bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transfer of selected mineral nutrients and trace elements in the host–hemiparasite association, Cistus–Odontites lutea, growing on and off metal‐polluted sites
Authors: Llugany M. , Lombini A. , Dinelli E. , Poschenrieder C. , Barceló J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe role of a hemiparasitic life‐style in plant resistance to toxic trace elements in polluted soils is unclear. Restriction of metal uptake by the host, restriction of metal transfer from host to parasite, or transformation of metals into a less toxic form may play a role. This study analysed the transfer of selected mineral elements from soil to host (Cistus spp.) and from host to hemiparasite (Odontites lutea) at locations with different metal burdens: a Cu‐rich serpentine site, Pb–Ba mine spoil and an unpolluted soil. Highest soil‐to‐host transfer factors for K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu and Pb were observed on the unpolluted soil. Statistically significant differences among locations of host‐to‐parasite transfer factors were only found for Ca and Pb. Restriction of transfer of unfavourable Ca/Mg ratios, characteristic at the serpentine site, and of high Pb and Zn concentrations at the Pb–Ba mine occurred mainly at the soil–host, and not at the host–parasite, level. Odontites lutea was able to withstand enhanced Zn and Pb concentrations and low Fe/Cu ratios in shoot tissue without developing toxicity symptoms. This could be caused by specific metal resistance mechanisms in this hemiparasite and/or the transformation and transfer of these metals into a less toxic form by the metal‐tolerant host.
Transparent Testa Glabra 1 (TTG1) and TTG1‐like genes in Matthiola incana R. Br. and related Brassicaceae and mutation in the WD‐40 motif
Authors: Dressel A. , Hemleben V. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTTG1 (Transparent Testa Glabra 1), a WD‐40 repeat protein, is involved in regulation of flavonoid/anthocyanin biosynthesis, seed coat (mucilage) development/pigmentation and trichome formation in leaves. Here, we characterized the TTG1 gene of Matthiola incana wild type (e locus), showing 85.3% similarity to TTG1 of A. thaliana on the nucleotide level and 96.2% on the protein level. A white‐flowered and glabrous mutant, line 17, of M. incana exhibits one nucleotide change, leading to an amino acid substitution directly in the WD motif (W158R). Correspondingly, the DFR (dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase) gene, in which the expression is known to be dependent on TTG1, is not expressed in Matthiola mutant lines 17 (and 19). Comparison of the GC content of the Matthiola TTG1 (54.1%) and Arabidopsis TTG1 (46.1%) genes revealed a strong difference, mostly obtained by neutral substitutions (C to T transitions). To examine whether this is an ecologically influenced trend, a fragment of TTG1 was characterized from another Matthiola species (M. tricuspidata) and from Malcolmia flexuosa subsp. naxensis from the eastern Mediterranean, near a beach with sandy and salty soils. Both Matthiola species have a higher GC content in the TTG1 gene than Arabidopsis and the closer‐related Malcolmia, indicating that the GC content is rather an evolutionary than an ecological signal. A similar WD‐40 repeat protein gene (containing no intron in the 3′ untranslated region) with high similarity to the Arabidopsis TTG1‐like (AtAN11) gene was found in Matthiola.
Reduced lung uptake of Iodine‐123 metaiodobenzylguanidine in high‐altitude pulmonary oedema
Authors: URUSHIHATA Kazuhisa , KOIZUMI Tomonobu , HANAOKA Masayuki , FUJIMOTO Keisaku , KUBO Keishi , KOBAYASHI Toshio , FUJII Tadashige 
Published: July 2008

Background and objective:  Iodine‐123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I‐MIBG) uptake in the lungs is a potentially suitable marker of pulmonary endothelial function because MIBG behaviour in the pulmonary circulation is quantitatively similar to that of norepinephrine. In addition, hypoxia reduces 123I‐MIBG transport in pulmonary endothelial cells in vitro. The present study was undertaken to evaluate 123I‐MIBG uptake in the lungs of patients with high‐altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE).Methods:  123I‐MIBG scintigraphy was performed in eight patients with HAPE. The findings were compared with those in 24 patients with congestive heart failure due to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and in 13 normal control subjects. In patients with HAPE, the 123I‐MIBG examination was performed 7–14 days after admission. Anterior planar images were acquired 15 min after injection of 123I‐MIBG and the total lung to upper mediastinum ratio (L/M ratio) was calculated for both lungs.Results:  The L/M ratio in patients with HAPE (1.39 ± 0.15, mean ± SD) was significantly lower than in those with congestive heart failure/DCM (1.66 ± 0.16) or in normal controls (1.53 ± 0.14). There were no significant differences among the groups in 123I‐MIBG accumulation in the heart.Conclusions:  Although the mechanism of altered 123I‐MIBG kinetics in HAPE remains obscure, decreased 123I‐MIBG uptake in the lungs may potentially be a suitable technique for the assessment of pathological conditions associated with the pulmonary endothelium.
Low‐dose dexamethasone alleviates lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury in rats and upregulates pulmonary glucocorticoid receptors
Authors: WANG Xiao‐Qiu , ZHOU Xin , ZHOU Yan , RONG Ling , GAO Lei , XU Wei 
Published: July 2008

Background and objective:  The major causes of mortality among patients who survive acute lung injury/ARDS (ALI/ARDS) are due to the extensive tissue remodelling and fibrosis. Use of high‐dose glucocorticoids to reduce these inflammatory and fibroproliferative responses has been shown to do more harm than good. Recently, Meduri et al. found that the early use of low‐dose prolonged methylprednisolone in patients with severe ALI/ARDS significantly relieved the systemic inflammatory response and improved pulmonary and extrapulmonary organ function. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of low‐dose dexamethasone (Dex) on inflammation and fibrosis in LPS‐induced ALI in rats and its influence on the expression of the pulmonary glucocorticoid receptor (GR).Methods:  Eighty Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (intraperitoneal normal saline injection (5 mL/kg) throughout experiment, n = 24); the LPS model group (LPS injection (5 mg/kg) for 3 days and normal saline thereafter, n = 24); the LPS + Dex group (LPS injection for 3 days and Dex solution (5 mg/kg) thereafter, n = 16); and the Dex group (normal saline injection (5 mL/kg) for 3 days and Dex solution (5 mg/kg) thereafter, n = 16). Levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, matrix metallopeptidase‐9 and procollagen N‐terminal propeptide type I in BAL fluid were examined by ELISA on the third, seventh and fourteenth days after injection. Pulmonary hydroxyproline content was measured and histological examination was performed with haematoxylin–eosin and Victoria blue‐ponceau. Pulmonary distribution of GR‐positive cells was examined immunohistochemically, and expression of GR mRNA and protein was determined by RT‐PCR and western blot analysis.Results:  Histological assessments showed that pulmonary fibrosis occurred in parallel with inflammation in the rat ALI model. Compared with the LPS group, the inflammation and fibrosis parameters were significantly improved in the LPS + Dex group at different periods after injection (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), although parameters in the LPS + Dex group were not as good as those of the control group. GR mRNA and protein expression in the LPS + Dex group were markedly higher than that of the LPS group on the seventh and the fourteenth days (both P < 0.01). Western blotting showed that Dex also promoted the nuclear translocation of GR protein.Conclusion:  Low‐dose Dex can reduce pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis after LPS‐induced ALI in rats and can elevate GR expression in the lung, probably through upregulating GR levels and promoting the nuclear translocation of GR protein.
Pleural effusion in patients with pulmonary embolism
Authors: YAP Elaine , ANDERSON Graeme , DONALD Jennifer , WONG Conroy A. , LEE Y.C. Gary , SIVAKUMARAN Pathmanathan 
Published: July 2008

Background and objective:  It has been suggested that pulmonary embolism (PE) is an under‐recognized cause of pleural effusion. This study aimed to (i) establish the incidence and clinical relevance of pleural effusion in patients with pulmonary emboli; and (ii) determine if there is a relationship between development of pleural effusions and the location of emboli and number of pulmonary arteries involved.Methods:  A retrospective analysis of all CT pulmonary angiograms (CTPA) performed over 12 months on adult patients with clinically suspected PE in a hospital which used CTPA as first‐line imaging investigation for PE.Results:  Of 285 CTPA, 60 patients (21%) had evidence of pulmonary emboli (38 had both central and peripheral clots and 22 peripheral emboli only). Emboli were bilateral in 39 cases and unilateral in 21 cases. Pleural effusion was present in almost one half (n = 29, 48%) of the patients with pulmonary emboli. Patients with pulmonary emboli were more likely to have a pleural effusion (OR 2.2 (95% CI: 1.1–4.7), P < 0.05) than patients without PE; however, the effusions were generally very small. Most (86%) of the effusions were present on the same side as the emboli. The location of emboli and number of arteries involved did not predict the presence of pleural effusions.Conclusions:  Pleural effusion is common in patients with pulmonary emboli demonstrated on CTPA. These effusions are small and seldom alter clinical management. Clinicians should therefore have a high threshold of suspicion in attributing large or contralateral pleural effusions to embolic diseases without excluding alternative diagnoses.
Bronchoperitoneal fistula from a lung abscess
Authors: HSU Po‐Shun , LEE Shih‐Chun , TZAO Ching , CHEN Cheng‐Jueng , CHENG Yeung‐Leung 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:Fistula formation between the bronchi and peritoneal cavity is extremely rare. In previous reports, fistulas have occurred secondary to thoraco‐abdominal trauma, subphrenic abscess, suppurative biliary tract obstruction, malignancy and iatrogenically through procedures such as biliary surgery or percutaneous biliary drainage. The direction of fistula formation has always been thought to be from the peritoneal cavity to the bronchi: there are no reports of a fistula with a bronchial origin. This case report presents a patient who presented with sepsis and a bronchoperitoneal fistula and pneumoperitoneum secondary to lung abscess.
Revision of the severity rating and classification of hospital‐acquired pneumonia in the Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines
Authors: SEKI Masafumi , WATANABE Akira , MIKASA Keiichi , KADOTA Junichi , KOHNO Shigeru 
Published: July 2008

Background and objective:  Based on the results of a multicentre collaborative survey of hospital‐acquired pneumonia (HAP) conducted in Japan, the severity rating and classification of pneumonia in the Japanese Respiratory Society guidelines for management of HAP were examined.Methods:  Parameters for the severity classification were selected from the factors associated with prognosis in the HAP survey and in other previous reports. Depending on the presence of the parameters listed below, patients with HAP were stratified into those with high, moderate or low‐risk. The high‐risk group was defined as patients with three or more of the following risk factors: ‘malignant tumour or immunocompromised status’, ‘impaired consciousness’, ‘requiring fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) >35% to maintain SaO2 >90%’, ‘man aged 70 years or older, or woman aged 75 years or older’ and ‘oliguria or dehydration.’ The moderate‐risk group was defined as patients with any of the secondary risk factors as follows: ‘CRP ≥ 200 mg/L’ and ‘extent of infiltration on CXR covers at least 2/3 of one lung’. The low‐risk group was defined as all other patients.Results:  Application of this classification scheme to the patients enrolled in the HAP survey revealed a mortality rate of 40.8% (98/240) in the high‐risk group, which was significantly higher than the mortality rates in the moderate and low‐risk groups: 24.9% (69/277) and 12.1% (101/834), respectively.Conclusion:  These results indicate that it is possible to classify patients using these parameters as prognostic indicators.
Anterior apical biopsy: Is it useful for prostate cancer detection?
Authors: Orikasa Kazuhiko , Ito Akihiro , Ishidoya Shigeto , Saito Seiichi , Endo Mareyuki , Arai Yoichi 
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  To evaluate the utility of a 12‐core prostate biopsy protocol including apical anterior peripheral zone (AAPZ) cores.Methods:  Between February 2002 and October 2006, 10‐core and 12‐core initial transrectal prostate biopsies were performed on 164 and 549 men, respectively. Two AAPZ‐directed biopsies were included in the 12‐core biopsy. During the same period, 12‐core repeat biopsies including six AAPZ sites were performed on 118 men.Results:  Cancer was found in 66 cases (40.2%) in the 10‐core biopsy group and in 252 (45.9%) in the 12‐core biopsy group. In this latter group, 13 (5.2%) of the 252 men with positive biopsy had cancer exclusively in the AAPZ cores. When the cancer detection rate at initial biopsy in AAPZ alone was compared according to the digital rectal examination (DRE) findings, it was significantly higher in men with normal rather than abnormal DRE: 12/250 (3.4%) vs 1/185 (0.5%) (P < 0.01). In repeat 12‐core biopsies, cancer was detected in 25 (21.2%) men and 9 of them (36.0%) had cancer exclusively in the AAPZ cores. The cancer detection rate from AAPZ sites was significantly higher in repeat biopsy than that in initial biopsy (P < 0.01).Conclusions:  Addition of the AAPZ site‐directed biopsy had greater utility in men with normal DRE and particularly in patients with a prior negative biopsy.
Staining characteristics of p16INK4a: Is there a correlation with lesion grade or high‐risk human papilloma virus positivity?
Authors: Ozgul Nejat , Cil Aylin P. , Bozdayi Gulendam , Usubutun Alp , Bulbul Dilek , Rota Seyyar , Kose M. Faruk , Biri Aydan , Haberal Ali 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim:  The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficiency of p16INK4a in showing cervical lesions and to determine any relationship between lesion grade and high‐risk human papilloma virus (HR‐HPV) infection and p16INK4a staining characteristics.Methods:  Immunohistochemical analysis of p16INK4a was performed on 13 low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 22 high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 23 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 25 normal tissue samples. The distribution, staining pattern and intensity of p16INK4a expression were assessed and correlated with HR‐HPV positivity determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:  All HSIL and SCC cases, but only 46.2% of LSIL cases, were positive for p16INK4a. Although positive staining of p16INK4a in showing HR‐HPV‐positive lesions was statistically significant (P = 0.000), we could not find a significant correlation for distribution (P = 0.319), staining pattern (P = 0.057) or intensity (P = 0.057) of p16INK4a in showing HR‐HPV in cervical epithelium. These parameters were correlated only with the increasing grade of the lesion (P = 0.000).Conclusions:  p16INK4a is a highly sensitive marker of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer. There is a good correlation between p16INK4a expression and cervical lesion grade and HR‐HPV positivity. The distribution, staining pattern and intensity of this marker are significantly correlated with the increasing grade of cervical lesions, suggesting that diffuse distribution, full thickness staining pattern and strong intensity of this marker are highly supportive of HSIL and cervical cancer, while focal distribution, scattered/basal staining pattern and weak intensity suggest LSIL. However, these parameters are not correlated with HR‐HPV status in cervical lesions.
Prognostic factors in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Uharček Peter 
Published: July 2008

AbstractEndometrial carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in industrialized countries, and occurs predominantly after the menopause. Although most endometrial carcinomas are detected at low stage, there is still a significant mortality from the disease. In postmenopausal women, prolonged life expectancy, changes in reproductive behavior and prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as hormone replacement therapy use, may partially account for the observed increases of incidence rates in some countries. In order to improve treatment and follow‐up of endometrial carcinoma patients, the importance of various prognostic factors has been extensively studied. The identification of high‐risk groups would make it possible to avoid unnecessary adjuvant treatment among patients with a good prognosis. Over the past few decades, several studies have demonstrated the prognostic importance of different parameters including lymph node status, histological type of carcinoma (serous carcinoma and clear cell carcinomas are poor prognostic types), histological grade, stage of disease, depth of myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space involvement and cervical involvement. Other factors currently being investigated are estrogen and progesterone receptor status, p53 status, flow cytometric analysis for ploidy and S‐phase fraction, and oncogenes such as HER‐2/neu (c‐erbB‐2).
Laparoscopic proximal tubal division can preserve ovarian reserve for infertility patients with hydrosalpinges
Authors: Nakagawa Koji , Ohgi Shirei , Nakashima Akira , Horikawa Takashi , Irahara Minoru , Saito Hidekazu 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim:  To investigate whether laparoscopic proximal tubal division for the treatment of hydrosalpinges could preserve ovarian function.Methods:  From June 2002 to October 2006, before assisted reproductive treatment (ART), a total of 17 infertile patients with bilateral hydrosalpinges were studied – 11 patients underwent laparoscopic proximal tubal division (PTD group), and six underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy (salpingectomy group). In both groups, the basal follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) values before and after surgery, the operation time and outcome of ART treatment were retrospectively evaluated.Results:  The mean FSH value before laparoscopic PTD was similar to that after surgery. The FSH value before laparoscopic salpingectomy significantly increased after surgery (6.8 ± 1.1 vs 14.1 ± 9.3). The operation time in the PTD group was significantly shorter than in the salpingectomy group. The outcomes of ART were similar in both groups. The pregnancy rate per patient in the PTD and salpingectomy groups were 45.5% and 50%, respectively.Conclusions:  Laparoscopic proximal tubal division preserved ovarian function and was an optimal operation method for infertility patients with hydrosalpinges. The basal FSH values after laparoscopic proximal tubal division were comparable to those before surgery.
Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia
Authors: Bernardi Fabiana , Guolo Francieli , Bortolin Thaize , Petronilho Fabricia , Dal‐Pizzol Felipe 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim:  Although previous investigators have demonstrated the presence of oxidative stress and inflammation in preeclampsia, none directly correlate both to preeclampsia.Methods:  We determined in 35 preeclamptic and 35 normotensive pregnant women plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, protein carbonyl, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6 and IL‐10.Results:  Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive species and protein carbonyls were higher in preeclamptic patients. TNF‐α and IL‐6 (but not IL‐1β or IL‐10) were higher in preeclamptic patients. We found significant correlation between plasma IL‐6 and carbonyls, and these correlated to blood pressure.Conclusions:  We demonstrated that some oxidative and inflammatory mediators were altered in preeclampsia, and some correlated to blood pressure.
A new technique using a rubber balloon in emergency second trimester cerclage for fetal membrane prolapse
Authors: Kanai Makoto , Ashida Takashi , Ohira Satoshi , Osada Ryosuke , Konishi Ikuo 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim:  Prolongation of pregnancy in cases of fetal membrane prolapse into the vagina during the second trimester is difficult using conservative therapy. After pushing the membranes back into the cervix, emergency cervical cerclage may be advantageous in improving the neonatal outcome. We have been managing membrane repositioning and emergency cervical cerclage with a technique using a rubber balloon device (known as a ‘mini metreu’ in Japan), and we examined the efficacy of this technique in five cases.Methods:  Our management was as follows: Initially, the full bladder technique was attempted under general anesthesia. If this was not effective, amnioreduction was performed by transabdominal amniocentesis. After the membrane repositioning using a mini metreu, double suture cervical cerclage (McDonald method + Shirodkar method) was performed.Results:  The diameter of the bulging prolapsed membranes ranged from 30–84 mm, with a mean of 52 mm. Cerclage was successfully performed in all of the five cases. Prolongation of the pregnancy period was from 22–107 days (average; 77.6 ± 28.9 days). In cases 1–4, healthy newborns were delivered, but in case 5 sudden intrauterine fetal death due to umbilical cord complications occurred at 24 weeks of gestation.Conclusion:  It appears that long‐term prolongation of pregnancy is possible, when performing membrane repositioning using the mini metreu and emergency cervical cerclage for fetal membrane prolapse into the vagina.
Interpregnancy interval and subsequent perinatal outcomes among women delaying initiation of childbearing
Authors: Nabukera Sarah K. , Wingate Martha S. , Kirby Russell S. , Owen John , Swaminathan Shailender , Alexander Greg R. , Salihu Hamisu M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim:  While delayed initiation of childbearing is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, whether or not risk persists and whether interpregnancy interval (IPI) affects the subsequent pregnancy remains unclear.Objectives:  To examine second‐pregnancy perinatal outcomes for women initiating childbearing age ≥30 compared to those initiating childbearing aged 20–29, specifically examining the distribution of adverse perinatal outcomes, and their associations with the interpregnancy interval.Methods:  Retrospective cohort study using the Missouri maternally linked files 1978–1997. Perinatal outcomes included fetal death, low birthweight, preterm birth and small‐for‐gestational age. Predictor variables included maternal age at first pregnancy and IPI between the first and second pregnancy.Results:  With an increasing maternal age at first pregnancy, rates of very low birthweight (P = 0.0095), preterm delivery (P = 0.0126), moderately preterm (P = 0.0458), and extremely preterm (P = 0.0008) in the second pregnancy increased, while the rate of small‐for‐gestational age (P < 0.0001) declined. Interpregnancy intervals <6 and ≥60 months were associated with a higher rate of adverse outcomes after controlling for maternal age at first pregnancy. Intervals of 12–17 months had the lowest rate of adverse outcomes for mothers 35+. Maternal age ≥35 years at first pregnancy and IPI <6 months were independent risk factors for an adverse outcome in the second pregnancy, however no statistical interaction between these factors was observed.Conclusion:  Delayed initiation of childbearing is associated with a persistent risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in the second pregnancy, with a short IPI contributing to this risk. As numbers of women delaying childbearing beyond age 30 increase, providers should consider these risks in counseling women about their reproductive plans.