bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IgE Sequences in Individuals Living in an Area of Endemic Parasitism Show Little Mutational Evidence of Antigen Selection
Authors: Wang Y. , Jackson K. J. L. , Chen Z. , Gaëta B. A. , Siba P. M. , Pomat W. , Walpole E. , Rimmer J. , Sewell W. A. , Collins A. M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPatterns of somatic mutation in IgE genes from allergic individuals have been a focus of study for many years, but IgE sequences have never been reported from parasitized individuals. To study the role of antigen selection in the evolution of the anti‐parasite response, we therefore generated 118 IgE sequences from donors living in Papua New Guinea (PNG), an area of endemic parasitism. For comparison, we also generated IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 sequences from these donors, as well as IgG1 sequences from Australian donors. IgE sequences had, on average, 23.0 mutations. PNG IgG sequences had average mutation levels that varied from 17.7 (IgG3) to 27.1 (IgG4). Mean mutation levels correlated significantly with the position of their genes in the constant region gene locus (IgG3 < IgG1 < IgG2 < IgG4). Interestingly, given the heavy, life‐long antigen burden experienced by PNG villagers, average mutation levels in IgG sequences were little different to that seen in Australian IgG1 sequences (19.2). Patterns of mutation provide clear evidence of antigen selection in many IgG sequences. The percentage of IgG sequences that showed significant accumulations of replacement mutations in the complementarity determining regions ranged from 22% of IgG3 sequences to 39% of IgG2 sequences. By contrast, only 12% of IgE sequences had such evidence of antigen selection, and this was significantly less than in PNG IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 subclass sequences (P < 0.01). The anti‐parasite IgE response therefore has the reduced evidence of antigen selection that has previously been reported in studies of IgE sequences from allergic individuals.
Improved protein‐binding microarrays for the identification of DNA‐binding specificities of transcription factors
Authors: Godoy Marta , Franco‐Zorrilla José M. , Pérez‐Pérez Julián , Oliveros Juan C. , Lorenzo Óscar , Solano Roberto 
Published: February 2011

SummaryTranscriptional regulation depends on the specificity of transcription factors (TFs) recognizing cis regulatory sequences in the promoters of target genes. Current knowledge about DNA‐binding specificities of TFs is based mostly on low‐ to medium‐throughput methodologies, revealing DNA motifs bound by a TF with high affinity. These strategies are time‐consuming and often fail to identify DNA motifs recognized by a TF with lower affinity but retaining biological relevance. Here we report on the development of a protein‐binding microarray (PBM11) containing all possible double‐stranded 11‐mers for the determination of DNA‐binding specificities of TFs. The large number of sequences in the PBM11 allows accurate and high‐throughput quantification of TF‐binding sites, outperforming previous methods. We applied this tool to determine binding site specificities of two Arabidopsis TFs, MYC2 and ERF1, rendering the G‐box and the GCC‐box, respectively, as their highest‐affinity binding sites. In addition, we identified variants of the G‐box recognized by MYC2 with high and medium affinity, whereas ERF1 only recognized GCC variants with low affinity, indicating that ERF1 binding to DNA has stricter base requirements than MYC2. Analysis of transcriptomic data revealed that high‐ and medium‐affinity binding sites have biological significance, probably representing relevant cis‐acting elements in vivo. Comparison of promoter sequences with putative orthologs from closely related species demonstrated a high degree of conservation of all the identified DNA elements. The combination of PBM11, transcriptomic data and phylogenomic footprinting provides a straightforward method for the prediction of biologically active cis‐elements, and thus for identification of in vivo DNA targets of TFs.
Randomised, placebo‐controlled trial to evaluate co‐trimoxazole to reduce mortality and morbidity in HIV‐infected post‐natal women in Zambia (TOPAZ)
Authors: Nunn Andrew J. , Mwaba Peter B. , Chintu Chifumbe , Crook Angela M. , Darbyshire Janet H. , Ahmed Yusuf , Zumla Alimuddin I. 
Published: February 2011

SummaryObjective  To evaluate the role of prophylactic trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (co‐trimoxazole) antibacterial prophylaxis in reducing morbidity and mortality in HIV‐infected post‐natal women in southern Africa.Methods  Double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. HIV‐infected women with WHO stage 2 or 3 HIV disease who had recently delivered in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia were randomised to receive daily co‐trimoxazole (cotox) or matched placebo daily for the duration of the trial. Participants were followed up for a minimum of 1 year. Primary outcome measures were mortality from any cause or hospital admission and serious adverse events.Results  Of 600 women randomised, follow‐up information was available from 355 (180 cotox, 175 placebo) participants. Thirty‐six (17 cotox, 19 placebo) women died during the trial, and another 11 (5 cotox, 6 placebo) were admitted to hospital. There was no significant difference in the combined event rates between the two treatment arms: HR = 0.82, 95% CI (0.46, 1.45), P = 0.49; morbidity was reduced over a range of symptoms. Secondary analyses of the outcome in babies indicated some evidence of reduced mortality in those whose mothers were allocated cotox.Conclusions  Follow‐up rates were poor; there was no evidence that co‐trimoxazole prophylaxis reduced mortality or hospital admission rates, although fewer symptoms were reported in the cotox arm. Cotox was safe and well tolerated.
Rhizobial Nod factors are required for cortical cell division in the nodule morphogenetic programme of the Aeschynomeneae legume Arachis
Authors: Ibáñez F. , Fabra A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractNod factors are among the best‐studied molecules implicated in the signal exchange that leads to legume–rhizobia symbiosis. The role of these molecules in symbiosis development has been primarily studied in legumes invaded through infection threads. In these plants, Nod factors generate several responses required for nodulation, including the induction of cortical cell division to form the nodule primordium. Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut) exhibits a specific mode of rhizobial infection and nodule morphogenetic programme in which infection threads are never formed. The role of Nod factors in this particular mechanism is unknown. In this work, a peanut symbiont mutant strain unable to produce Nod factors was obtained and characterised. The strain Bradyrhizobium (Arachis) sp. SEMIA 6144 V2 is altered in the nodC gene, which encodes an N‐acetylglucosaminyl transferase involved in the first step of the Nod factor biosynthetic pathway. Further research revealed that, although its ability to colonise peanut roots was unaffected, it is not capable of inducing the division of cortical cells. The results obtained indicate that rhizobial Nod factors are essential for the induction of cortical cell division that leads to nodule primordium formation.
Fifteen years of sacral nerve stimulation: from an open procedure to a minimally invasive technique
Authors: Hetzer F. H. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim  This historical review describes the development of InterStim™ therapy from an open procedure to a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. The latest technological and surgical evaluations of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) are presented with their impact on the therapy’s success and safety.Method  A search for relevant literature on SNS in the PubMed database was carried out for this review, which focuses on technical modifications and related clinical outcomes.Results  InterStim™ therapy for faecal incontinence was introduced in Europe in 1995. Since its introduction, technical improvements in devices and leads have progressed SNS from an open one‐stage procedure to a minimally invasive two‐stage technique. A smaller neurostimulator and particularly the new tined lead allow InterStim™ therapy to be performed under local anaesthesia and in an outpatient setting. Additionally, the use of the self‐anchoring tined lead has reduced the number of technical failures and improved the test phase significantly, from 60% to 80%. The new smaller‐in‐size neurostimulator facilitates the implant procedure and further improves patient comfort.Conclusion  By using new technical achievements over the past 15 years, InterStim™ therapy has become a highly effective and safe procedure for selected patients with faecal incontinence.
The influence of sacral nerve stimulation on anorectal dysfunction
Authors: Carrington E. V. , Knowles C. H. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim  Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has become an established option in the management of defaecatory disorders. There are many data on the end‐organ effects of SNS, but limited consensus on its mechanism of action. The objective of this review was to determine the effect of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on anorectal function.Method  Systematic literature review of the effect of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on anorectal function.Results  There was significant heterogeneity of data pertaining to the effects of SNS on anorectal function, with no consistent change in physiological measures identified. Most data supported a mixed mechanism of action on anal motor and rectal sensory functioning.Conclusion  To date, conflicting data exist on the mechanism of action of SNS as determined by end‐organ changes in anorectal physiology. Nevertheless, the data as they stand best support a mixed mechanism of action on anal motor and rectal sensory functions.
Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence: its role in the treatment algorithm
Authors: Matzel K. E. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim  Indications for sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for faecal incontinence have expanded over the last decade. This report aims to determine the clinical outcome of the current use of SNS in the treatment of faecal incontinence. Its objective is also to review the most recent role of SNS in patients with anal sphincter lesions.Method  The literature was searched using Medline and Cochrane databases. The search was restricted to publications in English. For the analysis, studies with < 25 patients were excluded. For SNS in patients with sphincter defects, all papers were included.Results  Thirteen publications on the clinical outcome of SNS were included. Nine papers were identified reporting the application of SNS in patients with a morphological sphincter lesion. The most common outcome measures of clinical efficacy were frequency of incontinence using the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score. All studies demonstrated highly improved function across all outcome measures and improvement was statistically significant in all. Outcomes remain stable at long‐term follow up. In patients with sphincteric gaps ranging from 17 to 180°, SNS was clinically effective at short‐term follow up. The size of the gap appears to have no impact on outcome.Conclusion  SNS has evolved to become a clinical efficient therapy applicable across a wide spectrum of causes of faecal incontinence with reproducible results. SNS can be considered to be an essential part of the current surgical treatment algorithm for faecal incontinence.
Status of sacral neuromodulation for refractory constipation
Authors: Baeten C. G. M. I. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim  This review article aims to provide a brief update on the current data on and position of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) in the specialized management of refractory idiopathic constipation.Method  Published evidence from PubMed and our own unpublished data on SNM treatment for refractory idiopathic constipation were used for this evaluation.Results  Seven studies were found in PubMed that covered this topic. The main focus was on the most recently published multicentre nonrandomized European trial. Summary data from our unpublished study on constipation in children are also included.Conclusions  The use of SNM in the treatment of idiopathic constipation is still in its early phase and while the available efficacy and safety data are limited, they show promising results. As there are few alternatives for this difficult patient group, it is worth offering a percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE) test, which is known to be a good predictor of postimplant treatment success.
Future indications for sacral nerve stimulation
Authors: Dudding T. C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAim  The aim of this article was to determine the effect of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on the treatment of faecal incontinence, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, mixed urinary and bowel disorders, spinal injury and neurodegenerative disease, pain syndromes, and sexual dysfunction.Method  A Medline search was performed including the keywords and/or MeSH headings of ‘sacral nerve stimulation’, ‘neuromodulation’, ‘artificial pacemaker’, ‘faecal incontinence’, ‘constipation’ and ‘anal pain’. Further studies were identified by cross‐referencing from relevant articles and by appraisal of recent peer‐reviewed conference abstracts and proceedings.Results  SNS has been used for the treatment of urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunction, as well as pain resulting from such disorders, and dysfunction arising from nerve injury and degenerative disease. There is a paucity of high quality evidence to support the use of SNS for the majority of novel indications at present.Conclusion  Good quality prospective, cross‐over studies are required to determine the true benefits of SNS. Further research into patient selection, operative technique and stimulation parameters for existing indications will ensure a place for SNS in the future treatment algorithm of functional pelvic floor disorders.
LOCATION‐SPECIFIC FACTORS, LOCALISATION STRATEGY, AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF TAIWANESE MANUFACTURING MNE SUBSIDIARIES INVESTING IN CHINA
Authors: LI CHUN‐SHENG JOSEPH , HENLEY JOHN , ANSELL JONATHAN , DONG TSE‐PING 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTIn today's global business, location‐specific factors represent the special advantages accruing to MNEs investing in a particular host country. First, this study aims to assess the importance of location‐specific factors in China, and how these factors have changed over the years 2003, 2004, and 2005. Second, this case study intends to investigate the strategies utilised by the Taiwanese respondent MNE subsidiaries to exploit China's location‐specific factors, and then explore the firm performance of the Taiwanese respondent subsidiaries in China. The findings of this study suggest that most Taiwanese respondent MNEs, based on a cost leadership strategy, are keen to exploit China's lower‐cost labour resources. However, the reality that the average labour cost in China (especially in the coastal provinces), is rising is also reflected in this survey result. Moreover, the high level of local sales seems to show that Taiwanese companies are creating more marketing networks to expand local sales in China's domestic market (a growth strategy). Taiwanese respondent firms are satisfied with their subsidiary performance in China, and are positive about the recent developments of China's location factors.
New Big Men: Refugee Emasculation as a Human Security Issue
Authors: Lukunka Barbra 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAcademics and policymakers have conducted a significant amount of research on the physical security and integrity of refugee populations, especially of refugee women and children. That on refugee women has focused on gender‐based violence. This study expands on previous research by employing a human security approach to analyse not only the physical security and integrity of refugees, but also their socio‐psychological well‐being. Specifically, I argue that poor socio‐psychological well‐being actually explains the manifestations of violence against women in refugee camps. To make this argument, I document and explain the emasculation of Burundian refugee men living in Kanembwa camp in western Tanzania.
ESR study of photoinduced free radicals by visible light in hair and the effects of ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
Authors: Chikvaidze E. , Khachatryan I. 
Published: February 2011

SynopsisThe ESR spectra of melanin’s free radicals in natural black and red hair have been investigated. It is shown that the ESR spectrum of black hair is slightly asymmetric singlet with g = 2.0037 and ΔH = 0.5 mTl. The ESR spectrum of red hair with g = 2.0053 differs from the spectrum of black hair. Using the method of saturation was shown that ESR spectrum of red hair represents a superposition of two signals: a singlet, relating to the black hair, and a triplet from red hair’s pheomelanin. Under the influence of visible light (blue with λmax = 450 nm, green with λmax = 510 nm and red with λmax = 650 nm) in both types of hair (black and red), the photoinduced free radicals appear, which indicates an increase in the intensity of already existing ESR spectrum of hair. It should be noted that the ESR spectra of red hair from various donors are different. The antioxidant ascorbic acid (vitamin C) has the different effect on the photoinduced free radicals. In particular, in the case of black hair, the concentration of photoinduced free radicals is slightly reduced, whereas in red hair, the disappearance of the triplet in the spectrum is observed, and at the same time, the spectrum becomes a singlet, the intensity of which increases sharply. It is assumed that the antioxidants, effective for black hair, may be ineffective for red hair and vice versa. Therefore, in each, specific case is necessary to investigate the effectiveness of an antioxidant separately.
Benefit of a topical slimming cream in conjunction with dietary advice
Authors: Escudier B. , Fanchon C. , Labrousse E. , Pellae M. 
Published: February 2011

SynopsisThe aim of this study was to determine how worthwhile it would be to combine a newly developed topical slimming product with customized dietary habits not based on calorie restriction, so as to improve the cellulite appearance of the skin. At the beginning of the study, a nutritionist recorded the dietary habits of each participant and gave recommendations to each of them according to their food consumption. The chosen methodology was a right/left comparison, one thigh and hip being treated with the new topical slimming product and the other one left untreated to serve as a random control. Objective evaluations were performed by blind assessors. Control of food intake improved the cellulite score after 4 weeks when compared with the base value, but this reduction was significantly greater and earlier on the treated side than on the untreated side, indicating an objective additional benefit derived from the new slimming cream. This result corroborated the slimming effect assessed by measurement in centimetres of the circumference of the upper thighs and the reconstructed volume of the thigh between two fixed horizontal slices. Furthermore, skin tonicity, a major component of cellulite visibility, was also significantly improved on the treated side after only 2 weeks.This new topical cream thus enhances the benefit of a dietetic control for the treatment of the visible aspect of cellulite on the skin.
Efficacy and safety of antihistamines in allergic skin disorders
Authors: Maddin Stuart 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground For patients with urticaria, H1‐antihistamines remain the gold standard medical treatment of choice. They act by blocking H1 receptors on the vascular endothelial cell surface. Newer, non‐sedating antihistamines such as loratadine also act to some extent by blocking the release of histamine from mast cells, basophils and human skin tissue.Efficacy All of the newer antihistamines (loratadine, terfenadine, astemizole and cetirizine) have been shown to have comparable efficacy to the classic sedating antihistamines and to be significantly superior to placebo in terms of symptom improvement. Loratadine has been shown to be at least as effective as the other non‐sedating agents and cetirizine. Antihistamines also have a potential benefit in the management of patients with atopic dermatitis. In two studies, loratadine was found to be significantly superior to placebo in the reduction of pruritus.Safety In terms of safety, the newer antihistamines have important differences. Cetirizine, for example, causes dose‐related sedation and functional impairment compared to placebo. In contrast, loratadine has no such sedative effects. Terfenadine and astemizole have also been shown to be free of sedative effects, but exceeding the recommended dose of either may increase the risk of a serious cardiac arrhythmia, torsades de pointes. Plasma levels of both terfenadine and astemizole may also be increased as a result of interaction with various drugs. In contrast, loratadine has not been shown to induce ECG changes, even at doses of 40 mg o.d. for 90 days.
Future needs
Authors: Monroe Eugene 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground Future needs suggested by an international panel of dermatologists in April 1995 were listed as follows: (i) investigational trials to validate components of the existing treatment algorithms; (ii) continued support of research into the pathophysiology of allergic skin diseases; (iii) trials to test the efficacy and safety of new therapeutic approaches; and (iv) education of patients and primary care physicians regarding allergic skin disorders.Aim A large international multicentre, randomised, placebo‐controlled trial is soon to be initiated to determine whether the non‐sedating antihistamine, loratadine (10 mg) plus 0.1% mometasone furoate, is equal to or better than mometasone furoate alone or placebo in reducing the symptoms of pruritus in patients with atopic dermatitis.Conclusion Clearly, there are numerous processes and mediators other than histamine that could be targeted therapeutically in allergic skin disorders, and even better treatment modalities may be available in the future.
Stimulation of bursting in pre‐Bötzinger neurons by Epac through calcium release and modulation of TRPM4 and K‐ATP channels
Authors: Mironov Sergej L. , Skorova Ekaterina Y. 
Published: February 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 295–308.AbstractThe exchange factor directly activated by cAMP (Epac) can couple cAMP production to the activation of particular membrane and cytoplasmic targets. Using patch‐clamp recordings and calcium imaging in organotypic brainstem slices, we examined the role of Epac in pre‐Bötzinger complex, an essential part of the respiratory network. The selective agonist 8‐(4‐chlorophenylthio)‐2′‐O‐methyl‐cAMP (8‐pCPT) sensitized calcium mobilisation from inositol‐1,4,5‐trisphosphate‐sensitive internal stores that stimulated TRPM4 (transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily M, Melastatin) channels and potentiated the bursts of action potentials. 8‐pCPT actions were abolished after inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 and depletion of calcium stores with thapsigargin. Caffeine‐sensitive release channels were not modulated by 8‐pCPT. Epac inhibited ATP‐sensitive K+ channels that also led to the enhancement of bursting by 8‐pCPT. Bursting activity, spontaneous calcium transients and activity of TRPM4 and ATP‐sensitive K+ channels were potentiated after brief exposures to bradykinin and incubation with wortmannin produced opposite effects that can be explained by changes in phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate levels. 8‐pCPT stimulated the respiratory motor output in functionally intact preparations and the effects of bradykinin and wortmannin were identical to those observed in organotypic slices. The data thus indicate a novel pathway of controlling bursting activity in pre‐Bötzinger complex neurons through Epac that can involved in reinforcement of the respiratory activity by cAMP.