bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of an adrenergic and vagally‐mediated NANC pathway in surgery‐induced fundic relaxation in the rat
Authors: Boeckxstaens  , Hirsch  , Kodde  , Moojen  , Blackshaw  , Tytgat  , Blommaart  
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to pharmacologically characterize and investigate the possible contribution of adrenergic and nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) pathways involved in the relaxation of the rat gastric fundus following abdominal surgery.Using an intragastric balloon, the effect of skin incision (SI), laparotomy (LT) and manipulation of the small intestine followed by caecal resection (M + R) on fundic pressure was evaluated.SI resulted in a brief relaxation of the gastric fundus abolished by guanethidine and blocked by hexamethonium and the combination of phentolamine, propranolol and atropine (PPA). LT induced a longer lasting relaxation which was abolished by guanethidine and hexamethonium. It was blocked by PPA and the combination of ganglionectomy and vagotomy, but unaffected by atropine, vagotomy or ganglionectomy. M + R induced a long‐lasting relaxation which was only partly blocked by guanethidine or PPA, illustrating an inhibitory NANC component. Vagotomy combined with guanethidine completely abolished the relaxation following M + R, whereas it was significantly blocked by hexamethonium and the combination of ganglionectomy with vagotomy.These results indicate that SI, LT and M + R induce inhibition of fundic motility via an adrenergic mechanism. During M + R, an additional vagally mediated inhibitory NANC pathway is activated. Finally, we suggest that LT and M + R inhibit the gastric fundus via both a splanchnic and a vagal reflex pathway.
Trans‐sarcolemmal proteins situated central to the subsarcolemmal region
Authors: Borchert A. , Goebel H. H. 
Published: March 2003

Trans‐sarcolemmal proteins located inside, within, and outside of the muscle fibre plasma membrane fall into two categories, the dystrophin‐glycoprotein complex (DGC) and non‐DGC‐related proteins, e.g. dysferlin, caveolin, dystrobrevins and syntrophins. Mutational defects are responsible for their immunohistochemical absence or reduction giving rise to certain muscular dystrophies. In other neuromuscular disorders, i.e. inflammatory, metabolic, and neurogenic processes, transarcolemmal proteins are well preserved. Unlike desmin and plectin, which form a honeycomb‐type network across the muscle fibre and a subsarcolemmal layer, trans‐sarcolemmal proteins are not expressed central to the subsarcolemmal region in normal mature muscle fibres. In three different types of lesion, transarcolemmal proteins may be encountered within muscle fibres unrelated to the subsarcolemmal region: (1) immature fibres: dysferlin and caveolin different from the absence of DGC proteins in regenerating muscle fibres and, thereby, underscoring their different transcellular trafficking; (2) lining autophagic vacuoles and pseudo‐vacuoles identified by invagination of the sarcolemma; (3) accruing within core‐like lesions marked by sarcomeric disintegration and in association with the accumulation of other proteins, e.g. desmin, α‐B crystallin. Our differential diagnostic studies indicate that different trans‐sarcolemmal proteins are encountered central to the subsarcolemmal region in different myopathological conditions and therefore for different pathogenetic reasons.Acknowledgements:  These studies have been supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Muskelkranke e.V., Freiburg/Germany, the European Neuromuscular Centre (ENM), Baarn/The Netherlands, and the ‘MAIFOR’ programme of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz/Germany.
Preterm birth, stillbirth and infant mortality among triplet births in Canada, 1985–96
Authors: Joseph K. S. , Marcoux Sylvie , Ohlsson Arne , Kramer Michael S. , Allen Alexander C. , Liu Shiliang , Wen Shi Wu , Demissie Kitaw , Sauve Reg , Liston Robert ,   for the Fetal Infant Health Study Group of the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System
Published: March 2003

SummaryRecent increases in the frequency of multiple births and simultaneous increases in preterm birth among multiple births have focused attention on such births. However, most previous studies have examined twins rather than higher‐order multiples. We carried out a study to examine rates and trends in preterm birth and in gestational age‐specific fetal and infant mortality among triplet births in Canada. We used data from the stillbirth, live birth and mortality files of Statistics Canada for the years 1985–97. All births in Canada (excluding those occurring in Ontario and Newfoundland) were included in the study, with two periods (1985–90 vs. 1991–96) being contrasted for assessing temporal change. Changes were estimated using relative risks, 95% confidence intervals [CI] and two‐tailed P‐values. The rate of preterm birth among triplet live births increased by 6% (95% CI 3%, 9%) from 90.4% in 1985–90 to 96.0% in 1991–96. Stillbirth rates among triplets did not change significantly and were 30.3 per 1000 total births in 1985–90 and 33.8 per 1000 total births in 1991–96. Infant mortality among triplets declined from 112.7 per 1000 live births in 1985–90 to 73.8 per 1000 live births in 1991–96. In spite of temporal reductions in infant mortality, triplet births continue to be associated with very high rates of preterm birth and fetal and infant mortality. Fetal mortality among triplets has not changed over the last ten years.
Dendritic cells pulsed with unfractionated helminthic proteins to generate antiparasitic cytotoxic T lymphocyte
Authors: Jenne Lars , Arrighi Jean‐Francois , Sauter Birthe , Kern Peter 
Published: March 2003

Dendritic cells (DC) are sentinels of immunity. We determined their role in the induction of immunity against alveolar echinococcosis, caused by the larval stage of the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis. Furthermore, we evaluated if unfractionated protein from E. multilocularis (Em‐Ag) can be used as loading agent for DC (comparable to unfractionated tumour proteins) in order to generate antiparasitic cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). Interestingly, immature DC did not mature in the presence of 1 µg/ml Em‐Ag as analysed by FACS and mixed leucocyte reactions. Yet, their capacity to take up dextran was markedly reduced. Further maturation of immature Em‐Ag pulsed DC could be induced by proinflammatory cytokines. These mature DC were slightly better inducers of T cell proliferation when compared with unpulsed mature DC. Importantly, by repetetive stimulation of autologous CD8+ lymphocytes with the Em‐Ag pulsed mature DC, we were able to generate specifically proliferating CTL lines. Thus, immunotherapy with ex vivo generated Em‐Ag pulsed DC might be of benefit for patients inheriting this incurable disease.
CD1d‐restricted NK T cells are dispensable for specific antibody responses and protective immunity against liver stage malaria infection in mice
Authors: Romero Jackeline F. , Eberl Gérard , Robson Macdonald H. , Corradin Giampietro 
Published: March 2003

Immunization with a single dose of irradiated sporozoites is sufficient to induce protection against malaria in wild‐type mice. Although this protection is classically attributed to conventional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, several recent reports have suggested an important role for CD1‐restricted NK T cells in immunity to malaria. In this study, we directly compared the ability of C57BL/6 wild‐type and CD1‐deficient mice to mount a protective immune response against Plasmodium berghei sporozoites. Our data indicate that CD1‐restricted NK T cells are not required for protection in this model system. Moreover, specific IgG antibody responses to the P. berghei circumsporozoite repeat sequence were also unaffected by CD1 deficiency. Collectively, our data demonstrate that CD1‐restricted NK T cells are dispensable for protective immunity to liver stage P. berghei infection.
Age‐related protective immunity after vaccination with Haemonchus contortus excretory/secretory proteins
Authors: Vervelde L. , Kooyman F.N.J. , Van Leeuwen M.A.W. , Schallig H.D.F.H. , Mackellar A. , Huntley J.F. , Cornelissen A.W.C.A. 
Published: March 2003

Protection against an experimental challenge infection by immunization with excretory/secretory products (ES) from Haemonchus contortus, containing predominantly proteins of 15 and 24 kDa, depends on the age of the sheep. Vaccinated sheep 9 and 6 months of age had reduced final worm burdens of 82 and 77, respectively. No reduction in worm burden was found in 3‐month‐old lambs. Nine‐month‐old sheep had significantly higher ES‐specific serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 and IgA during immunizations and after challenge infection than 3‐month‐old lambs. There was no correlation within the 9‐month‐old sheep between ES‐specific IgA or IgG1 levels and protection, measured as worm burden. However, when the different age groups were combined, negative correlations between percentage protection and ES‐specific IgA and IgG1 levels after challenge were found. At the end of the experiment, peripheral blood eosinophils and mast cell counts in abomasal tissue were also significantly higher in the vaccinated and challenged 9‐month‐old sheep than in the vaccinated and challenged 3‐month‐old or than in the 9‐month‐old sheep with challenge, but without vaccination. The responses measured in young lambs were similar to the responses in sheep, but the height of these responses was in general of a lower magnitude.
Recognition of synthetic polypeptides corresponding to the N‐ and C‐terminal fragments of Plasmodium falciparum Exp‐1 by T‐cells and plasma from human donors from African endemic areas
Authors: Meraldi Valentin , Nebié Issa , Moret Rémy , Cuzin‐Ouattara Nadine , Thiocone Ali , Doumbo Ogobara , Esposito Fulvio , Traoré Alfred S. , Corradin Giampietro , Terenzi Silvia 
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe present work describes the recognition of three synthetic polypeptides encompassing the N‐ and C‐terminal regions of the transmembrane Exp‐1 protein of the parasite Plasmodium falciparum by plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from naturally exposed individuals living in African endemic areas. The three polypeptides comprise the sequences 23–105, 73–162 and 101–162, and overlap at the transmembrane domain (73–105). Thus, they permitted characterization of the immune response specific to the N‐ and C‐terminal domains in an independent fashion. Two different populations were evaluated, one in the village of Safo in Mali and the other in the villages of Somnaway, Kabortenga and Toussouktenga in Burkina Faso. Antibodies to the sequence 73–162 of Pf Exp‐1 were found in 70% of adult Mali donors and in all of the donors tested from Burkina Faso. Strikingly, the N‐terminal fragment Pf Exp‐1 23–105 was only weakly recognized by a few donors. Evaluation of the T‐cell response indicated that the peptide Pf Exp‐1 23–105 was more potent than Pf Exp‐1 73–162 in inducing a proliferative response. A correlation between peptide‐specific interferon‐γ and interleukin‐6 production and proliferation to peptide Pf Exp‐1 23–105 was observed. Further studies are needed to evaluate this molecule as a vaccine candidate.
Decreased immune response as a proximate cost of copulation and oviposition in a damselfly
Authors: SIVA‐JOTHY MICHAEL T. , TSUBAKI YOSHITAKA , HOOPER ROWAN E. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract.Males and females of the Japanese calopterygid damselfly, Matrona basilaris japonica Fester, showed a rapid (within 24 h), and significant reduction in immune system function (encapsulation response) after reproductive activity (copulation or oviposition). A similar, but non‐significant, change occurred in males that conducted energetically costly behaviour (fighting). These data suggest that there may be physiological costs other than energy‐based trade‐offs associated with copulation and oviposition that may have life‐history consequences via their effects on immune system function.
Ice nucleation and freezing tolerance in New Zealand alpine and lowland weta, Hemideina spp. (Orthoptera; Stenopelmatidae)
Authors: Sinclair Brent J. , Worland M. Roger , And . , Wharton David A. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract.The alpine tree weta Hemidiena maori Pictet et Saussure (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae) is a large, flightless insect found above the treeline on many of the mountain ranges of the South Island of New Zealand. The population found on the Rock and Pillar Range, Central Otago has been identified as freezing tolerant with a haemolymph ice nucleating agent. The ability of H. maori to survive freezing is compared to the lowland weta Hemideina thoracica Walker and H. crassidens Blanchard, both of which are able to survive the formation of some ice in their bodies. Mortality is associated with time spent frozen in H. thoracica, and it is hypothesized that this species is killed when a critical proportion of its body water is frozen. All five subalpine and alpine populations of H. maori surveyed were found to be freezing tolerant.Comparison of temperatures of first nucleation and mean supercooling point of haemolymph droplets suggest that haemolymph ice nucleating activity varies between populations of H. maori. Hemideina maori collected from the Mt Cook region appear to lack a haemolymph ice nucleator. This population is nevertheless freezing tolerant, suggesting that the haemolymph ice nucleating agent described in H. maori is not essential for freezing tolerance. Hemideina crassidens and H. ricta Hutton, both of which are found in lowland habitats, also had high mean supercooling point and temperatures of first nucleation of haemolymph droplets, suggesting that these species also have a haemolymph ice nucleator.Comparison of ice nucleation characteristics of haemolymph and faecal material (representing gut contents) suggests that gut nucleators in H. maori may be at least as efficient as the haemolymph nucleator. It is concluded that freezing tolerance is probably not an adaptation to the alpine environment. This highlights the need for inter‐ and intraspecific comparative studies if physiological data are to be used to draw evolutionary conclusions.
The attractiveness of different odour sources from the fruit–host complex on Leptopilina boulardi, a larval parasitoid of frugivorous Drosophila spp.
Authors: Couty AudE. , Kaiser Laure , And Dominique HueT. , Pham‐Delegue Minh‐Hà. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryIn parasitoid insects, successful offspring development depends on the female’s ability to find a suitable host. Specific recognition is often based on responses to olfactory cues, but their source and nature have rarely been determined.–This paper deals with the recognition of odours involved in host location by Leptopilina boulardi[Barbotin, Carton & Kelner‐Pillault] (Hymenoptera: Eucoilidae), a larval parasitoid of Drosophila species that develops in mature fruits. The nature and origin of volatile stimuli recognized among odours of the host–fruit complex, and the effect of learning on this recognition, were investigated. Oriented responses to these odours were observed in a four‐armed olfactometer and were analysed with the
observer software (Noldus Information Technology). Fruit odours alone (banana and pear) were not spontaneously attractive to naive parasitoids, whereas naturally‐infested bananas were highly attractive. The attraction was related to the odour that adult Drosophila left on the substrate but not to Drosophila oviposition activity or larval development. A synergism between some fruit odours (banana and pear) and the odour left by adult Drosophila on damp filter paper was observed. However, when testing a non‐fruit substrate (mushroom), no synergism was observed. Thus, female L. boulardi may innately recognize host–food substrate odours associated with odours from the adult stage of their host. In addition, an oviposition experience on an infested banana allows L. boulardi females to memorise the fruit odour itself through associative learning. The adaptive significance of this process is discussed.
Communication between the fungus garden and workers of the leaf‐cutting ant, Atta sexdens rubropilosa, regarding choice of substrate for the fungus
Authors: North R. D. , Jackson C. W. , Howse P. E. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryBait made from orange peel, containing the fungicide cycloheximide, was initially harvested by workers of Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Forel) and incorporated into the fungus garden as substrate for the fungus. The bait was subsequently rejected by the worker ants days later. Exposure of the fungus to cycloheximide, in laboratory sub‐colonies, resulted in the fungus being ‘stressed’. By interchanging normal fungus garden with ‘stressed’ fungus garden, a change in the foraging behaviour of the workers was evident.–Two hypotheses to explain the behavioural changes were tested: a volatile semiochemical is produced by the fungus which affects the foragers directly, or contact between workers (and fungus garden) is necessary for information regarding fungal substrate to be transmitted through the worker force. When pairs of sub‐colonies were connected (one colony of each pair exposed to cycloheximide in the bait) and workers were initially prevented from passing from one colony to the other, one colony continued to forage on orange bait while the other did not. When both colonies were allowed to make full contact then both colonies failed to accept orange bait. This discounted the first hypothesis, but supported the second, as a highly volatile chemical should be able to diffuse between colonies. When large foragers were prevented from making contact with the second colony, the information may be communicated by smaller workers.
Small‐scale vegetation patterns in the parental environment influence the phase state of hatchlings of the desert locust
Authors: Despland E. , Simpson S. J. 
Published: March 2003

SummaryDesert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria Forskål (Orthoptera: Acrididae)) change phase in response to population density. Solitarious insects avoid one another; when crowded, they shift to the gregarious phase and aggregate. Laboratory experiments and individual‐based modelling have shown that small‐scale resource distribution can affect locust phase state via an influence on crowding. Laboratory work has also shown that parental phase state is transmitted to offspring via maternal inheritance. These effects had not been investigated in the field previously. We maintained small populations of adult desert locusts in semi‐field enclosures with different distribution patterns of a single plant species (Hyoscyamus muticus L. (Solanaceae)). The offspring of locusts exposed to more clumped patterns of vegetation exhibited more gregarious behaviour when tested in a behavioural phase assay than did progeny from parents left in enclosures with more scattered vegetation. These effects on nymphal behaviour appeared to be mediated by influences of resource distribution on adult phase state. Phase state in small semi‐field populations was influenced by small‐scale vegetation distribution. Phase differences engendered by environmental structure were maintained in time and transmitted to progeny.
Aphid parasitoids detect that an alien plant was present nearby during their development
Authors: Van Emden H. F. , Eletherianos I. , Rose Juliet , Douloumpaka Sophia , Pettersson J. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Glasshouse and laboratory experiments were conducted with Aphidius rhopalosiphi parasitizing Metopolophium dirhodum to test whether the presence in the same environment of another plant species (tomato or marigold) induced aerial allelopathy in wheat plants.Emerging parasitoids were offered the choice of two odours of wheat plants in an olfactometer – wheat grown alone and wheat grown in the presence of the second plant species.Female parasitoids responded more strongly than males, but both sexes preferred the odour of wheat grown in the environment in which they had developed (i.e. with or without the second plant species present).Moving the tomato plants from the cages where they had been placed with wheat to the cages that had previously had wheat alone just before the aphid mummy formed showed that the odour environment the emerging parasitoid responded to was that of the mummy rather than that of the developing parasitoid larva. From this it was concluded that the parasitoids in the olfactometer were responding not only to wheat volatiles, but also to tomato volatiles absorbed on the surface of the mummy and encountered by the emerging adult parasitoid.By excising the parasitoid pupa from the mummy formed on one wheat cultivar, and offering the emerging parasitoids the surface of aphid mummies formed on a different cultivar, it was confirmed that olfactometer responses represented a learning of the chemistry of the surface of the mummy encountered at or after emergence.
Hydraulic contribution in cell elongation of tissue‐cultured plants: growth retardation induced by osmotic and temperature stresses and addition of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and benzylaminopurine
Authors: Ikeda T. , Nonami H. , Fukuyama T. , Hashimoto Y. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThis work was undertaken to determine the growth parameters of Lockhart’s equation for finding which component was predominantly contributing to the cell expansion rates of plants subjected to environmental stresses under tissue‐culture conditions. Embryos isolated from soybean (Glycine max[L.] Merr.) and kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgarisL.) seeds were grown under tissue‐culture conditions. The water potential of culture media ranged from−0·02 to−0·94 MPa so that nutrient deficiency and salt stress conditions could be applied. Additionally, the temperature of culture conditions was set from 10 to 40 °C to apply low‐temperature and high‐temperature stresses on plants grown at the optimum concentration of culture medium. Cell expansion could be inhibited completely by adding 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and benzylaminopurine to culture media to form callus tissue. The sizes of the water potential gradient between the water source and elongating cells correlated with the speed of growth rates under nutrient deficiency, salt stress, growth retardation induced by plant hormones, low‐temperature and high‐temperature conditions in the present study, indicating that cell expansion rates were mainly associated with how much water could be absorbed by elongating cells regardless of the kinds of environmental stress conditions applied.