bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary restriction inhibits spatial learning ability and hippocampal cell proliferation in rats1
Authors: YANAI SHUICHI , OKAICHI HIROSHIGE , SUGIOKA KOZO 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  We investigated the effect of dietary restriction on spatial learning ability and hippocampal cell proliferation in adult rats using two spatial learning tasks and immunohistochemical staining with 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU). Sixteen rats were divided into restricted or ad lib feeding groups at 70 days of age, and were trained in the delayed‐matching‐to‐place (DMTP) task (a working memory task) from 93 days of age, and then the Morris water maze task (a reference memory task). Dietary restriction had no effect on the DMTP task with 30 s delay and on the water maze task. However, in the DMTP task with 30 min delay, restricted rats performed significantly more poorly than ad lib rats. Quantitative analysis of hippocampal cell proliferation revealed that the density of newborn cells in restricted rats was significantly lower than that in ad lib rats. These results suggest that a loss of proliferating capacity in the hippocampus may be a candidate for an anatomical and biological basis for the cognitive decline caused by dietary restriction.
Intervertebral Disc: Anatomy‐Physiology‐Pathophysiology‐Treatment
Authors: Raj P. Prithvi 
Published: February 2008

▪ Abstract:  This review article describes anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and treatment of intervertebral disc. The intervertebral discs lie between the vertebral bodies, linking them together. The components of the disc are nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus and cartilagenous end‐plates. The blood supply to the disc is only to the cartilagenous end‐plates. The nerve supply is basically through the sinovertebral nerve. Biochemically, the important constituents of the disc are collagen fibers, elastin fibers and aggrecan. As the disc ages, degeneration occurs, osmotic pressure is lost in the nucleus, dehydration occurs, and the disc loses its height. During these changes, nociceptive nuclear material tracks and leaks through the outer rim of the annulus. This is the main source of discogenic pain. While this is occurring, the degenerative disc, having lost its height, effects the structures close by, such as ligamentum flavum, facet joints, and the shape of the neural foramina. This is the main cause of spinal stenosis and radicular pain due to the disc degeneration in the aged populations.Diagnosis is done by a strict protocol and treatment options are described in this review. The rationale for new therapies are to substitute the biochemical constituents, or augment nucleus pulposus or regenerate cartilaginous end‐plate or finally artificial disc implantation. ▪.
Dialysis adequacy and nutritional status of hemodialysis patients
Authors: TEIXEIRA NUNES Fernanda , De CAMPOS Gianine , XAVIER de PAULA Sandra M. , MERHI Vânia A. LEANDRO , PORTERO‐MCLELLAN Kátia C. , Da MOTTA Denise G. , De OLIVEIRA Maria R. M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTo characterize the nutritional status of renal failure patients and its relationship with hemodialysis adequacy measured by Kt/V, a study was carried out with a population of 44 adult patients with renal failure and mean age 51±15 years. Anthropometric data, such as dry weight, height, arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, mid‐arm muscle circumference, and body mass index were assessed, and biochemical tests were conducted for urea, potassium, creatinine, serum albumin, and phosphorus levels, in addition to hemogram and quarterly urea reduction rate average (Kt/V). In order to evaluate calorie intake, a dietary questionnaire on habitual daily food ingestion was administered, taking into consideration the hemodialysis date. The patients were divided into 2 separate groups for the statistical analysis, with 50% of the patients in each group: A (Kt/V<1.2) and B (Kt/V>1.2). The data were tabulated as mean and standard deviation, with differences tested by Student's t test. The correlations between variables were established by the coefficient p of Pearson. Most of the patients (43%) were considered eutrophic, based on the BMI, and presented inadequate calorie intake, corresponding to 88.5±24% (30.8 kcal/kg actual weight) of the total energy required and adequate protein intake, reaching 109.9±40% of the recommended daily allowance (1.24 g/kg of actual weight). There was a correlation of Kt/V with anthropometric parameters such as body mass index, arm circumference, and mid‐arm muscle circumference. The biochemical parameters related to dialysis adequacy were albumin, ferritin, and urea (predialysis). Well‐dialyzed patients presented better levels of serum albumin. There was an influence of gender and age on correlations of the analyzed variables. Female and younger patients presented better dialysis adequacy. The dialysis adequacy was related to the nutritional status and influenced by the protein intake and body composition. Gender and age had an important influence in the dialysis adequacy, as men presented lower dialysis adequacy and younger adults presented better dialysis adequacy. Further research is necessary to understand better how to facilitate effective and efficient techniques for the nutritional status assessment of hemodialysis patients.
Effect of hepatitis C infection on anemia in hemodialysis patients
Authors: KHURANA Anand , NICKEL Allan E. , NARAYANAN Mohanram , FOULKS Charles J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractHepatitis C (HCV) infection is commonly seen in dialysis patients, but its long‐term deleterious effects in these patients are unknown. We evaluated the effect of HCV infection on anemia in our hemodialysis population. This retrospective case control study was carried out from January 1999 to February 2007. The HCV positive patients were assessed for a 12‐month period by quarterly lab results for the prevalence of anemia, iron stores, dialysis adequacy, and alanine aminotranferase levels. Their requirements of erythropoietin (EPO) and intravenous (IV) iron were assessed during these months of clinical stability. A control group of age‐matched, race‐matched, and gender‐matched hemodialysis patients with no history of HCV was similarly assessed for anemia, iron stores, and EPO and IV‐iron requirements. Twenty‐two HCV‐positive patients were included for comparison analysis with 44 control patients for 1:2 matching. The mean EPO requirement for the hepatitis group was 17,307 ± 14,708 U/month in comparison with the control group, which required 49,134 ± 49,375 U/month (p value <0.01). The mean dose of IV‐iron was 120 ± 143 mg/month for hepatitis patients and 163 ± 112 mg/month in the control group (p=0.07). The patients with HCV have lower requirement of exogenous EPO replacement compared with their age‐matched, gender‐matched, and race‐matched dialysis counterparts. The IV‐iron requirement was not significantly different between the 2 groups but had a suggestive lower trend in the hepatitis group. This needs to be further studied in larger trials.
Acrolein: unwanted side product or contribution to antiangiogenic properties of metronomic cyclophosphamide therapy?
Authors: Günther M. , Wagner E. , Ogris M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractTumour therapy with cyclophosphamide (CPA), an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, has been associated with reduced tumour blood supply and antiangiogenic effects when applied in a continuous, low‐dose metronomic schedule. Compared to conventional high‐dose scheduling, metronomic CPA therapy exhibits antitumoural activity with reduced side effects. We have studied potential antiangiogenic properties of acrolein which is released from CPA after hydroxylation. Acrolein adducts were found in tumour cells and tumour endothelial cells of CPA‐treated mice, suggesting anin vivorelevance of acrolein.In vitro, acrolein inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Moreover, acrolein caused disassembly of the F‐actin cytoskeleton and inhibition of αvβ3 integrin clustering at focal adhesions points in endothelial cells. Acrolein treatment modulated expression of thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1), an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis known to be linked to antiangiogenic effects of metronomic CPA therapy. Further on, acrolein treatment of primary endothelial cells modified NF‐κB activity levels. This is the first study that points at an antiangiogenic activity of acrolein in metronomically scheduled CPA therapy.
The potential contribution of vegetation ecology to biodiversity research
Authors: Austin M. P. 
Published: February 2008

The contribution of vegetation ecology to the study of biodiversity depends on better communication between the different research paradigms in ecology. Recent developments in vegetation theory and associated statistical modelling techniques are reviewed for their relevance to biodiversity. Species composition and collective properties such as species richness vary as a continuum in a multi‐dimensional environmental space; a concept which needs to be incorporated into biodiversity studies. Different kinds of environmental gradients can be recognised and species responses to them vary. Species response curves of eucalypts to an environmental gradient of mean annual temperature have been shown to exhibit a particular pattern of skewed response curves. Generalised linear modelling (GLM) and generalised additive modelling (GAM) techniques are important tools for biodiversity studies. They have successfully distinguished the contribution of environmental (climatic) and spatial (history and species dispersal ability) variables in determining forest tree composition in New Zealand.Species richness studies are examined at global, regional and local scales. At all scales, direct and resource environmental gradients need to be incorporated into the analysis rather than indirect gradients e.g. latitude which have no direct physiological influence on biota. Evidence indicates that species richness at the regional scale is sensitive to environment, confounding current studies on local/regional species richness relationships. Plant community experiments require designs based on environmental gradients rather than dependent biological properties such as productivity or species richness to avoid confounding the biotic components. Neglect of climatic and other environmental gradients and the concentration on the collective properties of species assemblages has limited recent biodiversity studies. Conservation evaluation could benefit from greater use of the continuum concepts and statistical modelling techniques of vegetation ecology. The future development of ecology will depend on testing the different assumptions of competing research paradigms and a more inclusive synthesis of ecological theory.
Gastrointestinal parasites of feral cats from Christmas Island
Authors: Adams PJ , Elliot AD , Algar D , Brazell RI 
Published: February 2008

Objective  To investigate the gastrointestinal parasites present in feral cats on Christmas Island, with particular interest in the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii.Procedure  Faecal and serum samples were collected from 28 and 25 cats respectively that were trapped as part of an ongoing eradication program being run on Christmas Island by the Department of Environment and Conservation. Faecal samples were screened microscopically for helminth and protozoan parasites. Serum samples were screened for antibodies to T gondii using a commercial indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and a latex agglutination test (LAT).Results  The most common helminth parasites detected were Toxocara cati (present in 15 of 28 faecal samples), Strongyloides sp (13/28), Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, (7/28), an unidentified capillarid (6/28) and Ancylostoma sp (4/28). Based on serology, T gondii was the most common parasite detected (protozoan or otherwise) with antibodies detected in 24 serum samples by IFA and 23 serum samples by LAT.Conclusion  Cats on Christmas Island harbour many of the helminth and protozoan parasites reported from feral cats elsewhere in Australia. The high seroprevalence of T gondii in these cats indicates a high level of exposure to the parasite in this environment.
TWO DIFFERENT MANIFESTATIONS OF ENHANCEMENT IN THE PHOTOSYNTHESIS OF PORPHYRIDIUM CRUENTUM IN FLASHING MONOCHROMATIC LIGHT*
Authors: Govindjee Rajni 
Published: February 2008

Abstract— Oxygen evolution from Porphyridium cruentum exposed to monochromatic light flashes with background light of different wavelengths and intensities was measured. Two different manifestations of the enhancement effect were found: (1) Type I (also referred as EH): an increase in the rate of O2 evolution and (2) Type II (also referred as Et): a prolongation of O2 evolution in time. Exposure of algae to red flashes with green background light revealed both types of enhancement whereas green flashes with red background light revealed only the first type of enhancement. Similar results were observed under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions except that in the latter, complications arise due to S‐shape of the curve of rate of photosynthesis versus light intensitity in a nitrogen atmosphere.The results presented in this paper and those presented in the earlier papers of French have been interpreted in terms of the ‘spill‐over’ and the ‘separate package’ model for the distribution of light energy into the two pigment systems. In both the models, we incorporate the idea that the product of light reaction I is long‐lived (half‐life of the order of seconds). No assumption is needed about the life time of the photoproduct of reaction II in the spillover model; in the separate package model, however, we have to incorporate an additional assumption that photoproduct II is short‐lived (half‐life less than 4 msec) to explain all the results.
Hellish Females: The Strange Woman of Septuagint Proverbs and 4QWiles of the Wicked Woman (4Q184)
Authors: Goff Matthew 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe Strange Woman of Proverbs can be understood as signifying a type of "real" woman who is immoral that the intended male addressees are taught to avoid. This is also the case in Septuagint Proverbs, but the LXX expands her ability to function as a metaphor for abstract ideas. 4Q184 creatively reworks the Strange Woman to describe a female who functions as a general symbol for wickedness. She is associated with Sheol to a greater extent than any figure from Proverbs. In their reception of the Strange Woman, the Septuagint and 4Q184 have interpretative traditions in common, or at least understand her in similar ways.
The Inverse Ocean Modeling System. Part II: Applications
Authors: Muccino J. C. , Luo H. , Arango H. G. , Haidvogel D. , Levin J. C. , Bennett A. F. , Chua B. S. , Egbert G. D. , Cornuelle B. D. , Miller A. J. , Di Lorenzo E. , Moore A. M. , Zaron E. D. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
The Inverse Ocean Modeling (IOM) System is a modular system for constructing and running weak-constraint four-dimensional variational data assimilation (W4DVAR) for any linear or nonlinear functionally smooth dynamical model and observing array. The IOM has been applied to four ocean models with widely varying characteristics. The Primitive Equations Z-coordinate-Harmonic Analysis of Tides (PEZ-HAT) and the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) are three-dimensional, primitive equations models while the Advanced Circulation model in 2D (ADCIRC-2D) and Spectral Element Ocean Model in 2D (SEOM-2D) are shallow-water models belonging to the general finite-element family. These models, in conjunction with the IOM, have been used to investigate a wide variety of scientific phenomena including tidal, mesoscale, and wind-driven circulation. In all cases, the assimilation of data using the IOM provides a better estimate of the ocean state than the model alone.
Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells facilitate engineering of long-lasting functional vasculature
Authors: Au Patrick , Tam Joshua , Fukumura Dai , Jain Rakesh K. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Vascular tissue engineering requires a ready source of endothelial cells and perivascular cells. Here, we evaluated human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for use as vascular progenitor cells in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. hMSCs expressed a panel of smooth muscle markers in vitro including the cardiac/smooth muscle–specific transcription coactivator, myocardin. Cell-cell contact between endothelial cells and hMSCs up-regulated the transcription of myocardin. hMSCs efficiently stabilized nascent blood vessels in vivo by functioning as perivascular precursor cells. The engineered blood vessels derived from human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells and hMSCs remained stable and functional for more than 130 days in vivo. On the other hand, we could not detect differentiation of hMSCs to endothelial cells in vitro, and hMSCs by themselves could not form conduit for blood flow in vivo. Similar to normal perivascular cells, hMSC-derived perivascular cells contracted in response to endothelin-1 in vivo. In conclusion, hMSCs are perivascular cell precursors and may serve as an attractive source of cells for use in vascular tissue engineering and for the study of perivascular cell differentiation.
Identification of the Otopetrin Domain, a conserved domain in vertebrate otopetrins and invertebrate otopetrin-like family members
Authors: Hughes Inna , Binkley Jonathan , Hurle Belen , Green Eric D ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Sidow Arend , Ornitz David M 
Published: February 2008

Abstract

Background

Otopetrin 1 (Otop1) encodes a multi-transmembrane domain protein with no homology to known transporters, channels, exchangers, or receptors. Otop1 is necessary for the formation of otoconia and otoliths, calcium carbonate biominerals within the inner ear of mammals and teleost fish that are required for the detection of linear acceleration and gravity. Vertebrate Otop1 and its paralogues Otop2 and Otop3 define a new gene family with homology to the invertebrate Domain of Unknown Function 270 genes (DUF270; pfam03189).

Results
Multi-species comparison of the predicted primary sequences and predicted secondary structures of 62 vertebrate otopetrin, and arthropod and nematode DUF270 proteins, has established that the genes encoding these proteins constitute a single family that we renamed the Otopetrin Domain Protein (ODP) gene family. Signature features of ODP proteins are three "Otopetrin Domains" that are highly conserved between vertebrates, arthropods and nematodes, and a highly constrained predicted loop structure.

Conclusion
Our studies suggest a refined topologic model for ODP insertion into the lipid bilayer of 12 transmembrane domains, and highlight conserved amino-acid residues that will aid in the biochemical examination of ODP family function. The high degree of sequence and structural similarity of the ODP proteins may suggest a conserved role in the intracellular trafficking of calcium and the formation of biominerals.
Transcriptomic dissection of tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ye Hui , Yu Tianwei , Temam Stephane , Ziober Barry L , Wang Jianguang , Schwartz Joel L , Mao Li , Wong David T , Zhou Xiaofeng 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe head and neck/oral squamous cell carcinoma (HNOSCC) is a diverse group of cancers, which develop from many different anatomic sites and are associated with different risk factors and genetic characteristics. The oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is one of the most common types of HNOSCC. It is significantly more aggressive than other forms of HNOSCC, in terms of local invasion and spread. In this study, we aim to identify specific transcriptomic signatures that associated with OTSCC.ResultsGenome-wide transcriptomic profiles were obtained for 53 primary OTSCCs and 22 matching normal tissues. Genes that exhibit statistically significant differences in expression between OTSCCs and normal were identified. These include up-regulated genes (MMP1, MMP10, MMP3, MMP12, PTHLH, INHBA, LAMC2, IL8, KRT17, COL1A2, IFI6, ISG15, PLAU, GREM1, MMP9, IFI44, CXCL1), and down-regulated genes (KRT4, MAL, CRNN, SCEL, CRISP3, SPINK5, CLCA4, ADH1B, P11, TGM3, RHCG, PPP1R3C, CEACAM7, HPGD, CFD, ABCA8, CLU, CYP3A5). The expressional difference of IL8 and MMP9 were further validated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The Gene Ontology analysis suggested a number of altered biological processes in OTSCCs, including enhancements in phosphate transport, collagen catabolism, I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling cascade, extracellular matrix organization and biogenesis, chemotaxis, as well as suppressions of superoxide release, hydrogen peroxide metabolism, cellular response to hydrogen peroxide, keratinization, and keratinocyte differentiation in OTSCCs.ConclusionIn summary, our study provided a transcriptomic signature for OTSCC that may lead to a diagnosis or screen tool and provide the foundation for further functional validation of these specific candidate genes for OTSCC.
Viability of impacted bone allografts under metal mesh at the calcar in revision surgery of the hip
Authors: Buttaro M. , Araujo G. S. , Araujo E. S. , Comba F. , Piccaluga F. 
Published: February 2008

Metal meshes are used in revision surgery of the hip to contain impacted bone grafts in cases with cortical or calcar defects in order to provide rotational stability to the stem. However, the viability of bone allografts under these metal meshes has been uncertain. We describe the histological appearances of biopsies obtained from impacted bone allografts to the calcar contained by a metal mesh in two femoral reconstructions which needed further surgery at 24 and 33 months after the revision procedure. A line of osteoid and viable new bone was observed on the surface of necrotic trabeculae. Active bone marrow between these trabeculae showed necrotic areas in some medullary spaces with reparative fibrous tissue and isolated reactive lymphocytes. This is interpreted as reparative changes after revascularisation of the cancellous allografts. These pathological findings are similar to those reported in allografts contained by cortical host bone and support the hypothesis that incorporation of morcellised bone under metal meshes is not affected by these devices.
The use of ultrasound in acquisition of the anterior pelvic plane in computer-assisted total hip replacement
Authors: Parratte S. , Kilian P. , Pauly V. , Champsaur P. , Argenson J.-N. A. 
Published: February 2008

We have evaluated in vitro the accuracy of percutaneous and ultrasound registration as measured in terms of errors in rotation and version relative to the bony anterior pelvic plane in computer-assisted total hip replacement, and analysed the intra- and inter-observer reliability of manual or ultrasound registration. Four clinicians were asked to perform registration of the landmarks of the anterior pelvic plane on two cadavers. Registration was performed under four different conditions of acquisition. Errors in rotation were not significant. Version errors were significant with percutaneous methods (16.2°; p < 0.001 and 19.25° with surgical draping; p < 0.001), but not with the ultrasound acquisition (6.2°, p = 0.13). Intra-observer repeatability was achieved for all the methods. Inter-observer analysis showed acceptable agreement in the sagittal but not in the frontal plane. Ultrasound acquisition of the anterior pelvic plane was more reliable in vitro than the cutaneous digitisation currently used.