bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene Expression Profiling of Nasal Polyps Associated With Chronic Sinusitis and Aspirin‐Sensitive Asthma
Authors: Stankovic Konstantina M. , Goldsztein Hernan , Reh Douglas D. , Platt Michael P. , Metson Ralph 
Published: April 2008

AbstractObjective: To identify genes whose expression is most characteristic of chronic rhinosinusitis and aspirin‐sensitive asthma through genome‐wide transcriptional profiling of nasal polyp tissue.Study Design: Prospective, controlled study conducted at a tertiary care institution.Methods: Thirty genome‐wide expression microarrays were used to compare nasal polyp tissue from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis alone (CRS, n = 10) or chronic rhinosinusitis and a history of aspirin‐sensitive asthma (ASA, n = 10) to normal sinonasal mucosa from patients who underwent surgery for non‐sinus related conditions (controls, n = 10). Genes found to be most characteristic of each polyp phenotype, as determined from bioinformatic analyses, were validated using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunohistochemistry in different patient sets.Results: The transcriptional signature of the control mucosa was distinctly different from that of either polyp phenotype. Genes most characteristic of the CRS phenotype included two upregulated genes—met proto‐oncogene (MET) and protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit 9B (PPP1R9B)—and two downregulated genes— prolactin‐induced protein (PIP) and zinc alpha2‐glycoprotein (AZGP1). The gene most characteristic of the ASA phenotype was periostin (POSTN), which was upregulated relative to controls. Differences between the CRS and ASA phenotypes were associated with alterations in the 6p22, 22q13, and 1q23 chromosomal regions.Conclusions: Nasal polyps appear to have characteristic transcriptional signatures compared to normal sinonasal mucosa. The five genes identified in this study likely play roles in the pathogenesis of polyps associated with CRS and ASA, and are therefore attractive targets for novel medical therapies for these common debilitating diseases.
The effect of dilution on the in vitro erosive potential of a range of dilutable fruit drinks
Authors: HUNTER MARGARET L. , PATEL RAJIV , LOYN THERESA , MORGAN MARIA Z. , FAIRCHILD RUTH , REES JEREMY S. 
Published: April 2008

Background.  Only one previous study has investigated the effect which dilution has on the erosive potential of dilutable fruit drinks. Based solely on measurement of neutralizable acidity, the authors concluded that the erosive potential of diluting juices may be reduced substantially by the addition of water. This has not been verified in an in vitro enamel erosion model.Objective.  The aim of this study was to examine the effect of dilution on the erosive potential of five dilutable fruit drinks.Methods.  For each product, the erosive potential of three dilutions (1 : 3, 1 : 6 and 1 : 15) was assessed by measuring the initial pH and neutralizable acidity; in vitro enamel erosion was measured by profilometry following immersion for 1 h.Results.  For the majority of products, increasing dilution from 1 : 3 to 1 : 15 produced a statistically significant rise in initial pH, though they remained markedly acidic. Increasing the dilution factor consistently produced a statistically significant decrease in neutralizable acidity. Increasing the dilution factor from 1 : 3 to 1 : 15 produced a statistically significant reduction in in vitro enamel erosion in only three of the five products tested.Conclusions.  Increasing the dilution factor of dilutable fruit drinks within a range likely to be acceptable to the consumer may not effectively reduce their erosive potential.
Comparative phylogeography of codistributed species of ChileanLiolaemus(Squamata: Tropiduridae) from the central‐southern Andean range
Authors: VICTORIANO PEDRO F. , ORTIZ JUAN CARLOS , BENAVIDES EDGAR , ADAMS BYRON J. , SITES JR JACK W. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn this study, we used a recently developed supertrees method to test for shared phylogeographical signal in partially overlapping geographical ranges of lizards of the genusLiolaemusfrom the Andean Range in south‐central Chile. We reconstruct mtDNA gene trees for three partially codistributed species (Liolaemus tenuis, L. lemniscatusandL. pictus), and our sampling effort is sufficient to allow statistical tests of shared signal between the combinationsL. tenuis–L. pictus, andL. tenuis–L. lemniscatus. For both combinations, standardized maximum agreement subtrees scores showed statistically significant signal for shared pattern in regions of overlap, as evaluated by randomization tests (P < 0.001 and < 0.05, respectively). The matrix representation with parsimony tree obtained from the combination of the three different gene trees revealed concordant phylogeographical associations of all species, and was consistent with the geographical association of intraspecific haploclades with three Chilean bioclimatic zones. A multidimensional scaling analysis of several climate variables showed highly significant differences among these zones, which further suggests that they may have contributed to similar patterns of intraspecific divergence across all three species. In the mesomorphic zone in Central Chile, the speciesL. tenuisandL. lemniscatusmay have codiverged in response to shared orogenic vicariant events, which likely predominated over climatic events associated with cycles of glacial advance and retreat. In the hygromorphic zone in southern Chile, however, glacial cycles likely predominated in structuring the phylogeographical histories ofL. tenuisandL. pictus, although important ecological differences between these two caution against broad generalizations at this point.
CCD photometric and mass function study of nine young Large Magellanic Cloud star clusters
Authors: Kumar B. , Sagar R. , Melnick J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
We present a CCD photometric and mass function study of nine young Large Magellanic Cloud star clusters, namely NGC 1767, 1994, 2002, 2003, 2006, SL 538, NGC 2011, 2098 and 2136. BV RI data, reaching down to V∼ 21 mag, were collected from the 3.5-m NTT/EFOSC2 in subarcsec seeing conditions. For NGC 1767, 1994, 2002, 2003, 2011 and 2136, broad-band photometric CCD data are presented for the first time. Seven of the nine clusters have ages between 16 and 25 Myr, and the other two have ages of 32 ± 4 Myr (NGC 2098) and 90 ± 10 Myr (NGC 2136). For the seven youngest clusters, the age estimates based on a recent model and the integrated spectra are found to be systematically lower (∼10 Myr) than the present estimates. In the mass range ∼2–12 M⊙, the mass function slopes for eight out of nine clusters were found to be similar, with the value of γ ranging from −1.90 ± 0.16 to −2.28 ± 0.21. For NGC 1767 the slope is flatter, with γ=−1.23 ± 0.27. Mass segregation effects are observed for NGC 2002, 2006, 2136 and 2098. This is consistent with the findings of Kontizas and colleagues for NGC 2098. The presence of mass segregation in these clusters could be an imprint of the star formation process, as their ages are significantly smaller than their dynamical evolution time. The mean mass function slope of γ=−2.22 ± 0.16 derived for a sample of 25 young (≤100 Myr) dynamically unevolved Large Magellanic Cloud stellar systems provides support for the universality of the initial mass function in the intermediate-mass range ∼2–12 M⊙.
In vivo and in vitro cellular response to Schistosoma japonicum eggs in hosts with differing susceptibilities
Authors: HIRATA M. , KAGE M. , HABE S. , AGATSUMA T. , FUKUMA T. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY A comparative study of the cellular response to Schistosoma japonicum eggs was conducted in order to explore its significance, using hosts with differing susceptibilities to the parasite. In experimentally induced, synchronized hepatic granuloma formation, animal species formed each characteristic feature of the granulomas, and the magnitude of tissue reaction was significantly larger in highly susceptible hosts, such as mice and hamsters, while less susceptible hosts, such as rats and quails, formed smaller granulomas. Confluent neutrophils were seen within the tissue lesions for mice and hamsters, while rats and quails showed obviously scanty neutrophils. Guinea pigs failed to develop any granulomas. When splenic cells and bone marrow cells were used for in vitro granuloma formation, bone marrow cells showed markedly higher reactions than splenic cells from naive or sensitized animals and the reactivities of bone marrow cells from susceptible hosts, mice and hamsters, were clearly higher than those from rats, indicating similar results to those of in vivo granuloma formation. This study indicates that the in vivo and in vitro cellular response to S. japonicum eggs varies greatly according to the host's susceptibility, independent of whether the host is a naive or sensitized animal. Our results seem to support the concept that the parasites exploit the host immune system in order to complete their life‐span.
Function and expression of a human idiotypic network in Schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: WISNEWSKI ADAM V. , OLDS G. RICHARD , JOHNSON JOAN H. , RAMIREZ BERNADETTE , KRESINA THOMAS F. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThe cross‐reactive idiotype (Hu‐SJ‐CRIM) is defined by polyclonal human anti‐idiotypic antibodies derived from chronically S. japonicum infected patients. The present study shows that serum levels of Hu‐SJ‐CRIM expressed by antibodies to S. japonicum soluble egg antigen (SEA) are associated with acute infection and hepatosplenic disease. Xenogeneic anti‐idiotypic antisera (anti‐Hu‐SJ‐CRIM) suppressed human lymphocyte blastogenesis to SEA in vitro by 47–82% (P < 005). These anti‐idiotypic antibodies also suppressed in vitro granuloma formation induced by SEA coated beads in a dose dependent manner. This immunosuppression was antigen specific in that mitogen (PHA) or non‐related antigen (PPD) induced blastogenic responses were not suppressed. Surprisingly, anti‐idiotypic antibodies (anti‐SJ‐CRIM), which describe the mouse correlate CRIM were not suppressive in the human blastogenesis or in vitro granuloma formation assays. These data indicate a dichotomy in the function and specificity of the idiotype/anti‐idiotype human and murine immune networks in S. japonicum infection. Thus, only the patient derived molecules and serology form the basis for an immunoregulatory network in Schistosomiasis japonica.
Genetic control of immunity to Heligmosomoides polygyrus: presentation of promiscuous antigens to parasite‐specific T cell hybridomas
Authors: MASON STEPHANIE D. , GUSTAD THOMAS R. , DAVID CHELLA S. , ROBINSON MICHAEL 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY The role of MHC class II in the presentation of Heligmosomoides polygyrus antigens has been investigated, using a number of T cell hybridomas produced in A and E positive and negative mice. By using fixed and irradiated antigen presenting cells (APC), further evidence has emerged, to support earlier data, that there can be differential processing requirements during the presentation of H. polygyrus antigens by A and E molecules. In concordance with these earlier observations, this work provides further evidence that individual T cells can respond to antigen when presented by more than one MHC molecule. Previously, this evidence has been restricted to individual MHC molecules of the same haplotype, hut these data show that H. polygyrus produces antigens which can he presented by both syngeneic and allogeneic MHC molecules. These antigens do not appear to be synonymous with the previously described H. polygyrus superantigen, as presentation is restricted to specific MHC haplotypes. It is proposed that H. polygyrus may produce these antigenic molecules as part of its strategy to manipulate the host immune system.
Epiphytic bacteria on the Antarctic ice diatom Amphiprora kufferathii Manguin cleave hydrogen peroxide produced during algal photosynthesis
Authors: Hünken M. , Harder J. , Kirst G. O. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Antarctic ice diatom Amphiprora kufferathii Manguin is always accompanied by epiphytic bacteria in its natural habitat. To investigate the nature of this relationship, axenic cultures of A. kufferathii were obtained by ampicillin treatment. Diatom cultures without bacteria were less dense. The bacteria were shown to consume hydrogen peroxide produced by the diatom during photosysnthesis and algal photosynthesis after a hydrogen peroxide shock recovered faster in the presence of bacteria. Three proteobacterial strains isolated from a culture of A. kufferathii were phylogenetically affiliated with the alphaproteobacterial genus Sulfitobacter, the gammaproteobacterial genus Colwellia, and the genus Pibocella of the Bacteriodetes. Native protein gel electrophoresis and enzyme activity staining revealed the presence of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase in the isolated bacteria and in A. kufferathii cultures. Catalase was detected in bacterial extracts but not in axenic cultures of A. kufferathii. These observations indicate that the epiphytic bacteria make a significant contribution to the diatom’s antioxidative defences. The relationship between the bacteria and A. kufferathii seems to be beneficial for both partners and enhances growth of Amphiprora in the sea ice.
Conservation genetics of the endangered Iberian steppe plant Ferula loscosii (Apiaceae)
Authors: Pérez‐Collazos E. , Catalán P. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract Ferula loscosii (Lange) Willk (Apiaceae) is a threatened endemic species native to the Iberian Peninsula. The plant has a narrow and disjunct distribution in three regions, NE, C and SE Spain. Genetic variability within and among 11 populations from its natural distribution was assessed using allozymes. Intermediate levels of genetic diversity were detected in F. loscosii (P99% = 36.83; HE = 0.125; HT = 0.152). However, the highest genetic diversity (58%) corresponded to the threatened populations from SE and C Spain (HT = 0.169) rather than the more abundant and larger populations from NE Spain (Ebro valley) (HT = 0.122). Low to moderate levels of genetic structure were found among regional ranges (GST = 0.134), and several statistical spatial correlation analyses corroborated substantial genetic differentiation among the three main regional ranges. However, no significant genetic differentiation was found among the NE Spain populations, except for a northernmost population that is geographically isolated. Outcrossing mating and other biological traits of the species could account for the maintenance of the present values of genetic diversity within populations. The existence of an ancestral late Tertiary wider distribution of the species in SE and C Spain, followed by the maintenance of different Quaternary refugia in these warmer areas, together with a more recent and rapid post‐glacial expansion towards NE Spain, are arguments that could explain the low genetic variability and structure found in the Ebro valley and the higher levels of diversity in the southern Iberian populations.
Overexpression of the Arabidopsis thaliana EDS5 gene enhances resistance to viruses
Authors: Ishihara T. , Sekine K.‐T. , Hase S. , Kanayama Y. , Seo S. , Ohashi Y. , Kusano T. , Shibata D. , Shah J. , Takahashi H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Arabidopsis thaliana ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 5 gene (EDS5) is required for salicylic acid (SA) synthesis in pathogen‐challenged plants. SA and EDS5 have an important role in the Arabidopsis RCY1 gene‐conferred resistance against the yellow strain of Cucumber mosaic virus [CMV(Y)], a Bromoviridae, and HRT‐conferred resistance against the Tombusviridae, Turnip crinkle virus (TCV). EDS5 expression and SA accumulation are induced in response to CMV(Y) inoculation in the RCY1‐bearing ecotype C24. To further discern the involvement of EDS5 in Arabidopsis defence against viruses, we overexpressed the EDS5 transcript from the constitutively expressed Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S gene promoter in ecotype C24. In comparison to the non‐transgenic control, the basal level of salicylic acid (SA) was twofold higher in the 35S:EDS5 plant. Furthermore, viral spread and the size of the hypersensitive response associated necrotic local lesions (NLL) were more highly restricted in CMV(Y)‐inoculated 35S:EDS5 than in the non‐transgenic plant. The heightened restriction of CMV(Y) spread was paralleled by more rapid induction of the pathogenesis‐related gene, PR‐1, in the CMV(Y)‐inoculated 35S:EDS5 plant. The 35S:EDS5 plant also had heightened resistance to the virulent CMV strain, CMV(B2), and TCV. These results suggest that, in addition to R gene‐mediated gene‐for‐gene resistance, EDS5 is also important for basal resistance to viruses. However, while expression of the Pseudomonas putida nahG gene, which encodes the SA‐degrading salicylate hydroxylase, completely suppressed 35S:EDS5‐conferred resistance against CMV(Y) and TCV, it only partially compromised resistance against CMV(B2), indicating that SA‐dependent and ‐independent mechanisms are associated with 35S:EDS5‐conferred resistance against viruses.
Growth Analysis Using Classical and Curve‐Fitting Methods in Relation to Productivity in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum americanum L. Leeke)
Authors: Chanda S. V. , Joshi K. , Vaishnav P. P. , Singh Y. D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe factors controlling productivity (dry matter production) in a pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum L. Leeke) hybrid BJ‐104 and its inbred parents, J‐104 and 5141‐A, were investigated using the harvest interval and curve‐fitting methods. During initial stages, the hybrid showed highest total dry weight, leaf dry weight and leaf area, than the inbred lines. However, with age these differences decreased considerably. The male parent attained total dry weight almost equal to the hybrid by d 45, whereas the female parent attained it by d59.The derived growth parameters like RGR, LAR, LWR and SLA showed strong ontogenic decline. Further, considerable cultivar variations were also recorded. Importance of the growth parameters in determining productivity is discussed and it is emphasized that higher accumulation of dry matter during initial seedling stages may be an important factor.
Elongation Rate of Wheat Root Axes
Authors: Sharma R. B. , Ghildyal B. P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe elongation rate of seminal root axes for two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes (one gene dwarf Sonalika RR‐21 and three gene dwarf UP 301) grown in pots under three fluctuating soil water tension regimes of 0.3 to 0.8, 2.0 to 2.5 and 4.0 to 4.5 bars was measured throughout the growing period.Two distinct peaks were observed for both genotypes. The first peak of highest elongation rate (25.0 to 35.5 mm day−1) for both genotypes occurred during 22–28 days after planting which corresponds to the crown root initiation stage of the crop. The second lower peak (11.2 to 14.5 mm day−1) occurred during 49–60 days after planting for Sonalika RR‐21 but 60–72 days for UP 301. The time of occurrence of second peak corresponds to the stem elongation stage.The elongation rate of root axes differed significantly for different stages and genotypes but when considered over the whole growing season, soil water tension regimes showed no effect. Over a period of 72 days from planting, average elongation rate ranged from 11.3 to 12.7 mm day−1. The elongation rate of root axes bore no consistent relationship with either mean air or soil temperature at 5 and 15 cm depths that prevailed during crop growth period.
Factors enabling home death of the elderly in an institution specializing in home medical care: Analysis of apprehension of the bereaved family
Authors: Akiyama Akiko , Numata Kumiko , Mikami Hiroshi 
Published: April 2008

Aim:  To determine the factors enabling home death despite caregiver apprehension about home medical care.Methods:  This study was an anonymous mailed survey of bereaved family members (the caregiver) of patients who died in a home medical care setting provided by an institution specializing in home medical care in Japan (home death rate, ∼80%). We analyzed the relationships between caregiver apprehension about home medical care, overall satisfaction with home medical care and the place of death.Results:  Higher caregiver apprehension about home medical care and lower overall satisfaction with home medical care were significantly associated with dying in a hospital. In addition, the home death group with apprehension about home medical care significantly rated higher overall satisfaction with home medical care than the hospital death group. Meanwhile, there was no difference in the overall satisfaction with home medical care between those with or without apprehension about home medical care in the home death group. Factors influencing overall satisfaction with home medical care in the home death group with apprehension about home medical care were: (i) being free from pain or symptoms (partial regression coefficient: 0.83); and (ii) fulfilled medical care service system (partial regression coefficient: 0.40).Conclusion:  These results suggest that caregiver satisfaction with home medical care is an essential factor to enable home death of the patient despite the caregiver apprehension about home medical care.
Description of an orthopedic–geriatric model of care in Australia with 3 years data
Authors: Chong Carol , Christou Joanna , Fitzpatrick Kylie , Wee Rohan , Lim Wen Kwang 
Published: April 2008

Aim:  Orthopedic–geriatric units have been established worldwide to improve the care of older patients admitted with fractures. This study describes one type of orthopedic–geriatric model which has been implemented in Victoria, Australia, named the Orthopedic Aged Care and Rehabilitation Service (OARS) and evaluates patient characteristics and outcomes including inpatient mortality.Methods:  Eight hundred and thirty‐four consecutive admissions under OARS between May 2003 and May 2006 were analyzed.Results:  Mean age was 76.6 years, the majority of patients were female (73%) and had come from home (77%). Fractured neck of femur represented 51% of all fractures managed by OARS followed by lower limb fractures (20%) and upper limb fractures (13%). The majority of patients required inpatient rehabilitation (49% of patients overall and 61% specifically for fractured neck of femur). Inpatient mortality for all fractures was 2.5% and specifically 3.5% for fractured neck of femur.Conclusion:  The OARS model involves close liaison between orthopedic and geriatric teams and promotes a multidisciplinary approach. Mortality rate for fractured neck of femur was lower than the state average, suggesting that combined orthopedic–geriatric care can improve outcomes.