bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of BK channels contributes to the second phase of the response to TRH in clonal rat anterior pituitary cells
Authors: Haug T. M. , Hafting T. , Sand O. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAim:  Thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) induces biphasic changes in the electrical activity, the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and prolactin secretion from both GH cells and native lactotrophs. It is well established that inhibition of erg channels contributes to the second phase of the TRH response. We have investigated if BK channels are also involved.Results:  The BK channels may be active at the resting membrane potential (open probability, Po = 0.01) in clonal rat anterior pituitary cells (GH4), which makes it possible that inhibition of these channels may contribute to the reduced K+ conductance during the TRH response. The specific BK channel blocker iberiotoxin (IbTx, 100 nm) had no effect on the resting conductance at holding potentials negative to −40 mV, but significantly reduced the conductance at shallower membrane potentials. This corresponds to the voltage dependency of the sustained [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, IbTx increased the action potential frequency by 36% in spontaneously firing cells. During the second phase of the TRH response, the action potential frequency increased by 34%, concomitantly with 61% reduction of the Po of single BK channels. The protein kinase C (PKC)‐activating phorbol ester TPA had no significant effect on BK channel Po within the normal range of the resting potential.Conclusion:  The BK channels may contribute to the resting membrane conductance, and they are partially inhibited by TRH during the second phase. This modulation seems not to depend on PKC. We propose that inhibition of erg and BK channels acts in concert to enhance the cell excitability during the second phase of the response to TRH.
Botulinum neurotoxin to treat chronic anal fissure: results of a randomized ‘Botox vs. Dysport’ controlled trial
Authors: Brisinda G. , Albanese A. , Cadeddu F. , Bentivoglio A. R. , Mabisombi A. , Marniga G. , Maria G. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryBackground : Botulinum neurotoxin induces healing in patients with idiopathic fissure. The optimal dosage is not well established.Aim : To compare the efficacy and tolerability of two different formulations of type A botulinum neurotoxin, and to provide more evidence with regard to the choice of dosage regimens.Methods : Symptomatic adults with chronic anal fissure were enrolled in a randomized study. The outcome of each group was evaluated clinically, and by comparing the pressure of the anal sphincters before and after treatment.Results : Fifty patients received injections of 50 units of Botox formulation (group I), and 50 patients received injections of 150 units of Dysport toxin (group II). One month after injection, 11 patients in group I and eight in group II had mild incontinence of flatus. At the 2‐month evaluation point, 46 patients in group I and 47 patients in group II had a healing scar. In group I patients, the mean resting anal pressure was 41.8% lower, and the maximum voluntary squeeze pressure was 20.2% lower, than the baseline value. In group II patients, the resting anal pressure and maximum voluntary squeeze pressure were 60.0 ± 12.0 mmHg and 71.0 ± 30.0 mmHg, respectively. There were no relapses during an average of about 21 months of follow‐up.Conclusions : Botulinum neurotoxin may be considered an effective treatment in patients with chronic anal fissure. The efficacy and tolerability of the two different formulations of botulinum neurotoxin were indistinguishable.
Genetic characterization of four strains of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) using microsatellite markers
Authors: Rutten M. J. M. , Komen H. , Deerenberg R. M. , Siwek M. , Bovenhuis H. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryFour domesticated strains of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) were genetically characterized using 14 microsatellite markers and 64 animals per strain. Two strains, Chitralada (AIT) and International Development Research Centers (IDRC) were obtained from the AIT institute, Bangkok, Thailand. The GIFT strain (5th generation) came from NAGRI, Thailand, and the GÖTT strain was supplied by the University of Göttingen, Germany. The average numbers of alleles per marker were 5.0 (GÖTT), 5.4 (AIT), 5.6 (IDRC) and 7.5 (GIFT). Private alleles were found at all markers with the exception of two. No fixation of alleles was found at any marker. Population differentiation, FST, was 0.178 (great genetic differentiation) and confirmed grouping of the animals in strains. The expected level of heterozygosity ranged from 0.624 to 0.711, but the observed level of heterozygosity significantly deviated from the expected level in three strains. This was probably because of small population size. Moderate to great genetic differentiation was found between strains. A phylogenetic tree reflected the strains known histories. Application of the Weitzman approach showed that all strains have added value for the total genetic diversity and thus should be retained.
A microsatellite linkage map for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Gilbey J. , Verspoor E. , McLay A. , Houlihan D. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryA linkage map of the Atlantic salmon is described here consisting of 15 linkage groups containing 50 microsatellite loci with a 14 additional unlinked markers (including three allozymes). The map shows the largest sex‐specific recombination rate differences so far found in any vertebrate species (3.92:1 female:male). Homologies with previous linkage mapping studies of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout are described. An in silico search of the Genbank database carried out using the microsatellites used in the mapping process identified significant matches between the flanking regions of the microsatellite SS11 and the calcium‐binding mitochondrial carrier protein, ‘Aralar1’.
A linkage map of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reveals an uncommonly large difference in recombination rate between the sexes
Authors: Moen T. , Hoyheim B. , Munck H. , Gomez‐Raya L. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryA genetic linkage map of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was constructed, using 54 microsatellites and 473 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The mapping population consisted of two full‐sib families within one paternal half‐sib family from the Norwegian breeding population. A mapping strategy was developed that facilitated the construction of separate male and female maps, while retaining all the information contributed by the dominant AFLP markers. By using this strategy, we were able to map a significant number of the AFLP markers for which all informative offspring had two heterozygous parents; these markers then served as bridges between the male and female maps. The female map spanned 901 cM and had 33 linkage groups, while the male spanned 103 cM and had 31 linkage groups. Twenty‐five linkage groups were common between the two maps. The construction of the genetic map revealed a large difference in recombination rate between females and males. The ratio of female recombination rate vs. male recombination rate was 8.26, the highest ratio reported for any vertebrate. This map constitutes the first linkage map of Atlantic salmon, one of the most important aquaculture species worldwide.
Comparison of GNRH3 genes across salmonid genera
Authors: Leder E. H. , Danzmann R. G. , Ferguson M. M. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryGenomic sequences of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone genes were amplified and examined for sequence divergence among members of three different genera of the subfamily Salmoninae: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). Sequences of GNRH3A and GNRH3B (formerly known as sGnRH1 and sGnRH2) were 97–99% similar in coding regions and 94–98% similar in non‐coding regions among genera, but comparisons within species between GNRH3A and GNRH3B were only 90–92% similar in coding regions and 83–89% similar in non‐coding regions. Polymorphisms in the parents of mapping families for each species allowed for linkage mapping of the GNRH3B gene in all three species and the GNRH3A gene in rainbow trout. GNRH3B maps to linkage group 6 in rainbow trout, linkage group 16 in Atlantic salmon and linkage group 25 in Arctic charr. GNRH3A mapped to linkage group 30 in rainbow trout.
A missense mutation in the bovine leptin receptor gene is associated with leptin concentrations during late pregnancy
Authors: Liefers S. C. , Veerkamp R. F. , te Pas M. F. W. , Delavaud C. , Chilliard Y. , van der Lende T. 
Published: March 2004

SummaryThe leptin receptor (LEPR) gene consists of 20 exons divided over 1.75 Mb. Parts of bovine LEPR exon 4 (79 bp), exon 11 (95 bp) and exon 20 (513 bp) of 20 cows (Holstein‐Friesian) were sequenced (AJ580799; AJ580800; AJ580801) in an attempt to find polymorphisms. In exons 4 and 11 no SNPs were found. In exon 20, a T to C missense mutation was found at nucleotide 115, which causes an amino acid substitution at residue 945 (T945M). Frequencies for alleles C and T were 0.93 and 0.07 respectively, in a population of 323 Holstein‐Friesian cows and TT animals were not detected. Using genotypes of these cows an association study was performed for leptin concentrations during late pregnancy and lactation. Leptin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The T945M mutation showed an association with circulating leptin concentrations only during late pregnancy (P < 0.05) but not during lactation (P > 0.05). The CC genotype had higher concentrations than the CT genotype during this period. A combined effect with previously described leptin polymorphisms on prepartum leptin concentrations was observed, with one genotype combination having significantly lower levels of leptin up to 50 days, but interaction effects were not significant. The T945M polymorphism may have induced a structural change in the intracellular domain of the LEPR, which may have influenced the signal transduction pathway. However, the effect was found only for the heterozygous genotype because the TT genotype was not detected in this population of 323 Holstein‐Friesian cows.
Evaluation of an action threshold‐based IPM wheat model in Rheinland (Germany) in 1999/2001*
Authors: Heger M. , Oerke E.‐C. , Dehne H.‐W. , Hindorf H. 
Published: March 2004

Under the specific agricultural and climatic conditions of Rheinland (DE), 48 field trials in three years demonstrated the practicability of the action threshold‐based fungicide strategy of the IPM wheat model. The underlying data for action thresholds and dosage of fungicides applied are outlined. The cereal pathogens concerned, predominantly Mycosphaerella graminicola and Puccinia recondita, were controlled in the early stages of epidemic development using reduced rates of fungicides. The IPM wheat model gave a high efficacy of control, in terms of disease incidence and disease severity, under both low and high disease pressure conditions. The yield levels resulting from this effective reduction in diseases were nearly the same as those of the disease‐free variant. Total yield increase varied between 15% and 30% with an overall average of around 20%, and resulted in monetary benefits of 50–100 EUR ha−1 in the years considered.
Development of overwintering oospores of Plasmopara viticola and severity of primary foci in relation to climate*
Authors: Rouzet J. , Jacquin D. 
Published: March 2004

The French Plant Protection Service uses different techniques to provide advice on treatments against grapevine downy mildew: observation of primary foci, development of overwintering oospores and climate‐based forecasting models. This system is generally satisfactory but is time‐consuming, and the models used sometimes give a false evaluation of the severity of primary foci. We have accumulated 30 years of observations on the latter, together with the maturation of overwintering oospores. The severity of primary foci is linked to spring and autumn rainfall. Oospore maturation is affected by low autumn and warm spring temperatures. Long dry periods can block maturation. While there is little prospect that oospore maturation can be modelled in the near future, success can be expected for primary foci.
A web‐based decision support system for integrated management of cereal pests
Authors: Hagelskjær L. , Jørgensen L. Nistrup 
Published: March 2004

The models in the Danish decision support system (DSS) PC‐Plant Protection (PC‐P) have been developed during the past 15 years of research on cereal pests in Denmark. Recently, the system was reintroduced as a web‐based DSS and is now called Crop Protection Online (CPO). CPO includes models for powdery mildew, rusts, septoria, rhynchosporium, net blotch, eyespot, aphids and leaf beetle larvae and is based on empirical data on: (i) the specific effect of each plant protection product; (ii) control thresholds; (iii) importance of pests according to growth stage; (iv) variation in susceptibility to pathogens among cultivars; and (v) influence of weather on the development of pests. The system has been validated in numerous trials and has proved to give good control of pathogens at low product inputs. The margin of product use has been similar or better compared with standard treatments included in the field trials. In trials where CPO was compared with other DSS, CPO resulted in the lowest input of fungicides, measured as TFI (TFI expresses the ratio applied doses/standard doses throughout a growing season) and the highest margin over product use. Differences in the prices of fungicides and in the grain price may change that. The system is under development in Poland and the Baltic countries, and is also ready for export to other countries.
Computer aids for plant protection in Latvia*
Authors: Turka I. , Priekule I. 
Published: March 2004

The main agricultural crops where decision support systems (DSS) can be used via the Internet in Latvia are winter and spring cereals and potato. Two PC‐based models, forming part of a Danish DSS, were tested under the agroecological conditions of Latvia in 1999/2002: PC‐Plant Protection to control diseases in cereals and several modifications of the NegFry model for prediction of potato late blight. The results of 4 years of trials suggest that models that satisfy the needs of one pest may not fit another. The main reasons for failure to adapt PC models are differences in cultivar susceptibility, differences in pathogenicity, simultaneous action of other organisms and spatial placement of crops (forests, rivers and fallow land). For example, it is well known that, with the recent global migration of more aggressive strains and populations of Phytophthora infestans, late blight epidemics have become less predictable and, at the same time, less controllable in potato‐growing areas. For cereals, there is a different spectrum of prevailing pathogens, causing different levels of damage, requiring incorporation into models of thresholds corresponding to local conditions. Data from weekly monitoring of local fields, warnings about the local situation and meteorological information via the Internet are the most important computer‐aided elements for experts in plant protection.
Fatty acid metabolism assessed by 125I‐iodophenyl 9‐methylpentadecanoic acid (9MPA) and expression of fatty acid utilization enzymes in volume‐overloaded hearts
Authors: Miyamoto T. , Takeishi Y. , Tazawa S. , Inoue M. , Aoyama T. , Takahashi H. , Arimoto T. , Shishido T. , Tomoike H. , Kubota I. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackground  The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) α is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and regulates gene expression of fatty acid utilization enzymes. In cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure by pressure‐overload, myocardial energy utilization reverts to the fetal pattern, and metabolic substrate switches from fatty acid to glucose. However, myocardial metabolism in volume‐overloaded hearts has not been rigorously studied. The aim of the present study was to examine fatty acid metabolism and protein expressions of PPARα and fatty acid oxidation enzymes in volume‐overloaded rabbit hearts.Methods  Volume‐overload was induced by carotid‐jugular shunt formation. Sham‐operated rabbits were used as control. Chronic volume‐overload increased left ventricular weight and ventricular cavity size, and relative wall thickness was decreased, indicating eccentric cardiac hypertrophy. 125I‐iodophenyl 9‐methylpentadecanoic acid (9MPA) was intravenously administered, and animals were sacrificed at 5 min after injection. The 9MPA was rapidly metabolized to iodophenyl‐3‐methylnonanoic acid (3MNA) by β‐oxidation. Lipid extraction from the myocardium was performed by the Folch method, and radioactivity distribution of metabolites was assayed by thin‐layer chromatography. The protein was extracted from the left ventricular myocardium, and levels of PPARα and fatty acid oxidation enzymes were examined by Western blotting.Results  Myocardial distribution of 9MPA tended to be more heterogeneous in shunt than in sham rabbits (P = 0·06). In volume‐overloaded hearts by shunt, the conversion from 9MPA to 3MNA by β‐oxidation was faster than the sham‐control hearts (P < 0·05). However, protein levels of PPARα and fatty acid utilization enzymes were unchanged in shunt rabbits compared with sham rabbits.Conclusions  These data suggest that myocardial fatty acid metabolism is enhanced in eccentric cardiac hypertrophy by volume‐overload without changes in protein expressions of PPARα and fatty acid utilization enzymes. Our data may provide a novel insight into the subcellular mechanisms for the pathological process of cardiac remodelling in response to mechanical stimuli.
Glutathione depletion and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in viral myocarditis
Authors: Kytö V. , Lapatto R. , Lakkisto P. , Saraste A. , Voipio‐Pulkki L.‐M. , Vuorinen T. , Pulkki K. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackground  The course of viral myocarditis is highly variable. Oxidative stress and Bcl‐2 family genes may play a role in its pathogenesis by regulating the amount of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Apoptosis is difficult to detect and quantify in vivo. Therefore, we set to look for indicators of this potentially preventable form of cell death during various phases of experimental murine coxsackievirus B3 myocarditis.Methods  BALB/c mice were infected with the cardiotropic coxsackievirus B3 variant. Glutathione (HPLC), cardiomyocyte apoptosis (TUNEL and caspase‐3 cleavage), Bax and Bcl‐XL mRNA expression (real time RT‐PCR), histopathology and viral replication (plaque assay and real time RT‐PCR) were measured from day 3 to day 20 after infection.Results  Infection caused severe myocarditis and led to progressive decrease of plasma glutathione levels. Myocardial mRNA levels of pro‐apoptotic Bax and antiapoptotic Bcl‐XL were significantly increased from day 3 onwards. Bax mRNA and ratio of Bax to Bcl‐XL correlated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis (r = 0·77, P = < 0·001 and r 0·51, P < 0·01, respectively). Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was highest on day 5, coinciding with a rapid decline in plasma glutathione (r = −0·52, P = 0·003).Conclusions  Systemic oxidative stress as indicated by decreased plasma glutathione levels coincides with cardiomyocyte apoptosis in experimental coxsackievirus myocarditis. Decreased plasma glutathione levels and changes in cardiac Bax and Bcl‐XL mRNA expression identify a phase of myocarditis in which the potentially preventable cardiomyocyte apoptosis is mostly observed.
Correlates of total homocysteine plasma concentration in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Russo G. T. , Di Benedetto A. , Giorda C. , Alessi E. , Crisafulli G. , Ientile R. , Di Cesare E. , Jacques P. F. , Raimondo G. , Cucinotta D. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackground  Although well‐defined in the general population, correlates of total homocysteine (tHcy) plasma concentration have not been sufficiently evaluated in diabetes. We investigated factors potentially associated with tHcy concentration in a cohort of type 2 diabetic subjects.Materials and methods  The common methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, fasting tHcy, vitamin B12 and folate plasma levels were assessed in 312 diabetic subjects, whose clinical, metabolic and lifestyle information was also available.Results  The MTHFR genotype distribution was comparable to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, with an overall TT homozygous frequency of 22%. Fasting tHcy concentration was significantly higher in men than in women (P < 0·001). Multivariate‐adjusted tHcy concentration was significantly different across the quartiles of age (P < 0·001), folate (P = 0·01), vitamin B12 (P = 0·03), creatinine concentrations (P = 0·001) and smoking (P = 0·02). Overall, significant trends were noted for creatinine clearance (P for trend = 0·02) and systolic blood pressure (BP) (unadjusted P for trend = 0·01), whereas no differences were noted according to BMI, diastolic BP, presence of hypertension, and diabetes‐related variables, such as diabetes duration, fasting glucose and glycated haemoglobin concentrations, current treatment and diabetes long‐term complications. Total homocysteine levels significantly correlated with age, systolic BP, vitamin B12, creatinine and creatinine clearance, but only age, creatinine, folate and vitamin B12 levels were independently associated with tHcy concentration in stepwise regression analysis.Conclusions  Age, creatinine, folate, vitamin B12, and to a minor extent, sex, smoking, TT genotype and systolic BP were significantly associated with Hcy plasma concentration in type 2 diabetes, whereas no significant associations were noted with diabetes‐related variables.
Improved metabolic control decreases platelet activation markers in patients with type‐2 diabetes
Authors: Eibl N. , Krugluger W. , Streit G. , Schrattbauer K. , Hopmeier P. , Schernthaner G. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackground  Cardiovascular disease is associated with platelet dysfunction in patients with diabetes. Hyperglycaemia is known as an independent risk factor for micro‐ and macrovascular complications, and improvement of metabolic control has shown beneficial effects on diabetic late complications. Our study attempts to clarify the effect of improved metabolic control on platelet activation markers in patients with type‐2 diabetes.Materials and methods  Thirty patients were studied at baseline and 3 months after improvement of metabolic control and compared with an age‐matched nondiabetic control group. Platelet activation markers (CD31, CD36, CD49b, CD62P and CD63) were assessed by flow cytometry analysis.Results  Significantly more activated platelets were detected in patients with diabetes compared with controls. After 3 months’ improvement of metabolic control, a significant decline of all platelet activation markers except CD36 was noted. Furthermore a significant correlation between CD62P, CD63 and HbA1c levels was observed.Conclusions  We conclude therefore that improvement of metabolic control has a beneficial effect on platelet activation. This may have an implication in the pathogenesis of vascular disease in patients with type‐2 diabetes.
Changes in vulnerability of Daphnia to an insecticide application depending on the population phase
Authors: Hanazato Takayuki , Hirokawa Haruka 
Published: March 2004

Summary1. Laboratory populations of cloned Daphnia pulex at three population phases (growing phase, density peak, declining phase) were exposed to the insecticide carbaryl at 15 μg L−1, which killed juveniles but not adults.2. The population decline was largest and recovery was slowest when the chemical was applied at the density peak, indicating that the population was most sensitive to the chemical at that stage. Populations in the declining phase were least affected by the treatment.3. We propose that food condition, which varies with population density, was a major factor affecting vulnerability to carbaryl. In that case, Daphnia populations in lakes would be most vulnerable to toxic chemicals during food‐limited condition such as the spring clear‐water phase.