bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersal differences predict population genetic structure in Mormon crickets
Authors: BAILEY NATHAN W. , GWYNNE DARRYL T. , RITCHIE MICHAEL G.
Published: March 2007

Research investigating the geographical context of speciation has primarily focused on abiotic factors such as the role of Pleistocene glacial cycles, or geotectonic events. Few study systems allow a direct comparison of how biological differences, such as dispersal behaviour, affect population genetic structure of organisms that were subdivided during the Pleistocene. Mormon crickets exist in solitary and gregarious ‘phases’, which broadly correspond with an east–west mtDNA division across the Rocky Mountains. Gregarious individuals form bands that can move up to 2 km daily. This study assessed whether population genetic structure results mainly from deep Pleistocene vicariance or if we can also detect more recent genetic patterns due to phase and dispersal differences superimposed on the older, deeper divisions. We found that separation in refugia was a more important influence on genetic divergence than phase, with the Rockies acting as a barrier that separated Mormon cricket populations into eastern and western refugia during Pleistocene glacial cycles. However, patterns of isolation by distance differ between eastern and western clades for both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, with greater divergence within the eastern, solitary clade. An mtDNA haplotype mismatch distribution is compatible with historical population expansion in the western clade but not in the eastern clade. A persistent (and possibly sex‐biased) difference in dispersal ability has most likely influenced the greater population genetic structure seen in the eastern clade, emphasizing the importance of the interaction of Quaternary climate fluctuations and geography with biotic factors in producing the patterns of genetic subdivision observed today.
Lepeophtheirus salmonis secretory/excretory products and their effects on Atlantic salmon immune gene regulation
Authors: FAST M. D. , JOHNSON S. C. , EDDY T. D. , PINTO D. , ROSS N. W.
Published: March 2007

We have previously shown that Lepeophtheirus salmonis produces trypsin and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that are most likely responsible for the limited inflammatory response of Atlantic salmon to infection. After removal of the dopamine and PGE2, the immunomodulatory activity of unfractionated and pools of the fractionated secretions was determined by examining the effects of the secretions on Atlantic salmon immune gene expression. Incubation of macrophage‐enriched isolates of Atlantic salmon head kidney cells with the unfractionated secretion + PGE2 revealed a significant inhibition of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and major histocompatibility class I gene expression. Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide‐induced IL‐1β expression in the Atlantic salmon head kidney cell line (SHK‐1) was observed when three pools of the secretory/excretory products were tested. Further purification of products within these pools revealed that fraction 1‐2 could account fully for the inhibition of IL‐1β expression in SHK‐1 cells observed in pooled fraction 1. This study demonstrates that there are other immunomodulatory compounds produced by L. salmonis, in addition to PGE2 and trypsin, that can inhibit the expression of Atlantic salmon immune‐related genes in vitro.
Immunohistochemical characterization of human fulminant amoebic colitis
Authors: VENTURA‐JUÁREZ J. , BARBA‐GALLARDO L. F. , MUÑOZ‐FERNÁNDEZ L. , MARTÍNEZ‐MEDINA L. , MÁRQUEZ‐DÍAZ F. , SOSA‐DÍAZ S. J. , GERARDO‐RODRÍGUEZ M. , GONZÁLEZ‐ROMO R. , CAMPOS‐RODRÍGUEZ R.
Published: March 2007

In cases of fulminant amoebic colitis we have determined the interactions between Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites and immune cells in order to better understand the pathophysiology of amoebic colitis. Eleven specimens of amoebic colitis and five specimens of colon without amoebic lesions were studied. Trophozoites and immune cells were located by topographic stains, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Trophozoites were seen in both damaged and undamaged areas of the colonic mucosa. Specimens of fulminant amoebic colitis showed: (a) an increase in IgA+, IgG+ B cells and neutrophils; (b) a reduction in IgM+ B cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, eosinophils and mast cells; and (c) no change in the number of NK and CD4+ T cells. The cellular infiltrate in amoebic colitis may represent the combined effects of amoebic monocyte locomotion inhibitory factor and switching of IgM+ B cells to IgG+ and IgA+ plasma cells, induced by amoebic antigens. Tissue damage in the absence of trophozoites may result from ischaemia or host immune responses.
Identification of a novel HLA‐B allele HLA‐B*4070 in a Chinese donor†
Authors: Jin W‐M. , Du D. , Liu X. , Kong F‐H. , Cai J‐P.
Published: March 2007

Identification of a novel human leukocyte antigen‐B allele HLA‐B*4070
Association and interaction of the TNF‐alpha gene with other pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine genes and HLA genes in patients with type 1 diabetes from North India
Authors: Kumar R. , Goswami R. , Agarwal S. , Israni N. , Singh S. K. , Rani R.
Published: March 2007

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a multifactorial autoimmune disorder where major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes and the insulin‐linked polymorphic region have been shown to play major roles. We report here an integrated effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α with other cytokine genes. The TNF‐α−308 GA and AA (high secretor) polymorphisms were significantly increased in the patients with T1D (n = 235) [P < 7 × 10−6, odds ratio (OR) = 3.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8–5.3] compared with the controls (n= 128). The variants of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) (A+874T), interleukin (IL)‐6 (G−174C), IL‐10 (A−1082G, T−819C, C−592A) and transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 (Tcdn10C, Gcdn25C) did not show a significant difference between patients and controls. However, simultaneous presence of TNF‐α−308 GA+AA along with both high and low secretor genotypes of IFN‐γ (P < 0.003) was significantly increased in patients. Simultaneous presence of TNF‐α−308 GA + AA along with high secretor genotypes of IL‐6 (P < 0.0001, OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.5–4.56), IL‐10 (P < 0.0001, OR = 4.26, 95% CI = 1.9–10.1) and TGF‐β1 (P < 0.00004, OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.6–4.86) was also significantly increased in patients with T1D. Low secretor genotype of TNF‐α−308 GG along with low secretor genotypes of IFN‐γ (P < 0.001, OR = 0.465, 95% CI = 0.28–0.77), high secretor genotypes of IL‐6 (P < 0.000004, OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.227–0.621) and TGF‐β1 (P < 0.000006, OR = 0.336, 95% CI = 0.198–0.568) was protective. The TNF‐α−308 G allele was in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*0801‐DRB1*0301 haplotype, while TNF‐α−308 A allele was in LD with the HLA‐B*5001‐DRB1*0301 and B*5801‐DRB1*0301 haplotypes, suggesting that the effect of TNF‐α−308 A allele is not because of its being in LD with any HLA alleles, but because of its functional role and its integrated effect with other cytokines.
Enrichment of individual KIR2DL4 sequences from genomic DNA using long‐template PCR and allele‐specific hybridization to magnetic bead‐bound oligonucleotide probes
Authors: Roberts C. H , Turino C , Madrigal J. A , Marsh S. G. E
Published: March 2007

DNA enrichment by allele‐specific hybridization (DEASH) was used as a means to isolate individual alleles of the killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR2DL4) gene from heterozygous genomic DNA. Using long‐template polymerase chain reaction (LT‐PCR), the complete KIR2DL4 gene was amplified from a cell line that had previously been characterized for its KIR gene content by PCR using sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP). The whole gene amplicons were sequenced and we identified two heterozygous positions in accordance with the predictions of the PCR‐SSP. The amplicons were then hybridized to allele‐specific, biotinylated oligonucleotide probes and through binding to streptavidin‐coated beads, the targeted alleles were enriched. A second PCR amplified only the exonic regions of the enriched allele, and these were then sequenced in full. We show DEASH to be capable of enriching single alleles from a heterozygous PCR product, and through sequencing the enriched DNA, we are able to produce complete coding sequences of the KIR2DL4 alleles in accordance with the typing predicted by PCR‐SSP.
Single transpulmonary thermodilution in off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting: haemodynamic changes and effects of different anaesthetic techniques
Authors: Kirov M. Y. , Lenkin A. I. , Kuzkov V. V. , Suborov E. V. , Slastilin V. Y. , Borodin V. V. , Chernov I. I. , Shonbin A. N. , Bjertnaes L. J.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Off‐pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) can be associated with severe cardiovascular changes, thus requiring advanced haemodynamic monitoring. Our aim was to investigate the feasibility of transpulmonary single thermodilution (STD) combined with pulse‐contour analysis, a newly introduced method for cardiovascular monitoring, for assessment of changes in haemodynamics during different anaesthetic techniques in OPCAB.

Methods:  Thirty‐six patients scheduled for elective OPCAB were randomized to receive anaesthesia either with midazolam, propofol or isoflurane, in addition to fentanyl and pipecuronium. After catheterization of the femoral artery, haemodynamic parameters were assessed using STD and pulse‐contour analysis. The measurements were performed after induction of anaesthesia, during surgery and at 2, 4 and 6 h post‐operatively.

Results:  At the end of surgery, the global ejection fraction decreased by 29% and 19% in the midazolam and the propofol groups, respectively, (P < 0.05) but remained unchanged in the isoflurane group. Moreover, in the isoflurane group, the left ventricular contractility index was higher and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) decreased in comparison with pre‐operative values. Post‐operatively, the cardiac index (CI) and the cardiac function index (CFI) increased in all groups (P < 0.05). The peri‐operative requirement for ephedrine and nitroglycerin increased in the propofol and the midazolam groups, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  During OPCAB, STD and pulse‐contour analysis displayed changes in preload, myocardial function and afterload that gave valuable guidance for the conduct of anaesthesia, fluid management, and the administration of vasoactive agents. As assessed using STD, isoflurane within the present dose range appears to maintain myocardial performance and vascular tone better than midazolam or propofol.
Post‐operative recovery profile after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective, observational study of a multimodal anaesthetic regime
Authors: Jensen K. , Kehlet H. , Lund C. M.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now often an ambulatory procedure, but dependent on short‐term post‐operative complaints of pain and post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The efficacy of post‐anaesthesia care units (PACUs) is therefore important to facilitate return to normal functions. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a standardized, evidence‐based anaesthesia/analgesic regime to identify residual problems in the early post‐operative phase.

Methods:  One hundred and thirty‐four consecutive patients admitted for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Hvidovre University Hospital between 15 March and 30 September 2005 were included in the study. The standardized, evidence‐based regime consisted of total intravenous (i.v.) anaesthesia (propofol‐remifentanil), well‐defined fluid therapy, dexamethasone, ketorolac, ondansetron, sufentanil and incisional bupivacaine intra‐operatively, and in the PACU on demand (prn) administration of sufentanil, morphine, paracetamol, ondansetron, droperidol, oral fluids and oxygen (if SpO2 < 93%) with PACU discharge using a modified Aldrete score.

Results:  Protocol violations were moderate and occurred unsystematically, 8% had medical violations and 10% did not receive the pre‐planned fluid amount. Severe PONV was seen in 2%. Thirteen per cent experienced severe pain, and the presence of any pain and/or PONV were predictors of an extended PACU stay. Mean oxygen demand was 46 min (range, 0–300 min), which influenced time to discharge (mean, 88 min). There were on average 2.7 treatment interventions (range, 0–11) before discharge.

Conclusion:  An evidence‐based, multimodal approach to the anaesthetic/analgesic management in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and advantageous in the early post‐operative phase. Pain and PONV are predictors of a complicated recovery profile and deserve further attention. Transient oxygen desaturations postpone discharge from the PACU, but the clinical significance of this fact is questionable.
Low‐dose propofol reduces the incidence of moderate to severe local pain induced by the main dose
Authors: Liljeroth E. , Karlsson A. , Lagerkranser M. , ÅKeson J.
Published: March 2007

Background:  Local pain on injection of propofol remains a considerable problem in clinical anaesthesiology. As slow infusion of a low dose of propofol induces little or no pain at the site of injection, and as propofol‐induced pain fades during prolonged exposure, this randomized, double‐blind, clinical cross‐over study was designed to test whether pain on injection of propofol is attenuated by initial slow injection of a low dose of propofol by the same intravenous line.

Methods:  Seventy‐seven adult surgical patients were cannulated in a dorsal vein on each hand. In each cannula, a 0.5‐ml priming dose of either propofol 10 mg/ml dissolved in an emulsion of medium‐ and long‐chain triglycerides or aqueous sodium chloride 9.0 mg/ml was injected over 30 s, and followed 120 s later by a main dose of 2.0 ml of the same propofol formula over 6 s. After each injection, the patients were asked by a blind investigator to score the maximal pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results:  Although the decrease in maximal pain intensity did not reach statistical significance (P= 0.070), significantly fewer patients reported moderate or severe pain intensity (corresponding to 3.0 VAS units or more) after the main dose of propofol was preceded by a priming dose of propofol than by sodium chloride (P= 0.041).

Conclusions:  The incidence of moderate to severe local pain induced by intravenous propofol can be decreased by a readily applicable technique in which a low dose of propofol emulsion is slowly administered by the same intravenous route 2 min in advance.
Protective effect of intrathecal ketorolac in spinal cord ischemia in rats: a microdialysis study
Authors: Hsieh Y.‐C. , Cheng H. , Chan K.‐H. , Chang W.‐K. , Liu T.‐M. , Wong C.‐S.
Published: March 2007

Background: The prevention of ischemic paraplegia after thoracoabdominal aortic surgery is challenging for both anesthesiologists and surgeons. In a previous study, we showed that intrathecal ketorolac pre‐treatment protects rats against ischemic spinal cord injury. In the present study, using a microdialysis method, we investigated whether this neuroprotective effect was related to changes in the spinal cord release of nitric oxide (NO) or the excitatory amino acids (EAAs) aspartate and glutamate.

Methods: Rats were randomized to receive either intrathecal saline or ketorolac 60 μg (10 rats per group), 1 h before spinal cord ischemic injury induced by balloon inflation of a 2F Fogarty catheter in the thoracic aorta with maintenance of the proximal arterial blood pressure at 40 mmHg for 11 min, followed by reperfusion. Another 10 animals were used as the sham‐operated control group. Ischemic injury was assessed by hind limb motor function. Cerebrospinal fluid dialysates were collected at baseline (before ischemia) and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12 and 24 h after the start of reperfusion, and were analyzed for EAAs using high‐performance liquid chromatography and for NO metabolites using an NO analyzer.

Results: The results showed that intrathecal ketorolac attenuated spinal cord ischemic injury. Dialysate concentrations of NO and EAAs were increased after spinal cord ischemia, and this effect was inhibited by intrathecal administration of ketorolac.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the neuroprotective effect of intrathecal ketorolac in spinal cord ischemia in rats may be caused by a decrease in the spinal cord release of NO and EAAs.
From intracranial pressure to intracranial pressure wave‐guided intensive care management of a patient with an aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage
Authors: Eide P. K. , Sorteberg W. , Meling T. , Jörum E. , Hald J. , Stubhaug A.
Published: March 2007

We report on a 65‐year‐old female with an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) that was followed clinically, radiologically and electrophysiologically before and after converting from intracranial pressure (ICP)‐guided to ICP wave‐guided intensive care management. Intracranial pressure‐guided management is aimed at keeping mean ICP < 15–20 mmHg, while ICP wave‐guided management is aimed at keeping mean ICP wave amplitude < 5 mmHg. The aims of management were obtained by adjusting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) draining volume from her external ventricular drain. No improvement was seen clinically or in cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans during the ICP‐guided management. Clinical, MRI and neurophysiologic (electroencephalography and auditory evoked responses) improvements were obvious within 2 days after converting from ICP‐ to ICP wave‐guided management. This case report describes how we used various ICP parameters to guide intensive care management of an aneurysmal SAH patient.
Fatal inhalation injury caused by airway fire during tracheostomy
Authors: Niskanen M. , Purhonen S. , Koljonen V. , Ronkainen A. , Hirvonen E.
Published: March 2007

A 45‐year‐old man needed emergency tracheostomy and cranioplasty. He was intubated with a cuffed oral polyvinylchloride endotracheal tube and ventilated with 100% oxygen before tracheal incision. During opening of the trachea using diathermy, a popping sound was heard and flames originating from the tracheal incision were observed. The endotracheal tube was charred and its lumen had melted. Immediately after the incident, bronchofibroscopic examination revealed inhalation injury. After remaining for 8 weeks in hospital, the patient was transferred to a health care centre, where he was found dead in his bed.
A solvent/detergent‐treated and 15‐nm filtered factor VIII: a new safety standard for plasma‐derived coagulation factor concentrates
Authors: Chtourou S. , Porte P. , Nogré M. , Bihoreau N. , Cheesman E. , Samor B. , Sauger A. , Raut S. , Mazurier C.
Published: March 2007

Background  Since the early 1990s the Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products has set the mandatory requirement that all manufacturing processes for blood products include two virus removal/inactivation steps that are complementary in their action.

Objectives  The objective was to develop a manufacturing process for factor VIII (FVIII) including two complementary steps of viral inactivation/elimination.

Methods  A 35–15 nm nanofiltration step was added to a former FVIII manufacturing process that included solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment to generate a new FVIII concentrate called Factane®. The impact of nanofiltration on the structural and functional characteristics of FVIII, as well as virus/transmissible spongiform encephalopathy reduction factors were assessed.

Results  Using an innovative approach, FVIII was successfully nanofiltered at 35–15 nm, while the biological properties of the active substance were unmodified. FVIII coagulant and antigen content for Factane® and previous S/D‐treated FVIII (FVIII‐LFB, commercialized as Facteur VIII‐LFB®) were comparable. The FVIII one‐stage chromogenic and coagulant/antigen ratios confirmed that nanofiltered FVIII was not activated. After nanofiltration, the copurified von Willebrand factor (vWF) was reduced but vWF/FVIII binding properties were unaffected. Phospholipid binding and thrombin proteolysis studies displayed no differences between Factane® and FVIII‐LFB. The rate of factor Xa generation was slightly lower for Factane® when compared to FVIII‐LFB. Viral validation studies with different viruses showed no detectable virus in the filtrate.

Conclusions  Nanofiltration of FVIII at 15 nm is feasible despite the large molecular weight of FVIII and vWF. Nanofiltration has been proven to be highly effective at removing infectious agents while preserving the structural and functional integrity of FVIII.
Insulin‐like growth factor I in growing thoroughbreds
Authors: Staniar W. B. , Kronfeld D. S. , Akers R. M. , Harris P. A.
Published: March 2007

The objective of this longitudinal study was to characterize growth and plasma insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) concentrations in pasture‐raised thoroughbreds fed two sources of dietary energy. Mares and foals were randomly assigned to either a sugar and starch (SS) or fat and fibre (FF)‐rich feed, and plasma IGF‐I and growth were measured once a month from 1 to 16 months of age. These dependent variables were also compared with day length and ambient temperature. There was an association between plasma IGF‐I concentration and average daily gain (ADG) (r = 0.32, p < 0.001). There were also clear seasonal patterns in both ADG and plasma IGF‐I, with high values in June and May, and a low value in March. Plasma IGF‐I and ADG were positively associated with day length and temperature. Plasma IGF‐I was never higher (p > 0.10) in the FF group when compared with the SS group, and was higher in the SS group during a rapid growth phase in the spring of year 2 (p < 0.10). The results establish an association between ADG and IGF‐I in the horse and indicate that environment and age may influence this relationship. In addition, plasma IGF‐I is influenced by dietary energy source at particular times of year. This link has important implications in designing feeding management strategies that are aimed at addressing skeletal development.
Oestradiol, but not genistein, inhibits the rise in food intake following gonadectomy in cats, but genistein is associated with an increase in lean body mass
Authors: Cave N. J. , Backus R. C. , Marks S. L. , Klasing K. C.
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of obesity in domestic cats is increasing worldwide, and is strongly associated with gonadectomy. We have previously demonstrated the effectiveness of oestradiol in reducing food intake in both male and female neutered cats. This experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that oestradiol or genistein would prevent the increase in food intake following gonadectomy of male and female cats, and would prevent an increase in body fat mass. Three groups of eight cats each were surgically neutered then treated daily with either 0.5 μg oestradiol subcutaneously, 100 mg/kg genistein orally, or vehicle only. Effect of treatment on food intake, vaginal cytology and body weight were recorded, and body composition was assayed using the D2O isotopic dilution method. Neutering was followed by an increase in food intake, bodyweight and body fat mass in the control group, which were almost completely prevented by treatment with oestradiol (p < 0.001). Treatment with genistein had no effect on food intake or bodyweight increase, but was associated with a significant increase in lean body mass (p = 0.018), and significantly less body fat accumulation than the control group (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in responses to treatment between sexes. These findings demonstrate the importance of gonadal oestrogen for the control of food intake in male and female cats, and suggest the provision of an oestrogenic compound could help prevent obesity following neutering. In addition, the findings of this study are consistent with observations in rodents of the efficacy of genistein in inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting lean body tissue development.
Effects of Fusarium toxins on growth, humoral immune response and internal organs in weaner pigs, and the efficacy of apple pomace as an antidote
Authors: Gutzwiller A. , Czeglédi L. , Stoll P. , Bruckner L.
Published: March 2007

A feeding trial using 220 weaner pigs which comprised two experimental series was conducted to investigate the effects of diets contaminated with the Fusarium toxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON) and to test the hypothesis that apple pomace acts as an antidote to these mycotoxins. Two diets without contaminated wheat, containing either no pomace or 8% pomace, and two diets with naturally contaminated wheat (3.2 mg DON and 0.06 mg ZON, and 2.1 mg DON and 0.25 mg ZON per kg diet in series 1 and 2 respectively), containing either no pomace or 8% pomace were fed ad libitum for 5 weeks. Mycotoxin exposure lowered feed intake (p < 0.01) and growth (p = 0.05), and tended to decrease the energy conversion ratio (p = 0.06). Although the intake of apple pomace did not increase feed intake, it increased the growth rate (p = 0.04), mainly by restoring growth in the presence of mycotoxins (p = 0.08 for the interaction mycotoxin × pomace). In the first experimental series, the animals were immunized with a parvovirus vaccine. The percentage of seroconverting animals did not differ between the treatments (p = 0.56), which indicates that DON did not affect the humoral immune response. In the second experimental series, female piglets fed the contaminated diets had heavier uteri than piglets fed the uncontaminated diets (p < 0.01), regardless of pomace supplementation. The results show that pomace may alleviate the negative effect of DON on growth but does not counteract the hormonal effects of ZON.
The influence of dietary tannin supplementation on digestive performance in captive black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)
Authors: Clauss M. , Castell J. C. , Kienzle E. , Dierenfeld E. S. , Flach E. J. , Behlert O. , Ortmann S. , Streich W. J. , Hummel J. , Hatt J.‐M.
Published: March 2007

Free‐ranging browsers such as the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) consume a diet that contains tannins, whereas the diets offered to them in captivity consist mostly of items known to contain hardly any such secondary plant compounds. Tannins could have potentially beneficial effects, including the chelation of dietary iron (iron storage disease is a common problem in black rhinos). Here, we tested the acceptance, and the consequences on digestion variables, of a low‐dose tannin supplementation in captive animals. Eight black rhinoceroses from three zoological institutions were used. Faecal output was quantified by total faecal collection. Diets fed were regular zoo diets supplemented with either tannic acid (T, hydrolysable tannin) or quebracho (Q, condensed tannins); overall tannin source intake increased at 5–15 g/kg dry matter (DM) in relation to regular zoo diets. Adaptation periods to the new diets were >2 months. Additional data were taken from one hitherto unpublished study. Data were compared to measurements in the same animals on their regular zoo diets. All animals accepted the new diets without hesitation. There was no influence of tannin supplementation on digestion coefficients of DM and its constituents, or faecal concentrations of short‐chain fatty acids or lactate. Water intake did not increase during tannin supplementation. Should the inclusion of dietary tannin sources be an objective in the development of diets for captive rhinoceroses, moderate doses such as used in this study are unlikely to cause relevant depressions of digestive efficiency and will not interfere with bacterial fermentation in a relevant way.
Composition of individual nucleobases in diets containing different products from bacterial biomass grown on natural gas, and digestibility in mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Mydland L. T. , Frøyland J. R. K. , Skrede A.
Published: March 2007

The objectives of the present study were to quantify the amount of nucleic acids, to examine the nucleobase composition and to determine the digestibility of individual nucleobases in diets containing various products from bacterial biomass grown on natural gas, including autolytic and hydrolytic fractions, using mink (Mustela vison) as a model animal. The diets consisted of cod fillet (control), commercial basic BioProtein®, and five experimentally produced autolytic and hydrolytic fractions of the bacterial protein meal as protein sources. Each diet was assigned to four adult male mink, housed individually in cages equipped for controlled feeding and quantitative collection of faeces. Faeces were collected for 4 days, and the individual nucleobases in diet and faeces were analysed by HPLC after hydrolysis using HClO4. The content of nucleobases in the diets containing bacterial protein meal was 37% to 205% higher than in the control diet. The nucleobase‐nitrogen in the control diet amounted to 4.3% of the total nitrogen content, whereas the experimental bacterial protein diets contained from 7.4% to 17.4% of the total N content in the form of nucleic acids. The various methods used to produce the bacterial protein fractions clearly affected both the amount of nucleic acids and the molar proportions of the individual nucleobases. The average digestibility of the nucleobases was 95%, and all the individual nucleobases were highly digestible. Uracil showed the highest digestibility (on average 96.8%), whereas thymine showed the lowest digestibility (on average 93.6%).
Increasing dietary crude protein does not increase the methionine requirement in kittens*†‡
Authors: Strieker M. J. , Morris J. G. , Kass P. H. , Rogers Q. R.
Published: March 2007

The objective of this study was to determine if the methionine (met) requirement of kittens is correlated with the concentration of dietary crude protein (CP). The study used 48 male kittens in two replications of six 4 × 4 Latin squares, each representing one concentration of met (1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 6.0 or 9.0 g/kg diet) with four CP concentrations (150, 200, 300 and 500 g/kg diet) in 2‐week periods. Cystine was present in the lowest CP diet at 5.3 g/kg diet and increased as dietary CP increased. Body weight gain, food intake, nitrogen balance and plasma amino acids, glucose, insulin, cortisol, somatomedin C, T3and T4concentrations on day 12 were measured. From breakpoint analysis of the nitrogen retention curves, the met requirement of kittens was found to be 3.1, 3.8, 3.1 and 2.4 g met/kg for the 150, 200, 300 and 500 g CP/kg diets, respectively. When met was limiting (1.5 or 2.5 g/kg diet), increasing dietary CP did not decrease, but rather increased food intake, body weight gain and nitrogen retention. Plasma met concentrations increased as dietary met increased and at 2.5–3.5 g met/kg diet were not different among kittens fed the various CP diets. Total plasma T3and T4increased significantly as dietary CP increased in kittens given the 2.5 and 4.5 g met/kg diets. Results indicate that food intake and possibly altered hormonal secretion play a role in this growth response. In conclusion, the met requirement of growing kittens, unlike omnivores and herbivores studied, was not positively correlated with the concentration of dietary CP.
GAD65 autoantibody epitopes in adult patients with latent autoimmune diabetes following GAD65 vaccination
Authors: Bekris L. M. , Jensen R. A. , Lagerquist E. , Hall T. R. , Agardh C.‐D. , Cilio C. M. , Lethagen Å. L. , Lernmark Å. , Robertson J. A. , Hampe C. S.
Published: March 2007

Aims  Subcutaneous injection of recombinant human GAD65 (rhGAD65) in patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) correlates with an increase in C‐peptide levels. In this study we analysed the effect of rhGAD65 administration on the GAD65‐specific autoimmune response.

Methods  Longitudinal serum samples obtained from LADA patients (n = 47) who received 4, 20, 100 or 500 µg alum‐formulated rhGAD65 or placebo by subcutaneous injection twice (4 weeks apart) were analysed for their epitope recognition using GAD65‐specific recombinant Fab and GAD65/67 fusion proteins.

Results  Overall, minor changes in the epitope pattern were observed using either approach. Only in the 500‐µg dosage group was an increase in GAD65Ab level associated with a significant increase in the binding to a conformational epitope located at the middle part of GAD65.

Conclusions  Our data suggest that the apparent beneficial effects of 20 µg alum‐formulated recombinant human GAD65 is not explained by changes in the GAD65Ab epitope pattern.
Combination therapy with an ACE inhibitor and an angiotensin receptor blocker for diabetic nephropathy: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Jennings D. L. , Kalus J. S. , Coleman C. I. , Manierski C. , Yee J.
Published: March 2007

Aims  Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Studies suggest that combination renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS)‐inhibiting therapy provides additive benefit in DN. However, these studies are small in size. We performed a meta‐analysis of studies investigating combination therapy for DN.

Methods  Studies were identified through a search of medline, embase, cinahl and the Cochrane Database. All trials involving combined ACEI and ARB for slowing progression of DN were included. The primary end point was 24‐h urinary protein excretion. Blood pressure, serum potassium and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were secondary end points.

Results  In the 10 included trials, 156 patients received ACEI + ARB and 159 received ACEI only. Most studies were 8–12 weeks in duration. Proteinuria was reduced with ACEI + ARB (P = 0.01). This was associated with significant statistical heterogeneity (P = 0.005). ACEI + ARB was associated with a reduction in GFR [3.87 ml/min (7.32–0.42); P = 0.03] and a trend towards an increase in serum creatinine (6.86 µmol/l 95% CI −0.76–13.73; P = 0.09). Potassium was increased by 0.2 (0.08–0.32) mmol/l (P < 0.01) with ACEI + ARB. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were reduced by 5.2 (2.1–8.4) mmHg (P < 0.01) and 5.3 (2.2–8.4) mmHg (P < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions  This meta‐analysis suggests that ACEI + ARB reduces 24‐h proteinuria to a greater extent than ACEI alone. This benefit is associated with small effects on GFR, serum creatinine, potassium and blood pressure. These results should be interpreted cautiously as most of the included studies were of short duration and the few long‐term studies (12 months) have not demonstrated benefit.
Subclinical right ventricular dysfunction in diabetes mellitus—an ultrasonic strain/strain rate study
Authors: Kosmala W. , Przewlocka‐Kosmala M. , Mazurek W.
Published: March 2007

Aims  While left ventricular dysfunction has been recognized to be a common complication of diabetes mellitus, data regarding right ventricular (RV) performance in patients with diabetes are incomplete. The aim of the study was to determine the preclinical effects of diabetes on regional RV systolic and diastolic function in asymptomatic persons with diabetes using the echocardiographic strain/strain rate technique.

Methods  Groups studied consisted of 33 subjects with diabetes only (DM; aged 57.3 ± 12.9 years) and 40 subjects with coexisting diabetes and hypertension (DMHT; aged 57.5 ± 10.5 years). In all patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease and pulmonary hypertension were excluded. Thirty‐six healthy age‐matched persons served as control subjects. In each patient an echocardiographic study with strain/strain rate imaging was performed. Analysis of RV deformation data included assessment of systolic strain, peak systolic strain rate (SRs) and peak early diastolic strain rate (SRe) obtained from the basal and apical segments of the RV free wall.

Results  Significantly lower values of systolic strain and SRs in the basal and apical segment of the RV free wall in the DM and DMHT groups as compared with control subjects indicated impairment of RV systolic function. Similarly, decreased SRe in patients with diabetes in both RV segments examined reflected abnormalities of RV diastolic performance. The systolic defects were more pronounced in the apical than in the basal segment. All measured parameters were similar in the two groups with diabetes.

Conclusion  Diabetes mellitus is associated with subclinical RV systolic and diastolic dysfunction, regardless of coexisting hypertension.
Systematic literature review: quality of life associated with insulin pump use in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Barnard K. D. , Lloyd C. E. , Skinner T. C.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To review systematically the published literature addressing whether continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) provides any quality of life benefits to people with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods  Electronic databases and published references were searched and a consultation with two professional groups was undertaken to identify relevant studies published up to July 2005. A multistep selection process was then undertaken to identify those articles which met the specific selection criteria, which were then critically reviewed.

Results  Eighty‐four potential relevant articles were identified from examination of titles and abstracts published during the specified time frame. Of these, 28 articles were retrieved in full text, of which 17 fulfilled the specific criteria for inclusion. Mixed results emerged from existing literature. Of the five randomized controlled trials, three reported mixed results, with one study reporting quality of life benefits and one reporting no evidence of quality of life benefits.

Conclusions  There is conflicting evidence reported in the various studies on the quality of life benefits of CSII in Type 1 diabetes. Existing research is flawed, making a judgement about the quality of life benefits of insulin pump use difficult. There is no strong evidence against quality of life benefits associated with CSII or otherwise, with poor methodology and inconsistent assessment of quality of life clouding the issue. The lack of reported benefit is probably a function of this rather than pump therapy not offering any quality of life benefits.
Patient and professional accuracy of recalled treatment decisions in out‐patient consultations
Authors: Skinner T. C. , Barnard K. , Cradock S. , Parkin T.
Published: March 2007

Aims  To test the assumption that professional recall of consultation decisions is valid and more accurate than patient recall of consultation decisions.

Methods  One hundred and thirty‐four consultations between diabetes specialist nurses and diabetes specialist dietitians in an adult out‐patient diabetes service were audiotaped. Patients and professionals were asked to recall the treatment decisions made immediately after the consultation. Patient participants were also asked to complete the Health Care Climate Questionnaire (HCC). Recalled decisions, by patient and professional participants, were then compared with those extracted from the audio tapes, and with each other.

Results  The mean duration of consultations was 27 min. Patients recalled a mean of 2.5 (sd 1.4) decisions per consultation, and professionals a mean of 3.2 (sd 1.6) decisions per consultation. A mean of 2.2 (sd 1.1, range 0–4) decisions per consultation were identified on the audiotapes. Patients recalled a mean of 2.3 (sd 1.4, range 0–6) decisions per consultations that could not be found on the tapes, with professionals recalling a mean of 1.7 (sd 1.2, range 0–6) decisions per consultation that could not be found on the tape. More autonomy, as measured by the HCCQ, was correlated with better professional recall (r = 0.17; P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Both patients and professionals have poor recall of decisions made in diabetes out‐patient consultations. Although the mean professional recall is marginally better than that of the patients, they recall a vast number of unmade decisions and the implications of these being recorded in patients’ notes is substantial.
Information in diabetes care: is there a need to dumb down even more?
Authors: Kerr D.
Published: March 2007

Aim  To assess readability of information provided for patients with Type 2 diabetes on drug treatment for their condition.

Methods  A random sample of patient information on drug treatments published on the website of the main UK Diabetes charity was assessed for readability using two accepted measures and compared with articles from three national newspapers published the same day, in the setting of a hospital‐based diabetes centre. The main outcome measures were Flesch‐Reading Ease and Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level scores available within Microsoft Office 2000.

Results  Information provided for patients and medically related articles from two of three newspapers had suboptimal readability, requiring literacy skills well above the UK average.

Conclusions  Information for patients with diabetes may be of limited value for 20% of the UK adult population who have problems with literacy.
Viability and bar expression are negatively correlated in Oregon Wolfe Barley Dominant hybrids
Authors: Bregitzer Phil , Cooper Laurel D. , Hayes Patrick M. , Lemaux Peggy G. , Singh Jaswinder , Sturbaum Anne K.
Published: March 2007

The expression level of bar, which encodes phosphinothricin acetyltransferase (PAT), was correlated with the inviability of barley hybrids between 20 Golden Promise‐derived transgenic lines (Ds‐bar lines) and a specialized genetic marker stock, Oregon Wolfe Barley Dominant (OWBD). Each Ds‐bar line was homozygous for a modified maize Ds element that encoded bar and that had been delivered via transposition to a unique location. All Ds‐bar lines were viable and morphologically similar. Only four of the 20 hybrid populations were viable. The remaining populations died prior to producing seed. Phenotypic, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analyses of these lines, and of lines from unrelated transformation events that also expressed bar, showed that viability was negatively correlated with bar expression. Analysis of crosses of a high‐bar‐expressing line with the OWB mapping population showed that the sensitivity of OWBD to PAT segregated as a single locus on chromosome 6HL. No sensitivity to PAT could be detected in several other lines and cultivars. OWBD has been shown to be genetically divergent from other germplasm groups within cultivated barley; therefore, the observed sensitivity may be peculiar to OWBD and thus would not impact generally on the utility of bar as a selectable marker or source of herbicide resistance in barley. Nevertheless, these results demonstrate the extent of allelic variability present in Hordeum vulgare, and suggest an additional variable for consideration when devising protocols for the transformation of Hordeum cultivars or landraces that are not known to be tolerant to PAT.
Robust expression of a bioactive mammalian protein in Chlamydomonas chloroplast
Authors: Manuell Andrea L. , Beligni Maria Verónica , Elder John H. , Siefker David T. , Tran Miller , Weber Annika , McDonald Thomas L. , Mayfield Stephen P.
Published: March 2007

We have engineered the chloroplast of eukaryotic algae to produce a number of recombinant proteins, including human monoclonal antibodies, but, to date, have achieved expression to only 0.5% of total protein. Here, we show that, by engineering the mammalian coding region of bovine mammary‐associated serum amyloid (M‐SAA) as a direct replacement for the chloroplast psbA coding region, we can achieve expression of recombinant protein above 5% of total protein. Chloroplast‐expressed M‐SAA accumulates predominantly as a soluble protein, contains the correct amino terminal sequence and has little or no post‐translational modification. M‐SAA is found in mammalian colostrum and stimulates the production of mucin in the gut, acting in the prophylaxis of bacterial and viral infections. Chloroplast‐expressed and purified M‐SAA is able to stimulate mucin production in human gut epithelial cell lines. As Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is an edible alga, production of therapeutic proteins in this organism offers the potential for oral delivery of gut‐active proteins, such as M‐SAA.
A ubiquitin‐based vector for the co‐ordinated synthesis of multiple proteins in plants
Authors: Walker Joseph M. , Vierstra Richard D.
Published: March 2007

The genetic engineering of complex traits into crop plants will ultimately require strategies to co‐express more than one protein at the same time. Here, we report the development of a ubiquitin (Ub)‐based expression method that can generate two proteins from a single transcript. It contains coding regions for the proteins of interest, separated in‐frame by the coding region for the C‐terminal end of Ub followed by a full‐length Ub. On expression in tobacco, this polycistronic messenger RNA (mRNA) is translated to produce a chimeric protein that is rapidly processed by endogenous deubiquitinating proteases to release the two proteins plus a Ub moiety in intact forms. The C‐terminal protein domain is released without additional amino acids, whereas the N‐terminal protein domain retains the short C‐terminal end of Ub. The analysis of vectors with progressively shorter C‐terminal ends indicates that only the last six C‐terminal amino acids of the proximal Ub domain are needed for efficient processing in plants. By comparing the levels of luciferase and β‐glucuronidase simultaneously expressed by this method in multiple independent tobacco transformants, we synthesized consistently similar ratios of the two proteins over a wide range of protein amounts. Ub‐based polyprotein vectors should facilitate the genetic engineering of crops by providing a simple method for the co‐ordinated and stoichiometric synthesis of two or more proteins.
Sarbanes Oxley Section 404 Costs of Compliance: a case study
Authors: Sneller Lineke , Langendijk Henk
Published: March 2007

In 2002 US Congress approved the Sarbanes Oxley Act (SOX). Section 404 requires companies to assess their internal controls and acquire an attestation of this assessment from their external auditor. In this paper, we investigate the costs of compliance of this assessment and attestation.

The European division of a US listed company is used as a case study. The divisional project approach is described, and costs of compliance for this division are presented in two categories: assessment costs, mainly hours spent by internal staff; and attestation costs, mainly audit fees.

The case study shows that the internal hours spent on assessment are approximately 12 times higher than the initial estimate made by the SEC in 2002, and that the realised other expenses are approximately 1.4 times higher than this estimate. Furthermore, a year on year increase of 50 per cent of the company’s audit fee in the first year of Section 404 compliance is found.

Companies can reduce the costs of compliance by implementing programmed controls, using auditors from countries with lower rates, remediating material weaknesses only, focusing on the internal control system rather than on individual controls, and by encouraging the auditor to rely on the company’s assessment.
The New Corporate Vehicle Societas Europaea (SE): consequences for European corporate governance
Authors: Rose Caspar
Published: March 2007

This article presents an analysis of the newly created European company Societas Europaea (SE) focusing on the consequences for European corporate governance. The SE offers the possibility to organise the management of a SE as a one‐tier, or alternatively a two‐tier, system. It is argued that this flexibility will not result in a single board system prevailing in equilibrium, but instead this choice will be made depending on each firm’s business environment. Thus, the SE gives the management the option to incorporate in another member state. As argued, this will, eventually, lay the ground for a European market for incorporations. Important issues such as investor protection and dual‐class voting shares are also analysed. The most controversial topic in the creation process of the SE was the role of the employees. The article completes with a discussion of the employees’ role in relation to the opponent doctrines of shareholder vs stakeholder value.