bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Four‐dimensional sonographic assessment of fetal facial expression early in the third trimester
Authors: Yan Fang , Dai Shu‐Yan , Akther Nasima , Kuno Atsushi , Yanagihara Toshihiro , Hata Toshiyuki 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the characteristic patterns of facial expression in fetuses aged from 28 to 34 weeks using 4‐dimensional (4‐D) ultrasonography.Methods: The faces of 10 healthy fetuses aged from 28 to 34 weeks were recorded continuously for 15 min with a 4‐D ultrasonographic machine performing up to 25 frames per second. The occurrence rates of blinking, mouthing, yawning, tongue expulsion, smiling, scowling, and sucking were evaluated.Results: Mouthing was the most frequent facial expression (median, 6.5; range, 2–19) whereas the least frequent were scowling (median, 1; range, 0–9) and sucking (median, 1; range, 0–2). Mouthing was evident in all fetuses and significantly more frequent than any other movement (P < .05). Yawning (median, 3; range, 0–6), smiling (median, 2; range, 0–9), and blinking (median, 1.5; range, 0–6) were observed in most cases. Tongue expulsion (median, 1.5; range, 0–5), scowling, and sucking were each observed in 6 cases.Conclusion: 4‐D sonography provides a means of evaluating fetal facial expression early in the third trimester. It may be a key to predicting fetal brain function and well‐being and an important modality in future fetal neurophysiologic research.
Misoprostol and active management of the third stage of labor
Authors: Prata N. , Hamza S. , Gypson R. , Nada K. , Vahidnia F. , Potts M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective To compare current practices for the active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL) with the use of 600 μg of oral misoprostol.Methods: An operations research study was designed to compare blood loss with current AMTSL practices and misoprostol use.Results: Women in the misoprostol group were less likely to bleed 500 ml or more (adjusted odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.56) compared with those in the current practices group. In the current practices group 73% women required interventions because of postpartum hemorrhage, compared with 11% in the misoprostol group.Conclusion: In situations where oxytocin and or ergometrine are not consistently and appropriately used during third stage of labor, misoprostol should be considered for inclusion in the AMTSL protocol.
Cloning and Expression Analysis of a UDP-Galactose/Glucose Pyrophosphorylase from Melon Fruit Provides Evidence for the Major Metabolic Pathway of Galactose Metabolism in Raffinose Oligosaccharide Metabolizing Plants
Authors: Dai Nir , Petreikov Marina , Portnoy Vitaly , Katzir Nurit , Pharr David M. , Schaffer Arthur A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe Cucurbitaceae translocate a significant portion of their photosynthate as raffinose and stachyose, which are galactosyl derivatives of sucrose. These are initially hydrolyzed by α-galactosidase to yield free galactose (Gal) and, accordingly, Gal metabolism is an important pathway in Cucurbitaceae sink tissue. We report here on a novel plant-specific enzyme responsible for the nucleotide activation of phosphorylated Gal and the subsequent entry of Gal into sink metabolism. The enzyme was antibody purified, sequenced, and the gene cloned and functionally expressed in Escherichia coli. The heterologous protein showed the characteristics of a dual substrate UDP-hexose pyrophosphorylase (PPase) with activity toward both Gal-1-P and glucose (Glc)-1-P in the uridinylation direction and their respective UDP-sugars in the reverse direction. The two other enzymes involved in Glc-P and Gal-P uridinylation are UDP-Glc PPase and uridyltransferase, and these were also cloned, heterologously expressed, and characterized. The gene expression and enzyme activities of all three enzymes in melon (Cucumis melo) fruit were measured. The UDP-Glc PPase was expressed in melon fruit to a similar extent as the novel enzyme, but the expressed protein was specific for Glc-1-P in the UDP-Glc synthesis direction and did not catalyze the nucleotide activation of Gal-1-P. The uridyltransferase gene was only weakly expressed in melon fruit, and activity was not observed in crude extracts. The results indicate that this novel enzyme carries out both the synthesis of UDP-Gal from Gal-1-P as well as the subsequent synthesis of Glc-1-P from the epimerase product, UDP-Glc, and thus plays a key role in melon fruit sink metabolism.
Herbivore-Induced Resistance against Microbial Pathogens in Arabidopsis
Authors: De Vos Martin , Van Zaanen Wendy , Koornneef Annemart , Korzelius Jerôme P. , Dicke Marcel , Van Loon L.C. , Pieterse Corné M.J. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractCaterpillars of the herbivore Pieris rapae stimulate the production of jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and trigger a defense response that affects insect performance on systemic tissues. To investigate the spectrum of effectiveness of P. rapae-induced resistance, we examined the level of resistance against different pathogens. Although the necrotrophic fungus Alternaria brassicicola is sensitive to JA-dependent defenses, herbivore-induced resistance was not effective against this pathogen. By contrast, caterpillar feeding significantly reduced disease caused by the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato and Xanthomonas campestris pv armoraciae. However, this effect was apparent only locally in caterpillar-damaged tissue. Arabidopsis mutants jar1, coi1, ein2, sid2, eds5, and npr1 showed wild-type levels of P. rapae-induced protection against P. syringae pv tomato, suggesting that this local, herbivore-induced defense response does not depend exclusively on either JA, ET, or salicylic acid (SA). Resistance against the biotroph Turnip crinkle virus (TCV) requires SA, but not JA and ET. Nevertheless, herbivore feeding strongly affected TCV multiplication and TCV lesion formation, also in systemic tissues. Wounding alone was not effective, but application of P. rapae regurgitate onto the wounds induced a similar level of protection. Analysis of SA-induced PATHOGENESIS RELATED-1 (PR-1) expression revealed that P. rapae grazing primed Arabidopsis leaves for augmented expression of SA-dependent defenses. Pharmacological experiments showed that ET acts synergistically on SA-induced PR-1, suggesting that the increased production of ET upon herbivore feeding sensitizes the tissue to respond faster to SA, thereby contributing to an enhanced defensive capacity toward pathogens, such as TCV, that trigger SA-dependent defenses upon infection.
CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 Is Required for the UV-B Response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Oravecz Attila , Baumann Alexander , Máté Zoltán , Brzezinska Agnieszka , Molinier Jean , Oakeley Edward J. , Ádám Éva , Schäfer Eberhard , Nagy Ferenc , Ulm Roman 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) is a negative regulator of photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. COP1 functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, targeting select proteins for proteasomal degradation in plants as well as in mammals. Among its substrates is the basic domain/leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5), one of the key regulators of photomorphogenesis under all light qualities, including UV-B responses required for tolerance to this environmental threat. Here, we report that, in contrast with the situation in visible light, COP1 is a critical positive regulator of responses to low levels of UV-B. We show that in the cop1-4 mutant, flavonoid accumulation and genome-wide expression changes in response to UV-B are blocked to a large extent. COP1 is required for HY5 gene activation, and both COP1 and HY5 proteins accumulate in the nucleus under supplementary UV-B. SUPPRESSOR OF PHYTOCHROME A-105 family proteins (SPA1 to SPA4) that are required for COP1 function in dark and visible light are not essential in the response to UV-B. We conclude that COP1 performs a specific and novel role in the plants' photomorphogenic response to UV-B, coordinating HY5-dependent and -independent pathways, which eventually results in UV-B tolerance.
High Rate of Chimeric Gene Origination by Retroposition in Plant Genomes
Authors: Wang Wen , Zheng Hongkun , Fan Chuanzhu , Li Jun , Shi Junjie , Cai Zhengqiu , Zhang Guojie , Liu Dongyuan , Zhang Jianguo , Vang Søren , Lu Zhike , Wong Gane Ka-Shu , Long Manyuan , Wang Jun 
Published: July 2006

Abstract
Retroposition is widely found to play essential roles in origination of new mammalian and other animal genes. However, the scarcity of retrogenes in plants has led to the assumption that plant genomes rarely evolve new gene duplicates by retroposition, despite abundant retrotransposons in plants and a reported long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposon-mediated mechanism of retroposing cellular genes in maize (Zea mays). We show extensive retropositions in the rice (Oryza sativa) genome, with 1235 identified primary retrogenes. We identified 27 of these primary retrogenes within LTR retrotransposons, confirming a previously observed role of retroelements in generating plant retrogenes. Substitution analyses revealed that the vast majority are subject to negative selection, suggesting, along with expression data and evidence of age, that they are likely functional retrogenes. In addition, 42% of these retrosequences have recruited new exons from flanking regions, generating a large number of chimerical genes. We also identified young chimerical genes, suggesting that gene origination through retroposition is ongoing, with a rate an order of magnitude higher than the rate in primates. Finally, we observed that retropositions have followed an unexpected spatial pattern in which functional retrogenes avoid centromeric regions, while retropseudogenes are randomly distributed. These observations suggest that retroposition is an important mechanism that governs gene evolution in rice and other grass species.
Methadone‐associated Torsades de Pointes (polymorphic ventricular tachycardia) in opioid‐dependent patients
Authors: Justo Dan , Gal‐Oz Amir , Paran Yael , Goldin Yelena , Zeltser David 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTAims  We reviewed all the publications concerning methadone‐associated Torsades de Pointes (TdP) (polymorphic ventricular tachycardia) in opioid‐dependent patients in order to characterize the clinical circumstances leading to this serious complication.Methods  Our literature search yielded 14 reports on 40 patients with methadone‐associated TdP. We gathered and recorded the risk factors for TdP mentioned in those reports, among other clinical aspects.Results  The most prevalent risk factors for TdP were high‐dose methadone (n = 39, 97.5%) and concomitant use of agents that increase serum methadone levels or trigger TdP (n = 22, 55%). HIV infection (n = 16), hypokalaemia (n = 14), female sex (n = 13), liver cirrhosis or renal failure (n = 11) and heart disease (n = 9) were also described. All the patients had at least one and 34 (85%) had two or more risk factors for TdP during methadone treatment.Conclusions  We wish to raise the level of awareness of risk factors for TdP among physicians in heroin‐treatment clinics who frequently prescribe methadone.
Alcohol drinking pattern and subjective health in a population‐based study
Authors: Stranges Saverio , Notaro James , Freudenheim Jo L. , Calogero Rachel M. , Muti Paola , Farinaro Eduardo , Russell Marcia , Nochajski Thomas H. , Trevisan Maurizio 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTAims  Some patterns of alcohol consumption (e.g. binge drinking, drinking outside of meals) have been associated with detrimental effects on health outcomes. Subjective health provides a global assessment of health status and is a strong predictor of total mortality; however, little is known about its relationship with alcohol drinking pattern. The association between several drinking patterns (i.e. drinking intensity and frequency, frequency of intoxication, drinking outside of meals, and beverage type) and subjective health was examined in a random sample of 3586 women and men.Design  A population‐based cross‐sectional study.Methods  Subjective health was assessed using the physical and mental health component summaries of the Short Form‐36 health survey questionnaire. Alcohol consumption refers to the 30 days before the interview. Analysis of covariance compared gender‐specific mean scores across alcohol drinking patterns.Findings  Overall, non‐current drinkers reported poorer physical and mental health than life‐time abstainers and current drinkers, while no consistent differences were found between life‐time abstainers and current drinkers. In female current drinkers, daily drinking, beer and mixed beverage consumption were associated with better mental health. In male current drinkers, moderate alcohol consumption (2–2.9 drinks per day), wine and mixed beverage consumption were associated with better physical health. Intoxication and liquor consumption were associated with poorer mental health in women and poorer physical health in men. No consistent associations were found for drinking outside meals.Conclusions  Aspects of drinking pattern may affect subjective health differentially in women and men. Overall, intoxication and liquor drinking are associated with poorer self‐perceived health status than regular, moderate consumption of other alcoholic beverages.
Genetic and clinical heterogeneity of ferroportin disease
Authors: Cemonesi Laura , Forni Gian Luca , Soriani Nadia , Lamagna Martina , Fermo Isabella , Daraio Filomena , Galli Anna , Pietra Daniela , Malcovati Luca , Ferrari Maurizio , Camaschella Clara , Cazzola Mario 
Published: July 2006

SummaryFerroportin is encoded by the SLC40A1 gene and mediates iron export from cells by interacting with hepcidin. SLC40A1 gene mutations are associated with an autosomal type of genetic iron overload described as haemochromatosis type 4, or HFE4 (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man number 606069), or ferroportin disease. We report three families with this condition caused by novel SLC40A1 mutations. Denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography was employed to scan for the SLC40A1 gene. A D181V (A846T) mutation in exon 6 of the ferroportin gene was detected in the affected members of an Italian family and shown to have a de novo origin in a maternal germinal line. This mutation was associated with both parenchymal and reticuloendothelial iron overload in the liver, and with reduced urinary hepcidin excretion. A G80V (G543T) mutation in exon 3 was found in the affected members of an Italian family with autosomal hyperferritinaemia,. Finally, a G267D (G1104A) mutation was identified in exon 7 in a family of Chinese descent whose members presented with isolated hyperferritinaemia. Ferroportin disease represents a protean genetic condition in which the different SLC40A1 mutations appear to be responsible for phenotypic variability. This condition should be considered not only in families with autosomal iron overload or hyperferritinaemia, but also in cases of unexplained hyperferritinaemia.
Fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of bone lesions
Authors: Handa U. , Bal A. , Mohan H. , Bhardwaj S. 
Published: July 2006

Objective:  Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in combination with radiological examination has recently gained clinical recognition for evaluating skeletal lesions. We evaluated our experience with the use of FNA in diagnosing bone lesions with emphasis on areas of difficulty and limitations.Materials and Methods:  Over a period of 5 years FNA was performed in 66 cases of bone lesions. Aspirations were done by cytopathologists using 22‐gauge needle. Out of 66 cases unsatisfactory aspirate was obtained in 12 cases. Cytohistological correlation was available in 19 cases.Results:  Adequate aspirates were categorized into neoplastic (27 cases) and non‐neoplastic (27 cases) lesions. Of the 27neoplastic aspirates, 20 were malignant (12 primary, 8 metastatic deposits) and 7 were benign. In the malignant group osteosarcoma was correctly diagnosed in 3 cases while other 3 were labeled as sarcoma NOS because of lack of osteoid. Metastatic deposits were sub‐typed in 6 cases; from renal cell carcinoma (3 cases), proststic adenocarcinoma, follicular carcinoma thyroid, and squamous cell carcinoma. Neoplastic group comprised of 6 cases of cysts and 21 cases of chronic osteomyelitis. Thirteen cases were diagnosed as tuberculous osteomyelitis.Conclusions:  FNA is a frequent indication in metastases in the bone where distinct cytologic features can even identify an unknown primary. However, diagnosis of primary tumours of the bone is limited by precise subtyping of the tumours. FNA has emerged as a cost effective tool for initial diagnosis of both neoplastic and non‐neoplastic lesions of the bone.
The reliability and accuracy of intraoperative imprint cytology of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer
Authors: Pogačnik A. , Klopčič U. , Grazio‐Frković S. , Žgajnar J. , Hočevar M. , Vidergar‐Kralj B. 
Published: July 2006

Objective:  Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a new component of the surgical treatment of breast cancer that accurately predicts axillary status. In this study the authors evaluated the accuracy of intraoperative imprint cytology (IC) in comparison with definitive histologic evaluation of SLN in breast cancer patients.Methods:  A total 413 women with breast carcinoma and clinically negative axillary nodes underwent breast surgery and SLN biopsy. Mapping of SLN involved injection of 99mTechnecium labelled human albumin nanocolloid particles and Patent Blue dye. At the Department of Pathology, SLNs were bisected along its major axis. Both halves were imprinted 2–4 times on the slides and immediate staining with Hemacolor (Merck Germany) was performed for intraoperative examination. Imprint node negative women underwent no further surgery, while node positive women proceeded to full axillary clearance. Histological analysis of the SLN involved serial sectioning of the whole node with H&E and immunostaining for cytokeratin.Results:  Definitive histology revealed metastases (pN+) in 159/413 patients (38.5%): 69 (16.7%) macro metastases, 57 (13.8%) micro metastases, and 33 (8%) women with only isolated IHC positive cells or positive cell groups smaller than 0.2 mm (pNO sn+). The other 254 women had negative SLN biopsy. Imprint cytology detected 54/69 macro metastases, and 4/57 micro metastases. In the group with negative SLN (254), 2 cases were ‘‘false positives’’.Conclusions:  Imprint of SLN biopsy can identify a negative axilla with high accuracy (specificity 99.2%). Overall sensitivity is only 36.5%, but macrometastases are detected in 77% which is important for performing ALDN in one session with operation of primary tumour.
Cytomorphological spectrum in scar endometriosis: a study of eight cases
Authors: Pathan S. K. , Kapila K. , Haji B. E. , Mallik M. K. , Al‐Ansary T. A. , George S. S. , Das D. K. , Francis I. M. 
Published: July 2006

Objective:  Endometriosis due to ectopic endometrial tissue that responds to hormonal stimulation and is extremely rare in a surgical scar appearing in 0.1% of women who have undergone Caesarean section. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can be a valuable diagnostic aid in the evaluation of these subcutaneous abdominal masses.Methods:  We present the cytomorphological spectrum in eight cases of abdominal wall endometriosis diagnosed by FNAC over a 6‐year period (June 1998–June 2004) in Mubarak Al‐Kabeer Hospital (Kuwait). The patients ranged from 27 to 56 years of age. Seven had a prior Caesarean section and one had a hysterectomy for fibroid. They presented 3–8 years later with nodules in/near the abdominal scar. Five cases presented with a painful nodule, fluctuant with the menstrual cycle.Results:  Cytological findings comprised epithelial clusters and fusiform stromal cells with numerous haemosiderin‐laden macrophages. Mild to moderate epithelial atypia was observed in three cases. A diagnosis of endometriosis was rendered in all the eight cases and tissue was available in four cases.Conclusions:  Endometriotic nodules need to be differentiated from other benign/malignant masses and evaluated for possible malignant transformation. FNAC provides a safe and effective tool for diagnosis thereby obviating the need for other procedures.
Comparison of DNA extraction from cervical cells collected in PreservCyt solution for the amplification of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Keegan H. , Boland C. , Malkin A. , Griffin M. , Ryan F. , Lambkin H. 
Published: July 2006

Objective:  The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate three methods of DNA extraction for the amplification of Chlamydia trachomatis in uterine cervical samples collected in PreservCyt solution. ThinPrep is the trade name for the slide preparation.Methods:  Thirty‐eight samples collected in LCx buffer medium, which were identified as C. trachomatis infected by ligase chain reaction (LCR), were selected for this study. DNA from the PreservCyt samples was extracted by three methods: (i) QIAamp kit, (ii) boiling in Tris‐EDTA buffer with Chelex purification, and (iii) Proteinase K digestion with Chelex purification. Sample DNA was tested for the presence of C. trachomatis by PCR using cryptic plasmid research (CTP) primers and major outer membrane protein research momp gene (MOMP) primers. Real‐time (LightCycler) PCR for relative C. trachomatis quantification following DNA extraction was performed using primers (Hsp 60) for the 60 kDa heat‐shock protein hsp60 gene.Results:  Amplification using CTP primers was the most successful with each of the extraction protocols. Boiling in buffer was the least successful extraction method. QIAamp was the best extraction method, yielding the most positives with both the CTP and MOMP primers. Proteinase K‐Chelex extraction gave similar sensitivity to QIAamp extraction with CTP primers but lower for MOMP primers.Conclusions:  The DNA extraction method must be carefully selected to ensure that larger PCR amplicons can be successfully produced by PCR and to ensure high sensitivity of detection of C. trachomatis. In this study it was found that the QIAamp extraction method followed by PCR with the CTP primers was the most successful for amplification of C. trachomatis DNA.
Native and introduced populations of Solidago gigantea differ in shoot production but not in leaf traits or litter decomposition
Authors: GÜSEWELL S. , JAKOBS G. , WEBER E. 
Published: July 2006

Summary

Invasive alien plants tend to have a greater specific leaf area and more nutrient‐rich tissues than the invaded native vegetation. To test whether these traits differ between introduced and native populations of the same species, we compared 20 European (introduced) and 22 American (native) populations of Solidago gigantea Aiton (Asteraceae) in a common‐garden experiment.
Five plants per population were grown for 2 years in pots and for one summer outdoors in nutrient‐rich soil. We recorded shoot number and biomass, leaf production and senescence, flowering, leaf morphology and nutrient concentrations of leaves and litter. In laboratory assays, we compared litter decomposition and nutrient mineralization.
Shoot growth and leaf traits varied three‐ to 10‐fold among the 42 populations. European plants produced, on average, more shoots than American plants, but did not differ in shoot size, leaf traits or litter decomposition.
The shoot number and total shoot biomass per plant in the experiment correlated positively with the number of new rhizomes produced by shoots of the same populations at their original field sites.
We conclude that introduced S. gigantea populations tend to produce more shoots through clonal growth than native populations. This may increase their ability to compete against the established vegetation in dense stands or at nutrient‐poor sites.