bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a megaplasmid centromere reveals genetic structural diversity within the repABC family of basic replicons
Authors: MacLellan Shawn R. , Zaheer Rahat , Sartor Andrea L. , MacLean Allyson M. , Finan Turlough M. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThe basic replication unit of many plasmids and second chromosomes in the alpha‐proteobacteria consists of a repABC locus that encodes the trans‐ and cis‐acting components required for both semiautonomous replication and replicon maintenance in a cell population. In terms of physical genetic organization and at the nucleotide sequence level, repABC loci are well conserved across various genera. As with all repABC‐type replicons that have been genetically characterized, the 1.4 Mb pSymA and 1.7 Mb pSymB megaplasmids from the plant endosymbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti encode strong incompatibility (inc) determinants. We have identified a novel inc sequence upstream of the repA2 gene in pSymA that is not present on pSymB and not reported in other repABC plasmids that have been characterized. This region, in concert with the repA and repB genes, stabilizes a test plasmid indicating that it constitutes a partitioning (par) system for the megaplasmid. Purified RepB binds to this sequence and binding may be enhanced by RepA. We have isolated 19 point mutations that eliminate incompatibility, reduce RepB binding or the stabilization phenotype associated with this sequence and all of these map to a 16‐nucleotide palindromic sequence centred 330 bp upstream of the repA2 gene. An additional five near‐perfect repeats of this palindrome are located further upstream of the repA2 gene and we show that they share some conservation with known RepB binding sites in different locations on other repABC plasmids and to two sequences found on the tumour inducing plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. These additional palindromes also bind RepB but one of them does not display obvious incompatibility effects. A heterogenic distribution of par sequences demonstrates unexpected diversity in the structural genetic organization of repABC loci, despite their obvious levels of similarity.
The Northern Ireland Phytophthora infestans population 1998–2002 characterized by genotypic and phenotypic markers
Authors: Cooke L. R. , Carlisle D. J. , Donaghy C. , Quinn M. , Perez F. M. , Deahl K. L. 
Published: January 2006

A total of 204 isolates of Phytophthora infestans from Northern Ireland, almost all from commercial potato crops, were collected over 5 years (1998–2002). Phenotypic diversity was assessed using mating type and metalaxyl resistance; genotypic diversity was assessed using two allozyme loci (glucose‐6‐phosphate isomerase, Gpi, and peptidase, Pep), mitochondrial DNA haplotype and the multilocus RFLP probe RG57. All isolates were A1 mating type and Gpi 100/100. The majority were Pep 100/100, but four Pep 83/100 and six Pep 96/100 isolates were identified. Three mtDNA haplotypes were detected; haplotype IIa was the most common, but each year up to 2001 its frequency declined, with a concomitant increase in Ia isolates. Three isolates had the rare haplotype IIb, but this was only detected in 1998. Metalaxyl resistance and mtDNA haplotype were markedly associated: most haplotype Ia isolates were metalaxyl‐resistant, whereas haplotype IIa was more commonly associated with metalaxyl sensitivity. Analysis of a subsample of 91 isolates revealed nine RG57 genotypes, three associated exclusively with haplotype IIa and six exclusively with haplotype Ia. The most common RG57 genotype (51% of isolates) comprised both metalaxyl‐resistant and ‐sensitive haplotype IIa isolates. However, of haplotype Ia isolates, all metalaxyl‐resistant phenotypes belonged to one of four RG57 types, one of which was the second most frequent overall (29% of isolates), while all metalaxyl‐sensitive isolates belonged to one of two other types. The P. infestans population in Northern Ireland appears to consist of a limited number of clones related to, but differentiated from, the populations in mainland Britain and elsewhere in Europe.
Trichothecenes and aggressiveness of Fusarium graminearum causing seedling blight and root rot in cereals
Authors: Wang H. , Hwang S. F. , Eudes F. , Chang K. F. , Howard R. J. , Turnbull G. D. 
Published: January 2006

Greenhouse trials conducted in 2003 and 2004 investigated the impact of trichothecenes on the severity of seedling blight and root rot in common wheat (Triticum aestivum), durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum), barley (Hordeum vulgare) and triticale (×Triticosecale 6x) using two trichothecene‐producing and two trichothecene‐nonproducing Fusarium graminearum strains. In 2003 seedling emergence and survival following soil infestation of the trichothecene‐producing strain (Gz3639) were significantly reduced compared with the trichothecene‐nonproducing strain (GzT40), while root‐rot incidence and severity were increased significantly. In 2004, two trichothecene‐producing strains (Gz3639 and GzT106) reduced seedling emergence and survival (P ≤ 0·01) in eight of 10 crops/cultivars based on single‐degree‐of‐freedom contrasts. However, when results from all strains were combined no significant differences were observed between two trichothecene‐producing and two trichothecene‐nonproducing F. graminearum strains. Inoculation with GzT106, a trichothecene‐producing ‘add‐back’ strain, resulted in more severe root rot symptoms in eight of 10 cultivars (P ≤ 0·01–0·05) and lower seedling emergence and survival in seven of 10 cultivars (P ≤ 0·01–0·10), compared with the wild‐type parental strain Gz3639. The presence of trichothecenes may play an important role in the aggressiveness of F. graminearum.
Predicting the risk of weed infestation in winter oilseed rape crops
Authors: PRIMOT S , VALANTIN‐MORISON M , MAKOWSKI D 
Published: January 2006

SummaryChemical weed control before crop and weed emergence is a systematic practice in winter oilseed rape crops in France. It would be profitable both for farmers and the environment to predict the level of weed infestation early on in the growing season and to control weeds only when necessary using post‐emergence weed control. The objective of this paper was to develop and evaluate simple models to predict weed biomass in oilseed rape crops. The model input variables were related to weed population characteristics and farmers’ practices. The models can be used to classify oilseed rape plots into two categories: plots with a level of weed infestation above a threshold or those with level of weed infestation below a threshold. A data set including 3 years of experiments, conducted across several regions in France, was used to estimate the parameters and to evaluate the models. High values of sensitivity and specificity were obtained when weed biomass was predicted as a function of sowing date, type of soil tillage, soil mineral nitrogen, crop density, weed density at emergence, and main characteristics of the most abundant weed species. Model performance strongly decreased when input variables related to the weed population were not taken into account. The best models correctly classified 90% of the plots with high weed infestation and 64% of the plots with low weed infestation.
Seroprevalence of HHV‐8 infection in the pediatric population of two university hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Avelleira João Carlos Regazzi , Lupi Omar , Caterino‐de‐Araujo Adele , Santos‐Fortuna Elizabeth de los 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  The authors present a serologic survey of the prevalence of herpesvirus‐8 (HHV‐8) among 171 children from 0 to 12 years old in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Materials and methods  Sera were tested for latent nuclear and lytic antigens using indirect immunofluorescence and Western blotting.Results  Serology for HHV‐8 was positive in 16 of 171 patients (9.35%). Among 13 HIV‐positive patients, four (31%) were also positive for HHV‐8. The seropositivity among healthy children was 7.6%, and females were significantly (P < 0.002) more associated with HHV‐8 seropositivity (16%) than males (1.1%).Conclusions  We detected a higher HHV‐8 seroprevalence among the pediatric population in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when compared with similar studies performed in other countries. Nonsexual routes of transmission are a possible explanation for this pattern. The unusual finding of a higher seroprevalence among female children could be explained by a specific route of exposition or even an epidemiological bias.
Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy
Authors: Petropoulou Haritini , Georgala Sofia , Katsambas Andreas D. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractPolymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP) is a benign, self‐limiting, pruritic disorder of pregnancy, which usually affects the primigravida during the last trimester or immediately postpartum. Its pathogenesis is unclear and its clinical manifestations are variable, leading frequently to an incorrect diagnosis. In cases of PEP the histological findings are nonspecific and the laboratory results, including direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), are negative. Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy is not associated with any fetal risk and symptomatic treatment is all that is usually required.In this review we present the clinical presentation of PEP and a differential diagnosis which defines PEP as a separate entity. We will also review all current data of possible etiologic factors, histologic and immunologic findings, prognosis and therapy.
Treatment of diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis with miltefosine: a case report
Authors: Zerpa Olga , Blanco Belkys , Kannee Carmen , Ulrich Marian , Sindermann Herbert , Engel Juergen , Convit Jacinto 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  A 31‐year‐old man who has suffered since age 3 from diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL), a disease with profound physical and psychosocial repercussions and no effective treatment at present, was treated with miltefosine.Methods  The patient was treated for 120 days, 100 mg/day for 1 week, then 150 mg/day subsequently.Results  Lesions were free of parasites at 43 days, and no signs of infiltration were present at day 76. No adverse side effects were observed.Conclusions  The dramatic clinical effect of miltefosine in this patient appears to fully justify further evaluation of this experimental therapy in DCL.
Healing effect of Pilocarpine gel 4% on skin lesions of pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Iraji Fariba , Yoosefi AliReza 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  The high rate of morbidity and mortality resulting from long‐term use of corticosteroids in pemphigus vulgaris (PV) warrants discovery of a new treatment strategy. Based on a new theory on the pathophysiology of PV, cholinomimetics can block the process of blister formation.Aims  This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of Pilocarpine gel in the treatment of skin lesions of PV.Methods  In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, three PV patients with a total of 64 skin lesions were treated by either Pilocarpine or placebo gel. After 15 days of treatment an epithelialization index of the two groups was compared.Results  The mean of the epithelialization index in skin lesions that received Pilocarpine was significantly higher than that of the placebo group (40.3 ± 1.7 vs. 24.4 ± 3.3, P < 0.001).Conclusions  Pilocarpine gel effectively treats PV.
Impaired synaptic plasticity in a rat model of tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Von Der Brelie Christian , Waltereit Robert , Zhang Lian , Beck Heinz , Kirschstein Timo 
Published: January 2006

AbstractTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a common hereditary disorder caused by mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, and characterized by severe epilepsy, cerebral hamartomas and mental retardation. We have used rats that are heterozygous for an autosomal‐dominant germline mutation in the TSC2 gene (TSC2+/– rats) to examine the consequences of TSC2 mutations for hippocampal synaptic plasticity. While basal synaptic transmission in the Schaffer collateral–CA1 synapse was not altered, paired‐pulse plasticity was significantly enhanced in TSC2+/– rats (interpulse intervals 20–200 ms). Moreover, TSC2+/– rats exhibited a marked reduction of different forms of synaptic plasticity. Long‐term potentiation (LTP) elicited following high‐frequency tetanization of Schaffer collaterals was significantly decreased from 1.45 ± 0.05‐fold potentiation to 1.15 ± 0.04 (measured after 60 min). This difference in LTP levels between TSC2+/– and wild‐type rats also persisted in the presence of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor antagonist bicuculline. In addition to changed LTP, the level of long‐term depression (LTD) elicited by different forms of low‐frequency stimulation was significantly less in TSC2+/– rats. These results suggest that TSC2 mutations may cause hippocampal synapses to lose much of their potential for activity‐dependent synaptic modification. An understanding of the underlying molecular pathways may suggest new therapeutic approaches aimed at inhibiting the development of the profound mental retardation in TSC.
The increased rate of prostate specific antigen testing has not affected prostate cancer presentation in an inner city population in the UK
Authors: MOKETE MOEKETSI , SHACKLEY DAVID C. , BETTS CHRISTOPHER D. , O'FLYNN KIERAN J. , CLARKE NOEL W. 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVETo assess whether the increased use of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) testing over the last 15 years has changed the way prostate cancer presents in an inner city UK population, where PSA screening rates might be expected to be lower than in epidemiological studies based in North America, where there is a significant tendency to a localized stage and earlier age at diagnosis.PATIENTS AND METHODSThe study comprised a 5‐year retrospective and 5‐year prospective analysis of data on 704 men diagnosed with prostate cancer over the 10‐year period since the introduction of PSA testing (1994–2003).RESULTSThe median (range) age at presentation remained unchanged, at 72 (45–94) years; the PSA level at diagnosis was 20–46 µg/L, with a steady decline after 1997. There was no significant change in stage at diagnosis; overall, 38 (20–44)% presented with clinically localized disease, 37 (31–48)% with locally advanced and 25 (18–29)% with metastatic disease. The Gleason grade changed significantly, with more moderately differentiated tumours and a decline in well‐differentiated cancers. Closer examination showed this to have been due to a change in diagnostic practice rather than a true population trend. PSA testing increased over the 10 years of the study (2.35 times), with requests from general practitioners rising seven times, compared with urologists or other hospital doctors (1.25 and 2.3 times, respectively). Community PSA testing remained lower than in other reported UK series, which may be explained in part by the lower socio‐economic status of the population assessed.CONCLUSIONThere was no apparent change in patient age or tumour stage in men presenting with prostate cancer over a 10‐year period after the introduction of PSA testing. While there was an increase in PSA testing during the study period, the testing rate remains much lower than in other reported series from the UK.
Late urodynamic findings after treating traumatic rupture of the posterior urethra in boys
Authors: ÖTGÜN IBRAHIM , KARNAK IBRAHIM , SENOCAK MEHMET EMIN , TANYEL FERIDUN CAHIT , CIFTCI ARBAY OZDEN , BÜYÜKPAMUKÇU NEBIL 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVETo investigate lower urinary tract (LUT) functions in a prospective study in boys treated for posterior urethral distraction (PUD), as posterior urethral stricture, erectile dysfunction and incontinence can occur after various treatments for this rare injury in children.PATIENTS AND METHODSEleven boys were treated for PUD and resultant stricture between 1980 and 2000. Their age, the cause of trauma, extent of injury, previous treatment, and continence status were evaluated, and a urodynamic study conducted. Controls were 12 age‐matched males who underwent similar cystometrography (CMG) and uroflowmetry.RESULTSThe mean (sd) age at injury was 8 (4) years and the cause was traffic accident in nine and crush injury in two boys. Seven boys had an isolated urethral rupture, two also had a bladder neck injury and two also had a perforated bladder. No gross neurological impairment developed after trauma. Voiding cysto‐urethrograms after initial therapy showed vesico‐ureteric reflux in five boys, but in only one at the time of the urodynamic studies. At the time of urodynamic study, the mean (sd) age of the patients was 15 (6) years; seven were fully continent, one had intermittent leakage, two were incontinent, and one had nocturnal enuresis. CMG‐electromyography (EMG) showed a reduced maximum cystometric capacity in nine patients, reduced compliance in 10, stable detrusor in 11, synergic detrusor‐sphincter activity in 11, and residual urine in one. The uroflowmetry‐EMG study showed prolonged voiding time and flow time, decreased maximum flow urinary rate (Qmax) and mean flow rate (Qavg). The shape of the flow curve showed an uninterrupted low‐amplitude pattern. Comparing these patients with age‐matched controls, CMG and uroflowmetry studies showed that the maximum cystometric bladder capacity, compliance, Qmax and Qavg were all significantly lower in patients with PUD, while voiding time and flow time were significantly higher.CONCLUSIONThe LUT deteriorates after treating PUD in boys. CMG and uroflowmetry findings are consistent with partial anatomical obstruction distal to the bladder. Our results are preliminary and full urodynamics, including pressure‐flow studies, will be useful to support this conclusion. A urodynamic study should be integral in the management of PUD.
Distribution of neuropeptide Y‐containing nerves in the neurogenic and non‐neurogenic detrusor
Authors: HAFERKAMP AXEL , FREUND THOMAS , WAGENER NINA , REITZ ANDRE , SCHURCH BRIGITTE , DOERSAM JOACHIM , SCHUMACHER STEFAN , BASTIAN PATRICK J. , BUETTNER REINOLD J. , MUELLER STEFAN C. , HOHENFELLNER MARKUS 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the role of neuropeptide Y in the detrusor of patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO), as it has an important role in the neural regulation of the lower urinary tract by exerting differential effects on the release of cholinergic and adrenergic transmitters via autoinhibition and heterosynaptic interactionsMATERIALS AND METHODSDetrusor biopsies were obtained from 38 patients; 31 had video‐urodynamically verified NDO, caused by meningomyelocele in 17 or spinal cord injury in 14. Seven had stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and this group served as a control. All specimens were fixed, paraffin wax‐embedded, sectioned and stained with a monoclonal antibody against neuropeptide Y and a general nerve marker protein‐gene‐product 9.5 (PGP 9.5). The number of PGP 9.5‐ and neuropeptide Y‐containing nerves was quantified by a standardized evaluation using image‐analysis software.RESULTSThe median (range) number of neuropeptide Y‐containing nerves in the neurogenic detrusor, at 0.273 (0.126–0.639) per muscle cell nucleus (MCN), was significantly lower (P = 0.014) than that in patients with SUI, at 0.383 (0.267–0.728). In the neurogenic detrusor the number of PGP 9.5‐positive nerves, at 0.278 (0.054–0.641)/MCN was also lower (P = 0.111) than in patients with SUI, at 0.368 (0.258–0.497). The ratio of neuropeptide Y to PGP 9.5 counts per biopsy did not differ between the groups (P = 0.628).CONCLUSIONSThe number of PGP 9.5‐positive nerves was not significantly and the number of neuropeptide Y‐containing nerves was significantly reduced in patients with NDO. This may have been caused by transynaptic nerve degeneration of the detrusor, as described by in patients with spinal cord injury. As neuropeptide Y inhibits the contractile response of the detrusor the reduction of neuropeptide Y‐containing nerves may play a role in the development and persistence of DO.
High‐dose interleukin‐2 immunotherapy is safe for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma on dialysis
Authors: BRUSKY JOHN P. , GAILANI FAWEZ , PATHAK APURBA , PATEL HATEL , ABOSEIF SHERIF 
Published: January 2006

OBJECTIVETo report our experience of high‐dose interleukin‐2 immunotherapy for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) on haemodialysis.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwo anephric patients with metastatic RCC on haemodialysis received interleukin‐2 (600 000 IU/kg) every 8 h for a maximum of 14 doses. The patients rested for 9 days and cycles were repeated as tolerated. A nephrologist followed the patients during treatment and they received nearly daily haemodialysis.RESULTSThese two cases were treated with high‐dose interleukin‐2 and had no unusual toxicity or adverse events. The first patient tolerated five, five, four, four and one dose of interleukin‐2 over five cycles. He had a partial response to treatment with a decrease in size of a mediastinal mass, but ultimately developed progressive disease and died 32 months later. The second patient had four cycles of interleukin‐2 (13, 13, 14 and nine doses). He initially maintained stable disease throughout treatment, but the disease ultimately progressed and he died 19 months later.CONCLUSIONSWe recommend considering high‐dose interleukin‐2 immunotherapy in highly selected dialysis patients with metastatic RCC. Further study is required to determine the safety, efficacy and optimum dosing in this group.
Urodynamic effects of propiverine hydrochloride in children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity: a prospective analysis
Authors: SCHULTE‐BAUKLOH HEINRICH , MÜRTZ GERD , HENNE THOMAS , MICHAEL THEODOR , MILLER KURT , KNISPEL HELMUT H. 
Published: January 2006

The management of stones in children is often controversial; extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy appears to be very successful, with excellent clearance rates, and probably better than in adults. For this reason, many maintain that percutaneous nephrolithotripsy might not be required in children. Authors from Pakistan retrospectively assessed their use of percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, finding that it too yields satisfactory results.OBJECTIVESTo evaluate prospectively the efficacy and tolerability of propiverine for treating neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children.PATIENTS AND METHODSTwenty children (mean age 8.9 years; median 5.6) with NDO due to an upper motor neurone lesion were enrolled (17 had myelomeningocele). In the urodynamic examination, reflex volume (RV), maximum detrusor pressure (MDP), maximum cystometric bladder capacity (MCBC) and bladder compliance (BC) before and after a twice‐daily propiverine hydrochloride regimen were determined. The urodynamic follow‐up was after 3–6 months. Incontinence was assessed by an incontinence score.RESULTSThe mean (sem) RV increased from 103.8 (21.3) to 174.5 (33.7) mL (P < 0.005), MDP decreased from 52.5 (7.9) to 40.1 (6.2) cmH2O (P < 0.05), MCBC increased from 166 (28.8) to 231.9 (34.8) mL (P < 0.005), and BC improved from 11.2 (2.8) to 30.6 (9.7) mL/cmH2O (P < 0.01), with propiverine treatment. The incontinence score (scale 0–3) improved from 2.4 (0.2) to 1.6 (0.3) (P < 0.05). Propiverine was well tolerated, although some children were given higher doses than recommended.CONCLUSIONSPropiverine hydrochloride is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of children with NDO. Because of its dual mode of action, it is well tolerated even in children who need higher doses. Propiverine hydrochloride is a preferable alternative to oxybutynin, the anticholinergic most frequently used in children with NDO to date.