bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TNF‐α is Secreted by Monocytes in Transit to become Macrophages, but not by Peripheral Blood Monocytes, following OK‐432 (Lyophilized S. pyogenes) Stimulation
Authors: Olsnes C. , Stavang H. , Olofsson J. , Aarstad H. J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractOK‐432, penicillin‐killed Streptococcus pyogenes, is used in treating lymphangiomas and carcinomas. We have studied proinflammatory interleukin (IL) secretion following OK‐432 stimulation of total blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and purified monocytes in vitro. OK‐432 stimulation of purified monocytes gave IL‐1β, IL‐1RA, IL‐6, IL‐12p40 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α response. OK‐432 stimulation of cells within blood did, however, not yield TNF‐α secretion. When PBMC or monocytes were cultured in low‐attachment wells a decreased IL secretion was observed compared to adherent cells. Inhibition of Syk kinase with piceatannol, only at high, non‐specific doses, but not PI3 kinase inhibition with LY294002 or Wortmannin, decreased monocyte IL response to OK‐432. This shows that β1–3‐integrin receptor function is not necessary for monocyte OK‐432‐stimulated TNF‐α secretion. Direct blockage of the β2‐integrin (CD18) receptor by anti‐CD18 antibody was also unable to prevent the stimulating effects of OK‐432 in human monocytes. On the other hand, Syk phosphorylation is elevated upon adherence of monocytes and this is further increased by OK‐432 stimulation, as shown by Western blot. The Fc‐receptor was also ruled out as a main receptor of the OK‐432 monocyte response. In conclusion, TNF‐α secretion is only found in monocytes removed from blood. This TNF‐α secretion is not mediated through the β1–3‐integrin receptors. OK‐432 may act as a target‐seeking substance whereby only monocytes adhered, e.g. to a tumour cell, become cytotoxic in part explaining why OK‐432 is well suited as a cancer treatment drug.
Intentional Pathogen Killing – or Denial of Substrate?
Authors: Cunliffe J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractFor years, the accepted view in immunology has been that a core function of the immune system is to identify and eliminate invading micro‐organisms (generally referred to as ‘pathogens’). Metaphorically, the system locates, chases, attacks, kills, disposes of and eliminates ‘pathogens’. This is encapsulated in the phrase ‘intentional pathogen killing’. This purpose has remained, more or less, unchallenged until the 1990s but its authority is now becoming suspect. In a series of published articles, I have suggested that the core function of the immune (or morphostatic) system is to dispose of tissue debris (mess/non‐mess discrimination) and restore order. The debris of degenerating cells provides a rich source of nutrients for micro‐organisms. Could it be that the major goal of the immune system is to rapidly dispose of such debris? This strategy could lead to a ‘denial‐of‐nutrient‐substrate’ that starves invading bacteria out of contention and, in consequence, suppresses infection. This perspective can be adapted to encompass the patho‐physiology of other infective organisms. While this perspective sits well with the morphostasis model, it could also be applied to other models.
Naïve Donor Responses to Schistosoma mansoni Soluble Egg Antigens
Authors: Reis E. A. G. , Azevedo T. M. , McBride A. J. A. , Harn D. A. , Reis M. G. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractSchistosome infection induces profound Th‐biasing and immune suppression. Although much has been examined in mice, few studies have examined responses of naïve humans to schistosome antigens. In this study, we examined the response of naïve human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (nPBMC) to stimulation with Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA) using a priming in vitro (PIV) assay. We found that SEA induced a pronounced CD4+ T‐helper cell response based on cytokine secretion and phenotyping markers. SEA‐stimulated nPBMC (SEA cells) at day 7 post‐priming and after the first recall consisted predominantly of Th0‐like CD4+ T cells. Following the second recall, the majority of donor (10/12) responses were Th2‐like. The cell population consisted of approximately 64% CD4+, 17% CD8+high, 12% CD19+, and 7% CD23+ cells. The CD4+ population also expressed HLA‐DR+, CD54+, CD45RO+ and CD25+ whereas the CD19+ cells expressed CD80 and CD86. Following priming, we detected high levels of IL‐6, IFN‐γ, IL‐12p40, IL‐10 and IL‐5. Upon restimulation, SEA cells secreted IL‐5 and high levels of IL‐10, typical of a Th2‐like response. The data presented herein shows that the majority of naïve donor dendritic cells, following stimulation with SEA, prime and clonally expand SEA‐specific T cells towards a Th2‐type response. However, two donors responded with an atypical response, producing IFN‐γ coincident with low levels of IL‐10. Whether this differential response was due to HLA or other genes was not determined but is currently under investigation.
A single mitochondrial haplotype and nuclear genetic differentiation in sympatric colour morphs of a riverine cichlid fish
Authors: KOBLMÜLLER S. , SEFC K. M. , DUFTNER N. , KATONGO C. , TOMLJANOVIC T. , STURMBAUER C. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractSome of the diversity of lacustrine cichlid fishes has been ascribed to sympatric divergence, whereas diversification in rivers is generally driven by vicariance and geographic isolation. In the riverine Pseudocrenilabrus philander species complex, several morphologically highly distinct populations are restricted to particular river systems, sinkholes and springs in southern Africa. One of these populations consists of a prevalent yellow morph in sympatry with a less frequent blue morph, and no individuals bear intermediate phenotypes. Genetic variation in microsatellites and AFLP markers was very low in both morphs and one single mtDNA haplotype was fixed in all samples, indicating a very young evolutionary age and small effective population size. Nevertheless, the nuclear markers detected low but significant differentiation between the two morphs. The data suggest recent and perhaps sympatric divergence in the riverine habitat.
Genetic similarity, breeding distribution range and sexual selection
Authors: MØLLER A. P. , GARAMSZEGI L. Z. , SPOTTISWOODE C. N. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractLarge populations with extensive breeding distributions may sustain greater genetic variability, thus producing a positive relationship between genetic variation and population size. Levels of genetic variability may also be affected by sexual selection, which could either reduce levels because a small fraction of males contribute to the following generation, or augment them by generating genetic variability through elevated rates of mutations. We investigated to what extent genetic variability, as estimated from band sharing coefficients for minisatellite markers, could be predicted by breeding distribution range, population size and intensity of sexual selection (as reflected by degree of polygyny and extra‐pair paternity). Across a sample of 62 species of birds in the Western Palearctic, we found extensive interspecific variation in band sharing coefficients. High band sharing coefficients (implying low local genetic variability among individuals) were associated with restricted breeding distributions, a conclusion confirmed by analysis of statistically independent linear contrasts. Independently, species with large population sizes had small band sharing coefficients. Furthermore, bird species with a high richness of subspecies for their breeding distribution range had higher band sharing coefficients. Finally, bird species with high levels of polygyny and extra‐pair paternity had small band sharing coefficients. These results suggest that breeding distribution range, population size and intensity of sexual selection are important predictors of levels of genetic variability in extant populations.
Subgross and Macroscopic Investigation of Blood Vessels Originating from Aortic Arch in the Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)
Authors: ÖZdemİr V. , ÇEvİk‐Demİrkan A. , Türkmenoğlu I. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryA total of 10 adult, healthy, male chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) were used to investigate the vessels originating from aortic arch. Coloured latex was injected into the carotid arteries following conventional anatomical applications in all the chinchillas examined. The brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery arose from the aortic arch at the level of the second intercostal region in the thoracic cavity. The right and left subclavian arteries detached branches at the level of first intercostal region and divided into the following vessels: internal thoracic artery, dorsal scapular artery, vertebral artery, superficial cervical artery and axillar artery. The vessels originating from the aortic arch displayed some significant differences in chinchillas compared to rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, porcupines and other laboratory rodents.
Functional Anatomy of the Distal Radioulnar Ligament in Dogs*
Authors: Kaiser A. , Liebich H.‐G. , Maierl J. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe objective of this study was to functionally characterize the distal radioulnar ligament connecting the distal ends of canine antebrachial bones. The ligament has been investigated histologically in five adult dogs. After decalcification and standard paraffin embedding, 5‐μm‐thick sections have been stained with Hematoxylin/Eosin, Resorcin/Fuchsin, Astrablue/Nuclear‐fast‐red, Astrablue/Orange G. The distal radioulnar ligament can be divided into two parts, a proximal, ‘interosseous’ and a distal ‘articular’. The former as a connecting structure experiences almost exclusively tensile stress in a proximolateral direction. The latter with an additional meniscal function is loaded in a combined tensile and compressive way. These findings can be explained with the characteristic valgus conformation of the canine carpal joint.
Changes in regulatory molecules for lymphangiogenesis in intestinal lymphangiectasia with enteric protein loss
Authors: Hokari Ryota , Kitagawa Noritake , Watanabe Chikako , Komoto Shunsuke , Kurihara Chie , Okada Yoshikiyo , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Nagao Shigeaki , Hibi Toshifumi , Miura Soichiro 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) and LYVE‐1 are specifically expressed in the endothelium of the lymphatic systems. VEGF‐C, D, FOXC2, Prox 1, and SOX18 are known to play central roles in lymphatic development. We investigated the expression of regulatory molecules for lymphangiogenesis in the duodenal mucosa of idiopathic intestinal lymphangiectasia.Methods:  Biopsy samples were obtained from duodenal biopsies in patients with intestinal lymphangiectasia complicated with protein‐losing from white spot lesions in which lymphangiectasia was histologically confirmed. Immunohistochemical analysis for VEGFR3 and LYVE‐1 was performed. mRNA expression of VEGF‐C, VEGF‐D, VEGFR3, and transcription factors was determined by the quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction method.Results:  In the control mucosa, VEGFR3 was weakly expressed on the central lymphatic vessels in the lamina propria and LYVE‐1 was expressed mainly on the lymphatic vessels in the submucosa. In intestinal lymphangiectasia, VEGFR3 and LYVE‐1 expression levels were increased on the mucosal surface corresponding to widely dilated lymphatic vessels, while they were decreased in the deeper mucosa. mRNA expression study showed a significant increase in the expression level of VEGFR3 in lymphangiectasia, but the expression of VEGF‐C and ‐D mRNA was significantly suppressed compared with that in controls despite the presence of lymphangiectasia. The mRNA expression levels of FOXC2 and SOX18 were also decreased, whereas Prox 1 was not altered.Conclusions:  There is an altered expression of regulatory molecules for lymphangiogenesis in the duodenal mucosa in these patients.
Research note: Salinity tolerance of Arctic kelps from Spitsbergen
Authors: Karsten Ulf 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYThe effect of hypo‐ and hypersaline treatments on the effective quantum yield of photosystem II was comparatively studied with a pulse amplitude modulated fluorometer (PAM) in the brown algal speciesAlaria esculenta,Fucus distichus, Laminaria digitata,Laminaria solidungula,Saccharina latissima(formerlyLaminaria saccharina) andSaccorhiza dermatodeacollected in the Arctic Kongsfjorden (Spitsbergen). While the euryhalineF. distichuswas not affected at all by salinities ranging from 5 to 60 psu,A. esculenta, S. latissimaandL. solidungulaexhibited under hyposaline conditions strong loss of pigments (bleaching) or even high mortality reflecting stenohaline features. In contrast to the latter species,L. digitataandS. dermatodeasurvived all salinities, but showed reduced photosynthetic activities at the lowest and highest salt treatments and hence, can be characterized as stenohaline‐euryhaline organisms. The data are discussed in terms of vertical zonation (eulittoral versus sublittoral habitat), in terms of interactive effects with other abiotic factors such as temperature and in terms of the species‐specific acclimation potential.
Growth and annual production of the brown alga Laminaria religiosa introduced into the Uwa Sea in southern Japan
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi , Furuya Kazushige , Kawai Tadashi , Takeuchi Ichiro 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYRecently, aquaculture of Laminaria japonica has expanded to the southern coast of Japan and to China along the East China Sea. The southerly distribution of L. religiosa, compared to that of L. japonica, indicated that the aquaculture of L. religiosa along the southern coasts of Japan might be feasible. Thus, we examined the growth, biomass and productivity of L. religiosa cultivated in the Uwa Sea, in southwestern Japan over a period of two years. The seawater temperature ranged from 12.9 to 27.4°C in 2003/2004 and from 12.2 to 28.3°C in 2004/2005. In 2003/2004, the maximum mean density, maximum mean length, and maximum mean wet weight of L. religiosa was 7.8 ± 5.0 ind. m−1 (mean ± SD), 14.8 ± 4.6 cm, and 1.2 ± 0.8 g wet wt., respectively. In 2004/2005, no germination was confirmed through the study period. The maximum biomass and annual production in 2003/2004 were estimated to be 6.9 ± 5.2 g wet wt. m−1 and 8.9 g wet wt. m−1 year−1, respectively. The present study revealed that L. religiosa cultivated in the Uwa Sea were much smaller compared with those of Hokkaido Island, where the alga is naturally found. For the growth of L. religiosa, a relatively long period of seawater temperatures below 13.5°C is required. In the study area, seawater temperatures were below 13.5°C only 11 days in 2003, and 12 days in 2004. As a result, it is thought that expanding the cultivation of L. religiosa to southern areas including the Uwa Sea will be difficult.
Cytoplasmic streaming of calcium oxalate crystals in Callipsygma wilsonis (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Pueschel Curt M. , West John A. 
Published: November 2007

SUMMARYLight microscopic study of the giant‐celled, marine green alga Callipsygma wilsonis J. Agardh (Udoteaceae, Bryopsidales) revealed numerous birefringent crystalline inclusions in the terminal segments of the assimilatory axes. The inclusions were thin plates with a triangular shape in face view, a base up to 75 μm in length, and a height that was one‐seventh the length of the base. Crystals of various sizes commonly were stacked face‐to‐face with one or more edges coinciding, but removal of organic material by treatment in sodium hypochlorite resulted in disaggregation. The crystals were soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid without effervescence but were insoluble in acetic acid. These diagnostic chemical solubility tests and a positive reaction to the Yasue staining reaction indicated that the crystals were composed of calcium oxalate. Scanning electron microscopy showed that most crystals had smoothly curving edges, but some had truncate or beveled margins. Calcium oxalate crystals have been reported to occur in the large central vacuoles of several bryopsidalean species, but the crystals in C. wilsonis were present in the parietal cytoplasm, which was evident from the presence of crystals in streaming cytoplasm. Calcium oxalate crystals, amyloplasts, chloroplasts, and other cytoplasmic constituents moved along cytoskeletal cables at rates of approximately 2.8 μm s−1. These findings add to a growing body of evidence that calcium oxalate crystals in diverse algae may be present in cellular compartments other than the central vacuole.
Patterns of analgesic and anti‐inflammatory medicine use by Australian veterans
Authors: Pearson S.‐A. , Ringland C. , Kelman C. , Mant A. , Lowinger J. , Stark H. , Nichol G. , Day R. , Henry D. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground: We examined analgesic and anti‐inflammatory medicine use by Australian veterans before and after the introduction of selective Cox‐2 inhibitors.Methods: We studied cohorts of Gold Card‐holding veterans using prescription data held by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for the period 1 July 1998 to 30 June 2004. Outcomes were volume dispensed, average daily quantity and cumulative incidence of use of paracetamol‐containing and aspirin‐containing medicines, non‐selective and Cox‐2‐selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), tramadol and dextropropoxyphene.Results: Overall, we found high levels of use of analgesic and anti‐inflammatory medicines, which increased by 43% over the study period. Use of paracetamol‐containing medicines was overtaken by NSAIDs in 1999/2000, corresponding to the introduction of the Cox‐2‐selective agents. Between 12 and 17% of Cox‐2‐selective medicine recipients were supplied amounts indicative of continuous use in relatively high doses and 51% of veterans received at least one relatively Cox‐2‐selective medicine (celecoxib, rofecoxib, meloxicam, diclofenac) by the end of the study period. Dextropropoxyphene use declined during the study and tramadol use increased 10‐fold.Conclusion: This study shows very high levels of Cox‐2 inhibitor use during the 6‐year period. Cox‐2‐selective agents were more likely to be taken continuously and at higher doses than non‐selective NSAIDs. This is relevant in view of the cardiovascular toxicity of this group of medicines. The study shows the value of using unit record dispensing data to assess drug use patterns. Linking dispensing records to hospital separation and mortality data will further enhance our ability to monitor drug safety.
Towards therapy to relieve memory impairment after anterior thalamic lesions: improved spatial working memory after immediate and delayed postoperative enrichment
Authors: Loukavenko Elena A. , Ottley Mark C. , Moran James P. , Wolff Mathieu , Dalrymple‐Alford John C. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractInjury to the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) is associated with severe amnesia in humans. To test the principle that these deficits may be amenable to intervention, the behavioural effects of postoperative housing in an enriched environment were examined in rats that received neurotoxic lesions of the ATN. As expected, rats with ATN lesions maintained in standard group‐housing showed severe, and in this case long‐term, deficits in a preoperatively trained non‐matching‐to‐sample spatial working memory task. Thirty days of enriched housing, introduced either at 5 days (Experiment 1) or delayed until 40 days post‐surgery (Experiment 2) markedly reduced this working memory impairment, including evidence of improved utilization of spatial cues. The treatment gains found in Experiment 2 were maintained at 4 months post‐surgery despite no further enrichment. ATN lesions also retarded the postoperative acquisition of spatial discrimination problems in Experiment 1, irrespective of the separation between target arms, but this impairment was not ameliorated by the prior enrichment. This study provides the first evidence of substantial recovery of severe, and otherwise long‐lasting, spatial working memory deficits after ATN brain injury and suggests that further investigation on the extent of possible recovery of function in animal models of diencephalic amnesia is warranted.
Netrin‐1 receptor‐deficient mice show enhanced mesocortical dopamine transmission and blunted behavioural responses to amphetamine
Authors: Grant Alanna , Hoops Daniel , Labelle‐Dumais Cassandre , Prévost Michael , Rajabi Heshmat , Kolb Bryan , Stewart Jane , Arvanitogiannis Andreas , Flores Cecilia 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe mesocorticolimbic dopamine (DA) system is implicated in neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia but it is unknown how disruptions in brain development modify this system and increase predisposition to cognitive and behavioural abnormalities in adulthood. Netrins are guidance cues involved in the proper organization of neuronal connectivity during development. We have hypothesized that variations in the function of DCC (deleted in colorectal cancer), a netrin‐1 receptor highly expressed by DA neurones, may result in altered development and organization of mesocorticolimbic DA circuitry, and influence DA function in the adult. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the effects of reduced DCC on several indicators of DA function. Using in‐vivo microdialysis, we showed that adult mice that develop with reduced DCC display increased basal DA levels in the medial prefrontal cortex and exaggerated DA release in response to the indirect DA agonist amphetamine. In contrast, these mice exhibit normal levels of DA in the nucleus accumbens but significantly blunted amphetamine‐induced DA release. Concomitantly, using conditioned place preference, locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition paradigms, we found that reduced DCC diminishes the rewarding and behavioural‐activating effects of amphetamine and protects against amphetamine‐induced deficits in sensorimotor gating. Furthermore, we found that adult DCC‐deficient mice exhibit altered dendritic spine density in layer V medial prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurones but not in nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurones. These findings demonstrate that reduced DCC during development results in a behavioural phenotype opposite to that observed in developmental models of schizophrenia and identify DCC as a critical factor in the development of DA function.
Transgenic overexpression of adenosine kinase in brain leads to multiple learning impairments and altered sensitivity to psychomimetic drugs
Authors: Yee Benjamin K. , Singer Philipp , Chen Jiang‐Fan , Feldon Joram , Boison Detlev 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe neuromodulator adenosine fulfills a unique role in the brain affecting glutamatergic neurotransmission and dopaminergic signaling via activation of adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, respectively. The adenosine system is thus ideally positioned to integrate glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, which in turn could affect behavior and cognition. In the adult brain, adenosine levels are largely regulated by its key metabolic enzyme adenosine kinase (ADK), which may assume the role of an ‘upstream regulator’ of these two neurotransmitter pathways. To test this hypothesis, transgenic mice with an overexpression of ADK in brain (Adk‐tg), and therefore reduced brain adenosine levels, were evaluated in a panel of behavioral and psychopharmacological assays to assess possible glutamatergic and dopaminergic dysfunction. In comparison to non‐transgenic control mice, Adk‐tg mice are characterized by severe learning deficits in the Morris water maze task and in Pavlovian conditioning. The Adk‐tg mice also exhibited reduced locomotor reaction to systemic amphetamine, whereas their reaction to the non‐competitive N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist MK‐801 was enhanced. Our results confirmed that ADK overexpression could lead to functional concomitant alterations in dopaminergic and glutamatergic functions, which is in keeping with the hypothesized role of ADK in the balance and integration between glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. The present findings are of relevance to current pathophysiological hypotheses of schizophrenia and its pharmacotherapy.