bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary ovarian fibrosarcoma with long‐term survival: A report of two cases
Authors: Choi Won‐Jun , Ha Man‐Taek , Shin Jeong‐Kyu , Lee Jeong‐Hee 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe report on two cases of primary ovarian fibrosarcoma detected in two women aged 44 and 34 years old. In the first case, an 18 × 17 × 10 cm multilobular tumor was detected in the left ovary. In the second case, a 13 × 9 × 3 cm and a 7 × 6 × 2 cm tumor were found in the left and right ovaries, respectively. In addition, a large quantity of ascitic fluid was detected. In both cases, a total hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy and an omentectomy were performed. No evidence of lymph‐node enlargement was detected in either case. Microscopic findings demonstrated densely, cellular spindle‐shaped tumor cells with increased mitotic activity (17 and 8/10 high‐power fields, respectively). Immunohistochemical analyses showed that tumor cells were positive for vimentin and negative for smooth muscle actin, S‐100, and estrogen receptor. Progesterone receptor was positive only in the second case. After surgery, both patients received several courses of combination chemotherapy. Neither patient demonstrated any evidence of disease recurrence during follow‐up for 10 years and 5 years, respectively.
Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of cereals: a promising approach crossing barriers
Authors: Shrawat Ashok Kumar , Lörz Horst 
Published: September 2006

SummaryCereal crops have been the primary targets for improvement by genetic transformation because of their worldwide importance for human consumption. For a long time, many of these important cereals were difficult to genetically engineer, mainly as a result of their inherent limitations associated with the resistance to Agrobacterium infection and their recalcitrance to in vitro regeneration. The delivery of foreign genes to rice plants via Agrobacterium tumefaciens has now become a routine technique. However, there are still serious handicaps with Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation of other major cereals. In this paper, we review the pioneering efforts, existing problems and future prospects of Agrobacterium‐mediated genetic transformation of major cereal crops, such as rice, maize, wheat, barley, sorghum and sugarcane.
Therapeutic effectiveness of orally administered transgenic low‐alkaloid tobacco expressing human interleukin‐10 in a mouse model of colitis
Authors: Menassa Rima , Du Caigan , Yin Zi Qin , Ma Shengwu , Poussier Philippe , Brandle Jim , Jevnikar Anthony M. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a spectrum of diseases in which inflammation leads to acute and chronic gut injury. It is a growing health issue for which no cure exists. The pathogenesis is multifactorial with links to infectious and environmental events that trigger disease in genetically predisposed individuals. Treatment of the two major forms of IBD, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, involves the reduction of inflammation with toxic immunosuppressive drugs or blocking of the pro‐inflammatory effects of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) with antibodies. Here, we show that the oral administration of transgenic low‐alkaloid tobacco expressing the contra‐inflammatory cytokine human interleukin‐10 (hIL‐10) reduces the severity of colitis by down‐regulating TNF‐α expression directly at the sites of inflammation in IBD‐susceptible IL‐10−/– mice. hIL‐10 expressed in plants is biologically active and displays resistance to gastrointestinal degradation. Dietary supplementation with plant tissue delivering up to 9 µg of hIL‐10 daily for 4 weeks was well tolerated by treated mice. Gut histology was significantly improved relative to controls (P = 0.002), and was correlated with a decrease in small bowel TNF‐α mRNA levels and an increase in IL‐2 and IL‐1β mRNA levels. Transgenic plants expressing IL‐10 to directly attenuate TNF‐α expression at sites of inflammation in the gut may become a useful new approach in the luminal therapy of IBD.
BARTER'S ROLE IN THE MONEY–INCOME RELATIONSHIP
Authors: Marvasti Akbar , Smyth David J. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract.  This paper deals with a reassessment of the money–income relation and predictability of changes in GDP with innovations in money in the presence of barter. Organized barter as a method of transaction, through barter exchanges, has been growing rapidly in the US economy. With the introduction of computers and the use of a credit system which allows non‐simultaneous transactions, barter exchanges have found new opportunities to offer an alternative to monetary transactions. Analysis of data from the 1974–96 period provides some evidence suggesting that inclusion of barter in the output function improves the marginal predictability of money.
Epidemiological and clinical manifestations of patients hospitalized with brown recluse spider bite
Authors: Dyachenko P , Ziv M , Rozenman D 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground  Necrotic arachnidism represents a common health problem and standard treatments are usually safe and effective.Objective  The aim of this study was to review documented Loxosceles species spider envenomations and identify the natural history of affected patients.Methods  A retrospective single‐centre study included 52 patients with necrotic arachnidism hospitalized in the dermatology department between 1997 and 2004. We examined the relationship between the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory parameters and degree of lesion severity, length of hospitalization and time to complete healing.Results  The bites occurred predominantly in rural areas, 67% between April and August. Only 35% of the patients sought medical care within 24 h post bite. Most bites were of the extremities (67%). Time to complete healing ranged from 14 days to more than 8 weeks (mean, 4.8 weeks). A marked relationship was found between age, comorbidities, lesion severity and time to complete healing (P < 0.01). Duration of hospitalization was significantly longer in patients with severe thigh lesions (P < 0.02).Conclusions  Loxosceles species spider bites frequently induce necrotic, slowly healing ulcers on the fatty areas of the body. Early, appropriate systemic therapy may provide clinical benefit.
The natural compound n‐butylidenephthalide derived from Angelica sinensis inhibits malignant brain tumor growth in vitro and in vivo3
Authors: Tsai Nu‐Man , Chen Yi‐Lin , Lee Chau‐Chin , Lin Po‐Chen , Cheng Yeung‐Leung , Chang Wen‐Liang , Lin Shinn‐Zong , Harn Horng‐Jyh 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe naturally‐occurring compound, n‐butylidenephthalide (BP), which is isolated from the chloroform extract of Angelica sinensis (AS‐C), has been investigated with respect to the treatment of angina. In this study, we have examined the anti‐tumor effects of n‐butylidenephthalide on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumors both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, GBM cells were treated with BP, and the effects of proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were determined. In vivo, DBTRG‐05MG, the human GBM tumor, and RG2, the rat GBM tumor, were injected subcutaneously or intracerebrally with BP. The effects on tumor growth were determined by tumor volumes, magnetic resonance imaging and survival rate. Here, we report on the potency of BP in suppressing growth of malignant brain tumor cells without simultaneous fibroblast cytotocixity. BP up‐regulated the expression of Cyclin Kinase Inhibitor (CKI), including p21 and p27, to decrease phosphorylation of Rb proteins, and down‐regulated the cell‐cycle regulators, resulting in cell arrest at the G0/G1 phase for DBTRG‐05MG and RG2 cells, respectively. The apoptosis‐associated proteins were dramatically increased and activated by BP in DBTRG‐05MG cells and RG2 cells, but RG2 cells did not express p53 protein. In vitro results showed that BP triggered both p53‐dependent and independent pathways for apoptosis. In vivo, BP not only suppressed growth of subcutaneous rat and human brain tumors but also, reduced the volume of GBM tumors in situ, significantly prolonging survival rate. These in vitro and in vivo anti‐cancer effects indicate that BP could serve as a new anti‐brain tumor drug.
Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers for the human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax
Authors: KARUNAWEERA N. D. , FERREIRA M. U. , HARTL D. L. , WIRTH D. F. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe have optimized a set of 14 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax, all of them consisting of either tri‐ or tetranucleotide repeats. These markers, whose polymerase chain reaction amplification conditions are identical, were used to screen 25 parasite isolates from malaria‐endemic areas in Sri Lanka. The total number of alleles per locus ranged between 6 and 13 (average, 7.8), and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.627 to 0.913 (average, 0.790). These markers are now being used to characterize the population structure of P. vivax in other endemic areas.
Eight new microsatellite markers in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) derived from an enriched genomic library
Authors: WESMAJERVI METTE SERINE , TAFESE TEKLE , STENVIK JØRGEN , FJALESTAD KJERSTI TURID , DAMSGÅRD BØRGE , DELGHANDI MADJID 
Published: September 2006

AbstractOne hundred and fifty random clones from an enriched genomic library of Atlantic cod were sequenced. Primer pairs were designed for 15 microsatellites containing perfect di‐, tri‐, tetra‐ and hexanucleotide repeats and characterized in 96 unrelated fish. Eight markers were successfully amplified, with the number of alleles ranging from two to nine per locus and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.341 to 0.977. Loci Gmo‐G13 and Gmo‐G14 had a significant excess of homozygotes. All loci conformed to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Genetic linkage disequilibrium analysis between all pairs of the loci showed no significant departure from the null hypothesis between any of the loci.
Farmers’ Preferences for New Environmental Policy Instruments: Determining the Acceptability of Cross Compliance for Biodiversity Benefits
Authors: Davies Ben B. , Hodge Ian D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis paper addresses the issue of farmers’ views concerning the perceived legitimacy of environmental cross compliance as a governance mechanism. Recent work on the theory of regulation emphasises the importance of the legitimacy ascribed to a regulation in determining the effectiveness with which it can be implemented. The current study outlines a rationale for why this motivational question should receive attention in economic studies of policy design and reports the results of a survey of 102 arable farmers in East Anglia, UK, which investigated the level of support for the principle of cross compliance for biodiversity objectives. It was found that two attitudinal factors, referred to as ‘Stewardship Orientation’ and ‘Technological Beliefs’, were by far the most significant in determining the acceptability of cross compliance in the sample, and that structural and socio‐demographic factors were considerably less important. The study also identified clusters of farmers according to their overall attitudinal orientation. Of the five groups thus categorised, four appeared on average likely to reject cross compliance as a general principle, leaving only the most ‘Environmental’ cluster in support. The policy implications are discussed and some conclusions drawn.
Assessing CAP Reform: Sensitivity of Modelling Decoupled Policies
Authors: Gohin Alexandre 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe European Union reformed farm policy in June 2003 towards the decoupling of farm income support instruments. Available impact studies find that this reform reduces production incentives substantially for beef and to a lesser extent for arable crops. However, these studies assume that the previous reform, under Agenda 2000, already decoupled arable crop direct payments to a considerable extent, while beef premiums were linked more closely to production. Our main objective in this paper is to test the sensitivity of these results to this questionable modelling of Agenda 2000 direct payments, which neglects eligibility rules and land market imperfections. Our analysis reveals that the effects of the reform on both arable crop and beef production are always negative, however the Agenda 2000 direct payments are modelled. On the other hand, we show that, when the eligibility rules and land market imperfections are acknowledged, the production reducing effects may be much larger for arable crops than for beef. Policy implications of these results are noted.
Non‐parametric Modelling of Spatial Price Relationships
Authors: Serra Teresa , Goodwin Barry K. , Gil José M. , Mancuso Anthony 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe apply non‐parametric methods to a consideration of price transmission processes within US egg markets at the turn of the nineteenth century. Gordon (National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 7833, 2000) labelled this as an era of ‘Great Inventions’ which contributed to the subsequent years of significant productivity growth and noted that the development of mechanical refrigeration and transportation technologies played an important role in this growth. Our models present certain advantages relative to parametric models traditionally employed in price transmission analyses. We compare results derived from local polynomial modelling with those obtained using non‐linear threshold models. Both techniques suggest that US egg markets were interrelated at the turn of the nineteenth century. However, non‐parametric techniques often suggest a higher degree of price transmission than that implied by threshold models. Results also suggest that threshold models may have difficulties in adequately capturing price relationship dynamics, especially when these are of a highly nonlinear nature.
The Impact of Electronic Clock Auction Systems on Shellfish Prices: Econometric Evidence from a Structural Change Model
Authors: Guillotreau Patrice , Jiménez‐Toribio Ramón 
Published: September 2006

AbstractEconomic theory suggests that different auction systems may lead to different price equilibria under specific conditions. By changing the trading rules, the introduction of electronic clock auction systems (ECAS) on primary fish markets is likely to modify the price formation process. A relationship between the prices of live prawns (Nephrops norvegicus) in two French ports where different ECAS have been successively introduced is estimated through two univariate models and a vector autoregressive model applied to stationary weekly data series. Using a recent multiple break searching procedure (Econometrica, Vol. 66, 1998, 47; Journal of Applied Econometrics, Vol. 18, 2003, 1; Econometrics Journal, Vol. 6, 2003, 72), a single structural change matching the date of implementation is discovered in the two ports and shows a different impact partly explained by the type of auction system in force. The introduction of the Euro in January 2002 also appeared to play an influential role in the adoption of electronic clock auction markets.
The Social Value of Seascapes in the Jurien Bay Marine Park: An Assessment of Positive and Negative Preferences for Change
Authors: McCartney Abbie 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe Jurien Bay Marine Park, Australia, is known for its pristine seascapes, including views of the ocean and of the coastline. To aid the management of the various seascapes, this paper estimates aspects of the social value of these seascapes through the use of a contingent valuation study. Positive and negative preferences for change were accommodated within the survey design and model estimation. A single‐function extended spike model was employed to estimate the willingness to pay (WTP) for protection of the seascapes, and was later constrained to a restricted version of a spike model. The restricted model identified that a proportion of the population had a positive preference for change within the seascapes, but a larger proportion had a negative preference, resulting in a positive net WTP to maintain seascapes in their current condition. Seascapes with coastal views were determined as having the highest social value; however, the value of the ocean seascapes followed closely behind. The positive welfare estimate for natural seascapes provides a reason for their preservation.
Three Brief Epileptic Seizures Reduce Inhibitory Synaptic Currents, GABAACurrents, and GABAA‐Receptor Subunits
Authors: Evans M. Steven , Cady Craig J. , Disney Kimberly E. , Yang Li , LaGuardia James J. 
Published: September 2006

Summary: Purpose:Cellular mechanisms activated during seizures may exacerbate epilepsy. γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in brain, and we hypothesized that brief epileptic seizures may reduce GABA function.Methods:We used audiogenic seizures (AGSs) in genetically epilepsy‐prone rats (GEPRs) to investigate effects of seizures on GABA‐mediated inhibition in the presence of epilepsy. GEPRs are uniformly susceptible to AGSs beginning at 21 postnatal days. AGSs are brief convulsions lasting ∼20 s, and they begin in inferior colliculus (IC). We evoked three seizures in GEPRs and compared the results with those in seizure‐naive GEPRs and nonepileptic Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats, the GEPR parent strain.Results:Whole‐cell recording in IC slices showed that GABA‐mediated monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were reduced 55% by three brief epileptic seizures. Whole‐cell recording in IC neuronal cultures showed that currents elicited by GABA were reduced 67% by three seizures. Western blotting for the alpha1 and alpha4 subunits of the GABAAreceptor showed no statistically significant effects. In contrast, three brief epileptic seizures reduced gamma2 subunit levels by 80%.Conclusions:The effects of the very first seizures, in animals known to be epileptic, in an area of brain known to be critical to the seizure network, were studied. The results indicate that even brief epileptic seizures can markedly reduce IPSCs and GABA currents and alter GABAA‐receptor subunit protein levels. The cause of the reductions in IPSCs and GABA currents is likely to be altered receptor subunit composition, with reduced gamma2 levels causing reduced GABAA‐receptor sensitivity to GABA. Seizure‐induced reductions in GABA‐mediated inhibition could exacerbate epilepsy.
Prevalence of Epilepsy in Bursa City Center, an Urban Area of Turkey
Authors: Çalişir Nermin , Bora Ibrahim , Irgil Emel , Boz Meral 
Published: September 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of epilepsy in the central district of Bursa, located in the western part of Turkey. The method used in this study was determined according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on prevalence research in developing countries. Methods: In total, 2116 individuals were interviewed between September 1, 2004, and February 1, 2005. The sample group was selected from people living in the central district of Bursa, according to the stratified sampling method with regard to socioeconomic class, age, and sex. Neurology residents using standard questionnaires and semistructured interviews carried out face‐to‐face interviews. Results: Of the 199 presumptive cases detected in the initial interview, 26 (11 female, 15 male subjects) received the diagnosis of epilepsy on the day of assessment. Prevalence of active epilepsy was 8.5 per 1000, and lifetime prevalence was 12.2 per 1000 in the central district of Bursa. Classification of the epileptic seizures revealed that 30.7% of the patients had partial and 65.3% had generalized seizures; seizures could not be classified in 3.8%. The seizures had begun during the first decade of life in 50% of the cases, and 34.6% have been using regular medications. Conclusions: Prevalence studies in our country are scarce; thus further research including different regions and multiple centers is needed. Addition of questions suitable to the Turkish social structure to the standard questions determined by WHO may be beneficial for practitioners in considering the diagnosis of epilepsy and referring these patients to specialized centers.
Altered Tryptophan Metabolism in the Brain of Cystatin B‐Deficient Mice: A Model System for Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy
Authors: Vaarmann Annika , Kaasik Allen , Zharkovsky Alexander 
Published: September 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Progressive myoclonus epilepsy of the Unverricht–Lundborg type (EPM1) is a rare neurologic disorder, associated with mutations in the Cystatin B (Cstb) gene. Mice lacking Cstb, a cysteine protease inhibitor of the cathepsine family of proteases, provide a mammalian model for EPM1 by displaying similarly progressive ataxia, myoclonic seizures, and neurodegeneration. However, the linkage of Cstb deficit on the molecular level to pathologic features like myoclonic jerks or tonic–clonic seizures has remained unclear. We examined the tryptophan (TRP) metabolism, along the serotonin (5HT) and kynurenine (KYN) pathway in the brain of Cstb‐deficient mice, in relation to their possible involvement in the seizure phenotype. Methods: TRP and its metabolites, along the 5HT and KYN pathways, were assayed in brain tissue by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. The inverted wire grid and mild handling tests were used for evaluation of ataxia and myoclonic activity. Results: The Cstb‐deficient mice had constitutively increased TRP, 5HT, and 5‐hydroxyindole acetic acid (5HIAA) levels in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum and increased levels of KYN in the cerebellum. These neurochemical changes were accompanied with ataxia and an apparent myoclonic phenotype among the Cstb‐deficient mice. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that secondary processes (i.e., overstimulation of serotoninergic transmission) on the cellular level, initiated by Cstb deficiency in specific brain regions, may be responsible for the myoclonic/seizure phenotype in EPM1.
Coexistence of Idiopathic Rolandic Epilepsy and CSWS in Two Families
Authors: De Tiège Xavier , Goldman Serge , Verheulpen Denis , Aeby Alec , Poznanski Nathalie , Van Bogaert Patrick 
Published: September 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To report two families combining benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BCECS) and cryptogenic epilepsy with continuous spike–waves during sleep (CSWS) in first‐degree relatives. Methods: Clinical, EEG, and cerebral imaging data are described. Results: Family 1: The proband was 3 years old at epilepsy onset. First seizures were convulsive, with centrotemporal spikes on EEG. At age 5 years, he had complex partial seizures, psychomotor regression, and centrotemporal CSWS. [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) showed left parietal hypermetabolism. After several antiepileptic drug (AED) trials, valproate (VPA) and ethosuximide (ESM) induced seizure remission, CSWS disappearance, and psychomotor improvement. Learning disabilities, however, persisted. Family history was remarkable for BCECS in his father. Family 2: The proband was 2 years old at epilepsy onset. First seizures were convulsive, with centrotemporal CSWS on EEG. Despite several AED trials including corticosteroids, focal negative myoclonia, atypical absences, and psychomotor regression occurred, leading to severe mental retardation. FDG‐PET showed bilateral parietal hypermetabolism. Vagus nerve stimulator was implanted. Her family history was remarkable for BCECS in her father and febrile convulsions in infancy in her mother. Conclusions: These data suggest the existence of a common genetic basis between BCECS and cryptogenic epilepsies with CSWS. The higher expression in patients with CSWS could be related to other genetic or acquired factors. These data suggest that these epileptic syndromes constitute edges of a continuum.