bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Without nerves, immunology remains incomplete –in vivo veritas
Authors: Shepherd Andrew J. , Downing James E. G. , Miyan Jaleel A. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryInterest in the interactions between nervous and immune systems involved in both pathological and homeostatic mechanisms of host defence has prompted studies of neuroendocrine immune modulation and cytokine involvement in neuropathologies. In this review we concentrate on a distinct area of homeostatic control of both normal and abnormal host defence activity involving the network of peripheral c‐fibre nerve fibres. These nerve fibres have long been recognized by dermatologists and gastroenterologists as key players in abnormal inflammatory processes, such as dermatitis and eczema. However, the involvement of nerves can all too easily be regarded as that of isolated elements in a local phenomenon. On the contrary, it is becoming increasingly clear that neural monitoring of host defence activities takes place, and that involvement of central/spinal mechanisms are crucial in the co‐ordination of the adaptive response to host challenge. We describe studies demonstrating neural control of host defence and use the specific examples of bone marrow haemopoiesis and contact sensitivity to highlight the role of direct nerve fibre connections in these activities. We propose a host monitoring system that requires interaction between specialized immune cells and nerve fibres distributed throughout the body and that gives rise to both neural and immune memories of prior challenge. While immunological mechanisms alone may be sufficient for local responsiveness to subsequent challenge, data are discussed that implicate the neural memory in co‐ordination of host defence across the body, at distinct sites not served by the same nerve fibres, consistent with central nervous mediation.
Germ cell atypia in undescended testes hinges on the aetiology of cryptorchidism but not the abdominal location per se
Authors: RAO VEERAMACHANENI D. N. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryTesticular carcinoma in situ (CIS), which precedes germ cell tumours, has been associated with coexistence or a history of testicular maldescent in 20–30% of human cases. The objective of this study was to determine if the abdominal location of the testis by itself affects differentiation of germ cells and why only some undescended testes manifest atypical germ cells. Groups (n = 4–6) of pregnant Dutch‐Belted rabbits were treated on alternate days between gestation days 15 and 30 with anti‐androgenic chemicals – p,p′ 1,1‐dichloro‐2,2‐bis(p‐chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE; 100 mg/kg bw; oral), or flutamide (50 mg/kg; s.c.); oestrogenic chemical octylphenol (150 mg/kg; oral); or nothing. Groups (n = 4) of neonatal male pups from untreated litters were either implanted with oestradiol (0.5 mg; 60‐day release), surgically rendered cryptorchid before testes transcended inguinal canal, or left untreated. Of the pups exposed in utero, four of the 12 DDE, two of the nine flutamide and one of the four octylphenol pups were unilaterally cryptorchid. All animals treated with oestradiol were bilaterally cryptorchid. Light and electron microscopic evaluation at 24–26 weeks revealed presence of atypical germ cells in the undescended testes of DDE‐, octylphenol‐, and oestradiol‐exposed animals but not in flutamide‐treated or surgical cryptorchids. These atypical cells exhibited morphological hallmarks of CIS, which included large nuclei with irregular contours, meandering nucleoli, swollen mitochondria, unusual cytoplasmic inclusions and occasional mitotic figures. As transformation of germ cells to CIS‐like cells did not occur in flutamide or surgical groups, this phenomenon seems to be directly associated with the type of the chemical assault but not with the abdominal location of the testis per se.
N‐terminal region of progesterone receptor B isoform in human spermatozoa
Authors: SHAH CHIRAG , MODI DEEPAK , SACHDEVA GEETANJALI , GADKAR SUSHAMA , D'SOUZA SERENA , PURI CHANDER 
Published: September 2005

SummaryProgesterone is known to act on human spermatozoa by an unidentified membrane receptor. Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of transcripts of conventional progesterone receptor (PR) in sperm RNA; antibodies directed against the C‐terminal region of the conventional PR recognize a protein in sperm extracts. The present study aimed at characterizing the sperm PR using probes unique to the N‐terminal region of the PR‐B isoform. PR‐B transcripts that were homologous to the conventional PR were detected in sperm RNA and localized in the midpiece region. Using specific antibody against the N‐terminal region of PR‐B, strong immunoreactivity was observed on the acrosomal region of digitonin‐treated spermatozoa; Western blot analysis revealed a single band of ∼ 55 kDa. Immunogold labelling studies using the same antibody localized the protein at the inner acrosomal membrane of testicular spermatids. This antibody blocked the binding of fluorescent‐tagged progesterone to digitonin‐treated spermatozoa and inhibited the progesterone‐mediated kinase activation. The results of the present study gives an insight to speculate that the sperm membrane PR may have homology at the N‐terminal region of the conventional PR‐B isoform, or the membrane PR protein may share structural motifs that allows progesterone binding and interactions with the antibodies against the conventional PR.
Human exposure to phthalates via consumer products
Authors: SCHETTLER TED 
Published: September 2005

SummaryPhthalate exposures in the general population and in subpopulations are ubiquitous and widely variable. Many consumer products contain specific members of this family of chemicals, including building materials, household furnishings, clothing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, medical devices, dentures, children's toys, glow sticks, modelling clay, food packaging, automobiles, lubricants, waxes, cleaning materials and insecticides. Consumer products containing phthalates can result in human exposures through direct contact and use, indirectly through leaching into other products, or general environmental contamination. Historically, the diet has been considered the major source of phthalate exposure in the general population, but all sources, pathways, and their relative contributions to human exposures are not well understood. Medical devices containing di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate are a source of significant exposure in a susceptible subpopulation of individuals. Cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and insecticides, may result in significant but poorly quantified human exposures to dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, or dimethyl phthalate. Oven baking of polymer clays may cause short‐term, high‐level inhalation exposures to higher molecular weight phthalates.
The Life Satisfaction Matrix: an instrument and procedure for assessing the subjective quality of life of individuals with profound multiple disabilities
Authors: Lyons G. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground  Assessing and measuring subjective quality of life (QOL) for individuals with profound multiple disabilities (PMD) remain amongst the most difficult challenges for theorists and practitioners in the field. The usual approaches using proxy reporting by familiar others have been demonstrated to be of questionable reliability and validity for persons with PMD.Method  The author's continuing research into understanding the nature of subjective QOL of these individuals has led to the development and evaluating the Life Satisfaction Matrix (LSM), an instrument and procedure for assessing the subjective QOL of these individuals.Results  Qualitative research that provides empirical evidence to support the assumptions underpinning, and face validity of, the LSM is described in this article.Conclusion  Results of the study described herein demonstrate some potential to meet and overcome the above‐mentioned challenges to assess and measure the subjective QOL of individuals with PMD.
Growth Hormone‐Releasing Peptide‐6 Increases Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐I mRNA Levels and Activates Akt in RCA‐6 Cells as a Model of Neuropeptide Y Neurones
Authors: Frago L. M. , Pañeda C. , Argente J. , Chowen J. A. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractChronic systemic administration of growth hormone (GH)‐releasing peptide‐6 (GHRP‐6), an agonist for the ghrelin receptor, to normal adult rats increases insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐I mRNA and phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) levels in various brain regions, including the hypothalamus. Because neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurones of the arcuate nucleus express receptors for ghrelin, we investigated whether these neurones increase their IGF‐I and p‐Akt levels in response to this agonist. In control rats, immunoreactive pAkt was practically undetectable; however, GHRP‐6 increased p‐Akt immunoreactivity in the arcuate nucleus, with a subset of neurones also being immunoreactive for NPY. Immunoreactivity for IGF‐I was detected in NPY neurones in both experimental groups. To determine if activation of this intracellular pathway is involved in modulation of NPY synthesis RCA‐6 cells, an embryonic rat hypothalamic neuronal cell line that expresses NPY was used. We found that GHRP‐6 stimulates NPY and IGF‐I mRNA synthesis and activates Akt in this cell line. Furthermore, inhibition of Akt activation by LY294002 treatment did not inhibit GHRP‐6 induction of NPY or IGF‐I synthesis. These results suggest that some of the effects of GHRP‐6 may involve stimulation of local IGF‐I production and Akt activation in NPY neurones in the arcuate nucleus. However, GHRP‐6 stimulation of NPY production does not involve this second messenger pathway.
A role for nonphysical barriers to gene flow in the diversification of a highly vagile seabird, the masked booby (Sula dactylatra)
Authors: STEEVES TAMMY E. , ANDERSON DAVID J. , FRIESEN VICKI L. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractTo test the hypothesis that nonphysical barriers to gene flow play a role in the divergence of low‐latitude seabird populations, we applied phylogeographic methods to mitochondrial control region sequence variation in a global sample of masked boobies (Sula dactylatra). In accord with previous studies, we found that Indo‐Pacific and Atlantic haplotypes form two divergent lineages, excluding one haplotype previously attributed to secondary contact between the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Within the Indo‐Pacific and the Atlantic, we found a relatively large number of haplotypes, many of which were unique to a single population. Although haplotypes from most populations were found in more than one higher‐level clade, nested clade analysis revealed a significant association between clades and geography for the majority of higher‐level clades, most often interpreted as a consequence of isolation by distance. We found low levels of gene flow within Indo‐Pacific and Atlantic populations, and a significant correlation between gene flow and geographical distance among Indo‐Pacific populations. We estimate that Indo‐Pacific masked boobies experienced rapid population growth ∼180 000 years ago and that the majority of Indo‐Pacific and Atlantic populations diverged within the last ∼115 000 years. These combined data suggest that the predominant pattern between Indo‐Pacific and Atlantic populations is long‐term isolation by physical barriers to gene flow. In contrast, populations within these regions appear to have diverged despite few obvious physical barriers to gene flow, perhaps as a consequence of limited natal dispersal combined with local adaptation and/or genetic drift.
Pathogenicity of the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica on potato
Authors: Vovlas N. , Mifsud D. , Landa B. B. , Castillo P. 
Published: September 2005

Host–parasite relationships and pathogenicity of Meloidogyne javanica on potatoes (newly recorded from Malta) were studied under glasshouse and natural conditions. Potato cvs Cara and Spunta showed a typical susceptible reaction to M. javanica under natural and artificial infections, respectively. In potato tubers, M. javanica induced feeding sites that consisted of three to four hypertrophied giant cells per adult female. Infection of feeder roots by the nematode resulted in mature large galls which usually contained at least one mature female and egg mass. In both tubers and roots, feeding sites were characterized by giant cells containing granular cytoplasm and many hypertrophied nuclei. Cytoplasm in giant cells was aggregated alongside the thickened cell walls. Stelar tissues within galls appeared disorganized. The relationship between initial nematode population density (P) [0–64 eggs + second‐stage juveniles (J2s) per cm3 soil] and growth of cv. Spunta potato seedlings was tested under glasshouse conditions. A Seinhorst model [y = m + (1 − m)z(P−T)] was fitted to fresh shoot weight and shoot height data of nematode‐inoculated and control plants. Tolerance limits (T) for fresh shoot weight and shoot height of cv. Spunta plants infected with M. javanica were 0·50 and 0·64 eggs + J2s per cm3 soil, respectively. The m parameter in that model (i.e. the minimum possible y‐values) for fresh shoot weight and shoot height were 0·60 and 0·20, respectively, at P = 64 eggs + J2s per cm3 soil. Root galling was proportional to the initial nematode population density. Maximum nematode reproduction rate was 51·2 at a moderate initial population density (P = 4 eggs + J2s per cm3 soil).
The accuracy of human population maps for public health application
Authors: Hay S. I. , Noor A. M. , Nelson A. , Tatem A. J. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryObjectives  Human population totals are used for generating burden of disease estimates at global, continental and national scales to help guide priority setting in international health financing. These exercises should be aware of the accuracy of the demographic information used.Methods  The analysis presented in this paper tests the accuracy of five large‐area, public‐domain human population distribution data maps against high spatial resolution population census data enumerated in Kenya in 1999. We illustrate the epidemiological significance, by assessing the impact of using these different human population surfaces in determining populations at risk of various levels of climate suitability for malaria transmission. We also describe how areal weighting, pycnophylactic interpolation and accessibility potential interpolation techniques can be used to generate novel human population distribution surfaces from local census information and evaluate to what accuracy this can be achieved.Results  We demonstrate which human population distribution surface performed best and which population interpolation techniques generated the most accurate bespoke distributions. Despite various levels of modelling complexity, the accuracy achieved by the different surfaces was primarily determined by the spatial resolution of the input population data. The simplest technique of areal weighting performed best.Conclusions  Differences in estimates of populations at risk of malaria in Kenya of over 1 million persons can be generated by the choice of surface, highlighting the importance of these considerations in deriving per capita health metrics in public health. Despite focussing on Kenya the results of these analyses have general application and are discussed in this wider context.
Infection of Arceuthobium americanum by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and its potential for inundative biological control
Authors: Ramsfield T. D. , Shamoun S. F. , van der Kamp B. J. 
Published: September 2005

SummaryInundative biological control of Arceuthobium americanum occurring on Pinus contorta var. latifolia with the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was investigated. Isolates of C. gloeosporioides were collected throughout British Columbia, Canada, and one isolate was selected for assessment based on its growth and sporulation in culture. The fungus was formulated using the ‘Stabileze’ method and inoculated onto A. americanum under field conditions. It became established on some replicates and there was a higher incidence of C. gloeosporioides on treated replicates than controls. In some replicates, the treatment reduced fruit production, leading to a decrease in the reproductive capacity of the dwarf mistletoe plant; however, the efficacy was highly variable and not significant.
Bile duct varices presenting as a porta hepatis mass
Authors: House MK , Gibson RN 
Published: September 2005

SummaryBile duct varices are a rare manifestation of portal vein cavernous transformation. They can present as an apparent enhancing, vascular mass in the porta hepatis and are readily diagnosed using ultrasound and CT modalities. Diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary intervention and concomitant risk of haemobilia.
Computed tomography of intrathoracic extramedullary haematopoiesis occurring as a complication of osteopetrosis
Authors: Hennessy OF , Salanitri JC 
Published: September 2005

SummaryIntrathoracic extramedullary haematopoiesis occurring as a complication of osteopetrosis is uncommon. The combination of classic plain film and CT findings should suggest the diagnosis, which can be non‐invasively confirmed with bone marrow scintigraphy.
COMPARISON OF SODIUM PHOSPHATE, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL AND SENNA SOLUTIONS IN BOWEL PREPARATION: A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL STUDY
Authors: Bektas Hasan , Balik Emre , Bilsel Yilmaz , Yamaner Sumer , Bulut Turker , Bugra Dursun , Buyukuncu Yilmaz , Akyuz Ali , Sokucu Necmettin 
Published: September 2005

Background: Low volume oral solutions for colon cleansing before colonoscopy are gaining popularity over large volume oral lavage solutions. Therefore, we aimed to compare three oral solutions for colonoscopy to determine any changes in either patient compliance or cleansing ability.Methods: One hundred and seventy patients referred for colonoscopy were randomized into three groups (sodium phosphate: group 1; polyethylene glycol: group 2; and senna solution: group 3). Bodyweight and arterial blood pressure measurements and blood biochemistry analysis were performed prior to and following bowel preparation. Subsequently, the patients were asked to fill out a patient questionnaire for the evaluation of side‐effects and patient satisfaction. Then endoscopists classified the efficacy of colon cleansing as clean, suboptimal or dirty.Results: There were no clinically significant changes in weight or assessed laboratory parameters. No difference was seen in the incidence of side‐effects, with the exception of crampy abdominal pain, where the group 3 patients had an incidence of 27.3% (P = 0.008). When the patients were asked which method they would choose if re‐cleansing was required, the rate of preference of the same method was highest in group 1 (59%), and lowest in group 3 (6.8%,P = 0.0001). While the three methods of preparation were equivalent in the overall quality of cleansing, group 3 had the highest rate of fecal contamination (17.8%).Conclusions: When compared with respect to their efficacies in colon cleansing, safety of application, ease of usage, and side‐effects, no significant differences were noted between sodium phosphate, polyethylene glycol and senna solutions. Nevertheless, due to its greater tolerability, requirement of a shorter period of time in colon cleansing, and lower cost, we recommend the use of sodium phosphate in bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy.
Expression of A‐type K+ channel α subunits Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 in rat spinal lamina II excitatory interneurons and colocalization with pain‐modulating molecules
Authors: Huang Hsin‐Yi , Cheng Jen‐Kun , Shih Yang‐Hsin , Chen Pei‐Hsuan , Wang Chin‐Lin , Tsaur Meei‐Ling 
Published: September 2005

AbstractVoltage‐gated K+ channel α subunits Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 are the major contributors of somatodendritic A‐type K+ currents in many CNS neurons. A recent hypothesis suggests that Kv4 subunits may be involved in pain modulation in dorsal horn neurons. However, whether Kv4 subunits are expressed in dorsal horn neurons remains unknown. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 immunoreactivity was concentrated in the superficial dorsal horn, mainly in lamina II. Both Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 appeared on many rostrocaudally orientated dendrites, whereas Kv4.3 could be also detected from certain neuronal somata. Kv4.3(+) neurons were a subset of excitatory inerneurons with calretinin(+)/calbindin(–)/PKCγ(–) markers, and a fraction of them expressed µ‐opioid receptors. Kv4.3(+) neurons also expressed ERK2 and mGluR5, which are molecules related to the induction of central sensitization, a mechanism mediating nociceptive plasticity. Together with the expression of Kv4.3 in VR1(+) DRG neurons, our data suggest that Kv4 subunits could be involved in pain modulation.
Prevention of aspiration under general anesthesia by use of the size 2½ ProSealTM laryngeal mask airway in a 6‐year‐old boy: a case report
Authors: GOLDMANN KAI , JAKOB CHRISTIAN 
Published: September 2005

SummaryWe report a case where use of the size 2 ProSealTM laryngeal mask airway helped to prevent pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric fluid. We describe the management of this case and discuss the potential advantages of this modified laryngeal mask airway for supraglottic airway management in pediatric patients.
The effectiveness of family interventions in people with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review
Authors: Armour T. A. , Norris S. L. , Jack L. , Zhang X. , Fisher L. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAims  To conduct a systematic review of reports of published literature to assess which family interventions are effective in improving diabetes‐related outcomes in people with diabetes and family members (blood or non‐blood relatives) residing in their homes.Methods  We searched computerized bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, WOS, ERIC, Cochrane, CDP, and SocAbs) for randomized clinical trials published in any language that evaluated the effectiveness of family‐based interventions with no age restriction. Only studies focused on interventions in young populations (< 18 years) and involving a parent were combined in a meta‐analysis for glycated haemoglobin (GHb) using DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. Effect sizes for knowledge outcomes were estimated using the Cohen's d (standardized mean differences) formula.Results  Our searches identified 19 randomized controlled trials. Positive effect sizes of family interventions on knowledge for five studies (N = 217) were demonstrated {0.94 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67, 1.82]}. A beneficial effect of interventions on GHb for eight studies (N = 505) was also observed using meta‐analysis [−0.6 (95% CI −1.2, −0.1)].Conclusions  Evidence suggests that family interventions in family or household members of people with diabetes may be effective in improving diabetes‐related knowledge and glycaemic control.
Fulminant lactic acidosis in two patients with Type 2 diabetes treated with metformin
Authors: Brassøe R. , Elkmann T. , Hempel M. , Gravholt C. H. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractLactic acidosis is a known adverse risk of metformin treatment. We report two cases in whom fulminant lactic acidosis developed during treatment. There were no contraindications to metformin treatment and both were admitted with abdominal discomfort for some days, causing dehydration. Both patients had renal failure on admission, developed multiple organ failure and both suffered a massive stroke. One patient died and the other survived but is severely disabled. We suggest, in both cases, that acute renal failure developed as a result of dehydration, causing metformin accumulation and lactic acidosis. We recommend that all patients on metformin should consider discontinuation of metformin treatment in the event of a severe medical condition causing dehydration.