bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial moving and shaking: the 11th blast meeting
Authors: Alexandre Gladys , Crosson Sean , Shimizu Thomas , Msadek Tarek 
Published: May 2011

SummarySince their inception 20 years ago, the biennial blast (Bacterial Locomotion and Signal Transduction) meetings instantly became the place to be for exchanging and sharing the latest developments in the field of bacterial motility and signalling. At the 11th edition, held last January in New Orleans, LA, researchers reported on the myriad of mechanisms involved in bacterial movement, sensing and adaptation, ranging from the molecular level to multicellular behaviour. New insights into bacterial signalling phenomena were gained, revealing previously unsuspected layers of complexity, particularly in mechanisms ensuring signal transduction fidelity and novel links to metabolic processes.
The Arabidopsis thaliana aquaporin AtPIP1;2 is a physiologically relevant CO2 transport facilitator
Authors: Heckwolf Marlies , Pater Dianne , Hanson David T. , Kaldenhoff Ralf 
Published: May 2011

SummaryCellular exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) is of extraordinary importance for life. Despite this significance, its molecular mechanisms are still unclear and a matter of controversy. In contrast to other living organisms, plants are physiologically limited by the availability of CO2. In most plants, net photosynthesis is directly dependent on CO2 diffusion from the atmosphere to the chloroplast. Thus, it is important to analyze CO2 transport with regards to its effect on photosynthesis. A mutation of the Arabidopsis thaliana AtPIP1;2 gene, which was characterized as a non‐water transporting but CO2 transport‐facilitating aquaporin in heterologous expression systems, correlated with a reduction in photosynthesis under a wide range of atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Here, we could demonstrate that the effect was caused by reduced CO2 conductivity in leaf tissue. It is concluded that the AtPIP1;2 gene product limits CO2 diffusion and photosynthesis in leaves.
The new Ghent criteria for Marfan syndrome: what do they change?
Authors: Faivre L , Collod‐Beroud G , Adès L , Arbustini E , Child A , Callewaert BL , Loeys B , Binquet C , Gautier E , Mayer K , Arslan‐Kirchner M , Grasso M , Beroud C , Hamroun D , Bonithon‐Kopp C , Plauchu H , Robinson PN , De Backer J , Coucke P , Francke U , Bouchot O , Wolf JE , Stheneur C , Hanna N , Detaint D , De Paepe A , Boileau C , Jondeau G 
Published: May 2011

Faivre L, Collod‐Beroud G, Adès L, Arbustini E, Child A, Callewaert BL, Loeys B, Binquet C, Gautier E, Mayer K, Arslan‐Kirchner M, Grasso M, Beroud C, Hamroun D, Bonithon‐Kopp C, Plauchu H, Robinson PN, De Backer J, Coucke P, Francke U, Bouchot O, Wolf JE, Stheneur C, Hanna N, Detaint D, De Paepe A, Boileau C, Jondeau G. The new Ghent criteria for Marfan syndrome: what do they change?The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS) is challenging and international criteria have been proposed. The 1996 Ghent criteria were adopted worldwide, but new diagnostic criteria for MFS were released in 2010, giving more weight to aortic root aneurysm and ectopia lentis. We aimed to compare the diagnosis reached by applying this new nosology vs the Ghent nosology in a well‐known series of 1009 probands defined by the presence of an FBN1 mutation. A total of 842 patients could be classified as MFS according to the new nosology (83%) as compared to 894 (89%) according to the 1996 Ghent criteria. The remaining 17% would be classified as ectopia lentis syndrome (ELS), mitral valve prolapse syndrome or mitral valve, aorta, skeleton and skin (MASS) syndrome, or potential MFS in patients aged less than 20 years. Taking into account the median age at last follow‐up (29 years), the possibility has to be considered that these patients would go on to develop classic MFS with time. Although the number of patients for a given diagnosis differed only slightly, the new nosology led to a different diagnosis in 15% of cases. Indeed, 10% of MFS patients were reclassified as ELS or MASS in the absence of aortic dilatation; conversely, 5% were reclassified as MFS in the presence of aortic dilatation. The nosology is easier to apply because the systemic score is helpful to reach the diagnosis of MFS only in a minority of patients. Diagnostic criteria should be a flexible and dynamic tool so that reclassification of patients with alternative diagnosis is possible, requiring regular clinical and aortic follow‐up.
Plant cation/H+ exchangers (CAXs): biological functions and genetic manipulations
Authors: Manohar M. , Shigaki T. , Hirschi K. D. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractInorganic cations play decisive roles in many cellular and physiological processes and are essential components of plant nutrition. Therefore, the uptake of cations and their redistribution must be precisely controlled. Vacuolar antiporters are important elements in mediating the intracellular sequestration of these cations. These antiporters are energized by the proton gradient across the vacuolar membrane and allow the rapid transport of cations into the vacuole. CAXs (for CAtion eXchanger) are members of a multigene family and appear to predominately reside on vacuoles. Defining CAX regulation and substrate specificity have been aided by utilising yeast as an experimental tool. Studies in plants suggest CAXs regulate apoplastic Ca2+ levels in order to optimise cell wall expansion, photosynthesis, transpiration and plant productivity. CAX studies provide the basis for making designer transporters that have been used to develop nutrient enhanced crops and plants for remediating toxic soils.
Epidural abscess in a neonate
Authors: Hazelton Briony , Kesson Alison , Prelog Kristina , Carmo Kathryn , Dexter Mark 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe report the case of a 16‐day‐old neonate who presented with fever and irritability. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected on his admission grew methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus on culture, prompting an urgent search for parameningeal collections or an occult sinus involving the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pyogenic collection within the epidural space extending from the upper cervical to lumbosacral level and multiple other deep tissue collections that required repeated surgical drainage. Central nervous system infections due to S. aureus are uncommon, particularly in the absence of an anatomical defect or prior neurosurgical instrumentation. This case demonstrates the importance of a timely and thorough search for parameningeal foci when CSF cultures are positive for unusual organisms such as S. aureus.
Recurrent infection in children: When and how to investigate for primary immunodeficiency?
Authors: Gray Paul EA , Namasivayam Mahila , Ziegler John B 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWhile the impact of infectious diseases in developed countries has been diminished by improved nutrition, hygiene, vaccination coverage and health care, infections remain common, and even the healthiest children may suffer frequent infections, occasionally necessitating admission to hospital. When investigating a child with recurrent infections, it is therefore important to know the frequency, severity, infectious syndrome and infecting organisms which a normal child might experience, and to understand the impact of the child's underlying health on their susceptibility to infection. This paper examines infectious susceptibility in the healthy and immunocompromised child and explores the respective presentations of some primary immunodeficiencies.
Morphological and genetic diversity of the thermophilic cyanobacterium, Mastigocladus laminosus (Stigonematales, Cyanobacteria) from Japan and Myanmar
Authors: Soe Khin Myat , Yokoyama Akiko , Yokoyama Jun , Hara Yoshiaki 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYThe morphology and phylogeny of 13 strains of a thermophilic cyanobacterium, Mastigocladus laminosus Cohn, isolated from hot springs in Japan and Myanmar were analyzed to determine taxonomy and biogeography. From the morphological observations of cell size, there were significant differences among strains. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed two lineages: Lineages I and II. Lineage I consisted of strains collected in Japan and reference strains from a previous study (CCMEE 5329 and 5331, Hakone, Japan); Lineage II included all of the Myanmar strains and one Japanese strain, and was a novel lineage in phylogeographic studies on M. laminosus. Since strains in the Lineage II tended to have larger cells than those in the Lineage I, the morphological and phylogenetic lineages corresponded well with each other.
Characterization of two Synechococcus sp. PCC7002‐related cyanobacterial strains in relation to 16S rDNA, crtR gene, lipids and pigments
Authors: Montero Olimpio , Porta José María , Porta Javier , Martínez Gonzalo , Lubián Luis M. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYTwo Synechococcus strains from the Culture Collection of the Institute for Marine Sciences of Andalusia (Cádiz, Spain), namely Syn01 and Syn02, were found to be closely related to the model strain Synechococcus sp. PCC7002 according to 16S rDNA (99% identity). Pigment and lipid profiles and crtR genes of these strains were ascertained and compared. The sequences of the crtR genes of these strains were constituted by 888 bp, and showed 99% identity between Syn01 and Syn02, and 94% identity of Syn01 and Syn02 to Synechococcus sp. PCC7002. There was coincidence in photosynthetic pigments between the three strains apart from the pigment synechoxanthin, which could be only observed in Synechococcus sp. PCC7002. Species of sulfoquinovosyl‐diacyl‐glycerol (SQDG), phosphatidyl‐glycerol (PG), mono‐ and di‐galactosyl‐diacyl‐glycerol (MGDG and DGDG) were detected by high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis of lipid extracts. The most abundant species within each lipid class were those containing C18:3 together with C16:0 fatty acyl substituents in the glycerol backbone of the same molecule. From these results it is concluded that these cyanobacterial strains belong to group 2 of the lipid classification of cyanobacteria.
Respiratory disorders in the Middle East: A review
Authors: WANESS ABDELKARIM , EL‐SAMEED YASER ABU , MAHBOUB BASSAM , NOSHI MOHAMMED , AL‐JAHDALI HAMDAN , VATS MAYANK , MEHTA ATUL C. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThe spectrum of pulmonary pathology in the Middle East is as versatile as its civilizations and cultures. In this review, we outline the key challenges confronting pulmonologists in the Middle East. We shed light on the diverse conditions commonly encountered in the region, from the centuries‐old illnesses of tuberculosis, to contemporary problems such as lung complications from chemical warfare. We specifically highlighted unique aspects related to respiratory illnesses in the Middle East, for example, climate factors in the desert region, cultural habits, for example, water‐pipe smoking and disorders unique to the region, such as Behçet's disease. Pulmonologists are also faced with the consequences of modernization, including large immigrant population and associated social and health issues, rising incidence of obesity and sleep apnoea, and drug‐resistant tuberculosis. Tackling these health issues will require an integrated approach involving public health, primary care as well as specialist pulmonology input, taking into consideration the unique cultural and environmental factors to ensure effective management and compliance to medical care.
Comparison of alveolar nitric oxide concentrations using two different methods for assessing small airways obstruction in asthma
Authors: KOBAYASHI DAIKI , TOCHINO YOSHIHIRO , KANAZAWA HIROSHI , ICHIMARU YUKIKAZU , KYOH SHIGENORI , ASAI KAZUHISA , HIRATA KAZUTO 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) is considered a potentially useful biomarker for airway inflammation. A two‐compartment model (2CM) of pulmonary NO dynamics has been used for the evaluation of bronchial NO flux (J'awNO) and alveolar NO concentration (CANO) in asthmatic patients. Recently, the trumpet shape of the airway tree and axial diffusion (TMAD) model has been reported as a modification of the 2CM. This study was designed to determine the validity of CANO measurement using the TMAD model for assessing small airways inflammation in asthma.Methods:  A total of 52 asthmatic patients and 12 normal control subjects were included in the study. Methacholine inhalation challenge and pulmonary function tests, sputum induction, and exhaled NO measurements at several flow rates were performed. J'awNO and CANO were calculated using both the 2CM (CANO 2CM, J'awNO 2CM) and TMAD models (CANO TMAD, J'awNO TMAD).Results:  Both J'awNO (J'awNO 2CM and J'awNO TMAD) and CANO (CANO 2CM and CANO TMAD) were significantly higher in asthmatic patients than in control subjects. CANO 2CM was significantly correlated with FEV1/FVC (r = −0.35, P = 0.01), FEF25–75 (r = −0.45, P < 0.001) and sputum eosinophils (r = 0.32, P = 0.02). In contrast, CANO TMAD was significantly correlated with FEF25–75 (r = −0.42, P = 0.002) but not with FEV1/FVC or sputum eosinophils.Conclusions:  CANO TMAD is more specific as an indicator of small airways obstruction than CANO 2CM. Assessment of small airways obstruction using the TMAD model may clarify the role of the small airways in the pathogenesis of asthma.
Risk factors associated with fluoroquinolone‐resistant tuberculosis in a Beijing tuberculosis referral hospital
Authors: LIU CUI HUA , YANG NAN , WANG QI , HU YONG LIANG , LI LING , ZHANG GUANG YU , ZHU BAOLI 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The rapid increase in the number of multi‐drug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) cases worldwide emphasizes the importance of rational use of key important life‐saving second‐line anti‐TB drugs such as fluoroquinolones. In order to provide information for better case management, so as to minimize the further spread of extensively drug‐resistant TB, a retrospective study was performed to assess the risk factors associated with fluoroquinolone resistance among TB patients attending the 309 Hospital in Beijing, China.Methods:  Drug susceptibility testing results and clinical data for hospitalized TB patients for the period 2000–2010 were analysed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors associated with fluoroquinolone‐resistant TB.Results:  From July 2000 to July 2010, ofloxacin resistance was observed in 306 of 3546 (8.6%) hospitalized TB patients who were tested. The independent risk factors associated with fluoroquinolone‐resistant TB were being single (adjusted OR 1.65), being a migrant living in Beijing (adjusted OR 2.15), being a migrant from another area (adjusted OR 5.07), being a patient who was retreated (adjusted OR 2.84), exposure to fluoroquinolones (adjusted OR 2.73), having COPD (adjusted OR 3.53), having COPD with known exposure to fluoroquinolones (adjusted OR 2.47), having MDR‐TB (adjusted OR 1.67), and having poly‐resistant TB (adjusted OR 2.34).Conclusions:  These findings suggest that in high‐risk populations continuous surveillance of fluoroquinolone resistance should be maintained. In addition, programs should be implemented for the management of patients with MDR‐TB and more complicated TB, so as to minimize the further spread of fluoroquinolone resistance and extensively drug‐resistant TB.
Cardiac autonomic dysfunction and health‐related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: VAN GESTEL ARNOLDUS J.R. , KOHLER MALCOLM , STEIER JöRG , TESCHLER SEBASTIAN , RUSSI ERICH W. , TESCHLER HELMUT 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  COPD is associated with impaired health‐related quality of life (HRQL) and cardiac autonomic dysfunction. Data describing the association between these factors in patients with COPD are mostly lacking. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there is an association between cardiac autonomic dysfunction and HRQL in COPD.Methods:  We studied 60 patients with COPD (37 women, mean (SD) age 65.20 (7.73) years, FEV1 % pred. 46.58 (18.53) %) and measured HRQL, as assessed by the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire, and cardiac autonomic dysfunction, as assessed by heart rate variability (HRV). Analysis of HRV was performed using a Holter‐ECG device during a recording period of 5 min. To evaluate a possible association between these factors, univariate and multivariate analyses were used.Results:  There was a significant correlation between Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire total score and both variables of HRV reflecting parasympathetic tone; root mean square successive difference of RR intervals (rMSSD) (r = 0.34, P = 0.012) and the density of the beat‐to‐beat oscillation in the N‐N interval of HRV in the high‐frequency band (HF power) (r = 0.35, P = 0.01). In a multivariate analysis rMSSD was found to be independently associated with HRQL after correcting for FEV1, carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (DLCO), 6MWD and CRP.Conclusions:  Resting parasympathetic tone, as measured by HRV, is independently associated with HRQL, which emphasizes the role of cardiac autonomic dysfunction on HRQL in patients with COPD.
Efficacy of 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate in prevention of preterm delivery
Authors: Saghafi Nafiseh , Khadem Nayereh , Mohajeri Taraneh , Shakeri Mohamad Taghi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAim:  Preterm delivery is defined as a birth before 37 weeks' gestation and is the cause of two‐thirds of perinatal mortality and thus one of the major problems in obstetrics. Its etiology is unknown, but hormonal factors have been reported to play a part. Progesterone is a placental hormone and effective in maintaining pregnancy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate in the prevention of preterm delivery.Methods:  This interventional study was performed with 100 pregnant women who had been referred to the Obstetrics Clinic of Ghaem Hospital (related to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences) during 2007 to 2008. They were randomly divided into two groups of 50 cases and 50 controls. The case group received 250 mg of intramuscular 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate weekly from 16 weeks' gestation up to a maximum of 37 weeks' gestation. In the control group, routine perinatal care was performed and the pregnancy outcomes were compared in both groups.Results:  The mean gestational age was 36 weeks in the case group and 34 weeks in the control group. The mean birth weight was 2695 g in the case group and 2399 g in the control group. A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of gestational age and birth weight (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Weekly administration of 17α‐hydroxyprogesterone caproate to pregnant women with a history of preterm delivery was associated with a decrease in preterm delivery and improvement in birth weight.
Prediction of risk for vasa previa at 9–13 weeks' gestation
Authors: Hasegawa Junichi , Nakamura Masamitsu , Sekizawa Akihiko , Matsuoka Ryu , Ichizuka Kiyotake , Okai Takashi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAim:  To assess the usefulness for predicting vasa previa by detecting a cord insertion site in the lower third of the uterus between 9 and 13 weeks' gestation.Methods:  The positional relationship between the uterine cavity and the cord insertion site was examined in consecutive subjects prospectively using ultrasonography at 9–13 weeks' gestation. The distance between the internal os and the fundus was divided equally into three parts. Cord insertions in the lower third were defined as cases; other insertions were defined as controls. Placental and umbilical cord abnormalities at the time of the delivery were analyzed between the two groups.Results:  The cord insertion sites were identified as 139 (10.6%) cases with low cord insertion and 1172 control cases. The case subjects frequently had an abnormal placental form (6.5% vs 2.1%, RR 3.2, 95% CI 1.5–7.0) or placenta previa (4.7% vs 1.3%, RR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3–9.1). The frequencies of velamentous cord insertion were 7.2% in cases and 0.9% in controls (RR 8.1, 95% CI 3.4–19.6). Three cases (2.2%) of vasa previa were observed in the cases, but none were observed in the controls (P = 0.001). Placental abruption occurred in 4.3% of the cases and 0.9% of the controls (RR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7–13.1).Conclusion:  Screening sonography in the late first or early second trimesters and following up at the second trimester in cases with low cord insertion is a useful way to detect vasa previa.
Prenatal diagnosis of familial lethal hypophosphatasia using imaging, blood enzyme levels, chorionic villus sampling and archived fetal tissue
Authors: Suzumori Nobuhiro , Mornet Etienne , Mizutani Eita , Obayashi Shintaro , Ozaki Yasuhiko , Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractHypophosphatasia is an inheritable disorder characterized by defective bone mineralization and a deficiency of tissue‐nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) activity. Screening for mutations in the TNSALP gene allows genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of the disease in families with severe forms of hypophosphatasia. A 33‐year‐old, gravida 4, para 3 Japanese woman was referred to Nagoya City University Hospital for prenatal genetic counseling because of two previous occurrences of fetal bone anomalies. The molecular examination showed that the fetus was homozygous for the TNSALP gene mutation c.1559delT, each parent being heterozygous. Genetic counseling was offered and at the next pregnancy, chorionic villus sampling was performed, whereupon genetic analysis confirmed that the fetus did not carry the familial mutation c.1559delT. Postnatal molecular genetic analysis using the cord tissue can provide a diagnosis of lethal hypophosphatasia and prenatal genetic diagnosis of the TNSALP gene allows time for parental counseling and delivery planning.
Early diagnosis of postpartum acute myocardial infarction with combined use of troponin T and heart‐type fatty acid‐binding protein rapid assay
Authors: Kumagai Koji , Ohnaka Haruhiko , Okamoto Fumio , Yasuda Masayuki , Kamegai Hideki , Ohmichi Masahide 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAcute myocardial infarction (AMI) during pregnancy or in the early postpartum period is a rare event but may cause perinatal morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis of AMI is critical for appropriate treatment. We report a case of postpartum AMI in a 40‐year‐old multiparous woman with varicose veins. On postpartum day 3, the patient suffered severe chest pain. She had been administered oral methylergometrine. In addition to ST‐segment elevation in her electrocardiogram, the patient presented with a positive result on whole blood rapid panel tests for troponin T and heart‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (H‐FABP). These findings indicated AMI in the anterolateral wall. The chest pain disappeared with the prompt administration of intravenous pentazocine hydrochloride and sublingual nitroglycerin spray. Angiography did not reveal any signs of coronary stenosis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of postpartum AMI diagnosed rapidly with combined use of troponin T and H‐FABP qualitative panel tests.