bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ratiometric monitoring of transient apoplastic alkalinizations in the leaf apoplast of living Vicia faba plants: chloride primes and PM–H+‐ATPase shapes NaCl‐induced systemic alkalinizations
Authors: Geilfus Christoph‐Martin , Mühling Karl‐Hermann 
Published: November 2012

Summary

Transient apoplastic alkalinization has been discussed as a general stress factor, and is thought to represent a root‐to‐shoot signal that transmits information regarding an ongoing NaCl stress event from the site of the trigger to the distant plant tissue. Surprisingly, despite this importance, a number of gaps exist in our knowledge of NaCl‐induced apoplastic pH alkalinization.

This study was designed in order to shed light onto the mechanisms responsible for the initiation and transiency of leaf apoplastic alkalinization under conditions of NaCl stress as supplied to roots.

An H+‐sensitive fluorescence probe, in combination with ratiometric microscopy imaging, was used for in planta live recording of leaf apoplastic pH.

The use of a nonionic solute demonstrated that the alkalinization is induced in response to ionic, and not osmotic, components of NaCl stress. Tests with Cl−‐ or Na+‐accompanying counter‐ions strengthened the idea that the stress factor itself, namely Cl−, is transferred from root to shoot and elicits the pH alterations. Investigations with a plasma membrane ATPase inhibitor suggest that ATPase activity influences the course of the alkalinization by having a shaping re‐acidifying effect on the alkalinization.
The Relative Price of Non‐traded Goods under Imperfect Competition*
Authors: Coto‐Martinez Javier , Reboredo Juan C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe consider the role of imperfect competition in explaining the relative price of non‐traded to traded goods within the Balassa–Samuelson framework. Under imperfect competition in these two sectors, relative prices depend on both productivity and mark‐up differentials. We test this hypothesis using a panel of sectors for 12 OECD countries. The empirical evidence suggests that relative price movements are well explained by productivity and mark‐up differentials.
C1‐INH concentrate for treatment of acute hereditary angioedema: a pediatric cohort from the I.M.P.A.C.T. studies
Authors: Schneider Lynda , Hurewitz David , Wasserman Richard , Obtulowicz Krystyna , Machnig Thomas , Moldovan Dumitru , Reshef Avner , Craig Timothy J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundWe analyzed the clinical response of pediatric and adolescent hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients to pdC1‐INH in the International Multicenter Prospective Angioedema C1‐INH Trials (I.M.P.A.C.T.) 1 and 2.MethodsPatients included in this post hoc analysis of prospectively collected data were between 10 and 18 yr old with type I or II HAE and a documented history of abdominal or facial attacks. Patients received a single injection of pdC1‐INH concentrate (Berinert®, CSL Behring, Marburg, Germany) 20 U/kg. Efficacy end‐points were time from the administration of study drug to onset of symptom relief and time to complete relief of all symptoms.ResultsSeven pediatric patients were included in I.M.P.A.C.T.1 with only 1 attack analyzed per patient. Median time to onset of relief was 0.42 h and to complete resolution was 8.08 h. No patient experienced a worsening of symptoms during the 0–4‐h assessment period. Nine patients who experienced a total of 115 attacks were included in the analysis of I.M.P.A.C.T.2. Abdominal attacks were rated as ‘severe’ more frequently than were other types of attacks. The number of attacks per patient ranged from 2 to 42, and study participation ranged from 1 to 38 months. Median times to onset of symptom relief and to complete symptom resolution were 0.49 h and 14.1 h, respectively. Of 4 treatment‐emergent adverse events in both studies, only 2 were considered related to treatment.ConclusionsStudy results showed that outcomes with pdC1‐INH treatment of HAE in pediatric patients are comparable with outcomes in adults.
Impact of Physicians' Sex on Treatment Choices for Low Back Pain
Authors: Veldhuijzen Dieuwke S. , Karhof Steffi , Leenders Marianne E. C. , Karsch Anne Mieke , van Wijck Albert J. M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundLittle information is available regarding physicians' sex as a potential bias in making pain treatment decisions. This study investigated how sex of the medical care provider and patient characteristics influence choices that are made in the treatment of low back pain.MethodsData of 186 charts of patients with low back pain (46% males) who were seen by trained residents were analyzed in this retrospective observational study. The primary outcome was the first treatment choice that was made, which was categorized in three groups: pharmacological therapy; invasive procedures; or other options at the time of first consultation. Chi‐square statistics and multinominal logistic regression analysis were used to examine associations between physicians' and/or patients' sex and treatment choices.ResultsPhysicians' sex was found to be a significant predictor of the first decision that was made in the treatment of low back pain. Female physicians tended to prescribe more pharmacological agents as their first treatment choice. No significant sex differences were found for invasive therapies or other treatment options as a first choice. These findings were found to be independent from previous received pain therapies before consultation by the specialized pain clinician. Further, patients' sex did not influence decisions on pain management nor did gender concordance or discordance in the patient–physician relationship.ConclusionsPhysicians' sex had a significant impact on pain management decisions in patients with low back pain. Female physicians prescribed more pharmacological agents as their first choice compared to male physicians.
Postnatal lineage mapping of follicular melanocytes with the Tyr::CreERT2 transgene
Authors: Harris Melissa L. , Pavan William J. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryOne of the main advantages of using inducible and conditional transgenes to study pigment cell biology is that they allow for genetic manipulation within melanocytes after roles in general neural crest or melanoblast development have been fulfilled. Specifically, we focus here on the ability of the Tyr::CreERT2 transgenic line to alter genes within follicular melanocytes postnatally. Using the Gt(ROSA)26Sortm1sor reporter allele, we present in detail the expression and activity of Tyr::CreERT2 when induced during hair morphogenesis and adult hair cycling. We find that despite similarities in expression pattern to endogenous TYR, Tyr::CreERT2 is effective at targeting both undifferentiated and differentiated melanocytes within the hair follicle. We also find that Tyr::CreERT2 provides the highest levels of recombination when induced during the early phases of hair growth. In conclusion, the descriptions provided here will guide future analyses of gene function within the melanocyte system of the hair follicle when using this Tyr::CreERT2 transgene.
Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Misconceptions Threaten the Validity of Self‐Reported Testing History
Authors: Royer Heather R. , Falk Elizabeth C. , Heidrich Susan M. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveSexually transmitted disease (STD) testing is fundamental to STD prevention and control. We sought to comprehensively examine young women's beliefs about the STD testing process.Design and SampleDescriptive, cross‐sectional, survey investigation. Women aged 18–24 (n = 302) drawn from four women's health clinics and one university classroom.MeasuresParticipants completed the RoTEST, which measures five domains of women's STD testing beliefs and a demographic survey.ResultsMany women believed they would be screened for all STDs when they receive STD testing (40%) and that visual inspection by a provider was a valid method of STD screening for gonorrhea (35%), chlamydia (32%) and HSV (77%). More than a quarter believed that a Pap test screens for gonorrhea (23%) and chlamydia (26%). Twenty‐one percent reported that discussing STD testing with a provider is difficult and most reported feeling more comfortable seeking STD testing from an STD specialist rather than a family doctor (79%).ConclusionsYoung women have numerous misconceptions about the STD testing process that may interfere with the validity of their self‐reported STD testing history and subsequently undermine public health efforts to improve STD prevention and control. Innovative approaches to educating women about the testing process are needed.
Innate immune responses against Cryptosporidium parvum infection
Authors: McDonald V. , Korbel D.S. , Barakat F.M. , Choudhry N. , Petry F. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryCryptosporidium parvum infects intestinal epithelial cells and is commonly the parasite species involved in mammalian cryptosporidiosis, a major health problem for humans and neonatal livestock. In mice, immunologically mediated elimination of C. parvum requires CD4+ T cells and IFN‐γ. However, innate immune responses also have a significant protective role in both adult and neonatal mice. NK cells and IFN‐γ have been shown to be important components in immunity in T and B cell‐deficient mice, but IFN‐γ‐dependent resistance has also been demonstrated in alymphocytic mice. Epithelial cells may play a vital role in immunity as once infected these cells have increased expression of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines and demonstrate antimicrobial killing mechanisms, including production of NO and antimicrobial peptides. Toll‐like receptors facilitate the establishment of immunity in mice and are involved in the development of inflammatory responses of infected epithelial cells and also dendritic cells.
Influence of Maternal and Paternal Birthweight on Offspring Birthweight – a Population‐based Intergenerational Study
Authors: Mattsson Kristina , Rylander Lars 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe correlation between infant birthweight and parental birthweight has received substantial interest. However, fewer studies including the birthweight of the father have had access to large sets of population‐based data. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of maternal and paternal birthweight on the birthweight of the offspring in the context of other birthweight determinants, with a special focus on the contribution of paternal birthweight.MethodsThe data used were retrieved from the Swedish Population Register, Medical Birth Register and Multi‐Generation Register. Full‐term, singleton births were included and linked through personal ID numbers given to every resident at birth, forming 137 538 mother–father–child units with valid birthweights. The analyses were made through linear regression models.ResultsThe positive association for both maternal and paternal birthweight remained after introducing other determinants in the model, yielding a difference in offspring birthweight by 164 g [95% confidence interval 159, 170] and 149 g [95% confidence interval 145, 154] for every 1000 g rise in birthweight of the mother and father respectively. Maternal birthweight explained 6% of the variance in birthweight, whereas paternal birthweight explained 3%. There was no difference when analyses were stratified according to gender.ConclusionThese results suggest that maternal and paternal birthweight remain relevant for infant birthweight, even after consideration of other determinants of birthweight.
Geriatric Assessment for the Nephrologist
Authors: Wiggins Jocelyn , Bitzer Markus 
Published: November 2012

AbstractDialysis providers are increasingly being presented with progressively older and frailer patients, in all healthcare settings from the acute hospital to the community dialysis center. These patients commonly bring more than kidney failure with them, with a complex constellation of chronic illness, comorbidity, and functional and cognitive impairment. Navigating these challenges and coordinating the care of these highly complex patients significantly increase the work of the whole dialysis team. This article reviews the role of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment in these patients and discusses how each of its elements interacts with routine dialysis care.
Post‐Variscan exhumation of the Central Anti‐Atlas (Morocco) constrained by zircon and apatite fission‐track thermochronology
Authors: Oukassou Mostafa , Saddiqi Omar , Barbarand Jocelyn , Sebti Samira , Baidder Lahssen , Michard André 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe origin of the Anti‐Atlas relief is one of the currently debated issues of Moroccan geology. To constrain the post‐Variscan evolution of the Central Anti‐Atlas, we collected nine samples from the Precambrian basement of the Bou Azzer‐El Graara inlier for zircon and apatite fission‐track thermochronology. Zircon ages cluster between 340 ± 20 and 306 ± 20 Ma, whereas apatite ages range from 171 ± 7 Ma to 133 ± 5 Ma. Zircon ages reflect the thermal effect of the Variscan orogeny (tectonic thickening of the ca. 7 km‐thick Paleozoic series), likely enhanced by fluid advection. Apatite ages record a complex Mesozoic–Cenozoic exhumation history. Track length modelling yields evidence that, (i) the Precambrian basement was still buried at ca. 5 km depth by Permian times, (ii) the Central Anti‐Atlas was subjected to (erosional) exhumation during the Triassic‐Early Cretaceous, then buried beneath ca. 1.5 km‐thick Cretaceous‐Paleogene deposits, (iii) final exhumation took place during the Neogene, contemporaneously with that of the High Atlas.
Schirmer tear test typeIreadings and intraocular pressure values assessed by applanation tonometry (Tonopen®XL) in normal eyes of fourEuropean species of birds of prey
Authors: Barsotti Giovanni , Briganti Angela , Spratte Johanna R. , Ceccherelli Renato , Breghi Gloria 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine normal values forSchirmer tear testIand intraocular pressure in fourEuropean species of birds of prey.Animals studiedTwenty birds from each of the following species:EurasianTawny owl (Strix aluco),Little owl (Athene noctua), Common buzzard (Buteo buteo), andEuropean kestrel (Falco tinnunculus).ProceduresBoth eyes of all birds (80 eyes) underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, which included aSchirmer tear test typeI(STT‐I) performed with commercially available strips and the assessment of the intraocular pressure (IOP) by applanation tonometry, employing theTonopen‐XL®device. The animals, which had been taken to a rescue center, were examined for ocular lesions prior to their eventual release into the wild.STT‐Ireadings andIOPvalues were expressed as means ± standard deviation.ResultsSchirmer tear test typeIreadings were as follows:EurasianTawny owls: 3.12 ± 1.92 mm/min;Little owls: 3.5 ± 1.96 mm/min;Common buzzards: 12.47 ± 2.66 mm/min;European kestrels: 6.20 ± 3.67 mm/min.IOPvalues were as follows:EurasianTawny owls: 11.21 ± 3.12 mmHg;Little owls: 9.83 ± 3.41 mmHg;Common buzzards: 17.2 ± 3.53 mmHg;European kestrels: 8.53 ± 1.59 mmHg.ConclusionsThe results of this study give representative values forSTT‐IandIOPin four of the most common species of birds of prey in Europe.
Absolute Lymphocyte Count Predicts the Response to New Influenza Virus H1N1 Vaccination in Pediatric Cancer Patients
Authors: Mavinkurve-Groothuis Annelies M. C. , van der Flier Michiel , Stelma Foekje , van Leer-Buter Coretta , Preijers Frank W. , Hoogerbrugge Peter M. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT
We measured the vaccination response to the new H1N1 virus in relation to the lymphocyte count prior to vaccination in pediatric cancer patients. The absolute lymphocyte count above the lower normal limits (LNL) for age prior to vaccination predicts the response to influenza vaccination in pediatric cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.
Activity of the Calcium Channel Pore Cch1 Is Dependent on a Modulatory Region of the Subunit Mid1 in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Hong Min-Pyo , Vu Kiem , Bautos Jennifer M. , Tham Rick , Jamklang Mantana , Uhrig John P. , Gelli Angie 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Calcium (Ca
2+
)-mediated signaling events in fungal pathogens such as
Cryptococcus neoformans
are central to physiological processes, including those that mediate stress responses and promote virulence. The Cch1-Mid1 channel (CMC) represents the only high-affinity Ca
2+
channel in the plasma membrane of fungal cells; consequently, cryptococci cannot survive in low-Ca
2+
environments in the absence of CMC. Previous electrophysiological characterization revealed that Cch1, the predicted channel pore, and Mid1, a binding partner of Cch1, function as a store-operated Ca
2+
-selective channel gated by depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca
2+
stores. Cryptococci lacking CMC did not survive ER stress, indicating its critical role in restoring Ca
2+
homeostasis. Despite the requirement for Mid1 in promoting Ca
2+
influx via Cch1, identification of the role of Mid1 remains elusive. Here we show that the C-terminal tail of Mid1 is a modulatory region that impinges on Cch1 channel activity directly and mediates the trafficking of Mid1 to the plasma membrane. This region consists of the last 24 residues of Mid1, and the functional expression of Mid1 in a human embryonic cell line (HEK293) and in
C. neoformans
is dependent on this domain. Substitutions of arginine (R619A) or cysteine (C621A) in the modulatory region failed to target Mid1 to the plasma membrane and prevented CMC activity. Interestingly, loss of a predicted protein kinase C (PKC)-phosphorylated serine residue (S605A) had no effect on Mid1 trafficking but did alter the kinetics of Cch1 channel activity. Thus, establishment of Ca
2+
homeostasis in
C. neoformans
is dependent on a modulatory domain of Mid1.
The Structure of the CS1 Pilus of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Reveals Structural Polymorphism
Authors: Galkin Vitold E. , Kolappan Subramaniapillai , Ng Dixon , Zong ZuSheng , Li Juliana , Yu Xiong , Egelman Edward H. , Craig Lisa 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is a bacterial pathogen that causes diarrhea in children and travelers in developing countries. ETEC adheres to host epithelial cells in the small intestine via a variety of different pili. The CS1 pilus is a prototype for a family of related pili, including the CFA/I pili, present on ETEC and other Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. These pili are assembled by an outer membrane usher protein that catalyzes subunit polymerization via donor strand complementation, in which the N terminus of each incoming pilin subunit fits into a hydrophobic groove in the terminal subunit, completing a β-sheet in the Ig fold. Here we determined a crystal structure of the CS1 major pilin subunit, CooA, to a 1.6-Å resolution. CooA is a globular protein with an Ig fold and is similar in structure to the CFA/I major pilin CfaB. We determined three distinct negative-stain electron microscopic reconstructions of the CS1 pilus and generated pseudoatomic-resolution pilus structures using the CooA crystal structure. CS1 pili adopt multiple structural states with differences in subunit orientations and packing. We propose that the structural perturbations are accommodated by flexibility in the N-terminal donor strand of CooA and by plasticity in interactions between exposed flexible loops on adjacent subunits. Our results suggest that CS1 and other pili of this class are extensible filaments that can be stretched in response to mechanical stress encountered during colonization.
Microbiology of Explanted Suture Segments from Infected and Noninfected Surgical Patients
Authors: Edmiston Charles E. , Krepel Candace J. , Marks Richard M. , Rossi Peter J. , Sanger James , Goldblatt Matthew , Graham Mary Beth , Rothenburger Stephen , Collier John , Seabrook Gary R. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTSutures under selective host/environmental factors can potentiate postoperative surgical site infection (SSI). The present investigation characterized microbial recovery and biofilm formation from explanted absorbable (AB) and nonabsorbable (NAB) sutures from infected and noninfected sites. AB and NAB sutures were harvested from noninfected (70.9%) and infected (29.1%) sites in 158 patients. At explantation, devices were sonicated and processed for qualitative/quantitative bacteriology; selective sutures were processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Bacteria were recovered from 85 (53.8%) explanted sites; 39 sites were noninfected, and 46 were infected. Suture recovery ranged from 11.1 to 574.6 days postinsertion. A significant difference in mean microbial recovery between noninfected (1.2 isolates) and infected (2.7 isolates) devices (P< 0.05) was noted.Staphylococcus epidermidis,Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS),Peptostreptococcusspp.,Bacteroides fragilis,Escherichia coli,Enterococcusspp.,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andSerratiaspp. were recovered from infected devices, while commensal skin flora was recovered from noninfected devices. No significant difference in quantitative microbial recovery between infected monofilament and multifilament sutures was noted. Biofilm was present in 100% and 66.6% of infected and noninfected devices, respectively (P< 0.042). We conclude that both monofilament and braided sutures provide a hospitable surface for microbial adherence: (i) a significant difference in microbial recovery from infected and noninfected sutures was noted, (ii) infected sutures harbored a mixed flora, including multidrug-resistant health care-associated pathogens, and (iii) a significant difference in the presence or absence of a biofilm in infected versus noninfected explanted devices was noted. Further studies to document the benefit of focused risk reduction strategies to minimize suture contamination and biofilm formation postimplantation are warranted.
Rapid Detection of Campylobacter Antigen by Enzyme Immunoassay Leads to Increased Positivity Rates
Authors: Giltner Carmen L. , Saeki Sandra , Bobenchik April M. , Humphries Romney M. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter
antigen detection by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) provides rapid results compared to traditional culture. However, concern exists regarding specificity. Verification studies of an EIA compared to culture revealed a positive predictive value (PPV) of 91%, whereas PPV fell to 42% during routine diagnostic testing. We suggest all positive EIA results be confirmed via culture.