bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pregnancy‐Induced Increase in Baseline Circulating Growth Hormone in Rats is not Induced by Ghrelin
Authors: El‐Kasti M. M. , Christian H. C. , Huerta‐Ocampo I. , Stolbrink M. , Gill S. , Houston P. A. , Davies J. S. , Chilcott J. , Hill N. , Matthews D. R. , Carter D. A. , Wells T.
Published: February 2008

The elevation in baseline circulating growth hormone (GH) that occurs in pregnant rats is thought to arise from increased pituitary GH secretion, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Distribution, Fourier and algorithmic analyses confirmed that the pregnancy‐induced increase in circulating GH in 3‐week pregnant rats was due to a 13‐fold increase in baseline circulating GH (P < 0.01), without any significant alteration in the parameters of episodic secretion. Electron microscopy revealed that pregnancy resulted in a reduction in the proportion of mammosomatotrophs (P < 0.01) and an increase in type II lactotrophs (P < 0.05), without any significant change in the somatotroph population. However, the density of the secretory granules in somatotrophs from 3‐week pregnant rats was reduced (P < 0.05), and their distribution markedly polarised; the granules being grouped nearest the vasculature. Pituitary GH content was not increased, but steady‐state GH mRNA levels declined progressively during pregnancy (P < 0.05). In situ hybridisation revealed that pregnancy was accompanied by a suppression of GH‐releasing hormone mRNA expression in the arcuate nuclei (P < 0.05) and enhanced somatostatin mRNA expression in the periventricular nuclei (P < 0.05), an expression pattern normally associated with increased GH feedback. Although gastric ghrelin mRNA expression was elevated by 50% in 3‐week pregnant rats (P < 0.01), circulating ghrelin, GH‐secretagogue receptor mRNA expression and the GH response to a bolus i.v. injection of exogenous ghrelin were all largely unaffected during pregnancy. Although trace amounts of ‘pituitary’ GH could be detected in the placenta with radioimmunoassay, significant GH‐immunoreactivity could not be observed by immunohistochemistry, indicating that rat placenta itself does not produce ‘pituitary’ GH. Although not excluding the possibility that the pregnancy‐associated elevation in baseline circulating GH could arise from alternative extra‐pituitary sources (e.g. the ovary), our data indicate that this phenomenon is most likely to result from a direct alteration of somatotroph function.
Diurnal Rhythmicity of the Canonical Clock Genes Per1, Per2 and Bmal1 in the Rat Adrenal Gland is Unaltered after Hypophysectomy
Authors: Fahrenkrug J. , Hannibal J. , Georg B.
Published: February 2008

Circadian rhythms are generated by endogenous clocks in the central brain oscillator, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and peripheral tissues. The molecular basis for the circadian clock consists of a number of genes and proteins that form transcriptional/translational feedback loops. Rhythmic expression of clock genes in the adrenal glands has previously been reported. Since the central clock in the SCN communicates with the adrenal glands via circadian release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, we quantified the mRNAs for the canonical clock genes, Per1, Per2 and Bmal1 in the adrenal glands by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction during a 24‐h‐cycle in normal and hypophysectomised rats. The mRNAs for all the three clock genes disclosed rhythmic oscillations with a period of 24 h and the phase did not differ between the hypophysectomised and intact rats. The expression pattern of Per1 and Bmal1 was in antiphase in both groups of animals. In situ hybridisation histochemistry using antisense RNA probes demonstrated that, at times of peak expression, mRNAs for all the three clock genes were expressed in the adrenal cortex with a particularly strong labelling in the zona reticularis. In accordance with the mRNA localisation, immunostaining for PER1 protein was visualised in cells of the adrenal cortex, being most intense in the inner zone. The immunostaining also demonstrated a translocation of PER1 protein from the cytoplasm to the nucleus during the daily cycle, supporting the existence of a core oscillator in the individual adrenal gland cells. Our findings support the existence of a circadian core oscillator in cells of the rat adrenal cortex and indicate that the activity of the oscillator is independent of SCN signalling via the pituitary gland. The adrenal cortical clock could be involved in rhythmic transcriptional activation of genes associated with hormonal biosynthesis, involved in gating of the response of the adrenal cortex to external cues or involved in apoptosis of adrenal cortical cells.
Early Development of Forebrain Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neurones and the Role of GnRH as an Autocrine Migration Factor
Authors: Abraham E. , Palevitch O. , Ijiri S. , Du S. J. , Gothilf Y. , Zohar Y.
Published: February 2008

Normal migration of the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones during early development, from the olfactory region to the hypothalamus, is crucial for reproductive development in all vertebrates. The establishment of the GnRH system includes tangential migration of GnRH perikarya as well as extension of GnRH fibres to various areas of the central nervous system (CNS). The exact spatio‐temporal nature of this process, as well as the factors governing it, are not fully understood. We studied the development of the GnRH system and the effects of GnRH knockdown using a newly developed GnRH3:EGFP transgenic zebrafish line. We found that enhanced green fluorescent protein is specifically and robustly expressed in GnRH3 neurones and fibres. GnRH3 fibres in zebrafish began to extend as early as 26 h post‐fertilisation and by 4–5 days post‐fertilisation had developed into an extensive network reaching the optic tract, telencephalon, hypothalamus, midbrain tegmentum and hindbrain. GnRH3 fibres also innervated the retina and projected into the trunk via the spinal cord. GnRH3 perikarya were observed migrating along their own fibres from the olfactory region to the preoptic area (POA) via the terminal nerve ganglion and the ventral telencephalon. GnRH3 cells were also observed in the trigeminal ganglion. The establishment of the GnRH3 fibre network was disrupted by morpholino‐modified antisense oligonucleotides directed against GnRH3 causing abnormal fibre development and pathfinding, as well as anomalous GnRH3 perikarya localisation. These findings support the hypothesis that GnRH3 neurones migrate from the olfactory region to the POA and caudal hypothalamus. Novel data regarding the early development of the GnRH3 fibre network in the CNS and beyond are described. Moreover we show, in vivo, that GnRH3 is an important factor regulating GnRH3 fibre pathfinding and neurone localisation in an autocrine fashion.
Functional characterization of the Aspergillus fumigatus CRZ1 homologue, CrzA
Authors: Soriani Frederico Marianetti , Malavazi Iran , Da Silva Ferreira Márcia Eliana , Savoldi Marcela , Von Zeska Kress Marcia Regina , De Souza Goldman Maria Helena , Loss Omar , Bignell Elaine , Goldman Gustavo Henrique
Published: February 2008

The protein phosphatase calcineurin is an important mediator connecting calcium‐dependent signalling to various cellular responses in multiple organisms. In fungi calcineurin acts largely through regulating Crz1p‐like transcription factors. Here we characterize an Aspergillus fumigatus CRZ1 homologue, CrzA and demonstrate its mediation of cellular tolerance to increased concentrations of calcium and manganese. In addition to acute sensitivitiy to these ions, and decreased conidiation, the crzA null mutant suffers altered expression of calcium transporter mRNAs under high concentrations of calcium, and loss of virulence when compared with the corresponding complemented and wild‐type strains. We use multiple expression analyses to probe the transcriptional basis of A. fumigatus calcium tolerance identifying several genes having calA and/or crzA dependent mRNA accumulation patterns. We also demonstrate that contrary to previous findings, the gene encoding the Aspergillus nidulans calcineurin subunit homologue, cnaA, is not essential and that the cnaA deletion mutant shares the morphological phenotypes observed in the corresponding A. fumigatus mutant, ΔcalA. Exploiting the A. nidulans model system, we have linked calcineurin activity with asexual developmental induction, finding that CrzA supports appropriate developmental induction in a calcineurin and brlA‐dependent manner in both species.
Requirements for ATP binding and hydrolysis in RecA function in Escherichia coli
Authors: Renzette Nicholas , Sandler Steven J.
Published: February 2008

RecA is essential for recombination, DNA repair and SOS induction in Escherichia coli. ATP hydrolysis is known to be important for RecA's roles in recombination and DNA repair. In vitro reactions modelling SOS induction minimally require ssDNA and non‐hydrolyzable ATP analogues. This predicts that ATP hydrolysis will not be required for SOS induction in vivo. The requirement of ATP binding and hydrolysis for SOS induction in vivo is tested here through the study of recA4159 (K72A) and recA2201 (K72R). RecA4159 is thought to have reduced affinity for ATP. RecA2201 binds, but does not hydrolyse ATP. Neither mutant was able to induce SOS expression after UV irradiation. RecA2201, unlike RecA4159, could form filaments on DNA and storage structures as measured with RecA–GFP. RecA2201 was able to form hybrid filaments and storage structures and was either recessive or dominant to RecA+, depending on the ratio of the two proteins. RecA4159 was unable to enter RecA+ filaments on DNA or storage structures and was recessive to RecA+. It is concluded that ATP hydrolysis is essential for SOS induction. It is proposed that ATP binding is essential for storage structure formation and ability to interact with other RecA proteins in a filament.
Screening for developmental problems at primary care level: a field programme in San Isidro, Argentina
Authors: Lejarraga Horacio , Menendez Ana Maria , Menzano Enrique , Guerra Lucìa , Biancato Silvia , Pianelli Patricia , Del Pino Mariana , Fattore Marìa José , Contreras Maria M.
Published: February 2008

Information on prevalence and type of problems of psychomotor development (PPD) is necessary for implementation of specific care programmes at field level. With the purpose of obtaining this information, a screening test, the Prueba Nacional de Pesquisa (PRUNAPE) for PPD was implemented in three health centres in San Isidro, a city near Buenos Aires, attended by different socio‐economic groups: centres A and B were located in the inner city, and C in a middle‐class area. The test was administered by three previously trained paediatricians to 839 apparently healthy children aged 0–5 years. The failure rates were 24%, 19% and 16% in centres A, B and C respectively (20% in total). Out of the 170 children failing the test and referred to hospital for diagnosis and treatment, only 96 complied and went through a series of studies carried out by a previously prepared multidisciplinary team.

With the exception of children who failed the Battelle test [classified as Global Developmental Delay (GDD)], final diagnoses were classified according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition: GDD (60 children), pervasive developmental disorders (11), communication disorders (10), motor disorders (6, of whom 2 were with cerebral palsy), attention deficit disorders (5), attachment disorders (2), normal children (3). Co‐morbidity was present in 22 affected children. Forty‐three per cent of children failing the test did not attend hospital or did not complete studies because of major social and family problems, the family not living in the area, or the parents preferring to consult their own paediatrician. Health centres and children not selected in a randomised way, and a significant proportion of them not complying with the indication of hospital referral were major sources of bias, so that PPD prevalences, positive and negative predictive values should be interpreted with great caution. Further studies accounting for these sources of bias are needed to confirm the observed prevalence of PPD.

Training of health personnel, at hospital and health centre level, priority settings, and operational research to evaluate effectiveness of treatments and care delivery systems at field level are necessary in Argentina for optimal use of limited healthcare resources.
Mortality risk of small infants varies with their mother's birthweight and race
Authors: Owusu‐Ansah Albert K. , David Richard J.
Published: February 2008

We analysed a transgenerational linked birth file to investigate the relationship between maternal birthweight and infant birthweight‐specific mortality risk for white and African American infants. Birth records of 267 303 infants born between 1989 and 1991 were linked to records of their mothers, born between 1956 and 1976, and to their own death certificates for those dying in the first year. The means, standard deviations and z‐scores were calculated for each race‐ and generation‐specific birthweight distribution. Investigators then analysed the mortality of very small infants (birthweight at least two standard deviations below their mean) for three maternal birthweight categories.

Over half of the infant deaths involved births with weights more than two standard deviations below the relevant population mean birthweight (comprising 4.2% of white and 6.9% of African American births respectively). African American infants experienced higher mortality rates at all levels of standardised birthweight, from z‐scores of −3 to +3. The relative risk of mortality associated with very small infant size was less for infants delivered to smaller birthweight mothers when compared with those whose mothers were average sized or large at birth. This differential effect was confined to neonatal deaths and was more prominent in the white subpopulation.
Active and passive maternal smoking during pregnancy and the risks of low birthweight and preterm birth: the Generation R Study
Authors: Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Troe Ernst‐Jan W. M. , Hofman Albert , Mackenbach Johan P. , Moll Henriette A. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Witteman Jacqueline C. M.
Published: February 2008

The objective of this study was to examine the associations between active and passive smoking in different periods of pregnancy and changing smoking habits during pregnancy, with low birthweight and preterm birth. The study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population‐based prospective cohort study from early fetal life onwards in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Active and passive smoking were assessed by questionnaires in early, mid‐ and late pregnancy. Analyses were based on 7098 pregnant women and their children.

Active smoking until pregnancy was ascertained and was not associated with low birthweight and preterm birth. Continued active smoking after pregnancy was also recorded and was associated with low birthweight (adjusted odds ratio 1.75 [95% CI 1.20, 2.56]) and preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio 1.36 [95% CI 1.04, 1.78]). The strongest associations were found for active maternal smoking in late pregnancy. Passive maternal smoking in late pregnancy was associated with continuously measured birthweight (P for trend <0.001). For all active smoking categories in early pregnancy, quitting smoking was associated with a higher birthweight than continuing to smoke. Tendencies towards smaller non‐significant beneficial effects on mean birthweight were found for reducing the number of cigarettes without quitting completely. This study shows that active and passive smoking in late pregnancy are associated with adverse effects on weight and gestational age at birth. Smoking in early pregnancy only, seems not to affect fetal growth adversely. Health care strategies for pregnant women should be aimed at quitting smoking completely rather than reducing the number of cigarettes.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy: a comparison between concurrent and retrospective self‐reports
Authors: Post Ann , Gilljam Hans , Bremberg Sven , Galanti Maria R.
Published: February 2008

Retrospective reports of smoking in pregnancy are of importance for clinical or scientific purposes. Careful analyses of stability and accuracy of recalled behaviour are, therefore, needed. In 1998, the mothers of 2369 pre‐teens born in Sweden retrospectively reported their smoking behaviour during the first trimester of the index pregnancy. We matched these reports with those recorded by midwives at the beginning of the index pregnancy, using information from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry. Using this registry as gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of the retrospective reports containing any smoking were 83.9% and 92.8% respectively, but the sensitivity was low for daily smoking, 56.0%.

Of the 222 discordant reports, 19.0% were due to mothers recalling daily smoking which was not reported at the time of pregnancy, and 42% were due to failure to recall smoking reported at the time of pregnancy, while the remaining 39% retrospectively reported occasional smoking, whereas they were registered as non‐daily smokers when pregnant. Retrospective recall of pregnancy smoking is fairly stable over time.
Determinants of caesarean section in Lebanon: geographical differences
Authors: Carayol Marion , Zein Ali , Ghosn Nada , Du Mazaubrun Christiane , Breart Gérard
Published: February 2008

This study, based on the Lebanese National Perinatal Survey which included 5231 women, examined the relations between the caesarean section (CS) rate and the characteristics of mothers, children, antenatal care and maternity units in two geographical zones of Lebanon (Beirut–Mount Lebanon and the rest of the country) and then looked at geographical variations. This analysis concerned 3846 women with singleton pregnancies and livebirths at low risk of CS, after exclusion of women with a previous CS, non‐cephalic fetal presentations, or delivery before 37 weeks' gestation. The principal end point was caesarean delivery. The relations between the factors studied and CS were estimated by odds ratios (OR), both crude and adjusted, using logistic regression.

The rate of CS was higher in the Beirut–Mount Lebanon zone than elsewhere (13.4% vs. 7.6%). After adjustment, several factors remained associated with caesarean delivery in each zone. Common factors were primiparity, gestational age ≥41 weeks and antenatal hospitalisation. Factors identified only in the Beirut–Mount Lebanon zone were obstetric history and insurance coverage, whereas for the other zones we only found major risk factors for obstetric disease: maternal age ≥35 years, number of antenatal consultations ≥4 and birthweight ≤2500 g. The multivariable analysis of the overall population, adjusting for zone of delivery and other variables, shows that zone was one of the principal factors associated with the risk of caesarean delivery in Lebanon (OR = 1.80 [95% CI 1.09, 2.95]). In conclusion, the CS rates in Lebanon were high, with geographical differences that were associated with access to care and with obstetric practices.
Risk factors for not delivering in a level III unit before 32 weeks of gestation: results from a population‐based study in Paris and surrounding districts in 2003
Authors: Zeitlin Jennifer , Gwanfogbe Cletus D. , Delmas Dominique , Pilkington Hugo , Jarreau Pierre‐Henri , Chabernaud Jean‐Louis , Bréart Gérard , Papiernik Emile
Published: February 2008

Delivery of very preterm babies in maternity units with on‐site neonatal intensive care (level III units) is associated with lower mortality and morbidity. This analysis explores risk factors for not delivering in a level III unit, using data from a population‐based study of very preterm births in Paris and surrounding districts in 2003. The sample for analysis included resident women with a fetus alive at the onset of labour between 24 and 31 weeks of gestation (n = 641). Characteristics of women delivering in and those not in level III units were compared using logistic regression. Further analysis was carried out for the subgroup of women not already scheduled to deliver in a level III unit.

Twenty‐nine per cent of women did not deliver in level III units; in the subgroup scheduled to deliver in level I or II units, 43% were not transferred. Women were less likely to deliver in a level III unit if they had a singleton pregnancy, a gestation of <26 weeks or at 31 weeks, experienced antenatal haemorrhaging, lived in socially deprived neighbourhoods or at a greater distance from the nearest level III. Women scheduled to deliver in a maternity unit with a special care nursery were also less likely to deliver in a level III unit. In contrast, preterm rupture of membranes and fetal growth restriction increased the likelihood of a level III delivery. These results underline the importance of controlling for clinical characteristics when analysing perinatal outcome by place of delivery and show how socioe‐conomic factors, known to impact on the risk of having a preterm birth, can also affect access to appropriate care.
Cow’s milk protein‐specific T‐helper type I/II cytokine responses in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Chuang S.‐L. , Hayes P. J. , Ogundipe E. , Haddad M. , MacDonald T. T. , Fell J. M.
Published: February 2008

Enteral feeding, in particular with formula feeds, is associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In this study, we have examined, in the systemic and mucosal immune compartments, for evidence of bovine milk antigen sensitization in infants with NEC. Eleven newborns with Bell’s staging 2–3 NEC [median post‐conceptional age 31 wk (range 27–41 wk)], 21 neonatal controls [33 (28–40) wk] and 15 infants undergoing intestinal resection or mucosal biopsy for non‐inflammatory conditions [39 (34–42) wk] were studied. Spontaneous and antigen or mitogen elicited interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) [T‐helper type I (Th1)], interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐5 [T‐helper type II (Th2)] responses were enumerated using single‐cell enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay in peripheral blood (PBMC) or lamina propria mononuclear cells. NEC infants, compared with controls, showed a significant elevation in baseline PBMC cytokine secreting cells, vigorous mitogen responses (20‐ to 120‐fold increase) for IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐5 (p < 0.001), strong responses to beta‐lactoglobulin (βlg) (IFN‐γ > IL‐4/IL‐5, p ≤ 0.001), and somewhat smaller casein responses. Similarly, in the lamina propria, a small but significant increase in spontaneous cytokine‐secreting cells was detected in NEC infants (p < 0.01), with an IFN‐γ/IL‐4 predominant phytohemagglutinin (PHA)/concanavalin‐A (ConA) response. Three of nine NEC infants (but no controls) also showed a positive ELISPOT response to βlg (IFN‐γ only) but none to casein. We have thus demonstrated significant cow’s milk protein (CMP) sensitization in NEC, at least in the systemic compartment (mixed Th1/Th2), with minimal mucosal activation in some cases. These novel findings provide a potential mechanism for a direct contributory role of CMP in the pathogenesis of NEC.
Localization and targeting mechanisms of two chloroplastic β‐carbonic anhydrases in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Kitao Yoshiko , Harada Hisashi , Matsuda Yusuke
Published: February 2008

Two β‐CA genes, ptca1 and ptca2, were previously isolated from the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and shown to be regulated by ambient [CO2] at the transcriptional levels. The product of ptca1, PtCA1, was also shown to be localized to the chloroplast as clumped particles. Both ptca1 and 2 encode putative N‐terminal signal peptides of 19 amino acids. In the present study, the C‐terminal region of the 46 amino acid presequence of PtCA1 (Pre46AA) was truncated to investigate the function of this region. DNA sequences, which encode the N‐terminal 19, 23, 24, 34 or 44 polypeptides of Pre46AA, were fused with the sequence that encodes the mature protein, PtCA1. These constructs were fused with the enhanced‐green fluorescent protein gene, egfp, and expressed in P. tricornutum. Fluorescent microscopy of expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP) showed that presequences of PtCA1 longer than the initial N‐terminal 23 amino acids successfully sorted the PtCA1::GFP fusion into chloroplasts, whereas those shorter than 23 amino acids did not. These results indicate that the four amino acids after the endoplasmic reticulum signal peptide cleavage site are required as a chloroplast‐targeting signal. Ala19 Phe20 is known to be the highly conserved transit motif among presequences of nuclear‐encoded chloroplastic proteins in diatoms; however, the corresponding amino acid sequence deduced from the ptca2 was Ala19 Leu20. Substitution of Phe20 in PtCA1 with Leu did not alter the localization of PtCA1, indicating that the chloroplast‐targeting motif possesses some alternative pattern and that PtCA2 could be sorted to chloroplast via a process similar to that of PtCA1. The ptca2 cDNA was isolated, fused at the 3′ terminus with the egfp and introduced into P. tricornutum cells. Expressed PtCA2::GFP fusion was clearly localized by chlorophyll fluorescence in the chloroplast of P. tricornutum as clumped particles, which was strikingly similar to the localization of PtCA1.
Susceptibility to Heterobasidion parviporum in Picea abies clones grown in different environments
Authors: Karlsson B. , Tsopelas P. , Zamponi L. , Capretti P. , Soulioti N. , Swedjemark G.
Published: February 2008

Thirty‐five Norway spruce, Picea abies, clones from Sweden were tested for resistance to Heterobasidion parviporum. Rooted cuttings of the clones were planted in Italy and Greece and cultivated for two growing seasons before inoculation with H. parviporum. Extent of infection was determined 6 weeks later. The results were compared to those of earlier inoculations in Sweden. Plant growth traits were under strong genetic control in all locations with broad sense heritability estimates between 0.14 and 0.54. Lesion and fungal extension heritabilities were moderate, H2 ranged from 0.09 to 0.20, and exhibited rather large genetic variation. There was significant genotypic correlation between Italy and Greece with respect to both lesions and fungal extension. No such correlations were found between Sweden and the two other countries. The lack of repeatability in testing susceptibility is unsatisfactory. It could be explained by C‐effects associated with propagation of the host plants. Height growth correlated significantly and positively among all countries.
Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase of Boar Seminal Plasma
Authors: Kowalowka M , Wysocki P , Fraser L , Strzezek J
Published: February 2008

Contents

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an enzymatic component of the antioxidant defense system that protects spermatozoa by catalysing the dismutation of superoxide anions to hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. Age and season effects on SOD activity in the seminal plasma were measured in boars at the onset of 8 months through a 35‐month period. It was found that age‐related changes in SOD activity in the seminal plasma were markedly higher in boars less than 2 years of age. However, it appeared that SOD activity was established at the early sexual maturity age (8–12 months). There were variations in SOD activity throughout the season, being significantly higher in spring and autumn than in summer. A secretory extracellular form of SOD (EC‐SOD) was purified to homogeneity (350‐fold) from boar seminal plasma, using a three‐step purification protocol (affinity chromatography followed by ion exchange and ceramic hydroxyapatite chromatography). The molecular properties and specificity of SOD (molecular mass, isoelectric point, optimum pH, thermostability and susceptibility to inhibitors) confirmed that the purified enzyme is an extracellular form of Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase occurring in boar seminal plasma. The results of this study indicate that EC‐SOD is an important antioxidant enzyme of boar seminal plasma, which plays an important physiological role in counteracting oxidative stress in spermatozoa.
Testing Usability of Butylated Hydroxytoluene in Conservation of Goat Semen
Authors: Khalifa TAA , Lymberopoulos AG , El‐Saidy BE
Published: February 2008

Contents

The objective of this study was to investigate whether butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) could be used as a suitable supporter or alternative of egg yolk during preservation of goat spermatozoa. Three in vitro experiments and a fertility test were conducted to evaluate the effect of BHT on viability of chilled‐stored semen as well as motility and kidding rate of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa. In the first two experiments, ejaculates (n = 30/experiment) were collected from 10 bucks, split, diluted with egg yolk‐based and egg yolk‐free extenders supplemented with or without 0.3, 0.6, 2, 5 and 8 mm BHT and stored at 5°C for 168 h. In the third experiment, 30 ejaculates were collected from the above‐mentioned bucks, split and diluted with egg yolk‐free extenders supplemented with or without 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mm BHT and egg yolk‐based extenders supplemented with or without 5 mm BHT. Diluted semen was cooled to 5°C over a period of 4 h, frozen and thawed in the form of 0.3‐ml pellets. In the fertility test, 75 ejaculates were collected from two proven fertile bucks, split, diluted with egg yolk‐free extenders containing 0.6 mm BHT and egg yolk‐based extenders supplemented with or without 5 mm BHT, frozen and thawed as described above. An insemination volume of 0.6 ml containing 120–140 × 106 progressively motile spermatozoa was used for a single cervical insemination of cloprostenol‐synchronized does (n = 230). The results showed that addition of 5 mm BHT to egg yolk‐deficient (2.5%) extenders significantly improved viability of chilled‐stored semen together with motility (48.5%) and fertility (62.5%) of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa. Replacement of egg yolk in semen extenders by 0.6 mm BHT could sustain not only viability of chilled‐stored semen but also post‐thaw motility (47.5%) and fertility (53.75%) of frozen‐thawed spermatozoa. In conclusion, supplementation of semen diluents with BHT can ameliorate preservability of goat sperm.
Effect of eviprostat on bladder overactivity in an experimental cystitis rat model
Authors: Kobayashi Mizuki , Nomura Masayoshi , Nishii Hisae , Matsumoto Seiji , Fujimoto Naohiro , Matsumoto Tetsuro
Published: February 2008

Objective:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of eviprostat, a phytotherapeutic drug, on bladder overactivity and inflammation in a cyclophosphamide (CYP)‐induced cystitis rat model.

Methods:  Female Sprague‐Dawley rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of CYP (200 mg/kg) or saline. After the CYP injection, eviprostat (9, 18 or 54 mg/kg per day) or a vehicle was orally given twice each day. Four days after the CYP injection, bladder function was evaluated by cystometrograms under urethane anesthesia. In a separate group, bladder inflammation was compared between the eviprostat‐ or vehicle‐treated animals. Furthermore, the effects of eviprostat on carbachol‐induced muscle contraction were evaluated by an in vitro experiment.

Results:  The intercontraction interval (ICI) significantly decreased in the CYP‐injected rats in comparison to the saline‐injected rats. In the CYP‐injected group, 18 and 54 mg/kg per day of eviprostat treatment significantly increased the ICI, but did not change the maximum voiding pressure in comparison to the vehicle treatment. In the saline‐injected group, no significant changes of any parameters in the cystometrograms were observed between the eviprostat‐ and vehicle‐treated groups. CYP‐induced bladder inflammation tended to be lower in the eviprostat‐treated group in comparison to the vehicle‐treated group. An in vitro experiment revealed that eviprostat failed to inhibit carbachol‐induced muscle contraction.

Conclusion:  The oral administration of eviprostat suppressed CYP‐induced bladder overactivity. The effects of eviprostat on the micturition reflex may be irrespective of antimuscarinic action. The present findings raise the possibility that eviprostat could be an effective treatment for bladder overactivity associated with inflammation.
Prospective comparative study of single dose versus 3‐day administration of antimicrobial prophylaxis in minimum incision endoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Sakura Mizuaki , Kawakami Satoru , Yoshida Souichiro , Masuda Hitoshi , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Kihara Kazunori
Published: February 2008

Objective:  From the critical stand point against the overuse of antimicrobial agents, appropriate reduction of antimicrobial prophylaxis (AMP) should be considered. We have prospectively reduced AMP and evaluated the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI) following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) by minimum incision endoscopic surgery (MIES).

Methods:  A total of 101 consecutive patients who underwent MIES‐RRP for prostate carcinoma were classified into two groups according to AMP dose. The 3‐day group of 52 patients received tazobactam sodium/piperacillin sodium (TAZ/PIPC) 2.5 g intravenously before the operation and continued twice daily until postoperative day 2, and the single dose group of 49 patients received TAZ/PIPC 2.5 g intravenously only once before the operation. Additional antimicrobial agents were given only when SSI occurred. The occurrence of SSI and remote infection (RI) were analyzed.

Results:  There was no significant difference in the rate of SSI occurrence between the 3‐day group (3.8%) and single dose group (6.1%) (P = 0.6). RI did not increase in the single dose group.

Conclusion:  Antimicrobial prophylaxis dose was successfully reduced without increasing SSI or RI. A single dose of AMP is feasible to prevent SSI and RI and would be a standard regimen in MIES‐RRP. Active surveillance of postoperative infection is mandatory to promptly administer antimicrobial treatment as the need arises.
Scaling up the functional response for spatially heterogeneous systems
Authors: Englund Göran , Leonardsson Kjell
Published: February 2008

Scale transition theory is a framework for predicting regional population dynamics from local process functions and estimates of spatial heterogeneity. Using this framework, we estimated regional scale functional responses for a benthic predator–prey system in the Baltic Sea. Functional responses were based on laboratory experiments or field observations of stomach contents, and prey densities measured at a local scale (0.1 m2) or a regional scale (300 km2). Laboratory data overestimated consumption at high prey densities, whereas predictions based on local scale data tallied closely with consumption observed at the regional scale. The predicted regional functional response was different for increasing and decreasing prey densities, reflecting that predator and prey densities, as well as the covariance between them, exhibit oscillatory dynamics. We conclude that it is important to validate laboratory data with small‐scale field observations and that scale transition is a powerful tool for scaling‐up process functions in heterogeneous systems.
Are family factors universally related to metabolic outcomes in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes?
Authors: Cameron F. J. , Skinner T. C. , De Beaufort C. E. , Hoey H. , Swift P. G. F. , Aanstoot H. , Åman J. , Martul P. , Chiarelli F. , Daneman D. , Danne T. , Dorchy H. , Kaprio E. A. , Kaufman F. , Kocova M. , Mortensen H. B. , Njølstad P. R. , Phillip M. , Robertson K. J. , Schoenle E. J. , Urakami T. , Vanelli M. , Ackermann R. W. , Skovlund S. E. ,   on behalf of the Hvidoere Study Group on Childhood Diabetes
Published: February 2008

Aims  To assess the importance of family factors in determining metabolic outcomes in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes in 19 countries.

Methods  Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes aged 11–18 years, from 21 paediatric diabetes care centres, in 19 countries, and their parents were invited to participate. Questionnaires were administered recording demographic data, details of insulin regimens, severe hypoglycaemic events and number of episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. Adolescents completed the parental involvement scale from the Diabetes Quality of Life for Youth—Short Form (DQOLY‐SF) and the Diabetes Family Responsibility Questionnaire (DFRQ). Parents completed the DFRQ and a Parental Burden of Diabetes score. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was analysed centrally on capillary blood.

Results  A total of 2062 adolescents completed a questionnaire, with 2036 providing a blood sample; 1994 parents also completed a questionnaire. Family demographic factors that were associated with metabolic outcomes included: parents living together (t = 4.1; P < 0.001), paternal employment status (F = 7.2; d.f. = 3; P < 0.001), parents perceived to be over‐involved in diabetes care (r = 0.11; P < 0.001) and adolescent–parent disagreement on responsibility for diabetes care practices (F = 8.46; d.f. = 2; P < 0.001). Although these factors differed between centres, they did not account for centre differences in metabolic outcomes, but were stronger predictors of metabolic control than age, gender or insulin treatment regimen.

Conclusions  Family factors, particularly dynamic and communication factors such as parental over‐involvement and adolescent–parent concordance on responsibility for diabetes care appear be important determinants of metabolic outcomes in adolescents with diabetes. However, family dynamic factors do not account for the substantial differences in metabolic outcomes between centres.
The use of life‐cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts of growing genetically modified, nitrogen use‐efficient canola
Authors: Strange Alison , Park Julian , Bennett Richard , Phipps Richard
Published: February 2008

Agriculture, particularly intensive crop production, makes a significant contribution to environmental pollution. A variety of canola (Brassica napus) has been genetically modified to enhance nitrogen use efficiency, effectively reducing the amount of fertilizer required for crop production. A partial life‐cycle assessment adapted to crop production was used to assess the potential environmental impacts of growing genetically modified, nitrogen use‐efficient (GMNUE) canola in North Dakota and Minnesota compared with a conventionally bred control variety. The analysis took into account the entire production system used to produce 1 tonne of canola. This comprised raw material extraction, processing and transportation, as well as all agricultural field operations. All emissions associated with the production of 1 tonne of canola were listed, aggregated and weighted in order to calculate the level of environmental impact. The findings show that there are a range of potential environmental benefits associated with growing GMNUE canola. These include reduced impacts on global warming, freshwater ecotoxicity, eutrophication and acidification. Given the large areas of canola grown in North America and, in particular, Canada, as well as the wide acceptance of genetically modified varieties in this area, there is the potential for GMNUE canola to reduce pollution from agriculture, with the largest reductions predicted to be in greenhouse gases and diffuse water pollution.
A systematic review of the evidence regarding efficacy of obesity prevention interventions among adults
Authors: Lemmens V. E. P. P. , Oenema A. , Klepp K. I. , Henriksen H. B. , Brug J.
Published: February 2008

In the past, interventions aimed at reducing obesity have mainly targeted at weight loss treatment in obese adults, with limited long‐term effects. With the increasing number of people being obese and being at risk for obesity, there has been a shift in focus towards prevention of obesity. We conducted a systematic review of the peer‐reviewed literature on the efficacy of obesity prevention interventions in adults in order to identify effective interventions and intervention elements. Pubmed, OVID, and Web of Science databases were searched from January 1996 to June 2006. Interventions aimed at primary prevention of weight gain among adults achieved by focusing on dietary intake, physical activity or the combination of both were included. The outcome measure had to be difference in change in body mass index or body weight between the intervention and the control groups. Nine studies were included, five long‐term studies (at least 1 year) and four short‐term (3 months to 1 year). Seven studies evaluated an intervention that focused on a combination of diet and physical activity to prevent weight gain, one on diet only and one on physical activity only. One dietary intervention (long‐term), and three combined dietary and physical activity interventions (one long‐term and two short‐term) produced significantly positive results at end of follow‐up. The two long‐term, effective interventions consisted of intensive and long‐term intervention implementation, including groups sessions designed to promote behavioural changes. The current evidence of efficacy of obesity prevention interventions is based on a very small number of studies. Some studies showed a positive impact on body mass index or weight status, but there was too much heterogeneity in terms of study design, theoretical underpinning and target population to draw firm conclusions about which intervention approaches are more effective than others. More research is urgently needed to extend the body of evidence.
Random Consumer Demand
Authors: McCAUSLAND WILLIAM J.
Published: February 2008

I present a theory of random consumer demand. The primitive is a collection of probability distributions on budgets. Axioms constrain these distributions, including analogues of preference axioms, such as transitivity, monotonicity and convexity. Results establish a complete representation of theoretically consistent demand. The theory's purpose is empirical application. To this end, the theory has desirable properties. Intrinsically stochastic, econometricians can apply it without adding extrinsic randomness in the form of errors. Random demand is parsimoniously represented by a single function on the consumption set. Finally, there exist practical methods for inference based on the theory, described in a companion paper.
Foreign Aid, Fertility and Human Capital Accumulation
Authors: AZARNERT LEONID V.
Published: February 2008

This paper analyses the effect of foreign aid on population growth and human capital accumulation. Consistent with empirical evidence from sub‐Saharan Africa, the model shows that foreign aid can work against its stated goal of alleviating poverty and promoting growth. Humanitarian aid fosters population growth and adversely affects the recipients' incentive to invest in human capital. The analysis suggests that foreign aid may lock a recipient economy in a low‐equilibrium trap.
The Prevalence of Headache Among Elderly in a Low-Income Area of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Benseñor IM , Lotufo PA , Goulart AC , Menezes PR , Scazufca M
Published: February 2008

There are scarce data about headache prevalence and its characteristics among elderly people. The aim was to carry out a cross-sectional study to determine the 1-year prevalence of tension-type and migraine headaches in people >65 years old in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. All 1615 people living in the study catchment area who agreed to participate in the study answered a questionnaire based in the International Headache Society criteria. Prevalence (mean and 95% confidence interval) of any type of headache in the last year was 45.6% (43.2, 48.0). Prevalence of tension-type headache in the last year was 33.1% (30.8, 35.4): 28.1% (24.6, 31.6) for men and 36.4% (33.4, 39.4) for women; for migraine headaches, prevalence in the last year was 10.6% (9.1, 12.1): 5.1% (3.4, 6.8) for men and 14.1% (11.9, 16.3) for women. One-year prevalence rates of headaches, and especially of migraine headaches, are very high among the elderly in Brazil.
Non‐infectious aggregates of the prion protein react with several PrPSc‐directed antibodies
Authors: Biasini Emiliano , Seegulam M. Esa , Patti Brianna N. , Solforosi Laura , Medrano Andrea Z. , Christensen Heather M. , Senatore Assunta , Chiesa Roberto , Williamson R. Anthony , Harris David A.
Published: February 2008

The key event in the pathogenesis of prion diseases is the conformational conversion of the normal prion protein (PrP) (PrPC) into an infectious, aggregated isoform (PrPSc) that has a high content of β‐sheet. Historically, a great deal of effort has been devoted to developing antibodies that specifically recognize PrPSc but not PrPC, as such antibodies would have enormous diagnostic and experimental value. A mouse monoclonal IgM antibody (designated 15B3) and three PrP motif‐grafted monoclonal antibodies (referred to as IgG 19–33, 89–112, and 136–158) have been previously reported to react specifically with infectious PrPSc but not PrPC. In this study, we extend the characterization of these four antibodies by testing their ability to immunoprecipitate and immunostain infectious and non‐infectious aggregates of wild‐type, mutant, and recombinant PrP. We find that 15B3 as well as the motif‐grafted antibodies recognize multiple types of aggregated PrP, both infectious and non‐infectious, including forms found in brain, in transfected cells, and induced in vitro from purified recombinant protein. These antibodies are exquisitely selective for aggregated PrP, and do not react with soluble PrP even when present in vast excess. Our results suggest that 15B3 and the motif‐grafted antibodies recognize structural features common to both infectious and non‐infectious aggregates of PrP. Our study extends the utility of these antibodies for diagnostic and experimental purposes, and it provides new insight into the structural changes that accompany PrP oligomerization and prion propagation.
Academic clusters: text patterning in published and postgraduate writing
Authors: Hyland Ken
Published: February 2008

An important component of fluent linguistic production is control of the multi‐word expressions referred to as “clusters”, “chunks” or “bundles”. These are extended collocations which appear more frequently than expected by chance, helping to shape meanings and contributing to our sense of coherence in a text. Clusters seem to present considerable challenges to student writers struggling to make their texts both fluent and assured to readers in their new communities. This paper explores the forms, structures and functions of 4‐word clusters in a corpus of research articles, doctoral dissertations and master's theses of 3.5 million words to show not only that clusters are central to academic discourse but that they offer an important means of differentiating genres, with implications for more evidence‐based instructional practices in advanced writing contexts.
Social factors and non‐native attitudes towards varieties of spoken English: a Japanese case study
Authors: McKenzie Robert M.
Published: February 2008

This paper, through the employment of a verbal‐guise study and techniques incorporated from perceptual dialectology, investigated the attitudes of 558 Japanese university students towards six varieties of English speech. Although the results suggest a particularly favourable attitude towards standard and non‐standard varieties of UK and US English in terms of ‘status’, informants expressed greater ‘solidarity’ with a Japanese speaker of heavily‐accented English. Differences in the students’ gender, self‐perceived proficiency in English, exposure to English and evaluations of varieties of Japanese all had significant effects on the informants’ attitudes. The findings are discussed in relation to the pedagogical and language planning implications in English language teaching inside and outside Japan.