bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of the Bovine Growth Hormone Gene to Carcass Traits in Japanese Black Cattle
Authors: Tatsuda K. , Oka A. , Iwamoto E. , Kuroda Y. , Takeshita H. , Kataoka H. , Kouno S.
Published: January 2008

The bovine growth hormone gene (bGH) possesses three haplotypes, A, B and C, that differ by amino acid mutations at positions 127 and 172 in the fifth exon: (leucine127, threonine172), (valine127, threonine172) and (valine127, methionine172) respectively. The correlation between meat quality or carcass weight and these haplotypes was investigated in Japanese black cattle. Altogether, 940 bGH haplotypes were compared with respect to six carcass traits: carcass weight, longissimus muscle area, rib thickness, subcutaneous fat thickness, beef marbling score and beef colour. The frequency of the B haplotype was higher (0.421) than that of A (0.269) and C (0.311). High carcass weight and low beef marbling were associated with haplotype A (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01 respectively), whereas beef marbling was increased by haplotype C (p < 0.05). Estimated regression coefficient of the A haplotype substitution effect for carcass weight and beef marbling score were 5.55 (13.1% of the phenotypic SD) and −0.31 (17.0%) respectively. That of the C haplotype for beef marbling score was 0.20 (11.0%). The other traits showed no relationship to the haplotypes examined. The results of this investigation suggest that information pertaining to bGH polymorphisms in Japanese black cattle could be used to improve the selection of meat traits.
Novel variants within the coding regions of the Slc11A1 gene identified in Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds
Authors: Martínez R. , Dunner S. , Barrera G. , Cañon J.
Published: January 2008

Although in the cow the genetic resistance to brucellosis has been previously attributed to the Slc11A1 gene encoding Nramp1 protein, none of the mutations described to date seems to be the cause. To be able to associate another polymorphism of the gene to brucellosis resistance, we characterized the gene and identified in different breeds of Bos taurus and Bos indicus, six new variants among a total of 11 single nucleotide mutations, of which five occurred in the coding sequence (three are missense mutations), one in the promoter region and five in introns. The allelic and genotypic frequencies calculated revealed differences (p < 0.05) among the breeds studied.
Stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) gene polymorphisms in Italian cattle breeds
Authors: Milanesi E. , Nicoloso L. , Crepaldi P.
Published: January 2008

Stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) is the key enzyme involved in the endogenous synthesis of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in ruminants. Changes in the enzymatic activity as a result of SCD gene polymorphism and regulation have been hypothesized to cause diet‐independent variations of CLA content in milk. Evidences for the direct influence of SCD polymorphism on fatty acid composition of milk and beef have also been reported. To evaluate genetic differences because of breed and/or selection goal, we investigated the polymorphism of three previously reported single nucleotide polymorphisms located in exon 5 of the SCD gene in 11 cattle breeds raised in Italy and selected for different production goals. Results obtained: (i) evidenced a high variability in the allele frequencies across breeds; (ii) detected three novel haplotypes, one of which is private to indigenous beef breeds, and (iii) showed a significant association between haplotypes and selective goal.
Identification of porcine fatty acid translocase: high‐level transcript in intramuscular fat
Authors: Shu G. , Jiang Q. Y. , Zhu X. T. , Zhang H. X. , Gao P. , Zhang Y. L. , Wang X. Q.
Published: January 2008

Fatty acids translocase (FAT) is a transporter that facilitate long‐chain fatty acids uptake as well as lipid accretion. To investigate the potential role of FAT in different adipose tissues, we investigated the cDNA structure of porcine FAT (pFAT) and analysed the tissue distribution of pFAT mRNA. The FAT mRNA expression profiles in the pre‐adipocytes isolated from subcutaneous and intramuscular fat were also compared during cell differentiation. The results showed that 2389 bp porcine cDNA (DQ192230) had 87% homology with human FAT, 83% with mouse FAT, 82% with rat FAT and 67.5% with chicken FAT. Alignment of deduced amino acids sequence showed 82.4% homology with human FAT, 83.3% with mouse FAT and 85% with rat FAT. RT‐PCR analysis revealed that the pFAT mRNA had a wide‐spread expression in most tissues except for the brain. The higher level transcript was detected in visceral fat tissue by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. Interestingly, the pFAT mRNA expression level was dramatically increased in the primary culture pre‐adipocytes derived from intramuscular fat and this consistent with the cellular lipid accretion. However, a sustained lower‐level transcript was also found in the adipocytes from subcutaneous fat. The present study indicated that pFAT mRNA had a differential expression in subcutaneous, visceral and intramuscular fat depots. The data presented here provide further proof that pFAT might be involved in the modulation of the temporal and spatial fat depots.
Effect of dietary crude protein level on basal ileal endogenous losses and standardized ileal digestibilities of crude protein and amino acids in newly weaned pigs
Authors: Eklund M. , Mosenthin R. , Piepho H.‐P. , Rademacher M.
Published: January 2008

The study was carried out to estimate basal ileal endogenous crude protein and amino acid losses (IAALB) and standardized ileal digestibilities (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) originating from casein in newly weaned pigs from linear relationships between ileal recoveries and dietary intakes of graded levels of CP and AA. A total of 14 (12 + 2 for replacement) 3‐week‐old barrows weighing 5.7 kg was fitted with simple T cannulas at the distal ileum. At 28 days of age, the pigs were randomly allocated to the six experimental diets with two pigs per diet in four weekly repeated measurements. Corn starch‐based diets, containing six graded levels of CP from casein (90, 155, 220, 285, 350, 415 g/kg CP as‐fed basis respectively), were formulated. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was included as a digestibility marker. Each experimental period consisted of 7 days. Ileal digesta were collected for a total of 24 h during day 6 and 8. Splitting the total range of 90 to 415 g/kg CP into smaller ranges, i.e. from 90 to 220, 220 to 350 or 285 to 415 g/kg CP, provides estimates for CP and AA recoveries which are not significantly different from zero. As a result, dietary CP and AA originating from casein are completely digested and absorbed until the end of the small intestine. In addition, the use of large ranges of dietary CP levels showed that IAALB were affected (p < 0.050) by the dietary CP content. Accepting that ileal recoveries of CP and AA are exclusively of endogenous origin when purified corn starch casein‐based diets are fed, IAALB were estimated as a function of the dietary CP level. There were linear increases (p < 0.050) in IAALB when the dietary CP content was increased from 90 to 415 g/kg. Average IAALB expressed in g/kg dry matter intake (DMI) were 16.3, 0.7, 0.2, 0.9 and 0.2 for CP, lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan respectively. These values are in close agreement with IAALB obtained in grower‐finisher pigs.
Hypophagic and dipsogenic effect of the 5‐HT1A receptor agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT in broiler chickens
Authors: Saadoun A. , Cabrera M. C.
Published: January 2008

The effects of the 5‐HT1A receptor agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT on food and water intake in male broiler chickens were investigated. The injection of 25 or 50 μg/kg of 8‐OH‐DPAT 15 min before refeeding in fasted animals produced a decrease in food intake. No effect was observed in drinking. The injection of 25 or 50 μg/kg of the 8‐OH‐DPAT 60 min after the start of refeeding did not produce any significant modification in food intake. No effect on drinking was recorded. The agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT injected 15 min before water presentation in water‐deprived chickens, produced an increased drinking 60 min after the presentation of water. No effect on food intake was observed. The results show that the effect on food intake of the agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT in fasted–refed broiler chickens was similar to those observed in mammals and layer‐strain chickens. However, the agonist did not alter significantly the food intake when the broilers were fed 60 min before the injection. These results are contrary to the observed effects in mammals and in layer‐strain chickens. Probably, the selection for rapid growth rate in broilers causes modifications in the feeding control pattern. The comparison between broilers and layers strain may be a useful tool to elucidate the complex mechanisms involved in food and water intake regulation in chickens.
Effect of different liquid cultures of live yeast strains on performance, ruminal fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in lambs
Authors: Tripathi M. K. , Karim S. A. , Chaturvedi O. H. , Verma D. L.
Published: January 2008

Three yeast strains, Kluyveromyces marximanus NRRL‐3234 (KM), Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC‐42 (SC) and Saccharomyces uvarum ATCC‐9080 (SU), and a mixed culture (1:1:1 ratio) were evaluated for their value as probiotics in lamb feeding in two experiment. In experiment I and II, 20 and 30 pre‐weaner lambs were fed for 63 and 60 days in two and three equal groups respectively. All lambs were offered ad libitum a creep mixture and Zizyphus nummularia leaves, and yeasts were dosed orally. In experiment I, one group received no yeast, the other of the mixed culture (1.5–2 × 1010 live cells/ml). In experiment II, yeast cultivation was modified yielding 1.5–2 × 1013 live cells/ml. Lambs of the three experimental groups received 1 ml/kg live weight of one of the individual yeasts. Feed intake did not differ among groups of both experiments with the exception of SC‐supplemented lambs in experiment II which showed a trend to higher intakes per kg metabolic body weight and in percentage of body weight when compared with KM‐ and SU‐supplemented lambs. Supplementation of the mixed yeast culture had no effect on intakes of digestible crude protein and metabolisable energy, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentation characteristics (pH, ammonia, volatile fatty acid concentration, protozoa count) and urinary allantoin as an indicator of microbial protein synthesis. The same was true for comparisons in experiment II except ciliate protozoa counts, which showed a trend to be the highest with SU and the lowest with SC. The results of present study show that the response of lambs to supplemented live yeast cultures is inconsistent, as it lacked to have an effect in the present study, and that differences among strains were small, even when supplemented at a much higher live cell count.
Evaluation of supplementary stevia (Stevia rebaudiana, bertoni) leaves and stevioside in broiler diets: effects on feed intake, nutrient metabolism, blood parameters and growth performance
Authors: Atteh J. O. , Onagbesan O. M. , Tona K. , Decuypere E. , Geuns J. M. C. , Buyse J.
Published: January 2008

A perennial schrub, stevia, and its extracts are used as a natural sweetener and have been shown to possess antimicrobial properties. Stevia contains high levels of sweetening glycosides including stevioside which is thought to possess antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Little is known about the nutritional value of the schrub in livestock. This study determined the potential use of the shrub as a prebiotic animal feed supplement in light of the recent ban on the use of antibiotics in animal feed and the role of its constituent stevioside in the effects of the shrub. Male Cobb broiler chicks were fed a basal broiler diet without antibiotic but with performance enhancing enzyme mix (positive control), a basal diet without antibiotic and enzymes (negative control), or diets in which 2% of the negative control diet was replaced with either dried ground stevia leaves or 130 ppm pure stevioside during 2 week starter and 2 week grower periods. Body weight gains, feed conversion, abdominal fat deposition, plasma hormone and metabolites and caecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA) were measured in the broilers at 2 and 4 weeks of age. There was no significant effect of the treatments on feed intake during the starter period but birds fed diet supplemented with stevia leaves and stevioside consumed more feed (p < 0.05) than those fed the positive control diet during the grower period. Weight gain by birds fed the positive control and stevioside diets was higher (p < 0.05) than those fed other diets only during the starter period. Feed/gain ratio of birds fed the positive control and stevioside diets was superior (p < 0.05) to others. There was no effect of the treatments on nutrient retention and water content of the excreta. Dietary stevia leave and stevioside decreased total concentration of SCFA and changed their profile in the ceca. There was no effect of the treatments on pancreas weight. Dietary stevia reduced blood levels of glucose, triglycerides and triiodothyronine (T3) but had no effect on non‐esterified fatty acids. In contrast, stevioside only decreased T3. Both the stevia leaves and stevioside diets significantly increased abdominal fat content. It is concluded that dietary enzyme growth promoters are beneficial to the broilers only during the starter stage and that inclusion of stevia leaves or stevioside has no beneficial effect on the performance of broilers.
Bioconstructional features of the coral Cladocora caespitosa (Anthozoa, Scleractinia) in the Adriatic Sea (Croatia)
Authors: Kružić Petar , Benković Laura
Published: January 2008

The Mediterranean endemic Cladocora caespitosa (Linnaeus, 1767) is a colonial scleractinian coral belonging to the family Faviidae and the only zooxanthellate coral from Mediterranean whose colonies may fuse in reef‐like structures (hermatypic). Recent surveys are focused on three locations where banks occur in the Adriatic Sea (Croatia): near Prvić Island in the northern Adriatic, near Pag Island in the central Adriatic and in Veliko jezero (Mljet National Park) in the southern Adriatic. The C. caespitosa bank in Veliko jezero covers an area more than 650 m2 and is thus the largest bank of C. caespitosa found to date. The strong sea currents, which occur as a result of tidal exchange in the channel, appear to favour the growth of the bank. The goal of the study was to present the influence of major environmental factors upon the build‐up process of the coral bank. Biometrical parameters in the C. caespitosa colonies like diameter of the calyces, polyp ash free dry weight (AFDW), corallite linear growth rate and index of sphericity were investigated and compared from these three locations. The morphology of coral banks from the Adriatic Sea and the disposition of the biometrical values are affected by the sea currents, temperature and sedimentation.
The giant Madagascar hissing‐cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) as a source of antagonistic moulds: concerns arising from its use in a public setting
Authors: Yoder Jay A. , Glenn Brian D. , Benoit Joshua B. , Zettler Lawrence W.
Published: January 2008

Cockroaches and their excreta have been linked to allergies and childhood asthma. The giant Madagascar hissing‐cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa), heralded as an educational tool in classrooms, museums, zoos, is now available to the public as a children’s pet raising health concerns. We provide a catalogue of potentially antagonistic moulds associated with this insect. Specimens were obtained from laboratories, classrooms, pet stores and private homes. Three different agar media were used to culture moulds from both internal and external cockroach surfaces. Pure cultures were obtained from hyphal tips excised by scalpel. A total of 14 mould taxa were obtained, mostly from external surfaces. The mycoflora was dominated by species of Rhizopus, Penicillium, Mucor, Trichoderma and Alternaria, and differed little among nymphs, adults, cast skins (exuviae) and faeces. A two‐fold increase of Aspergillus niger isolates, however, was detected in exuviae and faeces. The mycoflora appeared to be equally distributed on the body regions in nymphs and adults alike. Most of the moulds recovered are common, well‐known saprophytes with a prolific ability to produce asexual spores (e.g. conidia) when supplied with adequate moisture and an organic substrate (e.g. vegetable matter, pet food and exuviae). Cockroach rearing conditions thus serve as an ideal environment for mould growth and proliferation, and the subsequent use (handling) of these insects in a public forum increases the risk of inducing mould‐related allergies in humans. Of special concern are moulds also capable of causing secondary infections (e.g. Rhizopus, Mucor, Aspergillus), gaining entry via open wounds and inhalation. This is mainly a point of public awareness aimed at individuals (especially children) prone to infections and allergies that might be exposed to this insect and/or its rearing conditions.
Cdx2 transcription factor regulates claudin‐3 and claudin‐4 expression during intestinal differentiation of gastric carcinoma
Authors: Satake Shinya , Semba Shuho , Matsuda Yoshiko , Usami Yu , Chiba Hideki , Sawada Norimasa , Kasuga Masato , Yokozaki Hiroshi
Published: January 2008

According to the expression of gastric (claudin‐18) and intestinal claudins (claudin‐3 and claudin‐4), the authors have previously proposed a new phenotypic classification of gastric carcinoma (GC): the gastric (G‐CLDN), intestinal (I‐CLDN) and unclassified claudin (U‐CLDN) phenotypes. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of Cdx2, the caudal‐related transcription factor, on the regulation of intestinal claudins expression in vitro and in vivo. It was confirmed on immunohistochemistry that non‐neoplastic gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia (IM) expressed Cdx2 with increased levels of intestinal claudin expression. In addition, Cdx2 expression was detected in 28 (30%) of 94 GC at the invasive front. Interestingly, Cdx2 expression had a significant association with the I‐CLDN phenotype (P < 0.001), which was almost identical to the established gastric and intestinal mucin‐based GC classification. Furthermore, the transfection of a recombinant human CDX2‐expressing vector into TMK‐1 (Cdx2‐negative) GC cells specifically elevated the expression of claudin‐3 and claudin‐4 at the mRNA (CLDN3, 3.9‐fold; CLDN4, 2.8‐fold) and protein levels (claudin‐3, 8.6‐fold; claudin‐4, 9.8‐fold), whereas no induction of the other claudins was detected. These findings suggest that Cdx2 plays an important role in the regulation of intestinal claudin expression not only in gastric mucosa with IM but also GC.
Oncocytic papillary renal cell carcinoma with solid architecture: Mimic of renal oncocytoma
Authors: Mai Kien T. , Kohler Derek M. , Robertson Susan J. , Belanger Eric C. , Marginean E. Celia
Published: January 2008

Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) can display extensive areas of solid and non‐papillary architecture and extensive areas with oncocytic cytoplasm. Eleven oncocytic renal cell neoplasms (ORCN) with histopathological features posing a diagnostic problem between renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with oncocytic features and renal oncocytoma (RO) were identified. The neoplasms were well circumscribed or encapsulated tumors with solid and diffuse growth pattern. Very occasional papillae were seen in four and tumoral necrosis in two of 11. Six ORCN displayed a CD117+/progesterone receptor (PR)+ immunophenotype (feature shared by RO) and five tumors displayed a CD117–/PR– immunophenotype (feature shared by RCC). The CD117–/PR– ORCN also displayed α‐methylacyl‐coenzyme A racemase and RCC antigen reactivity as well as varying reactivity for cytokeratin 7, vimentin and CD10 (features of oncocytic PRCC). These five cases had tumor sizes ranging from 1 to 6 cm. Two patients in the latter group developed progression of the disease with metastases. In conclusion, oncocytic PRCC with solid architecture is a rare type of RCC. The carcinoma often poses differential diagnostic problems with RO and has similar immunohistochemical properties to the common type of PRCC. Cytogenetic and molecular studies have not been performed yet for this variant of RCC.
Outpatient basis extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for ureter stones: Efficacy of the third generation lithotripter as the first line treatment
Authors: Murota‐Kawano Akiko , Ohya Kazuhiro , Sekine Hideaki
Published: January 2008

Aim:  We assessed the efficacy of a third generation extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) machine for ureter stones using the Dornier Lithotriptor Compact Delta.

Methods:  A total of 471 consecutive ureter stones were treated with ESWL using the Dornier Lithotriptor Compact Delta from December 2001 on an outpatient basis. Four hundred and one cases were followed up at least once after the procedure and were included in this study. All of the cases, except one patient who was three years old, were treated without anesthesia, and the procedure was principally performed on outpatient basis.

Results:  The overall stone free rate was 94.5% and the mean number of treatment sessions was 1.23. The stone free rates were compared considering various clinical factors and significant differences were observed in the stone length, the stone location and the sex in univariate analysis. However, only the stone length maintained a statistically significant impact in multivariate analysis and the stone free rates were 91.2% and 98.0% respectively in larger stones (length 10mm) and smaller stones (length < 10mm) (p = 0.004). In mid‐distal stones, the stone free rate was higher than that of proximal stones (97.5% vs 92.6%, p = 0.04) and not affected by stone length.

Conclusions:  Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy performed by the third generation machine achieved an excellent stone free rate with a relatively small number of treatment sessions. This procedure is strongly recommended as the first line therapy for all ureter stones including mid‐distal ones.
Simulated conditions of microgravity increases progesterone production in I‐10 cells of Leydig tumor cell line
Authors: Kaneko Tomoyoshi , Sasaki Shoichi , Umemoto Yukihiro , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Ikeuchi Takahito , Kohri Kenjiro
Published: January 2008

Background:  The prospect of long‐term residence in outer space is becoming a reality. Previously we found that testosterone secretion and spermatogenesis is reduced in model mice on which the shift of body fluids in space is simulated. The present study examines the effects of the microgravity (μG) environment on steroidogenesis of Leydig cells.

Methods:  I‐10 cells were cultured for 24 h under a simulated μG environment. Progesterone production was evaluated as steroidogenesis. Western blots of the enzyme, 3βhydroxy dehydrogenase (HSD) as well as of the transcription factors, Ad4bp/SF‐1 and DAX‐1, the amount of adenosine3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and cell morphology were investigated. The μG environment was simulated using clinostat rotation (CR). Rotational (Cont‐1) and stationary (Cont‐2) controls always received a regular gravity effect with and without rotatory motion, respectively.

Results:  Progesterone levels in cells under CR were significantly increased compared with those of both controls. Increased progesterone production was not related to the expression of either of the transcription factors or the enzyme. Although the cytoplasm expanded, the amount of cAMP produced under CR did not significantly differ from that produced under both control environments.

Conclusions:  Our findings showed that I‐10 cells produced more progesterone under a μG, than under control environments. Since the amounts of 3βHSD, Ad4bp/SF‐1, DAX‐1 and cAMP were not altered, the increase in steroid production under CR might be due to the expansion of cytoplasm, where steroidogenesis occurs. Steroidogenesis should be investigated in more detail to predict the effects of outer space on humans.
Prevalence and incidence of urinary incontinence in women: Review of the literature and investigation of methodological issues
Authors: Botlero Roslin , Urquhart Donna M , Davis Susan R , Bell Robin J
Published: January 2008

Objectives:  Urinary incontinence in women is common and has a significant impact on the physical, psychological and socio‐economic aspects of life. The aims of this study were to review the published reports on the prevalence and incidence of urinary incontinence in Australian women and to examine the methodological issues associated with these studies.

Methods:  Electronic searches of Medline, EMBASE and the Current Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases were undertaken using ‘Medical Subject Heading’ terms and ‘free text’ words. We retrieved papers that investigated the prevalence and/or incidence of urinary incontinence in Australian women and were published in English after 1980. Methodological data from each study were tabulated.

Results:  Seven studies were identified which examined the prevalence of urinary incontinence and two studies that reported its incidence. The prevalence of urinary incontinence varied between 12.8% and 46.0%. Study heterogeneity was a consequence of response rates, the inclusion of women in institutional care, the method of data collection, the questions used to identify different types of urinary incontinence and the way these questions were reported, the period over which the urinary incontinence had occurred and the severity of the incontinence. Two studies which examined incidence provided evidence that urinary incontinence can be a transient phenomenon.

Conclusions:  Research into the incidence and prevalence of urinary incontinence in Australian women exhibits significant heterogeneity in the findings due to methodological limitations. There is a need for future studies to employ validated instruments and give careful attention to the selection of participants and the reporting of age‐specific data.
Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes derived from human renal cell carcinoma: Clonal analysis of its characteristics
Authors: Shimabukuro Tomoyuki , Naito Katsusuke
Published: January 2008

Aim:  To assess the characteristics of activated tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), we report the isolation, growth response, and functional analysis of a CD4‐ CD8+ TIL‐clone derived from human renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods:  Bulk TILs were expanded from a human RCC and the lymphocytes were separated into a CD8+ enriched population. Subsequently, using the limiting dilution technique, a TIL clone was established and its growth response, phenotype and cytotoxic activity were analyzed.

Results:  A clone, T16‐13, by day 94 numbering 1 × 107 cells, was harvested and characterized as a CD4‐ CD8+ clone. On day 144, the cytotoxic activity of this clone against the autologous tumor was relatively high (2.3 ± 0.7 LU30/106 cells). Meanwhile, against allogeneic renal tumors, there was no cytotoxic activity (−0.1 LU30/106 cells).

Conclusions:  A TIL clone possessing modest autologous tumor‐specific cytotoxicity can be isolated from human RCC. The characteristics analysis of various TIL clones may provide a better understanding of an RCC tumor microenvironment and may help to establish new modalities for the treatment of patients with metastatic kidney cancer.
Effects of strontium fructose 1,6‐diphosphate on expression of apoptosis‐related genes and oxidative stress in testes of diabetic rats
Authors: Tang Xiao‐Yun , Zhang Qi , Dai De‐Zai , Ying Han‐Jie , Wang Qiu‐Juan , Dai Yin
Published: January 2008

Objective: To investigate the effects of strontium fructose 1,6‐diphosphate (FDP‐Sr) on testicular dysfunction induced by diabetes.

Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.p.). After 28 days, therapy with three doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg per day, p.o.) of FDP‐Sr was carried out for another 4 weeks.

Results: The rats exhibited morphological lesions of testes and significant decreases in serum testosterone levels after 2 months of diabetes. Testicular tissues of diabetic rats showed significantly increased malondialdehyde levels and declined glutathione peroxidase activity. Meanwhile, augmented DNA fragmentation was observed, along with downregulatedBcl‐2and upregulatedBaxexpressions at both mRNA and protein levels. FDP‐Sr showed significant antioxidant effects in bothin vitroandin vivoexperiments, and significantly relieved apoptosis and the decline of serum testosterone caused by diabetes.

Conclusions: Testicular injury and apoptosis induced by diabetes are partially attributed to the augmented oxidative stress in testicular tissue. FDP‐Sr indirectly alleviates these pathologic alterations by suppressing the generation of reactive oxygen species.
Frequency of postoperative inguinal hernia after endoscope‐assisted mini‐laparotomy and conventional retropubic radical prostatectomies
Authors: Koie Takuya , Yoneyama Takahiro , Kamimura Noritaka , Imai Atsushi , Okamoto Akiko , Ohyama Chikara
Published: January 2008

Objective:  The objective of the present study was to compare the incidence of postoperative inguinal hernia between endoscope‐assisted mini‐laparotomy retropubic radical prostatectomy (mini‐lap RRP) with conventional techniques to identify possible risk factors.

Methods:  From April 1998 to December 2006, 347 consecutive cases with localized prostate cancer were treated with conventional RRP (75 cases) and mini‐lap RRP (272 cases) with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Mini‐lap RRP was carried out with a 6‐cm median incision. The charts were retrospectively reviewed, and the incidence of and risk factors for postoperative inguinal hernia were assessed.

Results:  There were no significant differences in age, initial prostate‐specific antigen concentrations, clinical stage, Gleason score, body mass index, incidence of previous major abdominal surgery (cholecystectomy, gastrectomy, and colectomy), previous appendectomy, and previous inguinal hernia repair between the two groups. Postoperative inguinal hernia was observed in 29 cases (38.7%) in the conventional RRP group and in eight cases (2.9%) in the mini‐RRP group during the mean follow‐up period of 26.1 months (range: 3–105 months). The patients treated with mini‐lap RRP had significantly higher hernia‐free survival than those treated with conventional RRP (log rank test, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that surgical technique (conventional RRP) and previous major abdominal surgery were risk factors for inguinal hernia (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively).

Conclusions:  Inguinal hernia was less frequent after mini‐lap RRP than after conventional RRP. A history of a major abdominal surgery was an independent risk factor for this event.
Investigation of hyperuricemia during pegylated‐interferon‐α2b plus ribavirin combination therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: YAMASHITA Naoki , ENJOJI Munechika , KOTOH Kazuhiro , KATO Masaki , UEDA Akihiro , HORIKAWA Yuki , TAJIRI Hirotaka , HIGUCHI Nobito , KINUKAWA Naoko , NAKAMUTA Makoto , TAKAYANAGI Ryoichi
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE:  Hyperuricemia has been reported as being an adverse effect of pegylated‐interferon‐α2b (Peg‐IFNα2b) and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C and hyperuricemic changes occur in some patients during the therapy. However, detailed investigation of the elevation of uric acid has not been carried out previously. The incidence and mechanism of hyperuricemia were investigated in this study.

METHODS:  The data of 50 patients with chronic hepatitis C who had been treated with Peg‐IFNα2b and ribavirin combination therapy or pegylated‐interferon‐α2a monotherapy for more than 24 weeks were analyzed. The effects of these treatments were evaluated clinically by the serum uric acid level and its urinary excretion rates.

RESULTS:  In patients with pegylated‐interferon‐α2a monotherapy, no significant elevation was shown either in serum uric acid concentrations or excretion rates. On the other hand, serum uric acid concentrations were significantly elevated during the combination therapy, reaching ≥7.0 mg/L in men and ≥6.5 mg/L in women in 15% of patients. The urinary uric acid excretion rate was also elevated significantly.

CONCLUSION:  Peg‐IFNα2b plus ribavirin combination therapy induced an elevation of uric acid concentration, although the elevated levels were still within normal limit in many cases. It may be that ribavirin plays a leading role in its elevation and other factors may also be involved.
Human embryonic stem cells and liver diseases: From basic research to future clinical application
Authors: WANG Zheng , LU Hong , WANG Ying Chao , CONG Xiao Qian
Published: January 2008

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) provide access to the earliest stages of human development and because of their high proliferation capability, pluripotency and low immunogenicity may serve as a potential source of specialized cells for regenerative medicine. hESC‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells exhibit characteristic hepatocyte morphology, express hepatocyte markers and are capable of executing a range of hepatocyte functions. However, there are many challenges and obstacles to be overcome before the use of hESC and hESC‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells in clinical practice can be realized. Here, we highlight some of the recent efforts in this area, in hope of providing insights toward this complex yet important area of therapeutical modality for treating patients with liver disease.
Cryosurgery with combination of 125iodine seed implantation for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer
Authors: XU Ke Cheng , NIU Li Zhi , HU Yi Ze , HE Wei Bing , HE Yi Song , ZUO Jian Sheng
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE:  To study the therapeutic value of cryosurgery with combination of 125iodine seed implantation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

METHODS:  Thirty‐eight patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis was confirmed by pathology in 31 patients. Ten patients had metastases of the peripancreatic lymph node and eight had liver metastases. The therapy included cryosurgery, which was performed intra‐operatively or percutaneously under guidance of ultrasound and/or computed tomography (CT), and 125iodine seed implantation, which was performed during cryosurgery process or post‐cryosurgery under the guidance of ultrasound and/or CT.

RESULTS:  Eleven patients received intra‐operative cryosurgery and 27 received percutaneous cryosurgery. Fourteen patients underwent two procedures of cryosurgery and three underwent three procedures of cryosurgery. 125Iodine seed implantation was performed during the freezing procedure in 29 patients and within 3–7 days after cryosurgery in nine patients under ultrasound and CT guidance. Fifteen patients, of whom 13 had metastases of peripancreatic lymph nodes or liver received regional chemotherapy. At 3 months after therapy, a CT follow‐up was performed to estimate the tumor response to therapy. Most of the patients had varying degrees of tumor necrosis. A complete response of the tumor was seen in 23.6% of patients, a partial response in 42.1%, stable disease in 26.3% and progressive disease in 7.9%. The adverse effects associated with cryosurgery mainly included pain of the upper abdomen and increased serum amylase activity. Acute pancreatitis was seen in five patients, one of whom presented a severe type of pancreatitis. During the followed‐up of a median of 16 months (range of 5–37) median overall survival was 12 months, 19 patients (50.0%) survived for 12 months or longer and four survived for 24 months or longer.

CONCLUSION:  As it is far less invasive than conventional pancreas resection and entails a low rate of adverse effects, cryosurgery should be the choice modality for most patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. 125Iodine seed implantation can destroy residue survival cancer cells after cryosurgery. Hence, combination of both modalities has a complementary effect.
Antagonistic effects of a Mhc class I allele on malaria‐infected house sparrows
Authors: Loiseau Claire , Zoorob Rima , Garnier Stéphane , Birard Julien , Federici Pierre , Julliard Romain , Sorci Gabriele
Published: January 2008

Genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (Mhc) play a fundamental role during the immune response because MHC molecules expressed on cell surface allow the recognition and presentation of antigenic peptides to T‐lymphocytes. Although Mhc alleles have been found to correlate with pathogen resistance in several host‐parasite systems, several studies have also reported associations between Mhc alleles and an accrued infection risk or an accelerated disease progression. The existence of these susceptibility alleles is puzzling, as the cost generated by the infection should rapidly eliminate them from the population. Here, we show that susceptibility alleles may be maintained in a population of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) if they have antagonistic effects on different malaria parasites. We found that one Mhc class I allele was associated with a 2.5‐fold increase in the risk to be infected with a Plasmodium strain, but with a 6.4‐fold reduction in the risk to harbour a Haemoproteus strain. We suggest that this antagonistic effect might arise because Mhc genes can alter the competitive interactions between malaria parasites within the host.
Climate, phylogeny and the ecological distribution of C4 grasses
Authors: Edwards Erika J. , Still Christopher J.
Published: January 2008

‘C4 photosynthesis’ refers to a suite of traits that increase photosynthesis in high light and high temperature environments. Most C4 plants are grasses, which dominate tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas but are conspicuously absent from cold growing season climates. Physiological attributes of C4 photosynthesis have been invoked to explain C4 grass biogeography; however, the pathway evolved exclusively in grass lineages of tropical origin, suggesting that the prevalence of C4 grasses in warm climates could be due to other traits inherited from their non‐C4 ancestors. Here we investigate the relative influences of phylogeny and photosynthetic pathway in determining the ecological distributions of C4 grasses in Hawaii. We find that the restriction of C4 grasses to warmer areas is due largely to their evolutionary history as members of a warm‐climate grass clade, but that the pathway does appear to confer a competitive advantage to grasses in more arid environments.
The myth of plant species saturation
Authors: Stohlgren Thomas J. , Barnett David T. , Jarnevich Catherine S. , Flather Curtis , Kartesz John
Published: January 2008

Plant species assemblages, communities or regional floras might be termed ‘saturated’ when additional immigrant species are unsuccessful at establishing due to competitive exclusion or other inter‐specific interactions, or when the immigration of species is off‐set by extirpation of species. This is clearly not the case for state, regional or national floras in the USA where colonization (i.e. invasion by exotic species) exceeds extirpation by roughly a 24 to 1 margin. We report an alarming temporal trend in plant invasions in the Pacific Northwest over the past 100 years whereby counties highest in native species richness appear increasingly invaded over time. Despite the possibility of some increased awareness and reporting of native and exotic plant species in recent decades, historical records show a significant, consistent long‐term increase in exotic species (number and frequency) at county, state and regional scales in the Pacific Northwest. Here, as in other regions of the country, colonization rates by exotic species are high and extirpation rates are negligible. The rates of species accumulation in space in multi‐scale vegetation plots may provide some clues to the mechanisms of the invasion process from local to national scales.
Organization of the ipdC region regulates IAA levels in different Azospirillum brasilense strains: molecular and functional analysis of ipdC in strain SM
Authors: Malhotra Mandira , Srivastava Sheela
Published: January 2008

Presence of the indole‐3‐pyruvic acid pathway (IPyA) of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis was demonstrated by identifying the ipdC gene encoding indole‐3‐pyruvate decarboxylase (IPDC) in Azospirillum brasilense strain SM. Comparison with other A. brasilense strains, Sp7 and Sp245, revealed homology in the gene and its 5′ regulatory region. The 3′ region of strain SM carries a truncated iaaC gene implicated in controlling IAA biosynthesis in strain Sp245. While the ipdC transcript could be visualized by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), truncated iaaC was non‐functional. Strain SM derivatives carrying higher copy number of ipdC and PipdC showed improved IAA biosynthesis. PipdC showed sequence elements that are part of composite auxin‐responsive promoters. Expression of ipdC was upregulated by IAA, other auxins, temperature and nutrient stress, and an increase in pH. Heterologous overexpression of a functional iaaC gene from strain Sp245 in strain SM confirmed its role in controlling IAA biosynthesis and lowering ipdC expression which may be effected by dissociating IAA–transcriptional regulator interactions in the 5′ region. However, the effect of the introduced iaaC was overcome when both ipdC and iaaC were expressed from similar plasmid background. This analysis confirmed that strain‐based differences in IAA biosynthesis could be explained by differential regulation of ipdC expression.
Evidence of aerobic utilization of di‐ortho‐substituted trichlorobiphenyls as growth substrates by Pseudomonas sp. SA‐6 and Ralstonia sp. SA‐4
Authors: Adebusoye Sunday A. , Picardal Flynn W. , Ilori Matthew O. , Amund Olukayode O.
Published: January 2008

Robust and effective bioremediation strategies have not yet been developed for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)‐contaminated soils. This is in part a result of the fact that ortho‐ or ortho‐ and para‐substituted congeners, frequent dead‐end products of reductive dechlorination of PCB mixtures, have greatly reduced aerobic biodegradability. In this study, we report substantial evidence of utilization of diortho‐substituted trichlorobiphenyls (triCBs) as growth substrates by Ralstonia sp. SA‐4 and Pseudomonas sp. SA‐6 in which ortho‐substitution resulted in no obvious patterns of recalcitrance. These stains exhibited unusual preferences for growth on congeners chlorinated on both rings. Substrate uptake studies with benzoate‐grown cells revealed that the isolates attacked the 2‐chlorophenyl rings of 2,2′,4‐ and 2,2′,5‐triCB. Between 71% and 93% of the initial 0.23–0.34 mM dose of congeners were transformed in less than 261 h concomitant with non‐stoichiometric production of respective dichlorobenzoates and chloride ion. In enzyme assays, activity of 2,3‐dihydroxybiphenyl‐1,2‐dioxygenase was constitutive. Additionally, these strains harboured no detectable plasmids which, coupled with exponential growth on the two triCB congeners, suggested chromosomal location of PCB degradative genes. In addition to the fact that there is a paucity of information on degradation of PCBs by tropical isolates, growth on triCBs as a sole carbon and energy source has never been demonstrated for any natural or engineered microorganisms. Such isolates may help prevent accumulation of ortho‐substituted congeners in natural systems and offer the hope for development of effective bioaugmentation or sequential anaerobic–aerobic bioremediation strategies.
An oligonucleotide prokaryotic acidophile microarray: its validation and its use to monitor seasonal variations in extreme acidic environments with total environmental RNA
Authors: Garrido Patricia , González‐Toril Elena , García‐Moyano Antonio , Moreno‐Paz Mercedes , Amils Ricardo , Parro Víctor
Published: January 2008

An oligonucleotide microarray that monitors prokaryotic diversity in extremely acidic environments has been developed. The oligonucleotide probes target most known acidophilic microorganisms, including members of the Nitrospira phylum, Acidithiobacillus genus, acidobacteria, sulfur reducing bacteria, Actinobacteria and Archaea of the Ferroplasma and Thermoplasma genera. The probes were tested for their specificity against the corresponding type strain by microarray hybridization using PCR‐amplified fluorescent DNA of the 16S rRNA genes. The microarray was tested and validated against well‐established molecular ecology techniques such as molecular cloning and sequencing and FISH by using samples obtained from a natural extremely acidic environment, the Río Tinto (SW Spain). Also, fluorescent labelled total environmental RNA from Río Tinto samples were used as targets for microarray hybridizations. This approach allowed the detection of the most metabolically active prokaryotes of the ecosystem by simultaneously checking probes against 16S and 23S rRNAs as well as other functional genes. Seasonal and spatial variations in the relative expression of specific rRNA genes have been detected between two sampling sites that differ in several physicochemical parameters, mainly iron and sulfur content.
Predicting Outcomes or Modeling Process? Commentary on the Health Action Process Approach
Authors: Leventhal Howard , Mora Pablo A.
Published: January 2008

Schwarzer (2008) reviews the evidence for two major contributions of the Health Action Process Approach model (HAPA) to current theory and behavioral health research: (1) the differentiation of concepts by both content and process, and (2) clear recognition of the temporal aspect in the assembly of health behavior sequences. This commentary discusses four areas for HAPA to address for a more complete explanation of health behaviors and their determinants. Further, we suggest that incorporating into HAPA the hierarchical structure of the control systems that regulate health behaviors and the importance of concrete experience in initiating and maintaining behavior, elements emphasised in the Commonsense Model of Self‐regulation, will enrich HAPA's theoretical base and increase its utility for the development of interventions for behavioral change.

Schwarzer (2008) examine les données confirmant deux contributions majeures du modèle de l’Approche du Processus de l’Action en faveur de la Santé (HAPA) à la théorie et aux recherches sur les comportements relatifs à la santé: 1) La différenciation des concepts à la fois par le contenu et le processus, 2) Un repérage précis de la dimension temporelle dans l’articulation des séquences comportementales relevant de la santé. Ce commentaire aborde quatre points qui permettraient à l’HAPA de fournir une explication plus complète des conduites liées à la santé et de leurs antécédents. Il semble en outre que l’introduction dans l’HAPA de la structure hiérarchique des systèmes de contrôle qui régulent les comportements de santé et de l’aspect important qu’est l’expérience concrète dans l’amorce et le maintien du comportement, éléments mis en valeur par le Modèle du Sens Commun de l’Autorégulation, enrichirait les fondements théoriques de l’HAPA et augmenterait son utilité pour l’élaboration d’interventions en faveur du changement comportemental.