bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyphal heterogeneity in Aspergillus oryzae is the result of dynamic closure of septa by Woronin bodies
Authors: Bleichrodt Robert‐Jan , van Veluw G. Jerre , Recter Brand , Maruyama Jun‐ichi , Kitamoto Katsuhiko , Wösten Han A. B. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryHyphae of higher fungi are compartmentalized by septa. These septa contain a central pore that allows for inter‐compartmental and inter‐hyphal cytoplasmic streaming. The cytoplasm within the mycelium is therefore considered to be a continuous system. In this study, however, we demonstrate by laser dissection that 40% of the apical septa of exploring hyphae of Aspergillus oryzae are closed. Closure of septa correlated with the presence of a peroxisome‐derived organelle, known as Woronin body, near the septal pore. The location of Woronin bodies in the hyphae was dynamic and, as a result, plugging of the septal pore was reversible. Septal plugging was abolished in a ΔAohex1 strain that cannot form Woronin bodies. Notably, hyphal heterogeneity was also affected in the ΔAohex1 strain. Wild‐type strains of A. oryzae showed heterogeneous distribution of GFP between neighbouring hyphae at the outer part of the colony when the reporter was expressed from the promoter of the glucoamylase gene glaA or the α‐glucuronidase gene aguA. In contrast, GFP fluorescence showed a normal distribution in the case of the ΔAohex1 strain. Taken together, it is concluded that Woronin bodies maintain hyphal heterogeneity in a fungal mycelium by impeding cytoplasmic continuity.
ABC transporters of antimicrobial peptides in Firmicutes bacteria – phylogeny, function and regulation
Authors: Gebhard Susanne 
Published: October 2012

SummaryAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a group of antibiotics that mainly target the cell wall of Gram‐positive bacteria. Resistance is achieved by a variety of mechanisms including target alterations, changes in the cell's surface charge, expression of immunity peptides or by dedicated ABC transporters. The latter often provide the greatest level of protection. Apart from resistance, ABC transporters are also required for the export of peptides during biosynthesis. In this review the different AMP transporters identified to date in Firmicutes bacteria were classified into five distinct groups based on their domain architecture, two groups with a role in biosynthesis, and three involved in resistance. Comparison of the available information for each group regarding function, transport mechanism and gene regulation revealed distinguishing characteristics as well as common traits. For example, a strong correlation between transporter group and mode of gene regulation was observed, with three different types of two‐component systems as well as XRE family transcriptional regulators commonly associated with individual transporter groups. Furthermore, the presented summary of the state‐of‐the‐art on AMP transport in Firmicutes bacteria, discussed in the context of transporter phylogeny, provides insights into the mechanisms of substrate translocation and how this may result in resistance against compounds that bind extracellular targets.
Abscisic acid accumulation modulates auxin transport in the root tip to enhance proton secretion for maintaining root growth under moderate water stress
Authors: Xu Weifeng , Jia Liguo , Shi Weiming , Liang Jiansheng , Zhou Feng , Li Qianfeng , Zhang Jianhua 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Maintenance of root growth is essential for plant adaptation to soil drying. Here, we tested the hypothesis that auxin transport is involved in mediating ABA's modulation by activating proton secretion in the root tip to maintain root growth under moderate water stress.

Rice and Arabidopsis plants were raised under a hydroponic system and subjected to moderate water stress (−0.47 MPa) with polyethylene glycol (PEG). ABA accumulation, auxin transport and plasma membrane H+‐ATPase activity at the root tip were monitored in addition to the primary root elongation and root hair density.

We found that moderate water stress increases ABA accumulation and auxin transport in the root apex. Additionally, ABA modulation is involved in the regulation of auxin transport in the root tip. The transported auxin activates the plasma membrane H+‐ATPase to release more protons along the root tip in its adaption to moderate water stress. The proton secretion in the root tip is essential in maintaining or promoting primary root elongation and root hair development under moderate water stress.

These results suggest that ABA accumulation modulates auxin transport in the root tip, which enhances proton secretion for maintaining root growth under moderate water stress.
A possible ovarian carcinoma metastatic in the mandible: diagnostic perspectives
Authors: McKernon S. , Triantafyllou A. , Balmer M.C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA very rare case of metastatic carcinoma to the left mandible of an elderly female is reported. The primary growth had caused no symptoms apart from the mandibular lesion. Histopathological examination in conjunction with step‐by‐step use of immunohistochemistry suggested an ovarian origin, and the diagnostic process is discussed. The suggested origin was subsequently supported by computerised tomography scan. The case highlights problems in the diagnosis of oral metastatic disease.
Does Previous Varicose Vein Surgery Alter Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk after Lower Limb Arthroplasty?
Authors: Dua Anahita , Neiva Santiago , Sutherland Alasdair 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients who have had previous varicose vein (VV) surgery.MethodsData on 57,364 patients who had undergone THAs and 51,859 patients who had undergone TKAs were obtained from the Scottish Arthroplasty Project and cross‐referenced with patients for whom DVT/PE events had been recorded (Scottish Morbidity Database).ResultsThe THA DVT rate in patients who had previously undergone VV surgery was 0.8% (27/3478), and in those with no previous VV diagnosis or surgery was 0.8% (428/53,659). In patients with a previous VV diagnosis but no VV surgery, the THA DVT rate was 3.1% (7/227) (Pearson χ2 test, χ2 = 14.8, degrees of freedom = 2, P = 0.001). No significant difference was found for the corresponding data in the TKA cohort. The THA PE rate in patients who had previously undergone VV surgery was 0.7% (26/3478), and in those with no previous VV diagnosis or surgery 0.7% (376/53,659). No correlation was found between prior VV interventions and PE rates.ConclusionUntreated VVs are associated with an increased risk of DVT after THA. Therefore, patients with VVs should consider having them treated prior to undergoing orthopedic interventions.
A Comparison between “Sandwich” and Conventional Methods of Repairing Spinal Dura Rupture
Authors: Wang Hui‐ren , Cao Sheng‐sheng , Jiang Yun‐qi , Li Jun‐ning , Li Xi‐lei , Fu Yun‐gen , Zhao Ming‐dong , Dong Jian 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo study the therapeutic efficacy of the “sandwich” method (medical glue + gelatin sponge + medical glue) of spinal dural repair for preventing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks during treatment of subdural tumors.MethodsFifty‐four patients with spinal subdural tumors treated between April 2007 and June 2011 were retrospectively investigated. The patients were divided into two groups: a conventional group (Group A) and a “sandwich” group (Group B). The Group A patients included 16 males and 7 females with an average tumor course of 11 months (range, 2–34 months). Four of their 23 tumors were in the cervical spine, eight thoracic, and eleven lumbar. The Group B patients included 19 males and 12 females with an average tumor course of 12 months (range, 3–36 months). Five of their 31 tumors were in the cervical spines, 10 thoracic, and 16 lumbar. In Group A, the dural repairs were performed with interlocking sutures and a gelatin sponge covering the dura; whereas in Group B, they were performed with interlocking sutures, painting of medical glue around the dural incision, covering this with a gelatin sponge, and finally covering of the gelatin sponge with medical glue. The total volume of drainage after operation, incidence of CSF leaks, healing of the incision, and recovery of clinical performance were recorded.ResultsCompared to Group A patients, Group B patients had a significantly smaller total volume of drainage (P < 0.05) on the day of surgery, and the first, second, and third postoperative days. The incidence of CSF leakage in Group B was also significantly less than in Group A (P < 0.05). Before discharge, three patients in Group A developd hydrops, which was successfully treated by aspiration, continuous pressure from sandbags, and the prone position. During the first 3 months of follow‐up, five patients developed deep hydrops under their incisions but required no treatment. There were no obvious abnormalities in Group B.ConclusionAfter removal of subdural spinal tumors by incising the dura mater, or in related spinal surgery, application of the “sandwich” complex to the damaged spinal dura reduces the volume of drainage postoperatively and reduces the incidence of CSF leakage.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage during Anterior Approach Cervical Spine Surgery for Severe Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Lei Tao , Shen Yong , Wang Lin‐feng , Cao Jun‐ming , Ding Wen‐yuan , Ma Qing‐hua 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveThe prevention and treatment of the common complication of cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSFL) during anterior approach cervical spine surgery for severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is documented.MethodA retrospective analysis of 47 patients with severe cervical OPLL aged 39 to 73 years (average, 56.4 years) who underwent anterior operations was conducted. All patients were classified as local or segmental types based on the thickness of the ossified mass (>5 mm) and canal stenosis rates exceeding 50%. Fifteen cases underwent discectomy and fusion and 32 cases corpectomy and fusion. Preoperative CT images were analyzed for operation breakthrough and decompression range. During surgery, the ossified mass was excised or floated and the arachnoid reserved in order to reduce dural damage. Sutures coupled with gelatin sponge or muscle pedicle were applied to repair dural defects. After surgery, patients were confined to bed to allow for drainage or puncture.ResultsFifteen cases of dural defects were recognized intraoperatively. Postoperatively, 5 patients developed CSFL. Partially cut dura with intact arachnoid occurred in one patient who developed a CSF pseudocyst. No cases required secondary operations or shunt placement and all exhibited good wound healing, with JOA scores increasing from 7.30 ± 1.08 to 13.70 ± 0.81 points and improvement rates of 65.98% ± 7.35%.ConclusionDuring anterior surgical treatment for severe OPLL, CSFL can be prevented and treated through careful analysis of CT images, meticulous operative technique, careful handling of the ossified mass, and intra‐operative repair of dural damage.
Children monosensitized to pine nuts have similar patterns of sensitization
Authors: Novembre Elio , Mori Francesca , Barni Simona , Ferrante Giuliana , Pucci Neri , Ballabio Cinzia , Uberti Francesca , Penas Elena , Restani Patrizia 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundSeveral cases of pine nut allergies and anaphylaxis have been reported in the literature, but only few pine nut allergens have been characterized. The aim of this research is to identify through immunoelectrophoretic techniques the major pine nut allergens in a group of children monosensitized to pine nuts.MethodsWe studied five children with pine nut allergies and no other sensitization to food except to pine nuts, confirmed by in vivo (prick test, prick‐to‐prick) and in vitro tests (specific IgE determinations [CAP‐FEIA]). The protein profile of pine nuts was analyzed by Sodium Dodecyl sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Immunoblotting was performed after incubation of membranes with the sera from the children included in the present study.ResultsImmunoblotting (SDS‐PAGE) demonstrated five similar bands between 6 and 47 kDa in all the subjects studied.ConclusionThese bands should be considered the potential allergens for pine nut allergic children.
Oral food challenge: safety, adherence to guidelines and predictive value of skin prick testing
Authors: Calvani Mauro , Berti Irene , Fiocchi Alessandro , Galli Elena , Giorgio Valentina , Martelli Alberto , Miceli Sopo Stefano , Panetta Valentina 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnostic gold standard of food allergy is the oral food challenge (OFC). Data on severe reactions and drug use during OFC are scarce. Our aims were (i) to investigate the prevalence and spectrum of reactions' severity during OFC and to assess drug use and epinephrine use in anaphylaxis due to OFC; (ii) to investigate the predictive value of the skin prick test wheal size for the outcome of OFCs.MethodsA retrospective charts review of children undergoing OFC at three Allergy Centres between January 2007 and December 2008 was performed.ResultsA total of 544 OFCs were analysed. Most frequently involved foods were egg, milk and wheat. 254/526 (48.3%) were positive. 167 (65.7%) were defined mild reactions, 81 (31.9%) multiorgan reactions and 6 (2.4%) anaphylaxis. No patients had cardiovascular symptoms. Data on treatments were available in 98.8% OFCs. In half of them antihistamines were used vs. 10% cases in which steroids were preferred. Six children (2.4%) were treated with Epinephrine inhalation, 5 (2%) with beta‐2 inhalation, 8 (3.1%) with steroid inhalation. One child was treated with IM Epinephrine + IV fluids. Skin prick tests predictive cut‐off were 9 mm for albumen, 7 for yolk, 13 for fresh albumen, 10 for α‐lactalbumin, seven for casein, eight for β‐lactoglobulin, 20 for cow's milk and 10 for fresh cow's milk.ConclusionOFCs performed in controlled settings by expert Allergists are safe. Consideration needs to be given as to whether the Anaphylaxis' Guideline need to be modified when applied in treating patients undergoing OFC.
Differential immune response in mice immunized with the A, R or C domain from TcSP protein of Trypanosoma cruzi or with the coding DNAs
Authors: Salgado‐Jiménez B. , Arce‐Fonseca M. , Baylón‐Pacheco L. , Talamás‐Rohana P. , Rosales‐Encina J. L. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryIn a murine model of experimental Trypanosoma cruzi (H8 strain) infection, we investigated the induction of protective immunity against the domains [amino (A), repeats (R) and carboxyl (C)] of the surface protein (SP), a member of the trans‐sialidase (TS) superfamily. Recombinant proteins and plasmid DNA coding for the respective proteins were used to immunize BALB/c mice, and the humoral response and cytokine levels were analysed. Immunization with the recombinant proteins induced higher levels of anti‐TcSP antibodies than immunization with the corresponding DNAs, and analysis of serum cytokines showed that immunization with both recombinant proteins and naked DNA resulted in a Th1–Th2 mixed T‐cell response. Mice immunized with either recombinant proteins or plasmid DNA were infected with blood trypomastigotes. The recombinant protein‐immunized mice showed a variable reduction in peak parasitemia, and most died by day 60. Only the pBKTcSPR‐immunized mice exhibited a significant reduction in peak parasitemia and survived the lethal challenge. DNA‐based immunization with DNA coding for the repeats domain of TcSP is a good candidate for the development of a vaccine against experimental T. cruzi infection.
Distinct strains of Leishmania major induce different cytokine mRNA expression in draining lymph node of BALB/c mice
Authors: Asadpour A. , Riazi‐Rad F. , Khaze V. , Ajdary S. , Alimohammadian M.H. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryFour genotypically distinct strains of L. major collected from persons residing in different endemic areas of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran were evaluated in BALB/c mice. Parasite virulence was evaluated by measuring the parasite burden in the lymph nodes. Immunogenicity of the strains was assessed by analysis of cytokines mRNA expression levels in popliteal lymph nodes of the mice in early (3, 16, 40 h) and late (week 1, W3, W5 and W8) time periods after infection. The expression of cytokines mRNA, namely Ifng, Il2,Il4,Il10 and Il12, was quantitated by real‐time PCR. The lowest and the highest parasite loads were induced by Damghan (2·15 × 107) and Shiraz (9·59 × 109) strains, respectively. Moreover, Damghan strain elicited higher expression levels of Ifng and Il2 mRNA and the highest ratio of Ifng/Il4 mRNA expression compared with the other strains at 40 h and 8 weeks post‐infection. The results indicate that the inoculation of BALB/c mice with different strains induced high diversity in parasite burden and cytokines gene expression. Amongst the four strains, Damghan strain showed the lowest parasite load and the highest tendency to induce expression of Th1 cytokines gene and might be considered as a safe and immunogenic strain.
A new aubergine disease caused by a whitefly‐borne strain of Tomato mild mottle virus (TomMMoV)
Authors: Dombrovsky A. , Sapkota R. , Lachman O. , Pearlsman M. , Antignus Y. 
Published: October 2012

The aims of the present study were to further characterize the causal agent of a new viral disease of aubergines in Israel, first observed in 2003 and tentatively named eggplant mild leaf mottle virus (EMLMV) in a previous work, and to identify the vector responsible for its spread. The disease could be transmitted mechanically from infected source plants to healthy aubergines or laboratory test plants. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of purified virus preparations indicated the presence of viral particles with a flexible filamentous morphology (approximately 720 nm long). TEM analysis of ultrathin sections prepared from infected leaf tissue revealed the presence of cytoplasmic inclusion bodies with pinwheel and crystalline structures, typical of those induced by potyviral infection. The viral coat protein subunit was shown to have a molecular weight of 37·5 kDa by SDS‐PAGE analysis. The viral particles reacted positively in western blot analysis with an antiserum against Tomato mild mottle virus (TomMMoV) from Yemen, described as a potyvirus, vectored by the aphid Myzus persicae. The current study describes some biological properties of EMLMV and presents evidence for its transmission by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, but not by three aphid species. The taxonomic relationship between EMLMV and TomMMoV is discussed based on their biological characteristics and sequence analysis of their genomes. It is suggested that the Israeli EMLMV should be considered a distant strain of TomMMoV, designated TomMMoV‐IL, according to the present rules of Potyviridae molecular taxonomy.
Diagnosis and treatment of latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: CHEE CYNTHIA BIN‐ENG , SESTER MARTINA , ZHANG WENHONG , LANGE CHRISTOPH 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn clinical practice, latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis is defined by the presence of an M. tuberculosis‐specific immune response in the absence of active tuberculosis. Targeted testing of individuals from risk groups with the tuberculin skin test or an interferon‐γ release assay is currently the best method to identify those with the highest risk for progression to tuberculosis. Positive predictive values of the immunodiagnostic tests are substantially influenced by the type of test, the age of the person who is tested, the prevalence of tuberculosis in the society and the risk group to which the person belongs. As a general rule, testing should only be offered when preventive chemotherapy will be accepted in the case of a positive test result. Preventive chemotherapy can effectively protect individuals at risk from the development of tuberculosis, although at least 3 months of combination therapy or up to 9 months of monotherapy are required, and overall acceptance rate is low. Improvements of the current generation of immunodiagnostic tests could substantially lower the number of individuals that need to be treated to prevent a case of tuberculosis. If shorter treatment regimens were equally effective than those currently recommended, acceptance of preventive chemotherapy could be much improved.
The Effect of the Selective Cytopheretic Device on Acute Kidney Injury Outcomes in the Intensive Care Unit: A Multicenter Pilot Study
Authors: Tumlin James A. , Chawla Lakhmir , Tolwani Ashita J. , Mehta Ravindra , Dillon John , Finkel Kevin W. , DaSilva J. Ricardo , Astor Brad C. , Yevzlin Alexander S. , Humes H. David 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by deterioration in kidney function resulting in multisystem abnormalities. Much of the morbidity and mortality associated with AKI result from a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). This study described herein is a prospective, single‐arm, multicenter US study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Selective Cytopheretic Device (SCD) treatment on AKI requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in the ICU. The study enrolled 35 subjects. The mean age was 56.3 ± 15. With regard to race, 71.4% of the subjects were Caucasian, 22.9% were Black, and 5.7% were Hispanic. Average SOFA score was 11.3 ± 3.6. Death from any cause at Day 60 was 31.4%. Renal recovery, defined as dialysis independence, was observed in all of the surviving subjects at Day 60. The results of this pilot study indicate the potential for a substantial improvement in patient outcomes over standard of care therapy, which is associated with a greater than 50% 60‐day mortality in the literature. The SCD warrants further study in scientifically sound, pivotal trial to demonstrate reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.