bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of antibodies to hepatitis C virus glycoproteins 1 and 2 (anti‐E1E2) with HCV disease
Authors: Hamed M. R. B. , Tarr A. W. , McClure C. P. , Ball J. K. , Hickling T. P. , Irving W. L.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute and chronic liver diseases in humans. Its two envelope glycoproteins, E1 and E2, provide a target for host immune recognition. HCV genotypes are classified into six genetic groups. To study the role of anti‐HCV E1 and E2 (anti‐E1E2) in HCV disease, the correlation between antibody level and viral load, genotype, disease severity and response to treatment was investigated. The levels of antibodies to HCV glycoproteins E1 and E2 antibodies were evaluated in 230 sera of patients with chronic hepatitis C by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The antigens used were recombinant HCV glycoproteins derived from genotype 1 (H77c) and genotype 3 (UKN3A1.28). Seroreactivity was greater when sera were tested against antigen derived from their homologous genotype than against heterologous antigen. Reactivity against UKN3A1.28 in sera from patients infected with genotype 3 was significantly higher than corresponding reactivity between patients infected with genotype 1 and H77c. The seroreactivity was inversely proportional to the viral load and to the degree of liver fibrosis. The pre‐treatment level of anti‐E1E2 was higher in sustained responders to combination therapy. These results demonstrate that seroreactivity against E1E2 depends upon the genotypic origin of the E1E2 antigens and the infecting genotype, and suggest a possible protective effect of anti‐E1E2 against disease progression.
A phase II dose finding study of darbepoetin alpha and filgrastim for the management of anaemia and neutropenia in chronic hepatitis C treatment
Authors: Younossi Z. M. , Nader F. H. , Bai C. , Sjogren R. , Ong J. P. , Collantes R. , Sjogren M. , Farmer D. , Ramsey L. , Terra K. , Gujral H. , Gurung C. , Srishord M. , Fang Y.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  Dose reductions of pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin may be avoided by using growth factors. This phase II clinical trial assesses the dose, efficacy and safety of darbepoetin alpha and filgrastim for treatment of anaemia and neutropenia associated with combination therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic hepatitis C patients (n = 101) received pegylated interferon alpha‐2b (1.5 μg/kg once weekly) and ribavirin (800–1400 mg once daily). Patients with anaemia [haemoglobin (Hb) ≤ 10.5 g/dL] received darbepoetin alpha (3 μg/kg once every 2 weeks); the dose was titrated to achieve a Hb level of 12.0 g/dL. Patients with neutropenia [absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≤ 0.75 × 109/L] received filgrastim with the dose titrated from 150 μg QW to 300 μg thrice weekly to maintain ANC ≥ 0.75 × 109/L and <10 × 109/L. During antiviral therapy, 52% of patients required darbepoetin alpha, filgrastim or both. Hb at the time of darbepoetin alpha initiation was 10.2 ± 0.4 g/dL. After 81 days of darbepoetin alpha, Hb increased by 1.9 ± 1.0 g/dL to 12.1 ± 1.1 g/dL (P < 0.0001). Filgrastim resulted in a significant increase in ANC [0.75 ± 0.16 × 109/L to 8.28 ± 5.67 × 109/L (P < 0.0001)]. In treatment‐naïve patients, 48% achieved sustained virological response (SVR), whereas 27% of patients previously treated with a course of pegylated interferon alpha achieved SVR. Low viral load, nongenotype 1 and treatment with growth factors were independently associated with SVR. Mild and severe anaemia were associated with quality of life impairments. Darbepoetin alpha resulted in an improvement in the Vitality domain of Short Form‐36. No significant adverse events were related to growth factors. During anti‐HCV therapy, filgrastim improved neutropenia and darbepoetin alpha improved both anaemia and quality of life. Future randomized clinical trials are needed to establish the impact of growth factors in improving sustained virological response.
HCV/ HIV co‐infection: time to re‐evaluate the role of HIV in the liver?
Authors: Blackard J. T. , Sherman K. E.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  Because of major advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, HIV‐positive persons now live longer, healthier lives; however, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is increasingly recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. Among HCV‐infected persons, HIV co‐infection is associated with increased HCV RNA levels, increased hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and more rapid progression to cirrhosis and end‐stage liver disease. Compounding this problem are reduced HCV treatment response rates among HCV/HIV co‐infected persons. Moreover, antiretroviral therapy used to suppress HIV replication is often associated with a paradoxical increase in HCV RNA levels, as well as hepatotoxicity. Despite the adverse clinical consequences of HCV/HIV co‐infection, the mechanisms by which these two viruses interact at the cellular level remain largely unexplored. This review focuses on the evidence demonstrating direct infection of hepatocytes by HIV, as well as the indirect mechanisms by which HIV may regulate HCV replication at the cellular level. A comprehensive understanding of virus–virus and virus–cell interactions is critical to the development of novel treatment strategies to combat HCV/HIV co‐infection.
Mitochondrial genomes of the sheep blowfly, Lucilia sericata, and the secondary blowfly, Chrysomya megacephala
Authors: STEVENS J. R. , WEST H. , WALL R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract This paper presents complete mitochondrial genomes for the sheep blowfly, Lucilia sericata (Meigen), and the secondary blowfly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius). Both L. sericata and C. megacephala had standard dipteran‐type mitochondrial genome architectures and lengths of 15 945 bp and 15 831 bp, respectively. Additionally, C. megacephala possessed a tRNA duplication either side of the D‐loop, as previously reported in another Chrysomya species, C. putoria; this duplication appears to be synapomorphic for the genus Chrysomya. As in other insect mitochondrial genomes, base compositions had a high AT content, with both genomes more than 76% AT‐rich.
Vector transmission ofBartonellaspecies with emphasis on the potential for tick transmission
Authors: BILLETER S. A. , LEVY M. G. , CHOMEL B. B. , BREITSCHWERDT E. B.
Published: March 2008

AbstractBartonellaspecies are gram‐negative bacteria that infect erythrocytes, endothelial cells and macrophages, often leading to persistent blood‐borne infections. Because of the ability of variousBartonellaspecies to reside within erythrocytes of a diverse number of animal hosts, there is substantial opportunity for the potential uptake of these blood‐borne bacteria by a variety of arthropod vectors that feed on animals and people. FiveBartonellaspecies are transmitted by lice, fleas or sandflies. However,BartonellaDNA has been detected orBartonellaspp. have been cultured from numerous other arthropods. This review discussesBartonellatransmission by sandflies, lice and fleas, the potential for transmission by other vectors, and data supporting transmission by ticks. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or culture methods have been used to detectBartonellain ticks, either questing or host‐attached, throughout the world. Case studies and serological or molecular surveys involving humans, cats and canines provide indirect evidence supporting transmission ofBartonellaspecies by ticks. Of potential clinical relevance, many studies have proposed co‐transmission ofBartonellawith other known tick‐borne pathogens. Currently, critically important experimental transmission studies have not been performed forBartonellatransmission by many potential arthropod vectors, including ticks.
Morphology of the first instar of Calliphora vicina, Phormia regina and Lucilia illustris (Diptera, Calliphoridae)
Authors: SZPILA K. , PAPE T. , RUSINEK A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy documentation of first instar Calliphora vicina Robineau‐Desvoidy, Phormia regina (Meigen) and Lucilia illustris (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is presented for the first time, and the following morphological structures are documented: pseudocephalon; antenna; maxillary palpus; facial mask; labial lobe; thoracic and abdominal spinulation; spiracular field; posterior spiracles, and anal pad. Light microscopy documentation and illustrations are provided for the cephaloskeleton in lateral and ventral views. New diagnostic features are revealed in the configuration of the facial mask, cephaloskeleton and posterior spiracles. The first instar morphology of C. vicina, Ph. regina and L. illustris is discussed in the light of existing knowledge about early instars of blowflies.
Survivorship characteristics of the mosquito Aedes caspius adults from southern France under laboratory conditions
Authors: CARRON A. , BICHAUD L. , PLATZ N. , BICOUT D. J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract The survivorship characteristics of two populations of Aedes caspius (Pallas) (Diptera: Culicidae) were compared in the laboratory. One population was sourced from Mourgues, where larvicides have been used continuously for ~ 40 years, and the other from Pont de Gau, where there has been no consistent mosquito control. The aims of the study were to ascertain the basic life history profiles of adults and to determine whether continuous larviciding affects inherent adult survivorship. Life tables were constructed to calculate the following life expectancy parameters: mean lifetime (τad); maximum lifetime (τmax), and daily survival rate (pad). All three parameters were higher for females than for males (paired t‐test, P ≤ 0.001); male mean lifetime, maximum lifetime and daily survival rate were 4.95 ± 0.94 days, 20.50 ± 6.66 days and 0.79 ± 0.05, respectively; female values were 14.74 ± 3.68 days, 49.69 ± 16.55 days and 0.93 ± 0.02, respectively. No differences were found between the two populations, and no correlations were found between initial adult densities and their respective survival rates. The survivorship curves for Ae. caspius were type IV for males (mortality rates higher for young adults) and type III for females (mortality rates constant).
Confirmation of the species status of the blackfly Simulium galeratum in Britain using molecular taxonomy
Authors: DAY J. C. , GOODALL T. I. , POST R. J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Since 1920 Simulium reptans (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Simuliidae) has been reported as exhibiting two different larval morphotypes, a typical S. reptans and an atypical S. reptans var. galeratum, which differ in the markings of the larval head capsule. Inconsistent variation in adults and no apparent variation in the pupae have led taxonomists to conclude that these types in Britain are a single species. We investigated populations in Britain where either the typical form or var. galeratum is found, and one population where the two exist sympatrically. A phylogenetic study based upon a region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene (DNA barcoding) produced a tree that delineated the morphotypes into two distinct monophyletic clades. The average Kimura‐2‐parameter distances within each clade (i.e. within each morphotype) were very low (0.67% and 0.78%), with the distances between morphotypes being 9−10‐fold greater (mean 7.06%). This is concordant with differences within and between species in other taxa; based upon the strict correlation between the molecular variation and the morphotypes, we propose the re‐instatement of S. galeratum to species status.
Phylogeny of Neotropical Protoneuridae (Odonata: Zygoptera) and a preliminary study of their relationship with related families
Authors: PESSACQ PABLO
Published: March 2008

AbstractA cladistic analysis of Neotropical Protoneuridae was performed on a data matrix of 48 morphological characters and 43 terminal taxa. Representatives of Paleotropical Protoneuridae, Platycnemididae and Isostictidae were included to test their relationships with Neotropical Protoneuridae. Coenagrionidae was chosen as the outgroup, but alternative analyses with Platycnemididae as the outgroup were also performed. Protoneuridae appears as a polyphyletic clade, with its Paleotropical component being more closely related to Platycnemididae and Isostictidae. Neotropical Protoneuridae appear as a monophyletic clade; included genera considered monophyletic or valid monotypic taxa areEpipleoneuraWilliamson, 1915;IdioneuraSelys, 1860;JunixRácenis, 1968;NeoneuraSelys, 1860;PeristictaHageninSelys, 1860;RoppaneuraSantos, 1966; andLamproneuraDe Marmels, 2003. A key to the Neotropical Protoneuridae genera is included.
Association between TNFA‐308 G/A polymorphism and sensitization to para‐phenylenediamine: a case–control study
Authors: Blömeke B. , Brans R. , Dickel H. , Bruckner T. , Erdmann S. , Heesen M. , Merk H. F. , Coenraads P.‐J.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Para‐phenylenediamine (PPD) and related chemicals are common contact sensitizers, frequently causing allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) plays a key role in contact sensitization.

Methods:  In this case–control study, we evaluated the distribution of variations in the regulatory region of the gene for TNF‐α (TNFA‐308 G/A) in 181 Caucasian individuals with a history of ACD and sensitization to PPD and 161 individuals with no history of sensitization to PPD.

Results:  The frequency of GA or AA TNFA genotypes was significantly higher in individuals sensitized to PPD than in age‐ and gender‐matched controls giving an odds ratio (OR) of 2.16 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.35–3.47; P = 0.0016). This relation was even more pronounced when restricting cases to females over 45 years (OR = 3.71; 95% CI: 1.65–8.31; P = 0.0017) vs younger females (less than or equal to 45 years; OR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.03–5.65; P = 0.044) or males (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.449–2.47; P = 1.0). In addition, a logistic regression model revealed a significant effect for TNFA‐308 AA and AG vs GG genotype (point estimate = 2.152; 95% Wald CI: 1.332–3.477).

Conclusions:  These findings suggest a possible role for the TNFA‐308 genetic polymorphism as a susceptibility factor for chemically induced ACD.
AtCXXS: atypical members of the Arabidopsis thaliana thioredoxin h family with a remarkably high disulfide isomerase activity
Authors: Serrato Antonio Jesús , Guilleminot Jocelyne , Meyer Yves , Vignols Florence
Published: March 2008

The Arabidopsis thaliana thioredoxin subgroup h III is composed of four members and includes the two monocysteinic (CXXS) thioredoxins encoded by the genome. We show that AtCXXS1 is the ortholog of monocysteinic thioredoxins present in all higher plants. In contrast, unicellular algae and the moss Physcomitrella patens do not encode monocysteinic thioredoxin. AtCXXS2, the second monocysteinic thioredoxin of Arabidopsis has no ortholog in any other higher plants. It probably appeared recently by duplications of a dicysteinic thioredoxin of the same subgroup h III. Both monocysteinic thioredoxins show a low disulfide reductase activity in vitro but are very efficient as disulfide isomerases in RNAse refolding tests. The possible interactions of these proteins with the glutathione glutaredoxin pathway are discussed on the basis of recent papers.
Head shape evolution in Tropidurinae lizards: does locomotion constrain diet?
Authors: KOHLSDORF T. , GRIZANTE M. B. , NAVAS C. A. , HERREL A.
Published: March 2008

Different components of complex integrated systems may be specialized for different functions, and thus the selective pressures acting on the system as a whole may be conflicting and can ultimately constrain organismal performance and evolution. The vertebrate cranial system is one of the most striking examples of a complex system with several possible functions, being associated to activities as different as locomotion, prey capture, display and defensive behaviours. Therefore, selective pressures on the cranial system as a whole are possibly complex and may be conflicting. The present study focuses on the influence of potentially conflicting selective pressures (diet vs. locomotion) on the evolution of head shape in Tropidurinae lizards. For example, the expected adaptations leading to flat heads and bodies in species living on vertical structures may conflict with the need for improved bite performance associated with the inclusion of hard or tough prey into the diet, a common phenomenon in Tropidurinae lizards. Body size and six variables describing head shape were quantified in preserved specimens of 23 species, and information on diet and substrate usage was obtained from the literature. No phylogenetic signal was observed in the morphological data at any branch length tested, suggesting adaptive evolution of head shape in Tropidurinae. This pattern was confirmed by both factor analysis and independent contrast analysis, which suggested adaptive co‐variation between the head shape and the inclusion of hard prey into the diet. In contrast to our expectations, habitat use did not constrain or drive head shape evolution in the group.
A model to assess the use of caecal and faecal inocula to study fermentability of nutrients in rabbit
Authors: Bovera F. , D’Urso S. , Meo C. Di , Tudisco R. , Nizza A.
Published: March 2008

An in vitro gas production trial was conducted using 10 Hyla rabbits to evaluate the use of caecal and faecal inocula in fermentability studies. Caecal content (CI) and hard faeces (FI) were used as inocula. Six legume and six cereal concentrates were used as substrates. Gas production was recorded 19 times at 2–24 h intervals throughout fermentation (120 h). The fermentation characteristics (degraded organic matter, OMd; potential gas production, A; volatile fatty acid, VFA; ammonia, NH3) were measured by testing the inoculum and substrate (legumes vs. cereals). The inocula were different (p < 0.01) in OMd (818.2 vs. 799.4 g/kg OM for CI and FI respectively), A (255.0 vs. 267.1 ml/g OM), total VFA (67.3 vs. 53.2 mmol/g OM) and NH3 content (21.2 vs. 19.8 mmol/l). Moreover, the significant differences in the (acetate + propionate)/butyrate ratio (5.02 vs. 4.09 for CI and FI respectively, p < 0.01) and in the branched chain proportion (isobutyrate + isovaleriate)/total VFA (0.044 vs. 0.031, p < 0.01) indicate that the inocula differed in fermenting legumes or cereals, but the equations for estimating caecal fermentation characteristics from those of faeces showed R2 values from 0.673 to 0.975 (p ≤ 0.01). Our results confirm that in vitro fermentation characteristics of faeces were highly related to those of caecal content.
Performance of marking techniques in the field and laboratory for Diabrotica speciosa (Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Mattioli F. , Cabrera Walsh G.
Published: March 2008

A reliable marking technique was needed for a mark–release–recapture experiment with adults of Diabrotica speciosa (Germar). Four marking techniques, acrylic paint (spattered or brushed on the surface of the insect); and fluorescent pigments (dusted on surfaces or mixed with diet to produce an ingested marker), were tested. Fluorescent pigment durability for the dusting and ingested techniques was evaluated for laboratory conditions and under simulated field conditions. The impact of the techniques on beetle survival was also assessed. Both acrylic paint techniques caused mobility problems in the beetles, and neither technique lasted for more than 48 h. Both fluorescent pigment techniques were more reliable, but the dusting technique showed a significantly higher mortality than the control, and duration variations between laboratory and field conditions. Use of fluorescent pigments added to the diet was the most reliable technique. This technique allowed the manipulation of the marking period, and provided reliable timing of marker persistence in the field.
Feeding damage of Japanese beetle (Col.: Scarabaeidae) on 16 field‐grown birch (Betula L.) genotypes
Authors: Gu M. , Robbins J. A. , Rom C. R. , Hensley D. L.
Published: March 2008

Feeding damage by Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) was evaluated on 16 field‐grown birch genotypes (Betula L.) under two irrigation regimes at Fayetteville, AR in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Percentage of total leaf area skeletonized by Japanese beetle was visually estimated, and leaf damage was rated as no damage, low damage, moderate or severe damage based on the percentage of leaf skeletonization. The average percentage of leaf skeletonization on all birch trees by Japanese beetles was 32% in 2003, 27% in 2004 and 25% in 2005. In 2005, well‐watered trees had a higher percentage of leaf skeletonization than water‐stressed trees. Betula utilis var. jacquemontii and Betula papyrifera‘Uenci’, rated as severe damage in all 3 years, were estimated to have the highest percentage of leaf skeletonization followed by B. papyrifera, which was rated as moderate‐to‐severe damage. Betula maximowicziana, Betula nigra‘Cully’, B. papyrifera‘Renci’, and Betula platyphylla‘Fargo’ were rated as low‐to‐moderate damage. Betula pendula‘Laciniata’ had nearly no damage from Japanese beetle in all 3 years. The other birch genotypes were rated as low damage during the 3‐year period.
Mapping of a blast field resistance gene Pi39(t) of elite rice strain Chubu 111
Authors: Terashima T. , Fukuoka S. , Saka N. , Kudo S.
Published: March 2008

We investigated the mode of inheritance and map location of field resistance to rice blast in the elite rice strain Chubu 111, and yield under severe blast conditions. Chubu 111 carries the complete resistance gene Pii, although field testing showed this strain to be susceptible to infection. The level of field resistance of Chubu 111 was so high that chemicals used to control blast were not required, even in an epiphytotic area. Genetic analysis of field resistance to blast in 149 F3 lines derived from a cross between Chubu 111 and the susceptible cultivar ‘Mineasahi’ suggested that field resistance is controlled by a dominant gene, designated Pi39(t), that cosegregates with the single sequence repeat marker loci RM3843 and RM5473 on chromosome 4. Comparative studies of polymorphism at RM3843 among Chubu 111 and six cultivars or lines in its pedigree suggested that the donor of the resistance gene was the Chinese cultivar ‘Haonaihuan’. Marker‐assisted selection of Pi39(t) should be useful in rice‐breeding programmes for field resistance to blast.
Reduction in kernel weight as a potential indirect selection criterion for wheat grain yield under terminal heat stress
Authors: Sharma R. C. , Tiwary A. K. , Ortiz‐Ferrara G.
Published: March 2008

Heat is an important abiotic stress during wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain‐filling in South Asia. A study was undertaken to determine effectiveness of selection for reduction in 1000‐kernel weight (TKWR) under heat stress to increase grain yield. Selection was made for low and high TKWR and selected progenies were evaluated in timely and late seeded trials at two locations in Nepal in 2003. One thousand kernel weight (TKW), biomass yield, grain yield, harvest index (HI), grain‐filling duration (GFD) and area under spot blotch progress curve per day (AUDPC/day) were examined. The low and high TKWR groups did not differ significantly for TKW, biomass yield, grain yield, HI, days to heading, GFD and AUDPC/day under timely seeding. However, low TKWR lines showed higher TKW, biomass yield, grain yield, HI, and GFD and lower AUDPC/day than the lines with high TKWR under late seeding. Realized heritability estimates for TKWR ranged from 0.68 to 0.85. The findings show that selection for low TKWR could be used as an indirect selection criterion to identify high grain yielding lines under terminal heat stress.
Reduced Fertility in High‐yielding Dairy Cows: Are the Oocyte and Embryo in Danger? Part I  The Importance of Negative Energy Balance and Altered Corpus Luteum Function to the Reduction of Oocyte and Embryo Quality in High‐yielding Dairy Cows*
Authors: Leroy JLMR , Opsomer G , Van Soom A , Goovaerts IGF , Bols PEJ
Published: March 2008

Contents

Fertility in high yielding dairy cows is declining, and there is increasing evidence to presume that oocyte and embryo quality are major factors in the complex pathogenesis of reproductive failure. In this report we present an overview of possible mechanisms linking negative energy balance (NEB) and deficiencies in oocyte and embryo developmental competence; specifically, in the high producing dairy cow. Changes in follicular growth patterns during a period of NEB can indirectly affect oocyte quality. The endocrine and biochemical changes, which are associated with NEB, are reflected in the microenvironment of the growing and maturing female gamete, and likely result in the ovulation of a developmentally incompetent oocyte. Even after an oocyte is successfully ovulated and fertilized, a full‐term pregnancy is still not guaranteed. Inadequate corpus luteum function, associated with reduced progesterone, and probably also low insulin‐like growth factor concentrations, can cause a suboptimal microenvironment in the uterus that is incapable of sustaining early embryonic life. This may partly account for the low conception rates and the high incidence of early embryonic mortality in high yielding dairy cows.
Reduced Fertility in High‐yielding Dairy Cows: Are the Oocyte and Embryo in Danger? Part II  Mechanisms Linking Nutrition and Reduced Oocyte and Embryo Quality in High‐yielding Dairy Cows*
Authors: Leroy JLMR , Van Soom A , Opsomer G , Goovaerts IGF , Bols PEJ
Published: March 2008

Contents

Dairy cow fertility has been declining during since the mid‐80s and this has given rise to numerous scientific studies in which important parts of the pathogenesis are elucidated. Reduced oocyte and embryo quality are acknowledged as major factors in the widely described low conception rates and in the high prevalence of early embryonic mortality. Apart from the importance of the negative energy balance (NEB) and the associated endocrine and metabolic consequences, there is a growing attention towards the effect of the milk yield promoting diets which are rich in energy and protein. Starch‐rich diets can improve the energy status and thus the ovarian activity in the early postpartum period but the oocyte and embryo quality can suffer from such insulinogenic diets. Supplementation of dietary fat has a similar dual effect with a beneficial stimulation of the ovarian steroid production while the oocyte and the embryo display an altered energy metabolism and excessive lipid accumulation. High‐protein diets can elevate the ammonia and urea concentrations in the blood, leading to changed intrafollicular, oviductal and uterine environments. Oocytes and embryos are highly sensitive to such changes in their microenvironment, possibly leading to a disturbed maturation, fertilization or early cleavage. Several nutrition‐linked mechanisms, through which oocyte and/or embryo quality can be affected in modern dairy cows, well after the period of NEB, are proposed and comprehensively reviewed in the present report.
TREATMENT OF UNRESECTABLE HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA WITH RADIOLABELLED LIPIODOL
Authors: Kanhere Harsh A. , Leopardi Lisa N. , Fischer Louise , Kitchener Michael I. , Maddern Guy J.
Published: March 2008

Background:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common solid organ tumours, with approximately 500 000 new cases being reported each year. It has a very high prevalence in Asia, and almost two‐thirds of all cases occur in this region. The incidence of this tumour in Australia has nearly doubled in the past decade. Surgical resection is the mainstay of treatment, but only 10–30% of HCC are amenable to surgical resection at the time of diagnosis. The prognosis for patients with unresectable HCC remains dismal. Internal radiotherapy with radiolabelled lipiodol has been used with some success in treatment of HCC. Several studies have validated its usefulness in an adjuvant setting, but it also appears to have a role in treating unresectable tumours.

Methods:  Twenty‐two patients with proven HCC, not amenable to or having failed surgical treatment, were evaluated for radiolabelled lipiodol treatment. Of these, 10 patients were excluded after initial evaluation and 12 patients underwent treatment. Patients were followed up every 3 months with physical examination, computed tomography scan and α‐fetoprotein levels. Overall survival, change in tumour size and α‐fetoprotein levels were used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment.

Results:  The median overall survival in patients undergoing lipiodol therapy was 15 months. Tumour size was stabilized in most patients and very few side‐effects of the treatment were observed.

Conclusion:  This study has shown that radiolabelled lipiodol is an effective method for the treatment of unresectable locally advanced HCC.
Cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Habersberger J. , Manins V. , Taylor A. J.
Published: March 2008

Cardiac sarcoidosis can have a variety of manifestations including conduction disease, congestive heart failure, valvular heart disease, pericardial effusions, tamponade, ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. In patients with sarcoidosis, the reported incidence of cardiac involvement ranges from 20% in US autopsy studies to nearly 60% in Japan, where it accounts for the majority of deaths as a result of sarcoidosis. Despite this, the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis remains difficult and no single diagnostic test has emerged that combines a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. Recent evidence suggests that gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging can potentially offer high sensitivity and specificity for both disease presence and activity. It may also be possible to track response to treatment of cardiac sarcoidosis with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for cardiac sarcoidosis as with systemic sarcoid but at present no prospective trial has shown a survival benefit. Pharmacological treatment of heart failure should follow standard heart failure guidelines, whereas anti‐arrhythmic treatment is problematic. The role of implantable cardiac defibrillators in sarcoid has not been well defined, although the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are high. Cardiac transplantation remains an option for younger patients, although overall cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis carries a relatively poor prognosis.
Warfarin‐induced allergic interstitial nephritis and leucocytoclastic vasculitis
Authors: Kapoor K. G. , Bekaii‐Saab T.
Published: March 2008

Warfarin sodium has been associated with leucocytoclastic vasculitis and has once been associated with allergic interstitial nephritis. Hypersensitivity to warfarin sodium simultaneously resulting in allergic interstitial nephritis and leucocytoclastic vasculitis has not yet been previously reported. We present a 48‐year‐old man who was on warfarin sodium for 2 months and presented with acute renal failure and reddish purplish macules on his hypogastric regions and lower extremities bilaterally. Kidney biopsy showed allergic interstitial nephritis and punch skin biopsy showed leucocytoclastic vasculitis. Both biopsies also showed high eosinophil count, highly suggestive of a drug‐induced reaction. After a negative comprehensive work‐up and the absence of other recent medication changes, our patient was determined to have allergic interstitial nephritis and leucocytoclastic vasculitis secondary to warfarin sodium.
Stress intensity factors for slanted through‐wall cracks based on elastic finite element analyses
Authors: HUH N.‐S. , SHIM D.‐J. , CHOI S. , WILKOWSKI G. M. , YANG J.‐S.
Published: March 2008

Based on detailed 3‐dimensional (3‐D) elastic finite element (FE) analyses, the present paper provides stress intensity factors (SIFs) for plates with slanted through‐wall crack (TWC) and cylinders with slanted circumferential TWC. Regarding loading conditions, axial tension was considered for the plates, whereas axial tension, global bending and internal pressure were considered for the cylinders. To cover a practical range, the geometric variables affecting the SIF were systematically varied. Based on FE results, SIFs along the crack front, including the inner and outer surface points, were provided. The present results can be used to evaluate the fatigue crack growth or stress corrosion cracking behaviour of a slanted TWC and furthermore to perform detailed Leak‐Before‐Break analysis considering a more realistic crack shape.
Ammonium alters creatine transport and synthesis in a 3D culture of developing brain cells, resulting in secondary cerebral creatine deficiency
Authors: Braissant Olivier , Cagnon Laurène , Monnet‐Tschudi Florianne , Speer Oliver , Wallimann Theo , Honegger Paul , Henry Hugues
Published: March 2008

Hyperammonemic disorders in pediatric patients lead to poorly understood irreversible effects on the developing brain that may be life‐threatening. We showed previously that some of these NH4+‐induced irreversible effects might be due to impairment of axonal growth that can be protected under ammonium exposure by creatine co‐treatment. The aim of the present work was thus to analyse how the genes of arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) and guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT), allowing creatine synthesis, as well as of the creatine transporter SLC6A8, allowing creatine uptake into cells, are regulated in rat brain cells under NH4+ exposure. Reaggregated brain cell three‐dimensional cultures exposed to NH4Cl were used as an experimental model of hyperammonemia in the developing central nervous system (CNS). We show here that NH4+ exposure differentially alters AGAT, GAMT and SLC6A8 regulation, in terms of both gene expression and protein activity, in a cell type‐specific manner. In particular, we demonstrate that NH4+ exposure decreases both creatine and its synthesis intermediate, guanidinoacetate, in brain cells, probably through the inhibition of AGAT enzymatic activity. Our work also suggests that oligodendrocytes are major actors in the brain in terms of creatine synthesis, trafficking and uptake, which might be affected by hyperammonemia. Finally, we show that NH4+ exposure induces SLC6A8 in astrocytes. This suggests that hyperammonemia increases blood–brain barrier permeability for creatine. This is normally limited due to the absence of SLC6A8 from the astrocyte feet lining microcapillary endothelial cells, and thus creatine supplementation may protect the developing CNS of hyperammonemic patients.
Differential tonic influence of lateral habenula on prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens dopamine release
Authors: Lecourtier Lucas , DeFrancesco Alicia , Moghaddam Bita
Published: March 2008

Conditions of increased cognitive or emotional demand activate dopamine release in a regionally selective manner. Whereas the brief millisecond response of dopamine neurons to salient stimuli suggests that dopamine's influence on behaviour may be limited to signalling certain cues, the prolonged availability of dopamine in regions such as the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens is consistent with the well described role of dopamine in maintaining motivation states, associative learning and working memory. The behaviourally elicited terminal release of dopamine is generally attributed to increased excitatory drive on dopamine neurons. Our findings here, however, indicate that this increase may involve active removal of a tonic inhibitory control on dopamine neurons exerted by the lateral habenula (LHb). Inhibition of LHb in behaving animals transiently increased dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens and dorsolateral striatum. The inhibitory influence was more pronounced in the nucleus accumbens and striatum than in the prefrontal cortex. This pattern of regional dopamine activation after LHb inhibition mimicked conditions of reward availability but not increased cognitive demand. Electrical or chemical stimulation of LHb produced minimal reduction of extracellular dopamine, suggesting that in an awake brain the inhibition associated with tonic LHb activity represents a near‐maximal influence on dopamine neurotransmission. These data indicate that LHb may be critical for functional differences in dopamine neurons by preferentially modulating dopamine neurons that project to the nucleus accumbens over those neurons that primarily project to the prefrontal cortex.
Somal positioning and dendritic growth of horizontal cells are regulated by interactions with homotypic neighbors
Authors: Poché Ross A. , Raven Mary A. , Kwan Kin Ming , Furuta Yasuhide , Behringer Richard R. , Reese Benjamin E.
Published: March 2008

Retinal neurons extend their dendritic fields to achieve a degree of dendritic overlap with homotypic neighbors that is cell‐type specific. How these neurons regulate their dendritic growth is unclear. The dendritic field of a retinal horizontal cell varies inversely with horizontal cell density across different strains of mice, suggesting that proximity to neighboring cells regulates dendritic growth. To test this directly, we have employed the Cre‐loxP conditional gene targeting strategy to achieve inactivation of Lim1 function in developing horizontal cells. Through this approach, Lim1 function was prevented within a subset of horizontal cells that in turn fail to migrate to the horizontal cell layer and differentiate normally. For those remaining horizontal cells with Lim1 intact (about half of the normal population in these mice), we show that they spread themselves out tangentially and differentiate a dendritic morphology that is essentially normal but for the fact that it has nearly doubled in area. Such larger horizontal cells, sampling from an area of retina containing twice their normal afferent number, differentiate a dendritic field with nearly double the number of higher order branches and terminal clusters. These results demonstrate directly that positioning and dendritic growth are regulated by interactions with homotypic neighbors, whereas afferents instruct the differentiation of dendritic patterning.
Right hemisphere contributions to imitation tasks
Authors: Biermann‐Ruben Katja , Kessler Klaus , Jonas Melanie , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Bäumer Tobias , Münchau Alexander , Schnitzler Alfons
Published: March 2008

Humans imitate biological movements faster than non‐biological movements. The faster response has been attributed to an activation of the human mirror neuron system, which is thought to match observation and execution of actions. However, it is unclear which cortical areas are responsible for this behavioural advantage. Also, little is known about the timing of activations. Using whole‐head magnetoencephalography we recorded neuronal responses to single biological finger movements and non‐biological dot movements while the subjects were required to perform an imitation task or an observation task, respectively. Previous imaging studies on the human mirror neurone system suggested that activation in response to biological movements would be stronger in ventral premotor, parietal and superior temporal regions. In accordance with previous studies, reaction times to biological movements were faster than those to dot movements in all subjects. The analysis of evoked magnetic fields revealed that the reaction time benefit was paralleled by stronger and earlier activation of the left temporo‐occipital cortex, right superior temporal area and right ventral motor/premotor area. The activity patterns suggest that the latter areas mediate the observed behavioural advantage of biological movements and indicate a predominant contribution of the right temporo‐frontal hemisphere to action observation–execution matching processes in intransitive movements, which has not been reported previously.
Historical distribution of right whales in the North Pacific
Authors: Josephson Elizabeth , Smith Tim D , Reeves Randall R
Published: March 2008

Fisheries records provide some of the only information on pre‐fishing distribution and abundance for species that were depleted before the advent of modern scientific investigations. This paper interprets records of the early history of whaling for North Pacific right whales (Eubalaena pacifica). The current population occupies only a fraction of its historical range. Historical distributions of several whale species have been inferred from charts prepared by Matthew Fontaine Maury in the early 1850s and Charles Haskins Townsend in the 1930s based on data from American whalers’ logbooks. In the North Pacific, Maury’s chart has been interpreted to show that right whales occurred continuously across the entire basin. However, we find plotting errors when we compare the North Pacific chart to the corresponding data worksheets prepared for Maury (the ‘Maury Abstracts’) and the chart appears to have misled historians and biologists. Although these charts and those in the North Atlantic are wrong, the Maury Abstracts themselves appear largely consistent with the original whaler logbooks. Our analysis shows that right whales were likely not distributed continuously across the North Pacific, but instead had a pronounced longitudinally bimodal distribution and were encountered infrequently in the central‐northern North Pacific. This work shows how valuable information can be obtained by examining original source material. The American whaling logbooks are extensive and have been largely overlooked in studies of whale populations.
Soybean WRKY‐type transcription factor genes,GmWRKY13, GmWRKY21, andGmWRKY54, confer differential tolerance to abiotic stresses in transgenicArabidopsisplants
Authors: Zhou Qi‐Yun , Tian Ai‐Guo , Zou Hong‐Feng , Xie Zong‐Ming , Lei Gang , Huang Jian , Wang Chun‐Mei , Wang Hui‐Wen , Zhang Jin‐Song , Chen Shou‐Yi
Published: March 2008

WRKY‐type transcription factors have multiple roles in the plant defence response and developmental processes. Their roles in the abiotic stress response remain obscure. In this study, 64GmWRKYgenes from soybean were identified, and were found to be differentially expressed under abiotic stresses. Nine GmWRKY proteins were tested for their transcription activation in the yeast assay system, and five showed such ability. In a DNA‐binding assay, three proteins (GmWRKY13, GmWRKY27 and GmWRKY54) with a conserved WRKYGQK sequence in their DNA‐binding domain could bind to the W‐box (TTGAC). However, GmWRKY6 and GmWRKY21, with an altered sequence WRKYGKK, lost the ability to bind to the W‐box. The function of three stress‐induced genes,GmWRKY13,GmWRKY21andGmWRKY54, was further investigated using a transgenic approach.GmWRKY21‐transgenicArabidopsisplants were tolerant to cold stress, whereasGmWRKY54conferred salt and drought tolerance, possibly through the regulation ofDREB2AandSTZ/Zat10. Transgenic plants over‐expressingGmWRKY13showed increased sensitivity to salt and mannitol stress, but decreased sensitivity to abscisic acid, when compared with wild‐type plants. In addition,GmWRKY13‐transgenic plants showed an increase in lateral roots. These results indicate that the threeGmWRKYgenes play differential roles in abiotic stress tolerance, and thatGmWRKY13may function in both lateral root development and the abiotic stress response.
The Quality of Industrial Relations and Unemployment in Developing Countries
Authors: Feldmann Horst
Published: March 2008

Using data from 45 countries for six years in the period 1995 to 2003, the author analyses whether the quality of industrial relations affects unemployment in developing countries. To measure the quality of industrial relations, the author uses the results of surveys in which senior business executives characterized the industrial relations of their countries of residence. According to the regression results, cooperative (confrontational) industrial relations are likely to lower (increase) unemployment. In general, the magnitude of the effect appears to be moderate. It seems to be small among women. The results are robust to variations in specification.
Harmless Feedback Control for Permanence and Global Asymptotic Stability in Nonlinear Delay Population Equation
Authors: Nie Linfei , Peng Jigen , Teng Zhidong
Published: March 2008

In this paper, we consider whether or not the feedback control has influence on a nonlinear population equation with several time delays. The general criteria of integrable form on the permanence are established, and we note that the feedback control has no influence to the permanence of system. By constructing suitable Lyapunov functionals, a set of easily verifiable sufficient conditions are derived for global asymptotic stability of any positive solutions to the system.
Equivalence of Third‐Order Ordinary Differential Equations to Chazy Equations I–XIII
Authors: Bagderina Yulia Yu.
Published: March 2008

In the paper we solve the equivalence problem of the third‐order ordinary differential equations quadratic in the second‐order derivative. For this class of equations the invariants of the group of point equivalence transformations and the invariant differentiation operators are constructed. Using these results the invariants of 13 Chazy equations were calculated. We provide examples of finding equivalent equations by use of their invariants. Also two new examples of the equations linearizable by a local transformation are found. These are a particular case of Chazy–XII equation and a Schwarzian equation.
A review of the evolutionary approach to the study of entrepreneurship
Authors: Breslin Dermot
Published: March 2008

A number of more contextual and process‐oriented approaches have been followed recently in entrepreneurial research, including the cognitive approach, the learning approach and the evolutionary approach. This paper reviews the evolutionary approach to the study of entrepreneurship. This includes an overview of evolutionary theory and the arguments behind its relevance to the study of socio‐economics systems, as well as a review of the application of evolutionary theory to the study of entrepreneurship at both the population level (population ecology) and the organizational level (strategic choice). The reconciliation of these two perspectives is discussed, and comparisons are made with the cognition‐based and learning‐based approaches. It is argued in this paper that an evolutionary approach to the study of entrepreneurship leads to more theory‐driven research with a strong focus on process and context. In addition, it offers more than both the cognition‐based and learning‐based approaches because it allows for multi‐level analyses of the new venture creation process, encompassing both the population ecology (population level) and strategic choice (organizational level) perspective, and the resultant interactions between both hierarchies, giving valuable insight into the same overall evolutionary process.
The Elusiveness, Loss and Cruciality of Recovered Holiness: Some Biblical and Theological Observations
Authors: GORONCY JASON
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  While holiness is one of the motifs in theological discourse that can legitimately be said to entwine many others, the coinage it receives for such honour is being largely exiled from discussion. Thus, any contribution that could be made by considering Jesus Christ as the defining revelation of holiness is sidelined. Beginning with some biblical observations, and enlisting some help from Scottish Congregationalist P.T. Forsyth, this article seeks to encourage a reclaiming of holiness vocabulary as a distinctly christological reality and gift that finds expression first in the unique incarnate life and death of the Son, and then in the life and mission of the community created and sustained by that same Son.
What If Hurricane Ivan Had Not Missed New Orleans?*
Authors: Laska Shirley
Published: March 2008

Author's Note: As I was developing the hypothetical situation depicting a devastating hurricane striking New Orleans, Louisiana, the disaster waiting to happen threatened to become a reality: Hurricane Ivan, a Category 4 hurricane (140 mph winds) fluctuating to a Category 5 (up to 155 mph winds), was slowly moving directly toward New Orleans. Forecasters were predicting a one‐in‐four chance that Ivan would remain on this direct path and would be an “extreme storm” at landfall. In reality, the storm veered to the north and made landfall east of Mobile Bay, Alabama, causing devastation and destruction well into the central Gulf shoreline and throughout the Southeast and the mid‐Atlantic states.