bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production of Transgenic Farm Animals by Viral Vector‐Mediated Gene Transfer
Authors: Whitelaw CBA , Lillico SG , King T 
Published: July 2008

ContentsTransgenic technology holds considerable promise to advance understanding in biomedical and agricultural systems with some believing that one day transgenic animals may directly contribute to farming and breeding practice. Nevertheless, applications in livestock have been restricted in part by the inefficiency of the technology. The recent development of lentivirus vectors for transgene delivery may overcome some of this limitation. This presentation describes these vectors, their advantages and limitations.
Use of Microarray Technology to Profile Gene Expression Patterns Important for Reproduction in Cattle
Authors: Evans ACO , Forde N , O’Gorman GM , Zielak AE , Lonergan P , Fair T 
Published: July 2008

ContentsFertility in cattle is a major component of many agricultural enterprises and there is pressure to devise methods to improve this. A number of approaches are ongoing, one of which is to better understand the cellular and molecular events of the development of reproductive tissues and to use these as targets for developing new strategies. Microarray technologies now allow us the potential to determine the transcriptional profile of expressed genes in a given tissue. This review focuses on the types of microarrays available for studies in cattle and concludes that genes associated with one or more of the cellular processes of cell survival/death, intracellular signalling, transcription and translation, cell division and proliferation and cellular metabolism are the main transcriptional pathways that control the development of ovarian follicles, oocytes, early embryos and the uterine endometrium about the time of the establishment of pregnancy.
Management of Goat Reproduction and Insemination for Genetic Improvement in France
Authors: Leboeuf B , Delgadillo JA , Manfredi E , Piacère A , Clément V , Martin P. , Pellicer M , Boué P , De Cremoux R 
Published: July 2008

ContentsReproductive seasonality observed in all breeds of goats originating from temperate latitudes and in some breeds from subtropical latitudes can now be controlled by artificial changes in photoperiod. Short days stimulate sexual activity, while long days inhibit it. This knowledge has allowed the development of photoperiodic treatments to control sexual activity in goats, for both the buck and doe. In the French intensive milk production system, goat AI plays an important role to control reproduction and, in conjunction with progeny testing, to improve milk production. Most dairy goats are inseminated out of the breeding season with deep frozen semen, after induction of oestrus and ovulation by hormonal treatments. This protocol provides a kidding rate of approximately 65%. New breeding strategies have been developed, based on the buck effect associated with AI, to reduce the use of hormones. With the development of insemination with frozen semen, a classical selection programme was set up, including planned mating, progeny testing and the diffusion of proved sires by inseminations in herds. Functional traits have become important for efficient breeding schemes in the dairy goat industries. Based on knowledge gained over the past decade, the emphasis in selective breeding has been placed on functional traits related to udder morphology and health. New windows have been opened based on new molecular tools, allowing the detection and mapping of genes of economic importance.
Climbing Mount Efficiency – Small Steps, Not Giant Leaps Towards Higher Cloning Success in Farm Animals
Authors: Oback Björn 
Published: July 2008

ContentsDespite more than a decade of research efforts, farm animal cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is still frustratingly inefficient. Inefficiency manifests itself at different levels, which are currently not well integrated. At the molecular level, it leads to widespread genetic, epigenetic and transcriptional aberrations in cloned embryos. At the organismal level, these genome‐wide abnormalities compromise development of cloned foetuses and offspring. Specific molecular defects need to be causally linked to specific cloned phenotypes, in order to design specific treatments to correct them. Cloning efficiency depends on the ability of the nuclear donor cell to be fully reprogrammed into an embryonic state and the ability of the enucleated recipient cell to carry out the reprogramming reactions. It has been postulated that reprogrammability of the somatic donor cell epigenome is influenced by its differentiation status. However, direct comparisons between cells of divergent differentiation status within several somatic lineages have found no conclusive evidence for this. Choosing somatic stem cells as donors has not improved cloning efficiency, indicating that donor cell type may be less critical for cloning success. Different recipient cells, on the otherhand, vary in their reprogramming ability. In bovine, using zygotes instead of oocytes has increased cloning success. Other improvements in livestock cloning efficiency include better coordinating donor cell type with cell cycle stage and aggregating cloned embryos. In the future, it will be important to demonstrate if these small increases at every step are cumulative, adding up to an integrated cloning protocol with greatly improved efficiency.
Nuclear Transfer of Freeze‐Dried Somatic Cells into Enucleated Sheep Oocytes
Authors: Loi P , Matzukawa K , Ptak G , Natan Y , Fulka Jr J , Arav A 
Published: July 2008

ContentsLyophilization has been used since long time to preserve yeast and bacteria strains. Subsequently, a great deal of efforts has been dedicated to the preservation in a dry state of red blood cells and platelets. However, despite more than 30 years passed by, no significant progress has been achieved. Recently, it has been reported that freeze‐dried mice spermatozoa were able to generate normal offspring following injection into the mature mice oocytes. In this work, we prompted to apply the lyophilization protocol developed for mice spermatozoa to sheep somatic cells (lymphocytes and granulosa cells). More than 350 enucleated sheep oocytes were injected with granulosa cells, and freeze dried using the protocol developed for mice sperm cells. Transplanted nuclei organized large pronuclei with fragmented DNA, but none of them entered the first mitosis. In the second part of the experiments, trehalose and EGTA were found to reduce significantly the extent of nuclear damage (65% and 55% intact nuclei in lymphocyte and granulosa cells, respectively) following freeze drying. Granulosa cells lyophilized with EGTA/trehalose and stored at room temperature for 3 years were used for nuclear transfer, and the injected oocytes were cultured in vitro for 7 days. Approximately 16% of the oocyte injected with freeze‐dried cells developed into blastocysts. To conclude, we demonstrated for the first time that nucleated cells maintain genomic integrity after prolonged storage in a dry state, and we were able to achieve early embryonic development following injection of these cells into enucleated sheep oocytes.
Conservation of rare species with island‐like distributions: A case study ofLasthenia conjugens(Asteraceae) using population genetic structure and the distribution of rare markers
Authors: RAMP NEALE JENNIFER M. , RANKER TOM A. , COLLINGE SHARON K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCalifornian vernal pools, a patchy, island‐like habitat, are endangered as a result of habitat destruction. Conservation of the remaining vernal pool habitat is essential for the persistence of several endangered species. We present the first study examining DNA‐level genetic diversity within and among populations of a vernal pool plant species. We investigated genetic variation across eight populations of the US federally endangered vernal pool endemicLasthenia conjugens(Asteraceae) using intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Genetic diversity within the species was high (Nei's gene diversity estimate was 0.37), with moderate differentiation among populations (BayesianFSTanalog of 0.124). Using anamovaanalysis, we found that the majority of the genetic variation (84%) was distributed within populations. There is a significant relationship between geographical distance and pairwise genetic differentiation as measured by the Bayesian estimate θB. The alternative hypotheses of historic geological processes within the Central Valley and contemporary gene flow are discussed as explanations of the data. Because of the vulnerability of the populations, we calculated a probability of loss for rare alleles (fragments) in the populations. Calculations show that sampling only one of the eight populations forex‐situconservation or restoration will capture approximately 54% of the sampled rare fragments. We believe that one of the sampled populations has become extinct since it was sampled. When removing this population from the above‐mentioned calculations, sampling one population will capture only 41.3% of the sampled rare fragments. We recommend sampling strategies for future conservation and restoration efforts ofL. conjugens.
Genetic differentiation among populations of an oceanic island: The case of Metrosideros boninensis, an endangered endemic tree species in the Bonin Islands
Authors: KANEKO SHINGO , ISAGI YUJI , NOBUSHIMA FUYUO 
Published: July 2008

AbstractConservation of endemic species on oceanic islands is an essential issue for biodiversity conservation. Metrosideros boninensis (Myrtaceae) is an endangered tree species endemic to the Bonin Islands of the western North Pacific Ocean. This species is considered to be extremely rare with less than 400 adult individuals, a number that has fluctuated between the 1880s and 1980s through human influence. We analyzed the genetic diversity and genetic structure of this species using amplified fragment length polymorphism markers and microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity of M. boninensis was extremely low compared to related taxa and similar endemic species from small islands. This low genetic diversity might be attributed to a stepwise colonization process with repeated founder bottlenecks in the dispersal pathway to the Bonin Islands. Populations of M. boninensis showed significant genetic differentiation and isolation by distance over a small geographical scale, despite the fact that this species should have extensive gene dispersal ability. This genetic differentiation might be caused by limited gene flow via pollen and seed among populations and genetic drift amid a small number of remnant individuals. Taken together, these findings suggest that the genetic diversity and connectivity of tree populations on islands are more vulnerable to habitat fragmentation than previously thought. We offer some recommendations for management to ameliorate habitat fragmentation and biological invasion.
Relationship between seed and clonal growth in the reproduction of Carex rugulosa Kük. in riverside meadows
Authors: ARAKI SATORU , KUNII HIDENOBU 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Carex rugulosa Kük. develops riverside vegetation in brackish marshes along the lower parts of rivers. Because the rhizomatous ramets grow densely (590–950/m2) in its developed population, it is expected that seedlings cannot get enough light to grow if seeds germinate in crowded ramets. We studied the reproductive contribution of seed in a marshy meadow of the Ohashi River, Japan. The number of seeds produced was 6900–14 200/m2 in 2002. The number of buried seeds in the following germination season differed among sites from 1190 to 2690/m2. No seedlings were observed at plots where the ramets from rhizomes grew densely. In contrast, seedlings appeared in plots where all rhizomatous ramets were artificially cut. The number of seedlings corresponded to 17.5–39.5% of that of buried seeds. All these seedlings were submerged and died when it rained heavily. In the genotype analysis using allozyme detection, one of the phosphoglucoisomerase loci (Pgi‐2) indicated a pair of alleles. Among eight plots (each plot was 50 or 60‐cm square), four showed an excess of heterozygotes and two showed homozygote domination in the Pgi‐2 genotype. These results suggest that: (i) seed germination is suppressed in crowded ramets; (ii) seedling survival is severely reduced by inundation; and (iii) the population is usually maintained by clonal growth. As germination is induced in open areas, it is hypothesized that the main role of seed is recovery after vegetation decline caused by environmental stresses or colonization to other areas without dense vegetation.
The effect of scleral flap edge apposition on intraocular pressure control in experimental trabeculectomy
Authors: Birchall Wayne , Wells Anthony P 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  To assess the contribution of scleral flap edge apposition to intraocular pressure (IOP) control in trabeculectomy, using a previously described and validated experimental model of guarded filtration surgery.Materials and methods:  Twelve rectangular‐flap trabeculectomy operations each with two apical adjustable sutures were performed on six donor human eyes connected to a constant flow infusion with real‐time IOP monitoring. Three sizes of scleral flap were created: 4 × 4 mm, 16 mm2 (n = 4), 3 × 3 mm, 9 mm2 (n = 4) or 3 × 2 mm, 6 mm2 (n = 4). Sutures were tied tightly to produce high aqueous outflow resistance, and equilibrium IOP established. The lateral and posterior edges of the scleral flap were removed, the sutures tightened again, and the new equilibrium IOP measured.Results:  Following flap closure and with intact flap edges, the mean absolute IOP for all flaps (n = 12) was 19.5 ± 3.9 mm Hg (mean ± SD, range 12.4–27 mm Hg) and following flap edge excision 18.7 ± 4.4 mm Hg (range 5.6–27.9 mm Hg), demonstrating no significant difference between flaps with edge apposition compared with those without (P = 0.33). Mean relative IOP (% of baseline) was 68.4 ± 12.1% (range 40.9–94%) with intact flap edges and 65.4 ± 14.5% (range 18.5–97.2%) following flap edge excision (P = 0.31). Flaps measuring 4 × 4 mm and 3 × 3 mm behaved in a similar manner with minimal change in equilibrium IOP following excision of flap edges.Conclusions:  In this experimental model, scleral flap edge apposition is not required for generating outflow resistance. Suture tension generated during tight flap closure produces apposition of the underside of the scleral trapdoor to the underlying bed, and it is this apposition, which determines IOP.
Paediatric uveal melanoma
Authors: Kanthan Gowri L , Grigg John , Billson Frank , Kourt Gina , Conway R Max 
Published: July 2008

AbstractUveal melanoma is extremely rare in the paediatric population and can be associated with various pre‐existing conditions. We report the case of a 9‐year‐old girl with no predisposing factor who presented with choroidal melanoma. A review of the literature is presented and various clinical, histopathological and prognostic features of paediatric uveal melanoma are discussed.
Cicatricial entropion repair with hard palate mucous membrane graft: surgical technique and outcomes
Authors: Swamy Brighu N , Benger Ross , Taylor Simon 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  The use of a hard palate mucous membrane graft (HPMMG) has been previously described for upper and lower eyelid cicatricial entropion repair. The objective of this paper is to review the surgical technique and postoperative complications in a large series of patient who underwent hard palate grafting for the management of cicatricial entropion.Methods:  The medical records of 107 patients representing 147 eyelids undergoing surgical management of cicatricial entropion with HPMMG were reviewed. The surgical technique is described.Results:  147 eyelid operations (74 upper, 73 lower) were performed on 107 patients (46 male, 61 female), with a mean age of 63 years (range 12–87). The aetiology of the cicatricial entropion included idiopathic (41%), trauma (5.6%), chronic blepharitis (16.8%), chemical injury (3.7%), ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (8.4%), trachoma (7.5%) and other (16.8%). Patients were followed postoperatively for an average of 21 months (range 6–120). Ninety‐four per cent of patients noted symptomatic improvement. The postoperative complications included excess keratin (29%), recurrence of cicatricial entropion (4.1%), punctuate epithelial erosion (2.7%), graft shrinkage (0.7%) and donor site bleeding (2.0%).Conclusions:  Cicatricial Entropion with hard palate mucous membrane grafting for both upper and lower eyelid surgery offers high symptomatic and anatomical cure rates. The requirement for further surgical intervention is low.
Does peak intraocular pressure measured by water drinking test reflect peak circadian levels? A pilot study
Authors: Kumar Rajesh S , De Guzman Maria Hannah Pia , Ong Poh Yan , Goldberg Ivan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  To determine whether there is a correlation between peak intraocular pressure (IOP) measured after water drinking test (WDT) and patient's peak daytime IOP.Methods:  Patients who were diagnosed with glaucoma, ocular hypertension and/or glaucoma‐like discs were enrolled in this prospective observational pilot study. All subjects underwent daytime IOP measurement by a single observer using a Goldmann Applanation Tonometer at 3‐h intervals. Subjects were then given 10 mL/kg body weight of water to drink over 5 min; IOP was measured every 15 min for an hour. Correlations between peak IOP and IOP fluctuations as measured by the two methods were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.Results:  Twenty‐five patients were recruited for the study. There were 16 males and 9 females. The mean age was 68.8 ± 8.7 years (50–82 years), and 48% had primary open angle glaucoma. The mean peak IOP measured by diurnal testing (15.52 ± 3.6 mm Hg) was not statistically different from that measured by WDT (15.92 ± 3.2 mm Hg) (P = 0.7). The mean fluctuation in IOP measured during the day (2.32 ± 1.3 mm Hg) was also not significantly different from that measured by WDT (2.24 ± 1.2 mm Hg) (P = 0.8). Though peak IOP measured during diurnal testing showed strong correlation with peak IOP during WDT (r = 0.876), IOP fluctuation measured by the two tests showed poor correlation (r = −0.0789).Conclusion:  WDT may provide a satisfactory alternative measure of peak IOP in a clinic setting. A larger sample is required to assess whether it is a good measure of IOP fluctuation.
Effect of the vehicle on the topical itraconazole efficacy for treating corneal ulcers caused by Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Martínez‐Ramos Marimar , Claros‐B José A , Vale‐Oviedo Maria Alejandra , Siso‐Villarroel Edgar , Padilla Rubén , Santiago Axel , Simón J‐Abraham 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground:  The clinical behaviour of mycotic keratitis is aggressive, and the options for treating it are limited. This poses a need to explore new options for efficacious, low‐cost treatment. Recent evidence suggests that topical itraconazole may be useful for treating this entity and that it may be possible to improve its efficacy using a suitable vehicle.Methods:  We included 12 New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits (24 eyes). The rabbits were infected with pathogenic strains of Aspergillus fumigatus and subsequently randomized to receive every 2 h for 5 weeks two different preparations of topical itraconazole 1%. In group 1 (12 eyes), ricinus oil and in group 2 (12 eyes), Systane were used as vehicle. Rabbits were evaluated every week by a masked ophthalmologist to determine the treatment response.Results:  The size of the ulcers was similar in the two groups at the baseline: group 1: 12.7 ± 2.7 mm (median 12.8, range 9.8–15.5 mm); and group 2: 12.3 ± 3.1 mm (median 12.1, range 9.8–20.8; P = 0.67). Although both groups responded well to the treatment, the response was better in the group 2, especially in weeks 2 and 3: week 1: 12.7 ± 2.7 vs. 9.3 ± 4.61 mm (P = 0.1); week 2: 9.4 ± 3.4 vs. 4.1 ± 2.9 mm (P = 0.004); week 3: 5.0 ± 3.4 vs. 1.7 ± 1.0 mm (P = 0.004); week 4: 1.9 ± 1.9 vs. 1.0 ± 1.2 mm (P = 0.1); and week 5: 0.68 ± 1.2 vs. 0.0 ± 0.0 mm (P = 0.3).Conclusion:  Topical itraconazole may be useful for treating corneal ulcers caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, and its efficacy seems to be related with the vehicle solubility.
Public sector refraction and spectacle dispensing in low‐resource countries of the Western Pacific
Authors: Ramke Jacqueline , Du Toit Rènée , Palagyi Anna , Williams Carmel , Brian Garry 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground: Given that uncorrected refractive error is a frequent cause of vision impairment, and that there is a high unmet need for spectacles, an appraisal of public sector arrangements for the correction of refractive error was conducted in eight Pacific Island countries.Methods: Mixed methods (questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews) were used to collect information from eye care personnel (from Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu) attending a regional eye health workshop in 2005.Results: Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu hadVision 2020eye care plans that included refraction services, but not spectacle provision. There was wide variation in public sector spectacle dispensing services, but, except in Samoa, ready‐made spectacles and a full cost recovery pricing strategy were the mainstay. There were no systems for the registration of personnel, nor guidelines for clinical or systems management. The refraction staff to population ratio varied considerably. Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu had the best coverage by services, either fixed or outreach. Most services had little promotional activity or community engagement.Conclusions: To be successful, it would seem that public sector refraction services should answer a real and perceived need, fit within prevailing policy and legislation, value, train, retain and equip employees, be well managed, be accessible and affordable, be responsive to consumers, and provide ongoing good quality outcomes. To this end, a checklist to aid the initiation and maintenance of refraction and spectacle systems in low‐resource countries has been constructed.