bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AtHMA1 contributes to the detoxification of excess Zn(II) in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kim Yu‐Young , Choi Hyunju , Segami Shoji , Cho Hyung‐Taeg , Martinoia Enrico , Maeshima Masayoshi , Lee Youngsook 
Published: February 2009

SummaryAtHMA1 is a member of the heavy metal‐transporting ATPase family. It exhibits amino acid sequence similarity to two other Zn(II) transporters, AtHMA2 and AtHMA4, and contains poly‐His motifs that are commonly found in Zn(II)‐binding proteins, but lacks some amino acids that are typical for this class of transporters. AtHMA1 localizes to the chloroplast envelope. In comparison with wild‐type plants, we observed a more pronounced sensitivity in the presence of high Zn(II) concentrations, and increased accumulation of Zn in the chloroplast of T‐DNA insertional mutants in AtHMA1. The Zn(II)‐sensitive phenotype of AtHMA1 knock‐out plants was complemented by the expression of AtHMA1 under the control of its own promoter. The Zn(II)‐transporting activity of AtHMA1 was confirmed in a heterologous expression system, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The sensitivity of yeast to high concentrations of Zn(II) was altered by the expression of AtHMA1 lacking its N‐terminal chloroplast‐targeting signal. Taken together, these results suggest that under conditions of excess Zn(II), AtHMA1 contributes to Zn(II) detoxification by reducing the Zn content of Arabidopsis thaliana plastids.
High‐throughput linkage analysis of Mutator insertion sites in maize
Authors: Yi Gibum , Luth Diane , Goodman Timothy D. , Lawrence Carolyn J. , Becraft Philip W. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryInsertional mutagenesis is a cornerstone of functional genomics. High‐copy transposable element systems such as Mutator (Mu) in maize (Zea mays) afford the advantage of high forward mutation rates but pose a challenge for identifying the particular element responsible for a given mutation. Several large mutant collections have been generated in Mu‐active genetic stocks, but current methods limit the ability to rapidly identify the causal Mu insertions. Here we present a method to rapidly assay Mu insertions that are genetically linked to a mutation of interest. The method combines elements of MuTAIL (thermal asymmetrically interlaced) and amplification of insertion mutagenized sites (AIMS) protocols and is applicable to the analysis of single mutants or to high‐throughput analyses of mutant collections. Briefly, genomic DNA is digested with a restriction enzyme and adapters are ligated. Polymerase chain reaction is performed with TAIL cycling parameters, using a fluorescently labeled Mu primer, which results in the preferential amplification and labeling of Mu‐containing genomic fragments. Products from a segregating line are analyzed on a capillary sequencer. To recover a fragment of interest, PCR products are cloned and sequenced. Sequences with lengths matching the size of a band that co‐segregates with the mutant phenotype represent candidate linked insertion sites, which are then confirmed by PCR. We demonstrate the utility of the method by identifying Mu insertion sites linked to seed‐lethal mutations with a preliminary success rate of nearly 50%.
Epidemiology of dermatophytoses in Sfax, Tunisia
Authors: Neji Sourour , Makni Fattouma , Cheikhrouhou Fatma , Sellami Amira , Sellami Hayet , Marreckchi Slaheddine , Turki Hamida , Ayadi Ali 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThe distribution of dermatophytes varies in different countries and geographical areas depending on several factors. To determine the frequency of aetiological agents and the clinical variants of dermatophytoses, we carried out a study between 1998 and 2007. Out of 25 432 subjects suspected to have superficial mycoses, 9960 (39.2%) were affected with dermatophytoses; 14957 positive samples were obtained. The mean age was 35.7 years (range: 21 days to 97 years). Sex ratio was 0.9. Our patients were from urban regions in 81.9% of cases. The most common type of infection was onychomycosis (30.3%), followed by tinea pedis (24.8%), intertrigo (21.7%), tinea corporis (11.4%) and tinea capitis (9.6%). Fifteen patients had generalised dermatophytosis. Hadida and Schousboe disease was diagnosed in one case with lethal evolution. The most isolated dermatophyte was Trichophyton rubrum (74.5%), followed by T. violaceum (7.9%), T. mentagrophytes (7.5%), Microsporum canis (3.8%), Epidermophyton floccosum (0.7%) and T. verrucosum (0.54%). Other species were occasionally isolated: T. schoenleinii, T. tonsurans, M. audouinii and M. ferrugineum. The prevalence of dermatophytoses remains high in our country (996 cases/year). Trichophyton rubrum is the predominant causal agent. However, zoophilic agents become more prevalent. Epidemiological surveys are an essential tool for developing strategies for infection control.
Risk factors for urinary tract infection in children: A population‐based study of 2856 children
Authors: Sureshkumar Premala , Jones Mike , Cumming Robert G , Craig Jonathan C 
Published: February 2009

Aim:  To identify risk factors for urinary tract infection (UTI) in children to inform the development of preventative strategies.Method:  A validated questionnaire covering demographic factors, perinatal, developmental, bowel and urinary history was sent to a cross‐sectional sample of parents of elementary school children randomly selected from the first 4 years of school. UTI was ascertained by parental report, verified by cross‐referencing with microbiological reports for all positive cases and 50 randomly selected negative cases.Results:  Parents of 2856 children (mean age 7.3 years, range 4.8–12.8 years) responded. A total of 3.6% of children had a bacteriologically verified UTI, compared with 12.6% by parental report alone. Multivariate polychotomous logistic regression showed that a history of structural kidney abnormalities (odds ratio (OR) 15.7, 95% confidence interval 8.1–30.4), daytime incontinence (OR 2.6, 1.6–4.5), female gender (OR 2.4, 1.5–3.8), and encopresis (OR 1.9, 1.1–3.4) were independently associated with UTI. Daytime incontinence increased risk more in boys (8.3% vs. 1.2%) than girls (8.1% vs. 4.6%), and kidney problems increased risk in older compared with younger children (29% vs. 2% in ≥8 year olds, 0% vs. 4% in 4–6 year olds).Conclusions:  Parents over‐report UTI by about threefold. Effective treatment of daytime urinary incontinence and encopresis may prevent UTI in children, especially boys.
Management of childhood asthma in Western Australia
Authors: Calogero Claudia , Kusel Merci MH , Van Bever Hugo PS , Sly Peter D 
Published: February 2009

Aims:  The study aimed to determine how childhood asthma is managed in Western Australia by general practitioners (GPs) and specialist paediatricians.Methods:  A questionnaire survey was sent to 992 GPs and specialist paediatricians, asking about practice and preferences regarding maintenance management of childhood asthma and treatment of acute asthma. Questions about asthma in infants, pre‐school and school‐aged children were asked separately.Results:  The overall response rate was 24.7%, with 188/878 (21.4%) of GPs and 44/62 (71.0%) of paediatricians returning the questionnaire. The decision to start maintenance therapy was generally based on symptom frequency and severity. The first choice for maintenance treatment in all age groups was inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). The second most common treatment varied according to age group, with short‐acting β2‐agonist (SBA) preferred for infants, montelukast or short‐acting β2‐agonist for pre‐schoolers and combination therapy (ICS + long action β2‐agonist) for school‐aged children. Objective monitoring of lung function with peak flow or spirometry, was used by 40% of GPs and 59% of paediatricians. Acute asthma was primarily managed with inhaled salbutamol and oral corticosteroids. There were few differences in treatment choice between GPs and paediatricians. Many GPs indicated that they did not treat asthma in infants without specialist consultation.Conclusions:  These data show good compliance by the minority of GPs responding to the survey and by paediatricians practising in Western Australia with current Australian asthma management guidelines. Major differences in treatment preferences between the groups were not detected.
Detection of human bocavirus in hospitalised children
Authors: Dina Julia , Vabret Astrid , Gouarin Stephanie , Petitjean Joelle , Lecoq Julie , Brouard Jacques , Arion Alina , Lafay‐Delaire Françoise , Freymuth François 
Published: February 2009

Aim:  The objectives of this study are to assess the frequency of human bocavirus (HBoV) infection in hospitalised children and to study the clinical symptoms associated with the detection of HBoV.Methods:  Two groups of hospitalised children were included in this study: group 1 consisted of 1946 children hospitalised from 1st September 2004 to 30th May 2005, and group 2 consisted of 448 children hospitalised from 1st November 2003 to 30th March 2004. The respiratory specimens were tested by polymerase chain reaction.Results:  In the first group, HBoV was detected by polymerise chain reaction in 11/828 (1.3%) of nasal specimens that tested negative for other respiratory viruses. One child tested positive for HBoV in both a nasal aspirate and stool sample. In the second group, nasal specimens were tested for all respiratory viruses, including HBoV. The presence of HBoV infection was detected in seven children (1.6%). Detection of a mixed viral population was observed in four of these children. The main symptoms in children infected with HBoV were rhinitis (50%), cough (45%), dyspnoea (28%), wheezing (28%), fever (23%) and diarrhoea (22%). The final clinical diagnoses were bronchiolitis (seven children), rhinopharyngitis (five children), the exacerbation of asthma (two children) and pneumonia (one child). Moreover, four children have associated gastroenteritis.Conclusion:  These results contribute to the interest in the HBoV detection in children. HBoV detection in hospitalised children with or without any other respiratory virus detection was essentially associated with lower respiratory tract infection and in a lower score with upper respiratory tract infection and gastroenteritis.
Review article: Luminex technology for HLA antibody detection in organ transplantation
Authors: TAIT BRIAN D , HUDSON FIONA , CANTWELL LINDA , BREWIN GEMMA , HOLDSWORTH RHONDA , BENNETT GREG , JOSE MATTHEW 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYSince its inception in the early 1960s, the serologically based complement‐dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay has been the cornerstone technique for the detection of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies, not only in pre‐transplant renal patients, but also in other forms of organ transplantation. Recently, solid phase assays have been developed and introduced for this purpose, and in particular the Flow‐based bead assays such as the Luminex system. This latter assay has proved to be far more sensitive than the CDC assay and has revealed pre‐sensitization in potential transplant recipients not detected by other methods of HLA antibody detection. However, the clinical implications of this increased sensitivity have not been convincingly demonstrated until recently. This technology for HLA antibody detection permits the evaluation of the clinical importance of antibodies directed at, for example, HLA‐DPB1 and HLA‐DQA1, which has not been possible to date. There are Luminex issues, however, requiring resolution such as the ability to distinguish between complement fixing and non‐complement fixing antibodies and determination of their relative clinical significance. Luminex technology will permit a re‐evaluation of the role of HLA antibodies in both early and late antibody‐mediated rejection.
Post‐chemotherapy nerve‐sparing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for advanced germ cell tumor
Authors: Miki Tsuneharu , Mizutani Yoichi , Nakamura Terukazu , Kawauchi Akihiro , Nagahara Akira , Nonomura Norio , Okuyama Akihiko 
Published: February 2009

Objective:  To report our experience with post‐chemotherapy nerve‐sparing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) for advanced germ cell tumor (GCT).Methods:  Between 1994 and 2008, 92 patients with advanced GCT underwent RPLND after multiple treatments with systemic chemotherapy at our institution. A nerve‐sparing RPLND was carried out in 78 patients (84.8%; median age 32 years). Of them, 19 had a seminoma and 59 had a non‐seminoma.Results:  Lumbar splanchnic nerves controlling ejaculatory function were macroscopically preserved during RPLND. Bilateral and unilateral lumbar splanchnic nerves were preserved in 40 patients and 38 patients, respectively. Sixty‐five patients could be evaluated for ejaculation. Fifty‐four patients (83.1%) achieved antegrade ejaculation with a median postoperative interval of 3 months (range: 1–10 months). Twenty‐eight patients (28/30: 93.3%) and 26 patients (26/35: 74.3%) undergoing bilateral and unilateral nerve‐sparing RPLND had antegrade ejaculation, respectively (P = 0.041). Only two patients (2.6%) had mediastinal and retroperitoneal recurrences during a median follow‐up of 42 months (range: 1–138 months), respectively. However, these patients were cured by chemotherapy and surgery.Conclusions:  Post‐chemotherapy nerve‐sparing RPLND preserves ejaculatory function in the majority of patients with advanced GCT without increasing the risk of local recurrence.
Prevalence of refractive errors in school‐age children in Morocco
Authors: Anera Rosario G , Soler Margarita , De La Cruz Cardona Juan , Salas Carlos , Ortiz Carolina 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground:  The prevalence of refractive errors in school‐age children in Morocco was assessed.Methods:  A total of 545 children (300 boys and 245 girls, between 6 and 16 years of age) attending school were examined to assess their refractive errors in a field study in Morocco (North Africa). The examination included autorefraction under cycloplegia and visual acuity, stereopsis and anterior corneal‐radius measurements .Results:  We found a low prevalence of myopia (≤−0.5 D SE [spherical equivalent] in at least one eye), i.e. only 6.1%. The prevalence of hyperopia (≥2.0 D SE in at least one eye) was 18.3%. Astigmatism (≤−0.75 D of cylinder in at least one eye) was found in 23.5% of these children. The low prevalence of large refractive errors makes visual acuity in these children very good. In general, the corneal radii did not significantly vary with age. There were no significant differences between the distribution of refractive errors in these children according to gender but there were with respect to age.Conclusions:  There was a low prevalence of myopia in these African children, astigmatism being the most frequent refractive error. The mean refractive errors found were low, and therefore visual acuity was high in these children.
Lymph node retrieval in colorectal cancer resection specimens: national standards are achievable, and low numbers are associated with reduced survival
Authors: Norwood M. G. A. , Sutton A. J. , West K. , Sharpe D. P. , Hemingway D. , Kelly M. J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectives  The current guidelines identify the retrieval of at least 12 lymph nodes as crucial for accurate staging of colorectal cancer. We set out to review our figures from a single centre to see whether this standard has been met, and to examine for factors which may influence the number of lymph nodes retrieved. The influence of a low lymph node harvest on survival in patients with Dukes’ A and B cancers was specifically investigated.Method  Data were collected from all patients with colorectal cancer undergoing resectional surgery from our prospectively compiled database between June 1998 and May 2007. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors resulting in low lymph node yields in those patients undergoing formal resection. Survival analyses were performed in patients with Dukes’ A and B cancers to assess whether a low lymph node yield negatively impacted on survival.Results  A total of 2449 patients underwent formal resection and were included in the analysis. The median lymph node retrieval was 13 nodes (range 0–136). On multivariate analysis, preoperative chemo‐radiotherapy, operation type, specimen length and patient age all independently influenced lymph node retrieval. Patient gender, ethnicity, operative mode, operative team and consultant presence had no influence. Survival in patients with Dukes’ A and B cancers was significantly reduced if <12 nodes were sampled.Conclusions  As a unit, we are achieving the national standard for lymph node harvest. This standard was maintained whether the surgeon performing the surgery was a consultant or a trainee, and also when the surgery was performed in the emergency setting. These data support the concept of 12 nodes being required for accurate staging.
Perineal approach to vascular anatomy during transobturator cystocele repair
Authors: Touboul C , Nizard J , Fauconnier A , Bader G 
Published: February 2009

Objective  To evaluate the risk of vascular injury during transobturator approach of cystocele repair.Design  Dissection of the obturator area by perineal approach was performed after placement of mesh needles used for cystocele mesh repair.Setting  Surgery school of Paris.Population or sample  Twenty obturator regions in ten fresh female cadavers.Methods  Transperineal dissection of the obturator area was conducted in ten fresh female anatomic subjects after inserting anterior Prolift® needles.Main outcome measures  The vascular anatomy of the obturator region was mapped. Distances between needles and vascular structures of the obturator area were measured three times and averaged for each side.Results  The anterior cannula‐equipped needle perforated the gracilis and the adductor brevis muscles. The mean (SD) distance to the anterior obturator vessels was 21.2 (1.6) mm on the right side and 20.4 (1.5) mm on the left. The posterior needle perforated the adductor magnus. Its distance to the posterior division of the obturator vessels was 1.8 (1.0) mm on the right side and 1.1 (0.9) mm on the left.Conclusions  During mesh cystocele repair by transobturator approach, the posterior obturator vessels division seems at risk of injury during the posterior needle insertion.
Prospective randomised trial comparing gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone analogues with triple tourniquets at open myomectomy
Authors: Al‐Shabibi N , Chapman L , Madari S , Papadimitriou A , Papalampros P , Magos A 
Published: February 2009

Objective  To compare intra‐operative blood loss with triple tourniquets to occlude uterine blood supply against preoperative treatment with gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues at open myomectomy.Design  A prospective randomised controlled trial.Setting  University teaching hospital.Population  Forty women undergoing open myomectomy for symptomatic fibroids.Methods  Women due to undergo open myomectomy were randomised to either 3 months pre‐treatment with a GnRH analogue or the intra‐operative application of triple tourniquets (number 1 polyglactin suture [Vicryl®Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ, USA] tied around the cervix and a size 10 polythene suction catheter tied around the infundibulo‐pelvic ligaments) to occlude the uterine blood supply.Main outcome measures  The primary outcome measure was intra‐operative blood loss. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative blood loss, blood transfusion rate and postoperative morbidity.Results  The two groups were similar in baseline characteristics. An average of 15 and 22 fibroids were removed from the GnRH analogue and tourniquet groups respectively. Intra‐operative estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the GnRH analogue group (median 2482 ml, 75% percentile 1744–3151) than when triple tourniquets were used (median 640 ml, 75% percentile 418–881), giving a difference between means of 1842 ml (P < 0.001). Similarly, significantly more women required blood transfusion in the GnRH analogue group (70 versus 30%, P < 0.025). Postoperative morbidity was similar between the two groups. There were two serious complications in the tourniquet group, but they were not considered to be directly related to occlusion of the uterine blood supply.Conclusions  Triple tourniquets are significantly more effective than preoperative treatment with GnRH analogues at reducing intra‐operative blood loss at open myomectomy.
Neutrophils contribute to intracerebral haemorrhages after treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator following cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Gautier Sophie , Ouk Thavarak , Petrault Olivier , Caron Jacques , Bordet Régis 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) contribute to the vascular damage caused by transient cerebral ischaemia. Here we have evaluated the role of PMNs in intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) induced in a model of thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA) during the acute phase of cerebral ischaemia.Experimental approach:  The middle cerebral artery (MCA) of male spontaneously hypertensive rats was occluded for 1 h followed by reperfusion and, 5 h later, infusion of thrombolytic products (generated in vitro by t‐PA on autologous clots). Effects of pretreatment (before the MCA occlusion) with vinblastine (4 days before; 0.5 mg·kg−1), monoclonal anti‐neutrophil antibody (mAbRP3; 12 h, 0.3 mg·kg−1) or saline on ICH, neutrophil infiltration, MCA vascular reactivity and brain infarct volume were assessed, 24 h after the beginning of reperfusion.Key results:  Depletion of circulating neutrophils significantly reduced t‐PA‐induced ICH (vinblastine, 4.6 ± 1.0; mAbRP3, 5.2 ± 1.0 vs. saline, 10.8 ± 2.7 haemorrhages; P < 0.05). This depletion was associated with a decrease in cerebral infiltration by neutrophils and a decrease of endothelium‐dependent, vascular dysfunction in isolated MCA, induced by the ischaemia/reperfusion and t‐PA treatment. Brain infarct volume was significantly decreased after vinblastine treatment (159 ± 13 mm3 vs. 243 ± 16 mm3 with saline; P < 0.01) but not after depletion with mAbRP3 (221 ± 22 mm3).Conclusions and implications:  Our results showed that pharmacological depletion of PMNs prevented t‐PA‐induced ICH, in parallel with a decrease in cerebral infiltration by PMNs and a decreased endothelial dysfunction in cerebral blood vessels.Mandarin translation of abstract
Surveying Recent Literature on the Arabic and Persian Mirrors for Princes Genre
Authors: Marlow L. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe study of the medieval Arabic and Persian ‘mirror for princes’ literatures in many respects resembles that of the similarly abundant literatures produced in Byzantium and the Latin West. In earlier scholarship, the predominant approach was that of the history of ideas, and scholars tended to focus on depictions of the ideal ruler and other aspects of the ‘political thought’ expressed in the mirror literatures. A secondary area of interest concerned textual transmission within and across these literatures. More recent scholarship has continued to develop and refine these established approaches, and has also developed new directions of research. Notably, several scholars have explored the Sitz im Leben of individual mirrors, and have studied their meaning and significance in the historical settings in and for which they were composed. Certain recent publications have highlighted the flexibility of mirrors, the multiple purposes they often served, the range of perspectives represented by their authors, and the importance of authors’ choices of language and genre in shaping the composition and reception of their works.