bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression profiling and mapping of defence response genes associated with the barley–Pyrenophora teres incompatible interaction
Authors: BOGACKI P. , OLDACH K. H. , WILLIAMS K. J. 
Published: May 2008

SUMMARYBarley net‐ and spot‐form of net blotch disease are caused by two formae of the hemibiotrophic fungus Pyrenophora teres (P. t. f. teres and P. t. f. maculata). In the present study, suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used in combination with quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR to identify and profile the expression of defence response (DR) genes in the early stages of both barley–P. teres incompatible and compatible interactions. From a pool of 307 unique gene transcripts identified by SSH, 45 candidate DR genes were selected for temporal expression profiling in infected leaf epidermis. Differential expression profiles were observed for 28 of the selected candidates, which were grouped into clusters depending on their expression profiles within the first 48 h after inoculation. The expression profiles characteristic of each gene cluster were very similar in both barley–P. t. f. teres and barley–P. t. f. maculata interactions, indicating that resistance to both pathogens could be mediated by induction of the same group of DR genes. Chromosomal map locations for 21 DR genes were identified using four doubled‐haploid mapping populations. The mapped DR genes were distributed across all seven barley chromosomes, with at least one gene mapping to within 15 cM of another on chromosomes 1H, 2H, 5H and 7H. Additionally, some DR genes appeared to co‐localize with loci harbouring known resistance genes or quantitative trait loci for net blotch resistance on chromosomes 6H and 7H, as well as loci associated with resistance to other barley diseases. The DR genes are discussed with respect to their map locations and potential functional role in contributing to net blotch disease resistance.
The JAK2V617F mutation and thrombosis
Authors: Austin S. K. , Lambert J. R. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySince the discovery of the JAK2V617F mutation, the clinical and pathological consequences of this acquired defect have been extensively investigated to determine whether its presence characterises a distinct subgroup of myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). MPD management remains highly dependent on the patient’s thrombotic risk. Whether the presence of the JAK2V617F mutation modifies the thrombotic risk is currently contentious, although there is increasing clinical evidence to suggest that the mutation may be variably associated with thrombosis. These observations are further supported by laboratory parameters which suggest that the JAK2V617F mutation may confer increased activation of leucocytes and platelets in MPD. The role of screening for the JAK2V617F mutation in patients presenting with thrombosis without overt MPD is unclear, but appears justified in cases of idiopathic splanchnic vein thrombosis.
Variation in susceptibility of six pine species and hybrids to pitch canker caused by Fusarium circinatum
Authors: Kim Y.‐S. , Woo K.‐S. , Koo Y.‐B. , Yeo J.‐K. 
Published: May 2008

SummarySix pine species or hybrids were tested for susceptibility to pitch canker caused by Fusarium circinatum. Pinus densiflora, Pinus thunbergii, Pinus x rigitaeda (Pinus rigida × Pinus taeda), P. rigida × P. x rigitaeda, Pinus echinata and Pinus virginiana were inoculated with three spore loads (50, 500 and 5000 per tree) of F. circinatum. External symptoms, lesion length, and the frequency of reisolation of the fungus were investigated. External symptoms were greatest in P. echinata, followed by P. virginiana, however, P. densiflora was not susceptible to F. circinatum. Based on mean lesion lengths, the six pine species or hybrids differed significantly (p < 0.01) in susceptibility to pitch canker. Pinus echinata sustained the longest lesions, whereas P. densiflora sustained the shortest lesions. The effect of inoculum density was not significant among three spore treatments within species (p = 0.17), although lesion length was slightly greater at higher spore loads over all pine species. The fungus was reisolated from inoculated stems of all pine species tested, even on trees showing little or no damage from the disease. Additional studies are needed to further explore the basis for resistance to pitch canker.
Selection proposal of cultivars of spring barley in the years from 2001 to 2004, using Joint Regression Analysis
Authors: Pereira D. G. , Mexia J. T. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractJoint Regression Analysis is a widely used technique in the analysis of series of experiments for cultivar comparison. We show how this technique may be used in the selection of recommended cultivars. We apply this technique to a series of experiments on spring barley cultivars carried out from 2001 to 2004. The data in these designs were kindly made available by the Central Institute for Supervising and Testing in Agriculture in Brno, Czech Republic.
Inflammatory markers in exhaled breath condensate from patients with asthma
Authors: UENO Tomoe , KATAOKA Mikio , HIRANO Atsushi , IIO Kouji , TANIMOTO Yasushi , KANEHIRO Arihiko , OKADA Chiharu , SODA Ryo , TAKAHASHI Kiyoshi , TANIMOTO Mitsune 
Published: May 2008

Background and objective:  Evaluation of airway inflammation is important for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a minimally invasive method for assessing inflammation and may be useful for monitoring airway inflammation in asthma. The aims of this study were to establish an EBC collection method, to assess biomarkers reflecting asthmatic airway inflammation, and to determine the relationship of these biomarkers with asthma severity and lung function.Methods:  Fifty‐eight non‐smoking healthy subjects, seven asymptomatic smokers, nine subjects with common cold and 55 asthmatics with disease severity ranging from mild intermittent to severe persistent were studied. The efficacy of a pipette method was compared with that of a commercial collecting device. pH, CRP, albumin, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitrite/nitrate levels were measured in EBC.Results:  Except for the quantity of EBC collected and albumin levels, there were no differences between the commercial method and the pipette method in levels of biomarkers measured. Levels of CRP, H2O2 and nitrite/nitrate were significantly higher in the asthma group than that in the control group. In terms of asthma severity, pH and levels of CRP, H2O2 and nitrate were significantly higher in the mild persistent group than that in the other groups. In addition, H2O2 levels in EBC correlated significantly with the level of nitrite/nitrate. FEV1 and PEF showed significant negative correlations with H2O2 and nitrite/nitrate levels.Conclusion:  Measurement of EBC biomarkers is a non‐invasive and useful way to evaluate airway inflammation in patients with asthma.
Increasing incidence of Kawasaki disease in Japan: Nationwide survey
Authors: Nakamura Yosikazu , Yashiro Mayumi , Uehara Ritei , Oki Izumi , Kayaba Kazunori , Yanagawa Hiroshi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: The last nationwide survey of Kawasaki disease in Japan was conducted in 2003; the epidemiologic features of the disease in Japan since then are unknown.Methods: All the hospitals with a pediatric department and a bed capacity of ≥100, or hospitals having a bed capacity of <100 but specializing in pediatrics in Japan were asked to report (by mail) all patients with Kawasaki disease who visited the hospital due to the disease in 2003 and 2004.Results: Of the 2335 hospitals asked to participate, 1058 reported 19 138 patients with Kawasaki disease during the 2 year period 2003–2004. The annual incidence in 2004 reached 174.0 per 100 000 children under 5 years of age. The yearly number of patients and annual incidence increased significantly after the last nationwide epidemic of the disease in 1986. The number of patients was largest in January and lowest in October. The age‐specific incidence was highest for those aged 9–11 months, and 88.9% of the patients were under 5 years of age. Of the reported patients, 2595 (13.6%) had cardiac lesions in the acute phase of the disease and 844 (4.4%) had cardiac sequelae 1 month after the onset of the disease.Conclusion: The number of patients and the incidence of Kawasaki disease in Japan has increased year by year in the last two decades.
Questionnaire survey on the understanding of epilepsy among non‐medical persons
Authors: Okumura Akihisa , Watanabe Kazuyoshi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: A questionnaire survey was conducted on the understanding of epilepsy and febrile seizures in preschool teachers, public health nurses, and parents or caregivers of children with epilepsy.Methods: The survey was performed in three different sites at different dates. The participants were 16 preschool teachers, 25 public health nurses, and 34 parents or caregivers of children with epilepsy.Results: Seventy‐seven percent of the participants thought that epilepsy was not always untreatable. Sixty‐seven percent of the participants thought that epilepsy was not a hereditary disease. Sixty‐one percent of the participants considered that repetitive seizures cause brain damage, and 93% of them thought that patients with epilepsy must be treated. Seventy‐six percent of the participants thought that febrile seizures evolve into epilepsy if left untreated. Seventy‐seven percent of the participants considered that vaccination can be performed in patients with epilepsy or febrile seizures, and 89% of them thought that swimming should not be forbidden in patients with epilepsy or febrile seizures. There was no significant difference in the answers with regard to the positions of the participants except in one question.Conclusions: The present questionnaire survey provided some information on the understanding of epilepsy among non‐medical persons. A nationwide public survey is needed to clarify the problems in the public understanding of epilepsy.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip: Risk markers, clinical screening and outcome
Authors: Stein‐Zamir Chen , Volovik Irina , Rishpon Shmuel , Sabi Roger 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: Early detection, diagnosis and treatment of developmental dysplasia/dislocation of hip (DDH) are essential in preventing further disability and quality of life impairment in children. DDH risk markers and association between the age of clinical screening and outcome, were evaluated.Methods: Clinical screening at ages birth, 6 and 13 weeks was performed in 8145 infants by pediatricians. Infants suspected for DDH were referred to the community hospital clinic for clinical evaluation by a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, imaging procedures and follow up. Demographic and perinatal characteristics of the children with suspected (n= 77) and diagnosed DDH (n= 51) were compared to matched controls (n= 154).Results: The rate of suspected DDH was 0.95% and that of diagnosed DDH was 0.63%. Female gender, firstborn child and breech presentation were significantly more frequent among cases versus controls (odds ratio [OR]: 4.3, 2.7, and 6 respectively; P < 0.05). The highest positive predictive value (95.5%) in physical evaluation was any evidence of a dislocatable hip. The proportion of DDH among infants referred from the newborn department was significantly higher (OR, 4.4). DDH diagnosis after 6 weeks of age was associated with a higher likelihood of subsequent surgery and motor disability. Untoward outcome was significantly associated with increasing age of referral both at ages of 6 and 13 weeks (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Children with DDH have certain specific demographic and perinatal risk markers. Clinical screening targeted towards early diagnosis may lessen the need for surgical intervention and the risk of disability or motor handicap.
Fluid and electrolyte balance in extremely preterm infants <24 weeks of gestation in the first week of life
Authors: Wada Masaki , Kusuda Satoshi , Takahashi Naoto , Nishida Hiroshi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground:Extremely preterm infants, especially those <24 weeks of gestation, displayed extremes in changes of fluid/electrolyte balance. The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively investigate abnormalities in fluid/electrolyte balance during the first postnatal week.Methods:Of 32 subjects admitted during 20 years, 17 infants with no severe complications were examined, and 72 appropriate‐for‐dates infants at 24–28 weeks of gestation were taken as controls. The subjects were managed in closed incubators in a highly humidified environment and fluid/electrolyte balances were monitored in retrospect.Results:The subjects had higher urine contents, while the insensible water loss was higher than in controls. As for weight loss, no remarkable changes were noted between the two groups. On day 4 and thereafter, serum Na+levels were high, indicating a high complication rate of hypernatremia without differences in hyperkalemia. The decrease in blood base excess was rapid, requiring supplementation of sodium bicarbonate up to postnatal day 5 in all preterm infants.Conclusion:Due to the relatively higher urine output and insensible water loss in extremely preterm infants during postnatal week 1, higher water intake was required. As such, metabolic acidosis was bound to have occurred.
SMN2 and NAIP gene dosages in Vietnamese patients with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Tran Van Khanh , Sasongko Teguh Haryo , Hong Dang Diem , Hoan Nguyen Thi , Dung Vu Chi , Lee Myeong Jin , Gunadi  , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Matsuo Masafumi , Nishio Hisahide 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: The SMN1 gene is now recognized as a spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)‐causing gene, while SMN2 and NAIP have been characterized as a modifying factor of the clinical severity of SMA. Gene dosage of SMN2 is associated with clinical severity of SMA. But the relationship between gene dosage of NAIP and clinical severity of SMA remains to be clarified, although complete deletion of NAIP is frequent in type I patients.Methods: To evaluate the contribution of the SMN2 and NAIP gene dosages to SMA, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure copy numbers of SMN2 and NAIP in 34 Vietnamese SMA patients lacking SMN1 (13 type I, 11 type II and 10 type III patients).Results: The SMN2 copy number in type I patients was significantly lower than that in type II–III patients, which was compatible with the previous reports. In contrast, 25 out of 34 patients had only zero or one copy of NAIP, while 50 out of 52 controls had two or more copies. For NAIP (+) genotype, six out of 13 type I patients, eight out of 11 type II patients and six out of 10 type III patients carried one NAIP copy.Conclusions: The SMN2 copy number was related to the clinical severity of SMA among Vietnamese patients. The presence of one NAIP copy, that is, heterozygous NAIP deletion, was common in Vietnamese SMA, regardless of clinical phenotype.
Early diagnosis of maple syrup urine disease using polymerase chain reaction‐based mutation detection
Authors: Silao Catherine Lynn T. , Padilla Carmencita D. , Matsuo Masafumi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by defective activity of the branched‐chain α‐ketoacid dehydrogenase enzyme complex. Early diagnosis and management of MSUD are imperative for preventing permanent neurological impairments. In the Philippines, a 4.7 kb deletion in the dihydrolipoamide branched‐chain transacylase E2 (DBT) gene has been commonly identified in MSUD patients. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a junction fragment between intron 10 and exon 11 has been used to detect this deletion. The purpose of the present paper was to use PCR‐based mutation detection of the deletion mutation to diagnose MSUD in neonates in order to provide proper diagnosis and effective treatment.Methods: A region encompassing exon 11 and the junction fragment of the E2 (DBT) gene was PCR amplified from genomic DNA prepared from two neonates at risk for MSUD.Results: PCR amplification of both exon 11 and the junction fragment from one of the neonates demonstrated that this case was a heterozygous carrier of the deletion. Thus, normal feeding was started. For the other neonate, PCR amplification of the junction fragment was successful, whereas the region encompassing exon 11 was not amplified. This neonate was genotyped as homozygous for the deletion, and treatment for MSUD was provided immediately.Conclusion: Examination of the deletion mutation in the E2 (DBT) gene facilitated early MSUD diagnosis and was beneficial for the determination of the proper course of treatment.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF SMALL BOWEL DISEASES WITH A NEWLY DEVELOPED SINGLE BALLOON ENDOSCOPE
Authors: Ohtsuka Kazuo , Kashida Hiroshi , Kodama Kenta , Mizuno Kenichi , Inoue Haruhiro , Kudo Shin‐ei 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Recent advances in capsule endoscopy (CE) and double balloon endoscopy (DBE) have enabled an endoscopic approach to small bowel diseases. However, CE is simply a diagnostic tool and DBE is fairly complicated to handle.Methods:  We developed a single balloon endoscopy (SBE) in cooperation with Olympus Medical Systems. The single balloon enteroscope consists of an endoscope and a splinting tube. In this system, a balloon is attached to the splinting tube, but not to the scope itself. The single‐person insertion method was effective for SBE cases, but two persons were needed for DBE. The patients we examined had undergone upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and were suspected of having small intestinal diseases. We examined a total of 30 cases (nine women, 21 men; range 19–78 years), and carried out a total of 48 examinations.Results:  In fifteen cases, the cause of bleeding was diagnosed as either ulcer, angiodysplasia, Crohn's disease, inflammatory polyp, or metastatic cancer, but in eight cases, the cause was not identified. Four obstruction cases comprised ulcers, adhesion, and jejunal volvulus. For treatment, clippings were performed for bleeding in three patients, polypectomy for two, reversal of volvulus for one, and balloon dilation for ilial stenosis in one. The entire small intestine was observed in 71% of patients when the intention was to examine the whole bowel. No complications were encountered.Conclusions:  The newly developed SBE is useful for diagnosis and treatment of small bowel diseases.
CLINICIANS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS MANAGEMENT OF METASTATIC COLORECTAL ADENOCARCINOMA
Authors: Wong Rachel , Wiley Malcolm , Christophi Christopher , Tebbutt Niall 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Despite being a common problem, the optimal management of in situ primary colorectal carcinomas in patients presenting with unresectable synchronous metastases remains unknown. To date, no prospective randomized studies have been conducted to evaluate the outcomes of different approaches to management. We studied the attitudes of clinicians involved in the management of this group of patients with a view to determine their treatment preferences and assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized study addressing the role of resection of primary colorectal carcinomas in patients presenting with unresectable synchronous metastases.Methods:  A survey of Australian colorectal surgeons, Australian medical oncologists and Victorian rural general surgeons was conducted.Results:  The results indicated that with regard to preferred treatment (i) for patients with asymptomatic sigmoid or caecal primary tumours, surgeons preferred surgery followed by chemotherapy, whereas oncologists preferred chemotherapy alone; (ii) for patients with symptomatic sigmoid or caecal primary tumours, both surgeons and oncologists preferred surgery followed by chemotherapy; and (iii) for patients with metastatic rectal carcinoma, whether asymptomatic or symptomatic, both surgeons and oncologists preferred a multimodality approach to treatment. Clinicians were accepting a broad range of treatment options for patients with both asymptomatic and symptomatic primary colorectal tumours.Conclusion:  There is a high level of acceptability among Australian clinicians for both surgical and non‐surgical approaches to management of the in situ primary colorectal tumour in patients with unresectable synchronous metastases. Further research is warranted to determine the management strategy that will yield the best outcome for these patients.
LAPAROSCOPIC PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY: INTEGRATION OF AN ADVANCED LAPAROSCOPIC TECHNIQUE
Authors: Rashid Prem , Goad Jeremy , Aron Monish , Gianduzzo Troy , Gill Inderbir S. 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and open partial nephrectomy are now established methods of treatment for appropriate renal lesions suspicious for malignancy, Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has undergone progressive evolution. The aim of this paper is to; (i) evaluate the current status of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and (ii) to place it in the Australian and New Zealand context by evaluating the necessary skill acquisition for advanced laparoscopic urology.Methods:  The National Library of Medicine database (PubMed) was used to specifically search the available literature on laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, renal failure and nephrectomy, modular surgical training and laparoscopic training. Of the articles identified, selection was based on their contribution to the development of techniques, progressive clinical outcomes, as well as comparisons with current management.Results:  The technique and outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy are now secure enough to treat anatomically complex tumours in laparoscopically experienced hands. For the appropriate patient with a small renal mass, the impact of radical nephrectomy and long‐term renal dysfunction needs to be considered, even in the presence of a normal contra‐lateral kidney. Robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery is expensive and may impair the acquisition of advanced iaparoscopic skills.Conclusion:  Over the past 5 years, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy has developed to the stage where, with the necessary laparoscopic skill, it is now a standard of care at tertiary referral institutions. Widespread dissemination of advanced laparoscopic skills remains the next challenge.