bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solution structure and calcium‐binding properties of EF‐hands 3 and 4 of calsenilin
Authors: Yu Liping , Sun Chaohong , Mendoza Renaldo , Wang Jie , Matayoshi Edmund D. , Hebert Eric , Pereda‐Lopez Ana , Hajduk Philip J. , Olejniczak Edward T. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCalsenilin is a member of the recoverin branch of the EF‐hand superfamily that is reported to interact with presenilins, regulate prodynorphin gene expression, modulate voltage‐gated Kv4 potassium channel function, and bind to neurotoxins. Calsenilin is a Ca+2‐binding protein and plays an important role in calcium signaling. Despite its importance in numerous neurological functions, the structure of this protein has not been reported. In the absence of Ca+2, the protein has limited spectral resolution that increases upon the addition of Ca+2. Here, we describe the three‐dimensional solution structure of EF‐hands 3 and 4 of calsenilin in the Ca+2‐bound form. The Ca+2‐bound structure consists of five α‐helices and one two‐stranded antiparallel β‐sheet. The long loop that connects EF hands 3 and 4 is highly disordered in solution. In addition to its structural effects, Ca+2 binding also increases the protein's propensity to dimerize. These changes in structure and oligomerization state induced upon Ca+2 binding may play important roles in molecular recognition during calcium signaling.
First detection and confirmation of spring viraemia of carp virus in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., from Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario, Canada
Authors: Garver K A , Dwilow A G , Richard J , Booth T F , Beniac D R , Souter B W 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn June 2006, 150 wild common carp were sampled from Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario, Canada. Tissue pools consisting of kidney, spleen and encephalon were screened for viruses as a condition facilitating the export of live carp to France. Cytopathic effect (CPE), indicative of a viral infection, became evident after 8 days of incubation at 15 °C. Eighteen of 30 tissue pools (five fish per pool) eventually demonstrated viral CPE. The viral pathogen was initially cultured and isolated on the epithelioma papulosum cyprini cell line and subsequently shown to produce CPE in the fathead minnow and bluegill fin cell lines. Electron microscopy demonstrated the virus to be a rhabdovirus. Reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction assay and nucleotide sequence analysis identified the isolate as spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV). Phylogenetic analysis of a 533 bp region of the glycoprotein gene grouped the Canadian isolate in SVCV genogroup Ia together with isolates from Asia and the USA. Sequence comparisons revealed the Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario isolate to be most similar to an isolate obtained from common carp in the Calumet Sag Channel in Illinois in 2003 (98.9% nucleotide identity). This is the first report of the detection of SVCV in Canada.
Genetic diversity associated with in vitro and conventional bud propagation of Saccharum varieties using RAPD analysis
Authors: Da Silva C. M. , Mangolin C. A. , Mott A. S. , Machado M. F. P. S. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPolymorphisms in the genomic DNA of eight varieties maintained by conventional bud propagation (via rhizomes) and by in vitro shoot tip cultures were detected by RAPD analysis of sugarcane varieties. The study estimated the genetic diversity induced after in vitro multiplication of these varieties. Higher (28.9%) and lower (12%) numbers of polymorphic bands were detected in plants propagated via rhizomes; the genetic similarity estimate varying from 0.63 to 0.80. Plants of SP90‐3723 and SP91‐1049, or RB85‐5113 and SP90‐3723, varieties involving greater genetic distances may be indicated as progenitors in breeding programmes. In vitro multiplication of RB86‐7515, RB85‐5113, RB83‐5054 and SP86‐42 varieties increases genetic variability, while in vitro multiplication of SP91‐1049, SP90‐1638, RB92‐8064 and SP90‐3723 leads to genetic similarity. Results show that the RAPD technique is an effective tool for detecting polymorphism in sugarcane clones and it allows quick collection of the necessary information (more genetically divergent plant varieties) to guide new crossing in sugarcane breeding programmes.
Identification of SSR markers linked to the Phytophthora resistance gene Rps1‐d in soybean
Authors: Sugimoto T. , Yoshida S. , Watanabe K. , Aino M. , Kanto T. , Maekawa K. , Irie K. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTo identify markers for the Phytophthora resistance gene, Rps1‐d, 123 F2 : 3 families were produced from a cross between Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Tanbakuro’ (a Japanese traditional black soybean) and PI103091 (Rps1‐d) as an experimental population. The results of virulence tests produced 33 homozygous resistant, 61 segregating and 29 homozygous susceptible F2 : 3 families. The chi‐squared test gave a goodness‐of‐fit for the expected ratio of 1 : 2 : 1 for resistant, segregating and susceptible traits, suggesting that the inheritance of Rps1‐d is controlled by a monogenic dominant gene. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) analyses of this trait were carried out using the cultivars ‘Tanbakuro’ and PI103091. Sixteen SSR primers, which produced 19 polymorphic fragments between the two parents, were identified from 41 SSR primers in MLG N. Eight SSR markers were related to Rps1‐d, based on 32 of the 123 F2 : 3 families, consisting of 16 homozygous resistant and 16 homozygous susceptible lines. The remaining 91 families were analysed for these eight markers, and a linkage map was constructed using all 123 F2 : 3 families. The length of this linkage group is 44.0 cM. The closest markers, Sat_186 and Satt152, are mapped at 5.7 cM and 11.5 cM, respectively, on either side of the Rps1‐d gene. Three‐way contingency table analysis indicates that dual‐marker‐assisted selection using these two flanking markers would be efficient.
Use of ultrasound in 187 infants with suspected infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
Authors: Forster N , Haddad RL , Choroomi S , Dilley AV , Pereira J 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThe diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) was evaluated, with particular attention paid to whether prematurity, age or weight correlate significantly to the sonographic measurements. The medical records of 187 infants with suspected IHPS were reviewed retrospectively. Eighty‐seven had an US examination with details of the pylorus. Fifty‐nine of these gave a positive diagnosis. The US criteria for a positive diagnosis were pyloric muscle thickness (PMT) ≥3 mm and pyloric muscle length (PML) ≥17 mm. The mean overall PMT was 4.14 mm and mean overall PML was 18.99 mm. Premature infants had a lower mean PML (17.8 mm) than the term infants (PML mean 19.3 mm); however, this was not significant (t‐value 1.92, P = 0.062). The sensitivity and specificity of PMT was 91 and 85%, respectively, and of PML 76 and 85%, respectively. The ability of US to diagnose IHPS using our criteria was significant (t‐value, PMT 14.93 and PML 6.89; P < 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between age, weight or prematurity and a sonographic diagnosis of IHPS (Pearson’s coefficient <0.3). Therefore, the same US criteria should apply irrespective of prematurity, age or weight. Borderline PMT and PML measurements necessitate repeat US or alternative imaging.
+61A>G polymorphism in the EGF gene does not increase the risk of lung cancer
Authors: KANG Hyo‐Gyoung , CHOI Jin Eun , LEE Won Kee , KAM Sin , CHA Sung Ick , KIM Chang Ho , JUNG Tae Hoon , PARK Jae Yong 
Published: October 2007

Background and objectives:  Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in tumourigenesis by binding with its receptor, EGFR. Variations in the DNA sequence in the EGF gene can lead to an alteration in EGF production and/or activity, which can affect an individual's susceptibility to lung cancer. To test this hypothesis, this study examined the association between the +61 A>G polymorphism in the 5′‐untranslated region of the EGF gene and the risk of lung cancer in a Korean population.Methods:  The EGF+61 A>G genotype was determined in 432 lung cancer patients and 432 healthy age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects.Results:  The +61 AA and +61 AG genotypes were not significantly associated with the risk of lung cancer compared with the +61 GG genotype (adjusted OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.77–1.37; and adjusted OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.51–1.29, respectively). In addition to the reference model, the EGF+61 A>G polymorphism had no significant association with the risk of lung cancer under both dominant and recessive models for the +61A allele (adjusted OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.74–1.29; and adjusted OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.51–1.24, respectively).Conclusion:  These results suggest that the EGF+61 A>G polymorphism may not significantly affect the susceptibility to lung cancer in the Korean population.
Decline of outpatient asthma management in Argentina
Authors: RAIMONDI Guillermo A. , MENGA Guillermo , BOTAS Carolina , LAWRINSKY Verónica 
Published: October 2007

Background and objectives:  To assess management of adult patients admitted with acute asthma and compare the results obtained with a similar study 5 years earlier.Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey of 211 consecutive patients admitted to hospital during a 12‐month period was conducted. Patients were surveyed using a validated management questionnaire and the results compared with those of the previous survey.Results:  There were 211 patients in the present survey and patient demographics were similar in both populations studied. Comparison of the previous to the current survey showed significant differences in predicted FEV1% at admission (30.2 ± 10.7 vs 23.9 ± 8.9, respectively, P < 0.001), and the average number of hospital admissions in the year prior to the survey (0.7 ± 1.2 vs 1.3 ± 0.7, P < 0.0001). In the present survey, more patients changed their medication after acute exacerbation and more received an action plan. Compared with the previous survey, there were no significant differences between the mean number of emergency department visits, need for mechanical ventilation, number of patients prescribed inhaled corticosteroids and other related variables.Conclusion:  Compared with the previous study the severity of asthma at the time of admission was worse. Some of the recommended international asthma management programmes appear to have been followed.
Systemic inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma: Similarities and differences
Authors: HIGASHIMOTO Yuji , YAMAGATA Yuko , TAYA Satoshi , IWATA Takuya , OKADA Morihiro , ISHIGUCHI Tadashi , SATO Hiroaki , ITOH Hidekazu 
Published: October 2007

Background and objective:  While recent studies have shown that patients with COPD and patients with asthma exhibit evidence of airway and systemic inflammation, markers of systemic inflammation have not been compared between the two diseases.Methods:  To evaluate circulating inflammatory markers, blood was sampled from 111 patients with COPD, 75 control subjects and 46 asthmatic patients (some of whom were smokers). Measurements of WCC, serum levels of fibrinogen, high‐sensitivity (hs)‐CRP, IL‐8, IL‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1, neutrophil elastase and alpha1‐antitrypsin (α1‐AT) were performed.Results:  Serum TNF‐α, IL‐6 and TIMP‐1 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with stable COPD and patients with asthma than in control patients. Serum α1‐AT levels were significantly higher in COPD patients than in asthmatic patients and control subjects, and serum TGF‐β1 levels were higher in asthma patients than in COPD patients. Smoking status had no effect on markers in COPD and asthmatic patients.Conclusions:  Although COPD and asthma share common markers of systemic inflammation, serum levels of TGF‐β1 and α1‐AT may reflect differences between the diseases.
The outcome of loop ileostomy closure: a prospective study
Authors: Williams L. A. , Sagar P. M. , Finan P. J. , Burke D. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground  The use of a loop ileostomy is an effective method to protect pelvic anastomoses, although there is some debate as to the routine use of a stoma. A second operation is required to close the stoma, with potential complications.Objective  The aim of this study was to assess prospectively the morbidity of closure of loop ileostomy.Method  All patients scheduled for loop ileostomy closure over a 12‐month period were included. The patient demographics, operative technique, complications and length of stay were recorded prospectively.Results  Fifty consecutive patients (28 males and 22 females) with a median age (interquartile range, IQR) of 56 (42–73) years underwent closure of loop ileostomy, at a median time (IQR) of 29 (18–48) weeks after formation. Twelve patients (24%) developed complications: six (12%) had intestinal obstruction of which one required a laparotomy, four (8%) had wound infections of which one required re‐operation, one (2%) had an ileal anastomotic leak and subsequently died and one (2%) died from a myocardial infarction. The median length (IQR) of hospital stay was 8 (7–10) days.Conclusion  We have demonstrated that a quarter of patients develop complications after loop ileostomy closure. The majority of these are minor. Methods to reduce the number of complications, such as optimum time for closure and distal limb irrigation techniques, need to be studied.
Children's and Adolescents' Developing Perceptions of Gender Inequality
Authors: Neff Kristin D. , Cooper Carey E. , Woodruff Althea L. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTwo studies examined children's and adolescents' developing perceptions of gender inequality. The first study examined perceptions of inequality among 272 early, middle, and late adolescents, focusing on the spheres of politics, business, and the home. Results indicated an age‐related increase in perceptions of male dominance. Men were seen to have more power and status in politics than in business whereas relative equality was seen to exist in the home. The second study included 96 child and adolescent participants aged 7–15 and once again found an increase in general perceptions of male dominance with age. Results suggest that young children are less explicitly aware of gender inequality than might be assumed given their extensive knowledge of power‐loaded gender‐role stereotypes.
Capital Structure Swaps and Shareholder Wealth
Authors: O'Brien Thomas J. , Schmid Klein Linda , Hilliard James I. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract We show how capital structure swaps can increase the wealth of a firm's long‐term shareholders when a firm's debt or equity is misvalued. We review the conventional rule that a firm should issue equity and use the proceeds to retire outstanding debt (an equity‐for‐debt swap) when equity is overvalued, or repurchase equity with proceeds of new debt (a debt‐for‐equity swap) when equity is undervalued. We also analyse the more complex case where a firm's debt and equity are both undervalued, showing the optimal swap may be to issue undervalued equity, contrary to the conventional rule.
The Operating Performance of Newly Privatised Firms in Central European Transition Economies
Authors: Aussenegg Wolfgang , Jelic Ranko 
Published: October 2007

Abstract This study examines the operating performance of privatised firms in three Central European Transition Economies between 1990 and 1998. Overall, we find no evidence of a significant improvement in operating performance for the first six years after privatisation. Contrary to the increasing empirical evidence for non‐transition economies, our privatised firms experience no improvement in profitability, capital investments, efficiency, and output, a significant drop in employment, as well as a significant increase in leverage. The most important determinants of the performance changes following privatisation were country effects, timing of the privatisation sales, industry classification, and state ownership after privatisation. Our findings are consistent with the empirical evidence that the transition process proved to be more difficult than expected and that, although necessary, privatisations do not necessarily produce equal efficiency gains in transition economies (Megginson, 2005; Havrylyshyn and McGettigan, 1999).
Hemodialysis at Home Series Editors: Bertrand L. Jaber and John Moran: Short Daily Hemodialysis and Nocturnal Hemodialysis at Home: Practical Considerations
Authors: Lockridge Robert S. , Moran John 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThere are currently over 350,000 patients in the United States on dialysis, with more than 90% receiving conventional in‐center thrice‐weekly hemodialysis (HD). Less than 1% of patients receiving HD are at home, and of these approximately 1500 patients receive more frequent and usually longer dialysis sessions. This article provides a historical perspective of HD at home, followed by practical considerations for short daily HD (SDHD) and long nocturnal HD, contrasting the strengths and limitations of these modalities. Finally, frequent and longer dialysis therapy is put forth as the best way to improve patient outcomes. It suggested that the optimal location in the present dialysis delivery system for more frequent and longer dialysis is in the home.
Evaluation by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of trabecular bone quality in the dentate and edentulous mandible
Authors: Celenk Cetin , Celenk Peruze 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective: To quantify the differences in mandibular trabecular bone quality between edentulous and dentate patients using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (QMRI).Methods: The patients in this study had been referred to our clinic for QMRI examination for various reasons. A total of 40 male patients (18 dentate, 22 edentulous), 45–55 years of age, were examined.Mandibular T2* axial cross‐sections were performed following receipt of consent from each patient. T2* relaxation time values (RTVs) were determined in the trabecular area.Results: The mean mandibular T2* RTVs of dentate and edentulous patients were 181 and 182, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups (P=0.929) (Student's t‐test).Conclusions: Mandibular trabecular bone quality may not be influenced by edentulousness according to QMRI.
Effect of smoking on folic acid and vitamin B12 after nonsurgical periodontal intervention
Authors: Erdemir Ebru Olgun , Bergstrom Jan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAim: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of smoking on the serum levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 in smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontal disease after nonsurgical intervention.Material and Methods: The study base consisted of 45 current smokers and 43 nonsmokers. The clinical parameters included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Folic acid and vitamin B12 were determined from peripheral blood samples. Clinical measurements and blood samples were collected at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention.Results: Mean PI was significantly greater in smokers compared with non‐smokers throughout the observation period (p<0.001). During the first month, GI levels significantly decreased in both groups. From months 1 through 6, a significant return towards an increased GI level was observed in smokers (p<0.001). PD and CAL levels significantly decreased during the first month in both groups. Thereafter, increasing levels of PD and CAL were seen in both groups, although significantly more pronounced in smokers. Throughout the observation period, the mean CAL was significantly greater in smokers relative to nonsmokers (p<0.001). In smokers, the mean folic acid level gradually and significantly decreased and a slight and significant decrease in mean vitamin B12 levels was observed in both groups over the entire observation period (p<0.001).Conclusion: The clinical response to nonsurgical intervention is impaired by smoking and smoking seems to negatively influence the serum level of folic acid following non‐surgical intervention.
Mental Health and Academic Achievement: Role of School Nurses
Authors: Puskar Kathryn Rose , Marie Bernardo Lisa 
Published: October 2007

PURPOSE.  This article discusses how school nurses promote mental health and subsequent academic achievement by screening and referral for children demonstrating mental health problems. Nursing interventions are discussed at the individual, systems, and community levels. CONCLUSION.  Mental health problems can affect school performance and academic achievement. When mental health problems are not recognized, students may be unable to reach their academic potential. School nurses are in a key position to provide interventions to address mental health and academic achievement. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  The role of school nurses and examples of mental health collaborative activities are provided.
Sleep Practices and Environment and the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Turkey
Authors: Efe Emine , Sarvan Süreyya , Kukulu Kamile 
Published: October 2007

PURPOSE.  The aim of this study is to determine what mothers know about infant sleep practices and the environment. DESIGN AND METHODS.  Data were collected with a semistructured questionnaire. The research was conducted with 231 mothers who delivered an infant and who agreed to participate between September and December 2005. RESULTS.  It was determined that 70.6% (n = 163) of mothers would use a pillow with their sleeping infants, and 44.2% (n = 102) would cover their infants’ faces. When infants were alone in a room, 96.5% of mothers would leave them in the supine position.PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Public health interventions should alert women to the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome associated with identifiable risk factors, and specific intervention campaigns for safe sleeping can be developed for Turkish families.
Implementing Best Practice Pain Management in a Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Ellis Jacqueline A. , McCleary Lynn , Blouin Renee , Dube Karen , Rowley Betty , MacNeil Mary , Cooke Carol 
Published: October 2007

PURPOSE.  This study aims to evaluate the implementation of a comprehensive program to improve pain management practices in a pediatric hospital. METHODS.  The pretest posttest design used questionnaires, patient record audits, and postimplementation focus groups with 366 nurses and 8 physicians. RESULTS.  Positive changes occurred in the use of pain scales and in valuing good pain management. The program was less effective in improving procedural pain management and pain documentation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS.  Important program strengths were the “local champions” (Pain Resource Nurses) and the ongoing support and expertise of the pain committee. Systematic evaluation was important to document successes as well as areas requiring further focus.
Sediment flux in a small gravel‐bed stream: Response to channel remediation works
Authors: Fuller Ian C. , Hutchinson Erin L. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract:  Sediment transfers in a short reach of the Kiwitea Stream, near Fielding, lower North Island, New Zealand, are assessed using morphological budgeting based on repeat digital elevation model (DEM) differencing. Field data were acquired using high‐precision GPS in October 2004, May and November 2005. Two interpolation methods to construct DEMs were compared. Universal kriging and Triangulation with Linear Interpolation produced consistent results and mean errors of between 4 and 14 mm. DEM error increases where relief changes rapidly. Sediment transfers are derived only from the low‐relief active channel and indicate a rapidly changing environment. Remediation works following 2004 flood impacts have reduced bank erosion. A highly mobile bed renders the channel system sensitive to small and frequent flood events.