bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of B function in legumes: PISTILLATA proteins do not require the PI motif for floral organ development in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Benlloch Reyes , Roque Edelín , Ferrándiz Cristina , Cosson Viviane , Caballero Teresa , Penmetsa Ramachandra V. , Beltrán José Pío , Cañas Luís Antonio , Ratet Pascal , Madueño Francisco 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe B‐class gene PISTILLATA (PI) codes for a MADS‐box transcription factor required for floral organ identity in angiosperms. Unlike Arabidopsis, it has been suggested that legume PI genes contribute to a variety of processes, such as the development of floral organs, floral common petal–stamen primordia, complex leaves and N‐fixing root nodules. Another interesting feature of legume PI homologues is that some of them lack the highly conserved C‐terminal PI motif suggested to be crucial for function. Therefore, legume PI genes are useful for addressing controversial questions on the evolution of B‐class gene function, including how they may have diverged in both function and structure to affect different developmental processes. However, functional analysis of legume PI genes has been hampered because no mutation in any B‐class gene has been identified in legumes. Here we fill this gap by studying the PI function in the model legume species Medicago truncatula using mutant and RNAi approaches. Like other legume species, M. truncatula has two PI homologues. The expression of the two genes, MtPI and MtNGL9, has strongly diverged, suggesting differences in function. Our analyses show that these genes are required for petal and stamen identity, where MtPI appears to play a predominant role. However, they appear not to be required for development of the nodule, the common primordia or the complex leaf. Moreover, both M. truncatula PI homologues lack the PI motif, which indicates that the C‐terminal motif is not essential for PI activity.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Male Scent Marks in the Polygynous Greater Sac‐Winged Bat
Authors: Caspers Barbara A. , Voigt Christian C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractScent marks are relatively long‐lived signals that can be perceived by conspecifics when the producer is absent. Therefore, it is often not obvious to whom the signal is directed. In daytime roosts of the polygynous greater sac‐winged bat, males scent mark territories with facial gland secretions. Territories are a valuable resource for males, as they offer exclusive courtship opportunities, which results in increased male reproductive success and, consequently, increased male–male competition over territories. The information encoded in male scent marks could, therefore, be either directed at females as part of an olfactory courtship display or at male competitors as part of territorial behaviour. We expected territorial males to scent mark in the morning, shortly before females return to the territory and close to female roosting sites, if scent marks are directed at females as part of the courtship display. And we expected harem males to scent mark at the territory boundaries, where male–male encounters are most likely to occur, if scent marks are directed at male competitors. We found that males marked more frequently in the afternoon, at a time when all females have already left the territory, and harem males marked at the territory boundaries and not inside their territory in the area where females roost. At boundaries males fan volatiles from specialised wing sacs towards competitors outside the territory. Scent marking of male Saccopteryx bilineata might therefore be congruent with the assessment‐hypothesis, which states that scent marks offer intruders the possibility to make an olfactory assessment of the territory owner without direct physical interaction. Thus, scent marks of male S. bilineata are most likely influenced by male–male competition and not by female choice.
Associations among symptoms of dieback in even‐aged stands of ash (Fraxinus excelsiorL.)
Authors: Skovsgaard J. P. , Thomsen I. M. , Skovgaard I. M. , Martinussen T. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe objective of this study was to establish statistically based associations among macroscopic symptoms of crown dieback, cankers due toChalara fraxinea, and symptoms caused by other pathogens and pests onFraxinus excelsior. A total of 454 trees were observed in two plots of a 15‐year‐old experimental stand. The symptoms included: (i) overall extent of crown dieback; (ii) dieback of upper parts of the crown; (iii) canker in upper parts of the crown; (iv) wilting foliage; (v) cankers and bark proliferations at the lower part of the stem; and (vi) discolouration at stump or stem base. The analysis suggested that the observed symptoms of crown dieback are caused by a primary disease. The macroscopic symptoms attributed to dieback and canker in the crown were strongly associated. Moreover, the disease was associated with symptoms ofArmillaria gallica, but no associations were found for symptoms ofNeonectria galligena,Pseudomonas syringaesubsp.savastanoipv.fraxini,Hylesinus fraxiniorH. variuswhen considered collectively. Dieback was more frequent on trees of average or below‐average size, suggesting that individual tree resistance decreased with decreasing growth potential or tree vigour. The extent of canker in the crown depended on site conditions and possibly on silvicultural practices. The development of phytosanitary prescriptions for silviculture should primarily be targeted towards young stands as these represent the most critical phases of stand development.
Multiple primary malignancies in Spanish patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Analysis of a hospital‐based tumor registry
Authors: Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Guerra‐Vales Juan‐Manuel , Castelbón‐Fernández Francisco‐Javier , Llenas‐García Jara , Caurcel‐Díaz Luis , Colina‐Ruizdelgado Francisco 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Little is known about the etiological associations and clinical features of extrahepatic primary malignant (EHPM) neoplasms in subjects with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to characterize this phenomenon in a consecutive series of Spanish patients in order to define its natural history and influence on survival.Methods:  A retrospective analysis of 245 patients with HCC during the period 1999–2003 was performed. Subjects identified with a second primary malignancy elsewhere constituted the EHPM group and were compared to patients with HCC alone.Results:  Eighteen patients (7.3%) had one or two associated extrahepatic malignancies (mean age 67.7 ± 9.7 years); of these, 17 had double cancer and one patient, triple. Nine of the 19 EHPM occurred before HCC diagnosis. The associated cancers included five cases of colorectal carcinoma, four cases of head and neck carcinoma, three cases of genitourinary cancer, two cases of lymphoproliferative disorder, one lung carcinoma, one skin melanoma, one breast carcinoma, and two cancers of unknown origin. Age and sex distribution, etiology of underlying hepatopathy, and liver function tests did not differ significantly between both groups. There was no difference between the overall survival rates.Conclusions:  EHPM is not rare among Spanish patients with HCC, although no specific clinicopathological features were detected in this population. Our results suggest that the association of another primary tumor with HCC does not imply a worse prognosis. The possibility of development of EHPM should be kept in mind when deciding on therapy and follow‐up of HCC.
Cytosine deaminase‐producing human mesenchymal stem cells mediate an antitumor effect in a mouse xenograft model
Authors: You Mi‐Hyeon , Kim Wang‐Joon , Shim Wooyoung , Lee Sang‐Rim , Lee Gwang , Choi Sangdun , Kim Dae‐Yong , Kim Yong Man , Kim Hyunsoo , Han Sang‐Uk 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Stem cell transplantation offers potential gene therapy for brain tumors. However, this approach has received little attention as a treatment for gastrointestinal tumors. In the present study, we explored the possibility of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) producing cytosine deaminase (CD), followed by systemic 5‐fluorocytosine (5‐FC) administration, showing an antitumor effect on a mouse gastric cancer xenograft.Methods:  We first explored the ability of hMSC, coated with fluorescent dye, to migrate to human gastric cancer MKN45 cells in vitro and in vivo. We then used hMSC in which a gene expressed the prodrug‐activating enzyme CD, which can convert the prodrug 5‐FC into the cytotoxic agent 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), and further investigated the potential of these cells to deliver the CD gene and to reduce tumor growth in nude mice. The migratory capacity of hMSC was confirmed by an in vitro migration assay, as well as in an in vivo model of nude mice bearing subcutaneous tumors of MKN45 cells when hMSC were injected.Results:  The migration ability of hMSC towards MKN45 cells was confirmed by migration assay. Effective conversion of 5‐FC to 5‐FU by hMSC transfected with the CD gene (CD‐hMSC) showed therapeutic anticancer potential in a MKN45 cell co‐culture system, as confirmed by thin layer chromatography. Nude mice bearing MKN45 tumors were intravenously injected with CD‐hMSC, followed by systemic 5‐FC treatment (500 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Tumor volumes and weights of mice injected with CD‐hMSC decreased significantly after treatment with 5‐FC. However, the 5‐FC‐treated group without CD‐hMSC injection showed neither a decrease in tumor volume nor bodyweight loss.Conclusion:  The CD‐hMSC system showed anticancer therapeutic potential, and minimized the side‐effects of 5‐FU.
Characterization of hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase sequences in Chinese treatment naive patients
Authors: Han Yue , Huang Li Hua , Liu Chuan Miao , Yang Shu , Li Juan , Lin Zhi Mei , Kong Xiao Fei , Yu De Min , Zhang Dong Hua , Jin Gen Di , Lu Zhi Meng , Gong Qi Ming , Zhang Xin Xin 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase (RT) plays an important role in viral replication. The aim of the present study was to characterize profiles of the RT region and to construct a database for further studies.Methods:  Serum samples were obtained from 328 treatment naive patients chronically infected with HBV in five Chinese cities. Mutation status, genotypes and deep sequence analysis were carried out by amplifying and sequencing the RT region.Results:  The base usage in the RT region differed at the mono‐ and dinucleotide level and thymidine dominated. The higher the variability of the strain was, the more it replicated. No significant clustering was found between our HBV RT sequences and those isolated 10 years ago (achieved from genebank). Nucleotide analogue resistance related mutants exist. The M204V/I mutation was found in 1.8% of the strains, 1.2% had L180M+ M204V/I, 0.6% had A181T/V, and only one had all three mutations. Minor strain mutants were found in 9.3% of the samples studied. The genotype B patients made up 36.6% (88.7% B2) and were mostly found in southern China, 63.4% (92.2% C2) were genotype C, and only one was genotype D. The average age of HBeAg positive genotype B patients was 29.5 ± 10.4 years, for genotype C it was 36.1 ± 10.9 (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Primarily antiviral resistance related mutant strains do exist in treatment naïve patients. Without antiviral pressure, HBV strains evolved at a normal speed. In depth sequence analysis implied that viral replication might be correlated with its variability, which needs to be further investigated.
Uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 promoter polymorphism is associated with choledocholithiasis in Taiwanese patients
Authors: Chu Cheng‐Hsin , Yang An‐Ming , Kao Jia‐Horng , Liu Chia‐Yuan , Chang Wen‐Hsiung , Yang Wei‐Shiung 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground and aims:  The gene product of the uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) is crucial to bilirubin metabolism. Mutations in this gene subsequently result in disease presented with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. A previous study showed that a TA‐repeat polymorphism in the promoter region of this gene might play a role in the metabolism of bilirubin. Whether this polymorphism might predispose choledocholithiasis is unclear.Methods:  We recruited 32 patients who were diagnosed with pigment choledocholithiasis (common bile duct stones) by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) morphology and 107 population controls. The TA‐repeat in the UGT1A1 promoter was genotyped.Results:  We found that among the 32 patients, 15 (46.9%) were wild type (A[TA]6TAA homozygous); 15 (46.9%) were a heterozygous variation (A[TA[6TAA/A[TA]7TAA) and 2 (6.2%) were a homozygous variation (A[TA]7TAA). Among the controls, 81 (75.7%) were wild type, 23 (21.5%) were a heterozygous variation and 3 (2.8%) were a homozygous variation. The genotype distribution was significantly different between patients and controls.Conclusions:  The results suggest that the UGT1A1 promoter TA‐repeat polymorphism is associated with choledocholithiasis in Taiwanese patients.
The salivagram in severe cerebral palsy and able‐bodied adults
Authors: Baikie Gordon , Reddihough Dinah S , South Mike , Cook David J 
Published: May 2009

Aims:  To test the hypothesis that the salivagram is frequently positive in those at high risk of aspiration but negative in individuals at low risk of aspiration lung disease.Methods:  We studied 63 individuals with spastic quadriparetic cerebral palsy (CP), aged 14 months to 16 years (31 females and 32 males), and 20 able‐bodied young adult volunteers, aged 19–29 years (17 female and three males) using the salivagram. Twenty millilitres of 99mTc‐sulphur colloid in saline was instilled into the pharynx of each subject over 1 h. Aspiration was characterised by the appearance of activity in either lung field.Results:  Aspiration was demonstrated by salivagram in 56% of children with CP (95% confidence interval 43% to 68%), compared to 0% of young adults (97.5% one‐sided confidence interval 0% to 17%). The difference in frequency is highly significant (P < 0.0006).Conclusions:  The salivagram is frequently positive in those at high risk of aspiration, but frequently negative in those at low risk of aspiration. It may be a useful investigation for the demonstration of aspiration.
Impact of delivery mode and gestational age on haematological parameters in Taiwanese preterm infants
Authors: Wu Jun‐Ho , Chou Hung‐Chieh , Chen Pau‐Chung , Jeng Suh‐Fang , Chen Chien‐Yi , Tsao Po‐Nien , Hsieh Chia‐Jung , Huang Hsiu‐Min , Hsieh Wu‐Shiun 
Published: May 2009

Aim:  Reference ranges of haematological parameters in preterm infants are limited. The aim of this study is to determine the reference values of haematological parameters in preterm infants in Taiwan, and to assess the impact of gestational age and mode of delivery on these parameters.Method:  Medical records were retrospectively reviewed in preterm infants admitted to National Taiwan University Hospital from January 2001 to December 2004. The inclusion criteria included infants with <37 weeks of gestation who had blood sampling within 24 h of birth. The exclusion criteria included those with maternal history of antepartum haemorrhage, chorioamnionitis, fever, sepsis, preeclampsia and hypertension; and perinatal history of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome, feto‐maternal transfusion, injury and infection.Results:  Of 568 preterm infants with blood cell counts, 337 were available for analysis. There were trends of increase in red blood cell counts, haemoglobin levels and haematocrit values as gestation increased up to 34 weeks. In contrast, a trend of decrease was noted in mean corpuscular volume values. There was an initial trend of decrease in white blood cell counts and then increased after 31 weeks gestation. The platelet counts were essentially unchanged. Infants born by vaginal delivery generally had higher haematological parameters than those born by Caesarean section at different gestational ages except for mean corpuscular volume values.Conclusions:  We established the reference ranges of haematological parameters in Taiwanese preterm infants. Health‐care professionals must be cautious in clinical application of the haematological values because of varying antenatal and perinatal risk factors.
The epidemiology of paediatric head injuries: Data from a referral centre in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Crowe Louise , Babl Franz , Anderson Vicki , Catroppa Cathy 
Published: May 2009

Aim:  Currently, there are no population‐based or hospital‐based studies on the full spectrum of paediatric head injuries (HIs) in Australia. We set out to provide detailed information on the incidence rates, causes and clinical management of all severities of HI in children and adolescents at an Australian tertiary referral centre using emergency department (ED) and admission data as a basis for further investigations and prevention efforts.Methods:  A retrospective chart review of all children aged 0–16 years who attended the Royal Childrens Hospital (RCH), Melbourne, following a HI in 2004 was used. The cases were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision codes, and all medical records were reviewed based on a piloted data form. Information was collected on demographics, injury factors and clinical management of HIs in the hospital setting.Results:  Over the 12‐month period, there were 1115 children with an HI who attended the RCH ED, or were admitted. Ninety per cent were classified as mild, 8% as moderate and 3% as severe. Males and children under 3 years had the higher attendance rates. Falls, sports and motor vehicle accidents were the main HI causes. The main sport played (30%) when sustaining an HI was Australian rules football. Thirty‐two per cent of children were admitted, 67% of these with mild HI. Twenty‐one per cent had a radiology imaging study, most (67%) with a normal result.Conclusions:  Many HI causes appear preventable, in particular, falls from heights in infants and sports safety. High rates of admission and radiology imaging of mild HI warrant further investigation.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and implications for paediatric prescribing
Authors: Sinha Yashwant , Brien Jo‐anne E , Craig Jonathan C 
Published: May 2009

Aims:  To evaluate the impact of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) decisions on access to medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for children.Methods:  We analysed all public summary documents from PBAC meetings from July 2005 to November 2006 and compared these with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recommendations for children for the same medicine. Main outcome measures stratified by age, the total number of medicines for specific indications (accepted and rejected) by therapeutic class; estimated cost to the PBS per annum for each medicine recommended for listing; comparison of TGA‐approved product information and PBS listing for recommended medicines.Results:  Of the 102 medicines for specific indications considered by the PBAC, 7% (7/102) of submissions were for new paediatric indications. Most submissions (60%, 61/102) did not specify age for the PBS recommendation and were for conditions which only affect adults. Listings which specifically included children were more likely to have a positive PBAC recommendation. Of the six recommended medicines for children, four were estimated to cost between $10–30 million per year. There was fair concordance between PBS‐ and TGA‐approved product information for age (kappa 0.21) but in 46%, PBAC recommendations were for age‐unrestricted listing compared with adults‐only use in the TGA‐approved product information.Conclusion:  Access to new subsidised medicines for children in Australia lags behind adults because most applications to the PBAC for new medicines are for conditions which only affect adults. PBS processes facilitate access for children to new medicines by avoiding age restrictions.
Ward reduction of gastroschisis in a single stage without general anaesthesia may increase the risk of short‐term morbidities: Results of a retrospective audit
Authors: Rao Shripada C , Pirie Simon , Minutillo Corrado , Gollow Ian , Dickinson Jan E , Jacoby Peter 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Ward reduction of gastroschisis in a single stage without the need for general inhalational anaesthesia (ward reduction) has been reported by some authors to be effective and safe. We introduced this practice to our neonatal unit 2 years ago.Aim:  To compare the short‐term outcomes of this new practice with the standard procedure of reduction under general anaesthesia (GA).Methods:  Retrospective case series of all infants with gastroschisis between January 2004 and January 2008.Results:  Twenty‐seven infants were managed with the traditional approach and 11 infants underwent ward reduction without GA. Infants in the ward reduction group had an increased frequency for all the three major adverse events (ischemic necrosis of bowel: 27.3% vs. 3.7%, odds ratio (OR) 10.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72, 159.6; need for total parenteral nutrition (TPN) more than 60 days: 18% vs. 3.7%, OR 4.13, 95% CI: 0.28, 61.55; and unplanned return to theatre: 27.3% vs. 7.4%, OR 3.88, 95% CI: 0.44, 34.08), although none of these events reached statistical significance. There were no significant differences between the groups for the outcomes of time to reach full feeds, duration of hospital stay and number of days on antibiotics.Conclusions:  These results raise concerns over the role of ward reduction of gastroschisis in a single sitting without the use of GA. Randomised trials with appropriate design and sample size are needed before embracing this method as a standard practice.
Linking ecological function to species composition in ecological restoration: Seed removal by ants in recreated woodland
Authors: LOMOV BORIS , KEITH DAVID A. , HOCHULI DIETER F. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractEvaluations of ecological restoration typically focus on associating measures of structural properties of ecosystems (e.g. species diversity) with time since restoration efforts commenced. Such studies often conclude a failure to achieve restoration goals without examining functional performance of the organism assemblages in question. We compared diversity and composition of ant assemblages and the rates of seed removal by ants in pastures, 4‐ to 10‐year old revegetated areas and remnants of Cumberland Plain Woodland, and an endangered ecological community in Sydney, Australia. Ant assemblages of forest remnant sites had significantly higher species richness, significantly different species composition and a more complex functional group structure in comparison with ant assemblages of pasture and revegetated sites, which did not differ significantly. However, the rates of seed removal by ants in revegetated sites were similar to those in forest remnants, with the rates in pasture sites being significantly lower. Approximately, one‐third of all ant species were observed to remove seeds. Forest remnant sites had significantly different assemblages of seed removing ant species from those in pasture and revegetated sites. These results demonstrate that similar ant assemblages of unrestored and restored areas can function differently, depending on habitat context. Evaluation of restoration success by quantifying ecosystem structure and function offers more insights into ecosystem recovery than reliance on structural data alone.