bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generation of functional HLA-DR*1101 tetramers receptive for loading with pathogen or tumour derived synthetic peptides
Authors: Moro Monica , Cecconi Virginia , Martinoli Chiara , Dallegno Eliana , Giabbai Barbara , Degano Massimo , Glaichenhaus Nicholas , Protti Maria Pia , Dellabona Paolo , Casorati Giulia 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundMHC class I-peptide tetramers are currently utilised to characterize CD8+T cell responses at single cell level. The generation and use of MHC class II tetramers to study antigen-specific CD4+T cells appears less straightforward. Most MHC class II tetramers are produced with a homogeneously built-in peptide, reducing greatly their flexibility of use. We attempted the generation of "empty" functional HLA-DR*1101 tetramers, receptive for loading with synthetic peptides by incubation. No such reagent is in fact available for this HLA-DR allele, one of the most frequent in the Caucasian population.ResultsWe compared soluble MHC class II-immunoglobulin fusion proteins (HLA-DR*1101-Ig) with soluble MHC class II protein fused with an optimised Bir site for enzymatic biotynilation (HLA-DR*1101-Bir), both produced in insect cells. The molecules were multimerised by binding fluorochrome-protein A or fluorochrome-streptavidin, respectively. We find that HLA-DR*1101-Bir molecules are superior to the HLA-DR*1101-Ig ones both in biochemical and functional terms. HLA-DR*1101-Bir molecules can be pulsed with at least three different promiscuous peptide epitopes, derived from Tetanus Toxoid, influenza HA and the tumour associated antigen MAGE-3 respectively, to stain specific CD4+T cells. Both staining temperature and activation state of CD4+T cells are critical for the binding of peptide-pulsed HLA-DR*1101-Bir to the cognate TCR.ConclusionIt is therefore possible to generate a soluble recombinant HLA-DR*1101 backbone that is receptive for loading with different peptides to stain specific CD4+T cells. As shown for other HLA-DR alleles, we confirm that not all the strategies to produce soluble HLA-DR*1101 multimers are equivalent.
Octopamine increases the excitability of neurons in the snail feeding system by modulation of inward sodium current but not outward potassium currents
Authors: Vehovszky Ágnes , Szabó Henriette , Elliott Christopher JH 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundAlthough octopamine has long been known to have major roles as both transmitter and modulator in arthropods, it has only recently been shown to be functionally important in molluscs, playing a role as a neurotransmitter in the feeding network of the snailLymnaea stagnalis. The synaptic potentials cannot explain all the effects of octopamine-containing neurons on the feeding network, and here we test the hypothesis that octopamine is also a neuromodulator.ResultsThe excitability of the B1 and B4 motoneurons in the buccal ganglia to depolarising current clamp pulses is significantly (P << 0.05) increased by (10 μM) octopamine, whereas the B2 motoneuron becomes significantly less excitable. The ionic currents evoked by voltage steps were recorded using 2-electrode voltage clamp. The outward current of B1, B2 and B4 motoneurons had two components, a transientIAcurrent and a sustainedIKdelayed-rectifier current, but neither was modulated by octopamine in any of these three buccal neurons. The fast inward current was eliminated in sodium – free saline and so is likely to be carried by sodium ions. 10 μM octopamine enhanced this current by 33 and 45% in the B1 and B4 motoneurons respectively (P << 0.05), but a small reduction was seen in the B2 neuron. A Hodgkin-Huxley style simulation of the B1 motoneuron confirms that a 33% increase in the fast inward current by octopamine increases the excitability markedly.ConclusionWe conclude that octopamine is also a neuromodulator in snails, changing the excitability of the buccal neurons. This is supported by the close relationship from the voltage clamp data, through the quantitative simulation, to the action potential threshold, changing the properties of neurons in a rhythmic network. The increase in inward sodium current provides an explanation for the polycyclic modulation of the feeding system by the octopamine-containing interneurons, making feeding easier to initiate and making the feeding bursts more intense.
Incidence of cancer in the area around Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in 1988–2003: a population-based ecological study
Authors: Visser Otto , van Wijnen Joop H , van Leeuwen Flora E 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

Background
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a major source of complaints about aircraft noise, safety risks and concerns about long term adverse health effects, including cancer. We investigated whether residents of the area around Schiphol are at higher risk of developing cancer than the general Dutch population.

Methods
In a population-based study using the regional cancer registry, we estimated the cancer incidence during 1988–2003 in residents of the area surrounding Schiphol. We defined a study area based on aircraft noise contours and 4-digit postal code areas, since historical data on ambient air pollution were not available and recent emission data did not differ from the background urban air quality.

Results
In residents of the study area 13 207 cancer cases were diagnosed, which was close to the expected number, using national incidence rates as a reference (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] 1.02). We found a statistically significantly increased incidence of hematological malignancies (SIR 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05, 1.19), mainly due to high rates for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.33) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (SIR 1.34, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.83). The incidence of cancer of the respiratory system was statistically significantly decreased (SIR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.99), due to the low rate in males (SIR 0.89). In the core zone of the study area, cancer incidence was slightly higher than in the remaining ring zone (rate ratio of the core zone compared to the ring zone 1.05, 95% CI 1.01, 1.10). This was caused by the higher incidence of cancer of the respiratory system, prostate and the female genital organs in the core zone in comparison to the ring zone.

Conclusion
The overall cancer incidence in the Schiphol area was similar to the national incidence. The moderately increased risk of hematological malignancies could not be explained by higher levels of ambient air pollution in the Schiphol area. This observation warrants further research, for example in a study with focus on substances in urban ambient air pollution, as similar findings were observed in Greater Amsterdam.
Spatiogenetic characteristics of beech stands with different degrees of autochthony
Authors: Gregorius Hans-Rolf , Kownatzki Dierk 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackgroundAutochthony in forest tree stands is characterized by a number of criteria, among which the range over which stands act as a population has been suggested to play a central role. Therefore, measures are needed for the delineation of populations or the detection of subpopulation structure. It is argued here that methods of population delineation must be based on the combined consideration of spatial distances and genetic differences between adult individuals. Conventional approaches and a set of newly developed methods are applied to seven isozyme loci in four beech stands which are distinguished by different types of forest management based on natural regeneration.ResultsPermutation analyses show that correlations between spatial distances and genetic differences vary only little in the studied beech stands. In view of the popularity of this and related descriptors of spatiogenetic covariation, this result came as a surprise. The newly developed methods lead to a different conclusion. Significant spatiogenetic structure is indicated in all stands when considering the mean and variance of spatiogenetic separation, where separation is measured by the smallest spatiogenetic difference of an individual from all others. Spatiogenetic difference is measured here by a combination of the spatial distances and genetic differences between individuals. This descriptor indicates the existence of spatiogenetic clusters in the beech stands. In order to arrive at an explicit representation of cluster structure as a representation of subpopulation structure, two types of cluster structure (primary andα-isolated) are distinguished, both of which reflect desirable characteristics of subpopulation structure. Particularly in theα-isolated structure, the proportion of individuals organized in clusters, the effective size, and the effective number of clusters clearly distinguish and consistently rank the four stands with respect to their types of forest management and the associated criteria of autochthony.ConclusionThe surprisingly high correspondence between our descriptors of spatiogenetic structure and forest management types confirms the appropriateness of the applied measure of cluster isolation and of the criterion for the choice of the levelαof cluster isolation. The two types of cluster structure and their characteristic descriptors are thus suggested to be promising tools for the detection of subpopulation structure. To include the effects of long-distance gene flow, the presented methods can be extended as outlined to larger spatial scales in order to detect higher order population structure.
Simulation of Freight Trains Equipped with Partially Filled Tank Containers and Related Resonance Phenomenon
Authors: Vera C , Paulin J , Suárez B , Gutiérrez M 
Published: December 2005

To study the fluid motion-vehicle dynamics interaction, a model of four, liquid filled two-axle container freight wagons was set up. The railway vehicle has been modelled as a multi-body system (MBS). To include fluid sloshing, an equivalent mechanical model has been developed and incorporated. The influence of several factors has been studied in computer simulations, such as track defects, curve negotiation, train velocity, wheel wear, liquid and solid wagonload, and container baffles. SIMPACK has been used for MBS analysis, and ANSYS for liquid sloshing modelling and equivalent mechanical systems validation. Acceleration and braking manoeuvres of the freight train set the liquid cargo into motion. This longitudinal sloshing motion of the fluid cargo inside the tanks initiated a swinging motion of some components of the coupling gear. The coupling gear consists of UIC standard traction hooks and coupling screws that are located between buffers. One of the coupling screws is placed in the traction hook of the opposite wagon thus joining the two wagons, whereas the unused coupling screw rests on a hanger. Simulation results showed that, for certain combinations of type of liquid, filling level and container dimensions, the liquid cargo could provoke an undesirable, although not hazardous, release of the unused coupling screw from its hanger. The coupling screw's release was especially obtained when a period of acceleration was followed by an abrupt braking manoeuvre at 1 m/s2. It was shown that a resonance effect between the liquid's oscillation and the coupling screw's rotary motion could be the reason for the coupling screw's undesired release. Possible solutions to avoid the phenomenon are given.
Systematic Review of the Effects of Ginseng on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Buettner Catherine , Yeh Gloria Y , Phillips Russell S , Mittleman Murray A , Kaptchuk Ted J 
Published: December 2005

Objective: To examine the evidence for the efficacy of ginseng (Panax spp.) on cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, lipid profiles, and blood glucose, and to summarize reported cardiovascular adverse events. Data Sources: We searched MEDLINE, AMED, BIOSIS, CAB, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials databases through July 2005 and performed hand searches of bibliographies. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Short- or long-term, randomized, controlled trials and nonrandomized studies published in English were included. Data were extracted in a standardized manner, and 2 independent investigators assessed methodologic quality of the studies. Thirty-four studies were identified with results for blood pressure, lipids, and/or blood glucose. Due to heterogeneity of the studies, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. Data on cardiovascular adverse events were extracted from events reported in identified studies and from case reports. Data Synthesis: The majority of studies were short term. Ginseng may slightly decrease blood pressure compared with placebo (range 0–4%). We found mixed results for an effect on lipids, with 5 of 9 studies showing improvement in one or more lipid parameters compared with baseline (range 7–44%). We identified several studies showing that ginseng lowers blood glucose, but overall studies were inconsistent. Conclusions: Current evidence does not support the use of ginseng to treat cardiovascular risk factors. Some studies suggest a small reduction in blood pressure. Despite some evidence showing that ginseng lowers blood glucose and improves lipid profiles, well-designed, randomized, controlled trials evaluating its effects are lacking.
Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Validity of the Five-Year Index and the Goslon Yardstick in Predicting Long-Term Dental Arch Relationships
Authors: Mars Michael , Batra Puneet , Worrell Emma 
Published: December 2005

Objective: To assess the validity of the 5-year index by subjecting study models at the age of 5 years to both the 5-year index and the Goslon yardstick, and then relating these results to the Goslon ratings at 10 years. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. Patients: Study models of 94 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) were evaluated at the ages of 5 and 10 years. The dental arch relationships were judged and categorized by using the Goslon yardstick for the 10-year models and both the Goslon yardstick and the 5-year index for the 5-year models. Results: When used for 5- and 10-year models, the Goslon yardstick showed a kappa score of 0.539 (weighted kappa = 0.579) with a moderate strength of agreement. However, 5-year index scores at 5 years compared with the Goslon scores at 10 years showed a kappa score of only 0.043 (weighted kappa = 0.090), showing poor strength of agreement. Goslon scores at 10 years showed improvement in 14 cases when graded by the same Goslon yardstick at 5 years, whereas there was improvement in 23 cases when the 5-year models were graded by the 5-year index (actual improvement in scores in UCLP cases is highly unlikely). Conclusions: Although use of the Goslon yardstick at 5 years has demonstrated some inherent flaws in its use at that age, these drawbacks are fewer than those when the 5-year index is used at 5 years of age.
Involvement of microbial respiratory pathogens in acute interstitial pneumonia in feedlot cattle
Authors: Loneragan Guy H. , Gould Daniel H. , Mason Gary L. , Garry Franklyn B. , Yost Garold S. , Miles Delbert G. , Hoffman Bruce W. , Mills Leon J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective—To evaluate viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens andMycoplasmaspp isolated from lung tissues of cattle with acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) and cattle that had died as a result of other causes.Sample Population—186 samples of lung tissues collected from cattle housed in 14 feedlots in the western United States.Procedure—Lung tissues were collected during routine postmortem examination and submitted for histologic, microbiologic, and toxicologic examinations. Histologic diagnoses were categorized for AIP, bronchopneumonia (BP), control samples (no evidence of disease), and other disorders.Results—Cattle affected with AIP had been in feedlots for a mean of 127.2 days before death, which was longer than cattle with BP and control cattle. Detection of a viral respiratory pathogen (eg, bovine respiratory syncytial virus [BRSV], bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine herpesvirus 1, or parainfluenza virus 3) was not associated with histologic category of lung tissues. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus was detected in 8.3% of AIP samples and 24.0% of control samples. Histologic category was associated with isolation of an aerobic bacterial agent andMycoplasmaspp. Cattle with BP were at greatest risk for isolation of an aerobic bacterial agent andMycoplasmaspp.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Analysis of these results suggests that AIP in feedlot cattle is not a consequence of infection with BRSV. The increased risk of isolation of an aerobic bacterial agent from cattle with AIP, compared with control cattle, may indicate a causal role or an opportunistic infection that follows development of AIP. (Am J Vet Res2001; 62:1519–1524)
Effects of exercise on the diameter of collagen fibrils in the central core and periphery of the superficial digital flexor tendon in foals
Authors: Cherdchutham Worakij , Becker Christina K. , Spek Eric R. , Voorhout Wim F. , Weeren Paul R. van 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective—To determine the effects of exercise on collagen fibril diameter distribution in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of foals.Animals—43 Dutch Warmblood foals.Procedure—From 1 week until 5 months of age, group-1 foals (n = 14) were housed in stalls and not exercised, group-2 foals (14) were housed in stalls but were exercised, and group-3 foals (15) were maintained at pasture. Biopsy specimens were collected from the SDFT at 2 months, and 8 foals in each group were euthanatized at 5 months. Remaining foals were housed together in a loose stall and paddock until euthanatized at 11 months. After euthanasia, specimens were collected from the SDFT; all specimens were analyzed by use of electron microscopy. Collagen fibrillar index (CFI), mass average diameter (MAvD), and area dependent diameter (ADD) were compared among groups.Results—Exercise-related differences in fibril distribution were not detected among groups at 2 months. At 5 months, ADD in peripheral specimens was significantly greater in group 1 than group 3. At 11 months, MAvD in core specimens was significantly less in group 3, compared with the other groups. However, in peripheral specimens, MAvD was significantly less in groups 2 and 3.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Collagen fibril restructuring in the SDFT of foals is in part an exercise- driven process. Withholding exercise may cause a delay in fibril development that can be partially overcome by increasing exercise at a later age. Exercise type may also affect remodeling of the SDFT in foals. (Am J Vet Res2001;62:1563–1570).
Sensitivity analysis and application to trotting of a noninvasive method to calculate flexor tendon forces in the equine forelimb
Authors: Meershoek Liduin S. , Lanovaz Joel L. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective—To test the sensitivity to measurement and modeling errors of a method for noninvasive calculation of flexor tendon forces in the equine forelimb and to calculate tendon forces for Dutch Warmblood horses during trotting.Sample Population—A normative set of kinematic and ground-reaction force (GRF) data obtained from horses during trotting in another study.Procedure—Forces in the flexor tendons were calculated from the data set before and after addition of fixed relative and absolute errors. Amount of error was based on normal accuracy of the variables. A similar analysis was performed for a measure of strain of the accessory ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon.Results—The only errors that had a substantial influence on accuracy were modeling errors in the mechanical properties of the suspensory ligament and measurement errors in the point of application of the GRF and position of the marker on the distal interphalangeal joint. Influence of the measurement errors could be minimized by applying usual correction methods.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—After correction of measurement errors, the method can be used to calculate mean tendon forces for a group of horses and to evaluate the influence of factors such as surface properties, type of shoe, speed, and fatigue on tendon forces. The method could become an important tool for use in research on the cause, prevention, and treatment of tendon injuries in horses. (Am J Vet Res2001;62:1594–1598)
Number of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts or Giardia spp cysts shed by dairy calves after natural infection
Authors: Nydam Daryl V. , Wade Susan E. , Schaaf Stephanie L. , Mohammed Hussni O. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective—To determine the total number ofCryptosporidium parvumoocysts andGiardiaspp cysts shed by dairy calves during the period when they are most at risk after natural infection.Animals—478 calves naturally infected withC parvumand 1,016 calves naturally infected withGiardiaspp.Procedure—Oocysts or cysts were enumerated from fecal specimens. Distribution of number of oocysts or cysts versus age was used to determine the best fitting mathematic function. Number of oocysts or cysts per gram of feces for a given duration of shedding was computed by determining the area under the curve. Total number of oocysts or cysts was calculated by taking the product of the resultant and the expected mass of feces.Results—Intensity ofC parvumoocyst shedding was best described by a second-order polynomial function. Shedding increased from 4 days of age, peaked at day 12, and then decreased. An infected 6-day-old calf would produce 3.89 X 1010oocysts until 12 days old. Pattern of shedding ofGiardiaspp cysts was best described by exponential functions. Intensity of shedding increased from 4 days of age, peaked at day 14, and then decreased. An infected calf would produce 3.8 X 107cysts from day 50 until day 56.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—The large number of oocysts and cysts shed indicates that shedding by dairy cattle poses a risk for susceptible calves and people. Estimates reported here may be useful to aid in designing cost-effective strategies to manage this risk. (Am J Vet Res2001;62:1612–1615)
Development of a functional scoring system in dogs with acute spinal cord injuries
Authors: Olby Natasha J. , Risio Luisa De , Muñana Karen R. , Wosar Marc A. , Skeen Todd M. , Sharp Nick J.H. , Keene Bruce W. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective—To develop and compare the reliability of 2 methods of scoring pelvic limb gait in dogs recovering from thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries and to use this scoring system to determine the rate and level of functional recovery of dogs with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniations.Animals—46 dogs with spinal cord injuries resulting from intervertebral disk herniations.Procedure—Dogs' gaits were videotaped at different time intervals after injury. In phase 1 of the study, the stages of recovery of pelvic limb function were identified, and a numeric scoring system was devised to reflect that recovery. In phase 2, pelvic limb gait was scored by different observers, using a numeric and a visual analog scale. Intra- and interobserver coefficients of variability of both methods were compared. In phase 3, pelvic limb function was scored, using the numeric scale at various intervals after acute thoracolumbar disk herniations.Results—The numeric scale was significantly more reliable than the visual analog scale when both intraand interobserver coefficients of variability were evaluated. Dogs that were paraplegic with no deep pain sensation recovered at different rates during the first 3 months, whereas dogs that were paraplegic with deep pain sensation typically recovered within 1 month of injury.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Pelvic limb gait of dogs recovering from thoracolumbar spinal cord injuries can be reliably quantified, using a numeric scale. This scale will facilitate the performance of clinical trials aimed at improving the outcome of acute spinal cord injuries. (Am J Vet Res2001;62:1624–1628)