bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Approaches to achieve high‐level heterologous protein production in plants
Authors: Streatfield Stephen J. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryPlants offer an alternative to microbial fermentation and animal cell cultures for the production of recombinant proteins. For protein pharmaceuticals, plant systems are inherently safer than native and even recombinant animal sources. In addition, post‐translational modifications, such as glycosylation, which cannot be achieved with bacterial fermentation, can be accomplished using plants. The main advantage foreseen for plant systems is reduced production costs. Plants should have a particular advantage for proteins produced in bulk, such as industrial enzymes, for which product pricing is low. In addition, edible plant tissues are well suited to the expression of vaccine antigens and pharmaceuticals for oral delivery. Three approaches have been followed to express recombinant proteins in plants: expression from the plant nuclear genome; expression from the plastid genome; and expression from plant tissues carrying recombinant plant viral sequences. The most important factor in moving plant‐produced heterologous proteins from developmental research to commercial products is to ensure competitive production costs, and the best way to achieve this is to boost expression. Thus, considerable research effort has been made to increase the amount of recombinant protein produced in plants. This research includes molecular technologies to increase replication, to boost transcription, to direct transcription in tissues suited for protein accumulation, to stabilize transcripts, to optimize translation, to target proteins to subcellular locations optimal for their accumulation, and to engineer proteins to stabilize them. Other methods include plant breeding to increase transgene copy number and to utilize germplasm suited to protein accumulation. Large‐scale commercialization of plant‐produced recombinant proteins will require a combination of these technologies.
Use of intense pulsed light and a retinyl‐based cream as a potential treatment for cellulite: a pilot study
Authors: Fink Joshua S , Mermelstein Harold , Thomas Andrew , Trow Robert 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBackground  There are few therapeutic treatments established for cellulite.Objective  We studied the response of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment with or without a compounded prescription retinyl‐based cream on a small group of patients who had visible cellulite present on the buttocks and thigh regions.Patients and methods  Twenty patients were selected to complete a 12‐week course of IPL treatment either with or without a retinyl‐based cream. Assessment was based on visual evaluation, photographs, skin ultrasounds, and patient satisfaction.Results  Fifteen (75%) completed the study, and nine (60%) had a self‐improvement rating of ≥ 50%. Seven (78%) of nine patients used IPL/cream. Of the remaining six (40%) completing the study, four (27%) had self‐improvement ratings of 25–50% and two (13%; IPL only) were considered treatment failures with a rating of 10–25%. Both IPL/cream and IPL‐only groups exhibited an improvement in the smoothness of the affected area even following weight gain. Skin ultrasounds confirmed an increase in the deposition of collagen. During an 8‐month phone follow‐up, 8 (67%) of 12 responding reported the same or improved results.Conclusion  IPL treatment with or without a retinyl‐based cream can improve the appearance of peau d’orange cellulite, though the cream may augment cosmetic improvement. This approach is well tolerated, has minimal side effects, and is accompanied by a high degree of patient satisfaction.
Cosmetic use of polylactic acid for hand rejuvenation: report on 27 patients
Authors: Redaelli A 
Published: September 2006

SummaryObjective  Polylactic acid (PLA) is effectively used on the face. In the Author's opinion it can also be applied successfully to other body areas. The aim of the present retrospective study is to estimate the safety and results of this new technique in order to improve the hand skeletal status in old patients.Materials and methods  Twenty‐seven patients were treated in the period from January 2004 to April 2005 (a total of 109 sessions). Their age averaged 65.9 years. In all cases the hand treatment was associated with a face or neck treatment. 150 mg polylactic acid was diluted with 0.5 mL of 3% Carbocain and water for injectable preparations (from 5 to 8 mL). Intermetacarpal spaces were injected with this solution in dosages ranging from 2 to 4 mL with a particular and rigorous technique. The protocol, consisting of 3–6 consecutive sessions, is discussed below.Results  The results have been evaluated by a Definitive Graduated Score (DGS) based on the patient's and doctor's satisfaction scores (from 1 to 10) and by the photograph score. They have ranged from 4 to 9 (average of 6.55). No important side effects have been detected. There has been one case of fine unnoticeable nodulations. In six cases the result has not been satisfactory. In seven cases the DGS was higher than 8.Conclusion  The fibro‐connectival restoration of hands is an important step in the global aesthetic treatment of old patients. This technique can give good results, particularly if associated with peelings and sclerotherapy. Side effects have been acceptable.
A Question of Rites? Perspectives on the Colonial Encounter with Sati
Authors: Major Andrea 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAlthough a rare occurrence, sati has become a highly controversial issue in modern India. In the wake of the now notorious burning of Roop Kanwar in 1987, sati and its glorification became a terrain on which wider issues about religion, identity, modernity and tradition were contested. In this debate both supporters and opponents of sati invoked the rhetoric of ‘rights’. It is generally agreed that such terms in the contemporary debate have their roots in the colonial period; some supporters of sati go as far as to argue that those who condemn sati as a violation of women's rights are adopting a ‘Western’ perspective without appreciating sati's ‘true’ social, religious and cultural significance. In doing so, however, they assume a homogenous and consistent colonial condemnation of sati. New perspectives suggest, however, that the British response to sati was more multifaceted than this allows and the link between colonial discourses and modern protagonists more complex.
Violence and Vulnerability in East Africa before 1800 CE: An Agenda for Research
Authors: Schoenbrun David 
Published: September 2006

AbstractLittle is known about the history of violence and vulnerability in east Africa before 1800 CE despite its obvious importance to virtually any larger theme in the region's history. This essay suggests that although the fraught moral valences of violence and vulnerability – especially with respect to their importance in modern African history – may explain this state of affairs, historians must meet the challenge of studying the earlier histories of violence and vulnerability as part of a full‐fleshed sense of the African past. With a focus on east Africa before the nineteenth century, the essay considers some of the particular transitions which a regional history of violence and vulnerability might cause us to rethink. It closes with a broad definition of violence crafted in the light of the value of a long‐term regional history of such fraught categories.
Searching for Autism Symptomatology in Children with Epilepsy—A New Approach to an Established Comorbidity
Authors: Malow Beth A. 
Published: September 2006

The Prevalence of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Children Surveyed in a Tertiary Care Epilepsy Clinic Clarke DF, Roberts W, Daraksan M, Dupuis A, McCabe J, Wood H, Snead OC 3rd, Weiss SK Epilepsia 2005;46:1970–1977. It is well documented that children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) have an increased prevalence of seizures; however, studies have not been done to evaluate the prevalence of ASD in children with epilepsy. This comorbidity is important to define as early diagnosis and intervention in some children with ASD has been shown to improve outcome. Method Children with epilepsy seen in a tertiary care epilepsy clinic were evaluated using validated autism screening questionnaires (ASQ). In addition, questions about sleep-related disorders, behavior, seizure characteristics, antiepileptic agents, and body mass index (BMI) were requested. An attempt was then made to determine if there was a correlation between the factors identified and ASD. Results Of the 107 questionnaires returned, 97 ASQs were properly completed and used in this study. Approximately 32% of children fit the ASQ criteria for having ASD. Most children had not been previously diagnosed. Worst behavior and daytime sleepiness was seen in those at greater risk ( p < 0.01). Seizures also occurred earlier (approximately 2 years) in children at risk of having ASD. Conclusion Though confirmatory diagnostic evaluations are needed, this questionnaire-based study suggests that children with epilepsy are at greater risk of having ASD, and illustrates the need for more clinical vigilance. Behavioral difficulties and daytime sleepiness identified in these children could potentially affect their ability to learn. It is of interest that the age of seizure onset identified in those at greater risk corresponds with the approximate age of regression identified in some children with ASD.
Medical Intractability and Imaging: Can MRI Predict the Future?
Authors: Garcia Paul 
Published: September 2006

MRI Evidence of Mesial Temporal Sclerosis in Sporadic “Benign” Temporal Lobe EpilepsyLabate A, Ventura P, Gambardella A, Le Piane E, Colosimo E, Leggio U, Ambrosio R, Condino F, Messina D, Lanza P, Aguglia U, Quattrone ANeurology 2006;66:562–565.ObjectiveTo determine whether there is MRI-detectable mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) in patients with sporadic benign temporal lobe epilepsy (BTLE).MethodsBrain MRIs were obtained from 101 consecutive, unrelated patients (51 women; mean age 37.3 ± 17.5 years; range 10–83 years) with BTLE, who reported rarely or never having had seizures at the time of long-term (>2 years) follow-up. The mean age at seizure onset was 22.3 ± 17.4 years; the mean duration of epilepsy was 16.4 ± 14.1 years. MRI diagnosis of MTS was based on the occurrence of hippocampal formation atrophy on T1 slices, an increased mesial temporal signal intensity alteration on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) or T2 images, or both.ResultsThirty-nine of 101 patients (38.6%) had MRI evidence of unilateral MTS (19/39 left MTS, 20/39 right MTS), which correlated with the epileptiform activity. Hyperintense FLAIR and T2 signal with or without atrophy was observed in 24 of 39 individuals. There was no difference between patients with or without MRI-detected MTS in age at onset and duration of epilepsy. Family history of epilepsy or febrile convulsions (FCs) was more frequent in patients with MRI-detected MTS (36%) as compared with patients with normal MRI (22.7%), but the difference was not significant. Antecedent FCs were more frequent ( p = 0.03) in patients with MRI-detected MTS (9/39; 23%) vs those with normal MRI (5/62; 8%).ConclusionsMRI-detected mesial temporal sclerosis is often encountered in patients with sporadic benign temporal lobe epilepsy.
Splitting hairs: the ‘hamburger sign’ in trichotillomania
Authors: Royer Michael C. , Sperling Leonard C. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  A 43‐year‐old male presented with the clinical findings of patchy alopecia that contained persistent hair and re‐growth of hairs of various lengths, consistent with trichotillomania. A biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis..Results:  Histologic evaluation revealed findings consistent with trichotillomania, including trichomalacia. Several hair shafts also showed a vertically oriented split, which contained proteinaceous material and erythrocytes. Morphologically, these were reminiscent of a hamburger within a bun.Conclusions:  The unusual finding reported in this case has not been previously reported. The “hamburger bun sign” provides an additional clue to traumatic injury in the evaluation of biopsies for trichotillomania.
Fli‐1 expression in mycosis fungoides*
Authors: Quick C. Matthew , Smoller Bruce R. , Hiatt Kim M. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  The Fli‐1 transcription factor functions in cellular proliferation and tumorigenesis. Its role in various neoplasms and its presence in lymphocytes suggest a link between Fli‐1 dysregulation and the pathogenesis of mycosis fungoides (MF). In this study, we further elucidate this possible link.Methods:  Sections from archived specimens were stained using a polyclonal antibody against Fli‐1. The percentage of nuclei showing Fli‐1 expression was recorded. These were compared with reactive dermatoses.Results:  All of the tumor stage lesions showed high levels of nuclear Fli‐1 expression. Of plaque stage lesions, six of 12 (50%) showed the same intensity, while the remaining six of 12 varied significantly in their Fli‐1 expression. The few patch stage lesions also showed varied expression.Conclusion:  This study shows diffuse nuclear expression of Fli‐1 in all tumor stage MF, whereas expression of this transcription factor varied widely in the early, epidermotropic stages. Although the numbers are too small to draw statistical significance, this study demonstrates an association between increased expression of Fli‐1 and progression to tumor stage MF that merits further investigation. Additionally, the mixed expression of Fli‐1 in the epidermotropic stages suggests that the role of Fli‐1 in MF is related to neoplasia and not epidermotropism.
Evaluation of the antifungal effects of mineral trioxide aggregate materials
Authors: Mohammadi Zahed , Modaresi Jalil , Yazdizadeh Mohammad 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antifungal effect of white‐coloured mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) and grey mineral trioxide aggregate (GMTA) using a tube‐dilution test. MTA preparations were freshly mixed and tested after 24 h on Candida albicans. The experiment was carried out in 24‐well culture plates. Fifty wells were used and divided into four experimental groups (freshly mixed WMTA, freshly mixed GMTA, 24 h‐set WMTA and 24 h‐set GMTA) of 10 wells each and control groups of five wells each. Plates of Sabouraud dextrose agar mixed with C. albicans served as positive control, and Sabouraud dextrose agar without C. albicans served as negative control. Fresh inoculate of C. albicans was prepared by growing an overnight culture from a stock culture. Aliquots of C. albicans were then taken from the stock culture and plated on the agar compound of the experimental and control groups. All plates were incubated at 37°C for 1, 24 and 72 h. Growth of fungi was monitored daily by the presence of turbidity. Results showed that in the freshly mixed as well as 24 h‐set MTA cements fungal growth was observed during 1‐h incubation, whereas by increasing the incubation time, no fungal growth was observed in 24 and 72 h. It was concluded that MTA cements (freshly mixed and 24‐h set) were effective against C. albicans.
The Philosophy of Religion: A Programmatic Overview
Authors: Bishop John 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIt is argued that philosophy of religion should focus not only on the epistemic justifiability of holding religious beliefs but also on the moral justifiability of commitment to their truth in practical reasoning. If the truth of classical theism may turn out to be evidentially ambiguous, then pressure is placed on the moral evidentialist assumption that one is morally justified in taking a theistic truth‐claim to be true only if one's total evidence sufficiently supports its truth. After investigating some contemporary attempts to retain evidentialism in the face of ambiguity, a modest fideism is proposed which may serve both to ground an important ‘political turn’ in contemporary philosophy of religion and to prompt re‐examination of dominant assumptions about the content of core theistic beliefs.
Induction of parturition in dairy cattle and its effects on health and subsequent lactation and reproductive performance
Authors: MANSELL PD , CAMERON AR , TAYLOR DP , MALMO J 
Published: September 2006

Objective   To determine the effect of induction of parturition on health, milk production and reproductive performance of dairy cows.Design   A prospective cohort study in 62 dairy herds.Procedure   Health, milk production and fertility indices were documented for 1449 dairy cows treated with dexamethasone trimethylacetate, with or without prostaglandin to induce calving. Equivalent data was collected for 603 untreated herd mates that calved at approximately the same time.Results   The median interval from initial treatment to calving was 11 days. Induction was associated with a substantially lower calf survival and commercial value of surviving calves. Calf viability and value was lower when induced cows were at an earlier stage of pregnancy. Retained foetal membranes, photosensitisation and other problems were significantly more frequent in the induced group compared to the untreated group. Milk production of induced cows was approximately 4% lower than untreated ones, but the majority of reproductive indices were not significantly different between the two groups.Conclusions   The practice of induction of parturition in seasonal calving dairy herds is a reliable way of shortening the gestation period of cows. Costs associated with morbidity and mortality of induced cows and losses in lactation and calf production are offset by benefits of improved reproductive performance and more efficient management of the herd. The welfare aspects of induction on calf survival must be considered.
Haloalkane Dehalogenase LinB Is Responsible for β- and δ-Hexachlorocyclohexane Transformation inSphingobium indicumB90A
Authors: Sharma Poonam , Raina Vishakha , Kumari Rekha , Malhotra Shweta , Dogra Charu , Kumari Hansi , Kohler Hans-Peter E. , Buser Hans-Rudolf , Holliger Christof , Lal Rup 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTIncubation of resting cells ofSphingobium indicumB90A,Sphingobium japonicumUT26, andSphingobium francenseSp+ showed that they were able to transform β- and δ-hexachlorocyclohexane (β- and δ-HCH, respectively), the most recalcitrant hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, to pentachlorocyclohexanols, but only resting cells of strain B90A could further transform the pentachlorocyclohexanol intermediates to the corresponding tetrachlorocyclohexanediols. Moreover, experiments with resting cells ofEscherichia coliexpressing the LinB proteins of strains B90A, UT26, and Sp+ indicated that LinB was responsible for these transformations. Purified LinB proteins from all three strains also effected the formation of the respective pentachlorocyclohexanols. Although the three LinB enzymes differ only marginally with respect to amino acid sequence, they showed interesting differences with respect to substrate specificity. When LinB from strain B90A was incubated with β- and δ-HCH, the pentachlorocyclohexanol products were further transformed and eventually disappeared from the incubation mixtures. In contrast, the LinB proteins from strains UT26 and Sp+ could not catalyze transformation of the pentachlorocyclohexanols, and these products accumulated in the incubation mixture. A mutant of strain Sp+ lackinglinAandlinBdid not degrade any of the HCH isomers, including β-HCH, and complementation of this mutant bylinBfrom strain B90A restored the ability to degrade β- and δ-HCH.
Identification, Typing, and Insecticidal Activity of
Xenorhabdus
Isolates from Entomopathogenic Nematodes in United Kingdom Soil and Characterization of the
xpt
Toxin Loci
Authors: Sergeant Martin , Baxter Laura , Jarrett Paul , Shaw Eve , Ousley Margaret , Winstanley Craig , Morgan J. Alun W. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

Xenorhabdus
strains from entomopathogenic nematodes isolated from United Kingdom soils by using the insect bait entrapment method were characterized by partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, four housekeeping genes (
asd
,
ompR
,
recA
, and
serC
) and the flagellin gene (
fliC
). Most strains (191/197) were found to have genes with greatest similarity to those of
Xenorhabdus bovienii
, and the remaining six strains had genes most similar to those of
Xenorhabdus nematophila
. Generally, 16S rRNA sequences and the sequence types based on housekeeping genes were in agreement, with a few notable exceptions. Statistical analysis implied that recombination had occurred at the
serC
locus and that moderate amounts of interallele recombination had also taken place. Surprisingly, the
fliC
locus contained a highly variable central region, even though insects lack an adaptive immune response, which is thought to drive flagellar variation in pathogens of higher organisms. All the
X. nematophila
strains exhibited a consistent pattern of insecticidal activity, and all contained the insecticidal toxin genes
xptA1A2B1C1
, which were present on a pathogenicity island (PAI). The PAIs were similar among the
X. nematophila
strains, except for partial deletions of a peptide synthetase gene and the presence of insertion sequences. Comparison of the PAI locus with that of
X. bovienii
suggested that the PAI integrated into the genome first and then acquired the
xpt
genes. The independent mobility of
xpt
genes was further supported by the presence of
xpt
genes in
X. bovienii
strain I73 on a type 2 transposon structure and by the variable patterns of insecticidal activity in
X. bovienii
isolates, even among closely related strains.
Genetic Distinctions among Clinical and Environmental Strains of
Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Chatzidaki-Livanis Maria , Hubbard Michael A. , Gordon Katrina , Harwood Valerie J. , Wright Anita C. 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT

Vibrio vulnificus
causes rare but frequently fatal septicemia associated with raw oyster consumption by persons with underlying hepatic or immune system dysfunction. The virulence potential of environmental reservoirs appears widely distributed, because most strains are virulent in animal models; however, several investigations recently demonstrated genetic divergence among strains from clinical versus environmental origin at independent genetic loci. The present study used PCR to screen DNA polymorphisms in strains from environmental (
n
= 35) or clinical (
n
= 33) sources, and genomic relationships were determined by repetitive extragenic palindromic DNA PCR (rep-PCR) typing. Significant (
P
< 0.01) association was observed for typical “clinical” or “environmental” polymorphism profiles based on strain origin. Most oyster isolates (88%), including all of those with the “environmental” profile, also formed a single rep-PCR genogroup. Clinical isolates within this group did not have the typical “clinical” profile. On the other hand, clinical isolates with the typical polymorphism profile were distributed among multiple rep-PCR genogroups, demonstrating greater genetic diversity than was evident by profiling genetic polymorphisms. Wound isolates were genetically distinct from typical blood isolates by all assays. Strains from an outbreak of wound infections in Israel (biotype 3) were closely related to several U.S. strains by rep-PCR, indicating potential reservoirs of emerging disease. Strains genetically related to blood isolates appeared to be relatively rare in oysters, as only one had the “clinical” polymorphism profile or clustered by rep-PCR. However, this study was not an extensive survey, and more sampling using rep-PCR for sensitive genetic discrimination is needed to determine the virulence potential of environmental reservoirs.