bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complete DNA sequences of the plastid genomes of two parasitic flowering plant species, Cuscuta reflexa and Cuscuta gronovii
Authors: Funk Helena T , Berg Sabine , Krupinska Karin , Maier Uwe G , Krause Kirsten 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
The holoparasitic plant genus Cuscuta comprises species with photosynthetic capacity and functional chloroplasts as well as achlorophyllous and intermediate forms with restricted photosynthetic activity and degenerated chloroplasts. Previous data indicated significant differences with respect to the plastid genome coding capacity in different Cuscuta species that could correlate with their photosynthetic activity. In order to shed light on the molecular changes accompanying the parasitic lifestyle, we sequenced the plastid chromosomes of the two species Cuscuta reflexa and Cuscuta gronovii. Both species are capable of performing photosynthesis, albeit with varying efficiencies. Together with the plastid genome of Epifagus virginiana, an achlorophyllous parasitic plant whose plastid genome has been sequenced, these species represent a series of progression towards total dependency on the host plant, ranging from reduced levels of photosynthesis in C. reflexa to a restricted photosynthetic activity and degenerated chloroplasts in C. gronovii to an achlorophyllous state in E. virginiana.

Results
The newly sequenced plastid genomes of C. reflexa and C. gronovii reveal that the chromosome structures are generally very similar to that of non-parasitic plants, although a number of species-specific insertions, deletions (indels) and sequence inversions were identified. However, we observed a gradual adaptation of the plastid genome to the different degrees of parasitism. The changes are particularly evident in C. gronovii and include (a) the parallel losses of genes for the subunits of the plastid-encoded RNA polymerase and the corresponding promoters from the plastid genome, (b) the first documented loss of the gene for a putative splicing factor, MatK, from the plastid genome and (c) a significant reduction of RNA editing.

Conclusion
Overall, the comparative genomic analysis of plastid DNA from parasitic plants indicates a bias towards a simplification of the plastid gene expression machinery as a consequence of an increasing dependency on the host plant. A tentative assignment of the successive events in the adaptation of the plastid genomes to parasitism can be inferred from the current data set. This includes (1) a loss of non-coding regions in photosynthetic Cuscuta species that has resulted in a condensation of the plastid genome, (2) the simplification of plastid gene expression in species with largely impaired photosynthetic capacity and (3) the deletion of a significant part of the genetic information, including the information for the photosynthetic apparatus, in non-photosynthetic parasitic plants.
Dentin dysplasia type I: a challenge for treatment with dental implants
Authors: Depprich Rita A , Ommerborn Michelle A , Handschel Jörg GK , Naujoks Christian D , Meyer Ulrich , Kübler Norbert R 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Dentin dysplasia type I is characterized by a defect of dentin development with clinical normal appearance of the permanent teeth but no or only rudimentary root formation. Early loss of all teeth and concomitant underdevelopment of the jaws are challenging for successful treatment with dental implants.

Methods
A combination of sinus lifting and onlay bone augmentation based on treatment planning using stereolithographic templates was used in a patient with dentin dysplasia type I to rehabilitate the masticatory function.

Results
(i) a predisposition for an increased and accelerated bone resorption was observed in our patient, (ii) bone augmentation was successful using a mixture of allogenic graft material with autogenous bone preventing fast bone resorption, (iii) surgical planning, based on stereolithographic models and surgical templates, facilitated the accurate placement of dental implants.

Conclusion
Bony augmentation and elaborate treatment planning is helpful for oral rehabilitation of patients with dentin dysplasia type I.
Balancing between immunity and tolerance: an interplay between dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, and effector T cells
Authors: Cools Nathalie , Ponsaerts Peter , Van Tendeloo Viggo F I , Berneman Zwi N 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDendritic cells (DC), professional antigen-presenting cells of the immune system, exert important functions both in induction of T cell immunity, as well as tolerance. It is well established that the main function of immature DC (iDC) in their in vivo steady-state condition is to maintain peripheral tolerance to self-antigens and that these iDC mature upon encounter of so-called danger signals and subsequently promote T cell immunity. Previously, it was believed that T cell unresponsiveness induced after stimulation with iDC is caused by the absence of inflammatory signals in steady-state in vivo conditions and by the low expression levels of costimulatory molecules on iDC. However, a growing body of evidence now indicates that iDC can also actively maintain peripheral T cell tolerance by the induction and/or stimulation of regulatory T cell populations. Moreover, several reports indicate that traditional DC maturation can no longer be used to distinguish tolerogenic and immunogenic properties of DC. This review will focus on the complementary role of dendritic cells in inducing both tolerance and immunity, and we will discuss the clinical implications for dendritic cell-based therapies.
Enhancement of natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity by fever-range thermal stress is dependent on NKG2D function and is associated with plasma membrane NKG2D clustering and increased expression of MICA on target cells
Authors: Ostberg Julie R , Dayanc Baris E , Yuan Min , Oflazoglu Ezogelin , Repasky Elizabeth A 
Published: August 2007

AbstractCirculating NK cells normally experience temperature gradients as they move about the body, but the onset of inflammation can expose them and their targets to febrile temperatures for several hours. We found that exposure of human peripheral blood NK cells and target cells to fever-range temperatures significantly enhances lysis of Colo205 target cells. A similar effect was not observed when NK cell lines or IL-2-activated peripheral blood NK cells were used as effectors, indicating that thermal sensitivity of effectors is maturation or activation state-dependent. Use of blocking antibodies revealed that this effect is also dependent on the function of the activating receptor NKG2D and its ligand MHC class I-related chain A (MICA). On NK cells, it was observed that thermal exposure does not affect the total level of NKG2D surface expression, but does result in its distinct clustering, identical to that which occurs following IL-2-induced activation. On tumor target cells, a similar, mild temperature elevation results in transcriptional up-regulation of MICA in a manner that correlates with increased sensitivity to cytolysis. Overall, these data reveal that NK cells possess thermally responsive regulatory elements, which facilitate their ability to capitalize on reciprocal, stress-induced changes simultaneously occurring on target cells during inflammation and fever.
Anticlastogenic Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Extract in Graves’ Disease Patients Receiving Radioiodine Therapy
Authors: Dardano A. , Ballardin M. , Ferdeghini M. , Lazzeri E. , Traino C. , Caraccio N. , Mariani G. , Barale R. , Monzani F. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Background: Chromosomal damage, as assessed by clastogenic factors (CFs) and micronuclei (MN) appearance, after radioiodine therapy of Graves’ disease has been reported.
Objective and Methods: Our objective was to evaluate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) supplementation on the time course (up to 120 d) of CFs and MN appearance in lymphocytes from patients with Graves’ disease after iodine-131 (131I) therapy. Patients were randomly assigned to EGb 761 or placebo, in a blinded manner.
Results: In the placebo group, MN increased early (P &lt; 0.001) after 131I, peaking at the 21st day (P = 0.0003) and declining thereafter. In EGb 761-treated patients, MN increased early (P &lt; 0.05), while returning toward baseline value thereafter. Therefore, mean MN increment was significantly higher in the placebo group as compared with EGb 761-treated patients (P &lt; 0.01). Moreover, an early (P &lt; 0.0001) and sustained (up to 35 d; P &lt; 0.001) MN increase induced by CFs was observed in the placebo group. Conversely, in EGb 761-treated patients, MN increase induced by CFs never reached the statistical significance; therefore, the mean of the MN increments was significantly lower than in placebo (P &lt; 0.05). A significant positive correlation between MN maximum increment and the bone marrow dose was observed in the placebo group only (P = 0.03). No significant difference was observed in clinical outcome between the two groups.
Conclusions: EGb 761 supplementation neutralized genotoxic damage induced by radioiodine treatment, without affecting the clinical outcome. Although 131I therapy is generally safe, our data suggest that Gingko biloba extracts may prevent genetic effects of radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroid Graves’ disease.
Metabolic Effects of Oral Versus Transdermal Estrogen in Growth Hormone-Treated Girls with Turner Syndrome
Authors: Mauras Nelly , Shulman Dorothy , Hsiang Helen Y. , Balagopal Prabhakaran , Welch Susan 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Background: Transdermal (TD) estrogen is often preferred over the oral route in postmenopausal and GH-deficient women taking estrogen, but this has not been studied in detail in girls.
Objective: Our objective was to study the metabolic effects of oral vs. TD estrogen in GH-treated girls with Turner syndrome.
Design and Methods: Eleven girls with Turner syndrome, mean age 13.4 ± 0.5 (se) yr, on GH for at least 6 months were recruited. Studies included [13C]leucine and d5-glycerol infusions, indirect calorimetry, dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry, and hormone and substrate measurements. They received, in random order, 17β-estradiol orally (0.5, 1, and 2 mg for 2 wk each) and TD (0.025, 0.0375, and 0.05 mg for 2 wk each), and studies were repeated after each 6-wk course with 4 wk washout in between.
Results: Rates of whole-body protein turnover, oxidation and synthesis, lipolysis, lipid and carbohydrate oxidation, and resting energy expenditure were unaffected by either form of estrogen; nor were lipids, insulin, and fibrinogen concentrations affected. Plasma IGF-I concentrations did not change clinically significantly with either form of estrogen, despite higher estrogen concentrations after oral estrogen. Estradiol concentrations did not correlate with any variables measured.
Conclusions: In GH-treated girls with Turner syndrome, neither oral nor TD estrogen adversely affected rates of protein turnover, lipolysis, and lipid oxidation rates or plasma lipids, fibrinogen, or fasting insulin concentrations. There was no clinically significant change in IGF-I concentrations after either form of estrogen. In aggregate, these data suggest that the route of delivery of estrogen does not adversely affect these metabolic effects of GH in young girls with Turner syndrome.
From object to subject: including marginalised citizens in policy making
Authors: Lister Ruth 
Published: August 2007

English
The article begins with an account of the values that might underpin an inclusive model of citizenship. It then discusses such a model in terms of participation in policy making. It does so with particular reference to two groups who are the named objects of policy making but who are marginalised in the policy-making process: people living in poverty and children. These examples are also used to draw out some general lessons and themes. The article concludes by linking the discussion to the idea of social justice understood as embodying relations of recognition as well as distribution.
Sensitivity of Patient Outcomes to Pharmacist Interventions. Part I: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Diabetes Management
Authors: Machado Márcio , Bajcar Jana , Guzzo Giovanni C , Einarson Thomas R 
Published: August 2007

Background: Pharmacists participate in managing diabetes therapy. Despite many reviews, few have quantified the impact of pharmacists' interventions. Objectives: TO identity outcomes sensitive to pharmacists' interventions and quantify their impact through critical literature review. Methods: All original research describing the impact of pharmacists' interventions in the management of diabetic pharmacotherapy was sought in International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Register, and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature from inception through 2006. Two independent reviewers identified articles, compared results, and settled differences through consensus. The Downs-Black scale was used to assess quality. Data included intervention type, patient numbers, demographics, study characteristics, instruments used, data compared, and outcomes reported. A random-effects meta-analysis combined amenable results. Results: Of 302 articles identified, 108 involved pharmacists' interventions; 36 addressed diabetes (14 medical clinics, 11 community pharmacies, 7 ambulatory care clinics, 4 hospital wards, 1 physician's office, 1 prison, and 3 in both medical clinics and community pharmacies; 1 did not describe its practice site). Research designs included randomized (n = 18) and nonrandomized (n = 9) controlled trials, pre- and postobservational cohorts (n = 2), retrospective cohort study (n = 1), chart reviews (n = 5), and database study (n = 1). Diabetes education (69%) and medication management (61%) were the most frequently used Interventions. Mean ± SD quality was 62 ± 11% (fair). Fifty-one (69%) study results were sensitive, Meta-analysis of data from 2247 patients in 16 studies found a significant reduction in hemoglobin A1C (A1C) levels in the pharmacists' intervention group (1.00 ± 0.28%; p < 0.001) but not in controls (0.28 ± 0.29%; p = 0.335). Pharmacists' interventions further reduced A1C values 0.62 ± 0.29% (p = 0.03) over controls. Conclusions: A1C is sensitive to pharmacists' interventions. Several potentially sensitive outcomes were identified, but too few studies were available for quantitative summaries. More research is needed.
Preprocedural Statin Therapy in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Cahoon William D , Crouch Michael A 
Published: August 2007

Objective: To review the published literature regarding the effectiveness or preprocedural statin therapy for the prevention of cardiac events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data Sources: Searches of MEDLINE (1966–May 2007) and Cochrane Database (1993–May 2007) were conducted using the search terms statins, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, percutaneous coronary intervention, and myocardial necrosis. Limits included articles written in English with human subjects. Additional data were identified through bibliographic reviews. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language articles identified from the data sources were evaluated. Trials and studies were eligible for Inclusion if they evaluated the effectiveness of preprocedural statin therapy for the prevention of cardiac events after PCI. Data Synthesis: Hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) provide benefits relative to morbidity and mortality as primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. In addition to lowering concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, statins have documented pleiotropic effects including plaque stabilization as well as reductions in inflammation, platelet activation/adhesion, thrombosis, and oxidative stress. One retrospective analysis, 4 prospective observational studies, and 3 randomized controlled trials evaluating preprocedural statin therapy for the prevention of cardiac events after PCI were reviewed. Included studies were limited by small sample sizes (N = 153–5052), short durations of follow-up (24 h-21 mo), use of surrogate markers of myocardial necrosis, various degrees of coronary disease and procedure-specific factors, and lack of consistent choice of agent, dose, and duration of statin therapy. Despite these limitations, the data suggest reduced post-PCI myocardial necrosis with preprocedural statin therapy when given before elective PCI in stable patients, as well as when given before PCI in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome. Conclusions: There is growing evidence that preprocedural statin therapy reduces the incidence of post-PCI myocardial necrosis. The appropriate regimen (drug, dose, duration of treatment before the procedure), as well as the predictive role of concomitant disease states (eg, hyperiipidemia), requires further Investigation.
FOREST PRODUCTIVITY DECLINE CAUSED BY SUCCESSIONAL PALUDIFICATION OF BOREAL SOILS
Authors: Simard Martin , Lecomte Nicolas , Bergeron Yves , Bernier Pierre Y. , Paré David 
Published: August 2007

Long‐term forest productivity decline in boreal forests has been extensively studied in the last decades, yet its causes are still unclear. Soil conditions associated with soil organic matter accumulation are thought to be responsible for site productivity decline. The objectives of this study were to determine if paludification of boreal soils resulted in reduced forest productivity, and to identify changes in the physical and chemical properties of soils associated with reduction in productivity. We used a chronosequence of 23 black spruce stands ranging in postfire age from 50 to 2350 years and calculated three different stand productivity indices, including site index. We assessed changes in forest productivity with time using two complementary approaches: (1) by comparing productivity among the chronosequence stands and (2) by comparing the productivity of successive cohorts of trees within the same stands to determine the influence of time independently of other site factors.Charcoal stratigraphy indicates that the forest stands differ in their fire history and originated either from high‐ or low‐severity soil burns. Both chronosequence and cohort approaches demonstrate declines in black spruce productivity of 50–80% with increased paludification, particularly during the first centuries after fire. Paludification alters bryophyte abundance and succession, increases soil moisture, reduces soil temperature and nutrient availability, and alters the vertical distribution of roots. Low‐severity soil burns significantly accelerate rates of paludification and productivity decline compared with high‐severity fires and ultimately reduce nutrient content in black spruce needles. The two combined approaches indicate that paludification can be driven by forest succession only, independently of site factors such as position on slope. This successional paludification contrasts with edaphic paludification, where topography and drainage primarily control the extent and rate of paludification. At the landscape scale, the fire regime (frequency and severity) controls paludification and forest productivity through its effect on soil organic layers. Implications for global carbon budgets and sustainable forestry are discussed.
Clinical Trial of 3 Days of Treatment with Oral Pseudoephedrine for the Common Cold in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Latte Jenny , Taverner David 
Published: August 2007

Background Single-dose studies indicate that pseudoephedrine (PSE) provides moderate relief for congestion in coryza, but there is a lack of repeated-dose studies. Methods Two hundred sixteen subjects participated in this double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial over 3 days. Measurements included posterior rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, and subjective measures of congestion using a categorical scale and visual analog scale (VAS). Treatment was with one 60-mg PSE tablet four times daily or matching placebo. Results After the first dose, PSE relative to placebo consistently showed small improvements for all objective assessments of nasal congestion. The prespecified primary efficacy outcome (day 1 nasal airway resistance area under the curve) was not significantly different between groups. PSE produced a 5.5% (p = 0.031) increase in total nasal volume for 0.5–3 hours after dosing. A pooled analysis of days 1 and 3 data showed a VAS score decrease of 7.0% (p = 0.072) for the 0.5- to 3-hour period on PSE. Conclusion PSE showed small but nonsignificant improvements in objective assessments of nasal congestion relative to placebo after a single dose.
Correlation between Computed Tomography and Bone Single Photon Emission-Computed Tomography Scintigraphy in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Catalano Peter J. , Payne Spencer C. , Choi Ellen , Shah Rashmikant 
Published: August 2007

Background Computed tomography (CT) has been the imaging study of choice for evaluating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). 99mTc-MDP bone single photon emission-computed tomography (SPECT) has proven useful at identifying inflammation of bone and its use in CRS has been discussed recently. No studies, however, have documented the correlation between these two imaging modalities in CRS. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of 30 patients with CRS who underwent CT and SPECT scan of the paranasal sinuses. Increased radiotracer uptake during SPECT scan was compared with CT findings graded on the Lund-Mackay score (LMS). The findings of the two imaging modalities were compared and evaluated for standard correlative statistics for diagnostic tests. Results SPECT imaging was abnormal in 25/30 patients, and CT was abnormal in 27/30 patients. Correlation between the two was highest for the ethmoid sinuses at 73.3%. SPECT had a high positive predictive value for mucosal inflammation on CT of 84.1%. Approximately 25% of individual sinuses with a positive SPECT in patients without prior surgery were not positive in corresponding sinuses on CT. There was a positive correlation between the LMS and the number of SPECT positive sinuses within the same patient (r = 0.486; p = 0.006). Conclusion 99mTc-MDP SPECT scan in patients with CRS is shown to be a useful indicator of bone involvement. The relatively high rate of bone involvement in the absence of mucosal inflammation as seen in this study warrants additional research and the potential need for different therapies than are currently available.