bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compliance in the neck structures of the guinea pig spermatozoon, as indicated by rapid freezing and electron microscopy
Authors: Woolley D. M. , Carter D. A. , Tilly G. N. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractElectron microscopy has been used to investigate whether the transversely striated columns of the connecting piece in the neck region of guinea pig spermatozoa, undergo lengthening and shortening as a result of the forces generated during motility. Motile spermatozoa were subjected to near‐instantaneous rapid freezing, followed by freeze‐substitution fixation and epoxy embedment. Thin sections passing longitudinally through the striated columns revealed that the periodicity was indeed variable. The repeat period, taken to have an unstressed width of 60 nm, could be found extended to 75 nm in some specimens, and reduced to 54 nm in others. The estimates of the coefficients of variation were 6.6% for the width of the ‘dense’ band and 33.5% for the ‘pale’ band. The ‘pale’ band in the extended state showed longitudinal striae. Such variations in length, which – it is suggested – are physiological, and passively induced, would have functional implications for the flagellum – for both bend initiation and bend growth. Also, hypothetically, any mechanism that could increase the degree of compliance in these columns, such as perhaps phosphorylation of the constituent proteins, could permit the flagellum to develop the exaggerated bend angles and asymmetries of the ‘hyperactivated’ state.
Eucalyptus applied genomics: from gene sequences to breeding tools
Authors: Grattapaglia Dario , Kirst Matias 
Published: June 2008

Summary Eucalyptus is the most widely planted hardwood crop in the tropical and subtropical world because of its superior growth, broad adaptability and multipurpose wood properties. Plantation forestry of Eucalyptus supplies high‐quality woody biomass for several industrial applications while reducing the pressure on tropical forests and associated biodiversity. This review links current eucalypt breeding practices with existing and emerging genomic tools. A brief discussion provides a background to modern eucalypt breeding together with some current applications of molecular markers in support of operational breeding. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and genetical genomics are reviewed and an in‐depth perspective is provided on the power of association genetics to dissect quantitative variation in this highly diverse organism. Finally, some challenges and opportunities to integrate genomic information into directional selective breeding are discussed in light of the upcoming draft of the Eucalyptus grandis genome. Given the extraordinary genetic variation that exists in the genus Eucalyptus, the ingenuity of most breeders, and the powerful genomic tools that have become available, the prospects of applied genomics in Eucalyptus forest production are encouraging.

Contents

Summary
911

I.
Introduction
912

II.
Eucalyptus biology and domestication
913

III.
Eucalyptus breeding and clonal forestry
913

IV.
Marker‐assisted management of genetic variation in breeding populations
914

V.
Genetic mapping and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis
915

VI.
Gene discovery and genetical genomics
916

VII.
Association mapping
918

VIII.
Molecular breeding
920

IX.
From gene sequences to breeding tools
922

X.
Future developments and challenges
924

Acknowledgements
926

References
926
The Problematic Relation between Direct Democracy and Accountability in Latin America: Evidence from the Bolivian Case
Authors: BREUER ANITA 
Published: June 2008

During the wave of constitutional reforms, which started in the late 1980s, Institutions of Direct Democracy (IDD) have been incorporated into most Latin American constitutions, and over the past fifteen years, an increased use of these instruments by Latin American governments has been observed. This article deals with two questions related to this phenomenon: (1) what motivated the adoption and use of these institutions; and (2) what consequences can be expected with regard to democratic accountability in the region?To answer these questions, first, a classification of IDD is developed. In this, special attention is paid to the ability of the various types of IDD to introduce accountability into the representative structures of presidential systems. This classification is subsequently applied to analyse constitutional frameworks and direct democratic experience in the region. The findings suggest that the rise of IDD in Latin America was mainly induced by executive‐legislative conflict and has done little to foster accountability. Finally, therefore, a detailed account of the specific constellation that led to the adoption of IDD in Bolivia is analysed in order to illustrate under which circumstances political actors choose to adopt and employ these tools.
BK Channel Subunit Composition Modulates Molecular Tolerance to Ethanol
Authors: Feinberg‐Zadek Paula L. , Martin Gilles , Treistman Steven N. 
Published: June 2008

Background: The large conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel (also called BK channel or Slo channels) is a well‐studied target of alcohol action, and plays an important role in behavioral tolerance.Methods: Using patch clamp electrophysiology, we examined human BK channels expressed in HEK293 cells to test whether tolerance to ethanol occurs in excised patches and whether it is influenced by subunit composition. Three combinations were examined: hSlo, hSlo + β1, and hSlo + β4.Results: The 2 components of BK alcohol adaptation (Component 1: rapid tolerance to acute potentiation, and Component 2: a more slowly developing decrease in current density) were observed, and varied according to subunit combination. Using a 2‐exposure protocol, Component 1 tolerance was evident in 2 of the 3 combinations, because it was more pronounced for hSlo and hSlo + β4.Conclusions: Thus, rapid tolerance in human BK occurs in cell‐free membrane patches, independent of cytosolic second messengers, nucleotides or changes in free calcium. Alcohol pretreatment for 24 hours altered subsequent short‐term plasticity of hSlo + β4channels, suggesting a relationship between classes of tolerance. Finally, Component 2 reduction in current density showed a striking dependency on channel composition. Twenty‐four hour exposure to 25 mM ethanol resulted in a down‐regulation of BK current in hSlo and hSlo + β4channels, but not in hSlo + β1channels. The fact that hSlo + β1channels show less sensitivity to acute challenge, in conjunction with less Component 1 and Component 2 tolerance, suggests subunit composition is an important factor for these elements of alcohol response.
Identification of Novel Bone‐Specific Molecular Targets of Binge Alcohol and Ibandronate by Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Himes Ryan , Wezeman Frederick H. , Callaci John J. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Our laboratory established that binge alcohol‐related bone damage is prevented by aminobisphosphonates, suggesting bone resorption increases following binge exposure. We examined the effects of binge alcohol and antiresorptive therapy on the relationship between bone damage and modulation of the vertebral transcriptome, in an attempt to determine how alcohol‐induced bone damage and its prevention modulate bone‐related biological pathways.Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to 1 of 6 treatment groups (n = 12/group). (C1) saline ip 3 d/wk for 1 week, (A1) binge alcohol, 3 g/kg, ip 3 d/wk for 1 week, (C4) saline ip, 3 d/wk for 4 weeks, (A4) binge alcohol, ip, 3 g/kg 3 d/wk for 4 weeks, (I4) ibandronate, saline ip 3 d/wk for 4 weeks, plus a single ip injection of ibandronate at 120 μg/animal, and (AI4) binge alcohol plus ibandronate as above. After 1 or 4 weeks, adjacent lumbar vertebrae were assayed for bone damage or transcriptional changes.Results:  Bone loss was not observed after 1 week of binge alcohol treatment. After 4 weeks, binge alcohol decreased vertebral BMD by 23% (p < 0.05) and compressive strength by 18% compared to saline controls (p < 0.05). Concurrent ibandronate prevented bone loss, increasing these parameters by 145 and 134% respectively compared to binge alcohol. (p < 0.05). Analysis of the vertebral transcriptome identified gene clusters specific for acute and chronic binge alcohol‐related bone damage. Acute binge alcohol modulated the expression of integrin signaling‐specific genes, while chronic binge alcohol modulated canonical Wnt signaling gene expression. Ibandronate normalized the expression of approximately 20% of the genes affected by chronic binge alcohol, allowing the identification of a unique subset of alcohol‐sensitive, ibandronate‐responsive genes.Conclusions:  Identification of bone‐specific gene expression clusters associated with acute and chronic binge alcohol treatment allowed for the identification of cellular pathways affected by binge treatment with known involvement in bone remodeling (Integrin, Canonical Wnt signaling) not previously identified as alcohol‐sensitive. This data provides a basis for a plausible mechanistic explanation for the known detrimental effects of alcohol on bone formation and resorption.
Mouse Breathalyzer
Authors: Ginsburg Brett C. , Javors Martin A. , Friesenhahn Gregory , Frontz Michael , Martinez Gerardo , Hite Tim , Lamb Richard J. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  The development of a relatively simple, noninvasive method for estimating blood ethanol concentrations in mice will be useful in behavioral studies related to alcoholism. This study validated such a method.Methods:  The apparatus consists of a body chamber fitted with a head stock through which the mouse head protrudes. This was fitted against a water‐jacketed head‐space chamber surrounding the mouse’s head. Rebreathed air maintained at 37°C in the head‐space chamber was removed using a peristaltic pump and loaded into a 1‐ml injection loop. Ethanol in the sample was quantified using gas chromatography. To validate this method, ethanol levels in breath samples were compared against those in tail blood samples collected immediately after the breath samples. Breath samples were collected at 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 120, and 160 minutes after ethanol (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 g/kg) was administered to male C57BL/6J mice.Results:  Breath and blood ethanol levels were well correlated (r2 = 0.96) across time points on the descending ethanol–time curve at doses below 2.4 g/kg. Correlation for these doses on the ascending portion of the curve had greater variance, but was still well correlated (r2 = 0.92).Conclusions:  The mouse breathalyzer is an accurate, convenient, noninvasive and well‐tolerated method for estimating blood ethanol concentrations in mice across a range of behaviorally relevant concentrations below 2.4 g/kg, especially on the descending limb of the ethanol–time curve. Although this procedure requires a gas chromatograph in the animal facility, the ability to estimate ethanol concentrations quickly and easily will be especially useful in behavioral studies where repeated blood sampling is not feasible.
Incidence of Compartment Syndrome of the Arm in a Large Series of Transradial Approach for Coronary Procedures
Authors: TIZÓN‐MARCOS HELENA , BARBEAU GERALD R. 
Published: June 2008

Background: Despite the fact that transradial approach is widely used, literature on this devastating complication after transradial approach is scarce. Pubmed review from 1992 to 2007 includes only 5 isolated reports. In one small series with 250 patients, an incidence of 0.4% is suggested.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the transradial cases in Laval Hospital from 1994 to September 2007 (51,296 procedures) to know the incidence of compartment syndrome of the arm (CSA) and compare it with the literature.
Results: In our institution CSA occurred in 2 of the 51,296 transradial procedures (0.004%). Both of them were in female patients with low BSA (1.7 and 1.5 m2) who received either an excess of unfractioned heparin during the procedure or uncorrected low‐molecular‐weight heparin after the procedure. Both of them underwent fasciotomy of the forearm. Recovery was complete in one patient. The other patient required skin graft and developed a partial Volkmann contracture at follow‐up. This low incidence is due to a high index of suspicion when swelling or pain in the arm used for the procedure is noted and to the immediate application of a specific protocol. This protocol initiated by the nursing personnel consists of inflation of a tensiometer cuff at the point of pain or swelling. Cuff is inflated during at least 15 minutes up to 10–15 mmHg below the systolic pressure to allow distal pulsatile flow to the hand or forearm (monitored with oxymetry/plethismography) so the bleeding stops and diffuses to decrease the pressure within the forearm. Usually, two periods of 15 min of inflation are required to control bleeding.
Conclusion: Incidence of CSA is very low at our institution. A high suspicion with any complaint of pain and swelling in the arm and a proper management of anticoagulation especially in the postprocedure period with great emphasis in patients with low BSA or low creatinine clearance are the key points. Implantation of an immediate specific nursing protocol is required.
Sclerosing nevus with pseudomelanomatous features
Authors: Fabrizi Giuseppe , Pennacchia Ilaria , Pagliarello Calogero , Massi Guido 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Among the pigmented lesions with a central area of scar, we found a group of cases histologically characterized by striking architectural alteration of the melanocytic component, but with no cytological atypia and mitotically quiescent. The aim of the current study was to assess the biological nature of such lesions.Methods:  We selected 19 of these melanocytic neoplasms that had the following characteristics: (a) a clinically evident whitish central area suggestive of regression (with no history of a previous surgical procedure or trauma), (b) histological features of fibrous scar‐like tissue at the center of the lesion, (c) the presence of large, confluent and unusually shaped melanocytic nests at the dermoepidermal junction and in the dermis, (d) a pagetoid spread of melanocytes above the epidermal basal layer and (e) remnants of nevus tissue at the border of the scar. The lesions showed no evidence of cytological atypia, expansive nodules of melanocytes, significant numbers of mitoses or cellular necrosis.Results:  All the cases have been followed up and none have recurred or metastasized. Histologically, these neoplasms have important similarities with the so‐called recurrent nevus, nevi on lichen sclerosus and nevi developed during or following cutaneous inflammatory and sclerosing processes. The origin of the scar in each case was obscure but was probably related to minor unnoticed trauma or to chronic friction on a nevus. In few cases, the fibrosis was probably the result of partial regression of the nevus or a sequel to folliculitis. The pseudomelanomatous features appear to be related to the presence of the scar, as already reported for nevi that are involved in fibrotic or scarring processes. In our study, the nevi involved in the fibrotic process were congenital nevi and common or dysplastic nevi. One case was a Spitz nevus.Conclusions:  From our data we concluded that, despite their worrisome clinical and histological aspect, the lesions described in this case series were most probably benign melanocytic nevi, involved by a fibrotic process combined with pseudomelanomatous proliferation. The lack of cytological atypia, mitoses and expansive nodules allowed us to differentiate these lesions from regressing melanomas.
Superficial acral fibromyxoma: a clinicopathological analysis of 32 tumors including 4 in the heel
Authors: Al‐Daraji Wael I , Miettinen Markku 
Published: June 2008

Aims:  To examine a series of superficial acral fibromyxomas (SAFs) and discuss our experience with this new entity and its differential diagnosis in the past 5 years.Methods and results:  Thirty‐two new cases of SAF were studied between 2001 and 2006. The patients included 22 males and 10 females with an age range between 23 and 82 years (mean 51, median 53) presenting with a solitary mass or nodule with an average size of 2 cm. The sites were the toes (n = 15) and fingers (n = 13) with 66.6% of tumors close to or involving the nail bed. Four tumors occurred in the heel where SAF has not been previously observed. Local recurrences developed in 3 of 14 patients (22%). Histologically, all tumors presented with spindle cells with a vague storiform and fascicular pattern embedded in a myxoid/fibromyxoid/collagenous stroma. A characteristic immunophenotype included CD34+, CD99+/− and EMA+ focally. One case showed moderate cytological atypia with 1 mitosis per 10 HPF, but a 4‐year follow up showed no evidence of recurrence.Conclusion:  Thirty‐two new cases of SAF confirm this tumor as a reproducible entity. Occurrence in the heel, a new site for this tumor, was reported in four cases. Recurrence rate of this tumor may exceed 20%.
Postural changes during showering affect the entry of water into the ear canal
Authors: Ibrahim S.I. , Mal R.K. 
Published: June 2008

Objective:  The aim of the study is to demonstrate the effect of postural changes in keeping the ears dry during showering.Design:  A prospective, randomized, single blinded trial.Setting:  Tertiary otolaryngological unit.Participants:  Forty adult volunteers were recruited and randomly allocated to have a shower either with a head down or a head up posture.Main outcome measures:  Presence of fluorescein in the deeper ear canal.Results:  Ninety‐three per cent of ears in the head down group had no flourescein and 95% of ears in the head up group showed the presence of fluorescein, indicating presence of water in the deeper ear canals.Conclusion:  When a head down position was assumed during showering, water did not enter the deeper part of the ear canal in 93% of ears.
Conservative versus primary surgical treatment of acoustic neuromas: a comparison of rates of facial nerve and hearing preservation
Authors: Martin T.P.C. , Tzifa K. , Kowalski C. , Holder R.L. , Walsh R. , Irving R.M. 
Published: June 2008

Objectives:  To determine whether patients with small to medium sized acoustic neuromas managed conservatively suffer reduced rates of facial nerve and hearing preservation when compared with patients undergoing primary surgery.Design:  An intention‐to‐treat comparison between patients managed conservatively at first presentation and those managed with primary surgery.Setting:  Tertiary referral neurotological centre in Birmingham, UK.Participants:  Data were drawn from our database of 487 sporadic acoustic neuromas managed from 1997 to present day.Main outcome measures:  Facial nerve status (assessed using the House‐Brackmann system) was collated for all conservatively managed patients (n = 167) and compared with that expected when calculated from primarily surgically managed tumours of equivalent size (n = 121). A chi‐square test was employed to test the statistical significance of any difference. Hearing preservation (maintenance of AAO‐HNS Class) in patients presenting with Class A or B hearing was compared between conservatively managed patients and those with primary surgical management.Results:  Observed facial nerve preservation in conservatively managed patients was significantly better (P < 0.001) than expected when calculated from rates of facial nerve preservation in surgically managed patients. Hearing preservation was also significantly more successful in conservatively managed patients (Pearson chi‐square: P < 0.000).Conclusions:  An initial period of conservative management is a safe and reasonable management policy in all acoustic neuromas up to 2 cm in size at the cerebello‐pontine angle. Given that there are no failsafe ways of deciding potential for growth in acoustic neuromas, initial conservative management of these tumours offers superior hearing and facial nerve preservation when compared with primary surgical treatment.
Surgical techniques for the treatment of nasal valve collapse: a systematic review
Authors: Spielmann P.M. , Sanders J. , White P.S. , Hussain S.S.M. 
Published: June 2008

Objectives.  To critically evaluate the surgical treatment strategies for nasal valve collapse and their outcomes.Method.  A systematic review of studies for surgically treated nasal valve collapse from 1970 to 2006 including an analysis of techniques and their outcomes. Database search of EBM reviews, (Cochrane, DARE, CCTR & ACP Journal club), Medline and EMBASE’ including a hand search of bibliographies in identified papers. The outcomes used are success of techniques at relieving symptoms and cosmesis. The inclusion criteria was a minimum of 10 patients in each study with a defined minimum 6‐month period of follow‐up.Results.  No randomised trials exist; 31 studies met the minimal inclusion criteria. Seventeen addressed the internal nasal valve, seven the external nasal valve and seven both. A variety of techniques have been used including spreader grafts, alar batten grafts, splay grafts, butterfly grafts, and lateral expansion sutures. All techniques have high success rates with no single technique appearing more successful than others. Studies had similar inclusion criteria and a mean follow up >12 months. The level of evidence is III. Few studies provided objective measures of nasal airflow in the form of rhinomanometry, but when presented results were significantly improved.Conclusions.  A variety of surgical techniques are available to deal with nasal valve collapse. The specific pathological problem causing obstruction at the nasal valve must be identified and the surgical solution tailored to the individual. There is no ‘one size fits all’ procedure.
Corneal oedema after cataract surgery: predisposing factors and corneal graft outcome
Authors: Claesson Margareta , Armitage W. John , Stenevi Ulf 
Published: June 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) is one of the main indications for corneal transplantation. Graft survival and visual outcome in this group are often poorer than for other indications. The aim of this study was to find risk factors for developing corneal oedema after cataract surgery and factors that influence the subsequent survival of the graft and the visual outcome.Methods:  We carried out an observational, retrospective cohort study using data from the Swedish Cornea Transplant Register and patient medical records. A total of 273 patients whose indication for corneal transplantation was corneal oedema after cataract surgery were included in the study. Multiple logistic regression analysis and, where appropriate, univariate analyses were applied.Results:  A total of 43% of the patients developed persistent corneal oedema immediately after cataract surgery, the main risk factors for which were phacoemulsification and pre‐existing endothelial disease. Almost a third (32%) of the transplants for PBK failed within 2 years, for which rejection and other postoperative complications increased the risk. Half (50%) the patients had visual acuity ≤ 0.1 at 2 years after keratoplasty. Comorbidity, increasing duration of the bullous keratopathy and increasing age affected the visual outcome negatively.Conclusions:  Phacoemulsification was a risk factor for immediate persistent corneal oedema after cataract surgery, although it did not increase the overall risk of developing PBK. However, transplants for immediate PBK had a better survival rate than those for later onset PBK. Shorter duration of PBK and intraocular lens exchange at the time of penetrating keratoplasty increased the likelihood of good visual acuity.