bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum and liver iron concentration in dogs with experimentally induced hepatopathy
Authors: SOUBASIS NEKTARIOS , RALLIS TIMOLEON S , VLEMMAS JOHN , ADAMAMA‐MORAITOU KATERINA K , ROUBIES NIKOLAOS , PRASSINOS NIKITAS N , BRELLOU GEORGIA 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Iron (Fe) status is altered in human and experimental animal hepatopathies. In dogs limited data are available. The aim of this study was to investigate serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), percentage transferrin saturation (SAT) and Fe status in the liver of dogs with experimentally induced hepatopathy.Methods:  Fourteen 1‐year‐old dogs were divided into two equal groups. In order for hepatopathy to be induced, 0.25 mL/kg body weight of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) solution was administered once daily, orally, for a 10‐week period in group B dogs, while group A dogs were used as controls. SI, TIBC and SAT values were measured 3 times before the beginning (baseline value) and 10 times at weekly intervals during the experiment. Liver samples, obtained before the administration of CCl4 and at the end of the experimental period (10 weeks), were subjected to Fe determination, as well as to histopathological and histochemical analysis.Results:  At the end of the experiment SI, TIBC and liver iron concentration, as well as liver total iron score were significantly increased in group B dogs. Distribution of granular hemosiderin iron in hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and portal triads was noticed. Positive correlations were found between SI and liver Fe concentration, as well as histochemically determined Fe. Moreover, positive correlations were evident between liver fibrosis and serum, as well as liver Fe values.Conclusions:  Experimentally induced chronic hepatopathy in dogs causes Fe status disturbances. Increased serum and liver iron concentration produces liver histopathological deterioration and it may be worth attention during laboratory evaluation in canine hepatopathy.
Photorhabdus luminescens toxin‐induced permeability change in Manduca sexta and Tenebrio molitor midgut brush border membrane and in unilamellar phospholipid vesicle
Authors: Liu Wei , Ye Wanhui , Wang Zhangming , Wang Xiaorong , Tian Shiyao , Cao Honglin , Lian Jiyu 
Published: December 2005

Abstract Photorhabdus luminescens, a Gram‐negative bacterium, secretes a protein toxin (PL toxin) that is toxic to insects. In this study, the effects of the PL toxin on large receptor‐free unilamellar phospholipid vesicles (LUVs) of Manduca sexta and on brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs) of M. sexta and Tenebrio molitor were examined. Cry1Ac served as a positive control in our experiments due to its known channel‐forming activity on M. sexta. Voltage clamping assays with dissected midguts of M. sexta and T. molitor clearly showed that both Cry1Ac and PL toxin caused channel formation in the midguts, although channel formation was not detected for T. molitor midguts under Cry1Ac and it was less sensitive to PL toxin than to Cry1Ac for M. sexta midguts. Calcein release experiments showed that both toxins made LUVs (unilamellar lipid vesicles) permeable, and at some concentrations of the toxins such permeabilizing effects were pH‐dependent. The lowest concentrations of PL toxin were more than 600‐fold and 24‐fold lower to induce BBMV permeability of T. molitor and M. sexta than those to induce calcein release from LUVs of M. sexta. These further support that PL toxin is responsible for channel formation in the larvae midguts. The lower concentration to induce permeability in BBMV than in LUV is, probably, attributable to that BBMV has PL toxin receptors that facilitate the toxin to induce permeabilization. Furthermore, our results indicate that the effects of PL toxin on BBMV permeability of M. sexta were not significantly influenced by Gal Nac, but those of Cry1Ac were. This implies that PL toxin and Cry1Ac might use different molecular binding sites in BBMV to cause channel formation.
Numbers and locations of native bacteria on field‐grown wheat roots quantified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
Authors: Watt Michelle , Hugenholtz Philip , White Rosemary , Vinall Kerry 
Published: December 2005

SummaryNative bacteria, Pseudomonas and filamentous bacteria were quantified and localized on wheat roots grown in the field using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Seminal roots were sampled through the season from unploughed soil in a conservation farming system. Such soils are spatially heterogeneous, and many roots grow slowly through hard soil with cracks and pores containing dead roots remnant from previous crops. Root and rhizosphere morphology, and contact with soil particles were preserved, and autofluorescence was avoided by observing sections in the far‐red with Cy5 and Cy5.5 fluorochromes. Spatial analyses showed that bacteria were embedded in a stable matrix (biofilm) within 11 µm of the root surface (range 2–30 µm) and were clustered on 40% of roots. Half the clusters colocated with axial grooves between epidermal cells, soil particles, cap cells or root hairs; the other half were not associated with visible features. Across all wheat roots, although variable, bacteria averaged 15.4 × 105 cells per mm3 rhizosphere, and of these, Pseudomonas and filaments comprised 10% and 4%, respectively, with minor effects of sample time, and no effect of plant age. Root caps were most heavily colonized by bacteria along roots, and elongation zones least heavily colonized. Pseudomonas varied little with root development and were 17% of bacteria on the elongation zone. Filamentous bacteria were not found on the elongation zone. The most significant factor to rhizosphere populations along a wheat root, however, was contact with dead root remnants, where Pseudomonas were reduced but filaments increased to 57% of bacteria (P < 0.001). This corresponded with analyses of root remnants showing they were heavily colonized by bacteria, with 48% filaments (P < 0.001) and 1.4%Pseudomonas (P = 0.014). Efforts to manage rhizosphere bacteria for sustainable agricultural systems should continue to focus on root cap and mucilage chemistry, and remnant roots as sources of beneficial bacteria.
Changes in equine hindgut bacterial populations during oligofructose‐induced laminitis
Authors: Milinovich G. J. , Trott D. J. , Burrell P. C. , Van Eps A. W. , Thoefner M. B. , Blackall L. L. , Al Jassim R. A. M. , Morton J. M. , Pollitt C. C. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryIn the horse, carbohydrate overload is thought to play an integral role in the onset of laminitis by drastically altering the profile of bacterial populations in the hindgut. The objectives of this study were to develop and validate microbial ecology methods to monitor changes in bacterial populations throughout the course of experimentally induced laminitis and to identify the predominant oligofructose‐utilizing organisms. Laminitis was induced in five horses by administration of oligofructose. Faecal specimens were collected at 8 h intervals from 72 h before to 72 h after the administration of oligofructose. Hindgut microbiota able to utilize oligofructose were enumerated throughout the course of the experiment using habitat‐simulating medium. Isolates were collected and representatives identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The majority of these isolates collected belonged to the genusStreptococcus, 91% of which were identified as being most closely related toStreptococcus infantariusssp.coli. Furthermore,S. infantariusssp.coliwas the predominant oligofructose‐utilizing organism isolated before the onset of lameness. Fluorescencein situhybridization probes developed to specifically target the isolatedStreptococcusspp. demonstrated marked population increases between 8 and 16 h post oligofructose administration. This was followed by a rapid population decline which corresponded with a sharp decline in faecal pH and subsequently lameness at 24–32 h post oligofructose administration. This research suggests that streptococci within theStreptococcus bovis/equinuscomplex may be involved in the series of events which precede the onset of laminitis in the horse.
Glycaemic control without weight gain in insulin requiring type 2 diabetes: 1‐year results of the GAME regimen
Authors: De Boer H. , Keizers R. , Jansen M. , Verschoor L. , Ruineman‐Koerts J. 
Published: December 2005

Introduction:  Weight gain appears to be unavoidable in patients with type 2 diabetes who are switched from oral agents to insulin therapy. Peripheral hyperinsulinism induced by the use of long‐acting insulin may be the key to explain this adverse effect.Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate whether a regimen free of long‐acting insulin can provide long‐term glycaemic control without causing weight gain.Patients and methods:  This is an uncontrolled, 1‐year study comprising 58 patients with type 2 diabetes and secondary failure, age 30–75 years, BMI 25–35 kg/m2, HbA1c > 7.5% and fasting C‐peptide level > 0.3 mmol/l. All patients were treated with the GAME regimen, a combination of glimepiride administered at 20:00 hours for nocturnal glycaemic control, insulin aspart three times daily for meal‐related glucose control and metformin.Results:  Seventy‐one per cent of the patients were considered evaluable. HbA1c decreased from 10.0 ± 0.3 to 7.4 ± 0.1% (p < 0.001). Fifty‐nine per cent reached HbA1c levels ≤ 7.5%. Symptomatic nocturnal hypoglycaemia was not reported. Body weight tended to decrease during the first 3 months (−1.0 ± 0.5 kg, p = 0.06), but then gradually rose to a value 0.8 ± 0.5 kg higher than at baseline (p = 0.12). This is 4.4 ± 0.6 kg less than predicted for conventional regimens employing long‐acting insulin (p < 0.001).Conclusion:  The GAME regimen provides long‐term glycaemic control as well as stabilization of body weight in about 60% of type 2 patients presenting with secondary failure.
The visceral and subcutaneous fat changes in type 1 diabetes: a pilot study
Authors: Jacob A. N. , Adams‐Huet B. , Raskin P. 
Published: December 2005

Objective:  To evaluate the effects of improved glycaemic control on the abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat in type 1 diabetes.Research Design and Methods:  Sixteen subjects were enrolled for this 6‐month study. The goal was to achieve normal haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c <5.6% in our laboratory). T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure the abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat areas at the L2–L3 disk level. Activity and energy intake were assessed using a weekly recall and food diary respectively. Plasma leptin, ghrelin and adiponectin levels were measured at baseline and at 6 months.Results:  Twelve subjects completed the study. HbA1c was 10.4 ± 2.2% at baseline, and abdominal visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio was 0.29 ± 0.15. HbA1c dropped to 8.0 ± 1.4% at 6 months (p = 0.009). There was a +1.85 kg weight change in 6 months (p = 0.30), whereas the visceral to subcutaneous fat ratios changed to 0.36 ± 0.18 (p = 0.22). Daily metabolic equivalents (METs) of activity at 6 months correlated with a decrease in the visceral to subcutaneous fat ratios (r = −0.80, p = 0.01). Ghrelin level changes correlated negatively with the changes in the visceral to subcutaneous fat ratio (p < 0.01).Conclusions:  The visceral to subcutaneous fat changes had a negative correlation with the physical activity METs at 6 months but not with HbA1c changes in this study. The correlation between the changes in ghrelin and the visceral to subcutaneous fat ratios is intriguing, but a larger study may be needed to confirm this finding.
Leaf water content and palisade cell size
Authors: Canny M. J. , Huang C. X. 
Published: December 2005

Summary

The palisade cell sizes in leaves of Eucalyptus pauciflora were estimated in paradermal sections of cryo‐fixed leaves imaged in the cryo‐scanning electron microscope, as a quantity called the cell area fraction (CAF).
Cell sizes were measured in detached leaves as a function of leaf water content, in intact leaves in the field during a day"s transpiration as a function of balance pressure of adjacent leaves, and on leaf disks equilibrated with air of relative humidities from 100 to 58%.
Values of CAF ranged from 0.82 at saturation to approx. 0.3 in leaves dried to a relative water content (RWC) of 0.5, and in the field to approx. 0.58 at 15 bar (1.5 MPa) balance pressure. At a CAF of 0.58, the moisture content of the cell walls is in equilibrium with air at 90% relative humidity, which is the estimated relative humidity in the intercellular spaces.
It is shown that at this moisture content, the cell walls could be exerting a pressure of approx. 50 bar on the cell contents.
Microbial activity in biogeochemical gradients – new aspects of research
Authors: KAPPLER A. , EMERSON D. , EDWARDS K. , AMEND J. P. , GRALNICK J. A. , GRATHWOHL P. , HOEHLER T. , STRAUB K. L. 
Published: December 2005

ABSTRACTIn April 2004, the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) co‐organized a meeting for US and German junior geoscientists in Washington DC. As an outcome of this Research Conference titled ‘Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Life’, a follow‐up workshop took place in May 2005 at the Eberhard‐Karls University of Tuebingen in Germany. This workshop covered new aspects of research to improve the understanding of steep biogeochemical gradients covering pH changes, redox zones, as well as solute and particulate concentration variations in aqueous systems. Detailed understanding of biogeochemistry in this context delivers new fundamental aspects in interdisciplinary research. Such work is also urgently needed to control ever‐increasing scarcity of water that is to large parts driven by decreasing water quality. Research ideas on gradients in a biogeochemical context that were discussed by a subgroup of biogeochemists during that workshop are summarized and presented here.
Anti‐inflammatory effect of licofelone against various inflammatory challenges
Authors: Singh Vijay Pal , Patil Chandrashekhar S. , Kulkarni Shrinivas K. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe investigated the pharmacological profile of licofelone [6‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐2,2‐dimethyl‐7‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrrolizine‐5‐acetic acid] against different inflammogens. The anti‐inflammatory and anti‐hyperalgesic effect of licofelone (2, 30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) against all the challenges was statistically significant (P < 0.05) when compared with control and indomethacin (10 mg/kg, p.o.). The ED50 value of 19.1 mg/kg (onset by 2 h, duration: short), 13.0 mg/kg and 16.8 mg/kg (onset by 1 h, duration: long) was observed for licofelone against carrageenan‐, arachidonic acid‐ and bradykinin‐induced paw oedema, respectively. Similarly, licofelone showed ED50 value of 47.6 mg/kg (onset by 1 h, duration: long), 92.2 mg/kg (onset by 1 h, duration: medium), and 78.6 mg/kg (onset by 2 h, duration: medium) against carrageenan‐, arachidonic acid‐ and bradykinin‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia, respectively. The rank order of potency based on percent inhibition and percent reversal against inflammation and mechanical hyperalgesia, respectively, was found to be licofelone > indomethacin. Moreover, licofelone (10–100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P < 0.05) and dose‐dependently prevented the Freund's adjuvant‐induced increased vascularity in mice (vascularity index; 10 mg/kg: 0.059 ± 0.015; 20 mg/kg: 0.048 ± 0.004; 30 mg/kg: 0.039 ± 0.012; 100 mg/kg: 0.025 ± 0.015 vs. control: 0.0285 ± 0.003). Furthermore, the results suggested that dual inhibitors of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase like licofelone provide an effective control of inflammation and hyperalgesia against acute inflammation/hyperalgesia in rats and mice.
Hypervitaminosis A‐induced liver fibrosis: stellate cell activation and daily dose consumption
Authors: Nollevaux M.‐C. , Guiot Y. , Horsmans Y. , Leclercq I. , Rahier J. , Geubel A.P. , Sempoux C. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract: Hypervitaminosis A‐related liver toxicity may be severe and may even lead to cirrhosis. In the normal liver, vitamin A is stored in hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which are prone to becoming activated and acquiring a myofibroblast‐like phenotype, producing large amounts of extracellular matrix.Aims: In order to assess the relationship between vitamin A intake, HSC activation and fibrosis, we studied nine liver biopsies from patients belonging to a well‐characterized series of 41 patients with vitamin A hepatotoxicity.Methods: Fibrosis was underlined by Sirius‐red staining, whereas activated HSC were immunohistochemically identified using an antibody against α smooth muscle actin. The volume density (Vv) of sinusoidal and total fibrosis and of sinusoidal and total activated HSC was quantified by the point‐counting method.Results: Morphology ranged from HSC hypertrophy and hyperplasia as the sole features to severe architectural distortion. There was a significant positive correlation between Vv of perisinusoidal fibrosis and the daily consumption of vitamin A (P=0.004).Conclusion: The close correlation between the severity of perisinusoidal fibrosis and the daily dose of the retinol intake suggests the existence of a dose–effect relationship.
Transthyretin RNA profiling in livers from transplanted patients affected by familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy, and identification of a dual transcription start point
Authors: Rimessi Paola , Spitali Pietro , Ando Yukio , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Pastorelli Francesca , Tassinari Carlo Alberto , Calzolari Elisa , Salvi Fabrizio , Ferlini Alessandra 
Published: December 2005

Abstract: Mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene cause familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP), an autosomal dominant peripheral neuropathy, often associated with cardiomyopathy. Liver transplant currently represents a powerful therapeutic approach for FAP patients, although its efficacy is heavily dependent both on the disease severity and on the cardiac functionality.We have investigated the TTR gene expression searching for tissue‐specific additional messengers in human adult and foetal tissues as well as in eight livers from FAP transplanted patients carrying different TTR mutations (Met30, Pro36, Ala47, Arg50, and Gln89). We identified a novel transcript, recognising a different transcription start site. The additional 5′‐UTR sequence of this novel transcript contains regulatory boxes possibly highlighting an additional transcription start point. RNA analysis revealed that this region is represented in all foetal/adult tissues analysed. We discussed the implications of this finding which might provide perspectives for better understanding the TTR gene expression.
Effect of temperature on circadian rhythm controlling the crepuscular activity of the burying beetle Nicrophorus quadripunctatus Kraatz (Coleoptera: Silphidae)
Authors: NISIMURA Tomoyosi , NUMATA Hideharu , YOSHIOKA Eiji 
Published: December 2005

AbstractLocomotor activity rhythm was examined at various temperatures under a 16 h light : 8 h dark photoperiod (LD 16:8) or LD 12:12 using adults of the burying beetle Nicrophorus quadripunctatus. At 20°C, the locomotor activity of the beetles showed a bimodal daily pattern with two peaks around lights on and lights off under both photoperiods. This bimodal activity rhythm persisted under constant darkness; therefore, the activity of adult N. quadripunctatus is controlled by a circadian clock. Adults showed a bimodal activity pattern for temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C. The evening peak of the daily activity was earlier at lower temperatures. These findings suggest that in the field, N. quadripunctatus shows crepuscular activity, and is active earlier in the afternoon in cooler seasons. In this species, therefore, temperature appears to play an important role in the determination of daily activity patterns.
Revision of the genus Thambemyia Oldroyd (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) with description of a new subgenus
Authors: MASUNAGA Kazuhiro , SAIGUSA Toyohei , GROOTAERT Patrick 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe genus Thambemyia Oldroyd is revised. Five species are recognized. Three new species –T. bisetosa, T. bruneiensis and T. hui– are described, and T. pagdeniOldroyd, 1956 is redescribed. A new subgenus is founded for one new Japanese species, T. (Prothambemyia) japonica. A key to all known species of the genus is provided. Their distributions are also discussed.
Decompression through clockwise P–T path: implications for early N–S shortening orogenesis in the Mesoproterozoic Mt Isa Inlier (NE Australia)
Authors: SAYAB M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractMesoproterozoic terranes of the Australian craton exhibit complex tectonometamorphic histories that are generally considered to result from low‐pressure/high‐temperature (LPHT) metamorphism with an anticlockwise pressure (P)–temperature (T) path. Yet studies regarding the nature of the P–T history and tectonic regime that led to such a LPHT signature have been quite limited. A foliation intersection/inflection axes preserved in the porphyroblast (FIA) analysis combined with textural relationships and P–T pseudosections, using a key locality of the Eastern Fold Belt of the Mt Isa Inlier, has resolved the cause of the LPHT signature in this region. Two periods of porphyroblast growth have been distinguished using a change in FIA trends with time; the first formed during N–S shortening and the second during W–E shortening orogenesis (D1 & D2, respectively). Significantly, D1 porphyroblasts preserving W–E FIAs are minerals of the Barrovian style, whereas D2 formed porphyroblasts preserving N–S FIAs are Buchan in style. This is consistent with the emplacement of the Williams/Naraku Batholiths after D1 around the onset of D2. Higher‐pressure garnet cores, that can be modelled in MnNCKFMASH P–T pseudosections, preserve early W–E FIA and formed during D1. This was followed by decompression and then LPHT metamorphism and deformation during which N–S FIAs were preserved within porphyroblasts. This is supported by the presence of at least two generations of staurolite that crystallized before and after andalusite/cordierite. Middle to upper amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions occurred during D1 with crustal thickening followed by near‐isothermal decompression leading to LPHT conditions. This was followed by D2 and a second period of middle to upper amphibolite facies metamorphism that obliterated and/or obscured the tectonometamorphic signature of D1 in the matrix of most rocks.