bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased lymphangiogenesis in joints of mice with inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Lu Yan , Proulx Steven T , Guo Ruolin , Yao Zhenqiang , Schwarz Edward M , Boyce Brendan F , Xing Lianping
Published: November 2007

Angiogenesis is involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis, but little is known about the role of lymphangiogenesis in this setting. Here, we examined whether tumor necrosis factor (TNF) stimulates osteoclast precursors (OCPs) to produce the lymphatic growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), and induce lymphangiogenesis. We used TNF-transgenic (Tg) mice and mice with serum-induced arthritis. OCPs were purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting of CD11b+/Gr-1-/lo blood or bone marrow cells and subjected to microarray analysis or were generated from spleen or joint cells and treated with TNF. Expression of VEGFs was analyzed and examined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Immunostaining and magnetic resonance imaging were used to quantify lymphatic vessels and volumes of synovium and draining lymph nodes. TNF stimulated VEGF-C expression by OCPs and increased nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) binding to an NF-κB sequence in the VEGF-C promoter. OCPs from joints of TNF-Tg mice express high levels of VEGF-C. Lymphatic vessel numbers and size were markedly increased in joint sections of TNF-Tg mice and mice with serum-induced arthritis. The severity of synovitis correlated with draining lymph node size. In summary, TNF induces OCPs to produce VEGF-C through NF-κB, leading to significantly increased lymphangiogenesis in joints of arthritic mice. The lymphatic system may play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis.
Clinical correlates of low-risk variants in FGFR2, TNRC9, MAP3K1, LSP1 and 8q24 in a Dutch cohort of incident breast cancer cases
Authors: Huijts Petra EA , Vreeswijk Maaike PG , Kroeze-Jansema Karin HG , Jacobi Catharina E , Seynaeve Caroline , Krol-Warmerdam Elly MM , Wijers-Koster Pauline M , Blom Jannet C , Pooley Karen A , Klijn Jan GM , Tollenaar Rob AEM , Devilee Peter , van Asperen Christi J
Published: November 2007

Introduction

Seven SNPs in five genomic loci were recently found to confer a mildly increased risk of breast cancer.

Methods

We have investigated the correlations between disease characteristics and the patient genotypes of these SNPs in an unselected prospective cohort of 1,267 consecutive patients with primary breast cancer.

Results

Heterozygote carriers and minor allele homozygote carriers for SNP rs889312 in the MAP3K1 gene were less likely to be lymph node positive at breast cancer diagnosis (P = 0.044) relative to major allele homozygote carriers. Heterozygote carriers and minor allele homozygote carriers for SNP rs3803662 near the TNCR9 gene were more likely to be diagnosed before the age of 60 years (P = 0.025) relative to major allele homozygote carriers. We also noted a correlation between the number of minor alleles of rs2981582 in FGFR2 and the average number of first-degree and second-degree relatives with breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer (P = 0.05). All other disease characteristics, including tumour size and grade, and oestrogen or progesterone receptor status, were not significantly associated with any of these variants.

Conclusion

Some recently discovered genomic variants associated with a mildly increased risk of breast cancer are also associated with breast cancer characteristics or family history of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. These findings provide interesting new clues for further research on these low-risk susceptibility alleles.
The distributions, mechanisms, and structures of metabolite-binding riboswitches
Authors: Barrick Jeffrey E , Breaker Ronald R
Published: November 2007

Background

Riboswitches are noncoding RNA structures that appropriately regulate genes in response to changing cellular conditions. The expression of many proteins involved in fundamental metabolic processes is controlled by riboswitches that sense relevant small molecule ligands. Metabolite-binding riboswitches that recognize adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), thiamin pyrophosphate (TPP), lysine, glycine, flavin mononucleotide (FMN), guanine, adenine, glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN6P), 7-aminoethyl 7-deazaguanine (preQ1), and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) have been reported.

Results

We have used covariance model searches to identify examples of ten widespread riboswitch classes in the genomes of organisms from all three domains of life. This data set rigorously defines the phylogenetic distributions of these riboswitch classes and reveals how their gene control mechanisms vary across different microbial groups. By examining the expanded aptamer sequence alignments resulting from these searches, we have also re-evaluated and refined their consensus secondary structures. Updated riboswitch structure models highlight additional RNA structure motifs, including an unusual double T-loop arrangement common to AdoCbl and FMN riboswitch aptamers, and incorporate new, sometimes noncanonical, base-base interactions predicted by a mutual information analysis.

Conclusion

Riboswitches are vital components of many genomes. The additional riboswitch variants and updated aptamer structure models reported here will improve future efforts to annotate these widespread regulatory RNAs in genomic sequences and inform ongoing structural biology efforts. There remain significant questions about what physiological and evolutionary forces influence the distributions and mechanisms of riboswitches and about what forms of regulation substitute for riboswitches that appear to be missing in certain lineages.
Moderators of Interventions Designed to Enhance Physical and Psychological Functioning Among Younger Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Scheier Michael F. , Helgeson Vicki S. , Schulz Richard , Colvin Suzanne , Berga Sarah L. , Knapp Judy , Gerszten Kristina
Published: November 2007

Purpose

To identify factors that condition or moderate the impact of a previously described set of interventions on psychological and physical adjustment after diagnosis and treatment for early-stage breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Younger women (age < 51 years, N = 252) with early-stage breast cancer within 2 months of having completed active nonhormonal adjuvant therapy were randomly assigned to a three-arm clinical trial, consisting of a control arm, an education arm, and a nutrition arm. Primary end points, assessed before random assignment and 4 and 13 months later, included mental functioning, physical functioning, and depressive symptoms. Four types of moderator variables were identified, including two sets reflecting psychosocial resources, specifically personality factors and factors related to the person's social environment, a set reflecting demographic variables, and a set reflecting treatment and disease variables (including comorbidities).

Results

Psychosocial factors were more likely to moderate treatment effects than were demographic and disease-related factors, but the moderating effects of these psychosocial factors were limited to patients receiving the nutrition intervention. Patients with lower psychosocial resources benefited from the nutrition intervention, whereas patients with a greater amount of psychosocial resources did not.

Conclusion

Future trials of this type should stratify by or select for the moderating variables identified here (ie, dispositional pessimism, unmitigated communion, and negative social interaction) to establish more firmly their role in responses to psychosocial interventions. Effort should also be made to collect data to inform the delivery of interventions to those who might benefit the most.
Improved Clinical Outcome in Recent Years for Men With Metastatic Nonseminomatous Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Carver Brett S. , Serio Angel M. , Bajorin Dean , Motzer Robert J. , Stasi Jason , Bosl George J. , Vickers Andrew J. , Sheinfeld Joel
Published: November 2007

Purpose

The integration of chemotherapy and surgery for metastatic nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) results in survival rates of greater than 80% overall. We evaluated men undergoing postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) for NSGCT to determine associations between year of treatment and clinical outcome.

Patients and Methods

We evaluated 504 men who underwent PC-RPLND from 1989 to 2002 for NSGCT at our center. Data were obtained from our prospective surgical database and a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate variables associated with 15-month relapse in 392 patients with complete data.

Results

From 1989 to 1997, clinical stage IIa, IIb, IIc, and III NSGCT was seen in 4%, 20%, 23%, and 47% of patients, respectively, compared with 18%, 26%, 11%, and 38%, respectively, from 1998 to 2002 (P < .001). The median prechemotherapy nodal size for 1989 to 1997 and 1998 to 2002 was 5.0 and 3.5 cm, respectively (P < .001). On multivariable analysis, prechemotherapy retroperitoneal nodal size (odds ratio [OR], 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.21; P = .005) and presence of visceral metastasis (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.02 to 4.33; P = .04) were significantly associated with 15-month relapse. Men who received a complete RPLND were significantly less likely to experience relapse (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.50; P < .0005).

Conclusion

In more recent years, men are presenting with less advanced metastatic NSGCT. This stage migration together with effective therapy has resulted in an improved relapse-free survival.
Back to the Future? Health Benefits, Organized Labor, and Universal Health Care
Authors: Gottschalk Marie
Published: November 2007

The umbrella of employment-based health benefits is growing increasingly threadbare. As a result, health benefits are once again a major arena of labor-management strife, and once again calls for universal health care by many labor leaders mask important differences between them over health care reform. Some labor leaders advocate a bottom-up mobilization in support of a single-payer solution that would dismantle the system of job-based benefits rooted in private insurance. Others stake their health care strategy on wooing key business leaders to be constructive partners in some kind of unspecified comprehensive reform of the health system.

Organized labor faces enormous obstacles, both institutional and ideological, to forging an effective united front to fight for comprehensive, high-quality, affordable health care for all. Two entrenched features of the shadow welfare state of job-based benefits, notably the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974 and the union-run health and welfare funds created under the Taft-Hartley Act, remain daunting barriers on the road to reform, exacerbating tensions and differences within organized labor. Moreover, a dramatic ideological schism in the labor movement about its future direction vexes its stance on health care reform. These ideological differences fuel vastly different views within organized labor about how best to confront the unraveling of job-based health benefits and the growing popularity among business leaders, insurers, and public officials of the “individual-mandate” solution, which would penalize people who do not have adequate health insurance.
Pole assignment by state-derivative feedback for single-input linear systems
Authors: Abdelaziz T. H. S.
Published: November 2007

This paper presents an efficient solution to the pole assignment problem using state-derivative feedback for continuous, single-input, time-invariant, linear systems. This problem is always solvable for any controllable system with some restrictions when assigning zero poles. The proposed solution is based on the transformation to the Hessenberg matrix, which is preferable from the numerical point of view since it may be obtained by orthogonal transformations only. In this work, the non-singular and the singular open-loop state matrices are treated and analytical expressions to the state-derivative feedback gains are introduced. Finally, a numerical example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Enumeration of Topology-Distinct Structures and Possible Stable Structures of Protonated Water Clusters, H3O+(H2O)n−1 (n≤5)
Authors: Jieli Maihemutijiang , Miyake Toshiko , Aida Misako
Published: November 2007

A rooted digraph is regarded as a protonated water (PW) cluster, and a hydrogen bond (H-B) matrix can represent a rooted digraph. All possible topology-distinct patterns corresponding to PW clusters containing up to 8 water molecules were enumerated by using H-B matrices. From close investigation of the structural patterns obtained, we found several restrictions that should be satisfied for a structure of the PW clusters to be stable. The generated H-B matrices of the restrictive rooted digraph were used as the theoretical framework to obtain all the topology-distinct local minima of H3O+(H2O)n−1 (n≤5), at the level of MP2/6-31G∗∗ of ab initio MO method. For PW clusters up to tetramers, the local minimum structures that we generated are same as those in the literatures. For PW pentamers, we found some new local minimum structures, which had not been obtained previously.
High-Pressure Synthesis and Structures of New Barium Chromium Sulfides, BaCr4S7 and Ba2Cr5S10, with New Type Face-Sharing CrS6 Structure Units
Authors: Fukuoka Hiroshi , Miyaki Yuji , Yamanaka Shoji
Published: November 2007

Two new ternary barium chromium sulfides, BaCr4S7 and Ba2Cr5S10, were synthesized by reactions of barium sulfide, sulfur, and chromium metal under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. Single crystals of BaCr4S7 were obtained from a starting mixture with a molar ratio of Ba:Cr:S = 2:5:10 after reacting at 1200 °C and under a pressure of 5 GPa. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21⁄c (No. 14) with a=6.739(4) Å, b=22.665(9) Å, c=5.907(3) Å, β=90.1(4)°, V=902.2(7) Å3, and Z=4. It contains CrS2 sheets composed of edge-sharing CrS6 octahedra. The sheets are connected by wall-shaped subunits composed of face-sharing CrS6 octahedra to form a tunnel structure. Ba atoms are situated in the tunnels. Single crystals of Ba2Cr5S10 were synthesized by heating a mixture with a molar ratio of Ba:Cr:S = 1:1:3 under a pressure of 5 GPa at 1200 °C. It crystallizes in the triclinic space groupa=5.940(4) Å, b=6.645(5) Å, c=17.39(2) Å, α=95.19(3)°, β=91.67(3)°, γ=90.16(2)°, V=683.1(9) Å3, and Z=2. The structure is composed of CrS2 sheets and the wall-shaped subunits, like as in BaCr4S7, but the subunits do not connect the adjacent CrS2 sheets. It has a two-dimensional structure, and Ba atoms are situated in interlayer regions.(No. 2) with
The Effect of Esterifying Chains at the 17-Propionate of Bacteriochlorophylls-c on Their Self-Assembly
Authors: Mizoguchi Tadashi , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: November 2007

Bacteriochlorophyll(BChl)-c analogs having several esterifying chains at their 17-propionate were synthesized by two procedures. BChls-c with shorter chains (C1 and C4) on the 17-substituent were synthesized by transesterification under mild basic conditions, while those with longer chains (C8 and C16) were obtained by the method of supplementation of exogenous alcohols in the cultures of Chlorobium tepidum. All the BChl-c analogs self-organized to form their micelle-like aggregates in an aqueous solution containing Triton X-100 as a surfactant. To investigate the effect of the length of the esterifying chains, these micelle-like aggregates were characterized by electronic absorption, resonance Raman and dynamic light scattering measurements, and by chemical dissociation of the aggregates. The results indicated that the length of the esterifying chains affected stabilization of the self-assembly of BChls-c but neither construction of the aggregates nor their overall sizes.
A novel chromatography system to isolate active ribosomes from pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Maguire Bruce A. , Wondrack Lillian M. , Contillo Leonard G. , Xu Zuoyu
Published: November 2007

We have developed a novel chromatography for the rapid isolation of active ribosomes from bacteria without the use of harsh conditions or lengthy procedures that damage ribosomes. Ribosomes interact with an alkyl linker attached to the resin, apparently through their RNA component. Examples are given with ribosomes from Escherichia coli, Deinococcus radiodurans, and with clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The ribosomes obtained by this method are unusually intact, so that highly active ribosomes can now be isolated from the clinical isolates, enabling significantly improved in vitro functional assays that will greatly assist the discovery and development of new ribosomally targeted antibiotics.
Use of DNAzymes for site-specific analysis of ribonucleotide modifications
Authors: Hengesbach Martin , Meusburger Madeleine , Lyko Frank , Helm Mark
Published: November 2007

Post-transcriptional ribonucleotide modifications are widespread and abundant processes that have not been analyzed adequately due to the lack of appropriate detection methods. Here, two methods for the analysis of modified nucleotides in RNA are presented that are based on the quantitative and site-specific DNAzyme-mediated cleavage of the target RNA at or near the site of modification. Quantitative RNA cleavage is achieved by cycling the DNAzyme and its RNA substrate through repeated periods of heating and cooling. In a first approach, DNAzyme-directed cleavage directly 5′ of the residue in question allows radioactive labeling of the newly freed 5′-OH. After complete enzymatic hydrolysis, the modification status can be assessed by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography. In a second approach, oligoribonucleotide fragments comprising the modification site are excised from the full-length RNA in an endonucleolytic fashion, using a tandem DNAzyme. The excised fragment is isolated by electrophoresis and submitted to further conventional analysis. These results establish DNAzymes as valuable tools for the site-specific and highly sensitive detection of ribonucleotide modifications.
U.S. Retail and Wholesale Inventory Performance from 1981 to 2004
Authors: Chen Hong , Frank Murray Z. , Wu Owen Q.
Published: November 2007

This paper examines the inventories of publicly traded U.S. retail and wholesale companies between 1981 and 2004. First, we document that inventory holdings have been reduced. The median of wholesale inventory holding periods was reduced from 73 days to 49 days. Retail inventory did not start to decline until about 1995. Second, we document that firms with abnormally high inventories have abnormally poor long-term stock returns. Third, we illustrate these effects for the cases of Wal-Mart, 7-Eleven (Japan), and some related firms.
Customer Efficiency, Channel Usage, and Firm Performance in Retail Banking
Authors: Xue Mei , Hitt Lorin M. , Harker Patrick T.
Published: November 2007

Innovations in technology and service design have increasingly enabled firms to incorporate self-service technology to augment or substitute for “traditional” employee-provided service channels. Although it is clear that self-service can reduce cost, less is known about how customers utilize self-service channels in a multichannel service delivery system and the resulting impact on firm performance. An important aspect of service operations is that customers are coproducers of the service. Thus, the performance of the delivery system and customers' use of service channels can be affected by customers' own efficiency or productivity in service coproduction (customer efficiency). In this paper, we utilize prior theoretical frameworks in service operations and economics to hypothesize relationships among customer characteristics (especially coproduction efficiency), channel utilization, and firm performance. We then test these hypotheses using panel data from a large retail bank. Overall, we find that higher customer efficiency in self-service channels is associated with greater profitability and has a complex relationship with customer retention and product utilization.
GYPSY Site Policy: a failure of both carrot and stick
Authors: Hawes Derek
Published: November 2007

For 18 years it has been national policy to provide adequate sites for gypsies and other travellers; local authorities are under a specific duty to make sites available, and yet there are still at least 3,500 families without a legal stopping place. This article discusses the causes of the failure of implementation, and the nature of the ‘designation’ policy as a means of achieving more sites.

It is suggested that in undertaking a ‘modest review’ of the present position the Minister should make some specific modifications to current policy and also re-examine the underlying philosophies implicit in the 1968 Caravan Sites Act and in new proposals for the education of the children of travelling families.
The Beginning and the End of the Racial Issue in British Politics
Authors: Banton Michael
Published: November 2007

New Commonwealth immigration became an electoral issue in the early 1960s. Some writers have referred to it as a racial issue, which is questionable. Interpretations from conservative, liberal and radical stand-points are compared. The evidence from opinion polls may be seen as expressing either racialism or social distance. It is difficult to determine when the issue came to an end. On one view it has changed character and continues. New electoral issues could be given a racial twist.
Concepts of Need in Housing Allocation
Authors: Spicker Paul
Published: November 2007

Policies for the allocation of council housing are subject to considerable local variation. Despite the differences, the schemes which housing departments have developed seem often to reflect a common understanding of the concept of ‘need’. Their emphasis is on an individual, material, absolute idea of ‘need’ which depends strongly on conventional interpretation to determine what is included and what is not. The values expressed in explicit policies form part of an ideology of need, in the sense that they constitute an inter-related set of ideas commonly shared within a profession. This ideology is based less in the implementation of common princeples than the constraints of practice.
Law enforcement interventions in the Netherlands: mapping interventions and ‘browsing’ for evidence
Authors: Kleemans Edward , Haarhuis Carolien Klein , Leeuw Frans , Ooyen-Houben Marianne van
Published: November 2007

English

This article provides an analysis of a cross-section of 31 evaluations in one policy field in one country during a period of two years. It offers a national profile of an evaluation effort in law enforcement and demonstrates that this cross-section diverges widely from the typical interventions evaluated under the auspices of the Campbell Collaboration. The article elaborates on an alternative methodology for assessing such evaluation studies: mapping interventions and theory-driven ‘browsing’ for evidence. It shows that most interventions are not directly aimed at individuals or clients, who may be treated in different ways, but at institutional actors, organisations or the entire law enforcement chain. Three intervention strategies are described and assessed: developing and implementing ‘new projects’; streamlining the law enforcement chain; and developing and implementing new (or amended) laws and regulations. Many working mechanisms underlying these strategies refer to behaviour inside bureaucracy, which goes beyond mere ‘implementation’. The article demonstrates that the alternative methodology is quite ‘practical’ for synthesising evaluation research on such interventions.
Gender and access to healthcare in the UK: a critical interpretive synthesis of the literature
Authors: Annandale Ellen , Harvey Janet , Cavers Debbie , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: November 2007

English

Because gender traditionally has been perceived as the preserve of women, gendercomparative research in access to healthcare has been rare. We report a critical interpretive synthesis of the relevant literature, and present the outline of a theoretically grounded framework for understanding gender issues in access to healthcare in the UK. Our synthesis indicates access appears often to be relative, variable and contingent upon many factors and circumstances, one of which is gender. Locating our analysis in the context of the new statutory Gender Equality Duty, we conclude that gender equality in healthcare is best fostered through what we term ‘critical gender awareness’.
Pancreatic Islet Immunoreactivity to the Reg Protein INGAP
Authors: Taylor-Fishwick David A. , Bowman Angela , Korngiebel-Rosique MariCarmen , Vinik Aaron I.
Published: November 2007

The Reg-related protein family member INGAP (islet neogenesis-associated protein) is a pleiotropic factor enhancing islet neogenesis, neurite growth, β-cell protection, and β-cell function. Using an antibody to the N-termini of INGAP, we have identified that immunoreactivity to INGAP localized to the pancreatic endocrine cells in mouse. INGAP- and insulin-immunoreactive cells are mutually exclusive, with INGAP-immunoreactive cells being preserved after streptozotocin-mediated destruction of β-cells. Glucagon- and INGAP-immunoreactive cells colocalize, although respective antigen expression occurs in different intracellular locations. These data suggest that INGAP-immunoreactive cells include α-cells; however, detection of single INGAP-immunoreactive/glucagon-negative cells indicates that this may not be exclusive. In addition to mouse, detection of islet endocrine cells that were INGAP immunoreactive/glucagon immunoreactive/insulin negative was also observed in islets from human, monkey, and rat. These findings reveal that INGAP and/or related group 3 Reg proteins have a conserved expression in the pancreatic islet.
Nanogold Catalysis–Based Immunoresonance-Scattering Spectral Assay for Trace Complement Component 3
Authors: Jiang Zhiliang , Huang Wenxing , Li Jiangping , Li Mingshun , Liang Aihui , Zhang Shengsen , Chen Bing
Published: November 2007

Background: Complement component 3 (C3) is an essential bridge linking innate immunity and adaptive immunity. We describe an immunonanogold catalytic resonance-scattering (RS) technique for assaying C3 in serum.

Methods: We used nanogold to label goat antihuman C3 antibody to obtain an immunonanogold RS probe for C3. The immune reaction between nanogold-labeled antibodies and antigens was carried out in Na2HPO4–sodium citrate buffer, pH 5.6, containing polyethylene glycol. After centrifuging the particle suspension, we used RS to monitor the catalytic effect of nanogold-labeled anti-C3 in the supernatant on the chlorauric acid–hydroxylamine (HAuCl4–NH2OH) particle reaction and used electron microscopy to monitor particle shape. We assayed 36 human serum samples with the immunonanogold catalytic RS assay and immunoturbidimetry.

Results: Nanogold-labeled anti-C3 had a marked catalytic effect on the reaction of HAuCl4 and NH2OH to form particles, which exhibit a maximum RS peak at 585 nm. The decrease in RS intensity, ΔIRS, of the nanocatalytic system was proportional to C3 concentration from 5.0 to 160.0 ng/L. The detection limit for the C3 assay was 1.52 ng/L. Results obtained with serum samples agreed with those obtained with an immunoturbidimetric method. A linear regression analysis of 28 nonpathologic serum samples revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.960, with mean (SD) slope and intercept values of 0.787 (0.0218) g/L and 0.28 (0.026) g/L C3, respectively.

Conclusion: The immunonanogold catalytic RS assay showed high sensitivity and good selectivity for measuring C3 in human serum. This method may become useful for diagnosing certain diseases, such as hepatitis.
Histological and ultrastructural studies of renal lesions in Babesia canis infected dogs treated with imidocarb
Authors: Máthé Á. , Dobos-Kovács M. , Vörös K.
Published: November 2007

Histological and electron microscopic examinations of the kidneys of 8 dogs suffering from fatal, naturally acquiredBabesia canisinfection and nephropathy are presented. Seven animals were treated with imidocarb dipropionate on average 4.5 days prior to death. Severe anaemia was present only in 2 cases. Degenerative histological changes observed mostly in the proximal convoluted tubules included vacuolar-hydropic degeneration, necrosis and detachment of renal tubular epithelial (RTE) cells from the basement membrane. Necrotic debris occasionally formed acidophilic casts within the tubules. In some cases, necrosis of the whole tubule was observed. Haemoglobin casts in the tubules and haemoglobin droplets in RTE cells seldom appeared. No significant histological changes were seen in the glomeruli. Ultrastructural lesions in RTE cells included nuclear membrane hyperchromatosis, karyopyknosis, karyolysis, swelling or collapse of mitochondria with fragmentation of cristae and vacuolar-hydropic degeneration in the endoplasmic reticulum and microvilli. Nuclear oedema was also observed. Many RTE cells exhibiting necrosis collapsed. Vacuolar-hydropic degeneration and necrosis were also observed in the glomerular and interstitial capillary endothelium. The severe acute tubular necrosis described in this study is probably the result of hypoxic renal injury. Systemic hypotension leading to vasoconstriction in the kidneys might be the most important cause of renal hypoxia inB. canisinfections, but anaemia may also contribute to inadequate oxygenation. Imidocarb should be applied with caution in patients with possible renal involvement until further data become available on its potential nephrotoxicity in dogs.
A case of equine abortion caused by Encephalitozoon sp.
Authors: Szeredi L. , Pospischil A. , Dencső L. , Mathis A. , Dobos-Kovács M.
Published: November 2007

A Lippizan mare aborted a male fetus a few days before the expected foaling date without showing any clinical sings. Focal lympho-histiocytic hepatitis in the foal and multiplex focal lympho-histiocytic villitis accompanied by villus necroses and marked hypertrophy of chorionic epithelial cells in the arcades were observed. Elongated nucleated organisms were seen in groups in vacuoles or solitarily located in the cytoplasm of the chorionic epithelial cells. The organisms were in large numbers and often extracellularly in areas of villitis and villus necroses. They were Gram-positive, stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Giemsa, weakly with Warthin-Starry silver stain but not with Gömöri’s methenamine-silver stain. By ultrastructural and immunohistochemical examinations, the organisms were identified as microsporidia belonging to the genusEncephalitozoon. NoEncephalitozoonorganisms were detected in the fetal organs. This is the first reported case of equine abortion induced byEncephalitozoonsp. in Europe. Although abortion induced byEncephalitozoonis rare, microsporidia should be considered a differential diagnosis for intracellular organisms observed in the chorionic epithelial cells of horses.
Hajdu-Cheney Syndrome: Report of a Case
Authors: Ellison Dale A. , Ellis Eileen N. , Kokoska Evan R.
Published: November 2007

Hajdu-Cheney syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by short stature, joint hypermobility, distinctive craniofacial and skull abnormalities, dental anomalies, and acroosteolysis of the distal phalanges. Cystic kidneys have been associated with some cases. We report a case of a 12-year-old girl with renal failure who underwent bilateral nephrectomies. Histopathological examination revealed polycystic kidneys with numerous nodules located throughout the kidney composed of basaloid epithelial cells.
Sudden Death in Toddlers with Viral Meningitis, Massive Cerebral Edema, and Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema and Hemorrhage: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Krous Henry F. , Chadwick Amy E. , Miller Douglas C. , Crandall Laura , Kinney Hannah C.
Published: November 2007

Viral (lymphocytic) meningitis typically does not cause sudden death, especially in the absence of severe inflammation in the brain or other organs. We report 2 toddlers with clinical evidence of a viral infection who died unexpectedly and were found at autopsy to have lymphocytic meningitis associated with severe brain edema, transtentorial herniation, neurogenic pulmonary edema and hemorrhage, and cardiomegaly. Influenza A virus, demonstrated in tracheal epithelium by immunocytochemistry, is the presumed cause of the mild meningitis in 1 case; adenovirus was cultured from swabs of the brain and anus in the 2nd case. Current concepts of neurogenic pulmonary edema and acute cardiac dysfunction associated with intracranial disease are discussed in considering the mechanism of sudden death in these toddlers. These cases emphasize the possibility that mild intracranial viral infections may be a rare cause of sudden death via lethal cardiopulmonary complications. They also underscore the importance of a comprehensive autopsy, including detailed neuropathologic examination and viral testing, in determining of the cause of unexpected death in toddlers.
Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell System in Pediatric Lung Disease—Recent Advances
Authors: Cutz Ernest , Yeger Herman , Pan Jie
Published: November 2007

The airway epithelium of human and animal lungs contains highly specialized pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNEC), distributed as solitary cells and as innervated clusters, neuroepithelial bodies (NEB). The designation “PNEC system” stems from the expression of both neural and endocrine cell phenotypes, including the synthesis and release of amine (serotonin, 5-HT) and a variety of neuropeptides (that is, bombesin). The role and function of PNEC in the lung have remained a subject of speculation for many years. During the last decade, studies using modern techniques of cellular and molecular biology revealed a complex functional role for PNEC, beginning during the early stages of lung development as modulators of fetal lung growth and differentiation and at the time of birth as airway O2 sensors involved in neonatal adaptation. Postnatally and beyond, PNEC/NEB are providers of a lung stem cell niche that is important in airway epithelial regeneration and lung carcinogenesis. The focus of this review is to present and discuss recent findings pertaining to the responses of PNEC to intrauterine environmental stimuli, ontogeny and molecular regulation of PNEC differentiation, innervation of NEB, and their role as airway chemoreceptors, including mechanisms of O2 sensing and chemotransmission of hypoxia stimulus. Abnormalities of PNEC/NEB have been reported in a variety of pediatric pulmonary disorders but the clinical significance or the mechanisms involved are unknown. The discussion on the possible role of PNEC/NEB in the pathogenesis and pathobiology of pediatric lung diseases includes congenital lung disorders, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, disorders of respiratory control, neuroendocrine hyperplasia of infancy, cystic fibrosis, bronchial asthma, and pulmonary hypertension.
Effect of Long-Term Hypodynamy on Alkaline Phosphatase Activity of Small Intestine in Japanese Quail Chicks
Authors: Lenhardt Ľ. , Cigánková V. , Almášiová V. , Holovská K. , Škrobánek P. , Mozeš Š. , Zibrín M.
Published: November 2007

The functional development of the small intestine was investigated in Japanese quail chicks subjected to simulated microgravity (hypodynamy) on the second day after hatching and reared under these conditions to 63 days of age. On days 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 56 and 63 the activity of brush-border-bound alkaline phosphatase (AP) in the duodenum and jejunum were determined in experimental animals as well as in control quail chicks housed in a floor box during these periods. As compared with control quails the experimental animals displayed a significantly increased enzyme activity until day 42 in the duodenum and day 35 in the jejunum (P < 0.001) whereas in older quails no significant enzymatic differences between these groups was found. However, a decrease in food consumption due to a partial physical constraint cannot be excluded. Moreover, the results suggested that the activity of AP in the control birds did not change substantially during all the periods examined. In contrast, in older hypodynamy quail the AP activity significantly decreased in the duodenum on days 56 and 63 and in the jejunum on days 42, 56 and 63, respectively. These results indicate that a) the enhanced intestinal function in early periods of life may reflect the higher sensitivity of small intestine to simulated weightlessness, b) the decrease of the AP activity in older animals to the level of controls might be considered as a part of intestinal mechanisms involved in adaptation of quail chicks to long-term hypodynamy, c) different activity of AP in the small intestine of Japanese quail may not have resulted only from hypodynamy but also due to decreased food intake.
Protective Effects of Flavonoid Pomiferin on Heart Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Nečas J. , Bartošíková L. , Florian T. , Klusáková J. , Suchý V. , Janoštíková E. , Bartošík T. , Naggar Em. B. El
Published: November 2007

The objective of the present 15-day study was to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of flavonoid pomiferin isolated from the infructences of Maclura pomifera, Moraceae, against ischemia-reperfusion induced injury in rat hearts as a model of antioxidant-based composite therapy. Studies were performed with isolated, modifi ed Langendorff-perfused rat hearts and ischemia of heart was initiated by stopping the coronary flow for 30 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion (14 ml min-1). Wistar rats were divided into three groups. The treated group received pomiferin (5 mg/kg/day in 0.5% Avicel); the placebo group received only 0.5% Avicel; the intact group was left without any applications. Biochemical indicators of oxidative damage, lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant activity in serum and myocardium has been evaluated. We also examined the effect of pomiferin on cardiac function (left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular pressure, peak positive +dP/dt (rate of pressure development) after ischemia and reperfusion. Our results demonstrate that pomiferin attenuates the myocardial dysfunction provoked by ischemiareperfusion. This was confirmed by the increase in both the antioxidant enzyme values and the total antioxidant activity. The cardio-protection provided by pomiferin treatment results from the suppression of oxidative stress and correlates with the improved ventricular function.
Naturally Occurring Egg Drop Syndrome Infection in Turkeys
Authors: Biđin Z. , Lojkić I. , Mikec M. , Pokrić B.
Published: November 2007

A decrease in the egg quality, production, fertility and hatchability without serious clinical signs of illness was recorded in turkey fl ocks in Croatia at the beginning of 2002. It was assumed that the egg drop syndrome virus might be one of the etiological agents responsible for the abnormalities in the egg production. The systematic serological monitoring, using a haemagglutination inhibition test, showed that the antibodies to the egg drop syndrome virus existed in 94.4 and 55.1% of the sera analysed in 2002 and 2003, respectively. The haemagglutination inhibition titres ranged from 16 to 128. The sera samples were randomly collected from 11 - to 46-week-old hens from the affected fl ocks. The serological evidence of the egg drop syndrome virus infection was confirmed by detection of the presence of the virus genome in the turkey sera by the polymerase chain reaction. Vaccination of the 18- and 25-week-old turkey hens against the egg drop syndrome virus started in March 2003. After this period, the presence of antibodies to the egg drop syndrome virus (the haemagglutination inhibition titres between 16 and 256) was found in 96.7% of the analysed sera, while the egg production reached normal or higher values for the Nicholas hybrid line of turkeys.
Genetics of Canine Behavior
Authors: Houpt K. A.
Published: November 2007

Canine behavioral genetics is a rapidly moving area of research. In this review, breed differences in behavior are emphasized. Dog professionals' opinions of the various breeds on many behavior traits reveal factors such as reactivity, aggression, ease of training and immaturity. Heritability of various behaviors - hunting ability, playfulness, and aggression to people and other dogs - has been calculated. The neurotransmitters believed to be involved in aggression are discussed. The gene for aggression remains elusive, but identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with breed-specific behavior traits are leading us in the right direction. The unique syndrome of aggression found in English Springer Spaniels may be a model for detecting the gene involved.
Signalment Factors, Comorbidity in Behavior Diagnoses in Dogs in Bursa Region, Turkey (2000 - 2004)
Authors: Yalcin E. , Batmaz H.
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to classify the behaviour problems of dogs reported by owners in the Bursa region. A survey was conducted with the owners of 80 dogs with behaviour problems in 2000 - 2004. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to the demographics of the problems the owners observed in their dogs. Sixty eight dogs were selected from animals referred to the Clinic of the Internal Medicine Department of the Uludag University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and 12 dogs were selected at a private kennel. The 68 dogs diagnosed at the clinic as having behaviour problems represented 6.2% of the 1086 patient dogs older than 6 months seen in the same period. Twelve dogs with behaviour problems were selected from a total of 150 dogs at a private kennel. A total of 110 behavioural problems were detected. Some dogs showed more than one behavioural disorder. The classification of the problems was as follows: 65 dogs (59%) with aggression, 13 dogs (12%) with separation anxiety, 12 dogs (10.5%) with phobia of veterinary clinics and high-volume noises such as thunders and fireworks, 12 dogs (10.5%) with compulsive disorders (9 dogs with tail chasing, 2 dogs with lick dermatitis, 1 dog with self mutilation), 4 dogs (4%) with inappropriate elimination, 2 dogs (2%) with coprophagia, and 1 dog (1%) with puppy killing, 1 dog (1%) with false pregnancy. The breeds most often presented in our study were: German shepherd (19%), Terrier (18%), mixed breed (15%), Anatolian sheepdog (10%). The results of the study showed that behavioural problems are common among dogs in Bursa and aggression ranks first, followed by separation anxiety, phobia and tail chasing.
Effects of Induced Abortion on the Third Stage of Labor in Subsequent Pregnancy
Authors: Grinsted Lotte , Grinsted Jörgen
Published: November 2007

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the expulsion of the placenta was delayed among women who had previously undergone induced abortion by suction curettage.

We studied the duration of the third stage of labor retrospectively by comparing the third stage of labor, recorded in minutes, between 76 second gravida women with previously induced abortions and 95 second para women with previously uncomplicated pregnancies. The duration of the third stage of labor was also compared among a group of primigravidas and a group of second gravidas with previously induced abortions.

We excluded women with previous gynecological disorders (e.g. resulting in curettage of the uterine cavity). All patients included presented normal pregnancies and deliveries resulting in full term (>37 weeks), liveborn infants. By the statistical analysis (analysis of variance and Duncan's test), it could be shown that the 3rd stage of labor lasted significantly longer among women with previously induced abortions (mean: I2 minutes), than among the other groups included in the study (mean: 9 minutes). This discrete difference in length of the third stage of labor need not indicate an altered routine for women, who give birth subsequent to an induced abortion.
Laparoscopic Sterilization with Filshie Clips
Authors: Kjer J. J. , Berild G.
Published: November 2007

A study comprising 221 women sterilized laparoscopically with Filshie Clips is presented. The pregnancy rate was 1.36%, which is considered acceptable as the method was new in the Department and performed by 10 surgeons with different degrees of skill in laparoscopy.
Warm Tub Bath During Delivery
Authors: Lenstrup Carsten , Schantz Anne , Berget Arne , Feder Elisabeth , Rosenö Helle , Hertel Jens
Published: November 2007

In a prospective study, 88 women bathed in a warm tub bath for 1/2–2 hours during fist stage labor after a strictly normal pregnancy, ending with spontaneous onset of labor at term. A control group consisted of 72 women fulfilling the same criteria of normality during pregnancy and labor, but who did not want to take a warm tub bath during labor. Apart from the bath, the two groups followed the usual obstetric procedures of the Department. The cervical dilatation in the “bath group” was 2 1/2 cm/h compared with 1 1/4 cm/h in the “control group”. Mean pain score in the bath group was higher at the start of the study, before the bath, and they experienced a pain relief during bath which was not observed in the control group. This difference may be due to bias. The use of morfica and the need for stimulation of labor contractions were both twice as high in the control group, but this difference was not significant. No differences were observed with regard to operative delivery, vaginal or perineal laceration or in bleeding during labor or post‐partum. The total duration of labor was the same in the two groups and no differences in neonatal condition were observed. The bacterial contamination of the bath water was insignificant and there were no significant febrile episodes post partum.
A Hormone‐Producing Thecoma of Broad Ligament
Authors: Lin Ho‐Hsiung , Chen Yuan‐Ping , Lee Tzu‐Yao
Published: November 2007

A very rare exttaovarian hormone‐producing the‐coma, originated from the broad ligament, is described. Its preoperative diagnostic difficulty, clinical significance, differential diagnosis and histogenesis are discussed.
Disappearance of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Following Removal of the Fetus and Placenta Left In Situ in a Case of Advanced Abdominal Pregnancy
Authors: Steier Johan Arnt , Sandvei Roar , Myking Ole M.
Published: November 2007

In a case of abdominal pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was determined twice during the first trimester and serially after removal of the fetus and placenta left in situ. From the 5th to the 7th week of gestation, the hCG values increased, from 5980 to 10000 U/I. After operation the hCG level decreased to 197 U/I after 51 days and hCG was not detectable 72 days postoperatively.
Incarcerated Hernia Following Laparoscopy
Authors: Högdall Claus , Roosen Jens Ulrik
Published: November 2007

Well known complications of laparoscopy are bleeding, infection, subcutaneous emphysema, and penetration of the viscera (3).

Herniation of the small bowel through the fascial defect created at laparoscopy is a rare complication. Unique features of the present report are that symptoms began within hours of laparoscopy, and that bowel perforation occurred.