bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of RT‐PCR Assays for Molecular Characterization of Porcine Teschoviruses and Enteroviruses
Authors: La Rosa G. , Muscillo M. , Di Grazia A. , Fontana S. , Iaconelli M. , Tollis M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryPorcine enteroviruses (PEVs) and teschoviruses (PTVs) are described as causative agents of neurological disorders, fertility disorders and dermal lesions of swine. Difficulties in the serological detection of these viruses may lead to a significant underestimation of infections with clinical symptoms. With the recent availability of genome sequence data for all the serotypes, molecular diagnosis is a possibility. The present study describes a new approach to molecular ‘serotyping’ of PTVs and PEV‐B viruses, involving the amplification and sequencing of a genomic fragment of the VP1 coding region. A molecular characterization of Italian entero‐teschovirus isolates was performed using a set of previously published and newly designed polymerase chain reaction primers. A total of 33 porcine isolates and 10 reference strains were analysed. Porcine enterovirus‐B samples were first diagnosed as positive for enterovirus by amplification of the 5′‐non‐translated region. Samples were then typed by amplification and sequencing of a portion of the VP1 coding region. Porcine enterovirus‐A and PTVs were detected by a published assay in the 5′‐NC region that allows them to be differentiated according to the size of amplification product, using the same set of primers. For serotype characterization of PTV, we evaluated four different regions: the N terminus of the capsid protein VP2, the region encoding for RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, and the capsid VP1 and VP4 regions. The newly designed primers in the VP1 region was proved to be broad in range and suitable for serotype assessment and therefore constitute a useful diagnostic tool for molecular diagnosis of porcine teschovirus/enterovirus strains and for the study of molecular epidemiology and evolution of these viruses.
Detection of Burkholderia cepacia DNA from Artificially Infected EDTA‐blood and Lung Tissue Comparing Different DNA Isolation Methods
Authors: Merk S. , Meyer H. , Greiser‐Wilke I. , Sprague L. D. , Neubauer H. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBacterial DNA (Burkholderia cepacia) was prepared from artificially infected equine ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)‐blood and lung tissue by using four standard methods (lysis buffer containing proteinase K, phenol/chloroform/isoamylalcohol‐extraction, microwave‐treatment, heat treatment) and six commercially available kits (Puregene®, High Pure PCR Template Preparation Kit®, InstaGene®, QiaAmp Tissue Kit®, DNAzol® and Elu‐Quik®). After a subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR), their efficacy and sensitivity were compared. Concerning the detection limits, the simple lysis with a proteinase K‐containing buffer led to the best results for EDTA‐blood as well as for artificially infected lung tissue.
Comparison of liver histopathology between chronic hepatitis C patients and chronic hepatitis B and C‐coinfected patients
Authors: Lee Li‐Po , Dai Chia‐Yen , Chuang Wan‐Long , Chang Wen‐Yu , Hou Nei‐Jen , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Lin Zu‐Yau , Chen Shinn‐Cherng , Hsieh Ming‐Yuh , Wang Liang‐Yen , Chen Tong‐Jong , Yu Ming‐Lung 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to compare the histological characteristics of livers between chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with and without hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection.Methods:  A total of 336 CHC patients (male/female: 204/132, mean age: 46.1 ± 11.7 years) were enrolled in the study; 32 patients (9.8%) were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The histological characteristics of livers were described according to the Knodell and Scheuer scoring system.Results:  The proportion of non‐intralobular necrosis (score 0) was significantly lower and the mean intralobular necrosis score was higher among CHC patients with HBV coinfection than those without coinfection (43.8% vs 64.5%; 0.84 ± 1.05 vs 0.53 ± 0.89). The epidemiological and virological parameters, and other histological scores (periportal necrosis, portal inflammation, total necroinflammation and fibrosis) were not significantly different between these two groups.Conclusion:  Chronic hepatitis C patients with HBV coinfection tend to have more severe intralobular necrosis than those with isolated HCV infection.
The effects of calcitriol and nicotinamide on residual pancreatic β‐cell function in patients with recent‐onset Type 1 diabetes (IMDIAB XI)
Authors: Pitocco D. , Crinò A. , Di Stasio E. , Manfrini S. , Guglielmi C. , Spera S. , Anguissola G. Beretta , Visalli N. , Suraci C. , Matteoli M. C. , Patera I. P. , Cavallo M. G. , Bizzarri C. , Pozzilli P. ,   on behalf of the IMDIAB Group
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground  A number of recent studies underline the importance of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of Type 1 diabetes (T1D).Aims  The aim of this study was to investigate whether supplementation with the active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) in subjects with recent‐onset T1D protects residual pancreatic β‐cell function and improves glycaemic control (HbA1c and insulin requirement).Methods  In this open‐label randomized trial, 70 subjects with recent‐onset T1D, mean age 13.6 years ± 7.6 sd were randomized to calcitriol (0.25 µg on alternate days) or nicotinamide (25 mg/kg daily) and followed up for 1 year. Intensive insulin therapy was implemented with three daily injections of regular insulin + NPH insulin at bedtime.Results  No significant differences were observed between calcitriol and nicotinamide groups in respect of baseline/stimulated C‐peptide or HbA1c 1 year after diagnosis, but the insulin dose at 3 and 6 months was significantly reduced in the calcitriol group.Conclusions  At the dosage used, calcitriol has a modest effect on residual pancreatic β‐cell function and only temporarily reduces the insulin dose.
Long‐term benefits of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in children with Type 1 diabetes: a 4‐year follow‐up
Authors: Sulli N. , Shashaj B. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAims  To determine the safety and effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in attaining long‐term glycaemic control in paediatric patients with Type 1 diabetes and to compare the results with those previously recorded in the same patients taking multiple daily injections (MDI) (four injections a day).Methods  Forty‐two patients (mean age 12.2 ± 3.4 years; range 4.5–17 years; 24 males; mean duration of Type 1 diabetes 5.1 ± 3.0 years) were studied. The following parameters were assessed in the year before starting CSII treatment (during MDI treatment) and during the 4 years of insulin pump treatment: annual mean HbA1c, insulin requirements (U/kg per day), annual mean of body mass index (BMI) z scores, and adverse events (severe hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis/patient per year). Two patients discontinued pump therapy (after 1‐year and 2‐year follow‐up, respectively) because of non‐compliance with CSII therapy.Results  Compared with the annual mean HbA1c observed prior to CSII therapy (8.9 ± 1.0%), the mean HbA1c levels were lower during the first (8.2 ± 0.9%; P = 0.00), second (8.6 ± 1.0%; P = 0.05), third (8.4 ± 0.9%; P = 0.01) and fourth (8.2 ± 1%; P = 0.00) year of CSII therapy. The insulin requirements (U/kg per day) decreased during CSII treatment compared with MDI treatment. Compared with the annual mean of BMI z scores prior to CSII therapy, BMI z scores were significantly lower during the third and fourth years of CSII therapy. Through the first, second, third and fourth years of follow‐up the number of episodes of severe hypoglycaemia (20.0, 20.0, 20.0 and 0 episodes/1000 patient‐years, respectively) and diabetic ketoacidosis (0.05, 0.00, 0.03 and 0.00 episodes/patient per year, respectively), events were similar to that in the year preceding CSII therapy (20.0 and 0.03, respectively).Conclusion  In this population of selected patients in our clinic, CSII appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic alternative to MDI treatment. This therapy may ensure a stable improvement in long‐term glycaemic control in paediatric patients, with no increase in diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycaemic events and, on the other hand, with a trend of reduction in BMI z scores.
Increase in pore area, and not pore density, is the main determinant in the development of porosity in human cortical bone
Authors: Thomas C. David L. , Feik Sophie A. , Clement John G. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis study investigated the relative contributions of pore size and pore density (number of pores per mm2) to porosity in the midshaft of the human femur. Cross‐sections were obtained from 168 individuals from a modern Australian population (mostly Anglo‐Celtic). The study group comprised 73 females and 95 males, aged from 20 to 97 years. Microradiographs were made of 100‐µm sections and porosity, pore areas and pore densities determined using image processing software. The cortex was divided into three rings radially and into octants circumferentially, and the porosity, pore area and pore density of each segment were calculated. Results show that 81% of the variance in porosity can be explained by changes in mean pore area with only a further 12–16% explained by changes in pore density. These effects were found to be constant across all areas of the cortex and in both sexes. These results are significant in their consistency and ordered gradation and indicate a well‐regulated and systematic process of bone removal with ageing. The results show a regular progression from less porous to more porous bone; this is a uniform process that occurs in all individuals, and factors such as sex and rate of ageing determine where on this continuum any individual is at a particular time.
Histology of selected tissues of the leopard seal and implications for functional adaptations to an aquatic lifestyle
Authors: Gray Rachael , Canfield Paul , Rogers Tracey 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe microscopic anatomy of the cardio‐respiratory system, digestive system, kidney, lymphatic system and integument was investigated in the leopard seal, Hydrurga leptonyx, by examining histological sections of tissues collected from leopard seals in Antarctica and New South Wales, Australia. The majority of the tissues had similar histological features to those described in terrestrial mammals and other pinniped species, particularly phocid seals. Differences noted included readily identifiable Purkinje cells within the endocardium, muscular rather than cartilaginous reinforcement of the smaller airways, a single capillary layer within the alveolar septa, limited and variable keratinization of the oesophageal epithelium, few lymphoid follicles within the lamina propria of the gastrointestinal tract, and an absence of a sporta perimedullaris musculosa described in the kidney of cetaceans and some pinniped species. Adaptations of the lung, spleen and integument, similar to those described in other pinnipeds, including reinforcement of the pulmonary terminal airways, prominent pulmonary interlobular septa, ample smooth muscle in the capsule and trabeculae of the spleen, increased thickness of the epidermis, well‐developed dermal sebaceous glands, and a thick blubber layer, appear to confer upon the leopard seal advantages related to its aquatic lifestyle.
Adaptive conditioning of skeletal muscle in a large animal model (Sus domesticus)
Authors: Sutherland Hazel , Salmons Stanley , Ramnarine Ian R. , Capoccia Massimo , Walsh Adrian A. , Jarvis Jonathan C. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractRecognition of the adaptive capacity of mammalian skeletal muscle has opened the way to a number of clinical applications. For most of these, the fast, fatigue‐susceptible fibres need to be transformed stably to fast, fatigue‐resistant fibres that express the 2A myosin heavy chain isoform. The thresholds for activity‐induced change are size‐dependent, so although the requisite patterns of electrical stimulation are known for the rabbit, in humans these same patterns would produce type 1 fibre characteristics, with an undesirable loss of contractile speed and power. We have used histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and electrophoretic separations to evaluate a possible conditioning regime in a large animal model. Stimulation of the porcine latissimus dorsi muscle with a phasic 30‐Hz pattern for up to 41 days converted all type 2X and 2A/2X fibres to 2A with only a small increase in the type 1 population, from 17% to 22%. Stimulation for longer periods increased the proportion of type 1 fibres to 52%. Based on this model, stimulation regimes designed to achieve a stable 2A phenotype in humans should deliver fewer stimulating impulses, possibly by a factor of 2, than the pattern assessed here. Any such pattern needs to be tested for at least 8 weeks.
Connections of the zona incerta to the reticular nucleus of the thalamus in the rat
Authors: Çavdar Safiye , Onat Filiz , Çakmak Yusuf Özgür , Saka Erdinç , Yananli Hasan R. , Aker Rezzan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThis study demonstrated that there is a pathway from the zona incerta to the thalamic reticular nucleus. Injections of horseradish peroxidase or Fluorogold were made, using stereotaxic coordinates, into the rostral, intermediate or caudal regions of the thalamic reticular nucleus of adult Sprague–Dawley rats. The results show that the different regions of the thalamic reticular nucleus have distinct patterns of connections with the sectors of the zona incerta. In terms of the relative strength of the connections, injections made into the rostral regions of the thalamic reticular nucleus showed the highest number of labelled cells within the rostral and ventral sectors of the zona incerta; injections made into the intermediate regions of the thalamic reticular nucleus showed labelled cells in the dorsal and ventral sectors; while injections to the caudal regions of the thalamic reticular nucleus showed only a few labelled cells in the caudal sector of the zona incerta. Previous studies have shown that the zona incerta projects to the higher order thalamic nuclei but not first order thalamic nuclei. The labelling observed in the present study may represent collaterals of zona incerta to higher order thalamic nuclei projections.
Morphogenesis of the human excretory lacrimal system
Authors: De La Cuadra‐Blanco C. , Peces‐Peña M. D. , Jáñez‐Escalada L. , Mérida‐Velasco J. R. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the principal developmental stages in the formation of the excretory lacrimal system in humans and to establish its morphogenetic period. The study was performed using light microscopy on serial sections of 51 human specimens: 33 embryos and 18 fetuses ranging from 8 to 137 mm crown–rump length (CR; 5–16 weeks of development). Three stages were identified in the morphogenesis of the excretory lacrimal system: (1) the formative stage of the lacrimal lamina (Carnegie stages 16–18); (2) the formative stage of the lacrimal cord (Carnegie stages 19–23); and (3) the maturative stage of the excretory lacrimal system, from the 9th week of development onward. A three‐dimensional reconstruction of the excretory lacrimal system was performed from serial sections of an embryo at the end of the embryonic period (27 mm CR).
Developmentally‐regulated expression of tissue‐specific splice variant of rat vesicular glutamate transporter 1 in retina and pineal gland
Authors: Nogami Haruo , Ogasawara Kiyomoto , Mimura Yuka , Mogi Koichi , Shutoh Fumihiro , Hisano Setsuji 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThree distinct subtypes of vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) have been identified to date that are expressed basically in a cell type‐specific manner. We have found a splice variant of VGLUT1 mRNA that is expressed almost exclusively in photosensitive tissues, i.e. the retina and the pineal gland. The variant mRNA, termed VGLUT1v, contains an additional 75 base pair sequence derived from part of a second intron (designated as exon IIa) between exons 2 and 3. The variant accounted for approximately 70% and 25%of VGLUT1 mRNA in the adult retina and pineal gland, respectively. The expression of VGLUT1v was developmentally regulated in both tissues. Organ culture showed that expression of the variant in the retina increased in association with the development of rod cells, suggesting that VGLUT1v is expressed in rod cells. In situ hybridization with variant‐specific probes showed expression of VGLUT1v in the inner segment layer of photoreceptor cells. On the other hand, variant expression did not parallel the development of rhodopsin‐positive cells in the pineal gland. As rod cells and pinealocytes are known to release glutamate continuously at ribbon synapses, it is possible that the variant has some functional advantage over the wild‐type transporter in such a specialized manner of glutamate release.
Cannabinoid–serotonin interactions in alcohol‐preferring vs. alcohol‐avoiding mice
Authors: Kelaï Sabah , Hanoun Naïma , Aufrère Gilles , Beaugé Françoise , Hamon Michel , Lanfumey Laurence 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBecause cannabinoid and serotonin (5‐HT) systems have been proposed to play an important role in drug craving, we investigated whether cannabinoid 1 (CB1) and 5‐HT1Areceptor ligands could affect voluntary alcohol intake in two mouse strains, C57BL/6 J and DBA/2 J, with marked differences in native alcohol preference. When offered progressively (3–10% ethanol) in drinking water, in a free‐choice procedure, alcohol intake was markedly lower (∼ 70%) in DBA/2 J than in C57BL/6 J mice. In DBA/2 J mice, chronic treatment with the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212–2 increased alcohol intake. WIN 55,212–2 effect was prevented by concomitant, chronic CB1 receptor blockade by rimonabant or chronic 5‐HT1Areceptor stimulation by 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)‐tetralin, which, on their own, did not affect alcohol intake. In C57BL/6 J mice, chronic treatment with WIN 55,212–2 had no effect but chronic CB1 receptor blockade or chronic 5‐HT1Areceptor stimulation significantly decreased alcohol intake. Parallel autoradiographic investigations showed that chronic treatment with WIN 55,212–2 significantly decreased 5‐HT1A‐mediated [35S]guanosine triphosphate‐γ‐S binding in the hippocampus of both mouse strains. Conversely, chronic rimonabant increased this binding in C57BL/6 J mice. These results show that cannabinoid neurotransmission can exert a permissive control on alcohol intake, possibly through CB1–5–HT1Ainteractions. However, the differences between C57BL/6 J and DBA/2 J mice indicate that such modulations of alcohol intake are under genetic control.
Mortality Following Defibrillator Implantation in Patients with Renal Insufficiency
Authors: ECKART ROBERT E. , GULA LORNE J. , REYNOLDS MATTHEW R. , SHRY ERIC A. , MAISEL WILLIAM H. 
Published: July 2006

Introduction: Patients with renal insufficiency have an increased risk of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, cardiovascular events, and sudden cardiac death. Due to under‐representation of patients with renal disease in large clinical trials, outcomes of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation in this group remain unclear. Methods and Results: Inpatient and ambulatory records were reviewed for 741 consecutive patients undergoing 947 defibrillator implants or replacements at Department of Defense Medical Facilities. Demographics, medical history, and mortality were reviewed. The mean age of the cohort was 64 ± 14 years and 599 (80.8%) were male. There were 173 patients (23.3%) with chronic renal insufficiency, 22 (3.0%) undergoing hemodialysis, and 546 (73.7%) without reported renal disease. The mean number of annual hospital admissions for heart failure among patients with and without renal failure was 3.8 ± 4.0 versus 1.2 ± 1.9 (P < 0.0001), respectively. The 1‐year survival for those without renal insufficiency was 96.6%, compared to 87.8% for those with chronic renal insufficiency, and 88.7% for those undergoing hemodialysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between mortality among ICD patients and renal insufficiency, independent of coexisting congestive heart failure, ischemic cardiomyopathy, and diabetes mellitus (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Among ICD recipients, those with renal insufficiency have a significantly higher mortality rate than those without renal insufficiency. Among a cohort of patients with ICDs, those with known renal insufficiency have higher rates of health care resource utilization and more heart failure admissions. Development of a national registry for ICDs should include data with regard to renal function.
Updating reionization scenarios after recent data
Authors: Choudhury T. Roy , Ferrara A. 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
The recent release of data on (i) high-redshift source counts from the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) Hubble Ultra Deep Field (HUDF) and (ii) electron scattering optical depth from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) requires a re-examination of reionization scenarios. Using an improved self-consistent reionization model, based on Choudhury & Ferrara, we determine the range of reionization histories which can match a wide variety of data sets simultaneously. The updated constraints from our analysis imply that hydrogen reionization starts at around z≈ 15, driven by the metal-free Population III (PopIII) stars (with normal Salpeter-like initial mass functions), and it is 90 per cent complete by z≈ 10. The photoionizing power of the PopIII stars fades for z≲ 10 because of concomitant action radiative and chemical feedbacks, which causes the reionization process to stretch considerably and to end only by z≈ 6. The combination of different data sets still favours a non-zero contribution from metal-free stars, with star-forming efficiencies larger than 2 per cent.
Elastic or magnetic? A toy model for global magnetar oscillations with implications for quasi-periodic oscillations during flares
Authors: Glampedakis Kostas , Samuelsson Lars , Andersson Nils 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
We use a simple toy-model to discuss global magnetohydrodynamic modes of a neutron star, taking into account the magnetic coupling between the elastic crust and the fluid core. Our results suggest that the notion of pure torsional crust modes is not useful for the coupled system. All modes excite Alfvén waves in the core. However, we also show that the modes that are most likely to be excited by a fractured crust, e.g. during a magnetar flare, are such that the crust and the core oscillate in concert. For our simple model, the frequencies of these modes are similar to the ‘pure crustal’ frequencies. In addition, our model provides a natural explanation for the presence of lower frequency (&lt;30 Hz) quasi-periodic oscillations seen in the 2004 December giant flare of SGR 1806–20.
Drainage spacing regularity on a fault‐block: A case study from the eastern Ruahine Range
Authors: Purdie Heather , Brook Martin 
Published: July 2006

Abstract:  Recent research has indicated river basin outlets draining linear sections of large, uplifting mountain belts often show a regularity of spacing, transverse to the main structural trend. A morphometric analysis of part of the Ruahine Range, on the North Island was undertaken to test whether drainage regularity may exist in smaller, younger mountain ranges. The ratio, R, of the half‐width of the mountain belt, W, and the outlet spacing, S, was used to characterize drainage networks on the eastern side of the range. The spacing ratio for the range of 1.31 is lower than R results from studies of larger mountain belts (R = 1.91–2.23). We suggest the cause of this lower ratio is related to eastward migration of the Ruahine drainage divide.