bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new analytical model for whole‐leaf potential electron transport rate
Authors: BUCKLEY T. N. , FARQUHAR G. D. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTA new analytical model for the response of whole‐leaf potential electron transport rate (J) to light is presented. The model treats incident irradiance at the upper and lower leaf surfaces independently, describes transdermal profiles of light absorption and electron transport capacity explicitly, and calculates J by integrating the minimum of light‐ and capacity‐limited rates among paradermal chlorophyll layers. The capacity profile is assumed to be a weighted average of two opposed exponential profiles, each of which corresponds to the profile of light‐limited rate when only one surface is illuminated; the weights may take on any values, provided they sum to unity, so the model can describe leaves with a wide range of ‘preferred’ illumination regimes. By treating irradiance at either surface independently and assuming the capacity profile is fixed on short time scales, the model predicts observed effects of leaf inversion on light‐response curves and their apparent convexity. By assuming the capacity profile can adapt on developmental time scales, the model can predict the observed dependence of inversion effects on the growth lighting regime. It is suggested that the new model, which is mathematically compact and formally similar to the standard non‐rectangular hyperbola model for J, be used in place of the standard model in studies in which the effects of leaf angle or diffuse light fraction on gas exchange are of interest.
Utilization of inorganic carbon in the edible cyanobacterium Ge‐Xian‐Mi (Nostoc) and its role in alleviating photo‐inhibition
Authors: QIU B. S. , LIU J. Y. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe present work investigated the inorganic carbon (Ci) uptake, fluorescence quenching and photo‐inhibition of the edible cyanobacterium Ge‐Xian‐Mi (Nostoc) to obtain an insight into the role of CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) operation in alleviating photo‐inhibition. Ge‐Xian‐Mi used HCO3– in addition to CO2 for its photosynthesis and oxygen evolution was greater than the theoretical rates of CO2 production derived from uncatalysed dehydration of HCO3–. Multiple transporters for CO2 and HCO3– operated in air‐grown Ge‐Xian‐Mi. Na+‐dependent HCO3– transport was the primary mode of active Ci uptake and contributed 53–62% of net photosynthetic activity at 250 µmol L−1 KHCO3 and pH 8.0. However, the CO2‐uptake systems and Na+‐independent HCO3– transport played minor roles in Ge‐Xian‐Mi and supported, respectively, 39 and 8% of net photosynthetic activity. The steady‐state fluorescence decreased and the photochemical quenching increased in response to the transport‐mediated accumulation of intracellular Ci. Inorganic carbon transport was a major factor in facilitating quenching during the initial stage and the initial rate of fluorescence quenching in the presence of iodoacetamide, an inhibitor of CO2 fixation, was 88% of control. Both the initial rate and extent of fluorescence quenching increased with increasing external dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and saturated at higher than 200 µmol L−1 HCO3–. The operation of the CCM in Ge‐Xian‐Mi served as a means of diminishing photodynamic damage by dissipating excess light energy and higher external DIC in the range of 100–10000 µmol L−1 KHCO3 was associated with more severe photo‐inhibition under strong irradiance.
Over‐expression of the water and salt stress‐regulated Asr1 gene confers an increased salt tolerance
Authors: KALIFA Y. , PERLSON E. , GILAD A. , KONRAD Z. , SCOLNIK P. A. , BAR‐ZVI D. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTASR1 is a plant‐specific, highly charged, low molecular weight polypeptide. Purified ASR1 was shown to posses sequence specific Zn2+‐dependent DNA binding activity (Kalifa et al. Biochemical Journal 381, 373–378, 2004). Steady‐state levels of tomato Asr1 mRNA and protein are transiently increased following exposure of plants to polyethylene glycol, NaCl or abscisic acid. The biological role of ASR1 could not be deduced from sequence analyses or sequence homologies. Tobacco plants over‐expressing tomato ASR1 have a decreased rate of water loss and improved salt tolerance. Upon exposure to salt, ASR1‐over‐expressing plants accumulate less Na+ and proline than wild‐type plants, and also results in increased steady‐state levels of other gene products under non‐stressed plant growth conditions. Therefore, ASR1 is probably involved in the regulation of water‐ or salt‐stress‐modulated gene expression.
Cell Cycle Stage Analysis of Rabbit Foetal Fibroblasts and Cumulus Cells
Authors: Liu CT , Yu KC , Ju JC 
Published: December 2004

ContentsSynchronization of the cell cycle stages in G0/G1 phase is one of the key factors determining the success of nuclear transplantation. Serum deprivation, contact inhibition and chemical inhibitors are widely used methods for this purpose. In this study, cell cycle stages of foetal fibroblasts and cumulus cells were determined using flow cytometry [fluorescence‐activated cell scan (FACS)]. Foetal fibroblasts (in vitro cultured for 72–120 h) and fresh cumulus cells were analysed in Experiment 1. Fifty to 55% proliferating fibroblasts remained in G0/G1 phase compared with 78% in confluent culture (p < 0.05). In contrast to foetal fibroblasts, fresh cumulus cells maintained 90% of the population in the G0/G1 stage. When serum was retrieved from the proliferating fibroblasts from day 1 to day 5 (Experiment 2), proportions of G0/G1 cells increased from the initial ratio of 53 to 87% at day 4 of starvation, which was significantly higher than the non‐starved proliferating cells (p < 0.05). In Experiment 3, fibroblasts were treated with aphidicolin (0.1 μg/ml, 6 h), demicolcine (0.5 μg/ml, 10 h), or a combination of these two chemicals to synchronize the cell cycle stages. Surprisingly, no differences or significantly lower in the proportions of G0/G1 phase cells were detected (25–50%) compared with the uncontrolled growing cells (53%). These results suggested that fresh cumulus cells rest their cell cycle in G0/G1 stage. Serum deprivation became effective in the first 24 h and reached the highest proportions during days 4–5 after deprivation. Chemical synchronization of the cell cycle stage of rabbit foetal fibroblasts to G0/G1 phase appeared less effective compared to serum deprivation.
Timing of Early Foetal Loss for Single and Twin Pregnancies in Dairy Cattle
Authors: López‐Gatius F , Santolaria P , Yániz JL , Garbayo JM , Hunter RHF 
Published: December 2004

ContentsThe incidence of early foetal loss is increasing under intensive management systems for dairy cattle. The aims of the present study were to determine whether there is any peak period of pregnancy loss during the early foetal period and to evaluate possible differences between single and twin pregnancies. The study population consisted of 1442 pregnant cattle from a single herd. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography between 36 and 42 days after insemination, and then weekly until day 90 of gestation or until pregnancy loss. A total of 1310 cows (90.8%) bore single embryos and 132 (9.2%) carried twins. Pregnancy loss was registered in 139 (9.6%) cows before day 90 of pregnancy: 101 (7.7%) in single and 38 (28.8%) in twin pregnancies. The average time of pregnancy loss for all animals was 58.4  ± 12.6 days and ranged from 45 to 90 days. Seventy‐five per cent of the pregnancy losses were registered between 45 and 60 days of gestation. The average time of pregnancy loss for cows with singletons was 52.1 ± 4.1 days and ranged from 45 to 61 days and that for those with twins was 75.1 ± 12.4 days and ranged from 46 to 90 days. Seventy‐five per cent of the twin pregnancy losses were registered between 68 and 90 days of gestation. Our data show that the foetal loss in singleton pregnancies occurs earlier than in twin pregnancies. Assessment of normal development of gestation on days 60 and 90 after insemination is suggested.
Reduction of Twin Pregnancy in the Mare by Transvaginal Ultrasound‐Guided Aspiration
Authors: Mari G , Iacono E , Merlo B , Castagnetti C 
Published: December 2004

ContentsDiagnosis and management of twin pregnancies in the mare are an ongoing challenge in equine reproduction. Early detection of twin and manual crush of one vesicle are the main steps in the management of twins. Few studies were carried out about the use of transvaginal ultrasound‐guided aspiration (TUGA) for reduction of twins in the mare. In this study, the efficiency of TUGA for management of twin pregnancies was investigated. Reduction of unicornuate twins between 16 and 25 days of gestation gave a success rate of 70.0% (14 viable foals/20 twin pregnancies); when reduction was performed after day 40 of gestation, all mares (one unicornuate; three bicornuate) lost both. For those cases in which the window for early crush of a twin vesicle has been missed, TUGA can be successfully used to reduce twin pregnancy between 16 and 25 days of gestation.
Use of Powdered Egg Yolk vs Fresh Egg Yolk for the Cryopreservation of Ovine Semen
Authors: Marco‐Jiménez F , Puchades S , Mocé E , Viudes‐de‐Cartro MP , Vicente JS , Rodriguez M 
Published: December 2004

ContentsEgg yolk is a common additive to sperm cryopreservation diluents. Because of its animal origin, however, it also represents a potential risk of microbiological contamination in the diluent. This potential contamination can be avoided by using powdered egg yolk, instead of fresh egg yolk, as it is pasteurized. This study was conducted to determine ram sperm cryosurvival was affected by the type of egg yolk used (powdered egg yolk or fresh egg yolk) and by yolk concentration (10, 15 or 20%) in the diluent. Microbiological analyses were also performed to quantify the microbiological contamination in the diluents containing the two types of egg yolk. Sperm cryosurvival was determined by motility and morphology analyses after thawing. Motility parameters were assessed using a computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, and the percentage of sperm with a normal apical ridge was evaluated using a differential interference contrast microscope. No significant differences were observed between diluents in the percentage of sperm with normal apical ridge. However, higher percentages of total motile cells were observed for samples containing powdered egg yolk (69%) compared to samples containing fresh egg yolk (60%). However, sperm in diluents containing fresh egg yolk, exhibited higher values for average‐path velocity, straight‐line velocity and beat cross frequency and lower values for amplitude of lateral head displacement (p < 0.05), compared to cells in diluents containing powdered egg yolk. Microbiological contamination was similar (<200 CFU/ml) in both diluents, and no bacterial growth was observed in either, when antibiotics were added. Therefore, powdered egg yolk can be effective used in diluents for the freezing of ram semen. However, the in vivo fertility of sperm frozen in diluents containing powdered egg yolk should be tested, as some motility parameters were different for sperm treated with powdered egg yolk compared to fresh egg yolk.
Cell Proliferation in the Atretic Follicles of Buffalo and Cattle Ovary
Authors: Feranil JB , Isobe N , Nakao T 
Published: December 2004

ContentsThe present study was carried out to describe the proliferative activity of granulosa and theca cells in healthy antral and atretic follicles of Philippine buffaloes (BU) and Holstein–Friesian (HF) cows. Paraffin sections of ovary were immunostained with mouse monoclonal antibody to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Then the follicles were classified into healthy and various stages of atretic follicles. The granulosa layer of healthy follicles had a significantly higher frequency of PCNA‐positive cells than the early and advanced atretic follicles in both breeds. In the theca interna, significantly reduced populations of the PCNA‐positive cells were found in both breeds as atresia progressed. Moreover, HF had significantly higher PCNA‐positive cells in the theca interna of healthy, early atretic and advanced atretic follicles than BU. A reduction of PCNA‐positive cells during atresia was also noted in the theca externa in both animals although differences were not significant. The results of the present work suggest that the proliferative activity of granulosa and theca cells decreases in association with follicular atresia in the BU similar to HF. Furthermore, a significantly deficient cell proliferative activity of theca interna was found in BU compared with HF.
Long‐term outcome of vertically acquired and post‐transfusion hepatitis C infection in children
Authors: RERKSUPPAPHOL SANGUANSAK , HARDIKAR WINITA , DORE GREGORY J 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aim: To determine the natural history of perinatally acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, clinical and laboratory outcomes among 31 children with HCV infection were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen children had acquired HCV by blood transfusion (BT) prior to 6 months of age and 16 had vertically acquired (VT) HCV.Methods: Demographic data, clinical symptoms and signs, liver biochemistry, HCV antibody, HCV‐RNA and liver histology were evaluated.Results: Mean age at last visit was 13.0 years (range 9.0–16.8 years) in the BT group and 8.6 years (range 0.5–18.1 years) in the VT group. There were no abnormal clinical findings of chronic liver disease in either group. Estimated HCV‐RNA clearance rate was 19%, with no significant difference between the groups. In HCV‐RNA‐negative children (n = 6), two lost anti‐HCV antibody and two developed indeterminate anti‐HCV antibody results, while all HCV‐RNA‐positive children (n = 25) remained both anti‐HCV antibody positive and HCV‐RNA positive throughout follow up. The alanine aminotransferase level was significantly higher in the VT group than in the BT group during the first 5 years of life. Liver biopsy, which was carried out in four children, revealed mild to moderate fibrosis and/or necroinflammatory activity, but no cirrhosis.Conclusions: Outcomes among children with HCV acquired in infancy demonstrate asymptomatic and slowly progressive disease, at least for the initial decade of infection. Mode of acquisition appears to have a limited impact on outcomes, with similar viral clearance and anti‐HCV antibody seroreversion rates in vertical and transfusion acquired infection.
Intralesional steroid injection in benign esophageal strictures resistant to bougie dilation
Authors: ALTINTAS ENGIN , KACAR SABITE , TUNC BILGE , SEZGIN ORHAN , PARLAK ERKAN , ALTIPARMAK EMIN , SARITAS ULKU , SAHIN BURHAN 
Published: December 2004

AbstractObjective:  Some benign esophageal strictures are highly resistant to bougie dilation. The aim of this study was to determine whether intralesional steroid injection had additional benefit to Savary‐Gilliard's bougie dilation therapy (SGBD).Methods:  Twenty‐one patients were treated with a bougie dilator. The patients were randomized into  control  and  study  groups.  There  were  11  patients  in  the  control  group  (7  males,  4  females; mean age 45.09 ± 24.64 years) and 10 patients in the study group (4 males, 6 females; mean age 49.40 ± 16.49 years). The patients in the control group underwent only SGBD, but patients in the study group received an additional intralesional steroid injection (8 mg triamcinolone acetate into each quadrant). The number of dilations was divided by the follow‐up period (in months) to determine the periodic dilatation index.Results:  There was no difference in age, sex, etiology, localization and recurrence of lesions, treatment outcome, complications and the number of dilations between the study and control groups. In the study group, the mean periodic dilatation index was 0.712 (range 0.097–2.75) and 0.289 (range 0–1) before and after injections, respectively (P = 0.03). Additionally, the mean number of dilations was 5.3 (range 2–11) and 1.6 (range 0–5) before and after injections, respectively (P = 0.03). The mean symptom‐free interval was 24 ± 12.75 months in the study group and 5.18 ± 5.06 months in the control group (P < 0.001). The total periodic dilatation index was 0.193 ± 0.123 in the study group, while it was 0.597 ± 0.583 in the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  It can be concluded that intralesional steroid injections increase efficacy of bougie dilation and decrease the requirement for repetition of bougie dilatation.
Analysis of eight different methods for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with dyspepsia
Authors: KULLAVANIJAYA PINIT , THONG‐NGAM DUANGPORN , HANVIVATVONG ORRAWADEE , NUNTHAPISUD PONGPUN , TANGKIJVANICH PISIT , SUWANAGOOL PONGSAPEERA 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground:  The present study was designed to compare the accuracy of eight different methods for the detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in patients with dyspepsia. These tests included culture, histology, rapid urease test (CLO test), serology, saliva IgA, gastric juice IgA, and two in‐house methods, namely in‐house urease test and Gram stain.Methods:  H. pylori infection was diagnosed prospectively in 200 untreated patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between July 1999 and August 2001. The gold standard for H. pylori infection was based on a positive culture or both a positive histological examination and CLO test.Results:  The culture provided a sensitivity of 55.9% whereas saliva IgA and gastric juice IgA had a sensitivity of 26.8% and 22.2%, respectively. In contrast, the other tests provided satisfactory sensitivities ranging between 89.3% and 100% (Gram stain 89.3%, histology 93.5%, serology 96.8%, CLO test 99.0%, in‐house urease test 100%). The specificities of the tests ranged between 75% and 100% (culture 100%, CLO test 91.9%, histology 90.4%, in‐house urease test 88.9%, Gram stain 93.5% serology 96.8%, gastric juice IgA 91.7% and saliva IgA 75%).Conclusions:  Majority of invasive and non‐invasive tests in this study were accurate for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection. However, the secretory IgA‐based techniques in saliva and gastric juice seem to be inappropriate for determining H. pylori status in our populations due to their low sensitivities.
Immunohistochemical analysis of short‐segment Barrett's esophagus
Authors: ISHIZUKA IZUMI , ANDOH AKIRA , KOYAMA SHIGEKI , MORITANI SUZUKO , KUSHIMA RYOJI , HATTORI TAKANORI , FUJIYAMA YOSHIHIDE 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The majority of dysplasias and adenocarcinomas in Barrett's esophagus are closely associated with the specialized columnar epithelium. In this study, we performed an immunohistochemical analysis of columnar metaplasia presenting in short‐segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE).Patients and Methods:  The endoscopic biopsy specimens obtained from 91 patients were analyzed. Ten were cases of long‐segment Barrett's esophagus (LSBE) and 81 had SSBE. Expression of MUC2, MUC5AC, Con A and CD10 was evaluated using immunohistochemical staining.Results:  All samples from LSBE (n = 9) were histologically diagnosed as specialized columnar epithelium. The 81 SSBE samples were divided into gastric fundic‐type (n = 26), junctional‐type (n = 16) and specialized columnar epithelium (n = 39). In the specialized columnar epithelium of SSBE, there was a predominance of goblet cell‐type metaplasia proposed by Watanabe et al. which is characterized by MUC2‐positive pyloric epithelium (66.7%). The total percentage of non‐goblet cell‐type and goblet cell‐type was 76.9%. In contrast, 80% of LSBE revealed the large intestinal‐type or the large and small intestinal‐type. The long oval and villous pit by magnifying endoscope suggests the presence of the specialized columnar epithelium, but the phenotypic classification of Watanabe's criteria was not associated with the endoscopic pit pattern.Conclusion:  Intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus changes immunohistochemically with progress of the disease.
Clinical trial to compare efficacy and side‐effects of injection of posterior sub‐Tenon triamcinolone versus orbital floor methylprednisolone in the management of posterior uveitis
Authors: Ferrante Paolo , Ramsey Andrew , Bunce Catey , Lightman Susan 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Aim: To compare the efficacy and side‐effects of posterior sub‐Tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog) with orbital floor injection of methylpredisolone acetate (Depomedrone) in the management of posterior uveitis. Methods: Non‐randomized comparative prospective clinical study. Sixty‐four eyes from 60 consecutive patients with non‐infectious posterior uveitis requiring treatment were allocated on an alternate 1:1 basis to receive either orbital floor methylprednisolone or sub‐Tenon triamcinolone using standard procedures and assessed at 6 and 12 weeks. Results: After five eyes of five patients who had received the same treatment bilaterally were excluded from the statistical analysis, 14 out of 29 eyes treated with orbital floor methylprednisolone and 10 out of the 30 eyes given sub‐Tenon triamcinolone improved at 6 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in the improvement rate between the two groups. However, two patients given triamcinolone had prolonged upper lid ptosis, which required surgery, and another two developed markedly raised intraocular pressure, neither of which occurred in the methylprednisolone‐treated group. Conclusions: Although the two drugs and routes compared were of similar efficacy, lid ptosis occurred in the triamcinolone‐treated but not the methylprednisolone group. This should be borne in mind when choosing the preferred route of delivery of periocular corticosteroid in the treatment of posterior uveitis.
Intravitreal triamcinolone for diabetic macular oedema in Chinese patients: six‐month prospective longitudinal pilot study
Authors: Lam Dennis SC , Chan Carmen KM , Tang Emily WH , Li Kenneth KW , Fan Dorothy SP , Chan Wai‐Man 
Published: December 2004

Abstract Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) in Chinese patients with diabetic clinical significant macular oedema (CSMO). Methods: Eighteen eyes of 17 consecutive patients with CSMO were prospectively recruited and treated with a 4 mg injection of IVTA. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on the ETDRS chart and central macular thickness (CMT) on optical coherence tomography were measured at baseline weeks 1, 2, 3, and months 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Side‐effects were monitored. Results: All patients completed 6 months of follow up. The mean baseline BCVA and CMT were 1.20 ± 0.31 logMAR units and 552 ± 179 µm, respectively. Improvements in CMT and BCVA were observed as early as at 1 and 2 weeks, respectively (P < 0.05). Mean BCVA peaked at 2 months (0.97 ± 0.38 logMAR units) while mean CMT was maximally reduced at 3 months (326 ± 145 µm). Improvements in BCVA and CMT were less afterwards but still statistically significant at 6 months; the final mean BCVA and CMT were 0.99 ± 0.36 logMAR units and 427 ± 145 µm, respectively. A total of 5/18 (28%) eyes developed a transient increase in intraocular pressure. Cataract progression was noted in 2/12 (17%) of the phakic eyes. Conclusions: Intravitreal triamcinolone appeared generally safe and effective in Chinese patients with CSMO. Although the improvements in BCVA and CMT were transient, there were residual benefits at 6 months. Due to the transient nature of IVTA, re‐treatment seems necessary but the optimal timing and dosage will require further investigations.