bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of outcome of fetal congenital heart disease using a cardiovascular profile score
Authors: Wieczorek A. , Hernandez‐Robles J. , Ewing L. , Leshko J. , Luther S. , Huhta J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectivesCongestive heart failure in fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHD) is associated with high perinatal mortality. The clinical condition can be characterized by five ultrasound markers that comprise the 10‐point cardiovascular profile (CVP) score. Our aim was to assess the value of the CVP score in evaluating the condition and in maintaining surveillance of fetuses with CHD.MethodsWe evaluated retrospectively 131 singleton pregnancies with a diagnosis of fetal CHD, which had been assessed by serial echocardiographic examinations, during which the CVP score was obtained. Fetal and neonatal outcomes, including perinatal mortality and Apgar scores, were assessed.ResultsFetuses with a final CVP score ≤ 7 were statistically significantly more likely to suffer mortality than were fetuses with a final CVP score ≥ 8 (87.5% vs. 15.2% mortality; P < 0.0001, chi square = 24.5). Significance was maintained after controlling for birth weight, lag time between the final examination and delivery and the dichotomized 5‐min Apgar score (odds ratio, 22.3; P = 0.024). For low Apgar score and mortality, the CVP score had low sensitivity (0.25 and 0.27, respectively) but high specificity (0.98 and 0.99, respectively). The presence of hydrops and severe cardiomegaly were statistically significantly associated with mortality (P < 0.05).ConclusionsFetuses with CHD and a CVP score below 8 are at risk of perinatal death. The CVP score may be used to assess the severity of fetal CHD and to plan perinatal management. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global boundary controllability of the Saint-Venant system for sloped canals with friction
Authors: Gugat M. , Leugering G. 
Published: February 2008

We consider a sloped canal with friction that is governed by the Saint-Venant system with source term. We show that starting sufficiently close to a stationary constant subcritical initial state, we can control the system in finite time to a state in a

C^{1}

neighbourhood of any other stationary constant subcritical state by boundary control at the ends of the canal in such a way that during the process the system state remains continuously differentiable.

Moreover, we show that if the derivative of the initial state is sufficiently small, it can be steered to every stationary constant subcritical state in finite time.

Résumé

On étudie un canal cylindrique incliné modélisé par les équations de Saint-Venant avec un terme source et un terme de frottement. On montre l'existence d'un voisinage pour la norme

C^{1}

de toute partie bornée de la courbe des équilibres sous-critiques constants tel que, étant donnés deux éléments de ce voisinage, il est possible d'aller du premier élément au second en temps fini par des contrôles adéquats sur le bord du canal. En outre, on montre que, si la dérivée de l'état initial est suffisamment petite, on peut amener l'état du système à tout équilibre donné, constant et sous-critique, et ceci en temps fini.
The peripheral chromosome scaffold, a novel structural component of mitotic chromosomes
Authors: Sheval Eugene V. , Polyakov Vladimir Y. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractUsing an original high‐salt extraction protocol, we observed a novel chromosome substructure, referred to as the peripheral chromosome scaffold. This chromosome domain contained the perichromosomal layer proteins pKi‐67, B23/nucleophosmin and fibrillarin, but no DNA fragments (i.e., the loop domain bases were not associated with the peripheral scaffold). Modern models of chromosome organization do not predict the existence of a peripheral chromosome scaffold domain, and thus our observations have conceptual implications for understanding chromosome architecture.
Inhibitory role of focal adhesion kinase on anoikis in the lung cancer cell A549
Authors: Liu Gaiyun , Meng Xiangning , Jin Yan , Bai Jing , Zhao Yunzhen , Cui Xiaobo , Chen Feng , Fu Songbin 
Published: February 2008

AbstractResistance to anoikis is a characteristic of malignant cells with increased tumorigenesis and metastasis. Altered FAK activity has been strongly implicated in the development, growth, progression, and metastasis of human cancers, but the mechanism of FAK in regulating anoikis is unknown. In this study, the resistance anoikis role of FAK and its downstream mediators was evaluated in the human lung cancer cell line A549. It has been shown that down regulation of FAK stimulates the apoptosis of cells and the down‐regulation of p‐ERK, p‐PI3K, p‐Src, and p‐p38. Furthermore, in detached A549 cells, increased FAK phosphorylations (Tyr397, Tyr861, Tyr925) were detected in a time‐dependent manner, and the specific inhibitors of MEK1, PI3K, and Src (PD98059, LY294002, and PP2) partly abolished the resistance to the anoikis characteristic of cancer cells. Altogether, our data suggested that Src is involved in the progress of detachment‐induced FAK activation in lung tumor cells. PI3K/AKT, MAPK—ERK, and perhaps MAPK—p38 but not MAPK—JNK, appear to be the key downstream effectors of FAK in mediating cell survival. The increased FAK activity upon cell detachment may contribute to the metastasis potential of malignant tumors.
Cellular mechanism of adrenalin stimulated chloride secretion via beta‐adrenoceptor in T84 cells
Authors: Yang Zi‐Huan , Pan Ao , Ruan Ye‐Chun , Yu Hai‐Jie , Wu Zhong‐Luan , Xiang Hui , Zhou Wen‐Liang 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn the present study, the intracellular regulatory pathways involved in the adrenalin‐stimulated chloride secretion across T84 cells were investigated. Biphasic characteristics were observed in the Isc response to the basolateral addition of adrenalin (0.25 nM‐100 μM). The biphasic response was almost abolished by removing ambient Cl−. Chloride secretion was found to depend on the activities of basolaterally located Na+‐K+‐2Cl− cotransporters and K+ channels. The α‐adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine did not have any effect on either phase of adrenalin‐induced Isc, while after pretreatment of the β‐adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol, the adrenalin‐induced Isc was substantially abolished, suggesting the biphasic response may be mediated by the β‐adrenoceptor. Under whole cell patch‐clamp conditions, T84 cells responded to adrenalin with a rise in inward current. The current, which exhibited a linear I—V relationship and time‐ and voltage‐independent characteristics, was inhibited by the chloride channel blocker DPC and the reverse potential was close to the equilibrium potential for Cl− (0 mV), implying that the current was Cl− selective. When preloaded with a Ca2+‐chelating agent, BAPTA/AM did not affect the Isc response to adrenalin, whereas the Isc was destroyed by pretreating the cells with an adenyl cyclase inhibitor, MDL12330A. These observations were further supported by the intracellular [cAMP] measurement experiment, indicating that adrenalin induced chloride secretion could be mediated by a beta‐adrenoceptor only involving cAMP as an intracellular second messenger.
Effect of the L2 ramus communicans on the nociceptive pathway in lumbar intervertebral discs in rats
Authors: Chen Jindong , Hou Shuxun , Peng Baogan , Wu Wenwen , Shi Yamin , Li Li , Yang Yi 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe mechanism underlying discogenic low‐back pain is unclear. It is difficult to explain this type of pain by the segmental innervation theory because the groin area is innervated by the genitofemoral or ilioinguinal nerves, which are the terminal branches of the L1 or L2 spinal nerves. Recently, some studies have indicated that sympathetic trunks are closely related to discogenic low‐back pain. However, sympathetic trunk resection can severely affect the function of the abdominal organs and lower extremities and may cause retrograde ejaculation in human beings. This study was initiated to evaluate the role of selective transection of the L2 ramus of the nociceptive pathway in the lumbar intervertebral discs in rats, by using the fluorogold (FG) retrograde transport method and immunohistochemistry of substance P (SP). Of the FG‐labeled neurons in the L2 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), the cross‐sectional area of the SP‐immunoreactive (ir) neurons ranged from 210 to 1140μm2; the mean cross‐sectional area was 652±320μm2. We demonstrated that FG‐labeled SP‐ir neurons in L2 DRGs decreased when FG was applied to the ventral or dorsal portions of L5–6 discs. The results indicated that the L2 ramus communicans played an important role in the afferent pathway of both the ventral and dorsal portions of the L5–6 disc. Nociceptive information from the L5–6 disc may be transmitted mainly by L2 DRG neurons through the L2 ramus communicans.
Efficacy and safety of pregabalin in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia: Open‐label, non‐comparative, flexible‐dose study
Authors: Baron Ralf , Brunnmüller Ulrike , Brasser Matthias , May Michael , Binder Andreas 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe assessed the efficacy and safety of a flexible‐dose pregabalin regimen in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) under clinical practice conditions. Further, the trial investigated the correlation of unspecific measures of change (patient and physician global impression of change, PGIC and CGIC) and specific measures of morbidity.The primary outcomes of this prospective, open‐label, non‐controlled study were the correlation between global status (PGIC and CGIC) and changes in pain, sleep, and anxiety scores as assessed on numerical or visual rating scales.A total of 217 outpatients were included in 53 centres. The most frequently used dosing regimen involved a starting dose of 150mg/d and dose escalation to 300mg/d after one week (mean: 301mg/d, administered in two doses). The significant changes on pain, sleep and anxiety scales (−40%, −43%, −42%) between baseline and study end after 4‐week pregabalin treatment were paralleled by the changes in ratings in both the PGIC and CGIC. The correlation with both PGIC and CGIC was 0.60 for pain, 0.51 for sleep and 0.20 or 0.13 for the correlation of anxiety with PGIC and CGIC, respectively. All correlations with exception of the pair CGIC/anxiety reached statistical significance.In conclusion, pregabalin in a flexible‐dose regimen improved pain, sleep, anxiety and general state, and was well tolerated. The efficacy and safety profile of pregabalin was consistent with the data from the controlled clinical trials. The PGIC and CGIC and the specific pain and sleep scores, but not the anxiety score were generally well correlated but not synonymous.
Phylogenetic relationships of Spiruromorpha from birds of prey based on 18S rDNA
Authors: Honisch M. , Krone O. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA total of 153 free-ranging birds from Germany belonging to 15 species were examined for nematodes in their digestive and respiratory tracts. In 51.7% of the birds 14 different nematode species were found: the intestinal ascaridsPorrocaecum depressumandP. angusticolle, the strongylidHovorkonema variegatum, which inhabits the trachea and bronchi, the hairwormsEucoleus disparandCapillaria tenuissimaisolated from the digestive system, the spirurid nematodesCyrnea leptoptera,C. mansioni,C. seurati,Microtetrameres cloacitectus,Physaloptera alata,P. apivori,Synhimantus hamatusandS. laticeps, which inhabit the proventriculus and gizzard of the raptors, and the spirurid nematodeSerratospiculum tendo, which lives in the air sacs. To revise their systematic positions the ribosomal 18S gene regions of the nematode species were analysed and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The molecular data confirmed the morphological systematics, except the spirurid family Physalopteridae, which grouped together with the Acuariidae.
Basic dynamical stability results for
Authors: ROBERTSON JOHN W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe study stability questions for dynamics on $\mathbb {P}^n$ using holomorphic families, which we require to be locally simply parameterized. Given such a holomorphic family $f\colon \mathbb {P}^n\times M\to \mathbb {P}^n$, we define the notion of a ‘Fatou section’, which is intuitively a choice of one point in $\mathbb {P}^n$ for each map in the family such that: (1) the chosen point depends holomorphically on M, and (2) the points chosen for two different maps behave dynamically ‘comparably’ under iteration of those respective maps. We prove a weak version of the λ-lemma for dynamical systems on $\mathbb {P}^n$ by showing that the set of all Fatou sections is a compact space. We introduce the notion of a postcritically bounded holomorphic family and show that if a (locally simply parameterized) holomorphic family is postcritically bounded by some open subset of $\mathbb {P}^n$ then: (1) repelling periodic points in the Julia set for one member of the family cannot bifurcate, nor can they leave the Julia set in other members of the family, (2) there is a Fatou section which never leaves the Julia set through each point of the Julia set of any member of the family, and (3) any intersection between the Julia set and the critical set is persistent, in the sense that there is a Fatou section through the point of intersection which never leaves either the critical set or the Julia set. Here, for conciseness, we are using the term ‘Julia set’ to mean the support of the unique measure of maximal entropy, although we recognize that how this term should be used in higher dimensions is still undecided. We also provide a brief summary of the development of the field in our introduction.
Implantation of stents as an alternative to reoperation in neonates and infants with acute complications after surgical creation of a systemic-to-pulmonary arterial shunt
Authors: Kaestner Michael , Handke Ronald P. , Photiadis Joachim , Sigler Matthias , Schneider Martin B.E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractCreation of a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt is still the firstline treatment in neonates with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation, or in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome as a part of the first stage of the Norwood sequence. Acute complications after such surgery, such as stenosis, thrombosis, or kinking, are potentially lifethreatening. These complications require immediate revision or exchange of the shunt. In this report, we discuss interventional treatment as an alternative to surgery in 5 patients with acute stenosis or complete occlusion of a shunt.The age of the patients ranged from 12 to 62 days, with a median of 30 days, and their weights ranged between 2.2 and 4.6 kilogrammes, with a median of 3.2 kilogrammes. In 3 patients, the shunts were central or of modified Blalock-Taussig type, while the 2 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome had shunts from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries. We implanted 6 coronary arterial and 2 peripheral stent systems. The diameter of the balloon used for implantation had a ratio to the shunt of 0.9. to 1.All shunts were successfully reopened by stenting. During follow-up, 3 patients underwent further procedures on an elective basis. We have one patient on the waiting list for further surgical intervention, but one patient died of septicaemia unrelated to the interventional procedure one month after implantation.In our limited experience, implantation of stents is an effective and long-lasting treatment for complications of shunts in an emergency situation.
The evolution of virulence and pathogenicity in plant pathogen populations
Authors: SACRISTÁN SOLEDAD , GARCÍA‐ARENAL FERNANDO 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYThe term virulence has a conflicting history among plant pathologists. Here we define virulence as the degree of damage caused to a host by parasite infection, assumed to be negatively correlated with host fitness, and pathogenicity the qualitative capacity of a parasite to infect and cause disease on a host. Selection may act on both virulence and pathogenicity, and their change in parasite populations can drive parasite evolution and host–parasite co‐evolution. Extensive theoretical analyses of the factors that shape the evolution of pathogenicity and virulence have been reported in last three decades. Experimental work has not followed the path of theoretical analyses. Plant pathologists have shown greater interest in pathogenicity than in virulence, and our understanding of the molecular basis of pathogenicity has increased enormously. However, little is known regarding the molecular basis of virulence. It has been proposed that the mechanisms of recognition of parasites by hosts will have consequences for the evolution of pathogenicity, but much experimental work is still needed to test these hypotheses. Much theoretical work has been based on evidence from cellular plant pathogens. We review here the current experimental and observational evidence on which to test theoretical hypotheses or conjectures. We compare evidence from viruses and cellular pathogens, mostly fungi and oomycetes, which differ widely in genomic complexity and in parasitism. Data on the evolution of pathogenicity and virulence from viruses and fungi show important differences, and their comparison is necessary to establish the generality of hypotheses on pathogenicity and virulence evolution.
Multi‐factor regulation of pectate lyase secretion by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides pathogenic on avocado fruits
Authors: MIYARA I. , SHAFRAN H. , KRAMER HAIMOVICH H. , ROLLINS J. , SHERMAN A. , PRUSKY D. 
Published: February 2008

SUMMARYTissue alkalinization during Colletotrichum gloeosporioides attack enhances the expression of PELB, which encodes pectate lyase (PL), and PL secretion, which is considered essential for full virulence. We studied the regulation of PL secretion by manipulation of C. gloeosporioides PELB. PELB was down‐regulated by knocking out PAC1, which encodes the PacC transcription factor that regulates gene products with pH‐sensitive activities. We functionally characterized a PACC gene homologue, PAC1, from C. gloeosporioides wild‐type (WT) Cg‐14 and two independent deletion strains, Δpac1372and Δpac1761. Loss‐of‐function PAC1 mutants showed 85% reduction of PELB transcript expression, delayed PL secretion and dramatically reduced virulence, as detected in infection assays with avocado fruits. In contrast, PELB was up‐regulated in the presence of carbon sources such as glucose. When glucose was used as a carbon source in the medium for the WT strain and the Δpac1 mutant at pH 6.0, PELB transcript expression and PL secretion were activated. Other sugars, such as sucrose and fructose (but not galactose), also activated PELB expression. These results suggest that the pH‐regulated response is only part of a multi‐factor regulation of PELB, and that sugars are also needed to promote the transition from quiescent to active necrotrophic development by the pathogen.
Are diatoms good integrators of temporal variability in stream water quality?
Authors: LAVOIE ISABELLE , CAMPEAU STÉPHANE , DARCHAMBEAU FRANÇOIS , CABANA GILBERT , DILLON PETER J. 
Published: February 2008

Summary1. Although diatoms have been used for many decades for river monitoring around the world, studies showing evidence that diatoms integrate temporal variability in water chemistry are scarce.2. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of the Eastern Canadian Diatom Index (IDEC: Indice Diatomées de l’Est du Canada) with respect to temporal water chemistry variability using three different spatio‐temporal data sets.3. Along a large phosphorus gradient, the IDEC was highly correlated with averaged water chemistry data. Along within‐stream phosphorus gradients, the IDEC integrated phosphorus over various periods of time, depending on the trophic status of the site studied (Boyer, Nicolet or Ste. Anne river) and variability in nutrient concentration.4. In the Ste. Anne River, where nutrient concentrations were low and generally stable, an input of phosphorus induced a rapid change in diatom community structure and IDEC value within the following week. In the mesotrophic Nicolet River, the observed integration period was approximately 2 weeks. Diatom communities in the eutrophic Boyer River appeared to be adapted to frequent and significant fluctuations in nutrient concentrations. In this system, the IDEC therefore showed a slower response to short term fluctuations and integrated nutrient concentrations over a period of 5 weeks.5. Our results suggest that the integration period varies as a function of trophic status and nutrient concentration variability in the streams. Oligotrophic streams are more sensitive to nutrient variations and their diatom communities are directly altered by nutrient increase, while diatom communities of eutrophic rivers are less sensitive to nutrient fluctuations and major variations take a longer time to be integrated into index values.6. The longer integration period in the eutrophic environment may be attributed to the complexity of the diatom community. The results from this study showed that the diversity and evenness of the communities increased with trophic status.
Fine‐scale patterns of genetic variation indicate non‐equilibrium gene frequency divergence in the stream lily, Helmholtzia glaberrima
Authors: PRENTIS PETER J. , MATHER PETER B. 
Published: February 2008

Summary1. Helmholtzia glaberrima (Philydraceae) is a rare plant, endemic to streams of the border ranges of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.2. We used AFLP markers to investigate genetic diversity and patterns of differentiation among 19 populations of H. glaberrima (24 for demographic analyses), and also collected data on the size, distribution and altitude of populations.3. Based on the distribution of populations, altitude significantly influenced the spatial arrangement of H. glaberrima along stream systems, with population size and frequency greatest in upstream habitat.4. Patterns of genetic diversity within populations were not related to population size or distribution. Altitude and genetic diversity were related, with upstream and downstream populations having higher genetic diversity than mid‐stream populations. Differentiation among populations was pronounced at all spatial scales and did not conform to a hierarchical model of gene flow.5. Both genetic diversity and differentiation data sets indicated that strong non‐equilibrium conditions associated with persistent founder effects, and not landscape characteristics, have shaped patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation in H. glaberrima. Patterns of distribution indicate that populations are distributed over a discontinuous ecological gradient, which becomes marginal at lower altitudes.
Progesterone receptor reactivity in renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Mai K T , Teo I , Belanger E C , Robertson S J , Marginean E C , Islam S 
Published: February 2008

Aims:  To investigate the reactivity for oestrogen and progesterone receptors (ER and PR) in renal oncocytoma (RO) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CHRCC).Materials and methods:  Thirty‐eight RO, 25 CHRCC, 20 papillary RCC with oncocytic cytoplasm and 10 clear cell RCC with dominant eosinophilic cytoplasm were submitted for immunohistochemistry for ER, PR, CD117 and RCC.Results:  All cases of RO and CHRCC displayed moderately positive reactivity for PR. The nuclear reactivity ranged from 60% to 90% in RO and from occasional cells to 70% in CHRCC. In CHRCC, reactivity tended to be more prevalent in areas of tumour cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm. Progesterone reactivity was focal in areas. All RO and most CHRCC were reactive for CD117 and neither RO nor CHRCC was reactive for RCC. CD117 reactivity tended to be more intense in CHRCC than in RO. Negative reactivity for CD117 and positive reactivity for RCC were observed in almost all RCC, as reported in the literature.Conclusions:  PR can be used in combination with CD117 and RCC in the differential diagnosis of RO and eosinophilic variant of CHRCC with other RCC with oncocytic or eosinophilic cytoplasm.