bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac troponin T and amino-terminal pro-natriuretic peptide concentrations in fetuses in the second trimester and in healthy neonates
Authors: Fortunato Giuliana , Carandente Giarrusso Patrizia , Martinelli Pasquale , Sglavo Gabriella , Vassallo Michele , Tomeo Luigi , Rea Michelangelo , Paladini Dario 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe measured the concentrations of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and amino-terminal pro-natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in umbilical cord blood during the second trimester (20–25weeks of gestation) and at delivery in 109 uncomplicated pregnancies to define reference values. Using the 97.5th percentile, the upper reference limits for cTnT and NT-proBNP were 0.308ng/mL and 5402pg/mL in fetuses in the second trimester, and 0.038ng/mL and 1690pg/mL in healthy neonates, respectively. We also evaluated whether labor and delivery mode affected the concentrations of the two analytes. We found significantly higher (p<0.001) umbilical blood NT-proBNP and cTnT levels at 20–25weeks of gestation than at term. In addition, within the term group, NT-proBNP concentrations were significantly higher in women delivering by elective cesarean section than in women delivering spontaneously (p<0.001), and higher than in women delivering by cesarean section during active labor. This indicates that the decrease in NT-proBNP levels is probably due to labor rather than delivery mode. Finally, we confirmed the at-birth reference values previously established for cTnT and NT-proBNP.Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:834–6.
Increased fructosamine in non-diabetic rheumatoid arthritis patients: role of lipid peroxides and glutathione
Authors: Babu Narsimhan Prakash , Bobby Zachariah , Selvaraj Nambiar , Harish Belgode N. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractModification of proteins by non-enzymatic glycation is one of the underlying factors known to play a major role in the pathogenesis of many clinical disorders. Glycation of plasma proteins is enhanced by elevated glucose concentrations. However, increased fructosamine has been documented in rheumatoid arthritis patients without any history of diabetes. Collective evidence reveals that malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione can modulate the glycation process. This study was undertaken to unravel the possible association of malondialdehyde and glutathione with fructosamine in rheumatoid arthritis patients. A case-control study was performed on 15 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 15 control subjects. Whole blood glutathione, plasma malondialdehyde, fructosamine and fasting glucose were analyzed in both groups. Partial correlation analysis was performed to predict the independent association of malondialdehyde, glutathione and fasting glucose on fructosamine. In rheumatoid arthritis patients, while fructosamine and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased, glutathione levels were significantly decreased compared with controls. With partial correlation analysis, fructosamine was found to have a significant positive correlation with malondialdehyde and a negative correlation with glutathione. These data suggest that plasma fructosamine levels are closely associated with malondialdehyde and glutathione in rheumatoid arthritis patients, warranting extra precaution in interpreting fructosamine as a measure of glycemic control in these patients.Clin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:848–52.
Training Agricultural Economists for the Private Sector: Are We Meeting Their Needs?
Authors: Boland Michael , Daniel Scott 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe objective is to determine occupational factors associated with price and market research analysts who have graduate degrees and are employed in private sector agribusiness firms. USDA publications and data are the primary source of information. Regression analysis, benefit/cost analysis, and present value/rate of return analysis are skills desired for either type of analyst position. Market research analysts require skills for identifying groups with similar buying habits and preparing marketing plans. Price analyst positions require traditional economics and econometrics skills such as supply and demand analysis and price forecasting. Information on salary ranges for analysts is described.
Agriculture as an Almost‐Constant‐Cost Industry: Evidence and Implications
Authors: Uhlin Hans-Erik , Olson Kent D. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractInstead of a significant, positive slope, we argue that agriculture's intermediate‐run supply curve is S‐shaped with a large, nearly horizontal area in the middle. If the demand curve intersects the nearly horizontal area, farmers lack the economic signals of who should remain and who should leave. Extension and advisory services, rural social development programs, and industrial policies need to be refocused during these periods of indeterminacy and instability. Development of alternative products and resource uses would help move “horizontal resources” to better alternatives, reduce the elastic portion of the supply curve, and create a more stable demand and supply intersection.
The Economics of Bt Corn: Valuing Protection from the European Corn Borer
Authors: Hyde Jeffrey , Martin Marshall A. , Preckel Paul V. , Edwards C. Richard 
Published: June 2006

AbstractCorn that carries a gene from the natural soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, or Bt, has given farmers a potentially powerful tool to protect against European corn borer (ECB) damage. European corn borers are responsible for losses of $1–$2 billion per year in the United States. This study analyzed the economic value of Bt corn under Indiana conditions. Results suggest that the value of the protection offered by Bt corn is generally lower than the current seed premiums in Indiana. The economic value of Bt corn may exceed the current premiums for farmers with higher‐than‐average yields or who have a 40% or greater probability of an ECB infestation.
The Role of Information in U.S. Grain and Oilseed Markets
Authors: Jones Eluned 
Published: June 2006

AbstractTransparency of information in economic (price) signals is the crux of the debate regarding institutional guidelines for grain and oilseed markets. Federal grades and standards guide the determination and discovery of price in the competitive (public) market. However, the increasing rate of market coordination is reflective of a widening information gap, which rent‐seeking entrepreneurs are able to arbitrage into higher returns. Thus, the outcome of the debate will determine the direction and rate of change of US. grain‐market structures as well as the degree to which market prices reflect the value of desired attributes.
Evolutionary Theories and the Community Management of Local Commons: A Survey
Authors: Rupasingha Anil , Boadu Fred O. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article examines the evolution of economic theory to explain the emergence and maintenance of cooperation among users of local commons. The conventional view that “free riding” prevents cooperative solutions to the commons dilemma is challenged under new theories rooted in evolutionary paradigm and the institutional matrix within which individuals find themselves. Contrary to the prediction of the conventional view, modern evolutionary theories provide ample empirical and theoretical evidence in support of a community's ability to self‐organize to preserve the local commons.
S-nitrosoglutathione modulates CXCR4 and ICOS expression
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshihiko , Pahwa Rajendra , Pahwa Savita 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe expression of CXCR4, a membrane protein which is involved in the entry of HIV-1, is down-modulated from the cell surface by Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and the Ca+ ionophore, Ionomycin. Inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), which contributes to lymphocyte proliferation, is up-regulated by PMA/Ionomycin. We examined the influence of S-nitrosoglutathione (SNG), an inhibitor of Vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), on the expression of CXCR4 and ICOS in PMA/Ionomycin-treated peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC), and of CXCR4 alone in lymphoid cell lines. In this report, we show that SNG interferes with both effects of PMA/Ionomycin, namely CXCR4 down-regulation and ICOS up-regulation. These studies imply opposing roles of V-ATPase in the regulation of CXCR4 and ICOS. The influence of SNG in modulating the susceptibility of T cells to HIV-1 and on their immune responses needs further investigation.
The specific T-cell response to antigenic peptides is influenced by bystander peptides
Authors: Nowak Izabela , Pajtasz-Piasecka Elżbieta , Chmielowski Bartosz , Ignatowicz Leszek , Kuśnierczyk Piotr 
Published: June 2006

AbstractT lymphocytes recognize antigens in the form of peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the cell surface. Only a small proportion of MHC class I and class II molecules are loaded with foreign antigenic peptides; the vast majority are loaded with thousands of different self peptides. It was suggested that MHC molecules presenting self peptides may serve either to decrease (antagonistic effect) or increase (synergistic effect) the T cell response to a specific antigen. Here, we present our finding that transfected mouse fibroblasts presenting a single antigenic peptide covalently bound to a class II MHC molecule stimulated specific mouse T cell hybridoma cells to an interleukin-2 response less efficiently than fibroblasts presenting a similar amount of antigenic peptide in the presence of class II molecules loaded with heterogenous bystander peptides.
The identification and characterization of a testis-specific cDNA during spermatogenesis
Authors: Chen Ying , Hu Jiarui , Song Ping , Gong Wuming 
Published: June 2006

AbstractUsing bioinformatics and experimental validation, we obtained a cDNA (named srsf) which was exclusively expressed in the mouse testes. RT-PCR analysis showed that srsf mRNA was not expressed in the gonad during the sex determination period or during embryogenesis. In developing mouse tests, srsf expression was first detected on post-natal day 10, reached its highest level on day 23, and then reduced to and remained at a moderate level throughout adulthood. In situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that srsf mRNA was expressed in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids in the testes. The predicted protein contains one RNA-binding domain (RBD) and a serine-arginine rich domain (RS), which are characterized by some splicing factors of SR family members. These findings indicate that srsf may play a role during spermatogenesis.
Co-involvement of the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in cell death induced by the novel ertargeted protein HAP
Authors: Xu Hua , Zhou Qing , Liu Xin , Qi Yi-Peng 
Published: June 2006

AbstractHAP (a homologue of the ASY/Nogo-B protein), a novel human apoptosis-inducing protein, was found to be identical to RTN3. In an earlier study, we demonstrated that HAP localized exclusively to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and that its overexpression could induce cell apoptosis via a depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ stores. In this study, we show that overexpression of HAP causes the activation of caspase-12 and caspase-3. We still detected the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δωm) and the release of cytochrome c in HAP-overexpressing HeLa cells. All the results indicate that both the mitochondria and the ER are involved in apoptosis caused by HAP overexpression, and suggest that HAP overexpression may initiate an ER overload response (EOR) and bring about the downstream apoptotic events.
Regulation of Schistocerca gregaria neuroparsin transcript levels by juvenile hormone and 20‐hydroxyecdysone
Authors: Claeys Ilse , Breugelmans Bert , Simonet Gert , Franssens Vanessa , Van Soest Sofie , Broeck Jozef Vanden 
Published: June 2006

AbstractNeuroparsins (NPs) are small proteins that were originally discovered in the pars intercerebralis–corpus cardiacum neurosecretory complex of the migratory locust brain. From the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, we recently cloned four different transcripts, each coding for a distinct NP‐related peptide. In addition to the brain, some NP‐like precursor (Scg‐NPP) transcripts also occur in a number of peripheral tissues, and their expression levels are controlled in a gender‐ and stage‐dependent manner. Previous studies revealed a close correlation between Scg‐NPP transcript levels and the gonotrophic cycle. In the present report, we demonstrate that certain Scg‐NPP transcript levels are significantly altered upon injection of juvenile hormone (JH) or 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) in adult gregarious desert locusts (five days after final ecdysis). While Scg‐NPP1 transcript levels did not significantly change as a result of hormone treatment (animals were analyzed 24 h after injection), Scg‐NPP2, Scg‐NPP3, and Scg‐NPP4 displayed hormone‐dependent regulation in various tissues. Scg‐NPP2 and Scg‐NPP3 transcript levels significantly increased in the brain of JH‐treated locusts. In addition, JH induction of Scg‐NPP3 and Scg‐NPP4 transcripts was observed in male fat body and in male and female gonads. Furthermore, 20E injection also induced Scg‐NPP2, Scg‐NPP3, and Scg‐NPP4 transcripts in desert locust gonads. This is the first report showing NP‐like precursor gene expression in insect ovaries. Our study indicates that the expression levels of some Scg‐NPP transcripts are regulated by developmental hormones, suggesting a close correlation between NP expression and the endocrine control of the reproductive cycle. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 62:107–115, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative structure‐activity analysis of insect kinin core analogs on recombinant kinin receptors from Southern cattle tick Boophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) and mosquito Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Taneja‐Bageshwar Suparna , Strey Allison , Zubrzak Pawel , Pietrantonio Patricia V. , Nachman Ronald J. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe systematic analysis of structure‐activity relationships of insect kinins on two heterologous receptor‐expressing systems is described. Previously, kinin receptors from the southern cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) [Holmes et al., Insect Mol Biol 9:457–465 (2000); Holmes et al., Insect Mol Biol 12:27–38 (2003)], and the dengue vector, the mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.) [Pietrantonio et al., Insect Mol Biol 14:55–67 (2005)], were functionally and stably expressed in CHO‐K1 cells. In order to determine which kinin residues are critical for the peptide‐receptor interaction, kinin core analogs were synthesized as an Ala‐replacement series of the peptide FFSWGa and tested by a calcium bioluminescence plate assay. The amino acids Phe1 and Trp4 were essential for activity of the insect kinins in both receptors. It was confirmed that the pentapeptide kinin core is the minimum sequence required for activity and that the C‐terminal amide is also essential. In contrast to the tick receptor, a large increase in efficacy is observed in the mosquito receptor when the C‐terminal pentapeptide is N‐terminally extended to a hexapeptide. The aminoisobutyric acid (Aib)‐containing analog, FF[Aib]WGa, was as active as superagonist FFFSWGa on the mosquito receptor in contrast to the tick receptor where it was statistically more active than FFFSWGa by an order of magnitude. This restricted conformation Aib analog provides information on the conformation associated with the interaction of the insect kinins with these two receptors. Furthermore, the analog FF[Aib]WGa has been previously shown to resist degradation by the peptidases ACE and nephrilysin and represents an important lead in the development of biostable insect kinin analogs that ticks and mosquitoes cannot readily deactivate. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 62:128–140, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Technical failure of lateral sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic anal fissure: A study using endoanal ultrasonography
Authors: Farouk R , Monson J R T , Duthie G S 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Long-term follow-up of outcome after lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure suggests that the healing rate is in excess of 95 per cent. A group of patients who continue to have symptoms following surgery has been investigated by endoanal ultrasonography to determine its value in determining why sphincterotomy has failed.
Chemical ablation of the gallbladder
Authors: Majeed A W , Reed M W R , Stephenson T J , Johnson A G 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Chemical ablation of the gallbladder might avoid the need for surgery in elderly, unfit patients. This study examined the efficacy of various chemicals in destroying gallbladder mucosa.

Methods
Ninety-five per cent ethanol, 3 per cent sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STD), trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) 2 mol/l, tetracycline 50 mg/ml, 30 and 50 per cent phenol, and a mucosal exfoliant solution (compound ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid) were tested for gallbladder ablation in rabbits. Histology was obtained 8 weeks after exposure to these chemicals.

Results
Thirty per cent phenol, tetracycline, TFA and ethanol when used as single agents were moderately effective in causing complete gallbladder mucosal obliteration, 50 per cent phenol caused a macroscopic burn of the entire gallbladder. The mucosal exfoliant solution and STD on their own did not cause mucosal destruction but had significantly enhanced efficacy when combined with 95 per cent ethanol, allowing reliable mucosal destruction with a 5-min contact duration.

Conclusion
Ninety-five per cent ethanol and STD after pretreatment with a mucosal exfoliant solution may be the combination of choice for in situ gallbladder mucosal ablation.
Comparative effects of enteric-coated pancreatin microsphere therapy after conventional and pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Bruno M J , Borm J J J , Hoek F J , Delzenne B , Hofmann A F , de Goeij J J M , van Royen E A , van Gulikt T M , de Wit L Th , Goumat D J , van Leeuwen D J , Tytgat G N J 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
A comparative study was performed between patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency after conventional pancreatoduodenectomy (Whipple′s procedure) and pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD). In these patients the pharmacodynamics of 2-mm enteric-coated pancreatin microspheres (ECPMs) and their gastric transit time in relation to that of a solid meal were investigated. The efficacy of ECPM preparations may differ after Whipple′s procedure compared with PPPD, because the latter procedure does not include gastrectomy.

Methods
Gastric transit was assessed by double-isotope scintigraphy. A pancake meal was labelled with 99mTc. ECPMs were cold-labelled with 170Er and neutron activated shortly before ingestion to enable imaging with a δ camera. Intraluminal pancreatic enzyme activity was assessed during a 6-h period with two indirect tests: the cholesteryl [14C]octanoate breath test and the N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid-p-aminosalicylic acid (NBT-PABA-PAS) test.

Results
In patients who had Whipple's procedure, the gastric transit time of ECPMs and of the pancake meal was not significantly different. The outcome of the indirect pancreatic function tests during enzyme supplementation was comparable, and not significantly different, from that in healthy volunteers. In patients who had PPPD, however, the gastric transit time of microspheres was greatly delayed compared with that of the pancake meal (P&lt;0·05). Improvement in the outcome of the indirect pancreatic function tests during enzyme supplementation was much less and remained well below that of healthy volunteers (P &lt; 0·05).

Conclusion
In cases of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency after Whipple's procedure, 2-mm ECPM treatment adequately restores pancreatic enzyme activity. Following PPPD, however, ECPM treatment is often ineffective because the microspheres are retained in the stomach. In these patients, use of conventional powdered pancreatin enzyme preparations may improve the efficacy of treatment.
Initial experience with an absorbable laparoscopic ligation clip
Authors: Darzi A , Soin B , Coleman J , Lirici N M , Angelini L 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Laparoscopic surgery requires secure and safe methods of ligation and haemostasis. This study evaluated the efficacy of an absorbable ligation clip with a novel compression closure mechanism.

Methods
A new compression-closure absorbable clip was compared with currently available absorbable and non-absorbable clips used in a variety of laparoscopic procedures in 12 centres worldwide.

Results
At follow-up to 3 months after the procedure, no complications specific to the use of the compression-closure clip were detected. Operator satisfaction with the clip was high, with criticism directed at its relatively large size.

Conclusion
This new clip is as safe and effective as presently available metal and absorbable clips in providing haemostasis and securing tubular structures.
Hernia repair in elderly patients
Authors: Gianetta E , De Cian F , Cuneo S , Friedman D , Vitale B , Marinari G , Baschieri G , Camerini G 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
This study evaluates a 5-year experience of the management of the most frequent abdominal wall hernias in an elderly population.

Methods
From April 1990 to December 1995, 231 inguinal, 12 femoral and seven umbilical hernias were repaired in 221 patients (mean age 74 (range 66–93) years). Concomitant diseases were present in 157 patients, A mesh repair was performed with ‘tension-free’ or ‘plug’ techniques in all but 23 inguinal and two femora! hernia repairs, in which the Bassini or Shouldice procedures were adopted. Ten emergency hernia repairs were performed for strangulation. A total of 232 operations, including four emergency hernia repairs, were carried out under local anaesthesia.

Results
There was no perioperative mortality. Acute intestinal bleeding occurred 2 days after surgery in a patient with colonic diverticular disease. Urinary retention occurred once following emergency hernia repair under general anaesthesia and twice after elective hernia repair under local anaesthesia. Local complications included four scrotl haematomas (2 per cent), three wound infections (1 per cent) and one case of orchitis with atrophy after repair of a recurrent hernia. There was one recurrence after a Bassini repair and one after Shouldice inguinal herniorrhaphy. No recurrence was observed after mesh repair.

Conclusion
Local anaesthetic mesh hernia repair is safe and effective in elderly patients. Age should be no bar to elective hernia repair. This policy should avoid the complications of emergency operation.
Cells are present in the smoke created during laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Champault G , Taffinder N , Ziol M , Riskalla H , Catheline J M C 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
The application of laparoscopy for malignancy has been halted in many centres because of a growing number of reports of metastases arising in port sites. The smoke created by coagulation during laparoscopic surgery appears to contain particles visible to the naked eye. This study tested the hypothesis that whole cells can be carried as an aerosol in the pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopy.

Methods
Nine patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for benign and metastatic disease were studied. Throughout the procedure the gas of the pneumoperitoneum was allowed to escape through a filter. The filters and tubing were washed, and washing solution was centrifuged and stained immunohistochemically to identify the cells. Three of the filters were also examined with an electron microscope.

Results
Six of the nine samples contained cells. Clumps of whole cells were identified as mesothelial in origin; the electron micrographs showed many other cells stuck to the filter, which appeared to be blood and mesothelial cells but were not analysed further.

Conclusion
The presence of whole identifiable cells carried in the pneumoperitoneum raises concerns for operating staff and could be a mechanism for tumour implantation. No malignant cells were found, but ethical considerations prevented intentional coagulation of malignant tissue.