bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and extent of calcification over aorta, coronary and carotid arteries in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wang S. , Yiu K.‐H. , Mok M.‐Y. , Ooi G. C. , Khong P.‐L. , Mak K.‐F. H. , Lau C.‐P. , LAM K.‐F. , Lau C.‐S. , Tse H.‐F. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract.Objective.  To evaluate the prevalence and pattern of arterial calcification in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Background.  Patients with RA are prone to premature atherosclerosis; nonetheless the prevalence and extent of atherosclerosis in different vascular beds and their relationship to each other remain unknown.Methods.  We studied the distribution and extent of arterial calcification in 85 RA patients and 85 age‐and sex‐matched controls. Arterial calcification as determined by calcium score (CS) were measured using multi‐detector computed tomography in thoracic aorta, coronary and carotid arteries.Results.  Compared with controls, RA patients had a significantly higher average CS and prevalence of CS > 0 in aorta, coronary and carotid arteries and overall arteries (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for age and sex, RA patients had a significantly higher relative risk of developing calcification in the aorta [Odds Ratio (OR) = 19.5, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 8.0–47.6], followed by the carotid arteries (OR = 5.7, 95% CI:1.7–18.7) and coronary arteries (OR = 5.0, 95% CI:2.2–11.1) compared with controls (all P < 0.01). Amongst RA patients aged >60, 90% had diffuse arterial calcification, especially over the thoracic aorta, compared with 55% of controls who had arterial calcification clustered in the coronary arteries (P < 0.05). RA patients with total CS > 0 were older with a higher urea level and C‐reactive protein than those without arterial calcification, no factor was found to be independently predictive for arterial calcification (all P > 0.05).Conclusions.  Our results demonstrated that RA patients had earlier onset, more diffuse arterial calcification over multiple vascular beds and more preferential involvement of thoracic aorta, rather than coronary artery when compared with control.
A relict bank vole lineage highlights the biogeographic history of the Pyrenean region in Europe
Authors: DEFFONTAINE VALÉRIE , LEDEVIN RONAN , FONTAINE MICHAËL C. , QUÉRÉ JEAN‐PIERRE , RENAUD SABRINA , LIBOIS ROLAND , MICHAUX JOHAN R. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe Pyrenean region exhibits high levels of endemism suggesting a major contribution to the phylogeography of European species. But, to date, the role of the Pyrenees and surrounding areas as a glacial refugium for temperate species remains poorly explored. In the current study, we investigated the biogeographic role of the Pyrenean region through the analyses of genetic polymorphism and morphology of a typical forest‐dwelling small mammal, the bank vole (Myodes glareolus). Analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and the third upper molar (M3) show a complex phylogeographic structure in the Pyrenean region with at least three distinct lineages: the Western European, Spanish and Basque lineages. The Basque lineage in the northwestern (NW) Pyrenees was identified as a new clearly differentiated and geographically localized bank vole lineage in Europe. The average M3 shape of Basque bank voles suggests morphological differentiation but also restricted genetic exchanges with other populations. Our genetic and morphological results as well as palaeo‐environmental and fossils records support the hypothesis of a new glacial refugium in Europe situated in the NW Pyrenees. The permissive microclimatic conditions that prevailed for a long time in this region may have allowed the survival of temperate species, including humans. Moreover, local differentiation around the Pyrenees is favoured by the opportunity for populations to track the shift of the vegetation belt in altitude rather than in latitude. The finding of the Basque lineage is in agreement with the high level of endemic taxa reported in the NW Pyrenees.
Transalpine colonisation and partial phylogeographic erosion by dispersal in the common vole (Microtus arvalis)
Authors: BRAAKER SONJA , HECKEL GERALD 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe colonisation history and genetic structure of the common vole (Microtus arvalis) was investigated in the region of the Alps by analysing the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (mtDNA) and 19 microsatellite loci (nucDNA) for 137 voles from 52 localities. mtDNA data provided a much refined distribution of three highly divergent evolutionary lineages in the region compared to previous studies. Although high mountain ranges are widely accepted to be barriers for colonisation processes for many organisms and especially small terrestrial mammals, our phylogeographic analyses showed clear evidence of four transalpine colonisation events by the common vole. Individual‐based phylogenetic analyses of nucDNA and two alternative Bayesian‐clustering approaches revealed a deep genetic structure analogous to mtDNA. Incongruence between nucDNA and mtDNA at the individual level was restricted to the regions of contact between the lineages. mtDNA patterns and strong female philopatry in M. arvalis suggest that the crossings of the Alps occurred during the colonisation of the region when it was free from ice after the last glaciation. nucDNA patterns suggest that some of the transalpine elements of this phylogeographic pattern were subsequently eroded by male‐biased gene flow. We conclude that the combination of phylogeography and landscape genetics at the individual level can provide very detailed insights into colonisation events and may even allow differentiation between historical and more recent processes.
Health researchers’ attitudes towards public involvement in health research
Authors: Thompson Jill , Barber Rosemary , Ward Paul R. , Boote Jonathan D. , Cooper Cindy L. , Armitage Christopher J. , Jones Georgina 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjective  To investigate health researchers’ attitudes to involving the public in research.Background  Public involvement in research is encouraged by the Department of Health in the UK. Despite this, the number of health researchers actively involving the public in research appears to be limited. There is little research specifically addressing the attitudes of health researchers towards involving the public: how they interpret the policy, what motivates and de‐motivates them and what their experiences have been to date.Design  A qualitative research design, using semi‐structured telephone interviews.Setting and participants  Fifteen purposively sampled UK‐based University health researchers were the participants. Interviews were conducted over the telephone.Findings  The participants suggested varying constructions of public involvement in research. Arguments based on moral and political principles and consequentialist arguments for involving the public in research were offered and most participants highlighted the potential benefits of involving the public. However, feelings of apprehension expressed by some participants imply that a number of researchers may still be uncomfortable with involving the public, as it presents a different way of working.
Cow’s milk allergy is associated with changes in urinary organic acid concentrations
Authors: Salmi Heli , Kuitunen Mikael , Viljanen Mirva , Lapatto Risto 
Published: April 2009

Salmi H, Kuitunen M, Viljanen M, Lapatto R. Cow’s milk allergy is associated with changes in urinary organic acid concentrations. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e401–e406. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell MunksgaardCow’s milk allergy (CMA) is the most common form of food allergy affecting 2.5% of children, but the diagnosis is often difficult. Both intestinal microbiota and barrier function seem to be disturbed in patients with food allergies, and administration of probiotics has been shown to normalize intestinal microbiota and alleviate symptoms. We hypothesized that the differences in intestinal metabolic activity and permeability could lead to detectable changes in the end‐products of metabolism in patients with CMA. This could offer new diagnostic possibilities. The urinary concentrations of 37 organic acids were studied by a mass spectrometry‐based method in 35 infants aged under 1 yr with atopic eczema, 16 of them having CMA diagnosed with a double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge test. The control group consisted of the remaining 19 infants with only atopic eczema. In a second study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) or placebo was administered to the infants with CMA for 4 wk and the urinary organic acids were analysed again. CMA patients and patients with only atopic eczema had statistically significant differences in urinary concentrations of hydroxybutyrate (p < 0.001); adipate and isocitrate (p < 0.01 for both); homovanillate, suberate, tartarate, 3‐indoleacetate and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetate (p < 0.05 for all). These concentrations did not change significantly following LGG administration to the CMA patients, but a trend towards the control group was seen. Thus, CMA is associated with changes in some urinary organic acid levels. These differences between atopic infants with and without CMA could be investigated as a novel approach for CMA diagnosis.
The normal distribution as appropriate model of developmental instability inOpuntiacacti flowers
Authors: HELSEN P. , VAN DONGEN S. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractDevelopmental instability (DI) as measured by fluctuating asymmetry (FA) has been proposed to reflect fitness and stress. Furthermore, the associated developmental buffering may reduce morphological variation, conceal the expression of genetic variation and as such play an important role in evolutionary biology. However, observed associations between FA and various forms of stress and quality appear very heterogeneous. Presently it is difficult to interpret the biological relevance of this heterogeneity because little is known about the link between FA and the underlying process of DI, casting doubt whether DI can be viewed as an individual property and how closely FA reflects the underlying process of DI. Therefore, studies that explicitly test the validity of assumptions of the proposed theoretical models and estimate between‐individual variations in DI are needed. We present data onOpuntiacacti floral traits confirming that the normal distribution can be viewed as an appropriate approximation of the distribution of DI and that the concept of hypothetical repeatability can provide useful insights into the interpretation of patterns in FA as a measure of DI. Furthermore, we detected significant between‐individual variation in DI. Measuring petals from several flowers within individual plants allowed making inference of individual DI.
Local host competition in the evolution of virulence
Authors: LIVELY C. M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe evolution of parasite life histories should usually have correlated effects on host survivorship and/or reproductive success. For example, parasites that reproduce more rapidly might be expected to cause greater reductions in host fitness. Important theoretical advances have recently been made on virulence evolution, but the results are not always consistent. Here I compare two models [Q. Rev. Biol.71 (1996) 37; Q. Rev. Biol.75 (2000) 261] on the evolution of virulence that get qualitatively different results with respect to the effects of coinfection. I also construct a third model that attempts to connect these two formulations. The results suggest that parasite growth rates should increase as local host competition increases, unless relatedness is at equilibrium. In addition, the qualitative effect of adding coinfections on parasite growth rates depends critically on how the number of coinfections affects transmission success.
Hidden support from unpromising data sets strongly unites snakes with anguimorph ‘lizards’
Authors: LEE M. S. Y. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractA combined analysis of nuclear, mitochondrial and morphological data robustly resolves snakes as the sister taxon to anguimorph ‘lizards’. Analysed in isolation, nuclear DNA (nDNA) produces a trichotomy between snakes, iguanians and anguimorphs, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is largely uninformative at deeper levels, and morphology tends to nest snakes deep within anguimorphs or with various legless squamate groups. When analysed simultaneously, the nuclear signal is sufficiently strong that mtDNA and morphology are constrained to choose between alternative resolutions of the iguanian–anguimorph–snake trichotomy (generated by the nDNA) – and both support the snake–anguimorph solution. Combined analyses of fast‐evolving or idiosyncratically evolving markers (mtNDA, morphology) with conservative traits (e.g. nuclear genes) might be the best way to resolve ancient, closely spaced divergences. Fast or idiosyncratic markers potentially provide the most information about short, ancient internodes, but can converge on spurious trees if analysed in isolation. However, if constrained to only choosing between plausible trees, such data can contribute unique and valuable phylogenetic signal that resolves such problematic divergences.
Recurrent selection of cocoa populations in Côte d’Ivoire: comparative genetic diversity between the first and second cycles
Authors: Pokou N. D. , N’Goran J. A. K. , Lachenaud Ph. , Eskes A. B. , Montamayor J. C. , Schnell R. , Kolesnikova‐Allen M. , Clément D. , Sangaré A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn Côte d’Ivoire, the cocoa breeding programme has been based on the creation of hybrids between different genetic groups. From 1990 onward, a reciprocal recurrent selection programme has been set up with the purpose of improving simultaneously the characteristics of the two main genetic groups: Upper Amazon Forastero (UA) and a mixture of Lower Amazon Forastero (LA) and Trinitario (T). Based on data obtained from 12 microsatellite primers, the genetic diversity and genetic distances of the parental populations used in the first and second selection cycles are presented. The results revealed that the diversity of populations UA0 and UA1 on the one hand and (LA+T)0 and (LA+T)1 on the other is similar. The genetic distances were small between the parental populations used for the first and second cycles. Genetic diversity was greater in the UA group than in the LA+T group. The number of rare and of private alleles was reduced for both genetic groups, as well as the number of the frequent alleles in the LA+T group.
Identification and characterization of partial resistance to rust in a germplasm collection of Lathyrus sativus L.
Authors: Vaz Patto M. C. , Rubiales D. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract Lathyrus sativus has high potential both as food and fodder crop but can be severely infected by rust. This study assessed the resistance level of a collection of L. sativus accessions against three rust species (Uromyces pisi, U. ciceris‐arietini and U. viciae‐fabae) and characterized, for the first time, macro and microscopically the resistance to U. pisi. All L. sativus accessions were highly resistant to U. ciceris‐arietini and to U. viciae‐fabae but showed a compatible interaction with U. pisi. However, in spite of this compatible interaction, high levels of rate reducing resistance were identified with significant disease severity reduction, fitting the Partial Resistance definition. Detailed histological observations showed that resistance was mainly because of haustorium formation restriction with high‐level of colony early abortion, and reduction in the haustoria number per colony. This was occasionally associated with reduction on the infection hyphae intercellular growth, in a clear example of prehaustorial resistance. Differences in germination, orientated germ tube growth and appressoria differentiation were observed but were, generally, of marginal importance to explain the observed resistance levels.
Effect of eCG Superstimulation and Buserelin on Cumulus–Oocyte Complexes Recovery and Maturation in Llamas (Lama glama)
Authors: Trasorras VL , Chaves MG , Miragaya MH , Pinto M , Rutter B , Flores M , Agüero A 
Published: April 2009

ContentsThe aim of the present study was two fold. Experiment I: evaluate the effect of buserelin on llama’s oocyte maturation after exogenous follicular activity suppression, followed by ovarian superstimulation with different doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Experiment II: compare the number of follicles aspirated and the number of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) recovered according to different doses of eCG followed by buserelin. Experiment I consisted in a control group (without buserelin) and a treatment group (with buserelin), both subdivided according to eCG dose administered: A: 500 IU; B: 1000 IU; C: 1500 IU. The treatment group received a single i.v. dose of 8 μg of buserelin when two or more dominant follicles were found at ultrasound evaluation and 20 h later were subjected to surgery. In group A, 83% of the llamas did not respond to superstimulation. In groups B and C differences were observed between the control and the treatment groups for the degree of COCs maturation (p < 0.05). In experiment II animals were divided into two groups according to the eCG dose administered: 1000 and 1500 IU. Twenty hours before surgery females received a single i.v. dose of 8 μg of buserelin. Average number of follicles aspirated and COCs recovered was higher (p < 0.05) with the administration of 1500 IU of eCG. A larger number of expanded COCs were obtained from follicles ≥7 mm in diameter. We conclude that buserelin aids the recovery of a larger number of expanded COCs. Administration of 1500 IU of eCG produces a higher number of follicles for aspiration and number of COCs recovered.
Renal α‐smooth muscle actin: A new prognostic factor for lupus nephritis
Authors: MAKNI KAOUTHAR , JARRAYA FAÏÇAL , KHABIR ABDELMAJID , HENTATI BASMA , HMIDA MOHAMED BEN , MAKNI HAFEDH , BOUDAWARA TAHIA , JLIDI RCHID , HACHICHA JAMIL , AYADI HAMMADI 
Published: April 2009

SUMMARYAim:  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototype of autoimmune disease where renal involvement is frequent and always severe. Histological prognostic factors proposed for lupus nephritis (LN) including the World Health Organization and International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society – Working Group on the Classification classifications, active (AI) and chronicity (CI) indices may not predict response to treatment. The aim of this study was to correlate α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression, an early marker of glomerular and interstitial response to injury, to AI and CI, renal scarring progression and response to treatment.Methods:  Fifty‐seven kidney biopsy specimens obtained from 32 patients suffering from LN were studied. Twenty patients with class IV LN at first biopsy were identified to study renal progression to chronic renal failure until the use of immunosuppressive treatment.Results:  Interstitial α‐SMA (I‐α‐SMA) was correlated only with CI (P < 0.001) whereas mesangial α‐SMA (M‐α‐SMA) was correlated with neither LN activity (P = 0.126) nor sclerosis (P = 0.297). Only I‐α‐SMA was correlated with renal failure (P = 0.01). We divided patients with class IV LN into progressors and non‐progressors based on the slope of serum creatinine. At first biopsy, M‐α‐SMA and I‐α‐SMA, but not AI and CI, were correlated with renal failure progression (M‐α‐SMA, 9.7b1.1 vs 7.8b1.4, P = 0.004; and I‐α‐SMA, 9.3b1.1 vs 6.5b3.2, P = 0.011).Conclusion:  The study data highlight that I‐α‐SMA immunostain in class IV LN patients was correlated with chronicity indices. Moreover, M‐α‐SMA and I‐α‐SMA expression in first biopsy predicted renal progression modality. α‐SMA expression may therefore be a useful marker to predict renal prognosis in LN.
Atorvastatin enhances humoral immune responses but does not alter renal injury in experimental crescentic glomerulonephritis
Authors: PHOON RICHARD K S , KITCHING A RICHARD , JONES LYNELLE K , HOLDSWORTH STEPHEN R 
Published: April 2009

SUMMARY:Aim:  Statins are widely used for their cholesterol‐lowering effects and for prevention of cardiovascular disease. Evidence indicates that these drugs also have immunomodulatory and other non‐lipid lowering effects, with studies suggesting benefit in some animal models of immune (particularly T helper (Th)1)‐mediated inflammatory disease and their corresponding human disease counterparts. We sought to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects and therapeutic potential of atorvastatin in experimental crescentic glomerulonephritis, a Th1‐predominant animal model of glomerulonephritis.Methods:  Autologous phase, anti‐glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by intravenous injection of sheep anti‐mouse glomerular basement membrane globulin. Mice were administered atorvastatin (10 or 100 mg/kg) or control (phosphate‐buffered saline) daily by oral gavage. Immune responses and renal injury were assessed after 21 days.Results:  Compared with control‐treated mice, treatment with atorvastatin did not alter renal injury (serum creatinine, proteinuria, glomerular crescent formation) or glomerular leukocytic infiltration (CD4+ T cells or macrophages). Atorvastatin resulted in a dose‐related increase in circulating serum antibody to the disease‐inducing antigen but no differences in antigen‐stimulated splenocyte production of Th1/Th2 cytokines. At the higher dose, atorvastatin also led to a significant reduction in apoptosis of splenic CD4+ T lymphocytes.Conclusion:  This study demonstrates that statins modulate humoral responses and alter splenic CD4+ T cell apoptosis. However, atorvastatin does not lead to significant changes in T helper cell polarization or renal injury in experimental crescentic glomerulonephritis.
Thiazolidinedione attenuate proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in Adriamycin‐induced nephropathy rats via slit diaphragm protection
Authors: LIU HUA‐FENG , GUO LI‐QIN , HUANG YU‐YING , CHEN KENG , TAO JING‐LI , LI SHANG‐MEI , CHEN XIAO‐WEN 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT:Aim:  The slit diaphragm (SD) of podocyte impairment contributes to massive proteinuria and progressive glomerulosclerosis in many human glomerular diseases. The aim of the study was to determine if thiazolidinedione (TZD) reduce proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) by preserving the structure and function of SD.Methods:  Adriamycin‐induced FSGS rat models were employed. Urinary protein content was measured dynamically during the experiment. Additional biochemical parameters in serum samples were measured after the animals were killed. Glomerular sclerosis index (SI) and podocyte foot processes fusion rate (PFR) were evaluated. The protein and mRNA expressing levels of nephrin, podocin and CD2‐associated protein (CD2AP) in glomeruli were assessed by immunohistochemistry and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The density of podocytes was also evaluated after anti‐Wilms' tumour‐1 immunohistochemical staining.Results:  Rosiglitazone treatment partially reduced proteinuria, but did not significantly affect the serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, albumin, glucose, urea nitrogen and creatinine in Adriamycin‐induced FSGS rats. Glomerular SI and podocyte foot PFR were significantly attenuated by rosiglitazone treatment. Rosiglitazone prevented the reduction of nephrin, podocin and CD2AP protein expression induced by Adriamycin, however, the mRNA expression levels of these SD‐related markers did not change significantly. Rosiglitazone therapy did not reverse Adriamycin‐mediated reduction of the density of podocytes.Conclusions:  The study data suggest that TZD are promising therapeutic agents on FSGS, and the mechanism may be mediated in part by directly protecting the structure and function of SD.