bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Triticum monococcum for the improvement of triticale resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina)
Authors: Sodkiewicz W. , Strzembicka A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe aim of this work was to evaluate the leaf rust resistance introduced into introgressive triticale lines with Triticum monococcum genes, and to study the expression of these genes at the hexaploid level. The introgressive lines were developed by incorporating diploid wheat (T. monococcum s.s.) genes into hexaploid triticale LT 522/6 using the synthetic allotetraploid T. monococcum/Secale cereale (AmAmRR) as a bridging form. A group of 44 those lines, parental stocks and check cultivars were inoculated at the seedling stage (in a greenhouse) and at the adult‐plant stage (in the field) with four pathotypes of Puccinia triticina. At the seedling stage the assessment of infection type showed that four lines had resistance to all pathotypes as high as in the T. monococcum donor. Adult plant examinations showed some introgressive lines with complete resistance and also lines with partial resistance, expressed in area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) calculations as slow rusting. Some lines comprise low AUDPC with complete resistance at seedling stage.
Seeking Mathematical Strategies in Sperm Function Analysis: Between Scylla and Charybdis?
Authors: Petrunkina AM , Günzel‐Apel A‐R , Töpfer‐Petersen E 
Published: December 2004

ContentsDuring the last decades, essential progresses in reproductive biotechnology were achieved, implying development of special spermatological techniques. The major problem was to set up simple, rapid, precise and adequate evaluation methods. The key aspect to be considered in all assays of sperm fertilizing function is capacitation. As not all spermatozoa respond to fertilizing conditions in a similar manner, it seems to be logical to assess samples via their response to these specific conditions. For the spermatological practice, the sensitivity of methodology for assessment and analysis of data with respect to differences in individual response, in heterogeneity of the population, and proper temporal characterization of the response is crucial for the improvement of evaluation procedures. Currently, most used statistical analytical tools in spermatology do not always fulfil these essential sensitivity requirements. We structured our paper concerning different fields of mathematical science (distribution analysis, fractal geometry, functional approximation and differentiation) related to the modern insights in sperm function analysis. The spectrum of methods we are going to review in this paper is restricted to basic ideas to illustrate how the accuracy and sensitivity of sperm evaluation assays may be improved by applying adequate elementary tools of the mathematical analysis.
Cloning and Characterization of Boar Epididymal Secretory Proteins by Homology to the Human
Authors: Schäfer B , von Horsten HH , Dacheux JL , Holtz W , Kirchhoff C 
Published: December 2004

ContentsNorthern blot analysis suggested that the boar epididymis produces closely related counterparts to human epididymal proteins HE1, HE3, HE4, HE5 and HE12. ‘Full‐length’ cloning by nucleic acid and amino acid sequence similarity was achieved by RT‐PCR methods in the case of the porcine counterparts of HE3 and HE4, while the homologues of HE5 and HE12, despite their cross‐hybridization during Northern blot analysis, have not yet been cloned. The two novel porcine cDNAs were derived from moderately abundant epididymal mRNAs that were 75 and 83% identical to HE3 and HE4 cDNAs, respectively. To emphasize their relationship to the corresponding HEs, they were named Se3 and Se4 cDNAs. Their open reading frames predicted small secretory proteins with 55% (Se3) and 76% (Se4) conserved amino acids. Monospecific antipeptide antibodies to HE secretory proteins identified He3‐ and HE12‐related proteins on Western blots of porcine epididymal fluid and semen. Both Northern and Western analyses indicated that the Se proteins were produced in a regionalized pattern and accumulated in the cauda fluid.
Identification of Cytokeratins in Bovine Sperm Outer Dense Fibre Fractions
Authors: Hinsch E , Boehm JG , Groeger S , Mueller‐Schloesser F , Hinsch K‐D 
Published: December 2004

ContentsOuter dense fibres (ODF) are important substructures of mammalian sperm tails that are involved in the regulation of sperm motility. In this study, we investigated the identity of several sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)‐insoluble ODF proteins. Bovine ODF were purified by separating sperm heads and tails using ultrasound and Percoll® density gradient centrifugation. Sperm flagella were treated with the detergent cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). CTAB‐insoluble material, which reportedly represents the ODF fraction, was collected, and electron microscopy confirmed a highly purified ODF fraction. We found after solubilization of this fraction with SDS that high amounts of insoluble material were retained after centrifugation. SDS‐insoluble material was collected and quantitatively dissolved in 8 M urea. SDS‐gel electrophoresis in the presence of urea revealed polypeptides with apparent molecular masses of approximately 25, 43, and 50 kDa. Subsequent immunoblotting with anti‐cytokeratin antibodies detected two urea‐soluble, SDS‐insoluble proteins with apparent molecular masses of 45 and 66 kDa. The 45‐kDa protein was identified as cytokeratin 19. An antibody reacting with a palette of cytokeratins (CK 1–18 and CK 20), KL1, was the only antibody that reacted with the 66‐kDa polypeptide. We conclude that sperm ODF fractions contain at least one each of type I and type II intermediate filaments. As keratins and intermediate filaments are described as rope‐like structures, we suggest that these intermediate filaments play an important structural or tension‐bearing role in sperm flagella.
Significance of lung shrinkage on CXR as a prognostic factor in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: KAWABATA Hidenobu , NAGAI Sonoko , HAYASHI Michio , NAKAMURA Hiroshi , NAGAO Taisi , SHIGEMATSU Michio , KITAICHI Masanori , IZUMI Takateru 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of lung shrinkage on CXR can predict diminished survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)/usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP).Methodology:  In a hospital‐based cohort study 68 subjects diagnosed with IPF/UIP by surgical lung biopsy or at autopsy were observed for a mean of 7.6 years. The radiographic scores from Cherniack's method, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas, and haematological data were obtained at initial presentation. Longitudinal radiographic changes over a mean interval of 2.7 years were measured. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan‐Meier and Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis.Results:  At some point during the observation period 36 (53%) of 68 patients did not exhibit lung shrinkage and 32 (47%) of 68 patients showed lung shrinkage. Patients with lung shrinkage were more likely to have a diminished survival than those with lung preservation; median survival was 4.4 vs 7.8 years, respectively. Lung shrinkage during the observation period (hazard ratio, 3.89; 95% CI = 1.68–9.01; P= 0.001) was associated with lower rates of survival.Conclusion:  In patients with IPF/UIP, lung shrinkage on CXR during the observation period was a poor prognostic factor.
Transforming growth factor beta‐1 level in pleural effusion
Authors: CEYHAN Berrin Bagci , DEMIRALP Emel , KARAKURT Zuha L. , KARAKURT Sait , SUNGUR Murat 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Transforming growth factor‐β1 is an important immunomodulator. The diagnostic role of TGF‐β1 has not been systematically investigated in pleural effusion.Methodology:  A prospective clinical study of 45 patients (23 men, 22 women; mean age 49 ± 21 years) with pleural effusion was performed. Of these patients, 19 had malignant pleural effusion, 14 had tuberculous pleural effusion, seven had empyema/parapneumonic pleural effusion, and five had transudative pleural effusion due to congestive heart failure. The concentrations of TGF‐β1 were measured by ELISA in all pleural fluid samples and in serum samples only from patients with malignant and tuberculous pleural effusions.Results:  The median TGF‐β1 levels of malignant, tuberculous and empyema/parapneumonic pleural effusions were 7.25 ng/mL, 7.81 ng/mL, and 9.75 ng/mL, respectively. There was no significant difference between them. The median TGF‐β1 level was 5.62 ng/mL in the transudate pleural effusion group and it was significantly lower than that in the empyema/parapneumonic group (P < 0.05). The pleural fluid TGF‐β1 levels did not correlate with cell profiles of the pleural fluid. The median serum TGF‐β1 levels in malignant and tuberculous pleural effusion groups were 7.38 ng/mL and 7.38 ng/mL, respectively. There was no significant difference between the levels of TGF‐β1 in paired samples of serum and pleural fluid.Conclusions:  This study shows that TGF‐β1 concentrations in exudative pleural effusions are higher than those in transudative effusions secondary to congestive heart failure but TGF‐β1 concentrations do not assist in differentiating exudative effusions.
The loss of retinoic acid receptor α, β and alcohol dehydrogenase3 expression in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: INUI Naoki , SASAKI Shigekazu , SUDA Takafumi , CHIDA Kingo , NAKAMURA Hirotoshi 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  The reason for unsuccessful retinoid chemoprevention of lung cancer is obscure. Therefore we examined the retinoid‐related receptor expression and the tissue distribution as well as the possible interaction between retinoid‐related receptor expression and cigarette smoke.Methodology:  Using semiquantitative conventional reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR, in situ hybridization and immunostaining, we evaluated the expression and the distribution of retinoic acid receptor α, β, γ, retinoid X receptor α, β, γ, thyroid hormone receptor α, β, and alcohol dehydrogenase3 (a well‐characterized retinoic acid responsive gene) in malignant and non‐malignant tissues obtained from patients with non‐small cell lung cancer. We also assessed the response of the bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS‐2B, following exposure to cigarette smoke extract.Results:  Compared with non‐malignant tissues, malignant tissues had a 45% (P < 0.02) redution in retinoic acid receptor α and β expression, while other receptors were not affected. The expression of the alcohol dehydrogenase3 gene in malignant tissue was 50% of that observed in non‐malignant tissue (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between the retinoic acid receptor β‐mRNA level and the alcohol dehydrogenase3‐mRNA level (r = 0.52, P < 0.05). In situ hybridization and immunostaining demonstrated that retinoic acid receptor α and β were localized in the airway and alveolar epithelial cells and their expression was diminished to 30% in malignant tissues compared to non‐malignant tissues (P < 0.05). Interestingly, cigarette smoke extract decreased retinoic acid receptor β mRNA in BEAS‐2B cells (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  The present findings suggest a possible association of the loss of retinoic acid receptor α, β and alcohol dehydrogenase3 with lung carcinogenesis.
A novel approach for quality control of total lung capacity in the clinical pulmonary function laboratory: A study in a veteran population
Authors: SCHÜNEMANN Holger J. , DMOCHOWSKI Jacek , CAMPBELL Lucy A. , GRANT Brydon J. B. 
Published: December 2004

Objective:  Quality control in the clinical pulmonary function laboratory has been well developed for spirometry and diffusing capacity but not for the measurement of TLC. The purpose of the present study was to test two approaches to this problem. First, we compared TLC by body plethysmography (TLCb) with a value predicted from TLC measured by multibreath helium dilution (TLCm). Concordance between the measured and predicted values would imply the validity of the measurements. Second, we measured the test–retest variability of TLCb, TLCm and TLC measured by single breath helium dilution (TLCs) to assess the consistency of the measurements.Methodology:  We performed a prospective study of 815 veterans.Results:  The prediction of TLCb from TLCm improved (r2 increased from 0.44 to 0.64) when FEV1/FVC and the difference between TLCm and TLCs were added to the model. The coefficient of variation for test–retest of TLCs, TLCm and TLCb were 8.9, 7.1 and 5.4%, respectively. Of all tests, 5.9% were inconsistent based on pathophysiology or measurement error and attributed mostly to TLCm.Conclusions:  Prediction of TLCb from TLCm was not sufficiently accurate as to be useful for quality control. Comparison of TLCs, TLCm and TLCb may be useful for determining the internal data validity.
Breast‐feeding, a complex support system for the offspring
Authors: Hanson Lars Å , Korotkova Marina , Håversen LilIana , Mattsby‐Baltzer Inger , Hahn‐Zoric Mirjana , Silfverdal Sven‐Arne , Strandvik Birgitta , Telemo Esbjörn 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe newborn has an immune system, very limited in size at birth and its postnatal expansion and maturation takes time. In the meantime the transplacental IgG antibodies from the mother play an important role for the protection of the infant. However, these antibodies act in tissues and induce inflammation and are energy‐consuming. In contrast, the milk secretory IgA antibodies stop microbes already on the mucosa preventing infection, tissue engagement and energy loss. In addition, the milk contains many protective factors such as lactoferrin and oligosacharides functioning as analogues for microbial receptors preventing mucosal attachment, the initial step of most infections. As a result, breast‐feeding significantly reduces the risk of neonatal septicemia, respiratory tract infections, otitis media, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, infection‐induced wheezing and necrotizing enterocolitis. Via several mechanisms it seems that human milk can actively stimulate the immune system of the breast‐fed infant. This reduces the risk of infections like otitis media, respiratory tract infections, diarrhea and infection‐induced wheezing for several years after the termination of breast‐feeding. Furthermore, it seems that breast‐feeding decreases the risk of attracting celiac disease and allergic diseases. The latter has been much debated, but a recent critical review of published reports gives good support for long‐term protection of allergic diseases, especially in high‐risk children.
Persistence of TEL‐AML1 transcript in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in long‐term remission
Authors: Endo Chie , Oda Megumi , Nishiuchi Ritsuo , Seino Yoshiki 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: It has recently been shown that t (12;21) (p13;q 22) is the most common molecular genetic abnormality in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We have analyzed this translocation in an attempt to evaluate its incidence and to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) with t (12; 21) rearrangement by detection of TEL‐AML1 transcript in patients with childhood ALL.
Procedure
: All cryopreserved bone marrow samples were analyzed using a nested reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method. TEL‐AML1 transcripts were searched for in 34 ALL patients, including six in relapse consecutively diagnosed at our institution between 1991 and 1997.
Results
: TEL‐AML1 transcripts were found in five (19%) of 27 patients with B precursor ALL. The patients with BCR‐ABL, chromosome 11q23 rearrangement and T‐ALL patients did not express TEL‐AML1 transcripts. Moreover, MRD in five patients with TEL‐AML1 transcripts were analyzed in serial samples. Although TEL‐AML1 transcripts disappeared soon after the beginning of chemotherapy in three of the five patients, one patient continued to express them for up to 21 months without recurrence and remained in continuous complete remission for seven years after the cessation of chemotherapy. The remaining patient was admitted to our hospital after the second relapse but died following a failure to induce complete remission.
Conclusion
: For most patients, the presence of TEL‐AML1 transcripts suggests excellent chemosensitivity and a favorable prognosis, but some patients with these transcripts have a different outcome. The present study suggests the possibility that a persistence of MRD is not necessarily related to a relapse of ALL with TEL‐AML1 fusion. The prognostic significance of TEL‐AML1 transcript remains controversial. Further studies are needed to evaluate the relation between the TEL‐AML1 transcript and prognosis.
Effect of intramedullary gradual elongation of the shorter limb on gait patterns
Authors: Perttunen Jarmo R , Anttila Esa , Södergård Jerker , Merikanto Juhani , Komi Paavo V 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: Seven young patients were followed 52 weeks after intramedullary lengthening for limb length discrepancy (LLD). The mean LLD before surgery was 3.0 ± 1.1 cm and 1 year after surgery at the time of the nail‐removal it was 0.3 ± 0.3 cm.
Methods
: The plantar pressures and the ground reaction forces (GRF) were recorded simultaneously with electromyographic (EMG) activities at normal and fast walking speeds.
Results
: Bilateral comparison indicated that the uncorrected LLD resulted in asymmetrical gait patterns. The peak pressures were higher in the lateral heel and in the medial forefoot in the longer limb as compared to the shorter limb at normal walking speed. At fast walking speed, the peak pressures of the longer limb were higher in the forefoot area but lower in the central midfoot. One year after surgery, a clear improvement in the gait symmetry was observed compared to preoperative condition. Significantly, foot loading models were quite similar 52 weeks after surgery. However, during the follow‐up period of 52 weeks, the maximal isometric knee extensor torque still remained at lower levels on the operated side until week 52 postoperatively, but reached the same level with non‐operated side within 2 years.
Conclusions
: The improved walking symmetry obtained after surgical treatment may diminish possible pathologic loading of the lower extremity and may prevent the early appearance of arthritis in the lower extremities.
Three‐year follow up of term and near‐term infants treated with inhaled nitric oxide
Authors: Ichiba Hiroyuki , Matsunami Satoko , Itoh Fumihide , Ueda Toru , Ohsasa Yukinobu , Yamano Tsunekazu 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground: The present study describes the outcome at 3 years in term and near‐term infants treated with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).Methods: The study population consisted of 18 infants delivered at  34 weeks by best obstetric estimate who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care units with a diagnosis of PPHN.Results: Eighteen infants (mean gestational age 38.5 ± 2.6 weeks, mean birthweight 3015 ± 587 g) were treated with iNO. The mean oxygenation index before iNO was 27.2 ± 15.2. Responses to iNO were classified into three groups: (i) early response in eight infants; (ii) late response in two; and (iii) poor response in eight infants. Three infants died within seven postnatal days. Fifteen surviving infants were followed up to 3 years. The mean developmental scale was 98.4 ± 9.0. One infant was diagnosed with severe neurodevelopmental disability due to cerebral palsy. Another infant was diagnosed with mild neurodevelopmental disability because of a low developmental scale. No infant showed significant hearing loss. Five infants had reactive airway disease (RAD) at 18 months, these infants required a significantly longer duration of mechanical ventilation in their neonatal period than non‐RAD infants (P = 0.02). The frequency of survival with normal neurodevelopmental outcome was significantly higher in the early response group than the late or poor response groups (P = 0.03).Conclusion: In iNO‐treated PPHN, mortality and neurodevelopmental outcome were associated with response to iNO, and pulmonary outcome was associated with duration of mechanical ventilation.
Diphtheria immunization rates and the effect of several sociodemographic factors on immunization of children in eastern Turkey
Authors: Adem ARİk , Tacettin Inandi , Sevin Altİnkaynak , Vildan Ertekin 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Background
: One of the aims of the World Health Organization is to eliminate diphtheria in all countries. Thus, it is important to achieve a high level of childhood immunization. The present study was performed to determine the level of child immunization against diphtheria and the effect of several sociodemographic factors on immunization of children aged 0−6 years.
Methods
: Using the cluster‐sampling method, 767 healthy children were selected at random from three provinces in eastern Turkey. Children were categorized as completely vaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, unvaccinated or vaccination status unknown. If the child had no immunization card, he/she was categorized as vaccination status unknown.
Results
: Of the 767 children, 72.3% were completely vaccinated, 18.3% were incompletely vaccinated and 5.7% were not vaccinated. Vaccination status was unknown for 3.7% of children. As the age of the children increased, the proportion of completely vaccinated children increased and the proportion of non‐vaccinated and incompletely vaccinated children decreased. The vaccination rates increased in parallel with the education level of the parents. While the vaccination rate was significantly correlated with the socioeconomic level of the families, it was inversely correlated with sibling number.
Conclusions
: The results of the present study show that the immunization status necessary for the elimination of diphtheria has not yet been reached in eastern Turkey. In immunization programs for children in eastern Turkey, priority should be given to increasing primary immunization levels to 90−95% with three or more doses of diphtheria toxoid.
Spread of varicella‐zoster virus DNA to the environment from varicella patients who were treated with oral acyclovir
Authors: Suzuki Kyoko , Yoshikawa Tetsushi , Ihira Masaru , Ohashi Masahiro , Suga Sadao , Asano Yoshizo 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Objective
: The purpose of the present study was to determine the degree of spread of varicella‐zoster virus to the environment (VZV) from varicella patients who received oral acyclovir treatment.
Methods
: Over a period of 8 months, seven healthy children (two girls and five boys, 23−64 months of age) with varicella who visited Fujita Health University School of Medicine were treated with routine doses of oral acyclovir (ACV) for 5 days, commencing within 24 h after onset of the disease. Swab samples from the throats of patients and their family members as well as from air purifier filters in their houses were collected for 7 days as frequently as possible after starting treatment for the disease. The VZV DNA in the samples was identified by a sensitive polymerase chain reaction amplification assay.
Results
: The VZV DNA was detected in 33−100% of throat swab samples from varicella patients by day 7 of the disease, in 17−32% of throat swab samples from family members by day 4 and in 29% of filters from air purifiers by day 3.
Conclusions
: The results suggest a broad spread of VZV, probably by the airborne route, from the patients with varicella even after the administration of oral ACV.