bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The microbial environment and intestinal nematode infections of Heligmosomoides polygyrus in laboratory mice
Authors: Lewis J. W. , Mathers P. D.
Published: June 2007

The difficulty of establishing primary infections of Heligmosomoides polygyrus (= Nematospiroides dubius) in ASH/CSI mice in the Laboratory Animal House at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College during a recent autumn and spring period was associated with a syndrome of worm distortion, together with zero or low worm establishment and reduced fecundity (eggs/female worm). The eggs produced were non-viable and the egg capsule comprised a rumpled lipid and ruptured chitin layer. The egg size and peaks of egg production were also reduced and the total egg output ceased entirely by day 28 post-infection in male mice. The syndrome was repeated when control LACA mice harbouring 'normal' infections of H. polygyrus were housed on the same source of peat bedding material as the ASH/CSI mice. An increase in H. polygyrus egg production in ASH/CSI mice, removed from the peat or treated with 0·040% oxytetracycline hydrochloride suggested that the cause of the syndrome was microbial in origin. A microbiological assay of the peat, which was the common denominator of all syndrome infections, revealed an abundance of chitinase secreting species of bacteria (Bacillaceae). Bacterial chitinase was therefore likely to rupture the chitin layer of the egg capsule producing non-viable eggs and either abnormal or no larvae. Preliminary in vitro studies using chitinase from Streptomyces griseus indicated that the hatching success of eggs of H. polygyrus was reduced as the concentration of chitinase increased.
Malignant Leydig cell tumour in a Tupaia belangeri: case report and literature review of male genital tumours in non-human primates
Authors: Brack M.
Published: June 2007

After a short summary of the few reported tumours of the male genital system in non-human primates, a malignant Leydig cell tumour is described in an adult male Tupaia belangeri. The tumour had metastasized in the omentum probably by haematogenous spread enabled by the peculiar perivascular growth pattern of the tumour cells. Its differential diagnosis versus seminomas and Sertoli cell tumours is discussed.
A method for estimating the concentration of spermatozoa in the rat cauda epididymidis
Authors: Kempinas W. G. , Lamano-Carvalho T. L.
Published: June 2007

A method for estimating the concentration of spermatozoa in the rat cauda epididymidis is described. Treatment of a sperm suspension with 0·05% collagenase for 20-60 min or 0·025% trypsin for 1-2 min at 34-37°C was found to result in consistently homogeneous sperm. Sperm concentration ranged from 152·5 to 230·0 × 107 spermatozoa/ml, with a mean of 187·7 (±5·6 SEM)×107 spermatozoa/mI.
Osteosclerosis in F344/DuCrj rats
Authors: Yamasaki K. , Itakura C.
Published: June 2007

Osteosclerosis was observed in the tibia and sternum in F344/DuCrj rats of both sexes at 6, 18 and 30 months of age. The lesion first seen was a proliferation of osteogenic tissues on the marrow surface of the cortical bone and bone trabeculae, resulting in replacement of the marrow cavity by lamellar bone. Most of the affected rats had associated degenerative osteoarthrosis and regressive changes of the growth plate. Osteosclerosis was considered to be an aging change, lesions were observed at 6 months and increased in frequency with age.
Guineapig inclusion conjunctivitis (GPIC) in a commercial colony
Authors: Deeb B. J. , DiGiacomo R. F. , Wang S-P.
Published: June 2007

Serological findings in a commercial colony of Hartley guineapigs revealed that about 70% had antibodies to Chlamydia psittaci as detected by the microimmunofluorescence method. Conjunctivitis was evident in 140% of 86 guineapigs examined. Chlamydial antigen was detected in conjunctival scrapings by a direct immuno-fluorescence test using Chlamydia-specific monoclonal antibody; however, C. psittaci was not demonstrated by other methods.
Physiology and regulation of biological rhythms in laboratory animals: an overview
Authors: Wollnik F.
Published: June 2007

Biological rhythms have been observed in practically all groups of laboratory mammals and at every level of physiological and behavioural organization. Biological rhythms are classified according to their period as ultradian (<24 h), circadian (~24 h), infradian(>24 h), and seasonal or circannual rhythms (~1 year). This review outlines what is known about the neurobiology of biological rhythms in mammals and describes the hierarchical order in which ultradian, circadian and infradian rhythms are related to each other. The article does not attempt to catalogue every physiological variable showing rhythmical fluctuations in laboratory mammals. Rather, it focuses on the basic concepts of circadian rhythms and recent advances made in our understanding of the physiology of the internal clock controlling circadian and other biological rhythms.
Effects of dietary protein and butylated hydroxytoluene on the kidneys of rats
Authors: Meyer O. A. , Kristiansen E. , Würtzen G.
Published: June 2007

Semipurified diet using Na-caseinate or lactalbumin as the only protein source was given to female rats to study the influence of nephrocalcinosis on butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) induced kidney damage. The study showed, that BHT induces nephropathy in female rats irrespective of the diet used. Pronounced nephrocalcinosis was only found in rats fed the Na-caseinate diet. Thus, this study does not indicate a connection between the development of the BHT-nephropathy and nephrocalcinosis. The results from this study once more stress the influence of the diet on reaction of the animal to experimental procedures.
An effective combination of anaesthetics for 6-h experimentation in the golden Syrian hamster
Authors: Reid W. D. , Davies C. , Pare P. D. , Pardy R. L.
Published: June 2007

The anaesthetics described for use in hamsters to date are suitable for the performance of short-term experimentation. However, an anaesthetic regimen was required which would provide a stable preparation for 6 h and hence, a suitable combination was developed. In the first set of experiments, the effect of anaesthetics (chloralose, urethane, and pentobarbital) were examined alone and in combination on arterial blood measurements. In the second set of experiments the effect of the combination of anaesthetics on arterial blood measurements and minute ventilation was examined for up to 6 h. Chloralose, urethane and pentobarbital when used alone in the hamster were considered inadequate for our needs. Chloralose did not produce adequate surgical anaesthesia whereas urethane and pentobarbital resulted in marked respiratory depression. Urethane also produced a trend towards metabolic acidosis. In contrast, the combination of agents resulted in surgical anaesthesia and the arterial blood measurements were adequate. Further, the use of the combination of anaesthetics in hamsters resulted in a stable preparation where arterial blood measurements and minute ventilation were maintained in a good range for up to 6 h. The combination of chloralose, urethane and sodium pentobarbital in hamsters should prove useful in long-term non-recovery experimentation which requires early surgical intervention, minimal respiratory depression and an even depth of anaesthesia.
Pathology of rats intranasally inoculated with the cilia-associated respiratory bacillus
Authors: Matsushita S. , Joshima H.
Published: June 2007

Five-week-old Wistar/Ms rats were inoculated intranasally with a lung homogenate containing a strain of cilia-associated respiratory (CAR) bacillus and were examined on days 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 56 postinoculation (PI). Some rats showed clinical signs with wheezing and considerable body weight loss from day 21 PI. Gross lesions, including enlargement of lungs with focal atelectasis, bronchiectasis and emphysema, were observed from day 21 PI. Histologically, round cell infiltration was first present in the lamina propria of the nasal respiratory mucosa on day 7 PI. From day 14 PI, colonization of the CAR bacillus (4-8 µm in length), associated with round cell infiltration in the lamina propria and the peripheral regions, was observed in the ciliated mucosa of the bronchioles, bronchi, trachea and nasal cavities. Generally, the lesions progressed and expanded from upper to lower airways with time. Sporadic mucopurulent bronchopneumonia was observed from day 21 PI in some rats. The CAR bacilli (0·2-0·25 µm in diameter) were also demonstrated electron-microscopically in the ciliated epithelium of the intrapulmonary airways. The CAR bacillus antigen was demonstrated on the ciliated mucosa of the affected airways by the indirect immunofluorescence assay technique. Microbiological examination revealed that the rats used in this study were free from other known respiratory pathogens throughout the experimental period. Thus, it is suggested that the CAR bacillus alone can produce a murine respiratory disease. Fourteen days were needed for pathological lesions to develop.
Lymphoid organ weights and organ: body weight ratios of growing beagles
Authors: Yang T. J. , Gawlak S. L.
Published: June 2007

Although dogs, especially beagles, are used extensively in biological and clinical investigations, the literature dealing with normal biological measurements of their lymphoid organs is scanty. This study was undertaken to provide the information on the weight of lymphoid organs of beagles. The thymus, spleen, and prescapular, popliteal, and mesenteric lymph nodes of 95 normal beagle dogs, from one day to 11 months of age, were weighed and compared with body weights.

The weight of the thymus and spleen increased drastically at and after 2 months of age, although the organ : body weight ratios remained the same at 2 months of age and decreased afterward. Similar increases in the weight of the mesenteric lymph node complex, but with an increase in the organ : body weight ratio, occurred also at and after 2 months of age, reflecting the importance of the gut-associated lymphoid organs after weaning. The increases in the size of the cutaneous nodes, prescapular and popliteal, were less pronounced and their organ : body weight ratios remained the same from birth through 11 months of age.
Characteristics of mutant mice (ICGN) with spontaneous renal lesions: a new model for human nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Ogura A. , Asano T. , Matsuda J. , Takano K. , Nakagawa M. , Fukui M.
Published: June 2007

Spontaneous nephrotic mice (ICGN mice), a new mutant strain of mouse from outbred ICR, were clinically, macroscopically, histologically and immunohistochemically studied to establish their value as a model for human nephrotic syndrome. Most of the affected mice developed proteinuria, hypoproteinaemia and hypercholesterolaemia, and some of them developed systemic oedema. A high concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and a low haematocrit value were also observed. The kidneys of severe cases showed a decrease in size and had a yellowish granular surface. These findings indicated that the mice were terminally affected by chronic renal in-sufficiency. Histopathology demonstrated glomerular lesions consisting of thickened basement membranes of the capillary loops with irregular spike-like protrusions and enlargement of the mesangium unaccompanied by cellular proliferation. The immunofluorescence technique revealed positive granular staining for IgA, IgG and IgM and to a lesser extent for C3 along the capillary loops in affected mice. The similarity between this spontaneous disease and human nephrotic syndrome caused by idiopathic glomerular lesions is discussed. ICGN mice may be a useful animal model for this human disease.
Campylobacter jejuni infection within a laboratory animal production unit
Authors: Meanger J. D. , Marshall R. B.
Published: June 2007

A conventional laboratory animal production unit in which rats, mice, guineapigs and rabbits were bred in one building and cats maintained in a separate, but adjacent area was examined for the presence of intestinal thermophilic Campylobacter spp.

Campylobacter jejuni was recovered from 18·84% of 552 animals. The infection rate was highest amongst the cats (51·7%), with rats being the second most commonly infected (23·2%), whereas only 7·7% of guineapigs and a single rabbit (1%) were positive. Campylobacter-like organisms were cultured from 10% of the mice, but these bacteria failed to grow on subsequent subculturing. By using bacterial restriction endonuclease DNA analysis (BRENDA), a single type of C. jejuni was identified from all isolates recovered from the rats, guineapigs and a rabbit, suggesting a common source of infection. In contrast, there were 5 different BRENDA patterns derived from cat isolates. No isolates of C. jejuni were obtained from humans working within the unit or from animal bedding or the immediate environment, although it was suggested that the organism may have entered and spread within the unit from sawdust.
Reversal of fentanyl/fluanisone neuroleptanalgesia in the rabbit using mixed agonist/antagonist opioids
Authors: Flecknell P. A. , Liles J. H. , Wootton R.
Published: June 2007

The reversal of the neuroleptanalagesic combination of fentanyl/fluanisone using mixed agonist/antagonist opioids has been investigated in the rabbit. All of the compounds studied (naloxone, nalbuphine, meptazinol, butorphanol, buprenorphine, pentazocine, doxapram) reversed the respiratory depression and sedation produced by fentanyl/fluanisone. Fentanyl/fluanisone produced profound analgesia for 180 min, which was rapidly and completely antagonized by naloxone. The mixed agonist/antagonist opioids produced a reduction in the degree of analgesia but, in contrast to naloxone, analgesic activity persisted from 120 min (meptazinol) to 420 min (buprenorphine). Administration of buprenorphine to rabbits anaesthetized with fentanyl/fluanisone and midazolam confirmed that the reversal of respiratory depression was accompanied by the return of arterial pH, PCO2 and PCO2 to pre-anaesthetic values.

The use of neuroleptanalgesic anaesthetic regimens, which have been shown to provide effective surgical anaesthesia, combined with reversal using a mixed agonist/antagonist opioid to provide postoperative analgesia, appears to be a valuable refinement of current laboratory animal anaesthetic practice.
Transmission experiments of cilia-associated respiratory bacillus in mice, rabbits and guineapigs
Authors: Matsushita S. , Joshima H. , Matsumoto T. , Fukutsu K.
Published: June 2007

Transmission experiments of cilia-associated respiratory (CAR) bacillus were performed in mice in order to clarify the principal route of the infection, and in rabbits and guineapigs in order to examine their susceptibility. Determination of the infection was evaluated serologically by the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) technique and histologically by the presence of CAR bacillus in the airways. BALB/c mice were intranasally inoculated with the SMR strain of CAR bacillus. The IFA antibody to the bacteria in these mice rose to more than 1 : 160 at 4 weeks postinoculation (PI) and the mice were utilized as transmitters for the following experiments. One out of 15 uninfected mice kept in intracage contact with infected mice became infected from 4 weeks after contact. Incidence of contact infection increased thereafter. On the other hand, there was no evidence of infection in the uninfected mice housed in the separate cages from the cage in which infected mice were housed throughout the 12-week observation period. The primary method of CAR bacillus transmission seems to be direct contact with infected mice or fomites contaminated by infected mice; airborne transmission appears to be of little importance. Rabbits and guineapigs were also intranasally inoculated with the SMR strain of CAR bacillus. IFA antibodies were positively detected by 4 weeks PI, but no CAR bacillus nor histological changes relating to the infection were observed in the airways of either species. It is suggested that rat origin CAR bacillus can transmit to rabbits and guineapigs, and that the infection can spread to other species of rodents and rabbits.
Allergy to laboratory mice and rats: a review of the pathophysiology, epidemiology and clinical aspects
Authors: Hunskaar Steinar , Fosse Richard T
Published: June 2007

Allergy to laboratory animals (mice and rats) is reviewed. Immunological aspects, the relevant allergens, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and prognosis are discussed. Results presented in some studies are analysed and criticized.
Development and characterization of the IOR/Hab inbred mouse strain
Authors: Menendez Raul Castillo , Abdraschitova Emina
Published: June 2007

The IOR/Hab inbred mouse strain, developed and maintained in the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology, is the first inbred strain to be developed in Cuba. It has a high fertility in this tropical climate. A number of physiological characteristics such as longevity, haematological characteristics, and growth are reported. Other experiments and results concerning spontaneous tumour frequency suggest that the strain is well adapted to standard environmental conditions, and could be useful for biomedical research.
Histomorphology of the hamster cheek pouch
Authors: Ghoshal N. G. , Bal H. S.
Published: June 2007

Histomorphology of the cheek pouch was studied in 14 hamsters by light and transmission electron microscopy. The cheek pouch wall was devoid of any lymphatic tissue and dense subepithelial tissue (i.e. the lamina propria) would render lymph drainage almost impossible and might constitute impermeable morphological barrier for non-recognition of transplants evoking a host immune response. Because in the literature it was reported that there is absence of any arteriovenous anastomoses on the pouch wall, and interruption of arterial supply failed to alter the growth rate of tissue grafts, we speculated that epidermal growth factors present in the saliva could play a role in maintaining the growth of tissue transplants.
Distribution of cardiac output during pentobarbital versus midazolam/fentanyl/fluanisone anaesthesia in the rat
Authors: Skolleborg Knut C. , Grönbech Jon E. , Grong Ketil , Åbyholm Frank E. , Lekven Jon
Published: June 2007

Differences in effects on central haemodynamics, organ blood flow, and serum corticosterone were studied in 11 rats anaesthetized with midazolam/fentanyl/fluanisone (MFF) and 11 other rats anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. Compared with pentobarbital, MFF reduced aortic blood pressure by 25%, increased heart rate by 20%, and increased cardiac output by 80%. Unlike most tissues, MFF produced a fivefold increase in blood flow to skeletal muscle, and decreased adrenal blood flow compared to pentobarbital anaesthesia. Initial serum corticosterone levels were lower in rats given MFF anaesthesia, indicating better stress protection. This study also indicates that MFF anaesthesia is preferable to pentobarbital because tissue perfusion generally was better preserved.
Intestinal parasites of conventionally maintained BALB/c mice and Mastomys coucha and the effects of a concomitant schistosome infection
Authors: Higgins-Opitz Susan B. , Dettman C. D. , Dingle Colleen E. , Anderson Celia B. , Becker P. J.
Published: June 2007

A longitudinal study was carried out to identify the spectrum of intestinal parasites present in conventionally maintained BALB/c mice and Mastomys coucha and to determine the effects of concomitant schistosome infections on their parasite status. Six parasites were observed during the course of the study, namely the nematodes Aspiculuris tetraptera and Syphacia obvelata, Entamoeba muris and the flagellates Trichomonas muris, Spironucleus muris and Chilomastix spp. Although the 2 rodents shared common facilities, the overall prevalences of S. obvelata, T. muris and S. muris were significantly higher in M. coucha than BALB/c mice. BALB/c mice with concomitant schistosome infection had increased prevalences of E. muris, T. muris and S. muris. In M. coucha, in contrast, there were no significant increases in parasite prevalences. Infection intensities of T. muris and S. muris were significantly greater in M. coucha than BALB/c mice. Concomitant schistosome infection resulted in increased intensities of T. muris infection in BALB/c mice only. The influence of immune status in determining the susceptibilities of rodents to environmentally transmitted parasites is discussed.
Host specificity of cloned Spironucleus muris in laboratory rodents
Authors: Schagemann G. , Bohnet W. , Kunstýř I. , Friedhoff K. T.
Published: June 2007

With three clones of Spironucleus muris ( S. muris)-established from a mouse, hamster, and rat-homologous and heterologous host species were experimentally infected. Each host was susceptible to the clone originating from the homologous donor. In addition, both mice and hamsters were susceptible to the reciprocal heterologous clones. In contrast, infections of the rat with both heterologous clones were very poor, i.e. quantitatively low and ephemeral. It was not possible to infect hamsters and mice, not even athymic, with S. muris from the rat. This suggests a strain heterogeneity within the genus S. muris. In general, the genetic background of the host influenced the infection, the sex of the host did not.
Electrocardiographical findings of WBN/Kob rats
Authors: Machida K. , Doi K. , Kaburaki M. , Sugano S.
Published: June 2007

Electrocardiographical (RCG) investigations were carried out on 4 and 12 week old WBN/Kob and Wistar male rats. In comparison with Wistar rats which showed ECG findings typical of those of normal rats, WBN/Kob rats showed significantly larger QRS complex amplitude, smaller T wave amplitude, longer QRS duration, and longer QT interval at 4 weeks of age. This tendency became clearer at 12 weeks of age. There were no changes in serum inorganic ion concentrations or cardiac histopathology suggestive of these ECG changes in WBN/Kob rats. These ECG findings in WBN/Kob rats are considered to be a hereditary characteristic of the strain.
The effect of age on the rhythmic contractions of the rat small intestine
Authors: Caruolo E. V.
Published: June 2007

In vivo and in vitro rates of intestinal rhythmic contractions were measured in the same rats varying in age from very young to the senescent. Two rat strains, three small intestine locations, and six ages were compared. Contraction rates determined in vivo and in vitro were similar. Rhythmic contractions at all ages were fastest in the duodenum, slower in the jejunum, and slowest in the ileum. Contractions at 10 days of age were significantly slower than' at all other ages; otherwise no systematic age-associated difference in contractions was demonstrated in either strain. Several factors were suggested as possibly influencing the developmental aspects of contraction rate and, therefore, their potential involvement in the early post natal period was suggested. It appears that old age does not influence the rate at which rhythmic contractions occur in the small intestine of the rat, and very possibly, these results are applicable to other species including humans.
The effects of age and sex on seven elements in Sprague-Dawley rat organs
Authors: Uchino Eiji , Tsuzuki Toshibumi , Inoue Katsuhiro
Published: June 2007

This study reports age-related changes in 7 element (iron, copper, zinc, manganese, mercury, cadmium and lead) concentrations in the liver, kidney and brain of male and female Sprague-Dawley rats from 1 to 364 days of age. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used for the measurements.

Copper, mercury and cadmium in the male and female kidneys increased from weaning until 127 days of age, as did iron concentrations in the female liver and kidney. After 127 days, especially, the copper concentration in the female kidney and cadmium concentration in the male and female kidney increased further. Consistent and statistically significant ( P<0·05) sex differences in element concentrations were found for three elements (iron, copper and zinc). Except for the zinc concentration in the liver from 50 to 72 days, iron (in liver and kidney), zinc (in kidney) and copper (in liver, kidney and brain) concentrations in female rats during the adult stage, were all higher than those of male rats. Isolated differences for other elements (manganese, mercury and cadmium) were also found.

The data will be helpful when setting up long-term animal investigations of the biological effect of elements.
On the use of T61 for euthanasia of domestic and laboratory animals; an ethical evaluation
Authors: Hellebrekers L. J. , Baumans V. , Bertens A. P. M. G. , Hartman W.
Published: June 2007

A number of experiments was carried out to determine the sequence of events leading to death following administration of the euthanizing agent T61. Simultaneous recordings of the EMG, EEG, ECG and end-tidal CO2 (dogs only) were obtained in acutely instrumented rabbits and dogs. Results show that following T61 administration the loss of consciousness and loss of muscle activity occurred simultaneously. Vocalization and increased muscle movement occurred in the initial phase of the injection in 3 of 8 dogs, injected with T61 or butyramid. From this study it was concluded that the presence of the muscle relaxant does not pose an ethical problem for the use of T61 as an euthanizing agent, but our results suggest that the use of T61 may have some emotionally unpleasant side-effects.
Growth and liver morphology after long-term ethanol consumption of rats
Authors: van de Wiel J. A. G. , Duijf C. M. P. , Pertijs J. C. L. M. , Peereboom-Stegeman J. H. J. Copius , Bos R. P.
Published: June 2007

Ethanol was administered to female and male Wistar rats by mixing it with their drinking water. Ethanol concentrations were gradually increased up to either 8% or 15%.

Female rats receiving 8% ethanol in their drinking water consumed 5-13 g, males 4-10 g daily. The ethanol/total food caloric intake percentages were 13 to 20% and 9 to 15% for female and male rats, respectively. There was no difference in body weight and relative liver weight between treated rats and their controls.

Female and male rats receiving 15% of ethanol in their drinking water consumed 8-14 g ethanol per kg body weight per day. The percentages of ethanol/total food caloric intake were stabilized at about 25% for both sexes. Growth of the rats differed only slightly from controls; a tendency for a higher increase of body weight of the control rats was found. No difference in relative liver weight between ethanol-treated and control rats was observed. Microscopic examinations revealed that the ethanol treatment resulted in fat accumulation in the liver cells. A proliferation of the Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum (SER) was more marked in the 15% dosed rats than in the 8% dosed rats and more distinct in female rats than in male rats in both dosage groups.
Variable expression of human transgenes in SHN mice
Authors: Nagasawa H. , Mizuno M. , Hasegawa M. , Harigaya T.
Published: June 2007

The mouse mammary tumour virus/human transforming growth factor α (MMTV/hTGF α) gene or the mouse whey acidic protein/human growth hormone (mWAP/hGH) gene was introduced to a high mammary tumour strain of SHN virgin females by mating with males bearing each gene. We maintained transgenic mice by backcrossing males with the hTGF α transgene or high serum hGH levels (>50 ng/ml) to SHN virgins in the subsequent generations. Expression of the transgenes was examined at each generation. At the first and the second generations of backcrossing (N1 and N2), females showed hTGF α mRNA in the mammary glands associated with a marked outgrowth of the glands. Both females and males had high hGH levels in the circulation, but these characteristics disappeared completely after the third generation (N3). All findings indicate that SHN mice are specific in the resistance to the expression of some human transgenes.
Heritability of BMD of Femoral Neck and Lumbar Spine: A Multivariate Twin Study of Finnish Men
Authors: Videman Tapio , Levälahti Esko , Battié Michele C , Simonen Riitta , Vanninen Esko , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: June 2007

Of the 80% variation in BMD among male twins that is caused by genetics, part was explained by genetic influences on lifting strength and lean body mass/height. Lifting strength was significant in both the femoral and spine BMD and body weight only for lumbar BMD.

Introduction: The dominant role of heritability in BMD has been shown in twin studies among women. However, the mechanisms of genetic influences are poorly understood. BMD is associated with lean body mass and muscle strength, which both have a genetic component, but the relative effects of muscle strength and lean body mass/height on the total genetic and environmental variations influencing BMD of men are unclear.

Materials and Methods: Measurements of BMD from a DXA scanner on a representative sample of 147 monozygotic and 153 dizygotic male twin pairs (age, 35–70 yr) were related to a variety of anthropometric and behavioral covariates and interview data. Data were analyzed with univariate modeling of genetic characteristics, bivariate modeling of covariates that were significant in univariate models, and multivariate modeling of the simultaneous effects of significant covariates from the bivariate models.

Results: Heritability influences were estimated to account for 75% of the variance in femoral BMD and 83% in lumbar BMD. Univariate and bivariate modeling showed that, of the factors studied, only lifting force and lean body mass/height had statistically significant influences. Of the total genetic variation in femoral BMD, lifting force explained 9%, and lean body mass/height 18%; the proportions for lumbar BMD were 9% and 11%, respectively. Of the total environmental variation, the correlation with isokinetic lifting force explained 9% for femoral BMD and 10% for lumbar BMD. The genetic correlations between lifting force and femoral and lumbar BMD were ∼0.3, as were the environmental correlations of isokinetic lifting force and femoral and lumbar BMD and of lean body mass/height and femoral BMD. The environmental correlation of lean body mass/height and femoral BMD was not significant.

Conclusions: Lifting force had effects on both femoral and lumbar BMD. Body weight was important, but only for lumbar BMD. Muscle strength may have the best potential for modification among behavioral factors to increase both femoral and lumbar BMD.
BEHIND THE SEAMS: DESIGNERS AND TAILORS IN POPULAR HINDI CINEMA
Authors: WILKINSON‐WEBER CLARE
Published: June 2007

This article examines cultural production and social relations in the making of costume for commercial Hindi cinema, focusing in particular upon costume (“dress”) designers and tailors. Dress designers see themselves as the creative force in costume production, regarding tailors who stitch the costumes as mere technicians. In fact, interviews with tailors reveal that they regard their own contributions as both creative and essential. With the rise in fashion markets and media industries in India, the dress designer is ever more important as an “gimage consultant” who can consolidate a star's positioning in the worlds of both film and fashion. At the same time, the paternalistic connection between tailors and their clients, wherein customers–including film stars–go to a personal tailor to have their clothes made‐to‐measure, endures. In converting the designer's conception into a costume, the tailor claims a degree of inventiveness and creativity that is separate from the designer's. At the same time, tailors see themselves providing a necessary and personal service to the star. The tailor, a largely anonymous figure in western film designing and costuming, remains a key figure in Indian film costume.
From the Arctic to the Pacific: Nordic Visual Anthropology 1975–2005
Authors: CRAWFORD PETER I.
Published: June 2007

Ever since the inception of what one may describe as visual anthropology in the Nordic countries, there has been a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between the “re‐presenter” and the “represented.” Covering the years from the mid‐1970s until today, this article explores the emergence of visual anthropology through the Nordic Anthropological Film Association (NAFA) and later developments in which training in ethnographic film became institutionalized. Finally, it discusses ways in which ethnographic film was used in two anthropological research projects in the Pacific, in both cases based on profound cooperation with the local communities.
Visual Ethnography Among the Balkan Pomak
Authors: BALIKCI ASEN
Published: June 2007

This is a brief description of four ethnographic films about the Pomak, Bulgarian speaking Muslims inhabiting the Rhodopi mountains in Southern Bulgaria. The first (1994) is the result of a training workshop in visual ethnography for local boys and girls living in a multicultural setting. The second (1995) describes the roles of Pomak women in a traditional village while the third (1995) is a portrait of an elderly Pomak peasant after 50 years of communist rule. The last production (2004) is a statement about the complex ideological pressures felt by the Pomak stemming from Islamic fundamentalism, peripheral pan‐Turkism, Bulgarian school nationalism, American style mass culture, etc.
Locally Risk-minimizing Hedging of Insurance Payment Streams
Authors: Riesner Martin
Published: June 2007

For the martingale case Föllmer and Sondermann (1986) introduced a unique admissible risk-minimizing hedging strategy for any square-integrable contingent claim H. Schweizer (1991) developed their theory further to the semimartingale case introducing the notion of local risk-minimization. Møller (2001) extended the theory of Föllmer and Sondermann (1986) to hedge general payment processes occurring mainly in insurance. We expand local risk-minimization to the theory of hedging general payment processes and derive such a hedging strategy for general unit-linked life insurance contracts in a general Lévy process financial market.
Step by step towards understanding gold glyconanoparticles as elements of the nanoworld
Authors: Sihelníková L. , Tvaroška I.
Published: June 2007

Gold glyconanoparticles as elements of the nanoworld belong to a group of particles with diameters not exceeding 100 nm. This size scale makes them conformable to common biomolecules. A gold glyconanoparticle consists of three different parts: the gold core, the linkers, and saccharide ligands. The glycocalyx-like surface of these particles mimics the presentation of carbohydrate epitopes of cell surface glycoconjugates. As a consequence, gold glyconanoparticles provide inimitable tools for probing and manipulating the mechanisms of biological processes based on carbohydrate interactions. Each component of the gold glyconanoparticle has a profound effect on the nanoparticle’s properties. Therefore, in this review, elucidation of the overall behavior and properties of gold glyconanoparticles is based on a step by step (component by component) description of the system.
Structure—activity relationships for in vitro oxime reactivation of chlorpyrifos-inhibited acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Kuča K. , Račáková V. , Jun D.
Published: June 2007

Organophosphorus pesticides parathion, chlorpyrifos, and malathion inhibit the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) via phosphorylation of its active site. AChE reactivators and anticholinergics are compounds used as antidotes in the case of intoxication by these AChE inhibitors. In this work, chlorpyrifos, a representative member of this pesticide family, was used to inhibit the AChE activity of rat brain. The effect of twenty-one structurally different AChE reactivators was tested in vitro and subsequently, the relationship between their chemical structure and biological activity was outlined.
Separation and characterization of products from thermal cracking of individual and mixed polyalkenes
Authors: Hájeková E. , Špodová L. , Bajus M. , Mlynková B.
Published: June 2007

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and their mixture in the mass ratio of 1: 1 (LDPE/PP) were thermally decomposed in a batch reactor at 450°C. The formed gaseous and oil/wax products were separated and analyzed by gas chromatography. The oils/waxes underwent both atmospheric and vacuum distillation. Densities, molar masses and bromine numbers of liquid distillates and distillation residues were determined. The first distillate fraction from the thermally decomposed LDPE contained mostly linear alkanes and alk-1-enes ranging from C6 to C13 (boiling point up to 180°C). The second distillate fraction was composed mostly of hydrocarbons C11 to C22 (boiling point up to 330°C). 2,4-Dimethylhept-1-ene was the major component of the first distillate fraction obtained from the product of PP decomposition, while in the 2nd distillate fraction it was 2,4,6,8-tetramethylundec-1-ene. The yields of some gaseous or liquid hydrocarbons obtained by distillation from thermally degraded LDPE/PP differed from the values corresponding to the decomposition of individual plastics due to the mutual influence of polyalkenes during their thermal cracking. Similarly, the yields of propene and methylpropene in the gaseous phase were higher in the case of mixture. Whereas the content of C9 to C17 alkanes and alkenes in the distillates separated from the liquid mixture obtained by the decomposition of LDPE/PP decreased, the formation of 2,4,6,8,10,12-hexamethylpentadec-1-ene remained unchanged. The corresponding mechanisms of thermal cracking were discussed.
Effect of gamma irradiation on trichromatic values of spices
Authors: Horváthová J. , Suhaj M. , Polovka M.
Published: June 2007

The effect of γ-irradiation on trichromatic color values L*, a*, and b* was determined in black pepper, oregano, and allspice samples irradiated at average doses from 5 kGy to 30 kGy. Trichromatic values a* measured in methanol extracts of treated spices immediately after the irradiation process were significantly changed, but the subsequent storage of allspice and oregano caused much more distinctive alteration of these color values than the irradiation itself. Additionally, the differences in redness between the reference (non-irradiated) allspice and oregano samples and samples treated by γ-radiation gradually disappeared during the storage period. On the contrary, the post-irradiation storage of black pepper samples did not reveal any changes of a* values.
Homo- and heteronuclear complexes of a new, vicinal dioxime ligand
Authors: Serin M. , Karayel G. , Gup R.
Published: June 2007

A new symmetrical vicinal dioxime, N,N′-bis-{4-[[(2-hydroxyphenyl)methylene]hydrazinecarbonyl]phenyl}diaminoglyoxime (LH4), was prepared by reacting anti-dichloroglyoxime with salicylaldehyde 4-aminobenzoylhydrazone. The reaction of ligand with Ni2+ salts gave mono-and homopentanuclear complexes, [Ni(LH3)2] and [Ni5(LH)2X2]. Furthermore, heteropentanuclear complexes of dioxime ligand, [Cu4Ni(LH)2X4], were prepared by the reaction of [Ni(LH3)2)] with Cu2+ salt and a monodentate ligand (X = SCN−, CN−, or N3−). The structures of both the new symmetrical vicinal dioxime and its complexes were identified by elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, UV-VIS spectra, and magnetic susceptibility. The elemental analyses and spectral data indicate that the hydrazone side of ligand acts as a O,N,O′ tridentate and the fourth position is occupied with monodentate anion such as SCN−, CN−, N3−.
Dielectric relaxation of butyl acrylate—alcohol mixtures using time domain reflectometry
Authors: Dharmalingam K. , Ramachandran K. , Sivagurunathan P. , Prabhakar Undre B. , Khirade P. , Mehrotra S.
Published: June 2007

Dielectric relaxation measurements of butyl acrylate—alcohol mixtures at different concentrations and temperatures within the frequency range of 10 MHz to 10 GHz have been carried out using time domain reflectometry. Parameters such as the static permittivity, dielectric relaxation time, the Kirkwood correlation factor, the excess inverse relaxation time, and thermodynamic functions were determined and discussed to yield information on the molecular structure and dynamics of the mixture. The value of the dielectric properties decreases with increasing butyl acrylate concentration in alcohol and systematically varies with the length of alcohol alkyl chain. Negative values of the excess inverse relaxation time found for all concentrations and at all temperatures studied may indicate that the effective dipoles rotate slowly.
Binding affinities and spectra of complexes formed by dehydrotetrapyrido[20]annulene and small molecules
Authors: Wang Z. , Wu S.
Published: June 2007

Theoretical study on the binding affinities of dehydrotetrapyrido[20] annulene to the alkene and aromatic molecules was performed using the AM1 and DFT methods. It indicated that the host possesses the ability to bind the above molecules since the binding energies of the complexes were negative. The complexes were stabilized via the hydrogen bonding, static effect, and π — π stacking interaction between the host and guest molecules. Based on the B3LYP/3-21G optimized geometries, the electronic, IR, and NMR spectra were calculated using the INDO/CIS, AM1, and B3LYP/3-21G methods, respectively. Due to the hydrogen bonding, the first absorption maxima in the electronic spectra of studied complexes were blue-shifted, whereas the main IR frequencies for some of the complexes were red-shifted. At the same time, the chemical shifts of carbon atoms forming the bonds in the complexes were lower, compared to those of the host.
Comparison of spectrophotometric and HPLC methods for determination of lipid peroxidation products in rat brain tissues
Authors: Ďurfinová M. , Brechtlová M. , Líška B. , Barošková Ž.
Published: June 2007

Two methods for determination of lipid peroxidation (LPX) products in rat brain homogenates were compared. The thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test and HPLC assay for analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) were applied. Rat brain homogenate dissolved in tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane hydrochloride (Tris-HCl) was mixed with TBA and H3PO4 and heated at 100°C to form colored complex that was extracted into butanol. No significant differences were found between the contents of TBA-reacting substances and their amount deduced from the MDA-TBA analysis. The presented results show that LPX products in brain homogenates can be determined without interferences also by the TBA test. Moreover, a survey of various methods used for the sample preparation before analysis of LPX products originating from different brain areas was made and compared with the obtained results.
Kronenbewohnende Bockkäfer als Entscheidungshilfen zur Revitalisierung ehemaliger Mittelwälder | Longhorn beetles that inhabit tree tops provide vital help to revitalising former coppice-with-standards forests
Authors: Coch Thomas , Vögeli Matthias
Published: June 2007

On the basis of studies on longhorn beetles in former coppicewith-standards forests in the Freiburger Bucht region (SW-Germany),decisions concerning the revitalisation of coppice forest management from the point of view of species protection should be methodically and realistically substantiated. To this end, treetop inhabiting longhorn beetles in contrast to those living in the trunk have been systematically recorded in two coppice forest areas since 1996. This has revealed a great number of rare and endangered tree-top inhabiting species of fauna; the importance of those species that inhabit tree trunks and dead wood also has to be emphasised. Analysis of the various findings has led to concrete,decision oriented help, which, in turn, on the basis of structural indicators and selected species, facilitates the care and development of former coppice-with-standards forest in the Baden-Württemberg region and minimises potential conflicts.
Heute wie vor hundert Jahren: Laufkäfer sind die Hauptbeute des Grossen Mausohrs (Myotis myotis) | Today and a hundred years ago: Carabid beetles are the main prey of the greater mouse-eared bat (Myotis myotis)
Authors: Steck Claude E. , Güttinger René
Published: June 2007

The faeces of an extinct colony of the greater mouse-eared bat,(Myotis myotis), were found in the church of Tegerfelden (NWSwitzerland)). The faeces could be dated to the end of the 19th century (around 1880). This find provided us with a unique opportunity to study the diet of the greater mouse-eared bat,and to compare the past and current diet of this species. Today,central European greater mouse-eared bats mainly hunt in forests, and carabid beetles (Carabidae) are their most important category of prey. In this study, we investigated whether this specialisation is caused by the changes to the landscape that took place during the second half of the 20th century, or if this bat species already exhibited a similar specialisation in the 19th century (loss of biodiversity, especially in open landscapes).
Patient Characteristics and Telemedicine Use in the US, 2022
Authors: Chang Eva , Penfold Robert B. , Berkman Nancy D.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Telemedicine use was common during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding many patients’ approaches to accessing health care. Of concern is whether telemedicine access was poorer among higher-needs and disadvantaged populations.

Objective

To assess patient characteristics associated with telemedicine use and telemedicine mode and describe telemedicine visit experiences by telemedicine mode.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study included data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey and included US adults with a health care visit. Data were analyzed from May to September 2023.

Exposure

Patient characteristics.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Any telemedicine visits vs in-person visits only; telemedicine mode (video vs audio-only). Multivariable logistic models assessed patient characteristics associated with telemedicine visits and mode. Bivariate analyses compared telemedicine experiences by mode.

Results

The study included 5437 adult patients (mean [SE] age, 49.4 [0.23] years; 3136 females [53.4%]; 1928 males [46.6%]). In 2022, 2384 patients (43%) had a telemedicine visit; 1565 (70%) had a video visit while 819 (30%) had an audio-only visit. In multivariable models, older age (≥75 years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42-0.94), no internet use (aOR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48-0.81), and living in the Midwest (aOR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.35-0.70) were negatively associated with having telemedicine visits. Female sex (aOR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.12-1.83), having chronic conditions (aOR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.66-2.73), and multiple health care visits (2-4 visits: aOR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.23-2.54; ≥5 visits: aOR, 3.29; 95% CI, 2.20-4.92) were positively associated. Among individuals who used telemedicine, older age (65-74 years: aOR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.09-4.14; ≥75 years: aOR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.60-8.00), no health insurance (aOR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.42-5.67), and no internet use (aOR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.18-3.78) were positively associated with having audio-only visits. We observed no significant differences in telemedicine use or mode by education, race and ethnicity, or income. Patients’ experiences using telemedicine were generally similar for video and audio-only except more individuals who used audio-only had privacy concerns (20% vs 12%, P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of adults with health care visits, many patients, including those with the greatest care needs, chose telemedicine even after in-person visits were available. These findings support continuing this care delivery approach as an option valued by patients. Differences were not observed by most common measures of socioeconomic status. Continued monitoring of telemedicine use is needed to ensure equitable access to health care innovations.