bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Migration at early age from a high to a lower coronary heart disease risk country lowers the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis in middle‐aged men
Authors: Jartti L. , Rönnemaa T. , Raitakari O. T. , Hedlund E. , Hammar N. , Lassila R. , Marniemi J. , Koskenvuo M. , Kaprio J. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract.Background.  Study of migrants offers a natural model to assess environmental risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in countries differing in CHD occurrence. In Sweden, CHD risk has been markedly lower than in Finland from where a large migration occurred in the 1970s.Objectives.  To study the structural and functional markers of subclinical atherosclerosis in twin pairs discordant for migration with the main focus on age at migration, length of residence and integration into Swedish society after migration from a high to a lower CHD risk country.Methods.  Carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) and brachial artery endothelial function (EF) were assessed with high‐resolution ultrasound and a set of cardiovascular, socio‐economic and psychosocial risk factors were estimated in 76 middle‐aged male twin pairs discordant for migration from Finland to Sweden.Results.  Men who had migrated in adolescence had lower IMT values compared with their co‐twins living in Finland (0.665 ± 0.114 vs. 0.802 ± 0.167 mm, P = 0.009). Also men who integrated well to Swedish society had lower (0.720 ± 0.154 vs. 0.799 ± 0.207 mm, P = 0.013) IMT values than their twin brothers living in Finland. Associations between IMT and migration age and between IMT and integration remained significant in multivariate analyses of several CHD risk factors. The intrapair difference in IMT was significantly associated with immigration age and integration (anova, P = 0.0082), the difference being greatest among pairs where the brother living in Sweden had migrated at early age and integrated well to Swedish society. EF was better in men who had migrated to Sweden before the age of 21 years, but not later, compared with their co‐twins in Finland (6.4 ± 4.6% vs. 3.8 ± 3.6%, P = 0.025).Conclusions.  Migration at an early age and good integration are beneficial to vascular health associated with moving from a high to a lower CHD risk country, suggesting that an environment‐sensitive period influences atherogenesis before adulthood.
Sleep extension versus nap or coffee, within the context of ‘sleep debt’
Authors: HORNE JAMES , ANDERSON CLARE , PLATTEN CHARLOTTE 
Published: October 2008

SummaryThough extended night‐time sleep mostly reduces the ‘afternoon dip’, little is known about evening benefits to alertness, or about comparisons with an afternoon nap or caffeine. Twenty healthy carefully screened adults, normal waking alertness levels, underwent four counterbalanced conditions: usual night sleep; night sleep extended<90 min (usual bed‐time); up to 20 min afternoon nap; and 150 mg afternoon caffeine (versus decaffeinated coffee). Sleepiness was measured by afternoon and evening multiple sleep latency test (MSLTs), longer psychomotor vigilance test (PVT) sessions and a subjective sleepiness scale. Sleep was extended by average of 74 min, and all participants could nap 15–20 min. Sleep extension had little effect on PVT determined modest levels of morning sleepiness. Afternoon and evening MSLTs showed all active treatments significantly reduced the ‘dip’, with nap most effective until mid‐evening; next effective was caffeine, then extension. Late evening sleepiness and subsequent sleep did not differ between conditions. Arguably, participants may have experienced some ‘sleep debt’, given they extended sleep and reflected some sleepiness within settings sensitive to sleepiness. Nevertheless, extended sleep seemed largely superfluous and inefficient in reducing modest levels of sleepiness when compared with a timely nap, and even caffeine. Sleep, such as food and fluid intakes, can be taken to excess of real biological needs, and for many healthy adults, there is a level of modest daytime sleepiness, only unmasked by very sensitive laboratory measures. It may reflect a requirement for more sleep or simply be within the bounds of normal acceptability.
When is a malaria immune complex not an immune complex?
Authors: PLEASS R. J. 
Published: October 2008

Summary Immune complexes (ICs) are believed to play an important role in malaria pathology, and an interesting article by Mibei et al. recently published by Parasite Immunology suggests that IgG4 and IgE are particularly important. However, researchers should be aware of potential pitfalls to current assays aimed at measuring plasma ICs and correlating these to deposition in tissues.
The Arabidopsis IRX10 and IRX10‐LIKE glycosyltransferases are critical for glucuronoxylan biosynthesis during secondary cell wall formation
Authors: Wu Ai‐Min , Rihouey Christophe , Seveno Martial , Hörnblad Emma , Singh Sunil Kumar , Matsunaga Toshiro , Ishii Tadashi , Lerouge Patrice , Marchant Alan 
Published: October 2008

SummaryArabidopsis IRX10 and IRX10‐LIKE (IRX10‐L) proteins are closely related members of the GT47 glycosyltransferase family. Single gene knock‐outs of IRX10 or IRX10‐L result in plants with either a weak or no mutant phenotype. However irx10 irx10‐L double mutants are severely affected in their development, with a reduced rosette size and infrequent formation of a small infertile inflorescence. Plants homozygous for irx10 and heterozygous for irx10‐L have an intermediate phenotype exhibiting a short inflorescence compared with the wild type, and an almost complete loss of fertility. Stem sections of the irx10 homozygous irx10‐L heterozygous or irx10 irx10‐L double mutants show decreased secondary cell‐wall formation. NMR analysis shows that signals derived from the reducing end structure of glucuronoxylan were detected in the irx10 single mutant, and in the irx10 homozygous irx10‐L heterozygous combination, but that the degree of polymerization of the xylan backbone was reduced compared with the wild type. Additionally, xylans from irx10 stem tissues have an almost complete loss of the GlcUA side chain, whereas the level of 4‐O‐Me‐GlcUA was similar to that in wild type. Deletion of the predicted signal peptide from the N terminus of IRX10 or IRX10‐L results in an inability to rescue the irx10 irx10‐L double mutant phenotype. These findings demonstrate that IRX10 and IRX10‐L perform a critical function in the synthesis of glucuronoxylan during secondary cell‐wall formation, and that this activity is associated with the formation of the xylan backbone structure. This contrasts with the proposed function of the tobacco NpGUT1, which is closely related to the Arabidopsis IRX10 and IRX10‐L proteins, in rhamnogalacturonan II biosynthesis.
Two rice phosphate transporters, OsPht1;2 and OsPht1;6, have different functions and kinetic properties in uptake and translocation
Authors: Ai Penghui , Sun Shubin , Zhao Jianning , Fan Xiaorong , Xin Weijie , Guo Qiang , Yu Ling , Shen Qirong , Wu Ping , Miller Anthony J. , Xu Guohua 
Published: October 2008

SummaryPlant phosphate (Pi) transporters mediate the uptake and translocation of this nutrient within plants. A total of 13 sequences in the rice (Oryza sativa) genome can be identified as belonging to the Pi transporter (Pht1) family. Here, we report on the expression patterns, biological properties and the physiological roles of two members of the family: OsPht1;2 (OsPT2) and OsPht1;6 (OsPT6). Expression of both genes increased significantly under Pi deprivation in roots and shoots. By using transgenic rice plants expressing the GUS reporter gene, driven by their promoters, we detected that OsPT2 was localized exclusively in the stele of primary and lateral roots, whereas OsPT6 was expressed in both epidermal and cortical cells of the younger primary and lateral roots. OsPT6, but not OsPT2, was able to complement a yeast Pi uptake mutant in the high‐affinity concentration range. Xenopus oocytes injected with OsPT2 mRNA showed increased Pi accumulation and a Pi‐elicited depolarization of the cell membrane electrical potential, when supplied with mM external concentrations. Both results show that OsPT2 mediated the uptake of Pi in oocytes. In transgenic rice, the knock‐down of either OsPT2 or OsPT6 expression by RNA interference significantly decreased both the uptake and the long‐distance transport of Pi from roots to shoots. Taken together, these data suggest OsPT6 plays a broad role in Pi uptake and translocation throughout the plant, whereas OsPT2 is a low‐affinity Pi transporter, and functions in translocation of the stored Pi in the plant.
Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against major histocompatibility complex class I chain‐related gene A
Authors: Wongsena W. , Sconocchia G. , Cho H. S. , Chang C.‐C. , Wang X. , Klumkrathok K. , Ferrone S. , Leelayuwat C. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain‐related gene A (MICA), a ligand for the activating immunoreceptor natural killer group 2D (NKG2D), is expressed on stressed cells such as tumor cells. Study of expression of this molecule on tumor cells and patients’ sera is useful to define patients’ stages leading to proper selection of therapy. In this study, mouse anti‐MICA monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced by DNA immunization using a gene gun. Screening of anti‐MICA‐producing mouse and hybridomas were performed by immunoblot and cell enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against MICA‐positive HeLa and ‐negative Me1386 cell lines. MAbs were characterized against MICA‐positive and ‐negative cell lines by immunoblot, cell ELISA and flow cytometry. The mAbs were also characterized for locus and allele specificities of MICA and MHC class I chain‐related gene B (MICB) as well as for their ability to stain formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues by immunohistochemistry. Although all mouse immune sera were positive with MICA‐positive cells by both immunoblot and cell ELISA methods, some hybridomas were positive only with one method. The mAbs had diverse specificities to detect MICA and MICB and different abilities to stain formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues. Thus, DNA immunization by gene gun is an effective method to generate immune mice for the production of mAbs with a variety of specificities against native and denatured forms of MIC proteins.
P2X7 gene polymorphisms do not appear to be a susceptibility gene locus in sporadic cases of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Forchap S. L. , Anandacoomarasamy A. , Wicks J. , Di Virgilio F. , Baricordi O. R. , Rubbini M. , Trotta F. , Wiley J. , Manolios N. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe P2X7 receptor is a ligand‐gated cation‐selective channel that mediates ATP‐induced apoptosis of cells of the immune system. A loss‐of‐function single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at position 1513 (1513 A→C) of the P2X7 gene has recently been identified in both healthy and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B‐cells, translating into a loss of P2X7‐mediated apoptosis in these cells. This antiapoptotic effect results in increased B‐cell numbers, thereby potentially contributing to the survival of B‐CLL clones. It was hypothesized that prolonged cell survival may also predispose to induction of autoimmunity. The objective of this study is to analyze the role of the P2X7 receptor and its loss‐of‐function 1513 A→C polymorphism (SNP) in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). DNA samples obtained from patients with sporadic SLE were analyzed for the presence of the 1513 A→C polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and then direct sequencing. No significant difference in allele frequencies (1513 A→C polymorphism) between sporadic cases of SLE and controls was found. A loss‐of‐function SNP at position 1513 (1513 A→C) of the P2X7 gene does not appear to be a susceptibility gene locus for the development of sporadic SLE.
Effect of indoor energy restriction level and management on beef production in Belgian Blue double‐muscled cow‐calf pairs
Authors: Fiems L. O. , De Campeneere S. , De Boever J. L. , Van Caelenbergh W. , De Brabander D. L. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryOne hundred and twenty‐six cows were involved to investigate the impact of energy (E) restriction (100%, 90%, 80% and 70% of total energy requirements) during the indoor period and two calf management systems (CMS: suckling or rearing). An E restriction during the indoor period resulted in a loss of body weight, even for E100, which was compensated during the re‐alimentation period, but body weight remained lower in suckling than in non‐suckling cows. The cows yielded 213 full‐term gestations and 8 abortions. Abortion was not affected by E (p = 0.187) or CMS (p = 0.804). Calving interval was neither affected by E (p = 0.775) but tended to be longer in suckled cows (p = 0.087). E reduced body weight and body condition score (BCS) at the end of the calving interval, while CMS only affected BCS. E70 resulted in a higher colostrum yield than E100 and E 90 but immunoglobulin content was not affected (p = 0.759). Cow culling was not affected by E or CMS. It increased from 12.9% to 22.2% and 32.5% for cows with a BCS at parturition lower than 1.5 or between 1.5 and 2.0, or higher than 2 respectively. Calf birth weight was neither affected by E or CMS, but there was an interaction between E and dam age (p = 0.050). Increasing the E restriction tended to reduce calf survival (p = 0.089). Performance of the surviving calves was not affected by E, but suckling calves gained faster than rearing calves (p < 0.001). Beef production by the cow‐calf pair was not different between energy levels (p = 0.738), but it was 10.8% lower for E70 than for E100 cows. It is not appropriate to apply an E restriction of more than 10–20% for maximum cow reproductive traits and calf performance.
Reproduction in the European Mink, Mustela lutreola: Oestrous Cyclicity and Early Pregnancy
Authors: Amstislavsky S , Lindeberg H , Ternovskaya Y , Zavjalov E , Zudova G , Klochkov D , Gerlinskaya L 
Published: October 2008

ContentsDespite efforts undertaken to conserve the endangered European mink, its reproduction is still poorly studied. The aim was to study its reproductive cyclicity, faecal progesterone concentration and ovarian changes during early pregnancy, with the emphasis on the pre‐implantation period and implantation. During the 2004 breeding season, oestrous cycle was monitored in 39 females as well as ovarian changes during early pregnancy in 22 females. During the 2007 breeding season, faecal progesterone concentration measured by radioimmunoassay was monitored during pregnancy in 10 females throughout their pregnancy. The breeding season 2004 started on March 18 and ended on May 10, with the peak recorded in April. The duration of first oestrus was 1–12 days. If not mated, the vast majority of females entered second oestrus after 12–55 days. In general, relatively low faecal progesterone values were detected in European mink; an average of 42.69 ± 4.70 ng/g faeces in oestrous females with a maximum of 176.44 ± 23.01 ng/g faeces on pregnancy day 12. anova indicated a significant effect of the pregnancy stage. Post hoc comparisons with Fisher least significant difference (LSD) test revealed that faecal progesterone concentrations on days 8 and 12 post coitum (p.c.), but not at the end of pregnancy (day 40), were higher when compared with the initial oestrous level. Implantation in this species occurs on day 12 p.c. and was indicated by prominent uterine swellings and failure to flush the uterine horns beyond this day. Advanced luteogenesis was observed with prominent corpora lutea found in ovaries around the time of implantation. To conclude, European mink is a seasonally polyoestrous species; the early pregnancy of European mink resembles that of European polecat, i.e. in both species, implantation occurs on day 12 p.c. without any implantation delay.
Effect of Antioxidants During BovineIn VitroFertilization Procedures on Spermatozoa and Embryo Development
Authors: Gonçalves FS , Barretto LSS , Arruda RP , Perri SHV , Mingoti GZ 
Published: October 2008

ContentsIncreased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) duringin vitrofertilization (IVF) may cause cytotoxic damage to gametes, whereas small amounts of ROS favour sperm capacitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of antioxidants [50 μmβ‐mercaptoethanol (β‐ME) and 50 μmcysteamine (Cyst)] or a pro‐oxidant (5 mmbuthionine sulfoximine) on the quality and penetrability of spermatozoa into bovine oocytes and on the subsequent embryo development and quality when added during IVF. Sperm quality, evaluated by the integrity of plasma and acrosomal membranes, and mitochondrial function, was diminished (p < 0.05) after 4‐h culture in the presence of antioxidants. Oocyte penetration rates were similar between treatments (p > 0.05), but antioxidants adversely affected the normal pronuclear formation rates (p < 0.05). The incidence of polyspermy was high for β‐ME (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in cleavage rates between treatments (p > 0.05). However, the developmental rate to the blastocyst stage was adversely affected by Cyst treatment (p < 0.05). The quality of embryos that reached the blastocyst stage, evaluated by total, inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm cell numbers and ICM/total cell ratio was unaffected (p > 0.05) by treatments. The results indicate that ROS play a role in the fertilizing capacity in bovine spermatozoa, as well as in the interaction between the spermatozoa and the oocytes. It can be concluded that supplementation with antioxidants during IVF procedures impairs sperm quality, normal pronuclear formation and embryo development to the blastocyst stage.
Positron emission tomography with the glucose analog [18F]‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose for evaluating pelvic lymph node metastasis in uterine corpus cancer: Comparison with CT and MRI findings
Authors: Inubashiri Eisuke , Hata Kohkichi , Kanenishi Kenji , Shiota Atsuko , Ohno Masayuki , Yamamoto Yuka , Nishiyama Yoshihiro , Ohkawa Motoomi , Hata Toshiyuki 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjective:  The aims of this study were to investigate the ability of positron emission tomography (PET) with the glucose analog [18F]‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (FDG) to detect pelvic lymph node metastasis of uterine corpus cancer and to perform a retrospective comparison with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.Methods:  Forty‐six patients with uterine corpus cancer scheduled for surgery, including bilateral pelvic and/or para‐aortic lymphadenectomy, were eligible for this study. CT and MRI of the pelvis and abdomen were performed in all patients within 2 weeks preceding whole‐body FDG‐PET. FDG‐PET images were analyzed visually for objective assessment of regional tracer uptake. The sensitivity and specificity of each imaging modality for detecting pelvic lymph node metastasis were determined, respectively.Results:  Eleven (7 with myometrial invasion less than 1/2, 4 with myometrial invasion over 1/2) of the 46 patients (23.9%) were revealed to have pelvic lymph node metastasis. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting pelvic lymph node metastasis in patients with uterine corpus cancer by FDG‐PET were 31.3% and 96.1% by lymph node region, respectively, and 36.4% and 91.4% by patient, respectively. No significant difference was noted among each imaging modality with sensitivity or specificity. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity for detecting pelvic lymph node metastasis in 29 patients with endometrioid adenocarcinomas by FDG‐PET were 28.6% and 96.1% by lymph node region, respectively, and 50% and 92% by patient, respectively. No significant difference was noted among each imaging modality in terms of sensitivity or specificity. Among 11 patients with pathologically positive pelvic lymph node metastasis, three out of four patients with myometrial invasion over 1/2 were diagnosed as pelvic lymph node metastasis positive by all diagnostic modalities, however, only one of seven patients with myometrial invasion less than 1/2 was diagnosed as pelvic lymph node metastasis positive by PDF‐PET and CT. MRI could not detect pelvic lymph node metastasis in patients with myometrial invasion less than 1/2.Conclusions:  We suggest that current imaging modalities including FDG‐PET cannot change medical management of patients with uterine corpus cancer before surgery.
Fatigue properties of monolithic and metal‐laminated aluminium open‐hole specimens
Authors: LANCIOTTI A. , POLESE C. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTThe results of fatigue and crack propagation tests carried out on dog‐bone specimens made of 2024‐T3 are described. Two types of specimens were investigated: the first was machined from a 1.27‐mm‐thick sheet, while the second was machined from a bonded metal‐laminated sheet, made of four 0.3‐mm‐thick layers. Crack propagation tests confirmed the high resistance of metal‐laminated sheets to the propagation of fatigue cracks, compared to monolithic sheets, once again. At the same time, standard fatigue tests, carried out up to the final failure of the specimens, demonstrated a comparable fatigue resistance of monolithic and laminated specimens. As a consequence, it can be concluded that fatigue cracks nucleated earlier in the metal‐laminated specimens, compared to the monolithic ones, but propagated more slowly. This behaviour was attributed to the presence of sharp edges in the inner laminas of metal‐laminated materials which cannot be eliminated by deburring. Additional tests were carried out on monolithic specimens containing burrs and sharp edges at the holes. These specimens were drilled and reamed after stacking and pressing them to form a package. The specimens were fatigue tested without deburring the holes. A decrease in the fatigue resistance was observed. The formation of burrs and sharp edges was additionally promoted by inserting plastic foils between the specimens during the machining operations. Fatigue resistance of these specimens is progressively lower.
Presence–nonpresence surveys of golden‐cheeked warblers: detection, occupancy and survey effort
Authors: Watson C. A. , Weckerly F. W. , Hatfield J. S. , Farquhar C. C. , Williamson P. S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSurveys to detect the presence or absence of endangered species may not consistently cover an area, account for imperfect detection or consider that detection and species presence at sample units may change within a survey season. We evaluated a detection–nondetection survey method for the federally endangered golden‐cheeked warbler (GCWA) Dendroica chrysoparia. Three study areas were selected across the breeding range of GCWA in central Texas. Within each area, 28–36 detection stations were placed 200 m apart. Each detection station was surveyed nine times during the breeding season in 2 consecutive years. Surveyors remained up to 8 min at each detection station recording GCWA detected by sight or sound. To assess the potential influence of environmental covariates (e.g. slope, aspect, canopy cover, study area) on detection and occupancy and possible changes in occupancy and detection probabilities within breeding seasons, 30 models were analyzed. Using information–theoretic model selection procedures, we found that detection probabilities and occupancy varied among study areas and within breeding seasons. Detection probabilities ranged from 0.20 to 0.80 and occupancy ranged from 0.56 to 0.95. Because study areas with high detection probabilities had high occupancy, a conservative survey effort (erred towards too much surveying) was estimated using the lowest detection probability. We determined that nine surveys of 35 stations were needed to have estimates of occupancy with coefficients of variation ≤20%. Our survey evaluation evidently captured the key environmental variable that influenced bird detection (GCWA density) and accommodated the changes in GCWA distribution throughout the breeding season.