bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytochemical characterization of the endomembranous system during oocyte secondary growth in Serrasalmus spilopleura (Teleostei, Characiformes, Characidae)
Authors: Guimarães A. C. D. , Quagio‐Grassiotto I. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe endomembranous system of Serrasalmus spilopleura oocyte secondary growth was analysed using structural and ultrastructural cytochemical techniques. In vitellogenic oocytes, the endoplasmic reticulum components, the nuclear envelope intermembranous space, some Golgi dictiossomes, lysosomes, yolk granules, regions of the egg envelope and sites of the follicle cells react to acid phosphatase detection (AcPase). The cortical alveoli, some heterogeneous cytoplasmic structures, regions of the egg envelope, and sites of the follicle cells are strongly contrasted by osmium tetroxide and zinc iodide impregnation (ZIO). The endoplasmic reticulum components, some vesicles, and sites of the follicle cells also react to osmium tetroxide and potassium iodide impregnation (KI). The biosynthetic pathway of lysosomal proteins, such as acid phosphatase, required for vitellogenesis, involves the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex, vesicles with inactive hydrolytic enzymes, and, finally, lysosomes. In S. spilopleura oocytes at secondary growth, the endomembranous system takes part in the production of the enzymes needed for vitellogenesis, and in the metabolism of yolk exogenous components (AcPase detection). The endomembranous system compartments also show reduction capacity (KI reaction) and are involved in the metabolism of proteins rich in SH‐groups (ZIO reaction).
Invertebrate and protozoan epibionts on the velvet swimming crab Liocarcinus puber (Linnaeus, 1767) from Scotland
Authors: Fernandez‐Leborans Gregorio , Gabilondo Regina 
Published: December 2007

AbstractInvertebrate and ciliate protozoan epibionts of velvet swimming crabs collected near Millport (Scotland) were analysed. The ecdysis peak for male crabs was at the time of collection while that for female crabs was 2 months later. The epibionts were: the polychaetes Pomatoceros triqueter and Hydroides norvegica, the cirriped Balanus crenatus, the entoproct Barentsia matsushimana, the hydroids Leuckartiara sp. and Clytia sp., and the ciliate protozoans Ephelota plana, Ephelota gemmipara, Chilodochona quennerstedti and Cothurnia longipes. The polychaetes, cirripeds, entoprocts and hydroids, all of them with comparatively larger size, were distributed on the carapace, ventral surface of the cephalothorax and the pereiopods; meanwhile the protozoans, with smaller size, were attached also on pleopods, antennae, eyes and buccal appendages. Chilodochona quennerstedti was the epibiont most abundant on the crab, followed by Ephelota plana. Cothurnia longipes was, in contrast, the least abundant epibiont, followed by Barentsia matsushimana. The anatomical unit most colonized was the left third maxilliped, followed by the left first maxilliped and the ventral surface. The less colonized anatomical units were the left antenna and the ocular orbits. Epibionts on this crab have not been described before. Statistical analyses of the epibiont distribution on the crab were carried out. There were significant correlations between right and left appendages in 66.67% of the cases. Males and females differed significantly with respect to the distribution of epibionts on their anatomical units. The comparison analysis indicated a significant differential distribution of each epibiont species on the anatomical units of the crab. Principal component analysis grouped the epibiont species according to their colonization pattern in three clusters: (1) Ephelota plana, Ephelota gemmipara and Chilodochona quennerstedti; (2) Leuckartiara sp., Clytia sp., Barentsia matsushimana and Cothurnia longipes; and (3) Pomatoceros triqueter, Balanus crenatus and Hydroides norvegica. The hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the anatomical units of the crab in relation to their colonization in five clusters.
A randomized cross‐over trial to identify the optimal use of insulin glargine in prepubertal children using a three‐times daily insulin regimen
Authors: Fröhlich‐Reiterer E. E. , Ong K. K. , Regan F. , Salzano G. , Acerini C. L. , Dunger D. B. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAims  The long‐acting insulin analogue glargine reduces nocturnal hypoglycaemia and stabilizes morning blood glucose levels in patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) on multiple injection therapy. However, young children may not tolerate such intensive insulin regimens. We investigated the effects of glargine in various three‐injections‐daily insulin combinations on 24‐h glucose control in prepubertal children.Methods  Seventeen T1DM prepubertal children (10 boys), median age 10.2 years (range 6.0–12.4), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.8% (6.8–11.5) were recruited to a randomized, open‐label, cross‐over study. After a 2‐week run‐in period (with NPH pre‐bed), every child underwent three different 3‐week treatment blocks in random order. All treatment blocks included glargine pre‐bed, but used different morning insulins: block 1, soluble only; block 2, soluble + NPH; block 3, aspart + NPH. Continuous glucose monitoring was performed for 3 days at the end of the run‐in and each treatment block.Results  Compared with the run‐in period on NPH, the three glargine treatment blocks were associated with lower (P < 0.0001) and less variable (P < 0.05) pre‐breakfast glucose levels, and with an 8–15% reduction in total daily insulin dose (P < 0.0001). Risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia detected by continuous glucose monitoring varied significantly between the three glargine treatment blocks, and was lowest when children were given aspart + NPH in the morning (block 3).Conclusion  Insulin glargine pre‐bed can be used in three‐injections‐daily regimens in prepubertal children to lower and stabilize pre‐breakfast glucose levels. However, to avoid the risk of nocturnal hypoglycaemia, the pre‐bed glargine dose should be lowered by giving a further long‐acting insulin, such as NPH, in the morning.
Individual Characteristics and Service Expenditure on Challenging Behaviour for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Hassiotis Angela , Parkes Charles , Jones Lee , Fitzgerald Brian , Romeo Renee 
Published: December 2007

Background  English policy argues that people with intellectual disabilities should be supported in their local communities. There is considerable evidence that this aspiration is not being achieved. This paper seeks to look at the subsection of people with intellectual disabilities who have expensive care needs because of challenging behaviour, to identify the decision‐making processes that have led to current service provision and expenditure and to suggest improvements.Materials and Methods  We carried out a survey within five North London boroughs to investigate the characteristics of a cohort of people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour in high‐cost accommodation (over £70 000/annum). Postal questionnaires and face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with stakeholders with intellectual disabilities and patterns of current costs were estimated from existing data provided by the commissioning authorities in the five boroughs.Results  Two hundred and five individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour were identified. They were accommodated in placements provided by 97 separate providers, both in and out‐of‐area. Those more likely to be placed out‐of‐area were younger, had multiple health problems, significant challenging behaviour and mental health problems including autistic spectrum disorders. The local community intellectual disabilities teams identified a number of difficulties in meeting the needs of those service users.Conclusions  Expenditure on all placements for service users with intellectual disabilities is significant. There is a notable lack of investment in local service development. A coherent approach is required, often across service boundaries. The authors suggest a model for targeted investment aimed at supporting effective local services, and reducing the need for and expense of out‐of‐area placements.
An Extension of the Regression of Offspring on Mid‐Parent to Test for Association and Estimate Locus‐Specific Heritability: The Revised ROMP Method
Authors: Roy‐Gagnon M.‐H. , Mathias R. A. , Fallin M. D. , Jee S. H. , Broman K. W. , Wilson A. F. 
Published: December 2007

SummaryThe Regression of Offspring on Mid‐Parent (ROMP) method is a test of association between a quantitative trait and a candidate locus. ROMP estimates the trait heritability and the heritability attributable to a locus and requires genotyping the offspring only. In this study, the theory underlying ROMP was revised (ROMPrev) and extended. Computer simulations were used to determine the type I error and power of the test of association, and the accuracy of the locus‐specific heritability estimate. The ROMPrev test had good power at the 5% significance level with properly controlled type I error. Locus‐specific heritability estimates were, on average, close to simulated values. For non‐zero locus‐specific heritability, the proposed standard error was downwardly biased, yielding reduced coverage of 95% confidence intervals. A bootstrap approach with proper coverage is suggested as a second step for loci of interest.ROMPrev was applied to a study of cardiovascular‐related traits to illustrate its use. An association between polymorphisms within the fibrinogen gene cluster and plasma fibrinogen was detected (p < 0.005) that accounted for 29% of the estimated fibrinogen heritability. The ROMPrev method provides a computationally fast and simple way of testing for association and obtaining accurate estimates of locus‐specific heritability while minimizing the genotyping required.
Micro‐magnetic resonance imaging of avian embryos
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Liu Jia , Davey Megan , Duce Suzanne , Jaberi Neema , Liu Gang , Davidson Gemma , Tenent Seaneen , Mahood Ruth , Brown Phoebe , Cunningham Craig , Bain Andrew , Beattie Kevin , McDonald Laura , Schmidt Katy , Towers Matthew , Tickle Cheryll , Chudek Sandy 
Published: December 2007

AbstractChick embryos are useful models for probing developmental mechanisms including those involved in organogenesis. In addition to classic embryological manipulations, it is possible to test the function of molecules and genes while the embryo remains within the egg. Here we define conditions for imaging chick embryo anatomy and for visualising living quail embryos. We focus on the developing limb and describe how different tissues can be imaged using micro‐magnetic resonance imaging and this information then synthesised, using a three‐dimensional visualisation package, into detailed anatomy. We illustrate the potential for micro‐magnetic resonance imaging to analyse phenotypic changes following chick limb manipulation. The work with the living quail embryos lays the foundations for using micro‐magnetic resonance imaging as an experimental tool to follow the consequences of such manipulations over time.
Sexual segregation in Tibetan gazelle: a test of the activity budget hypothesis
Authors: Li Z. , Jiang Z. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractTibetan gazelle Procapra picticaudata, a threatened endemic species on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau, is a sexually dimorphic ungulate. Males are larger than females and both sexes live in different groups, except during the rutting season. In order to test the activity budget hypothesis, which was proposed to explain social segregation in ungulates, we studied the activity budget of male and female Tibetan gazelles during the summers of 2005 and 2006. The activity budget hypothesis predicts that females spend more time feeding and group members synchronize their activities more in the same‐sex groups than in the mixed‐sex groups. We found that females and males of Tibetan gazelle had different activity budgets; females spent significantly longer time feeding and comparably less time on other activities. Activity synchronization indexes between female groups and male groups were similar (female groups: 0.81±0.17, male groups: 0.80±0.19), whereas both of them were significantly higher than that of mixed‐sex groups (0.58±0.29). These results suggest that although sexual segregation might be caused by multiple mechanisms, the activity budget hypothesis about sexual segregation is supported by our studies of Tibetan gazelle on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau.
Cranial mechanics compared in extinct marsupial and extant African lions using a finite‐element approach
Authors: Wroe S. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractFew species have generated more or longer running controversy than Australia's extinct marsupial lion Thylacoleo carnifex (Owen, 1859). Over the last century and a half, feeding behaviours as disparate as osteophagy and specialized herbivory have been suggested and T. carnifex has been placed in both phalangeriform and vombatiform clades. Phylogenetic placement remains uncertain, but broad consensus has been achieved regarding diet, with all recent authors agreeing that T. carnifex was a carnivore. However, the marsupial lion's extraordinary cranial and dental morphologies remain without clear analogy, leaving many questions unanswered regarding how this most atypical mammalian predator killed its prey. Here I apply a rapidly emerging new approach in comparative biology, finite‐element analysis, to the examination of cranial mechanics in T. carnifex. Comparisons are made with an extant lion Panthera leo (Linnaeus, 1758) under simulations designed to model stress distributions imposed by biting (intrinsic loads) and interaction with struggling prey (extrinsic loads). Modelling that approximates the 3‐D architecture of jaw adductors suggests that both the placental and marsupial lions could generate considerably greater bite forces than has been predicted using 2‐D approaches, but with relatively greater forces in the marsupial. The distribution of cranial stress is in many respects similar in both species, but results from simulations of extrinsic forces suggest that the marsupial was particularly well adapted to resist the high stresses that would be expected in dealings with relatively large prey. On the other hand, relatively high stress recorded in the rostrum of T. carnifex under intrinsic loadings suggests that it may have deployed a very different modus operandi, wherein the carnassial teeth played an active role in effecting a kill.
Clinical Manifestations of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kuhn Annegret , Sticherling Michael , Bonsmann Gisela 
Published: December 2007

SummaryCutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and a variable course. In numerous investigations, it has been shown that exogenous factors, such as UV‐light and drugs, can induce this disease. However, not all clinical aspects can be explained and therefore, the pathogenesis of CLE is currently under extensive research. The various cutaneous manifestations of LE are divided into LE‐nonspecific and LE‐specific skin disease based on histologic criteria. LE‐nonspecific manifestations are mostly associated with systemic LE but can also occur in other diseases and include particularly vascular skin lesions such as pe‐riungual telangiectases. LE‐specific skin disease includes the subtypes of CLE such as acute cutaneous LE (ACLE), subacute cutaneous LE (SCLE), chronic cutaneous LE (CCLE), and intermittent CLE (ICLE). The subdivision of these subtypes with different prognosis and course is supported by genetic, clinical, histologic, and immunoserologic findings. The subtypes of CLE require a specific morphological and clinical analysis, which is described in the first part of this review. In the second part of this review, further diagnostic procedures and therapeutic strategies in patients with CLE are discussed.
Outcome survey of insect venom allergic patients with venom immunotherapy in a rural population
Authors: Roesch Alexander , Boerzsoenyi Julia , Babilas Philipp , Landthaler Michael , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus 
Published: December 2007

Summary Background: Hymenoptera venom anaphylaxis is a frightening event that affects physical and psychical functioning. Patients and Methods: Retrospective survey of 182 Hymenoptera venom allergic patients living in a rural area using a questionnaire targeting on patients' satisfaction during therapy, fear of anaphylactic recurrences and changes in lifestyle before and after venom immunotherapy (VIT). Additionally, patients' self‐assessment of quality of life, daily outdoor time and re‐sting rate were recorded. Results: 146 patients returned the questionnaire (58.9% male, 41.1% female, 25.3% honey bee allergic, 67.8% wasp allergic, 41.1% re‐sting rate, mean follow‐up time 6.5 years).Measurement of the parameters fear,satisfaction and changes in lifestyle revealed a significant improvement after VIT.This correlated with the patients'self‐assessment of quality of life,when 89.7% declared an improvement after VIT.Although the improvement was higher in patients with re‐stings, also patients without re‐stings clearly benefited from VIT. Interestingly,females were significantly more affected by Hymenoptera venom allergy than males,whereas both genders showed a similar improvement after VIT. Conclusions: Patients with Hymenoptera venom sting allergy significantly benefit from VIT in regard to both biological and psychological outcome. VIT should still be provided to all Hymenoptera venom allergic patients as standard of care.
Female Sexual Function after Surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence: Transobturator Suburethral Tape vs. Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Obturator
Authors: Elzevier Henk Willem , Putter Hein , Delaere Karl P.J. , Venema Pieter L. , à Nijeholt A.A.B. Lycklama , Pelger Rob C.M. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The transobturator suburethral tape (TOT) and tension-free vaginal tape obturator (TVT-O) procedures are relatively new incontinence treatment procedures. Studies on the influence on sexual function as a result of these procedures are limited.

Aim
The influence of TOT or TVT-O for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) on female sexual function.

Methods
We evaluated 77 sexually active patients after TVT-O (N=34, mean age 53.2 years) and TOT (OB-TAPE, Porges) (N=44, mean age 52.0 years) placement for SUI based on the responses to a mailed questionnaire 3 months after the operation.

Main Outcome Measure
Difference in postoperative sexual complaints related to the TVT-O (inside-out) and TOT (outside-in) procedure.

Results
Postoperative TOT and TVT-O: There was almost no difference in frequency of sexual intercourse and an improvement of the continence during intercourse; continence was reported in 33 patients (42.3%) before and 67 patients (78.4%) after operation. The appreciation of sexual intercourse was improved in 15 patients (19.2%) and worsened in eight patients (10.3%). Postoperative TVT-O vs. TOT: No difference was seen in lost of lubrication, clitoral tumescence reduction, and clitoral sensibility reduction between both procedures. Pain because of vaginal narrowing was seen significantly more in the TOT procedure group.

Conclusion
Overall, in this study, the technique of TOT gave rise to more sexual dysfunction than TVT-O. However, because of the successful outcome on incontinence, both procedures had, overall, a positive effect on sexual function. The cause of significant more pain during intercourse as a result of vaginal narrowing in the TOT procedure requires further investigation. Like other studies, this study demonstrated that incontinence surgery can have a positive and negative outcome on sexual function. It is important to put this issue in the informed consent.
Urologist Practice Patterns in the Management of Peyronie's Disease: A Nationwide Survey
Authors: Shindel Alan W. , Bullock Travis L. , Brandes Steven 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a poorly understood clinical entity.

Aim
We endeavored to determine how contemporary urologists in the United States manage PD.

Methods
A randomly generated mailing list of 996 practicing urologists was generated from the American Urologic Association member directory. A specifically designed survey was mailed with a cover letter and a postage-paid return envelope.

Main Outcome Measure
Our survey assessed several practice-related factors and asked questions of how the subject would manage various presentations of PD in their practice. Four cases were presented: case 1, a healthy 55-year-old man with painless 30° dorsal curvature of 16 months duration; case 2, a 60-year-old man with 35° dorsal curvature, 4/10 pain on visual analog scale, of 6 months duration; case 3, a 62-year-old man with painless 60° dorsal curvature and erectile dysfunction responsive to alprostadil suppository of 2 years duration; and case 4, a 50-year-old man with mid-shaft waist deformity, foreshortening, no pain/curvature/erectile dysfunction.

Results
Responses were received from 236 (24%) practicing urologists. Vitamin E was the preferred initial management for 70% of respondents, with observation, Potaba (Glenwood, Englewood, New Jersey, USA), colchicine, verapamil injections, and verapamil gel favored by 32, 20, 12, 7, and 10% of respondents, respectively. Fifty-seven percent of respondents performed surgery for PD, with penile prostheses, Nesbit procedure, grafting, and plication used by 76, 66, 55, and 51% of respondents, respectively. Medical therapy and/or observation was the preferred management for all of the cases except case 3, for which penile prosthesis placement and referral were the favored options by 39 and 30% of urologists, respectively.

Conclusions
Medical therapy is the initial treatment for PD among American urologists. Penile prosthesis is the treatment of choice in impotent patients. Most American urologists conform to recommended practice patterns in the management of PD.
HLA‐DPβ chain may confer the susceptibility to hepatitis C virus‐associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shichi D. , Matsumori A. , Naruse T. K. , Inoko H. , Kimura A. 
Published: December 2007

SummaryHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart muscle disease characterized by hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction of cardiac ventricles. It is suggested that one possible aetiology of HCM is the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but molecular mechanisms underlying development of HCV‐associated HCM (HCV‐HCM) remains unknown. Because the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) molecule is involved in the control of progression/suppression of viral infection, extensive HLA allelic diversity may modulate the post‐infectious course of HCV and pathogenesis of HCV‐HCM. Here we undertook a case‐control study with 38 patients with HCV‐HCM and 132 unrelated healthy controls to reveal the potential impact of polymorphisms in seven classical and two non‐classical HLA genes on the pathogenesis of HCV‐HCM. It was found that DPB1*0401 and DPB1*0901 were significantly associated with increased risk to HCV‐HCM in dominant model (P < 0.028, OR = 3.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.19, 13.02) and in recessive model (P < 0.007, OR = 9.85, 95% CI = 1.83, 53.04), respectively. The disparity in the gene–dose effect by two susceptible DPB1 alleles may be attributable to the difference between the susceptible (36 A and 55 A) and resistant (8L, 9F, 11G, 57E and 76M) residue‐combination consisting of DPβ anchor pocket for antigenic peptide‐binding. These results implied that the HLA‐DP molecules with specificity pocket appropriate for HCV antigen(s) might confer the progressive process of HCM among the HCV‐infected individuals.