bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SiBr4 – prediction and determination of crystal structures
Authors: Wolf Alexandra K. , Glinnemann Jürgen , Schmidt Martin U. , Tong Jianwei , Dinnebier Robert E. , Simon Arndt , Köhler Jürgen
Published: May 2009

For SiBr4 no crystal structures have been reported yet. In this work the crystal structures of SiBr4 were predicted by global lattice-energy minimizations using force-field methods. Over an energy range of 5 kJ mol−1 above the global minimum ten possible structures were found. Two of these structures were experimentally determined from X-ray synchrotron powder diffraction data: The low-temperature β phase crystallizes in P21/c, the high-temperature α phase in Pa\overline{3}. Temperature-dependant X-ray powder diffraction shows that the phase transition occurs at 168 K.
Structures of the pseudo-trigonal polymorphs of Cu2(OH)3Cl
Authors: Malcherek Thomas , Schlüter Jochen
Published: May 2009

The crystal structure of Cu2(OH)3Cl has been determined using two natural samples with almost ideal stoichiometry. While one of the samples exhibits a twinned clinoatacamite structure, the other sample is characterized by the appearance of additional weak diffraction maxima at half integer positions of h and k. Structure refinement was carried out with the space group P\bar 1. The relationship between the triclinic phase, clinoatacamite, paratacamite and the herbertsmithite structure is discussed in terms of symmetry as a function of Cu concentration.
Large, larger, largest – a family of cluster-based tantalum copper aluminides with giant unit cells. II. The cluster structure
Authors: Conrad Matthias , Harbrecht Bernd , Weber Thomas , Jung Daniel Y. , Steurer Walter
Published: May 2009

This is the second of two papers, where we discuss the cluster structures of a novel family of cluster-based intermetallic phases of unprecedented complexity: cF444-Al63.6Ta36.4 (AT-19), a = 19.1663 (1) Å, V = 7040 Å3, cF(5928 − x)-Al56.6Cu3.9Ta39.5, x = 20 (ACT-45), a = 45.376 (1) Å, V = 93 428 Å3 and cF(23, 256 − x)-Al55.4Cu5.4Ta39.1, x = 122 (ACT-71), a = 71.490 (4) Å, V = 365 372 Å3. The space group is F\bar 43m in all three cases. The structures can be described as packings of clusters such as fullerenes, dodecahedra, pentagonal bifrusta and Friauf polyhedra. A characteristic feature of the two larger structures are nets of hexagonal bipyramidal Ta clusters (h.b.p.). The extremely short distance of 2.536–2.562 Å between their apical Ta atoms indicates unusually strong bonding. The large h.b.p. nets are sandwiched between slabs of Friauf polyhedra resembling the structure of the μ phase.
Braided Block Codes
Authors: Feltstrom Alberto JimÉnez , Truhachev Dmitri , Lentmaier Michael , Zigangirov Kamil Sh.
Published: May 2009

A new class of binary iteratively decodable codes with good decoding performance is presented. These codes, called braided block codes (BBCs), operate on continuous data streams and are constructed by interconnection of two component block codes. BBCs can be considered as convolutional (or sliding) version of either Elias' product codes or expander codes. In this paper, we define BBCs, describe methods of their construction, analyze code properties, and study asymptotic iterative decoding performance.
Target‐selective degradation of cancer‐related proteins by novel photosensitizers for molecular‐targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Toshima Kazunobu , Tanimoto Shuho , Tsumura Kana , Umezawa Kazuo , Takahashi Daisuke
Published: May 2009

Proteins are key players in many biological events including cancers. The development of novel photosensitizers for the selective degradation of cancer‐related proteins has attracted much attention in the fields of photodynamic therapy for various cancers. In this review article, several novel photosensitizers, which selectively degrade cancer‐related proteins under photoirradiation and mild conditions without any further additives, are introduced. This novel class of photosensitizers promises bright prospects for finding molecular‐targeted drugs for cancer photodynamic therapy in the near future. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1581–1584)
Pharmacokinetic comparison of orally‐disintegrating metoclopramide with conventional metoclopramide tablet formulation in healthy volunteers
Authors: FASS R. , PIENIASZEK H. J. , THOMPSON J. R.
Published: May 2009

Background  Oral tablet formulations of metoclopramide are effective therapies for gastroparesis and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease; however, difficulty swallowing tablets or nausea/vomiting may reduce patient adherence to therapy. Because of this, a metoclopramide orally‐disintegrating tablet (ODT) has been developed.

Aim  To evaluate the bioequivalence of a single administration of a 10‐mg metoclopramide ODT and a conventional 10‐mg oral metoclopramide tablet in healthy volunteers.

Methods  In a randomized, single‐dose, crossover study, healthy volunteers received single administration of 10‐mg metoclopramide ODT and 10‐mg conventional metoclopramide tablet, with a 7‐day interval between treatments. Serial blood samples were collected before dosing and during 24 h post‐treatment.

Results  Forty‐one volunteers completed both treatment arms. Metoclopramide ODT was bioequivalent to conventional tablets; 90% CIs for geometric mean treatment ratios of Cmax [91.6% (90% CI, 87.7–95.8%)], AUClast [97.3% (90% CI, 94.5–100.2%)] and AUCinf [97.6% (90% CI, 94.5–100.8%)] were within the predefined range. Of the 44 volunteers included in the safety analysis, 9 (20%) reported AEs after ODT, compared with 13 (30%) after conventional tablets.

Conclusion  In healthy volunteers, single administration of 10‐mg metoclopramide ODT was well tolerated and bioequivalent to single administration of a conventional 10‐mg metoclopramide tablet.
Monoclonal antibodies to bovine blood group antigens
Authors: TUCKER E. M. , MÉTÉNIER L. , GROSCLAUDE J. , CLARKE S. W. , KILGOUR L.
Published: May 2009

Summary Hybridomas were made by fusing mouse myeloma cells with spleen cells from mice immunized with bovine red cells. Sixteen cloned lines which secreted haemolytic monoclonal antibodies reacting with antigens in the A, B, F, Z and S blood group systems were established; one of the antibodies identified a new factor in the B system. Extensive tests on red cells from 1000 animals indicated that several of the antibodies are suitable for use in routine blood typing; others are of potential use for genetic studies of the bovine blood group systems.
Restriction fragment length polymorphism among Israeli Holstein‐Friesian dairy bulls*
Authors: BECKMANN J. S. , KASHI Y. , HALLERMAN E. M. , NAVE A. , SOLLER M.
Published: May 2009

Summary Israeli Holstein‐Friesian dairy bulls were screened for restriction fragment length polymorphisms by hybridizing cloned DNA probes for bovine growth hormone, for chymosin, and for rat muscle beta‐actin to restriction endonuclease‐digested DNA immobilized on nitrocellulose filters. The population proved to be polymorphic at the growth hormone locus, with evidence consistent with the phenotypes being inherited in allelic fashion. A low level of polymorphism was also observed at one of the beta‐actin gene family loci. The chymosin locus was monomorphic with the restriction enzymes utilized. The results illustrate the power of restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology in visualizing genetic variability in dairy cattle populations.
Biochemical polymorphism in Egyptian Baladi cattle and their relationship with other breeds
Authors: GRAML R. , OHMAYER G. , PIRCHNER F. , ERHARD L. , BUCHBERGER J. , MOSTAGEER A.
Published: May 2009

Summary Gene frequencies were estimated in a sample of Baladi cattle for milk proteins, blood proteins and blood groups. Gene frequency estimates of Bos taurus, Bos indicus and Sanga breeds were assembled from the literature. The gene frequencies were utilized for estimating the genetic distance between the breeds and breed groups. The Egyptian Baladi cattle appeared to be closer to Bos taurus breeds than to the Sanga. They are far removed from Zebus.
Evidence for BoLA‐linked resistance and susceptibility to subclinical progression of bovine leukaemia virus infection
Authors: LEWIN H. A. , BERNOCO D.
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe role of the bovine major histocompatibility complex in bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) infection and disease progression was investigated in a herd of Shorthorn cattle (n= 117). The frequency of cows that were seropositive to BLV‐glycoprotein antigen was 51%. Twenty‐three per cent of the seropositive cows were lymphocytotic. At the herd level, relative resistance to BLV‐dependent B‐cell proliferation and lymphocytosis among seropositive cows was associated with bovine lymphocyte antigen (BoLA)‐DA7, whereas susceptibility was associated with BoLA‐DA12·3. These associations were also confirmed at the family level, where BoLA phenotypes were used as haplotypic markers. Among the offspring of one BoLA‐heterozygous sire (n= 33), resistance segregated with the DA7 haplotype and susceptibility with the DA12·3 haplotype. In this sire group, maternal transmission of the BoLA‐w8 allele was associated with increased susceptibility to B‐cell proliferation and lymphocytosis in w8/DA12·3 heterozygotes. These data provide the first evidence that subclinical progression of BLV infection is under the control of the BoLA complex, and suggest that the BoLA system can be used to select for resistance to B‐cell proliferation and the development of lymphocytosis in BLV‐infected herds.
Linkage between the porcine genes encoding immunoglobulin heavy‐chain allotypes and some serum α‐protease inhibitors: a conserved linkage in pig, mouse and human
Authors: JUNEJA R. K. , GAHNE B. , RAPACZ J. , HASLER‐RAPACZ J.
Published: May 2009

Summary Linkage between the genes coding for immunoglobulin heavy‐chain allotypes and some serum α‐protease inhibitors was demonstrated in pigs by means of segregation data in families. A recombination frequency of about 8% was estimated. This represents evolutionary conservation of an autosomal linkage group as linkage between the homologous loci has previously been reported, in humans and in mice.
Genetic variations in blood proteins within and between Spanish dairy sheep breeds
Authors: ORDÁS J. G. , PRIMITIVO F. SAN
Published: May 2009

Summary Eleven flocks of three Spanish sheep breeds have been studied: four Churra, four Lacha and three Manchega. Genetic variations between flocks of the same and different breeds have been analysed, using eight genetic blood systems and a wide range of statistical methods. The results show that the Churra, Lacha and Manchega breeds present significant differences between each other. Significant intraracial variations have been observed in Churras and Lachas, although they were almost non‐existent in Manchegas. In some cases the genetic distances between flocks of the same breed were greater than the distances between flocks of different breeds. The data indicate that the closest breeds genetically are Lacha and Manchega.
Linkage analysis of loci controlling blood groups and the rectovaginal constriction syndrome in Jersey cattle
Authors: LARSEN B. , HANSEN K. M.
Published: May 2009

Summary The possibility of linkage between the recessive gene controlling the rectovaginal constriction (RVC) syndrome in Jersey cattle and 13 loci controlling blood groups and polymorphic proteins was studied. No evidence of close to moderate linkage was found between the RVC locus and any of the systems A, B, C, F, L, S, Z, R′, Hb, Tf, Am‐1 and Ca. No definite conclusion was possible with the M system.
Pathogenesis of chronic immune thrombocytopenia: increased platelet destruction and/or decreased platelet production
Authors: Nugent Diane , McMillan Robert , Nichol Janet L. , Slichter Sherrill J.
Published: May 2009

Chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a haematological disorder in which patients predominantly develop skin and mucosal bleeding. Early studies suggested ITP was primarily due to immune‐mediated peripheral platelet destruction. However, increasing evidence indicates that an additional component of this disorder is immune‐mediated decreased platelet production that cannot keep pace with platelet destruction. Evidence for increased platelet destruction is thrombocytopenia following ITP plasma infusions in normal subjects, in vitro platelet phagocytosis, and decreased platelet survivals in ITP patients that respond to therapies that prevent in vivo platelet phagocytosis; e.g., intravenous immunoglobulin G, anti‐D, corticosteroids, and splenectomy. The cause of platelet destruction in most ITP patients appears to be autoantibody‐mediated. However, cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐mediated platelet (and possibly megakaryocyte) lysis, may also be important. Studies supporting suppressed platelet production include: reduced platelet turnover in over 80% of ITP patients, morphological evidence of megakaryocyte damage, autoantibody‐induced suppression of in vitro megakaryocytopoiesis, and increased platelet counts in most ITP patients following treatment with thrombopoietin receptor agonists. This review summarizes data that indicates that the pathogenesis of chronic ITP may be due to both immune‐mediated platelet destruction and/or suppressed platelet production. The relative importance of these two mechanisms undoubtedly varies among patients.
Angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor‐/receptor expression in myeloproliferative neoplasms: correlation with clinical parameters and JAK2‐V617F mutational status
Authors: Medinger Michael , Skoda Radek , Gratwohl Alois , Theocharides Alexandre , Buser Andreas , Heim Dominik , Dirnhofer Stephan , Tichelli André , Tzankov Alexandar
Published: May 2009

Data on angiogenesis in the bone marrow of BCR‐ABL1‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients suggest an increase of the microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, but relations to the JAK2‐V617F status remain controversial. We performed immunohistochemical studies of MVD and VEGF‐expression in 100 MPN, including 24 essential thrombocythemia‐ (ET), 46 polycythemia vera‐ (PV), 26 primary myelofibrosis‐ (PMF), four myelodysplastic (MDS)/MPN‐ and 20 control reactive bone marrow cases, and correlated these findings with biological and clinical key data and the JAK2‐V617F status. We found significantly increased MVD, particularly that assessed by CD105, and VEGF expression in MPN compared to controls (PMF > PV > MDS/MPN > ET). We observed stronger association between CD105‐MVD and VEGF expression, fibrosis, and JAK2‐V617F mutant allele burden, compared to CD34‐MVD. MVD was strongly increased in MPN with high JAK2‐V617F mutant allele burden. Our study highlights the importance of newly formed CD105+ vessels in the bone marrow of MPN patients, and indicates that assessment of CD105‐MVD better reflects angiogenic activity in MPN. In addition, it provides evidence that despite the fact that angiogenesis is generally independent of the JAK2‐V617F status in MPN, new vessel formation might be linked to Jak2 effects in some cases with high JAK2‐V617F mutant allele burden.
Advances in the understanding of familial Mediterranean fever and possibilities for targeted therapy
Authors: Chae Jae J. , Aksentijevich Ivona , Kastner Daniel L.
Published: May 2009

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a systemic autoinflammatory disorder characterized by seemingly unprovoked recurrent episodes of fever and serosal, synovial, or cutaneous inflammation. FMF is caused by recessively inherited mutations in MEFV, which encodes pyrin, and most of the mutations are present in the C‐terminal end of the protein encoding B30.2 domain. The FMF carrier frequencies are extremely high in several eastern Mediterranean populations. Pyrin is expressed in granulocytes, monocytes, dendritic cells, and synovial fibroblasts. Pyrin regulates caspase‐1 activation and consequently interleukin‐1β production through the interactions of its N‐terminal PYRIN domain and C‐terminal B30.2 domain with an adaptor protein, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein with a caspase‐recruitment domain (ASC) and caspase‐1 respectively. Pyrin is cleaved by caspase‐1 and the cleaved N‐terminal fragment translocates to nucleus and enhances ASC‐independent nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation through interactions with p65 NF‐κB and IκB‐α. In addition to the regulatory role of pyrin for caspase‐1, the cleavage of pyrin provides an important clue not only in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of FMF but also in developing new therapeutic targets for FMF.
Patterns of abundance of fire ants and native ants in a native ecosystem
Authors: STUBLE KATHARINE L. , KIRKMAN L. KATHERINE , CARROLL C. RONALD
Published: May 2009

Abstract 1. This correlational study examines the relationship between the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) and native ants in a longleaf pine savanna. Fire ants are frequently associated with a decline in native ants throughout the invaded range, but fire ant invasion is often coupled with habitat disturbance. Invasion of fire ants into the longleaf pine savanna provides an opportunity to examine the structure of the ant community in the absence of habitat disturbance.

2. Pitfall trapping was conducted within the longleaf pine savanna as well as across a naturally occurring soil moisture gradient, in plots that had been artificially watered.

3. Species richness did not vary as a function of fire ant density. There was an inverse relationship between native ant density and fire ant density, but this abundance pattern does not necessarily imply a causal link between fire ant invasion and native ant decline. For individual species, fire ant densities were negatively correlated with the densities of only two native ant species, including Solenopsis carolinensis, a native species that potentially limits the invasion of fire ants. Additionally, fire ants and native ants respond differently to soil moisture, with native ants favouring drier conditions than fire ants.

4. The possible exclusion of fire ants by some native ants, as well as differences in habitat preferences, provide alternative explanations for the frequently observed negative correlation between fire ants and native ants.
Overnight emotional adaptation to negative stimuli is altered by REM sleep deprivation and is correlated with intervening dream emotions
Authors: LARA‐CARRASCO JESSICA , NIELSEN TORE A. , SOLOMONOVA ELIZAVETA , LEVRIER KATIA , POPOVA ANI
Published: May 2009

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and dreaming may be implicated in cross‐night adaptation to emotionally negative events. To evaluate the impact of REM sleep deprivation (REMD) and the presence of dream emotions on a possible emotional adaptation (EA) function, 35 healthy subjects randomly assigned to REMD (n = 17; mean age 26.4 ± 4.3 years) and control (n = 18; mean age 23.7 ± 4.4 years) groups underwent a partial REMD and control nights in the laboratory, respectively. In the evening preceding and morning following REMD, subjects rated neutral and negative pictures on scales of valence and arousal and EA scores were calculated. Subjects also rated dream emotions using the same scales and a 10‐item emotions list. REMD was relatively successful in decreasing REM% on the experimental night, although a mean split procedure was applied to better differentiate subjects high and low in REM%. High and low groups differed – but in a direction contrary to expectations. Subjects high in REMD% showed greater adaptation to negative pictures on arousal ratings than did those low in REMD% (P < 0.05), even after statistically controlling sleep efficiency and awakening times. Subjects above the median on EAvalence had less intense overall dream negativity (P < 0.005) and dream sadness (P < 0.004) than subjects below the median. A correlation between the emotional intensities of the morning dream and the morning picture ratings supports a possible emotional carry‐over effect. REM sleep may enhance morning reactivity to negative emotional stimuli. Further, REM sleep and dreaming may be implicated in different dimensions of cross‐night adaptation to negative emotions.
Arousal in obstructive sleep apnoea patients is associated with ECG RR and QT interval shortening and PR interval lengthening
Authors: SMITH JANET H. , BAUMERT MATHIAS , NALIVAIKO EUGENE , McEVOY RONALD DOUGLAS , CATCHESIDE PETER G.
Published: May 2009

Sudden cardiac death appears to be more prevalent during the normal sleeping hours in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients compared with the general population as well as to cardiovascular disease patients. The reasons for this remain unclear, but there are three likely main contributors to nocturnal death in OSA patients; cardiac arrhythmias, stroke/ruptured cerebral aneurism and myocardial infarction. Particularly marked cardiovascular system activation with arousal may play a role in initiating sudden adverse cardiovascular events in OSA. The purpose of this study was to investigate cardiac RR, QT and PR interval changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) associated with spontaneous and respiratory‐related arousals in OSA patients. A detailed observational study of ECG records obtained during conventional diagnostic sleep study with no further interventions was carried out in 20 patients (12 males, age 42.8 ± 2.1 years, body mass index 35.1 ± 1.9 kg m−2, and respiratory disturbance index 51.8 ± 6.4 events/hour). RR and QT intervals showed significant shortening during arousals. RR interval shortening was found to be greater during respiratory arousals when compared to spontaneous arousals. PR interval showed a trend toward a greater prolongation during respiratory arousal. QT interval shortening was weakly correlated with arterial oxygen saturation levels preceding arousal. In conclusion, these data suggest that despite greater cardiac acceleration following respiratory versus spontaneous arousals from sleep, QT shortening and PR prolongation responses are similar independent of arousal type. These data support that arousals produce quite marked and differential cardiac conduction system activation in OSA and that the degree and pattern of activation may be partly influenced by the presence and severity of preceding respiratory events.
Extracting, storing and distributing DNA for a birth cohort study
Authors: Jones Richard
Published: May 2009

Issues surrounding DNA extraction from biological samples are discussed, together with details of storage and distribution methods. The benefits of laying down immortalised cell lines are described.
Assessing diet in longitudinal birth cohort studies
Authors: Emmett Pauline
Published: May 2009

Diet is an important component of a person's environment. It is important for adults and particularly for mothers during pregnancy and while breast feeding, and for children in utero and during later growth and development. Measurement of the type and amount of foods consumed is complex. Here we describe the different methods that can be used, when and when not to use each one, and the importance of validation studies.
Data organisation and preparation for statistical analysis in a longitudinal birth cohort
Authors: Golding Jean
Published: May 2009

Prior to the commencement of a birth cohort study it is important to take account of the different ways in which statisticians will want to use the data. Here we suggest issues to be considered and possible solutions. We include details of data preparation from questionnaires or interviews; biological and genetic assay results; preparation of clean edited files; types of statistical analyses that are appropriate, and issues surrounding whether the data should be put into the public domain.
The case for a coordinating centre for birth cohort studies
Authors: Golding Jean
Published: May 2009

Designing, piloting and proceeding with a longitudinal birth cohort is a major exercise. Here we outline ways in which a resource centre could be initiated to provide advice and training, a library of appropriate instruments and publications, provision for cross‐cohort comparisons and a biobanking facility. The resource should be available for cohorts planned in the developed and developing world, as well as those countries in transition. We discuss possible strategies for funding such a centre.
Site‐specific weed control technologies
Authors: CHRISTENSEN S , SØGAARD H T , KUDSK P , NØRREMARK M , LUND I , NADIMI E S , JØRGENSEN R
Published: May 2009

Site‐specific weed control technologies are defined as machinery or equipment embedded with technologies that detect weeds growing in a crop and, taking into account predefined factors such as economics, take action to maximise the chances of successfully controlling them. In this study, we describe the basic parts of site‐specific weed control technologies, comprising weed sensing systems, weed management models and precision weed control implements. A review of state‐of‐the‐art technologies shows that several weed sensing systems and precision implements have been developed over the last two decades, although barriers prevent their breakthrough. Most important among these is the lack of a truly robust weed recognition method, owing to mutual shading among plants and limitations in the capacity of highly accurate spraying and weeding apparatus. Another barrier is the lack of knowledge about the economic and environmental potential for increasing the resolution of weed control. The integration of site‐specific information on weed distribution, weed species composition and density and the effect on crop yield, is decisive for successful site‐specific weed management.
Identification of the first Toll‐like receptor gene in passerine birds: TLR4 orthologue in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Vinkler M. , Bryjová A. , Albrecht T. , Bryja J.
Published: May 2009

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are the basic components of the vertebrate pathogen recognition system. Despite uniform general structure, remarkable variability in domain composition can be found in individual TLRs among species. Knowledge of interspecific differences is of particular importance to our understanding of selective pressures on TLRs. Currently, most TLRs are characterized only in a limited number of model species, including domestic chicken as a universal avian model. Here, we describe structure and expression pattern of TLR4 in zebra finch, a widely used passerine model species. The tgTlr4 gene consists of three exons (204, 167 and 3033–3043 bp) that are transcribed into messenger RNA with a relatively long 3′‐untranslated region (788 bp). Predicted protein is composed of 842 amino acids (aas) forming extracellular domain with nine leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) motives flanked at the carboxy‐terminal end by leucine‐rich repeat carboxy‐terminal domain, transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic toll/interleukin‐1 receptor domain. The overall structure is similar to other known TLR4 molecules with 32%–49% aa identity to various mammals and 74% to chicken. Although the position of most of the domains in zebra finch TLR4 resembles their position in chicken, there is one extra LRR at the aa position 207–229 in tgTLR4 and one LRR known in chTLR4 is missing. The gene is highly expressed in the bone marrow and in the spleen, intermediately in the gut and low expression was found in the liver and lungs. For the first time in birds, expression of tgTLR4 in peritoneal macrophages was found to be enhanced by the Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide treatment.
Histomorphology of the Proventriculus of three Species of Australian Passerines: Lichmera indistincta, Zosterops lateralis and Poephila guttata
Authors: Ogunkoya Y. O. , Cook R. D.
Published: May 2009

Histomorphology of the proventriculi of nectarivorous, granivorous and omnivorous passerines was studied. The proventriculus consisted of mucosal, submucosal, muscularis and serosal layers. Proventricular wall was thickest in omnivore, thinnest in granivore and intermediate in nectarivore. The openings of mucosal glands had a single spiral‐like fold of mucosa in the omnivorous Silvereye, 2–3 spirals in the granivorous Zebra finch and 4–5 spirals in the nectarivorous Brown honeyeater. The mucosal glands were arranged in a uniform row in the wall of the organ and opened individually via a primary duct to the lumen of the proventriculus. The surface epithelial cells of the tunica mucosa contained secretory cells and the proventricular glands contained endocrine, neck and oxynticopeptic cells. The ultrastructural features of the oxynticopeptic cells changed from the oral to the aboral portion of the gland. In the oral region, the cytoplasm presented numerous, smaller (600–900 nm) homogenously dense zymogen secretory vesicles and larger (0.8–2.3 μm) pale floccular, tubular, mucin‐like secretory granules, few small mitochondria and RER while in the aboral portion of the gland, the cytoplasm presented numerous, large mitochondria with closely packed cristae, secondary lysosome and infolding of the basal and apical cell membrane. The tunica sub mucosa was thin with occasional large blood vessels. The tunica muscularis consisted of inner longitudinal, middle circular and outer longitudinal layers. The external tunica serosa contained large bundles of myelinated and unmyelinated axons that were possibly branches of the intestinal nerve. The structural adaptations of the proventriculi of these three species to their various diets are discussed.
Lectin Histochemical Aspects of Mucus Function in the Oesophagus of the Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus)
Authors: Meyer W. , Luz S. , Schnapper A.
Published: May 2009

Using lectin histochemistry, the study characterizes basic functional aspects of the mucus produced by the oesophageal epithelium of the Reticulated python (Python reticulatus). Reaction staining varied as related to the two epithelium types present, containing goblet cells and ciliary cells. Remarkable intensities were achieved especially in the luminal mucus layer and the fine mucus covering the epithelial ciliary border for Con A (α‐D‐Man; α‐D‐Glc) as part of neutral glycoproteins,Limax flavusagglutinin (NeuNac = NeuNgc), emphasizing that water binding hyaluronan provides a hydrated interface conductive to the passage of material and UEA‐I (α‐L‐Fuc), corroborating the view that fucose‐rich highly viscous mucus is helpful against mechanical stress during prey transport.
Rapid differentiation of Ophiostoma ulmi and Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi isolates by matrix‐assisted‐laser‐desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Huang C. , Jeng R. , Sain M. , Hubbes M. , Dumas M. T.
Published: May 2009

The intact yeast phase spores of Ophiostoma ulmi and O. novo‐ulmi isolates were analysed by matrix‐assisted‐laser‐desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The results clearly showed that isolates of O. ulmi and O. novo‐ulmi have different mass peak profiles. The specific mass in m/z may vary slightly. One of the peaks from m/z 7623 to 7630 dominated (in high intensity) mass spectra for all isolates of O. novo‐ulmi tested in this study. This specific peak is believed to be CU (cerato‐ulmi) protein. However, no specific m/z peak can be found to distinguish between the isolates of ssp. novo‐ulmi and ssp. americana. On the contrary, all isolates of O. ulmi tested possessed one of a dominate peak at m/z 7337 to 7342, but none around m/z 7626 as shown in O. novo‐ulmi isolates.
Identification and distribution of Armillaria species associated with an oak decline event in the Arkansas Ozarks
Authors: Kelley M. B. , Fierke M. K. , Stephen F. M.
Published: May 2009

Forests in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas recently experienced a widespread oak decline event. Armillaria, a root rot fungus, has been associated with other oak decline events and may have been an important contributing factor to tree mortality in this event. Although Armillaria has been identified from the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, it has never been investigated in the Arkansas Ozarks. Molecular diagnostic techniques were used in this study to identify species of Armillaria present on roots removed from dead trees of two common oak species, northern red oak, Quercus rubra L., and white oak, Q. alba L., from three geographic areas and on three topographic positions – ridges, south‐ and west‐facing benches. Armillaria(A. mellea, A. gallica or A. tabescens) was identified from 31% of root samples taken from 102 trees in seven of nine sample plots. Armillaria mellea, occurred most often (20 samples, both oak species on seven plots) followed by A. gallica (10 samples, northern red oak only on four plots), and A. tabescens occurred twice (on northern red oak in a single plot). Thus, all three Armillaria species occurred on northern red oaks while A. mellea was the only species recovered from white oaks. Results varied by topographic position with samples from tree roots on ridges having the fewest positive identifications, one of 29. West‐facing benches had the highest positive samples with 20 of 41 testing positive and trees on south‐facing benches were intermediate with 11 of 32 samples from infected trees. This study documents the occurrence of three species of Armillaria in the Arkansas Ozarks and their association with oak mortality resulting from an oak decline event coupled with a red oak borer, Enaphalodes rufulus, outbreak. Further, it documents some potential variation in host/pathogen combinations and forest site conditions.
Screening for resistance in the primary and secondary gene pool of barley against the root‐lesion nematode Pratylenchus neglectus
Authors: Keil T. , Laubach E. , Sharma S. , Jung C.
Published: May 2009

Root‐lesion nematodes of the genus Pratylenchus are significant pests in crop cultivation throughout many parts of the world. A study was initiated to determine the resistance of Hordeum vulgare and H. vulgare ssp. spontaneum (wild barley) against one major representative of the genus Pratylenchus, P. neglectus. A glasshouse test was first established. Barley seedlings were grown in 20 cm3 tubes filled with sand. Each plant was inoculated with 400 P. neglectus juveniles. After 12 weeks of cultivation nematodes were isolated from roots and sand using a misting chamber. The nematodes were counted under a microscope. A representative collection of 565 barley and wild barley accessions was tested in this way. The average number of nematodes per accession ranged from 350 to 12 000. In a verification experiment, 35 accessions with low and high infection rates were tested. This experiment identified a number of accessions with low infection rates. The perspectives for future breeding of barley cultivars resistant to root‐lesion nematodes are discussed.
Oestrous Synchronization, Ovarian Superovulation and Intraspecific Transfers From a Closed Breeding Colony of Inbred SLA Miniature Pigs
Authors: Arlaud JJ , Baker L , Williams RL , French AJ
Published: May 2009

Contents

The inbred SLA miniature pig is a unique animal model developed for organ transplantation studies and pre‐clinical experimental purposes. Reported oestrous synchronization and superovulation treatments were examined in two SLA haplotypes (AA and DD) to allow collection of embryos for both practical embryo transfer and experimental technologies from a closed breeding colony. Pre‐puberal miniature pigs were poor responders to oestrous synchronization treatments, while post‐puberal sows were equivalent to commercial sows. Following superovulation, the ovulation number (corpora .hemorrhagica) was higher (p < 0.05) in the cycling sows when compared with non‐cycling sows. Ovulations were equivalent to commercial pre‐puberal gilts and non‐cycling sows (p > 0.05). No difference in ovulation number between haplotypes was observed, which differs from the previous report (DD>AA). Collection of zygotes for pronuclear injection was the highest in the non‐cycling post‐puberal miniature pig group (p < 0.05), although significantly lower when compared with the commercial pig treatment groups (p < 0.05). The incidence of cystic endometrial hyperplasia in our colony was equivalent to rates observed in commercial pigs. Pronuclear visualization following centrifugation was the highest in the non‐cycling miniature sow group and approximates to about 25% of ovulations and about half the rate observed in the commercial pigs (50%). Miniature pig embryos transferred between SLA haplotypes and transfer of DD embryos to commercial pigs resulted in live births at a higher efficiency than previously reported. This study demonstrates the feasibility of undertaking assisted reproductive technologies in a closed breeding colony of inbred SLA miniature pigs without compromise to the breeding programmes.
CHANGES IN microRNA (miR) PROFILE AND EFFECTS OF miR‐320 IN INSULIN‐RESISTANT 3T3‐L1 ADIPOCYTES
Authors: Ling Hong‐Yan , Ou He‐Sheng , Feng Shui‐Dong , Zhang Xiao‐Ying , Tuo Qin‐Hui , Chen Lin‐Xi , Zhu Bing‐Yang , Gao Zhi‐Ping , Tang Cao‐Ke , Yin Wei‐Dong , Zhang Liang , Liao Duan‐Fang
Published: May 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in many biological processes. It is known that aberrant miRNA expression contributes to some pathological conditions. However, it is not known whether miRNAs play any role in the development of insulin resistance in adipocytes, a key pathophysiological link between obesity and diabetes.

To investigate the function of miRNAs in the development of insulin resistance, using miRNA microarray analysis we compared miRNA expression profiles between normal insulin‐sensitive 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and 3T3‐L1 adipocytes rendered insulin resistant following treatment with high glucose (25 mmol/L) and high insulin (1 µmol/L). Furthermore, adipocytes were transfected with specific antisense oligonucleotides against miRNA‐320 (anti‐miR‐320 oligo) and the effects on the development of insulin resistance were evaluated.

We identified 50 upregulated and 29 downregulated miRNAs in insulin‐resistant (IR) adipocytes, including a 50‐fold increase in miRNA‐320 (miR‐320) expression. Using bioinformatic techniques, the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3‐K) was found to be a potential target of miR‐320. In experiments with anti‐miR‐320 oligo, insulin sensitivity was increased in IR adipocytes, as evidenced by increases in p85 expression, phosphorylation of Akt and the protein expression of the glucose transporter GLUT‐4, as well as insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake. These beneficial effects of anti‐miR‐320 oligo were observed only in IR adipocytes and not in normal adipocytes.

In conclusion, the miRNA profile changes in IR adipocytes compared with normal 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Anti‐miR‐320 oligo was found to regulate insulin resistance in adipocytes by improving insulin–PI3‐K signalling pathways. The findings provide information regarding a potentially new therapeutic strategy to control insulin resistance.
Administration of midazolam in infancy does not affect learning and memory of adult mice
Authors: Xu Hua , Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Liu Yi , Zhang Wei‐Shi , Xu Bo , Xiong Yuan‐Chang , Deng Xiao‐Ming
Published: May 2009

Midazolam is a common fast‐acting GABAA receptor agonist. Recent data suggest that exposure to midazolam in early life may cause long‐term effects on brain function through stable epigenetic reprogramming. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the administration of midazolam to infant mice would affect their learning and memory in adulthood.

An open‐field test was conducted before and then 3, 24, 48 and 72 h after administration of midazolam (50 mg/kg, i.p.) to infant mice. Saline control mice received an equal volume of saline i.p. 3 h before the open‐field test. Total movements, total movement time, total movement distance and velocity were analysed. Novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water‐maze and passive avoidance tests were performed when the treated mice grew to adulthood (105 days of age).

The results of open‐field test showed that midazolam significantly reduced locomotor activity (total movements, total movement time, total movement distance and velocity) in infant mice 3 and 24 h after drug administration and that these effects had disappeared by 72 h after drug administration. The results of the water‐maze, NOR and passive avoidance tests in adulthood (at 105 days of age) indicated that administration of midazolam in infancy had no long‐term effects on the learning and memory behaviours of adult mice compared with the saline control.

Acute midazolam administration to infant mice affected spontaneous locomotor activity for approximately 2 days, but did not seem to have any significant impact on cognitive functioning that lasted into adulthood.
Efficacy of budesonide therapy in the early phase of treatment of adult coeliac disease patients with malabsorption: An in vivo/in vitro pilot study
Authors: Ciacci C , Maiuri L , Russo I , Tortora R , Bucci C , Cappello C , Santonicola A , Luciani A , Passananti V , Iovino P
Published: May 2009

Budesonide is a glucocorticosteroid with a local anti‐inflammatory effect. Coeliac disease is an immune‐mediated disease caused by gluten ingestion in intolerant patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of budesonide in malabsorptive coeliac patients and its effect in an in vitro gliadin challenge.

Twenty coeliac patients with malabsorption were enrolled in the present study and were randomly assigned to one of two 4 week treatments: (i) a gluten‐free diet alone; or (ii) a gluten‐free diet plus 6 mg budesonide daily. At the end of 4 weeks treatment, all patients underwent clinical evaluation, laboratory tests and self‐evaluation of well‐being using a visual analogue scale. Intestinal biopsies from five coeliac patients (selected randomly) and four non‐coeliac disease controls who underwent upper endoscopy for intestinal bleeding were challenged with gliadin (0.5 mg/mL) and budesonide (10–30 µg/mL) for 3 and 24 h. Biopsies were tested by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for known markers of inflammation.

Treatment of patients with 6 mg budesonide daily for 4 weeks resulted in increased bodyweight, a decreased number of evacuations and decreased stool weight compared with patients on a gluten‐free diet alone for 4 weeks. Well‐being scores were higher in patients treated with both a gluten‐free diet and budesonide compared with those receiving a gluten‐free diet alone.

In vitro studies showed that budesonide reduced epithelial tyrosine phosphorylation and expression of histocompatibility leucocyte antigen complex DR (HLA‐DR) elicited by gliadin‐derived peptides. In addition, the expression of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐2 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 in the lamina propria was reduced in patients treated with both gliadin and budesonide compared with patients treated with gliadin alone. Budesonide alone decreased HLA‐DR in crypt enterocytes, as well as ICAM‐1 and COX‐2 expression in the lamina propria of biopsy specimen of coeliac patients. Budesonide had no effect in control samples.

In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that budesonide shows efficacy in the treatment of symptoms in adult coeliac patients with overt malabsorption. The mechanism underlying the effects of budesonide in reducing symptoms was elucidated by in vitro studies involving a gliadin challenge.
Carotid body potentiation induced by intermittent hypoxia: Implications for cardiorespiratory changes induced by sleep apnoea
Authors: Iturriaga Rodrigo , Moya Esteban A , Del Rio Rodrigo
Published: May 2009

The most usual form of chronic hypoxia in humans is the intermittent hypoxia resulting from obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The OSA syndrome is a highly prevalent sleep breathing disorder that is considered an independent risk factor for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation and sympathetic activation have been proposed as potential mechanisms involved in the onset of the hypertension. However, evidence for a unique pathogenic mechanism has been difficult to establish in OSA patients because of concomitant comorbidities. Thus, animal models have been developed to study the pathological consequences of exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH).

Because OSA patients and animals exposed to CIH show augmented ventilatory, sympathetic and cardiovascular responses to acute hypoxia, it has been proposed that enhanced carotid body responsiveness to hypoxia is involved in the autonomic changes induced by OSA and in the development of the hypertension. Recently, this proposal has received further support from recordings of carotid body chemosensory neural discharges in situ and in vitro showing that exposure of animals to CIH increases basal carotid body chemosensory discharges and enhances the chemosensory response to hypoxia.

In the present brief review, we discuss the evidence supporting an important role for the carotid body in the progression of cardiorespiratory changes induced by OSA and the contribution of oxidative stress, endothelin‐1 and pro‐inflammatory molecules in the potentiation of the carotid body chemosensory function induced by CIH.
Gastroscopy in immigrants of Turkish descent
Authors: Wegman Anna‐Isthar , Loffeld Ruud JLF
Published: May 2009

Background and Aim:  Little data is known on morbidity and Helicobacter pylori in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract in male and female patients of Turkish descent. A study was done in order to assess the presence of H. pylori in Turkish men and women in relation to the diagnostic yield of the endoscopy.

Methods:  All consecutive patients of Turkish descent were included in the present study. Detection of H. pylori was done with hematoxylin–eosin stain, an immunoperoxidase and Gram stain and culture.

Results:  In 16 years, 2427 procedures (10.4%) were done in Turkish patients. After exclusions, 842 endoscopies in Turkish women and 827 procedures in Turkish men remained. Peptic ulcer disease was diagnosed in 101 (6%) patients and reflux esophagitis in 97 patients (5.8%). Seven patients had cancer. In 749 patients (64%), no macroscopic abnormalities were seen. Turkish men suffered more often from reflux esophagitis (81% vs 19%, P < 0.0001), hiatus hernia (58% vs 42%, P < 0.0001) and peptic ulcer disease (74% vs 26%, P < 0.0001). Women more often showed no abnormalities (P < 0.0001). There was no change in the yearly prevalence of reflux esophagitis and peptic ulcer disease in women, while the peptic ulcers decreased, and reflux esophagitis increased in men. Men were significantly more often H. pylori‐positive (P = 0.03). There was a clear trend towards a decrease in H. pylori‐positives.

Conclusion:  There are differences in the presence of ulcer disease and reflux esophagitis between Turkish men and women. Men are significantly more often H. pylori‐positive. Prevalence of H. pylori infection in Turkish patients slowly decreases in the consecutive years in both men and women.