bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Claudin-1, −2, −3, −4, −7, −8, and −10 Protein Expression in Biliary Tract Cancers
Authors: Németh Zsuzsanna , Szász Attila Marcell , Tátrai Péter , Németh Júlia , Györffy Hajnalka , Somorácz Áron , Szíjártó Attila , Kupcsulik Péter , Kiss András , Schaff Zsuzsa
Published: October 2008

Biliary tract cancers are relatively common malignant gastrointestinal tumors in the elderly. Claudins are integral components of tight junctions that play important roles in maintaining epithelial cell polarity, controlling paracellular diffusion, and regulating cell growth and differentiation. The expression profile of claudins has been extensively characterized, but few reports exist on their expression in the normal and neoplastic biliary tract. Our aim was therefore to study claudins by IHC reactions in normal and neoplastic biliary tract samples. We detected that claudin expressions differ in the normal sample groups: the normal gallbladder strongly expressed claudin-2, −3, −4, and −10, but only weak reactions were seen in normal intrahepatic bile ducts. Although each cancer type expressed several claudins with various intensities, only claudin-4 presented especially strong immunoreactions in extrahepatic bile duct cancers and gallbladder carcinomas, whereas claudin-1 and −10 presented in intrahepatic bile duct cancers. Comparing the normal and carcinoma groups, the most significant decrease was detected in the expression of claudin-10. In conclusion, the expression pattern of claudins is different in the various parts of the normal and neoplastic biliary tract; moreover, an unequivocal decrease was detected in the carcinomas compared with their corresponding normal samples. This manuscript contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org . Please visit this article online to view these materials.
Commercial Antibodies: The Good, Bad, and Really Ugly
Authors: Couchman John R.
Published: October 2008

The range of antibodies available commercially grows ever larger. Perhaps as a consequence, quality control is not always what it could and should be. Investigators must be aware of potential pitfalls and take steps to assure themselves that the specificity of each antibody is as advertised. Additionally, companies should provide the necessary information about the antigen and antibody to investigators, including references, so that the appropriate controls can be included.
Emerging Biomarkers for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sardana Girish , Dowell Barry , Diamandis Eleftherios P
Published: October 2008

Background: Early detection of prostate cancer (CaP), the most prevalent cancer and the second-leading cause of death in men, has proved difficult, and current detection methods are inadequate. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is a significant advance for early diagnosis of patients with CaP.

Content: PSA is produced almost exclusively in the prostate, and abnormalities of this organ are frequently associated with increased serum concentrations. Because of PSA’s lack of specificity for CaP, however, many patients undergo unnecessary biopsies or treatments for benign or latent tumors, respectively. Thus, a more specific method of CaP detection is required to augment or replace screening with PSA. The focus recently has been on creating cost-effective assays for circulating protein biomarkers in the blood, but because of the heterogeneity of CaP, it has become clear that this effort will be a formidable challenge. Each marker will require proper validation to ensure clinical utility. Although much work has been done on variations of the PSA test (i.e., velocity, density, free vs bound, proisoforms) with limited usefulness, there are many emerging markers at various stages of development that show some promise for CaP diagnosis. These markers include kallikrein-related peptidase 2 (KLK2), early prostate cancer antigen (EPCA), PCA3, hepsin, prostate stem cell antigen, and α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR). We review biomarkers under investigation for the early diagnosis and management of prostate cancer.

Summary: It is hoped that the use of panels of markers can improve CaP diagnosis and prognosis and help predict the therapeutic response in CaP patients.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry for the Direct Assay of Lysosomal Enzymes in Dried Blood Spots: Application to Screening Newborns for Mucopolysaccharidosis I
Authors: Blanchard Sophie , Sadilek Martin , Scott C Ronald , Turecek Frantisek , Gelb Michael H
Published: October 2008

Background: Treatments now available for mucopolysaccharidosis I require early detection for optimum therapy. Therefore, we have developed an assay appropriate for newborn screening of the activity of the relevant enzyme, α-L-iduronidase.

Methods: We synthesized a new α-L-iduronidase substrate that can be used to assay the enzyme by use of tandem mass spectrometry together with an internal standard or by fluorometry. The assay uses a dried blood spot on a newborn screening card as the enzyme source. The assay protocol uses a simple liquid-liquid extraction step before mass spectrometry. We optimized enzyme reaction conditions and procedures for the assay, including the concentration of substrate, the reaction pH, the incubation time, and mass spectrometer operation. We also assessed inter- and intraassay imprecision.

Results: When the assay was tested on dried blood spots, the α-L-iduronidase activity measured for 5 patients with mucopolysaccharidosis I was well below the interval found for 10 randomly chosen newborns. Inter- and intraassay imprecision were <10%. The synthesis of the α-L-iduronidase substrate is practical for use on a scale needed to support newborn screening demands.

Conclusions: This newly developed tandem mass spectrometry assay has the potential to be adopted for newborn screening of mucopolysaccharidosis I. This assay has advantages over a previously reported assay also developed in this laboratory and has the potential to be performed in a multiplex fashion to measure several lysosomal enzymes relevant to treatable lysosomal storage diseases.
A closer look at listening: interdisciplinarity and the varieties of languages employed in the conveyance of problem and solution
Authors: Chessin Laura , Garfin Gregg
Published: October 2008

This paper explores the possibilities for incorporating into higher education graphic design pedagogy a more interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to all phases of problem solving, from project identification and framing to concept development and evaluation. In this paper, interdisciplinary
is explored from two approaches: a theoretical/methodological framework, and an applied case study. The theoretical foundation of this paper draws upon the progressive (and some would call, revolutionary) Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. More than just a tool for the classroom,
the RE Approach suggests to us a comprehensive view of education and community building that is truly interdisciplinary: incorporating current understandings about brain research and psychology with politics and philosophy.

The applied example provided is a case study of a charette presented
to graphic design students by a graphic designer and climatologist, providing students the opportunity to hear the languages of two very different disciplines: science and design. This paper provides a theoretical foundation for the framing, presentation and evaluation of a project based on
an interdisciplinary model, and concludes with both suggestions for further directions, and questions about limitations and possible conflicts.
The swarming of the memes
Authors: Tresilian Nicholas
Published: October 2008

Traditional art history equates the production of the memes of visual art exclusively with individual consciousness. An evolutionary art history looks also at the patterns into which art-memes flow patterns that display striking synchronicities of cultural motivation, both within the
arts themselves and between the arts and sciences parallel patterns of collective memetic behaviour. We are all familiar with short-wave collective behaviour: football fans, evangelist meetings, political demonstrations, rioting crowds and panicking troops all display it. This paper is concerned
with long-wave collective behaviour, as evidenced in the migration of Western elite culture from the open to the closed meme in the arts and sciences of the Renaissance period, or again in the reciprocal cultural migration from closed to open memes going on in the arts and sciences at the
present time. How do we explain this swarming of the memes, such that artistic and scientific communication, despite their explicitly different forms, seem invisibly joined at the hip? Why do our memes rock'n'roll topologically between open and closed states? The paper suggests that memetic
swarming the synchronization of our memes in alternating open and closed states may be an expression of the sensitivity of our consciousness to the changing dynamics of our own relationship with the planetary biosphere through ecological evolution. If so, the ultimate driver of memetic
swarming may be an algorithm as commonplace and as universal as the figureground opposition: linking our evolution with our memes by way of a simple principle of reciprocity, such that consciousness will tend to output closed memes in periods of open evolution, and, reciprocally, closed memes
in periods of open evolution.
Play Orbit: a play on the history of play
Authors: Punt Michael
Published: October 2008

In 1969 Jasia Reichardt curated an exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art in London called Play Orbit. Although it has not achieved the landmark status of Reichardt's Cybernetic Serendipity, which was presented in London a year earlier, it caught the intellectual and artistic
mood of a newly emergent constituency of (largely British) artists who had benefited from a post-war revision of art education and a de-centring of intellectual energy away from the economic capitals.

It may be that Play Orbit will eventually be regarded in much the same way as Cybernetic
Serendipity that is, as a significant footnote in the history of contemporary art. By turning artists' attention to toys through this project, the categories of painting and sculpture dissolved and the Modernist imperative of the enduring observation that had informed the arts and letters
in a centred intellectual regime was seen for what it was: a colonial anachronism. The unapologetic relativism of play and the provisional truths of games coalesced in Play Orbit as confrontations to the essentialist materialism of the prevailing orthodoxy. In this sense Play Orbit, and its
extensive catalogue of images and essays, foreshadowed not only the critical style that followed the influence of Continental Theory in the mid 1970s but also anticipated the agenda of virtually all that has been written about games in the last decade. For all its apparent whimsy and reification
of idiosyncrasy, Play Orbit can now be seen as, above all, a constructively political intervention levered through the arts. For example, one of the more enduring and least contested impacts of the intellectual revisions of the last thirty years that Play Orbit foreshadowed is evident in the
practice of history not least the practice of history as a game to be played. This paper elaborates on these assertions and asks how games and games theory might be connected with their own political and intellectual history, and how contemporary artists who choose to benefit from the licence
that play endows might situate their work within what might be called Art Ludistory: a political play on the history of play.
Morales du Joujou: Ludic wonder objects
Authors: Jahrmann Margarete
Published: October 2008

This paper focuses on philosophical toy objects and neo-pataphysicist disciplines, everyday resistance by futility and play. Contemporary electromagnetic toys, smart objects and the Internet of Things will be compared to the seventeenth-century Wunderkammer objects. Historic
naturalia, objects and actual toy gadgetry will all be unveiled as alternate W.A.S.T.E. (Pynchon 1964) communications devices, among Habsburg peers. A proof of evidence for the functions of futile toys as resistance objects is given through the presentation of electronic circuit board designs
as new bachelor machines, chindogus (useless objects), subcutaneous Radio Frequency Bijoux (RFID-implants) and game fashion, as introduced by the author. But what are the consequences of the use of futile toys on the streets of everyday life? Do they entail a sustainable nascent practice in
arts? Who is allowed to play with the electromagnetic parallel worlds? Do electronic toys offer a parallel communications system in their futility? What is the actual role of electronic toys in an inverse trajectory backwards to their harbingers, which are philosophical toys, jeux bijoux
(blingblings to play with), Wunderkammer-toys (for peers to establish links with Potlatch-like gifts to tighten social relations) and the Ludic Spielzeug (a toy which empowers the player to recognize the futile toy as tool of resistance and backtalk to given economic and discourse
order)?
Origins of the Future: an artist's encaustic perspective
Authors: Audirac Fernando Leal
Published: October 2008

In most cultures, the Future is something we would not be expected to see we would either guess or imagine it. In the pre-Columbian cosmogony, as we move into multidimensional space, Future is behind and not ahead of our path, as it would be in almost all symbolic depictions,
all over the world. No concept about or for the Future can be drafted without a rich understanding of the idea of an Origin.
Adaptive Differentiation of Quantitative Traits in the Globally Distributed Weed, Wild Radish (Raphanus raphanistrum)
Authors: Sahli Heather F , Conner Jeffrey K , Shaw Frank H , Howe Stephen , Lale Allison
Published: October 2008

Weedy species with wide geographical distributions may face strong selection to adapt to new environments, which can lead to adaptive genetic differentiation among populations. However, genetic drift, particularly due to founder effects, will also commonly result in differentiation in colonizing species. To test whether selection has contributed to trait divergence, we compared differentiation at eight microsatellite loci (measured as FST) to differentiation of quantitative floral and phenological traits (measured as QST) of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) across populations from three continents. We sampled eight populations: seven naturalized populations and one from its native range. By comparing estimates of QST and FST, we found that petal size was the only floral trait that may have diverged more than expected due to drift alone, but inflorescence height, flowering time, and rosette formation have greatly diverged between the native and nonnative populations. Our results suggest the loss of a rosette and the evolution of early flowering time may have been the key adaptations enabling wild radish to become a major agricultural weed. Floral adaptation to different pollinators does not seem to have been as necessary for the success of wild radish in new environments.
Effects of Selection and Drift on G Matrix Evolution in a Heterogeneous Environment: A MultivariateQst–Fst Test With the Freshwater SnailGalba truncatula
Authors: Chapuis Elodie , Martin Guillaume , Goudet Jérôme
Published: October 2008

Unraveling the effect of selection vs. drift on the evolution of quantitative traits is commonly achieved by one of two methods. Either one contrasts population differentiation estimates for genetic markers and quantitative traits (the Qst–Fst contrast) or multivariate methods are used to study the covariance between sets of traits. In particular, many studies have focused on the genetic variance–covariance matrix (the G matrix). However, both drift and selection can cause changes in G. To understand their joint effects, we recently combined the two methods into a single test (accompanying article by Martin et al.), which we apply here to a network of 16 natural populations of the freshwater snail Galba truncatula. Using this new neutrality test, extended to hierarchical population structures, we studied the multivariate equivalent of the Qst–Fst contrast for several life-history traits of G. truncatula. We found strong evidence of selection acting on multivariate phenotypes. Selection was homogeneous among populations within each habitat and heterogeneous between habitats. We found that the G matrices were relatively stable within each habitat, with proportionality between the among-populations (D) and the within-populations (G) covariance matrices. The effect of habitat heterogeneity is to break this proportionality because of selection for habitat-dependent optima. Individual-based simulations mimicking our empirical system confirmed that these patterns are expected under the selective regime inferred. We show that homogenizing selection can mimic some effect of drift on the G matrix (G and D almost proportional), but that incorporating information from molecular markers (multivariate Qst–Fst) allows disentangling the two effects.
Immediate Load and Esthetic Zone Considerations to Replace Maxillary Incisor Teeth Using a New Zirconia Implant Abutment in the Bone Grafted Anterior Maxilla
Authors: Lee Cameron Y. S. , Hasegawa Henry
Published: October 2008

The goal of this prospective clinical study is to evaluate a new all-ceramic implant abutment made from zirconium oxide during the immediate load of dental implants placed in the block grafted anterior maxilla. This new zirconia abutment gives the clinician the opportunity to provide the patient with an all-ceramic restorative system (abutment and crown) for an optimum esthetic result and a high level of patient satisfaction. A total of 9 hydroxyapatite-coated dental implants were surgically placed in 9 patients and were immediately loaded 5 to 7 days later with a custom composite provisional restoration that was placed out of functional occlusion. Each prefabricated, natural colored zirconia abutment was shaped and connected to the implant with a titanium screw. Provisional restorations were cemented to the zirconia abutment with the use of temporary cement. Twelve weeks later, the provisional restoration was replaced with an all-ceramic restoration. Over a 52-week observation period, no abutment fractures occurred, and no abutment screw loosening was observed. No implants failed. All 9 patients reported total satisfaction regarding esthetic quality of the all-ceramic restorative system (abutment and implant). Preliminary results of this clinical study indicate that this new zirconia abutment offers the clinician and the patient exceptional strength, optimal esthetics, and simplicity. It is of important clinical significance that use of this all-ceramic abutment eliminates the well-known disadvantages of metal abutments.
A path through the equivalence minefield
Authors: Eddy John W , Proctor Selene , Lambert Alice , Qureshi Sarah
Published: October 2008

Entry to the General Medical Council specialist register via equivalence requires extensive evidence, based on specialty‐specific guidance.

Candidates who discuss their applications in advance with the Head of Specialist Registration at the RCOG have a higher chance of entering the register.

The curriculum vitae (CV) must be supported by validated documents.

Referees must take reasonable steps to verify information.

Learning objectives:

To understand the process of application to the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board.

To be aware of the evidence required.

To understand the pitfalls of writing a reference.

Ethical issues:

References should conform to the General Medical Council's good medical practice guidelines.

Patient data should not be included in the application.

Those signing off clinical practice or attendance at courses should have seen evidence of attendance or completion.

Please cite this article as: Eddy JW, Proctor S, Lambert A, Qureshi S. A path through the equivalence minefield. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2008;10:257–262.
Lenalidomide in Combination with Dexamethasone for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma After One Prior Therapy
Authors: Hazarika Maitreyee , Rock Edwin , Williams Gene , Dagher Ramzi , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Booth Brian , Farrell Ann , Justice Robert , Pazdur Richard
Published: October 2008

Purpose.

Lenalidomide (CC-5013, Revlimid®; Celgene Corporation, Summit, NJ), a thalidomide analogue, was granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 29, 2006, for use in combination with dexamethasone in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least one prior therapy. The FDA approved lenalidomide with a restricted distribution program, RevAssist®.

Experimental Design.

In two randomized, double-blind, multicenter studies, the combination of lenalidomide and dexamethasone (LD) was compared with placebo and dexamethasone (PD) in patients with MM who had received at least one prior therapy. The primary endpoint was time to progression (TTP).

Results.

Following a prespecified interim analysis of TTP, an independent data-monitoring committee advised the sponsor to halt the two studies. For both studies, the interim analysis for efficacy revealed a statistically significant longer TTP with LD than with PD.

The most clinically relevant grade 3 and 4 adverse events that occurred more frequently in the LD arm were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and atrial fibrillation. Thrombotic or thromboembolic events, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, thrombosis, and intracranial venous sinus thrombosis were reported more frequently in patients treated with LD than with PD.

Conclusions.

The FDA approved lenalidomide based on interim results from two multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized trials comparing the combination of LD with PD that revealed a longer TTP with LD than with PD. The major toxicity observed during these trials was myelosuppression. The serious toxicities included thromboembolic events. Lenalidomide is only available under the RevAssist® Program.
Current and Emerging Strategies for the Management of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Elderly
Authors: Laubach Jacob , Rao Arati V.
Published: October 2008

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader should be able to: Describe the epidemiology of AML in the U.S.Identify the biological characteristics of AML in elderly patients that confer resistance to therapy.Discuss the targets of emerging therapies for AML in elderly patients.

CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) accounts for approximately 80% of acute leukemias diagnosed in adults. The elderly are disproportionately affected by AML, as 35% of newly diagnosed patients are aged ≥75 and the median age at diagnosis is 67. Elderly individuals also respond less well to standard chemotherapy than do younger individuals, as reflected by lower complete remission and relapse-free survival rates in major clinical trials. A higher prevalence of comorbid conditions as well as the unique biological features of elderly AML patients account for the relatively poor response to therapy observed in this population. Compared with AML in younger individuals, for example, AML in the elderly more often emerges from a preceding myelodysplastic syndrome and is more frequently associated with poor-prognosis karyotypes such as 5q− or 7q−. The introduction of novel therapies over the past decade has already altered the treatment paradigm of elderly individuals with AML. The first of these to emerge was gemtuzumab ozogamicin. Other agents are currently under evaluation in clinical trials, including inhibitors of multidrug resistance, farnesyltransferase inhibitors, novel nucleoside analogues, and inhibitors of the FMS-like tyrosine kinase-3. This review describes the biological features of AML in the elderly and summarizes both the current and emerging strategies for the treatment of this disease in older individuals.
All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among Men Released From State Prison, 1980–2005
Authors: Rosen David L. , Schoenbach Victor J. , Wohl David A.
Published: October 2008

Objectives. We compared mortality of ex-prisoners and other state residents to identify unmet health care needs among former prisoners.

Methods. We linked North Carolina prison records with state death records for 1980 to 2005 to estimate the number of overall and cause-specific deaths among male ex-prisoners aged 20 to 69 years and used standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) to compare these observed deaths with the number of expected deaths had they experienced the same age-, race-, and cause-specific death rates as other state residents.

Results. All-cause mortality among White (SMR = 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.04, 2.13) and Black (SMR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.05) ex-prisoners was greater than for other male NC residents. Ex-prisoners' deaths from homicide, accidents, substance use, HIV, liver disease, and liver cancer were greater than the expected number of deaths estimated using death rates among other NC residents. Deaths from cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, respiratory diseases, and diabetes were at least 30% greater than expected for White ex-prisoners, but less than expected for Black ex-prisoners.

Conclusions. Ex-prisoners experienced more deaths than would have been expected among other NC residents. Excess deaths from injuries and medical conditions common to prison populations highlight ex-prisoners' medical vulnerability and the need to improve correctional and community preventive health services.
Effects of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign on Youths
Authors: Hornik Robert , Jacobsohn Lela , Orwin Robert , Piesse Andrea , Kalton Graham
Published: October 2008

Objectives. We examined the cognitive and behavioral effects of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign on youths aged 12.5 to 18 years and report core evaluation results.

Methods. From September 1999 to June 2004, 3 nationally representative cohorts of US youths aged 9 to 18 years were surveyed at home 4 times. Sample size ranged from 8117 in the first to 5126 in the fourth round (65% first-round response rate, with 86%–93% of still eligible youths interviewed subsequently). Main outcomes were self-reported lifetime, past-year, and past-30-day marijuana use and related cognitions.

Results. Most analyses showed no effects from the campaign. At one round, however, more ad exposure predicted less intention to avoid marijuana use (γ = −0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.13, −0.01) and weaker antidrug social norms (γ = −0.05; 95% CI = −0.08, −0.02) at the subsequent round. Exposure at round 3 predicted marijuana initiation at round 4 (γ = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.00, 0.22).

Conclusions. Through June 2004, the campaign is unlikely to have had favorable effects on youths and may have had delayed unfavorable effects. The evaluation challenges the usefulness of the campaign.
Measuring the Value of Public Health Systems: The Disconnect Between Health Economists and Public Health Practitioners
Authors: Neumann Peter J. , Jacobson Peter D. , Palmer Jennifer A.
Published: October 2008

We investigated ways of defining and measuring the value of services provided by governmental public health systems. Our data sources included literature syntheses and qualitative interviews of public health professionals. Our examination of the health economic literature revealed growing attempts to measure value of public health services explicitly, but few studies have addressed systems or infrastructure. Interview responses demonstrated no consensus on metrics and no connection to the academic literature. Key challenges for practitioners include developing rigorous, data-driven methods and skilled staff; being politically willing to base allocation decisions on economic evaluation; and developing metrics to capture “intangibles” (e.g., social justice and reassurance value). Academic researchers evaluating the economics of public health investments should increase focus on the working needs of public health professionals.
Responsibility as an Ethical Framework for Public Health Interventions
Authors: Turoldo Fabrizio
Published: October 2008

Bioethical debate has been characterized from the beginning by the central importance placed on autonomy. This is because bioethics has, until now, been concerned with the relationship between doctor and patient in a clinical context or, alternatively, with the rights of individuals involved in biomedical research. The increased involvement of bioethics in the domain of public health, however, makes it necessary to refer to other principles and values, thus shaping a new responsibility-focused bioethics that extends itself beyond the early boundaries of this discipline.
Heritage of Army Audiology and the Road Ahead: The Army Hearing Program
Authors: McIlwain D. Scott , Gates Kathy , Ciliax Donald
Published: October 2008

Noise-induced hearing loss has been documented as early as the 16th century, when a French surgeon, Ambroise Paré, wrote of the treatment of injuries sustained by firearms and described acoustic trauma in great detail. Even so, the protection of hearing would not be addressed for three more centuries, when the jet engine was invented and resulted in a long overdue whirlwind of policy development addressing the prevention of hearing loss.

We present a synopsis of hearing loss prevention in the US Army and describe the current Army Hearing Program, which aims to prevent noise-induced hearing loss in soldiers and to ensure their maximum combat effectiveness.
Smoking and Cognitive Decline Among Middle-Aged Men and Women: The Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: Nooyens Astrid C. J. , van Gelder Boukje M. , Verschuren W. M. Monique
Published: October 2008

Objectives. We studied the effect of smoking on cognitive decline over a 5-year period at middle age (43 to 70 years).

Methods. In the Doetinchem Cohort Study, 1964 men and women in the Netherlands were examined for cognitive function at baseline and 5 years later. The association between smoking status and memory function, speed of cognitive processes, cognitive flexibility, and global cognitive function were assessed.

Results. At baseline, smokers scored lower than never smokers in global cognitive function, speed, and flexibility. At 5-year follow-up, decline among smokers was 1.9 times greater for memory function, 2.4 times greater for cognitive flexibility, and 1.7 times greater for global cognitive function than among never smokers. Among ever smokers, the declines in all cognitive domains were larger with increasing number of pack-years smoked.

Conclusions. Interventions to prevent or stop people from smoking may postpone cognitive decline in middle-aged persons.
A Robust Nonlinear Observer for State Variables Estimation in Multi-Input Multi-Output Chemical Reactors
Authors: Daaou Bachir , Mansouri Abdellah , Bouhamida Mohamed , Chenafa Mohammed
Published: October 2008

In this paper we tackle the on-line estimation of state variables in MIMO continuous stirred chemical reactor (CSTR) using a nonlinear observer. We prove the asymptotic stability of the resulting error system. Moreover, this observer has robust performance in the presence of model uncertainty and measurement noise. Finally, computer simulations are developed for showing the performance of the proposed nonlinear observer.
Detection of avian rotavirus-like virus in broiler chickens in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed MS , Ahmed MU
Published: October 2008

The presence of rotavirus infection in broiler chickens (1-2 weeks old) was studied. A total of 232 faecal specimens were collected during the period from July to September 2004 and examined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining (PAGE-ss) technique for the presence of rotavirus dsRNA in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The total prevalence of rotavirus infection in broiler chickens was in Gazipur 2.43% and 0% in Mymensingh. In the two specimens positive for avian rotavirus (ARV), identical and peculiar RNA patterns were observed and were not similar to those for groups A, D, or F, butÂ  partially similar to that of group G rotavirus, suggesting that these viruses may belong to novel rotavirus group. Additional studies on more numbers of strains obtained from different flocks will be necessary to substantiate the notable observation. Key words: Avian rotavirus-like virus, broiler chickensDOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v4i2.1287Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (2): 73â77
Prevalence of amphistomes in Black Bengal goats in Mymensingh district
Authors: Uddin MZ , Farjana T , Begum N , Mondal MMH
Published: October 2008

To investigate the prevalence of amphistome parasites in Black Bengal goats slaughtered at different slaughterhouses of Mymensingh district, a total of 144 gastro-intestinal tracts were examined during the period of July 1998 to June 1999 in the Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Out of 144 Black Bengal goats, 105 (72.92%) were infected with a single or multiple species of amphistomes.Â  In present investigation, three species of amphistomes viz Paramphistomum cervi, Cotylophoron cotylophorum and Gastrothylax crumenifer were identified. The highest infection was observed with Paramphistomum cervi (65.28%) and lowest infection with Cotylophoron cotylophorum (36.11%). Mixed infections with two or more species of amphistomes were found in 60.42%. Age had a significant (p < 0.01) influence on the prevalence of amphistomes in goat. A higher prevalence (89.58%) was observed in older animals followed by young animals (78.57%), whereas a lower prevalence (45.0%) in growing animals. However, the prevalence increased with the increase of age. The females (75.0%) were found more (1.44 times) susceptible to amphistomes infection than the males (67.5%). The prevalence of amphistomes was very high all the year round and the rate of infection was 83.64%, 69.23% and 64.0% during monsoon, winter and summer season respectively. The present study concluded that Black Bengal goats are susceptible to amphistome infection irrespective of age, sex and season of the year. So, control of these parasites is essential and the further investigation is needed, focusing on control procedures of amphistomes infection in goats. Key Words: Amphistomes, prevalence, Black Bengal goats DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v4i2.1292 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (2): 103-106
Study on Mycoplasma gallisepticum in chickens in selected areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Barua SR , Prodhan AM , Islam S , Chowdhury S
Published: October 2008

The present study was aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in chickens in two selected areas; Lohagara and Satkania Upazila of Chittagong district. The study was conducted from July to October 2004 that was based on Rapid Serum Plate Agglutination (SPA) test. The serological test was done on 400 samples which revealed prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum were 53% in broiler and 73% in layer at Lohagara, where as 46% in broiler and 60% in layer at Satkania Upazilla. Key words: Mycoplasma, seroprevalence, rapid serum plate agglutination DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v4i2.1299 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (2): 141-142
Investigation on the immunity level of breeder flocks following vaccination with Newcastle disease virus vaccine
Authors: Samad MA , Kafi MA , Amin MM , Gani MO
Published: October 2008

In an investigation of Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination programme, the performance of ND killed vaccine as a secondary one was performed to examine duration and level of antibody in both broiler and layer breeder parent stock in the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, BAU, Mymensingh during the period from January to April 2004. For this, a total of 210 broiler and layer breeder birds of seven different breeds and ages flocks with history of regular vaccination were selected. A total of 30 breeder birds were selected for each of the experimental group. Birds, each of seven flocks were vaccinated with commercially availably two ND killed vaccine named as "Newcevac NobilisÂ®" and "Nobivac ND broilerÂ®", Intervet. The Lohman Brown (LB-31), BV-300 (B-36), BV-300 (B-22) and Lohman Brown (LB-24) layer breeder birds were vaccinated with Newcevac NobilisÂ® killed vaccine @ 0.5ml/bird by intra-muscular route at 28, 25, 16 and 19 weeks of age and blood samples were collected at the age of 31, 36, 22 and 24 weeks and showed mean HI antibody titer Â± SD 1518.93 Â± 593.50, 563.20 Â± 303.65, 1177.60 Â± 618.36 and 1604.26 Â± 655.04 respectively. In case of broiler breeder parent stock, Kasila (K-16), Kasila (K-34) and CoBB (Co-17) which were vaccinated with Nobivac ND broilerÂ® killed vaccine @ 0.2ml/bird by intra-muscular route at 13, 24 and 13 weeks of age and sera samples were collected at 16, 34 and 17 weeks of age respectively which showed mean HI antibody titre Â± SD 1117.87 Â± 670.55, 725.33 Â± 315.93 and 1109.33 Â± 670.04 respectively. Considering the result of the study, vaccination with ND killed vaccine provoked a high level of humoral immunity and such a high level of antibody, as were observed, could be useful for breeder farms where chicks are required to have higher maternal antibody during their chick hood. Key Words: Breeder, parent stock, immunity, antibody, NDV Â Â Â  DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v5i1.1303 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2007). 5 (1 & 2): 15-18
Effect of enzyme and vitamin supplementation on physio-biochemical parameters in broiler chickens
Authors: Ahmed S , Rashid MB , Lucky NS , Ahmad N , Myenuddin M
Published: October 2008

The present research was carried out on broilers to study the effect of oral administration of enzymes and vitamins on growth, haematological parameters and biochemical parameters in the Department of Physiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University for the period of 21 days from 15th January to 5th February 2007. A total of 20 broiler birds of 20 day old were divided into four equal groups as A, B, C and D. Group A was maintained as control and was fed only with commercial broiler ration through out the experimental period.Â  Group B was treated with enzymes @ 1 gm per litre of drinking water, group C was treated with vitamins @ 0.5 gm per litre of drinking water and group D was treated with enzymes and vitamins combinedly at the rate of above mentioned dose. Body weight was recorded at 7 days interval up to the end of the 21 days of experimental period and the birds were sacrificed on the final day of experiment to collect blood sample for haematological (TEC, Hb, PCV and ESR) and biochemical study (SGOT and SGPT). Body weight was increased significantly (p < Â 0.01) in all the treated groups compared with the control group and highest was recorded in group D. TEC, PCV and Hb content increased significantly (p < 0.01) in the treated groups as compared to that of control group but ESR, SGOT and SGPT values decreased significantly (p < 0.01) in all the treated groups as compared to that of control group. The result reveals that use of enzymes and vitamins is an effective way of getting best result in terms of body weight gain and haemato-biochemical profiles in broiler birds. Key words: Broiler, enzyme, vitamin, body weight, haemato-biochemical parametersDOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v5i1.1311 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2007). 5 (1 & 2): 55-58
Evaluation of protective immunity against experimental Dirofilaria immitis infection in Beagle dogs
Authors: Talukder MH , Ueda K , Hajime T , Kanako S , Kawamura S , Hikasa Y
Published: October 2008

Prevention of heartworm is a key goal of pet wellness. An experimental trial was carried out to induce the immunologic protection against Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs during the period from July 2005 to November 2006. Â To evaluate the three protocols of immunization, dogs were separately immunized with gamma-irradiated infective larvae; with chemical abbreviation of infection; with chemical abbreviation plus Freund's complete adjuvant respectively. Each trial consisted of immunized and control groups and each group composed of two dogs. All dogs used for this study were subcutaneously challenged with 100 intact third-stage larvae at designated times after the last immunization following the above three protocols. The dogs were euthanized and necropsized between 120 to 175 days after challenge infection for the worms in the right ventricle of the heart and pulmonary arteries. Number of worms and sexes were determined. A mean of 36 worms from the immunized groups with irradiated L3; 33 worms from the chemically-abbreviated group whereas 13 worms from the chemical abbreviation plus Freund's complete adjuvant group were recovered. The percentages of the average protection in three groups were 45.80%, 55.05% and 77.90% respectively. The adjuvant enhanced the protective immunity against L3 challenge infection. The ELISA values do not explain the intensity of the protection, but shown adequately the immunized dogs responding to the immunization performed in this experiment. Key words: Heartworm, protective immunity, chemical-abbreviation, gamma-irradiated larvae DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v5i1.1323 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2007). 5 (1 & 2): 93-98
In situ hybridization histochemistry: a novel method for neuronal tissues study
Authors: Islam MR
Published: October 2008

The aim of the present study to explore the convenient method of in situ hybridization histochemistry for neuronal tissues studies. The glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1) 35S labeled oligonucleotide probe was used for in situ hybridization histochemistry. The glutamate receptor 1 mRNA expression was found abundantly in the dentate gyrus, Ammon`s horn, and subiculum of the rat hippocampus. In comparison to immunohistochemistry as well as use several types of probes like double strand DNA probe, single strand DNA probe, and RNA probe, the most convenient is oligonucleotide probe for the rapid assessment of the expression of a cloned ion channel by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Key words: Oligonucleotide probe, autoradiogram, hippocampus, rat DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v5i1.1327 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2007). 5 (1 & 2): 111-114
Macro-anatomy of the bones of the forelimb of Black Bengal goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Siddiqui MSI , Khan MZI , Moonmoon S , Islam MN , Jahan MR
Published: October 2008

In the present study, five Black Bengal goats (Capra hircus) were used to investigate the bones of fore limb during January to June 2006. It was observed topographically that the scapula was more or less similar to other ruminant animal topographically with exception that, the presence of very short coracoid process, more or less oval shaped glenoid cavity and more extensive subscapular fossa. The humerus of adult Black Bengal goat was 12.06 Â± 0.27cm in length. The diameter of shaft at the level of nutrient foramen was 4.24 Â± 0.05 cm. The breadth of humerus was 1.66 Â± 0.06 cm. The deltoid tuberosity was less prominent and there was shallow radial and olecranon fossa. The radius of adult Black Bengal goat was 11.12 Â± 0.23 cm in length. The diameter of shaft of radius-ulna just below the interosseous space was 3.86 Â± 0.12cm. The total length of ulna of adult Black Bengal goat was 14.20 Â± 0.20 cm. The interosseous space was found very narrow in the present study. Six carpal bones arranged in two rows, four in proximally and two in distally were found in Black Bengal goat. Two fully developed digits were found in Black Bengal goat. Each digit had three phalanges. The total length of proximal phalanx of adult Black Bengal goat was 2.88 Â± 0.08 cm, in the middle phalanx it was 1.88 Â± 0.03 cm and in distal phalanx the length was2.56 Â± 0.05 cm. In conclusion the present data suggest that, the anatomy of the bones of fore limbs of Black Bengal goat was differed slightly, both structurally and morphometrically with other ruminants and varied widely with non-ruminant animals. Key Words: Macro-anatomy, fore limb, skeleton, black bengal goat DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v6i1.1340 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6(1): 59-66
Evaluation of sanitary quality of goat meat obtained from slaughter yards and meat stalls at late market hours
Authors: Haque MA , Siddique MP , Habib MA , Sarkar V , Choudhury KA
Published: October 2008

The microbiological investigation was conducted to determine the level of contamination of goat meat processed by butchers in slaughter yards and meat stalls and also at different body regions such as neck, brisket and thigh during the peroid of July to November 2007 in the Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, Bangladesh. A total number of 36 meat samples were collected equally from three slaughter yards and meat stalls namely Koshaibari, Mymensingh town and BAU campus, each containing 12 samples. Out of these 12 samples, four samples from brisket region, four samples from neck region, and four samples from thigh region were taken. After collection, bacteriological analysis of the samples were performed to asses the selected microbial attributes such as TVC, TCC and TSC in goat meat cuts of different sources by using Plate Count (PC) agar, MacConkey (MC) agar and Staphylococcal Media (SM-110) medium to find out the sanitary quality of goat meat. The mean values of TVC on slaughter yards and meat stalls were log 6.03 and log 6.53 respectively, whereas the TCC showed log 4.85 and log 3.82 respectively and that of TSC were 3.31 and 3.82 respectively. The mean values of TVC in brisket, neck and thigh regions of slaughter yards were log 6.11, log 6.01, log 6.31 and in meat stalls were log 6.48, log 6.30, log 6.84 respectively, whereas the TCC values of slaughter yards showed log 4.77, log 4.36, log 5.12 and meat stalls log 4.94, log 4.68, log 5.42 respectively. In case of TSC values, the mean values were log 3.83, log 3.07, log 4.06 and log 3.96, log 3.37, log 4.22 respectively. The result demonstrates the fact that the unhygienic and poor sanitary conditions under which the meat and meat products are handled and processed are not acceptable from sanitary point of view. The statistical analysis showed that TVC and TCC obtained from meat samples of different markets and different regions of the carcass exhibited regional variation significantly (P < 0.01), whereas TSC did not present any remarkable regional variation. A significant correlation in TVC and TCC was found (P < 0.01) and similar correlation was also recorded in TCC and TSC (P < 0.01), but it is interesting to note that there was no significant correlation in between TVC and TSC. Key words: Goat meat, TVC, TCC, TSC, sanitary quality. DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v6i1.1343 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2008). 6 (1): 87-92