bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spore ornamentation of Minchinia occulta n. sp. (Haplosporidia) in rock oysters Saccostrea cuccullata (Born, 1778)
Authors: BEARHAM D. , SPIERS Z. , RAIDAL S. R. , JONES J. B. , NICHOLLS P. K. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYA Minchinia sp. (Haplosporidia: Haplosporidiidae) parasite was identified infecting rock oysters and morphologically described by Hine and Thorne (2002) using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The parasite was associated with up to 80% mortality in the host species and it is suspected that the parasite would be a major impediment to the development of a tropical rock oyster aquaculture industry in northern Western Australia. However, attempts to identify the parasite following the development of a specific probe for Haplosporidium nelsoni were unsuccessful. The SSU region of the parasite's rRNA gene was later characterized in our laboratory and an in situ hybridization assay for the parasite was developed. This study names the parasite as Minchinia occulta n sp. and morphologically describes the parasite using histology, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The non-spore stages were unusual in that they consisted primarily of uninucleate stages reminiscent of Bonamia spp. The parasite's spores were ovoid to circular shaped and measured 4·5 μm–5·0 μm×3·5–4·1 μm in size. The nucleus of the sporoplasm measured 1·5–2·3 μm and was centrally located. The spores were covered in a branching network of microtubule-like structures that may degrade as the spore matures.
Molecular cloning and characterization ofEchinostoma caproniheat shock protein-70 and differential expression in the parasite derived from low- and high-compatible hosts
Authors: HIGÓN M. , MONTEAGUDO C. , FRIED B. , ESTEBAN J. G. , TOLEDO R. , MARCILLA A. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYWe cloned and expressedEchinostoma caproniHSP70 inEscherichia coli. This molecule presents an open reading frame (ORF) of 655 amino acids, and a theoretical molecular weight of 71 kDa.E. caproniHSP70 protein showed a high homology to other helminth molecules, major differences being located in the C-terminal region of the molecule, with a hydrophobic portion. Studies of protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression revealed a distinct pattern, depending on the host (low- or high-compatible). Specific polyclonal antisera raised against the recombinant protein expressed inEscherichia colidemonstrated its selective presence in excretory/secretory products (ESP) of adult parasites obtained from high-compatible hosts. Immunological studies showed clearly the association of HSP70 with the parasite surface and other structures, including eggs.
ALGEBRAS ASSOCIATED WITH A FREE INVERSE MONOID
Authors: CRABB M. J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractLet S be an ideal of the free inverse monoid on a set X, and let ℬ denote the Banach algebra l1(S). It is shown that the following statements are equivalent: ℬ is *-primitive; ℬ is prime; X is infinite. A similar result holds if ℬ is replaced by ℂ[S], the complex semigroup algebra of S.
Longitudinal evaluation of the occurrence of MRI-detectable bone marrow edema in osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Brem M. H. , Schlechtweg P. M. , Bhagwat J. , Genovese M. , Dillingham M. F. , Yoshioka H. , Lang P. 
Published: August 2008

Background: Bone marrow edema (BME) is a condition detectable with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and is present in different stages of osteoarthritis (OA). Its pathogenesis is still not completely known. Purpose: To evaluate the longitudinal occurrence and persistence of BME in early OA of the knee. Material and Methods: Twenty-three patients (eight females, 15 males; mean age 55.5±10.3 years) were scanned with a 1.5T MR imaging unit (sagittal fat-suppressed intermediate-weighted fast spin echo; 4-mm section thickness, 1-mm intersection gap, 256x192 matrix, 120-mm field of view). Images were obtained in all 23 patients at two time points (TPs) and in 12 patients at three TPs. Images were evaluated by two readers independently; discrepancies in image grading were reviewed and evaluated in consensus. A four-point image-grading scale was used (absence of BME to severe BME). Four main anatomical regions were evaluated (medial femur, lateral femur, medial tibia, lateral tibia), which were subcategorized into anterior, central, and posterior regions. Results: One hundred five areas of BME in the 23 patients were found at all three TPs. In 16 areas, the BME was consistent at the same location over time, in seven locations the BME became larger, in six areas the BME became smaller, and in 16 locations it could not be detected in follow-up MRIs. In one case, the BME was smaller at TP2 but increased at TP3. In eight cases, only at the last time point could a BME be detected. Conclusion: BME is not a static phenomenon but changes over time. Correlation to physical activity and local inflammatory reaction should be evaluated.
cneViewer: a database of conserved non-coding elements for studies of tissue-specific gene regulation
Authors: Persampieri Jason , Ritter Deborah I. , Lees Daniel , Lehoczky Jessica , Li Qiang , Guo Su , Chuang Jeffrey H. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Summary: There are thousands of strongly conserved non-coding elements (CNEs) in vertebrate genomes, and their functions remain largely unknown. However, without biologically relevant criteria for prioritizing them, selecting a particular CNE sequences to study can be haphazard. To address this problem, we present cneViewer—a database and webtool that systematizes information on conserved non-coding DNA elements in zebrafish. A key feature here is the ability to search for CNEs that may be relevant to tissue-specific gene regulation, based on known developmental expression patterns of nearby genes. cneViewer provides this and other organizing features that significantly facilitate experimental design and CNE analysis.
Availability: http://cneviewer.zebrafishcne.org
Contact: chuangj@bc.edu
Inflammatory markers and visceral fat are inversely associated with maximal oxygen consumption in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Giallauria Francesco , Palomba Stefano , De Sio Ilario , Maresca Luigi , Vuolo Laura , Savastano Silvia , Lombardi Gaetano , Colao Annamaria , Vigorito Carlo , Orio Francesco 
Published: August 2008

SummaryBackground  We investigated whether several different inflammatory markers including C‐reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen and white blood cells (WBCs) count, are associated with maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods  In PCOS women (n = 124, 24·1 ± 4·5 year‐old) VO2max was measured during symptom‐limited cardiopulmonary exercise test. Abdominal fat distribution was determined by ultrasound. Physical activity level was assessed by a standardized questionnaire. CRP was measured by immunoassays, fibrinogen by the Clauss method, and WBCs count with a Coulter counter.Results  Pearson's analysis showed a significant correlation between VO2max and logCRP (r = –0·437, P < 0·001), fibrinogen (r = –0·479, P < 0·001), and WBCs count (r = –0·438, P < 0·001). Multivariable logistic regression model showed that age (β = –0·127, P = 0·005), AUCINS (β = –0·335, P < 0·001), HDL‐C (β = 0·390, P < 0·001), physical activity score (β = 0·238, P = 0·002), visceral fat (β =–0·184), P = 0·023), FAI (β = –0·291, P = 0·028); CRP (β = –0·216, P = 0·011), fibrinogen (β = –0·113, P = 0·008) and WBCs count (β = –0·177, P < 0·001) were significantly associated with VO2max.Conclusions  Acute‐phase reactants, such as CRP and fibrinogen, and WBCs count were independently and inversely associated with a direct measure of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) in women with PCOS, even after adjustment for physical activity level and other potential confounding factors. These findings add to the growing body of evidence linking inflammation to cardiorespiratory fitness in PCOS women.
Benzofuran derivatives and the thyroid
Authors: Han T. S. , Williams G. R. , Vanderpump M. P. J. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryAmiodarone and dronedarone are two clinically important benzofuran derivatives. Amiodarone has been used widely for treating resistant tachyarrhythmias in the past three decades. However amiodarone and its main metabolically active metabolite desethylamiodarone can adversely affect many organs, including the thyroid gland. Amiodarone‐induced thyroid disorders are common and often present as a management challenge for endocrinologists. The pathogenesis of amiodarone‐induced thyroid dysfunction is complex but the inherent effects of the drug itself as well as its high iodine content appear to play a central role. The non‐iodinated dronedarone also exhibits anti‐arrhythmic properties but appears to be less toxic to the thyroid. This review describes the biochemistry of benzofuran derivatives, including their pharmacology and the physiology necessary for understanding the cellular mechanisms involved in their actions. The known effects of these compounds on thyroid action are described. Recommendations for management of amiodarone‐induced hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are suggested. Dronedarone appears to be an alternative but less‐effective anti‐arrhythmic agent and it does not have adverse effects on thyroid function. It may have a future role as an alternative agent in patients being considered for amiodarone therapy especially those at high risk of developing thyroid dysfunction but not in severe heart failure.
The importance of transport hubs in stepping‐stone invasions
Authors: Floerl O. , Inglis G. J. , Dey K. , Smith A. 
Published: August 2008

Summary

Biological invasions are characterized by occasional long‐distance, human‐assisted dispersal. Centres of human transportation that are connected by trade to a wide range of other locations (‘transport hubs’) may be important catalysts of the rate at which new populations of an invader are established.
We developed a spatially explicit stochastic model to simulate the spread of a hypothetical marine invader by hull fouling. The model was based on classic ‘Susceptible–Infected–Resistant’ models used in medical epidemiology. It was parameterized using empirical data on the colonization of vessel hulls by fouling organisms, and on maintenance and travel patterns of ~1300 domestic and international yachts around New Zealand. Thirty‐six marinas were grouped into three categories that represented a gradient in the number of other transport nodes each marina was ‘connected’ to and the frequencies of yacht movements between them. Invasions were seeded in three locations from each category. Simulations were run over 10 years to determine differences in the trajectory of invasions originating from busy and less frequented transport nodes.
Busy ‘hub’ locations were 75% more likely to become infected by an invader than quieter locations. Infection of hub nodes occurred at an earlier average stage in the invasion sequence. This occurred irrespective of whether the initial source of the invasion was associated with low or high traffic volume and connectivity.
Biotic invasions originating from hub locations did not consistently result in faster spread, or a larger number of secondary infestations. However, the rate of spread from hubs was less variable than from quieter nodes and was less often preceded by a prolonged lag period.
Synthesis and applications. Rapid spread of invasive organisms can occur from busy and from seemingly unimportant transport nodes. Busy locations were consistently more likely to become infested by an invader and to accelerate spread to secondary locations faster. Busy transport hubs should be considered a priority for the allocation of preventative and management efforts, such as regular baseline or target surveys and the development of incursion response plans that minimize the risk of spread within the transport network.
Development of a Sensitive Serological Method for Specific Detection of Latent Infection of Macrophomina phaseolina in Cowpea
Authors: Afouda Leonard , Wolf Gerhard , Wydra Kerstin 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA double‐antibody sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (DAS‐ELISA) was developed for the specific detection and quantification of Macrophomina phaseolina in plant tissue. Both polyclonal antisera produced against immunogens from mycelium and culture filtrate of M. phaseolina detected the fungus in mycelial and plant extracts, although the antibodies raised against mycelium were more sensitive. No cross‐reaction occurred with Rhizopus stolonifer, Pythium ultimum, Mucor hiemalis, Fusarium oxysporum, Septoria nodorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Phytophthora infestans and Aspergillus niger. In enzyme assays, activity of the endo‐acting hydrolytic enzymes 1,3‐β‐glucanase and, less, cellulase, but not xylanase was detected in infected plants. DAS‐ELISA was more sensitive than the 1,3‐β‐glucanase assay. In polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) up to 18 protein bands were observed, with four bands occurring in the 12 tested isolates deriving from various geographical origin in Niger and Nigeria. The enzyme assays and protein patterns were considered not suitable for specific M. phaseolina detection. Macrophomina phaseolina was essentially located in the roots and hypocotyls, and less in epicotyls and leaves of infected plants. The antibodies were also useful to detect latent infection and the infection of cowpea seeds.
ADENOVIRUS‐MEDIATED FKBP12.6 OVEREXPRESSION INDUCES HYPERTROPHY AND APOPTOSIS IN CULTURED NEONATAL CARDIOMYOCYTES
Authors: Zhong Jian , Chen Jing , Cao Tingbin , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Weiguo , Liu Daoyan , Zhu Zhiming 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY

Cardiac ryanodine RyR2 receptors regulate Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). FK506 binding protein (FKBP) 12.6 prevents aberrant SR Ca2+ leakage during diastole, thereby maintaining the integrity of RyR2 function. Previous studies have focused mainly on FKBP12.6 deficiency and so the pathophysiological consequences of FKBP12.6 overexpression remain unclear. Herein, we investigate the effect of FKBP12.6 overexpression on cardiac hypertrophic and apoptotic signalling.
Human FKBP12.6 cDNA was cloned into pAdTrack‐CMV and the resulting plasmid, along with a control empty plasmid, were transfected into bacteria. The resulting virus, namely Ad‐FKBP12.6 containing green fluorescent protein, was propagated and purified. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were infected with this virus. Protein and DNA synthesis were measured by [3H]‐leucine and [3H]‐thymidine incorporation, respectively. Expression of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 or 2 (p‐ERK1/2) and Bax were examined by western blotting.
Compared with control cells, cardiomyocytes that overexpressed FKBP12.6 became hypertrophic and hyperplastic, with increased levels of both p38 MAPK and p‐ERK1/2. At the same time, overexpression of FKBP12.6 induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, as determined by both Bax protein expression and DNA fragmentation. Rapamycin treatment downregulated the expression of p‐ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and Bax in stimulated cardiomyocytes, with or without FKBP12.6 overexpression, and enhanced protein synthesis, but had no effect on DNA synthesis in cardiomyocytes.
In conclusion, FKBP12.6 overexpression may participate in pathophysiological processes through both hypertrophic and apoptotic signalling pathways, leading to cardiomyocyte damage and death.
Adjustable continence therapy (ProACT) and bone anchored male sling: Comparison of two new treatments of post prostatectomy incontinence
Authors: Crivellaro Simone , Singla Ajay , Aggarwal Neelesh , Frea Bruno , Kocjancic Ervin 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  To compare the efficacy of two surgical treatments for male urinary stress incontinence: adjustable continence therapy (ProACT) and bone anchored male sling (BAMS).Methods:  Eighty‐four consecutive post radical prostatectomy incontinent patients received ProACT (n = 46) or BAMS (n = 38) implantation by two different operators in two different centres. Eighty of them had a complete follow up. Both groups were prospectively assessed by number of pads per day and a validated questionnaire (UCLA/RAND). Complications rate and mean operating times were compared. All comparisons were analyzed using the t test, Fischer's exact test and χ2 analysis (significance P < 0.05).Results:  At a mean follow up of 19 and 33 months respectively, 30/44 (68%) patients treated with ProACT were dry (0/1 safety pad) in comparison with 23/36 (64%) patients treated with BAMS (P > 0.05). Stratifying the results, ProACT had 33/39 (85%) dry patients in severe (more than three pads/day) preoperative incontinence, in comparison with 21/26 (81%) for BAMS (P > 0.05). The UCLA/RAND questionnaire showed an average increase of 11.7 points (from 10.2 to 21.9) for ProACT and of 10 points (from 11.9 to 21.9) for BAMS (P > 0.05). Complications included removal of ProACT and BAMS in 6/44 (14%) and 2/36 (6%), respectively. Mean operating time was 18 min and 45 min (P < 0.05) for ProACT and BAMS, respectively.Conclusions:  ProACT and BAMS are both associated with a satisfactory rate of success. ProACT results seem to be better for severe incontinence and BAMS for mild incontinence. The operation time of ProACT is shorter.
Outcomes of patients after aborted radical cystectomy for intraoperative findings of metastatic disease
Authors: Guzzo Thomas J. , Rogers Craig G. , Deng Chris Y. , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Palapattu Ganesh S. , Bastian Patrick J. , Eisenberger Mario A. , Schoenberg Mark P. , Gonzalgo Mark L. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVESTo assess the clinical outcome of patients with bladder cancer who underwent attempted radical cystectomy (RC) with curative intent, but whose procedures were aborted due to intraoperative findings of metastatic disease, as the presence of metastatic disease at RC is associated with a poor prognosis and there are no data on the optimum management strategy in this situation.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 248 consecutive patients with bladder cancer had attempted RC at one academic institution between 1994 and 2003. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 35 patients who had an aborted RC due to intraoperative findings of metastatic disease. The pathological characteristics, time to recurrence, overall survival, disease‐specific survival, and suitability for adjuvant or salvage therapies were examined.RESULTSOf the 35 patients who had an aborted RC for metastatic disease, 21 (60%) died from the disease within the study period (median time to cancer‐specific death 26.4 months), 11 (31%) are alive with evidence of persistent disease or progression, and three (9%) are alive with no evidence of recurrence or progression. Seven patients had a salvage RC after successful adjuvant treatment, of whom three died from recurrent disease (at a mean of 46.5 months after initial exploration, 31.9 months after salvage RC), one is alive with bladder cancer recurrence to the rectum 10 months after salvage cystectomy, and three have no evidence of disease progression at a mean of 10 months after salvage RC.CONCLUSIONSThe prognosis of patients who undergo an aborted attempt at curative RC due to intraoperative findings of metastatic disease is poor. Although a few patients might subsequently have salvage RC, many of these patients still have poor outcomes even if adjuvant treatments are used. When metastatic disease is discovered at RC, completing the cystectomy should be considered, although further studies are needed to show a clinical benefit.
Four weeks of near‐normalization of blood glucose has no effect on postprandial GLP‐1 and GIP secretion, but augments pancreatic B‐cell responsiveness to a meal in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Højberg P. V. , Vilsbøll T. , Zander M. , Knop F. K. , Krarup T. , Vølund A. , Holst J. J. , Madsbad S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective   The aim of the present study was to investigate whether 4 weeks of near‐normalization of blood glucose (BG) improves incretin hormone secretion and pancreatic B‐cell function during a mixed meal.Research design and methods   Nine patients with Type 2 diabetes in poor glycaemic control [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 8.0 ± 0.4%] were investigated before and after 4 weeks of near‐normalization of BG (mean BG 6.4 ± 0.3 mmol/l) using insulin treatment. HbA1c after insulin treatment was 6.6 ± 0.3%. For comparison, nine healthy control subjects were also studied. Postprandial glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) incremental responses were assessed during a mixed meal test. Fasting and postprandial pancreatic B‐cell function was determined from calculations of insulin secretion rates in relation to plasma glucose.Results   There was no difference in IAUCtotalGLP‐1 or in IAUCtotalGIP between the two experimental days. B‐cell sensitivity to glucose (insulinogenic index) did not differ before and after insulin treatment in the fasting state (0.21 ± 0.17 vs. 0.25 ± 0.10 pmol kg−1 min−1/mmol l−1), but improved significantly during the first 30 min after start of the meal (0.28 ± 0.07 vs. 0.46 ± 0.06 pmol kg−1 min−1/mmol l−1) and during the following 4 h (0.34 ± 0.09 vs. 0.56 ± 0.07 pmol kg−1 min−1/ mmol l−1). The B‐cell responsiveness to changes in plasma glucose, expressed as the slope of the linear relationship between the insulin secretion rate and the concomitant plasma glucose increased from 0.59 ± 0.16 to 0.94 ± 0.13 pmol kg−1 min−1/ mmol l−1 (P < 0.07).Conclusions   Four weeks of near‐normalization of BG had no effect on postprandial secretion of incretin hormones. Nevertheless, several parameters of meal‐induced insulin secretion improved after insulin treatment.
Cultural barriers in the education of cardiovascular disease patients in Iran
Authors: Farahani M.A. , Mohammadi E. , Ahmadi F. , Maleki M. , Hajizadeh E. 
Published: August 2008

Background:  Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for the highest mortality rate in Iran; however, there is a lack of evidence for cultural factors influencing patient education. Such information is important for the provision of effective patient care.Aim:  To identify key issues relating to cultural factors influencing education of cardiovascular disease patients in Iran.Methods:  The qualitative research approach was used in this study, with open‐ended interviews used to gather data. Eighteen nurses, four cardiovascular specialists, nine patients with cardiovascular disease and four family members were interviewed at two educational hospitals in Tehran. Interviews were taped, transcribed and analysed using constant comparative analysis.Findings:  Participants expressed a range of cultural factors influencing patient education. Five themes emerged from the analysis: (a) patients' lifestyle, (b) beliefs about disease and treatment, (c) concealment of true diagnosis, (d) different opinions regarding the preferred instructor, and (e) ineffective communication.Conclusion:  Findings show that cultural beliefs may act as risk factors for, or serve to intensify, cardiovascular disease. Consideration of these factors is essential for the success of patient education programmes.