bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early life factors, childhood cognition and postal questionnaire response rate in middle age: the Aberdeen Children of the 1950sstudy
Authors: Nishiwaki Yuji , Clark Heather , Morton Susan M , Leon David A 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
Little is known about the relationship between early life factors and survey response in epidemiological studies of adults.

Methods
The Children of the 1950s cohort is composed of 12,150 children (boys 51.7%) born in Aberdeen 1950–56 and in primary schools in the city in 1962. Information on birth weight, gestational age, growth, behaviour and socio-economic position at birth and in childhood were obtained from contemporaneous records. Cognitive test scores at ages 7,9 and 11 years were also available from school records. The outcome was response to a postal questionnaire sent (2001–2003) to surviving cohort members in middle age.

Results
Of 11,282 potentially mailed subjects, 7,183 (63.7%) returned questionnaires. Response rates were highest among females, and those whose parents were married at birth, were in a non-manual social class at birth or in childhood, had fewer siblings, were taller and heavier in childhood for their age and had lower Rutter B behavioural scores. Childhood cognitive test scores at every age were strongly and positively related to the response rate to a postal questionnaire independently of other early life factors monotonically across the entire range of test scores. Those in the bottom fifth at age 11 had a response rate of 49% while those in the top fifth 75%.

Conclusion
The strength and consistency of the association of childhood cognition with questionnaire response rate in middle age is surprisingly large. It suggests that childhood cognition across the entire normal range is a powerful influence on the complex set of later behaviours that comprise questionnaire response. The extent of possible response bias in epidemiological studies of the associations between childhood characteristics (particularly those related to cognition) and later health is probably larger than is generally realised, at least in situations where the survey instrument is a postal questionnaire.
Incidence of stillbirth and perinatal mortality and their associated factors among women delivering at Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional retrospective analysis
Authors: Feresu Shingairai A , Harlow Siobán D , Welch Kathy , Gillespie Brenda W 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background
Death of an infant in utero or at birth has always been a devastating experience for the mother and of concern in clinical practice. Infant mortality remains a challenge in the care of pregnant women worldwide, but particularly for developing countries and the need to understand contributory factors is crucial for addressing appropriate perinatal health.

Methods
Using information available in obstetric records for all deliveries (17,072 births) at Harare Maternity Hospital, Zimbabwe, we conducted a cross-sectional retrospective analysis of a one-year data, (1997–1998) to assess demographic and obstetric risk factors for stillbirth and early neonatal death. We estimated risk of stillbirth and early neonatal death for each potential risk factor.

Results
The annual frequency of stillbirth was 56 per 1,000 total births. Women delivering stillbirths and early neonatal deaths were less likely to receive prenatal care (adjusted relative risk [RR] = 2.54; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 2.19–2.94 and RR = 2.52; 95% CI 1.63–3.91), which for combined stillbirths and early neonatal deaths increased with increasing gestational age (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 3.98, HR = 7.49 at 28 and 40 weeks of gestation, respectively). Rural residence was associated with risk of infant dying in utero, (RR = 1.33; 95% CI 1.12–1.59), and the risk of death increased with increasing gestational age (HR = 1.04, HR = 1.69, at 28 and 40 weeks of gestation, respectively). Older maternal age was associated with risk of death (HR = 1.50; 95% CI 1.21–1.84). Stillbirths were less likely to be delivered by Cesarean section (RR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.51–0.79), but more likely to be delivered as breech (RR = 4.65; 95% CI 3.88–5.57, as were early neonatal deaths (RR = 3.38; 95% CI 1.64–6.96).

Conclusion
The frequency of stillbirth, especially macerated, is high, 27 per 1000 total births. Early prenatal care could help reduce perinatal death linking the woman to the health care system, increasing the probability that she would seek timely emergency care that would reduce the likelihood of death of her infant in utero. Improved quality of obstetric care during labor and delivery may help reduce the number of fresh stillbirths and early neonatal deaths.
Oogenesis in cultures derived from adult human ovaries
Authors: Bukovsky Antonin , Svetlikova Marta , Caudle Michael R 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Ten years ago, we reported that in adult human females the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) is a source of germ cells. Recently, we also demonstrated that new primary follicles are formed by assembly of oocytes with nests of primitive granulosa cells in the ovarian cortex. The components of the new primary follicles, primitive granulosa and germ cells, differentiated sequentially from the OSE, which arises from cytokeratin positive mesenchymal progenitor cells residing in the ovarian tunica albuginea. In the present study, we investigated the possibility that the oocytes and granulosa cells may differentiate in cultures derived from adult human ovaries. Cells were scrapped from the surface of ovaries and cultured for 5 to 6 days, in the presence or absence of estrogenic stimuli [phenol red (PhR)]. The OSE cells cultured in the medium without PhR differentiated into small (15 micron) cells of granulosa phenotype, and epithelial, neural, and mesenchymal type cells. In contrast, OSE cells cultured in the presence of PhR differentiated directly into large (180 micron) cells of the oocyte phenotype. Such cells exhibited germinal vesicle breakdown, expulsion of the polar body, and surface expression of zona pellucida proteins, i.e. characteristics of secondary oocytes. These in vitro studies confirm our in vivo observations that in adult human ovaries, the OSE is a bipotent source of oocytes and granulosa cells. Development of numerous mature oocytes from adult ovarian stem cells in vitro offers new strategies for the egg preservation, IVF utilization, and treatment of female infertility. In addition, other clinical applications aiming to utilize stem cells, and basic stem cell research as well, may employ totipotent embryonic stem cells developing from fertilized oocytes.
Selective Theca Cell Dysfunction in Autoimmune Oophoritis Results in Multifollicular Development, Decreased Estradiol, and Elevated Inhibin B Levels
Authors: Welt Corrine K. , Falorni Alberto , Taylor Ann E. , Martin Kathryn A. , Hall Janet E. 
Published: May 2005

We describe the clinical course of three women with presumptive autoimmune oophoritis who developed multiple follicles but very low to undetectable estradiol levels. Multiple follicles developed spontaneously in all subjects and during pulsatile GnRH treatment for ovulation induction in subject 1. The development of multiple dominant follicles was accompanied by LH levels in the postmenopausal range and FSH levels at the upper limit for premenopausal women. Serum inhibin B levels were elevated appropriately in the setting of multifollicular development, but estradiol levels remained low. Measurement of estradiol precursors demonstrated androstenedione and estrone levels below the 95th percentile in normal women. Adrenal cortical antibodies, and antibodies to 21-hydroxylase and P450 side chain cleavage enzymes were identified in all subjects. All subjects met the criteria for premature ovarian failure during follow-up. Subject 1 later developed adrenal failure, whereas subject 3 had adrenal failure at the time of the study.These subjects elucidate the hormonal pattern in autoimmune oophoritis, before the full criteria for premature ovarian failure are met. The elevated inhibin A and B levels, which accompany the development of multiple small and dominant follicles in these women, suppress FSH relative to LH levels, virtually independent of estradiol. These data provide further evidence for an important role of inhibin B and inhibin A in the negative feedback control of FSH. In addition, the normal inhibin A and inhibin B production in the absence of estradiol precursors and estradiol provide insight into the selective dysfunction of the theca cells in autoimmune oophoritis.
Cytoplasmic carbonic anhydrase isozymes in rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykiss: comparative physiology and molecular evolution
Authors: Esbaugh A. J. , Perry S. F. , Bayaa M. , Georgalis T. , Nickerson J. , Tufts B. L. , Gilmour K. M. 
Published: May 2005

SUMMARYIt is well established that the gills of teleost fish contain substantial levels of cytoplasmic carbonic anhydrase (CA), but it is unclear which CA isozyme(s) might be responsible for this activity. The objective of the current study was to determine if branchial CA activity in rainbow trout was the result of a general cytoplasmic CA isozyme, with kinetic properties,tissue distribution and physiological functions distinct from those of the red blood cell (rbc)-specific CA isozyme. Isolation and sequencing of a second trout cytoplasmic CA yielded a 780 bp coding region that was 76% identical with the trout rbc CA (TCAb), although the active sites differed by only 1 amino acid. Interestingly, phylogenetic analyses did not group these two isozymes closely together, suggesting that more fish species may have multiple cytoplasmic CA isozymes. In contrast to TCAb, the second cytoplasmic CA isozyme had a wide tissue distribution with high expression in the gills and brain, and lower expression in many tissues, including the red blood cells. Thus, unlike TCAb, the second isozyme lacks tissue specificity and may be expressed in the cytoplasm of all cells. For this reason, it is referred to hereafter as TCAc (trout cytoplasmic CA). The inhibitor properties of both cytoplasmic isozymes were similar (Ki acetazolamide 1.21±0.18 nmol l-1 and 1.34±0.10 nmol l-1for TCAc and TCAb, respectively). However, the turnover of TCAb was over three times greater than that of TCAc (30.3±5.83 vs 8.90±1.95 e4 s-1, respectively), indicating that the rbc-specific CA isoform was significantly faster than the general cytoplasmic isoform. Induction of anaemia revealed differential expression of the two isozymes in the red blood cell; whereas TCAc mRNA expression was unaffected, TCAb mRNA expression was significantly increased by 30- to 60-fold in anaemic trout.
The effect of desiccation on water management and compartmentalisation in scorpions: the hepatopancreas as a water reservoir
Authors: Gefen Eran , Ar Amos 
Published: May 2005

SUMMARYScorpions of the Family Buthidae have lower water loss rates (WLR) and enhanced osmoregulatory capacities in comparison with sympatric species of F. Scorpionidae. In this study we followed changes in water content of different body compartments in four scorpion species under prolonged desiccation conditions. The high initial WLR previously reported for Scorpionidae result in rapid depletion of body water stores. A significant decrease in total body water content of Scorpionidae was recorded following loss of only 5% of initial mass, whereas no such decrease was recorded for Buthidae following severe desiccation. When desiccated, scorpions lose water primarily from the hepatopancreas, while haemolymph volume is more tightly regulated. However,the haemolymph volume of Scorpionidae decreases as a result of depletion of hepatopancreas water stores following severe desiccation. The increasing lipid fraction in the hepatopancreas of Scorpionidae during desiccation suggests that depletion of body water stores may induce enhanced catabolism of carbohydrates, which may contribute to volume regulation by making initially glycogen-bound water available to the desiccating scorpion.
Hypoxic responses of Na+/K+ ATPase in trout hepatocytes
Authors: Bogdanova A. , Grenacher B. , Nikinmaa M. , Gassmann M. 
Published: May 2005

SUMMARYReduction in oxygenation induces inhibition of Na+/K+ATPase in a number of cells and tissues, including hepatocytes. When not reversed, decrease in Na+/K+ pump activity leads to a gradual Na+ accumulation, cell swelling and death. However, when accompanied by suppression of dissipative cation pathways, it has also been shown to be a beneficial adaptive strategy used by some hypoxia-tolerant species to reduce ATP consumption during prolonged periods of anoxia. This study aims to investigate acute hypoxic responses of the Na+/K+ ATPase in primary cultures of trout hepatocytes. Gradual decrease in oxygenation was followed by an instantaneous transient dose-dependent downregulation of the Na+/K+ ATPase transport activity, but was without an effect on hydrolytic function of the enzyme. Hypoxia-induced inhibition of active K+ influx was reversed spontaneously when hypoxic incubation time exceeded 20 min. The stimulating effect of prolonged hypoxic exposure on the Na+/K+ pump is most probably secondary to hypoxia-induced activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger with the following Na+accumulation leading to Na+/K+ ATPase activation. Hypoxia-induced inhibition of the Na+/K+ pump was not caused by ATP depletion or global oxidative stress. However, local controlled production of reactive oxygen species seems to play an important role in hypoxia-induced regulation of the Na+/K+ ATPase. Treatment of cells with mercaptopropionyl glycine (MPG), a scavenger of \batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\mathrm{O}\mathrm{H}^{.-}\) \end{document}, abolished hypoxia-induced inhibition of the Na+/K+ ATPase. Earlier on we have shown that activation of Na+/H+ exchanger under hypoxic conditions can be opposed by MPG treatment as well. Taken together our results suggest that regulation of both oxygen-sensitive transporters may be accomplished by local changes in free radical production.
Contractile properties of mouse single muscle fibers, a comparison with amphibian muscle fibers
Authors: Edman K. A. P. 
Published: May 2005

SUMMARY
Single fibers, 25-40 μm wide and 0.5-0.7 mm long, were isolated from the flexor digitorum brevis muscle of the mouse. Force and movement were recorded(21-27°C) from the fiber as a whole and, in certain experiments, from a short marked segment that was held at constant length by feedback control. The maximum tetanic force, 368±57 kN/m2 (N=10), was not significantly different from that recorded in frog muscle fibers at equal temperature. However, the rising phase of the tetanus was considerably slower in the mammalian fibers, 202±20 ms (N=17) being required to reach 90% of maximum tetanic force as compared with 59±4 ms(N=20) in the frog muscle fibers. Similar to the situation in frog muscle fibers, the force-velocity relation exhibited two distinct curvatures located on either side of a breakpoint near 80% of the isometric force. Maximum speed of shortening was 4.0±0.3 fiber lengths s-1(N=6). The relationship between tetanic force and sarcomere length was studied between 1.5 and 4.0 μm sarcomere spacings, based on length-clamp recordings that were free of `tension creep'. There was a flat maximum (plateau) of the length-tension relation between approximately 2.0 and 2.4 μm sarcomere lengths. The descending limb of the length-tension relation (linear regression) intersected the length axis (zero force) at 3.88μm and reached maximum force at 2.40 μm sarcomere length. The slope of the descending limb is compatible with a thick filament length of 1.63 μm and an average thin filament length of 1.10 μm. These values accord well with recent electron microscope measurements of myofilament length in mammalian muscle.
Insect egg deposition induces defence responses inPinus sylvestris: characterisation of the elicitor
Authors: Hilker Monika , Stein Claudia , Schröder Roland , Varama Martti , Mumm Roland 
Published: May 2005

SUMMARYEgg deposition by the phytophagous sawfly Diprion pini L.(Hymenoptera, Diprionidae) is known to induce locally and systemically the emission of volatiles in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) that attract the egg parasitoid Chrysonotomyia ruforum Krausse(Hymenoptera, Eulophidae). The egg parasitoids kill the eggs and thus prevent damage to the plant from feeding sawfly larvae. The elicitor inducing the pine's response is known to be located in the oviduct secretion which the female sawfly applies to the eggs when inserting them into a slit in the pine needle using the sclerotized ovipositor valves. In this study we have characterized the elicitor. The elicitor was still active when isolated from the oviduct and applied directly to slits made in the pine needles. However,as soon as the oviduct secretion was dissolved in Aqua dest. and stored for 3 h at room temperature or kept frozen at -80°C, its activity was lost. In contrast, oviduct secretion kept its eliciting activity, when dissolved in Ringer solution (pH 7.2) both after storage at room temperature and after freezing. The activity of the elicitor vanished after treatment of the oviduct secretion with proteinase K, which destroyed all proteins. This suggests that the elicitor in the oviduct secretion is a peptide or protein, or a component bound to these. SDS-PAGE revealed a similar, but not identical protein pattern from hemolymph and oviduct secretion. Hemolymph itself has no eliciting effect. The elicitor in the oviduct secretion is only active when transferred to slit pine needles, since its application on undamaged needles did not induce the emission of attractive volatiles.
A 3-D kinematic analysis of gliding in a flying snake,Chrysopelea paradisi
Authors: Socha John J. , O'Dempsey Tony , LaBarbera Michael 
Published: May 2005

SUMMARYFlying snake species (Chrysopelea) locomote through the air despite a lack of appendages or any obvious external morphological specialization for flight. Here photogrammetric techniques were used to investigate C. paradisi's aerial trajectory in three dimensions. Two videocameras arranged in stereo were used to record head, midpoint and vent landmarks on snakes that jumped from a horizontal branch at a height of 9.62 m and landed in an open field. The coordinates of these landmarks were reconstructed in three dimensions and used to analyze patterns of position,glide angle and speed concurrently with changes in body posture in 14 glide sequences from different individuals. C. paradisi's trajectory was composed of a ballistic dive followed by a shallowing phase in which the path became more horizontal; for most glide trials, no equilibrium phase was observed. In the ballistic dive, the snake changed posture from generally straight to a wide `S' shape in planview and began aerial undulation. Shortly after the ballistic dive, the snake's speed transitioned from an initial acceleration to stable or to a different rate of increase or decrease. Aerial undulation, in which high-amplitude traveling waves pass posteriorly down the body, was a prominent locomotor behavior. In mid-glide, this undulation occurred with the anterior body oriented approximately parallel with the ground and the posterior body cycling up and down in the vertical plane. The body angle of attack for the anterior body for one trial was 20-40°. Snakes traveled a horizontal distance of 10.14±2.69 m (mean ± s.d.) while reaching an airspeed of 10.0±0.9 m s-1, sinking speed of 6.4±0.8 m s-1 and horizontal speed of 8.1±0.9 m s-1. The glide path shallowed at a rate of 20±6° s-1 and reached a minimum glide angle of 28±10°, with a minimum recorded glide angle of 13°. C. paradisi are surprisingly good gliders given their unconventional locomotor style, with performance characteristics that rival or surpass more familiar gliding taxa such as flying squirrels. As in other gliders, C. paradisi is potentially capable of using aerial locomotion to move effectively between trees, chase aerial prey, or avoid predators.
Changes in gut and Malpighian tubule transport during seasonal acclimatization and freezing in the gall flyEurosta solidaginis
Authors: Yi Shu-Xia , Lee Richard E. 
Published: May 2005

SUMMARYSince few studies have examined cold tolerance at the organ level in insects, our primary objective was to characterize the functional responses of the gut and Malpighian tubules (MT) to seasonal acclimatization, chilling and freezing in larvae of the goldenrod gall fly Eurosta solidaginisFitch (Diptera, Tephritidae). From September to December, hemolymph osmolality(455-926 mOsmol kg l-1) and freezing tolerance increased markedly in field-collected larvae. Chlorophenol Red was readily transported into the lumen of the foregut, the posterior portion of the midgut, the ureter, the proximal region of the anterior pair of MT, and entire posterior pair of MT. Ouabain and KCN inhibited transport of Chlorophenol Red in the gut and MT. Transport was readily detected at 0°C and the rate of transport was directly related to temperature. The rate of fluid transport by the MT decreased steadily from a monthly high in September (10.7±0.8 nl min-1 for the anterior pair; 12.7±1.0 nl min-1for the posterior pair) until secretion was no longer detectable in December;this decrease parallels entry into diapause for this species. Even in larvae that died following freezing for 40 days at -20°C, individual organ function was retained to a limited extent. Through the autumn, cholesterol concentrations in the hemolymph increased nearly fourfold. In contrast, the ratio of cholesterol to protein content (nmol mg l-1) in the MT membrane remained relatively constant (22∼24 nmol mg l-1protein) during this period. Freezing of larvae for 20 days at -20°C caused a significant decrease in cholesterol levels in the hemolymph and the MT membranes compared to unfrozen controls. These results suggest that cholesterol plays a role in seasonal cold hardening and freeze tolerance in insects.
Cardiac preload and venous return in swimming sea bass (Dicentrarchus labraxL.)
Authors: Sandblom Erik , Farrell Anthony P. , Altimiras Jordi , Axelsson Michael , Claireaux Guy 
Published: May 2005

SUMMARYCardiac preload (central venous pressure, Pcv), mean circulatory filling pressure (MCFP), dorsal aortic blood pressure(Pda) and relative cardiac output(Q̇) were measured in sea bass(Dicentrarchus labrax) at rest and while swimming at 1 and 2 BL s-1. MCFP, an index of venous capacitance and the upstream venous pressure driving the return of venous blood to the heart, was measured as the plateau in Pcv during ventral aortic occlusion. Compared with resting values, swimming at 1 and 2 BLs-1 increased Q̇ (by 15±1.5 and 38±6.5%, respectively), Pcv (from 0.11±0.01 kPa to 0.12±0.01 and 0.16±0.02 kPa,respectively), MCFP (from 0.27±0.02 kPa to 0.31±0.02 and 0.40±0.04 kPa, respectively) and the calculated pressure gradient for venous return (ΔPv, from 0.16±0.01 kPa to 0.18±0.02 and 0.24±0.02 kPa, respectively), but not Pda. In spite of an increased preload, the increase in Q̇ was exclusively mediated by an increased heart rate (fh, from 80±4 beats min-1 to 88±4 and 103±3 beats min-1,respectively), and stroke volume (Vs) remained unchanged. Prazosin treatment (1 mg kg-1Mb) abolished pressure and flow changes during swimming at 1 BL s-1, but not 2 BL s-1, indicating that other control systems besides an α-adrenoceptor control are involved. This study is the first to address the control of venous capacitance in swimming fish. It questions the generality that increased Q̇ during swimming is regulated primarily through Vs and shows that an increased cardiac filling pressure does not necessarily lead to an increased Vs in fish, but may instead compensate for a reduced cardiac filling time.