bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TV exposure associated with sleep disturbances in 5‐ to 6‐year‐old children
Authors: PAAVONEN E. JUULIA , PENNONEN MARJO , ROINE MIRA , VALKONEN SATU , LAHIKAINEN ANJA RIITTA
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various forms of TV exposure on the quality of children's sleep. In this randomized population‐based survey questionnaires concerning TV viewing, sleep disturbances, and psychiatric symptoms were administered to 321 parents of children aged 5–6 years. Sleep disturbance scores were the main outcome measures. Active TV viewing and passive TV exposure were related to sleeping difficulties, especially sleep–wake transition disorders and overall sleep disturbances. Particularly, passive TV exposure and viewing adult‐targeted TV programs were strongly related to sleep disturbances. The association remained significant when socioeconomic status, family income, family conflicts, the father's work schedule, and the child's psychiatric symptoms were controlled statistically. The adjusted odds ratios were 2.91 (95% CI 1.03–8.17) and 3.01 (95% CI 1.13–8.05), respectively. TV viewing and particularly passive TV exposure and viewing adult‐targeted programs significantly increase the risk of sleeping difficulties. The results suggest that health‐care professionals should be aware of the association between TV exposure and sleep disturbances.
Pelvic floor: anatomy and function
Authors: Bharucha A. E.
Published: May 2006

Abstract  The pelvic floor is a dome‐shaped striated muscular sheet that encloses the bladder, uterus, and rectum, and, together with the anal sphincters, has an important role in regulating storage and evacuation of urine and stool. This article reviews the anatomy, nerve supply, pharmacology, and functions of the anal sphincters and the pelvic floor. The internal and external anal sphincters are primarily responsible for maintaining faecal continence at rest and when continence is threatened, respectively. Defecation is a somato‐visceral reflex regulated by dual nerve supply (i.e. somatic and autonomic) to the anorectum. The net effects of sympathetic and cholinergic stimulation are to increase and reduce anal resting pressure, respectively. Faecal incontinence and functional defecatory disorders may result from structural changes and/or functional disturbances in the mechanisms of faecal continence and defecation.
Effect of female sex hormone supplementation and withdrawal on gastrointestinal and colonic transit in postmenopausal women
Authors: Gonenne J. , Esfandyari T. , Camilleri M. , Burton D. D. , Stephens D. A. , Baxter K. L. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Bharucha A. E.
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Females are disproportionately affected by constipation, which is often aggravated during pregnancy. Bowel function also changes during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The aim was to compare the effects of acute administration of female sex steroids on gastric emptying, small bowel transit and colonic transit in healthy postmenopausal subjects. A second aim was to determine whether withdrawal of the hormones was associated with a change in transit. Forty‐nine postmenopausal females were randomized to receive for 7 days 400 mg day−1 micronized progesterone, 0.2 mg day−1 oestradiol, combination of the two, or placebo. Treatment groups were balanced on age. Participants underwent whole gut transit measurement by scintigraphy using a 99m‐labeled technetium‐egg meal and 111‐labeled indium‐charcoal via a delayed‐release capsule. Transit measurement was repeated after withdrawal of the study medications. The primary endpoints were ascending colon (AC) emptying half‐life time (t1/2) and colonic geometric centre (GC) at 24 h. Secondary analysis variables were GC at 4 and 48 h, gastric emptying t1/2 and colonic filling at 6 h. There was a significant overall effect of progesterone on colonic transit with shorter AC emptying t1/2 and significantly greater colonic GC at 48 h. No transit endpoints were altered by oestradiol or combined hormonal treatment relative to placebo. Oestradiol and progesterone resulted in looser stool consistency. Withdrawal of the hormone supplement was not associated with significant alteration in transit. Micronized progesterone does not retard colonic transit in postmenopausal females.
Intestinal tone and gas motion
Authors: Tremolaterra F. , Villoria A. , Serra J. , Azpiroz F. , Malagelada J.‐r.
Published: May 2006

Abstract  The intestine propels and evacuates large gas loads without detectable phasic contractions by manometry. We hypothesized that intestinal gas motion is produced by changes in gut tone and capacitance. In 13 healthy subjects, changes in duodenal tone were measured by a barostat during continuous perfusion of lipids (Intralipid®, 1 kcal min−1) into the duodenum for 60 min. In separate groups, the effects of jejunal gas infusion (N2, CO2 and O2 in venous proportions at 12 mL min−1 starting after 15 min lipid perfusion) and sham infusion were tested. Gas outflow was collected continuously via an intrarectal cannula. Duodenal lipid perfusion produced a rapid duodenal relaxation (volume increased by 48 ± 18%; P < 0.01 vs basal). Gas infusion increased gas evacuation (184 ± 59 mL), and this was associated with a tonic contraction of the duodenum (R = 0.86; P < 0.01) that completely reverted the lipid‐induced duodenal relaxation (volume decreased by 42 ± 13%; P < 0.05). During sham infusion only 52 ± 28 mL of gas were evacuated (P < 0.05 vs gas infusion), and the duodenum remained relaxed due to the effect of lipids (0 ± 1% volume reduction; ns). In conclusion, intestinal gas propulsion and clearance is associated with a tonic contraction of the gut wall and reduced gut capacitance.
A house dust mite allergen homologue from poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer)*
Authors: NISBET A. J. , HUNTLEY J. F. , MacKELLAR A. , SPARKS N. , MCDEVITT R.
Published: May 2006

Tropomyosin is an allergenic, actin‐binding protein and a proposed vaccine candidate from several species of parasite. Tropomyosin cDNA, obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification from Dermanyssus gallinae RNA, encoded a predicted protein with 89% and 88% identity to tropomyosins from the ticks Boophilus microplus and Haemaphysalis longicornis, respectively, and 85% identity to the house dust mite (HDM) tropomyosin Der p 10. Mouse antibodies raised against HDM tropomyosin reacted with a band of 38 kDa on Western blots of D. gallinae extract, consistent with the molecular masses of acarine tropomyosins and the putative product of the cDNA encoding D. gallinae tropomyosin. When the same preparation of D. gallinae proteins was used in Western blots with serum from infested hens, the IgY component of the serum bound to a number of mite proteins, but not to tropomyosin, indicating that hens are not directly exposed to this allergen during a natural infestation. Immunolocalization of tropomyosin in mites indicated a ubiquitous distribution of the molecule in mite tissues. Immunolocalization and Western blotting also indicated that poultry red mites ingest host IgY.
The dehydrogenase‐mediated recycling of NADPH is a key antioxidant system against salt‐induced oxidative stress in olive plants
Authors: VALDERRAMA RAQUEL , CORPAS FRANCISCO J. , CARRERAS ALFONSO , GÓMEZ‐RODRÍGUEZ MARÍA V. , CHAKI MOUNIRA , PEDRAJAS JOSÉ R. , FERNÁNDEZ‐OCAÑA ANA , DEL RÍO LUIS A. , BARROSO JUAN B.
Published: May 2006

NADPH is an important molecule in the redox balance of the cell. In this paper, using olive tissue cultures as a model of the function of the NADPH‐generating dehydrogenases in the mechanism of oxidative stress induced by severe salinity conditions was studied. When olive (Olea europaea) plants were grown with 200 mm NaCl, a 40% reduction in leaf fresh weight was produced. The content of non‐enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbate and glutathione was diminished between 20% to 39%, whereas the H2O2 content was increased threefold. In contrast, the analysis of the activity and protein contents of the main antioxidative enzymes showed a significant increase of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase. Overall, these changes strongly suggests that NaCl induces oxidative stress in olive plants. On the other hand, while the content of glucose‐6‐phosphate was increased almost eightfold in leaves of plants grown under salt stress, the content of NAD(P)H (reduced and oxided forms) did not show significant variations. Under salt stress conditions, the activity and protein contents of the main NADPH‐recycling enzymes, glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), malic enzyme (ME) and ferrodoxin‐NADP reductase (FNR) showed an enhancement of 30–50%. In leaves of olive plants grown with 200 mm NaCl, analysis of G6PDH by immunocytochemistry and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed a general increase of this protein in epidermis, palisade and spongy mesophyll cells. These results indicate that in olive plants, salinity causes reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated oxidative stress, and plants respond to this situation by inducing different antioxidative enzymes, especially the NADPH‐producing dehydrogenases in order to recycle NADPH necessary for the protection against oxidative damages. These NADP‐dehydrogenases appear to be key antioxidative enzymes in olive plants under salt stress conditions.
Jurassic septarian concretions from NW Scotland record interdependent bacterial, physical and chemical processes of marine mudrock diagenesis
Authors: HENDRY JAMES P. , PEARSON MICHAEL J. , TREWIN NIGEL H. , FALLICK ANTHONY E.
Published: May 2006

Septarian concretions in the Staffin Shales Formation (Kimmeridgian, Isle of Skye) allow controls on concretion rheology and septarian cracking to be investigated. Stratabound concretions consist of anhedral ferroan calcite microspar enclosing clay and minor pyrite. Intergranular volumes range from 77% to 88%, and calcite δ13C and δ18O values in most concretion bodies range from −10·0‰ to −17·3‰ and +0·3‰ to −0·6‰ respectively, consistent with rapid and pervasive cementation in marine pore fluids. Septarian rupture occurred during incipient cementation, with a sediment volume reduction of up to 43%. Crack‐lining brown fibrous calcite records pore fluid re‐oxygenation during a depositional hiatus, followed by increasing Fe content and δ13C related to bacterial methanogenesis. Brown colouration results from an included gel‐like polar organic fraction that probably represents bacterially degraded biomass. A new hypothesis for concretion growth and septarian cracking argues that quasi‐rigid ‘proto‐concretions’ formed via binding of flocculated clays by bacterial extracellular polysaccharide substances (EPS). This provided rheological and chemical conditions for tensional failure, subcritical crack growth, volume contraction, calcite nucleation, and incorporation of degraded products into crack‐lining cements. Bacterial decay of EPS and syneresis of host muds provided internal stresses to initiate rupture at shallow burial. Development of septarian (shrinkage) cracks in muds is envisaged to require pervasive in situ bacterial colonization, and to depend on rates of carbonate precipitation versus EPS degradation and syneresis. Subsequent modification of septarian concretions included envelopment by siderite and calcite microspar, hydraulic fracturing associated with Cretaceous shallow burial or Palaeogene uplift; and cementation by strongly ferroan, yellow sparry calcite that records meteoric water invasion of the host mudrocks. An abundance of fatty acids in these spars indicates aqueous transport of organic breakdown products, and δ13C data suggest a predominantly methanogenic bicarbonate source. However, the wide δ18O range for petrographically identical cement (−1·3‰ to −15·6‰) is difficult to explain.
Particle size distribution analysis of sand‐sized particles by laser diffraction: an experimental investigation of instrument sensitivity and the effects of particle shape
Authors: BLOTT SIMON J. , PYE KENNETH
Published: May 2006

Laser diffraction is now widely used for particle size distribution analysis of sediments and soils. The technique can be very precise, and offers advantages of speed and cost over many other methods when used to analyse mixtures of sand, silt and clay. This study presents the results of an experimental investigation that examined the sensitivity of the Beckman‐Coulter LS230 instrument to mixtures of different grain populations and differences in particle shape. The instrument was found to have high sensitivity to coarse particles in a finer matrix (detection threshold 1–2%), but much lower sensitivity to finer particles in a coarser mixture (detection threshold 12–17%). Experiments using near‐spherical ballotini showed that laser analysis provides very similar values to dry sieving for the mean, median and mode, but for a range of natural sand samples values for the mean, median and mode were offset by 8–21%, with an average of ca 15%, compared with sieving. Analysis using a Beckman‐Coulter RapidVUE instrument, which provides both size and shape information, provided support for the hypothesis that the differences between laser analysis and sieving are partly attributable to the effects of particle shape. However, an additional factor is the way in which the laser software interprets the optical diffraction data. The software predicts a high degree of log‐normality in the size distribution, such that highly skewed, truncated or bimodal samples are poorly represented. Experiments using sieved fractions of ballotini indicated that, even with near‐perfectly spherical particles, the particle size distribution predicted by the laser software includes a relatively large percentage of particles outside the sieve class limits.
Soluble CD30 serum levels in atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma and its relationship with disease severity in pediatric age
Authors: Heshmat Nahla M. , El‐Hadidi Eman S.
Published: May 2006

CD30 is a transmembrane molecule that may be expressed on a proportion of activated T‐lymphocytes and has been reported to be a marker of Th2 phenotype. A soluble form of CD30 (sCD30) is released by CD30+ cells in vivo. Our objective was to evaluate serum sCD30 levels in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) or bronchial asthma and to investigate its relation to disease severity. This study included of 60 infants and children, of whom 18 had AD, 22 had bronchial asthma and 20 were healthy matched subjects. Severity of AD was assessed according to the objective Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (obj‐SCORAD) index. Laboratory investigations included complete blood count, serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and serum sCD30 by ELISA. Serum levels of sCD30 in AD (77.7 ± 27.9 U/ml) and asthmatic patients (49.2 ± 21.5 U/ml) were significantly increased compared with the control group (18.2 ± 7.0 U/ml) (t = 8.8, p < 0.0001; t = 6.4, p < 0.0001, respectively). In patients with AD, sCD30 levels were shown to correlate with obj‐SCORAD (r = 0.96, p < 0.0001). Patients with moderate persistent asthma had significantly elevated sCD30 levels than those with mild persistent asthma (t = 3.4, p < 0.01). In addition, sCD30 was inversely correlated to peak expiratory flow rate (r = −0.78, p < 0.0001). Levels of sCD30 did not correlate with age, disease duration or serum total IgE (p > 0.05). In conclusion, serum sCD30 levels correlate with the severity of AD and bronchial asthma. It appears to be an additional objective marker that may be useful for follow up and may help to improve research and management of these diseases.
Changes in humoral responses to β‐lactoglobulin in tolerant patients suggest a particular role for IgG4 in delayed, non‐IgE‐mediated cow's milk allergy
Authors: Sletten Gaynour B. G. , Halvorsen Ragnhild , Egaas Eliann , Halstensen Trond S.
Published: May 2006

The major cow's milk allergen β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG) is relatively resistant to enzymatic degradation and may therefore be involved in non‐immunoglobulin (Ig)E‐mediated cow's milk allergy (CMA) with delayed gastrointestinal symptoms. Serum levels of β‐LG‐specific IgG1, IgG4, IgE, and IgA were compared in clinically reactive and tolerized IgE‐mediated and non‐IgE‐mediated CMA with delayed gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 29) and controls (n = 10). Tolerance was associated with decreased β‐LG‐specific IgE, IgG1, and IgG4 levels in both patient groups. However, the significantly increased β‐LG‐specific IgG4 levels in clinically reactive non‐IgE‐mediated CMA patients, and its median 36‐fold reduction in tolerant patients, suggested a possible immunopathological role for IgG4 in delayed CMA. Similarly, the significantly increased β‐LG‐specific IgE levels in IgE‐mediated CMA patients were decreased 44‐fold in tolerant patients. The tolerant patients had apparently shifted the humoral immune response from a β‐LG‐specific IgE‐ and/or IgG4‐dominated immune response to an IgA‐dominated immune response as the IgA/IgE or IgA/IgG4 ratios increased 90‐ and 15‐fold in tolerant IgE‐mediated‐, and non‐IgE‐mediated CMA patients, respectively. Thus, the marked difference in β‐LG‐specific Ig ratios suggested a tolerance‐induced inhibition of a Th2‐type of immune response with significantly increased IgA dominance in both CMA patient groups.
Humoral immune responses and CD27+ B cells in children with DiGeorge syndrome (22q11.2 deletion syndrome)
Authors: Finocchi A. , Di Cesare S. , Romiti M. L , Capponi C. , Rossi P. , Carsetti R. , Cancrini C.
Published: May 2006

The spectrum of T‐cell abnormalities in 22q11.2 syndrome is quite broad, ranging from profound and life threatening to non‐existent defects. Humoral abnormalities have been described in some of these patients, although no data are currently available on their phenotypical and functional B cell subsets. The purpose of this study was to investigate humoral immune function in a cohort of 13 children with DiGeorge syndrome by immunophenotyping B and by analysing their functionality in vivo. Humoral immunity was assessed by serum immunoglobulin evaluation, IgG subclasses determination, and testing of specific antibody titers to recall antigens. B cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and the relevant percentage of membrane surface expression of CD27, IgM, IgD was evaluated. In our cohort, one of 13 children (7.7%) had a complete IgA deficiency, four of 13 (30.7%) had minor immunoglobulin abnormalities, and five (38%) had an impaired production of specific antibodies. Five of 13 children (38%) had recurrent infections. Interestingly, peripheral CD27+ B cells were reduced in our patients as compared with age‐matched healthy controls, and this decrement was statistically significant for IgM+ IgD+ CD27+ B cells. Immunoglobulin abnormalities were associated with the occurrence of recurrent infections. We conclude that a significant proportion of patients with DiGeorge syndrome have defective humoral immunity, which may represent an additional pathogenic mechanism underlying the increased susceptibility to infections. Whether the decreased CD27+ B‐cell subset might be one of the defects that contribute to impaired humoral immunity, and to susceptibility to infection remains to be elucidated.
SRL‐based immunosuppression vs. CNI minimization in pediatric renal transplant recipients with chronic CNI nephrotoxicity
Authors: Höcker Britta , Feneberg Reinhard , Köpf Sabine , Weber Lutz T. , Waldherr Rüdiger , Wühl Elke , Tönshoff Burkhard
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  Because calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)‐induced nephrotoxicity contributes significantly to late renal allograft loss, sirolimus (SRL)‐based, CNI‐free maintenance immunosuppression has been advocated, but data in the pediatric population are scarce. We therefore analyzed the efficacy and safety of an SRL‐based immunosuppressive regimen plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and corticosteroids vs. CNI minimization (mean dose reduction by 39%) plus MMF and corticosteroids in 19 pediatric recipients with biopsy‐proven CNI‐induced nephrotoxicity in a single‐center case–control study. In the SRL group, we observed, one yr after study entry, an improvement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by 10.3 ± 3.0 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05 vs. baseline) in seven of 10 patients and a stabilization in the remaining three, while in the CNI minimization group GFR improved by 17.7 ± 7.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05) in six of nine recipients and stabilized in the remaining three. No patient in either group experienced an acute rejection episode. The main adverse event under SRL therapy was a transient hyperlipidemia in 70% of patients. In pediatric renal transplant recipients with declining graft function because of CNI‐induced nephrotoxicity, CNI withdrawal and switch to SRL‐based therapy or CNI minimization are associated with a comparable improvement of GFR after 12 months of observation.
A novel pattern of transaminase elevation associated with autologous transplant for neuroblastoma
Authors: Guinan Eva C. , Kalish Leslie A. , Berry Winter S. , McDaniel Samuel , Lehmann Leslie E. , Diller Lisa R.
Published: May 2006

Abstract:  To determine the pattern and degree of hepatic transaminitis experienced by children undergoing autologous transplantation for neuroblastoma. Sixty‐four children with high‐risk neuroblastoma received an autologous transplant with cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and carboplatin conditioning. Forty‐eight went on to receive a second transplant with M and TBI conditioning. Charts were reviewed for evidence of hepatic regimen‐related toxicity. A high rate of transaminitis was observed after both regimens. In each transplant, there was an early period of transaminitis during conditioning, from which patients recovered, followed by a second period of transaminase elevation. The degree of elevation was not associated with age, whether the administered dose was calculated based on a per kg or per M2 basis or the presence of regimen‐related severe mucositis. Elevated transaminases at admission were not associated with maximal hepatotoxicity during the first transplant although there was an association in the second transplant. However, the magnitude of transaminase elevation was less in the second transplant. VOD occurred in one and three patients in transplants 1 and 2, respectively. Both conditioning regimens were associated with an early and late elevation of transaminases without significant cholestasis. This biphasic pattern of transaminitis has not been reported previously. The high prevalence of transaminase elevation at time of both transplants was not associated with an increased incidence of VOD. We conclude that elevated transaminases should not preclude proceeding to a first or second autologous transplant with these regimens.
Implementation of a 20‐nm pore‐size filter in the plasma‐derived Factor VIII manufacturing process
Authors: Furuya Kenji , Murai Katsushi , Yokoyama Takeshi , Maeno Hideki , Takeda Yoshio , Murozuka Takashi , Wakisaka Akemi , Tanifuji Masaaki , Tomono Tsugikazu
Published: May 2006

Background and Objectives  Virus inactivation and removal are important prerequisites to ensure the safety of plasma derivatives. For virus inactivation and removal in our coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) product, CROSS EIGHT M®, the production process consists of solvent–detergent (S/D) treatment, two chromatography steps and virus filtration with a 35‐nm pore‐size filter. However, the clearance of non‐enveloped viruses was not as good as that of enveloped viruses because non‐enveloped viruses are resistant to S/D treatment and are too small to be removed by the filter. In this study, in order to improve the viral safety of the FVIII products, we attempted to replace the 35‐nm pore‐size virus filter with a 20‐nm filter.

Materials and Methods  The virus‐filtration process was validated for the removal of enveloped and non‐enveloped model viruses. Several factors that might affect the FVIII yield on filtration were investigated to obtain a higher recovery. The biochemical properties of the FVIII products produced with the 20‐nm pore‐size filter were compared with those produced by the 35‐nm filter.

Results  Virus filters of 20‐nm pore size effectively removed the small non‐enveloped viruses when compared with the 35‐nm pore‐size virus filter. The permeability of FVIII through the 20‐nm pore‐size filter was inversely proportional to the concentration of FVIII at filtration, and directly proportional to the amount of postfiltration solution. No differences were observed in the biochemical properties of both FVIII products, such as the structure and stability of the FVIII, the contents and multimeric structure of von Willebrand factor (vWF), and FVIII activation by thrombin.

Conclusions  The virus‐clearance efficiency of the FVIII product, CROSS EIGHT M®, was markedly increased, in particular against small non‐enveloped viruses, by changing the virus filter pore size from 35 nm to 20 nm. It was possible to implement the 20‐nm pore‐size filter without variation of the biochemical properties or a serious loss of FVIII.
The Topography and Gross Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tract of the Cape Dune Mole‐rat (Bathyergus suillus)
Authors: Kotze S. H. , Van Der Merwe E. L , O'Riain M. J.
Published: May 2006

The Cape dune mole‐rat, Bathyergus suillus, is the largest truly subterranean rodent in the world and is restricted to sandy soil areas of the southern and South‐western Cape Province. These animals are herbivorous, feeding mostly on the below ground portions of grass and geophytes. The present study was undertaken to explore whether there are any gross anatomical gastrointestinal adaptations associated with the herbivorous diet of the Cape dune mole‐rat and to provide a basis for further investigations into the nutrition and ecology of this animal. The stomach was unilocular (simple) and the entire internal aspect displayed macroscopically visible glandular epithelium. The caecum was voluminous and arranged into a spiral of approximately one and a half turns. The tip of the caecum resembled a vermiform appendix and lay against the left lateral abdominal wall. The ascending colon consisted of proximal and distal portions, arranged in a large double loop and attached to each other by a fat‐filled mesenteric fold. The looped, folded ascending colon filled the right side of the abdominal cavity, lying against the right dorsal, lateral and ventral abdominal wall. The internal structure of the ascending colon revealed a shallow groove, lined on either side by a row of papillae. The simple, glandular stomach in conjunction with a prominent caecum and a greatly enlarged ascending colon suggests that this animal is a hindgut fermenting herbivore, rather than a caecal fermenter, as is the case in most rodent species.
Intercellular Junctions in Rabbit Eye Ora Serrata
Authors: Nobeschi L. , Freymuller E. , Smith R. L.
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to describe and localize the intercellular junctions in the ora serrata region of albino and pigmented rabbit eyes. Eyes of albino and pigmented rabbits were fixed and processed for transmission electron microscopy. Light and electron microscope examination was carried out on semithin and ultrathin sections. The ora serrata region showed adherens, gap and tight junctions in the retinal and ciliary margins of albino and pigmented rabbit eyes. In the retinal margin, zonulae adherens between Müller cells and photoreceptors are associated with tight junctions. In the ciliary margin, epithelial cells are joined by adherens, gap and tight junctions localized between apical and apicolateral cell membranes. Tight junctions appear as zonulae occludens in the non‐pigmented apicolateral cell membranes and as tight focal junctions between pigmented and non‐pigmented apical cell membranes. Between the ciliary and retinal margins there are adherens and tight focal junctions which attach pigmented apical cell membranes to adjacent cells. There were no differences in the distribution of intercellular junctions between albino and pigmented rabbits.
Morphological Examination of the Intraorbital Muscles (Musculi Bulbi) in Dogs in the Perinatal Period
Authors: Klećkowska J. , Janeczek M. , Wojnar M. , Pospieszny N.
Published: May 2006

Twelve American Staffordshire terriers, gestational day 60, and 10 dogs de Bordeaux, gestational day 57 were examined in respect of the morphology and morphometry of their intraorbital muscles. The location of the retractor bulbi, recti and oblique muscles was described and the length of the muscles, the length and breadth of their tendons as well as the distance of the distal insertions of the muscle tendons from the corneal limbus were measured. Similarly, the shape of the line of distal insertions was investigated. The measurements were taken with an electronic caliper to the nearest 0.1 mm. The distance insertion–corneal limbus was measured by means of the Hifny and Misk method (1982). The following differences between the breeds in the morphometry of the intraorbital muscles and their tendons were found out. The distal insertions of the tendons of the dorsal, ventral and lateral recti muscles are further from the corneal limbus in American Staffordshire terriers than in dogs de Bordeaux. The muscular funiculi of the retractor bulbi muscle are further from the corneal limbus in dogs de Bordeaux, except the dorsolateral funiculus (1.96/1.94 mm). In addition, there are differences in the morphometry of the intraorbital muscles and their tendons. No differences, however, were found in the morphology of the intraorbital muscle tendons (their insertion line) and their location. The study can be applied to clinical sciences (surgery) and veterinary ophthalmology, in particular.
Anatomoradiographic Description of the Teeth of Pacas Bred in Captivity (Agouti paca, Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Oliveira F. S. , Canola J. C. , Oliveira P. T. , Pécora J. D. , Capelli A.
Published: May 2006

Two newborn males, two adult males 9 and 72 months old, one newborn female and two adult females of 30 and 54 months old pacas were used. Animals were radiographed on lateral recumbency, teeth were extracted and the vestibulolingual and mesiodistal lengths were achieved at the occlusal surface, besides the longitudinal length. The lower incisors presented greater length in relation to the other ones and sinuous shape; the upper incisors, relatively smaller, are practically straight. There is no canine tooth, and after a great diastema there is one premolar and three molars in each hemiarcade. In adult pacas, the enamel of incisors presents yellowish colour, mainly in the labial surface; in the premolars and molars, the enamel is present as internal sheets disposed nearly in a parallel way and in vestibulolingual direction, through practically all the dental length, which provides several joined teeth aspect.
Comparative Study of Compact Bone Tissue Microstructure between Non‐transgenic and Transgenic Rabbits with WAP‐hFVIII Gene Construct
Authors: Martiniaková M. , Omelka R. , Ryban L. , Grosskopf B. , Vondráková M. , Bauerová M. , Fabiš M. , Chrenek P.
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in compact bone tissue microstructure between New Zealand White transgenic rabbits with human blood clotting factor VIII gene and the non‐transgenic ones. The transgene was under the transcriptional control of the whey acidic protein (WAP) promoter. Altogether, 42 femora were analysed. Specimens were prepared using standard histological equipment, producing thin sections approximately 80–100 μm. Areas, perimeters, minimum and maximum diameters of vascular canals of primary osteons, Haversian canals and secondary osteons were measured. Our results indicate the basic structural pattern of the bone tissue was primary vascular longitudinal in both groups of rabbits. However, a fibrolamellar bone tissue was identified only in the transgenic rabbits. The measured variables of the vascular canals of the primary osteons, the Haversian canals and the secondary osteons were higher in transgenic rabbits in comparison with non‐transgenic ones in most cases and the differences were often statistically significant (P < 0.01; P < 0.001). More significant differences were noticed in males (transgenic versus non‐transgenic). However, it is not easy to find the real cause of the changes. Despite the fact that no hFVIII mRNA expression was found in the analysed bone of transgenic rabbits, we presume that the observed differences could be associated with transgenesis. In this article, we discuss possible associations between transgene integration as well as aneuploidy and/or observed microstructural changes in compact bone tissue.
Morphology of the Intermandibular Gland of the Lesser Mouse Deer, Tragulus javanicus
Authors: Agungpriyono S. , Atoji Y. , Yamamoto Y. , Zuki A.B. , Novelina S.
Published: May 2006

The morphology of the intermandibular gland of the Lesser mouse deer (Tragulus javanicus), which plays an important function in marking area and territory and in the reproductive behaviour of the animal, was examined using immunohistochemistry, lectin histochemistry and scanning electron microscopy. The gland was composed of sebaceous and apocrine glandular material. Sebaceous glands occupied a greater area of the total gland and consisted of many large lobules with polyhedral cells having a pale cytoplasm. The sebaceous gland, being holocrine, possessed no special secretory ducts. The apocrine gland was lined by cuboid cells and the secretory products were often seen in the apical portions of the cells. Myoepithelial cells contained actin filaments lining the basal membranes of the apocrine gland and were surrounded by nerve fibres which immunostained with protein gene product 9.5. The secretion of the gland appears to be a mixture of larger amounts of lipid material from sebaceous glands, and glycoconjugates secreted by both sebaceous and apocrine glands. Lectin histochemistry detected these as galactose, N‐acetyl‐d‐galactosamine, N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine, d‐mannose and d‐glucose. The male gland was larger in size and contained more N‐acetyl galactosamine and N‐acetyl glucosamine in its secretion than the gland of the female. This implied the presence of sexual differences in secretions in the intermandibular gland of the Lesser mouse deer.
Transmission disequilibrium test for quantitative trait loci detection in livestock populations
Authors: Kolbehdari D. , Jansen G.B. , Schaeffer L.R. , Allen B.O.
Published: May 2006

The performance of several transmission disequilibrium tests (TDT) for detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) in data structures typical of outbred livestock populations were investigated. Factorial mating designs were simulated with 10 sires mated to either 50 or 200 dams, each family having five or eight full sibs. A single marker and QTL, both bi‐allelic, were simulated using a disequilibrium coefficient based on complete initial disequilibrium and 50 generations of recombination [i.e. D = D0(1 − θ)50], where θ is the recombination fraction between marker and QTL. The QTL explained either 10% (small QTL) or 30% (large QTL) of the genetic variance for a trait with heritability of 0.3. Methods were: TDT for QTL (Q‐TDT; both parents known), 1‐TDT (only one parent known) and sibling‐based TDT (S‐TDT; neither parent known, but sibs available). All were found to be effective tests for association and linkage between the QTL and a tightly linked marker (θ < 0.02) in these designs. For a large QTL, θ = 0.01, and five full sibs per family, the empirical power for Q‐TDT, 1‐TDT and S‐TDT was 0.966, 0.602 and 0.974, respectively, in a large population, versus 0.700, 0.414 and 0.654, respectively, in a small population. For a small QTL effect, θ = 0.01, large population the empirical power of these tests were 0.709, 0.287 and 0.634. The power of Q‐TDT, 1‐TDT and S‐TDT was satisfactory for large populations, for QTL with large effects and for five full sibs per family. The 1‐TDT based on a linear model was more powerful than the normal 1‐TDT. The empirical power for Q‐TDT and 1‐TDT with a linear model was 0.978 and 0.995 respectively. TDT based on analogous linear models, incorporating the polygenic covariance structure, provided only small increases in power compared with the usual TDT for QTL.
Isolation and characterization of the canine NKX2‐5 gene
Authors: Hyun C. , Lavulo L. , O'Leary C. , Kim J‐T.
Published: May 2006

We report the first isolation and characterization of the canine NKX2‐5 gene. This canine homologue has high homology in genomic structure and functional domains to other NKX2‐5 across a number of different species. Given the critical role of NKX2‐5 in cardiac morphogenesis as seen in human and mouse studies of congenital heart defects, the availability of the canine NKX2‐5 provides a good starting point for identifying mutations that may be responsible for certain forms of canine congenital heart defects.
Prospecting for pig single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human genome: have we struck gold?
Authors: Grapes L. , Rudd S. , Fernando R.L. , Megy K. , Rocha D. , Rothschild M.F.
Published: May 2006

Gene‐to‐gene variation in the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has been observed in humans, mice, rats, primates and pigs, but a relationship across species in this variation has not been described. Here, the frequency of porcine coding SNPs (cSNPs) identified by in silico methods, and the frequency of murine cSNPs, were compared with the frequency of human cSNPs across homologous genes. From 150 000 porcine expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences, a total of 452 SNP‐containing sequence clusters were found, totalling 1394 putative SNPs. All the clustered porcine EST annotations and SNP data have been made publicly available at http://sputnik.btk.fi/project?name=swine. Human and murine cSNPs were identified from dbSNP and were characterized as either validated or total number of cSNPs (validated plus non‐validated) for comparison purposes. The correlation between in silico pig cSNP and validated human cSNP densities was found to be 0.77 (p < 0.00001) for a set of 25 homologous genes, while a correlation of 0.48 (p < 0.0005) was found for a primarily random sample of 50 homologous human and mouse genes. This is the first evidence of conserved gene‐to‐gene variability in cSNP frequency across species and indicates that site‐directed screening of porcine genes that are homologous to cSNP‐rich human genes may rapidly advance cSNP discovery in pigs.
Investigation of two candidate genes for meat quality traits in a quantitative trait locus region on SSC6: the porcine short heterodimer partner and heart fatty acid binding protein genes
Authors: Árnyasi M. , Grindflek E. , Jávor A. , Lien S.
Published: May 2006

A highly significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on pig chromosome 6, affecting intramuscular fat (IMF), has previously been detected by our group and others. Two genes of positional and biological interest, the small heterodimer partner (SHP; NR0B2) and the heart fatty acid binding protein (FABP3; H‐FABP), were investigated for meat quality traits and IMF respectively. SHP was partially sequenced (GenBank: DQ002896 and DQ002897) and mapped to the QTL region on porcine chromosome 6, affecting IMF. The map shows no recombination between SHP and FABP3, which was previously mapped to the same QTL region. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected in the sequenced region of SHP gene. Haplotype information was used to investigate association between genetic variation and different meat quality traits. SHP haplotype combinations were found to have significant effect on connective tissue. However, further studies are needed to evaluate this possible association more effectively. The FABP3 is involved in fatty acid transport and has been studied as a candidate gene for IMF by several research groups. In our study, FABP3 genotypes were confirmed to be significantly associated with IMF in pigs. The average content of IMF in our population was 1.6%, which may indicate that the FABP3 polymorphism explains as much as 30–35% of the variation in IMF in our pig cross‐population.
Genetic and environmental correlations between longevity and litter size in rabbits
Authors: Sánchez J.P. , Baselga M. , Ducrocq V.
Published: May 2006

An estimation of the genetic and environmental correlations between prolificacy (kits born alive and number of kits at weaning) and functional longevity in a population selected for litter size at weaning since 1992 was carried out. The method is only an approximation, but suggests that genetically longevity and litter size are not antagonistic objectives in breeding programmes, because the estimated genetic correlations are not significantly different from zero.
Screening for Barley yellow dwarf virus‐Resistant Barley Genotypes by Assessment of Virus Content in Inoculated Seedlings
Authors: Šíp V. , ŠIrlová L. , Chrpová J.
Published: May 2006

The content of Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in roots and leaves of barley seedling plants differing in their level of resistance was assessed by quantitative ELISA 1–42 days after inoculation with the strain of BYDV (PAV). High virus accumulation in roots and low concentration in leaves was characteristic of the period 9–15 days after inoculation. In leaves, the differences in virus content between resistant and susceptible genotypes became significant after 15 days and resistance to virus accumulation was better expressed 30–39 days after inoculation. Roots of resistant materials exhibited evident retardation of virus accumulation and the greatest difference in virus content between resistant and susceptible plants was detected 9 days after inoculation. By these criteria, the selected winter and spring barley cultivars and lines (in total 44 materials) fell in to five groups according to field reactions and the presence or absence of the Yd2 resistance gene. There were highly significant and positive relations between ELISA values and 5‐year field data on symptomatic reactions and grain‐yield reductions due to infection. Using the described method, resistant and moderately resistant genotypes (both Yd2 and non‐Yd2) were significantly differentiated from susceptible genotypes. The possible use of this method in screening for BYDV resistance is discussed.
Genetic Diversity of Magnaporthe grisea in China as Revealed by DNA Fingerprint Haplotypes and Pathotypes
Authors: Chen Q. H. , Wang Y. C. , Zheng X. B.
Published: May 2006

We determined DNA fingerprint haplotypes and pathotypes of the rice‐blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea collected from 13 areas in China. This DNA fingerprinting analysis, using rep‐PCR, of 381 haplotypes (482 isolates) from China indicated that the M. grisea populations cannot be delineated into region‐specific groups. Analyses of the number of alleles (na), Nei's gene diversity, unbiased genetic distance, and Shannon's Information index among 13 populations showed that clusters were not related to the geographic distance between populations with the exception of the Ningxia (NX) and Jilin (JL) cluster. Among northern populations, NX and JL were more similar to one another than to other populations. Pathogen populations consisting of 121 isolates from China were grouped into 53 pathotypes on the basis of disease reaction in differential rice lines. Isolates assayed for pathotypes were detected based on disease reactions. No correlation was observed between fingerprint groups and pathotypes of the pathogen. High frequency of virulence was found on the rice line Shin2 (Pi‐ks and Pi‐sh) followed by PiNo.4 (Pi‐ta2 and Pi‐sh) and K1 (Pi‐ta), while it was low on Kanto 51 (Pi‐k + ?), K3 (Pi‐kh), and Fujisaka (Pi‐i and Pi‐sh). Virulence was rare on Toride 1 (Pi‐zt and Pi‐sh). Tetep (Pi‐kh + ?) was predicted to be a highly effective, as none of the isolates infected this line. These blast‐resistant rice lines can be used in resistance breeding for the effective management of rice blast in the respective regions of China.
The Effect of Mode of Application of Bacillus subtilis RB14‐C on its Efficacy as a Biocontrol Agent Against Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Szczech M. , Shoda M.
Published: May 2006

Bacillus subtilis RB14‐C, which produces the antibiotic iturin A, was investigated for its effectiveness as a biocontrol agent against Rhizoctonia solani infecting tomato using seed coating and/or direct introduction of the bacteria to the soil. The ability of RB14‐C to colonize plant roots and produce iturin A in soil, depending on the method of bacterial application, was also determined. Seed coating and the combined treatment (soil and seed bacterization) did not protect seedlings against damping‐off caused by R. solani. By contrast, RB14 introduced only to the soil controlled the disease. The total number of RB14‐C bacteria on the roots of plants grown from coated seeds was significantly lower than on the roots of plants grown in soil mixed with the bacteria. In the combined treatment, application of B. subtilis with seeds to soil preinoculated with this bacterium, at first suppressed the population of RB14‐C in the soil. Then the colonization was generally uniform. The concentration of iturin A in non‐planted soil was highest at the beginning of the experiment (i.e. after application of the bacterial suspension) but then decreased, and was undetectable 3 days after incubation. However, after seed planting the antibiotic was produced again around young roots. Bacteria introduced to the soil as a seed coating also released the antibiotic around the seeds.
Australian issues in the provision of after‐hours primary medical care services in rural communities
Authors: Zeitz Kathryn , Malone Geri , Arbon Paul , Fleming Jenny
Published: May 2006

Objective:  In 2003 the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency in South Australia (SA) facilitated the ‘SA Rural Hospital After Hours Triage Education and Training Program’. It was designed to improve communication between rural general practitioners (GPs) and nurses undertaking after‐hours triage, provide training in triage for rural nurses and develop local collaborative after‐hours primary medical care models that can be applied in other settings.

Design:  The program consisted of a series of three workshops. The first workshop provided an opportunity for GPs and nurses to discuss local issues relating to after‐hours primary medical care service delivery. This was followed by a one‐day workshop on triage for nurses. A follow‐up refresher workshop was conducted approximately six months later.

Setting:  Twenty‐three rural communities in SA.

Participants:  Rural GPs and nurses working in rural communities.

Results:  This paper reports on the issues highlighted by clinicians in providing after‐hours primary medical care in rural and remote communities. These included community expectations, systems of care, scope of practice, private practice/public hospital interface, and medico legal issues.

Conclusion:  The issues facing after‐hours health services in rural communities are not new. There are many opportunities for improvement of systems. A formal program including workshops and training has provided a useful forum to commence service improvements.
Subjective leisure experiences of older Australians
Authors: Sellar Ben , Boshoff Kobie
Published: May 2006

Background:  Previous studies into leisure have employed methodologies that may understate the significance of experiential components. This exploratory study investigated the leisure experiences of retired Australians over 65 years of age.

Methods:  Five semistructured interviews were used to explore the leisure experience of older people from metropolitan Adelaide. Data were coded and analysed thematically.

Results:  Relaxation and engrossment emerged as commonly expressed experiences, yet were found to emerge as a result of engagement in occupations predefined as leisure. Experiences of freedom from both necessary duties and a sense of obligation were discussed as potential determinants of leisure consciousness.

Practice implications:  This study highlights a need for therapists to actively access clients’ subjective leisure experiences to enable engagement in personally meaningful leisure occupations.