bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First evidence of cell division in circulating haemocytes from the Manila clam Tapes philippinarum
Authors: Matozzo Valerio , Marin Maria Gabriella , Cima Francesca , Ballarin Loriano 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn the present study, we report on haemocyte distribution, determined by a Coulter Counter, in the clam Tapes philippinarum. In addition, cytoskeleton components of haemocytes were examined using specific probes for F‐actin and α‐tubulin. The mean number of circulating haemocytes was 5 (×106) cells/ml haemolymph. Two main haemocyte populations were found in the haemolymph: small cells, 2–3 μm in diameter and 10–100 fl in volume; and large cells, 6–10 μm in diameter and 150–400 fl in volume. Analysis of the haemocyte cytoskeleton revealed bundles of actin filaments oriented according to the cell major axis, and microtubules radiating from the microtubule‐organizing centre in proximity of the nucleus. Interestingly, mitotic spindles were also found radiating from the microtubule‐organizing centres, located at the spindle poles (centrosomes) of undifferentiated cells. On the basis of both our previous findings regarding circulating stem cells (Cima, F., Matozzo, V., Marin, M.G., Ballarin, L., 2000. Haemocytes of the clam Tapes philippinarum (Adams & Reeve, 1850): morphofunctional characterisation. Fish Shellfish Immunol 10, 677‐693) and new information from the present study, we suggest that haemoblasts are able to divide in the haemolymph of T. philippinarum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of mitotic spindles in circulating haemocytes from a bivalve species.
Injurious effects of acute ethanol exposure during late gestation on developing white matter in fetal sheep
Authors: Dalitz Penelope , Cock Megan , Harding Richard , Rees Sandra 
Published: March 2008

AbstractFetal exposure to maternal alcohol intake can be harmful to the developing brain but the effects of acute exposures are less well documented. Our objective was to determine the effects of acute alcohol exposure on developing white matter and to investigate the potential role of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Fifteen pregnant ewes underwent surgery at 110.0 ± 1.0 days of the 147 day gestation for fetal catheterization. Ethanol (1 g/kg maternal weight) was administered intravenously to 8 ewes for 1 h on 3 consecutive days at 116.0 ± 1.0 days of gestation (0.8 of full term); 7 pregnant control ewes received saline. Fetal brains were collected at necropsy 5 days after the initial ethanol exposure and processed for structural analysis. Maternal and fetal blood ethanol concentrations reached maximal values (0.11 ± 0.01 g/dL) 1 h after infusions commenced, declining to zero thereafter. Ethanol exposure did not cause fetal hypoxemia, acidemia, hypercapnia, hypoglycemia or hypotension. Subcortical white matter injury, defined as microglia/macrophage infiltration, axonal disruption, increased apoptosis, astrogliosis and altered glial cell morphology, was observed in 4 of the 8 ethanol‐exposed fetuses. The injury occupied 6.6–18.3% of the cross‐sectional area of cerebral white matter examined and was substantial in 2/8 and modest in 2/8 ethanol‐exposed fetuses. Three remaining fetuses exhibited astrogliosis and elevated levels of apoptosis in cerebral white matter. There was a positive correlation between maternal and fetal blood ethanol concentrations and the extent of brain damage. There was no significant elevation in concentrations of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐6 in fetal plasma. Developing white matter in the late gestation fetus is vulnerable to acute alcohol exposure, but mechanisms remain unclear.
Prevalence and intensity of infections in the lymnaeid snail Omphiscola glabra experimentally infected with Fasciola hepatica, Fascioloides magna and Paramphistomum daubneyi
Authors: Dreyfuss G. , Novobilský A. , Vignoles P. , Bellet V. , Koudela B. , Rondelaud D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSingle and double infections of juvenile Omphiscola glabra (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) with Paramphistomum daubneyi and/or Fasciola hepatica were carried out to determine the redial burden and cercarial production in snails dissected at day 60 or at day 75 post-exposure (p.e.) in the laboratory at 20°C. The results were compared with those obtained with single-miracidium infections by Fascioloides magna. Compared to F. hepatica, low values were noted at day 75 p.e. for the prevalence of snail infections with P. daubneyi (4.6–8.3% instead of 23.6–25.9%), the total number of free rediae (10.7–17.9 per snail instead of 26.3–34.7), and that of free cercariae (112.8–136.9 per snail instead of 177.8–248.5). Despite a greater number of free rediae at day 75 p.e. (36.2–45.6 per snail), the prevalences of snail infections with F. magna and cercarial production were similar to those noted for F. hepatica. The results concerning F. hepatica and P. daubneyi might partly be explained by a progressive adaptation of O. glabra to sustain the larval development of these digeneans over the years, as this snail is a natural intermediate host of F. hepatica and P. daubneyi in central France since 1995. Compared with the high number of fully-grown rediae of F. magna in O. glabra, cercarial production seemed limited and this might be explained by the presence of high numbers of rediae which reduced the avaibility of nutrients for cercarial differentiation within the snail.
Early stage biliary and intrahepatic migration of Opisthorchis viverrini in the golden hamster
Authors: Nithikathkul C. , Tesana S. , Sithithaworn P. , Balakanich S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn Thailand, infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is a serious health problem, with over 8.6 million human infections each year. Early stage biliary intrahepatic migration and infection of O. viverrini in the Syrian golden hamster were used to study the growth and development of this fluke. Fifty metacercariae of O. viverrini were introduced into each hamster by gastric intubation. Worms were found to migrate rapidly from the stomach to the gall bladder and hepatic duct, where they remained in relatively constant numbers until the end of week 8. Sexual development of worms was rapid, with full development of the uterus and testes by one and one half weeks and the appearance of eggs in the uterus by the beginning of the third week of infection. Worm growth as indicated by body length had ceased by week 8. Hamsters demonstrated development of a full reproductive cycle with in three to four weeks, and this generation continued until 8 weeks.
The occurrence of the trematodePlagiorchis murisin the wood mouseApodemus sylvaticusin North Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Rogan M.T. , Craig P.S. , Hide G. , Heath S. , Pickles A. , Storey D.M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWood miceApodemus sylvaticuswere trapped each September over a 13-year period, from 1993 to 2005, in a wooded area adjacent to Malham Tarn, Yorkshire, UK.Plagiorchis muriswas found to be the dominant intestinal trematode and occurred in every year of sampling, with an overall prevalence of 16.9%. This appears to be the first record ofP. murisinA. sylvaticuswithin the UK. The mean worm burden was 2.03 and the distribution of the parasite within mice was typically overdispersed. No difference in prevalence relative to host sex was evident although there was a higher prevalence of 21.9% in larger older mice compared with 9.1% in juveniles, which probably relates to a greater foraging activity in older mice. Annual prevalence values ofP. murisinfections varied significantly over the study period with higher prevalences being associated with years with a high spring/summer rainfall. The second intermediate hosts forP. murisinclude a variety of aquatic insect larvae and it is likely that the higher rainfall may result in the occurrence of temporary water bodies suitable for the development of insect larvae.
Specific status and pathogenicity of syngamid nematodes in bird species (Ciconiformes, Falconiformes, Gruiformes) from Germany
Authors: Krone O. , Friedrich D. , Honisch M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA total of 549 birds from four orders were examined for nematodes in their respiratory system from 1995 to 2000. Twelve individuals of Falconiformes (n = 503), one of Gruiformes (n = 22) and one of Ciconiformes (n = 1), but no bird of the order Strigiformes (n = 23) were infected with syngamids. The syngamid species includedHovorkonema variegatum,Syngamus tracheaandCyathostoma trifurcatumfrom the trachea, bronchi and air sacs, withH. variegatumbeing the most prevalent.Cyathostoma trifurcatumfrom a black storkCiconia nigrais a new record for Germany. The marsh harrierCircus aeruginosusand the white-tailed sea eagleHaliaeetus albicillaare new hosts forH. variegatum. Morphological characters such as the dorsal rays of the bursa copulatrix, length of the spicules and the mouth capsule are used to differentiate species of the family Syngamidae. Egg size is different betweenS. tracheaandH. variegatum. In addition to morphological characters, the nucleotide sequence of the SSU ribosomal gene was determined forH. variegatum. Pairwise comparisons with the SSU sequence ofS. trachea(AF036606) revealed sequence difference of 2.6%. The nucleotide sequence of the second internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA for different populations ofH. variegatumwas also determined. Pairwise comparisons revealed two separate strains with a sequence difference of 14.0% to 14.5% suggesting the existence of a cryptic species. Pathological findings associated withH. variegatumwere found in 7 of 12 cases and consisted of thickened air sac walls and lesions or granuloma at the site of attachment of the worm, which occasionally involved the underlaying tissues. Lymphoplasmocytic air sacculitis was the most prominent histological lesion found.
Utilizing a polymerase chain reaction method for the detection of Toxocara canis and T. cati eggs in soil
Authors: Fogt-Wyrwas R. , Jarosz W. , Mizgajska-Wiktor H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique has been used for the differentiation of T. canis and T. cati eggs isolated from soil and previously identified from microscopical observations. The method, using specific primers for the identification of the two Toxocara species, was assessed in both the field and laboratory. Successful results were obtained when only a single or large numbers of eggs were recovered from 40 g soil samples. The method is sensitive, allows analysis of material independent of the stage of egg development and can be adapted for the recovery of other species of parasites from soil.
The long-term consequences of partnership dissolution for support in later life in the United Kingdom
Authors: GLASER KAREN , STUCHBURY RACHEL , TOMASSINI CECILIA , ASKHAM JANET 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThere has long been an interest in the United Kingdom about whether and how changes in family life affect support for older people, but nevertheless the consequences of partnership dissolution for late-life support have been little researched. Using data from the British Household Panel Study (1991–2003), this study investigated the longitudinal association between partnership dissolution and two types of support for 1,966 people aged 70 or more years: (i) informal support from children in the form of contacts and help (e.g. household assistance including care), and (ii) formal support from community care services (i.e. health visitor or district nurse, home-help and meals-on-wheels). The paper also examines the level of reported support among: (i) all parents aged 70 or more years and (ii) 1,453 unpartnered parents in the same age group (i.e. those lacking the most important source of support in later life: a spouse). We found diversity in the experience of partnership dissolution in the past lives of people aged 70 or more years. Patterns of support varied by the respondent's age, whether partnered, the timing and type of partnership dissolution, and by gender, having a daughter and health status. Overall, however, partnership dissolution did not show the expected detrimental relationship with later-life support. Health needs and increasing age were strongly associated with increases in contact and informal and formal help, regardless of family history.
The prevalence of and risk factors for loneliness among older people in China
Authors: YANG KEMING , VICTOR CHRISTINA R. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTCompared with the many studies in western countries, research on the prevalence of and risk factors for loneliness amongst older people in China is sparse. This paper reviews the current cross-national literature on loneliness and, using data from two national surveys undertaken in 1992 and 2000, assesses the prevalence of loneliness amongst older people in China and explores the factors that raise their vulnerability to the negative feeling. The reported prevalence of loneliness was 15.6 per cent in 1992 and 29.6 per cent in 2000. We suggest that part of the differential is accounted for by the differences in the methodologies of the two surveys and in the questions used to assess loneliness. The evidence from both surveys suggests that loneliness was relatively prevalent among those aged 65 or more years, females and those living in rural areas, and that these variations had greater amplitude in 2000. As in western countries, increased age, being widowed or divorced, and poor self-rated health were significantly associated with old-age loneliness in China at the two dates. Two factors positively related to loneliness were found that are specific to the Chinese context, however: living in a rural (as opposed to urban) area, and thinking that one's children are not filial. To develop our understanding of loneliness among older people in China and other non-western countries, it will be necessary to construct more rigorous and comparable measurements of loneliness and to undertake longitudinal studies of social relationships.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire for Bariatric Surgery Candidates
Authors: Hrabosky Joshua I. , White Marney A. , Masheb Robin M. , Rothschild Bruce S. , Burke‐Martindale Carolyn H. , Grilo Carlos M. 
Published: March 2008

Objective: Despite increasing use of the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) in bariatric surgery patients, little is known about the utility and psychometric performance of this self‐report measure in this clinical group. The primary purpose of the current study was to evaluate the factor structure and construct validity of the EDE‐Q in a large series of bariatric surgery candidates.Methods and Procedures: Participants were 337 obese bariatric surgery candidates. Participants completed the EDE‐Q and a battery of behavioral and psychological measures.Results: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) produced a 12‐item, 4‐factor structure of the EDE‐Q. The four factors, interpreted as Dietary Restraint, Eating Disturbance, Appearance Concerns, and Shape/Weight Overvaluation, were found to be internally consistent and converged with other relevant measures of psychopathology.Discussion: Factor analysis of the EDE‐Q in bariatric surgery candidates did not replicate the original subscales but revealed an alternative factor structure. Future research must further evaluate the psychometric properties, including the factor structure, of the EDE‐Q in this and other diverse populations and consider means of improving this measure's ability to best assess eating‐related pathology in bariatric surgery patients.
Integrin connections to the cytoskeleton through talin and vinculin
Authors: Ziegler Wolfgang H. , Gingras Alex R. , Critchley David R. , Emsley Jonas 
Published: March 2008

Integrins are αβ heterodimeric receptors that mediate attachment of cells to the extracellular matrix and therefore play important roles in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and survival. Among the cytoskeletal proteins that interact directly with the β-chain cytoplasmic domain, talin has emerged as playing a critical role in integrin activation and linkage to the actin cytoskeleton. Talin (2541 amino acids) is an elongated (60 nm) flexible antiparallel dimer, with a small globular head connected to an extended rod. The talin head contains a FERM (4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin) domain (residues 86–400) with binding sites for several β integrin cytodomains and the talin rod contains a second lower-affinity integrin-binding site, a highly conserved C-terminal actin-binding site and also several binding sites for vinculin. We have determined previously the crystal structures of two domains from the talin rod, spanning residues 482–789. Talin-(482–655), which contains a VBS (vinculin-binding site), folds into a five-helix bundle whereas talin-(656–789) is a four-helix bundle. We have also reported the crystal structure of the N-terminal vinculin head domain in complex with an activated form of talin. In the present paper, we consider how binding sites buried within the folded helical bundles of talin and α-actinin form interactions with vinculin.
Characterization of swine adiponectin and adiponectin receptor polymorphisms and their association with reproductive traits
Authors: Houde A. A. , Murphy B. D. , Mathieu O. , Bordignon V. , Palin M. F. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryIn this study, polymorphisms in genes encoding porcine adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and its receptors (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) were evaluated for associations with reproductive traits in a Landrace sow population. Sixteen SNPs were identified, and among these, associations were found between reproductive traits and five SNPs. Heterozygous multiparous females for SNP ADIPOQEF601160:c.178G>A had fewer stillborn piglets (P < 0.05) and shorter weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals (P < 0.05). Multiparous females bearing the mutant allele for SNP ADIPOQEF601160:c.*1094_1095insC gave birth to fewer stillborn piglets (P < 0.05). In addition, selection for the ADIPOQ [A;C] haplotype is expected to result in multiparous sows having the lowest number of stillborn piglets and shorter weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals. In second‐parity sows, the polymorphism in ADIPOR1 (AY856513:c.*129A>C) showed significant associations with live‐born (P < 0.01) and stillborn (P < 0.05) piglets. In multiparous sows, a significant association was observed for an ADIPOR2 polymorphism (AY856514:c.*112G>A), with the c.*112GA genotype associated with shorter weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals (P < 0.01). Haplotype analyses of ADIPOR2 SNPs revealed that selection in favour of the [A;C] haplotype and against the [G;G] haplotype may result in sows having an increased number of live‐born piglets and shorter weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals. We have therefore described specific SNPs and haplotypes that are associated with large litter size, fewer stillborn and mummified piglets and shorter weaning‐to‐oestrus intervals. Selection for these SNPs and haplotypes is a strategy to improve reproductive success in pigs.
Decomposition in soil and chemical characteristics of pollen
Authors: Webster E. A. , Tilston E. L. , Chudek J. A. , Hopkins D. W. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe input to soils made by pollen and its subsequent mineralization has rarely been investigated from a soil microbiological point of view even though the small but significant quantities of C and N in pollen may make an important contribution to nutrient cycling. The relative resistance to decomposition of pollen exines (outer layers) has led to much of the focus of pollen in soil being on its preservation for archaeological and palaeo‐ecological purposes. We have examined aspects of the chemical composition and decomposition of pollen from birch (Betula alba) and maize (Zea mays) in soil. The relatively large N contents, small C‐to‐N ratios and large water‐soluble contents of pollen from both species indicated that they would be readily mineralized in soil. When added to soil and incubated at 16°C an amount of C equivalent to 22–26% of the added pollen C was lost as CO2 within 22 days, with the Z. mays pollen decomposing faster. For B. alba pollen, the water‐soluble fraction decomposed faster than the whole pollen and the insoluble fraction decomposed more slowly over 22 days. By contrast, there were no significant differences in the decomposition rates of the different fractions from Z. mays pollen. Solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed no gross chemical differences between the pollen of these two species, with strong resonances in the alkyl‐ and methyl‐C region (0–45 p.p.m.) indicative of aliphatic compounds, the O‐alkyl‐C (60–90 p.p.m.) and the acetal‐ and ketal‐C region (90–110 p.p.m.) indicative of polysaccharides, and the carbonyl‐C region indicative of peptides and carboxylic acids. In addition, both pollens gave a small but distinct resonance at 55 p.p.m. attributed to N‐alkyl‐C. The resonances attributed to polysaccharides were lost completely or substantially reduced after decomposition.
Characterization and structural modelling of humic substances in field soil displaying significant differences from previously proposed structures
Authors: Albers C. N. , Banta G. T. , Jacobsen O. S. , Hansen P. E. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryHumic substances (HS) often are dominant constituents of soil organic matter. In this study 28 fractions of HS were purified and chemically characterized from horizons of three Danish soils differing in texture. A commercial humic acid (HA) was included for comparison. The HS fractions were chemically characterized by CHNS analysis, pH‐titration and liquid state 13C‐NMR experiments. Amino acids and carbohydrates could clearly be differentiated from other O‐ and N‐aliphatic compounds. The data were analysed by principal component analysis. The analysis revealed greater difference between HS fractions than between locations. The characteristics of the HS fractions were compared with several models in the literature and an average structural model for one HA and one FA fraction is proposed.
Chronic epididymitis: is epididymectomy a valid surgical treatment?
Authors: Calleary J. G. , Masood Junaid , Hill J. T. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryChronic scrotal pain (≥3 months) is multi‐factorial in nature and difficult to treat. Epididymectomy for chronic epididymal pain is rarely performed because of perceived poor outcome. We retrospectively audited our results, when published ‘cure’ following testicular denervation is 97%. The records of 32 males (35 consecutive epididymectomies) were retrospectively analysed. Thirteen had previous scrotal surgery. Eight (group one) had palpable painful epididymal abnormalities on clinical examination, nine (group two) had ultrasonic abnormalities but no palpable abnormality and 15 (group three) had neither. Pain response was recorded as: cured, improved, recurred or no change/worse. The mean time to operation was 23.83 months (2–121) and follow‐up was 15.57 months (1–84). There were no significant aetiological differences between groups. In group one, 87.5% were cured with the remainder improved. Sixty‐seven per cent of group two had a satisfactory outcome. Of group three, 20% were cured and a further 33% improved. Prior scrotal surgery, duration of symptoms and age were not predictive of outcome (Kruskal‐Wallis) in terms of pain relief. Epididymectomy for structural abnormalities had excellent results. Those with chronic pain, normal examination and ultrasound had at best, a 55% chance of improvement. This group must be counselled about the low risk of success. The identification of the optimal surgical management of this difficult problem requires a multi‐national registry study.