bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staining Proteins in Gels with Silver Nitrate
Authors: Simpson Richard J.
Published: July 2007

INTRODUCTION

Silver staining is one of the commonly used procedures for visualizing proteins in acrylamide gels. All silver staining methods rely on the reduction of ionic to metallic silver to provide metallic silver images; the selective reduction at gel sites occupied by proteins compared to nonprotein sites is dependent on differences in the oxidation-reduction potentials at these sites. There are two broad methodologies for silver staining. One approach (nondiamine silver nitrate stains) uses silver nitrate as the silvering agent and formaldehyde in alkaline carbonate solution as the developing agent, whereas the other approach (diamine or ammoniacal stains) uses ammoniacal silver as the silvering agent and formaldehyde in dilute citric acid as the developing agent. Although protocols using ammoniacal silver are arguably more sensitive and give darker hues than those based on silver nitrate, they are more prone to negative staining, resulting in hollow or “doughnut” spots, give unacceptable backgrounds with tricine-based gel systems, and are not very robust because of their reliance on the ammonia-silver ratio. Additionally, ammoniacal silver staining is more sensitive for basic proteins but less so for very acidic proteins. This protocol describes a silver nitrate staining approach. Its sensitivity is in the low-nanogram range, which is 50-100 times more sensitive than classical Coomassie Blue staining, ~10 times better than colloidal Coomassie Blue staining, and at least twice as sensitive as the zinc/imidazole negative staining method.
Immunohistochemistry on Cryosections from Embryonic and Adult Zebrafish Eyes
Authors: Uribe Rosa A. , Gross Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2007

INTRODUCTION

This protocol describes methods for the fixation, cryosectioning, and immunohistochemical detection of proteins in embryonic and adult zebrafish eyes. The methods described can easily be adapted for use on other zebrafish tissues.
Setting Up a PCR Laboratory
Authors: Mifflin Theodore E.
Published: July 2007

INTRODUCTION

Development of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a basic component of the molecular biology laboratory has occurred very rapidly from its inception in 1985. As PCR became more widely used, scientists rapidly learned more about it and, as a result, learned that PCR had its strong points and its deficiencies. Very quickly, PCR demonstrated its power to amplify very small amounts (e.g., a single copy) of template nucleic acid and to amplify different nucleic acids (e.g., DNA and RNA). At the same time, laboratory personnel learned that this biochemical reaction had a unique deficiency, namely, a strong susceptibility to contamination from its own product. This article is devoted to establishing a PCR laboratory whose operations will give reliable and contamination-free results.
RCTs and observational studies to determine the effect of prophylaxis in severe haemophilia
Authors: FISCHER K. , GROBBEE D. E. , VAN DEN BERG H. M.
Published: July 2007

Summary.  It has been suggested that more RCTs should be conducted in the evaluation of haemophilia treatment, including prophylaxis. To draw valid conclusions from experimental or observational studies, internal validity should be ensured. In particular, similarity of prognosis between treatment groups compared in a particular study is needed. Because the use of prophylaxis in observational studies is nonrandomized by definition, special efforts should be made to achieve comparability of prognosis, that is, to avoid ‘confounding by indication’; in RCTs this is ensured by randomized allocation of treatment. However, the high costs of an RCT results in a limitation of both patient numbers and length of follow up. Observational studies tend to be more generalizable and cheaper, as they may include a wider spectrum of morbidities, use treatment protocols in agreement with routine care, and use available data. Therefore, observational studies can be much larger and of longer duration than RCTs; and are the preferred design for the evaluation of long term treatment effects. Several valid observational studies comparing prophylaxis and on demand treatment have reported both a short term reduction of 75–90% in bleeding frequency, and significant improvement in arthropathy, quality of life, and socioeconomic parameters after more than 20 years of prophylactic treatment. RCTs provide the most powerful tool for the evaluation of short term effects of any treatment, but are infeasible for the evaluation of long term effects. The definitive assessment of the long‐term benefits of prophylaxis requires observational studies that should be performed according to rigorous standards.
Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase signalling in lung disease: leucocytes and beyond
Authors: Medina‐Tato David A. , Ward Stephen G. , Watson Malcolm L.
Published: July 2007

The family of lipid kinases termed phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K) is known to contribute at multiple levels to innate and adaptive immune responses, and is hence an attractive target for drug discovery in inflammatory and autoimmune disease, including respiratory diseases. The development of isoform‐selective pharmacological inhibitors, targeted gene manipulation and short interfering RNA (siRNA) target validation have facilitated a better understanding of the role that each member of this family of kinases plays in the physiology and pathology of the respiratory system. In this review, we will evaluate the evidence for the roles of specific PI3K isoforms in the lung and airways, and discuss their potential as targets for novel drug therapies.
A survey of school nursing provision in the UK
Authors: Merrell Joy , Carnwell Ros , Williams Anne , Allen Davina , Griffiths Lesley
Published: July 2007

Title.  A survey of school nursing provision in the UK

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to map school nursing provision across the health and education sectors in Wales to identify the number, age, qualifications, terms of employment, location, functions and access to continuing professional development and clinical supervision of school nurses.

Background.  School nurses are important in promoting the health of school‐aged children. Increased demands have arisen from changes in patterns of health, illness and lifestyles.

Methods.  An interview survey was conducted with a purposive sample of school nursing/health visiting managers from 13 healthcare sector providers, senior personnel officers from 22 Local Education Authorities and 45 head teachers/school nurses from independent schools. Data were collected between March and June 2004 and the overall response rate exceeded 80%.

Results.  A total of 249 school nurses were identified: 90% employed by the healthcare sector and 10% by the education sector. An ageing, under‐developed and under‐resourced service was identified. Disparity in practice within and across the sectors was evident, resulting from lack of policy direction regarding the scope and content of school nursing services. Workforce size, age and educational profile pose challenges for service delivery.

Conclusion.  Investment in recruitment and education is required if school nurses are to meet increasing demands and fulfil their public health role. The low percentage of school nurses aged under 30 years may reflect lack of a career pathway and understanding of school nursing. The findings enable national and international comparisons in terms of numbers, size of caseload, age, qualifications, terms of employment and activities and functions.
Resilience in the operating room: developing and testing of a resilience model
Authors: Gillespie Brigid M. , Chaboyer Wendy , Wallis Marianne , Grimbeek Peter
Published: July 2007

Title.  Resilience in the operating room: developing and testing of a resilience model

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study to examine the relation of perceived competence, collaboration, control, self‐efficacy, hope, coping, age, experience, education and years of employment to resilience in operating room (OR) nurses.

Background.  Resilience is viewed as a vital attribute for nurses because it augments adaptation in demanding and volatile clinical environments such as ORs. However, there has been little research into the utility of resilience as a means of dealing with workplace stress, and there is only limited understanding of variables that explain resilience in the context of nursing.

Method.  A correlational cross‐sectional survey design was used. Of a national sample of 2860 Australian OR nurses, 1430 were selected by systematic random sampling and invited to complete a questionnaire in 2006. The instrument included scales measuring perceived competence, collaboration, control, self‐efficacy, hope, coping and resilience, and gathered information about the demographic characteristics of respondents.

Results.  Two regression models were used to develop a model of resilience. An initial model tested the hypothesis that a set of 12 explanatory variables contributed to resilience in OR nurses. Five variables (hope, self‐efficacy, coping, control and competence) explained resilience at statistically significant levels. Age, experience, education and years of employment did not contribute to resilience at statistically significant levels. The final model explained 60% of the variance. In both models, the strongest explanatory variables were hope, self‐efficacy and coping.

Conclusion.  Identification of explanatory variables that contribute to resilience in ORs may assist in implementing strategies that promote these behaviours, and thus retain nurses in this specialty.
Factors associated with term low birthweight in Cardiff, Wales
Authors: Meis Paul J. , Michielutte Robert , Peters Tim J. , Wells H. Bradley , Sands R. Evan , Coles E. C. , Johns K. A.
Published: July 2007

Summary

This project was undertaken to examine the associations of a number of risk factors with impaired fetal growth, exemplified by delivery of a low‐birthweight infant at term (TLBW). Utilising a large database of largely homogeneous (white) births in Wales, the Cardiff Births Survey, multivariable analysis by logistic regression examined the relative importance of these risk variables. Significant independent associations with TLBW were found (in decreasing order of magnitude) for low maternal weight, pre‐eclampsia, smoking, short maternal height, late pregnancy bleeding, early pregnancy bleeding, history of a previous stillbirth, primiparity and older maternal age. In this population, risk of TBLW was associated with a number of demographic, medical and social factors. Of these, only smoking is likely to be modified by intervention.
Salt tolerance (STO), a stress‐related protein, has a major role in light signalling
Authors: Indorf Martin , Cordero Julio , Neuhaus Gunther , Rodríguez‐Franco Marta
Published: July 2007

The salt tolerance protein (STO) of Arabidopsis was identified as a protein conferring salt tolerance to yeast cells. In order to uncover its function, we isolated an STO T‐DNA insertion line and generated RNAi and overexpressor Arabidopsis plants. Here we present data on the hypocotyl growth of these lines indicating that STO acts as a negative regulator in phytochrome and blue‐light signalling. Transcription analysis of STO uncovered a light and circadian dependent regulation of gene expression, and analysis of light‐regulated genes revealed that STO is involved in the regulation of CHS expression during de‐etiolation. In addition, we could show that CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS 1 (COP1) represses the transcription of STO and contributes to the destabilization of the protein in etiolated seedlings. Microscopic analysis revealed that the STO:eGFP fusion protein is located in the nucleus, accumulates in a light‐dependent manner, and, in transient transformation assays in onion epidermal cells, co‐localizes with COP1 in nuclear and cytoplasmic aggregations. However, the analysis of gain‐ and loss‐of‐function STO mutants in the cop1‐4 background points towards a COP1‐independent role during photomorphogenesis.
The SWI/SNF chromatin‐remodeling gene AtCHR12 mediates temporary growth arrest in Arabidopsis thaliana upon perceiving environmental stress
Authors: Mlynárová Ludmila , Nap Jan‐Peter , Bisseling Ton
Published: July 2007

One of the earliest responses of plants to environmental stress is establishing a temporary growth arrest that allows adaptation to adverse conditions. The response to abiotic stress requires the modulation of gene expression, which may be mediated by the alteration of chromatin structures. This alteration can be accomplished with the help of chromatin‐remodeling enzymes, such as the various SWI/SNF classes of ATPases. Here, we investigate the role of the Arabidopsis SNF2/Brahma‐type AtCHR12 chromatin‐remodeling gene in plant growth and development in reaction to adverse environmental conditions. We show that the AtCHR12 chromatin‐remodeling gene plays a vital role in mediating the temporary growth arrest of Arabidopsis that is induced upon perception of stress. Exposing an AtCHR12 overexpressing mutant to stress conditions leads to growth arrest of normally active primary buds, as well as to reduced growth of the primary stem. In contrast, the AtCHR12 knockout mutant shows less growth arrest than the wild‐type when exposed to moderate stress. Without stress, mutant plants are indistinguishable from the wild‐type, and the growth arrest response seems to depend on the severity of the stress applied. Modulation of AtCHR12 expression correlates with changes in expression of dormancy‐associated genes. This is in agreement with the concept of AtCHR12 participation in priming the plants for the growth arrest response. Our data indicate that AtCHR12‐associated growth arrest differs from DELLA‐mediated growth restraint. This establishes AtCHR12 as a novel gene involved in the response repertoire of plants that permits flexible modulation of growth in adverse and/or otherwise limiting environments.
De novo membranous nephropathy associated with donor‐specific alloantibody
Authors: El Kossi M. , Harmer A. , Goodwin J. , Wagner B. , Shortland J. , Angel C. , McKane W.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  Recent evidence suggests that alloantibody may play an aetiological role in the pathogenesis of membranous glomerulopathy in native kidneys. There is an increased awareness of the significance of alloantibody on renal transplant outcome, particularly with the development of more sensitive assays. We describe a kidney transplant patient who developed de novo membranous glomerulopathy (DNMG) with heavy proteinuria in the context of a donor‐specific alloantibody (DSA) directed against HLA DQ7. Proteinuria resolved and kidney function stabilized following treatment with mycophenolate mofetil and an angiotensin receptor blocker. The titre of the DSA fell in parallel with resolution of the proteinuria.

This is the first reported case of DNMG after kidney transplantation clearly associated with a DSA. We hypothesize that de novo membranous glomerulopathy may be an atypical manifestation of acute antibody‐mediated damage. Cases of DNMG should be screened for alloantibody and the presence of alloantibody may influence the choice of therapy.
Immunosuppression reduction for BK virus nephropathy: a case for caution
Authors: Womer K.L. , Guerra G. , Dibadj K. , Huang Y. , Kazory A. , Kaplan B. , Srinivas T.R.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: BK virus nephropathy (BKVN) is increasingly recognized as a major cause of renal allograft failure. Recent reports demonstrate that prompt reduction of immunosuppression upon detection of persistent viremia can be associated with resolution of viremia, with minimal risk of acute rejection (AR). However, these experiences in general have occurred in centers with low baseline risks of AR. It is possible that a finer balance between overimmunosuppression and the risk of AR may exist in centers that routinely transplant patients with higher risk of AR. Thus the risk/benefit of this strategy may be altered in these centers. We report a case of antibody‐mediated rejection that followed reduction of immunosuppression for BKVN diagnosed more than 3 months after the onset of viremia. This rejection episode resulted in a greater decrease in graft function than the initial BKVN episode. Issues relevant to the management of these patients are discussed, including the need for improved immune monitoring assays to determine more accurately the balance between infection and rejection.
Use of high‐dose ganciclovir for a resistant cytomegalovirus infection due to UL97 mutation
Authors: West P. , Schmiedeskamp M. , Neeley H. , Oberholzer J. , Benedetti E. , Kaplan B.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a major complication following solid organ transplantation resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The guidelines published in 2004 have recommendations for therapy; however, the frequency of resistant CMV infection is increasing and therapy is not clearly defined. There are a few alternatives to ganciclovir such as foscarnet, cidofovir, and leflunomide; however, their use is limited by adverse effects. This report summarizes the successful use of high‐dose ganciclovir for the treatment of a resistant CMV caused by UL97 mutation.
Septic shock caused by Sphingomonas paucimobilis bacteremia in a patient with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Al‐Anazi K.A. , Abu Jafar S. , Al‐Jasser A.M. , Al‐Shangeeti A. , Chaudri N.A. , Al Jurf M.D. , Al‐Mohareb F.I.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Sphingomonas paucimobilis is an aerobic gram‐negative bacillus that causes a variety of infections in healthy as well as in immunocompromised individuals. The organism is usually susceptible to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, aminoglycosides, trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, and carbapenems. However, resistance to penicillins and the first‐generation cephalosporins is commonly encountered. Reported here is a patient with acute myeloid leukemia who developed S. paucimobilis bacteremia complicated by septic shock just before receiving an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (SCT) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh. The septic episode was successfully treated in the intensive care unit. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of septic shock caused by S. paucimobilis bacteremia in a hematopoietic SCT recipient.
Effect of time after transplantation on microbiology of urinary tract infections among renal transplant recipients
Authors: Sharma M. , Rani S. , Johnson L.B.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:We evaluated the microbiology of renal transplant recipients hospitalized with urinary tract infections over a 10‐year period. While gram‐negative organisms were seen most frequently (73%), the median time to infection post transplantation was shorter in patients infected with gram‐positive organisms (9.0 vs. 44.7 months).
Complement inhibition by FUT‐175 and K76‐COOH in a pig‐to‐human lung xenotransplant model
Authors: Blum Matthew G. , Collins Brendan J. , Chang Andrew C. , Zhang Jian‐Ping , Knaus Sierra A. , Pierson Richard N.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Two complement inhibitors, FUT‐175 (FUT) and K76‐COOH (K76), were studied as single agents in an ex vivo, in situ model of pig lung rejection by human blood. Pulmonary toxicity (primarily increased pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR]) was seen with FUT at a dose which inhibited complement in vitro (0.4 mg/ml); a lower dose (0.1 mg/ml) was therefore used. K76 had little apparent toxicity at a dose which inhibited complement in vitro (6 mg/ml), but activated complement, leading to C3a elaboration. Efficacy was then assessed by 1) deposition of complement pathway components in the lung and 2) lung survival during perfusion with human blood. Neither agent consistently prolonged median lung survival (FUT: 50 min.±8 SEM; K76: 37±6), blocked thromboxane production, or prevented PVR elevation compared to experiments using unmodified human blood (survival 9 min.±2). At the doses used, both agents prevented deposition of terminal complement complex (TCC) in the lung. This finding demonstrates that the various phenomena associated with hyperacute lung rejection (thromboxane release, PVR elevation, capillary leak, and intraalveolar hemorrhage) can all occur despite abrogation of membrane attack complex formation. We can not exclude a contribution by drug toxicity or complement damage (mediated by C3a or other complement pathway components proximal to TCC) to the observed lung injury. We conclude that, although both FUT and K76 inhibit deposition of TCC in the lung, at the dose tested neither drug is useful as a single agent to prolong survival in a pig‐to‐human lung xenograft model.
Human NK cell and ADCC reactivity against xenogeneic porcine target cells including fetal porcine islet cells
Authors: Kumagai‐Braesch Makiko , Satake Masahiro , Qian Yunjian , Holgersson Jan , Möller Erna
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT:In vitro studies of human NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and ADCC against porcine target cells were performed. Stimulation of human PBMC responder cells with either allogeneic or xenogeneic porcine cells led to a marked increase in NK cell reactivity. Maximum reactivity was reached following 3–6 days of in vitro culture. The sensitivity of target cells ranked as follows: K562 > porcine PHA‐induced lymphoblasts > resting porcine PBMC. Limiting dilution analysis showed that allo‐ and xeno‐stimulation in vitro led to differentiation of similar frequencies of effector NK cells. Split culture experiments showed that single NK effector cells were cytotoxic against both K562 and porcine lymphoblasts, demonstrating that individual NK cells lack species specificity. NK effector cell generation stimulated by xenogeneic cells was cyclosporin A (CsA) sensitive and dependent on the presence of autologous responder T lymphocytes, a dependence that was completely reconstituted by the sole addition of human IL‐2. Xenostimulation of enriched CD3+ cells also led to a preferential appearance of CD 16+ or CD56+ lymphoblasts.

Natural xenoreactive human anti‐porcine antibodies are mainly of IgM and IgG2 subclasses, but antibodies in xenoimmunised patients reactive against porcine lymphocytes and fetal porcine islet cells were also of IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses. The same subclass distribution was found among antibodies specific for galα1,3 gal epitopes as shown by tests performed with α1,3 galactosyltransferase‐transfected Raji cells (human Burkitt lymphoma cells). Natural antibodies did not mediate ADCC, whereas galα1,3 gal‐specific antibodies in sera from xenoimmunised patients did. Fetal porcine islet cells were sensitive to human NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity and to ADCC mediated by xenoimmune sera.
T cell‐mediated xenograft rejection: Specific tolerance is probably required for long term xenograft survival
Authors: Dorling Anthony , Lechler Robert I.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: T cell‐mediated mechanisms of xenograft rejection appear resistant to standard immunosuppression protocols used to prevent allograft rejection and, consequently, higher doses of immunosuppressive drugs are required to promote xenograft compared to allograft survival. Evidence from recent studies suggests that porcine xenografts may be especially immunogenic in humans because of a prominent and vigorous indirect xenoresponse and because of the ability of porcine endothelium to activate human T cells. This has led to an anxiety that systemic immunosuppressives, used as the mainstay of therapy for clinical xenotransplantation, may not allow the long‐term survival of porcine organs transplanted into human recipients. This article will review the biology of T cell xenoresponses, present the case for the development of novel graft‐specific immunosuppressive regimes in clinical xenotransplantation, and review recent experimental progress in this area.
Pharmacologic immunosuppressive therapy and extracorporeal immunoadsorption in the suppression of anti‐αGal antibody in the baboon
Authors: Lambrigts Denis , Van Calster Pascale , Xu Yuanxin , Awwad Michel , Neethling Francisca A. , Kozlowski Tomasz , Foley Alicia , Watts Alan , Chae Sanders J. , Fishman Jay , Thall Aron D. , White‐Scharf Mary E. , Sachs David H. , Cooper David K.C.
Published: July 2007

Abstract:The aim of this study was to deplete baboons of anti‐αgalactosyl (αGal] antibody and attempt to maintain depletion by pharmacologic immunosuppressive therapy (PI). In 12 experiments, involving nine baboons, repeated extracorporeal immunoadsorption (EIA) was carried out by plasma perfusion through immunoaffinity columns of synthetic αGal trisaccharide type 6. Five of the baboons were immunologically naive and four had undergone various procedures at least 6 months previously. All, however, had recovered lymphohematopoietic function and (with one exception) had levels of anti‐αGal antibody within the normal range. Eleven protocols included continuous i.v. cyclosporine (to maintain whole blood levels of approximately 1,600 ng/ml). In addition, in ten protocols, the baboon received one or more of the following drugs: cyclophosphamide (1–20 mg/kg/day), mycophenolate mofetil (70–700 mg/kg/day), brequinar sodium (1–12 mg/kg/day), prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day), melphalan (0.15–0.6 mg/kg/day), methylprednisolone (125 mg/day ×3), and antilymphocyte globulin (ATG) (50 mg/kg/day ×3). EIA was carried out on 1–9 occasions in each study and was temporarily successful in removing all antibody. When no PI was administered, antibody returned close to pre‐EIA levels within 48 hr. Cyclosporine alone delayed the rate of antibody return only slightly. While EIA was continuing on a daily or alternate day schedule, antibody levels (both IgM and IgG) were maintained at 20–45% of pre‐EIA levels. Once EIA was discontinued but PI maintained, IgM rose to 40–90% and IgG to 30–60% of pre‐EIA levels. In vitro testing demonstrated significant cytotoxicity to pig cells at these antibody levels. We conclude that i) EIA utilizing columns of αGal trisaccharide is successful in temporarily depleting baboons of anti‐αGal antibody, but ii) none of the PI regimens tested suppressed antibody production to levels which would be expected to prevent antibody‐mediated rejection of pig xenografts. Additional strategies will therefore be required if xenotransplantation is to become a clinical reality.
Anatomie comparative et chirurgicale du Tendon calcanéen commun des Mammiféres domestiques*
Authors: Pavaux Cl. , Lignereux Y. , Sautet J. Y.
Published: July 2007

The components of the common calcanean tendon were studied by dissection of ten limbs each of eight domestic mammalian species. The tendon of the bovine triceps surae muscle was found to consist of two distinct parts. This led to the suggestion, after examining the topography and trials on patients, to alter the tenotomy procedure (after Götze, 1932) for the treatment of spastic paresis.
Micromorphological Studies on the Stomach of Sheep during Prenatal Life
Authors: El‐Bab M. R. Fath , Schwarz R. , Ali A. M. A.
Published: July 2007

17 Merino and Blackface sheep foetuses were used in a study of the development of the ovine foetal stomach. The histogenesis of each compartment of the stomach during the period from the 26th to the 130th day of prenatal life was described.
Postcranial Osteology of the most Primitive Artiodactyl: Diacodexis pakistanensis (Dichobunidae)
Authors: Thewissen J. G. M. , Hussain S. T.
Published: July 2007

Diacodexis pakistanensis is the smallest and most primitive artiodactyl. It is Known from the ealry Eocene of the Indo‐pakistani subcontinet. It retains a clavicle, has five complete digits in the manus and four in the pes and is digitigrade.

The elongated limbs, reduced ability to pronate and supinate, double pulleyed astragalus and reduced lateral digits indicate that D.Pakistanensis is coursorial. However, the shape of the spinous Processes of the sacrum, the size of the deltoid tubercle of the humerus, the shape of the proximal femur. the narrow distal trochlea of the astragalus and proportions of the long bones indicate that it is less cursorial than any other dichobunid artiodactyl.
Postnatal Development of the Lower Canine and Cheek Teeth of the Pig
Authors: Davies A. S.
Published: July 2007

Postnatal development of the teeth of German Landrace and Göttingen Miniature pigs was studied by measuring the areas of each tooth visible on lateral radiographs of the mandibles. It was concluded that the appearance of the teeth at each stage, and the relation of their growth to that of the rest of the masticatory apparatus, relates mainly to postnatal changes in the relative location of the jaw pivot.
Fine Structure of the Feline Tapetum lucidum
Authors: Braekevelt Charlie R.
Published: July 2007

The morphology of the tapetum lucidum of the domestic cat (Felis catus) was studied by electron microscopy. The tapetum is a tapetum cellulosum, localized in the choroid of the dorsal fundus. The cells comprising this structure are described.
Histochemischer Nachweis von Aktin in den terminalen Darmgäßen des Huhnes*
Authors: Schessner M. , Krapat R. , Schnorr B.
Published: July 2007

Histochemical evidence of actin in the terminal blood vessels of the intestines of the chicken

Using fluorescence microscopy, cytoskeletal actin filaments were found in the terminal blood vessels of chicken intestine. Direct detection with Tetramethylrhodaminyl‐Phalloidin showed a high concentration of actin filaments in the tunica media and a low concentration in the endothelium. Actin filaments were also present in the endothelid cells of capillaries and to a higher degree also in the pericytes. The wall of the veins in the villi, which were concentrically surrounded by bundles from the tunica muscularis mucosae, had a greater number of actin filaments than the wall of the venules present in the villi. The discussion touches on the possibility that the microfilaments play a role in blood regulation, especially in the capillaries.
Cutaneous Hemangioma of the Penis Successfully Treated with Sclerotherapy and Ligation
Authors: Tsujii Toshihiko , Iwai Takehisa , Inoue Yoshinori , Kubota Toshiya , Kihara Kazunori , Oshima Hiroyuki
Published: July 2007

A cutaneous hemangioma of the penis extending from the proximal portion of the glans to the prepuce of an 18‐year‐old man was successfully treated by sclerotherapy with polidocanol and interrupted ligation of the hemangioma.
Study of the Effect of Vesical Filling and Voiding on Ureterovesical Junctions and Internal Urethral Meatus: The Filling and Meato‐Vesico‐Ureteral Reflexes
Authors: Shafik Ahmed
Published: July 2007

Background: The effect of vesical filling and voiding on bladder pressure, the ureterovesical junctions (UVJs), and the internal urethral meatus (IUM) was studied.

Methods: A pressure catheter was introduced into each of the UVJs, the IUM, and the urinary bladder of 16 healthy volunteers (9 men, 7 women; mean age, 38.4 years) and their pressure response to vesical fill ing in increments of 50 mL and during voiding as well as on IUM distension was recorded. The tests were repeated after separately anesthetizing the bladder, UVJs, and IUM.

Results: When the bladder was filled to 250 mL, there was a significant increase (P< 0.01) in the pressure of the UVJs, IUM, and bladder, which continued to rise with bladder filling up to 350 mL (P< 0.001). There was no further pressure increase above 350 mL. During voiding, the bladder and UVJs pressures rose (P< 0.0001) while the IUM pressure dropped (P<0.01). IUM distension caused a significant pressure rise in the bladder and UVJs and a drop of IUM pressure. These pressure responses did not occur upon separate anesthetization of the bladder, UVJs, or IUM.

Conclusions: A reflex relationship appears to exist between vesical fill ing and an increase in UVJs and IUM pressure which was absent on anesthetizing the presumed 2 arms of the reflex arc, the filling reflex. Another reflex relationship may exist between IUM dilatation and the bladder and UVJs pressure increase, the meato‐vesico‐ureteral reflex. These 2 reflexes might help further delineate the mechanism of micturition.
Clinical Significance of Interruption of Therapy with Allylestrenol in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Authors: Noguchi Kazumi , Harada Masaoki , Masuda Mitsunobu , Takeda Mitsumasa , Kinoshita Yuzo , Fukushima Shuji , Miyai Keikoku , Fukuoka Hiroshi , Hosaka Masahiko
Published: July 2007

Background: A multicenter, clinical trial investigated the effects of an interruption of antiandrogen therapy on subjective and objective clinical parameters in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Methods: Patients were given antiandrogen therapy with allylestrenol (50 mg/day) for 16 weeks. The medication was then withheld and the patients were carefully monitored for an additional 1 6 weeks. There were 34 BPH patients ranging in age from 55 to 82 years (mean, 66.1 years). The efficacy of allylestrenol was evaluated by its effects on prostate volume, maximum urinary flow rate (MFR), and symptom scores at the end of 16 weeks of treatment and then again at 32 weeks (16 weeks after cessation of therapy).

Results: Allylestrenol was effective in the treatment of BPH, and was still effective 16 weeks after the cessation of medication. The prostate volume did not change after treatment cessation nor did the total symptom score, but the MFR reversed to the pretreatment level. Serum testosterone (1.95 ng/mL), dihydrotestosterone, and gonadotropin levels decreased on therapy, but were completely reversed by the end of this study. A prostate needle biopsy revealed that after 16 weeks without therapy, some glands showed regressive glandular changes, while some glands showed slight hyperplastic changes of the secretory epithelium. Eight per cent of patients complained of loss of libido during this study.

Conclusions: Allylestrenol is an effective and safe medical treatment for patients with symptomatic BPH. Hormonal and histopathologic findings suggest that the prostate gland may regrow after discontinuation of medication.
Acquired Undescended Testis
Authors: Zhou Yun , Takahashi Go , Kono Shojiro , Takemura Hiroshi , Shinagawa Toshihito
Published: July 2007

We report an unusual case of a 22‐year‐old man who presented with the left testis spontaneously ascended to a non‐scrotal position. The testis had been documented to be intrascrotal without any sign of up‐migration when the man was 12 years old. On surgery, the cryptorchid testis was found to be located within the superficial inguinal pouch. The testis was atrophic with the spermatic cord too short. On dissection, a remnant string of the closed processus vaginalis was observed within the cord, and the distal end of the gubernaculum was abnormally attached to the fascia near inguinoscrotal junction. Histopathologic findings of the testis were that of the Sertoli‐cell‐only syndrome which may represent the end‐stage of germinal cell hypoplasia, a pathologic sequela common in postpubertal undescended testis. We recommend 3 diagnostic criteria for the acquired undescended testis and emphasize that testicular descent should be confirmed in infancy and re‐confirmed periodically through puberty by the health care physician. Our observations seem to support the theory that acquired undescended testis may be caused by a postnatal failure of the spermatic cord to elongate in proportion to somatic growth.
Pharmacologic Actions of Temiverine (p‐l NN) and its Active Metabolite, RCC‐36, on Isolated Human Urinary Bladder Muscle
Authors: Kikukawa Hiroaki , Yoshiday Masaki , Wada Yoshihiro , Nishi Kazuhiko , Ueda Shoichi
Published: July 2007

Background: Temiverine (p‐INN) is a newly synthesized drug that is expected to have anticholinergic action. We investigated the pharmacologic actions of temiverine and its active metabolite, RCC‐36, on isolated human bladder.

Methods: Effects of temiverine and RCC‐36 on the detrusor contractions induced by acetylcholine, potassium chloride (KCI), calcium chloride (CaCl2), and electric field stimulation were evaluated using the muscle‐bath technique, and compared with the effects of atropine and oxybutynin.

Results: Atropine (10‐9 to10‐6 mol/L), oxybutynin (1O‐8 to 10‐5 mol/L), temiverine (10‐8 to 10‐5 mol/L), and RCC‐36 (10‐8 to 3 times 10‐6 mol/L) caused a parallel shift to the right of the concentration‐response curves to acetylcholine stimulation. The rank order of PA2, value was atropine > oxybutynin = RCC‐36 > temiverine. Atropine did not suppress the maximum contractile response to acetylcholine, but the other drugs significantly suppressed this atthe higher concentrations. Each drug caused a concentrationdependent inhibition of KCI (80 mmol/L)‐, and CaCl2, (5 mmol/L)‐induced contractile responses. Rank order of maximum inhibition was RCC‐36 = temiverine > oxybutynin > atropine. Each drug caused a concentration‐dependent inhibition of electric field‐induced contraction with or without 10‐6 mol/L atropine pretreatment. Maximum inhibitions of temiverine and RCC‐36 were significantly greater than that of oxybutynin.

Conclusion: Atropine, oxybutynin, temiverine, and RCC‐36 have different efficacies and potencies of anticholinergic and calcium antagonistic activity on isolated human detrusor muscles. Furthermore, temiverine and RCC‐36 have significant inhibitory actions toward the atropine‐resistant part of contractions, which may be related to the calcium antagonistic actions of these compounds.
Production of a monoclonal antibody in plants with a humanized N‐glycosylation pattern
Authors: Schähs Matthias , Strasser Richard , Stadlmann Johannes , Kunert Renate , Rademacher Thomas , Steinkellner Herta
Published: July 2007

In recent years, plants have become an attractive alternative for the production of recombinant proteins. However, their inability to perform authentic mammalian N‐glycosylation may cause limitations for the production of therapeutics. A major concern is the presence of β1,2‐xylose and core α1,3‐fucose residues on complex N‐linked glycans, as these N‐glycan epitopes are immunogenic in mammals. In our attempts towards the humanization of plant N‐glycans, we have generated an Arabidopsis thaliana knockout line that synthesizes complex N‐glycans lacking immunogenic xylose and fucose epitopes. Here, we report the expression of a monoclonal antibody in these glycan‐engineered plants that carry a homogeneous mammalian‐like complex N‐glycan pattern without β1,2‐xylose and core α1,3‐fucose. Plant and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)‐derived immunoglobulins (IgGs) exhibited no differences in electrophoretic mobility and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent specificity assays. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of a knockout strategy for N‐glycan engineering of plants towards mammalian‐like structures, thus providing a significant improvement in the use of plants as an expression platform.
Funding Local Political Parties in England and Wales: Donations and Constituency Campaigns
Authors: Johnston Ron , Pattie Charles
Published: July 2007

The funding of political parties is an issue of considerable contemporary concern in the UK. Although most attention has been paid to the situation regarding national parties, the new funding regime introduced in 2001 also applies to constituency parties, and some concerns have been raised regarding the limits on spending and expenditure there. Using data released by the Electoral Commission on all donations above a specified minimum to constituency parties, this article looks at the pattern of donations over the period 2001–05. It then analyses the impact of spending on the 2005 constituency campaigns, showing that for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats substantial donations enhanced their vote-winning performances in seats where their candidates were challengers whereas for Labour substantial donations aided its performance in marginal seats that it was defending.
The Reality of Recovered Memories
Authors: Geraerts Elke , Schooler Jonathan W. , Merckelbach Harald , Jelicic Marko , J.A. Hauer Beatrijs , Ambadar Zara
Published: July 2007

Although controversy surrounds the relative authenticity of discontinuous versus continuous memories of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), little is known about whether such memories differ in their likelihood of corroborative evidence. Individuals reporting CSA memories were interviewed, and two independent raters attempted to find corroborative information for the allegations. Continuous CSA memories and discontinuous memories that were unexpectedly recalled outside therapy were more likely to be corroborated than anticipated discontinuous memories recovered in therapy. Evidence that suggestion during therapy possibly mediates these differences comes from the additional finding that individuals who recalled the memories outside therapy were markedly more surprised at the existence of their memories than were individuals who initially recalled the memories in therapy. These results indicate that discontinuous CSA memories spontaneously retrieved outside of therapy may be accurate, while implicating expectations arising from suggestions during therapy in producing false CSA memories.
Growing in Circles
Authors: Brown Alisha A. , Spetch Marcia L. , Hurd Peter L.
Published: July 2007

Animals of many species use the geometric shape of an enclosed rectangular environment to reorient, even in the presence of a more informative featural cue. Manipulating the rearing environment affects performance on spatial tasks, but its effect on the use of geometric versus featural navigational cues is unknown. Our study varied the geometric information available in the rearing environment (circular vs. rectangular rearing tanks) of convict cichlids (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) and tested their use of navigational cues. All the fish used geometric information to navigate when no features were present. When features were present, the fish used geometric and featural information separately. If cues were in conflict, fish raised in a circular tank showed significantly less use of geometric information than fish raised in a rectangular tank. Thus, the ability to use geometry to navigate does not require exposure to angular geometric cues during rearing, though rearing environment affects the dominance of featural and geometric cues.
Thinking While Talking
Authors: Newton Ashley M. , de Villiers Jill G.
Published: July 2007

This experiment tested the ability of 81 adult subjects to make a decision on a simple nonverbal false-belief reasoning task while concurrently either shadowing prerecorded spoken dialogue or tapping along with a rhythmic shadowing track. Our results showed that the verbal task, but not tapping, significantly disrupted false-belief reasoning, suggesting that language plays a key role in working theory of mind in adults, even when the false-belief reasoning is nonverbal.
Action Anticipation Through Attribution of False Belief by 2-Year-Olds
Authors: Southgate V. , Senju A. , Csibra G.
Published: July 2007

Two-year-olds engage in many behaviors that ostensibly require the attribution of mental states to other individuals. Yet the overwhelming consensus has been that children of this age are unable to attribute false beliefs. In the current study, we used an eyetracker to record infants' looking behavior while they watched actions on a computer monitor. Our data demonstrate that 25-month-old infants correctly anticipate an actor's actions when these actions can be predicted only by attributing a false belief to the actor.
Imitation in Infancy
Authors: Jones Susan S.
Published: July 2007

Parents of 162 infants ages 6 to 20 months modeled subsets of four of the same set of eight behaviors, each for a maximum of 3 min, and encouraged their infants to imitate. Proportions of infants producing each behavior (a) when it was modeled and (b) during modeling of a different behavior were compared to estimate the age at which infants mimicked each kind of behavior. No reproduction of these motor acts—that is, no mimicry—was observed at 6 months. Mimicry appeared to develop slowly through most of the 2nd year, emerging at different ages for different behaviors. The findings suggest that newborns' behavioral matching may not be continuous with mimicry later in infancy. Imitation is probably not one behavioral competency with one underlying mechanism. It is more likely a category of different ways of combining and using different types of knowledge, some of which develop across the first 2 years of life.
The Effect of Culture on Perspective Taking
Authors: Wu Shali , Keysar Boaz
Published: July 2007

People consider the mental states of other people to understand their actions. We evaluated whether such perspective taking is culture dependent. People in collectivistic cultures (e.g., China) are said to have interdependent selves, whereas people in individualistic cultures (e.g., the United States) are said to have independent selves. To evaluate the effect of culture, we asked Chinese and American pairs to play a communication game that required perspective taking. Eye-gaze measures demonstrated that the Chinese participants were more tuned into their partner's perspective than were the American participants. Moreover, Americans often completely failed to take the perspective of their partner, whereas Chinese almost never did. We conclude that cultural patterns of interdependence focus attention on the other, causing Chinese to be better perspective takers than Americans. Although members of both cultures are able to distinguish between their perspective and another person's perspective, cultural patterns afford Chinese the effective use of this ability to interpret other people's actions.
Within-Person Changes in the Structure of Emotion
Authors: Elaine Perunovic Wei Qi , Heller Daniel , Rafaeli Eshkol
Published: July 2007

This study explored the within-person dynamic organization of emotion in East-Asian Canadian bicultural individuals as they function in two cultural worlds. Using a diary design, we examined under what conditions their emotional structure resembles that of Westerners or that of East Asians. As predicted, when these bicultural individuals identified with a Western culture or had recently spoken a non-Asian language, their positive and negative affect were inversely associated. When they identified with an Asian culture or interacted in an Asian language, this inverse association disappeared. This study shows that as bicultural individuals identify and communicate with members of one or the other cultural group, they may adopt a culturally congruent phenomenology, including a distinct affective pattern.
For Whom the Mind Wanders, and When
Authors: Kane Michael J. , Brown Leslie H. , McVay Jennifer C. , Silvia Paul J. , Myin-Germeys Inez , Kwapil Thomas R.
Published: July 2007

An experience-sampling study of 124 undergraduates, pretested on complex memory-span tasks, examined the relation between working memory capacity (WMC) and the experience of mind wandering in daily life. Over 7 days, personal digital assistants signaled subjects eight times daily to report immediately whether their thoughts had wandered from their current activity, and to describe their psychological and physical context. WMC moderated the relation between mind wandering and activities' cognitive demand. During challenging activities requiring concentration and effort, higher-WMC subjects maintained on-task thoughts better, and mind-wandered less, than did lower-WMC subjects. The results were therefore consistent with theories of WMC emphasizing the role of executive attention and control processes in determining individual differences and their cognitive consequences.