bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon accumulation in agricultural soils after afforestation: a meta‐analysis
Authors: LAGANIÈRE JÉRÔME , ANGERS DENIS A. , PARÉ DAVID 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDeforestation usually results in significant losses of soil organic carbon (SOC). The rate and factors determining the recovery of this C pool with afforestation are still poorly understood. This paper provides a review of the influence of afforestation on SOC stocks based on a meta‐analysis of 33 recent publications (totaling 120 sites and 189 observations), with the aim of determining the factors responsible for the restoration of SOC following afforestation. Based on a mixed linear model, the meta‐analysis indicates that the main factors that contribute to restoring SOC stocks after afforestation are: previous land use, tree species planted, soil clay content, preplanting disturbance and, to a lesser extent, climatic zone. Specifically, this meta‐analysis (1) indicates that the positive impact of afforestation on SOC stocks is more pronounced in cropland soils than in pastures or natural grasslands; (2) suggests that broadleaf tree species have a greater capacity to accumulate SOC than coniferous species; (3) underscores that afforestation using pine species does not result in a net loss of the whole soil‐profile carbon stocks compared with initial values (agricultural soil) when the surface organic layer is included in the accounting; (4) demonstrates that clay‐rich soils (> 33%) have a greater capacity to accumulate SOC than soils with a lower clay content (< 33%); (5) indicates that minimizing preplanting disturbances may increase the rate at which SOC stocks are replenished; and (6) suggests that afforestation carried out in the boreal climate zone results in small SOC losses compared with other climate zones, probably because trees grow more slowly under these conditions, although this does not rule out gains over time after the conversion. This study also highlights the importance of the methodological approach used when developing the sampling design, especially the inclusion of the organic layer in the accounting.
Peripheral blood T4 cell surface CCR5 density as a marker of activity in rheumatoid arthritis treated with anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Portalès Pierre , Fabre Sylvie , Vincent Thierry , Desmetz Caroline , Réant Brigitte , Noël Danièle , Clot Jacques , Jorgensen Christian , Corbeau Pierre 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor CCR5 and its ligand CCL5 play key roles in the intra‐articular recruitment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Therefore, using quantitative cytofluorometry, we followed T4 cell surface CCR5 density in 27 subjects with RA before and after treatment with the anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab. We observed low T4 cell surface CCR5 densities before treatment, which correlated positively with disease activity, as determined using a disease activity score evaluated on 28 joints (DAS 28), and negatively with CCL5 mRNA concentrations in PBMC, contrasting with a high proportion of intracellular CCR5 molecules, a pattern compatible with ligand‐induced CCR5 internalization. At 3 months post‐treatment, CCL5 mRNA expression in PBMC declined, whereas T4 cell surface CCR5 densities increased proportionally to the decrease in DAS 28. Thus, peripheral blood T4 cell surface CCR5 density is a good surrogate marker of RA activity and of the efficiency of anti‐CD20 therapy.
Identification and characterization of the interferon‐β‐mediated p53 signal pathway in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Zhang Fanglin , Sriram Subramaniam 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe relationship between the p53 signal pathway and the response of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to interferon (IFN)‐β has hitherto not been examined. Using an oligonucleotide microarray, we found differential expression of at least 70 genes involved in the p53 signal pathway, including p53, which regulate cell proliferation and cell death following stimulation with IFN‐β. We verified our observations on a limited set of p53‐regulated genes at the transcriptional and translational levels. We also examined the consequences of the activation of the p53 signal pathway by IFN‐β in PBMC. When cultured in the presence of T‐cell mitogens, IFN‐β restricted the entry of lymphocytes from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase and reduced the number of cells in the G2 phase. The addition of IFN‐β alone did not increase apoptosis. However, in the presence of actinomycin D, a DNA‐damaging agent, addition of IFN‐β enhanced the susceptibility of PBMC to apoptosis. These observations suggest that, in spite of the activation of a number of mutually overlapping pathways mediating cell death, cell cycle arrest was the most evident consequence of IFN‐β signalling in PBMC.
Female executives are particularly prone to the sleep‐disturbing effect of isolated high‐strain jobs: a cross‐sectional study in German‐speaking executives
Authors: GADINGER MICHAEL C. , FISCHER JOACHIM E. , SCHNEIDER SVEN , FISCHER GISELA C. , FRANK GUNTER , KROMM WALTER 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThis study assessed the main, curvilinear, interactive and gender‐dependent effects of job demands, job control and social support in the prediction of sleep quality. Participants were 348 male and 76 female executives and managers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A multiple regression controlling for age, occupational hierarchy and various health behaviors was computed. On the level of the main effects of the Job–Demand–Control–Support (JDCS) model, the results indicate a sleep‐promoting effect of social support. A significant three‐way interaction of job demands, job control and social support was observed. This interaction confirms the buffering effect of high job control and high social support on high job demands. Further, this three‐way interaction of the JDCS dimensions is moderated by gender as indicated by a significant four‐way interaction. The directions of the significant interactions suggest that female executives are especially prone to react with impaired sleep quality when exposed to isolated high‐strain jobs. The study seems to imply that the JDCS model is a suitable framework for the prediction of sleep quality among executives and managers. The results suggest that the JDCS model might contribute to a better understanding of the higher prevalence of poor sleep amongst female executives. Further, the results imply that high job control and high social support might help executives to maintain good sleep quality despite experiencing high job demands.
Comparative genetic analyses of historical and contemporary collections highlight contrasting demographic histories for the bumble beesBombus pensylvanicusandB.impatiensin Illinois
Authors: LOZIER JEFFREY D. , CAMERON SYDNEY A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDirect comparison of genetic patterns between museum specimens and contemporary collections can be a powerful approach for detecting recent demographic changes. Using microsatellite markers, we examined historical and contemporary genetic variation from an apparently declining bumble bee species,Bombus pensylvanicus, and from a stable species,Bombus impatiens, in central Illinois. For each species, we genotyped specimens from the Illinois Natural History Survey collected from three populations between 1969–1972 and from a resurvey of the same areas conducted in 2008. Population structure inB.pensylvanicusincreased markedly over the last four decades (from θST = 0.001 to 0.027) while no structure was detected inB.impatiensfor either time period (θST = –0.006 to –0.003). Changes in genetic diversity were not significant for either species, although small reductions were observed forB.pensylvanicusin all three populations. Coalescent simulations incorporating both contemporary and historical samples suggest that this small change is not surprising for recent population declines, as large reductions in genetic diversity were only apparent under the most severe bottleneck scenarios. These results demonstrate how comparisons of genetic patterns between temporal periods and species can help elucidate potential threats to population health and suggest several strategies that might be useful in the conservation ofB.pensylvanicusin the Midwestern USA.
The Arabidopsis ABA‐INSENSITIVE (ABI) 4 factor acts as a central transcription activator of the expression of its own gene, and for the induction of ABI5 and SBE2.2 genes during sugar signaling
Authors: Bossi Flavia , Cordoba Elizabeth , Dupré Patricia , Mendoza Mónica Santos , Román Carolina San , León Patricia 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe transcription factor ABA INSENSITIVE 4 (ABI4), discovered nearly 10 years ago, plays a central role in a variety of functions in plants, including sugar responses. However, not until very recently has its mechanism of action begun to be elucidated. Modulating gene expression is one of the primary mechanisms of sugar regulation in plants. Nevertheless, the transcription factors involved in regulating sugar responses and their role(s) during the signal transduction cascade remain poorly defined. In this paper we analyzed the participation of ABI4, as it is one of the main transcription factors implicated in glucose signaling during early seedling development. Our studies show that ABI4 is an essential activator of its own expression during development, in ABA signaling and in sugar responses. It is also important for the glucose‐mediated expression of the genes ABI5 and SBE2.2. We demonstrate that ABI4 binds directly to the promoter region of all three genes and activates their expression in vivo through at CE1‐like element. Previous studies found that ABI4 also functions as a transcriptional repressor of sugar‐regulated genes, therefore this transcription factor is a versatile protein with dual functions for modulating gene expression.
Association of the leukocyte immunoglobulin G (Fcγ) receptor IIIa‐158V/F polymorphism with inflammatory myopathies in Dutch patients
Authors: Bronner I. M. , Hoogendijk J. E. , De Visser M. , Van De Vlekkert J. , Badrising U. A. , Wintzen A. R. , Uitdehaag B. M. J. , Blokland‐Fromme M. , Leusen J. H. W. , Van Der Pol W.‐L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractLeukocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) receptors (FcγR) link the specificity of IgG to the effector functions of leukocytes. Several FcγR subclasses display functional polymorphisms that determine in part the vigour of the inflammatory response. FcγRIIIa genotypes were differentially distributed among 100 IIM patients compared with 514 healthy controls with a significant increase of the homozygous FcγRIIIa‐V‐158 genotype (3 × 2 contingency table, χ2 = 6.3, P = 0.04). Odds ratios (ORs) increased at the addition of each FcγRIIIa‐V‐158 allele, in particular among patients with non‐specific myositis and dermatomyositis {OR 2.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–4.3] and 2.7 (95% CI 1.1–6.4) for FcγRIIIa‐V/F158 and FcγRIIIa‐V/V158 genotypes, respectively, using FcγRIIIa‐F/F158 as a reference group}. These data suggest that the FcγRIIIa‐V‐158 allele may constitute a genetic risk marker for IIM.
Bone microstructures and mode of skeletogenesis in osteoderms of three pareiasaur taxa from the Permian of South Africa
Authors: SCHEYER T. M. , SANDER P. M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe extinct parareptilian clade of pareiasaurs was in the past often presented to constitute a morphocline from larger, less armoured forms to smaller, well armoured forms, indicating that the osteoderm cover became an increasingly prominent aspect in the post‐cranial skeleton of these animals. Here, we describe microanatomical and microstructural aspects of osteoderms of the three pareiasaur taxa Bradysaurus, Pareiasaurus and Anthodon from the Permian of South Africa. A generalized mode of osteoderm formation, consistent with intramembraneous skeletogenesis, is hypothesized to be present in all pareiasaurs. Few characters are shared between pareiasaur dermal armour and turtle shell bones and osteoderms. Otherwise, there is strong evidence from microanatomy and histology (i.e. absence of structures that formed via metaplasia of dermal tissue) that indicates nonhomology between pareiasaur dermal armour and the armour of living eureptiles. Analysis with bone profiler revealed no clear connection between bone compactness and lifestyle in the amniote osteoderm sample.
In vivo confocal microscopy, an inner vision of the cornea – a major review
Authors: Guthoff Rudolf F , Zhivov Andrey , Stachs Oliver 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe demands of modern ophthalmology have evolved from descriptive findings from the slit lamp to in vivo assessment of cellular level changes. Nowadays, the latter can be provided by in vivo confocal microscopy. This article gives an overview of confocal principles using tandem scanning, scanning slit and laser scanning techniques used in ophthalmology. The main part of the paper describes the clinical applications emphasizing the anatomy of the normal and pathological cornea, and illustrates side‐effects of topical medication, contact lens wear, cross‐linking and refractive surgery. Finally, a summary about experimental applications, including animal studies, surface characterization and volume rendering as well as future developments, is given.
Ubiquitin hydrolase (protein gene product 9.5) in the obstructed bladder: evidence for tissue remodelling involving a subset of interstitial cells
Authors: Grol Simone , Essers Paul B.M. , Van Koeveringe Gommert A. , De Vente Jan , Gillespie James I. 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo examine the expression of ubiquitin hydrolase (UH), an enzyme which is part of the ubiquitin‐proteasome system involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation, to gain an insight into the cell types and processes underlying the tissue remodelling that occur after bladder neck damage.MATERIALS AND METHODSThree groups of male guinea pigs were used, comprising controls (not operated, four), sham (five) and obstructed (six). The bladder outlet was obstructed by implanting a silver ring around the urethra, which was left in situ for 2–4 weeks. Sham‐operated guinea pigs had the same operative procedure but no ring was implanted. The bladders were removed and incubated in Krebs’ solution at 36 °C, gassed with 95% O2 and 5% CO2, Tissues were then fixed in 4% depolymerized paraformaldehyde and processed for immunohistochemistry. We used antibodies raised against UH, cyclooxygenase type I and vimentin. Specific antibody binding was visualized using the appropriate secondary antibodies.RESULTSStaining with an antibody to UH showed the presence of both sensory and motor nerves in control, sham and obstructed bladders. In the control bladders this was the predominant staining pattern. In the sham and obstructed bladders UH staining revealed additional positive cell types; cells associated with the outermost layers of the urothelium (the umbrella cells), in the lamina propria (the lamina propria interstitial cells (lp‐ICs), on the surface of the muscle bundles (surface muscle, sm‐ICs) and on the serosal surface (muscle coat, mc‐ICs). All ICs stained with vimentin. The ICs within the muscle bundles (intramuscular, im‐ICs) did not stain with UH. The number and density of the UH‐positive cells was greater in the obstructed than in the sham bladders, suggesting a change in relation to the severity of damage to the bladder neck.CONCLUSIONThe expression of UH implies the re‐targeting of proteins marked for degradation in the proteasome. Increased expression of UH in the lp‐ICs and sm‐ICs shows that these cells are active in the early and late stages of the tissue remodelling resulting from obstruction. These results show a further subset of ICs that might be involved in the increased deposition of extracellular material and tissue remodelling.
Prognostic factors in malignant ureteric obstruction
Authors: Lienert Andrew , Ing Andrew , Mark Stephen 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo validate a model to stratify patients with obstructive nephropathy due to malignant ureteric obstruction, associated with a poor prognosis, into different prognostic groups, as a recent report identified low serum albumin, degree of hydronephrosis and number of events related to metastatic disease as prognostic indicators before palliative decompression.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively review the charts to identify all patients who had a nephrostomy tube inserted for malignant ureteric obstruction. Laboratory and clinical factors that might influence prognosis were reviewed to attempt to externally validate the previously identified factors and model for risk stratification.RESULTSThe median (range) age of the 49 patients identified was 71 (36–91) years, and the median survival was 174 (14–602) days. Tumours were of urological origin in 66% of patients. Patients with prostate cancer had nephrostomy tubes indwelling for a mean of 279 days, vs 190 days (P = 0.07) for patients with tumours not of prostatic origin. A serum albumin level of >30 g/L (P ≤ 0.001), serum sodium <135 mmol/L (P = 0.019) and three or more events related to dissemination of cancer (P = 0.04) were factors associated with a significantly shorter mean survival. Complications related to the nephrostomy tube were experienced by 39% of patients. The model proved useful in stratifying these patients into different risk groups (P = 0.002).CONCLUSIONConsistent with a previous report we showed that a low serum albumin level and events related to metastatic disease were indicative of a poor prognosis. We also found that a low serum sodium level might be associated with a worse prognosis. We externally validated a model for stratifying patients into different prognostic groups. Palliative decompression is associated with significant morbidity.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy at 60 shock waves/min reduces renal injury in a porcine model
Authors: Connors Bret A. , Evan Andrew P. , Blomgren Philip M. , Handa Rajash K. , Willis Lynn R. , Gao Sujuan , McAteer James A. , Lingeman James E. 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo determine if extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) at 60 shock waves (SWs)/min reduces renal damage and haemodynamic impairment compared to treatment at 120 SWs/min.MATERIALS AND METHODSOne kidney in each of 19 juvenile pigs (7–8 weeks old) was treated at 120 or at 60 SWs/min (2000 SWs, 24 kV) with an unmodified HM‐3 lithotripter (Dornier Medical Systems, Kennesaw, GA, USA). Renal function was determined before and after ESWL treatment by inulin clearance, extraction and clearance of para‐aminohippuric acid. Both kidneys were then removed to measure parenchymal lesion size by sectioning the entire kidney and quantifying the size of the haemorrhagic lesion in each slice.RESULTSESWL at 60 SWs/min significantly reduced the size of the acute morphological lesion compared to 120 SWs/min (0.42% vs 3.93% of functional renal volume, P = 0.011) and blunted the decrease in glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow normally seen after treatment at 120 SWs/min.CONCLUSIONSTreatment at a firing rate of 60 SWs/min produces less morphological injury and causes less alteration in renal haemodynamics than treatment at 120 SWs/min in the pig model of ESWL‐induced renal injury.
Transumbilical laparoscopic urological surgery: are special devices strictly necessary?
Authors: Branco Anibal W. , Kondo William , Stunitz Luciano C. , Filho Alcides J.B. , De George Marco A. 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the safety and feasibility of transumbilical laparoscopic surgery using conventional laparoscopic instruments and ports.PATIENTS AND METHODSSince January 2008 we have been using laparoscopic transumbilical procedures. Patient selection was determined by any situation, pathological or not, for which laparoscopy was deemed appropriate as the standard of care in our practice. Exclusion criteria included patients who had undergone multiple abdominal procedures. The Veress needle was placed through the umbilicus, to allow insufflation with carbon dioxide. A 10‐mm trocar was placed in the peri‐umbilical site for the laparoscope, followed by placing two additional 5‐mm peri‐umbilical trocars. The entire procedure was done using conventional laparoscopic instruments. At the end of surgery the trocars were removed and all three peri‐umbilical skin incisions were united for specimen retrieval. Patients undergoing surgery using this approach were evaluated prospectively and data were collected during and after surgery for analysis.RESULTSSix procedures were performed using this technique (three nephrectomies, one adrenalectomy, one ureterolithotomy and one retroperitoneal mass resection). The mean operative duration and blood loss were 70.5 min and 108.3 mL, respectively. There were no complications during surgery and no patients needed a blood transfusion. Analgesia comprised metamizole (1 g intravenous every 6 h) and ketoprofen (100 mg intravenous every 12 h). The time to first oral intake was 8 h and the mean hospital stay was 28 h.CONCLUSIONLaparoscopic transumbilical surgery seems to be feasible and safe even using conventional laparoscopic instruments, and can be considered a potential alternative for traditional laparoscopic urological procedures.
Optimizing referral of patients with neuromuscular disorders to allied health care
Authors: Pieterse A. J. , Cup E. H. C. , Akkermans R. P. , Hendricks H. T. , Van Engelen B. G. M. , Van Der Wilt G. J. , Oostendorp R. A. B. 
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  To report the predictive validity of the perceived limitations in activities and need questionnaire (PLAN‐Q), a screening instrument to support neurologists to select patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD) for referral for a one‐off consultation by occupational therapist (OT), physical therapist (PT) and speech therapist (ST).Methods:  In a cross‐sectional validation study, 102 patients with various NMD participated. Patients received a one‐off consultation by an expert OT, PT and ST and filled out the PLAN‐Q. Therapists rated the appropriateness of the one‐off consultations based on need, available treatment and patient’s motivation. Receiver Operation Characteristic analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to obtain a PLAN‐Q based prediction model for the appropriateness of the one‐off consultations.Results:  Probability for a one‐off OT consultation increased from 64% to 78% (95% CI: 69–85%). Prior test probability for a one‐off ST consultation increased from 44% to 61% (95% CI: 48–73%). Prior test probability for one‐off PT consultation could not be increased.Conclusion:  Screening patients with NMD using the PLAN‐Q may assist neurologists in selecting the appropriate patients for a one‐off consultation by OT and ST. Unlike our expectations the screening did not guide referral for a one‐off consultation by PT.