bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automatic retrieval of single microchimeric cells and verification of identity by on‐chip multiplex PCR
Authors: Kroneis Thomas , Gutstein‐Abo Liat , Kofler Kristina , Hartmann Michaele , Hartmann Petra , Alunni‐Fabbroni Marianna , Walcher Wolfgang , Dohr Gottfried , Petek Erwin , Guetta Esther , Sedlmayr Peter 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe analysis of rare cells is not an easy task. This is especially true when cells representing a fetal microchimerism are to be utilized for the purpose of non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis because it is both imperative and difficult to avoid contaminating the minority of fetal cells with maternal ones. Under these conditions, even highly specific biochemical markers are not perfectly reliable. We have developed a method to verify the genomic identity of rare cells that combines automatic screening for enriched target cells (based on immunofluorescence labelling) with isolation of single candidate microchimeric cells (by laser microdissection and subsequent laser catapulting) and low‐volume on‐chip multiplex PCR for DNA fingerprint analysis. The power of the method was tested using samples containing mixed cells of related and non‐related individuals. Single‐cell DNA fingerprinting was successful in 74% of the cells analysed (55/74), with a PCR efficiency of 59.2% (860/1452) for heterozygous loci. The identification of cells by means of DNA profiling was achieved in 100% (12/12) of non‐related cells in artificial mixtures and in 86% (37/43) of cells sharing a haploid set of chromosomes and was performed on cells enriched from blood and cells isolated from tissue. We suggest DNA profiling as a standard for the identification of microchimerism on a single‐cell basis.
Concern for privacy in relation to age during physical examination of children: an exploratory study
Authors: Hansson Mats G , Kihlbom Ulrik , Tuvemo Torsten , Rodriguez Alina 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectives:  To explore whether physicians behave differently regarding ethics and respect for privacy depending on children's age. We explored whether physician behaviours contributed to child uneasiness.Study design:  Observational study of 21 children (0–12 years; 18 boys; mean age 3.2) undergoing evaluation for inguinal hernia. Specific physician‐initiated verbal and nonverbal behaviours were coded from digital video discs of the consultations.Results:  Physician intrusiveness (i.e. approaching the child suddenly or in an uninvited way) during the physical examination was related to concurrent child uneasiness (r = 0.42, p < 0.06) and lasted through the postexamination phase of the consultation (r = 0.52, p < 0.01). Child mood during the examination strongly predicted postexamination mood (r = 0.69, p < 0.0001). Neither the total number of physician‐initiated positive behaviours or privacy‐related behaviours was associated with child age. Negative physician behaviours were strongly related to negative mood in the child (r = 0.72, p < 0.0001) at the close of the consultation.Conclusion:  Although physicians were more likely to provide information to older than younger children, their behaviours regarding privacy did not differ by child age. We found that intrusiveness was rather common and related to child uneasiness that has implications for the ethical practice and a child's willingness to be examined.
Detection of a novel HLA‐B27 allele, B*2740, in Taiwanese volunteer bone marrow donors by sequence‐based typing: curiosity rewarded
Authors: Chen M. J. , Yang T. C. , Chu C. C. , Shyr M. H. , Lin C. L. , Lin P. Y. , Yang K. L. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryWe report here a novel HLA‐B allele, B*2740, discovered in Taiwanese volunteer marrow donors. The new sequence has nucleotide variation at position 527 (T→A) as compared to B*2708. The nucleotide change caused an amino acid substitution from valine (V) to glutamic acid (E) at codon 152. Since B*2740 carries sequence confers to HLA‐Bw6 public epitope we believe that this novel B*27 allele might have been generated from a gene conversion involving a Bw4‐specific allele (probably B*2704) and a Bw6‐specific allele.
Local Variation in Shredder Distribution can Explain their Oversight in Tropical Streams
Authors: Camacho Regina , Boyero Luz , Cornejo Aydeé , Ibáñez Alicia , Pearson Richard G. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTStream shredders play an important role in the breakdown of allochthonous leaf litter—a well‐known, key process in temperate headwater streams. In contrast, it has been suggested that litter breakdown in tropical streams is driven by microorganisms, shredders being scarce or absent. We propose that shredders have been overlooked in some tropical streams for two reasons: (1) assuming that tropical shredders belong to the same taxa as temperate ones, without determining the diet of tropical litter fauna; and (2) the small spatial scale of most tropical stream studies, which do not account for intra‐ and inter‐site comparisons. We explored shredder abundance and species richness in six streams in each of two tropical regions, the Australian wet tropics (AWT) and Panama (PAN), finding 734 individuals of 12 shredder species in AWT and 391 individuals of 16 species in PAN. Shredder species richness was positively related to altitude in AWT, but not in PAN. Shredder contribution to total leaf breakdown in the field was 24±3 SE percent in AWT and negligible in PAN, but this was probably due to the unsuccessful colonization of experimental cages by PAN shredders. In the laboratory, shredder contribution to total leaf breakdown was higher than in the field (35%±2 SE in AWT and 64%±3 SE in PAN) and varied with leaf decomposability. Our results support earlier indications that shredders are not scarce or functionally unimportant in the tropics, and suggest that their contribution to litter processing should be determined along altitudinal gradients.
Anthropogenic Soils and Tree Distributions in a Lowland Forest in Bolivia
Authors: Paz‐Rivera Clea , Putz Francis E. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThe distributions of 17 tree species with seeds or fruits that are commonly eaten or otherwise used by humans were studied in reference to anthropogenic soils in a seasonally dry lowland tropical forest in Bolivia. Two types of anthropogenic dark earths (ADEs) were identified: terra preta (TP: darkened with charcoal fragments and with abundant pottery shards) and terra mulata (TM: somewhat darkened but with little or no pottery). In 216 ha, we compared the densities of trees >10 cm dbh of useful species in nine TP patches, three TM patches, and six areas with nonanthropogenic soils (N‐ADE). The TP, which covers approximately 20 percent of the sample area, has higher contents of organic matter, extractable P, and extractable Ca than N‐ADE soils, as well as higher pH and extractable P than TM. TM has organic matter and Ca contents similar to N‐ADE soils but significantly less extractable K. In general, TP has higher nutrient content than surrounding soils, both at the surface (0–10 cm) and deeper in the profile (40–50 cm). Despite these differences in soil fertility and contrary to our expectations, none of the 17 tree species were concentrated on TP perhaps because interactions between local dispersal agents and natural disturbances have masked historical patterns. Alternatively, past inhabitants of the study area may have enriched forests with useful tree species in areas where they were not practicing the intensive soil husbandry that results in ADEs.
Species Richness of Nonvolant Small Mammals Along Elevational Gradients in Northwestern Argentina
Authors: Ferro L. Ignacio , Barquez Rubén M. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThe Nevados del Aconquija (5500 m) and Cumbres Calchaquíes (4600 m) are isolated mountain ranges that contain at least three physiognomic units in their eastern slopes: Neotropical rainforests, Andean grasslands and High Andean Steppes. Despite phytogeographical similarities, the two ranges differ in the amount and spatial distribution of rainfall over the elevation gradient. We studied terrestrial small mammals by direct trapping in two altitudinal transects on the eastern slope of the two mountain ranges. We recorded the changes in richness and species composition, as well as the relationships between species and microhabitats at each altitudinal level. The results show a similar structure of the small mammal assemblage in the two ranges. The largest differences, in terms of species composition, were registered at lower elevation forests, and faunal affinities increased with elevation to the point of finding identical species composition at the top of the mountains. Species richness showed a clear curvilinear pattern with a peak at the upper limit of the forests. Our findings suggest that total rainfall has an important influence on the composition and abundance of small mammal species but apparently not on the species richness along the elevation gradient. The highest values of species richness were observed at the sites where a contact between two different physiognomic units exists. These results indicate that habitat heterogeneity plays an important role in allowing the juxtaposition of small terrestrial mammal assemblages of the highlands and lowlands at a given point, contributing significantly to the considerable diversity of species observed in intermediate altitudinal sites.
Shit Happens (to be Useful)! Use of Elephant Dung as Habitat by Amphibians
Authors: Campos‐Arceiz Ahimsa 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTAlthough elephants are commonly cited as an example of ecosystem engineering, cases involving Asian elephants are missing in the literature. In a dry environment of southeastern Sri Lanka, I examined 290 elephant dung piles and found a total of six frogs from three different species in 1.7 percent (N=5) of the dung piles. This suggests a facilitative role of elephants by providing habitat for amphibians.
FATTY ACIDS AND TOCOPHEROL CONTENTS OF SOME PRUNUS SPP. KERNEL OILS
Authors: MATTHÄUS BERTRAND , ÖZCAN MEHMET MUSA 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT The oil content as well as the fatty acid and tocopherol composition of kernels from 15 Prunus spp. varieties from Turkey were determined. The oil yields from these kernels varied from 46.3 to 55.5%. The main fatty acids of Prunus spp. kernel oils were oleic acid (43.9–78.5%), linoleic acid (9.7–37%) and palmitic acid (4.9–7.3%). The total amount of vitamin‐E‐active compounds in the oils varied between 62.9 and 439.9 mg/kg. The predominant tocopherol in most kernel oils was γ‐tocopherol. Only two varieties of P. amygdalus and one variety of P. persica showed α‐tocopherol as the main vitamin‐E‐active compound. The composition of the oils was 9–164.5 mg/kg α‐tocopherol, 21.5–41.6 mg/kg α‐tocotrienol, 1.6–330.2 mg/kg γ‐tocopherol and 0–39.1 mg/kg δ‐tocopherol. From the results of the present study, it can be concluded that the kernels of the investigated species of Prunus fruits from Turkey may serve potential sources of valuable oil that might be used for edible and other industrial applications.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe search for new sources of vegetable oils is an ongoing challenge and the further utilization of by‐products from the food processing industry is an interesting option in this field. Seed oils from Prunus species contain high amounts of recommended monounsaturated oleic acid moderate contents of linoleic acid and low amounts of saturated fatty acids that may result in more favorable oil than olive oil with regard to their fatty acid compositions. Additionally, the oils contain vitamin‐E‐active compounds. Both fatty acid composition and vitamin‐E‐active compounds may justify the further processing of seeds from Prunus species for the production of oil for food and pharmaceutical applications.
DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING CALORIMETRY DETECTION OF HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER OIL AS AN ADULTERANT IN EXTRA‐VIRGIN OLIVE OIL
Authors: CHIAVARO EMMA , VITTADINI ELENA , RODRIGUEZ‐ESTRADA MARIA TERESA , CERRETANI LORENZO , CAPELLI LISA , BENDINI ALESSANDRA 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to detect high oleic sunflower oil (HOSo) as an adulterant in extra‐virgin olive oil (EVOo) by means of cooling and heating thermograms. Addition of HOSo did not significantly alter cooling profiles of EVOo except for onset temperature of crystallization, which was significantly shifted toward lower temperature at 40% of adulterant addition. At the same percentage of adulteration, the heating profile of EVOo was significantly changed as the major endotherm broadened and the minor event became smaller and less evident. Cooling thermograms of pure oils and their admixtures were deconvoluted into three constituent exothermic peaks in an attempt to detect addition of HOSo at levels lower than 40%. Thermal properties of the two lower‐temperature exotherms (area percentage, offset temperature and range of transition) were significantly changed at≥20% of HOSo substitution, suggesting that DSC can be employed to detect this oil as an EVOo adulterant.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSAdulteration of extra‐virgin olive oil (EVOo) with cheaper oils from other vegetable sources or seeds, as well as with lower quality olive oils, is a serious concern for oil suppliers and consumers and requires the use of new analytical techniques for their detection. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) exhibits some advantages over the classical analytical methods as it does not require sample preparation and use of solvents, thus resulting in a reduced environmental impact. Results suggested that its application to the detection of EVOo adulteration with high oleic sunflower oil, a vegetable oil largely employed for this type of fraud, is promising with the support of the deconvolution analysis of cooling thermograms.
Advances in Campylobacter biology and implications for biotechnological applications
Authors: Jeon Byeonghwa , Muraoka Wayne T. , Zhang Qijing 
Published: May 2009

Summary Campylobacter jejuni is a major foodborne pathogen of animal origin and a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. During the past decade, especially since the publication of the first C. jejuni genome sequence, major advances have been made in understanding the pathobiology and physiology of this organism. It is apparent that C. jejuni utilizes sophisticated mechanisms for effective colonization of the intestinal tracts in various animal species. Although Campylobacter is fragile in the environment and requires fastidious growth conditions, it exhibits great flexibility in the adaptation to various habitats including the gastrointestinal tract. This high adaptability is attributable to its genetically, metabolically and phenotypically diverse population structure and its ability to change in response to various challenges. Unlike other enteric pathogens, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, Campylobacter is unable to utilize exogenous glucose and mainly depends on the catabolism of amino acids as a carbon source. Campylobacter proves highly mutable in response to antibiotic treatments and possesses eukaryote‐like dual protein glycosylation systems, which modify flagella and other surface proteins with specific sugar structures. In this review we will summarize the distinct biological traits of Campylobacter and discuss the potential biotechnological approaches that can be developed to control this enteric pathogen.
A ‘feather‐trap’ for collecting DNA samples from birds
Authors: MAURER GOLO , BECK NADEENA , DOUBLE MICHAEL C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractGenetic analyses of birds are usually based on DNA extracted from a blood sample. For some species, however, obtaining blood samples is difficult because they are sensitive to handling, pose a conservation or animal welfare concern, or evade capture. In such cases, feathers obtained from live birds in the wild can provide an alternative source of DNA. Here, we provide the first description and evaluation of a ‘feather‐trap’, consisting of small strips of double‐sided adhesive tape placed close to a nest with chicks, as a simple, inexpensive and minimally invasive method to collect feathers. The feather‐trap was tested in tropical conditions on the Australian pheasant coucal (Centropus phasianinus). None of the 12 pairs of coucals on which the feather‐trap was used abandoned the nest, and feeding rates did not differ from those of birds not exposed to a feather‐trap. On average, 4.2 feathers were collected per trap over 2–5 days and, despite exposure to monsoonal rain, DNA was extracted from 71.4% of samples, albeit at low concentrations. The amount of genomic DNA extracted from each feather was sufficient to reliably genotype individuals at up to five microsatellite loci for parentage analysis. We show that a feather‐trap can provide a reliable alternative for obtaining DNA in species where taking blood is difficult. It may also prove useful for collecting feather samples for other purposes, e.g. stable‐isotope analysis.
Sclerosing hemangioma with multifocal pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia and tumorlets
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Soo , Moon Ahrim , Kim Gou Young , Lim Sung‐Jig 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTSclerosing hemangioma (SH) of the lung is a rare primary pulmonary neoplasm and is thought to be benign. Although SH was originally considered to be a variant of a hemangioma and was suggested to be of mesenchymal, mesothelial, endothelial, and neuroendocrine origin, there is now consensus that SH is derived from primitive respiratory epithelium. Pulmonary neuroendocrine cell (PNEC) hyperplasia is considered to be a reactive process associated with regeneration of chronically injured airways or alveoli, such as in lung abscesses, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We report a rare case of SH combined with PNEC hyperplasia and tumorlets in a 62‐year‐old woman. Further studies on the relationship between the histogenesis of SH and PNEC hyperplasia or tumorlets are needed.
Diagnostic value of decreased expression of CD56 protein in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland
Authors: Park Won Young , Jeong Seong Muk , Lee Jung Hee , Kang Hyun Jeong , Sin Dong Hun , Choi Kyung Un , Park Do Youn , Huh Gi Yeong , Sol Mee Young , Lee Chang Hun 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT Background and aims: Precise pathological diagnosis is essential for optimal treatment of thyroid tumors. Ancillary diagnostic markers may be helpful in some cases. The purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the diagnostic value of CD56, cytokeratin 19 (CK19), and galectin‐3 immunohistochemical stainings in distinguishing between papillary carcinoma (PC) and other thyroid malignancies and benign lesions. Methods: The expressions of the three markers were evaluated in PC (n= 67), follicular carcinoma (FC, n= 23), medullary carcinoma (MC, n= 18), anaplastic carcinoma (AC, n= 4), follicular adenoma (FA, n= 15), and nodular hyperplasia (NH, n= 21). Results: Statistical analysis showed significantly different expressions of CD56, galectin‐3, and CK19 in PC versus other lesions of the thyroid gland, with the exception of AC. Especially, the sensitivity and specificity of CD56 for diagnosing PC were 92.5% and 86.4%, respectively. The diagnostic specificity of CD56 was higher than that of galectin‐3 or CK19 in differentiating PC from other lesions of the thyroid gland. However, its sensitivity was lower than that of galectin‐3 or CK19. Conclusion: CD56 turns out to be a good negative marker for diagnosing PC. We suggest that immunohistochemical panels directed at the diagnosis of PC should include CD56 together with galectin‐3 and CK19.
Analysis of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in thecrt-oandmdr1Genes ofPlasmodium vivaxamong Chloroquine-Resistant Isolates from the Brazilian Amazon Region
Authors: Orjuela-Sánchez Pamela , de Santana Filho Franklin Simões , Machado-Lima Ariane , Chehuan Yonne Francis , Costa Mônica Regina Farias , Alecrim Maria das Graças Costa , del Portillo Hernando A. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTPlasmodium vivaxparasites with chloroquine resistance (CQR) are already circulating in the Brazilian Amazon. Complete single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses of coding and noncoding sequences of thepvmdr1andpvcrt-ogenes revealed no associations with CQR, even if some mutations had not been randomly selected. In addition, striking differences in the topologies and numbers of SNPs in these transporter genes betweenP. vivaxandP. falciparumreinforce the idea that mechanisms other than mutations may explain this virulent phenotype inP. vivax.
Pharmacokinetics of EDP-420 after Multiple Oral Doses in Healthy Adult Volunteers and in a Bioequivalence Study
Authors: Jiang Li-Juan , Or Yat Sun 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT
EDP-420 (also known as EP-013420, or S-013420) is a first-in-class bridged bicyclolide currently in clinical development for the treatment of respiratory tract infections (RTI) and has previously shown favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) and safety profiles after the administration of single oral doses of a suspension to healthy volunteers. Here we report its PK profile after the administration of multiple oral doses of a suspension to healthy adults. Bioequivalence between suspension and capsule formulations, as well as the effect of food, is also reported. The most important PK features of EDP-420 observed in these clinical studies are its long half-life of 17 to 18 h and its high systemic exposure, which support once-daily dosing and treatment durations potentially shorter than those of most other macrolide antibiotics. EDP-420 is readily absorbed following oral administration in both suspension and capsule formulations. In the multiple-oral-dose study, steady state was achieved on day 1 by using a loading dose of 400 mg/day, followed by 2 days of 200 mg/day. A high-fat meal had no effect on the bioavailability of EDP-420 administered in a capsule formulation. EDP-420 was well tolerated, with no serious or severe adverse events reported, and no subject was discontinued from the study due to an adverse event. Based on its human PK and safety profiles, together with its in vitro/in vivo activities against common respiratory pathogens, EDP-420 warrants further development, including trials for clinical efficacy in the treatment of RTI.
Cyclosporine Inhibits Flavivirus Replication through Blocking the Interaction between Host Cyclophilins and Viral NS5 Protein
Authors: Qing Min , Yang Feng , Zhang Bo , Zou Gang , Robida John M. , Yuan Zhiming , Tang Hengli , Shi Pei-Yong 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACT

Although flaviviruses cause significant human diseases, no effective therapy is currently available. Host factors essential for viral replication are potential targets for antiviral development. Here we report that cyclophilins (CyPs), a family of cellular peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (PPIases), play a role in flavivirus replication. Huh-7.5 cells with knockdown of different isoforms of CyP were less efficient than parental cells in supporting flavivirus replication, including West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus, and yellow fever virus. The low viral replication in CyP A (CyPA) knockdown cells could be rescued by
trans
supplying of a wild-type CyPA but not by
trans
supplying of a mutant CyPA (defective in the PPIase activity), indicating that the isomerase activity of CyPA is critical for viral replication. Immunoprecipitation and biochemical pulldown analyses showed that CyPA interacts with WNV genomic RNA and viral NS5 protein in the replication complex. Furthermore, antiviral experiments demonstrated that cyclosporine (Cs; an 11-amino-acid cyclic peptide known to block the PPIase activity of CyPA) inhibits flavivirus replication in cell culture at nontoxic concentrations. Time-of-addition and transient replicon results indicated that Cs inhibits flavivirus at the step of viral RNA synthesis. Biochemical analysis showed that Cs directly blocks the interaction between CyPA and WNV NS5 protein. Our results suggest that host CyPA is a component of flavivirus replication complex and could be targeted for potential antiviral development.