bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Analysis of Patients with Lupus Nephritis: Data From a Large Clinical Immunological Center in Hungary
Authors: Brugos B. , Kiss E. , Szodoray P. , Szegedi G. , Zeher M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to review the development, histological type and outcome of 117 patients with lupus nephritis managed and followed by the Division of Clinical Immunology, 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary. The method used was a retrospective study in 117 patients with lupus nephritis followed between 1974 and 2004. The average occurrence of lupus nephritis was 3 (women) and 4.4 (men) years later after the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, 43 (46.2%) patients had class IV lupus nephritis. The initial therapy was intravenous cyclophosphamide treatment for 6 months in 37 (31.6%) patients. End‐stage renal disease had developed in nine (7.6%) patients. The 5‐year survival rate was 99.1%. Despite the well‐known and proved risk factors like hypertension, high serum creatinine, renal failure at onset or membranous glomerulonephritis, the outcome of the disease in our patient population was more favourable than one would expect according to the data available in the literature. The authors would like to draw attention to the importance of systematic care of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, which may lead to a better clinical outcome.
Host‐plant effects the expression of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki in Trichoplusia ni (Hubner): an important factor in resistance evolution
Authors: JANMAAT A. F. , MYERS J. H. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPathogens are thought to exert strong selection on their hosts leading to increased host resistance. Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Bkt) is a ubiquitous entomopathogen that has become the mainstay of nonchemical control of Lepidopteran pests and thus, the potential exists for the evolution of resistance in targeted host insects. We have studied the expression of Btk resistance in the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni (Hubner). For this generalist insect herbivore, three common host plants, tomato, pepper and cucumber, vary in suitability for larval growth and development. Here we show that the host plant also affects the overall toxicity of Btk, the relative expression of resistance between a resistant and a susceptible line and their F1 reciprocal crosses, and importantly, the dominance of the resistance trait. This study demonstrates that tri‐trophic interactions involving an insect, host plants and a pathogen have the potential to strongly influence the evolutionary response of an insect host to a pathogen.
Occurrence of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Grapevine Nurseries and the Decline of Young Vines in Spain
Authors: Giménez‐Jaime A. , Aroca A. , Raposo R. , García‐Jiménez J. , Armengol J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe occurrence of fungal grapevine trunk pathogens associated with grapevine nurseries and the decline of young vines in Spain was determined in extensive surveys conducted in nurseries and vineyards with young plants. The presence of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Phaeoacremonium aleophilum, Cylindrocarpon spp., Botryosphaeria obtusa and Botryosphaeria spp. was detected in all the surveys that were carried out. This study provides evidence for the presence of these pathogens in Spanish grapevine nurseries. Cylindrocarpon spp., B. obtusa and Botryosphaeria spp., were isolated very early in the planting material production process, nevertheless, P. aleophilum and P. chlamydospora were not detected until the rootstock–scion combinations were planted in the field to develop shoots and roots during summer. The occurrence of trunk disease pathogens in symptomatic young vineyards was also high, suggesting that infected plant material might have been used. Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and P. aleophilum were the main species associated with the decline of young vines, followed by Botryosphaeria spp., Cylindrocarpon spp. and B. obtusa. This research confirmed the importance of fungal grapevine trunk pathogens associated with the decline of young vineyards in Spain and suggested the connection between the presence of these fungi in the nurseries and the disease in the fields.
Complete Nucleotide Sequence and Construction of an Infectious Clone of a Tunisian Isolate of Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus
Authors: Chouchane S. Gharsallah , Gorsane F. , Nakhla M. K. , Maxwell D. P. , Marrakchi M. , Fakhfakh H. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe full‐length genome of a Tunisian isolate of Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV) was engineered and submitted to sequence analysis. The Tunisian isolate has 99% sequence identity with TYLCSV‐Sicilian (Sic), results thus providing further evidence for the inclusion of this isolate in the TYLCSV‐Sic group. A 1.7‐mer construct of the virus was obtained and efficiently agroinfiltrated into tomato and tobacco plants to induce symptoms indistinguishable from those of natural infection.
Isolation of enhanced eicosapentaenoic acid producing mutants of Nannochloropsis oculata ST‐6 using ethyl methane sulfonate induced mutagenesis techniques and their characterization at mRNA transcript level
Authors: Chaturvedi Ratnesh , Fujita Yuji 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARYEthyl methane sulfonate‐induced mutagenesis techniques were used to obtain cerulenin and erythromycin resistant mutant strains, which show a marked increase of 29 and 12%, respectively, in eicosapentaenoic acid content compared to the wild type (WT) strain. The increase in eicosapentaenoic acid content in both strains correlated well with a concomitant increase in 14:0, 16:0, 16:1, 18:0 and 20:4 n − 6 content of fatty acids. However, the linoleic acid content increased only in the cerulenin resistant strain, whereas the erythromycin resistant strain was completely devoid of this fatty acid, providing a contrasting feature for further study. Partial characterization of the mutant strains based on whole cell ultrastructure, growth patterns with or without selection pressure as well as at different temperatures revealed that the mutants were more thermotolerant, and maintained their morphological and genomic fidelity, although minor changes in band patterns were noted with random amplified polymorphic DNA techniques compared to the WT strain. Therefore, the developed new strains could have wider applications as planktonic feed for the mariculture industry. Further characterization of the mutants at the molecular level revealed that steady‐state mRNA transcript levels of chloroplast‐localized Δ12 desaturase and stearoyl‐ACP desaturase genes showed a contrasting transcript profile. However, the level of endoplasmic reticulum‐localized Δ12 desaturase mRNA transcript in either of the mutant strains was almost equal to that of the WT strain. Based on this observation, we postulate that the complete loss of 18:2 fatty acid content in the erythromycin resistant strain might be a result of mutation in the chloroplast‐localized Δ12 desaturase gene and that the increased content of very long chain‐polyunsaturated fatty acids might result from extrachloroplastic lipid desaturase activity, a phenomenon similar to that in the majority of angiosperms.
Taxonomic notes on three species ofHerposiphonia(Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) found in Japan
Authors: Masuda Michio , Tani Masaya , Kurihara Akira 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARYThree species of the red algal genusHerposiphonia(Ceramiales, Rhodomelaceae) found in Japan are described, and taxonomic features of the genus are discussed.Herposiphonia crassaHollenberg is reported from Japan for the first time and is characterized by thick axes (200–350 µm in diameter) and determinate branches (100–200 µm in diameter), relatively short determinate laterals (400–1200 µm in length) with a large number of periaxial cells (15–19 per segment) and three (occasionally two or four) vigorously developed (1.8–2.5 mm in length by 50–75 µm in diameter basally) trichoblasts on each determinate lateral.Herposiphonia elongataMasuda et Kogame is also reported from Japan for the first time and is characterized by the conspicuous thickening growth of cystocarp‐bearing branches and spermatangial branches with an elongated sterile tip. Some newly found features ofHerposiphonia fissidentoides(Holmes) Okamura are presented: the rhizoid production from the central portion of parental periaxial cells in addition to the distal end, virtual absence of vegetative trichoblasts, production of procarpial trichoblasts and spermatangial branches on fertile determinate branches on short indeterminate laterals, cystocarps sometimes with a short spur, and extremely large tetrasporangia.
Outcome of posterior capsulotomy in late capsular block syndrome with posterior capsular opacification
Authors: Landa Gennady , Hoffman Peter , Pollack Ayala , Bukelman Amir , Leiba Hana , Marcovich Arie 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground:  To examine the results of neodymium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy in eyes with late or previously unrecognized capsular block syndrome (CBS) presenting with deterioration of vision owing to posterior capsular opacification (PCO).Methods:  Patients, who underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular implantation and were referred for Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy owing to PCO, were prospectively examined for the presence of CBS. When indicated, Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was carried out. Prospective follow‐up examinations were performed for the next 6 months. The outcome measures were post‐laser change in best corrected visual acuity, refraction, change in intraocular pressure, inflammation and complication rate.Results:  Of 655 patients referred for capsulotomy, eight had an associated CBS in that eye. These eight eyes comprised the study cases. The presence of CBS had not been recognized before the development of PCO. Best corrected visual acuity improved in all cases. In seven out of eight (87.5%) eyes refraction was unchanged throughout the follow up. Ocular hypertension, inflammation or other complications did not develop.Conclusion:  Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in eyes with PCO and late or previously unrecognized CBS is a safe procedure, resulting in improved visual acuity without refractive change.
Refractory glaucoma – tube or diode?
Authors: Malik Rizwan , Ellingham Roger B , Suleman Hanif , Morgan William H 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground:  The aim of the present study was to assess the relative effectiveness of tube surgery and cyclodiode laser in terms of achieving intraocular pressure control.Methods:  A retrospective study was undertaken to compare patients undergoing double plate Molteno tube implantation with patients undergoing diode cyclophotocoagulation. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was documented at 7 days prior to surgery and postoperatively at various time points. Surgical success was defined as a final IOP between 6 (inclusive) and 21 mmHg (inclusive), without the use of topical medication, while ‘qualified’ success was defined as IOP within the same range with the use of topical medication.Results:  Twenty‐eight diode patients and 26 tube patients were included for the study. An average follow up of 150 weeks (range = 21–322 weeks) was available. Mean preoperative IOP was 37 ± 12 mmHg for the tube group and 39 ± 16 mmHg for the diode group (t = 0.51, P = 0.61). The final IOP was 17 ± 12 mmHg for the tube group and 21 ± 13 mmHg for the diode group (t = 0.35, P = 0.73). Surgical success was achieved in 46% of tube eyes and 11% of diode eyes, while qualified success was achieved in 81% of tube eyes compared with 64% of eyes in the diode group. Two eyes which underwent diode became phthisical.Conclusions:  IOP control may be achieved in a greater number of patients with tube surgery. The possible benefits of IOP control in diode patients need to be weighed against the risks of long‐term visual loss and the need for multiple re‐treatments in this group.
The impact of cataract surgery on visual functioning, vision‐related disability and psychological distress: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Walker Janine G , Anstey Kaarin J , Hennessy Michael P , Lord Stephen R , Von Sanden Chwee 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPurpose:  Determine whether there are changes in visual functioning, vision‐related disability, health status and mood after cataract surgery.Methods:  45 adults (mean age = 73.7 years) with bilateral cataract needing surgery for the first eye were recruited from public ophthalmology clinics. The Visual Functioning‐14 survey assessed visual disability. Minimal angle of resolution tested visual acuity, and the Melbourne Edge Test examined contrast sensitivity. Demographic, psychological, health and medication use variables were examined. Participants were randomized to either an intervention or control arm. Controls were assessed on two occasions at a 3‐month interval before having surgery. The intervention group was assessed 1–2 weeks before surgery and then reassessed 3 months after surgery.Results:  Visual functioning improved for those who had cataract surgery with better visual acuity in the better (P = 0.010) and worse (P = 0.028) eye compared with controls. The intervention group reported fewer difficulties with overall vision‐related disability (P = 0.0001), reading (P = 0.004) and instrumental activities of daily living (P = 0.010) post‐surgery compared with controls. People with improved depression scores (P = 0.048) after surgery had less difficulty with reading compared with those with unchanged or worsened depression scores. Cataract surgery did not improve health status.Conclusions:  First eye cataract surgery is effective in improving outcomes in visual functioning and disability. Improved mood after surgery was related to less vision‐related disability compared with unchanged or worse depression.
Comparison between central corneal thickness measurements by ultrasound pachymetry and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Leung Dexter YL , Lam Douglas KT , Yeung Barry YM , Lam Dennis SC 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPurpose:  Measurement of central corneal thickness (CCT) plays an important role in both diagnostic and therapeutic assessment of ocular diseases. Although ultrasound pachymetry (U‐PACH) is regarded as the golden standard for measurement of CCT, optical coherence tomography (OCT) may offer advantages as it can locate the central cornea with precision with no corneal touch. Nevertheless, the agreement of OCT with U‐PACH has not yet been gauged by Bland–Altman analysis. This study compares CCT measurement by OCT with that by U‐PACH.Methods:  Healthy subjects without ocular abnormality (except refractive errors less than or equal to −6.0 D), contact lens wear or ocular surgery were recruited. CCT was measured in one eye of normal subjects using OCT and U‐PACH. Results were compared using correlation and Bland–Altman plots.Results:  Fifty subjects were recruited. Mean ± SD CCT measured by OCT was 565 ± 33 µm. This was highly correlated (Pearson’s coefficient = 0.934) with the mean thickness measured by U‐PACH (543 ± 33 µm). The coefficients of variation were good and comparable at 7.9% for U‐PACH and 3.5% for OCT. Compared with U‐PACH, OCT consistently overestimated the CCT by a mean of 23 µm as shown on Bland–Altman plot.Conclusion:  CCT measured by OCT and U‐PACH is highly correlated. With appropriate adjustment factor, OCT agrees well with U‐PACH and is a reliable alternative for CCT measurement.
Optic nerve head parameters of an indigenous population living within Central Australia
Authors: Landers John A , Henderson Tim R , Craig Jamie E 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPurpose:  Clinical examination of the optic disc is an essential element in the assessment of its health. Previous work has described normal optic disc appearance among different races. No such description of optic discs exists for indigenous Australians, who are at low risk of developing glaucoma. This study was designed to evaluate optic disc parameters of indigenous Australians.Methods:  A sample of 208 indigenous Australians were recruited as they presented to remote clinics in Central Australia. Each subject underwent optic disc photography using a Topcon TRC‐NW100 digital fundus camera. Optic discs were measured and analysed with Topcon ImageNet 2000 software.Results:  Among other parameters, mean vertical disc diameter and disc area were 2.13 ± 0.21 mm (mean ± SD) and 3.13 ± 0.57 mm2, respectively, for right eyes and 2.14 ± 0.21 mm and 3.16 ± 0.58 mm2 for left eyes. When compared with published studies, these parameters were significantly larger than Caucasians, but similar to African individuals.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that indigenous Australians have optic discs that are larger than those of Caucasians, but similar to those of Africans who are considered to at a greater risk of glaucoma. Factors other than optic disc area are likely to underlie the higher prevalence of primary open angle glaucoma among African individuals.
Cataract and its surgery in Timor‐Leste
Authors: Brian Garry , Palagyi Anna , Ramke Jacgueline , Du Toit Rence , Naduvilath Thomas 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPurpose:  To determine the prevalence of visually significant and unoperated blinding cataract, and the coverage, characteristics and outcome of cataract surgery in Timor‐Leste.Methods:  Based on the World Health Organization Rapid Assessment of Cataract Surgical Services protocol, a population‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2005. By two‐stage cluster random sampling, 50 clusters of 30 people aged 40 years and older were selected. Each eye with a presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18 and/or a history of cataract surgery was examined.Results:  Of the 1470 people enumerated, 96.2% were examined. Of the eyes examined, 11.5% were blind (presenting vision less than 6/60). Cataract caused 66.3% of this, and 40.2% of vision impairment (presenting vision less than 6/18). For those people who were blind (7.7%; presenting vision less than 6/60 in the better eye), cataract was the most frequent cause (76.1%). Cataract surgery had occurred in 2% of participants. Gender and domicile were not associated with cataract blindness or surgery. Cataract Surgical Coverage (6/60) was 16.3% for Eyes and 20.2% for Persons. Surgical outcomes were poor, falling well short of World Health Organization guidelines. Astigmatism and posterior capsule opacity were important contributors to this.Conclusions:  Until census data are available, age‐gender‐domicile correction of sample findings cannot be calculated. In the meantime, it is estimated there are 11 500 cataract blind in Timor‐Leste. Long‐term, indigenous cataract surgical services need to be capable of significantly increased output. Better surgical outcomes are required to ensure scarce resources are well used. Laser capsulotomy needs to be planned for as surgical numbers increase.
Tracheal sealing by auto‐inflation in tracheal tube cuffs
Authors: WEISS MARKUS , SHORTEN GEORGE , STUTZ KATHARINA , BERNET VERA 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBackground:  The purpose of this study was to determine if inspiratory pressure from intermittent positive pressure ventilation may be sufficient to inflate the cuff (thus ‘auto‐inflation’) and thereby seal the trachea.Methods:  In a laboratory model we investigated the ability of cuffs of seven 5.0 mm internal diameter (ID) tracheal tubes (Sheridan CF, Mallinckrodt Hi‐Contour, Mallinckrodt Sealguard, Mallinckrodt Safety‐Flex, Portex Soft Seal, Rueschelit Super‐Safety Clear and Microcuff PET) to seal the trachea by auto‐inflation, i.e. by using the inspiratory pressure to expand and keep open the cuff within the trachea. A mechanical lung connected to a model trachea made from clear, rigid polyvinylchloride (PVC) (12 mm ID) was used to simulate changes in inspiratory pressures. Respirator settings were: fresh gas flow (air) 6 l·min−1; positive end‐expiratory pressure 5 cmH2O; respiratory rate 20 br·min−1; I : E ratio = 1 : 2; inspiratory pressure 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 cmH2O. Percentage of expiratory to inspiratory tidal volume (E : I Vt volume ratio) was calculated.Results:  Using lubricated Mallinckrodt Seal Guard tube cuffs E : I Vt volume ratio was almost 100% at a peak inspiratory pressure of 10 cmH2o whereas in tube cuffs particularly made of PVC an E : I ratio was achieved only at higher inspiratory pressures, if at all.Conclusions:  Auto‐inflation in the Mallinckrodt Seal Guard with high volume–low pressure polyurethane cuff can produce adequate tracheal sealing in the model trachea used. The implication is that such auto‐inflation should decrease the risk of tracheal injury from acute or persistent cuff hyperinflation.
Diversity and abundance of sulfate‐reducing microorganisms in the sulfate and methane zones of a marine sediment, Black Sea
Authors: Leloup Julie , Loy Alexander , Knab Nina J. , Borowski Christian , Wagner Michael , Jørgensen Bo Barker 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe Black Sea, with its highly sulfidic water column, is the largest anoxic basin in the world. Within its sediments, the mineralization of organic matter occurs essentially through sulfate reduction and methanogenesis. In this study, the sulfate‐reducing community was investigated in order to understand how these microorganisms are distributed relative to the chemical zonation: in the upper sulfate zone, at the sulfate–methane transition zone, and deeply within the methane zone. Total bacteria were quantified by real‐time PCR of 16S rRNA genes whereas sulfate‐reducing microorganisms (SRM) were quantified by targeting their metabolic key gene, the dissimilatory (bi)sulfite reductase (dsrA). Sulfate‐reducing microorganisms were predominant in the sulfate zone but occurred also in the methane zone, relative proportion was maximal around the sulfate–methane transition, c. 30%, and equally high in the sulfate and methane zones, 5–10%. The dsrAB clone library from the sulfate–methane transition zone, showed mostly sequences affiliated with the Desulfobacteraceae. While, the dsrAB clone libraries from the upper, sulfate‐rich zone and the deep, sulfate‐poor zone were dominated by similar, novel deeply branching sequences which might represent Gram‐positive spore‐forming sulfate‐ and/or sulfite‐reducing microorganisms. We thus hypothesize that terminal carbon mineralization in surface sediments of the Black Sea is largely due to the sulfate reduction activity of previously hidden SRM. Although these novel SRM were also abundant in sulfate‐poor, methanogenic areas of the Black Sea sediment, their activities and possibly very versatile metabolic capabilities remain subject of further study.