bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A chromatic explosion: the development and future of multiparameter flow cytometry
Authors: Chattopadhyay Pratip K. , Hogerkorp Carl‐Magnus , Roederer Mario 
Published: November 2008

SummaryMultiparameter flow cytometry has matured tremendously since the 1990s, giving rise to a technology that allows us to study the immune system in unprecedented detail. In this article, we review the development of hardware, reagents, and data analysis tools for multiparameter flow cytometry and discuss future advances in the field. Finally, we highlight new applications that use this technology to reveal previously unappreciated aspects of cell biology and immunity.
Increased glial‐derived neurotrophic factor in the small intestine of rats infected with the tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta
Authors: Starke‐Buzetti Wilma Aparecida , Oaks John A. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe neurotrophin, glial‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), is essential for the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in both the embryo and neonate and may be important for maintenance and plasticity of ENS. The tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, altered the number of cells containing GNDF in the host’s jejunum and ileum. Numbers and locations of GDNF‐containing cells were determined by applying monoclonal anti‐GDNF antibody to intestinal segments collected from infected and uninfected age‐matched rats during the initial 34 days post‐infection (dpi). Most cells staining positive for GDNF were present in the lamina propria of the jejunum and ileum from both infected and uninfected rats. The co‐localization of staining by the antibodies, anti‐GDNF and anti‐ED2 (a nuclear specific antibody for resident macrophages) indicated that at least 74% of the cells staining for GDNF were macrophages. Mast cells did not stain with the anti‐GDNF antibody. The increased number of GDNF+ cells in the infected rat intestine suggests that this neurotrophin may play a role in the neural and mucosal responses to lumenal tapeworm infection.
An intravital microscopic study of the hepatic microcirculation in cirrhotic mice models: relationship between fibrosis and angiogenesis
Authors: Vanheule Eline , Geerts Anja M. , Van Huysse Jacques , Schelfhout Daphné , Praet Marleen , Van Vlierberghe Hans , De Vos Martine , Colle Isabelle 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThis intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVFM) study validates cirrhotic mice models and describes the different intrahepatic alterations and the role of angiogenesis in the liver during genesis of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and by common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in mice. Diameters of sinusoids, portal venules (PV), central venules (CV) and shunts were measured at different time points by IVFM. Thereafter, liver samples were taken for sirius red, CD31, Ki67, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) evaluation by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In parallel with fibrogenesis, hepatic microcirculation was markedly disturbed in CCl4 and CBDL mice with a significant decrease in sinusoidal diameter compared to control mice. In CCl4 mice, CV were enlarged, with marked sinusoidal‐free spaces around CV. In contrast, PV were enlarged in CBDL mice and bile lakes were observed. In both mice models, intrahepatic shunts developed gradually after induction. During genesis of cirrhosis using CD31 IHC we observed a progressive increase in the number of blood vessels within the fibrotic septa area and a progressively increase in staining by Ki67, VEGF and α‐SMA of endothelial cells, hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells respectively. In vivo study of the hepatic microcirculation demonstrated a totally disturbed intrahepatic architecture, with narrowing of sinusoids in both cirrhotic mice models. The diameters of CV and PV increased and large shunts, bypassing the sinusoids, were seen after both CCl4 and CBDL induction. Thus present study shows that there is angiogenesis in the liver during cirrhogenesis, and this is probably due partially to an increased production of VEGF.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 contributes to intestinal tumourigenesis in the adenomatous polyposis coli multiple intestinal neoplasia mouse
Authors: Sinnamon Mark J. , Carter Kathy J. , Fingleton Barbara , Matrisian Lynn M. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of 23 extracellular proteases that are best known for their collective ability to degrade all components of the extracellular matrix. We previously demonstrated that genetic ablation of MMP‐7 reduced tumour multiplicity in multiple intestinal neoplasia (Min) mice possessing a genetic alteration in the adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC). These mice, commonly referred to as APC‐Min mice, are a frequently used model of early intestinal tumourigenesis. To examine further the role of MMPs in intestinal tumour development, we generated APC‐Min mice genetically deficient in MMP‐2, ‐9, ‐12 or ‐19. Genetic ablation of MMP‐2, ‐12 or ‐19 did not affect multiplicity or size of intestinal tumours when crossed into the APC‐Min system. However, MMP‐9 deficient animals developed 40% fewer tumours than littermate controls, although tumour size distribution remained unaffected. Intestinal adenomas from MMP‐9 deficient mice demonstrated a 50% decrease in proliferating cells compared with control tissues, with no difference in apoptosis. To determine the cellular origin of MMP‐9 in these tumours, immunofluorescent co‐staining with markers for different leucocyte lineages was used to demonstrate that intratumoural MMP‐9 is largely a product of neutrophils. These studies extend the potential targets for chemoprevention of intestinal adenomas to MMP‐9 in addition to MMP‐7 and exclude MMP‐2,‐12,‐19 as attractive targets for intervention.
A rough guide to the non‐coding RNA world of Salmonella
Authors: Vogel Jörg 
Published: November 2008

Summary Salmonella species are enterobacterial pathogens that have been exceptionally well investigated with respect to virulence mechanisms, microbial pathogenesis, genome evolution and many fundamental pathways of gene expression and metabolism. While these studies have traditionally focused on protein functions, Salmonella has also become a model organism for RNA‐mediated regulation. The present review is dedicated to the non‐coding RNA world of Salmonella: it covers small RNAs (sRNAs) that act as post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression, novel Salmonella cis‐regulatory RNA elements that sense metabolite and metal ion concentrations (or temperature), and globally acting RNA‐binding proteins such as CsrA or Hfq (inactivation of which cause drastic phenotypes and virulence defects). Owing to mosaic genome structure, some of the Salmonella sRNAs are widely conserved in bacteria whereas others are very specific to Salmonella species. Intriguingly, sRNAs of either type (CsrB/C, InvR, SgrS) facilitate cross‐talk between the Salmonella core genome and its laterally acquired virulence regions. Work in Salmonella also identified physiological functions (and mechanisms thereof) of RNA that had remained unknown in Escherichia coli, and pioneered the use of high‐throughput sequencing technology to identify the sRNA and mRNA targets of bacterial RNA‐binding proteins.
TBP domain symmetry in basal and activated archaeal transcription
Authors: Ouhammouch Mohamed , Hausner Winfried , Geiduschek E. Peter 
Published: November 2008

SummaryThe TATA box binding protein (TBP) is the platform for assembly of archaeal and eukaryotic transcription preinitiation complexes. Ancestral gene duplication and fusion events have produced the saddle‐shaped TBP molecule, with its two direct‐repeat subdomains and pseudo‐two‐fold symmetry. Collectively, eukaryotic TBPs have diverged from their present‐day archaeal counterparts, which remain highly symmetrical. The similarity of the N‐ and C‐halves of archaeal TBPs is especially pronounced in the Methanococcales and Thermoplasmatales, including complete conservation of their N‐ and C‐terminal stirrups; along with helix H′1, the C‐terminal stirrup of TBP forms the main interface with TFB/TFIIB. Here, we show that, in stark contrast to its eukaryotic counterparts, multiple substitutions in the C‐terminal stirrup of Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (Mja) TBP do not completely abrogate basal transcription. Using DNA affinity cleavage, we show that, by assembling TFB through its conserved N‐terminal stirrup, Mja TBP is in effect ambidextrous with regard to basal transcription. In contrast, substitutions in either its N‐ or the C‐terminal stirrup abrogate activated transcription in response to the Lrp‐family transcriptional activator Ptr2.
Modelling of malaria temporal variations in Iran
Authors: Haghdoost Ali‐Akbar , Alexander Neal , Cox Jonathan 
Published: November 2008

SummaryObjective  To model the temporal variations in malaria episodes in a hypo‐endemic area of Iran and to assess the feasibility of an epidemic early warning system.Methods and Materials  Malaria episode data for Kahnooj District, south‐east Iran, were collected from the local health system for the period 1994–2002. Plasmodium species‐specific models were generated using Poisson regression. Starting with a simple model which included only temporal effects, we iteratively added more explanatory variables to maximize goodness of fit.Results  Of 18 268 recorded malaria episodes, more than 67% were due to P. vivax. In addition to seasonality and secular trend, we found that incorporating a 1‐month time lag between key meteorological variables and the predicted number of cases maximized goodness of fit. Maximum temperature, mean relative humidity and previous numbers of malaria cases were the most important predictors. These were included in the model with lags of no less than three dekads, i.e. three 10‐day periods or effectively 1 month.Conclusion  Simple models based on climatic factors and information on past case numbers may be useful in improving the quality of the malaria control programme in Iran, particularly in terms of assuring accurate targeting of interventions in time and space. The models developed in this study are based on explanatory data that incorporate a lag of 1 month (i.e. data that were recorded 21–50 days previously). In practice, this translates into an operational ‘window’ of 1 month. Provided appropriate modes of data exchange exist between key stakeholders and appropriate systems for operational response are in place, this type of early warning information has the potential to lead to significant reductions in malaria morbidity in Iran.
Factors Affecting Plasma Pregnancy‐associated Glycoprotein 1 Concentrations Throughout Gestation in High‐producing Dairy Cows
Authors: Serrano B , López‐Gatius F , Santolaria P , Almería S , García‐Ispierto I , Bech‐Sabat G , Sulon J , De Sousa NM , Beckers JF , Yániz JL 
Published: November 2008

ContentsThis study was designed to establish the factors, if any, which could affect plasma pregnancy‐associated glycoprotein‐1 (PAG‐1) expression in a study population of 87 pregnant, high‐producing dairy cows. The factors examined were: semen providing breed (Holstein‐Friesian vs Limousin), outcome of gestation (male vs female newborn, and singleton vs twin pregnancies), lactation number, milk production at pregnancy diagnosis, plasma progesterone concentration, season of gestation (warm period, March–November vs cool period, December–February), and day of gestation (40, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210). Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasound on day 40 post‐insemination and by palpation per rectum on days 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210. Blood samples were collected from each animal immediately before each pregnancy diagnosis. The relative contributions of the different factors on PAG‐1 concentrations were evaluated by GLM repeated measures analysis of variance. No significant effects of the herd, foetal sex, milk production, lactation number and plasma progesterone concentrations were observed. In contrast, twin pregnancy, the use of Limousin semen and conception during the cool period were correlated with significantly increased plasma PAG‐1 concentrations throughout gestation. Our data indicate that both cow well‐being during early placental development, determined in our conditions by reduced heat stress when conception occurred in the cool season, and crossbreed pregnancies lead to improved PAG‐1 production throughout the gestation period.
Identification of Sperm‐Head Morphometric Subpopulations in Iberian Red Deer Epididymal Sperm Samples
Authors: Esteso MC , Fernández‐Santos MR , Soler AJ , Montoro V , Martínez‐Pastor F , Garde JJ 
Published: November 2008

ContentsComputer‐assisted sperm morphometry analysis (CASMA) was used in this study to identify sperm morphometric subpopulations in Iberian red deer epididymal sperm samples. Epididymal sperm samples were collected from 37 mature stags and were divided. One portion was diluted in a Tris–citrate–egg yolk medium. A microscope slide was prepared from single extended sperm samples prior to freezing. The remainder of each sample was frozen in nitrogen vapours using a conventional protocol. After thawing, sperm smears were prepared as described for extended samples. All slides were air‐dried and stained with Hemacolor®. The sperm‐head dimensions for a minimum of 145 sperm‐heads were analyzed from each sample by means of the Sperm‐Class Analyser®, and the mean measurements recorded. Each sperm‐head was measured for four primary sperm‐head parameters, and five parameters of head shape. All sperm morphometric parameters evaluated were placed in a statistical database and a multivariate cluster analysis was performed. The clustering analyses, based on 10 867 individual spermatozoa, revealed the existence of three subpopulations (SP1, SP2, SP3) of spermatozoa with different morphometric characteristics (p < 0.001). The proportion of spermatozoa present in any of the three subpopulations remained constant (p > 0.05) through the cryopreservation process. Pre‐freeze and post‐thaw sperm quality wasin vitroevaluated by microscopic assessments of individual sperm motility and of plasma membrane and acrosome integrities. In conclusion, our results show that applying the CASMA techniques and multivariate cluster analyses, it was possible to determine that three subtle subpopulations of spermatozoa with different morphometric characteristics coexist in red deer semen.
Comparative Study between Slow Freezing and Vitrification of Mouse Embryos Using Different Cryoprotectants
Authors: Liu W‐X , Luo M‐J , Huang P , Yue L‐M , Wang L , Zhao C‐Y , He Y‐P , Zhang J‐H , Zheng Y 
Published: November 2008

ContentsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different cryoprotectants and different cryopreservation protocols on the development of mouse eight‐cell embryos. Mouse eight‐cell embryos were cryopreserved by using propylene glycerol (PROH), ethylene glycerol (EG), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or glycerol (G) as cryoprotectant with slow‐freezing or Vit‐Master vitrification protocol. After thawing, the survival rate, blastocyst formation rate and blastocyst hatching rate of the embryos were compared. When the mouse eight‐cell embryos were cryopreserved by the slow‐freezing, the survival rate, the blastocyst formation rate and the blastocyst hatching rate of the embryos with PROH were significantly higher than those of DMSO and G (p < 0.05, respectively), but not significantly different among those of DMSO, G and EG (p > 0.05, respectively), and not significantly different between those of PROH and EG (p > 0.05, respectively). When the mouse eight‐cell embryos were cryopreserved by Vit‐Master vitrification, the survival rate, the blastocyst formation rate and the blastocyst hatching rate of the embryos with EG were significantly higher than those of PROH, DMSO and G (p < 0.05, respectively). Yet, there were no significant differences among those of PROH, DMSO and G (p > 0.05, respectively). In conclusion, PROH was the optimal cryoprotectant for the cryopreservation of mouse eight‐cell embryos by slow‐freezing protocol. EG was the optimal cryoprotectant for the cryopresevation of mouse eight‐cell embryos by Vit‐Master vitrification protocol, which may be commonly used in clinical and laboratory practice.
DNA Status on Thawed Semen from Fighting Bull: A Comparison Between the SCD and the SCSA Tests
Authors: Martínez‐Pastor F , Del Rocío Fernández‐Santos M , Domínguez‐Rebolledo ÁE , Esteso MC , Garde JJ ,   Biology of Reproduction Group
Published: November 2008

ContentsThe assessment of sperm chromatin status is compulsory in a complete spermiogram. Here we applied the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and the sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test to assess the chromatin status of three fighting bulls. Cryopreserved semen (two straws/bull) were analysed by duplicate after thawing and after 6 h at 37°C with and without oxidative stress (1 mm FE2+). Results (SCD: percentage of spermatozoa with halo; SCSA: SD‐DFI, %DFI and HDS) were analysed for differences between bulls and treatments, sensitivity and specificity (receiver operating characteristic curves) and repeatability (repeatability coefficients as 2SD of duplicate differences).%DFI for the three bulls was below 2% at 0 h, indicating no risk for fertility according to previous reports. It increased slightly for two of the bulls after FE2+ treatment (%DFI < 5%) and more pronouncedly for the other bull (C, %DFI∼10%), which merits further investigation. SCD rendered higher percentage of halos for bull C, but could not discriminate between samples with and without oxidizing treatment (AUC: 0.52). SCSA (%DFI) showed a high discriminating ability between treatments (AUC: 0.96). The repeatability coefficient was also higher for SCD (5.9) than for %DFI (1.8), indicating lower repeatability for SCD. Overall, %DFI might be the most useful parameter for assessing sperm chromatin on fighting bull. SCD might yield different information than SCSA, hence further research is warranted.
Quality of life and physical functioning in HIV‐infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy in KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: McInerney Patricia A. , Ncama Busisiwe P. , Wantland Dean , Bhengu Busisiwe R. , McGibbon Chris , Davis Sheila M. , Corless Inge B. , Nicholas Patrice K. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractKwaZulu‐Natal province, South Africa, accounts for 28.7% of the HIV infection total and one‐third of infections among youth and children in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to examine the variables of HIV/AIDS symptoms, social support, influence of comorbid medical problems, length of time adhering to antiretroviral therapy medications, quality of life, adherence to antiretroviral medications, and physical functioning in HIV‐infected individuals. Based on our model, the combination of these variables was found to determine physical functioning outcomes and adherence to HIV medications. Significant relationships were observed between physical functioning and the dependent variables of length of time on medications, comorbid health problems, and social support. A linear regression model was built to determine the degree to which these variables predicted physical functioning. In total, these predictor variables explained 29% of the variance in physical functioning. These results indicate that those individuals who reported a greater length of time on medications, fewer comorbid health problems, and greater social support had better physical functioning.
Having knowledge of metabolic syndrome: Does the meaning and consequences of the risk factors influence the life situation of Swedish adults?
Authors: Frisman Gunilla Hollman , Berterö Carina 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe underlying causes of metabolic syndrome (MS) are uncertain. Knowledge from those who have experience of this syndrome should provide new insight. The aim was to explore the meaning and consequences of MS. Thirteen Swedish adults with MS, aged between 33 and 82 years, were interviewed. The interviews were analyzed using constant comparative analysis, which is the basis of grounded theory. The core category for the meaning and consequences of having the risk factors of MS consisted of the recurrence of behavior. The participants attempted to balance their insight into the causes and consequences by referring to their normal life, lifestyle, and fatalistic approach to life. Attention needs to be paid to the attitudes of the individuals with MS, as well as the known risk factors and their consequences, in order to facilitate a long‐term lifestyle change in these individuals.
Chronic stress‐induced alterations in amygdala responsiveness and behavior – modulation by trait anxiety and corticotropin‐releasing factor systems
Authors: Sandi Carmen , Cordero M. Isabel , Ugolini Annarosa , Varea Emilio , Caberlotto Laura , Large Charles H. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) plays a key role in emotional arousal and anxiety, and expresses high levels of corticotropin‐releasing factor receptor (CRFR)1. In rat brain slices, we have recently shown that afferent activation of the BLA is increased following application of exogenous corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF). Here we examined the impact of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) on this effect of CRF and whether blockade of CRFR1 could prevent stress‐induced changes in the electrophysiological response, the animal’s behavior and in cell proliferation in the hippocampus. The behavior of the rats was monitored via a series of tests that formed part of the CUS. Electrophysiological measures of the BLA response to CRF, cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus and the expression of CRF and CRFR1 mRNA in amygdaloid nuclei were determinedex vivoafter completion of the CUS. CRF‐induced potentiation of afferent activation of the BLA was reduced in rats exposed to CUS, an effect that was inhibited by chronic antagonism of CRFR1. Furthermore, the reduction in BLA response to CRF was correlated with the anxiety trait of the animals, determined prior to initiation of the CUS. These results implicate CRFR1 in chronic stress‐induced alterations in amygdala function and behavior. Furthermore, they show that CRFR1 antagonists can prevent changes induced by chronic stress, in particular in those animals that are highly anxious.
Grueneberg ganglion neurons respond to cool ambient temperatures
Authors: Mamasuew Katharina , Breer Heinz , Fleischer Joerg 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe Grueneberg ganglion (GG) – a neuronal cell cluster of unknown function localized to the vestibule of the anterior nasal cavity – is considered as a chemosensory compartment based on the expression of olfactory receptors and the olfactory marker protein. Axonal projection of GG neurons to so‐called ‘necklace glomeruli’ in the olfactory bulb of the brain, which are thought to be important for suckling behaviour in rodent pups, has led to the hypothesis that the GG might be involved in mother/child interactions. To survey potential activation of GG neurons in living animals during the course of mother/child interactions, expression of the activity‐dependent gene c‐Fos in the GG of neonatal mouse pups was monitored in the presence and absence of the dam. It was found that GG neurons were only activated in the absence of the mother. Moreover, GG activation was independent from olfactory cues as revealed by naris occlusion. Searching for stimuli eliciting GG activity in pups separated from the dam, cool ambient temperatures were found to induce strong c‐Fos expression in GG neurons whereas warmer temperatures did not. These coolness‐induced responses were only observed in a distinct subset of GG neurons characterized by the expression of the olfactory receptor V2r83. Finally, GG responsiveness to coolness was remarkably reduced in older stages. In summary, these findings suggest that the GG of neonatal mice is activated by cool ambient temperatures to which they are exposed in the absence of their dam, indicating that the GG might function as a thermosensor.