bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of the Cyclic AMP‐Responsive Element Binding Protein Gene Transcription Factor in Genetic Preference for Alcohol Drinking Behavior
Authors: Pandey Subhash C. , Mittal Navdha , Lumeng Lawrence , Li Ting‐Kai 
Published: May 2006

Background:Cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP)‐responsive element binding (CREB) protein is a gene transcription factor that can integrate the signals mediated via the cAMP second messenger cascade at the gene expression level, which then controls neuronal functions.Methods:To examine if the protein kinase A → CREB signaling cascade is involved in genetic alcohol drinking preference, different measures of CREB were determined in various brain structures of alcohol‐preferring (P) and alcohol‐nonpreferring (NP) rats.Results:We show here that CRE‐DNA binding activity is significantly decreased in the amygdala but not in the cortex, hippocampus, or striatum of P rats compared with NP rats. The levels of total CREB and phosphorylated CREB protein in the amygdala are significantly lower in P rats compared with NP rats. On the other hand, levels of the α‐isoform of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A protein, and basal as well as cAMP‐stimulated protein kinase A activity are similar in the amygdala of both P and NP rats.Conclusions:Because P and NP rats are genetically bred for high and low alcohol drinking behavior, respectively, these results suggest the possibility that decreased expression of CREB protein in the amygdala may be associated with the high alcohol drinking behavior of P rats.
Michaelis‐Menten Elimination Kinetics of Acetate in Rabbit
Authors: Fujimiya Tatsuya , Li Yu‐Jiang , Uemura Koichi , Ohbora Yumiko 
Published: May 2006

Background: Acetate redistribution from hepatic to peripheral tissues was reported during ethanol metabolism when saturating conditions were reached for acetate metabolism. Because this redistribution cannot be clarified by linear kinetics, elimination kinetics of acetate was studied in the rabbit.Methods: A sodium‐acetate solution in physiological saline (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg of body weight) was injected as an intravenous bolus. The blood acetate profile was measured by headspace gas chromatography.Results: Blood acetate disappeared rapidly. Statistical moment analysis of the blood acetate profiles showed that the normalized area under the curve and the mean residence time increased with an increasing dose amount. These increases suggested a capacity‐limited elimination of acetate. Simultaneous multilines fitting after two acetate doses was used to estimate the pharmacokinetic model by the application of minimum Akaike's information criterion estimation. As a result, the blood acetate concentration‐time curve was best described by a two‐compartment open model with Michaelis‐Menten elimination kinetics. The Vmax value was approximately two times larger than that of ethanol obtained by using the same compartment model. The Km value (1.5 mM) was almost the same as that of ethanol and corresponded to blood acetate levels during ethanol oxidation that had been reported to be approximately 2 mM.Conclusion: The elimination of acetate obeys nonlinear kinetics, which can clarify the saturation of acetate metabolism.
Use of Colonic Luminal Pressure to Predict Outcome After Surgical Treatment of Strangulating Large Colon Volvulus in Horses
Authors: MATHIS STEPHANIE C. , SLONE DONNIE E. , LYNCH TIMOTHY M. , HUGHES FAITH E. , CLARK CAROL K. 
Published: May 2006

Objective—To evaluate the relationship of colonic luminal pressure (CLP) measurements to outcome in horses with large colon volvulus (LCV) after either manual correction or large colon resection and anastomosis (LCRA).Study Design—Retrospective study.Animals—Horses (n=57) that had LCV.Methods—Records for horses with LCV (March 1997–December 2003) were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were strangulating LCV proximal to the cecocolic ligament (>270°), recorded CLP, and successful recovery from anesthesia. CLP measurements and survival/mortality rates were compared between horses that had manual correction (M) or LCRA (R).Results—Of 57 horses, 27 had M and 30 had LCRA. For group M, CLP measurements had a sensitivity of 0.60 and specificity of 0.77 for predicting survival, whereas for group R, sensitivity was 0.50 and specificity was 0.54.Conclusion—In our LCV population, elevated CLP measurements had poor accuracy for predicting outcome in horses after surgical correction, especially after LCRA.Clinical Relevance—CLP measurements based on a single hospital population of horses with LCV should be used with caution for other hospital populations of LCV. CLP may be only one of many variables needed for predicting outcome of horses with strangulating LCV, especially after LCRA.
Clinical Evaluation of the CRIF 4.5/5.5 System for Long‐Bone Fracture Repair in Cattle
Authors: GAMPER SIMONE , STEINER ADRIAN , NUSS KARL , OHLERTH STEFANIE , FÜRST ANTON , FERGUSON JAMES G. , AUER JOERG A. , LISCHER CHRISTOPH 
Published: May 2006

Objective— To report clinical evaluation of the clamp rod internal fixator 4.5/5.5 (CRIF 4.5/5.5) in bovine long‐bone fracture repair.Study Design— Retrospective study.Animals— Cattle (n=22) with long‐bone fractures.Methods— Records for cattle with long‐bone fractures repaired between 1999 and 2004 with CRIF 4.5/5.5 were reviewed. Quality of fracture repair, fracture healing, and clinical outcome were investigated by means of clinical examination, medical records, radiographs, and telephone questionnaire.Results— Successful long‐term outcome was achieved in 18 cattle (82%); 4 were euthanatized 2–14 days postoperatively because of fracture breakdowns. Two cattle had movement of clamps on the rod. Moderate to severe callus formation was evident in 11 cattle 6 months postoperatively.Conclusions— Movement of clamps on the rod was recognized as implant failure unique to the CRIF. This occurred in cattle with poor fracture stability because of an extensive cortical defect. The CRIF system may not be ideal to treat metacarpal/metatarsal fractures because its voluminous size makes skin closure difficult, thereby increasing the risk of postoperative infections.Clinical Relevance— CRIF cannot be recommended for repair of complicated long‐bone fractures in cattle.
Partial Prostatectomy Using Nd:YAG Laser for Management of Canine Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: L'Eplattenier Henry F. , Van Nimwegen Sebastiaan A. , Van Sluijs Frederik J. , Kirpensteijn Jolle 
Published: May 2006

Objective—To report a technique for partial prostatectomy by laser dissection and to evaluate outcome and complications in dogs with prostate carcinoma (PCA).Study Design—Experimental and clinical case series.Animals—Four normal dogs and 8 dogs with PCA.Methods—Subcapsular partial prostatectomy, sparing the urethra and the dorsal aspect of the prostatic capsule, using Nd:YAG laser dissection to remove the prostatic parenchyma and control hemorrhage was performed in 4 normal dogs and subsequently in 8 dogs with histologically confirmed PCA. Additional treatment of PCA dogs included local application of interleukin‐2 and systemic administration of meloxicam. Prostate size, complications, and survival time were recorded. Laser‐associated thermal damage to surrounding tissue was evaluated by histology.Results—In normal dogs, no damage to the dorsal prostatic capsule or urethra was detected. In PCA dogs, median survival was 103 days (range, 5–239 days). Three dogs died from complications within 16 days, whereas 5 (median survival, 183 days; range, 91–239 days) had improvement or resolution of clinical signs. Urinary incontinence did not occur.Conclusion—Laser assisted subcapsular partial prostatectomy can be performed in dogs with PCA without development of postoperative incontinence.Clinical Relevance—Subcapsular partial prostatectomy is a potential palliative treatment for PCA in dogs and may lead to the resolution of clinical signs for several months.
INSTRUMENTAL AND SENSORY EVALUATION OF TEXTURAL CHANGES DURING ROASTING OF CASHEW KERNELS
Authors: WANLAPA APINUN , JINDAL V.K. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT Textural changes in cashew kernels roasted in hot‐air oven at controlled temperatures in the range of 140–180C for 30–120 min were studied using both instrumental and sensory evaluations. The Kramer shear force decreased exponentially, whereas the color lightness index and the total color difference exhibited linear relationships with roasting time at all temperatures. The changes in sensory parameters such as acceptability, appearance and taste were adequately described by third‐degree polynomials. The optimum roasting conditions for cashew kernels based on hedonic sensory evaluations were determined to be 140C–33.3 min, 160C–11.2 min and 180C–5.7 min, and resulted in similar values of Kramer shear force and color lightness index estimated from the developed models. The instrumental measurements could be used for monitoring the roasting process to produce optimally roasted cashew kernels.
Agile methods in biomedical software development: a multi-site experience report
Authors: Kane David W , Hohman Moses M , Cerami Ethan G , McCormick Michael W , Kuhlmman Karl F , Byrd Jeff A 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Agile is an iterative approach to software development that relies on strong collaboration and automation to keep pace with dynamic environments. We have successfully used agile development approaches to create and maintain biomedical software, including software for bioinformatics. This paper reports on a qualitative study of our experiences using these methods.

Results
We have found that agile methods are well suited to the exploratory and iterative nature of scientific inquiry. They provide a robust framework for reproducing scientific results and for developing clinical support systems. The agile development approach also provides a model for collaboration between software engineers and researchers. We present our experience using agile methodologies in projects at six different biomedical software development organizations. The organizations include academic, commercial and government development teams, and included both bioinformatics and clinical support applications. We found that agile practices were a match for the needs of our biomedical projects and contributed to the success of our organizations.

Conclusion
We found that the agile development approach was a good fit for our organizations, and that these practices should be applicable and valuable to other biomedical software development efforts. Although we found differences in how agile methods were used, we were also able to identify a set of core practices that were common to all of the groups, and that could be a focus for others seeking to adopt these methods.
Pesticide exposure: the hormonal function of the female reproductive system disrupted?
Authors: Bretveld Reini W , Thomas Chris MG , Scheepers Paul TJ , Zielhuis Gerhard A , Roeleveld Nel 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Some pesticides may interfere with the female hormonal function, which may lead to negative effects on the reproductive system through disruption of the hormonal balance necessary for proper functioning. Previous studies primarily focused on interference with the estrogen and/or androgen receptor, but the hormonal function may be disrupted in many more ways through pesticide exposure. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the various ways in which pesticides may disrupt the hormonal function of the female reproductive system and in particular the ovarian cycle. Disruption can occur in all stages of hormonal regulation: 1. hormone synthesis; 2. hormone release and storage; 3. hormone transport and clearance; 4. hormone receptor recognition and binding; 5. hormone postreceptor activation; 6. the thyroid function; and 7. the central nervous system. These mechanisms are described for effects of pesticide exposure in vitro and on experimental animals in vivo. For the latter, potential effects of endocrine disrupting pesticides on the female reproductive system, i.e. modulation of hormone concentrations, ovarian cycle irregularities, and impaired fertility, are also reviewed. In epidemiological studies, exposure to pesticides has been associated with menstrual cycle disturbances, reduced fertility, prolonged time-to-pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, stillbirths, and developmental defects, which may or may not be due to disruption of the female hormonal function. Because pesticides comprise a large number of distinct substances with dissimilar structures and diverse toxicity, it is most likely that several of the above-mentioned mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiological pathways explaining the role of pesticide exposure in ovarian cycle disturbances, ultimately leading to fertility problems and other reproductive effects. In future research, information on the ways in which pesticides may disrupt the hormonal function as described in this review, can be used to generate specific hypotheses for studies on the effects of pesticides on the ovarian cycle, both in toxicological and epidemiological settings.
Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to healthy eating behaviors in urban Native American youth
Authors: Fila Stefanie A , Smith Chery 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
To investigate the efficacy of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict healthy eating behavior in a group of urban Native American youth.

Methods
Native American boys and girls (n = 139), ages 9–18 years old, were given a self-administered survey to assess eating behavior using the TBP constructs (intention, attitude, subjective norm, barriers, self-efficacy, and perceived behavioral control). Youth were also measured for height and weight and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Bivariate correlations and stepwise regression analyses of TBP model were performed with SPSS software.

Results
No association was found between intention and healthy eating behavior. However, independently healthy eating behavior was correlated with barriers (0.46), attitude (0.44), perceived behavioral control (0.35), and subjective norm (0.34). The most predictive barriers to eating healthy included the availability and taste of foods. Boys' eating behavior was most predicted by subjective norm, while girls' eating behavior was most predicted by barriers.

Conclusion
Lack of association between intention and healthy eating behavior suggests that factors other than intentions may drive healthy eating behaviors in urban Native American youth. Results indicate that programs promoting healthy eating to youth might focus on collaborating with families to make healthy foods more appealing to youth.
Isolation and characterization of a new simian rotavirus, YK-1
Authors: Westerman Larry E , Jiang Baoming , McClure Harold M , Snipes-Magaldi Lauren J , Griffin Dixie D , Shin Gary , Gentsch Jon R , Glass Roger I 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundTo effectively analyze the requirements for protection to rotavirus infection, a reliable animal model that reasonably mimics infection and disease in humans is needed. A requirement for an effective animal model is the availability of appropriate rotavirus stocks for challenge.ResultsA new simian rotavirus, designated YK-1, was isolated from a 2-year-old immunodeficient pigtailed macaque with chronic diarrhea. YK-1 was distinguishable by electropherotype from the other simian rotavirus strains, SA11 and RRV. One variant of YK-1, clone 311, which was isolated after adaptation and plaque purification in cell cultures, displayed an unusual RNA electropherotype with an abnormally migrating gene 11 segment. Sequence analysis demonstrated a genetic rearrangement that involved a partial duplication of the gene 11 ORF encoding NSP5. YK-1 was identified as a Group A rotavirus belonging to subgroup 1. To further characterize the YK-1 strain, the genes encoding VP4, VP7, and NSP4 were sequenced. Analysis of VP4 and VP7 gene fragments suggests that this strain is a G3P[3] rotavirus and is closely related to the simian rotavirus strain RRV. Serotype analysis also identified YK-1 as a G3 rotavirus. The NSP4 genotype of YK-1 is C, the same genotype as RRV.ConclusionThis newly isolated rotavirus, YK-1, is being used to establish a nonhuman primate model for studying the infectivity, immunity, and pathogenesis of rotavirus and for evaluating candidate rotavirus vaccines.
The role of single N-glycans in proteolytic processing and cell surface transport of the Lassa virus glycoprotein GP-C
Authors: Eichler Robert , Lenz Oliver , Garten Wolfgang , Strecker Thomas 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Lassa virus glycoprotein is synthesised as a precursor (preGP-C) into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. After cotranslational cleavage of the signal peptide, the immature GP-C is posttranslationally processed into the N-terminal subunit GP-1 and the C-terminal subunit GP-2 by the host cell subtilase SKI-1/S1P. The glycoprotein precursor contains eleven potential N-glycosylation sites. In this report, we investigated the effect of each N-glycan on proteolytic cleavage and cell surface transport by disrupting the consensus sequences of eleven potential N-glycan attachment sites individually. Five glycoprotein mutants with disrupted N-glycosylation sites were still proteolytically processed, whereas the remaining N-glycosylation sites are necessary for GP-C cleavage. Despite the lack of proteolytic processing, all cleavage-defective mutants were transported to the cell surface and remained completely endo H-sensitive. The findings indicate that N-glycans are needed for correct conformation of GP-C in order to be cleaved by SKI-1/S1P.
Predictive Factors for Interstitial Lung Disease, Antitumor Response, and Survival in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Gefitinib
Authors: Ando Masahiko , Okamoto Isamu , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Takeda Koji , Tamura Kenji , Seto Takashi , Ariyoshi Yutaka , Fukuoka Masahiro 
Published: May 2006

Purpose Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a serious adverse effect of gefitinib, but its prevalence and risk factors remain largely unknown. We examined the prevalence of and risk factors for gefitinib-induced ILD associated with practical use of the drug in Japanese with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods Clinical information was retrospectively assembled for NSCLC patients who started gefitinib treatment at affiliated institutions of the West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group between August 31 and December 31, 2002. Medical records of patients who developed pulmonary infiltrates were reviewed by a central committee of extramural experts for identification of patients with gefitinib-induced ILD. Multivariate logistic or Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictive factors for ILD, antitumor response, and survival. Results Seventy cases of and 31 deaths from gefitinib-induced ILD were identified among 1,976 consecutively treated patients at 84 institutions, corresponding to a prevalence of 3.5% and mortality of 1.6%. Gefitinib-induced ILD was significantly associated with male sex, a history of smoking, and coincidence of interstitial pneumonia (odds ratios = 3.10, 4.79, and 2.89, respectively). Predictive factors for response were female sex, no history of smoking, adenocarcinoma histology, metastatic disease, and good performance status (PS), whereas predictive factors for survival were female sex, no history of smoking, adenocarcinoma histology, nonmetastatic disease, good PS, and previous chest surgery. Conclusion ILD is a serious adverse effect of gefitinib in the clinical setting that cannot be ignored. However, patient selection based on sex and smoking history can minimize ILD risk and maximize the clinical benefit of gefitinib.
Citrus Oil and MgCl2 as Antibacterial and Anti‐Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Mizrahi Boaz , Shapira Lior , Domb Abraham J. , Houri‐Haddad Yael 
Published: May 2006

Background: The antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory properties of Dead Sea magnesium chloride (MgCl2), citrus oil, and their combination were investigated. Citrus oil is composed of monoterpenes, in particular D‐limonene, which is known to inhibit growth of bacteria, fungi, and certain parasites.Methods: Inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro was used to evaluate the antibacterial effect of a mixture of Dead Sea magnesium chloride and citrus oil and of each of the components. A subcutaneous chamber model in mice was used to assess the anti‐inflammatory effect of the mixture and the individual components. Leukocyte migration, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) secretion, and interleukin (IL)‐10 secretion were determined. Hydrocortisone was used as a positive control.Results: Citrus oil had an antibacterial effect with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1 mg/ml, whereas MgCl2 at concentrations up to 10 mg/ml did not exhibit any antibacterial activity. However, a mixture of 10 mg/ml MgCl2 and 0.25 mg/ml citrus oil dramatically increased inhibition of bacterial growth. The combination of MgCl2 and the citrus oil resulted in lower levels of TNF‐α and leukocyte migration while maintaining the levels of IL‐10 compared to the control.Conclusion: These findings suggest that a mixture of citrus oil and MgCl2 could be used as a natural antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory agent.
Statin Use and Tooth Loss in Chronic Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Cunha‐Cruz J. , Saver B. , Maupome G. , Hujoel P.P. 
Published: May 2006

Background: Statins have anti‐inflammatory and bone stimulating properties that may positively affect chronic periodontitis. Our objective in this study was to evaluate whether statin use by chronic periodontitis patients had a beneficial impact on tooth loss.Methods: In a retrospective cohort study (N patients = 1,021; mean follow‐up = 7.1 years), dental records were merged with pharmacy data. Any statin use during 3 years, statin use during each of 3 consecutive years (regular use), and any statin use during the first 3 years after the initial periodontal exam were evaluated as predictors of tooth loss using negative binomial regression models with adjustment for potential confounding factors.Results: Any statin use during 3 years was not associated with tooth loss rate in the year subsequent to the 3‐year period (rate ratio [RR] = 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56 to 1.81). Regular statin use during 3 years was associated with a non‐significant 37% reduced tooth loss rate in the year subsequent to the 3‐year period (RR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.32 to 1.25). Any statin use during the first 3 years after the initial periodontal exam was associated with a 48% decreased tooth loss rate in year 4 and subsequent years (RR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.95).Conclusions: Our findings were mixed for an association of statin use with reduced tooth loss in chronic periodontitis patients. Lack of control for some potential confounders, particularly smoking, and evaluation of different patterns of statin usage hamper the interpretation of the results. Exploration of these findings in additional epidemiological studies may be worthwhile.