bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex- and Age-Specific Reference Curves for Serum Markers of Bone Turnover in Healthy Children from 2 Months to 18 Years
Authors: Rauchenzauner Markus , Schmid Andrea , Heinz-Erian Peter , Kapelari Klaus , Falkensammer Gerda , Griesmacher Andrea , Finkenstedt Gerd , Högler Wolfgang 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIntroduction: This study aimed to establish sex- and age-specific reference curves enabling the calculation of z-scores and to examine correlations between bone markers and anthropometric data.Methods: Morning blood samples were obtained from 572 healthy children and adolescents (300 boys) aged 2 months to 18 yr. Height, weight, and pubertal stage were recorded. Serum osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), type-1 collagen degradation markers [carboxyterminal telopeptide region of type I collagen (ICTP), carboxyterminal telopeptide α1 chain of type I collagen (CTX)], and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP5b) were measured. Cross-sectional centile charts were created for the 3rd, 50th, and 97th centiles.Results: Apart from TRAP5b, all bone markers were nonnormally distributed, requiring logarithmic (BALP, OC, ICTP) or square root (CTX) transformation. Back-transformed centile curves for age and sex are presented for practical use. All bone markers varied with age and pubertal stage (P &lt; 0.001). Significant correlations were found between sd score (SDS) for bone formation markers BALP and OC (r = 0.13; P = 0.004), SDS for collagen degradation markers ICTP and CTX (r = 0.14; P = 0.002), and SDS for the phosphatases (r = 0.34, P &lt; 0.001). Height and weight SDS correlated weakly with some bone marker SDS, particularly with lnBALP SDS (r = 0.20 and 0.24, respectively; both P &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: This study provides reference curves for OC, BALP, CTX, ICTP, and TRAP5b in healthy children. Taller and heavier individuals for age had greater bone marker concentrations, likely reflecting greater growth velocity. SDS for markers of bone formation, collagen degradation, and phosphatases were each independently correlated, suggesting they derive from the same biological processes. The possibility of calculating SDS will facilitate monitoring of antiresorptive therapy or disease progression in children with metabolic bone disease.
One-dimensional Chainlike Organic–Inorganic Polymer Constructed from Sandwich-type Germanotungstates Linked by [Cu(en)2]2+ Cations
Authors: Wang Jing-Ping , Du Xiao-Di , Niu Jing-Yang 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
A novel one-dimensional chainlike organic–inorganic polymer [Cu(en)2]3[Cu(en)2(H2O)]2{[Cu4(GeW9O34)2][Cu(en)2]}·9.5H2O (en = ethylenediamine) has been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction in good yield, and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG-DTA, EPR, magnetic properties, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The diffraction analysis reveals that the polymer represents the first high-dimensional organic–inorganic hybrid based on the sandwich-type polyoxometalates linked by transition-metal coordination cations.
Papillary squamous neoplasms of the head and neck
Authors: Ishiyama Akira , Ross Douglas A. , Raz Yael , Kerner Marc M. , Blackwell Keith E. , Feneberg Reinhard , Bell Theodore S. , Calcaterra Thomas C. , Fu Yao S. , Eversoles Lewis R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPapillary squamous neoplasms of the upper respiratory tract are rare variants of squamous cell carcinoma and are related temporally to proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. Fifty‐two cases of papillary squamous neoplasms were selected from 2366 cases of squamous cell carcinoma. This is the first study to characterize the biological behavior of papillary squamous neoplasms. Papillary squamous neoplasms exhibit two distinct, yet sometimes overlapping, histologic patterns including an exophytic papillary and an inverting verrucous morphologic appearance. A high rate of synchronous or metachronous lesions were found, especially with the inverting‐type of papillary squamous neoplasm. Stage T3 and T4 lesions had a high rate of neck metastasis. Early surgical intervention and close long‐term follow‐up is mandatory.
Empiric Treatment of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection with Fluoroquinolones in Older Women in Israel: Another Lost Treatment Option?
Authors: Kahan Natan R , Chinitz David P , Waitman Dan-Andrei , Dushnitzky Doron , Kahan Ernesto , Shapiro Mervyn 
Published: November 2006

Background: Current guidelines for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in women recommend empiric therapy with antibiotics for which local resistance rates do not exceed 10–20%. We hypothesized that resistance rates of Escherichia coli to fluoroquinolones may have surpassed this level in older women in the Israeli community setting. Objectives: To identify age groups of women in which fluoroquinolones may no longer be appropriate for empiric treatment of UTI. Methods: Resistance rates for ofloxacin were calculated for all cases of uncomplicated UTI diagnosed during the first 5 months of 2005 in a managed care organization (MCO) in Israel, in community-dwelling women aged 41–75 years. The women were without risk factors for fluoroquinolone resistance. Uncomplicated UTI was diagnosed with a urine culture positive for E. coli. The data set was stratified for age, using 5 year intervals, and stratum-specific resistance rates (% and 95% CI) were calculated. These data were analyzed to identify age groups in which resistance rates have surpassed 10%. Results: The data from 1291 urine cultures were included. The crude resistance rate to ofloxacin was 8.7% (95% CI 7.4 to 10.2). Resistance was lowest among the youngest (aged 41–50 y) women (3.2%; 95% CI 1.11 to 5.18), approached 10% in women aged 51–55 years (7.1%; 95% CI 3.4 to 10.9), and reached 19.86% (95% CI 13.2 to 26.5) among the oldest women (aged 56–75 y). Conclusions: Physicians who opt to treat UTI in postmenopausal women empirically should consider prescribing drugs other than fluoroquinolones. Concomitant longitudinal surveillance of both antibiotic utilization patterns and uropathogen resistance rates should become routine practice in this managed-care organization.
Morphologic characterization of Sarcocystis sp. sarcocysts from the Buffon’s macaw (Ara ambigua)
Authors: Dubey J. , Morales Juan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA species of Sarcocystis is reported from two naturally infected Buffon’s macaws (Ara ambigua) from Costa Rica. Only mature sarcocysts, measuring up to 950 μm in length and up to 75 μm in width, were observed. By light microscopy the sarcocyst wall was thin (< 1 μm thick) and smooth. The villar protrusions on the sarcocyst wall were up to 4.0 μm long and up to 0.6 μm wide; they were folded over the sarcocyst wall giving a thin-walled appearance. The microtubules in villar protrusions were smooth and confined to villar protrusions. Bradyzoites in sections were 4.0–5.9 × 0.8–1.8 μm in size. Structurally, sarcocysts from the macaw appeared different from sarcocysts of other avian species. This is the first report of Sarcocystis infection in this host.
A new species of Trichostrongylus (Nematoda, Trichostronglyoidea) parasitizing the subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum (Rodentia, Octodontidae) from Mar de Cobo, Argentina
Authors: Rossin María , Timi Juan , Malizia Ana 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA new nematode species, Trichostrongylus duretteae sp. nov., found in the small intestine of Ctenomys talarum from Argentina is described. The new species more closely resembles T. suis lwanitsky, 1930 a parasite of Sus scrofa in the USSR. However, the new species can be distinguished by the morphology of male genital bursa: Rays 6 distant from rays 8 and a larger dorsal ray in relation to the length of rays 2 to 8. The present finding is the first record of the genus Trichostronglyus in rodents of the family Octodontidae.
Helminth community structure of the oven frog Leptodactylus latinasus (Anura, Leptodactylidae) from Corrientes, Argentina
Authors: Hamann Monika , González Cynthya , Kehr Arturo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA total of 36 adult individuals of Leptodactylus latinasus were collected near the city of Corrientes, Province of Corrientes in Argentina. The main goals of this study were: (1) to determine the helminth parasite fauna of L. latinasus; (2) to determine the richness and diversity of parasites at the component and infracommunity levels; (3) to analyze the relationships between helminth, frog body size and sex, and (4) to identify and examine species affinity of helminth communities. The helminth component community of this frog’s population consisted of 17 species. The predominant groups of parasites were the trematodes (adults: Glypthelmins repandum, Catadiscus inopinatus and Haematoloechus longiplexus; larvae: Travtrema aff. stenocotyle, Bursotrema aff. tetracotyloides, Styphlodora sp., unknown opisthogonimid species, Petasiger sp. and unknown strigeid species), followed by the nematodes (Cosmocerca podicipinus, C. parva, C. rara, C. cruzi, Schrankiana schranki and Aplectana hylambatis); other groups of parasites were represented by only one species (unknown larval cestode species and Centrorhynchus sp.). All parasite helminth species showed an aggregated pattern of distribution. The most infected organs were kidneys, small intestine, large intestine and pharyngeal zone. The host body size was important in determining the parasites abundance of G. repandum. At the level of component community G. repandum was the species with highest prevalence of infection and Bursotrema aff. tetracotyloides was the dominant species. Helminth species showed four significant pairs of covariation and two significant pairs of association in the infracommunities of Leptodactylus latinasus.
Lethal intragroup aggression by adult male spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi)
Authors: Campbell Christina J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractI report three cases of coalitionary aggression by adult male black‐handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) against subadult males within their community on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), Panama. Two of these cases were followed by the disappearance and presumed death of the victim. Similar behavior was recently reported by Valero et al. [in press], who suggested that this behavior may be the result of intense male reproductive competition. Like the single instance they reported, the cases I report all occurred when the operational sex ratio was approximately 1:1, which suggests that intense competition among males for access to reproductively viable females may be a contributing factor. Additionally the very low density of spider monkeys on BCI may play a significant role in the occurrence of this lethal aggression. Large numbers of adult males are not necessary to protect a territorial boundary against neighboring groups, and additional males may act merely as mating competition. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1197–1201, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling dichromatic and trichromatic sensitivity to the color properties of fruits eaten by squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus)
Authors: De Araújo Mariana F.P. , Lima Eldianne M. , Pessoa Valdir F. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMost platyrrhines have a visual polymorphism that is characterized by the presence of multiple alleles of the M/LWS gene on the X chromosome. This polymorphism is probably maintained by selection. There are two possible mechanisms by which this can be explained: First, heterozygous females may have perceptual advantages over dichromats, such that trichromacy would be favored via the existence of different visual pigments. This is known as selection by heterosis. Second, dichromacy may be advantageous in some situations, with polymorphism being maintained by frequency‐dependent selection. In this study the reflectance spectra of fruits and flowers eaten by a troop of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) in Eastern Amazon were measured using a spectrophotometer. S. sciureus have an SWS cone with a spectral tuning of approximately 430 nm, and three M/LWS alleles with spectral tunings of 535 nm, 550 nm, and 562 nm. Based on the spectral tunings of the different phenotypes and the spectral data obtained from the food items, the responses of the different visual systems to the measured objects were modeled and then compared. The model predicted that trichromatic phenotypes would have an advantage over dichromats in detecting fruits and flowers from background foliage, which suggests that heterosis is the mechanism for maintaining polymorphism in S. sciureus. On the other hand, a large proportion of fruits could not be detected by any of the phenotypes. Additional studies are necessary to determine whether other important aspects of the primates' visual world, such as prey, predator, and conspecific detection, favor tri‐ or dichromacy. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1129–1137, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chemical composition effects on the fracture of polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate)block copolymers
Authors: Kim Won , Han Junwon , Ryu Chang Y. , Yang Hoichang 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe crazing and fracture behaviors of glassy–glassy block copolymers were investigated for polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS‐b‐PMMA) diblock copolymers that had similar overall molecular weights but different poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) molar fractions. A liquid chromatography technique was applied to separate as‐synthesized PS‐b‐PMMA [(1) weight‐average molecular weight (Mw) = 94,000 g/mol and PMMA molar fraction = 0.35 and (2) Mw = 65,000 g/mol and PMMA molar fraction = 0.28] into three fractions with different chemical compositions. With a copper‐grid technique, the fracture behaviors of 0.5‐μm‐thick PS‐b‐PMMA films were studied as a function of the applied strain. For the higher Mw PS‐b‐PMMA samples, the median strains at crazing and fibril breakdown increased with an increase in the PMMA molar fraction from 0.24 to 0.46, corresponding to an increase in the chain entanglements in the PMMA domains. In contrast, for the lower Mw samples, the two values were not significantly changed even when the PMMA molar fraction was varied from 0.16 to 0.35. Mw of the minor component in PS‐b‐PMMA played a critical role in controlling the fracture behaviors of the block copolymers. Specifically, Mw/Me of the minor component (where Me is the molecular weight between entanglements) had to be roughly larger than 2 for the block copolymers to sustain sufficient strains before fracture. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3612–3620, 2006
Bioorganic studies on marine natural products—diverse chemical structures and bioactivities
Authors: Uemura Daisuke 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe discovery of new molecules contributes to the development of basic scientific concepts, leads to valuable drug‐oriented compounds, and suggests possible new pharmacological reagents. Newly discovered substances can even be responsible for the creation of new scientific fields. Due to the radically different habitats of marine organisms, several notable examples of secondary metabolites from marine organisms have been isolated. Two of the most remarkable properties of these compounds are their structural and physiological diversities. These bioactive compounds are candidates for drugs or biological probes for physiological studies. Palytoxin is a polyol compound that shows extreme acute toxicity. Halichondrins are remarkable antitumor macrolides from sponge. Pinnatoxins, potent shellfish poisons, cause food poisoning. This paper describes bioorganic studies on such newly discovered wonders of nature. Several bioactive marine alkaloids and important substances involved in dynamic ecological systems are also described. © 2006 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 235–248; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20087
Is a Broadly Based Surgical Residency Program More Likely to Place Graduates in Rural Practice?
Authors: Doty Brit , Heneghan Steven , Gold Michael , Bordley James , Dietz Patrick , Finlayson Samuel , Zuckerman Randall 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackgroundThere is a shortage of general surgeons practicing in rural America. Rural surgical practices differ from those in urban settings encompassing a broader case mix with a larger percentage of time spent performing abdominal, alimentary, gynecological, genitourinary, and orthopedic procedures. Present graduates of many general surgical residencies do not obtain the range of experience necessary to practice effectively in this environment. We hypothesize that general surgical residents undergoing broadly based training are more likely to practice in a rural location.Methods and MaterialsWe conducted a survey of graduates from the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital’s (MIBH) broadly based surgical residency program in 2004. Additionally, the surgical resident logs from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the residency program were reviewed for years 2001–2004.ResultsOf the 56 surveys sent out, 42 (75%) were completed and used in the analysis. A majority of the general surgeons who were raised in a rural environment reported that they are residing and practicing in a rural setting. Graduates of the MIBH residency program, on average, performed more cases as residents in the following subspecialty areas: genitourinary, plastics/hand, gynecology, neurosurgery, and orthopedics than national residency graduates.ConclusionsBased on our findings, surgical residents graduating from a broadly based training program appear more likely to practice in a rural setting.
Pitavastatin ameliorates severe hepatic steatosis in aromatase‐deficient (Ar−/−) mice
Authors: Egawa Tetsu , Toda Katsumi , Nemoto Yoshihisa , Ono Masafumi , Akisawa Naoaki , Saibara Toshiji , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Hiroi Makoto , Enzan Hideaki , Onishi Saburo 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTamoxifen is a potent antagonist of estrogen, and hepatic steatosis is a frequent complication in adjuvant tamoxifen for breast cancer. Impaired hepatic FA β‐oxidation in peroxisomes, microsomes, and mitochondria results in progression of massive hepatic steatosis in estrogen deficiency. This impairment, although latent, is potentially serious: About 3% of the general population in the United States is now suffering from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis associated with obesity and hyperlipidemia. Therefore, in the present study we tried to restore impaired hepatic FA β‐oxidation by administering a novel statin, pitavastatin, to aromatase‐deficient (Ar−/−) mice defective in intrinsic estrogen synthesis. Northern blot analysis of Ar−/− mice liver revealed a significant restoration of mRNA expression of essential enzymes involved in FA β‐oxidation such as very long fatty acyl‐CoA synthetase in peroxisome, peroxisomal fatty acyl‐CoA oxidase, and medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase. Severe hepatic steatosis observed in Ar−/− mice substantially regressed. Consistent findings were obtained in thein vitroassays of FA β‐oxidation activity. These findings demonstrate that pitavastatin is capable of restoring impaired FA β‐oxidationin vivo viathe peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α‐mediated signaling pathway and is potent enough to ameliorate severe hepatic steatosis in mice deficient in intrinsic estrogen.
Liver desaturase activities and FA composition in monkeys. Effect of a low‐protein diet
Authors: Marín María C. , Pucciarelli Héctor M. , de Alaniz María J. T. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to measure Δ9‐, Δ6‐, and Δ5‐desaturase activities in liver microsomes, as well as phospholipid FA composition of liver and erythrocytes in monkeys fed a control or low‐protein diet during the postweaning period. Ten Saimiri sciureus boliviensis (Cebidae) of both sexes were employed; at 12 mon of age they were separated into two groups fed ad libitum on a control or a low‐protein diet for 24 mon. Saimiri sciureus had active Δ9, Δ6, and Δ5 liver desaturase enzymes, and these activities were influenced by the diet. A low‐protein diet produced a significant reduction in Δ5‐desaturation capacity, an increase in Δ9‐desaturase activity, and no change in Δ6‐desaturase activity (P<0.05). These changes, evoked by protein deprivation, were reflected in the liver phospholipid FA composition. Increases in the proportion of saturated FA and in monounsaturated oleic acid (18∶1n−9) and a decrease in the proportion of PUFA of the n−6 and n−3 series were produced in the animals fed a low‐protein diet (P<0.0001). Differences between the two dietary groups were less pronounced in the FA composition of erythrocyte phospholipids.
In situ target strength and behaviour of northern krill (Meganyctiphanes norvegica)
Authors: Klevjer Thor A. , Kaartvedt Stein 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Target strengths (TS) of individual krill were measured directly in situ. The study focused on scattering layers consisting mainly of krill, using a submerged echosounder to resolve individual krill at their daylight depths. Individuals were tracked for extended periods, and the method was capable of discerning differences in TS and behaviour within seemingly homogenous scattering layers. Krill size increased with depth. This was sometimes, but not always, reflected in TS. The relationship between TS and size broke down when larger krill deeper in the water column were prone to more upward swimming than shallow-living specimens, which reduced TS, but there were also unexplained variations in TS by depth. The variability of TS within the krill tracks was generally high, with deviations routinely exceeding 10 dB, further emphasizing the dependence of krill TS on behaviour. Therefore, although measured values of TS were within the ranges previously reported for krill, it was difficult to apply fixed TS–size relationships. The study underscores the need to determine the impact of behaviour on TS, and shows that appropriate methods to do so are now available.
Inconsistencies between cpx‐grt geothermometry and field observations: example of the peraluminous eclogites from Beni Bousera (North Morocco)
Authors: Alaoui Hassan Chrifi , Kornprobst Jacques , Laporte Didier 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTLarge variations in clinopyroxene‐garnet (cpx‐grt) temperatures are recorded in thin peraluminous eclogite layers from Beni Bousera ultramafic massif (Morocco): cpx‐grt temperatures in the core of layers < 20 cm thick are higher by up to 300°C than in the margins. The cpx‐grt temperatures are correlated to both Al‐concentration in cpx and Ca‐concentration in grt, the two latter parameters being themselves closely intercorrelated. It is demonstrated that the regular interaction parameter ΔwgrtCa calculated from the Beni Bousera natural data is very close to ΔwgrtCa calculated from experimental data analysis for Ca‐rich garnet. It is concluded that: (i) Al‐concentration in cpx has no significant effect on the distribution of Fe and Mg between cpx and grt; and (ii) cpx‐grt temperature variations observed across Beni Bousera peraluminous eclogite layers do not correspond to real thermal gradients, but merely result from the inadequacy of the thermometric equations in Ca‐rich systems (XgrtCa > 0.15).