bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Syndromes in Stable Social Groups: An Artifact of External Constraints?
Authors: Nelson Ximena J. , Wilson David R. , Evans Christopher S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIndividuals of many species differ consistently in their behavioral reactions toward different stimuli, such as predators, rivals, and potential mates. These typical reactions, described as ‘behavioral syndromes’ or ‘personalities,’ appear to be heritable and therefore subject to selection. We studied behavioral syndromes in 36 male fowl living in 12 social groups and found that individuals behaved consistently over time. Furthermore, responses to different contexts (anti‐predator, foraging, and territorial) were inter‐correlated, suggesting that males exhibited comparable behavioral traits in these functionally distinct situations. We subsequently isolated the same roosters and conducted tests in a ‘virtual environment,’ using high‐resolution digital video sequences to simulate the anti‐predator, foraging, and territorial contexts that they had experienced outdoors. Under these controlled conditions, repeatability persisted but individual responses to the three classes of stimuli failed to predict one another. These were instead context‐specific. In particular, production of each type of vocal signal was independent, implying that calls in the repertoire are controlled by distinct mechanisms. Our results show that extrinsic factors, such as social position, can be responsible for the appearance of traits that could readily be mistaken for the product of endogenous characters.
Why Do Dolphins Form Mixed‐Species Associations in the Azores?
Authors: Quérouil Sophie , Silva Mónica A. , Cascão Irma , Magalhães Sara , Seabra Maria Inês , Machete Miguel A. , Santos Ricardo S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMixed‐species associations are temporary associations between individuals of different species that are often observed in birds, primates and cetaceans. They have been interpreted as a strategy to reduce predation risk, enhance foraging success and/or provide a social advantage. In the archipelago of the Azores, four species of dolphins are commonly involved in mixed‐species associations: the common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, the bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, the striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba, and the spotted dolphin, Stenella frontalis. In order to understand the reasons why dolphins associate, we analysed field data collected since 1999 by research scientists and trained observers placed onboard fishing vessels. In total, 113 mixed‐species groups were observed out of 5720 sightings. The temporal distribution, habitat (water depth, distance to the coast), behaviour (i.e. feeding, travelling, socializing), size and composition of mixed‐species groups were compared with those of single‐species groups. Results did not support the predation avoidance hypothesis and gave little support to the social advantage hypothesis. The foraging advantage hypothesis was the most convincing. However, the benefits of mixed‐species associations appeared to depend on the species. Associations were likely to be opportunistic in the larger bottlenose dolphin, while there seemed to be some evolutionary constraints favouring associations in the rarer striped dolphin. Comparison with previous studies suggests that the formation of mixed‐species groups depends on several environmental factors, and therefore may constitute an adaptive response.
The Mechanistic Basis of a Large Male Mating Advantage in Two Freshwater Amphipod Species
Authors: Cothran Rickey D. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn many animals, body size plays an important role in determining both ecological success and mating success. Thus, the expression of body size within a population is often the result of the interaction between natural selection and sexual selection. Here, I examine the mechanistic basis for a large male mating advantage in two freshwater amphipod species that differ ecologically. Traditionally, size‐biased mating patterns in amphipods have been attributed to the advantage of large size in male–male competition for females. In this study, when direct male–male interactions were eliminated (via tethering), large males had a mating advantage similar to that observed under control conditions (males free to interact) and in previous field and laboratory studies. These results suggest that male–female interactions play an important role in selecting for large male size. There was, however, some evidence for male takeovers in the species that shows the stronger size‐based mating bias. Takeovers occurred in 33% of trials when smaller males were in the position of defender, i.e. paired with the female. Therefore, takeovers by larger males may also contribute to the strong size‐based mating biases observed in this species.
Estimation of heritability for superficial digital flexor tendon injury by Gibbs sampling in the Thoroughbred racehorse
Authors: Oki H. , Miyake T. , Kasashima Y. , Sasaki Y. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury causes considerable wastage of racing Thoroughbreds. In this study, the heritability of SDFT injury of the forelimbs was estimated in the Thoroughbred racehorses based on the Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling using threshold animal models. New horse patients of SDFT injury at the age of 2–5 years accommodated in the training centers in 2005 were used for the analyses. Based on clinical data of 8198 horses, heritability of SDFT was estimated to be the order of 0.17 (posterior mode) to 0.19 ± 0.05 (posterior mean ± posterior SD).
Identification of Potential Vectors and Alternative Plant Hosts for the Phytoplasma Associated with Napier Grass Stunt Disease in Ethiopia
Authors: Arocha Yaima , Zerfy Teme , Abebe Germa , Proud Janice , Hanson Jean , Wilson Michael , Jones Phil , Lucas John 
Published: November 2008

AbstractNapier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), the most important forage crop in East Africa, has recently been affected by a devastating disease named Napier Grass Stunt (NGS). A phytoplasma of group 16SrI has been associated with NGS in Kenya and Uganda, whereas in Ethiopia, group 16SrIII was previously identified in NGS affected fields. However, no insect vectors or alternative hosts have been recorded for NGS in East Africa. During 2005, surveys were conducted at NGS‐affected plantations of Debre‐Zeit and Zwai field stations in Addis Ababa. Leaf samples were collected from weeds located in and surrounding the NGS‐affected areas. Leafhopper species were also surveyed by vacuum sampling in a search for natural phytoplasma vectors. Total DNA was extracted from plants and insects, and used as a template in nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) with universal 16S rRNA phytoplasma primers. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), sequencing of PCR products and phylogenetic analysis were conducted for a finer identification and characterization of the phytoplasma associated with NGS. A 16SrIII‐A phytoplasma with 100% of identity in the 16S rRNA sequence with that of the previously identified one in Napier Grass (accession no. DQ305977) was identified from alfalfa, Medicago sativa (accession no. DQ305982), Cynodon dactylon (accession no. DQ3058983), Exitianus sp. (DQ305980) and Leptodelphax dymas collected in Debre Zeit (accession no. DQ305979) and Zwai (accession no. DQ305978). These findings suggest that M. sativa and Cy. dactylon are alternative reservoirs, and Exitianus sp. and L. dymas, potential vectors of the 16SrIII‐A phytoplasma, which may have epidemiological implications in spreading NGS in Ethiopia.
Antioxidants in Colostrum and Milk of Sows and Cows
Authors: Albera E , Kankofer M 
Published: November 2008

ContentsOn account of the oxidative stress conditions that may appear during parturition, colostrum should provide with not only nutritional and immunological components but also antioxidative protection of newborn. There is evidence that apart from well‐known antioxidative enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase or low molecular antioxidants, proteins like lactoperoxidase (LPO), lactoferrin (LF) and ceruloplasmin (CP) may exert antioxidative properties in colostrum. The aim of present study was to determine and to evaluate LPO, LF and CP activities in colostrum and milk of sows and cows. Samples were collected from 16 healthy cows five times: immediately after parturition, 12, 24 and 48 h, and 7 days postpartum as well as from 14 healthy sows five times: immediately after parturition, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h later. Examined parameters were determined spectrophotometrically at 412, 560 and 540 nm respectively. LPO activity was higher in sows as in cows and increased significantly within examined time. LF ability to inhibit superoxide radical generation was higher in sows as in cows and increased significantly within examined time. CP oxidase activity was higher in cows as in sows and decreased significantly during experimental period. In conclusion, antioxidative defence system in colostrum shows dynamic changes that allow for providing with necessary protection from oxidative stress conditions, which may appear after parturition.
Distinct Effects of Boar Seminal Plasma Fractions Exhibiting Different Protein Profiles on the Functionality of Highly Diluted Boar Spermatozoa
Authors: García EM , Calvete JJ , Sanz L , Roca J , Martínez EA , Vázquez JM 
Published: November 2008

ContentsThe aim of this study was to evaluate how different protein profiles of seminal plasma (SP) fractions affect sperm functionality in vitro. Ejaculates from three boars were separated into six fractions. The fractions differed from each other in their sperm content, in their total SP protein content, and their spermadhesin PSP‐I/PSP‐II and heparin‐binding protein (HBP) concentrations. Spermatozoa were mainly recovered in fraction 2 (sperm‐rich fraction, >1800 × 106 spermatozoa/ml), whereas the pre‐sperm fraction 1 and the post‐sperm fractions 4–6 contained low numbers of spermatozoa (<500 × 106/ml). Except in fraction 2, the total SP protein concentration and the concentration of both, spermadhesin PSP‐I/PSP‐II and the HBPs increased with fraction order. Distinct time‐dependent effects were observed on motility characteristics and membrane integrity of highly diluted boar spermatozoa upon incubation with a 10% dilution of the SP from each fraction. The highest sperm viability was recorded after exposure for 5 h to fraction 2, followed by fractions 1 and 3. The percentages of motile spermatozoa also differed significantly among fractions after 5 h of incubation. Spermatozoa incubated with SP of fractions 1–3 showed the highest percentage motility. We conclude that different SP fractions exert distinct effects on the functionality of highly diluted boar spermatozoa. Fractions 1–3 appear to promote sperm survival, whereas fractions 4–6 seem to be harmful for preserving the physiological functions of highly diluted boar spermatozoa.
Morphological Study of the Effects of the GnRH Superagonist Deslorelin on the Canine Testis and Prostate Gland
Authors: Junaidi A , Williamson PE , Trigg TE , Cummins JM , Martin GB 
Published: November 2008

ContentsThe present study is part of a programme of research designed to evaluate the efficacy of the GnRH superagonist, deslorelin (d‐Trp6‐Pro9‐des‐Gly10‐LHRH ethylamide), as a contraceptive for male dogs. Adult dogs were assigned to a completely randomized design comprising six groups of four animals. Each dog in the control group received a blank implant (placebo) and each dog in the other five groups received a 6 mg deslorelin implant. One group of deslorelin‐treated dogs was sacrificed on each of days 16, 26, 41, 101 and 620, and testicular and prostate tissues were collected for study by light and electron microscopy. On days 16 and 26 after implantation, we observed partial disruption of the seminiferous tubules, with early spermatids shed into the lumen. On days 41 and 101 after implantation, 90–100% of the seminiferous tubules were atrophic and aspermatogenic. On day 101 after implantation, 99% of all sections showed atrophy of the epithelium and shrinkage of epithelial height in the ductus epididymides. On days 41 and 101 after implantation, prostate tissue showed complete atrophy of the glandular epithelium (100% of sections) and an apparent increase in the relative proportion of connective tissue. At the electron microscopic level, in dogs treated with deslorelin for 41 and 101 days, the Sertoli cells were smaller and their nucleoli appeared smaller than in the control dogs. The nucleoli of the Leydig cells were atrophied and prostate glandular epithelium showed reduced epithelial height, atrophy of the nucleolus and an absence of secretory granules. Tissues collected during the recovery phase revealed a complete recovery of spermatogenesis. In conclusion, slow‐release implants containing deslorelin induce a striking atrophy of the testes and prostate gland by 26 days after implantation, explaining the previously reported loss of ejaculate and arrest of sperm output. At histological level, the entire process appears to be completely reversible, in accordance with data on endocrine variables and semen production.
Smooth Muscle Cells of the Bovine Cervical Stroma may have a Secretory, rather than a Contractile Function during Parturition
Authors: Van Engelen E , Breeveld‐Dwarkasing VNA , Everts ME , Van Der Weyden GC , Taverne MAM , Rutten VPMG 
Published: November 2008

ContentsThe bovine cervix contains a large amount of smooth muscle cells distributed over an outer muscular layer and within a stromal layer. The stromal layer exhibits no electromyographic (EMG) activity at parturition. This leads to the question whether the stromal smooth muscle cells of the bovine cervix are prepared to contract with parturition, or whether they have another function. To this end, cervical biopsies were repeatedly taken from 10 pregnant cows at day‐185 and ‐275 of gestation, at spontaneous, uncomplicated calving and at 30 days after calving. The smooth muscle bundles of the stroma were immunohistochemically analysed (n = 5) with regard to their integrity and cellular density, and the degree of staining for connexin‐43, smooth muscle actin α (SMA), desmin and vimentin. Additionally, the mRNA expression for connexin‐43, SMA, desmin and vimentin was determined with RT‐PCR (n = 5). The smooth muscle tissue was arranged in bundles, also at parturition. However, the cellular density of these bundles and the SMA mRNA expression were decreased at parturition. Additionally, the SMA staining and connexin‐43 expression and staining remained constant during pregnancy and at parturition. This might indicate that stromal smooth muscle cells are not prepared to contract with parturition, in contrast to the myometrial smooth muscle cells. The smooth muscle cells, stained for SMA, also expressed vimentin, and the proportion of co‐expression was increased at day‐275 of pregnancy. This suggests that the stromal smooth muscle cells predominantly have a secretory function in cows.
Assessment of Differences in Some Indicators of Pain in Double Muscled Belgian Blue Cows Following Naturally Calving vs Caesarean Section
Authors: Kolkman I , Aerts S , Vervaecke H , Vicca J , Vandelook J , De Kruif A , Opsomer G , Lips D 
Published: November 2008

ContentsThis article describes a study of the behaviour of double muscled Belgian Blue (BB) cows during the peri partum period to assess the differences in pain perception in cows calving per vaginam vs cows delivering by caesarean section (CS). In one herd, a total of 30 multiparous cows, of which 17 delivered by CS and 13 calved per vaginam, were closely observed at approximately 1 month before calving and at days 1, 3 and 14 after parturition. The main behavioural indicators of pain were alertness, transition in posture from standing to lying and vice versa, aggressive behaviour, vocalization, rumination quality, reaction on wound and vulva pressure and the percentage of visible eye‐white. The main significant differences were lower overall activity and more transition in posture in animals that delivered by CS than in cows that calved naturally. Less time was spent on eating and ruminating in the CS group, their total resting time was longer and their total standing time was shorter. These significant differences were only observed on the first day after calving. Cows of the CS group reacted significantly more when pressure was put on the left flank on the first, third and fourteenth day after calving, whereas animals that calved per vaginam showed more reaction when pressure was put on the area around the vulva, but only on the first day. Based on the results of the present study, we can conclude that there are some significant short‐term behavioural differences between BB cows that calve naturally and those that deliver by CS, but in general, the differences are subtle and of short duration.
LEUCOCYTE RECRUITMENT UNDER FLUID SHEAR: MECHANICAL AND MOLECULAR REGULATION WITHIN THE INFLAMMATORY SYNAPSE
Authors: Simon Scott I , Sarantos Melissa R , Green Chad E , Schaff Ulrich Y 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARY

Nature has evolved an exquisite system for regulation of leucocyte recruitment at sites of tissue inflammation. Mechanical energy translated to the red and white blood cells transports them from large arteries down to the microcirculation.
Neutrophils overcome the drag forces of blood flow by forming selectin and integrin adhesive bonds with the endothelium that coats the vessel wall. Leucocyte adhesion receptors have evolved unique mechanical and chemical properties that optimize for sequential binding and uptake of traction forces.
In the present brief review, we address how dispersive forces acting on a neutrophil in shear flow function to stabilize and synchronize bond formation within a macromolecular membrane complex we denote the inflammatory synapse.
Pseudomembranous aspergillus tracheobronchitis superimposed on post‐tuberculosis tracheal stenosis
Authors: PORNSURIYASAK Prapaporn , MURGU Septimiu , COLT Henri 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTPseudomembranous aspergillus tracheobronchitis superimposed on post‐tuberculosis tracheal stenosis has not been previously reported. In the patient described in this case report, the airway obstruction was worsened by aspergillus infection which responded to antifungal therapy and debridement of pseudomembranous tissues by rigid bronchoscopic procedures. A silicone stent was successfully placed in the trachea to restore airway patency when there was no more evidence of tracheobronchial aspergillosis. This case raises the questions of whether, how and when to restore airway patency in patients with tracheal stenosis and concurrent aspergillus tracheobronchitis.
Constrictive bronchiolitis associated with paraneoplastic autoimmune multi‐organ syndrome
Authors: MALDONADO Fabien , PITTELKOW Mark R. , RYU Jay H. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Constrictive bronchiolitis is a rare and potentially fatal manifestation of paraneoplastic autoimmune multi‐organ syndrome (PAMS), also called paraneoplastic pemphigus. The current review aimed to assess the frequency and clinical features of constrictive bronchiolitis occurring in patients with PAMS.Methods:  A computer‐assisted search of medical records identified 17 patients with PAMS seen during the period 1994–2007. Medical records, radiological studies and biopsy results were reviewed.Results:  There were 10 men and 7 women; the median age at diagnosis of PAMS was 60 years (range 33–72 years). Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia were the underlying neoplasms in over two‐thirds of these patients. Constrictive bronchiolitis was diagnosed in three patients who had respiratory symptoms, severe airflow obstruction on pulmonary function testing and evidence of air trapping on CT scanning with no other identifiable cause for these findings. In contrast to previous reports, two of the three patients with constrictive bronchiolitis presented with skin and respiratory manifestations in the absence of a known neoplasm. Seven patients with PAMS died (41%) after a median interval of 13 months (range 1–33 months) and the deaths included two of the constrictive bronchiolitis patients who continued to worsen despite immunosuppressive therapy.Conclusions:  In a minority of patients with PAMS, constrictive bronchiolitis occurs and tends to cause progressive airflow obstruction that responds poorly to immunosuppressive therapy. Constrictive bronchiolitis in these patients may be manifest prior to the discovery of the underlying neoplasm and the diagnosis of PAMS.
Clinical application of the liquid‐based cytological test in cytological screening of sputum for the diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: WU Guang‐Ping , WANG En‐Hua , LI Jian‐Hua , FU Zhi‐Min , HAN Shuo 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The liquid‐based cytological test (LCT) is successfully and widely used to assess cervical cytology. This study aimed to compare the cytological findings and diagnostic sensitivity of LCT with those of the pick‐and‐smear (PS) method for diagnosing lung cancer.Methods:  Sputum specimens from 101 patients diagnosed with lung cancer were studied.Results:  LCT slides showed decreased areas of cell monolayers, a clearer background and distinct, stereoscopic cytological features. The LCT had a significantly higher diagnostic sensitivity for lung cancer (80.2%) than the PS method (63.4%, P < 0.05), particularly for small cell lung carcinoma (P < 0.05). Combination of the LCT with the conventional PS method showed significantly higher diagnostic sensitivity for the detection of adenocarcinoma (80.6%) compared with the PS method alone (55.6%, P < 0.05).Conclusions:  LCT is a useful and easily performed technique that can be widely applied, and is suitable for mass screening for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.
The impact of smoke on respiratory hospital outcomes during the 2002–2003 bushfire season, Victoria, Australia
Authors: THAM Rachel , ERBAS Bircan , AKRAM Muhammad , DENNEKAMP Martine , ABRAMSON Michael J. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Uncontrolled bushfires produce copious amounts of smoke that can result in adverse effects on human health and so are important considerations for emergency, public health and environmental protection agencies. During January to March 2003, the north‐east and Alpine regions of the state of Victoria experienced major bushfires that created a blanket of smoke over the entire state for extended periods of time. This study aimed to explore the daily trends in air pollutants and temporal correlations with changes in respiratory outcomes and to determine whether variation in particulate matter < 10 µm (PM10), visibility‐reducing particles and ozone produced by bushfires could explain variation in respiratory outcomes.Methods:  A time‐series ecological study was conducted using hospital admission and emergency attendances, air quality and meteorological data. A semi‐parametric overdispersed Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the effect of air pollutants.Results:  In a semi‐parametric analysis of respiratory outcomes adjusted for day‐of‐the‐week and trend effects, only daily levels of PM10 were strongly associated with emergency department attendances and weakly associated with hospital admissions.Conclusions:  Elevated levels of PM10 increase the risk for exposed people to attend emergency departments for respiratory conditions. The health effects of bushfire smoke need to be considered when planning health and emergency services and designing public health messages.