bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lotus japonicus symRK‐14 uncouples the cortical and epidermal symbiotic program
Authors: Kosuta Sonja , Held Mark , Hossain Md Shakhawat , Morieri Giulia , MacGillivary Amanda , Johansen Christopher , Antolín‐Llovera Meritxell , Parniske Martin , Oldroyd Giles E. D. , Downie Allan J. , Karas Bogumil , Szczyglowski Krzysztof 
Published: May 2011

SummarySYMRK is a leucine‐rich‐repeat (LRR)‐receptor kinase that mediates intracellular symbioses of legumes with rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. It participates in signalling events that lead to epidermal calcium spiking, an early cellular response that is typically considered as central for intracellular accommodation and nodule organogenesis. Here, we describe the Lotus japonicus symRK‐14 mutation that alters a conserved GDPC amino‐acid sequence in the SYMRK extracellular domain. Normal infection of the epidermis by fungal or bacterial symbionts was aborted in symRK‐14. Likewise, epidermal responses of symRK‐14 to bacterial signalling, including calcium spiking, NIN gene expression and infection thread formation, were significantly reduced. In contrast, no major negative effects on the formation of nodule primordia and cortical infection were detected. Cumulatively, our data show that the symRK‐14 mutation uncouples the epidermal and cortical symbiotic program, while indicating that the SYMRK extracellular domain participates in transduction of non‐equivalent signalling events. The GDPC sequence was found to be highly conserved in LRR‐receptor kinases in legumes and non‐legumes, including the evolutionarily distant bryophytes. Conservation of the GDPC sequence in nearly one‐fourth of LRR‐receptor‐like kinases in the genome of Arabidopsis thaliana suggests, however, that this sequence might also play an important non‐symbiotic function in this plant.
Prevalence and specificity of red‐blood‐cell antibodies in a multiethnic South and East Asian patient population and influence of using novel MUT+Mur+ kodecytes on its detection
Authors: Nadarajan V. S. , Laing A. A. , Saad S. M. , Usin M. 
Published: May 2011

Background and Objectives  Appropriate screening for irregular red‐cell antibodies is essential for ensuring transfusion compatibility and for antenatal management of mothers at risk of haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn. Screening for all relevant antibodies is, however, limited by screening cells that do not express antigens present in the patient and donor population. Technology to artificially incorporate antigens into red cells is currently available and may be an option for customizing screening cells.Materials and Methods  We sought to identify retrospectively the changing patterns of alloantibody prevalence in our multiethnic population on change of screening cells. Antibody screening records of 143 501 patients tested from 2004 to 2010 were retrieved and divided into two groups: period‐1 (2004–2008) and period‐2 (2009–2010). During period‐1, standard screening cells were used while in period‐2, MUT+Mur+ KODE™ transformed red cells (kodecytes) were used.Results  Four per cent of samples tested during period‐2 were positive on antibody screening compared to 3·2% in period‐1. Specific antibodies, excluding anti‐D, were identified in 1·66% and 1·52% of patients in period‐2 and ‐1, respectively. When confined to antibodies of clinical significance only, period‐2 showed higher alloantibody prevalence of 1·16% as compared to 0·66% in period‐1. Antibodies to glycophorin variants of MNS (vMNS) were more commonly detected while antibodies to Lewis antigens declined during period‐2.Conclusion  Antibodies to vMNS antigens are common in South and East Asian populations and are often missed when using standard screening cells. Use of specifically engineered screening cells to express red‐cell antigens artificially is beneficial in detecting the diverse alloantibodies present in our population.
Does one's sense of coherence change after an acute myocardial infarction?: A two‐year longitudinal study in Sweden
Authors: Bergman Eva , Malm Dan , Berterö Carina , Karlsson Jan‐Erik 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess changes in the sense of coherence of patients who had suffered their first myocardial infarction. Out of 100 patients at the start of the study, these changes were evaluated in 66 men and 18 women aged 36–70 years. Generally, the sense of coherence was found to be stable among the whole group, but there were significant individual variations in its development in some of the participants over the following years. Even the individuals with an initally high sense of coherence could experience a decrease in its level. The changes that were found in the men can be explained by their marital status, level of treatment satisfaction, disease perception/quality of life, physical limitation, and alcohol intake and/or tobacco use at the baseline. An unexpected finding was that the single men with an initially high sense of coherence experienced a decreased level over time. In order to maintain or increase patients' sense of coherence, it is important for nurses to help them identify their risk factors and to provide conditions for individualized cardiac rehabilitation in order to avoid another myocardial infarction.
Incidental prostate cancer revisited: Early outcomes after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Nunez Rafael , Hurd Kimberly J , Noble Brie N , Castle Erik P , Andrews Paul E , Humphreys Mitchell R 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIncidental prostate cancer (PCa) after treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is becoming less common. This is a result of the changing patterns of BPH treatment. The purpose of the present research was to re‐examine the clinical outcomes and importance of cT1a and cT1b PCa in a contemporary cohort after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). All patients with newly diagnosed PCa after HoLEP were retrospectively identified. Pre‐ and postoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), biopsy history, pathological features and disease progression were examined. Patients were matched to a control group with benign pathology for outcome comparisons. The database consisted of 240 consecutive patients, aged 52–90 years with prostate sizes from 25 to 375 cm3. A total of 28 patients were identified with incidental PCa (14 cT1a and 14 cT1b). Median follow up was 11 months and 13 months for cT1a and cT1b, respectively. Hospitalization time, catheterization time, complications and functional outcomes were similar. Three patients with cT1b required additional treatment as a result of PSA progression. All other cancers are being closely followed. The functional benefits of HoLEP are well established. The incidental PCa detection rate of 11.7% shows the potential benefit of pathological analysis. Just 10.7% of these patients received additional treatment, but this might be significant as these patients would otherwise go untreated. The impact on disease‐specific survival and progression requires a longer follow up.
Malignant potential in incidental pancreatic cysts
Authors: Cadili Ali , Bigam David 
Published: May 2011

AbstractAlthough pancreatic cysts are being diagnosed with greater frequency, a uniform agreement on management is still lacking. This is mainly because accurate and reliable preoperative determination of the exact pathology of a pancreatic cyst remains elusive. Although ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration represents a significant advancement in our ability to characterize pancreatic cysts preoperatively, significant limitations persist. In this article, we review the roles of clinical characteristics, imaging features and biochemical markers in the correct classification of incidental pancreatic cysts. The correct diagnosis and management of these cysts still hinges, to a large extent, on clinical experience and multidisciplinary cooperation.
Human papillomavirus and gene mutations in head and neck squamous carcinomas
Authors: Friedland Peter , Thomas Anitha , Naran Anupam , Amanuel Benhur , Grieu‐Iacopetta Fabienne , Carrello Amerigo , Harnett Gerald , Meyer Christine , Phillips Michael 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground:  Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is implicated as an aetiological factor in head and neck squamous carcinomas (HNSCC), especially in the tonsils of the oropharyngeal region. This study investigates the frequency of HPV infection, p16 and p53 tumour profile and mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Kirsten RNA Associated Rat Sarcoma 2 Virus (KRAS) and B‐Raf proto‐oncogene serine/threonine protein kinase (BRAF) genes in tonsillar and non‐tonsillar HNSCCs and correlates with clinical outcome and histopathological parameters in previously unstudied cohort of patients.Methods:  A retrospective clinical study was performed utilising the demographic data and pathological specimens from 60 out of 726 head and neck cancer patients. Smoking and alcohol history, tumour staging, treatment and outcomes were recorded. Histopathology and immunochemistry for p16 and p53 was performed and HPV DNA was detected with polymerase chain reaction. Genomic DNA from all cancers were analysed for somatic mutations of EGFR, BRAF and KRAS genes.Results:  20 (33%) of 60 cases were tonsillar squamous carcinomas and 38 (66%) were non‐tonsillar. 19 (95%) of the 20 tonsillar cancers and three (8%) of 38 non‐tonsillar patients were patients who were HPV 16‐positive. Nine (47%) of the 19 HPV 16‐positive tonsillar cases were p16 positive. Gene mutations were rare. There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) improved survival of patients with HPV positive tonsillar tumours, younger age and non‐smokers.Conclusion:  Although limited in numbers, this study reinforces the role of HPV infection in HNSCC and its association with a more favourable clinical course in younger non‐smokers worldwide. Gene mutation frequencies were low in all cancers tested and routine testing not recommended.
Age at surgery, educational level and long‐term urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Nilsson Andreas E. , Schumacher Martin C. , Johansson Eva , Carlsson Stefan , Stranne Johan , Nyberg Tommy , Wiklund N. Peter , Steineck Gunnar 
Published: May 2011

Study Type – Harm (case series)Level of Evidence 4What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Several factors, including age, body mass index (BMI), prostate size and previous transurethral resection of the prostate, have been suggested to play a part in determining the risk of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy.Results relating to the importance of each factor have been conflicting, so we need more data to be able to identify the relevant factors. In this consecutive series, with information from 1179 patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy, age at the time of surgery, educational level, respiratory disease and salvage radiation therapy predicted the occurrence of long‐term urinary incontinence. Increasing age predicted the risk in an exponential manner, and the data indicate a correlation across all educational levels. There was no certain association between previous transurethral resection of the prostate, increased BMI or prostate size and urinary incontinence.OBJECTIVE• To identify predictors for long‐term urinary leakage after radical prostatectomy.PATIENTS AND METHODS• A consecutive series of 1411 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (open surgery or robot‐assisted laparoscopic surgery) at Karolinska University Hospital between 2002 and 2006 were invited to complete a study‐specific questionnaire.• Urinary leakage was defined as use of two or more pads per day.RESULTS• Questionnaires were received from 1288 (91%) patients with a median follow‐up of 2.2 years. Age at surgery predicts in an exponential manner long‐term urinary incontinence at follow‐up with an estimated relative increase of 6% per year.• Among the oldest patients, 19% had urinary incontinence compared with 6% in the youngest age group, translating to a prevalence ratio of 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–8.1).• Low educational level, as compared with high, yielded an increased age‐adjusted prevalence ratio of 2.5 (95% CI, 1.7–3.9).• Patients who had undergone salvage radiation therapy had an increased prevalence of urinary incontinence (2.5; 95% CI, 1.6–3.8), as did those with respiratory disease (2.4; 95% CI, 1.3–4.4).• Body mass index, prostate weight, presence of diabetes or previous transurethral resection did not appear to influence the prevalence of urinary incontinence.CONCLUSIONS• In this series, a patient’s age at radical prostatectomy influenced, in an exponential manner, his risk of long‐term urinary incontinence.• Other predictors are low educational level, salvage radiation therapy and respiratory disease.• Intervention studies are needed to understand if these data are relevant to the prevalence of urinary leakage if a radical prostatectomy is postponed in an active monitoring programme.
GLOBAL ETHICS AND HUMAN RIGHTS: A REFLECTION
Authors: Twiss Sumner B. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the contributions that the international human rights community can make to the definition and framing of a practically effective global ethic, especially in light of ongoing concerns about social and economic justice, environmental issues, and systematic abuses of vulnerable populations. The principal argument is that the human rights movement in all of its dimensions (moral, legal, political) provides the pivotal foundation for a practicable global ethic now and for the foreseeable future. Evidence for the truth of this claim is discerned in the movement's contemporary efforts to intersect explicitly with other areas of international law and politics. Examples adduced include developments with respect to the rights of indigenous peoples, decision making about the environment, and transitional justice.
GREED AS VIOLENCE: Methodological Challenges in Interreligious Dialogue on the Ethics of the Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Premawardhana Shanta 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThe current financial crisis is one rooted not in recent deregulation but in the breaking of ancient (religious) laws, and this crisis is one of many ethical problems today that have religious roots. The tone of this essay is informed by a document from the World Council of Churches, which affirms “greed as violence” and that Christians do not have all the answers to the problem of greed; therefore, Christians need to seek solutions with other religious communities. Furthermore, religious leaders, theologians, and ethicists, by their very station in life, are not able to effectively listen to the voices of the poor and marginalized people of the world. Self‐critically examining the mainstream traditions within Christianity for its allegiance to empires, the article calls for engaging the alternative, rather than the mainstream traditions within religions whose interpretations of Scripture have provided insights that are at variance with the mainstream. It calls those who engage in this work to be double‐headed: to examine others' beliefs from the perspective of the other—while continuing to be rooted in one's own center—and to recognize that the voices of those in poor or marginalized communities are inaccessible, unless those who are poor themselves become the mediators of dialogue.
UNDERSTANDING THROUGH APPROPRIATION IN INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE ON ETHICS
Authors: Cisneros Ariane Hentsch 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTIn today's globalized world, we need to communicate values clearly and constructively across cultures and religions to avoid misunderstanding and conflict and to find shared solutions to the issues affecting human communities across the world. This communication is not easy to implement and requires a considerable amount of commitment and empathy. To be effective, intercultural and interreligious dialogues on ethics demand, first of all, an accommodation of different epistemologies coupled with a sincere respect for their richness and internal coherence. Furthermore, our values are so closely rooted in our identity that expressing them becomes a cultural act—even an act of faith in the case of interreligious dialogue. In this paper, I argue that we need to reiterate or embrace this act of faith in the other's values if we are to properly understand them. How is this possible? The answer calls for a theoretical discussion of the hermeneutics of interreligious dialogue. When applied to intercultural and interreligious dialogues, I contend that the theory of hermeneutics needs a specific epistemological dimension—namely that of “appropriation”—that entails that we borrow the other's epistemological outlook, adopt the other's ad hoc modes of communication or transmission of values, and integrate the other's values into the constellation of our sources of meaning.
IS SEX WORTH DYING FOR? Sentimental‐Homicidal‐Suicidal Violence in Theological Discourse of Sexuality
Authors: Rees Geoffrey 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTIn theological discourse of sexuality, queer theory has often been regarded as an extension of the project of gay and lesbian liberation, when it actually challenges an organizing value of the entire discourse, because it challenges any ascription of ultimate value to “sex,” an imaginative formation of power relations. Rather than appeal to God to authorize the privileged status of sex, queer commentary suggests that theological writers should refuse assertions of the absolute importance of any particular formation of human imagination as a basis of relation between self and God. The goal is to recognize the violence—symbolized and real—that enforces the worth of certain imaginations of intelligibly sexed personal identity and stunts the formation of alternative imaginations of intelligible personal identity. Critical account of this violence as sentimental‐homicidal‐suicidal opens space to confess a theological discourse of personal identities that is entirely beyond sex.
TRANSCENDING JUSTICE: Pope John Paul II and Just War
Authors: Simpson Peter L. P. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTPope John Paul II's opposition to the Iraq War was not that it failed to meet the conditions of Just War Theory. Indeed, we cannot tell from what he publicly said whether he thought it met those conditions or not, for he would have opposed it in any case. His thinking was rather that even just and necessary wars always come, as it were, too late, and are never able to solve the problems that made wars just and necessary. He was not trying therefore to enter into the details of Just War Theory. He wanted to subsume the principles of war into the principles of peace and to do so, not by denying justice, but by transcending it with charity. This article shows how this thinking is to be understood and the many means the Pope devised for putting this thinking into practice.
THE ETHICS OF ECSTASY: Georges Bataille and Amy Hollywood on Mysticism, Morality, and Violence
Authors: Bush Stephen S. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTGeorges Bataille agrees with numerous Christian mystics that there is ethical and religious value in meditating upon, and having ecstatic episodes in response to, imagery of violent death. For Christians, the crucified Christ is the focus of contemplative efforts. Bataille employs photographic imagery of a more‐recent victim of torture and execution. In this essay, while engaging with Amy Hollywood's interpretation of Bataille in Sensible Ecstasy, I show that, unlike the Christian mystics who influence him, Bataille strives to divorce himself from any moral authority external to the ecstatic episode itself. I argue that in his attempt to remove external authority he abandons the only resources that could possibly protect his mystical contemplation from engendering sadistic attitudes.
PEIRCE'S PRAGMATIC THEOLOGY AND STOIC RELIGIOUS ETHICS1
Authors: Shook John R. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTCharles S. Peirce believed that his pragmatic philosophy could reconcile religion and science and that this reconciliation involves a religious ethics creating a real community with the cosmos and God. After some rival pragmatic approaches to God and religious belief inconsistent with Peirce's philosophy are set aside, his metaphysical plan for a reconciliation of religion and science is outlined. A panentheistic God makes the best match with his desired conclusions from the Neglected Argument for the reality of God, and this God is also capable of fulfilling the pragmatic role demanded by Peirce's ethical expectations for the intelligent functioning of religion. The discussion proceeds to an elaboration of the aesthetic, metaphysical, and ethical elements of Peirce's philosophical system, which indicate why Peirce's religious ethics is best categorized as akin to Stoicism, with some Christian elements. For Peirce, religious ethics proceeds from the (potentially universal) agapic community's cooperation with God's loving creativity of the universe.
Assessing Emigrant Participation in Home Country Elections: The Case of Mexico’s 2006 Presidential Election
Authors: Lafleur Jean‐Michel , Chelius Leticia Calderón 
Published: May 2011

AbstractHow did Mexican migrants react to the opportunity to formally participate for the first time in home country politics during the 2006 Presidential Election? In this paper, we attempt to explain the low level of migrant voter registration in home country elections. Grounding ourselves on the existing literature on voter turnout, we verify two hypotheses that focus (1) on the role of Mexican authorities, and (2) on the interest of migrants and migrant associations in home country politics. Building on the case of Mexico, the paper concludes with proposing a series of variables upon which we suggest research could focus in order to assess migrant voter turnout in home country elections.
The Transnational Political Participation of Latin American and Caribbean Migrants Residing in Europe
Authors: Lafleur Jean‐Michel 
Published: May 2011

AbstractMigration from Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to Europe has increased in great proportions over the last decade. Researchers (principally from southern Europe) have tried to underscore the reasons explaining this phenomenon while also studying different questions related to the presence of these populations such as that of gender, development, or integration. While many of these works have integrated the transnational dimension of contemporary migration, little has been said so far on the capacity of these migrants to develop transnational political ties and what this means for sending and receiving societies. This publication seeks to address this gap by looking at forms of transnational political involvement as they develop among different LAC communities in different parts of Europe.