bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of pharyngeal shape and size using anatomical optical coherence tomography in individuals with and without obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: WALSH JENNIFER H. , LEIGH MATTHEW S. , PADUCH ALEXANDRE , MADDISON KATHLEEN J. , PHILIPPE DANIELLE L. , ARMSTRONG JULIAN J. , SAMPSON DAVID D. , HILLMAN DAVID R. , EASTWOOD PETER R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThis study compared shape, size and length of the pharyngeal airway in individuals with and without obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) using a novel endoscopic imaging technique, anatomical optical coherence tomography (aOCT). The study population comprised a preliminary study group of 20 OSA patients and a subsequent controlled study group of 10 OSA patients and 10 body mass index (BMI)‐, gender‐ and age‐matched control subjects without OSA. All subjects were scanned using aOCT while awake, supine and breathing quietly. Measurements of airway cross‐sectional area (CSA) and anteroposterior (A‐P) and lateral diameters were obtained from the hypo‐, oro‐ and velopharyngeal regions. A‐P : lateral diameter ratios were calculated to provide an index of regional airway shape. In all subjects, pharyngeal CSA was lowest in the velopharynx. Patients with OSA had a smaller velopharyngeal CSA than controls (maximum CSA 91 ± 40 versus 153 ± 84 mm2; P < 0.05) but comparable oro‐ (318 ± 80 versus 279 ± 129 mm2; P = 0.48) and hypopharyngeal CSA (250 ± 105 versus 303 ± 112 mm2; P = 0.36). In each pharyngeal region, the long axis of the airway was oriented in the lateral diameter. Airway shape was not different between the groups. Pharyngeal airway length was similar in both groups, although the OSA group had longer uvulae than the control group (16.8 ± 6.2 versus 11.2 ± 5.2 mm; P < 0.05). This study has shown that individuals with OSA have a smaller velopharyngeal CSA than BMI‐, gender‐ and age‐matched control volunteers, but comparable shape: a laterally oriented ellipse. These findings suggest that it is an abnormality in size rather than shape that is the more important anatomical predictor of OSA.
Calibrating the avian molecular clock
Authors: WEIR J. T. , SCHLUTER D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMolecular clocks are widely used to date phylogenetic events, yet evidence supporting the rate constancy of molecular clocks through time and across taxonomic lineages is weak. Here, we present 90 candidate avian clock calibrations obtained from fossils and biogeographical events. Cross‐validation techniques were used to identify and discard 16 inconsistent calibration points. Molecular evolution occurred in an approximately clock‐like manner through time for the remaining 74 calibrations of the mitochondrial gene, cytochrome b. A molecular rate of approximately 2.1% (± 0.1%, 95% confidence interval) was maintained over a 12‐million‐year interval and across most of 12 taxonomic orders. Minor but significant variance in rates occurred across lineages but was not explained by differences in generation time, body size or latitudinal distribution as previously suggested.
Diverse historical processes shape deep phylogeographical divergence in the pollinating seed parasite Greya politella
Authors: RICH KATHERINE A. , THOMPSON JOHN N. , FERNANDEZ CATHERINE C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractUnderstanding the historical framework in which species interactions have diversified across landscapes may help to partition the effects of vicariance and geographically variable selection in shaping the geographical mosaic of coevolving species. We used phylogeographical analyses of the pollinating seed parasite Greya politella (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae) to define the historical processes that may have structured interactions of this species with its host plants across major biogeographical breaks in western North America. Using 648 bp of cytochrome oxidase I and amplified fragment length polymorphisims, we identified deep genetic breaks among some populations consistent with some definitions of cryptic species. A combination of phylogenetic and population genetic approaches indicates that different historical processes may have structured G. politella genetic diversity in four regions: northern Pacific Northwest, southern Oregon, southern Sierra Nevada, and the remainder of California. The northern Pacific Northwest had high genetic diversity likely due to glacial refugia and subsequent spatial expansion, concordant with some other taxa. Populations in southern Oregon possessed unique, closely related haplotypes with restricted gene flow, possibly indicating a long‐standing set of populations in this endemic‐rich region. Analyses of California populations showed evidence of restricted gene flow and spatial expansion with many closely related haplotypes that occupy a broad geographical range. Southern Sierra Nevada populations were genetically distinct and highly diverse, possibly due to a localized glacial refugium. Together, these results suggest that vicariance and population expansion, possibly in combination with geographically variable selection, have shaped the diversification of G. politella and its interactions with its host plants.
The electronic bands of CrD, CrH, MgD and MgH: application to the ‘deuterium test’
Authors: Pavlenko Ya. V. , Harris G. J. , Tennyson J. , Jones H. R. A. , Brown J. M. , Hill C. , Yakovina L. A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
We compute opacities for the electronic molecular band systems A6Σ+–X6Σ+ of CrH and CrD, and A2Π–X2Σ+ of MgH and MgD. The opacities are computed by making use of existing spectroscopic constants for MgH and CrH. These constants are adjusted for the different reduced masses of MgD and CrD. Frank–Condon factors are used to provide intensities for the individual vibronic bands. These results are used in the computation of synthetic spectra between Teff= 1800 and 1200 K with an emphasis on the realization of ‘deuterium test’, first proposed by Bejar et al. to distinguish brown dwarfs from planetary mass objects. We discuss the possible use of CrD and MgD electronic bands for the ‘deuterium test’. We find CrD to be the more promising of the two deuterides, potentially, the most useful bands of CrH/CrD are the Δv=+1 and Δv=−1 at 0.795 and 0.968 μm.
Elevated levels of IgG3 and IgG4 subclass in paediatric cases of kala azar
Authors: ANSARI N. A. , KUMAR R. , RAJ A. , SALOTRA P. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala azar (KA) is a systemic disease caused by the parasites of the Leishmania donovani complex. Control measures rely on treatment with antileishmanial agents, however, fraught with problems such as toxicity or drug resistance. The incidence rate is on the rise for children, for reasons yet undefined. Previously we have shown significantly elevated level of IL‐10 in children compared to adult KA cases. Here, antileishmanial antibody and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were investigated in paediatrics and adult patients of KA and post‐KA dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). Level of IgG4 was significantly elevated in PKDL compared to KA, although total IgG and IgG1 were significantly lower. The antileishmania antibody levels of subclass IgG3 and IgG4 were found significantly elevated in paediatrics, however, levels of IgG, IgG1, IgG2 and CRP were comparable in paediatric and adult KA cases. In case of PKDL, levels of IgG and it subclass were similar in the two groups. No significant difference in antileishmanial antibody level was noticed between macular or polymorphic cases of PKDL. The differential antibody intensity in paediatric cases, together with significant level of circulating IL‐10, could be considered as a marker of differential disease susceptibility.
Structure and pathogenic variability inAscochyta rabieipopulations on chickpea in the Canadian prairies
Authors: Vail S. , Banniza S. 
Published: April 2008

A population study ofAscochyta rabieifrom the Canadian prairies was conducted to assess pathogenicity among isolates with the objectives to investigate the existence of a race or pathotype structure and to evaluate whether there had been a shift to higher aggressiveness between 1998 and 2002. Ninety‐nine isolates collected in 1998, 2001 and 2002 were inoculated onto seven differential chickpea genotypes. Significant isolate × differential interactions occurred, but accounted for a small proportion of the total variability. It was found that very few interaction effects between all combinations of differentials and isolates were significant and frequency distributions of disease severity of isolates tested on the differentials revealed continuous distributions. These results suggest that no genotype‐specific relationship existed betweenA. rabieiand its host and that Canadian populations of the pathogen cannot be objectively classified into races or pathotypes. Isolates from 2001 and 2002 caused significantly more disease than isolates from 1998, suggesting that disease epidemics encountered since 1999 were in part caused by a shift in the population to higher aggressiveness.
Involvement of jasmonic acid signalling in bacterial wilt disease resistance induced by biocontrol agent Pythium oligandrum in tomato
Authors: Hase S. , Takahashi S. , Takenaka S. , Nakaho K. , Arie T. , Seo S. , Ohashi Y. , Takahashi H. 
Published: April 2008

When the biocontrol agent Pythium oligandrum (PO) colonizes the rhizosphere, it suppresses bacterial wilt disease in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro‐Tom) caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, and a homogenate of its mycelia exhibits elicitor activity, inducing an ethylene (ET)‐dependent defence response in Micro‐Tom. Since salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) play an important role in plant defence responses to pathogens, the involvement of SA‐ and JA‐dependent signal transduction pathways in resistance to R. solanacearum was investigated in tomato roots treated with a mycelial homogenate of PO. Bacterial wilt disease was also suppressed in tomato cv. Moneymaker treated with the PO homogenate. However, the SA‐inducible PR‐1(P6) gene was not up‐regulated in either Micro‐Tom or Moneymaker. SA did not accumulate in homogenate‐treated roots in comparison with distilled water‐treated controls, even 24 h after inoculation. Induced resistance against R. solanacearum was not compromised in SA‐non‐accumulating NahG transgenic plants treated with the PO homogenate. On the other hand, the expression of the JA‐responsive gene for the basic PR‐6 protein was induced in both tomato cultivars treated with the PO homogenate. Furthermore, quantitative disease assays showed that the induced resistance against R. solanacearum was compromized in PO homogenate‐treated jai1‐1 mutant plants defective in JA signalling. These results indicated that the JA‐dependent signalling pathway is required for PO‐induced resistance against R. solanacearum in tomato.
Screening for skin carriage of methicillin‐resistant coagulase‐positive staphylococci and Staphylococcus schleiferi in dogs with healthy and inflamed skin
Authors: Griffeth Gregory C. , Morris Daniel O. , Abraham Jill L. , Shofer Frances S. , Rankin Shelley C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractMethicillin resistance rates of 41% for Staphylococcus aureus, 16% for S. intermedius, and 40% for S. schleiferi have recently been reported in canine patients. These were deemed to be reflective of referral and clinician‐selection biases, which would imply significantly lower methicillin‐resistant staphylococcal carriage rates in less‐biased canine populations. In this study, swabs for bacterial culture were collected from five cutaneous sites on each of 50 healthy dogs and 59 dogs with inflammatory skin disease to determine prevalence of carriage and relative frequency of methicillin resistance in coagulase‐positive staphylococci and S. schleiferi ssp. schleiferi. These were identified morphologically and by Gram's staining, catalase and coagulase testing, and biochemical speciation. Coagulase‐positive staphylococci and S. schleiferi ssp. schleiferi were isolated from 88% (52 of 59) of affected dogs. Species identified in the culture‐positive dogs were: S. aureus in 12%, S. intermedius (92%), S. schleiferi ssp. schleiferi (10%), and S. schleiferi ssp. coagulans (10%) with methicillin resistance rates of 17%, 8%, 20% and 20%, respectively. Coagulase‐positive staphylococci were isolated from 74% (37 of 50) of healthy dogs: S. aureus (16%), S. intermedius (92%) and S. schleiferi ssp. coagulans (5%). Methicillin resistance rates were 0%, 3% and 50%, respectively. Of total methicillin‐resistant isolates, 11 of 13 were positive for PBP2a via latex agglutination. Methicillin‐resistant S. intermedius and S. schleiferi ssp. schleiferi isolates were all positive for the mecA gene via PCR. There was no significant difference in staphylococcal isolation or methicillin resistance between study groups. While present, methicillin‐resistant coagulase‐positive staphylococci are significantly less common in these less‐biased populations than in the clinical isolates previously reported from this institution which provided the impetus for this study.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Baclofen reduces ethanol intake in high‐alcohol‐drinking University of Chile bibulous rats
Authors: Quintanilla María E. , Perez Elizabeth , Tampier Lutske 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTTreatment with γ‐aminobutiric acid (GABAB) receptor agonist, ±baclofen, has been shown to reduce ethanol intake in selectively bred Sardinian alcohol‐preferring rats. The general goal of the present study was to characterize the high ethanol consumption high‐alcohol‐drinking University of Chile bibulous (UChB) rats with regard to the anti‐alcohol effect of GABABreceptor stimulation. UChB rats were treated with the more active enantiomer of baclofen [R(+)‐baclofen; at a dose of 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 mg/kg] administered intraperitoneally once daily for four consecutive days or a single dose. When comparing ethanol and saccharin consumption in a free‐choice regimen with unlimited access 24 hours/day, the dose of baclofen required to attenuate ethanol consumption significantly was 1.0 mg/kg administered once a day for three consecutive days while the dose that was sufficient to affect saccharin consumption significantly was 2.0 mg/kg, indicating that baclofen was more potent in reducing ethanol intake by UChB rats than reducing saccharin consumption. The reduction of ethanol or saccharin intake can not be attributed to baclofen‐induced motor impairment, since baclofen (1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 mg/kg) did not alter spontaneous locomotor activity in UChB rats. Baclofen dose‐dependently suppressed the motor activity stimulated by ethanol administration, a phenomenon mediated by activation of the mesolimbic dopamine system. In conclusion, these results showed that the activation of GABABreceptor by R(+)‐baclofen reduced ethanol and saccharin consumption, as well as ethanol‐induced motor stimulation, implicating the GABABreceptor in the neural substrates mediating effects that sustain voluntary ethanol in take in UChB rats.
The pharmacology of the endocannabinoid system: functional and structural interactions with other neurotransmitter systems and their repercussions in behavioral addiction
Authors: López‐Moreno José Antonio , González‐Cuevas Gustavo , Moreno Guillermo , Navarro Miguel 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTAddiction is a chronic, recurring and complex disorder. It is characterized by anomalous behaviors that are linked to permanent or long‐lasting neurobiological alterations. Furthermore, the endocannabinoid system has a crucial role in mediating neurotransmitter release as one of the main neuromodulators of the mammalian central nervous system. The purpose of the present review is to instruct readers about the functional and structural interactions between the endocannabinoid system and the main neurotransmitter systems of the central nervous system in the context of drug addiction. With this aim, we have systematically reviewed the main findings of most of the existing literature that explores cross‐talk in the five brain areas that are most traditionally implicated in addiction: amygdala, prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus and ventral tegmental area (VTA). The neurotransmission systems influenced by the pharmacology of the endocannabinoid system in these brain areas, which are reviewed here, are gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, the main biogenic amines (dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin), acetylcholine and opioids. We show that all of these neurotransmitter systems can be modulated differentially in each brain area by the activation or deactivation of cannabinoid CB1 brain receptors. Specifically, most of the studies relate to the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens. Moreover, the neurotransmitter with the fewest number of related studies is acetylcholine (excepting in the hippocampus), whereas there is a large number that evaluates GABA, glutamate and dopamine. Finally, we propose a possible interpretation of the role of the endocannabinoid system in the phenomenon of addiction.
A cytological study on aluminium‐treated wheat anther cultures resulting in plants with increased Al tolerance
Authors: Bakos F. , Darkó É. , Ascough G. , Gáspár L. , Ambrus H. , Barnabás B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe in vitro selection of microspores and microspore‐derived structures under Al stress is one way to improve the Al tolerance of crops. In our study, cytological alterations caused by Al were examined in anther cultures of a commercial wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety ‘Mv Pálma’, and the efficiency of in vitro selection was demonstrated. Although the anther walls retarded the appearance of toxicity symptoms, cytological changes similar to those observed in root cells (inhibition of cell division, intense vacuolisation, occurrence of micronuclei and cell wall thickening) were detected in the microspores. The severity of Al toxicity and the efficiency of selection depended on the Al concentration and the mode of treatment. Single Al treatments (0.6 and especially 1.6 mM) allowed DH lines with increased Al tolerance to be selected. Repeated Al treatment severely inhibited the cell division of the microspores and it was lethal even at a concentration as low as 0.6 mM. The results show that microspore embryogenesis can be exploited for studying the cytological effect of Al and for increasing the Al tolerance of wheat.
Hypersensitivity reaction to the ingestion of mango flesh
Authors: Thoo Caroline HF , Freeman Susi 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYA 42‐year‐old woman presented with a hypersensitivity reaction after the ingestion of a small amount of fresh mango gelato. She developed itchy palpable purpuric lesions over her arms, legs, neck and abdomen 4 days after ingestion. The lesions persisted for 5 weeks despite treatment with betamethasone‐17 valerate 0.05% ointment and avoidance of mango. Resolution of these lesions was eventually achieved with continuing treatment. The patient denied any prior contact with mango skin but had experienced previous sensitizing reactions to mango flesh. Patch testing was strongly positive to mango skin and mango flesh. Skin‐prick testing was negative. This case describes a systemic contact dermatitis to mango flesh, an entity less common than allergic contact dermatitis.
Degos' disease with delayed involvement of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Subramaniam Kavitha , Debinski Henry , Heenan Peter 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYA 75‐year‐old woman presented with pink papules over the trunk and limbs. Over the next few weeks, the papules became umbilicated and then developed into porcelain‐white lesions with a rose or violaceous rim. A biopsy of one of these lesions revealed superficial and deep dermal lymphohistiocytic inflammation, mainly perivascular with a central zone of infarction consistent with Degos' disease. Three years later, she presented with increasing abdominal pain, anaemia, raised inflammatory markers and an abdominal bruit. Angiography showed splanchnic vessel stenosis possibly secondary to vasculitis and she underwent successful balloon dilatation. Treatment with prednisolone was commenced. There has been no recurrence of lesions in the 12 months since the balloon dilatation.
Late‐onset Epstein–Barr virus‐negative post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder presenting as ulcerated necrotic papules and nodules in a renal transplant patient
Authors: Tang Mark BY , Tan Eugene ST , Tan Suat Hoon 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYWe report a case of B‐cell post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder in a 57‐year‐old female 19 years postrenal transplant patient who presented with multiple, progressive, painful ulcerated necrotic papules and nodules over the left leg. Histopathological examination showed diffuse infiltration of the dermis by large atypical B‐lymphoid cells, with a negative in situ hybridization test for Epstein–Barr virus. Gastrointestinal involvement was evident by the presence of atypical lymphoid cells in the peritoneal fluid. She only had partial response to localized radiotherapy and intravenous rituximab and died 4 months later of septicaemia. Unusual features highlighted in this case include the very late onset of disease 19 years post‐transplant, Epstein–Barr virus negativity and the aggressive course of disease that did not respond to the reduction of immunosuppression, localized electron beam therapy and intravenous rituximab.
Filaggrin and the great epidermal barrier grief
Authors: McGrath John A 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYOne of the principal functions of human skin is to form an effective mechanical barrier against the external environment. This involves the maturation and death of epidermal keratinocytes as well as the assembly of a complex network of differentially and spatially expressed proteins, glycoproteins and lipids into the keratinocyte cell membrane and surrounding extracellular space. In 2006, the key role of the granular cell layer protein filaggrin (filament‐aggregating protein) in maintaining the skin barrier was determined with the identification of loss‐of‐function mutations in the profilaggrin gene (FLG). These mutations have been shown to be the cause of ichthyosis vulgaris and a major risk factor for the development of atopic dermatitis, asthma associated with atopic dermatitis as well as systemic allergies. Mutations in the FLG gene are extremely common, occurring in approximately 9% of individuals from European populations. The remarkable discovery of these widespread mutations is expected to have a major impact on the classification and management of many patients with ichthyosis and atopic disease. It is also hoped that the genetic discovery of FLG mutations will lead to the future development of more specific, non‐immunosuppressive treatments capable of restoring effective skin barrier function and alleviating or preventing disease in susceptible individuals.
A case of sexually induced episodic urticaria
Authors: Burkhart Craig G , Burkhart Craig N 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYA 33‐year‐old male experienced three episodes of urticaria precipitated by exposure to a hidden source of ampicillin. Each occurrence coincided temporally with his girlfriend taking ampicillin for a chest cold and/or allergies. We postulate that he was exposed to ampicillin in the body fluids of his sexual partner.