bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of an integrated weight management and fitness programme in a high-security psychiatric setting
Authors: Cormac Irene , Hallford Sheree , Hart Lisa , Creasey Sandra , Ferriter Michael 
Published: February 2008

Aims and MethodsTo evaluate a new integrated weight management and fitness service for long-stay psychiatric patients who were obese or overweight with physical health risks. Body size and fitness were measured before and after each 10- to 12-week programme.ResultsThe number of patients referred to the programme was 145; 102 were accepted, 95 started a programme and 46 completed it. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. There were significant reductions in weight (P=0.001), body mass index (BMI, P=0.001) and waist size (P=0.001), and considerable improvements in hand strength (left hand, P=0.03; right hand, P=0.015), flexibility (P=0.022), lung function (P=0.001) and aerobic capacity (P=0.001).Clinical ImplicationsAn integrated programme of weight management and fitness is effective in reducing body weight and waist size, and in improving physical fitness in long-stay psychiatric patients. The long-term effect on patient's health and fitness needs to be monitored and strategies are needed to reduce patient withdrawal.
The effect of water deprivation on the tonicity responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) and TonEBP-regulated genes in the kidney of the Spinifex hopping mouse,Notomys alexis
Authors: Bartolo Ray C. , Donald John A. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYIn desert rodents, the production of concentrated urine is essential for survival in xeric environments in order to conserve water. Reabsorption of water in the kidney is dependent on large osmotic gradients in the renal medulla. This causes the renal cells to be bathed in a hypertonic extracellular fluid that can compromise cellular function. In response to hypertonicity, kidney cells accumulate compatible, non-ionic osmolytes that lower the ionic strength within the cells to isotonic levels by replacing intracellular ionic electrolytes. The tonicity-responsive enhancer binding protein (TonEBP) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes that encode proteins that catalyse the accumulation of compatible osmolytes. We investigated the expression of TonEBP mRNA and protein and compatible osmolyte genes in the Spinifex hopping mouse, Notomys alexis, an Australian desert rodent that produces a highly concentrated urine. TonEBP mRNA expression was unchanged after 3 days of water deprivation but was significantly increased after 7 and 14 days of water deprivation. Immunohistochemistry showed that during water deprivation TonEBP had translocated from the cytoplasm into the nucleus of cells in the renal medulla and papilla. In addition, 3, 7 and 14 days of water deprivation caused a significant increase in aldose reductase (AR), myo-inositol (SMIT),betaine/GABA (BGT-1) and taurine (TauT) transporter mRNA expression, which is indicative of an increase in TonEBP activity. In desert rodents, TonEBP regulation of gene transcription is probably an important mechanism to protect renal cells in the face of the large corticomedullary gradient that is required to concentrate urine and conserve water.
High-speed gallop locomotion in the Thoroughbred racehorse. I. The effect of incline on stride parameters
Authors: Parsons K. J. , Pfau T. , Wilson A. M. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYDuring locomotion up an incline, power is required to elevate the centre of mass. This is provided when the animal's limbs are in contact with the ground. Measurements of stride timing variables from multiple limbs during high speed,over-ground locomotion would enhance our understanding of locomotor powering during changes in terrain. This study measured foot-on and foot-off times from galloping horses using a previously validated system of limb-mounted accelerometers and a global positioning system data logger. A detailed track survey provided incline information from all areas of the track. Measurements were made from six horses over a speed range of 9 to 13 m s–1. Foot-fall timings were used to calculate variables,which included stance duration, protraction duration, stride frequency and duty factor. The relationship between track incline and measured variables was assessed. Stride variables from horses galloping on level (0–2% incline)and incline (8–12% incline) sections of the track were compared. Fore-and hindlimb protraction durations were significantly reduced across the speed range during incline galloping (P=0.001). This resulted in a mean increase in stride frequency from 2.01 to 2.08 strides s–1 at 9.5 m s–1 and 2.10 to 2.17 strides s–1 at 12.5 m s–1 during incline galloping. Duty factor was significantly greater for the hindlimbs during incline galloping(P&lt;0.001), increasing from 0.31 to 0.32 at 9.5 m s–1 and 0.28 to 0.29 at 12.5 m s–1. Peak limb force was calculated from duty factor and assumed fore- to hindlimb impulse distributions. Smaller peak vertical forces were calculated in the forelimbs and increased peak vertical forces were calculated in the hindlimbs when galloping on an incline. Measured changes in stride timing variables differ from those reported in trotting horses. We propose that horses increase their stride frequency at a given speed during incline galloping to provide power for moving the centre of mass up the slope.
Uptake of dissolved free amino acids by the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata
Authors: Grover Renaud , Maguer Jean-François , Allemand Denis , Ferrier-Pagès Christine 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY
This study was designed to assess the importance of dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) as a nitrogen source for the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata. For this purpose, experiments were performed using 15N-enriched DFAAs, and %15N enrichment was measured both in animal tissue and zooxanthellae at different DFAA concentrations,incubation time and light levels. As previously observed for urea, which is another source of organic nitrogen, DFAA uptake exhibited a biphasic mode consisting of an active carrier-mediated transport for concentrations below 3μmol l–1 and a linear uptake for higher concentrations. The value of the carrier affinity (Km=1.23 μmol l–1 DFAA) indicated good adaptation of the corals to the low levels of DFAA concentrations measured in most oligotrophic waters. DFAA uptake was also correlated with light. The DFAA contribution to the nitrogen requirements for tissue growth was compared to the contribution of ammonia,nitrate and urea, for which uptake was also measured in S. pistillata. Inorganic sources (NH4+ and NO3–) contributed 75% of the daily nitrogen needs against 24% for organic sources. Taken altogether, dissolved organic and inorganic nitrogen can supply almost 100% of the nitrogen needs for tissue growth.
Homocysteine-induced extracellular superoxide dismutase and its epigenetic mechanisms in monocytes
Authors: Jiang Yideng , Jiang Jianzhong , Xiong Jiantuan , Cao Jun , Li Nan , Li Guizhong , Wang Shuren 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYAlthough a modest homocysteine (Hcy) elevation is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, the underlying mechanisms whereby Hcy triggers the accumulation of cholesterol and the roles of the extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) in the development of foam cells have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we found both increased numbers of foam cells and an accumulation of cholesterol, and the H2O2 and oxidized low-density lipoprotein content also increased. Levels of EC-SOD were significantly suppressed by Hcy, however, while 5-azacytidine (AZC), a potent DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor, increased the expression of EC-SOD. A quantitative real-time PCR of EC-SOD revealed that Hcy (100 μmol l–1) accelerates DNA methylation of EC-SOD, but selectively increases the activity of DNA methyl transferase 1 (DNMT1). It showed that Hcy can reduce binding of methyl CpG and binding protein 2 (MeCP2) but has no effect on the activity of DNMT3. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that Hcy increased the binding of acetylated histone H3 and H4 in monocytes. Based on the fact that the binding of MeCP2 with the EC-SOD was completely suppressed by AZC and trichostatin A [TSA, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor], it is indicated that DNA methylation and HDAC mediate the binding of MeCP2 with EC-SOD gene. In conclusion, the study found that Hcy accelerates the development of foam cells by repressing EC-SOD transcription, and that Hcy exerts this function by upregulating DNA methylation via suppression of HDAC activity and increased DNMT1 activity.
Active sensing in a mormyrid fish: electric images and peripheral modifications of the signal carrier give evidence of dual foveation
Authors: Pusch Roland , von der Emde Gerhard , Hollmann Michael , Bacelo Joao , Nöbel Sabine , Grant Kirsty , Engelmann Jacob 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYWeakly electric fish generate electric fields with an electric organ and perceive them with cutaneous electroreceptors. During active electrolocation,nearby objects are detected by the distortions they cause in the electric field. The electrical properties of objects, their form and their distance,can be analysed and distinguished. Here we focus on Gnathonemus petersii (Günther 1862), an African fish of the family Mormyridae with a characteristic chin appendix, the Schnauzenorgan. Behavioural and anatomical results suggest that the mobile Schnauzenorgan and the nasal region serve special functions in electroreception, and can therefore be considered as electric foveae. We investigated passive pre-receptor mechanisms that shape and enhance the signal carrier. These mechanisms allow the fish to focus the electric field at the tip of its Schnauzenorgan where the density of electroreceptors is highest (tip-effect). Currents are funnelled by the open mouth (funnelling-effect), which leads to a homogenous voltage distribution in the nasal region. Field vectors at the trunk, the nasal region and the Schnauzenorgan are collimated but differ in the angle at which they are directed onto the sensory surface. To investigate the role of those pre-receptor effects on electrolocation, we recorded electric images of objects at the foveal regions. Furthermore, we used a behavioural response(novelty response) to assess the sensitivity of different skin areas to electrolocation stimuli and determined the receptor densities of these regions. Our results imply that both regions – the Schnauzenorgan and the nasal region – can be termed electric fovea but they serve separate functions during active electrolocation.
Quantitative analysis of neonatal skeletal muscle functional improvement in the mouse
Authors: Gokhin David S. , Ward Samuel R. , Bremner Shannon N. , Lieber Richard L. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARY
Postnatal skeletal muscle growth is classically attributed to fiber hypertrophy and myogenic differentiation, but these processes do not account for the size-independent increase of muscle mechanical performance that occurs during postnatal growth. There is also little knowledge about the precise time-course of contractile function or the underlying factors that affect it. The present study investigated morphological factors (muscle fiber size and myofibrillar packing), biochemical factors (myosin heavy chain isoform and desmin intermediate filament protein expression), and muscle architecture during postnatal development in mice. Physiological testing of the mouse tibialis anterior revealed that maximum isometric stress increased from 27±3 kPa at postnatal day 1 to 169±10 kPa by postnatal day 28,roughly a sixfold increase. Morphological measurements revealed a robust increase in the size-independent packing of myofibrillar matrix material occurring with the functional improvement, with just 48.1±5.5% of the cross-sectional area filled with myofibrils at postnatal day 1 whereas 92.5±0.9% was filled by day 28. Expression of four myosin heavy chain isoforms (embryonic, neonatal, IIX and IIB), as well as desmin, correlated significantly with muscle mechanical function. Stepwise multiple regression showed that, of the variables measured, percentage content of neonatal myosin heavy chain was the best predictor of mechanical function during the postnatal time-course. These data provide the first specific structural basis for increases in muscle tension development during growth. Therefore, models of muscle growth must be modified to include an intrinsic quality enhancement component.
Ionoregulatory changes during metamorphosis and salinity exposure of juvenile sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinusL.)
Authors: Reis-Santos Patrick , McCormick Stephen D. , Wilson Jonathan M. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYAmmocoetes of the anadromous sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus L. spend many years in freshwater before metamorphosing and migrating to sea. Metamorphosis involves the radical transformation from a substrate-dwelling,filter feeder into a free-swimming, parasitic feeder. In the present work we examined osmoregulatory differences between ammocoetes and transformers(metamorphic juveniles), and the effects of salinity acclimation. We measured the expression of key ion-transporting proteins[Na+/K+-ATPase, vacuolar (V)-type H+-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase (CA)] as well as a number of relevant blood parameters(hematocrit, [Na+] and [Cl–]). In addition,immunofluorescence microscopy was used to identify and characterize the distributions of Na+/K+-ATPase, V-type H+-ATPase and CA immunoreactive cells in the gill. Ammocoetes did not survive in the experiments with salinities greater than 10‰,whereas survival in high salinity (⩾25–35‰) increased with increased degree of metamorphosis in transformers. Plasma [Na+] and[Cl–] of ammocoetes in freshwater was lower than transformers and increased markedly at 10‰. In transformers, plasma ions increased only at high salinity (&gt;25‰). Branchial Na+/K+-ATPase levels were ∼ tenfold higher in transformers compared to ammocoetes and salinity did not affect expression in either group. However, branchial H+-ATPase expression showed a negative correlation with salinity in both groups. Na+/K+-ATPase immunoreactivity was strongest in transformers and associated with clusters of cells in the interlamellar spaces. H+-ATPase (B subunit) immunoreactivity was localized to epithelial cells not expressing high Na+/K+-ATPase immunoreactivity and having a similar tissue distribution as carbonic anhydrase. The results indicate that branchial Na+/K+-ATPase and salinity tolerance increase in metamorphosing lampreys, and that branchial H+-ATPase is downregulated by salinity.
A new role for a classical gene: White transports cyclic GMP
Authors: Evans Jennifer M. , Day Jonathan P. , Cabrero Pablo , Dow Julian A. T. , Davies Shireen-Anne 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYGuanosine 3′-5′ cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) and adenosine 3′-5′ cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) are important regulators of cell and tissue function. However, cGMP and cAMP transport have received relatively limited attention, especially in model organisms where such studies can be conducted in vivo. The Drosophila Malpighian (renal) tubule transports cGMP and cAMP and utilises these as signalling molecules. We show here via substrate competition and drug inhibition studies that cAMP transport – but not cGMP transport – requires the presence of di-or tri-carboxylates; and that transport of both cyclic nucleotides occurs via ATP binding cassette sub-family G2 (ABCG2), but not viaABC sub-family C (ABCC), transporters. In Drosophila, the white (w) gene is known for the classic eye colour mutation. However, gene expression data show that of all adult tissues, w is most highly expressed in Malpighian tubules. Furthermore, as White is a member of the ABCG2 transporter class, it is a potential candidate for a tubule cGMP transporter. Assay of cGMP transport in w– (mutant) tubules shows that w is required for cGMP transport but not cAMP transport. Targeted over-expression of w in w– tubule principal cells significantly increases cGMP transport compared with that in w– controls. Conversely, treatment of wild-type tubules with cGMP increases w mRNA expression levels, implying that cGMP is a physiologically relevant substrate for White. Immunocytochemical localisation reveals that White is expressed in intracellular vesicles in tubule principal cells, suggesting that White participates in vesicular transepithelial transport of cGMP.
Is Routine Urine Cytology Useful in the Haematuria Clinic?
Authors: Viswanath S , Zelhof B , Ho E , Sethia K , Mills R 
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to determine the value of routine urine cytology in the initial evaluation of patients presenting to a one-stop haematuria clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 1000 consecutive patients who attended the haematuria clinic between June 2003 and November 2004 were studied prospectively. A standard protocol was used to investigate these patients. This included urine cytology, upper tract imaging and flexible cystoscopy. RESULTS Overall, 986 samples of urine were sent for cytology. In 126 patients, the report was abnormal; of these, 71 patients were found to have bladder transitional cell carcinoma by flexible cystoscopy and a further 3 had upper tract transitional cell carcinoma diagnosed radiologically. The remaining 52 patients with abnormal cytology were not found to have cancer on further investigations. The total cost for urine cytology and additional investigations was £50,535. CONCLUSIONS In this study of the initial evaluation of patients with haematuria, no case of urothelial malignancy was diagnosed on the basis of urine cytology alone. Therefore, urine cytology need not be used routinely in the initial diagnostic workup for haematuria.
Ureteric Stent Card Register – A 5-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Tang Vincent CY , Gillooly John , Lee Elaine WY , Charig Clive R 
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION Ureteric stenting is a common urological procedure. Forgotten stents have a well-documented morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we asked the question, is a stent register an important factor in reducing the number of lost or overdue stents? PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 203 patients who had ureteric stents inserted in the operating theatre, for the 5-year period 1 December 1998 to 1 December 2003. We analysed all stent cards, patient notes and theatre logs; where no record of stent removal was found, we contacted the patient, their GP or their local hospital. RESULTS A total of 191 patients were identified from the stent card register. An additional 12 patients were found from the theatre logs, but with no record in the stent card register. Of the 203 patients, 8 had bilateral stents. The most common indication for stenting was stone disease. Of the 203 patients, 11 had overdue stents and 51 had no record of the stents ever being removed. The 51 presumed ‘forgotten’ stents were traced, and it was found that 42 patients had had their stents removed by other hospitals, and 9 patients died with stents in situ, but before they were due for removal. CONCLUSIONS Our current stent card tracking system is ineffective, because it was infrequently reviewed. However, despite overdue and ‘forgotten’ stents which were removed by other hospitals, no patients came to any real harm and we had no lost stents. Our stent register system did not appear to play any role in terms of preventing stent loss, and it seems likely that there are other more effective safeguards in place to prevent this from happening. However, if a stent register was required at all, a computerised system would be preferable. Alternatively, patients could share some of the responsibility of stent tracking with their clinicians.
The Effectiveness of Physiotherapist-Led Arthroplasty Follow-Up Clinics
Authors: Walton MJ , Walton JC , Bell M , Scammell BE 
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION The conventional job descriptions of professionals within the NHS need to evolve in order to meet increasingly stringent targets and demands. One innovation is the introduction of a physiotherapist-led arthroplasty follow-up clinic. We present an audit of 1000 appointments to this clinic. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 865 patients were seen with 933 arthroplasties over an 8-month period; 135 appointments were not attended. Prospective data were collected at each attendance. RESULTS Less than 7.5% of patients required re-referral to an orthopaedic consultant, of which 36% were for consideration for further joint replacement. The cost of a physiotherapy appointment was £4.97 compared to £5.04 for a traditional orthopaedic assessment. By reducing the number of follow-up patients seen in orthopaedic clinics, we estimate that each consultant would be able to see two additional new patients per week. CONCLUSIONS Assessment of arthroplasty follow-up outside of the traditional orthopaedic clinic setting is a time-effective alternative; however, the cost-benefit and educational impact is less clear.
Short-Term Results of Musculotendinous Release for Paralytic Hip Subluxation in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bishay Sherif NG 
Published: February 2008

INTRODUCTION Children with paralytic hip subluxation secondary to spastic cerebral palsy were treated with a standard protocol that depended on early detection of the subluxation using clinical examination detecting limited range of hip abduction of ≤ 30° and anteroposterior pelvis radiographs detecting subluxation ≥ 33% migration as indications. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients underwent open adductor longus, proximal gracilis and proximal rectus femoris myotomy, and iliopsoas lengthening with immediate postoperative immobilisation in abduction bar for 3 weeks followed by physiotherapy. The protocol was applied to 50 children with a mean age of 3.6 years with 100 hips surgically corrected. Of these hips initially, 52% were mildly subluxated with ≤ 33% migration, 42% were moderately subluxated with > 33–66% migration, and 6% were severely subluxated with > 66% migration. RESULTS At a final postoperative follow-up of at least 24 months, 22% of these hips were classified as excellent with full containment and no migration, 54% were good with < 20% migration, and 24% were fair with 20–25% migration. No poor result with > 25% migration was obtained. No child developed an abduction contracture or wide-based gait that required treatment. CONCLUSIONS Early detection and application of this treatment algorithm for children with spastic hip disease should have satisfactory outcomes. Longer follow-up will be required to determine how many children will need bony reconstruction to maintain stable containment of hips at maturity.