bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe Legionnaire's disease caused by Legionella longbeachae in a long‐term renal transplant patient: the importance of safe living strategies after transplantation
Authors: Wright A.J. , Humar A. , Gourishankar S. , Bernard K. , Kumar D. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractLegionella species are intracellular gram‐negative bacilli that require specific culture media for growth. Transplant recipients with impaired cellular immunity are at particular risk for infection with this pathogen. Most human disease is caused by Legionella pneumophila; disease caused by non‐L. pneumophila species is reported mainly in immunosuppressed patients with the exception of Legionella longbeachae. L. longbeachae is a common cause of Legionnaires' disease in Australia and New Zealand, and is associated with exposure to potting soil. We report the case of a patient, 26 years post kidney transplant, who presented with severe and rapidly progressive respiratory illness. L. longbeachae serogroup 1 was isolated from respiratory cultures. Further investigation revealed that she had significant soil exposure before the onset of illness. We highlight the importance of following safe living strategies to prevent exposure‐related illness even in long‐term transplant recipients.
Colonizing the world in spite of reduced MHC variation
Authors: GANGOSO L. , ALCAIDE M. , GRANDE J. M. , MUÑOZ J. , TALBOT S. L. , SONSTHAGEN S. A. , SAGE G. K. , FIGUEROLA J. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which harbours the most polymorphic vertebrate genes, plays a critical role in the host–pathogen coevolutionary arms race. However, the extent to which MHC diversity determines disease susceptibility and long‐term persistence of populations is currently under debate, as recent studies have demonstrated that low MHC variability does not necessarily hamper population viability. However, these studies typically assayed small and decimated populations in species with restricted distribution, thereby making inferences about the evolutionary potential of these populations difficult. Here, we show that MHC impoverishment has not constrained the ecological radiation and flourishing of falcons (Aves: Falconidae) worldwide. We found two remarkably different patterns of MHC variation within the genus Falco. Whereas MHC variation in kestrels (the basal group within the genus) is very high, falcons exhibit ancestrally low intra‐ and interspecific MHC variability. This pattern is not due to the inadvertent survey of paralogous genes or pseudogenes. Further, patterns of variation in mitochondrial or other nuclear genes do not indicate a generalized low level of genome‐wide variability among falcons. Although a relative contribution of genetic drift cannot be completely ruled out, we propose the falcons went through an evolutionary transition, driven and maintained by natural selection, from primarily highly variable towards low polymorphic and slow‐evolving MHC genes with a very specific immune function. This study highlights that the importance of MHC diversity cannot be generalized among vertebrates, and hints at the evolution of compensatory immune mechanisms in falcons to cope with emerging and continuously evolving pathogens.
Functional analysis of a WRKY transcription factor involved in transcriptional activation of the DBAT gene in Taxus chinensis
Authors: Li S. , Zhang P. , Zhang M. , Fu C. , Yu L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAlthough the regulation of taxol biosynthesis at the transcriptional level remains unclear, 10‐deacetylbaccatin III‐10 β‐O‐acetyl transferase (DBAT) is a critical enzyme in the biosynthesis of taxol. The 1740 bp fragment 5′‐flanking sequence of the dbat gene was cloned from Taxus chinensis cells. Important regulatory elements needed for activity of the dbat promoter were located by deletion analyses in T. chinensis cells. A novel WRKY transcription factor, TcWRKY1, was isolated with the yeast one‐hybrid system from a T. chinensis cell cDNA library using the important regulatory elements as bait. The gene expression of TcWRKY1 in T. chinensis suspension cells was specifically induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Biochemical analysis indicated that TcWRKY1 protein specifically interacts with the two W‐box (TGAC) cis‐elements among the important regulatory elements. Overexpression of TcWRKY1 enhanced dbat expression in T. chinensis suspension cells, and RNA interference (RNAi) reduced the level of transcripts of dbat. These results suggest that TcWRKY1 participates in regulation of taxol biosynthesis in T. chinensis cells, and that dbat is a target gene of this transcription factor. This research also provides a potential candidate gene for engineering increased taxol accumulation in Taxus cell cultures.
Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) a new invasive species in Israel
Authors: Ben‐Yakir D. , Chen M. , Sinev S. , Seplyarsky V. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractChilo partellus, the spotted stem borer (SSB), is reported for the first time from the fields of sorghum and corn in Israel. Spotted stem borer larvae were first discovered in July 2010 on sorghum and corn plants in the Western Galilee. The new pest had spread all over northern Israel by the end of 2011. The identity of the new pest was confirmed using the morphology of the dissected male genitalia and its attraction to SSB sex pheromone.
Retrospective study of oral lichen planus and allergy to spearmint oil
Authors: Gunatheesan Shyamalar , Tam Mei Mui , Tate Bruce , Tversky Jonathan , Nixon Rosemary 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTOral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with significant morbidity, associated with symptoms of pain and local discomfort. The concept of contact allergy aggravating or inducing OLP is recognised, and reported allergens include amalgam, metals used in dental restoration and flavourings. To date there has been only one case report of a contact allergy to spearmint oil in a patient with a 3‐year history of OLP. We retrospectively reviewed our positive spearmint oil patch test data at the Skin and Cancer Foundation Victoria over a period of 11 years. In total 73 patients of the 1467 tested for allergy to spearmint oil had positive patch tests. The total number of patches tested during this time was 6134. Of the 73 positive reactions, 19 (26%) were classified as relevant, in that the patients had a history of using spearmint oil‐containing products. Coexisting OLP and a spearmint allergy were found in 14 of these 19 patients. All patients had erosive OLP and were female. Patients, especially women, with OLP recalcitrant to treatment should be patch tested to flavourings, especially spearmint oil. We believe that spearmint allergy should be considered a cause of OLP, or at least, of oral lichenoid reactions.
Do clinical characteristics and outcome in nonagenarians with a hip fracture differ from younger patients?
Authors: Vochteloo Anne JH , Borger van der Burg Boudewijn LS , Tuinebreijer Wim E , de Vries Mark R , Niggebrugge Arthur HP , Bloem Rolf M , Maier Andrea B , Nelissen Rob GHH , Pilot Peter 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  To compare clinical characteristics and outcome of nonagenarian hip fracture patients with younger patients aged 65–89 years.Methods:  This was a cohort follow‐up study of admissions for a hip fracture between 2005–2010 (mean follow up of 3.5 years) in two teaching hospitals in the Netherlands; 230 nonagenarians and 1014 patients aged 65–89 years were included. Clinical characteristics, adverse events, mobility and mortality were compared.Results:  Nonagenarians were more likely to be female and anemic (both P < 0.001), and had more trochanteric fractures (P = 0.005). The number of American Society of Anesthesiologists III/VI classified patients did not differ between the two groups. During the hospital stay, adverse events were more frequently observed in nonagenarians compared with younger patients (P < 0.001). The length of stay was significantly longer in nonagenarians (P < 0.001), and the 90‐day readmission rate was similar. Absolute mortality was higher in nonagenarians (P < 0.001), excess mortality, however, was comparable. Before admission, 40.0% of the nonagenarians lived in their own home, and 40.9% had returned 3 months postfracture. The rate of returning to their own home was lower compared with younger patients (P < 0.001). Prefracture mobility was worse in nonagenarians compared with the younger group, but 3 months after discharge, the number of patients that regained prefracture mobility was comparable in both age groups.Conclusions:  Nonagenarian hip fracture patients differ significantly from younger patients aged 65–89 years with respect to clinical characteristics and long‐term outcome. However, almost half of the nonagenarians returned to their own home and more than half regained their prefracture level of mobility. Given these findings, prevention strategies for hip fracture and adverse events during hospital stay that focus particularly on frail nonagenarians are highly recommended. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 190–197.
Cerebral regional oxygen saturation (crSO2): are different sensors comparable?
Authors: Morris Nicholas , Pichler Gerhard , Pocivalnik Mirjam , Brandner Anna , Müller Wilhelm , Urlesberger Berndt 
Published: June 2012

SummaryBackground:  For measurement of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (crSO2) in neonates, one of the frequently used near‐infrared spectroscopy devices is the INVOS 5100 with either the neonatal or pediatric sensor. Measurements between adult and pediatric sensors use different algorithms and differ by 10%. There are no published data comparing neonatal and pediatric sensors.Objective:  Aim of this study was to compare the neonatal sensor with the pediatric sensor of the INVOS 5100 device in a mixed cohort of neonates to recognize possible differences and enable interpretation of data.Methods:  In 40 neonates, crSO2 was measured in identical positions using both the neonatal and the pediatric sensor under identical conditions. Each sensor was reapplied five times to calculate mean values and standard deviations.Results:  Cerebral regional oxygen saturation measurements using the neonatal sensor (mean, 76.1 ± 7.9) and crSO2 measurements using the pediatric sensor (mean, 76.4 ± 8.1) were not different. Reproducibility was not significantly different with similar means of standard deviations (neonatal, 3.7 ± 1.6; pediatric, 3.1 ± 1.3).Conclusion:  In a mixed cohort of neonates, crSO2 measurements were identical when using the INVOS 5100 neonatal sensor and the pediatric sensor. We conclude that studies using the INVOS 5100 neonatal or pediatric sensor are well comparable.
Molecular characterization of atypical Chlamydia and evidence of their dissemination in different European and Asian chicken flocks by specific real‐time PCR
Authors: Zocevic Aleksandar , Vorimore Fabien , Marhold Cvetka , Horvatek Danijela , Wang Dongying , Slavec Brigita , Prentza Zoi , Stavianis Grigorios , Prukner‐Radovcic Estella , Dovc Alenka , Siarkou Victoria I. , Laroucau Karine 
Published: June 2012

SummaryChlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic pathogen associated primarily with avian chlamydiosis. New chlamydial agents with suspected zoonotic potential were recently detected from domestic poultry in Germany and France indicating that the spectrum of Chlamydiaceae encountered in birds is not confined to a single chlamydial species. For further characterization, a specific real‐time PCR targeting the conserved 16S rRNA gene was developed and validated for a specific detection of these atypical Chlamydiaceae. In order to address the epidemiological importance of the new chlamydial agents and their distribution, Chlamydiaceae‐positive chicken samples collected from flocks from five different countries were examined. The results confirmed that C. psittaci is not the predominant chlamydial species among chickens examined and suggested that the new chlamydial agents could putatively be widespread in poultry flocks (France, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia and China at least) justifying their systematic investigation when poultry samples are submitted to laboratories for avian chlamydiosis diagnosis. Besides, 16S rRNA‐based dendrogram, including sequences from both isolates of the new chlamydial agents or positive samples as well as representative sequences from species belonging to the order Chlamydiales, showed the new chlamydial agents to form a distinct line of descent separated from those of other chlamydial species, but clearly grouped within the family Chlamydiaceae. Finally, the phylogenetic tree inferred from the multi‐locus sequence typing based on four housekeeping fragments (gatA, gidA, enoA and hflX) and the ompA‐based dendrogram showed an almost identical topology of the new chlamydial agents with that recovered by 16S rRNA‐based dendrogram. Interestingly, partial ompA gene sequences displayed considerable diversity among isolates.
Ecological niche separation in the Polynucleobacter subclusters linked to quality of dissolved organic matter: a demonstration using a high sensitivity cultivation‐based approach
Authors: Watanabe Keiji , Komatsu Nobuyuki , Kitamura Tatsumi , Ishii Yuichi , Park Ho‐Dong , Miyata Ryo , Noda Naohiro , Sekiguchi Yuji , Satou Takayuki , Watanabe Mirai , Yamamura Shigeki , Imai Akio , Hayashi Seiji 
Published: June 2012

SummaryThe free‐living, cosmopolitan, freshwater betaproteobacterial bacterioplankton genus Polynucleobacter was detected in different years in 11 lakes of varying types and a river using the size‐exclusion assay method (SEAM). Of the 350 strains isolated, 228 (65.1%) were affiliated with the Polynucleobacter subclusters PnecC (30.0%) and PnecD (35.1%). Significant positive correlations between fluorescence in situ hybridization and SEAM data were observed in the relative abundance of PnecC and PnecD bacteria to Polynucleobacter communities (PnecC + PnecD). Isolates were mainly PnecC bacteria in the samples with a high specific UV absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254), and a low total hydrolysable neutral carbohydrate and amino acid (THneutralCH + THAA) content of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) fraction, which is known to be correlated with a high humic content. In contrast, the PnecD bacteria were abundant in samples with high chlorophyll a and/or THneutralCH + THAA concentrations, indicative of primary productivity. With few exceptions, differences in the relative abundance of PnecC and PnecD in each sample, determined using a high‐sensitivity cultivation‐based approach, were due to DOM quality. These results suggest that the major DOM component in the field, which is allochthonously or autochthonously derived, is a key factor for ecological niche separation between PnecC and PnecD subclusters.
NEW URBAN CENTRES IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: VAN DER HEIJDE PIETER 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTOver the last 50 years, intense urbanisation has taken place in the Netherlands. This has resulted in the development of many polycentric urban regions, which consist of historic core centres, other historic centres as well as new urban centres (NUCs). Focusing on NUCs in Dutch city regions, this paper presents the results of a research project analysing the number and spatial structure of NUCs, examines their functional composition and explains the different types of centres that exist. The paper also analyses the level of centrality of the NUCs. The main finding is that functional composition is related to the type of area in which NUCs are built: district centres, villages, new towns, transition areas or university areas. With a character that is much narrower than that of core centres, the NUCs house a lower diversity of functions, fewer facilities serving an area larger than central districts, and a limited number of public transport modes.
THE PROBLEM OF SHAME IN CHRISTA WOLF'S STADT DER ENGEL ODER THE OVERCOAT OF DR. FREUD
Authors: Gallagher Kaleen 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACT This article examines Christa Wolf's final novel, Stadt der Engel oder The Overcoat of Dr. Freud, in the context of the rest of her œuvre. It argues that the central crisis faced by the narrator is one of shame, brought on by the revelation that she briefly served as an ‘Informeller Mitarbeiter’ of the Stasi in her youth. The fact that she had managed to ‘forget’ this embarrassing experience for decades only makes her eventual humiliation all the greater, since she is a famous novelist who had used her writing to construct an identity for herself as a moral authority and memory expert – both qualities which are now radically called into question. As the narrator struggles to confront her past from a self‐imposed Californian exile, the text comes to resemble a ‘writing cure’. Yet it is one which does not quite succeed, for the novel remains structured by a disavowal which is rooted in shame. The fact that the text does not achieve ‘Vergangenheitsbewältigung’, however, should not be seen as an artistic failure; instead, this article contends that it should be read as a labyrinthine work whose power derives precisely from the fact that the conflict it depicts remains unresolved.Der vorliegende Artikel liest Christa Wolfs letzten Roman Stadt der Engel oder The Overcoat of Dr. Freud im Kontext ihres Gesamtwerks. Er arbeitet die zentrale Krise der Erzählerin als eine der Scham heraus, ausgelöst durch das Bekanntwerden der Tatsache, dass sie als junge Frau vorübergehend ‘Informelle Mitarbeiterin’ der Stasi war. Dass sie dies jahrzehntelang ‘vergessen’ konnte, macht ihre schließliche Demütigung umso größer, da sie eine bekannte Schriftstellerin ist, die sich durch ihre Arbeit eine Identität als moralische Instanz sowie Erinnerungsexpertin konstruiert hat – beides Qualitäten, die nun radikal in Frage gestellt werden. Infolge ihrer Anstrengungen, sich im selbstauferlegten kalifornischen Exil ihrer Vergangenheit zu stellen, beginnt der Text einer ‘Schreibkur’ zu ähneln. Diese ist jedoch von begrenztem Erfolg: der Roman wird durch eine in der Scham verankerte Verleugnung strukturiert. Trotzdem sollte die Tatsache, dass der Text persönliche wie auch politische Vergangenheit unbewältigt lässt, nicht als künstlerisches Scheitern gewertet werden. Stattdessen plädiert der Artikel dafür, dass Stadt der Engel als ein labyrinthisches Werk interpretiert werden sollte, dessen Kraft gerade darauf beruht, dass der Konflikt, den er darstellt, ungelöst bleibt.
Urban Population Development in Europe, 1991–2008: The Examples of Poland and the UK
Authors: KABISCH NADJA , HAASE DAGMAR , HAASE ANNEGRET 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAcross Europe, there is a complex mosaic of urban population development. Characterized by great diversity and heterogeneity, this development does not follow a common pattern and cannot be attributed to specific regional trends (e.g. Eastern or Western European geographic location, or post‐socialist, old industrial or developed capitalist economic models). In this article, we show how this mosaic can be explained, relating it to various driving forces and overarching processes. Using a multilevel approach and looking at the period 1991–2008, we identified various European city population growth or decline clusters; these indicated that urban population development does not necessarily follow strictly national lines. Further, we argue that similar clusters of growing and declining cities may occur within European countries as diverse as Poland and the UK. Overarching driving forces such as demographic change interfere with national specificity and the peculiarities of local settings. The most significant finding of this article is that overlapping driving forces currently lead in their interplay to diverging courses of urban population development on different spatial scales (and will probably continue to do so in future).RésuméL'évolution de la population urbaine en Europe se présente comme une mosaïque complexe. Caractérisée par une diversité et une hétérogénéitéélevées, elle n'obéit à aucun schéma commun et ne peut être attribuée à aucune tendance régionale précise (comme la situation géographique en Europe de l'Est ou de l'Ouest, ou bien les modèles économiques post‐socialistes, industriels anciens ou capitalistes développés). Il est possible d'expliquer cette mosaïque en la reliant à divers facteurs moteurs et processus dominants. Une approche à plusieurs niveaux et l'étude de la période 1991–2008 permettent d'identifier différents pôles de croissance et de déclin de la population dans les villes européennes. Ceux‐ci indiquent que la population urbaine ne suit pas forcément les tendances nationales. En outre, des pôles similaires de villes en croissance et en déclin peuvent exister dans des pays aussi distincts que la Pologne et le Royaume‐Uni. Les dynamiques dominantes, telles que les changements démographiques, interfèrent avec la spécificité nationale et les particularités des contextes locaux. La conclusion la plus importante de ce travail est que ces dynamiques superposées viennent se conjuguer pour créer, selon l'échelon spatial, des trajectoires distinctes d'évolution de la population urbaine (ce qu'elles continueront sans doute de faire à l'avenir).
Relationship Between Vitamin B12 and Sensory and Motor Peripheral Nerve Function in Older Adults
Authors: Leishear Kira , Boudreau Robert M. , Studenski Stephanie A. , Ferrucci Luigi , Rosano Caterina , de Rekeneire Nathalie , Houston Denise K. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Schwartz Ann V. , Vinik Aaron I. , Hogervorst Eva , Yaffe Kristine , Harris Tamara B. , Newman Anne B. , Strotmeyer Elsa S. ,   for the Health,  Aging and Body Composition Study
Published: June 2012

ObjectivesTo examine whether deficient B12 status or low serum B12 levels are associated with worse sensory and motor peripheral nerve function in older adults.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingHealth, Aging and Body Composition Study.ParticipantsTwo thousand two hundred and eighty‐seven adults aged 72 to 83 (mean 76.5 ± 2.9; 51.4% female; 38.3% black).MeasurementsLow serum B12 was defined as serum B12 less than 260 pmol/L, and deficient B12 status was defined as B12 less than 260 pmol/L, methylmalonic acid (MMA) greater than 271 nmol/L, and MMA greater than 2‐methylcitrate. Peripheral nerve function was assessed according to peroneal nerve conduction amplitude and velocity (NCV) (motor), 1.4 g/10 g monofilament detection, average vibration threshold detection, and peripheral neuropathy symptoms (numbness, aching or burning pain, or both) (sensory).ResultsB12‐deficient status was found in 7.0% of participants, and an additional 10.1% had low serum B12 levels. B12 deficient status was associated with greater insensitivity to light (1.4 g) touch (odds ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval = 1.06–2.13) and worse NCV (42.3 vs 43.5 m/s) (β = −1.16, P = .01) after multivariable adjustment for demographics, lifestyle factors, and health conditions. Associations were consistent for the alternative definition using low serum B12 only. No significant associations were found for deficient B12 status or the alternative low serum B12 definition and vibration detection, nerve conduction amplitude, or peripheral neuropathy symptoms.ConclusionPoor B12 (deficient B12 status and low serum B12) is associated with worse sensory and motor peripheral nerve function. Nerve function impairments may lead to physical function declines and disability in older adults, suggesting that prevention and treatment of low B12 levels may be important to evaluate.
Dreaming Sexed Identities and Althusser
Authors: MAGEO JEANETTE‐MARIE 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYDreams, this article argues, are imaginative experiments in which people think and feel through culturally prescribed identities. Dreams often dramatize the scene of what Althusser calls “interpellation”: they depict how others in a culture “hail” the person and thus position her in power relations. Yet, dreamers also explore potential transgressive identities and dream plots play out the probable consequences of assuming these identities in the waking world.