bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone transforms lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated human blood myeloid dendritic cells into myeloid dendritic cells that prime interleukin‐10 production in T cells
Authors: Bosma Brenda M. , Metselaar Herold J. , Nagtzaam Nicole M. A. , De Haan Roel , Mancham Shanta , Van Der Laan Luc J. W. , Kuipers Ernst J. , Kwekkeboom Jaap
Published: February 2008

Myeloid dendritic cells (MDC) play an important role in antigen‐specific immunity and tolerance. In transplantation setting donor‐derived MDC are a promising tool to realize donor‐specific tolerance. Current protocols enable generation of tolerogenic donor MDC from human monocytes during 1‐week cultures. However, for clinical application in transplantation medicine, a rapidly available source of tolerogenic MDC is desired. In this study we investigated whether primary human blood MDC could be transformed into tolerogenic MDC using dexamethasone (dex) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Human blood MDC were cultured with dex and subsequently matured with LPS in the presence or absence of dex. Activation of MDC with LPS after pretreatment with dex did not prevent maturation into immunostimulatory MDC. In contrast, simultaneous treatment with dex and LPS yielded tolerogenic MDC, that had a reduced expression of CD86 and CD83, that poorly stimulated allogeneic T‐cell proliferation and production of T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines, and primed production of the immunoregulatory cytokine interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in T cells. In vitro, however, these tolerogenic MDC did not induce permanent donor‐specific hyporesponsiveness in T cells. Importantly, tolerogenic MDC obtained by LPS stimulation in the presence of dex did not convert into immunostimulatory MDC after subsequent activation with different maturation stimuli. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that combined treatment with dex and LPS transforms primary human blood MDC into tolerogenic MDC that are impaired to stimulate Th1 cytokines, but strongly prime the production of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL‐10 in T cells, and are resistant to maturation stimuli. This strategy enables rapid generation of tolerogenic donor‐derived MDC for immunotherapy in clinical transplantation.
Pharmacokinetics of pradofloxacin and doxycycline in serum, saliva, and tear fluid of cats after oral administration
Authors: HARTMANN A. , KREBBER R. , DAUBE G. , HARTMANN K.
Published: February 2008

The pharmacokinetic properties of pradofloxacin and doxycycline were investigated in serum, saliva, and tear fluid of cats. In a crossover study design, six cats were treated orally with a single dose of pradofloxacin (Veraflox® Oral Suspension 2.5%) and doxycycline (Ronaxan® 100 mg) at 5 mg/kg body weight. Following administration, samples of serum, saliva, and tear fluid were taken in regular intervals over a period of 24 h and analysed by turbulent flow chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. All values are given as mean ± SD. Pradofloxacin reached a mean maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of 1.1 ± 0.5 μg/mL after 1.8 ± 1.3 h (tmax). In saliva and tear fluid, mean Cmax was 6.3 ± 7.0 and 13.4 ± 20.9 μg/mL, respectively, and mean tmax was 0.5 ± 0 and 0.8 ± 0.3 h, respectively. Doxycycline reached a mean Cmax in serum of 4.0 ± 0.8 μg/mL after 4.3 ± 3.2 h. Whilst only at two time‐points doxycycline concentrations close to the limit of quantification were determined in tear fluid, no detectable levels were found in saliva. The high concentrations of pradofloxacin in saliva and tear fluid are promising to apply pradofloxacin for the treatment of conjunctivitis and upper respiratory tract infections in cats. As doxycycline is barely secreted into these fluids after oral application the mechanisms of its clinical efficacy remain unclear.
Evidence for habitat fragmentation altering within‐population processes in wombats
Authors: WALKER FAITH M. , SUNNUCKS PAUL , TAYLOR ANDREA C.
Published: February 2008

Habitat fragmentation and associated reduced dispersal of wildlife can lead to an accumulation of related individuals in fragments. The altered kin interactions and amplified chance of inbred matings has profound implications for mating and social systems, and ultimately population persistence. Nonetheless, within‐fragment population processes are rarely studied. With this aim, we examined relatedness structure in two candidate isolated populations (Kulpara and Scrubby Peak) of southern hairy‐nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons). Wombats were sampled by remote hair‐trapping for genotyping at 14 microsatellite loci, enabling individual identification and estimation of space‐use and associative behaviour with respect to relatedness. Genetic data indicated that Scrubby Peak was not strongly isolated, against predictions from landscape structure and history. In isolated Kulpara, inhibited female dispersal (normally the dispersing sex) was associated with high population density and altered kin relationships. First, female relatives preferentially coexisted, a radical departure from the previously reported active avoidance of female relatives in continuous habitat. This is consistent with females in altered habitat interacting with more‐ rather than less‐related females to minimize the cost:benefit ratio of proximity to other wombats. Second, inbreeding avoidance appeared to be stronger at Kulpara than in conspecific populations with natural population structures. Although these adaptive behaviours may have contributed to persistence of the Kulpara population in the short term, they are unlikely to ensure its long‐term viability in the face of ongoing isolation because they can act only to slow the rate of inbreeding and mitigate some of its negative impacts.
The role of vicariance vs. dispersal in shaping genetic patterns in ocellated lizard species in the western Mediterranean
Authors: PAULO O. S. , PINHEIRO J. , MIRALDO A. , BRUFORD M. W. , JORDAN W. C. , NICHOLS R. A.
Published: February 2008

The schism between North Africa and Southern Europe caused by the opening of the Strait of Gibraltar and the consequent refilling of the Mediterranean basin at the end of Messinian salinity crisis (MSC), 5.33 million years ago, has been advocated as the main event shaping biogeographical patterns in the western Mediterranean as exemplified by the distribution of species and subspecies and genetic variation within the ocellated lizard group. To reassess the role of the MSC, partial sequences of three mitochondrial DNA genes (cytochrome b, 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA) and two nuclear genes (β‐fibrinogen and C‐mos) from species of the ocellated lizard group were analysed. Three alternative hypotheses were tested: that divergence was initiated (i) by post‐MSC vicariance as the basin filled, (ii) when separate populations established either side of the strait by pre‐MSC overseas dispersal, and (iii) by post‐MSC overseas dispersal. The pattern and level of divergence detected clearly refute the post‐MSC vicariance hypothesis, and support a model of divergence initiated by earlier overseas dispersal. Indeed, our best estimate is that the basal Euro‐African divergence predates the MSC event by several million years. The estimated divergence times among the populations in former Miocene Mediterranean islands, the current Betic and Rifian mountains, from adjacent mainland populations suggest overseas dispersal for the former and overland dispersal, or perhaps vicariance, for the latter. These results suggest that the MSC may have played a much less important role in shaping the current western Mediterranean biogeographical patterns than might have been anticipated from the dramatic nature of the episode.
Reproductive skew and relatedness in social groups of European badgers, Meles meles
Authors: DUGDALE HANNAH L. , MACDONALD DAVID W. , POPE LISA C. , JOHNSON PAUL J. , BURKE TERRY
Published: February 2008

Reproductive skew is a measure of the proportion of individuals of each sex that breed in a group and is a valuable measure for understanding the evolution and maintenance of sociality. Here, we provide the first quantification of reproductive skew within social groups of European badgers Meles meles, throughout an 18‐year study in a high‐density population. We used 22 microsatellite loci to analyse within‐group relatedness and demonstrated that badger groups contained relatives. The average within‐group relatedness was high (R = 0.20) and approximately one‐third of within‐group dyads were more likely to represent first‐order kin than unrelated pairs. Adult females within groups had higher pairwise relatedness than adult males, due to the high frequency of extra‐group paternities, rather than permanent physical dispersal. Spatial clustering of relatives occurred among neighbouring groups, which we suggest was due to the majority of extra‐group paternities being attributable to neighbouring males. Reproductive skew was found among within‐group candidate fathers (B = 0.26) and candidate mothers (B = 0.07), but not among breeding individuals; our power to detect skew in the latter was low. We use these results to evaluate reproductive skew models. Although badger society best fits the assumptions of the incomplete‐control models, our results were not consistent with their predictions. We suggest that this may be due to female control of paternity, female–female reproductive suppression occurring only in years with high food availability resulting in competition over access to breeding sites, extra‐group paternity masking the benefits of natal philopatry, and/or the inconsistent occurrence of hierarchies that are linear when established.
Promoter specificity for 6S RNA regulation of transcription is determined by core promoter sequences and competition for region 4.2 of σ70
Authors: Cavanagh Amy T. , Klocko Andrew D. , Liu Xiaochun , Wassarman Karen M.
Published: February 2008

6S RNA binds σ70‐RNA polymerase and downregulates transcription at many σ70‐dependent promoters, but others escape regulation even during stationary phase when the majority of the transcription machinery is bound by the RNA. We report that core promoter elements determine this promoter specificity; a weak −35 element allows a promoter to be 6S RNA sensitive, and an extended −10 element similarly determines 6S RNA inhibition except when a consensus −35 element is present. These two features together predicted that hundreds of mapped Escherichia coli promoters might be subject to 6S RNA dampening in stationary phase. Microarray analysis confirmed 6S RNA‐dependent downregulation of expression from 68% of the predicted genes, which corresponds to 49% of the expressed genes containing mapped E. coli promoters and establishes 6S RNA as a global regulator in stationary phase. We also demonstrate a critical role for region 4.2 of σ70 in RNA polymerase interactions with 6S RNA. Region 4.2 binds the −35 element during transcription initiation; therefore we propose one mechanism for 6S RNA regulation of transcription is through competition for binding region 4.2 of σ70.
Long-term optical spectra variability of BL Lacertae object OJ 287
Authors: Zheng Y. G. , Zhang X. , Bi X. W. , Hao J. M. , Zhang H. J.
Published: February 2008

Based on the long-term data in the literature, we present evidence for long-term optical spectral index variability behaviour for BL Lacertae object OJ 287. First we find that the optical spectral index variability period of BL Lacertae object OJ 287 is in agreement with the optical flux variability period of about 11.96 yr. It is considered that different processes induce optical variability, and each process should have a definite signature in the spectral index, thus leading to the periodicity of the spectral index. We also find that the time lag between the optical spectral index and the optical flux density is half of the optical flux variability period. This result tends to support the argument that when the brightness of the long-term variations increases, the optical spectra become bluer. These variations can be explained by energy loss of the electrons during the outburst. We show that the spectral index is different during the flares compared with outside the flares; between the first and second flare peaks of the superflares, the spectrum shapes are different. Disparate processes possibly induce the two peaks of OJ 287.
NKG2D Ligands Expression and NKG2D‐Mediated Cytotoxicity in Human Laryngeal Squamous Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Chen X. M. , Xu X. Q. , Sun K. , Hallett W. H. D. , Zhao J. D. , Zhang D. L.
Published: February 2008

The NKG2D is an activating immunoreceptor expressed by NK cells and CD8+ T cells. Engagement of NKG2D by its ligands is critical for both innate and adoptive immunity. While the overexpression of NKG2D ligands on certain tumour cells has previously been demonstrated, little is known about NKG2D ligand expression on human laryngeal tumour cells. In this study, we first verified that the interaction between NKG2D and its ligands was critical for NK cell‐based immune response to human laryngeal squamous carcinoma cells Hep‐2. This NKG2D‐mediated effect was observed by transfecting the recombinant eukaryotic expression vector pEGFP‐N1/NKG2D as well as the NKG2D blockade. The mRNA and protein expression of NKG2D ligands, MHC class I‐related chain molecules A (MICA) and UL16‐binding proteins (ULBPs), in human laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep‐2 and fresh tumour tissues were evaluated. Compared with non‐tumour tissues of vocal cords polyps, MICA and ULBP‐3 were strongly overexpressed on both the human laryngeal carcinoma cell line Hep‐2 and fresh human laryngeal carcinoma tissues. The mechanism and impact of NKG2D ligands overexpression on NK cell‐mediated anti‐laryngeal cancer immune response would require further investigation.
Quantifying sample bias in clast fabric measurements
Authors: CHANDLER DAVID M. , HUBBARD BRYN
Published: February 2008

Sampling elongate clasts that protrude from a planar face for clast macro‐fabric analysis introduces a bias into reconstructed fabrics because clasts aligned perpendicular to the sampling face are over‐represented relative to those aligned parallel to the face. This study develops a probability‐based mathematical analysis to quantify sample bias for a variety of clast shapes and population fabrics, including isotropic, clustered and girdled fabric styles. Bias is expressed in terms of sample eigenvalues and eigenvectors relative to those of the parent population. Results indicate that sampling always has the effect of artificially drawing fabrics towards perpendicularity to the sampling face relative to the populations from which they are drawn. This rotation generally has the effect of artificially strengthening population fabrics, by up to 30% in the case of very weakly clustered or girdled populations. However, fabric strengthening is by no means universal and sampling alters different parent populations in different, sometimes complex, ways: the analysis in this paper identifies situations where sampling can strengthen or weaken parent fabrics, where it can rotate parent fabrics (by up to 90° in the case of a very weak population fabric), and where it can even change the style of a population fabric. For example, near‐isotropic population fabrics can appear clustered; weakly clustered and weakly girdled population fabrics can appear isotropic; weakly clustered population fabrics can appear weakly girdled; and girdled population fabrics can appear clustered. Overall, this analysis indicates that weakly orientated population fabrics are most susceptible to bias. Thus, a weakly clustered population fabric aligned parallel to a sample face is particularly susceptible to major sample bias in both fabric strength (artificially overestimated) and orientation (artificially rotated perpendicular to the face). Bias can be reduced either by sampling all the clasts from a cube‐shaped block of sediment excavated from the face, or by sampling equal numbers of clasts from the three orthogonal faces of the same sedimentary unit.
Characterization of a sub‐family of Arabidopsis genes with the SPX domain reveals their diverse functions in plant tolerance to phosphorus starvation
Authors: Duan Ke , Yi Keke , Dang Lei , Huang Hongjie , Wu Wei , Wu Ping
Published: February 2008

Four genes of Arabidopsis (At5g20150, At2g26660, At2g45130 and At5g15330) encoding no conservative region other than an SPX domain (SYG1, Pho81 and XPR1) were named AtSPX1–AtSPX4. The various subcellular localizations of their GFP fusion proteins implied function variations for the four genes. Phosphate starvation strongly induced expression of AtSPX1 and AtSPX3 with distinct dynamic patterns, while AtSPX2 was weakly induced and AtSPX4 was suppressed. Expression of the four AtSPX genes was reduced to different extents in the Arabidopsis phr1 and siz1 mutants under phosphate starvation, indicating that they are part of the phosphate‐signaling network that involves SIZ1/PHR1. Over‐expression of AtSPX1 increased the transcript levels of ACP5, RNS1 and PAP2 under both phosphate‐sufficient and phosphate‐deficient conditions, suggesting a potential transcriptional regulation role of AtSPX1 in response to phosphate starvation. Partial repression of AtSPX3 by RNA interference led to aggravated phosphate‐deficiency symptoms, altered P allocation and enhanced expression of a subset od phosphate‐responsive genes including AtSPX1. Our results indicate that both AtSPX1 and AtSPX3 play positive roles in plant adaptation to phosphate starvation, and AtSPX3 may have a negative feedback regulatory role in AtSPX1 response to phosphate starvation.
Palladium exposure of barley: uptake and effects
Authors: Battke F. , Leopold K. , Maier M. , Schmidhalter U. , Schuster M.
Published: February 2008

Motor vehicles are now equipped with exhaust gas catalytic converters containing rare metals, such as palladium (Pd), platinum and rhodium, as catalytic active materials, leading to significantly increased emission of these metals. Compared with platinum and rhodium, low concentrations of Pd have been shown to have more serious effects on cells and organisms. In the present study, uptake of Pd by barley and behaviour of Pd nanoparticles in nutrient solutions used to grow plants were observed in order to develop a model of Pd exposure of plant systems. Pd determination was performed using a selective separation and pre‐concentration procedure, which was further developed for this study, and coupled to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The results show that uptake of Pd depends on Pd particle diameter. Compared to other toxic metals, like mercury, Pd causes stress effects in leaves at lower concentrations in nutrient solutions. Furthermore, Pd particles are dissolved at different rates, depending on size, in the nutrient solution during plant growth.
The proton pump interactor (Ppi) gene family of Arabidopsis thaliana: expression pattern of Ppi1 and characterisation of knockout mutants for Ppi1 and 2
Authors: Anzi C. , Pelucchi P. , Vazzola V. , Murgia I. , Gomarasca S. , Beretta Piccoli M. , Morandini P.
Published: February 2008

Plant plasma membrane H+‐ATPases (PM H+‐ATPase) are essential for establishing a proton electrochemical gradient across the cell plasma membrane. Their regulation is poorly understood, except for the role of 14‐3‐3 proteins, which relieve autoinhibition from the C‐terminal domain. A novel protein interacting with this domain was recently identified in Arabidopsis and named PPI1 (Proton Pump Interactor 1). PPI1 stimulates PM H+‐ATPase activity in vitro. Here, we analyse the expression pattern of Ppi1 using β‐glucuronidase as a reporter. Expression is strong in root and shoot vascular systems, particularly in meristematic and sink tissues, as well as in pollen, stigmas and siliques, but not in developing embryos. Removal of the first intron decreased GUS expression 45‐fold. We also analysed the transcription of Ppi2, another gene in the family, and demonstrated that Ppi2 is expressed in seedlings, cultured cells and flowers. We reassessed Ppi2 gene structure based on RT‐PCR amplifications, cDNA data and similarity to other Ppi genes. Insertional mutants for both Ppi1 and Ppi2 were isolated. Two different mutants of Ppi1 showed aberrant mRNAs and lacked any detectable protein and are therefore true knockouts. Interestingly, one mutation inhibited the splicing of one intron at a considerable distance (>700 bp) from the T‐DNA insertion site, but not the splicing of a proximal intron (29 bp) or of any other intron. At the plant level, neither of the single mutants nor the double ppi1ppi2 mutant showed an altered phenotype in standard growth conditions under acid load or salt stress.
Holocrine secretion and cytoplasmic content of Helleborus foetidus L. (Ranunculaceae) nectar
Authors: Vesprini J. L. , Nepi M. , Ciampolini F. , Pacini E.
Published: February 2008

We used electron microscopy to investigate the fine structure of nectary secretions of Helleborus foetidus. During the secretion period, epidermal cells of nectaries discharge the whole contents of the cytoplasm into the nectary cavity. The external wall of the cell breaks, releasing the cytoplasm as a dense aggregate that later disperses in the nectary cavity. Cell components, such as chromatin, plastids, mitochondria, lipid droplets and membranes, were found in the nectar of H. foetidus, evincing the complex nature of the secreted material. These results confirm that nectar secretion in H. foetidus is of the holocrine type.
Effect of vitamin E supplementation of sheep and goats fed diets supplemented with polyunsaturated fatty acids and low in Se
Authors: Liesegang A. , Staub T. , Wichert B. , Wanner M. , Kreuzer M.
Published: February 2008

Vitamin E (VitE) and selenium (Se) are an essential part of the antioxidative functions of metabolism. There are situations of low supply of both micronutrients. As VitE is involved in ruminal biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and their protection against oxidation in metabolism, diets supplemented with PUFA may challenge VitE to an extent making recommended supplies insufficient. Twelve goats and sheep each were fed a diet supplemented with PUFA and characterised by low Se and limited VitE contents during the last 2 months of gestation and the first 2 months of lactation. The basal diet consisted of hay and concentrate. Six goats and sheep received extra VitE, while the control groups received no extra VitE. Blood and milk samples were taken. In addition, liver, heart muscle and spleen samples were obtained from the offspring after slaughtering at an age of 8 weeks. No significant changes were observed in serum Se and VitE. A significant increase in serum VitE concentrations between 2 and 4 weeks postpartum (pp) was evident in the supplemented kids. In 4, 6 and 8 weeks pp, the serum concentrations of VitE in the supplemented kids were significantly higher compared to the unsupplemented group. In the kids, VitE was higher in liver of the supplemented groups. There were no significant differences in response to extra VitE between sheep and goat. The kids responded to serum VitE different from that of lambs, as a significant difference was observed between supplemented and unsupplemented animals in the goat kids, but not the lambs. In conclusion, goats and sheep have to be viewed differently and may not be considered alike relating to VitE/Se metabolism and requirements, especially in young animals.
Spelt, an ancient cereal and first pressure linseed oil as ingredients of compound feedstuffs for modern horse feeding
Authors: Fayt J. , Dotreppe O. , Hornick J. L. , Istasse L.
Published: February 2008

Spelt is a covered cereal with large glumellas. In experiment 1, it has been compared in terms of chemical composition with barley, oat and maize. Spelt is characterized by rather low protein and ether extract (EE) contents. The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content of spelt was slightly higher than that of oat but the acid detergent fibre (ADF) content was lower. Two compound feedstuffs were fed along with hay to six horses used in a cross‐over design. Both diets were well appreciated by the horses and there were no significant differences in the apparent digestibility coefficients, except for EE which was significantly higher, when oat was included in the compound feedstuff. In experiment 2, first pressure linseed oil was incorporated at a rate of 8% in a control compound feedstuff, where the barley was partly substituted by the oil. The fat content was 9.6% dry matter (DM) in the linseed oil compound feedstuff and 5.4% in the hay‐concentrate ration. The inclusion of linseed oil increased the digestibility of DM, EE and NDF of the diet. There were no effects on the post‐prandial concentrations of glucose, triglycerides and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) but the insulin concentration was significantly reduced with the linseed oil inclusion. There were significant increases in the plasma concentrations of the total fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), saturated fatty acids (SFA), C18:3 n‐3 and C18:2 n‐6 and significant reductions in the contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), C18:1 n‐7 + n‐9 and C20:4 n‐6. It is concluded that the inclusions of spelt and first pressure linseed oil in compound feed stuff for horse are of interest for modern horse feeding.
Effect of dietary α‐tocopherol + ascorbic acid, selenium, and iron on oxidative stress in sub‐yearling Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Walbaum)
Authors: Welker T. L. , Congleton J. L.
Published: February 2008

A three‐variable central composite design coupled with surface‐response analysis was used to examine the effects of dietary α‐tocopherol + ascorbic acid (TOCAA), selenium (Se), and iron (Fe) on indices of oxidative stress in juvenile spring Chinook salmon. Each dietary factor was tested at five levels for a total of fifteen dietary combinations (diets). Oxidative damage in liver and kidney (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyls) and erythrocytes (erythrocyte resistance to peroxidative lysis, ERPL) was determined after feeding experimental diets for 16 (early December) and 28 (early March) weeks. Only TOCAA influenced oxidative stress in this study, with most measures of oxidative damage decreasing (liver lipid peroxidation in December and March; ERPL in December; liver protein carbonyl in March) with increasing levels of TOCAA. We also observed a TOCAA‐stimulated increase in susceptibility of erythrocytes to peroxidative lysis in March at the highest levels of TOCAA. The data suggest that under most circumstances a progressive decrease in oxidative stress occurs as dietary TOCAA increases, but higher TOCAA concentrations can stimulate oxidative damage in some situations. Higher levels of TOCAA in the diet were required in March than in December to achieve comparable levels of protection against oxidative damage, which may have been due to physiological changes associated with the parr‐smolt transformation. Erythrocytes appeared to be more sensitive to variation in dietary levels of TOCAA than liver and kidney tissues. Using the March ERPL assay results as a baseline, a TOCAA level of approximately 350–600 mg/kg diet would provide adequate protection against lipid peroxidation under most circumstances in juvenile Chinook salmon.
The effect of vitamin C supplementation in healthy dogs on antioxidative capacity and immune parameters
Authors: Hesta M. , Ottermans C. , Krammer‐Lukas S. , Zentek J. , Hellweg P. , Buyse J. , Janssens G. P. J.
Published: February 2008

The aim of the study was to investigate the ability of vitamin C to increase the antioxidative and immunomodulating potential in healthy dogs. Fifteen dogs were tested for the effects of orally administered vitamin E (60 mg dl‐α tocopheryl acetate) in combination with vitamin C (0, 30 or 60 mg ascorbic acid crystalline). Three treatments (0, 30, 60 mg vitamin C) were tested in a 3 × 3 cross‐over study in three periods of 36 days. Pre‐prandial blood samples were taken for analysis of vitamins C, E, A, retinyl palmitate and stearate, antioxidant status [Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and uric acid], biochemical and haematological analysis. Subpopulations of lymphocytes, mitogen‐induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation (PBMC) and serum IgA and IgG concentrations were determined. There was a trend (p = 0.056) for an increased plasma vitamin C concentration by vitamin C supplementation. There was no evidence that dietary treatment altered neither the other plasma vitamin concentrations nor TBARS and uric acid concentrations nor the subpopulations of the lymphocytes except for the number of CD4+ lymphocytes that increased with vitamin C supplementation. There was no effect of vitamin C on serum IgA and IgG concentration. A significant time × treatment interaction was demonstrated on PBMC’s to pokeweed, with an increase observed by 30 mg vitamin C supplementation but a decrease by 60 mg vitamin C supplementation. There was no clear evidence for an effect of dietary vitamin C on antioxidative capacity in healthy dogs fed a diet with vitamin E concentrations well above the recommendations. Yet, a limited number of immunological parameters were slightly affected.
Starch gelatinization and physical quality of pea flakes in canine dinners as affected by soaking, steam treatment and infrared radiation
Authors: Yang S. C. , Zandstra T. , Van Der Poel A. F. B.
Published: February 2008

Cleaned, whole smooth green peas (Pisum sativum L.) were reconstituted by soaking in tap water of 40 °C (15, 20 or 25 min) and subsequently either toasted (100 °C during 1.5 min) and infrared (IR) radiated or just IR radiated. For IR radiation, a small‐scale, propane‐fired IR radiation plant was used with average residence times of 58 and 92 s respectively. After exiting the conveyor belt, peas were held for a pre‐determined period (holding: 0, 15 or 30 min respectively) in a well‐insulated container. Finally, all radiated peas were flaked (roll distance 0.75 mm) in a flaking mill located posterior to the IR plant and analysed for chemical and physical properties. Initial pea starch gelatinization degree (SGD) was 10.1% at a total starch content of 410.1 g/kg. Infrared processing during 92 s significantly improved the SGD (from 10.1% to 32.8%) of pea flakes compared to treatment during 58 s (SGD of 18.6%). The SGD was further improved with steam treatment of peas, prior to IR. For all determined parameters, no effect of holding time could be observed. Starch gelatinization degree can be improved by soaking, toasting and IR processing. The substantial improvement of SGD, however can be only obtained by a longer IR residence time as well as through toasting, prior to the IR processing. The improvements in SGD, however are paralleled by a lower durability of flakes (range 34.9% to 87.4%).
Optimizing the sensory characteristics and acceptance of canned cat food: use of a human taste panel
Authors: Pickering G. J.
Published: February 2008

A methodology based on descriptive analysis techniques used in the evaluation of human food has been successfully refined to allow for a human taste panel to profile the flavour and texture of a range of cat food products (CFP) and their component parts. Included in this method is the development of evaluation protocols for homogeneous products and for binary samples containing both meat chunk (MC) and gravy/gel (GG) constituents. Using these techniques, 18 flavour attributes (sweet, sour/acid, tuna, herbal, spicy, soy, salty, cereal, caramel, chicken, methionine, vegetable, offaly, meaty, burnt flavour, prawn, rancid and bitter) and four texture dimensions (hardness, chewiness, grittiness and viscosity) were generated to describe the sensations elicited by 13 commercial pet food samples. These samples differed in intensity for 16 of the 18 flavour attributes, which allows for individual CFP flavour profiles to be developed. Principal components analysis (PCA) could successfully discriminate between samples within the PCA space and also reveal some groupings amongst them. While many flavour attributes were weakly correlated, a large number (describing both taste and retro‐nasal aroma qualities) were required to adequately differentiate between samples, suggesting considerable complexity in the products assessed. For both MC and GG, differences between samples for each of the texture dimensions were also found. For MC, grittiness appears to be the most discriminating textural attribute, while for GG viscosity discriminates well between samples. Meat chunks and gravy/gels differed significantly from each other in both flavour and texture. Cat food products differed in their liking ratings, although no differences were found between homogeneous, MC and GG samples, and eight flavour attributes were correlated with overall liking scores. It is now necessary to determine the usefulness and limits of sensory data gathered from human panels in describing and predicting food acceptance and preference behaviours in cats. For instance, while the sense of taste in cats appears generally similar to that of other mammals, they lack a sweet taste receptor (Li et al., 2006), which may limit the applicability of sweetness ratings obtained from humans. Modification of existing techniques used with human food research, such as external preference mapping (Naes and Risvik, 1996) may be useful. Ultimately, this may facilitate more economical and efficient methods for optimizing cat food flavour and texture and predicting the effects of composition and processing changes on cat feeding behaviour. This will require collaboration between pet food manufacturers and nutritionists, animal behaviourists and human sensory scientists. The results of this preliminary study should assist in this process.
Vitamin D receptor amounts across different segments of the gastrointestinal tract in Brown Swiss and Holstein Frisean cows of different age
Authors: Liesegang A. , Singer K. , Boos A.
Published: February 2008

During different stages of lactation, different requirements of calcium have to be met depending on the milk amount. Vitamin D receptors (VDR) regulate calcium homeostasis by increasing the entry of Ca into blood from bone stores and dietary sources. The purpose of this study was to investigate if age and breed of cows influence VDR amounts across different segments of the gastrointestinal tract. Thirty‐six cows were used (18 brown swiss, 18 holstein friesan, both > 5.5 years or < 4.5 years). Tissue specimens of the intestines were collected from the cows. Formaldehyde‐fixed and microwave‐treated paraffin sections were used for VDR immunohistochemistry employing a biotinylated monoclonal rat antibody and streptavidin peroxidase technique. The results showed that nuclei and cytoplasm of enterocytes stained positively for VDRs. Strongest immunoreactions were observed in intermediate and basal glandular cells. No significant differences were observed between the different groups. Vitamin D receptors immunoreactivities were prominent in duodenal mucosa, lower in jejunum and in colon, decreased further in ileum and were lowest in caecum. Decreases in number of positively marked cells and staining intensities resulted in reduced immunoreactions. The results of this study indicate that VDR are highly expressed at the site of maximal intestinal calcium absorption. No significant influence of age and breed was observed. The animals used were not in a negative Ca balance. The cows were all in the stage of late or mid lactation. During these periods, the Ca requirements are low and the diets are high in Ca concentration; and the animals are adapted to these circumstances. Passive absorption in adult animals seems to dominate when Ca intake is adequate or high. The active absorption may play a considerably more significant role during the peripartal period, when Ca homeostatic mechanisms are challenged because of tremendous Ca demand at the initiation of lactation.
Effects of the PPARγ activator pioglitazone on p38 MAP kinase and IκBα in the spinal cord of a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Shibata Noriyuki , Kawaguchi‐Niida Motoko , Yamamoto Tomoko , Toi Sono , Hirano Asao , Kobayashi Makio
Published: February 2008

Emerging evidence suggests the involvement of programmed cell death and inflammation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). To assess molecular pathological effects of the anti‐inflammatory peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPARγ) agonist pioglitazone in ALS, we verified changes in the population of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia in the ventral horns of spinal cord lumbar segments from the pioglitazone‐treated and non‐treated groups of mice carrying a transgene for G93A mutant human superoxide dismutase‐1 (SOD1) (ALS mice) and non‐transgenic littermates (control mice), performed immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses of PPARγ, active form of phosphorylated p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p‐p38) and inhibitor of nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB)‐alpha (IκBα) in the spinal cords, and compared the results between the different groups. Image analysis revealed that optical density of NeuN‐immunoreactive neurons was significantly lower in the non‐treated groups of presymptomatic and advanced ALS mice than in the non‐treated groups of age‐matched control mice and was recovered with pioglitazone treatment, and that optical densities of GFAP‐immunoreactive astrocytes and Iba1‐immunoreactive microglia were significantly higher in the non‐treated group of advanced ALS mice than in the non‐treated group of control mice and were recovered with pioglitazone treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that immunoreactivities for PPARγ and p‐p38 were mainly localized in neurons, and that IκBα immunoreactivity was mainly localized in astrocytes and microglia. Immunoblot analysis showed that pioglitazone treatment resulted in no significant change in nuclear PPARγ‐immunoreactive density, a significant decrease in cytosolic p‐p38‐immunoreactive density, and a significant increase in cytosolic IκBα‐immunoreactive density. Our results suggest that pioglitazone protects motor neurons against p38‐mediated neuronal death and NF‐κB‐mediated glial inflammation via a PPARγ‐independent mechanism.
Genetic variants of the cytochrome P450 and glutathione S‐transferase associated with risk of bladder cancer in a south‐eastern Chinese population
Authors: Shao Jianfeng , Gu Min , Zhang Zhendong , Xu Zhuoqun , Hu Qiang , Qian Lixin
Published: February 2008

Objective: To evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms ofCYP2E1RsaI andGSTM1and development of bladder cancer in a south‐eastern Han Chinese population.

Methods: We hypothesized that theCYP2E1‐1019T>A andGSTM1polymorphisms were associated with risk of bladder cancer. In a hospital‐based case‐control study of 202 case patients with newly diagnosed bladder transitional cell carcinoma and 272 cancer‐free controls frequency‐matched by the age and sex, we genotyped these two polymorphisms using a polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

Results: We found that theGSTM1null genotype was associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.17–2.56) compared with those with the non‐null genotype, but theCYP2E1‐1019T>A polymorphisms did not show any association. In the stratification analysis of theGSTM1polymorphism, we found that the increased risk was more pronounced among subgroups aged ≤60 years (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.08–3.77), smokers (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.11–3.38) and non‐drinkers (OR = 3.86, 95% CI = 1.28–11.60).

Conclusion: GSTM1polymorphism (but notCYP2E1RsaI polymorphism) appears to contribute to the etiology of bladder cancer in a south‐eastern Chinese population.
Developing multiple lung nodules in a renal transplant recipient with tuberous sclerosis who had undergone bilateral nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Saito Mitsuru , Yuasa Takeshi , Satoh Shigeru , Nanjo Hiroshi , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Habuchi Tomonori
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  A 38‐year‐old woman, who had been diagnosed as having tuberous sclerosis (TSC), incidentally presented with asymptomatic multiple pulmonary nodules detected by computed tomography during immunosuppressive therapy for 6 years after renal transplantation. The recurrence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was suspected because the patient underwent bilateral nephrectomies due to RCC in dialysis kidneys before transplantation. However, the lung biopsy specimen was diagnosed as multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia (MMPH), which is an extremely rare benign lung involvement in TSC. It is necessary to consider MMPH in the differential diagnosis when lung nodules are observed in TSC patients.
Primary leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava: How should it be treated and the vein anatomy re‐established?
Authors: Reges Ricardo , Denardi Fernandes , Matheus Wagner , Ferreira Ubirajara , Netto Nelson Rodrigues , Billis Athanase
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Retroperitoneal sarcomas are responsible for 10–15% of all sarcomas in soft tissue. Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava has a slow growth rate, and the initial symptoms are related to the affected segment of the vein. A 56‐year‐old woman with leiomyosarcoma of the middle segment of the inferior vena cava underwent en‐block resection of the affected segment of the vena cava and the right kidney. The inferior segment of the vena cava was tied, and the superior segment was anastomosed to the left renal vein using a polyester prosthesis. The patient was followed for 14 months and did not present any postoperative intercurrence. In conclusion, the leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumor that should be surgically treated with wide margin resections in order to prevent relapses.
Mesenteric desmoid tumor causing ureteric obstruction
Authors: Collins Danielle , Myers Eddie , Kavanagh Dara , Lennon Gerald , McDermott Enda
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Desmoid tumors are rare, accounting for just 0.03% of all neoplasms and less than 3% of all soft tissue tumors. Although these tumors are benign, they are locally invasive and can cause considerable morbidity and mortality. We describe the case of a 16‐year‐old female who presented with hydronephroureter secondary to an intra‐abdominal desmoid tumor. This case report draws the attention of urologists to the diagnostic dilemma and therapeutic challenges associated with an intra‐abdominal mass causing ureteral obstruction especially in young patients.
Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy in ectopic pelvic kidneys
Authors: Mousavi‐Bahar Seyed Habibollah , Amir‐Zargar Mohammad Ali , Gholamrezaie Hamid Reza
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Three patients underwent laparoscopic assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). A kidneys, ureter and bladder (KUB), and intravenous pyelogram (IVP) of the first patient showed a 3 cm calculus in a right side ectopic pelvic kidney overlying on the sacrum. The second patient had bilateral ectopic kidneys. The right kidney was located in the true pelvis without calculi and the left kidney was located in the iliac cavity with a 2.5 cm calculus in the renal pelvis. The third one had a 4 cm stone in the infundibulum of the upper calyx of the left pelvic ectopic kidney. All of them had a history of failed shock wave lithotripsy after two sessions.

Then the patients were scheduled for laparoscopic assisted percutaneous removal of calculi. Under fluoroscopic control the best access route was located and the kidney was punctured. A 24F nephroscope was introduced and all calculi were disintegrated and removed. Operating time was 150, 120 and 110 min in cases 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Complete stone clearance was documented with a plain X‐ray KUB film and ultrasonography.

Finally the patients underwent IVP three months following the operation. They were all well and there were no early or late complications.
Hypoglycaemia in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Amiel S. A. , Dixon T. , Mann R. , Jameson K.
Published: February 2008

The primary cause of hypoglycaemia in Type 2 diabetes is diabetes medication—in particular, those which raise insulin levels independently of blood glucose, such as sulphonylureas (SUs) and exogenous insulin. The risk of hypoglycaemia is increased in older patients, those with longer diabetes duration, lesser insulin reserve and perhaps in the drive for strict glycaemic control. Differing definitions, data collection methods, drug type/regimen and patient populations make comparing rates of hypoglycaemia difficult. It is clear that patients taking insulin have the highest rates of self‐reported severe hypoglycaemia (25% in patients who have been taking insulin for > 5 years). SUs are associated with significantly lower rates of severe hypoglycaemia. However, large numbers of patients take SUs in the UK, and it is estimated that each year > 5000 patients will experience a severe event caused by their SU therapy which will require emergency intervention. Hypoglycaemia has substantial clinical impact, in terms of mortality, morbidity and quality of life. The cost implications of severe episodes—both direct hospital costs and indirect costs—are considerable: it is estimated that each hospital admission for severe hypoglycaemia costs around £1000. Hypoglycaemia and fear of hypoglycaemia limit the ability of current diabetes medications to achieve and maintain optimal levels of glycaemic control. Newer therapies, which focus on the incretin axis, may carry a lower risk of hypoglycaemia. Their use, and more prudent use of older therapies with low risk of hypoglycaemia, may help patients achieve improved glucose control for longer, and reduce the risk of diabetic complications.
Blood pressure means rather than nocturnal dipping pattern are related to complications in Type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Leitão C. B. , Canani L. H. , Kramer C. K. , Moehlecke M. , Pinto L. C. , Ricardo E. D. , Pinotti A. F. , Gross J. L.
Published: February 2008

Aim  To determine whether systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) means, during ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), are more strongly correlated with microvascular complications and echocardiographic structural alterations than night‐time/daytime (N/D) BP ratio.

Methods  A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 270 Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) outpatients who underwent clinical and laboratory investigations, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) determination, echocardiography, office and 24‐h ABPM (Spacelabs 90207).

Results  UAER, after multivariate adjustments, was associated with office BP (systolic: R2a 0.162, P < 0.001; diastolic: R2a 0.124, P < 0.001) and ABPM (24‐h systolic: R2a 0.195, P < 0.001; 24‐h diastolic: R2a 0.197, P < 0.001) but not with N/D BP ratios (systolic: R2a 0.062, P = 0.080; diastolic: R2a 0.063, P = 0.069). Similar results were observed for echocardiographic parameters. The presence of retinopathy was associated only with night‐time BP values [systolic means: odds ratio (OR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.24 and diastolic means: OR 1.21, CI 1.04–1.40 and N/D diastolic BP ratio > 0.90, OR 3.21, CI 1.65–6.25].

Conclusions  UAER and echocardiographic structural alterations had more consistent correlations of a greater magnitude with systolic BP means than with N/D BP ratios. The nocturnal BP values appear to be more relevant for diabetic retinopathy. BP measurement in patients with Type 2 DM should take into account the 24‐h period rather than focusing on a specific time span of BP homeostasis.