bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A promoter‐swap strategy between the AtALMT and AtMATE genes increased Arabidopsis aluminum resistance and improved carbon‐use efficiency for aluminum resistance
Authors: Liu Jiping , Luo Xiaoying , Shaff Jon , Liang Cuiyue , Jia Xiaomin , Li Ziyan , Magalhaes Jurandir , Kochian Leon V. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe primary mechanism of Arabidopsis aluminum (Al) resistance is based on root Al exclusion, resulting from Al‐activated root exudation of the Al3+‐chelating organic acids, malate and citrate. Root malate exudation is the major contributor to Arabidopsis Al resistance, and is conferred by expression of AtALMT1, which encodes the root malate transporter. Root citrate exudation plays a smaller but still significant role in Arabidopsis Al resistance, and is conferred by expression of AtMATE, which encodes the root citrate transporter. In this study, we demonstrate that levels of Al‐activated root organic acid exudation are closely correlated with expression of the organic acid transporter genes AtALMT1 and AtMATE. We also found that the AtALMT1 promoter confers a significantly higher level of gene expression than the AtMATE promoter. Analysis of AtALMT1 and AtMATE tissue‐ and cell‐specific expression based on stable expression of promoter–reporter gene constructs showed that the two genes are expressed in complementary root regions: AtALMT1 is expressed in the root apices, while AtMATE is expressed in the mature portions of the roots. As citrate is a much more effective chelator of Al3+ than malate, we used a promoter‐swap strategy to test whether root tip‐localized expression of the AtMATE coding region driven by the stronger AtALMT1 promoter (AtALMT1P::AtMATE) resulted in increased Arabidopsis Al resistance. Our results indicate that expression of AtALMT1P::AtMATE not only significantly increased Al resistance of the transgenic plants, but also enhanced carbon‐use efficiency for Al resistance.
Portal Hypertension in Children: Expert Pediatric Opinion on the Report of the Baveno V Consensus Workshop on Methodology of Diagnosis and Therapy in Portal Hypertension
Authors: Shneider Benjamin L. , Bosch Jaime , de Franchis Roberto , Emre Sukru H. , Groszmann Roberto J. , Ling Simon C. , Lorenz Jonathan M. , Squires Robert H. , Superina Riccardo A. , Thompson Ann E. , Mazariegos George V. 
Published: March 2012

Shneider BL, Bosch J, de Franchis R, Emre SH, Groszmann RJ, Ling SC, Lorenz JM, Squires RH, Superina RA, Thompson AE, Mazariegos GV. Portal Hypertension in Children: Expert Pediatric Opinion on the Report of the Baveno V Consensus Workshop on Methodology of Diagnosis and Therapy in Portal Hypertension.Abstract:  Complications of portal hypertension in children lead to significant morbidity and are a leading indication for consideration of liver transplantation. Approaches to the management of sequelae of portal hypertension are well described for adults and evidence‐based approaches have been summarized in numerous meta‐analyses and conferences. In contrast, there is a paucity of data to guide the management of complications of portal hypertension in children. An international panel of experts was convened on April 8, 2011 at The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC to review and adapt the recent report of the Baveno V Consensus Workshop on the Methodology of Diagnosis and Therapy in Portal Hypertension to the care of children. The opinions of that expert panel are reported.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in children with chronic kidney disease and renal transplantation
Authors: Schaefer Betti , Rusai Krisztina , Toth Attila , Pasti Krisztina , Ujszaszi Akos , Kreko Marianna , Horvath Erzsebet , Sallay Peter , Reusz Gyorgy S. , Merkely Bela , Tulassay Tivadar , Szabo Attila J. 
Published: March 2012

Schaefer B, Rusai K, Toth A, Pasti K, Ujszaszi A, Kreko M, Horvath E, Sallay P, Reusz GS, Merkely B, Tulassay T, Szabo AJ. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in children with chronic kidney disease and renal transplantation.Abstract:  CV disease is the major cause of death in patients with CKD. Recently, CMR imaging emerges as a complementary method providing advantages in cardiac assessment; however, data on CMR in pediatric CKD are scarce. We performed CMR in 15 children: two with CKD, six on peritoneal dialysis, seven on hemodialysis, and in 18 children 5.1 (0.4–15.4) yr after kidney Tx. Eight children underwent CMR six months before and after Tx. Results are presented as mean z score ± SD. LV EF was higher and in the normal range in Tx patients compared with CKD (−0.3 ± 1 vs. −2.1 ± 1.6, respectively, p < 0.05), whereas RV EF was similar (−0.9 ± 1.4 vs. −0.9 ± 1.8, p = n.s.). End‐diastolic and end‐systolic LV volume index (0 ± 1.7 vs. 2.1 ± 3.1; 0.2 ± 1.2 vs. 3.1 ± 3.7, both p < 0.05) and LV mass index (1.4 ± 1.5 vs. 3.4 ± 2.9, p < 0.05) were lower in Tx children. All parameters improved in the eight children after Tx. In conclusion, our CMR analysis suggests marked improvement of cardiac function and morphology in children after kidney Tx. CMR might be an appropriate complementary method for measuring detailed cardiac status in children with CKD.
Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte associated antigen‐4 gene polymorphisms and primary biliary cirrhosis: A systematic review
Authors: Li Man , Zheng Hao , Li Tao , Gao Ping , Zhang Xiao‐Lin , Liu Dian‐Wu 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) is an inhibitory receptor expressed on activated and regulatory T lymphocytes. Polymorphisms could have remarkable effects on susceptibility to autoimmunity. However, the associations between CTLA‐4 polymorphisms and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) remain ambiguous. The aim of this meta‐analysis is to determine more precise estimations of the relationship.Methods:  From literature retrieval from PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) Database, the publications on the associations between rs231775, rs3087243, rs5742909, rs231725 and rs11571317 polymorphisms of CTLA4 and PBC through June 2011 were collected. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated in fixed or random model, I2 was calculated to examine heterogeneity, and funnel plots were plotted to examine small study effects with Revman 5.1 and Stata 11.Results:  Overall, a significantly increased risk was found for G versus A allele for rs231775 (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.17–1.41). For rs3087243, a significant association was found for AA versus GG genotype (OR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.55–0.80). When subgroup analysis by ethnicity was performed, the same association was only found in Caucasians. For rs231725, the OR values (95% CI) for GG versus AA, GA versus AA and G versus A allele were 0.52 (0.40–0.68), 0.74 (0.60–0.92) and 0.73 (0.61–0.88). No significant associations were found for other polymorphisms.Conclusion:  The G allele of rs231775 is a risk factor for PBC, while AA genotype of rs3087243 and GG, GA and G allele of rs231725 show negative associations with PBC.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura in childhood: Twenty years of experience in a single center
Authors: Stiakaki Eftichia , Perdikogianni Chryssoula , Thomou Christina , Markaki Erasmia‐Athina , Katzilakis Nikolaos , Tsirigotaki Maria , Kalmanti Maria 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder with a variable clinical course.Methods:  A retrospective analysis was carried out of ITP patients presenting to a pediatric hematology‐oncology department during a period of 20 years, with a focus on treatment and outcome.Results:  One hundred and twenty‐four cases were recorded (mean patient age, 8.4 years). Forty‐nine children (39.5%) had platelet counts <10 000/µL at diagnosis. No episode of severe bleeding was observed. Peak incidence was observed during spring and summer. Respiratory infections proceeded in 58% of cases. Treatment consisted of i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIG) in 93 children at four dosing schedules. Sixteen children received corticosteroids, 10 children received anti‐D immunoglobulin and 14 received no treatment. Recovery was observed in 67% of children on IVIG and in 50% on anti‐D globulin. Eight patients did not respond initially and received corticosteroids. Three children with refractory thrombocytopenia received anti‐CD20 (rituximab). Fourteen children (11%) had persistent/chronic disease. In 10 of them recovery was observed in 13 months–8 years. Splenectomy was performed in six children with resistant/chronic disease.Conclusion:  ITP has a benign course in the majority of cases. Anti‐D globulin can effectively be used as an alternative first‐line treatment. Rituximab can successfully be used in refractory cases, while splenectomy has currently limited indications.
Lack of an association between E‐selectin gene polymorphisms and risk of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Shirakawa Toshihiko , Ikeda Kazuyuki , Nishimura Shinji , Kuniba Hideo , Nakashima Kazuhisa , Motomura Hideki , Mizuno Yumi , Zaitsu Masafumi , Nakazato Mio , Maeda Takahiro , Hamasaki Yuhei , Hara Toshiro , Moriuchi Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  Coronary artery lesions (CAL) are a serious complication of Kawasaki disease (KD). The increased serum E‐selectin level during the acute phase of KD and the association of E‐selectin gene (SELE) polymorphisms with the prevalence of coronary artery disease in adults suggest a possible association between SELE polymorphisms and the development of CAL in KD patients.Methods:  The subjects consisted of 177 KD patients, including 59 with and 118 without CAL, and 305 healthy controls. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of SELE, 98G>T (rs1805193) and Ser128Arg (rs5361), were genotyped by direct sequencing and the high‐resolution melting curve method, respectively. The allele distributions were assessed using the chi‐squared test.Results:  There were no significant differences in the T allele frequency at 98G>T between KD patients and controls (1.4% vs 1.0%, P= 0.55) or between KD patients with and without CAL (1.7% vs 1.3%, P= 0.77). Similarly, there were no differences in the distribution of the C allele (128Arg) at Ser128Arg between KD patients and controls (4.5% vs 3.4%, P= 0.40) or between KD patients with and without CAL (4.2% vs 4.7%, P= 0.86).Conclusion:  Although no association was detected between these SELE polymorphisms and the prevalence of KD or the development of CAL, this may have been due to the study limitations, including a low frequency of the minor alleles and a small sample size. A larger‐scale association study is needed in order for a definitive conclusion to be made as to whether these SNP are associated with susceptibility to KD or not.
Value of amino‐terminal pro B‐natriuretic peptide in diagnosing Kawasaki disease
Authors: McNeal‐Davidson Ariane , Fournier Anne , Spigelblatt Linda , Saint‐Cyr Claire , Mir Thomas S , Nir Amiram , Dallaire Frédéric , Cousineau Jocelyne , Delvin Edgard , Dahdah Nagib 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the N‐terminal B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) in acute Kawasaki disease (KD) given that the clinical criteria and the current basic laboratory tests lack the necessary specificity for accurate diagnosis.Methods:  Basic biological tests and serum NT‐proBNP levels obtained from acute KD patients were compared to that of febrile controls. NT‐proBNP was considered abnormal based on the following definitions: above a cut‐off determined on receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, above the upper limit for age, or above 2 SD calculated from healthy children. Analyses were also performed for KD cases with complete or incomplete criteria combined and separately.Results:  There were 81 patients and 49 controls aged 3.60 ± 2.77 versus 4.25 ± 3.88 years (P= 0.69). ROC analysis yielded significant area under the curve for NT‐proBNP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 70.4–88.9%, 69.4–91.8%, 82.8–93.4%, and 65.2–79.1%. The odds ratios based on NT‐proBNP definitions varied between 18.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.21–45.57), 20.82 (95%CI: 8.18–53.0), and 26.71 (95%CI: 8.64–82.57; P < 0.001). Results were reproducible for cases with complete or incomplete criteria separately.Conclusion:  NT‐proBNP is a reliable marker for the diagnosis of KD. Prospective clinical studies with emphasis on NT‐proBNP in a diagnostic algorithm are needed.
Tracheobronchial aspiration of foreign bodies and rigid bronchoscopy in children
Authors: Oncel Murat , Sunam Güven Sadi , Ceran Samı 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground: A significant proportion of cases of tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration due to life‐threatening condition is observed during childhood. The aim of the present study was to describe our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of foreign body aspirations during childhood and review published literature.Methods: One hundred and eighty‐four patients under 16 years of age with a tentative diagnosis of foreign body aspiration were retrospectively evaluated according to age, sex, patient delay symptoms at presentation, foreign body type, localization and the diagnostic and therapeutic methods used.Results: The most frequently aspirated objects were shelled nuts and seeds such as sunflower seeds, pistachio and hazelnuts. The chief symptom was cough. On physical examination, the most frequent findings were unilateral decrease of respiratory sound on the affected side with coarsening and bronchi. While 51% of cases presented a radiological finding, chest X‐ray was normal in the other. All patients underwent rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia and a foreign body was identified in 137 (74.3%). The rigid bronchoscopy intervention was used in some cases, especially in the presence of tracheal foreign bodies of organic origin.Conclusions: Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment is of utmost importance. Rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia should be performed in all patients suspected of foreign body aspiration, which could minimize mortality and morbidity if performed by experienced personnel with safe methods.
Factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) for upper gastrointestinal submucosal or extraluminal solid mass lesions
Authors: Rong Long , Kida Mitsuhiro , Yamauchi Hiroshi , Okuwaki Kousuke , Miyazawa Shiro , Iwai Tomohisa , Kikuchi Hidehiko , Watanabe Maya , Imaizumi Hiroshi , Koizumi Wasaburo 
Published: March 2012

Aim:  A number of potential variables are associated with the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA). The aim of this study was to evaluate factors affecting the diagnostic accuracy of EUS‐FNA for upper gastrointestinal submucosal or extraluminal solid lesions.Methods:  Patients with such lesions who underwent EUS‐FNA between January 2009 and December 2010 were studied retrospectively. Needles of 22, 25 and 19 gauge were used. The associations between the EUS‐FNA results and factors such as mass location, mass size, needle size, number of needle passes, combined histologic‐cytologic analysis and final diagnosis were analyzed.Results:  A total of 170 EUS‐FNA procedures were performed in 158 patients with upper gastrointestinal submucosal or extraluminal solid lesions. The overall accuracy of EUS‐FNA was 86.5% (147/170). The diagnostic accuracy with three or more needle passes was higher than with less than 3.0 needle passes (90.0%, 108/120 vs 78.0%, 39/50; P < 0.05). Mass location, mass size, and final diagnosis were not associated with EUS‐FNA accuracy. Combined cytologic‐histologic analysis had significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than either cytologic or histologic analysis alone (P < 0.001). In a subgroup of 90 patients, both 22 and 25 gauge needles were used for EUS‐FNA. The overall diagnostic accuracy was similar for 25 gauge needles and 22 gauge needles (80.0% vs 78.9% P = 1.000) in this subgroup.Conclusion:  Overall, 25 and 22 gauge needles have a similar diagnostic accuracy. Our results suggest that 3.0 or more needle passes and combined cytologic‐histologic analysis enhance the diagnostic accuracy of EUS‐FNA.
Study on sexual and reproductive health behaviors of unmarried female migrants in China
Authors: He Dian , Zhou You , Ji Ning , Wu Shizhong , Wang Zhijin , Decat Peter , Moyer Eileen , Minkauskiene Meile , Pang Cheng , Cheng Yimin 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  The purpose of this study was to broadly assess the level of knowledge, attitude and behaviors related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among unmarried female migrants in China.Material and Methods:  This cross‐sectional study was conducted and a self‐administered questionnaire was designed for collecting information on SRH including 15 items for knowledge, 8 items for attitude and some items for contraception and abortion related behaviors.Results:  A total of 1690 unmarried female migrants were interviewed. Most of the respondents had less knowledge of SRH. Only one‐third of respondents was aware of emergency contraceptives and could freely talk about SRH with their friends. Over one‐third of respondents were not willing to come into contact with someone with AIDS or STDs. In this study, 10.4% participants had an unwanted pregnancy and 95% of them had an abortion. Multivariate analysis showed that having a boyfriend, duration of employment in city, knowledge on SRH and freely discussing SRH with peer were associated with having premarital sex among these unmarried female migrants.Conclusion:  This study revealed that the unmarried female migrant was one of the most vulnerable groups concerning SRH. In some policy reforms, appropriate and cost‐effective SRH services should be provided for these migrants.
Hysteroscopy after uterine fibroid embolization: Evaluation of intrauterine findings in 127 patients
Authors: Mara Michal , Horak Petr , Kubinova Kristyna , Dundr Pavel , Belsan Tomas , Kuzel David 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  Several atypical hysteroscopy findings have been described in association with uterine artery embolization (UAE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the types and frequency of these findings in the largest published series of patients.Material and Methods:  Premenopausal patients after bilateral UAE for symptomatic intramural fibroid underwent subsequent hysteroscopic examination 3–9 months following UAE. The uterine cavity was examined with focus on specific post‐embolization changes. Biopsy of endometrium was obtained and evaluated together with a biopsy of abnormal foci if present.Results:  UAE was performed in a total of 127 women with an average size of dominant fibroid 63.1 mm in diameter and an average patient age of 35.1 years. Even though the majority of patients were asymptomatic at the time of hysteroscopy (78.0%), the post‐embolization hysteroscopic examination was normal in only 51 patients (40.2%). The most frequent abnormalities included tissue necrosis (52 women, 40.9%), intracavitary myoma protrusion (45 women, 35.4%), endometrium ‘spots’ (22.1%), intrauterine synechiae (10.2%) and ‘fistula’ between the uterine cavity and intramural fibroid (6.3%). Histopathological examination showed normal, secretory or proliferative endometrium in 83.5% patients. Necrosis and/or hyalinization prevailed in the results of biopsy of abnormal loci (45 cases, 35.4%).Conclusion:  Frequency of abnormal hysteroscopic findings several months after UAE for primary intramural myomas is high. Alarmingly high is the percentage of patients with a histopathologically verified necrosis. Performing hysteroscopy in selected patients after UAE is necessary before eventual surgical re‐intervention, especially in women with reproductive plans.
Uterine cervical malignant granular cell tumor
Authors: Guo Na , Peng Zhilan , Yang Kaixuan , Lou Jiangyan 
Published: March 2012

AbstractMalignant granular cell tumor is relatively uncommon, constituting only 1–2% of all granular cell tumors. It is a rare and unusual tumor, especially in non‐typical sites, such as the uterine cervix, and grows more rapidly than benign granular cell tumor. It can be treated with surgical excision, but recurrence is possible and prognosis can be poor. A malignant granular cell tumor in the uterine cervix of a 37‐year‐old woman was incidentally diagnosed. The patient has a history of irregular vaginal bleeding. Uterine cervical biopsy under colposcope revealed a malignant granular cell tumor. After isophosphamide, etoposide, and cisplatin neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery was performed on the lesion, which approximately involved half the depth of cervical stroma. Computed tomography examination showed no local recurrence or distant metastasis during the 26‐month follow‐up period.
Role of blunt suture needle in episiotomy repair at uncomplicated vaginal deliveries in reducing glove perforation rate: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: El‐Refaie Tamer A. , Sayed Khalid K. , El‐Shourbagy Mahmoud A. A. , Arafat Ebtesam A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of blunt suture needles for episiotomy repair at uncomplicated vaginal deliveries in reducing glove perforation rate.Methods:  This was a prospective randomized controlled trial wherein 300 nulliparous women with uncomplicated vaginal deliveries were randomized to episiotomy repair with either blunt or sharp suture needles. Patient demographics and clinical variables were collected. Postoperatively, the surgeons were surveyed regarding ease of using the needle, and glove perforation was determined by three tests: air insufflation, water filling and water load.Results:  A total of 41 perforations occurred in the 39 episiotomy repairs with glove perforations (13%). There was a significantly higher number of glove perforations using the sharp suture needles (28/150; 18.7%) than with the blunt suture needles (11/150; 7.3%) (P = 0.005). Glove perforation of the non‐dominant hand occurred in 90% of the cases. Using a blunt suture needle took significantly more time (P < 0.001) to complete the repair than using a sharp needle. Surgeons reported that blunt needles were more difficult to use than sharp needles (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  Blunt suture needles for episiotomy repair were shown to have a significantly lower instance of glove perforation but required more time and are perceived to be more difficult to complete the repair as compared to sharp needles.