bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Phenotypes En(a−), Wr(a−b−), and En(a+), Wr(a+b−), and Further Studies on the Wright and En Blood Group Systems
Authors: Issitt P. D. , Pavone B. G. , Wagstaff W. , Goldfinger D. 
Published: September 2010

In 1975, we showed18,19 an En(a–) blood sample to be phenotypically Wr(a−b−). In the current report, we describe tests that show that three En(a–) members of a single family, not believed to be related to the family of the previously tested En(a–) person, are also Wr(a−b−). They have red blood cells that neither react with nor adsorb anti‐Wra or anti‐Wrb. In addition, we have shown that the red blood cells of six EnaEn heterozygotes, in the family tested, are Wr(a−b+) but carry only a single dose of Wrb antigen. Tests on anti‐Ena have shown conclusively that one example is a mixture of separable anti‐Ena and anti‐Wrb and that a second example may well contain the same two antibodies. By various methods, we have demonstrated that the red blood cells of the only known Wr(a + b–) individual are En(a+) and do not display any of the physicochemical abberations of the En(a–) phenotype. It is further shown that neuraminidase and trypsin do not denature the Wra or Wrb antigens in vitro, but that the protease ficin does have a limited ability to denature Wrb. Additional observations on the first reported1 example of anti‐Wrb are included.These various findings have been considered in the light of gene linkage of, or gene interaction between, the En and Wright system genes. It is concluded that the evidence does not exclude the possibility that En is a silent allele at the WraWrb locus so that the genotype EnEn (or WrWr) might result in the phenotype En(a –), Wr(a –b –). However, it is also pointed out that the evidence equally well supports the postulation that the Wra and Wrb genes are unable to function in the absence of an Ena gene. If this latter theory is proved correct, the interaction between Ena and the Wright genes can be thought of as similar to that between the H and ABO, 23 or X'r and CDE genes.24It is pointed out that if En is a silent allele at the MN locus (current evidence on this point is not conclusive.6,8,9) En and Wr cannot be synonymous for it is known that the Wra and M and N genes segregate independently.2,13,21,35 Location of En at the MN locus would not, however, refute the theory that Wra and Wrb cannot function in the absence of En.Finally, it is pointed out that the supposed anti‐Wrb is probably just what its name implies but that even if this assumption is later disproved, the high incidence antigen defined by the antibody presently called anti‐Wrb is unequivocally associated with Ena.
The effects of lysosomal and proteasomal inhibitors on abnormal forms of prion protein degradation in murine macrophages
Authors: Sassa Yukiko , Yamasaki Takeshi , Horiuchi Motohiro , Inoshima Yasuo , Ishiguro Naotaka 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTIt has been reported that macrophages degrade infectious forms of prion protein (PrPSc). In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying PrPSc degradation in macrophages, the effects of lysosomal and proteasomal inhibitors on macrophage cell lines which were incubated with scrapie‐affected brain homogenate were studied. PrPSc degradation was inhibited in the presence of both proteasomal and lysosomal inhibitors. Indirect fluorescence assays to determine the cellular localization of PrPSc were undertaken. PrPSc colocalized with the lysosomal membrane protein Lamp‐1 and ubiquitin, a protein that is related to the proteasome. The present data indicate that macrophages might degrade PrPSc via the lysosomal and proteasomal pathways.
Treatment of paediatric hyperthyroidism but not hypothyroidism has a significant effect on weight
Authors: Crocker Melissa K. , Kaplowitz Paul 
Published: September 2010

SummaryObjective  Thyroid hormones are involved in metabolic regulation, but the degree to which they affect body weight and body mass index (BMI) in children is unclear. We examined the effect of hypo‐ and hyperthyroidism on weight and BMI at the time of diagnosis and after appropriate treatment.Design  Prospective and retrospective case series.Patients  Children referred for thyroid dysfunction were enrolled prospectively if their total or free T4 was elevated with TSH <0·05 mIU/ml (N = 57) or if they had a subnormal total or free T4 and TSH >20 (N = 29).Results  Almost all patients had at least 2 classic signs or symptoms including goitre, but hyperthyroid patients had more symptoms. Mean BMI z scores at the time of diagnosis did not significantly differ between the two groups. Males with hyperthyroidism complained of weight loss more frequently and had a lower pretreatment BMI z score than hyperthyroid females. Hypothyroid patients lost a minimal amount of weight by the first follow‐up (mean of 0·3 kg) and on average gained weight by the second follow‐up visit. In contrast hyperthyroid patients gained a mean of 3·4 kg at the first follow‐up visit and a mean of 7·1 kg by the second.Conclusions  Correction of hypothyroidism resulted in minimal weight loss, suggesting that hypothyroidism does not cause significant weight gain in children. In contrast, correction of the hyperthyroid state had a somewhat greater impact on weight status. These results are consistent with prior reports but surprising given the opposite metabolic effects of hypo‐ and hyperthyroidism.
Clinical features of nonpituitary sellar lesions in a large surgical series
Authors: Valassi Elena , Biller Beverly M. K. , Klibanski Anne , Swearingen Brooke 
Published: September 2010

SummaryContext  Pituitary adenomas are the most common lesions in the sellar region, but other pathologies need to be considered in the differential diagnosis.Objective  To assess the prevalence of unusual sellar masses in a large series of patients and identify clinicopathological factors that may aid the pre‐operative diagnosis.Design  Retrospective case series.Patients  We analysed the records of 1469 transsphenoidal procedures performed between 1998 and 2009. One hundred sixteen cases (7·9%) were not pituitary adenomas.Measurements  Final pathological diagnosis.Results  One hundred sixteen patients (45 men, 71 women; mean age (±SD): 45 ± 17 years) with nonadenomatous lesions were divided into four major aetiological groups: cystic lesions (CYS) (53%); benign neoplasms (BEN) (22%); malignancies (MAL) (16%) and inflammatory lesions (INF) (9%). Rathke’s cysts, the most common lesions, represented 42% of all cases. Twenty‐five per cent of malignant lesions were metastases, and some of the MAL (e.g., fibrosarcoma, lung metastasis) had a radiographical appearance suggestive of a pituitary adenoma. The most common presenting symptoms were visual field impairment (51%) and headache (34%). Pre‐operative pituitary dysfunction was present in 58% of cases, with hyperprolactinaemia (35%), hypogonadism (23%) and hypocortisolism (23%) found most frequently. Postoperative resolution of headache and visual symptoms occurred in 63% and 65% of patients, respectively. Hyperprolactinaemia resolved in 77% of cases.Conclusions  A substantial minority of sellar masses are not pituitary adenomas. While they frequently present with the symptoms, hormone abnormalities and radiographical appearance typical of pituitary tumours, the possibility of a nonadenomatous lesion needs to be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is not associated with progression of cardiac mass and development of left ventricular hypertrophy in middle‐aged and older subjects: results from a 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Dörr Marcus , Ittermann Till , Aumann Nicole , Obst Anne , Reffelmann Thorsten , Nauck Matthias , Wallaschofski Henri , Felix Stephan B. , Völzke Henry 
Published: September 2010

SummaryBackground  Decreased serum TSH levels are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in elderly, and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH) was associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) as a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in some cross‐sectional and case‐control studies. The aim was to assess whether SCH independently impacts development of LVH over time.Methods  Of 3300 participants of the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania those with overt hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, possible thyroid disease or missing echocardiographic baseline data or follow‐up were excluded, resulting in a study population of 1112 individuals (556 women) aged 45–81 years. Echocardiographic left ventricular mass divided by height2·7 (LVMIht), and LVHht (LVMIht >44 g/m2·7 in women and >48 g/m2·7 in men) was measured at baseline and after 5‐year follow‐up (median 5·00; range 4·92; 5·08). Comparison of subjects with (n = 107) and without (n = 1005) SCH were made by linear and logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, smoking status, hypertension, and waist circumference.Results  At follow‐up, LVMIht did not differ between subjects with and without SCH (50·2 g/m2·7, interquartile range (IQR) 41·2; 59·5 vs 47·8 g/m2·7, IQR 39·3; 56·9; P = 0·29). LVHht was present in 66 (61·7%) subjects with and 543 (54·0%) persons without SCH (P = 0·13). Analyses revealed no association between SCH and progression of LVMIht (β = −0·18; 95%‐confidence interval (CI) −2·34; −1·99; P = 0·873), and development of LVHht (relative risk 0·86, 95%‐CI 0·60; 1·26; P = 0·462), respectively.Conclusions  In this population‐based sample, SCH had no impact on progression of LVMI and development of LVH during 5‐year follow‐up in subjects aged 45 years or older.
Depot‐ and ethnic‐specific differences in the relationship between adipose tissue inflammation and insulin sensitivity
Authors: Evans Juliet , Goedecke Julia H. , Söderström Ingegerd , Burén Jonas , Alvehus Malin , Blomquist Caroline , Jonsson Fredrik , Hayes Philip M. , Adams Kevin , Dave Joel A. , Levitt Naomi S. , Lambert Estelle V. , Olsson Tommy 
Published: September 2010

SummaryObjective  It is unclear whether there are differences in inflammatory gene expression between abdominal and gluteal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and between black and white women. We therefore tested the hypotheses that SAT inflammatory gene expression is greater in the abdominal compared to the gluteal depot, and SAT inflammatory gene expression is associated with differential insulin sensitivity (SI) in black and white women.Design and methods  SI (frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test) and abdominal SAT and gluteal SAT gene expression levels of 13 inflammatory genes were measured in normal‐weight (BMI 18–25 kg/m2) and obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) black (n = 30) and white (n = 26) South African women.Results  Black women had higher abdominal and gluteal SAT expression of CCL2, CD68, TNF‐α and CSF‐1 compared to white women (P < 0·01). Multivariate analysis showed that inflammatory gene expression in the white women explained 56·8% of the variance in SI (P < 0·005), compared to 20·9% in black women (P = 0·30). Gluteal SAT had lower expression of adiponectin, but higher expression of inflammatory cytokines, macrophage markers and leptin than abdominal SAT depots (P < 0·05).Conclusions  Black South African women had higher inflammatory gene expression levels than white women; however, the relationship between AT inflammation and SI was stronger in white compared to black women. Further research is required to explore other factors affecting SI in black populations. Contrary to our original hypothesis, gluteal SAT had a greater inflammatory gene expression profile than abdominal SAT depots. The protective nature of gluteo‐femoral fat therefore requires further investigation.
Behavioural and chemical mechanisms behind a Mediterranean ant–ant association
Authors: MENZEL FLORIAN , WOYWOD MARTIN , BLÜTHGEN NICO , SCHMITT THOMAS 
Published: September 2010

1. Interspecific competition among ants is common, and so is competitive exclusion among dominant ant species. In contrast, specific associations between non‐parasitic ant species are rare, especially in the temperate zones. As an exception, the subordinate ant Camponotus lateralis frequently co‐occurs with the dominant Crematogaster scutellaris but rarely with other dominant ants.2. This association is one of various associations between Camponotus and Crematogaster species across the world. However, the mechanisms behind these co‐occurences are largely unknown.3. In the present study, we therefore investigated the association of Ca. lateralis and Cr. scutellaris. We studied the spatial association of the nests, interspecific aggression, both species' cuticular hydrocarbon profiles, and their propensity to follow the other species' pheromone trails.4. Crematogaster scutellaris usually attacked and displaced the generally submissive Ca. lateralis, but was significantly less aggressive at jointly used trails. Camponotus nests were always in close proximity to Crematogaster nests.5. The cuticular hydrocarbons of both species consisted of alkanes with chain lengths between C21 and C35. The two species had 25 hydrocarbons in common, including mono‐, di‐, and tetramethyl alkanes. Despite this qualitative similarity, however, the quantitative hydrocarbon composition differed between the two species.6. Camponotus lateralis followed artificial trails containing trail pheromones of Cr. scutellaris, but the latter did not follow Ca. lateralis trail pheromones. Interspecific trail‐following by Camponotus, but not vice versa, has been observed in another Camponotus–Crematogaster association and may be a more general mechanism that facilitates associations between the two ant genera.
Factors affecting parasite prevalence among wild bumblebees
Authors: GILLESPIE SANDRA 
Published: September 2010

1. Bumblebees are important pollinators in North America and are attacked by a range of parasites that impact their fitness; however, few studies have investigated the extent or causes of parasitism in North America.2. This study used a 2‐year multi‐site survey of bumblebee parasitism to ask: (i) how common are parasitoid conopid flies and the internal parasites Crithidia bombi and Nosema bombi in Massachusetts; and (ii) what factors are correlated with parasitism?3. Infection rates by all three parasites were higher in this study than previously documented in North America. Overall, conopids infected 0–73% of bees in each sample, C. bombi infected 0–82% of bees, and N. bombi infected 0–32%.4. Conopid flies infected female bees more than males and intermediate‐sized bees more than large or small bees. Crithidia bombi infection rates were higher in certain bee species and sites, and exhibited a unimodal pattern of prevalence over time. Nosema bombi parasitism was higher in male than female bees.5. Infection by N. bombi in two rare bumblebee species was higher than expected based on parasitism rates of common bee species but C. bombi infection was lower.If high prevalence of N. bombi in these bumblebee species is common, parasitism may be a potential cause of their decline.6. Given the documented effects of these parasites, the high levels of infection may affect bee populations in Massachusetts and threaten the stability of their valuable ecosystem services.
Elevated TGF‐β1 levels might protect HCV/ HIV‐coinfected patients from liver fibrosis
Authors: Rallón Norma I. , Barreiro Pablo , Soriano Vincent , García‐Samaniego Javier , López Mariola , Benito José M. 
Published: September 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 41 (1): 70–76AbstractBackground  HIV accelerates hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐induced liver fibrosis by mechanisms not well understood. As HIV dysregulates transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and T regulatory (Treg) cells, both of which are involved in hepatic fibrogenesis, herein we describe their influence on liver fibrosis staging in patients with chronic hepatitis C with and without HIV coinfection.Methods  Eighty‐eight subjects (42 HIV/HCV co‐infected patients, 20 HCV‐monoinfected patients, and 26 healthy controls) were examined. Treg cells (CD4+Foxp3+) were measured in peripheral blood using flow cytometry. An enzyme immunoassay was used to measure TGF‐β1 in plasma. Liver fibrosis staging was estimated using elastometry and advanced liver fibrosis was considered for ≥ 9·5 kPa (F3–F4 Metavir estimates).Results  Treg cells were increased in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients compared with HCV‐monoinfected patients (P = 0·004), whereas TGF‐β1 levels were similar in both groups of patients. While Treg cells levels were similar in both null‐mild and advanced liver fibrosis patients, a high level of TGF‐β1 was found in patients with low levels of liver fibrosis compared with those with advanced liver fibrosis [14·9 ng mL−1 (5·6–37·9) vs. 5·5 ng mL−1 (1·9–7·9) respectively P = 0·007]. In a multivariate logistic regression model, elevated TGF‐β1 levels were significantly associated with not having advanced liver fibrosis [OR: 0·13 (95% CI: 0·02–0·71), P = 0·019].Conclusions  While Treg cells do not influence liver fibrosis staging, elevated TGF‐β1, probably through its anti‐inflammatory effects, might protect HCV/HIV‐coinfected patients from liver fibrosis.
The anti‐oestrogen fulvestrant (ICI 182,780) reduces the androgen receptor expression, ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation in the rat ventral prostate
Authors: Fernandes S. A. F. , Gomes G. R. O. , Siu E. R. , Damas‐Souza D. M. , Bruni‐Cardoso A. , Augusto T. M. , Lazari M. F. M. , Carvalho H. F. , Porto C. S. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThis study proposed to investigate further the role of oestrogens during pubertal growth of rat ventral prostate, by analysing the effect of anti‐oestrogen fulvestrant (ICI 182,780) on the expression of androgen (AR) and oestrogen receptors (ESR1 and ESR2), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and expression of Ki‐67, a biomarker for cell proliferation. Ventral prostates were obtained from 90‐day‐old rats treated once a week for 2 months with vehicle (control) or ICI 182,780 (10 mg/rat, s.c.). Transcripts for AR, ESR1 and ESR2 were evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Expression of AR, ESR1, ESR2, total and phospho‐ERK1/2 was analysed by Western blot or immunofluorescence. Ki‐67‐positive cells and myosin heavy chain were detected by immunohistochemistry. Cylindrical epithelial cells slightly taller, epithelial dysplasia and an increase in smooth muscle layer were observed in the ventral prostate from ICI 182,780‐treated rats. ICI 182,780 did not change the mRNA, but decreased the protein levels for AR in the ventral prostate. The expression of ESR1 (mRNA and protein) was upregulated by ICI 182,780, but no changes were observed on ESR2 expression (mRNA and protein). ICI 182,780 decreased the phosphorylation state of ERK1/2, with no changes in total ERK1/2 levels. Ki‐67‐positive cells in the ventral prostate were also decreased by ICI 182,780. In conclusion, ICI 182,780 induces downregulation of AR expression and may block the translocation of ESR1 and ESR2 from the nucleus to the plasma membrane, decreasing ERK1/2 phosphorylation and prostatic epithelial cell proliferation. These findings provide a basis for physiological roles of oestrogen in the ventral prostate. Further studies with fulvestrant are necessary in benign prostate hyperplasia and prostatic cancer models.
Zaditen (Ketotifen), as mast cell blocker, improves sperm quality, chromatin integrity and pregnancy rate after varicocelectomy
Authors: Azadi L. , Abbasi H. , Deemeh M. R. , Tavalaee M. , Arbabian M. , Pilevarian A. A. , Nasr‐Esfahani M. H. 
Published: September 2010

SummarySurgery is considered the most common choice for the treatment of male infertility with clinical varicocele. Increased numbers of mast cells (MCs) have been associated with different types of infertility, including varicocele. Despite there being different reports on improved fertility following administration of MC blockers, there is no report on the effect of a MC blocker on varicocele or after varicocelectomy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Zaditen on semen quality, protamine content, DNA damage and fertility post‐surgery. The study included 103 infertile men who were referred to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center for varicocelectomy. Varicocele individuals were randomly divided into control (52) and treatment groups (51). Semen parameters, WBC/mL, protamine content (chromomycin A3 staining) and DNA integrity (sperm chromatin dispersion test) were assessed before and 3 months after surgery. Comparison of the aforesaid parameters between the two groups revealed significant improvement in the treatment group compared with the control group, with the exception of DNA integrity. In addition, the cumulative pregnancy significantly improved by 9 months post‐surgery in the treatment group (41.17%) compared with the control group (21.15%). The results of this study, for the first time, reveal that MC blockers such as Zaditen improve semen parameters, chromatin integrity and pregnancy rates when administered as adjunct therapy post‐varicocelectomy.
Biological Flora of the British Isles*:Stachys sylvaticaL.
Authors: Taylor Kenneth , Rowland Philip 
Published: September 2010

Summary1.This account presents information on all aspects of the biology ofStachys sylvaticathat are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of theBiological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history, and conservation.2.A rhizomatous perennial herb, with strong far‐creeping stolons,Stachys sylvaticais a polymorphic native herb of open woodlands, hedgerows, banks of rivers and streams, widespread throughout most of the British Isles.3.Stachys sylvaticaoccurs in light to moderate shade. It is suggested that the red/far red ratio is more critical than reduced irradiance in the plant’s response to shading.4.Stachys sylvaticaoccurs on moist or damp but not wet, weakly acid to weakly basic soils, and has been described as a nitrate indicator on base‐rich soils.5.Stachys sylvaticadepends on seedlings established close to the parent plant for maintaining population density. Stolons are probably effective in extending the area of clones.6.The hybrid betweenStachys sylvaticaandStachys palustris,Stachys×ambigua, is most frequent in northern and western Britain, and occurs as an introduction outside the native range ofStachys sylvatica.