bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of LMP‐based and ultrasound‐based estimates of gestational age using linked California livebirth and prenatal screening records
Authors: Dietz Patricia M. , England Lucinda J. , Callaghan William M. , Pearl Michelle , Wier Megan L. , Kharrazi Martin 
Published: September 2007

SummaryAlthough early ultrasound (<20 weeks' gestation) systematically underestimates the gestational age of smaller fetuses by approximately 1–2 days, this bias is relatively small compared with the large error introduced by last menstrual period (LMP) estimates of gestation, as evidenced by the number of implausible birthweight‐for‐gestational age. To characterise this misclassification, we compared gestational age estimates based on LMP from California birth certificates with those based on early ultrasound from a California linked Statewide Expanded Alpha‐fetoprotein Screening Program (XAFP). The final sample comprised 165 908 women. Birthweight distributions were plotted by gestational age; sensitivity and positive predictive value for preterm rates according to LMP were calculated using ultrasound as the ‘gold standard’.For gestational ages 20–27 and 28–31 weeks, the LMP‐based birthweight distributions were bimodal, whereas the ultrasound‐based distributions were unimodal, but had long right tails. At 32–36 weeks, the LMP distribution was wider, flatter, and shifted to the right, compared with the ultrasound distribution. LMP vs. ultrasound estimates were, respectively, 8.7% vs. 7.9% preterm (<37 weeks), 81.2% vs. 91.0% term (37–41 weeks), and 10.1% vs. 1.1% post‐term (≥42 weeks). The sensitivity of the LMP‐based preterm birth estimate was 64.3%, and the positive predictive value was 58.7%. Overall, 17.2% of the records had estimates with an absolute difference of >14 days. The groups most likely to have inconsistent gestational age estimates included African American and Hispanic women, younger and less‐educated women, and those who entered prenatal care after the second month of pregnancy. In conclusion, we found substantial misclassification of LMP‐based gestational age.The 2003 revised US Standard Certificate of Live Birth includes a new gestational age item, the obstetric estimate. It will be important to assess whether this estimate addresses the problems presented by LMP‐based gestational age.
StGA2ox1 is induced prior to stolon swelling and controls GA levels during potato tuber development
Authors: Kloosterman Bjorn , Navarro Christina , Bijsterbosch Gerard , Lange Theo , Prat Salomé , Visser Richard G. F. , Bachem Christian W. B. 
Published: September 2007

SummaryThe formation and growth of a potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber is a complex process regulated by different environmental signals and plant hormones. In particular, the action of gibberellins (GAs) has been implicated in different aspects of potato tuber formation. Here we report on the isolation and functional analysis of a potato GA 2‐oxidase gene (StGA2ox1) and its role in tuber formation. StGA2ox1 is upregulated during the early stages of potato tuber development prior to visible swelling and is predominantly expressed in the subapical region of the stolon and growing tuber. 35S‐over‐expression transformants exhibit a dwarf phenotype, reduced stolon growth and earlier in vitro tuberization. Transgenic plants with reduced expression levels of StGA2ox1 showed normal plant growth, an altered stolon swelling phenotype and delayed in vitro tuberization. Tubers of the StGA2ox1 suppression clones contain increased levels of GA20, indicating altered GA metabolism. We propose a role for StGA2ox1 in early tuber initiation by modifying GA levels in the subapical stolon region at the onset of tuberization, thereby facilitating normal tuber development and growth.
Molecular analysis of three new receptor‐like kinase genes from hexaploid wheat and evidence for their participation in the wheat hypersensitive response to stripe rust fungus infection
Authors: Zhou Huanbin , Li Shaofang , Deng Zhiyong , Wang Xianping , Chen Tao , Zhang Jinsong , Chen Shouyi , Ling Hongqing , Zhang Aimin , Wang Daowen , Zhang Xiangqi 
Published: September 2007

SummaryConsiderable progress has been made in understanding the function of receptor‐like kinase (RLK) genes in model plants. However, much less is known about these genes in crop species. Here we report the characterization of three new wheat RLK genes (TaRLK‐R1, 2 and 3). The primary structure of the putative proteins TaRLK‐R1, 2 and 3 contained a signal peptide, a cysteine‐rich extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and a predicted intracellular kinase domain. The fusions between TaRLK‐R1, 2 or 3 and the green fluorescence protein (GFP) were targeted to the plasma membrane; such targeting required the signal peptide, extracellular domain and transmembrane domain. Transcription of TaRLK‐R1, 2 and 3 was found mainly in the green organs, and was regulated by light. Transcript levels of TaRLK‐R1, 2 and 3 increased during the hypersensitive reaction (HR) to stripe rust fungus. In addition, the TaRLK‐R3 transcript level was also upregulated by abiotic stresses. Further experiments revealed that the recombinant kinase domain of TaRLK‐R3 exhibited auto‐phosphorylation activity in vitro. Knocking down the transcript levels of TaRLK‐R1, 2 or 3 individually or all together by virus‐induced gene silencing compromised the wheat HR to stripe rust fungus. The demonstration of TaRLK‐R1, 2 and 3 as positive contributors in the wheat HR to stripe rust fungus suggests a new direction for further functional studies of this important family of RLK genes, and may facilitate the breeding of wheat varieties resistant to stripe rust disease.
TECHNICAL ADVANCE: Temperature as a determinant factor for increased and reproducible in vitro pollen germination in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Boavida Leonor C. , McCormick Sheila 
Published: September 2007

SummaryDespite much effort, a robust protocol for in vitro germination of Arabidopsis thaliana pollen has been elusive. Here we show that controlled temperatures, a largely disregarded factor in previous studies, and a simple optimized medium, solidified or liquid, yielded pollen germination rates above 80% and pollen tube lengths of hundreds of microns, with both Columbia and Landsberg erecta (Ler) ecotypes. We found that pollen germination and tube growth were dependent on pollen density in both liquid and solid medium. Pollen germination rates were not substantially affected by flower or plant age. The quartet1 mutation negatively affected pollen germination, especially in the Ler ecotype. This protocol will facilitate functional analyses of insertional mutants affecting male gametophyte function, and should allow detailed gene expression analyses during pollen tube growth. Arabidopsis thaliana can now be included on the list of plant species that are suitable models for physiological studies of pollen tube elongation and tip growth.
Adhesion‐related small bowel obstruction
Authors: Moran B. J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPostoperative adhesions are the commonest cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO), a frequent surgical emergency. Adhesion obstruction is potentially lethal and a crucial aspect in management is to differentiate whether there is actual, or impending, small bowel ischaemia and therefore a need for emergency surgery. There are no completely accurate imaging or haematological techniques to exclude the requirement for surgery. Modern computerized tomography (CT) has been a significant advance in noninvasive assessment of SBO and may demonstrate the cause of the obstruction and suggest the presence of bowel ischaemia.It is important to note that adhesions may not be the cause of SBO in a patient who has had abdominal surgery. Recurrent cancer, an obstructive colon lesion in the presence of an incompetent ileocaecal valve, an occult hernia, small bowel arterial or venous ischaemia, amongst others may be the cause and CT may elucidate some of these causes and help plan management.Increasing utilization of laparoscopic surgery may reduce the extent and incidence of adhesions and laparoscopic adhesiolysis, in experienced hands, may be successful in managing acute obstruction or alternatively as a planned procedure when the obstruction has resolved.Adhesive SBO remains a common surgical emergency and there is no substitute for repeated examination by a surgeon, capable of performing a laparotomy, in the optimal management of these complex patients.
Post‐maritime transnationalization: Malay seafarers in Liverpool
Authors: BUNNELL TIM 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe lives of seafarers may provide examples of transnational connections prior to the globally interconnected era in which ‘transnationalism’ has risen to prominence. In this article, I examine the long‐distance connections of seafarers from Southeast Asia who settled in Liverpool, UK. Drawing on oral history/life story interviews with Malay pakcik‐pakcik (elders) in Liverpool, I examine the ways in which connections with Southeast Asia have changed over the course of their lives. Much of this concerns political geography, which is often overlooked in the literature on transnationalism. During the period of Liverpool's pre‐eminence as a seaport, irrespective of the depth or intensity of maritime linkages with Southeast Asia, connections did not involve the crossing of ‘national’ borders. Ironically, transnational connections are being forged in the post‐maritime stages of the lives of pakcik‐pakcik in Liverpool. I also show how Malay ‘transnationalization’ has resulted from expanded technological possibilities for long‐distance travel and communications. Post‐maritime transnationalization takes place in a ‘community’ clubhouse in Toxteth where the lives, emotional attachments and memories of pakcik‐pakcik are intertwined with those of people with diverse connections to contemporary Malaysia and Singapore.
PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: PCR primers for 100 microsatellites in red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)
Authors: KARLSSON STEN , RENSHAW MARK A. , REXROAD III CAIRD E. , GOLD JOHN R. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractOne hundred nuclear‐encoded microsatellites from a genomic library of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) were isolated and characterized. Eight microsatellites had tetranucleotide motifs; 92 had dinucleotide motifs. The average number of alleles per microsatellite (sample of 22–24 fish) was 17.7 (range = 2–30); gene diversity averaged 0.796 (range = 0.227–1.000). Following Bonferroni correction, genotype frequencies at 90 microsatellites did not deviate significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations. Occurrence of null alleles was inferred at 15 microsatellites; alleles differing by only a single base were observed at 11 microsatellites. The microsatellites developed should prove useful for population‐genetic studies of ‘wild’ red drum and in construction of a genetic map.
Automated CD14+ monocyte collection with the autoMNC program of the COM.TEC cell separator
Authors: Strasser Erwin F. , Schremmer Melanie , Hendelmeier Martin , Weiss Dominik , Ringwald Jürgen , Zimmermann Robert , Weisbach Volker , Zingsem Jürgen , Eckstein Reinhold 
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: The standard mononuclear cell (MNC) program of the COM.TEC device (Fresenius HemoCare GmbH) showed excellent collection efficiency of CD14+ monocytes. A major disadvantage was high content of residual cells in MNC harvests, which could influence dendritic cell (DC) culture.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The autoMNC program (COM.TEC) was compared with the standard MNC program (n = 12). Additionally, two cycle volumes (300 mL vs. 450 mL, n = 19) were compared (standard MNC program). Samples were assayed for white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), granulocytes (PMNs), hematocrit, and platelets (PLTs) on an automated blood cell counter (Sysmex K 4500, TAO Medical). CD14+ cells were analyzed by flow cytometry (FACSCalibur, BD).RESULTS: The autoMNC program produced 1.33 × 109 ± 0.36 × 109 CD14+ cells, 5.60 × 1011 ± 0.97 × 1011 PLTs, and 1.43 × 1011 ± 0.37 × 1011 RBCs. Compared to the standard MNC program, significantly higher PLT yields but lower RBC yields and product volume were harvested. Increasing the CV from 300 to 450 mL dropped the product volume, residual PLTs, and RBCs significantly, whereas WBC and monocyte yields did not change. The WBC predonation counts of donors correlated significantly with monocyte yields.CONCLUSIONS: The autoMNC program reduced the buffy coat (BC) volume and RBC yields in products compared to the standard MNC program. Increasing the CV (standard MNC program) reduced residual PLTs, RBCs, and the BC volume of MNC harvests. The donor WBC predonation count was a good predictor for the monocyte yield of products.
Detection of Hpdel among Thais, a deleted allele of the haptoglobin gene that causes congenital haptoglobin deficiency
Authors: Shimada Eiko , Odagiri Miki , Chaiwong Kriangsak , Watanabe Yoshihisa , Anazawa Masako , Mazda Toshio , Okazaki Hitoshi , Juji Takeo , O'Charoen Rachanee , Tadokoro Kenji 
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Congenital haptoglobin deficiency is a risk factor for anaphylactic nonhemolytic transfusion reactions in Japan. The deleted allele of the haptoglobin gene, Hpdel, which causes congenital haptoglobin deficiency, has also been observed in other Northeast Asian populations, such as Korean and Chinese persons. It has not been reported in several African and European‐African populations, however, or investigated in other countries.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To investigate the distribution of congenital haptoglobin deficiency in Southeast Asian countries, blood samples collected from 200 randomly selected healthy Thai volunteers were analyzed for serum haptoglobin and the haptoglobin gene. Plasma haptoglobin concentration was measured to identify haptoglobin deficiency. Haptoglobin phenotyping was performed with sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by Western blotting. The presence of the Hpdel allele was determined with genomic DNA by an Hpdel‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.RESULTS: There were no haptoglobin‐deficient subjects detected among the 200 Thais. Their haptoglobin phenotypes were as follows: Hp 1‐1 in 10, Hp 2‐1 in 81, and Hp 2‐2 in 109. Six individuals heterozygous for Hpdel were detected. The frequency of the Hpdel allele was calculated to be 0.015. The prevalence of haptoglobin deficiency caused by Hpdel homozygosity was estimated to be approximately 1 in 4000.CONCLUSION: Congenital haptoglobin deficiency caused by Hpdel homozygosity is presumed to be present in Thailand as a risk factor for anaphylactic transfusion reactions with a frequency similar to that in Japan. The causative deleted allele of the haptoglobin gene, Hpdel, is distributed among Southeast Asian populations as well as among Northeast Asian populations.
Biatrial Substrate Properties in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: CHANG SHIH‐LIN , TAI CHING‐TAI , LIN YENN‐JIANG , WONGCHAROEN WANWARANG , LO LI‐WEI , TUAN TA‐CHUAN , UDYAVAR AMEYA R. , CHANG SHENG‐HSIUNG , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , HSIEH MING‐HSIUNG , HU YU‐FENG , CHEN YI‐JEN , CHEN SHIH‐ANN 
Published: September 2007

Introduction: The atrial substrate plays an important role in the maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF). Further investigation of the biatrial substrate may be helpful for understanding the mechanism of AF. The aim of this study was to investigate the properties of right and left atrial (RA and LA) substrate in AF patients and their impact on the catheter ablation. Methods: Biatrial electroanatomic mapping using a three‐dimensional mapping system (NavX) was performed in 117 consecutive patients with paroxysmal (n = 99) and persistent (n = 18) AF. The biatrial voltage and total activation time (TAT) were obtained during sinus rhythm. Results: The LA had a lower voltage (1.6 ± 0.5 vs 2.0 ± 0.6 mV, P < 0.001) than the RA. The TAT correlated with the voltage (r =–0.65, P< 0.001). The patients with persistent AF had a lower atrial voltage, higher coefficient of variance for the LA voltage, longer LA TAT, and more extensive scar than those with paroxysmal. The patients with recurrent AF after catheter ablation had a lower LA voltage and higher incidence of LA scarring than those without recurrence. A scar located in the low anteroseptal or low posterior wall of LA was related to recurrence of AF. LA scarring was the independent predictor of AF recurrence after catheter ablation. Conclusion: The LA voltage was lower than the RA, and the atrial voltage correlated with the TAT. Electroanatomical remodeling of the atria could be crucial to the maintenance of AF. The LA substrate properties may play an important role in the recurrence of AF after catheter ablation of AF.
Significance of Appropriate Defibrillator Shock 3 Hours and 20 Minutes Following Implantation in a Patient with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: ALMQUIST ADRIAN K. , HANNA CONSTANCE A. , HAAS TAMMY S. , MARON BARRY J. 
Published: September 2007

Introduction: Implantable defibrillators have proved effective in terminating potentially life‐threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), although the timing of appropriate shocks may be exceedingly variable. Methods and Results: We report an unusual occurrence in a 48‐year‐old woman with nonobstructive HCM who experienced an appropriate shock for ventricular fibrillation only 3 hours and 20 minutes after implantation. Careful review of the clinical circumstances failed to define a specific mechanism related to the implant procedure that could have triggered the potentially lethal arrhythmia. Conclusion: Early device interventions are not uncommon in HCM, but (as in this case) appear unrelated to mechanisms other than the unpredictable and underlying arrhythmogenic substrate in this disease.
Measuring tooth mobility with a no‐contact vibration device
Authors: Yamane M. , Yamaoka M. , Hayashi M. , Furutoyo I. , Komori N. , Ogiso B. 
Published: September 2007

Background and Objective:  Mechanical parameters obtained from the frequency response at tooth vibration informs of various periodontal tissue conditions. An electromagnetic vibration device was investigated for measuring tooth mobility using mechanical parameters obtained from the frequency response characteristics of an experimental tooth model. This electromagnetic vibration device was able to assess the overall condition of periodontal tissue associated with the alteration of each parameter. In this study, reliability and effects of bottom thicknesses of simulated periodontal ligament relative to mechanical parameters were analysed.Material and Methods:  Measurement of tooth vibration was performed by an electromagnetic vibration device on experimental tooth models with different bottom thicknesses of simulated periodontal ligament. Using an electromagnetic vibration device, the mechanical parameters resonant frequency, elastic modulus and coefficient of viscosity were calculated from the frequency response characteristics derived from tooth vibration by an electromagnetic force. Variation of those parameters was investigated under four different experimental conditions and the implications of the results were discussed.Results:  An electromagnetic vibration device clearly detected three mechanical parameters in all experimental conditions. The resonant frequency and the elastic modulus decreased with increasing bottom thickness. However, no significant difference in the coefficient of viscosity was observed among the experimental conditions.Conclusion:  Assessment of tooth mobility using mechanical parameters of an electromagnetic vibration device reproduced fine details of various simulated periodontal ligament conditions. Variation in the parameters resonant frequency, elastic modulus and coefficient of viscosity might be useful in evaluating changes of components in periodontal tissues.
Comparison of toluidine blue‐mediated photodynamic therapy and conventional scaling treatment for periodontitis in rats
Authors: Qin Y. L. , Luan X. L. , Bi L. J. , Sheng Y. Q. , Zhou C. N. , Zhang Z. G. 
Published: September 2007

Background and Objective:  Periodontitis is a disease caused by bacterial infection accompanied with the inflammation of connected tissues and resorption of alveolar bone. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo photosensitization of periodontal bacteria in rats and to compare its efficacy with that of routine scaling and root planing.Material and Methods:  Periodontitis was developed by submerging ligatures at the subgingival region of maxillary molars in 16 rats. Six weeks later, the infection sites were treated either with 1 mg/mL of toluidine blue plus 12 J/cm2 red laser irradiation, or by routine scaling and root planing. The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by evaluating the reduction of total bacterial flora and histological changes of periodontal tissues.Results:  Significant reduction of total bacterial flora was achieved by both photodynamic therapy and conventional therapy. The signs of inflammation that accompanied periodontitis, such as redness, increased plaque index and gingival index values, bleeding on probing and inflammatory cell infiltration, were greatly reduced without any obvious detectable injury to host tissues. Both photodynamic therapy and conventional therapy showed similar therapeutic results.Conclusion:  Toluidine blue‐mediated photodynamic therapy could effectively treat periodontitis in vivo and has high potential in clinical application.
Specific‐wavelength visible light irradiation inhibits bacterial growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Fukui M. , Yoshioka M. , Satomura K. , Nakanishi H. , Nagayama M. 
Published: September 2007

Background and Objective:  The effects of laser irradiation on Porphyromonas gingivalis have been reported, but the results are still controversial regarding the efficiency because of the differences of the light sources and irradiation conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the wavelength and irradiation conditions under which the most effective inhibitory effect on P. gingivalis growth was seen without any photosensitizers.Material and Methods:  Using an Okazaki large spectrograph, monochromatic light spectra ranging from 400 to 700 nm were evaluated to determine which spectra effectively inhibited bacterial growth. Moreover, using a monochromatic 405‐nm irradiating device, the effects of various irradiating conditions on P. gingivalis growth were examined.Results:  Growth of bacteria irradiated at 400 nm and 410 nm was significantly suppressed compared with a nonirradiated control, whereas wavelengths of 430 nm and longer produced no significant inhibition. A constant energy density of 15 J/cm2 was found to be enough to show an inhibitory effect. Significant inhibition of bacterial growth was found after only 1 min at 50 mW/cm2 irradiation.Conclusion:  These results indicate that P. gingivalis growth is specifically suppressed by 405‐nm light irradiation, suggesting that visible blue light irradiation is a promising means for eradicating periodontopathogenic bacteria from periodontal lesions.