bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal blood sampling in baboons (Papio spp.): Important procedural aspects and literature review
Authors: Joy S.D. , O’Shaughnessy R. , Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch N. , Leland M.M. , Frost P. , Fan‐Havard P. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground  The baboons (Papio cynocephalus) have similarities with human placentation and fetal development. Fetal blood sampling allows investigators to assess fetal condition at a specific point in gestation as well as transplacental transfer of medications. Unfortunately, assessing fetal status during gestation has been difficult and fetal instrumentation associated with high rate of pregnancy loss. Our objectives are to describe the technique of ultrasound guided cordocentesis (UGC) in baboons, report post‐procedural outcomes, and review existing publications.Methods  This is a procedural paper describing the technique of UGC in baboons. After confirming pregnancy and gestational age via ultrasound, animals participating in approved research protocols that required fetal assessment underwent UGC.Results  We successfully performed UGC in four animals (five samples) using this technique. Animals were sampled in the second and third trimesters with fetal blood sampling achieved by sampling a free cord loop, placental cord insertion site or the intrahepatic umbilical vein. All procedures were without complication and these animals delivered at term.Conclusions  Ultrasound guided fetal umbilical cord venipuncture is a useful and safe technique to sample the fetal circulation with minimal risk to the fetus or mother. We believe this technique could be used for repeated fetal venous blood sampling in the baboons.
Intrauterine hyperexposure to dexamethasone of the common marmoset monkey revealed normal cerebral metabolite concentrations in adulthood as assessed by quantitative proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in vivo
Authors: Michaelis T. , Abaei A. , Boretius S. , Tammer R. , Frahm J. , Schlumbohm C. , Fuchs E. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground  Animal models of human brain disorders often have to rely on non‐human primates because of their immunological, physiological, and cognitive similarities to humans.Methods  Localized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed to assess cerebral metabolite profiles of male common marmoset monkeys in vivo and to determine putative alterations of adult brain metabolism in response to intrauterine hyperexposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid hormone dexamethasone.Results  Excellent spectral quality allowed for absolute quantification of the concentrations of major metabolites in predominantly white matter, gray matter, and thalamus. Marmoset monkeys intrauterinely hyperexposed to dexamethasone revealed normal neurochemical profiles at adulthood.Conclusions  Prenatally applied dexamethasone does not lead to persistent metabolic alterations affecting adult brain integrity.
Sensitization to para‐amino compounds in swim fins in a 10‐year‐old boy
Authors: Seyfarth Florian , Krautheim Andrea , Schliemann Sibylle , Elsner Peter 
Published: April 2009

SummaryA ten‐year‐old boy presented with recurrent eczema on the dorsa of both feet and the thighs. His symptoms became worse when he used racing swim fins. Patch testing included the standard, ointments, preservatives, leather, textile dyes, rubber component, and corticosteroid series of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (DKG) as well as the patient's own materials (fin material). At 72 hours positive reactions were observed to blue flipper material, Acid Yellow 36, Bismarck Brown R, and DPPD. DPPD is widely used as an anti‐oxidant in the rubber industries. Therefore, the dermatitis was most probably attributable to DPPD in the blue flipper material, although we were not able to prove this due to lack of cooperation of the manufacturer. Sensitization to Acid Yellow 36 and Bismarck Brown R are interpreted as cross sensitizations, since all substances are para‐amino compounds.
Changes in quality of life for patients with chronic venous insufficiency, present or healed leg ulcers
Authors: Renner Regina , Gebhardt Carl , Simon Jan C. , Seikowski Kurt 
Published: April 2009

Summary Background: Patients with chronic leg ulcers are handicapped in daily life, both by physical complaints and social problems. The aim of our study was not only to assess a possible impairment of quality of life (QOL) of leg ulcer patients but also to evaluate if there is a real improvement of QOL after healing of the ulcer. Patients with chronic venous insufficiency served as the control group. We further analyzed if there were significant differences in the response between patients who were and were not performing compression therapy. Patients and method: We interviewed three groups of patients (active venous leg ulcer, healed venous leg ulcer and patients with chronic venous insufficiency using the „Freiburger Life Quality Assessment für Venenerkrankungen“ (FLQAv). Results: Physical problems, daily handicaps and social problems all increased with age. Contrary to our expectations, healing of a leg ulcer did not lead to a significant increase in QOL. Instead, patients with active ulcers did not regard their QOL as lower than those in the other groups. Compression therapy also did not impair QOL in the three groups. Conclusion: Even though ulcer healing is an admirable goal, it does not necessarily lead to an improved QOL, probably because of the numerous comorbidi‐ties in this patient group. Nonetheless, it is important to control problems associated directly with the wound to allow ulcer patients to participate actively in everyday life and minimize social problems.
Impacts of the 2003 CAP Reform on Organic Farms Incidences de la réforme de 2003 de la PAC sur les exploitations biologiques Die Auswirkungen der Reform der GAP von 2003 auf Ökolandbaubetriebe
Authors: Offermann Frank , Nieberg Hiltrud 
Published: April 2009

SummaryImpacts of the 2003 CAP Reform on Organic FarmsThe 2003 reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) constitutes a rather fundamental shift in the agricultural policy of the EU. Many of the individual elements of the reform are likely to affect organic and conventional farms differently. This article analyses the impacts of the 2003 CAP reform on organic farms, combining an extensive survey of organic farmers in several EU member states with a farm modelling approach based on the European Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN). The results highlight that impacts on the relative competitiveness of organic farms will depend strongly on the national implementation of the 2003 CAP reform and will often differ by farm type. In general, the impact will be more beneficial to organic farms in countries that have opted for full rather than partial decoupling, and in countries which have implemented the Single Farm Payment on the basis of regional flat rate payments rather than on the basis of historical, individual farm references. While the reform increases the incentive for conversion to organic farming, the impacts of other policy and market changes over the next ten years remain less clear, making the formulation of strategies for farmers and policy makers difficult and providing challenges for future research.
After the Health Check What is the Future for the Common Agricultural Policy? Nach dem Gesundheitscheck: Wie geht es weiter mit der Gemeinsamen Agrarpolitik? Quel est l’avenir de la Politique Agricole Commune après le bilan de santé ?
Authors: Gandalovič Petr 
Published: April 2009

SummaryAfter the Health Check What is the Future for the Common Agricultural Policy?The CAP has now completed another stage in its development. The Health Check negotiating marathon has ended. The Czech Republic has been against unequal conditions for member states as these deform fair competition and the common market. Progressive modulation in the originally proposed form would have created barriers to a unified Europe, thus going against the motto of the Czech presidency ‘Europe without Barriers’. The Czech Republic can certainly be satisfied with the essence of the compromise. The cancellation of the milk quota in 2015 is a liberalising measure, and as such we support it. The Health Check opens the door to the Czech presidency for a discussion on the elimination of unfair differences in direct payments between member states and we will definitely take up the opportunity. After 2013 the CAP will have to take much greater account of the situation following the unprecedented expansion of the EU in 2004 and 2006. For the Czech Republic, a further reinforcing of freedom in decision making for farmers and their focus on the specific needs of the local, community and global market is fundamental. Further simplification of the CAP and ‘better regulation’, focussing on a reduction in the administrative burden on farmers, is one of the priority challenges.
The Vitamin D Status Among Tibetans
Authors: Norsang Gelsor , Ma LiWei , Dahlback Arne , Zhuoma Ciren , Tsoja Wangmo , Porojnicu Alina , Lagunova Zoya , Moan Johan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractUVB from the sun and intake from food are the only human sources of vitamin D. Tibet is a unique region for comparisons of these sources: (1) it lies at a low latitude and at a high altitude and has very large annual fluences of UVB; (2) the traditional Tibetan food is poor in vitamin D. Blood samples were taken from 63 persons of different age, with different occupations and staying at different places. UVB doses at these places were measured. The samples were analyzed by a standard radioimmune assay for determination of the serum concentration of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). The main finding was that among nomads, there seems to be severe vitamin D deficiency (serum levels of 25(OH)D < 30 nm). We tentatively propose that the low level of 25(OH)D of nomads is related to their clothing and sun exposure habits. For persons of other occupations (students, teachers and farmers) the levels are higher, although a significant fraction of these persons also have lower levels than 75 nm, by many regarded as a limit for insufficiency related to a number of negative health conditions. The annual dose of vitamin D‐generating UVB is about five times larger in Lhasa than in Oslo. Despite this, the average vitamin D status seems to be similar, except in the case of nomads. This phenomenon is certainly related to food habits. In conclusion, the 25(OH)D status among nomads in Tibet appears to be alarmingly low. However, for people of other occupations the status is more normal.
Monitoring Singlet Oxygen and Hydroxyl Radical Formation with Fluorescent Probes During Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Price Michael , Reiners John J , Santiago Ann Marie , Kessel David 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSinglet oxygen (1O2) is the primary oxidant generated in photodynamic therapy (PDT) protocols involving sensitizers resulting in type II reactions. 1O2 can give rise to additional reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as the hydroxyl radical (?OH). The current study was designed to assess 3′‐p‐(aminophenyl) fluorescein (APF) and 3′‐p‐(hydroxyphenyl) fluorescein (HPF) as probes for the detection of 1O2 and ?OH under conditions relevant to PDT. Cell‐free studies indicated that both APF and HPF were converted to fluorescent products following exposure to 1O2 generated by irradiation of a water‐soluble photosensitizing agent (TPPS) and that APF was 35‐fold more sensitive than HPF. Using the 1O2 probe singlet oxygen sensor green (SOSG) we confirmed that 1 mm NaN3 quenched 1O2‐induced APF/HPF fluorescence, while 1% DMSO had no effect. APF and HPF also yielded a fluorescent product upon interacting with ?OH generated from H2O2 via the Fenton reaction in a cell‐free system. DMSO quenched the fluorogenic interaction between APF/HPF and ?OH at doses as low as 0.02%. Although NaN3 was expected to quench ?OH‐induced APF/HPF fluorescence, co‐incubating NaN3 with APF or HPF in the presence of ?OH markedly enhanced fluorescence. Cultured L1210 cells that had been photosensitized with benzoporphyhrin derivative exhibited APF fluorescence immediately following irradiation. Approximately 50% of the cellular fluorescence could be suppressed by inclusion of either DMSO or the iron‐chelator desferroxamine. Combining the latter two agents did not enhance suppression. We conclude that APF can be used to monitor the formation of both 1O2 and ?OH in cells subjected to PDT if studies are performed in the presence and absence of DMSO, respectively. That portion of the fluorescence quenched by DMSO will represent the contribution of ?OH. This procedure could represent a useful means for evaluating formation of both ROS in the context of PDT.
Theoretical Investigation of the Excited States of 2‐Nitrobenzyl and 4,5‐Methylendioxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl Caging Groups†
Authors: Schaper Klaus , Etinski Mihajlo , Fleig Timo 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe photochemistry of caged compounds of the o‐nitrobenzyl type has been investigated thoroughly in the past. However, even recently new side reactions have been discovered. Earlier, we reported [Bley, F., K. Schaper, and H. Görner (2008), Photochem. Photobiol.84 162–171] that we found long‐lived triplet states which do not lead to product formation for the bathochromic absorbing compounds with 4,5‐methylendioxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl caging group. Here, we report on theoretical studies which explain the special behavior of these compounds. These studies reveal that the bathochromic shift of absorption for these compounds compared with o‐nitrobenzyl compounds themselves is not due to a shift in energy of the involved states, but due to a substantial change of oscillator strength of the respective transitions. The lack of reactivity of the triplet state of 4,5‐methylendioxy‐2‐nitrobenzyl compounds can be attributed to state switching. In the triplet manifold the lowest state is a nonreactive charge transfer state, while the lowest state in the singlet manifold is a reactive local excitation in the nitro‐group. From these results we conclude that it will be most likely not possible to create derivatives of caged compounds based on the o‐nitrobenzyl caging group which have absorption which is shifted even more strongly to longer wavelengths.
Sources of uncertainty in flood inundation maps
Authors: Bales J.D. , Wagner C.R. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractFlood inundation maps typically have been used to depict inundated areas for floods having specific exceedance levels. The uncertainty associated with the inundation boundaries is seldom quantified, in part, because all of the sources of uncertainty are not recognized and because data available to quantify uncertainty seldom are available. Sources of uncertainty discussed in this paper include hydrologic data used for hydraulic model development and validation, topographic data, and the hydraulic model. The assumption of steady flow, which typically is made to produce inundation maps, has less of an effect on predicted inundation at lower flows than for higher flows because more time typically is required to inundate areas at high flows than at low flows. Difficulties with establishing reasonable cross sections that do not intersect and that represent water‐surface slopes in tributaries contribute additional uncertainties in the hydraulic modelling. As a result, uncertainty in the flood inundation polygons simulated with a one‐dimensional model increases with distance from the main channel.
H‐Cadherin expression reduces invasion of malignant melanoma
Authors: Kuphal Silke , Martyn Adam C. , Pedley Julie , Crowther Lisa M. , Bonazzi Vanessa F. , Parsons Peter G. , Bosserhoff Anja K. , Hayward Nicholas K. , Boyle Glen M. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryMelanocytic behavior, survival, and proliferation are regulated through a complex system of cell–cell adhesion molecules. Pathologic changes leading to development of malignant melanoma, upset the delicate homeostatic balance between melanocytes and keratinocytes and can lead to altered expression of cell–cell adhesion and cell–cell communication molecules. Malignant transformation of melanocytes frequently coincides with loss of E‐cadherin expression. We now show loss of another member of the superfamily of classical cadherins, H‐cadherin (CDH13), which may be involved in the development of malignant melanoma. The provided data show that H‐cadherin expression is lost in nearly 80% of the analyzed melanoma cell lines. Knockdown of H‐cadherin using siRNA increases invasive capacity in melanocytes. Functional assays show that the re‐expression of H‐cadherin decreases migration and invasion capacity, as well as anchorage‐independent growth in comparison to control melanoma cells. Furthermore, melanoma cells, which re‐express H‐cadherin via stable transfection show a reduction in rate of tumor growth in a nu/nu mouse tumor model in comparison to the parental control transfected cell lines. Our study presents for the first time the down‐regulation of H‐cadherin in malignant melanomas and its possible functional relevance in maintenance healthy skin architecture.
Collective Information Processing and Pattern Formation in Swarms, Flocks, and Crowds
Authors: Moussaid Mehdi , Garnier Simon , Theraulaz Guy , Helbing Dirk 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe spontaneous organization of collective activities in animal groups and societies has attracted a considerable amount of attention over the last decade. This kind of coordination often permits group‐living species to achieve collective tasks that are far beyond single individuals' capabilities. In particular, a key benefit lies in the integration of partial knowledge of the environment at the collective level. In this contribution, we discuss various self‐organization phenomena in animal swarms and human crowds from the point of view of information exchange among individuals. In particular, we provide a general description of collective dynamics across species and introduce a classification of these dynamics not only with respect to the way information is transferred among individuals but also with regard to the knowledge processing at the collective level. Finally, we highlight the fact that the individual’s ability to learn from past experiences can have a feedback effect on the collective dynamics, as experienced with the development of behavioral conventions in pedestrian crowds.
Validation of the Sysmex XT‐2000iV hematology system for dogs, cats, and horses. I. Erythrocytes, platelets, and total leukocyte counts
Authors: Lilliehöök Inger , Tvedten Harold 
Published: April 2009

Background:The Sysmex XT‐2000iV is a laser‐based, flow cytometric hematology system that has been introduced for use in large and referral veterinary laboratories.Objective:The purpose of this study was to validate the Sysmex XT‐2000iV for counting erythrocytes, reticulocytes, platelets, and total leukocytes in blood from ill dogs, cats, and horses.Methods:Blood samples from diseased animals (133 dogs, 65 cats, and 73 horses) were analyzed with the Sysmex XT‐2000iV and the CELL‐DYN 3500. Manual reticulocyte counts were done on an additional 98 canine and 14 feline samples and manual platelet counts were done on an additional 73 feline and 55 canine samples, and compared with automated Sysmex results.Results:Hemoglobin concentration, RBC counts, and total WBC counts on the Sysmex were highly correlated with those from the CELL‐DYN (r≥0.98). Systematic differences occurred for MCV and HCT. MCHC was poorly correlated in all species (r=0.33–0.67). The Sysmex impedance platelet count in dogs was highly correlated with both the impedance count from the CELL‐DYN (r=0.99) and the optical platelet count from the Sysmex (r=0.98). The Sysmex optical platelet count included large platelets, such that in samples from cats, the results agreed better with manual platelet counts than with impedance platelet counts on the Sysmex. Canine reticulocyte counts on the Sysmex correlated well (r=0.90) with manual reticulocyte counts. Feline reticulocyte counts on the Sysmex correlated well with aggregate (r=0.86) but not punctate (r=0.50) reticulocyte counts.Conclusion:The Sysmex XT‐2000iV performed as well as the CELL‐DYN on blood samples from dogs, cats, and horses with a variety of hematologic abnormalities. In addition, the Sysmex detected large platelets and provided accurate reticulocyte counts.
Hypoxic Adaptation by Efg1 Regulates Biofilm Formation by
Candida albicans
Authors: Stichternoth Catrin , Ernst Joachim F. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Hypoxia is encountered frequently by
Candida albicans
during systemic infection of the human host. We tested if hypoxia allows biofilm formation by
C. albicans
, which is a major cause of perseverance and antifungal resistance in
C. albicans
infections. Using an in vitro biofilm system, we unexpectedly discovered that several positive regulators of biofilm formation during normoxia, including Tec1, Ace2, Czf1, Och1, and Als3, had little or no influence on biofilm development during hypoxia, irrespective of the carbon dioxide level, indicating that
C. albicans
biofilm pathways differ depending on the oxygen level. In contrast, the Efg1 and Flo8 regulators were required for both normoxic and hypoxic biofilm formation. To explore the role of Efg1 during hypoxic and/or biofilm growth, we determined transcriptome kinetics following release of
EFG1
expression by a system under transcriptional control of a doxycycline-inducible promoter. During hypoxia, Efg1 rapidly induced expression of all major classes of genes known to be associated with normoxic biofilm formation, including genes involved in glycolysis, sulfur metabolism, and antioxidative and peroxisome activities, as well as genes for iron uptake. The results suggest that hypoxic adaptation mediated by the Efg1 and Flo8 regulators is required even during normoxic biofilm development, while hypoxic biofilm formation in deep tissues or in organs may generate foci of
C. albicans
infections.
Lactobacillus plantarum
WCFS1 Electron Transport Chains
Authors: Brooijmans R. J. W. , de Vos W. M. , Hugenholtz J. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus plantarum
WCFS1 requires both heme and menaquinone to induce respiration-like behavior under aerobic conditions. The addition of these compounds enhanced both biomass production, without progressive acidification, and the oxygen consumption rate. When both heme and menaquinone were present,
L. plantarum
WCFS1 was also able to reduce nitrate. The ability to reduce nitrate was severely inhibited by the glucose levels that are typically found in
L. plantarum
growth media (1 to 2% [vol/vol] glucose). In contrast, comparable mannitol levels did not inhibit the reduction of nitrate.
L. plantarum
reduced nitrate with concomitant formation of nitrite and ammonia. Genes that encode a
bd
-type cytochrome (
cydABCD
) and a nitrate reductase (
narGHJI
) were identified in the genome of
L. plantarum
. The
narGHJI
operon is part of a cluster of genes that includes the molybdopterin cofactor biosynthesis genes and
narK
. Besides a menaquinone source, isogenic mutants revealed that
cydA
and
ndh1
are required for the aerobic-respiration-like response and
narG
for nitrate reduction. The
ndh1
mutant was still able to reduce nitrate. The existence of a nonredundant branched electron transport chain in
L. plantarum
WCFS1 that is capable of using oxygen or nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor is proposed.
Production of Recombinant Proteins in thelon-Deficient BL21(DE3) Strain ofEscherichia coliin the Absence of the DnaK Chaperone
Authors: Ratelade Julien , Miot Marie-Caroline , Johnson Emmett , Betton Jean-Michel , Mazodier Philippe , Benaroudj Nadia 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTTo eliminate unavoidable contamination of purified recombinant proteins by DnaK, we present a unique approach employing a BL21(DE3) ΔdnaKstrain ofEscherichia coli. Selected representative purified proteins remained soluble, correctly assembled, and active. This finding establishes DnaK dispensability for protein production in BL21(DE3), which is void of Lon protease, key to eliminating unfolded proteins.