bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions between TCF7L2 genotype and growth hormone‐induced changes in glucose homeostasis in small for gestational age children
Authors: De Kort Sandra W. K. , Mook‐Kanamori Dennis O. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S.
Published: May 2009

Context  The Transcription factor 7‐like 2 (TCF7L2) rs7903146 gene polymorphism has been associated with risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), possibly by decreasing insulin secretion. Small for gestational age (SGA) birth has been associated with type 2 DM in later life. Growth hormone (GH) treatment reduces insulin sensitivity and increases insulin secretion. Therefore, GH‐treated SGA children are an ideal group to investigate whether the TCF7L2 rs7903146 genotype is associated with changes in glucose homeostasis.

Objective  To determine the impact of the TCF7L2 rs7903146 polymorphism on changes in insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity during 4 years of GH treatment in children born SGA.

Subjects  A total of 246 Caucasian short children born SGA, with a median age of 7·8 years.

Outcome measures  Insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion were measured by the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) (n = 68) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) calculations (all).

Results  There was no association between rs7903146 genotype and insulin sensitivity or insulin secretion at baseline but after adjustment for possible confounders, insulin secretion was higher in the CT/TT group than in the CC group. During GH treatment, carriers of the rs7903146 T allele had an increase in insulin secretion similar to that of carriers of the CC genotype. The decrease in insulin sensitivity was only significant in the CT/TT group, but the difference in decrease between genotype groups did not reach significance (P = 0·06). The disposition index (insulin secretion × insulin sensitivity), which is an estimate of beta cell function, was not associated with genotype and did not change during GH treatment.

Conclusion  The TCF7L2 rs7903146 polymorphism is not associated with the change in insulin secretion during GH treatment in short SGA children.
Movement, social cohesion and site fidelity in adult koi carp, Cyprinus carpio
Authors: OSBORNE M. W. , LING N. , HICKS B. J. , TEMPERO G. W.
Published: May 2009

Abstract  Koi carp is an ornamental variant of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., that was introduced to New Zealand in the 1960s and has since become a major aquatic pest. A total of 1265 wild adult koi carp were caught by boat electric fishing, dart tagged and released at multiple sites in the lower Waikato River and associated lakes and wetlands between September 2002 and February 2005. Subsequent recaptures by boat electric fishing and recreational fishing returned 76 koi carp (6% of all tagged fish). Of these, 85% were recaptured less than 5 km from their release site; only one fish moved more than 50 km. On seven occasions, pairs or small groups of koi carp (20% of all tag returns) that had previously been tagged and released at the same locations and times were subsequently recaptured together after considerable periods of time at liberty (mean 551 days ± 419 SD). Adult koi carp in the Waikato River showed a high degree of site fidelity, exhibited prolonged social groupings and females moved downstream more often than males.
Bycatch in a tropical schooling – penaeid fishery and comparisons with a related, specialised trawl regime
Authors: DELL Q. , BREWER D. T. , GRIFFITHS S. P. , HEALES D. S. , TONKS M. L.
Published: May 2009

Abstract  The bycatch in a tropical Australian banana prawn, Penaeus merguiensis (de Man), fishery is described and contrasted with the closely related tiger prawn, Penaeus semisulcatus De Haan and Penaeus esculentus Haswell, fishery. Most of the similarity between banana prawn fishery catches was accounted for by three teleost species constituting 51.4% of the total bycatch weight. The bycatch assemblage structure of this fishery was significantly different (P < 0.05) from the adjoining tiger prawn fishery. The banana prawn fishery had a higher mean bycatch catch rate from shorter duration trawls, but lower estimated total annual bycatch (1502 t yr−1) than the longer duration trawls of the tiger prawn fishery (20 073 t yr−1). This study provides new data for quantifying bycatch and improving the accuracy of quantitative risk assessments currently being used to demonstrate sustainability of bycatch populations. The information will be incorporated into collaborative development of a long‐term monitoring programme.
Multiple marking of otoliths of brown trout,Salmo truttaL., with alizarin redS to compare efficiency of stocking of three early life stages
Authors: CAUDRON A. , CHAMPIGNEULLE A.
Published: May 2009

Abstract This study examined stocking with three early life stages of brown trout,Salmo truttaL., in the context of rehabilitating a native lineage. Experimental sections in five streams were stocked successively with three stages (I: unfed fry at the end of the reabsorption phase, II: fed fry measuring 2–3 cm and III: fed fry measuring 4–5 cm) derived from a hatchery stock bred from wild spawners. The three stages were distinguished by single or multiple fluoromarking of the otoliths with alizarin redS. The index of relative stocking efficiency was greater for stage II than for stage I in all sections and equivalent or greater than that for stage III. Stage II achieved significantly larger mean length and weight in autumn than stage III stockings.
The role of management practices in fish kills in recreational lake fisheries in England and Wales
Authors: HEWLETT N. R. , SNOW J. , BRITTON J. R.
Published: May 2009

Abstract  In England and Wales, freshwater anglers have shifted their behaviour towards visiting catch‐and‐release lake fisheries that are intensively stocked, mainly of large common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., to maintain high catch rates. Of 187 fish kills investigated in these intensively stocked lake fisheries in 2004 and 2005, most occurred between April and June and were mainly caused by parasitic or bacterial infections. Bacteria were usually associated with ulcerative diseases caused by strains of the bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida (Emmerich & Weibel) and secondary infections of opportunistic bacteria of the Genus Aeromonas (excluding salmonicida) and Pseudomonas. Parasites involved in fish kills included Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Fouquet), Chilodenella sp., Ichthyobodo necator (Henneguy) and Argulus sp. Outbreaks were typically in fisheries with high extant stock densities (>1500 kg ha−1) and sub‐optimal habitats, for example of low habitat heterogeneity with few macrophytes in the littoral zone. Recent stocking was also a key factor when only carp was affected. Thus, certain fisheries management practices that aim to enhance fishery performance may instead trigger fish kills during spring.
Evolution, origin and age of lineages in the Californian and Mediterranean floras
Authors: Ackerly David D.
Published: May 2009

This paper addresses some of the conceptual issues involved in the analysis of the age and origin of mediterranean‐climate plant taxa, paying particular attention to three topics: (1) the importance of an explicit time frame in the definition of biogeographical origins, (2) the distinction between the age of traits and the age of taxa, and (3) the idea of mediterranean‐type ecosystems as environmental islands. (1) In California, recent analyses demonstrate that the diversity of species derived from different biogeographical origins is significantly correlated with temperature and precipitation gradients. These patterns support the hypothesis that niche conservatism is an important factor structuring modern diversity gradients. However, depending on how far back in time one looks, a species may be assigned to different origins; future discussions of biogeographical origins need to address the appropriate time frame for analysis. (2) Past research has demonstrated distinctive trait syndromes among woody plants of the Mediterranean, Chile, California and Mexico, and proposed that the syndromes are associated with lineages of different age in these floras. Reanalysis of individual traits demonstrates greater variability among regions than previously reported. The classification of plants into ‘old’ and ‘new’ genera is re‐evaluated, and it is suggested that greater attention be paid to the age of traits, rather than to the age of taxa, especially at an arbitrary rank such as genus. (3) The idea of mediterranean‐climate regions as ‘climatic islands’ is examined. Space–time diagrams of climate enable one to view the emergence of distinctive climatic regions in a continental context. The terms ‘synclimatic’ and ‘anticlimatic’ are proposed, referring to migration routes that parallel climate contours in space and time versus those that cross contours (including the case of geographic stasis in the face of climate change), respectively. Mediterranean‐climate regions have served as important case studies in plant ecology and evolution, and merit continued close examination in the light of continued advances in phylogenetics and palaeoecology.
Exploring the multi‐scale structure of printing paper – a review of modern technology
Authors: CHINGA‐CARRASCO G.
Published: May 2009

Printing paper is an important communication and information medium affecting our daily activities in several ways. The structure of paper may affect its optical, mechanical, fluid transport and print properties. In order to achieve a complete understanding of these processes a comprehensive characterization of relevant surface and bulk structures of paper is necessary. The paper grades considered in this study are newsprints, super calendered and coated papers. A detailed description of several image acquisition techniques used to assess the printing paper structures is given, including desktop scanners, profilometry, light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, focused‐ion‐beam, X‐ray microtomography and transmission electron microscopy. The presented methods cover a wide range of structure sizes, from the macro‐ to the sub‐nano level. The complementary capabilities of the image acquisition techniques for assessing structural details of paper and prints are discussed.
Distance of the contact glide in the closing masticatory stroke during mastication of three types of food
Authors: RILO B. , FERNÁNDEZ‐FORMOSO N. , MORA M. J. , CADARSO‐SUÁREZ C. , SANTANA U.
Published: May 2009

Summary  This study was designed to characterize the distance of the contact glide in the closing masticatory stroke in healthy adult subjects, during chewing of three types of food (crustless bread, chewing gum and peanuts). Mandibular movements (masticatory movements and laterality movements with dental contact) were registered using a gnathograph (MK‐6I Diagnostic System) on the right and left side during unilateral chewing of the three food types. Length of dental contact was measured in masticatory cycle, which is defined as where the terminal part of the chewing cycles could be superimposed on the pathways taken by the mandible during lateral excursions with occlusal contacts. The length of dental contact during mastication of chewing gum is 1·46 ± 1 mm, during chewing of soft bread is 1·38 ± 0·7 mm and during chewing of peanuts is 1·45 ± 0·9 mm. There is no significant difference in the lengths of dental contact during mastication of three types of foods that enable direct tooth gliding.
Comparison of applying particulate demineralized bone matrix (DBM), putty DBM and open flap debridement in periodontal horizontal bone defects. A 12‐month longitudinal, multi‐centre, triple‐blind, split‐mouth, randomized, controlled clinical study. Part 2 – evaluation of the interdental soft tissue
Authors: KAYA Y. , YALIM M. , BAHÇECITAPAR M. , BALOŞ K.
Published: May 2009

Summary  To date, there have been many studies clinically evaluating periodontal regenerative procedures by the help of routinely used hard and soft tissue parameters; however, these parameters are not capable of assessing interdental soft tissue located above the regenerative periodontal surgery area. The purpose of this study was to assess interproximal soft tissue changes following application of (i) particulate form demineralized bone matrix (DBM), (ii) putty form DBM and (ii) open flap debridement (OFD, control), using modified curtain technique in the treatment of interproximal suprabony (horizontal) defects located in anterior maxillary region, as previously reported. Twenty‐five chronic periodontitis patients with 125 interproximal surgery sites (radiologically ≥4 mm horizontal bone defect) were also participate in this second stage of the triple‐blind, split mouth, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Surgery sites were assessed by (i) plaque index (PI), (ii) gingival index (GI), (iii) the presence of interdental soft tissue clefts or craters and (iv) the loss of interdental papilla height by using papilla presence index (PPI), during the healing period. At the baseline and 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the operations, these measurements were repeated. In all groups, there is a significant increase in the prevalence of soft tissue cleft and crater formation (P < 0·01), with increase in PI and GI scores at interdental soft tissue defect areas (P < 0·001), 3 months after the operations. There was also an increase in PPI scores after the operations in all treatment groups (P < 0·01). Three procedures affected the interproximal soft tissues similarly. There was no significant difference among groups in terms of all parameters (P > 0·05). Particulate DBM, putty DBM and OFD demostrated similar interproximal soft tissue changes especially increasing interproximal PI and GI scores in 3 months follow‐up.
Evidence that CT694 is a novel Chlamydia trachomatis T3S substrate capable of functioning during invasion or early cycle development
Authors: Hower S. , Wolf K. , Fields K. A.
Published: May 2009

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular parasite, occupies a membrane‐bound vacuole throughout development and is capable of manipulating the eukaryotic host by translocating effector molecules via a type III secretion system (T3SS). The infectious chlamydial elementary body (EB) is metabolically inactive yet possesses a functional T3S apparatus capable of translocating effector proteins into the host cell to facilitate invasion and other early cycle events. We present evidence here that the C. trachomatis protein CT694 represents an early cycle‐associated effector protein. CT694 is secreted by the Yersinia T3SS and immunodetection studies of infected HeLa cultures indicate that CT694‐specific signal accumulates directly adjacent to, but not completely overlapping with EBs during invasion. Yeast two‐hybrid analyses revealed an interaction of CT694 with the repeat region and C‐terminus of human AHNAK. Immunolocalization studies of CT694 ectopically expressed in HeLa cells were consistent with an interaction with endogenous AHNAK. Additionally, expression of CT694 in HeLa cells resulted in alterations in the detection of stress fibres that correlated with the ability of CT694 to interact with AHNAK. These data indicate that CT694 is a novel T3S‐dependent substrate unique to C. trachomatis, and that its interaction with host proteins such as AHNAK may be important for aspects of invasion or development particular to this species.
Coupling of the biosynthesis and export of the DNA gyrase inhibitor simocyclinone in Streptomyces antibioticus
Authors: Le Tung B. K. , Fiedler Hans‐Peter , Den Hengst Chris D. , Ahn Sang Kyun , Maxwell Anthony , Buttner Mark J.
Published: May 2009

Because most antibiotics are potentially lethal to the producing organism, there must be mechanisms to ensure that the machinery responsible for export of the mature antibiotic is in place at the time of biosynthesis. Simocyclinone D8 is a potent DNA gyrase inhibitor produced by Streptomyces antibioticus Tü 6040. Within the simocyclinone biosynthetic cluster are two divergently transcribed genes, simR and simX, encoding proteins that resemble the TetR/TetA repressor–efflux pump pair that cause widespread resistance to clinically important tetracyclines. Engineered expression of simX from a strong, heterologous promoter conferred high level simocyclinone D8 resistance on Streptomyces lividans, showing that simX encodes a simocyclinone efflux pump. Transcription of simX is controlled by SimR, which directly represses the simX and simR promoters by binding to two operator sites in the simX–simR intergenic region. Simocyclinone D8 abolishes DNA binding by SimR, providing a mechanism that couples the biosynthesis of simocyclinone to its export. In addition, an intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway, simocyclinone C4, which is essentially inactive as a DNA gyrase inhibitor, also induces simX expression in vivo and relieves simX repression by SimR in vitro.
Convergent evolution and orphan genes in the Fur4p‐like family and characterization of a general nucleoside transporter in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Hamari Zsuzsanna , Amillis Sotiris , Drevet Christine , Apostolaki Angeliki , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Diallinas George , Scazzocchio Claudio
Published: May 2009

The function of seven paralogues phylogenetically related to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fur4p together with a number of functionally related transporters present in Aspergillus nidulans has been investigated. After deletion of the cognate genes we checked the incorporation of radiolabelled substrates, utilization of nitrogen sources, resistance to toxic analogues and supplementation of auxotrophies. FurA and FurD encode allantoin and uracil transporters respectively. No function was found for FurB, FurC, FurE, FurF and FurG. As we failed to identify Fur‐related transporters for uridine, pyridoxine or thiamine, we deleted other possible candidates for these functions. A FCY2‐like gene carrying in its 5′ UTR a putative thiamine pyrophosphate riboswitch, and which encodes a protein similar to the pyridoxine transporter of yeast (Tpn1p), does not encode either a major thiamine or a pyridoxine transporter. CntA, a member of the concentrative nucleoside transporter family, is a general nucleoside permease, while no function was found for PnpA, a member of the equilibrative transporter family. Phylogenetic analysis shows that within the ascomycetes, the same transport activity could be catalysed by totally unrelated proteins and that within the Fur subfamily convergent evolution towards uracil and allantoin transport activity has occurred at least three and two independent times respectively.
Compensation and interaction between RISBZ1 and RPBF during grain filling in rice
Authors: Kawakatsu Taiji , Yamamoto Masayuki P. , Touno Satoru M. , Yasuda Hiroshi , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: May 2009

The rice (Oryza sativa L.) basic leucine Zipper factor RISBZ1 and rice prolamin box binding factor (RPBF) are transcriptional activators of rice seed storage protein (SSP) genes in vivo. To ascertain the functions of these trans‐activators in seed development, knock‐down (KD) transgenic rice plants were generated in which the accumulation of RISBZ1 and RPBF was reduced in an endosperm‐specific manner by co‐suppression (KD‐RISBZ1 and KD‐RPBF). The accumulation of most SSPs changed little between individual KD mutants and wild‐type plants, whereas a double KD mutant (KD‐RISBZ1/KD‐RPBF) resulted in a significant reduction of most SSP gene expression and accumulation. The reduction of both trans‐activators also caused a greater reduction in seed starch accumulation than individual KD mutants. Storage lipids were accumulated at reduced levels in KD‐RISBZ1 and KD‐RISBZ1/KD‐RPBF seeds. KD‐RPBF and KD‐RISBZ1/KD‐RPBF seeds exhibited multi‐layered aleurone cells. Gene expression of DEFECTIVE KERNEL1 (OsDEK1), CRINKLY4 (OsCR4) and SUPERNUMERARY ALEURONE LAYER 1 (OsSAL1) rice homologues was decreased in the KD mutants, suggesting that these genes are regulated by RISBZ1 and RPBF. These phenotypes suggest that combinatorial interactions between RISBZ1 and RPBF play an essential role during grain filling. The functional redundancy and compensation between RISBZ1 and RPBF possibly account for weak effects on the SSP levels in single KD mutants, and help maintain various processes during seed development in rice. Physical interaction between RISBZ1 and RPBF may ensure that these processes are carried out properly.
Gene activation cascade triggered by a single photoperiodic cycle inducing flowering in Sinapis alba
Authors: D’Aloia Maria , Tamseddak Karim , Bonhomme Delphine , Bonhomme Françoise , Bernier Georges , Périlleux Claire
Published: May 2009

Molecular genetic analyses in Arabidopsis disclosed a genetic pathway whereby flowering is induced by the photoperiod. This cascade is examined here within the time course of floral transition in the long‐day (LD) plant Sinapis alba induced by a single photoperiodic cycle. In addition to previously available sequences, the cloning of CONSTANS (SaCO) and FLOWERING LOCUS T (SaFT) homologues allowed expression analyses to be performed to follow the flowering process step by step. A diurnal rhythm in SaCO expression in the leaves was observed and transcripts of SaFT were detected when light was given in phase with SaCO kinetics only. This occurred when day length was extended or when a short day was shifted towards a ‘photophile phase’. The steady‐state level of SaFT transcripts in the various physiological situations examined was found to correlate like a rheostat with floral induction strength. Kinetics of SaFT activation were also consistent with previous estimations of translocation of florigen out of leaves, which could actually occur after the inductive cycle. In response to one 22‐h LD, initiation of floral meristems by the shoot apical meristem (SAM) started about 2 days after activation of SaFT and was marked by expression of APETALA1 (SaAP1). Meanwhile, LEAFY (SaLFY) was first up‐regulated in leaf primordia and in the SAM. FRUITFULL (SaFUL) was later activated in the whole SAM but excluded from floral meristems. These patterns are integrated with previous observations concerning upregulation of SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CO1 (SaSOC1) to provide a temporal and spatial map of floral transition in Sinapis.
Intronic regulatory elements determine the divergent expression patterns of AGAMOUS‐LIKE6 subfamily members in Arabidopsis
Authors: Schauer Stephen E. , Schlüter Philipp M. , Baskar Ramarmurthy , Gheyselinck Jacqueline , Bolaños Arturo , Curtis Mark D. , Grossniklaus Ueli
Published: May 2009

The screening of enhancer detector lines in Arabidopsis thaliana has identified genes that are specifically expressed in the sporophytic tissue of the ovule. One such gene is the MADS‐domain transcription factor AGAMOUS‐LIKE6 (AGL6), which is expressed asymmetrically in the endothelial layer of the ovule, adjacent to the developing haploid female gametophyte. Transcription of AGL6 is regulated at multiple stages of development by enhancer and silencer elements located in both the upstream regulatory region and the large first intron. These include a bipartite enhancer, which requires elements in both the upstream regulatory region and the first intron, active in the endothelium. Transcription of the AGL13 locus, which encodes the other member of the AGL6 subfamily in Arabidopsis, is also regulated by elements located in the upstream regulatory region and in the first intron. There is, however, no overlapping expression of AGL6 and AGL13 except in the chalaza of the developing ovule, as was shown using a dual gene reporter system. Phylogenetic shadowing of the first intron of AGL6 and AGL13 homologs from other Brassicaceae identified four regions of conservation that probably contain the binding sites of transcriptional regulators, three of which are conserved outside Brassicaceae. Further phylogenetic analysis using the protein‐encoding domains of AGL6 and AGL13 revealed that the MADS DNA‐binding domain shows considerable divergence. Together, these results suggest that AGL6 and AGL13 show signs of subfunctionalization, with divergent expression patterns, regulatory sequences and possibly functions.
Nonhuman primate dermatology: a literature review
Authors: Bernstein Joseph A. , Didier Peter J.
Published: May 2009

In general, veterinary dermatologists do not have extensive clinical experience of nonhuman primate (NHP) dermatoses. The bulk of the published literature does not provide an organized evidence‐based approach to the NHP dermatologic case. The veterinary dermatologist is left to extract information from both human and veterinary dermatology, an approach that can be problematic as it forces the clinician to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions based on two very disparate bodies of literature. A more cohesive approach to NHP dermatology – without relying on assumptions that NHP pathology most commonly behaves similarly to other veterinary and human disease – is required. This review of the dermatology of NHP species includes discussions of primary dermatoses, as well as diseases where dermatologic signs represent a significant secondary component, provides a first step towards encouraging the veterinary community to study and report the dermatologic diseases of nonhuman primates.
Exogenously Applied Nitric Oxide Enhances the Drought Tolerance in Fine Grain Aromatic Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Farooq M. , Basra S. M. A. , Wahid A. , Rehman H.
Published: May 2009

Drought stress is a severe threat to the sustainable rice production, which causes oxidative damage and disturbs plant water relations, while exogenously applied nitric oxide (NO) may have the potential to alleviate these effects in rice plants. In this study, the role of NO to improve drought tolerance in fine grain aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Basmati 2000) was evaluated. Sodium nitroprusside, a NO donor, was used at 50, 100 and 150 μmol l−1 both as seed priming and foliar spray. To prime, the seeds were soaked in aerated NO solution of respective solution for 48 h and dried back to original weight. Primed and non‐primed seeds were sown in plastic pots with normal irrigation in a greenhouse. At four leaf stage, plants were subjected to drought stress except the controls, which were kept at full field capacity. Drought was maintained at 50 % of field capacity by watering when needed. Two controls were maintained; both receiving no NO treatments as foliar application or seed treatment, one under drought conditions and the other under well‐watered conditions. Drought stress seriously reduced the rice growth, but both methods of NO application alleviated the stress effects. Drought tolerance in rice was strongly related to the maintenance of tissue water potential and enhanced capacity of antioxidants, improved stability of cellular membranes and enhanced photosynthetic capacity, plausibly by signalling action of NO. Foliar treatments proved more effective than the seed treatments. Among NO treatment, 100 μmol l−1 foliar spray was more effective.
Forecasting the flight activity of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) in Southwestern Spain
Authors: Gallardo A. , Ocete R. , López M. A. , Maistrello L. , Ortega F. , Semedo A. , Soria F. J.
Published: May 2009

This study aimed at elaborating a forecasting tool of the phenology of the serious pest Lobesia botrana in Southwestern Spanish vineyards, by analysing data on male catches in sex pheromone traps recorded over a 12‐year period. Our data confirmed the minor importance of the first generation which appears during flowering time, both in terms of male trap catches and damage of L. botrana to the inflorescences. Therefore, data related to the first flight were not further processed, although they were considered for the computation of degree‐days of the following generations. The outcome of the elaboration of temperature accumulations and data on male captures for the second and third flights was a statistically acceptable linear behaviour obtained by properly transforming the variables. The models established proved to be efficient and may represent a useful tool to improve the efficacy of integrated pest management strategies targeting L. botrana in the studied region.
Ameliorative Effects of Melatonin against Hydrogen Peroxide‐Induced Oxidative Stress on Boar Sperm Characteristics and Subsequent In Vitro Embryo Development
Authors: Jang HY , Kim YH , Kim BW , Park IC , Cheong HT , Kim JT , Park CK , Kong HS , Lee HK , Yang BK
Published: May 2009

Contents

Melatonin, the major secretory product of the pineal gland, scavenges a variety of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in vivo and in vitro, indicating that melatonin is a potent function as an antioxidant. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin in the presence or absence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on sperm characteristics (motility, viability, survival rate, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and mitochondria activity) and also to examine the developmental rates to the blastocysts stage of porcine oocytes fertilized in vitro with semen treated with or without melatonin (100 nm) in the presence or absence of H2O2 (250 μm). The sperm were treated with melatonin in the presence or absence of H2O2 for 3, 6, 9 and 12 h at 37°C and then analysed for the sperm characteristics. The porcine embryos were produced by in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization (IVM/IVF) using semen treated with or without melatonin (100 nm) in the presence or absence of H2O2 (250 μm) for 6 h. The semen characteristics, including motility, viability, survival rate, membrane integrity and mitochondria activity, were higher in the groups that were treated with melatonin in comparison to other groups, irrespective of incubation periods. Malondialdehyde levels in control, melatonin and melatonin + H2O2 groups were lower than H2O2 only group. A positive correlation was shown among motility, viability, survival rate and membrane integrity, but a negative correlation was observed between LPO and the other evaluation methods. The developmental rates to blastocysts of IVM/IVF porcine oocytes fertilized by semen treated with melatonin were significantly increased compared with any other groups, with the cell number of blastocysts shown to have a similar trend to the developmental rates. These results demonstrate that melatonin can improve the semen characteristics during in vitro storage and support the developmental ability of IVM/IVF embryos in pigs.
Single‐operator double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) is as effective as dual‐operator DBE
Authors: Araki Akihiro , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Okada Eriko , Suzuki Shinji , Oshima Shigeru , Yoshioka Sanae , Yoshioka Atsushi , Kanai Takanori , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: May 2009

Background and Study Aims:  Double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) is a new device that allows diagnosis and treatment throughout the entire small intestine. Although the originally described method requires two operators, we have recently developed a method to perform DBE by a single operator. We here assessed the clinical usefulness of this one‐person method in comparison to the conventional two‐person DBE.

Patients and Methods:  One hundred sixty‐two patients (102 men and 60 women, mean age 59 years) underwent 303 DBE procedures. Total observation time, completion rate of total intestinal and colonic observation, lesion‐discovery rate, and complication rate were retrospectively compared between the one‐person method and the conventional two‐person method of DBE. The one‐person method consists of the Grip and Pinch technique and Keep (or Hold) and Slide technique.

Results:  The total observation times were 95.5 ± 35.1 min and 96.7 ± 47.5 min by one‐person and two‐person antegrade DBE, respectively, and 103 ± 29.8 min and 111 ± 30.1 min by one‐person and two‐person retrograde DBE, respectively. The completion rate for examination of the entire small intestine was 74.2% in one‐person DBE and 76.5% in two‐person DBE, respectively. The lesion‐discovery rate was 69.0% in one‐person DBE and 65.5% in two‐person DBE, respectively. No significant differences between two methods were found in all measures. Also, no difference was observed in complication rate of the two methods.

Conclusions:  The single‐operator method for DBE was as efficient as the dual‐operator DBE without any higher risk of complications and, therefore, could replace the conventional dual‐operator method in the future.
Prevalence and time trend of intestinal metaplasia in Hong Kong
Authors: Yee Yuk Kei , Wong Ka Wah , Hui Chee Kin , Chan Chi Kuen , Chan Annie O O , Lam Shiu Kam , Fung Fiona M Y , Hung Ivan , Wong Benjamin C Y
Published: May 2009

Background and Methods:  Upper endoscopy records from 1998 to 2003 were reviewed. The demographic data, endoscopic diagnosis, results of rapid urease test and the absence or presence of intestinal metaplasia (IM) in histology were reviewed, to evaluate the prevalence of IM and Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection over time in Hong Kong.

Results:  Among 1805 endoscopies performed, 1751 had both rapid urease test and histology available. A significant drop in the prevalence of duodenal ulcers from 17.9% in 1998 to 9.8% in 2003 was found (P = 0.015). Prevalence of IM was 13.9%, 5.9% and 9.4% in Hp positive, Hp negative and overall respectively (P < 0.05). The prevalence of IM increased with age, and the patterns were similar amongst subjects in 1998–2000 and those in 2001–2003. There was progressive decrease in Hp prevalence from 58% in 1998 to 40% in 2001 (P = 0.014), but no further decrease was seen in 2002–3. There was no corresponding decrease in IM prevalence. Instead IM prevalence in 2002–2003 was significantly higher than the prevalence in previous few years (P = 0.04).

Conclusion:  The prevalence of IM did not change in the period from 1998 to 2003 despite a drop in the prevalence of Hp infection since 1994.
Epidemiology of esophageal cancer: Orient to Occident. Effects of chronology, geography and ethnicity
Authors: Hongo Michio , Nagasaki Yutaka , Shoji Tomotaka
Published: May 2009

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has been rapidly increasing in Western countries during the past half century, especially in white men. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) used to be the dominant type of esophageal malignancy both in Western and Asian countries. The rapid increase of EAC in Western countries has occurred in parallel with an increased prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and its major determinant, obesity. Such an increase in EAC has not yet been observed in Asia, despite a recent increase in prevalence of GERD. In this mini‐review, we analyze possible factors influencing such east–west (‘Orient to Occident’) differences, particularly possible roles of ethnicity and environmental factors, such as Helicobacter pylori infection and nutritional factors, and how these might interact with socioeconomic differences. Development of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma appears to be strongly affected by ethnic factors, with populations resident at the west end of the Eurasian continent, such as Anglo‐Celtics, being more prone to both conditions. On the other hand, ethnic groups from the eastern and southern ends of Eurasia, such as Chinese, Koreans and Japanese, and Africans might be more prone to developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Future trends will also be discussed.
The future of IPM: whither or wither?
Authors: Zalucki Myron P , Adamson David , Furlong Michael J
Published: May 2009

The acronym IPM (integrated pest management) has been around for over 50 years and now not only supposedly guides research and extension in pest management but also markets pesticides, is claimed to be undertaken by many growers, and even resonates with public perceptions and politicians. Whether or not IPM programs are sustainable in the longer term under the conflicting stresses and strains of the modern agricultural environment is debatable. We analyse three case studies of IPM development in Australia: citrus IPM in central Queensland, Brassica IPM in southeast Queensland and Helicoverpa management in cotton in eastern Australia. Many management practices for these pests have changed over time. In the more stable citrus system classical biological control along with changed practices (reduced pesticide use) have effectively controlled imported scale insect pests. In Brassicas and cotton, IPM is predominantly of the sample and spray variety where, increasingly, less broad‐spectrum insecticides are used and, in cotton, Helicoverpa management includes the deployment of transgenic plants. We question whether or not IPM principles are always consistent with market forces and whether or not the approach is universally applicable for all pest insects when implemented at the small (field or farm) scale. Farmers will adopt cost‐effective approaches that minimise their financial risks. For Australia as a whole over the last 30 years insecticide input costs per hectare have increased faster than the price index, reflecting more costly insecticides, changes to the combinations of crops grown and an increase in the overall area of crops cultivated together with possible concomitant changes in pest abundance. Any pest crisis will ensure rapid changes in practice and adoption of technologies, in order to mitigate the short‐term financial stresses caused. However, regression to former practices tends to follow (e.g. in Brassica crops). In most cases, we cannot objectively test if changed management practices are responsible for changes in pest abundance, as is often claimed, or if the latter is simply a consequence of the weather and/or related large‐scale landscape features (e.g. area of host plants). We argue that for many systems the future of pest management practice will require a change to landscape or area‐wide approaches. We suspect, given how entrenched the acronym has become, whatever the nature of the approach it will be called IPM.
A new genus of trans‐Tasman midge: Anzacladius gen. n. (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae)
Authors: Cranston Peter S
Published: May 2009

Based on larvae, pupae and adults of Australian and New Zealand Orthocladiinae (Chironomidae) midges, a genus new to science, Anzacladius, is described. Two species, A. numbat Cranston sp. n. and A. kangaroo Cranston sp. n., are described from temperate Australia (both western and south‐eastern). A. kiwi Cranston sp. n. is described from both North and South Islands, New Zealand: association of the pharate pupa with its putative larva used sequence similarity of the CO1 (cytochrome oxidase 1) gene. Pupal exuviae, the major stage for species recognition, show the genus occurs in running waters, especially in Australian acidic and sandy‐bedded creeks, and Anzacladius species are found also in perched lakes of Queensland's Cooloolla region and Fraser Island. Previous morphological phylogenetic studies (under the code ‘SO3’) indicate a relationship to austral genera Botryocladius Cranston & Edward, Naonella Boothroyd and Echinocladius Cranston.
Serum levels of Midkine in children and adolescents without malignant disease
Authors: Lucas Susanne , Henze Günter , Schnabel Dirk , Barthlen Winfried , Sakuma Sadatoshi , Kurtz Andreas , Driever Pablo Hernáiz
Published: May 2009

Background:  Midkine (MK), a heparin‐binding growth factor, is a secreted protein and can be detected in a patient's sera.

Method:  MK was studied in the sera of 215 children and adolescents without malignant disease using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in order to determine the distribution of concentrations in a control population for pediatric oncology patients. Tested subjects either underwent surgical procedures or suffered from endocrinological diseases.

Results:  Elevated MK levels were found in patients with short stature, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cleft lip and palate. These patients were subsequently excluded from the “non‐cancer” group. MK serum levels did neither correlate with sex, age, weight or height nor showed a normal distribution (n= 152, range: 0.0–5.58 ng/ml, median: 0.0 ng/ml, mean: 0.26 ng/ml, SD: ±0.61).

Conclusion:  MK serum values in children and adolescents are widely spread and not normally distributed. The present results indicate that the MK expression is influenced by many factors apart from cancer, which have not yet been identified.
Life history in a model system: opening the black box with Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Mitchell‐Olds Thomas
Published: May 2009

A broad research programme in Arabidopsis thaliana has provided estimates of selection on specific alleles in specific contexts, and identified geographic patterns of alleles in genes linked to timing of flowering. A closely related field has successfully captured many key axes of the evolution of timing of flowering in other monocarpic species through statistical and demographic modelling of large empirical databases. There has as yet been no synthesis between these two fields. Here we examine ways in which the two fields inform each other, and how this synergy will shape our knowledge of life‐history evolution as a whole.
Complex nitrogen cycling in the sponge Geodia barretti
Authors: Hoffmann Friederike , Radax Regina , Woebken Dagmar , Holtappels Moritz , Lavik Gaute , Rapp Hans Tore , Schläppy Marie‐Lise , Schleper Christa , Kuypers Marcel M. M.
Published: May 2009

Marine sponges constitute major parts of coral reefs and deep‐water communities. They often harbour high amounts of phylogenetically and physiologically diverse microbes, which are so far poorly characterized. Many of these sponges regulate their internal oxygen concentration by modulating their ventilation behaviour providing a suitable habitat for both aerobic and anaerobic microbes. In the present study, both aerobic (nitrification) and anaerobic (denitrification, anammox) microbial processes of the nitrogen cycle were quantified in the sponge Geodia barretti and possible involved microbes were identified by molecular techniques. Nitrification rates of 566 nmol N cm−3 sponge day−1 were obtained when monitoring the production of nitrite and nitrate. In support of this finding, ammonia‐oxidizing Archaea (crenarchaeotes) were found by amplification of the amoA gene, and nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria of the genus Nitrospira were detected based on rRNA gene analyses. Incubation experiments with stable isotopes (15NO3‐ and 15NH4+) revealed denitrification and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) rates of 92 nmol N cm−3 sponge day−1 and 3 nmol N cm−3 sponge day−1 respectively. Accordingly, sequences closely related to ‘Candidatus Scalindua sorokinii’ and ‘Candidatus Scalindua brodae’ were detected in 16S rRNA gene libraries. The amplification of the nirS gene revealed the presence of denitrifiers, likely belonging to the Betaproteobacteria. This is the first proof of anammox and denitrification in the same animal host, and the first proof of anammox and denitrification in sponges. The close and complex interactions of aerobic, anaerobic, autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial processes are fuelled by metabolic waste products of the sponge host, and enable efficient utilization and recirculation of nutrients within the sponge–microbe system. Since denitrification and anammox remove inorganic nitrogen from the environment, sponges may function as so far unrecognized nitrogen sinks in the ocean. In certain marine environments with high sponge cover, sponge‐mediated nitrogen mineralization processes might even be more important than sediment processes.
The genome of Polaromonas naphthalenivorans strain CJ2, isolated from coal tar‐contaminated sediment, reveals physiological and metabolic versatility and evolution through extensive horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Yagi Jane M. , Sims David , Brettin Thomas , Bruce David , Madsen Eugene L.
Published: May 2009

We analysed the genome of the aromatic hydrocarbon‐degrading, facultatively chemolithotrophic betaproteobacterium, Polaromonas naphthalenivorans strain CJ2. Recent work has increasingly shown that Polaromonas species are prevalent in a variety of pristine oligotrophic environments, as well as polluted habitats. Besides a circular chromosome of 4.4 Mb, strain CJ2 carries eight plasmids ranging from 353 to 6.4 kb in size. Overall, the genome is predicted to encode 4929 proteins. Comparisons of DNA sequences at the individual gene, gene cluster and whole‐genome scales revealed strong trends in shared heredity between strain CJ2 and other members of the Comamonadaceae and Burkholderiaceae. blastp analyses of protein coding sequences across strain CJ2's genome showed that genetic commonalities with other betaproteobacteria diminished significantly in strain CJ2's plasmids compared with the chromosome, especially for the smallest ones. Broad trends in nucleotide characteristics (GC content, GC skew, Karlin signature difference) showed at least six anomalous regions in the chromosome, indicating alteration of genome architecture via horizontal gene transfer. Detailed analysis of one of these anomalous regions (96 kb in size, containing the nag‐like naphthalene catabolic operon) indicates that the fragment's insertion site was within a putative MiaB‐like tRNA‐modifying enzyme coding sequence. The mosaic nature of strain CJ2's genome was further emphasized by the presence of 309 mobile genetic elements scattered throughout the genome, including 131 predicted transposase genes, 178 phage‐related genes, and representatives of 12 families of insertion elements. A total of three different terminal oxidase genes were found (putative cytochrome aa3‐type oxidase, cytochrome cbb3‐type oxidase and cytochrome bd‐type quinol oxidase), suggesting adaptation by strain CJ2 to variable aerobic and microaerobic conditions. Sequence‐suggested abilities of strain CJ2 to carry out nitrogen fixation and grow on the aromatic compounds, biphenyl and benzoate, were experimentally verified. These new phenotypes and genotypes set the stage for gaining additional insights into the physiology and biochemistry contributing to strain CJ2's fitness in its native habitat, contaminated sediment.
Effectiveness monitoring of fish passage facilities: historical trends, geographic patterns and future directions
Authors: Roscoe David W , Hinch Scott G
Published: May 2009

Fishways and other passage facilities frequently prevent or delay the passage of fishes, highlighting the need for effectiveness monitoring. We reviewed the scientific literature from 1960 to 2008 reporting on effectiveness monitoring of fish passage facilities to assess what taxa and life‐stages have been studied, the questions that are asked during evaluation, and how these varied over time or by geographic region. We identified 96 peer‐reviewed articles of which 68% focused on passage by adult fishes. Salmoniformes was the most studied order (58% of studies). The focus of fishway evaluations did not change over the years, but varied significantly by geographic region. Studies from the tropics had a broader taxonomic scope than studies from temperate locations. Exogenous mechanisms of passage failure, such as environmental, structural and behavioural factors, were studied in 90% of studies from North America but only ∼50% of studies from Europe, South America and Australia. Endogenous (i.e. physiological) mechanisms affecting passage success were not often assessed anywhere, though they were a powerful means of evaluating mechanisms of failure. Few studies monitored migration after fish had left a facility. To improve effectiveness monitoring of passage facilities, we suggest that both endogenous and exogenous mechanisms need to be studied in an integrated fashion to understand passage failure and to inform design or operational changes that could improve passage efficiency. In addition post‐departure monitoring is required to more completely assess the fitness consequences of passage.