bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Localization of Nucleic Acid Synthesis in Root Meristems
Authors: CLOWES F. A. L. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Adenine-8-C114 was supplied to roots of Vicia faba and Allium ascalonicum and its incorporation into DNA was studied from autoradiographs of hydrolysed sections. These roots have a quiescent centre to the meristem where the cells do not synthesize DNA and probably, therefore, play no part in the construction of the root. The boundary between the quiescent centre and the central cap initials is clearly defined and this suggests that there is as little cell interchange between the histogens as there is in roots with visibly discrete histogens.
Lower Eyelid Splinting: An Alternative to the Frost Suture
Authors: Jothi Sumana , Moe Kris S. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjectives: To describe a new method of postoperative eyelid suspension used for the prevention of eyelid malposition and to report its efficacy through an outcome study.Study Design: An outcome study was performed on 10 patients who would potentially need postoperative eyelid suspension. Candidates included patients with entropion, ectropion, or orbital fractures requiring transconjunctival approaches. Patients were photographed pre‐ and postoperatively and followed for signs of eyelid malposition.Methods: At the conclusion of the surgical procedure, a sheet of Xeroform gauze was folded into 6 overlapping layers and cut to conform to the shape of the inferior orbital rim. The superior edge of the gauze was sutured to the lower eyelid using interrupted 5‐0 nylon suture. Sutures were placed at the medial and lateral canthi to raise the eyelid above the inferior limbus and along the inferior orbital rim. The splint was removed between postoperative days 7 and 14.Results: There were no perioperative complications related to the surgery or placement of the splint. No cutaneous marks persisted after healing. No complications such as shifting of the splint, ocular damage, or recurrent eyelid malposition occurred. One patient had asymptomatic restriction of lower eyelid elevation on upward gaze, which resolved at 6 months.Conclusions: The lower eyelid splint appears effective in maintaining lower eyelid position postoperatively. There were no complications with its use, and the splint was tolerated well. Benefits of the splint over the Frost suture include less risk of corneal abrasion, ability to check visual function, and ability to use the splint bilaterally.
Use of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis and Anthropometry to Measure Fat‐free Mass in Children and Adolescents With Crohn Disease
Authors: Dung Nguyen Quang , Fusch Gerhard , Armbrust Sven , Jochum Frank , Fusch Christoph 
Published: January 2007

ABSTRACTObjectives:To investigate the precision of published prediction equations for fat‐free mass (FFM) from bioimpedance measurements in children with Crohn disease using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) as an in vivo gold standard.Methods:Fat‐free mass of 49 white boys and girls ages 7.3 to 16.9 y suffering from Crohn disease was measured by DXA. Body weight, height and bioimpedance measurements were also collected. FFM measured by DXA (FFMDXA) was compared with FFM predicted by the only 5 published prediction equations available for children and adolescents. An equation was developed for predicting FFM and was validated using a bootstrap method.Results:When correlating predicted FFM with FFMDXA, Schaefer's equation showed the highest R2 (0.950), the smallest standard error of estimate (SEE) (2.05 kg) and the smallest percentage error (0.28%). Our prediction equation for estimating FFM was FFM = 0.652 Ht2/Z + 0.0385 Wt + 0.586 Age − 0.327, R2 = 0.951, SEE = 2.08, P < 0.0005, where Ht2/Z is the impedance index in cm2/Ω, Wt is body weight in kilograms, age is in years. R2 value from bootstrap method was 0.950 ± 0.01 (95% confidence interval 0.927–0.968), indicating an acceptable validation of the derived formula.Conclusions:The formula of Schaefer is the best for predicting FFM. The present study provides a new prediction equation for estimating FFM in children with Crohn disease that may be used in clinical settings in which more sophisticated body composition measuring equipments are not available.
Magnetic counter‐gravity flow separation of electrically prepolarised lymphoid cells
Authors: Popa C. , Su B. , Vadgama P. , Cotter F. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryA novel principle is proposed for a differential separation of live cells (such as leucocytes) from a main flow. A microfluidic device with planar insulated electrodes as the side walls of the channel was manufactured and tested. An array of insulated vertical conductor wires was inserted along the axis of the channel and used to impose Lorentz forces upon polarisable particles that moved with the flow. Polystyrene microspheres and lymphoid cell lines (DOHH2 and K562) were used to test the ability of the setting to impose a force field that induced consistent vertical motion. The direction of electric current was found to directly influence the number of cells or microspheres that were sampled at the surface of the flow. Lorentz force was considered to be active upon cells due to an overall polarisation of the membrane surface. The consequence of the magnetic force was that the polarised cells were moved vertically upwards (opposing gravity). The setting was effective for increasing the number of extracted cells from a main flow or for increasing the concentration of DOHH2 cells in a mixed population with K562 in culture medium. The limitations of the work parameters (potential–current) were found to be dependent upon the cell type.
Biomolecular characterisation of leucocytes by infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Kan‐Zhi , Xu Minqi , Scott David A. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryOver the last 15 years, infrared (IR) spectroscopy has developed into a novel and powerful biomedical tool that has multiple applications in the field of haematology. By revealing subtle alterations in both the conformation and concentration of key macromolecules, such as DNA, protein and lipids, IR spectroscopy has been employed to investigate multiple aspects of leucocyte physiology. IR spectroscopy has been used, for example, to diagnose and prognose leukaemia; to characterise differentiation and apoptotic processes; to predict drug sensitivity and resistance in leukaemic patients undergoing chemotherapy; to monitor the response of leucocytes to chemotherapy and to perform human leucocyte antigen matching for bone marrow transplant patients. Such studies have provided insight into pathogenic mechanisms underlying specific leucocyte disorders, especially leukaemia. While it is likely to be some considerable time before IR spectroscopy is sufficiently developed to displace the established technologies, IR spectroscopy has the potential to become a valuable analytic tool in basic and clinical haematology.
Novel risk factors for hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia: a matched case–control study
Authors: Beukhof Carolien M. , Hoorn Ewout J. , Lindemans Jan , Zietse Robert 
Published: January 2007

SummaryBackground  Hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia is a common and potentially serious condition. Risk factors for hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia have not been studied in a controlled fashion.Methods  From 1501 patients in whom serum sodium (SNa) was determined, 50 cases with hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia (in‐hospital decrease in SNa≥ 7 mmol/l to < 136 mmol/l) were identified. They were matched by age, gender and department to 69 normonatraemic controls.Results  In the 50 cases, SNa fell from 141 ± 2 to 130 ± 4 mmol/l, while controls remained normonatraemic. During the development of hyponatraemia, C‐reactive protein (CRP) increased in cases (median from 23 to 146 mg/l), whereas it decreased in controls (median from 31 to 24 mg/l, P = 0·008). Additional factors associated with hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia included diabetes mellitus (16/50 vs. 10/69, P = 0·009) and the use of insulin (12/50 vs. 4/69, P = 0·007), antibiotics (41/50 vs. 38/69, P = 0·006) and opioids (32/50 vs. 27/69, P = 0·005). Multivariate conditional logistic regression showed that the use of insulin [odds ratio (OR) 10·5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·5–72·4], antibiotics (OR 4·5, 95% CI 1·4–14·6) and opioids (OR 2·9, 95% CI 1·1–7·8) was also independently associated with hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia. Mortality (6/50 vs. 1/69, P = 0·04) and intensive care admission (15/50 vs. 7/69, P = 0·008) were higher in cases.Conclusions  An increase in CRP and the use of insulin, antibiotics and opioids are novel risk factors for hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia. These factors represent interesting new clues regarding the pathophysiology of hospital‐acquired hyponatraemia, suggesting that the acute‐phase response, pain and/or direct drug effects could be involved in the release of antidiuretic hormone.
A randomized controlled trial of the diagnostic accuracy of internet‐based telepathology compared with conventional microscopy
Authors: Furness P 
Published: January 2007

Aims:  To compare the diagnostic accuracy of internet‐based virtual microscopy with conventional light microscopy, in the context of renal biopsies assessed by participants in the UK National Renal Pathology External Quality Assessment (EQA) Scheme.Methods and results:  ‘Virtual slides’ of current EQA cases were made available over the internet to participants in the scheme. The approach permitted what may reasonably be described as a randomized controlled trial of the diagnostic accuracy of this mode of telepathology, in the context of renal pathology. No significant difference in diagnostic accuracy could be detected between the diagnoses proffered on the basis of virtual slides and conventional slides; but using virtual slides took pathologists considerably longer.Conclusions:  This result provides some encouragement for the implementation of such virtual slide‐based telepathology systems. However, in failing to detect a difference, equivalence of diagnostic accuracy has not been proved; nor has the relevance of this result to other fields of histopathology been demonstrated. A decision to implement a diagnostic telepathology system requires consideration of numerous factors beyond diagnostic accuracy, including financial, legal, professional and ethical issues.
Chromosomal imbalances and NF2 mutational analysis in a series of 10 spinal nerve sheath myxomas
Authors: Rickert C H , Schwering E‐M , Siebers J , Hartmann C , Von Deimling A , Paulus W 
Published: January 2007

Aims:  To report the demographic, clinical and molecular profile of a series of intraspinal nerve sheath myxomas. Nerve sheath myxomas are diagnostically challenging, mainly cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms exhibiting Schwann cell differentiation. They are frequently mistaken for neurothekeomas and their genetic features are essentially unknown.Methods and results:  Ten spinal nerve sheath myxomas with a preferential location in the lumbar spine (70%) were investigated. Presenting symptoms consisted of sciatic pain (100%), muscle weakness and paraesthesia (60% each). Intraoperatively, all tumours were attached to a spinal nerve. Chromosomal imbalances by comparative genomic hybridization were found in 8/10 cases, consisting of −22q (80%) and −19 (30%). Polymerase chain reaction analysis of the NF2 gene (exons 1–16) revealed two tumours with mutations in exon 8 and 14, respectively.Conclusions:  Although these 10 nerve sheath myxomas exhibited Schwann cell differentiation and frequently showed loss of chromosome 22q typically encountered in peripheral nerve tumours, only two cases demonstrated mutations of the NF2 gene. This may indicate involvement of other tumour suppressor genes on 22q in nerve sheath myxomas and shows that they are more closely related at the molecular level to sporadic schwannomas, underscoring the presumption that they are true nerve sheath tumours.
A highly conserved MAPK‐docking site in Mst7 is essential for Pmk1 activation in Magnaporthe grisea
Authors: Zhao Xinhua , Xu Jin‐Rong 
Published: January 2007

SummaryIn Magnaporthe grisea, the MST11‐MST7‐PMK1 MAP kinase (MAPK) cascade is essential for appressorium formation and plant infection. Although expressing a dominant active MST7 allele results in Pmk1 activation in the absence of Mst11 and improper regulation of appressorium formation, the direct interaction between Mst7 and Pmk1 is not observed in yeast two‐hybrid assays. Thus, it is not clear how Mst7 transmits the upstream signals to Pmk1. Like its homologues from other ascomycetes, Mst7 contains a putative MAPK‐docking site (12–20) at its N‐terminus. Deletion of this MAPK‐docking site had no obvious effect on the expression of MST7 but blocked appressorium formation and plant infection. The kinase activity of Mst7 was not affected by the docking site deletion but Mst7Δ12−20 failed to activate Pmk1. Mutations in the putative docking region of Pmk1 also abolished appressorium formation. In both co‐immunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays, the direct interaction between Mst7 and Pmk1 was detected only during appressorium formation. Deletion of the MAPK‐docking site of Mst7 eliminated the Mst7–Pmk1 interaction in M. grisea. These data indicate that the MAPK‐docking site of Mst7 is essential for its association and activation of downstream Pmk1, and the Mst7–Pmk1 interaction is enhanced or stabilized during appressorium formation.
Sedimentation in shallow to deep water carbonate environments across a sequence boundary: effects of a fall in sea‐level on the evolution of a carbonate system (Ladinian‐Carnian, eastern Lombardy, Italy)
Authors: BERRA FABRIZIO 
Published: January 2007

AbstractIn the Concarena‐Pizzo Camino Massif (Lombardy Basin, Southern Alps, Italy) the lateral transition from Ladinian‐Carnian carbonate platforms to coeval intraplatform basins is preserved. The succession records the sedimentological evidence of a sea‐level fall on a flat‐topped platform with a narrow marginal reef rim and its effects in the adjacent deeper‐water basin. Repeated high‐frequency exposures of the platform top are recorded by a peritidal–supratidal succession that overlies subtidal inner platform facies of the former highstand system tract (HST). On the slope and in the basin, the sea‐level fall is recorded by a few metre thick succession of bioclastic packstones. These facies directly lie on coarse clinostratified breccia bodies (slope facies of the former HST) or on resedimented, well‐bedded, dark laminated limestones (basinal facies of the HST). This facies distribution indicates that during the sea‐level fall carbonate production on the platform top decreased rapidly and that sedimentation in the basin was mainly represented by condensed facies. Microfacies record an enrichment, during low stand, in pelagic biota (packstones with radiolarians and spiculae), whereas the occurrence of platform‐derived, shallow‐water materials is limited to thin lenses of reworked and micritized Fe‐rich oolites and bioclasts (mainly pelecypods and echinoderms). The facies association in the Concarena‐Pizzo Camino Massif demonstrates that a highly‐productive carbonate factory was almost completely turned off during the emergence of the platform top at a sequence boundary, leading to low‐stand starvation in the basin. The reconstruction of the stratigraphic evolution of the Concarena‐Pizzo Camino carbonate platform therefore represents a significant case history for the study of the behaviour of ancient carbonate systems during a fall in sea‐level, independent of its origin (eustatic or tectonic).
Blepharophimosis–ptosis–epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES)
Authors: Leon‐Mateos Alvaro , Ginarte Manuel , Ruiz‐Ponte Clara , Carracedo Angel , Toribio Jaime 
Published: January 2007

Blepharophimosis–ptosis–epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES) is a rare inherited condition that includes characteristic eyelid malformations and sometimes reduced fertility in females. Genetic studies have implicated mutations in the forkhead transcription factor FOXL2 as responsible for BPES.We report a female and her father with BPES type I, who presented the 1092–1108dup17 mutation in the FOXL2 gene. Molecular studies and the typical clinical features of BPES should allow the dermatologist to reach an early diagnosis and permit the treatment of eyelid alterations and the investigation of infertility.
Treatment of lipomas assisted with tumescent liposuction
Authors: Choi CW , Kim BJ , Moon SE , Youn SW , Park KC , Huh CH 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground  Lipoma is a common soft‐tissue tumour of mature fat cells. Although surgical excision is effective, treatments that are less invasive and not associated with disfigurement of scar would be ideal for the treatment of lipomas. Recently, tumescent liposuction has been used for the treatment of lipomas.Objective  To evaluate the efficacy of tumescent liposuction in lipoma treatment, we reviewed our experience of lipoma treatment by tumescent liposuction.Methods  A total of 21 patients presenting with 31 lipomas were treated with tumescent liposuction. After liposuction, remaining stromas were removed by a haemostat through the small incision. Tumour size and post‐operative complications were recorded before and after treatment.Results  A total of 31 lipomas of 21 patients were treated by tumescent liposuction. The size of lipomas ranged between 1.2 and 11 cm (mean size, 4.1 cm). In 23 cases, there were no complications. However, remnant lipomas, bruise, haematoma and immediate dimpling were found as complications.Conclusion  Tumescent liposuctions with extracting remnant fat tissue and fibrous tissue through the opening for liposuction can be an effective treatment technique in lipoma treatment in the efficacy and cosmetic outcomes and this method can be a substitute for excision in treating large lipomas.
The CB2 cannabinoid agonist AM‐1241 prolongs survival in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis when initiated at symptom onset
Authors: Shoemaker Jennifer L. , Seely Kathryn A. , Reed Ronald L. , Crow John P. , Prather Paul L. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor neuron loss, paralysis and death within 2–5 years of diagnosis. Currently, no effective pharmacological agents exist for the treatment of this devastating disease. Neuroinflammation may accelerate the progression of ALS. Cannabinoids produce anti‐inflammatory actions via cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), and delay the progression of neuroinflammatory diseases. Additionally, CB2 receptors, which normally exist primarily in the periphery, are dramatically up‐regulated in inflamed neural tissues associated with CNS disorders. In G93A‐SOD1 mutant mice, the most well‐characterized animal model of ALS, endogenous cannabinoids are elevated in spinal cords of symptomatic mice. Furthermore, treatment with non‐selective cannabinoid partial agonists prior to, or upon, symptom appearance minimally delays disease onset and prolongs survival through undefined mechanisms. We demonstrate that mRNA, receptor binding and function of CB2, but not CB1, receptors are dramatically and selectively up‐regulated in spinal cords of G93A‐SOD1 mice in a temporal pattern paralleling disease progression. More importantly, daily injections of the selective CB2 agonist AM‐1241, initiated at symptom onset, increase the survival interval after disease onset by 56%. Therefore, CB2 agonists may slow motor neuron degeneration and preserve motor function, and represent a novel therapeutic modality for treatment of ALS.
Environmental Agencies' Funding Sources Should Follow Their Diverse Business Models
Authors: O'Hare Michael 
Published: January 2007

Environmental agencies provide a variety of regulatory, consulting, analysis, and other services that are typically funded by a mix of mechanisms including taxes, fees, contributions, and earmarked streams. Public deliberation in this area mostly attends to the levels of funding of these services, with inadequate attention to the relationship between means and funding adequacy, or between means and agency performance.The characteristic business models of such agencies provide useful guidance regarding appropriate funding mechanisms. In particular, five different such models are commonly found, each with strong analogies to other familiar kinds of enterprise: (i) Agriculture: the Wildlife Ranch; (ii) Habitat; (iii) Maintenance: the Park; (iv) Consulting, education, and permits: the Think Tank; (v) Risk Spreading: Insurance; and (vi) Enforcement: The Police. Each of these models has strong although not usually decisive implications for the type of funding mechanism best suited to it. Budget analysis and internal accounting that incorporates these models would improve agencies' practice and their claims on appropriate funding. The analysis uses the California Department of Fish and Game as an example.
Maternal effects on the life histories of bruchid beetles infesting Acacia raddiana in the Negev desert, Israel
Authors: Or K. , Ward D. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract Acacia trees (Leguminosae) in the Negev desert of Israel are in substantial danger of extinction as a result of high mortality, caused by anthropogenically induced water stress and very low recruitment, which is highly negatively affected by bruchid beetle infestation. Intensive seed infestation (up to 97%) by bruchids on Acacia species in the Negev desert has been described. We hypothesized that water‐stressed trees would be less able to produce secondary defense compounds in their seeds to decrease seed herbivory and hence suffer higher infestation. Thus, there should be a negative correlation between the beetle's fitness and the tree's physiological state. We further hypothesized the mechanism of the correlation to be maternal effects on beetle quality. Thus, beetles whose mothers were reared on seeds of trees in a poor state should have higher fitness, regardless of the quality of the seeds in which they were reared. We reared F1 generation Caryedon palaestinicus Southgate (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in seeds of Acacia raddiana Savi (Leguminosae) trees in good and in poor physiological state. We then conducted a reciprocal infestation experiment enabling females to lay on seeds from both sources. We found maternal effects on offspring number but not on body mass. The major effect was the limited survival of maternal beetles on trees in good physiological state. However, contrary to our prediction, C. palaestinicus developing in seeds from Acacia raddiana in good physiological state had significantly higher body mass.