bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory effect of yoghurt in an experimental inflammatory bowel disease in mouse
Authors: Gobbato Nadia , Rachid Mirta , Perdigón Gabriela 
Published: November 2008

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; Crohn′s disease and ulcerative colitis) is the clinical outcome of three interactive pathogenic factors: genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers and immune dis-regulation. At present, only the immune response is targeted by most therapeutic or preventive strategies. The beneficial effect of yoghurt on health as well as its immunomodulator effect on the gut immune system is well documented. The aim of this work was to study the possible beneficial effects of yoghurt consumption on an experimental model of IBD in mice. Balb/c mice were fed with yoghurt for 10 consecutive days. At the end of the feeding period the mice received three inoculations of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) solutions once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. After TNBS instillation the mice received yoghurt again for 10 consecutive days. IBD control received only TNBS. After treatments we analysed the number of IgA–secreting cells, CD4+, CD8+ T cells population and the number of apoptotic cells in the large intestine. The number of erythrocytes and leucocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was also determined. We demonstrated the antinflammatory effect of yoghurt in an experimental model of IBD induced by TNBS. The effect was mediated by an increase in the number of the IgA+cells, a decrease in CD8+ population and by the induction of apoptosis of the infiltrative cells in the large intestine.
Relationships between luteal activity, fertility, blood metabolites and body condition score in multiparous Estonian Holstein dairy cows under different management
Authors: Samarütel Jaak , Waldmann Andres , Ling Katri , Jaakson Hanno , Kaart Tanel , Leesmäe Andres , Kärt Olav 
Published: November 2008

The objective was to compare the relationships between luteal activity and fertility, and relate these parameters to metabolic indices and body condition changes in multiparous Estonian Holstein cows on two commercial dairy farms under different management and levels of production and nutrition (higher, H, n=54 (71 lactations) and lower, L, n=39 (39 lactations)). For statistical analysis cows were categorized according to their milk progesterone (P4) profiles as follows: normal ovarian function; delayed start of cyclicity (DC) (interval from calving to first luteal response (P4⩾5 ng/ml up to and more than 50 d respectively, followed by regular cyclicity); cessation of luteal activity (prolonged interluteal interval, P4<5 ng/ml, with a duration of ⩾14 d between two adjacent luteal phases); prolonged luteal activity (P4 levels ⩾5 ng/ml for ⩾20 d without preceding insemination). The Mixed procedure of the SAS system was used to compare milk production traits, blood metabolites (ketone bodies, non-esterified fatty acids, total cholesterol) and aspartate aminotransferase, body condition scores (BCS) and fertility parameters between the two farms, and also fertility parameters between the farms within P4 categories. Differences in milk fat/protein ratio, ketone body levels and BCS indicated a deeper negative energy balance (NEB) during the first month after calving on farm L. On both farms nearly 50% of the recently calved dairy cows suffered from ovarian dysfunction during the post-partum period. Delayed start of cyclicity was the most prevalent abnormal P4 profile, 25% and 28% on farms H and L, respectively. Prolonged luteal activity accounted for one-third of atypical ovarian patterns on farm H, and cessation of luteal activity on farm L. On farm L, DC cows had lower BCS values from day 10 to day 90 after calving compared with normal cows (P<0·01) and cows lost more BCS (1·2 units) during the 40 d after calving than normal resumption cows (0·75 units; P<0·05). On farm H with moderate NEB the delayed start of ovulation post partum did not impair subsequent reproductive performance.
1st INCF Workshop on Needs for Training in Neuroinformatics
Authors: Willshaw David 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe INCF workshop on Needs for Training in Neuroinformatics was organized by the INCF National Node of the UK. The scope of the workshop was to provide as overview of the current state of neuroinformatics training and recommendations for future provision of training. The report presents a summary of the workshop discussions and recommendations to the INCF.
An evolving protocol to identify key stakeholder-influenced indicators of coastal change: the case of Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Vella Prassede , Bowen Robert E. , Frankic Anamarija 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Vella, P., Bowen, R. E., and Frankic, A. 2009. An evolving protocol to identify key stakeholder-influenced indicators of coastal change: the case of Marine Protected Areas. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 203–213. In recent years, there has been a growing realization of the need to protect and conserve degrading environments. This can only be achieved through integrated management of environmental protection and the rational use of living and non-living resources. However, no management plan that aims at sustainable development can be successful unless the human factor is included. The concept of ecosystem-based management considers socio-economic issues in evaluating management effectiveness. In this paper, we present a method for selecting and prioritizing socio-economic indicators, using a bottom-up approach involving stakeholder input. This technique is developed further to measure the effectiveness of integrated coastal management, using a Marine Protected Area (MPA) as an example. Stakeholder input is essential at an early stage to ensure MPA management success, providing the opportunity to include public participation and ensure community support. This paper presents a transparent and adaptable indicator ranking protocol and evaluative rules, ensuring that an ecosystem-based approach can be more effectively implemented.
Independent Losses of Function in a Polyphenol Oxidase in Rice: Differentiation in Grain Discoloration between Subspecies and the Role of Positive Selection under Domestication
Authors: Yu Yanchun , Tang Tian , Qian Qian , Wang Yonghong , Yan Meixian , Zeng Dali , Han Bin , Wu Chung-I , Shi Suhua , Li Jiayang 
Published: November 2008

AbstractAsian rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars originated from wild rice and can be divided into two subspecies by several criteria, one of which is the phenol reaction (PHR) phenotype. Grains of indica cultivars turn brown in a phenol solution that accelerates a similar process that occurs during prolonged storage. By contrast, the grains of japonica do not discolor. This distinction may reflect the divergent domestication of these two subspecies. The PHR is controlled by a single gene, Phr1; here, we report the cloning of Phr1, which encodes a polyphenol oxidase. The Phr1 gene is indeed responsible for the PHR phenotype, as transformation with a functional Phr1 can complement a PHR negative cultivar. Phr1 is defective in all japonica lines but functional in nearly all indica and wild strains. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the defects in Phr1 arose independently three times. The multiple recent origins and rapid spread of phr1 in japonica suggest the action of positive selection, which is further supported by several population genetic tests. This case may hence represent an example of artificial selection driving the differentiation among domesticated varieties.
Elevated FOSB‐expression; a potential marker of valproate sensitivity in AML
Authors: Khanim Farhat L. , Bradbury Charlotte A. , Arrazi Julie , Hayden Rachel E. , Rye Adam , Basu Supratik , MacWhannell Alan , Sawers Alistair , Griffiths Michael , Cook Mark , Freeman Sylvie , Nightingale Karl P. , Grimwade David , Falciani Francesco , Turner Bryan M. , Bunce Chris M. , Craddock Charles 
Published: November 2008

SummaryHistone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) are emerging as valuable new agents in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). However, since response rates to these agents alone are low, we sought to identify markers associated with responsiveness. In a trial of 20 patients treated with the HDI sodium valproate (VPA) in combination with all trans retinoic acid and theophylline, three patients responded clinically with one complete remission (CR) and two partial remissions. The in vivo response of the CR patient was mirrored by high in vitro sensitivity of their blasts to VPA, indicating that similar factors determine both in vivo and in vitro sensitivity. Microarray analysis of the primary AMLs and a panel of haemato‐lymphoid cell lines, with a similar range of VPA sensitivities as the primary leukaemic blasts, identified elevated FOSB‐expression as a potential marker of VPA sensitivity. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed overexpression of FOSB in the CR patient blasts compared to patients failing to achieve CR, and in a subset of a larger panel of AML samples. Overexpression of FOSB in K562 myeloid cells significantly increased in vitro sensitivity to VPA. Thus, we propose that FOSB is a novel, potential marker of VPA sensitivity in AML.
Identification of protamine 1 as a novel cancer‐testis antigen in early chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Meklat Farouk , Zhang Yana , Shahriar Masum , Ahmed Sharif U. , Li Wei , Voukkalis Nikolaos , Wang Zhiqing , Zhang Jian , Mastulov Suhkrob , Jewell Andrew , Giannakouros Thomas , Lim Seah H. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryEarly chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is an ideal disease for immunotherapy. We previously showed that SEMG 1 is a cancer‐testis (CT) antigen in CLL. In this study, SEMG 1 was applied as the bait in a yeast two‐hybrid system of a testicular cDNA library. Seven clones were isolated and Protamine (Prm) 1 was identified as a novel CT antigen in early CLL.PRM1transcripts were detected in 11/41 (26·8%) patients. Prm 1 protein was also expressed but heterogeneously within individual patients. Of the 11 patients expressing Prm 1, four expressed Zap 70 protein and seven did not. These results, therefore, indicate that Prm 1 could potentially be a suitable target for the design of tumour vaccine for patients with early CLL, including for those with poor risk CLL. High titres of Prm 1 IgG antibodies could be detected in 20 of these 41 CLL patients but not in any of the 20 healthy donors (P = 0·0001), suggesting the presence of Prm 1‐reactive immune responses within the immune repertoire of patients with early CLL. Further work is warranted, especially in approaches to upregulate Prm 1 expression, and to determine the role of Prm 1 as an immunotherapeutic target for early CLL.
An energy balance from absorbed photons to new biomass for Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Chlamydomonas acidophila under neutral and extremely acidic growth conditions
Authors: LANGNER UWE , JAKOB TORSTEN , STEHFEST KATJA , WILHELM CHRISTIAN 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT Chlamydomonas is one of the most well‐studied photosynthetic organisms that had important biotechnological potential for future bioproductions of biofuels. However, an energy balance from incident photons to the energy stored in the new biomass is still lacking. In this study, we applied a recently developed system to measure the energy balance for steady state growth of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii grown at pH 6.5, and C. acidophila that was grown at pH 6.5 and 2.6. Energy use efficiency was quantified on the basis of light absorption, photosynthetic quantum yield, photosynthetic and respiratory quotient, and electron partitioning into proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. The results showed that lower growth rates of C. acidophila under both pH conditions were not caused by the differences in the photosynthetic quantum yield or in alternative electron cycling, but rather by differences in the efficiency of light absorption and increased dark respiration. Analysis of the macromolecular composition of the cells during the light phase showed that C. acidophila uses biosynthetic electrons preferentially for carbohydrate synthesis but not for synthesis of lipids. This led to a strong diurnal cycle of the C/N ratio and could explain the higher dark respiration of C. acidophila compared with C. reinhardtii.
Nitrogen in cell walls of sclerophyllous leaves accounts for little of the variation in photosynthetic nitrogen‐use efficiency
Authors: HARRISON MATTHEW T. , EDWARDS EVERARD J. , FARQUHAR GRAHAM D. , NICOTRA ADRIENNE B. , EVANS JOHN R. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTPhotosynthetic rate per unit nitrogen generally declines as leaf mass per unit area (LMA) increases. To determine how much of this decline was associated with allocating a greater proportion of leaf nitrogen into cell wall material, we compared two groups of plants. The first group consisted of two species from each of eight genera, all of which were perennial evergreens growing in the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG). The second group consisted of seven Eucalyptus species growing in a greenhouse. The percentage of leaf biomass in cell walls was independent of variation in LMA within any genus, but varied from 25 to 65% between genera. The nitrogen concentration of cell wall material was 0.4 times leaf nitrogen concentration for all species apart from Eucalyptus, which was 0.6 times leaf nitrogen concentration. Between 10 and 30% of leaf nitrogen was recovered in the cell wall fraction, but this was independent of LMA. No trade‐off was observed between nitrogen associated with cell walls and the nitrogen allocated to ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). Variation in photosynthetic rate per unit nitrogen could not be explained by variation in cell wall nitrogen.
Multifocal cutaneous and systemic plasmablastic lymphoma in an infant with combined living donor small bowel and liver transplant
Authors: Apichai Seema , Rogalska Agnieszka , Tzvetanov Ivo , Asma Zeenath , Benedetti Enrico , Gaitonde Sujata 
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Small bowel allograft recipients have a relatively high risk (approximately 20%) of developing PTLD. Onset of PTLD is usually soon after transplant (median of eight months). Children are at a higher risk than adults. Although PBL was originally described in 1997 by Delecluse et al. as a human immunodeficiency virus‐associated neoplasm typically presenting in the oral cavity, it is now recognized as a PTLD. We describe an unusual and interesting case and to our knowledge the first case of an infant who developed diffuse multifocal cutaneous and systemic PBL shortly after small bowel and liver transplant. We report a case of a 14‐month‐old female child who received a small bowel and liver transplant from her father. She had excellent graft function with no rejection episodes. Five months post‐transplant she developed a sudden gastrointestinal bleed and was noted to have a constantly rising EBV titer despite ongoing maximal antiviral therapy. A patchy erythematous rash was noted on her abdomen that was diagnosed as PBL–PTLD. By the time of this diagnosis, she had developed multiorgan failure unresponsive to therapy.
A selection tool for freezing tolerance in common wheat using the fast chlorophyll a fluorescence transient
Authors: Rapacz M. , Woźniczka A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe analysis of fast chlorophyll fluorescence induction kinetics in dark‐adapted leaves (JIP‐test) is proposed as a rapid method for evaluating freezing tolerance in wheat. Wheat leaves were detached from the plants of 40 cultivars grown in an open‐field in Smolice, during December and March of winters 2004/2005 and 2005/2006, transferred to laboratory in Krakow and frozen in −15°C. Next, measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence were taken. The correlation coefficients between the JIP‐test parameters with freezing tolerance data obtained in multiple field‐laboratory studies, varied between 0.58 and 0.70 depending on sampling time and parameter measured. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameter, which can always be used for the screening of freezing tolerance in the method described here, is the performance index (PI), which characterizes the overall energy flow efficiency in photosystem II (PSII). The results indicate, that the technique proposed here can be useful for freezing tolerance screening in plant breeding programmes. However, this method seems to be a more reliable tool in the selection of freezing tolerant germplasm, than for discarding freezing susceptible materials.
Analysis of placenta vascularization in patients with uterine altered artery Doppler flow velocity exams
Authors: Gilio Daniel Bruno , Miranda Corrêa Rosana Rosa , De Oliveira Guimarães Camila Souza , Peres Luiz Cesar , Marques Salge Ana Karina , Cavellani Camila Lourencini , De Paula Antunes Teixeira Vicente , Da Cunha Castro Eumenia Costa 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackground:  One of the frequent questions in obstetric practice is to determine placental vascular changes that may account for abnormal Doppler flow velocity alterations in maternal uterine vessels from women and fetuses without pregnancy pathology.Methods:  A retrospective morphometric study was realized using 27 placentas from patients submitted for Doppler flow velocity exam during pregnancy. The placentas were morphologically examined using hematoxylin–eosin staining. Measurements of villi were made with the use of a video camera coupled to a common light microscope and a computer with automatic image analyzing software.Results:  Of the 27 placentas, 13 (48%) were of patients showing unaltered Doppler and 14 (52%) showing altered Doppler. The number of stem villi vessels was significantly larger in the placentas of patients with Doppler exam alterations (P = 0.003). This group also presented greater stem villi vessel thickness, although without significant difference. The number of intermediary and terminal villi vessels was greater in the placentas of patients with altered Doppler exams (P < 0.001), and a greater terminal villi area was observed in these cases (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  The morphological proof that uterine artery Doppler flow velocity exam alterations are associated with placental vascular alterations demonstrates the importance of this exam during prenatal care, even in the absence of maternal–fetal alterations.
A case of congenital toxoplasmosis whose mother demonstrated serum low IgG avidity and positive tests for multiplex‐nested PCR in the amniotic fluid
Authors: Nishikawa Akira , Yamada Hideto , Yamamoto Tomohiro , Mizue Yuka , Akashi Yushi , Hayashi Takumi , Nihei Takehito , Nishiwaki Morie , Nishihira Jun 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe encountered a woman whose infant developed congenital toxoplasmosis. Serum Toxoplasma gondii antibody titers (320×) at 12 weeks of gestation increased to 5120× at 25 weeks. Toxoplasma immunoglobulin M was 2.8 index, and immunoglobulin G avidity index was 23%. Cyclic administration of acetylspiramycin was maintained from 22 weeks until delivery. Multiplex‐nested polymerase chain reaction of maternal blood and amniotic fluid at 28 weeks both tested positive for Toxoplasma DNA. A male neonate weighing 2916 g was born at 38 weeks via cesarean section. No abnormalities were detected by physical and funduscopic examinations, whereas a head computed tomography of the neonate revealed three independent intracranial calcifications. The infant underwent therapy with pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine for one year. Serum titers of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were all less than cut‐off values between 5 and 12 months after birth, but all increased up to positive levels 18 months after birth.
Elucidating the nutritional dynamics of fungi using stable isotopes
Authors: Mayor Jordan R. , Schuur Edward A. G. , Henkel Terry W. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMycorrhizal and saprotrophic (SAP) fungi are essential to terrestrial element cycling due to their uptake of mineral nutrients and decomposition of detritus. Linking these ecological roles to specific fungi is necessary to improve our understanding of global nutrient cycling, fungal ecophysiology, and forest ecology. Using discriminant analyses of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) isotope values from 813 fungi across 23 sites, we verified collector‐based categorizations as either ectomycorrhizal (ECM) or SAP in > 91% of the fungi, and provided probabilistic assignments for an additional 27 fungi of unknown ecological role. As sites ranged from boreal tundra to tropical rainforest, we were able to show that fungal δ13C (26 sites) and δ15N (32 sites) values could be predicted by climate or latitude as previously shown in plant and soil analyses. Fungal δ13C values are likely reflecting differences in C‐source between ECM and SAP fungi, whereas 15N enrichment of ECM fungi relative to SAP fungi suggests that ECM fungi are consistently delivering 15N depleted N to host trees across a range of ecosystem types.
Bacterial pleomorphism and competition in a relative humidity gradient
Authors: De Goffau Marcus C. , Yang Xiaomei , Van Dijl Jan Maarten , Harmsen Hermie J. M. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe response of different bacterial species to reduced water availability was studied using a simple relative humidity gradient technique. Interestingly, distinct differences in morphology and growth patterns were observed between populations of the same species growing at different relative humidity. Gram‐positive cocci increased in cell size as they approached humidity growth limits and staphylococcal species started growing in tetrad/cubical formations instead of their normal grape‐like structures. Gram‐negative rods displayed wave‐like patterns, forming larger waves as they became increasingly filamentous at low humidity. In contrast, cells of the Gram‐positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis became shorter, curved, and eventually almost coccoid. Moreover, B. subtilis started to sporulate at low humidity. The altered morphology and/or growth patterns of bacteria growing at low humidity might be more ecologically relevant than their textbook appearance at high humidity since their natural habitats are often dry. Transmission electron microscopic analyses revealed that staphylococci grown at low humidity have significantly thickened cell walls, which may explain why these cells displayed increased resistance to vancomycin. We conclude that our relative humidity gradient technique is widely applicable for investigating effects of relative humidity on microbial survival, growth and competitive success at solid–air interfaces, making it a versatile tool in microbial ecology.
The skull ofVanzosaura rubricauda(Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae)
Authors: Guerra Cecilia , Montero Ricardo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA detailed description of the cranial osteology and chondrocranium ofVanzosaura rubricaudais made based both on articulated and partially disarticulated material of dry skeletons and cleared and stained specimens, and is compared with other previously studied gymnophthalmids. Some features ofVanzosauraare interesting, such as the reduction of the supratemporal fenestrae, that may reflect a process of miniaturization, and the fusion of the occipital bones in a single oto‐occipital complex with no evident sutures. Based on the anatomical evidence, the skull ofVanzosaurais interpreted as amphikinetic.
Abdominoscrotal Hydrocelein Infancy
Authors: SQUIRE R. , GOUGH D. C. S. 
Published: November 2008

Summary— Abdominoscrotal hydrocele is the primary cause of a lower abdominal cystic tumour in association with an inguinoscrotal hydrocele in infancy. Treatment is surgical, with excision of all elements of the hydrocele sac through an inguinal skin crease incision.We discuss the aetiological theories in the light of our surgical experience in three cases and we report the first bilateral case.