bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atrazine-induced degranulation of thyroid mast cells in peripubertal and adult rats
Authors: Rajkovic Vesna , Kovac Renata , Koledin Ivana , Matavulj Milica 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Atrazine is a commonly used pesticide in the US and the non-EU countries. It is classified as an endocrine-disrupting chemical and is well-known for its reproductive toxicity in mammals and lower vertebrates. The study on atrazine effects on thyroid mast cells was performed on juvenile/peripubertal and adult male Wistar rats orally gavaged with atrazine at doses of 50 mg/kg of body weight (bw) or 200 mg/kg bw. In order to visualize the mast cell population within the thyroid gland, a histochemical staining method of toluidine blue was used. The results of the histological evaluation demonstrated a prominent increase in mast cell degranulation in both age groups and at both atrazine doses. According to the stereological analysis, a statistically significant decrease in the mast cell volume density in the young rats exposed to a higher dose of atrazine was found when compared to the corresponding control. The numerical density of mast cells significantly decreased in a higher-dose atrazine treated adults in comparison to the control. The obtained data suggest that atrazine-affected mast cells would probably have a consequent influence on thyroid follicular cells and/or thyroid microvasculature via paracrine action of released mediators, but might also be involved in already suggested thyroid cancerogenesis.
Changes in migration phenology and biometrical traits of Reed, Marsh and Sedge Warblers
Authors: Kovács Szilvia , Fehérvári Péter , Nagy Krisztina , Harnos Andrea , Csörgő Tibor 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Global environmental processes like climate change could severely affect population level migratory behaviour of long range migrant birds. We analyzed changes in migration phenology and biometrics of three closely-related long-distance migrant Acrocephalus species. We used the records of 12 063 Sedge, 12 913 Reed, and 5 409 Marsh Warblers caught and ringed between 1989–2009, at a Hungarian stopover site. Quantile regressions were used to analyse the changes in spring and autumn migration phenology. Median spring arrival date of Sedge and Reed Warblers shifted 6.5 and 7.5 days earlier, respectively. Autumn arrival of all species shifted one (Reed and Marsh Warblers) or two (Sedge Warbler) weeks later. Mean body mass of adult Reed and Marsh Warblers decreased in spring (by 0.3 and 0.2 grams, respectively) and in autumn (by 0.8 and 0.2 grams, respectively) while body mass of adult Sedge Warblers decreased only in autumn (by 0.4 grams). Mean wing length of all species increased significantly (range of change: 0.6–1 mm). Despite the fact that the studied species are closely related, all three have remarkably different migration strategies. However, similar patterns can be observed in the studied parameters, indicating that global processes may have general effects on these species, albeit through markedly different mechanisms.
Cholic acid changes defense response to oxidative stress in soybean induced by Aspergillus niger
Authors: Malenčić Djordje , Kevrešan Slavko , Popović Milan , Štajner Dubravka , Popović Boris , Kiprovski Biljana , Djurić Simonida 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in soybean leaves and roots infected with plant pathogen Aspergillus niger were studied following treatment with different concentrations of cholic acid. Several oxidative stress parameters were analyzed: production of superoxide (O2
·−) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH), lipid peroxidation (LP), and superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) activity, as well as the content of reduced glutathione (GSH). Results showed that inoculation with A. niger led to the increase of O2
·− production and GSH quantities in leaves and ·OH in roots. The highest activity of SOD occured in infected plants treated with cholic acid in concentrations of 40 and 60 mg L−1 which ultimately led to a decrease in O2
·− production. Inoculation with Aspergillus in combination with elevated cholic acid concentrations also increased ·OH production which is correlated with increased LP. These results may support the idea of using cholic acid as an elicitor to trigger hypersensitive response in plant cells. Use of cholic acid may also actively contribute to soybean plants defense response against pathogen attack.
Biological activity and composition of teas and tinctures prepared from Rosa rugosa Thunb.
Authors: Olech Marta , Nowak Renata , Los Renata , Rzymowska Jolanta , Malm Anna , Chrusciel Katarzyna 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The study was designed to determine the total phenolic, flavonoid, o-dihydroxyphenol, tannin, and carotenoid content as well as the antiradical, antitumor and antimicrobial properties of two types of galenic preparations from Rosa rugosa Thunb. Such extracts obtained from various plant parts have not been studied to date. Our findings have revealed high antiradical activity of the examined galenic preparations, with root, leaf and flower extracts (IC50 ranging from 0.27 to 0.19 mg of dry extract per mg DPPH·) showing the greatest potential. MIC and MBC values against 8 reference bacterial strains (i.e. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus
subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis) were determined. Generally, tinctures were found to be more active than teas with MIC ranging from 0.08 to 2.5 mg mL−1 and 0.31 to 1.25 mg mL−1, respectively. Anticancer activities against ovarian (TOV-112D), cervical (HeLa), breast (T47D) and lung cancer (A549) cell lines were evaluated using the BrdU test. The data obtained demonstrate considerable impact of polyphenols on the anticancer activity of extracts (ethanolic, in particular).
Polypyrrole coating of inorganic and organic materials by chemical oxidative polymerisation
Authors: Omastová Mária , Mičušík Matej 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPolypyrrole is one of the most frequently studied conducting polymers, having high electrical conductivity and stability, suitable for multi-functionalised applications. Coatings of chemically synthesised polypyrrole applied onto various organic and inorganic materials, such as polymer particles and films, nanoparticles of metal oxides, clay minerals, and carbon nanotubes are reviewed in this paper. Its primary subject is the formation of new materials and their application in which chemical oxidative polymerisation of pyrrole was used. These combined materials are used in antistatic applications, such as anti-corrosion coating, radiation-shielding, but also as new categories of sensors, batteries, and components for organic electronics are created by coating substrates with conducting polymer layers or imprinting technologies.
Speciation of heavy metals in sewage sludge after mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion
Authors: Dąbrowska Lidia 
Published: December 2011

AbstractTwo types of sewage sludge anaerobic digestion were carried out: mesophilic and thermophilic. Metal speciation analysis was performed revealing some changes in the chemical form of the metals during the stabilization process of sludge. After both methane fermentation processes, a comparable level of organic matter distribution was obtained (≈ 40 %). The amount of produced methane during thermophilic and mesophilic digestion was 560 mL of CH4 and 580 mL of CH4 from 1 g of removed organic matter, respectively. Low concentration of heavy metal ions in the liquid phase of sludge was observed. Metal ions precipitated and remained bound throughout the stabilization process. No accumulation of heavy metals in the mobile fractions of sludge (exchangeable and carbonate) was observed for either digestion process. The highest increase of zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, and chromium concentration was observed in the organic-sulfide fraction, whereas the highest increase of lead was found in the residual fraction.
Democratic values in the aesthetics of classic American pragmatism
Authors: Skowroński Krzysztof 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
In the present paper an interpretation of the political dimension of pragmatic aesthetic reflection is proposed. The interconnection between politics and aesthetics in three classic American pragmatists: William James (1842–1910), John Dewey (1859–1952), and George Herbert Mead (1863–1931) is evoked. The author claims that by emphasizing the role of democratic values in philosophy and life, the classic American pragmatists encroach upon the field of the arts and aesthetics. Their emphasis put upon individual activity, free expression of thoughts, plurality of the forms of expression, and acceptance of criticism as a tool helping create better solutions in human cooperation can easily be converted into the postulates about the character of the artistic principles and of the nature of the aesthetic norms and values.
Art for the Soviet home
Authors: Reid Susan 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
As an intensive housing construction drive in the late 1950s began to provide separate apartments for millions of Soviet citizens, aesthetic experts envisioned the Soviet home as a potential site for the display of works of art and for amateur aesthetic production. In the context of de-Stalinization, reformist artists and aestheticians committed to the liberalization and modernization of Soviet artistic criteria, promoted the value of amateur art and even of home decorating in the formation of the new person who would live under communism. They also pressed for affordable art and craft to be made available to ordinary people for their new homes. Thereby they would dwell in their new apartments surrounded by beauty in their everyday lives, and would thus, the experts argued, be brought closer to communist consciousness. Moreover sales of art to individual citizens would provide an alternative income stream to fund artists’ production. The possibility of private art consumption would therefore free artists to some extent from their reliance on state commissions and from the strict stylistic and thematic norms and hierarchies of Socialist Realism as established under Stalin.
Performing arts—influencing change
Authors: Čiripová Dáša 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
In the present political and socio-cultural situation in Slovakia, it is natural and necessary even to ask “what position do the arts occupy in this country?” and “what role do they play within the complex global atmosphere?” Art and culture should mirror the nation. Are we aware of that? Do we realize that art has the ability and the power to move? Not many of us realize this. This is a consequence of the permanent scepticism, apathy and resentment caused by the fact that this voice has never been heard. And this is not just the case in Slovakia. Yet even today there are certain groups of artists who still believe in the arts and their power. I think that giving up on this faith is the easiest thing to do. The decision whether to fight, rebel or actively participate is extremely complex and in many cases doing so may even threaten the freedom of the person. In this article I address the issue of whether art has the power and ability to change things. I draw attention to those socially engaging activities that could be described as performance art, which occur beyond enclosed areas and in public spaces; and in order to achieve change, they openly and nakedly attack individual consciousness and the subconscious.
Assessing the Europeanization of Bosnia and Herzegovina: A litmus test for the European Union
Authors: Brljavac Bedrudin 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The concept of Europeanization has become very popular in studies of European integration and particularly in analyses on the post-communist countries undergoing extensive transformation on the road to European Union membership. Although the Europeanization process has been quite successful in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), the same scenario has not played out in the western Balkans region. With the purpose of analysing the effectiveness and impact of the Europeanization process in the western Balkans, the main subject of the paper is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU-related reform processes. Although Bosnia has been undergoing thorough Europeanizing reforms since the late 1990s, when the country entered the Stabilization and Association Process (SAP), it is still an unstable and dysfunctional country. That makes it the perfect case for assessing the possible shortcomings of the Europeanization process. Thus far, most scholars have concluded that domestic political elites in Bosnia are the only party responsible for Bosnia’s political deadlock. However, this paper analyses the continued Bosnian deadlock from a different perspective, trying to figure out the degree of responsibility the European Union shares in the country’s Europeanization process. Although uncooperative Bosnian political elites are to a great extent responsible for the continued political and social status quo, EU leaders are not faultless either. In fact, so far European leaders have often appeared to be deeply divided, incoherent, and short-sighted in terms of Europeanization policies in Bosnia, thus further deepening the political deadlock in the country. Therefore, we can ask whether Bosnia represents a litmus test which the EU has failed.
Paleogeography of the Early Badenian connection between the Vienna Basin and the Carpathian Foredeep
Authors: Brzobohatý Rostislav , Stráník Zdeněk 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe paleogeographic reconstruction for an early Badenian connection of the Vienna Basin and the Carpathian Foredeep in the Mikulov area (Mikulov Gate) based on paleontological (otoliths) and geological (regional geology, tectonics) data has been provided. The ecologically homogenous deep water associations of otoliths in the most NW tip of the Vienna Basin (Sedlec HJ-2 Borehole) links up bathymetrically with nearly adequate otolith assemblages in the southernmost Moravian part of the foredeep. Ten meso- and bathypelagic teleost species have been identified in the Vienna Basin for the first time. Geological analyses proved inversion processes of recurrent nature along old faults of the NW-SE direction in the Dyje (Thaya) Depression. In the early Badenian the Mikulov Gate resulted from the sagging block of the Waschberg Zone. This marine channel was relatively deep (> 200m, as indicated by otoliths) and in all probability flooded an entire front of the nappes in this area.
Organ-Specific Cellular Requirements for In Vivo Dendritic Cell Generation
Authors: Miloud Tewfik , Fiegler Nathalie , Suffner Janine , Hämmerling Günter J. , Garbi Natalio 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (DC) precursors seed peripheral organs, where they encounter diverse cellular environments during their final differentiation into DCs. Flt3 ligand (Flt3-L) is critical for instructing DC generation throughout different organs. However, it remains unknown which cells produce Flt3-L and, importantly, which cellular source drives DC development in such a variety of organs. Using a novel BAC transgenic Flt3-L reporter mouse strain coexpressing enhanced GFP and luciferase, we show ubiquitous Flt3-L expression in organs and cell types. These results were further confirmed at the protein level. Although Flt3-L was produced by immune and nonimmune cells, the source required for development of the DC compartment clearly differed among organs. In lymphoid organs such as the spleen and bone marrow, Flt3-L production by hemopoietic cells was critical for generation of normal DC numbers. This was unexpected for the spleen because both immune and nonimmune cells equally contributed to the Flt3-L content in that organ. Thus, localized production rather than the total tissue content of Flt3-L in spleen dictated normal splenic DC development. No differences were observed in the number of DC precursors, suggesting that the immune source of Flt3-L promoted pre-cDC differentiation in spleen. In contrast, DC generation in the lung, kidney, and pancreas was mostly driven by nonhematopoietic cells producing Flt3-L, with little contribution by immune cells. These findings demonstrate a high degree of flexibility in Flt3-L–dependent DC generation to adapt this process to organ-specific cellular environments encountered by DC precursors during their final differentiation.
Expression of Helios in Peripherally Induced Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Gottschalk Rachel A. , Corse Emily , Allison James P. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The transcription factor Helios has been reported to be a marker of regulatory T cells (Treg) of thymic origin, distinguishing them from Treg induced in the periphery (iTreg). In this study, we demonstrate Helios expression in Foxp3+ iTreg, both in vitro and in vivo. Following i.v. peptide injection, in vivo Helios expression in adoptively transferred TCR transgenic T cells was more rapid than Foxp3 induction but less stable at later time points without a second injection of peptide. Our in vitro data suggest that APC influence Helios expression in a manner distinct from stimuli required for Foxp3 induction. Thus, Helios expression in iTreg may reflect the context of stimulation during Foxp3 induction. In summary, the robust Helios expression we observe in iTreg precludes its use as a marker of thymic Treg.
Postoperative Outcomes of Familial Adrenal Pheochromocytoma1
Authors: Kagawa Chikara , Hibi Yatsuka , Uchida Hiroki , Noda Sumiyo , Idota Ai , Sato Shigenori , Hayashi Hironori , Kikumori Toyone , Imai Tsuneo , Kiuchi Tetsuya 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
There are no current guidelines for the management of familial pheochromocytoma (FP). We tried to determine the optimal management of patients with FP. Among 191 patients with pheochromocytoma who underwent surgical resection between 1979 and 2010, there were 18 FP (13 different kindreds; 11 females/7 males; mean age at initial operation: 38.7 years). The 18 FP cases comprised 10 with MEN2A, 2 with MEN2B, 4 with von Hippel-Lindau disease, and 2 with FP only, and all pheochromocytomas were of adrenal origin. The number of probands and family members was 9 and 9 respectively. Mean tumor size was 6.4 cm in diameter. Simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in 6 patients, and unilateral adrenalectomy was performed as the initial surgery in 12 patients. A metachronous contralateral adrenalectomy was performed in 3 patients, 90, 236 and 312 months after the primary operation, respectively. None of the patients received partial adrenalectomy. Among another 9 patients with unilateral adrenalectomy, contralateral pheochromocytomas were suspected in 4 cases at the initial operation. However, none of these contralateral lesions developed severe symptoms or tumor enlargement during a median follow-up of 116 months. In the remaining 5 patients, pheochromocytoma did not develop in the contralateral adrenals over a median follow-up of 80.5 months. Bilateral lesions of adrenal pheochromocytoma in familial cases occurred in 78% of cases (14/18); 9 patients (including 4 with contralateral pheochromocytoma) did not require a contralateral adrenalectomy during a median follow-up of 119 months. No patients have suffered from Addisonian crisis. The ipsilateral adrenalectomy and follow-up of contralateral small pheochromocytoma is one of the management options to preserve adrenocortical function in FP patients.
Surgeon-performed Ultrasound-guided Needle Biopsy of the Thyroid: A Safe and Effective Diagnostic Procedure
Authors: Law Michael T , Taylor Martyn , Bennett Ian C 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
With the ready availability of good quality portable units, office-based ultrasound (US) is increasingly being utilized by endocrine surgeons in their daily practices, particularly in the management of thyroid patients. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) of thyroid lesions is a useful interventional diagnostic technique which can be readily performed by endocrine surgeons as an office-based procedure offering significant convenience for the patient. A retrospective review of US-FNAB's performed in a single surgeon practice between 2006 and 2008 was undertaken particularly assessing the diagnostic outcomes and complication rates. Factors affecting FNAB outcome were tested using Chi-square test and significance defined as p < 0.05. A total of 128 FNABs were performed on 100 patients in the time period under review. Mean lesion size was 22 mm, and the majority were solid on US. US-FNAB had sensitivity of 85%, accuracy 75%. No complications were reported. A total of 14.8% of samples were reported as either malignant, atypical or with Hurthle cell findings. In this series of patients, 22% of cases proceeded to thyroidectomy, 46% of which yielded malignancy. The nondiagnostic rate was only 5.5%. Solid lesions < 2 cm were associated with higher nondiagnostic rate (p = 0.04). Surgeon-performed thyroid US-FNAB is a safe and effective procedure which compares favorably to radiologist-performed series and offers a convenient ‘one-stop’ process for patients. In this series, it was associated with a low nondiagnostic rate and a low complication rate. Surgeon-performed US-FNAB techniques can be easily acquired; however, structured training and appropriate credentialing are important for the maintenance of quality assurance standards.
Transoral Excision of a High Retropharyngeal Parathyroid
Authors: Neilan Ryan E , Truelson John , Holt Shelby 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
In patients with renal failure, hypocalcemia leads to multiglandular parathyroid growth and parathyroid hypersecretion. Parathyroidectomy has been shown to decrease cardiovascular events and mortality in these patients. One of the challenges of surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism is the high reported incidence of supernumerary and ectopic glands. This in conjuction with reported low sensitivity of preoperative imaging studies in multigland disease and unclear criteria for intraoperative PTH in 2HPT may lead to incomplete parathyroidectomy and need for reoperation. We report a case of recurrent 2HPT from an ectopic supernumerary gland in the high retropharyngeal region found by CT imaging. Due to the patient's obesity, short neck and history of prior neck surgery, we elected to excise the gland transorally using intraoperative EUS.
Recurrent Graves' Disease after Successful Radioiodine Therapy Induced Hypothyroidism: A Rare Occurrence
Authors: PRK Bhargav , Amar V , Uday SK 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
One of the three principal therapies of Graves' disease is radioiodine treatment. Hypothyroidism is considered as a treatment end point of successful radioiodine treatment for Graves' disease. The radioiodine-induced hypothyroidism is mostly irreversible. Though, early recurrences can be due to treatment failure, inadequate radioiodine dose or rarely due to Marine-Lenhart syndrome. Here, we report a rare case of recurrent Graves' disease, 3 years after successful radioiodine therapy induced hypothyroidism in a 50-year-old lady.