bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study of the parrot trade in Peru and the potential importance of internal trade for threatened species
Authors: GASTAÑAGA MELVIN , MACLEOD ROSS , HENNESSEY BENNETT , NÚÑEZ JOAQUIN UGARTE , PUSE EDEVALY , ARRASCUE ANITA , HOYOS JOHANA , CHAMBI WILLY MALDONADO , VASQUEZ JIMMY , ENGBLOM GUNAR 
Published: May 2010

SummaryDuring a period of 12 months in 2007 and 2008, a study of the parrot trade within Peru was carried out. In this study, 20 main wildlife markets were visited in eight cities in order to estimate the number of parrot species and individuals traded legally and illegally within a year. The study also gathered extra information from vendors and customers through informal interviews about the trade process. Additionally we contracted one person in two markets between February and May 2008 to monitor how many species and individuals entered the trade. During the study, four threatened species (the ‘Endangered’ Gray-cheeked Parakeet Brotogeris pyrrhoptera, the ‘Vulnerable’ Military Macaw Ara militaris, the ‘Vulnerable’ Yellow-faced Parrotlet Forpus xanthops and the ‘Near Threatened’ Red-masked Parakeet Aratinga erythrogenys) and one additional species listed in CITES Appendix 1 (Scarlet Macaw Ara macao) were found being traded. Thirty-four species were recorded in total, 33 of which are native to Peru (representing 63% of the 52 known Peruvian parrot species) and one of which (Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus) is native to Bolivia and Argentina. Our results show that even for the seven species which can be legally traded in Peru, the number of individuals being traded can greatly exceed the numbers that can officially be traded legally. We directly counted 4,722 parrots for sale and using a measured detection rate of 3% we estimate a total market size in the cities surveyed of between 80,000 and 90,000 individuals. As our surveys sampled only 8 out of Peru’s 24 departmental capitals and there are also other large cities, these numbers are likely to represent only a part of the total trade in Peru. To the best of our knowledge this is one of the first detailed studies of the internal trade in a source country for the international parrot trade. Our results suggest that such internal trade is likely to be a significant conservation issue that has previously been largely overlooked.
Early inflammatory response during the development of right ventricular heart failure in a rat model
Authors: Campian Maria E. , Hardziyenka Maxim , de Bruin Kora , van Eck‐Smit Berthe L.F. , de Bakker Jacques M.T. , Verberne Hein J. , Tan Hanno L. 
Published: May 2010

AimsInflammatory activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of left ventricular (LV) heart failure. In right ventricular (RV) heart failure, little is known about the role of inflammatory activation. We aimed to study the role of inflammatory activation in RV heart failure by serial monitoring during disease progression.Methods and resultsRight ventricular heart failure was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of monocrotaline (MCT). Two groups were studied: MCT‐treated rats (MCT‐rats), and age‐matched controls (CON‐rats). Serial echocardiography and in vivo 67‐Gallium (67Ga) scintigraphy were performed. Local inflammation in the RV was assessed by (i) ex vivo semi‐quantitative 67Ga autoradiography, (ii) immunohistochemistry of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a marker of neutrophil activity, and (iii) mRNA assays of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). In MCT‐rats, 67Ga scintigraphy showed increased myocardial uptake which started during the early stages of RV disease. 67Ga autoradiography revealed that this increased 67Ga uptake occurred in the RV and inter‐ventricular septum, but not in the LV. The stage‐dependent increases of in vivo 67Ga RV myocardial uptake were paralleled by increases in mRNA gene expression for TNF‐α in RV, and increased MPO staining in RV.ConclusionDevelopment and progression of RV heart failure is associated with an early increase in RV inflammation. 67Ga scintigraphy may be used for the serial assessment of inflammation and monitoring of disease progression in RV heart failure.
Mechanical circulatory support in patients of advanced age
Authors: Drews Thorsten , Stepanenko Alexander , Dandel Michael , Buz Semih , Lehmkuhl Hans Brendan , Hetzer Roland 
Published: May 2010

AimsIn recent years, non‐pulsatile assist devices have been increasingly used for long‐term circulatory support. However, it remains to be established whether pulsatile and non‐pulsatile systems can ensure a similarly low rate of complications for extended periods of time in elderly patients.Methods and resultsOf 174 patients implanted between June 1991 and January 2009 [mean age: 65 ± 3.7 (60–80) years], 64 were on pulsatile (39 Berlin Heart EXCOR, 18 Novacor, 4 LionHeart, and 3 HeartMate I) and 110 on non‐pulsatile assist devices (65 Berlin Heart INCOR, 18 DeBakey, 14 HeartMate II, 7 DuraHeart, and 6 Jarvik2000). In the pulsatile group, the mean support time was 157 ± 343 (1–1836) days, and in the non‐pulsatile group 281 ± 336 (1–1619) days (P < 0.05). The 1‐year survival was 15% in the pulsatile group and 36% in the non‐pulsatile group, and 2‐year survival was 12 and 26%, respectively (P < 0.05). In the pulsatile group, 11 patients (17%) were supported for >6 months, 7 patients (11%) for >1 year, and 3 patients (5%) for >2 years, and 3 patients underwent heart transplantation, 3 were weaned, and 3 still have a device. In the non‐pulsatile group, 46 patients (42%) were supported for >6 months, 34 (28%) for >1 year, and 14 (13%) for >2 years, and 17 patients are still on support, 9 underwent transplantation, and 3 were weaned.ConclusionAlthough both types of device can be used for extended periods of time, non‐pulsatile systems have a significantly higher survival rate in elderly patients. They allow elderly patients additional years of life in their familiar environment.
High cumulative incidence of cancer in patients with cardio‐renal‐anaemia syndrome
Authors: Schroten Nicolas F. , van der Putten Karien , Rutten Frans H. , Diepenbroek Adry , Mosterd Arend , Gaillard Carlo A.J.M. 
Published: May 2010

AimsThe combination of chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic heart failure (HF), and anaemia, the so‐called cardio‐renal‐anaemia syndrome (CRA) is associated with dysregulation of erythropoietin levels and inflammation. Both have been associated with the development of cancer. This study aimed to determine the cumulative incidence of cancer in patients with CRA, as compared with anaemic CKD and control patients.Methods and resultsPatients aged <80 years who attended the nephrology or cardiology outpatient clinics between March 2006 and November 2007 were eligible for inclusion in this retrospective case–control study if haemoglobin <8.1 mmol/L (13 g/dL) and serum creatinine >80 mmol/L (0.90 mg/dL). Medical records dating back to 1996 were reviewed. The relationship between cancer and CRA, chronic HF, CKD, and anaemia was analysed using logistic regression analysis. Data from 1087 patients were reviewed. We identified 348 patients with both CKD and anaemia, of whom 132(38.3%) had CRA. The control group included 264 patients attending the hypertension outpatient clinic. Patients with CRA had a 19% cumulative incidence of cancer compared with 11% for patients with anaemia, CKD and no chronic HF, and 11% in the control group. The odds ratio (OR) for cancer was 1.8(95% CI 1.0–3.2) for the CRA group compared with the control group. Chronic HF was an independent risk factor for cancer after correction for age and gender (adjusted OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.2–3.3, P = 0.007).ConclusionThe cumulative incidence of cancer among patients with CRA is high compared with controls and to anaemic CKD patients without chronic HF. Chronic HF was an independent risk factor for cancer. These results stress the importance of clarifying the mechanisms involved in the development of cancer in CRA.
Alcohol use and mortality in older men and women
Authors: McCaul Kieran A. , Almeida Osvaldo P. , Hankey Graeme J. , Jamrozik Konrad , Byles Julie E. , Flicker Leon 
Published: May 2010

ABSTRACTAims  To compare the effect of alcohol intake on 10‐year mortality for men and women over the age of 65 years.Design, setting and participants  Two prospective cohorts of community‐dwelling men aged 65–79 years at baseline in 1996 (n = 11 727) and women aged 70–75 years in 1996 (n = 12 432).Measurements  Alcohol was assessed according to frequency of use (number of days alcohol was consumed per week) and quantity consumed per day. Cox proportional hazards models were compared for men and women for all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality.Findings  Compared with older adults who did not consume alcohol every week, the risk of all‐cause mortality was reduced in men reporting up to four standard drinks per day and in women who consumed one or two drinks per day. One or two alcohol‐free days per week reduced this risk further in men, but not in women. Similar results were observed for deaths due to cardiovascular disease.Conclusions  In people over the age of 65 years, alcohol intake of four standard drinks per day for men and two standard drinks per day for women was associated with lower mortality risk. For men, the risk was reduced further if accompanied with 1 or 2 alcohol‐free days per week.
The effects of paracetamol (acetaminophen) on hepatic tests in patients who chronically abuse alcohol – a randomized study
Authors: Dart R. C. , Green J. L. , Kuffner E. K. , Heard K. , Sproule B. , Brands B. 
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther2010;32:478–486SummaryBackground Retrospective accounts suggest that therapeutic doses of paracetamol can produce severe hepatic injury in patients with putative high‐risk conditions, including alcoholism and infectious hepatitis. Metabolism of paracetamol to its hepatotoxic metabolite is enhanced in patients who abuse alcohol, who also have compromised liver defences from depressed hepatic glutathione.Aim To determine the effect of paracetamol on serum liver tests of newly abstinent subjects who abuse alcohol, including subjects with hepatitis C infection.Methods A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Adult alcohol abusers with a current drinking episode longer than 7 days received either placebo or paracetamol 4 g/day for 5 days.Results Of 142 subjects enrolled, 74 received paracetamol and 68 received placebo. Mean ALT activity during treatment increased from 48 to 62 IU/L in the paracetamol group and from 47 to 49 IU/L in the placebo group. Maximum ALT was 238 and 249 IU/L in the paracetamol and control groups respectively. The INR remained unchanged and serum bilirubin decreased in both groups. Subgroup analyses for subjects with alcoholic hepatitis, hepatitis C virus antibody and other subgroups showed no statistical difference between groups.Conclusion Administration of paracetamol 4 g/day appears safe in newly abstinent patients who abuse alcohol.
Cost estimates of spinal versus general anaesthesia for fractured neck of femur surgery
Authors: Chakladar A. , White S. M. 
Published: May 2010

SummaryIt remains uncertain whether spinal anaesthesia is preferable to general anaesthesia for surgical repair of hip fracture, but one determining factor is the comparative cost. A detailed cost analysis relating to 20 consultants’ intended anaesthetic practice (which provided information of consumables used) and data from the Brighton Hip Fracture Database was performed to quantify any difference in the costs of administering spinal versus general anaesthesia for patients with hip fracture. Although spinal anaesthesia took significantly longer to administer (mean (SD) time 31 (15) min vs 27 (16) min; p < 0.0001), the mean (SD) cost of spinal anaesthesia (£193.81 (37.49)) was significantly less than the cost of general anaesthesia (£270.58 (44.68); p < 0.0001). The mean percentage cost of anaesthesia was 3.8% of hospital income per hip fracture, and personnel contributed approximately 46% of this cost. While such considerations indicate that spinal anaesthesia is financially preferable, it is unknown whether differential clinical outcomes between regional and general anaesthesia may offset this apparent monetary advantage.
β‐Arrestin 2 regulates toll‐like receptor 4‐mediated apoptotic signalling through glycogen synthase kinase‐3β
Authors: Li Hui , Sun Xiuli , LeSage Gene , Zhang Yi , Liang Zhihou , Chen Jixiang , Hanley Gregory , He Lei , Sun Shenggang , Yin Deling 
Published: May 2010

SummaryToll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), a key member of the TLR family, has been well characterized by its function in the induction of inflammatory products of innate immunity. However, the involvement of TLR4 in a variety of apoptotic events by an unknown mechanism has been the focus of great interest. Our investigation found that TLR4 promoted apoptotic signalling by affecting the glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) pathway in a serum‐deprivation‐induced apoptotic paradigm. Serum deprivation induces GSK‐3β activation in a pathway that leads to subsequent cell apoptosis. Intriguingly, this apoptotic cascade is amplified in presence of TLR4 but greatly attenuated by β‐arrestin 2, another critical molecule implicated in TLR4‐mediated immune responses. Our data suggest that the association of β‐arrestin 2 with GSK‐3β contributes to the stabilization of phospho‐GSK‐3β, an inactive form of GSK‐3β. It becomes a critical determinant for the attenuation of TLR4‐initiated apoptosis by β‐arrestin 2. Taken together, we demonstrate that the TLR4 possesses the capability of accelerating GSK‐3β activation thereby deteriorating serum‐deprivation‐induced apoptosis; β‐arrestin 2 represents an inhibitory effect on the TLR4‐mediated apoptotic cascade, through controlling the homeostasis of activation and inactivation of GSK‐3β.
Rapid Detection of BF Haplotypes by a Semi‐nested Polymerase Chain Reaction, which Causes Resistance/Susceptibility to Marek’s Disease in Chicken
Authors: Jin Y.‐C. , Wei P. , Wei X.‐X. , Zhao Z.‐Y. , Li Y. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA semi‐nested polymerase chain reaction (snPCR) assay was developed for the rapid detection of resistant/susceptible BF haplotypes to Marek’s disease (MD) using the cDNA samples from peripheral blood leucocytes, liver, spleen and heart from Xiayan homozygous chickens: A11, C23, D8 and D12 (resistant to MD), A5 and B21 (susceptible to MD). The snPCR was utilized to span alternative splicing‐out of the sequence encoding the second segment of the cytoplasmic part of the mature BF molecules (exon 7). This alternative exon 7 splice variant was detected in BF*A5 and BF*B21 (susceptible to MD), but not in the MD‐resistant BF*A11, BF*C23, BF*D8 and BF*D12 haplotypes, suggesting a potential role of exon 7 for the detection of resistant/susceptible BF haplotypes to MD.
Intradermal Delivery of Recombinant Vaccinia Virus Vector DIs Induces Gut‐Mucosal Immunity
Authors: Yoshino N. , Kanekiyo M. , Hagiwara Y. , Okamura T. , Someya K. , Matsuo K. , Ami Y. , Sato S. , Yamamoto N. , Honda M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractAntigen‐specific mucosal immunity is generally induced by the stimulation of inductive mucosal sites. In this study, we found that the replication‐deficient vaccinia virus vector, DIs, generates antigen‐specific mucosal immunity and systemic responses. Following intradermal injection of recombinant DIs expressing simian immunodeficiency virus gag (rDIsSIVgag), we observed increased levels of SIV p27‐specific IgA and IgG antibodies in faecal extracts and plasma samples, and antibody‐forming cells in the intestinal mucosa and spleen of C57BL/6 mice. Antibodies against p27 were not detected in nasal washes, saliva, and vaginal washes. The enhanced mucosal and systemic immunity persisted for 1 year of observation. Induction of Gag‐specific IFN‐γ spot‐forming CD8+ T cells in the spleen, small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes, and submandibular lymph nodes was observed in the intradermally injected mice. Heat‐inactivated rDIsSIVgag rarely induced antigen‐specific humoral and T‐helper immunity. Moreover, rDIsSIVgag was detected in MHC class II IA antigen‐positive (IA+) cells at the injection site. Consequently, intradermal delivery of rDIs effectively induces antigen‐specific humoral and cellular immunity in gut‐mucosal tissues of mice. Our data suggest that intradermal injection of an rDIs vaccine may be useful against mucosally transmitted pathogens.
Antibody‐Mediated T‐Cell Reduction or Increased Levels of Chimerism Overcome Resistance to Cyclophosphamide‐Induced Tolerance in NKT‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Onzuka T. , Tomita Y. , Okano S. , Shimizu I. , Yamada H. , Yoshikai Y. , Tominaga R. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe reported that invariant NKT‐cell knockout (iNKT KO) mice are resistant to the induction of intrathymic chimerism and clonal deletion in the cyclophosphamide (CP)‐induced tolerance system (CPS). However, another report shows that clonal deletion with chimerism may be intact in iNKT KO recipients in a bone marrow transplantation model. We also reported that pretreatment with anti‐Thy1.2 mAb, which reduces the number of T cells and iNKT cells, promotes allograft tolerance across H‐2 barriers in the CPS. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of T‐cell depletion in the CPS, and the relationship between the role played by iNKT cells in central tolerance and mixed chimerism. BALB/c (H‐2d) wild‐type, or iNKT KO (Jα18−/−) mice were pretreated with 20–100 μg of anti‐Thy1.2 mAb and given 108 donor DBA/2 (H‐2d) spleen cells on Day 0, and 200 mg/kg CP on Day 2. Pretreatment with T‐cell depletion resulted in higher levels of mixed chimerism, increased intrathymic clonal deletion of donor‐reactive cells, and the induction of skin graft tolerance in iNKT KO recipients in CPS. This suggests that the high levels of mixed chimerism overcame the resistance to CP‐induced tolerance in iNKT KO mice. Consistently, the enhancement of mixed chimerism by injection of tolerant donor spleen cells (SC) rendered iNKT KO recipients susceptible to CP‐induced tolerance. These results suggest that iNKT‐cell‐mediated immunoregulation of central tolerance is evident at low levels of peripheral mixed chimerism in the CPS.
Elevated MMP‐8 and Decreased Myeloperoxidase Concentrations Associate Significantly with the Risk for Peripheral Atherosclerosis Disease and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm1
Authors: Pradhan‐Palikhe P. , Vikatmaa P. , Lajunen T. , Palikhe A. , Lepäntalo M. , Tervahartiala T. , Salo T. , Saikku P. , Leinonen M. , Pussinen P. J. , Sorsa T. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases are responsible for degradation and remodelling of extracellular matrix and exert important roles in initiation and progression of inflammatory diseases. We aimed to examine the role of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their regulators in degenerative arterial diseases. Serum samples were collected from patients with arterial disease (n = 126), who underwent surgery because of symptomatic aorto‐occlusive disease (AOD, n = 18), carotid artery stenosis (n = 67) or abdominal arotic aneurysm (n = 41). Serum MMP‐1, MMP‐8, MMP‐13, TIMP‐1, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (HNE) concentrations were determined by ELISA, and the molar ratio of MMP‐8 and TIMP‐1 was calculated. To get reference values, the determinations were done on samples of healthy blood donors (n = 100). In univariate analyses, the patients had higher MMP‐8 (P < 0.001), TIMP‐1 (P = 0.045), and MMP‐8/TIMP‐1 (P < 0.001), and lower MPO (P < 0.001) when compared with the blood donors. All three subgroups had higher MMP‐8 (P < 0.001) and MMP‐8/TIMP‐1 (P < 0.001), and lower MPO (P < 0.01, except AOD) levels when compared with the references. In multiple logistic regression analyses, the male gender (P < 0.01), age (P < 0.001), elevated MMP‐8 (P < 0.001) and decreased MPO (P < 0.001) concentrations associated significantly with the risk for arterial disease, and provided an area under curve (AUC) of 0.97 in the Receiver operating characteristics analyses. In multiple linear regression analyses, HNE correlated with both MMP‐8 (P < 0.001) and MPO (P = 0.008) concentrations. Combination of high MMP‐8 and low MPO level in serum eventually reflecting selectively modified neutrophil degranulation may indicate increased risk for arterial disease.
Natural Killer Cells Accumulate in Lung‐Draining Lymph Nodes and Regulate Airway Eosinophilia in a Murine Model of Asthma
Authors: Ple C. , Barrier M. , Amniai L. , Marquillies P. , Bertout J. , Tsicopoulos A. , Walzer T. , Lassalle P. , Duez C. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests a key role for the innate immune system in asthma development. Although the role of Natural Killer (NK) cells in allergic asthma is poorly known, modifications of the blood NK cell populations have been found in asthmatic and/or allergic patients. Their repartition and activation status in the inflammatory (lungs) and the regulatory (draining lymph nodes) sites of the allergic reaction is unknown. The aim of our study was to monitor NK cell migration pattern and activation status and to investigate the consequences of NK cell depletion during allergic airway reaction in a mouse model. Ovalbumin sensitization and challenges of BALB/cByJ mice had no effect on the total number of lung NK cells but significantly decreased the number of most mature NK cells and increased the level of the activation marker CD86. In the lung‐draining mediastinal lymph nodes, ovalbumin sensitization and challenges led to increased number of NK cells, and more precisely, immature NK cells and increased expression of CD86. Ovalbumin‐sensitized mice also exhibited increased percentage of proliferating NK cells in lung‐draining mediastinal lymph nodes. Anti‐ASGM1 antibody treatment depleted most NK cells and decreased bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophilia but did not modify airway responsiveness. Altogether, our study shows that pulmonary allergic sensitization induces modification in the NK cell compartment at the inflammatory and regulatory sites and suggests that NK cells may participate in the regulation of the asthmatic response and, more particularly, to the allergic airway eosinophilia.
Genetic analysis of pathway regulation for enhancing branched‐chain amino acid biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Chen Hao , Saksa Kristen , Zhao Feiyi , Qiu Joyce , Xiong Liming 
Published: May 2010

SummaryThe branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) valine, leucine and isoleucine are essential amino acids that play critical roles in animal growth and development. Animals cannot synthesize these amino acids and must obtain them from their diet. Plants are the ultimate source of these essential nutrients, and they synthesize BCAAs through a conserved pathway that is inhibited by its end products. This feedback inhibition has prevented scientists from engineering plants that accumulate high levels of BCAAs by simply over‐expressing the respective biosynthetic genes. To identify components critical for this feedback regulation, we performed a genetic screen for Arabidopsis mutants that exhibit enhanced resistance to BCAAs. Multiple dominant allelic mutations in the VALINE‐TOLERANT 1 (VAT1) gene were identified that conferred plant resistance to valine inhibition. Map‐based cloning revealed that VAT1 encodes a regulatory subunit of acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS), the first committed enzyme in the BCAA biosynthesis pathway. The VAT1 gene is highly expressed in young, rapidly growing tissues. When reconstituted with the catalytic subunit in vitro, the vat1 mutant‐containing AHAS holoenzyme exhibits increased resistance to valine. Importantly, transgenic plants expressing the mutated vat1 gene exhibit valine tolerance and accumulate higher levels of BCAAs. Our studies not only uncovered regulatory characteristics of plant AHAS, but also identified a method to enhance BCAA accumulation in crop plants that will significantly enhance the nutritional value of food and feed.