bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of plant defence genes in canola using Arabidopsis cDNA microarrays
Authors: Schenk P. M. , Thomas‐Hall S. R. , Nguyen A. V. , Manners J. M. , Kazan K. , Spangenberg G. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe report the identification of novel defence genes in canola by using a cDNA microarray from Arabidopsis. We examined changes that occur in the abundance of transcripts corresponding to 2375 Arabidopsis expressed sequence tags (selected for defence gene identification) following inoculation of canola plants with the fungal necrotrophic leaf pathogen, Alternaria brassicicola. Microarray data obtained from this cross‐hybridisation experiment were compared to expression profiles previously obtained from the equivalent Arabidopsis experiment. Homology searches using a canola expressed sequence tag database with ∼6000 unique clones led to identification of canola defence genes. Pathogen‐responsive transcripts included those associated to known defence genes, reactive oxygen species metabolism, disease resistance and regulatory genes, and cell maintenance/metabolism genes. Using specific primers for quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR, gene expression profiles in canola were obtained that demonstrated coordinated defence responses, including systemic responses in distal tissue and salicylic acid‐ and methyl jasmonate‐mediated signalling against A. brassicicola.
K–Ar and 40Ar/39Ar phengite ages of Sanbagawa schist clasts from the Kuma Group, central Shikoku, southwest Japan
Authors: Nuong Nguyen D. , Itaya Tetsumaru , Hyodo Hironobu , Yokoyama Kazumi 
Published: June 2008

AbstractConglomerates of the Kuma Group, central Shikoku, southwest Japan contain Sanbagawa schist clasts with a variety of metamorphic grades and lithologies. K–Ar and 40Ar/39Ar dating of phengite show all the pelitic schist clasts from low‐ to high‐grade zones have similar phengite ages (82–84 Ma) that are significantly older than those from the in situ Sanbagawa sequence of central Shikoku. This is because the Kuma–Sanbagawa sequence was exhumed earlier than the in situ Asemi sequence with an exhumation process intermediate between those for the Kanto Mountains and the in situ Asemi sequences. 40A/39Ar plateau ages (103 and 117 Ma) of phengite in amphibolites indicate the timing of the early stage of the exhumation of the metamorphic pile, probably close to the peak metamorphic age.
Petrology, geochronology and tectonic implications of Mesozoic high Ba–Sr granites in the Haemi area, Hongseong Belt, South Korea
Authors: Choi Seon‐Gyu , Rajesh V. J. , Seo Jieun , Park Jung‐Woo , Oh Chang‐Whan , Pak Sang‐Joon , Kim Sung‐Won 
Published: June 2008

AbstractCollision between the North and South China continental blocks began in the Korean peninsula during the Permian (290–260 Ma). The Haemi area in the Hongseong collision belt (proposed as the eastern extension in South Korea of the Dabie–Sulu collision zone of China) within the Gyeonggi Massif comprises post‐collisional high Ba–Sr granite with intermediate enclaves that intruded into the Precambrian rocks. The intermediate enclaves have a shoshonitic affinity whereas the granite is a high‐K calc‐alkaline variety. The chondrite‐normalized rare earth element (REE) pattern with relative enrichment of LREE over HREE and absence of a significant negative Eu anomaly typifies both enclaves and granite. Geochemical similarities of enclaves and granite are attributed to the involvement of enriched mantle sources in their genesis. However, dominant crustal components were involved in the formation of high Ba–Sr granites. A granite crystallization age of 233 ± 2 Ma was obtained from SHRIMP U–Pb zircon dating. This age is slightly younger than the Triassic collision event in the Hongseong Belt. Geochemical data, U–Pb zircon age, and regional tectonics indicate that the Haemi high Ba–Sr granite formed in a post‐collisional tectonic environment. A Mesozoic post‐collisional lithospheric delamination model can account for the genesis of high Ba–Sr granite in the Haemi area.
Pathogenesis of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Stavropoulos PG , Goules AV , Avgerinou G , Katsambas AD 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSubacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a photosensitive form of lupus‐specific skin lesion that is strongly associated with the presence of anti‐Ro/SSA autoantibody. The pathogenesis of SCLE includes genetic, environmental and immunologic factors. Recent studies provide strong evidence for the involvement of innate and cell‐mediated immunity, underlying the important role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, interferon‐α and antibody‐dependent cell cytotoxicity. In addition, a variety of cytokines, chemokines and adhesion molecules have been found to participate in the expansion phase of the autoimmune effector mechanisms. This article summarizes the recent immunological findings and reviews the current mechanisms which are implied in the development of the disease.
Local tissue water assessed by tissue dielectric constant: anatomical site and depth dependence in women prior to breast cancer treatment‐related surgery
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N. , Davey Suzanne , Shapiro Elizabeth 
Published: June 2008

SummaryAssessing local tissue water using tissue dielectric constant (TDC) values is useful to evaluate oedema/lymphoedema features and their change. Knowledge of anatomical site and tissue depth dependence of TDC values could extend this method’s utility. Our goal was to compare TDC values obtained at anatomically paired sites and to investigate their depth dependence. In 22 women (12 awaiting surgery for breast cancer and 10 cancer‐free control subjects), four sites (mid‐forearm, mid‐biceps, axilla and lateral thorax) on both body sides were measured with a 2·5‐mm sampling depth probe. Also, at forearm, four different probes with sampling depths of 0·5, 1·5, 2·5 and 5 mm were used. TDC values range between 1 for zero water to 78·5 for 100% water. Site comparisons showed TDC values (mean ± SD) to be largest at axilla (36·4 ± 8·9), least at biceps (21·6 ± 3·5) and not different between forearm and thorax (24·3 ± 4·0 versus 24·8 ± 5·0). Group comparisons showed slightly greater values in patients at forearm and biceps (P<0·05) but no group difference at other sites. Dominant‐non‐dominant side comparisons showed no significant difference in paired‐TDC values in either group at any site. Forearm TDC values decreased with increasing depth from 36·4 ± 4·8 at 0·5 mm to a minimum of 21·4 ± 3·9 at 5·0 mm, with a sharp decline between 1·5 and 2·5 mm. The composite findings suggest that TDC measurements have the necessary features for usefully assessing oedema/lymphoedema and its change on limbs and at body sites not routinely amenable to assessment by other techniques. The depth dependence feature provides additional flexibility to investigate oedematous or lymphoedematous conditions.
Predicting arterial stiffness with ambulatory blood pressure: an 11‐year follow‐up
Authors: Virtanen Marko P. O. , Kööbi Tiit , Turjanmaa Väinö M. H. , Majahalme Silja , Tuomisto Martti T. , Nieminen Tuomo , Kähönen Mika 
Published: June 2008

SummaryNo prospective data have been published on whether ambulatory blood pressure (BP) works better than casual measurements in predicting arterial stiffness. This study with 11‐year follow‐up was launched to evaluate the usefulness of ambulatory intra‐arterial BP in predicting pulse wave velocity (PWV). Ninety‐seven previously healthy men were recruited from a routine physical check‐up at baseline. BP was measured with standard cuff and intra‐arterial ambulatory methods. Sixty‐seven subjects with no antihypertensive medication were enrolled for a visit after a follow‐up of 11 years. Arterial stiffness was estimated with PWV derived with impedance cardiography. Ambulatory 24‐h systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0·30, P = 0·01), 24‐h mean arterial pressure (r = 0·27, P = 0·03), 24‐h pulse pressure (r = 0·27, P = 0·03) and daytime SBP (r = 0·26, P = 0·03) were the best BP variables in predicting future PWV. Casual BP values did not bear significant correlations with future PWV. In hierarchical regression analysis, the best predictive value for future PWV was achieved with the model including ambulatory 24‐h SBP, smoking (number of cigarettes) and age (adjusted R2 = 0·26). In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the only prospective follow‐up study to show that ambulatory BP is superior to casual BP measurement in predicting future PWV.
Targeting Primary Care Referrals to Smoking Cessation Clinics Does Not Improve Quit Rates: Implementing Evidence‐Based Interventions into Practice
Authors: Yano Elizabeth M. , Rubenstein Lisa V. , Farmer Melissa M. , Chernof Bruce A. , Mittman Brian S. , Lanto Andrew B. , Simon Barbara F. , Lee Martin L. , Sherman Scott E. 
Published: June 2008

Objective. To evaluate the impact of a locally adapted evidence‐based quality improvement (EBQI) approach to implementation of smoking cessation guidelines into routine practice.Data Sources/Study Setting. We used patient questionnaires, practice surveys, and administrative data in Veterans Health Administration (VA) primary care practices across five southwestern states.Study Design. In a group‐randomized trial of 18 VA facilities, matched on size and academic affiliation, we evaluated intervention practices' abilities to implement evidence‐based smoking cessation care following structured evidence review, local priority setting, quality improvement plan development, practice facilitation, expert feedback, and monitoring. Control practices received mailed guidelines and VA audit‐feedback reports as usual care.Data Collection. To represent the population of primary care‐based smokers, we randomly sampled and screened 36,445 patients to identify and enroll eligible smokers at baseline (n=1,941) and follow‐up at 12 months (n=1,080). We used computer‐assisted telephone interviewing to collect smoking behavior, nicotine dependence, readiness to change, health status, and patient sociodemographics. We used practice surveys to measure structure and process changes, and administrative data to assess population utilization patterns.Principal Findings. Intervention practices adopted multifaceted EBQI plans, but had difficulty implementing them, ultimately focusing on smoking cessation clinic referral strategies. While attendance rates increased (p<.0001), we found no intervention effect on smoking cessation.Conclusions. EBQI stimulated practices to increase smoking cessation clinic referrals and try other less evidence‐based interventions that did not translate into improved quit rates at a population level.
Grip strength in children: Test–retest reliability using Grippit
Authors: Svensson E , Waling K , Häger‐Ross C 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim: To examine the reliability of peak and sustained grip strength in children using the Grippit. We compared the reliability of one trial, the best and mean of three trials and the reliability within 6‐, 10‐ and 14‐year‐old groups.Design: Test–retest study.Methods: Grip strength with the Grippit instrument was evaluated at two test occasions in 58 children. Intraclass correlation coefficient 2.1 (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) also expressed as a percentage value (SEM%), coefficient of repeatability and coefficient of variation were calculated.Results: The test–retest reliability was good for both peak and sustained grip strength. The mean and best of three trials were equally reliable. Peak grip strength best of three trials, for example, was more reliable for the 6‐year‐olds (ICC 0.96, SEM% 6.3) and 14‐year‐olds (ICC 0.96, SEM% 5.2) compared to the 10‐year‐olds (ICC 0.78, SEM% 12.5). For peak grip strength in the whole sample, there was a systematic bias with better performance at the second measurement.Conclusion: Grip strength assessment in children with Grippit results in good relative and absolute reliability for peak and sustained grip strength. We recommend that three test trials are used. The mean of and the best of three trials are comparable.
Psychosexual Development of Children and Adolescents with Hypospadias
Authors: Schönbucher Verena B. , Landolt Markus A. , Gobet Rita , Weber Daniel M. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Hypospadias is the most common malformation of the penis. Despite the common assumption that hypospadias may affect children's psychosexual development, only a few studies report on the patients’ psychosexual adjustment during childhood and adolescence.

Aim
A comprehensive, cross-sectional investigation of the psychosexual development of boys operated on for hypospadias in comparison to a healthy control group.

Methods
Sixty-eight children and adolescents (7–17 years) operated on for hypospadias were examined by means of a standardized interview assessing penile self-perception, gender-role behavior, sexual experiences, and sexual attitude. Scores were compared to an age-matched control group consisting of 68 boys after hernia repair. Predictive values of medical variables as well as the patients’ knowledge of hypospadias were assessed.

Main Outcome Measures
The Pediatric Penile Perception Score, the Gender-Role Questionnaire by Ijntema and Cohen-Kettenis, and a self-developed questionnaire on first sexual experiences and sexual attitude comprised the standardized assessment instruments.

Results
Boys with hypospadias did not significantly differ from the control subjects with regard to penile self-perception, gender-role behavior, first sexual experiences, and sexual attitude. Younger age and the patient's knowledge of hypospadias predicted a more positive penile self-perception, while a more pronounced masculine gender-role behavior was best predicted by younger age at final surgery.

Conclusions
Boys with corrected hypospadias may show a psychosexual development that is similar to healthy children. Puberty could be a critical time for the patients, however, during which they might require regular urological follow-ups and may benefit from age-appropriate information about their penile condition. Moreover, the later corrective surgery is completed, the more likely the patients may become insecure with regard to gender-role behavior.
Understanding food structure and function in developing food for appetite control
Authors: LUNDIN Leif , GOLDING Matthew , WOOSTER Tim J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThere is an emerging interest in the impact of food structure on digestion behaviour and its relationship to human nutrition. The interactions between individual macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate) in many cases control the rate of digestive processes such as proteolysis and lipolysis. Macronutrient interactions can also control the material properties of ingested foods which can influence post‐prandial metabolic responses. This review summarises the current research into how the structure of individual macronutrients impacts digestion and how this relates to appetite.
Health claims and functional foods
Authors: WILLIAMS Peter , GHOSH Dilip 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAustralia and New Zealand are currently preparing a new food standard, which will allow the use of health claims for functional foods. The aims of this study were to summarise current regulatory proposals and to review recent research from the National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods on the use and understanding of health claims. All relevant publications from the National Centre of Excellence in Functional Foods, cited in the annual reports from 2003 to 2007, were reviewed and summarised. Five publications have reported surveys of the use of health claims on food labels, in magazine advertising and on the Internet. High‐level claims that do not comply with current food regulations are being used, particularly in advertising. Both dietitians and marketing experts agree that many of the claims currently used are potentially misleading. Focus group studies have shown that consumers are interested in health claims but are sceptical about their reliability from manufacturers without strong regulation. Experimental studies show that the format of claims, and the food on which they are carried, influence consumer acceptance. Many factors other than the actual words used in health claims influence consumer purchase decisions. However, current research indicates that claims can improve understanding of the benefits of functional foods and potentially support healthier food choices.
FTY720 Rescue Therapy in the Dark Agouti Rat Model of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: Expression of Central Nervous System Genes and Reversal of Blood‐Brain‐Barrier Damage
Authors: Foster Carolyn A. , Mechtcheriakova Diana , Storch Maria K. , Balatoni Balázs , Howard Laurence M. , Bornancin Frédéric , Wlachos Alexander , Sobanov Jury , Kinnunen Anu , Baumruker Thomas 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFTY720 (fingolimod) is an oral sphingosine‐1 phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator in phase III development for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. To further investigate its mode of action, we analyzed gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS) during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). FTY720 downregulated inflammatory genes in addition to vascular adhesion molecules. It decreased the matrix metalloproteinase gene MMP‐9 and increased its counterregulator—tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase, TIMP‐1—resulting in a proteolytic balance that favors preservation of blood‐brain‐barrier (BBB) integrity. Furthermore, FTY720 reduced S1P lyase that increases the S1P concentration in the brain, in line with a marked reversal of neurological deficits and raising the possibility for enhanced triggering of S1P receptors on resident brain cells. This is accompanied by an increase in S1P1 and S1P5 in contrast with the attenuation of S1P3 and S1P4. Late‐stage rescue therapy with FTY720, even up to 1 month after EAE onset, reversed BBB leakiness and reduced demyelination, along with normalization of neurologic function. Our results indicate rapid blockade of ongoing disease processes by FTY720, and structural restoration of the CNS parenchyma, which is likely caused by the inhibition of autoimmune T cell infiltration and direct modulation of microvascular and/or glial cells.
Inhibition of Apoptosis in
Cryptosporidium parvum
-Infected Intestinal Epithelial Cells Is Dependent on Survivin
Authors: Liu Jin , Enomoto Shinichiro , Lancto Cheryl A. , Abrahamsen Mitchell S. , Rutherford Mark S. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium parvum
is an obligate intracellular protozoan capable of causing severe diarrheal disease in a wide variety of mammals, including humans.
C. parvum
infection has been associated with induction of apoptosis in exposed epithelial cells, and we now demonstrate that apoptosis is restricted to a subset of cells actively infected with
C. parvum
. Approximately 20% of the infected cells underwent apoptosis within 48 h of infection, suggesting that the majority of the infected cells are rescued from apoptosis.
C. parvum
infection resulted in low-level activation of multiple members of the caspase family, including caspase-2, -3, -4, -6, -8, and -9. The kinetics of caspase activation correlated with apoptosis over a 48-h time course. Pan caspase inhibitors reduced apoptosis of epithelial cells infected by
C. parvum
. Furthermore,
C. parvum
infection inhibited staurosporine-induced apoptosis and caspase-3/7 activation at 24 h and 48 h. Infection with
C. parvum
led to upregulation of genes encoding inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), including c-IAP1, c-IAP2, XIAP, and survivin. Knockdown of survivin gene expression, but not that of c-IAP1, c-IAP2, or XIAP expression, increased caspase-3/7 activity as well as apoptosis of infected cells and decreased
C. parvum
18S rRNA levels. These data suggest that the apoptotic response of infected intestinal epithelial cells is actively suppressed by
C. parvum
via upregulation of survivin, favoring parasite infection.
Age-specific parental knowledge of restraint transitions influences appropriateness of child occupant restraint use
Authors: Bilston L E , Finch C , Hatfield J , Brown J 
Published: June 2008

Objective:To determine the factors that influence appropriate restraint usage by child occupants across the age range for which any type of child restraint may be appropriate (0–10 years).Design:Randomized household telephone survey.Setting:Statewide survey, New South Wales, Australia.Subjects:Parents or carers of children aged 0–10 years.Main outcome measures:Parental reporting of appropriateness of child restraint.Methods:Demographic information and data on age, size, restraint practices, parental knowledge of child occupant safety, and attitude to restraint use was collected using a structured interview. Data were analysed using logistic regression after cluster adjustment.Results:Inappropriate restraint use by children was widespread, particularly in children aged 2+ years. Overall, parental knowledge of appropriate ages for restraint transitions was associated with increased likelihood of appropriate restraint use. Lower levels of formal parental education, larger families, parental restraint non-use, and parent/child negotiability of restraint use were predictors of inappropriate restraint use. For particular child age subgroups, the parental knowledge that predicted appropriate restraint use was specific to that age group. Most parents felt that they knew enough to safely restrain their child, despite widespread inappropriate restraint use.Conclusions:Parents are more likely to make appropriate restraint choices for their children if they possess restraint knowledge specific to their children’s age and size. Educational campaigns may be most effective when they provide information for specific ages and transition points. Strategies to overcome parents’ misplaced confidence that they know enough to restrain their children safely are also indicated.
The Cardiovascular Depression Caused by Bee Venom in Sprague–Dawley Rats Associated with a Decrease of Developed Pressure in the Left Ventricular and the Ratio of Ionized Calcium/Ionized Magnesium
Authors: Kang Hyung-Sub , Kim Shang-Jin , Lee Mun-Young , Jeon Seol-Hee , Kim Sung-Zoo , Kim Jin-Shang 
Published: June 2008

Bee venom (BV) has been used in Oriental medicine to treat inflammatory diseases, such as tendonitis, bursitis, and rheumatoid arthritis, despite the sensitivity of the victims and toxicity of the venom. This study examined the mechanisms for the effects of BV on the cardiovascular system in rats. The arterial pressure and heart rate (HR) were measured in anesthetized rats. In addition, the left ventricular development pressure (LVDP) and total magnesium efflux ([ Mg ] e ) in isolated perfused hearts, the vascular tonic responses in the isolated aorta, and the blood ionic and biochemical changes were determined simultaneously. In the anesthetized rats, the mean arterial pressure, systolic pressure, and pulse pressure were reduced by BV in a dose-dependent manner, even though the HR was increased. BV had no effects on the relaxation of phenylephrine- or KCl-induced contraction of the aortic rings. In the isolated hearts, BV generated a reversible decrease in the LVDP and velocity with changes in pressure, which were accompanied by increases in the HR and [ Mg ] e . BV increased the plasma ionized and total magnesium concentrations, and decreased the total magnesium level in the red blood cells. The ratio of ionized calcium/ionized magnesium was also decreased by the BV treatment. BV caused a detectable increase in blood creatine kinase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase, as well as a decrease in the blood total protein albumin and globulin levels. These results suggest that BV induces cardiovascular depression by decreasing the cardiac pressure and increasing the ionized magnesium concentration in the blood.