bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inorganic polyphosphate occurs in the cell wall of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and accumulates during cytokinesis
Authors: Werner Thomas P , Amrhein Nikolaus , Freimoser Florian M 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Inorganic polyphosphate (poly P), linear chains of phosphate residues linked by energy rich phosphoanhydride bonds, is found in every cell and organelle and is abundant in algae. Depending on its localization and concentration, poly P is involved in various biological functions. It serves, for example, as a phosphate store and buffer against alkali, is involved in energy metabolism and regulates the activity of enzymes. Bacteria defective in poly P synthesis are impaired in biofilm development, motility and pathogenicity. PolyP has also been found in fungal cell walls and bacterial envelopes, but has so far not been measured directly or stained specifically in the cell wall of any plant or alga.

Results
Here, we demonstrate the presence of poly P in the cell wall of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by staining with specific poly P binding proteins. The specificity of the poly P signal was verified by various competition experiments, by staining with different poly P binding proteins and by correlation with biochemical quantification. Microscopical investigation at different time-points during growth revealed fluctuations of the poly P signal synchronous with the cell cycle: The poly P staining peaked during late cytokinesis and was independent of the high intracellular poly P content, which fluctuated only slightly during the cell cycle.

Conclusion
The presented staining method provides a specific and sensitive tool for the study of poly P in the extracellular matrices of algae and could be used to describe the dynamic behaviour of cell wall poly P during the cell cycle. We assume that cell wall poly P and intracellular poly P are regulated by distinct mechanisms and it is suggested that cell wall bound poly P might have important protective functions against toxic compounds or pathogens during cytokinesis, when cells are more vulnerable.
Colonic epithelial ion transport is not affected in patients with diverticulosis
Authors: Osbak Philip S , Bindslev Niels , Poulsen Steen S , Kaltoft Nicolai , Tilotta Maria C , Hansen Mark B 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Colonic diverticular disease is a bothersome condition with an unresolved pathogenesis. It is unknown whether a neuroepithelial dysfunction is present. The aim of the study was two-fold; (1) to investigate colonic epithelial ion transport in patients with diverticulosis and (2) to adapt a miniaturized Modified Ussing Air-Suction (MUAS) chamber for colonic endoscopic biopsies.

Methods
Biopsies were obtained from the sigmoid part of the colon. 86 patients were included. All patients were referred for colonoscopy on suspicion of neoplasia and they were without pathological findings at colonoscopy (controls) except for diverticulosis in 22 (D-patients). Biopsies were mounted in MUAS chambers with an exposed area of 5 mm2. Electrical responses to various stimulators and inhibitors of ion transport were investigated together with histological examination. The MUAS chamber was easy to use and reproducible data were obtained.

Results
Median basal short circuit current (SCC) was 43.8 μA·cm-2 (0.8 – 199) for controls and 59.3 μA·cm-2 (3.0 – 177.2) for D-patients. Slope conductance was 77.0 mS·cm-2 (18.6 – 204.0) equal to 13 Ω·cm2 for controls and 96.6 mS·cm-2 (8.4 – 191.4) equal to 10.3 Ω·cm2 for D-patients. Stimulation with serotonin, theophylline, forskolin and carbachol induced increases in SCC in a range of 4.9 – 18.6 μA·cm-2, while inhibition with indomethacin, bumetanide, ouabain and amiloride decreased SCC in a range of 6.5 – 27.4 μA·cm-2, and all with no significant differences between controls and D-patients. Histological examinations showed intact epithelium and lamina propria before and after mounting for both types of patients.

Conclusion
We conclude that epithelial ion transport is not significantly altered in patients with diverticulosis and that the MUAS chamber can be adapted for studies of human colonic endoscopic biopsies.
Distributing questionnaires about smoking to patients: impact on general practitioners' recording of smoking advice
Authors: Coleman Tim , Wilson Andrew , Barrett Steve , Wynne Alison , Lewis Sarah 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Background
Little is known about the impact of questionnaire-based data collection methods on the consulting behaviour of general practitioners (family physicians) who participate in research. Here data collected during a research project which involved questionnaires on smoking being distributed to patients before and after appointments with general practitioners (GPs) is analyzed to investigate the impact of this data collection method on doctors' documenting of smoking advice in medical records.

Methods
Researchers distributed questionnaires on smoking behaviour to 6775 patients who attended consultations during surgery sessions with 32 GPs based in Leicestershire, UK. We obtained the medical records for patients who had attended these surgery sessions and also for a comparator group, during which no researcher had been present. We compared the documenting of advice against smoking in patient's medical records for consultations within GPs' surgery sessions where questionnaires had been distributed with those which occurred when no questionnaires had been given out.

Results
We obtained records for 77.9% (5276/6775) of all adult patients who attended GPs' surgery sessions, with 51.9% (2739) being from sessions during which researchers distributed questionnaires. Discussion of smoking was recorded in 8.0% (220/2739) of medical records when questionnaires were distributed versus 4.6% (116/2537) where these were not. After controlling for relevant potential confounders including patients' age, gender, the odds ratio for recording of information in the presence of questionnaire distribution (versus none) was 1.78 (95% CI, 1.36 to 2.34).

Conclusion
Distributing questionnaires about smoking to patients before and after they consult with doctors significantly increases GPs' recording of discussions about smoking medical records. This has implications for the design of some types of research into addictive behaviours and further research into how data collection methods may affect patients' and doctors' behaviours is warranted.
Inflammatory pseudotumor of the Kidney
Authors: Selvan David R , Philip Joe , Manikandan Ramaswamy , Helliwell Timothy R , Lamb Gabriel H R , Desmond Anthony D 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory pseudotumor of the kidney or inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is composed of spindle cells admixed with variable amount of proliferating myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, extracellular collagen, lymphocytes and plasma cells. This mainly affects the urinary bladder or prostate. Renal involvement is rare.

Case presentation
A 56 year-old man was diagnosed with asymptomatic left sided hydronephrosis while being investigated for rheumatoid arthritis. CT scan imaging showed ill defined fascial plains around the kidney and thickening around the renal hilum suggestive of localized inflammatory change. Worsening intermittent left loin pain with increasing hydronephrosis, significant cortical thinning and marked deterioration of renal function necessitated nephrectomy. Macroscopy showed a hydronephrotic fibrotic kidney with microscopy and immunohistochemistry consistent with a histological diagnosis of IMT.

Conclusion
We report a case of an inflammatory pseudotumor of the kidney. It is unique in that the patient presented with painless hydronephrosis followed two years later with progressive deterioration in renal function and worsening loin pain.
Monocyte derived dendritic cells generated by IFN-α acquire mature dendritic and natural killer cell properties as shown by gene expression analysis
Authors: Korthals Mark , Safaian Nancy , Kronenwett Ralf , Maihöfer Dagmar , Schott Matthias , Papewalis Claudia , Diaz Blanco Elena , Winter Meike , Czibere Akos , Haas Rainer , Kobbe Guido , Fenk Roland 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundDendritic cell (DC) vaccines can induce antitumor immune responses in patients with malignant diseases, while the most suitable DC culture conditions have not been established yet. In this study we compared monocyte derived human DC from conventional cultures containing GM-CSF and IL-4/TNF-α (IL-4/TNF-DC) with DC generated by the novel protocol using GM-CSF and IFN-α (IFN-DC).MethodsTo characterise the molecular differences of both DC preparations, gene expression profiling was performed using Affymetrix microarrays. The data were conformed on a protein level by immunophenotyping, and functional tests for T cell stimulation, migration and cytolytic activity were performed.ResultsBoth methods resulted in CD11c+ CD86+ HLA-DR+ cells with a typical DC morphology that could efficiently stimulate T cells. But gene expression profiling revealed two distinct DC populations.Whereas IL-4/TNF-DC showed a higher expression of genes envolved in phagocytosis IFN-DC had higher RNA levels for markers of DC maturity and migration to the lymph nodes like DCLAMP, CCR7 and CD49d. This different orientation of both DC populations was confined by a 2.3 fold greater migration in transwell experiments (p = 0.01).Most interestingly, IFN-DC also showed higher RNA levels for markers of NK cells such as TRAIL, granzymes, KLRs and other NK cell receptors. On a protein level, intracytoplasmatic TRAIL and granzyme B were observed in 90% of IFN-DC. This translated into a cytolytic activity against K562 cells with a median specific lysis of 26% at high effector cell numbers as determined by propidium iodide uptake, whereas IL-4/TNF-DC did not induce any tumor cell lysis (p = 0.006). Thus, IFN-DC combined characteristics of mature DC and natural killer cells.ConclusionOur results suggest that IFN-DC not only stimulate adaptive but also mediate innate antitumor immune responses. Therefore, IFN-DC should be evaluated in clinical vaccination trials. In particular, this could be relevant for patients with diseases responsive to a treatment with IFN-α such as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma or chronic myeloid leukemia.
Protein and synthetic polymer injection for induction of obstructive hydrocephalus in rats
Authors: Slobodian Ili , Krassioukov-Enns Dmitri , Del Bigio Marc R 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study was to develop a simple and inexpensive animal model of induced obstructive hydrocephalus with minimal tissue inflammation, as an alternative to kaolin injection.

Materials
Two-hundred and two male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 3 weeks received intracisternal injections of kaolin (25% suspension), Matrigel, type 1 collagen from rat tail, fibrin glue (Tisseel), n-butyl-cyanoacrylate (NBCA), or ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx-18 and Onyx-34). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess ventricle size. Animals were euthanized at 2, 5, 10 and 14 days post-injection for histological analysis.

Results
Kaolin was associated with 10% mortality and successful induction of hydrocephalus in 97% of survivors (ventricle area proportion 0.168 ± 0.018). Rapidly hardening agents (fibrin glue, NBCA, vinyl polymer) had high mortality rates and low success rates in survivors. Only Matrigel had relatively low mortality (17%) and moderate success rate (20%). An inflammatory response with macrophages and some lymphocytes was associated with kaolin. There was negligible inflammation associated with Matrigel. A severe inflammatory response with giant cell formation was associated with ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer.

Conclusion
Kaolin predictably produces moderate to severe hydrocephalus with a mild chronic inflammatory reaction and fibrosis of the leptomeninges. Other synthetic polymers and biopolymers tested are unreliable and cause different types of inflammation.
The influence of the NOD Nss1/Idd5 loci on sialadenitis and gene expression in salivary glands of congenic mice
Authors: Hjelmervik Trond Ove R , Lindqvist Anna-Karin , Petersen Kjell , Johannesson Martina , Stavrum Anne-Kristin , Johansson Åsa , Jonsson Roland , Holmdahl Rikard , Bolstad Anne Isine 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe nonobese diabetic (NOD) Nss1 and Idd5 loci have been associated with sialadenitis development in mice. In this study the NOD Nss1 and Idd5 loci were backcrossed onto the healthy control strain B10.Q by using the speed congenic breeding strategy, resulting in three congenic strains: B10.Q.Nss1, B10.Q.Nss1/Idd5 heterozygous and B10.Q.Nss1/Idd5 homozygous. We investigated the effects of the Nss1 and Idd5 loci on sialadenitis and gene expression in NOD congenic mice. One submandibular salivary gland from each mouse was used for histological analysis of sialadenitis, whereas the contralateral salivary gland was used for gene expression profiling with the Applied Biosystems Mouse Genome Survey chip v.1.0. The results were validated using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. The NOD Nss1 and Idd5 loci had clear influence on the onset and progression of sialadenitis in congenic mice. Double congenic mice exhibited the most severe phenotype. We successfully identified several genes that are located in the NOD congenic regions to be differentially expressed between the congenic strains and the control strain. Several of these were found to be co-regulated, such as Stat1, complement component C1q genes and Tlr12. Also, a vast contingency of interferon-regulated genes (such as Ltb, Irf7 and Irf8) and cytokine and chemokine genes (such as Ccr7 and Ccl19) were differentially expressed between the congenic strains and the control strain. Over-representation of inflammatory signalling pathways was observed among the differentially expressed genes. We have found that the introgression of the NOD loci Nss1 and Idd5 on a healthy background caused sialadenitis in NOD congenic mouse strains, and we propose that genes within these loci are important factors in the pathogenesis. Furthermore, gene expression profiling has revealed several differentially expressed genes within and outside the NOD loci that are similar to genes found to be differentially expressed in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, and as such are interesting candidates for investigation to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms and to develop future therapies.
Continuous noninvasive monitoring of barbiturate coma in critically ill children using the Bispectral™ index monitor
Authors: Prins Sandra A , de Hoog Matthijs , Blok Joleen H , Tibboel Dick , Visser Gerhard H 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Introduction
Traumatic brain injury and generalized convulsive status epilepticus (GCSE) are conditions that require aggressive management. Barbiturates are used to lower intracranial pressure or to stop epileptiform activity, with the aim being to improve neurological outcome. Dosing of barbiturates is usually guided by the extent of induced burst-suppression pattern on the electroencephalogram (EEG). Dosing beyond the point of burst suppression may increase the risk for complications without offering further therapeutic benefit. For this reason, careful monitoring of EEG parameters is mandatory. A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of the bispectral index suppression ratio for monitoring barbiturate coma.

Methods
A prospective observational pilot study was performed at a paediatric (surgical) intensive care unit, including all children with barbiturate-induced coma after traumatic brain injury or GCSE. The BIS™ (Bispectral™ index) monitor expresses a suppression ratio, which represents the percentage of epochs per minute in which the EEG was suppressed. Suppression ratios from the BIS monitor were compared with suppression ratios of full-channel EEG as assessed by quantitative visual analysis.

Results
Five patients with GCSE and three patients after traumatic brain injury (median age 11.6 years, range 4 months to 15 years) were included. In four patients the correlation between the suppression ratios of the BIS and EEG could be determined; the average correlation was 0.68. In two patients, suppression ratios were either high or low, with no intermediate values. This precluded determination of correlation values, as did the isoelectric EEG in a further two patients. In the latter patients, the mean ± standard error BIS suppression ratio was 95 ± 1.6.

Conclusion
Correlations between suppression ratios of the BIS and EEG were found to be only moderate. In particular, asymmetrical EEGs and EEGs with short bursts (less than 1 second) may result in aberrant BIS suppression ratios. The BIS monitor potentially aids monitoring of barbiturate-induced coma because it provides continuous data on EEG suppression between full EEG registrations, but it should be used with caution.
Regional differences in dosage compensation on the chicken Z chromosome
Authors: Melamed Esther , Arnold Arthur P 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Background
Most Z chromosome genes in birds are expressed at a higher level in ZZ males than in ZW females, and thus are relatively ineffectively dosage compensated. Some Z genes are compensated, however, by an unknown mechanism. Previous studies identified a non-coding RNA in the male hypermethylated (MHM) region, associated with sex-specific histone acetylation, which has been proposed to be involved in dosage compensation.

Results
Using microarray mRNA expression analysis, we find that dosage compensated and non-compensated genes occur across the Z chromosome, but a cluster of compensated genes are found in the MHM region of chicken chromosome Zp, whereas Zq is enriched in non-compensated genes. The degree of dosage compensation among Z genes is predicted better by the level of expression of Z genes in males than in females, probably because of better compensation of genes with lower levels of expression. Compensated genes have different functional properties than non-compensated genes, suggesting that dosage compensation has evolved gene-by-gene according to selective pressures on each gene. The group of genes comprising the MHM region also resides on a primitive mammalian (platypus) sex chromosome and, thus, may represent an ancestral precursor to avian ZZ/ZW and monotreme XX/XY sex chromosome systems.

Conclusion
The aggregation of dosage compensated genes near the MHM locus may reflect a local sex- and chromosome-specific mechanism of dosage compensation, perhaps mediated by the MHM non-coding RNA.
Preparation and Surface Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Brush
Authors: Terayama Yuki , Kobayashi Motoyasu , Takahara Atsushi 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) brush was prepared by surface-initiated iodine-transfer polymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) from a silicon wafer and successive hydrolysis of acetyl groups. The adhesion forces of PVA and PVAc brush surfaces were measured by atomic force microscopy.
Mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis of smectite in pliocene volcaniclastic rocks of the doğanbey formation, beyşehir basin, Konya, Turkey
Authors: Kadir Selahattin 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPliocene volcaniclastic lacustrine rocks of the Doğanbey formation in the Beyşehir region (central Anatolia) are composed of organic-matter-bearing claystone, clastic units and dolomite interbeds, suggesting an anaerobic, shallow swampy, lacustrine depositional environment. The depositional environment was subjected to periodic climatic change during which diagenesis occurred, and smectite, and locally palygorskite, were precipitated. Smectite flakes formed authigenically on feldspar and palygorskite fibers between dolomite rhombs and at the edges of smectite flakes. Increases in leaching of Na, K, Sr, Ba and Rb, increasing Al/Si ratios, and Fe with increasing degree of alteration reveal that hydration of volcaniclastic grains (feldspar, glass) by meteoric water — determined from O and H isotopic values — was the main cause of precipitation of beidellite and montmorillonite based on the tetrahedral charge/octahedral charge ratio, with average structural formulae of (Si7.72Al0.28)(Al3.20Fe0.53Mg0.25 Mn0.02Ti0.04) (Ca0.11Na0.09K0.11), and (Si7.88Al0.13)(Al3.18Fe0.53Mg0.18Mn0.02Ti0.05)(Ca0.11Na0.11K0.09), respectively. Therefore, the Doğanbey-area smectite is presumed to have formed by chemical weathering and dissolution-precipitation from feldspar and glass during diagenesis; palygorskite formed by direct precipitation from Mg-rich solutions during dolomitization, and by transformation from smectite in an alkaline lacustrine environment.
Antibodies against Synthetic Deamidated Gliadin Peptides as Predictors of Celiac Disease: Prospective Assessment in an Adult Population with a High Pretest Probability of Disease
Authors: Niveloni Sonia , Sugai Emilia , Cabanne Ana , Vazquez Horacio , Argonz Julio , Smecuol Edgardo , Moreno María L , Nachman Fabio , Mazure Roberto , Kogan Zulema , Gomez Juan C , Mauriño Eduardo , Bai Julio C 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Background: Noninvasive serologic tests have shown high diagnostic accuracy for celiac disease (CD) in selected populations. Our aim was to determine prospectively the performance of CD-related serology in individuals undergoing intestinal biopsy because of clinical suspicion of small-bowel disorders.
Methods: We enrolled 141 unselected consecutive adult patients attending a small-bowel disease clinic. Patients underwent endoscopy and biopsy; serum samples were obtained at that time for measurements of anti–tissue transglutaminase (a-tTG), IgA and IgG anti–deamidated gliadin-related peptide (a-DGP), and IgA antiactin antibodies (AAAs). Characterization of patients was based on histological criteria (Marsh type II lesion or greater).
Results: The prevalence of CD was 42.5%. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were &gt;90% for most assays. Diagnostic accuracy based on ROC curve analysis was similar for all assays [area under the curve (95% CI): 0.996 (0.967–0.998) for a-tTG, 0.995 (0.964–0.998) for IgA a-DGP, 0.989 (0.954–0.999) for IgG a-DGP, 0.996 (0.966–0.998) for blended conjugated of IgA + IgG a-DGP in a single assay, and 0.967 (0.922–0.990) for AAA]. The combinations of 2 tests, IgG a-DGP plus IgA a-tTG or the single blended conjugate detecting IgA + IgG a-DGP plus IgA a-tTG had 100% positive and negative predictive values if concentrations of both tests in either combination were above or below the cutoff.
Conclusions: In a population with high pretest probability, the newly developed a-DGP tests have diagnostic accuracy that is at least equivalent to that of established assays.
Developmental changes in the L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway from infancy to adulthood: plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine levels decrease with age
Authors: Lücke Thomas , Kanzelmeyer Nele , Kemper Markus J. , Tsikas Dimitrios , Das Anibh M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractClin Chem Lab Med 2007;45:1525–30.