bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNA interference for antiviral therapy
Authors: Ketzinel‐Gilad Mali , Shaul Yosef , Galun Eithan 
Published: June 2006

AbstractSilencing gene expression through a process known as RNA interference (RNAi) has been known in the plant world for many years. In recent years, knowledge of the prevalence of RNAi and the mechanism of gene silencing through RNAi has started to unfold. It is now believed that RNAi serves in part as an innate response against invading viral pathogens and, indeed, counter silencing mechanisms aimed at neutralizing RNAi have been found in various viral pathogens. During the past few years, it has been demonstrated that RNAi, induced by specifically designed double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules, can silence gene expression of human viral pathogens both in acute and chronic viral infections. Furthermore, it is now apparent that in in vitro and in some in vivo models, the prospects for this technology in developing therapeutic applications are robust. However, many key questions and obstacles in the translation of RNAi into a potential therapeutic platform still remain, including the specificity and longevity of the silencing effect, and, most importantly, the delivery of the dsRNA that induces the system. It is expected that for the specific examples in which the delivery issue could be circumvented or resolved, RNAi may hold promise for the development of gene‐specific therapeutics. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of radiation therapy on healing and stability of vascularized bone grafts in a dog model
Authors: Eisenschenk Andreas , Witzel Christiane , Lautenbach Martin , Ekkernkamp Axel , Weber Ulrich , Küntscher Markus V. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to observe the impact of radiation therapy on healing and biomechanical properties of vascularized bone grafts, and thus to establish an appropriate large animal model. Ten male beagles were divided into two experimental groups: radiation (R) and control (C). The left 5th to 7th ribs of the animals of group R were irradiated 3 and 2 weeks preoperatively, using a dose of 8 Gy each time. Each animal of both groups underwent the following operative procedures. The 5th and 7th ribs were removed, and the 5th rib was replaced by a vascularized pedicle transfer of the 4th rib. The 7th rib was reconstructed using a pedicle transplant of the 8th rib. The 5th and 7th ribs were used as nonvascularized bone grafts to replace the donor sites of the 4th and 8th ribs, respectively. Group R received two further irradiation cycles 2 and 3 weeks postoperatively. The vascularized rib grafts of group R demonstrated a higher number of delayed unions in plain x‐rays and avascular bone segments in microangiography than the control group. The presence of vital osteocytes in histology was not significantly different between groups. Biomechanical tests focusing on the durability of vascularized ribs against bending and torsion forces demonstrated a reduction of average maximum bending moments by 56.6% after radiation compared to controls (P < 0.05). Twisting moments were reduced by 47.6% (P < 0.05). The data demonstrate a significant worsening in bone healing and stability after pre‐ and postoperative radiation therapy to the wound bed and bone grafts. Thus, a large animal model is established for further determination of different strategies of radiotherapy in combination with vascularized bone transfers. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2006.
Proton NMR and IR study of self‐association in pyridylalkanols: open or cyclic dimers? higher polymers?
Authors: Lomas John S. , Adenier Alain , Cordier Christine 
Published: June 2006

Abstract1H NMR measurements indicate that (X‐pyridyl)alkanols of the general formula (C5H4N)(CH2)nOH, where n = 1, 2 or 3, self‐associate as open dimers, cyclic dimers, trimers and tetramers, with considerable variations depending on the position of the alkyl chain and its length. 2‐(X‐Pyridyl)propan‐2‐ols behave like the corresponding pyridylmethanols with, however, somewhat lower association constants. The IR spectra of 3‐(X‐pyridyl)‐2,2,4,4‐tetramethylpentan‐3‐ols (X = 3 or 4) in carbon tetrachloride suggest weak association, while the 2‐pyridyl derivative occurs mainly as the intramolecularly hydrogen‐bonded rotamer. The OH NMR shifts for the 3‐ and 4‐pyridyl derivatives in benzene are concentration‐dependent, but neither the equilibrium constants nor the degree of association can be evaluated. Benzyl alcohol in benzene associates as an open dimer and a cyclic tetramer, as does 2‐phenylpropan‐2‐ol, only more weakly. Rotation barriers for 3‐(X‐pyridyl)‐2,2,4,4‐tetramethylpentan‐3‐ols (X = 2, 3 or 4) in DMSO or nitrobenzene are 20–21 kcal mol−1. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of gas‐phase cationization in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Erb William J. , Hanton Scott D. , Owens Kevin G. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA specially constructed split sample probe was used to unequivocally demonstrate that gas‐phase cationization occurs within the desorption plume during a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization experiment. Two separate samples were prepared for analysis: on side A, a mixture of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 1500 analyte and 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) matrix, and on side B a mixture of DHB matrix and lithium hydroxide (LiOH), the cationization reagent. Analysis of the data showed that when the ionization laser was focused on the split (so that both sides were illuminated), Li+‐cationized PEG peaks were observed. Since the PEG analyte did not come into contact with Li+ in either the solution or solid phase, the only possibility for the observed cationization was a reaction in the gas phase. Due to the difficulty in completely removing the adventitious cations (Na+ and K+) present in DHB and on sample surfaces, gas‐phase cationization could not be demonstrated to be either the only or most important mechanism operating in the MALDI experiment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry approach to the lipid A from Mesorhizobium loti
Authors: Casabuono Adriana C. , D'Antuono Alejandra , Sato Yasuto , Nonami Hiroshi , Ugalde Rodolfo , Lepek Viviana , Erra‐Balsells Rosa , Couto Alicia S. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe isolation, purification and analysis of the lipid A obtained from Mesorhizobium loti Ayac 1 BII strain is presented. Analysis of the carbohydrate moiety after acid hydrolysis by high‐pH anion‐exchange chromatography with pulse amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD) showed the presence of glucosamine and galacturonic acid as the only sugar components. Gas chromatographic (GC) and GC/mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of the fatty acids revealed the presence of 3‐OH‐C12:0; 3‐OH‐C13:0; 3‐OH‐C20:0 and 27‐OH‐C28:0 among the major hydroxylated species. In addition, C16:0, C17:0, C18:0 and C 20:0 were shown as main saturated fatty acids. Different polyacylated species were evidenced by thin layer chromatography of lipid A, allowing the purification of two fractions. Ultraviolet matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (UV‐MALDI‐TOF) MS analysis with different matrices, in the positive‐ and negative‐ion mode, was performed. The fast moving component revealed the presence of hexa‐acylated species, varying in the fatty acid composition. Species containing three 3‐OH fatty acids and a 27‐OH‐C28:0 fatty acid were observed. Individual ions within this family differ by ±14 mass units. The slow moving component was enriched mainly in penta‐acylated species. Among them, three subgroups were detected: the major one compatible with the sugar core bearing two 3‐OH 20:0 fatty acids, a 3‐OH 13:0 or a 3‐OH 12:0 fatty acid, a 27‐OH 28:0 fatty acid and one saturated fatty acid. Each signal differs in a C18:0 acyl unit from the corresponding hexa‐acylated family. On the other hand, a subgroup bearing one 3‐OH 20:0 fatty acid, one 27‐OH 28:0 fatty acid and two non‐polar fatty acids was shown. A minor subgroup compatible with structures containing two hydroxylated and three non‐polar fatty acids was also detected. The results obtained showed that nor‐harmane was an excellent matrix for charged lipid A structural studies in both, positive and negative ion modes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of paclitaxel in human plasma following the administration of Genaxol or Genetaxyl by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Gardner Erin R. , Liau Chi‐Ting , Chu Zyting E. , Figg William D. , Sparreboom Alex 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA sensitive and specific assay for paclitaxel in plasma has been developed to overcome limitations in previously published assays, using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection. Plasma samples (100 µL) were subjected to liquid‐liquid extraction with 1‐chlorobutane/acetonitrile (4:1, v/v), with [2H5]paclitaxel employed as the internal standard. Chromatography was carried out with a Waters SymmetryShield C8 column (50 × 2.1 mm, 3.5 µm). The total run time, including equilibration, was 8 min, using a gradient of acetonitrile and 10 mM ammonium formate, pH 4.0. The assay is accurate and precise over the range of 2–2500 ng/mL and has been successfully applied to study the clinical pharmacokinetics of two formulations of paclitaxel, Genaxol and Genetaxyl, given orally and intravenously. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Classification of some species, genera and families of plants by x‐ray spectrometry
Authors: Alexandre Thais Levatti , Bueno Maria Izabel M. S. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe Linnaean systematic classification of plants has been used for many years but eventually it caused great discord among taxonomists, since it is still based on visual inspection, without the necessary accuracy. Chemical classification methods are also applied, but are destructive and time and reagent consuming, which makes them expensive, and requiring also treatment of the liquid and solid residues. The latter are based on the determination of the proteins in a species that is not encountered in others. In the present work, a new, reliable method for the classification of vegetables without destroying samples is proposed using x‐ray spectrometry combined with chemometrics, using both the PCA and HCA tools. Conventional EDXRF equipment is used to obtain the spectra and classification is achieved by processing them using multivariate analysis. Seeds of species and varieties of carnations and species of bananas were used to demonstrate the applicability of the method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reconstruction technique for umbilical endometriosis
Authors: Kokuba E.M. , Sabino N.M. , Sato H. , Aihara A.Y. , Schor E. , Ferreira L.M. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjective: To present a technique for immediate umbilical reconstruction in women undergoing resection of umbilical endometriosis. Methods: Umbilical reconstruction using 2 semicircular defatted skin flaps was performed in 7 patients surgically treated for umbilical endometriosis from October 2000 to June 2004. The patients were followed up for at least 6 months. Results: Anatomical aspect, depression, and abdominal wall scar were considered satisfactory, although hypertrophic umbilical scars developed in 2 patients. Conclusion: This technique using 2 semicircular defatted flaps is efficient in creating a new umbilicus with a natural appearance while leaving a minimal scar. Moreover, it allows for laparoscopic inspection of the abdominal cavity.
Tumour necrosis factor α causes hypoferraemia and reduced intestinal iron absorption in mice
Authors: Laftah Abas H. , Sharma Naveen , Brookes Matthew J. , McKie Andrew T. , Simpson Robert J. , Iqbal Tariq H. , Tselepis Chris 
Published: June 2006

Cytokines are implicated in the anaemia of chronic disease by reducing erythropoiesis and increasing iron sequestration in the reticuloendotheial system. However, the effect of cytokines, in particular TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α), on small bowel iron uptake and iron-transporter expression remains unclear. In the present study, we subjected CD1 male mice to intraperitoneal injection with TNFα (10 ng/mouse) and then examined the expression and localization of DMT1 (divalent metal transporter 1), IREG1 (iron-regulated protein 1) and ferritin in duodenum. Liver and spleen samples were used to determine hepcidin mRNA expression. Changes in serum iron and iron loading of duodenum, spleen and liver were also determined. We found a significant (P&lt;0.05) fall in serum iron 3 h post-TNFα exposure. This was coincident with increased iron deposition in the spleen. After 24 h of exposure, there was a significant decrease in duodenal iron transfer (P&lt;0.05) coincident with increased enterocyte ferritin expression (P&lt;0.05) and re-localization of IREG1 from the basolateral enterocyte membrane. Hepatic hepcidin mRNA levels remained unchanged, whereas splenic hepcidin mRNA expression was reduced at 24 h. In conclusion, we provide evidence that TNFα may contribute to anaemia of chronic disease by iron sequestration in the spleen and by reduced duodenal iron transfer, which seems to be due to increased enterocyte iron binding by ferritin and a loss of IREG1 function. These observations were independent of hepcidin mRNA levels.
Roundup: a multi-genome repository of orthologs and evolutionary distances
Authors: DeLuca Todd F. , Wu I-Hsien , Pu Jian , Monaghan Thomas , Peshkin Leonid , Singh Saurav , Wall Dennis P. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
SUMMARY: We have created a tool for ortholog and phylogenetic profile retrieval called Roundup. Roundup is backed by a massive repository of orthologs and associated evolutionary distances that was built using the reciprocal smallest distance algorithm, an approach that has been shown to improve upon alternative approaches of ortholog detection, such as reciprocal blast. Presently, the Roundup repository contains all possible pair-wise comparisons for over 250 genomes, including 32 Eukaryotes, more than doubling the coverage of any similar resource. The orthologs are accessible through an intuitive web interface that allows searches by genome or gene identifier, presenting results as phylogenetic profiles together with gene and molecular function annotations. Results may be downloaded as phylogenetic matrices for subsequent analysis, including the construction of whole-genome phylogenies based on gene-content data.
Availability:
Contact: dpwall@hms.harvard.edu
The Comfort of Denial: External Assistance in Southern Sudan
Authors: Marriage Zoe 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAid organizations profess universalist objectives, such as humanitarian principles and human rights, whilst operating in areas in which these objectives cannot be fulfilled. How do they deal with the disparity between the claims they make and what actually happens? How are parts of the story covered up, and what do the stated objectives achieve? This article argues that denial — at a personal, organizational and institutional level — is crucial for sustaining assistance, and is facilitated by the language of rights and principles. Drawing on research from southern Sudan, it explores how aid organizations construct an official version of events that fabricates clarity whilst maintaining a degree of tactical confusion. This establishes a political morality, a seemingly ethical position that has political and psychological returns.
Targeting Research for Poverty Reduction in Marginal Areas of Rural Syria
Authors: Rovere Roberto La , Aw‐Hassan Aden , Turkelboom Francis , Thomas Richard 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAgricultural research in marginal dry areas can contribute to reducing poverty through the development of technological, institutional and policy options for poor farmers. Such research should address diversified opportunities and development pathways. This article analyses the diversity of livelihood strategies of rural people living in the Khanasser Valley in northwestern Syria, an area that is typical of marginal drylands. It proposes an operational classification of households based on their different livelihood strategies, applying an integrated methodology within a Sustainable Livelihoods framework. Households are classified into three clusters: agriculturists, labourers and pastoralists. The article examines the diversity of livelihoods involved, and considers where and how research should be directed to have greatest impact on poverty. Given that rural households are not homogeneous but dynamic entities, with diverse assets, capabilities and opportunities, the definition of household typologies can help to target development research. The article concludes that while agriculturists benefit most, poor labourers with enough land can also gain from pro‐poor agricultural research. The poorest households with little land, and pastoralists, benefit little or only indirectly.
Utility of red flag symptom exclusions in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: WHITEHEAD W. E. , PALSSON O. S. , FELD A. D. , LEVY R. L. , VON KORFF M. , TURNER M. J. , DROSSMAN D. A. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryBackgroundStudies suggest that the positive predictive value of the Rome II criteria for diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome can be enhanced by excluding red flag symptoms suggestive of organic diseases.AimWe assessed the utility of red flags for detecting organic diseases in patients diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome by their physicians.MethodsSystematic chart reviews were completed in 1434 patients with clinical diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation, who also completed questionnaires to identify Rome II criteria for irritable bowel syndrome and red flag symptoms.ResultsThe overall incidence of gastrointestinal cancer was 2.5% (but 1.0% in those with irritable bowel syndrome), for inflammatory bowel disease 2.0% (1.2% in irritable bowel syndrome), and for malabsorption 1.3% (0.7% in irritable bowel syndrome). Red flags were reported by 84% of the sample. The positive predictive value of individual red flags for identifying organic disease was 7–9%. Excluding any patient with a red flag improved the agreement between Rome II and clinical diagnosis by a modest 5%, but left 84% of patients who were diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome by their physicians, without a diagnosis.ConclusionsRed flags may be useful for identifying patients who require additional diagnostic evaluation, but incorporating them into the Rome criteria would not improve sensitivity and would result in too many missed irritable bowel syndrome diagnoses.
Patterns of gastritis and the effect of eradicating Helicobacter pylori on gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in Western patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia
Authors: VAKIL N. , TALLEY N. J. , STOLTE M. , SUNDIN M. , JUNGHARD O. , BOLLING‐STERNEVALD E. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryBackgroundThe effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the development of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease is controversial.AimTo determine the incidence of symptoms of reflux disease and of erosive oesophagitis, and the relationship to changes in histological gastritis, in patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia over 12 months.MethodsSix hundred and ninety‐three patients in two similar randomized placebo controlled trials of H. pylori eradication in non‐ulcer dyspepsia were studied. Symptoms were assessed using the validated Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale during a 1‐week run‐in period, at 6 months and 12 months. Endoscopy was performed at baseline to exclude patients with pathology and at 3 months and 12 months to determine if oesophagitis was present. Gastric biopsies were scored using the modified Sydney Classification.ResultsPatients without predominant heartburn, oesophagitis or ulcers at endoscopy were randomized to active (n = 297, omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin) treatment or to placebo/omeprazole (n = 306) for 1 week. The eradication rate was 82% in the active treatment group. Antrum‐predominant gastritis (55%) was more frequently found than corpus‐predominant gastritis (6%). In patients with antrum‐predominant gastritis, heartburn and regurgitation scores improved significantly 12 months after eradication. Erosive oesophagitis developed in 15/232 patients in the eradication group (7%) compared with 2/227 (2%) in the control group, but there was no significant difference when adjusted for oesophagitis present at baseline.ConclusionsAntrum‐predominant gastritis is the most common pattern of gastritis seen in non‐ulcer dyspepsia in Western populations. Heartburn and regurgitation improve after eradication therapy or placebo in patients with non‐ulcer dyspepsia; the development of oesophagitis is uncommon.
Literacy achievement of children with intellectual disabilities and differing linguistic backgrounds
Authors: Verhoeven L. , Vermeer A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  The aim of the present study was to examine the literacy achievement of 10‐ to 12‐year‐old native and non‐native children with intellectual disabilities (ID) living in the Netherlands. An intriguing question within this context was whether the second language learning non‐native children with ID would show a double disadvantage when compared with their monolingual Dutch peers with no ID.Methods  Dutch literacy scores in the domains of word decoding, vocabulary, syntax and text were therefore compared for: (1) intellectually disabled native Dutch children; (2) intellectually disabled non‐native children; (3) normally developing native Dutch children; and (4) normally developing non‐native children. The interrelations between literacy subskills were also compared for native vs. non‐native children with ID.Results  The native and non‐native students diagnosed as intellectually disabled produced substantially lower literacy scores than their non‐disabled peers. The differences between the native (L1) and non‐native (L2) children in regular vs. special education were found to depend on the aspect of literacy considered. Word decoding and language skills turned out to significantly predict the children’s reading comprehension, although some differences in the strength of relationships could also be evidenced.Conclusions  The literacy achievement of intellectually disabled children with differing linguistic backgrounds generally falls behind that of their non‐disabled peers. For word decoding, the non‐native children in regular and special education were generally able to keep up with their native peers. For higher‐order literacy abilities closely related to the mental lexicon, sentence processing and text processing, however, significant differences in the performances of the native (L1) and non‐native (L2) children in regular vs. special education were found, suggesting a double disadvantage for the non‐native children in special education.