bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of trophinin and bystin identifies distinct cell types in the germinal zones of adult rat brain
Authors: Ma Liping , Yin Min , Wu Xuefei , Wu Chunhua , Yang Shuo , Sheng Jiansong , Ni Hengjian , Fukuda Michiko N. , Zhou Jiawei 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn the adult brain, the subventricular zone (SVZ) is one of the regions where active neurogenesis occurs. Relatively few specific markers are available to distinguish different types of cells in the SVZ and rostral migratory stream (RMS) of adult brain. Here, we showed that trophinin and bystin, both of which are required for early embryo implantation during development, were expressed in the SVZ and RMS of the adult rat brain, but not in the brain of embryos and early postnatal animals. Trophinin‐expressing cells were immunopositive for both Ki‐67 and nestin in the SVZ. Some of the trophinin‐positive cells did not express either the type A cell marker polysialylated weakly adhesive form of the neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM) or the type B cell marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Double‐label immunohistochemistry revealed that bystin‐positive cells co‐expressed GFAP, Ki‐67 and nestin, but not PSA‐NCAM, suggesting that they are likely type B cells. Intracerebroventricular infusion of cytosine‐β‐d‐arabiofuranoside (Ara‐C) eliminated trophinin‐positive cells in the SVZ. Following its depletion, however, the remaining bystin‐positive cells continued to divide and generate actively dividing trophinin‐positive cells that were negative for PSA‐NCAM, leading to reconstruction of SVZ network. These characteristics indicate that this subset of trophinin‐positive cells in the SVZ is type C cells. Conversely in the RMS, trophinin co‐localized with nestin and PSA‐NCAM, suggesting that it is expressed in neuroblasts. Cultured neural precursor cells derived from the adult SVZ also expressed both trophinin and bystin. These findings provide insight into the molecular basis of adult neurogenesis in the SVZ and RMS.
A new viviparous acoel Childia vivipara sp. nov. with observations on the developing embryos, sperm ultrastructure, body wall and stylet musculatures
Authors: Tekle Yonas I. , Raikova Olga I. , Jondelius Ulf 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA free‐living viviparous acoel, Childia vivipara sp. nov., from the Gullmar fjord of the Swedish coast is described. The new species is assigned to the taxon Childia based on histological, ultrastructural and molecular sequence similarities. All available molecular markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and histone H3) and several morphological characters, obtained using transmission electron microscopy and confocal scanning laser microscopy of whole mount specimen stained with TRITC‐labelled phalloidin, support the placement of C. vivipara in the taxon Childia. Childia vivipara and other Childia species share the following morphological synapomorphies: well‐developed copulatory organs built of tightly packed stylet needles, proximal part of the stylet inserted into the seminal vesicle, reversed body‐wall musculature, absence of ventral diagonal muscles, presence of dorsal diagonal muscles, and presence of ventral straight longitudinal muscles between frontal pore and mouth, 9 + 1 sperm axoneme structure, six distal sperm cytoplasmic microtubules, and extensive overlap of axonemes and nucleus. The new species can be easily distinguished from other Childia species by its viviparous mode of reproduction and single curved stylet. Observations on late embryonic development based on the oldest developing embryos are discussed.
Induction of apoptosis and enhancement of chemosensitivity in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells using bispecific antisense oligonucleotide targeting Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL genes
Authors: YAMANAKA KAZUKI , ROCCHI PALMA , MIYAKE HIDEAKI , FAZLI LADAN , SO ALAN , ZANGEMEISTER‐WITTKE UWE , GLEAVE MARTIN E. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVETo determine whether a specifically designed bispecific (Bcl‐2/Bcl‐xL) antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) induces apoptosis and enhances chemosensitivity in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells, as Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL are both anti‐apoptotic genes associated with treatment resistance and tumour progression in many malignancies, including prostate cancer.MATERIALS AND METHODSInhibition of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL expression by the bispecific ASO was evaluated using real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, while growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis were analysed by a crystal violet assay, flow cytometry and Western blotting of apoptosis‐relevant proteins. The effect of combined treatment with bispecific ASO and chemotherapy or small‐interference RNA (siRNA) targeting the clusterin gene was also investigated.RESULTSBispecific ASO reduced Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL expression in LNCaP cells in a dose‐dependent manner. There was cell growth inhibition, increases in the sub‐G0–G1 fraction, and cleavage of caspase‐3 and poly(ADP‐Ribose) polymerase proteins in LNCaP cells after bispecific ASO treatment. Interestingly, Bcl‐2/Bcl‐xL bispecific ASO treatment also resulted in the down‐regulation of Mcl‐1 and up‐regulation of Bax. The sensitivity of LNCaP cells to mitoxantrone, docetaxel or paclitaxel was significantly increased, reducing the 50% inhibitory concentration by 45%, 80% or 90%, respectively. Furthermore, the apoptotic induction by Bcl‐2/Bcl‐xL bispecific ASO was synergistically enhanced by siRNA‐mediated inhibition of clusterin, a cytoprotective chaperone that interacts with and inhibits activated Bax.CONCLUSIONSThese findings support the concept of the targeted suppression of Bcl‐2 anti‐apoptotic family members using multitarget inhibition strategies for prostate cancer, through the effective induction of apoptosis.
Normal urinary and sexual function in men without evidence of prostate cancer from Montreal, Canada
Authors: LEWINSHTEIN DANIEL J. , PERROTTE PAUL , LEBEAU THIERRY , RAMIREZ ALVARO , BENAYOUN SERGE , KARAKIEWICZ PIERRE I. 
Published: May 2006

Associate EditorMichael G. WyllieEditorial BoardIan Eardley, UKJean Fourcroy, USASidney Glina, BrazilJulia Heiman, USAChris McMahon, AustraliaBob Millar, UKAlvaro Morales, CanadaMichael Perelman, USAMarcel Waldinger, NetherlandsOBJECTIVETo examine the rates of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and erectile dysfunction (ED), and of associated bother, in men with no evidence of prostate cancer who participated in a prostate cancer‐screening event.SUBJECTS AND METHODSA cohort of 366 men with no established diagnosis of prostate cancer completed a questionnaire addressing SUI, ED and associated bother. Socio‐economic status and presence of comorbidities were also examined.RESULTSThe mean (range) age of the men was 54.8 (33–80) years; 90% of the men (271) had no SUI, and 76% (231) reported no urinary bother. Conversely, 62% (189) reported some degree of ED and 27% (82) some degree of sexual bother. Urinary bother (P < 0.001), erectile function (P < 0.001), and sexual bother (P < 0.02) were associated with age. Of all the men, 36% had one or more comorbidities. Men with one or more comorbidities had worse erectile function than those men with no comorbidity (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONFew studies address normative values of SUI and ED rates in men with no established diagnosis of prostate cancer. We quantified the rate of SUI and it was practically negligible. Conversely, some degree of ED affected most of the present screened population. These data may be used as baseline references to evaluate the magnitude of functional and bother detriments after various prostate treatments.
The role of Doppler ultrasonography in determining the proper surgical approach to the management of varicocele in children and adolescents
Authors: CIMADOR MARCELLO , PACE MARIA RITA DI , PERITORE MARCELLO , SERGIO MARIA , CASTAGNETTI MARCO , GRAZIA ENRICO DE 
Published: May 2006

In a study from Italy, colour‐Doppler ultrasonography was a reliable diagnostic tool in the preoperative assessment of patients with varicocele. The authors also found that it helped to distinguish those who could be treated laparoscopically from those who should be treated by microsurgical subinguinal ligature.OBJECTIVETo investigate whether colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) is a reliable diagnostic tool for selecting patients with varicocele to undergo either laparoscopy or open microsurgical subinguinal ligation.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a 3‐year period, 42 boys affected by left varicocele were evaluated before surgery by inguinal and scrotal CDUS. Using this method it was possible to distinguish Coolsaet type‐1 varicocele (due to isolated renal‐internal spermatic vein reflux) and Coolsaet type‐3 varicocele (due to associated renal‐internal spermatic reflux and iliac‐deferential reflux). Boys with Coolsaet type‐1 varicocele were treated by a laparoscopic transperitoneal Palomo procedure, whereas those with Coolsaet type‐3 varicoceles were treated by lymphatic‐sparing microsurgical subinguinal ligation.RESULTSThe varicocele was Coolsaet type‐3 in six patients (14%), who had microsurgical open surgery, and the remaining 36 (86%) had Coolsaet type‐1 and had laparoscopic surgery. At the follow‐up there was no venous scrotal reflux. In two patients in the laparoscopic group a hydrocele developed after surgery, which resolved spontaneously.CONCLUSIONSThis study showed that CDUS was a reliable diagnostic tool for assessing boys with varicocele. It clearly distinguished Coolsaet‐type 1 varicoceles that can be treated laparoscopically, from Coolsaet type‐3 varicoceles that should be treated with microsurgical subinguinal ligature.
Interfering with cell‐survival signalling as a treatment strategy for prostate cancer
Authors: CORCORAN NIALL M. , COSTELLO ANTHONY J. , HOVENS CHRISTOPHER M. 
Published: May 2006

Authors from Australia describe how interfering with cell survival is increasingly being chosen as a method of developing a treatment strategy for hormone‐resistant prostate cancer. The authors show how several developmental drug candidates have preclinical and clinical activity against cell survival proteins, and that these might be worth considering as possible clinical entities in this condition.The commonly stated argument that laparoscopy has advanced the cause of donor nephrectomy in renal transplantation is examined by authors from the UK. They present a review of the published reports and show that the evidence base is poor for drawing a conclusion as to whether laparoscopic or open nephrectomy is best.
University teachers’ experiences in courseware development
Authors: Bongalos Yuri Q. , Bulaon Dan Dave R. , Celedonio Lanie P. , De Guzman Allan B. , Ogarte Cronica Josette F. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe professoriate is increasingly expected to infuse computer technology in teaching. However, there is dearth of qualitative data to either support or disprove this belief. This study thus aims to describe the experiences of a select group of college teachers as they develop, implement and evaluate their courseware materials. Ten tenured faculty members who have developed, deployed and evaluated their courseware materials were the participants of this qualitative inquiry. Initially, the teachers were made to fill out robotfotos (in Dutch, a cartographic sketch) for purposes of profiling their baseline characteristics. Data gathered were carefully analysed and thematised on the basis of internal and external homogeneity. Guided by a semistructured audio‐taped interview, this study captured the experiences of the teachers whose instructional paradigms were facilitated and revolutionised by a learning management system (LMS), specifically the Blackboard (Bb) system. Findings show that generally, the professoriate considers the courseware materials developed as instructional adjuncts that complement their time‐tested teaching modalities. Having identified an LMS such as Bb as a user‐friendly system, issues relative to system’s accessibility, technical difficulties, systemic training programmes for teachers, attractive system of incentives and user readiness are key areas that ensure overall programme success and viability.
Faculty adoption behaviour about web‐based distance education: a case study from China Agricultural University
Authors: Li Yan , Lindner James R. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to determine China Agricultural University’s (CAU’s) faculty adoption behaviour about web‐based distance education (WBDE). Rogers’ (2003) model of five stages in the innovation–decision process was adopted and modified as the theoretical base for the study. Quantitative research was employed and the research design for the study was descriptive in nature. The results of data analysis found that about 70% of participating CAU faculty (N= 273) stayed in early stages in the innovation–decision process related to WBDE (no knowledge, knowledge, or persuasion) and about 30% were in later stages (decision, implementation and confirmation). Faculty members’ stage in the innovation–decision process differed significantly by their professional area, level of education, teaching experience and distance education experience. Gender, age and academic rank had no significant influence on faculty members’ stage in the process.
Why There is a Democratic Deficit in the EU: A Response to Majone and Moravcsik
Authors: FOLLESDAL ANDREAS , HIX SIMON 
Published: May 2006

AbstractGiandomenico Majone and Andrew Moravcsik have argued that the EU does not suffer a ‘democratic deficit’. We disagree about one key element: whether a democratic polity requires contestation for political leadership and over policy. This aspect is an essential element of even the ‘thinnest’ theories of democracy, yet is conspicuously absent in the EU.
Sibling relationships and best friendships in young adulthood: Warmth, conflict, and well‐being
Authors: SHERMAN AURORA M. , LANSFORD JENNIFER E. , VOLLING BRENDA L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAlthough much work addresses the importance of siblings and friendships in separate investigations, few studies simultaneously examine both relationships. Young adults (N= 102, M age = 18.7) were surveyed about their friendships, their sibling relationships, and their psychological well‐being (assessed by self‐esteem and loneliness). Participants with harmonious (high warmth, low conflict) sibling relations and same‐gender friends had the highest well‐being. Participants with affect‐intense (high warmth, high conflict) sibling relationships had low well‐being. However, participants who had low‐involved (low warmth, low conflict) and affect‐intense same‐gender friendships did not differ in well‐being. When examining joint effects, having a harmonious same‐gender friendship compensated for having a low‐involved sibling relationship, but having harmonious sibling relations did not compensate for having low‐involved friendships. Overall, the results underscore the importance of positive and negative relationship properties and the joint effects of multiple relationships.
Genetics in Dialysis: Gene Polymorphism Association Studies in Dialysis: Anemia and Host Immunity
Authors: Jaber Bertrand L. , Balakrishnan Vaidyanathapuram S. , Girndt Matthias , Heine Gunnar H. , Köhler Hans 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTThe typical complications of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) vary in frequency and severity. Whereas anemia of chronic kidney disease might require high doses of exogenous erythropoietin (EPO) in some individuals, others hardly ever need hormone replacement. The same observation can be made for immune defense functions in patients with ESRD. Our understanding of the functional consequences of genetic polymorphisms in a wide array of genes has recently gained momentum. In patients with ESRD, interindividual differences in anemia parameters have been linked in part to genetic polymorphisms. Indeed, although inflammation is an important predictor of the need for EPO, to date a link to cytokine gene polymorphisms has not been established. However, the need for EPO has been linked to polymorphisms in the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and vitamin D receptor genes. In contrast, in dialysis patients, interindividual variability in host immune responses, including nonspecific (bacterial) and antigen‐specific (viral) immune mechanisms has been linked to variations in the interleukin‐10 and myeloperoxidase genes as well as variability in human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). In conclusion, the role of genetic polymorphisms in predicting the development and severity of anemia in chronic kidney disease as well as host immune competence is in its infancy and warrants further inquiry.
Genetics in Dialysis: Gene Polymorphism Association Studies in Dialysis: Bone and Mineral Metabolism
Authors: Jaber Bertrand L. , Balakrishnan Vaidyanathapuram S. , Erturk Sehsuvar 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTAbnormalities in bone and mineral metabolism have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality among patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). In addition to confounding environmental factors, genetic susceptibility factors may also influence the occurrence and severity of these abnormalities and account for interindividual variability among patients. Indeed, polymorphisms involving genes of the calcium/parathyroid hormone/calcitriol axis have been associated with bone and mineral metabolism abnormalities. This review summarizes studies involving polymorphisms of candidate genes and their effects on the development of complications related to bone and mineral metabolism abnormalities among patients with ESRD.
Basic Science and Dialysis: Parathyroid Growth and Suppression in Renal Failure
Authors: Lewin Ewa , Huan Jinxing , Olgaard Klaus 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTIn advanced uremia, parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels should be controlled at a moderately elevated level in order to promote normal bone turnover. As such, a certain degree of parathyroid hyperplasia has to be accepted. Uremia is associated with parathyroid growth. In experimental studies, proliferation of the parathyroid cells is induced by uremia and further promoted by hypocalcemia, phosphorus retention, and vitamin D deficiency. On the other hand, parathyroid cell proliferation might be arrested by treatment with a low‐phosphate diet, vitamin D analogs, or calcimimetics. When established, parathyroid hyperplasia is poorly reversible. There exists no convincing evidence of programmed parathyroid cell death or apoptosis in hyperplastic parathyroid tissue or of involution of parathyroid hyperplasia. However, even considerable parathyroid hyperplasia can be controlled when the functional demand for increased PTH levels is removed by normalization of kidney function. Today, secondary hyperparathyroidism can be controlled in patients with long‐term uremia in whom considerable parathyroid hyperplasia is to be expected. PTH levels can be suppressed in most uremic patients and this suppression can be maintained by continuous treatment with phosphate binders, vitamin D analogs, or calcimimetics. Thus modern therapy permits controlled development of parathyroid growth. When nonsuppressible secondary hyperparathyroidism is present, nodular hyperplasia with suppressed expression of the calcium‐sensing receptor (CaR) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) has been found in most cases. An altered expression of some autocrine/paracrine factors has been demonstrated in the nodules. The altered quality of the parathyroid mass, and not only the increased parathyroid mass per se, might be responsible for uncontrollable hyperparathyroidism in uremia and after kidney transplantation.
Reconsidering the Impact of Jurisprudential Regimes*
Authors: Scott Kevin M. 
Published: May 2006

Objectives. Recent work on Supreme Court decision making has argued that different areas of law demonstrate the creation of jurisprudential regimes, which alter the importance of different case facts to the justices, suggesting that the justices do alter their behavior in response to changes in the law. However, the work on jurisprudential regimes has suggested that all justices, or at least all justices who participate in establishing the regime, react similarly to the regime creation.Methods. I separate out the justices who support the establishment of the regime and those who oppose the establishment of the regime to test the hypothesis that majority and dissenting justices react differently to the creation of jurisprudential regimes.Results. Both sets of justices react to the establishment of the regime, but the change in behavior of the dissenters occurs after that of the majority.Conclusions. These results suggest that the impact of jurisprudential regimes may be even more substantial than previously believed.
THERMAL AND HIGH PRESSURE INACTIVATION KINETICS OF VICTORIA GRAPE POLYPHENOL OXIDASE: FROM MODEL SYSTEMS TO GRAPE MUST
Authors: RAPEANU GABRIELA , VAN LOEY ANN , SMOUT CHANTAL , HENDRICKX MARC 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) was extracted from white grapes (var. Victoria, South Africa) and partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation. Detailed kinetic studies on thermal and high‐pressure inactivation of grape PPO were preformed in McIlvaine buffer (pH = 4.0), in reconstituted grape must and in grape must. Thermal inactivation of PPO in McIlvaine buffer followed a first‐order model while in reconstituted grape must and grape must a biphasic inactivation behavior has been observed. Under all conditions investigated, a first‐order kinetic model could describe the pressure inactivation data. It was found that PPO is more thermostable and pressure‐stable in must than in reconstituted grape must and McIlvaine buffer at the same pH = 4.0.
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF KILLER WHALE (ORCINUS ORCA) HISTORICAL BONE AND TOOTH SAMPLES TO IDENTIFY WESTERN U.S. ECOTYPES
Authors: Morin Phillip A. , LeDuc Richard G. , Robertson Kelly M. , Hedrick Nicole M. , Perrin William F. , Etnier Michael , Wade Paul , Taylor Barbara L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractLittle is known about the historical range of killer whale ecotypes in the eastern North Pacific (ENP). It is possible that ranges have shifted in the last few decades because of changes in availability of food. In particular, the southern resident ecotype, currently found primarily in the inland waters of Washington State, is known to prey extensively on salmon, which have declined in recent decades along the outer coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. To investigate historical distributions of this and the other ENP ecotypes, samples of teeth and bones were obtained from NMFS and museum collections. We amplified a short section of the mitochondrial DNA control region that contains four diagnostic sites that differentiate between haplotypes found in ecotypes of ENP killer whales. Results did not show any southern resident haplotypes in samples from south of the Washington State inland waterways. One whale genetically identified as a northern resident extends the known southernmost distribution of the population from Oregon to California. Items of diet identified from stomach contents of six of the whales genetically identified to ecotype conformed with what is known of the feeding habits of the various ecotypes.