bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phospholipase C-γ1 is required for the activation of store-operated Ca2+ channels in liver cells
Authors: Litjens Tom , Nguyen Than , Castro Joel , Aromataris Edoardo C. , Jones Lynette , Barritt Greg J. , Rychkov Grigori Y. 
Published: June 2007

Repetitive hormone-induced changes in concentration of free cytoplasmic Ca2+ in hepatocytes require Ca2+ entry through receptor-activated Ca2+ channels and SOCs (store-operated Ca2+ channels). SOCs are activated by a decrease in Ca2+ concentration in the intracellular Ca2+ stores, but the molecular components and mechanisms are not well understood. Some studies with other cell types suggest that PLC-γ (phospholipase C-γ) is involved in the activation of receptor-activated Ca2+ channels and/or SOCs, independently of PLC-γ-mediated generation of IP3 (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate). The nature of the Ca2+ channels regulated by PLC-γ has not been defined clearly. The aim of the present study was to determine if PLC-γ is required for the activation of SOCs in liver cells. Transfection of H4IIE cells derived from rat hepatocytes with siRNA (short interfering RNA) targeted to PLC-γ1 caused a reduction (by approx. 70%) in the PLC-γ1 protein expression, with maximal effect at 72–96 h. This was associated with a decrease (by approx. 60%) in the amplitude of the ISOC (store-operated Ca2+ current) developed in response to intracellular perfusion with either IP3 or thapsigargin. Knockdown of STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule type 1) by siRNA also resulted in a significant reduction (approx. 80% at 72 h post-transfection) of the ISOC amplitude. Immunoprecipitation of PLC-γ1 and STIM1, however, suggested that under the experimental conditions these proteins do not interact with each other. It is concluded that the PLC-γ1 protein, independently of IP3 generation and STIM1, is required to couple endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release to the activation of SOCs in the plasma membrane of H4IIE liver cells.
Daily intake of 100 mg ascorbic acid as urinary tract infection prophylactic agent during pregnancy
Authors: OCHOA‐BRUST GONZALO JAVIER , FERNÁNDEZ ALMA ROSA , VILLANUEVA‐RUIZ GERSON JESÚS , VELASCO RAYMUNDO , TRUJILLO‐HERNÁNDEZ BENJAMÍN , VÁSQUEZ CLEMENTE 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjective. To evaluate the role a daily intake of 100 mg of ascorbic acid plays in urinary infection prophylaxis during pregnancy. Methods and materials. A single‐blind clinical trial was carried out on pregnant women randomly assigned to the following treatment groups — Group A: oral treatment with ferrous sulphate (200 mg per day), folic acid (5 mg per day) and ascorbic acid (100 mg per day) for 3 months, and Group B: oral treatment with ferrous sulphate (200 mg per day) and folic acid (5 mg per day) for 3 months. All patients were clinically evaluated, and a urine culture was carried out each month for a period of 3 months. The χ2 and odds ratio were used to compare effects with and without ascorbic acid, and statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. Results. Global frequency of urinary infections was 25%. The presence of urinary infections in Group A (12.7%) was significantly lower than in Group B (29.1%), (p = 0.03, OR = 0.35, CI 95% = 0.13–0.91). Conclusions. Daily intake of 100 mg of ascorbic acid played an important role in the reduction of urinary infections, improving the health level of the gestating women. We recommend additional vitamin C intake for pregnant women in populations which have a high incidence of bacteriuria and urinary infections.
Comparison of ultrasonographic cervical length and the Bishop score in predicting successful labor induction
Authors: LAENCINA ANA M. GÓMEZ , SÁNCHEZ FRANCISCO GARCÍA , GIMENEZ JAVIER HERRERA , MARTÍNEZ MONTSERRAT SOLERA , MARTÍNEZ JORGE ARTURO VALVERDE , VIZCAÍNO VICENTE MARTÍNEZ 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the Bishop score and transvaginal ultrasonography to predict successful labor induction, and to estimate the most useful cut‐off points for the two methods. Methods. The five components of the Bishop score were assessed by digital examination and cervical length was measured by transvaginal ultrasonography in 177 women with a single pregnancy, 36–42 weeks of gestation, and a live fetus in cephalic presentation before induction of labor. Results. Multiple regression analysis showed that the Bishop score, cervical length, and parity provided independent contribution in the prediction of the likelihood of delivering vaginally within 60 h. The only component of the Bishop score that was independently predictive of the probability of vaginal delivery within 60 h was station. The best cut‐off points for predicting successful induction using receiver operating characteristic curves were 24 mm for cervical length and 4 for the Bishop score. Cervical length was a better predictor than the Bishop score (sensitivity and specificity of 66 and 77% versus 77 and 56%, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that cervical length was the best discriminator of successful induction. Conclusion. Measurement of cervical length by transvaginal ultrasonography is a better predictor of success in labor induction with both topical prostaglandin and oxytocin.
Variable dimension adjustment in the Côte d'Ivoire: reasons for failure
Authors: Mahieu François 
                      Régis 
Published: July 2007

The Côte d'Ivoire has experienced a rapid succession of development models and policies. In the first twenty years after independence, indigenous planning experts designed and implemented large ‘agribusiness’ and then ‘integrated development’ projects. By the end of this period, the sanctions imposed by international markets had transformed these grandiose projects into financial black holes.
In the 1980s pressure from international authorities imposed, successively, global economic adjustment (disinflation), sector adjustments (competitive) and the social dimensions of adjustment (anti‐poverty). However, deflation of public spending and disinflation with competitive and social objectives proved incapable of restraining financial deficits whilst simultaneously causing a deterioration of human development indicators.
The 1990s confirmed the Côte d'Ivoire's leading position in development ‘technology’, in particular the national approach to programmes (demand led). Prime Minister Ouattara's medium term economic programme and ‘national approach to programmes’, adopted by the government in 1993, established the basis for a new form of planning.
Finally, in 1994, the Côte d'Ivoire discovered the practical consequences of monetarism in an open economy. The devaluation on 11 January gave it access to large loans and gave hopes of further improvements in competitivity. Would this change from competitive disinflation to competitive devaluation resolve financial problems and improve the standard of living?
In this article I will illustrate, against a backdrop of failure, the succession of adjustment policies, from standard adjustment (1980s) to the social dimensions (end of the 1980s). Then I will discuss the national approach to programmes (beginning of the 1990s) and finally monetary stabilisation (since January 1994).
Identification of amyloid fibril-forming segments based on structure and residue-based statistical potential
Authors: Zhang Zhuqing , Chen Hao , Lai Luhua 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMotivation: Experimental evidence suggests that certain short protein segments have stronger amyloidogenic propensities than others. Identification of the fibril-forming segments of proteins is crucial for understanding diseases associated with protein misfolding and for finding favorable targets for therapeutic strategies.Result: In this study, we used the microcrystal structure of the NNQQNY peptide from yeast prion protein and residue-based statistical potentials to establish an algorithm to identify the amyloid fibril-forming segment of proteins. Using the same sets of sequences, a comparable prediction performance was obtained from this study to that from 3D profile method based on the physical atomic-level potential ROSETTADESIGN. The predicted results are consistent with experiments for several representative proteins associated with amyloidosis, and also agree with the idea that peptides that can form fibrils may have strong sequence signatures. Application of the residue-based statistical potentials is computationally more efficient than using atomic-level potentials and can be applied in whole proteome analysis to investigate the evolutionary pressure effect or forecast other latent diseases related to amyloid deposits.Availability: The fibril prediction program is available at ftp://mdl.ipc.pku.edu.cn/pub/software/pre-amyl/Contact: lhlai@pku.edu.cnSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Eu.Gene Analyzer a tool for integrating gene expression data with pathway databases
Authors: Cavalieri Duccio , Castagnini Cinzia , Toti Simona , Maciag Karolina , Kelder Thomas , Gambineri Luca , Angioli Samuele , Dolara Piero 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMotivation: Eu.Gene Analyzer is an easy-to-use, stand-alone application that allows rapid and powerful microarray data analysis in the context of biological pathways. Its intuitive graphical user interface makes it an easy and flexible tool, even for the first-time user. Eu.Gene supports a variety of array platforms, organisms and pathway ontologies, transparently deals with multiple nomenclature systems and seamlessly integrates data from different sources. Two different statistical methods, the Fisher Exact Test and the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), are implemented to identify biological pathways transcriptionally affected under experimental conditions. A suite of tools is offered to define, visualize and share custom non-redundant pathway sets.In conclusion, Eu.Gene Analyzer is a new software application that takes advantage of information from multiple pathway databases to build a comprehensive interpretation of experimental results in a simple, intuitive environment.Availability: Download of Eu.Gene Analyzer Java version is available free of charge for academic users. Please visit the web page: http://www.ducciocavalieri.org/bio/Eugene.htmContact: duccio.cavalieri@unifi.itSupplementary information: http://www.ducciocavalieri.org/bio/Eugene/Suppl_Inf
Specific interactions of serpins in their native forms attenuate their conformational transitions
Authors: Na Yu‐Ran , Im Hana 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPlasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) belongs to the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) protein superfamily. Serpins are unique in that their native forms are not the most thermodynamically stable conformation; instead, a more stable, latent conformation exists. During the transition to the latent form, the first strand of β‐sheet C (s1C) in the serpin is peeled away from the β‐sheet, and the reactive center loop (RCL) is inserted into β‐sheet A, rendering the serpin inactive. To elucidate the contribution of specific interactions in the metastable native form to the latency transition, we examined the effect of mutations at the s1C of PAI‐1, specifically in positions P4′ through P10′. Several mutations strengthened the interactions between these residues and the core protein, and slowed the transition of the protein from the metastable native form to the latent form. In particular, anchoring of the strand to the protein's hydrophobic core at the beginning (P4′ site) and center of the strand (P8′ site) greatly retarded the latency transition. Mutations that weakened the interactions at the s1C region facilitated the conformational conversion of the protein to the latent form. PAI‐1's overall structural stability was largely unchanged by the mutations, as evaluated by urea‐induced equilibrium unfolding monitored via fluorescence emission. Therefore, the mutations likely exerted their effects by modulating the height of the energy barrier from the native to the latent form. Our results show that interactions found only in the metastable native form of serpins are important structural features that attenuate folding of the proteins into their latent forms.
Near‐surface models in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bridle Ralph , Ley Robert , Al‐Mustafa Ameerah 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTA single‐layer model of the near surface throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is available. While this simple model suffices for most areas and large subsurface structures, it fails in situations where the surface topography is complex, the base of weathering is below the datum, or where the time structural closure is less than the uncertainty in the static correction. In such cases, multiple‐layered models that incorporate velocities derived from analysis of first arrivals picked from seismic shot records have proved to be successful in defining the lateral heterogeneity of the near surface. The additional velocity information obtained from this first‐arrival analysis (direct as well as refracted arrivals) vastly improves the velocity–depth model of the near surface, regardless of the topography. Static corrections computed from these detailed near‐surface velocity models have significantly enhanced subsurface image focusing, thereby reducing the uncertainty in the closure of target structures. Other non‐seismic methods have been used either to confirm qualitatively or to enhance the layer models previously mentioned. Gravity data may be particularly useful in sandy areas to confirm general structure, while geostatistical modelling of vibrator base‐plate attributes has yielded information that enhances the velocity field. In the global context, exploration targets of the oil and gas industry are seeking smaller and lower relief‐time structures. Thus, near‐surface models will need to enhance and integrate these methods, particularly in areas where the assumption of flat‐lying near‐surface layers cannot be met.
Long‐term follow‐up of liver function in Italian haemophilic patients
Authors: CECCONI NADIA , CARDUCCI ANNALAURA , PANICUCCI FRANCO 
Published: June 2007

SummaryA 14‐year follow‐up of 153 haemophilic patients treated with clotted factor concentrates was made to assess liver function. Investigations included measurement of alanine amino transferase (ALT), immunoglobulins, HIV antibody, HBsAg, antibody to HBs and HBc antigens, antibodies to HCV (assayed by ELISA‐2 and by RIBA‐2) and HCV viraemia assessed by PCR. Assessment of liver function also included liver ultrasound scan and oesophageal X‐ray. A positive correlation was found between abnormal liver function and age, HIV infection, HBV infection, HCV infection and hepatomegaly. However, there was no correlation between abnormal liver function and annual clotting factor concentrate use. The increasing incidence of liver insufficiency with increasing age is likely to result in substantial morbidity and mortality amongst haemophilic patients.
Recherches sur l'artère hépatique du Rat après ligature et sur le rôle de l'artère hépato‐oesophagienne*
Authors: Sinzinger Helmut , Unterberger Helga 
Published: June 2007

ResumeOn trouve aux rats opérés après la ligature de l'artère hépatique une augmentation du calibre de l'artère hépato‐oesophagienne, celle‐ci peut garantir tout seul la fourniture artérielle du foie. L'augmentation des calibres est visible particulièrement à la branche desce mais aussi à la branche ascen‐dente. Le nombre des ramifications extra‐hépatiques est petit, le nombre des artères accessoires de foie venant de l'artère coronaire stomachique est aug‐menté. La développement d'autres artères accessoires est discutée.ZusammenfassungBei operierten Ratten findet sich nach einer Ligatur der A. hepatica im Vergleich zu Normaltieren eine starke Kaliberzunahme der Hepato‐oesopha‐geal‐Arterie, die die alleinige Versorgung der Leber ubernehmen kann. Die Vergrofierung des Kalibers macht sich besonders am Ramus descendens, aber auch am Ramus ascendens bemerkbar. Die Zahl der extrahepatischen Leber‐arterienverzweigungen ist gering, die Zahl der accessorischen Leberarterien aus der A. gastrica sinistra stark erhöht. Die Ausbildung zusätzlicher Gefäße durch die Arterienligatur wird diskutiert.SummaryExamination of the hepatic artery after its ligation, and the influence of this ligation on the hepatoesophageal arteryFollowing ligation of the hepatic artery in rats a marked increase in the caliber of the hepatoesophageal artery takes place, so that this artery can become the sole supply of the liver. This enlargement is especially marked in the descending branch of the hepatoesophageal artery, but is also present in the ascending branch. The number of the extrahepatic branches of the hepatic artery is small, but the number of the accessory liver branches from the left gastric artery is markedly increased. The formation of additional arteries occasioned by the ligature is discussed.ResumenEstudio de la Arteria hepatica en la rata, después de su ligatura, y su influencia sobre la Arteria hépatoesofágicaEn las ratas intervenidas quirurgicamente, luego de la ligature de la A. hepática, se encuentra en aumento notable en el espesor de la A. hépatoesofágica, la cual hasta puede encargarse de la irrigación total del hígado. Tal aumento se observa especialmente en la rama descendente, pero también en la ascendente. El numero de ramificaciones extrahepáticas de la A. hepática no es grande, la cantidad de Arterias hepáticas accessorias provenientes de la A. gástrica izquierda aumenta notablemente. Se discute la influencia de la ligatura de arterias sobre la formación de vasos adicionales.
Elektronenmikroskopisch‐zytochemische Untersuchungen an Zellmembranen der Hornzellen vom Vormagenepithel der Ziege*
Authors: Schnorr B. , Hild A. 
Published: June 2007

ZusammenfassungMit ultrahistodiemischen Methoden wurde die feinstrukturelle Lokalisation von kohlenhydratreichen Verbindungen und SH‐Gruppen an den Hornzellmembranen des Vormagenepithels der Ziege nachgewiesen. Es wurde festgestellt, daß SH‐Gruppen nur an der Innenlamelle der Plasmamembranen vorkommen, während Mucosubstanzen an beiden Seiten zu finden waren. Die funktionelle Bedeutung der nachgewiesenen Substanzen ist bisher noch unklar. Vor allem ist unbekannt, ob sie an spezifisdien Transportprozessen des Vormagenepithels teilnehmen.
Étude cytologique du pancréas endocrine de la barbotte brune (Pisces Ictalurus nebulosus, le Sueur 1819)
Authors: Discorde D. le 
Published: June 2007

RésuméLe pancréas endocrine ďIctalurus nebulosus, localisé préférentiellement au niveau de ľîot principal du pancréas, est constitué de travées cellulaires formant des îlots endocrines au sein du tissu exocrine. On y distingue trois types cellulaires A, B et D répartis les uns entre les autres de façon presque uniforme et bien individualisés chacun par des colorations et réactions histo chimiques sélectives. Ce travail réclame en outre pour ce Téléostéen la revision conceptuelle de ľopinion apportée à ce sujet par Bencosme et al. (1965).ZusammenfassungZur Zytologie des endokrinen Pancreas der Aalraupe (Pisces, Ictalurus nebulosus, Le Sueur 1819)Das endokrine Pancreas von Ictalurus nebulosus liegt vornehmlich im Bereidi der Hauptinsel des Pancreas und besteht aus Zellbalken, die die endokrinen Inseln inmitten des exokrinen Gewebes bilden. Drei Zelltypen (A, B, D) sind zu unterscheiden, die einander fast gleichmäßig durchmischen, aber färberisch und histochemisch gut unterscheidbar sind. Die für diesen Fisch von Bencosme et al. (1965) vertretene Meinung wird damit widerlegt.SummaryOn the cytology of the endocrine pancreas of Ictalurus nebulosus (Le Sueur 1819)The endocrine pancreas of Ictalurus nebulosus lies mainly in the principal part of the pancreas and consists of cell strands which form the endocrine islets in the exocrine pancreatic tissue. Three cell types (A, B, D) are present. These are evenly distributed and can be differentiated easily by histological stains and histochemical methods. The opinion of Bencosme et al. (1965) in regard to this fish is hereby refuted.ResumenLa citologia del pancreas endocrino de Ictalurus nebulosus (Le Sueur, 1819)El páncreas endocrino de Ictalurus nebulosus se encuentra especialmente en el isfote principal del páncreas y se compone de trabéculas celulares que forman los islotes endocrinos dentro del tejido exocrino. Se diferencian tres tipos de células (A, B, D) que están mezcladas entre si, pero se diferencian bien con métodos histoquímicos y de coloración. De esta manera, se refuta la opinión de Bencosme et al. (1965) sobre este pez.
A Light and Electron Microscopic Study of Developing Bovine Sympathetic Ganglia
Authors: Canfield Paul J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study concentrated on the histogenesis of bovine sympathetic ganglia, especially the development of the capsule, the interaction of sympathoblasts and supporting cells, and the ultrastructural detail of developing sympathoblasts. For this purpose 1st thoracic ganglia from 19 embryos and foetuses were collected and separated into 4 groups. The methods of study involved light and electron microscopy. From the study it was concluded that for neuronal development a functional interaction was necessary with satellite and Schwann cells, that the capsule had a role in maintaining neuronal homeostasis, and that sympathetic neurons displayed a number of morphologically distinct forms before reaching maturity.
The Anatomy of the Parotid Duct (Ductus parotideus) of the Greyhound as Appreciated by the Sense of Touch
Authors: McCarthy P. H. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryA method is described for the detailed palpation of the parotid duct of the live Greyhound; the method can also be applied to other dog breeds which have short facial hair. Transquilisation is needed where the dog concerned is nervous, boisterous or impatient.
Sur les variations morphologiques et architecturales des reins des oiseaux domestiques (Gallus domesticus, Meleagris gallopavo, Anser domesticus, Anas boschas domestica)
Authors: Radu C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractOn the Morphological and Architectural Variations of the Kidneys in Domestic FowlsThe investigations have been carried out on kidneys injected with latex and corroded in HCl. The kidneys were taken from 3 cocks, 20 hens, 2 turkey‐cocks, 4 turkey hens, 2 drakes, 5 ducks, 5 ganders and 3 geese at the age of 6 months to 1 year. The territorial distributions of the renal vessels are similar in all the four species. Venous “by‐pass” and anastomosis not mentioned in the literature have been described. The renal arteries manifest a high degree of variability concerning their origins and ramifications. Our hypothesis of the “longitudinal traction” correlates the “contracted” and “elongated” forms of the kidneys and their architectonics with the longitudinal development of the pelvis, i. e. the adaptation of the apparatus locomotorius to the living conditions of the species.
Die Entwicklung der Bursa omentalis des Schafes und ihre Bedeutung für die Topographie der Bauchhöhle*
Authors: Heckl Eveline 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe hypotheses for the development of the omental bursa (rotation of the stomach, formation of folds, invagination of the celomic epithelium, formation of a recess) do not agree with each other. On 31 sheep embryos (4–50 mm CRL; 16–44 days old) the formation of the omental bursa was studied using serial sections and three‐dimensional reconstructions. The primary epiploic foramen induces fusion and enlargement of mesenchymal clefts on the right side of the foregut, producing recesses. The latter, after elongation of the dorsal and ventral mesogastria, give rise to the omental bursae.
Light and Electron Microscopical Observations on Thyroid Cysts in Vitamin‐A Deficient Guinea Pigs
Authors: Kirkeby S. , Zelander T. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe purpose was to study the thyroid gland from vitamin‐A deficient guinea pigs. The material comprised 13 guinea pigs fed ad lib. on vitamin‐A deficient diet and 23 on a control diet. The methods included light and electron microscopy. The functional aspects of the findings were discussed.