bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generation of MUC1‐stimulated Mononuclear Cells using Optimizied Conditions
Authors: Wright S. E. , Khaznadar R. , Wang Z. , Quinlin I. S. , Rewers‐Felkins K. A. , Phillips C. A. , Patel S. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractMucin is a glycoprotein found on the surface of cell membranes of adenocarcinomas. The purpose of these studies was to generate MUC1 multiple tandem repeat (VNTR)‐stimulated mononuclear cells (M1SMC). We first determined the optimal conditions to influence the immune response. In these studies, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), from patients with adenocarcinomas, were stimulated by different numbers of M1SMC stimulations, various concentrations of MUC1 peptide, washing of PBMC prior to stimulation and days in culture, to determine the optimal conditions to influence the immune response. The results of this study indicate that the mononuclear cells (MC) stimulated twice 1 week apart with MUC1 VNTR1 produced a greater specific killing of the breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 than the 0, 1, 3 or 4 weekly stimulations. The optimal molarity for inducing cytotoxicity and cytokines (granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, gamma‐interferon and interleukin‐10) was 45 × 10−8 m (1 μg/ml); except for tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha which was 22 × 10−8 m (0.5 μg/ml). The unwashed MC were superior to washing them with Ficoll–Hypaque. The optimal number of days in culture for cytotoxicity and cytokine production was after two stimulations (i.e. after day 7). Optimum conditions for generation of M1SMC identified in these studies were two stimulations with peptide, concentration of 45 × 10−8 m (1 μg/ml) peptide, unwashed cells, and after two stimulations or after 8 days in culture. M1SMC were generated from multiple patients with breast cancer which lysed adenocarcinoma cells.
Allometry of diving capacities: ectothermy vs. endothermy
Authors: BRISCHOUX F. , BONNET X. , COOK T. R. , SHINE R. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBody mass positively influences diving capacities in air‐breathing vertebrates and has been identified as a key determinant for the evolution of diving. Our review on the relationship between body mass and dive duration (a major parameter of dive performances) encompassed for the first time a wide diversity of air‐breathing vertebrates. We included a substantial number of nonavian and nonmammalian diving species belonging to various independent lineages (sea snakes, iguana, turtles and crocodiles). Our analyses suggest that the widely accepted size dependency of dive duration applies with significantly less force in ectotherms compared with endotherms; notably we failed to detect any effect of body mass in ectotherms. We hypothesize that the absence of tight physiological links between body mass and respiratory demands documented in ectotherms blurred our ability to detect the expected correlation. Further exploration of the evolution of diving physiology may well necessitate adopting novel perspectives to encompass both ectothermic and endothermic modes.
Barn swallow chicks beg more loudly when broodmates are unrelated
Authors: BONCORAGLIO G. , SAINO N. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractParents of a variety of animal species distribute critical resources among their offspring according to the intensity of begging displays. Kin selection theory predicts that offspring behave more selfishly in monopolizing parental care as relatedness with competitors declines. We cross‐fostered two eggs between barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) clutches and compared the loudness of begging between mixed and control broods under normal feeding conditions and after a period of food deprivation. Begging loudness was higher in mixed broods under normal but not poor feeding conditions. Survival was reduced in mixed than control broods. Call features varied according to parentage, possibly serving as a cue for self‐referent phenotype matching in mixed broods. This is the first evidence within a vertebrate species that competitive behaviour among broodmates depends on their relatedness. Thus, kin recognition and relatedness may be important determinants of communication among family members, care allocation and offspring viability in barn swallows.
A comparison between desert and Mediterranean antlion populations: differences in life history and morphology
Authors: SCHARF I. , FILIN I. , GOLAN M. , BUCHSHTAV M. , SUBACH A. , OVADIA O. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe performed a transplant experiment to compare the life histories and morphologies of five geographically representative antlionMyrmeleon hyalinuspopulations along a sharp climatic gradient, from a Mediterranean climate in Israel’s north to a desert climate in the south. Larvae were raised in two environmental chambers simulating Mediterranean and desert climates to investigate the extent to which the different populations exhibit phenotypic plasticity. Along the north‐to‐south climatic gradient, we observed a gradient in body mass prior to pupation and in pupation rate. Mediterranean populations suffered higher mortality rate when exposed to desert conditions, whereas the mortality rate of desert populations was consistent between Mediterranean and desert conditions. Our results regarding body mass, pupation rate and mortality rate suggest that Mediterranean populations had a more flexible response compared with desert populations. An analysis of digital photographs was used to measure population morphological differences, which were usually indicative of a decrease in trait size along the north‐to‐south gradient. We show how climatic gradients translate into phenotypic differences in an antlion population and provide a morphometric tool to distinguish between instar stages.
Comparative study in stingless bees (Meliponini) demonstrates that nest entrance size predicts traffic and defensivity
Authors: COUVILLON M. J. , WENSELEERS T. , IMPERATRIZ‐FONSECA V. L. , NOGUEIRA‐NETO P. , RATNIEKS F. L. W. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractStingless bees (Meliponini) construct their own species‐specific nest entrance. The size of this entrance is under conflicting selective pressures. Smaller entrances are easier to defend; however, a larger entrance accommodates heavier forager traffic. Using a comparative approach with 26 species of stingless bees, we show that species with greater foraging traffic have significantly larger entrances. Such a strong correlation between relative entrance area and traffic across the different species strongly suggests a trade‐off between traffic and security. Additionally, we report on a significant trend for higher forager traffic to be associated with more guards and for those guards to be more aggressive. Finally, we discuss the nest entrance ofPartamona, known in Brazil as boca de sapo, or toad mouth, which has a wide outer entrance but a narrow inner entrance. This extraordinary design allows these bees to finesse the defensivity/traffic trade‐off.
A biochemical quality study of a pharmaceutically licenced coagulation active plasma (Octaplas®) thawed by the SAHARA‐III dry tempering system compared to the regular use of a water bath
Authors: Heger A. , Römisch J. , Svae T.‐E. 
Published: November 2007

Background and Objectives  The most common way to thaw frozen coagulation‐active plasma products for transfusion is the use of a water bath with good circulation at 30–37 °C. The aim of this study was to perform an extensive biochemical characterization of the pharmaceutically licenced solvent/detergent‐treated plasma, Octaplas®, thawed using the SAHARA‐III dry tempering system from the company Sarstedt GmbH, Austria. A regular water bath was used in parallel for comparison.Materials and Methods  Six batches Octaplas® with different blood groups were thawed in a water bath or using the SAHARA‐III dry tempering system in parallel. Thawed plasma was investigated on screening tests for blood coagulation, as well as on the activities of important coagulation factors and protease inhibitors. In addition, markers of activated coagulation and fibrinolysis were tested and von Willebrand factor multimeric analysis was performed.Results  There were neither significant differences in the blood coagulation parameters, coagulation factors, protease inhibitors, nor of markers of activated coagulation and fibrinolysis when Octaplas® thawed by the two different methods was tested. The von Willebrand factor analyses showed no influence on the overall profile of the multimeric pattern when using the SAHARA‐III dry tempering system.Conclusion  Octaplas® can be thawed using the SAHARA‐III dry tempering system without any negative influences on the demonstrated quality of this product. The SAHARA‐III dry tempering system enables standardized thawing and warming procedure. Furthermore, tempering of Octaplas® in the emergency unit or operating theatre, where no water baths can be utilized, is safe and can be fully endorsed.
A case study of occupational therapy managers in NSW: Roles, responsibilities and work satisfaction
Authors: Gamble Jane E. , Lincoln Michelle , Adamson Barbara 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground:  Job satisfaction has been shown to affect levels of staff retention and productivity, but few studies have been conducted on the work of occupational therapy managers and their job satisfaction. This study explores the roles and responsibilities of occupational therapy managers who are clinician‐managers or manager‐administrators, and sources of their work satisfaction. Methods:  A collective case study involved telephone interviews with 16 occupational therapy managers. Semistructured interview questions were based on an earlier discussion with a separate group of occupational therapy managers. Interview transcripts were analysed for emerging themes. Results:  There were no clear differences in the roles and responsibilities of the two types of managers (manager‐administrators and clinician‐managers); however, manager‐administrators tended to be responsible for larger numbers of staff. Managers reported that taking a clinical caseload is often at their own discretion. A common challenge for managers is the balancing of priorities as a clinician and a manager. Managing people was a common source of joy and sometimes a source of frustration. Mediating between staff and senior management and the need for budget control and efficiencies was an important aspect of managers’ work, as was their autonomy to make decisions. Conclusions:  Occupational therapy managers assume responsibilities consistent with clinician managers across disciplines. The main sources of work satisfaction related to people management particularly when staff were working effectively as a team and there was respect from senior management. Further research will confirm whether there are no obvious differences between clinician‐manager and manager‐administrators, and whether there are clear differences in work‐related frustration across sectors.
Occupational therapy services for adult neurological clients in Queensland and therapists’ use of telehealth to provide services
Authors: Hoffmann Tammy , Cantoni Nicola 
Published: November 2007

Background/Aim:  Occupational therapy is an important component of neurological rehabilitation. Clients in rural areas have fewer opportunities to receive rehabilitation than those in metropolitan areas. Telehealth is a potential method of closing these gaps in service delivery, although research into telehealth applications for neurological rehabilitation is extremely limited. To assist in the development of appropriate telehealth applications, this study aimed to identify the nature of occupational therapy services for neurological rehabilitation in areas of Queensland other than the capital city of Brisbane, the barriers to service delivery, and the current uses of various information and communication technologies among occupational therapists. Methods:  A self‐administered questionnaire was sent to occupational therapists working in adult neurological rehabilitation in all areas of Queensland other than the capital city of Brisbane. Contact details were obtained from OT AUSTRALIA Queensland. Results:  Responses were received from 39 eligible participants. The client's home was the most frequent setting in which participants saw clients. Home visits and modifications, equipment prescription, client/family education, and activities of daily living assessment and retraining were the most common interventions provided by participants. Frequently identified barriers to service provision included travelling distance to clients, large workloads and limited resources. Telephone, email, fax, the Internet and videoconferencing were available in most workplaces. Few participants used the Internet or videoconferencing for purposes other than continuing professional development. Conclusions:  Home‐based assessment and intervention appear to be frequent components of occupational therapy practice among therapists working in neurological rehabilitation. The use of telehealth to provide direct home‐based client services is currently limited, but should be explored as a possible solution to overcome some of the identified barriers to occupational therapy service provision for clients with neurological conditions in rural and remote areas.
Peroxiredoxin I protects gastric mucosa from oxidative injury induced by H. pylori infection
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Yanaka Akinori , Shibahara Takeshi , Matsui Hirofumi , Nakahara Akira , Yanagawa Toru , Warabi Eiji , Ishii Tetsuro , Hyodo Ichinosuke 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection enhances the production of reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite, thereby resulting in oxidative tissue damage. In this study, we examined the role of peroxiredoxin I (Prx I), a stress‐induced antioxidant enzyme, in protecting gastric mucosa from H. pylori‐induced gastric mucosal injury.Methods:  Wild type (Prx I+/+) and Prx I‐deficient type (Prx I–/–) mice were maintained for 2 to 12 months with or without infection of H. pylori, Sydney strain‐1. Gastric mucosal expression of Prx I was assessed by immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The degree of gastritis was evaluated by the updated Sydney system and by mucosal levels of inflammatory cytokines (MIP‐2, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α). Oxidative DNA injury and apoptosis were analyzed by mucosal level of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, and the number of apoptotic cells stained with a single‐stranded DNA antibody, respectively.Results:  H. pylori infection upregulated gastric mucosal Prx I expression in the Prx I+/+ but not the Prx I–/– mice. H. pylori infection also induced more severe gastritis and a more prominent increase in MIP level, more marked oxidative DNA injury, and apoptosis in the Prx I–/– than the Prx I+/+ mice. In the absence of H. pylori infection, no changes were demonstrated in gastric mucosa in either the Prx I+/+ or the Prx I−/− mice.Conclusion:  These data suggest that H. pylori infection upregulates gastric mucosal Prx I expression, and further, that Prx I plays an important role in gastric mucosal protection against oxidative injury induced by H. pylori infection.
Effect of a thrombin receptor (protease‐activated receptor 1,PAR‐1) gene polymorphism in chronic hepatitis C liver fibrosis
Authors: Martinelli Ana , Knapp Susanne , Anstee Quentin , Worku Mulugeta , Tommasi Anna , Zucoloto Sergio , Goldin Robert , Thursz Mark 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim: Tissue injury leads to activation of coagulation and generation of thrombin. Inhibition of thrombin receptor protease‐activated receptor 1 (PAR‐1) has been shown to reduce liver fibrosis in animals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect ofPAR‐1gene polymorphism on rate of liver fibrosis (RF) in chronic hepatitis C.Methods: Polymorphisms studied: C > T transition 1426 bp upstream of translation start site (‐1426C/T), 13 bp repeat of preceding ‐506 5′‐CGGCCGCGGGAAG‐3′ sequence (‐506I/D), and A > T transversion in intervening sequence (IVS) 14 bp upstream of exon‐2 start site (IVS‐14A/T). A total of 287 European and 90 Brazilian patients were studied.Results: 1426C/T polymorphism: There was a trend to higher RF in patients with the TT genotype (P = 0.06) and an association between genotype CC and slow fibrosis (P = 0.03) in Europeans. In males, RF was significantly higher in those with the TT genotype compared to CT (P = 0.003) and CC (P = 0.007). There was a significant association between TT and fast fibrosis (P = 0.04). This was confirmed in an independent cohort of Brazilians where RF was higher in TT than in CC (P = 0.03). Analysis of ‐506I/D showed no difference in RF and distribution of slow/fast fibrosis among different genotypes in both populations. Analysis of IVS‐14A/T showed no difference between genotypes.Conclusion: In conclusion, these findings suggest that PAR‐1 receptor polymorphisms influence the progression of liver fibrosis.
Malnutrition and hypermetabolism are not risk factors for the presence of hepatic encephalopathy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sörös Peter , Böttcher Joachim , Weissenborn Karin , Selberg Oliver , Müller Manfred J 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Hepatic encephalopathy is a frequent complication of cirrhosis. The present retrospective investigation was conducted to characterize metabolic alterations in cirrhotic patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy. We tested the hypothesis that reduced nutritional status or the degree of tissue catabolism are associated with the presence of hepatic encephalopathy.Methods:  We investigated 223 patients with histologically confirmed nonalcoholic cirrhosis without hepatic encephalopathy and with hepatic encephalopathy (grades 1–3). To assess liver function, nutritional status, and energy metabolism, a variety of biochemical and clinical tests were performed including anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and indirect calorimetry.Results:  Nutritional status and tissue catabolism were not significantly different between patients with and without hepatic encephalopathy.Conclusions:  Our data do not support the hypothesis that malnutrition or tissue catabolism are independent risk factors for the presence of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with nonalcoholic cirrhosis.
Relation between nitrogenase synthesis and activity in a marine unicellular diazotrophic strain, Gloeothece sp. 68DGA (Cyanophyte), grown under different light/dark regimens
Authors: Taniuchi Yukiko , Ohki Kaori 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYThe relationship between the abundance of nitrogenase and its activity was studied in the marine unicellular cyanobacterium Gloeothece sp. 68DGA cultured under different light/dark regimens. The Fe‐ and MoFe‐protein of nitrogenase and nitrogen (N2)‐fixing (acetylene reduction) activity were detected only during the dark phase when the cells were grown under a 12 h light/12 h dark cycle (12L/12D). Nitrogenase activity appeared about 4 h after entering the dark phase. Maximum nitrogenase activity occurred at around the middle of the dark phase, and the activity rapidly decreased to zero before the start of the light phase. The rapid decrease of nitrogenase activity and the Fe‐protein of nitrogenase near the end of the dark phase in 12L/12D were partly recovered by the addition of l‐methionine‐sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase. Diurnal oscillation of the abundance of nitrogenase was maintained in the first subjective dark phase (i.e. the period corresponding to the dark phase) after the cells were transferred from 12L/12D to continuous illumination. However, enzyme activity was detected only when photosynthetic oxygen (O2) evolution was completely suppressed by reducing the light intensity or by the addition of 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea. Nitrogenase always appeared in the cells about 16 h after starting the light phase, even when the 12L/12D cycle was modified by the addition or subtraction of a single 6 h period of light or dark. These results suggest the following: (i) N2‐fixation by Gloeothece sp. 68DGA is primarily regulated by an endogenous circadian oscillator at the level of nitrogenase synthesis. (ii) The endogenous circadian rhythm resets on a shift of the timing of the light phase. (iii) Nitrogenase activity is not always reflected in the presence of nitrogenase. (iv) The activity of nitrogenase is negatively regulated by fixed nitrogen and the concentration of ambient O2.
Grammephora peyssonnelioides gen. et sp. nov. (Rhodophyta, Rhodymeniaceae) from the Solomon Islands, South Pacific
Authors: N'Yeurt Antoine D. R. , Payri Claude E. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYA new genus and species of red alga in the Rhodymeniaceae, Grammephora peyssonnelioides, is described from both shallow and deepwater habitats in the Solomon Islands, South Pacific. The new genus and species is characterized by prostrate overlapping lobes with a strongly cartilaginous flexible texture, distinct surface linear markings perpendicular to the growing margins, and a compact three to four celled medulla of relatively small refractive cells. Tetrasporangia are elongate and decussately divided, and occur in large scattered dorsal surface sori. Cystocarps are prominent and conical, on the dorsal surface of the blade, with a network of nutritive filaments and basal nutritive tissue around the suspended, centrally located carposporophyte, with all gonimoblast initials becoming carposporangia. The columnar fusion cell is uniquely crowned by a ring of discoid cells of nonalgal origin.
Research note: Irradiance of photosynthetically active radiation determines ultraviolet‐susceptibility of photosynthesis in Ulva lactuca L.(Chlorophyta)
Authors: Fredersdorf Jana , Bischof Kai 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYThe respective ratio of photosynthetically active to ultraviolet radiation is of crucial importance to results obtained in ultraviolet (UV)‐research on photoautotrophic organisms. Specimens of the green macroalga Ulva lactuca L. were exposed to a constant irradiance of UV‐radiation at increasing irradiances of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The effects of experimental irradiance and spectral composition on photoinhibition of photosynthesis and its recovery were monitored by chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and the activity of the xanthophyll cycle was assessed by high performance liquid chromatography‐(HPLC) based pigment analysis. Results indicate a UV‐induced delay in recovery from PAR‐induced photoinhibition and a deceleration of violaxanthin conversion within the xanthophyll cycle due to the presence of UV‐radiation. Also the concentration of the protective pigment lutein increased considerably and could be indicative of the existence of an additional light‐protective mechanism, as, for example, the lutein‐epoxid cycle in Ulva. In total, results clearly show that the extent of UV‐induced inhibition of photosynthesis to be found in UV‐exposure experiments is highly dependent on the irradiance of background photosynthetically active radiation: with increasing irradiance of PAR the UV‐effects were diminished. Exemplified by the green algae Ulva lactuca this study demonstrates the crucial importance of the ratios of PAR:UV applied in UV‐research, particularly when conducting laboratory experiments in an ecological context.