bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of the physiological roles of three peroxidases (NADH peroxidase, Alkyl hydroperoxide reductase and Thiol peroxidase) in oxidative stress response, survival inside macrophages and virulence of Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: La Carbona Stephanie , Sauvageot Nicolas , Giard Jean‐Christophe , Benachour Abdellah , Posteraro Brunella , Auffray Yanick , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Hartke Axel 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThe opportunistic pathogen Enterococcus faecalis is well equipped with peroxidatic activities. It harbours three loci encoding a NADH peroxidase, an alkyl hydroperoxide reductase and a protein (EF2932) belonging to the AhpC/TSA family. We present results demonstrating that ef2932 does encode a thiol peroxidase (Tpx) and show that it is part of the regulon of the hydrogen peroxide regulator HypR. Characterization of unmarked deletion mutants showed that all three peroxidases are important for the defence against externally provided H2O2. Exposure to internal generated H2O2 by aerobic growth on glycerol, lactose, galactose or ribose showed that Npr was absolutely required for aerobic growth on glycerol and optimal growth on the other substrates. Growth on glycerol was also dependent on Ahp. Addition of catalase restored growth of the mutants, and therefore, extracellular H2O2 concentrations have been determined. This showed that the time point of growth arrest of the Δnpr mutant correlated with the highest H2O2 concentration measured. Analysis of the survival of the different strains inside peritoneal macrophages revealed that Tpx was the most important antioxidant activity for protecting the cells against the hostile phagocyte environment. Finally, the Δtpx and the triple mutant showed attenuated virulence in a mouse peritonitis model.
Local DNA features affect RNA‐directed transcriptional gene silencing and DNA methylation
Authors: Fischer Ute , Kuhlmann Markus , Pecinka Ales , Schmidt Renate , Mette Michael F. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryTranscription of a nopaline synthase promoter (pNOS) inverted repeat provides an RNA signal that can trigger transcriptional gene silencing and methylation of pNOS promoters in trans. The degree of silencing is influenced by the local DNA features close to the target promoter integration sites. Among 26 transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana lines harbouring single copies of a T‐DNA including a pNOS‐NPTII reporter gene at different chromosomal loci, NPTII RNA levels showed limited variation. When challenged by the silencer transgene providing the pNOS RNA signal, reduction of the NPTII RNA levels in the F1 generation varied by more than 100‐fold, ranging from no reduction to reduction to <1% of the non‐silenced level. Silencing was generally correlated with proportional DNA methylation in the pNOS region, except for one target transgene showing substantial DNA methylation without adequate silencing. Silencing was progressive through generations. Differences in the degree of silencing among the target transgenes were transmitted at least to the F3 generation, and seemed to be influenced by transgene‐flanking sequences. Apparently, close‐by repeats promoted, whereas close‐by functional genes diminished, the response to the silencing signal.
HLA‐G polymorphism in a Polish population and reproductive failure
Authors: Sipak‐Szmigiel O. , Cybulski C. , Lubiński J. , Ronin‐Walknowska E. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTo investigate whether human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G gene polymorphism is associated with reproductive failure in a Polish population, we sequenced exons 2–4 of the HLA‐G gene in 58 couples with three recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSAs) in the first trimester of pregnancy and 58 fertile control couples. We identified 12 different HLA‐G alleles. Neither allele was found to be associated with an increased risk of RSA in the population. HLA‐G allele sharing was similar in couples with RSA and in control fertile couples. All cases and controls were also genotyped for the −725C>G polymorphisms in the promoter region and the 14‐bp insertion deletion in the 3′ untranslated region of the HLA‐G gene. The frequencies of both variants in RSA women and control fertile women were similar. These results suggest that HLA‐G gene polymorphism does not influence the risk of RSA in the Polish population, but further studies are needed in this regard.
Description of two new HLA‐C alleles in a Black South African population
Authors: Minevich G. , Kuhn L. , Polistena C. , Nuara J. , Winchester R. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractTwo new HLA‐C alleles, Cw*0333 and Cw*0217, were identified in a Black South African population. HLA‐Cw*0333 differs from Cw*030201 by an A→G substitution at nucleotide 323, yielding an unusual missense substitution of Cys for the conserved Tyr‐84 at the antigen cleft terminus. Molecular modeling suggests that this alters the predicted interactions of this critical residue with the opposite α2‐helix, the peptide COOH terminus and possibly KIR2DL2. The second allele, Cw*0217, differs from Cw*0205 by an A→T substitution at nucleotide 368, resulting in a Tyr→Phe substitution at residue 99 of the HLA‐C β‐pleated sheet that likely influences peptide side‐chain binding. Both Cw*0333 and Cw*0217 appear to have arisen by missense mutations, respectively, from the HLA‐B*5801‐Cw*0302 and B*080101‐Cw*0205 haplotypes.
Oral exfoliative cytology as a rapid diagnostic tool for paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: Talhari Carolina , Braga de Souza João Vicente , Parreira Vilmar José , Reinel Dieter , Talhari Sinésio 
Published: October 2007

SummaryParacoccidioidomycosis is a common deep mycosis in South America. It is caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. We report a case of a 47‐year‐old Brazilian man with oral lesions due to paracoccidioidomycosis, which was diagnosed by exfoliative cytology without any special staining. We highlight this diagnostic tool as a simple, low‐cost, painless, non‐invasive and fast method for the diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis.
Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific DNA, (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan and galactomannan in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage specimens of experimentally infected rats
Authors: Khan Z. U. , Ahmad S. , Theyyathel A. M. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to detect Aspergillus fumigatus‐specific DNA by nested PCR (nPCR) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens of experimentally infected rats and compare the results with (1–3)‐β‐d‐glucan (BDG) and galactomannan (GM) detection. Sixty Wistar rats, immunosuppressed with an intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (70 mg kg−1) were infected with 1 × 106A. fumigatus conidia. The rats were killed on days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 postinfection in groups of six each and their BAL, blood and lungs were cultured. The A. fumigatus‐specific DNA, BDG and GM in serum and BAL were detected by nPCR, Fungitell kit and Aspergillus Platelia kit respectively. Base line values were obtained by using sera from six healthy rats. Except the lungs, blood and BAL specimens of all the infected rats were negative for A. fumigatus culture. The BDG, GM and nPCR positivity in serum specimens was 80%, 77% and 63% respectively. The sensitivity of GM and nPCR tests in BAL specimens was 77% and 70% respectively. The data suggest that BDG and GM appear early in the course of infection, and have similar kinetics (r = 0.483, P = 0.007). Hence, their combined detection could be useful in the early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis.
Peritonitis due to Aspergillus terreus in a patient undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Verghese Susan , Palani Ravichandran , Thirunavakarasu Natarajan , Chellamma Thabitha , Pathipata Padmaja 
Published: October 2007

Summary Aspergillus peritonitis is a rare, potentially fatal complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). We report a case of CAPD peritonitis caused by Aspergillus terreus in a 55‐year‐old female patient.
Is Charisma Hyper‐Romanticism? Empirical Evidence from New Data and a Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Schyns Birgit , Felfe Jörg , Blank Hartmut 
Published: October 2007

In prior research, mixed results were obtained with respect to the relationship between Romance of Leadership and the perception of transformational leadership. In this paper, we first present new studies originating from different contexts (students and employees) and different countries and, second, we meta‐analyse these studies together with prior studies in order to shed light on the relationship between Romance of Leadership and the perception of transformational leadership. In the meta‐analysis, we considered the following moderators: field/employees vs. experimental/student samples, geographical region, and type of assessment of transformational leadership. The results indicate a positive relationship between Romance of Leadership and the perception of transformational leadership. Only the moderating effect of region of origin was significant. In line with social constructivism and information processing approaches of leadership, our results indicate that the perception of leadership comprises more than merely the actual behaviour the leader exhibits.Des résultats contradictoires ont été obtenus dans le passé en ce qui concerne la relation entre la Romance du Leadership et la perception du leadership transformationnel. Dans cet article, nous présentons d’abord de nouvelles recherches portant sur des populations différentes (des étudiants ou des salariés) provenant de plusieurs pays, puis dans un second temps nous effectuons une méta‐analyse regroupant ces travaux et des études antérieures afin d’y voir plus clair dans la relation entre la Romance du Leadership et la perception du leadership transformationnel. On a, dans la méta‐analyse, pris en considération les variables régulatrices suivantes: l’origine géographique des échantillons d’étudiants (travaux expérimentaux) ou de salariés (enquêtes sur le terrain) et le type d’évaluation du leadership transformationnel. Les résultats vont dans le sens d’une relation positive entre la Romance du Leadership et la perception du leadership transformationnel. Il n’y a que la région d’origine qui présente un effet régulateur significatif. Dans la continuité du constructivisme social et des travaux concevant le leadership comme un traitement de l’information, nos résultats indiquent que la perception du leadership dépasse le comportement observable du leader.
Leaders’ Romantic Conceptions of the Consequences of Leadership
Authors: Schilling Jan 
Published: October 2007

By inverting the notion in the romance of leadership literature that extreme results evoke attributions of leadership, the present study investigates the ideas of leaders concerning the content of leadership consequences. To understand the deeper meaning and importance of leadership from the leader's viewpoint, a qualitative approach of data collection and analysis was chosen. Using semi‐standardised interviews, 42 managers were asked about their conceptions of the consequences of positive and negative leadership. The results reveal a wide diversity of consequences of leadership with follower feelings, attitudes, behavior, and organisational results as the main categories. While positive consequences are predominantly moderate in their impact, negative statements more often tend to be extreme. A higher degree of leadership experience is related with an optimistic (i.e. naming more positive aspects), but unromantic (i.e. naming fewer extreme consequences) conception of leadership. Limitations of the present approach and implications for future research on the romance of leadership are discussed.En inversant la notion relevant de la littérature sur la romance du leadership selon laquelle des résultats exceptionnels provoquent une attribution de leadership, cette recherche porte sur les idées des leaders concernant le contenu des retombées du leadership. Pour comprendre la signification profonde et l’importance du leadership du point de vue du leader, on a choisi un recueil des données et une analyse qualitatives. Dans le cadre d’entretiens semi‐directifs, on a demandéà 42 cadres de parler de leurs conceptions des conséquences du leadership positif et négatif. Les résultats traduisent une grande diversité des conséquences du leadership en ce qui concerne le comportement, les attitudes et les sentiments des collaborateurs ainsi que les suites organisationnelles pour ce qui est des principales rubriques. Alors que les conséquences positives sont généralement modérées dans leur impact, les descriptions négatives tendent plus fréquemment vers le dramatique. Une grande expérience du leadership est en rapport avec une conception optimiste du leadership (c’est‐à‐dire citant davantage de dimensions positives), mais non romantique (c’est‐à‐dire mentionnant moins de conséquences extrêmes). On présente les limites de cette approche et les implications pour de futures recherches sur la romance du leadership.
Prospective evaluation of acute endocrine pancreatic injury as collateral damage of shock‐wave lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones
Authors: Wendt‐Nordahl Gunnar , Krombach Patrick , Hannak Dieter , Häcker Axel , Michel Maurice Stephan , Alken Peter , Knoll Thomas 
Published: October 2007

There has been controversy over whether extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) can cause damage to the endocrine cells of the pancreas, leading to the later development of diabetes mellitus. Authors from Germany prospectively evaluated acute endocrine pancreatic injury as collateral damage caused by the ESWL for treating upper urinary tract stones. In a careful study they showed that there was no effect on serum levels of variables indicating exocrine and endocrine pancreatic tissue damage, suggesting that the idea that ESWL might lead to future diabetes mellitus is unlikely to be correct.OBJECTIVETo detect acute damage to pancreatic cells by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), with a focus on endocrine function, as recently the development of diabetes mellitus has been suggested to be a late complication of treatment of upper urinary tract stones, and injury to pancreatic tissue by ESWL, leading to insufficient endocrine function, has been proposed as an explanation of this effect.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study included 12 consecutive patients treated with ESWL for proximal ureteric or kidney stones, using a third‐generation electromagnetic lithotripter. To evaluate pancreatic tissue injury caused by ESWL we determined blood variables known to indicate exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cell damage; blood samples were taken before, during, immediately after, and 1 h and 24 h after ESWL to determine the serum levels of amylase, lipase, insulin, glucose, c‐peptide and glucagon. Eight patients treated with ESWL for distal ureteric stones were evaluated in the same way and served as the control group.RESULTSNeither the variables indicating islet cell damage (c‐peptide, insulin and glucagon), nor those indicating damage of exocrine pancreatic cells (amylase and lipase) changed significantly over the time course in both groups.CONCLUSIONWe could detect no immediate effect on the serum levels of variables indicating exocrine or endocrine pancreatic tissue damage caused by ESWL for urinary tract stones. The hypothesis that ESWL leads to pancreatic trauma with consecutive development of diabetes mellitus therefore seems unlikely.
Efficacy and complications of intradetrusor injection with botulinum toxin A in patients with refractory idiopathic detrusor overactivity
Authors: Jeffery Stephen , Fynes Michelle , Lee Frank , Wang Kate , Williams Lin , Morley Roland 
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the efficacy and complications of botulinum A toxin (Dysport, Ipsen Ltd, Slough, UK) 500 U in refractory idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a prospective study of 25 patients with refractory IDO, the baseline evaluation included an assessment of symptoms, a 7‐day voiding diary, 24‐h pad test, record of symptoms on a visual analogue scale (VAS) (0–10), the Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and urodynamics. Dysport 500 U was administered at 20 sites in the bladder, sparing the trigone. Patients were followed at 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 9 months; the urodynamic assessment was repeated at 3 months.RESULTSFifteen (63%) patients reported being continent from 1 week after treatment; at 3 months, six (32%) (P = 0.01) patients were still dry, remaining so at 6 months (P = 0.025). Weekly leakage episodes decreased from 5.5 to 1.8 (P = 0.044) at 6 weeks and this was sustained, at 2.7 episodes (P = 0.012), at 9 months. The mean VAS score (0–10) decreased from 8.3 to 5.0 (P = 0.001) at 1 week, to 5.0 at 6 weeks (P = 0.001) and 3 months (P = 0.03) and to 6.1 (P = 0.013) at 6 months. On the KHQ there was a significant improvement in the severity measures domain (P = 0.021) and incontinence impact domain (P = 0.015) up to 9 months. The volume at first desire to void increased from 177 to 251 mL (P = 0.04) at 3 months. At 6 weeks and 3 months, 35% of patients required catheterization, as did 22% at 6 months, but only one at 9 months.CONCLUSIONSIntradetrusor Dysport 500 U was associated with significant subjective and objective improvements in refractory IDO. The present patients initially had a significant increase in voiding dysfunction that resolved by 9 months.
Inhibitory effect of sildenafil on the human isolated seminal vesicle
Authors: Gajar Sessin A. , Tano Tania , Resende Ângela C. , Bitencourt José Augusto F. , De Lemos Neto Miguel , Damião Ronaldo , Criddle David N. , Soares de Moura Roberto 
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of sildenafil on noradrenaline‐ and potassium‐induced contractions of isolated human seminal vesicles (SVs), as premature ejaculation is a relatively common male sexual dysfunction that currently lacks an adequate therapy, and recent in vitro tests showed that sildenafil induces relaxation of rodent isolated SVs, but it is not known whether it also inhibits isolated human SV.MATERIAL AND METHODSIsolated strips of human SVs were suspended in an organ bath and cumulative concentration‐response curves to either noradrenaline or KCl were constructed in the presence and absence of sildenafil to evaluate its inhibitory actions.RESULTSSildenafil (25–100 µm) induced concentration‐dependent inhibitory effects on the human SV contracted by either noradrenaline or KCl. These actions of sildenafil do not therefore appear to be mediated via a competitive antagonism of α‐adrenoceptors and are consistent with its recognized ability to inhibit phosphodiesterase‐5.CONCLUSIONSThe present results show an important inhibitory action of sildenafil in the isolated human SV, supporting the therapeutic indication of this drug for treating premature ejaculation.
Assessment of comparative treatment satisfaction with sildenafil citrate and penile injection therapy in patients responding to both
Authors: Mulhall John P. , Simmons Jennifer 
Published: October 2007

Associate EditorMichael G. WyllieEditorial BoardIan Eardley, UKJean Fourcroy, USASidney Glina, BrazilJulia Heiman, USAChris McMahon, AustraliaBob Millar, UKAlvaro Morales, CanadaMichael Perelman, USAMarcel Waldinger, NetherlandsOBJECTIVETo survey patient satisfaction, using validated questionnaires, in a group of men with erectile dysfunction who had used and responded to both sildenafil citrate and intracavernosal injection (ICI) therapy.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 300 patients on ICI therapy were mailed questionnaire packets containing a survey enquiring about the patients’ medical history, and two sets of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) sexual function surveys. If patients were using sildenafil alternating with ICI they were asked to complete the IIEF and EDITS questionnaires for each therapy. To identify only patients who had an adequate response to each agent, a score of ≥22 on the EF domain of the IIEF for sildenafil and ICI was required for inclusion in the final analysis.RESULTSIn all, 178 packets were evaluable; 123 men (69%) responded to ICI but not sildenafil, and 11 (6%) responded only to sildenafil and not ICI, leaving 37 patients who responded to both; these patients comprised the study population. There was no difference in EF domain score of the IIEF between the treatments; EDITS scores were significantly higher for ICI therapy than for sildenafil (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSIn patients who alternate the use of sildenafil and ICI therapy, satisfaction appears to be higher with ICI, although the erectogenic performance is similar. This suggests that patient satisfaction does not depend solely on erection performance, and that patients might benefit from various treatment options.
THE NOTION OF GIFT‐GIVING AND ORGAN DONATION
Authors: GERRAND NICOLE 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTThe analogy between gift‐giving and organ donation was first suggested at the beginning of the transplantation era, when policy makers and legislators were promoting voluntary organ donation as the preferred procurement procedure. It was believed that the practice of gift‐giving had some features which were also thought to be necessary to ensure that an organ procurement procedure would be morally acceptable, namely voluntarism and altruism. Twenty‐five years later, the analogy between gift‐giving and organ donation is still being made in the literature and used in organ donation awareness campaigns. In this paper I want to challenge this analogy. By examining a range of circumstances in which gift‐giving occurs, I argue that the significant differences between the various types of gift‐giving and organ donation makes any analogy between the two very general and superficial, and I suggest that a more appropriate analogy can be found elsewhere.
REASONABLE CARE? SOME COMMENTS ON GILLETT'S REASONABLE CARE
Authors: CRISP ROGER 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACT A discussion of some issues from Grant Gillett's book Reasonable Care. At the metaethical level, Gillett's views about the origin, scope and bindingness of morality are outlined and criticised. Against him it is argued that (a) moral capacity does not follow from linguistic ability, (b) things can matter to non‐concept‐users and (c) universalisability arguments fail to show that immorality is irrational. At the first order level, Gillett's arguments against surrogacy and euthanasia are answered.
HEALTH CARE AND THE PRINCIPLE OF FAIR EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY
Authors: WILT GERT JAN VAN DER 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTIn The Netherlands, the public funding of a number of health care services is controversial. What can we learn from this about the moral concerns that underlie these judgements? And, if there is anything to learn, can we use this improved understanding to scrutinise the adequacy of particular decisions concerning the public funding of health care services? In the present paper, I will analyse three cases: corrective surgey, In Vitro Fertilisation and liver transplantation. I will summarise the arguments that have been used to support or to challenge the public funding of these services. I will then assess the merits of Daniels’fair equality of opportunity account of justice in health care. Can this account improve our understanding of the moral concerns underlying our judgements about the public funding of these services? Can it serve to scrutinise the adequacy of particular decisions that are made concerning the public funding of health care services? My answer to both questions will be a qualified yes. Daniels’account can provide guidance, but not because we can deductively infer from it what is right and what is wrong. Instead, I will argue for a more casuistic use of the concept of fair equality of opportunity.