bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Analysis of Malic Enzyme 2 Gene Polymorphisms with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy
Authors: Lenzen Kirsten P. , Heils Armin , Lorenz Susanne , Hempelmann Anne , Sander Thomas 
Published: September 2005

Summary:  Purpose: Linkage disequilibrium mapping revealed allelic and haplotypic associations between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the gene encoding the malic enzyme 2 (ME2) and adolescent‐onset idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE). Homozygote carriers of the associated ME2 haplotype had a sixfold higher risk of IGE compared with any other genotype. The present population‐based association study tested whether genetic variation of the ME2 gene confers susceptibility to common IGE syndromes in the German population. Methods: The study included 666 German healthy control subjects and 660 German IGE patients (IGE group), of which 416 patients had an age at onset in adolescence (IGEado group). Genotyping was performed for six SNPs and one dinucleotide repeat polymorphism, all located in the ME2 region. Results: Neither allele nor genotype frequencies of any ME2 polymorphism differed significantly between the controls and the IGE groups (p > 0.22). No hint of an association of the putative risk‐conferring haplotype was seen, when present homozygously, in both IGE groups compared with controls (p > 0.18). Conclusions: These results do not support previous evidence that genetic variation of the ME2 gene predisposes to common IGE syndromes. Thus if a recessively inherited ME2 mutation is present, then the size of the epileptogenic effect might be too small or not frequent enough to detect it in the present IGE sample.
Asymmetry of Long‐latency Auditory Evoked Potentials in LGI1‐related Autosomal Dominant Lateral Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Brodtkorb Eylert , Steinlein Ortrud K. , Sand Trond 
Published: September 2005

Summary:  Purpose: To investigate auditory processing with cortical long‐latency auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) in patients with autosomal dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy (ADTLE). Methods: Eight patients with LGI1‐related ADTLE belonging to a family with predominantly aphasic seizures were studied. Sixty‐five individuals without epilepsy served as controls. AEPs (N1‐P2 amplitudes) to binaural tones were recorded over the left and the right hemispheres. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) to monaural rarefaction clicks also were analyzed. Group differences were statistically assessed with Student's t test and repeated‐measures analysis of variance. Results: Left N1‐P2 AEP amplitudes were moderately reduced in ADTLE patients (p = 0.005). No group differences in BAEP were found, indicating unaffected cochlear system and auditory brainstem pathways. Conclusions: A moderate, but highly significant reduction in N1‐P2 AEP amplitudes over the left hemisphere was demonstrated in patients with ADTLE. This finding corresponds to the cardinal symptom of aphasia in this family, and also to the generally prevailing left‐sided EEG abnormalities in this condition. The background for this electrophysiologic lateralization in LGI1‐related epilepsy is unknown. It may be related to a specific function of LGI1 in the dominant hemisphere.
Anti‐HPA‐9bw (Maxa) fetomaternal alloimmunization, a clinically severe neonatal thrombocytopenia: difficulties in diagnosis and therapy and report on eight families
Authors: Kaplan Cécile , Porcelijn Leendert , Vanlieferinghen Philippe , Julien Eric , Bianchi Frederic , Martageix Corinne , Bertrand Gerald , Jallu Vincent 
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND:Fetal or neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT) results from a maternal alloimmunization against fetal platelet (PLT) antigens. In Caucasian persons, HPA‐1a is the most frequently implicated antigen. During the past few years, FMAIT has been reported associated with rare or private antigens.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Since the first documented case of FMAIT due to anti‐HPA‐9bw (Maxa), no additional cases have been reported. Here a retrospective analysis is presented of the cases referred to our laboratories in recent years. The diagnosis was performed by genotyping and identification of the maternal alloantibody by the monoclonal antibody–specific immobilization of PLT antigens (MAIPA) technique.RESULTS:Parental genotyping showed HPA‐9bw (Maxa) mismatch as the sole antigenic incompatibility in seven of eight families. Because the father was found to be HPA‐9bw (Maxa) heterozygous in all the cases, the infant or fetus was genotyped to ascertain the diagnosis. The maternal alloantibody was identified in the MAIPA technique. These data strongly suggest, however, that recognition of the HPA‐9bw (Maxa) epitope is not uniform. The neonatal thrombocytopenia was severe in most cases with bleeding. The outcome was good in all the cases but one.CONCLUSION:This analysis confirms that anti‐HPA‐9bw (Maxa) FMAIT is not uncommon and was found to be approximately 2 percent of our confirmed FMAIT cases. It is a clinically severe syndrome that requires prompt diagnosis, albeit difficult, and maternal PLT transfusion therapy. Laboratory investigation of a suspected FMAIT case should be carried out in a specialist laboratory well‐experienced in optimal testing. Appropriate management and antenatal therapy should be considered for successive pregnancies to prevent fetal bleeding.
Demonstrable parasitemia among Connecticut blood donors with antibodies to Babesia microti
Authors: Leiby David A. , Chung Amy P.S. , Gill Jennifer E. , Houghton Raymond L. , Persing David H. , Badon Stanley , Cable Ritchard G. 
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND: Reports of transfusion‐transmitted Babesia microti have risen steadily during the past several years, reflecting a concurrent increase in US cases of human babesiosis. Although several studies have measured B. microti antibodies in blood donors, little is known about associated parasitemia and the inherent risk of transmitting the parasite by transfusion.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Donations from blood donors located in Babesia‐endemic and nonendemic areas of Connecticut were tested for B. microti antibodies from July through September. Subsequently, an additional blood sample was collected from selected seropositive donors and tested by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for B. microti nucleic acids.RESULTS: A total of 3490 donations, 1745 each from endemic and nonendemic areas, were tested for B. microti antibodies; 30 (0.9%) were confirmed as positive and seroprevalence rates peaked in July. Significantly more seropositive donations were from endemic areas (24, 1.4%) than nonendemic areas (6, 0.3%). Ten (53%) of 19 seropositive donors subsequently tested by PCR were positive.CONCLUSION: B. microti seroprevalence was highest in those areas of Connecticut where the parasite is endemic. More than half of seropositive donors tested had demonstrable parasitemia, indicating that many are at risk for transmitting B. microti by blood transfusion. Three donors were identified as parasitemic in October, suggesting that donors may be at risk for transmitting the parasite outside of the peak period of community‐acquired infection.
Avoiding Microbubbles Formation During Radiofrequency Left Atrial Ablation Versus Continuous Microbubbles Formation and Standard Radiofrequency Ablation Protocols: Comparison of Energy Profiles and Chronic Lesion Characteristics
Authors: OH SEIL , KILICASLAN FETHI , ZHANG YOUHUA , WAZNI OUSSAMA , MAZGALEV TODOR N. , NATALE ANDREA , MARROUCHE NASSIR F. 
Published: September 2005

Background: Radiofrequency (RF) energy parameters and chronic lesion characteristics associated with the microbubbles formation have not been yet fully elucidated. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the energy profiles and chronic lesion characteristics associated with RF ablation of the pulmonary vein antrum using three different ablation protocols: (1) avoiding microbubbles; (2) continuous microbubble formation; (3) temperature‐guided ablation. Methods: A 4‐mm tip ablation catheter was used for creating RF ablation lesions in 15 adult mongrel dogs. All ablation lesions were created at the posterior aspect of the PV antrum in each animal. Avoiding microbubbles (group 1, n = 5 dogs, 23 lesions), continuous microbubble formation (group 2, n = 5 dogs, 22 lesions), and temperature‐guided (group 3, n = 5 dogs, 19 lesions, target temperature 60°C/power limit 50 W) ablation lesions were analyzed. Results: Group 1 showed significantly lower power (19 ± 8.6 W), lower temperature (50 ± 4.8°C), higher efficiency‐of‐heating index (2.9 ± 0.8°C/W), and lower impedance (109 ± 24.4 Ω) than groups 2 (38 ± 8.4 W; 63 ± 10°C; 1.8 ± 0.8°C/W; 148 ± 34.4 Ω) and 3 (44 ± 12 W; 57 ± 2.4°C; 1.4 ± 0.5°C/W; 139 ± 23.1 Ω) (P < 0.001 vs groups 2 and 3). During ablation, no significant events were detected in group 1, but 11 cases of audible pop, 11 cases of catheter tip charring, and 1 case of fatal myocardial perforation were observed in groups 2 and 3. Transmural lesions were more frequently created in group 1. Conclusion: RF energy delivery applying “avoiding microbubbles” protocol seems to be associated with higher degree of safety and efficacy when compared to temperature‐guided and continuous microbubble‐formation ablation protocols.
Catheter Ablation of Long‐Lasting Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Critical Structures for Termination
Authors: HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , TAKAHASHI YOSHIHIDE , ROTTER MARTIN , SACHER FREDERIC , ROSTOCK THOMAS , HSU LI‐FERN , BORDACHAR PIERRE , REUTER SYLVAIN , ROUDAUT RAYMOND , CLÉMENTY JACQUES , JAÏS PIERRE 
Published: September 2005

Background: The relative contributions of different atrial regions to the maintenance of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) are not known. Methods: Sixty patients (53 ± 9 years) undergoing catheter ablation of persistent AF (17 ± 27 months) were studied. Ablation was performed in a randomized sequence at different left atrial (LA) regions and comprised isolation of the pulmonary veins (PV), isolation of other thoracic veins, and atrial tissue ablation targeting all regions with rapid or heterogeneous activation or guided by activation mapping. Finally, linear ablation at the roof and mitral isthmus was performed if sinus rhythm was not restored after addressing the above‐mentioned areas. The impact of ablation was evaluated by the effect on the fibrillatory cycle length in the coronary sinus and appendages at each step. Activation mapping and entrainment maneuvers were used to define the mechanisms and locations of intermediate focal or macroreentrant atrial tachycardias. Results: AF terminated in 52 patients (87%), directly to sinus rhythm in 7 or via the ablation of 1–6 intermediate atrial tachycardias (total 87) in 45 patients. This conversion was preceded by prolongation of fibrillatory cycle length by 39 ± 9 msec, with the greatest magnitude occurring during ablation at the anterior LA, coronary sinus and PV‐LA junction. Thirty‐eight atrial tachycardias were focal (originating dominantly from these same sites), while 49 were macroreentrant (involving the mitral or cavotricuspid isthmus or LA roof). Patients without AF termination displayed shorter fibrillatory cycles at baseline: 130 ± 14 vs 156 ± 23 msec; P = 0.002. Conclusion: Termination of persistent AF can be achieved in 87% of patients by catheter ablation. Ablation of the structures annexed to the left atrium—the left atrial appendage, coronary sinus, and PVs—have the greatest impact on the prolongation of AF cycle length, the conversion of AF to atrial tachycardia, and the termination of focal atrial tachycardias.
The effect of applied sulphur on the growth, grain yield and control of powdery mildew in spring wheat
Authors: Hussain Z. , Leitch M.H. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractDuring the years 1998 and 1999, two field experiments were conducted at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK, to test the effects of soil‐ and foliar‐applied sulphur (S) in spring wheat. S was applied at 0, 20, 40, 60 kg ha−1 in 1998 and at 60 kg ha−1 in 1999, using CaSO4 as a source for the soil application and micronised S (Thiovit, 80%), with and without an organosilicone adjuvant, as a source for the foliar application. Senescence was retarded and grain yield was increased in 1998, following application of foliar S in conjunction with the organosilicone adjuvant. Application of foliar S was associated with a reduction in the level of mildew (Erysiphe graminis) recorded on the upper leaves and ears of the canopy. In 1999, grain yield was unaffected by treatments. A low level of mildew in the crop, particularly on the ears, is thought to be the reason for the lack of response in spite of the fact that senescence was retarded with foliar S application. A combined application of foliar S and commercial fungicide (cyproconazole) to the crop appeared to be more effective at controlling mildew than either S or fungicide applied alone. The study shows that there may be a role for S in a low‐input/organic wheat production system, where there is a need to reduce artificial inputs.
Are cuttings suitable for assessing maturity type in potato (Solanum tuberosum)?
Authors: Struik P.C. , Visker M.H.P.W. , Pauwels J.B. , Colon L.T. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractTwo experiments were carried out to evaluate the potential of single‐node cuttings of potato (Solanum tuberosum) as a tool to assess genotypic differences in maturity type. Plants were exposed to different photoperiodic treatments (different photoperiods, different numbers of photoperiodic cycles), and cuttings were taken at different plant ages. Cuttings from early (and to a lesser extent also late) maturing varieties exposed to short photoperiods showed strong induction to tuberise, irrespective of plant age; the induction increased with an increase in the number of short photoperiodic cycles. The response of cuttings taken from early‐maturing varieties exposed to long photoperiods depended on plant age: cuttings showed stronger induction when mother plants were older; cuttings from late‐maturing varieties hardly tuberised after exposure to long photoperiods. The tuberisation of the cuttings did not depend on the length of the long photoperiod (18 or 24 h) or on the number of cycles of a photoperiod of 18 h. Tuberisation on cuttings did not properly reflect the tuber formation on the mother plants, although within varieties, significant correlations between tuberisation on cuttings and tuber yield per plant 9 weeks after planting were found with different numbers of photoperiodic cycles of 12 h. Our experiments show that the cutting technique cannot be used on older plants to assess the maturity type of potato varieties, as there are interactions between photoperiod, genotype, plant age and number of photoperiodic cycles, in the reflection of the degree of induction to tuberise on single‐node cuttings.
Transgenic wheat: where do we stand after the first 12 years?
Authors: Shewry Jones P.R., H.D. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractWheat was among the last of the major crops to be transformed (in 1992), and transformation is still difficult, with a lower efficiency than that for maize and rice. However, the recent development of Agrobacterium‐based systems is set to improve the precision of the process, while new methods of selection, removal of unnecessary DNA sequences, gene targeting and in vivo mutagenesis will make the process cleaner and more acceptable to regulatory authorities and consumers. Our current work is focussed on using transformation to understand and manipulate aspects of grain processing quality, notably dough strength and texture for milling. However, it is clear that a major priority for future work will be to improve nutritional quality, including vitamin and mineral contents for the developing world and starch digestibility and dietary fibre content and composition for developed countries.
EFFECTS OF BLANCHING METHOD ON THE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF FROZEN PEAS
Authors: LIN S. , BREWER M.S. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of microwave blanching prior to freezing as an alternative pretreatment for frozen peas. Peas were blanched (steam‐, boiling water immersion‐, microwave‐ or microwave‐blanched in a bag), frozen and evaluated after 0, 6 and 12 weeks for moisture and ascorbic acid content, peroxidase activity, visual appearance and instrumental color, and after 6 and 12 weeks for aroma, flavor and texture. All blanch treatments reduced peroxidase activity by 97% compared with controls (unblanched); blanching methods did not differ. Steam blanching resulted in significantly better ascorbic acid retention than all other treatments; microwave blanch treatments were either equivalent to or better than boiling water immersion. Both microwave treatments darkened (L* value) peas. Microwave‐blanched peas were visually greener than other treatments, but their appearance was less intact. Aroma and flavor were similar among blanch treatments. Texture of boiling water immersed peas was similar to the two microwave treatments.
EFFECTS OF WATER STRESS ON THE PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND MINERAL CONTENTS OF SEEDS OF TWO LUPINS (LUPINUS ALBUS AND LUPINUS MUTABILIS)
Authors: DE CARVALHO ISABEL MARIA MARQUES SARAIVA 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT Because mineral composition data for lupins subjected to water stress (ws) are incomplete, it is essential to analyze those seeds in order to assess the quality of potential food source for both human and animal nutrition. So, we have performed chemical proximate analysis and determined the mineral profile of seeds from two lupins subjected to ws period and compared with seeds from well‐watered (ww) plants. From the above results we can conclude that the values obtained fall within the range of values reported for both species (at ww conditions) and no significant (P > 0.05) differences were found in nutritional composition and mineral content between both lupins. Ws period was responsible for a significant increase in sugar, ash, both macroelements (Ca, Na, K, Mg) and microelements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu) as well as phytate content. The results obtained are relevant for selection of better mineral nutritive value of seeds from lupin species.
THE EFFECT OF GLASS SHAPE ON THE CONCENTRATION OF POLYPHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND PERCEPTION OF MERLOT WINE
Authors: RUSSELL K. , ZIVANOVIC S. , MORRIS W.C. , PENFIELD M. , WEISS J. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT Accepted opinion among wine connoisseurs is that size and shape of a glass used to serve wine can affect color and flavor of wine. Glass manufacturers and the wine industry could benefit from a greater understanding of the relationship between glass shape and wine appreciation. However, extensive oxidation may reduce antioxidative properties of polyphenolics that are highly prized in red wines. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of geometries of three glass types (Flute, Bordeaux, Martini) on sensory perception and concentration of polyphenolic compounds in Merlot wine as a function of time. Sensory evaluation was conducted with a 12‐member panel. Triangle tests were chosen to determine whether any difference in flavor could be perceived between samples stored for 0, 15 and 30 min in the three glass types. Phenolic compounds, gallic acid, caffeic acid, catechin and vanillin, were quantified using HPLC. Results indicated that the panelists could not perceive differences between wine served in different glasses even if it was exposed to air for 30 min at room temperature. Although concentration of phenolics, especially gallic acid, was affected by the exposure to air, changes were not profound enough to affect the sensory qualities of Merlot wine as judged by occasional wine drinkers.
HOT WATER TO CONTROL CODLING MOTH IN SWEET CHERRIES: EFFICACY AND QUALITY
Authors: DRAKE S.R. , HANSEN J.D. , ELFVING D.C. , TANG J. , WANG S. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT Quarantine regulations require domestic cherries exported to Japan be treated to control for codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). The current procedure, methyl bromide fumigation, uses a restricted chemical, reduces fruit quality, and involves health, safety and environmental concerns. Single and double hot water dips were evaluated using fresh ‘Bing’ and ‘Sweetheart’ sweet cherries from Washington state as a potential replacement. The double dip procedure had a pretreatment bath at 40C for 5 min. For both procedures, submersions in heated water from 48 to 55C for 2–14 min were examined for treatment efficacy against third‐instar codling moth and fruit quality. Although a 100% mortality response was found for each temperature and procedure, the submersion durations significantly damaged fruit and stem parameters for both cultivars. Thus, hot water dips are not feasible for Pacific Northwest cherries at this time.
DETECTION OF INDICATOR ORGANISMS ON POULTRY CARCASS SITES IN AN ORGANIZED SLAUGHTERHOUSE
Authors: VAIDYA V.M. , PATURKAR A.M. , WASKAR V.S. , ZENDE R.J. , RAWOOL D.B. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT A total of 144 swab samples were collected from poultry carcass sites, viz. neck, breast, wing and leg during various unit operations from an organized poultry slaughterhouse. The mean total viable counts (log cfu/cm

2
± SE) were 5.18 ± 0.09 after shackling; 5.24 ± 0.15 after bleeding; 3.95 ± 0.14 after scalding, defeathering and washing; 5.29 ± 0.15 after evisceration; 4.98 ± 0.17 after washing; and 4.22 ± 0.19 after chilling, respectively. The percent prevalence of indicator organisms, viz. enterococci, fecal coliforms, Clostridium spp. and Escherichia coli, was 24.41, 18.74, 13.88 and 14.57, respectively. Salmonella spp. could not be detected in any of the samples. Among operations, bleeding and evisceration were noted as critical. Legs showed the maximum level of contamination and high prevalence of indicator organisms, denoted as a critical site. Statistical analysis of data revealed that enterococci and fecal coliforms showed highly significant difference (P < 0.01), whereas Clostridium spp. and E. coli showed less difference (P < 0.05) between the unit operations. Proper monitoring of each unit operation is important for production of quality meat.
EFFECT OF A DIETARY PROBIOTIC ON SOME QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF RAW BROILER DRUMSTICKS AND BREAST MEAT
Authors: AKSU MUHAMMET İRFAN , KARAOǦLU MEVLÜT , ESENBUǦA NURİNİSA , KAYA MÜKERREM , MACİT MUHLİS , OCKERMAN H. WOOD 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACT The effect of probiotics in broiler feeding was investigated by evaluating poultry carcass meat quality. Feeds supplemented with different levels of a probiotic (0.0, 0.1 and 0.2%) containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (115‐Biogallinox) were used in feeding Ross 308 male chicks for 49 days. At the end of the trial period all broilers were sacrificed. After standard dissection of the carcasses, breasts and drumsticks were divided into two groups and vacuum or aerobically packaged than stored at 3 ± 0.5C for 12 days. The breasts and drumsticks were analyzed for pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total mesophilic, total psychrotrophic, lactic acid and Enterobacteriaceae counts every two days during storage. The feeding of probiotic in broiler diets increased pH values of breast and drumstick (P < 0.01) but TBARS, total psychrotrophic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae counts decreased (P < 0.01). It was determined that pH, TBARS and Enterobacteriaceae counts were lower in breast than drumstick (P < 0.05); but lactic acid bacterial count was higher (P < 0.05) in the drumstick samples. The pH, TBARS and bacterial counts increased during storage (P < 0.01) except for total mesophilic bacteria. The pH, TBARS, total aerobic psychrotrophic bacteria and Enterobacteriacea counts were lower in vacuum than in aerobically packaged samples (P < 0.05).