bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Review of Serological Investigations of Brucellosis Among Farm Animals and Humans in Northern Provinces of Iraq (1974–2004)
Authors: Shareef J. M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBrucellosis is an endemic anthropozoonotic disease in most Middle East countries including Iraq. It causes considerable loss of economy and energy, particularly in the rural areas. Since 1966 when the prevalence of brucella agglutinin from slaughtered sheep and goat was reported in Baghdad, several trials have been conducted including serological studies of brucellosis in the northern provinces of Iraq (Nainava, Duhok, Erbil, Kirkuk and Sulaimani). Humans, sheep, goats, cattle and buffalo have been involved. The studies also included isolation and identification of Brucella species, including B. abortus, B. melitensis and B. ovis. Local veterinary authorities, international organizations, universities and some NGOs have been involved. Moreover, limited efforts have been reported concerning the control and eradication of the disease among goats and sheep in some restricted areas. A limited vaccination program for newborn lambs and kids also has been conducted by the FAO, which was involved in the veterinary emergency plan for brucellosis in 2000. Northern provinces share an extensive border with Iran, Turkey and Syria, in addition to the direct and intimate contacts with other provinces of Iraq, which share borders with Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Hence any strategic planning for the control or eradication of this devastating anthropozoonotic disease in the country should be implemented regionally and not locally.
The Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis in Buffalo in Iran
Authors: Tadayon K. , Mosavari N. , Shahmoradi A. H. , Sadeghi F. , Azarvandi A. , Forbes K. 
Published: November 2006

Summary Mycobacterium bovis is the cause of bovine tuberculosis (bovine Tb) in animals and is considered to be zoonotic and accordingly it infects humans, although cattle are the main host. Buffalo can also be infected and develop bovine Tb. In Iran, almost half a million buffaloes are farmed, mainly in three provinces. In West Azerbaijan, which has the largest numbers of buffaloes, cattle and buffalo are often farmed together. According to the reports of the Iranian Veterinary Organization over the last 25 years, there have been no reports of bovine Tb in buffalo, although the disease is often reported in cattle in this province. Eighteen and 140 pathology specimens from cattle and buffalo, respectively, collected from West Azerbaijani abattoirs were cultured. From one buffalo specimen out of 140, M. bovis was recovered, whereas the pathogen was isolated from 13 cattle specimens. Spoligotyping showed a relatively higher polymorphism within these isolates compared with M. bovis isolated from other Iranian provinces.
Development of calcium releasing activity induced by inositol trisphosphate and cyclic ADP‐ribose during in vitro maturation of sea urchin oocytes
Authors: Miyata Ken , Nakano Takashi , Kuroda Ritsu , Kuroda Hideyo 
Published: November 2006

During fertilization of sea urchin eggs, the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) transiently increases (Ca2+ transient). Increased [Ca2+]i results from a rapid release from intracellular stores, mediated by one or both of two signaling pathways; inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) and IP3 receptor (IP3R) or cyclic GMP (cGMP), cyclic ADP‐ribose (cADPR) and ryanodine receptor (RyR). During fertilization, cGMP and cADPR increase preceding the Ca2+ transient, suggesting their contribution to this. If the RyR pathway contributed to the Ca2+ transient, its Ca2+ releasing activity would develop in parallel with that of the IP3 system during maturation of oocytes. Sea urchin oocytes were cultivated in vitro and Ca2+ transients induced by photolysis of caged IP3 or caged cADPR were measured during maturation. Oocytes spontaneously began to maturate in seawater. More than 50% of oocytes underwent germinal vesicle breakdown within 25 h and the second meiosis within 35 h, but it took more than 24 h until they became functionally identical to in vivo‐matured eggs. Both IP3 and cADPR induced Ca2+ transients comparable to those of in vivo‐matured eggs later than 24 h from the second meiosis. However, cADPR induced a small Ca2+ transient even before meiosis, whereas IP3 and sperm almost did not.
Creep deformation and rupture behaviour of directionally solidified GTD 111 superalloy
Authors: IBANEZ A. R. , SRINIVASAN V. S. , SAXENA ASHOK 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe creep behaviour of directionally solidified (DS) Ni‐base superalloy GTD 111 has been investigated at various temperatures (649 °C to 982 °C) and stresses (124 MPa to 896 MPa). Specimens machined in longitudinal and transverse directions with respect to the grain orientation from three batches of the material were tested. The specimens in the longitudinal direction consistently exhibited higher creep rupture life and creep ductility than specimens from the transverse direction. There were some systematic variations in creep deformation and rupture behaviour among specimens from different batches. Optical and scanning electron microscopy investigations were conducted to understand the creep rupture behaviour. Various deformation and rupture models were evaluated for representing the creep behaviour of the alloy and a neural network model was applied to creep rupture data to assess its predictive capability.
Melanoma/skin cancer screening in a Mediterranean country: results of the Euromelanoma Screening Day Campaign in Greece
Authors: Stratigos A , Nikolaou V , Kedicoglou S , Antoniou C , Stefanaki I , Haidemenos G , Katsambas AD 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  Since the year 2000 a melanoma/skin cancer screening campaign has been organized annually in Greece in the context of the Euromelanoma Screening Day Campaign.Objectives  We aimed to analyse the characteristics of the screened population, to recognize relevant risk factors and to identify the cases of histologically confirmed malignant melanoma (MM) in individuals with suspicious skin lesions.Methods  An analysis of the completed screening forms from the years 2000–2004 was performed with respect to relevant demographic, epidemiological and clinical data.Results  A total of 9723 individuals were screened, most of whom where below the age of 50 years (71%), female (59%), and of skin phototype II and III (76%). Sunburn during childhood was reported in 47% of participants, while 5% of the screened population had a personal or family history of melanoma. On clinical examination, 14.4% had actinic keratoses, 31.2% had dysplastic nevi, while 6.4% carried a presumptive diagnosis of non‐melanoma skin cancer. In the 2003–2004 screening campaign, 19 out of the 171 clinically suspicious lesions were histologically proven to be MM, the majority of which (58%) were ‘thin’ melanomas (Breslow's thickness of ≤ 1 mm) of the superficial spreading type.Conclusions  Our study suggested that, a melanoma/skin cancer screening programme in a Mediterranean country, supported by an intense publicity campaign, attracted many individuals at risk for skin cancer and detected mostly thin melanomas of the superficial spreading type.
Fear acquisition requires awareness in trace but not delay conditioning
Authors: Weike Almut I. , Schupp Harald T. , Hamm Alfons O. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe present study explored fear acquisition in differential delay versus trace conditioning in regard to the potential role of the acquired contingency awareness. One of two neutral pictures (CS+) either coterminated with (delay group;n=32) or was followed by the aversive unconditioned stimulus (UCS) after CS offset (trace group;n=32), while startle blink and skin conductance responses (SCR) were measured. As expected, the acquisition of conditioned startle potentiation in delay conditioning was independent of contingency awareness. In contrast, fear‐potentiated startle in trace conditioning was only observed for those participants who were aware of the CS–UCS contingencies. SCR conditioning was generally only obtained for aware participants. The present results suggest a more implicit learning process in delay fear conditioning, whereas the explicit acquisition of contingency awareness might be a prerequisite for trace fear conditioning.
Differential roles of Rap1 and Rap2 small GTPases in neurite retraction and synapse elimination in hippocampal spiny neurons
Authors: Fu Zhanyan , Lee Sang Hyoung , Simonetta Alyson , Hansen Jonathan , Sheng Morgan , Pak Daniel T. S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe Rap family of small GTPases is implicated in the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, particularly synaptic depression. Here we studied the role of Rap in neuronal morphogenesis and synaptic transmission in cultured neurons. Constitutively active Rap2 expressed in hippocampal pyramidal neurons caused decreased length and complexity of both axonal and dendritic branches. In addition, Rap2 caused loss of dendritic spines and spiny synapses, and an increase in filopodia‐like protrusions and shaft synapses. These Rap2 morphological effects were absent in aspiny interneurons. In contrast, constitutively active Rap1 had no significant effect on axon or dendrite morphology. Dominant‐negative Rap mutants increased dendrite length, indicating that endogenous Rap restrains dendritic outgrowth. The amplitude and frequency of α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate (AMPA)‐mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) decreased in hippocampal neurons transfected with active Rap1 or Rap2, associated with reduced surface and total levels of AMPA receptor subunit GluR2. Finally, increasing synaptic activity with GABAA receptor antagonists counteracted Rap2’s inhibitory effect on dendrite growth, and masked the effects of Rap1 and Rap2 on AMPA‐mediated mEPSCs. Rap1 and Rap2 thus have overlapping but distinct actions that potentially link the inhibition of synaptic transmission with the retraction of axons and dendrites.
Development of a new canine osteosarcoma cell line
Authors: Séguin B. , Zwerdling T. , McCallan J. L. , DeCock H. E. V. , Dewe L. L. , Naydan D. K. , Young A. E. , Bannasch D. L. , Foreman O. , Kent M. S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractEstablishing a canine osteosarcoma (OSA) cell line can be useful to develop in vivo and in vitro models of OSA. The goal of this study was to develop, characterize and authenticate a new canine OSA cell line and a clone. A cell line and a clone were developed with standard cell culture techniques from a naturally occurring OSA in a dog. The clonal cell line induced a tumour after injection in RAG 1‐deficient mouse. Histology was consistent with OSA. The original tumour from the dog and the tumour induced in the mouse were both reactive with vimentin and osteonectin (ON). The parent cell line and clonal cell line were reactive with ON, osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase. Loss of heterozygosity was found in the same three microsatellite markers in the parent and clonal cell lines, and the tumour tissue grown in the mouse.
Hispanic Ethnicity, Gender, and the Change in the LEP‐Earnings Penalty in the United States During the 1990s*
Authors: Mora Marie T. , Dávila Alberto 
Published: November 2006

Objective. Although studies suggest that the earnings of limited‐English‐proficient (LEP) Hispanic men have recently improved relative to the English fluent, it remains unclear as to whether specific Hispanic groups experienced similar improvements.Methods. Using 1990 and 2000 U.S. Census data, this study employs regression, wage decomposition, and quantile regression analyses to examine how gender and Hispanic ethnicity relate to the LEP‐earnings penalty.Results. The LEP‐earnings penalty fell significantly for Mexican‐American men between 1990 and 2000. However, additional results suggest that this penalty increased for Cuban‐American men and women (and, to a lesser extent, for Mexican‐American women).Conclusions. Expanding trade and ethnic networks as well as reduced statistical discrimination have not systematically benefited all LEP Hispanic populations. Therefore, policies designed to enhance English‐language proficiency may yield heterogeneous socioeconomic outcomes along the ethnic, gender, and income class dimensions.
Stepwise Catheter Ablation of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation:Importance of Discrete Anatomic Sites for Termination
Authors: JAÏS PIERRE , O'NEILL MARK D. , TAKAHASHI YOSHIHIDE , JÖNSSON ANDERS , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , SACHER FRÉDÉRIC , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN , KODALI SATHISH , ROSTOCK THOMAS , ROTTER MARTIN , CLÉMENTY JACQUES , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL 
Published: November 2006

Background: Chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) can be acutely terminated using a combination of approaches targeting thoracic veins, left atrial areas showing rapid/heterogeneous electrical activity, and by linear ablation. This observational study emphasizes the crucial role for conventional endocardial mapping to identify discrete anatomical sites, ablation of which is indispensable for the achievement of atrial fibrillation (AF) termination. Methods: Eighty consecutive patients with CAF underwent catheter ablation using the stepwise approach. Pulmonary vein isolation and roof‐line ablation were performed as the initial two steps in all patients. In the presence of locally rapid or heterogeneous activity, ablation was then performed at all sites within the left atrium and coronary sinus (CS) region with the endpoint of local organization or slowing. If AF persisted, the mitral isthmus was targeted. Patients in whom AF terminated during one of these five ablation steps were differentiated from those in whom AF was terminated by radiofrequency ablation at a single discrete anatomic site within 1 minute. Electrograms at discrete anatomic sites of termination were classified according to morphology. Results: Termination of AF was achieved in 69 (86%) patients by ablation alone. In 50 patients (72%), this occurred while following the predetermined ablation schema. In the remaining 19 patients (28%), ablation targeting a discrete site (preferentially located at the CS, the base of left atrial appendage, and the interatrial septum) terminated AF. Such sites were identified by (1) continuous electrical activity and fractionation and (2) bursts of short cycle activity (130–160 msec), centrifugal activation or local activation gradients, indicating sources perpetuating AF. Conclusion: In 28% of patients with termination of CAF, the final successful ablation site is anatomically discrete and displays electrophysiological characteristics that can be effectively identified by point and activation mapping. Failure to identify these sites may significantly reduce the likelihood of termination of CAF by catheter ablation.
Th1 and Th2 cytokine gene polymorphisms in two indigenous ethnic groups in Iran
Authors: Amirzargar A. , Sadeghi M. , Khosravi F. , Dianat S. , Naroueynejad M. , Nicknam M. H. , Hatmi N. , Ansaripour B. , Moradi B. , Nikbin B. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractCytokines are important immunomodulatory molecules in immune responses against microorganisms and also have an important role in the setting of disorders affecting immune system. Cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms have been extensively studied in different normal populations as well as in relation to diseases. Some of these polymorphisms (SNP) affect cytokine gene transcription and expression. The polymorphisms of cytokine genes are potentially important as genetic predictors of the disease susceptibility and clinical outcome or as a tool for anthropological studies. In this study, samples have been collected from 261 healthy individuals located in two different regions of Iran (Tehran and Yazd). The allele and genotype frequencies of Th1 and Th2 cytokines SNP including interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interferon (IFN)‐γ have been investigated, using the polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐specific primer method.The allele and genotype frequencies in Tehran and Yazd populations were similar except for the IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6 and IL‐10. The IL‐4 C allele, C/C −33 and T/T −1098 genotype were significantly more frequent in Tehran than in Yazd population (P = 0.04, P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively). The G/A genotype of the IL‐6 (nt565) and IL‐10 (−1082) was significantly less frequent in Tehran than in Yazd population (P = 0.01 and P = 0.003, respectively). The GT haplotype of the IL‐2 (−330, +166) was significantly less frequent in Tehran than in Yazd population (P = 0.0002).We have also compared our whole samples with the reported data from other countries showing that Iranian population have cytokine gene polymorphism profile similar to that of Caucasians, especially Italian population.
Caring connections with older persons with dementia in an acute hospital setting – a hermeneutic interpretation of the staff nurse's experience
Authors: Nolan Louise 
Published: November 2006

Background:  The literature highlights the challenges inherent in caring for older persons with dementia in the acute care context. However despite concerns relating to the quality of care available to persons with dementia in this setting, there is a paucity of research with which to guide practice. Specifically the existing literature lacks in‐depth knowledge on nurses’ experiences.Aim:  The aim of this paper is to report the findings of a study exploring nurses’ experiences of caring for older persons with dementia in an acute hospital setting.Methods:  Using a hermeneutic approach, a purposive sample of seven nurses was interviewed regarding the research phenomenon. Interview texts were subjected to thematic content analysis. Multiple data sources were employed to expand the horizon of understanding including: the textual data, personal and professional understandings, reflective journal data and conceptual frameworks derived from theoretical and research literature. The data were collected in 2002.Results:  The findings reported here relate to the theme ‘Meeting the patient as a person’. Meaningful care for the older person with dementia in the acute context required a respectful connection with the patient as person, which required establishing a bond with the person. The meaning of the caring experience was found to relate to the personhood of both the nurse and the patient, experienced within the context of relationship. To make this connection it was necessary to work with those who knew the patient best i.e. relatives/carers.Conclusions:  Despite the contextual limitations of the acute setting, the importance of knowing and respecting the person with dementia and the centrality of relationship as the medium within which caring is experienced is demonstrated. However, nurses lack specific knowledge on which to base care. Further research is therefore recommended to identify how care which promotes the integrity of the person with dementia may be effectively operationalized across the acute care setting.
Detecting Immunoglobulin M Antibodies against Microsporidian
Encephalitozoon cuniculi
Polar Tubes in Sera from Healthy and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Persons in Japan
Authors: Omura Mako , Furuya Koji , Kudo Shinichi , Sugiura Wataru , Azuma Hiroshi 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Encephalitozoon cuniculi
, a spore-forming obligate intracellular parasitic pathogen belonging to the phylum Microsporidia, has a unique and highly specialized organelle called the polar tube. Using an enzyme immunostaining assay in which germinated
E. cuniculi
spores were coated onto plastic surfaces, we tested healthy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals in Japan for anti-polar tube antibodies of each immunoglobulin (Ig) class. Anti-polar tube IgG was detected in just 4 of 380 healthy individuals; no anti-polar tube IgA was detected in any individuals; however, unexpectedly, anti-polar tube IgM antibodies were detected in 138 individuals (36%). When the healthy individuals were grouped by age, the highest rate of positivity to anti-polar tube IgM antibodies was seen in individuals aged 20 years old or younger. Fifty-nine percent (24/41) of the individuals aged 20 years or younger were anti-polar tube IgM antibody positive. This rate tended to decrease among individuals in older age groups. However, no anti-polar tube IgM antibodies were detected in 21 HIV-infected persons who were younger than 30 years of age and who had CD4 cell levels below 250/μl. These seroepidemiological results clearly indicate that circulating anti-polar tube IgM antibodies that are capable of strongly reacting with filaments extruded from geminated spores exist and suggest that such antibodies may play a part in protective immunity.
CbgA, a Protein Involved in Cortex Formation and Stress Resistance inMyxococcus xanthusSpores
Authors: Tengra Farah K. , Dahl John L. , Dutton David , Caberoy Nora B. , Coyne Lia , Garza Anthony G. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTCbgA plays a role in cortex formation and the acquisition of a subset of stress resistance properties inMyxococcus xanthusspores. ThecbgAmutant produces spores with thin or no cortex layers, and these spores are more sensitive to heat and sodium dodecyl sulfate than their wild-type counterparts.
Agrobacterium rhizogenes
GALLS Protein Contains Domains for ATP Binding, Nuclear Localization, and Type IV Secretion
Authors: Hodges Larry D. , Vergunst Annette C. , Neal-McKinney Jason , den Dulk-Ras Amke , Moyer Deborah M. , Hooykaas Paul J. J. , Ream Walt 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Agrobacterium tumefaciens
and
Agrobacterium rhizogenes
are closely related plant pathogens that cause different diseases, crown gall and hairy root. Both diseases result from transfer, integration, and expression of plasmid-encoded bacterial genes located on the transferred DNA (T-DNA) in the plant genome. Bacterial virulence (Vir) proteins necessary for infection are also translocated into plant cells. Transfer of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and Vir proteins requires a type IV secretion system, a protein complex spanning the bacterial envelope.
A. tumefaciens
translocates the ssDNA-binding protein VirE2 into plant cells, where it binds single-stranded T-DNA and helps target it to the nucleus. Although some strains of
A. rhizogenes
lack VirE2, they are pathogenic and transfer T-DNA efficiently. Instead, these bacteria express the GALLS protein, which is essential for their virulence. The GALLS protein can complement an
A. tumefaciens virE2
mutant for tumor formation, indicating that GALLS can substitute for VirE2. Unlike VirE2, GALLS contains ATP-binding and helicase motifs similar to those in TraA, a strand transferase involved in conjugation. Both GALLS and VirE2 contain nuclear localization sequences and a C-terminal type IV secretion signal. Here we show that mutations in any of these domains abolished the ability of GALLS to substitute for VirE2.