bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MSY2 and polypyrimidine tract binding protein 2 stabilize mRNAs in the mammalian testis
Authors: Xu Mingang , Hecht Norman B. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryMSY2 is a highly conserved and abundant DNA/RNA‐binding protein that functions as a global stabilizer/translational suppressor of mRNAs in male germ cells. The polypyrimidine tract binding protein, PTBP2, is an RNA‐binding protein that splices nuclear transcripts and stabilizes specific mRNAs in the cytoplasm. The mechanisms whereby MSY2 selects and stabilizes a large group of male germ cell mRNAs and PTBP2 stabilizes specific mRNAs such as the phosphoglycerate kinase 2 mRNA in the testis and in transfected cells will be discussed.
Defence mechanisms against insecticides temephos and diflubenzuron in the mosquitoAedes caspius: the P‐glycoprotein efflux pumps
Authors: PORRETTA D , GARGANI M. , BELLINI R. , MEDICI A. , PUNELLI F. , URBANELLI S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractP‐glycoproteins (P‐gps) are efflux transporters found in cells of a broad range of both procaryotic and eukaryotic taxa, whose action is to relieve the cells of multiple, structurally dissimilar, toxic compounds. The possible role of P‐gps in defence against the insecticides temephos and diflubenzuron was investigated in the mosquitoAedes caspius(Pallas), also known asOchlerotatus(Aedes)caspius(Diptera: Culicidae), and the genomic DNA sequences encoding for P‐gp transporters were isolated to provide molecular instruments for future research into the expression and characterization of genes codifying for P‐gps in this mosquito species.Mosquito larvae were treated with insecticides alone and in conjunction with a sublethal dose of the P‐gp inhibitor verapamil. The inhibition of P‐gps reduced the LD50values of temephos and diflubenzuron by factors of 3.5 and 16.4, respectively, suggesting the potential involvement of P‐gps in insecticide defence. Using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based approach, a 481‐bp sequence was isolated. The inferred nucleotide sequence shows high homology with the C‐terminal sequence of known P‐gps. The isolation and characterization of a putative P‐gp sequence fromAe. caspiusis the first step towards a better molecular understanding of the role played by multidrug transporters in the defence against insecticides in this species. This knowledge may open the way to a novel control strategy based on the inhibition of pest defences. The beneficial consequences of the inhibition of efflux pumps in improving insecticide performance are discussed.
Distinct pattern of class and subclass antibodies in immune complexes of children with cerebral malaria and severe malarial anaemia
Authors: MIBEI E. K. , OTIENO W. O. , ORAGO A. S. S. , STOUTE J. A. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYPlasmodium falciparum infection can lead to deadly complications such as severe malaria‐associated anaemia (SMA) and cerebral malaria (CM). Children with severe malaria have elevated levels of circulating immune complexes (ICs). To further investigate the quantitative differences in antibody class/subclass components of ICs in SMA and CM, we enrolled 75 children with SMA and 32 children with CM from hospitals in western Kenya and matched them to 74 and 52 control children, respectively, with uncomplicated symptomatic malaria. Total IgG IC levels were always elevated in children with malaria upon enrolment, but children with CM had the highest levels of any group. Conditional logistic regression showed a borderline association between IgG4‐containing IC levels and increased risk of SMA (OR = 3·11, 95% CI 1·01–9·56, P = 0·05). Total IgG ICs (OR = 2·84, 95% CI 1·08–7·46, P = 0·03) and IgE‐containing ICs (OR = 6·82, OR 1·88–24·73, P ≤ 0·01) were associated with increased risk of CM. These results point to differences in the contribution of the different antibody class and subclass components of ICs to the pathogenesis of SMA and CM and give insight into potential mechanisms of disease.
Prevalence of asthma in a large group of Israeli adolescents: influence of country of birth and age at migration
Authors: Pereg D. , Tirosh A. , Lishner M. , Goldberg A. , Shochat T. , Confino‐Cohen R. 
Published: March 2008

Background:  The occurrence of asthma has geographic variations and is lower in developing compared with industrialized countries. Both environmental and genetic factors may influence its prevalence. We aimed to evaluate the importance and effect of immigration (country of birth and age at immigration to Israel) on the prevalence of asthma in a large group of Israeli adolescents.Methods:  Computerized medical records of 17‐year‐old adolescents, who underwent routine examination before military recruitment, were studied. The sample comprised both native‐born Israelis (NBI) and immigrants from Ethiopia, the Former Soviet Union (FSU), and Western countries (WC). Asthma was defined as clinical symptoms and signs compatible with the disease accompanied by abnormal spirometry or documented chronic use of inhaled steroids.Results:  Our cohort consisted of 1 466 654 adolescents, including 1 317 556 (89.8%) NBI and 149 098 (10.2%) immigrants. The prevalence of asthma at age 17 was higher in NBI compared with Ethiopian immigrants [4.7% (61 921) vs 2.6% (418), respectively, P < 0.0005], lower compared with immigrants from WC [5.6% (2177), P < 0.0005], and similar to immigrants from the FSU. Further analysis of the association between age at immigration and the risk for developing asthma showed that the younger immigrants from the FSU and Ethiopia arrived to Israel, the higher their prevalence of asthma at the age of 17 was.Conclusions:  Both environmental and genetic factors seem to influence the prevalence of asthma in 17‐year‐old adolescents. However, the higher risk for developing asthma associated with young age of immigration points toward an environmental predominance.
HLA‐G genotype and HLA‐G expression in systemic lupus erythematosus: HLA‐G as a putative susceptibility gene in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rizzo R. , Hviid T. V. F. , Govoni M. , Padovan M. , Rubini M. , Melchiorri L. , Stignani M. , Carturan S. , Grappa M. T. , Fotinidi M. , Ferretti S. , Voss A. , Laustrup H. , Junker P. , Trotta F. , Baricordi O. R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease mainly mediated by the deposit of immune complexes and defects in T lymphocytes and antigen‐presenting cells along with a high production of T‐helper 2 cytokines. A tolerance‐inducible function of nonclassical class Ib human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G molecule in innate and adaptive cellular responses has been reported, suggesting a role in inflammatory diseases. A 14 bp sequence insertion/deletion polymorphism (rs16375) in the 3′‐untranslated region of the HLA‐G gene has been associated to the stability of HLA‐G messenger RNA. The insertion of the 14 bp sequence seems to be associated with lower levels of soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G). The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association of the presence of the 14 bp sequence (+14 bp) with SLE. We have HLA‐G genotyped 200 SLE patients and 451 healthy control subjects (HS; Italian) and analyzed the plasma levels of sHLA‐G and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) in a subset of SLE patients and healthy subjects (Italian and Danish). A significant increase of the +14 bp HLA‐G allele was detected in the Italian SLE patients compared with HS [P = 0.003, OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.13–1.82)]. A significant increased frequency of HLA‐G +14/+14 bp and a decreased frequency of HLA‐G −14/−14 bp were observed in SLE patients. There median concentration of sHLA‐G was significantly lower in the plasma of SLE patients compared with that in the plasma of healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the results confirmed higher concentrations of IL‐10‐positive plasma in SLE patients. These results support a potential role for HLA‐G in the susceptibility of SLE.
Alpha‐ketoglutarate protects the liver of piglets exposed during prenatal life to chronic excess of dexamethasone from metabolic and structural changes
Authors: Śliwa E. , Dobrowolski P. , Tatara M. R. , Piersiak T. , Siwicki A. , Rokita E. , Pierzynowski S. G. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryGlucocorticoids play a role in the origin of the features of the metabolic diseases. Alpha‐ketoglutarate (AKG) is defined as glutamine homologue and derivative, conditionally an essential amino acid. In the liver, glutamine serves as a precursor for ureagenesis, gluconeogenesis and acute phase protein synthesis The aim of the study was to determine the effect of AKG administered to piglets prenatally exposed to dexamethasone, on the structure of the liver and its metabolic function. Sows were administered with dexamethasone (3 mg/sow/48 h) from day 70 of pregnancy to the parturition, and then after the birth, the piglets were divided into the group administered with AKG (0.4 g/kg body weight) or physiological saline. Biochemical markers, lysozyme and ceruloplasmin serum activities, concentrations of selected free amino acids, macro‐ and microelements and histomorphometry of the liver tissue were determined. The total cholesterol concentrations in the sows and their newborns from the Dex groups were higher by 72% and 64%, respectively, compared with the control groups. Triacylglycerol concentration was higher by 50% in sows from the Dex group and 55% in the new‐born piglets. Alpha‐ketoglutarate administered to the piglets after prenatal influence of dexamethasone lowered the total cholesterol concentration by 40%, and enhanced aspartate by 41%, serine by 76%, glutamate by 105%, glutamine by 36%, glycine by 53% and arginine by 105%, as well as methionine and cystathionine, but increased the sulphur concentration compared with the control (p < 0.01). Intracellular space D decreased after AKG administration in comparison with the piglets from Dex/Control group not treated with AKG. Postnatal administration of AKG had a protective effect on liver structure, and lowered the total cholesterol concentration in piglets prenatally exposed to dexamethasone, and also influenced selected macro‐ and microelement serum concentrations and amino acids plasma concentration.
Increased plasma leptin through l‐carnitine supplementation is associated with an enhanced glucose tolerance in healthy ponies
Authors: Van Weyenberg S. , Buyse J. , Janssens G. P. J. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryIn this study 0 or 4 g of l‐carnitine was supplemented for 7 days in a cross‐over design of six healthy ponies to modulate glucose metabolism and leptin production. At the end of each period, serial blood samples were taken to measure glucose and insulin response, leptin, triglyceride (TG), non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and creatine phosphokinase. l‐carnitine supplementation was associated with a decrease in postprandial plasma glucose and insulin concentration, indicating an enhanced glucose tolerance. In contrast, postprandial plasma leptin concentration was increased when l‐carnitine was supplemented. Yet, this increase in leptin concentration was not preceded by an increase in insulin concentration, suggesting that other factors apart from plasma insulin concentration could influence plasma leptin concentration. Although NEFA and TG were not significantly influenced by l‐carnitine supplementation under these experimental conditions, further research must clarify whether net TG synthesis might be responsible for this increase in leptin.
Effect of several doses of zeolite A on feed intake, energy metabolism and on mineral metabolism in dairy cows around calving
Authors: Grabherr H. , Spolders M. , Fürll M. , Flachowsky G. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe object of the present study was to determine the influence of different zeolite A doses on dry matter intake (DMI) and mineral metabolism, and to evaluate an optimum dosage for preventing hypocalcaemia. Eighty pregnant dry cows were assigned to four groups (I–IV). They were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) ad libitum. Groups II, III and IV received an average daily dose of 12, 23 and 43 g zeolite A/kg DM for the last 2 weeks prepartum. Individually DMI was recorded daily. Blood and urine samples were taken before, during and after zeolite A supplementation. Serum was analysed for Ca, Mg, Pi, K, non‐esterified fatty acids and β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Urine was analysed for Ca, Mg, Pi, K and net acid‐base excretion (NABE). After calving, milk yield (fat corrected milk) and milk composition were determined. During zeolite A supplementation, mean DMI of Group IV (7.3 ± 1.3 kg/cow/day) was significantly lower compared to Groups I–III (10.1, 10.9, 9.5 kg/cow/day). The reduced feed intake of Group IV resulted in significantly increased BHB as well as decreased NABE after calving. Zeolite A supplementation in higher doses (III and IV) had a stabilizing effect on Ca metabolism around calving for older cows, whereas cows in Groups I and II showed a subclinical hypocalcaemia. The mean serum Mg concentration decreased significantly in older cows in Group IV at calving. The mean Pi concentration in cows of Group IV decreased into ranges of hypophosphataemia already 1 week after beginning of zeolite A feeding. The mean DMI postpartum as well as the milk yield was not affected by zeolite A supplementation. Feeding of 23 g zeolite A/kg DM TMR prepartum proved to be an adequate dosage for reducing subclinical hypocalcaemia frequency without significant effects on feed intake and Pi concentration in serum.
Effects of the 3M™ MEC Sprayable Pheromone® formulation on gypsy moth mating success
Authors: Onufrieva (Tcheslavskaia) K. S. , Brewster C. C. , Thorpe K. W. , Sharov A. A. , Leonard D. S. , Reardon R. C. , Mastro V. C. , Sellers P. , Roberts E. A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe study was conducted during 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004 in forested areas in Virginia, USA to evaluate the 3M™ MEC‐GM Sprayable Pheromone® formulation of the gypsy moth sex pheromone, disparlure, for its ability to disrupt mating in gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Lep.: Lymantriidae). Both mating success of gypsy moth females and male moth catches in pheromone‐baited traps were significantly reduced in plots treated with the 3M™ MEC‐GM formulation at dosages ranging from 15 to 75 g of active ingredient/ha. However, the 3M™ MEC‐GM formulation reduced trap catch to a lesser extent than did the currently registered Hercon Disrupt® II plastic flakes used as a positive control and applied at similar or lower dosages. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the 3M™ sprayable formulation declined through time, so that by the end of the male flight season, male moth catches in traps were significantly higher than in plots treated with Hercon plastic flakes. Based on the reported results, 3M™ MEC‐GM Sprayable Pheromone® formulation was never integrated into the operational treatment projects of USDA Forest Service Cooperative Slow‐the‐Spread of the Gypsy Moth management programme.
Protein: carbohydrate ratios promoting sexual activity and longevity of male Queensland fruit flies
Authors: Prabhu V. , Perez‐Staples D. , Taylor P. W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractNutrition is commonly a powerful determinant of sexual performance in insects, and recent studies have found this to be the case in Queensland fruit flies (Tephritidae: Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt; ‘Q‐flies’); male Q‐flies allowed to self‐regulate intake of yeast hydrolysate, a rich source of amino acids and vitamins used in most mass‐rearing programmes (protein) and sucrose (carbohydrate), had greatly enhanced sexual performance compared with males provided only sucrose. While some yeast hydrolysate is clearly beneficial for the sexual performance of adult male Q‐flies, the questions of what proportion of yeast hydrolysate in the diet is sufficient to yield full benefits, or is too much, have not yet been addressed. To address these questions, the present study assessed sexual performance and longevity of adult male Q‐flies maintained on diets containing various proportions of yeast hydrolysate and sucrose. Male Q‐flies maintained as adults on dry mixtures containing 9%, 17% or 25% yeast hydrolysate had mating probability, mating latency, copula duration and longevity similar to those provided yeast hydrolysate and sucrose in separate dishes and allowed to self‐regulate intake. As in previous studies, while longevity was unaffected we found a marked reduction in sexual performance when the flies were completely denied access to yeast hydrolysate, and the few that did mate had relatively short copulations. At the other extreme, flies receiving diets with high levels of yeast hydrolysate (50%, 75%, 83% and 91%) suffered marked reductions both in longevity and in mating performance.
INJECTABLE FORM OF CALCIUM SULPHATE AS TREATMENT OF ANEURYSMAL BONE CYSTS
Authors: Clayer Mark 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) are a rare condition in adolescents and teenagers but may result in pain, fracture and growth abnormalities. The gold standard of open curettage carries the risk of surgical complications and still a local recurrence rate of 20–30%. Percutaneous treatment of ABC have rarely been reported and a poor response the usual outcome. This study investigated a new technique of percutaneous aspiration and injection of ABC using an aqueous solution of calcium sulphate.Methods:  A radiological diagnosis of a bone cyst was made in 15 consecutive patients and pathologically confirmed as ABC. Most had already sustained a fracture and/or had been previously unsuccessfully treated by minimally invasive techniques including embolization or methylprednisolone injection. The procedure of aspiration and injection with calcium sulphate was undertaken, and the patients were reviewed regularly both clinically and radiologically for a minimum of 2 years.Results:  The calcium sulphate cement was reabsorbed completely within 8 weeks. The first osseous response was periosteal new bone formation circumferentially followed by gradual opacification of the cystic cavity. All except one patient that described pain before the procedure reported complete relief of symptoms by 4 weeks. Two patients developed a local recurrence of the cyst, and one subsequently developed a pathological fracture. Two patients sustained pathological fractures through healed cysts, 12 and 22 months after the procedure, respectively.Conclusions:  This new technique has shown good early clinical and radiological responses and a low complication rate in a consecutive group of patients with ABC.
SURGICAL PRACTICE TO REDUCE DIALYSIS ACCESS INSUFFICIENCY
Authors: Freeman Anthony J. , Gallagher Martin , Gray‐Weale Anthony , Lippey Eric , Thursby Peter 
Published: March 2008

Background:  Patients who are dependant on a percutaneous central venous catheter for dialysis have an excess morbidity and mortality compared with patients with an autologous arteriovenous fistula.Methods:  In an effort to improve outcomes related to episodes of permanent access insufficiency, defined as a patient requiring a venous catheter for haemodialysis, a 12‐month prospective audit of surgery carried out to establish and maintain dialysis access was carried out at our institution.Results:  Effective measures that reduced the period of time that patients required a venous catheter for dialysis included regular communication between dialysis staff, the surgical service and patients attending for treatment in the dialysis unit, liberal use of duplex ultrasound imaging, pursuing autologous access in the majority of patients, early intervention to correct failing vascular access before conduit thrombosis, using both traditional open surgical and endovascular solutions in establishing and maintaining vascular access, using peritoneal dialysis as a long‐term or temporary alternative to haemodialysis and, in cases of arteriovenous polytetrafluoroethylene graft occlusion, early thrombectomy and mandatory revision to provide a conduit immediately available for effective dialysis.Conclusion:  Conducting an audit of surgical practice contributed to an improvement in outcomes for dialysis‐dependant patients. Establishing an arteriovenous fistula in a greater proportion of cases before initiating renal replacement therapy may further address the problem of dialysis access insufficiency.
Utility of eosinophilia as a diagnostic clue in lower abdominal pain in northern Australia: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Clark P. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAcute eosinophilic enteritis is a difficult diagnosis to make. Insufficient consideration of eosinophilia may commit patients to surgical treatment when medical therapy may be appropriate. The aim of the study was to determine whether the eosinophil count was considered in the diagnostic evaluation of patients presenting with acute abdominal pain who subsequently underwent appendectomy and whether eosinophilia was related to subsequent histology. The method used in the study was retrospective case–control. None of three patients with increased eosinophil counts had histologically proven appendicitis (Fisher’s exact test 0.025); worm segments were seen in two patients. None of 39 patients who had histologically proven appendicitis had increased eosinophil counts. Eosinophilia may be underutilized and helminth infection may not be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain. A normal eosinophil count in the setting of clinically suspected appendicitis may make the diagnosis of eosinophilic enteritis less likely, but does not exclude it. Patients with abdominal pain and peripheral eosinophilia appear less likely to have acute appendicitis on subsequent histology; however, further study is required to validate these findings. The decision to operate remains one of clinical judgement.
Cruciform fillet welded joint fatigue strength improvements by weld metal phase transformations
Authors: DARCIS PH. P. , KATSUMOTO H. , PAYARES‐ASPRINO M. C. , LIU S. , SIEWERT T. A. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTArc welding typically generates residual tensile stresses in welded joints, leading to deteriorated fatigue performance of these joints. Volume expansion of the weld metal at high temperatures followed by contraction during cooling induces a local tensile residual stress state. A new type of welding wire capable of inducing a local compressive residual stress state by means of controlled martensitic transformation at relatively low temperatures has been studied, and the effects of the transformation temperature and residual stresses on fatigue strength are discussed.In this study, several LTTW (Low Transformation‐Temperature Welding) wires have been developed and investigated to better characterize the effect of phase transformation on residual stress management in welded joints. Non‐load‐carrying cruciform fillet welded joints were prepared for measurement of residual stresses and fatigue testing. The measurement of the residual stresses of the three designed wires reveals a compressive residual stress near the weld toe. The fatigue properties of the new wires are enhanced compared to a commercially available wire.