bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulatory mechanisms of galectin‐9 and eotaxin‐3 synthesis in epidermal keratinocytes: possible involvement of galectin‐9 in dermal eosinophilia of Th1‐polarized skin inflammation
Authors: Igawa K. , Satoh T. , Hirashima M. , Yokozeki H. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  Skin eosinophilia is a common feature of allergic skin diseases, but it is unclear how epidermal and dermal eosinophil infiltration is controlled. To investigate regulation of localization of eosinophils in skin, we examined the regulatory mechanisms of expression of eosinophil‐specific chemoattractants in dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes.Methods:  We analyzed production of eotaxin, eotaxin‐2, eotaxin‐3 and galectin‐9 by dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes in response to several stimuli in vitro.Results:  Dermal fibroblasts produced eotaxin and eotaxin‐3 in response to stimulation by interleukin (IL)‐4 and/or tumor necrosis factor‐α. Similarly, IL‐4 stimulated epidermal keratinocytes to secrete eotaxin‐3. However, we did not detect eotaxin mRNA expression or protein secretion by keratinocytes stimulated in vitro. Interferon (IFN)‐γ induced galectin‐9 expression on dermal fibroblasts. Conversely, expression of galectin‐9 on epidermal keratinocytes was dose‐dependently inhibited by IFN‐γ. The immunohistochemical assays revealed that dermal fibroblasts (but not epidermal keratinocytes) in the lesional skin of psoriasis vulgaris (a Th1‐polarized disease) express significant levels of galectin‐9.Conclusion:  Eotaxin‐3 contributes to dermal and epidermal eosinophil infiltration in Th2‐polarized skin inflammation in which IL‐4 is produced. In contrast, IFN‐γ‐dominated inflammation appears to mediate eosinophil extravasation into the dermis and eosinophil adhesion to dermal fibroblasts via galectin‐9 in association with decreased chemoattractant activity of epidermal galectin‐9. The present results reveal a novel mechanism of dermal eosinophilia in IFN‐γ‐mediated skin inflammation, and reflect concerted chemoattractant production involving dermal and/or epidermal eosinophilia during changes in the local cytokine profile.
Dynamic Risk Assessment: Prey Rapidly Adjust Flight Initiation Distance to Changes in Predator Approach Speed
Authors: Cooper William E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe pre‐eminent model of flight initiation distance assumes that the function relating predation risk to distance between predator and prey is constant. However, the risk–distance function can change dramatically during approaches by predators. Changes in predator behavior during approach and in availability of benefits (e.g. food or potential mates) may alter risks and/or costs during encounters. Thus, prey should be able to respond appropriately to changes in cues to risk, such as predator approach speed. Under the assumption that prey assess risk in real time, it was predicted that flight initiation distance (distance between predator and prey when escape begins) decreases when approach speed increases and increases when approach speed decreases during an encounter. Effects of single, abrupt changes from slower to faster approach or the reverse were studied in a lizard,Anolis lineatopus. Flight initiation distances were determined solely by final approach speed, being nearly identical for: (1) continuously fast approaches and approaches initially at the slower and finally at the faster speed and (2) for continuously slower approaches and approaches initially at faster and finally at slower speed. Escape should be adjusted to match changes in risk and cost caused by changes in predator behavior, ability to escape, and costs of escape as attacks unfold. A recent model by Broom and Ruxton [Behavioural Ecology(2004) vol. 16, pp. 534—540] predicts that cryptic prey should stay motionless until detected, then flee immediately. Our results suggest that current escape models can be applied to prey escape strategies when cues to risk change, by assuming that prey base decisions on the current relationship between risk and distance. Empirical studies are needed to test predictions concerning continuous risk assessment.
Multiple Cues in Status Signalling: The Role of Wingbars in Aggressive Interactions of Male House Sparrows
Authors: Bókony Veronika , Lendvai Ádám Z. , Liker András 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDuring aggressive interactions, animals may signal their competitive ability by various ornaments referred to as badges of status. The use of a single badge predicting dominance rank occurs in many vertebrate species. However, animals often display multiple ornaments that may convey information about either different or the same aspects of the signaller's quality, or alternatively, may serve as signal amplifiers. We observed the fighting behaviour of male house sparrows in two captive flocks to investigate whether they may use multiple cues in status signalling during aggressive interactions. Beside the status‐signalling bib, male sparrows possess a conspicuous white wingbar that they often display upon aggressive encounters. We tested whether bib size and the wingbar's conspicuousness (i.e. its achromatic contrast with the neighbouring dark feathers) or its area predicted success in various aspects of fighting. We found that bib size strongly predicted overall fighting success (i.e. proportion of fights won) and defence success (i.e. proportion of successful defences out of all attacks received). Wingbar conspicuousness was positively related to defence success after controlling for the effect of bib size in multivariate analyses. Furthermore, displaying the wings also tended to improve the birds’ success in defence but not in attack. Wingbar area was unrelated to any measured aspect of fighting ability. We suggest that bib size and wingbar conspicuousness may convey multiple messages on fighting abilities, specifically on overall aggressiveness and defending potential, respectively. Alternatively, wingbars may serve as amplifiers for the wing displays of aggressive motivation. Thus, male sparrows may use multiple cues in assessing the competitive ability of opponents during social interactions.
Display Plasticity in Response to a Robotic Lizard: Signal Matching or Song Sharing in Lizards?
Authors: Brian Smith C. , Martins Emília P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMany territorial songbirds alter the structure of their songs after listening to and interacting repeatedly with the same neighbors. Here, we use a robotic lizard to test for similar learned changes in signal structure in male Sagebrush lizards, Sceloporus graciosus. Subjects were exposed to two types of headbob displays (species‐typical and unusual) both in short‐term tests and in repeated exposures for 10 d. We found no evidence for immediate changes in signal structure to match a particular opponent (signal matching) or long‐term changes after repeated exposure (‘song’ sharing). If anything, the lizards’ displays became less like that of the robotic stimulus over time. Further tests of other taxa are needed to identify the evolutionary forces that lead to these forms of behavioral plasticity and to determine whether song sharing and signal matching are unique characteristic of songbirds. Lizards also became more agitated and produced more highly aggressive displays of their own when confronted with headbob displays that violated the basic syntactic structure of their display system, confirming that they were paying attention to subtle differences in display structure despite the artificial nature of the treatments. Thus, our study also adds to the growing evidence supporting the use of robotic playbacks to study animal communication.
Isolation, Characterization and Preliminary Genetic Analysis of Laboratory Tricyclazole‐resistant Mutants of the Rice Blast Fungus, Magnaporthe grisea
Authors: Zhang C. Q. , Zhu G. N. , Ma Z. H. , Zhou M. G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe minimum inhibitory concentration of tricyclazole for hyphal melanization (MIC‐H) was adopted to detect the sensitivity of 129 Magnaporthe grisea isolates collected in China in 2000. Results showed that the mean MIC‐H was 0.2 μg/ml and no isolate with a MIC‐H ≥1 μg/ml was detected. Therefore, 1 μg/ml was chosen as a discriminatory dose to identify resistant mutants generated by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Only three low‐level resistant (R) mutants derived from the sensitive (S) isolate TH16 were obtained. In addition, fitness decrease was observed for all mutants, with lower sporulation ability and pathogenicity to rice than that of the wild strain TH16. Four crosses between S × R and S × S were tested to determine the inheritance mode of resistance during the process of sexual recombination by analysing the sensitivity of hybrid F1 progeny to tricyclazole. Progeny of crosses between a tricyclazole‐sensitive strain and tricyclazole‐resistant mutants segregated in a 1 : 1 (R : S) ratio and no segregation was found in the cross of S × S, indicating that each mutant contained a single gene for resistance. No nucleotide differences leading to amino acid changes in the coding sequences for 1,3,6,8‐tetrahydroxynaphthalene reductase (4HNR) and 1,3,8‐trihydroxynaphthalene reductase (3HNR) were found between resistant mutants and sensitive strains. Therefore, it is preliminarily concluded that tricyclazole resistance in M. grisea was conferred by a one‐locus mutation in a single Mendelian gene other than those encoding for 4HNR or 3HNR.
The Occurrence of Wisteria vein mosaic virus in Wisteria floribunda DC Plants in Poland
Authors: Kamińska M. , Malinowski T. , Rudzińska‐Langwald A. , Diaz L. C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe occurrence of Wisteria vein mosaic virus (WVMV) in Wisteria floribunda plants cultivated in Polish nurseries is reported. The virus was isolated from symptomatic and symptomless Wisterias and transmitted to the herbaceous host Nicotiana benthamiana. The virus was identified as WVMV by host range, electron microscopy, its positive reaction in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with Potyvirus‐specific antibodies and amplification of expected products in reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with Potyvirus‐specific and WVMV‐specific primer pairs (U880/D1000 and WVMVF1/WVMVR1). Amplified cDNA of isolate WF03 was sequenced (GenBank accession number DQ009883); the nucleotide sequence showed 86–99% identity (for deduced amino acids it was 95–99%) with the corresponding fragments of sequences of other WVMV isolates.
Effect of Monoterpenes on Lipid Composition and Sclerotial Development of Sclerotium cepivorum Berk.
Authors: Lucini E. I. , Zunino M. P. , López M. L. , Zygadlo J. A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMonoterpenes have antifungal activity on pathogenic fungi. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of seven monoterpenes on phospholipid and sterol composition of Sclerotium cepivorum Berk as well as lipid peroxidation of mycelia and sclerotia development. Most of the monoterpenes increased the ergosterol content with a consequent diminution in the phospholipid/sterol ratio. This ratio was significantly decreased by the thymol treatment. When the fungus was grown in the presence of thymol or borneol, the saturated fatty acid content and the lipid peroxides were increased, concomitant with an increase of the sclerotial diameter. These results indicate that thymol and borneol may be promoting generation of lipid peroxides. Sclerotial differentiation was retarded mainly by camphor, 1,8‐cineole, linalool and menthol.
Pathogenic and Genetic Variability within Macrophomina phaseolina from Mexico and Other Countries
Authors: Reyes‐Franco M. C. , Hernández‐Delgado S. , Beas‐Fernández R. , Medina‐Fernández M. , Simpson J. , Mayek‐Pérez N. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractPathogenic and genetic characterizations of 96 isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina from Mexico and other countries were carried out in order to define the pathogenic and genetic patterns of diversity and to gain insights into the pathogenic and genetic specialization in this fungus. Isolates were collected from different hosts in Mexico (23 isolates), Italy, Australia, Japan, Argentina, USA, Colombia and Brazil (73 isolates). Pathogenicity was evaluated in seeds of two Phaseolus vulgaris L. cultivars under in vitro conditions, while genotype was determined on the basis of amplified fragment‐length polymorphisms (AFLPs). The most frequent pathotypes were 4095 (15 isolates) and 0 (nine isolates), while 59 isolates had a unique pathotype (61%). Cluster analysis showed two contrasting groups of isolates on the basis of pathogenicity, where one group mainly included the most aggressive isolates from Mexico and Colombia. The AFLP analysis produced 418 amplified products and 92.8% were polymorphic. Cluster analysis showed no clear association between AFLP genotype and geographical origin. When subgroups of isolates were re‐analysed, we found a clear differentiation between Mexican and non‐Mexican isolates. Results confirmed the significant pathogenic and genetic diversity of Macrophomina and showed a clear differentiation between Mexican isolates from all others.
An In Vitro Study of the Nature of Protective Activities of Copper Sulphate, Copper Hydroxide and Copper Oxide Against Conidia of Venturia inaequalis
Authors: Montag J. , Schreiber L. , Schönherr J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractCopper is one of the oldest fungicidal agents, yet little is known about its mode of action. Solubilities of copper fungicides currently in use range from nil (copper oxide) to high (copper sulphate). We have investigated the effect of water solubility on protective activities of copper sulphate, copper hydroxide (slightly soluble) and copper oxide using conidia of Venturia inaequalis and an in vitro test system based on isolated apple leaf cuticles. Effects were assessed microscopically using two vital stains; fluorescein diacetate (FDA) indicates esterase activity and integrity of the spore membrane, and cyanoditolyl tetrazolium chloride (CTC) was included to test the integrity of the mitochondrial respiration chain. Solutions (copper sulphate) or suspensions (copper oxide, copper hydroxide) at concentrations of 1, 10 or 25 mmol/l was applied to the surfaces of cuticles 24 h before inoculation and allowed to dry. Conidia applied to these residues failed to germinate at all treatment concentrations. With copper hydroxide and copper oxide some ungerminated conidia exhibited some residual fluorescence when stained with FDA, especially at low concentrations. At all concentrations tested, ungerminated spores did not fluoresce when stained with CTC. This is the first evidence that copper fungicides kill scab spores by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration. A filtrate prepared from copper oxide suspension was completely ineffective, while a filtrate from copper hydroxide suspension slightly inhibited spore germination and prevented the formation of appressoria. The results indicate that the fungicidal action of the slightly and insoluble copper hydroxide and copper oxide, respectively, cannot be explained based on the concentration of dissolved copper ions. It is likely that solubilization of copper from solid residues was assisted by direct contact between spore membranes, exudates and the solid copper containing particles. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in suspensions of copper hydroxide and copper oxide could not be detected using chemiluminescence analysis. Hence ROS were not formed on the surfaces of copper containing particles and could not be involved in copper toxicity.
Microtiter Method to Test the Sensitivity of Botrytis cinerea to Boscalid
Authors: Stammler G. , Speakman J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn 2000, 137 strains of Botrytis cinerea were isolated from different plant hosts worldwide. The isolates had not been exposed to boscalid and were therefore suitable to establish a baseline sensitivity. In order to determine the sensitivity of these isolates, an appropriate microtiter assay was developed. YBA‐medium was the medium of choice, as it allowed sufficient growth but did not lead to false positive results. ED50‐values ranged from 0.01 to 0.21 ppm, the ED98‐values from 0.1 to 2.21 ppm. No growth was observed at concentrations >3 ppm.
Changes in MMP‐2 and ‐9 Activity and MMP‐8 Reactivity After Amphotericin B Induced Synovitis and Treatment with Bufexamac
Authors: Marttinen P. H. , Raulo S. M. , Suominen M. M. , Tulamo R.‐M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe objective here was to evaluate the acute effects of induced arthritis on synovial fluid (SF) levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) ‐2, ‐8 and ‐9 in horses. To evaluate MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities and the effect of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) bufexamac during remission from acute arthritis. Aseptic arthritis was induced in 24 Standardbred horses using 20 mg of amphotericin B as a single intra‐articular (IA) injection in the right intercarpal joint. After 1 week and 2 weeks, horses were treated intra‐articularly with 10, 20, or 40 mg of bufexamac suspension or with sterile saline solution as control. SF was sampled prior to induction and at weekly intervals for 5 weeks. Fluids were evaluated for MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity by gelatin zymography or for MMP‐8 immunoreactivity by Western Blotting. IA injection of amphotericin B consistently resulted in significant increase in the immunoreactivity of MMP‐8 and activity of both the latent and the active forms of MMP‐2 and ‐9, among which the active form of MMP‐2 increased the most. MMP‐9 levels declined to pre‐induction levels within 2 weeks, whereas levels of MMP‐2 remained still high after 5 weeks. Treatment with bufexamac did not significantly affect levels of gelatinolytic MMP. Results suggest that after acute arthritis of horses, elevated MMP activity is present in the joint, for several weeks, to a degree that could promote cartilage degradation, and treatment with the NSAID bufexamac is not likely to affect that. Furthermore, analysing levels of MMP‐9 activity and especially levels of active forms of MMP‐2 activity may be valuable to predict the time of occurrence of arthritis in horses.
Antioxidant Status of Faeces of Captive Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in Relation to Dietary Tannin Supplementation
Authors: Clauss M. , Pellegrini N. , Castell J. C. , Kienzle E. , Dierenfeld E. S. , Hummel J. , Flach E. J. , Streich W. J. , Hatt J.‐M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryIn context with the frequent observations of excessive iron (Fe) storage in captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis), it has been suggested that both an excessive dietary Fe content and a lack of dietary Fe‐chelating substances, such as tannins, is the underlying cause. Therefore, studies on the effects of tannin supplementation to captive diet are warranted. Six captive rhinoceroses were fed their normal zoo diet (N), and a similar diet supplemented with either tannic acid (T, hydrolysable tannin) or quebracho (Q, condensed tannins), and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured as mmol Trolox equivalents per kg fresh faeces. The TAC values on diets N (1.24 ± 0.39 mmol/kg fresh faeces) and T (1.34 ± 0.33 mmol/kg fresh faeces) were similar, but significantly higher on diet Q (2.32 ± 0.61 mmol/kg fresh faeces). In contrast to expectations, faecal TAC increased with increasing faecal Fe, possibly as a result of the fact that the faecal Fe content was positively correlated to the proportion of concentrate feeds in the diet, which also contain antioxidants, such as vitamin E, in addition to Fe. Increased antioxidant status caused by the use of tannin substances could have a beneficial effect on animal health, but if tannins should be incorporated in designed diets, other tannin sources, such as grape pomace should be tested.
Lameness in a Dog Caused by Thoracic Wall Invasion by a Pulmonary Neoplasm
Authors: Munday J. S. , Boston S. E. , Owen M. C. , French A. F. , Aberdein D. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryA 12‐year‐old fox‐terrier dog presented with forelimb lameness of 3‐weeks duration. Ultrasonography revealed a mass within the thoracic wall and osteolysis of the left third rib. A squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed by cytological examination of an ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspirate of this mass. As a result of the diagnosis of neoplasia, the dog was euthanatized. Necropsy revealed a solitary expansile mass within the left cranial lung lobe, and a mass within the adjacent thoracic wall. Thickening of the pleura between the two masses was visible, although adhesions were not present. Histology of both masses revealed a well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first detailed description of direct invasion of the thoracic wall by a canine lung tumour.
Practice MRI: Reducing the need for sedation and general anaesthesia in children undergoing MRI
Authors: De Amorim e Silva CJT , Mackenzie A , Hallowell LM , Stewart SE , Ditchfield MR 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a practice magnetic resonance unit, in preparing children to undergo magnetic resonance procedures without general anaesthesia (GA) or sedation. The records of children who attended the practice MRI between February 2002 and April 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Each record was assessed as to whether the child had passed or failed the practice MRI intervention. Those children who were considered to have passed and were proceeded to a clinical non‐GA MRI had the report of the clinical scan reviewed. If the scan had been reported as non‐diagnostic because of movement artefact it was classified as a failed scan, otherwise it was considered a pass. One hundred and thirty‐four children undertook a practice MRI (age range 4.1–16.1 years, median age 7.7 years, 47% boys) and 120/134 (90%) passed the practice session. In all, 117/120 (98%) subsequently had a clinical non‐GA MRI and 110/117 (94%) passed (median age 7.8 years, 47% boys). Preparation is a safe and effective method to reduce the need for sedation and GA in children undergoing a clinical MRI scan. It provides a positive medical experience for children, parents and staff, and results in cost savings for the hospital.
Problem‐based learning: Concept, theories, effectiveness and application to radiology teaching
Authors: Subramaniam RM 
Published: July 2006

SummaryAustralian and New Zealand medical schools are partly or entirely incorporating problem‐based learning (PBL) in their medical school curricula. As this change moves forwards and gathers momentum, radiologists are called upon to facilitate or to contribute to PBL tutorials. This study explains the concept and the theories of PBL and discusses its application to radiology teaching.
Sexually transmitted infections in alleged sexual abuse of children and adolescents
Authors: Kelly Patrick , Koh Jean 
Published: July 2006

Aim:  To describe the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in children and young people aged 0–17 years seen for suspected sexual abuse in Auckland, New Zealand.Methods:  Retrospective review of consecutive medical records over a 7‐year period from December 1991 to December 1998.Results:  A total of 2162 children and young people had a genital examination related to concerns about possible sexual abuse, of whom 1909 (88.3%) had some form of screening test for STI. Sixty children and young people (2.8%) had STI, diagnosed either by examination, laboratory investigation, or both. The rate was 5.6% (43/770) in those aged 10 years or older and 1.2% (17/1392) in those aged under 10 years.Conclusion:  The prevalence of STI in children and young people referred for suspected sexual abuse is low but significant. Chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease were the most common infections. No STI was found in an asymptomatic pre‐pubertal child.