bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Bone Disease and Fractures in Male Alcoholics: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wilkinson Greg , Cundy T. , Parsons V. , Lawson‐Matthew P.
Published: August 2007

In a pilot study, the prevalence of metabolic bone disease was found to be low in male alcoholics attending an alcohol problems clinic, and did not appear to account for their high prevalence of fractures. The alcoholics with clinical signs suggestive of neuropathy or liver damage did not have a higher prevalence of metabolic bone disease and fractures than those without such signs. However, future research on this topic will have to be based on methods of greater reliability and validity
Pulmonary Candidiasis in a Heroin Addict: Some Remarks on its Aetiology and Pathogenesis
Authors: Lazzarin Adriano , Uberti‐Foppa Caterina , Galli Massimo , Crocchiolo Paolo , Moroni Mauro
Published: August 2007

We describe a case of pulmonary candidiasis in a 26‐year old drug‐addict who had been recently submitted to a porto‐caval by pass operation. This opportunistic infection appeared after an injection of heroin.

The same patient was also found to suffer from a severe cellular immune response defect.

No opportunistic fungal infections were observed, despite the frequent use of intravenous heroin, in a group of 20 parenteral drug addicts.

The latter patients, however, were showing only minor abnormalities of their immunological status.

Although in this case the main cause of the disease may have been the injection of heroin contaminated with the infecting organism, other important factors contributing to the development of opportunistic mycoses seem to be a reduced microbicidal capacity of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes and an impaired cell‐mediated immunity.
Alteration to will as an experience of technology and nursing
Authors: Barnard Alan
Published: August 2007

This paper presents one finding to arise from a recent qualitative research study that examined ways of understanding technology in surgical nursing, and examines its implications for nursing and health care practice. Although the research reported identified eight qualitatively different ways of understanding technology, this paper examines the specific experience that technology can alter will (volition). The experience described is a new area of knowledge and is in need of further examination and research. Nonetheless, it is significant to understanding technology, contemporary nursing practice and the provision of health care services. The paper concludes with some suggested approaches for curtailing the experience and a discussion related to challenges that arise from the finding that technology can alter the free will of nurses.
Variant mannose‐binding lectin 2 genotype is a risk factor for reactive systemic amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Maury C. P. J. , Aittoniemi J. , Tiitinen S. , Laiho K. , Kaarela K. , Hurme M.
Published: August 2007

Objective.  The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphism of the mannose‐binding lectin 2 (MBL2) gene is related to the occurrence of systemic AA amyloidosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.  MBL2 structural gene polymorphisms at codon 52 (CGT→TGT, Arg→Cys; D), codon 54 (GGC→GAC, Gly→Asp; B) and codon 57 (GGA→GAA, Gly→ Glu; C), and MBL2 promoter region polymorphism at position –221 (G→C) were examined in 57 patients with RA complicated by biopsy‐proven reactive amyloidosis and 51 control RA patients without amyloid.

Results.  A strong association was found between the presence of a structural MBL2 gene variant O (B, D or C) and the occurrence of amyloidosis in RA patients: 29 of 57 (50.9%) of the RA patients with amyloid had a variant allele compared with 12 of 51 (23.5%) of the RA patients without amyloid (OR 3.37, 95% CI 1.47–7.72; P = 0.004).

Conclusion.  We conclude that variant MBL2 structural genotype constitutes a significant risk factor for reactive amyloidosis in RA and that the increased risk is probably related to MBL‐mediated impairment of mononuclear phagocyte function.
Feedback control of glucosamine‐6‐phosphate synthase GlmS expression depends on the small RNA GlmZ and involves the novel protein YhbJ in Escherichia coli
Authors: Kalamorz Falk , Reichenbach Birte , März Walter , Rak Bodo , Görke Boris
Published: August 2007

Amino sugars are essential precursor molecules for the biosynthesis of bacterial cell walls. Their synthesis pathway is initiated by glucosamine‐6‐phosphate (GlcN‐6‐P) synthase (GlmS) which catalyses the rate limiting reaction. We report here that expression of the Escherichia coli glmS gene is negatively feedback regulated by its product GlcN‐6‐P at the post‐transcriptional level. Initially, we observed that mutants defective for yhbJ, a gene of the rpoN operon, overproduce GlmS. Concomitantly, a glmS mRNA accumulates that is derived from processing of the primary glmUS transcript at the glmU stop codon by RNase E. A transposon mutagenesis screen in the yhbJ mutant identified the small RNA GlmZ (formerly RyiA or SraJ) to be required for glmS mRNA accumulation. GlmZ, which is normally processed, accumulates in its full‐length form in the yhbJ mutant. In the wild type, a decrease of the intracellular GlcN‐6‐P concentration induces accumulation of the glmS transcript in a GlmZ‐dependent manner. Concomitantly, GlmZ accumulates in its unprocessed form. Hence, we conclude that the biological function of GlmZ is to positively control the glmS mRNA in response to GlcN‐6‐P concentrations and that YhbJ negatively regulates GlmZ. As in yhbJ mutants GlcN‐6‐P has no effect, YhbJ is essential for sensing this metabolite.
The hydroxyproline‐rich glycopeptide systemin precursor NapreproHypSys does not play a central role in Nicotiana attenuata's anti‐herbivore defense responses
Authors: BERGER BEATRICE , BALDWIN IAN T.
Published: August 2007

To determine whether the Nicotiana tabacum preproHypSys homolog in Nicotiana attenuata (NapreproHypSys) mediates anti‐herbivore responses, we silenced (IRsys) and ectopically over‐expressed (OVsys) NapreproHypSys in N. attenuata. Neither herbivore simulation nor methyl jasmonate (MeJA) application increased transcripts in wild‐type (WT) or transformed lines. Compared to WT plants, OVsys plants had marginally higher constitutive levels but normally induced levels of trypsin proteinase inhibitors (TPIs) and nicotine; IRsys plants did not differ from WT plants. Herbivory‐associated signalling [salicylic acid‐induced protein kinase (SIPK) activity, jasmonic acid (JA), jasmonic acid‐isoleucine/leucine (JA‐Ile/Leu) and ethylene production or perception] did not differ strongly among the lines, but JA, JA‐Ile/Leu and ethylene were marginally higher in OVsys plants. Manduca sexta larval performance did not differ among the lines, but feeding induced levels of TPI and nicotine in OVsys plants and decreased them in IRsys plants relative to WT. The secondary metabolite profiles of plants transplanted into N. attenuata's native habitat in the Great Basin Desert (UT, USA) mirrored those of glasshouse‐grown plants, and compared to WT plants, OVsys plants suffered marginally less damage from grasshoppers, mirids and flea beetles but did not differ in their ability to attract Geocoris predators. We conclude that NapreproHypSys does not play a central role in anti‐herbivore defense signalling in this native tobacco.
Heat shock factor 1 is a key regulator of the stress response in Chlamydomonas
Authors: Schulz‐Raffelt Miriam , Lodha Mukesh , Schroda Michael
Published: August 2007

We report here on the characterization of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), encoded by one of two HSF genes identified in the genome of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Chlamydomonas HSF1 shares features characteristic of class A HSFs of higher plants. HSF1 is weakly expressed under non‐stress conditions and rapidly induced by heat shock. Heat shock also resulted in hyperphosphorylation of HSF1, and the extent of phosphorylation correlated with the degree of induction of heat shock genes, suggesting a role for phosphorylation in HSF1 activation. HSF1, like HSFs in yeasts, forms high‐molecular‐weight complexes, presumably trimers, under non‐stress, stress and recovery conditions. Immunoprecipitation of HSF1 under these conditions led to the identification of cytosolic HSP70A as a protein constitutively interacting with HSF1. Strains in which HSF1 was strongly under‐expressed by RNAi were highly sensitive to heat stress. 14C‐labelling of nuclear‐encoded proteins under heat stress revealed that synthesis of members of the HSP100, HSP90, HSP70, HSP60 and small HSP families in the HSF1‐RNAi strains was dramatically reduced or completely abolished. This correlated with a complete loss of HSP gene induction at the RNA level. These data suggest that HSF1 is a key regulator of the stress response in Chlamydomonas.
Unraveling intrinsic genetic factors in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Katzov H
Published: August 2007

A genome‐wide association study identifies novel risk loci for type 2 diabetes Sladek et al. (2007) Nature 445: 881–885
Papaya fruit softening, endoxylanase gene expression, protein and activity
Authors: Manenoi Ashariya , Paull Robert E.
Published: August 2007

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) cell wall matrix polysaccharides are modified as the fruit starts to soften during ripening and an endoxylanase is expressed that may play a role in the softening process. Endoxylanase gene expression, protein amount and activity were determined in papaya cultivars that differ in softening pattern and in one cultivar where softening was modified by the ethylene receptor inhibitor 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP). Antibodies to the endoxylanase catalytic domain were used to determine protein accumulation. The three papaya varieties used in the study, ‘Line 8’, ‘Sunset’, and ‘Line 4‐16’, differed in softening pattern, respiration rate, ethylene production and showed similar parallel relationships during ripening and softening in endoxylanase expression, protein level and activity. When fruit of the three papaya varieties showed the respiratory climacteric and started to soften, the level of endoxylanase gene expression increased and this increase was related to the amount of endoxylanase protein at 32 kDa and its activity. Fruit when treated at less than 10% skin yellow stage with 1‐MCP showed a significant delay in the respiratory climacteric and softening, and reduced ethylene production, and when ripe was firmer and had a ‘rubbery’ texture. The 1‐MCP‐treated fruit that had the ‘rubbery’ texture showed suppressed endoxylanase gene expression, protein and enzymatic activity. Little or no delay occurred between endoxylanase gene expression and the appearance of activity during posttranslational processing from 65 to 32 kDa. The close relationship between endoxylanase gene expression, protein accumulation and activity in different varieties and the failure of the 1‐MCP‐treated fruit to fully soften, supported de novo synthesis of endoxylanase, rapid posttranslation processing and a role in papaya fruit softening.
Prevention of withdrawal movement associated with injection of rocuronium in children: comparison of remifentanil, alfentanil and fentanyl
Authors: Oh A. Y. , Seo K. S. , Goo E. K. , Park Y. O. , Kim S. J. , Kim J. H.
Published: August 2007

Background:  We compared the efficacy of remifentanil, alfentanil and fentanyl in reducing withdrawal movement associated with the injection of rocuronium in children.

Methods:  In total, 164 ASA physical status I or II pediatric patients, aged 1–14 years, were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: group C received saline; group R, remifentanil 1 μg/kg; group A, alfentanil 10 μg/kg; and group F, fentanyl 2 μg/kg. Treatments were injected over 30 s, followed by thiopental 5 mg/kg. At 90 s after the start of the study drug injection, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was injected over 10 s. The patient's response to the injection of rocuronium was graded on a four‐point scale in a double‐blinded manner.

Results:  The incidence of withdrawal movement was 89.5% in group C, 70.3% in group F, 36.3% in group A and 7.2% in group R. The incidence of generalized movement (grade 4) was 86.9% in group C, 58.5% in group F, 15.9% in group A and 2.4% in group R.

Conclusion:  Remifentanil, alfentanil and fentanyl all reduced the incidence of withdrawal movement when administered 90 s before the injection of rocuronium compared with saline. Remifentanil was the most effective, followed by alfentanil. Fentanyl was less effective but significantly different from the saline in reducing withdrawal movement in children.
Severe head injury: control of physiological variables, organ failure and complications in the intensive care unit
Authors: Schirmer‐Mikalsen K. , Vik A. , Gisvold S. E. , Skandsen T. , Hynne H. , Klepstad P.
Published: August 2007

Background:  In patients with severe head injury, control of physiological variables is important to avoid intracranial hypertension and secondary injury to the brain. The aims of this retrospective study were to evaluate deviations of physiological variables and the incidence of extracranial complications in patients with severe head injury. We also studied if these deviations could be related to outcome.

Patients and methods:  One hundred and thirty‐three patients were included during a 5‐year period (1998–2002). Deviations from treatment goals for the following physiological variables were studied: blood pressure, haemoglobin, blood sugar, serum sodium, serum albumin and temperature. Extra cerebral organ complications were also recorded as well as outcome at 6 months.

Results:  The median age was 32 years (range; 1–88 years). Median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) before intubation was 6 (range; 3–14). The frequencies of severe deviations from the desired values of the physiological variables for at least one treatment day were: hypotensive episodes (systolic BP < 90 mmHg) – 20%, anaemia (hgb < 8 g/dL) – 22%, blood glucose > 10 mmol/l – 26%, serum sodium concentration < 130 mmol/l – 10%, serum albumin < 25 g/l−1– 31% and hyperthermia > 39 °C – 24%. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 71% and Acute Lung Injury (ALI)/Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in 26% of the patients. Other complications such as severe sepsis (6%), renal failure (1.5%), a coagulation disorder (6%) and liver failure (one patient) were infrequent. Age, GCS, hypotension during the first day of treatment, elevated blood sugar and low albumin predicted an unfavourable outcome.

Conclusions:  Deviations of key physiological variables and pulmonary complications were frequent in patients suffering from severe head injury. During intensive care treatment, hypotension, elevated blood sugar and hypoalbuminemia are possible independent predictors of an unfavourable outcome.
Combined photoplethysmographic monitoring of respiration rate and pulse: a comparison between different measurement sites in spontaneously breathing subjects
Authors: Nilsson L. , Goscinski T. , Kalman S. , Lindberg L.‐G. , Johansson A.
Published: August 2007

Background:  The non‐invasive photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal reflects blood flow and volume in a tissue. The PPG signal shows variation synchronous with heartbeat (PPGc), as used in pulse oximetry, and variations synchronous with breathing (PPGr). PPGr has been used for non‐invasive monitoring of respiration with promising results. Our aim was to investigate PPG signals recorded from different skin sites in order to find suitable locations for parallel monitoring of variations synchronous with heartbeat and breathing.

Methods:  PPG sensors were applied to the forearm, finger, forehead, wrist and shoulder on 48 awake healthy volunteers. From these sites, seven PPG signals were simultaneously recorded during normal spontaneous breathing over 10 min. Capnometry served as respiration and electrocardiogram (ECG) as pulse reference signals. PPG signals were compared with respect to power spectral content and squared coherence.

Results:  Forearm PPG measurement showed significantly higher power within the respiratory region of the power spectrum [median (quartile range) 42 (26)%], but significantly lower power within the cardiac region [9 (10)%] compared with the other skin sites. PPG finger measurement showed the opposite; in transmission mode, the power within the respiratory region was significantly lower [4 (10)%] and within the cardiac region significantly higher [45 (25)%] than the other sites. PPGc coherence values were generally high [>0.96 (0.08)], and PPGr coherence values lower [0.83 (0.35)–0.94 (0.17)].

Conclusion:  Combined PPG respiration and pulse monitoring is possible, but there are significant differences between the respiratory and cardiac components of the PPG signal at different sites.
Parvovirus B19 genotypes 1 and 2 detection with real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays
Authors: Koppelman M. H. G. M. , Rood I. G. H. , Fryer J. F. , Baylis S. A. , Cuypers H. T. M.
Published: August 2007

Background and Objectives  Parvovirus B19 (B19V) DNA screening has been introduced to comply with European regulations for certain plasma products. Current commercial and some in‐house B19V DNA assays fail to detect or under‐quantify the recently identified genotypes 2 and 3. In this report, we describe 2‐year experience with B19V DNA screening using the commercial assay from Roche (detecting only genotype 1) combined with an in‐house assay (detecting genotypes 1, 2 and 3). This dual testing approach enables the identification of molecular variants of B19V.

Materials and Methods  Between 2005 and 2007, approximately 2·6 million plasma donations were screened for B19V DNA loads exceeding 106 IU/ml using the Roche and the in‐house real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay.

Results  A total of 232 plasma units were identified with B19V DNA loads above 106 IU/ml. Concordant results were observed for the majority of B19V positive samples; however, three of these showed discrepant results between the two assay systems. One was a B19V genotype 2 strain not detected by the Roche assay; another was a B19V genotype 1 strain with a mismatch in the 3′‐end of the reverse primer and therefore under‐quantified by the Roche assay; and the third one was also a B19V genotype 1 strain that gave an unusual amplification plot in the in‐house assay due to a mismatch in the probe‐binding site.

Conclusions  New, high viral load, B19V genotypes 2 and 3 infections are rare in blood donors tested by Sanquin. One case was found while testing 2·6 million donations. The prevalence of B19V genotype 1 variants not detected by commercial or in‐house assays might be in the same range or even higher than the prevalence of B19V genotype 2 viruses, which remain undetected.
Incidence of transfusion‐induced platelet‐reactive antibodies evaluated by specific assays for the detection of human leucocyte antigen and human platelet antigen antibodies
Authors: Fontão‐Wendel R. , Silva L. C. N. , Saviolo C. B. R. , Primavera B. , Wendel S.
Published: August 2007

Background and Objectives  The aim of this work was to study the incidence of transfusion‐induced platelet‐reactive antibodies in a selective patient population and evaluate different methodologies for platelet antibody screening (PAS).

Materials and Methods  The patients were retrospectively selected and divided into three separate groups: haematological malignancies (Group 1: n = 33); cardiac and orthopaedic patients (Group 2: n = 31) and a control group (Group 3: n = 23) selected with the same diagnoses of Group 2. PRE‐ and POST‐transfusion samples were tested for PAS by the following tests: PIFT (platelet immunofluorescence test), MAIPA (monoclonal antibody immobilization of platelet antigen), Flow PRA® and LCT (lymphocytotoxicity test).

Results  There was not a 100% concordance among the methodologies used. PIFT, MAIPA and Flow PRA presented very similar results whereas that of LCT differed from the other methods. A high rate of positive results (32%) was found in the PRE samples followed by an increase of almost 50% after blood transfusion (POST samples: 42·5% of positivity), but there was a statistical difference (P < 0·05) between the PRE and POST transfusion sample only for the Flow PRA® technique tested on Group 2. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I antibodies were present on 97·4% of POST positive samples, 5·4% presented anti‐human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1b antibodies and 8·1% presented a mix of panreactive antibodies against glycoprotein IIbIIIa, IaIIa and IbIX.

Conclusions  Blood transfusion did not increase the rate of alloimmunization in our haematological patients (Group 1); however, the patients were already admitted with a high rate of alloimmunization (12%). Group 2 patients are being immunized and the impact of this procedure remains to be studied as these patients may eventually undergo further hospitalization and receive more blood transfusion.
Morphology of the Third Eyelid and Superficial Gland of the Third Eyelid on Pig Fetuses
Authors: Klećkowska‐Nawrot J. , Dzięgiel P.
Published: August 2007

The morphological and histological examinations of the third eyelid and superficial gland of the third eyelid were conducted in pig fetuses coming from the 20th, 24th, 27th, 30th, 35th, 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation. The morphological examinations were carried out by applying the method of macroscopic preparation with a forehead magnifying glass and binocular (magnification 1.5–5.0×). In order to make anatomical elements more visible, 60–80% absolute alcohol and 0.5–4% acetic acid solution were used for the examinations. On the 20th, 24th, 27th and 30th day of gestation, the whole fetuses were collected for the histological examinations. The whole eyeball with developing accessory organs was collected from the pig fetuses on the 35th day of gestation. On the 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation, only the superficial gland with the third eyelid was collected. Staining with haematoxylin‐eosin (H‐E) and Azan method was performed. On the 20th, 24th, 27th and 30th day of gestation, the primordia of the glandular epithelium were not found in the examined material. The process of the third eyelid and superficial gland formation starts on the 35th day of gestation. On the 50th and 63rd day of gestation, the gland surrounding the cartilage of the third eyelid is composed of the high amount of loose connective tissue and gland cells which give rise to excretory segments. On the 94th day of gestation, the gland lobes become visible, the efferent ducts form. On the 112th day, the cartilage of the third eyelid assumes the appearance of the mature hyaline cartilage. The excretory segments are composed of simple cuboid epithelium with a large, round nucleus arranged less or more peripherally. Their number increases 2‐ or even 3‐fold at the end of gestation.
Difference in the Length of the Medial and Lateral Metacarpal and Metatarsal Condyles in Calves and Cows – A Post‐Mortem Study
Authors: Nacambo S. , Hässig M. , Lischer C. , Nuss K.
Published: August 2007

Measurements were taken in the metacarpal and metatarsal bones in 42 calves and 10 dairy cows post‐mortem to determine whether there are anatomical differences in bone length. Manual and digital measurements of various bone length parameters were taken. There was a significant difference in the mean length of the condyles of the metacarpal and the metatarsal bones in calves and cows, the lateral condyle being longer than the medial. In all but one metatarsal bone (98.8%), the lateral condyle was longer than the medial. In the metacarpal bones, the lateral condyle was longer in only 52.4% of the bones, in 21.2%, they had the same length and in 27.4% the medial condyle was longer. These intrinsic anatomical differences can help distinguish between the left and right metacarpal and metatarsal bones, for instance, in anatomical and archaeological studies. Knowledge of these differences might be useful for studies on digit function and on the possible predisposition of cattle to claw diseases in the lateral claws of the hind limbs.
Macroscopic Anatomy of the Heart of the Ringed Seal (Phoca hispida)
Authors: Smodlaka H. , Henry R. W. , Schumacher J. , Reed R. B.
Published: August 2007

Anatomical properties of the ringed seal (Phoca hispida) heart and associated blood vessels reveal adaptations related to requirements for diving. Seven adult ringed seals were embalmed and dissected to document the gross anatomical features of the heart. Computed tomography images of the thoracic cavity were taken on one seal prior to dissection. The shape and position of the heart is different from the typical carnivore heart. The most notable difference is its dorsoventral flattened appearance with its right and left sides positioned, respectively, within the thoracic cavity. The long axis of the heart is positioned horizontally, parallel to the sternum. The right ventricle is spacious with thin walls which extend caudally to the apex of the heart such that the apex is comprised of both right and left ventricles. The cusps of the left atrioventricular valve of the ringed seal heart resemble an uninterrupted, circular curtain making it challenging to distinguish the divisions into parietal and septal cusps.
Eye Morphology in some Wild Rodents
Authors: Lluch S. , Ventura J. , López‐Fuster M. J.
Published: August 2007

The eye anatomy of six rodent species (Murinae: Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus domesticus, and Mus spretus; Arvicolinae: Clethrionomys glareolus, Arvicola terrestris and Microtus arvalis) was compared by means of light or electron microscopy to determine adaptive, and evolutive signals. Our observations revealed inter‐specific morphological differences, which were moderate among representatives of the same subfamily. Specifically, traits that distinguished murines from arvicolines were the globe’s relative size, the pupillary constrictor muscle, the amount of retinal epithelium melanin, and the thickness of certain ocular coats. Moreover, adaptations to new habitats and differences in temporal activity among species of the same subfamily determined discords respect to the phylogenetic patterns. This was true of the adaptations to underground conditions seen in A. terrestris, which involved the thickness of the cornea, sclera, and choroids. Likewise, A. sylvaticus had adaptations to its nocturnal lifestyle, as shown by the large overall size of the eye and lens, and by a large, thick cornea.
Morphology of Lacrimal Gland in Pig Fetuses
Authors: Klećkowska‐Nawrot J. , Dzięgiel P.
Published: August 2007

The morphological and histological examinations of the lacrimal gland were conducted on pig fetuses coming from the 20th, 24th, 27th, 30th, 35th, 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation. The morphological examinations were carried out using the method of macroscopic preparation with a forehead magnifying glass and binocular (magnification 1.5–5.0×). In order to better visualize the anatomical elements, 60–80% absolute alcohol and 0.5–4% acetic acid solution were used for the examinations. On the 20th, 24th, 27th, and 30th day of gestation the whole fetuses were collected for the histological examinations. The whole eyeball with developing accessory organs was collected from the pig fetuses on the 35th day of gestation. On the 50th, 63rd, 94th and 112th day of gestation only the lacrimal gland was collected. Staining with H–E and Azan method was performed. On the 20th, 24th, 27th, 30th and 35th day of gestation ectodermal cells were not found in the collected material. On the 50th and 63rd day of gestation the connective tissue divides the gland parenchyma into indistinct lobes composed of gland cells. On the 94th day of gestation the number of lobes is substantially higher than on the 50th and 63rd day of gestation, while the number of lobules forming lobes decreases. On the 112th day of gestation each lobe is composed of 8–22 excretory ducts made up of the simple cuboid epithelium with a round nucleus arranged less or more peripherally.
A Cost of Leadership in Human Groups
Authors: Piyapong Chantima , Morrell Lesley J. , Croft Darren P. , Dyer John R. G. , Ioannou Christos C. , Krause Jens
Published: August 2007

Group living is the result of a dynamic trade‐off between associated costs and benefits. However, these costs and benefits are not necessarily distributed equally across different spatial positions of groups which may result in different fitness returns for individuals occupying different positions in groups. Here we consider whether leadership of a group during a navigation task in humans may have a specific cost associated with it. Pairs of students performed a counting task whilst walking through two obstacle courses, once as leader and once as follower. We found that leaders made significantly more errors in the counting task than followers suggesting that there is an attention cost associated with leadership/navigation behaviour.
Prey Capture Behaviour in the Social Spider Anelosimus eximius (Araneae: Theridiidae): Responses to Prey Size and Type
Authors: Souza Andréa L.T. , Gonzaga Marcelo O. , Vasconcellos‐Neto João
Published: August 2007

Some species of web building spiders use different capture tactics for different prey types. The main factors influencing the attack behaviour are the ability of the insect to escape, the risks of injury to the spiders and prey size. This study evaluated the effects of size and prey type on prey capture behaviour of the social spider Anelosimus eximius as influenced by the number of spiders attracted by prey movements that did not bite until the immobilization (bystanders) and the number of spiders that contributed to prey immobilization (catchers). We carried out a two‐factor (prey size and type) experiment offering prey belonging to four orders: Diptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Orthoptera, in a size gradient within each prey type. Both factors influenced the number of spiders recruited as bystanders, but only prey body size influenced the number of catchers in the subduing process. The possible advantages of the presence of bystanders around the interception site are discussed.
Social Experience During Development and Female Offspring Aggression in Peromyscus Mice
Authors: Bester‐Meredith Janet K. , Marler Catherine A.
Published: August 2007

Cross‐fostering between the highly aggressive, biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) and the less aggressive, less parental white‐footed mouse (P. leucopus) influences female offspring attack latency in California mice, but not in white‐footed mice. Adult female California mice raised by white‐footed mice expressed longer attack latencies in a neutral‐arena test but not in a resident‐intruder test. One social cue that may be used by offspring to develop environmentally appropriate levels of aggression is the type of parental care during development. In California mice, a composite score of maternal behavior was positively associated with neutral‐arena aggression as indicated by decreased attack latency. In both species, paternal nest‐building was positively associated with neutral‐arena aggression and higher maternal retrieval behavior predicted higher offspring resident‐intruder aggression as indicated by decreased attack latency. Together, these results indicate that parental behavior has the potential to shape the development of attack latency in female offspring.
Shoaling Decisions in Angelfish: The Roles of Social Status and Familiarity
Authors: Gómez‐Laplaza Luis M. , Fuente Asur
Published: August 2007

AbstractPast research has shown that angelfish,Pterophyllum scalare, are capable of discriminating between shoals composed of familiar dominant and subordinate companions, whereas they show no preference for shoals of unfamiliar conspecifics. In this study, the relative importance of familiarity and social status (shoal factors) on the shoaling decision of juvenile angelfish, which also differed in social status (individual factor), was investigated as very little is known about such tradeoffs in fishes. Dominant and subordinate individuals were given the choice to shoal with a group of conspecifics composed of familiar dominants vs. unfamiliar dominants and composed of familiar subordinates vs. unfamiliar subordinates. The findings demonstrate that fish with different social status differed in their shoaling preference. Subordinate test fish showed a preferential association with familiar subordinates over unfamiliar subordinates, but preferred the unfamiliar shoal over the familiar one when both shoals were constituted by dominant individuals. The shoaling behaviour shown by dominant test fish, on the other hand, indicated no significant preference for any of the shoals regardless of their composition. A replicate preference test carried out 2 h 30 min after the first one indicated that the association pattern was relatively consistent. Results suggest that angelfish are able to differentiate between the stimulus shoals and demonstrate that the pervasive influence of familiarity on the shoaling decision may be restrained or overridden by the composition of the familiar shoals and the social status of the test fish.
Positive Relationship between Signalling Time and Flight Capability in the Texas Field Cricket, Gryllus texensis
Authors: Bertram Susan M.
Published: August 2007

A trade‐off between dispersal ability and reproduction is generally thought to explain the persistence of wing dimorphism in insects, although this trade‐off has received minimal attention in male insects. Research on male sand cricket, Gryllus firmus, supports the trade‐off hypothesis insofar as flight capable cricket’s spend significantly less time signalling for potential mates than their flightless counterparts. By contrast, here I show that this expected trade‐off between signalling time and wing dimorphism does not exist in a male congener, the Texas field cricket (Gryllus texensis). In G. texensis, flight capable males signal twice as often as flightless males. Thus, unless male G. texensis express trade‐offs between dispersal ability and other, presently unmeasured components of reproduction, the trade‐off hypothesis may not explain the persistence of wing dimorphism in all male insects.
PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF MAGNESIUM AGAINST ISCHAEMIA–REPERFUSION INJURY THROUGH INHIBITION OF P‐SELECTIN IN RATS
Authors: Ying Shu‐Qin , Fang Lu , Xiang Mei‐Xiang , Xu Geng , Shan Jiang , Wang Jian‐An
Published: August 2007

The leucocyte‐mediated inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in ischaemia–reperfusion injury. P‐Selectin and CD11b are important mediators for the recruitment of leucocytes into the endothelium. However, the time‐course of changes in P‐selectin and CD11b expression during reperfusion is not defined. Magnesium has been shown to have a protective role in reperfusion injury, but the mechanism of its action is not yet clear.

In the present study, 90 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomized into three groups, namely a sham‐operated group, an IR group (subjected to 45 min of coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion for up to 6 h) and an MgSO4‐treated group, which received an infusion of MgSO4 starting 30 min before occlusion and continuing until the onset of reperfusion. The expression of P‐selectin on platelets and CD11b on leucocytes, endothelial P‐selectin on cardiac microvessels and P‐selectin mRNA in myocardial tissue were measured by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, respectively, at different time points during reperfusion. The degree of myocardial necrosis and arrhythmia was assessed.

The present study shows that P‐selectin expression on platelets and cardiac microvessels, P‐selectin mRNA in myocardial tissue and CD11b expression on leucocytes in the IR group were significantly upregulated compared with the sham‐operated group in a time‐dependent manner during reperfusion. Treatment with MgSO4 attenuated the upregulation of P‐selectin expression, in addition to inhibiting myocardial necrosis and arrhythmia, but had no effect on CD11b expression on leucocytes.

These results suggest that the expression of P‐selectin and CD11b is upregulated after reperfusion and magnesium pretreatment plays a cardioprotective role in ischaemia–reperfusion injury, possibly by inhibiting the upregulation of P‐selectin expression.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN 45T/G POLYMORPHISM OF THE ADIPONECTIN GENE AND PLASMA ADIPONECTIN LEVELS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
Authors: Li Lin‐Lin , Kang Xiao‐Long , Ran Xin‐Jian , Wang Ye , Wang Chang‐Hui , Huang Lin , Ren Jun , Luo Xin , Mao Xin‐Min
Published: August 2007

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 45T/G and plasma adiponectin levels and the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Uygurs of the Xinjiang region, China.

We performed a cross‐sectional survey in a representative sample of 151 Uygur adults aged 24–80 years. The polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method was used to determine the distribution of allele and genotype frequency of the SNP45 T/G polymorphism (exon 2) in the adiponectin gene. An ELISA was used to determine plasma adiponectin levels. Logistic regression was used to screen risk factors for T2DM.

Compared with the normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group, the T2DM group exhibited a higher distribution of the TG + GG genotype, G allele frequency and lower plasma adiponectin concentrations in TG + GG genotype carriers compared with those with the TT genotype. Compared with SNP45 T carriers, in the NGT group, G carriers had higher levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, low density lipoprotein (P < 0.05) and total cholesterol (P < 0.005). In the T2DM group, G carriers had lower levels of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) of insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05) and higher levels of HOMA of insulin resistance (P < 0.05).

Adiponectin SNP 45 is positively correlated with the prevalence of T2DM in Uygurs of Xinjiang. The G allele carriers who have reduced plasma concentrations of adiponectin may have associated insulin resistance.
Gαq‐PROTEIN CARBOXYL TERMINUS IMITATION POLYPEPTIDE GCIP‐27 ATTENUATES CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY IN VITRO AND IN VIVO
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Gang , Li Xiao‐Hui , Zhou Jian‐Zhi , Liu Ya , Jia Yi , Yuan Zhi‐Bing
Published: August 2007

Various Gq‐protein‐coupled receptors, such as α1‐adrenoceptors, angiotension AT1 receptors, endothelin ETA receptors, neuropeptide Y1 receptors etc., contribute to cardiac hypertrophy. In G‐protein signalling pathways, the carboxyl terminus of the Gα subunit plays a vital role within G‐protein–receptor interaction. The present study was designed to explore the effects of the synthetic Gαq carboxyl terminal imitation peptide GCIP‐27 on cardiac hypertrophy.

Hypertrophy of rat cultured cardiomyocytes was induced by noradrenaline (NA) or angiotensin (Ang) II in vitro. Protein content, [3H] incorporation and [Ca2+]i were determined in cardiomyocytes cultured with GCIP‐27. Three in vivo animal models of cardiac hypertrophy were prepared using intraperitoneal injections of NA in mice and rats and suprarenal abdominal aortic stenosis in rats. After treatment with GCIP‐27 (10–100 µg/L) for 15 or 20 days, indices of cardiac hypertrophy were measured. The effect of GCIP‐27 on the mRNA expression of c‐fos and c‐jun was detected using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.

At 10–100 µg/L, GCIP‐27 significantly decreased protein content and [3H]‐leucine incorporation in cultured cardiomyocytes compared with 1 µmol/L NA‐ and 1 µmol/L AngII‐treated groups. After treatment with GCIP‐27 (10, 30 or 100 µg/kg) for 15 days, the heart index (HI) and left ventricular index (LVI) in mice decreased significantly compared with the NA control group. In rats, GCIP‐27 significantly reduced HI and LVI compared with the NA and aortic stenosis groups. Moreover, [Ca2+]i in cardiomyocytes in the GCIP‐27 (3, 10, 30 µg/L)‐treated groups was lower than that in the control groups. Expression of c‐fos and c‐jun mRNA decreased significantly in the myocardium from 5–45 µg/L GCIP‐27‐treated rats compared with NA controls.

The results indicate that GCIP‐27 can attenuate cardiac hypertrophy effectively in various models in vitro and in vivo.
EXPRESSION OF P2X PURINOCEPTORS IN PC12 PHAEOCHROMOCYTOMA CELLS
Authors: Sun Ji‐Hu , Cai Guo‐Jun , Xiang Zheng‐Hua
Published: August 2007

The PC12 cell line, which was cloned from a rat adrenal phaeochromocytoma, is a useful model system. It expresses neuronal properties after treatment with nerve growth factor (NGF). The nervous system‐specific P2X receptor subtype P2X2 was initially cloned from PC12 cells, but little is known about the expression of other subtypes of P2X receptors in PC12 cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether PC12 cells express the other P2X receptors when exposed to NGF.

Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction at the mRNA level and immunocytochemisty at the protein level showed that, among the seven P2X purinoceptor subtypes, only P2X2 was found to be expressed in undifferentiated PC12 phaeochromocytoma cells, but all seven P2X purinoceptor subtypes were expressed in differentiated PC12 cells treated with 50 µg/mL NGF.

Electrophysiological recordings indicated that ATP (30 µmol/L) but not α,β‐methylene ATP (α,β‐meATP; 30 µmol/L) evoked an inward current in undifferentiated PC12 cells, but both α,β‐meATP and ATP evoked inward currents in differentiated PC12 cells. The results indicate that the NGF‐induced P2X receptors expressed in PC12 cells are functional channels.

The present study suggests that the NGF‐induced neuronal phenotype of PC12 cells may be a model for the study of P2X heteromeric receptors.
ENDOTHELIUM‐TARGETED TRANSGENIC GTP‐CYCLOHYDROLASE I OVEREXPRESSION INHIBITS NEOINTIMA FORMATION IN MOUSE CAROTID ARTERY
Authors: Liao Song‐Jie , Lin Li , Zeng Jin‐Sheng , Huang Ru‐Xun , Channon Keith M , Chen Alex F
Published: August 2007

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor that maintains the normal function of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Restenosis is a key complication after transluminal angioplasty. Guanosine 5′‐triphosphate‐cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) is the first rate‐limiting enzyme for de novo BH4 synthesis. However, the role of GTPCH in restenosis is not fully understood. The present study tested the hypothesis that endothelial‐targeted GTPCH overexpression retards neointimal formation, a hallmark of restenosis, in mouse carotid artery.

Transluminal wire injury was induced in the left carotid arteries of adult male wild‐type C57BL/6 (WT) and endothelial GTPCH transgenic (Tg‐GCH) mice. Re‐endothelialization was confirmed with in vivo Evans blue staining. Endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent relaxations were measured using isometric tension recording. Morphological analysis was performed 2 and 4 weeks after carotid injury to assess neointimal formation. Fluorescence‐based high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine GTPCH activity and BH4 levels. Basal NO release following carotid injury was assessed by NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester‐induced vascular contraction.

The endothelium was completely removed upon transluminal wire injury and full re‐endothelialization was achieved at Day 10. Endothelium‐dependent relaxation was impaired 10 days and 4 weeks after carotid injury, whereas endothelium‐independent relaxation remained unaffected. Morphological analysis revealed that the endothelial‐specific overexpression of GTPCH reduced neointimal formation and medial hypertrophy 2 and 4 weeks after carotid injury. Both arterial GTPCH enzyme activity and BH4 levels were significantly elevated in Tg‐GCH mice compared with WT mice and basal NO release of the injured carotid artery tended to increase in Tg‐GCH mice.

These findings suggest that the endothelial overexpression of GTPCH increased endothelial BH4 synthesis and played a preventive role in neointimal formation induced by endothelium denudation.
DETECTION OF PERIVASCULAR BLOOD FLOW IN VIVO BY CONTRAST‐ENHANCED INTRACORONARY ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND IMAGE ANALYSIS: AN ANIMAL STUDY
Authors: Vavuranakis Manolis , Papaioannou Theodore G , Kakadiaris Ioannis A , O'Malley Sean M , Naghavi Morteza , Filis Konstantinos , Sanidas Elias A , Papalois Apostolos , Stamatopoulos Ilias , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: August 2007

Acute coronary syndromes are mostly the result of coronary plaque rupture. Diagnostic techniques focusing on the early detection of those plaques that are prone to rupture are still limited. Increased neovascularization in the adventitia and within the atherosclerotic plaque have recently been identified as common features of inflammation and plaque vulnerability. Contrast‐enhanced intravascular imaging with microbubbles can be used to trace perfusion.

In the present study, we examined the perivascular network of the left anterior descending coronary arteries and left circumflex arteries of four domestic, clinically healthy pigs using intracoronary ultrasound after injection of microbubbles with a differential imaging technique (ACES™; Computational Biomedicine Laboratory, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA). Our aim was to detect blood flow into the coronary lumen and perivascular flow in contrast‐enhanced images. Eleven regions of interest (ROI), including perivascular structures, were compared with regard to their grey scale level before and after the injection of SonoVue® (0.06 mL/kg; Bracco Diagnostics, Princeton, NJ, USA).

A statistically significant (P = 0.018) enhancement was found in the echogenicity of the total perivascular space (adventitial region and perivascular vessels), as indicated by an increase in grey level intensity from 8.33 ± 0.80 (before) to 10.11 ± 0.88 (after microbubble injection). A significant enhancement of the 11 selected ROI (perivascular structures) was also recorded after the injection of microbubbles (from 7.92 ± 2.14 to 14.03 ± 2.44; P = 0.008).

We believe that the detection of perivascular structures with contrast‐enhanced intracoronary ultrasonography combined with proper image processing may reinforce our future efforts in the detection of vasa vasorum, an active participant in the creation of acute coronary events.
INHIBITORY INTERNEURONS IN THE PIRIFORM CORTEX
Authors: Suzuki Norimitsu , Bekkers John M
Published: August 2007

The piriform cortex (PC) is the largest subdivision of the olfactory cortex and the first cortical destination of olfactory information. Despite the relatively simple anatomy of the PC and its obvious appeal as a model system for the study of cortical sensory processing, there are many outstanding questions about its basic cell physiology. In the present article, we review what is known about GABAergic inhibitory interneurons in the PC.

The GABA‐containing neurons in the PC are morphologically diverse, ranging from small neurogliaform cells to large multipolar forms. Some of these classes are distributed across all three main layers of the PC, whereas others have a more restricted laminar expression.

Distinct and overlapping populations of GABAergic basket cells in Layers II and III of the PC express different combinations of calcium‐binding proteins and neuropeptides. Few Layer I interneurons express any of the molecular markers so far examined.

The intrinsic firing properties of one or two types of putative PC interneurons have been measured and inhibitory post‐synaptic responses have been recorded in PC pyramidal cells following extracellular stimulation. However, little is known about the physiology of the subtypes of interneurons identified.

In view of the likely importance of PC interneurons in olfactory learning, olfactory coding and epileptogenesis, further investigation of their properties is likely to be highly informative.