bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two- and three-dimensional maturation reaction norms for the eastern Baltic cod, Gadus morhua
Authors: Vainikka Anssi , Gårdmark Anna , Bland Barbara , Hjelm Joakim 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Vainikka, A., Gårdmark, A., Bland, B., and Hjelm, J. 2009. Two- and three-dimensional maturation reaction norms for the eastern Baltic cod, Gadus morhua. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 248–257. Industrial fisheries have caused decreases in the size and age at maturation in several stocks of cod (Gadus morhua). Although earlier maturation can be a phenotypic response to improved growth conditions, estimation of probabilistic maturation reaction norms (PMRNs) can remove most impacts of growth and demography from maturation schedules and has often revealed a residual, potentially genetic, trend. In this study, size- and condition-based PMRNs were estimated for eastern Baltic cod cohorts from 1987 to 2003. The PMRNs suggested that both length and condition at 50% probability of maturing (Lp50 and Cp50) had decreased by 15–20%, more notably in females. Simultaneously with changes in maturation schedules, the length-at-age of mature fish decreased for most combinations of age and sex. Decrease in growth may be partly explained by advanced maturation, but temporal fluctuations in PMRNs suggest also a residual environmental impact on both growth and maturation. The results may indicate a genetic change in the eastern Baltic cod stock, adding pressure to reduce fishing mortality on it.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 dysregulates anti‐fungal defenses preventing monocyte activation and downregulating toll‐like receptor‐2
Authors: Cermelli Claudio , Orsi Carlotta Francesca , Ardizzoni Andrea , Lugli Enrico , Cenacchi Valeria , Cossarizza Andrea , Blasi Elisabetta 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTWe investigated the interplay occurring between pathogens in the course of dual infections, using an in vitro model in which the THP‐1 monocytic cell line is first infected with HSV‐1 and then exposed to Ca or Cn. These three pathogens share some pathogenic features: they cause opportunistic infections, target macrophages and are neurotropic. Here, we show that HSV‐1‐infected THP‐1 cells exhibited augmented phagocytosis against the two opportunistic fungi but reduced capability to counteract fungal infection: the better ingestion by monocytes was followed by facilitated fungal survival and replication. Reduced IL‐12 production was also observed. Cytofluorimetric analysis showed that HSV‐1‐infected monocytes exhibit: (i) downregulated TLR‐2 and TLR‐4, critical structures in fungal recognition; (ii) reduced expression of CD38 and CD69, known to be important markers of monocyte activation; and (iii) enhanced expression of apoptosis and necrosis markers, in the absence of altered cell proliferation. Overall, these findings imply that HSV‐1 infection prevents monocyte activation, thus leading to a significant dysfunction of the monocyte‐mediated anti‐Candida response; HSV‐1 induced apoptosis and necrosis of monocytes further contribute to this impairment.
Regulation of marA, soxS, rob, acrAB and micF in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Hartog Efrat , Ben‐Shalom Lior , Shachar Dina , Matthews Karl R. , Yaron Sima 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTImportance of the overexpression of AcrAB efflux pumps in the low‐level resistance of pathogens to antimicrobials requires a better understanding of the AcrAB regulation. The goal of the present research was to study the transcription of acrAB, as well as the genes that play a role in its regulation in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. We monitored the transcription of these genes during growth at 30 °C and 37 °C, and thoroughly studied the effect of salicylate, paraquat and decanoate. The strengths of the promoters' activities were ordered from strong to weak as micF > rob > acrAB > soxS, marRAB. At both temperatures, marRAB was mainly upregulated by salicylate and decanoate, soxS by paraquat and acrAB and micF by all three compounds. rob was always downregulated. Transcription rates of all promoters were at the greatest level at the beginning of the stationary phase and, except for soxS, levels of transcription and induction were greater at 37 °C. Results show that despite the promoters' similar activity and the sequence homology between Escherichia coli and S. typhimurium, regulation of the investigated genes of both strains differed in the response to temperature. This difference was found to be dependent on the promoters' sequence, as the marRAB and acrAB promoters maintained their original dependence on temperature when they were analyzed in the other strain. Hence, it is most likely that the nutrient‐limited environment at 37 °C in the human body will lead to increased transcription of marA, acrAB and micF in Salmonella, enhancing the resistance properties of the bacteria.
Antimicrobial susceptibilities of Propionibacterium acnes isolated from patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: Ishida Natsumi , Nakaminami Hidemasa , Noguchi Norihisa , Kurokawa Ichiro , Nishijima Setsuko , Sasatsu Masanori 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTAntibiotic susceptibilities of Propionibacterium acnes in Japan were determined. Erythromycin‐resistance was found in 10.4% (5/48) of the strains, and four of these were cross‐resistance to clindamycin. Although the erythromycin ribosome methylase gene erm(X) was looked for, no strain carrying erm(X) was found. Sequencing analysis revealed that all of the erythromycin‐resistant strains had a mutation in the peptidyl transferase region of the 23S rRNA gene: G2057A, A2058G, or A2059G. Consequently, our results show that P. acnes resistance to macrolides is caused by a mutation in the 23S rRNA gene, and has been increasing in Japan.
Clinical trial: the effects of a trans‐galactooligosaccharide prebiotic on faecal microbiota and symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: SILK D. B. A. , DAVIS A. , VULEVIC J. , TZORTZIS G. , GIBSON G. R. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryBackground  Gut microflora‐mucosal interactions may be involved in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).Aim  To investigate the efficacy of a novel prebiotic trans‐galactooligosaccharide in changing the colonic microflora and improve the symptoms in IBS sufferers.Methods  In all, 44 patients with Rome II positive IBS completed a 12‐week single centre parallel crossover controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomized to receive either 3.5 g/d prebiotic, 7 g/d prebiotic or 7 g/d placebo. IBS symptoms were monitored weekly and scored according to a 7‐point Likert scale. Changes in faecal microflora, stool frequency and form (Bristol stool scale) subjective global assessment (SGA), anxiety and depression and QOL scores were also monitored.Results  The prebiotic significantly enhanced faecal bifidobacteria (3.5 g/d P < 0.005; 7 g/d P < 0.001). Placebo was without effect on the clinical parameters monitored, while the prebiotic at 3.5 g/d significantly changed stool consistency (P < 0.05), improved flatulence (P < 0.05) bloating (P < 0.05), composite score of symptoms (P < 0.05) and SGA (P < 0.05). The prebiotic at 7 g/d significantly improved SGA (P < 0.05) and anxiety scores (P < 0.05).Conclusion  The galactooligosaccharide acted as a prebiotic in specifically stimulating gut bifidobacteria in IBS patients and is effective in alleviating symptoms. These findings suggest that the prebiotic has potential as a therapeutic agent in IBS.
The role of X‐inactivation in the gender bias of patients with acquired α‐thalassaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (ATMDS)
Authors: Haas Peter S. , Roy Noemi B. A. , Gibbons Richard J. , Deville Marie‐Alice , Fisher Chris , Schwabe Michael , Bissé Emmanuel , Van Dorsselaer Alain , Higgs Douglas R. , Lübbert Michael 
Published: December 2008

SummaryΑlpha thalassaemia myelodysplastic syndrome (ATMDS) is an unusual complication of chronic myeloid malignancy that is associated with a striking red cell phenotype. It represents an acquired form of α‐thalassaemia that most commonly arises in the context of myelodysplasia. It has recently been shown that this condition occurs in association with somatic mutations of a known X‐encoded trans‐acting regulator of α globin gene (HBA) expression, ATRX. There is an unexplained, strong male preponderance of individuals with the ATMDS phenotype with a >5:1 male–female ratio and furthermore, all the somatic ATRX mutations described to date have been in males. Here we report the identification, in a single centre, of two females with ATMDS and mutations in the ATRX gene, proving that ATMDS associated with such mutations may occur, albeit rarely, in females. It seemed possible that females might be less likely to develop ATMDS if the inactivated copy of the ATRX gene (ATRX) became progressively re‐activated throughout life. This study ruled out this hypothesis by investigating the pattern of ATRX inactivation in a cross‐sectional analysis of normal females at ages ranging from newborn to 90 years.
Development of a measure of family‐centred care for resource‐poor South African settings: the experience of using a modified version of the MPOC‐20
Authors: Saloojee G. M. , Rosenbaum P. R. , Westaway M. S. , Stewart A. V. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackground The Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC) is a widely used tool to assess parents' self‐reported experiences of family‐centred behaviours of paediatric rehabilitation services. It has never been used in resource‐constrained settings or in a cross‐cultural environment where cultural and language differences may complicate effective implementation of family‐centred services. In this study, the MPOC‐20 was used as the starting point for the development of a measure of family‐centred care in disadvantaged South African settings. The objective was to establish to what extent the MPOC‐20 needed to be adapted for these settings.Methods After modifying MPOC‐20 through focus groups, the adapted scale was translated into six local languages. Trained interviewers administered the scale to a convenience sample of 267 caregivers of children aged between 1 and 18 years with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy living in poorly resourced areas in two provinces in South Africa.Results The modified MPOC‐20 was neither reliable nor valid in the new setting. Cronbach's alpha for each of the sub‐scales varied between 0.30 and 0.66 while for the test–retest reliability, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficients were between 0.51 and 0.61. The first two criteria for item convergent validity were not met. Repeated multi‐trait scaling identified eight items that when combined into a scale [named the MPOC‐8(SA)] had acceptable reliability and validity. Factor analysis of the MPOC‐8(SA) yielded two factors: an interpersonal factor and an informational factor.Conclusions Although extreme caution has to be used when using measures created in one socio‐cultural setting in a different context, the MPOC‐20 provides a useful starting point for the development of a measure of family‐centred care in a poor resourced setting. Caregivers in different settings have more in common than they have differences. However, the process of asking the questions and the words used to capture caregivers' experiences needs to be different.
Lower prevalence of mild hyperthyroidism related to a higher iodine intake in the population: prospective study of a mandatory iodization programme
Authors: Vejbjerg Pernille , Knudsen Nils , Perrild Hans , Laurberg Peter , Carlé Allan , Pedersen Inge Bülow , Rasmussen Lone B , Ovesen Lars , Jørgensen Torben 
Published: December 2008

SummaryObjective  Marked differences in pattern of thyroid dysfunction are seen in populations with different iodine intakes. We evaluated the influence of a higher iodine intake on thyroid hormone levels and the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in the Danish population.Design  Two cross‐sectional studies matched on a group level according to sex and age.Participants  In all, 8219 individuals were examined before (n = 4649) or after (n = 3570) the introduction of a mandatory iodization programme in 2000 in two regions with established mild and moderate iodine deficiency. Serum TSH, fT4 and fT3 were measured. An ultrasonography of the thyroid was performed.Results  We found a higher median serum TSH after the introduction of mandatory iodization of salt: 1·51 mU/l (10–90th percentiles: 0·72–3·00) vs. 1·30 mU/l (10–90th percentiles: 0·59–2·66) before iodization. The difference was found in both regions and across age groups. There was a lower prevalence of mild hyperthyroidism and a tendency towards a lower prevalence of overt hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of mild hypothyroidism increased, most pronounced among young women after iodization. Conversely, there was a lower prevalence of undiagnosed overt hypothyroidism. However, when currently treated participants were included, the prevalence of hypothyroidism increased after iodization in the area with formerly mild iodine deficiency.Conclusion  A change in pattern of thyroid dysfunction was seen in relation to mandatory iodization of salt. There was no rise in the prevalence of hyperthyroidism and the prevalence of mild hyperthyroidism was halved. Conversely, prevalence of hypothyroidism increased.
Proinflammatory cytokine and ligands modulate cardiac peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors
Authors: Lee T‐I. , Kao Y‐H. , Chen Y‐C. , Chen Y‐J. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTBackground  Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) mediate inflammatory processes and alter cardiac function. However, it is not clear whether inflammatory cytokines or PPAR ligands regulate PPARs in the cardiomyocytes to modulate cardiac functions. We investigated the effects of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and PPAR ligands on the expression of PPARs in HL‐1 cardiomyocytes.Materials and methods  HL‐1 cardiomyocytes were incubated with and without TNF‐α (1, 10, 25 and 50 ng mL−1) or PPAR ligands (rosiglitazone, pioglitazone and fenofibrate) at concentrations of 0·1, 1 and 10 µm for 24 h. The cells also received SN‐50 (NF‐κB inhibitor, 50 µg mL−1), ascorbic acid (100 µm) and coenzyme Q10 (10 µm) alone or combined with TNF‐α.Results  Using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, we found that incubation of TNF‐α (50 ng mL−1) for 24 h decreased PPAR‐α, but increased PPAR‐γ without altering PPAR‐δ. These effects were not changed by co‐administration of SN‐50. However, co‐administration of ascorbic acid prevented the effect of TNF‐α both on PPAR‐α and PPAR‐γ. Coenzyme Q10 partially attenuated the effect of TNF‐α on PPAR‐γ but did not alter its effect on PPAR‐α. The administration of rosiglitazone (10 µm) and pioglitazone (10 µm) for 24 h increased PPAR‐γ mRNA, but did not alter PPAR‐α or PPAR‐δ. Moreover, fenofibrate (0·1, 1 and 10 µm) increased PPAR‐γ without any effects on PPAR‐α or PPAR‐δ.Conclusions  Oxidative stress causes the regulations of PPAR‐α and PPAR‐γ in the TNF‐α‐treated cardiomyocytes. The up‐regulation of PPAR‐γ by PPAR ligands may contribute to their anti‐inflammation effects.
Effect of temperature and consistency on wheat dough performance
Authors: Rosell Cristina M. , Collar Concha 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe effects of the dough consistency (DC; 300–700 BU), temperature of mixing (16–32 °C) and temperature along fermentation (15–35 °C) on the wheat bread dough performance during mixing, proofing, cooking and cooling have been studied through a central composite experimental design. Farinograph responses revealed the significant role of DC (α < 0.001) and mixing temperature (MT) (α < 0.001) on wheat bread dough elasticity. Fermentation responses obtained from the rheofermentometer showed that the DC induces a significant positive linear effect on dough development, whereas gas development was mainly governed by the fermentation temperature. The wheat bread dough behaviour subjected to a dual mechanical shear stress and temperature constraint showed that DC had a significant linear and positive effect on the starch gelatinisation and gelling process. Therefore, breadmaking is highly governed for DC, namely dough hydration, which has a direct consequence on the mixing, fermenting, cooking and cooling performance of the wheat bread dough.
Effects of pH and temperature on inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium DT104 in liquid whole egg by pulsed electric fields
Authors: Jin Tony , Zhang Howard , Hermawan Nelda , Dantzer William 
Published: December 2008

SummaryPulsed electric field (PEF) exposes a fluid or semi‐fluid product to short pulses of high‐energy electricity, which can inactivate microorganisms. The efficacy of PEF treatment for pasteurisation of liquid eggs may be a function of processing temperature. In this study, effects of PEF, temperature, pH and PEF with mild heat (PEF + heat) on the inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium DT104 cells in liquid whole egg (LWE) were investigated. Cells of S. typhimurium were inoculated into LWE pH adjusted to 6.6, 7.2 or 8.2 at 15, 25, 30 and 40 °C. The PEF field strength, pulse duration and total treatment time were 25 kV cm−1, 2.1 μs and 250 μs respectively. Cells of S. typhimurium in LWE at pH 7.2 were reduced by 2.1 logs at 40 °C and 1.8 logs at 30 °C. The PEF inactivation of S. typhimurium cells at 15 or 25 °C was pH dependent. Heat treatment at 55 °C for 3.5 min or PEF treatment at 20 °C resulted in c. 1‐log reduction of S. typhimurium cells. Combination of PEF + 55 °C achieved 3‐log reduction of S. typhimurium cells and was comparable to the inactivation by the heat treatment at 60 °C for 3.5 min. With further development, PEF + heat treatment may have an advantage over high‐temperature treatment for pasteurisation of liquid eggs.
Rheological behaviour of acorn starch dispersions: effects of concentration and temperature
Authors: Kim Won‐Woo , Yoo Byoungseung 
Published: December 2008

SummaryRheological properties of acorn starch dispersions at different concentrations (4%, 5%, 6% and 7%) were evaluated under steady and dynamic shear conditions. The flow behaviours of the acorn starch dispersions at different temperatures (25, 40, 55 and 70 °C) were determined from the rheological parameters provided by the power law model. The acorn starch dispersions at 25 °C exhibited high shear‐thinning fluid characteristics (n = 0.23–0.36). Consistency index (K) and apparent viscosity (ηa,100) increased with an increase in starch concentration, and were also reduced with increasing temperature. Within the temperature range of 25–70 °C, the ηa,100 obeyed the Arrhenius temperature relationship with a high determination coefficient (R2 = 0.97–0.99), with activation energies (Ea) ranging between 16.5 and 19.0 kJ mol−1. Both the power law and exponential type models were employed in order to establish the relationship between concentration and apparent viscosity (ηa,100) in the temperature range of 25–70 °C. Magnitudes of storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli increased with an increase in the starch concentration and frequency (ω). The magnitudes of G′ were higher than those of G″ over most of the frequency range (0.63–62.8 rad s−1). The dynamic (η*) and steady shear (ηa) viscosities of acorn starch dispersion at 7% concentration follow the Cox–Merz superposition rule.
Combining direct and indirect genetic methods to estimate dispersal for informing wildlife disease management decisions
Authors: CULLINGHAM C. I. , POND B. A. , KYLE C. J. , REES E. E. , ROSATTE R. C. , WHITE B. N. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEpidemiological models are useful tools for management to predict and control wildlife disease outbreaks. Dispersal behaviours of the vector are critical in determining patterns of disease spread, and key variables in epidemiological models, yet they are difficult to measure. Raccoon rabies is enzootic over the eastern seaboard of North America and management actions to control its spread are costly. Understanding dispersal behaviours of raccoons can contribute to refining management protocols to reduce economic impacts. Here, estimates of dispersal were obtained through parentage and spatial genetic analyses of raccoons in two areas at the front of the raccoon rabies epizootic in Ontario; Niagara (N = 296) and St Lawrence (N = 593). Parentage analysis indicated the dispersal distance distribution is highly positively skewed with 85% of raccoons, both male and female, moving < 3 km. The tail of this distribution indicated a small proportion (< 4%) moves more than 20 km. Analysis of spatial genetic structure provided a similar assessment as the spatial genetic correlation coefficient dropped sharply after 1 km. Directionality of dispersal would have important implications for control actions; however, evidence of directional bias was not found. Separating the data into age and sex classes the spatial genetic analyses detected female philopatry. Dispersal distances differed significantly between juveniles and adults, while juveniles in the Niagara region were significantly more related to each other than adults were to each other. Factors that may contribute to these differences include kin association, and spring dispersal. Changes to the timing and area covered by rabies control operations in Ontario are indicated based on these dispersal data.
Functional variation in a disease resistance gene in populations of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: JORGENSEN T. H. , EMERSON B. C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAnalyses of functional genetic diversity in natural populations may provide important new insights into gene function and are necessary to understand the evolutionary processes maintaining diversity itself. The importance of including diversity within and between local populations in such studies is often ignored although many of the processes affecting genetic diversity act on this scale. Here we examine the molecular diversity in RPW8 (Recognition of Powdery Mildew), a gene conferring broad‐spectrum resistance to powdery mildews in Arabidopsis thaliana stock‐center accessions. Our eight UK study populations of the weedy A. thaliana were from locations judged to be subject to a minimum of anthropogenic disturbance and potentially long established. The majority of populations comprised considerable variation both in disease phenotype and RPW8 genotype. Although resistant individuals shared a major RPW8 genotype, no single allele was uniquely associated with resistance. It is concluded that RPW8 is an essential component of resistance to powdery mildews in A. thaliana, but not the only genetic factor involved in this process. No signature of selection was detected at RPW8 with a microsatellite multilocus test using an empirical null model. Unlike many previous studies of this model plant species, we found high levels of genetic diversity and relatively low differentiation (FST = 0.31) between populations at 14 microsatellite markers. This is judged to be due to our sampling being aimed at potentially long established populations and highlights the importance of population choice for studies of genetic diversity within this species.