bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Calcium Silicate on Growth, Physiological Parameters and Mineral Nutrition in Two Legume Species Under Salt Stress
Authors: Murillo‐Amador B. , Yamada S. , Yamaguchi T. , Rueda‐Puente E. , Ávila‐Serrano N. , García‐Hernández J. L. , López‐Aguilar R. , Troyo‐Diéguez E. , Nieto‐Garibay A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractCowpea and kidney bean plants were grown in a hydroponic system, and the effect of calcium silicate supplied to the nutrient solution under salt stress was investigated. The plants were subjected to four different treatments: (1) nutrient solution alone (C), (2) nutrient solution + 40 mmol l−1 NaCl (NaCl), (3) nutrient solution + 40 mmol l−1 NaCl + 0.5 mmol l−1 CaSiO3 (NaCl + Si1) and (4) nutrient solution + 40 mmol l−1 NaCl+1 mmol l−1 CaSiO3 (NaCl + Si2). The results showed that, in both species, salinity reduced all growth variables but silicate supplementation however partly overcame this growth reduction. Addition of silicate in NaCl‐stressed plants maintained membrane permeability. Net photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance and transpiration were higher in plants under control treatment, and the inclusion of silicate in the nutrient solution resulted in a slight increase in these plant parameters. Intercellular CO2 was slightly higher in plants under silicate treatment than in plants under control or NaCl treatment. Calcium concentration in shoots and roots in both species was slightly higher in the treatments where silicate was added. Potassium concentration for salt treatment was reduced in shoot and root of both species in the absence of silicate. Sodium and chloride concentration in shoots and roots in both species were slightly higher in the presence of NaCl and were slightly reduced in the plants under silicate treatments. The results suggest that, in hydroponically grown plants, the inclusion of silicate in the nutrient solution is beneficial because it improves growth, physiological parameters and may contribute to a more balanced nutrition by enhancing nutrient uptake under NaCl‐stressed conditions. Added calcium silicate may ameliorate the parameters affected by high salinity, may reduce sodium and chloride, and can slightly increase calcium and potassium concentrations in shoots and roots of salt‐stressed cowpea and kidney bean.
Wapl Localization on the Synaptonemal Complex, a Meiosis‐specific Proteinaceous Structure that Binds Homologous Chromosomes, in the Female Mouse
Authors: Zhang J , Håkansson H , Kuroda M , Yuan L 
Published: September 2007

ContentsThe wings apart‐like (Wapl) protein is required to hold sister chromatids together in mitotic heterochromatin in Drosophila melanogaster. It is localized on the synaptonemal complex (SC), a meiosis‐specific structure connecting one pair of sister chromatids to the homologous pair in mouse pachytene spermatocytes. The human Wapl is a cohesin‐binding protein that facilitates cohesin's timely release from chromosome arms during prophase. The objective of the present study was to determine the subcellular localization of the mouse Wapl on female meiotic chromosomes at pachynema. The pachytene oocytes were isolated from foetal ovaries at 18.5 dpc and double immunostained with anti‐synaptonemal complex protein 2 (SYCP2) and anti‐Wapl. In the pachytene oocytes examined, mouse Wapl was colocalized with SYCP2 on the SC. Our results further implicated that Wapl might play a crucial role in meiotic chromosome remodelling at early meiosis.
THE ROLE OF ABDOMINAL RESECTIONAL SURGERY IN METASTATIC MELANOMA
Authors: Hodgson Russell , Fink Michael A. , Jones Robert M. 
Published: September 2007

Background:  We reviewed our experience to determine the role of resectional surgery in metastatic melanoma to the abdomen.Method:  An observational study of 25 patients at the Austin Hospital, Melbourne from 1997 to 2005.Results:  The median survival after abdominal resectional surgery was 8.3 (range 0.4–41.1) months. Fourteen patients who underwent resection with curative intent (extra‐abdominal disease controlled and complete macroscopic clearance of abdominal disease) had improved survival compared with 11 patients who underwent palliative resection (12 month survival, 89 vs 10%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Survival was also superior in patients with up to two metastases compared with more than two (P = 0.0001) and in patients with serum albumin of at least 35 g/L (P = 0.0031). Intent of surgery (curative vs palliative) was the only factor significant on multivariate analysis (P = 0.001). Of patients with preoperative symptoms, 87% had resolution of these symptoms. Operative morbidity was 12%, and 30‐day mortality was 4%.Conclusions:  In a highly selected group of patients with intra‐abdominal melanoma metastases, resection of intra‐abdominal metastases with curative intent resulted in prolonged survival compared with patients who underwent palliative resection. Those who underwent palliative resection had good relief of symptoms with minimal morbidity.
FACTORS AFFECTING IMPLANT RETENTION IN INFECTED JOINT REPLACEMENTS
Authors: Theis Jean‐Claude , Gambhir Shanu , White Jonathan 
Published: September 2007

Background:  There is no standard treatment for infected joint replacements. The options available are varied, and treatment choices may pose problems in relation to both efficacy and cost‐effectiveness.Methods:  A retrospective review of 73 patient records identified in our departmental audit database as infected joint replacements treated at Dunedin Hospital between 1990 and 2000 was carried out. The findings were analysed in terms of outcome of primary treatment, final outcome including prosthesis retention and bacteriology.Results:  Of the 73 patients (50 hips and 20 knees), the majority (69%) were managed by primary surgical debridement followed by intravenous antibiotics but about one‐third (34%) lost their implants because of infection. Retention of implants was higher in acute infections (85–100%) as opposed to late infections (20–50%). The microbiological analysis showed that Staphylococcus and Streptococcus caused the majority (76%) of infections.Conclusion:  In our series, a patient with an infected joint replacement had an approximately similar 30% chance of retaining the original prosthesis, undergoing a successful revision and having no implants in situ at the end of treatment.
THE EFFECT OF AGE ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS LIVING WITH STOMAS: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Ma Norman , Harvey Jamie , Stewart Joanna , Andrews Lorraine , Hill Andrew G. 
Published: September 2007

Background:  The formation of a stoma is associated with important effects on quality of life (QOL). The objective of this prospective pilot study was to assess the effect of age on QOL after stoma formation.Methods:  Forty‐nine patients requiring stoma formation had their QOL assessed by completion of the SF‐36 v2 (SF‐36v‐1999 QualityMetric, Inc.) QOL questionnaire at three time points (preoperatively, at 6 months and at 12 months postoperatively).Results:  There was evidence of a difference in mental function according to age (P = 0.05) with younger patients continuing to improve in QOL to 12 months, whereas older patients started higher but any improvement in their QOL over time was too small to be shown. Physical function of QOL improved over time in both younger and older patients, but the pattern of change differed. Older patients started higher but reached their maximum QOL by 6 months, whereas younger patients continued to improve. There was also evidence of a difference related to presentation with acute presentations starting lower in terms of QOL than elective presentations and showing an increase in QOL at both 6 and 12 months. No difference in change in QOL could be shown for type of stoma, sex or reversal.Conclusions:  There was evidence that age and presentation are factors that influence changes in the QOL of stoma patients. Studies have shown that a stoma nurse specialist may help to increase QOL. Therefore, stoma therapy should be targeted at older patients who require more physical and mental support in adjusting to life with a stoma.
THE EFFECT OF TIME TO THEATRE ON INFECTION RATE FOR OPEN TIBIA FRACTURES
Authors: Sungaran Jai , Harris Ian , Mourad Mohamed 
Published: September 2007

Background:  Open tibia fractures are an orthopaedic emergency. Surgical intervention has traditionally been recommended within 6 h of injury to decrease the risk of infection. There is little support for this time frame in published works, with no prospective randomized controlled trials to date. We sought to determine whether delay to definitive treatment affected the infection rate in open fractures of the tibia at our institution.Methods:  A retrospective review of 161 consecutive skeletally mature patients with open tibia fractures treated at Liverpool Hospital was carried out. Cases were reviewed using the department database and the medical records. Time between injury and surgery was recorded as 0–6, 6–12 or 12–24 h. The infection rate was calculated for each group, and statistical significance was calculated using the χ2‐test.Results:  No increase in the infection rate was found with increasing time to theatre, as five of the six infections occurred in the 0 to 6‐h group, and no infection occurred when treatment was delayed by more than 12 h. The infection rate was found to correlate with the grade of the open injury.Conclusions:  The infection rate after open tibia fractures is strongly associated with the grade of the open fracture rather than the time to initial surgery. It may be justified to delay surgery on open tibia fractures until an optimal operating environment can be provided.
WAITING FOR ELECTIVE SURGERY: EFFECT ON PHYSICAL PROBLEMS AND POSTOPERATIVE RECOVERY
Authors: Oudhoff Jurriaan P. , Timmermans Danielle R. M. , Knol Dirk L. , Bijnen Albert B. , Van der Wal Gerrit 
Published: September 2007

Background: Long waiting times for elective surgery pose a threat to the quality of care. Our study aimed to assess (i) the physical symptoms and disabilities patients experience during the wait, (ii) the perceived improvements after surgery and (iii) whether problems increase during the wait or longer waits affect postoperative outcomes.Methods: A cross‐sectional questionnaire study with postoperative follow up was held among patients waiting for surgery of varicose veins (n = 176), inguinal hernia (n = 201) and gallstones (n = 128) in 27 hospitals.Results: During the wait, each group reported increased levels of pain and impaired mobility (Nottingham Health Profile,P < 0.05). However, 15–41% of patients had no or mild symptoms, whereas 5% of inguinal hernia patients had severe pain and 17% of gallstone patients reported ≥1 colic attacks per week. Surgery resolved symptoms in 86–95% of patients. The length of the wait was not associated with problems during the wait or with postoperative outcomes (multilevel regression analysis,P > 0.01).Conclusions: Waiting for general surgery primarily prolongs the suffering from symptoms, which are relieved by surgery. Although the prioritization of patients with more severe symptoms would reduce the overall burden of waiting, patients with minimal symptoms may be advised to refrain from surgery.
IATROGENIC FEMORAL ARTERY ANEURYSMS IN ORTHOPAEDIC PRACTICE
Authors: Tiwary Satyendra K. , Kumar Sanjeev , Khanna Rahul , Khanna A. K. 
Published: September 2007

Background:  Iatrogenic injury to the femoral vessel is a rare complication after fracture of hip. Pseudoaneurysm formation of superficial femoral artery or profunda femoris artery is detected quite late. We present our experience for surgical management of pseudoaneurysm of femoral artery after iatrogenic trauma during management of fracture of femur.Methods:  A retrospective analysis was carried out for eight patients with femoral artery pseudoaneurysm treated surgically during the last 10 years in one surgical unit.Results:  Of eight patients with pseudoaneurysm of femoral artery, six had superficial femoral artery aneurysm and two profunda femoris artery aneurysm. Mean duration for presentation was 4 months (range 2–6 months). Methods of surgical intervention were direct closure of arterial defect after aneurysmectomy in six cases and use of saphenous vein patch graft for repair of artery in two cases. Mean size of aneurysm was 12 × 7 cm (range 8 × 4 cm to 20 × 12 cm). All patients were doing well during a mean follow up of 72 months (range 6–110 months).Conclusion:  Large pseudoaneurysms of femoral arteries after iatrogenic injury during management of fractures of femur should be managed by aneurysmectomy and arterial repair with or without saphenous vein patch graft.
Quality of life after indefinite diversion/pouch excision in ileal pouch failure patients
Authors: Das P. , Smith J. J. , Tekkis P. P. , Heriot A. G. , Antropoli M. , John Nicholls R. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective  Pouch failure occurs in up to 10% of patients over a 10‐year period for a variety of reasons. One surgical option is pouch excision (PE) and form a permanent ileostomy. This is a major procedure with potential serious complications. An alternative is indefinite diversion (ID) of the pouch without excision. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of life and functional outcome in these two groups of patients.Method  Ninety‐seven patients were identified from the database to have either PE or ID. Fifty‐three patients (17 men) responded; comprising 31 patients after PE and 22 patients with ID in a case–control study and completed the SF‐36 general health survey and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) functional outcomes questionnaire.Results  There was no significant difference in the domains of SF‐36 between the two groups (P > 0.18). All patients with PE had an end ileostomy whereas most patients with ID had a loop ileostomy (18 loop vs 4 end). There was no difference in stoma related complications except for stoma retraction in ID (7%vs 47%; P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in urinary symptoms between PE and ID groups (weak stream 26%vs 14%; P = 0.49, nocturia 22%vs 4%; P = 0.12, urgency 22%vs 9%; P = 0.28, urinary incontinence 22%vs 14%; P = 0.72 respectively). There was no difference in sexually active patients (73%vs 94%; P = 0.11). Of the seven male PE patients, five (71%) could achieve an erection and four (57%) could maintain an erection, compared with all 10 male patients in the ID group (P = 0.151 and 0.05 respectively). Thirty‐three per cent of patients with PE and 62% of patients with ID reported that they would have pouch surgery again if indicated (P = 0.052) and 58% of patients with PE and 81% of patients with ID reported that they would recommend pouch surgery to others (P = 0.129). No case of dysplasia was seen in 18 of 22 ID patients in whom histology was available.Conclusion  Quality of life after PE or ID was no different and male sexual function was significantly better after ID. Retraction of the stoma was more common in this group.
Retroperitoneal margin involvement by adenocarcinoma of the caecum and ascending colon: what does it mean?
Authors: Scott N. , Jamali A. , Verbeke C. , Ambrose N. S. , Botterill I. D. , Jayne D. G. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective  Circumferential margin involvement (CRM) is a powerful predictor of local recurrence, distant metastasis and patient survival in rectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of retroperitoneal margin involvement in right colon cancer and describe its relationship to tumour stage and outcome of surgical treatment.Method  Two hundred and twenty‐eight consecutive resections for adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon and caecum were identified between 1998 and 2006. Tumour involvement of the posterior retroperitoneal surgical resection margin (RSRM) was recorded and correlated with tumour stage, grade and clinical outcome. RSRM positive patients were compared with CRM positive rectal tumours resected in the same surgical unit.Results  Nineteen of 228 right hemicolectomies (8.4%) showed tumour involvement of the RSRM (defined as ≤ 1 mm). Approximately half of the RSRM positive patients underwent palliative resections because of synchronous distant metastases. Out of nine ‘potentially curative’ resections where the RSRM was involved, five patients subsequently developed metastatic recurrence and two isolated local recurrence. RSRM positivity was associated with advanced tumour stage and more extensive extramural spread than CRM positive rectal cancers.Conclusion  Retroperitoneal surgical resection margin involvement by caecal and ascending colon carcinoma is a marker of advanced tumour stage and associated with a high incidence of synchronous and metachronous distant metastasis. More aggressive surgery to obtain a clear margin or postoperative radiotherapy to the tumour bed is likely to benefit only a minority of patients.
How do we manage early rectal cancer? A national questionnaire survey among members of the ACPGBI after the preliminary results of the MRC CR07/NCIC CO16 randomized trial
Authors: Srinivasaiah N. , Joseph B. , Mackey P. , Monson J.R.T. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective  The role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy in the management of rectal cancers has not reached a consensus in colorectal surgical practice. In the light of the preliminary results of the CRO7 trial, we undertook a national questionnaire survey to assess the current pattern of practice in the UK. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between CRO7 trial results and current practice amongst consultant members of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI).Method  A 14‐item questionnaire was designed to inquire into the current management strategy of operable rectal cancers and the possible role of neoadjuvant radiotherapy. The postal questionnaire survey was sent to all the 400 active consultant surgical members of the ACPGBI.Results  Of 400 questionnaires, 200 (50%) were returned fully completed. One hundred and sixty‐six (83%) of surgeons did not routinely use neoadjuvant short course radiotherapy (NASCRT) in clinically operable rectal cancers (T1/T2) <15 cm from anal verge with no metastases (The CR07 eligible cohort). Sixty‐four (32%) used NASCRT for T3 cancers routinely whereas 76 (38%) used neoadjuvant long course radiotherapy instead. One hundred and fifty‐sixty (78%) of the surgeons felt the height of the tumour from the anal verge influenced their decision on NASCRT, while 104 (52%) felt position was important (Anterior/Posterior). Positive anticipated margins of excision on magnetic resonance imaging was a deciding factor for 185 (92.5%) of surgeons in favour of neoadjuvant therapy. Postoperatively in patients who have not had preoperative radiotherapy, 154 (77%) recommended radiotherapy and 155 (77.5%) recommended chemotherapy if the circumferential resection margin was +ve on final pathology. Seventy‐eight (39%) of the surgeons have changed their practice after the preliminary results of the CRO7 by adopting NASCRT for treating early rectal cancers.Conclusion  Despite the evidence of the CRO7 trial supporting the use of NASCRT for operable rectal cancer, approximately two‐third of consultant surgeons in the UK have yet to implement this treatment regime routinely. A change in practice in 39% of surgeons following the early dissemination of trial results indicate that colorectal surgeons practice is guided by scientific evidence. Because the mature trial data have yet to be published, a further survey of practice is warranted after that publication to determine the ultimate impact of this trial. This survey measures the baseline practice to compare changes over the next 2 years.
Stable expression of AtGA2ox1 in a low‐input turfgrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) reduces bioactive gibberellin levels and improves turf quality under field conditions
Authors: Agharkar Mrinalini , Lomba Paula , Altpeter Fredy , Zhang Hangning , Kenworthy Kevin , Lange Theo 
Published: September 2007

SummaryBahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) is a prime candidate for molecular improvement of turf quality. Its persistence and low input characteristics made it the dominant utility turfgrass along highways in the south‐eastern USA. However, the comparatively poor turf quality due to reduced turf density and prolific production of unsightly inflorescences currently limits the widespread use of bahiagrass as residential turf. Alteration of endogenous gibberellin (GA) levels by application of growth regulators or transgenic strategies has modified plant architecture in several crops. GA catabolizing AtGA2ox1 was subcloned under the control of the constitutive maize ubiquitin promoter and Nos 3’UTR. A minimal AtGA2ox1 expression cassette lacking vector backbone sequences was stably introduced into apomictic bahiagrass by biolistic gene transfer as confirmed by Southern blot analysis. Expression of AtGA2ox1 in bahiagrass as indicated by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot analysis resulted in a significant reduction of endogenous bioactive GA1 levels compared to wild type. Interestingly, transgenic plants displayed an increased number of vegetative tillers which correlated with the level of AtGA2ox1 expression and enhanced turf density under field conditions. This indicates that GAs contribute to signalling the outgrowth of axillary buds in this perennial grass. Transgenic plants also showed decreased stem length and delayed flowering under controlled environment and field conditions. Consequently, turf quality following weekly mowing was improved in transgenic bahiagrass. Transgene expression and phenotype were transmitted to seed progeny. Argentine bahiagrass produces seeds asexually by apomixis, which reduces the risk of unintended transgene dispersal by pollen and results in uniform progeny.
Functional analysis of soybean genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis by virus‐induced gene silencing
Authors: Nagamatsu Atsushi , Masuta Chikara , Senda Mineo , Matsuura Hideyuki , Kasai Atsushi , Hong Jin‐Sung , Kitamura Keisuke , Abe Jun , Kanazawa Akira 
Published: September 2007

SummaryVirus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a powerful tool for functional analysis of genes in plants. A wide‐host‐range VIGS vector, which was developed based on theCucumber mosaic virus(CMV), was tested for its ability to silence endogenous genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis in soybean. Symptomless infection was established using a pseudorecombinant virus, which enabled detection of specific changes in metabolite content by VIGS. It has been demonstrated that the yellow seed coat phenotype of various cultivated soybean lines that lack anthocyanin pigmentation is induced by natural degradation ofchalcone synthase(CHS) mRNA. When soybean plants with brown seed coats were infected with a virus that contains theCHSgene sequence, the colour of the seed coats changed to yellow, which indicates that the naturally occurring RNA silencing is reproduced by VIGS. In addition,CHSVIGS consequently led to a decrease in isoflavone content in seeds. VIGS was also tested on the putativeflavonoid 3′‐hydroxylase(F3′H) gene in the pathway. This experiment resulted in a decrease in the content of quercetin relative to kaempferol in the upper leaves after viral infection, which suggests that the putative gene actually encodes the F3′H protein. In both experiments, a marked decrease in the target mRNA and accumulation of short interfering RNAs were detected, indicating that sequence‐specific mRNA degradation was induced. The present report is a successful demonstration of the application of VIGS for genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis in plants; the CMV‐based VIGS system provides an efficient tool for functional analysis of soybean genes.