bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ABCG/WBC‐type ABC transporter is essential for transport of sporopollenin precursors for exine formation in developing pollen
Authors: Choi Hyunju , Jin Jun‐Young , Choi Setbyoul , Hwang Jae‐Ung , Kim Yu‐Young , Suh Mi Chung , Lee Youngsook 
Published: October 2010

SummaryThe exine of the pollen wall shows an intricate pattern, primarily comprising sporopollenin, a polymer of fatty acids and phenolic compounds. A series of enzymes synthesize sporopollenin precursors in tapetal cells, and the precursors are transported from the tapetum to the pollen surface. However, the mechanisms underlying the transport of sporopollenin precursors remain elusive. Here, we provide evidence that strongly suggests that the Arabidopsis ABC transporter ABCG26/WBC27 is involved in the transport of sporopollenin precursors. Two independent mutations at ABCG26 coding region caused drastic decrease in seed production. This defect was complemented by expression of ABCG26 driven by its native promoter. The severely reduced fertility of the abcg26 mutants was caused by a failure to produce mature pollen, observed initially as a defect in pollen‐wall development. The reticulate pattern of the exine of wild‐type microspores was absent in abcg26 microspores at the vacuolate stage, and the vast majority of the mutant pollen degenerated thereafter. ABCG26 was expressed specifically in tapetal cells at the early vacuolate stage of pollen development. It showed high co‐expression with genes encoding enzymes required for sporopollenin precursor synthesis, i.e. CYP704B1, ACOS5, MS2 and CYP703A2. Similar to two other mutants with defects in pollen‐wall deposition, abcg26 tapetal cells accumulated numerous vesicles and granules. Taken together, these results suggest that ABCG26 plays a crucial role in the transfer of sporopollenin lipid precursors from tapetal cells to anther locules, facilitating exine formation on the pollen surface.
Caribbean Cleaning Gobies Prefer Client Ectoparasites Over Mucus
Authors: Soares Marta C. , Côté Isabelle M. , Cardoso Sónia C. , Oliveira Rui F. , Bshary Redouan 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIf cooperation often involves investment, then what specific conditions prevent selection from acting on cheaters that do not invest? The mutualism between the Indo‐Pacific cleaner wrasseLabroides dimidiatusand its reef fish clients has been a model system to study conflicts of interest and their resolution. These cleaners prefer client mucus over ectoparasites – that is, they prefer to cheat – but punishment and partner switching by clients enforce cooperative behaviour by cleaners. By contrast, clients of Caribbean cleaning gobies (Elacatinusspp.) do not to use punishment or partner switching. Here, we test the hypothesis that the behavioural differences between these two cleaner fish systems are caused by differences in cleaner foraging preferences. In foraging choice experiments, we offered broadstripe cleaning gobiesElacatinus prochilosclient‐derived parasitic isopods, client mucus and a control food item. The cleaning gobies significantly preferred ectoparasites over mucus or the control item, which contrasts with cleaner wrasses. We propose that the low level of cleaner–client conflict arising from cleaning goby foraging preferences explains the observed lack of strategic partner control behaviour in the clients of cleaning gobies.
The seamless transition from student to intern: from theory to practice
Authors: Costello J. , Livett M. , Stride P. J. O. , West M. , Premaratne M. , Thacker D. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMany publications have highlighted a lack of practical competencies in recently qualified interns. Consultation between the University of Queensland and the Medical Education Unit at Redcliffe Hospital identified key areas where intervention could lead to greater work readiness, and the development of a complementary programme of practical workshops to remedy those deficiencies. A variety of content experts introduced the Graduate Medical Course 3 and 4 students to a range of practical skills during a dedicated lunch time one hour workshop each week over a period of 30 weeks. Several sessions were audited by the trainers though the majority of sessions used self‐evaluation by the participants. There was an overall self‐reported increase in the ability to perform the tasks from 25% before the session to 90% afterwards. Seven of the participants are returning to the hospital as interns, and a follow‐up survey will be performed to judge the usefulness of the programme.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome: diagnosis and management in the setting of lung transplantation
Authors: Tsang B. K. T. , Kermeen F. D. , Hopkins P. M. A. , Chambers D. C. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractReversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS) is a potentially devastating early complication of calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) therapy in solid organ transplantation. Management centres on cessation of CNI therapy; however, this strategy is complicated in lung transplantation because of the threat of allograft rejection, or, if CNI is replaced with mammalian target of rapamycin‐based immunosuppression, poor wound healing and bronchial dehiscence. We describe four cases of RPLS after lung transplantation, emphasizing the diagnostic and management approach required to maintain a healthy allograft and ensure that RPLS is, as the name suggests, reversible.
What is simulated in the action observation network when we observe actions?
Authors: Neal Alice , Kilner James M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIn the last decade there has been a great amount of research investigating the role of simulation in our ability to infer the underlying intentions of any observed action. The majority of studies have focussed on the role of mirror neurons and the network of cortical areas active during action observation (AON) in inferring the goal of an observed action. However, it remains unclear what precisely is simulated when we observe an action and how such simulations can enable the observer to infer the underlying intention of that action. In particular it is not known how simulation in the AON enables the inference of the same goal when the kinematics observed to achieve that goal differ, such as when reaching to grasp an object with the left or right hands. Here we performed a behavioural study with healthy human subjects to address this question. We show that the subjects were able to detect very subtle changes in the kinematics of an observed action. In addition, we fitted the behavioural responses with a model based on the predictive coding account of mirror neurons. This is a Bayesian account of action observation that can be explained by the free‐energy principle. Here we show that we can model all the effects observed when the action observation system is considered within a predictive coding framework.
Vascular actions of calcimimetics: role of Ca2+‐sensing receptors versus Ca2+influx through L‐type Ca2+channels
Authors: Thakore Pratish , Ho W ‐S Vanessa 
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe calcimimetic, (R)‐N‐(3‐(3‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)propyl)‐1‐(1‐napthyl)ethylamine hydrochloride (cinacalcet), which activates Ca2+‐sensing receptors (CaR) in parathyroid glands, is used to treat hyperparathyroidism. Interestingly, CaR in perivascular nerves or endothelial cells is also thought to modulate vascular tone. This study aims to characterize the vascular actions of calcimimetics.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHIn rat isolated small mesenteric arteries, the relaxant responses to the calcimimetics, cinacalcet and (R)‐2‐[[[1‐(1‐naphthyl)ethyl]amino]methyl]‐1H‐indole hydrochloride (calindol) were characterized, with particular emphasis on the role of CaR, endothelium, perivascular nerves, K+channels and Ca2+channels. Effects of L‐ornithine, which activates a Ca2+‐sensitive receptor related to CaR (GPRC6A), were also tested.KEY RESULTSCinacalcet induced endothelium‐independent relaxation (pEC505.58 ± 0.07, Emax97 ± 6%) that was insensitive to sensory nerve desensitization by capsaicin or blockade of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+channels by iberiotoxin. Calindol, another calcimimetic, caused more potent relaxation (pEC506.10 ± 0.10, Emax101 ± 6%), which was attenuated by endothelial removal or capsaicin, but not iberiotoxin. The negative modulator of CaR, calhex 231 or changes in [Ca2+]ohad negligible effect on relaxation to both calcimimetics. The calcimimetics relaxed vessels precontracted with high [K+]oand inhibited Ca2+influx in endothelium‐denuded vessels stimulated by methoxamine, but not ionomycin. They also inhibited contractions to the L‐type Ca2+channel activator, BayK8644. L‐ornithine induced small relaxation alone and had no effect on the responses to calcimimetics.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSCinacalcet and calindol are potent arterial relaxants. Under the experimental conditions used, they predominantly act by inhibiting Ca2+influx through L‐type Ca2+channels into vascular smooth muscle, whereas Ca2+‐sensitive receptors (CaR or GPRC6A) play a minor role.
Long‐term follow‐up of Wilson Disease: natural history, treatment, mutations analysis and phenotypic correlation
Authors: Bruha Radan , Marecek Zdenek , Pospisilova Lenka , Nevsimalova Sona , Vitek Libor , Martasek Pavel , Nevoral Jiri , Petrtyl Jaromir , Urbanek Petr , Jiraskova Alena , Ferenci Peter 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackground and aims: Wilson disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism. When treated, the outcome can be excellent, although the long‐term survival has yet to be well documented. The aim of this study was to describe the long‐term outcome of a cohort of patients with WD and to assess those factors affecting the phenotypic manifestation of WD.Methods: The presence of mutations to the ATP7B gene, the clinical manifestations, treatments and the long‐term outcomes were analysed retrospectively in 117 patients with WD (59 men and 58 women, aged at evaluation 38.5 ± 11, range 16–63 years).Results: Fifty‐five patients with a neurological presentation, 51 patients with a hepatic presentation and 11 asymptomatic patients were followed up for an average of 15.1 ± 10 years (median 12 years, range 1–41 years). The H1069Q ATP7B gene mutation was the most frequent genetic variant (54.3%); the frequency of this mutation did not differ between patients with either the hepatic or the neurological presentation (P=0.099). d‐penicillamine or zinc salts (81 and 17% respectively) were used for treatment, and three patients underwent liver transplantation. The majority of symptomatic patients became asymptomatic, or improved, during the follow‐up (82% patients with hepatic presentation, 69% with neurological presentation). The long‐term survival of patients with WD did not differ from that of the general Czech population (P=0.95).Conclusions: Long‐term follow‐up shows a satisfactory response in the great majority of adequately treated patients with WD and survival coincides with that of the general population.
Interferon‐gamma promoter hypomethylation and increased expression in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Zhang Shaoping , Crivello Antonino , Offenbacher Steven , Moretti Antonio , Paquette David W. , Barros Silvana P. 
Published: October 2010

Zhang S, Crivello A, Offenbacher S, Moretti A, Paquette DW, Barros SP. Interferon‐gamma promoter hypomethylation and increased expression in chronic periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol current year 2010; 37: 953–961. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01616.x.AbstractAim: The goal of this investigation was to determine whether epigenetic modifications in the IFNG promoter are associated with an increase of IFNG transcription in different stages of periodontal diseases.Materials and Methods: DNA was extracted from gingival biopsy samples collected from 47 total sites from 47 different subjects: 23 periodontally healthy sites, 12 experimentally induced gingivitis sites and 12 chronic periodontitis sites. Levels of DNA methylation within the IFNG promoter containing six CpG dinucleotides were determined using pyrosequencing technology. Interferon gamma mRNA expression was analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reactions using isolated RNA from part of the biological samples mentioned above.Results: The methylation level of all six analysed CpG sites within the IFNG promoter region in the periodontitis biopsies {52% [interquartile range, IQR (43.8%, 63%)]} was significantly lower than periodontally healthy samples {62% [IQR (51.3%, 74%)], p=0.007} and gingivitis biopsies {63% [IQR (55%, 74%)], p=0.02}. The transcriptional level of IFNG in periodontitis biopsies was 1.96‐fold and significantly higher than tissues with periodontal health (p=0.04). Although the mRNA level from experimental gingivitis samples exhibited an 8.5‐fold increase as compared with periodontally healthy samples, no significant methylation difference was observed in experimental gingivitis sample.Conclusions: A hypomethylation profile within IFNG promoter region is related to an increase of IFNG transcription present in the chronic periodontitis biopsies, while such an increase of IFNG in experimentally induced gingivitis seems independent of promoter methylation alteration.
A comparative antibody study of the potential susceptibility of Thoroughbred and non‐Thoroughbred horse populations in Ireland to equine influenza virus
Authors: Gildea Sarah , Arkins Sean , Cullinane Ann 
Published: October 2010

Please cite this paper as: Gildea et al. (2010) A comparative antibody study of the potential susceptibility of Thoroughbred and non‐Thoroughbred horse populations in Ireland to equine influenza virus. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 4(6), 363–372.Background  In Ireland, horses may be protected against equine influenza virus (EIV) as a result of natural exposure or vaccination. Current mandatory vaccination programmes are targeted at highly mobile horses. A correlation between antibody levels as measured by single radial haemolysis (SRH) and protective immunity against EIV has been established.Objectives  The objective of this study was to determine the susceptibility of selected populations of horses by quantifying their antibodies to EIV.Methods  Blood samples were collected from Thoroughbred weanlings, yearlings, racehorses and broodmares, teaser stallions and non‐Thoroughbred horses. Antibodies against EIV H3N8 and H7N7 were measured by SRH.Results  The order of susceptibility to Equine Influenza (EI) in the populations examined in Ireland was as follows: Thoroughbred weanlings > teasers > non‐Thoroughbred horses and ponies > Thoroughbred yearlings > Thoroughbred horses in training > Thoroughbred broodmares. The H3N8 antibody levels of the weanlings, yearlings, broodmares and horses in training were similar to their H7N7 antibody levels, suggesting that their antibodies were primarily vaccinal in origin. The teasers and non‐Thoroughbreds had higher H3N8 antibody levels than H7N7 antibody levels, suggesting that the majority of seropositive horses in these populations had been exposed to H3N8 by natural infection.Conclusions  Weanlings, teasers and non‐Thoroughbred horses were identified as most susceptible to EIV. The results suggest that it would be advisable that weanlings are vaccinated prior to attendance at public sales, that teaser stallions are vaccinated prior to each breeding season and that mandatory vaccination be implemented for participation in non‐Thoroughbred events.
MChip, a low density microarray, differentiates among seasonal human H1N1, North American swine H1N1, and the 2009 pandemic H1N1
Authors: Heil Gary L. , McCarthy Troy , Yoon Kyoung‐Jin , Liu Siyuan , Saad Magdi D. , Smith Catherine B. , Houck Julie A. , Dawson Erica D. , Rowlen Kathy L. , Gray Gregory C. 
Published: October 2010

Please cite this paper as: Heil et al. (2010) MChip, a low density microarray, differentiates among seasonal human H1N1, North American swine H1N1, and the 2009 pandemic H1N1. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 4(6), 411–416.Background  The MChip uses data from the hybridization of amplified viral RNA to 15 distinct oligonucleotides that target the influenza A matrix (M) gene segment. An artificial neural network (ANN) automates the interpretation of subtle differences in fluorescence intensity patterns from the microarray. The complete process from clinical specimen to identification including amplification of viral RNA can be completed in <8 hours for under US$10.Objectives  The work presented here represents an effort to expand and test the capabilities of the MChip to differentiate influenza A/H1N1 of various species origin.Methods  The MChip ANN was trained to recognize fluorescence image patterns of a variety of known influenza A viruses, including examples of human H1N1, human H3N2, swine H1N1, 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1, and a wide variety of avian, equine, canine, and swine influenza viruses. Robustness of the MChip ANN was evaluated using 296 blinded isolates.Results  Training of the ANN was expanded by the addition of 71 well‐characterized influenza A isolates and yielded relatively high accuracy (little misclassification) in distinguishing unique H1N1 strains: nine human A/H1N1 (88·9% correct), 35 human A/H3N2 (97·1% correct), 31 North American swine A/H1N1 (80·6% correct), 14 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 (87·7% correct), and 23 negative samples (91·3% correct). Genetic diversity among the swine H1N1 isolates may have contributed to the lower success rate for these viruses.Conclusions  The current study demonstrates the MChip has the capability to differentiate the genetic variations among influenza viruses with appropriate ANN training. Further selective enrichment of the ANN will improve its ability to rapidly and reliably characterize influenza viruses of unknown origin.
Variation in mammographic appearance between projections of small breast cancers compared with radial scars
Authors: Cawson Jennifer N , Nickson Carolyn , Evans Jill , Kavanagh Anne M 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAims: The study aims to assess variation in appearance between mammographic projections (conspicuity variation) for invasive breast cancers (IBCs) compared with radial scars (RS). Conspicuity variation has been previously described as characteristic of RS. The lesions were also compared with respect to breast density and the proportion of cases detected by one of two readers and required a third (consensus) read.Materials and methods: The study was approved by the BreastScreen Victoria research committee. Mammograms of 75 randomly selected invasive breast cancers, with histological diameter ≤10 mm (IBC), were mixed with 67 consecutively detected RS, all from a double‐reading population‐based breast cancer screening programme. On blinded review, these 142 lesions were classified for mammographic findings and assessed for marked or minor conspicuity variation between views. We assessed the associations between lesion type, lesion spicules and centres, breast density, conspicuity variation and proportion detected by one reader only.Results: Marked conspicuity variation was common, but not statistically different for IBC and RS (64% vs. 66%, χ2 = 0.8, P = 0.04). Conspicuity variation did not correlate with spiculation type (long, fine or short, broad based) or lesion centres (lucent or dense) (ρ < 0.05, P = 0.5), and showed no significant change with increasing Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System breast density (IBC, χ2 = 2.3, P = 0.5; RS, χ2 = 0.95, P = 0.6). Density did not vary by lesion type. In the screening programme, 29% of IBC (125 of 431) versus 43% of RS (32 of 75) had been detected by one of two readers (χ2 = 2.7, P = 0.098).Conclusions: Two‐thirds of small IBCs displayed marked conspicuity variation, similar to RS. Therefore, conspicuity variation does not discriminate between IBC and RS.
Microcystic adnexal carcinoma of the skin: The role of adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Baxi Siddhartha , Deb Siddhartha , Weedon David , Baumann Kacy , Poulsen Michael 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIntroduction:  Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare cutaneous tumour where the role of radiotherapy remains undefined. We contrast our institutional experience with current literature, define the local control rate and suggest a role for adjuvant radiotherapy in the treatment of this cancer.Methods:  From 1992–2008, a retrospective review was undertaken for MAC treated with curative intent involving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and Mater Hospital Brisbane. Clinical, pathologic and treatment details as well as patterns of recurrence were analysed.Results:  Fourteen cases of MAC received local excision and adjuvant radiotherapy. The median age was 71 years old, with nine of the cases in men. All cases occurred in the head and neck region with mean tumour size of 20.5 mm and mean depth of invasion of 9.9 mm. Peri‐neural invasion occurred in 56% of cases and 69% had positive surgical margins. Various adjuvant radiotherapy schedules were used to treat the primary site resulting in a crude local control rate of 93%. Primary and nodal relapses were subsequently salvaged with further treatment.Conclusion:  While Mohs micrographic surgery may be considered the gold standard, wide local excision and adjuvant radiotherapy offers comparable control rates. Doses of 50 Gy or greater should be prescribed with generous margins (3–5 cm) owing to its tendency for peri‐neural and deep invasion. There was no evidence that radiotherapy can cause aggressive transformation of the tumour. The role for definitive radiotherapy remains uncertain.
Pictorial review: ‘Fishtail deformity’ of the elbow
Authors: Hayter Catherine L , Giuffre Bruno M , Hughes Jeffery S 
Published: October 2010

SummaryFishtail deformity of the elbow is characterised by a contour abnormality of the distal humerus, which develops when the lateral trochlear ossification centres fails to develop or resorbs. It is an uncommon complication usually following a distal humeral fracture in childhood. Whilst initially presumed to be a benign condition, long‐term follow‐up suggests that patients with fishtail deformity are prone to functional impairment, ongoing pain and the development of early osteoarthrosis. This paper reviews the imaging findings in fishtail deformity, the proposed aetiology and the potential long‐term complications.
The dosimetric consequences of anatomic changes in head and neck radiotherapy patients
Authors: Height Rebecca , Khoo Vincent , Lawford Catherine , Cox Jennifer , Joon Daryl Lim , Rolfo Aldo , Wada Morikatsu 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIntroduction: To investigate anatomical response‐related changes in the head and neck region during a course of radical radiotherapy and their impact on the planned dosimetry.Methods: The study consisted of 10 patients with primary mucosal carcinoma. Patients' nutritional requirements were managed as per departmental protocol to minimise weight loss during treatment. Kilovoltage computed tomography (CT) scans were acquired once 40 to 50 Gy had been delivered. Gross tumour volumes (GTV) and organs at risk were delineated and the initial optimised treatment plan was overlaid on the repeat CT. Comparisons were made between scans and absolute volume variations, centres of structures, dice similarity coefficients and the subsequent dosimetric impact were assessed.Results: Median weight loss at second scan was 3%. Primary and lymph node GTVs reduced by 49.9% (range 21.3–82%) and 73.7% (range 61.7–88.6%), respectively, yet continued to receive the prescribed dose. Maximum dose to spinal cord and brainstem changed minimally. Spared and un‐spared parotid gland volumes reduced by median 23.5% and 20.5%, respectively, with no consistent translational displacement direction and minimal change in the mean dose.Conclusions: Despite some significant geometric changes, nutritional management ensured patient size and shape was maintained in these consecutively selected patients and subsequently there was no apparent under‐dosing of targets or over‐dosing of normal structures with this technique. Further investigations which model gradual change and allow cumulative dosimetry are required to better characterise what occurs during the treatment course.