bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine mapping the number of corpora lutea quantitative trait loci on SSC3: Analysis of the porcine follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor gene
Authors: SATO Shuji , HAYASHI Takeshi , KOBAYASHI Eiji 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTIn females, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) targets a FSH receptor (FSHR) expressed only on granulose cells, inducing maturation of the ovarian follicles. We hypothesized that genetic variants in the FSHR gene influence litter size by affecting the number of corpora lutea. We fine‐mapped a region of Sus Scrofa chromosome 3 that contains quantitative trait loci for corpora lutea. Polymorphisms were detected in the exons and 5′ flanking region of the porcine FSHR gene, a positional candidate for the statistically most significant of the quantitative trait loci. Finally, 248 F2 animals from a Duroc and Meishan cross were genotyped for three FSHR SNPs at positions 74, 532 and 1166, and these were correlated with the phenotypes of litter size and corpus luteum number. Three haplotypes were identified: M1 (G/G/C), M2 (C/A/T) and D (C/A/C). In the F2 population, the M1 haplotype was associated with a greater number of corpora lutea (P < 0.01) and also seemed to be associated with increased litter size, although the association was not significant (P = 0.2571). Some polymorphisms resulting in amino acid substitutions in these genes were excluded from the polymorphisms possibly responsible for the number of corpora lutea.
Test Performance of Immunologic Fecal Occult Blood Testing and Sigmoidoscopy Compared with Primary Colonoscopy Screening for Colorectal Advanced Adenomas
Authors: Khalid-de Bakker Carolina A.J. , Jonkers Daisy M.A.E. , Sanduleanu Silvia , de Bruïne Adriaan P. , Meijer Gerrit A. , Janssen Jan B.M.J. , van Engeland Manon , Stockbrügger Reinhold W. , Masclee Ad A.M. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Given the current increase in colorectal cancer screening, information on performance of screening tests is needed, especially in groups with a presumed lower test performance. We compared test performance of immunologic fecal occult blood testing (FIT) and pseudosigmoidoscopy with colonoscopy for detection of advanced adenomas in an average risk screening population. In addition, we explored the influence of gender, age, and location on test performance. FIT was collected prior to colonoscopy with a 50 ng/mL cutoff point. FIT results and complete colonoscopy findings were available from 329 subjects (mean age: 54.6 ± 3.7 years, 58.4% women). Advanced adenomas were detected in 38 (11.6%) of 329 subjects. Sensitivity for advanced adenomas of FIT and sigmoidoscopy were 15.8% (95% CI: 6.0–31.3) and 73.7% (95% CI: 56.9–86.6), respectively. No sensitivity improvement was obtained using the combination of sigmoidoscopy and FIT. Mean fecal hemoglobin in FIT positives was significantly lower for participants with only proximal adenomas versus those with distal ones (P = 0.008), for women versus men (P = 0.023), and for younger (&lt;55 years) versus older (≥55 years) subjects (P = 0.029). Sensitivities of FIT were 0.0% (95% CI: 0.0–30.9) in subjects with only proximal versus 21.4% (95% CI: 8.3–41.0) in those with distal nonadvanced adenomas; 5.3% (95% CI: 0.0–26.0) in women versus 26.3% (95% CI: 9.2–51.2) in men; 9.5% (95% CI: 1.2–30.4) in younger versus 23.5% (95% CI: 6.8–49.9) in older subjects. Sigmoidoscopy had a significantly higher sensitivity for advanced adenomas than FIT. A single FIT showed very low sensitivity, especially in subjects with only proximal nonadvanced adenomas, in women, and in younger subjects. This points to the existence of “low” FIT performance in subgroups and the need for more tailored screening strategies. Cancer Prev Res; 4(10); 1563–71. ©2011 AACR.
Geostationary Doppler Radar and Tropical Cyclone Surveillance
Authors: Lewis William E. , Im Eastwood , Tanelli Simone , Haddad Ziad , Tripoli Gregory J. , Smith Eric A. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The potential usefulness of spaceborne Doppler radar as a tropical cyclone observing tool is assessed by conducting a high-resolution simulation of an intense hurricane and generating synthetic observations of reflectivity and radial velocity. The ground-based velocity track display (GBVTD) technique is used to process the radial velocity observations and generate retrievals of meteorologically relevant metrics such as the maximum wind (MW), radius of maximum wind (RMW), and radius of 64-kt wind (R64). Results indicate that the performance of the retrieved metrics compares favorably with the current state-of-the-art satellite methods for intensity estimation and somewhat better than current methods for structure (i.e., wind radii).
Obstructive sleep apnoea in children
Authors: Verhulst S. , Kaditis A. 
Published: July 2011

Educational aimsTo understand the aetiology and pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea in childhood.To recognise sleep apnoea-related morbidity from the cardiovascular and central nervous systems.To get familiar with treatment indications and available therapeutic modalities for obstructive sleep apnoea in childhood.SummaryAdenotonsillar hypertrophy, obesity, craniofacial anomalies and abnormal neuromotor tone are the main conditions predisposing to obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in childhood. Overnight polysomnography is the gold standard for diagnosis of the disorder. Sleep apnoeic children experience increased prevalence of enuresis, elevated blood pressure, excessive daytime sleepiness, hyperactivity, learning problems and neurocognitive dysfunction. Successful treatment of paediatric OSA requires a multifaceted approach which will address all the different conditions related to dysfunctional upper airway during sleep.
Sleep apnoea in older people
Authors: Glasser M. , Bailey N. , McMillan A. , Goff E. , Morrell M.J. 
Published: July 2011

Educational AimsTo provide a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in older peopleTo describe the mechanisms of central and obstructive sleep apnoea in older peopleTo outline the symptoms of sleep apnoea in older peopleTo discuss the evidence base for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in older people.SummaryObstructive sleep apnoea is a common disorder in older people, with between 13 and 32% of people over 65 yrs old having some sleep apnoea. The variation in the estimated prevalence is likely to reflect the different health status of the older populations studied and the definitions of the disease. This review will address the prevalence and aetiology of sleep apnoea in older people; outlining the possible consequences and treatment options. Age-related changes in chemosensitivity, and sleep architecture may promote central sleep apnoea in older people; while obstructive sleep apnoea is likely to be the result of increased collapsibility of the upper airway; possibly due to changes in upper airway anatomy and muscle function. The consequences of sleep apnoea in older people are unclear, since both sleep apnoea and aging reduce sleep quality and cognitive function. Moreover, there may be a survival advantage of mild sleep apnoea on the cardiovascular system in older people. Therefore the therapeutic advantages of continuous positive airway pressure in older people require further investigation. If future studies demonstrate that continuous positive airway pressure therapy produces a therapeutic benefit in older people this could result improvements in care.
Characterization of Kupffer cells in livers of developing mice
Authors: Lopez Bryan G , Tsai Monica S , Baratta Janie L , Longmuir Kenneth J , Robertson Richard T 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Kupffer cells are well known macrophages of the liver, however, the developmental characteristics of Kupffer cells in mice are not well understood. To clarify this matter, the characteristics of Kupffer macrophages in normal developing mouse liver were studied using light microscopy and immunocytochemistry.

Methods
Sections of liver tissue from early postnatal mice were prepared using immunocytochemical techniques. The Kupffer cells were identified by their immunoreactivity to the F4/80 antibody, whereas endothelial cells were labelled with the CD-34 antibody. In addition, Kupffer cells and endothelial cells were labelled by systemically injected fluorescently labelled latex microspheres. Tissue slices were examined by fluorescence microscopy.

Results
Intravenous or intraperitonal injections of microspheres yielded similar patterns of liver cell labelling. The F4/80 positive Kupffer cells were labelled with both large (0.2 μm) and small (0.02 μm) diameter microspheres, while endothelial cells were labelled only with the smaller diameter microspheres. Microsphere labelling of Kupffer cells appeared stable for at least 6 weeks. Cells immunoreactive for F4/80 were identified as early as postnatal day 0, and these cells also displayed uptake of microspheres. Numbers of F4/80 Kupffer cells, relative to numbers of albumin positive hepatocytes, did not show a significant trend over the first 2 postnatal weeks.

Conclusions
Kupffer cells of the developing mouse liver appear quite similar to those of other mammalian species, confirming that the mouse presents a useful animal model for studies of liver macrophage developmental structure and function.
Effect of substrate (ZnO) morphology on enzyme immobilization and its catalytic activity
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wu Haixia , Huang Xuelei , Zhang Jingyan , Guo Shouwu 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals with different morphologies were synthesized and used as substrates for enzyme immobilization. The effects of morphology of ZnO nanocrystals on enzyme immobilization and their catalytic activities were investigated. The ZnO nanocrystals were prepared through a hydrothermal procedure using tetramethylammonium hydroxide as a mineralizing agent. The control on the morphology of ZnO nanocrystals was achieved by varying the ratio of CH3OH to H2O, which were used as solvents in the hydrothermal reaction system. The surface of as-prepared ZnO nanoparticles was functionalized with amino groups using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and tetraethyl orthosilicate, and the amino groups on the surface were identified and calculated by FT-IR and the Kaiser assay. Horseradish peroxidase was immobilized on as-modified ZnO nanostructures with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker. The results showed that three-dimensional nanomultipod is more appropriate for the immobilization of enzyme used further in catalytic reaction.
Characterization of a novel and spontaneous mouse model of inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Adipue Iris A , Wilcox Joel T , King Cody , Rice Carolyn AY , Shaum Katherine M , Suard Cory M , Brink Elri ten , Miller Stephen D , McMahon Eileen J 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have proven critical for identifying genetic and cellular mechanisms of the disease. Upon discovering mice in our breeding colony that had spontaneously developed inflamed joints reminiscent of RA, we established the novel IIJ (inherited inflamed joints) strain. The purpose of this study was to characterize the histopathological, clinical, genetic and immunological properties of the disease.

Methods
To begin the IIJ strain, an arthritic male mouse was crossed with SJL/J females. Inheritance of the phenotype was then tracked by intercrossing, backcrossing and outcrossing to other inbred strains. The histopathology of the joints and extraarticular organ systems was examined. Serum cytokines and immunoglobulins (Igs) were measured by ELISA and cytometric bead array. Transfer experiments tested whether disease could be mediated by serum alone. Finally, the cellular joint infiltrate and the composition of secondary lymphoid organs were examined by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.

Results
After nine generations of intercrossing, the total incidence of arthritis was 33% (304 of 932 mice), with females being affected more than males (38% vs. 28%; P < 0.001). Swelling, most notably in the large distal joints, typically became evident at an early age (mean age of 52 days). In addition to the joint pathology, which included bone and cartilage erosion, synovial hyperproliferation and a robust cellular infiltration of mostly Gr-1+ neutrophils, there was also evidence of systemic inflammation. IL-6 was elevated in the sera of recently arthritic mice, and extraarticular inflammation was observed histologically in multiple organs. Total serum Ig and IgG1 levels were significantly elevated in arthritic mice, and autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor and Ig reactive to joint components (collagen type II and joint homogenate) were also detected. Nevertheless, serum failed to transfer disease. A high percentage of double-negative (CD4-CD8-) CD3+ TCRα/β+ T cells in the lymphoid organs of arthritic IIJ mice suggested significant disruption in the T-cell compartment.

Conclusions
Overall, these data identify the IIJ strain as a new murine model of inflammatory, possibly autoimmune, arthritis. The IIJ strain is similar, both histologically and serologically, to RA and other murine models of autoimmune arthritis. It may prove particularly useful for understanding the female bias in autoimmune diseases.
Regulation of angiostatic chemokines driven by IL-12 and IL-27 in human tumors
Authors: Airoldi Irma , Ribatti Domenico 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTChemokines have pleiotropic effects in regulating immunity, angiogenesis, and tumor growth. CXC and CC chemokine families members and their receptors are able to exert a proangiogenic or an antiangiogenic effect in experimental models and in human tumors. In this review article, we have summarized literature data and our studies concerning the angiostatic activity of chemokines. Their angiostatic activity may be a result of a direct effect on the biological functions of endothelial cells and/or an effect on tumor cells inhibiting their capability to stimulate new blood vessel formation. Moreover, chemokines have a pro- and antitumor effect within the tumor microenvironment by regulating immune cell infiltration and its antitumor activities. We have focused our interest on the role of IL-12 and IL-27 in solid and hematological tumors, and we have suggested and discussed their potential use as antiangiogenic agents in the treatment of such tumors.
Animal escapology I: theoretical issues and emerging trends in escape trajectories
Authors: Domenici Paolo , Blagburn Jonathan M. , Bacon Jonathan P. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryEscape responses are used by many animal species as their main defence against predator attacks. Escape success is determined by a number of variables; important are the directionality (the percentage of responses directed away from the threat) and the escape trajectories (ETs) measured relative to the threat. Although logic would suggest that animals should always turn away from a predator, work on various species shows that these away responses occur only approximately 50–90% of the time. A small proportion of towards responses may introduce some unpredictability and may be an adaptive feature of the escape system. Similar issues apply to ETs. Theoretically, an optimal ET can be modelled on the geometry of predator–prey encounters. However, unpredictability (and hence high variability) in trajectories may be necessary for preventing predators from learning a simple escape pattern. This review discusses the emerging trends in escape trajectories, as well as the modulating key factors, such as the surroundings and body design. The main ET patterns identified are: (1) high ET variability within a limited angular sector (mainly 90–180 deg away from the threat; this variability is in some cases based on multiple peaks of ETs), (2) ETs that allow sensory tracking of the threat and (3) ETs towards a shelter. These characteristic features are observed across various taxa and, therefore, their expression may be mainly related to taxon-independent animal design features and to the environmental context in which prey live – for example whether the immediate surroundings of the prey provide potential refuges.
Myostatin levels in skeletal muscle of hibernating ground squirrels
Authors: Brooks Naomi E. , Myburgh Kathryn H. , Storey Kenneth B. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARY
Myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass, is elevated during disuse and starvation. Mammalian hibernation presents a unique scenario, where animals are hypocaloric and in torpor, but the extent of muscle protein loss is minimized. We hypothesized that myostatin expression, which is usually increased early in disuse and under hypocaloric conditions, could be suppressed in this unique model. Skeletal muscle was collected from thirteen-lined ground squirrels, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus, at six time points during hibernation: control euthermic (CON); entrance into hibernation (ENT), body temperature (Tb) falling; early hibernation (EHib), stable Tb in torpor for 24 h; late hibernation (LHib), stable Tb in torpor for 3 days; early arousal (EAr), Tb rising; and arousal (AR), Tb restored to 34–37°C for about 18 h. There was no significant increase of myostatin during ENT, EHib or LHib. Unexpectedly, there were approximately sixfold increases in myostatin protein levels as squirrels arose from torpor. The elevation during EAr remained high in AR, which represented an interbout time period. Mechanisms that could release the suppression or promote increased levels of myostatin were assessed. SMAD2 and phosphorylated SMAD2 were increased during EHib, but only the phosphorylated SMAD2 during AR mirrored increases in myostatin. Follistatin, a negative regulator of myostatin, did not follow the same time course as myostatin or its signaling pathway, indicating more control of myostatin at the signaling level. However, SMAD7, an inhibitory SMAD, did not appear to play a significant role during deep hibernation. Hibernation is an excellent natural model to study factors involved in the endogenous intracellular mechanisms controlling myostatin.
Functional impacts of ocean acidification in an ecologically critical foundation species
Authors: Gaylord Brian , Hill Tessa M. , Sanford Eric , Lenz Elizabeth A. , Jacobs Lisa A. , Sato Kirk N. , Russell Ann D. , Hettinger Annaliese 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARY
Anthropogenic CO2 is reducing the pH and altering the carbonate chemistry of seawater, with repercussions for marine organisms and ecosystems. Current research suggests that calcification will decrease in many species, but compelling evidence of impaired functional performance of calcium carbonate structures is sparse, particularly in key species. Here we demonstrate that ocean acidification markedly degrades the mechanical integrity of larval shells in the mussel Mytilus californianus, a critical community member on rocky shores throughout the northeastern Pacific. Larvae cultured in seawater containing CO2 concentrations expected by the year 2100 (540 or 970 ppm) precipitated weaker, thinner and smaller shells than individuals raised under present-day seawater conditions (380 ppm), and also exhibited lower tissue mass. Under a scenario where mussel larvae exposed to different CO2 levels develop at similar rates, these trends suggest a suite of potential consequences, including an exacerbated vulnerability of new settlers to crushing and drilling attacks by predators; poorer larval condition, causing increased energetic stress during metamorphosis; and greater risks from desiccation at low tide due to shifts in shell area to body mass ratios. Under an alternative scenario where responses derive exclusively from slowed development, with impacted individuals reaching identical milestones in shell strength and size by settlement, a lengthened larval phase could increase exposure to high planktonic mortality rates. In either case, because early life stages operate as population bottlenecks, driving general patterns of distribution and abundance, the ecological success of this vital species may be tied to how ocean acidification proceeds in coming decades.
Neuroepithelial cells and the hypoxia emersion response in the amphibious fishKryptolebias marmoratus
Authors: Regan Kelly S. , Jonz Michael G. , Wright Patricia A. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYTeleost fish have oxygen-sensitive neuroepithelial cells (NECs) in the gills that appear to mediate physiological responses to hypoxia, but little is known about oxygen sensing in amphibious fish. The mangrove rivulus, Kryptolebias marmoratus, is an amphibious fish that respires via the gills and/or the skin. First, we hypothesized that both the skin and gills are sites of oxygen sensing in K. marmoratus. Serotonin-positive NECs were abundant in both gills and skin, as determined by immunohistochemical labelling and fluorescence microscopy. NECs retained synaptic vesicles and were found near nerve fibres labelled with the neuronal marker zn-12. Skin NECs were 42% larger than those of the gill, as estimated by measurement of projection area, and 45% greater in number. Moreover, for both skin and gill NECs, NEC area increased significantly (30–60%) following 7 days of exposure to hypoxia (1.5 mg l–1 dissolved oxygen). Another population of cells containing vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) proteins were also observed in the skin and gills. The second hypothesis we tested was that K. marmoratus emerse in order to breathe air cutaneously when challenged with severe aquatic hypoxia, and this response will be modulated by neurochemicals associated chemoreceptor activity. Acute exposure to hypoxia induced fish to emerse at 0.2 mg l–1. When K. marmoratus were pre-exposed to serotonin or acetylcholine, they emersed at a significantly higher concentration of oxygen than untreated fish. Pre-exposure to receptor antagonists (ketanserin and hexamethonium) predictably resulted in fish emersing at a lower concentration of oxygen. Taken together, these results suggest that oxygen sensing occurs at the branchial and/or cutaneous surfaces in K. marmoratus and that serotonin and acetylcholine mediate, in part, the emersion response.
Sensory mediation of memory blocking stressors in the pond snailLymnaea stagnalis
Authors: Dalesman Sarah , Karnik Vikram , Lukowiak Ken 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYThe great pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis, is commonly used as a model species to study how stress affects the ability to form long-term memory (LTM); however, we still have little information about how the snail senses stressful stimuli. The osphradium is an external sensory organ that demonstrates electrophysiological responses to a variety of external chemical stimuli. We examined the role, if any, played by the osphradium in sensing two environmental stressors, crowding and low environmental calcium, both known to block LTM in intact animals. We severed the osphradial nerve, blocking external sensory input from this organ to the central nervous system, and then exposed the snails to low environmental calcium or crowding stress to assess whether these stressors continued to block LTM formation. When exposed to low environmental calcium, snails with their osphradial nerve severed responded as if they were maintained in our standard calcium environment. That is, they did not respond to low calcium as a stressor blocking LTM; therefore, the osphradium plays a crucial role in mediating how snails respond to this stressor. However, following crowding, LTM formation was blocked in both control groups and snails that had the osphradial nerve severed, indicating that sensory information from the osphradium is not required to sense crowded conditions. Together these data show that two stressors that result in the same behavioural phenotype, blocking LTM formation, do so via two distinct sensory pathways.