bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein N‐glycosylation determines functionality of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall integrity sensor Mid2p
Authors: Hutzler Franziska , Gerstl Ronald , Lommel Mark , Strahl Sabine 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe fungal cell wall is a highly dynamic structure that is essential to maintain cell shape and stability. Hence in yeasts and fungi cell wall integrity is tightly controlled. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae plasma membrane protein Mid2p is a putative mechanosensor that responds to cell wall stresses and morphological changes during pheromone induction. The extracellular domain of Mid2p, which is crucial to sensing, is highly O‐ and N‐glycosylated. We showed that O‐mannosylation is determining stability of Mid2p. If and how N‐glycosylation is linked to Mid2p function was unknown. Here we demonstrate that Mid2p contains a single high mannose N‐linked glycan at position Asn‐35. The N‐glycan is located close to the N‐terminus and is exposed from the plasma membrane towards the cell wall through a highly O‐mannosylated domain that is predicted to adopt a rod‐like conformation. In contrast to O‐mannosylation, lack of the N‐linked glycan affects neither, stability of Mid2p nor distribution at the plasma membrane during vegetative and sexual growth. However, non‐N‐glycosylated Mid2p fails to perceive cell wall challenges. Our data further demonstrate that both the extent of the N‐linked glycan and its distance from the plasma membrane affect Mid2p function, suggesting the N‐glycan to be directly involved in Mid2p sensing.
The role of laccase in prostaglandin production by Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Erb‐Downward John R. , Noggle Rachael M. , Williamson Peter R. , Huffnagle Gary B. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryRecently, it has been demonstrated that the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans can synthesize authentic immunomodulatory prostaglandins. The mechanism by which this takes place is unclear as there is no cyclooxygenase homologue in the cryptococcal genome. In this study, we show that cryptococcal production of both PGE2 and PGF2α can be chemically inhibited by caffeic acid, resveratrol and nordihydroguaiaretic acid. These polyphenolic molecules are frequently used as inhibitors of lipoxygenase enzymes; however, blast searches of the cryptococcal genome were unable to identify any homologues of mammalian, plant or fungal lipoxygenases. Next we investigated cryptococcal laccase, an enzyme known to bind polyphenols, and found that either antibody depletion or genetic deletion of the primary cryptococcal laccase (lac1Δ) resulted in a loss of cryptococcal prostaglandin production. To determine how laccase is involved, we tested recombinant laccase activity on the prostaglandin precursors, arachidonic acid (AA), PGG2 and PGH2. Using mass spectroscopy we determined that recombinant Lac1 does not modify AA or PGH2, but does have a marked activity toward PGG2 converting it to PGE2 and 15‐keto‐PGE2. These data demonstrate a critical role for laccase in cryptococcal prostaglandin production, and provides insight into a new and unique fungal prostaglandin pathway.
Placental characteristics and birthweight
Authors: Salafia Carolyn M. , Zhang Jun , Charles Adrian K. , Bresnahan Michaeline , Shrout Patrick , Sun Wenyu , Maas Elizabeth M. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryStandard gross placental measures capture dimensions relevant to specific placental functions. Our objective was to determine their accountability independent of placental weight for variance in birthweight, an important proxy for intrauterine ‘adequacy’ in fetal origins studies. The sample consisted of 24 152 singleton liveborn children of the Collaborative Perinatal Project delivered from 34 to 42 completed weeks gestation, with complete data for six placental measures (placental disc shape, umbilical cord length, distance from cord insertion to nearest margin, large diameter, small diameter, placental thickness) and placental weight. Associations between birthweight and placental measures were examined using multiple linear regression. Placental weight alone accounted for 36.6% of birthweight variation; the six other placental measures accounted for 28.1%. Combined, all placental measures accounted for 39.1% of birthweight variation. Seven maternal characteristics (age, height, weight, parity, socio‐economic status, cigarette use, and race) were investigated to determine whether their known associations with birthweight were mediated by placental markers. Analysis suggested that the impact of all maternal characteristics except smoking was consistent with mediation by placental characteristics.
NaCl‐induced changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ in Arabidopsis thaliana are heterogeneous and modified by external ionic composition
Authors: TRACY FRANCES E. , GILLIHAM MATTHEW , DODD ANTONY N. , WEBB ALEX A. R. , TESTER MARK 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTIncreases in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) are common to many stress‐activated signalling pathways, including the response to saline environments. We have investigated the nature of NaCl‐induced [Ca2+]cyt signals in whole Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings using aequorin. We found that NaCl‐induced increases in [Ca2+]cyt are heterogeneous and mainly restricted to the root. Both the concentration of NaCl and the composition of the solution bathing the root have profound effects on the magnitude and dynamics of NaCl‐induced increases in [Ca2+]cyt. Alteration of external K+ concentration caused changes in the temporal and spatial pattern of [Ca2+]cyt increase, providing evidence for Na+‐induced Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane. The effects of various pharmacological agents on NaCl‐induced increases in [Ca2+]cyt indicate that NaCl may induce influx of Ca2+ through both plasma membrane and intracellular Ca2+‐permeable channels. Analysis of spatiotemporal [Ca2+]cyt dynamics using photon‐counting imaging revealed additional levels of complexity in the [Ca2+]cyt signal that may reflect the oscillatory nature of NaCl‐induced changes in single cells.
Type B pigmentary demarcation lines in a Chinese amenorrheic woman
Authors: Ma Hui‐Jun , Zhao Guang , Dang Yu‐Ping 
Published: April 2008

A 51‐year‐old Chinese woman (phototype III) presented to our dermatology clinic with a 3‐month history of asymptomatic pigmented maculae on the lower limbs that developed in the 11th month of amenorrhea. She had noticed no other areas of pigmentary change and denied any inflammatory episode or topical medication before their development. No personal or family history of hormonal imbalance or pigmentary demarcation lines (PDLs) was found. Physical examination revealed broad, band‐like pigmentation symmetrically distributed all over the flexor aspects of the lower limbs (Fig. 1). The medial borders of the pigmented areas were sharply demarcated, but the lateral borders merged imperceptibly into the normal skin. The patient was otherwise healthy. Laboratory examination, including full blood count, liver tests, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyrotropic‐stimulating hormone (TSH), were normal. Hormonal investigations (Table 1) were within normal limits, except that estradiol (E2) was sharply decreased and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) was highly elevated. Ultrasonic B‐mode examination showed a normal uterus and ovaries. No treatment was applied to the lesions. At a follow‐up visit, 16 months after onset, the pigmentary lines had resolved spontaneously. Moreover, the titers of hormones in serum had moved closer to normal values (Table 1).Pigmentary demarcation lines on the buttocks and flexor aspect of the legs. The outer part is darkerimage

Hormone investigations on the serum of our patient with pigmentary demarcation lines (PDLs)

3 months after onset
16 months after onset

Normal results
Abnormal results
Normal results
Abnormal results

1. Prolactin
1. Estradiol, 12.9 pmol/L Normal, 40.0–100 pmol/L
1. Prolactin
1. Estradiol, 36.46 pmol/L Normal, 40.0–100 pmol/L

2. Luteotropic hormone
2. Follicle‐stimulating hormone, 94.3 U/L Normal, 1.5–33.4 U/L
2. Luteotropic hormone
2. Follicle‐stimulating hormone, 53.2 U/L Normal, 1.5–33.4 U/L

3. Progestone

3. Progestone

4. Total testosterone

4. Total testosterone

5. Free triiodothyronine

5. Free triiodothyronine

6. Free thyroxine

6. Free thyroxine

7. Thyroid‐stimulating hormone

7. Thyroid‐stimulating hormone
Combining systemic retinoids with biologic agents for moderate to severe psoriasis
Authors: Smith Elizabeth C. A. , Riddle Christy , Menter M. Alan , Lebwohl Mark 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  Moderate to severe psoriasis, which is defined as psoriasis affecting more than 20% of the body surface area, often requires a combination of therapies to achieve remission. Although numerous data exist regarding the use of acitretin and biologic agent therapy alone for psoriasis, little is known about the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of acitretin combined with biologic agents.Methods  Fifteen patients with psoriasis treated with concomitant acitretin and a biologic agent were identified, and their charts were reviewed for response to therapy, additional therapy necessary for disease management, side‐effects, and laboratory abnormalities whilst on combination therapy. The Institutional Review Board did not require approval for this chart review.Results  Twenty‐nine per cent of patients showed clearance of psoriasis, 43% of patients showed an improvement of 90%, 14% showed an improvement of 75%, and 7.1% showed no change. During treatment with acitretin and biologic agent, five patients required no adjunctive treatment. Three patients were able to stop narrow‐band ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) therapy after an average of 2.33 months of combination therapy. Only one patient continued to require phototherapy (UV‐B) in addition to the biologic agent. Three patients developed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) whilst on combination therapy, but all patients had a previous history of SCC. One patient developed non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma after 3 years of etanercept and acitretin, and the etanercept was discontinued.Conclusions  Acitretin combined with biologic agents offers a promising method of managing refractory psoriasis. More research is needed to determine the long‐term safety and efficacy of this combination.
Dermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans – a frequent but poorly understood tropical skin condition – a case report from Burkina Faso
Authors: Bens Guido , Franck Frédéric , Diatto Georges , Preney Laure , Darie Hervé , Géniaux Marc 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDermatitis cruris pustulosa et atrophicans (DCPA) is a benign inflammatory skin disease of the younger population in the tropics. Although this pustular skin condition of particular topography is frequently seen by dermatologists in tropical countries, its origin remains unknown. We report the case of a young woman with DCPA associated with prurigo nodularis. A bacterial origin has not been demonstrated in this case. Histology showed an intraepidermal neutrophilic pustule with dermal and subcutaneous infiltration by neutrophils and eosinophils forming flame figures. Different pathogenic hypotheses are discussed with special regard to a potential relationship between DCPA and eosinophilic cellulitis.
Connexin 26 mutation in keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome in mother and daughter with combined conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Kelly Brent , Lozano Annabelle , Altenberg Guillermo , Makishima Tomoko 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  Keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome most commonly results from a mutation in the gap‐junctional protein connexin 26 (Cx26) gene, GJB2. Most cases are sporadic and are associated with sensorineural hearing loss.Methods  We encountered a mother and daughter with KID syndrome, and pursued genetic analysis and an extensive hearing loss evaluation.Results  The analysis of genomic DNA of both affected patients revealed the mutation 148G → A in GJB2 (D50N). No mutation was found in an unaffected son. Auditory phenotype analysis showed a combined conductive and sensorineural hearing loss in both affected patients.Conclusions  This is the second vertical transmission of the D50N mutation. These are the first two cases with combined sensorineural and conductive hearing loss without any significant history of middle ear disease. This points to the possibility that the Cx26 D50N mutation can cause conductive hearing loss.
Metabolic syndrome associated with toenail onychomycosis in Taiwanese with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chang Shun‐Jen , Hsu Shih‐Chieh , Tien Kai‐Jen , Hsiao Jeng‐Yueh , Lin Shiu‐Ru , Chen Hung‐Chun , Hsieh Ming‐Chia 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  Onychomycosis is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), which has a deleterious impact on the quality of life.Aim  To explore the prevalence of onychomycosis amongst Taiwanese diabetics, and to analyze the factors associated with onychomycosis after adjusting for age and sex.Methods  A total of 1245 Taiwanese diabetics were enrolled, and a nested case–control study was performed by onychomycosis outcome and the exposures were compared.Results  The overall prevalence of onychomycosis among DM patients was 30.76% (383/1245), with a significantly higher prevalence in men than in women (P = 0.024). The factors associated with onychomycosis in matched pairs by gender and age were analyzed in 375 pairs. It was found that metabolic syndrome, obesity, triglyceride (TG) levels, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were associated with onychomycosis (P < 0.05).Conclusion  Higher prevalence rates of onychomycosis were found in men and older DM patients. Metabolic syndrome, obesity, high TG levels, and poor glycemic control were associated with onychomycosis.
Immunohistochemical characterization of the cellular infiltrate in localized scleroderma
Authors: Xie Yong , Zhang Xiaoyong , Wakasugi Shoji , Makino Takamitsu , Inoue Yuji , Ihn Hironobu 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  Localized scleroderma is a connective tissue disorder with hardening of the skin and fibrosis of the affected tissue as the most prominent features. The etiology of localized scleroderma is still unknown, but immunologic factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis. This study was performed to determine the immunohistochemical features of the cellular infiltrate in localized scleroderma.Methods  Skin samples were obtained from six patients by 6‐mm punch biopsy. The samples were stained with monoclonal antibodies against CD1a, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD25, CD30, and CD57. The number of cells stained with each monoclonal antibody was calculated.Results  There were more CD1a+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD20+, CD25+, and CD57+ cells in the dermal infiltrate in localized scleroderma relative to those in normal controls. The numbers of CD1a+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD57+ cells in localized scleroderma were significantly greater than those in normal skin (P < 0.05). The number of CD30+ cells in localized scleroderma was almost the same as that in normal skin.Conclusions  This study reveals that T lymphocytes, Langerhans cells, and natural killer cells may play important roles in the pathogenesis of localized scleroderma.
Matrine inhibits invasiveness and metastasis of human malignant melanoma cell line A375 in vitro
Authors: Liu Xiao‐yan , Fang Hong , Yang Zheng‐gang , Wang Xiao‐yong , Ruan Li‐ming , Fang De‐ren , Ding Ying‐guo , Wang Yi‐na , Zhang Yu , Jiang Xiao‐ling , Chen Hong‐chao 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  Matrine is a traditional Chinese medicine with significant inhibitory activity against malignant tumors. Its effects on the invasiveness and metastasis of malignant tumors have rarely been reported.Aim  To investigate whether matrine can inhibit the metastasis‐related activities of the human malignant melanoma cell line A375 in vitro.Methods  3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Annexin‐V–fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (Annexin‐V‐FITC/PI) affinity assay were used to examine the effects of matrine on the proliferation and apoptosis induction of A375 cells. The morphologic changes of A375 cells were observed by light and electron microscopy. Semiquantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting were performed to evaluate the expression of heparanase mRNA and protein. The effect of matrine on the adhesion ability and invasiveness of treated A375 cells was tested by cell–Matrigel adhesion assay and Matrigel invasion assay, respectively.Results  Matrine showed significant inhibition of the proliferation of A375 cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. It also induced apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner. Compared with the control group, the levels of heparanase mRNA and protein expression of A375 cells treated with different concentrations of matrine were decreased significantly, as were their adhesion ability and invasiveness.Conclusions  These findings indicate that matrine inhibits the invasiveness and metastasis of A375 cells in vitro. The mechanisms may be linked to the inhibition of cellular proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and downregulation of heparanase mRNA and protein expression.
Orthogonal polarization technique in the assessment of human skin microcirculation
Authors: Lupi Omar , Semenovitch Ivan , Treu Curt , Bouskela Eliete 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  The “gold standard” for the study of the in vivo microcirculation is intravital microscopy. The recently developed method of orthogonal polarization of light [orthogonal polarization spectral (OPS) imaging] allows for the in vivo transcutaneous evaluation of the microcirculation without the need for invasive surgical procedures.Methods  The application of polarized light originating from a 100 W halogen tungsten lamp is able to penetrate tissues at a depth of up to 3 mm, and generates reissued light from this depth. The evaluation of this depolarized light, from a deeper origin, may be carried out separately from the light reflected by the more superficial layers of the tissue under study because this light retains photon polarization, whereas the former light undergoes real depolarization.Results  The process of validation of the OPS technique, when compared with intravital microscopy, the “gold standard” for the in vivo observation of the microcirculation, has shown that it is as effective and reliable as the gold standard, reaching the same resolution level in the visualization of blood vessels, but without the need for invasive surgical procedures.Conclusions  The OPS technique is a very promising tool for dermatologists and researchers, especially in the study of vasculitis, chronic venous insufficiency, and skin tumors.
Donor's understanding of the definition of sex as applied to predonation screening questions
Authors: O’Brien S. F. , Ram S. S. , Yi Q.‐L. , Goldman M. 
Published: April 2008

Background and Objectives  Predonation screening questions about sexual risk factors should provide an extra layer of safety from recently acquired infections that may be too early to be detected by testing. Donors are required to read a definition of sex as it applies to predonation screening questions each time they come to donate, but how well donors apply such definitions has not been evaluated. We aimed to determine how donors define sex when answering screening questions.Materials and Methods  In total, 1297 whole blood donors were asked in a private interview to select from a list of sexual activities which ones they believed were being asked about in sexual background questions. Donors’ definitions were coded as under‐inclusive, correct or over‐inclusive in relation to the blood services’ definition. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 21 donors to understand reasoning behind definitions.Results  Most donors had an over‐inclusive definition (58·7%) or the correct definition (31·9%). Of the 9·4% of donors who had an under‐inclusive definition, 95% included both vaginal and anal sex, but not oral sex. About 9% in each group were first‐time donors (P > 0·05) who had never read the definition. The qualitative interviews indicated that donors reason their definition based on their own concept of transmissible disease risk.Conclusion  Donors apply a range of definitions of sex when answering questions about their sexual background. This may be due to different concepts of risk activities, and required reading of the definition has little impact.
Pallor of the optic disc in children
Authors: Ouvrier R.A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis report discusses the subject of pallor of the optic disc from the viewpoint of a paediatric neurologist. The paper is divided into two sections, one on optic atrophy in childhood and the second on optic nerve hypoplasia. Optic atrophy in children is a topic which is very poorly covered in standard textbooks either of neurology or ophthalmology. This review attempts to develop a working approach to the management of children who present with optic nerve atrophy as their primary neurological finding.
Effectiveness and predictability of tendon lengthening procedures
Authors: Peart D. A. , Molteno A.C.B. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA retrospective study was performed on the results of surgery in infantile esotropia with the aim of comparing recessions with a loop (a procedure in which the effect of a recession is increased by attaching the muscle to the globe with an intervening loop of suture to lengthen the tendon) to standard recession operations. The results of surgery were examined in 188 cases, of which 41 had been treated using a loop alone and 38 using a loop combined with a recession. The loop or sling procedure was found to be as predictable as conventional surgery and effective in increasing the amount of correction obtained.
Modified Bahasa Malaysia version of VF‐14 questionnaire: assessing the impact of glaucoma in rural area of Malaysia
Authors: Maharajah Kodisvary R , Tet Cheong Min , Yaacob Azhany , Tajudin Liza‐Sharmini Ahmad , Foster Paul J 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPurpose:  To evaluate the functional impairment of glaucoma patients, using a modified Bahasa Malaysia version of VF‐14 questionnaire, and to correlate the score with the severity of the disease.Methods:  One‐to‐one interview by trained interviewers was conducted on glaucoma patients seen in the eye clinic of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, using a modified validated Bahasa Malaysia version of VF‐14 questionnaire. The severity of glaucoma was determined based on the better‐eye Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study Scale (AGIS) score of visual field analysis on the latest most reliable visual field. The literacy rate, living situation, better‐eye visual acuity and lens status were also documented.Results:  A total of 110 glaucoma patients were recruited (54.5% primary open‐angle glaucoma, 21.8% primary angle‐closure glaucoma, 19.2% normotensive glaucoma and 4.5% pseudoexfoliative glaucoma) and majority with bilateral involvement. Based on the better‐eye AGIS score, 41.5% were in advanced stage, 29.1% moderate and 29.1% mild. There was a significant association between VF‐14 scoring with the better‐eye AGIS score (r =−0. 579, P < 0.001), age (r = −0.313, P = 0.000) and better‐eye visual acuity (r = −0.752, P = 0.000). Based on the multivariate analysis, there was a significant association of the questionnaire score and better‐eye AGIS score (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  The Bahasa Malaysia version of modified VF‐14 questionnaire is a useful tool in quantifying quality of life among glaucoma patients in rural area with high illiteracy rate and provides moderate correlation with severity of the disease. Customization of quality of life questionnaire according to custom and culture of the community will provide better insight to the functional impairment of glaucoma patients.