bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drosophila S2 cells produce multiple forms of carboxypeptidase D with different intracellular distributions
Authors: Kalinina Elena , Fontenele‐Neto Jose D. , Fricker Lloyd D. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractCarboxypeptidase D (CPD) functions in the processing of proteins that transit the secretory pathway, and is present in all vertebrates examined as well as Drosophila. Several forms of CPD mRNA were previously found in Drosophila that resulted from differential splicing of the gene. In the present study, Northern blot, reverse transcriptase PCR, and Western blot analysis showed that each splice variant occurs in a single cell type, the Drosophila‐derived Schneider 2 (S2) cell line. The short forms containing a single carboxypeptidase domain were secreted from the S2 cells while the long forms containing three carboxypeptidase domains, a transmembrane domain, and one of two different cytosolic tails were retained in the cell. To investigate the role of the two different C‐terminal tail sequences (tail‐1 and tail‐2) that result from the differential splicing within exon 8, constructs containing a reporter protein (albumin) attached to the transmembrane domain and tail‐1 or tail‐2 of CPD were expressed in S2 cells and a mouse pituitary cell line (AtT20 cells). Immunofluorescence analysis revealed different intracellular distributions of the two constructs, with the tail‐2 construct showing considerable overlap with a Golgi marker. The two C‐terminal tail sequences also resulted in different internalization efficiencies from the cell surface in both cell lines. Interestingly, the distribution and routing of the tail‐2 form of Drosophila CPD in the AtT20 cells are similar to the previously characterized endogenous mouse CPD protein, indicating that the elements for this trafficking have been conserved between Drosophila and mammals. J. Cell. Biochem. 99: 770–783, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transverse quadruple systems with five holes
Authors: Keranen M. S. , Kreher D. L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractTransverse Steiner quadruple systems with five holes are either of type g5 or g4u1. We concentrate on the systems of type g4u1 and settle existence except when g ≡ u ≡ 2 (mod 4) and all except 40 parameter situations when g ≡ u + 2 ≡ 0 (mod 4). The question of existence for transverse quadruple systems of type g4u1 with index λ > 1 is completely solved for all λ ≥ 13 and λ ∈ {4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12}. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 15: 315–340, 2007
Workload management in occupational therapy: the approach taken at University Hospital Nijmegen, St Radboud
Authors: Kuyk‐Minis Marie‐Antoinette H. Van , Madill Helen M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe board of University Hospital Nijmegen stipulates the roles and responsibilities of allied health professionals. It is expected that members of these disciplines will engage in teaching and applied research that will ultimately develop a solid empirical base for their clinical services. This paper outlines the process and outcome of a study of occupational therapists' workload and time management at University Hospital Nijmegen. It describes how members of the Department of Occupational Therapy established their research and teaching priorities, and agreed on a strategy to implement them. Enabling one or two therapists at a time to devote substantial amounts of time to a special task is much more fruitful than trying to split time among many people. A policy and detailed activity plan proved to be a good way of monitoring the output of the department. Copyright © 1997 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Acute alcohol use and the risk of non‐fatal injury in sixteen countries
Authors: Borges Guilherme , Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Orozco Ricardo , Bond Jason , Ye Yu , Macdonald Scott , Giesbrecht Norman , Stockwell Tim , Cremonte Mariana , Moskalewicz Jacek , Swiatkiewicz Grazyna , Poznyak Vladimir 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACTAims  To determine the relative risk (RR) of non‐fatal injury associated with alcohol consumption in a series of emergency departments (EDs), possible effect modifiers and the impact of contextual variables on differences across sites.Design  The case–crossover method was used to obtain RR estimates of the effect of alcohol on non‐fatal injuries. Meta‐analysis was used to evaluate the consistency and magnitude of RR across sites, and the extent to which contextual variables explain differences in effect sizes.Participants  Probability samples of 11 536 injured patients attending 28 EDs studies in 16 countries (1984–2002). The majority of the sample was male (65%) and > 30 years old (53%).Measurements  Exposed cases where those that consumed alcohol 6 hours prior to the injury. Usual alcohol consumption served as the control period.Findings  Drinking within 6 hours prior to the injury was reported by 21% of the sample. The estimated (random) pooled relative risk for patients who reported alcohol use within 6 hours prior to injury was 5.69 (95% confidence interval = 4.04–8.00), ranging from 1.05 in Canada to 35.00 in South Africa. Effect size was not homogeneous across studies, as societies with riskier consumption patterns had a higher relative risk for injury. Heavier drinkers also showed lower RR.Conclusions  Acute alcohol was a risk factor for non‐fatal injuries in most sites. Policy measures addressed to the general population are recommended, especially in societies with riskier consumption patterns.
Fracture of ProFile nickel–titanium rotary instruments: a laboratory simulation assessment
Authors: Di Fiore P. M. , Genov K. I. , Komaroff E. , Dasanayake A. P. , Lin L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractAim  To determine the incidence of ProFile nickel–titanium rotary instrument fracture in an endodontic laboratory simulation.Methodology  Three hundred and sixty dental students used 2880 ProFile nickel–titanium rotary instruments to prepare 1440 simulated root canals in 720 plastic teeth, and another 2880 ProFile nickel–titanium rotary instruments to prepare 1440 natural root canals in 720 extracted teeth. A standardized crown‐down rotary instrumentation technique was used, which included measures to prevent fracture. Rotary instrument fracture was monitored during and after completion of the laboratory simulation exercises to determine the incidence of fracture. When fracture occurred, data were collected concerning the size of the instrument, the length of the instrument fragment, the location of the fragment in the canal and the curvature of the canal in which the instrument fractured.Results  The incidence of instrument fracture was 0.41% in plastic simulated canals and 0.31% in natural root canals. The overall incidence of instrument fracture was 0.36%. Of the instruments that fractured 67% were size 25, 0.04 taper; and 81% of the fragments were located in the apical third of the canal. The mean, median and mode of the fragment lengths were all 3 mm.Conclusions  The low overall incidence of fracture in this study suggests that ProFile rotary instruments are safe for use by dental students in laboratory simulations and that if preventive measures are taken the incidence of instrument fracture can be minimized.
Mycoplasma genitalium mg200 and mg386 genes are involved in gliding motility but not in cytadherence
Authors: Pich Oscar Q. , Burgos Raul , Ferrer‐Navarro Mario , Querol Enrique , Piñol Jaume 
Published: May 2006

SummaryIsolation and characterization of transposon‐generated Mycoplasma genitalium gliding‐deficient mutants has implicated mg200 and mg386 genes in gliding motility. The proposed role of these genes was confirmed by restoration of the gliding phenotype in deficient mutants through gene complementation with their respective mg386 or mg200 wild‐type copies. mg200 and mg386 are the first reported gliding‐associated mycoplasma genes not directly involved in cytadherence. Orthologues of MG200 and MG386 proteins are also found in the slow gliding mycoplasmas, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma gallisepticum, suggesting the existence of a unique set of proteins involved in slow gliding motility. MG200 and MG386 proteins share common features, such as the presence of enriched in aromatic and glycine residues boxes and an acidic and proline‐rich domain, suggesting that these motifs could play a significant role in gliding motility.
Masked, controlled study to investigate the efficacy of aStaphylococcus intermediusautogenous bacterin for the control of canine idiopathic recurrent superficial pyoderma
Authors: Curtis C. F. , Lamport A. I. , Lloyd D. H. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA masked, controlled study was designed to investigate the clinical efficacy of a staphylococcal autogenous bacterin for the control of canine idiopathic recurrent pyoderma (IRP). Ten dogs with at least three prior episodes of recurrent superficial pyoderma were recruited. All were screened and found to be free of ectoparasitic and fungal disease and failed to respond favourably to a dietary trial. Those exhibiting signs of pruritus responded completely to antibacterial therapy. Haematological and biochemical parameters were generally unremarkable and all dogs were euthyroid.Staphylococcus intermediuscultures from lesions were used to produce an autogenous bacterin for each animal. A numerical ‘lesion score’ was allocated and dogs were randomly divided into two groups of five (groups 1 and 2). Both groups received a 4‐week course of antibiotic; group 1 also received concurrent s/c injections of bacterin, which continued until week 10. Group 2 received no additional therapy. All dogs were re‐examined and rescored at weeks 5 and 10 and repeat blood samples were submitted at week 10 to screen for adverse effects. Comparison of scores at week 0 and week 5 (Mann–WhitneyU‐test) revealed no significant differences between the groups. At week 10, group 2 (control group) individual lesion scores were significantly higher compared with the group receiving bacterin (P < 0.05) and there was a significantly greater increase in the sum of the individual lesion scores for group 2 compared with group 1, from week 5 to week 10 (P < 0.05). No adverse reactions to bacterin therapy were detected. These results suggest that autogenous bacterins may provide an alternative, safe, effective method for the control of canine IRP. Further studies using larger groups of dogs and for a longer follow‐up period are now warranted.
The effect of root‐absorbed PSII inhibitors on Kautsky curve parameters in sugar beet
Authors: ABBASPOOR M , TEICHER HB , STREIBIG JC 
Published: May 2006

SummaryThe effects of the photosystem II inhibitors metamitron and terbuthylazine on the shape of the Kautsky (chlorophyll fluorescence induction) curve were investigated in sugar beet grown in hydroponic culture. The objective of the study was to trace recovery processes following herbicide injury using Kautsky curve parameters. Metamitron is used for selective weed control in sugar beet because it is metabolized in this crop. In contrast, terbuthylazine is toxic to sugar beet. Two hours after treatment, various fluorescence induction curve parameters, such as maximum quantum efficiency (FV/Fm), the relative changes at the J step (Fvj) and area (the area between the Kautsky curve and maximum fluorescence, Fm), were affected by metamitron at concentration ranges of 70–280 mg active ingredient (a.i.) L−1 in plants treated at the four‐true‐leaf stage. Shortly after herbicide application, Fv/Fm was more affected by the hydrophilic metamitron [log(Kow) = 0.83] than by the lipophilic terbuthylazine [log(Kow) = 3.21], but these differences between compounds were alleviated as metamitron was metabolized and terbuthylazine was not. Terbuthylazine at 1 mg a.i. L−1 affected sugar beet at the four‐ and six‐true‐leaf stages to the same extent, whereas metamitron at a dose of 140 mg a.i. L−1 affected much more at four‐ than at the six‐true‐leaf stage. Sugar beet recovered from metamitron injury even at high doses (140 and 280 mg a.i. L−1). Fluorescence induction curve parameters were similarly affected by terbuthylazine and, although sugar beet recovered from terbuthylazine injury at low doses (<0.2 mg a.i. L−1), the Kautsky curve was irreversibly affected at higher doses (1–10 mg a.i. L−1), leading finally to plant death. Older plants were affected later, and recovered sooner, from both herbicides.
Molecular cloning and characterization of pig, cow and sheep MAdCAM‐1 cDNA and the demonstration of cross‐reactive epitopes amongst mammalian homologues†
Authors: Tachedjian M. , Yu M. , Lew A. M. , Rockman S. , Boyle J. S. , Andrew M. E. , Wang L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractFull‐length cDNA clones for the pig, cow and sheep mucosal addressin cellular adhesion molecule (MAdCAM)‐1 homologues were isolated from Peyer's patches by a combination of reverse transcription (RT)‐polymerase chain reaction and 5′ and 3′ RACE strategies. Degenerate primers based on conserved amino acid (aa) sequences within the N‐terminal immunoglobulin (Ig)‐like domains of the human and rodent MAdCAM‐1 molecules were used for initial sequencing of the Ig‐like domains. MAdCAM‐1 transcripts of 1425 bp, 1525 bp and 1510 bp obtained for the pig, cow and sheep contained an open‐reading frame for proteins of 390, 424 and 418 aa, respectively. The pig and ruminant MAdCAM‐1 had two N‐terminal Ig‐like domains, a mucin‐like region and a third Ig‐like domain found in rodent but not human MAdCAM‐1. Antibodies raised against bacterially expressed N‐terminal Ig‐like domains of pig, human and sheep MAdCAM‐1 demonstrated the existence of cross‐reactive epitopes, raising the possibility of producing monoclonal antibodies which can be used as multi‐species MAdCAM‐1‐targeting reagent for the development of mucosal vaccines.
Distribution and abundance of uncultured heterotrophic flagellates in the world oceans
Authors: Massana Ramon , Terrado Ramon , Forn Irene , Lovejoy Connie , Pedrós‐Alió Carlos 
Published: May 2006

SummaryHeterotrophic flagellates play fundamental roles in marine ecosystems as picoplankton grazers. This recognized importance contrasts with our ignorance of the taxonomic composition of this functional group, which remains mostly unidentified by microscopical and culturing approaches. Recent molecular marine surveys based on 18S rDNA genes have retrieved many sequences unrelated to cultured organisms and marine stramenopiles were among the first reported uncultured eukaryotes. However, little is known about the organisms corresponding to these sequences. Here we determine the abundance of several marine stramenopile lineages in surface marine waters using molecular probes and fluorescent in situ hybridization. We show that these protists are free‐living bacterivorous heterotrophic flagellates. They were widely distributed, occurring in the five world oceans, and accounted for a significant fraction (up to 35%) of heterotrophic flagellates in diverse geographic regions. A single group, MAST‐4, represented 9% of cells within this functional assemblage, with the intriguing exception of polar waters where it was absent. MAST‐4 cells likely contribute substantially to picoplankton grazing and nutrient re‐mineralization in vast areas of the oceans and represent a key eukaryotic group in marine food webs.
Abstract no.: 9 Nitric oxide donors and oxysterol‐induced smooth muscle cell death
Authors: Schrijvers D. , Fret H. , Martinet W. , Bult H. 
Published: May 2006

Objective  Macrophage‐derived mediators (nitric oxide (NO), TNFα) and environmental factors (oxysterols) can induce smooth muscle cell (SMC) death in atherosclerotic plaques, thereby increasing the risk of plaque rupture. Since NO donors are used by angina pectoris patients, we investigated their effects on vascular SMC death induced by 7‐ketocholesterol (7‐KC).Methods  SMCs derived from the rabbit aorta (150 000; passage 2–6) were seeded in six well plates in HAM F10 with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS). The next day, they were exposed to 25 μM7‐KC and various concentrations of S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐penicilamine (SNAP), SIN‐1 (linsidomine) or spermine‐NONOate (SPNO) in the presence of 2% FBS. Uptake of neutral red (0.01%, added 16 h later) was measured for 2 h as viability index; the protein content of the adherent SMCs was measured using the BCA method.Results  7‐KC caused 50.7 ± 1.5% (n = 12) decrease of viability, SMC loss was less pronounced (control 90 ± 2, 7‐KC 74 ± 2 μg protein/monolayer, n = 12). Exposure to 100 μM SIN‐1 or SNAP for 2 or 18 h did not change viability or protein content, either alone or in combination with 25 μM 7‐KC. In contrast, 100 μM SPNO caused a transient viability loss in control cells (from 100% to 74 ± 4% at 2 h and 95 ± 3% at 18 h) and in SMCs treated with 7‐KC (from 51 ± 3% to 39 ± 2% at 2 h and 49 ± 3% at 18 h). Interestingly, the effect of SPNO was less pronounced in SMCs treated with 7‐KC, particularly at higher concentrations (e.g. decrease of viability at 300 μM SPNO 25 ± 5% in control, and 3 ± 3% in 7‐KC‐treated SMCs).Conclusion  The results indicate that effects of NO donors on SMC viability in an atherogenic environment cannot be predicted from experiments with normal SMCs. S‐Nitrosylation of the catalytic cysteine residue of caspases, thereby suppressing apoptosis, could explain why the effects of 7‐KC and SPNO were not additive.
Is Prolactin a Clinically Useful Measure of Epilepsy?
Authors: Ben-Menachem Elinor 
Published: May 2006

Use of Serum Prolactin in Diagnosing Epileptic Seizures: Report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology Chen DK, So YT, Fisher RS Neurology 2005;65(5):668–675 (Review) Objective The purpose of this article is to review the use of serum prolactin assay in epileptic seizure diagnosis. Methods The authors identified relevant studies in multiple databases and reference lists. Studies that met inclusion criteria were summarized and rated for quality of evidence, and the results were analyzed and pooled where appropriate. Results Most studies used a serum prolactin of at least twice baseline value as abnormal. For the differentiation of epileptic seizures from psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, one Class I and seven Class II studies showed that elevated serum prolactin was highly predictive of either generalized tonic–clonic or complex partial seizures. Pooled sensitivity was higher for generalized tonic–clonic seizures (60.0%) than for complex partial seizures (46.1%), while the pooled specificity was similar for both (approximately 96%). Data were insufficient to establish validity for simple partial seizures. Two Class II studies were consistent in showing prolactin elevation after tilt-test–induced syncope. Inconclusive data exist regarding the value of serum prolactin following status epilepticus, repetitive seizures, and neonatal seizures. Recommendations Elevated serum prolactin assay, when measured in the appropriate clinical setting at 10 to 20 minutes after a suspected event, is a useful adjunct for the differentiation of generalized tonic–clonic or complex partial seizure from psychogenic nonepileptic seizure among adults and older children (Level B). Serum prolactin assay does not distinguish epileptic seizures from syncope (Level B). The use of serum PRL assay has not been established in the evaluation of status epilepticus, repetitive seizures, and neonatal seizures (Level U).
How Independent Are Initiation, Propagation, and Termination of Epileptiform Activity?
Authors: Dudek F. Edward 
Published: May 2006

Initiation, Propagation, and Termination of Epileptiform Activity in Rodent Neocortex In Vitro Involve Distinct Mechanisms Pinto DJ, Patrick SL, Huang WC, Connors BW J Neurosci 2005;25(36):8131–8140 Waves of epileptiform activity in neocortex have three phenomenological stages: initiation, propagation, and termination. We use a well studied model of epileptiform activity in vitro to investigate directly the hypothesis that each stage is governed by an independent mechanism within the underlying cortical circuit. Using the partially disinhibited neocortical slice preparation, activity is induced and modulated using neurotransmitter receptor antagonists and is measured using both intracellular recordings and a linear array of extracellular electrodes. We find that initiation depends on both synaptic excitation and inhibition and entails a slow process of recruitment at discrete spatial locations within cortical layer 5 but not layer 2 or 3. Propagation depends on synaptic excitation but not inhibition and is a fast process that involves neurons across the spatial extent of the slice and in all cortical layers. Termination is modulated by synaptic excitation and inhibition. In space, termination occurs reliably at discrete locations. In time, termination is characterized by a strong depolarizing shift (block) and recovery of neurons in all cortical layers. These results suggest that the phenomenological stages of epileptiform events correspond to distinct mechanistic stages.
Effectiveness of human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV) recipient tracing (lookback) and the current HTLV‐I and ‐II confirmatory algorithm, 1999 to 2004
Authors: Stramer S.L. , Foster G.A. , Dodd R.Y. 
Published: May 2006

BACKGROUND:  This study reports on the efficacy of an investigational human T‐lymphotropic virus (HTLV)‐I and ‐II lookback program in the context of differing confirmatory testing algorithms.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  The results of testing approximately 35 million donations for anti‐HTLV‐I and ‐II were evaluated for two recent periods reflecting the use of two different confirmatory algorithms. The number of seroconverting donors was established for the entire period, and the results of lookback on their prior donations were investigated.RESULTS:  The dual enzyme immunoassay (EIA) strategy was used throughout both study periods and resulted in a 57 to 76 percent reduction in the number of samples requiring confirmatory testing. From May 2000 to February 2002, a total of 9138 samples were repeatedly reactive by the primary screening test; of the concordant EIA‐reactive samples, 461 (12%) were confirmed by Western blot, whereas 3083 (79%) were indeterminate. From March 2002 to December 2004, a total of 21,291 samples were repeatedly reactive; of the concordant EIA‐reactive samples, 1099 (22%) were confirmed by the State of California’s reference laboratory and only 273 (5%) were equivocal. Overall, 38 or 1 in 921,000 donations were from a seroconverting donor with 32 prior donations within the lookback period. Of those 32, components from only 11 were transfused to recipients who survived; of these, 4 were tested and all were nonreactive for HTLV‐I and ‐II antibodies.CONCLUSION:  Use of creative algorithms can increase the efficacy of anti‐HTLV‐I and ‐II confirmatory testing and reduce the number of indeterminate results. Currently, lookback for HTLV‐I and ‐II has a very low yield, and its public health benefit is questionable.
Surgical bone marrow aspiration in Aotus lemurinus griseimembra
Authors: Llanos Cesar , Quintero Gustavo , Castellanos Alejandro , Arevalo‐Herrera Myriam , Herrera Sòcrates 
Published: May 2006

Abstract Aotus lemurinus griseimembra are highly susceptible to infection by human malaria parasites and reproduce some of its clinical manifestations, including anemia. We developed a new surgical technique to obtain bone marrow samples from Aotus by surgical aspiration of the femur. First, we determined that the femur offered advantages over other bones, primarily due to lower fracture vulnerability. We tested a surgical technique using 20 G IV catheters in formaldehyde‐preserved animals, then conducted the procedure on 27 live animals. This technique provided easy, quick surgical access to adequate volumes of bone marrow and was safe for almost all animals: only one died; another developed nervous impairment of the lower limb. Adequate cell samples were obtained in all animals and allowed cytological studies. This procedure offers a useful tool for bone marrow research in Aotus and helps overcome current limitations of such research in human where these studies are limited by ethical and technical issues.