bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial translation is essential in bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Cristodero Marina , Seebeck Thomas , Schneider André 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma brucei has a complex life cycle. Oxidative phosphorylation is highly active in the procyclic form but absent from bloodstream cells. The mitochondrial genome encodes several gene products that are required for oxidative phosphorylation, but it completely lacks tRNA genes. For mitochondrial translation to occur, the import of cytosolic tRNAs is therefore essential for procyclic T. brucei. Whether the same is true for the bloodstream form has not been studied so far. Here we show that the steady‐state levels of mitochondrial tRNAs are essentially the same in both life stages. Editing of the imported tRNATrp also occurs in both forms as well as in mitochondria of Trypanosoma evansi, which lacks a genome and a translation system. These results show that mitochondrial tRNA import is a constitutive process that must be mediated by proteins that are expressed in both forms of the life cycle and that are not encoded in the mitochondrial genome. Moreover, bloodstream cells lacking either mitochondria‐specific translation elongation factor Tu or mitochondrial tryptophanyl‐tRNA synthetase are not viable indicating that mitochondrial translation is also essential in this stage. Both of these proteins show trypanosomatid‐specific features and may therefore be excellent novel drug targets.
Variation in potential effector genes distinguishing Australian and non‐Australian isolates of the cotton wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum
Authors: Chakrabarti A. , Rep M. , Wang B. , Ashton A. , Dodds P. , Ellis J. 
Published: September 2010

This study identified genes that distinguish Australian Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum (Fov) isolates from related co‐localized non‐pathogenic F. oxysporum isolates and from non‐Australian Fov isolates. One gene is a homologue of the F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (Fol) effector gene SIX6, encoding a 215‐residue cysteine‐rich secreted protein. The Six6 proteins from Fol and Fov contained eight conserved cysteine residues, five of which occurred in the highly diverged 48‐amino‐acid region where FovSix6 differs from FolSix6 at 32 residues. Two other potential effector genes, PEP1 and PEP2, were identified in a cDNA library of Fov genes expressed during infection of cotton. The presence of FovSIX6 and other differences in DNA fingerprints clearly distinguished Australian Fov isolates from non‐Australian Fov isolates and these differences further support the hypothesis based on earlier phylogenetic analysis that Australian Fov is different from Fov in other cotton‐growing areas. A specific diagnostic for Fov based on FovSIX6 is described.
Past, present and future of myoblast transplantation in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Palmieri Beniamino , Tremblay Jacques P. , Daniele Lodi 
Published: September 2010

Palmieri B, Tremblay JP, Lodi D. Past, present and future of myoblast transplantation in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Pediatr Transplantation 2010: 14:813–819. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  DMD is a genetic X‐linked recessive disease that affects approximately one in 3500 male births. Boys with DMD have progressive and predictable muscle destruction because of the absence of Dys, a protein present under the muscle fiber membrane. Dys deficiency induces contraction‐related membrane damages, activation of inflammatory‐necrosis‐fibrosis up to the cardiac‐diaphragmatic failure and death. This review supports the therapeutic role of MT associated with immunosuppression in DMD patients, describing the history and the rationale of such approach. The authors underline the importance to evaluate a protocol of myoblast intradermal multi‐injection to apply in young DMD patients.
Is there evidence of recent hepatitis E virus infection in English and North Welsh blood donors?
Authors: Beale M. A. , Tettmar K. , Szypulska R. , Tedder R. S. , Ijaz S. 
Published: September 2010

Background and Objective  The risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) to blood safety remains unknown in England. Reports of persistent HEV infection with serious disease sequelae indicate that transfusion transmitted HEV is not a trivial disease in immunosuppressed patients.Materials and Methods  Samples from unselected blood donors and donors with a history of jaundice were tested for HEV antibody and RNA.Results Overall, 10% of the donor sera were anti‐HEV IgG reactive. Four of the donor samples were anti‐HEV IgM reactive but HEV RNA negative.Conclusion  There is evidence of probable recent HEV infections in donors with a predicted attack rate of 2·8%.
Molecular diversity of Amansieae (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the Hawaiian Islands: a multi‐marker assessment reveals high diversity within Amansia glomerata
Authors: Sherwood Alison R. , Kurihara Akira , Conklin Kimberly Y. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYSixty‐one Hawaiian algal specimens corresponding to members of the tribe Amansieae (Amansia and Osmundaria) were compared through DNA sequence analysis. Short DNA barcode‐like sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and universal plastid amplicon (UPA) markers were obtained for as many of the specimens as possible, and a subset of specimens was also used for amplification and sequencing of the nuclear small‐subunit rRNA (SSU) gene for phylogenetic inference in a broader taxonomic context. Statistical parsimony analysis of the COI and UPA markers for A. glomerata produced relationships among the samples that were largely congruent with each other, although the UPA marker was more conserved. The COI marker yielded three lineages, and nucleotide divergences for these three lineages were intermediate to those typically reported for intraspecific and interspecific comparisons, suggesting that they represent either incipient species or a complex of closely related species. The COI and UPA sequences demonstrated little to no divergence for Osmundaria obtusiloba and the taxon referred to as Amansia fimbrifolia. In contrast, specimens identified as A. daemelii were identical in sequence to lineage 3 sequences of A. glomerata, and it is recommended that this taxon no longer be included in species lists for the Hawaiian flora. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on the SSU gene was largely unresolved, indicating that this marker may be of limited utility for this purpose in this group of algae, but a small amount of nucleotide variation was found for samples of A. glomerata.
Framework for incorporating simulation into urology training
Authors: Arora Sonal , Lamb Benjamin , Undre Shabnam , Kneebone Roger , Darzi Ara , Sevdalis Nick 
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Simulation‐based training can provide urology trainees with the opportunity to develop their technical and non‐technical skills in a safe and structured environment. Despite its promised benefits, incorporation of simulation into current curricula remains minimal.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current status of simulation for both technical and non‐technical skills training as it pertains to urology. It provides a novel framework with contextualised examples of how simulation could be incorporated into a stage‐specific curriculum for trainees through to experienced urologists, thus aiding its integration into current training programmes.OBJECTIVES• Changes to working hours, new technologies and increased accountability have rendered the need for alternative training environments for urologists.• Simulation offers a promising arena for learning to take place in a safe, realistic setting.• Despite its benefits, the incorporation of simulation into urological training programmes remains minimal.• The current status and future directions of simulation for training in technical and non‐technical skills are reviewed as they pertain to urology.• A framework is presented for how simulation‐based training could be incorporated into the entire urological curriculum.MATERIALS AND METHODS• The literature on simulation in technical and non‐technical skills training is reviewed, with a specific focus upon urology.RESULTS• To fully integrate simulation into a training curriculum, its possibilities for addressing all the competencies required by a urologist must be realized.• At an early stage of training, simulation has been used to develop basic technical skills and cognitive skills, such as decision‐making and communication.• At an intermediate stage, the studies focus upon more advanced technical skills learnt with virtual reality simulators.• Non‐technical skills training would include leadership and could be delivered with in situ models.• At the final stage, experienced trainees can practise technical and non‐technical skills in full crisis simulations situated within a fully‐simulated operating rooms.CONCLUSIONS• Simulation can provide training in the technical and non‐technical skills required to be a competent urologist.• The framework presented may guide how best to incorporate simulation into training curricula.• Future work should determine whether acquired skills transfer to clinical practice and improve patient care.
Three‐dimensional CT cavernosography: reconsidering venous ligation surgery on the basis of the modern technology
Authors: Kawanishi Yasuo , Izumi Kazuyoshi , Muguruma Hiroshi , Mashima Tomohiro , Komori Masatsugu , Yamanaka Masahito , Yamamoto Akira , Numata Akira , Kishimoto Tomoteru , Kanayama Hiro‐omi 
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series)  Level of Evidence 4 What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Venous ligation surgery has been conducted as a symptomatic treatment, but the effective rate of this surgery was insufficient. We thought that one of the reasons for the low effective rate of this surgery was insufficient for the diagnostic modality. We confirmed that 3D cavernosography was, in comparison with conventional cavernosography, higher in diagnosis precision.OBJECTIVE

To examine the feasibility of three‐dimensional (3D) CT cavernosography in the diagnosis of corporal veno‐occlusive dysfunction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The subjects were 55 patients who had failed to respond to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. We performed pharmacodynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography, using 60 mg papaverine hydrochloride.
Cavernosography was performed at 90 mmHg intracavernous pressure, using a multi‐slice CT scan system. The 3D images were reconstructed using aquarius net station, ver.2 computer software.
For comparison with conventional cavernosography, maximum intensity projection (MIP) images were used. A flow of 20 mL/min or being more capable of maintaining 90 mmHg of intracavernous pressure indicated veno‐occlusive dysfunction.

RESULTS

Forty‐five of the 55 patients were diagnosed with corporal veno‐occlusive dysfunction. 3D‐CT cavernosography revealed drainage veins in all 45 cases, including cavernous veins, dorsal veins, crural veins and other emissary veins.
Compared with 3D‐CT cavernosography, observing cavernous veins and the proximal part of the deep dorsal veins using MIP imaging was especially difficult because the origins of the penile veins are often behind the pelvic bone or cavernous body.
Of the patients who seemingly had leakage via the deep dorsal vein, 80.6% did not in fact have leakage via this vein, but had other leakages. The image resolution of 3D‐CT cavernosography was significantly higher than that of MIP.

CONCLUSION

3D‐CT cavernosography can provide high‐resolution images of venous drainage from any angle. We conclude that the images obtained by 3D‐CT cavernosography are very helpful for both the diagnosis of corporal veno‐occlusive dysfunction and the anatomical study of the human penile venous system.
Towards the definition of the best management and prognostic factors of teratoma with malignant transformation: a single‐institution case series and new proposal
Authors: Necchi Andrea , Colecchia Maurizio , Nicolai Nicola , Piva Luigi , Catanzaro Mario , Biasoni Davide , Torelli Tullio , Stagni Silvia , Paolini Biagio , Milani Angelo , Salvioni Roberto 
Published: September 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4OBJECTIVE• To investigate the optimal management and prognostic factors of patients with malignant transformation (MT) in germ‐cell tumour (GCT) by re‐evaluating Institutional series.PATIENTS AND METHODS• Patients with an MT within GCT have been identified from the institutional database and all slides have been reviewed by the referral pathologist.RESULTS• From June 1982 to October 2009, 48 patients and 13 somatic histologies have been identified. Twelve patients presented with stage I, 12 with stage II and 24 with stage III disease. All stage I patients are alive and disease‐free after a median follow up of 88 months (interquartile range 38–103).• Of the 36 metastatic cases, 11 underwent GCT‐oriented chemotherapy plus surgery and seven of them are currently disease‐free. Three patients underwent MT‐chemotherapy, one relapsed and is still under treatment. Overall, 17 patients relapsed (35%) and three of them have been rescued by GCT‐chemotherapy. Five‐year overall survival was 100% for stage I, 80% (95% CI 40–94) for stage II and 44% (95% CI 19–67) for stage III patients. Stage III disease at MT, incomplete surgical removal and primitive neuroectodermal tumours plus adenocarcinoma histologies were significant adverse prognostic factors for survival.CONCLUSIONS• New insights emerged into the impact of histology and chemotherapy on MT. The development of an adenocarcinoma component as well as the possible efficacy of a GCT‐tailored chemotherapy in a multimodal strategy are addressed for the first time, while disease extent at transformation and extent of radical surgery are confirmed as significant prognosticators.• An international web database for registration of all cases of MT worldwide is presented.
Cognitive profile in young adults born preterm at very low birthweight
Authors: LØHAUGEN GRO C C , GRAMSTAD ARNE , EVENSEN KARI ANNE I , MARTINUSSEN MARIT , LINDQVIST SUSANNE , INDREDAVIK MARIT , VIK TORSTEIN , BRUBAKK ANN‐MARI , SKRANES JON 
Published: September 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to assess cognitive function at the age of 19 years in individuals of very low birthweight (VLBW; ≤1500g) and in term‐born comparison individuals.Method  In this hospital‐based follow‐up study, 55 VLBW participants (30 males, 25 females; mean birthweight 1217g, SD 233g; mean gestational age 29.1wks, SD 2.5wks) and 81 comparison individuals (42 males, 39 females; mean birthweight 3707g, SD 433g; mean gestational age 39.7wks, SD 1.2wks) were examined with a standardized IQ test (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III) to assess general cognitive ability.Results  Over half (53%) of the VLBW participants achieved a low IQ score (defined as >1SD below the mean in the comparison group; odds ratio 6.4 vs comparison individuals; 95% confidence interval 2.8–14.4; p<0.001). None of the VLBW group, compared with 22% of the comparison individuals, achieved a high IQ score (>1SD above the comparison mean). VLBW participants scored lower than comparison individuals on full, verbal, and performance IQ, as well as on all four indices (p≤0.001). The subtest profile indicated problems on all subtests, but especially on those related to arithmetic and visual–perceptual tasks.Interpretations  Few studies have undertaken a comprehensive assessment of general cognitive outcome (IQ) among young adults of VLBW. Our results indicate that VLBW seems to have a global and lasting impact on cognitive ability. Full‐scale IQ assessment may reveal important learning problems in young adults of VLBW, and should be performed to inform appropriate assistance to enhance academic achievement and the chances of permanent employment as adults.
Early developmental assessment of children with major non‐cardiac congenital anomalies predicts development at the age of 5 years
Authors: MAZER PETRA , GISCHLER SASKIA J , VAN DER CAMMEN‐VAN ZIJP MONIQUE H M , TIBBOEL DICK , BAX NICOLAAS M A , IJSSELSTIJN HANNEKE , VAN DIJK MONIQUE , DUIVENVOORDEN HUGO J 
Published: September 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to evaluate cognitive and motor development in children with major congenital anomalies and the predictability of development at age 5 years.Method  A prospective, longitudinal follow‐up study was undertaken. The Dutch version of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development – Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) – were administered at the ages of 6, 12, and 24 months. The Revised Amsterdam Children’s Intelligence Test – IQ and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children – Total impairment score (TIS) were used at age 5 years. A total of 117 children participated in the study. After excluding 12 children who had a major chromosomal or syndromal abnormality, the analysis was limited to 105 children (50 females, 55 males). Seven groups of congenital anomalies were distinguished: (1) small intestinal anomalies; (2) abdominal wall defects, comprising gastroschisis and omphalocele; (3) oesophageal atresia; (4) congenital diaphragmatic hernia; (5) Hirschsprung disease; (6) anorectal malformations; and (7) miscellaneous diagnoses. Logistic regression analyses served to determine the ability of MDI and PDI to predict IQ and TIS at age 5 years.Results  At age five, 83.7% of 104 children had an IQ of 85 or above and 16.3% an IQ of less than 85. TIS was normal in 71.3% of 87 children, while 17.2% demonstrated a borderline score and 11.5% a definite motor problem. MDI and PDI scores showed equal sensitivity to predict IQ (p=0.004 at 6 and 12mo, p=0.001 at 24mo) and TIS (p<0.001 at 6 and 12mo, p=0.002 at 24mo). MDI and PDI were positively correlated with IQ and TIS; TIS was positively correlated with IQ.Interpretation  IQ scores at 5 years of age corresponded to Dutch population scores, but TIS scores differed significantly. Early development of children with major congenital anomalies is predictive of development at 5 years, which can guide individualized follow‐up for this vulnerable group of children.
Socio‐economic disparities in maternal mortality in China between 1996 and 2006
Authors: Feng XL , Zhu J , Zhang L , Song L , Hipgrave D , Guo S , Ronsmans C , Guo Y , Yang Q 
Published: September 2010

Please cite this paper as: Feng X, Zhu J, Zhang L, Song L, Hipgrave D, Guo S, Ronsmans C, Guo Y, Yang Q. Socio‐economic disparities in maternal mortality in China between 1996 and 2006. BJOG 2010;117:1527–1536.Objective  China’s economic reforms have raised concerns over rising inequalities in maternal mortality, but it is not known whether the gap across socio‐economic regions has increased over time.Design  A population‐based, longitudinal, ecological correlation study.Setting  China.Sample  Records from the National Maternal and Child Mortality Surveillance System between 1996 and 2006.Methods  We report levels, causes and timing of maternal deaths, and examine crude and adjusted time trends in the overall and cause‐specific maternal mortality ratio in five socio‐economic regions (using Poisson regression). We examine whether socio‐economic disparities have widened over time using concentration curves.Main outcome measures  All‐causes and cause‐specific maternal mortality ratios.Results  Maternal mortality (MMR) declined by 6% per year (yearly rate ratio, RR, 0.94; 95% CI 0.93–0.96). The decline was most pronounced in the wealthiest rural type‐I counties (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.85–0.93), and in the poorest rural type‐IV counties (RR 0.90; 95% CI 0.82–1.00). There were declines in almost all causes of maternal death. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) was by far the leading cause of maternal death (32%, 997/3164). The decline in MMR was largely explained by the increased uptake of institutional births. Concentration curves suggest that wealth‐related regional inequalities did not increase over time.Conclusions  China’s extraordinary economic growth has not adversely affected disparities in MMR across socio‐economic regions over time, but poor rural women remain at disproportionate risk. Other emerging economies can learn from China’s focus on the supply and quality of maternity services along with more general health systems strengthening.
A study of paediatric and adolescent gynaecology services in a British district general hospital
Authors: McGreal S , Wood PL 
Published: September 2010

Please cite this paper as: McGreal S, Wood P. A study of paediatric and adolescent gynaecology services in a British district general hospital. BJOG 2010;117:1643–1650.Objective  The Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology service (PAG) at Kettering General Hospital is a designated service meeting the needs of children with gynaecological problems. National guidelines reinforce the fact that children should be seen within specific paediatric areas in hospital. We aim to review the role of such a service in the context of a British district general hospital.Design  Retrospective review spanning 15 years.Setting  The outpatient/inpatient service of a UK district general hospital.Population  A total of 800 patients were included in the study.Methods  We identified patients attending the PAG clinic between 1994 and 2009. Medical notes were reviewed individually.Main outcome measures  Demographics, referral source, presenting symptoms, examination findings, diagnosis, management, admissions and referrals to tertiary centres.Results  In total, 86% of patients were referred from primary care. The age distribution was bimodal at 4 and 15 years of age: the average age was 10 years. Sixty percent of patients were followed‐up, giving a total of 2023 appointments. The commonest presentations were vulvovaginitis (18%), labial adhesions (14%), abdominal pain (7%) and precocious puberty (6%). A total of 15% of patients were admitted, largely for planned procedures, of which vaginoscopy was the most frequent.Conclusions  The PAG service has enabled pathways for care that were previously non‐existent, as well as the development of ‘best practice’. The British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology has been seeking to develop a network of similar services at secondary and tertiary level throughout the UK. This approach should be encouraged and promoted by those in charge of healthcare policy and provider trusts in general.
Developing a community‐based maternal obesity intervention: a qualitative study of service providers’ views
Authors: Oteng‐Ntim E , Pheasant H , Khazaezadeh N , Mohidden A , Bewley S , Wong J , Oke B 
Published: September 2010

Please cite this paper as: Oteng‐Ntim E, Pheasant H, Khazaezadeh N, Mohidden A, Bewley S, Wong J, Oke B. Developing a community‐based maternal obesity intervention: a qualitative study of service providers’ views. BJOG 2010;117:1651–1655.The aim of this study was to explore healthcare professionals’ views on the development of multicomponent interventions for obese pregnant women. A cohort of 22 healthcare professionals was interviewed. The interview transcripts were analysed thematically. Three key themes were highlighted by the interviews: (1) the lack of existing services for obese pregnant women in south‐east London; (2) the barriers and challenges that need to be overcome (e.g. ethnic and cultural) when considering the creation of a new service for obese women who are pregnant; (3) the possible components of a new intervention. The findings of this study will inform the design of a programme to combat maternal obesity.