bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Normal levels of ADAMTS13 and factor H are present in the pharmaceutically licensed plasma for transfusion (Octaplas®) and in the universally applicable plasma (Uniplas) in development
Authors: Heger A. , Kannicht C. , Römisch J. , Svae T.‐E. 
Published: December 2006

Background and Objectives  The pathomechanism of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with a severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 and factor H. The aim of this study was to quantify the levels of ADAMTS13 and factor H in the pharmaceutically licensed plasma for transfusion, Octaplas®, and the universally applicable plasma, Uniplas (development product, working title). Furthermore, Octaplas® batches of blood groups A, B, O, AB, and plasmas derived from different sources were compared.Materials and Methods  Twenty‐four Octaplas® and three Uniplas batches were selected for the study. ADAMTS13 activities were measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay, ADAMTS13 antigen levels were quantified using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay test kit, while factor H antigen levels were detected using radial immunodiffusion (RID) methods. In addition, von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimeric analyses were performed.Results  Both Octaplas®, produced from US and European plasma of different blood groups, and Uniplas contain ADAMTS13 antigen and activity levels as well as factor H concentrations at normal levels without significant differences. In addition, Octaplas® and Uniplas show a vWF multimeric pattern comparable to normal plasma.Conclusion  The study revealed that Octaplas® and Uniplas contain normal levels of ADAMTS13 at low batch‐to‐batch variations. Therefore, both products can substitute the missing or neutralized protease activity in TTP patients and thereby limit vWF‐dependent (platelet‐related) thrombosis. In addition, both plasma products contain factor H at a physiological level, and, thus can be used efficiently in the treatment of aHUS patients, which have been shown to benefit from plasma administration.
Ovarian Cysts in MRL/MpJ Mice Originate from Rete Ovarii
Authors: Kon Y. , Konno A. , Hashimoto Y. , Endoh D. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryIn MRL mice aged more than 1 year, but not in C57BL/6 mice, ovaries had grossly visible cysts presenting unilaterally or bilaterally. Postnatally, all MRL mice developed ovarian cysts by 8 months of age. Observations by light microscopy, including lectin histochemistry, indicated that the cysts sometimes included papillomatous tissues located at the hilar region and were similar to the rete ovarii system, but not to follicles. Two types of epithelial cells, ciliated and non‐ciliated, were arranged on the cysts, in which both cell types had many microvilli projecting in various directions and random ramifications in the cystic lumen. These characteristics suggest that ovarian cysts developing in MRL mice originate mostly from the rete ovarii. Cysts derived from the rete ovarii at 8 months of age were histologically detected in all C3H mice as well as MRL mice, with variable incidence in ICR, AKR, CBA/N and ddY, and none in C57L/6, DBA/2, BALB and A/J mice. However, measurement of the maximum diameters of the ovarian cysts indicated that MRL mice regularly possessed the largest cysts visible to the naked eye. This is the first report of ovarian cysts in this inbred strain, suggesting that ovarian cysts in MRL mice appear with stable incidence and development.
Development of the Chick Pancreas with Regard to Estimation of the Relative Occurrence and Growth of Endocrine Tissue
Authors: Maňáková E. , Titlbach M. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryEndocrine cells in chick pancreas were observed to map their distribution during development and to perform morphometric studies starting on embryonic day 5. The ratio of exocrine to endocrine tissues first prevailed in favour of the endocrine ones, and changed abruptly after day 9 when rapid growth of exocrine tissue began. Endocrine tissue was formed of two types of islets. The ‘light’ (or B) islets were composed of insulin‐immunoreactive cells, completed perhaps by a few somatostatin‐immunoreactive cells occurring on the periphery. The majority of the somatostatin‐ and glucagon‐immunoreactive cells were present in the ‘dark’ (or A) islets. Endocrine elements were also scattered as single cells over the pancreas. Sporadically, the endocrine cells established contacts with exocrine ducts. In morphometric analysis, volume density of insulin‐, glucagon‐, and somatostatin‐immunoreactive cells was measured, and ratios were calculated between particular components. The volume density of endocrine cells and their ratio appeared stable in individual lobes but varied significantly between each other. Increase of the glucagon volume density is exponential, whereas insulin increases almost linearly especially in splenic lobe. The process results in the increase of the hormone‐immunoreactive cell volume density in favour of glucagon‐immunoreactive cells typical for birds.
Topography of Arterial Circle of the Brain in Egyptian Spiny Mouse (Acomys cahirinus, Desmarest)
Authors: Szczurkowski A. , Kuchinka J. , Nowak E. , Kuder T. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryUsing stained acryl latex‐injected techniques, the arterial circle of the brain in Acomys cahirinus Desmarest was studied. Results revealed an important individual variability of investigated structure. Three morphological variants were found: (1) the lack of typical arterial circle – opened in front and the back side, (2) partial opened at the back side, (3) completely closed arterial circle. This finding is opposed to many species of mammals, including rodents, and especially laboratory mouse. In our point of view, it seems to be a specific character.
Growth and Yield of Sweet Corn Following Green Manure in a Warm Temperate Environment on Sandy Soil
Authors: Cherr C. M. , Scholberg J. M. S. , McSorley R. , Mbuya O. S. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractLegumes used as green manure (GMN) may provide on‐farm sources of N for subsequent crops. In warm‐humid climates on sandy soils, however, there is a need to evaluate effects on growth and yield of subsequent crops when GMN substitutes for chemical N fertilizer. We collected time‐series data for 2 years to evaluate growth and ear yield response of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. Rugosa) in annual rotation with GMN (summer, winter or summer plus winter GMN) and supplemented with 0, 67 or 133 kg chemical N ha−1. Control treatments receiving 0, 67, 133, 200 or 267 kg chemical N ha−1 were used for comparison. Rotation with summer plus winter GMN resulted in more growth and yield benefit for sweet corn than did the other GMN rotations. Compared with control treatments receiving the same chemical N rates, rotation with summer plus winter GMN increased sweet corn ear yield, leaf area index and total plant dry weight and N content by 15–30 %. Despite these benefits, use of high chemical N rate (267 kg chemical N ha−1) resulted in ear yields at least 20 % greater than sweet corn rotated with any GMN and fertilized with reduced N rates. Largest increases in sweet corn dry weight and N content occurred between 4 and 6 weeks after emergence in all treatments. After this period of rapid growth, sweet corn fertilized with 267 kg chemical N ha−1 showed higher N content than all other treatments. Prior to this period of rapid growth, multiple rainfall events in excess of 30 mm may have resulted in leaching of N from GMN residue. Considering the high rainfall levels, low water and N retention capability of sandy soils and rapid N release from GMN during decomposition, future research of GMN in this environment should evaluate options to better match GMN termination with time of greatest potential N uptake from a subsequent crop.
Heterosis and genetic analysis of iron concentration in grains and leaves of maize
Authors: Chen F. , Chun L. , Song J. , Mi G. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIron (Fe) is a major micronutrient affecting animal and plant health. Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important crop for both food and fodders. The concentration of Fe in grains and vegetative organs, therefore, may exert a direct or indirect influence on human nutrition. Improving Fe nutrition by breeding is a promising way, but little is known about the genetics and heterosis of Fe nutrition in maize. In the present study, nine inbred lines were used to analyse the heterosis, combining ability and genetic ability of Fe concentration in grain and in the leaves supporting the cobs (ear‐leaf) of maize by a diallel mating design. It was showed that heterosis of Fe concentration in grains was very low, indicating that traditional hybrid breeding may not be efficient for improving this trait. Iron concentration of the ear‐leaf was controlled by additive gene effects and heterosis was high, indicating that hybrid breeding can be used to improve Fe nutrition of the vegetative organs of maize.
Quantitative trait loci for agronomic traits in soybean
Authors: Panthee D. R. , Pantalone V. R. , Saxton A. M. , West D. R. , Sams C. E. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThere continues to be improvement in seed yields of soybean by conventional breeding, but molecular techniques may provide faster genetic gains. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the agronomic traits seed yield, lodging, plant height, seed filling period and plant maturity in soybean. To achieve this objective, 101 F6‐derived recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from a population developed from a cross of N87‐984‐16 × TN93‐99 were used. Experiments were conducted in six environments during 2002–2003. Heritability estimates on an entry mean basis from data combined across environments ranged from 0.12 to 0.65 for seed yield and seed filling period, respectively. Composite interval mapping detected one QTL for yield (near Satt076), two for lodging (near Satt225 and Satt593) and four for maturity (near Satt263, Satt292, Satt293 and Satt591) in this population. Additional environmentally sensitive QTL for these traits, and for seed filling period and plant height are also reported. The QTL associated with agronomic traits that we report and the recently released germplasm (PI 636460) from this population may be useful in soybean breeding programmes.
Identification and characterization of sources of resistance to Erysiphe pisi Syd. in Pisum spp.
Authors: Fondevilla S. , Carver T. L. W. , Moreno M. T. , Rubiales D. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA collection of 67 accessions of Pisum species originating from different countries was screened in a glasshouse test for resistance to Erysiphe pisi. All Pisum fulvum accessions were completely resistant. Incomplete resistance was identified in some accessions of P. sativum subsp. sativum var. arvense and P. sativum subsp. elatius and abyssinicum. Microscopy revealed several distinct cellular mechanisms governing resistance. In P. fulvum, it was mainly due to a high frequency of cell death that occurred both as a rapid response to attempted infection and a delayed response that followed colony establishment. Cell death following colony establishment was also key to the incomplete resistance in some accessions of P. sativum subsp. sativum var. arvense. In addition, impaired spore germination, and to a lesser extent appressorium formation, contributed to pre‐penetration resistance in some accessions. In some cases, resistance also retarded colony growth, possibly through effects on haustorial development or function in cells that survived the attack. Thus, these wild pea accessions offer diverse resistances that could be introduced to cultivated peas to increase the efficacy of powdery mildew resistance.
2··, a new high molecular weight glutenin subunit coded by Glu‐A1: its predicted structure and its impact on bread‐making quality
Authors: Gobaa S. , Kleijer G. , Stamp P. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe suitability of wheat varieties for bread‐making depends on their glutenin subunits. The amino acid composition of these gluten building‐blocks have a strong influence on the rheology of the dough and, thus, on the suitability of the variety for bread‐making. This study reports a new x‐type high molecular weight glutenin subunit coded by the locus Glu‐A1 and named 2··. To investigate the impact of this allele on 10 quality parameters, a doubled haploid (DH) population of Triticum aestivum, segregating for Glu‐A1, was created. The statistical analysis demonstrates that, at Glu‐A1, the subunit 2·· is as favourable for quality as the subunit 2*. This is in accordance with results showing that the 2·· open reading frame still has the same number of cysteines as 2*. The small differences in the length of the central domain had no detectable effect on the elasticity, tenacity and baking quality, of the dough.
Production and molecular characterization of Citrus intergeneric somatic hybrids between red tangerine and citrange
Authors: Guo W. W. , Wu R. C. , Cheng Y. J. , Deng X. X. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractSomatic hybridization has been an effective and successful technique for plant improvement. In this paper, embryogenic callus protoplasts of red tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco) were electrically fused with mesophyll protoplasts from citrange (C. sinensis × P. trifoliata, a Chinese local strain) in an effort to produce complementary tetraploid citrus rootstocks. Regenerated embryoids grew slowly and were vulnerable to browning. Twelve plants were finally regenerated, rooted and transplanted into a greenhouse. Root‐tip chromosome counting of five randomly‐selected plants revealed most cells were tetraploid (2n = 4x = 36), but aneuploid cells also existed. Flow cytometry analysis further confirmed their tetraploid nature. Nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis verified their hybridity. Further mitochondrial genome analysis by restriction fragment length polymorphism and cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence revealed their mtDNA banding pattern was identical to that of red tangerine, the embryogenic callus parent; while their chloroplast DNA inheritance was random as revealed by chloroplast SSR analysis, in addition to cpDNA co‐existence detected in one plant. Cytological and molecular analysis indicated that somatic hybrid plants between red tangerine and citrange had been successfully obtained.
STATINS REDUCE MACROPHAGE INFLAMMATORY PROTEIN‐1α EXPRESSION IN HUMAN ACTIVATED MONOCYTES
Authors: Bruegel Mathias , Teupser Daniel , Haffner Ivonne , Mueller Marc , Thiery Joachim 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARY

3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) exhibit a wide variety of anti‐atherogenic effects that may be independent of their property to lower plasma cholesterol.
In order to systematically investigate these effects at a cellular level, we investigated gene expression in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)‐activated and non‐activated human THP‐1 monocytes in response to statins using cDNA arrays.
Of 588 genes tested, 26 were differentially expressed in the presence of statins. A marked reduction was found for the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α (MIP‐1α). The decrease in MIP‐1α mRNA expression after incubation with statins was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in THP‐1 monocytes and human freshly isolated monocytes. Macrophage inflammatory protein‐1α protein in THP‐1 monocytes was reduced from 377 to 299 and 305 pg/mL by 0.1 µmol/L simvastatin and 0.01 µmol/L cerivastatin, respectively. The reduction in MIP‐1α expression by statins was due, at least in part, to transcriptional inhibition of MIP‐1α promoter activity.
The CC receptor ligand MIP‐1α is a chemokine that has been implicated in atherosclerotic lesion formation. The present findings suggest that statin‐mediated immunomodulation by inhibiting MIP‐1α could contribute to the beneficial effects of statin therapy independent of lowering plasma cholesterol.
TISSUE‐SPECIFIC REGULATION OF INSULIN‐LIKE GROWTH FACTORS AND INSULIN‐LIKE GROWTH FACTOR BINDING PROTEINS IN MALE DIABETIC RATS IN VIVO AND IN VITRO
Authors: Han Ho Jae , Kang Chang Won , Park Soo Hyun 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARY

Insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs) are associated with the development of diabetes mellitus. The liver, kidney and heart have been implicated as important organs in the onset of diabetes mellitus. However, the effect of diabetes on the IGF system in these organs has not been fully described. Thus, we investigated changes in IGF‐I, IGF‐II and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) in male steptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats, as well as in a high glucose‐induced in vitro model.
Serum levels of IGF‐I were decreased, but the levels of IGF‐II were increased, in diabetic rats compared with controls. The expression of IGFBP‐3 in the serum was markedly decreased; in contrast, the expression of IGFBP‐1 and ‐2 was increased in diabetic rats. The expression of IGF‐I, IGF‐II, IGFBP‐1, IGFBP‐2, IGFBP‐3 and IGFBP‐4 in the liver of the diabetic group was similar to that in the serum of diabetic rats.
In heart tissue of the diabetic group, IGF‐I levels were decreased, but IGF‐II levels were increased. In addition, the expression of IGFBP‐3, IGFBP‐1 and IGFBP‐2 was decreased in diabetic rats.
In the kidney of the diabetic group, IGF‐I and IGF‐II levels were increased. There was only slight expression of IGFBP‐3 in the kidney and this was not altered in diabetic rats. Levels of IGFBP‐1 and ‐2 were markedly increased in the kidney of diabetic rats.
Insulin treatment recovered the changes in expression of IGF‐I, IGF‐II and IGFBPs in the serum, liver, heart and kidney. In the liver, heart and kidney, the expression of the insulin receptor was increased in male diabetic rats.
In conclusion, diabetes tissue‐specifically alters the IGF system in the liver, heart and kidney in rats; this effect can be recovered by insulin treatment.
CHANGES IN THE VISCERAL FUNCTIONS OF PLASMODIUM BERGHEI‐INFECTED AND ‐UNINFECTED RATS FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF ARTEMETHER
Authors: Akomolafe RO , Adeoshun IO , Fakunle JB , Iwalewa EO , Ayoka AO , Akanji BO 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARY

The effects of artemether (12.5, 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg per day, i.m.), administered to different groups of Plasmodium berghei‐infected and ‐uninfected adult Wistar rats for 1 week, were investigated.
The parameters evaluated were the feeding, drinking and urinating patterns of the rats and these were compared with those of rats that received normal saline.
Artemether caused a significant dose‐dependent reduction in food consumption of both P. berghei‐infected and ‐uninfected rats (P < 0.05). Food intake in infected rats was reduced by approximately 7 g/24 h. This reduction in food intake was further reduced during drug treatment with artemether. Artermether also reduced food intake in uninfected rats. The food consumption of rats that received 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg artemether was restored after stopping treatment, in contrast with rats that received 50.0 mg/kg, in which the significant reduction in food consumption persisted 1 week after drug administration.
During treatment with artemether, the water intake of infected rats was significantly lower than that of uninfected rats in the 12.5 mg/kg artemether‐treated group, but was significantly higher in infected rats than in uninfected rats dosed with 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg artemether.
For all doses of artemether tested, a significant increase in urine output was observed in infected rats during treatment and 1 week after treatment, whereas in uninfected rats a significant increase in urine output was observed only following 25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg artemether 1 week after drug administration.
The present study confirms the anorexic activity of a high dose of artemether in both P. berghei‐infected and ‐uninfected rats. It also indicates that high doses of the drug could cause impaired renal function in rats and that the significant increase in urine output could also be due to other effects of artemether, namely those on thirst, anti‐diuretic hormone output and the osmotic pressure of the blood.
PERSONAL DIGITAL VIDEO: A METHOD TO MONITOR DRUG REGIMEN ADHERENCE DURING HUMAN CLINICAL INVESTIGATIONS
Authors: Carroll Chad C , Trappe Todd A 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARY

Maintaining patient adherence to a drug regimen has proven to be difficult. Missed doses can impact drug efficacy and disease control, leading to increased health‐care costs.
During clinical drug trials, poor adherence could lead to false conclusions regarding drug efficacy. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine the feasibility of using personal digital video cameras to monitor adherence to a medication regimen during a clinical investigation.
Older men and women (60–78 years) participated in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to determine the effect of ibuprofen or paracetamol on skeletal muscle adaptations to chronic resistance exercise training. Patients took three daily doses of either a placebo or the maximal daily over‐the‐counter dose of ibuprofen (1.2 g/day) or paracetamol (4.0 g/day) for 12 weeks. Prior to beginning the study, subjects were trained to use a personal digital video camera to record their drug consumption.
Subjects correctly recorded 4956 of 5375 doses, resulting in an average camera compliance rate of 92% (71–100%).
We describe a method of monitoring adherence to a prescribed drug regimen during a clinical investigation. Camera compliance rates, which directly confirm drug consumption, were higher than what is typically obtained with other methods of monitoring adherence. This camera compliance method provides the investigator with a simple and convenient means to generate direct evidence of drug consumption.
ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FOR THE INTERACTION OF SUBSTANCE P AND GLUTAMATE ON Aδ AND C AFFERENT FIBRE ACTIVITY IN RAT HAIRY SKIN
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhao Yan , Guo Yuan , Cao Dong‐Yuan , Tian Yu‐Ling , Yao Fan‐Rong , Wang Hui‐Sheng 
Published: December 2006

SUMMARY

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether there was a cooperative interaction between substance P (SP) and glutamate (GLU) administered subcutaneously on Aδ and C primary afferent fibre activity in dorsal hairy skin of the rat in vivo. The single unit activities of Aδ and C afferent fibres were recorded by isolation of fibre filaments from the dorsal cutaneous nerve branches and the effects of subcutaneous injections of low doses of SP, GLU and SP + GLU on activity were determined.
Sub‐threshold doses of SP (1 µmol/L, 10 µL) administered subcutaneously into the dorsal hairy skin had no effect on the afferent discharges of either Aδ or C units.
The afferent discharges of 35% (11/31) of Aδ fibres and 33% (6/18) of C fibres were increased by local injection of the submaximal doses of GLU (10 µmol/L, 10 µL) into the receptive fields.
The GLU‐induced excitatory response was significantly enhanced by coinjection of subthreshold doses of SP. The mean discharge rates of Aδ fibres and C fibres were increased from 5.84 ± 1.54 and 5.02 ± 2.65 impulses/min to 19.91 ± 4.35 and 17.58 ± 5.59 impulses/min, respectively, whereas the excitatory proportions of Aδ and C fibres were increased from 35 and 33% to 84 and 83%, respectively. The duration of the excitation for Aδ fibres and C fibres was also significantly increased after coinjection of SP + GLU compared with that observed when either substance was given alone.
The present study provides electrophysiological evidence for an interaction between receptors for SP and GLU on the fine fibres activities in rat hairy skin, which may be involved in the mechanisms of hyperalgesia.