bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered immune responses to a heterologous protein in ponies with heavy gastrointestinal parasite burdens
Authors: EDMONDS J. D. , HOROHOV D. W. , CHAPMAN M. R. , POURCIAU S. S. , ANTOKU K. , SNEDDEN K. , KLEI T. R.
Published: April 2007

This study was performed to test the hypothesis that immunity to heterologous vaccination would improve when the parasites were removed. It was also expected that parasitised ponies would exhibit a biased Th2 cytokine response to KLH immunisation.

Helminth parasites are common in horses even in the era of highly effective broad‐spectrum antiparasiticides. These parasites have been shown to alter the outcome to heterologous immunisation in a number of host species. The effect of gastrointestinal parasites on heterologous vaccination has not been addressed in equids. In the current study, humoral, lymphoproliferative, and cytokine responses to a single i.m. injection of keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) were compared between groups of ponies with high, medium or low gastrointestinal parasite burdens. Antibody levels determined by ELISA showed that animals with low levels of parasites had a trend toward increased KLH specific total immunoglobulin, IgG(T) and IgA compared to heavily parasitised ponies. Medium and heavily parasitised ponies demonstrated a trend toward reduced lymphoproliferative response to KLH that was not restored after the addition of interleukin‐2 (Il‐2). Cells from these ponies also produced significantly lower levels of IL‐4 compared to lightly parasitised ponies. These data indicate that heavily parasitised ponies have uniformly decreased cellular and humoral immune responses to soluble protein immunisation. The mechanisms involved may have potential deleterious effects on standard vaccine protocols of parasitised equines.
Effect of dental correction on feed digestibility in horses
Authors: RALSTON S. L. , FOSTER D. L. , DIVERS T. , HINTZ H. F.
Published: April 2007

To test the hypothesis that routine dental correction (removal only of sharp hooks and points from molars and premolars) would improve digestion of a hay/grain ration whereas performance ‘floats’ (rounding and smoothing of the dental arcades) would adversely affect digestion, 8 mature horses free from dental correction for over a year were used. Five‐day digestion trials were conducted before and 2 and 4 weeks after correction in all horses. Although all horses had sharp points and minor premolar hooks, none had severe dental abnormalities. There were no significant differences found in apparent digestion of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre or acid detergent fibre relative to precorrection data or controls (uncorrected horses on same digestion trial). Apparent digestibility of crude protein and fibre, however, was reduced if the occlusal angle of premolar 307 was greater than 80 degrees relative to the vertical axis (flattened). It should be recommended that regular dental correction be continued. However, if only small points and hooks are present, correction will not significantly improve digestion. Performance floating does not adversely affect digestion 2–4 weeks after the procedure is performed. Alterations in molar occlusal surface angle may affect digestibility of protein and fibre.
M cells and associated lymphoid tissue of the equine nasopharyngeal tonsil
Authors: KUMAR P. , TIMONEY J. F. , SHEORAN A. S.
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study was to characterise the morphological and histochemical features of equine nasopharyngeal tonsillar tissue. Nasal and oropharyngeal tonsillar tissue has been described as the gatekeeper to mucosal immunity because of its strategic location at the entrance to the respiratory and alimentary tracts. A combination of light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy has revealed the presence of follicle‐associated epithelium (FAE) overlying lymphoid tissue of the equine nasopharyngeal tonsil caudal to the pharyngeal opening of the guttural pouch. Membranous microvillus (M) cells were identified in the FAE on the basis of short microvilli, an intimate association with lymphocytes, cytoplasmic vimentin filaments and epitopes on the apical surface reactive with lectin GS I‐B4 specific for α‐linked galactose. CD4‐positive lymphocytes were scattered throughout the lamina propria mucosae as well as forming dense aggregates in the subepithelial part. The central follicular area was heavily populated with B lymphocytes and the dome and parafollicular areas contained both CD4‐ and CD8‐positive lymphocytes. CD8‐positive lymphocytes were also present in the epithelium and, together with B lymphocytes, in small numbers in the lamina propria mucosae. These observations indicate that the nasopharyngeal tonsil is potentially an important mucosal immune induction site in the horse and an appropriate target forintranasally administered vaccines.
Quantification of the response of equine apocrine sweat glands to β2‐adrenergic stimulation
Authors: SCOTT C. M. , MARLIN D. J. , SCHROTER R. C.
Published: April 2007

The aim of the present study was to characterise the quantitative sweating response of the horse to β2‐adrenergic stimulation. The sweating responses of 6 horses to the randomised infusion of 8 different adrenaline concentrations (0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 1.0 or 2.0 μg/kg bwt/min), was investigated. Sweating rate (SR) and skin temperature (TSK) on the neck (N) and gluteal region (G), and plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations were measured. Peak SR was 15 (N) and 9 g/m2/min (G) during infusion of both 1.0 and 2.0 μg/kg bwt/min adrenaline. Sweat produced per nmol/l plasma adrenaline peaked during the infusion of 0.075 μg/kg bwt/min adrenaline. Higher adrenaline infusion concentrations resulted in a progressive decrease in the amount of sweat produced per nmol/l plasma adrenaline and a plateau of 6 g/m2/(nmol/l) plasma adrenaline was reached for infusions between 1.0 and 2.0 μg/kg bwt/min. Peak SR were far lower than we have previously reported during exercise. There was no evidence of sweat gland fatigue or vasoconstriction during infusion, suggesting saturation of sweat gland β2 receptors. We conclude that sweating in the horse is under dual control from a combination of hormonal and neural mechanisms.
Effects of inhaled ipratropium bromide on breathing mechanics and gas exchange in exercising horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: BAYLY W. M. , DUVIVIER D. H. , VOTION D. , VANDENPUT S. , ART T. , LEKEUX P.
Published: April 2007

Six Warmblood horses suffering an acute exacerbation of COPD were tested to investigate whether inhalation of ipratropium bromide (IB) dry powder (2,400 μg) 30 min pre‐exercise would improve their exercise capacity. A cross‐over protocol with an inert powder placebo (P) was used. Mechanics of breathing and arterial blood gases were determined before treatment, aftertreatment but pre‐exercise, and during an incremental exercise test. Oxygen consumption (V̇O2) was also measured before and during exercise, and the time to fatigue recorded. Inhalation of IB reduced total pulmonary resistance (RL) and maximum intrapleural pressure changes (ΔPplmax) and increased dynamic compliance before exercise. The onset of exercise was associated with a marked decrease in RLin P‐treated horses but not those receiving IB, so that RLduring exercise was not affected by treatment. Although ΔPplmax was lowerat 8, 9 and 10 m/s with IB, there were no treatment‐related changes in Vo2, blood gases, time to fatigue or any othermeasurement of breathing mechanics. Therefore, although inhalation of IB prior to exercise may have improved ΔPplmax, it had no apparent impact on the horses'capacity for exercise.
Reproductive efficiency of intensively managed Thoroughbred mares in Newmarket
Authors: MORRIS L. H. A. , ALLEN W. R.
Published: April 2007

The findings of a retrospective survey of 1393 Thoroughbred mares visiting 22 studfarms in the Newmarket region of the UK during the 1998 mating season were compared with those of a similar study undertaken in 1983. The effects of mare age and status, stallion, month of mating, application of uterine treatments and other parameters on the rates of singleton and twin conception and subsequent pregnancy losses were analysed. Mare age and status significantly affected the per cycle pregnancy rate and the incidence of pregnancy loss. Overall, the mean number of matings per oestrus was 1.12 and the mean number of times a mare was mated until diagnosed pregnant at 15 days after ovulation was 1.88. An overall mean per cycle pregnancy rate of 59.9% at 15 days after ovulation resulted in 94.8% of the mated mares being pregnant at least once at 15 days after ovulation. This high initial pregnancy rate fell to 89.7% by Day 35 and 87.5% by the time of the October pregnancy test; 82.7% of the mares surveyed gave birth to a live foal at term, which compares favourably with the proportion of mares foaling in 1983 (77%). However, despite improvements in the foaling rates over the last 15 years, the overall rate of pregnancy failure remains high and represents a major loss to the Thoroughbred breeding industry.
Cytological analysis of equine bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Part 3: the effect of time, temperature and fixatives
Authors: PICKLES K. , PIRIE R. S. , RHIND S. , DIXON P M. , McGORUM B. C.
Published: April 2007

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples are often subject to time delays, possibly with temperature fluctuations, between collection and processing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of time, temperature and 2 different fixatives on equine BALF cytology, in order to develop guidelines for optimal equine BALF storage conditions. Total nucleated cell count (TCC), differential cell counts (DCC), absolute cell counts (ACC), cell viability, cell morphology and bacterial growth of BALF samples stored at 4, 18 (± addition of formalin‐ or alcohol‐based fixatives) and 38°C were monitored serially over a 72 h period. The time taken for a significant reduction in TCC and cell viability of unfixed BALF samples decreased as the storage temperature increased. There was no diagnostically significant difference in DCC or ACC over this time‐course at any temperature. Unfixed BALF samples showed significant bacterial growth by 24 h at 4°C, and 8 h at 18 and 38°C; and poor morphology by 48 h at 4°C, 24 h at 18°C and 8 h at 38°C. Fixed BALF samples showed poor morphology with Leishman's stain compared to unfixed samples.
Evaluation of nebulised hay dust suspensions (HDS) for the diagnosis and investigation of heaves. 2: Effects of inhaled HDS on control and heaves horses
Authors: PIRIE R. S. , COLLIE D. D. S. , DIXON P. M. , McGORUM B. C.
Published: April 2007

To evaluate inhaled hay dust suspensions (HDS) as a tool for the diagnosis and investigation of heaves, the pulmonary inflammatory and functional consequences of inhalation challenge with 3 different HDS were determined in 6 control and 7 asymptomatic heaves horses. Heaves horses given HDS challenge developed the characteristic features of heaves, including airway neutrophilia, obstructive airway dysfunction and mucus hypersecretion. While HDS challenge induced a mild airway neutrophilia in controls, the no‐response threshold for controls was greater than that of heaves horses, and there was no overlap in BALF neutrophil ratio of controls and heaves horses. Furthermore, HDS challenge did not induce airway dysfunction or mucus hypersecretion in controls. Therefore, HDS challenges enabled differentiation of control and heaves horses. Interestingly, in both groups, the airway neutrophilia was a dose‐dependent response rather than an ‘all or nothing’ response. This study suggests that HDS challenges are of value in the diagnosis and investigation of heaves.
Water intake and fluid shifts in horses: effects of hydration status during two exercise tests
Authors: NYMAN S. , JANSSON A. , LINDHOLM A. , DAHLBORN K.
Published: April 2007

In the present study, the main objective was to study factors affecting postexercise voluntary water intake in horses. Four Standardbred horses (mean ± s.e. bwt 500 ± 8 kg) were used to study water intake and effects of altering hydration status before an incremental exercise test (INCR) and a 40 min constant velocity exercise test (CONST) on a treadmill. Exercise was performed during normohydration (N), after dehydration for 24 h (DEH) and after hyperhydration with 12 l water 30 min before exercise (HH). DEH resulted in a bodyweight loss of 3% and there were signs of some fluid uptake prior to exercise in both HH trials. By the end of the INCR, the calculated change in plasma volume (PVcalc) was −13 ± 1, −21 ± 1 and −11 ± 3% in the N, DEH and HH trials, respectively. During the highest exercise velocities a hypotonic shift of fluid was seen in all INCR trials. There was a greater accumulation of plasma lactate (pLA) in HH‐than in N‐INCR, probably caused by the extra weight to be carried. CONST induced a similar fluid loss (3%) in all trials, but the decrease in PVcalcat the end of exercise was significantly smaller in HH (−7 ± 2%) than in N (−14 ± 1%) and DEH (−19 ± 2%). In DEH‐INCR and DEH‐CONST, plasma sodium concentration (pNa) was higher than in N until drinking water was offered 1 h postexercise. In the presence of both an increased pNa and a decrease in PVcalcwhen dehydrated, the horses drank immediately when offered water postexercise. In N‐CONST, there was a significant decrease in calculated PVcalc(−10 ± 2%) but no increase in pNa when water was given and in this trial the horses rehydrated less rapidly. Plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) had increased to the same magnitude in all trials afterabout 10 min, irrespective of type of exercise or hydration status. It was concluded that when both an osmotic and hypovolemic thirst stimulus was present, the horses rehydrated more rapidly postexercise.
Small‐world topology of UK racing: the potential for rapid spread of infectious agents
Authors: CHRISTLEY R. M. , FRENCH N. P.
Published: April 2007

Reasons for performing study: The topology of the network of contacts between individuals has important effects on infectious disease dynamics within a population. Here we examine for the first time a network of contacts between training yards that occurred through racing.

Objectives: To explore the topology of this network and to consider the effects of the network on the potential for disease transmission.

Methods: Race data from one week was analysed. Contacts were defined as occurring between trainers that raced horses in the same race and hence one trainer could contact another trainer several times. A connection was said to exist between trainers who contacted each otherat least once. The network of contacts and connections that occurred during the study period was reconstructed and analysed.

Results: All 466 trainers formed a single large network. The network of contacts had a short average path length and high clustering and was, therefore, characteristic of a ‘small world network’. The probability distribution of the number of contacts was scale‐free, whereas that for the number of connections followed a single‐scale. The effect of the network would be to increase R0, such that an agent that would tend toward extinction in a homogenously mixing population may persist in the observed network.

Conclusions: The observed small world network topology has important implication for the transmission and, therefore, the control of infectious agents in this population.

Potential relevance: Effective disease control and surveillance must take account of the contact structure of the population. Further studies investigating other contact definitions and other populations are now required.
In vitroassessment of movements of the sacroiliac joint in the horse
Authors: DEGUEURCE C. , CHATEAU H. , DENOIX J.‐M.
Published: April 2007

Reasons for performing study: Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) disease is associated with poor hindlimb action, lameness and poor performance in horses. However, little is known about the biomechanics of this low‐motion joint.

Objectives: To determinein vitrothe capacities of movement of the SIJ in the sagittal plane, and to test the effect of a sacrosciatic and sacrotuberal desmotomy on its stabilisation.

Methods: Six anatomical specimens underwent cycles of flexion‐extension of the lumbosacral joint (LSJ) before and after desmotomy. Kinematic triads were linked rigidly to the sacrum, spinous process of vertebra L5 and iliac wing. Angles were measured using a joint coordinate system based on anatomical frames.

Results: The LSJ underwent regular movements of flexion and extension (overall mean ± s.d. range 23.4 ± 0.6°). The only recorded movement of the SIJ was a nutation during LSJ flexion (overall mean ± s.d. 0.8 ± 0.5°). Desmotomy induced an increase of that nutation (overall mean ± s.d. 1.7 ± 0.2°).

Conclusions and potential relevance: Movements of the SIJ were small and coupled only with the flexion of the LSJ. The ligaments surrounding the SIJ have a strong effect on the stabilisation of this joint. Due to the limited amount of movement, its biomechanical studyin vivoseems to be difficult. Furtherin vitrostudies would be useful to determine the role of each ligament, to better understand the clinical consequences of the tears frequently observed during necropsy.
Race‐ and course‐level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in racing Thoroughbreds
Authors: PARKIN T. D. H. , CLEGG P. D. , FRENCH N. P. , PROUDMAN C. J. , RIGGS C. M. , SINGER E. R. , WEBBON P. M. , MORGAN K. L.
Published: April 2007

Reasons for performing study: Considerable variation in the rates of equine fatality at different racecourses draws attention to probable risk factors at the level of course or race that might be partly responsible. Distal limb fractures are the most common cause of equine fatality on UK racecourses and identification of risk factors for such injuries and subsequent implementation of intervention strategies could significantly reduce the total number of racecourse fatalities.

Objectives: To identify race‐ and course‐level risk factors for fatal distal limb fracture in Thoroughbreds on UK racecourses.

Methods: A case‐control study design was used. Case races were defined as those in which one or more horses sustained fatal fracture of the distal limb. Controls were selected in 2 different ways. Firstly, 3 races in which no fracture occurred were selected from all races of the same type held within 5 days of the case race (Analysis 1). Secondly, 3 control races were selected for each case race from all races of the same type held in the same year (Analysis 2). One hundred and nine cases were included in the study. Information about the race and the racecourses was collected from Computer Raceform. Conditional logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between a number of independent variables and the likelihood of fracture in a race.

Results: Longer races with a larger number of runners were more likely to contain a fracture. Firmer going and fewer days since the last race on the same course were associated with an increased risk of fracture. The going at the course at the previous race meeting was also associated with the likelihood of fracture.

Conclusions: Modifications to the going on the day of a race and greater emphasis on ground maintenance between race meetings may have an impact on the risk of fatal distal limb fracture during racing.

Potential relevance: Modification of risk factors such as the going and number of days since the last race meeting could reduce the number of equine fatalities on UK racecourses. The condition of the racecourse may be an important risk factor and future research should focus on the identification of course maintenance techniques that produce the safest possible racing surfaces.
Treatment of chronic or recurrent proximal suspensory desmitis using radial pressure wave therapy in the horse
Authors: CROWE O. M. , DYSON S. J. , WRIGHT I. M. , SCHRAMME M. C. , SMITH R. K. W.
Published: April 2007

Reasons for performing study: Proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) is diagnosed with increasing frequency in horses and radial pressure wave therapy (RPWT) is a widely used therapy for painful orthopaedic conditions in man and dogs. There are, however, few published data as to the outcome of its use in PSD.

Objective: To evaluate the use of RPWT in the treatment of chronic or recurrent PSD in the horse, an injury which carries a poor prognosis for return to athletic function with conservative management alone.

Hypothesis: RPWT and controlled exercise improves the prognosis of chronic or recurrent PSD in the horse when compared to previously published results of controlled exercise alone.

Methods: The use of RPWT in the management of chronic or recurrent proximal suspensory desmitis (PSD) was evaluated in 65 horses. Diagnosis was based on response to local analgesia, ultrasonography and radiography. Horses were classified according to severity of ultrasonographic lesions, whether fore‐ or hindlimbs were affected, and duration of lameness prior to diagnosis. Horses were treated 3 times at 2‐week intervals and followed a controlled exercise programme; they were reassessed clinically and ultrasonographically 10–12 weeks after diagnosis, when further exercise recommendations were made dependent upon the animal's progress.

Results: Forty‐one percent of horses with hindlimb lameness and 53% with forelimb lameness were nonlame and returned to full work 6 months after diagnosis. The prognosis was significantly affected by the ultrasonographic grade at the time of diagnosis and by ultrasonographic evidence of resolution of the lesion in hindlimb cases.

Conclusions: These findings, when compared to previously published results of treatment using controlled exercise alone, suggest that RPWT improves the prognosis for PSD in the hindlimb.

Potential relevance: RPWT is a useful treatment modality for chronic or recurrent PSD when combined with controlled exercise. Further studies are required on the effect of RPWT employing histology and biomechanics in order to fully evaluate its use on equine tissues.
Genetic diagnosis of sex chromosome aberrations in horses based on parentage test by microsatellite DNA and analysis of X‐ and Y‐linked markers
Authors: KAKOI H. , HIROTA K. , GAWAHARA H. , KUROSAWA M. , KUWAJIMA M.
Published: April 2007

Reasons for performing study: Sex chromosome aberrations are often associated with clinical signs that affect equine health and reproduction. However, abnormal manifestation with sex chromosome aberration usually appears at maturity and potential disorders may be suspected infrequently. A reliable survey at an early stage is therefore required.

Objectives: To detect and characterise sex chromosome aberrations in newborn foals by the parentage test and analysis using X‐ and Y‐linked markers.

Methods: We conducted a genetic diagnosis combined with a parentage test by microsatellite DNA and analysis of X‐ and Y‐linked genetic markers in newborn light‐breed foals (n = 17, 471). The minimum incidence of sex chromosome aberration in horses was estimated in the context of available population data.

Results: Eighteen cases with aberrations involving 63,XO, 65,XXY and 65,XXX were found. The XO, XXY (pure 65,XXY and/or mosaics/chimaeras) and XXX were found in 0.15, 0.02 and 0.01% of the population, respectively, based solely on detection of abnormal segregation of a single X chromosome marker, LEX003.

Conclusions and potential relevance: Detection at an early age and understanding of the prevalence of sex chromosome aberrations should assist in the diagnosis and managment of horses kept for breeding. Further, the parental origin of the X chromosome of each disorder could be proved by the results of genetic analysis, thereby contributing to cytogenetic characterisation.
Kinetic parameter analysis for propane ODH: V2O5/Al2O3 and MoO3/Al2O3 catalysts
Authors: Malleswara Rao T. V. , Deo Goutam
Published: April 2007

The effect of surface metal oxide loading and specific surface metal oxide species on the kinetic parameters associated with the propane oxidative dehydrogenation reaction is analyzed for several supported V2O5/Al2O3 (VAl) and MoO3/Al2O3 (MoAl) catalysts. The VAl and MoAl catalysts are synthesized and characterized to ensure the kinetic parameters are estimated primarily for the surface metal oxide phase. The kinetic parameters are successfully estimated for a consecutive Mars–van Krevelen reaction model. Analysis of the parameters reveals that the apparent pre‐exponential factors for propene formation and degradation reactions increase with loading for both VAl and MoAl catalysts up to monolayer coverage with the VAl possessing larger values. However, the relative increase of the individual apparent pre‐exponential factors is different. The activation energy for propene formation is relatively invariant and does not contribute to the activity comparison. The difference in activation energies for propene formation and degradation decreases with surface vanadia loading, but is relatively similar with surface molybdena loading. Detailed analysis of the kinetic parameters conclusively reveals that the surface vanadia species provides a better active site in terms of activity and propene yield for the propane ODH reaction. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
A bioarcheological study of maxillary sinusitis
Authors: Roberts Charlotte A.
Published: April 2007

Maxillary sinusitis was studied as an indicator of poor air quality. Seven skeletal samples were examined from North America, England, and Nubia, and selected to represent different geographic locations, environments, and subsistence economies. Frequency rates varied from 17.2 to 51.5% of individuals affected with one or both sinuses preserved. Hardin Village had the highest frequency (51.5%), followed by the Aleuts (42.9%), “Illinois” (38.6%), Indian Knoll (38.5%), Kulubnarti (21.8%), Christchurch, Spitalfields (18.0%), and “South Dakota” (17.2%). Male frequencies ranged from 16.7 to 36.7%, but the female frequency ranged more widely from 18.0 to 76.5%. At most sites female rates exceeded male. The effect of urban and rural environment on sinusitis occurrence, and also subsistence economy, biological sex, and social status were explored, and comparative sites also considered; urban agricultural sites had a mean frequency of 48.5%, rural agricultural sites had a mean frequency of 45.0%, and hunter‐gatherer sites had a mean frequency of 40.0%. In the urban sites male and female frequencies were near equal, but in the rural agricultural and hunter‐gatherer sites female frequencies exceeded male frequencies. Dental disease was not found to have much impact on sinusitis frequency. The importance of the link between poor air quality and respiratory health is highlighted in clinical studies in both developed and developing countries, but also in bioarcheological studies. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
mtDNA from hair and nail clarifies the genetic relationship of the 15th century Qilakitsoq Inuit mummies
Authors: Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Djurhuus Durita , Melchior Linea , Lynnerup Niels , Worobey Michael , Wilson Andrew S , Andreasen Claus , Dissing Jørgen
Published: April 2007

The 15th century Inuit mummies excavated at Qilakitsoq in Greenland in 1978 were exceptionally well preserved and represent the largest find of naturally mummified specimens from the Arctic. The estimated ages of the individuals, their distribution between two adjacent graves, the results of tissue typing, and incomplete STR results led researchers to conclude that the eight mummies formed two distinct family groups: A grandmother (I/5), two daughters (I/3, I/4), and their two children (I/1, I/2) in one grave, and two sisters (II/6, II/8) and a daughter (II/7) of one of them in the other. Using mtDNA from hair and nail, we have reanalyzed the mummies. The results allowed the unambiguous assignment of each of the mummies to one of three mtDNA haplogroups: A2b (I/5); A2a (I/2, I/3, II/6, II/8); A2a‐311 (I/1, I/4, II/7), excluded some of the previous relations, and pointed to new ones. I/5 is not the grandmother/mother of the individuals in Grave I, and she is not maternally related to any of the seven other mummies; I/3 and I/4 are not sisters and II/7 is neither the daughter of II/6 nor of II/8. However, I/1 may be the child of either I/4 or II/7 and these two may be sisters. I/2 may be the son of I/3, who may be the daughter of either II/6 or II/8, and these two may be sisters. The observation of haplogroups A2a and A2b amongst the 550‐year‐old Inuit puts a lower limit on the age of the two lineages in Greenland. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infant carrying: The role of increased locomotory costs in early tool development
Authors: Wall‐Scheffler C.M. , Geiger K. , Steudel‐Numbers K.L.
Published: April 2007

Among the costs of reproduction, carrying one's infant incurs one of the greatest drains on maternal energy, simply because of the added mass alone. Because of the dearth of archaeological evidence, however, how early bipeds dealt with the additional cost of having to carry infants who were less able to support their body weight against gravity is not particularly well understood. This article presents evidence on the caloric drain of carrying an infant in one's arms versus having a tool with which to sling the infant and carry her passively. The burden of carrying an infant in one's arms is on average 16% greater than having a tool to support the baby's mass and seems to have the potential to be a greater energetic burden even than lactation. In addition, carrying a baby in one's arms shortens and quickens the stride. An anthropometric trait that seems to offset some of the increased cost of carrying a baby in the arms is a wider bi‐trochanteric width. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of a novel SPG3A deletion in a French‐Canadian family
Authors: Meijer Inge A. , Dion Patrick , Laurent Sandra , Dupré Nicolas , Brais Bernard , Levert Annie , Puymirat Jacques , Rioux Marie France , Sylvain Michel , Zhu Peng‐Peng , Soderblom Cynthia , Stadler Julia , Blackstone Craig , Rouleau Guy A.
Published: April 2007

Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are characterized by progressive lower limb spasticity and weakness. Mutations in the SPG3A gene, which encodes the large guanosine triphosphatase atlastin, are the second most common cause of autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia. In a large SPG3A screen of 70 hereditary spastic paraplegia subjects, a novel in‐frame deletion, p.del436N, was identified. Characterization of this deletion showed that it affects neither the guanosine triphosphatase activity of atlastin nor interactions between atlastin and spastin. Interestingly, immunoblot analysis of lymphoblasts from affected patients demonstrated a significant reduction in atlastin protein levels, supporting a loss‐of‐function disease mechanism. Ann Neurol 2007
Estradiol attenuates hyperoxia‐induced cell death in the developing white matter
Authors: Gerstner Bettina , Sifringer Marco , Dzietko Mark , Schüller Alexandra , Lee Joan , Simons Sinno , Obladen Michael , Volpe Joseph J. , Rosenberg Paul A. , Felderhoff‐Mueser Ursula
Published: April 2007

Objective

Periventricular leukomalacia is the predominant type of brain injury in preterm infants underlying the development of cerebral palsy. Periventricular leukomalacia has its peak incidence at 23 to 32 weeks postconceptional age characterized by extensive oligodendrocyte migration and maturation. Oxygen toxicity has been identified as a possible contributing factor to the pathogenesis of cerebral palsy in survivors of preterm birth. 17β‐estradiol (E2) is important for the development and function of the central nervous system. Furthermore, neuroprotective properties have been attributed to estrogens. We examined the effect of E2 on hyperoxia‐induced cell death in the developing white matter in the rat brain.

Methods

Six‐day‐old (P6) rat pups, the immature oligodendroglial cell line (OLN‐93), and primary oligodendrocyte cultures were subjected to 80% O2 in the presence or absence of E2 (600μg/kg intraperitoneally in vivo, 10−6–10−10M in vitro). Cell counts and lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to assess cell survival. Immunoblot analysis was used for detection of estrogen receptor expression and investigation of apoptotic signaling pathways. White matter injury was assessed by myelin basic protein immunocytochemistry at P11.

Results

E2 produced significant dose‐dependent protection against oxygen‐induced apoptotic cell death in primary oligodendrocytes. Treatment with E2 prevented hyperoxia‐induced proapoptotic Fas‐upregulation and caspase‐3 activation. Finally, E2 antagonized hyperoxia‐induced inactivation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 and Akt, key kinases of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase cell survival promoting pathways, respectively. Loss of myelin basic protein labeling was seen in P11 pups after oxygen exposure, and E2 attenuated this injury.

Interpretation

These results suggest a possible role for estrogens in the prevention of neonatal oxygen‐induced white matter injury. Ann Neurol 2007
Katalytische carbophile Aktivierung: Platin‐ und Gold‐π‐Säuren als Katalysatoren
Authors: Fürstner Alois , Davies Paul W.
Published: April 2007

Platin‐ und Goldkatalysatoren gewinnen aufgrund ihrer hohen Effizienz und erstaunlichen Vielfalt für atomökonomische Umsetzungen rasch an Bedeutung. Dabei erlaubt es die Korrelation zwischen ihrem chemischen Verhalten und den vorhandenen Strukturdaten, der bekannten Koordinationschemie und den auf relativistischen Effekten beruhenden Besonderheiten ihrer metallorganischen Derivate, grundlegende Prinzipien der katalytischen carbophilen Aktivierung durch π‐Säuren zu formulieren. Platin‐ und Goldkomplexe sind keinesfalls nur ein umweltfreundlicher Ersatz für stöchiometrische π‐Säuren, sondern sie erweitern das klassische Reaktivitätsspektrum signifikant. Die in der Literatur geläufigen, aber scheinbar widersprüchlichen Erklärungen ihres Verhaltens auf Basis von Metallcarbenen oder metallstabilisierten, “nichtklassischen” Carbokationen als reaktiven Zwischenstufen liefern bei genauer Betrachtung eine vereinheitlichte Grundlage für das Verständnis dieses faszinierenden Gebiets. Hier gilt das Hauptaugenmerk der Verbesserung bekannter sowie der Entwicklung neuer Kupplungs‐, Cycloisomerisierungs‐ und Gerüstumlagerungsreaktionen. Auch der Einsatz Platin‐ und goldkatalysierter Transformationen in Naturstoffsynthesen wird diskutiert.
On the medicinal chemistry of ferrocene
Authors: Fouda Mohammad F. R. , Abd‐Elzaher Mokhles M. , Abdelsamaia Rafeek A. , Labib Ammar A.
Published: April 2007

Organometallic chemistry and biochemistry have been merged in the last two decades into a new field: bioorganometallic chemistry. This new research area was devoted to the synthesis of new organometallic compounds and their biological and medical effects against some types of diseases, such as cancer and malaria. For several years, the use of ferrocene in bioorganometallic chemistry has been growing rapidly, and several promising applications have been developed since ferrocene is a stable, nontoxic compound and has good redox properties. This review will focus on ferrocenyl compounds which have been biologically evaluated against certain diseases. This area has attracted many researchers due to the promising results of some ferrocene compounds in the medicinal applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ionic 1,2,5‐oxonia‐ and zwitterionic 1,2,5‐oxasilaboratole derivatives. Synthesis and molecular structures
Authors: Wrackmeyer Bernd , Kupcik Tomas , Tok Oleg L. , Shahid Khadija , Kempe Rhett
Published: April 2007

Alkenes bearing a chlorosilyl and a diethylboryl group in cis‐positions at the CC bond together with a dimethylaminomethyl group in geminal position to the silyl group were subjected to hydrolysis (a) and alcoholysis [ROH: R = Me (b), Et (c), iPr (d)]. In the case of the alkene 1 containing a chloro(dimethyl)silyl group, novel ammonium salts 3a–d were isolated as 2,5‐dihydro‐1,2,5‐oxoniaboratole derivatives. In contrast, the alkene 2, containing a chloro(methyl)silyl group, did not give defined products under the same reaction conditions. In the presence of traces of water in diethylamine, 2 reacted at the SiH and SiCl bonds to give a zwitterionic disiloxane 4, a 2,5‐dihydro‐1,2,5‐oxasilaboratole derivative. The new compounds were characterized in solution by 1H, 11B, 13C and 29Si NMR spectroscopy, and for two examples (3a and 4) by X‐ray structure analysis in the solid state. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐step synthesis of arylpolyboronic acids from phenols via organotin compounds
Authors: Fidelibus Pablo M. , Silbestri Gustavo F. , Lockhart María T. , Mandolesi Sandra D. , Chopa Alicia B. , Podestá Julio C.
Published: April 2007

In this paper we describe a three‐step synthesis of aryldi‐ and triboronic acids starting from phenols. Several substituted phenols (I) were converted into the corresponding aryldiethylphosphates (II) in good to excellent yields. The latter, on reaction with sodium trimethylstannide in liquid ammonia, under irradiation, afforded the aryl‐ and heteroarylpoly(trimethylstannyl) derivatives in 65–90% yield. The third step is the reaction of the organotin compounds with borane in THF, which leads to the corresponding arylpolyboronic acids in around 80% yield. In order to confirm their structure, some of the diboronic acids were converted into the corresponding pinacol esters. The results obtained in a study on the synthesis of various terphenyls through double and triple Suzuki couplings catalyzed by palladium acetate between the obtained arylpolyboronic acids and various aryl halides are also reported. These reactions proceeded with an average 65% yield, and also enabled us to confirm the structures of some of the diboronic acids. The structure of the new compounds was determined by 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and IR spectroscopy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social discounting and delay discounting
Authors: Rachlin Howard , Jones Bryan A.
Published: April 2007

Social discounting was measured as the amount of money a participant was willing to forgo to give a fixed amount (usually $75) to another person. In the first experiment, amount forgone was a hyperbolic function of the social distance between the giver and receiver. In the second experiment, degree of social discounting was an increasing function of reward magnitude whereas degree of delay discounting was a decreasing function of reward magnitude. In the third experiment, the shape of the function relating delayed rewards to equally valued immediate rewards for another person was predicted from individual delay and social discount functions. All in all, the studies show that the social discount function, like delay and probability discount functions, is hyperbolic in form. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetic‐field‐induced vertigo: A theoretical and experimental investigation
Authors: Glover P.M. , Cavin I. , Qian W. , Bowtell R. , Gowland P.A.
Published: April 2007

Vertigo‐like sensations or apparent perception of movement are reported by some subjects and operators in and around high field whole body magnetic resonance body scanners. Induced currents (which modulate the firing rate of the vestibular hair cell), magneto‐hydrodynamics (MDH), and tissue magnetic susceptibility differences have all been proposed as possible mechanisms for this effect. In this article, we examine the theory underlying each of these mechanisms and explore resulting predictions. Experimental evidence is summarised in the following findings: 30% of subjects display a postural sway response at a field‐gradient product of 1 T2m−1; a determining factor for experience of vertigo is the total unipolar integrated field change over a period greater than 1 s; the perception of dizziness is not necessarily related to a high value of the rate of change of magnetic field; eight of ten subjects reported sensations ranging from mild to severe when exposed to a magnetic field change of the order of 4.7 T in 1.9 s; no subjects reported any response when exposed to 50 ms pulses of dB/dtof 2 Ts−1amplitude. The experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that magnetic‐field related vertigo results from both magnetic susceptibility differences between vestibular organs and surrounding fluid, and induced currents acting on the vestibular hair cells. Both mechanisms are consistent with theoretical predictions. Bioelectromagnetics 28:349–361, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a parent training program for children with pervasive developmental disorders
Authors: Johnson Cynthia R. , Handen Benjamin L. , Butter Eric , Wagner Ann , Mulick James , Sukhodolsky Denis G. , Williams Susan , Swiezy Naomi A. , Arnold L. Eugene , Aman Michael G. , Scahill Lawrence , Stigler Kimberly A. , McDougle Christopher J. , Vitiello Benedetto , Smith Tristram
Published: April 2007

Parent delivered interventions based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) have been evaluated using primarily single‐subject design methodology or small case series. While the results of these evaluations are encouraging, an important next step is to standardize the interventions to allow for replication across sites, in studies with large samples and measures of long‐term, clinically meaningful outcomes such as improvements in children's functioning and their relationships with parents. Accordingly, the Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology and Psychosocial Interventions (RUPP Autism Network) assembled a detailed manual for a structured behavioral parent training (PT) program, developed treatment fidelity and training procedures, and conducted a pilot, feasibility study. The PT program is part of a large scale, multisite study intended to determine the efficacy of combined pharmacological treatment and behavioral intervention to improve behavior and adaptive functioning in children with PDD. This paper discusses the rationale for this project. A companion paper provides the results of our feasibility study on the PT program. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Die Fossilgeschichte des Menschen: Vom Homo antecessor bis zum Homo sapiens (Teil 2)
Authors: Welsch Ulrich
Published: April 2007

In den vergangenen Jahrzehnten wurden mehr relevante Fossilfunde gemacht als in den gut 100 Jahren zuvor, so dass die Grundzüge der Evolution des Menschen mittlerweile recht gut bekannt sind. Dennoch gibt es bei der Interpretation der Funde große Unterschiede. Dieser zweite Teil des Überblicks über die Fossilgeschichte des Menschen befasst sich mit den frühesten Funden der Gattung Homo in Europa, mit Homo heidelbergensis und dem Neandertaler sowie mit dem Siegeszug des Homo sapiens. Die Gehirnentwicklung war dabei vermutlich entscheidend: Das spezifisch Menschliche in Bezug auf das Gehirn scheint sowohl im Quantitativen als auch in seiner extremen Komplexität zu liegen.
Killertoxine aus Hefen: Nützliche Proteine mit furchterregendem Namen
Authors: Breinig Frank , Schmitt Manfred
Published: April 2007

Seit der Erstbeschreibung des Killerphänomens in Hefe vor fast 45 Jahren hat die intensive Erforschung seiner genetischen Grundlagen sowie von Struktur, Synthese und Sekretion der Killertoxine sehr viel zum Verständnis essenzieller Zellmechanismen und ‐funktionen beigetragen. Darüber hinaus lieferte die Analyse der rezeptorvermittelten Toxinwirkung wertvolle Hinweise auf die molekulare Struktur und die Synthese der Zellwände von Pilzen, was zur Entwicklung neuer Wirkstoffe gegen Pilzinfektionen des Menschen wichtig war. Über die Grundlagenforschung hinaus besitzen Killerhefen, Killertoxine und Killerviren ein wachsendes Potenzial für künftige Anwendungsfelder in Biotechnologie und Biomedizin.
Genomic Imprinting in Säugetieren: Das epigenetische Gedächtnis
Authors: Paulsen Martina
Published: April 2007

Elterliche Prägung ist ein prominentes Beispiel epigenetischer Genregulation, bei der aufgrund unterschiedlicher Chromatinstrukturen in einer Zelle unter gleichen physiologischen Bedingungen ein Allel eines Gens abgelesen und das andere stillgelegt wird. Elterlich geprägte Gene zeigen, dass epigenetische Informationen einerseits reversibel sind, andererseits stabil von den Eltern auf die Nachkommen vererbt werden. Diese Ambivalenz verleiht der Epigenetik gegenüber sequenzbasierender Vererbung eine besondere Flexibilität und eröffnet gleichzeitig einen Weg für geschlechtsspezifische, autosomale Vererbungsmechanismen außerhalb der Geschlechtschromosomen.
Drosophila zum 100. Laborjubiläum: Einfache Versuche zu Entwicklung und Verhalten
Authors: Schwarzmaier Walter
Published: April 2007

Seit rund 100 Jahren ist Drosophila aus den Laboratorien nicht mehr als Versuchstier wegzudenken. In vielen Schulen werden die kleinen Tiere gehalten, um genetische Experimente durchzuführen. Doch Drosophila kann mehr: Die Fliegen eignen sich auch hervorragend, um Entwicklung und Verhalten von holometabolen Insekten zu untersuchen.
Trichomonas vaginalis: Einzeller mit mehr Genen als der Mensch
Authors: Brennicke Axel
Published: April 2007

Ungefähr 170 Millionen Menschen stecken sich jährlich mit Trichomoniasis an. Diese Krankheit wird durch sexuelle Übertragung des einzelligen Eukaryoten Trichomonas vaginalis hervorgerufen. Trichomonas vaginalis hat keine Mitochondrien, sondern Wasserstoff bildende Hydrogenosomen. Die jetzt bestimmte Genomsequenz dieses Organismus liefert nicht nur interessante Einsichten in die Evolution, sondern eröffnet auch mögliche Ansätze für neue Therapien.
Auf Schnuppertour unter Wasser
Authors: Wendler Silke
Published: April 2007

Von Säugetieren wurde angenommen, dass sie unter Wasser ihren Geruchssinn nicht einsetzen können. Kürzlich veröffentlichte Ergebnisse geben einen Einblick in die erstaunlichen Fähigkeiten des Sternmulls Condylura cristata und der Wasserspitzmaus Sorex palustris. Diese blähen unter Wasser kleine Luftblasen vor der Nase auf und atmen diese wieder ein. Dabei nimmt die Luftblase Duftmoleküle aus der Umgebung auf und vermittelt dem Tier olfaktorische Hinweise auf Nahrungsquellen.
TNFα‐Blocker: Ursache schwerer Nebenwirkungen geklärt
Authors: Schultze Joachim L. , Popov Alexey , Driesen Julia
Published: April 2007

Eine Therapie mit Tumor‐Nekrose‐Faktor‐alpha (TNFα‐Blockern führt in der Regel zu einer wesentlichen Verbesserung der Krankheitssymptome bei Patienten mit Rheumatoider Arthritis (RA). Die mit dieser entzündlichen Gelenkerkrankung verbundenen Schmerzen werden gelindert und die Beweglichkeit der betroffenen Gelenke steigt. Allerdings birgt die Therapie Risiken. In den vergangenen Jahren stellte sich heraus, dass unter Therapie mit TNFα‐Blockern bestimmte Infektionskrankheiten zum Ausbruch kommen, die dann lebensgefährlich verlaufen können. Mit Hilfe genomischer und funktioneller Untersuchungen wurde nun die Ursache für diese Nebenwirkungen entdeckt.
Geburtsvorgang: Gehirn auf Sparflamme durch Oxytocin
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: April 2007

Die Geburt ist für Mutter und Kind ein extrem anstrengender Prozess, bei dem die Sauerstoffversorgung des Fötus sichergestellt sein muss, um bleibende Schäden am Gehirn zu vermeiden. Das mütterliche Hormon Oxytocin sorgt bei Ratten wenige Stunden vor der Geburt dafür, dass das Gehirn des Fötus seine Erregbarkeit und damit den Sauerstoffbedarf vorübergehend drosselt.
Kenia: Seegras als Nutzpflanze
Authors: Charles Muthama , Kronberg Inge
Published: April 2007

“Mtimbi” nennen die Kenianer eine Speise, die sie aus Seegraswurzeln zubereiten. Auch Flechtmatten und Hüte lassen sich aus Seegras herstellen. Solche traditionelle Nutzung war einst weltweit üblich, auch in Deutschland wurde Seegras als Polstermaterial und Düngemittel verwendet. Heute werden solche Anwendungen wieder interessant, da an den Touristenstränden der Strandanwurf aus Seegras entsorgt werden muss. Seegraswiesen sind eine bedeutende Kinderstube für Fische und andere Meerestiere, ihr Wurzelgeflecht stabilisiert den Meeresboden. Die Seegrasflächen gehen vielerorts besorgniserregend zurück. In Kenia wird dafür die unkontrollierte Zunahme von Seeigeln verantwortlich gemacht.