bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TheCryptococcus neoformansCatalase Gene Family and ItsRole in Antioxidant Defense
Authors: Giles Steven S. , Stajich Jason E. , Nichols Connie , Gerrald Quincy D. , Alspaugh J. Andrew , Dietrich Fred , Perfect John R. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTIn the present study, we sought to elucidate the contribution of theCryptococcus neoformanscatalase gene family to antioxidant defense. We employed bioinformatics techniques to identify four members of theC. neoformanscatalase gene family and created mutants lacking single or multiple catalase genes. Based on a phylogenetic analysis,CAT1andCAT3encode putative spore-specific catalases,CAT2encodes a putative peroxisomal catalase, andCAT4encodes a putative cytosolic catalase. Only Cat1 exhibited detectable biochemical activity in vitro, and Cat1 activity was constitutive in the yeast form of this organism. Although they were predicted to be important in spores, neitherCAT1norCAT3was essential for mating or spore viability. Consistent with previous studies ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae, the single (cat1,cat2,cat3, andcat4) and quadruple (cat1 cat2 cat3cat4) catalase mutant strains exhibited no oxidative-stress phenotypes under conditions in which either exogenous or endogenous levels of reactive oxygen species were elevated. In addition, there were no significant differences in the mean times to mortality between groups of mice infected withC. neoformanscatalase mutant strains (thecat1andcat1 cat2cat3 cat4mutants) and those infected with wild-type strain H99. We conclude from the results of this study thatC. neoformanspossesses a robust antioxidant system, composed of functionally overlapping and compensatory components that provide protection against endogenous and exogenous oxidative stresses.
Symbiotic “Archaezoa” of the Primitive TermiteMastotermes darwiniensisStill Play a Role in Cellulase Production
Authors: Watanabe Hirofumi , Takase Aya , Tokuda Gaku , Yamada Akinori , Lo Nathan 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTThe relictualMastotermes darwiniensisis one of the world's most destructive termites. Like all phylogenetically basal termites, it possesses protozoa in its hindgut, which are believed to help it digest wood. L. Li, J. Frohlich, P. Pfeiffer, and H. Konig (Eukaryot. Cell2:1091-1098, 2003) recently cloned the genes encoding cellulases from the protozoa ofM. darwiniensis; however, they claimed that these genes are essentially inactive, not contributing significantly to cellulose digestion. Instead, they suggested that the protozoa sequester enzymes produced by the termite in its salivary glands and use these to degrade cellulose in the hindgut. We tested this idea by performing gel filtration of enzymes in extracts of the hindgut, as well as in a combination of the salivary glands, foregut, and midgut. Three major cellulases were found in the hindgut, each of which had a larger molecular size than termite-derived salivary gland enzymes. N-terminal amino acid sequencing of one of the hindgut-derived enzymes showed that it was identical to the putative amino acid sequence of one mRNA sequence isolated by Li et al. (Eukaryot. Cell2:1091-1098, 2003). The overall activity of the hindgut cellulases was found to be of approximately equal magnitude to the termite-derived cellulases detected in the mixture of salivary gland, foregut, and midguts. Based on these results, we conclude that, contrary to Li et al. (Eukaryot. Cell2:1091-1098, 2003), the hindgut protozoan fauna ofM. darwiniensisactively produce cellulases, which play an important role in cellulose digestion of the host termite.
Chromosome-Wide Analysis of Gene Function by RNA Interference in the African Trypanosome
Authors: Subramaniam Chandra , Veazey Paul , Redmond Seth , Hayes-Sinclair Jamie , Chambers Emma , Carrington Mark , Gull Keith , Matthews Keith , Horn David , Field Mark C. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

Trypanosomatids of the order
Kinetoplastida
are major contributors to global disease and morbidity, and understanding their basic biology coupled with the development of new drug targets represents a critical need. Additionally, trypanosomes are among the more accessible divergent eukaryote experimental systems. The genome of
Trypanosoma brucei
contains 8,131 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), of which over half have no known homologues beyond the
Kinetoplastida
and a substantial number of others are poorly defined by in silico analysis. Thus, a major challenge following completion of the
T. brucei
genome sequence is to obtain functional data for all trypanosome ORFs. As
T. brucei
is more experimentally tractable than the related
Trypanosoma cruzi
and
Leishmania
spp. and shares >75% of their genes, functional analysis of
T. brucei
has the potential to inform a range of parasite biology. Here, we report methods for systematic mRNA ablation by RNA interference (RNAi) and for phenotypic analysis, together with online data dissemination. This represents the first systematic analysis of gene function in a parasitic organism. In total, 210 genes have been targeted in the bloodstream form parasite, representing an essentially complete phenotypic catalogue of chromosome I together with a validation set. Over 30% of the chromosome I genes generated a phenotype when targeted by RNAi; most commonly, this affected cell growth, viability, and/or cell cycle progression. RNAi against approximately 12% of ORFs was lethal, and an additional 11% had growth defects but retained short-term viability in culture. Although we found no evidence for clustering or a bias towards widely evolutionarily conserved genes within the essential ORF cohort, the putative chromosome I centromere is adjacent to a domain containing genes with no associated phenotype. Involvement of such a large proportion of genes in robust growth in vitro indicates that a high proportion of the expressed trypanosome genome is required for efficient propagation; many of these gene products represent potential drug targets.
Increased Expression of Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator mRNA Determines Adverse Prognosis in ErbB2-Positive Primary Breast Cancer
Authors: Urban Patrick , Vuaroqueaux Vincent , Labuhn Martin , Delorenzi Mauro , Wirapati Pratyaksha , Wight Edward , Senn Hans-Jörg , Benz Christopher , Eppenberger Urs , Eppenberger-Castori Serenella 
Published: September 2006

Purpose To evaluate and validate mRNA expression markers capable of identifying patients with ErbB2-positive breast cancer associated with distant metastasis and reduced survival. Patients and Methods Expression of 60 genes involved in breast cancer biology was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR (qrt-PCR) in 317 primary breast cancer patients and correlated with clinical outcome data. Results were validated subsequently using two previously published and publicly available microarray data sets with different patient populations comprising 295 and 286 breast cancer samples, respectively. Results Of the 60 genes measured by qrt-PCR, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA or PLAU) mRNA expression was the most significant marker associated with distant metastasis-free survival (MFS) by univariate Cox analysis in patients with ErbB2-positive tumors and an independent factor in multivariate analysis. Subsequent validation in two microarray data sets confirmed the prognostic value of uPA in ErbB2-positive tumors by both univariate and multivariate analysis. uPA mRNA expression was not significantly associated with MFS in ErbB2-negative tumors. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed in all three study populations that patients with ErbB2-positive/uPA–positive tumors exhibited significantly reduced MFS (hazard ratios [HR], 4.3; 95% CI, 1.6 to 11.8; HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.2 to 6.2; and, HR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.1 to 7.1; all P < .02) as compared with the group with ErbB2-positive/uPA–negative tumors who exhibited similar outcome to those with ErbB2-negative tumors, irrespective of uPA status. Conclusion After evaluation of 898 breast cancer patients, uPA mRNA expression emerged as a powerful prognostic indicator in ErbB2-positive tumors. These results were consistent among three independent study populations assayed by different techniques, including qrt-PCR and two microarray platforms.
Frontal sinus fractures
Authors: Haskell Newman M. , Travis Lawrence W. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractOpinions vary regarding the treatment of fractures of the frontal bone with frontal sinus extension. Each surgeon bases his therapeutic approach on his teachings and experience, but he may fail to recognize significant residuals be unaware of related complications that occur after the patient is released from his care. The treatment criteria may furthermore be shaded by the experiences of a surgeon who recognizes an occasional post injury complication and proposes treatment of the acute injury which is unnecessarily radical.Clearly, such divergence of opinion can be unified only through critical long‐term follow‐up of patients whose acute frontal sinus injury is carefully analyzed, categorized and systematically treated.The purpose of this discussion is to share a 10‐year experience in the acute management of 63 frontal sinus fractures, treated at the University of Michigan Medical Center Hospitals between 1961 and 1971. The case summaries have been divided into three groups based on the site or sites of sinus fracture, as assessed at the time of the initial injury. Of the 63 total cases, 30 involved fractures of the anterior wall of the frontal sinus; 16 fractures included injury to the nasofrontal duct, and 17 cases involved the posterior wall of the frontal sinus.
Mediastinoscopy: A review of 450 cases
Authors: Preciado Manuel C. , Duvall Arndt J. , Koop Severin H. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis study represents an analysis of 450 mediastinoscopies performed at the University of Minnesota Hospitals between July, 1964, and February, 1972.The complication rate was 1.8 percent and there was no mortality.The overall positive biopsy rate was 44.0 percent with 93 benign and 105 malignant diagnoses made by mediastinoscopy.The yield of mediastinoscopy in bronchogenic carcinoma was significantly better than that of bronchoscopy, cytology and scalene node biopsy.At 19 thoracotomies in patients with positive mediastinoscopy the lesions were found to be unresectable.Contraindications to mediastinoscopy are few, the only absolute one being a previous mediastinoscopy. Mediastinoscopy is indicated in all cases of bronchogenic carcinoma to determine resectability. Mediastinoscopy is the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
Anatomy of the facial nerve (spatial orientation of fibers in the temporal bone)
Authors: May Mark 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe spatial relations of the peripheral branches of the facial nerve within the temporal bone were studied. Five groups of experiments were performed, using 48 adult cats. The topographical anatomy of the horizontal segment was demonstrated by evoked EMG in two cats with injuries to the lateral aspect of the horizontal segment of the facial nerve. The upper face was more severely injured than the lower. The cross sectional spatial anatomy of the horizontal segment of the facial nerve was mapped out in seven cats by histopathologically correlating the lesion site with the peripheral distribution. Gross dissections in 14 cats demonstrated the cross sectional spatial relationships of the peripheral fibers at the stylomastoid foramen and distal portion of the vertical segment. Temporal bone sections in five cats added further to the orientation of the facial nerve.The following conclusions were drawn from this study:
The facial nerve was spatially oriented in its tympanomastoid segment; the branches to the ear and chorda tympani nerve were lateral (toward the mastoid cortex); the forehead and eye lateroanterior (toward the middle ear); the lower lip anteromedial (toward the floor of the middle ear); the upper midface posterior (toward the horizontal canal), and the lower midface just anterior to the upper midface.
The peripheral fibers rotated as they coursed from the stylomastoid foramen toward the face; the lower branches twisted under and medial to the branch just above them. The lower face branches twisted from an anteromedial position in the horizontal segment to a posteromedial position at the stylomastoid foramen. The upper midface branches changed position from a posterolateral position at the horizontal segment to anteromedial at the stylomastoid foramen.
The branch to the stapedial muscle separated from the horizontal segment of the facial nerve from a posteromedial position.
The branch to the stylohyoid muscle and posterior bolly of the digastric muscle separated from the facial nerve just beyond the stylomastoid foramen from a posteromedial position.
A review of the literature suggested a close resemblance between the anatomy of the facial nerve in cat and man; therefore, the detailed anatomy of the cross section of the cat's facial nerve within the temporal bone should have direct clinical application.
I. New data for noise standards
Authors: Henderson Donald , Hamernik Roger P. , Crossley James 
Published: September 2006

AbstractContinuous and impulse noises, considered “safe” by existing damage risk criteria were combined to model more realistic noise environments. Monaural chinchilla were exposed to one of the following conditions: a. 50 impulses with a 40 m̈, sec A‐duration at 158 db SPL peak pressure, 1/ minute; b. 95 db SPL continuous noise at 2–4 kHz for one hour; and c. superimposed combination of the continuous and impulse noise. Quiet thresholds were measured before and after exposure using the auditory evoked response, and histology was obtained, using the surface preparation technique. The audiometric and histological findings agree in showing that the superimposed combination of two “safe” noises produces traumatic effects that more than exceed the additive effects of either component. The existing damage risk criteria do not provide guidelines for such noise combinations.
II. Effects of insulin on glucose concentrations in inner ear fluids and cochlear microphonics
Authors: Makimoto Kazuo , Silverstein Herbert 
Published: September 2006

AbstractFluids from various inner ear compartments were taken from 77 ears of 70 normal, healthy cats and were analyzed for glucose concentration by the microchemical technique employing the hexokinase method. Perilymph of the scala vestibuli, perilymph of the scala tympani and C.S.F. had almost identical concentrations of glucose with the values approximately 80 mg/100 ml. Glucose concentrations of each fluid showed the significant relationship with serum glucose level except that of utricular and cochlear endolymph. Utricular endolymph glucose level was found to be lower (41.9 mg/100 ml) than the above three fluids and higher than cochlear endolymph (11.2 mg/100 ml). The significant difference of glucose concentration found between cochlear and utricular endolymph in the present study is further support for the independent nature of each endolymphatic compartment.Sodium, potassium and glucose were analyzed in serum, C.S.F. and inner ear fluids up to five hours after intravenous regular insulin (30 units/kg). Sodium, potassium and glucose concentrations were unchanged in both cochlear and utricular endolymph during hypoglycemia. In contrast glucose concentrations in C.S.F., scala tympani perilymph, and scala vestibuli perilymph began to decrease at 90 minutes after regular insulin infusion and fell to their lowest levels in the period during 180 to 300 minutes after the infusion. A significant decrease of potassium concentration was found first in serum and later in the C.S.F., scala vestibuli, and scala tympani perilymph. For five hours after insulin infusion there is no significant change in cochlear microphonics during hypoglycemia (20 mg percent).
IV. The physiological effects of priming for audiogenic seizures in mice
Authors: Saunders James C. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractRecent investigations have shown that nonsusceptible strains of mice can be made susceptible to audiogenic seizures by exposing them to intense sound during a “sensitive period.” The parameters of seizures behavior that accompany this priming procedure have been studied extensively and more recently the physiological processes that are associated with this phenomenon have received attention. The results indicate that priming causes a severe loss in cochlear microphonic sensitivity and extensive damage to basal turn hair cells. The patterns of evoked response activity in peripheral auditory nuclei show a loss in threshold sensitivity at low stimulus levels and over recruitment of response amplitude at high stimulus levels. Although there is a severe loss of cochlear function in these animals, intense stimuli paradoxically evoke exceptionally large re‐responses and precipitate seizure behavior. Several hypotheses concerning this paradox are offered, and the potential significance of the priming phenomenon is considered.
Conservative tympanomastoidectomy
Authors: Cole J. M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe objectives of tympanomastoid surgery are elimination of irreversible middle ear and mastoid disease, usually cholesteatoma, and maintenance or restoration of serviceable unaided hearing. There are a surprising number of techniques described in the literature but in essence they break down into two schools of thought, those who favor an intact posterior canal wall technique in most cases and those who feel that the possibly improved hearing results obtained with an intact posterior canal wall technique do not warrant the additional risks involved. Sheehy recently has reported an incidence of 35 percent persistence or regrowth of cholesteatoma found in mastoid re‐explorations following the intact posterior canal wall technique for management of epitympanic and mastoid cholesteatoma.We believe there are excellent reasons for removing the posterior canal wall routinely in dealing with mastoid cholesteatoma. This technique is far superior in obtaining permanent control of the disease process, usually results in a small trouble‐free mastoid cavity, and does not seriously interfere with reconstruction of a serviceable sound conducting mechanism in the majority of cases.In analyzing the results of 100 consecutive mastoid operations for the period from 1970 through 1972, it was possible to maintain or reconstruct the sound conducting mechanism in 94 percent. In those cases which had preoperative bone conduction of 35 db ISO or better for the speech frequencies, the type and percentage hearing results obtained are presented. Endaural modified radical mastoidectomy combined with tympanoplastic repair at the time of definitive surgery permits maximum visualization of the middle ear space. Because most mastoids which harbor cholesteatoma are sclerotic, small trouble‐free mastoid cavities result from this type of surgery and the open mastoid technique offers the best prospects to the patient for obtaining a dry safe ear without danger of persistent or recurrent cholesteatoma in the mastoid segment. It does not seriously preclude tympanoplastic reconstruction of a functioning sound conduction mechanism. When feasible, tympanoplastic repair should be done at the same time definitive mastoid surgery is done. This can usually be accomplished in one brief hospitalization and a minimum of postoperative visits to the physician's office.
Communicating with Nurses: The Experiences of 10 Individuals with an Acquired Severe Communication Impairment
Authors: Balandin Susan , Hemsley Bronwyn , Sigafoos Jeff , Green Vanessa , Forbes Ralph , Taylor Christine , Parmenter Trevor 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSuccessful communication is integral to quality health care and successful nursing practice. Ten people who had been in hospital in the 12 months prior to the study and who had no functional speech at that time were interviewed about their communication experiences with nurses. Overall, these individuals experienced difficulties, some of which appeared to be related to a lack of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) resources and a lack of knowledge of AAC among nurses. In addition, the participants noted that nurses did not always have the time or the skills to communicate effectively with them. The participants suggested strategies to improve communication interactions between patients with no or limited functional speech and nurses. These strategies include pre-admission briefing and training nurses about effective strategies for communicating with patients who are unable to speak, including the use of augmentative and alternative communication systems.
Significance of Elecsys® S100 immunoassay for real-time assessment of traumatic brain damage in multiple trauma patients
Authors: Mussack Thomas , Kirchhoff Chlodwig , Buhmann Sonja , Biberthaler Peter , Ladurner Roland , Gippner-Steppert Cornelia , Mutschler Wolf , Jochum Marianne 
Published: September 2006

AbstractClin Chem Lab Med 2006;44:1140–5.
High‐Resolution Fourier Transform Spectrometry of Gases
Authors: Guelachvili Guy , Picqué Nathalie 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis article mainly focuses on the experimental aspects of high‐resolution Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTS) as applied to molecular gas studies. The main characteristics and peculiarities of Doppler‐limited vibrational spectroscopy of gases and some of the current trends in the technique are discussed using select examples.An introduction to the general appearance of high‐resolution absorption and emission Fourier transform (FT) spectra is given. The specific advantages of the two most common FT recording procedures: the fast‐scanning and the stepping‐mode approaches are discussed. Some of the important scientific results that may be obtained in high‐resolution vibrational spectrometry using FTS are reviewed. Finally, recent developments on selective modulations and time‐resolved FTS are presented. About 300 references (titles included) provide a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of the ongoing applications.
Far‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Griffiths Peter R. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
The far‐infrared spectral region is defined and transitions that absorb radiation in this region are discussed. The intramolecular vibrations of small organic and inorganic compounds that absorb in the far‐infrared region include stretching modes involving heavy atoms, skeletal bending modes, and torsional and ring‐puckering vibrations. Intermolecular vibrations of small molecules that absorb in the far infrared include hydrogen bonds and liquid lattice bands. The phonon bands of inorganic solids are briefly discussed. Intramolecular vibrations of polymers that absorb in the far‐infrared polymers can be due to localized torsions of individual functional groups and modes that are more delocalized along the chain. Intermolecular vibrations of polymers that are observed in the far infrared include rotatory and translatory motions of the chains. Absorption may also be induced by disorder and by the presence of impurities that have been either deliberately or accidentally introduced. Finally, the rotational transitions of small molecules in the vapor‐phase that absorb far‐infrared radiation are discussed.