bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histological and immunohistochemical studies on flower induction in the olive tree (Olea europaea L.)
Authors: Andreini L. , Bartolini S. , Guivarc’h A. , Chriqui D. , Vitagliano C. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe aim of this research was to study flower bud differentiation processes in two oil olive cultivars from Tuscan germplasm (Leccino and Puntino). The effect of fruit‐set was studied using ‘ON’ (with fruits) and ‘OFF’ (without fruits) shoots. Axillary buds were periodically collected at different phenological stages, from endocarp sclerification (July) until budbreak in the following spring. Thin sections were analysed using histology (apex size), histochemistry (RNA, starch and soluble carbohydrates) and cytokinin immunocytochemistry (zeatin localisation). The micromorphological observations and histochemical procedures did not allow us to distinguish axillary buds sampled from ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ shoots. Cytokinin immunocytochemistry revealed early different localisation patterns between ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ samples. Zeatin accumulated only in ‘OFF’ axillary bud meristems, particularly in July, when endocarp sclerification of fruits from the previous flowering is taking place. At this time, a strong RNA signal was also observed. Both these signals were correlated with floral evocation, and their coincidence with a phenologic stage of development provided a useful tool to determine the time when axillary buds switch from the vegetative to the reproductive phase.
Spring Usurpation Restlessness: A Wasp Social Parasite Adapts its Seasonal Activity to the Host Cycle
Authors: Ortolani Irene , Turillazzi Stefano , Cervo Rita 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn animals, restlessness is a strategy to fulfil a goal within a narrow seasonal window when ecological and physiological constraints require the performance of certain fundamental events. Although restlessness can be expected in parasitic species that have their biological cycle similar to that of the host, no ‘urge to parasitize’ has thus far been demonstrated in any host‐parasite pair. The paper wasp,Polistes sulcifer, is a social parasite that has lost the nest‐building ability and marked by the absence of the worker caste; it depends on a congeneric host species to reproduce. Host colony usurpation is successful when it occurs in a well‐defined seasonal window. The short time available for host‐nest usurpation might lead to parasite restlessness that overlaps this period. Under controlled laboratory conditions, we demonstrated that the parasite females exhibit ‘usurpation restlessness’ during the period in which field usurpations occur. Additional experiments showed that both this period and laboratory temperature influence the parasite’s ‘urge to usurp’.
Expression of chemosensory proteins in hairs on wings of Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
Authors: Zhou S.‐H. , Zhang J. , Zhang S.‐G. , Zhang L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe hairs on the wings of Locusta migratoria were observed and mapped using light microscopy, as well as by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Based on their ultrastructure, we can distinguish four main types of hairs on the wings of adult L. migratoria, viz, short, medium and long hairs, and sensilla chaetica. The long hairs are located only on the ventral surface of the hindwing, whereas the other three types are present both on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of forewing and hindwing in both sexes. Medium hairs and sensilla chaetica are significantly more abundant on the dorsal surface of forewings in both females and males, than on the ventral surface, whereas the opposite was observed for short hairs (P < 0.01). No significant difference between males and females was observed in the density of any type of hairs (P > 0.1). Several dendritic branches, enveloped by a dendrite sheath, are situated in the lymph cavity of sensilla chaetica. Instead, no dendritic structure was observed in the cavity of the other three types of hairs. Immunocytochemical localization of chemosensory proteins (CSPs) was performed on ultrathin sections of hairs on wings. The antiserum against chemosensory proteins from L. migratoria (LmigCSP‐II) strongly labelled sensilla chaetica, with gold granules only found in the outer sensillum lymph. In addition, the epidermal cell membrane of the wing was stained by the antiserum against LmigCSP‐II. The other three types of hairs were never labelled. The results indicate that the wings might involve in contact chemoreception process.
The Relationship between Linear Type Traits and Fertility Traits in High‐yielding Dairy Goats
Authors: Mellado M , Mellado J , Valencia M , Pittroff W 
Published: May 2008

ContentsReproductive data collected from 13 medium‐size goat farms in central Mexico (582 goats), were used to investigate if linear type traits influenced reproductive performance of high‐yielding dairy goats. Data were analysed using multiple stepwise forward logistic regressions. Goats with the higher scores for strength were 1.43 times more likely (p < 0.05) to have larger litters (1.49 vs 1.39) than goats with lower strength. Goats approaching level rump angles were 1.68 times more likely (p < 0.01) to have larger litters, compared with goats with extremely sloped rump angles (1.48 vs 1.37). Goats with rear legs nearly straight (posty) in hock tended (p < 0.08) to presented larger litters than goats with rear legs slightly angled (sickled) in hock (1.49 vs 1.38). Less pronounced rump angle was favourable associated (p < 0.05) with litter weight (4.88 vs 4.53 kg) compared with goats with low pin bones. Goats with poorer udder texture were 1.42 more likely (p < 0.05) to have heavier litters than goats with good udder texture. Goats with faulty mammary system tended (p < 0.07) to have heavier litters than goats with good mammary system. Increasing udder height was associated (p < 0.05) with increasing number of services per conception. Goats with good fore udder attachment and non‐refined heads were at reduced risk (p < 0.05) for stillbirths. Goats with stronger median ligament were 65% less likely (p < 0.05) to lose their foetuses than those with looser udder support. Our findings indicate that a greater litter size and litter weight is expected in goats as rump angle becomes less sloped. This study showed that a relationship exists between strength of goats and litter size, and that some traits linked to high milk yield were antagonist to some reproductive traits.
Pregnancy‐Associated Glycoprotein Secretion in North Moroccan Goats
Authors: Chentouf M , El Amiri B , Sulon J , Beckers JF , Kirschvink N , Boulanouar B , Bister JL 
Published: May 2008

ContentsThe plasma profile of pregnancy‐associated glycoprotein (PAG) and its relationship with fetal number were studied in 14 North Moroccan goats using a semi‐heterologous radioimmunoassay (RIA). Peripheral blood was collected every day during the first month of pregnancy, afterward the blood samples were collected trice a week. The PAG were first detected at day 20 of pregnancy, their levels increase to week 8 of gestation then decrease slightly until parturition. Statistical differences between goats carrying one or two foetuses are observed from week 5 of pregnancy until parturition. Factorial Discriminant Analysis provides mathematical models for the discrimination between the litter size using the PAG level and the week of pregnancy. Using only one blood sample per week, high sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy (74%, 88% and 81%) were obtained using these models. It is concluded that the PAG RIA is an effective tool for early diagnosis of pregnancy and for discrimination between the litter sizes in North Moroccan goats.
Short or Long Day Light Regimes May Not Affect Reproductive Performance in the Sow
Authors: Hälli O , Tast A , Heinonen M , Munsterhjelm C , Valros A , Peltoniemi OAT 
Published: May 2008

ContentsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of short or long day light regimes on the reproductive performance in the sow. The study comprised approximately 1300 sows and their 3400 breedings in three commercial sow pools, in which a batch farrowing of 40 sows was employed. Each batch remained in the farrowing unit for 8 weeks under either a short day (10 h light, 14 h dark) or a long day (14 h light, 10 h dark) light regime. After weaning and transportation to the central unit, all sows were kept under the long day regime until they were moved back to the farrowing unit. Production results for each individual sow were recorded. The effect of the two different light regimes on the farrowing rate (FR) and on the weaning‐to‐oestrous interval was evaluated using logistic and Poisson regression models, respectively. The light regime affected none of the parameters significantly. The FR in June, July and August did, however, drop below that in December, January and February (OR 0.7, p < 0.05). The FR was affected by the sow pool (p < 0.01). Parity two sows exhibited a lower FR (OR 0.5, p = 0.05) and higher incidence of delayed first oestrus (IRR 2.7, p < 0.01) than did older sows. This study indicates that despite an artificial light regime, sows may still react to changes in season. In conclusion, use of simple light regime to obtain complete control over reproductive performance appears to be difficult.
Effect of Taurine and Melatonin in the Culture Medium on Buffalo In Vitro Embryo Development
Authors: Manjunatha BM , Devaraj M , Gupta PSP , Ravindra JP , Nandi S 
Published: May 2008

ContentsThis study was carried out to investigate the effect of supplementing culture medium with different concentrations of taurine and melatonin, on buffalo oocyte in vitro meiotic maturation and embryo development. In experiment 1, oocytes were matured in vitro and the cleaved embryos were cultured in the same following seven culture medium; (i) control (TCM 199 + 10% SS); (ii) control + 0.5 mm taurine; (iii) control + 1 mm taurine; (iv) control + 3 mm taurine; (v) control + 5 μm melatonin; (vi) control + 10 μm melatonin and (vii) control + 50 μm melatonin. In experiment 2, based on the results of experiment 1, to examine the synergistic effect of antioxidants, the oocytes were matured in culture medium (TCM199 + 10% SS), supplemented with both taurine at 1 mm and melatonin at 10 μm concentration and the cleaved embryos were cultured in the same medium. Supplementation of taurine at 1 mm concentration in the culture medium resulted in a higher (p < 0.05) transferable embryo (TE) yield when compared with control (20.6% vs 14.1%). Supplementation of melatonin at 10 and 50 μm concentration in the culture medium resulted in a higher (p < 0.05) meiotic maturation rate (90.3% and 88.8% respectively) and TE yield (28.4% and 27.2% respectively), than the other treatments. In experiment 2, the TE yield did not improve by supplementing the culture medium with both taurine and melatonin, when compared with melatonin alone. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that, enriching the culture medium with taurine and melatonin, improves in vitro embryo production efficiency in buffaloes. In particular, a high TE yield was obtained by enriching the culture medium with 10 μm melatonin.
Sperm Production and Sperm Morphology of Swedish Warmblood Stallions
Authors: Einarsson S , Dalin A‐M , Lundeheim N 
Published: May 2008

ContentsThe present study investigated daily sperm output and sperm morphology of fresh semen in eight Swedish Warmblood stallions aged 5–8 years. They were used for artificial insemination, and their fertility during the breeding season of semen collection exceeded 60% per cycle. One ejaculate of semen was collected daily for 10 consecutive days from each stallion. The gel‐free volume was measured, and the sperm concentration was assessed with a Bürker chamber. The volume of gel‐free fraction was multiplied by the sperm concentration to give the total number of spermatozoa (TSN). Sperm morphology was examined in ejaculates collected on days 2, 5 and 10. An aliquot from each ejaculate was fixed in 1 ml formol–saline immediately after collection and examined under a phase‐contrast microscope (magnification 1000×) to assess morphological abnormalities. Furthermore smears were prepared and stained according to Williams (carbolfuchsin–eosin) for a more detailed examination of the sperm heads under a light microscope (magnification 1000×). Analysis of variance was applied to data. Total spermatozoa number decreased progressively during the first 8 days of collection, and daily sperm output (DSO) was calculated as mean TSN of collections on days 8–10, being 6.4 × 109spermatozoa. The overall percentages of morphologically normal spermatozoa in ejaculates collected on days 2, 5 and 10 were above 70%, being significantly lower in ejaculate 2 (68.6%) compared with ejaculates 5 and 10 (72.9% respectively 75.3%).
Social Dominance and Courtship and Mating Behaviour in Rams in Non‐Competitive and Competitive Pen Tests
Authors: Ungerfeld R , González‐Pensado SP 
Published: May 2008

ContentsA group of 19 Merino rams was used to determine: (i) if body weight, age and testis characteristics are different between high (HR) and low‐ranked (LR) rams, and (ii) how the competition between HR and LR rams for oestrous ewes affect their courtship and mating behaviour. Hierarchy was determined using the food competition test. The five first and five last ranked rams were individually exposed to oestrous ewes in pen tests, and the frequency of different courtship behavioural units, mounts and mates, and the time from test onset to each mate was recorded. The sexual behaviour of the five first ranked and the five last ranked rams was also tested in competition, pairing a HR and a LR ram. Age, body weight, body condition score, scrotal circumference, and testis firmness and resilience from HR and LR were not different. The display of courtship behavioural units was lower when rams were tested in competition but was not affected by the rank of the rams. The number of mates per test from HR rams was lower than that observed in LR rams when tested alone. While the number of mates decreased in LR rams in competition tests, it was not affected in HR rams. In summary, there was no relation between social rank and body weight, age or testis characteristics. LR rams were more effective than HR rams when mating oestrous ewes without competition. However, in competitive tests, although all rams modified their courtship strategies, LR rams were more affected by the presence of dominant rams than HR rams were by the presence of LR rams.
ROLE OF ENDOTHELIN ETA AND ETB RECEPTOR SUBTYPES IN THE REGULATION OF INTRARENAL BLOOD FLOW AND OXYGEN TENSION IN RATS
Authors: Nitescu Nicoletta , Grimberg Elisabeth , Herlitz Hans , Guron Gregor 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of endothelin ETA and ETB receptors in the regulation of intrarenal blood flow and oxygen tension in normotensive Sprague‐Dawley rats.
Thiobutabarbital anaesthetized rats were divided into four groups (n = 6–9 per group): (i) saline (4 mL/kg per h); (ii) BQ123; (iii) BQ788; and (iv) BQ123 + BQ788. After baseline measurements, the ETA receptor antagonist BQ‐123 (30 nmol/kg per min, i.v.) and/or the ETB receptor antagonist BQ‐788 (30 nmol/kg per min, i.v.), was administered for a period of 60 min. Total renal blood flow (RBF), cortical and outer medullary perfusion (laser‐Doppler flowmetry) and Po2 (Clark‐type microelectrodes) were analysed throughout.
At baseline, there were no significant differences between groups in mean arterial pressure (MAP), RBF, cortical and outer medullary perfusion and Po2. Infusion of BQ‐788 reduced RBF, cortical perfusion and outer medullary Po2 (P < 0.05) and increased renal vascular resistance (P < 0.05) compared with saline‐treated and BQ123 + BQ788‐infused groups. BQ‐123 and coinfusion of BQ‐123 + BQ‐788 increased outer medullary perfusion compared with the saline‐treated group (P < 0.05) without significantly affecting outer medullary Po2 and MAP. Neither selective nor combined ETA and ETB receptor antagonism significantly affected renal cortical Po2.
In conclusion, in normotensive rats, ETB receptor antagonism caused renal vasoconstriction and reduced RBF and cortical perfusion. Furthermore, ETB receptor antagonism decreased outer medullary Po2. These effects were mediated by ETA receptor activation and are not due to a lack of ETB receptor activation per se. Finally, BQ‐123 increased renal outer medullary perfusion, suggesting a tonic vasoconstrictor effect of ETA receptors in the medulla of normotensive rats.
CHRONIC MORPHINE EXPOSURE AFFECTS VISUAL RESPONSE LATENCY OF THE LATERAL GENICULATE NUCLEUS IN CATS
Authors: Long Zaiyang , Liang Zhen , He Lihua , Zhou Yifeng 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARY

Chronic morphine exposure results in degradation of the functional properties of cortical cells. However, little evidence has been reported about the effect of morphine on the temporal properties of the visual system.
We compared the visual response latency of different cells of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) in morphine (10 mg/mL)‐ and saline‐treated cats. Morphine‐treated cats were given morphine sulphate by cervical subcutaneous injection twice daily for 10 days, whereas saline‐treated cats received injections of 0.9% saline instead. We found that LGN neurons in morphine‐treated cats exhibited significantly longer response latency than those in saline‐treated cats (P < 0.001).
To investigate whether different types of neurons exhibited similar changes in response to morphine, we classified LGN neurons as on‐ and off‐centre, X and Y, and layer A, A1 and C neurons. There was a tendency for prolonged latency in layer C neurons and a significantly longer latency for the other neurons in morphine‐treated cats (P < 0.05).
These findings suggest that chronic morphine administration (10 mg/kg by cervical subcutaneous injection twice daily for 10 days) delays information transfer earlier in the visual pathway.
Escherichia coli O157 can grow in natural freshwater at low carbon concentrations
Authors: Vital Marius , Hammes Frederik , Egli Thomas 
Published: May 2008

SummaryWhereas much information on the die‐off of Escherichia coli in the aquatic environment is available, only few data support its growth under such conditions. We therefore investigated batch growth in microcosms containing different types of sterile freshwater. The water samples were inoculated with low starting cell concentrations of E. coli O157 (3 × 103 cells ml−1) and growth was followed using nucleic acid staining combined with flow cytometry. We demonstrated that E. coli O157 is able to grow in sterile freshwater at low carbon concentrations, which is against the common view that cell numbers decline over time when added to freshwater samples. A correlation between apparent assimilable organic carbon (AOCapp) concentration and the final cell concentration reached by E. coli O157 was established (P <  0.01). A considerable fraction of the AOCapp (34 ± 13%) was used by E. coli O157 but the numerical cell yield was about five‐times lower in comparison with the bacterial AOC‐test community, which originated from natural freshwater. On average, the maximum specific growth rate (μmax) of E. coli O157 growing in sterile freshwater at 30°C was 0.19 ± 0.07 h−1. Batch growth assays at five different temperatures revealed a positive influence of temperature on μmax of E. coli O157. The results give new information on the behaviour of this common pathogen in the aquatic environment and contribute to microbial risk assessment in order to prevent spreading of water‐borne diseases.
Colo‐anal pouches: lessons from a prospective audit
Authors: Jeyarajah S. , Sutton C. , Miller A. , Hemingway D. ,   Leicester Colorectal Specialist Group
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective  Colonic pouch formation with pouch‐anal anastomosis is the treatment of choice following restorative anterior resection for low rectal cancers with a proximal loop ileostomy to defunction the anastomosis. Controversy exists as to whether anastomotic integrity needs to be checked prior to ileostomy reversal. The aim of this prospective study was to audit our current practice.Method  Data on all patients undergoing resectional surgery for rectal cancer in our unit are entered prospectively onto a database. Patients who underwent an anterior resection with pouch formation and defunctioning ileostomy were identified and a review of notes and radiological records was carried out.Results  Forty‐two patients with rectal adenocarcinoma underwent an anterior resection with colo‐colonic pouch, colo‐anal anastomosis and a covering loop ileostomy. Of these, 38(90.5%) had water‐soluble contrast enemas (WSCE) 6–8 weeks postoperatively. Two studies (5.3%) confirmed the presence of normal colo‐colonic pouch but 24(63.2%) normal reports made no mention of the presence of pouch. Three studies (7.9%) reported true leaks, one study (2.6%) an anastomotic stricture and eight studies (21.1%) anastomotic leaks. Review by radiologists and surgeons, and examination with flexible sigmoidoscopy of these final eight confirmed that these appearances were consistent with normal colo‐colonic pouches and anastomosis with no leak. These patients went on to have uneventful stoma closure.Conclusion  Our study suggests that Colon pouches are difficult to clearly delineate on WSCE and appearances may be mistaken for leaks leading to questioning of the suitability of WSCE in assessing anastomotic integrity. A true positive leak rate of 7.9% would suggest that postoperative assessment prior to closure is still necessary in some patients.
Massive low gastrointestinal bleeding due to a Dieulafoy rectal lesion
Authors: Ruiz‐Tovar J. , Díe‐Trill J. , López‐Quindós P. , Rey A. , López‐Hervás P. , Devesa J. M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractMassive low gastrointestinal bleedings are often difficult diagnostically and in terms of management. Sometimes, it is not possible to identify the bleeding point after performing diverse diagnostic tests and the patient undergoes a blind subtotal colectomy. With rectal bleeding, this form of surgery is completely useless, as it will not solve the cause of the haemorrhage. The Dieulafoy lesion has been widely described in the stomach, but in the rectum is a very rare entity that can cause massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding. In the literature, there are only 25 described cases of rectal Dieulafoy lesion.