bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression studies in cultured dendritic cells: new indicators for the discrimination of skin sensitizers and irritants in vitro
Authors: Szameit S. , Vierlinger K. , Farmer L. , Tuschl H. , Noehammer C.
Published: March 2009

Background
The replacement of animal tests for the detection of the sensitizing potential of chemicals is of great importance due to current legislation. One promising approach for the development of an in vitro assay is the exposure of immature dendritic cells (iDCs) to contact sensitizers and irritants, followed by an analysis of the maturation status of the cells.

Objective
The aim of this study was to further investigate the performance of our previously developed targeted microarray, the immune toxicity chip. In addition, we aimed to identify new marker genes for the discrimination of allergens and irritants using whole‐genome microarrays.

Methods
Monocyte‐derived iDCs were exposed to contact sensitizers and irritants in concentrations resulting in 10–20% cytotoxicity, as determined by dose–response curves. Changes in gene expression were analysed using the immune toxicity chip and a commercially available whole‐genome microarray.

Results
Using the immune toxicity chip, we could identify a panel of marker genes suitable to discriminate strong allergens and irritants. Analysis with the whole‐genome array revealed additional genes that are differentially expressed after allergen exposure, but not after irritant exposure. Hierarchical clustering of these genes showed distinct groups representing the different chemicals.

Conclusion
Here we show that our test system based on an immune‐specific microarray is suitable for the discrimination of strong allergens and irritants. Genes detected as differentially expressed with the whole‐genome array and previously not connected to the maturation process of DCs might be suitable candidate genes for the identification of weaker sensitizers.
Simvastatin increases osteoblasts and osteogenic proteins in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Ho M.‐L. , Chen Y.‐H. , Liao H.‐J. , Chen C.‐H. , Hung S.‐H. , Lee M.‐J. , Fu Y.‐C. , Wang Y.‐H. , Wang G.‐J. , Chang J.‐K.
Published: March 2009

Background  Previous reports have indicated that statins could prevent bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and increase the expressions of osteogenic genes in cultured osteoblasts. In this study, we hypothesized that simvastatin might increase osteoblast number and protein expressions of osteogenic markers localized in bones in concomitance with the prevention of bone loss in OVX rats.

Materials and methods  Fifty‐four 3‐month‐old OVX and sham‐operated (SHAM) female Sprague–Dawley rats were used. Simvastatin (10–20 mg kg−1 day−1) was administrated orally for 6 weeks. Trabecular volume, osteoblast number and osteogenic proteins including BMP2, collagen type I and osteocalcin on bone sections obtained from lumbar vertebral body, distal femur and proximal tibia were measured.

Results  The results showed that SHAM rats had significantly less trabecular bone volume and osteoblast number than that of OVX rats 6 weeks after operation. Oral simvastatin treatment (10–20 mg kg−1 day−1) increased bone volume and osteoblast number in the distal femurs, proximal tibiae and vertebrae of OVX rats. Furthermore, the osteoblastic cells with immuno‐stained BMP2, collagen type I and osteocalcin in vertebral bones were significantly increased by simvastatin treatment (20 mg kg−1 day−1) in OVX rats.

Conclusions  This study demonstrates that simvastatin enhances the production of osteogenic proteins in bone and this effect may contribute to the prevention of bone loss in OVX rats.
Predictors of inotropic and chronotropic effects of N G‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine
Authors: Brillante D. G. , O’Sullivan A. J. , Johnstone M. T. , Howes L. G.
Published: March 2009

Background  The haemodynamic effects of intravenous infusion of the non‐selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) l‐omega monomethyl arginine (l‐NMMA) have previously been characterized in humans. Its effect of reducing cardiac index (CI) is an important reason for the increase in mortality in patients with septic shock receiving l‐NMMA in a pivotal outcome trial for this indication. The mechanism for the reduction in CI however, is uncertain.

Methods  In this study, we investigated the haemodynamic and arterial stiffness response to a bolus intravenous infusion of l‐NMMA (3 mg kg−1 over 5 min) in 26 healthy human volunteers to clarify the likely cause of l‐NMMA induced negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. Digital photoplethysmography (MicroMedical Pulse Trace) was used to derive two measures of arterial stiffness: stiffness index, a measure of large arterial stiffness, and reflection index (RI), a measure of small‐ to medium‐sized arterial stiffness. Haemodynamic measurements of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), stroke index and CI were made using a bioimpedance monitor (BioZ Cardiodynamics).

Results  We found that changes in CI during l‐NMMA are closely related to changes in RI and SVRI.

Conclusion  The negative inotropic effect of l‐NMMA may be a result of an increase in coronary vascular resistance and a resultant decrease in myocardial perfusion. The reduction in CI may also result from a direct reduction of the normal positive inotropic effect of NO by l‐NMMA which is closely correlated with its effects on SVRI.
Stem hydraulics mediates leaf water status, carbon gain, nutrient use efficiencies and plant growth rates across dipterocarp species
Authors: Zhang Jiao‐Lin , Cao Kun‐Fang
Published: March 2009

Stem vascular system strongly influences structure and functioning of leaves, life‐history, and distribution of plants. Xylem structure and hydraulic conductivity of branches, leaf functional traits, and growth rates in 17 dipterocarp species in a mature plantation stand were examined to explore the functional relationships between these traits.

Maximum hydraulic conductivity on the bases of both sapwood and leaf area (kL) were positively correlated with midday leaf water potential in the rainy season, stomatal conductance, area‐based maximum photosynthetic rate, photosynthetic N (PNUE) and P use efficiencies (PPUE), and mean height and diameter growth rates. Moreover,kLwas positively correlated with mesophyll thickness and mass‐based maximum photosynthetic rate. These results revealed the mechanistic linkage between stem hydraulics and leaf photosynthesis through nutrient use efficiency and mesophyll development of leaves.

A detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) using 37 traits showed that the traits related to stem hydraulics and leaf carbon gain were loaded on the first axis whereas traits related to light harvesting were loaded on the second axis, indicating that light harvesting is a distinct ecological axis for tropical canopy plants. The DCA also revealed a trade‐off between photosynthetic water use efficiency and hydraulic conductivity along with PNUE and PPUE.

The congeneric species were scattered fairly close together on the DCA diagram, indicating that the linkages between stem hydraulics, leaf functional traits, and plant growth rates are phylogenetically conserved.

These results suggest that stem hydraulics mediates leaf water status, carbon gain, nutrient use efficiencies, and growth rates across the dipterocarp species. The wide variation in functional traits and growth rates among these dipterocarp species along with the trade‐offs mentioned above provide a possible explanation for their co‐existence in tropical forest communities.
Utilization of semi‐natural grassland through integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass. I. Effects of hydrothermal conditioning and mechanical dehydration on mass flows of organic and mineral plant compounds, and nutrient balances
Authors: Wachendorf M. , Richter F. , Fricke T. , Graß R. , Neff R.
Published: March 2009

The use of semi‐natural grasslands for the production of renewable energy through conventional conversion techniques faces major limitations because of chemical and physical properties of the biomass. A new conversion procedure was developed which separates the biomass, as silage, into a liquid phase for biogas production and into a solid fraction to be used as fuel. Separation (mechanical dehydration) is carried out with a screw press after mashing with water (hydrothermal conditioning). The effect of hydrothermal conditioning at different temperatures (5, 60 and 80°C) and mechanical dehydration on mass flows of plant compounds into the press fluid was investigated for five grassland pastures typical of mountain areas of Germany. Results show that 0·18 of the crude fibre was transferred into the fluid, whereas more digestible organic compounds, such as crude protein and nitrogen‐free extract, showed mass flows of 0·40 and 0·31 respectively. While 0·52–0·89 of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and chloride (Cl), which are detrimental for the combustion of the press cake, were transferred into the press fluid, more than 0·50 of calcium, which has positive combustion properties, remained in the press cake. Significantly (P < 0·05) higher mass flows were detected at conditioning temperatures of 60°C (K and Mg) and 80°C (crude fibre and nitrogen‐free extract) compared with the 5°C treatment. Because of the separation of solids and liquids, high proportions of P (0·61–0·74) and K (0·64–0·85) but only 0·32–0·45 of nitrogen exported from the grassland would be recycled with an application of the digestates from the anaerobic digestion of the press liquid.
Post‐Little Ice Age tree line rise and climate warming in the Swedish Scandes: a landscape ecological perspective
Authors: Kullman Leif , Öberg Lisa
Published: March 2009

Elevational tree line change in the southern Swedish Scandes was quantified for the period 1915–2007 and for two sub‐periods 1915–1975 and 1975–2007. The study focused on Betula pubescens ssp. czerepanovii, Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris at a large number of sites distributed over an 8000‐km2 area. The basic approach included revisitations of fixed sites (elevational belt transects) and measurements of tree line positions (m a.s.l.) during these three periods.

Over the past century, tree lines of all species rose at 95% of the studied localities, with means of 70–90 m. All three species displayed maximum upshifts by about 200 m, which manifests a near‐perfect equilibrium with instrumentally recorded air temperature change. This magnitude of response was realized only in particular topographic situations, foremost wind‐sheltered and steep concave slopes. Other sites, with more wind‐exposed topoclimatic conditions, experienced lesser magnitudes of upshifts. Thus, spatial elevational tree line responses to climate change are markedly heterogeneous and site‐dependent. Modelling of the future evolution of the forest‐alpine tundra transition has to consider this fact. Even in a hypothetical case of substantial climate warming, tree lines are unlikely to advance on a broad front and a large proportion of the alpine tundra will remain treeless.

During the period 1975–2007, the tree lines of Picea and Pinus (in particular) advanced more rapidly than that of Betula towards the alpine region. These species‐specific responses could signal a potential trajectory for the evolution of the ecotone in a warmer future. Thereby a situation with some resemblance with the relatively warm and dry early Holocene would emerge.

Substantial tree line upshifts over the past two to three decades coincide with air and soil warming during all seasons. This implies that both summer and winter temperatures have to be included in models of climate‐driven tree line performance.

Synthesis. Maximum tree line rise by 200 m represents a unique trend break in the long‐term Holocene tree line regression, which has been driven by average climate cooling for nearly 10 000 years. Tree line positions are well‐restored to their pre‐Little Ice Age positions. Recent tree line ascent is a truly anomalous event in Holocene vegetation history and possibly unprecedented for seven millennia.
Effects on male fitness of removing Wolbachia infections from the mosquito Aedes albopictus
Authors: CALVITTI M. , MORETTI R. , PORRETTA D. , BELLINI R. , URBANELLI S.
Published: March 2009

Abstract Cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) induced by maternally inherited Wolbachia bacteria is a potential tool for the suppression of insect pest species with appropriate patterns of infection. The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) is known to be infected by two strains of Wolbachia pipientis Hertig (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae), wAlb A and wAlb B, throughout its geographical distribution. This infection pattern theoretically restricts the application of CI‐based control strategies. However, Wolbachia can be horizontally transferred using embryonic microinjection to generate incompatible transfected lines harbouring a single new strain of Wolbachia. In order to assess the feasibility of this approach, the effects of Wolbachia removal on mosquito fitness need to be clearly evaluated as the removal of natural superinfection is an inescapable step of this approach. Previous research has shown that uninfected females, produced by antibiotic treatment, showed a decrease in fitness compared with those infected with Wolbachia. In this study, the effect of Wolbachia removal on male fitness was investigated. Longevity and reproductive potential (mating competitiveness and sperm capacity) were assessed in both laboratory cages and greenhouses. No differences were observed between uninfected and infected males with respect to longevity, mating rate, sperm capacity and mating competitiveness in either laboratory conditions or greenhouses. The preservation of fitness in males of Ae. albopictus deprived of natural Wolbachia infection is discussed in relation to the development of incompatible insect technique suppression strategies. Finally, the potential application of aposymbiotic males in mark–release–recapture studies is suggested.
Diversification in flowering time due to tandem FT‐like gene duplication, generating novel Mendelian factors in wild and cultivated rice
Authors: HAGIWARA WILHELM E. , UWATOKO NAOHIRO , SASAKI ATSUSHI , MATSUBARA KAZUKI , NAGANO HIRONORI , ONISHI KAZUMITSU , SANO YOSHIO
Published: March 2009

The complex structure of a single Mendelian factor widespread in the Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) and its wild progenitor (Oryza rufipogon) that caused diverse phenotypes in the timing of flowering under natural field conditions was investigated in near isogenic lines. These near isogenic lines showed differences in flowering time despite all eight accessions collected from tropical regions possessing a recessive gene allelic to the se‐pat gene. Fine mapping in two of these near‐isogenic lines revealed that cultivated (Patpaku) and wild (W593) accessions had three and two linked quantitative trait loci (QTL) in the candidate regions, respectively, showing that Patpaku and W593 possessed linked QTLs with different effects in addition to the commonly‐observed recessive gene (se‐pat). Molecular dissection suggested that the tandemly duplicated FT‐like genes (Hd3a and RFT1) could be the candidate genes for these QTLs. Interestingly, the linked QTLs differed in their epistases, degree of dominance, and genotype × environment interactions. The nucleotide sequences showed that RFT1 has diverged more rapidly than Hd3a during rice evolution, suggesting phenotypic diversification of the two genes. Phylogenetic analysis implied that the se‐pat+ alleles might have emerged in different lineages within O. sativa. The present results strongly suggest that nucleotide divergence and shuffling of the linked QTLs by recombination might have created novel Mendelian factors that probably contribute to responding to local environments.
CTL responses to Leishmania mexicana gp63‐cDNA vaccine in a murine model
Authors: ALI S. A. , REZVAN H. , MCARDLE S. E. , KHODADADI A. , ASTEAL F. A. , REES R. C.
Published: March 2009

Immunity to Leishmania is believed to be strongly dependent upon the activation of Th1 immune responses, although the exact role of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) has not yet been determined. The aims of this study were to establish a suitable cytotoxicity assay to measure CTL activity and to compare immunity induced by Leishmania mexicana gp63 cDNA via i.m. injection and gene gun immunization in the BALB/c mouse model. The CTL activity was evaluated by short‐term 51Cr‐release cytotoxicity assays against CT26 tumour cells transfected with L. mexicana gp63 cDNA and dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) as targets. The results clearly demonstrated that higher protection to L. mexicana infection was induced by gene gun DNA‐immunization vs. i.m. injection. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity of splenocytes was observed in mice immunized either with L. mexicana gp63 cDNA or SLA and long‐lived CTL activity was observed in immunized and/or re‐challenged mice but not naïve mice infected with the parasite.
Characterization and expression of Fusarium graminearum endo‐polygalacturonases in vitro and during wheat infection
Authors: Tomassini A. , Sella L. , Raiola A. , D’Ovidio R. , Favaron F.
Published: March 2009

This study investigated the expression and characterization of two polygalacturonases (PG1 and PG2) of Fusarium graminearum during infection of wheat spikelets; after purification, these were demonstrated to be products of two unique endo‐pg genes annotated in the genome database of F. graminearum. Both genes (Fgpg1 and Fgpg2) were expressed in vitro and during spike infection. PG1 had a greater specific activity, with a maximum at pH 5–7, was largely secreted in liquid culture and clearly detectable in the infected ovary tissue. PG2 was more active at pH 7–7·8, was poorly secreted in liquid culture and faintly detectable in infected ovaries. Both PG‐encoding genes were maximally expressed 24 h after wheat spikelet infection, paralleling the expression of a pectin lyase (Fgpnl1) gene; they anticipated the expression of a xylanase gene (FgxylA) that was induced only 48 h after infection with a maximum at 96 h. These data strongly indicate F. graminearum‐secreted PG activity at an early stage of wheat infection.
The role of arable weed seeds for agroecosystem functioning
Authors: FRANKE A C , LOTZ L A P , VAN DER BURG W J , VAN OVERBEEK L
Published: March 2009

Franke AC, Lotz LAP, vander Burg WJ & van Overbeek L (2009). The role of arable weed seeds for agroecosystem functioning. Weed Research49, 131–141.

A literature study was conducted to gather knowledge on the impact of weed seeds on agroecosystem functioning other than effects related to the production of weed seedlings and plants. The results of the review suggested that a larger and more diverse weed seedbank can contribute to the biodiversity of various groups of macrofauna and microbiota, with a positive or negative impact on the agroecosystem. However, relationships between weed seed availability and functional biodiversity in the field have generally not been established, with the exception of case studies of seeds sustaining populations of granivorous farmland birds or acting as reservoirs and vectors of plant pathogens. To value the contribution of different weed seeds to sustaining populations of functional biota, more detailed information on their relationships with seeds is essential. Hypotheses and related questions that can be used to explore the impact of weed seeds on functional biodiversity have been identified. The identification of weed seed species that are a key to sustaining functional biota may lead to a weed management strategy aiming to minimise the damage of weeds to crops while taking the alternative ecological roles of weed seeds into account.
Lung cavitation due to Mycobacterium xenopi in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Martín‐Penagos L. , Rodrigo E. , Ruíz J.C. , Agüero J. , Fernandez‐Mazarrasa C. , Martínez L. , Piñera C. , Arias M.
Published: March 2009

Abstract: Mycobacterium xenopi is an unusual pathogen and few such cases have been reported in the literature. We report the case of a patient with a sirolimus‐based immunosuppressive regimen, who developed lung cavitation. M. xenopi was isolated from the sputum. The patient was treated initially with rifampicin, isoniazid, and pyrazinamide; levofloxacin was added to the treatment regimen after M. xenopi was demonstrated. A possible relationship between sirolimus and M. xenopi infection has been postulated, probably due to the combination of pulmonary toxicity and cellular immunosuppression of rapamycin.
Mycobacterium abscessus in cystic fibrosis lung transplant recipients: report of 2 cases and risk for recurrence
Authors: Zaidi S. , Elidemir O. , Heinle J.S. , McKenzie E.D. , Schecter M.G. , Kaplan S.L. , Dishop M.K. , Kearney D.L. , Mallory G.B.
Published: March 2009

Abstract: Mycobacterium abscessus is increasingly recognized as an important pathogen in some individuals with advancing lung disease related to cystic fibrosis (CF). Because of its resistance to antimicrobial agents and virulence, its presence in the lungs of potential lung transplant recipients can be problematic. We present 2 cases of individuals with CF in whom M. abscessus was present in the preoperative sputum cultures. The organism manifested different degrees of invasiveness in the 2 cases after transplantation with different outcomes, suggesting an approach to future candidates for lung transplantation that may be of clinical significance to their physicians and surgeons.
Temperature conditions control embryo growth and seed germination of Corydalis solida (L.) Clairv., a temperate forest spring geophyte
Authors: Vandelook F. , Van Assche J. A.
Published: March 2009

Spring is often the most suitable period for seedling establishment of temperate woodland species. Different physiological mechanisms resulting in spring emergence have evolved in seeds of such plants. The aim of this study was to determine the requirements for breaking dormancy and for seed germination of the European perennial spring geophyte Corydalis solida (Fumariaceae). Ripe seeds of C. solida contain an underdeveloped embryo, consisting of no more than a clump of cells. As a consequence, the embryo has to differentiate and grow to a critical length before germination can occur. In nature, seeds are dispersed in spring, while growth of the embryo starts in the autumn and continues in winter. Germination starts in late winter, immediately after embryo growth is completed, resulting in seedling emergence in the following spring. Experiments in controlled conditions showed that temperature is the main factor controlling dormancy and germination. Incubation at autumn temperatures (15/6 °C; 20/10 °C) for at least 8 weeks is required to initiate embryo growth, while a transfer to 5 °C is needed for completion of embryo growth and germination. Growth of the embryo of C. solida occurs at different temperatures over an extended period, a feature typical of temperate forest herbs. Our results indicate that the dormancy mechanism in seeds of C. solida is very similar to mechanisms in other Corydalis species studied thus far, suggesting that stasis in the dormancy trait has occurred.
Elite three‐day event horses are over‐supplemented during competition
Authors: Williams C. A. , Parise B. A. , Burk A. O.
Published: March 2009

The objective of this study was to analyse the daily intake of vitamin E and some minerals fed or supplemented to horses competing in the Jersey Fresh CCI two‐star and CCI three‐star (n = 35) Three‐Day Event. Riders gave informed consent to use their horses and nutritional information prior to the start of the study. Concentrate, hay and bran were weighed and each horse's body weight and body condition score were taken. Total nutrient intake was calculated using information provided by the manufacturer or from the NRC (2007). Recommended daily intakes were calculated for each horse in very heavy exercise using NRC (2007) equations. Differences between nutrient intake and requirement were determined using a Student's t‐test. Average number of supplements fed on a regular basis was 4.3 ± 0.6. The most administered type of oral supplement was electrolytes (89%) followed by salt (69%) and oral joint supplements (63%). The intake of vitamin E was higher than recommended (1667 ± 282 vs. 1065 ± 93 IU/d; p = 0.03). Intake amounts of several minerals were also higher than recommended including potassium (248.4 ± 15.7 vs. 56.4 ± 4.9 g/d; p < 0.0001), phosphorus (57.9 ± 4.2 vs. 31.0 ± 2.7 g/d; p < 0.0001), calcium (110.5 ± 42.4 vs. 42.5 ± 3.7 g/d; p < 0.0001), and magnesium (35.5 ± 2.0 vs. 15.9 ± 1.4 g/d; p = 0.0004). Sodium intake, excluding the amount received from an ad libitum salt or mineral block, was not different from the daily recommended amount (43.5 ± 28.7 vs. 43.6 ± 3.8 g/d, respectively; p = 0.49). While vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium were in excess of the daily recommended amounts, they did not reach toxic levels. Average potassium intake exceeded the toxic levels, which could cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle tremors in intensely exercising horses. The excess phosphorus would not be harmful unless it lowered the recommended calcium:phosphorus ratio of 2:1. While over‐supplementation of horses can be harmful to their health, it is also an economic burden that is unnecessary. Lastly over‐supplementation of horses should be avoided to reduce the environmental impact of excess nutrients excreted in urine and faeces.
Safety and therapeutic efficacy of undenatured type‐ii collagen (UC‐II) in comparison to glucosamine and chondroitin in arthritic horses
Authors: Gupta R. C. , Bagchi D. , Skaggs P. , Stocker A. , Wegford K. , Goad J. T. , Canerdy T. D. , Bagchi M. , Barnett D. , Dewees W.
Published: March 2009

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, which causes severe inflammation and loss of cartilage. It is a debilitating disease that commonly affects thousands of horses each year. Recently, we assessed the anti‐arthritic and anti‐inflammatory potential of undenatured type II collagen (UC‐II) in horses. This comparative investigation evaluated arthritic pain in horses receiving daily placebo, UC‐II 320 mg/day (providing 80 mg active UC‐II), 480 mg/day (providing 120 mg active UC‐II), or 640 mg/day (providing 160 mg active UC‐II), and glucosamine and chondroitin (5.4 g/day and 1.8 g/day, respectively, bid for the first month, and thereafter once daily) for 150 days. Pain in each leg was evaluated using the flexion test and the lameness‐grading system after the initial two strides. Average pain of all four legs represented the pain for each horse. Horses receiving placebo showed no change in arthritic condition, while those receiving 320, 480, or 640 mg UC‐II exhibited significant reduction in arthritic pain (P < 0.05). UC‐II at 480 mg dose provided optimal effects. With this dose, reduction in overall pain was from 5.7 ± 0.0.42 (100%) to 0.7 ± 0.42 (12%); and in pain upon limb manipulation from 2.35 ± 0.37 (100%) to 0.52 ± 0.18 (22%). In regards to glucosamine and chondroitin treated group, although reduction in pain was significant compared to pretreated values, the efficacy was significantly less compared with that observed with UC‐II. UC‐II was found to be twice as effective as glucosamine and chondroitin in arthritic horses. Clinically, physical condition, and liver (ALP, GGT, and bilirubin), kidney (BUN and creatinine), and heart (CK) functions remained unchanged, suggesting that these supplements were well tolerated. Overall, these results demonstrate that UC‐II was significantly more efficacious than glucosamine and chondroitin in arthritic horses.
Oxidized dietary fat, alkaline phosphatase concentrations and performance in racing greyhounds
Authors: Hill R. C. , Lewis D. D. , Scott K. C. , Sundstrom D. A , Bauer JE
Published: March 2009

Racing dogs are often fed raw meat. Raw meat may become oxidized because it contains no preservatives but few studies have examined the effect of feeding oxidized food to dogs. This study was originally designed to determine the effect of different concentrations of dietary fat on greyhound performance. After the experiment had been completed, however, it was discovered that the peroxide values (PV) of both diets were elevated indicating that fat oxidation had been present. This study was considered to have value, therefore, because it compared performance and blood parameters in eight trained Greyhounds fed either a high fat moderately oxidized (HFMO) diet (43%ME fat with PV of 44 mEq/kg) or a medium fat highly oxidized (MFHO) diet (31%ME fat with PV of 211 mEq/kg) for 8 weeks per diet in a randomized cross‐over design. Dogs were raced over 500 m twice weekly. Race times over the last 4 weeks of each diet period and blood parameters before racing during the last week of each diet period were compared.

Dogs fed the MFHO food ran 0.04 m/s slower (p = 0.06) and serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations were higher (149 vs. 56 U/L; p < 0.0001) than in dogs fed the HFMO diet. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether lower dietary fat or increased oxidation was responsible for the altered performance but oxidation of the food should be considered as one possible explanation for an increase in serum alkaline phosphatase during a diet trial.
A novel approach for targeting oxidative stress in horses exhibiting recurrent airway obstruction
Authors: Lepene B. S. , Buechner‐Maxwell V. , Thatcher C. D.
Published: March 2009

Horses affected with Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO) exhibit inflammation and oxidative damage to lung cells. The main objective of this study was to develop a novel antioxidant delivery system (ADS) capable of targeting activated macrophages within the lower airways in order to reduce cellular oxidative damage. Specifically, this ADS consisted of folic acid and glutathione (GSH) linked to bisamine poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Folic acid conjugates exploit the over‐expression of folate receptors on activated macrophages, allowing for the internalization of the ADS through receptor‐mediated endocytosis.

Initial results from in vitro studies demonstrated active targeting and uptake through folate receptor mediated endocytosis. GSH concentration in glutathione deficient RAW 264.7 cells (an immortalized murine macrophage cell line) was increased by more than 300% after incubation with the ADS for four hours effectively restoring 50% of the normal GSH concentration. F2‐Isoprostanes, biomarkers for lipid oxidation, were reduced in RAW 264.7 cells by more than 67% after incubation with the ADS and exposure to zymosan, a free radical initiator. Evaluation of ADS as a treatment for equine RAO is underway and the results will be included in this presentation.
Antioxidant status and biomarkers of oxidative stress in cats with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Smith J. R. , Cox S. K. , Lauten S. D. , Hill R. C. , Bartges J. W. , Kirk C. A.
Published: March 2009

Increasing evidence implicates oxidative damage in the progression and pathologic complications of human diabetics. This study assessed antioxidant status and oxidative stress in cats with diabetes mellitus (DM). Antioxidant status was measured in diabetic (n = 10) and control (n = 10) cats by HPLC of vitamin E isomers, reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and calculation of the GSH:GSSG ratio. Biomarkers of protein, lipid and DNA peroxidation (fructosamine, isoprostanes and Comet assay, respectively), and neutrophil function evaluated oxidative stress. Correlation between glycemic control and antioxidant status/ oxidative stress was also investigated. A diabetic index was generated using clinical signs, body condition score, insulin dose, fructosamine, fasted blood glucose and urinary glucose and ketones.

Alpha tocopherol was increased (DM = 0.11 μg/mL, controls = 0.06 μg/mL; p = 0.0012) and gamma tocopherol was decreased (DM = 0.03 μg/mL, controls = 0.05 μg/mL; p = 0.0065) in diabetic vs. control cats. There was no difference in the GSH:GSH ratio between groups. Predictably, fructosamine was greater in diabetic vs. control cats (DM = 447 μmol/L, controls = 204 μmol/L; p < 0.0001). Antioxidant status/oxidative stress was not associated with glycaemic control in diabetic cats.

Despite strong association of DM with oxidative stress in humans, this simple relationship is not found in diabetic cats. They have both increased and decreased parameters of systemic oxidative stress compared with control cats. This may be due to higher levels of antioxidants in feline therapeutic diets, the relatively short duration of disease in cats compared with humans, or other factors.
Species diversity of lepidopteran stem borer parasitoids in cultivated and natural habitats in Kenya
Authors: Mailafiya D. M. , Le Ru B. P. , Kairu E. W. , Calatayud P.‐A. , Dupas S.
Published: March 2009

Field surveys were conducted during 2005 to 2007 to assess the species diversity of stem borer parasitoids in cultivated and natural habitats in four agroecological zones in Kenya. In total, 33 parasitoid species were recovered, of which 18 parasitized six stem borer species feeding on cereal crops, while 27 parasitized 21 stem borer species feeding on 19 wild host plant species. The most common parasitoids in cultivated habitats wereCotesia flavipesCameron,Cotesia sesamiae(Cameron),Pediobius furvusGahan and the tachinidSiphonasp., whereas in natural habitats,Siphonasp. was the most common. The majority of parasitoids were stenophagous species; only five species –Cotesiasp.,Enicospilus ruscusGauld and Mitchell,Pristomerusnr.bullis,Sturmiopsis parasitica(Curran) andSyzeuctus ruberrimusBenoit – were monophagous. In both cultivated and natural habitats, parasitoid species diversity was highest on the most dominant stem borersBusseolaspp. andChilospp. On cereal crops, parasitoid diversity was highest on maize and among wild host plants, it was highest onSetariaspp. The ingress‐and‐sting attack method was the most common strategy used by parasitoids in both habitats. In all agroecological zones, parasitoid species diversity was significantly higher in natural than in cultivated habitats. Furthermore, the majority of parasitoid species were common to both cultivated and natural habitats. It was concluded that natural habitats surrounding cereal crops serve as refugia for sustaining the diversity of stem borer parasitoids from adjacent cereal fields.
Attract and kill for codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) control in Syria
Authors: Mansour M.
Published: March 2009

The possibility of controlling the codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) using an attract and kill approach as an alternative to chemical sprays with contact insecticides was investigated in widely separated orchards. The results of a 4‐year study have shown that, using an attract and kill approach, three applications/season kept infestation rates in treated orchards below the economic injury level except in one with a too high codling moth population density. The mean number of male codling moths/trap/week in attract and kill‐treated orchards was much lower in comparison with control orchards which were treated with the usual cover sprays of insecticides. The results also showed that the efficacy of attract and kill under orchard conditions decreased with time and the relationship between time effect and codling moth death rate was very strong. These data indicate that the attract and kill technique applied at a rate of three application per season resulted in good control of codling moth in well managed orchards in Syria.
Review article: Endothelial progenitor cells in renal disease
Authors: GOLIGORSKY MICHAEL S , KUO MEI‐CHUAN , PATSCHAN DANIEL , VERHAAR MARIANNE C
Published: March 2009

This brief overview is intended to provide basic information about endothelial progenitors, their definition and consensus markers used for their detection, describe the pathways of their mobilization and homing and highlight the mechanisms and manifestations of their incompetence that occurs in some chronic kidney diseases. Discussion is geared towards the potential role of endothelial progenitor cells in organ regeneration, in particular, in kidney regeneration. The concept we attempted to promote attributes to the incompetence of endothelial progenitor cells in failed regeneration and ensuing progression of chronic kidney disease. This field of inquiry remains insufficiently explored, especially in renal diseases. Promising areas for future exploration are emphasized.
Influence of ketoanalogs supplementation on the progression in chronic kidney disease patients who had training on low‐protein diet
Authors: CHANG JAE HYUN , KIM DONG KI , PARK JUNG TAK , KANG EA WHA , YOO TAE HYUN , KIM BEOM SEOK , CHOI KYU HUN , LEE HO YUNG , HAN DAE‐SUK , SHIN SUG KYUN
Published: March 2009

Aim:  A low‐protein diet (LPD) is a conservative treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to improve uremic symptoms and slow the progression of renal dysfunction. However, the deleterious effects of protein restriction on nutritional status have raised concern. We investigated whether ketoanalogs supplementation in CKD patients who had training on LPD retards the progression of CKD and maintains nutritional status.

Methods:  Data were collected retrospectively from 120 consecutive patients in the CKD stages III and IV. Firstly all patients were restricted to LPD alone for 6 months (LPD alone), and then ketoanalogs of essential amino acids (KA) were supplemented for 6 months.

Results:  The adequate LPD had not achieved in both periods. The declining slopes of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during the LPD + KA period were significantly lower than those during the LPD alone period. This improvement in GFR was apparent in both subjects with diabetics and non‐diabetic patients. Mean serum total cholesterol levels decreased in LPD + KA compared with LPD alone period. However, serum albumin levels did not change. Responders showed a higher prevalence of diabetes and higher serum albumin levels during the LPD alone period. Multivariate analysis revealed that responsiveness to LPD + KA was independently related to diabetes (p = 0.006) and high serum albumin levels (p = 0.011) in the LPD alone period.

Conclusion:  KA supplementation on over LPD delayed the progression of CKD without deteriorating nutritional status, and initial serum albumin levels could be an independent factor.
Do medical courses adequately prepare interns for safe and effective prescribing in New South Wales public hospitals?
Authors: Hilmer S. N. , Seale J. P. , Le Couteur D. G. , Crampton R. , Liddle C.
Published: March 2009

Aims: To assess ability of interns immediately before starting clinical practice in New South Wales (NSW) teaching hospitals to prescribe medications safely and appropriately and to describe their impressions of the adequacy of their clinical pharmacology training in medical school.

Methods: A cross‐sectional study was performed on all interns (n= 191) who attended intern orientation programmes at four NSW hospitals in January 2008. A clinical case scenario that tested prescribing ability and a survey investigating impressions of clinical pharmacology training in medical school were administered to the interns in exam format. Outcome measures were: (i) ability to prescribe medications safely and appropriately for the clinical case scenario and (ii) interns' impressions of their training in clinical pharmacology at medical school.

Results: No intern completed all prescribing tasks correctly. No intern charted the patient's usual medications on admission completely correctly, only six wrote an accurate discharge medication list, and none wrote both an accurate discharge medication list and a legal Schedule 8 discharge script. None of the respondents strongly agreed that they felt adequately trained to prescribe medications in their intern year and 84% would have liked to have more training in pharmacology as medical students.

Conclusions: Interns about to commence clinical practice in NSW teaching hospitals demonstrated significant deficits in prescribing of regular medications, initiation of new therapies, prescribing of discharge medications, and particularly prescribing of Schedule 8 medications. Most interns recognized these deficits and would have liked more clinical pharmacology training at medical school.
Asymptomatic leukocyturia and the autonomic nervous system in women
Authors: Igari Yoshimasa , Oba Kenzo , Yamamoto Yuko , Yasuoka Hiroko , Ouchi Motoshi , Watanabe Kentaro , Matsumura Noriaki , Suzuki Tatsuya , Nakano Hiroshi
Published: March 2009

Background: The present study sought to investigate the relationship between asymptomatic leukocyturia (ASL) and autonomic nervous function by power spectral analysis of the R‐R intervals in women.

Methods: One hundred and forty‐two female outpatients aged 23–91 years were studied. We regarded ASL to be present if two consecutive samples were found to have 10 or more leukocytes/high‐power field at ×400 magnification in a centrifuged midstream urine sample. The R‐R intervals of all subjects were measured by the wavelet transform analysis system. This system detected R‐R variation data distributed in two bands: low‐frequency power (LF) (0.04–0.15 Hz) and high‐frequency power (HF) (0.15–0.40 Hz). The ratio of LF to HF (LF/HF) was also determined. Post‐void residual urine volume was measured using an automated, compact 3‐D ultrasound device.

Results: The patients with ASL had diabetes mellitus more frequently than those without ASL. Residual urine volume was significantly higher in the former than in the latter, while the HF values in both a recumbent position and a standing position were significantly lower in the former than in the latter (P = 0.003,P = 0.001, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in LF or LF/HF values in either a recumbent or a standing position between the two groups. The HF values in both a recumbent position and in a standing position were independent indicators of ASL, even after adjustment for age, diabetes mellitus and residual urine volume.

Conclusion: The present study reveals the relationship between ASL and impairment of the parasympathetic nervous system in women.
Ecological implications of plants’ ability to tell the time
Authors: Resco Víctor , Hartwell James , Hall Anthony
Published: March 2009

The circadian clock (the endogenous mechanism that anticipates diurnal cycles) acts as a central coordinator of plant activity. At the molecular and organism level, it regulates key traits for plant fitness, including seed germination, gas exchange, growth and flowering, among others. In this article, we explore current evidence on the effect of the clock for the scales of interest to ecologists. We begin by synthesizing available knowledge on the effect of the clock on biosphere–atmosphere interactions and observe that, at least in the systems where it has been tested, the clock regulates gas exchange from the leaf to the ecosystem level, and we discuss its implications for estimates of the carbon balance. Then, we analyse whether incorporating the action of the clock may help in elucidating the effects of climate change on plant distributions. Circadian rhythms are involved in regulating the range of temperatures a species can survive and affects plant interactions. Finally, we review the involvement of the clock in key phenological events, such as flowering time and seed germination. Because the clock may act as a common mechanism affecting many of the diverse branches of ecology, our ultimate goal is to stimulate further research into this pressing, yet unexplored, topic.
Short‐term administration of prulifloxacin in patients with nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer: an effective option for the prevention of bacillus Calmette‐Guérin‐induced toxicity?
Authors: Damiano Rocco , De Sio Marco , Quarto Giuseppe , Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Perdonà Sisto , Palumbo Italo M. , Azzarito Giuseppina , Giugliano Francesco , Autorino Riccardo
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the new fluoroquinolone prulifloxacin might improve tolerance to Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) intravesical therapy in patients with bladder cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A series of 72 patients with intermediate‐ or high‐risk nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, open‐label, controlled clinical trial performed at a single tertiary care institution. After complete transurethral resection, patients were randomized to receive induction treatment with BCG and three capsules of prulifloxacin 600 mg or no prophylactic treatment (control group). Adverse events (AEs) were self‐recorded by the patients after each instillation and classified by the investigator according to a classification grid considering account duration and intensity. Cystoscopy findings at 3 and 6 months were also recorded.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in baseline symptoms between the groups. Overall, there was a significant decrease in the percentage of patients with at least one AE between instillations in prulifloxacin‐treated group. The proportion of patients with moderate to severe AEs after the fourth instillation was significantly less in the prulifloxacin‐treated group. There was a significant effect of prulifloxacin on the need for anti‐tuberculosis treatment. More patients in the control group stopped or delayed the full induction course of BCG instillations (34% vs 19%, P = 0.04). Recurrence rates were not affected by prulifloxacin treatment.

CONCLUSION

Prulifloxacin reduces the incidence of moderate to severe AEs from BCG intravesical therapy in patients with nonmuscle‐invasive bladder cancer, improving compliance to the induction BCG course. These preliminary findings warrant further clinical research.
How can Rorty help nursing science in the development of a philosophical ‘foundation’?
Authors: Isaacs Sandy , Ploeg Jenny , Tompkins Catherine
Published: March 2009

What can nurse scientists learn from Rorty in the development of a philosophical foundation? Indeed, Rorty in his 1989 text entitled Contingency, Irony, and Solidarity tantalizes the reader with debates of reason ‘against’ philosophizing. Forget truth seeking; move on to what matters. Rorty would rather the ‘high brow’ thinking go to those that do the work in order to make the effort useful. Nursing as an applied science, has something real that is worth looking at, and that nurse researchers need to think about. And as a profession built upon relationships, we should be thinking of the exchanges we have with those around us, of the contrasts in vocabularies used and of the contingencies involved, letting this launch us into our imaginings and areas of enquiry. The business of nurse researchers is to study what nurses do – how we care; Rorty would have us care. But, not to dismiss the reflective thinker as Rorty advocates for the self‐doubting ironist to continue to seek the final vocabulary, the ideal of what ‘this’ means, accepting this as the best to be offered at the time. As a science struggling to find foundation, we need only to look at what we do and value – as antifoundational as Rorty portrays himself, Rorty ‘ironically’ may have revealed a foundation for nursing science that is consistent with its path.
CALHM1 Polymorphism is not Associated with Late‐onset Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Beecham Gary W. , Schnetz‐Boutaud Nathalie , Haines Jonathan L. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A.
Published: March 2009

Data suggests that the P86L polymorphism (rs2986017) in the calcium homeostasis modulator 1 (CALHM1) gene interferes with CALHM1 functionality, increases Aβ levels, and is associated with late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Previous studies have demonstrated association with P86L and LOAD in three of five case‐control cohorts, and a joint analysis of all datasets showed association with a p‐value of 2 × 10−10 and an allele‐specific odds ratio of 1.44 (2,043 cases, 1,361 controls total).

In this short communication we attempt to replicate these results in our case‐control cohort (510 cases, 524 controls). We show no association between P86L and LOAD despite having sufficient power to detect at the reported odds ratios, and briefly discuss potential reasons for the discrepancy.