bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An unusual case of both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Siu Y.P. , Tong M.K.H. , Kwok Y.L. , Leung K.T. , Kwan T.H. , Lam C.S. , Au T.C.
Published: July 2008

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Extrapulmonary infection involving the intestine is rare and poses diagnostic difficulties.

Case report. A 49‐year‐old man with IgA nephropathy underwent a kidney transplantation in 1996 and was put on cyclosporine, azathioprine, and steroid. He suffered from a recurrence of his primary kidney disease and had a gradual deterioration of renal function since 1998. By 2005, he presented with an unusual gastrointestinal (GI) symptom with alternating signs of upper GI bleeding – melena – as well as lower GI bleeding with fresh rectal bleeding, resulting in severe anemia with hemoglobin level down to 5.0 g/dL. At the same time, his renal function further deteriorated and necessitated the initiation of dialysis while he was maintained on low‐dose immunosuppressive drugs. Repeated upper and lower GI endoscopies were either unremarkable or revealed non‐specific lesions. Symptoms persisted and exploratory laparotomy finally showed a 1 cm submucosal mass at the proximal jejunum and multiple inflammatory lesions at the terminal ileum. Segmental resection of the lesions was performed and confirmed TB infection. However, despite the initiation of anti‐tuberculous treatment, the patient eventually died of complications.

Conclusion. Diagnosing TB intestinal infection is a clinical challenge. A high index of suspicion in susceptible subjects is necessary, and early surgical intervention should always be considered when facing diagnostic uncertainties.
Infectious complications in chronic graft‐versus‐host disease: a retrospective study of 145 recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with reduced‐ and conventional‐intensity conditioning regimens
Authors: Yamasaki S. , Heike Y. , Mori S. , Fukuda T. , Maruyama D. , Kato R. , Usui E. , Koido K. , Kim S. , Tanosaki R. , Tobinai K. , Teshima T. , Takaue Y.
Published: July 2008

Abstract: To assess infectious complications associated with chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with reduced‐ and conventional‐intensity conditioning regimens (RIC, n=91; CIC, n=54, respectively), we retrospectively analyzed data from 145 consecutive patients with cGVHD after allogeneic HSCT from a human leukocyte antigen‐matched related or unrelated donor. In the present retrospective analysis, 57% (83/145) of patients with cGVHD developed infections, with a mortality rate of 27% (22/83). The incidences of bacteremia (n=28), central venous catheter‐related infections (n=11), bacterial pneumonia (n=4), invasive aspergillosis (n=7), and adenoviral hemorrhagic cystitis (n=8) were significantly higher in patients with prednisolone dose ≥1 mg/kg at the time of diagnosis of cGVHD. The present results suggest that infections associated with cGVHD, especially after high‐dose prednisolone, are predictive of poor outcome regardless of whether the patient received RIC or CIC.
Modulation of spinal inhibitory reflex responses to cutaneous nociceptive stimuli during upper limb movement
Authors: Don Romildo , Pierelli Francesco , Ranavolo Alberto , Serrao Mariano , Mangone Massimiliano , Paoloni Marco , Cacchio Angelo , Sandrini Giorgio , Santilli Valter
Published: July 2008

In the present study we investigated the probability, latency and duration of the inhibitory component of the withdrawal reflex elicited by painful electrical stimulation of the index finger in humans. The stimulus consisted of a train of high‐intensity pulses. The investigation was carried out in several upper limb muscles during isometric contractions of different strengths and during a motor sequence consisting of reaching, picking up and transporting an object. We used a new algorithm to detect and characterize the inhibitory reflex. The reflex was found in all muscles except the brachioradialis at all the isometric contraction strengths, and showed a distal‐to‐proximal gradient of latency and duration. Conversely, during movement the reflex probability was high (> 80%) in the anterior deltoid and triceps muscles during reaching, in the extensor carpi radialis muscle during transporting of the object, and in the first interosseous muscle during both picking up and transporting of the object. This modulation of inhibitory reflex transmission in the upper limb muscles suggests that the motor response is organized in such a way as to inhibit the overall ongoing motor task by interrupting motion during reaching and by releasing the object during transporting. This pattern of modulation appears to differ markedly from that previously reported for the excitatory component of the withdrawal reflex. Study of the nociceptive inhibitory reflexes during movement offers new and more profound insights into the functional anatomical organization of the spinal interneuronal network mediating sensory–motor integration.
Premotor sympathetic neurons of conditioned fear in the rat
Authors: Carrive Pascal , Gorissen Marika
Published: July 2008

Conditioned fear to context, a pure form of psychological stress, is associated with sympathetically mediated changes including a marked hypertension. To identify the possible premotor sympathetic neurons mediating these changes, we conducted double‐immunolabelling experiments combining fear‐induced Fos with retrograde tracing from the thoracic cord (T2‐L1). Presympathetic groups showing the greatest increase in the proportion of spinally projecting cells double‐labelled with Fos compared with resting controls were the perifornical area (PeF; 22.7% vs. 0.4%) and paraventricular nucleus (Pa; 10.5% vs. 0.2%) in the hypothalamus, and the A5 noradrenergic group (33.6% vs. 0.2%) in the pons. In contrast, there was only a small increase in the presympathetic groups of the rostral ventral medulla, including the lateral paragigantocellular group (LPGi; 4.3% vs. 0.5%), raphe magnus and pallidus (1.1% vs. 0.6% and 1.8% vs. 0.5%), and the vasopressor group of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM; 1.9% vs. 0.8%). PeF, Pa, A5 and LPGi accounted for 21, 15, 16 and 6% of all the double‐labelled cells, respectively, and RVLM for only 1%. Double‐immunolabelling of Fos and tyrosine hydroxylase confirmed that many A5 neurons were activated (19%) and that practically no C1 neurons in RVLM were (1.3%). The results suggest that the main premotor sympathetic drive of the fear response comes from hypothalamic (PeF and Pa) and A5 neurons that project directly to the thoracic cord and bypass medullary presympathetic groups, and that the vasopressor premotor sympathetic neurons of the RVLM are unlikely to mediate the hypertensive pressure response of contextual fear.
Spatial coordinate systems for tactile spatial attention depend on developmental vision: evidence from event‐related potentials in sighted and congenitally blind adult humans
Authors: Röder Brigitte , Föcker Julia , Hötting Kirsten , Spence Charles
Published: July 2008

Changes in limb posture (such as crossing the hands) can impair people’s performance in tasks such as those involving temporal order judgements, when one tactile stimulus is presented to either hand. This crossed hands deficit has been attributed to a conflict between externally and anatomically anchored reference systems when people localize tactile stimuli. Interestingly, however, the performance of congenitally blind adults does not seem to be affected by crossing the hands, suggesting a default use of an anatomically rather than an externally anchored reference system for tactile localization. In the present study, 12 congenitally blind and 12 sighted adults were instructed to attend to either the left or the right hand on a trial‐by‐trial basis in order to detect rare deviants (consisting of a double touch) at that hand, while ignoring both deviants at the other hand and frequent standard stimuli (consisting of a single touch) presented to either hand. Only the sighted participants performed less accurately when they crossed their hands. Concurrent electroencephalogram recordings revealed an early contralateral attention positivity, followed by an attention negativity in the sighted group when they adopted the uncrossed hands posture. For the crossed hand posture, only the attention negativity was observed with reduced amplitude in the sighted group. By contrast, the congenitally blind group displayed an event‐related potential attention negativity that did not vary when the posture of their hands was changed. These results demonstrate that the default use of an external frame of reference for tactile localization seems to depend on developmental vision.
Dopamine release in organotypic cultures of foetal mouse mesencephalon: effects of depolarizing agents, pargyline, nomifensine, tetrodotoxin and calcium
Authors: Larsen Trine R. , Rossen Sine , Gramsbergen Jan B.
Published: July 2008

Organotypic mesencephalic cultures provide an attractivein vitroalternative to study development of the nigrostriatal system and pathophysiological mechanisms related to Parkinson’s disease. However, dopamine (DA) release mechanisms have been poorly characterized in such cultures. We report here endogenous DA release (assessed by high‐performance liquid chromatography) in organotypic cultures of foetal mouse (E12) midbrain following single or multiple challenges (1‐h incubations) with high K+or veratridine in the presence or absence of pargyline, nomifensine, calcium and/or tetrodotoxin (TTX). Basal (i.e. spontaneous) DA release was only detected in the presence of pargyline and nomifensine (PN), and was highly dependent on calcium and sensitive to TTX. Basal DA release increased 2.4‐fold between week 3 (1st DA release experiment) and week 4in vitro(3rd DA release experiment), DA tissue levels increased 1.6‐fold and DA release expressed as a percentage of total DA (medium + tissue contents) increased from 20% to 34% during this growth periodin vitro. Co‐treatments with high K+or veratridine did not cause major changes in percentages of DA release. Tyrosine hydroxylase activity was increased by high K+, but not by the other drug treatments. The acute (single or multiple) treatments with depolarizing agents did not affect the survival of dopaminergic neurons, but chronic low‐level veratridine treatments were toxic.
Comparison of spatial integration and surround suppression characteristics in spiking activity and the local field potential in macaque V1
Authors: Gieselmann M. A. , Thiele A.
Published: July 2008

Neurons in primary visual cortex exhibit well documented centre–surround receptive field organization, whereby the centre is dominated by excitatory influences and the surround is generally dominated by inhibitory influences. These effects have largely been established by measuring the output of neurons, i.e. their spiking activity. How excitation and inhibition are reflected in the local field potential (LFP) is little understood. As this can bear on the interpretation of human fMRI BOLD data and on our understanding of the mechanisms of local field potential oscillations, we measured spatial integration and centre–surround properties in single‐ and multiunit recordings of V1 in the awake fixating macaque monkey, and compared these to spectral power in different frequency bands of simultaneously recorded LFPs. We quantified centre–surround organization by determining the size of the summation and suppression area in spiking activity as well as in different frequency bands of the LFP, with the main focus on the gamma band. Gratings extending beyond the summation area usually inhibited spiking activity while the LFP gamma‐band activity increased monotonically for all grating sizes. This increase was maximal for stimuli infringing upon the near classical receptive field surround, where suppression started to dominate spiking activity. Thus, suppressive influences in primary cortex can be inferred from spiking activity, but they also seem to affect specific features of gamma‐band LFP activity.
Nociceptive spinothalamic tract and postsynaptic dorsal column neurons are modulated by paraventricular hypothalamic activation
Authors: Rojas‐Piloni Gerardo , Martínez‐Lorenzana Guadalupe , DelaTorre Salvador , Condés‐Lara Miguel
Published: July 2008

Previously, we demonstrated that stimulation of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus diminishes the nociceptive dorsal horn neuronal responses, and this decrease was mediated by oxytocin in the rat. In addition, we have proposed that oxytocin indirectly inhibits sensory transmission in dorsal horn neurons by exciting spinal inhibitory GABAergic interneurons. The main purpose of the present study was to identify which of the neurons projecting to supraspinal structures to transmit somatic information are modulated by the hypothalamic‐spinal descending activation. In anaesthetized rats, single‐unit extracellular and juxtacellular recordings were made from dorsal horn lumbar segments, which receive afferent input from the toe and hind‐paw regions. The projecting spinothalamic tract and postsynaptic dorsal column system were identified antidromically. Additionally, in order to label the projecting dorsal horn neurons, we injected fluorescent retrograde neuronal tracers into the ipsilateral gracilis nucleus and contralateral ventroposterolateral thalamic nucleus. Hence, juxtacellular recordings were made to iontophoretically label the recorded neurons with a fluorescent dye and identify the recorded projecting cells. We found that only nociceptive evoked responses in spinothalamic tract and postsynaptic dorsal column neurons were significantly inhibited (48.1 ± 4.6 and 47.7 ± 8.2%, respectively) and non‐nociceptive responses were not affected by paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus stimulation. We conclude that the hypothalamic‐spinal system selectively affects the transmission of nociceptive information of projecting spinal cord cells.
LABOR MOBILITY OF IMMIGRANTS: TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, LANGUAGE, AND OPPORTUNITIES*
Authors: Cohen‐Goldner Sarit , Eckstein Zvi
Published: July 2008

This article analyzes the labor mobility and human capital accumulation of male immigrants from the former Soviet Union to Israel. We estimate a dynamic choice model for employment and training in blue‐ and white‐collar occupations, where the labor market randomly offered opportunities are affected by past choices. The estimated model accurately reproduces the patterns in the data. The estimated direct earning return to local training, local experience, and knowledge of Hebrew are very high, whereas imported skills have zero (conditional) return. The welfare gain from the impact of training on job offer probabilities is larger than its effect on wages.
DIVIDED WE STAND, UNITED WE FALL: THE HUME‐NORTH‐JONES MECHANISM FOR THE RISE OF EUROPE*
Authors: Karayalçin Cem
Published: July 2008

The “great divergence” between Europe and the rest of the world occurred relatively recently. What enabled Europe, with all its laggards, to dominate the previously successful Eastern economies? This article emphasizes one important mechanism, highlighting the contrast between the European states system and Eastern empires. Political competition for a mobile tax base in a states system forces rulers to provide relatively more secure property rights. By effectively limiting the “exit” options of the ruled, an empire rewards its ruler with a captive tax base that can be subjected to higher levels of expropriation. As a result, the states system encourages faster capital accumulation and growth.
The Association of Different Right Atrium Anatomical‐Functional Characteristics Correlates with the Risk of Paradoxical Stroke: An Intracardiac Echocardiographic Study
Authors: RIGATELLI GIANLUCA , CARDAIOLI PAOLO , DELL'AVVOCATA FABIO , GIORDAN MASSIMO , BRAGGION GABRIELE , AGGIO SILVIO , CHINAGLIA MAURO , RONCON LORIS
Published: July 2008

Background:

The contribution of different right atrium anatomical‐functional characteristics to the risk of paradoxical stroke has not been extensively investigated, probably in part because of the limits of standard echocardiography.

Objective:

We sought to assess, using intracardiac echocardiography (ICE), the right atrium anatomical‐functional characteristics and their role in the pathophysiology of paradoxical embolism in a sample of patent foramen ovale (PFO) patients undergoing transcatheter PFO closure.

Methods:

Over a 36‐month period, we prospectively enrolled 114 consecutive patients (mean age 38+/− 10.5 years, 67 female) referred to our center for PFO catheter‐based closure. On ICE study, all sensible characteristics other than PFO and mild ASA were recorded, including prominent EV or large CN, basal shunt without Valsalva maneuver, moderate to severe ASA, and multiperforated fossa ovalis.

Results:

After TEE and ICE study and measurements, a prominent EV or CN was diagnosed on ICE in 73%, a basal shunt was present in 48%, a moderate to severe ASA in 47%, and a multiperforated FO in 24% of patients. A tight correlation between number of concurrent factors and proportion of patients with curtain pattern on TC Doppler, larger right‐to‐left shunt, recurrent cerebral paradoxical embolism before closure, and migraine with aura was clearly evident (r ≥= 0.97). Basal shunt and concurrent ≥= 3 anatomical functional right atrium characteristics resulted as independent predictors of recurrent paradoxical embolisms.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that right atrium anatomical‐functional characteristics other than PFO and mild ASA as assessed by ICE deeply affect the pathophysiology of paradoxical stroke.
Long‐Term Clinical Outcomes of the Drug‐Eluting Stents in the Real World (DESIRE) Registry
Authors: SOUSA AMANDA , COSTA, Jr J. RIBAMAR , MOREIRA ADRIANA C. , CANO MANUEL , MALDONADO GALO , COSTA RICARDO A. , PAVANELLO RICARDO , ROMANO EDSON R. , CAMPOS CANTIDIO , HADDAD NAGIB , ABIZAID ALEXANDRE , FERES FAUSTO , MATTOS LUIZ ALBERTO , STAICO RODOLFO , SOUSA J. EDUARDO
Published: July 2008

Background: Recently, cardiologists have treated more complex patients and lesions with drug‐eluting stents (DES). However, long‐term efficacy and safety of the off‐label use of these new devices is yet to be demonstrated.

Methods: The Drug‐Eluting Stents in the Real World (DESIRE) registry is a prospective, nonrandomized single‐center registry with consecutive patients treated solely with DES between May 2002 and May 2007. The primary end‐point was long‐term occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Patients were clinically evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months and then annually up to 5 years.

Results: A total of 2,084 patients (2,864 lesions and 3,120 DES) were included. The mean age was 63.8 ± 11.5 years. Diabetes was detected in 28.9% and 40.7% presented with acute coronary syndrome. Cypher™ was the predominant DES in this registry (83.5%). Mean follow‐up time was 2.6 ± 1.2 years and was obtained in 96.5% of the eligible patients. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) was performed in 3.3% of the patients. Q wave myocardial infarction (MI) occurred in only 0.7% of these patients and total stent thrombosis rate was 1.6% (n = 33). Independent predictors of thrombosis were PCI in the setting of MI (HR 11.2; 95% CI, 9.6–12.4, P = 0.001), lesion length (HR 4.6; 95% CI, 3.2–5.3, P = 0.031), moderate to severe calcification at lesion site (HR 13.1; 95% CI, 12.1–16.7, P < 0.001), and in‐stent residual stenosis (HR 14.5; 95% CI, 10.2–17.6, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The use of DES in unselected population is associated with long‐term safety and effectiveness with acceptable low rates of adverse clinical events.
Clinical Outcomes Following Drug‐Eluting versus Bare Metal Stent Implantation for Lesion Subsets Excluded from Pivotal Clinical Trials: Findings from the GHOST Study (Guthrie Health System Off‐Label StenT Study)
Authors: HARJAI KISHORE J. , ORSHAW PAMELA , SHENOY CHETAN , ACHARJI SUBASIT , SPORN DANIEL , ABOUFARES ALI , STAPLETON DWIGHT
Published: July 2008

Objectives: We assessed outcomes of patients undergoing drug‐eluting stent (DES) vs. bare metal stent (BMS) implantation for complex lesions excluded from pivotal clinical trials of DES.

Background: Although DES improve target vessel revascularization (TVR) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to BMS in randomized trials, data on safety and efficacy of DES in complex lesions are insufficient.

Methods: In a single‐center registry of 1,354 patients who underwent stent implantation for complex lesions between July 2001 and December 2005, we compared the incidence of death, death or myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis [definite or probable by the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) criteria], TVR, and MACE between patients who received DES (n = 483) versus those who received BMS (n = 871). Mean duration of follow‐up was 494 versus 838 days in DES and BMS groups, respectively.

Results: Clinical outcomes in DES versus BMS groups were as follows: death 5.2% versus 11.5% (log‐rank P = 0.042); death/MI 11.2% versus 16.7% (P = 0.47), stent thrombosis 2.9% versus 2.6% (P = 0.61), TVR 6.6 versus 18.5% (P < 0.0001), MACE 14.9% versus 29.7% (P = 0.0002), respectively. After adjustment for baseline differences, DES implantation was associated with lower TVR (adjusted hazards ratio HR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.26–0.56, P < 0.0001) and MACE (HR = 0.56, CI 0.42–0.74, P < 0.0001) without significant impact on other outcomes. In 933 patients who underwent DES (n = 483) or BMS (n = 450) implantation in the year 2003 or later, DES implantation similarly lowered TVR and MACE without affecting other outcomes.

Conclusions: Our findings support the safety and efficacy of DES in patient subsets excluded from pivotal randomized clinical trials of DES.
Percutaneous Treatment of a Coronary Aneurysm by Stent Graft and Drug‐Eluting Stent Implantation: A Potential Method to Reduce Stent Graft Restenosis
Authors: SÜSELBECK TIM , HAGHI DARIUSCH , BORGGREFE MARTIN , KADEN JENS J.
Published: July 2008

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) can occur congenitally or secondary to specific disorders such as Kawasaki disease or atherosclerosis. Apart from a surgical approach, CAA can be treated by coronary stent graft (CSG) implantation. However, restenosis is frequent after CSG placement, precluding a wider use of this technique. We hypothesized that implantation of a drug‐eluting stent (DES) within a CSG could be of use to avoid CSG restenosis. We report the case of a patient with a large aneurysm of the right coronary artery who underwent CSG implantation followed by DES placement. The immediate angiographic result showed complete exclusion of the aneurysm. Intravascular ultrasound confirmed good apposition of both the CSG and DES. Follow‐up angiography after 23 weeks demonstrated a good long‐term result without restenosis. The patient has remained asymptomatic during 12 months of follow‐up. In conclusion, the present case suggests that CSG placement followed by DES implantation is a safe and effective approach to treat coronary aneurysms interventionally.
Protective effect of the Baicalin against DNA damage induced by ultraviolet B irradiation to mouse epidermis
Authors: Bing‐Rong Zhou , Song‐Liang Jin , Xiao‐E Chen , Xiang‐Fei Lin , Bao‐Xiang Cai , Jie Gao , Dan Luo
Published: July 2008

Purpose: To investigate whether topical application of Baicalin affords protecting Balb/C mice epidermis from ultraviolet (UV)B‐induced DNA damage and its underlying mechanisms.

Methods: A DNA damage model of UVB irradiation‐induced mice epidermis was established. The immunohistochemical staining, Southwestern dot‐blotting were used for cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) detection; Western blotting was used for p53 detection; reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to detect the mRNA level of Bcl‐2 and Bax; terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect apoptotic cells.

Results: Topical application of Baicalin on Balb/C mice skin significantly decreased the amount of epidermal CPDs 1, 24 and 48 h after 180 mJ/cm2 of UVB irradiation as compared with untreated mice. UVB‐induced apoptosis was less pronounced in Baicalin‐treated mice epidermis, which was accompanied by less p53 accumulation and higher Bcl‐2/Bax ratio compared with that of untreated mice.

Conclusion: Taken together, these results suggest that topical Baicalin application mitigates DNA photo‐damage. Baicalin is therefore a promising protective substance against UVB radiation.
Regeneration of dentine/pulp‐like tissue using a dental pulp stem cell/poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid scaffold construct in New Zealand white rabbits
Authors: El‐Backly Rania M. , Massoud Ahmed G. , El‐Badry Azza M. , Sherif Raef A. , Marei Mona K.
Published: July 2008

With the expanding knowledge of tooth regeneration and biological mechanisms of functional dental tissue repair, current treatment strategies are beginning to give way to evolving fields such as tissue engineering and biomimetics. Dental pulp stem cells were isolated from rabbit teeth and seeded onto scaffolds prepared from 50/50 poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) polymers using two different porogen particle sizes. These cell/scaffold constructs were then transplanted subcutaneously in the rabbits. The expanded rabbit dental pulp stem cells showed high proliferative and clonogenic capacities as well as the ability to give rise to mineralised‐like tissues in vitro in culture flasks and after seeding them onto the scaffolds for 12 days. Histological evaluation of transplanted samples revealed the formation of osteodentine‐like structures as well as tubular bilayered structures of vertically aligned parallel tubules resembling tubular‐like dentine. Using a tissue engineering approach yielded tissues quite similar to normal dentine/pulp‐like tissues that can perhaps be used later on for regenerative endodontic or operative procedures.
Response of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus, to Different Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels in Practical Diets
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad H.
Published: July 2008

This study was conducted to find the optimum level of dietary protein and lipid that could produce the highest growth, best feed utilization, and body composition of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (9.5–10.3 g). Nine diets (three protein levels × three lipid levels) containing 25, 30, or 35% crude protein (CP) with 6, 9, and 12% lipids were formulated. Fish were fed one of the tested diets at the rate of 5% of body weight for the first 8 wk and 3% for the rest of the study. Diets were offered 6 d a week, twice a day (900 and 1400 h) for 13 wk. Fish growth increased significantly with increasing either protein or lipid levels, and the maximum growth was obtained in fish fed diets containing 30% CP with 12% lipid or 35% CP with 9% lipid. The lowest fish growth was obtained at 25% CP with 6% lipid. The optimum feed intake, feed conversion ratio, energy utilization, protein efficiency ratio, and protein growth rate were also recognized in fish fed the above diets. No significant differences in moisture and ash contents in fish fed diets containing different protein and lipid levels were recorded. The protein and lipid contents in the fish body tended to increase with increasing protein and lipid levels in diets. However, the higher protein contents were obtained in fish fed diets containing 35% CP with 6 or 9% lipid, while the lowest ones were obtained at 25% CP with 6 or 9% lipid. The higher lipid contents were obtained at 30 or 35% CP with 12% lipid, while the lowest ones were obtained at 25 or 35% CP with 6% lipid. The present study indicates that the increase of dietary lipid level has a protein‐sparing effect, and the diet containing 30% CP with 12% lipid would be suitable for the optimum growth and effective protein utilization of fingerling African catfish.
Impact of Long‐term Training and Extension Support on Small‐scale Carp Polyculture Farms of Bangladesh
Authors: Murshed‐E‐Jahan Khondker , Beveridge Malcolm C. M. , Brooks Alan C.
Published: July 2008

One of the unique features of the Development of Sustainable Aquaculture Project of the WorldFish Center, Bangladesh, was the provision of 3 y of continuous training and extension in support of the fish farmers involved. It was expected that the long‐term support would make a significant contribution to boosting production and incomes as well as sustainability. The article demonstrates the impact of the training and extension support to small‐scale carp polyculture farmers in terms of productivity, profitability, and efficiency. The study used data collected from 225 project farmers and 123 control farmers during 2002/2003 to 2005/2006. The results show that the project farmers achieved an average growth rate in productivity terms (kg/ha) of about 23% per annum compared with only 3.8% among control farmers. Estimated annual return on investment per demonstration farm exhibits 52% higher return over the 3‐y intervention period. During 2002/2003 to 2005/2006, the average technical efficiency score of project farmers increased from 0.55 to 0.86 compared with an average increase from 0.67 to 0.78 among control farmers over the same time period. The results showed that the efficiency gains and resulting increased productivity came from the development of human capital through long‐term efficient and effective training and extension support.
Characterization of Small‐size Egg‐bearing Thai ss‐strain Rotifers Brachionus rotundiformis and Their First Offspring
Authors: Somamihardja Agus , Bart Amrit
Published: July 2008

This study selected small (100–120 μm) egg‐bearing females from a local Thai ss population and characterized their first offspring‘s life history in an attempt to produce small‐size rotifers. Mean lorica length of selected small adult females was 120 ± 6 μm at the time of collection, and this mean length did not increase over their lifetime. While their first offspring life span was only 5.11 ± 0.35 d, the reference population longevity was higher, 9.65 ± 0.4 d. The length of reproductive period of offspring from the small‐size egg‐bearing female was 2.58 ± 0.38 d, shorter than that of reference population 6.83 ± 0.58 d. Although the rate of egg production was not different between small egg‐bearing female and reference population, the total number of eggs produced by the small egg‐bearing female’s first offspring was lower (4.78 ± 0.60) compared to the reference population (11.83 ± 1.26). The small egg‐bearing female’s first offspring had a higher egg to lorica length ratio (76.1 ± 1.64%) than the reference population (56.6 ± 1.3%), indicating a relatively high investment in reproduction. The small egg‐bearing female’s first offspring reached only 125 ± 6 μm in 36 h, and further culture of their offspring over 35 d resulted in a mean offspring size, 163 ± 11 μm, similar to the reference population (159 ± 16 μm). This shows that population mean size reduction is not likely to result from selecting small egg‐bearing females within a single generation. The unique reproductive characteristics of small egg‐bearing female place it in its own category.
Immune Responses and Resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus Induced by Probiotic Bacterium Arthrobacter XE‐7 in Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Li Jiqiu , Tan Beiping , Mai Kangsen , Ai Qinhui , Zhang Wenbing , Liufu Zhiguo , Xu Wei
Published: July 2008

A 63‐d feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of probiotic bacterium Arthrobacter XE‐7 on immune responses and resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. The probiotic bacteria were administered orally at four different doses of 0, 106, 108, and 1010 colony‐forming unit (CFU)/g feed for shrimp. On Day 50, the shrimp were challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus by bath. On Days 7, 21, 49, and 63, six shrimp per tank were sampled to take intestine and hemolymph. With increasing dietary supplementation of probiotic bacteria, shrimp mortality decreased from 63.16% (the control) to 55.9% (106 CFU/g feed), 51.75% (108 CFU/g feed), and 51.78% (1010 CFU/g feed), respectively. Vibrio counts in intestine of shrimp fed probiotic bacterium Arthrobacter XE‐7 was generally lower than that in the control shrimp (P < 0.05). The probiotic bacteria generally increased the immune parameters in shrimp, that is, total hemocyte counts, percentage phagocytosis, respiratory burst activity, and serum phenoloxidase activity. The results showed that probiotic bacterium Arthrobacter XE‐7 can be used as probiotic in shrimp feed.
Effect of auxin and phenobarbital on the ultrastructure and digitoxin content inDigitalis purpureatissue culture
Authors: Bonfill Mercedes , Palazón Javier , Cusidó Rosa M. , Piñol M. Teresa , Morales Carmen
Published: July 2008

Callus derived from Digitalis purpurea hypocotils were grown during a 6-week period on solid Murashige–Skoog medium supplemented with 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine, 0.01 mg/L gibberellic acid and 0.1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid or α-naphthaleneacetic acid, with or without phenobarbital (40 mg/L). The presence of phenobarbital in the culture medium caused a reduction of the vacuole/cytoplasm ratio. At the same time, the chloroplastic volume fraction decreased in callus tissue cells grown in media supplemented with phenobarbital, while the mitochondrial volume ratio increased. Digitoxin content was enhanced in callus tissues, especially in those grown on indole-3-acetic acid medium supplemented with phenobarbital. The relationship between ultrastructure of D. purpurea callus and digitoxin content is discussed. Keywords: Digitalis purpurea tissue cultures, digitoxin, phenobarbital, mitochondria, chloroplast.
Cuticular waxes from the leaves and fruit capsules of eight Papaveraceae species
Authors: Jetter Reinhard , Riederer Markus
Published: July 2008

Cuticular waxes from leaves and fruit capsules of Papaver alpinum sensu Markgr., P. bracteatum Lindl., P. dubium L., P. nudicaule L., P. orientale L., P. rhoeas L., P. somniferum L., and Eschscholtzia californica Cham. were investigated. They consisted of n-alkanes (< 19%), alk-1-ylesters (< 18%), alk-2-ylesters (< 6%), alkanals (< 19%), secondary alkanols (21–71%, mainly nonacosan-10-ol), triglycerides (< 6%), primary alkanols (2–33%), alkanediols (2–23%, mainly isomeric nonacosanediols), alkanoic acids (< 8%), and alkaloids (< 12%). In addition, minor amounts of iso- and anteiso-alkanes, alkanoic acid methyl esters, esters of alkan-10-ols, benzyl- and phenyl-ethylalcohol, triterpenols and phytosterols, ketols, and ketones were detectable. The isomer composition of the secondary alkanols and their alkanediol, ketol, and ketone derivatives is used to deduce the probable sequence of steps in the respective biosynthetic pathways. Keywords: Papaver, Eschscholtzia, Papaveraceae, cuticular wax, secondary alkanols, biosynthesis.
Examination of sclerotial germination in Sclerotinia minor with an in vitro model
Authors: Burgess D. R. , Hepworth G.
Published: July 2008

An in vitro model was developed to examine the effect of surface microflora and exogenous nutrient on sclerotial germination of Sclerotinia minor. Germinated sclerotia were identified by the presence of appressoria on the plastic Petri dish. Surface sterilised field sclerotia germinated at maximum rates on water agar, but unsterilised sclerotia failed to germinate, even after drying and rewetting, indicating that sclerotia of S. minor are unlikely to germinate spontaneously in the presence of soil microflora. Partial surface sterilisation gave intermediate germination rates, which were enhanced two- to four-fold by treatment with sunflower root sap. There was no significant difference in the germination response to root sap from susceptible and resistant sunflower lines, but germination rates were highest with root nutrient obtained from plants during vegetative growth. A positive germination response to peptone and an amino acid mixture implicated amino acids as germination stimuli. Germination of field sclerotia required incubation with root sap for more than 3 days, suggesting that prolonged exposure of sclerotia to root exudates may be required for the onset of stem rot in sunflowers. This is discussed in relation to the dynamics of root growth. Keywords: exogenous nutrient, field sclerotia, germination stimulus.
L'emploi des caractères épidermiques dans l'étude taxonomique du Festuca rubra lato sensu (Poaceae)
Authors: Dubé Martin , Morisset Pierre
Published: July 2008

The leaf epidermis from a collection of 33 specimens encompassing most of the morphological variation of Festuca rubra in Eastern Canada and including two cytotypes (2n = 42 and 2n = 56) is described with 16 characters. The leaf epidermal composition differs markedly between culms and vegetative shoots. Many epidermal characters, particularly those from the vegetative shoots, are among the best ones for distinguishing between the two cytotypes. Parallel analyses using nine anatomical characters show the greater taxonomical potential of epidermis. Keywords: Festuca rubra, leaf, epidermis, anatomy, cytotypes.
Associations of oral contraceptive use and dietary restraint with bone speed of sound and bone turnover in university-aged women
Authors: Di Giovanni Gioia , Roy Brian D. , Gammage Kimberley L. , Mack Diane , Klentrou Panagiota
Published: July 2008

The associations of oral contraceptive use and cognitive dietary restraint with bone speed of sound (SOS) and bone turnover were investigated in 100 Canadian university-aged women (18–25 years old). Dietary restraint was assessed using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) and daily calcium intake (Ca++) was assessed by the rapid assessment method. Quantitative ultrasound was used to measure SOS at the tibia and radius. Bone formation was estimated from plasma osteocalcin (OC), 25-OH vitamin D, and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP). Bone resorption was determined from serum cross-linked N-teleopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) and plasma C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx). Weekly physical activity energy expenditure (WAeq) was assessed using a standardized questionnaire, and height, body mass, relative body fat (%BF), and chest, waist, and hip circumferences were also measured. Participants were divided into low and moderate to high dietary restrainers (LDRs and MDRs, respectively). These groups were further sub-divided into users and non-users of oral contraceptives. All groups had similar age at menarche, body composition, WAeq, and equally low levels of Ca++and vitamin D. Within the non-users of oral contraceptives, MDR exhibited a lower tibial SOS (p ≤ 0.024) and OC (p ≤ 0.009) than LDR. Moreover, amongst the LDR, the oral contraceptive users had a lower tibial SOS (p ≤ 0.015) and BAP (p ≤ 0.002) than non-users. These results show that bone SOS and bone turnover were influenced by oral contraceptives and cognitive dietary restraint among this population of young women independent of body composition and physical activity.
Survey of fitness facilities for individuals post-stroke in the Greater Toronto Area
Authors: Fullerton Amy , Macdonald Michelle , Brown Andrea , Ho Pha-Ly , Martin Jennifer , Tang Ada , Sibley Kathryn M. , McIlroy William E. , Brooks Dina
Published: July 2008

In light of the demonstrated importance of fitness programs after stroke, the current study set out to determine the availability and characteristics of fitness programs for individuals after stroke in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). A questionnaire was distributed to 784 fitness programs in the GTA requesting information on the facility, program characteristics, and barriers to and willingness in offering specific programs for individuals post stroke. Of the 213 respondents, 146 (69%) reported that individuals with a chronic disability participated in their activities, 39 (18%) did not allow individuals with disabilities to participate, and 28 (13%) were unaware if individuals with disabilities accessed their facilities. Sixty-two facilities (29%) offered specific fitness programs for individuals with a chronic disability including 26 (12%) that offered exercise programs for people who have had a stroke. The study identified that a small percentage of fitness programs surveyed in GTA have fitness programs for individuals post-stroke. Since the occurrence of stroke is expected to increase as the population ages, the need for community fitness programs for individuals post-stroke will continue to rise. Many facilities expressed interest in offering specific fitness programs for individuals post-stroke; therefore, barriers must be addressed to facilitate the development of these programs.
A 26 year physiological description of a National Hockey League team
Authors: Quinney H. A. , Dewart Randy , Game Alex , Snydmiller Gary , Warburton Darren , Bell Gordon
Published: July 2008

The primary purpose of this investigation was to examine the physiological profile of a National Hockey League (NHL) team over a period of 26 years. All measurements were made at a similar time of year (pre-season) in 703 male (mean age ± SD = 24 ± 4 y) hockey players. The data were analyzed across years, between positions (defensemen, forwards, and goaltenders), and between what were deemed successful and non-successful years using a combination of points acquired during the season and play-off success. Most anthropometric (height, mass, and BMI) and physiological parameters (absolute and relative VO2 peak, relative peak 5 s power output, abdominal endurance, and combined grip strength) showed a gradual increase over the 26 year period. Defensemen were taller and heavier, had higher absolute VO2 peak, and had greater combined grip strength than forwards and goaltenders. Forwards were younger and had higher values for relative VO2 peak. Goaltenders were shorter, had less body mass, a higher sum of skinfolds, lower VO2 peak, and better flexibility. The overall pre-season fitness profile was not related to team success. In conclusion, this study revealed that the fitness profile for a professional NHL ice-hockey team exhibited increases in player size and anaerobic and aerobic fitness parameters over a 26 year period that differed by position. However, this evolution of physiological profile did not necessarily translate into team success in this particular NHL franchise.
Interactions between hepatic lipase and apolipoprotein E gene polymorphisms affect serum lipid profiles of healthy Canadian adults
Authors: Wood Kevin C.M. , Fullerton Morgan D. , El-Sohemy Ahmed , Bakovic Marica
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to assess the individual and interactive effects between hepatic lipase (LIPC; C-514T, G-250A) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) (E2, E3, E4) gene polymorphisms on levels of plasma lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride among healthy, young, Canadian adults (n = 440). All subjects with at least one APOE2 allele had significantly lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and total cholesterol – high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio when compared with those with the APOE3 or APOE4 allele. There were significant differences in the LIPC allele and genotype frequencies between Caucasian (n = 207) and Asian (n = 211) individuals, but ethnicity did not contribute to the variations in circulating lipids. In addition, the lowest triglyceride levels (0.87 ± 0.27 mmol·mL–1) were found in all APOE2 individuals carrying LIPC-514-CC and LIPC-250-GG genotypes, whereas the highest triglyceride levels (1.29 ± 0.34 –1.32 ± 0.32 mmol·mL–1) were found in APOE2 individuals carrying the opposite genotypes, LIPC-514TT and LIPC-250AA. These observations, distinct from the anti-atherogenic effects of APOE2 through the lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and LIPC on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, suggest that there is an interactive effect between APOE and LIPC genotypes on plasma triglyceride levels. These results provide the basis for further studies on establishing which genotype combinations would be the most protective against hypertriglyceridemia.
Walking: a matter of quantity and quality physical activity for type 2 diabetes management
Authors: Johnson Steven T. , Boulé Normand G. , Bell Gordon J. , Bell Rhonda C.
Published: July 2008

Walking is often prescribed as a mode of physical activity for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We and others have found that although people with T2D may increase the amount that they walk (e.g., more steps per day), improvements in key health outcomes are rarely achieved. We agree that walking is an acceptable approach for people with T2D to meet current clinical practice guidelines, but consideration of both the total number of daily steps and the walking speed of a portion of those total daily steps are necessary to gain health benefit.
Whole-body skeletal muscle mass is not related to glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese men and women
Authors: Kuk Jennifer L. , Kilpatrick Katherine , Davidson Lance E. , Hudson Robert , Ross Robert
Published: July 2008

The relationship between skeletal muscle mass, visceral adipose tissue, insulin sensitivity, and glucose tolerance was examined in 214 overweight or obese, but otherwise healthy, men (n = 98) and women (n = 116) who participated in various exercise and (or) weight-loss intervention studies. Subjects had a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test and (or) insulin sensitivity measures by a 3 h hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp technique. Whole-body skeletal muscle mass and visceral adipose tissue were measured using a multi-slice magnetic resonance imaging protocol. Total body skeletal muscle mass was not associated with any measure of glucose metabolism in men or women (p > 0.10). These observations remained independent of age and total adiposity. Conversely, visceral adipose tissue was a significant predictor of various measures of glucose metabolism in both men and women with or without control for age and (or) total body fat (p < 0.05). Although skeletal muscle is a primary site for glucose uptake and deposition, these findings suggest that unlike visceral adipose tissue, whole-body skeletal muscle mass per se is not associated with either glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese men and women.
Évaluation des bétons à retrait compensé pour les travaux de réparation
Authors: Bissonnette Benoît , Perez Fabien , Blais Simon , Gagné Richard
Published: July 2008

Pour être rentables, les réparations superficielles effectuées sur les infrastructures en béton de ciment doivent présenter un niveau de performance adéquat pendant une durée minimale. Parmi les facteurs pouvant affecter la durabilité de ce type d’interventions, le retrait de séchage constitue sûrement l’un des plus importants. L’utilisation de bétons à retrait compensé (BRC) fabriqués avec des liants expansifs constitue une alternative intéressante pour la mise en œuvre de réparations durables. Cet article présente des résultats d’une étude visant à évaluer le potentiel d’utilisation des bétons de réparation fabriqués avec un ciment type K. La démarche expérimentale visait principalement à caractériser la durabilité au gel des BRC, à déterminer si l’adhérence d’un BRC sur un substrat de béton ancien est altérée par l’expansion et, enfin, à évaluer l’efficacité de l’effet de précontrainte mobilisé par adhérence. Bien qu’un certain nombre d’aspects demeurent à étudier, les résultats obtenus se révèlent prometteurs.