bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic plasticity in host‐plant specialisation in Aphis fabae
Authors: Gorur Gazi , Lomonaco Cecilia , Mackenzie Aulay 
Published: December 2005

Abstract.  1. The study of phenotypic plasticity in host utilisation is crucial for predicting evolutionary patterns of insect – plant interactions. The presence of sufficient variation in plasticity may facilitate host race formation and sympatric speciation.2. Aphis fabae genotypes showed high levels of phenotypic plasticity in the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), relative growth rate (RGR), birth weight (BW), adult weight (AW), fecundity (F), and development time (1/d).3. Thirteen A. fabae genotypes reared both on broad bean and nasturtium exhibited statistically significant genotypic variability in phenotypic plasticity.4. Some genotypes displayed fitness improvement on novel host plants.5. Differences in genotypic correlation among fitness components between the two hosts and increased variance on nasturtium indicated different genomic expression on nasturtium.6. The results indicated that phenotypic plasticity in a novel environment may be a major determinant of the evolutionary trajectory of a parasitic species and might support the idea that speciation starts with phenotypic plasticity.
Thermal biology of the meadow grasshopper, Chorthippus parallelus, and the implications for resistance to disease
Authors: Springate Simon , Thomas Matthew B. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract.  1. The thermal biology of the meadow grasshopper, Chorthippus parallelus, a common, habitat generalist acridid species found in the U.K., was characterised and the influence of thermoregulatory behaviour for resistance against a temperate (Beauveria bassiana) and tropical (Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum) fungal pathogen was determined.2. Chorthippus parallelus was found to be an active behavioural thermoregulator, with a preferred temperature range of 32–35 °C.3. Both pathogens proved lethal to fifth instar and adult grasshoppers. No evidence of behavioural fever in response to infection by either pathogen was found, but normal thermoregulation was found to reduce virulence and spore production of B. bassiana. Normal thermoregulation did not appear to affect M. anisopliae var. acridum.4. These results suggest that the effects of temperature on host resistance depend on the thermal sensitivity of the pathogen and, in this case, derive from direct effects of temperature on pathogen growth rather than indirect effects mediated by host immune response.5. The implications for possible risks of exotic pathogens and influence of climate change are discussed.
The effect of a probiotic drink with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on the bacterial composition in faeces and mucosal biopsies of rectum and ascending colon
Authors: GOOSSENS D. A. M. , JONKERS D. M. A. E. , RUSSEL M. G. V. M. , STOBBERINGH E. E. , STOCKBRÜGGER R. W. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBackground  Studies on probiotics mainly base their results on faecal samples, which may not represent the situation in the mucosa of distal and proximal colon.Aim  In a placebo‐controlled study, to assess the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v on the bacterial composition of faecal vs. mucosal samples.Methods  Twenty‐nine patients undergoing colonoscopic examination for polyps consumed a twice‐daily drink with or without L. plantarum 299v (1011 CFU/day) for 2 weeks. Faecal samples were collected before and after consumption. During colonoscopy, biopsies were collected from the ascending colon and rectum. The faecal and mucosal bacterial concentrations and prevalence were determined.Results  L. plantarum 299v significantly increased the concentration of faecal lactic acid bacteria, lactobacilli and clostridia, and was identified in two rectal biopsies but not in the ascending colon biopsies of probiotic‐treated subjects. Concentrations and prevalence in ascending colon and rectum biopsies were comparable, but were significantly lower compared with faecal samples.Conclusions  After probiotic consumption, a significant increase in the faecal concentration of lactobacilli was found but concentrations were low in biopsies. The bacterial composition in biopsies of the ascending colon and rectum did not differ based on culture techniques. To further elucidate the modes of action of probiotics, it might be necessary to study differences in colonization with molecular techniques.
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with antiplatelet drugs
Authors: IBÁÑEZ L. , VIDAL X. , VENDRELL L. , MORETTI U. , LAPORTE J. R. ,   THE SPANISH–ITALIAN COLLABORATIVE GROUP FOR THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING
Published: December 2005

SummaryBackground  The risk of major upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with various antiplatelet drugs and the protection conferred by gastroprotective agents are not well defined.Aim  To estimate the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding associated with the use of antiplatelet drugs and its prevention by gastroprotective agents.Methods  In a case‐control study, we compared all cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding from a gastric or duodenal lesion in patients over 18 years of age (2813 cases), with 7193 matched controls. Odds ratios of upper gastrointestinal bleeding for individual antiplatelet drugs with adjustment for potential confounders were estimated.Results  The individual risks of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were cardiovascular acetylsalicylic acid 4.0 (3.2–4.9), clopidogrel 2.3 (0.9–6.0), dipyridamole 0.9 (0.4–2.0), indobufen 3.8 (1.2–12.2), ticlopidine 3.1 (1.8–5.1) and triflusal 1.6 (0.9–2.7). Concomitant proton pump inhibitors decreased all risk estimates. For acetylsalicylic acid plus a proton pump inhibitor, the odds ratio was 1.1 (0.5–2.6). As a group, antiplatelet drugs accounted for 14.5% of all cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, i.e. 58 per million per year (334 per million per year among those older than 70 years).Conclusions  The risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding is substantially decreased by the concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors. The risk of acetylsalicylic acid plus a proton pump inhibitor seems lower than that of ticlopidine or clopidogrel.
Meta‐analysis: Smectite in the treatment of acute infectious diarrhoea in children
Authors: SZAJEWSKA H. , DZIECHCIARZ P. , MRUKOWICZ J. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryBackground  Although not currently recommended, dioctahedral smectite (smectite) is commonly used to treat acute infectious diarrhoea in many countries.Aim  To evaluate systematically the effectiveness of smectite in treating acute infectious diarrhoea in children.Methods  Using medical subject headings and free‐language terms, the following electronic databases were searched for studies relevant to acute infectious diarrhoea and smectite: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and The Cochrane Library; additional references were obtained from reviewed articles. Only randomized‐controlled trials were included.Results  Nine randomized‐controlled trials (1238 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Combined data from six randomized‐controlled trials showed that smectite significantly reduced the duration of diarrhoea compared with placebo. The pooled weighted mean difference was (−22.7 h, 95% CI: −24.8 to −20.6) with a fixed model and remained significant in a random effect model (−24.4 h, 95% CI: −29.8 to −19.1). The chance of cure on intervention day 3 was significantly increased in the smectite vs. the control group (RR 1.64, 95% CI: 1.36–1.98; number needed to treat 4, 95% CI: 3–5). Adverse effects were similar in both groups.Conclusions  Smectite may be a useful adjunct to rehydration therapy in treating acute paediatric gastroenteritis. However, the results of this meta‐analysis should be interpreted with caution as most of the included studies had important limitations. Cost‐effectiveness analyses should be undertaken before routine pharmacological therapy with smectite is recommended.
Multiple cardiac arrests following an overdose of caffeine complicated by penetrating trauma
Authors: Emohare O. , Ratnam V. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryA 28‐year‐old man was admitted following a massive caffeine overdose and a self inflicted gunshot wound in an apparent suicide attempt. Although initially stable on admission, he subsequently suffered multiple cardiac arrests and generalised seizures within 23 h of admission; over the next 48 h, he developed rhabdomyolysis. The importance of early management in caffeine overdose is highlighted.
Is influenza vaccination in asthmatic children helpful?
Authors: Bueving H. J. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe rationale for influenza vaccination in asthmatic children theoretically lies in prevention of exacerbations and serious complications like pneumonia. Solid evidence from randomized clinical trials of its preventive effects on these clinical endpoints is, however, lacking. Nevertheless, most Western guidelines advise to vaccinate these children. In the real life situation this advice isn't very well followed: vaccine coverage for this indication is low.To assess the usefulness of influenza vaccination in children with asthma a set of fundamental questions regarding this activity is presented and answered. This leads to the conclusion that, given the evidence, influenza vaccination in children with mild to moderate disease should be reconsidered.
Lipoprotein lipase activity/mass ratio is higher in omental than in subcutaneous adipose tissue
Authors: Ruge T. , Sukonina V. , Myrnäs T. , Lundgren M. , Eriksson J. W. , Olivecrona G. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground  Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is important for lipid deposition in adipose tissue (AT) and responds rapidly to changes in the nutritional state. Animal experiments indicate that short‐term regulation of LPL is mainly post‐translational. Different processing of LPL in different AT depots may play a role in the distribution of lipids in the body.Materials and methods  Lipoprotein lipase mRNA, mass and activity were measured in pieces of omental adipose tissue (OAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) from 15 subjects undergoing gastrointestinal surgery (four male and 11 female subjects, mean age 54 ± 5 years, BMI 28 ± 2 kg m−2).Results  Lipoprotein lipase activity was higher in OAT than in SAT (18 ± 2.1 compared with 12 ± 1·6 mU g−1, P < 0·01), whereas LPL mass was lower in OAT than in SAT (100 ± 9 compared with 137 ± 16 mU g−1, P < 0·05). Consequently, the specific LPL activity (ratio of activity over mass) was approximately twofold greater in OAT compared with SAT. There was correlation between LPL mRNA and LPL activity in SAT (P < 0·05) and a similar tendency in OAT (P = 0·08). There were strong correlations (P < 0·01) for mRNA abundance as well as for LPL activity between the two depots. In contrast there was no correlation between the LPL mass and LPL mRNA or activity in any of the depots.Conclusions  These results indicate that long‐term regulation, as reflected in the mRNA abundance, is similar in the two types of adipose tissue. The displayed activity reflects the mRNA abundance and the fraction of newly synthesized LPL molecules which the post‐translational mechanism allows to become/remain active. This fraction was on average twofold greater in OAT compared with SAT.
Impaired β‐cell function in lean normotolerant former gestational diabetic women
Authors: Tura A. , Mari A. , Winzer C. , Kautzky‐Willer A. , Pacini G. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground  Former gestational diabetes (fGDM) constitutes a risk condition for the development of Type 2 diabetes. Former gestational diabetes is often characterized by obesity and hyperglycaemia, which may be concomitant and independent risk factors.Materials and methods  To assess insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function in fGDM uncomplicated by obesity and hyperglycaemia, we studied 24 lean fGDM women and 23 control women matched for age (30·7 ± 0·7 years, whole cohort), body mass index (22·2 ± 0·3 kg m−2), and indistinguishable for plasma glucose both at fasting and at 120 min. Several insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function indices were computed: homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA‐R), insulin sensitivity index derived from an oral glucose tolerance test (OGIS), insulinogenic index, other empirical indices of insulin secretion and β‐cell function, and indices obtained using a β‐cell model.Results  Though the majority of indices, and in particular insulin sensitivity (HOMA‐R: 1·35 ± 0·13 vs. 1·65 ± 0·14; OGIS: 492·7 ± 6·3 vs. 496·4 ± 9·4 mL min−1 m−2), were not significantly different in the two groups, the β‐cell glucose sensitivity obtained by modelling analysis was lower in fGDM (108 ± 14 vs. 165 ± 22 pmol min−1 m−2 mM−1, P = 0·031).Conclusions  Impairment of β‐cell glucose sensitivity may be an intrinsic risk factor in fGDM independently of obesity and hyperglycaemia. Furthermore, we have shown that modelling analysis, in contrast to the empirical parameters, may be able to detect early β‐cell alterations in fGDM women.
CTLA‐4 interacts with STAT5 and inhibits STAT5‐mediated transcription
Authors: Srahna M. , Van Grunsven L. A. , Remacle J. E. , Vandenberghe P. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryCytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4; CD152) is a member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily with strong homology to the receptor CD28 with which it shares the ligands CD80 and CD86. Unlike CD28, a potent costimulator of T‐cell responses, CTLA‐4 is transiently expressed on the cell surface of activated T cells and appears to operate predominantly as a negative regulator of T‐cell proliferation. Signal transduction mechanisms utilized by CTLA‐4 remain unclear although several mechanisms have been implicated. In this study, we show that the cytoplasmic domain of CTLA‐4, but not of CD28, binds to STAT5 in yeast two‐hybrid assay and in coimmunoprecipitation assays. Mutations of Tyr165 and Tyr182 in CTLA‐4 did not abrogate the interaction of STAT5 with CTLA‐4. Finally, the overexpression of CTLA‐4 in Jurkat T cells inhibits STAT‐mediated activation of STAT5 responsive elements. These results suggest that CTLA‐4 and STAT5 interact in T cells and that this interaction is important for CTLA‐4 signalling.
Imbalance of regulatory T cells in human autoimmune diseases
Authors: Dejaco Christian , Duftner Christina , Grubeck‐Loebenstein Beatrix , Schirmer Michael 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe breakdown of mechanisms assuring the recognition of self and non‐self is a hallmark feature of autoimmune diseases. In the past 10 years, there has been a steadily increasing interest in a subpopulation of regulatory T cells, which exert their suppressive function in vitro in a contact‐dependent manner and preferentially express high levels of CD25 and forkhead and winged‐helix family transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) (TREGs). Recent findings of changed prevalences and functional efficiencies indicate that these TREGs play a unique role in autoimmune diseases. Clinical findings in patients with mutated FOXP3 genes and a specific polymorphism in the promotor region of FOXP3 also support the role of FOXP3 as a ‘master control gene’ in the development and functioning of TREGs. Both altered generation of TREGs and insufficient suppression of inflammation in autoimmune diseases are considered to be crucial for the initiation and perpetuation of disease. TREG‐related somatic cell therapy is considered as an intriguing new intervention to approach autoimmune diseases.
Double‐blind placebo‐controlled study of testosterone patch therapy on bone turnover in men with borderline hypogonadism
Authors: Merza Z. , Blumsohn A. , Mah P. M. , Meads D. M. , McKenna S. P. , Wylie K. , Eastell R. , Wu F. , Ross R. J. M. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryClinical studies suggest there may be a threshold concentration of serum testosterone below which replacement will result in skeletal and psychological benefit. We evaluated the response to testosterone in men with borderline hypogonadism. A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial in 39 men over age 40 years presenting with sexual dysfunction and a borderline low testosterone level (total testosterone <10 nmol/L or free androgen index <30%). Patients were randomized to Testoderm®TTS body patch (5 mg/day, n = 20) or a placebo patch (n = 19) for 6 months, followed by open‐label testosterone replacement for a further 6 months in all patients. During the placebo‐controlled phase of the study serum testosterone increased significantly on testosterone vs. placebo treatment (p = 0.004); this was associated with a decrease in total body fat mass (p = 0.019) and increase in haemoglobin level (p = 0.036). There were no significant changes in lean body mass, markers of bone turnover, and measures of bone mineral density (BMD). There was evidence of difference in quality of life according to the Male Erectile Dysfunction Quality of Life questionnaire (MEDQoL score, p = 0.017), mainly accounted for by deterioration in the placebo arm. When the active treatment period was combined for placebo and testosterone groups, the within‐patient analysis showed a significant effect of testosterone to decrease markers of bone resorption (uNTX/Cr, p = 0.007; iFDPD/Cr, p = 0.0006) and to increase lean body mass (p = 0.001). There was little convincing evidence from this study that testosterone replacement is likely to have major benefit in men over age 40 years with borderline hypogonadism and sexual dysfunction. However, there was evidence of suppression in bone resorption and hence longer and larger studies are needed to examine its effect on BMD.
Expression of SpanX proteins in normal testes and in testicular germ cell tumours
Authors: SALEMI MICHELE , CALOGERO ALDO E. , CASTIGLIONE ROBERTO , TRICOLI DARIO , ASERO PAOLA , ROSA ROMEO , RAPPAZZO GIANCARLO , VICARI ENZO 
Published: December 2005

SummaryWe investigated the expression of the SpanX protein family in cells of normal testes and in testicular germ cell tumours, mainly seminomas and embryonal carcinomas, using an immunohistochemical approach. Most of the normal germ cells, belonging to spermatogonial and primary spermatocytic classes, showed a strong nuclear positivity. In contrast, post‐meiotic germ cells showed diffused cytoplasmic and sometimes also perinuclear localization of the signal. The vast majority of cells were also positive in eight seminomas, six embryonal cell carcinomas and one teratocarcinoma. In all seminomas, nuclei were either exclusively or preferentially labelled; whereas, the nuclear signal intensity decreased in parallel with the appearance of some cytoplasmic staining in embryonal carcinomas. In conclusion, these data suggest that the SpanX protein family is not exclusively expressed post‐meiotically and that seminomas and embryonal carcinomas may originate from SpanX‐positive carcinoma‐in‐situ cell.
Dynamic expression of the prion‐like protein Doppel in ovine testicular tissue
Authors: Espenes Arild , Harbitz Ingrid , Skogtvedt Susan , Fuglestveit Ragnhild , Berg Kjell A. , Dick Gunnar , Krogenaes Anette , Tranulis Michael A. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryTransgenic knockout of the gene encoding the prion‐like protein Doppel (Dpl) leads to male infertility in mice. The precise role of Dpl in male fertility is still unclear, but sperm from Dpl‐deficient mice appear to be unable to undergo the normal acrosome reaction that is necessary to penetrate the zona pellucida of the ovum. We have investigated the expression pattern and some biochemical properties of Dpl in sheep testicular tissue and spermatozoa. Neither the Dpl protein nor its mRNA was detected in pre‐pubertal sheep testis. This was in contrast to the findings in adult rams where both Dpl mRNA and protein were present. The molecular mass and glycosylation pattern of sheep Dpl were similar to that of mice Dpl. The Dpl protein was detected in the seminiferous epithelium during the two final (7 and 8) and the two initial (1 and 2) stages of the spermatogenic cycle in a characteristic pattern. In stage 8, an intense brim of granular Dpl‐immunoreactivity associated with maturation phase spermatids was observed, while after the release of spermatozoa in stages 1 and 2, the Dpl‐staining was disseminated more diffusely in the epithelium, reaching the basal lamina. From stage 3 to stage 6, Dpl‐immunoreactivity could not be detected, indicating that the Dpl protein had disappeared between stages 2 and 3. Dpl was not detected on ejaculated spermatozoa. These patterns of staining indicate that Dpl is enriched in residual bodies, which are phagocytosed and destroyed by Sertoli cells after release of sperm into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule.
Habitat selection by chironomid larvae: fast growth requires fast food
Authors: DE HAAS ELSKE M. , WAGNER COEN , KOELMANS ALBERT A. , KRAAK MICHIEL H. S. , ADMIRAAL WIM 
Published: December 2005

Summary

Sediments have been considered as a habitat, a cover from predators and a source of food, but also as a source of potential toxic compounds. Therefore, the choice of a suitable substrate is essential for the development of chironomids.
For the midge Chironomus riparius (Meigen 1804) the growth rate of larvae has often been related to the food quality in sediments rather than to the amount of toxicants in the sediment. Both food quality and sediment‐bound toxicants have been reported to determine the field distribution of chironomid larvae.
We therefore studied the habitat selection by C. riparius larvae of floodplain lake sediments, differing in both food quality and concentrations of sediment‐bound toxicants. We offered the different sediments pairwise to the chironomid larvae in a choice experiment and their settlement in the paired sediments was determined after 10 days.
It was observed that larvae showed a clear preference for sediments with higher food quality, which also provided better growth conditions, and that the food quality overruled avoidance of the sediments with higher toxicant concentrations.
Our observations correspond with the persistence of this fast growing opportunistic chironomid species in organically enriched aquatic ecosystems independent of the contamination level.
Targeting of two effector protein classes to the type III secretion system by a HpaC‐ and HpaB‐dependent protein complex from Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria
Authors: Büttner Daniela , Lorenz Christian , Weber Ernst , Bonas Ulla 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe Gram‐negative plant pathogenic bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria translocates effector proteins via a specialized type III secretion (TTS) system into the host cell cytosol. The efficient secretion of many effector proteins depends on the global TTS chaperone HpaB. Here, we identified a novel export control protein, HpaC, which significantly contributes to bacterial pathogenicity. Deletion of hpaC leads to a severe reduction in secretion of effector proteins and the putative type III translocon proteins HrpF and XopA. By contrast, secretion of the TTS pilus protein HrpE is not affected. We provide experimental evidence that HpaC differentiates between two classes of effector proteins. Using an in vivo reporter assay, we found that HpaC specifically promotes the translocation of the effector proteins XopJ and XopF1 into the plant cell, whereas AvrBs3 and XopC are efficiently translocated even in the absence of HpaC. Similar findings were obtained for HpaB. Inhibition of protein synthesis suggests that HpaB is involved in the secretion of stored effector proteins. Furthermore, protein–protein interaction studies revealed that HpaB and HpaC form an oligomeric protein complex and that they interact with members of both effector protein classes and the conserved TTS system component HrcV. Taken together, our data indicate that HpaB and HpaC play a central role in recruiting TTS substrates to the secretion apparatus.