bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of using thermally treated lupins instead of soybean meal and rapeseed meal in total mixed rations on in vitro microbial yield and performance of dairy cows
Authors: Boguhn J. , Kluth H. , Bulang M. , Engelhard T. , Spilke J. , Rodehutscord M. 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe objective was to study whether thermally treated lupins (TTL) can replace solvent‐extracted soybean meal (SBM) and rapeseed meal (RSM) in dairy cow rations. Three total mixed rations (TMR) were used. They differed in the inclusion of the main protein feeds (TTL alone, TTL + RSM and RSM + SBM) but were equal in organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy content. In vitro organic matter fermentation was not significantly different between the TMR. Efficiency of microbial crude protein (MCP) synthesis was significantly higher for TMR RSM + SBM than for TTL. In vitro gas production potential was similar for the three TMR. The maximal rate of gas production was achieved later in TMR TTL than in RSM + SBM. Feed intake of dairy cows was significantly lower when TMR TTL was fed than when TMR TTL + RSM or RSM + SBM were fed. Milk yield was significantly lower with the high inclusion rate of TTL in comparison with the other TMR. The contents of milk protein and milk fat were significantly lower when the two TTL containing TMR were fed in comparison with the RSM + SBM ration. Effects of TTL inclusion on MCP synthesis may affect the amino acid supply to the duodenum of cows to a greater extent than differences in the degradability of feed proteins.
Musculoskeletal disorders and comorbid depression: Implications for practice
Authors: Lloyd Chris , Waghorn Geoff , McHugh Cate 
Published: February 2008

Background:  The physical demands of work have a substantial impact on the incidence of work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. Depression is often associated with work‐related injuries and may influence a person's success or otherwise return to work. There is pressure for occupational rehabilitation providers to produce good return‐to‐work outcomes in a timely and financially responsible manner. The aim was to examine current evidence for any added impact of depression on return‐to‐work prospects among people with work‐related musculoskeletal disorders. Methods:  A review of the literature was conducted to determine the extent to which depression comorbid with musculoskeletal disorders affected labour force participation and the outcomes obtained in occupational rehabilitation. Results:  Australian population level data show that people of working age with depression comorbid with musculoskeletal disorders have extensive labour force disadvantage and reduced return‐to‐work outcomes when participating in occupational rehabilitation. Conclusions:  Although more research is needed, there is already sufficient evidence to support the introduction of systems and practices to detect and integrate treatment for comorbid depression in order to prevent occupational rehabilitation failure.
South Australian school teachers’ perceptions of occupational therapy reports
Authors: Vincent Robyn , Stewart Hugh , Harrison Jo 
Published: February 2008

Background/aim:  The qualitative research reported here investigated the perceptions of primary school teachers regarding the usefulness of occupational therapy reports from the Flinders Medical Centre. The reports included either recommendations alone or in conjunction with written programs for the students. Methods:  This qualitative descriptive study employed in‐depth semistructured interviews to gather the perspectives of four school teachers from primary schools in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic inductive approach. Results:  Four themes emerged from the data in relation to teachers’ perceptions of the reports: (i) Understandable but not always useful; (ii) It's important ... we can't do it all; (iii) We never actually speak; and (iv) It's probably impossible but ... in an ideal world. Conclusions:  The research findings provide an insight into the professional relationship between education and health professionals in the presence of minimal collaboration. The participants in this study described the occupational therapy reports as useful but they all wanted a higher level of interaction with therapists. The participants also gave suggestions for improving the current procedure to increase collaboration between health and education professionals. Such improvements could enhance educational outcomes for South Australian children with a disability.
Social competence and learning difficulties: Teacher perceptions
Authors: Wight Megan , Chapparo Christine 
Published: February 2008

Background/aim:  Social competence has been linked to children's classroom performance with three out of four children with learning difficulties reported to have problems with social skills. Social participation remains a predominant childhood occupation and a key indicator of school performance. Occupational therapists work with teachers to accurately assess the social performance of children in context and to provide targeted intervention. There is limited research about what teachers perceive are the specific nature of social difficulties experienced by children with learning difficulties in the classroom. This study investigated teacher perceptions of the social competence of a small sample of Australian boys with learning difficulties within the classroom context. Methods:  The Teacher Skillstreaming Checklist was used to investigate teacher perceptions of the social abilities of 21 primary school aged boys with learning difficulties compared to a control group. A correlational analysis was used to examine the relationship. Results and conclusions:  The study identified that the boys with learning difficulties were perceived by their teachers as having poorer social performance across multiple domains when compared to their typically developing peers. Implications of these findings are that children's social performance may negatively impact learning and classroom participation and that for some children, social competence should be a focus of occupational therapy assessment and treatment.
FLUORESCENCE ACTIVATED CELL SORTING OF TRANSIENTLY TRANSFECTED As4.1 CELLS SHOWS RENIN ENHANCER DIRECTS ON/OFF SWITCHING OF RENIN PROMOTER IN VITRO
Authors: Morris Brian J 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

The proximal promoter of the renin gene is weak and its activity is influenced by a strong, far‐upstream enhancer. This and the ability of renin expression in renal afferent arteriolar cells to be ‘recruited’ under chronic stimulation is consistent with the on/off switching (variegation) model of gene expression. If true, this would provide an example in which variegation controls a physiologically regulable gene.
The present study tested the hypothesis that renin promoter activity may accord with the variegation model, at least in individual juxtaglomerular (mouse As4.1) cells in vitro.
As4.1 cells were transiently transfected with constructs containing the mouse renin (Ren‐1c) enhancer adjacent to the Ren‐1c promoter and a linked reporter gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The EGFP signal from individual cells was monitored by fluorescence activated cell sorting.
In the presence of the renin enhancer there was 10‐fold higher EGFP expression in transfected cells compared with cells transfected with EGFP constructs containing the promoter alone. There was, moreover, an 8‐fold increase in the number of EGFP expressing cells. However, EGFP expression in individual transfected cells was similar in the presence or absence of the enhancer.
Results from the in vitro system used suggest that the Ren‐1c enhancer does not regulate the rate of promoter activity, but rather increases the probability of achieving an active transcriptional state. Limitations of these findings are discussed.
SEARCHING FOR FUNCTIONAL GENETIC VARIANTS IN NON‐CODING DNA
Authors: Cobb Joanna , Büsst Cara , Petrou Steven , Harrap Stephen , Ellis Justine 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

The search for DNA sequence variants for complex human polygenic conditions has been a strong focus of recent genetic research. While gene loci have been identified, few variants in the coding sequences of these genes have been found, suggesting that non‐coding sequence variation may underlie many complex conditions.
Non‐coding DNA harbours regulatory elements capable of making changes to gene expression. However, regulatory DNA sequences are currently difficult to recognize and their function is poorly understood, complicating the task of assigning potential functional significance to non‐coding variation.
Comparative genomics, the study of evolutionary DNA conservation, has enabled the emergent field of non‐coding DNA identification in human disease analysis.
This brief review will focus on the potential of a relatively high throughput technique based on comparative genomics, that may aid in the identification of functionally important non‐coding sequence variation in complex diseases.
EXAMINATION OF CHROMOSOME 7p22 CANDIDATE GENES RBaK, PMS2 AND GNA12 IN FAMILIAL HYPERALDOSTERONISM TYPE II
Authors: Jeske YWA , So A , Kelemen L , Sukor N , Willys C , Bulmer B , Gordon RD , Duffy D , Stowasser M 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

There are two types of familial hyperaldosteronism (FH): FH‐I and FH‐II. FH‐I is caused by a hybrid CYP11B1/CYP11B2 gene mutation. The genetic cause of FH‐II, which is more common, is unknown. Adrenal hyperplasia and adenomas are features. We previously reported linkage of FH‐II to a ~5 Mb region on chromosome 7p22. We subsequently reported finding no causative mutations in the retinoblastoma‐associated Kruppel‐associated box gene (RBaK), a candidate at 7p22 involved in tumorigenesis and cell cycle control.
In the current study we investigated RBaK regulatory regions and two other candidate genes: postmeiotic segregation increased 2 (PMS2, involved in DNA mismatch repair and tumour predisposition) and guanine nucleotide‐binding protein alpha‐12 (GNA12, a transforming oncogene).
The GNA12 and PMS2 genes were examined in two affected (A1, A2) and two unaffected (U1, U2) subjects from a large 7p22‐linked FH‐II family (family 1). No mutations were found.
The RBaK and PMS2 distal promoters were sequenced to –2150 bp from the transcription start site for RBaK and–2800 bp for PMS2. Five unreported single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found in subjects A1, A2 but not in U1 or U2; A(–2031 bp)T, T(–2030 bp)G, G(–834 bp)C, C(–821 bp)G in RBaK and A(–876 bp)G in PMS2. Additional affected and unaffected subjects from family 1 and from two other 7p22‐linked FH‐II families and 58 unrelated normotensive control subjects were genotyped for these SNPs.
The five novel SNPs were found to be present in a significant proportion of normotensive controls. The four RBaK promoter SNPs were found to be in linkage disequilibrium in the normal population. The RBaK promoter (–)2031T/2030G/834C/821T allele was found to be in linkage disequilibrium with the causative mutation in FH‐II family 1, but not in families 2 and 3. The PMS2 promoter (–)876G allele was also found to be linked to affected phenotypes in family 1.
The RBaK and PMS2 promoter SNPs alter the binding sites for several transcription factors. Although present in the normal population, it is possible that the RBaK (–)2031T/2030G/834C/821T and PMS2 (–)876G alleles may have functional roles contributing to the FH‐II phenotype in family 1.
TIME‐COURSE REDUCTION OF RENAL FUNCTION IN RATS ON HIGH SODIUM INTAKE: ACUTE REVERSAL BY POTASSIUM CANRENOATE
Authors: Rugale Caroline , Cordaillat Magali , Mimran Albert , Jover Bernard 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Time course of renal alterations associated with long‐term (since weaning) administration of a high sodium (HS, 8% NaCl) diet was assessed in Sprague‐Dawley rats. Reversal by acute administration of the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, potassium canrenoate (40 mg/kg, i.p.) or the type 1 angiotensin II receptor antagonist, losartan (10 mg/kg, i.v.), was evaluated at the age of 5 months (i.e. after 21 weeks of HS feeding).
High sodium intake had no detectable effect on blood pressure; however, albuminuria was always higher in the HS than control group. Glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow and filtration fraction decreased significantly after 12 weeks of HS diet by approximately 50, 30 and 20%, respectively. Canrenoate was effective and markedly reversed the renal hypofiltration associated with HS feeding without change in systemic blood pressure. In contrast, losartan reduced blood pressure and it was devoid of a beneficial effect on renal function.
The present observations indicate that hypofiltration and hypoperfusion of the kidney occurred progressively and require a long period of exposure to a high sodium intake. Albuminuria, which increased before detectable changes in renal function, may represent an early marker of renal dysfunction. The beneficial effect of acute administration of potassium canrenoate favours the participation of aldosterone, at least partially, in the sustained deterioration of renal function after 21 weeks of high sodium feeding.
RENIN INHIBITION WITH ALISKIREN
Authors: Wuerzner Grégoire , Azizi Michel 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Initial attempts to inhibit renin in humans have faced numerous difficulties. Molecular modelling and X‐ray crystallography of the active site of renin have led to the development of new orally active renin inhibitors, such as aliskiren.
Aliskiren has a low bioavailality (between 2.6 and 5.0%) compensated by its high potency to inhibit renin (IC50: 0.6 nmol/L) and a long plasma half‐life (23–36 h), which makes it suitable for once‐daily dosing.
The once‐daily administration of aliskiren to hypertensive patients lowers BP as strongly as standard doses of established angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blockers (losartan, valsartan, irbesartan), hydrochlorothiazide, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ramipril and lisinopril) or long acting calcium channel blockers (amlodipine). In combination therapy, aliskiren further decreases blood pressure when combined with either hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine, irbesartan or ramipril.
The biochemical consequences of renin inhibition differ from those of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition and Ang II antagonism, particularly in terms of angiotensin profiles and interactions with the bradykinin‐nitric oxide‐cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway and possibly the (pro)renin receptor.
Blockade of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) with ACE inhibitors, AT1 receptor blockers or a combination of these drugs has become one of the most successful therapeutic approaches in medicine. However, it remains unclear how to optimize RAS blockade to maximize cardiovascular and renal benefits. In this context, renin inhibition to render the RAS fully quiescent is a new possibility requiring further study.
INFLUENCE OF BLOOD SAMPLING PROCEDURE ON PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES AND THEIR TISSUE INHIBITORS
Authors: Rossignol Patrick , Cambillau Michèle , Bissery Alvine , Mouradian Dikran , Benetos Athanase , Michel Jean‐Baptiste , Plouin Pierre‐François , Chatellier Gilles , Jacob Marie‐Paule 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) are potential markers of many diseases involving extracellular matrix remodelling such as hypertension. Our aim was to determine whether the anticoagulant used to collect plasma and several freeze–thaw cycles may influence the accuracy of plasma MMP and TIMP determinations.
Plasma samples of 18 healthy volunteers were collected on three anticoagulants: heparinate, citrate and EDTA. For each anticoagulant, we compared: (i) MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 levels using gelatin zymography and TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 concentrations using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay; (ii) intra‐ and interassay coefficients of variation (CV); and (iii) MMP and TIMP levels after up to five freeze–thaw cycles.
The choice of anticoagulant influenced TIMP‐2 and TIMP‐1 concentrations (TIMP‐2, P < 0.0001; paired comparisons, citrate vs EDTA, P < 0.0001; EDTA vs heparin, P < 0.0001; citrate vs heparin, P < 0.0001; TIMP‐1, P < 0.001; paired comparisons, citrate vs EDTA, P = 0.10; EDTA vs heparin, P < 0.01; citrate vs heparin, P < 0.0001), but not those of MMP. We observed a bias with heparinate for TIMP‐2, TIMP‐1 and MMP‐9 determinations. The anticoagulant did not influence intra‐assay or interassay CV. Performing freeze–thaw cycles led to alterations in the TIMP‐1 plasma levels (P < 0.0001), regardless of the anticoagulant used, whereas MMP and TIMP‐2 concentrations were not significantly affected.
Anticoagulant influences the measured levels of MMP and TIMP in plasma and should be systematically reported. However, it does not influence the reproducibility of the measurements. Repeated freeze–thaw cycles alter the measurement of TIMP‐1 levels and should be avoided.
CHRONIC MENTAL STRESS IS A CAUSE OF ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION: PRESENCE OF BIOLOGICAL MARKERS OF STRESS
Authors: Esler Murray , Eikelis Nina , Schlaich Markus , Lambert Gavin , Alvarenga Marlies , Dawood Tye , Kaye David , Barton David , Pier Ciaran , Guo Ling , Brenchley Celia , Jennings Garry , Lambert Elisabeth 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

In searching for biological evidence that essential hypertension is caused by chronic mental stress, a disputed proposition, parallels are noted with panic disorder, which provides an explicit clinical model of recurring stress responses.
There is clinical comorbidity; panic disorder prevalence is increased threefold in essential hypertension. Plasma cortisol is elevated in both.
In panic disorder and essential hypertension, but not in health, single sympathetic nerve fibres commonly fire repeatedly within an individual cardiac cycle; this appears to be a signature of stress exposure. For both conditions, adrenaline cotransmission is present in sympathetic nerves.
Tissue nerve growth factor is increased in both (nerve growth factor is a stress reactant). There is induction of the adrenaline synthesizing enzyme, phenylethanolamine‐N‐methyltransferase, in sympathetic nerves, an explicit indicator of mental stress exposure.
The question of whether chronic mental stress causes high blood pressure, still hotly debated, has been reviewed by an Australian Government body, the Specialist Medical Review Council. Despite the challenging medicolegal implications, the Council determined that stress is one proven cause of hypertension, this ruling being published in the 27 March 2002 Australian Government Gazette. This judgement was reached after consideration of the epidemiological evidence, but in particular after review of the specific elements of the neural pathophysiology of essential hypertension, described above.
METABOTROPIC NEUROTRANSMISSION AND INTEGRATION OF SYMPATHETIC NERVE ACTIVITY BY THE ROSTRAL VENTROLATERAL MEDULLA IN THE RAT
Authors: Pilowsky Paul M , Abbott Stephen B , Burke Peter GR , Farnham Melissa MJ , Hildreth Cara M , Kumar Natasha N , Li Qun , Lonergan Tina , McMullan Simon , Spirovski Darko , Goodchild Ann K 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYCardiovascular sympathetic nerve activity at rest is grouped into waves, or bursts, that are generally, although not exclusively, related to the heart rate and to respiration. In addition, activity is also generated in response to central commands and to environmental stimuli.Responsibility for the integration of all these different elements of sympathetic activity rests with pre‐motoneurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla oblongata. These pre‐motoneurons are glutamatergic and spinally projecting where they form synapses with sympathetic preganglionic neurons.Pre‐motoneurons also contain and presumably release, neurotransmitters other than glutamate, including amines and neuropeptides that act on metabotropic receptors with long‐term effects on cell function.Similarly, in the rostral ventrolateral medulla oblongata the pre‐motoneurons are mainly regulated by excitatory influences from glutamate and inhibitory influences from γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). Major focuses of recent studies are the interactions between non‐glutamatergic and GABAergic systems and reflexes that regulate the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.The results indicate that neurotransmitters acting at metabotropic receptors selectively affect different reflexes in the rostral ventrolateral medulla. It is suggested that this differential activation or attenuation of reflexes by different neurotransmitters is a mechanism by which the organism can fine‐tune its responses to different homeostatic requirements.
BAROREFLEX CONTROL OF SYMPATHETIC NERVE ACTIVITY AND BLOOD PRESSURE VARIABILITY
Authors: Julien Claude 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY

The simultaneous recording of blood pressure (BP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in conscious sinoaortic baroreceptor denervated rats has revealed that the sympathetic component of the baroreceptor reflex both limits the amplitude of slow BP fluctuations and generates a faster BP oscillation (~0.4 Hz in rats), the so‐called Mayer wave.
Using BP and RSNA time series collected in conscious baroreceptor denervated rats and parameters of the transfer function relating RSNA to BP, it has been possible to predict BP and RSNA variabilities actually observed in baroreceptor‐intact rats. The most accurate simulation was obtained when the baroreflex gain was set at 20–30% of a critical value leading to the production of self‐sustained oscillations of BP and RSNA at Mayer wave's frequency.
Recent studies performed on conscious rats have indicated that the gain of the RSNA‐BP baroreflex function curve is altered during sleep‐wake cycle, grooming, exercise and exposure to environmental stress. These observations raise the possibility that the sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity might be continuously modulated as part of normal behavioural responses.
To examine this hypothesis, a method has been developed to obtain a continuous index of sympathetic baroreflex sensitivity. The method is based on the calculation of the gain of the transfer function relating RSNA oscillations to the BP pulse at heart rate frequency. This new spontaneous index correlates with the baroreflex gain measured by the vasoactive drug injection technique and is inversely related to overall indices of BP variability. In addition, it shows large, spontaneous variations over time.