bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sperm defects in mice lacking a functional Niemann–Pick C1 protein
Authors: Fan Jun , Akabane Hiroto , Graham Stephanie N. , Richardson Laura L. , Zhu Guo‐Zhang 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe Niemann–Pick C1 (NPC1) gene encodes for a multiple membrane spanning protein, which regulates the trafficking of low‐density lipoprotein‐mediated endocytosed cholesterol. Mutation of the human NPC1 gene causes Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease. The Npc1NIH mice, a model of human NPC disease, bear a spontaneous mutation of the Npc1 gene, and are infertile. In this study, we have performed sperm analysis to search for the cause of male infertility in the Npc1NIH mouse. The number of cauda sperms in Npc1−/− mice was decreased roughly three‐and‐half‐fold of that in wild‐type mice. The decreased sperm number in Npc1−/− mice is due, at least in part, to partial arrest of spermatogenesis in the testes, as revealed by histological analysis. Compared to wild‐type sperm, Npc1−/− sperm displayed a high frequency of morphological abnormalities, including tailless heads and aberrant heads. In the in vitro fertilization (IVF) assay using cumulus‐intact eggs, Npc1−/− sperm failed to produce two‐cell embryos. In the IVF assay where zona‐free eggs were used, Npc1−/− sperm bound normally but could not fuse with the egg. Further analysis indicated that Npc1−/− sperms are drastically impaired in the binding to the egg zona pellucida, only 14% of the level of wild‐type sperm. Moreover, on Npc1−/− cauda sperm, one‐third of the total cyritestin protein was not proteolytically processed, while fertilin β was processed normally. Taken together, these results demonstrate that there are multiple defects in sperms from mice lacking a functional NPC1 protein, and these observed sperm defects may result in sterility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stem cell profiling by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Jansen Jacobus F.A. , Shamblott Michael J. , van Zijl Peter C.M. , Lehtimäki Kimmo K. , Bulte Jeff W.M. , Gearhart John D. , Hakumäki Juhana M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe classification of embryonic and adult stem cells, including their derivatives, is still limited, and often these cells are best defined by their functional properties. Recent gene array studies have yielded contradictory results. Also, very little is known about the metabolic properties of these exciting cells. In this study, proton (1H) NMR spectroscopy was used to identify the major low‐molecular‐weight metabolites in murine embryonic stem cells (ESC) and their neural stem cell (NSC) derivatives. ESC are characterized by an unusually low number of NMR‐detectable metabolites, high phosphocholine (PC) content, and nondetectable glycerophosphocholine (GPC). The metabolic profiles of NSC resemble glial cells and oligodendrocyte progenitors, but with considerably higher PC, GPC, and myo‐inositol content. The results suggest that NMR spectroscopy in vitro can provide markers to study the effects of differentiation on cell metabolism, and potentially to assess stem cell preparations for differentiation status. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of errors associated with single‐ and multi‐bolus injection protocols in low‐temporal‐resolution dynamic contrast‐enhanced tracer kinetic analysis
Authors: Roberts Caleb , Buckley David L. , Parker Geoff J.M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAccurate sampling of the arterial input function (AIF) in low‐temporal‐resolution quantitative dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) studies is crucial for accurate and reproducible parameter estimation. However, when conventional AIFs are sampled at low temporal resolution, they introduce an unpredictable degree of error. An alternative double contrast agent (CA) bolus injection protocol designed to compensate for temporal mis‐sampling of the AIF and tissue uptake curve was simulated in addition to a commonly used single CA bolus injection protocol. A range of tissue uptake curves for each AIF form were generated using a distributed parameter model, and Monte Carlo simulation studies were performed over a range of offset times (to mimic temporal mis‐sampling), temporal resolutions and SNR in order to compare the performance of both AIF forms in compartmental modeling. Insufficient data sampling of the single bolus AIF at temporal resolutions in excess of 9 s leads to large errors, which can be reduced by employing an additional, appropriately administered, second CA bolus injection. Magn Reson Med, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The obstetrician's view: ethical and societal implications of non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Smith Richard P. , Lombaard Hennie , Soothill Peter W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe believe non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis is about to have a massive impact on the way fetal medicine is practised. There will be many great advantages and improvements, but the technology also has the potential to be used for non‐medical reasons such as sex selection and paternity testing. We discuss some of the issues that may face obstetricians in the future as a result of this emerging technology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of side‐chain end groups on the optical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties of side‐chain conjugated polythiophenes
Authors: Zhou Erjun , He Chang , Tan Zhan'Ao , Yang Chunhe , Li Yongfang 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThree new side‐chain conjugated polythiophene derivatives, poly{3‐[2‐(3‐methoxy‐4‐octyloxy‐phenyl)‐vinyl]‐thiophene} (P3MOPVT), poly{3‐[2‐(3,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐octyloxy‐phenyl)‐vinyl]‐thiophene} (P3DMOPVT), and poly{3‐[2‐(3,4‐dioctyloxy‐phenyl)‐vinyl]‐thiophene} (P3DOPVT), were synthesized by Wittig‐Hornor reaction and GRIM method and compared with poly{3‐[2‐(4‐octyloxy‐phenyl)‐vinyl]‐thiophene} (P3OPVT) for investigating the effect of the end groups of the conjugated side‐chain on the properties of the polymers. Owing to the electron‐donating ability of methoxy groups, the visible absorption peaks of P3MOPVT and P3DMOPVT solutions and films become stronger and red‐shifted compared with P3OPVT. The electrochemical bandgaps of the four polymers are 2.15 eV for P3OPVT, 1.99 eV for P3MOPVT, 1.85 eV for P3DMOPVT, and 2.36 eV for P3DOPVT, respectively, which indicate that the electron‐donating ability of the methoxy end group on the conjugated side chain of P3MOPVT and P3DMOPVT and the large steric hindrance of the two octyloxy end groups on the conjugated side chain of P3DOPVT have obvious influence on the electrochemical properties of the side‐chain conjugated polythiophenes. Polymer solar cells were fabricated with a structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Polymer:PCBM/LiF/Al. The best device, based on P3DMOPVT, shows a power conversion efficiency of 1.63% under the illumination of AM1.5, 80 mW/cm2. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4916–4922, 2006
Stereocontrol of diene polymers by topochemical polymerization of substituted benzyl muconates and their crystallization properties
Authors: Matsumoto Akikazu , Furukawa Daisuke , Nakazawa Hideyuki 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe report the stereocontrol of diene polymers by the topochemical polymerization of alkoxy‐substituted benzyl muconates in the solid state. A monomer stacking structure is controlled by the weak intermolecular interactions in the monomer crystals, depending on the structure and position of the alkoxy‐substituent. The translational and alternating types of molecular stacking structures in a column provide diisotactic and disyndiotactic polymers, respectively, by the solid‐state polymerization under UV and γ‐ray irradiation. On the other hand, the meso and racemo structures of the resulting polymers are determined by the molecular symmetry of the used muconate monomers. The various substituted benzyl ester polymers are transformed into the same ethyl ester polymers with the four types of tacticities. The structure and crystallization behavior of the substituted benzyl ester polymers as well as the ethyl ester polymers have been revealed in detail. We clarify the effects of the tacticity on the crystallization property of the stereoregular polymuconates. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4952–4965, 2006
Comparison of throat swabs and nasopharyngeal suction specimens in non‐sputum‐producing patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Taylor L. , Corey M. , Matlow A. , Sweezey N. B. , Ratjen F. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBoth throat swabs and nasopharyngeal suction (NPS) specimens are used for microbiological assessment in non‐sputum‐producing patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), but studies comparing their diagnostic yield are lacking. We, therefore, conducted a prospective study in young CF patients, in which both techniques were performed in random order. Forty‐seven consecutive CF children aged 6 months to 10 years were studied during routine visits to the clinic. CF relevant pathogens were found in the majority of patients with no significant differences in the rate of positive cultures for Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A statistically significant difference was observed in the rate of detection of other organisms with only 9/47 (19%) of throat swab specimens and 27/47 (57%) of NPS specimens being positive (P = 0.0004). This included 12 positive cultures for Streptococcus pneumoniae and 11 cultures that were positive for Moraxella catarrhalis, both of which are frequent colonizers of the upper airway. Therefore, the most common bacterial pathogens affecting the CF lung appear to be detected in similar frequency by throat swab as by nasopharyngeal suction. There is evidence that nasopharyngeal suction yields more specimens of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis, which may reflect upper airway colonization rather than lower airway infection. We conclude that nasopharyngeal suction is not routinely warranted as there is no benefit over throat swab in detection of CF pathogens in infants and young children with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absence of human metapneumovirus co‐infection in cases of severe respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: van Woensel J.B.M. , Bos A.P. , Lutter R. , Rossen J.W.A. , Schuurman R. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIt has been suggested that co‐infection of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in severe respiratory syncytial (RSV) virus bronchiolitis is very common. To evaluate the epidemiology of hMPV co‐infection in children with severe lower respiratory tract infection caused by RSV virus. This was an observational cohort study in which hMPV and RSV viral load was measured by RT‐PCR in tracheal specimens from the target population. hMPV could not be detected in any of the 30 mechanically ventilated children with RSV lower respiratory tract infection. Our study suggests that hMPV co‐infection is not very common in severe RSV lower respiratory tract infection. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to rescue profound pulmonary hemorrhage due to idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis in a child
Authors: Sun Li‐Chuan , Tseng Yu‐Ru , Huang Shu‐Chien , Huang Pei‐Ming , Ko Wen‐Je , Lu Frank Leigh , Wu En‐Ting 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare cause of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) in pediatric patients. During the acute phase, death due to massive alveolar hemorrhage and subsequent severe respiratory failure with associated multiple organ failure often occurs. We report the case of an 11‐year‐old girl who developed severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and pulmonary hemorrhage. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was instituted on the next day because medical treatment and mechanical ventilation failed to maintain oxygenation. She was successfully decannulated 5 days later without ECMO‐related complications. Four months later, she was intubated again and the diagnosis of IPH was made by open lung biopsy. She was treated with systemic steroid therapy and discharged smoothly. We suggest that ECMO provides a chance of recovery and survival for patients with IPH, even if accompanied by severe pulmonary hemorrhage. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation between lung scintigraphy and long‐term outcome in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Okuyama Hiroomi , Kubota Akio , Kawahara Hisayoshi , Oue Takaharu , Kitayama Yasuhiro , Yagi Makoto 
Published: July 2006

AbstractLung scintigraphy has been used to evaluate the degree of pulmonary hypoplasia in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). However, the relationship between lung scintigraphy and long‐term outcome of CDH remains unclear. The aim of this study is to determine whether lung scintigraphy correlates with long‐term pulmonary morbidity and nutritional status in survivors of CDH. Consecutive 31 survivors of CDH were enrolled in this study. The initial scan was performed at 1–2 months when the patients were ready for discharge and the follow‐up scan was performed following an approximately 1‐year interval. The regional ventilation and perfusion were evaluated using 133Xe‐inhalation and intravenous 99mTc‐MAA injection, respectively. The ventilation and perfusion of the ipsilateral lung was expressed as a percentage of that of the contralateral lung. Physical growth at 1 and 2 years, and pulmonary morbidity were reviewed from medical records. The ventilation and perfusion of the ipsilateral lung at the follow‐up scan increased significantly from those at the initial scan. Ten patients had pulmonary morbidity. The ventilation and perfusion of the ipsilateral lung was significantly lower in the patients with pulmonary morbidity compared to the patients without pulmonary morbidity. The initial ventilation and perfusion of the ipsilateral lung were strongly correlated with body weight at 1 and 2 years (ventilation: R = 0.503, P < 0.01; perfusion: R = 0.760, P < 0.0001). These results suggest that lung scintigraphy is useful to predict long‐term pulmonary morbidity and poor nutritional status in survivors of CDH. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The anti‐snake venom properties of Tamarindus indica (leguminosae) seed extract
Authors: Ushanandini S. , Nagaraju S. , Harish Kumar K. , Vedavathi M. , Machiah D. K. , Kemparaju K. , Vishwanath B. S. , Gowda T. V. , Girish K. S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn Indian traditional medicine, various plants have been used widely as a remedy for treating snakebites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tamarindus indica seed extract on the pharmacological as well as the enzymatic effects induced by V. russelli venom. Tamarind seed extract inhibited the PLA2, protease, hyaluronidase, l‐amino acid oxidase and 5′‐nucleotidase enzyme activities of venom in a dose‐dependent manner. These are the major hydrolytic enzymes responsible for the early effects of envenomation, such as local tissue damage, inflammation and hypotension. Furthermore, the extract neutralized the degradation of the Bβ chain of human fibrinogen and indirect hemolysis caused by venom. It was also observed that the extract exerted a moderate effect on the clotting time, prolonging it only to a small extent. Edema, hemorrhage and myotoxic effects including lethality, induced by venom were neutralized significantly when different doses of the extract were preincubated with venom before the assays. On the other hand, animals that received extract 10 min after the injection of venom were protected from venom induced toxicity. Since it inhibits hydrolytic enzymes and pharmacological effects, it may be used as an alternative treatment to serum therapy and, in addition, as a rich source of potential inhibitors of PLA2, metalloproteinases, serine proteases, hyaluronidases and 5¢‐nucleotidases, the enzymes involved in several physiopathological human and animal diseases. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Condition of Uniqueness in Manufacturing Process Representation by Performance/Quality Indicators
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Galetto Maurizio , Maisano Domenico , Viticchiè Luciano 
Published: July 2006

AbstractOne of the most critical aspects in operations management is making firm goals representable. This is usually done by translating the organization results and objectives in to ‘performance measures’. The scientific literature shows many applications in different fields such as quality, production, logistics, marketing, etc. Nevertheless, a general theory formalizing the basic and application concepts is still lacking. This paper represents a first attempt to provide a mathematical structure to the concept of an indicator. A set of basic definitions is introduced with the aim of giving a rigorous explanation of the concept of a ‘performance indicator’. Particular attention is dedicated to the condition of ‘uniqueness’. When dealing, for example, with performance evaluations of a given manufacturing plant, a practical way is to define some indicators which make tangible the different aspects of the system at hand. In this case, indicators such as throughput, defectiveness, output variability, efficiency, etc. are commonly employed. However, going on into the problem, many questions arise: ‘How many indicators shall we use?’, ‘Is there an optimal set?’, ‘Is this set unique?’, ‘If not, what is the best one (if it exists)?’, ‘Can all these indicators be aggregated in a unique one?’, ‘Are indicators the same as measurements?’, and so on. The aim of this paper is to give an answer to all these questions. A general theory which specifically faces this topic is presented. All the introduced concepts are explained and discussed by the use of practical examples. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Logit Model with a Variable Response and Predictors on an Ordinal Scale to Measure Customer Satisfaction
Authors: De Luca Amedeo 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAcumulativelogit model is presented for assessing the customer satisfaction (CS) of consumers/services users of a product/service. Thecumulativelogit model (which directly incorporates the order of the categories of theoverallCS variableYresponse) uses ordinal predictors on an ordinal scale—evaluation judgments on each single attribute of the product—expressed using anadditivebinary coding scheme provided herein. The schemenaturallyidentifies the ordering of the categories, does not require the imposition of restraints to avoid non‐monotonous trends of the effect between categories and enables us to achieve more efficient parameters than those obtained by means of thedisjunctivebinary coding. The model has been assessed using the maximum likelihood method, with theproportional oddshypothesis (parallel regression) and with thedescendingoption of theoveralldependent variable. This paper suggests the use of the results of the model in an experimental CS planning activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti‐High‐Mobility Group Box Chromosomal Protein 1 Antibodies Improve Survival of Rats with Sepsis
Authors: Suda Koichi , Kitagawa Yuko , Ozawa Soji , Saikawa Yoshiro , Ueda Masakazu , Ebina Masahito , Yamada Shingo , Hashimoto Satoru , Fukata Shinji , Abraham Edward , Maruyama Ikuro , Kitajima Masaki , Ishizaka Akitoshi 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) has recently been shown to be an important late mediator of endotoxin shock, intraabdominal sepsis, and acute lung injury, and a promising therapeutic target of severe sepsis. We sought to investigate the effect of antibodies to HMGB1 on severe sepsis in a rat cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model.MethodsAdult male Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent CLP and then were randomly divided into two groups: treatment with anti‐HMGB1 polyclonal antibodies, and non‐immune IgG‐treated controls. The serum HMGB1 concentrations were measured at ten time points (preoperatively, and postoperatively at 4, 8, 20, 32, and 48 h and at 3, 4, 5, and 6 days). Hematoxylin‐eosin staining, elastica‐Masson staining, and immunohistochemical staining for HMGB1 were performed on the cecum and the lung to assess pathological changes 24 h after the CLP procedure.ResultsTreatment with anti‐HMGB1 antibodies significantly increased survival [55% (anti‐HMGB1) vs. 9% (controls); P< 0.01]. The serum HMGB1 concentrations at postoperative hours 20 and 32 of the anti‐HMGB1 antibody‐treated animals were significantly lower than those of the controls (P < 0.05). Treatment with anti‐HMGB1 antibodies markedly diminished the pathological changes and the number of HMGB1‐positive cells in the cecum and the lung.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that anti‐HMGB1 antibodies are effective in the treatment of severe sepsis in a rat model, thereby supporting the relevance of HMGB1 eradication therapy for severe sepsis.
Role of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiography in the Diagnosis of Bile Duct Lithiasis
Authors: Miletic Damir , Uravic Miljenko , Mazur‐Brbac Marzena , Stimac Davor , Petranovic Davor , Sestan Branko 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim:The aim of our study was to assess diagnostic value of magnetic resonance cholangiography (MRC) in patients with suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones focusing on the capability of this noninvasive method to replace invasive diagnostic procedures in these patients and to limit the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) to the patients who need simultaneous therapeutic intervention.Materials and methods:Single‐shot fast‐spin‐echo rapid‐acquisition thick‐section MRC images were obtained in 310 patients recruited into this prospective study. There were 136 male and 174 female patients aged 21–95 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD) 64.9 ± 13.6 years]. Patients were subsequently classified into different risk groups (high, moderate, low) according to biochemical abnormalities or morphological features on abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography. Direct cholangiography was the reference method of CBD evaluation.Results:CBD stones were diagnosed in 115 (37%) patients; 86 of 175 patients in the high‐risk group, 24 of 83 patients in the moderate‐risk group, and 5 of 50 patients in the low‐risk group. In dependent risk groups, the mean CBD caliber was 9.7 ± 4.5, 7.1 ± 2.0, and 4.8 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. The difference was significant between all three groups (P < 0.05). The median size of CBD stones was 7 mm (range 3–21 mm). MRC achieved accuracy and positive and negative predictive values of 97%, 94%, and 98%, respectively.Conclusions:MRC has a potential to substitute diagnostic ERC in all patients with suspected choledocholithiasis due to its high accuracy, reducing invasive direct cholangiography to patients who require therapeutic intervention.