene. The resulting two‐population split of high and low level offspring from 1893 is also consistent for the present cow material both in serum and colostrum. A highly significant overall correlation (P < 0–01) between serum and colostrum lysozyme was estimated. Positive correlation was also found within families and this was particularly high for 1893. No association between serum and colostrum lysozyme activity could be detected when high level animals were excluded. This means that the genetic association between lysozyme activity in the two body fluids is solely dependent upon the major gene described. Consequently, selection of bulls for serum lysozyme activity will influence the colostrum or milk lysozyme activity in the cow population, provided that the major gene is present in the population.
Some properties of the lysozymes in serum and colostrum from cows with high and low lytic power against Micrococcus lysodeikticus
Authors: LIE Ø. , SYED M.
Published: May 2009

Summary Previous work has uncovered a dominant gene for high bacteriolytic activity of bovine serum against the test bacterium Micrococcus lysodeikticus. This major gene effect is also fully expressed in colostrum. In the present study the lytic power of serum and colostral whey from high and low level cows was subjected to a degree of characterization. It was found that the enzyme activities studied exhibited properties in accordance with those defined for a lysozyme (EC 3.2.1.17), i.e. (1) lysis of a suspension of M. lysodeikticus, (2) basic protein (pI = 10.0 and pI = 10.3 for bovine serum lysozyme (BSL) and bovine colostrum lysozyme (BCL), respectively), (3) molecular weight (MW) approximately 16 000 for both BSL and BCL, (4) liberation of free reducing sugars during action on cell wall peptidoglycan (the kinetics of BSL and BCL differed strongly), and (5) fairly heat stable, especially at acidic pH and relative labile at alkaline pH (BCL was far more sensitive to heating at alkaline pH than was BSL). The dramatic differences in activity between high and low level animals might be due to a major genetic mechanism influencing the amount of, or the activity of, circulating enzyme molecules, rather than a structural gene coding for a certain enzyme with a particular specific activity. This is also supported by the high correlation between the lytic capacity of BSL and BCL in spite of the different properties of these lysozymes (i.e. in respect of pi, enzyme kinetics and heat stability) reported in the present study.
Adenosine deaminase polymorphism in the house sparrow, Passer domesticus
Authors: COLE S. R. , PARKIN D. T.
Published: May 2009

Summary A polymorphism at the adenosine deaminase locus of the house sparrow, Passer domesticus, has been investigated by starch gel electrophoresis. Five alleles have been identified, and most populations seem to be close to the Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium. The allele frequencies differ strikingly across Europe, and in Britian there are significant differences between urban and rural populations. Samples from introduced populations in Australia and New Zealand lack some of the rarer alleles, as predicted from the Founder Effect.
A fourth allele in the plasma esterase‐1 (Es‐1) system of the domestic fowl
Authors: KURYL J. , JUNEJA R. K. , GAHNE B.
Published: May 2009

Summary Plasma samples of fowl were analysed by horizontal polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (pH 90). Evidence was presented for the subdivision of an earlier reported esterase‐1 allele (Es‐1A) into two alleles designated Es‐1A1 and Es‐1A2. Family data were consistent with the hypothesis that the Es‐1 phenotypes were controlled by four codominant, autosomal alleles Es‐1C, Es‐1A1 Es‐1A2 and Es‐1B). The White Leghorn samples showed high frequency of Es‐1A2 (about 0·7) and also had considerable frequency of Es‐1A2 (0·2) and of Es‐1B (0·1). The three meat‐type breeds studied (White Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red and New Hampshire) showed a very high frequency of Es‐1B (0·8‐1·0).
Electrophoretic polymorphism and molecular structure of equine C3*
Authors: KAY P. H. , DAWKINS R. L. , BOWLING A. T. , BERNOCO D.
Published: May 2009

Summary Plasma or serum samples from 12 Arabian and 181 standardbred horses have been typed using an immunofixation technique to determine electrophoretic polymorphism of equine third complement component (C3). Six distinctly different electrophoretic patterns of equine C3 have been recognized thus far. SDS PAGE analysis of equine C3/anti C3 complexes revealed that the submolecular structure comprised an alpha chain and beta chain of molecular weights approximately 118000 and 63000 daltons respectively. The molecular weights of the alpha and beta chains were similar in all electrophoretic variants tested.

Family data derived from 73 mares, 21 stallions and 99 offspring suggested that the six electrophoretic phenotypes were inherited by means of three codominant alleles named C3–1, C3–2 and C3–3 at a single autosomal locus.
Biochemical genetic variants in mice selectively bred for sensitivity or resistance to ethanol‐induced sedation
Authors: HOLMES R. S. , PETERSEN D. R. , DEITRICH R. A.
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe distribution of biochemical genetic variants was examined among eight inbred strains of mice, which served as contributors to a heterogeneous stock of mice (HS), and in short‐sleep (SS) and long‐sleep (LS) mice, selectively bred from the HS stock for differential ethanol sensitivity. Fifteen loci for enzymes of alcohol and aldehyde metabolism, as well as 12 other biochemical loci, were investigated. Thirteen of these loci exhibited allelic variation between strains, of which six were separately fixed in the SS and LS mice. Comparisons of genetic similarity coefficients, based upon the distributions of allelic variants for the loci examined, with behavioural sensitivities (sleep‐time) to an acute dose of ethanol for the inbred and selected strains of mice, indicated no correlations between these data. This suggests that this collective group of loci are not useful indicators of the genes selectively bred in the SS and LS strains, which are responsible for the differential sensitivities to acute doses of ethanol.
Polymorphic restriction sites in the horse (β‐globin gene cluster
Authors: RANDO A. , DI GREGORIO P. , MASINA P.
Published: May 2009

Summary Horse DNA samples digested with PstI and probed with the rabbit β1 globin gene show three phenotypes determined by one fragment of variable length (about 5·1 or 3·3 kb). Family data demonstrate that these fragments segregate as Mendelian alleles. The frequencies of the two alleles are 0·66 for the 3·3‐kb fragment and 0·34 for the 5·1‐kb one. Another polymorphism has been detected with BamHI. Again three phenotypes determined by two alleles (fragments of 7·5 and 3·8 kb) have been observed. Allelic frequencies of the 7·5‐ and 3·8‐kb fragments are 0·24 and 0·76 respectively. The two polymorphic sites are non‐randomly associated.
Effect of swine lymphocyte antigen haplotypes on birth and weaning weights in pigs
Authors: ROTHSCHILD M. F. , RENARD C. , BOLET G. , DANDO P. , VAIMAN M.
Published: May 2009

SummaryBirth weights of 708 live piglets and weaning weights of 566 piglets were used to investigate the effect of the swine lymphocyte antigen (SLA) complex on these traits in Large White pigs. Piglets were from litters of a long‐term selection experiment to measure response for selection to increase litter size. SLA haplotypes were determined using conventional class I antisera. A total of 14 haplotypes were detected. The effect of SLA haplotype on birth and weaning weights was investigated using a statistical model that included the effects of experimental group, sire, dam, sex and SLA haplotype. Results indicated that SLA class I haplotype 13.1.3 increased birth weights (P < 0·10) and significantly increased weaning weights (P< 0·01). This effect of haplotype 13.1.3 on weaning weight was 605 ± 215 g (0·3 standard deviations). SLA class I homozygosity did not appear to affect birth and weaning weights. These results suggest that the SLA complex plays an important role in early growth in the pig and that further study of SLA effects on growth and reproduction are warranted.
Rabbit plasma pretransferrin system: evidence for three new alleles
Authors: VARGA L. , PÁLOVICS Á. , FÉSÜS L.
Published: May 2009

Summary Three additional pretransferrin types have been identified by one‐dimensional PAGE technique in New Zealand White and Californian rabbits. The six alleles are designated PrtA, PrtB, PrtC, PrtD, PrtE and Prt. F It is likely that three of these six alleles are identical to those reported previously.
Localization of the Po2 locus in the S, Phi, Hal, H, Po2, Pgd linkage group in pigs
Authors: ČEPICA S. , HRADECKÝ J. , HOJNÝ J. , KURYL J. , GRZYBOWSKI G.
Published: May 2009

Summary The localization of the Po2 locus controlling a polymorphic serum postalbumin was studied in 41 families of the Czech Landrace breed. The haplotypes involving six closely linked loci (S, Phi, Hal, H, Po2, Pgd) were determined for each family member. The crossovers observed between the H, Po2 and Pgd loci indicated that Po2 is located between H and Pgd. The Po2 locus appears to be closer to than to A strong Ha ‐Po2S association (r = 0·96, P < 0·001) and H — Po2 linkage disequilibrium (D = 0·2218, P < 0·01, D/DMax= 0·98) were found.
Possible lower rate of chronic ITP after IVIG for acute childhood ITP an analysis from registry I of the Intercontinental Cooperative ITP Study Group (ICIS)
Authors: Tamminga Rienk , Berchtold Willi , Bruin Marrie , Buchanan George R. , Kühne Thomas
Published: May 2009

In children, one‐third of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients follow a chronic course. The present study investigated whether treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) at the time of diagnosis of ITP is of prognostic significance, using data from 1984 children entered in Registry I of the Intercontinental Cooperative ITP Study Group. A matched pairs analysis compared children with thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150 × 109/l) 6 months following diagnosis with children whose platelet count was normal 6 months after diagnosis. It was found that children initially treated with IVIG were more likely to have a normal platelet count 6 months after diagnosis than children not receiving IVIG (odds ratio 1·81; 95% confidence interval: 1·25–2·64). This result was independent of age, gender, country of origin, platelet count at diagnosis or infection preceding the diagnosis of ITP. In a similar analysis, comparing children with a platelet count <50 × 109/l 6 months after diagnosis with children whose platelet count was ≥50 × 109/l at that time point, the former group was less often treated with IVIG than with steroids (P = 0·02). Prospective studies are required to further explore this potential effect of IVIG.
Stable isotope variability of meso‐zooplankton along a gradient of dissolved organic carbon
Authors: PERSAUD A. D. , DILLON P. J. , LASENBY D. , YAN N. D.
Published: May 2009

1. The δ13C and δ15N signatures of zooplankton vary with dissolved organic carbon (DOC), but inconsistent and limited taxonomic resolution of previous studies have masked differences that may exist among orders, genera or species and are attributable to dietary and/or habitat differences. Here we investigate differences among the isotopic signatures of five zooplankton taxa (Daphnia, Holopedium, large Calanoida, small Calanoida and Cyclopoida) in Precambrian shield lakes with a sixfold range of DOC concentration.

2. δ13C signatures of Daphnia, small calanoids and large calanoids became more depleted with increasing lake DOC, whereas Holopedium and cyclopoid δ13C became enriched with increasing DOC concentration.

3.  The variability of δ13C and δ15N isotopic signatures among zooplankton groups was reduced in high‐DOC, compared to low‐DOC lakes, especially for δ13C. Differences in δ13C and POM‐corrected δ15N accounted for up to 33.7% and 19.5% of the variance, respectively, among lakes of varying DOC concentration.

4. The narrow range of signatures found in higher DOC lakes suggests that different taxa have similar food sources and/or habitats. In contrast, the wide range of signatures in low‐DOC lakes suggests that different taxa are exploiting different food sources and/or habitats. Together with the variable trends in zooplankton isotopic signatures along our DOC gradient, these results suggest that food web dynamics within the zooplankton community of temperate lakes will change as climate and lake DOC concentrations change.
A fungal endosymbiont affects host plant recruitment through seed‐ and litter‐mediated mechanisms
Authors: Omacini Marina , Chaneton Enrique J. , Bush Lowell , Ghersa Claudio M.
Published: May 2009

1. Many grass species are associated with maternally transmitted fungal endophytes. Increasing evidence shows that endophytes enhance host plant success under varied conditions, yet studies have rarely considered alternative mechanisms whereby these mutualistic symbionts may affect regeneration from seed.

2. We performed a microcosm experiment to evaluate whether infection withNeotyphodium occultansaffects recruitment in the annual grassLolium multiflorumeither directly, by infecting the seeds, or indirectly, by altering the suitability of recruitment microsites through the litter shed by host plants. Endophyte effects on establishment were tested for different litter depths and watering regimes under natural herbivory by leaf‐cutting ants.

3. Seed infection increased seedling emergence through the litter as well as final recruitment, irrespective of microsite conditions. However, litter produced by infected plants delayed emergence and decreased density of both infected and non‐infected grass populations.

4. Individual plant biomass did not change with seed infection but was increased under deep litter from endophyte‐infected plants. Although seed infection did not protect establishing plants from leaf‐cutting ants, herbivory was reduced in the presence of deep litter shed by infected plants.

5. We conclude that fungal endophytes may affect host plant recruitment across subsequent generations not only by infecting the seeds but also through the host’s dead remains. While the former effect entailed an advantage to infected plants, litter‐mediated effects did not discriminate by infection status, and generally promoted the establishment of fewer and larger plants. Thus hidden foliar symbionts may play an underappreciated role in maintaining host species dominance through the litter produced by prior patch occupants.
Scattered trees: a complementary strategy for facilitating adaptive responses to climate change in modified landscapes?
Authors: Manning Adrian D. , Gibbons Philip , Lindenmayer David B.
Published: May 2009

1. Facilitating adaptive responses of organisms in modified landscape will be essential to overcome the negative effects of climate change and its interaction with land use change. Without such action, many organisms will be prevented from achieving the predicted range shifts they need to survive.

2. Scattered trees are a prominent feature of many modified landscapes, and could play an important role in facilitating climate change adaptation. They are keystone structures because of the disproportionally large ecological values and ecosystem services that they provide relative to the area they occupy in these landscapes. The provision of habitat and connectivity will be particularly relevant.

3. Scattered trees are declining in modified landscapes due to elevated tree mortality and poor recruitment often associated with intensive land use. The continuing global decline of scattered trees will undermine the capacity of many organisms to adapt to climate change.

4. Synthesis and applications. The sustainable management of scattered trees in modified landscapes could complement other strategies for facilitating climate change adaptation. They create continuous, though sparse, vegetation cover that permits multi‐directional movements of biota across landscapes and ecological networks. They have the capacity to span ecosystems and climatic gradients that cannot be captured in formal reserves alone. The management of scattered trees should be an integral part of conservation objectives and agricultural activities in modified landscapes. Public investment, through mechanisms such as agri‐environmental schemes, in rotational grazing, temporary set‐asides, tree‐planting and regulations that reduce clearing and early mortality among standing trees will improve the capacity of biota to adapt to climate change.
Chronic fatigue syndrome combines increased exercise‐induced oxidative stress and reduced cytokine and Hsp responses
Authors: Jammes Y. , Steinberg J. G. , Delliaux S. , Brégeon F.
Published: May 2009

Objectives.  As heat shock proteins (Hsp) protect the cells against the deleterious effects of oxidative stress, we hypothesized that Hsp expression might be reduced in patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) who present an accentuated exercise‐induced oxidative stress.

Design.  This case–control study compared nine CFS patients to a gender‐, age‐ and weight‐matched control group of nine healthy sedentary subjects.

Interventions.  All subjects performed an incremental cycling exercise continued until exhaustion. We measured ventilation and respiratory gas exchange and evoked compound muscle potential (M‐wave) recorded from vastus lateralis. Repetitive venous blood sampling allowed measurements of two markers of oxidative stress [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced ascorbic acid (RAA)], two cytokines (IL‐6 and TNF‐α) and two Hsp (Hsp27 and Hsp70) at rest, during maximal exercise and the 60‐min recovery period.

Results.  Compared with controls, resting CFS patients had low baseline levels of RAA and Hsp70. Their response to maximal exercise associated (i) M‐wave alterations indicating reduced muscle membrane excitability, (ii) early and accentuated TBARS increase accompanying reduced changes in RAA level, (iii) absence of significant increase in IL‐6 and TNF‐α, and (iv) delayed and marked reduction of Hsp27 and Hsp70 variations. The post‐exercise increase in TBARS was accentuated in individuals having the lowest variations of Hsp27 and Hsp70.

Conclusions.  The response of CFS patients to incremental exercise associates a lengthened and accentuated oxidative stress, which might result from delayed and insufficient Hsp production.
Comparison of subjective and objective assessments of sleep in healthy older subjects without sleep complaints
Authors: O'DONNELL DEIRDRE , SILVA EDWARD J. , MÜNCH MIRJAM , RONDA JOSEPH M. , WANG WEI , DUFFY JEANNE F.
Published: May 2009

Older adults have reduced sleep quality compared with younger adults when sleeping at habitual times and greater sleep disruption when their sleep is at adverse times. The purpose of this analysis was to investigate how subjective measures of sleep relate to objectively recorded sleep in older subjects scheduled to sleep at all times of day. We analyzed data from 24 healthy older (55–74 years) subjects who took part in a 32‐day inpatient study where polysomnography was recorded each night and subjective sleep was assessed after each scheduled wake time. The study included baseline nights and a forced desynchrony (FD) protocol when the subjects lived on a 20‐h rest activity schedule. Our postsleep questionnaire both included quantitative and qualitative questions about the prior sleep. Under baseline and FD conditions, objective and subjective sleep latency were correlated, subjective sleep duration was related to slow‐wave sleep and wake after sleep onset, subjective sleep quality was related to stage 1 and 2 sleep, and sleepiness and refreshment at wake time were related to duration of premature awakening. During FD, most measures of objective and subjective sleep varied with circadian phase and many additional correlations between objective and subjective sleep were present. Our findings show that when sleeping at habitual times, these healthy older subjects did not perceive their generally poor sleep quality, but under FD conditions where sleep quality changed from day‐to‐day their subjective sleep ratings were more associated with their objective sleep.
The effect of 40 h constant wakefulness on task‐switching efficiency
Authors: BRATZKE DANIEL , ROLKE BETTINA , STEINBORN MICHAEL B. , ULRICH ROLF
Published: May 2009

This study investigated efficiency of switching between different tasks in 12 male participants (19–30 years) during 40 h of constant wakefulness. As index of task‐switching efficiency, switch costs in reaction time were assessed every 3 h under controlled behavioural and environmental conditions. Overall reaction times and switch costs showed a temporal pattern consistent with the assumption of a combined influence of a sleep homeostatic and a circadian process. An additional analysis indicated that the variation in switch costs could not be attributed to interference of the current task with persisting activation from preceding tasks. We therefore conclude that sleep loss and the circadian system affect the ability to prepare the current task rather than automatic processing of irrelevant stimulus information.
The importance of a genetic component in longitudinal birth cohorts
Authors: Golding Jean
Published: May 2009

The risks of most common health and developmental outcomes are contributed to by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Understanding of ways in which genes influence such outcomes, and especially of how their interaction with environmental factors affects health and development should lead to the identification of causal pathways and thence appropriate intervention strategies.
Measuring outcomes in a longitudinal birth cohort
Authors: Golding Jean
Published: May 2009

Longitudinal studies are often focussed on specific outcomes to address predetermined hypotheses. Nevertheless, many discoveries have been made with data collected that were not part of the original design. Measurement of a broad range of outcomes is therefore important. Here we describe examples of the types of outcome that a birth cohort should collect, with emphasis on accuracy. We emphasise the use of continuous traits as well as of dichotomous outcomes, using a variety of examples.
Preparation, piloting and validation for a longitudinal birth cohort study
Authors: Golding Jean
Published: May 2009

No longitudinal study should go into the field prior to detailed piloting and validation studies of the measures and techniques to be used. Preparation should also involve the training of staff, the acquisition of space and appropriate equipment, and liaison with the community and ethical committees as well as with scientific collaborators. Because different measures will continually be introduced as the participants age, the preparation, piloting and validation studies have to be ongoing. Here we describe some of the different strategies that should be used.
Antileishmanial and immunomodulatory activity of Xylopia discreta
Authors: LÓPEZ R. , CUCA L. E. , DELGADO G.
Published: May 2009

This study aimed at determining the in vitro antileishmanial activity of the essential oil and eight extracts obtained from Xylopia discreta. J774 and U937 macrophages were exposed to the different substances to establish the median lethal concentration (LC50). The median effective concentration (EC50) was obtained by determining the reduction of Leishmania panamensis‐infected cells. A selectivity index (SI) (LC50/EC50) ≥ 20 defined a specific activity for one Xylopia discreta leaf extracts and for the essential oil, being these the two that showed the highest activity (SI = 64·8 and 110, respectively in J774 cells). To assess the substances’ immunomodulatory activity, pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory soluble mediators produced after treating infected macrophages were quantified by flow cytometry. The leaf methanol extract and the essential oil induced a differential production of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, a chemokine associated with a Leishmania‐resistant phenotype (Th1).
Evaluation of a hand‐held, computer‐based intervention to promote early self‐care behaviors after lung transplant
Authors: DeVito Dabbs Annette , Dew Mary Amanda , Myers Brad , Begey Alex , Hawkins Robert , Ren Dianxu , Dunbar‐Jacob Jacqueline , Oconnell Erin , McCurry Kenneth R
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Background:  Lung transplant recipients are expected to perform self‐care behaviors to maximize transplant‐related health outcomes. Despite high non‐adherence rates in performing these self‐care behaviors, and the dire clinical consequences of such non‐adherence, interventions are lacking. Pocket Personal Assistant for Tracking Health (Pocket PATH) is a hand‐held device developed for patients to record health data, review data trends, and report condition changes to the transplant team.

Methods:  A pilot trial was conducted to compare self‐care agency, self‐care behaviors, and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) between recipients randomized to use Pocket PATH (n = 15) vs. standard care (n = 15) for the first two months following hospital discharge after lung transplantation.

Results:  Baseline characteristics were equivalent across groups. Patients in the Pocket PATH group showed significantly higher ratings of self‐care agency, performed self‐care behaviors at significantly higher rates, and reported significantly better HRQOL than standard care controls.

Conclusion:  Pocket PATH is more efficacious than standard care in promoting early self‐care agency, self‐care behaviors, and HRQOL in lung recipients. A large‐scale randomized controlled trial is needed to test the impact of Pocket PATH on long‐term self‐care behaviors.
Effect of Anti‐Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (Anti‐bFGF) on In Vitro Embryonic Development in Rat
Authors: Unur E. , Ulger H. , Ekinci N. , Hacıaliogulları M. , Ertekin T. , Kilic E.
Published: May 2009

In this study, we aimed at the in vitro effects of anti‐fibroblast growth factor‐2 (anti‐FGF‐2 or anti‐bFGF) on embryo culture in rats. In vitro effects of anti‐bFGF on total embryonic development were investigated in 40 rat embryos (which were divided into four groups) (obtained from five pregnant females) at 9.5 days of gestation that were cultured in whole rat serum (WRS), and in WRS+ 2.5, 5, and 10 μg/ml anti‐bFGF. After 48 h of culturing, the embryos from each group were harvested to be analysed morphologically according to a morphological scoring system and biochemically to obtain the embryo protein content. The morphological score, embryo protein content, somite number and crown‐rump length of embryos indicated that embryos cultured in WRS+ anti‐bFGF had significant embryonic retardation. Mean morphological scores for the embryos grown in WRS, in the presence of 2.5, 5 and 10 μg anti‐FGF‐2 were 61.4 ± 1.64, 46.3 ± 8.42, 27 ± 2.58 and13.6 ± 0.96 respectively. These results suggest that bFGF is very important for normal embryonic development and rat anti‐bFGF neutralizes bFGF effect.
Analysing scots pine defence‐related transcripts and fungal DNA levels in seedlings single‐ or dual‐inoculated with endophytic and pathogenic Rhizoctonia species
Authors: Grönberg H. , Hietala A. M. , Haahtela K.
Published: May 2009

Fungal DNA and induction of host defence‐related transcripts were monitored by real‐time PCR in young Scots pine seedlings inoculated with pathogenic uninucleate (UNR) and endophytic binucleate (BNR) Rhizoctonia species. The UNR (teleomorph Ceratobasidium bicorne) causes root dieback in conifer seedlings following invasion of the vascular cylinder via root apex and destroying apical meristems whilst the BNR, representing anastomosis group AG‐I of genus Ceratobasidium, is primarily restricted to the cortex in basal root regions. In the experiment 1 the fungi were simultaneously inoculated on roots, while in experiment 2, BNR was pre‐inoculated 168 h before inoculation with UNR. Nucleic acids were extracted from infected roots at intervals up to 192 h post‐infection (hpi), and the genomic DNA levels of the host and fungi and the transcript levels of a house‐keeping gene (glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase) and nine putative defence genes were quantified. In simultaneous inoculation UNR was more competitive than BNR whereas pre‐inoculation of BNR suppressed but did not completely prevent root colonization by UNR. Stilbene synthase (STS) transcription was significantly up‐regulated in single‐inoculations with both fungi and in dual inoculation in both experiments. Maximum STS transcript levels were observed in roots single‐inoculated with UNR; the peak level at 48 hpi in experiment 2 was significantly higher than in seedlings single‐inoculated with BNR or co‐inoculated with both fungi, the latter two treatments showing relatively similar STS transcript levels. Similarly, transcript levels of phenylalanine ammonia lyase at 48 hpi in experiment 2 were significantly higher in roots single‐inoculated with UNR compared with BNR or in UNR+BNR co‐inoculations. The other seven putative defence genes monitored did not show any clear‐cut up‐regulation following fungal inoculation. We conclude that BNR suppresses UNR in Scots pine roots via direct competition for infection sites, since the studied transcripts showed no evidence of BNR induced resistance against UNR.
Isolation, identification and necrotic activity of viridiol from Chalara fraxinea, the fungus responsible for dieback of ash
Authors: Andersson P. F. , Johansson S. B. K. , Stenlid J. , Broberg A.
Published: May 2009

Investigation of secondary metabolite production of Chalara fraxinea, the fungus responsible for dieback of ash, led to the isolation of the phytotoxin viridiol and the fungistatic compound viridin. Viridiol showed necrotic activity towards ash‐seedlings.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for drought tolerance at seedling stage by screening a large number of introgression lines in maize
Authors: Hao Z. , Liu X. , Li X. , Xie C. , Li M. , Zhang D. , Zhang S. , Xu Y.
Published: May 2009

The maize genome hosts tremendous phenotypic and molecular diversity. Introgression lines (ILs), developed by continuous backcrossing to recurrent parents, could provide a unique genetic stock for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. Using maize lines from six heterotic groups of different ecological zones, we developed >500 BC2F2 IL sets by crossing 11 inbred lines (as recurrent parents) with >200 local maize inbred lines (as donor parents). Of them, 34 IL sets were selected as a subset for drought tolerance screening and a total of 417 ILs survived under severe water stress at seedling stage. One set of 32 surviving ILs, derived from Chang7‐2/DHuang212, was used for QTL mapping with simple sequence repeat markers covering the whole genome, with seven QTL detected. Furthermore, investigating all surviving ILs, we identified two common regions in bin 3.04, corresponding to marker intervals bnlg1904–umc1772 and umc1223–bnlg1957, respectively, which shared high genetic variation in three IL sets. Our results indicated that selective genotyping can be used to identify genetic loci for complex traits. The ILs, highly selected for drought tolerance in this study, provide a unique set of materials for both genomic studies and development of enhanced germplasm resources.
The Cryoprotective Effect of Trehalose Supplementation on Boar Spermatozoa Quality
Authors: Hu J‐H , Li Q‐W , Jiang Z‐L , Yang H , Zhang S‐S , Zhao H‐W
Published: May 2009

Contents

In order to improve boar sperm quality during frozen‐thawed process, the influence of the presence of trehalose on success of cryopreservation of boar sperm were investigated. We evaluated freeze‐thawing tolerance of boar spermatozoa in a base cooling extender with the addition of different trehalose concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mm), and try to determine the optimum concentration of trehalose. We chose sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, acrosome integrity and membrane integrity as parameters to evaluate cryopreservation capacity of boar spermatozoa. We obtained the best results for 100 mm trehalose‐supplemented extenders, with values of 49.89% for motility, 44.69% for mitochondrial activity, 66.52% for acrosome integrity and 44.61% for membrane integrity, while freeze‐thawing tolerance diminished significantly for 200 . The synergic effect of trehalose and glycerol resulted in better cryosurvival of boar spermatozoa than that of a single cryoprotectant. In conclusion, when trehalose‐supplementation was added up to 100 mm, trehalose confers a greater cryoprotective capacity to the extender, and the sperm motility, mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity and acrosome integrity parameters were significantly improved during frozen‐thawed process.
Treatment of in‐stent restenosis with beraprost sodium: An experimental study of short‐ and intermediate‐term effects in dogs
Authors: Seiji Kazumasa , Tsuda Masashi , Matsuhashi Toshio , Takase Kei , Miyachi Hideo , Yamada Takayuki , Ishibashi Tadashi , Higano Shuichi , Takahashi Shoki
Published: May 2009

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of the short‐term administration of beraprost sodium, a stable prostaglandin I2 analogue, on neointimal thickening after stenting.

To examine the immediate and short‐term effects, Z‐stents were placed in the iliac veins of 12 dogs, which were randomly assigned to either a beraprost‐treated or control (saline) group. Beraprost (0.35 μg/kg per min) or saline (1.5 mL/min) was administered 30 min before stenting and was continued for 5 h thereafter. Platelet aggregation was measured before and after drug administration. At 3, 7 and 14 days after stenting, dogs were killed and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen was used to quantify the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). To evaluate intermediate‐term effects, a Z‐stent was placed in the right iliac vein in 10 dogs, followed by beraprost treatment. Three days later, a second Z‐stent was placed contralaterally with saline infusion as a control. After 4 weeks, dogs were killed and neointimal thickness was measured under a light microscope to calculate the intima : media area ratio.

Platelet aggregation was more significantly suppressed in the beraprost‐treated than in the control group (P = 0.01). In addition, SMC proliferation was significantly lower in the beraprost‐treated group 7 and 14 days after stenting (P < 0.05). Over the intermediate term, the intima : media area ratio was significantly lower in the beraprost‐treated vein compared with control (P < 0.05).

In conclusion, short‐term beraprost treatment during stenting suppresses in situ platelet aggregation and SMC proliferation, thus reducing neointimal thickening.
Curcumin ameliorates high glucose‐induced acute vascular endothelial dysfunction in rat thoracic aorta
Authors: Fang Xiao‐Dong , Yang Fan , Zhu Li , Shen Yue‐Liang , Wang Lin‐Lin , Chen Ying‐Ying
Published: May 2009

The aims of the present study were to explore the protective effect of curcumin against the acute vascular endothelial dysfunction induced by high glucose and to investigate the possible role of heme oxygenase (HO)‐1 in this protective action.

Thoracic aortic rings, with or without endothelium, obtained from male Sprague‐Dawley rats were mounted in an organ bath. Isometric contraction of the rings was recorded. After completion of the organ bath studies, rings were homogenized and centrifuged (30 000 g, 4°C, 15 min) and HO activity was determined in the supernatant.

After 2 h incubation of aortic rings in the presence of high glucose (44 mmol/L), the relaxation evoked by acetylcholine (3 × 10−8 to 3 × 10−5 mol/L) was significantly decreased only in rings with an intact endothelium. When rings were coincubated in the presence of curcumin (10−13 to 10−11 mol/L) and high glucose, curcumin reversed the vasodilator dysfunction induced by high glucose dose dependently.

Curcumin (10−11 mol/L) increased HO activity in the aortic rings compared with activity in control rings (63.1 ± 3.6 vs control 43.2 ± 2.9 pmol/mg per h, respectively; P < 0.01). Protoporphyrin IX zinc (10−6 mol/L), an inhibitor of HO‐1, offset the protective effects of curcumin. In addition, the non‐selective guanylate cyclase (GC) inhibitor methylene blue (10−6 mol/L) completely abolished the protective effects of curcumin.

In conclusion, the results of the present study show that curcumin alleviates the acute endothelium‐dependent vasodilator dysfunction induced by high glucose in rat aortic rings. Increased HO‐1 activity and stimulation of GC may be involved in the protective effects of curcumin.
Respiratory dysfunctions induced by prenatal nicotine exposure
Authors: Campos Marlys , Bravo Eduardo , Eugenín Jaime
Published: May 2009

Maternal tobacco smoking is the principal risk factor associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a leading cause of death of infants under 1 year of age. Victims of SIDS show a higher incidence of respiratory control abnormalities, including central apnoeas, delayed arousal responses and diminished ventilatory chemoreflexes.

Nicotine is likely the link between maternal tobacco smoking and SIDS. Prenatal nicotine exposure can alter the breathing pattern and can reduce hypoxia‐ and hypercarbia‐induced ventilatory chemoreflexes.In vitroapproaches have revealed that prenatal nicotine exposure impairs central chemosensitivity, switching the cholinergic contribution from a muscarinic to a nicotinic receptor‐based drive. In addition, serotonergic, noradrenergic, GABAergic, glycinergic and glutamatergic, among others, are affected by prenatal nicotine.

Here we propose that prenatal nicotine affects the respiratory network through two main processes: (i) reorganization of neurotransmitter systems; and (ii) remodelling of neural circuits. These changes make breathing more vulnerable to fail in early postnatal life, which could be related to the pathogenesis of SIDS.
Sulphasalazine accelerates apoptosis in neutrophils exposed to immune complex: Role of caspase pathway
Authors: Bertolotto M , Dallegri F , Dapino P , Quercioli A , Pende A , Ottonello L , Montecucco F
Published: May 2009

Neutrophils release several histotoxic molecules that cause tissue injury. Neutrophil apoptosis is a crucial process that governs the persistence of inflammatory disorders and tissue damage. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether the anti‐inflammatory drug sulphasalazine (SSZ) affects neutrophil apoptosis in the presence of insoluble immune complex (IC).

Neutrophils were obtained from healthy donors. Neutrophils were resuspended in incubation medium and incubated for 2–12 h with or without 10, 30 or 100 μmol/L SSZ and 25 μg/mL IC. In some experiments, cells were co‐incubated with 20 μmol/L Z‐IETD‐fmk (a caspase 8 inhibitor) or 20 μmol/L Z‐LEHD‐fmk (a caspase 9 inhibitor). Apoptosis was evaluated morphologically on cytological preparations stained with May–Grünwald–Giemsa as well as by flow cytometry analysis of annexin V and propidium iodide staining. Caspase 3 activity was determined spectrophotometrically.

At 100 μmol/L, SSZ significantly accelerated IC‐induced neutrophil apoptosis. Treatment of neutrophils with 20 μmol/L of the caspase 8 or 9 inhibitors Z‐IETD‐fmk or Z‐LEHD‐fmk, respectively, demonstrated that the SSZ‐induced pro‐apoptotic effect was mediated by a caspase 8‐ but not caspase 9‐dependent pathway. The caspase 3 activity assay showed that treatment with 100 μmol/L SSZ increased caspase 3 activation.

In conlusion, the results of the present study indicate that it is possible that the molecular mechanism underlying SSZ protection against neutrophil‐mediated tissue injury inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases, involves a caspase 8‐dependent pathway.
Clinical fate of branch duct and mixed forms of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia of the pancreas
Authors: Bournet Barbara , Kirzin Sylvain , Carrère Nicolas , Portier Guillaume , Otal Philippe , Selves Janick , Musso Carole , Suc Bertrand , Moreau Jacques , Fourtanier Gilles , Pradère Bernard , Lazorthes Franck , Escourrou Jean , Buscail Louis
Published: May 2009

Aims:  The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical fate of, and to gain new insights into, branch duct and mixed (predominantly main duct type) forms of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia of the pancreas (IPMN).

Methods:  During a 17‐year period, 99 successive IPMN patients (52 men, 47 women; mean age, 64 years) were included and divided into two groups for further comparison: one group had branch duct IPMN, whereas the other had mixed IPMN.

Results:  Patients from the mixed IPMN group (n = 52) displayed a greater rate of symptoms (83% vs 55%, P = 0.004), pancreatic resection (67% vs 38%, P = 0.007), malignancy (35% vs 13%, P = 0.017) and death (15% vs 4%, P = 0.09) than those from the branch duct IPMN group. A 38‐month follow up of non‐operated, symptom‐free patients confirmed that more than 85% of branch duct IPMN patients were asymptomatic without evidence of malignancy. Borderline lesions and carcinoma are found in up to 50% of symptomatic resected branch duct IPMN cases.

Conclusion:  Patients with the mixed form of IPMN as well as with symptomatic branch duct IPMN should require pancreatic resection because of symptoms and the risk for malignancy. In silent branch duct IPMN without radiological signs of malignancy, a non‐operative watch‐and‐wait strategy can be discussed.
Resistance to metronidazole, clarithromycin and levofloxacin of Helicobacter pylori before and after clarithromycin‐based therapy in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Wei‐Lun , Sheu Bor‐Shyang , Cheng Hsiu‐Chi , Yang Yao‐Jong , Yang Hsiao‐Bai , Wu Jiunn‐Jong
Published: May 2009

Background and Aim:  Clarithromycin‐based triple therapy has been commonly applied as the first‐line therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Levofloxacin could serve as an alternative in either first‐line or second‐line regimens. This study surveyed the prevalence of levofloxacin resistance of H. pylori isolates in naive patients and in patients with a failed clarithromycin‐based triple therapy.

Methods:  The study collected the H. pylori isolates from 180 naive patients and 47 patients with a failed clarithromycin‐based triple therapy. Their in vitro antimicrobial resistance was determined by E‐test.

Results:  The naive H. pylori isolates had resistance rates for amoxicillin, levofloxacin, clarithromycin and metronidazole of 0%, 9.4%, 10.6% and 26.7%, respectively. An evolutional increase of the primary levofloxacin resistance was observed in isolates collected after 2004, as compared to isolates collected before 2004 (16.3% vs 3.2%, P = 0.003). There was no evolutional increment of the primary clarithromycin resistance. The clarithromycin resistance elevated significantly after a failed clarithromycin‐based triple therapy (78.7% vs 10.6%, P < 0.001). The post‐treatment isolates remained to have a levofloxacin resistance rate of near 17%, but the levofloxacin‐resistant isolates were correlated with a higher incidence of metronidazole resistance (P = 0.023). No strain was found to be resistant to amoxicillin even after eradication failure.

Conclusion:  The levofloxacin resistance of naive H. pylori remains less than 10% in Taiwan. With relatively lower resistance to levofloxacin than to metronidazole of the H. pylori isolates collected after a failed clarithromycin‐based therapy, proton pump inhibitor–levofloxacin–amoxicillin may be an alternative choice to serve as the second‐line therapy.
The effect of obesity and smoking status on lung age in Japanese men
Authors: MITSUMUNE Tadahiko , SENOH Etsuo , NISHIKAWA Hitoshi , ADACHI Michifumi , KAJII Eiji
Published: May 2009

Background and objective:  The lung age of smokers is greater than their real age. We have had the clinical impression that the lung age of non‐smokers might be older than their real age and that obese subjects with decreased VC and FEV1 would also have an increased lung age. This cross‐sectional study investigated the relationships between lung age and smoking status, and lung age and BMI.

Methods:  Subjects comprised 3247 men who consulted our institute for health screening; 819 subjects were non‐smokers. In smokers and non‐smokers, lung age estimated by the predictive equation based on height and FEV1 was compared with chronological age. To investigate the relationship between lung age and BMI in non‐smokers, subjects were categorized into four groups based on quartiles of BMI and the lung age of the four groups compared. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the relative contribution of BMI and smoking status to lung age.

Results:  The predictive equation used to estimate lung age significantly overestimated the chronological age of study subjects. In non‐smokers, higher BMI was significantly associated with higher lung age. BMI, duration of smoking and number of cigarettes per day were significantly associated with increased lung age.

Conclusions:  Lung age could be used to motivate lifestyle change in obese individuals.