bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified method of AgNOR staining for tissue and interpretation in histopathology
Authors: Bukhari Mulazim Hussain , Niazi Shahida , Khan Saeed Akhter , Hashmi Ihsanulla , Perveen Shahida , Qureshi Shahzad Shafqat , Chaudhry Naseer Ahmed , Qureshi G. R. , Hasan Mumtaz 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThis study was conducted in the department of Pathology King Edward Medical University, from June to December 2002 to introduce the new method of AgNOR staining and its interpretation to increase its reliability. A total of 60 brain specimens were stained with modified AgNOR technique. The diagnosis of malignancy was made on H & E staining. AgNOR counts, variation in size and dispersion of AgNOR dots in cells were graded and compared in malignant and non‐malignant lesions. Modified method of AgNOR staining and interpretation was an easy, reliable and reproducible alternative to traditional AgNOR techniques for evaluating proliferation activity of cells in malignant and benign brain lesions. mAgNOR counts of different grades of astrocytoma (2.97 ± 0.96, 3.97 ± 0.43, 6.01 ± 2.74 and 8.01 ± 3.56) were significantly (P < 0.01) greater when compared with counts of normal brain (0.40 ± 0.01), and reactive gliosis (0.60 ± 0.01). AgNOR size and dispersion were of higher grade in a significantly greater proportion of malignancy when compared with benign conditions (P < 0.05). The AgNOR dots were brighter and more clear with modified staining when compared with previous studies. We conclude that modified AgNOR staining technique is simple, quick and reliable to evaluate cell proliferation by detecting AgNORs size and dispersion. In future, AgNOR size and dispersion should be considered rather than the count only. We recommend the use of morphometry for AgNOR size in future. We also recommend the use of modified AgNOR staining for obtaining sound and confidant results in routine paraffin sections.
Using a stochastic model to examine the ecological, economic and ethical consequences of population control in a charismatic invasive species: mute swans in North America
Authors: ELLIS MARTHA M. , ELPHICK CHRIS S. 
Published: January 2007

Summary

Although invasive species are widely recognized as a threat to native ecosystems, control or eradication plans can create controversy, particularly when target species are considered attractive or desirable by members of the public. Detailed consideration of both biological and non‐biological criteria when evaluating management proposals can better inform managers working with controversial species.
In this study, alternative strategies for controlling introduced populations of mute swans Cygnus olor during the first few decades of population growth were compared in terms of ecological, economic and ethical considerations using a simple population model.
By quantifying parameter uncertainty with a stochastic model, we identified, in quantitative terms, management strategies that were predicted to have a high certainty of succeeding. Survival rates should be reduced by more than 17% to be 90% certain of a decline; reproductive rates would need to decline by more than 72% to achieve the same goal. Populations in which density dependence occurs are expected to need even greater effort for management to work.
Reducing survival rates was also more efficient economically; reducing population growth via reduced reproduction required three to four times more person‐days within the first year across a range of simulated growth rates.
Prolonging timelines for implementing management increased the number of swans that would have to be killed and the costs that would be required for reaching target population sizes.
Synthesis and applications. Because of controversy surrounding swan management, various considerations must be addressed when weighing control options. Our modelling suggests that, if a population is to be controlled, a period of intensive culling of adults will be the most efficient option in terms of biological effectiveness, economic costs and minimizing the total number of swans that ultimately are killed.
Mortality and prognostic factors in patients with obesity‐hypoventilation syndrome undergoing noninvasive ventilation
Authors: Budweiser S. , Riedl S. G. , Jörres R. A. , Heinemann F. , Pfeifer M. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract.Objectives.  The incidence of obesity‐hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) has greatly increased over time, but data on long‐term outcome are limited. We investigated survival and prognostic factors in these patients undergoing noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV).Design.  Retrospective descriptive analysis of patients with OHS and NPPV up to 10 years.Methods.  Long‐term mortality and predictors of survival were assessed. Additionally, we evaluated changes in lung function, blood gas and laboratory parameters 5.7 ± 2.5 months after initiation of NPPV.Results.  126 patients (BMI 44.6 ± 7.8 kg m−2; PaCO2 55.5 ± 7.7 mmHg) were followed for 41.3 ± 27.6 months. Upon follow‐up, blood gases (daytime and nighttime), as well as pulmonary function improved, whilst haemoglobin and BMI decreased (P < 0.001 each). Adherence to NPPV was high (94.5% continuing NPPV 6.5 ± 2.3 h day−1). All‐cause mortality was 12.7%, with 1‐, 2‐ and 5‐year survival of 97.1%, 92.0% and 70.2%, respectively. In univariate analysis, patients with PaO2 <50 mmHg, C‐reactive protein ≥ 5.1 mg L−1, leucocytes ≥ 7.8 × 103 μl−1, or pH ≥ 7.44 at baseline had poor prognosis (P < 0.05 each). In Cox multivariate analysis, PaO2, pH and leucocytes were independent predictors of mortality. Reduction in nocturnal PaCO2 by ≥23.0% and haemoglobin at follow‐up was associated with improved survival (P < 0.05 each) whilst a decrease in pH was a predictor of increased mortality. In contrast, neither baseline BMI nor its change was linked to survival.Conclusion.  Gas exchange and lung function in OHS were improved after initiation of NPPV. Hypoxemia, high pH and elevated inflammation markers predicted poor survival. Overall, NPPV was well tolerated and survival was excellent when compared with data from historical matched controls.
Molecular dissection and expression of the LdK39 kinesin in the human pathogen, Leishmania donovani
Authors: Gerald Noel J. , Coppens Isabelle , Dwyer Dennis M. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryIn this study we show for the first time the intracellular distribution of a K39 kinesin homologue in Leishmania donovani, a medically important parasite of humans. Further, we demonstrated that this motor protein is expressed in both the insect and mammalian developmental forms (i.e. promastigote and amastigotes) of this organism. Moreover, in both of these parasite developmental stages, immunofluorescence indicated that the LdK39 kinesin accumulated at anterior and posterior cell poles and that it displayed a peripheral localization consistent with the cortical cytoskeleton. Using a molecular approach, we identified, cloned and characterized the first complete open reading frame for the gene (LdK39) encoding this large (> 358 kDa) motor protein in L. donovani. Based on these observations, we subsequently used a homologous episomal expression system to dissect and express the functional domains that constitute the native molecule. Cell fractionation experiments demonstrated that LdK39 was soluble and that it bound to detergent‐extracted cytoskeletons of these parasites in an ATP‐dependent manner. The cumulative results of these experiments are consistent with LdK39 functioning as an ATP‐dependent kinesin which binds to and travels along the cortical cytoskeleton of this important human pathogen.
Bacterial sensing of and resistance to gold salts
Authors: Checa Susana K. , Espariz Martín , Audero María E. Pérez , Botta Pablo E. , Spinelli Silvana V. , Soncini Fernando C. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryThe MerR family is a group of bacterial transcriptional regulators that respond to different environmental stimuli, such as heavy metals, oxidative stress or antibiotics. Here we characterize a new member of this family that is highly selective for Au ions. We show that this Salmonella regulator, named GolS, directly controls the expression of at least two transcriptional units specifically required for Au resistance. By chromosomal mutagenesis, we demonstrated that Au‐selectivity is accomplished by a metal‐binding motif in GolS. Among the monovalent metal‐ion sensing MerR regulators GolS clusters in a branch distant from enterobacterial CueR orthologues. We propose that GolS and its homologues evolved to cope with toxic concentration of Au ion, allowing microorganisms to withstand contaminated environments.
Scavenging of the cofactor lipoate is essential for the survival of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Allary Marina , Lu Jeff Zhiqiang , Zhu Liqun , Prigge Sean T. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryLipoate is an essential cofactor for key enzymes of oxidative metabolism. Plasmodium falciparum possesses genes for lipoate biosynthesis and scavenging, but it is not known if these pathways are functional, nor what their relative contribution to the survival of intraerythrocytic parasites might be. We detected in parasite extracts four lipoylated proteins, one of which cross‐reacted with antibodies against the E2 subunit of apicoplast‐localized pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). Two highly divergent parasite lipoate ligase A homologues (LplA), LipL1 (previously identified as LplA) and LipL2, restored lipoate scavenging in lipoylation‐deficient bacteria, indicating that Plasmodium has functional lipoate‐scavenging enzymes. Accordingly, intraerythrocytic parasites scavenged radiolabelled lipoate and incorporated it into three proteins likely to be mitochondrial. Scavenged lipoate was not attached to the PDH E2 subunit, implying that lipoate scavenging drives mitochondrial lipoylation, while apicoplast lipoylation relies on biosynthesis. The lipoate analogue 8‐bromo‐octanoate inhibited LipL1 activity and arrested P. falciparum in vitro growth, decreasing the incorporation of radiolabelled lipoate into parasite proteins. Furthermore, growth inhibition was prevented by lipoate addition in the medium. These results are consistent with 8‐bromo‐octanoate specifically interfering with lipoate scavenging. Our study suggests that lipoate metabolic pathways are not redundant, and that lipoate scavenging is critical for Plasmodium intraerythrocytic survival.
Haemonchus contortus intestine: a prominent source of mucosal antigens
Authors: JASMER D. P. , LAHMERS K. K. , BROWN W. C. 
Published: January 2007

SUMMARY We sought to identify antigens from Haemonchus contortus, an abomasal nematode of small ruminants, that stimulate local (abomasal lymph node, ALN) CD4+ T lymphocyte responses during a primary infection. Results led to a focus on antigens from the parasite intestine. The H. contortus intestine proved to be a major source of antigens that stimulated ALN CD4+, CD25+ T lymphocyte responses during infections in lambs. When stimulated by intestinal antigens, ALN lymphocytes from these lambs expressed IL‐4 and IL‐13 transcripts, and, more variably, IFN‐γ. An immunoaffinity‐purified fraction, enriched for H. contortus apical intestinal membrane proteins, stimulated similar ALN responses. On further fractionation, antigens from six size classes (ranging from 30 to 200 kDa) also stimulated proliferation of ALN lymphocytes. Mass spectrometry analysis of these size classes identified several known apical intestinal membrane proteins from H. contortus. The results show that H. contortus intestinal antigens warrant investigation in strategies to induce mucosal immunity against this parasite. The specific proteins identified have value for this purpose. The results are in contrast with the now generalized idea that H. contortus intestinal antigens are ‘hidden’ from the host immune system, and this issue is discussed. The approach also has potential application to other gastrointestinal nematode parasites.
CCL2‐independent role of CCR2 in immune responses against Leishmania major
Authors: QUINONES M. P. , ESTRADA C. A. , JIMENEZ F. , MARTINEZ H. , WILLMON O. , KUZIEL W. A. , AHUJA S. K. , AHUJA S. S. 
Published: January 2007

SUMMARY The chemokine CCL2 (MCP‐1) and its receptor CCR2 modulate leucocyte migration and T helper differentiation. CCL2 or CCR2 knockout (KO) mice have divergent phenotypes following infection with the intracellular parasite Leishmania major (L. major). Compared to wild‐type (WT) mice, intradermally infected CCR2 KO mice in the L. major‐resistant C57BL/6j background become susceptible and fail to generate protective Th1 responses. In contrast, subcutaneously infected CCL2 KO mice in the L. major‐susceptible BALB/c background are resistant and exhibit reduced pathogenic Th2 responses. Here we explore two variables that may account for this contrasting outcome, namely background strain and route of infection. We found that the CCR2‐null state, both in the BALB/c and the C57BL/6j background, was associated with increased susceptibility to intradermal or subcutaneous L. major infection. Notably, the CCL2‐null state did not change the ability of C57BL/6j mice to mount protective responses following intradermal infection. Dual genetic inactivation of CCR2 and CCL2 in the L. major‐resistant C57BL/6j background resulted in a shift to a susceptible phenotype analogous to that of CCR2 KO in the C57BL/6j background. We concluded that CCL2‐independent effects of CCR2 are indispensable for the control of L. major infection and the generation of protective immune responses.
Jurassic‐to‐present thermal history of the central High Atlas (Morocco) assessed by low‐temperature thermochronology
Authors: Barbero Luis , Teixell Antonio , Arboleya María‐Luisa , Río Pedro del , Reiners Peter W. , Bougadir Blaid 
Published: January 2007

AbstractApatite fission track (AFT) and (U–Th)/He data from the High Atlas have been obtained for the first time to constrain the tectono‐thermal evolution of the central part of the chain. Results from Palaeozoic basement massifs indicate long residence at low temperatures, consistently with their original location out of the deepest Mesozoic rift troughs and indicating minor exhumation. The best rocks for extracting the Alpine history of the Atlas Mountains are Jurassic intrusives, which yield AFT ages centred on c. 80 Ma; thermal models based on AFT data and constrained by (U–Th)/He suggest that these ages are included in a slow cooling trend from intrusion age to c. 50 Ma ago that we attribute to post‐rift thermal relaxation. This is followed by a stability period of c. 30 Ma and then by a final exhumational cooling until present exposure. Eocene intrusives yield AFT ages similar to those of Rb–Sr and K–Ar suggesting rapid emplacement in the uppermost crust.
Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) trunk phloem necrosis: aetiological investigations failed to confirm any biotic causal agent
Authors: Pellegrin F. , Duran‐Vila N. , Van Munster M. , Nandris D. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryTrunk phloem necrosis (TPN) is currently a main constraint in rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations. The apparent spread of the disease, from tree to tree along the planting line, strongly supported the implication of a pathogen that could be transmitted mechanically via the tapping knife. In order to detect a causal agent of the disease, studies focusing on characterization of the known mechanically transmitted pathogens (e.g. viroids, cryptic viruses or phytoplasma) were initiated. RNA strands of low molecular weight (200–400 and >500 bp) displaying structural similarities with viroids and viral dsRNAs were observed in various tested samples. However, attempts to show the potential role of these RNA molecules in the spread of the disease failed. First of all, there was no significant or reproducible correlation between the health status of the rubber trees sampled and these RNA molecules. Moreover, no sequence homology with known pathogens could be found when randomly amplified cDNA fragments isolated from trees presenting the disease symptoms were sequenced. In conclusion, the aetiological investigations, in order to show the presence of a pathogen responsible of the TPN disease, were non‐conclusive, which tends to disprove the hypothesis of a biotic causal agent.
Anatomical observations of Pseudomonas savastanoi on Rhamnus alaternus
Authors: Temsah M. , Hanna L. , Saad A. T. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryBuckthorn (Rhamnus alaternus) was recently reported as a new host of Pseudomonas savastanoi. The main symptom on buckthorn is the formation of knots on stems, branches and occasionally on leaves. Knot formation and anatomical changes in host tissues induced by P. savastanoi were studied macroscopically and by light microscopy. Inoculation of buckthorn shoots with P. savastanoi initiated small green swellings that developed into normal size knots. The pathogen invades intercellular spaces of parenchyma tissues degrading cell walls and resulting in extensive cavities filled with bacterial cells. Many host cells contiguous to such cavities were plasmolysed and necrotic. Depending on the depth of the inoculation wound, parenchyma, cambium, ray parenchyma, and pith cells close to bacterial cavities enlarge and proliferate forming the fully grown knots. At later stages of knot development, the cambium appears dispersed in the knot and forms unoriented vascular tissues. Periderm surrounds bacterial cavities and outer layers of knots. These findings on buckthorn are compared with those reported to be caused by the same pathogen on ash, oleander and olive.
Recurrent respiratory infections and phagocytosis in childhood
Authors: DON MASSIMILIANO , FASOLI LOLITA , GREGORUTTI VIVIANA , PISA FEDERICA , VALENT FRANCESCA , PRODAN MARIO , CANCIANI MARIO 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground: About 10% of pre‐school children has recurrent respiratory infections (RRI), which could be related to environmental and/or immunological factors. The aim of the present study has been to evaluate the impact of phagocytosis (FAG) and reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) production deficiencies on pediatric RRI by the measurement of FAG and ROI activity of the polymorphonuclear neutrophils.Methods: Serum immunoglobulins, IgG subclasses, lymphocytic subpopulations, FAG and ROI tests were measured in 90 children with RRI, in a moment of well‐being and off all medications for at least 4 weeks. FAG and ROI tests were also measured in 19 healthy children.Results: FAG (91.4 ± 11.5%) and ROI (81.8 ± 17.5%) of patients resulted in significantly decreased measurements compared to the control values (95.2 ± 1.8% and 89.7 ± 4.8%, respectively). No significant difference was manifest between the mean values of FAG and ROI tests among the patients when they were divided for age (above and below 6 years). A significant decreased likelihood of abnormal ROI (odds ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–0.97) was found in the patients with low IgA.Conclusions: The authors’ results permit only to suppose an etiological role of FAG and ROI deficiencies of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in the genesis of pediatric RRI, irrespective of the age of the patients, and further studies are necessary for confirmation.
Increased incidence of congenital hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency
Authors: SAG˘LAM HALIL , BÜYÜKUYSAL LEVENT , KÖKSAL NILGÜN , ERCAN I˙LKER , TARIM ÖMER 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground: The incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is expected to be elevated in iodine‐deficient areas. In this study, the authors aimed to determine the incidence of transient and permanent CH in a large city which is known to be in the zone of moderate iodine deficiency.Methods: Newborn babies in Bursa, Turkey, were screened by measurement of serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) obtained by heel prick. The babies who had a serum TSH >20 mIU/L were recalled for measurement of T4 and TSH in venous serum.Results: A total of 11 770 newborns were screened over a period of 9 years. The incidence of CH was found to be 1/840. However, after excluding the transient cases, permanent CH was diagnosed in 1/2354. It was impossible to distinguish transient patients from permanent CH by initial laboratory tests (P > 0.05). The estimated power of the study in determining the incidence of CH in the population was 90% (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The authors conclude that the incidence of CH is very high in their population which warrants a country‐wide neonatal screening program. Since transient cases cannot be distinguished and untreated transient hypothyroidism may also cause mental retardation, treatment must be started as early as possible with frequent monitoring to optimize the outcome and identify the transient patients.
C117T variant in the SMN1 gene found in the Japanese population
Authors: SADEWA AHMAD HAMIM , HARADA YOSUKE , SASONGKO TEGUH HARYO , MATSUO MASAFUMI , NISHIO HISAHIDE 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackground: The SMN genes are closely related to the development of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA); mutated SMN1 causes SMA and functional SMN2 modifies the severity of SMA. SMN1 and SMN2 are almost identical, being distinguished by only five base pair substitutions located at the 3’‐end of the genes. Recently, a synonymous DNA variant, C117T, has been identified at the first codon of SMN2 exon 2a in the Caucasian population. It is still a question whether the variant is specific to the Caucasian population, and whether it is found only in SMN2. In order to address these questions, Japanese populations were screened for the presence of C117T in the SMN genes.Methods: To detect the C117T variant in a Japanese population, polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed in 33 SMA patients homozygous for SMN1 deletion and 106 control individuals. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was performed to clarify whether the variant affects the splicing process of the SMN1 gene.Results: The C117T variant was found in one out of 33 Japanese SMA patients (3.0%) and in seven out of 106 Japanese control individuals (6.6%). There was no significant difference between frequencies in the present data and those reported from the Caucasian population. Notably, the C117T variant was also detected in the SMN1 gene; a control individual with homozygous SMN2 deletion was found to have the variant on one of the SMN1 genes. RT‐PCR indicated that this variant of the SMN1 gene was normally transcribed and did not affect the splicing process in this individual.Conclusions: The C117T variant was found not only in the Caucasian population, but also in the Japanese population. In addition, the variant was not specific to SMN2: it was also found in SMN1. RT‐PCR indicated that the variant did not affect the splicing process.