bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postcranial Osteology of the most Primitive Artiodactyl: Diacodexis pakistanensis (Dichobunidae)
Authors: Thewissen J. G. M. , Hussain S. T. 
Published: July 2007

Summary Diacodexis pakistanensis is the smallest and most primitive artiodactyl. It is Known from the ealry Eocene of the Indo‐pakistani subcontinet. It retains a clavicle, has five complete digits in the manus and four in the pes and is digitigrade.The elongated limbs, reduced ability to pronate and supinate, double pulleyed astragalus and reduced lateral digits indicate that D.Pakistanensis is coursorial. However, the shape of the spinous Processes of the sacrum, the size of the deltoid tubercle of the humerus, the shape of the proximal femur. the narrow distal trochlea of the astragalus and proportions of the long bones indicate that it is less cursorial than any other dichobunid artiodactyl.
Postnatal Development of the Lower Canine and Cheek Teeth of the Pig
Authors: Davies A. S. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryPostnatal development of the teeth of German Landrace and Göttingen Miniature pigs was studied by measuring the areas of each tooth visible on lateral radiographs of the mandibles. It was concluded that the appearance of the teeth at each stage, and the relation of their growth to that of the rest of the masticatory apparatus, relates mainly to postnatal changes in the relative location of the jaw pivot.
Histochemischer Nachweis von Aktin in den terminalen Darmgäßen des Huhnes*
Authors: Schessner M. , Krapat R. , Schnorr B. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryHistochemical evidence of actin in the terminal blood vessels of the intestines of the chickenUsing fluorescence microscopy, cytoskeletal actin filaments were found in the terminal blood vessels of chicken intestine. Direct detection with Tetramethylrhodaminyl‐Phalloidin showed a high concentration of actin filaments in the tunica media and a low concentration in the endothelium. Actin filaments were also present in the endothelid cells of capillaries and to a higher degree also in the pericytes. The wall of the veins in the villi, which were concentrically surrounded by bundles from the tunica muscularis mucosae, had a greater number of actin filaments than the wall of the venules present in the villi. The discussion touches on the possibility that the microfilaments play a role in blood regulation, especially in the capillaries.
Study of the Effect of Vesical Filling and Voiding on Ureterovesical Junctions and Internal Urethral Meatus: The Filling and Meato‐Vesico‐Ureteral Reflexes
Authors: Shafik Ahmed 
Published: July 2007

Background: The effect of vesical filling and voiding on bladder pressure, the ureterovesical junctions (UVJs), and the internal urethral meatus (IUM) was studied.Methods: A pressure catheter was introduced into each of the UVJs, the IUM, and the urinary bladder of 16 healthy volunteers (9 men, 7 women; mean age, 38.4 years) and their pressure response to vesical fill ing in increments of 50 mL and during voiding as well as on IUM distension was recorded. The tests were repeated after separately anesthetizing the bladder, UVJs, and IUM.Results: When the bladder was filled to 250 mL, there was a significant increase (P< 0.01) in the pressure of the UVJs, IUM, and bladder, which continued to rise with bladder filling up to 350 mL (P< 0.001). There was no further pressure increase above 350 mL. During voiding, the bladder and UVJs pressures rose (P< 0.0001) while the IUM pressure dropped (P<0.01). IUM distension caused a significant pressure rise in the bladder and UVJs and a drop of IUM pressure. These pressure responses did not occur upon separate anesthetization of the bladder, UVJs, or IUM.Conclusions: A reflex relationship appears to exist between vesical fill ing and an increase in UVJs and IUM pressure which was absent on anesthetizing the presumed 2 arms of the reflex arc, the filling reflex. Another reflex relationship may exist between IUM dilatation and the bladder and UVJs pressure increase, the meato‐vesico‐ureteral reflex. These 2 reflexes might help further delineate the mechanism of micturition.
Clinical Significance of Interruption of Therapy with Allylestrenol in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Authors: Noguchi Kazumi , Harada Masaoki , Masuda Mitsunobu , Takeda Mitsumasa , Kinoshita Yuzo , Fukushima Shuji , Miyai Keikoku , Fukuoka Hiroshi , Hosaka Masahiko 
Published: July 2007

Background: A multicenter, clinical trial investigated the effects of an interruption of antiandrogen therapy on subjective and objective clinical parameters in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).Methods: Patients were given antiandrogen therapy with allylestrenol (50 mg/day) for 16 weeks. The medication was then withheld and the patients were carefully monitored for an additional 1 6 weeks. There were 34 BPH patients ranging in age from 55 to 82 years (mean, 66.1 years). The efficacy of allylestrenol was evaluated by its effects on prostate volume, maximum urinary flow rate (MFR), and symptom scores at the end of 16 weeks of treatment and then again at 32 weeks (16 weeks after cessation of therapy).Results: Allylestrenol was effective in the treatment of BPH, and was still effective 16 weeks after the cessation of medication. The prostate volume did not change after treatment cessation nor did the total symptom score, but the MFR reversed to the pretreatment level. Serum testosterone (1.95 ng/mL), dihydrotestosterone, and gonadotropin levels decreased on therapy, but were completely reversed by the end of this study. A prostate needle biopsy revealed that after 16 weeks without therapy, some glands showed regressive glandular changes, while some glands showed slight hyperplastic changes of the secretory epithelium. Eight per cent of patients complained of loss of libido during this study.Conclusions: Allylestrenol is an effective and safe medical treatment for patients with symptomatic BPH. Hormonal and histopathologic findings suggest that the prostate gland may regrow after discontinuation of medication.
Pharmacologic Actions of Temiverine (p‐l NN) and its Active Metabolite, RCC‐36, on Isolated Human Urinary Bladder Muscle
Authors: Kikukawa Hiroaki , Yoshiday Masaki , Wada Yoshihiro , Nishi Kazuhiko , Ueda Shoichi 
Published: July 2007

Background: Temiverine (p‐INN) is a newly synthesized drug that is expected to have anticholinergic action. We investigated the pharmacologic actions of temiverine and its active metabolite, RCC‐36, on isolated human bladder. Methods: Effects of temiverine and RCC‐36 on the detrusor contractions induced by acetylcholine, potassium chloride (KCI), calcium chloride (CaCl2), and electric field stimulation were evaluated using the muscle‐bath technique, and compared with the effects of atropine and oxybutynin. Results: Atropine (10‐9 to10‐6 mol/L), oxybutynin (1O‐8 to 10‐5 mol/L), temiverine (10‐8 to 10‐5 mol/L), and RCC‐36 (10‐8 to 3 times 10‐6 mol/L) caused a parallel shift to the right of the concentration‐response curves to acetylcholine stimulation. The rank order of PA2, value was atropine > oxybutynin = RCC‐36 > temiverine. Atropine did not suppress the maximum contractile response to acetylcholine, but the other drugs significantly suppressed this atthe higher concentrations. Each drug caused a concentrationdependent inhibition of KCI (80 mmol/L)‐, and CaCl2, (5 mmol/L)‐induced contractile responses. Rank order of maximum inhibition was RCC‐36 = temiverine > oxybutynin > atropine. Each drug caused a concentration‐dependent inhibition of electric field‐induced contraction with or without 10‐6 mol/L atropine pretreatment. Maximum inhibitions of temiverine and RCC‐36 were significantly greater than that of oxybutynin. Conclusion: Atropine, oxybutynin, temiverine, and RCC‐36 have different efficacies and potencies of anticholinergic and calcium antagonistic activity on isolated human detrusor muscles. Furthermore, temiverine and RCC‐36 have significant inhibitory actions toward the atropine‐resistant part of contractions, which may be related to the calcium antagonistic actions of these compounds.
Production of a monoclonal antibody in plants with a humanized N‐glycosylation pattern
Authors: Schähs Matthias , Strasser Richard , Stadlmann Johannes , Kunert Renate , Rademacher Thomas , Steinkellner Herta 
Published: July 2007

SummaryIn recent years, plants have become an attractive alternative for the production of recombinant proteins. However, their inability to perform authentic mammalian N‐glycosylation may cause limitations for the production of therapeutics. A major concern is the presence of β1,2‐xylose and core α1,3‐fucose residues on complex N‐linked glycans, as these N‐glycan epitopes are immunogenic in mammals. In our attempts towards the humanization of plant N‐glycans, we have generated an Arabidopsis thaliana knockout line that synthesizes complex N‐glycans lacking immunogenic xylose and fucose epitopes. Here, we report the expression of a monoclonal antibody in these glycan‐engineered plants that carry a homogeneous mammalian‐like complex N‐glycan pattern without β1,2‐xylose and core α1,3‐fucose. Plant and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)‐derived immunoglobulins (IgGs) exhibited no differences in electrophoretic mobility and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent specificity assays. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of a knockout strategy for N‐glycan engineering of plants towards mammalian‐like structures, thus providing a significant improvement in the use of plants as an expression platform.
Resources, Staff Beliefs and Organizational Culture: Factors in the Use of Information and Communication Technology for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Parsons Sarah , Daniels Harry , Porter Jill , Robertson Christopher 
Published: July 2007

Background  Access to, and the use of, information and communication technology (ICT) is increasingly becoming a vital component of mainstream life. First‐order (e.g. time and money) and second‐order factors (e.g. beliefs of staff members) affect the use of ICT in different contexts. It is timely to investigate what these factors may be in the context of service provision for adults with intellectual disabilities given the role ICT could play in facilitating communication and access to information and opportunities as suggested in Valuing People.Method  Taking a qualitative approach, nine day service sites within one organization were visited over a period of 6 months to observe ICT‐related practice and seek the views of staff members working with adults with intellectual disabilities. All day services were equipped with modern ICT equipment including computers, digital cameras, Internet connections and related peripherals.Results  Staff members reported time, training and budget as significant first‐order factors. Organizational culture and beliefs about the suitability of technology for older or less able service users were the striking second‐order factors mentioned. Despite similar levels of equipment, support and training, ICT use had developed in very different ways across sites.Conclusion  The provision of ICT equipment and training is not sufficient to ensure their use; the beliefs of staff members and organizational culture of sites play a substantial role in how ICT is used with and by service users. Activity theory provides a useful framework for considering how first‐ and second‐order factors are related. Staff members need to be given clear information about the broader purpose of activities in day services, especially in relation to the lifelong learning agenda, in order to see the relevance and usefulness of ICT resources for all service users.
Retrograde activation of STAT3 by leukemia inhibitory factor in sympathetic neurons
Authors: O’Brien Jennifer J. , Nathanson Neil M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLeukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a member of the interleukin‐6 family of cytokines and signals through the glycoprotein 130 and LIF receptor beta subunits. Binding of cytokines to these subunits activates multiple signaling cascades, including the Janus kinase (Jak)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway. We used compartmentalized cultures of sympathetic neurons and immunocytochemical analyses of STAT3 to examine the mechanisms involved in retrograde signaling of LIF from distal neurites (DN) to cell bodies. Addition of LIF to the DN of these neurons triggers the activation and nuclear translocation of STAT3. Inhibition of Jak activity in the cell bodies prevented LIF‐induced retrograde activation of STAT3, while block of Jak activity in the DN had no effect on the appearance of activated STAT3 in the nucleus. These results show that the transport of activated Jak is not the main mechanism mediating retrograde signaling. Although there is an increase in phosphorylated STAT3 in the neurites after distal stimulation, the transport of activated STAT3 is not necessary for retrograde signaling. Our results are consistent with a signaling endosome model for retrograde signaling, in which the LIF/glycoprotein 130/LIF receptor/Jak complex is internalized and transported to activate STAT3 in the cell body.
Slurry acceptance mapping of Northern Ireland for run‐off risk assessment
Authors: Jordan C. , Higgins A. , Wright P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUsing geographic information system techniques, hydrology of soil types (HOST) classes were combined with slope, rockiness, flood hazard and soil moisture deficit classes within a risk matrix to produce a slurry acceptance map for Northern Ireland (NI) on a 50 m grid. Moreover, due to the whole territory of NI being designated as a nitrate vulnerable zone, a nitrates action programme is to be implemented across the region in the near future and this is likely to restrict slurry applications to the growing season. To assess the risk classes associated with slurry applications during the growing season, an additional slurry acceptance map for NI was created in which the HOST factor was excluded from the analysis. The maps created showed that, for the period January–December, the majority (80%) of agricultural soils in NI were in the severe risk category following application of 50 m3 ha−1 of slurry. However, this proportion was reduced to only 29% when the same volume of slurry was applied during the growing season, when the soils were not saturated and significant rainfall was not received in the period immediately after slurry application.
Acute Water Intoxication in a Dog
Authors: Toll Jeffrey , Barr Stephen C. , Hickford Fiona H. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryA one‐year‐old female labrador Retriever dog was admitted to the Emergency Service after playing in a lake for several hours. Physical examination revealed coma, hypothermia, and bradycardia. Marked diuresis was noted. A serum biochemical profile revealed hyposmolality, hyponatremia, and hypoproteinmia suggestive of dilution of serum constituents. Acute water intoxication was diagnosed. Recovery was complete and occurred without specific therapy. Acute water intoxication should be considered in the differential diagnosis of coma. (Vet Emerg & Crit Care, 1999, 9: 19–25)
Measuring the Quality of Dying in Long‐Term Care
Authors: Munn Jean C. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Hanson Laura C. , Williams Christianna S. , Sloane Philip D. , Clipp Elizabeth C. , Tulsky James A. , Steinhauser Karen E. 
Published: July 2007

OBJECTIVES: To describe two versions of a new measure, The Quality of Dying in Long‐Term Care, for postdeath administration to surrogate respondents (staff and family caregivers) of all decedents (QOD‐LTC) and of cognitively intact decedents (QOD‐LTC‐C) who die in nursing homes (NHs) and residential care or assisted living (RC/AL) facilities.DESIGN: Using two levels of exploratory factor analysis, 15 candidate items for the QOD‐LTC and 36 candidate items for the QOD‐LTC‐C were tested using multiple criteria to determine factor structure and interpretability of the quality of dying in long‐term care (LTC).SETTING: One hundred seventeen RC/AL facilities and 31 NHs in FL, MD, NC, and NJ.PARTICIPANTS: Family (n=439) and staff (n=332) caregivers of 633 decedents from a stratified random sample from RC/AL facilities and NHs in four states.MEASUREMENTS: Trained interviewers asked respondents to rate statements describing potentially important aspects of the quality of dying using a 5‐point Likert scale. The scale items were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis with communalities set to unity using a Promax rotation.RESULTS: The 11‐item QOD‐LTC (α=0.66), appropriate for surrogate respondents for all decedents, consists of three domains (personhood, closure, preparatory tasks). The 23‐item instrument for surrogate respondents of cognitively intact decedents, the QOD‐LTC‐C (α=0.85), consists of five domains (sense of purpose, closure, control, social connection, preparatory tasks).CONCLUSION: The QOD‐LTC and QOD‐LTC‐C are psychometrically acceptable measures of the quality of the dying experience, developed for and tested in LTC settings. Use of these measures can increase understanding of the dying experience in LTC.
Colocalization of Lichen Planus and Vitiligo Associated With Selective IgA Deficiency
Authors: Gül Ülker , Soylu Seçil , Demiriz Murat 
Published: July 2007

A 28‐year‐old man with a diagnosis of vitiligo universalis for 6 years presented with reddish polygonal papules that had developed on his left hand first and then on his right hand. On dermatologic examination, porcelain‐white hypopigmented appearance was observed all over his body, and there were violaceous, flat‐topped papules changing from 2 to 5 mm in diameter localized on the hypopigmented areas of the dorsum of both hands and flexor sites (Figure 1). The physical examination and laboratory investigations including hemogram, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum biochemistry, and urinanalysis were normal. Antibodies to thyroid tissue, hepatitis viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, nuclear, and streptolysine were negative. Repeated IgA levels in serum were found to be decreased; however, the other immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM) and C3, C4 and cryoglobulins were in normal ranges. Histopathologic examination of the polygonal papules revealed hyperkeratosis, focal thickening of the granular layer, and irregular acanthosis in triangular saw‐tooth pattern. The basal layer was invaded by the lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate and had numerous necrotic keratinocytes. The infiltrate in the upper dermis was band‐like and sharply demarcated at its lower border. There were also a few melanophages in the upper dermis. Melanocytes were decreased in number, and in some areas they were absent at the basal layer of epidermis. Clinical and histopathologic diagnosis were consistent with lichen planus and vitiligo (Figure 2). The lichen planus at vitiliginous area on the wrist of the patient. image The histopathologic examination of the lesion was consistent with vitiligo and lichen planus (hematoxylin and eosin stain, original magnification ×100). image
Patterns of T‐cell reconstitution by assessment of T‐cell receptor excision circle and T‐cell receptor clonal repertoire after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in leukemia patients – a study in Chinese patients
Authors: Fu Yue Wen , Wu De Pei , Cen Jian Nong , Feng Yu Feng , Chang Wei Rong , Zhu Zi Ling , Qiu Qiao Chen , Zhu Ping 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective:  Successful allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) requires reconstitution normal T‐cell immunity. Measurement of T‐cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) and T‐cell receptor β (TCRBV) CDR3 repertoire is a means of quantifying recent thymic T‐cell production and reflecting antigen‐specific T‐cell clones proliferation.Methods:  We used real‐time quantitative PCR to detect TRECs from 43 Chinese patients who underwent three kind of allo‐HSCT without T‐cell depletion. RT‐PCR was performed to amplify 24 subfamily genes of TCRBV in 24 patients of them.Results:  For haploidentical‐D group, the TRECs numbers were lower up to 24 months. For matched‐sibling donor (MSD) group, the recovery of TRECs was faster than those of other two groups. TRECs values in matched‐unrelated donor (MUD) were in the middle. During 2–19 months after transplantation, there were 6–16 BV subfamilies expressed and 33–48% of them were polyclones. The usage rate of TCRBV and percentage of polyclones in haploidentical‐D were less than those of other two groups. Twenty‐three CDR3 molecules were obtained from nine patients who were potentially associated with GVHD or CMV infection.Conclusions:  Analyzing the changes of TCRBV repertoire and measuring TRECs during immune reconstitution would be useful to determine the host’s current immune status and ability of T‐cell immune reconstitution and also to find antigen‐specific T‐cell clones in the three kinds of HSCT.
Co‐inheritance of haemoglobin A2′ and beta‐thalassaemia in cis
Authors: VERMEERSCH P. , PHILIPPE M. , GOOSSENS W. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryHbA2′ is a haematologically silent δ chain variant that elutes in the S‐region on high performance liquid chromatography. The major clinical significance of HbA2′ is that failure to detect it might lead to failure to recognize β‐thalassaemia minor. Co‐inheritance of HbA2′ and β‐thalassaemia in cis has been described only once in a family from Suriname. We describe a new case of co‐inheritance in cis of HbA2′ and β‐thalassaemia in a family from Ghanaian origin with a HbA2′ of more than 3%. Molecular investigation revealed the same mutations as in the family from Suriname, suggesting a common origin of both families.
The Use of Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes to Study Watershed Erosion Processes1
Authors: Fox James F. , Papanicolaou Athanasios N. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Tracer studies are needed to better understand watershed soil erosion and calibrate watershed erosion models. For the first time, stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) and the carbon to nitrogen atomic ratio (C/N) natural tracers are used to investigate temporal and spatial variability of erosion processes within a sub‐watershed. Temporal variability was assessed by comparing δ15N, δ13C, and C/N of eroded‐soils from a non‐equilibrium erosion event immediately following freezing and thawing of surface soils with two erosion events characterized by equilibrium conditions with erosion downcutting. Spatial variability was assessed for the equilibrium events by using the δ15N and δ13C signatures of eroded‐soils to measure the fraction of eroded‐soil derived from rill/interrill erosion on upland hillslopes as compared to headcut erosion on floodplains. In order to perform this study, a number of tasks were carried out including: (1) sampling source‐soils from upland hillslopes and floodplains, (2) sampling eroded‐soils with an in situ trap in the stream of the sub‐watershed, (3) isotopic and elemental analysis of the samples using isotope ratio mass spectrometry, (4) fractioning eroded‐soil to its upland rill/interrill and floodplain headcut end‐members using an unmixing model within a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo framework, and (5) evaluating tracer unmixing model results by comparison with process‐based erosion prediction models for rill/interrill and headcut erosion processes. Results showed that finer soil particles eroded during the non‐equilibrium event were enriched in δ15N and δ13C tracers and depleted in C/N tracer relative to coarser soil particles eroded during the equilibrium events. Correlation of tracer signature with soil particle size was explainable based on known biogeochemical processes. δ15N and δ13C were also able to distinguish between upland rill/interrill erosion and floodplain headcut erosion, which was due to different plant cover at the erosion sources. Results from the tracer unmixing model highlighted future needs for coupling rill/interrill and headcut erosion prediction models.