bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SirT1 fails to affect p53‐mediated biological functions
Authors: Kamel Christopher , Abrol Meena , Jardine Karen , He Xiaohong , McBurney Michael W. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe SirT1 gene encodes a protein deacetylase that acts on a number of nuclear substrates. p53 was identified as a SirT1 substrate whose transcriptional activity was reported to be negatively regulated by SirT1‐dependent deacetylation. We set out to determine whether developmental defects and perinatal lethality observed in SirT1‐null mice were caused by p53 hyperactivity by creating mice deficient for both SirT1 and p53. Animals null for both proteins were smaller than normal at birth, had eyelid opening defects and died during the late prenatal and early postnatal periods, a phenotype indistinguishable from mice deficient for SirT1 alone. Upon re‐examination of the role of SirT1 in modulating p53 activity, we found that while SirT1 interacts with p53, the SirT1 protein had little effect on p53‐dependent transcription of transfected or endogenous genes and did not affect the sensitivity of thymocytes and splenocytes to radiation‐induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that SirT1 does not affect many p53‐mediated biological activities despite the fact that acetylated p53 has been shown to be a substrate for SirT1.
Radioiodinated clioquinol as a biomarker for β‐amyloid: Zn2+ complexes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Opazo Carlos , Luza Sandra , Villemagne Victor L. , Volitakis Irene , Rowe Christopher , Barnham Kevin J. , Strozyk Dorothea , Masters Colin L. , Cherny Robert A. , Bush Ashley I. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryNeocortical β‐amyloid (Aβ) aggregates in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are enriched in transition metals that mediate assembly. Clioquinol (CQ) targets metal interaction with Aβ and inhibits amyloid pathology in transgenic mice. Here, we investigated the binding properties of radioiodinated CQ ([125I]CQ) to different in vitro and in vivo Alzheimer models. We observed saturable binding of [125I]CQ to synthetic Aβ precipitated by Zn2+ (Kd = 0.45 and 1.40 nm for Aβ1‐42 and Aβ1‐40, respectively), which was fully displaced by free Zn2+, Cu2+, the chelator DTPA (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) and partially by Congo red. Sucrose density gradient of post‐mortem AD brain indicated that [125I]CQ concentrated in a fraction enriched for both Aβ and Zn, which was modulated by exogenous addition of Zn2+ or DTPA. APP transgenic (Tg2576) mice injected with [125I]CQ exhibited higher brain retention of tracer compared to non‐Tg mice. Autoradiography of brain sections of these animals confirmed selective [125I]CQ enrichment in the neocortex. Histologically, both thioflavine‐S (ThS)‐positive and negative structures were labeled by [125I]CQ. A pilot SPECT study of [123I]CQ showed limited uptake of the tracer into the brain, which did however, appear to be more rapid in AD patients compared to age‐matched controls. These data support metallated Aβ species as the neuropharmacological target of CQ and indicate that this drug class may have potential as in vivo imaging agents for Alzheimer neuropathology.
Progressive Cardiac Conduction Defect is the Prevailing Phenotype in Carriers of a Brugada Syndrome SCN5A Mutation
Authors: PROBST VINCENT , ALLOUIS MARIE , SACHER FREDERIC , PATTIER SABINE , BABUTY DOMINIQUE , MABO PHILIPE , MANSOURATI JACQUES , VICTOR JACQUES , NGUYEN JEAN‐MICHEL , SCHOTT JEAN‐JACQUES , BOISSEAU PIERRE , ESCANDE DENIS , LE MAREC HERVÉ 
Published: January 2006

Introduction: Loss‐of‐function mutations in the SCN5A gene encoding the cardiac sodium channel are responsible for Brugada syndrome (BS) and also for progressive cardiac conduction disease (inherited Lenègre disease). In an attempt to clarify the frontier between these two entities, we have characterized cardiac conduction defect and its evolution with aging in a cohort of 78 patients carrying a SCN5A mutation linked to Brugada syndrome.
Methods and Results: Families were included in the study if a SCN5A mutation was identified in a BS proband and if at least two family members were mutation carriers. Sixteen families met the study criteria, representing 78 carriers. Resting ECG showed a spontaneous BS ECG pattern in 28 of 78 (36%) gene carriers. Intraventricular conduction anomalies were identified in 59 of 78 gene carriers including complete (17) or incomplete (24) right bundle branch block, right bundle branch block plus hemiblock (6), left bundle branch block (1), hemiblock (1), and parietal block (10). PR and QRS duration were longer in the gene carrier cohort in comparison with their relatives carrying no mutation. Finally, in the gene carrier cohort conduction defect progressively aggravated with aging leading in five occasions to pacemaker implantations.
Conclusion: The present study shows that the most common phenotype of gene carriers of a BS‐type SCN5A mutation is progressive cardiac conduction defects similar to the Lenègre disease phenotype. In consequence, we propose that carriers of a SCN5A mutation need a clinical and ECG follow‐up because of the risk associated with severe conduction defects.
The Effect of Induction Method on Defibrillation Threshold and Ventricular Fibrillation Cycle Length
Authors: ZIMA ENDRE , GERGELY MIHÁLY , SOÓS PÁL , GELLÉR LÁSZLÓ ALAJOS , NEMES ATTILA , ACSÁDY GYÖRGY , MERKELY BÉLA 
Published: January 2006

Introduction: Since no clinical data are available on the comparison of the “shock on T‐wave” and “high frequency burst” ventricular fibrillation (VF) induction modes during defibrillation threshold (DFT) testing, we aimed to compare these two methods during implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. Methods: The DFT was determined with a step‐down protocol using biphasic, anodal polarity (100%, 40%, 20% voltage control) shocks. Patients were randomized: VF was induced by 50 Hz burst in group B (n = 45) and T‐wave shock in group T (n = 41). The DFT was defined as the lowest energy level that terminated VF; confirmed DFT (DFTc) was defined as the minimal energy level that consecutively terminated VF twice. Success rate of DFTc was calculated during an intraindividual test for the alternate induction method. Results: A total of 546 episodes of VF were induced: n = 278 (B) vs n = 268 (T). Incidence of VT during inductions was 9.9% (B) vs 2.7% (T), P < 0.05. Neither the DFT, 8.8 ± 4.0 J (B) vs 9.7 ± 4.2 J (T), nor the DFTc, 10.6 ± 5.1 J (B) vs 10.8 ± 4.2 J (T), proved to be significantly different. A significant correlation was found between VF cycle length (CL) and the concomitant DFT (r = 0.298, P < 0.05) in group T only. Subgroup analysis of patients under chronic class III antiarrhythmic treatment showed no increase of the DFT in either group and significantly lower incidence of VT induction in group T regardless of antiarrhythmic treatment. Conclusion: The DFT and the VFCL proved to be independent of the VF induction method. The T‐wave shock was more unlikely to induce VT during DFT testing. These results suggest that both methods are reliable in DFT determination, though T‐wave shock application is a more reliable method for DFT testing.
The prolactin family and pregnancy‐dependent adaptations
Authors: SOARES Michael J. , ALAM S. M. Khorshed , KONNO Toshihiro , HO‐CHEN Jennifer K. , AIN Ruparsri 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe prolactin gene family represents species‐specific expansions of hormones/cytokines contributing to the regulation of pregnancy‐dependent adaptations. In this review, we discuss the prolactin family expansion in the mouse and rat, its linkage with viviparity and its potential role in regulating adaptations to physiological stressors.
Biology of the prolactin family in bovine placenta. II. Bovine prolactin‐related proteins: Their expression, structure and proposed roles
Authors: USHIZAWA Koichi , HASHIZUME Kazuyoshi 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe placenta produces various peptides and steroid hormones that regulate placental function and fetal growth. Prolactin‐related proteins are peptides that are produced by the placenta and belong to the growth hormone/prolactin family, and have structural similarity to prolactin and placental lactogen. Although several prolactin‐related protein genes have been detected in bovine placenta, their expression profiles and functions are not clear. The main difficulties in examining their biological function is the similarity between their genes and the lack of information about their proteins. Recently, molecular biology methods have been used to detect some new bovine prolactin‐related proteins, and elucidate their biological functions. This review focuses on the structures, expression profiles and conceivable functions of prolactin‐related proteins in bovine placenta. With respect to their expression profiles, bovine prolactin‐related proteins fall into four groups: (i) those expressed around the implantation period; (ii) those that reach peak expression in the middle of gestation; (iii) those that increase with the progress of gestation, reaching a peak in late gestation; and (iv) those that reach a plateau in early gestation and are maintained at that level throughout gestation. Data indicate that bovine prolactin‐related proteins have different biological roles in different periods of gestation.  In situ monitoring suggests that bovine prolactin‐related protein‐I has a role in the attachment of trophoblast cells to endometrium during the early implantation period.
Comparison of homogeneity and heterogeneity of residual variance using random regression test‐day models for first lactation Japanese Holstein cows
Authors: FUJII Chie , SUZUKI Mitsuyoshi 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTUsing a large‐scale data set that included first lactation test day records from 1975 to 2000 for Japanese Holsteins, genetic parameters for milk yield were estimated by using random regression (RR) test‐day models (TDM) with heterogeneous and homogeneous residual variances. It is necessary for the RR‐TDM to include a function that explains the shape of the lactation curve. The RR‐TDM with the LW curve, which combined Wilmink's curve and a Legendre polynomial, was used for fitting the model for milk yield. In recent years, increases in residual variance have been noted for Japanese dairy cattle. Thus, three kinds of heterogeneous residual variance over the calving year were considered: H1, H2 and HG. Linear and quadratic exponential functions for the calving year were used in H1 and H2, respectively. Residual variance of HG was divided into five groups according to calving year. Homogeneous residual variance was HO. All heterogeneous residual variances increased with calving year in an almost linear fashion. Residual variance increased over the study period. However, there is no need to consider heterogeneous residual variances in genetic evaluations, because the heterogeneity of residual variance over the years did not affect the ranking of top sires and cows.
Mapping of expressed sequence tag markers with a cDNA‐amplified fragment length polymorphism method in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: SASAZAKI Shinji , HINENOYA Tomoko , FUJIMA Daisuke , KIKUCHI Shinichi , FUJIWARA Akira , MANNEN Hideyuki 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTIn our previous study, a Kobe‐NIBS Japanese quail (KNQ) linkage map was constructed mainly using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. In order to compare chicken and quail chromosomes, we developed expressed sequence tag (EST) markers derived from cDNA‐AFLP fragments and localized these markers on the linkage map. Using a total of 128 AFLP primer combinations, 24 polymorphic bands were obtained between a neurofilament‐deficient mutant quail line male and a muscular disorder quail line female, which were the parents of the KNQ resource family. Nine of the 24 markers were mapped by linkage analysis. These markers were mapped to seven linkage groups, namely 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 15 and 42. A subsequent homology search using chicken genome sequences strongly suggests that these linkage groups correspond with chicken chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 15, 23 and 26.
Effects of leptin and leptin peptide amide on the release of luteinizing hormone, growth hormone and prolactin from cultured porcine anterior pituitary cells
Authors: NONAKA Sumie , HASHIZUME Tsutomu , YAMASHITA Tetsuro 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe present study was carried out to determine whether leptin or leptin (116–130) peptide amide (lep (116–130)), an active fragment of the native protein in rats, is able to stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), growth hormone (GH) or prolactin (PRL) from cultured porcine anterior pituitary (AP) cells in vitro. The AP cells were obtained from 6 month‐old pigs and were incubated for 3 h with 10−11−10−7 mol/L leptin or lep (116–130) after being cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium for 3–4 days. Leptin significantly increased the concentration of LH and GH in the culture medium at concentrations of 10−8 and 10−7 mol/L, respectively, compared with the controls (P < 0.05). Leptin did not increase the concentration of PRL in the culture medium. In contrast to these results, no effects of lep (116–130) on the release of LH, GH or PRL were seen in the cultured cells. These results suggest that leptin stimulates the release of LH and GH by acting directly on porcine AP cells, and that a fragment of leptin protein comprising amino acids 116–130 is not associated with the secretion of hormones in pigs.
Performance of growing rabbits fed concentrate and Stylosanthes (Verano) combinations under tropical conditions
Authors: IYEGHE‐ERAKPOTOBOR Grace Takpejewho 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe performance of growing crossbred rabbits fed concentrate and Stylosanthes hamata (stylo) at different ratios was evaluated. The following ratios were used: 25:100, 50:75, 75:50, 100:25 and 125:10 (g : g; weight supplied per day). Total weight gain was lower and the feed : gain ratio (FGR) was higher with the 25:100 combination than with the other combinations. Daily feed intake significantly (P < 0.01) decreased, whereas feed cost and cost per kg intake increased as the concentrate level increased. Cost per kg gain increased with increases in concentrate levels up to 100 g before decreasing at 125 g. Weight gain, cost per kg intake and cost per kg gain had a quadratic relationship with concentrate level, whereas FGR and feed cost had a linear relationship. Time required to attain a market weight of 2.5 kg and total feed required to attain market weight decreased, whereas total cost of feeding increased with increases in concentrate level. Dry matter and ash digestibility were similar for all the treatments. Ether extract digestibility was lower for the 25:100 combination compared with the other treatments. Crude protein, nitrogen‐free extract digestibility and nitrogen retention were significantly lower for the 25:100 combination (0.74, 0.66 and 0.64) compared with the 100:25 combination (0.83, 0.75 and 0.79). The dressing percentage was similar for all treatments, whereas the proportion of live weight represented by the head increased with an increase in concentrate level. This study shows that rabbits are able to utilize leaf protein in stylo for growth even at the lowest level of concentrate.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone‐induced secretion of cortisol in goats is inhibited by androgen
Authors: MAEJIMA Yuko , AOYAMA Masato , KOBAYASHI Noriko , SUGITA Shoei 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTIn a previous study, it was found that there are sex differences in goats with respect to the levels of cortisol secretion induced by transportation stress. We also found that treatment of castrated male goats with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) suppressed the increase in plasma cortisol concentration following transportation, but did not suppress the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This suggests that androgen might block ACTH‐induced cortisol secretion. In order to examine this hypothesis, the effects of androgen on ACTH‐induced cortisol secretion in goats were investigated. First, castrated male goats were treated with testosterone (T), DHT or cholesterol (cho) for 21–25 days. Cho was used as a control for T and DHT treatment. Then, plasma cortisol concentrations were compared among the hormonal treatments after ACTH injection. Subsequently, the distribution of androgen receptors in the caprine adrenal gland was investigated. There were no differences in the basal cortisol concentrations among the hormonal treatments. However, plasma cortisol concentrations after ACTH injection were significantly lower in T‐ and DHT‐treated goats than in cho‐treated goats. Androgen receptors were present in 60% of the cells in the zonae fasciculata and reticularis of the adrenal cortex, the regions that secrete glucocorticoids. These results suggest that androgen may act directly on the adrenal cortex to suppress cortisol secretion induced by ACTH.
Effect of methionine hydroxy analog‐free acid on growth performance and chemical composition of liver of broiler chicks fed a corn–soybean based diet from 0 to 6 weeks of age
Authors: BUNCHASAK Chaiyapoom , KEAWARUN Natikan 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe experiment was carried out to determine the effects of liquid DL‐methionine hydroxy analog‐free acid (LMA) and dry DL‐methionine (DLM) on growth performance, carcass quality and chemical composition of the livers of broiler chicks during 0–6 weeks of age. Four hundred and fifty male commercial broiler chicks (Ross strain) were used. The chicks were divided into three groups, and each group consisted of six replicates of 25 chicks each. The chicks were kept in floor pens, and water and feed were supplied ad libitum throughout the experiment. Three experimental diets were provided as follows: (i) corn–soybean‐based diet deficient in methionine; (ii) methionine‐deficient corn–soybean‐based diet supplemented with DLM to meet the methionine requirements of broiler chicks; and (iii) methionine‐deficient corn–soybean‐based diet supplemented with LMA (1.25‐fold (w/w) the amount of DLM supplied to the second group, given an assumption that 100 units of liquid LMA can be replaced by 80 units DLM to give similar performance results). During the starter period, the weight gains of chicks fed LMA or DLM were significantly greater than those in chicks receiving the methionine‐deficient diet (P < 0.05), and the addition of LMA significantly improved weight gain compared with the addition of DLM. Adding DLM or LMA significantly improved the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and percentage of uniformity (P < 0.05). No significant differences between the effects of DLM and LMA on these parameters were found. During the grower period (3–6 weeks of age), weight gain, FCR, uniformity and feed intake of chicks that received diet supplemented with DLM or LMA were superior to those of the methionine‐deficient group (P < 0.05). Chicks fed LMA had the same bodyweight gain and uniformity as those fed DLM. However, adding LMA resulted in a significant increase of FCR resulting from excess feed consumption. Outer breast meat yields were significantly improved and abdominal fat was significantly decreased when methionine sources were added (P < 0.05), and adding LMA tended to promote edible meat growth better than did adding DLM. Although no significant effects of methionine sources on the chemical composition of the liver were seen, adding methionine sources tended to increase liver fat content. In conclusion, it seems that the bioefficacy of LMA relative to DLM is not less than 80%. Therefore, chicks fed with diet supplemented with 1.25‐fold (w/w) as much LMA as DLM might exceed requirements for growth performance, while meeting requirements for meat production. Moreover, the relative bioefficacies of LMA and DLM between the starter and grower periods may perhaps be different.
Changes in walking parameters of milking cows after hoof trimming
Authors: AOKI Yasuhiro , KAMO Mikio , KAWAMOTO Hidenori , ZHANG Jianguo , YAMADA Akihisa 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTWe examined the walking parameters of milking cows in relation to hoof trimming. The hooves of eight Holstein cows were trimmed. Two days before and after the hoof trimming, walking behavior, limb angles, back posture and vertical movement of the back while walking were measured. Walking rate (1.27 vs 0.87 m/s;P = 0.003), step length (1.46 vs 1.33 m;P = 0.009) and stepping rate (0.78 vs 0.65 steps/s;P = 0.046) were found to increase significantly after hoof trimming. Limb angles at the start and end of the support phase changed significantly after hoof trimming, thus indicating an improvement in the ‘on tiptoe’ appearance. The parameters relating to backline indicated that the marked arched shape of the back diminished after hoof trimming. Before hoof trimming, the positions of the withers varied widely and irregularly while walking; however, it changed after hoof trimming as the sinusoid curve and the range of vertical movement of withers decreased significantly. Overall, it has been quantitatively indicated that walking characteristics are improved after hoof trimming. The parameters used in the present study are expected to be useful for monitoring the walking characteristics of cows.
Polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method for identifying carriers of hemophilia A in Japanese brown cattle
Authors: KHALAJ Maryam , ABBASI Abdol Rahim , TSUJI Takehito , MORITOMO Yasuo , SHIMOJO Kenichi , KUNIEDA Tetsuo 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTHemophilia A is a severe congenital bleeding disorder characterized by subcutaneous hematoma and hemorrhage into muscles resulting from a deficiency of blood coagulation factor VIII. The authors have recently reported two cases of hemophilia A in Japanese Brown cattle and identified a nucleotide substitution in the factor VIII gene, resulting in an amino acid substitution of Leu to His, as a possible cause of the deficiency. In the present study, a simple and effective polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based diagnostic method was developed to identify carriers of this disorder, using a mismatch primer in combination with restriction enzyme digestion. The PCR reaction amplified a 118 bp fragment, which was not digested by the BspT104I restriction enzyme in affected animals but was digested into two fragments in normal animals. Both digested and undigested fragments were observed in carrier animals. This method was applied to identify the carriers of hemophilia A in a population of Japanese Brown cattle. By screening 155 DNA samples from Japanese Brown cattle, except for the dam of the two probands, no carriers were identified. It was therefore concluded that the probands represent isolated cases of hemophilia A, and that the frequency of the mutant allele in the Japanese Brown cattle population is very low.