bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Activities of some Membrane‐associated Enzymes during in Vivo Ageing of the Normal Human Erythrocyte
Authors: Kadlubowski M. , Agutter P. S. 
Published: March 2008

Summary. Human erythrocytes from healthy male donors were fractionated with respect to in vivo age by simple centrifugation in order to characterize changes in the functional integrity of the membrane during the life‐span of the cell. The three enzymes, Na/K‐ATPase, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase and NADH‐ferricyanide reductase, were found not to change with age, but significant age‐dependent decreases were observed in the cases of acetylcholinesterase, phosphoglycerate kinase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, adenylate kinase, Mg‐ATPase and alkaline phosphatase.The possibility mat these changes were attributable to mechanisms other than age‐related inactivation, such as reticulocyte contamination, differential resealing and crypticity, was investigated. Only the decrease in acetylcholinesterase could be explained wholly in terms of reticulocyte contamination. A decrease in membrane integrity on ageing was observed, which accounted for approximately half the change in alkaline phosphatase and may have contributed to the other enzyme activity changes. This membrane integrity effect masked a real decrease in the highly cryptic NADH‐ferricyanide reductase, this decrease being apparent only after total disaggregation of the membrane with nonionic surfactant.
Normal Human Bone Marrow Cultures in Vitro: Cellular Composition and Maturation of the Granulocytic Colonies
Authors: Dao C. , Metcalf D. , Zittoun R. , Bilski‐Pasquier G. 
Published: March 2008

Summary. The analysis of single haemopoietic colonies grown in methylcellulose and in agar was performed at intervals by a cytocentrifugation method. Correlation was established between morphology of the whole colonies and their cellular content. Three main cell lines predominated: neutrophils, macrophages, eosinophils; a few colonies contained a pure population of basophil‐like granulocytes. Development was followed from myeloblasts to polymorphs, both being present in most of the colonies. Cumulated results showed that (1) the proliferating compartment remained quite large till day 14, with 58% of cells in S phase, and rapidly decreased after day 16, and that (2) the polymorphs rapidly disappeared from the culture medium.Differentiation proceeded at different rates from one colony to the other, thus suggesting heterogeneity between colony forming cells (CFC). Neutrophil colonies appeared and lysed more rapidly than did eosinophil colonies. Macrophages arose from large immature cells with many promyelocyte features; such cells were present in mixed colonies, containing both neutrophils and macrophages. It is very likely that granulopoiesis results from the development of distinct committed CFC.This work was carried out using normal human bone marrow and may be a useful tool for studying pathological material in the future.
INTERMITTENT TREATMENT WITH HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (GH) IN ISOLATED GH DEFICIENCY AND IN MULTIPLE PITUITARY HORMONE DEFICIENCIES
Authors: PERTZELAN A. , KAULI R. , ASSA S. , GREENBERG D. , LARON Z. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe results of intermittent GH treatment of 3‐7½ years duration in seven patients with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) and five patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHD) are presented.This therapeutic schedule was found to be comparably effective to those using a continuous‐administration schedule. In contradistinction to the findings obtained with the latter, there was no progressive decline in growth velocity. The patients with IGHD were found to respond better than the patients with MPHD both in the first course as well as in consequent courses. In the intervals between courses, the growth velocity was less than in the pretreatment period in both groups.It is concluded that optimal results can be obtained by instituting an initial course of continuous treatment of 1 year's duration for the IGHD patients and of 2 years' duration for the MPHD patients, followed by an intermittent therapeutic schedule. This regime not only leads to the same growth achievement obtained with long‐term continuous administration of GH but allows conservation of supplies of this very scarce hormone.
HUMAN PITUITARY GONADOTROPHIN INDEX
Authors: BOHNET H. G. , DAHLÉN H. G. , KELLER E. , FRIEDRICH E. , SCHINDLER A. E. , WYSS H. I. , SCHNEIDER H. P. G. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYTo monitor the effect of LHRH treatment on hypothalamo‐pituitary‐gonadal function, women with functional amenorrhoea were investigated by standardized LHRH and repeated clomiphene tests before and after LHRH therapy. The actual pituitary gonadotrophin reserve was defined by Human Pituitary Gonadotrophin Index (HPGI). Clomiphene response served as hypothalamic function test, plasma oestradiol and progesterone concentrations were measured for assessement of the gonadal function.LHRH treatment as performed in this study did not change basal gonadotrophin levels or the pituitary responsiveness in our standardized LHRH test. Plasma oestradiol concentrations remained unaltered at the lower limit of the early follicular phase values of a normal menstrual cycle. The inability to respond to clomiphene was changed to clomiphene responsiveness during therapy in eighteen out of twenty‐nine women with anovulation. The majority of the responders had HPG‐Indices of R 2. Patients with hyperprolactinaemic anovulation did not convert. The possibility of an ultrashort feedback action of LHRH on its own production in the human is discussed.
PROLACTIN CONCENTRATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH ACROMEGALY: CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND RESPONSE TO SURGERY
Authors: FRANKS S. , JACOBS H. S. , NABARRO J. D. N. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYBasal serum prolactin and growth hormone (GH) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in forty patients with acromegaly. GH concentrations were elevated in all patients studied before treatment and prolactin levels were raised in seven of twenty‐six patients. Of the thirty‐two patients reviewed after treatment which in most cases was transsphenoidal hypophysectomy) twenty‐five had GH concentrations below 5 ng/ml and twenty‐nine had normal prolactin levels. In eighteen patients hormone measurements were made both before and after hypophysectomy: though GH levels fell in but one, prolactin fell in only six patients. They were not significantly changed in eleven patients. There was no correlation of GH and prolactin either before or after surgery.Seven patients had greatly elevated prolactin levels and in four of these there was evidence of upward extension of a pituitary tumour on air encephalogram (AEG). Only one patient with a normal prolactin level had an abnormal AEG. Two patients with elevated prolactin concentrations and normal AEGs had a parallel fall of prolactin and GH in response to surgery. Four of the five hyperprolactinaemic men complained of loss of libido: in three gonadotrophin concentrations before and after treatment were normal.We conclude that there is no overall correlation of GH and prolactin levels in patients with acromegaly. Seven of twenty‐six untreated patients (27%) had hyperprolactinaemia. We suggest that in these patients a raised prolactin level may be due either to interference with the normal inbhitory control mechanism of prolactin by suprasellar extension or, more rarely, to secretion of both GH and prolactin by the tumour itself. A high prolactin concentration may be the cause of the impotence of which some patients with acromegaly complain.
A RE‐EXAMINATION OF THE CONFORMATION OF SECRETIN IN WATER
Authors: BODANSZKY MIKLOS , FINK MARY LYNN , FUNK KENNETH W. , SAID SAMI I. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYAn examination of a series of peptides corresponding to partial sequences of secretin and the application of empirical conformational parameters to the sequence has reopened the question about the position of the short helical stretch in the folded chain. In earlier studies, this was tentatively placed near the Nterminus, while newly accumulated evidence points to the C‐terminal area.The possible role of ion paris in the stabilization of the folding was investigated by the preparation and examination of synthetic analogues of the C‐terminal tricosapeptide part of secretin. The carboxy grups of glutamic acid (in position 9) and of aspartic acid (in position 15) were replaced by carboxamides. The 9‐glutamine and the 15‐asparagine analogues show a signifcant decrease in helical character. This loss of 'structure’is even more pronounced in the 9‐glutamine‐15‐asparagine tricospetide. Thus, ion ‐pair formation is indeed implicated as one of the forces which stabilize the folded conformation of the chain. Possible corelations between biological activity and secretin‐like architecture were studied on severl smooth muscle preparations.
ANALOGUES OF HUMAN CALCITONIN: IV. INFLUENCE OF LEUCINE SUBSTITUTIOS IN POSITIONS 12, 16 AND 19 ON HYPOCALCAEMIC ACTIVITY IN THE RAT
Authors: MAIER RENE , KAMBER BRUNO , RINIKER BERNARD , RITTEL WERNER 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe replacement of the three aromatic amino acids in positions 12, 16 and 19 of human calcitonin (HCT) leucine residues, which occupy the corresponding positions in ultimobranchial, e.g. salmon and eel, calcitonins, increased the hypocalcaemic potency of the peptide, as determined by bioassay on the rat, about 10‐fold. The individual substitutions were not all equally augmentative: leucine (12) enhanced the activity of HCT about 4‐5 times, but leucine (16) and (19) afforded no increase at all. Combination of leucine (12) with a deamino cysteine at the N‐terminmus yielded an analogue 10 times more potnet than HCT. Another analogue containing valine in position 8 in place of methionine as well as the three leucine substituents in position 12, 16 and 19 proved more active than the tri‐leucine analogue, but the additional introduction of tyrosine (22) nearly doubled the hypocalcaemic potency of the latter. The duration of the hypocalcaemic effects of the substituted peptides closely followed the changes in potency.
ACUTE EFFECTS OF CALCITONIN ON OSTEOCLASTS IN MAN
Authors: SINGER FREDERICK R. , MELVIN KENNETH E. W. , MILLS BARBARA G. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYTo determine the mechanism by which calcitonin acutely decreses bone resorption in man, salmon or human calcitonin was administered intravenously to five patients with Paget's disease of bone immediately after an iliac crest bone biopsy. After 30 min an adjacent bone biopsy was taken and both were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. The results indicated that calcitonin both decreases the number of osteoclasts and alters the ultrastructure of these cells. These acute effects of calcitonin on osteociasts confirm findings in other species and provide evidence in man that calcitonin, at least in part, retards bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclastic activity.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OESTROGEN STATUS AND BONE LOSS IN POST‐MENOPAUSAL WOMEN
Authors: NORDIN B. E. C. , HORSMAN A. , BROOK R. , WILLIAMS D. A. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYThe relationships between the rate of change of metacarpal cortical width, urinary hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio, net absorption of calcium and maturation value of the vaginal smear have been examined in normal post‐menopausal women and crush fracture cases. Rapid bone loss, high bone resorption and low calcium absorption are shown to be associated with poor oestrogen status, with crush fracture cases presenting an exaggerated view of the normal post‐menopausal situation.
THE ECTOPIC SECRETION OF CALCITONIN BY LUNG AND BREAST CARCINOMAS
Authors: COOMBES R. C. , ELLISON M. L. , EASTY G. C. , HILLYARD C. J. , JAMES R. , GALANTE L. , GIRGIS S. , HEYWOOD L. , MacINTYRE I. , NEVILLE A. M. 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYMany patients with advanced non‐thyroid malignancies have elevated plasma immunoreactive calcitonin concentrations. Breast and bronchial carcinomas contain immunoreactive calcitonin and an epidermoid bronchial carcinoma has been shown to produce immunoreactive calcitonin in vitro.We have established monolayer cultures of breast carcinomas and eight out of fifteen consecutive carcinomas released immunoreactive calcitonin; some released HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) or CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen).In addition, a primary human breast carcinoma has been shown to release and contain calcitonin after being passaged in ‘nude’mice over 1 year.Chromatography of extracts and culture media of a bronchial carcinoma demonstrated that, in contrast with the other tumours, it secreted a from or forms of calcitonin having size, charge and immunological differences when compared to calcitonin M.Preliminary evaluation of plasma immunoreactive calcitonin estimations in patients with breast carcinoma showed that twenty‐three out of twenty‐eight patients with metastatic disease had elevated plasma calcitonin concentrations, whereas only one out of thirteen with localized disease had high levels.
The majority of Danish nontoxic goitre patients are ineligible for Levothyroxine suppressive therapy
Authors: Fast Søren , Bonnema Steen Joop , Hegedüs Laszlo 
Published: March 2008

SummaryObjective  Levothyroxine suppressive therapy (LT4‐therapy), aimed at shrinking thyroid nodules is controversial. Despite evidence of limited effect and long‐term side‐effects, questionnaire surveys indicate widespread use. Our aim was to determine, in consecutive nontoxic goitre patients, the proportion ineligible for LT4‐therapy. Exclusion criteria were set up in agreement with recent guidelines.Setting  Secondary/tertiary referral centre at University Clinic.Subjects and methods  During 1997–2001, 822 patients were referred to our endocrine unit on suspicion of nontoxic goitre. Patients were evaluated clinically including fine needle aspiration biopsy, thyroid scintigraphy and ultrasound. Seven‐hundred and forty‐five patients (627 women and 118 men; median age 47 years, range 11–90) were potential candidates for LT4‐therapy. Based on guidelines we defined conditions where LT4‐therapy is contraindicated. Exclusion criteria included (1) Serum TSH < 1·0 mIU/l, (2) Post‐menopausal status, or males older than 60 years, (3) Thyroid volume above 100 ml, (4) Intrathoracic goitre, (5) Clinical suspicion of malignancy, (6) Dominant thyroid cyst, (7) Nondiagnostic FNA, (8) Previous ineffective LT4‐therapy, (9) Elevated serum calcitonin, (10) Osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease.Results  Of patients 84% were ineligible for LT4‐therapy. In diffuse goitre (n = 35) 63%, in uninodular goitre (n = 320) 77% and in multinodular goitre (n = 390) 91% were ineligible. Main ineligibility reasons were a low serum TSH, post‐menopausal status, a large goitre or clinical suspicion of malignancy.Conclusion  The vast majority of consecutive Danish nontoxic goitre patients (84%) were ineligible for LT4‐therapy. Due to low efficacy and potential long‐term adverse effects on the skeleton and cardiovascular system we strongly advocate against LT4‐therapy for nontoxic goitre.
BslA, a pXO1‐encoded adhesin of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Kern Justin W. , Schneewind Olaf 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe Gram‐positive pathogen Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax, a fulminant and lethal infection of mammals. Two large virulence plasmids, pXO1 and pXO2, harbour genes required for anthrax pathogenesis and encode secreted toxins or provide for the poly γ‐d‐glutamic acid capsule. In addition to capsule, B. anthracis harbours additional cell wall envelope structures, including the surface layer (S‐layer), which is composed of crystalline protein arrays. We sought to identify the B. anthracis envelope factor that mediates adherence of vegetative forms to human cells and isolated BslA (B. anthracisS‐layer protein A). Its structural gene, bslA, is located on the pXO1 pathogenicity island (pXO1‐90) and bslA expression is both necessary and sufficient for adherence of vegetative forms to host cells. BslA assembly into S‐layers and surface exposure is presumably mediated by three N‐terminal SLH domains. Twenty‐three B. anthracis genes, whose products harbour similar SLH domains, may provide additional surface molecules that allow bacilli to engage cells or tissues of specific hosts during anthrax pathogenesis.
Control of nitrogen metabolism by Bacillus subtilis glutamine synthetase
Authors: Sonenshein Abraham L. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryTwo recent papers describe the molecular mechanism by which the activity of GlnR, the repressor of the glutamine synthetase operon in Bacillus subtilis, is stimulated by glutamine‐bound (i.e. feedback‐inhibited) glutamine synthetase (FBI‐GS). Remarkably, FBI‐GS acts as a molecular chaperone to stabilize the association of GlnR dimers with their DNA binding sites. This mechanism allows the cell to shut off synthesis of GS, and hence of glutamine, when both the enzyme and its product are in excess. FBI‐GS also regulates the activity of TnrA, the global regulator of nitrogen metabolism genes, but by a very different mechanism. Thus, the same enzyme–metabolite complex has two different roles in transcriptional regulation.
Sedimentary processes in a submarine canyon excavated into a temperate‐carbonate ramp (Granada Basin, southern Spain)
Authors: PUGA‐BERNABÉU ÁNGEL , MARTÍN JOSÉ M. , BRAGA JUAN C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDuring the Late Tortonian, shallow‐water temperate carbonates were deposited in a small bay on a gentle ramp linked to a small island (Alhama de Granada area, Granada Basin, southern Spain). A submarine canyon (the ‘Alhama Submarine Canyon’) developed close to the shoreline, cross‐cutting the temperate‐carbonate ramp. The Alhama Submarine Canyon had an irregular profile and steep slopes (10° to 30°). It was excavated in two phases reflected by two major erosion surfaces, the lowermost of which was incised at least 50 m into the ramp. Wedge‐shaped and trough‐shaped, concave‐up beds of calcareous (terrigenous) deposits overlie these erosional surfaces and filled the canyon. A combination of processes connected to sea‐level changes is proposed to explain the evolution of the Alhama Submarine Canyon. During sea‐level fall, part of the carbonate ramp became exposed and a river valley was excavated. As sea‐level rose, river flows continued along the submerged, former river‐channel, eroding and deepening the valley and creating a submarine canyon. At this stage, only some of the transported conglomerates were deposited locally. As sea‐level continued to rise, the river mouth became detached from the canyon head; littoral sediments, transported by longshore and storm currents, were now captured inside the canyon, generating erosive flows that contributed to its excavation. Most of the canyon infilling took place later, during sea‐level highstand. Longshore‐transported well‐sorted calcarenites/fine‐grained calcirudites derived from longshore‐drift sandwaves poured into and fed the canyon from the south. Coarse‐grained, bioclastic calcirudites derived from a poorly sorted, bioclastic ‘factory facies’ cascaded into the canyon from the north during storms.
Communicating evidence in clinical documentation
Authors: Davis Janis , Zayat Elizabeth , Urton Maggie , Belgum Andrea , Hill Monique 
Published: March 2008

Background/aim:  The purpose of this study was to examine occupational therapy practitioners’ and stakeholders’ opinions, perceptions, and attitudes towards communicating evidence in patient documentation. Moreover, it sought to establish relationships between factors that affect the use of evidence in documentation. Methods:  A mixed method design was used and two distinct surveys were created by the researchers in order to collect the data. In the first survey, occupational therapy practitioners in the Midwestern region of the USA completed an electronic survey. The second, a Delphi survey, was sent to other stakeholders such as case managers, rehabilitation supervisors, and payers. Results:  There were 126 surveys returned and analysed (29% response rate). Data revealed that 63.5% of practitioners believed in communicating evidence in documentation. Clinicians of all education levels agree that practitioners should communicate the evidence when funding is at stake (χ2 (6, N = 110) = 15.97, P = 0.014). Participants also agreed that evidence should be communicated when dictated by their department (χ2 (2, N = 110) = 6.25, P = 0.012).
Shaping knowledge regarding occupation: Examining the cultural underpinnings of the evolving concept of occupational identity
Authors: Rudman Deborah Laliberte , Dennhardt Silke 
Published: March 2008

Background/aim:  Within occupational therapy and occupational science, knowledge regarding occupation‐based concepts is in the process of being developed, disseminated and acted upon internationally. It is critical to reflect on the forces shaping the ways in which this knowledge is being constructed. Method:  In this paper, the ways in which cultural assumptions and values have influenced the evolving concept of occupational identity are examined through applying Kluckhohn and Strodtbeck's framework of cultural variations in values to two contemporary conceptualisations of occupational identity. Results:  The analysis demonstrates the ways in which values most consistent with Western culture are embedded within and dominate these contemporary conceptualisations of occupational identity, emphasising a future orientation, achievement‐based doing, individual choice, and mastery of individuals over nature. Conclusions:  This paper points to conceptual boundaries within which occupational identity is currently being shaped and points to alternative possibilities in the hope of prompting dialogue and research that looks at this concept in more diverse ways. Heightened sensitivity to the influence of culture on the shaping of occupation‐focussed knowledge will serve to strengthen and enrich the growth of the evolving body of knowledge pertaining to occupation, and foster culturally sensitive research and practice.
Paediatricots: Utilisation of an Australian list serve to support occupational therapists working with children
Authors: Long Samantha , De Jonge Desleigh , Ziviani Jenny , Jones Alison 
Published: March 2008

Background/aim:  The development of list serves has enabled occupational therapists working in a range of practice settings and geographical locations to share information and provide each other with professional support. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the nature of communications occurring on the Paediatricots list serve, and determine whether topics and issues raised were congruent with current practice trends for therapists working with children. Methods:  A content analysis was undertaken of all archived Paediatricots emails sent between 1 June 2003 and 31 May 2004, using the previous Yahoo® paediatricots group. The group is now maintained by the NSW Department of Health.Results:  A total of 2104 postings were made to Paediatricots during the 12‐month period. These postings addressed a wide range of issues; however, the majority were of a clinical nature related to day‐to‐day practice. The focus of these communications was mainly on the performance components of children's skills, with less emphasis on task demands, environmental factors and practice approaches. Conclusions:  The variety of issues raised, coupled with high membership levels and reciprocity rates, suggests that Paediatricots is providing a valuable professional resource for occupational therapists. Members appear to predominantly utilise the list serve to address day‐to‐day practice issues, particularly concerning performance components impacting on children's occupations. The facility also served to support organisational and professional development needs.