bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Signaling in Male and Female Foot‐Flagging Frogs Staurois guttatus (Ranidae): An Alerting Function of Calling
Authors: Grafe T. Ulmar , Wanger Thomas C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn multimodal communication, individuals use several sensory modalities for information transfer. We report on novel observations of foot‐flagging in the Bornean ranid frog Staurois guttatus that is temporally linked to advertisement calling. In addition, we document the first case of foot‐flagging in a female anuran as well as additional visual displays in both males and females including arm‐waving, vocal‐sac pumping and open‐mouth display. In males, advertisement calls and foot‐flags were given throughout most of the day, suggesting that acoustic and visual signals form a multicomponent and multimodal display. We tested the efficacy‐based alerting signal hypothesis of multimodal communication using acoustic playback experiments with males. This hypothesis predicts that an initial signal draws the receiver's attention to the location of a subsequent more informative signal. Several lines of evidence supported the alerting hypothesis. First, the latency between foot‐flags and advertisement calls was significantly higher than that between advertisement calls and foot‐flags, suggesting a functional linkage with calls drawing attention to foot‐flags. Secondly, advertisement calling had a signaling function with males responding significantly more often with both calls and foot‐flags compared with pre‐ and post‐playback control periods. Finally, and most notably, all males tested turned towards the playback stimulus, suggesting that the advertisement call serves to focus their attention on subsequent signals. We discuss the potential of multimodal signaling for conspecific and heterospecific communication and the circumstances under which such a multimodal communication system could evolve.
Male–Female Communication in the Crayfish Orconectes rusticus: The Use of Urinary Signals in Reproductive and Non‐Reproductive Pairings
Authors: Simon Jodie L. , Moore Paul A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAnimals use sensory communication to locate conspecifics, food, shelter, and avoid predators. Using urine visualization techniques as well as Digital Particle Illumination Velocimetry, we examined the role of urinary signals and current generations during social interactions of male and female crayfish. Both reproductive and non‐reproductive crayfish were paired to gain a better understanding of how reproductive state influences communication. Analyses of agonistic and mating events were paired in time with recorded urine release and current generation, illustrating a correlation of chemical communication with ritualized social behavior. Four treatment groups were run with specific combinations of different reproductive status: (1) both opponents reproductively active, (2) only the male in reproductive, (3) only the female reproductive, or (4) both opponents non‐reproductive. Results showed differences between treatment groups in urine release, current generation, and social behavior. Within reproductive pairings, both the male and female crayfish generated currents and released urine at higher rates than those in other treatment groups. Urine was released most often when opponents were in chelae contact with each other and these releases were often accompanied by anterior current generation. In addition, communication was different in reproductive trials where mating occurred. Overall, the results indicate that the use of hydrodynamic and chemical signals changes as a function of reproductive state and that this change in communication probably indicates readiness to mate.
Differential Expression of CD45 on Canine Microglial Cells
Authors: Stein V. M. , Baumgärtner W. , Schröder S. , Zurbriggen A. , Vandevelde M. , Tipold A. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryCD45, also called leucocyte common antigen is a transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase on the surface of nearly all white blood cells and has a functional role in signal transduction. In the brain, the expression of CD45 can be used to distinguish microglial cells with a characteristic phenotype of CD11b/c+ and CD45low from other central nervous system (CNS) macrophages which show an expression of CD11b/c+ and CD45high. In the course of pathological changes in the CNS, microglia in rodents is known to readily upregulate expression of various surface molecules, such as CD45. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate expression of surface molecules is essential to study the pathogenesis of CNS diseases. In the present study, the expression of CD45 on microglia of 42 dogs was examined ex vivo by means of flow cytometry. The dogs were classified in two groups according to the histopathological diagnosis in the CNS. All dogs without changes in the CNS (group I; n = 22) only showed low percentages of CD45+ microglial cells. In group II consisting of 20 dogs with different intracranial diseases varying results were obtained. Thirteen dogs showed a low percentage of CD45+ microglial cells whereas seven dogs exhibited high percentages of microglial cells expressing CD45. Evaluation of expression intensity in these seven dogs revealed two subpopulations of CD45+ microglial cells: a large subpopulation with CD45low and a small subpopulation with CD45high. The expression intensity of CD45high was comparable with that of canine monocytes. It was attempted to correlate these findings to age of the animals, underlying disease, duration of clinical signs, medical treatment, occurrence of seizure activity and the expression of other surface molecules. It appeared that dogs with high percentages of CD45+ suffered from long‐lasting CNS disease with seizures. In future studies, the reason and consequences for upregulated CD45 in long‐lasting CNS diseases has to be further evaluated.
Separate Origin of the Main Components of the Left Coronary Artery in Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
Authors: Durán A. C. , Arqué J. M. , Fernández B. , Fernández M. C. , Fernández‐Gallego T. , Sans‐Coma V. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThis study describes a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly in the Syrian hamster; namely, the separate origin of the obtuse marginal and left circumflex arteries which are the main components of the left coronary artery. The hearts of nine affected animals were examined by means of a corrosion‐cast technique and histology. The hamsters belonged to a laboratory inbred family with a high incidence of coronary artery anomalies and bicuspid aortic valve. The aortic valve was tricuspid in three hamsters and bicuspid in the other six hamsters. In all cases, the right coronary artery was normal, whereas the left coronary artery main trunk was absent. The present anomalous coronary artery patterns could be classified into two main entities: (i) ectopic origin of the obtuse marginal artery from the right aortic sinus or from the right coronary artery, with the left circumflex artery arising from the left side of the aortic valve; and (ii) ectopic origin of both the obtuse marginal artery from the right aortic sinus or from the right coronary artery and left circumflex artery from the dorsal aortic sinus. In all cases, the obtuse marginal artery coursed to the right side of the heart through the ventral wall of the right ventricular outflow tract. When the left circumflex artery arose from the dorsal aortic sinus, it formed an acute angle with the aortic wall. This report seems to be the first to describe the separate origin of the main components of the left coronary artery in a non‐human mammalian species. In man, the congenital coronary artery and aortic valve defects reported herein may entail the risk of clinical complications. However, none of the affected hamsters showed signs of disease.
Nickel Seminal Concentrations in Various Animals and Correlation to Spermatozoa Quality
Authors: Zemanová J. , Lukáč N. , Massányi P. , TrandžÍk J. , Burócziová M. , Naď P. , Capcarová M. , Stawarz R. , Skalická M. , Toman R. , Koréneková B. , Jakabová D. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryIn this study, the concentration of nickel in stallion, bull, ram, boar and fox semen, and its relation with spermatozoa quality was analyzed. The concentration of nickel in semen was 0.20 mg kg−1 in stallion, 0.12 mg kg−1 in bull, 0.31 mg kg−1 in ram, 0.06 mg kg−1 in boar and 0.36 mg kg−1 in fox. Seminal nickel concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in foxes than that in bulls and significantly higher (P < 0.01) in rams and foxes in comparison with boars. Evaluation of total pathological spermatozoa revealed the highest number in stallions followed by rams, bulls, boars and foxes. In bull, ram and boar semen, separated flagellum, flagellum torso and knob‐twisted flagellum were predominant. Knob‐twisted flagellum, separated flagellum and flagellum torso were found in increased number in stallion semen and broken flagellum in fox semen. Correlation analysis in bulls indicated a high positive correlation between seminal nickel and separated flagellum (r = 0.76) and medium positive correlation between nickel and flagellum torso (r = 0.62), and in rams a high positive correlation between nickel and separated flagellum (r = 0.77). Medium positive correlation was found between nickel and separated flagellum (r = 0.43) and between nickel and other pathological spermatozoa (r = 0.45) in boars.
Imaging Features and Decision Making in Retrobulbar Neuroendocrine Tumours in Horses – Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Matiasek K. , Cronau M. , Schmahl W. , Gerhards H. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryA 25‐year‐old Haflinger gelding was evaluated for chronic‐progressive unilateral exophthalmos. Ultrasonographic investigation and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a retrobulbar space‐occupying mass to be the cause of eyeball displacement. Ultrasonographic features were not sufficient to specify the type and extension of the lesion. Magnetic resonance scans, however, clearly displayed an infiltrative intracranial growth pattern but sparing of orbital soft tissues. Based on MR appearance, tentative diagnosis of an orbital soft tissue neoplasia was made and subsequently confirmed by histopathological investigation. The latter revealed a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine tumour. Retrospectively, MR changes resembled those seen with neuroendocrine neoplasms of the human skull. Even if histopathology remains to be elucidated by cytological or histological inspection, MR imaging of equine orbital tumours should provide the criteria necessary for evaluating the therapeutic options and associated prognosis.
Lymphocyte Proliferation to Collagen Type I in Dogs
Authors: De Bruin T. , De Rooster H. , Van Bree H. , Waelbers T. , Cox E. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate if cellular reactivity to collagen type I exists in dogs with unilateral cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) rupture and if it relates to disease progression. The patient group consisted of 10 dogs with unilateral CrCL rupture. The control dogs consisted of three healthy control dogs, and two healthy dogs with unilateral sham operations of the stifle joint. All dogs were assayed repeatedly every 6 months for 12–24 months. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from whole blood and were cultured with human collagen type I at concentrations of 5, 20 and 40 μg/ml for 6 and 7 days. Lymphocyte reactivity to collagen type I occurred not only in dogs with CrCL rupture, but also in sham‐operated dogs and healthy dogs. Five of the eight assays (63%) performed at the time of operation or at the time of diagnosis of CrCL rupture had a stimulation index (SI) ≥3.0. This was not significantly different compared to healthy control dogs, not to the sham‐operated control dogs. The CrCL rupture was assessed intraoperatively in six cases. Three cases had partial rupture and three had complete rupture. Only one dog with partial rupture, and two dogs with complete rupture had a positive SI. An increase in proliferation to collagen type I was seen in dogs with CrCL rupture, whereas it either remained stable or decreased in the control dogs. No distinct pattern in lymphocyte reactivity to collagen type I could be established from the dogs that sustained a CrCL rupture in the contralateral stifle joint, although most dogs that did not sustain a CrCL rupture in the contralateral stifle joint remained negative during this study with exception of one dog. Further research is required to determine whether cellular reactivity to collagen type I may play an initiating role in cruciate degradation.
ERYTHROPOIETIN ENHANCES ANGIOGENESIS IN AN EXPERIMENTAL CYCLOSPORINE A‐INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY MODEL IN THE RAT
Authors: Efthimiadou Anna , Pagonopoulou Olga , Lambropoulou Maria , Papadopoulos Nikos , Nikolettos Nikos K 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARY

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone regulating the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid precursor cells. The hypothesis that haematopoietic and endothelial cells share a common haemanglioblast progenitor among others is based on the finding that both cell lineages express cell surface antigens, such as CD31 and CD34.
In the present study, we investigated the angiogenic potential of recombinant human erythropoietin on cyclosporine A (CsA)‐induced nephrotoxicity in the rat kidney and compared it with the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a well‐known angiogenic factor.
Rats were divided into five groups: A (control), B (EPO treated), C (CsA treated), D (CsA + EPO treated) and E (CsA + bFGF treated). Mouse anti‐human CD31 and CD34 antibodies were used to evaluate the kidney vessels present in histological preparations.
Glomerular and peritubular capillaries in Group B (EPO) were increased compared with the control (Group A; P < 0.05). Reduction of the same kidney vessels (glomerular and peritubular capillaries) in Group C (CsA; P < 0.05) compared with controls was observed, whereas in Groups D (CsA + EPO treated) and E (CsA + bFGF treated), capillaries were increased compared with Group C (CsA; P < 0.05).
Erythropoietin has a significant angiogenic effect in rat kidney with CsA‐induced nephrotoxicity, similar to the effect of the other angiogenic factor bFGF.
FLOW CYTOMETRIC EVALUATION OF SYNERGISTIC PRO‐APOPTOTIC EFFECTS OF STATINS AND CLOFIBRATES IN IM‐9 HUMAN LYMPHOBLASTS
Authors: Tomiyama Naoki , Yasuda Noriko , Iwano Chihiro , Matzno Sumio , Matsuyama Kenji 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARY

In the present study, we evaluated fibrate‐mediated potentiation of statin‐induced apoptosis in IM‐9 human lymphoblasts.
The pro‐apoptotic effects of statin and fibrate were measured by flow cytometry with biotin–annexin V, followed by addition of avidin–fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide. Apoptosis was confirmed using karyopyknotic staining, as well as detection of DNA fragmentation and caspase 3 activation.
Incubation of IM‐9 cells with both 0.1 µmol/L cerivastatin and 200 µmol/L clofibrate had a synergistic effect compared with 0.1 µmol/L cerivastatin alone or 200 µmol/L clofibrate alone. The magnitude of apoptosis induced by various combinations of statins and clofibrate were as follows: cerivastatin (0.1 µmol/L) + clofibrate (200 µmol/L) > atorvastatin (0.1 µmol/L) + clofibrate (200 µmol/L) > pravastatin (100 µmol/L) + clofibrate (200 µmol/L). Other fibrates (bezafibrate and clinofibrate) did not show any synergistic effect. Furthermore, karyopyknotic staining, caspase 3 activation and DNA fragmentation demonstrated synergistic pro‐apoptotic effects of statin and fibrate.
The results of the present study suggest that simultaneous treatment with statins and clofibrate could provide improved therapeutic efficacy in leukaemia patients.
AMELIORATION OF CARDIAC FUNCTION IN CHRONIC MYOCARDIAL INFARCTED RATS FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF VECTOR pcDNA3.1AM
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Fang , Shao Ying , Chen Shao‐Wei , Tian De‐Zhi , Huang Guo‐Ying , Huang Yu , Yao Tai , Lu Li‐Min 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARY

The present study was designed to examine the cardiovascular effects of intravenously administered pcDNA3.1AM, a recombinant non‐virus vector carrying a rat adrenomedullin (AM) gene translation fragment, in rats with chronic cardiac dysfunction induced by ligation of the left descending coronary artery.
Haemodynamic parameters were recorded by intraventricular catheterization. In situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to identify the distribution of the introduced vector. The concentration of AM was determined by radioimmunoassay.
Progressive cardiac dysfunction was observed following coronary artery ligation, as indicated by a significant reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and increases in both central venous pressure (CVP) and end‐diastolic pressure of the left ventricle (LVEDP; P < 0.01). Administration of pcDNA3.1AM significantly attenuated the progressive cardiac dysfunction and lowered the elevated CVP and LVEDP. The introduced vector was widely distributed in different organs, including the lungs, kidney, heart, liver, spleen and brain. However, intense staining of pcDNA3.1 AM was observed in the lungs and kidneys. The introduced vector was localized mainly in the endothelial cells of blood vessels. Radioimmunoassay showed elevated levels of AM in the plasma and lung and heart after surgery, but there was no significant further increase in the concentration of AM after pcDNA3.1AM delivery.
The present study has provided some novel findings on the potential beneficial effects of AM gene delivery on chronic cardiac function in rats. Expression of AM by a non‐virus vector may also have therapeutic value against cardiac dysfunction in vivo.
Ca2+ SIGNALLING AND EARLY EMBRYONIC PATTERNING DURING ZEBRAFISH DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Webb Sarah E , Miller Andrew L 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARY

It has been proposed that Ca2+ signalling, in the form of pulses, waves and steady gradients, may play a crucial role in key pattern‐forming events during early vertebrate development.
With reference to the embryo of the zebrafish (Danio rerio), herein we review the Ca2+ transients reported from the cleavage to segmentation periods. This time‐window includes most of the major pattern‐forming events of early development, which transform a single‐cell zygote into a complex multicellular embryo with established primary germ layers and body axes.
Data are presented to support our proposal that intracellular Ca2+ waves are an essential feature of embryonic cytokinesis and that propagating intercellular Ca2+ waves (both long and short range) may play a crucial role in: (i) the establishment of the embryonic periderm and the coordination of cell movements during epiboly, convergence and extension; (ii) the establishment of the basic embryonic axes and germ layers; and (iii) definition of the morphological boundaries of specific tissue domains and embryonic structures, including future organ anlagen.
The potential downstream targets of these Ca2+ transients are also discussed, as well as how they may integrate with other pattern‐forming signalling pathways known to modulate early developmental events.
Development and psychometric evaluation of a chronic liver disease‐specific quality of life questionnaire
Authors: Lee Eun‐Hyun , Cheong Jae Youn , Cho Sung Won , Hahm Ki‐Baik , Kim Hak Yang , Park Jong‐Jae , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Seong Kook , Choi Seok Reyol , Lee Soo Teik , Moon Seong Mi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground and Aims:  There has been no reliable and valid instrument to measure health‐related quality of life for Asian patients with chronic liver disease. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a chronic liver disease‐specific quality of life (CLD‐QOL) questionnaire for Korean patients with chronic liver disease.Methods:  Content‐validated items were evaluated psychometrically in 271 patients with chronic liver disease recruited from seven university hospitals in Korea. The participants were asked to complete a preliminary questionnaire comprising the content‐validated items and the Short Form‐36 Health Survey. The Child–Pugh classification was used to classify the severity of liver cirrhosis.Results:  Factor analysis extracted a five‐factor solution from 27 preliminary items, which were generated by an expert panel and a pilot study, but factor and a multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that four items were not loaded significantly on any factor, suggesting that the four items might be heterogeneous. After deletion of these four items, a multiscaling analysis strongly supported item convergence and discriminant validity. The CLD‐QOL was associated significantly with the Child–Pugh classification and the type of patient status (inpatient/outpatient) and was moderately correlated with the subscales of the Short Form‐36 Health Survey. The values of Cronbach's alpha for the subscales of the novel CLD‐QOL questionnaire were all greater than 0.70.Conclusions:  The novel CLD‐QOL questionnaire we developed is an easily applicable tool that exhibits excellent psychometric properties for Korean patients with chronic liver disease. It is recommended for the CLD‐QOL to apply for Asian patients with chronic liver disease.
Ferucarbotran expands area treated by radiofrequency ablation in rabbit livers
Authors: Miyake Tatsuya , Sato Shuichi , Okamoto Eisuke , Ishine Junichi , Oshima Naoki , Azumi Takane , Mishiro Tomoko , Furuta Koichiro , Ishihara Shunji , Adachi Kyoichi , Amano Yuji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Several studies have examined the factors involved with expansion of the coagulation volume following radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Ferucarbotran contains superparamagnetic iron oxide that generates heat in a radiofrequency electric field and may have an effect on the area affected by RFA. We attempted to determine whether ferucarbotran administration expands radiofrequency‐ablated volume using a rabbit model.Methods:  A total of 15 male Japanese white rabbits (16 weeks old) were used and divided into three groups of five each. A 1‐mL saline solution was given intravenously into a dorsal ear vein in the control group, whereas 1 mL ferucarbotran solution (0.016 mL/kg bodyweight) was given to the common‐dose group and 1 mL of a twofold concentrated ferucarbotran solution (0.032 mL/kg bodyweight) was given to the high‐dose group. RFA was performed with a cool‐tip electrode 4 h after the administration and immediately thereafter the rabbits were killed, and the volume of the ablated area measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Following the MRI analysis, the rabbit's livers were resected, and the maximum short axis diameter of the ablated area in each was measured.Results:  None of the rabbits died during the RFA procedure. The volume of the ablated area estimated on MR images in the ferucarbotran‐administered groups was larger than that in the control group. Further, our macroscopic assessment showed that the maximum short axis diameter had a tendency to increase with ferucarbotran administration.Conclusion:  Ferucarbotran may expand the area treated by RFA.