bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tackling Racism in Northern Ireland: ‘The Race Hate Capital of Europe’
Authors: KNOX COLIN 
Published: July 2010

AbstractNorthern Ireland has been dubbed by the media as the ‘race hate capital of Europe’ and attracted recent international criticism after one hundred Roma families were forced to flee their homes following racist attacks. This paper examines the problem of racism in Northern Ireland from a number of perspectives. First, it considers the effectiveness of the Government's response to racism against its Racial Equality Strategy 2005–10 using performance criteria designed to track the implementation of the strategy. Second, it considers and empirically tests the assertion in the literature that sectarianism shapes the way in which racism is reproduced and experienced. Third, it explores racism at the level of the individual – which factors influence people in Northern Ireland to exhibit racist behaviour. Finally, the paper considers the likely policy implications of the research findings in the context of devolved government where addressing racism is part of a wider political imbroglio which has gridlocked decision-making within the power-sharing Executive of Northern Ireland.
ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Authors: Severens Johan L , van der Wilt Gert-Jan 
Published: July 2010

Objectives: The purpose of this review was to examine whether studies from the medical literature focusing on efficiency of diagnostic facilities reported economic evaluation methods appropriately, following guidelines for conducting and reporting economic evaluations.Methods: A Medline search was conducted, and studies that concerned a diagnostic technology
and fulfilled the Drummond criteria were selected for methodological review. The reliability of selection
and methodological review based on the abstracts was determined by scoring a random sample of
both abstracts and full articles. lnterrater reliability was determined by scoring a random sample of
abstracts by both authors. Kappa values were calculated. Nine methodological aspects were reviewed:
study design, the type of economic evaluation, the comparison made, the study's perspective, the
cost-effectiveness ratio used, the definition of cost-effective, the types of costs analyzed, the cost
calculation method, and the use of sensitivity analysis.Results: Two hundred fifty studies published between 1992 and 1997 were found regarding efficiency
of diagnosticfacilities; 134 studiesfulfilled the Drummond criteriaand were selected for methodological
review. Kappavalues showed reliability of selection and methodological review and interrater reliability.
The existing literatue on the economic evaluation of diagnostic facilities does not adhere well to
guidelines for economic evaluation. In 95%, no perspective was mentioned, in 50% of the cases no
ratio was given, in 82% the cost calculation method was not mentioned, and in 66% no sensitivity
analysis was reported.Conclusions: Our review suggests that to improve the quality of reporting economic evaluations,
editorial boards could issue and enforce guidelines for standard reporting of such studies.
Identification and characterization of PRG-1 as a neuronal calmodulin-binding protein
Authors: Tokumitsu Hiroshi , Hatano Naoya , Tsuchiya Mitsumasa , Yurimoto Saki , Fujimoto Tomohito , Ohara Naoki , Kobayashi Ryoji , Sakagami Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2010

Intracellular Ca2+-dependent cellular responses are often mediated by the ubiquitous protein CaM (calmodulin), which, upon binding Ca2+, can interact with and alter the function of numerous proteins. In the present study, using a newly developed functional proteomic screen of rat brain extracts, we identified PRG-1 (plasticity-related gene-1) as a novel CaM target. A CaM-overlay and an immunoprecipitation assay revealed that PRG-1 is capable of binding the Ca2+/CaM complex in vitro and in transfected cells. Surface plasmon resonance and zero-length cross-linking showed that the C-terminal putative cytoplasmic domain (residues 466–766) of PRG-1 binds equimolar amounts of CaM in a Ca2+-dependent manner, with a relatively high affinity (a Kd value for Ca2+/CaM of 8 nM). Various PRG-1 mutants indicated that the Ca2+/CaM-binding region of PRG-1 is located between residues Ser554 and Gln588, and that Trp559 and Ile578 potentially anchor PRG-1 to CaM. This is supported by pronounced changes in the fluorescence emission spectrum of Trp559 in the PRG-1 peptide (residues 554–588) upon binding to Ca2+/CaM, showing the stoichiometrical binding of the PRG-1 peptide with Ca2+/CaM. Immunoblot analyses revealed that the PRG-1 protein is abundant in brain, but is weakly expressed in the testes. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that PRG-1 is highly expressed in forebrain structures and in the cerebellar cortex. Furthermore, PRG-1 localizes at the postsynaptic compartment of excitatory synapses and dendritic shafts of hippocampal neurons, but is not present in presynaptic nerve terminals. The combined observations suggest that PRG-1 may be involved in postsynaptic functions regulated by intracellular Ca2+-signalling.
Biogeography and conservation of the genus Ficus (Moraceae) in Mexico
Authors: Serrato Alejandra , Ibarra‐Manríquez Guillermo , Oyama Ken 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim  The main objective of this study is to document the biogeographical patterns, endemism and degree of conservation of the species of Ficus (Moraceae) in Mexico. There are over 750 species of the genus Ficus distributed worldwide, and Mexico practically represents its northernmost limit in the American continent. Detailed studies at regional scales may help to understand the biogeography of large genera such as Ficus.Location  Mexico.Methods  The biogeographical patterns of Mexican Ficus were obtained from information of fig specimens available in two of the main herbaria of Mexico (2140 vouchers), collecting figs throughout this country, and revising the specialized literature. The presence of each species of Ficus was recorded for every one of Mexico's states and several tropical countries of America. Besides, the Mexican territory was divided into cells of 1° × 1° and the presence or absence of all species of the genus was recorded. Rarity of species was classified based on the width of geographic distribution, habitat specificity and population size.Results  A total of 21 species of Ficus occur in Mexico, including six species (28.6%) that are endemic to this country. Five species are included in subgenus Pharmacosycea and 16 species are documented under subgenus Urostigma. Affinities of Ficus flora with other tropical countries in America generally decreased as geographical distances from Mexico increased. Mexican states and cells with highest values of Ficus species richness (both total and endemic species) were located. Ten species, including three endemics, presented a wide distribution. Five species, including two endemics, possess the three attributes of rarity (narrow geographical distribution, high habitat specificity and scarce local populations). Three species of Ficus, including the endemic and very rare Ficuslapathifolia (Liebm.) Miq., are not recorded in any protected area existing in Mexico.Main conclusions  Most of the Mexican Ficus show a great morphological variation and occupy different habitats along their geographic distribution. The biogeographical patterns described here establish a fundamental scenario for ongoing studies on Ficus–pollinator interactions. However, many local populations are considered to be at risk, as there have been significant reductions in the number and size of local populations. Further studies are needed to understand the process of colonization, maintenance and persistence of fig–pollinator mutualism in species with different patterns of geographic distribution. Mexican Ficus require special policies for conservation due to their complex degree of rarity, particularly their geographic distribution in different types of vegetation, ranging from dry scrublands to tropical rain forests.
Daclizumab induction therapy in liver transplant recipients with renal insufficiency
Authors: Asrani S. K. , Kim W. R. , Pedersen R. A. , Charlton M. R. , Kremers W. K. , Therneau T. M. , Rosen C. B. , Dean P. G. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryBackground  The role of interleukin 2 (IL‐2) receptor antibodies to avoid the nephrotoxic effects of calcineurin inhibitors in the early post‐liver transplant (LT) period is not well defined.Aim  To examine the use of daclizumab induction in LT recipients with renal insufficiency.Methods  Between 2002 and 2005, 62 patients (median pre‐LT creatinine 2.4 mg/dL, IQR 1.9–3.7) received daclizumab induction with tacrolimus being administered when serum creatinine was <2.0 mg/dL. A concurrent comparison group (n = 221, 2002–2005) received tacrolimus‐based immunosuppression without daclizumab (median pre‐LT creatinine 1.1 mg/dL, IQR 0.9–1.4). A second historical comparison group (n = 103, 1995–2005) not receiving daclizumab was matched to the daclizumab patients by pre‐LT serum creatinine (2.2 mg/dL, IQR 1.8–3.1). All patients received mycophenolate mofetil and steroids.Results  Serum creatinine improved in the daclizumab group (−1.0 mg/dL, IQR −2.2 to −0.4) and worsened in the concurrent comparison group (+0.2 mg/dL, IQR 0–0.5) from pre‐LT to 4 months. However, there was no difference when daclizumab group was compared with the historical comparison group matched on pre‐LT creatinine (median change: −0.8 mg/dL vs. −0.7 mg/dL). Daclizumab induction was not associated with improvement in renal function at 4 months (P = 0.34) after adjusting for pre‐LT creatinine, age, gender, hepatitis C status and simultaneous liver kidney transplantation.Conclusion  The incremental benefit offered by induction therapy with IL‐2 receptor antibodies to preserve renal function is questionable.
Pre‐oxygenation in healthy volunteers: a comparison of the supine and 45° seated positions*
Authors: Smith S. J. , Harten J. M. , Jack E. , Carter R. , Kinsella J. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryPre‐oxygenation in the seated (sitting) position has been associated with better oxygenation. This randomised, cross over study compared oxygenation in the supine position with that in the 45° seated position in 40 young, healthy volunteers. Oxygen was administered through a circle system and tight fitting facemask. Transcutaneous Po2 levels were recorded at 10‐s intervals from two measurement points during 4 min of oxygenation in the two positions. The mean (SD) values of 12 measurements taken between the third and fourth minute were recorded. There was no difference in the increase in tissue oxygenation when comparing the supine and seated positions (32.7 (7.3) vs 32.6 (6.7) kPa, respectively). We conclude that there is no evidence that pre‐oxygenation in the 45° seated position improves tissue oxygenation in young healthy volunteers compared with the supine position.
(R)‐ and (S)‐methadone and buprenorphine concentration ratios in maternal and umbilical cord plasma following chronic maintenance dosing in pregnancy
Authors: Gordon Andrea L. , Lopatko Olga V. , Somogyi Andrew A. , Foster David J. R. , White Jason M. 
Published: July 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT Both methadone and buprenorphine cross the placenta during pregnancy which can result in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Reduced NAS in buprenorphine‐exposed infants may be as a result of relatively less buprenorphine reaching the foetal circulation compared with methadone. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS Under chronic dosing conditions in humans, the transfer of methadone and buprenorphine appears greater than previously found in human placental tissue in vitro models. Infants born to buprenorphine maintained women may be exposed to relatively less of the maternal dose compared with infants born to women maintained on methadone during pregnancy. There is stereoselectivity in the transfer of the individual enantiomers of methadone across the placenta to the foetal circulation.AIMSThe aim of this study was to compare the transfer of buprenorphine and methadone between maternal and cord blood in women under chronic dosing conditions and to determine if differences exist in the transfer of the two methadone enantiomers.METHODSMaternal and cord blood samples were collected at delivery from women maintained on methadone (35, 25–140 mg day−1) (median; range) or buprenorphine (6.00, 2–20 mg day−1) during pregnancy. Plasma concentration ratios are presented as an indicator of foetal exposure relative to the mother.RESULTSMethadone was quantified in all samples, with cord : maternal plasma methadone concentration ratios (n= 15 mother‐infant pairs) being significantly higher (P < 0.0001; mean difference (MD) 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.048, 0.092) for the active (R)‐methadone enantiomer (0.41; 0.19, 0.56) (median; range) compared with (S)‐methadone (0.36; 0.15, 0.53). (R)‐ : (S)‐methadone concentration ratios were also significantly higher (P < 0.0001; MD 0.24 95% CI 0.300, 0.180) for cord (1.40; 0.95, 1.67) compared with maternal plasma (1.16; 0.81, 1.38). Half the infant buprenorphine samples were below the assay lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) (0.125 ng ml−1). The latter was four‐fold lower than the LLOQ for methadone (0.50 ng ml−1). The cord : maternal plasma buprenorphine concentration ratio (n= 9 mother‐infant pairs) was 0.35; 0.14, 0.47 and for norbuprenorphine 0.49; 0.24, 0.91.CONCLUSIONSThe transfer of the individual methadone enantiomers to the foetal circulation is stereoselective. Infants born to buprenorphine maintained women are not exposed to a greater proportion of the maternal dose compared with methadone and may be exposed to relatively less of the maternal dose compared with infants born to women maintained on methadone during pregnancy.
Splenic blood flow and intrasplenic platelet kinetics in relation to spleen volume
Authors: Wadenvik Hans , Denfors Ingrid , Kutti Jack 
Published: July 2010

SummaryThe relationship between the splenic blood flow and the intrasplenic platelet kinetics on the one hand, i.e. the two factors which govern the size of the exchangeable splenic platelet pool, and the spleen size on the other were assessed in 21 patients afflicted with haematologic disorders and variable splenomegaly. The splenic blood flow and intrasplenic platelet kinetics were measured using111In‐labelled platelets and compartmental analysis of their equilibration between circulating blood and splenic pool; the spleen size was determined by scintigraphy using99mTc‐labelled stannous colloid. Significant correlations were recorded between the spleen size and the splenic platelet pool size (r= 0.76;P<0.001) and between the spleen size and the splenic blood flow (r= 0.56;P<0.01). Splenic perfusion decreased significantly with increasing spleen size, but there was no relationship between the spleen size and the intrasplenic platelet transit time. However, an association was present between splenic perfusion and intrasplenic platelet transit time (r=—0.44;P<0.05). It is concluded that the splenic blood flow is the major determinant of the size of the exchangeable splenic platelet pool in splenomegalic states, and that the determination of spleen size using99mTc‐scintigraphy gives a rough estimation of the pool size. Splenic perfusion appears to be one of the factors which determine the intrasplenic platelet transit time.
Assessment of bone marrow blood flow using positron emission tomography: no relationship with bone marrow cellularity
Authors: Martiat Ph. , Ferrant A. , Cogneau M. , Bol A. , Michel C. , Rodhain J. , Michaux J. L. , Sokal G. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryBone marrow blood flow has been assessed using positron emission tomography and the 15O‐labelled carbon dioxide steady‐state technique. The measurements were performed at the site of the posterior iliac crest. The bone marrow blood flow was 10.0 ml/min/100 cm3±3.0 (SD) in normal volunteers. It was markedly increased in patients with polycythaemia vera (26.9±4.6), chronic granulocytic leukaemia (25.2 ± 3.9) and myelofibrosis (35.1 ± 7.3). However, bone marrow blood flow did not differ from normal in patients with aplastic anaemia, chronic haemolysis or chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. There was no relationship between bone marrow cellularity and bone marrow blood flow. The data show that bone marrow blood flow is markedly elevated in polycythaemia vera, myelofibrosis and chronic granulocytic leukaemia and suggest that bone marrow cellularity is not a major factor in regulating bone marrow blood flow.
Spontaneous NBT reduction by monocytes as a marker of disease activity in children with histiocytosis
Authors: Burgio G. Roberto , Aricó Maurizio , Marconi Massimo , Lanfranchi Arnalda , Caselli Désirée , Ugazio Alberto G. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryIn an attempt to define a biological marker of monocyte hyperactivation in the course of infantile histiocytosis, the spontaneous nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay was applied to monocytes from 13 children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), familial haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL), juvenile xanthogranuloma or malignant histiocytosis. Significant increase in NBT reduction was observed in the patients with both active LCH and FHL in comparison with control subjects, who were either healthy or affected by different conditions. A close relationship between spontaneous reduction rate and clinical condition of the patients was evident in patients tested at diagnosis, during remission and during the course of disease reactivation. Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) production by monocytes was also evaluated: the patients with LCH and FHL displayed a significant increase in in vitro IL‐1 production by lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated monocytes. In our experience the spontaneous NBT reduction assay was a sensitive, quite specific, low‐cost and reproducible test for the evaluation of children with histiocytosis. Useful information may be obtained at diagnosis but also during the clinical course of disease by using this marker of monocyte spontaneous activation.
A familial factor XIII subunit B deficiency
Authors: Saito Masanori , Asakura Hidesaku , Yoshida Tomotaka , Ito Keiko , Okafuji Kazuhiro , Yoshida Takashi , Matsuda Tamotsu 
Published: July 2010

SummaryA 32‐year‐old woman with a bleeding tendency born of a consanguineous marriage, was found to have factor XIII subunit B deficiency. An abnormally low level of factor XIII activity was initially noticed and this finding led to further studies of the proband and her family. The notable features were: undetectable subunit B of factor XIII in the proband and her brother and reduced levels of subunit B, 34–52%, in her parents and children. The proband's brother had a markedly decreased level of subunit A protein. The level of factor XIII subunit A in platelets of the proband was normal. The half‐life of subunit A determined from the disappearance curve of infused factor XIII subunit A concentrate was approximately 3 d and this is the shortest estimate of the half‐life of factor XIII to date. From these results, it is suggested that subunit A is unstable in plasma deficient in subunit B and subunit B stabilizes the A protein.This is the first report of congenital deficiency of factor XIII subunit B and this disorder is thought to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.
Fibrin glue in surgery: frequent development of inhibitors of bovine thrombin and human factor V
Authors: Bänninger Hans , Hardegger Theres , Tobler Andreas , Barth Alain , Schupbach Peter , Reinhart Walter , Lammle Bernhard , Furlan Miha 
Published: July 2010

Summary. We report on a 34‐year‐old woman whose plasma showed a marked prolongation of thrombin time (TT) (< 200 s) using bovine thrombin. The patient had previously been exposed twice to topical bovine thrombin contained in fibrin glue during cardiac surgery. TT was normal when human thrombin was used as reagent. The patient's purified IgG reacted with bovine prothrombin and bovine thrombin in immunoblotting studies but showed virtually no cross‐reaction with human thrombin. In addition, following surgery, factor V clotting activity (FV:C) was reduced to 9% of normal. The inhibitor of bovine thrombin persisted over a period of more than a year, while the level of FV:C progressively returned to normal within this time period.Development of thrombin and FV:C inhibitors was also investigated in plasma of 34 consecutive patients who had undergone either cardiac surgery or neurosurgery with use of fibrin glue containing bovine thrombin. Eleven of 24 patients after cardiac surgery and two of 10 patients after neurosurgery presented with TT ≥25 s (normal plasma 15s). Two patients had been re‐exposed to fibrin glue during cardiac re‐operation and showed markedly prolonged TT (> 60 s). All 13 patients who had acquired a thrombin inhibitor also had low FV:C activity (10–60% of normal plasma), whereas FV:C activity remained in the normal range in the 21 patients with normal TT. Our findings indicate that development of inhibitors of bovine thrombin as well as co‐immunization to factor V occurs frequently and is associated with the amount of applied fibrin glue and with the type of operation. Re‐exposure to fibrin glue seems to enhance formation of inhibitors of bovine thrombin and human factor V.
Intercellular communication between bone marrow stromal cells and CD34+ haematopoietic progenitor cells is mediated by connexin 43‐type gap junctions
Authors: Dürig Jan , Rosenthal Christoph , Halfmeyer Katja , Wiemann Martin , Novotny Jürgen , Bingmann Dieter , Dührsen Ulrich , Schirrmacher Karin 
Published: July 2010

The existence of functional gap junctions between haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and stromal cells of the haematopoietic microenvironment in the human system is a controversial issue. Primary CD34+ HPCs isolated from leukapheresis products were co‐incubated with the human fibroblastoid bone marrow stromal cell line L87/4 in short‐term liquid culture. Using the highly sensitive double whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique, we found that the majority (91%) of CD34+ HPCs are electrically coupled to L87/4 cells. Importantly, efficient coupling was observed within 1 h of the attachment of CD34+ HPCs to plastic adherent L87/4 cells. By comparison, homologous cell pairs formed by L87/4 cells exhibited a significantly higher electric coupling. Analysis of single‐channel conductances revealed an electric profile characteristic of connexin 43 (Cx43)‐type gap junctions for both homologous and heterologous cell pairs. The Cx phenotype was confirmed using Cx43‐specific monoclonal antibodies in a flow cytometric assay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) for the detection of Cx43 mRNA. Finally, the electrophysiological studies were complemented by dye‐transfer experiments using the recently described ‘parachute’ technique that allows the monitoring of dye diffusion without disruption of the plasma membrane. Taken together, our data indicate that functional Cx43‐type gap junctions exist between stromal cells and immature HPCs and, thus, may provide an important regulatory pathway in haematopoiesis.
Prevalence of erythrocyte haemoglobin H inclusions in unselected patients with clonal myeloid disorders
Authors: Steensma David P. , Porcher Julie C. , Hanson Curtis A. , Lathrop Cynthia L. , Hoyer James D. , Lasho Terra A. , Tefferi Ayalew , Higgs Douglas R. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryPatients with clonal myeloid disorders, especially myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), may acquire α‐thalassaemia. To estimate the prevalence of this erythrocyte phenotype, we examined brilliant cresyl blue‐stained blood smears from 201 patients with neoplastic myeloid disorders and 282 controls (195 non‐clonal anaemia, 62 with medical illnesses without anaemia and 25 healthy persons). Haemoglobin H inclusions were detected in 8/100 patients with MDS (8%) and 2/81 (2.5%) patients with myeloproliferative disorders, but in none of the acute leukaemia patients or controls. We conclude that the emergence of thalassaemic clones may be relatively common in the disordered marrow milieu of MDS.