bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating dominance as a component of non‐native species invasions
Authors: Crall Alycia W. , Newman Gregory J. , Stohlgren Thomas J. , Jarnevich Catherine S. , Evangelista Paul , Guenther Deb 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTMany studies have quantified plant invasions by determining patterns of non‐native species establishment (i.e. richness and absolute cover). Until recently, dominance has been largely overlooked as a significant component of invasion. Therefore, we re‐examined a 6‐year data set of 323 0.1 ha plots within 18 vegetation types collected in the Grand Staircase‐Escalante National Monument from 1998 to 2003, including dominance (i.e. relative cover) in our analyses. We specifically focused on the non‐native species Bromus tectorum, a notable dominant annual grass in this system. We found that non‐native species establishment and dominance are both occurring in species‐rich, mesic vegetation types. Therefore, non‐native species dominance may result despite many equally abundant native species rather than a dominant few, and competitive exclusion does not seem to be a primary control on either non‐native species establishment or dominance in this study. Unlike patterns observed for non‐native species establishment, relative non‐native species cover could not be predicted by native species richness across vegetation types (R2 < 0.001; P = 0.45). However, non‐native species richness was found to be positively correlated with relative non‐native species cover and relative B. tectorum cover (R2 = 0.46, P < 0.01; R2 = 0.17, P < 0.01). Analyses within vegetation types revealed predominantly positive relationships among these variables for the correlations that were significant. Regression tree analyses across vegetation types that included additional biotic and abiotic variables were a little better at predicting non‐native species dominance (PRE = 0.49) and B. tectorum dominance (PRE = 0.39) than at predicting establishment. Land managers will need to set priorities for control efforts on the more productive, species‐rich vegetation types that appear to be susceptible to both components of invasion.
A comparative analysis of the cross‐reactivity in the polcalcin family including Syr v 3, a new member from lilac pollen
Authors: Ledesma A. , Barderas R. , Westritschnig K. , Quiralte J. , Pascual C. Y. , Valenta R. , Villalba M. , Rodríguez R. 
Published: February 2006

Background:  Polcalcins are pollen‐specific allergens with two EF‐hand calcium‐binding sites that exhibit strong cross‐reactivity. Our objective was to isolate and express the cDNA coding of the EF‐hand calcium‐binding allergen from lilac pollen and to study cross‐reactivity with other polcalcins from related and nonrelated pollen sources with different specific antibodies and sera from two different populations.Methods:  Specific cDNA was amplified by PCR, cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. Purification was achieved by gel permeation and ion exchange chromatographies. ELISA titration and inhibition assays were performed using the recombinant forms of Syr v 3, Ole e 3, Che a 3 and Phl p 7 with sera from two Spanish regions with different sensitization profiles, as well as Phl p 7‐ and Ole e 3‐specific polyclonal rabbit antisera, and an Ole e 3‐specific monoclonal antibody.Results:  Syr v 3 displays two EF‐hand consensus sites and 8863 Da of theoretical molecular mass. The allergen consists of 80 residues with identities ranging from 66 to 87% with polcalcins included in this study. Syr v 3, Ole e 3, Che a 3 and Phl p 7 showed a similar IgG‐ and IgE‐binding capacity although differences at quantitative level were observed depending on the population of patients’ sera.Conclusion:  Syr v 3 is a polcalcin with structural and antigenic similarities to the members of this family. Diagnosis of polcalcin‐sensitized patients could be performed whatever polcalcin used, whereas for immunotherapy, primary sensitization to a particular allergenic source should be considered.
Day‐care attendance and increased risk for respiratory and allergic symptoms in preschool age
Authors: Hagerhed‐Engman L. , Bornehag C.‐G. , Sundell J. , Åberg N. 
Published: February 2006

Background:  The reported impact of day‐care attendance on respiratory and atopic symptoms has varied between studies from different countries. Regarding to the ‘hygiene‐hypothesis’, day‐care attendance may lead to less sensitization later in life, but the question still is whether day‐care attendance and subsequent exposure to more frequent early infections is a risk or a protection against future allergic disease or asthma (atopic and nonatopic).Methods:  A cross‐sectional postal questionnaire was replied by parents of 10 851 children, aged 1–6 years, in the year 2000 in a Swedish region (DBH‐phase 1). The questionnaire focused on respiratory and atopic symptoms, the home environment and information on day care of the children.Results:  Children in day care were reported to have more symptoms than children in home care: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for wheezing last 12 months, AOR 1.33 (CI 95%: 1.12–1.58), cough at night apart from colds last 12 months AOR 1.56 (CI: 1.17–2.07), doctor diagnosed asthma AOR 1.23 (CI: 0.88–1.71), rhinitis last 12 months AOR 1.15 (CI: 0.92–1.44), doctor diagnosed hay fever AOR 1.75 (CI: 0.94–3.23), eczema last 12 months, AOR 1.49 (CI: 1.24–1.79), allergic reactions to foods, AOR 1.27 (CI: 1.07–1.52), >6 colds last 12 months of 2.57 (CI: 2.12–3.12) and ear infection ever AOR 2.14 (CI: 1.87–2.45). The increased risks were mainly seen and reached significance in the youngest group of children, aged 1–4 years. Adjusting and stratification for the number of airway infections last year did not change the risk associated with day‐care attendance for allergic diseases.Conclusions:  Attending day care was associated with an increased risk of symptoms related to airways infections as well with eczema and allergic reactions to food. No sign of protection from day‐care attendance for allergic diseases was found up to 6 years of age. Multiple airway infections and day‐care attendance were found to be independently associated with asthma and allergic symptoms.
Brassica oleracea pollen, a new source of occupational allergens
Authors: Hermanides H. K. , Laheÿ‐ de Boer A. M. , Zuidmeer L. , Guikers C. , van Ree R. , Knulst A. C. 
Published: February 2006

Background:  Vegetable pollen is a rare source of occupational allergens. Occupational allergy has only been described in the case of paprika pollen and tomato pollen. We describe a new source of occupational pollen allergy.Aim:  To study the incidence and the impact of broccoli and cauliflower pollen allergy in employees involved in classical plant breeding.Methods:  Fifty‐four employees of five companies working with cauliflower (Brassica oleracea botrytis) and broccoli (B. oleracea italica/cymosa) pollen were eligible for complete evaluation. Allergy to cauliflower and broccoli pollen was evaluated by questionnaire and determination of sensitization by radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and skin‐prick tests (SPT). SPT and RAST were performed with a panel of commercial and homemade extracts from cauliflower and broccoli pollen.Results:  Work‐related symptoms such as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma and urticaria caused by B. oleracea pollen were reported by 44% of the participants (24/54), of whom all but one had positive SPT for cauliflower‐ and/or broccoli‐pollen/flower extracts and 58% (14/24) had positive RAST results. Symptoms had developed within the first 2 years in 33% of the patients. Six patients had to stop or change work.Conclusions:  Brassica oleracea pollen is a new source of occupational allergen with strong allergenic potential leading to symptoms in almost half of the exposed employees.
Use of highly sensitive mitochondrial probes to detect microchimerism in xenotransplantation models
Authors: Soncini Maddalena , Signoroni Patrizia Bonassi , Bailo Marco , Zatti Daniela , Gregori Alessandra , Lombardi Guerino , Albertini Alberto , Wengler Georg S. , Parolini Ornella 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Chimerism, defined as the co‐existence of cells of different origin within the same organism, has received much attention in hematopoietic cell and organ transplantation because of the strict relationship between its establishment and the induction of specific tolerance. Traditional methods applied for chimerism detection, such as immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, fluorescent‐activated cell sorter analysis, and serological and biochemical testing, are limited by their sensitivity.We have established a highly sensitive molecular approach based on the amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome B gene and tested its specificity and sensitivity level in six different mammalian species, including human, pig, mouse, rat, sheep and rabbit. Increased sensitivity of detection of specific amplification products was obtained by the non‐radioactive Southern blot technique. This novel approach allows the detection of one cell against the background of 1 to 4 × 106 xenogenec cells and will be helpful for high‐sensitivity analysis of donor cell engraftment after xenotransplantation procedures in these animal models.
Rat hepatocyte engraftment in severe combined immunodeficient × beige mice using mouse‐specific anti‐fas antibody
Authors: Wilson Jean H. , Paturzo Frank X. , Johnson Linda K. , Carreiro Marie P. , Hixson Douglas C. , A Mennone , Boyer J.L , Pober Jordan S. , Harding Martha J. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Background: Hepatocyte transplantation holds promise as a treatment for acute and chronic liver failure; however, robust model systems needed to study xenogeneic hepatocyte transfer are lacking. Severe combined immunodeficient × beige (SCID/bg) hybrid mice readily accept foreign tissue. Repopulation of C.B‐17 SCID/bg mouse liver with rat hepatocytes was studied following induction of mouse hepatocyte apoptosis using an anti‐mouse agonistic fas monoclonal antibody (Jo2 mAb) that does not engage xenogeneic fas.Methods: SCID/bg mice were transplanted with 1 × 106 fresh adult rat hepatocytes intrasplenically and treated with various doses, routes and frequencies of Jo2 mAb. Rat cell repopulation was characterized by quantitative immunofluorescent antibody (q‐IFA) staining specific for rat dipeptidyl peptidase type IV (DPP‐IV) and leucine amino peptidase, amplification of rat genomic DNA using polymerase chain reaction and histopathological and serum biochemistry analyses.Results: Analysis of liver sections from mice treated twice weekly for 12 weeks with 0.4 mg/kg Jo2 mAb intraperitoneally consistently demonstrated >50% rat hepatocytes in the parenchymal mass by q‐IFA. Rat hepatocyte engraftment protected mice from Jo2 mAb‐mediated liver hemorrhage and hepatocyte apoptosis. Serum liver enzyme levels did not increase in Jo2 mAb‐treated mice that were highly engrafted with rat hepatocytes, in contrast to matched non‐engrafted mice. At 12 weeks post‐engraftment, minimal fibrosis and inflammation were apparent and liver architecture had returned to near normal. Jo2 mAb did not induce histopathological abnormalities in other tissues known to express fas antigen (i.e. heart, lung).Conclusions: This novel model represents a simple and robust system of xenogeneic hepatocyte transplantation that could be applied to studies of liver biology, regeneration and hepatocyte transplantation.
Age‐dependent expression of immune‐privilege and proliferation‐related molecules on porcine Sertoli cells
Authors: Lee Hak‐Mo , Oh Byoung Chol , Yang Ji‐Hye , Cho Jaejin , Lee Gene , Lee Dong‐Sup , Hwang Woo Suk , Lee Jeong Ryul 
Published: February 2006

Abstract: Background: The immunoprotective nature of the testes has prompted numerous investigations into their supportive roles during allogeneic or xenogeneic cellular grafts. However, the optimal developmental stage of these cells in terms of maximum efficacy for cellular grafts has not been elucidated. In this study, the time‐dependent expressions of immune‐privilege‐ and proliferation‐related molecules in Sertoli cells were determined.Methods: To investigate the time course of the expression of proteins related to immune privilege and proliferation, immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) were performed using testes of 18 Yorkshire pigs from birth to 20 weeks of age. We included fas ligand (FasL), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) and clusterin as the immune‐protective molecules, and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), p27Kip1, GATA‐4 and Wilm's tumor antigen (WT1) as Sertoli cell proliferation markers. RT‐PCR was used to complement histological assessment.Results: The expression of FasL in Sertoli cells gradually increased with age, whereas TGF‐β1 showed the reverse pattern, and clusterin expression showed no age‐related difference. p27Kip1 showed a gradual increase in its expression from week 12, but GATA‐4 showed earlier postnatal expression from birth to week 12. WT1 expression gradually increased from week 16.Conclusion: We confirmed the age‐dependent expression of immune‐privilege‐ and proliferation‐related molecules in porcine Sertoli cells. These data may be useful for determining the optimal time for harvesting Sertoli cells with respect to maximal immunoprotection and proliferative activity.
Chronic pain following total hip arthroplasty: a nationwide questionnaire study
Authors: Nikolajsen L. , Brandsborg B. , Lucht U. , Jensen T. S. , Kehlet H. 
Published: February 2006

Background:  Chronic post‐operative pain is a well‐recognized problem after various types of surgery, but little is known about chronic pain after orthopedic surgery. Severe pre‐operative pain is the primary indication for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, we examined the prevalence of chronic pain after THA in relation to pre‐operative pain and early post‐operative pain.Methods:  A questionnaire was sent to 1231 consecutive patients who had undergone THA 12–18 months previously, and whose operations had been reported to the Danish Hip Arthroplasty Registry.Results:  The response rate was 93.6%. Two hundred and ninety‐four patients (28.1%) had chronic ipsilateral hip pain at the time of completion of the questionnaire, and pain limited daily activities to a moderate, severe or very severe degree in 12.1%. The chronic pain state was related to the recalled intensity of early post‐operative pain [95% confidence interval (CI), 20.4–33.4%] and pain complaints from other sites of the body (95% CI, 20.7–32.1%), but not to the pre‐operative intensity of pain.Conclusion:  Chronic pain after THA seems to be a significant problem in at least 12.1% of patients. Our results suggest that genetic and psychosocial factors are important for the development of chronic post‐THA pain.
Pregnancy Rates in Lactating Holstein–Friesian Cows after Artificial Insemination with Sexed Sperm
Authors: Andersson M , Taponen J , Kommeri M , Dahlbom M 
Published: February 2006

ContentsThe effects of artificial insemination (AI) using sexed sperm on pregnancy rates have seldom been studied in lactating dairy cows on commercial dairy farms. We evaluated pregnancy results after AI of 306 lactating dairy cows, of which 157 were inseminated with 2 × 106 frozen/thawed sexed sperm and 149 with 15 × 106 frozen/thawed unsexed sperm. The average pregnancy and calving rates were 21.0% and 20% for the sexed‐sperm AIs and 46% and 45% for the unseparated control‐sperm AIs respectively (p < 0.001). The proportion of female calves derived from sexed‐sperm AI was 82% compared with 49% for control AI (p < 0.01). The proportion of live and healthy calves in single births was 100% for sexed‐sperm AI and 97% for control AI (p > 0.05). Our results indicate that AI with low‐dose sexed sperm under field conditions in commercial dairy herds without oestrus synchronization results in significantly reduced pregnancy rates compared with normal‐dose AI. Improved insemination strategies combined with increased sperm doses are needed before the use of sexed sperm can be of any significant benefit for the dairy and beef industry.
Ovum Pick‐up in Sheep: a Comparison between Different Aspiration Devices for Optimal Oocyte Retrieval
Authors: Rodríguez C , Anel L , Alvarez M , Anel E , Boixo JC , Chamorro CA , de Paz P 
Published: February 2006

Contents In vivo ovum pick‐up (OPU) in sheep may be improved with a proper choice of aspiration elements (needle and tubing) and aspiration vacuum pressure. In the present study, two experiments were carried out. In Expt 1, visible follicles in ovaries of slaughtered ewes (treated separately according to their diameters: small <3 mm, medium 3–5 mm and large >5 mm) were aspirated using different combinations of the three studied factors such as aspiration flow rate (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ml water/min), needle gauge (18 and 20 G) and tubing inner diameter (1, 2 or 3 mm internal diameter). In Expt 2, a study with two 18 G needles of different lengths (18 G: 82 mm; 18 GL: 600 mm) was carried out, using ovaries obtained post‐mortem, and performing in vivo laparoscopic follicular aspiration on ewes. We considered good quality oocytes as those with both complete compact cumulus and a homogeneous cytoplasm. Recovery rate, proportion of good quality oocytes (good quality oocytes/100 oocytes recovered) and overall efficiency (good quality oocytes/100 follicles aspirated) were noted. In Expt 1, aspiration flow rate affect remarkable proportion of good quality oocytes (69.5%, 50.5%, 44.8%, 36.5% and 28.3% for flows from 10 to 50 ml/min respectively, p < 0.05). Needle gauge did not affect aspiration device efficiency. Thin and intermediate tubings were more effective (overall efficiency rates: 34.9%, 32.3% and 28.1% for 1, 2 and 3 mm respectively, p < 0.05). Follicle size did not affect recovery rate, but proportion of good quality oocytes was higher for large (77.9%) and medium (64.4%) follicles (p < 0.05). Finally, some combinations of the aspiration device showed greater effectiveness. In Expt 2, needle length did not influence recovery rate, but good quality oocytes rate was significantly modified both post‐mortem and in vivo (good quality rate for 18 G vs 18 GL needles: 69.5% vs 47.7% and 58.1% vs 25.4%, post‐mortem and in vivo respectively, p < 0.05). We conclude that low‐aspiration flow rates (10 and 20 ml/min) with thin or intermediate tubings (1 and 2 mm), and any short needle (18 G or 20 G) are the most adequate aspiration factors for OPU in sheep.
Fertilizing Ability of Electro‐Ejaculated Cryopreserved Semen in the Domestic Cat
Authors: Zambelli D , Merlo B , Iacono E , Prati F , Belluzzi S 
Published: February 2006

ContentsSemen collection and AI in the cat are still not routine procedures. The correlation between semen quality and fertility under natural conditions is a relatively unknown field in the cat. In the present study, functionalin vitrotests, such as the ability to bind and penetrate the zona pellucida or to fertilizein vitro, were used to determine fertilizing ability of sperm cryopreserved with a practical and efficient freezing protocol previously developed in our laboratory. Semen was collected by electroejaculation, evaluated for motility and diluted with Tris–glucose–citrate egg‐yolk extender supplemented with Equex STM paste (0.5% v/v). After equilibration and loading into 0.25 ml straws, semen was frozen at 3.85°C/min. Frozen‐thawed semen was co‐cultured within vitromatured cat oocytes. Penetration rate was recorded 30 h afterin vitrofertilization and cleaved zygotes were culturedin vitrountil day 7. A correlation was found between sperm motility index (SMI) after thawing and semen fertilizing ability (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the post‐thaw motility quality, expressed as SMI, of spermatozoa frozen using the protocol mentioned above can be considered an index of the sperm ability to penetratein vitromatured oocytes.
Role of Two Glycosidases (α‐Mannosidase and β‐N‐Acetylglucosaminidase) on In Vitro Bovine Embryonic Development*
Authors: Tsiligianni TH , Vandaele L , de Kruif A , Van Soom A 
Published: February 2006

ContentsGlycosidases are enzymes that might play a role in embryonic development. The aims of the present project were to evaluate if bovine in vitro produced embryos: (1) release β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase (β‐NAGASE) and α‐mannosidase in culture medium and (2) to investigate if these glycosidases may be used as markers of embryo quality. Bovine embryos were obtained using routine methods for IVM, IVF and IVC. Two experiments were done [(experiment 1: culture of embryos in the same droplet until day 7 and experiment 2: separation and transfer of embryos to new droplets at the morula stage (day 6)]. Samples were collected on day 7 (experiment 1) and on days 6 and 7 (experiment 2). The results of the present study are summarized as follow: (i) Embryos release both glycosidases. (ii) The activity of both glycosidases was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in droplets with degenerate embryos compared to droplets without degenerate embryos. (iii) The activity of β‐NAGASE was higher in droplets which contained morulae compared to droplets without morulae. In conclusion, embryos release both glucosidases during their development, while degenerate embryos release less β‐NAGASE and α‐mannosidase compared to good embryos. Furthermore, β‐NAGASE secretion seems to be related to retarded morulae.
Comparison between Cloprostenol‐induced and Spontaneous Oestrus Fertility in Dairy Cows
Authors: Cairoli F , Mollo A , Veronesi MC , Renaville B , Faustini M , Battocchio M 
Published: February 2006

ContentsA short calving to conception interval is of main importance to achieve high economic efficiency in dairy cow industry. In order to reduce this interval, several hormonal treatments have been put on the market, in which cloprostenol, a synthetic analogue of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). The aim of this study was to compare fertility of cloprostenol‐induced oestrus to that of spontaneous oestrus in dairy cows. In a group of 525 cows, 280 (treated group) were administered 0.5 mg cloprostenol i.m. after transrectal corpus luteum (CL) detection, and inseminated at detected oestrus during the following week. The other 245 cows (control group) were inseminated during spontaneous oestrus. Whey progesterone concentrations were checked at treatment and at insemination in order to remove from the study cows whose P4 levels indicate a non‐functional CL, or a lack of luteolysis respectively. Moreover, cows that were not inseminated due to genital problems were also excluded from this study. Conception (59% vs 54.5%) and calving rates (93.7% vs 93%) were not significantly different between the two groups.
Generalized skull vault thickening in association with a large arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Govender P , Byrne A , Lyburn ID , Torreggiani WC 
Published: February 2006

SummaryGeneralized thickening of the skull is unusual but has a number of recognized associations such as chronic severe anaemia, Paget disease and phenytoin therapy. We report a case of generalized skull vault thickening seen in association with a large arteriovenous malformation of the brain.
Retrospective diagnosis of chondrodysplasia punctata
Authors: Kozlowski K , Basel D , Beighton P 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe diagnosis of punctate epiphyseal dysplasia (PED) after disappearance of puncta is problematical. In some instances, however, the phenotypic and radiographic characteristics may persist and permit a retrospective diagnosis of PED in persons with unclassified bone dysplasia or bone changes of unknown origin. We report a boy aged 8 years who presented with unusual bony abnormalities that were consistent with a diagnosis of PED.