bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrusion of teeth with class III furcation: a clinical, histologic and histometric study in dogs
Authors: Da Silva Vanessa C. , Cirelli Carolina C. , Ribeiro Fernando S. , Leite Fábio R. M. , Benatti Neto Carlos , Marcantonio Rosemary A. C. , Cirelli Joni A.
Published: July 2008

Aim: To assess orthodontic intrusion effects on periodontal tissues in dogs' pre‐molars with class III furcations treated with open flap debridement (OFD) or with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) associated to bone autograft (BA).

Material and Methods: Class III furcations were created in the pre‐molars of seven mongrel dogs. After 75 days, teeth were randomly treated with OFD or GTR/BA. After 1 month, metallic crowns were assembled on pre‐molars and connected apically to mini‐implants by nickel–titanium springs. Teeth were randomly assigned to orthodontic intrusion (OFD+I and GTR/BA+I) groups or no movement (OFD and GTR/BA) groups. Dogs were sacrificed after 3 months of movement and 1 month retention.

Results: All class III furcations were closed or reduced to class II or I in the intrusion groups, while 50% of the lesions in non‐moved teeth remained unchanged. Intruded teeth presented higher probing depth and lower gingival marginal level than non‐moved teeth (p<0.01). Clinical attachment gain was reduced in the intrusion groups by the end of retention (p<0.05). OFD+I presented smaller soft tissue area and larger bone tissue area than other groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Orthodontic intrusion with anchorage via mini‐implants improved the healing of class III furcation defects after OFD in dogs. GTR/BA impaired those results.
Salivary malondialdehyde levels in clinically healthy and periodontal diseased individuals
Authors: Khalili J , Biloklytska HF
Published: July 2008

Background:  Lipid peroxidation (LPO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several pathologic disorders, including periodontal disease. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is one of many low molecular weight end products of LPO.

Objective:  This study was conducted to evaluate salivary MDA levels in generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) subjects.

Materials and methods:  The MDA levels were measured in the saliva of 104 subjects, aged 18–65 years. Three groups with different degrees of severity of GCP were established: 30 early (group 1), 30 moderate (group 2) and 14 severe (group 3). Thirty individuals (aged 25–29 years) with clinically healthy periodontium were served as control. Unstimulated whole saliva samples from study subjects were collected, centrifuged at 3000 g for 15 min and were then stored at −70°C until analysed. The MDA level was determined with 2‐thiobarbituric acid by a colorimetric method at 532 nm.

Results:  A significant increase in the MDA level existed in the samples obtained from the three groups of patients compared to the control subjects.

Conclusion:  Increased MDA levels are with closely associated with the severity and patients status of periodontal disease that has not been previously reported. The detection of salivary MDA level may provide additional advantages in elucidating the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.
Allelic frequency of PCR‐RFLP type of the BoLA‐DRB3 in Japanese Holstein herds and the relation to mastitis
Authors: YOSHIDA Tatsuyuki , MUKOYAMA Harutaka , FURUTA Hiroki , HOLMES Colin W. , KOSUGIYAMA Motoaki , TOMOGANE Hiroshi
Published: July 2008

Holstein Cows (n = 702) from 26 dairy herds in the Tama area of Tokyo, Japan were examined for polymorphisms of the BoLA‐DRB3 allele using a PCR‐RFLP method. Twenty alleles were observed and allelic frequencies ranged from < 1% to 20.3%. Nine alleles (DRB3.2*24,*16,*8,*23,*22,*3,*11, *10 and *7 in order) constituted 90.0% of all alleles. Somatic cell counts (SCC) were used to classify healthy (group 1), mastitis (group 2) and suspected (group 3) cows. Frequencies of DRB3.2*11 and DRB3.2*23 were slightly higher in group 1 than in group 2, whereas, frequencies of DRB3.2*8 and DRB3.2*16 were slightly higher in group 2 than in group 1. However, none of the differences in frequencies between the two groups were statistically significant. For combinations of alleles, frequencies of DRB3.2*8/*23 (P < 0.1) and DRB3.2*16/*24 (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1, and their odds ratios were 2.1, 2.5, respectively. However, there were no significant differences between genotypes in their effects for SCC. On the other hand, frequency of DRB3.2*23/*23 including combinations of DRB3.2*23 with minor alleles was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P < 0.01), and the odds ratio was 0.3. Therefore, it was considered that mastitis resistance or susceptibility of cows may vary with the combination of BoLA‐DRB3 alleles.
Effect of weaning on behavior and serum parameters in dairy goat kids
Authors: ATASOGLU Cengiz , YURTMAN Ismail Yaman , SAVAS Türker , GÜLTEPE Mustafa , ÖZCAN Ömer
Published: July 2008

This study aimed at investigating the effects of weaning kids abruptly at an average of 55 ± 13 days of age on intake, behavioral and serum parameters and, lasted for a total of six weeks; two weeks pre‐weaning and four weeks post‐weaning. Sixteen single kids with equal gender were used. Kids were only allowed to stay with their mothers for suckling (45 min/period) both in the morning and in the evening period during pre‐weaning. Grower concentrate and hay were offered ad libitum. The duration of the study was divided into three periods for the sampling of behavioral and serum parameters; (i) pre‐weaning period lasting for two weeks (P‐BW) (ii) early post‐weaning period lasting for one week (P‐AW1) and (iii) late post‐weaning period lasting for three weeks (P‐AW2). Daily weight gain of kids gradually decreased as the observation period progressed (P = 0.001). However concentrate feed intake increased from 0.154 kg/day in P‐BW to 0.479 kg/day in P‐AW1 and 0.499 kg/day in P‐AW2. Water intake, rumination and standing behaviors decreased in P‐AW2 (P < 0.001), whereas activity towards concentrate feed (CF) (P < 0.001) and roughage (P = 0.012) increased as compared to P‐BW and P‐AW1. Abnormal oral activity was not affected by the periods (P = 0.906). CF was significantly higher in females (P = 0.003), whereas males displayed higher lying behavior (P = 0.007). Glucose, total protein, urea, cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol concentrations (P = 0.001) and ALP activity (P = 0.003) were significantly affected by the periods. The results of the present study suggest that behavioral and serum parameters across the periods describe changes in the nutritional conditions as a result of the transition from milk to solid feed in association with weaning.
Effects of reducing dietary crude protein on growth performance, odor gas emission from manure and blood urea nitrogen and IGF‐1 concentrations of serum in nursery pigs
Authors: CHO Jin Ho , CHEN Ying Jie , MIN Byung Joon , YOO Jong Sang , WANG Yuan , KIM In Ho
Published: July 2008

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of reducing dietary crude protein on growth performance, odor gas emission from manure and blood urea nitrogen and IGF‐1 concentrations of serum in nursery pigs. In experiment 1, the dietary treatments were (i) CON (CP 19.5%) and (ii) T1 (CP 16.0%). In feces samples, NH3, H2S, acetic acid and butyric acid emissions during the T1 treatment were lower than during the CON treatment (P < 0.05). In feces‐urine samples, NH3 emission during the T1 treatment was lower than during the CON treatment (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, 28 crossbred (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) pigs (13.58 ± 0.10 kg) were used for a 42‐day growth trial. Throughout the entire experimental period, ADG and ADFI of the CON treatment were higher than the T1 treatment (P < 0.05). On day 14, N digestibility in pigs fed the CON diet was higher than that of pigs fed the T1 diet (P < 0.05). On days 28 and 42, DM digestibility of the CON diet was greater than the T1 treatment (P < 0.05). On dat 42, serum BUN concentration of pigs fed the CON diet was higher than that of pigs fed the T1 diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these results indicate that reduction in dietary CP concentration decreased NH3, H2S and VFA emissions in feces and growth performance in nursery pigs.
Effect of dietary Rhodobacter capsulatus on cholesterol, triglycerides concentration, and meat quality of finishing pigs
Authors: TSUJII Hirotada , KUWABARA Yasushi , SALMA Ummay , MIAH Abdul Gaffar , NISHIMURA Miki , MAKI Takaaki
Published: July 2008

The study was designed to investigate the effect of Rhodobacter capsulatus on serum and meat cholesterol, fatty acid composition in meat, as well as meat quality of finishing pigs. A total of 16 120‐day‐old Landrace female pigs of about 60 kg initial body weight were randomly assigned into two groups. The pigs were fed a supplemented diet with 0.04% dietary R. capsulatus or a control diet for 60 days. Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol concentration in serum was significantly lowered (P < 0.05) in the pigs fed the R. capsulatus supplemented diet compared to the control diet. Carcass weight, carcass length, shoulder fat, back fat and loin fat thickness, longissimus muscle (LM) area, and color score did not differ significantly between the pigs fed the R. capsulatus supplemented diet and control diet. Among the nutrient composition of LM meat, neutral fat and triglyceride concentration were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in the finishing pigs by dietary supplementation of R. capsulatus. The proportions of n‐6 PUFA were higher (P < 0.05) in the pigs fed the R. capsulatus supplemented diet than in the pigs fed the control diet. The supplementation of dietary R. capsulatus to finishing pig diet played important roles in reducing serum cholesterol and meat triglycerides, as well as in increasing polyunsaturated fatty acid content in LM meat.
Performance of New Zealand White and Californian male weaned rabbits in the subtropical environment of Egypt
Authors: MARAI Ibrahim F. M. , HABEEB Al‐Sa‐ied A. M. , GAD Ahmed E.
Published: July 2008

The New Zealand White (NZW) was superior significantly (P < 0.05) to the Californian (Cal) breed in final body weight, final total body solids and preslaughter weight. In contrast, Cal showed greater plasma creatinine (P < 0.001) than the NZW. The differences in the other traits were not significant. NZW also showed higher dressing percentage and Cal showed higher mortality percentage. The Temperature‐humidity Index (THI) values indicated absence of heat stress in the first period (mild period) and exposure to moderate (very close to severe) heat stress in the second one (hot period). The heat stress conditions caused significant (P < 0.001, 0.01 or 0.05) decreases in each of final body weight, daily body gain, daily feed intake, final total body solids, solids daily gain, plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipids, glucose, thyroid hormone T3, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus and preslaughter weight. At the same time, significant (P < 0.001 or 0.01) increases occurred in each of water intake, water/feed ratio, total body water (mL/100 g body solids), blood urea‐N, creatinine, respiration rate and rectal, skin and ear temperatures. The interaction of breed x period effects was significant (P < 0.01 or 0.05) on plasma creatinine and hind‐limb cut. Estimations of ‘adaptability’ to the subtropical environment of Egypt were found to be 83.1% for NZW and 82.6% for Cal breeds.
Relationship between milk production and plasma concentrations of oxidative stress markers during hot season in primiparous cows
Authors: TANAKA Masahito , KAMIYA Yuko , SUZUKI Tomoyuki , KAMIYA Mitsuru , NAKAI Yutaka
Published: July 2008

Oxidative stress markers, ascorbic acid, and sulfhydryl (SH) residue concentration in primiparous cows' plasma and their relationship to milking performance during hot seasons were investigated. The rectal temperature of cows correlated negatively with SH residue (r = −0.38, n = 38, P < 0.05) and ascorbic acid (r = −0.34, P < 0.05) concentrations in the cows' plasma. The group with a higher concentration of ascorbic acid over the mean value produced significantly more milk (P < 0.05) than did the group with a lower ascorbic acid concentration. Although the cows' milk production showed a positive correlation with ascorbic acid concentration in plasma (r = 0.47, P < 0.05), the relation of SH residue concentration to milk yield was not constant. The plasma SH residue concentration during the hot season correlated positively with milk protein % (r = 0.38, P < 0.05), lactose % (r = 0.35, P < 0.05), and solid‐non‐fat (SNF) % (r = 0.47, P < 0.05), respectively, but not with fat %. On the other hand, ascorbic acid concentration in plasma showed negative correlations with milk fat % (r = −0.34, P < 0.05) and protein % (r = −0.49, P < 0.05), but correlated positively with lactose % (r = 0.52, P < 0.05). The produced amount (g/day) of milk protein (r = 0.42, P < 0.05), lactose (r = 0.61, P < 0.05), and SNF (r = 0.56, P < 0.05) showed positive correlations with ascorbic acid concentration in plasma.
Chemical composition, palatability and physical characteristics of venison from farmed deer
Authors: DAHLAN Ismail , NORFARIZAN HANOON Noor A.
Published: July 2008

The quality of venison from farmed deer were evaluated based on chemical composition, palatability scores, W‐B shear force, ultimate pH, and color. The samples of venison were derived from javan rusa (Cervus timorensis russa), moluccan rusa (Cervus timorensis moluccensis), sambar (Cervus unicolor brookei), fallow (Dama dama) and imported red deer (Cervus elaphus). Moluccan rusa and red deer were fed grass. Javan rusa, sambar and fallow deer were fed concentrate. The venison obtained from grazing deer (grass‐fed) gave higher moisture content (75.3%) than concentrate‐fed or confinement‐raised deer (74.4%) and imported venison (70.62%). Fat content in venison shows some differences between muscles and species. The concentrate‐fed animals had a higher (P < 0.05) fat content in the venison than the grazing deer. Temperate deer (fallow and red deer) showed higher (P < 0.05) fat content than tropical deer (rusa and sambar deer). Venison obtained from concentrate‐fed deer showed normal ultimate pH values (pH ≤ 6.0) and more reddish in color than grass‐fed deer. The concentrate‐fed venison produced slightly higher (P > 0.05) palatability scores than grass‐fed venison. Feeding regimens (grass‐fed vs. concentrate‐fed) significantly (P < 0.05) influenced fat composition in the venison of farmed deer in this study.
Seasonal and sex differences in area preference and behavior of young cattle just after long distance transport
Authors: ISHIWATA Toshie , UETAKE Katsuji , EGUCHI Yusuke , TANAKA Toshio
Published: July 2008

To determine seasonal and sex differences in behavioral motivation of cattle just after long transport, 54 Japanese Black × Holstein cattle were observed at 5 min intervals for 2 h just after 25‐h transport by road and ferry. The stocking pen (12.0 × 9.5 m) consisted of an eating area (near a feeding alley), a drinking area (near water bowls) and a resting area (all areas except for other two areas). First, the effect of season was determined with heifers in summer (n = 12: 7.9 ± 0.6 months of age; 292.0 ± 18.5 kg) and autumn (n = 19: 8.2 ± 0.6 months of age; 295.8 ± 15.5 kg). The mean temperature on the observation day was 28.5 (max: 34.5, min: 24.5)°C in summer and 20.3 (max: 26.5, min: 16.4)°C in autumn. Percentage of cattle staying in each area was different by season (χ2 = 22.0; P < 0.01). In summer, the percentage of cattle staying in the drinking area (26.7%) was greater than the expected percentage (16.7%). Percentage of cattle staying in the eating area was greater in both seasons (31.3% in summer and 53.6% in autumn) than the expected percentage (16.7%). However, the mean percentage of cattle performing each behavior was not significantly different by season. Secondly, the effect of sex was determined with steers (n = 23: 7.6 ± 0.6 months of age; 301.9 ± 20.7 kg) and heifers (n = 19: same as above) in autumn. Although the percentage of cattle staying in each area was different by sex (χ2 = 20.2; P < 0.01), the percentages of steers (25.5%) and heifers (53.6%) staying in the eating area were both greater than the expected percentage (16.7%). However, percentage of animals performing each behavior was not different by sex. These results recommend to stockpersons that they should install additional troughs for hay and water into a pen just after long distance transport, since the number of cattle that can eat and drink at the same time was limited.
Steer stress levels during long distance transport throughout the year in Japan
Authors: ISHIWATA Toshie , UETAKE Katsuji , EGUCHI Yusuke , TANAKA Toshio
Published: July 2008

The objective of this study was to investigate transportation conditions and behavioral and physiological responses of beef steers to long distance commercial transport throughout the year Japan. Japanese Black × Holstein steers (7.9 ± 0.6 months of age; 320.0 ± 19.0 kg) were transported by truck in spring (n = 8), summer (n = 5), autumn (n = 8) and winter (n = 5). Transport distances (time) were 1020.6 km (25 h including lairage periods): 615.4 km (6.4 h) on expressways, 163.2 km (3.7 h) on arterial roads and 242.0 km (10.5 h) by ferry. The space allowance of the truck was about 1.6 m2/head in all seasons. Internal temperatures of the truck were 14.7 ± 4.7°C in spring, 27.9 ± 2.6°C in summer, 24.4 ± 2.8°C in autumn and 9.2 ± 4.3°C in winter. Although internal noise and airflow velocity of the truck were louder and greater while moving on expressways (101.1 ± 8.3 dB and 1.50 ± 1.50 m/s) than on arterial roads (92.0 ± 15.2 dB and 1.32 ± 1.41 m/s) (both P < 0.05), more steers lay down while moving on expressways (P < 0.001). Blood glucose, plasma cortisol, and serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations and ALT activity were higher in spring (all P < 0.05). This could be explained by that vibration acceleration (m/s2) of the truck in the longitudinal direction was greater in spring (−0.19 ± 0.43) than in the other seasons (−0.14 ± 0.09 in summer, −0.15 ± 0.20 in autumn and −0.15 ± 0.13 in winter) (all P < 0.05). Heart rate, serum concentrations of T3, total cholesterol, total protein, and AST and ALT activities were higher just after transport than 1 week after transport (all P < 0.05). However, transport stress should be not severe, since no difference between before and after transport was shown on concentrations of plasma cortisol, blood lactate and serum NEFA, serum triglyceride and serum pH and liveweight.
Comparison of time budget of behaviors between penned and ranged young cattle focused on general and oral behaviors
Authors: ISHIWATA Toshie , UETAKE Katsuji , KILGOUR Robert J. , EGUCHI Yusuke , TANAKA Toshio
Published: July 2008

To consider cattle welfare, time budget of behaviors of young cattle in pen and pasture conditions were compared. Behavioral observations of 103 steers in seven pens and 1136 steers in six ranges were performed during daylight over 3 days in each rearing condition. The pen condition had Japanese Black × Holstein cross, and the pasture conditions had assorted breeds of Angus, Murray Grey, Shorthorn, Hereford, Santa Gertrudis and their crosses aged 5–15 months. The ranges varied in vegetation from extensive native pasture to intensive improved pasture. The daytime proportion of behaviors and activity patterns were compared between rearing conditions. The proportion of walking was much lower in the pen condition (1.0 ± 0.2%) compared to all pasture conditions (at least 9.4 ± 4.0%; all P < 0.05), but grooming (5.9 ± 1.2%), investigating (2.5 ± 0.2%) and tongue playing (1.1 ± 0.2%) covered the loss. Fluctuation patterns of the proportions of eating (P < 0.001) and resting (P < 0.001) were different between pen and pasture conditions, whereas the pattern of the proportion of walking was not different. The proportion of eating in the pen condition (32.4 ± 0.3%) was not different to that in one on the farm (42.2 ± 12.6%), which had a thick improved pasture. However, the proportion of eating in the pen condition (32.4 ± 0.3%) was lower than that in two farms (58.8 ± 5.0% and 61.6 ± 16.5%) with low pasture availability (both P < 0.05). The proportions of oral behaviors such as self‐grooming (3.9 ± 1.0%), allogrooming (2.0 ± 0.2%), licking objects (1.3 ± 0.4%) and tongue‐playing (1.1 ± 0.2%) compensated for the lack of eating. These results indicate that we can learn a well‐balanced proportion of behaviors for cattle by making comparisons of time budget of behaviors and activity pattern between various rearing conditions. In addition, it is indicated that cattle under pen conditions under a restricted feeding period might compensate for a lower time spent feeding by performing other oral behaviors.
Performance of camels (Camelus dromedrius) kept by pastoralists with different degrees of experience in camel keeping in Borana, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: MEGERSA Bekele , REGASSA Alemayehu , KUMSA Bersissa , ABUNNA Fufa
Published: July 2008

The aim of the present study was to investigate the performances of camels kept by pastoralists with different degrees of experience in camel production. The study was conducted on 60 selected camel herds twice a year; during wet and dry seasons of 2003 and 2004 in Borana, Southern Ethiopia. The average ages at first parturition and calving intervals of breeding females were 68.1 ± 0.5 and 25.5 ± 0.4 months (LSMean ± SE), respectively. Age at first parturition was significantly reduced by use of veterinary services, while variation was not observed among Borana, Guji, Gabra and Somali herds. Calving intervals were significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in Borana (24.8 ± 0.6) and Guji (24.5 ± 1.5) than Somali herds (27.0 ± 0.5). Calving intervals were also prolonged (P < 0.05) by fixing breeding time. Annual calving, abortion and calf mortality rates were similar for the four populations and averaged 37.3%, 9.3%, 20.3% in 2003, and 41.3%, 8.2%, 14.9% in 2004, respectively. The overall mortality rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Borana (10.0 ± 2.1) than in Gabra herds (4.2 ± 0.8). However, mortality was not statistically different for use of veterinary services and other managemental practices. The study showed an increase in annual herd growth by 5.7% in 2003 and 11.6% in 2004 with similarity of herd dynamics between the two years. Daily milk yield differed significantly (P < 0.05) depending on veterinary services, watering frequency and the season (7.6 L during wet and 4.3 L during dry season). Similarly, milk yield was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in Somali herds than in Borana and Gabra herds. In conclusion, the study revealed that some production and reproduction performances in camel herds have showed significant variation with varying levels of herding experience and veterinary services. This may suggest performance in pastoral camels can be enhanced with learning more about and using traditional management practices as well as improving animal health service delivery.
Molecular aspects of rheumatoid arthritis: chemokines in the joints of patients
Authors: Iwamoto Takuji , Okamoto Hiroshi , Toyama Yoshiaki , Momohara Shigeki
Published: July 2008

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic symmetric polyarticular joint disease that primarily affects the small joints of the hands and feet. The inflammatory process is characterized by infiltration of inflammatory cells into the joints, leading to proliferation of synoviocytes and destruction of cartilage and bone. In RA synovial tissue, the infiltrating cells such as macrophages, T cells, B cells and dendritic cells play important role in the pathogenesis of RA. Migration of leukocytes into the synovium is a regulated multi‐step process, involving interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells, cellular adhesion molecules, as well as chemokines and chemokine receptors. Chemokines are small, chemoattractant cytokines which play key roles in the accumulation of inflammatory cells at the site of inflammation. It is known that synovial tissue and synovial fluid from RA patients contain increased concentrations of several chemokines, such as monocyte chemoattractant protein‐4 (MCP‐4)/CCL13, pulmonary and activation‐regulated chemokine (PARC)/CCL18, monokine induced by interferon‐γ (Mig)/CXCL9, stromal cell‐derived factor 1 (SDF‐1)/CXCL12, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1)/CCL2, macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP‐1α)/CCL3, and Fractalkine/CXC3CL1. Therefore, chemokines and chemokine‐receptors are considered to be important molecules in RA pathology.
Molecular aspects of rheumatoid arthritis: role of environmental factors
Authors: Kobayashi Shu , Momohara Shigeki , Kamatani Naoyuki , Okamoto Hiroshi
Published: July 2008

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, chronic inflammatory disease that affects 0.5–1% of the population. RA causes progressive joint destruction that leads to the restriction of activities of daily living and deterioration of quality of life. Although the pathogenesis of RA has not yet been fully elucidated, it is considered to be a complex, multifarious disease that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Genetic influences that contribute to RA susceptibility have been demonstrated both in studies of twins and families, as well as in genome‐wide linkage scans, and it is estimated that genetic factors are responsible for 50–60% of the risk of developing RA. Thus, environmental factors may explain the remaining risk of developing RA. A large variety of environmental factors such as infectious agents, smoking, sex hormones, pregnancy etc. have been extensively studied previously. Understanding of how these factors contribute to the development of RA may lead to the better understanding of pathogenesis of RA.
Molecular aspects of rheumatoid arthritis: role of transcription factors
Authors: Okamoto Hiroshi , Cujec Thomas P. , Yamanaka Hisashi , Kamatani Naoyuki
Published: July 2008

Rheumatoid arthritis is a multifactorial disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the pathogenesis leading to joint destruction and ultimately disability. In the inflamed RA joint the synovium is highly infiltrated by CD4+ T cells, B cells and macrophages, and the intimal lining becomes hyperplastic owing to the increased number of macrophage‐like and fibroblast‐like synoviocytes. This hyperplastic intimal synovial lining forms an aggressive front, called pannus, which invades cartilage and bone structures, leading to the destruction and compromised function of affected joints. This process is mediated by a number of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐17 interferon‐γ, etc.), chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐4 CCL18, etc.), cell adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, etc.) and matrix metalloproteinases. Expression of these molecules is controlled at the transcription level and activation of a limited number of transcription factors is involved in this process.
Interactive Effects of Drought Stresses and Elevated CO2 Concentration on Photochemistry Efficiency of Cucumber Seedlings
Authors: Li Qing‐Ming , Liu Bin‐Bin , Wu Yang , Zou Zhi‐Rong
Published: July 2008

To reveal and quantify the interactive effects of drought stresses and elevated CO2 concentration [CO2] on photochemistry efficiency of cucumber seedlings, the portable chlorophyll meter was used to measure the chlorophyll content, and the Imaging‐PAM was used to image the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and rapid light response curves (RLC) of leaves in two adjacent greenhouses. The results showed that chlorophyll content of leaves was reduced significantly with drought stress aggravated. Minimal fluorescence (Fo) was increased while maximal quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) decreased significantly by severe drought stress. The significant decrease of effective quantum yield of PSII (Y(II)) accompanied by the significant increase of quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation (Y(NPQ)) was observed under severe drought stress condition, but there was no change of quantum yield of nonregulated energy dissipation (Y(NO)). We detected that the coefficient of photochemical quenching (qP) decreased, and non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) increased significantly under severe drought stress. Furthermore, we found that maximum apparent electron transport rate (ETRmax) and saturating photosynthetically active radiation (PPFDsat) decreased significantly with drought stress aggravated. However, elevated [CO2] significantly increased Fv/Fm, qP and PPFDsat, and decreased NPQ under all water conditions, although there were no significant effects on chlorophyll content, Fo, Y(II), Y(NPQ), Y(NO) and ETRmax. Therefore, it is concluded that CO2‐fertilized greenhouses or elevated atmospheric [CO2] in the future could be favorable for cucumber growth and development, and beneficial to alleviate the negative effects of drought stresses to a certain extent.
Aluminum‐activated Oxalate Secretion does not Associate with Internal Content among Some Oxalate Accumulators
Authors: Yang Jian Li , Zhang Lei , Zheng Shao Jian
Published: July 2008

Although aluminum (Al)‐activated secretion of oxalate has been considered to be an important Al‐exclusion mechanism, whether it is a general response in oxalate accumulators and related to oxalate content in roots are still not clear. Here, we examined the oxalate secretion and oxalate content in some oxalate accumulators, and investigated the role of oxalate secretion in Al resistance. When oxalate content in amaranth roots was decreased by about 50% with the increased ratio of NH4+‐N to NO3−‐N in nutrient solution, the amount of Al‐activated oxalate secretion still remained constant. There was no relationship between the content of the water soluble oxalate in four species of oxalate accumulators and the amount of the Al‐activated oxalate secretion in roots. Furthermore, oxalate secretion is poorly associated with Al resistance among these species. Based on the above results, we concluded that although all of the oxalate accumulators tested could secrete oxalate rapidly, the density of anion channels in plasma membrane may play a more important role in Al‐activated oxalate secretion.
Intensity and Importance of Competition for a Grass (Festuca rubra) and a Legume (Trifolium pratense) Vary with Environmental Changes
Authors: Zhang Junyan , Cheng Genwei , Yu Feihai , Kräuchi Norbert , Li Mai‐He
Published: July 2008

How plant competition varies across environmental gradients has been a long debate among ecologists. We conducted a growth chamber experiment to determine the intensity and importance of competition for plants grown in changed environmental conditions. Festuca rubra and Trifolium pratense were grown in monoculture and in two‐ and/or three‐species mixtures under three environmental treatments. The measured competitive variations in terms of growth (height and biomass) were species‐dependent. Competition intensity for Festuca increased with decreased productivity, whilst competition importance displayed a humpback response. However, significant response was detected in neither competition intensity nor importance for Trifolium. Intensity and importance of competition followed different response patterns, suggesting that they may not be correlated along an environmental gradient. The biological and physiological variables of plants play an important role to determine the interspecific competition associated with competition intensity and importance. However, the competitive feature can be modified by multiple environmental changes which may increase or hinder how competitive a plant is.
Anatomical and Chemical Alterations but not Photosynthetic Dynamics and Apoplastic Transport Changes are Involved in the Brittleness Culm Mutation of Rice
Authors: Duan Zhuang‐Qin , Wang Jun‐Min , Bai Lei , Zhao Zhi‐Guang , Chen Kun‐Ming
Published: July 2008

Brittleness culm is an important agronomic trait that has a potential usefulness in agricultural activity as animal forage although the developmental mechanism is not clear yet. In the present study, the anatomical and chemical characteristics as well as some ecophysiological features in the brittleness culm mutation of rice (Oryza sativaL.) were investigated. Compared with the wild type (WT), the brittleness culm mutant (bcm) exhibited higher culm vascular bundle distance and lower culm wall thickness, leaf interveinal distance and leaf thickness. Ratio of bundle sheath cell/whole bundle and areas of whole vascular bundles and bundle sheath of leaves were reduced while ratios of xylem and phloem to whole bundles were elevated inbcm. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy analysis and further histochemical and physiological measurements revealed that the different contents and depositions of cell wall components such as pectins, lignin, suberin and cellulose all participated in the mutation of brittleness. However, the mutant presented no significant changes in leaf photosynthetic dynamics and apoplastic transport ability. These results strongly indicate that the alterations in anatomical and chemical characteristics, rather than changes in major ecophysiological features such as photosynthesis and apoplastic transport were involved in the brittleness mutation of rice.
Influence of Nitrogen Fertilizer and Endophyte Infection on Ecophysiological Parameters and Mineral Element Content of Perennial Ryegrass
Authors: Ren An‐Zhi , Gao Yu‐Bao , Wang Wei , Wang Jin‐Long , Zhao Nian‐Xi
Published: July 2008

An experiment was designed to determine the effect of the fungal endophyte Neotyphodium lolii on the growth, physiological parameters and mineral element content of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perennel L.), when growing at two N supply levels. Endophyte infection had a significant positive effect on both shoot and root growth of ryegrass, but this difference was only significant in the high N supply treatment. At high N supply, endophyte‐infected (EI) plants accumulated more soluble sugar in the sheath and the root than endophyte‐free (EF) plants. Endophyte infection affected mineral element concentrations in the root more than in the shoot. We found a significant effect of endophyte infection on B, Mn and Mg in the root, but significant effect was only found on B in the shoot. EI plants tended to accumulate less B in the shoot at both N levels, but accumulated more B, Mn and Mg in the root at low N levels. The difference of growth parameters in different periods was significant. The content of soluble sugar and crude protein in the sheath were also dependent on the growth stages of both EI and EF plants.
Variation in Floral Sex Allocation and Reproductive Success in Sequentially Flowering Inflorescence of Corydalis remota var. lineariloba (Fumariaceae)
Authors: Zeng Yan‐Fei , Bai Wei‐Ning , Zhou Yu , Zhang Da‐Yong
Published: July 2008

In hermaphroditic plants, female reproductive success often varies among different positions within an inflorescence. However, few studies have evaluated the relative importance of underlying causes such as pollen limitation, resource limitation or architectural effect, and few have compared male allocation. During a 2‐year investigation, we found that female reproductive success of an acropetally flowering species, Corydalis remota Fisch. ex Maxim. var. lineariloba Maxim. was significantly lower in the upper late developing flowers when compared with the lower early flowers. Supplementation with outcross pollen did not improve female reproductive success of the upper flowers, while removal of the lower developing fruits significantly increased female reproductive success of the upper flowers in both years, evidencing resource limitation of the upper flowers. Female production in upper flowers was greatly improved by simultaneous pollen supplementation of the upper flowers and removal of the lower fruits, suggesting that, when resources are abundant, pollen may limit the female reproductive success of the upper flowers. The less seed mass in the upper flowers didn't increase in all treatments due to architecture. In the upper flowers, ovule production was significantly lower and the pollen : ovule ratio was significantly higher. These results suggest that male‐biased sex allocation in the upper flowers may lead to increased male reproductive success, whereas the lower flowers have higher female reproductive success.
Demographic Genetic Structure of Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis in Tianmushan Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Chen Yan , Yang Shu‐Zhen , Zhao Ming‐Shui , Ni Bi‐Ye , Liu Liang , Chen Xiao‐Yong
Published: July 2008

Genetic changes over space and time provide insights into the relative roles of evolutionary factors in shaping genetic patterns within plant populations. However, compared with spatial genetic structure, few studies have been conducted on genetic changes over time. In this study, we used six polymorphic microsatellite loci to assess genetic variation of six size‐classes of the population of Liushan, Cryptomeria japonica var. sinensis, in the Tianmushan National Nature Reserve, whose origin was debatable. The mean number of alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity were 4.583 and 0.599 9 respectively, lower than other conifers with the same life history characteristics. FST was 0.002 ± 0.003, and the pairwise test revealed no significant differentiation in any pair of size classes. Significant heterozygosity excesses were detected in five size classes except the oldest one, indicating bottleneck event(s). The above results support the hypothesis that Tianmushan population was introduced and followed by natural regeneration.
EXTENDED VALIDATION OF A SIMPLIFIED EXTRACTION AND GRAVIMETRIC DETERMINATION OF TOTAL FAT TO SELECTED FOODS
Authors: PHILLIPS KATHERINE M. , RUGGIO DAVID M. , AMANNA KAREN R.
Published: July 2008

A simplified method for chloroform/methanol extraction and gravimetric determination of total fat previously published for diet composites was tested on additional foods, including milk, cheese, fried snack foods, nuts/seeds, salad dressings, baked goods, meat, fish/shellfish and fruits/vegetables. Homogenized food composites and certified reference materials (CRMs) were analyzed using the existing method involving, briefly, orbital shaking of a subsample with chloroform/methanol/buffer in specific proportions, then recovery of total lipid in the chloroform extract. For meat, fish, shrimp, cheese and fried plantains, total fat recovery was low and/or variability was high with the unmodified assay versus results from other standard total fat methods (e.g., ether extraction, acid hydrolysis) or to CRM assigned values. Reducing the sample size or adding a homogenization step during extraction resulted in relative standard deviations of <3% for all matrices and also values consistent with those generated by other standard total fat methods and within assigned ranges for total fat in most CRMs.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The method allows for routine batch analysis of multiple samples of a range of food types with minimized hands‐on time, using commonly available laboratory equipment. The resulting total lipid extract can be subdivided for analysis of various specific lipid analytes as well as for gravimetric measurement of total fat.
THE EFFECT OF SOY PROTEIN WITH LOW CALORIE DIET ON BLOOD LIPIDS IN HYPERLIPIDEMIC TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS
Authors: NOROOZI MOSTAFA , ZAVOSHY ROZA , HASHEMI HASSAN JAHANI , ASEFZADEH SAEED
Published: July 2008

The effect of soy protein with low calorie diet on blood lipids in hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetic patients was studied. Thirty‐two subjects of both sexes, age range 25–65 years, were distributed in 16 cases and 16 controls. All subjects received a low calorie diet based on 1,400 kcal energy, 27% fat, 21% protein and 52% carbohydrate from a registered dietitian for 4 weeks. In addition to a low calorie diet, the case group received soy protein (30 g/d). Both groups significantly lost weight (P < 0.001). Body mass index, waist and hip circumferences were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) after 4 weeks of treatment. The difference between the groups was insignificant. In all subjects who were fasting, blood sugar significantly decreased (P < 0.001). Soy protein was associated with a significant reduction in serum triacylglycerols (24.8%, P < 0.05), whereas an insignificant reduction was seen in total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (7.1 and 3.1%, respectively). No significant change occurred in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Serum lipid abnormalities are an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. Because of the side effects of long‐term medications in these patients, soy protein, as a part of healthy diet, may improve their lipid profile.
MUSCLE AND ROE LIPID COMPOSITION IN DIPLOID AND TRIPLOID SCALLOPS
Authors: ARJONA OLIVIA , MILLAN ALMA , IBARRA ANA MARIA , PALACIOS ELENA
Published: July 2008

The use of triploid bivalves is now common in the market. We tested if there was a difference in lipid and long‐chain highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) accumulation in the muscle of diploid and triploid scallops (Argopecten ventricosus) during maturation, as triploids do not reproduce and lipids are not transferred to the gonad, and thus, could be accumulated in the meat (adductor muscle). Differences in triacylglycerols, phospholipids, esterified and free sterols, as well as HUFA in the reserves of gonads were found between diploid and triploid scallops. In contrast, no differences were found in the muscle for any of the lipid classes or fatty acid content in relation to ploidy, although they varied in relation to the sampling month.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results obtained indicate that for human consumption purposes, the quality of the meat and roe of scallops follows a temporal pattern of lipid accumulation, with higher levels of total sterols in summer, but a higher proportion of arachidonic acid in winter and lower docosahexaenoic acid in autumn, and that the muscle lipid composition is not affected by the triploid condition.
Serotonin facilitates long‐term depression induction in prefrontal cortex via p38 MAPK/Rab5‐mediated enhancement of AMPA receptor internalization
Authors: Zhong Ping , Liu Wenhua , Gu Zhenglin , Yan Zhen
Published: July 2008

The serotonin system in prefrontal cortex (PFC) is critically involved in the regulation of cognition and emotion. To understand the cellular mechanisms underlying its physiological actions, we investigated the role of serotonin in regulating synaptic plasticity in PFC circuits. We found that tetanic stimuli coupled to bath application of serotonin induced long‐term depression (LTD) at excitatory synapses of PFC pyramidal neurons. This effect was mediated by 5‐HT2A/C receptors and was independent of NMDA receptor activation. A group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonist blocked the LTD induction by serotonin + tetani, and co‐application of a group I mGluR agonist and serotonin, but not application of either drug alone, induced LTD without tetani. The effect of serotonin on LTD was blocked by selective inhibitors of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not p42/44 MAPK. Biochemical evidence also indicated that serotonin and a group I mGluR agonist synergistically activated p38 MAPK in PFC slices. The serotonin‐facilitated LTD induction was prevented by blocking the activation of the small GTPase Rab5, as well as by blocking the clathrin‐dependent internalization of AMPA receptors with postsynaptic injection of a dynamin inhibitory peptide, while it was unaffected by manipulating the cytoskeleton. Interestingly, in animals exposed to acute stress, the LTD induction by serotonin + tetani was significantly impaired. Taken together, these results suggest that serotonin, by cooperating with mGluRs, regulates synaptic plasticity through a mechanism dependent on p38 MAPK/Rab5‐mediated enhancement of AMPA receptor internalization in a clathrin/dynamin‐dependent manner. It provides a potential mechanism underlying the role of serotonin in controlling emotional and cognitive processes that are mediated by synaptic plasticity in PFC neurons.
Adaptations in placental nutrient transfer capacity to meet fetal growth demands depend on placental size in mice
Authors: Coan P. M. , Angiolini E. , Sandovici I. , Burton G. J. , Constância M. , Fowden A. L.
Published: July 2008

Experimental reduction in placental growth often leads to increased placental efficiency measured as grams of fetus produced per gram of placenta, although little is known about the mechanisms involved. This study tested the hypothesis that the smallest placenta within a litter is the most efficient at supporting fetal growth by examining the natural intra‐litter variation in placental nutrient transfer capacity in normal pregnant mice. The morphology, nutrient transfer and expression of key growth and nutrient supply genes (Igf2P0, Grb10, Slc2a1, Slc2a3, Slc38a1, Slc38a2 and Slc38a4) were compared in the lightest and heaviest placentas of a litter at days 16 and 19 of pregnancy, when mouse fetuses are growing most rapidly in absolute terms. The data show that there are morphological and functional adaptations in the lightest placenta within a litter, which increase active transport of amino acids per gram of placenta and maintain normal fetal growth close to term, despite the reduced placental mass. The specific placental adaptations differ with age. At E16, they are primarily morphological with an increase in the volume fraction of the labyrinthine zone responsible for nutrient exchange, whereas at E19 they are more functional with up‐regulated placental expression of the glucose transporter gene, Slc2a1/GLUT1 and one isoform the System A family of amino acid transporters, Slc38a2/SNAT2. Thus, this adaptability in placental phenotype provides a functional reserve capacity for maximizing fetal growth during late gestation when placental growth is compromised.
Comparisons of structural and functional abnormalities in mouse b‐wave mutants
Authors: McCall Maureen A. , Gregg Ronald G.
Published: July 2008

In the most simplistic view, the retinal circuit can be divided into vertical excitatory pathways that use glutamate as their neurotransmitter and lateral inhibitory pathways in the outer and inner synaptic layers that modulate excitation via glycine and GABA. Within the vertical excitatory pathways, the visual signal is initiated in the rod, cone or both photoreceptors, depending on the adaptation state of the retina. This signal is transmitted to the rest of the retina through the bipolar cells, which can be subdivided based on: the photoreceptor that provides their input, their dendritic and axonal morphology, and the polarity of their response evoked by a luminance increment, e.g. depolarizing or hyperpolarizing responses. The polarity of this response is controlled by the type of glutamatergic postsynaptic receptor that is expressed on their dendritic terminals. Hyperpolarizing bipolar cells express AMPA/kainate receptors, whereas depolarizing bipolar cells (DBCs) express the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (Grm6). The electroretinogram (ERG) is a non‐invasive method used to assess overall retinal function. The initiation of the visual signal in the photoreceptors is reflected in the ERG a‐wave and the ensuing depolarization of DBCs in the b‐wave. When there is failure of signal transmission from photoreceptors to DBCs or signalling within DBCs, the ERG a‐wave is present, while the b‐wave is absent or significantly reduced. This ERG phenotype has been found in the human population and is referred to as congenital stationary night blindness. Until recently, it had been assumed that the absence of a b‐wave was indicative of a lack of signalling through the On pathway, leaving the Off pathway unaffected. Here we review recent findings that demonstrate that many mouse mutants share a no b‐wave ERG phenotype but their retinal morphology and RGC responses differ significantly, suggesting very different effects of the underlying mutations on output from the DBCs to the rest of the retinal circuit.