bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vulvar Pain Syndromes: Vestibulodynia
Authors: Stone‐Godena Teri 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTChronic pain anywhere on the body can be debilitating and demoralizing. When the pain is associated with sexuality, it can erode self‐esteem and diminish relationships. Vestibulodynia (pain in the vulvar vestibule) is poorly understood and presents a clinical challenge to the provider. Although the etiology of vestibulodynia is unclear, and randomized controlled trials of therapies are lacking, the knowledge of current theories and treatments will assist providers in caring for women with this enigmatic problem.
Predictive Value of Lymph Node Metastases and Extracapsular Extension for the Risk of Distant Metastases in Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Oosterkamp Stephanie , de Jong Jos M. A. , Van Den Ende Piet L. , Manni Johannes J. , Dehing‐Oberije Cary , Kremer Bernd 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective: The objective of this retrospective chart analysis was to determine the prognostic value of the lymph node status and extracapsular lymph node extension (ECE) of the neck for the development of distant metastases in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.Methods: One hundred sixty‐five patients treated for laryngeal carcinoma with a neck dissection with histologic evaluation were included. Primary study end point was distant metastasis‐free survival. Univariate analysis with the Kaplan‐Meier method was used to calculate distant metastasis‐free survival and overall survival for the whole group and for groups according to ECE/lymph node status. Patients were classified as 1) no metastatic lymph nodes, 2) metastatic lymph nodes without ECE, or 3) metastatic lymph nodes with ECE. Univariate Cox regression was performed with outcome distant metastasis‐free survival.Results: The median overall survival for the whole group was 5.1 years and the 5‐year survival rate was 51%. The median distant metastasis‐free survival for the whole group could not be calculated and the 5‐year metastasis‐free survival rate was 78%. The hazard ratio was 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0–12.1) for patients with positive nodes and without ECE and 10.5 (95% CI = 3.6–30.8) for the patients with metastatic nodes and with ECE compared with the patients without metastatic lymph nodes.Conclusion: The presence of ECE in metastatic lymph nodes augments the risk of distant metastasis by nine times in laryngeal carcinoma. Metastatic lymph nodes without ECE show a risk three times greater.
The phytotoxin coronatine from Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 functions as a virulence factor and influences defence pathways in edible brassicas
Authors: ELIZABETH SARITA V. , BENDER CAROL L. 
Published: November 2006

SUMMARYThe phytotoxin coronatine (COR) contributes to the virulence of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) strain DC3000 on Arabidopsis thaliana and tomato. However, little is known regarding the role of COR in the virulence of DC3000 on cultivated Brassica spp. In this study, the role of COR and its precursors, coronafacic acid (CFA) and coronamic acid (CMA), were examined in the virulence of Pst DC3000 on collard and turnip, two important edible brassicas. Pst DC3000 and three well‐defined COR− biosynthetic mutants of DC3000 exhibited substantial differences in the timing and phenotype of disease lesions on collard and turnip. When examined 3 days post‐inoculation (dpi), collard inoculated with DC3000 exhibited visible anthocyanin production and lesions were chlorotic and water‐soaked. On turnip, chlorotic and necrotic lesions were evident on DC3000‐inoculated leaves 5 dpi. The bacterial population dynamics on plants inoculated with DC3000 and the COR− mutants indicated that COR was essential for DC3000 to maintain high populations in turnip, but not collard. Real‐time quantitative PCR revealed that the jasmonic acid pathway responsive genes, LOX2 and CORI1, were expressed in both hosts inoculated with Pst DC3000. PR1, a marker associated with the salicylic acid pathway, was expressed in collard and turnip inoculated with the CFA− CMA− mutant DB29, but not DC3000. Further comparison of PR1 and LOX2 expression indicated that CFA plays a subtle role in modulating defence in turnip. This is the first study to investigate the role of COR in the interaction of Pst DC3000 and cultivated brassicas using genetically and biochemically defined COR− mutants.
Phytophthora sojae: root rot pathogen of soybean and model oomycete
Authors: TYLER BRETT M. 
Published: November 2006

SUMMARY Phytophthora sojae is an oomycete pathogen of soybean, classified in the kingdom Stramenopiles. It causes ‘damping off’ of seedlings and root rot of older plants, with an annual cost worldwide of $1–2 billion. Owing to its economic importance, this species, along with P. infestans, has been developed as a model species for the study of oomycete plant pathogens. It is readily transformed with DNA enabling over‐expression and silencing of selected genes, genetic maps have been constructed and large expressed sequence tag sequence libraries have been developed. A draft genome sequence has recently been completed. This review briefly summarizes current information about the pathogenicity, evolution, molecular biology and genomics of P. sojae. Taxonomy:   Phytophthora sojae (Kaufman & Gerdman): superkingdom Eukaryota; kingdom Stramenopila; phylum Oomycota; class Peronosporomycetidae; order Pythiales; family Pythiaceae; genus Phytophthora. Host range:   Soybean is the only economically important host. Several species of lupins have also been reported as hosts. Disease symptoms and signs:   All parts of the soybean plant are susceptible to infection by P. sojae, from germinating seedlings to mature plants. In the field, P. sojae causes damping off of soybean seedlings and a root and stem rot of established plants. Leaves can be infected in the field as a result of rain splash or by deliberate inoculation in the laboratory. Damping off can affect germinating seeds or emerged seedlings and is most severe when the spring is very wet and warm (25–30 °C). Established plants can become infected when the soil is wet for extended periods, especially if the soil is poorly drained. Both the cortex and the vascular tissue are colonized by P. sojae, and the infection can spread rapidly along the vascular tissues in susceptible cultivars. Useful websites:   http://pmgn.vbi.vt.edu, http://phytophthora.vbi.vt.edu, http://www.jgi.doe.gov/Psojae, http://www.jgi.doe.gov/Pramorum, http://www.pfgd.org, http://pamgo.vbi.vt.edu, http://soy.vbi.vt.edu, https://www.vbi.vt.edu/article/articleview/78, http://plantpath.osu.edu/faculty/dorrance.php
Carotid intima‐media thickness is increased and related to arterial stiffening in patients with beta‐thalassaemia major
Authors: Cheung Y. F. , Chow P. C. , Chan G. C. , Ha S. Y. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryAn increased iron store has been linked to the risk of atherosclerosis. The carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT), stiffness index, Young's elastic modulus (YEM), and augmentation index were determined in 20 patients with beta‐thalassaemia major. Compared with controls, patients had greater IMT (P < 0·001), YEM (P = 0·005), and stiffness (P = 0·009) and augmentation (P = 0·03) indices. The odds ratio for increased IMT in patients was 39. Carotid IMT correlated with YEM (P = 0·036), stiffness index (P = 0·036) and augmentation index (P = 0·006). Multivariate analysis identified patient status (P < 0·001) as the only significant determinant of IMT. These findings suggest the possibility of premature atherosclerosis in beta‐thalassaemia major patients.
Effects of phthalate esters on the sensitization phase of contact hypersensitivity induced by fluorescein isothiocyanate
Authors: Imai Y. , Kondo A. , Iizuka H. , Maruyama T. , Kurohane K. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
Many different types of phthalate ester are used as plasticizers and are thus found in the air. There have been several studies that suggest an association between allergies and phthalate esters. We previously found that di‐butyl phthalate (DBP) has an adjuvant effect in a mouse contact hypersensitivity model, in which fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) is involved as an immunogenic hapten.Objective
We examined whether other phthalate esters enhance the process of sensitization to FITC by facilitating the trafficking of FITC‐presenting dendritic cells or macrophages from skin sites to draining lymph nodes.Methods
Mice were epicutaneously sensitized with FITC dissolved in acetone containing a phthalate ester. Sensitization was evaluated as ear swelling after a challenge with FITC. Draining lymph node cells obtained 24 h after skin sensitization were examined for FITC fluorescence by means of flow cytometry. FITC‐positive cells were characterized with anti‐CD11c and anti‐CD11b by three‐colour flow cytometry.Results
When mice were sensitized with FITC in acetone containing DBP or di‐n‐propyl phthalate (DPP), strong enhancement of the ear‐swelling response was observed. Di‐methyl phthalate (DMP) and di‐ethyl phthalate (DEP) were less effective but produced some enhancement. Consistent enhancement was not observed with di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate or di‐isononyl phthalate. Upon sensitization in the presence of DBP or DPP, the number of FITC‐positive dendritic cells (total CD11c+ as well as CD11c+/CD11b+) was increased in draining lymph nodes. As to the other four phthalate esters, there was no significant increase in the FITC‐positive cell number in the draining lymph nodes.Conclusion
During the process of sensitization to FITC, DBP, and DPP exert strong adjuvant effects that are associated with enhancement of trafficking of antigen‐presenting dendritic cells from the skin to draining lymph nodes.
Interaction between variants in the interleukin‐4 receptor α and interleukin‐9 receptor genes in childhood wheezing: evidence from a birth cohort study
Authors: Melén E. , Umerkajeff S. , Nyberg F. , Zucchelli M. , Lindstedt A. , Gullstén H. , Wickman M. , Pershagen G. , Kere J. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
Several polymorphisms in the IL‐4 receptor α (IL4RA) gene have been associated with asthma and atopy, but with variable success in different populations. Immunologic studies suggest that IL4RA may interact with other cytokines and receptors, and gene–gene interactions have also been observed with respect to asthma. Such interactions have been proposed to explain partly the difficulties in replicating association studies.Methods
Using the prospective birth cohort BAMSE, we examined eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and corresponding haplotypes in the IL4RA gene in relation to wheezing and sensitization up to age 4. We also evaluated potential interaction effects (departure from a multiplicative interaction model) between the IL4RA SNPs and four SNPs in the IL‐9 receptor (IL9R) gene previously associated with childhood wheezing.Results
We found no main effect of the IL4RA SNPs alone and only weak associations to wheezing and sensitization when haplotypes were considered. Gene–gene interactions between several IL4RA and IL9R SNPs with regard to wheezing were observed (P=0.009), especially between IL4RA Q576R (rs1801275) and IL9R rs731476 (P=0.005). An interaction was also seen between IL4RA and IL9R haplotypes.Conclusion
Variants in the IL4RA gene alone may not exert any major influence on susceptibility to asthma‐related diseases in childhood, but in combination with other genes, such as IL9R, IL4RA may be an important gene for disease susceptibility.
Herbivory mitigation through increased water‐use efficiency in a leaf‐mining moth–apple tree relationship
Authors: PINCEBOURDE SYLVAIN , FRAK ELA , SINOQUET HERVÉ , REGNARD JEAN LUC , CASAS JÉRÔME 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTHerbivory alters plant gas exchange but the effects depend on the type of leaf damage. In contrast to ectophagous insects, leaf miners, by living inside the leaf tissues, do not affect the integrity of the leaf surface. Thus, the effect of leaf miners on CO2 uptake and water‐use efficiency by leaves remains unclear. We explored the impacts of the leaf‐mining moth Phyllonorycter blancardella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) on light responses of the apple leaf gas exchanges to determine the balance between the negative effects of reduced photosynthesis and potential positive impacts of increased water‐use efficiency (WUE). Gas exchange in intact and mined leaf tissues was measured using an infrared gas analyser. The maximal assimilation rate was slightly reduced but the light response of net photosynthesis was not affected in mined leaf tissues. The transpiration rate was far more affected than the assimilation rate in the mine integument as a result of stomatal closure from moderate to high irradiance level. The WUE was about 200% higher in the mined leaf tissues than in intact leaf portions. Our results illustrate a novel mechanism by which plants might minimize losses from herbivore attacks; via trade‐offs between the negative impacts on photosynthesis and the positive effects of increased WUE.
Maize Sh2 gene is constrained by natural selection but escaped domestication
Authors: MANICACCI D. , FALQUE M. , LE GUILLOU S. , PIÉGU B. , HENRY A.‐M. , LE GUILLOUX M. , DAMERVAL C. , DE VIENNE D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn Zea mays L., we studied the molecular evolution of Shrunken2 (Sh2), a gene that encodes the large subunits of a major enzyme in endosperm starch biosynthesis, ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase. We compared 4669 bp of the Sh2 coding region on 50 accessions of maize and teosinte. Very few nucleotide polymorphisms were found when compared with other genes in Z. mays, revealing an effect of purifying selection in the whole species that predates domestication. Additionally, the comparison of Sh2 sequences in all Z. mays subspecies and outgroups Z. diploperennis and Tripsacum dactyloides suggests the occurrence of an ancient selective sweep in the Sh2 3′ region. The amount and nature of nucleotide diversity are similar in both maize and teosinte, confirming previous results that suggested that Sh2 has not been involved in maize domestication. The very low level of nucleotide diversity as well as the highly conserved protein sequence suggest that natural selection retained effective Sh2 allele(s) long before agriculture started, making human selection inefficient on this gene.
Alternative measures of response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: CORBY‐HARRIS V. , HABEL K. E. , ALI F. G. , PROMISLOW D. E. L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractStudies of invertebrate immune defence often measure genetic variation either for the fitness cost of infection or for the ability of the host to clear the parasite. These studies assume that variation in measures of resistance is related to variation in fitness costs of infection. To test this assumption, we infected strains of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, with a pathogenic bacterium. We then measured the correlation between host bacterial load and the ability to survive infection. Despite the presence of genotypic variation for both traits, bacterial load and survival post‐infection were not correlated. Our results support previous arguments that individual measures of immune function and the host's ability to survive infection may be decoupled. In light of these results, we suggest that the difference between tolerance and resistance to infection, a distinction commonly found in the plant literature, may also be of value in studies of invertebrate immunity.
Nurse prescribing in low‐resource settings: professional considerations
Authors: Miles K. , Seitio O. , McGilvray M. 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  This paper reviews the professional issues relating to nurse prescribing in low‐resource countries.Background:  In order to meet community healthcare need, nurses in low‐resource settings often perform roles such as prescribing medication, for which they may not have had adequate training, often in the absence of supervision, legislation and regulation. In general, however, there is a paucity of published evidence relating to nurse prescribing in low‐resource settings. Several studies have demonstrated improved health and social outcomes resulting from nurse‐prescribing interventions. Alternatively, other studies have shown unsatisfactory nurse‐prescribing patterns, such as overuse of antibiotics and poor adherence to national treatment guidelines. There are several examples of how nurse prescribing in low‐resource countries has been recognized and addressed at national level; these are discussed in detail. However, given that it is widely acknowledged how crucial nurses are for the delivery of health care in regions where there are no medical personnel, international policy and guidance relating to this issue is only just beginning to acknowledge and address the relevant issues.Conclusion:  Where there is a need for nurses to extend their role in the ordering of medicines and other treatments, the responsibilities, training, rights and roles of these nurses need to be clearly defined and recognized at all levels of the health service. There is a need for rigorous evaluations incorporating health, social and economic outcomes of nurse‐prescribing interventions, in addition to close monitoring of legislative and regulatory changes related to nursing roles.
Applying to the European Research Area Network Scheme (ERA‐NET): collaborative working for nursing and midwifery research*
Authors: Condell S. L. , Fyffe T. , Moreno‐Casbas T. , Poortvliet P. , Wilkinson J. , Egea‐Zerolo B. , Jones C. 
Published: November 2006

Aim:  This paper reports on work undertaken to achieve an application for monies from the European Commission’s 6th Framework Programme by some key stakeholders, working with a nursing and midwifery research agenda at national policy levels.Background:  A short outline of the European Commission’s European Research Area Network scheme is given in order to set the paper in context, and the vision underpinning the application is discussed.Conclusion:  The paper describes the processes that were undertaken to bring to fruition such collaborative work, and some key lessons are outlined. Seeking opportunities to enhance nursing and midwifery research within a European context gives value to the application, which was ultimately successful.
Low‐inflation Targeting and Long‐run Unemployment*
Authors: Lundborg Per , Sacklén Hans 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe model of Akerlof, Dickens and Perry (2000) (ADP) predicts that low inflation may cause unemployment to persist at high levels. When applied to U.S. data, their results strongly rejected the conventional NAIRU model. We apply the ADP model to Swedish data. The fact that our Swedish data also reject the NAIRU model has a number of interesting implications for the Swedish economy and, potentially, for other European countries as well. The results indicate that raising the Swedish inflation target from 2 to 4 percent would bring long‐run unemployment down by several percentage points. The possibility of ADP‐type long‐run Phillips curves also across the euro countries may raise some concern about the EMU project. While detailed studies on other countries are needed, there is nothing to suggest that these non‐vertical Phillips curves would not differ considerably across the euro countries. Any single inflation level targeted by the ECB would then generate excess unemployment in individual member states.
A Union‐bashing Model of Inflation Targeting
Authors: Meland Frode 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper shows that in an open two‐sector economy, centralization of wage setting may be important in determining the employment (and welfare) effects of different monetary targets. By disciplining unions in the sectors open to international trade, exchange rate targeting yields higher employment than inflation targeting when wage‐setting is more centralized in the open sector than in the shielded sector. When wage‐setting centralization is higher in the shielded sector, we show that general price‐level inflation targeting, while better than exchange rate targeting, is inferior to an inflation target that focuses more heavily on shielded sector prices.
Mainstreaming Equality: Implications of the Provision of Support at Home for Majority and Minority Ethnic Older People
Authors: Bowes Alison 
Published: November 2006

Abstract This paper explores the potential impact and practical difficulties of mainstreaming equalities in support at home for minority and majority ethnic older people, drawing on two linked empirical research projects. Social care providers have long faced difficulties in catering for diversity of need. Recently, diversity within minority ethnic groups has increased, and there is now a statutory duty to promote equality. Research findings illustrate the complexity of exclusionary processes, with particular reference to the example of health care. There is a gap between the high‐level commitment to mainstreaming equality and people's lived experiences. Autonomy and choice are central to community care legislation, policy and practice guidance, but in reality, the research shows that choices are limited for both minority and majority older people. More user‐focused approaches and grassroots involvement may offer ways forward, despite some limitations of current models. In conclusion, the potentiality of a broad mainstreaming equality perspective is highlighted, but challenges include a need for a more grounded approach, better engagement with user groups and a need to focus on understanding issues of implementation.
The subordination of the gender equality objective: the National Reform Programmes and ‘making work pay’ oplicies
Authors: Fagan Colette , Grimshaw Damian , Rubery Jill 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe streamlining of the Lisbon strategy has introduced new integrated guidelines for economic policy and employment strategy and a new report format––the National Reform Programme. In the first year of this new reporting mechanism, Member States have paid less attention to gender mainstreaming and gender equality objectives, not least because the gender equality guideline has been removed. Streamlining has further exposed the narrow and instrumental focus on gender equality measures in the Lisbon process as a means of raising the employment rate rather than a broader concern for equal opportunity. This narrow gender equality approach also dilutes the efficacy of the economic and employment policies that are advanced. Some positive steps to advance gender equality continue to be taken, but the reforms are partial, uneven and coexist with negative developments. We illustrate this with an evaluation of the policy trajectory in relation to the ‘making work pay’ agenda for low‐waged workers (tax/benefit reform, minimum wages, childcare and parental leave). We conclude that this latest reform to the Lisbon process has exposed the enormous amount of political work and capacity building that is needed to mainstream gender issues across the whole field of economic, employment and social policies.
Another third way? VW and the trials of stakeholder capitalism
Authors: Clark Ian 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThe continuing crisis at Volkswagen has attracted widespread attention and concern in its seeming epitomisation of the ‘sclerosis’ of the German business system and Germany’s system of industrial relations in large firms. These wider, systemic questions are reviewed here as well as the key, related issue as to how far, under globalisation, German corporate success can be achieved while retaining its long‐established approach towards social cohesion.