bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Transcriptome Changes Induced by Cytosolic Ca2+ Transients Reveal ABRE-Related Sequences as Ca2+-ResponsivecisElements inArabidopsis
Authors: Kaplan Boaz , Davydov Olga , Knight Heather , Galon Yael , Knight Marc R. , Fluhr Robert , Fromm Hillel
Published: September 2006

The regulation of gene expression by cellular calcium is crucial for plant defense against biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the number of genes known to respond to specific transient calcium signals is limited, and as yet there is no definition of a calcium-responsive cis element in plants. Here, we generated specific cytosolic calcium transients in intact Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings and linked them to early transcriptome changes, followed by bioinformatic analysis of the responsive genes. A cytosolic calcium transient induced by calmodulin antagonists and blocked by lanthanides was characterized using aequorin-based luminometry and photon imaging. Analysis of transcriptome changes revealed 230 calcium-responsive genes, of which 162 were upregulated and 68 were downregulated. These include known early stress-responsive genes as well as genes of unknown function. Analysis of their upstream regions revealed, exclusively in the upregulated genes, a highly significant occurrence of a consensus sequence (P < 10−13) comprising two abscisic acid–specific cis elements: the abscisic acid–responsive element (ABRE; CACGTG[T/C/G]) and its coupling element ([C/A]ACGCG[T/C/A]). Finally, we show that a tetramer of the ABRE cis element is sufficient to confer transcriptional activation in response to cytosolic Ca2+ transients. Thus, at least for some specific Ca2+ transients and motif combinations, ABREs function as Ca2+-responsive cis elements.
Review article: alcoholic liver disease – pathophysiological aspects and risk factors
Authors: GRAMENZI A. , CAPUTO F. , BISELLI M. , KURIA F. , LOGGI E. , ANDREONE P. , BERNARDI M.
Published: September 2006

Background

Alcoholic liver disease has a known aetiology but a complex and incompletely known pathogenesis. It is an extremely common disease with significant morbidity and mortality, but the reason why only a relatively small proportion of heavy drinkers progress to advanced disease remains elusive.

Aim

To recognize the factors responsible for the development and progression of alcoholic liver disease, in the light of current knowledge on this matter.

Methods

We performed a structured literature review identifying studies focusing on the complex pathogenetic pathway and risk factors of alcoholic liver disease.

Results

In addition to the cumulative amount of alcohol intake and alcohol consumption patterns, factors such as gender and ethnicity, genetic background, nutritional factors, energy metabolism abnormalities, oxidative stress, immunological mechanisms and hepatic co‐morbid conditions play a key role in the genesis and progression of alcoholic liver injury.

Conclusions

Understanding the pathogenesis and risk factors of alcoholic liver disease should provide insight into the development of therapeutic strategies.
Drug‐induced liver injury in a Swedish University hospital out‐patient hepatology clinic
Authors: DE VALLE M. B. , AV KLINTEBERG V. , ALEM N. , OLSSON R. , BJÖRNSSON E.
Published: September 2006

Background

Limited data exist on the proportion of drug‐induced liver injury among out‐patients seen in a hepatology clinic.

Aim

To determine the proportion of drug‐induced liver injury cases, and identify the most important agents and the nature of the liver injury.

Methods

A computerized diagnoses database in an out‐patient hepatology clinic in a Swedish University hospital was analysed during the period 1995–2005. All suspected drug‐induced liver injury cases were causality assessed with the International Consensus Criteria.

Results

A total of 1164 cases were seen for the first time during this period. Drug‐induced liver injury with at least a possible causal relationship was found in 77 cases (6.6%), 38 (3.3%) of whom were referred for evaluation to the out‐patient clinic whereas 3% had a follow‐up after hospitalization of drug‐induced liver injury. The median age was 58 years, 43 (56%) were females, a hepatocellular pattern was observed in 37 cases (48%), cholestatic in 31 (40%) and mixed in 12%. Antibiotics were the most common agents causing drug‐induced liver injury followed by non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, with diclofenac most often responsible for the drug‐induced liver injury.

Conclusions

Drug‐induced liver injury cases constituted 6% of all out‐patients and 3% of referrals and occurred more often in women. Antibiotics and diclofenac were the most common causes of drug‐induced liver injury among out‐patients.
A high‐resolution comparative radiation hybrid map of equine chromosome 4q12–q22
Authors: Dierks C. , Mömke S. , Drögemüller C. , Leeb T. , Chowdhary B. P. , Distl O.
Published: September 2006

In this study, we present a comprehensive 5000‐rad radiation hybrid map of a 40‐cM region on equine chromosome 4 (ECA4) that contains quantitative trait loci for equine osteochondrosis. We mapped 29 gene‐associated sequence tagged site markers using primers designed from equine expressed sequence tags or BAC clones in the ECA4q12–q22 region. Three blocks of conserved synteny, showing two chromosomal breakpoints, were identified in the segment of ECA4q12–q22. Markers from other segments of HSA7q mapped to ECA13p and ECA4p, and a region of HSA7p was homologous to ECA13p. Therefore, we have improved the resolution of the human–equine comparative map, which allows the identification of candidate genes underlying traits of interest.
An enteroendocrine cell‐based model for a quiescent intestinal stem cell niche
Authors: Radford I. R. , Lobachevsky P. N.
Published: September 2006

Abstract. We have shown that the kinetics of conversion of intestinal crypt cell populations to a partially or wholly mutant phenotype are consistent with a model in which each crypt contains an infrequently dividing ‘deep’ stem cell that is the progenitor of several more frequently dividing ‘proximate’ stem cells. An assumption of our model is that each deep stem cell exists in a growth inhibitory niche. We have used information from the literature to develop a model for a quiescent intestinal stem cell niche. This niche is postulated to be primarily defined by an enteroendocrine cell type that maintains stem cell quiescence by secretion of growth inhibitory peptides such as somatostatin and guanylin/uroguanylin. Consistent with this model, there is evidence that the proteins postulated as defining a growth‐inhibitory stem cell niche can act as intestinal tumour suppressors. Confirmation that a growth‐inhibitory niche does exist would have important implications for our understanding of intestinal homeostasis and tumorigenesis.
Functional effects of genetic variants in the 11β‐hydroxylase (CYP11B1) gene
Authors: Barr Marianne , MacKenzie Scott M. , Wilkinson Donna M. , Holloway Christine D. , Friel Elaine C. , Miller Stephen , MacDonald Tom , Fraser Robert , Connell John M. C. , Davies Eleanor
Published: September 2006

Objective  We previously described an association between the −344C/T 5′‐untranslated region (UTR) polymorphism in the CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) gene and hypertension with a raised aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR); the same genetic variant is also associated with impaired adrenal 11β‐hydroxylase efficiency. The −344 polymorphism does not seem to be functional, so is likely to be in linkage with variants in CYP11B1 that determine the associated variation in 11β‐hydroxylase efficiency. We therefore aimed to determine whether there is an association between CYP11B1 variants and hypertension and/or an altered ARR.

Design and measurements  We screened 160 subjects divided into four groups, normotensive controls, unselected hypertensive subjects, and hypertensive subjects with either a high (≥ 750) or low ARR (≤ 200), for variants in the coding region of CYP11B1 by single‐stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and direct sequencing. The effects of these variants on enzyme function were assessed by conversion of 11‐deoxycortisol to cortisol and 11‐deoxycorticosterone (DOC) to corticosterone.

Results  Eight novel missense mutations were identified in the CYP11B1 gene that alter the encoded amino acids: R43Q, L83S, H125R, P135S, F139L, L158P, L186V and T196A. In each case they were heterozygous changes. However, no mutations were identified that could account for hypertension and/or a raised ARR. The variants L158P and L83S severely impaired enzyme function while R43Q, F139L, P135S and T196A enzymes resulted in product levels that were approximately 30–50% that of wild‐type levels. The variant enzymes H125R and L186V resulted in substrate‐specific alterations in enzyme function. H125R decreased conversion of 11‐deoxycortisol to cortisol and L186V increased 11‐deoxycortisol conversion. Neither had an effect on the conversion of DOC to corticosterone.

Conclusion  No variants were identified in the coding region of CYP11B1 that could account for hypertension and/or a raised ARR. However, this in vitro study identifies the importance of these affected residues to enzyme function and will inform subsequent studies of structure–function relationships.
Differing activation status and immune effector molecule expression profiles of neonatal and maternal lymphocytes in an African population
Authors: Engelmann Ilka , Moeller Ulrike , Santamaria Andrea , Kremsner Peter G. , Luty Adrian J.F.
Published: September 2006

Higher susceptibility of newborns to infections has been attributed to the hypo‐responsiveness of their cellular immune system. Here we compared the activation status and expression of cytokines and cytotoxic molecules of cord versus maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells in an African population. Human leucocyte antigen‐DR was expressed on a lower percentage of cord compared to maternal γδ and CD3+ T cells. Similarly, a lower proportion of cord versus maternal γδ and CD3+ T cells displayed perforin, granzyme B and cytokine activity either ex vivo or following non‐specific stimulation in vitro. In contrast, comparable proportions of cord and maternal CD94+ CD3– natural killer (NK) cells showed perforin and granzyme B expression ex vivo. We conclude that cord blood γδ and CD3+ T cells are functionally hypo‐responsive as reflected by reduced numbers of such cells expressing either an activation marker, T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines or cytotoxic effector molecules. The similarity in numbers of cord and maternal CD94+ CD3– cells expressing cytotoxic effector molecules suggests that neonatal Africans' NK cells may be functionally mature.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Fish species richness decreases with salinity in tropical coastal lagoons
Authors: Sosa‐López Atahualpa , Mouillot David , Ramos‐Miranda Julia , Flores‐Hernandez Domingo , Chi Thang Do
Published: September 2006

Aim  To analyse the relationship between fish species richness and salinity, and to provide a simple linear model for fish diversity trends across salinity gradients in a tropical coastal lagoon that can be compared with other similar ecosystems and other communities. To reinforce our conclusions, the salinity–fish richness relationship was investigated at different spatial scales (sampling station, set of stations and whole lagoon) and for two different periods, separated by 18 years.

Location  The Terminos coastal lagoon, a shallow tropical lagoon (mean maximum depths ranging between 3.5 and 4.5 m), is located in the southern Gulf of Mexico (18.5–18.8° N, 91.3–91.9° W). The lagoon is 70 km long and 30 km wide, with a surface area of 1700 km2.

Methods  Fish sampling, individual identification to the species level, and environmental variable measurements were carried out monthly at 17 sampling points. Multiple regression analysis with a backward selection procedure was used to relate fish species richness to environmental variables. Other statistical techniques, including cluster analysis and ancova, were applied to experimental data surveys.

Results  Among the different environmental variables, salinity was significantly and consistently related to fish species richness, whatever the period and the scale of observation. We found mainly significant negative correlations (P < 0.05) between fish species richness and salinity when sampling stations were analysed individually, and particularly for the river runoff zones with high variation in salinity throughout the year. For the entire lagoon, robust negative linear models were observed when fish species richness was organized into salinity ranges, with salinity explaining c. 8% of the variation in mean fish species richness (in a multiple regression analysis; 63–93% when considered in isolation).

Main conclusions  In the Terminos lagoon the relationship between fish species richness and salinity is mainly negative on any spatial scale. This result may be due partially to the penetration of freshwater fishes into estuarine areas following freshwater discharges, and partially to the dominance of estuarine taxa more able to tolerate low than high salinity values. Finally, we suggest that the ‘realized’ ecotone, where species from different origins really mix, is situated between 5 and 10‰, corresponding to the highest fish richness.
Role of an opportunistic pathogen in the decline of stressed oak trees
Authors: MARÇAIS B. , BRÉDA N.
Published: September 2006

The importance of opportunistic pathogens, in particular Armillaria species, in forest decline has often been open to debate.

In order to assess the role of Armillaria gallica in the decline of oak trees, 60 Quercus robur trees with high (HIP trees) or low (LIP trees) levels of A. gallica inoculum, as measured by the density of epiphytic rhizomorphs on the root collar, were artificially defoliated for 2 years. Half of the HIP trees were treated when first defoliated with boric acid to reduce the A. gallica inoculum potential (BHIP trees). The ability of in situ rhizomorphs to colonize plant material was similar for LIP and BHIP, but was lower than in HIP trees, indicating that the boric acid treatment reduced the level of A. gallica inoculum.

Tree growth was similar between treatments as determined by dendrochronological comparisons. Although defoliation greatly reduced both tree growth and sapwood starch reserves at the beginning of autumn, growth response to defoliation and sapwood starch concentration at the beginning of autumn were similar for LIP, BHIP and HIP trees.

HIP trees suffered considerably greater crown deterioration and mortality following defoliation than either BHIP or LIP trees (62%, 32% and 5% mortality rates, respectively). The trees that died had very low sapwood starch concentrations. In addition, at similar levels of sapwood starch, HIP trees were much more likely to die than LIP or BHIP trees.

Two other factors influenced tree mortality. Past stress that reduced the tree growth a few years prior to the start of the experiment was shown to alter the tree's ability to cope with defoliation. Oak mildew selectively infected the defoliated trees and increased the severity of the defoliation stress.

Thus, trees subjected to high level of A. gallica inoculum had a lower ability to overcome the defoliation stress. These findings support the forest decline models developed by Manion in 1991 and show that it is important to take into account the role of opportunistic pathogens in tree mortality processes.
Genetic structure at range edge: low diversity and high inbreeding in Southeast Asian mangrove (Avicennia marina) populations
Authors: ARNAUD‐HAOND S. , TEIXEIRA S. , MASSA S. I. , BILLOT C. , SAENGER P. , COUPLAND G. , DUARTE C. M. , SERRÃO E. A.
Published: September 2006

Understanding the genetic composition and mating systems of edge populations provides important insights into the environmental and demographic factors shaping species’ distribution ranges. We analysed samples of the mangrove Avicennia marina from Vietnam, northern Philippines and Australia, with microsatellite markers. We compared genetic diversity and structure in edge (Southeast Asia, and Southern Australia) and core (North and Eastern Australia) populations, and also compared our results with previously published data from core and southern edge populations. Comparisons highlighted significantly reduced gene diversity and higher genetic structure in both margins compared to core populations, which can be attributed to very low effective population size, pollinator scarcity and high environmental pressure at distribution margins. The estimated level of inbreeding was significantly higher in northeastern populations compared to core and southern populations. This suggests that despite the high genetic load usually associated with inbreeding, inbreeding or even selfing may be advantageous in margin habitats due to the possible advantages of reproductive assurance, or local adaptation. The very high level of genetic structure and inbreeding show that populations of A. marina are functioning as independent evolutionary units more than as components of a metapopulation system connected by gene flow. The combinations of those characteristics make these peripheral populations likely to develop local adaptations and therefore to be of particular interest for conservation strategies as well as for adaptation to possible future environmental changes.
Temporal cline in a hybrid zone population between Fraxinus excelsior L. and Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl
Authors: GERARD PIERRE R. , FERNANDEZ‐MANJARRES JUAN F. , FRASCARIA‐LACOSTE NATHALIE
Published: September 2006

The two closely related ash species Fraxinus excelsior L. (common ash) and Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl (narrow‐leaved ash) have a broad contact zone in France where they hybridize. However, little is known about the local structure of hybrid zone populations and the isolation mechanisms. We assessed the potential effect of floral phenology on the structure of a riparian ash hybrid zone population in central France. The distribution of flowering times was unimodal and lay between the flowering periods of the two species. Using microsatellite markers, we detected isolation by time, which has possibly originated from assortative mating. Multivariate analyses indicated that morphological variation is not distributed at random with respect to flowering times. Spatial autocorrelation analyses showed that temporal and spatial patterns were tightly linked. Interestingly, despite the fact that the population shows isolation by time, neighbourhood size and historical dispersal variance (σ̂ = 63 m) are similar to those detected in pure stands of F. excelsior where individuals flower rather synchronously and hermaphrodites are not the most frequent sexual type. Trees flowering at intermediate dates, which comprised the majority of the population, produced on average more flowers and fruits. We detected no significant differences in floral parasite infections relative to reproductive timing, although there was a tendency for late flowering trees to suffer from more gall attack. We discuss the impact of temporal variation in fitness traits and their possible role in the maintenance of the hybrid zone.
Mixed‐stock analysis reveals the migrations of juvenile hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Caribbean Sea
Authors: BOWEN B. W. , GRANT W. S. , HILLIS‐STARR Z. , SHAVER D. J. , BJORNDAL K. A. , BOLTEN A. B. , BASS A. L.
Published: September 2006

Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) migrate between nesting beaches and feeding habitats that are often associated with tropical reefs, but it is uncertain which nesting colonies supply which feeding habitats. To address this gap in hawksbill biology, we compile previously published and new mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype data for 10 nesting colonies (N = 347) in the western Atlantic and compare these profiles to four feeding populations and four previously published feeding samples (N = 626). Nesting colonies differ significantly in mtDNA haplotype frequencies (ΦST = 0.588, P < 0.001), corroborating earlier conclusions of nesting site fidelity and setting the stage for mixed‐stock analysis. Feeding aggregations show lower but significant structure (ΦST = 0.089, P < 0.001), indicating that foraging populations are not homogenous across the Caribbean Sea. Bayesian mixed‐stock estimates of the origins of juveniles in foraging areas show a highly significant, but shallow, correlation with nesting population size (r = 0.378, P = 0.004), supporting the premise that larger rookeries contribute more juveniles to feeding areas. A significant correlation between the estimated contribution and geographical distance from nesting areas (r = −0.394, P = 0.003) demonstrates the influence of proximity on recruitment to feeding areas. The influence of oceanic currents is illustrated by pelagic stage juveniles stranded in Texas, which are assigned primarily (93%) to the upstream rookery in Yucatan. One juvenile had a haplotype previously identified only in the eastern Atlantic, invoking rare trans‐oceanic migrations. The mixed‐stock analysis demonstrates that harvests in feeding habitats will impact nesting colonies throughout the region, with the greatest detriment to nearby nesting populations.
Bacillus sphaericus mosquitocidal toxin (MTX) and pierisin: the enigmatic offspring from the family of ADP‐ribosyltransferases
Authors: Carpusca Irina , Jank Thomas , Aktories Klaus
Published: September 2006

The mosquitocidal toxin (MTX) from Bacillus sphaericus and the apoptosis‐inducing pierisin‐1 from the cabbage butterfly Pieris rapae are two of the most intriguing members of the family of ADP‐ribosyltransferases. They are both ∼100 kDa proteins, composed of an N‐terminal ADP‐ribosyltransferase (∼27 kDa) and a C‐terminal putative binding and translocation domain (∼70 kDa) consisting of four ricin‐B‐like domains. While they both share structural homologies, with an overall amino acid sequence identity of ∼30% that becomes ∼50% at the level of the catalytic core, and functional similarities, notably in terms of enzyme regulation, they seem to largely differ with regard to their targets or cell internalization mechanisms. MTX ADP‐ribosylates numerous proteins in lysates of target insect cells at arginine residues, whereas pierisin‐1 modifies DNA of insect and mammalian cells by ADP‐ribosylation at 2′‐deoxyguanosine residues resulting in DNA adducts, mutations and eventually apoptosis. This target specificity differentiates pierisin‐1 from all other ADP‐ribosyltransferases described so far, and implies that the enzyme must reach the nucleus of target cells. The recently solved crystal structure of MTX catalytic domain is helpful to reveal new insights into structural organization, catalytic mechanisms, proteolytic activation and autoinhibition of both enzymes. The uptake and processing of the ADP‐ribosyltransferases is discussed.
Transplantation of human CD34+ stem cells from umbilical cord blood to rats with thioacetamide‐induced liver cirrhosis
Authors: Sáez‐Lara María José , Frecha Cecilia , Martín Francisco , Abadía Francisco , Toscano Miguel , Gil Ángel , Fontana Luis
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  Background:  Liver fibrosis results from accumulation of extracellular matrix components and is associated with many chronic hepatic diseases. There is to date no specific therapy for this disease, and patients receive treatment for its associated complications. Specific progenitor cells, known as oval cells, are present in the liver. As oval cells express markers such as CD34, they are thought to arise from a hematopoietic precursor. The aim of this work was to investigate whether transplantation of hematopoietic CD34+ stem cells could improve hepatic fibrosis by their differentiation into hepatocytes.

Methods:  CD34+ stem cells from human umbilical cord blood were purified, transduced with a lentiviral vector containing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and injected via portal vein into rats with liver cirrhosis induced by the 4‐month administration of thioacetamide. Rats were killed 15 and 60 days post‐transplantation.

Results:  Up to 37% and 22% fluorescent cells were observed in the blood of control and cirrhotic rats, respectively, at 15 days post‐transplantation. At 60 days post‐transplantation, however, fluorescent cells were completely absent from the blood. Fluorescence was not detected in liver sections at either 15 or 60 days post‐transplantation. Polymerase chain‐reaction study to detect the GFP gene ruled out silencing of the transgene.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that the transplanted cells did not engraft in the liver and were eliminated from the rats.
Cardiac output – pulse contour analysis vs. pulmonary artery thermodilution
Authors: ØStergaard M. , Nielsen J. , Rasmussen J. P. , Berthelsen P. G.
Published: September 2006

Background:  The aims of this study were to determine the agreement between pulmonary artery thermodilution (PA‐TD), transpulmonary thermodilution (TP‐TD) and the pulse contour method, and to test the ability of the pulse contour method to track changes in cardiac output.

Methods:  Cardiac output was determined twice before cardiac surgery with both PA‐TD and TP‐TD. The precision (two standard deviations of the difference between repeated measurements) and agreement of the two methods were calculated. Post‐operatively, cardiac output was determined with the PA‐TD and pulse contour methods, and the bias and limits of agreement were again calculated. Finally, in patients with heart rates below 60 beats/min or a cardiac index of less than 2.5 l/min/m2, atrial pacing was started and the haemodynamic consequences were monitored with the PA‐TD and pulse contour methods.

Results:  Twenty‐five patients were included. The precisions of PA‐TD and TP‐TD were 0.41 l/min [95% confidence interval (CI), ± 0.07] and 0.48 l/min (95% CI, ± 0.08), respectively. The bias and limits of agreement between PA‐TD and TP‐TD were – 0.46 l/min (95% CI, ± 0.11) and ± 1.10 l/min (95% CI, ± 0.19), respectively. Post‐operatively, the bias and limits of agreement between the PA‐TD and pulse contour methods were 0.07 l/min and ± 2.20 l/min, respectively. The changes in cardiac output with atrial pacing were in the same direction and of the same magnitude in 15 of the 16 patients.

Conclusion:  The precision of cardiac output measurements with PA‐TD and TP‐TD was very similar. The transpulmonary method, however, overestimated the cardiac output by 0.46 l/min. Post‐operatively, cardiac output measurements with the PA‐TD and pulse contour methods did not agree, but the pulse contour method reliably tracked pacing‐induced changes in cardiac output.
Influence of hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 in pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and acute lung injury during polymicrobial sepsis in rats
Authors: Feng X. , Ren B. , Xie W. , Huang Z. , Liu J. , Guan R. , Duan M. , Xu J.
Published: September 2006

Background:  Acute lung injury (ALI) is a progressive syndrome associated with significant mortality in sepsis patients. Neutrophils are key cells in the inflammatory response that characterizes ALI. This study was designed to explore the effects of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 (a novel plasma substitute) on pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and associated ALI in a rat sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).

Methods:  Animals were randomly assigned to six groups [saline control; CLP and saline; CLP and HES (7.5, 15 and 30 ml/kg); and HES control], subjected to CLP and infused with or without HES 130/0.4 4 h after CLP. Six hours later, the pulmonary capillary permeability (PCP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, lung histological changes, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant levels, P‐selectin mRNA expression and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activation were measured.

Results:  Resuscitation with HES 130/0.4 significantly attenuated the CLP‐induced increase in PCP, MPO activity, cytokine/chemokine levels, mRNA expression of P‐selectin and NF‐κB activation, all of which are involved in the recruitment of neutrophils. Groups receiving the higher doses of HES 130/0.4 (15 and 30 ml/kg) were more adequately resuscitated.

Conclusion:  HES 130/0.4 can inhibit CLP‐induced neutrophil recruitment and subsequent ALI by attenuating cytokines/chemokines, adhesion molecule‐mediated inflammation and NF‐κB activation.
Fentanyl reduces desflurane‐induced airway irritability following thiopental administration in children
Authors: Lee J. , Oh Y. , Kim C. , Kim S. , Park H. , Kim H.
Published: September 2006

Background:  Airway irritation is a major drawback of desflurane anesthesia. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of intravenous fentanyl given before thiopental induction on airway irritation caused by a stepwise increase in desflurane in children.

Methods:  Eighty children (2–8 years) were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blind study. Forty received saline and 40 received 2 μg/kg of fentanyl intravenously; this was followed by thiopental sodium 5 mg/kg in both groups. Patients were assistant‐ventilated with desflurane 1%, which was then increased by 1% every six breaths up to 10%. During this period, cough, secretion, excitation and apnea were graded and the desflurane concentration at which airway irritation symptoms first occurred was recorded. The results were analyzed using Pearson’s chi‐squared test.

Results:  The incidence of typical airway irritation events was lower with fentanyl than with saline (cough, 2.5% vs. 42.5%; secretion, 27.5% vs. 82.5%; excitation, 10% vs. 82.5%; apnea, 20% vs. 65%; P < 0.05). The mean expired desflurane concentration at which the first airway irritation symptom occurred was greater with fentanyl than with saline (7.3% vs. 5.5%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Intravenous fentanyl in children reduces airway complications caused by desflurane.
Naloxone and epinephrine are equally effective for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a rat asphyxia model
Authors: Chen M.‐H. , Xie L. , Liu T.‐W. , Song F.‐Q. , He T.
Published: September 2006

Background:  It is not known whether naloxone is as efficacious as epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The aim of the study was to compare the effects of naloxone and epinephrine on the outcomes of CPR following asphyxial cardiac arrest in rats.

Methods:  Cardiac arrest was induced with asphyxia by clamping the tracheal tubes. Twenty‐four Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized prospectively into a saline group (treated with normal saline, 1 ml intravenously, n = 8), an epinephrine group (treated with epinephrine, 0.04 mg/kg intravenously, n = 8) or a naloxone group (treated with naloxone, 1 mg/kg intravenously, n = 8) in a blind fashion during resuscitation after asphyxial cardiac arrest. After 5 min of untreated cardiac arrest, conventional manual CPR was started and each drug was administered at the same time.

Results:  The rates of restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were one of eight (12.5%), seven of eight (87.5%) and seven of eight (87.5%) in the saline, epinephrine and naloxone groups, respectively. The rates of ROSC in the epinephrine and naloxone groups were equal and significantly greater than that in the saline group (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion:  The administration of naloxone or epinephrine alone may increase the resuscitation rate, and both drugs are equally effective for CPR in a rat asphyxia model. However, the mechanism by which naloxone produces its efficacy during CPR remains unclear and further experimentation will be necessary.
Improvement Strategies in Ovine Artificial Insemination
Authors: Anel L , Alvarez M , Martinez‐Pastor F , Garcia‐Macias V , Anel E , De Paz P
Published: September 2006

Contents

Artificial insemination in ram is scarcely widespread comparing with other domestic species. This has been due not only to fertility results being irregular and low but also because of the difficulty in the application of enhancements such as the use of frozen‐thawed sperm. Although there is a lot of information on the use of different options to improve these AI results (such as transcervical application, the use of thawed sperm, etc.) commercial programmes can be classified on two general categories: those using refrigerated semen (15°C) by superficial intracervical deposition (vaginal), and, more restricted, those using thawed sperm by intrauterine deposition (laparoscopy). In the present work, we have summarized our viewpoint on three general research lines for the improvement of AI results in sheep: semen preservation, AI procedures and semen assessment. Briefly, in ram it is necessary to develop a medium term methodology of sperm refrigeration (3–5 days), which would allow the distribution of sperm doses to a widespread area. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to develop an intrauterine transcervical AI technique, which allows thawed semen to be applied by vaginal insemination. Besides, the low predictive value of classic assessment techniques limits the ability to adjust the number of spermatozoa per dose according to its actual fertility.
Seasonal Endocrine Changes and Breeding Activity in Mediterranean Wild Ruminants
Authors: Santiago‐Moreno J , Gómez‐Brunet A , Toledano‐Díaz A , Picazo R , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A , López‐Sebastián A
Published: September 2006

Contents

The methods of assisted reproduction commonly used in domestic animals are currently being applied to non‐domestic species. This is because of the limitation of maintaining the genetic variability in the wild, as it occurs in wild ruminants of the Mediterranean Basin. Despite the apparent progress of the technology, success of the offspring to grow and become healthy adult individuals has remained low in wild species. Difficulties usually arise from insufficient information about basic reproductive biology, such as the seasonal changes in ovarian and testicular activity. Directional adaptive evolution involves development of specie‐specific physiological reproductive patterns to cope with various environmental factors. Thus, species originating and living at the same latitude display different reproductive strategies to entrain the breeding activity at an optimal time of the year. The aim of this paper was to present current knowledge on reproductive physiology of Mediterranean wild ruminants as a basic prerequisite for the successful use of assisted reproduction methods. Special emphasis is given to seasonal endocrine changes, ovarian cycles and testicular activity of Iberian wild ruminants, together with the role of social interactions on the regulation of these events.
OC11 Changes in Fibroblast Growth Factor‐2 in Ovine Follicle Development
Authors: Garcia RA , Sanchez MA , Letelier C , Garcia Palencia P , Sanchez B , Vilar MP , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A , Flores JM
Published: September 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in histological‐defined tertiary follicles in ewe. Two different groups (n = 12 animals per group) were made in relation with two different oestrus synchronization programs, two doses of prostaglandin versus the insertion of an intravaginal progestagen sponge. Ovaries were collected at 4, 7, 11 and 13 days of oestrous cycle resulting from oestrus synchronization and tertiary follicles (n = 39), in different stages of development, were studied using conventional immunohistochemical techniques. FGF2 protein was localized in the cytoplasm of granulosa cells (GCs) in all follicles, in the nucleus of many GCs and in the theca interna (TI) tissue of some follicles. The number of FGF2 GCs positive nuclei decreased when the size of the follicle enlarged (p < 0.05). In prostaglandin treated animals, the expression of FGF2 in theca tissue was higher that in the same follicular type of the progestagen group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, detection of expression of FGF2 in cytoplasm of smaller follicles would be used as an indicator of the change from proliferative to secretory stages in tertiary follicles. The lower expression in follicles from progestagen‐treated group, expected to be in primordial or primary stages during the treatment, suggests the existence of a non‐previously described negative effect of progestagen on earlier phases of follicular development. Supported by a grant from CYCIT AGL2005–02669.
OC12 Combination of IVF Strategies to Reduce Porcine Polyspermic Fertilization: Straw IVF System and Short Gamete Coincubation Time
Authors: Almiñana C , Gil MA , Cuello C , Roca J , Vazquez JM , Martinez EA
Published: September 2006

This study was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of a short period of gamete coincubation and a new in vitro fertilization (IVF) system in straw (Li et al., 2003; Biol. Reprod. 69: 1580) to attempt to reduce polyspermic penetration. A total of 723 in vitro matured oocytes were inseminated with thawed spermatozoa. Various sperm concentrations (20 000, 30 000, 40 000, and 50 000 sperm/oocyte) and two coincubation times (6 h and 10 min) were used for straw‐IVF and compared to control group (1000 sperm/ovocito, in microdrop). The oocytes from 10 min group were washed in mTBM medium to remove spermatozoa not bound to the zona and transferred to the same medium (containing no sperm) for 6 h. After 6 h, oocytes from each group were cultured in NCSU‐23 medium for 12–15 h to assess fertilization parameters. The sperm concentration did not affect the efficiency of the IVF in both periods of coincubation. The short coincubation time significantly (p < 0.001) increased penetration rate and efficiency of the IVF (67.7 ± 6.4% vs 31.19 ± 6.5% and 41.5 ± 2.5% vs 17.6 ± 2.5% for 10 min and 6 h, respectively), while there were no significant differences in the incidence of monospermy between 10 min (64.3 ± 5.1) and 6 h (67.7 ± 3.4%) coincubation times. The penetration rate in the control group was higher (95.5 ± 5.6%; p < 0.001) than in the straw groups, but monospermy was severely reduced (25.0 ± 4.3%). These results show that short coincubation time together with the straw IVF system improves the efficiency of the porcine IVF. (Supported by SENECA).
Imaging of vascular disorders of the female pelvis
Authors: Pui M
Published: September 2006

Clinical presentation of vascular disorders of female pelvis including placental adhesion, retained product of conception, ovarian venous thrombosis, varices, torsion and haemorrhagic infarct of ovary is often non‐specific. Because of its availability, safety, and cost‐effectiveness, ultrasound is the first investigation of choice. Computed tomography and MRI clearly depict the pelvic and retroperitoneal anatomy. This pictorial essay illustrates the complementary role of US, CT, and MRI in diagnosing vascular disorders of female pelvis.
Peripherally inserted central catheters and upper extremity deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Ong B , Gibbs H , Catchpole I , Hetherington R , Harper J
Published: September 2006

The purpose of the study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for venous thrombosis in patients with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). A retrospective study of all upper extremity venous duplex scans was carried out in the Vascular Medicine department from year 2000 to 2002 inclusive. A chart review of positive scans was undertaken to identify possible thrombotic risk factors. Of 317 upper extremity venous duplex scans carried out, 115, or 32%, were positive for upper extremity deep vein thrombosis. Three main risk factors were identified – presence of a central line, malignancy and administration of chemotherapy. PICC were the most common central line present. Symptomatic thrombosis occurred in 7% of PICC inserted for chemotherapy compared with 1% of PICC inserted for other reasons. Ten per cent of the patients receiving chemotherapy through a PICC developed a thrombosis. The post‐thrombotic syndrome was infrequent following upper extremity deep vein thrombosis. Patients receiving chemotherapy through a PICC are at increased risk of thrombosis. There may be a role for prophylactic low‐dose anticoagulation in these high‐risk patients.
Use of topical misoprostol to reduce radiation‐induced mucositis: Results of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Veness MJ , Foroudi F , Gebski V , Timms I , Sathiyaseelan Y , Cakir B , Tiver KW
Published: September 2006

Radiation‐induced mucositis is an acute reaction of the mucosa of patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy. It can have debilitating and dose‐limiting consequences. There is no consensus on an accepted intervention that significantly reduces its severity. Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue, with properties of a mucosal cytoprotectant. We designed a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of misoprostol in patients with head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to determine if topical misoprostol was effective in reducing the severity of radiation‐induced mucositis in patients receiving radical dose radiotherapy. The effect of this intervention on a patient’s general well‐being was also investigated. The primary end‐point of the study was the incidence of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 3 mucositis. Between 1999 and 2002, 83 patients were recruited into the study at Westmead and Nepean Hospitals, Sydney. Forty‐two patients were randomized to receive misoprostol and 41 to receive a placebo. Most patients received radiotherapy in the adjuvant setting (52 of the 83) and had either an oral cavity (42 of the 83) or an oropharyngeal (16 of the 83) cancer. We could not identify any significant difference in the incidence of severe mucositis based on whether patients were allocated to receive misoprostol or placebo. There was no significant difference in the mean area under the mucositis curve (13.2 vs 16.6; P = 0.1). Patients allocated to misoprostol did report slightly increased soreness (7.6 vs 6.9; P = 0.04) and a greater use of analgesics. However, this difference did not translate into a worse feeling of general well‐being as measured by a simple visual analogue scale (5.8 vs 5.2; P = 0.3). In conclusion, we were unable to identify a reduction in radiation‐induced mucositis in patients receiving misoprostol. There is a paucity of high‐level evidence on potentially useful interventions and a continued need for new and innovative research, incorporating quality‐of‐life measurements, in patients experiencing radiation‐induced mucositis.
Bilateral lipoma arborescens of the subdeltoid bursa
Authors: Pandey T , Alkhulaifi Y
Published: September 2006

Lipoma arborescens is a rare cause of chronic monoarticular arthritis. It is most commonly seen in the knees, but only a few cases involving other joints, especially the subdeltoid bursa, have been described. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of lipoma arborescens involving bilateral subdeltoid bursae. Although it is associated with joint effusion, synovial cysts and erosions, the presence of reactive bone formation has not been reported. Magnetic resonance imaging is a very effective method for the diagnosis of this rare condition because of its ability to do tissue characterization.
Follicular lymphoma frequently originates in the salivary gland
Authors: Nakamura Satoko , Ichimura Koichi , Sato Yumiko , Nakamura Shigeo , Nakamine Hirokazu , Inagaki Hiroshi , Sadahira Yoshito , Ohshima Koichi , Sakugawa Sumie , Kondo Eisaku , Yanai Hiroyuki , Ohara Nobuya , Yoshino Tadashi
Published: September 2006

The aim of the present study was to examine the clinicopathological presentations of follicular lymphomas (FL) of the salivary glands, as compared to mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphomas. A total of 27 primary salivary gland lymphomas were examined: 6 FL (five, grade 1; one, grade 2); 19 MALT lymphomas; and two diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas. The FL patients ranged in age from 24 to 73 years, with a mean of 49 years, which was younger than that of MALT patients (mean: 64 years; P < 0.05). Four of the six FL arose from the submandibular gland, which was the origin of only five out of a total of 19 MALT lymphomas. One FL patient was in clinical stage (CS) IE, two in CS IIE, and two in CS III and IV. As regards the MALT lymphoma patients, 13 (68%) were in CS IE and five (26%) in CS IIE. None of the FL patients had clinical diagnosis of autoimmune disease but eight MALT lymphoma patients had autoimmune disease. The present study found a relatively high incidence of FL in the salivary glands. The observed differences in age of onset, background of autoimmune disease, and lesion site suggests that the pathogenesis of FL may differ from that of MALT lymphoma.
Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow: Histopathological assessment of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone with emphasis on their damage and repair
Authors: Kusumi Tomomi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki , Tsuda Eiichi , Kusumi Akinori , Tanaka Masanori , Sato Fuyuki , Toh Satoshi , Kijima Hiroshi
Published: September 2006

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow is a localized injury of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone that is commonly seen in the young athlete. In the present study, the extent of damage and repair on the articular cartilage and subchondral bone was examined histologically using specimens of 25 osteochondral cylinders and seven loose bodies obtained from 25 young athletes who had undergone osteochondral autograft surgery. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end‐labeling (TUNEL) assays for detecting apoptotic cells and immunohistochemistry of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) were performed on the osteochondral cylinder specimens. The histological findings of the OCD of the elbow showed that the articular cartilage exhibited degenerative change, mimicking osteoarthritis, and was markedly damaged as the lesion progressed. TUNEL‐positive cells and MMP‐3‐ and ‐13‐expressing cells were distributed in the degenerative articular cartilage and reparative fibrocartilage tissue. Separation occurred at either the deep articular cartilage or the subchondral bone, with the former being dominant in the early OCD lesions. The present results suggest that the primary pathological changes in OCD of the elbow were due to damage of articular cartilage induced by repeated stress following degenerative and reparative process of articular cartilage and subchondral fracturing, and separation subsequently occurred on the cartilage and developed onto the subchondral bone in its advanced stages.
Pure non‐gestational choriocarcinoma of the ovary diagnosed by DNA polymorphism analysis
Authors: Koo Hyun‐Lyoung , Choi Jene , Kim Kyu‐Rae , Kim Jong‐Hyuk
Published: September 2006

Pure primary ovarian choriocarcinoma is a rare condition that can be of gestational or non‐gestational origin. Non‐gestational choriocarcinoma has been found to be resistant to single‐agent chemotherapy and has a worse prognosis than gestational choriocarcinoma, but it is difficult to distinguish the two types by routine histological examination. Herein is reported a case of primary pure non‐gestational choriocarcinoma of the ovary in a 33‐year‐old nulligravid woman, as confirmed by DNA polymorphism analysis. All tested microsatellite markers had identical DNA profiles with the same allelic sizes between the tumor and the myometrium of the patient, who was homozygous for three markers (BAT26, BAT25 and D17S250) and heterozygous for four (D2S123, D18S57, DCC and D18S58), supporting non‐gestational origin. The patient has no evidence of disease 17 months after surgery and four cycles of combination chemotherapy. This case demonstrates the usefulness of DNA polymorphism analysis for the determination of the origin of extrauterine choriocarcinoma. Clinical relevance of this method needs to be further studied and substantiated.