bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cryogenic and Refrigerated Storage of Rainbow Smelt Osmerus mordax Spermatozoa
Authors: DeGraaf J. Dana , Berlinsky David L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe effects of extender composition, cryoprotectant, and freezing rate on post‐thaw rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax sperm motility were examined, and the fertilization capacity of fresh and post‐thaw sperm were compared. The highest post‐thaw motility (75%) was obtained when milt was diluted 1:3 with an extender containing 600 mM sucrose supplemented with 10% dimethyl sulfoxide and 1.5% bovine serum albumin and frozen at a rate of –20 C/min. Post‐thaw motility for sperm stored in this extender was similar to fresh sperm and did not change after 90 d of storage. Furthermore, there were no differences in fertilization rate or embryo survival to the eyed stage between fresh and post‐thaw sperm frozen in this extender. The lowest post‐thaw motility was observed when sperm were frozen with methanol at a rate of ‐30 C/min. Refrigerated sperm diluted 1:3 with the 600 mM sucrose extender remained motile for 30 d. These data demonstrate that rainbow smelt spermatozoa can be effectively used following short and long‐term storage using a simple, sucrose‐based extender.
Apparent Digestible Energy and Nutrient Digestibility Coefficients of Diet Ingredients for Pacu Piaractus brachypomus
Authors: Fernandes Joāto Batista K. , Lochmann Rebecca , Bocanegra Fernando Alcantara 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe digestible energy and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients of common diet ingredients were determined for pacu Piaractus brachypomus (370.21 ± 17.56 g). Fish were fed with pelleted practical diets to apparent satiation and the feces were collected by siphoning. The digestibility value for each ingredient was determined by comparison of the digestibility of a test diet with a reference diet (24.5% crude protein and 1% chromic oxide). The digestible energy values of soybean meal (SBM), fish meal (FM), corn (CN), and wheat bran (WB) were 2382. 3826, 3353, and 1784 kcal/kg, respectively. The apparent dry matter digestibility coefficients were 83.72, 90.14, 89.13, and 82.05% for SBM, FM, CN, and WB, respectively. The apparent crude protein digestibility coefficients were 75.88, 90.49, 85.06, and 61.62% for SBM. FM, CN, and WB, respectively. The apparent lipid digestibility coefficients were 63.03, 77.00, 83.01, and 82.45% for SBM, FM, CN, and WB, respectively. The digestibility of protein, lipid, and energy from SBM were somewhat low compared to values for other warmwater omnivorous fishes, but similar to values reported for pacu‐caranha P. mesopotamicus. Otherwise, the nutrient and energy availability of the ingredients to P. brachypomus was similar to that of other fish. This information will be useful in formulating nutritious, economical diets for pacus.
Quantitative Protein Requirements of the Edible Snail Pomacea urceus (Muller)
Authors: Ramnarine Indar W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSix isocaloric, semi‐purified diets containing 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40% crude protein were formulated and fed to juvenile Pomacea urceus (mean length 34.8 mm, mean weight 7.35 g) at the daily rate of 4% biomass over an 18‐wk period. The best weight gain of 230% was obtained with the test diet containing 30% crude protein, but was not significantly different from the weight gain of 228% obtained with the 20% protein diet. A lower feed conversion ratio (1.77 compared with 1.90) was obtained with the test diet containing 20% crude protein. A diet containing 20% crude protein is recommended for the culture of Pomacea urceus.
Strong and Selective Inhibitors of Hepatitis B Virus Replication among Novel N
4
-Hydroxy- and 5-Methyl-β-
l
-Deoxycytidine Analogues
Authors: Matthes E. , Funk A. , Krahn I. , Gaertner K. , von Janta-Lipinski M. , Lin L. , Will H. , Sirma H. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Novel N
4
-hydroxy- and 5-methyl-modified β-
l
-deoxycytidine analogues were synthesized and evaluated as anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) agents. Their in vitro efficiencies were investigated in HepG2.2.15 cells stably transfected with HBV. β-
l
-2′,3′-Didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-N
4
-hydroxycytidine (β-
l
-Hyd4C) was most effective in reducing secreted HBV DNA (50% effective concentration [EC
50
], 0.03 μM), followed by β-
l
-2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-thia-N
4
-hydroxycytidine (EC
50
, 0.51 μM), β-
l
-2′,3′-dideoxy-N
4
-hydroxycytidine (EC
50
, 0.55 μM), and β-
l
-5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (EC
50
, 0.9 μM). The inhibition of the presumed target, the HBV DNA polymerase, by the triphosphates of some of the β-
l
-cytidine derivatives was also assessed. In accordance with the cell culture data, β-
l
-Hyd4C triphosphate was the most active inhibitor, with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 0.21 μM. The cytotoxicities of some of the 4-NHOH-modified β-
l
-nucleosides were dramatically lower than those of the corresponding cytidine analogues with the unmodified 4-NH
2
group. The 50% cytotoxic concentrations for β-
l
-Hyd4C in HepG2 and HL-60 cells were 2,500 μM and 3,500 μM, respectively. In summary, our results demonstrate that at least β-
l
-Hyd4C can be recommended as a highly efficient and extremely selective inhibitor of HBV replication for further investigations.
Spread in an Italian Hospital of a Clonal
Acinetobacter baumannii
Strain Producing the TEM-92 Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase
Authors: Endimiani Andrea , Luzzaro Francesco , Migliavacca Roberta , Mantengoli Elisabetta , Hujer Andrea M. , Hujer Kristine M. , Pagani Laura , Bonomo Robert A. , Rossolini Gian Maria , Toniolo Antonio 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

Clinical isolates of
Acinetobacter baumannii
(
n
= 470) were collected during a 7-year period and investigated for the genetic determinants of resistance to expanded-spectrum β-lactams. Thirty-one isolates produced the TEM-92 extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and were clonally related. This is the first report of
A. baumannii
producing a TEM-type ESBL.
Mutant Prevention Concentrations of Fluoroquinolones for
Enterobacteriaceae
Expressing the Plasmid-Carried Quinolone Resistance Determinant
qnrA1
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez J. M. , Velasco C. , García I. , Cano M. E. , Martínez-Martínez L. , Pascual A. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

The influence of
qnrA1
on the development of quinolone resistance in
Enterobacteriaceae
was evaluated by using the mutant prevention concentration parameter. The expression of
qnrA1
considerably increased the mutant prevention concentration compared to strains without this gene. In the presence of
qnrA1
, mutations in
gyrA
and
parC
genes were easily selected to produce high levels of quinolone resistance.
Controlled Trial of a 5-Day Course of Telithromycin versus Doxycycline for Treatment of Mild to Moderate Scrub Typhus
Authors: Kim Dong-Min , Yu Ki Dong , Lee Ji Hyun , Kim Hyun Kuk , Lee Seung-Hyun 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT

New antibiotics are required to have the antibacterial activity against doxycycline-resistant
Orientia tsutsugamushi
. An in vitro sensitivity study showed that telithromycin was more effective than erythromycin for
Rickettsia
,
Bartonella
, and
Coxiella burnetii
. In this prospective, open-label, randomized trial, we enrolled patients with mild-to-moderate scrub typhus. We compared the efficacy and safety of a 5-day telithromycin therapy with those of a 5-day doxycycline therapy at Chosun University Hospital or one of its two community-based affiliated hospitals (Jangheung Hospital and Cheomdan Hospital), which are all located in southwestern Korea, between September and December 2005. A total of 92 patients were randomly assigned to either the telithromycin group (
n
= 47) or the doxycycline group (
n
= 45). After the treatment, fever control time was 20.45 ± 12.9 h in the telithromycin group and 22.60 ± 21.44 h in the doxycycline group (
P
> 0.05). After the treatment, the cure rate was 100% in the telithromycin group and 97.8% in the doxycycline group (
P
> 0.05). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in time elapsed until such symptoms as headache, myalgia, and rash disappeared. No serious adverse events or death were noted following the treatment in both groups. There were no significant differences in adverse events. In conclusion, the efficacy and safety of a 5-day once-a-day regimen of 800 mg telithromycin were equivalent to those of a 5-day twice-a-day regimen of 100 mg doxycycline in patients with mild-to-moderate scrub typhus. Telithromycin could be considered a promising new antibacterial agent for patients with scrub typhus.
RNA Interference-Mediated Silencing of theYPS3Gene ofHistoplasma capsulatumReveals Virulence Defects
Authors: Bohse Megan L. , Woods Jon P. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTTheYPS3gene ofHistoplasma capsulatumencodes a protein that is both surface localized in the cell wall ofH. capsulatumand released into the culture medium. This protein is produced only during the pathogenic yeast phase of infection and is also expressed differentially inH. capsulatumstrains of different virulence levels. In this study, we silenced theYPS3transcript by using an interfering-RNA strategy and examined the silenced mutants for phenotypic differences in vitro and during infection. The mutants showed no growth defect during in vitro culture in a defined medium at 37°C and appeared to have normal virulence in a RAW 264.7 murine macrophage-like cell line. In a C57BL/6 mouse model of infection, however, the mutants caused significantly decreased fungal burdens, particularly in the peripheral phagocyte-rich tissues of livers and spleens. This defect in organ colonization was evident within 3 days of infection; however, it appeared to be exacerbated at later time points.
National Concepts of Security and the Problem Of Integration in Transcaucasia
Authors: Begoyan Anush 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe article examines security issues of the Transcaucasian region with the focus on nonmilitary and trans-border security threats and a regional security community that also includes non-state security actors of the region, such as not-recognised autonomous entities, nations, ethnic groups, minorities, etc.This approach to regional security shifts the focus of policies from balance of power to closer regional integration and cooperation, as well as joint provision of regional security. Despite many objectives and existing obstacles to this scenario of regional development, the author sees it to be the only way toward a stable and long-term security in the region. The article argues that closer regional cooperation and integration would allow to accommodate interests and security concerns of non-state actors of the region and would bring the fate of regional issues back in the hands of the regional powers and create bases for sustainable and lasting peace in the region.
White-Collar Proletariat?
Authors: Carey Malcolm 
Published: April 2007

• Summary: This paper considers the experience of a small cohort of agency care managers 1 ( N = 23) in the context of the ongoing debate about the deskilling of social work. Evidence is presented and discussed in relation to post-war studies of the labour process and asks whether Braverman's proposition that deskilling is an inevitable outcome of capitalism's labour process has any relevance in explaining whether agency social workers are `white-collar proletarians' or not. • Findings: The article identifies that there have been important changes to the social work labour process, including the regimes of care/case management and the subsequent intensification of employee workloads and deskilling (particularly for agency workers). However, for agency workers there are important processes that have stood to contain the full impact of proletarianization. • Applications : The evidence provided suggests that 1) social work is still experiencing significant forces of change which continue to extend the process of proletarianization; 2) the expansion of the private sector in social care and the continuing reliance upon agency care managers remain but two examples of such detrimental change for both social work and service users/carers; and 3) without resistance deskilling and marginalization are likely to continue.
Skewed expression and up-regulation of the IL-12 and IL-18 receptors in resting and activated CD4 T cells from HIV-1-infected patients
Authors: de Arquer Guillermo Robert , Peña Ruth , Cabrera Cecilia , Coma Gemma , Ruiz-Hernandez Raul , Guerola Rosa , Clotet Bonaventuta , Ruiz Lidia , Esté José A , Calle M Luz , Bofill Margarita 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIL-12 and IL-18 synergistically induce the production of IFN-γ by resting and activated T cells. To evaluate whether this induction was affected in HIV-1-infected patients, PBMC or isolated CD4 T cells were cultured with IL-12 plus IL-18, anti-CD3 plus anti-CD28, or PHA for 72 h. Cell samples were labeled daily to assess the levels of IL-12 receptor β1 (IL-12Rβ1), IL-12Rβ2, and IL-18Rα. Culture supernatants were analyzed for the presence of Th1- and Th2-related cytokines by ELISA or cytometric bead array and analyzed by flow cytometry. A twofold increase in the percentage of CD4-resting T cells expressing IL-12Rβ1 and IL-18Rα from HIV-1-infected patients was observed when compared with cells from HIV-1-negative donors. Higher IL-12Rβ1 and IL-18Rα expression correlated (r=0.87; P&lt;0.007) to increased production of IFN-γ by isolated CD4 T cells in the presence of IL-12 and IL-18. Moreover, exogenous IL-12 and IL-18 induced the up-regulation of IL-12Rβ2 to twice higher in CD4 T cells from HIV-1-positive individuals compared with controls. Conversely, upon activation with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, only 25% of the CD4+ T cells from HIV-1 patients showed an increase in the IL-12β2 when compared with 50% in healthy controls. Furthermore, the percentage of IL-12Rβ1-positive cells correlated inversely with the CD4 nadir of patients, suggesting that deregulation of the IL-12 and IL-18 pathways may play a role in the immunopathogenesis of HIV-1 infection.
Occult malignancy in patients with venous thromboembolism: risk indicators and a diagnostic screening strategy
Authors: Oktar G L , Ergul E G , Kiziltepe U 
Published: April 2007

Background: The study was designed to analyse the risk indicators for a possible underlying malignancy and to evaluate whether extensive cancer screening is necessary in all patients with venous thromboembolism or not. Methods: In total, 126 patients with idiopathic deep venous thrombosis, and 121 patients with secondary deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity and without a known malignancy were studied. A diagnostic screening workup including a clinical history, physical examination, complete blood count, blood sedimentation rate, basic biochemistry panel including hepatic and renal function tests, prostate-specific antigen, a chest X-ray and an abdominopelvic ultrasonography was performed for all patients. Results: Suspicious findings suggesting an underlying cancer, previous history of venous thromboembolism, bilateral venous thrombosis and associated thrombosis in unusual sites were significantly more common in patients with idiopathic venous thrombosis. A malignancy was detected in 10 of the 126 patients (7.9%) without a known risk factor for deep venous thrombosis. During the follow-up period, a diagnosis of malignancy was established in two patients in the same group. Conclusion: The risk of an underlying malignancy in patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism is significantly higher. A moderate screening strategy has the capacity to identify the majority of the malignancies in such patients. We advocate simple laboratory tests, a chest X-ray and an abdominopelvic ultrasonography in order to search for an occult malignancy. A more extensive screening strategy may be considered for patients with suspicious findings for cancer, recurrent or bilateral venous thromboembolism and associated thrombosis in unusual sites.
Transilluminated powered phlebectomy accomplished by local tumescent anaesthesia in the treatment of tributary varicose veins: preliminary clinical results
Authors: de Zeeuw R , Wittens C , Loots M , Neumann M 
Published: April 2007

Background: Transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP) is a minimal invasive method of varicose vein surgery that is often performed with spinal or general anaesthesia following the removal of the greater saphenous vein (GSV). The use of exclusively local tumescent anaesthesia (TA) during TIPP has never been reported in the literature. Objective: To introduce and evaluate the use of TIPP under TA in the treatment of tributary varicose veins. Methods: Twenty patients with tributary varicose veins were treated with TIPP using the TriVex® System. According to duplex scanning, patients had a competent or previous ligated saphenofemoral junction. All patients were clinically classified atleast as C2 according to the clinical, aetiological anatomical, pathological elements (CEAP) classification. The postoperative follow-up was at one week, one month and three months. Results: The mean operative time was 40.5 (±10.8) min, associated with an average number of 3.6 (±0.7) incisions. The mean pain score (10-point visual analog scale) during the procedure, at one and three months after treatment were 2.0 (±1.1), 1.6 (±0.9) and 1.2 (±0.5), respectively. Thigh haematoma and complications such as discolouration, indurations and paraesthesia were reported. Fifteen (75%) patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result (based on a 4-point visual analog scale) after three months and 13 (65%) patients were satisfied with the performed treatment. The mean venous clinical severity (VCS) scores among the patients before treatment, one week, four weeks and three months after treatment was 2.7 (±1.5), 3.9 (±1.6), 2.4 (±2.0) and 1.7 (±1.9), respectively. Conclusions: The use of TA resulted in adequate anaesthesia during TIPP. The pain, during and post-treatment, was minimal and acceptable for the patients. TIPP was associated with a high incidence of haematoma and reduction of the number of incisions. Patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result.
The impact of the creation of a venous surgical centre within the department of cardiovascular surgery at a university hospital
Authors: Christenson J T 
Published: April 2007

Background: The establishment of specialty vein clinics has proven beneficial in terms of expansion of clinical volume. Depending on the local situation, the creation of a venous surgical centre may, in addition, result in better collaboration between various specialties, enable active participation in the development and evaluation of new treatment modalities, offer better training/education and provide venues for more complex treatment modalities such as reconstructive surgery of the deep venous system. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of the creation of a venous surgical centre under the auspices of a department of cardiovascular surgery at a university hospital. Methods: A venous surgical centre was established on 1 October 2003, under the direction of one senior surgeon. The impact on clinical activity was measured in terms of patient volume, percentage distribution between venous and arterial surgery and surgical procedures performed, complications following venous surgery as well as evaluation of patient and referring physician satisfaction. Data, from the department's databank, on all patients evaluated and surgically treated for venous and arterial problems from 1 January 2000 to 30 June 2006 were analysed. Number of outpatient clinic visits and operations (patients and surgical procedures) were calculated. Results: The establishment of the venous surgical centre, without additional funding, led to a significant increase in clinical volume. There was a 433% increase in vein surgical procedures and a 774% increase in outpatient clinic visits (comparing 2002 with 2004). Endovenous laser treatment of varicose veins and reconstructive surgery for the deep venous system was started, and a program for training surgeons was established. Complication rate following varicose vein surgery decreased from 5.8% to 1.2% (hematomas and groin infection). Patient and referring physician satisfaction was documented in 2004 and 2006 using questionnaires. Conclusions: The establishment of an academic venous surgical centre has proven useful in increasing clinical activity in terms of patient volume, providing more efficient and better continuity of care, ensuring less complications following varicose vein surgery, allowing the introduction of new treatment modalities, and resulting in overwhelming patient and treating physician satisfaction.
Endovenous laser closure of the perforating vein of the leg
Authors: Uchino I J 
Published: April 2007

Background: Endovenous procedures have been proven effective in treating axial vein reflux. This report describes a new application, namely endovenous laser therapy of the incompetent perforating vein of the leg. Objective: To explore an alternative option for treatment of incompetent perforating vein of the leg. Methods & materials: An 80-year-old male underwent ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy of the neovascularization vessels at the groin and the refluxing vein of the left thigh. Endovenous laser therapy of the incompetent perforating vein was then performed to treat a persisting incompetency of the posterior tibial perforating vein (Cockett's perforating vein). Results: Follow-up duplex scan showed that not only was the tributary vein (run-off vein) thrombosed, but the perforating vein itself was thrombosed with an intact posterior tibial vein at one-week, three-week, and 12-week follow-up examinations. The only complication was a slight erythematous change of the overlying skin, which subsided spontaneously. Conclusions: There are many options in the treatment of incompetent perforating vein of the leg. An endovenous procedure should be considered as one of the options, especially where tissue around the incompetent perforating vein of the leg is compromised.
Noteworthy rodent records from the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene of Slovenia / Données remarquables sur les rongeurs du Pléistocène Supérieur et de l'Holocène de Slovénie
Authors: Toškan Borut , Kryštufek Boris 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFive significant records of rodents are reported from the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene of Slovenia. The identification of black rat Rattus rattus from the Late Bronze/Early Iron Age (ca. 1400–400 cal. BC) at Podjamca is thought to be one of the first records in Mediterranean Europe from the pre-Roman period. Evidence is also presented for the presence of Apodemus agrarius at Podjamca (at least 7800 y BP) and Suhadole (first half of the 1st century AD); the latter falls outside the current species range. The discovery of Dinaromys bogdanovi in Early Mesolithic layers (ca. 9600–7800 y BP) at Podjamca and of Late Mesolithic age (ca. 7800–6000 y BP) at Mala Triglavca are the first Holocene records outside the recent range of the species. Cricetulus migratorius (Podjamca, ca. 9600–7800 y BP; Mala Triglavca, 7800–6000 y BP) and Sicista subtilis (Divje babe I, ca. 80–75 ky BP) are reported for the first time in this part of Europe.
Drive counts for grey brocket deer Mazama gouazoupira in the Bolivian Chaco / Estimation de la population du cerf brun Mazama gouazoupira dans le Chaco de Bolivie par la méthode du dénombrement total
Authors: Noss Andrew J. , Leny Cuéllar Salidas Rosa , Ayala Crespo Jhonny 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn the context of a community wildlife management program with the Isoseño communities of the Bolivian Chaco, we tested drive sample counts as a method for estimating densities of grey brocket deer ( Mazama gouazoupira ). Drive count density estimates of 12–14/km