bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The nematode neuropeptide, AF2 (KHEYLRF‐NH2), increases voltage‐activated calcium currents in Ascaris suum muscle
Authors: Verma S , Robertson A P , Martin R J 
Published: May 2007

Background and purpose:Resistance to all the classes of anti‐nematodal drugs like the benzimidazoles, cholinergic agonists and avermectins, has now been recorded in parasites of animals and/or humans. The development of novel anthelmintics is an urgent and imperative need. Receptors of nematode neuropeptides have been suggested to be suitable target sites for novel anthelmintic drugs.Experimental approach:To investigate the effect of AF2 on calcium‐currents in Ascaris suum somatic muscle cells we employed the two‐micropipette current–clamp and voltage–clamp techniques and a brief application of AF2.Key results:Here we report the isolation of voltage‐activated, transient, inward calcium currents. These currents are similar in characteristics to Caenorhabditis elegans UNC‐2 type currents, non‐L‐type calcium currents. Following a 2‐minute application of 1 μM AF2, there was a significant long‐lasting increase in the transient inward calcium current; AF2 increased the maximum current (from −84 nA to −158 nA) by shifting the threshold in the hyperpolarising direction (V50 changed from −7.2 to −12.8 mV) and increasing the maximum conductance change from 1.91 to 2.94 μS.Conclusion and Implications:These studies demonstrate a mechanism by which AF2 increased the excitability of the neuromuscular system by modulating calcium currents in nematodes. A selective small molecule agonist of the AF2 receptor is predicted to increase the contraction and act synergistically with cholinergic anthelmintics and could counter resistance to these compounds.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 888–899; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707296
Apoptotic mimicry: phosphatidylserine liposomes reduce inflammation through activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) in vivo
Authors: Ramos G C , Fernandes D , Charão C T , Souza D G , Teixeira M M , Assreuy J 
Published: May 2007

Background and purpose:Recently, there has been much attention paid to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis and the functional consequences of apoptotic body clearance by phagocytes. In an attempt to investigate this latter aspect, the present study evaluated the anti‐inflammatory effects of in vivo administration of phosphatidylserine (PS) liposomes, a well‐characterised membrane component expressed during apoptosis. The participation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) in PS‐mediated effects was also investigated.Experimental approach:The anti‐inflammatory effect of PS liposomes on the delayed phase of carrageenan mouse paw oedema was studied. PS liposomes were injected at different doses and times, after carrageenan. Hind paws were collected for evaluation of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase (NAG) activities and Evans blue dye leakage. Participation of PPAR pathways was explored by using PPAR antagonists (BADGE and GW9662).Key results:Administration of PS, but not phosphatidylcholine (PC), liposomes (20–200 mg kg−1, i.p., 8 h after carrageenan) reduced the paw oedema in a dose‐dependent manner. PS liposomes were effective even when administered 24 and 48 h after carrageenan, a time at which indomethacin (1 mg kg−1, i.p.) had no significant effects. Carrageenan‐induced Evans blue leakage and IL‐1β production was decreased in PS‐treated paws. The PPAR antagonists (BADGE and GW9662) partially prevented the anti‐inflammatory effects of PS administration.Conclusions and implications:PS liposomes have anti‐inflammatory effects in vivo that are at least partly dependent on PPAR activation. Therapeutic strategies mimicking apoptosis may be useful for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 844–850; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707302
Localization of intracellular compartments that exchange Na,K‐ATPase molecules with the plasma membrane in a hormone‐dependent manner
Authors: Efendiev R , Das‐Panja K , Cinelli A R , Bertorello A M , Pedemonte C H 
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose:Dopamine is a major regulator of sodium reabsorption in proximal tubule epithelia. By binding to D1‐receptors, dopamine induces endocytosis of plasma membrane Na,K‐ATPase, resulting in a reduced capacity of the cells to transport sodium, thus contributing to natriuresis. We have previously demonstrated several aspects of the molecular mechanism by which dopamine induces Na,K‐ATPase endocytosis; however, the location of intracellular compartments containing Na,K‐ATPase molecules has not been identified.Experimental approach:In this study, we used different approaches to determine the localization of Na,K‐ATPase‐containing intracellular compartments. By expression of fluorescent‐tagged Na,K‐ATPase molecules in opossum kidney cells, a cell culture model of proximal tubule epithelia, we used fluorescence microscopy to determine cellular distribution of the fluorescent molecules and the effects of dopamine on this distribution. By labelling cell surface Na,K‐ATPase molecules from the cell exterior with either biotin or an epitope‐tagged antibody, we determined the localization of the tagged Na,K‐ATPase molecules after endocytosis induced by dopamine.Key results:In cells expressing fluorescent‐tagged Na,K‐ATPase molecules, there were intracellular compartments containing Na,K‐ATPase molecules. These compartments were in very close proximity to the plasma membrane. Upon treatment of the cells with dopamine, the fluorescence labelling of these compartments was increased. The labelling of these compartments was also observed when the endocytosis of biotin‐ or antibody‐tagged plasma membrane Na,K‐ATPase molecules was induced by dopamine.Conclusions and Implications:The intracellular compartments containing Na,K‐ATPase molecules are located just underneath the plasma membrane.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 151, 1006–1013; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707304
Comfortable zone of the mandible evaluated by the constant stimuli method
Authors: ABEKURA H. , TOKUYAMA H. , HAMADA T. , MORIMOTO T. 
Published: May 2007

summary
For evaluation of the comfortable zone (CZ) and the most comfortable position (MCP) of the occlusal vertical relation of the mandible, the constant stimuli method with three subjective categories of judgements was applied in 10 edentulous subjects.The evaluated CZ was stable and about 3 mm in width. The occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) of the existing dentures was found to be located within the CZ in nine of the 10 subjects.
Occurrence and diversity of bacterial communities in Tuber magnatum during truffle maturation
Authors: Barbieri Elena , Guidi Chiara , Bertaux Joanne , Frey‐Klett Pascale , Garbaye Jean , Ceccaroli Paola , Saltarelli Roberta , Zambonelli Alessandra , Stocchi Vilberto 
Published: May 2007

Summary Tuber magnatum, an ascomycetous fungus and obligate ectomycorrhizal symbiont, forms hypogeous fruit bodies, commonly called Italian white truffles. The diversity of bacterial communities associated with T. magnatum truffles was investigated using culture‐independent and ‐dependent 16S rRNA gene‐based approaches. Eighteen truffles were classified in three groups, representing different degrees of ascocarp maturation, based on the percentage of asci containing mature spores. The culturable bacterial fraction was (4.17 ± 1.61) × 107, (2.60 ± 1.22) × 107 and (1.86 ± 1.32) × 106 cfu g−1 for immature, intermediate and mature ascocarps respectively. The total of bacteria count was two orders of magnitude higher than the cfu g−1 count. Sequencing results from the clone library showed a significant presence of α‐Proteobacteria (634 of the 771 total clones screened, c. 82%) affiliated with Sinorhizobium, Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium spp. The bacterial culturable fraction was generally represented by γ‐Proteobacteria (210 of the 384 total strains isolated, c. 55%), which were mostly fluorescent pseudomonads. Fluorescent in situ hybridization confirmed that α‐Proteobacteria (85.8%) were the predominant components of truffle bacterial communities with β‐Proteobacteria (1.5%), γ‐Proteobacteria (1.9%), Bacteroidetes (2.1%), Firmicutes (2.4%) and Actinobacteria (3%) only poorly represented. Molecular approaches made it possible to identify α‐Proteobacteria as major constituents of a bacterial component associated with T. magnatum ascoma, independently from the degree of maturation.
How Crisis Shapes Change: New Perspectives on China's Political Economy during the Sino‐Japanese War, 1937–19451
Authors: Bian Morris L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis article surveys the recent literature on China's political economy during the Sino‐Japanese War (1937–45). This literature reveals that the war‐triggered sustained systemic crisis brought about the most intensive Nationalist state‐building efforts, thedanweidesignation of political, economic, and administrative organizations, the expansion of state‐owned industries and the decline of the private sector, the creation of a state enterprise system, and the formation of an ideology of developmental state. This literature suggests that the elements of post‐1949 institutional and structural arrangements and ideological systems developed well before 1949. Therefore, the critical issue is no longer that of establishing institutional, structural, and ideological continuity between the Nationalist and Communist eras; instead, it rests in understanding why and how the Chinese Communists kept intact, built on, and expanded existing institutions, structures, and ideologies in certain key areas of political, economic, and administrative life.
Submerged healing following surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis: a case series
Authors: Roos‐Jansåker Ann‐Marie , Renvert Helena , Lindahl Christel , Renvert Stefan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjectives: The aim was to study a regenerative surgical treatment modality for peri‐implantitis employing submerged healing.Material and Methods: Twelve patients, having a minimum of one osseointegrated implant with peri‐implantitis, with a progressive loss of 3 threads (1.8 mm) following the first year of healing were involved in the study. After surgical exposure of the defect, granulomatous tissue was removed and the implant surface was treated using 3% hydrogen peroxide. The bone defects were filled with a bone substitute (Algipore®), a resorbable membrane (Osseoquest®) was placed over the grafted defect and a cover screw was connected to the fixture. The implant was then covered by flaps and submerged healing was allowed for 6 months. After 6 months the abutment was re‐connected to the supra‐structure.Results: A 1‐year follow‐up demonstrated clinical and radiographic improvements. Probing depth was reduced by 4.2 mm and a mean defect fill of 2.3 mm was obtained.Conclusion: Treatment of peri‐implant defects using a bone graft substitute combined with a resorbable membrane and submerged healing results in defect fill and clinical healthier situations.
The plaque and gingivitis reducing effect of a chlorhexidine and aluminium lactate containing dentifrice (Lacalut aktiv®) over a period of 6 months
Authors: Rathe F. , Auschill T. M. , Sculean A. , Gaudszuhn Ch. , Arweiler N. B. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAim: The aim of the study was to determine the plaque and gingivitis reducing effect of a dentifrice containing chlorhexidine and aluminium lactate compared with a control toothpaste during the course of 6 months.Material and Methods: This randomized, double‐blind study looked prospectively at participants over a 6‐month period. Plaque, gingivitis, calculus formation and tooth staining were assessed in 59 participants, who were divided into parallel groups. The participants used either a chlorhexidine and aluminium lactate‐containing toothpaste (test group) or a minus active control toothpaste (control group). Parameters were assessed at baseline and again after 1, 3 and 6 months.Results: After 6 months of product use, both groups had less gingivitis compared with the baseline evaluation (p<0.001). At this time point, the test group showed a statistically significant lower gingival index values compared with the control group (p=0.001). No statistically significant differences between either the groups or time points were detected with regard to plaque index and the development of calculus and staining.Conclusion: Although there was a statistically significant difference at 6 months between test and control groups, this difference was too small to be considered clinically meaningful.
Breastfeeding Best Start study: training midwives in a ‘hands off’ positioning and attachment intervention
Authors: Law Susan M. , Dunn Orla M. , Wallace Louise M. , Inch Sally A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe most common reasons cited by women for giving up breastfeeding early can be attributed to ineffective positioning and attachment and are therefore preventable. This study aimed to determine whether a 4‐h training programme in ‘hands off’ positioning and attachment support increases midwives’ knowledge and problem‐solving skills. Using an unrelated comparison group and a pre‐ and post‐intervention design, 108 midwives (experimental group) completed a 4‐h standard breastfeeding training workshop focusing on effective positioning and attachment and the use of hands‐off teaching methods. Knowledge and problem‐solving skills were assessed using a modified form of the previously validated Breastfeeding Support Skills Tool. Pre‐ and post‐training scores were compared with those of 27 student midwives (control group) who undertook the same assessments but without the breastfeeding training. Baseline knowledge scores of the midwives and the student midwives did not differ significantly (average difference 0.7 points to qualified midwives’ advantage, 95% CI = −3.4 to 1.9). Following training, the qualified midwives’ total scores increased significantly (7.2 points, 95% CI = 6.2–8.2). Minimal changes (1.4 points, 95% CI = −0.15 to 2.9) in students’ scores were found. The additional increase owing to training above that which might be expected due to practice (i.e. the average difference in change scores between the two groups) was 5.8 points (95% CI = 3.75–7.96), representing a large effect size for the training (d = 0.95). There is a large variation in the breastfeeding knowledge of midwives working in post‐natal care and, on average, they are no more skilled than senior student midwives. The study has shown that a 4‐h workshop in a positioning and attachment intervention, using a ‘hands‐off’ approach, can increase midwives’ knowledge of breastfeeding support relevant to the immediate post‐natal period. It is applicable to all midwives, and could be a cost‐effective way of improving the ability of mothers to begin and continue to breastfeed successfully.
A large‐scale operational study of home‐based therapy with ready‐to‐use therapeutic food in childhood malnutrition in Malawi
Authors: Linneman Zachary , Matilsky Danielle , Ndekha MacDonald , Manary Micah J. , Maleta Ken , Manary Mark J. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractHome‐based therapy with ready‐to‐use therapeutic food (RUTF) for the treatment of malnutrition has better outcomes in the research setting than standard therapy. This study examined outcomes of malnourished children aged 6–60 months enrolled in operational home‐based therapy with RUTF. Children enrolled in 12 rural centres in southern Malawi were diagnosed with moderate or severe malnutrition according to the World Health Organization guidelines. They were treated with 733 kJ kg−1 day−1 of RUTF and followed fortnightly for up to 8 weeks. Staff at each centre followed one of three models: medical professionals administered treatment (5 centres), patients were referred by medical professionals and treated by community health aids (4 centres), or community health aids administered treatment (3 centres). The primary outcome of the study was clinical status, defined as recovered, failed, died or dropped out. Regression modelling was conducted to determine what aspects of the centre (formal training of staff, location along a main road) contributed to the outcome. Of 2131 severely malnourished children and 806 moderately malnourished, 89% and 85% recovered, respectively. Thirty‐four (4%) of the moderately malnourished children failed, with 20 (2%) deaths, and 61 (3%) of the severely malnourished children failed, with 29 (1%) deaths. Centre location along a road was associated with a poor outcome. Outcomes for severely malnourished children were acceptable with respect to both the Sphere guidelines and the Prudhon case fatality index. Home‐based therapy with RUTF yields acceptable results without requiring formally medically trained personnel; further implementation in comparable settings should be considered.
Predictors of delayed onset of lactation
Authors: Scott Jane A. , Binns Colin W. , Oddy Wendy H. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe objective of this study was to identify biomedical and hospital‐related factors associated with the delayed onset of lactation (>72 h postpartum) in a population of Australian women. Subjects were 453 women participating in the second Perth Infant Feeding Study. Information on mothers’ perception of the timing of the onset of lactation and associated explanatory factors was collected in a questionnaire completed by women prior to or shortly after discharge from hospital. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify those factors independently associated with delayed lactation. Risk factors for delayed lactation were being primiparous (adjusted OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.58–6.33) and having delivered by caesarean section (adjusted OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.28–4.51). We failed to find a negative association with maternal body mass index reported in previous studies. While a greater proportion of women who experienced delayed lactation were overweight or obese compared with those who did not experience delayed lactation (40.8% vs. 32.1%), this difference was not statistically significant.
Estimation of TDS in Sand Aquifer Water Through Resistivity Log
Authors: Guo Yao An 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTAn empirical relationship between aquifer resistivity and total dissolved solids (TDS) in ground water of sand aquifers has been observed. Aquifer resistivity is determined through resistivity log in lateral array with electrode spacing of 2.5 meters. Using the relationship, the TDS in each aquifer can be estimated separately from its resistivity log curve. The TDS values thus arrived at since 1968, when compared with actual TDS content in ground water of more than a thousand sand aquifers encountered in 400 wells drilled in North China Plain, showed errors ranging up to ± 0.3 gram per liter, except in the case of two wells where it was 0.8 and 0.9 gram/liter, respectively.
Vertical Flow in Heavily Exploited Hard Rock and Alluvial Aquifers
Authors: Rushton K. R. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the flow in heavily exploited alluvial and hard rock aquifers and demonstrates that vertical components of flow are of great importance. In a typical example of an alluvial aquifer it is shown that most of the discharge from tube wells originates from the phreatic surface flowing vertically through clay layers to the well screens. A second study of a hard rock aquifer indicates that a tube well in a fractured zone draws water horizontally from the fractured zone but this water is supplied by vertical flow from the weathered zone. The suitability of different types of mathematical models to represent heavily exploited hard rock and alluvial aquifers is also considered.
Deterministic Modeling of Dispersion in Heterogeneous Permeable Media
Authors: Davis Arden D. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTNumerical experiments show that variations of an order of magnitude in transmissivity or hydraulic conductivity can cause significant dispersion even when relatively small values of dispersivity are assumed. Such variations should be represented in a deterministic model of solute transport in order to describe the flow field adequately and to realistically simulate dispersion. In an example of a field application to an alluvial aquifer, a satisfactory match to observed field data was obtained using a small (0.01 m) value of longitudinal dispersivity and a grid spacing fine enough to show field‐scale alluvial heterogeneities. When large (~30 m) values of longitudinal dispersivity were used, computed solute concentrations were about half of observed values in parts of the aquifer. Modeling efforts with grid spacings two to six times wider than alluvial channels in the aquifer produced ground‐water flow and solute‐transport simulations which did not adequately match field data.
Hydrodynamic Behavior of the Puelche Aquifer in Matanza River Basina
Authors: Auge Miguel P. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTAn analysis is presented for the hydrodynamic behavior of the Puelche aquifer in the Matanza River basin, Buenos Aires, Argentina, relative to the section overlying it or Epipuelche aquifer which contains the water table.By comparison between the isophreatic and isopiestic contours, a general similarity exists between the potentiometric levels, the hydraulic gradients, and the distribution of local recharge and discharge areas of both aquifers. Also, a coincidence occurs between the surface‐ and ground‐water divides, the latter acting as a hydrological barrier which prevents ground‐water inflows to the Matanza basin from neighboring basins.The volume of water flowing away from the Puelche aquifer by underground lateral movement in the northeastern section of the basin is 20,000 cu m/d (5.3 Mgal/d). This yield is supplied by the Epipuelche aquifer through vertical downward leakage, because the Puelche: (1) does not crop out within the study area, (2) does not receive water recharge from underground flows from neighboring basins, and (3) is a semiconfined aquifer.From comparison between piezometric and phreatimetric maps, curves of equal difference of hydraulic head between both aquifers can be constructed. From this analysis it is determined that the Puelche potentiometric surface is lower than the Epipuelche (water table) in 75% of the ground‐water basin area. Therefore, of the total of the ground‐water basin area (1,600 km2= 620 mi2), the Puelche is recharged by the Epipuelche over 1,200 km2 (465 mi2). In 25% of the area (400 km2= 155 mi2), the Puelche exhibits positive levels relative to the Epipuelche, hence discharging into the latter.Finally, from the analysis of the relation between the vertical transmissivity of an aquitard (T′) and the storage coefficient of a semiconfined aquifer (S) related to the former, it may be concluded that when a considerable difference of ground‐water levels occurs, T’is less or equal in equivalence than S.The mean storage coefficient of the Puelche obtained by pumping tests is 5 × 10−4. If a vertical regional transmissivity equivalent to 5 × 10−4 day−1 is assumed, it would be necessary to have a mean hydraulic head difference of only 5 cm (2 in.) along the remaining 800 km2 (310 mi2), for the Puelche to receive from the Epipuelche 20,000 m3/d, which constitutes its effective recharge. The remaining area (800 km2) appears as a difference between the recharge and discharge areas of the Puelche aquifer.If the mean vertical transmissivity of the aquitard were 5 × 10−5 day−1, the effective recharge of the Puelche would be supplied by the Epipuelche with 50 cm (1.6 ft) of hydraulic head differential. The latter value seems to be more accurate than the former, taking into account the difference of hydraulic head measured in both aquifers.