bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modification of Standard Western Pretransfusion Testing Procedures for Taiwan
Authors: Lin Marie , Broadberry Richard E. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDue to significant differences in blood group antigen and antibody frequencies between Taiwanese and Caucasians, standard Western pretransfusion testing procedures have been modified for use in Taiwan. Pretransfusion testing consists simply of ABO grouping and antibody screening/major cross‐matching using the manual Polybrene method without any antiglobulin phase. The manual Po‐lybrene method is performed using reagents prepared in house and is rapid (about 3 min), inexpensive and easy to perform. Rh(D) typing of patients is unnecessary as the frequency of D in Taiwanese is 99.67% and the occurrence of anti‐D in patients (or in haemolytic disease of the newborn) is uncommon. Great reductions in both cost and labour have resulted from these modifications, and it is suggested that other countries may consider similar modifications.
Sequence Analysis of cDNA Derived from Reticulocyte mRNAs Coding for Rh Polypeptides and Demonstration of E/e and C/c Polymorphisms
Authors: Simsek S. , de Jong C.A.M. , Cuijpers H. Th. M. , Bleeker P.M.M. , Westers T.M. , Overbeeke M.A.M. , Goldschmeding R. , van der Schoot C.E. , von dem Borne A.E.G. Kr. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractRNA derived from enriched reticulocytes of Rh‐phenotyped donors was isolated, reversely transcribed into cDNA and amplified with Rh‐specific primers by polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequence analyis of the entire coding region of the Rh cDNAs was carried out. Four types of cDNAs were identified, tentatively designated as RhSCI, RhSCII, RhSCIII and RhSCIV. Comparison of RhSCII with RhSCI (identical to the previously reported RhIXb/30A cDNA), showed a single base pair difference. Since RhSCI and RhSCII were found to be related to the presence of E or e antigen, respectively, the P226A amino acid polymorphism appears to be the genetic basis of the E/e polymorphism. RhSCIII was demonstrated to be a transcript derived from the RhD gene, with 35 amino acid substitutions as compared to RhSCI. RhSCIV was found to be present only in RhC‐positive individuals, indicating that RhSCIV encodes a polypeptide carrying the C antigen. Six nucleotide changes, resulting in four amino acid substitutions W16C, L60I, N68S and P103S, were observed between RhSCII and RhSCIV, probably representing the C/c polymorphism.
Review of the Problems Involved in Using Enzymes in Blood Group Serology ‐ Provision of Freeze‐Dried ICSH/ISBT Protease Enzyme and Anti‐D Reference Standards
Authors: Scott Marion L. , Voak Douglas , Phillips Peter K. , Hoppe P. Ann , Kochman Sheryl A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractProteolytic enzyme preparations and techniques used routinely in blood group serology for the detection of atypical patient antibodies prior to transfusion vary widely and are often poorly standardised. Recent advances have been made in the use of biochemical methods to standardise and stabilise the potency of the enzyme preparations used. A joint working party of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH) and the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) has investigated possibilities for the provision of standards for the protease preparations and techniques. The specification for these standards was that the performance of enzyme reference preparation in the reference technique should be of equivalent sensitivity to the ICSH/ISBT LISS spin indirect antiglobulin test using a titration series of a reference weak anti‐D, and be free from false‐positive reactions. The working party circulated materials for evaluation in inter‐laboratory trials, followed by a laboratory workshop meeting to achieve agreement on the specification for reference materials and methods. Reference freeze‐dried papain at 0.6 azoalbumin units and weak anti‐D preparations (91/562) have been prepared and validated to meet these specifications. The performance of a test enzyme preparation in the technique for which it is recommended for use should be at least equal to that of the reference papain preparation, by the reference two‐stage technique in terms of sensitivity, using a titration series of the reference anti‐D, and freedom from false‐positive reactions, using six fresh inert sera. The reference papain and weak anti‐D can also be used to calibrate the level of proteolytic activity required in other procedures in blood group serology, such as new technology methods for antibody detection, and automated and microplate cell grouping procedures. These preparations and an agreed method for their use are now available from listed centres as ICSH/ISBT and Food and Drug Administration reference materials.
Effect of Donor Age on the Developmental Competence of Bovine Oocytes Retrieved by Ovum Pick Up
Authors: Su L , Yang S , He X , Li X , Ma J , Wang Y , Presicce GA , Ji W 
Published: March 2009

ContentsTo study the effect of donor age on oocyte developmental competence and steroid profiles, the crossbred cow (Murray Grey × Brahman) in Yunnan province of China were selected and divided into three groups according to its age. The three groups were young cows (n = 12; 12 months old), middle‐aged cows (n = 15; parity: ≤3 calvings; age: 7–8 years old) and old cows (n = 10; parity: ≥8 calvings; age: ≥15 years old). Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected by 10 consecutive ovum pick up (OPU) sessions with a 4‐day interval between each session, followed by in vitro maturation, fertilization and embryo development. Results showed that cleavage rates (CR) and blastocyst rates (BR) were higher in the young cows than those in the middle‐aged and old cows (p < 0.05). CR and BR from COCs of the first and the fourth OPU sessions were lower than those from other sessions in the young cows and the middle‐aged cows (p < 0.05), whereas the similar phenomenon was not observed in the old cows. Plasma concentrations of oestradiol were higher, and plasma concentrations of progesterone were lower before and during OPU sessions in the young cows compared with those in the same period in the middle‐aged cows or the old cows (p < 0.01). In conclusion, donor age of oocytes could affect developmental competence of oocytes recovered by OPU through the action of steroid hormonal balance on follicle development.
CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF l‐GLUTAMATE IN OBESE TYPE 2 DIABETIC ZUCKER FATTY RATS
Authors: Povlsen JA , Løfgren B , Rasmussen LE , Nielsen JM , Nørregaard R , Kristiansen SB , Bøtker HE , Nielsen TT 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARY

Because diabetic hearts have an increased threshold for cardioprotection by ischaemic preconditioning (IPC), we hypothesized that protection by l‐glutamate during reperfusion is restricted in Type 2 diabetic hearts. Previously, we found that l‐glutamate‐mediated postischaemic cardioprotection mimics IPC.
Rat hearts were studied in a Langendorff preparation perfused with Krebs’–Henseleit solution and subjected to 40 min global no‐flow ischaemia, followed by 120 min reperfusion. l‐Glutamate (0, 15 and 30 mmol/L) was added to the perfusate during reperfusion of hearts from non‐diabetic (Wistar‐Kyoto) and diabetic (Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF)) rats, studied at 16 weeks of age. The infarct size (IS)/area‐at‐risk (AAR) ratio was the primary end‐point. Expression of l‐glutamate excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) 1 (mitochondrial) and EAAT3 (sarcolemmal) was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting.
The ISS/AAR ratio did not differ between control hearts from Wistar‐Kyoto and ZDF rats (0.52 ± 0.03 and 0.51 ± 0.04, respectively; P = 0.90). l‐Glutamate (15 mmol/L) significantly reduced the IS/AAR ratio in non‐diabetic hearts, but not in diabetic hearts, compared with their respective controls. The higher concentration of l‐glutamate (30 mmol/L) reduced infarct size in diabetic hearts to the same degree as in non‐diabetic hearts (IS/AAR 0.35 ± 0.03 (P = 0.002) and 0.34 ± 0.03 (P = 0.004), respectively). The mitochondrial l‐glutamate transporter EAAT1 was downregulated in hearts from ZDF rats at both the mRNA and protein levels (P < 0.0005 and P < 0.0001, respectively). However, there was no change in EAAT3 expression at the protein level. Myocardial l‐glutamate content was increased by 43% in diabetic hearts (P < 0.0001).
Hearts from obese diabetic rats have an elevated threshold for metabolic postischaemic cardioprotection by l‐glutamate. These findings may reflect underlying mechanisms of inherent resistance against additional cardioprotection in the diabetic heart.
PREVENTION OF AORTIC ELASTIC LAMINA DEFECTS BY LOSARTAN IN APOLIPOPROTEIN E‐DEFICIENT MOUSE
Authors: Chan Elsa C , Jones Gregory T , Dusting Gregory J , Datla Srinivasa R , Jiang Fan 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARY

In a previous study, we identified prevalent internal elastic lamina (IEL) defects in the aorta of hyperlipidaemic apolipoprotein E (ApoE)‐deficient mice that are thought to provide a structural basis for the development of atherosclerosis and intimal thickening. In the present study, we examined the effects of losartan, an angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist, on the development of IEL defects.
Male 18‐week‐old ApoE‐deficient mice (maintained on a normal diet) were treated with losartan (3 or 30 mg/kg per day) for 10 weeks via the drinking water. The IEL defects were quantified histologically by measuring the continuity of the IEL within the inner curvature of the aortic arch.
In untreated animals, there was an age‐dependent increase in IEL defects from 7.2 ± 2.1% at 18 weeks to 13.8 ± 4.0% at 28 weeks. Treatment with the high dose of losartan significantly prevented the development of IEL defects (4.7 ± 1.3% at 28 weeks; P < 0.05 vs untreated). This effect was independent of changes in blood pressure or plasma lipid levels. Using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, we found that the effects of losartan were not associated with changes in levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 or inflammatory markers in the aorta.
The results suggest that the renin–angiotensin system may contribute to the development of aortic IEL defects in a blood pressure‐independent manner.
Stream order controls geomorphic heterogeneity and plant distribution in a savanna landscape
Authors: KHOMO LESEGO , ROGERS KEVIN H. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe posed the question: does viewing a savanna as a network of streams linked to a matrix of terrestrial hillslopes provide a useful framework to research and understand plant distribution in these landscapes? Our study area, the Phugwane River network, lies in the semi‐arid savanna of Kruger National Park, South Africa. We examined changes in hillslope geomorphology from first‐, third‐ and fifth‐order hillslopes with regression equations. The distribution of geomorphic boundaries was enumerated by moving window analysis and the relationship between geomorphology and plant distribution was explored through ordination. First‐order hillslopes had a simple geomorphology, fewer geomorphic boundaries and a relatively homogeneous plant assemblage. By contrast, fifth‐order hillslopes were more complex in geomorphology, with more boundaries and a relatively heterogeneous vegetation pattern. Stream order classification of a savanna drainage network resulted in landscape units distinguishable by geomorphology, geomorphic boundaries and vegetation pattern. Therefore, the drainage network is a useful template to expose and organize the complexity in savanna landscapes into easily managed and researched units. This perspective should inform a shift from single‐scale phytosociological views of homogeneous vegetation units towards multi‐scale conceptualizations of savannas as water dependent ecosystems.
Rodent pollination in the Cape legume Liparia parva
Authors: LETTEN ANDREW D. , MIDGLEY JEREMY J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractFlowers of Liparia parva from which rodents were excluded had lower seed‐set than open flowers. The rodent Acomys subspinosus was captured in the vicinity of this plant species and captures had substantial numbers of L. parva pollen in their scats. Captured individuals of A. subspinosus visited L. parva flowers in tanks and removed standard petals to obtain the nectar. Typical of rodent‐pollinated species, L. parva, flowered in winter and flowers mostly opened in the evenings and the stigma‐nectar distance was about 10 mm. This is the first evidence for rodent pollination in the large cosmopolitan family, the Fabaceae.
Thrombolytic therapy for management of complicated catheter‐related Candida albicans thrombophlebitis
Authors: Block A. A. , Thursky K. A. , Worth L. J. , Slavin M. A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn immunocompromised patients, endovascular infection due to Candida albicans is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recommended management includes removal of any existing central venous catheter. Rarely, complications of endocarditis or infected mural thrombi may arise, with poorer clinical outcomes. For large endoluminal lesions, particularly of the great vessels or those that are intra‐atrial, thrombolysis has been used in paediatric populations or before surgery for dissolution of infected thrombus. We describe the case of an adult patient with lung carcinoma who developed persisting candidaemia with a large endovascular fungal lesion adherent to the tip of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter. Local urokinase infusion enabled safe removal of the catheter without embolization. As an adjunct to antifungal therapy, local thrombolysis may play a contributory role in the management of central venous catheter‐related candidal septic thrombosis.
Identification of a novel region of the GABAB2 C‐terminus that regulates surface expression and neuronal targeting of the GABAB receptor
Authors: Pooler A. M. , Gray A. G. , McIlhinney R. A. J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractGABAB is a G protein‐coupled receptor composed of two subunits, GABAB1 and GABAB2. GABAB1 contains an endoplasmic reticulum‐retention sequence and is trafficked to the cell surface only in association with GABAB2. To determine whether the C‐terminus of GABAB2 regulates GABAB trafficking, we constructed forms of GABAB2 with various C‐terminal truncations and examined their surface expression. Truncation of GABAB2 after residue 841 significantly reduced surface expression of both the subunit and the heterodimerized receptor. Turnover of the Δ841 construct, however, did not differ from that of full‐length GABAB2. To determine whether the C‐terminus of GABAB2 might target GABAB to neurites, cultured hippocampal neurons were transfected with the truncated GABAB2 constructs. Truncation of GABAB2 at residue 841 resulted in primarily somatic localization; furthermore, axonal trafficking of this construct was significantly more restricted than dendritic trafficking. Finally, to biochemically assess trafficking of the truncated GABAB2 constructs, we digested transfected HEK293 cell lysates with endoglycosidase H. When GABAB2 was truncated at residue 841, it became sensitive to digestion by this enzyme, indicating incomplete trafficking. Taken together, these data show that the region of the GABAB2 C‐terminus between residues 841 and 862 is important for regulating forward trafficking and neuronal targeting of the GABAB receptor.
Changes in adult olfactory bulb neurogenesis in mice expressing the A30P mutant form of alpha‐synuclein
Authors: Marxreiter Franz , Nuber Silke , Kandasamy Mahesh , Klucken Jochen , Aigner Robert , Burgmayer Ralf , Couillard‐Despres Sebastien , Riess Olaf , Winkler Jürgen , Winner Beate 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), alpha‐synuclein pathology is present in the brain stem nuclei and olfactory bulb (OB) long before Lewy bodies are detected in the substantia nigra. The OB is an active region of adult neurogenesis, where newly generated neurons physiologically integrate. While accumulation of wild‐type alpha‐synuclein is one of the pathogenic hallmarks of non‐genetic forms of PD, the A30P alpha‐synuclein mutation results in an earlier disease onset and a severe clinical phenotype. Here, we study the regulation of adult neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ)/OB system in a tetracycline‐suppressive (tet‐off) transgenic model of synucleinopathies, expressing human mutant A30P alpha‐synuclein under the control of the calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMK) promoter. In A30P transgenic mice alpha‐synuclein was abundant at the site of integration in the glomerular cell layer of the OB. Without changes in proliferation in the SVZ, significantly fewer newly generated neurons were observed in the OB granule cell and glomerular layers of A30P transgenic mice than in controls, most probably due to increased cell death. By tetracycline‐dependent abrogation of A30P alpha‐synuclein expression, OB neurogenesis and programmed cell death was restored to control levels. Our results indicate that, using A30P conditional (tet‐off) mice, A30P alpha‐synuclein has a negative impact on olfactory neurogenesis and suppression of A30P alpha‐synuclein enhances survival of newly generated neurons. This finding suggests that interfering with alpha‐synuclein pathology can rescue newly generated neurons, possibly leading to new targets for therapeutic interventions in synucleinopathies.
Anti‐Nogo‐A antibody treatment promotes recovery of manual dexterity after unilateral cervical lesion in adult primates – re‐examination and extension of behavioral data
Authors: Freund Patrick , Schmidlin Eric , Wannier Thierry , Bloch Jocelyne , Mir Anis , Schwab Martin E. , Rouiller Eric M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn rodents and nonhuman primates subjected to spinal cord lesion, neutralizing the neurite growth inhibitor Nogo‐A has been shown to promote regenerative axonal sprouting and functional recovery. The goal of the present report was to re‐examine the data on the recovery of the primate manual dexterity using refined behavioral analyses and further statistical assessments, representing secondary outcome measures from the same manual dexterity test. Thirteen adult monkeys were studied; seven received an anti‐Nogo‐A antibody whereas a control antibody was infused into the other monkeys. Monkeys were trained to perform the modified Brinkman board task requiring opposition of index finger and thumb to grasp food pellets placed in vertically and horizontally oriented slots. Two parameters were quantified before and following spinal cord injury: (i) the standard ‘score’ as defined by the number of pellets retrieved within 30 s from the two types of slots; (ii) the newly introduced ‘contact time’ as defined by the duration of digit contact with the food pellet before successful retrieval. After lesion the hand was severely impaired in all monkeys; this was followed by progressive functional recovery. Remarkably, anti‐Nogo‐A antibody‐treated monkeys recovered faster and significantly better than control antibody‐treated monkeys, considering both the score for vertical and horizontal slots (Mann–Whitney test: P = 0.05 and 0.035, respectively) and the contact time (P = 0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Detailed analysis of the lesions excluded the possibility that this conclusion may have been caused by differences in lesion properties between the two groups of monkeys.
Age matters
Authors: McCutcheon James Edgar , Marinelli Michela 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe age of an experimental animal can be a critical variable, yet age matters are often overlooked within neuroscience. Many studies make use of young animals, without considering possible differences between immature and mature subjects. This is especially problematic when attempting to model traits or diseases that do not emerge until adulthood. In this commentary we discuss the reasons for this apparent bias in age of experimental animals, and illustrate the problem with a systematic review of published articles on long‐term potentiation. Additionally, we review the developmental stages of a rat and discuss the difficulty of using the weight of an animal as a predictor of its age. Finally, we provide original data from our laboratory and review published data to emphasize that development is an ongoing process that does not end with puberty. Developmental changes can be quantitative in nature, involving gradual changes, rapid switches, or inverted U‐shaped curves. Changes can also be qualitative. Thus, phenomena that appear to be unitary may be governed by different mechanisms at different ages. We conclude that selection of the age of the animals may be critically important in the design and interpretation of neurobiological studies.
The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the USA, the UK and Sweden: results from the Epidemiology of LUTS (EpiLUTS) study
Authors: Coyne Karin S. , Sexton Chris C. , Thompson Christine L. , Milsom Ian , Irwin Debra , Kopp Zoe S. , Chapple Christopher R. , Kaplan Steven , Tubaro Andrea , Aiyer Lalitha P. , Wein Alan J. 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo estimate and compare the prevalence and associated bother of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the general populations of the USA, UK and Sweden using current International Continence Society (ICS) definitions, as no previous population‐based studies evaluating the prevalence of LUTS in the USA, using the 2002 ICS definitions, have been conducted.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThis cross‐sectional, population‐representative survey was conducted via the Internet in the USA, the UK and Sweden. Members of Internet‐based panels were randomly selected to receive an e‐mailed invitation to participate. If interested, respondents selected a link to an informed consent page, followed by the survey. Participants were asked to rate how often they experienced individual LUTS during the previous 4 weeks, on a five‐point Likert scale, and, if experienced, how much the symptom bothered them. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and present the data.RESULTSResponses rates for the USA, the UK and Sweden were 59.6%, 60.6% and 52.3%, respectively, with a final sample of 30 000 (USA 20 000; UK 7500; Sweden 2500). The mean age (range) of the participants was 56.6 (40–99) years; the mean percentages for race were 82.9% white, 6.7% black, 6.0% Hispanic and 4.4% Asian/other. The prevalence of LUTS was defined by two symptom frequency thresholds, i.e. at least ‘sometimes’ and at least ‘often’ for all LUTS except incontinence, where frequency thresholds were at least ‘a few times per month’ and at least ‘a few times per week’. The prevalence of at least one LUTS at least ‘sometimes’ was 72.3% for men and 76.3% for women, and 47.9% and 52.5% for at least ‘often’ for men and women, respectively. For most LUTS, at least half of the participants were bothered ‘somewhat’ or more using a frequency threshold of at least ‘sometimes’. For a threshold of at least ‘often’, ‘somewhat’ or more bother was reported by ≥70% of participants except for terminal dribble in men and split stream in women.CONCLUSIONIn this large population study of three countries, LUTS are highly prevalent among men and women aged >40 years. In general, LUTS experienced ‘often’ or more are bothersome to most people.