bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recurrent spontaneous abortions patients have more −14 bp/+14 bp heterozygotes in the 3′UT region of the HLA‐G gene in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Xue S. , Yang J. , Yao F. , Xu L. , Fan L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAlthough human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G gene polymorphism is low, it may influence levels of protein expression and, in some cases, has been associated with pregnancy diseases. Apart from the 23 HLA‐G alleles, including a null allele known as HLA‐G*0105N, a 14‐bp deletion or insertion in the 3′UT region also contributes to the HLA‐G gene polymorphism. In order to discover any correlation between the 14‐bp deletion polymorphism and pregnancy diseases, we isolated the genomic DNA from 24 recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSA) patients and 88 normal fertile control individuals using the salted out method. Exon‐8 of HLA‐G gene of the two groups was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, respectively, and analyzed by electrophoresis on 9% nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel and stained with ethidium bromide. Differences between the two groups were compared using the χ2 test. The results were there was no significant difference in allelic frequencies of 14‐bp deletion polymorphism between normal control and RSA patients; frequency of −14 bp/+14 bp heterozygotes was significantly increased in RSA patients as compared with normal fertile controls. Our results are similar to a study of Indian women but contradictory to a study of Danish women. This discrepancy may be due to ethnic differences.
HLA‐G polymorphism and evolution
Authors: Arnaiz‐Villena A. , Martinez‐Laso J. , Serrano‐Vela J. I. , Reguera R. , Moscoso J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractSix proteins, one null allele and 22 human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G alleles were found in humans. Bonobo, chimpanzee and gorilla only show one allele and orangutan shows five alleles. All Cercopithecus alleles show stop codons at position 164 (Macaca mulatta with seven DNA alleles, Macaca fascicularis with seven DNA alleles and Cercopithecus aethiops with three DNA alleles). Cotton‐top tamarin New World monkeys showed 20 DNA and protein alleles; the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐G New World sequences seem to be closer to MHC‐E and lack typical MHC‐G primates intron 2‐specific deletion. This seems to suggest that MHC‐G genes in New World primates are not orthologous and that their function may be similar to that of classical presenting MHC genes.
Association of variants in the IL12B gene with leprosy and tuberculosis
Authors: Morahan G. , Kaur G. , Singh M. , Rapthap C. C. , Kumar N. , Katoch K. , Mehra N. K. , Huang D. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThere is a great range in outcomes after mycobacterial infections, and this is probably due to individual variation in immune responses. One of the key cytokine regulators of the immune response is interleukin (IL‐) 12. The IL12B gene encodes the p40 chain of both IL‐12 and IL‐23 and it has two major variant sites at which different alleles are associated with increased levels of gene expression and with susceptibility to a range of immune‐related diseases. We hypothesized that IL12B variants associated with increased expression would be as associated with susceptibility to persistent mycobacterial infection. We tested this hypothesis by genotyping Indian subjects, having either leprosy or tuberculosis (TB), as well as ethnically matched controls. Subjects with leprosy were less likely to have the 3’UTR genotype associated with lower IL12B expression (P= 0.001). Subjects with TB were not only more likely to have the high‐expressing IL12B promoter genotype (P= 0.01) but also more likely to have this in the same haplotype with the high expressing 3’UTR allele (P= 0.0009). These results suggest these infectious diseases may be improved by modulating IL‐l2p40 production.
Influence of inhibitory killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors and their HLA‐C ligands on resolving hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Rauch A. , Laird R. , McKinnon E. , Telenti A. , Furrer H. , Weber R. , Smillie D. , Gaudieri S. ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: April 2007

AbstractAn estimated 2%–3% of the world’s population is chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and this is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Following acute infection, outcome is variable with acute HCV successfully resolved in some individuals (20%–30%), but in the majority of cases the virus is able to persist. Co‐infection with human immunodeficiency virus has been associated with a negative impact on the course of HCV infection. The host’s immune response is an important correlate of HCV infection outcome and disease progression. Natural killer (NK) cells provide a major component of the antiviral immune response by recognising and killing virally infected cells. NK cells modulate their activity through a combination of inhibitory and activatory receptors such as the killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) that bind to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I molecules. In this workshop component, we addressed the influence of KIR genotypes and their HLA ligands on resolving HCV infection and we discuss the implications of the results of the study of Lopez‐Vazquez et al. on KIR and HCV disease progression.
Ocular manifestations of natural canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis): a retrospective study of 90 cases
Authors: Komnenou Anastasia A. , Mylonakis Mathios E. , Kouti Vassiliki , Tendoma Lina , Leontides Leonidas , Skountzou Eugenia , Dessiris Angelos , Koutinas Alex F. , Ofri Ron 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective  To investigate the spectrum, prevalence and treatment response rate of ocular manifestations associated with natural canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) due to Ehrlichia canis.Methods  The medical records of 90 dogs that were admitted for primary ocular problems and reacted positive for E. canis serum antibodies were reviewed. All the dogs were treated with oral doxycycline. In 79 dogs, a combination of systemic corticosteroids and/or topical anti‐inflammatory, mydriatics/cycloplegics and antibacterial agents were applied.Results  The dogs ranged from 0.5 to 15 years in age; 55 were male and 35 female. A total of 19 breeds were represented. In the majority of dogs, ocular abnormalities were noticed in conjunction with other CME‐induced clinical signs. In 30/90 dogs, ophthalmic signs were the sole presenting complaint. Unilateral (22/90, 24.5%) and bilateral (68/90, 75.5%) uveitis was the most common ophthalmic diagnosis and was classified as anterior, posterior or panuveitis in 58 (64.5%), 8 (8.9%) and 24 (26.6%) of the dogs, respectively. Bilateral uveitis was significantly more common than unilateral uveitis (P < 0.0001), and anterior significantly more common than posterior uveitis (P < 0.0001) or panuveitis (P < 0.0001). In addition, corneal ulceration (12/90, 13.3%), necrotic scleritis (10/90, 11.1%), low tear production (8/90, 8.9%) and orbital cellulitis (3/90, 3.3%) were seen. Of the 45 (50%) dogs with a satisfactory follow‐up, 25 (55.5%), 11 (24.5%), and 9 (20%) showed complete, partial and poor response to treatment, respectively. The number of dogs exhibiting complete resolution of the ocular manifestations was significantly higher than those with partial (P < 0.0001) or poor (P < 0.0001) response.Conclusions  CME should be considered a major differential for a wide range of ocular manifestations exhibited by dogs residing in the endemic areas of the disease. Anterior bilateral uveitis appears to be the most prevalent ocular lesion and a favorable outcome to systemic and topical treatment may be expected in the majority of the affected dogs.
Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of subconjunctival injection of clindamycin in the treatment of naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Senturk Sezgin , Cetin Cengiz , Temizel Mutlu , Ozel Ebru 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective To determine the clinical efficacy of subconjunctival injection of clindamycin in the treatment of naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK).Animals studied Clinically, out of 81 animals examined, 46 were found to be suffering from IBK of variable severity. The ocular secretions were collected and cultured forMoraxella bovis. The study included 36 Holstein cattle from whichM. Boviswas isolated. These animals ranged between 4 and 28 months of age.Procedures The severity of the clinical findings were scored as normal, mild, moderate, and severe. Clindamycin was injected subconjunctivally at a total dose of 150 mg (1 mL), once daily for 3 days to the test group (n = 18); isotonic saline solution (1 mL) was administered to the control group. After treatment, all cattle were re‐examined and clinical response was evaluated on days 3, 7 and 15 post‐treatment.Results Compared with the control group and prior to treatment, all active lesions such as blepharospasm, epiphora, photophobia, chemosis, corneal edema, and corneal ulceration were generally resolved by day 15 after subconjunctival injection of clindamycin. Severity of IBK lesions increased on days 3 and 7, compared to baseline in the control group administered isotonic saline solution.Conclusions The results of this study suggest that subconjunctival injection of clindamycin is effective in the treatment of naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis.
Maximizing anticholinergic therapy for overactive bladder: has the ceiling been reached?
Authors: MacDiarmid Scott A. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYUrinary incontinence affects an estimated 20–33% of adults the USA and 55% of the country’s elderly [1], having a more substantial impact on the physical and mental dimension of quality of life than other common chronic diseases. Muscarinic receptor antagonists, including oxybutynin, tolterodine, trospium chloride, darifenacin, and solifenacin, are front‐line therapies for overactive bladder (OAB), with an efficacy of 65–75% in reducing major symptoms. Strategies to increase the therapeutic index have included behavioural therapy, flexible dosing, and dose escalation, as well as newer formulations that reduce anticholinergic side‐effects. Among approved OAB agents, the oxybutynin transdermal‐delivery system has been associated with a lower incidence of dry mouth than immediate‐ and extended‐release formulations of traditional agents. With a low propensity for drug interactions and dry mouth, it is a likely candidate for older patients taking multiple medications. The transdermal patch bypasses systemic and first‐pass metabolism, avoiding higher plasma concentrations of the active metabolite (N‐desethyloxybutynin) thought to be associated with dry mouth symptoms. Anticholinergics have a significant role to play in the management of OAB; newer drugs targeted toward muscarinic receptors, and novel delivery systems, continue to increase the therapeutic index for this condition.
The prognostic significance of p53, Ki‐67, epithelial cadherin and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in penile squamous cell carcinoma treated with surgery
Authors: Zhu Yao , Zhou Xiao Y. , Yao Xu D. , Dai Bo , Ye Ding W. 
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the prognostic significance of p53, Ki‐67, epithelial cadherin (E‐cadherin) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in primary penile cancer, as the presence of lymph node metastasis and long‐term survival are hard to define in penile squamous cell carcinoma.PATIENTS AND METHODSParaffin‐embedded primary tumour samples were obtained from 73 Chinese patients who had penile amputation and regional lymphadenectomy. The expression of molecular markers was determined by immunohistochemistry. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with lymph node metastasis, and a Cox proportional‐hazards model was used to measure cancer‐specific survival (CSS).RESULTSThirty (41%) patients presented with nodal disease and the 3‐year CSS rate for all patients was 72%. Lymph node metastasis was significantly correlated with tumour stage, histological grade, lymphatic and vascular embolization, and the expression of p53, Ki‐67 and E‐cadherin. By multivariate analysis, tumour embolization and the expression of p53 were independent predictors of metastasis. Survival analysis showed that the expression of p53 was an independent prognostic factor for CSS. In stage T1 tumours, high expression of p53 was significantly associated with metastasis and poor survival.CONCLUSIONLymphatic and vascular embolization, and p53 immunoreactivity, are helpful in establishing the probability of lymph node metastasis. The expression of p53 is an independent predictor of CSS in Chinese patients with penile cancer. In stage T1 tumours, p53 staining is an important variable determining the prognosis and treatment outcome.
Pelvic floor muscle training to improve urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy: a systematic review of effectiveness
Authors: MacDonald Roderick , Fink Howard A. , Huckabay Chad , Monga Manoj , Wilt Timothy J. 
Published: April 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for treating urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy (RP) by reviewing evidence from randomized trials.METHODSRandomized trials published in English were included if they involved men with UI after RP and compared PFMT with a control group. Data were abstracted onto a standardized form using a prospectively developed protocol.RESULTSEleven trials randomizing 1028 men (mean age 64 years) met the inclusion criteria; the duration of the trials was 3–12 months. One trial of 300 men found that those assigned to PFMT achieved continence more quickly (after 1, 3 and 6 months) than men not assigned to PFMT. Men receiving biofeedback‐enhanced PFMT were more likely to achieve continence or have no continual leakage than those with no training within 1–2 months after RP (relative benefit increase 1.54; 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.34; four trials reporting). The relative benefit increase (1.19, 0.82–1.72; five studies) was no longer significant after 3–4 months. Biofeedback‐enhanced PFMT was comparable to written/verbal PFMT instruction. Extracorporeal magnetic innervation (ExMI) and electrical stimulation (ES) were found to be initially (within 1–2 months) more effective than PFMT in one trial, but there were no significant differences between groups at ≥ 3 months.CONCLUSIONBased on available evidence, PFMT with or without biofeedback enhancement hastens the return to continence more than no PFMT in men with UI after RP. Additional trials are needed to confirm whether ExMI and ES are effective conservative treatment options.
Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in yogurt drink, plain yogurt and salted (tuzlu) yogurt: Effects of storage time, temperature, background flora and product characteristics
Authors: AKDEMİR EVRENDİLEK GÜLSÜN 
Published: April 2007

The survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 at 4 and 22°C in yogurt drink, plain yogurt and salted yogurt (yogurt native to Hatay, Turkey) was studied. Total aerobic plate count (TPC), total mould and yeast count, pH and titratable acidity during the storage period were measured. pH and TPC count of the samples at 22°C were significantly higher than those of samples at 4°C (P < 0.01). E. coli O157:H7 survived in the products at both 4 and 22°C, whereas survival of E. coli O157:H7 was significantly lower at 4°C than at 22°C (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression models were used to determine factors affecting the survival of E. coli O157:H7.
Functional attributes of native and thermized sour and sweet whey†
Authors: SHON JINHAN , HAQUE ZAHUR U 
Published: April 2007

The functional attributes of sour (cottage) and sweet (Edam and Cheddar) whey powders and the effect of thermization (80°C/30 min) were investigated. Solubility of sour whey was significantly lower and oil‐holding capacity was higher than that of sweet whey samples. Thermization significantly enhanced thermostability (TS) of all powders, though solubility and emulsifying and foaming properties were depressed. Enhancement of TS was best demonstrated at acidic pH values of 3.0 and 4.5, where TS increased by 57 and 53%, 181 and 167%, and 31 and 48%, for cottage, Edam, and Cheddar, respectively. Thermization may be used to manufacture pasteurization and retort stable whey powders.
Heat sensitivity of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in milk under pilot plant pasteurization conditions†
Authors: LYNCH DAVID , JORDAN KIERAN N , KELLY PHILLIP M , FREYNE THOMAS , MURPHY PATRICK M 
Published: April 2007

Raw cow's milk inoculated with four laboratory strains (102−105 cfu/mL) of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (Map) was pasteurized in a custom designed pilot plant pasteurizer having a maximum throughput of 580 L/h under turbulent flow conditions. Following 16 pasteurizer trials none of the Map strains survived high‐temperature short‐time conditions (72.5°C × 27 s) whether milk was homogenized or not. Two dairy herds containing animals which were faecal positive for Map were sourced and milk was collected for pasteurization studies. Milk collected from one herd on five occasions in the autumn did not contain any detectable Map organisms, and the second herd that was sampled on only one occasion in early winter was shown to contain Map at low concentration. Map was not detected in any of these milks following pasteurization at 72.5°C for 27 s. Two natural isolates of Map inoculated into milk were likewise inactivated on pasteurization.
PHYSIOLOGICAL MODIFICATIONS RELATED TO DENSITY INCREASE IN PERIPHYTIC ASSEMBLAGES 1
Authors: Hudon Christian , Duthie Hamish C. , Paul Brian 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT Periphytic communities in running waters were examined as they developed on granite rocks, concrete balls and glass slides. At equivalent cell densities, no differences in pigment concentrations, species diversity or production levels were found among the different substrata examined. Development of the assemblage appeared to result from the elongation of short algal filaments which had initially settled on the surface. As these communities matured, a distinct canopy and understory developed. Cellular metabolisms were comparable among the communities. In the understory of the communities, even though the cellular content of chl a and b did not differ, chl c and carotenoid pigment concentrations were higher than those in the over‐story. Bicarbonate assimilation of Tabellaria fenestrata (Lyng.) Külz. and Eunotia pectinalisi var. pectinalis (O. F. Müll?) Rabh. was higher than that of the more abundant Tabellaria flocculosa (Roth.)Kütz. var. flocculosa IV (sensu Koppen) at both high and low cell densities. This probably reflects a seasonal succession of colonizing species. Glucose assimilation appeared to be mainly attributable to bacterial activity, and algal cells of the upper layer were less active than those of the bottom. The small amount of glucose that was incorporated by the algal cells was probably absorbed passively since its amount was in direct proportion to cell volumes.
CONCHOCELIS GROWTH AND PHOTOPERIODIC CONTROL OF CONCHOSPORE RELEASE IN PORPHYRA TORTA (RHODOPHYTA) 1
Authors: Waaland J. Robert , Dickson Leal G. , Carrier John E. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT We have determined the conditions which give optimal growth and conchospore release in laboratory cultures of free conchocelis of the red alga Porphyra torta Krishnamurthy. With cool white fluorescent light on a 16L.8D photoregime, the fastest sustained growth (5% volume increase d−1) was observed from 10–15°C and 25–100 μE‐m −2.s−1; slightly faster growth was observed at 15°C and 300 μE.m−2.s−1, but such conditions are close to lethal. Conchoporangin will form under a wide range of conditions in conchocelis of this species. However, conchospores will mature and release only when the cultures are exposed to a short day photoperiod. The critical pholoperiod is just shorter than 12 h, The minimum number of photoinductive cycles for complete conchospore release is four for a range of conditions but can be just one depending on pretreatment.
THE ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF GROWTH FORMS IN EPIBENTHIC DIATOMS 1
Authors: Hudon Christiane , Legendre Pierre 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT This paper evaluates the utilisation of space by epibenthic diatom cells, as a response to environmental variations. The aggregation pattern of five species of epibenthic diatoms was quantified and compared to provide evidence for the significance of cell motility as an adaptive mechanism for space occupation and monopoly. The epibenthic diatoms included (1) non‐mobile colonial species forming either fan‐shaped (Synedra tabulata (Ag)Kz.) or arborescent (Gomphonema kamtschaticum var. californicum Grun.) colonies; (2) slow‐moving (Cocconeis costata Greg, and Amphora pusio Cl.), and (3) fast‐moving (Navicula direct a (W. Sm.) Ra.) non‐colonial species. The aggregation pattern of S. tabulata did not vary significantly among six different light intensities manipulated in nature. The major patterns of aggregation were identified using analysis of covariance and dummy‐variable regression. Highly mobile N. directa are significantly less aggregated than the four other diatom species. Non‐mobile and slow‐moving species show a similar, highly aggregated pattern. The occurrence of two patterns of spatial dispersion indicates that growth forms bear far‐ranging ecological implications with respect to colonization strategies, immigration, and possibly impact by grazers. An integrated model of growth form characteristics, biological properties, and ecological implications is presented for epibenthic diatoms.
HETEROTROPHY AND PHOTOHETEROTROPHY BY ANTARCTIC MICROALGAE: LIGHT‐DEPENDENT INCORPORATION OF AMINO ACIDS AND GLUCOSE 1
Authors: Rivkin Richard B. , Putt Mary 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTDiatoms isolated from the benthic, planktonic and sea ice microbial communities in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica assimilated ambient concentrations of dissolved amino acids and glucose in both the light and dark. Uptake of amino acids but not glucose was influenced by the iucubation irradiance and amino acid uptake rates were up to 250 times greater than those of glucose. Amino acids were incorporated into proteins and other complex polymers and the rates of assimilation and patterns of polymer synthesis were similar to those of the light‐saturated photosynthetic incorporation of inorganic carbon. This suggests that these diatoms can use exogenous amino acids to synthesize the essential macromolecules for heterotrophic growth. The assimilation of dissolved organic substrates could supplement light‐limited growth during the austral spring and summer as well as potentially support the heterotrophic growth of these diatoms throughout the aphotic polar winter.
CULTURING, ULTRASTRUCTURE AND COLONY FORMATION INPECTODICTYON CUBICUM(CHLOROPHYCEAE, CHLOROCOCCALES)12
Authors: Lang Norma J. , Krupp Jonathan M. , Koller Alan L. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTPectodictyon cubicumTaft collected in California develops typical eight‐celled, cuboidal colonies only in alkaline media. Vegetative cell ultrastructure is similar to that in other genera of the Chlorococcales, except for an extensive endoplasmic reticulum system paralleling the plasmalemma (termed a paramural ER). Autosporogenesis proceeds inside the parent cell wall by three mitotic divisions producing eight nuclei in two tiers of four. Cleavage furrows following paths delineated by long ER segments and indistinct microtubules bisect and then radically separate the protoplast into eight pyramidal units. Walls comprised of a thick, presumably cellulose layer and a thinner trilaminar layer (not acetolysis resistant) form as cells become rounded, except where touching. A gelatinous matrix is produced around and between cells with concentration at the three sites of prior cell contact 90 degrees apart. Pulsed production of mucilage in three solid strands forces cells to separate, and the expanding colony becomes a hollow cube with a cell at each corner.