bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of mitochondrial F1F0‐ATP synthase interacting with galectin‐3 in colon cancer cells
Authors: Kim Duck‐Woo , Kim Kyung Hee , Yoo Byong Chul , Hong Sung‐Hye , Lim Yong Chul , Shin Young‐Kyoung , Park Jae‐Gahb
Published: October 2008

To evaluate the effect of galectin‐3 in cell cycle regulation of colon cancer cells, we looked for binding molecules interacting with galectin‐3 and examined the changes in cell cycle by suppressing galectin‐3 and the binding molecule. To identify target molecules interacting with galectin‐3, we analyzed immunoprecipitate of the anti‐galectin‐3 antibody obtained from human colon cancer cell line, using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐mass spectrometry. We validated subcellular localization of galectin‐3 and ATP synthase identified, and ATP synthase activity was determined in the presence of galectin‐3. Cell cycle regulation was monitored after galectin‐3 siRNA transfection. ATP synthase b‐subunit was identified in immunoprecipitate of the anti‐galectin‐3 antibody. Galectin‐3 and ATP synthase were co‐isolated in the inner membrane vesicles of mitochondria. Galectin‐3 has an inhibitory activity against ATP synthase, and intracellular ATP content showed increasing tendency after galectin‐3 suppression. Suppression of galectin‐3 resulted in G0/G1 progression of human colon cancer cells arrested at S, S/G2 and G2/M phase in the presence of doxorubicin, and etoposide or nocodazole, respectively. Compared to cells in which ATP synthase d‐subunit was suppressed alone, sub‐G1 fraction caused by etoposide or nocodazole was decreased in cells with galectin‐3 suppression alone. In conclusion, galectin‐3 co‐localized with ATP synthase in the inner membrane of mitochondria and has an inhibitory effect on ATP synthase in human colon cancer cells. In the presence of cell cycle synchronizing drugs, doxorubicin, etoposide, or nocodazole, suppression of galectin‐3 induced cell cycle progression to G0/G1 phase. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1884–1891)
Expression of Pla2g2a prevents carcinogenesis in Muc2‐deficient mice
Authors: Fijneman R. J. A. , Peham J. R. , van de Wiel M. A. , Meijer G. A. , Matise I. , Velcich A. , Cormier R. T.
Published: October 2008

Goblet cell depletion and down‐regulation of MUC2 expression are observed in a significant percentage of human non‐mucinous colorectal adenocarcinomas. Direct evidence for the role of MUC2 in gastrointestinal tumor formation was demonstrated by a knockout of Muc2 in mice that resulted in the development of adenocarcinomas in the small and large intestine. The secretory phospholipase Pla2g2a is a protein that confers resistance to ApcMin/+‐induced intestinal tumorigenesis. Like Muc2, in the large intestine Pla2g2a is exclusively expressed by the goblet cells and Pla2g2a's tumor resistance is also strongest in the large intestine. Possible genetic interactions between Muc2 and Pla2g2a were examined by creating C57BL/6‐Muc2−/–Pla2g2a transgenic mice. Expression of a Pla2g2a transgene reduced tumorigenesis in the large intestine by 90% in male Muc2−/– mice and by nearly 100% in female Muc2−/– mice. Expression of Pla2g2a also inhibited tumor progression. Microarray gene expression studies revealed Pla2g2a target genes that modulate intestinal energy metabolism, differentiation, inflammation, immune responses and proliferation. Overall, results of the present study demonstrate an Apc‐independent role for Pla2g2a in tumor resistance and indicate that Pla2g2a plays an important role, along with Muc2, in protection of the intestinal mucosa. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 2113–2119)
Reproductive evaluation of elephants culled in Kruger National Park, South Africa between 1975 and 1995
Authors: Freeman Elizabeth W. , Whyte Ian , Brown Janine L.
Published: October 2008

To reduce elephant densities and preserve biological diversity, 14,629 elephants were culled from Kruger National Park, South Africa (1967–1999). Data were catalogued between 1975 and 1996 on 2737 male and female elephants, including pregnancy and lactational status for 1620 females (≥5 years of age) and, uterine and/or ovarian characteristics for 1279. This study used these data to investigate the effects of age and precipitation on reproduction. The youngest age of conception was 8 years (n = 6) and by 12 years of age all females were sexually mature. From the age of 14 years, the percentage of reproductively active females (pregnant and/or lactating) was >90%; however, this percentage declined when females reached 50 years of age. Overall, one‐tenth of females were nonreproductive (not pregnant or lactating) at any given time, mostly in the youngest (<15 years) and oldest (>50 years) age classes. Eighteen (3.3%) of the nonpregnant females had reproductive tract pathologies, including endometrial, uterine or ovarian cysts. There was a seasonal distribution of mating activity that correlated with the rainy season. As has been demonstrated in other populations of free‐ranging African elephants, most of the females in Kruger National Park were reproductively active; however, age and climate affected reproductive activity.
Atypical serum immunofixation patterns frequently emerge in immunomodulatory therapy and are associated with a high degree of response in multiple myeloma
Authors: Mark Tomer , Jayabalan David , Coleman Morton , Pearse Roger N. , Wang Y. Lynn , Lent Richard , Christos Paul J. , Lee Joong W. , Agrawal Yash P. , Matthew Susan , Ely Scott , Mazumdar Madhu , Cesarman Ethel , Leonard John P. , Furman Richard R. , Chen‐Kiang Selina , Niesvizky Ruben
Published: October 2008

The M‐protein is the major reference measure for response in multiple myeloma (MM) and its correct interpretation is key to clinical management. The emergence of oligoclonal banding is recognized as a benign finding in the postautologous stem cell transplantation setting (ASCT) for MM but its significance during non‐myeloablative therapy is unknown. In a study of the immunomodulatory combination BiRD, (lenalidomide and dexamethasone with clarithromycin), we frequently detected the emergence of mono‐ and oligo‐clonal immunoglobulins unrelated to the baseline diagnostic M‐protein. The new M‐proteins seen on serum immunofixation electrophoresis were clearly different in either heavy or light chain component(s) from the original M‐spike protein and were termed atypical serum immunofixation patterns (ASIPs). Overall, 24/72 (33%) patients treated with BiRD developed ASIPs. Patients who developed ASIPs compared with patients treated with BiRD without ASIPs, had a significantly greater overall response (100% vs. 85%) and complete response rates (71% vs. 23%). ASIPs were not associated with new clonal plasma cells or other lymphoproliferative processes, and molecular remissions were documented. This is the first time this phenomenon has been seen with regularity in non‐myeloablative therapy for MM. Analogous to the ASCT experience, ASIPs do not signal incipient disease progression, but rather herald robust response.
The impact of chronic multimorbidity and disability on functional decline and survival in elderly persons. A community‐based, longitudinal study
Authors: Marengoni A. , Von Strauss E. , Rizzuto D. , Winblad B. , Fratiglioni L.
Published: October 2008

Objective.  We aimed to disentangle the effect of chronic multimorbidity and disability on 3‐year functional decline and survival in the elderly.

Design.  Prospective cohort study with a mean of follow‐up of 2.8 years.

Setting.  Swedish elderly persons from the Kungsholmen Project (1987–2000).

Subjects.  A total of 1099 subjects, 77–100 years old, living in the community and institutions.

Main outcome measurements.  Medical diagnoses (based on clinical examination, drug use, medical records and blood tests), and functional assessment (according to Katz Index) at baseline were investigated in relation to functional decline and death occurring during follow‐up.

Results.  At baseline, 12.1% of participants had disability, and 52.3% were affected by multimorbidity. During follow‐up, 363 persons died and 85 worsened in functioning. The number of chronic conditions incrementally increased the risk of functional decline [hazard ratio (HR) increased from 1.5 in subjects with one disease to 6.2 in persons with 4+ diseases]. However, this was not the case for mortality, as the HR of death was the same for people with one disease as well as 4+ diseases (HR = 2.3). Baseline disability had the highest impact on survival, independently of number of diseases [HR = 8.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.8–13.7 in subjects with one disease and HR = 7.7; 95% CI = 4.7–12.6 in those with 2+ diseases].

Conclusions.  In the elderly subjects, chronic disability rather than multimorbidity emerged as the strongest negative prognostic factor for functionality and survival.
Limited tissue culture‐induced mutations and linked epigenetic modifications in F1 hybrids of sorghum pure lines are accompanied by increased transcription of DNA methyltransferases and 5‐methylcytosine glycosylases
Authors: Zhang Meishan , Xu Chunming , Yan Hongyan , Zhao Na , Von Wettstein Diter , Liu Bao
Published: October 2008

In plant tissue culture, developmental disturbance and mutagenic factors are involved in channeling an individual totipotent cell to an intact plant. Comparing a pair of sorghum reciprocal F1 hybrids with their parental pure lines revealed a dramatic difference in the occurrence of both genetic and DNA methylation alterations in the respective regenerated plants. In contrast to those of the pure lines, regenerated plants of hybrids exhibit significantly enhanced genetic and epigenetic stability. The genetic changes detected by amplified fragment length polymorphism and the DNA methylation alterations detected by methylation‐sensitive amplified polymorphism are intimately correlated with each other, suggesting a common mechanism underlying both kinds of instabilities. Markedly altered transcription of genes encoding four putative sorghum DNA methyltransferases and two 5‐methylcytosine glycosylases with nucleotide sequences orthologous to Arabidopsis counterparts was induced by tissue culture. The steady‐state transcript levels of these genes were negatively correlated with genetic and methylation alterations. A salient observation is that tissue culture‐induced transcription of genes encoding DNA methyltransferases and 5‐methylcytosine glycosylases in calli and/or regenerated plants of the hybrids was remarkably coordinated, but is largely uncoordinated and stochastically altered in calli and/or regenerated plants of the pure lines. We suggest that the uncoordinated regulation of expression of DNA methyltransferases and 5‐methylcytosine glycosylases is a major cause of the high incidence of genetic and DNA methylation alterations in cultures of pure lines, but coordinated up‐regulated expression of these enzymes in cultures of the F1 hybrids fortified their genetic and epigenetic stability.
Separable roles of the Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola accessory protein HrpZ1 in ion‐conducting pore formation and activation of plant immunity
Authors: Engelhardt Stefan , Lee Justin , Gäbler Yvonne , Kemmerling Birgit , Haapalainen Minna‐Liisa , Li Chun‐Mei , Wei Zhongmin , Keller Harald , Joosten Matthieu , Taira Suvi , Nürnberger Thorsten
Published: October 2008

The HrpZ1 gene product from phytopathogenic Pseudomonas syringae is secreted in a type‐III secretion system‐dependent manner during plant infection. The ability of HrpZ1 to form ion‐conducting pores is proposed to contribute to bacterial effector delivery into host cells, or may facilitate the nutrition of bacteria in the apoplast. Furthermore, HrpZ1 is reminiscent of a pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP) that triggers immunity‐associated responses in a variety of plants. Here, we provide evidence that the ion pore formation and immune activation activities of HrpZ1 have different structure requirements. All HrpZ1 orthologous proteins tested possess pore formation activities, but some of these proteins fail to trigger plant defense‐associated responses. In addition, a C‐terminal fragment of HrpZ1 retains the ability to activate plant immunity, whereas ion pore formation requires intact HrpZ1. Random insertion mutagenesis of HrpZ1 further revealed the C terminus to be important for the PAMP activity of the protein. HrpZ1 binds to plant membranes with high affinity and specificity, suggesting that the activation of plant immunity‐associated responses by HrpZ1 is receptor‐mediated. Our data are consistent with dual roles of HrpZ1 as a virulence factor affecting host membrane integrity, and as a microbial pattern governing the activation of plant immunity during infection.
The preprophase band is a localized center of clathrin‐mediated endocytosis in late prophase cells of the onion cotyledon epidermis
Authors: Karahara Ichirou , Suda Jinsuke , Tahara Hiroshi , Yokota Etsuo , Shimmen Teruo , Misaki Kazuyo , Yonemura Shigenobu , Staehelin Lucas Andrew , Mineyuki Yoshinobu
Published: October 2008

The preprophase band (PPB) marks the site on the plant cell cortex where the cell plate will fuse during the final stage of cytokinesis. Recent studies have shown that several cytoskeletal proteins are depleted at the PPB site, but the processes that bring about these changes are still unknown. We have investigated the membrane systems associated with the PPB regions of epidermal cells of onion cotyledons by means of serial thin sections and electron tomograms. In contrast with specimens preserved by chemical fixatives, our high‐pressure frozen cells demonstrated the presence of large numbers of clathrin‐coated pits and vesicles in the PPB regions. The vesicles were of two types: clathrin‐coated and structurally related, non‐coated vesicles. Quantitative analysis of the data revealed that the number of clathrin‐coated pits and vesicles is higher in the PPB regions than outside of these regions. Immunofluorescent microscopy using anti‐plant clathrin‐antibody confirmed this result. In contrast, no differences in secretory activities were observed. We postulate that the removal of membrane proteins by endocytosis plays a role in the formation of PPB ‘memory’ structures.
Employment preferences of public sector nurses in Malawi: results from a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Mangham Lindsay J. , Hanson Kara
Published: October 2008

Objectives  To understand the employment preferences of Malawian public sector registered nurses, and to ascertain whether salary increases significantly affect how nurses regard their employment.

Methods  A discrete choice experiment was used to assess the significance of six job attributes on nurses’ preferences over pairs of job descriptions: net monthly pay, provision of government housing, opportunities to upgrade their qualifications, typical workload, availability of resources and place of work. A multivariate model was used to estimate the extent to which nurses were willing to trade between their monetary benefits, non‐monetary benefits, and working conditions, and to determine the relative importance of the job attributes.

Results  Most nurses were willing to trade among attributes, and very few appeared to have preferences that were dominated by a single job attribute. All attributes had a statistically significant influence on nurses’ preferences, and further analysis showed the rate at which they were willing to forego pay increases for other improvements in their employment conditions. Opportunities to upgrade professional qualifications, government housing and the increases in net monthly pay had the greatest impact on nurses’ employment choices.

Conclusions  Salary enhancement can improve the motivation and retention of nurses, as well as improvements of employment conditions, which support existing efforts to address the health worker shortage.
A novel HLA‐C allele, Cw*0617
Authors: Faé I. , Rosenmayr A. , Mayr W. R. , Fischer G. F.
Published: October 2008

Sequencing analysis of exons 1–3 of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐C gene showed a novel allele, HLA‐Cw*0617. While the amino acid sequence is identical with the HLA‐Cw*060201 allele, the leader peptide differs in three amino acids.
A novel HLA‐B allele, B*4093, sharing sequences with B*4006 and B*0702 in an Asian Indian donor
Authors: Aggarwal R. , Stamm L. , Zhao W. , Fernandez‐Vina M. , Senitzer D. , Berka N.
Published: October 2008

A new HLA‐B allele (B*4093) in a North Indian Hindu donor differing from B*4006 by four nucleotide substitutions in codon 41.1, codon 44.3, codon 45.1 and codon 50.3 has been identified. This novel allele was part of the A*0211‐B*4093‐Cw*1502‐DRB1*15‐DQB1*06 HLA haplotype.
Association of the CTG (−2578/−460/+405) haplotype within the vascular endothelial growth factor gene with early‐onset psoriasis
Authors: Wongpiyabovorn J. , Yooyongsatit S. , Ruchusatsawat K. , Avihingsanon Y. , Hirankarn N.
Published: October 2008

Polymorphism of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) influences the VEGF production and is subjected to genetic susceptibility of many diseases including psoriasis. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the promoter and exon 1 region [−2578(C/A), −460(C/T) and +405(C/G)] were analyzed in 154 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and in 234 ethnically matched healthy controls from Thailand. The CTG (−2578/−460/+405) haplotype frequency was higher in patients with early‐onset psoriasis (44.12%) compared with healthy controls (33.33%) (odds ratio = 1.54, 95% confidence interval = 1.08–2.18, P = 0.016, corrected P value: Pc = 0.048). The results suggest that the CTG haplotype can be used as a genetic marker for psoriasis especially the early‐onset group of Thais.
Cord blood cytokines and chemokines and development of allergic disease
Authors: Sandberg Martina , Frykman Anne , Ernerudh Jan , Berg Göran , Matthiesen Leif , Ekerfelt Christina , Nilsson Lennart J. , Jenmalm Maria C.
Published: October 2008

Exposure to ubiquitous allergens early in life, even before birth, may influence the incidence of allergic diseases later in life. During pregnancy, the fetomaternal interface is surrounded by high levels of T‐helper (Th)2‐like cytokines, possibly favouring the development of Th2‐like immune responses in the offspring. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between cord blood (CB) IgE antibodies, Th1‐ and Th2‐like cytokines and chemokines, maternal allergy and development of allergic disease during the first 2 yr of life in the offspring. The CB cytokine and chemokine levels from children of 20 allergic and 36 non‐allergic women were determined by a multiplexed Luminex assay and ELISA. Total CB and maternal IgE antibody concentrations were quantified using ImmunoCAP technology. The maternal IgE levels during and after pregnancy correlated with CB IgE and Th2‐associated macrophage‐derived chemokine [MDC (CCL22)] levels. Development of allergic disease and sensitization was associated with increased CB IgE and MDC (CCL22) levels, as well as high ratios of MDC (CCL22) to Th1‐associated interferon‐γ inducible protein 10 [IP‐10 (CXCL10)] and interferon‐γ inducible T‐cell α‐chemoattractant [I‐TAC (CXCL11) (n = 7 allergic vs. n = 25 non‐allergic)]. The correlations between maternal IgE and CB IgE and MDC (CCL22) levels possibly indicate that the maternal immunity can affect the Th1/Th2 profile in the neonate. Development of allergic disease is associated with a more marked Th2‐like deviation already at birth, shown as increased levels of CB IgE and MDC (CCL22) and higher ratios of MDC (CCL22) to IP‐10 (CXCL10) and I‐TAC (CXCL11).
Intestinal microbiota differentially affect brush border enzyme activity and gene expression in the neonatal gnotobiotic pig
Authors: Willing B. P. , Van Kessel A. G.
Published: October 2008

To study microbial influence on intestinal development pertaining to nutrient digestion, two separate gnotobiotic experiments were performed, each with 16 piglets allocated to four treatment groups: germfree (GF), monoassociation with Escherichia coli, monoassociation with Lactobacillus fermentum or conventionalization with faecal bacteria (CV). Enzyme activity and gene expression of lactase phlorizin hydrolase (LPH) and aminopeptidase N (APN) were measured in isolated enterocytes, harvested on day 14, using specific substrates and quantitative PCR respectively. Enterocytes of CV pigs had reduced APN activity, but had increased gene expression relative to GF, making the specific activity:mRNA (A:G) ratio dramatically lower (p < 0.05). Similarly, LPH A:G ratio was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in enterocytes of CV pigs as compared with GF. The results of co‐incubation of L. fermentum, E. coli and faecal bacteria with APN indicate a direct relationship between enzyme inactivation and specific A:G ratio in enterocytes. We conclude that enterocyte up‐regulation of APN expression occurs as either a direct response to microbial colonization or as a feedback mechanism in response to reduced enzyme activity through microbial degradation. This mechanism may play a role in ensuring effective competition of the host with the intestinal microbiota for available nutrients.
Effect of different feeding regimes on pre‐weaning growth rumen fermentation and its influence on post‐weaning performance of lambs
Authors: Bhatt R. S. , Tripathi M. K. , Verma D. L. , Karim S. A.
Published: October 2008

Influence of pre‐weaning live weight on post‐weaning growth performance was assessed on thirty‐nine 15‐day‐old Indian native lambs, randomly fed in three equal groups until 180 days of age. During pre‐weaning phase lambs were maintained under feeding regimen of grazing (C‐0; Control), grazing and ad lib creep mixture supplementation (C‐AL) or grazing, with ad lib creep mixture and milk replacer supplementation (C‐ALMR). Lambs were allowed to suckle respective dam in morning and evening till 90 days of age, and fed ad lib green leaves of Ailanthus excelsa after grazing. After weaning all lambs were maintained on grazing and ad lib finisher concentrates supplementation. Pre‐weaning performance of lambs in terms of weaning weight (17.2 kg), average daily gain (ADG; 154 g) and feed conversion ratio 3.73 was higher (p < 0.01) in C‐ALMR lambs but total gain and ADG were similar among three groups during post‐weaning phase. However, improved pre‐weaning plane of nutrition and growth rate increased (p < 0.01) finishing weight (FW) of lambs in C‐AL, 33 kg and C‐ALMR, 32 kg. Dry matter intake was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in C‐AL and C‐ALMR lambs due to combined effect of feeding. Rumen pH was lowest (p = 0.049) in C‐AL lambs. Rumen ciliate protozoa population (104/ml) decreased in C‐ALMR lambs (4.3) but increased in C‐AL lambs (50.0) more so in C‐0 Lambs (19.8). Concentrate feeding of C‐AL lamb improved nutrient digestibility. Lambs of C‐0 group consumed more DM during post‐weaning phase that improved growth performance, while nutrient digestibility was not affected by pre‐weaning nutrition. Thus, pre‐weaning nutrition has significant influence on FW, however influence of milk replacer feeding on lamb growth need further studies.
Short‐term intake of β‐carotene‐supplemented diets enhances ovarian function and progesterone synthesis in goats
Authors: Arellano‐Rodriguez G. , Meza‐Herrera C. A. , Rodriguez‐Martinez R. , Dionisio‐Tapia R. , Hallford D. M. , Mellado M. , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A.
Published: October 2008

The effect of β‐carotene supplementation upon luteal activity, measured as number (CLT) and volume (VLT) of corpus luteum, and P4 synthesis in goats, was evaluated. Goats (n = 22, 34 months) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: (i) β‐carotene [Beta, n = 10; body weight (BW = 44.8 ± 1.45 kg), body condition score (BCS = 3.25 ± 0.07)], and (ii) Control (Control, n = 12; BW = 45.30 ± 1.32 kg, BCS = 3.33 ± 0.06). Upon oestrus synchronization, the Beta group received 50 mg of β‐carotene per day during 35 days pre‐ and 17 days post‐ovulation. The day 4, 8, 12 and 16 post‐ovulation, blood samples were collected for quantification of serum P4 concentrations by radioimmmunoassay, and transrectal ultrasonographic scanning was performed at day 18 for evaluating CLT and VLT. Overall, CLT and VLT mean were 3.10 and 2211.1 mm3 respectively. The Beta‐goats depicted both the largest values for CLT (p = 0.07) and serum P4 levels (p = 0.05), with no differences (p = 0.53) for VLT between treatments. Results suggest a higher efficiency within the cellular‐enzymatic groups defining the steroidogenic pathways in the β‐carotene‐supplemented goats, generating a larger P4 synthesis. The last is essential for ovulation of healthy oocytes, maintenance of uterine quiescence, nourishment and survival of the embryo around implantation; all of them of paramount significance during the maternal recognition of pregnancy process.
Cryopreservation of Immature Bovine Oocytes to Reconstruct Artificial Gametes by Germinal Vesicle Transplantation
Authors: Luciano AM , Franciosi F , Lodde V , Perazzoli F , Slezáková M , Modina S
Published: October 2008

Contents

Joining immature gamete cryopreservation and germinal vesicle transplantation (GVT) technique could greatly improve assisted reproductive technologies in animal breeding and human medicine. The present work was aimed to assess the most suitable cryopreservation protocol between slow freezing and vitrification for immature denuded bovine oocytes, able to preserve both nuclear and cytoplasmic competence after thawing. In addition, the outcome of germinal vesicle transfer procedure and gamete reconstruction was tested on the most effective cryopreservation system. Oocytes, isolated from slaughterhouse ovaries, were stored after cumulus cells removal either by slow freezing or by vitrification in open pulled straws. After thawing, oocytes were matured for 24 h in co‐culture with an equal number of just isolated intact cumulus enclosed oocytes, and fixed in order to evaluate the stage of meiotic progression and cytoskeleton organization. Our results showed that after warming, vitrified oocytes reached metaphase II (MII) in a percentage significantly higher than oocytes cryopreserved by slow freezing (76.2% and 36.5% respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, vitrification process preserved the organization of cytoskeleton elements in a higher proportion of oocytes than slow freezing procedure. Therefore vitrification has been identified as the elective method for denuded immature oocytes banking and it has been applied in the second part of the study. Our results showed that 38.3% of oocytes reconstructed from vitrified gametes reached the MII of meiotic division, with efficiency not different from oocytes reconstructed with fresh gametes. We conclude that vitrification represents a suitable method of GV stage denuded oocyte banking since both nuclear and cytoplasmic components derived from cryopreserved immature oocytes can be utilized for GVT.
Morphology and Chromatin Integrity of Stallion Spermatozoa Prepared by Density Gradient and Single Layer Centrifugation Through Silica Colloids
Authors: Morrell JM , Johannisson A , Dalin A‐M , Rodriguez‐Martinez H
Published: October 2008

Contents

The objective was to investigate whether it is possible to improve the quality of stallion semen, with respect to sperm morphology and chromatin integrity, both of which have been linked to fertility, using either density gradient centrifugation (DGC) or a new method, hereby named single layer centrifugation (SLC). The two methods of colloidal centrifugation were evaluated using 38 ejaculates from 10 stallions. Sperm morphology, subjective motility and sperm chromatin integrity were compared in uncentrifuged samples and in centrifuged sperm preparations. The proportion of morphologically normal spermatozoa varied between stallions (p < 0.001) and was increased by both methods of colloidal centrifugation (median value before centrifugation 67.5%; after SLC 78%; after DGC 77%; p < 0.001). The incidence of certain abnormalities was reduced, e.g. proximal cytoplasmic droplets were reduced from 12.9% to 8.8% (p < 0.001), and mid‐piece defects from 5.3% to 1.4% (p < 0.05). Similarly, sperm motility and chromatin integrity were significantly improved (p < 0.001), with no difference between the two centrifugation methods. Centrifugation through colloids can enrich the proportions of stallion spermatozoa with normal morphology and normal chromatin structure in sperm preparations. The new method, SLC, was as effective as DGC in selecting motile stallion spermatozoa with normal morphology and intact chromatin. SLC, being simpler to use than DGC, would be appropriate for routine use by stud personnel to improve stallion sperm quality in insemination doses.
Review article: Tackling the survival issue in end‐stage renal disease: Time to get physical on haemodialysis
Authors: CHEEMA BIRINDER SINGH BOBBY
Published: October 2008

Life expectancy in haemodialysis patients is reduced fourfold on average versus healthy age‐matched individuals. The purpose of this review is to present empirical evidence that intradialytic exercise can mitigate primary independent risk factors for early mortality in end‐stage renal disease. These risk factors include measures of skeletal muscle wasting, systemic inflammation, cardiovascular functioning and dialysis adequacy. Overall, the available literature provides support for the integration of exercise within the conventional outpatient haemodialysis unit. The amelioration of various physiological risk factors through an appropriate exercise prescription may enhance survival in this vulnerable cohort. Investigations are required to determine the effects of various doses of intradialytic exercise on a broad range of clinical outcomes, and more thoroughly elucidate the relationship between exercise‐induced adaptations and survival advantage in end‐stage renal disease.
Classification of female genito‐urinary tract fistula: Inter‐ and intra‐observer correlations
Authors: Goh Judith T. W. , Krause Hannah G. , Browning Andrew , Chang Allan
Published: October 2008

Background:  Currently, there is no accepted standardized classification for genital tract fistulae. Many classifications have been proposed previously, mainly based on anatomical locations. This is the first paper on inter‐ and intra‐observer correlations using a recently published classification system based on fixed reference points.

Aim:  To assess intra‐ and inter‐observer reliability of a new classification for genito‐urinary fistula.

Methods:  This is a prospective assessment of women with genito‐urinary fistula. Women attending the Fistula Clinic in Ethiopia and Liberia were assessed by three fistula surgeons. The women were assessed in the outpatients and the fistulae were staged. In Liberia, where two surgeons were working together, inter‐observer reliability was assessed. All women had the fistulae restaged in the operating theatre and intra‐observer concordance was assessed. The clinicians were blinded to the outpatient results.

Results:  A total of 119 women were recruited. All women had intra‐observer assessment and had the fistula examined by the same clinician in the outpatients and in the operating theatre. Fifty of these women had inter‐observer assessment with two clinicians assessing the same women. The results demonstrated that this classification system had high concordance in intra‐ and inter‐observer reproducibility.

Conclusion:  The new classification for genito‐urinary fistulae utilizing fixed reference points is a useful tool in describing fistulae. This study has shown that this classification produced consistency in description amongst different clinicians and also by the same clinician in a different consultation. This therefore allows more precise communication of clinical findings.
Factors influencing the choice between cold knife conization and loop electrosurgical excisional procedure for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Shin Jin Woo , Rho Hyun Seok , Park Chan Yong
Published: October 2008

Aim:  To determine whether cold knife conization (CKC) or loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP) is the better option for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) under specific circumstances.

Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent CKC or LEEP for the treatment of CIN. The proportion of non‐negative surgical margins between the two treatment groups was calculated based on their age, parity, previous mode of delivery, and grade of CIN. The Student's t‐test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to find the better option for the treatment of CIN under the specific circumstances.

Results:  A total of 118 patients were enrolled in the study. Between the two treatment groups, there was no significant difference in the overall proportion of non‐negative surgical margins (P > 0.05). The grade of CIN, the previous mode of delivery, and parity did not affect the surgical margin status. The CKC treatment group had a significantly lower incidence of non‐negative surgical margins than the LEEP treatment group (14.3% vs. 52.6%, respectively; P < 0.05) in the patients >45 years of age. Based on multivariate analyses, LEEP was identified as a significant risk factor for non‐negative surgical margins in the patients >45 years of age. Of the 11 patients with non‐negative surgical margins who underwent a secondary procedure within 6 months of the initial CKC or LEEP, five patients (45.5%) had residual CIN II and III.

Conclusions:  In patients >45 years of age, CKC is the preferred treatment for CIN.
Western Europe and the Gulf Crisis: Towards a European Foreign Policy?
Authors: Poulon Christine , Bourantonis Dimitris
Published: October 2008

If European union means anything, it means having a common foreign policy that amounts to more than expressions of pious platitudes. Europe cannot expect anyone to take it seriously if it leaves the United States to defend its interests in the Middle East. ( Independent, 3 August 1990)
Empirical Bayes Estimation of Small Area Means under a Nested Error Linear Regression Model with Measurement Errors in the Covariates
Authors: TORABI MAHMOUD , DATTA GAURI S. , RAO J. N. K.
Published: October 2008

Abstract.  Previously, small area estimation under a nested error linear regression model was studied with area level covariates subject to measurement error. However, the information on observed covariates was not used in finding the Bayes predictor of a small area mean. In this paper, we first derive the fully efficient Bayes predictor by utilizing all the available data. We then estimate the regression and variance component parameters in the model to get an empirical Bayes (EB) predictor and show that the EB predictor is asymptotically optimal. In addition, we employ the jackknife method to obtain an estimator of mean squared prediction error (MSPE) of the EB predictor. Finally, we report the results of a simulation study on the performance of our EB predictor and associated jackknife MSPE estimators. Our results show that the proposed EB predictor can lead to significant gain in efficiency over the previously proposed EB predictor.
A More General Non‐expected Utility Model as an Explanation of Gambling Outcomes for Individuals and Markets
Authors: PEEL DAVID , LAW DAVID
Published: October 2008

One feature of experimental work is the heterogeneity in risk attitudes and probability distortion displayed by agents. We outline a more general non‐expected utility model, which nests the models of Markowitz, and Kahneman and Tversky. The model can generate the standard favourite–longshot bias or a reverse favourite–longshot bias as a result of optimal behaviour. We also provide new empirical evidence on the relationship between Tote and bookmaker returns and confirm that the relationship is not as originally conjectured by Gabriel and Marsden. We outline how our new model can provide an explanation of the relationship that is observed.
Worker‐financed versus Firm‐sponsored Training: How are Skilled Workers Supplied to the Economy?
Authors: SHINTOYO NAOKI
Published: October 2008

A search and matching model of general human capital is developed to contrast worker‐financed training with firm‐sponsored training, to evaluate which type of training might prevail in the economy. It will be shown that firm‐sponsored training is more likely to occur when there is greater friction in the labour market, whereas worker‐financed training prevails in a less frictional market. Moreover, the model has multiple equilibria in labour markets with intermediate friction. Comparative statistics exercises tell us that reductions in labour market friction result in less firm‐sponsored training in the economy, but encourage worker‐financed training.
Selectively eliminating and conserving exotic plants to save an endangered butterfly from local extinction
Authors: Severns P. M. , Warren A. D.
Published: October 2008

Rare butterfly conservation requires understanding of butterfly interactions with the resource conditions that influence population growth. Exotic plant invasions can reduce butterfly population size and growth by displacing key resources, degrading habitat conditions and directly impacting fitness, but exotic plants may also be incorporated into native butterfly diets, rendering practicing conservation biologists a choice between exotic plant control and butterfly population persistence. Euphydryas editha taylori (Nymphalidae), a candidate endangered butterfly species in the Pacific Northwest of North America, switched from an unknown native larval host plant to become entirely dependent on an exotic larval host Plantago lanceolata in extant western Oregon populations. Furthermore, the last Oregon butterfly populations are surrounded by two exotic grasses, Brachypodium sylvaticum and Festuca arundinacea, both of which can dominate remnant native prairies and degrade native grassland structural conditions. When given a choice of habitat conditions, E. e. taylori oviposited on larval host plants surrounded by increasing abundance of short‐statured native bunchgrasses and adult nectar resources, indicating that females select egg‐laying sites based on habitat conditions rather than just host plant presence. Both larval and adult resources substantially diminished with increasing cover of exotic grasses and were nearly absent when B. sylvaticum and F. arundinacea dominated. Butterfly resource loss with increasing exotic grass cover, the documentation of contemporary subpopulation extinction, current historic site conditions and grass invasion history in the Willamette Valley suggest that mass E. e. taylori extinction in western Oregon by the late 1970s was due to B. sylvaticum and F. arundinacea invasion. To prevent the extinction of E. e. taylori, land managers must accept that the anthropogenically mediated host switch to P. lanceolata must be conserved and that reintroductions/augmentation with a potential native host plant species is unlikely to be effective because larval development is timed to P. lanceolata growth.
Jordan and The Peace Process
Authors: Talal El Hassan Bin
Published: October 2008

The following speech by HRH Crown Prince Hassan of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was delivered by Jawad Anani, Minister of State for Prime Ministry Affairs, in Washington, D.C., on September 26,1994, at a meeting sponsored by the Middle East Policy Council.
Symposium: Contemporary Oman And U.S.‐Oman Relations
Authors: Pelletreau Robert H. , Page John , Kechichian Joseph A. , Geyer Georgie Anne , Eickelman Christine , Dunn Michael Collins
Published: October 2008

The following is an edited transcript of the proceedings of a symposium recognizing the twenty‐fifth anniversary of the accession of HM. Qaboos Bin Said, the Sultan of Oman. This was the ninth in a series of Capitol Hill symposiums conducted by the Middle East Policy Council over the past three years. It was held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC, on October 12, 1995.
1 Gender, Households, and Society: An Introduction
Authors: Brumfiel Elizabeth M. , Robin Cynthia
Published: October 2008

A critical strength of the discipline of archaeology is that its access to the material record of human history extends well beyond the written record and includes societies and cultures unaffected by Western colonialism and capitalist penetration. Bringing to light the social relations of earlier time periods, archaeology plays a critical role in documenting the full range of human variation, a role that cannot be filled by ethnography, history, or ethnohistory with their shorter temporal spans. By questioning essentialist notions of binary gender systems, gender research in archaeology can lead to a reevaluation of long‐standing disciplinary assumptions about the nature of household organization, subsistence and craft production, ritual performance, and the structure of ancient states. The materiality of gender relations and gender identities in the archaeological record allows archaeologists to conduct historical comparisons of ancient, ethnohistoric, and ethnographic time periods to document changes as well as continuities in human social conditions. In so doing, archaeologists are able to expose ancient social scenarios that are distinctive from contemporary arrangements and thus widen the scope of the social sciences.
5 Situating Power and Locating Knowledge: A Paleoethnobotanical Perspective on Late Classic Maya Gender and Social Relations
Authors: Morehart Christopher T. , Helmke Christophe G. B.
Published: October 2008

Viewing household production in terms of a political economic balance of “give and take” circumvents difficulties related to gender attribution in archaeology and challenges timeless gender stereotypes. This chapter proposes such an archaeological approach to gender by examining the charcoal assemblages from two Late Classic period Maya archaeological sites in the upper Belize Valley of western Belize. These sites occupied distinct positions within a complex political economic landscape, and their charcoal assemblages reflect heterogeneity in household production. The type and the intensity of activities, including wood procurement and craft production, were socially contingent. We propose that household activities and forms of knowledge were conditioned by the positions of households within broader political economic landscapes, not conforming to the timeless social stereotypes imposed by archaeologists.
9 Shaken, Not Stirred: The Revolution in Archaeology
Authors: Pyburn K. Anne
Published: October 2008

A generation of archaeologists has shown that gender stereotyping has impeded our ability to understand the political economy, social organization, and cultural changes that are reflected in archaeological data. But feminist archaeology has also shown that to understand the past we could not simply “add women and stir”; that researching gender would require interrogating a great deal of received wisdom and might ultimately challenge some of our most cherished anthropological and ethnographic categories. By studying gender in the past we were not trying to place women within the standard anthropological framework of understanding, we were trying to shake the framework. The important contributions to this volume come from some of the first young scholars to be born into that shaken framework; each providing new perspectives, new interpretations, and new insights into the lives of ancient people that expand not only what we perceive about the past, but also what we can understand about ourselves.
Mutations in p53, p53 protein overexpression and breast cancer survival
Authors: Rossner Jr Pavel , Gammon Marilie D. , Zhang Yu‐Jing , Terry Mary Beth , Hibshoosh Hanina , Memeo Lorenzo , Mansukhani Mahesh , Long Chang‐Min , Garbowski Gail , Agrawal Meenakshi , Kalra Tara S. , Gaudet Mia M. , Teitelbaum Susan L. , Neugut Alfred I. , Santella Regina M.
Published: October 2008

p53 is an important tumour suppressor gene that encodes p53 protein, a molecule involved in cell cycle regulation and has been inconsistently linked to breast cancer survival. Using archived tumour tissue from a population‐based sample of 859 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1996 and 1997, we determined p53 mutations in exons 5–8 and p53 protein overexpression. We examined the association of p53 mutations with overexpression and selected tumour clinical parameters. We assessed whether either p53 marker was associated with survival through 2002, adjusting for other tumour markers and prognostic factors. The prevalence of protein overexpression in the tumour was 36% (307/859) and of any p53 mutation was 15% (128/859). p53 overexpression was positively associated with the presence of any p53 mutation (odds ratio [OR]= 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.5–3.2), particularly missense mutations (ER = 7.0, 95% CI = 3.6–13.7). Negative oestrogen and progesterone receptor (ER/PR) status was positively associated with both p53 protein overexpression (= 2.6, 95% CI = 1.7–4.0) and p53 mutation (OR = 3.9, 95% CI = 2.4–6.5). Any p53 mutation and missense mutations, but not p53 protein overexpression, were associated with breast cancer‐specific mortality (hazard ratio [HR]= 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0–2.8; HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1–3.6, respectively) and all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.4; HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2–3.4, respectively); nonsense mutations were associated only with breast cancer‐specific mortality (HR = 3.0, 95% CI = 1.1–8.1). These associations however did not remain after adjusting for ER/PR status. Thus, in this population‐based cohort of women with breast cancer, although p53 protein overexpression and p53 mutations were associated with each other, neither independently impacted breast cancer‐specific or all‐causing mortality, after considering ER/PR status.
miR‐21: a small multi‐faceted RNA
Authors: Krichevsky Anna M. , Gabriely Galina
Published: October 2008

miR‐21 expression in cancer and other diseases

Mechanisms of miR‐21 elevation in cancer: multi‐level regulatory control

Transcriptional control

Post‐trancriptional regulation

miR‐21 functions in cancer

Identification of direct miR‐21 targets

miR‐21 in gliomas: targeting cell cycle, apoptosis and invasion

miR‐21 networking and feedback regulation

miR‐21 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker

Potential therapeutic target

Acknowledgements

More than 1000 microRNAs (miRNAs) are expressed in human cells, some tissue or cell type specific, others considered as house‐keeping molecules. Functions and direct mRNA targets for some miRNAs have been relatively well studied over the last years. Every miRNA potentially regulates the expression of numerous protein‐coding genes (tens to hundreds), but it has become increasingly clear that not all miRNAs are equally important; diverse high‐throughput screenings of various systems have identified a limited number of key functional miRNAs over and over again. Particular miRNAs emerge as principal regulators that control major cell functions in various physiological and pathophysiological settings. Since its identification 3 years ago as the miRNA most commonly and strongly up‐regulated in human brain tumour glioblastoma [1], miR‐21 has attracted the attention of researchers in various fields, such as development, oncology, stem cell biology and aging, becoming one of the most studied miRNAs, along with let‐7, miR‐17–92 cluster (‘oncomir‐1’), miR‐155 and a few others. However, an miR‐21 knockout mouse has not yet been generated, and the data about miR‐21 functions in normal cells are still very limited. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge of miR‐21 functions in human disease, with an emphasis on its regulation, oncogenic role, targets in human cancers, potential as a disease biomarker and novel therapeutic target in oncology.