bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ABA‐induced NO generation and stomatal closure in Arabidopsis are dependent on H2O2 synthesis
Authors: Bright Jo , Desikan Radhika , Hancock John T. , Weir Iain S. , Neill Steven J. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryNitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are key signalling molecules produced in response to various stimuli and involved in a diverse range of plant signal transduction processes. Nitric oxide and H2O2 have been identified as essential components of the complex signalling network inducing stomatal closure in response to the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA). A close inter‐relationship exists between ABA and the spatial and temporal production and action of both NO and H2O2 in guard cells. This study shows that, in Arabidopsis thaliana guard cells, ABA‐mediated NO generation is in fact dependent on ABA‐induced H2O2 production. Stomatal closure induced by H2O2 is inhibited by the removal of NO with NO scavenger, and both ABA and H2O2 stimulate guard cell NO synthesis. Conversely, NO‐induced stomatal closure does not require H2O2 synthesis nor does NO treatment induce H2O2 production in guard cells. Tungstate inhibition of the NO‐generating enzyme nitrate reductase (NR) attenuates NO production in response to nitrite in vitro and in response to H2O2 and ABA in vivo. Genetic data demonstrate that NR is the major source of NO in guard cells in response to ABA‐mediated H2O2 synthesis. In the NR double mutant nia1, nia2 both ABA and H2O2 fail to induce NO production or stomatal closure, but in the nitric oxide synthase deficient Atnos1 mutant, responses to H2O2 are not impaired. Importantly, we show that in the NADPH oxidase deficient double mutant atrbohD/F, NO synthesis and stomatal closure to ABA are severely reduced, indicating that endogenous H2O2 production induced by ABA is required for NO synthesis. In summary, our physiological and genetic data demonstrate a strong inter‐relationship between ABA, endogenous H2O2 and NO‐induced stomatal closure.
Cyclin D1 Protein Expression in Human Thyroid gland and Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Temmim L. , Ebraheem A. K. , Baker H. , Sinowatz F. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryCell cycle progression is facilitated by cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) that are activated by cyclins, including Cyclin D1 and inhibited by CDK inhibitors. Evidence of the involvement of cyclin gene alterations and over expression of various cyclins in human cancer is growing. The role of Cyclin D1 in malignant progression of papillary carcinomas of the thyroid has yet to be established. We therefore studied the expression of Cyclin D1 protein in thyroid carcinomas of young Kuwaiti patients (36 cases of conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma, 12 cases of its follicular variant, one case of tall cell thyroid carcinoma and one case of medullary carcinoma) using immunohistochemistry. In 23 patients (46%) circumscribed areas of cells were detected that showed a distinct to strong nuclear staining for immunoreactive Cyclin D1 whereas the remaining bulk of the carcinoma cells were negative or only showed a slight cytoplasmic staining. None of the tested clinical or path histological parameters showed a statistically significant correlation with the focal immunostaining. This does not rule out that the detected foci with positive nuclear Cyclin D1 immunostaining are areas where a progressive transformation to a more malignant phenotype occurs which eventually leading to lymph node and distant metastases.
Cytochemical Localization of Glycoconjugates in the Secretory Epithelial Cells Lining the Prostate Gland of the Miniature Pig
Authors: Sakairi A. , Tsukise A. , Kuwahara Y. , Nara T. , Meyer W. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe aim of the study was to emphasize several specific functional aspects of the mammalian prostate gland. In this connection, the subcellular localization and characterization of glycoconjugates in the secretory epithelial cells were examined that line the prostate gland of the miniature pig, using cytochemistry, including lectin‐gold methods. The results verified a diversified pattern of glycoconjugates in the structures of the secretory cells. The secretory granules and the free surface coat of the plasma membrane contained several sugar moieties such as α‐D‐Man, α‐D‐Glc, α‐L‐Fuc, β‐D‐Gal, GalNAc, GlcNAc and NeuAc (sialic acid), whereas the Golgi apparatus exhibited GlcNAc and sialic acid residues. In addition, the cisterns of the endoplasmic reticulum showed α‐D‐Man and α‐D‐Glc moieties. It seems likely that the secretory glycoconjugates demonstrated contribute to favourable conditions for fertilization.
Differences in Femoral Compact Bone Tissue Microscopic Structure between Adult Cows (Bos taurus) and Pigs (Sus scrofa domestica)
Authors: Martiniaková M. , Grosskopf B. , Vondráková M. , Omelka R. , Fabiš M. 
Published: December 2005

SummaryThe purpose of this investigation was to study in detail compact bone tissue microscopic structure of adult cows and pigs with an emphasis to find an adequate key for the species identification. Altogether 18 femurs were analysed. Each of the bones was sectioned at the smallest breadth of their diaphysis. Specimens were prepared using standard histological equipment, producing thin sections approximately 80–100 μm thick. The qualitative differences between investigated species were examined in anterior, posterior, medial and lateral views of thin sections. The quantitative ones were counted using the specific computer software Scion Image. We measured the area, perimeter, minimal and maximal diameter of the Haversian canals, the Haversian systems and the vascular canals of primary osteons. After that a discriminant function analysis was used for the species identification. According to our results the basic structural pattern of femur diaphysis was primary vascular plexiform in both species. However, non‐vascular bone tissue was identified in cows and resorption lacunae were found between the secondary osteons in pigs. The measured variables of the Haversian canals, the Haversian systems and the primary osteon's vascular canals were higher in most cases in cows. Classification functions for investigated species give a correct classification of 64.69% of cases. This percentage value can be increased by integrating conclusions from the qualitative analysis.
Geography and nursing: convergence in cyberspace?
Authors: Andrews Gavin J. , Kitchin Rob 
Published: December 2005

During the last 3 years the interface between geography and nursing has provided fertile ground for research. Not only has a conceptual emphasis on space and place provided nurse researchers with a robust and subtly different way to deconstruct and articulate nursing environments, but also their studies have provided a much needed focus on certain areas of health‐care, and in particular clinical practice, not currently prioritized by health geographers. We argue that, as something that is forcing fundamental re‐considerations of the nature of both nursing and geography, cyberspace is a particularly important phenomenon that lies comparatively under‐researched at this interface. To encourage some interest in researching nursing and cyberspace through a geographical lens, and at least to showcase a range of potentially useful and transportable concepts, we provide an overview of some of the key debates pertaining to cyberspace developed by human geographers, and make some initial and tentative connections to nursing.
Utility values and myopia in medical students in Singapore
Authors: Lim Wei‐Yen , Saw Seang‐Mei , Singh Manoj K , Au Eong Kah‐Guan 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPurpose:  Although technologies to correct myopia have progressed in recent years, it is not known how cost‐effective such technologies are. In this paper, utility values of myopic medical students in Singapore were ascertained as a first step to deriving weights for quality adjustment in future cost‐effectiveness studies of such technologies.Methods:  Students (n = 120) aged 18–22 years with myopia (spherical equivalent at least −0.5 D) from Singapore's sole medical school were recruited. Information on lifetime intention to undergo refractive surgery, contact lens use, proportion of waking time spent wearing corrective devices, and utility values using the time trade‐off and standard gamble for death methods, were obtained.Results:  The mean utility values for time trade‐off and standard gamble were 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.96–0.98, median 1.00) and 0.99 (95% confidence interval 0.98–0.99, median 1.00), respectively. Utility values were significantly higher among those who reported a probability of less than 50% that they would undergo refractive surgery within their lifetime, compared with those who reported a probability of 50% or more (means 0.98 vs. 0.95, P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Utility values in myopic medical students obtained in this study appear to be relatively high, compared with those obtained for other ophthalmic conditions.
Diagnostic vitreous biopsy in patients with uveitis: a useful investigation?
Authors: Manku Harkiran , McCluskey Peter 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To assess whether the results of microbial and cytological investigations of vitreous biopsy specimens are useful in the management of patients with intraocular inflammation.Method:  A retrospective review of the medical records of 59 consecutive patients from consulting rooms, outpatient clinics and inpatient consultation who underwent intravitreal sampling between January 1997 and December 2003. Results of the biopsies were examined to determine if they altered management of the patient.Results:  The clinical diagnosis was correct in 37 of 59 patients (62.7%) with ocular inflammation. The organism was identified in 50% (7/14) of vitreous biopsies in patients with postoperative endophthalmitis. Of patients with endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis 16.7% (1/6) had the diagnosis confirmed by vitreous tap and 83.3% (5/6) had positive cultures from other sites that provided the diagnosis. Of the fungal endophthalmitis 80% (4/5) grew the fungus from the vitreous biopsy. Viral polymerase chain reaction identified the causative organism in 87.5% (7/8) of patients with clinical diagnosis of viral infection. 30.8% (4/13) vitreous biopsies in patients with clinically suspected masquerade syndromes were diagnosed as lymphoma. Vitreous biopsy results altered management significantly in seven (11.9%) patients. These patients included toxoplasmosis that was thought to be viral retinitis; malignant melanoma thought to be fungal endophthalmitis; chronic inflammation secondary to retinal detachment that was thought to be a neoplasm; three patients with infective endophthalmitis thought to be idiopathic uveitis and a patient with known lung carcinoma thought to have metastases who had lymphoma. In 67.8% (40/59) the vitreous sample helped to either confirm the diagnosis or exclude an infective cause. Complications from vitrectomy were hypotony (1/29) and retinal detachment (1/29).Conclusion:  Clinical diagnosis based on examination findings and vitreous biopsy is highly accurate. Vitreous sampling altered the management of seven of 59 patients. Vitreous biopsy is a safe and useful method for diagnosing and excluding malignancy and infection in patients with ocular inflammation. Viral polymerase chain reaction is highly sensitive and accurate. The sensitivity of microbiological culture techniques for bacteria and fungi limits their usefulness.
Bilateral exudative retinal detachments as the presenting features of idiopathic orbital inflammation
Authors: Yuen Kenneth SC , Lai Connie HY , Chan Wai‐Man , Lam Dennis SC 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIdiopathic orbital inflammation, also known as orbital pseudotumour, is a term describing a spectrum of idiopathic, non‐neoplastic, non‐infectious, space‐occupying orbital lesion without identifiable local or systemic cause. This disease occurs mainly in young adults and typically presents with acute proptosis, chemosis and limited extraocular movement. Herein an unusual case of idiopathic orbital inflammation presenting with bilateral exudative retinal detachment in a 9‐year‐old girl is described. It demonstrates that prompt diagnosis and corticosteroid treatment can yield good clinical response and significant visual recovery.
Centennial review of corneal transplantation
Authors: Moffatt S Louise , Cartwright Victoria A , Stumpf Thomas H 
Published: December 2005

AbstractOne hundred years ago, on 7 December 1905, Dr Eduard Zirm performed the world's first successful human corneal transplant. This significant milestone was achieved only after many decades of unsuccessful trial and error; however, it did not lead to relatively ‘routine’ keratoplasty success for several more decades. The idea of replacing an opaque cornea had been suggested for centuries, and had stimulated theoretical approaches to the problem by many esteemed physicians throughout history. However, little practical progress was made in the ultimate realization of the dream until the 19th century when pioneering surgeons pursued extensive studies in relation to both animal and human ‘keratoplasty’. Clinical progress and scientific insight developed slowly, and it was ultimately due to parallel advances in medicine such as anaesthesia and antisepsis that Zirm's success was finally achieved. Key concepts were enshrined such as the use of fresh tissue from the same species, careful placement and handling of tissue, and the development of specialized instrumentation such as the circular trephine. In the latter half of the 20th century, many ‘masters’ of corneal surgery evolved significant refinements in technique and instrumentation with the development of corticosteroids, antibiotics, surgical microscopes, improved trephines, viscoelastics and suture materials, that enable this delicate procedure to be routinely performed with the prospect of success. There are still limitations to corneal transplantation, and corneal allograft rejection still poses the greatest challenge to the modern corneal surgeon. In the foreseeable future it may be in the laboratory, rather than the theatre, that further milestones will be achieved. This review aims to highlight the significant milestones in the rich history of corneal transplantation, and to pay tribute to the many inspired and dedicated individuals involved in the development of keratoplasty to a point where the procedure is now a standard tool in the repertoire of ophthalmic surgery and more than a million people have enjoyed restoration of useful sight.
Down‐regulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1α in globus pallidus and substantia nigra of parkinsonian monkeys
Authors: Kaneda K. , Tachibana Y. , Imanishi M. , Kita H. , Shigemoto R. , Nambu A. , Takada M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractEnhanced glutamatergic neurotransmission via the subthalamopallidal or subthalamonigral projection seems crucial for developing parkinsonian motor signs. In the present study, the possible changes in the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) were examined in the basal ganglia of a primate model for Parkinson's disease. When the patterns of immunohistochemical localization of mGluRs in monkeys administered systemically with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) were analysed in comparison with normal controls, we found that expression of mGluR1α, but not of other subtypes, was significantly reduced in the internal and external segments of the globus pallidus and the substantia nigra pars reticulata. To elucidate the functional role of mGluR1 in the control of pallidal neuron activity, extracellular unit recordings combined with intrapallidal microinjections of mGluR1‐related agents were then performed in normal and parkinsonian monkeys. In normal awake conditions, the spontaneous firing rates of neurons in the pallidal complex were increased by DHPG, a selective agonist of group I mGluRs, whereas they were decreased by AIDA, a selective antagonist of group I mGluRs, or LY367385, a selective antagonist of mGluR1. These electrophysiological data strongly indicate that the excitatory mechanism of pallidal neurons by glutamate is mediated at least partly through mGluR1. The effects of the mGluR1‐related agents on neuronal firing in the internal pallidal segment became rather obscure after MPTP treatment. Our results suggest that the specific down‐regulation of pallidal and nigral mGluR1α in the parkinsonian state may exert a compensatory action to reverse the overactivity of the subthalamic nucleus‐derived glutamatergic input that is generated in the disease.
Chondroitinase ABC combined with neural stem/progenitor cell transplantation enhances graft cell migration and outgrowth of growth‐associated protein‐43‐positive fibers after rat spinal cord injury
Authors: Ikegami Takeshi , Nakamura Masaya , Yamane Junichi , Katoh Hiroyuki , Okada Seiji , Iwanami Akio , Watanabe Kota , Ishii Ken , Kato Fumikazu , Fujita Hiroshi , Takahashi Toyomi , Okano Hirotaka James , Toyama Yoshiaki , Okano Hideyuki 
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe previously reported that the transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) can contribute to the repair of injured spinal cord in adult rats and monkeys. In some cases, however, most of the transplanted cells adhered to the cavity wall and failed to migrate and integrate into the host spinal cord. In this study we focused on chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG), a known constituent of glial scars that is strongly expressed after spinal cord injury (SCI), as a putative inhibitor of NSPC migration in vivo. We hypothesized that the digestion of CSPG by chondroitinase ABC (C‐ABC) might promote the migration of transplanted cells and neurite outgrowth after SCI. An in vitro study revealed that the migration of NSPC‐derived cells was inhibited by CSPG and that this inhibitory effect was attenuated by C‐ABC pre‐treatment. Consistently, an in vivo study of C‐ABC treatment combined with NSPC transplantation into injured spinal cord revealed that C‐ABC pre‐treatment promoted the migration of the transplanted cells, whereas CSPG‐immunopositive scar tissue around the lesion cavity prevented their migration into the host spinal cord in the absence of C‐ABC pre‐treatment. Furthermore, this combined treatment significantly induced the outgrowth of a greater number of growth‐associated protein‐43‐positive fibers at the lesion epicentre, compared with NSPC transplantation alone. These findings suggested that the application of C‐ABC enhanced the benefits of NSPC transplantation for SCI by reducing the inhibitory effects of the glial scar, indicating that this combined treatment may be a promising strategy for the regeneration of injured spinal cord.
Effects of M‐current modulators on the excitability of immature rat spinal sensory and motor neurones
Authors: Rivera‐Arconada I. , Lopez‐Garcia J. A. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractM‐currents have been shown to control neuronal excitability in a variety of central and peripheral neurones. Here we studied the effects of specific M‐current modulators on the excitability of spinal neurones and their response to synaptic activation. Experiments were performedin vitrousing the hemisected spinal cord from 7‐ to 11‐day‐old rats. Intracellular recordings were obtained from lumbar deep dorsal horn and motor neurones. Neuronal excitability was assessed by applying outward current pulses and synaptic responses were elicited by activation of a lumbar dorsal root. The M‐current antagonist 10,10‐bis(4‐pyridinylmethyl)‐9(10H)‐anthracenone (XE‐991) and the agonist retigabine were superfused at 10 µm. Retigabine produced hyperpolarization and a large decrease in the excitability of motor (7/7) and dorsal horn neurones (11/12). The effects of retigabine were fully reversed by XE‐991. XE‐991 induced depolarization of most neurones tested and a large increase in the excitability of motor neurones (7/7) but only a weak increase in the excitability of a proportion of dorsal horn neurones (4/10). The effects of XE‐991 were partly reversed by retigabine. Consistent with their effects on neuronal excitability, retigabine showed a general depressant effect on synaptic transmission, whereas XE‐991 showed the opposite tendency to potentiate responses to dorsal root stimulation, particularly in motor neurones. The results show that retigabine can depress spinal excitability and the transmission of nociceptive information. Results also indicate a post‐synaptic expression of functional M‐currents in most motor neurones and a considerable proportion of deep dorsal horn neurones.
Cardiovascular effects of noradrenaline microinjected into the dorsal periaqueductal gray area of unanaesthetized rats
Authors: Pelosi Gislaine Garcia , Corrêa Fernando Morgan Aguiar 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe periaqueductal grey area (PAG) is a mesencephalic region that is involved in the modulation of cardiovascular changes associated with behavioural responses. Among the neurotransmitters present in the PAG, noradrenaline (NA) is also known to be involved in central nervous system cardiovascular regulation. In the present study we report the cardiovascular effects of the microinjection of NA into the dorsal portion of the PAG (dPAG) of unanaesthetized rats and the peripheral mechanism involved in their mediation. Injection of NA in the dPAG of unanaesthetized rats evoked a dose‐dependent pressor response accompanied by bradycardia. The magnitude of the pressor responses was higher at more rostral sites in the dPAG and decreased when NA was injected into the caudal portion of the dPAG. The responses to NA were markedly reduced in urethane‐anaesthetized rats. The pressor response was potentiated by i.v. pretreatment with the ganglion blocker pentolinium and blocked by i.v. pretreatment with the vasopressin antagonist dTyr(CH2)5(Me)AVP. The results suggest that activation of noradrenergic receptors within the dPAG can evoke pressor responses, which are mediated by acute vasopressin release.
Alterations of arcuate nucleus neuropeptidergic development in contactin‐deficient mice: comparison with anorexia and food‐deprived mice
Authors: Fetissov Sergueï O. , Bergström Ulrika , Johansen Jeanette E. , Hökfelt Tomas , Schalling Martin , Ranscht Barbara 
Published: December 2005

AbstractA mutation in the Contactin‐1 gene results in an ataxic and anorectic phenotype that is apparent by postnatal day 10 and lethal by postnatal day 19 [Berglund et al. (1999)Neuron 24, 739–750]. The resemblance of this phenotype with the anorexia (anx/anx) mouse mutation prompted us to investigate the hypothalamic neurochemistry of Contactin knock‐out (KO) mice. Contactin was expressed in the hypothalamic neuropil of wild‐type (WT) but not Contactin KO mice. In the KO condition, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti‐related protein (AgRP) immunoreactivity (IR) accumulated in the somata of arcuate nucleus neurons, whereas IR for these neuropeptides as well as for α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) decreased in the corresponding axon projections. These changes in the pattern of neuropeptide expression in the Contactin‐deficient hypothalamus were similar but more pronounced than those found in anx/anx mice. Increased levels of NPY and AgRP and decreased concentrations of pro‐opiomelanocortin mRNA in arcuate neurons accompanied these changes. In relating these alterations a 24‐h food deprivation period, we observed in 3‐week‐old WT mice an elevation of NPY‐ and AgRP‐IR in the perikarya of arcuate neurons without notable reduction of NPY‐ or AgRP‐IR in nerve fibers, suggesting that the decrease of arcuate projections can be associated with postnatal anorectic phenotype. Our data implicate Contactin in the postnatal development of the NPY/AgRP and α‐MSH arcuate neurons and suggest that similar to anx/anx mutant mice, compromised orexigenic signaling via NPY/AgRP neurons may contribute to reduced food intake by the Contactin‐mutant animals.