bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competence of roots for race‐specific resistance and the induction of acquired resistance against Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: JANSEN MARCUS , SLUSARENKO ALAN J. , SCHAFFRATH ULRICH 
Published: April 2006

SUMMARYGenerally, Magnaporthe oryzae, the causal agent of rice blast disease, is considered to be a typical leaf‐infecting plant pathogenic fungus. However, it was recently reported that M. oryzae shares many characteristics in common with root‐infecting pathogens and indeed was able to infect roots. Here, we report on studies testing for the capacity of roots of rice and barley to resist infections with M. oryzae. We established that roots of rice plants were colonized by M. oryzae in a manner which is different from the gene‐for‐gene specificity seen in leaves for the same genotypes. Furthermore, treatment of rice seedlings with benzo‐(1,2,3)‐thiadiazole‐7‐carbothioic acid S‐methyl ester (BTH), a chemical that protects leaves effectively against blast by conditioning acquired resistance, was not able to prevent colonization of roots by M. oryzae although a reduction in disease levels was observed. Moreover, BTH was not able to protect barley roots against infection with M. oryzae. Taken together, our results suggest that although roots show intrinsic variation in their ability to resist colonization by M. oryzae, neither gene‐for‐gene incompatibility nor aquired resistance are as effective at blocking the pathogen as they are in leaves.
Timing of autologous stem cell transplantation from last chemotherapy affects lymphocyte collection and survival in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Holtan Shernan G. , Porrata Luis F. , Inwards David J. , Ansell Stephen M. , Micallef Ivana N. , Johnston Patrick B. , Litzow Mark R. , Gastineau Dennis A. , Markovic Svetomir N. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryAutograft absolute lymphocyte count (A‐ALC) is a prognostic factor for survival in non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). An A‐ALC is dependent upon the preaphaeresis absolute lymphocyte count (PA‐ALC) at the time of aphaeresis. It was hypothesised that the time interval from last chemotherapy (TILC) to aphaeresis affects PA‐ALC. One hundred and sixty consecutive NHL patients who underwent ASCT at the Mayo Clinic between 1996 and 2001 were evaluated. A strong correlation between TILC and PA‐ALC (r = 0·67, P < 0·0001) was identified. Higher PA‐ALC was observed in TILC ≥55 d compared with TILC <55 d [median: 7·0 vs. 3·8 × 109/l], P < 0·0001). TILC as a continuous variable was identified as a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) = 0·989, P < 0·01] and progression‐free survival (PFS) (HR = 0·992, P < 0·0492). Median OS and PFS were longer in the TILC ≥55 d vs. TILC <55 d group (not reached vs. 21 months, P < 0·0008; 76 vs. 9 months, P < 0·0025, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated TILC to be an independent prognostic indicator for OS and PFS. These findings suggest that the immune status of the host at the time of aphaeresis may predict survival after ASCT.
Distribution of saltmarsh plant communities associated with environmental factors along a latitudinal gradient on the south‐west Atlantic coast
Authors: Isacch J. P. , Costa C. S. B. , Rodríguez‐Gallego L. , Conde D. , Escapa M. , Gagliardini D. A. , Iribarne O. O. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAim  To produce an inventory of south‐west Atlantic saltmarshes (from latitude 31°48′ S to 43°20′ S) using remotely sensed images and field sampling; to quantify their total area; to describe the biogeographical variation of the main habitats characterized by dominant vascular plants, in relation to major environmental factors; to test the hypothesis of predominance of the reversal pattern in plant distribution (sedges and grasses dominate the lower, regularly inundated zones, while the upper zones are occupied by more halophytic species) previously described; and to compare these south‐west Atlantic saltmarshes with others world‐wide.Location  South‐western Atlantic saltmarshesMethods  Field samples of dominant emergent plant species positioned by the global positioning system (GPS) were obtained from most coastal saltmarshes (14) between southern Brazil and northern Patagonia, Argentina. Landsat satellite images were obtained and coastal saltmarsh habitats were quantified by supervised classification, utilizing points gathered in the field.Results  Three main plant species dominated the low and middle intertidal saltmarsh, Spartina alterniflora Loesel., Spartina densiflora Brong. and Sarcocornia perennis (P. Mill.) A.J. Scott. The total area of the studied coastal saltmarshes was 2133 km2, comprising 380 km2 of Sp. alterniflora marsh, 366 km2 of Sp. densiflora marsh, 746 km2 of Sar. perennis marsh and 641 km2 of brackish marsh (dominated by Juncus acutus L., Juncus kraussii Hochst., Scirpus maritimus L., Scirpus americanus Pers. and Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin.). Cluster analysis showed three habitat types: saltmarshes dominated by (1) Sp. densiflora and brackish species,(2) Sp. alterniflora and Sar. perennis and (3) Sp.densiflora only. The analysis of abiotic variables showed significant differences between groups of habitats and coordinated gradients of the abiotic variables. The south‐west Atlantic coast showed decreasing mean annual rainfall (1200 to 196 mm) and increasing mean tidal amplitude (< 0.5 to > 2.5 m) from latitude 31° to 43°.Main conclusions  South‐west Atlantic saltmarshes are globally important by virtue of their total extent. Remote sensing showed that the reversal pattern in plant distribution is not widespread. Indeed, south‐west Atlantic saltmarshes are better characterized by the presence of the halophytic genera Spartina and Sarcocornia. Our results support the interpretation that south‐west Atlantic saltmarshes constitute a class of temperate type (sensuAdam, 1990) with transitional characteristics between Australasian–South African saltmarshes and west Atlantic saltmarshes.
The qualitative experience of Chinese parents with children diagnosed of cancer
Authors: Wong Maggie Y‐F , Chan Sally W‐C 
Published: April 2006

Aim.  The present study aimed to describe the coping experiences of Chinese parents with children diagnosed as having cancer during the treatment stage.Background.  Cancer is the second major cause of death among children in Hong Kong, it claims the lives of 60–70 children per year. Childhood cancer has tremendous impact on the family, especially the parents. It is, therefore, important to understand parents’ psychological functioning and coping experience.Methods.  A phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected by qualitative interviews and analysed following Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology. A purposive sample of nine parents whose children were diagnosed of having childhood cancer was recruited from a regional hospital in Hong Kong.Results.  Four themes emerged describing parents’ coping experiences: shock and denial, establishing the meaning or the situation, confronting the reality and establishing a new perspective. The initial reactions of the parents to the diagnosis were shock, denial and worry. However, they quickly accepted the reality and regarded their child's illness as their ‘fate’ that they had to accept. They were committed to the care of the sick child and seek informational and emotional support to cope with the situation. All of them were able to identify positive aspects from the illness experience and establish hope for the future. Chinese cultural beliefs might help the parents cope positively and avoid negative emotions.Conclusion.  This study found some commonalities of coping experience in both Western and Chinese culture. It adds knowledge to the coping experience of Chinese parents at the treatment phase of their children's illness and highlighted the need for emotional and information support for parents.Relevance to clinical practice.  Education programme and mutual support group would be helpful to parents. Nurses have to learn how different cultural groups and subcultural groups in the society cope to provide competent cultural care.
Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: transition between diabetes services
Authors: Visentin Kate , Koch Tina , Kralik Debbie 
Published: April 2006

Aim.  The research aimed to develop a sustainable and coordinated approach to facilitating the transition between diabetes services for adolescents. The objectives were to: (1) involve key diabetes health delivery stakeholders in expressing their concerns and issues about current service delivery and ways to improve same, and (2) reveal from the perspective of the adolescents living with Type 1 Diabetes their experiences surrounding the process of transition.Background.  This paper presents research that sought to identify the major concerns and issues that stakeholders had about transition and to reveal the experience of transition for the adolescent with Type 1 Diabetes. Key representatives from seven public diabetes services in Adelaide, South Australia worked collaboratively to answer the objectives of this inquiry.Approach.  Interview data were generated and analysed using a response focus framework provided by fourth generation evaluation research. In this study, the focus was on common concerns, claims and issues raised by health care professionals (n = 21) and adolescents (n = 10) aged between 15 and 18 years about transferring from children's to adult diabetes services.Findings.  Data revealed education and dietetic advice was reactive rather than proactive and that the paediatric model of care is philosophically and practically different to the adult model of diabetes care. Three phases of transition were identified: preparation, formal transition and evaluation. Our findings indicated that these stages of transition were not being fully implemented in health units.Conclusion.  The project findings have set the scene to establish a multidisciplinary working party to work collaboratively across agencies to develop effective transition pathways.Relevance to clinical practice.  The role of diabetes nurse educators and dietitians in South Australia is under‐used throughout the transition process. Diabetes nurse educators are in an ideal position to prepare, coordinate and evaluate transitional processes.
Mobile contingency locus controlling Escherichia coli K1 polysialic acid capsule acetylation
Authors: Vimr Eric R. , Steenbergen Susan M. 
Published: April 2006

Summary Escherichia coli K1 is part of a reservoir of adherent, invasive facultative pathogens responsible for a wide range of human and animal disease including sepsis, meningitis, urinary tract infection and inflammatory bowel syndrome. A prominent virulence factor in these diseases is the polysialic acid capsular polysaccharide (K1 antigen), which is encoded by the kps/neu accretion domain inserted near pheV at 67 map units. Some E. coli K1 strains undergo form (phase) variation involving loss or gain of O‐acetyl esters at carbon positions 7 or 9 of the individual sialic acid residues of the polysialic acid chains. Acetylation is catalysed by the receptor‐modifying acetyl coenzyme‐A‐dependent O‐acetyltransferase encoded by neuO, a phase variable locus mapping near the integrase gene of the K1‐specific prophage, CUS‐3, which is inserted in argW at 53.1 map units. As the first E. coli contingency locus shown to operate by a translational switch, further investigation of neuO should provide a better understanding of the invasive K1 pathotype. Minimal estimates of morbidity and economic costs associated with human infections caused by extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli strains such as K1 indicate at least 6.5 million cases with attendant medical costs exceeding $2.5 billion annually in the United States alone.
AvrB mutants lose both virulence and avirulence activities on soybean and Arabidopsis
Authors: Ong Laura E. , Innes Roger W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea effector protein AvrB induces resistance responses in soybean varieties that contain the resistance gene Rpg1‐b and Arabidopsis varieties that carry RPM1. In addition to this avirulence activity, AvrB also enhances bacterial virulence on soybean plants that lack Rpg1‐b and induces a chlorotic phenotype on Arabidopsis plants that lack RPM1. We screened a library of avrB mutants for loss of avirulence on soybean and Arabidopsis, and assayed selected avirulence mutants for loss of virulence on both plants. All mutants screened were recognized similarly on both plant species. Nine single‐site avrB mutations that affected avirulence localized to a solvent‐accessible pocket in the protein structure. Seven of these mutated residues are absolutely conserved between AvrB and its nine homologues. Avirulence mutants generally lost virulence enhancement on susceptible soybean varieties and lost the ability to induce a chlorotic response on the rpm1 null Arabidopsis variety Mt‐0. Three of four avirulence mutants tested failed to interact with RIN4, an Arabidopsis protein previously shown to be required for RPM1 function. Our results suggest that soybean and Arabidopsis recognize AvrB in the same manner, and that AvrB enzymatic activity is required for its function as an avirulence and virulence effector on two different plant species.
Eclipsing binaries in the All Sky Automated Survey catalogue
Authors: Paczyński B. , Szczygieł D. M. , Pilecki B. , Pojmański G. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The All Sky Automated Survey (ASAS) is a long-term project to monitor bright variable stars over the whole sky. It has discovered 50 099 variables brighter than V &lt; 14 mag south of declination +28°, and among them 11 076 eclipsing binaries. We present a preliminary analysis of 5384 contact, 2949 semi-detached, and 2743 detached systems. The statistics of the distribution provides a qualitative confirmation of decades old idea of Flannery and Lucy that the W UMa-type binaries evolve through a series of relaxation oscillations: the ASAS finds comparable number of contact and semi-detached systems.
The most surprising result is a very small number of detached eclipsing binaries with periods P &lt; 1 d, the systems believed to be the progenitors of the W UMa stars. As many (perhaps all) contact binaries have companions, there is a possibility that some were formed in a Kozai cycle, as suggested by Eggleton and his associates.
FcγRIII‐Expressing Macrophages are Essential for Development of Collagen‐Induced Arthritis
Authors: Andrén M. , Xiang Z. , Nilsson G. , Kleinau S. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIgG‐binding Fc receptors, and in particular FcγRIII, are crucial for induction of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA), as FcγRIII‐deficient mice are highly protected to arthritis. However, which of the FcγRIII‐expressing cells that is responsible for induction of arthritis is not known. In this study, we have addressed this question by purifying different FcγRIII+ cell populations, transferred them to FcγRIII‐deficient mice and studied if the recipient mice can develop arthritis. The cell populations were isolated from spleen, bone marrow and the peritoneal cavity. Our results show that FcγRIII+ CD11b+ peritoneal macrophages can render FcγRIII‐deficient mice susceptible to CIA. In contrast, FcγRIII– peritoneal macrophages or FcγRIII+ spleenocytes, bone marrow cells, mast cells or monocytes could not mediate this effect. To further evaluate the contribution of the FcγRIII+ macrophages in arthritis, we investigated the cytokine profile in these cells during CIA. The arthritic macrophages exhibited significantly higher mRNA levels of TNFα and IL‐12p35 compared with macrophages from normal mice. We conclude that FcγRIII‐expressing macrophages, producing pro‐inflammatory cytokine and T helper type 1 differentiating factor, are the major effector cells in the induction of CIA.
A case of recurrent Sweet’s syndrome in an 80‐year‐old man: a clue to an underlying malignancy
Authors: Choi Hye‐Jin , Chang Sung‐Eun , Lee Mi‐Woo , Choi Jee‐Ho , Moon Kee‐Chan , Koh Jai‐Kyoung 
Published: April 2006

An 80‐year‐old man presented with multiple erythematous papules on the trunk and extremities of a few weeks’ duration. He had no past medical or family history of skin diseases or any other medical diseases. A biopsy showed a perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and sparse neutrophils with several atypical lymphocytes in the deeper dermis. With an initial diagnosis of T‐cell pseudolymphoma or unspecified neutrophilic dermatosis, he showed a brisk response to an intramuscular injection of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL). After 1 month, his skin lesion recurred. Steroid was given with a good clinical response.One month later, however, his skin lesion relapsed. At this time, he presented with disseminated pustulopapular lesions on the trunk and extremities. Examination revealed multiple, variable‐sized, erythematous plaques with central pustules on the extremities (Fig. 1). The mucous membranes were not involved. He had no pain or tenderness. He had no systemic symptoms. Laboratory tests showed a hemoglobin level of 10.3 g/dL, a leukocyte level of 6900/mm3, with an increased proportion of segmented nuclear neutrophils (83%), and an elevated C‐reactive protein. A skin biopsy revealed a dense perivascular and interstitial infiltrate composed of neutrophils with marked dermal edema (Fig. 2). Sweet’s syndrome was the final diagnosis and he was treated with oral prednisolone (30–40 mg/day) and dapsone (50 mg/day) for 2 months.Multiple, variable‐sized, erythematous plaques with central pustules on the right armimageDense perivascular and interstitial infiltrate composed of neutrophils in the dermis (hematoxylin and eosin, ×40; inset, ×400)imageAs this 80‐year‐old patient had a recurrent history of similar skin lesions and anemia, an underlying hematologic malignancy was suspected. A bone marrow biopsy showed typical myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The hemoglobin level was decreased to 5.3 g/dL during a follow‐up period of 5 months. The skin lesions recurred despite oral steroids and dapsone. The patient received only symptomatic treatment, such as a transfusion, for the underlying malignancy MDS.
A study to determine the effect of tacrolimus on ceramide levels in the stratum corneum of patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Paslin David , Wertz Philip 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized both by inflammation and by abnormally low ceramide levels in the stratum corneum. Tacrolimus, effective in the treatment of AD, inhibits transcription and release of inflammatory cytokines operative in AD, but it is unknown if tacrolimus normalizes ceramide levels.Methods  Stratum corneum ceramides of seven subjects with lesional AD were measured before and after treatment with tacrolimus ointment.Results  Treatment with tacrolimus ointment did not increase the ceramide fractions toward or to normal.Conclusion  These findings suggest that tacrolimus ointment is effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis due to its anti‐inflammatory actions rather than to any restorative effect on stratum corneum ceramides.
Influence of desloratadine on oxidative stress markers in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria
Authors: Cassano Nicoletta , Raho Gabriella , Filieri Maura , D’Argento Vito , Amoruso Antonella , Filotico Raffaele , Vena Gino A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Recent findings suggest the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). It has been demonstrated that desloratadine has an antioxidant activity in vitro. We evaluated the effects of desloratadine on markers of oxidative stress in patients with CIU.Methods  Blood samples were obtained from 10 patients with CIU before and after 4 weeks of treatment with desloratadine. Blood samples from 10 healthy volunteers were used as controls. In platelets from both patients and controls, radical oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using spectrofluorimetric detection of dichloro‐fluorescein oxidation, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined by means of the xanthine‐xanthine oxidase system.Results  Radical oxygen species concentrations and SOD activity were significantly elevated in patients with CIU at baseline as compared with control subjects. Treatment with desloratadine caused a relevant reduction of ROS levels and SOD activity (P < 0.005).Conclusions  These preliminary results suggest that desloratadine exerts antioxidant effects also in vivo.
The incidence of cutaneous melanoma on Crete, Greece
Authors: Lasithiotakis Konstantinos , Krüger‐Krasagakis Sabine , Manousaki Aglaia , Ioannidou Despina , Panagiotides Ioannis , Tosca Androniki 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  For Greece, no data regarding the incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM) have been reported. In this report, we present epidemiologic data for CM on Crete, an island in southern Greece, during the years 1999–2002. We attempt a comparison with corresponding data reported for the Italian population.Methods  One hundred and two CM patients of Cretan origin with primary CM first diagnosed between the years 1999–2002 were interviewed and underwent complete skin examination by the same two experienced dermatologists. Crude and/or age‐standardized incidence rates were calculated for Crete as a whole, as well as for each one of the four prefectures of the island.Results  The age‐standardized incidence rate according to the Greek population was 4.6 per 100,000 person‐years for men and 4.7 per 100,000 person‐years for women. The crude incidence rates did not differ significanty between the four prefectures. Significant differences between Cretan and Italian CM patients were found in terms of gender, age at diagnosis, anatomic site and histogenetic type of CM, hair color, skin reaction to sun exposure, history of sunburn before the age of 15 years, presence of solar lentigines, and total common nevus count.Conclusions  The incidence of CM on Crete is higher than that estimated for the whole of Greece and comparable with the incidence reported for other southern European countries.
Borderline systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): a separate entity or a forerunner to SLE?
Authors: Al Attia Haider M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAim  To compare a subgroup of patients with borderline systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with those with classic lupus in order to determine whether the former subset is a separate entity or a forerunner to SLE.Methods  A retrospective survey was undertaken of a database containing the clinical information of a total of 71 patients in an Abu Dhabi hospital setting over a 12‐year period. Data of interest were criterial and noncriterial features of SLE together with relevant laboratory tests.Results  Fifty‐six patients had SLE and 15 were considered to have borderline SLE as they satisfied less than four criteria of classification. Age and female sex distribution were no different in the two subgroups, but the disease duration was shorter in patients with borderline lupus. The occurrence of arthropathy (nonerosive), serositis, thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and malar eruption was common to both subgroups. Patients with borderline SLE lacked other mucocutaneous manifestations of lupus and major organ disease involvement. A number of other clinical features were also observed in the latter subgroup, including antiphospholipid (APL) syndrome. In addition, patients with borderline SLE expressed a multiple autoantibody profile, but had lower titers of antinuclear factor (ANF) and anti‐double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibodies than those with classic SLE. None progressed to full‐blown SLE after a mean period of follow‐up of 21.2 months.Conclusions  In our patients, borderline SLE was milder than classic lupus, yet shared a wide spectrum of noncriterial features and also produced clinical subsets. The clinical heterogeneity and multiple antibody profile may suggest that borderline SLE is a forerunner to SLE rather than a separate entity. A regular and longer period of follow‐up is required, however, to ultimately determine the fate of these patients.