bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colonic Carcinoma Masquerading as Scrotal Swelling: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Paravastu Sharath C. V. , Batra Meenakshi , Ananthakrishnan Krishnan 
Published: June 2007

Tumours of the spermatic cord are rare. Most tumours of the spermatic cord are metastatic and are typically an incidental finding at orchidectomy for other pathology. Primary pathology is usually from the gastrointestinal tract. We report a very rare presentation of an asymptomatic gastrointestinal tumour as a spermatic cord mass.male patient presented with a painless scrotal swelling. Radical orchidectomy revealed an adenocarcinoma in the spermatic cord. Further investigations disclosed an adenocarcinoma of the descending colon, metastasing to the spermatic cord that gave a false notion of a scrotal swelling secondary to infection. This unusual situation reminds us that spermatic cord metastases are rare. In the event of nonresponding scrotal swelling to antibiotics, further investigations would be prudent, whilst awaiting the definitive pathology report from the radical orchidectomy.
The Role of Surveillance in the Management of Small Renal Masses
Authors: Volpe Alessandro 
Published: June 2007

Incidentally detected, small renal masses (SRMs) have been increasing significantly in recent years due to the widespread use of improved cross-sectional imaging. A significant number of incidental SRMs are diagnosed in elderly patients who are more likely to undergo imaging for other medical issues. The natural history of SRMs has not been historically well understood because most masses are surgically removed soon after diagnosis.Several reports of surveillance of SRMs have been published in the last few years. When followed conservatively with serial imaging, SRMs have variable growth rates with an average of 0.28 cm/year, according to a recent meta-analysis. Larger series with longer follow-up are needed, but a significant number of small tumors seem to have an indolent behavior with a slow growth rate and a limited tendency to progress. The standard of care for enhancing SRMs is surgery. Up to one-third of surgically removed, <4-cm tumors are histologically benign. The outcomes of current surgical treatment of histologically confirmed, <4-cm, renal cell carcinomas are excellent, but this has not led to a decrease in mortality. Based on these considerations and on the available data on the natural history of SRMs, it seems reasonable to consider that we may be overtreating these lesions. This is especially true for elderly or unfit patients who have a decreased life expectancy. In these selected patients and in patients who refuse active treatment, it seems reasonable to propose an initial period of active surveillance for incidental SRMs, with delayed intervention for those tumors that will exhibit fast growth during follow-up. Percutaneous needle biopsies of renal tumors can be safely performed with the use of modern techniques and have the potential to characterize SRMs at histologically diagnosis, thereby allowing a better selection of the conservative or active treatment that is best suited for each individual patient.
Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder Metastatic to Bone Marrow Presenting as Isolated Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Chan Robert C. , Hundemer Greg L. , Tatsas Amy , Cookson Michael S. 
Published: June 2007

The skeletal system is a frequent site for metastases of urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder (22–37%). Of those cases involving bone, the marrow is infiltrated in 27% of patients. Imaging modalities, such as X-ray and CT, will detect gross skeletal lesions in the vast majority of these patients with bone marrow involvement, however, most patients with bone involvement are symptomatic at presentation. Additionally, there have been few reports in the literature of bone marrow metastases from UC presenting with isolated thrombocytopenia.This case report describes the case of a 53-year-old male with muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder treated with cystoprostatectomy. Preoperative evaluation was significant only for mild thrombocytopenia. Standard workup for metastatic bony involvement, which included history, physical, chest X-ray, and whole body CT, was negative. Postoperatively, the patient's thrombocytopenia worsened and he bled diffusely from his pelvic bed. Bone marrow biopsy was obtained and showed the entire marrow cavity to be filled with metastatic transitional cells.In the event of a similar future presentation of isolated thrombocytopenia in the setting of invasive UC, the clinician should consider a bone marrow biopsy, in addition to the standard workup for metastatic bony involvement, prior to proceeding with any surgical intervention.
Between-Species Analysis of Short-Repeat Modules in Cell Wall and Sex-Related Hydroxyproline-Rich Glycoproteins ofChlamydomonas
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyeok , Waffenschmidt Sabine , Small Linda , Goodenough Ursula 
Published: June 2007

AbstractProtein diversification is commonly driven by single amino acid changes at random positions followed by selection, but, in some cases, the structure of the gene itself favors the occurrence of particular kinds of mutations. Genes encoding hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) in green organisms, key protein constituents of the cell wall, carry short-repeat modules that are posited to specify proline hydroxylation and/or glycosylation events. We show here, in a comparison of two closely related Chlamydomonas species—Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CC-621) and Chlamydomonas incerta (CC-1870/3871)—that these modules are prone to misalignment and hence to both insertion/deletion and endoduplication events, and that the dynamics of the rearrangements are constrained by purifying selection on the repeat patterns themselves, considered either as helical or as longitudinal face modules. We suggest that such dynamics may contribute to evolutionary diversification in cell wall architecture and physiology. Two of the HRGP genes analyzed (SAG1 and SAD1) encode the mating-type plus and minus sexual agglutinins, displayed only by gametes, and we document that these have undergone far more extensive divergence than two HRGP genes (GP1 and VSP3) that encode cell wall components—an example of the rapid evolution that characterizes sex-related proteins in numerous lineages. Strikingly, the central regions of the agglutinins of both mating types have diverged completely, by selective endoduplication of repeated motifs, since the two species last shared a common ancestor, suggesting that these events may have participated in the speciation process.
A Novel Nucleus-Encoded Chloroplast Protein, PIFI, Is Involved in NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase Complex-Mediated Chlororespiratory Electron Transport in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Dafu , Portis Archie R. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
A transient rise in chlorophyll fluorescence after turning off actinic light reflects nonphotochemical reduction of the plastoquinone (PQ) pool. This process is dependent on the activity of the chloroplast NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH) complex, which mediates electron flow from stromal reductants to the PQ pool. In this study, we characterized an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) T-DNA insertion mutant pifi (for postillumination chlorophyll fluorescence increase), which possesses an intact NDH complex, but lacks the NDH-dependent chlorophyll fluorescence increase after turning off actinic light. The nuclear gene PIFI (At3g15840) containing the T-DNA insertion encodes a chloroplast-targeted protein localized in the stroma and is annotated as a protein of unknown function. The pifi mutant exhibited a lower capacity for nonphotochemical quenching, but similar CO2 assimilation rates, photosystem II (PSII) quantum efficiencies (ΦPSII), and reduction levels of the primary electron acceptor of PSII (1 − qL) as compared with the wild type. The pifi mutant grows normally under optimal conditions, but exhibits greater sensitivity to photoinhibition and long-term mild heat stress than wild-type plants, which is consistent with lower capacity of nonphotochemical quenching. We conclude that PIFI is a novel component essential for NDH-mediated nonphotochemical reduction of the PQ pool in chlororespiratory electron transport.
ArabidopsisCytochrome P450 Monooxygenase 71A13 Catalyzes the Conversion of Indole-3-Acetaldoxime in Camalexin Synthesis
Authors: Nafisi Majse , Goregaoker Sameer , Botanga Christopher J. , Glawischnig Erich , Olsen Carl E. , Halkier Barbara A. , Glazebrook Jane 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCamalexin (3-thiazol-2-yl-indole) is an indole alkaloid phytoalexin produced by Arabidopsis thaliana that is thought to be important for resistance to necrotrophic fungal pathogens, such as Alternaria brassicicola and Botrytis cinerea. It is produced from Trp, which is converted to indole acetaldoxime (IAOx) by the action of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases CYP79B2 and CYP79B3. The remaining biosynthetic steps are unknown except for the last step, which is conversion of dihydrocamalexic acid to camalexin by CYP71B15 (PAD3). This article reports characterization of CYP71A13. Plants carrying cyp71A13 mutations produce greatly reduced amounts of camalexin after infection by Pseudomonas syringae or A. brassicicola and are susceptible to A. brassicicola, as are pad3 and cyp79B2 cyp79B3 mutants. Expression levels of CYP71A13 and PAD3 are coregulated. CYP71A13 expressed in Escherichia coli converted IAOx to indole-3-acetonitrile (IAN). Expression of CYP79B2 and CYP71A13 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in conversion of Trp to IAN. Exogenously supplied IAN restored camalexin production in cyp71A13 mutant plants. Together, these results lead to the conclusion that CYP71A13 catalyzes the conversion of IAOx to IAN in camalexin synthesis and provide further support for the role of camalexin in resistance to A. brassicicola.
Thrombin generation: the functional role of alpha‐2‐macroglobulin and influence of developmental haemostasis
Authors: Ignjatovic V. , Greenway A. , Summerhayes R. , Monagle P. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryCurrently available chromogenic and fluorogenic substrates for endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) measurement are cleaved by both free (active) and alpha‐2‐macroglobulin‐bound (inactive) thrombin, leading to an overestimation of ETP. Commercial methods for ETP measurement determine this using a mathematical algorithm, which assumes the contribution of alpha‐2‐macroglobulin to the ETP. This limits application of such methods to populations where variation in alpha‐2‐macroglobulin concentrations is observed, primarily children. This study examined the contribution of alpha‐2‐macroglobulin‐bound thrombin to the ETP measurement in neonates, children and adults, to determine whether automated methods are appropriate for use in neonates and children.
Meanings of eating disorders discerned from family treatment and its implications for family education: the case of Shenzhen
Authors: Ma Joyce L. C. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACTContrary to the simplistic myth that eating disorders are the result of a tendency to adopt the Western beauty standard of being slim and thin, the symptoms have been found to symbolize the struggles of adolescents and their development in a rapidly changing society, and in particular, to illuminate the continual conflicts inherent in the afflicted adolescents, their families and the accepted societal values and norms. This paper reports the results of a qualitative study conducted in Shenzhen, the first Special Economic Zone in China that has experienced rapid economic growth and a significant population increase from 314 100 to 6 million in the past two decades. With an aim to identify the meanings of eating disorders at the individual and family levels, this study has employed a multiple‐case study research design. Data have been collected through peer reviews on the family treatment sessions for 10 families, each with an adolescent daughter suffering from eating disorders, and with the sessions being videotaped with written consent from the families. Two themes evolved from the family narratives, namely the adolescents' attempt to master the uncontrollable life in facing the rapid transition of society, and their struggle between remaining young and growing up. Implications for family education in Shenzhen are discussed at the end of the paper.
Novel IgE peptide‐based vaccine prevents the increase of IgE and down‐regulates elevated IgE in rodents
Authors: Peng Z. , Liu Q. , Wang Q. , Rector E. , Ma Y. , Warrington R. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryBackgroundImmunotherapy with anti‐IgE antibodies for treatment of allergy is promising but a short half‐life and extremely high cost limit its application.ObjectiveWe sought to develop IgE vaccines that induce longer‐lasting auto‐antibodies to neutralize self‐IgE as an alternative therapy.MethodsThe vaccine was made by conjugating three synthetic peptides corresponding to human IgE receptor‐binding sites to a carrier, hepatitis B surface antigen. To test the immunogenicity of the vaccine, rats were immunized with the vaccine or hepatitis B surface antigen as control. Serum IgG titres to human IgE and the IgE of other species were measured. The inhibition by rat antisera of the binding of human IgE to its receptor was assessed by ELISA, flow cytometry analysis, and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), and its ability to recognize receptor‐bound IgE was examined. Thein vivoeffect of the vaccine was evaluated in trichosanthin‐sensitized mice and rats. In the preventative study, vaccination started before sensitization commenced, while in the treatment study, vaccination started after sensitization. Sensitized mice and rats receiving injections of the carrier served as controls. Trichosanthin‐specific IgE was measured using PCA.ResultsSera from vaccine‐immunized rats contained high titre antibodies that reacted with soluble and plate‐bound but not with receptor‐bound human IgE; they also reacted with mouse, rat, and dog IgE. Furthermore, the sera inhibited the binding of human IgE to its receptor in a dose‐dependent manner. In preventative and treatment studies, serum trichosanthin‐specific IgE levels were significantly reduced in vaccinated groups compared with controls.ConclusionAntibodies against self‐IgE can be induced by IgE peptide‐based vaccines, which are effective in preventing the increase of IgE and in down‐regulating IgE in sensitized animals.
Effect of obesity on airway inflammation: a cross‐sectional analysis of body mass index and sputum cell counts
Authors: Todd D. C. , Armstrong S. , D'Silva L. , Allen C. J. , Hargreave F. E. , Parameswaran K. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryBackground
Several observational studies have demonstrated an association between obesity and asthma. Studies evaluating exhaled nitric oxide levels and obesity have revealed that a higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with elevated exhaled nitric oxide levels. Airway inflammation using sputum cell counts has not been assessed in obese patients with airway diseases.Objective
The primary aim of this study was to determine whether obesity (based on BMI) is associated with eosinophilic or neutrophilic bronchitis.Methods
The results from a database of induced sputum cell counts were compared with BMI and analysed using correlation statistics, regression and parametric and non‐parametric analysis.Results
Seven‐hundred and twenty‐seven adult participants with an equal number of sputum samples were included in the analysis. BMI varied from 14.5 to 55 kg/m2. Sputum total cell count (mean±SD: 12.9 × 106 cell/g±21.5), eosinophil percent (median; min to max: 0.3%; 0–89.0), and neutrophil percent (mean±SD: 63.5±26.6%) were within normal limits. Participants with asthma had a higher percentage of sputum eosinophils than those without asthma (P=0.01). However, there was no difference in the total or differential cell counts among the obese and non‐obese participants, when the data were analysed according to BMI category, gender, dose of inhaled corticosteroid, and presence or absence of asthma.Conclusion
In this large sample of adult asthmatic and non‐asthmatic participants, there was no association between BMI and airway inflammation measured by sputum cell counts. Other mechanisms to explain the relationship between obesity and asthma will need to be explored if this association is to be better understood.
The changing face of food hypersensitivity in an Asian community
Authors: Chiang W. C. , Kidon M. I. , Liew W. K. , Goh A. , Tang J. P. L. , Chay O. M. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryBackground
Food allergy seems to be increasing in Asia as well as world‐wide. Our aim was to characterize food protein sensitization patterns in a population of Asian children with possible food allergy.Methods
Children presenting to our allergy clinic over 3 years with symptomatic allergic disease and at least one specific food allergen sensitization documented on skin prick testing were included in the analysis.Results
Two hundred and twenty‐seven patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. Ninety (40%) of the positive skin tests were positive to egg, 87 (39%) to shellfish, 62 (27.3%) to peanut, 30 (13.2%) to fish, 27 (11.8%) to cow's milk, 21 (9.3%) to sesame, 13 (3.7%) to wheat and eight (3.2%) to soy. Peanut sensitization was the third most common sensitizing allergen, and seen mostly in young atopic children with multiple food hypersensitivities and a family history of atopic dermatitis. The median reported age of first exposure to fish and shellfish was 6 and 12 months, respectively. The mean age at presentation of children with shellfish hypersensitivity was at 6.7 years of age. The likelihood of shellfish sensitization was increased in children with concomitant sensitization to cockroaches.Conclusions
In contrast to previously reported low peanut allergy rates in Asia, in our review, peanut sensitization is present in 27% (62/227) of food‐allergic children, mostly in patients with multiple food protein sensitizations. Temporal patterns of first exposure of infants to fish and shellfish are unique to the Asian diet. Shellfish are a major sensitizing food source in Asian children, especially in allergic rhinitis patients sensitized to cockroaches.
Temporal trends of aeroallergen sensitization over twenty‐five years
Authors: Linneberg A. , Gislum M. , Johansen N. , Husemoen L. L. N. , Jørgensen T. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryBackground
Little is known about time trends of allergic respiratory disease in adults, in particular in older adults. Furthermore, few trend studies have used objective measurements of IgE sensitization against inhalant allergens.Objectives
To investigate time trends of aeroallergen sensitization in adults over a 25‐year period.Methods
The study includes a total of 7820 persons, aged 30, 40, 50, and 60 years, who participated in three repeated cross‐sectional studies of the general population of Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1976–1977, 1982–1984, and 1999–2001, respectively. Respiratory allergy was assessed by determination of specific IgE aeroallergen sensitization in stored serum samples.Results
Over this 25‐year period, a marked and statistically significant increase in the prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization had occurred. This increase was seen in all age‐groups challenging the notion that the allergy epidemic only affects generations born 1960 onwards. For example, in 40‐year‐olds the prevalence (with 95% confidence intervals) of aeroallergen sensitization was 14.9% (12.7–17.1), 19.7% (17.1–22.3), and 27.6% (25.1–30.1) in 1976–1977, 1982–1984, and 1999–2001, respectively.Conclusions
Our results support that the allergy epidemic has spread to older adults resulting in a continuing increase in the overall prevalence of aeroallergen sensitization and an increase in the mean age of allergic patients.
Children with peanut allergy recognize predominantly Ara h2 and Ara h6, which remains stable over time
Authors: Flinterman A. E. , Van Hoffen E. , Den Hartog Jager C. F. , Koppelman S. , Pasmans S. G. , Hoekstra M. O. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. , Knulst A. C. , Knol E. F. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryBackground
In peanut‐allergic adults, IgE is mainly directed to Ara h1 and Ara h2. More recently, a role for Ara h6 has been suggested. In contrast to adults, IgE in children can fluctuate over time. Therefore, children may have a more dynamic reactivity to peanut.Objective
To examine the IgE reactivity to major peanut allergens in peanut‐allergic children at two subsequent time‐points.Methods
Twenty children (3–15 years old) with peanut allergy, confirmed by a double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC), were included. Just before and 20 months after DBPCFC, IgE reactivity to purified Ara h1, Ara h2, Ara h3 and Ara h6 was studied by immunoblots and skin prick tests (SPTs).Results
Before DBPCFC, all peanut‐allergic children showed IgE reactivity to Ara h2; Ara h6 was recognized by 16 children, and Ara h1 and Ara h3 by 10 children. After 20 months, peanut‐specific IgE levels (median 23 kU/L) and the individual recognition of major allergens were comparable with the levels and recognition before challenge (median 28.2 kU/L). SPT with Ara h2 and Ara h6 was positive in most children, whereas SPT with Ara h1 and Ara h3 was positive in approximately half of the children. Ara h6 induced the largest weals. None of the parameters were related to the severity of peanut allergy.Conclusion
Ara h2 and Ara h6 are the most frequently recognized major peanut allergens in children. The individual reactivity to the major peanut allergens remained stable over time, despite DBPCFC.
Relationships of methacholine and AMP responsiveness with peak expiratory flow variability in children with asthma
Authors: Yoo Y. , Kim D. K. , Yu J. , Choi S. H. , Kim C. K. , Koh Y. Y. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryBackground
Both bronchial responsiveness (BR) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability are increased in asthma. PEF variability is presumed to reflect the degree of BR in asthma. BR is commonly assessed by bronchial challenges using direct or indirect stimuli.Objective
The aim of this study was to compare methacholine and adenosine 5′‐monophosphate (AMP) responsiveness with regard to their relationships with PEF variability in children with asthma.Methods
Methacholine and AMP challenge tests were performed in 79 children with mild to moderate asthma, and a provocative concentration causing a 20% decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (PC20) was calculated for each challenge. Subjects recorded PEF each morning and each evening for 14 consecutive days. PEF variability was expressed as amplitude percentage mean (amp%mean; high PEF minus low PEF on each day, expressed as a percentage of their mean, averaged over 14 days), and as the lowest percentage highest (low%high; the lowest PEF expressed as a percentage of the highest PEF recorded over the period).Results
Methacholine PC20 correlated significantly but weakly with both indices of PEF variability (amp%mean: r=−0.285, P=0.011; low%high: r=0.238, P=0.034). However, there was a significant and strong correlation between AMP PC20 and both amp%mean (r=−0.583, P=0.000) and low%high (r=0.496, P=0.000). For AMP PC20, the correlations were stronger than for methacholine PC20 (comparison of correlation coefficients with amp%mean: P=0.021; with low%high: P=0.063).Conclusion
Both methacholine PC20 and AMP PC20 correlated significantly with PEF variability. However, the stronger correlations for AMP PC20 than for methacholine PC20 suggest that PEF variability may be better reflected by BR assessed by AMP than by methacholine.