bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypertriglyceridaemia and low plasma HDL in a patient with apolipoprotein A‐V deficiency due to a novel mutation in the APOA5 gene
Authors: Oliva C. Priore , Carubbi F. , Schaap F. G. , Bertolini S. , Calandra S. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract. APOA5 encodes a novel apolipoprotein (apo A‐V) which appears to be a modulator of plasma triglyceride (TG). In apoA5 knock out mice plasma TG level increases almost fourfold, whereas in human APOA5 transgenic mice it decreases by 70%. Some SNPs in the APOA5 gene have been associated with variations in plasma TG in humans. In addition, hypertriglyceridaemic (HTG) patients have been identified who carried rare nonsense mutations in the APOA5 gene (Q139X and Q148X), predicted to result in apo A‐V deficiency. In this study we report a 17‐year‐old male with high TG and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), who at the age of two had been found to have severe HTG and eruptive xanthomas suggesting a chylomicronaemia syndrome. Plasma postheparin LPL activity, however, was normal and no mutations were found in LPL and APOC2 genes. The sequence of APOA5 gene revealed that the patient was homozygous for a point mutation (c.289 C>T) in exon 4, converting glutamine codon at position 97 into a termination codon (Q97X). Apo A‐V was not detected in patient’s plasma, indicating that he had complete apo A‐V deficiency. The administration of a low‐fat and low‐oligosaccharide diet, either alone or supplemented with ω‐3 fatty acids, started early in life, reduced plasma TG to a great extent but had a negligible effect on plasma HDL‐C. Loss of function mutations of APOA5 gene may be the cause of severe HTG in patients without mutations in LPL and APOC2 genes.
Estimating contemporary early life‐history dispersal in an estuarine fish: integrating molecular and otolith elemental approaches
Authors: BRADBURY I. R. , CAMPANA S. E. , BENTZEN P. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDispersal during the early life history of the anadromous rainbow smelt, Osmerus mordax, was examined using assignment testing and mixture analysis of multilocus genotypes and otolith elemental composition. Six spawning areas and associated estuarine nurseries were sampled throughout southeastern Newfoundland. Samples of adults and juveniles isolated by > 25 km displayed moderate genetic differentiation (FST ~ 0.05), whereas nearby (< 25 km) spawning and nursery samples displayed low differentiation (FST < 0.01). Self‐assignment and mixture analysis of adult spawning samples supported the hypothesis of independence of isolated spawning locations (> 80% self‐assignment) with nearby runs self‐assigning at rates between 50 % and 70%. Assignment and mixture analysis of juveniles using adult baselines indicated high local recruitment at several locations (70–90%). Nearby (< 25 km) estuaries at the head of St Mary's Bay showed mixtures of individuals (i.e. 20–40% assignment to adjacent spawning location). Laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry transects across otoliths of spawning adults of unknown dispersal history were used to estimate dispersal among estuaries across the first year of life. Single‐element trends and multivariate discriminant function analysis (Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca) classified the majority of samples as estuarine suggesting limited movement between estuaries (< 0.5%). The mixtures of juveniles evident in the genetic data at nearby sites and a lack of evidence of straying in the otolith data support a hypothesis of selective mortality of immigrants. If indeed selective mortality of immigrants reduces the survivorship of dispersers, estimates of dispersal in marine environments that neglect survival may significantly overestimate gene flow.
Italy as a major Ice Age refuge area for the batMyotis myotis(Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Europe
Authors: RUEDI MANUEL , WALTER SIMON , FISCHER MARTIN C. , SCARAVELLI DINO , EXCOFFIER LAURENT , HECKEL GERALD 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe distribution of biota from the temperate regions changed considerably during the climatic fluctuations of the Quaternary. This is especially true for many bat species that depend on warm roosts to install their nursery colonies. Surveys of genetic variation among European bats have shown that the southern peninsulas (Iberia and the Balkans) harbour endemic diversity, but to date, no such surveys have been conducted in the third potential glacial refuge area, the Apennine peninsula. We report here the phylogeographical analysis of 115 greater mouse‐eared bats (Myotis myotis) sampled throughout Italy, and show that 15 of the 18 different haplotypes found in the mitochondrial control region of these bats were unique to the Apennine peninsula. Colonies within this region also showed substantial genetic structure at both mitochondrial (ΦST = 0.47,P < 0.001) and nuclear markers (FST = 0.039,P < 0.001). Based on a comprehensive survey of 575 bats from Europe, these genetic markers further indicate that central Italian populations ofM. myotisare more closely related to Greek samples from across the Adriatic Sea, than to other Italian bats. Mouse‐eared bat populations from the Apennine peninsula thus represent a complex mixture of several endemic lineages, which evolvedin situ, with others that colonized this region more recently along an Adriatic route. Our broad survey also confirms that the Alps represent a relatively impermeable barrier to gene flow for Apennine lineages, even for vagile animals such as bats. These results underline the conservation value of bats from this region and the need to include the Apennine peninsula in phylogeographical surveys in order to provide a more accurate view of the evolution of bats in Europe.
Transgenesis and neuronal ablation in parasitic nematodes: revolutionary new tools to dissect host–parasite interactions
Authors: LOK J. B. , ARTIS D. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Ease of experimental gene transfer into viral and prokaryotic pathogens has made transgenesis a powerful tool for investigating the interactions of these pathogens with the host immune system. Recent advances have made this approach feasible for more complex protozoan parasites. By contrast, the lack of a system for heritable transgenesis in parasitic nematodes has hampered progress toward understanding the development of nematode‐specific cellular responses. Recently, however, significant strides towards such a system have been made in several parasitic nematodes, and the possible applications of these in immunological research should now be contemplated. In addition, methods for targeted cell ablation have been successfully adapted from Caenorhabditis elegans methodology and applied to studies of neurobiology and behaviour in Strongyloides stercoralis. Together, these new technical developments offer exciting new tools to interrogate multiple aspects of the host–parasite interaction following nematode infection.
Deep‐water foreland basin deposits of the Cerro Toro Formation, Magallanes basin, Chile: architectural elements of a sinuous basin axial channel belt
Authors: HUBBARD STEPHEN M. , ROMANS BRIAN W. , GRAHAM STEPHAN A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCoarse‐grained deep‐water strata of the Cerro Toro Formation in the Cordillera Manuel Señoret, southern Chile, represent the deposits of a major channel belt (4 to 8 km wide by >100 km long) that occupied the foredeep of the Magallanes basin during the Late Cretaceous. Channel belt deposits comprise a ca 400 m thick conglomeratic interval (informally named the ‘Lago Sofia Member’) encased in bathyal fine‐grained units. Facies of the Lago Sofia Member include sandy matrix conglomerate (that show evidence of traction‐dominated deposition and sedimentation from turbulent gravity flows), muddy matrix conglomerate (graded units interpreted as coarse‐grained slurry‐flow deposits) and massive sandstone beds (high‐density turbidity current deposits). Interbedded sandstone and mudstone intervals are present locally, interpreted as inner levée deposits. The channel belt was characterized by a low sinuousity planform architecture, as inferred from outcrop mapping and extensive palaeocurrent measurements. Laterally adjacent to the Lago Sofia Member are interbedded mudstone and sandstone facies derived from gravity flows that spilled over the channel belt margin. A levée interpretation for these fine‐grained units is based on several observations, which include: (i) palaeocurrent measurements that indicate flows diverged (50° to 100°) once they spilled over the confining channel margin; (ii) sandstone beds progressively thin, away from the channel belt margin; (iii) evidence that the eroded channel base was not very well indurated, including a stepped margin and injection of coarse‐grained channel material into surrounding fine‐grained units; and (iv) the presence of sedimentary features common to levées, including slumped units inferring depositional slopes dipping away from the channel margin, lenticular sandstone beds thinning distally from the channel margin, soft sediment deformation and climbing ripples. The tectonic setting and foredeep architecture influenced deposition in the axial channel belt. A significant downstream constriction of the channel belt is reflected by a transition from more tabular units to an internal architecture dominated by lenticular beds associated with a substantially increased degree of scour. Differential propagation of the fold‐thrust belt from the west is speculated to have had a major control on basin, and subsequently channel, width. The confining influence of the basin slopes that paralleled the channel belt, as well as the likelihood that numerous conduits fed into the basin along the length of the active fold‐thrust belt to the west, suggest that proximal–distal relationships observed from large channels in passive margin settings are not necessarily applicable to axial channels in elongate basins.
Screening of Thai medicinal plants for anticandidal activity
Authors: Rukayadi Yaya , Shim Jae‐Seok , Hwang Jae‐Kwan 
Published: March 2008

SummaryMedicinal plants are often used in the treatment of various ailments. In this study, 23 of Thai medicinal plants were screened for their anticandidal activity against six pathogenic Candida species: C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. The methanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. fruit, Trigonostemon reidioides (Kurz) Craib root, Usnea siamensis Vain whole plant, Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. rhizome, and Albizia myriophylla Benth. stem showed anticandidal activity against one or more species of Candida. Among them, A. myriophylla Benth. showed broad anticandidal activity. The susceptibility tests of A. myriophylla Benth. extract, in terms of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC), were performed by the broth microdilution techniques as described by the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. MICs of A. myriophylla Benth. extract to all Candida species was ranged 100–500 μg ml−1. The killing activity of A. myriophylla Benth. extract was fast acting against all Candida tested; the reduction in the number of CFU ml−1 was >3 log10 units (99.9%) in 2 h. This study indicates that A. myriophylla Benth. extract has considerable anticandidal activity, deserving further investigation for clinical applications for the treatment of candidiasis.
Effects of Ovum Pick‐up Frequency and FSH Stimulation: A Retrospective Study on Seven Years of Beef Cattle In Vitro Embryo Production
Authors: De Roover R , Feugang JMN , Bols PEJ , Genicot G , Hanzen Ch 
Published: March 2008

ContentsThe aim of this retrospective study was to compare the number of follicles, cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) and cultured In Vitro Produced (IVP) embryos obtained from 1396 non‐stimulated Ovum Pick‐up (OPU) sessions on 81 donor animals in a twice weekly OPU scheme. Results were obtained from 640 sessions following FSH‐LH superstimulation, on 112 donors subjected to OPU once every 2 weeks. The stimulation protocol started with the insertion of an ear implant containing 3 mg norgestomet (Crestar, Intervet, Belgium) 8 days before puncture (day −8). The dominant follicle was ablated by ultrasound‐guided follicle puncture on day −6. On day −3 and day −2, cows were injected with FSH (Ovagen, ICP) twice daily (8 am to 8 pm), i.e. a total dose of 160 μg FSH and 40 μg LG per donor per stimulation cycle. Animals were punctured 48 h after the last FSH injection (day 0). Progesterone implants were removed the next day. Stimulated donor cows were treated with this protocol at 14‐day intervals. Follicles were visualized with a Dynamic Imaging ultrasound scanner, equipped with a 6.5 MHz sectorial probe. Follicles were punctured with 55 cm long, 18 gauge needles at an aspiration pressure corresponding to a flow rate of 15 ml/min. Cumulus oocyte complexes were recovered and processed in a routine IVF set‐up.Results demonstrate that, expressed per session, FSH stimulation prior to OPU increases production efficiency with significantly more follicles punctured and oocytes retrieved. However, when overall results during comparable 2‐week periods are considered (four non‐stimulated sessions vs one stimulated), more follicles are punctured and more oocytes are retrieved using the non‐stimulated protocol. No significant differences in the number of cultured embryos could be detected, indicating that FSH/LH stimulation prior to OPU might have a positive effect on in vitro oocyte developmental competence as more embryos are cultured with less, presumably better‐quality, oocytes.
Enhancement of Ovulatory Follicle Development in Maiden Sheep by Short‐term Supplementation with Steam‐flaked Corn
Authors: Letelier C , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A , Hervé M , Correa J , Pulido R 
Published: March 2008

ContentsThe effect of a short‐term nutritional supplementation with steam‐flaked corn on metabolism and folliculogenesis was evaluated in 14 maiden sheep. Oestrus was synchronized with two prostaglandin F2α doses given 10 days apart. From day 11 to 15 of the oestrous cycle induced with prostaglandins, half of the ewes (group 2M) were supplemented with steam‐flaked corn, double the daily maintenance ration of the control sheep (group 1M). Body weight and condition remained unaffected, but the energetic supply increased plasma concentrations of glucose (3.6 ± 0.1 vs 4.3 ± 0.1 mmol/l, p < 0.0001) for the first 4 days and 3‐hydroxybutyrate (0.323 ± 0.58 vs 0.582 ± 0.04 mmol/l, p < 0.005) from day 2 to 4. The profile of insulin secretion was also affected by the treatment, increasing in group 2M to reach significant differences on days 13 and 14 (p < 0.05). From similar values at the start of the food supply, the treatment induced a higher follicular development in group 2M (1.1 ± 1.2 vs 7.4 ± 1.06 total follicles in day 15, p < 0.05), as evidenced by the lineal increase in the number of larger follicles (>4 mm, p < 0.005). Then, the number of follicles >4 mm in size in 2M was around 60% higher on day 16 (7.86 ± 0.45 vs 4.86 ± 0.63, p < 0.005). Thereafter, the mean number of corpora lutea per ewe was around 30% higher in group 2M (1.43 ± 0.2 vs 1.10 ± 0.1, although differences were not found to be statistically significant). These data suggest that the use of diets containing high starch sources, like the steam‐flaked corn, increases folliculogenesis and ovulation rate in sheep and can be applied in short‐term feeding practices.
Functional Activity of Frozen Thawed Chinchilla lanigera Spermatozoa Cryopreserved with Glycerol or Ethylene Glycol
Authors: Ponzio MF , Busso JM , Fiol de Cuneo M , Ruiz RD , Ponce AA 
Published: March 2008

ContentsThe cryopreservation of spermatozoa constitutes a valuable tool for the captive breeding management of valuable and/or threatened species. Chinchilla lanigera is a species almost extinct in the wild, and the domestic counterpart has one of the most valuable pelts in the world. The objectives of this study were to: (i) compare the functional activity of post‐thawed chinchilla spermatozoa cryopreserved at −196°C either with glycerol (G) or ethylene glycol (EG) as cryoprotectants (1 m final concentration) and (ii) investigate the effects of incubating the gametes for 4 h in the presence or in the absence of the cryoprotectants; evaluations were performed taking into account motility, viability, response to hypo‐osmotic shock and acrosome integrity of the cells. Parameters reflecting post‐thaw (0 h) sperm functional activity were significantly lower than those of freshly ejaculated gametes. When comparing the cryoprotectant efficiency of G vs EG, neither cryoprotectant agent offered appreciable advantages. After 4 h of incubation, in the presence or absence of the cryoprotectant agent, a rapid and significant decrease was found in all functional parameters and remained at ∼ 20–30% motile, viable and viable acrosome intact cells. Viability was significantly lower when the cryoprotectant was removed from the media (possibly due to the centrifugation process). With respect to the maintenance of sperm membrane integrity, only ∼ 10% of cells showed membrane resistance to hypo‐osmotic conditions after the 4 h incubation period. These results constitute new insights for cryopreservation protocols and the development of assisted reproductive techniques in this species.
Charcoal haemoperfusion in Amitriptyline poisoning: Experience in 20 children
Authors: BEK KENAN , ÖZKAYA OZAN , MUTLU BİRGÜL , DAĞDEMİR AYHAN , SUNGUR METİN , AÇIKGÖZ YONCA , İŞLEK İSMAİL , BAYSAL KEMAL 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY:Aim:  Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) toxicity is common among children and adults due to widespread use. Amitriptyline (AT) is one of the most commonly prescribed TCAs. Current guidelines do not recommend charcoal haemoperfusion (HP) for AT overdose due to high protein binding and large volume of distribution. However evidence regarding the efficacy of charcoal HP in addition to supportive measures is accumulating in the published reports.Methods:   Here we report our experience in 20 children (15 girls, 5 boys) with acute AT overdose aged between 1.5 and 15 years, successfully managed with HP in our institution between January 2000 and February 2007.Results:  The HP indications were mainly severe initial cardiac and respiratory involvement. After HP, all patients recovered dramatically with a mean hospital stay of 4 days (range: 2–12). Only one patient developed neurological sequelae due to prolonged hypoxia secondary to respiratory arrest.Conclusion:   To our knowledge this is the largest case series reporting the efficacy of charcoal HP in acute AT overdose in children. Based on our findings, charcoal HP seems to be an effective treatment modality, especially in prompt correction of severe life‐threatening cardiac and respiratory findings in children with serious AT overdose and resulting in a reduction of morbidity and mortality.
Renal allograft C4d deposition in Chinese: Hong Kong perspective
Authors: YUEN SZE K , MAK YUEN F , TANG HON L , YONG SAI P , CHOW KAI M , CHU KWOK H , FUNG KA S , CHAN WAI HH , TONG KWOK L 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY:Background:  Acute rejection constitutes a significant proportion of renal allograft loss. Peritubular capillary deposition of C4d has been recognized as the footprint of humoral alloimmunity and proven to be a sensitive and specific marker for humoral rejection in the appropriate clinical context. Its presence in indication biopsies is the most important independent risk factor for graft failure. Data are, however, scarce among Chinese subjects.Methods:  We retrospectively reviewed all renal graft biopsies performed from 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2006 for unexplained acute renal dysfunction or delayed graft function. Renal outcomes were assessed at the time of renal biopsy and at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year afterwards. Survival was assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Multivariate analysis was used to determine if C4d positivity is an independent risk factor for poor renal outcome.Results:  Fifty‐two biopsies were included, of which 16 were positive for peritubular capillary C4d. Peritubular capillary C4d was associated with lower glomerular filtration rate and higher serum creatinine at 6 and 12 months after renal biopsies. The C4d‐positive group fares worse in terms of death‐censored graft failure, doubling of serum creatinine and reaching 50% of glomerular filtration rate at the end of the study. Peritubular capillary C4d deposition was the only significant risk factor that predicts graft failure in multivariate analysis.Conclusion:  Our findings confirmed the independent prognostic value of peritubular capillary C4d staining on renal allograft survival in Chinese.
Molecular analysis and patterns of ALT and hepatitis C virus seroconversion in haemodialysis patients with acute hepatitis
Authors: LAMPE ELISABETH , YOSHIDA CLARA FUMIKO TACHIBANA , DE OLIVEIRA ROSANE VIEIRA , LAUER GEORG M , LEWIS‐XIMENEZ LIA LAURA 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY:Background:  Haemodialysis (HD) continues to carry the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission, with delayed seroconversion and often normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values increasing the likelihood of undetected infection and thus uninterrupted spread of HCV. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristic patterns of ALT changes and seroconversion during an outbreak of HCV in a HD unit. We also wanted to establish the relationship between infecting viruses using molecular analysis.Methods:  All patients (n = 72) and staff (n = 23) of the HD unit were prospectively followed for 14 months. Serial measurements for ALT, HCV antibody and HCV‐RNA were performed besides HCV sequence analysis.Results:  The initial screening for anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA confirmed chronic infection in 16/72 (22%) subjects and identified three subjects with recent seroconversion. In addition, five cases were reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction positive alone for a total of eight recent cases. The interval between the initial observation of ALT changes and seroconversion varied from 1 to 8 months, and in several individuals ALT fluctuations only below the upper limit of normal were detected. However, relating each subject's ALT values to ALT at baseline, ALT levels increased between 1.6‐ and 4.7‐fold. Molecular analysis provided evidence for transmission from two chronically infected source patients, probably because of inappropriate infection control measures.Conclusion:  Our data highlight the importance of well‐implemented safety precautions and regular HCV‐RNA testing to prevent the further spread of HCV in this population, and suggest the use of ALT baseline values to identify infections that may remain unnoticed otherwise.