bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ATP‐binding cassette transporter related to yeast vacuolar ScYCF1 is important for Cd sequestration in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: WANG TINGLIANG , WU MADELINE 
Published: July 2006

ABSTRACTWe generated a Cd‐sensitive insertional mutant, Cds18, in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and elucidated the deletion of a 10 kb fragment containing the promoter and a portion of the coding region for CrMRP2 gene that silenced the transcription of CrMRP2 in mutant Cds18. The association between CrMRP2 and Cd sensitivity was confirmed by complementing mutant Cds18 with a cloned genomic DNA fragment containing the promoter and complete coding sequence for CrMRP2. The genomic region and the full‐length cDNA for CrMRP2 were cloned and sequenced. Computer searches detected the significant resemblance of CrMRP2 with HsMRP1, AtMRP3 and ScYCF1, in Homo sapiens, Arabidopsis thaliana and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, respectively. All are members of the multidrug resistance‐associated protein (MRP)/cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) subfamily of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters. When the cDNA of CrMRP2 was cloned into the yeast expression vector pEGKT and transformed into the yeast mutant strain DTY168 lacking ScYCF1, it restored the function of ScYCF1, a yeast vacuolar glutathione (GSH)‐conjugate ABC transporter. A putative vacuolar‐targeting motif (T/I/K)LP(L/K/I) was detected in the N‐terminal part of CrMRP2. In wild‐type C. reinhardtii, CrMRP2 transcription was significantly up‐regulated upon Cd treatment. Comparing with mutant Cds18, the wild‐type algal cells accumulated and sequestered more Cd in the stable high molecular weight (HMW) phytochelatin (PC)–Cd complex; the labile low molecular weight (LMW) PC–Cd complex was detected in mutant Cds18 at an earlier stage of Cd treatment. This study demonstrated the expression of CrMRP2 in C. reinhardtii and implicated its function in the formation/accumulation of stable HMW PC–Cd complex.
Urethral meatal stenosis in junctional epidermolysis bullosa: a rare complication effectively treated with a novel and simple modality
Authors: Rubin Adam I. , Moran Kieran , Fine Jo‐David , Wargon Orli , Murrell Dédée F. 
Published: July 2006

A 10‐year‐old boy was diagnosed with non‐Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosa (nh‐JEB) shortly after birth when he developed blisters on his feet and under the toenails. His younger brother was also affected by nh‐JEB. Their parents were first cousins. Immunofluorescence mapping showed a blister in the lamina lucida and reduced staining with GB3 antibody against laminin V. Molecular analysis showed a homozygous mutation in the LAMC2 gene.The patient complained of intermittent inability to pass urine, causing significant suprapubic pain, anxiety, and general discomfort. He reported the development of blisters and erosions at the urethral meatus, which caused fusion of the meatal opening. In order to micturate, he had to tear apart the fused tissue, resulting in considerable pain.Physical examination revealed multiple healing erosions and atrophic scars, mainly on the legs (Fig. 1), and anonychia of most of the toenails. The walls of the urethral meatus were adherent (Fig. 2). The urethral meatus could not be opened using a moderate amount of pressure by the examining physicians.Extensive erosions were present on the lower legs, consistent with the diagnosis of non‐Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosaimageThe sides of the penile urethral meatus have fused together, and could not be pulled apart with gentle or moderate pressureimagePrevention of re‐stenosis of the urethral meatus was accomplished with the application of Mepilex® (Mölnlycke, Sweden) to the urethral meatus after each micturition, where it remained until the next episode of micturition. Since the institution of this care regimen 10 months ago, there has been no recurrence of the stenosis.
Trichosporon inkin subcutaneous infection in a rheumatoid arthritis patient
Authors: Song Hyun Jeong , Chung Sang Lip , Lee Kyu Suk 
Published: July 2006

A 74‐year‐old woman presented with painful ulcerative nodules on the left forearm. She had received systemic steroid therapy for rheumatoid arthritis for several years. On physical examination, there were four hemorrhagic ulcerative nodules with a linear distribution on the left forearm (Fig. 1A). These nodules had developed over the course of 2 months, and the number of lesions had increased despite systemic antibiotic therapy. There was no sign of systemic dissemination of the disease.(A) Four ulcerative hemorrhagic nodules with linear pattern on the left forearm. (B) Suppurative granulomatous infiltration composed of epithelioid histiocytes, multinucleated giant cells, and neutrophils in the dermis (hematoxylin and eosin; original magnification, ×400). (C) Numerous nonbranching septate hyphae in the dermis stained positive with Gomori–methenamine silver stainimageBiopsy of a nodule demonstrated suppurative granulomatous infiltration (Fig. 1B); the hyphae stained positive with periodic acid–Schiff (data is not shown) and Gomori–methenamine silver stains in the dermis (Fig. 1C). The biopsy specimen was cultured in Sabouraud's dextrose agar supplemented with cycloheximide with incubation at 26 °C. A yeast‐like creamy colony grew in 1 week. The colony became yellowish gray in color and the surface folded radially after 4 weeks of incubation (Fig. 2A). Microscopic examination revealed arthroconidia and blastoconidia (Fig. 2B), and urease activity was positive. The fungus was identified as Trichosporon beigelii by yeast biochemical card (YBC, Biomerieux Vitek, Inc., Hazelwood, MO, USA). The sequences of rDNA obtained from the colony were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer, analyzing the sequences of the 5.8S and 28S rDNA regions for the genetic identification of the Trichosporon species. The sequences of the PCR product matched the corresponding sequences of the T. inkin strain with 99% accuracy (Fig. 2C). The patient was given oral itraconazole for 8 weeks with good clinical results.(A) Radially folded colony with yellowish gray color grew after 4 weeks of incubation (Sabouraud's dextrose agar, 26 °C). (B) Articulated arthroconidia (arrowhead) and budding blastoconidia (arrow) were seen (lactophenol cotton blue; original magnification, × 400). (C) Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification products of the 337‐bp fragment of ribosomal DNA from our colony. Lane 1, molecular weight marker; lane 2, Trichosporon inkin from our caseimage
Development of an information source for patients and the public about general practice services: an action research study
Authors: Marshall Martin , Noble Jenny , Davies Helen , Waterman Heather , Walshe Kieran , Sheaff Rod , Elwyn Glyn 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective  The publication of information about the performance of health‐care providers is regarded as central to promoting greater accountability and empowering patients to exercise choice. The evidence suggests that the public is not very interested in accessing or using current sources of information. This study aimed to explore the information needs of patients in the context of UK primary care and to develop an information source about general practice services, designed to be usable by and useful to patients.Design  An action research study making use of data from formal and informal interviews, focus groups, participant observation and document review.Setting  The geographical areas covered by two Primary Care Trusts in the north of England and two Local Health Boards in south Wales.Participants  A partnership between 103 members of the public, general practice staff from 19 practices, NHS managers from four Primary Care Organizations and the research team.Results  The public would like to know more about the quality and range of general practice services but current sources of information do not meet their needs. The public do not like league tables comparing the performance of practices and only a small number of people want to use comparative information to choose between practices. They seem to be more interested in the context and availability of services and the willingness of practices to improve, than in the practice's absolute or relative performance. They want to be clear about the source of the information so that they can make personal judgements about its veracity. Information is most likely to be useful if it adheres to the basic principles of cognitive science in terms of its structure, content and presentation format. Using these findings, paper and electronic prototype versions of a guide to general practice services have been developed.Conclusions  In order to maximize the potential use of performance information by the public it is necessary to move beyond provider‐led and professionally constructed approaches to information provision and ensure that the public is actively involved in the development of information sources. Such involvement produces a different kind of information to that currently available to the public. The findings of this study have important implications for policy. Most importantly, it seems that the traditional consumerist model underlying a policy of making comparative performance information available to the public to enable them to exercise choice between primary care providers may not be appropriate. An alternative model of information provision, which recognizes the public's commitment to their practice and is integrated with ‘soft’ sources of knowledge is more likely to engage and be of use to the public.
Influence of physical inactivity on the prevalence of hay fever
Authors: Kohlhammer Y. , Zutavern A. , Rzehak P. , Woelke G. , Heinrich J. 
Published: July 2006

Background:  Atopic diseases constitute a major public health problem, increasing constantly in frequency and severity. While treatments are improving, the main cause for an increasing trend of hay fever and its definite triggers remain unclear. The aim of our study was to assess whether physical inactivity could be a risk factor for hay fever.Methods:  We analysed data of a cohort of children aged 5–14 years at baseline (1992–1993) who were followed up until 2003–2005. Parental‐reported information on physical activity (being active, doing sports) was obtained for 2429 children participating at the baseline survey (active: n = 1923; semi‐active: n = 364; inactive: n = 142). A total of 1703 children (70.1%) were reapproached at least once during follow‐up. Logistic regression models were applied to study associations between hay fever, allergic sensitization and physical activity, adjusted for potentially relevant confounders such as age, gender, study site, parental education, breastfeeding, crowding, daycare, dampness or visible moulds, contact to cats, current or prior environmental tobacco smoke exposure and parental atopy.Results:  Significantly higher rates of hay fever were seen for inactive children [aOR 2.39 (95% CI 1.31–4.36) for baseline survey 1992–1993 and aOR 1.76 (95% CI 1.14–2.71) for the follow‐up‐period until 2005]. In addition, the relative risk of incident cases of hay fever increased depending on inactivity [aRR 1.50 (95% CI 1.05–2.13)]. No association was found between physical inactivity and allergic sensitization assessed by radioallergosorbent test determinations.Conclusions:  Although the underlying biological mechanisms could not be clarified, increasing physical activity in childhood is suggested to prevent hay fever.
Characterization of a Phytotoxin from Phoma herbarum for Management of Parthenium hysterophorus L.
Authors: Vikrant P. , Verma K. K. , Rajak R. C. , Pandey A. K. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractMicrobial products offer a non‐chemical alternative to manage noxious weeds with the goal of reducing input into the environment of harmful chemicals that are otherwise used for the same purpose. During the present investigations cell‐free culture filtrate (CFCF) of Phoma herbarum FGCC no. 75 was evaluated for its phytotoxic property against Parthenium hysterophorus L. The results of shoot cut, detached leaf and seedling bioassays revealed the presence of a toxic metabolite in the CFCF that was responsible for the toxicity against the target weed. Further, the toxic metabolite was characterized after the CFCF extraction with butanol, hexane, chloroform, acetone and ethyl acetate. The residues left after solvent evaporation were evaluated separately for their toxicity against the weed. Residue obtained from ethyl acetate fraction showed very distinct toxicity when compared with others. On the basis of analysis by gas chromatography‐ mass spectrometry, the tentative structure of the phytotoxic compound was deduced to be 3‐nitro‐1,2‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (3‐nitrophthalic acid). This is the first report confirming the potential of this particular toxin from Ph. herbarum as a biorational, which can be applied as a phytotoxin against Par. hysterophorus.
A Rapid and Sensitive Method for Direct Detection of Erwinia amylovora in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Plant Tissues by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Stöger A. , Schaffer J. , Ruppitsch W. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractFire blight is a destructive disease of apple and pear trees and other rosaceous plants caused by the Gram‐negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora. Several molecular detection procedures described for this plant pathogen are either too time consuming, too insensitive or impractical when handling a large number of samples routinely. Here, we describe a modified protocol of the REDExtract‐N‐AmpTM Plant polymerase chain reaction kit for the detection of E. amylovorain planta and demonstrate that it provides simplicity, high sensitivity, speed and high throughput potential. A total of 951 samples collected in Austria were tested with the modified protocol and the standard protocol of our laboratory to validate the accuracy of this detection method.
Characterization of Genotype and Mating Type in European Isolates of Plasmopara viticola
Authors: Scherer E. , Gisi U. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA total of 54 single sporangiophore isolates of Plasmopara viticola from seven regions in four European countries were examined for mating type and genotypic characteristics, using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeats (SSR, microsatellites) markers. Grape leaf discs were co‐inoculated with sporangia of randomly selected single sporangiophore isolates. Based on oospore production, four fertile isolates were selected: two were defined as P1 and two as P2 mating types. This procedure was necessary because no reference isolates were available. Among the 54 isolates, 33 belonged to the P1 and 21 to the P2 mating type. AFLP and SSR analyses allocated a distinctive genotype to almost each isolate, thus reflecting a high genetic diversity among the isolates (heterozygosity index He 0.59–0.80). AFLP clustering was observed among isolates collected from the same region, whereas no clustering occurred with SSR. This study provides defined P1 and P2 isolates which will allow future genetic investigations on the inheritance of phenotypic traits in P. viticola such as the sensitivity to fungicides.
Purkinje Cell Apoptosis in Arabian Horses with Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Authors: Blanco A. , Moyano R. , Vivo J. , Flores‐Acuña R. , Molina A. , Blanco C. , Monterde J. G. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryPurkinje cerebellar cells were studied in three Arabian horses aged between 6 and 8 months with clinical disorders in their movements, tremors and ataxia; the occurrence of apoptosis in this cell population was investigated by the (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin‐dUTP nick‐end labelling (TUNEL) method. Both optical and electron microscopical images showed a scant number of Purkinje cells, most of them with morphological features of apoptosis such as condensation of the nucleus and cytoplasm as well as segregation and fragmentation of the nucleus into apoptotic bodies. The TUNEL technique revealed a substantial number (65%) of positive immunoreactive Purkinje cells.
A new look into kicking a football: An investigation of muscle activity using MRI
Authors: Baczkowski K , Marks P , Silberstein M , Schneider‐Kolsky ME 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe kicking action predominantly used in Australian Rules football is considered to be responsible for many lower limb injuries. The aim of this study was to describe a non‐invasive method of identifying the thigh muscles involved in kicking an Australian Rules football, using MRI. Both upper thighs of 10 recreational footballers were examined using a 1.5‐T General Electric MRI scanner before and immediately after carrying out a set kicking exercise protocol. The signal intensity (SI) changes in 14 individual muscles were investigated using a standardized region of interest to determine the levels of muscle activity. Significant SI changes were observed in several muscles of the kicking and stance legs among all participants. In the kicking leg, the greatest SI changes were observed in the adductor longus and tensor fascia latae muscles (49.38% (±8.95) and 45.47% (±7.91), respectively; P < 0.05), whereas in the stance leg, the muscles displaying the highest changes were the semitendinosus and tensor fascia latae muscles (46.48% (±9.97) and 33.68% (±8.36), respectively; P < 0.05). This study has shown that MRI can be useful for observing the activity of individual muscles in the upper thigh during the kicking motion. This non‐invasive approach provides a detailed analysis of anatomy and emphasizes the muscles at high risk of injury.
Development of a clinical chart audit programme
Authors: Zissiadis Y , Harper E , Harper C 
Published: July 2006

SummaryRadiation oncology charts containing medical information and treatment details are the major methods of communication between the various personnel involved in delivering radiation therapy to the patient. It is paramount to good patient care for this communication to be clear, precise and accurate in detail. A regular chart audit should be a part of the quality assurance programme of every radiation oncology department. The primary aim of this study was to develop and assess an objective and quantitative programme for reviewing radiation oncology charts, thereby improving the quality of communication and hence patient management. A secondary aim was to compare the charts of radically treated patients with those treated palliatively. A pilot study using a new chart review tool, developed at the Perth Radiation Oncology Centre, was carried out over an 8‐month period. A sample of charts, representing 25% of our treatment group, were assessed using the tool on a monthly basis. A total of 156 charts were reviewed during this time period. Fifty‐six per cent were radical treatments and 44% were palliative. The overall mean chart scores significantly improved over the time of this study (P < 0.001). The individual radiation oncologists’ scores were also seen to improve during the study period. The alpha coefficients for intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability were 0.99 and 0.88, respectively. The chart review programme was found to be an easy‐to‐use and a reliable tool by both medical and non‐medical reviewers. It appeared to have a positive influence on the standard of radiation oncology charts in our department.
Spontaneous coeliac artery dissection
Authors: McGuinness B , Kennedy C , Holden A 
Published: July 2006

SummaryA patient with spontaneous coeliac artery dissection that presented as upper abdominal pain is reported. This was diagnosed on contrast‐enhanced multislice helical CT. The patient was treated conservatively and follow‐up CT showed mild aneurysmal change of the splenic artery and a small splenic infarct. Isolated dissection of the visceral arteries (and, in particular, the coeliac artery) is extremely rare. With such limited evidence, decisions over best management are difficult, but depend on initial severity and progression at follow up.
Ecology and morphological characterization of gametophyte and ‘Chantransia’ stages ofSirodotia huillensis(Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from a stream in central Mexico
Authors: Carmona Javier , Montejano Gustavo , Júnior Orlando Necchi 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARYThe morphology and phenology ofSirodotia huillensiswas evaluated seasonally in a central Mexican first‐order calcareous stream. Water temperature was constant (24–25°C) and pH circumneutral to alkaline (6.7–7.9), and calcium and sulfates were the dominant ions. The gametophyte stages were characterized by the presence of a distinctive mucilaginous layer, a marked difference in phycocyanin to phycoerythrin ratio between female and male plants, and the presence of a carpogonia with a large trichogyne (>60 µm). Occasionally three capogonia were observed on a single basal cell. The ‘Chantransia’ stages were morphologically similar to those described for the other members of Batrachospermales. A remarkable observation was the formation of dome‐shaped structures, consisting of prostrate filaments that are related with the development of new gametophytes. Chromosome numbers weren = 4 for fascicle cells, cortical filament cells and dome‐shaped cells, and2n = 8 for gonimoblast filament cells and ‘Chantransia’ stage filaments. Gametophytes and ‘Chantransia’ stages occurred in fast current velocities (60–170 cm/s) and shaded (33.1–121 µmol photons/m2/s) stream segments. The population fluctuated throughout the study period in terms of percentage cover and frequency: the ‘Chantransia’ stages were most abundant in the rainy season, whereas gametophytic plants had the highest frequency values during the dry season. These results were most likely a result of fluctuations in rainfall and related changes in current velocity. Some characteristics of this population can be viewed as probable adaptations to high current velocities: the mucilaginous layer around plants that reduces drag; potential increase in fertilization by the elongate and plentiful trichogynes and abundant dome‐shaped structures producing several gametophytes.
Physiological characterization of the sex pheromone protoplast‐release‐inducing protein from the Closterium peracerosum‐strigosum‐littorale complex (Charophyta)
Authors: Akatsuka Satoko , Tsuchikane Yuki , Fukumoto Ryo‐hei , Fujii Tadashi , Sekimoto Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARYIn the unicellular charophycean alga Closterium peracerosum‐strigosum‐littorale complex, the protoplast‐release‐inducing protein (PR‐IP), a sex pheromone responsible for gametic protoplast release from mating‐type minus (mt–) cells, was found to stimulate secretion of mucilage from the cells. Induction of sexual cell division by PR‐IP was also confirmed. Bioassays were used to determine the minimum doses required to induce these functions, revealing that 5 · 10−16 M of PR‐IP stimulated mucilage secretion, and that 5 · 10−10 M of PR‐IP were required for protoplast release. Exposure of the cells to 5 · 10−11 M of PR‐IP resulted in the induction of sexual cell division as well as mucilage secretion. These results strongly suggest that PR‐IP is a multifunctional pheromone that independently promotes multiple steps in conjugation at the appropriate times through different induction mechanisms.