bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of different legume‐based swards on intake and performance of grazing ruminants under Mediterranean and cool temperate conditions
Authors: Molle G. , Decandia M. , Sölter U. , Greef J. M. , Rochon J. J. , Sitzia M. , Hopkins A. , Rook A. J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIntake and performance of sheep or cattle grazing legume‐based swards were assessed over 2 years at four locations in Europe with different climatic conditions: Sardinia (Italy), southern France, northern Germany and south‐west England (UK). Legume species were sown in mixtures with locally appropriate companion grass species. Standard legume species commonly used at the location (Medicago polymorpha in Italy, Medicago sativa in France, and Trifolium repens in Germany and UK) were compared with two alternative legume species characterized by different agronomic or nutritional characteristics. They were: Trifolium subterraneum and Hedysarum coronarium in Italy; Trifolium incarnatum and Onobrychis sativa in France; Trifolium pratense and Lotus corniculatus in Germany; and Trifolium ambiguum and L. corniculatus in the UK. Lactating milk sheep in Italy, non‐lactating ewes in southern France, growing cattle in Germany, and ewes and lambs in the UK were used in three replicates per treatment. Intake and performance of sheep and cattle in various treatments varied with location, year and period within year. In Germany, intake and performance by cattle were not affected by treatment. In contrast, at the other locations, sheep grazing standard or alternative legume species known to contain condensed tannins (sulla, sainfoin and birdsfoot trefoil) had higher proportions of legume and crude protein (CP) concentrations in the diet and higher CP intakes than those grazing the other alternative legume species. Sheep performance paralleled these results. It is concluded that there is potential for a greater use of alternative legume species, at least for sheep‐grazing systems, in both the Mediterranean and cool temperate zones of Europe.
CD4+ CD25high Foxp3+ regulatory T cells downregulate human Vδ2+ T‐lymphocyte function triggered by anti‐CD3 or phosphoantigen
Authors: Mahan C. Scott , Thomas Jeremy J. , Boom W. Henry , Rojas Roxana E. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryVδ2+ T cells, the major circulating T‐cell receptor‐γδ‐positive (TCR‐γδ+) T‐cell subset in healthy adults, are involved in immunity against many microbial pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Vδ2+ T cells recognize small phosphorylated metabolites (phosphoantigens), expand in response to whole M. tuberculosis bacilli, and complement the protective functions of CD4+ T cells. CD4+ CD25high Foxp3+ T cells (Tregs) comprise 5–10% of circulating T cells and are increased in patients with active tuberculosis (TB). We investigated whether, in addition to their known role in suppressing TCR‐αβ+ lymphocytes, Tregs suppress Vδ2+ T‐cell function. We found that depletion of Tregs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased Vδ2+ T‐cell expansion in response to M. tuberculosis (H37Ra) in tuberculin‐skin‐test‐positive donors. We developed a suppression assay with fluorescence‐activated cell sorting‐purified Tregs and Vδ2+ T cells by coincubating the two cell types at a 1 : 1 ratio. The Tregs partially suppressed interferon‐γ secretion by Vδ2+ T cells in response to anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody plus interleukin‐2 (IL‐2). In addition, Tregs downregulated the Vδ2+ T‐cell interferon‐γ responses induced by phosphoantigen (BrHPP) and IL‐2. Under the latter conditions there was no TCR stimulus for Tregs and therefore IL‐2 probably triggered suppressor activity. Addition of purified protein derivative (PPD) increased the suppression of Vδ2+ T cells, suggesting that PPD activated antigen‐specific Tregs. Our study provides evidence that Tregs suppress both anti‐CD3 and antigen‐driven Vδ2+ T‐cell activation. Antigen‐specific Tregs may therefore contribute to the Vδ2+ T‐cell functional deficiencies observed in TB.
Differential effects of tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐12 on isopentenyl pyrophosphate‐stimulated interferon‐γ production by cord blood Vγ9 T cells
Authors: Campos Alberto Eduardo Jose , Shimojo Naoki , Aoyagi Masahiko , Kohno Yoichi 
Published: November 2008

SummaryLower numbers of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in cord blood (CB) than in adult peripheral blood (PB), as well as their impaired ability to produce interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in response to stimulation, are associated with functional deficiency in the immune system in newborns. In this study, we stimulated CB Vγ9 T cells with their T‐cell receptor‐specific ligand, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), plus exogenous costimulatory cytokines such as interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐12 and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), which are known to play important roles in the activation of PB γδ T cells. Our data show that CB Vγ9 T cells are able to produce IFN‐γ at levels comparable to PB Vγ9 T cells by the addition of TNF‐α in the presence of IPP and IL‐2; however, under the same culture conditions, IL‐12 does not efficiently activate CB Vγ9 T cells to produce IFN‐γ. The frequency of TNF‐α receptor II‐positive Vγ9T cells and the expression levels of TNF‐α receptor II are similar in CB and PB; in contrast, the frequency of IL‐12 receptor βI (IL‐12RβI) ‐positive Vγ9T cells and expression levels of IL‐12RβI are significantly lower in CB than PB. TNF‐α but not IL‐12 increases the expression of IL‐2Rβ on CB Vγ9 T cells. These results provide new insights into the role of TNF‐α in the activation of CB Vγ9 T cells.
Induction of lymphotoxin‐α by interleukin‐12 p40 homodimer, the so‐called biologically inactive molecule, but not IL‐12 p70
Authors: Jana Malabendu , Pahan Kalipada 
Published: November 2008

SummaryInterleukin‐12 (IL‐12) p70 (p40:p35) is a bioactive cytokine and its biological functions are becoming clear. On the other hand, the IL‐12 p40 homodimer (p402) was considered an inactive or inhibitory molecule and its functions are poorly understood. It has been reported that increased expression of lymphotoxin‐α (Lt‐α) in the central nervous system as well as in peripheral immune cells is associated with multiple sclerosis and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. Here we describe that p402 induces the expression of Lt‐α in primary mouse and human microglia, BV‐2 microglial cells, splenic macrophages, RAW 264.7 cells and splenic T cells. Interestingly, IL‐12 p70 was either unable to induce Lt‐α or was a very weak inducer of Lt‐α in these cell types. Consistently, p402, but not p70, induced Lt‐α promoter‐driven luciferase activity in microglial cells. Among various stimuli tested, p402 emerged as the most potent followed by IL‐16, lipopolyaccharide and double‐stranded RNA in inducing the activation of Lt‐α promoter in microglial cells. Furthermore, an increase in Lt‐α messenger RNA expression by overexpression of p40, but not p35, complementary DNA and induction of Lt‐α expression by p402 in microglia isolated from IL‐12p35−/− mice confirm that p40, but not p35, is responsible for the induction of Lt‐α. Finally, by using primary microglia from IUL‐12 receptor β1 deficient (IL‐12Rβ1−/−) and IL‐12Rβ2−/− mice, we demonstrate that p402 induced the expression of Lt‐α in microglia and macrophages via IL‐12Rβ1, but not IL‐12Rβ2. These studies delineate a novel biological function of p402 that is absent in IL‐12.
Older people’s expectations regarding ageing, health‐promoting behaviour and health status
Authors: Kim Su Hyun 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTitle.  Older people’s expectations regarding ageing, health‐promoting behaviour and health status. Aim.  This paper is a study to explore the influence of expectations regarding ageing on physical and mental health status, and to examine the mediating effects of health‐promoting behaviour on the relationship between these expectations and physical and mental health.Background.  To achieve healthy ageing, it is necessary for older people to play an active role in maintaining good health. Without any expectations for healthy ageing among older people themselves, encouraging them to participate in health‐promoting behaviour and thereby to maintain good health would be unsuccessful.Method.  A convenience sample of 99 community‐residing Korean older people was surveyed in 2007 via questionnaire using a short version of the Expectations Regarding Aging questionnaire, Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, and Medical Outcomes Study 12‐item short form.Findings.  Having a higher expectation about ageing was associated with better physical and mental health, after adjusting for age, gender and education. Expectations about ageing were partially mediated through the health‐promoting behaviour that influenced physical and mental health.Conclusion.  It may be necessary for nurses to make an effort to improve older people’s expectations about ageing to help them achieve good health. Nursing interventions to improve these expectations need to be used in conjunction with an emphasis on older people’s active involvement in health‐promoting behaviour.
Causes of depression: perceptions among people recovering from depression
Authors: Fu Chou‐Mei , Parahoo Kader 
Published: November 2008

AbstractTitle.  Causes of depression: perceptions among people recovering from depression. Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to explore perceptions of the causes of depression among Taiwanese people recovering from depression.Background.  Depression is a leading worldwide cause of disability. The prevalence of depression in general, and the incidence of suicide in particular, are causing concern in Taiwan. The suicide rate here has doubled in the last decade and the use of psychotic drugs has also increased. People’s perceptions of their condition determine when and how they access and utilize services.Method.  A purposive sample of 40 participants (21 women and 19 men) recovering from depression after discharge from four hospitals in Taipei was recruited. In‐depth, qualitative interviews using a narrative style were carried out in 2003. The tape‐recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed for themes.Findings.  Participants perceived the causes of their depression as being mainly social and cultural in origin. The main identified causes were: stress in marital relationships; conflict in extended families; changes in life circumstances and early life experiences. Women participants viewed their depression as being caused by their ‘dominant’ (traditional) husbands, who still thought that women should stay at home to take care of their children and the housekeeping and who refused to share these roles. Women also felt socially isolated when joining their extended marital families.Conclusion.  These findings have implications for community nurses’ education and practice in relation to depression. Uncovering and addressing conflict and stress in marital relationships and in extended families is challenging, especially for nurses who traditionally work within medical models of care delivery.
Severe parainfluenza virus type 2 supraglottitis in an immunocompetent adult host: an unusual cause of a paramyxoviridae viral infection
Authors: Vigil K. J. , Mulanovich V. E. , Chemaly R. F. , Tarrand J. , Raad I. I. , Adachi J. A. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract.Parainfluenza virus is a major cause of respiratory illness in humans, manifesting from mild upper respiratory tract infection to bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in children. We report – to our knowledge – the first case of a nonimmunocompromised adult patient with human parainfluenza type 2 supraglottitis immediately after returning from China.
Evaluation of excretory secretory and 10–30 kDa antigens of Taenia solium Cysticerci by EITB assay for the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis
Authors: ATLURI S. R. V. , SINGHI P. , KHANDELWAL N. , MALLA N. 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARY Neurocysticercosis (NCC), caused by the presence of Taenia solium Cysticerci in the Central Nervous System is the most common neurological disease of parasite aetiology. The serodiagnostic methods available at present have variable sensitivity and specificity depending upon the antigen and technique used. The present study was aimed to assess the efficacy of T. solium Cysticerci excretory secretory (ES) and lower molecular mass (LMM) 10–30 kDa antigenic fractions for antibody detection in serum and urine samples by enzyme‐linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) for the diagnosis of NCC. Serum and urine samples were collected from 125 clinically suspected and radiologically proven NCC children (111 patients with single lesion and 14 with multiple lesions) and 125 control subjects. With the use of ES and LMM antigenic fractions, the sensitivity of the EITB assay was 85·6% and 80·8% with serum and 76·8% and 50·4% with urine, respectively. The specificity was 64% and 61·6% with serum and 48% and 33·6% with urine samples, respectively. The study suggests that antibody detection to ES antigen in serum by EITB assay may serve better purpose for the serodiagnosis of human NCC.
Behavioural and community ecology of plants that cry for help
Authors: DICKE MARCEL 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTPlants respond to insect herbivory with the production of volatiles that attract carnivorous enemies of the herbivores, a phenomenon called indirect defence or ‘plants crying for help’. Plants are under selection to maximize Darwinian fitness, and this can be done by making the right ‘decisions’ (i.e. by responding to environmental stress in ways that maximize seed production). Plant decisions related to the response to herbivory in terms of the emission of herbivore‐induced volatiles include ‘to respond or not to respond’, ‘how fast to respond’, ‘how to respond’ and ‘when to stop responding’. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art of the research field is presented in the context of these decisions that plants face. New questions and directions for future research are identified. To understand the consequences of plant responses in a community context, it is important to expand research from individual interactions to multispecies interactions in a community context. To achieve this, detailed information on underlying mechanisms is essential and first steps on this road have been made. This selective review addresses the ecology of herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) by integrating information on mechanisms and ecological functions. New questions are identified as well as challenges for extending current information to community ecology.
Volumetric strains in neutral surface folding
Authors: Lisle Richard J. , Aller Jesús , Bastida Fernando , Bobillo‐Ares Nilo C. , Toimil Noel C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractNeutral surface folding is a significant contributor to fold development. This mechanism produces contrasting strains in the inner and outer arcs of the folded layer that arise from principal stress orientations that are approximately parallel and perpendicular to the layer. We demonstrate that such stress patterns imply significant gradients of mean stress across the folding layer, being more tensional on the outer arc and more compressive in the inner arc. This could pump fluids towards the outer arc during folding and result in heterogeneous volume changes. We conclude that the neutral surface folding model should be adapted to accommodate volumetric strains, in order to explain dilatational structures (e.g. open fractures, veining) on the extrados and volume‐loss structures (e.g. pressure solution seams, stylolitic cleavages) on the intrados. This dilatation has economic implications as it allows prediction of sites of mineralization and zones of secondary permeability in fold‐related hydrocarbon traps.
Platinum‐group elements and rhenium in mantle xenoliths from the East Sayan volcanic field (Siberia, Russia): evaluation of melt extraction and refertilization processes in lithospheric mantle of the Tuva‐Mongolian massif
Authors: Ivanov Alexei V. , Palesskii Stanislav V. , Demonterova Elena I. , Nikolaeva Irina V. , Ashchepkov Igor V. , Rasskazov Sergei V. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe determined the concentrations of platinum‐group elements (PGE) and rhenium in granular spinel lherzolites entrained as xenoliths in the Late Cenozoic volcanic rocks of the East Sayan within the Sarkhoi palaeo‐arc block of the Tuva‐Mongolian massif. Major element, PGE and rhenium variations in the East Sayan xenoliths can be explained by impregnation of up to 15% of arc‐type melt into initially depleted mantle harzburgite. Such a refertilization process probably took place in the Middle Neoproterozoic, when the Tuva‐Mongolian massif was in a subduction environment. East Sayan xenoliths show close similarities to Vitim xenoliths, whose host basalts erupted within an off‐cratonic crustal block. Both East Sayan and Vitim xenoliths are different from cratonic and circum‐cratonic peridotite xenoliths of worldwide localities.
Expression of endogenous antimicrobial peptides in normal canine skin
Authors: Wingate Kyra V. , Torres Sheila M. , Silverstein Kevin A. T. , Hendrickson Julie A. , Rutherford Mark S. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe cutaneous barrier contains small, cationic antimicrobial peptides that participate in the innate immunity against a wide variety of pathogens. Despite their immune importance, knowledge of canine defensins and their expression is limited primarily to testicular tissue and their relation to coat colour. Studies have shown that the absence of these antimicrobial peptides contribute to increased secondary infections in humans. The goals of this study were to identify defensin and protease inhibitor peptide genes by performing a computer‐based iterative screen of the canine genome and to determine whether antimicrobial peptides are expressed in normal canine skin. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was used to test for the expression of several antimicrobial peptides in the skin of five normal dogs. RNA from testis was used for comparison. The iterative screen identified 65 putative antimicrobial peptide genes on nine chromosomes, the majority clustered on chromosomes 16 and 24. Amplification of normal canine skin cDNAs demonstrated expression of antimicrobial peptide genes in five different body sites. These findings will provide a tool for future studies examining the association between antimicrobial gene expression and cutaneous immunity in dogs.
Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of the Tongue in the Owl (Strix uralensis)
Authors: Emura S. , Chen H. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe dorsal lingual surfaces of adult owl (Strix uralensis) were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The length of the tongue was about 2 cm. The tip of the tongue of the owl was bifid. Three parts were distinguished in the tongue of the owl: the apex, the body and the root of the tongue. The conical region between the lingual apex and lingual root was a very wide area. There were thread‐shaped processes/cells of epithelium in the lingual apex. The small or large conical papillae were observed on the lingual body. The many openings of the lingual glands existed in the lingual body and lingual root.
Comparison of the Level(s) of DNA Damage Using Comet Assay in Bovine Oocytes Subjected to Selected Vitrification Methods
Authors: Stachowiak EM , Papis K , Kruszewski M , Iwaneńko T , Bartłomiejczyk T , Modliński JA 
Published: November 2008

ContentsIt was suggested that the cryodamage to oocytes’ DNA has been responsible for the compromised developmental competence of cryopreserved oocytes. Vitrification of bovine oocytes affected not only cellular components, but also nuclear material. A significant rate of DNA fragmentation was found in bovine frozen or vitrified oocytes analysed by Comet assay regardless of cryopreservation method. Our method of vitrification using droplet system after gentle pre‐equilibration treatment is one of the most effective cryopreservation methods employed for bovine oocytes so far, making it possible to develop 30% blastocyst stage embryos. In this study, the extent of DNA damage in bovine oocytes vitrified using three vitrification methods (droplet system, Open Pulled Straw and traditional vitrification in 0.25 ml insemination straws) was compared using Comet assay. Vitrification in droplet system and Open Pull Straws vitrification did not result in detectable cryoinjuries of DNA of bovine oocytes. On the contrary, DNA fragmentation was found in four of 26 oocytes vitrified in 0.25 ml straws (15.4%, p ≤ 0.05 in comparison with the other vitrification methods).
Child sun protection: Sun‐related attitudes mediate the association between children's knowledge and behaviours
Authors: Wright Caradee , Reeder Anthony I , Gray Andrew , Cox Brian 
Published: November 2008

Aim:  To describe and investigate the relationship among the sun‐related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of New Zealand primary schoolchildren and consider the roles of sex and school year level.Methods:  A randomly selected, two‐stage cluster sample of 488 children from 27 primary schools in five regions of New Zealand was surveyed regarding their sun‐related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. A scoring system was used to assign a knowledge, attitude and behaviour score to each child.Results:  Although knowledge increased with school year level, there was a decline in sun protective attitudes and behaviours. There was little variation in knowledge, attitudes and behaviour between boys and girls, but sex–year level interactions were found for knowledge and behaviour. When considering children's knowledge, attitudes and behaviours simultaneously, knowledge was only significantly associated with behaviours when mediated by attitudes.Conclusions:  When targeting child sun protection and skin cancer prevention programmes, a focus on attitudes towards sun exposure and a suntan may prove beneficial in influencing sun‐related behaviours.
First‐episode versus recurrent acute rheumatic fever: Is it different?
Authors: Rayamajhi Ajit , Sharma Deewakar , Shakya Urmila 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:  Recurrent episodes of acute rheumatic fever (RF) can lead to rheumatic heart disease with considerable disability and mortality in children. RF can recur in the absence of secondary prophylaxis. The differences in clinical manifestations and outcome between first‐episode and recurrent RF have been less studied.Methods:  A cross‐section of patients under 14 years was studied for 2 years (2003–2005) in order to compare the clinical, laboratory, echocardiographic profile and outcome of first‐episode RF with recurrent attacks, and risk factors for recurrence and mortality. Patients without a previous history of RF and/or mitral stenosis (MS) and/or aortic stenosis (AS) were defined as first‐episode patients, and patients with previous history of RF and/or MS and/or AS, were defined as recurrent RF patients based on the Jones criteria.Results:  Of 51 patients in total, 26 had first‐episode RF and 25 had recurrent RF. Arthritis occurred in a significantly higher number of first‐episode patients (P = 0.047) whereas shortness of breath (SOB; P = 0.003), palpitation (P = 0.034), and aortic regurgitation (AR; P = 0.001) occurred in a significantly higher number of recurrent RF patients. Audible murmur of corresponding echocardiographic regurgitation was present in all recurrent RF patients whereas audible murmur was present in 61.5% and echocardiographic regurgitation in 81% in first‐episode patients (P = 0.007). Palpitation, SOB, audible murmur, thrill, age and AR on admission were independent predictors of recurrence. Palpitation, age and AS on admission were independent predictors of mortality.Conclusions:  Subclinical carditis occurred only in the first‐episode patients, which requires further evaluation for clinical significance. Because all deaths occurred in recurrent RF group (P = 0.02), secondary prophylaxis and management of sore throat need re‐emphasis.