bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoids inhibit degranulation of mast cells in allergic asthma via nongenomic mechanism
Authors: Zhou J. , Liu D.‐F. , Liu C. , Kang Z.‐M. , Shen X.‐H. , Chen Y.‐Z. , Xu T. , Jiang C.‐L. 
Published: August 2008

Background:  Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most potent anti‐inflammatory agents available for allergic diseases including asthma, which are routinely believed to need several hours to take effect through regulating gene expression. Our previous report had shown that GCs could inhibit allergic asthma within 10 min, which the classical mechanism could not explain.Objective:  To confirm the existence and verify the sites of GCs’ rapid action, we investigated nongenomic effects of GCs on degranulation of mast cells in allergic asthma.Methods:  The GCs’ rapid action on airway mast cells deregulations was evaluated in the allergic asthma model of guinea pigs by the computer‐assisted morphometry. Using whole‐cell patch clamp and fluorometric assay, we examined GCs’ nongenomic effect on IgE‐mediated exocytosis and histamine release of rat basophilic leukaemia‐2H3 mast cells. Employing the flash photolysis technique, we studied the role of Ca2+ signal in the GCs’ nongenomic effect.Results:  Inhaled GCs significantly inhibited airway mast cells degranulation in the allergic asthma model of guinea pigs within 10 min. In vitro, GCs could rapidly inhibit IgE‐mediated exocytosis and histamine release of mast cells, and neither GC nuclear receptor antagonist nor protein synthesis inhibitor could block the rapid action. We further demonstrated that GCs’ nongenomic effect was not through direct action on secretory machinery, but was mediated by a reduction in the [Ca2+]i elevation.Conclusions:  The study suggested for the first time that nongenomic pathway was involved in GCs’ rapid inhibition on allergic asthma, and raised the possibility of new therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases including asthma.
The rate of environmental change drives adaptation to an antibiotic sink
Authors: PERRON G. G. , GONZALEZ A. , BUCKLING A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRecent accelerated trends of human‐induced global changes are providing many examples of adaptation to novel environments. Although the rate of environmental change can vary dramatically, its effect on evolving populations is unknown. A crucial feature explaining the adaptation to harsh environments is the supply of beneficial mutations via immigration from a ‘source’ population. In this study, we tested the effect of immigration on adaptation to increasing concentrations of antibiotics. Using experimental population of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogenic bacterium, we show that higher immigration rates and a slow increase in antibiotic concentration result in a more rapid evolution of resistance; however, a high immigration rate combined with rapid increases in concentration resulted in higher maximal levels of resistance. These findings, which support recent theoretical work, have important implications for the control of antibiotic resistance because they show that rapid rates of change can produce variants with the ability to resist future treatments.
Effect of Prepartum Energetic Supplementation on Productive and Reproductive Characteristics, and Metabolic and Hormonal Profiles in Dairy Cows under Grazing Conditions
Authors: Cavestany D , Kulcsár M , Crespi D , Chilliard Y , Manna A La , Balogh O , Keresztes M , Delavaud C , Huszenicza G , Meikle A 
Published: August 2008

ContentsThe effect of cracked corn grain supplementation (3.5 kg/day) during 3 weeks before the expected calving date on milk production and composition, body condition score (BCS), metabolic and hormonal profiles and length of postpartum anoestrus was evaluated in multiparous Holstein dairy cows under grazing conditions (Energy supplemented group, n = 10; Control group, n = 10). Body condition score was weekly recorded during the peripartum period, from days −21 to +35 (parturition = day 0). Non‐esterified fatty acids, β‐hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, urea, insulin, insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I), leptin, thyroxine (T4) and 3,3′’5‐triiodothyroinine (T3) were weekly determined in plasma from days −21 to +35. The reinitiation of ovarian cyclicity was twice weekly determined by ovarian ultrasonography and confirmed by plasma progesterone concentrations. Cows fed energy concentrate prepartum had higher BCS during the prepartum and postpartum and produced more milk. Non‐esterified fatty acids plasma concentrations were significantly higher in the energy group, while cholesterol was higher in the control group. Treated cows had higher levels of plasma insulin, IGF‐I and leptin pre‐calving. IGF‐I, leptin and T4 were diminished during the early postpartum period in both groups. Insulin levels were also diminished in the control group, but levels remained high in the energy‐supplemented group. Treated cows ovulated sooner after parturition than controls. We conclude that Energetic supplementation prepartum in cows under grazing conditions increased milk production and reduced the reinitiation of ovarian activity, consistent with a better EB (BCS), higher prepartum levels of IGF‐I, leptin and insulin, and higher insulin levels during early postpartum.
Anomalous Pregnancies during Late Embryonic/Early Foetal Period in High Producing Dairy Cows
Authors: Serrano B , López‐Gatius F , Hunter RHF , Santolaria P , García‐Ispierto I , Bech‐Sabat G , De Sousa NM , Beckers JF , Yániz JL 
Published: August 2008

ContentsThis study analyses anomalous cases of gestation ending in pregnancy loss during the early foetal period and their effect on progesterone and plasma pregnancy‐associated glycoprotein‐1 (PAG‐1) concentrations. Data derived from a large‐scale ultrasound pregnancy diagnosis programme in high producing dairy cows. Over a 3‐year period (2004–2007), a very low incidence (0.5%: 15 of 3094) of anomalous pregnancies was recorded. The results revealed that the following anomalies were detected on days 35–41 of gestation in cows carrying singletons with one single corpus luteum: embryo death in eight cows (0.3%); and embryo in the uterine horn contralateral to the corpus luteum in seven cows (0.2%). All these animals suffered pregnancy loss during the early foetal period. In cows carrying dead embryos, no signs of conceptus degeneration were observed on pregnancy diagnosis. Amnion size (approximately 25 mm diameter) and uterine horn fluid contents were estimated to be similar to those of the normal pregnant cows in this period. In the contralateral gestations, live embryos were observed in all ultrasound checks before pregnancy loss. Uterine fluid contents increased in the two cows in which gestation continued for more than a week. In the cases of embryo death but not in those of contralateral gestation, a drop in PAG‐1 levels was noted prior to pregnancy loss. Two cows carrying dead embryos increased with time allantoic fluid contents. The PAG‐1 values increased with time in one cow bearing a dead embryo (from 2.31 to 6.79 ng/ml) and in two of the contralateral gestations (from 1.66 to 2.33 ng/ml and from 0.39 to 6.79 ng/ml, respectively). Results of this study indicate that the foetal membranes continue to undergo some activity following embryo death, and that contralateral pregnancy may determine failure of the gestation process.
Lactose Synthase Components in Milk: Concentrations of α‐Lactalbumin and β1,4‐Galactosyltransferase in Milk of Cows from Several Breeds at Various Stages of Lactation
Authors: Bleck GT , Wheeler MB , Hansen LB , Chester‐Jones H , Miller DJ 
Published: August 2008

ContentsIt is believed that milk production is determined by the number and activity of mammary secretory cells. Secretory activity, as assessed by milk volume, depends on secretion of the major osmole in milk, lactose, which is produced by lactose synthase. The amount of either of the two proteins in lactose synthase may regulate milk production. The objective of this study was to determine whether the concentrations in milk of the two components of lactose synthase, α‐lactalbumin (α‐LA) and β1,4‐galactosyltransferase (B4GALT), were related to genetic background, stage of lactation, breed or parity of dairy cows. α‐Lactalbumin and B4GALT concentrations were measured by ELISA and by enzyme assays, respectively, from single milk samples. Two herds with a total of 279 cows were used in the analysis. One herd contained Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Holstein and Jersey cows; the second herd contained two groups of cows; Holsteins selected for high milk production and Holsteins with 1960s genetics. The α‐LA concentration in milk was greater in Jerseys and Ayrshires than in Holsteins and Brown Swiss. However, no difference in α‐LA concentration was observed in milk from high and low genetic merit cows in the Minnesota herd or among different genetic backgrounds in the Illinois herd. β1,4‐Galactosyltransferase concentrations were similar for all groups that were analyzed. α‐Lactalbumin concentrations were positively correlated with milk protein concentration, milk fat concentration and lactose concentration. β1,4‐Galactosyltransferase concentration in milk exhibited a strong positive correlation with number of days in milk. Although the concentration of B4GALT increased as lactation progressed, the values did not show any correlation with persistency of lactation or late lactation milk production. In conclusion, this survey shows that the two components of lactose synthase are each correlated to protein concentration and individually correlated to the concentration of other milk components and stage of lactation.
Reduced Immunolabelling of a Porcine Oocyte Membrane Protein Reflects Reduced Fertilizability of Porcine Oocytes Following Elevated Ambient Temperature
Authors: Berger T , Roberts BM 
Published: August 2008

ContentsDecreased fertility in pigs is a common occurrence during summer months. An objective of the current experiments was to evaluate if elevated ambient temperature altered the oocyte plasma membrane including potential receptors for sperm. This would potentially contribute to reduced fertilizability. Treated gilts were exposed in vivo to 32°C for 12 h per day and 20°C for the remaining 12 h per day for 7 days; control gilts were exposed to 22°C for 12 h and 20°C for the remaining 12 h each day. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were also aspirated from ovaries obtained from gilts maintained at thermoneutral ambient temperature and matured in vitro at 38.5°C or 40°C. Relative abundance of a porcine oocyte membrane protein was examined by intensity of immunolabelling of the in vivo and in vitro matured oocytes evaluated with confocal microscopy; fertilizability of the in vitro matured oocytes was evaluated in in vitro fertilization assays. Oocytes obtained from gilts exposed to elevated ambient temperature for 7 days had reduced immunolabelling compared with oocytes from control gilts (p < 0.05). Similarly, oocytes matured in vitro for 44 h at elevated ambient temperature had reduced immunolabelling and reduced fertilizability compared with oocytes matured at 38.5°C (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05). These results suggest porcine oocyte quality is reduced by elevated ambient temperature and immunolabelling of oocytes with antibodies to specific membrane proteins may be effective to evaluate some aspects of oocyte quality.
Large‐scale questionnaire survey of erectile dysfunction drugs in Japanese men
Authors: NAGAO KOICHI , KOBAYASHI HIDEYUKI , NAKAJIMA KOICHI , TAKANAMI MASAHARU , MIURA KAZUKIYO , ISHII NOBUHISA 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the assessment of currently prescribed drugs and approaches to overall erectile dysfunction (ED) therapy.Methods:  A large‐scale questionnaire survey was conducted in patients with ED who had taken an ED drug in the past 2 months.Results:  Of the 308 patients surveyed, 23% became aware of having ED more than 3 years ago. In the early stages, the patients frequently experienced ‘anxiety and a sense of loss’ and ‘irritation and powerlessness’. The ED drugs taken were sildenafil and vardenafil in 65 and 31% of the patients, respectively. Although their efficacy was generally high, approximately 80% of the patients (younger patients in particular) experienced some problems with these medications. As negative assessments, the difficulty in finding a good time to take the drug and the strange sensation of the drug forcing the patient to have an erection were pointed out.Conclusion:  Use of an ED drug such as tadalafil, which produces long‐lasting effects and allows more spontaneity in sexual activity, will improve ED symptoms in a favorable manner, and will not only improve the self‐image of the ED patients, leading to activation and fulfillment of their lives as a whole, but will also enhance the satisfaction and security of their partners. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 105–114)
Differential pathogenicity and genetic diversity among Pectobacterium carotovorum ssp. carotovorum isolates from monocot and dicot hosts support early genomic divergence within this taxon
Authors: Yishay Moran , Burdman Saul , Valverde Angel , Luzzatto Tal , Ophir Ron , Yedidia Iris 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe capability of Pectobacterium carotovorum isolates to infect monocotyledonous plants has been previously reported; however, no full consideration was given to characterize the association between such isolates and their monocot hosts. To assess differences in aggressiveness among P. carotovorum ssp. carotovorum isolates originating from monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous plants, we used as model plants two susceptible monocot hosts, the ornamentals Zantedeschia aethiopica and Ornithogalum dubium, as well as two common dicot hosts, Solanum tuberosum and Brassica oleracea. Using virulence assays and different genetic analyses we characterized P. carotovorum ssp. carotovorum isolates from diverse geographical locations which originated from plants belonging to four unrelated orders of monocots and five orders of dicots. Invariably, isolates originating from monocots exhibited higher virulence towards the tested monocot plants than dicot isolates, independently of their geographical source. Moreover, monocot and dicot isolates were clearly differentiated by various genetic analyses, such as 16S rRNA sequence clustering, intergenic transcribed spacer‐PCR (ITS‐PCR) banding pattern and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). We propose that the observed relationship between pathogenicity and genetic diversity among P. carotovorum ssp. carotovorum isolates reveals a co‐evolutionary specialization trend in the interaction between this pathogen and its hosts.
Teacher–Child Relationships from Kindergarten to Sixth Grade: Early Childhood Predictors of Teacher‐perceived Conflict and Closeness
Authors: Jerome Elisabeth M. , Hamre Bridget K. , Pianta Robert C. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article examined general trends in teacher‐reported conflict and closeness among 878 children from kindergarten through sixth grade, and examined early childhood characteristics that predict differences in initial levels and growth of conflict and closeness over time. Results indicated modest stability of teacher‐perceived conflict and closeness through sixth grade, with relatively greater stability in perceptions of conflict. Levels of conflict at kindergarten were higher for children who were male, Black, had greater mean hours of childcare, had lower academic achievement scores, and had greater externalizing behavior. Children identified as Black and those with less sensitive mothers were at greater risk for increased conflict with teachers over time. Levels of teacher‐reported closeness were lower when children were male, had lower quality home environments, and had lower academic achievement scores. The gap in closeness ratings between males and females increased in the middle elementary school years. Additional analyses were conduced to explore differences in teacher ratings of conflict between Black and White students.
Marital Conflict in the Context of Parental Depressive Symptoms: Implications for the Development of Children's Adjustment Problems
Authors: Keller Peggy S. , Mark Cummings E. , Peterson Kristina M. , Davies Patrick T. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRelations among parental depressive symptoms, overt and covert marital conflict, and child internalizing and externalizing symptoms were examined in a community sample of 235 couples and their children. Families were assessed once yearly for three years, starting when children were in kindergarten. Parents completed measures of depressive symptoms and children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Behavioral observations of marital conflict behaviors (insult, threat, pursuit, and defensiveness) and self report of covert negativity (feeling worry, sorry, worthless, and helpless) were assessed based on problem‐solving interactions. Results indicated that fathers' greater covert negativity and mothers' overt destructive conflict behaviors served as intervening variables in the link between fathers' depressive symptoms and child internalizing symptoms, with modest support for the pathway through fathers' covert negativity found even after controlling for earlier levels of constructs. These findings support the role of marital conflict in the impact of fathers' depressive symptoms on child internalizing symptoms.
ASSET PRICES, OUTPUT AND MONETARY POLICY IN A SMALL OPEN ECONOMY
Authors: Malikane Christopher , Semmler Willi 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTWe formulate a macro‐model of a small open economy in order to investigate the relative performance of rules that respond to asset prices and those that do not. Our model consists of three asset prices: the stock price, the long‐term interest rate and the exchange rate. These asset prices interact with nominal wage and price Phillips curves, a law of motion for the labour share, a dynamic IS curve that describes output adjustment and a Taylor‐type interest rate policy rule. Estimations of the model show that policy rules that respond to asset price movements dominate rules that do not.
Recognizing Urban Public Space as a Co‐Educator: Children's Socialization in Ghent
Authors: DE VISSCHER SVEN , BOUVERNE‐DE BIE MARIA 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article discusses how urban public space impacts upon children's socialization. There are two points of view on the relationship between children and the urban neighbourhood, whether one considers the position of children in urban public space or the position of this environment in children's socialization. One can define the relationship in terms of the need to protect children against the perils of the city; this results in a spatial segregation of children into separate (play) spaces. Alternatively, one can argue that children should be able to move independently and safely through urban public space in order to make full use of the socializing opportunities offered by the city; this results in criteria for a child‐friendly city. Leaving aside abstract images of the ideal neighbourhood for children, urban public space should also be considered as a co‐educator. Theories of urban public space as a co‐educator require empirical information about the way in which this space impacts upon existing processes of socialization and the citizenship of children. Three cases from the city of Ghent are presented to illustrate this discussion.RésuméCet article étudie comment l'espace public urbain agit sur la socialisation des enfants. Il existe deux points de vue sur la relation entre enfants et voisinage urbain, selon que l'on considère la situation des enfants dans l'espace public urbain, ou la situation de cet environnement dans leur socialisation. On peut établir la relation en privilégiant la nécessité de protéger les enfants des périls de la ville, ce qui se traduit pour eux par une ségrégation spatiale dans des espaces (de jeu) séparés. Ou bien on affirme que les enfants devraient pouvoir se déplacer de façon autonome et sûre dans tout l'espace public urbain afin de profiter pleinement des possibilités de socialisation qu'offre la ville, le résultat étant alors la définition de critères pour une ville adaptée aux enfants. En laissant de côté l'imagerie abstraite d'un voisinage idéal pour l'enfant, il faudrait aussi envisager l'espace public urbain comme un co‐éducateur. Les théories sur l'espace public urbain en tant que co‐éducateur ont besoin de données empiriques sur la manière dont cet espace influence les processus existants de socialisation et d'acquisition de la citoyenneté pour les enfants. Afin d'illustrer cette analyse, il est présenté trois cas situés dans la ville de Gand.
Avian hind‐limb digit length ratios measured from radiographs are sexually dimorphic
Authors: Leoni Barbara , Rubolini Diego , Romano Maria , Di Giancamillo Mauro , Saino Nicola 
Published: August 2008

AbstractSexual dimorphism in digit length ratios is well established in humans, and has been reported in other vertebrate species as well, including birds. The sign of sexual dimorphism in digit ratios may, however, vary both within and between vertebrate classes. It has been hypothesized that sex differences in digit ratios arise via differential prenatal exposure of the two sexes to steroids, which may affect the expression of the Hox genes controlling the osteometric development of digits and appendices. Among birds, the evidence for sex dimorphism in hind‐limb digit ratios is conflicting, though all previous studies were based on measurements of undissected digits, implying that results could be confounded by sex‐related variation in soft tissues. Here we report that digit ratios derived from radiographs of both feet of a large passerine bird, the hooded crow (Corvus corone), are sexually dimorphic, males showing larger 2D : 3D (effect size, r = 0.33) and 2D : 4D than females (effect size, r = 0.28). We also observed a good agreement (r = 0.45) between radiographic estimates of digit ratios and digit ratios calculated based on undissected digit measurements (thus including soft tissues). Importantly, we found that the patterns of sex and side differences were largely coherent between the two methods. Therefore, our findings show for the first time in avian species that sex differences in digit ratios have an osteometric basis, a fundamental prerequisite for a role of Hox genes in originating such dimorphism.
Molecular biology of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A: a cosmetic perspective
Authors: Eapen Bell Raj 
Published: August 2008

SummaryCosmetic use of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) involves low doses of toxin administered for facial wrinkles and hyperhidrosis. The structural and functional properties of BoNT/A can affect the degree and duration of effect. Actively using the injected muscle is favorable as it exposes more receptors to BoNT/A. Divided doses of BoNT/A at an interval of more than 3 days may be longer lasting than single dose by blocking nascent neuronal sprouts. Antibodies are unlikely to be effective in BoNT/A neutralization because of the large area of receptor interaction. Several commonly used drugs including zinc and chloroquine can interact with BoNT/A, necessitating dosage adjustment for optimum effect. Serotype E (BoNT/E) can emerge as an antidote for BoNT/A for cosmetic use.