bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase inhibition on tissue levels of carnitine and carnitine acyltransferase activity in the rabbit
Authors: Bhuiyan Jalaluddin , Seccombe David W. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractRecently, a new class of lipid lowering agents [3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl (HMG)‐CoA reductase inhibitors] was introduced into clinical practice. The use of these agents could lead to a secondary deficiency in carnitine, which may manifest clinically as a myalgia/myositis—a side effect that is occasionally seen with this class of drugs. In the present study, we examined the effect of an HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor (lovastatin) on serum and tissue levels of carnitine and carnitine acyltransferase activities in the rabbit. Rabbits (n=6) were fed chow containing lovastatin (30 mg/d) for 16 wk. Blood was collected and tissues (liver, heart, and skeletal muscle) harvested at sacrifice. Free and total carnitine were measured in serum and tissues by a radioenzymatic method. Carnitine acetyltransferase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activities were determined and expressed relative to DNA. Serum free (24.0±2.6 vs. 29.4±3.1 μM) and total (35.1±4.7 vs. 52.8±8.8 μM) carnitine levels increased significantly with 16 wk of treatment. This increase in total carnitine was mainly due to an increase in the levels of serum acylcarnitine (12.7±3.1 vs 26.5±5.7 μM). Tissue levels of total carnitine were significantly decreased by the treatment. Carnitine acetyltransferase was unaffected by the treatment, whereas there was a significant increase in the activity of CPT in the liver and heart.
Salivary lipid profiles of the leech (Hirudo medicinalis)
Authors: Rabinowitz Joseph L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSaliva was collected from sixteen leeches (Hirudo medicinalis). The saliva was analyzed for its total lipid content (3.26±0.31 mg of total lipids per 100 mL saliva). The lipids were separated into polar and nonpolar by chromatographic techniques. The neutral fraction was approximately 2/3 of the total, and the polar fraction was approximately 1/3 of the total lipids. Thin‐layer chromatography was used to obtain the individual profiles of the polar and nonpolar lipids. Of the identified lipids, phosphatidic acids and free fatty acids represented the largest percentage. These results suggest that the leech contains a unique lipid distribution, and that some of these components may be potent phospholipases and lipases that probably are present in its saliva for the purpose of preventing plugging or healing of the wound in the attacked organism.
Abundance, body size, and morphology of bumblebees in an area where an exotic species, Bombus terrestris, has colonized in Japan
Authors: Nagamitsu Teruyoshi , Kenta Tanaka , Inari Naoki , Kato Etsushi , Hiura Tsutom 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAn exotic bumblebee species, Bombus terrestris, has colonized in Japan and becomes dominant in some local communities. We examined the effects of land use and bumblebee abundance on the number and body size of bumblebees collected using window traps in a lowland area in the southern Ishikari district, Hokkaido. In 2004, we collected 922 bumblebees of six species using 70 traps at 17 sites. A statistical model fitted to the data demonstrated that dispersion from commercial B. terrestris colonies used in greenhouses positively affected the number of B. terrestris caught by each trap. This exotic species was abundant in sites where paddy fields were prevalent, but three native species, B. hypocrita, B. ardens, and B. diversus, were abundant in sites where farms and woodlands were widespread. The local abundance of B. terrestris was not associated negatively with the number and body size of native bumblebees. Thus, we did not find any competitive interactions between exotic and native bumblebees although habitat conditions seem to be common determinants of the bumblebee populations. A morphological analysis showed that B. terrestris had intermediate tongue length between B. hypocrita and B. ardens.
Remote functionalization of the steroid side‐chain
Authors: Parish Edward J. , Aksara Nida , Boos Terrence L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBy using classical methods of organic synthesis, the introduction of chemical modifications into the saturated sidechains of steroids usually requires a multistep synthesis to construct new side‐chains to be added to the steroid nucleus. In order to circumvent these earlier methods, new procedures have been developed to directly introduce functionality onto the steroid side‐chain to produce useful products. These initial products may also provide an entry toward the further modification of the side‐chain to produce steroids which could previously be obtained only with great difficulty.
Special Issues in Contraception: Caring for Women With Disabilities
Authors: Kaplan Clair 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTWomen with disabilities make up a diverse population of underserved clients needing skilled, sensitive, and culturally‐competent contraceptive care. Barriers to care for these women are structural, attitudinal, and informational, and lack of attention to their needs is also reflected in limited research and clinical guidelines. Special techniques for a modified gynecologic examination can be employed, and disabled women can work in partnership with providers to promote comfort, respect, and safety. There are specific considerations for the use of different contraceptive methods in women with movement limitations, sensory impairments, seizure disorders, developmental disability, and emotional and psychiatric disorders. A climate of welcoming respect as well as clinical expertise in issues specific to this population can enhance the ability to provide contraception to these women.
Early results of titanium ossiculoplasty using the Kurz titanium prosthesis – a UK perspective
Authors: Siddiq M A , Raut V V 
Published: November 2006

Titanium has been shown to be a highly biocompatible material and recently interest has been raised by its use as a prosthetic material in the ear. Our objective was to prospectively assess the early results of titanium partial and total ossicular replacement prostheses in chronic ear disease. Thirty-three consecutive patients (20 titanium partials and 13 total ossicular replacement prostheses) were analysed and data from pre and post-operative pure tone audiograms were collected and compared at six months over a four frequency range (0.5–4 kHz) as well as using the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery criteria (0.5–3 kHz). Closure of the air-bone gap and improvement in air conduction at six months was also calculated. 69% of patients obtained an air-bone gap of ≤20 dB, with titanium partial ossicular replacement prostheses (85 per cent) doing better than total ossicular replacement prostheses (46 per cent). There have been no cases of sensorineural hearing loss or extrusion. In conclusion, titanium prostheses are easy to use, allow good visibility and have shown good short-term results in our hands.
Insulin Receptor Substrate Gene Polymorphism Is Associated With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Men
Authors: Bayazit Yildirim A. , Erdal Mehmet Emin , Yilmaz Metin , Ciftci Tansu Ulukavak , Soylemez Fatma , Gokdoğan Tuba , Kokturk Oguz , Kemaloglu Yusuf K. , Koybasioglu Ahmet 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to assess significance of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) ‐1 gene polymorphism (Gly972Arg) at codon 972 in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).Methods: Using the polymerase chain reaction technique, the codon 972 polymorphism of the IRS‐1 gene was analyzed in the DNA obtained from leukocytes of 50 patients and 143 healthy controls.Results: An overall comparison between the genotypes and allele frequencies of the patients and controls did not reveal any statistically significant difference between the patients and controls (P > .05). Gender‐specific comparisons were not significantly different except for a significant difference between the genotypes and allele frequencies of the male patients and male controls (P < .05). The heterozygous, Gly/Arg variant of the IRS‐1 gene was overrepresented and the homozygous, Gly/Gly variant was less frequent in male patients compared with male controls. In the patients with OSAS, there was no correlation between the genotypes and polysomnography parameters on correlation analyses (P > .05). There was no relationship between the genotypes and diabetes mellitus (P > .05). Body mass indices and polysomnography parameters of the patients with and without diabetes mellitus were not significantly different (P > .05).Conclusion: The polymorphism of the IRS‐1 gene at codon 972, especially Gly/Arg variant, or the presence of the allele for Arg appears to be associated with occurrence of OSAS in male patients, whereas this polymorphism is not related to severity of OSAS.
Microdebrider Decompression of Schwannoma: A Novel Method of Excising a Neck Mass
Authors: Chennupati Sri Kiran , Schipor Ioana , Mirza Natasha 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective: This case report describes the excision of a large neck neurofibroma causing compression of the esophagus and airway in a young patient with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). At the conclusion of this article, readers should be able to describe a novel method of excising large encapsulated neck masses using microdebridement for decompression. The safety and efficacy of this method is discussed.Study Design: The subject of this report was a 26‐year‐old woman with NF2. She presented with an enlarging right neck mass extending from the mandible to theclavicle that was compressing both her airway and esophagus. Given her auditory brainstem implant, unipolar cautery was contraindicated. Therefore, it was planned to decompress the patient's neck mass using a microdebrider before attempting to fully dissect out the mass.Methods: The neck mass was exposed and then entered. Using a Xomed XPS microdebrider (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN), the mass was debrided and debulked in all directions taking care not to violate the capsule. After this, the entire capsule was dissected out using only bipolar cautery and suture ligatures for hemostasis.Results: Microdebrider decompression of the neck neurofibroma allowed for preservation of the capsule without injuring vital structures in the neck. Postoperatively, the patient's swallowing and laryngeal function improved markedly.Conclusion: Microdebrider debulking before dissection of the patient's large neck mass safely relieved compression of the airway and esophagus. This method may be applied to other large benign masses in the neck as well.
A New Antistuttering Device: Treatment of Stuttering Using Bone Conduction Stimulation With Delayed Temporal Feedback
Authors: Stidham Katrina R. , Olson Lisa , Hillbratt Martin , Sinopoli Teri 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: Stuttering is a communication disorder affecting approximately 1% of the adult population, some with severe manifestations. Speech therapy improves stuttering, but many do not receive enough benefit to communicate fluently. Antistuttering devices have been available for several years, but available technology has been limited in long‐term success and reliability. The current study evaluates the effects of a prototype device using a modification of a currently used bone conduction hearing device with delayed auditory feedback on adult patients with significant stuttering problems.Study Design: A prospective nonrandomized study evaluating effects of a prototype device on stuttering in adult subjects.Methods: Ten stutterers ≥18 years of age were fit with a bone conduction device on a headband with temporal feedback delayed according to patient preference between 5 and 130 msec. Patients were asked to wear the device at least 4 hours per day for 4 weeks. Stuttering Severity Index‐3 (SSI‐3) tests were completed at prefit, immediate postfit, and at 2‐week, 4‐week, and 6‐week intervals. Questionnaires were also completed at each visit.Results: Nine patients completed the entire study. A statistically significant decline in SSI‐3 scores was documented from prefit compared with immediate postfit and 4 weeks follow up (P < .001) using the Tukey test method. Statistical significance was approached but not reached at 2 weeks. There was no significant difference between prefit and the 6‐week follow up when patients had returned the device. Patients subjectively noted improvement in their speech and confidence using the device.Conclusions: A new antistuttering prototype using a modification of a bone conduction device with delayed temporal feedback is effective in decreasing stuttering in patients over a short time course. Further studies need to be completed to evaluate the long‐term effects of the device.
Temporal Bone Histopathologic Abnormalities Associated With Mitochondrial Mutation T7511C
Authors: Ishikawa Kotaro , Tamagawa Yuya , Takahashi Katsumasa , Iino Yukiko , Murakami Yoshihiko , Kakizaki Keiko , Kimura Hiroshi , Kusakari Jun , Hara Akira , Ichimura Keiichi 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives: We previously reported a mitochondrial T7511C mutation in the tRNASer(UCN) gene in a Japanese family with nonsyndromic hearing loss (HL). However, the temporal bone histopathology associated with T7511C has not been reported. The aim of the present study is to report histopathologic findings of a temporal bone from a patient in the Japanese family with this mutation.Study Design: Single case study.Methods: A temporal bone was obtained from the right ear of a male subject with progressive HL from 5 years of age and who died at 60 years of age from cerebral infarction. The bone was embedded, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin‐eosin for light microscopic study. Graphic reconstruction of the cochlea was performed using the method described by Schuknecht to determine loss of the stria vascularis and neurosensory elements including hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons.Results: The most significant histopathologic finding was severe loss of spiral ganglion cells in all turns of the cochlea. Severe loss of neuronal filaments in Rosenthal's canal was also observed. The organ of Corti showed scattered loss of inner and outer hair cells in the basal turn. Partial atrophy of the stria vascularis was observed in all turns of the cochlea.Conclusion: Our results suggest that severe loss of spiral ganglion cells was the main cause of sensorineural HL associated with the T7511C mutation.
Reconstruction of the Lateral Mandibulectomy Defect: Management Based on Prognosis and Location and Volume of Soft Tissue Resection
Authors: Deleyiannis Frederic W.‐B. , Rogers Carolyn , Lee Edward , Russavage James , Gastman Brian , Dunklebarger Joshua , Lai Stephen , Ferris Robert , Myers Eugene N. , Johnson Jonas 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective: To examine how the accompanying soft tissue resection of the oral cavity, oropharynx, neck, or face affects the reconstructive management of the lateral mandibulectomy defect.Study Design: Retrospective review of 76 consecutive patients.Methods: Patient and tumor variables were extracted from the medical records. Outcomes that were examined included method of reconstruction, medical complications, flap complications, and survival.Results: Age greater than 70 years (P = .03), moderate or severe comorbidity (P = .01), and tumor involvement of the base of tongue (P = .03) were significantly associated with decreased use of a free flap and with decreased 3‐year survival rates. For choice of free (osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap or fibula vs. rectus abdominis) and regional flaps (pectoralis or cervicodeltopectoral), lateral defects could be classified into one of three types: type 1 (n = 60), lateral defect with a soft tissue resection limited to the oral cavity and oropharynx; type 2 (n = 11), lateral defect with a through and through defect of the lower one third of the face (skin overlying the mandible) or neck; and type 3 (n = 5), lateral defect with an associated large‐volume resection of the midface, parotid, or cheek skin.Conclusion: When the lateral mandible is resected with an accompanying large soft tissue defect of the neck or face (type 2 or type 3 defect), the reconstructive challenge becomes the determination of how best to cover the planned bony reconstruction or whether to perform only a soft tissue reconstruction. When placed in the context of expected prognosis, the proposed classification system based on the location and volume of the associated soft tissue resection can help guide the reconstructive options for these decisions.
Histochemical and genetic analysis of host and non‐host interactions of Arabidopsis with three Botrytis species: an important role for cell death control
Authors: VAN BAARLEN PETER , WOLTERING ERNST J. , STAATS MARTIJN , VAN KAN JAN A. L. 
Published: November 2006

SUMMARYSusceptibility was evaluated of host and non‐host plants to three pathogenic Botrytis species: the generalist B. cinerea and the specialists B. elliptica (lily) and B. tulipae (tulip). B. tulipae was, unexpectedly, able to infect plant species other than tulip, and to a similar extent as B. cinerea. To study host and non‐host interactions in more detail, the three Botrytis species were inoculated on Arabidopsis wild‐types and 23 mutant genotypes. Disease development was monitored macroscopically by quantifying the lesion area and microscopically by bright‐field and fluorescence microscopy following histochemical staining. B. cinerea and B. tulipae were very similar in their ability to infect the tested Arabidopsis genotypes, whereas B. elliptica caused disease only on a few Arabidopsis mutant genotypes. Arabidopsis mutants with a delayed or reduced cell death response were generally more resistant to Botrytis infection, whereas mutants in which cell death was accelerated were more susceptible. Differences in susceptibility between genotypes were generally gradual. Only the camalexin‐deficient mutant pad3 was fully susceptible to all three Botrytis species. Cellular changes were monitored during compatible and incompatible interactions. The formation of papillae, the presence of lysosome‐like vesicles and the intracellular accumulation of H2O2 and nitric oxide were visualized in the infection zones using fluorescent probes. Based on histology and responses of Arabidopsis mutants, a model is proposed in which resistance against Botrytis, besides the production of camalexin, depends on the balance between cell death and survival.
Homeostasis of cell composition during prolonged darkness
Authors: MONTECHIARO FEDERICO , HIRSCHMUGL CAROL J. , RAVEN JOHN A. , GIORDANO MARIO 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe chemical composition of organisms in relation to their environmental resource availability is an area of intense research activity. We studied the changes in cell composition of the cyanobacterium Phormidium autumnale in response to prolonged darkness. Cells allocated their internal resources in a homeostatic manner, oxidizing all the three major cellular constituents in a proportional way. This resulted in constant C/N and carbohydrates, lipids and proteins ratios that remained unaltered throughout the whole incubation period. We propose the maintenance of balanced cell composition (homeostasis) as an evolutionary strategy related to environmental transitory changes.
Nurses as providers of emotional support to patients with MDR‐TB
Authors: Chalco K. , Wu D. Y. , Mestanza L. , Muñoz M. , Llaro K. , Guerra D. , Palacios E. , Furin J. , Shin S. , Sapag R. 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  To identify the forms and means of emotional support that nurses provide to patients living with multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MTR‐TB) in Lima, Peru.Background:  A fundamental role of nurses is to provide emotional support, defined as all the strategies that a health team employs to assure the psychosocial well‐being of the patient. However, neither the forms of emotional support nor the means used by nurses in resource‐poor settings have been much written about. This paper describes a qualitative study of a team of seven nurses working in a programme that provides individualized MDR‐TB treatment to patients in Lima, Peru. It describes the various forms of support that facilitated the ability of patients to adhere to treatment despite socio‐economic difficulties, social stigma, drug side effects, problems related to different stages of treatment and concurrent illnesses/special situations.Methods:  Qualitative study methods were employed over the course of 8 years to observe nurses and patients in an MDR‐TB treatment programme. These included participant observation, structured observation sessions of nurses with their patients and focus groups with seven nurses.Conclusion:  Through theme and content analyses of qualitative data, ten situations related to MDR‐TB treatment were found. These ten issues served as an analytical framework used to identify and discuss the various types of emotional support provided by both formal and informal means. This type of support focused on problems related to different stages of treatment, social stigma of the illness, treatment adherence, side effects, socio‐economic difficulties, death and concurrent illnesses/special situations.Practice implications:  The essential role of the nurse as a provider of emotional support in the development or implementation of similar programmes with MDR‐TB should, in future, be taken into account.
Projecting future fish supplies using stock dynamics and demand
Authors: Briones Roehlano M. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSupply–demand models, which are commonly used in food policy analysis, have been recently applied to generate projections of future fish supplies. However, these models routinely ignore stock dynamics; hence, threats to sustainability due to declining fish stocks are addressed, at best, by exogenous changes in resource productivity. Such a device is ad hoc, as it is unclear whether the assumed shifts are consistent with known patterns of population adjustment. On the other hand, bioeconomic models incorporate stock dynamics, but typically omit price adjustment arising from the interaction of demand and supply.An applied supply–demand model with stock dynamics combines the strengths of both approaches. However, data problems constrain the formulation of such a model. Instead, this study presents a prototype bioeconomic supply–demand model. Simulations show trends in fish supply that fail to appear in either supply–demand or bioeconomic models. Secular demand growth causes initial production growth, followed by stagnation, and then persistent decline. Moreover, under constant pressure from rising demand, capture production fails to recover completely from adverse population shock (such as may be induced by climate change). The prototype model highlights the potential usefulness of an applied bioeconomic supply–demand model for food policy and fisheries management, and provides a template for future work.