bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relation of constant, daily fluctuating, and ambient feeding temperature to daily and accumulated consumption of yeast autolysate and sucrose by female Queensland fruit fly
Authors: Meats A. , Kelly G.L. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIntake rates by the Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), of yeast autolysate and sucrose were clearly related to temperature in constant thermal regimes, but consumption occurred only in light. In regimes of fluctuating temperature, rates of consumption were not necessarily related to the temperatures that prevailed during the photophase, but were more consistently related to daily mean temperature and best related to day degrees per day above the gonadotrophic threshold of 13.5 °C. Day degrees per day could be related to age‐specific changes in the daily rate of yeast autolysate and sucrose consumption, the rate of accumulated consumption of these foods, and thus the time taken to consume the amount of yeast autolysate known to be required for the attainment of sexual maturity. Consumption rate changed within 1 or 2 days of a change between a gonadotrophic regime and a non‐gonadotrophic one (or vice versa), which is consistent with the known rapid effects of temperature change on ovarian maturation.
Monitoring virulence in Asian rice gall midge populations in India
Authors: Bentur J. S. , Cheralu C. , Rao P. Ram Mohan 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe Asian rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood‐Mason) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is a major pest of rice [Oryza sativa L. (Poaceae)] in India. Breeding resistant varieties and their cultivation has been the main approach to manage this pest. However, the breakdown of resistance conferred by the major genes, deployed one at a time, through evolution of virulent biotypes has become a major setback to this approach. Development of polymerase chain reaction‐based molecular markers for eight of the 10 resistance genes and their possible use in marker‐assisted selection has enabled breeders to pyramid resistance genes for achieving durable resistance. However, the choice of resistance genes needs to be made with a better understanding of the virulence composition of the pest populations in the target area and the genetics of plant resistance and insect virulence, as the rice–gall midge interaction is a gene‐for‐gene one. We adopted a single‐female test and coupled it with a modified F2 screen test to note the virulence composition of gall midge populations and estimated the frequency of virulence alleles for adaptation at three pest endemic locations in India, namely, Warangal, Ragolu, and Raipur. Results on biotype composition showed heterogeneous pest populations in all the tests and at all the locations. Tests at Warangal repeated after 8 years showed a rapid increase in frequency of the virulence allele conferring adaptation to the plant resistance gene Gm2 as compared to that of the allele for adaptation to the resistance gene Gm1. This is probably the first direct measurement of a durability parameter of plant genes conferring insect resistance. Results supported earlier observations that sex‐linked virulence against Gm2 makes it less durable. The sex ratio did not deviate from the expected 1:1 ratio at Warangal, but at Ragolu females outnumbered males.
Is the oral health impact profile measuring up? Investigating the scale’s construct validity using structural equation modelling
Authors: Baker S. R. , Gibson B. , Locker D. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of the study was to provide an empirical test of the construct validity of the Oral Health Impact Profile as a measure of Locker’s conceptual model of oral health.Methods:  A secondary analysis of data from the Ontario Study of Older Adults was carried out using structural equation modelling to assess the degree to which scale items measured the construct they were supposed to measure (within‐construct validity) and whether relations between constructs were as hypothesized by Locker’s model (between‐construct validity).Results:  The findings indicated that the Oral Health Impact Profile as currently conceived does not have adequate within‐construct validity. Scale items did not always measure the construct they were supposed to measure, some items within a construct were redundant, many measured more than one construct, and the scale did not represent seven separate constructs of oral health as originally devised. Following reconceptualization of the scale, the revised six‐factor 22 item version was a better fit to the data. However, the scale did not have adequate between‐construct validity.Conclusion:  The present findings do not provide support for the conceptual basis of the Oral Health Impact Profile as a measure of Locker’s model of oral health. The need for further conceptual development of the scale, and Locker’s model, are discussed.
Evaluation of sunscreen products using a reconstructed skin model exposed to simulated daily ultraviolet radiation: relevance of filtration profile and SPF value for daily photoprotection
Authors: Lejeune François , Christiaens François , Bernerd Françoise 
Published: September 2008

Background: The recent definition of a standard daily ultraviolet radiation (DUVR) has allowed us to reproduce non‐zenithal sun exposure conditions. Exposure to simulated DUVR induces biological damage in human skin, suggesting the need for an appropriate photoprotection.Methods: Sunscreen products were evaluated using human reconstructed skin in vitro. Two commercial sunscreens (A and B) having similar sun (burn) protection factor (SPF) values (∼15) but different profiles of transmission over the UVA range were tested on skin models exposed to increasing doses of DUVR. Another pair of sunscreens was also tested. One (product C) had an SPF ∼18 with a well‐balanced UVB–UVA profile and the other (product D) an SPF of ∼27 with low UVA absorption. Biological parameters were assessed by (i) histology, (ii) vimentin immunostaining for dermal fibroblasts, and (iii) analysis of matrix metalloprotease (MMP)‐1 secretion.Results: Products A and C gave better protection from DUVR with regard to fibroblast alterations and MMP‐1 release compared with products B and D, respectively.Conclusion: To ensure an efficient daily photoprotection from DUVR, the filtration profile of the product should be well balanced with a sufficient level of UVA absorption. With regard to end points evaluated in this study, our data suggest that a higher SPF value does not compensate for low UVA filtration.
Different narrowband UVB dosage regimens in dark skinned psoriatics: a preliminary study
Authors: Youssef Randa M. , Mahgoub Doaa , Mashaly Heba M. , El‐Nabarawy Eman , Samir Nesreen , El‐Mofty Medhat 
Published: September 2008

Background: Psoriasis is a common and relapsing disease, which is both physically and psychologically disabling. Narrowband UVB (NB‐UVB) is used in fair‐skinned population in suberythemogenic doses with good results; however, in the darker skin population (skin types III, IV, V) erythemogenic doses have not been thoroughly investigated.Aim: A left–right bilateral comparative trial was carried out to compare the suberythemogenic dose of NB‐UVB vs. erythemogenic dose in the treatment of dark‐skinned psoriatic patients.Patients and methods: The study was conducted on 20 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. The left side was treated with the dose causing minimal erythema [100% of minimal erythema dose (MED)] while the right side received 70% of this MED (suberythemogenic side).Results: Our results revealed no statistically significant difference in PASI final and in the percentage of reduction of PASI score between both sides as well as the total number of sessions (P‐value>0.05), while the total cumulative UVB dose on the suberythemogenic side was significantly lower (P‐value<0.001).Conclusion: Our study recommends reducing the dose regimen of NB‐UVB and consequently the cumulative UVB dose by using the suberythemogenic dosing schedule even in dark skin population.
NDRG2 gene expression in B16F10 melanoma cells restrains melanogenesis via inhibition of Mitf expression
Authors: Kim Aeyung , Yang Young , Lee Myeong‐Sok , Yoo Young Do , Lee Hee Gu , Lim Jong‐Seok 
Published: September 2008

SummaryNDRG2 (N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2) is a candidate tumor suppressor implicated in control of glioblastoma proliferation and dendritic cell differentiation. The microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (Mitf) plays a crucial role in the melanocyte lineage and in melanoma by controlling survival, differentiation, cell cycle entry and exit, and melanoma metastasis. Identifying upstream regulators of Mitf expression, therefore, remains a key issue. In this study, we aimed to assess whether the candidate tumor suppressor NDRG2 can modulate Mitf expression. Here, we show that NDRG2 acts to prevent cAMP and β‐catenin‐mediated activation of the Mitf promoter, thereby blocking melanogenesis via the downstream Mitf target genes Tyrosinase, Tyrp1 and Dct. The data suggest that NDRG2 impairs melanogenesis by interfering with both the TCF/β‐catenin and cAMP/CREB pathways that are known to stimulate Mitf expression in melanocytes and have major implications for the role of NDRG2 in pigmentation and melanoma progression. Taken together, the results not only identify NDRG2 as a novel regulator of pigmentation, but also potentially a key factor in regulating melanoma progression via Mitf.
Melanophores in the stripes of adult zebrafish do not have the nature to gather, but disperse when they have the space to move
Authors: Takahashi Go , Kondo Shigeru 
Published: September 2008

SummaryAnimal skin pattern is one of the good model systems used to study the mechanism of pattern formation. Molecular genetic studies with zebrafish have shown that pigment cells play a major role in the mechanism of stripe formation. Among the variety of cellular events that may be involved in the mechanism, aggregation of melanophores has been suggested as an important factor for pattern formation. However, only a few experimental studies detected the migration ability of melanophores in vivo. Here, we tried to determine whether melanophores really have the ability to aggregate in the skin of zebrafish. Melanophores in the adult stripes are packed densely and they rarely move. However, when the neighboring pigment cells are killed, they move and regenerate the stripe pattern, suggesting that melanophores retain the migration ability. To analyze the migration, we ablated a part of the melanophores by laser to give free space to the remaining cells; we then traced the migration. Contrary to our expectation, we found that melanophores repulsed one another and dispersed from the aggregated condition in the absence of xanthophores. Apparent aggregation may be forced by the stronger repulsive effect against the xanthophores, which excludes melanophores from the yellow stripe region.
Novel MITF targets identified using a two‐step DNA microarray strategy
Authors: Hoek Keith S. , Schlegel Natalie C. , Eichhoff Ossia M. , Widmer Daniel S. , Praetorius Christian , Einarsson Steingrimur O. , Valgeirsdottir Sigridur , Bergsteinsdottir Kristin , Schepsky Alexander , Dummer Reinhard , Steingrimsson Eirikur 
Published: September 2008

SummaryMalignant melanoma is a chemotherapy‐resistant cancer with high mortality. Recent advances in our understanding of the disease at the molecular level have indicated that it shares many characteristics with developmental precursors to melanocytes, the mature pigment‐producing cells of the skin and hair follicles. The development of melanocytes absolutely depends on the action of the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF). MITF has been shown to regulate a broad variety of genes, whose functions range from pigment production to cell‐cycle regulation, migration and survival. However, the existing list of targets is not sufficient to explain the role of MITF in melanocyte development and melanoma progression. DNA microarray analysis of gene expression offers a straightforward approach to identify new target genes, but standard analytical procedures are susceptible to the generation of false positives and require additional experimental steps for validation. Here, we introduce a new strategy where two DNA microarray‐based approaches for identifying transcription factor targets are combined in a cross‐validation protocol designed to help control false‐positive generation. We use this two‐step approach to successfully re‐identify thirteen previously recorded targets of MITF‐mediated upregulation, as well as 71 novel targets. Many of these new targets have known relevance to pigmentation and melanoma biology, and further emphasize the critical role of MITF in these processes.
Retention of the cyanobacterial neurotoxinβ‐N‐methylamino‐l‐alanine in melanin and neuromelanin‐containing cells – a possible link between Parkinson‐dementia complex and pigmentary retinopathy
Authors: Karlsson Oskar , Berg Cecilia , Brittebo Eva B. , Lindquist Nils Gunnar 
Published: September 2008

Summaryβ‐N‐methylamino‐l‐alanine (BMAA), a neurotoxic amino acid produced by cyanobacteria, has been suggested to be involved in the etiology of a neurodegenerative disease complex which includes Parkinson‐dementia complex (PDC). In PDC, neuromelanin‐containing neurons in substantia nigra are degenerated. Many PDC patients also have an uncommon pigmentary retinopathy. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of3H‐BMAA in mice and frogs, with emphasis on pigment‐containing tissues. Using autoradiography, a distinct retention of3H‐BMAA was observed in melanin‐containing tissues such as the eye and neuromelanin‐containing neurons in frog brain. Analysis of the binding of3H‐BMAA to Sepia melanin in vitro demonstrated two apparent binding sites. In vitro‐studies with synthetic melanin revealed a stronger interaction of3H‐BMAA with melanin during synthesis than the binding to preformed melanin. Long‐term exposure to BMAA may lead to bioaccumulation in melanin‐ and neuromelanin‐containing cells causing high intracellular levels, and potentially changed melanin characteristics via incorporation of BMAA into the melanin polymer. Interaction of BMAA with melanin may be a possible link between PDC and pigmentary retinopathy.
Anterior chamber parameters measured by the Pentacam CES after uneventful phacoemulsification in normotensive eyes
Authors: Uçakhan Özlenen Ö. , Özkan Muhip , Kanpolat Ayfer 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  We set out to quantify changes in the anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and anterior chamber angle (ACA) measurements obtained by the Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera following uneventful phacoemulsification surgery in normotensive eyes with open iridocorneal angles.Methods:  We enrolled 44 eyes of 44 consecutive patients undergoing cataract extraction in this prospective study. Patients with a history of glaucoma, angle‐closure glaucoma or any other concurrent ocular disease were excluded. A detailed eye examination including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement was performed and ACV, ACD and inferior, superior, temporal and nasal ACA measurements were obtained in each patient eye using the Pentacam Comprehensive Eye Scanner (Pentacam CES) before and 3 months after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with temporal clear corneal incision. Data were compared using paired t‐test and one‐way anova.Results:  Mean preoperative ACV, ACD, ACA and IOP measurements were 164.7 ± 49.8 mm3, 3.0 ± 0.8 mm, 35.7 ± 10.2 ° and 15.8 ± 3.7 mmHg, respectively. Three months postoperatively, mean ACV, ACD, ACA and IOP measurements were 200.9 ± 33.3 mm3, 3.9 ± 0.9 mm, 41.5 ± 6.5 ° and 13.2 ± 3.9 mmHg, respectively. Postoperative mean ACV, ACD and ACA values in all four quadrants were significantly increased (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively), whereas IOP was significantly reduced (p < 0.0001).Conclusions:  The Pentacam CES allowed very easy, fast, automatic and non‐contact quantification of the anterior chamber parameters pre‐ and postoperatively in all patient eyes. Measurements obtained confirm that in normotensive eyes with open iridocorneal angles, the ACV and ACD increase and the ACA widens in all quadrants 3 months after uneventful phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. These changes are accompanied by a significant fall in IOP in the short term.
Association Between Outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Subtype H5N1 and Migratory Waterfowl (Family Anatidae) Populations
Authors: Ward M. P. , Maftei D. N. , Apostu C. L. , Suru A. R. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryHighly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 threatens poultry production and human health. Understanding the role that migratory waterfowl play in introducing and maintaining this infection is critical to control the outbreaks. A study was conducted to determine if the occurrence of HPAI subtype H5N1 outbreaks in village poultry in Romania, 2005–2006, was associated with proximity to populations of migratory waterfowl. Reported outbreaks – which could be grouped into three epidemic phases – and migratory waterfowl sites were mapped. The migratory waterfowl site closest to each outbreak was identified. The distances between outbreaks occurring in phase 1 and 2 of the epidemic and the closest migratory waterfowl site were significantly (P < 0.001) less than in phase 3, but these distances were only useful in predicting when outbreaks occurred during phase 1 (October–December, 2005) of the epidemic. A spatial lag (ρ = 0.408, P = 0.041) model best fit the data, using distance and [distance]*[distance] as predictors (R2 = 0.425). The correlation between when outbreaks were predicted to occur and when they were observed to occur was 0.55 (P = 0.006). Results support the hypothesis that HPAI virus subtype H5N1 infections of village poultry in Romania during the autumn of 2005 might have occurred via exposure to migratory populations of waterfowl.
Attenuation and Preserved Immunogenic Potential of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Mutant Strains Evidenced in Oral Pig Model
Authors: Najdenski H. , Golkocheva‐Markova E. , Kussovski V. , Vesselinova A. , Garbom S. , Wolf‐Watz H. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryExperimental oral infection of pigs with a parental Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strain pIB102, serotype O:3 and two mutant isogenic strains – pIB155,ΔyopK and pIB44,ΔypkA has been carried out. Clinical findings, microbiological and immunological parameters were examined in dynamics from day 7 to day 60 post‐infection (p.i.). All types of infections ran asymptomatically, without hyperthermia, loss of appetite, etc. Experiments on the blood parameters demonstrated a transient leucocytosis with lymphocytosis and monocytosis better expressed after yopK infection. Even though pig is usually known as a reservoir of yersiniae, bacterial colonization was found in mesenterial lymph nodes and tonsils on day 7, respectively 14 p.i. with parental strain, and only in tonsils on day 14 p.i. with both mutant strains. The augmented sensitivity of mutants to the bactericidal effect of leukocytes and blood sera is the characteristic feature of attenuation in their pathogenicity, compared to the parental strain. Comparative in vitro experiments on the immune response and immunostimulating capacity of Y. pseudotuberculosis mutant strains verify their preserved immunogenic potential, predominantly in case of yopK. Hyperplasia and strong activation of the lymph tissue of Peyer’s patches, mesenterial lymph nodes, tonsils and spleen of pigs challenged with both mutant strains were proved as immunomorphological rearrangements. The results obtained give the reason to claim that the genetically constructed yopK null mutant strain is significantly attenuated but is still immunogenic and has the potential for a live vaccine carrier strain.
Investigations into the Prevention of Neonatal Ancylostoma caninum Infections in Puppies by Application of Imidacloprid 10% Plus Moxidectin 2.5% Topical Solution to the Pregnant Dog
Authors: Krämer F. , Epe C. , Mencke N. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe aim of the investigation was to examine whether a single topical administration of a combination of imidacloprid and moxidectin to pregnant dogs could prevent neonatal infections with reactivated Ancylostoma caninum larvae. Three pregnant beagles, infected with A. caninum, were treated topically with the combination on day 56 of pregnancy. Three further dogs served as untreated controls. Treatment appeared to prevent neonatal infections in the puppies completely. Neither intestinal stages nor somatic larvae were found in two examined puppies per litter. All puppies and dams of the treatment group remained coproscopically negative. No side‐effects in dams or puppies were observed. Two of three untreated dams showed a patent infection after parturition. Necropsy of two puppies of each negative control litter revealed seven intestinal and five somatic A. caninum stages in total. One litter of the untreated dams showed a patent infection 33 days after parturition. In the other two litters, no representative sample sizes could be collected.
Anti-Polyribosylribitol Phosphate Antibody Concentrations and Avidities in Children since the Start ofHaemophilus influenzaeType b Immunization of Infants in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kelly Dominic F. , Moxon E. Richard , Yu Ly-Mee , Pollard Andrew J. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThe introduction of routine infant immunization withHaemophilus influenzaetype b (Hib) conjugate vaccines in the United Kingdom in 1992 led to a significant reduction in invasive disease due to this organism. Subsequently, between 1999 and 2003 there was an increase in the number of immunized children with Hib infection. We investigated whether the rise in cases was related to changes in anti-polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) antibody concentration or avidity. Using stored sera, we analyzed temporal changes in antibody levels among 3- to 5-year-old children immunized between 1991 and 2000. Anti-PRP antibody concentrations were higher in 3- to 5-year-olds who received infant immunization in 1991 than those in subsequent years. This difference may be related to changes in either the mode of administration of Hib conjugate vaccines or the rates of Hib nasopharyngeal carriage. This study emphasizes the factors affecting anti-PRP antibody concentration following immunization with conjugate vaccines and the importance of these in long-term protection from invasive disease.