bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mouse models for pathogenic African trypanosomes: unravelling the immunology of host–parasite–vector interactions
Authors: MAGEZ S. , CALJON G. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryAfrican trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects a variety of mammals, including humans, on the sub‐Saharan African continent. To understand the diverse parameters that govern the host–parasite–vector interactions, mouse models for the disease have proven to be a cornerstone. Despite the fact that most trypanosomes cannot be considered natural pathogens for rodents, experimental infections in mice have shed a tremendous amount of light on the general biology of these parasites and their interaction with and evasion of the mammalian immune system. Different aspects including inflammation, vaccine failure, antigenic variation, resistance/sensitivity to normal human serum and the influence of tsetse compounds on parasite transmission have all been addressed using mouse models. In more recent years, the introduction of various ‘knock‐out’ mouse strains has allowed to analyse the implication of various cytokines, particularly TNF, IFNγ and IL‐10, in the regulation of parasitaemia and induction of pathological conditions during infection.
Quantitative analysis of dynamic protein–protein interactions in planta by a floated‐leaf luciferase complementation imaging (FLuCI) assay using binary Gateway vectors
Authors: Gehl Christian , Kaufholdt David , Hamisch Domenica , Bikker Rolf , Kudla Jörg , Mendel Ralf R. , Hänsch Robert 
Published: April 2011

SummaryDynamic protein–protein interactions are essential in all cellular and developmental processes. Protein‐fragment complementation assays allow such protein–protein interactions to be investigated in vivo. In contrast to other protein‐fragment complementation assays, the split‐luciferase (split‐LUC) complementation approach facilitates dynamic and quantitative in vivo analysis of protein interactions, as the restoration of luciferase activity upon protein–protein interaction of investigated proteins is reversible. Here, we describe the development of a floated‐leaf luciferase complementation imaging (FLuCI) assay that enables rapid and quantitative in vivo analyses of protein interactions in leaf discs floating on a luciferin infiltration solution after transient expression of split‐LUC‐labelled interacting proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana. We generated a set of eight Gateway‐compatible split‐LUC destination vectors, enabling fast, and almost fail‐safe cloning of candidate proteins to the LUC termini in all possible constellations. We demonstrate their functionality by visualizing the well‐established homodimerization of the 14‐3‐3 regulator proteins. Quantitative interaction analyses of the molybdenum co‐factor biosynthesis proteins CNX6 and CNX7 show that the luciferase‐based protein‐fragment complementation assay allows direct real‐time monitoring of absolute values of protein complex assembly. Furthermore, the split‐LUC assay is established as valuable tool to investigate the dynamics of protein interactions by monitoring the disassembly of actin filaments in planta. The new Gateway‐compatible split‐LUC destination vector system, in combination with the FLuCI assay, provides a useful means to facilitate quantitative analyses of interactions between large numbers of proteins constituting interaction networks in plant cells.
The receptor‐like kinase SlSERK1 is required for Mi‐1‐mediated resistance to potato aphids in tomato
Authors: Mantelin Sophie , Peng Hsuan‐Chieh , Li Beibei , Atamian Hagop S. , Takken Frank L. W. , Kaloshian Isgouhi 
Published: April 2011

SummaryThe plant receptor‐like kinase somatic embryogenesis receptor kinase 3 (SERK3)/brassinosteroid insensitive 1‐associated kinase 1 (BAK1) is required for pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP)‐triggered immunity (PTI). Here we show that a distinct member of the SERK family, SERK1, is required for the full functioning of Mi‐1, a nucleotide binding leucine‐rich repeat (NB‐LRR) resistance protein. Mi‐1 confers resistance to Meloidogyne spp. (root‐knot nematodes, RKNs) and three phloem‐feeding insects, including Macrosiphum euphorbiae (potato aphid). SERK1 was identified in a tobacco rattle virus (TRV)‐based virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) screen in Nicotiana benthamiana. The screen was based on the suppression of a pest‐independent hypersensitive response triggered by a constitutively active form of Mi‐1, Mi‐DS4. To assess the role of SERK1 in Mi‐1‐mediated resistance, Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) SlSERK genes were cloned. Three SlSERK members were identified with homologies to Arabidopsis AtSERK1 or AtSERK3/BAK1, and were named SlSERK1, SlSERK3A and SlSERK3B. SlSERK1 is ubiquitously expressed in tomato. Reducing SlSERK1 transcript levels in resistant plants, using gene‐specific TRV‐SERK1 VIGS, revealed a role for SlSERK1 in Mi‐1‐mediated resistance to potato aphids, but not to RKNs. In addition, Mi‐1‐dependent SlWRKY72 gene regulation was compromised in SlSERK1‐silenced plants, placing SlSERK1 in the Mi‐1 signaling pathway. Silencing SlSERK1 in a susceptible tomato background did not reduce the susceptibility to aphids, indicating that SlSERK1 is unlikely to be an essential virulence target. SlSERK1 is an active kinase, mainly localized at the plasma membrane. This work identifies a critical early component of Mi‐1 signaling, and demonstrates a role for SlSERK1 in NB‐LRR‐mediated immunity.
Do prostanoids or nitric oxide mediate sensitization of the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex by B‐type natriuretic peptide?
Authors: Thomas Colleen J , Sharma Atul D , Woods Robyn L 
Published: April 2011

Summary1. Cardiac natriuretic peptides act on cardiopulmonary chemoreceptor afferents to enhance the von Bezold–Jarisch reflex (BJR). Activity of the natriuretic peptide particulate guanylyl cyclase receptor is essential for full expression of the BJR. Whether natriuretic peptides act directly on cardiac afferents or they require another intermediate factor(s) for their effects on the BJR is unknown. Endogenous candidates tested as possible intermediates in the present study were prostanoids and nitric oxide (NO), plausible endogenous chemical mediators of cardiac chemoreflex activity.2. Dose‐dependent BJR bradycardia was evoked by the 5‐HT3 receptor agonist, phenylbiguanide (range 5–89 μg/kg), in conscious instrumented adult sheep (n = 6). The influence of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP; the most potent of the natriuretic peptides) on the BJR was assessed before and after blockade of prostanoids (using indomethacin, 1 mg/kg per h i.v.) or nitric oxide (using N‐nitro‐l‐arginine (NOLA), 3 mg/kg bolus, then 3 mg/kg per h infusion i.v.).3. On their own, indomethacin and NOLA did not significantly alter the BJR, showing that prostanoids and NO are not essential endogenous mediators of the BJR. As shown in previous studies, BNP (10 pmol/kg per min i.v.) infusion enhanced the BJR by 85 ± 36%, P < 0.05. When the production of either prostanoids or nitric oxide was inhibited, BNP still enhanced the BJR.4. The present study provides evidence that BNP does not require the activity or influence of prostaglandins or NO for its sensitising effects on the BJR. We propose that natriuretic peptides act directly on cardiac afferents, in synergy with 5‐HT3 agonists, to facilitate the BJR.
Cytology and localization of chromatophores in the skin of the Tuatara (Sphenodon punctaus)
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAlibardi, L. 2012. Cytology and localization of chromatophores in the skin of the Tuatara (Sphenodon punctaus). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 93: 330–337.The study deals with skin pigmentation in the reptile Sphenodon punctatus where neither strong colors nor rapid color changes are present. Dark areas of the skin derive from an intense pigmentation of beta‐keratinocytes of the epidermis. Only epidermal melanocytes are involved in the process of melanosome transfer into keratinocytes. The basement membrane is a structural boundary separating melanocytes from melanophores that are sparse or concentrated in some dermal areas where they contribute to the dark coloration of the skin. In these regions, dermal melanophores give rise to the dark dots or to the irregular spots or to the dark stripes present in the skin. Ultrastructurally only eu‐melanosomes are present, although only molecular studies can detect whether also pheomelanins are synthesized in these organelles. Chromatophores are not organized in functional dermal melanophore units. Xantophores are distributed under the epidermis and store lipid‐containing droplets or lamellated pterinosomes. Their specific yellow‐orange hues become evident on the skin surface. Iridophores are generally localized among the melanosomes and form reflecting platelets that are derived form the endoplasmic reticulum and probably are also elaborated in the Golgi apparatus. The role in color production of the latter cells in the skin remains to be identified.
Worse long‐term surgical outcomes in elderly patients undergoing SPARCTM retropubic midurethral sling placement
Authors: Kim Jason , Lucioni Alvaro , Govier Fred , Kobashi Kathleen 
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Diagnostic (case series)Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVE• The purpose of our study was to evaluate long‐term clinical outcomes following placement of a retropubic mid‐urethral sling in patients aged 70 and over and to compare outcomes with those of a younger cohort of patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS• Patients with stress urinary incontinence undergoing retropubic polypropylene sling (SPARCTM) placement were entered into a prospective, institutional review board‐approved database.• Patients with at least 12 months follow‐up were sent postoperative questionnaires assessing outcomes. Results of these questionnaires were compared for patients aged 70 or older and those younger than 70 years.RESULTS• A total of 337 patients who underwent SPARC sling placement in an 8‐year period were identified. Of these, 290 patients had a minimum of 12 months follow‐up, and among these patients, 235 (81%) answered postoperative mailed questionnaires. Average follow‐up was 45.2 months.• Thirty‐seven patients were 70 or older, and 198 were younger than 70. The older group had significantly lower success (53.1% vs 83.6%) and dry (6.1% vs 35.3%) rates than the younger cohort.• Assessment of preoperative variables determined that the older cohort had significantly more vaginal deliveries and a higher percentage of patients who had undergone either hysterectomy, previous prolapse and/or incontinence surgery.• There was no significant difference in Valsalva leak‐point pressure, percentage of patients with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency or type 0 stress urinary incontinence between the two groups.CONCLUSIONS• Experience at our Institution shows that there are clearly lower success rates in older patients undergoing a SPARC sling as compared with a younger cohort of patients.• Parity, hysterectomy and previous pelvic organ prolapse/anti‐incontinence surgery may also play a role in the difference in outcomes.
Prostate laser vaporization in men with urinary retention
Authors: Woldrich Jeffrey M. , Palazzi‐Churas Kerrin , Lakin Charles , Albo Michael , Parsons J. Kellogg 
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Therapy (cohort)Level of Evidence 2bOBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser vaporization of the prostate (LVP) with several different wavelengths for urinary retention.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort study of patients undergoing LVP from 2005 to 2009 at a single institution was performed.
Outcomes were compared in those patients with urinary retention versus those without, using t‐tests, Mann–Whitney U‐test, chi‐squared test and Fisher’s exact test as appropriate.

RESULTS

During the study period, 122 patients underwent LVP, of which 39 (32%) presented with refractory urinary retention requiring indwelling or intermittent catheterization.
The mean ± SD period of postoperative follow‐up was 11.2 ± 9.6 months. Comparing patients with and without urinary retention, there were no significant preoperative differences in median body mass index (25.6 versus 26.4 kg/m2; P= 0.40) or prostate‐specific antigen (2.3 versus 2 ng/mL; P= 0.27).
Patients with urinary retention were significantly more likely to be diabetic (33% versus 12%; P= 0.01), have heart disease (36% versus 15%; P= 0.01) and be taking anticoagulants (61% versus 31%; P= 0.003).
Following LVP, retention patients were more likely than non‐retention patients to fail an initial voiding trial (28.2% versus 7.2%; P= 0.002).
In total, 36 of 39 (92%) retention patients no longer required catheterization after postoperative recovery. No patients required perioperative transfusion.
Compared to those without preoperative retention, retention patients had a longer median duration of postoperative catheterization (3 versus 1 days; P= 0.01).
There were similar rates of low‐ and high‐grade complications (P= 0.275 and 1.000, respectively) and no significant difference in median hospital stay (1 versus 0 days; P= 0.212).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study cohort, LVP was an effective and safe therapy for urinary retention.
Compared to patients without retention, those with retention had a higher prevalence of heart disease, diabetes and anticoagulant use.
Because the morbidity of LVP is low, and the prevalence of co‐morbid disease high, LVP should be considered for the surgical management of refractory urinary retention.
Urological litigation in the UK National Health Service (NHS): an analysis of 14 years of successful claims
Authors: Osman Nadir I. , Collins Gerald N. 
Published: April 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? There are no previous studies for urology in the UK but several studies from physician insurance groups in North America. There is anecdotal evidence of common reasons for litigation, e.g. missed testicular torsion.This is the first analysis of the claims data compiled by the NHS litigation authority for the speciality of urology; it provides realistic insight into the areas and procedures of the speciality most commonly affected by litigation.The article identifies areas of high risk, both clinical and medico‐legal.OBJECTIVES• To present a summary of the collected data on urological litigation within the UK National Health Service (NHS).• Knowledge of the main areas of litigation is essential for maintaining good clinical practice as well as risk management procedures in any specialty.MATERIALS AND METHODS• Details of all claims closed with indemnity payment pertaining to the specialty of urology as practiced by urologists, general surgeons and paediatric surgeons was obtained from the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) for the years since its creation in 1995 to 2009.• The data was then classified and analysed.RESULTS• In all, 493 cases were closed with indemnity payment with a total of £20 508 686.18 paid. The average payment per claim was £41 599.77.• Most of the claims were related to non‐operative events (232), followed by postoperative events (168) and intraoperative events (92).• The most common reason for non‐operative‐related claims was failure to diagnose/treat cancer (69), perforation/organ injury (38) was the highest intraoperative‐related claim and a forgotten ureteric stent (23) was the most frequent postoperative‐related claim.• The five most commonly implicated procedures were ureteroscopy/ureteric stenting (45), transurethral resection of the prostate (30), nephrectomy (26), vasectomy (19) and urethral catheterisation (15).CONCLUSIONS• The present study once again emphasizes the importance of thorough clinical assessment, record keeping and follow‐up as well as informed consent and good communication with patients.• Recognising the areas of highest risk and improving practice should limit future claims.
Overall survival and good tolerability of long‐term use of sorafenib after cytokine treatment: final results of a phase II trial of sorafenib in Japanese patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Naito Seiji , Tsukamoto Taiji , Murai Masaru , Fukino Koichi , Akaza Hideyuki 
Published: April 2011

Study Type – Therapy (Phase II non‐randomized trial)Level of Evidence 2bWhat’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Interim result of this study had shown promising efficacy, with response rate of 14.7% and median PFS of 7.4 months, and good tolerability of sorafenib in previously‐treated Japanese patients with metastatic RCC. Final result of the study adds: (1) the median overall survival of 25.3 months, which is longer than that in the global phase III study TARGET; (2) the response rate which elevated to 19.4% because of 6 late responders achieved after 9.2 months or longer of SD period; (3) lack of either unknown adverse events nor cumulative toxicity in the long‐term use of sorafenib.OBJECTIVE• To explore the long‐term efficacy and safety of sorafenib in Japanese patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a phase II trial.PATIENTS AND METHODS• In all, 131 Japanese patients with metastatic RCC who had received nephrectomy and failed at least one cytokine‐containing systemic therapy received continuous sorafenib 400 mg twice daily, and the efficacy and safety parameters were evaluated in these patients, including objective response rate, progression‐free survival and overall survival.RESULTS• Of the total, 129 patients were valid for intention‐to‐treat analyses and 131 patients were valid for safety analyses.• Twenty‐five patients (19.4%) had confirmed partial response and 87 patients (67.4%) had stable disease as best overall response. The 25 patients included six late‐responders who achieved response after 9.2 months or longer of stable disease. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 19.4% and 73.6%, respectively.• The median overall survival and median progression‐free survival were 25.3 and 7.9 months, respectively.• Safety profile was consistent with those previously reported, with hand–foot skin reaction (58.0%), lipase elevation (57.3%) and diarrhoea (42.7%) as the most frequently observed drug‐related adverse events. Neither unknown adverse event nor cumulative toxicity was observed over the long‐term use of sorafenib.• Despite the dose discontinuation/interruption/reduction, the mean and median relative dose intensities were 86.4% and 97.4%, respectively.CONCLUSION• The final results of this trial showed that long‐term use of sorafenib after cytokine treatment was well tolerated and provided new efficacy data, including late‐response events and favourable overall survival in Japanese patients with metastatic RCC.
Bariatric surgery: an IDF statement for obese Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Dixon J. B. , Zimmet P. , Alberti K. G. , Rubino F. ,   on behalf of the International Diabetes Federation Taskforce on Epidemiology and Prevention
Published: April 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 628–642 (2011)AbstractThe International Diabetes Federation Taskforce on Epidemiology and Prevention of Diabetes convened a consensus working group of diabetologists, endocrinologists, surgeons and public health experts to review the appropriate role of surgery and other gastrointestinal interventions in the treatment and prevention of Type 2 diabetes. The specific goals were: to develop practical recommendations for clinicians on patient selection; to identify barriers to surgical access and suggest interventions for health policy changes that ensure equitable access to surgery when indicated; and to identify priorities for research. Bariatric surgery can significantly improve glycaemic control in severely obese patients with Type 2 diabetes. It is an effective, safe and cost‐effective therapy for obese Type 2 diabetes. Surgery can be considered an appropriate treatment for people with Type 2 diabetes and obesity not achieving recommended treatment targets with medical therapies, especially in the presence of other major co‐morbidities. The procedures must be performed within accepted guidelines and require appropriate multidisciplinary assessment for the procedure, comprehensive patient education and ongoing care, as well as safe and standardized surgical procedures. National guidelines for bariatric surgery need to be developed for people with Type 2 diabetes and a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or more.
Managing fisheries well: delivering the promises of an ecosystem approach
Authors: Rice Jake 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe four general components of an ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) are reviewed. In taking account of environment forcing in stock dynamics, arguments are presented that effects of environmental forcing on growth, maturation and natural mortality are often more important to management than effects on recruitment. In holding fisheries accountable for the ecosystem effects of fishing, it is argued that direct effects of fishing are generally known and can be managed. However, interactions among fisheries and between fisheries and other sectors pose difficult challenges to equitable decisions in managing these impacts, and many traditional incentives function differently in EAF than in target‐stock management. Achieving inclusiveness in decision‐making and stewardship is also made more complex in EAF, because of the much larger number of interests with a legitimate role in decision‐making. As a result, integrated management (IM) becomes a necessary component of EAF, although EAF and IM are not interchangeable concepts. The treatment of all four components of an EAF considers the need for a balanced and stable outcome on all three dimensions of sustainability – ecological, economic and social. It also highlights that different participant groups in governance display different risk tolerances for misses (not taking conservation action when needed) and false alarms (restraining access to social or economic benefits when little ecological benefit results). These differences in tolerances for different kinds of management errors often complicate decision‐making an EAF setting and raise transaction costs greatly.
TESTING CATCHING‐UP BETWEEN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: “GROWTH RESISTANCE” AND SOMETIMES “GROWTH TRAGEDY”
Authors: Dufrénot Gilles , Mignon Valérie , Naccache Théo 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper provides empirical evidence that there is no convergence between the GDP per‐capita of the developing countries since 1950. Relying upon recent econometric methodologies (non‐stationary long‐memory models, wavelet models and time‐varying factor representation models), we show that the transition paths to long‐run growth (the catch‐up dynamics) are very persistent over time and non‐stationary, thereby yielding a variety of potential steady states (conditional convergence). Our findings do not support the idea according to which the developing countries share a common factor (such as technology) that eliminates per‐capita output divergence in the very long run. Instead, we conclude that growth is an idiosyncratic phenomenon that yields different forms of transitional economic performance: growth tragedy (some countries with an initial low level of per‐capita income diverge from the richest ones), growth resistance (with many countries experiencing a low speed of growth convergence), and rapid convergence.
Diversification and Specialization Paradox in Developing Country Trade
Authors: Kellman Mitchell , Shachmurove Yochanan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper examines and resolves a puzzling issue associated with less developed country (LDC) export compositions. Since the newly industrialized country (NIC) takeoff during the early 1970s, LDC exports have involved an increasingly broader and diversified export base. Yet trade theories, both “old” that focus on classic comparative advantage, and “new” which rely on scale economies, lead to expectations of growing specialization as a concomitant of LDC takeoff. This study examines periods of rapid growth and structural transformation of trade for a representative group of LDCs covering a wide geographic and temporal sample.