bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Organic and Conventional Tomato cultivation in North-Western Himalayas
Authors: Kumar Shaminder , Prasher RS , Devi Nisha , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: March 2024

The present study was carried out in Sirmour district of Himachal Pradesh. Primary data have been collected through survey method for the agricultural year 2018-19. Using the purposive sampling technique, the districts and villages were selected based on the highest area under organic farming. By using simple random sampling, a sample of 80 farmers were selected, out of which 40 were organic growers and 40 were conventional growers, who were further categorized as marginal, small and medium farms. The cost incurred was higher for the cultivation of tomato in conventional farming, whereas returns and output-input ratio was higher in organic tomato cultivation. In organic farming system, farmyard manure (44.70 per cent) constituted highest share in Cost A1 followed by plant protection (17.09 per cent), human hired labour (10.37 per cent), seed/plant (6.53 per cent), bio-fertilizers (4.72 per cent), stalking (2.33 per cent) and hired machinery labour (1.53 per cent). In conventional farming, farmyard manure (33.37 per cent) constituted highest share in total variable Cost A1 followed by plant protection (28.92 per cent), human hired labour (8.46 per cent), fertilizers (6.23 per cent) and seed/plant (6.20 per cent), stalking (2.29 per cent) and owned machinery labour (1.34 per cent). It was also found that human labour was more employed in organic farming as compared to conventional farming system. Education of farmers for scientific management of crops and provision of improved tools for efficient use of labour have also been suggested to lower production costs and make the organic vegetable cultivation more beneficial to farmers, particularly to the small and marginal farmers in the state.
Reading Attitude and Learning Motivation as Predictors of Reading Comprehension
Authors: Moneba An-Jean N. , Lovitos Ana Helena R.
Published: March 2024

This study is aimed at investigating the significant relationship between reading attitude, motivation, and reading comprehension in Bunawan District, Davao City public elementary school learners. It employed descriptive-correlational research design which describes the relationship between two or more variables. Primary information was obtained by using adapted survey questionnaires among 250 Grade 6 learners enrolled in S.Y. 2023-2024. Three research instruments were used: the Adults Survey Reading Attitudes Questionnaire (ASRA) adapted by Anugrah, Gardner’s Attitude / Motivation Test Battery (AMI), and the Reading comprehension questionnaire adapted from the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-Iri). This study utilized Mean, Standard Deviation, and correlation analysis through Pearson product-moment correlation. Results revealed that there is a high level of reading attitude (x=4.08, SD=.612) and motivation (x=4.06, SD=.451) but there is a very low reading comprehension (x=3.11, SD=1.006) among the respondents. Furthermore, the findings revealed no significant relationship between reading attitude and reading comprehension (r=0.032, p=0.620) and only learning motivation is a predictor of reading comprehension (r=0.200, p=0.002). This implies that the respondents have a positive attitude toward reading but it does not affect their reading comprehension. This further implies that students who are motivated to read can improve their reading comprehension. Hence, the respondents with high interest in their reading activity comprehend more than those without interest.
Family Centered Care: The Perspective of Nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Agwiah Victoria Awalenkak , Boateng Keren-Happuch Twumasiwaa
Published: March 2024

Background: Family-Centered Care is a care approach in which healthcare professionals collaborate with the patient's family to plan and make decisions regarding the patient's treatment. Family-Centered Care is widely acknowledged and documented as the optimal care approach for neonatal practice. Despite the growing use of this method, there is a lack of research on the perspectives of healthcare professionals and carers regarding Family-Centered Care. The study aimed to evaluate the viewpoints of nurses regarding FCC in the newborn critical care unit at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Methodology: The study utilised an exploratory descriptive design employing a qualitative technique, in which focus group talks were held among participants. The material was transcribed and processed via thematic and content analysis techniques.

Findings: Approximately majority of the participants demonstrated awareness of the idea of Family-Centered Care, which they elaborated upon through two main themes namely provision of care for both the patient and their family, and Involvement of relatives in the care of the patient.

Recommendations: Majority of participants expressed that Family-Centered Care was not practiced in their unit. Nevertheless, all participants unanimously concurred that the approach had the potential to yield positive results in terms of patient care outcomes.
Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Stubble Management in Punjab: A Review
Authors: Anand Shubham , Kaur Harleen
Published: March 2024

The review highlights the situation of paddy stubble farming in Punjab, where farmers aim to prevent environmental harm by avoiding crop residue burning. Despite this intent, challenges such as insufficient machinery and lack of crop insurance hinder their transition to sustainable practices. Punjab, a key agricultural region in India, faces issues like air pollution and environmental degradation due to stubble burning. Farmers increasingly recognize these problems and are willing to explore alternatives. Farmers in Punjab are committed to adopting sustainable practices to minimize stubble burning's adverse effects on soil health and pollution. However, they face obstacles, notably the high cost and limited availability of necessary machinery such as happy seeders and mulchers, particularly affecting small-scale farmers. Additionally, inadequate crop insurance exacerbates the situation by failing to cover risks associated with stubble management, dissuading farmers from transitioning. To address these challenges, promoting accessible and affordable environmentally friendly machinery is crucial. Collaborative efforts between the government and private sector can facilitate this. Moreover, revising crop insurance policies to include stubble management risks will provide farmers with the confidence and financial security needed to adopt sustainable practices. Stakeholder collaboration is essential to create a supportive environment for farmers, enabling Punjab to lead in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Comparative Sonographic Evaluation of the Gallbladder in Sickle Cell Disease Patients and Apparently Healthy Non-Sickle Cell Disease Individuals in a Nigerian Town
Authors: Oyomi J. K  , Irabor P. F. I  , Eluehike S. U  , Akhigbe A. O  , Izevbekhai S. O
Published: March 2024

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive blood disorder with multi-organ manifestations including the gall bladder. Studies have shown that individuals with sickle cell disease have strong tendency of developing pigment gallstones due to chronic red blood cell hemolysis and increased bilirubin levels.

Aim and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the gallbladder changes which includes volume, wall thickness, presence of biliary sludge and prevalence of calculi between age and sex-matched sickle cell disease patients and apparently healthy, normal non-SCD individuals.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study of 50 known SCD patients attending the Haematology clinic of sub-urban tertiary health facility in Nigeria, and equal number of age and sex-matched apparently healthy, non-SCD volunteers attending the Well people clinic of the same hospital as controls. Each subject was evaluated for gallbladder volume, wall thickness, presence of biliary sludge and gallstones using a 3.5-5MHz curvilinear array transducer of a Mindray ultrasound machine, DC-6 model, 2016.

Data Analysis: The data collected was analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.

Statistical test was considered significant at p-value ≤ 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%.

Results: Out of the 100 subjects who underwent scanning, 50 were patients with sickle cell disease, consisting of 29 males (58.0%) and 21 females (42.0%), while the remaining 50 were non-sickle cell disease volunteers serving as controls, comprising 24 males (48.0%) and 26 females (52.0%). Their ages ranged from 2 to 65 years.

The mean age of the cases and controls was 22.1±14.7 years and 19.9±12.6 years respectively. Among the patients; 8 (16.0%) had cholecystitis and 10 (20.0%) had gallstones, with no detectable abnormality in the controls.

Conclusion: The ultrasonographic prevalence of gallbladder abnormalities was recorded only in patients with sickle cell disease when compared to apparently healthy controls as shown with increased prevalence with age.
Prevalence and Concentration of Airborne Microorganisms Isolated from Domestic Toilets in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Agi V. N.  , Ollor O. A.  , Azike C. A.  , Chukwu G. C.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Microorganisms are ubiquitous in nature and transient airborne microorganisms have been shown to constitute major health hazards.

Aim: This study was carried out to assess the microbial air quality in ten (10) domestic toilets located in mile-3, Alakahia, Choba, Ada-George and Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, Nigeria.

Methodology: Microbial air quality was sampled using sedimentation techniques. Freshly prepared Nutrient Agar, MacConkey and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) plates were placed one meter above the floor of the toilets for 1 hours at different sections of each toilet exposed to an open air. The agar plates were closed and transported to the Laboratory were incubation took place at 37°C for 24 hours and 25°C for 3-5 days for growth of bacteria and fungi respectively. Isolates were characterized and identified by standard microbiological methods.

Results: The bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus species 22(22.45%), Bacillus species 20 (20.41%), Enterococcus species 20(20.41%), Escherichia coli 16(16.32%), Micrococcus species 15 (15.31%), Klebsiella species 3(3.06%), and Proteus species 2(2.04%) while Aspergillus species 14(27.45%), Penicillium species 16(23.53%), Fusarium species 10(19.60%), Mucor species 8(15.69%), and Rhizopus species 7(13.73%) were the fungi identified. The highest bacteria colony count before and after flushing were 52.380×103CFU/m3/hr & 67.261× 103CFU/m3/ hrrespectively while the lowest bacteria counts observed before and after flushing 19.047× 103CFU/m3/hr & 39.286×103CFU/m3/hr while the highest and lowest fungal count before and after flushing were 10.119×103CFU/m3/hr & 13.690×103CFU/m3/hr and 5.952×103CFU/m3/hr & 5.953×103CFU/m3/hr respectively.

Conclusion: This study shows that considerable numbers of both pathogenic bacteria and fungi particles were released into the air in higher quantity after flushing domestic toilets when compared to air quality before flushing. These organisms have been implicated in major and minor infectious diseases. Inhalation or contact may easily lead to infection especially in immunocompromised individuals and the older adults. To maintain the health of users, it is necessary to carefully manage the environmental factors that promote the growth and multiplication of microorganisms in domestic toilet environment.
Micro-shear Bond Strength of Self-Adhesive Versus Conventional Low-viscosity Composite Resins: In vitro Study
Authors: Zanatta Cassia Thaís Iurkiv , Cardoso Poliana Maria de Faveri , Camilotti Veridiana , Mendonça Márcio José , Ueda Julio Katuhide
Published: March 2024

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the micro-shear bond strength of a self-adhesive versus conventional low-viscosity composite resins adhered to enamel.

Study Design: In vitro study.

Place and Duration of Study: Dental Clinic of the Western State University of Paraná, between October 2022 and September 2023.

Methodology: In this in vitro study, the crowns of ten bovine incisor teeth were separated from the roots and embedded in polyvinyl chloride cylinders with acrylic resin. The teeth were divided into two groups (n=5) according to the type of low-viscosity composite resin used on the enamel, resulting in a total of fifteen specimens: one group with self-adhesive composite resin and another with conventional composite resin. Specimens measuring 3 × 2 mm were prepared with low-viscosity composite resin and applied to the adhesive areas according to their respective groups. The micro-shear test was carried out after 7 days of immersion in distilled water in a universal mechanical testing machine with a 50 kg load cell. The statistical analysis in this study employed the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess data normality. Due to non-normal distribution, the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was utilized for group comparisons (p < 0.001). Supplementary analyses were performed using the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner (DSCF) test for multiple comparisons (p < 0.001) to detect intergroup differences. Fractures were analyzed using a stereoscopic magnifying glass at 40x magnification.

Results: The lowest micro-shear bond strength was observed in the self-adhesive composite resin group, while the highest was observed in the conventional composite resin group. On average, the micro-shear bond strength was higher for the conventional composite resin group compared to the self-adhesive composite resin group (p < 0.001). Most fractures in the conventional composite resin group were mixed, whereas in the Self-Adhesive composite resin group they were predominantly adhesive.

Conclusion: Based on this study, it can be concluded that self-adhesive flowable composite resin exhibited lower enamel bond strength values compared to conventional flowable composite resin.
Yield, Quality and Disease Resistance of Sugarcane Clones: A Field Evaluation
Authors: Ganapathy, S  , Ravichandran V. , Jayakumar J.
Published: March 2024

Evaluation and identification of sugarcane clones for different maturity groups is of paramount importance in sugarcane cultivation to get higher recoveries in sugar mills. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of early maturing sugarcane clones for red rot resistance, cane yield, CCS yield, and their contributing traits in order to idendify the superior clones. Observation on germination per cent, number of tillers (x1000/ha), number of millable cane (x1000/ha), stalk length (cm), stalk diameter (cm), single cane weight (kg), cane yield (t/ha), brix per cent, sucrose (%), purity (%), extraction CCS (%), and sugar yield (t/ha). From the results, it could be concluded that the early maturing clone, CoC 15336, was found to be the best among the test clones for sucrose per cent and sugar yield with resistance to red rot disease. Another clone, CoC 15340, was the next-best entry, with higher cane yield, CCS yield, and sucrose percent compared to the better standards. As a result, clones CoC 15338 and CoC 15336 were identified as the best promising entries and could be forwarded for further yield evaluation trials for release as a new sugarcane variety suitable for East Coast Zone of India.
Determination of the sexual phenotype in a child with 45,X/46,X,Idic(Yp) mosaicism: Importance of the relative proportion of the 45,X line in gonadal tissue
Authors: Guedes Alexis D. , Bianco Bianca , Lipay Mônica V.N. , Brunoni Décio , de Lourdes Chauffaille Maria , Verreschi Ieda T.N.
Published: August 2006

We report on a girl who, despite her 45,X/46,X,der(Y) karyotype, showed no signs of virilization or physical signs of the Ullrich–Turner syndrome (UTS), except for a reduced growth rate. After prophylactic gonadectomy due to the risk of developing gonadoblastoma, the gonads and peripheral blood samples were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Y‐specific sequences. These analyses allowed us to characterize the Y‐derived chromosome as being an isodicentric Yp chromosome (idic(Yp)) and showed a pronounced difference in the distribution of the 45,X/46,X,idic(Yp) mosaicism between the two analyzed tissues. It was shown that, although in peripheral blood almost all cells (97.5%) belonged to the idic(Yp) line with a duplicated SRY gene, this did not determine any degree of male sexual differentiation in the patient, as in the gonads the predominant cell line was 45,X (60%). © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel mutation in GDF5 causes autosomal dominant symphalangism in two Chinese families
Authors: Wang Xu , Xiao Fuying , Yang Qinbo , Liang Bo , Tang Zhaohui , Jiang Linbin , Zhu Qihui , Chang Wei , Jiang Jiuxi , Jiang Chuanming , Ren Xiang , Liu Jing‐Yu , Wang Qing K. , Liu Mugen
Published: August 2006

Proximal symphalangism (SYM1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by ankylosis of the proximal interphalangeal joints and fusion of carpal and tarsal bones. We identified and characterized two five‐generation Chinese families with SYM1. The two families share some similarities (e.g., osseous fusion of interphalangeal joints of the 2–4 fingers) with SYM1 families with mutations in the NOG gene or the family with mutation R438L recently reported in the GDF5 gene (encoding a bone morphogenetic protein family member). However, they show some unique features including the absence of cuboid bone, the lack of shortness of the first and fifth metacarpal bones, and manifestation of flat feet. Genome‐wide linkage analysis of the two families mapped the disease gene to marker D20S112 with a combined LOD score of 4.32. Mutational analysis revealed a novel E491K mutation in the GDF5 gene in both families. The mutation occurs at a highly conserved residue in the TGF‐β domain of GDF5 and represents the second GDF5 mutation identified for SYM1 to date. The E491K mutation co‐segregated with the affected individuals in the two families, and did not exist in unaffected family members or 200 normal controls. These results indicate that defects in GDF5 can cause SYM1 in the Chinese population, and expand the spectrum of clinical phenotypes associated with mutant GDF5. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sedaghatian spondylometaphyseal dysplasia with pachygyria and absence of the corpus callosum
Authors: English Sharon J. , Gayatri Neti , Arthur Rosemary , Crow Yanick J.
Published: August 2006

We report on a female infant with a metaphyseal dysplasia and a neuronal migration abnormality consistent with a diagnosis of Sedaghatian spondylometaphyseal dysplasia. This child, born to nonconsanguineous Caucasian parents, was hypotonic from birth and experienced recurrent cyanotic episodes within a few hours of delivery. Cerebral imaging revealed absence of the corpus callosum and marked frontotemporal pachygyria. She developed seizures on day 14 of life and died at the age of 17 days. Our case highlights the possibility for neuronal migration abnormalities in Sedaghatian spondylometaphyseal dysplasia and suggests a novel association of the disorder with agenesis of the corpus callosum. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anophthalmia‐esophageal atresia syndrome caused by an SOX2 gene deletion in monozygotic twin brothers with markedly discordant phenotypes
Authors: Zenteno Juan Carlos , Perez‐Cano Hector J. , Aguinaga Monica
Published: August 2006

The clinical combination of anophthalmia/microphthalmia and esophageal atresia was first recognized in 1988 as a distinct variable multi‐system malformation syndrome and since then at least 17 cases of the disease have been described, all of them sporadic in occurrence. We report a heterozygous SOX2 gene mutation underlying the syndrome of anophthalmia/microphthalmia‐esophageal atresia and demonstrate that this entity can be associated to considerable clinical variability as shown by the discordant ocular phenotype observed in monozygotic twin brothers carrying an SOX2 deletion. This is the first report describing a strikingly discordant eye phenotype in monozygotic twins with the condition, with one of our patients being the first reported individual carrying an SOX2 lesion associated with unilateral eye defect. We discuss the probable sources for this remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity of the anophthalmia/microphthalmia syndrome in individuals with an identical genetic constitution. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A father of four consecutive trisomic pregnancies with elevated frequencies of associated aneuploid sperm
Authors: Tomascik‐Cheeseman Lisa M. , Lowe Xiu R. , Eskenazi Brenda , Kidd Sharon , Nath Joginder , Moore Dan , Wyrobek Andrew J.
Published: August 2006

A couple with normal somatic karyotypes had four consecutive trisomic pregnancies, each involving a different chromosome, of which two children were liveborn with confirmed paternal‐origin trisomies. The apparently healthy father produced abnormally high frequencies of disomic sperm for each of the four chromosomes involved in the trisomic pregnancies (P< 0.003, by sperm fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)). His elevated sperm aneuploidies persisted over a 2‐year period and affected all chromosomes evaluated, suggesting that he had a genome‐wide defect in meiotic disjunction. He also had the highest frequencies of aneuploid sperm reported for any healthy man to date. His frequencies of aneuploid sperm were comparable to the peak frequencies of the transient responses reported in some cancer patients after receiving aneugenic chemotherapies. These findings indicate that apparently healthy men can produce abnormally high frequencies of sperm aneuploidies that suggest that this condition may contribute to recurrent trisomic pregnancies. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel 8.5 MB dup(1)(p34.1p34.3) characterized by FISH in a child presenting with congenital heart defect and dysmorphic features
Authors: Lennon P.A. , Boerkoel C.F. , Plunkett K. , Soukam S. , Cheung S.W. , Patel A.
Published: August 2006

Chromosome duplications involving 1p are rarely reported but are apparently associated with short survival as well as congenital malformations and impaired development. Several of these have had congenital heart defects, although too few patients have been reported with similar breakpoints to characterize a syndrome. We present a girl with a novel interstitial duplication in the short arm of chromosome 1 [46,XX,dup(1)(p34.1p34.3)]. She presented with congenital heart defects at 1 month and by 1 year of age manifested delayed acquisition of motor milestones and subsequently of language milestones. By breakpoint‐mapping using FISH analysis, we determined that her 1p duplication spans 8.5 megabases. Her 1p duplication is the smallest reported to date to contain 1p34 in patients with congenital heart defect due to abnormalities of heart looping during development. Thus, her 8.5 MB duplication provides a target region to search for a potentially dosage‐sensitive gene(s) causing abnormal heart looping when duplicated. Two patients have been reported with duplication including 1p34 but without congenital heart defect, and their duplications span all but the distal approximately 2 MB segment duplicated in our patient. Thus, within our patient's 8.5 MB target region for a dosage sensitive gene leading to looping abnormalities (and thereby congenital heart defect), the distal 2 MB region might well be the region to begin the search. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Major feeding difficulties in the first reported case of interstitial 20q11.22‐q12 microdeletion and molecular cytogenetic characterization
Authors: Callier P. , Faivre L. , Marle N. , Thauvin‐Robinet C. , Sanlaville D. , Gosset P. , Prieur M. , Labenne M. , Huet F. , Mugneret F.
Published: August 2006

We report on a 4‐year‐old female presenting with intrauterine growth retardation, facial dysmorphic features, major feeding difficulties with severe diarrhea and vomiting, mental retardation with abnormal behavior and hypertonia. Feeding difficulties were the most invalidating features with absent oral intake requiring persistent enteral feeding. Standard cytogenetic studies were normal, but high‐resolution chromosome analyses revealed a small de novo interstitial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 20, 46,XX,del(20)(q11.21q12). The deletion was confirmed using metaphase comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and multicolor high resolution banding (mBAND). The deletion breakpoints were characterized using FISH analyses with YACs, PACs, and BACs clones located in the deleted and adjacent regions. A 6.6‐Mb deleted region between markers D20S815 (20q11.22) and D20S435 (20q12) could be delineated. None of the nine previously reported cases with interstitial 20q deletion found in the literature involve the same breakpoints. This report further emphasizes the indication of high‐resolution chromosome analyses in children with syndromic mental retardation. The description of additional cases would be useful in order to better characterize the phenotype of patients with proximal interstitial 20q deletion. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular localization and proliferation in the growing tip of the deer antler
Authors: Clark Dawn E. , Li Chunyi , Wang Wenying , Martin Shirley K. , Suttie James M.
Published: August 2006

The process of angiogenesis is of interest because of the significant clinical benefits associated with controlling vascular growth. Within the antler, chondrogenesis and antler elongation are occurring at the rate of 1–2 cm per day and thus blood vessels are growing at this same rapid pace. We demonstrate that the process of angiogenesis in the antler is controlled at various tissue locations. The findings clearly differentiate the spatial location of the stem cells that drive chondrogenesis from the proliferation process driving the angiogenesis. Vessels within the lateral dermis contained BrdU‐positive cells, suggesting that these vessels were elongating. Within the precartilage region, proliferating vessels were detected in bundles of complex structure evenly distributed throughout this tissue layer. The support cells within these bundles of vessels were detected by staining with α‐smooth muscle actin, while the endothelial cells were negative. Additionally, the α‐smooth muscle actin staining was found in association with the cartilage cells of the antler. The marked proliferation of the vascular associated cells in the precartilage region identified this area as a major region of vascular growth in the antler. We propose that within the precartilage region, the most likely mechanisms to explain the observed vascular morphology are that of vascular extension of the existing vessels and intussusceptive angiogenesis or sprouting to generate the small bundles of vessels. Anat Rec Part A, 288A:973–981, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular patterning of the quail coronary system during development
Authors: Tomanek Robert J. , Hansen Heidi K. , Dedkov Eduard I.
Published: August 2006

Recent studies have provided insights into specific events that contribute to vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in the developing coronary vasculature. This study focused on the developmental progression of coronary vascularization beginning with tube formation and ending with the establishment of a coronary arterial tree. We used electron microscopy, histology of serial sections, and immunohistochemistry in order to provide a comprehensive view of coronary vessel formation during the embryonic and fetal periods of the quail heart, a species that has been used in a number of studies addressing myocardial vascularization. Our data reveal features of progenitor cells and blood islands, tubular formation, and the anatomical relationship of a transformed periarterial tubular network and sympathetic ganglia to the emergence and branching of the right and left coronary arteries. We have traced the pattern of coronary artery branching and documented its innervation. Finally, our data include the relationship of fibronectin, laminin, and apoptosis to coronary artery growth. Our findings bring together morphological events that occur over the embryonic and fetal periods and provide a baseline for studies into the mechanisms that regulate the various events that occur during these time periods. Anat Rec Part A, 288A:989–999, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
General organization of the perinatal and adult accessory olfactory bulb in mice
Authors: Salazar Ignacio , Sanchez‐Quinteiro Pablo , Cifuentes Jose Manuel , De Troconiz Patricia Fernandez
Published: August 2006

The vomeronasal system is currently a topical issue since the dual functional specificity, vomeronasal system‐pheromones, has recently been questioned. Irrespective of the tools used to put such specificity in doubt, the diversity of the anatomy of the system itself in the animal kingdom is probably of more importance than has previously been considered. It has to be pointed out that a true vomeronasal system is integrated by the vomeronasal organ, the accessory olfactory bulb, and the so‐called vomeronasal amygdala. Therefore, it seems reasonable to establish the corresponding differences between a well‐developed vomeronasal system and other areas of the nasal cavity in which putative olfactory receptors, perhaps present in other kinds of mammals, may be able to detect pheromones and to process them. In consequence, a solid pattern for one such system in one particular species needs to be chosen. Here we report on an analysis of the general morphological characteristics of the accessory olfactory bulb in mice, a species commonly used in the study of the vomeronasal system, during growth and in adults. Our results indicate that the critical period for the formation of this structure comprises the stages between the first and the fifth day after birth, when the stratification of the bulb, the peculiarities of each type of cell, and the final building of glomeruli are completed. In addition, our data suggest that the conventional plexiform layers of the main olfactory bulb are not present in the accessory bulb. Anat Rec Part A, 288A:1009–1025, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cardiac outflow tract: A review of some embryogenetic aspects of the conotruncal region of the heart
Authors: Restivo Angelo , Piacentini Gerardo , Placidi Silvia , Saffirio Claudia , Marino Bruno
Published: August 2006

A review concerning some embryogenetic aspects of the cardiac outflow tract is presented. Two main topics are discussed: the truncal septation and the secondary heart field. In the context of the septation of the truncus arteriosus, the development of the arterial valves is largely discussed, particularly in reference to the sinuses of Valsalva. Emphasis is also given to the fate of the external myocardial wall of the truncus arteriosus, as this primordial myocardial surface disappears later in the development. Molecular genetics data concerning Sox4 and NF‐Atc transcription factors are correlated in the present review with rare forms of truncus malformations encountered in human pathology. The roles exerted by the secondary heart field and the neural crest on the development and growth of the conotruncal musculature are largely discussed. Reported experimental ablations of both secondary heart field and neural crest, showed conotruncal defects such as persistent truncus arteriosus, tetralogy of Fallot, and double‐outlet right ventricle, which were considered as the result of a short outflow tract causing, ultimately, a lack of conotruncal rotation. In this regard, some morphologic correlations are carried out, in the present review, between these experimental animal models and human malformations, and it is thought that this sort of conotruncal defects cannot be explained always in terms of conotruncal hypoplasia. Finally, influence of Pitx2c, a left‐right laterality signaling gene, on the modulation of the conotruncal rotation, as most recently reported, is emphasized in terms of very likely multifactorial contributions in the embryogenesis of the conotruncal region of the heart. Anat Rec Part A, 288A:936–943, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tryptamine induces cell death with ultrastructural features of autophagy in neurons and glia: Possible relevance for neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Herrera Federico , Martin Vanesa , Carrera Pilar , García‐Santos Guillermo , Rodriguez‐Blanco Jezabel , Rodriguez Carmen , Antolín Isaac
Published: August 2006

Tryptamine derivatives are a family of biogenic amines that have been suggested to be modulators of brain function at physiological concentrations. However, pharmacological concentrations of these amines display amphetamine‐like properties, and they seem to play a role in brain disorders. Amphetamines induce autophagy in nerve cells, and this type of cell death has also been involved in neurodegenerative diseases. In the present work, we clearly demonstrate for the very first time that high concentrations of tryptamine (0.1–1 mM) induce autophagy in HT22 and SK‐N‐SH nerve cell lines and in primary cultures of astrocytes, glial cells being less sensitive than neurons. Ultrastructural cell morphology shows all of the typical hallmarks of autophagy. There is no nuclear chromatin condensation, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are swollen, and a great number of double‐membraned autophagosomes and residual bodies can be shown in the cytoplasm. Autophagosomes and residual bodies contain mitochondria, membranes, and vesicles and remain unabridged until the cell membrane is disrupted and the cell dies. The same results have been found when cells were incubated with high concentrations of 5‐methoxytryptamine (0.1–1 mM). Our results establish a possible link between the role of tryptamine derivatives in brain disorders and the presence of autophagic cell death in these kinds of disorders. Anat Rec Part A, 288A:1026–1030, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regional differences in architecture and mineralization of developing mandibular bone
Authors: Mulder Lars , van Groningen Linde B. , Potgieser Yvonne A. , Koolstra Jan Harm , van Eijden Theo M.G.J.
Published: August 2006

The goal of this study was to investigate the mutual relationship between architecture and mineralization during early development of the pig mandible. These factors are considered to define the balance between the requirements for bone growth on the one hand and for load bearing on the other. Architecture and mineralization were examined using micro‐CT, whereas the mineral composition was assessed spectrophotometrically in groups of fetal and newborn pigs. The development of the condyle coincided with a reorganization of bone elements without an increase in bone volume fraction, but with an increase in mineralization and a change in mineral composition. In the corpus, the bone volume fraction and mineralization increased simultaneously with a restructuring of the bone elements and a change in mineral composition. The growth of the condyle was reflected by regional differences in architecture and mineralization. The anterior and inferior regions were characterized by a more dense bone structure and a higher mineralization as compared to posterior and superior regions, respectively. In the corpus, growth was mainly indicated by differences between buccal and lingual plates as well as between anterior, middle, and posterior regions characterized by a more compact structure and higher mineralization in the lingual and middle regions. In conclusion, the architecture and mineralization in the condyle and corpus started to deviate early during development toward their destiny as trabecular and cortical bone, respectively. These results were compatible with those obtained with mineral composition analysis. Regional differences within condyle and corpus reflected known developmental growth directions. Anat Rec Part A, 288A:954–961, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fitting combinations of exponentials to probability distributions
Authors: Dufresne Daniel
Published: August 2006

Two techniques are described for approximating distributions on the positive half‐line by combinations of exponentials. One is based on Jacobi polynomial expansions, and the other on the logbeta distribution. The techniques are applied to some well‐known distributions (degenerate, uniform, Pareto, lognormal and others). In theory, the techniques yield sequences of combination of exponentials that always converge to the true distribution, but their numerical performance depends on the particular distribution being approximated. An error bound is given in the case the logbeta approximations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A ‘bottom‐up’ approach for endo‐PK/PD analysis
Authors: Neelakantan S. , Widness J.A. , Schmidt R.L. , Veng‐Pedersen P.
Published: August 2006

A ‘bottom‐up’ PK/PD analysis approach employing system analysis principles of convolution/deconvolution and special nonparametric estimation procedures is presented to resolve the complex ‘endo‐PK/PD’ of the endogenous form of recombinant drugs using erythropoietin (EPO) as an example. A novel cellular deconvolution algorithm is presented that facilitates the identification of the functional relationship between the variables involved in EPO's complex PK/PD. Five sheep each underwent two phlebotomies spaced 4–6 weeks apart when their hemoglobin levels were reduced from 12 g/dl to 3–4 g/dl. EPO levels and reticulocyte counts were frequently sampled. The data were analysed using end‐constrained cubic splines. The rate of reticulocyte production was determined using the novel deconvolution methodology. The erythroid progenitor cells activation rate by EPO was estimated from the reticulocyte production rate using a lag‐time parameter which determines the delay in the reticulocyte appearance in the blood relative to the activation of erythroid progenitors. Hysteresis minimization combined with cellular deconvolution was employed to determine the population PK/PD transduction function relating the progenitor activation rate to EPO concentrations in a nonparametric manner without assuming a specific structure. The proposed approach provides a rational informative starting point for developing parametric PK/PD models to resolve the complex endo‐PK/PD of recombinant drugs. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of gender on the pharmacokinetics of verapamil and norverapamil in human
Authors: Dadashzadeh S. , Javadian B. , Sadeghian S.
Published: August 2006

The effects of gender on the pharmacokinetics of verapamil and its active metabolite, norverapamil, following single oral dose (80mg, Isoptin) to 12 healthy male (mean age: 25.75±2.42 years, mean body weight: 70.59±9.94kg) and 12 healthy female subjects (mean age: 24.08±2.84 years, mean body weight: 56.67±5.23kg) were investigated in the present study. Plasma concentrations of verapamil and norverapamil were analysed using a modified high‐pressure liquid chromatography method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non‐compartmental analysis for each subject. For verapamil the half‐life (t1/2) and mean residence time (MRT) were significantly shorter in women than men (p<0.01 andp<0.05, respectively). For other pharmacokinetic parameters of verapamil there were no significant differences between males and females. For norverapamil,t1/2,MRTand time to reach to the maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) showed statistically significant differences between the two genders. TheAUC0−24andAUC0−∞ratios of norverapamil to verapamil were also calculated. The ratios were significantly higher in women compared with men. These observations indicate that the elimination rate of verapamil is faster in women than men which may be attributed to the higher activity of CYP3A4 or lower activity of P‐glycoprotein in women compared with men. A contribution of both factors in the appearance of gender differences in verapamil pharmacokinetics is also possible. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Usefulness of translesional pressure gradient and pharmacological provocation for the assessment of intermediate renal artery disease
Authors: Jones Noah J. , Bates Eric R. , Chetcuti Stanley J. , Lederman Robert J. , Grossman P. Michael
Published: August 2006

Objective:

We sought to determine the hemodynamic significance of intermediate RAS by measuring translesional systolic pressure gradients (TSPG), using a pressure‐sensing guidewire at baseline and after acetylcholine (ACh) induced hyperemia, following selective renal artery angiography.

Background:

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a cause of reversible hypertension and nephropathy. Stenting effectively relieves RAS, however improvement in blood pressure control or renal function is variable and unpredictable. Hemodynamic significance is usually present with RAS when diameter stenosis is >75%, but is less predictable in intermediate (30%–75%) RAS.

Methods:

Twenty‐two patients (26 renal arteries) with uncontrolled hypertension underwent invasive hemodynamic assessment because of intermediate RAS, defined as radiocontrast angiographic diameter stenosis (DS) between 30% and 75% (quantitative DS was measured prospectively). Translesional pressure gradients were measured using a 0.014” pressure‐sensing wire. Hyperemia was induced by administration of intrarenal ACh.

Results:

Visual and measured angiographic lesion severity did not correlate with TSPG either at baseline (visual DS, R2 = 0.091, P = 0.13; measured DS, R2 = 0.124, P = 0.07) or with hyperemia (visual DS, R2 = 0.057, P = 0.24; measured DS, R2 = 0.101, P = 0.12). Baseline and maximal hyperemic gradient did correlate (R2 = 0.567; P < 0.05). Pharmacological provocation produced a significant increase in TSPG (mean; baseline, 18 ± 21 vs. hyperemia, 34 ± 41 mm Hg; P < 0.05). A hemodynamically significant lesion (TSPG > 20 mm Hg) was found in 14/26 (54%) arteries (13 patients); 13 (60%) patients subsequently underwent renal artery stenting for hemodynamically significant RAS. At follow‐up (at least 30 days), there was a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (mean; 167 ± 24 vs. 134 ± 19 mm Hg; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Intrarenal administration of ACh induces hyperemia and can be used to unmask resistive renal artery lesions. Gradient measurement and induced hyperemia may be warranted in the invasive assessment of intermediate renal artery stenoses, rather than relying on stenosis severity alone. Further study is needed to determine whether translesional pressure gradients and pharmacological provocation predict clinical benefit after renal artery stenting. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of unfavorable angiographic characteristics for percutaneous intervention in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease
Authors: Ragosta Michael , Dee Sandra , Sarembock Ian J. , Lipson Lewis C. , Gimple Lawrence W. , Powers Eric R.
Published: August 2006

Objectives:

The goal of this study was to determine the proportion of patients with left main coronary disease (LMCD) with unfavorable characteristics for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background:

Published series suggest that LMCD can be treated percutaneously, however, the proportion of patients in whom PCI is an option based on angiographic criteria is unknown.

Methods:

In 13,228 consecutive coronary angiograms, 476 (3.6%) patients had ≤60% stenosis of the left main. In 232 patients with unprotected LMCD, the clinical characteristics and angiograms were reviewed with six features chosen as “unfavorable” for PCI: (1) Bifurcation LMCD, (2) occlusion of a major coronary, (3) ejection fraction <30%, (4) occlusion of a dominant RCA, (5) left dominant circulation, and (6) coexisting three‐vessel disease. Treatment modality and 1 year mortality were determined.

Results:

The mean age was 69 years and 68% were male. Unfavorable characteristics were common with at least one unfavorable characteristic seen in 80%. Bifurcation disease was the most common unfavorable characteristic observed (53%) and coexisting three‐vessel disease was seen in 38%. Treatment consisted of CABG in 205 (88%), medical therapy in 24 (10%) and PCI in 3 (1%). Among patients referred for CABG, 1 year survival was 88% with similar rates of survival for those with favorable characteristics (86%) compared to those with at least one unfavorable characteristic (88%).

Conclusions:

Most patients with LMCD have at least one unfavorable characteristic for PCI suggesting that PCI may be a technically difficult option for most patients with LMCD. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct thrombin inhibition appears to be a safe and effective anticoagulant for percutaneous bypass graft interventions
Authors: Kao John , Lincoff A. Michael , Topol Eric J. , Madrid Antonio , J. Price Matthew , Sawhney Neil , Teirstein Paul S.
Published: August 2006

Background: Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) of coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG) are associated with worse outcomes compared with those of native coronary PCI. Little is known concerning the use of direct thrombin inhibition during CABG intervention. The objective of this report is to examine the safety and efficacy of bivalirudin with GPIIb/IIIa blockade inhibition in patients undergoing CABG PCI. GP IIb/IIIa use was provisional in REPLACE‐2 and planned in REPLACE‐1. Methods and Results: A post hoc analysis of patients undergoing CABG PCI in the REPLACE‐1 and ‐2 trials was performed. In REPLACE‐1, patients were randomized to either heparin or bivalirudin, with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor use at the operator's discretion. In REPLACE‐2, patients were randomized to heparin plus GP IIb/IIIa inhibition versus bivalirudin with provisional GP IIb/IIIa blockade. In both studies, randomized treatment groups were well matched. In unadjusted and logistic regression analysis, there were no significant differences in the combined endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, urgent revascularization, or major bleeding when patients were treated with either heparin or bivalirudin. Individual safety and efficacy endpoints were also similar. Minor bleeding was significantly reduced in patients treated with bivalirudin (14.8% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.037). Follow‐up data available from the REPLACE‐2 trial at 12 months found similar efficacy between groups with a trend towards decreased 12 month mortality in the bivalirudin vs. heparin groups (4.2% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.16).CONCLUSION: CABG PCI using bivalirudin with provisional GPIIb/IIIa inhibition appears to provide similar safety and efficacy to heparin with GPIIb/IIIa inhibition. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.