bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of evidence for xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus(XMRV) in German prostate cancer patients
Authors: Hohn Oliver , Krause Hans , Barbarotto Pia , Niederstadt Lars , Beimforde Nadine , Denner Joachim , Miller Kurt , Kurth Reinhard , Bannert Norbert 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background
A novel gammaretrovirus named xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been recently identified and found to have a prevalence of 40% in prostate tumor samples from American patients carrying a homozygous R462Q mutation in the RNaseL gene. This mutation impairs the function of the innate antiviral type I interferon pathway and is a known susceptibility factor for prostate cancer. Here, we attempt to measure the prevalence of XMRV in prostate cancer cases in Germany and determine whether an analogous association with the R462Q polymorphism exists.

Results
589 prostate tumor samples were genotyped by real-time PCR with regard to the RNaseL mutation. DNA and RNA samples from these patients were screened for the presence of XMRV-specific gag sequences using a highly sensitive nested PCR and RT-PCR approach. Furthermore, 146 sera samples from prostate tumor patients were tested for XMRV Gag and Env antibodies using a newly developed ELISA assay. In agreement with earlier data, 12.9% (76 samples) were shown to be of the QQ genotype. However, XMRV specific sequences were detected at neither the DNA nor the RNA level. Consistent with this result, none of the sera analyzed from prostate cancer patients contained XMRV-specific antibodies.

Conclusion
Our results indicate a much lower prevalence (or even complete absence) of XMRV in prostate tumor patients in Germany. One possible reason for this could be a geographically restricted incidence of XMRV infections.
Ultrafine carbon particles down-regulate CYP1B1 expression in human monocytes
Authors: Eder Christiane , Frankenberger Marion , Stanzel Franz , Seidel Albrecht , Schramm Karl-Werner , Ziegler-Heitbrock Loems , Hofer Thomas PJ 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Background

Cytochrome P450 monoxygenases play an important role in the defence against inhaled toxic compounds and in metabolizing a wide range of xenobiotics and environmental contaminants. In ambient aerosol the ultrafine particle fraction which penetrates deeply into the lungs is considered to be a major factor for adverse health effects. The cells mainly affected by inhaled particles are lung epithelial cells and cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage.

Results
In this study we have analyzed the effect of a mixture of fine TiO2 and ultrafine carbon black Printex 90 particles (P90) on the expression of cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) in human monocytes, macrophages, bronchial epithelial cells and epithelial cell lines. CYP1B1 expression is strongly down-regulated by P90 in monocytes with a maximum after P90 treatment for 3 h while fine and ultrafine TiO2 had no effect. CYP1B1 was down-regulated up to 130-fold and in addition CYP1A1 mRNA was decreased 13-fold. In vitro generated monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), epithelial cell lines, and primary bronchial epithelial cells also showed reduced CYP1B1 mRNA levels. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is inducing CYB1B1 but ultrafine P90 can still down-regulate gene expression at 0.1 μM of BaP. The P90-induced reduction of CYP1B1 was also demonstrated at the protein level using Western blot analysis.

Conclusion
These data suggest that the P90-induced reduction of CYP gene expression may interfere with the activation and/or detoxification capabilities of inhaled toxic compounds.
Propagation of Asian isolates of canine distemper virus (CDV) in hamster cell lines
Authors: Sultan Serageldeen , Lan Nguyen Thi , Ueda Toshiki , Yamaguchi Ryoji , Maeda Ken , Kai Kazushige 
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Backgrounds
The aim of this study was to confirm the propagation of various canine distemper viruses (CDV) in hamster cell lines of HmLu and BHK, since only a little is known about the possibility of propagation of CDV in rodent cells irrespective of their epidemiological importance.

Methods
The growth of CDV in hamster cell lines was monitored by titration using Vero.dogSLAMtag (Vero-DST) cells that had been proven to be susceptible to almost all field isolates of CDV, with the preparations of cell-free and cell-associated virus from the cultures infected with recent Asian isolates of CDV (13 strains) and by observing the development of cytopathic effect (CPE) in infected cultures of hamster cell lines.

Results
Eleven of 13 strains grew in HmLu cells, and 12 of 13 strains grew in BHK cells with apparent CPE of cell fusion in the late stage of infection. Two strains and a strain of Asia 1 group could not grow in HmLu cells and BHK cells, respectively.

Conclusion
The present study demonstrates at the first time that hamster cell lines can propagate the majority of Asian field isolates of CDV. The usage of two hamster cell lines suggested to be useful to characterize the field isolates biologically.
Growth Differentiation Factor-9 Mediates Follicle-Stimulating Hormone-Thyroid Hormone Interaction in the Regulation of Rat Preantral Follicular Development
Authors: Kobayashi Noriko , Orisaka Makoto , Cao Mingju , Kotsuji Fumikazu , Leader Arthur , Sakuragi Noriaki , Tsang Benjamin K. 
Published: October 2009

Abstract
FSH regulates follicular growth in a stage-development fashion. Although preantral follicle stage is gonadotropin responsive, FSH is not required for preantral follicular growth. With the antrum, the follicles continue growing under the influence of FSH and become gonadotropin dependent. Although thyroid hormone is important for normal female reproductive function, its role and interaction with FSH in the regulation of preantral ovarian follicular growth is yet to be defined. In the present study, we have examined the action and interaction of FSH and T3 in the regulation of the growth of preantral follicles, especially in their transition from preantral to early antral stage, using an established follicle culture system and evaluated the involvement of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) in this process in vitro. We have demonstrated that although T3 alone had no effect on follicular development, it markedly enhanced FSH-induced preantral follicular growth. Although FSH alone significantly down-regulated FSH receptor (FSHR) mRNA abundance in the preantral follicles and T3 alone was ineffective, expression of the message was significantly increased in the presence of both hormones. In addition, intra-oocyte injection of GDF-9 antisense oligonucleotides (GDF-9 morpholino) induced follicular cell apoptosis and suppressed follicular growth induced by FSH and T3. These responses were attenuated by exogenous GDF-9. Our findings support the concept that thyroid hormone regulates ovarian follicular development through its direct action on the ovary and that promotes FSH-induced preantral follicular growth through up-regulation of FSHR, a mechanism dependent on the expression and action of oocyte-derived GDF-9.
The dual roles of red blood cells in tissue oxygen delivery: oxygen carriers and regulators of local blood flow
Authors: Jensen Frank B. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARY
Vertebrate red blood cells (RBCs) seem to serve tissue oxygen delivery in two distinct ways. Firstly, RBCs enable the adequate transport of O2 between respiratory surfaces and metabolizing tissues by means of their high intracellular concentration of hemoglobin (Hb), appropriate allosteric interactions between Hb ligand-binding sites, and an adjustable intracellular chemical environment that allows fine-tuning of Hb O2affinity. Secondly, RBCs may sense tissue O2 requirements via their degree of deoxygenation when they travel through the microcirculation and release vasodilatory compounds that enhance blood flow in hypoxic tissues. This latter function could be important in matching tissue O2 delivery with local O2 demand. Three main mechanisms by which RBCs can regulate their own distribution in the microcirculation have been proposed. These are: (1) deoxygenation-dependent release of ATP from RBCs, which stimulates production of nitric oxide (NO) and other vasodilators in the endothelium; (2) release of vasoactive NO from S-nitroso-Hb upon deoxygenation; and (3) reduction of naturally occurring nitrite to vasoactive NO by deoxygenated Hb. This Commentary inspects all three hypotheses with regard to their mechanisms, experimental evidence in their support and details that remain unresolved. The prime focus is on human/mammalian models, where most evidence for a role of erythrocyte ATP and NO release in blood flow regulation have accumulated. Information from other vertebrate groups is integrated in the analysis and used to discuss the evolutionary origin and general relevance of each hypothesis.
Visual optics and ecomorphology of the growing shark eye: a comparison between deep and shallow water species
Authors: Litherland Lenore , Collin Shaun P. , Fritsches Kerstin A. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARY
Elasmobranch fishes utilise their vision as an important source of sensory information, and a range of visual adaptations have been shown to reflect the ecological diversity of this vertebrate group. This study investigates the hypotheses that visual optics can predict differences in habitat and behaviour and that visual optics change with ontogenetic growth of the eye to maintain optical performance. The study examines eye structure, pupillary movement,transmission properties of the ocular media, focal properties of the lens,tapetum structure and variations in optical performance with ontogenetic growth in two elasmobranch species: the carcharhinid sandbar shark,Carcharhinus plumbeus, inhabiting nearshore coastal waters, and the squalid shortspine spurdog, Squalus mitsukurii, inhabiting deeper waters of the continental shelf and slope. The optical properties appear to be well tuned for the visual needs of each species. Eyes continue to grow throughout life,resulting in an ontogenetic shift in the focal ratio of the eye. The eyes of C. plumbeus are optimised for vision under variable light conditions, which change during development as the animal probes new light environments in its search for food and mates. By contrast, the eyes of S. mitsukurii are specifically adapted to enhance retinal illumination within a dim light environment, and the detection of bioluminescent prey may be optimised with the use of lenticular short-wavelength-absorbing filters. Our findings suggest that the light environment strongly influences optical features in this class of vertebrates and that optical properties of the eye may be useful predictors of habitat and behaviour for lesser-known species of this vertebrate group.
Individual variation in rod absorbance spectra correlated with opsin gene polymorphism in sand goby (Pomatoschistus minutus)
Authors: Jokela-Määttä Mirka , Vartio Annika , Paulin Lars , Donner Kristian 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARY
Rod absorbance spectra, characterized by the wavelength of peak absorbance(λmax) were related to the rod opsin sequences of individual sand gobies (Pomatoschistus minutus) from four allopatric populations[Adriatic Sea (A), English Channel (E), Swedish West Coast (S) and Baltic Sea(B)]. Rod λmax differed between populations in a manner correlated with differences in the spectral light transmission of the respective water bodies [λmax: (A)≈503 nm; (E and S)≈505–506 nm; (B)≈508 nm]. A distinguishing feature of B was the wide within-population variation of λmax (505.6–511.3 nm). The rod opsin gene was sequenced in marked individuals whose rod absorbance spectra had been accurately measured. Substitutions were identified using EMBL/GenBank X62405 English sand goby sequence as reference and interpreted using two related rod pigments, the spectrally similar one of the Adriatic P. marmoratus (λmax≈507 nm) and the relatively red-shifted Baltic P. microps(λmax≈515 nm) as outgroups. The opsin sequence of all E individuals was identical to that of the reference, whereas the S and B fish all had the substitution N151N/T or N151T. The B fish showed systematic within-population polymorphism, the sequence of individuals withλ max at 505.6–507.5 nm were identical to S, but those with λmax at 509–511.3 nm additionally had F261F/Y. The substitution F261Y is known to red-shift the rod pigment and was found in all P. microps. We propose that ambiguous selection pressures in the Baltic Sea and/or gene flow from the North Sea preserves polymorphism and is phenotypically evident as a wide variation in λmax.
Topography of vision and behaviour
Authors: Smolka Jochen , Hemmi Jan M. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYGiven the great range of visual systems, tasks and habitats, there is surprisingly little experimental evidence of how visual limitations affect behavioural strategies under natural conditions. Analysing this relationship will require an experimental system that allows for the synchronous measurement of visual cues and visually guided behaviour. The first step in quantifying visual cues from an animal's perspective is to understand the filter properties of its visual system. We examined the first stage of visual processing – sampling by the ommatidial array – in the compound eye of the fiddler crab Uca vomeris. Using an in vivopseudopupil method we determined sizes and viewing directions of ommatidia and created a complete eye map of optical and sampling resolution across the visual field. Our results reveal five distinct eye regions (ventral, dorsal,frontal, lateral and medial) which exhibit clear differences in the organisation of the local sampling array, in particular with respect to the balance of resolution and contrast sensitivity. We argue that, under global eye space constraints, these regional optimisations reflect the information content and behavioural relevance of the corresponding parts of the visual field. In demonstrating the tight link between visual sampling, visual cues and behavioural strategies, our analysis highlights how the study of natural behaviour and natural stimuli is essential to our understanding and interpretation of the evolution and ecology of animal behaviour and the design of sensory systems.
Kinematics of suction feeding in the seahorseHippocampus reidi
Authors: Roos Gert , Van Wassenbergh Sam , Herrel Anthony , Aerts Peter 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYFish typically use a rostro-caudal wave of head expansion to generate suction, which is assumed to cause a uni-directional, anterior-to-posterior flow of water in the expanding head. However, compared with typical fish,syngnathid fishes have a remarkably different morphology (elongated snout,small hyoid, immobile pectoral girdle) and feeding strategy (pivot feeding:bringing the small mouth rapidly close to the prey by neurocranial dorsorotation). As a result, it is unclear how suction is generated in Syngnathidae. In this study, lateral and ventral expansions of the head were quantified in Hippocampus reidi and linked to the kinematics of the mouth, hyoid and neurocranium. In addition, the flow velocities inside the bucco-pharyngeal cavity and in front of the mouth were calculated. Our data suggest that the volume changes caused by lateral expansion are dominant over ventral expansion. Maximum gape, neurocranium rotation and hyoid depression are all reached before actual volume increase and before visible prey movement. This implies that, unlike previously studied teleosts, hyoid rotation does not contribute to ventral expansion by lowering the floor of the mouth during prey capture in H. reidi. The lateral volume changes show a rostro-caudal expansion, but the maximal flow velocity is not near the mouth aperture (as has been demonstrated for example in catfish) but at the narrow region of the buccal cavity, dorsal to the hyoid.
Ultrasound detection in the Gulf menhaden requires gas-filled bullae and an intact lateral line
Authors: Wilson Maria , Montie Eric W. , Mann Kenneth A. , Mann David A. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYClupeiform fish species, including the Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) that belong to the subfamily Alosinae, can detect ultrasound. Clupeiform fishes are unique in that they have specialized gas-filled bullae in the head associated with the ear via the bulla membrane and with the lateral line via the lateral recess membrane. It has been hypothesized that the utricle of the inner ear is responsible for ultrasound detection through a specialized connection to the gas-filled bullae complex. Here, we show that the lateral line and its connection to the gas-filled bullae complex via the lateral recess are involved in ultrasound detection in Gulf menhaden. Removal of a small portion of the lateral line overlying the lateral recess membrane eliminates the ability of Gulf menhaden to detect ultrasound. We further show that the gas-filled bullae vibrates in response to ultrasound, that the gas-filled bullae are necessary for detecting ultrasound, and that the bullae connections to the lateral line viathe lateral recess membrane play an important role in ultrasound detection. These results add a new dimension to the role of the lateral line and bullae as part of the ultrasonic detection system in Gulf menhaden.
Energy metabolism and metabolic depression during exercise inCallinectes sapidus, the Atlantic blue crab: effects of the bacterial pathogenVibrio campbellii
Authors: Thibodeaux Lindy K. , Burnett Karen G. , Burnett Louis E. 
Published: October 2009

SUMMARYCallinectes sapidus (Rathbun), the Atlantic blue crab, commonly harbors low to moderate amounts of bacteria in hemolymph and other tissues. These bacteria are typically dominated by Vibrio spp., which are known to cause mortality in the blue crab. The dose-dependent lethality of an isolate of Vibrio campbellii was determined in crabs; the mean 48 h LD50 (half-maximal lethal dose) was 6.2×105 colony forming units g–1 crab. Injection of a sublethal dose of V. campbellii into the hemolymph of the crab resulted in a rapid and large depression (30–42%) of metabolic rate, which persisted for 24 h. Because gills are an organ of immune function as well as respiration, we were interested in how bacteria injected into the crab would affect the energetic costs associated with walking. Overall metabolism (aerobic and anaerobic) more than doubled in crabs walking for 30 min at 8 m min–1. The metabolic depression resulting from bacterial injection persisted throughout the exercise period and patterns of phosphagen and adenylate consumption within walking leg muscle were not affected by treatment. The ability of crabs to supply required energy for walking is largely unaffected by exposure to Vibrio; however, Vibrio-injected crabs are less aerobic while doing so. This depressed metabolic condition in response to bacteria,present during moderate activity, could be a passive result of mounting an immune response or may indicate an actively regulated metabolic depression. A compromised metabolism can affect the performance of daily activities, such as feeding and predator avoidance or affect the ability to cope with environmental stressors, such as hypoxia.
The Desirability of Being Open About Health Care Rationing Decisions: Findings from a Qualitative Study of Patients and Clinical Professionals
Authors: Owen-Smith Amanda , Coast Joanna , Donovan Jenny 
Published: October 2009

Objective To understand the views of patients and professionals about how feasible and appropriate it is to make health care rationing decisions openly at the consultation level. Methods Thirty-one patients and 21 health care professionals were asked about their experiences of implicit and explicit rationing during in-depth interviews structured around two clinical case studies (morbid obesity and breast cancer). Sampling was undertaken theoretically and data analysis was carried out using constant comparison. Results Patients had a broad awareness of health care rationing and nearly all said they wanted to know how financial factors affected the provision of their health care. However, the experience of explicit rationing could be distressing and one patient regretted having been told. Despite a firm commitment to the ideal of being open with patients about rationing, in practice, clinical professionals encountered a number of ethical and practical barriers to making such decisions explicitly, meaning that implicit methods were frequently adopted. Conclusions The results suggest that moves in the UK and elsewhere to undertake rationing more explicitly are in line with the preferences of the majority of patients and professionals. However, the potential for distress caused through rationing openly means that further research is needed to understand whether explicitness is always the best approach at the consultation level, and professionals need further training and support to deal with the stressful nature of making rationing decisions openly.
Christliche Transformation des antiken Dialogs bei Justin und Minucius Felix
Authors: Heyden Katharina 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT
Christian apologetic dialogues are often dismissed as functional literature (“Gebrauchsliteratur”). In this paper the author uses the concept of literary staging (“Inszenierung”) to outline a hermeneutics for Christian dialogues that appreciates them as genuine literature. This hermeneutics is applied to the two oldest preserved examples of this genre: the analysis of literary staging shows Justin's Dialogue with the Jew Tryphon to be progress from a platonic elenctical dialogue to an instructional conversation on the basis of the Holy Scriptures. The Octavius of Minucius Felix transforms the sceptical method of Cicero into a paradigm of Christian eloquentia. Thus, the specific literary staging of the dialogues reflects what the authors considered to be the new and truthful character of the Christian philosophy: for Justin it is the right exegesis of the biblical scriptures, for Minucius the overcoming of philosophical scepticism in argumentation and method. The concordance of literal form and philosophical content proves both dialogues to be genuine literature.
Costantino e l'immagine del Salvatore. Una prospettiva mnemostorica sull'aniconismo cristiano antico
Authors: Canetti Luigi 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT
In Byzantium and in the Latin West the theological and political legacy of Constantine the Great was particularly heavy from the very beginning, in relation to the earlier religious images and principally to the new iconic figural and non-figural symbols of the Christian salvation. Between the 5th and the 6th centuries, the papal and orthodox use of Constantine's image found a first expression in the most ancient Latin version of pope Sylvester's legend (Actus Silvestri). Shortly afterwards the hagiographical nucleus of this legend became part of pope Sylvester's biography, with which begins the Liber Pontificalis of the Roman Church, indeed one of the principal sources for the spread of the legendary account of Constantine's baptism and the image of Constantine as generous benefactor of the papacy. These themes nourished the hagiographical and theological-political imagery of the Christian West for more than a millennium. Between the 8th and the 9th centuries and then from the 11th century onwards, they gave rise to the Roman bishopric's various claims of a universal primacy confirmed by law, already expressed in the Constitutum Constantini and the pseudo-Isidorian Decretales.
Scholarship has clarified the general features of this complex subject. This article presents a mnemo-historical reading that outlines the subject's multifaceted and protean hermeneutic potential, in relation to the connection between power and salvation and to the legitimization of the Christian sovereignty through the iconic signs of the divine presence. This will involve a discussion on the mythical image of Constantine as patron of Christ's images in churches – in support of which there is no archaeological evidence – and on the Lateran basilica of the Saviour, which was the first church of Rome and, until the end of the 13th century, the most prestigious container of relics and memory of the Medieval West.