bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on sphingomyelinase activity in cultured cells and leucocytes
Authors: Besley G. T. N. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractUsing both [3H]ceramide‐sphingomyelin and [14C]methyl choline‐sphingomyelin as substrate, enzyme activity was determined in skin fibroblasts, cultured amnotic fluid cells and leucocytes. Sphingomyelinase activities of fibroblasts from two patients with Niemann‐Pick disease were about 1% of the mean control values (22.9 nmol/h/mg protein and 65.6 nmol/h/mg protein, with [3H]sphingomyelin and [14C]sphingomyelin respectively). Leucocyte sphingomyelinase activity is much lower than that of cultured cells.Optimum sphingomyelinase activity of cultured cells is at pH 5.0 and the apparentKm values are 58µmol/l and about 200µmol/l for [3H]sphingomyelin and [14C]sphingomyelin respectively. These properties are similar to those for residual sphingomyelinase activity in Niemann‐Pick fibroblasts.
Cholesterol sulphate in the microsomal sulphatase deficient placenta
Authors: Marinkovic‐Ilsen A. , Williams M. L. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractPlacental sulphatase deficiency (PSD) and recessive X‐linked ichthyosis (RXLI) are known as a nosological entity, due to deficiency of the enzyme, steroid sulphatase. Prior studies have demonstrated high urinary excretion and some accumulation of sulphated steroids prenatally, and of accumulation of cholesterol sulphate postnatally. This study was undertaken to investigate the level of cholesterol sulphate in the sulphatase deficient placenta. Whereas cholesterol sulphate levels are elevated in blood, erythrocyte membrane and stratum corneum of patients with RXLI, cholesterol sulphate content of four investigated sulphatase deficient placentas was normal in comparison to six normal male controls and four male controls with low oestrogen excretion in the third trimester of pregnancy but with normal placental sulphatase activity. The explanation for normal cholesterol sulphate content of sulphatase deficient placentas is unknown but may be due to placental transport, rapid metabolism to other sulphated steroids or age‐related differences in residual enzyme activities.
Pregnancy in xanthinuria: Demonstration of fetal uric acid production?
Authors: Simmonds H. A. , Stutchbury J. H. , Webster D. R. , Spencer R. E. , Fisher R. A. , Wooder M. , Buckley B. M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThis paper reports biochemical studies in a pregnant xanthinuric female (McKusick 27830) and compares the results with findings in three other xanthinurics studied by us, including a previously unreported female who had a nephrectomy for xanthine stones.The findings of raised levels of uric acid in plasma and urine at presentation in the third trimester of pregnancy, and the subsequent fall to almost undetectable levels 6 weeks post‐partum, is regarded as evidence of the extent of fetal uric acid production and clearance by the maternal circulation.
Some nutritional aspects of trace metals
Authors: Aggett P. J. , Davies N. T. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA brief outline of the known biochemical roles of managanese and chromium is given before the problems of determining human trace metal status are discussed. The factors predisposing to trace metal deficiency are reviewed but particular emphasis is placed upon those which alter the bioavailability of essential trace metals from natural and synthetic diets. This is illustrated by practical examples which show the importance of investigating the bioavailability of the trace metal content of artificial diets used in paediatric care. The results of such studies highlight the need to assess similarly the adequacy of the trace element composition of the many meat substitutes and extenders available currently. Finally, some aspects of trace metal supplementation of intravenous feeding regimes are described.
The role of molybdenum in human biology
Authors: Coughlan M. P. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractMolybdenum, because of its unique chemistry, is the biological catalyst for reactions in which proton and electron transfer, and possibly oxygen transfer, are coupled. The molybdoenzymes in man are sulphite oxidase, xanthine oxidase/dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase. The former is essential for detoxication of the sulphite arising from metabolism of sulphur‐containing amino acids, from ingestion of bisulphite preservative and from inhalation of sulphur dioxide, an atmospheric pollutant. Whether, or not, any of the reactions catalysed by xanthine oxidase/dehydrogenase and aldehyde oxidase are necessary for human well‐being has yet to be established.
The evaluation of selenium state in children
Authors: Lombeck I. 
Published: June 2005

ConclusionOur conclusion is that young infants are at risk of Se deficiency, especially with artificial feeding, semisynthetic diets or parenteral nutrition. Short term changes of the Se state can be monitored by estimation of the serum Se concentration or better by its active form—the plasma GSHPx activity. Long term changes can be controlled by measuring the Se content and GSHPx activity of erythrocytes. For field studies it is easy to measure hair Se values.
Peroxisomal disorders: Clinical characterization
Authors: Monnens L. , Heymans H. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe peroxisomal disorders can be divided into three classes: firstly, those in which the activity of only one single enzyme is reduced; secondly, those in which the activities of multiple peroxisomal enzymes are deficient and also the number of peroxisomes is reduced; and thirdly, those in which the activities of multiple peroxisomal enzymes are lacking and at the same time the number of peroxisomes is normal at least in liver tissue. The cerebro‐hepato‐renal syndrome of Zellweger is the prototype of peroxisomal disorders of the second group. Clinical distinction between Zellweger syndrome and neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy or infantile Refsum disease can be impossible. The clinical abnormalities that should give rise to suspicion for the presence of a peroxisomal disorder and urge the necessity of further biochemical studies are proposed.
Secondary mitochondrial pathology
Authors: Sengers R. C. A. , Stadhouders A. M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA considerable number of myopathies seem to involve the mitochondria but the various causes may be situated outside the mitochondria. These can be categorized as (1) deficiency; (2) intoxication; (3) disturbed regulatory control; (4) hypoxia; (5) disturbed interaction with other cell organelles and (6) unidentified causes.
Therapy of mitochondrial disorders
Authors: Przyrembel H. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractMitochondrial disorders, namely defects of fatty acid oxidation, defects of pyruvate metabolism and defects of the respiratory chain are heterogenous in clinical picture and in response to therapeutic attempts. Defects of fatty acid metabolism are amenable to therapy by dietary means, carnitine substitution and in some cases with vitamins. Defects in pyruvate metabolism do not respond to therapy except in some special cases. Therapeutic attempts include dietary measures, vitamins as coenzyme precursors. Defects in the respiratory chain appear to respond to treatment only in exceptional cases. Evaluation of treatment effects appears to be singularly difficult. General measures that can be of benefit to different defects are discussed.
Osmolality of enteral formulas for maternal phenylketonuria
Authors: Anderson K. , Acosta P. B. , Kennedy B. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractOsmolalities of individual products and composite diets used in the treatment of maternal phenylketonuria were measured. Mathematical equations were developed which predict osmolality. Quantitative information on osmolalities of enteral formulas for women with maternal phenylketonuria may help clinicians plan diets to avoid the risk of gastrointestinal disturbances and to increase acceptability.
Niemann‐pick disease type B: Clinical signs and follow‐up of a new case
Authors: Pavone L. , Fiumara A. , LaRosa M. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractA girl affected by Niemann‐Pick disease type B is reported. The patient presented unusual skin lesions of nummular eczematous dermatitis, signs of delayed puberty and stunted physical development, together with the typical symptoms involving visceral organs and lungs. This disease may therefore indirectly affect more body organs than assumed.
The formal design of distributed controllers with
d
SL and Spin
Authors: Wachter Bram De , Genon Alexandre , Massart Thierry , Meuter Cédric 
Published: June 2005

Abstract

We study the formal verification of programs written in
d
SL, an extension of the standard ST language used to program industrial controllers. It proposes a trade off between industrial and formal verification worlds. The main advantage of
d
SL is to provide a transparent code distribution through low level communication mechanisms. The behavior of the synthesized distributed system can therefore be formally modeled, easily monitored and formally verified. The verification of a
d
SL program, realized with the
Spin
tool, is eased by the definition of a lattice of models linked with a simulation relation preserving next-free LTL formulae. We show that, although
d
SL is an industrial programming language, it gives the possibility to verify systems designed with it. We illustrate the benefit of our approach with a simple control system of two canal locks.
Is Minimal Access Surgery for Cancer Associated with Immunologic Benefits?
Authors: Ng Calvin S. H. , Whelan Richard L. , Lacy Antonio M. , Yim Anthony P.C. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractMinimal‐access surgical techniques have been shown to be beneficial to patients in terms of shorter convalescence, reduced pain, and improved cosmesis. Although systemic immune function is better preserved following laparoscopic procedures when compared with their respective open approaches, CO2 pneumoperitoneum may significantly affect local (i.e., infra‐abdominal) cellular immunity by reducing regional macrophage function. Results to date are conflicting with regard to the impact of closed and open methods on intraabdominal immunity. Impaired cellular immunity after CO2 pneumoperitoneum may have significant undesirable intra‐abdominal effects on tumor surveillance after oncological surgery; however, at present, there is no clinical evidence to support this position. The VATS techniques avoid the use of CO2 insufflation, which may offer some advantages from the immune function perspective over laparoscopic procedures accomplished with CO2 pneumoperitoneum. Better preservation of early postoperative cellular immune function and attenuated disturbance in the inflammatory mediators are likely contributing factors to the clinical benefits that follow laparoscopic surgery and VATS. Larger multi‐center randomized trials are needed to confirm the potential benefits of minimal‐access surgery on patient survival after cancer surgery. Future research should focus on the effects of minimal‐access surgery on other mediators (such as MMP‐9, IGFBP‐3, IL‐12, IL‐17, and IL‐23) that may be important in tumor cell dissemination, deposition, and propagation in the early postoperative period. Furthermore, additional searches for other factors or mediators, heretofore unrecognized, should be carried out. Such studies will, we hope, increase our knowledge and understanding of the impact of surgery on immune and other physiologic functions.
Relationship Between Tissue Ingrowth and Mesh Contraction
Authors: Gonzalez Rodrigo , Fugate Kim , McClusky David , Ritter E. Matt , Lederman Andrew , Dillehay Dirk , Smith C. Daniel , Ramshaw Bruce J. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractContraction is a well‐documented phenomenon occurring within two months of mesh implantation. Its etiology is unknown, but it is suggested to occur as a result of inadequate tissue ingrowth into the mesh and has been associated with hernia recurrence. In continuation of our previous studies, we compared tissue ingrowth characteristics of large patches of polyester (PE) and heavyweight polypropylene (PP) and their effect on mesh contraction. The materials used were eight PE and eight PP meshes measuring 10 × 10 cm2. After random assignment to the implantation sites, the meshes were fixed to the abdominal wall fascia of swine using interrupted polypropylene sutures. A necropsy was performed three months after surgery for evaluation of mesh contraction/shrinkage. Using a tensiometer, tissue ingrowth was assessed by measuring the force necessary to detach the mesh from the fascia. Histologic analysis included inflammatory and fibroblastic reactions, scored on a 0–4 point scale. One swine developed a severe wound infection that involved two PP meshes and was therefore excluded from the study. The mean area covered by the PE meshes (87 ± 7 cm2) was significantly larger than the area covered by the PP meshes (67 ± 14 cm2) (p = 0.006). Tissue ingrowth force of the PE meshes (194 ± 37 N) had a trend toward being higher than that of the PP meshes (159 ± 43 N), although it did not reach statistical significance. There was no difference in histologic inflammatory and fibroblastic reactions between mesh types. There was a significant correlation between tissue ingrowth force and mesh size (p = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.05–0.84). Our results confirm those from previous studies in that mesh materials undergo significant contraction after suture fixation to the fascia. PE resulted in less contraction than polypropylene. A strong integration of the mesh into the tissue helps prevent this phenomenon, which is evidenced by a significant correlation between tissue ingrowth force and mesh size.
High-beta plasma blobs in the morningside plasma sheet
Authors: Haerendel G. , Baumjohann W. , Georgescu E. , Nakamura R. , Kistler L. M. , Klecker B. , Kucharek H. , Vaivads A. , Mukai T. , Kokubun S. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract. Equator-S frequently encountered, i.e. on 30% of the orbits between 1 March and 17 April 1998, strong variations of the magnetic field strength of typically 5–15-min duration outside about 9RE during the late-night/early-morning hours. Very high-plasma beta values were found, varying between 1 and 10 or more. Close conjunctions between Equator-S and Geotail revealed the spatial structure of these "plasma blobs" and their lifetime. They are typically 5–10° wide in longitude and have an antisymmetric plasma or magnetic pressure distribution with respect to the equator, while being altogether low-latitude phenomena (≤ 15°). They drift slowly sunward, exchange plasma across the equator and have a lifetime of at least 15–30 min. While their spatial structure may be due to some sort of mirror instability, little is known about the origin of the high-beta plasma. It is speculated that the morningside boundary layer somewhat further tailward may be the source of this plasma. This would be consistent with the preference of the plasma blobs to occur during quiet conditions, although they are also found during substorm periods. The relation to auroral phenomena in the morningside oval is uncertain. The energy deposition may be mostly too weak to generate a visible signature. However, patchy aurora remains a candidate for more disturbed periods.Key words. Magnetospheric physics (plasma convection; plasma sheet; plasma waves and instabilities)
Integration of psychological and biological approaches to trauma memory: Implications for pharmacological prevention of PTSD
Authors: McCleery Jenny M. , Harvey Allison G. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractAlthough memory processes play a central role in both psychological and neurobiological accounts of the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there has been little integration of the two literatures. This paper aims to consider the implications of an integrated account of trauma memory for pharmacological treatments that have been proposed for the prevention of PTSD. The idea of reprocessing trauma memories to bring about recovery, central to the psychological account of PTSD, is translated into terms more familiar in the biological literature using the concept of reconsolidation of active memories. It is suggested that physiological arousal enhances the reprocessing of trauma memories. Drugs that influence arousal may have effects after trauma which depend on the psychosocial context, helping to prevent the development of PTSD in some trauma victims, but impeding recovery in others who would do well without treatment.
Neurotrophins in murine viscera: a dynamic pattern from birth to adulthood
Authors: Lommatzsch Marek , Quarcoo David , Schulte‐Herbrüggen Olaf , Weber Heike , Virchow Johann Christian , Renz Harald , Braun Armin 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThere is growing evidence that target‐derived neurotrophins regulate the function of visceral neurons after birth. However, the postnatal profile of neurotrophin supply from internal organs is poorly described. In this study, we compared neurotrophin concentrations in lysates of murine peripheral target tissues (lung, heart, liver, colon, spleen, thymus, kidney and urinary bladder) at different time points after birth. In most organs, there was a decrease of neurotrophin concentrations in the first weeks after birth. In contrast, there were characteristic increases of specific neurotrophins during adolescence or adulthood. These increases were found for nerve growth factor (NGF) in the heart, thymus, kidney and liver, for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the lung, and for neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) in the colon. In conclusion, we show that neurotrophins display a very differential and dynamic profile in internal organs after birth.
A new species of Calyptogena (Bivalvia: Vesicomyidae) from a recently discovered methane seepage area off Concepción Bay, Chile (∼36°S)
Authors: Sellanes Javier , Krylova Elena 
Published: June 2005

Calyptogena gallardoi sp. nov. is described from eight articulated and 15 separated valves collected by dredge at ∼760 m depth off the Bay of Concepción, central Chile (∼36°S). In general outline, C.gallardoi sp. nov. is close to C. pacifica and to a new species of Calyptogena from Peru, from which it differs in details of the shell shape and hinge margin. Bivalves of the genus Calyptogena are typical constituents of marine chemosynthesis-based communities, and are therefore indicators of reducing environments. In the area of occurrence, the presence of C. gallardoi sp. nov. is related to methane seepage, associated in turn with the extensive gas–hydrate fields recently reported for the Chilean margin along 35°S to 45°S. Gas-saturated sediments as well as fragments of other chemosynthetic endosymbiont-containing clams of the families Vesicomyidae, Lucinidae, Thyasiridae and Solemyidae were also retrieved in the area.Calyptogena gallardoi sp. nov. is the first species of Calyptogena s.s. and the second species of the family Vesicomyidae so far described for the south-eastern Pacific area.
Reduction of Postincisional Allodynia by Subcutaneous Bupivacaine
Authors: Duarte Adriana M. , Pospisilova Eva , Reilly Erin , Mujenda Florence , Hamaya Yoshihiro , Strichartz Gary R. 
Published: June 2005

Background
An incision of hairy skin of the rat's back provides a new model for postincisional pain to determine the importance of cutaneous anesthesia.

Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized with sevoflurane and given a 0.6-ml subcutaneous injection of bupivacaine (0.25%) under the incision site or the medial lumbar dorsum or at the nuchal midline, 30 min before a 1.0-cm skin incision. Mechanical stimuli (von Frey hairs, 18-250 mN) were applied to measure nociception, indicated by twitching of local subcutaneous muscles, the cutaneus trunci muscle reflex. A graded response score, averaging the twitches weighted by their vigor, or a population response score, measuring the fraction of rats that showed any response, was assessed for 3 days before and over 7 days after incision. von Frey hairs were applied 0.5 cm from the incision to test primary hyperalgesia and 2.0 cm contralateral to the incision for secondary hyperalgesia.

Results
Incision induced responses to stimuli that had no effect on intact skin (allodynia) and also enhanced responses to forces that normally gave less than the full reflex (hyperalgesia). Hyperalgesia was present 30 min after surgery, peaked at 3-6 h, and persisted through the week; allodynia had a similar onset but was briefer. Both changes were transiently reversed by subcutaneous morphine (2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal). Subcutaneous bupivacaine (0.25%), injected preoperatively at the incision site and anesthetizing skin for 2-3 h, suppressed primary allodynia for 1 week but had no effect on hyperalgesia. Secondary allodynia was obliterated, and secondary hyperalgesia attenuated by this treatment. Bupivacaine injected subcutaneously at the nuchal midline before surgery was also effective in abbreviating primary and secondary allodynia, with no signs of sedation, ataxia, or preconvulsive behavior.

Conclusions
Incision of rat hairy skin changes pain responses, similar to pain in humans. Preincisional subcutaneous bupivacaine selectively suppresses and shortens allodynia for times far outlasting its local anesthesia, an effect largely from systemic actions.
Innovation in large versus small companies: insights from the US wood products industry
Authors: Wagner Ernesto R. , Hansen Eric N. 
Published: June 2005

PurposeAims to explain the effect of firm size on company innovation inside one industry context: the wood products industry.Design/methodology/approachThe strategic issues under study (innovation, corporate strategy) are typically managed by the firm's top executives. Also important is the fact that the response rates of questionnaires targeting this group are generally very low. Consistently, the data for the project were obtained from 43 in‐person interviews with top executives of wood products companies of different sizes in two countries, i.e. the USA and Chile.FindingsFinds that firm size does impact the innovation type pursued by companies, at least in the wood products industry. Indeed, large companies of this study clearly outrun smaller companies in process innovation. However, our analysis also shows that small companies level the field with larger companies when considering all three innovation types (process, product, business systems).Practical implicationsThe capital enjoyed by large companies allows them to excel in process innovation. This article suggests that managers of small companies should compete in a different arena from large companies and emphasize product and business systems innovation, as they can do very well in these areas even with limited resources.Originality/valueThere is very little research about innovation in the wood products industry. This article contributes to the knowledge in this area, also providing new insights about the validity of Schumpeter's assertions regarding the role of company size in innovation.