bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
α‐Melanocyte‐Stimulating Hormone and Oxytocin: A Peptide Signalling Cascade in the Hypothalamus
Authors: Sabatier N.
Published: July 2006

α‐Melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) and oxytocin share remarkable similarities of effects on behaviour in rats; in particular, they both inhibit feeding behaviour and stimulate sexual behaviour. Recently, we showed that α‐MSH interacts with the magnocellular oxytocin system in the supraoptic nucleus; α‐MSH induces the release of oxytocin from the dendrites of magnocellular neurones but it inhibits the secretion of oxytocin from their nerve terminals in the posterior pituitary. This effect of α‐MSH on supraoptic nucleus oxytocin neurones is remarkable for two reasons. First, it illustrates the capacity of magnocellular neurones to differentially regulate peptide release from dendrites and axons and, second, it emphasises the putative role of magnocellular neurones as a major source of central oxytocin release, and as a likely substrate of some oxytocin‐mediated behaviours. The ability of peptides to differentially control secretion from different compartments of their targets indicates one way by which peptide signals might have a particularly significant effect on neuronal circuitry. This suggests a possible explanation for the striking way in which some peptides can influence specific, complex behaviours.
Special delivery: vesicle trafficking in prokaryotes
Authors: Mashburn‐Warren Lauren M. , Whiteley Marvin
Published: July 2006

Although the observation that Gram‐negative bacteria produce outer membrane vesicles (MVs) was made over 40 years ago, their biological roles have become a focus of study only within the past 10 years. Recent progress in this area has revealed that bacterial MVs are utilized for several processes including delivery of toxins to eukaryotic cells, protein and DNA transfer between bacterial cells, and trafficking of cell–cell signals. Some of these roles appear to be generalized among the Gram‐negative bacteria while others are restricted to specific bacterial species/strains. Here we review the known roles of MVs, propose other roles for MVs in mediating interspecies and inter‐kingdom communication, and discuss the mechanism of MV formation.
Proteomic mapping of a suppressor of non‐chemotactic cheW mutants reveals that Helicobacter pylori contains a new chemotaxis protein
Authors: Terry Karianne , Go Alvin C. , Ottemann Karen M.
Published: July 2006

Bacterial chemotaxis is a colonization factor for the ulcer‐causing pathogen Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori contains genes encoding the chemotaxis signalling proteins CheW, CheA and CheY; CheW couples chemoreceptors to the CheA kinase and is essential for chemotaxis. While characterizing a cheW mutant, we isolated a spontaneous, chemotactic variant (Che+). We determined that this phenotype was caused by a genetic change unlinked to the original cheW mutation. To locate the underlying Che+ mutation, we compared total protein profiles of the non‐chemotactic mutant (cheW) with those from the cheW Che+ variant by two‐dimensional differential in‐gel electrophoresis. One protein was found only in the cheW Che+ variant. This protein was identified by MS/MS as HP0170, a hypothetical protein with no known function. DNA sequencing verified that hp0170 was mutated in the cheW Che+ suppressor, and deletion of this open reading frame in the cheW background nearly recapitulated the Che+ suppressor phenotype. Using hidden Markov models, we found that HP0170 is a remote homologue of E. coli CheZ. CheZ interacts with phosphorylated CheY and stimulates its autodephosphorylation. CheZ was not predicted to be present in ε‐proteobacteria. We found that chemotaxis in the cheW Che+ suppressor depended on both cheY and cheA. We hypothesize that a small amount of phosphorylated CheY is generated via CheA in the cheW mutant, and this amount is sufficient to affect flagellar rotation when HP0170 is removed. Our results suggest that HP0170 is a remote homologue of CheZ, and that CheZ homologues are found in a broader range of bacteria than previously supposed.
Malaria transmission‐blocking antigen, Pfs230, mediates human red blood cell binding to exflagellating male parasites and oocyst production
Authors: Eksi Saliha , Czesny Beata , Van Gemert Geert‐Jan , Sauerwein Robert W. , Eling Wijnand , Williamson Kim C.
Published: July 2006

Malaria transmission requires that the parasites differentiate into gametocytes prior to ingestion by a mosquito during a blood meal. Once in the mosquito midgut the gametocytes emerge from red blood cells (RBCs), fertilize, develop into ookinetes and finally infectious sporozoites. Gamete surface antigen, Pfs230, is an important malaria transmission‐blocking vaccine candidate, but its function has remained unclear. Two clones with distinct Pfs230 gene disruptions (Δ1.356 and Δ2.560) and a clone with a disruption of Pfs48/45 were used to evaluate the role of Pfs230 in the mosquito midgut. Pfs230 disruptants successfully emerge from RBCs and male gametes exflagellate producing microgametes. However, exflagellating Pfs230‐minus males, in the presence or absence of Pfs48/45, are unable to interact with RBCs and form exflagellation centres. Oocyst production and mosquito infectivity is also significantly reduced, 96–92% and 76–71% respectively. In contrast, in the Pfs230 disruptants the expression and localization of other known sexual stage‐specific antigens, including Pfs48/45, Pfs47, the Pfs230 paralogue (PfsMR5), Pfs16 or Pfs25, were not altered and the Pfs230‐minus gametes retained resistance to the alternative pathway of human complement. These results suggest that Pfs230 is the surface molecule on males that mediates RBC binding and plays an important role in oocyst development, a critical step in malaria transmission.
Regulated translation of listeriolysin O controls virulence of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Schnupf Pamela , Hofmann Jennifer , Norseen Julie , Glomski Ian J. , Schwartzstein Hal , Decatur Amy L.
Published: July 2006

Listeria monocytogenes is an intracytosolic bacterial pathogen that escapes from the phagosome using a secreted cytolysin, listeriolysin O (LLO). In the host cytosol, LLO activity is minimized to prevent pore formation in the host plasma membrane; premature lysis of the infected host cell exposes the bacteria to extracellular immune defences of the host and is detrimental to infection. Here we identified nucleotide substitutions in the coding sequence of the LLO gene (hly) that did not alter the protein sequence, yet caused over‐production of LLO, cytotoxicity and loss of virulence. These phenotypes were independent of the promoter and, under conditions in which the mutants produced more LLO protein than wild type, levels of hly mRNA were similar. Finally, negative regulation of LLO was maintained even when bacteria were engineered to produce elevated levels of the wild‐type hly transcript. Together, our data demonstrate that translational regulation of LLO is critical for L. monocytogenes pathogenesis.
NADK3, a novel cytoplasmic source of NADPH, is required under conditions of oxidative stress and modulates abscisic acid responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chai Mao‐Feng , Wei Peng‐Cheng , Chen Qi‐Jun , An Rui , Chen Jia , Yang Shuhua , Wang Xue‐Chen
Published: July 2006

In plants, excess reactive oxygen species are toxic molecules induced under environmental stresses, including pathogen invasions and abiotic stresses. Many anti‐oxidant defense systems have been reported to require NADPH as an important reducing energy equivalent. However, the sources of NADPH and the molecular mechanisms of maintaining cytoplasmic redox balance are unclear. Here, we report the biological function of a putative cytoplasmic NADH kinase (NADK3) in several abiotic stress responses in Arabidopsis. We found that cytoplasmic NADPH is provided mostly by the product of the NADK3 gene in Arabidopsis. Expression of he NADK3 gene is responsive to abscisic acid (ABA) and abiotic stress conditions, including methyl violgen (MV), high salinity and osmotic shock. An NADK3 null mutant showed hypersensitivity to oxidative stress in both seed germination and seedling growth. Seed germination of the mutant plants also showed increased sensitivity to ABA, salt and mannitol. Furthermore, stress‐related target genes were identified as upregulated in the mutant by mannitol and MV. Our study indicates that this cytoplasmic NADH kinase, a key source of the cellular reductant NADPH, is required for various abiotic stress responses.
The financial and clinical implications of adult malaria diagnosis using microscopy in Kenya
Authors: Zurovac D. , Larson B. A. , Akhwale W. , Snow R. W.
Published: July 2006

Objective  A recent observational study undertaken at 17 health facilities with microscopy in Kenya revealed that potential benefits of malaria microscopy are not realized because of irrational clinical practices and the low accuracy of routine microscopy. Using these data, we modelled financial and clinical implications of revised clinical practices and improved accuracy of malaria microscopy among adult outpatients under the artemether–lumefantrine (AL) treatment policy for uncomplicated malaria in Kenya.

Methods  The cost of AL, antibiotics and malaria microscopy and the expected number of malaria diagnosis errors were estimated per 1000 adult outpatients presenting at a facility with microscopy under three scenarios: (1) current clinical practice and accuracy of microscopy (option A), (2) revised clinical practice with current accuracy of microscopy (option B) and (3) revised clinical practice with improved accuracy of microscopy (option C). Revised clinical practice was defined as performing a blood slide for all febrile adults and prescribing antimalarial treatment only for positive results. Improved accuracy of routine microscopy was defined as 90% sensitivity and specificity. In the sensitivity analysis, the implications of changes in the cost of drugs and malaria microscopy and changes in background malaria prevalence were examined for each option.

Results  The costs of AL, antibiotics and malaria microscopy decreased from $2154 under option A to $1254 under option B and $892 under option C. Of the cost savings from option C, 72% was from changes in clinical practice, while 28% was from improvements in the accuracy of microscopy. Compared with 638 malaria overdiagnosis errors per 1000 adults under option A, 375 and 548 fewer overdiagnosis errors were estimated, respectively, under options B and C. At the same time, the number of missed malaria diagnoses remained generally low under all options. Sensitivity analysis showed that both options B and C are robust to a wide range of assumptions on the costs of drugs, costs of blood slides and malaria prevalence.

Conclusions  Even with the imperfect microscopy conditions at Kenyan facilities, implementation of revised clinical practice (option B) would substantially reduce the costs and errors from malaria overdiagnosis. Additional interventions to improve the accuracy of microscopy (option C) can achieve further benefits; however, improved microscopy in the absence of revised clinical practice is unlikely to generate significant cost savings. Revision of guidelines to state explicitly age‐specific indications for the use and interpretation of malaria microscopy is urgently needed. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness and costs of interventions to improve clinical practice and the accuracy of malaria microscopy.
Mapping the environmental coverage of the INDEPTH demographic surveillance system network in rural Africa
Authors: Tatem Andrew J. , Snow Robert W. , Hay Simon I.
Published: July 2006

Objectives  The INDEPTH DSS network was founded in 1998 to provide an international network of field sites for continuous demographic evaluation of populations and their health. Results from the network have been used to derive estimates of mortality, morbidity and health equity. Spatial extrapolation and logical summaries of these findings are dependent on the network covering a representative sample of the environments in a region and their interrelationships being known. Here, we investigate how comprehensive is the coverage of the network of rural DSS sites in Africa in terms of the range of ecological zones found across the continent.

Methods  We used satellite imagery to define an environmental signature for each INDEPTH DSS site, and then calculate Euclidean distances from these signatures to the environmental signatures of every image pixel across Africa. These distances were then mapped and a gridded population surface used to mask uninhabited areas to illustrate the extent of the environmental coverage of the INDEPTH network. Environmental similarities between DSS sites were also calculated, hierarchically clustered and visualized as a dendrogram to examine between site relationships. Finally, an ecozonation of Africa was used to analyse the per‐ecozone environmental similarity of the INDEPTH DSS network.

Results and conclusions  The current INDEPTH DSS network in Africa spans all the major environmental zones, but within these zones the environmental coverage of the network varies. These variations were mapped by ecozone. These maps provide valuable information in determining the confidence with which relationships derived from rural INDEPTH DSS sites can be extended to other areas. The results also indicate suites of sites that form environmentally cohesive groups and from which data can be logically summarized. Finally, the results highlight areas where the location of new INDEPTH DSS sites would increase significantly the environmental coverage of the network.
Growth of an invasive legume is symbiont limited in newly occupied habitats
Authors: Parker Matthew A. , Malek Wanda , Parker Ingrid M.
Published: July 2006

Mutualisms may play an important role in the establishment and invasion success of introduced species, but their influence is little studied. To test whether a lack of root nodule symbionts may limit the performance of invasive legumes, seedlings of Cytisus scoparius were introduced to an old‐field habitat and then either inoculated with Bradyrhizobium strains from existing C. scoparius populations, or left uninoculated. In two separate years, inoculation more than doubled average plant biomass. For uninoculated transplants, nodule formation was positively correlated with proximity to plants of the native legume Desmodium canadense, but not related to distance from a second legume species, Apios americana. Polymerase chain reaction assays and DNA sequencing confirmed that bacteria isolated from uninoculated C. scoparius plants were indistinguishable from Bradyrhizobium strains in root nodules of D. canadense. By contrast, bacterial strains associated with A. americana were never found in C. scoparius nodules. Transplants in seven other habitats across a 160 km region also showed a highly significant, fivefold biomass increase in response to inoculation. Thus, colonizing legumes can suffer from a scarcity of nodule symbionts. However, certain indigenous legumes may create favourable microhabitats for invasion, by increasing symbiont availability in their vicinity.
Response of heavily treated and relapsed hepatoblastoma in the transplanted liver to single‐agent therapy with irinotecan
Authors: Ijichi Osamu , Ishikawa Shuji , Shinkoda Yuichi , Tanabe Takayuki , Okamoto Yasuhiro , Takamatsu Hideo , Inomata Yukihiro , Kawano Yoshifumi
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  We describe here a patient with relapsed hepatoblastoma after LDLT who developed heart failure, which was treated with irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT‐11). His native liver was replaced by a liver graft from his mother at 26 months from the onset. However, LDLT failed to induce complete remission and he was diagnosed as relapsed hepatoblastoma six months after LDLT. We again administered cisplatin and doxorubicin. After six courses of chemotherapy, he developed congestive heart failure because of anthracycline toxicity. The chemotherapy regimen was therefore switched to irinotecan at 35 mg/m2 daily for three days/wk for two consecutive weeks, and repeated every 28 days. After four courses of irinotecan, metastatic lesions were remarkably reduced in size, and the serum level of AFP decreased from 0.7 million to 927 ng/mL. No severe side effects were documented and congestive heart failure improved. These results suggest that irinotecan may be safely given to a patient with relapsed hepatoblastoma after LDLT without serious side effects and may contribute to prolonging the survival.
Susceptibility of Ribes spp. to pine stem rusts in Finland
Authors: Kaitera J. , Nuorteva H.
Published: July 2006

Susceptibility of Ribes spp. to three pine stem rusts, Cronartium ribicola, Cronartium flaccidum and Peridermium pini, was investigated by inoculations both in laboratory and in greenhouse conditions, and by observing sporulation on Ribes spp. leaves under natural and artificial inoculum in 16 experiments. Twenty‐seven Ribes spp. cultivars were inoculated in 2000–2004 using 41 sources of C. ribicola aeciospores from a wide geographic range, and six Pinus spp.; 51 sources of C. flaccidum and 11 sources of P. pini from Pinus sylvestris. The results were very similar both after artificial inoculations and observations under natural inoculum in repeated experiments over the years. Cronartium ribicola uredinia and telia developed frequently or moderately on nine Ribes nigrum cultivars but were not present on two cultivars. Sporulation developed on five Ribes rubrum cultivars but was absent on two cultivars. Three Ribes uva‐crispa cultivars were only weakly susceptible to C. ribicola, while all R. alpinum cultivars were resistant to the rust. The other Ribes spp. tested, Ribes niveum, Ribes aureum, Ribes odoratum, Ribes sp. × nigrolaria, Ribes glandulosum and Ribes × culverwellii Jostaberry, were all susceptible to C. ribicola. Cultivars of R. nigrum were more susceptible than those of any other species. No significant variation in virulence of the aeciospores was observed between and among Ribes hosts over the years. Cronartium flaccidum and Peridermium pini did not form any uredinia or telia on Ribes spp. in any of the experiments.
Finnish Cronartium ribicola does not infect alternate hosts of Cronartium flaccidum
Authors: Kaitera J. , Nuorteva H.
Published: July 2006

Susceptibility of the main alternate hosts of Cronartium flaccidum, Vincetoxicum spp. and Melampyrum spp., to C. ribicola was investigated by artificial inoculations on detached leaves in the laboratory and on whole plants in the greenhouse. Neither uredinia nor telia developed on the leaves of either Vincetoxicum hirundinaria, Vincetoxicum nigrum, Melampyrum sylvaticum, Melampyrum pratense, Melampyrum nemorosum, Melampyrum arvense, Melampyrum cristatum or Melampyrum polonicum following inoculation by the 26 aeciospore sources collected from Pinus strobus, Pinus monticola, Pinus flexilis and Pinus peuce in 2000–2003. The results suggest that Finnish C. ribicola does not infect the main alternate hosts of C. flaccidum. Cronartium ribicola and C. flaccidum can thus be identified reliably by inoculations on their main alternate hosts.
Chalara fraxinea sp. nov. associated with dieback of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in Poland
Authors: Kowalski T.
Published: July 2006

A new species of the hyphomycete genus Chalara is described. It has been frequently isolated from stems and branches and sometimes also from roots of wilting and dying Fraxinus excelsior in Poland. It differs from previously described species of Chalara by its small, short cylindrical phialoconidia extruded in chains or in slimy droplets, morphological features of the phialophores and by colony characteristics. It is non‐tolerant to cycloheximide.
Heterobasidion abietinum on Abies species in western Turkey
Authors: Doğmuş‐Lehtijärvi H. T. , Lehtijärvi A. , Korhonen K.
Published: July 2006

Forty‐five basidiocarp specimens of Heterobasidion were collected from native Abies species in three locations in western Turkey: A. nordmanniana ssp. bornmülleriana in Bolu province, A. nordmanniana ssp. equi‐trojani in Balikesir province and A. cilicica in Antalya province. Pure cultures were isolated from the basidiocarps and identified to the species level with the aid of mating tests. All the specimens proved to belong to the species Heterobasidion abietinum. This root rot fungus is common in the forests investigated and appears to be relatively virulent on Abies in Turkey. This is the first report of H. abietinum outside Europe.
Genetic characterisation and breed assignment in Austrian sheep breeds using microsatellite marker information
Authors: Baumung R. , Cubric‐Curik V. , Schwend K. , Achmann R. , Sölkner J.
Published: July 2006

Samples from 717 sheep of 11 Austrian sheep breeds were genotyped for 25 microsatellite loci. Twenty‐one loci showing no deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were used to calculate pairwise genetic distances (Nei's minimum distance and Reynolds’ distance). All breeds could be clearly distinguished through these genetic distances. The shortest genetic distance was found between Alpines Steinschaf (AS) and Waldschaf (WS). Within the so‐called ‘Steinschaf’ group [AS, Montafoner Steinschaf (MS), Krainer Steinschaf (KS) and Tiroler Steinschaf (TS)] the MS adopted an extreme status with the largest distance to the other breeds in the group. This finding resulted in the decision to consider the MS no longer as subpopulation of Alpines Steinschaf but as an independent breed. A correct breed assignment using a Bayesian approach was possible for only 66% of all individuals belonging to Alpines Steinschaf, but for at least 90% of individuals for all other breeds investigated.
SNP identification, linkage and radiation hybrid mapping of the porcine lamin A/C (LMNA) gene to chromosome 4q
Authors: Wagenknecht D. , Stratil A. , Bartenschlager H. , Van Poucke M. , Peelman L.J. , Majzlík I. , Geldermann H.
Published: July 2006

The lamins are components of nuclear lamina and they have a profound influence on nuclear structure and functions. They are encoded by three genes, LMNA, LMNB1 and LMNB2. A genomic fragment of the porcine LMNA gene (822 bp; from exons 7 to 9) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and comparatively sequenced. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in intronic sequences: G162A, G208A, T367G and C618T. The SNPs are within the restriction sites for enzymes Bsh1236I, HpaII, AluI and Bsh1236I respectively. Allele frequencies at SNPs G208A, T367G and C618T were determined by using eight pig breeds. Linkage analysis in the Hohenheim Meishan × Piétrain family placed the LMNA gene in the chromosome 4q linkage group, between MEF2D and GBA (MEF2D– 3.0 cM –LMNA– 0.2 cM –GBA). In radiation hybrid mapping LMNA was most significantly linked to SW270 on chromosome 4 (39 cR; LOD = 7.86). The LMNA gene is located in the quantitative trait loci region for some carcass traits on chromosome 4q.
Genetic evaluation of somatic cell score in dairy cattle considering first and later lactations as two different but correlated traits
Authors: Negussie E. , Koivula M. , Mäntysaari E.A. , Lidauer M.
Published: July 2006

A test‐day (TD) random regression model (RRM) was described for the genetic evaluation of somatic cell score (SCS) where first and later lactations were considered as two different but correlated traits. A two‐step covariance function procedure was used to estimate variance–covariances and associated genetic parameters. Analysis of estimated breeding values (EBV), ranking of top bulls and cows and some computational aspects were used to compare RRM with TD repeatability model (RPM) and lactation average model (LAM). Residuals were analysed to assess the relative fit of TD models. Comparison between RRM and RPM showed that RRM has lower mean squared error and gave better fit to the data. For young bulls and cows, the standard deviation (SD) of EBVs was highest for RRM and lowest for LAM implying efficient utilization of information on SCS, in terms of revealing more genetic variation. A much lower correlation of EBVs ranging from 0.80 to 0.92 and significant re‐ranking of top bulls and cows were observed between RRM and LAM. The lower across‐lactation correlation between RRM and LAM indicated that LAM is directed to give more weight to first lactation breeding values. The RRM, where SCS in the first and later lactations was considered as two different but correlated traits was able to make effective use of available information on young bulls and cows, and could offer an opportunity to breeders to utilize EBVs for first and later lactations.
Evaluation of the efficiency of alternative two‐tier nucleus breeding systems designed to improve meat sheep in Kenya
Authors: Gicheha M.G. , Kosgey I.S. , Bebe B.O. , Kahi A.K.
Published: July 2006

A deterministic approach was used to genetically and economically evaluate the efficiency of five two‐tier nucleus breeding systems for meat sheep in Kenya. The nucleus breeding systems differed in terms of whether the system was closed or open, in the type of animals that were involved in the movement of genetic superiority and in the number of selection pathways in each system. These systems were compared under four alternative breeding objectives based on monetary genetic gain and profit per ewe. The first objective simulated a situation where the flock size cannot be increased due to non‐feed related constraints (FLOCK). The second specifically assumed that the flock size is restricted due to limited amount of feed resources (FEED). The third and fourth objectives assumed that sheep performed only tangible roles (TR) and both tangible and intangible roles (IR) in the production system respectively. Monetary genetic gains were highest for all objectives in an open nucleus system with a certain proportion of commercial‐born ewes being introduced in the nucleus while at the same time utilizing young rams from the nucleus to breed sires and dams for the nucleus and commercial sector (ONyre). Utilizing young rams in a closed nucleus system for the dissemination of superior genes resulted in higher annual monetary genetic gain than utilization of old rams. Profit per ewe was significantly higher for FLOCK and IR in ONyre. In a closed system that allowed for downward movement of dams from the nucleus to the commercial sector to breed sires and dams, profit per ewe was highest for FEED and TR. The success of a nucleus breeding system should also focus on the profitability and logistics of establishing it. The implication of these results on the choice of two‐tier nucleus breeding systems for the improvement of meat sheep is discussed.
Microsatellite‐based diversity analysis and genetic relationships of three Indian sheep breeds
Authors: Mukesh M. , Sodhi M. , Bhatia S.
Published: July 2006

The genetic structure of three Indian sheep breeds from two different geographical locations (Nali, Chokla from north‐western arid and semi‐arid region; Garole from eastern saline marshy region) of India was investigated by means of 11 ovine‐specific microsatellite markers as proposed in FAOs MoDAD programme. Microsatellite analysis revealed high allelic and gene diversity in all the three breeds. Nali sheep showed higher mean number of alleles and gene diversity (6.27 and 0.65) than Chokla (5.63 and 0.64) and Garole (5.63 and 0.59). High within population inbreeding estimates observed in the three breeds (FIS, Chokla = 0.286, Nali = 0.284, Garole = 0.227) reflected deficit of heterozygotes. The overall estimates for F‐statistics were significantly (p < 0.05) different from zero. High values of FST (0.183) across all the loci revealed substantial degree of breed differentiation. Based on pair wise FST and Nm between different breeds, Nali and Chokla (FST = 6.62% and Nm = 4.80) were observed to be the closest followed by Garole and Nali (FST = 20.9% and Nm = 1.80), and Garole and Chokla (FST = 21.4% and Nm = 1.71). In addition, genetic distance estimates, phylogeny analysis and individual assignment test used to evaluate interbreed genetic proximity and population structure also revealed substantial genetic differentiation between Garole and the other two Rajasthani (Nali and Chokla) sheep. This divergent status of Garole sheep indicated genetic uniqueness of this breed suggesting higher priority for its conservation.
Response to intensity of reproduction in mouse lines resistant or susceptible to fescue toxicosis
Authors: Wood S.L. , Hohenboken W.D. , Kuehn L.A.
Published: July 2006

Our objective was to examine whether mouse lines divergently selected for response to fescue toxicosis differed in the impact of increasing reproductive intensity on growth, final weight or first and second parity reproduction. Resistant (R) and susceptible (S) females were never mated (NR), mated only once (low reproduction, LR), mated after their first litter was weaned (moderate reproduction, MR) or paired continuously with a male (high reproduction, HR), allowing concurrent pregnancy and lactation. Final weight was significantly higher in mated than in not mated females (31.6 ± 0.6, 35.9 ± 0.6, 36.8 ± 0.6 and 37.2 ± 0.5 g for NR, LR, MR and HR females respectively), but the effect of increasing reproductive intensity was similar in both lines. Neither genetic line, reproductive treatment (LR and MR versus HR) nor their interaction affected first parity traits of dams or pups. In second parity, S dams produced larger litters at birth and weaning and heavier litters at birth than R dams, and MR dams produced more pups and heavier litters than HR dams. As with first litters, however, line by reproductive treatment interactions were not significant or important. Concurrent pregnancy and lactation (the HR treatment) had a similar dampening impact on the expected increase in litter size between first and second parity of both lines. Thus, lines divergently selected for toxicosis response did not differ significantly in the impact of increasing reproductive intensity on dam or pup growth, reproductive output through two parities or mature size. This conclusion should not be generalized. Selection responses in livestock should be monitored to ensure that improvement in one trait does not lead to deterioration in others.
Studies on the tryptophan requirement of lactating sows. Part 1: Estimation of the tryptophan requirement by performance
Authors: Paulicks B. R. , Pampuch F. G. , Roth‐Maier D. A.
Published: July 2006

Mature sows were evenly assigned to six dietary treatments, which differed only in the concentration of total (apparent ileal digestible, AID) tryptophan (Trp) amounting per kg feed to 1.2 g (0.8 g) to 4.2 g (3.8 g) in diets 1–6. For a total of 72 lactations (28 days) sows’ feed intake was measured daily and body weight was measured on day 110 of pregnancy and on days 1 and 28 of lactation. Litter size was standardized to 10–12 piglets within 1 week after farrowing. The piglets were weighed at days 1, 21 and 28. Milk yield was recorded by the weigh‐suckle‐weigh method on days 20 and 21. Concentrations of milk fat and protein were measured in manually drawn samples (days 20 and 21) by infrared spectroscopy. Average daily feed intake of the sows was 3.4, 4.7, 4.7, 6.1, 5.1 and 4.7 kg (diets 1–6 respectively, p < 0.001). Body weight losses of the sows during lactation were 30.8, 16.9, 19.2, 9.5, 14.1 and 13.1 kg (diets 1–6 respectively, p < 0.05). Milk output in the average of days 20 and 21 was 6840, 8192, 8362, 9035, 8618 and 8140 g/day, respectively (p < 0.01). There were no differences in milk fat or protein contents. Daily weight gain of the piglets in the average of lactation was 157, 184, 184, 187, 185 and 177 g, respectively (p < 0.10). Based on the results of this study the estimated Trp requirement of lactating sows for optimal performance was calculated with 1.9 g AID Trp/kg in the lactation diet (according to 2.0 g true ileal digestible Trp and approximately 2.6 g Trp on total basis).
Studies on the tryptophan requirement of lactating sows. Part 2: Estimation of the tryptophan requirement by physiological criteria
Authors: Pampuch F. G. , Paulicks B. R. , Roth‐Maier D. A.
Published: July 2006

Mature sows were fed for a total of 72 lactations with diets which provided an adequate supply of energy and nutrients except for tryptophan (Trp). By supplementing a basal diet [native 1.2 g Trp/kg, equivalent to 0.8 g apparent ileal digestible (AID) Trp or 0.9 g true ileal digestible (TID) Trp] with L‐Trp, five further diets (2–6) containing 1.5–4.2 g Trp/kg were formulated. The dietary Trp content had no effect on amino acid contents in milk on days 20 and 21 of lactation, but Trp in blood plasma on day 28 of lactation reflected the alimentary Trp supply with an increase from 2.74 ± 1.14 mg/l (diet 1) to 23.91 ± 7.53 mg/l (diet 6; p < 0.001). There were no directional differences between the diets with regard to the other amino acids. Concentrations of urea in milk and blood were higher with diet 1 (211 and 272 mg/l, respectively) than with diets 3–6 (183 and 227 mg/l, respectively). Serotonin levels in the blood serum were lower with diet 1 (304 ng/ml) than the average of diets 4–6 (540 ng/ml). This study confirms previously given recommendations for the Trp content in the diet of lactating sows, estimated by means of performance, of 1.9 g AID Trp (equivalent to 2.0 g TID Trp; approximately 2.6 g gross Trp) per kg diet.
Histopathological study of the spreading neoplastic cells in cervical glands and surface epithelia in cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia and microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma: Ki‐67 immunostaining is a useful marker for pathological diagnosis from the gland involvement site
Authors: Kimura Miki , Matsumoto Toshiharu , Morizane Toshio , Sonoue Hiroshi , Ogishima Daiki , Kinoshita Katsuyuki
Published: July 2006

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the spreading status of neoplastic cells in the cervical glands and surface epithelia in cervical intra‐epithelial neoplasia (CIN) and microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma (MiSCC), and to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of Ki‐67 immunostaining from the gland involvement (GI) site. Cervical conization samples from 120 patients, including 110 with CIN (CIN1, n = 2; CIN2, n = 21; CIN3, n = 87) and 10 patients with MiSCC, was examined using HE and Ki‐67 immunostaining. The linear extent, lateral extent in the surface epithelia and depth of GI were significantly increased from CIN1 to MiSCC. A significant correlation was found between the linear extent and lateral extent, between the linear extent and depth, and between the lateral extent and depth. These results indicated that the size of the surface epithelial lesion and the depth in CIN gradually increased in accordance with the grade of CIN, and that GI became deeper according to the increase in the size of the surface epithelial lesion. The Ki‐67 labeling index in the GI site gradually increased from CIN1 to MiSCC, which indicated that Ki‐67 immunostaining is a useful marker for the pathological diagnosis of CIN from the GI site.
Benign clear (sugar) cell tumor of the lung with CD1a expression
Authors: Adachi Yoshin , Kitamura Yukisato , Nakamura Hiroshige , Taniguchi Yuji , Miwa Ken , Horie Yasushi , Hayashi Kazuhiko
Published: July 2006

Reported herein is a case of benign clear cell tumor of the lung in a 60‐year‐old man. Chest X‐ray and CT examination revealed an abnormal nodule with homogenous density and a clear margin in the lower lobe of the left lung. The resected tumor was 13 mm in size, well‐circumscribed and was graysh‐white on cut surface. Histological examination showed a diffuse growth pattern of polygonal tumor cells with indented and pleomorphic nuclei, and clear abundant cytoplasm with a distinct cell border surrounded by thin‐walled vascular spaces and sinusoid‐type vessels. The clear cytoplasm contained numerous glycogen granules as demonstrated by PAS staining. In the present case there was focal immunoreactivity for S‐100 protein, HMB‐45, neuron‐specific enolase, cathepsin B and melan A, which are consistent with reported immunohistochemical staining patterns of benign clear cell tumor. Based on these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as a benign clear cell tumor of the lung. Although most clear cell tumors are considered to belong to the family of neoplasms with perivascular epithelioid cell differentiation (PEComas), histogenesis of benign clear cell tumor of the lung has remained unclear. This first report of CD1a expression in this tumor might provide a new insight into its histogenesis and diagnosis.
Solitary fibrous tumor of the thyroid gland: Report of two cases and review of the literature
Authors: Tanahashi Jin , Kashima Kenji , Daa Tsutomu , Kondoh Yoshiyuki , Suzuki Masashi , Kerakawauchi Hideomi , Yokoyama Shigeo
Published: July 2006

Presented herein are the first two Japanese cases of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the thyroid gland. The patients were 64‐ and 41‐year‐old men, who underwent hemithyroidectomy for thyroid tumors. Histopathologically, the tumors were well circumscribed, and were composed of spindle cells, collagen bundles and entrapped thyroid follicles. Spindle cells and collagen bundles were mostly in a patternless arrangement with an admixture of hypo‐ and hypercellular areas. Proliferating spindle cells were bland, slender, and occasionally wavy without any atypia and increased mitotic figures. Immunohistochemically, they were strongly positive for CD34, CD99, and bcl‐2, but negative for epithelial membrane antigen, keratin, thyroglobulin, calcitonin, thyroid transcription factor‐1, α‐smooth muscle actin, desmin, S‐100 protein and CD117. Based on these findings, the two patients were diagnosed as having thyroid SFT. Neither local recurrence nor metastasis has been observed in 5 years in patient 1 or in 4 years in patient 2. Thyroid SFT is extremely rare, and only 20 cases have been reported in the English‐language literature including hemangiopericytoma. Although recurrence or metastasis has not been described in any reported cases, the clinical behavior of SFT is still undetermined, therefore long‐term follow up seems necessary at present.
Choroidal neovascularization in a child with traumatic choroidal rupture: clinical and ultrastructural findings
Authors: Abri Adele , Binder Susanne , Pavelka Margit , Tittl Michael , Neumüller Josef
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Choroidal neovascularization in children is uncommon and mostly associated with inflammation, infectious diseases or trauma. The clinical and histological findings of a choroidal neovascular membrane that developed in a 9‐year‐old boy after traumatic choroidal rupture are reported.
First development of a polyurethane keratoprosthesis and its Australian connection: an unbeknown episode in the history of artificial cornea
Authors: Chirila Traian V
Published: July 2006

Abstract

This paper is aimed at establishing a particular chronological priority issue in the convoluted history of artificial cornea. According to existing records, the first keratoprosthesis made from polyurethane was developed by Caldwell and Jacob‐Labarre in the late 1980s. This paper demonstrates that in fact the first polyurethane keratoprosthesis was proposed and designed in 1985 by Lawrence Hirst, an Australian ophthalmologist then working in St Louis, USA. The first prototype was manufactured in January 1986 by Thermedics Inc according to Dr Hirst’s instructions from Tecoflex, a transparent polyurethane developed by the same company. This keratoprosthesis, which also had a porous skirt, was inserted intralamellarly in a monkey cornea and followed up clinically for about 3 months. There were no significant postoperative complications, and the histology of the explant indicated proper biointegration of the prosthetic skirt within the host stromal tissue. Because of a delay in the manufacture of further prototypes and to Dr Hirst’s decision to return to Australia, the project was eventually abandoned. As no report was published on this development, the present paper is entirely based on original documents held in Dr Hirst’s archives.
Incidence and risk factors of Nd:YAG capsulotomy after phacoemulsification in non‐diabetic and diabetic patients
Authors: Elgohary Mostafa A , Dowler Jonathan G
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Purpose:  To estimate the cumulative incidence and identify the risk factors of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) that required Nd:YAG capsulotomy in non‐diabetic and diabetic patients.

Methods:  Retrospective case‐note review of 806 consecutive patients that underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, 327 (40.6%) of whom were diabetic.

Results:  The cumulative incidence of Nd:YAG capsulotomy were 10.6%, 14.8%, 21.2% and 28.6% in non‐diabetic patients; and 9%, 9.4%, 15.3% and 5.3% in diabetic patients after 1, 2, 3 and 4 years, respectively. A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that, over the follow‐up period, diabetes mellitus was associated with a decreased risk of Nd:YAG capsulotomy (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–0.99; P = 0.047), whereas age of 65 years or younger (HR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.09–2.27; P = 0.02), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (HR = 3.98; 95% CI 1.60–9.95; P = 0.003) or plate‐haptic silicone IOLs (HR = 3.75; 95% CI 1.60–8.80; P = 0.002) in comparison with three‐piece silicone IOLs, postoperative inflammation (HR = 2.62; 95% CI 1.56–4.42; P < 0.001) and pars plana vitrectomy (HR = 1.85; 95% CI 1.20–2.83; P = 0.005) were associated with an increased risk. Subgroup analysis showed that in non‐diabetic patients, male gender (HR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.04–2.57; P = 0.03) was an additional risk factor and in diabetic patients there was no significant association between diabetes type, duration or retinopathy grade and the risk of Nd:YAG capsulotomy.

Conclusion:  Although diabetes mellitus appears to be associated with a lower long‐term incidence and a decreased risk of Nd:YAG capsulotomy, younger age, pars plana vitrectomy, postoperative inflammation, plate‐haptic silicone and PMMA IOLs in addition to male gender in non‐diabetic patients appear to be associated with a greater risk. Estimation of the incidence and risk factors of PCO should help in patient counselling and to design methods to reduce or prevent its development.
Effects of central corneal thickness and corneal curvature on the intraocular pressure measurement by Goldmann applanation tonometer and ocular blood flow pneumatonometer
Authors: Saleh Tarek A , Adams Morag , McDermott Bill , Claridge Kate G , Ewings Paul
Published: July 2006

Abstract

Purpose:  To assess the effects of central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal curvature (CC) on the measurements of intraocular pressure (IOP) using Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and the ocular blood flow pneumatonometer (OBFT).

Methods:  104 patients were recruited from a glaucoma clinic. The CCT was measured using ultrasound pachymetry and the mean radius of CC using a keratometer. The IOP of each eye was measured using both GAT and the OBFT in a random order. Right eyes only were analysed for statistical purposes.

Results:  The mean (±SD) IOP by GAT and OBFT was 18.2 mmHg (±4.4) and 18.2 mmHg (±4.0), respectively, with no statistically significant difference. IOP measurement with both instruments varied with CCT and CC. GAT showed an IOP increase of 0.40 mmHg per 10 µm increase of CCT and OBFT showed an increase of 0.38 mmHg in IOP per 10 µm increase of CCT. Multiple regression analysis showed that the effect of CCT was statistically significant (P < 0.001) on IOP recorded by both the GAT and OBFT but CC did not have a statistically significant effect on IOP recordings performed by either technique.

Conclusion:  IOP measurements by GAT and OBFT are positively correlated with CCT with both tonometers being similarly affected. There was no significant correlation between CC and IOP measured by either tonometer.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 is an endogenous mediator of focal ischemia‐induced neural progenitor proliferation
Authors: Yan Yi‐Ping , Sailor Kurt A. , Vemuganti Raghu , Dempsey Robert J.
Published: July 2006

The adult mammalian brain contains resident neural progenitors in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus (DG) and the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles. The proliferation of neural progenitors increases after focal cerebral ischemia in both of these regions, but the mechanisms that promote ischemia‐induced neural progenitor proliferation are not yet understood. We hypothesize that diffusible factors from the ischemic area play a role in this process as the DG is remote from the area of infarction. In this study, we observed that the peak of neural progenitor proliferation in the ipsilateral DG was between day 2 and day 4 of reperfusion after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats. GeneChip and real‐time PCR analysis showed a three‐ to 102‐fold increase in the expression of 15 diffusible, mitogenic factors in the ischemic cortex at 3 days of reperfusion. Of these, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) showed increased protein expression in the activated astrocytes in the ischemic penumbra. In addition, the progenitors in both the SVZ and DG showed IGF‐1 receptor expression. Inhibiting IGF‐1 activity by introcerebroventricular infusion of IGF‐1 antibody significantly prevented the ischemia‐induced neural progenitor proliferation. These results indicate that IGF‐1 formed in the ischemic penumbra might be one of the diffusible factors that mediate post‐ischemic neural progenitor proliferation.
The role of GABAAβ2 subunit‐containing receptors in mediating the anticonvulsant and sedative effects of loreclezole
Authors: Groves James O. , Guscott Martin R. , Hallett David J. , Rosahl Thomas W. , Pike Andrew , Davies Amy , Wafford Keith A. , Reynolds David S.
Published: July 2006

The majority of inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain is mediated by the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A (GABAA) receptor. The anticonvulsant loreclezole largely acts by potentiating GABAA receptors containing β2 and β3 subunits. We used a genetically modified mouse containing a loreclezole‐insensitive β2 subunit (β2N265S) to determine the role of this subunit in mediating the sedative and anticonvulsive effects of loreclezole. Sedation was assessed by measuring spontaneous locomotor activity and beam walking performance, and anticonvulsant efficacy was determined by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and amygdala kindling‐induced seizures. The β2N265S mice did not exhibit loreclezole‐mediated sedation as shown by normal locomotor activity and beam walking performance. However, loreclezole also failed to provide significant protection against PTZ‐induced seizures in the β2N265S mice. Reduced efficacy against amygdala‐kindled seizures, both acutely and over a 13‐day chronic dosing study, was also observed in β2N265S mice. These results suggest that the majority of the sedative effects and a significant proportion of the anticonvulsant efficacy of loreclezole are mediated via β2‐containing GABAA receptors.