bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plants and fungi in the era of heterogeneous plasma membranes*
Authors: Opekarová M. , Malinsky J. , Tanner W. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractExamples from yeast and plant cells are described that show that their plasma membrane is laterally compartmented. Distinct lateral domains encompassing both specific lipids and integral proteins coexist within the plane of the plasma membrane. The compartments are either spatially stable and include distinct sets of proteins, or they are transiently formed to accomplish diverse functions. They are not related to lipid rafts or their clusters, as defined for mammalian cells. This review summarises only well‐documented compartments of plasma membranes from plants and fungi, which have been recognised using microscopic approaches. In several cases, physiological functions of the membrane compartmentation are revealed.
Social Learning in the Caracara Chimango,Milvago chimango(Aves: Falconiformes): an Age Comparison
Authors: Biondi L. M. , García G. O. , Bó M. S. , Vassallo A. I. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractMilvago chimangois a gregarious raptor showing great ecological plasticity. Their ability to explore new resources has allowed them to survive in areas with increasing human modification. In this study, we evaluated the social learning ability in wild‐caught individuals ofM. chimango. In particular, we tested whether an ‘observer’ individual could improve the acquisition of a novel behaviour by watching a ‘demonstrator,’ and we examined the effects of age of both observers and demonstrators on social learning. We measured the ability of 18 observers to open an opaque Plexiglas box containing food, and we compared their performance to that of 10 control birds who did not watch a demonstrator solve the task. Prior to watching a demonstrator, only two of the observers and two of the control birds were able to open the box. After watching a demonstrator, 67% of observers were able to open the box, outperforming control birds in speed and success. Juvenile observers were more successful and faster than adults at contacting and opening the box. The age of the demonstrator did not influence the observers’ likelihood of success. These results showed thatM. chimangoare able to learn a box‐opening task with a hidden food reward by observing the behaviour of a conspecific and that this behaviour persisted over several days. Social learning ability inM. chimangomight allow certain behavioural patterns, such as those related to novel resource acquisition in modified environments, to be socially transmitted among individuals in a population.
Use of SNP genotyping to determine pedigree and breed composition of dairy cattle in Kenya
Authors: Gorbach D.M. , Makgahlela M.L. , Reecy J.M. , Kemp S.J. , Baltenweck I. , Ouma R. , Mwai O. , Marshall K. , Murdoch B. , Moore S. , Rothschild M.F. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryHigh levels of inbreeding in East African dairy cattle are a potential concern because of use of a limited range of imported germplasm coupled with strong selection, especially by disease, and sparse performance recording. To address this, genetic relationships and breed composition in an admixed population of Kenyan dairy cattle were estimated by means of a 50K SNP scan. Genomic DNA from 3 worldwide Holstein and 20 Kenyan bulls, 71 putative cow‐calf pairs, 25 cows from a large ranch and 5 other Kenyan animals were genotyped for 37 238 informative SNPs. Sires were predicted and 89% of putative dam‐calf relationships were supported by genotype data. Animals were clustered with the HapMap population using Structure software to assess breed composition. Cows from a large ranch primarily clustered with Holsteins, while animals from smaller farms were generally crosses between Holstein and Guernsey. Coefficients of relatedness were estimated and showed evidence of heavy use of one AI bull. We conclude that little native germplasm exists within the genotyped populations and mostly European ancestry remains.
Fine mapping and detection of the causative mutation underlying Quantitative Trait Loci
Authors: Uleberg E. , Meuwissen T.H.E. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe effect on power and precision of including the causative SNP amongst the investigated markers in Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping experiments was investigated. Three fine mapping methods were tested to see which was most efficient in finding the causative mutation: combined linkage and linkage disequilibrium mapping (LLD); association mapping (MARK); a combination of LLD and association mapping (LLDMARK). Two simulated data sets were analysed: in one set, the causative SNP was included amongst the markers, while in the other set the causative SNP was masked between markers. Including the causative SNP amongst the markers increased both precision and power in the analyses. For the LLD method the number of correctly positioned QTL increased from 17 for the analysis without the causative SNP to 77 for the analysis including the causative SNP. The likelihood of the data analysis increased from 3.4 to 13.3 likelihood units for the MARK method when the causative SNP was included. When the causative SNP was masked between the analysed markers, the LLD method was most efficient in detecting the correct QTL position, while the MARK method was most efficient when the causative SNP was included as a marker in the analysis. The LLDMARK method, combining association mapping and LLD, assumes a QTL as the null hypothesis (using LLD method) and tests whether the ‘putative causative SNP’ explains significantly more variance than a QTL in the region. Thus, if the putative causative SNP does not only give an Identical‐By‐Descent (IBD) signal, but also an Alike‐In‐State (AIS) signal, LLDMARK gives a positive likelihood ratio. LLDMARK detected less than half as many causative SNPs as the other methods, and also had a relatively high false discovery rate when the QTL effect was large. LLDMARK may however be more robust against spurious associations, because the regional IBD is largely corrected for by fitting a QTL effect in the null hypothesis model.
Electrophysiological responses of Batocera horsfieldi (Hope) adults to plant volatiles
Authors: Zhuge P.‐P. , Luo S.‐L. , Wang M.‐Q. , Zhang G. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe olfactory stimuli from the maturation feeding‐plant, Rosa multiflora Thunb., and larval‐host plant, Populus deltoides, of the longhorned beetle, Batocera horsfieldi (Hope), were investigated by using TCT‐GC/MS (Thermal desorption and cold trap, and GC/MS) and electroantennogram recordings (EAG). A total of 20 plant compounds were identified from plant headspace volatile, including aliphatic, aromatic and terpenoid compounds. Five compounds were common to both plants. Eight compounds eliciting strong EAG response were E‐3‐hexenyl acetate, 3‐carene, 1‐penten‐3‐ol, 3‐pentanol, Z‐2‐penten‐1‐ol, hexanal and E‐2‐hexenal. Female and male B. horsfieldi exhibited broad overlap in their EAG responses to individual plant odour, and there was no clear pattern of difference between responses of female and male antennae to different compounds. Mating status had little effect on the EAG responses of females.
Single Layer Centrifugation of Stallion Spermatozoa through Androcoll™‐E does not Adversely Affect their Capacitation‐Like Status, as Measured by CTC Staining
Authors: Bergqvist A‐S , Johannisson A , Bäckgren L , Dalin A‐M , Rodriguez‐Martinez H , Morrell JM 
Published: June 2010

ContentsThis study was designed to evaluate the effect of single layer centrifugation (SLC) and subsequent cold storage on stallion sperm capacitation‐like status and acrosome reaction. Three stallions were included in the study, with three ejaculates per stallion. The samples were examined 4, 24 and 72 h after collection, extension and SLC, with storage at 6°C. Sperm capacitation‐like status was investigated using the fluorescent dye chlortetracycline (CTC). There was no difference in capacitation‐like status between colloid‐selected and non‐selected spermatozoa. Sperm motility decreased significantly during cold storage, whereas the proportion of apparently capacitated spermatozoa increased. There was no change in the proportion of acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa. In conclusion, SLC through Androcoll™‐E does not adversely affect the capacitation‐like status of stallion spermatozoa, although it did increase with time during cold storage.
Fine Structures of Embryonic Discs of In Vivo Post‐hatching Porcine Blastocysts at the Pre‐Primitive Streak Stage
Authors: Xia P , Liu Z , Qin P 
Published: June 2010

ContentsTo date, reports about the ultrastructure of porcine embryonic discs have not shown details of the primitive streak. The main objective of this study was to examine the ultrastructure of interior and exterior embryonic discs in porcine in vivo blastocysts with diameters of 1, 3 and 9 mm using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. For the first time, we revealed the ultrastructure of the unusual group of cells in the pre‐primitive streak area of embryonic discs. The cells were 1–2 μm in diameter, had high electron density and contained abundant, free ribosomes and endoplasmic reticulum. These primitive streak cells could represent original embryonic stem cells or represent a stem cell niche. The results also showed three types of cells on the exterior surface of the embryonic discs. Moreover, our results provided morphological evidence of condensed nuclei in the smooth cells on the surface of the embryonic disc.
Protein Composition of Seminal Plasma in Fractionated Stallion Ejaculates
Authors: Kareskoski AM , Rivera del Alamo MM , Güvenc K , Reilas T , Calvete JJ , Rodriguez‐Martinez H , Andersson M , Katila T 
Published: June 2010

ContentsSeminal plasma (SP) contains several types of compounds derived from the epididymides and accessory glands. The aim of this study was to examine the protein composition of different ejaculate fractions. Trial I: fractionated ejaculates were collected from two normal and two subfertile stallions. Samples containing pre‐sperm fluid and the first sperm‐rich jets (HIGH‐1), the main sperm‐rich portion (HIGH‐2), the jets with low sperm concentrations (LOW), and a combined whole‐ejaculate (WE) sample was centrifuged, and the SP was filtered and frozen. A part of each SP sample was stored (5°C, 24 h) with spermatozoa from HIGH‐2 and skim milk extender. Sperm motility was evaluated after storage in extender mixed with the stallion’s own SP or SP from one of the other stallions (sperm from a normal stallion stored in SP from a subfertile stallion and vice versa). Protein composition was analysed using reverse‐phase liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC), N‐terminal sequencing and mass spectrometry. The area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) was used for quantitative comparison of proteins within fractions. Trial II: semen samples were collected from seven stallions. Fractions with the highest (HIGH) and lowest (LOW) sperm concentrations and WE samples were examined using SDS‐PAGE and densitometry. No significant differences emerged between fractions in the AUC‐values of the Horse Seminal Protein‐1 (HSP‐1) and HSP‐2 peaks, or the peak containing HSP‐3 and HSP‐4 (HSP‐3/4). Levels of HSP‐1, HSP‐2 and HSP‐3/4 were not significantly correlated with total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility or average path velocity after storage. Significant differences between ejaculate fractions in the amount of different protein groups present in SP were not found in Trial I; but in Trial II, the proteins in the 60–70 kDa range were more abundant in LOW than in HIGH and WE, indicating that this band contained proteins derived mainly from the seminal vesicles, which produce most of the SP in LOW.
Epidemiological features of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in Taiwan: A national study 1996–2004
Authors: Tiao Mao‐Meng , Tsai Shang‐Shyue , Kuo Hsin‐Wei , Yang Chun‐Yuh 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The incidence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) varies among different countries and is supposed to be lower in Asian countries than in Western countries. However, the incidence of IHPS in Taiwan has not been well investigated.Methods:  The National Health Insurance (NHI) program was implemented in Taiwan in 1995 and covers most of the population (>99%). We used the NHI database to investigate the epidemiological features of IHPS in Taiwan and to compare the data with that of other countries.Results:  We identified 962 new IHPS cases during the period from 1996 to 2004. The overall incidence of IHPS was 0.39 (0.34–0.50) cases per 1000 live births. The estimation was 0.39–0.59 per 1000 live births after adjustment for the misdiagnosis rate. The peak incidence (0.58 per 1000 live births) occurred in winter in 1999. Rates were consistently higher in male subjects. The 1‐year survival rate was not significantly different in the patients receiving pyloromyotomy in medical centers, regional hospitals, and district hospitals (P = 0.389).Conclusions:  Taiwan had the second lowest incidence of IHPS reported in the medical literature. IHPS patients can be successfully treated in district and general hospitals with good prognosis.
Endoscopic band ligation followed by sclerotherapy: Is it superior to sclerotherapy in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction?
Authors: Poddar Ujjal , Bhatnagar Shrish , Yachha Surender K 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  There is scarcity of data about children on a combination of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST). We assessed the efficacy of EVL followed by EST and EST alone in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO).Methods:  From January 2000 to March 2007, 186 consecutive children (mean age 6.3 ± 4.2 years, 82% boys) with EHPVO with variceal bleeding were included. EVL followed by EST (Group I, n = 101) or EST alone (Group II, n = 60) was carried out at 3‐weekly intervals until eradication. Surveillance endoscopy was done at 3 to 6‐monthly intervals. In all cases, the number of sessions required to eradicate the esophageal varices, the volume of sclerosant, the complications and the endoscopic outcome on follow up were recorded.Results:  Eradication was achieved in 158 of 161 (98%) children and 25 were lost to follow up. Group I required significantly fewer sessions (5.2 ± 1.8 vs 6.8 ± 2.8, P < 0.005), less sclerosant (13 ± 8.2 mL vs 30 ± 20 mL, P < 0.001) and had fewer complications (7% vs 28%, P < 0.001) as compared with Group II. On follow up (33 ± 17.6 months in Group I and 43 ± 16.7 months in Group II), there was a significant increase in the prevalence of portal hypertensive gastropathy as well as isolated gastric varices in both the groups. However, the prevalence of gastroesophageal varices decreased.Conclusions:  EVL followed by EST is better than EST alone in children with EHPVO as it requires fewer sessions and has fewer complications. However, following eradication, evolution of gastric varices and portal hypertensive gastropathy was similar in the two groups.
Clinical results of observation of the upper gastrointestinal tract by transgastrostomic endoscopy using an ultrathin endoscope
Authors: Imaeda Hiroyuki , Hosoe Naoki , Nakamizo Hiromasa , Kashiwagi Kazuhiro , Suzuki Hidekazu , Saito Yoshimasa , Suganuma Kazuhiro , Ida Yosuke , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Iwasaki Eisuke , Iwao Yasushi , Ogata Haruhiko , Hibi Toshifumi 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Esophagogastroduodenoscopy through the oral cavity of patients who have undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) causes some distress and puts these patients at risk of aspiration pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate results for the upper gastrointestinal tract by transgastrostomic endoscopy using an ultrathin endoscope.Methods:  The study subjects were 43 patients, who underwent exchange of a PEG button or tube, 20‐French or more in diameter. After PEG buttons or tubes were extracted from the gastrostomy tract, an ultrathin endoscope was inserted through the gastrostomy tract. The stomach and the duodenal bulb were observed and the esophagus was observed in retrograde passage. A new PEG button or tube was then inserted. The rate of successful insertion into the esophagus and duodenal bulb, the observation of the gastrostomy site in retroversion in the stomach, and the endoscopic findings were analyzed.Results:  Ninety‐nine examinations were carried out. The esophagus could be observed in 95 (96.0%), the duodenum in 92 (92.9%) and the gastrostomy site in the stomach in all. Gastric polyps were detected in four patients, gastric erosions in two, reflux esophagitis in two, polypoid lesion at the gastrostomy tract in two, gastric ulcer scar in one, duodenal ulcer scar in one, early gastric cancer in one and recurrent esophageal cancer in one. Neither discomfort nor complications occurred during transgastrostomic endoscopy.Conclusions:  Observation of the upper gastrointestinal tract by transgastrostomic endoscopy using an ultrathin endoscope during a gastrostomy button or tube replacement may be useful and safe.
Apolipoprotein E genotypes modulate fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C and persistently normal transaminases
Authors: Fabris Carlo , Vandelli Carmen , Toniutto Pierluigi , Minisini Rosalba , Colletta Cosimo , Falleti Edmondo , Smirne Carlo , Pirisi Mario 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Carriage of the apolipoprotein E (Apo E) variants, E2, E3 and E4, affects cholesterol metabolism and may be involved in the persistence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Our aim was to verify whether carriage of specific Apo E variants modulates the course of hepatitis C.Methods:  We studied a cohort of 116 HCV‐positive patients (49 male subjects) with persistently normal transaminases and an Ishak staging score ≤ 2 at an initial biopsy. These untreated patients underwent regular clinical monitoring (median histological follow up: 10 years). Apo E variants were genotyped and results were related to the histological outcome.Results:  The mean ± standard deviation staging scores were 0.9 ± 0.7 at entry versus 1.9 ± 1.2 at the end of follow up, P < 0.0001. Initial and final staging scores in the E3/E3 homozygotes (n = 74) were 1.0 ± 0.7 versus 2.1 ± 1.3, P < 0.0001, while in the remaining patients (n = 42) they were 0.9 ± 0.6 versus 1.5 ± 1.0, P < 0.002. A synergistic effect was observed between Apo E polymorphisms and baseline serum cholesterol values: patients not carrying any E3 allele, as well as carriers of a single E3 allele with serum cholesterol concentration > 190 mg/dL were more likely to have a favorable outcome (final vs initial staging score increased in 7/66, did not change in 10/46, and decreased in 3/4, P < 0.005).Conclusions:  Some of the variability in the natural history of patients with persistently normal transaminases with initially mild hepatitis C can be related to their Apo E genetic background.
N‐methyl‐4‐isoleucine cyclosporine attenuates CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis in rats by interacting with cyclophilin B and D
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Yuguo , Wang Tailing , You Hong , Jia Jidong 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  N‐methyl‐4‐isoleucine cyclosporine (NIM811), a new analogue of cyclosporine A, can inhibit collagen deposition in vitro and reduce liver necrosis in a bile‐duct‐ligation animal model. However, whether NIM811 effects on CCl4‐induced rat liver fibrosis, and the related mechanism has not been determined.Methods:  A liver fibrosis model was induced in Wistar rats using CCl4 for 6 weeks. Meanwhile, two different doses of NIM811 (low‐dose 10 mg/kg and high‐dose 20 mg/kg) were given to the CCl4‐treated rats. Liver fibrosis was then evaluated according to histopathological scoring and liver hydroxyproline content. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and albumin levels, expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐13, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1, α‐smooth muscle actin and cyclophilin B and D in liver tissue were determined. Cyclophilin B and D were also studied in an hepatic stellate cell line.Results:  Hydroxyproline content was decreased in both NIM811 groups compared with the model (P < 0.05). Liver necrosis and fibrosis were also attenuated in the NIM811 groups. NIM811 suppressed the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1, transforming growth factor beta mRNA and α‐smooth muscle actin protein in liver tissue. Expression of cyclophilin B in the fibrosis model was increased compared with the normal group (P < 0.05), and was decreased significantly in the low‐dose NIM811 treatment group (P < 0.05), which indicated that cyclophilin B might have a profibrotic effect. In vitro studies revealed that cyclophilin B and/or D knockout were associated with collagen inhibition.Conclusions:  NIM811 attenuates liver fibrosis in a CCl4‐induced rat liver fibrosis model, which may be related to binding with cyclophilin B and D.
Clinical trial: Inhibitory effect of revaprazan on gastric acid secretion in healthy male subjects
Authors: Kim Hyung‐Keun , Park Soo‐Heon , Cheung Dae‐Young , Cho Young‐Seok , Kim Jin‐Il , Kim Sung‐Soo , Chae Hiun‐Suk , Kim Jae‐Kwang , Chung In‐Sik 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Revaprazan is a novel acid pump antagonist. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of revaprazan on gastric acid secretion in healthy male subjects.Methods:  In a double‐blind, three‐way cross‐over study, 30 healthy male volunteers were randomized to 100, 150 or 200 mg of oral revaprazan daily for 7 days. Serum gastrin concentration was measured, and 24‐h intragastric pH was recorded at baseline and on days 1 and 7 of each administration period. Serial blood samples were processed for pharmacokinetics.Results:  Median intragastric pH over 24 h and mean percentage time that pH was > 4 increased in a dose‐dependent manner and were significantly higher on days 1 and 7 compared with baseline in all groups (P < 0.05). The antisecretory effect of revaprazan was rapid and nearly maximal on day 1 in all groups. Serum gastrin levels were rapidly normalized by 100 and 150 mg/day of revaprazan on days 1 and 7, but were significantly higher in the 200 mg/day revaprazan group. The pharmacokinetic effect was rapidly absorbed and eliminated on days 1 and 7 in all groups.Conclusions:  Revaprazan rapidly and effectively inhibits gastric acid secretion in healthy male subjects. Therefore, revaprazan can be used as an effective drug for acid‐related disease.