bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Patient Serum Immunoreactivity to Recombinant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
CFP32 Produced in the Yeast
Pichia pastoris
Compared to
Escherichia coli
and Its Potential for Serodiagnosis of Tuberculosis
Authors: Benabdesselem Chaouki , Fathallah Dahmani M. , Huard Richard C. , Zhu Hongxia , Jarboui Mohamed Ali , Dellagi Koussay , Ho John L. , Barbouche Ridha M. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

CFP32 is a
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex-restricted secreted protein that was previously reported to be present in a majority of sputum samples from patients with active tuberculosis (TB) and to stimulate serum antibody production. CFP32 (originally annotated as Rv0577 and also known as TB27.3) was therefore considered a good candidate target antigen for the rapid serodiagnosis of TB. However, the maximal sensitivity of CFP32 serorecognition may have been limited in earlier studies because recombinant CFP32 (rCFP32) produced in
Escherichia
c
oli
was used as the test antibody-capture antigen, a potential shortcoming stemming from differences in bacterial protein posttranslational modifications. To further investigate the serodiagnostic potential of rCFP32 synthesized in different heterologous hosts, we expressed rCFP32 in the yeast
Pichia pastoris
. Compared to
E. coli
rCFP32, yeast rCFP32 showed a higher capacity to capture polyclonal antisera in Western blot studies. Likewise, yeast rCFP32 was significantly better recognized by the sera from TB patients and healthy
Mycobacterium bovis
bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated individuals, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), than
E. coli
rCFP32. In subsequent testing, the yeast rCFP32-based antibody-capture ELISA had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 98% for the discrimination of active TB cases (
n
= 40) from BCG vaccinees (
n
= 39). The sensitivity was surprisingly high for a single-antigen TB serodiagnostic test compared to tests using
E. coli
-expressed antigens. Overall, the
trans
-production of rCFP32 in
P. pastoris
significantly improved the serologic detection of CFP32-specific antibodies in patient sera, thereby offering a new, possibly better, modality for producing antigens of diagnostic potential for use in the development of immunoassays for both TB and other infectious diseases.
Hip Prosthesis Infection Due to
Mycobacterium wolinskyi
Authors: Pulcini Céline , Vandenbussche Eric , Podglajen Isabelle , Sougakoff Wladimir , Truffot-Pernot Chantal , Buu-Hoï Annie , Varon Emmanuelle , Mainardi Jean-Luc 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium wolinskyi
, first described in 1999, is a rapidly growing mycobacterium related to the
Mycobacterium smegmatis
group. Only eight cases of infection due to this microorganism have been reported, including three cases of bone infection. Here, we present the first case of a joint prosthesis infection cured with the combination of surgery and prolonged antibiotic therapy. The microorganism was identified by biochemical tests and 16S rRNA and Hsp65 gene sequence analysis.
Post-stroke seizure and post-stroke epilepsy
Authors: Myint P K , Staufenberg E F A , Sabanathan K 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Post-stroke seizure and post-stroke epilepsy are common causes of hospital admissions, either as a presenting feature or as a complication after a stroke. They require appropriate management and support in long term. With an increasingly ageing population, and age itself being an independent risk factor for stroke, the incidence and prevalence of post-stroke seizure and post-stroke epilepsy is likely to increase. This article examines aetiology, clinical presentation, and presents a management outline of these conditions with particular focus on adults. The aim of this review article is to provide the clinicians with background information and recommendations.
Cyclooxygenase-2 plays an essential part in cardioprotection of delayed phase of recombinant human erythropoietin preconditioning in rats
Authors: Liu X , Zhou Z , Feng X , Jia Z , Jin Y , Xu J 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Aims
To study the cardioprotection of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) preconditioning (EPC) and to investigate the role and possible mechanism of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in the delayed phase of EPC.

Methods
In phase 1, myocardial ischaemia reperfusion (I-R) rat model was established by 30 minutes ligation of left descending coronary and three hours of reperfusion. Rats were given 0.9% saline solution or rhEPO 24 hours before I-R protocol. COX-2 selective inhibitor celecoxib was given for further investigation of the cardioprotection of EPC. At the end of I-R protocol, infarct sizes were measured and ultrastructural organisations were studied. In phase 2, myocardial COX-2 mRNA expressions and prostaglandins (PGs) contents were studied in different groups after euthanasia.

Results
It was found that EPC could elicit potent cardioprotection against I-R injury, shown by reduction of infarct size and improvement of ultrastructural organisation; whereas administration of celecoxib resulted in complete loss of this protection. EPC resulted in robust increase in COX-2 mRNA and PGs levels that were also abrogated by celecoxib.

Conclusions
COX-2 plays an essential part in cardioprotection of the delayed phase of EPC in rats, which might be related to actions of PGE2 or PGI2, or both.
Pulmonary leptospirosis: an excellent response to bolus methylprednisolone
Authors: Shenoy V V , Nagar V S , Chowdhury A A , Bhalgat P S , Juvale N I 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background
This case series analyses the beneficial effect of methylprednisolone in pulmonary leptospirosis, which usually has an aggressive course and grave outcome.

Methods
30 patients of pulmonary leptospirosis were evaluated. The initial 13 patients did not receive corticosteroids while the remaining 17 all received bolus methylprednisolone one gram intravenously for three days followed by oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg for seven days, on the basis of occasional case reports of benefit in pulmonary leptospirosis. APACHE III and lung injury scores of similar severity were considered while comparing outcomes in those who received methylprednisolone with those who did not.

Results
Dyspnoea and haemoptysis were the commonest symptoms in those with pulmonary manifestations. Overall mortality was 18% (3 of 17) in patients who received methylprednisolone, as compared with 62% (8 of 13 patients) in those who did not (p&lt;0.02). In patients with established acute lung injury (ALI score &gt;2.5), five of eight patients survived in the subgroup with corticosteroids (37% mortality) while only one of nine patients survived in the group that did not receive corticosteroids (89% mortality). Corticosteroids affected outcome only if given within the first 12 hours after the onset of pulmonary manifestations. Mortality seemed to correlate with the APACHE scores, and number of quadrants affected on chest radiographs, more than with blood gas pressures.

Conclusions
Corticosteroids reduce mortality and change outcome significantly when used early in the management of pulmonary leptospirosis.
Comparison of transthoracic echocardiography with harmonic imaging with transoesophageal echocardiography for the diagnosis of patent foramen ovale
Authors: Trevelyan J , Steeds R P 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The optimal diagnostic method for patent foramen ovale is currently unclear. This study compared bubble contrast second harmonic transthoracic (TTE) and transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) on 87 consecutive patients referred for TOE for all indications. A right left shunt was diagnosed in 34 cases (39%), with TTE positive in 26 cases (sensitivity 76.5%), TOE positive in 27 cases (sensitivity 79.4%). Pitfalls of TTE included quality of echo and left sided valve lesions, and for TOE the ability to perform an adequate Valsalva manoeuvre. In conclusion, both tests have similar sensitivity and should be viewed as complementary modalities.
Anti-inflammatory action of diltiazem in patients with unstable angina
Authors: Dubey L , Hesong Z 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background and Aims
Plasma concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL10) have been shown to be decreased in patients with unstable angina (UA) suggesting that reduced concentrations of IL10 may favour plaque instability and the development of acute coronary syndromes. Diltiazem has been shown to exert beneficial effects in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, the potential influence of diltiazem on the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 in patients with UA has not been investigated. This study was designed to find out the effects of diltiazem on IL10 in UA patients.

Methods and Results
Thirty patients with UA were divided into two groups: group R and group D (n = 15). Group R was given routine pharmacotherapy for UA, and group D was given routine pharmacotherapy plus diltiazem. Plasma concentrations of IL10 in these groups were measured before the start of the treatment and 28 days after treatment. Plasma concentrations of IL10 in 15 normal subjects (group N) were also measured. Patients with UA had decreased concentrations of IL10 compared with normal group. Four weeks after treatment, plasma concentrations of IL10 significantly increased in group D compared with that before treatment, but the increase in IL10 values in group R was not significant.

Conclusions
These findings showed that concentrations of anti-inflammatory IL10 are considerably decreased in UA patients and diltiazem treatment leads to a significant increase in IL10 concentrations.
Perceptions of medical school graduates and students regarding their academic preparation to teach
Authors: Henry B W , Haworth J G , Hering P 
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Purpose
How medical students learn and develop the characteristics associated with good teaching in medicine is not well known. Information about this process can improve the academic preparation of medical students for teaching responsibilities. The purpose of this study was to determine how different experiences contributed to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of medical school graduates and students regarding medical teaching.

Methods
A questionnaire was developed, addressing reliability and validity considerations, and given to first year residents and third year medical students (taught by those residents). Completed questionnaires were collected from 76 residents and 110 students (81% of the sample group). Item responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results
Most residents (n = 54; 71%) positively viewed opportunities they had to practice teaching when they were seniors. Residents rated three activities for learning to teach highest: (1) observing teachers as they teach; (2) reviewing the material to be taught; and (3) directly teaching students; representing both individual and participatory ways of learning. Residents' self ratings of teaching behaviours improved over time and this self assessment by the residents was validated by the students' responses. Comparison between residents' self ratings and students' views of typical resident teaching behaviours showed agreement on levels of competence, confidence, and motivation. The students rated characteristics of enthusiasm, organisation, and fulfilment lower (p&lt;0.002) than residents rated themselves.

Conclusions
The residents and students in this study viewed academic preparation for teaching responsibilities positively and showed agreement on characteristics of good teaching that may be helpful indicators in the process of developing medical teachers.
Twenty four hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: a new tool for determining cardiovascular prognosis
Authors: Madin K , Iqbal P 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
Twenty four hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24-H ABPM) plays an important part in the management of subjects with suspected and confirmed disorders of blood pressure regulation. This article reviews the prognostic significance of various aspects of the 24-H ABPM and describes the authors experience in Chesterfield. Over the course of 12 month period from 1 August 2002, 1264 subjects had 24-ABPM. A total of 1187 (93.91%) subjects were included in this study, with mean age of 59.30 years and male:female ratio was 46%: 54 %. Fifty two (4.38%) of the subjects had all of the seven features associated with an adverse prognosis. Only 82 (6.90%) subjects had none of the seven adverse prognostic features with the remainder having one or more adverse prognostic features.
Reversible acute adrenal insufficiency caused by fluconazole in a critically ill patient
Authors: Santhana Krishnan S G , Cobbs R K 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
A 38 year old man with history of obstructive sleep apnea and polycythaemia presented with hypercapnic respiratory failure that required intubation. He developed fever with infiltrates on chest radiography that required empiric antifungal therapy with fluconazole along with broad spectrum antibiotics. He developed acute adrenal insufficiency that recovered after fluconazole was stopped. It is believed that this complication of adrenal suppression attributable to fluconazole is underrecognised and it may be prudent to monitor all critically ill patients who are given fluconazole for this complication.
Comparison of the development of stem galls induced byAulacidea hieracii(Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) on hawkweed and byDiplolepis spinosa(Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) on rose
Authors: Sliva Monica D. , Shorthouse Joseph D. 
Published: September 2006

Plant galls induced by two distantly related species of cynipid wasps, Aulacidea hieracii Bouché, which belongs to a basal lineage and induces galls on Hieracium umbellatum L., and Diplolepis spinosa (Ashmead), which belongs to a derived group and induces galls on Rosa blanda Ait. and Rosa rugosa Thunb., were compared. As gall characters are determined by the wasp rather than the host plant, we hypothesized that information on gall development would contribute to our understanding of the evolution of the cynipid complex. Galls induced by both species are spherical and multichambered and arise on stems. All stages of gall development were examined including host plant response to oviposition and the eggs, gall induction, reaction of the plant to larval feeding, and the formation of nutritive cells, vascular tissues, and sclerenchyma within the gall during growth and maturation. Galls of A. hieracii develop in a manner similar to galls inhabited by inquiline cynipids, a basal lineage to which they are closely related. Aulacidea hieracii lay eggs in a sticky cluster, the eggs cause proliferation of nearby stem tissues, and freshly hatched larvae crawl to sites where each induces a separate chamber. Galls of D. spinosa are induced from eggs deposited in slits between the base of leaf primordia near the tips of leaf buds with one end of the egg touching the procambium. Freshly hatched larvae enter a cavity that forms beneath each egg. Galls of A. hieracii exhibit anatomical and developmental features that are less complex and intricate than are the galls of D. spinosa. The term “asterids” is proposed for cynipid galls that are developmentally and anatomically simple and develop on herbaceous plants and the term “rosids” for cynipid galls that are developmentally and anatomically complex and develop on woody plants such as roses and oaks.
Elatine ojibwayensis sp.nov., une nouvelle espèce d’Elatinaceae et revue des Elatinaceae du Québec
Authors: Garneau Michelle 
Published: September 2006

Une nouvelle espèce de la famille des Elatinaceae, l’ Elatine ojibwayensis Garneau sp.nov., est décrite à partir de spécimens récoltés dans le nord du Quebec. Cette nouvelle espèce représente le seul Elatine à fleurs tétramères dans l’est de l’Amérique du Nord. Sa répartition connue est restreinte au centre du Quebec entre 50° 05′ N et 55° 11′ N, sur le versant québécois des baies de James et d’Hudson. Un traitement du genre Elatine au Quebec est présenté, incluant la description, la carte de répartition de chaque espèce, ainsi qu’une clef de détermination.
Susceptibility of endophyte-infected grasses to winter pathogens (snow molds)
Authors: Wäli Piippa R. , Helander Marjo , Nissinen Oiva , Saikkonen Kari 
Published: September 2006

Neotyphodium endophytes are suggested to be mutualistic symbionts of grasses and regarded as potential biological plant protection agents. We examined the effects of the Neotyphodium endophyte of meadow ryegrass on snow molds in vitro with dual cultures of endophyte and Typhula ishikariensis , and on grass–snow mold interactions in vivo in a greenhouse and in a field experiment. In dual cultures, the endophytes formed an inhibition zone and retarded the growth of T. ishikariensis. In the field experiment, however, the endophyte-infected (E+) meadow ryegrasses were more susceptible to T. ishikariensis than the endophyte-free (E–) grasses. Endophyte infection increased the winter damage of grasses both in greenhouse and in field conditions. After winter, the growth of E+ grasses exceeded the growth of E– plants in the field experiment, indicating the marked tolerance of E+ grasses against winter damage. We detected differences in growth and pathogenesis between the different T. ishikariensis strains and found meadow ryegrass cultivar–endophyte status interaction in the growth of meadow ryegrasses, which highlight the effects of the genetic background of the participants on endophyte–grass–snow mold interactions.
Hailstorm damage promotes aspen invasion into grassland
Authors: Peltzer Duane A. , Wilson Scott D. 
Published: September 2006

Global warming is widely thought to promote the dominance of grasslands over woody vegetation, and shift the location of ecotones. In contrast, forest vegetation along the northern edge of the North American Great Plains has migrated southward over the past century into areas dominated by native grassland. Because climate change is also predicted to increase storm frequency and intensity, we quantified the impacts of an intense hailstorm on woody and herbaceous species in native grassland in the northern Great Plains of North America. The hailstorm disturbance killed or damaged mature stems of the dominant tree, aspen ( Populus tremuloides Michx.), but damaged aspen stands subsequently invaded ca. 10 m into neighbouring grassland. Damaged aspen stands also produced up to 20-fold more new stems having 67-fold higher total biomass compared with relatively undisturbed stands. Grasses and lichens suffered much higher rates of biomass removal (60%–76%) than did shrubs (6%–8%) immediately following the storm. The disturbance-mediated recruitment of clonal woody plants, and the unexpected sensitivity of grasses and lichens to this disturbance, may contribute to the counterintuitive expansion of trees into grasslands under a regime of increased storm frequency that is not predicted by simple ecosystem responses to warming.
Long-term climate and weather patterns in relation to crop yield: a minireview
Authors: McKeown A.W. , Warland J. , McDonald M.R. 
Published: September 2006

It is accepted knowledge that weather affects yields and climate dictates which crops will grow in a region. Specific weather events, such as drought or hail, that affect yield or quality, are known, as are the general climatic conditions required for groups of crops such as cool season vegetables or tropical crops. However, more precise information on how changes in long-term weather and climate influence the yield of specific vegetable crops is not available. Studies of yield over long periods have the advantage of reflecting the combined effects of numerous environmental variables, including climate effects on physiological stress, pests, and diseases. A study of yields of cool season vegetable crops in Ontario revealed that a decrease in yields is related to an increase in the number of hot days with maximum temperatures over 30 °C. A clear warming trend in Ontario weather is evident, beginning in the mid-1980s, with increasing numbers of hot days and more variable temperatures from year to year. Furthermore, yields of cole crops declined by 10% for every 10 d with temperatures >30 °C in the growing season. Several other studies on agronomic crops worldwide show reductions in yield resulting from warmer temperatures. For example, in a study of rice in the Philippines, yield was reduced by 10% for every 1 °C increase in minimum temperature during the dry season. Methods for evaluating long-term climate effects on crop yield are discussed.
Religion and Politics in the United States: Persistence, Limitations and the Prophetic Voice
Authors: Jelen Ted G. 
Published: September 2006

English The author provides an overview of religious politics in the contemporary United States. Possible answers are proposed to three questions: Why are Americans more religious than citizens of other Western democracies?; Why does religiously-motivated political activity seem such a frequent feature of politics in the United States?; Why is the effect of religiously-based political activity on public policy in the United States so limited? The answers given to these three questions suggest that American political religion plays a “prophetic” role of social critic in the United States. French L'auteur donne un aperçu des interactions entre la religion et la politique dans la société américaine contemporaine. Il propose des réponses possibles à trois questions: pourquoi les Américains sont-ils plus pratiquants que les citoyens des autres démocraties occidentales? Pourquoi les activités politiques fondées sur des motivations religieuses sont-elles une caractéristique si fréquente de la politique américaine? Pourquoi l'effet de ces activités sur la politique publique est-il si limité? Les éléments de réponse à ces trois questions semblent indiquer qu'aux Etats-Unis, la 'religion politique' joue un rôle 'prophétique' de critique sociale.
Religion, morale individuelle et politique américaine
Authors: Blasi Anthony J. 
Published: September 2006

English Religion no longer serves so much as a surrogate for class and ethnicity in American politics. Thus, it is religiosity, in addition to denomination, that has become a key factor that works through issues related to a narrowly defined sexual morality, especially abortion and homosexuality. The majority of the most religiously observant of voters find themselves allied with right-wing political factions in the US, though the minority of the most religious voters find themselves allied to more “progressive” political stances. The author demonstrates that left-wing to right-wing political stances have their own effects on attitudes towards abortion and homosexuality, beyond any effects of religiosity. French Dans la sphère politique américaine, la religion ne se substitue plus vraiment à la classe sociale ou à l'ethnicité. C'est désormais la religiosité, outre l'appartenance à une confession, qui est devenue un facteur décisif dans les débats sur la définition de la morale sexuelle, surtout en matière d'avortement et d'homosexualité. Une majorité des électeurs les plus pratiquants se trouve alliée à des factions politiques de droite, même si une minorité d'entre eux se dit en accord avec des options politiques plus progressistes. L'auteur montre que les prises de position politiques, de gauche comme de droite, ont leurs incidences propres sur les attitudes àl'égard de l'avortement ou de l'homosexualité et ce, indépendamment de tout effet de la religiosité.