bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of polyubiquitin gene Ubb leads to metabolic and sleep abnormalities in mice
Authors: Ryu K.‐Y. , Fujiki N. , Kazantzis M. , Garza J. C. , Bouley D. M. , Stahl A. , Lu X.‐Y. , Nishino S. , Kopito R. R. 
Published: December 2009

K.‐Y. Ryu, N. Fujiki, M. Kazantzis, J. C. Garza, D. M. Bouley, A. Stahl, X.‐Y. Lu, S. Nishino and R. R. Kopito (2010) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology36, 285–299 Loss of polyubiquitin gene Ubb leads to metabolic and sleep abnormalities in mice Aims: Ubiquitin performs essential roles in a myriad of signalling pathways required for cellular function and survival. Recently, we reported that disruption of the stress‐inducible ubiquitin‐encoding gene Ubb reduces ubiquitin content in the hypothalamus and leads to adult‐onset obesity coupled with a loss of arcuate nucleus neurones and disrupted energy homeostasis in mice. Neuropeptides expressed in the hypothalamus control both metabolic and sleep behaviours. In order to demonstrate that the loss of Ubb results in broad hypothalamic abnormalities, we attempted to determine whether metabolic and sleep behaviours were altered in Ubb knockout mice. Methods: Metabolic rate and energy expenditure were measured in a metabolic chamber, and sleep stage was monitored via electroencephalographic/electromyographic recording. The presence of neurodegeneration and increased reactive gliosis in the hypothalamus were also evaluated. Results: We found that Ubb disruption leads to early‐onset reduced activity and metabolic rate. Additionally, we have demonstrated that sleep behaviour is altered and sleep homeostasis is disrupted in Ubb knockout mice. These early metabolic and sleep abnormalities are accompanied by persistent reactive gliosis and the loss of arcuate nucleus neurones, but are independent of neurodegeneration in the lateral hypothalamus. Conclusions:Ubb knockout mice exhibit phenotypes consistent with hypothalamic dysfunction. Our data also indicate that Ubb is essential for the maintenance of the ubiquitin levels required for proper regulation of metabolic and sleep behaviours in mice.
A new hypothesis for the functional role of diversity in mediating resource pools and weed–crop competition in agroecosystems
Authors: SMITH R G , MORTENSEN D A , RYAN M R 
Published: December 2009

Smith RG, Mortensen DA & Ryan MR (2009). A new hypothesis for the functional role of diversity in mediating resource pools and weed–crop competition in agroecosystems. Weed Research.50, 37–48.SummaryWe develop a new conceptual model we call the Resource Pool Diversity Hypothesis (RPDH) aimed at explaining how soil resource pool diversity may mediate competition for soil resources between weeds and crops. The primary tenets of the RPDH are that (i) in plant communities, the intensity of inter‐specific competition can depend upon the degree to which niche differentiation and resource partitioning occur among species, (ii) agricultural systems are unique in that management practices, such as crop rotation, source of fertility and weed management, result in inputs to the soil and (iii) these inputs directly or indirectly become soil resource pools from which crops and weeds may partition resources. The RPDH leads to the novel prediction that along a gradient of increasing cropping system diversity, yield loss due to weed–crop competition (i.e. the impact on yield per unit weed density) for soil resources should decrease. Similarly, the degree to which crops and weeds overlap in soil resource niche breadth (which is determined by species‐specific functional traits for resource acquisition), will determine the extent to which weed–crop competition weakens as resource pool diversity increases. While there have been no direct tests of the RPDH, we highlight evidence from the agricultural literature that provides strong support for components of the hypothesis. Validation of the RPDH would have important implications across a broad range of cropping systems for the development of management strategies that aim to reduce yield loss impact per unit weed plant density and the fundamental principles of integrated weed management, such as the concepts of weed thresholds and critical periods.
Deep‐sea demersal fish species richness in the Porcupine Seabight, NE Atlantic Ocean: global and regional patterns
Authors: Priede Imants G. , Godbold Jasmin A. , King Nicola J. , Collins Martin A. , Bailey David M. , Gordon John D. M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe ichthyofauna of ocean margin regions is characterised by a succession of different species occurring at different depths. This study was aimed at determining whether the resultant pattern of species richness with depth is a consequence of local factors in a given region or whether it simply reflects the global pattern of fish species distribution in the oceans. Along the ocean margin of the temperate NE Atlantic Ocean in the Porcupine Seabight and Abyssal Plain region, 48°–53°N, a total of 108 demersal fish species were identified from 187 trawls at depths from 240 to 4865 m. Fitting of species accumulation curves predicted an asymptote of 120, indicating that the fauna is 90% described. Baited cameras detected 22 scavenging species with a predicted asymptote of 24 species. Scavenging species represented a constant 22.7% (SD 3.5%) of the total species richness throughout the depth range studied. Species richness per trawl varied between a maximum of 16 at 1600 m and 4 on the abyssal plain > 4000 m with no significant influence of sea floor slope (a measure of topographic heterogeneity). Total species richness was 48 at 1600 m and 10 on the abyssal plain. There is a clear transition between slope species above 3000 m and abyssal species below. The depth at which peak species richness occurs (1100–2000 m) coincides with the depth of the permanent thermocline, presence of Mediterranean overflow water (MOW), seasonally strong currents, resuspension of particulate matter, high biomass of benthic filter feeders and pelagic biomass impinging on the slope. We suggest that these factors increase habitat and resource heterogeneity, thus supporting a wider range of fish species. The local pattern of species richness was compared with the global distribution of maximum depths of marine fish species from FishBase. Globally all three Classes of fishes, Agnatha, Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes, showed a logarithmic decrease in species with depth, with the deepest observed species in each class occurring at 3003 m, 4156 m and 8370 m, respectively. In contrast, the local distribution of species maximum depths is idiosyncratic with a mean of 16.6 species maxima per 500 m at 1000–3000 m depth followed by three species per 500 m at 3500–4000 m and 11 species per 500 m at 5000 m. It is concluded that global patterns of species richness, as a source of recruitment, exert a weak influence on local patterns of species richness. Rather, global species richness is the sum of numerous regional and local patterns, each determined by characteristic environmental conditions.
Long‐term treatment of localized gastric marginal zone B‐cell mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma including incidence of metachronous gastric cancer
Authors: Ono Shouko , Kato Mototsugu , Takagi Kikuko , Kodaira Junichi , Kubota Kanako , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Komatsu Yoshito , Asaka Masahiro 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  According to a few recent reports on the long‐term clinical outcome of gastric marginal zone B‐cell mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT lymphoma); localized gastric MALT lymphoma generally has a favorable prognosis. However, the risk of metachronous gastric cancer has not been evaluated. In this study, we analyzed long‐term outcomes of localized gastric MALT lymphoma including the incidence of metachronous gastric cancer.Methods:  Between April 1996 and May 2008, 60 patients (31 men and 29 women; mean age 58.1 years) with localized gastric MALT lymphoma (stage I and II1 according to Lugano classification) were analyzed retrospectively.Results:  Forty‐eight patients (82.6%) achieved complete remission by eradication therapy. Radiation therapy was conducted on eight patients as second‐line treatment, and all of them achieved remission. The median follow‐up period was 76 months (range, 12–157 months). One patient had local relapse after remission for 5 years and three patients developed early gastric cancer without recurrence of lymphoma (5%). All of the three gastric cancers appeared in the same areas where MALT lymphoma had been eradicated.Conclusion:  Eradication therapy and radiation therapy for localized gastric MALT lymphoma have a favorable long‐term outcome, though regular follow‐up endoscopy should be performed for detecting metachronous early gastric cancer.
Efficacy and safety of infliximab as rescue therapy for ulcerative colitis refractory to tacrolimus
Authors: Yamamoto Shuji , Nakase Hiroshi , Matsuura Minoru , Honzawa Yusuke , Masuda Satohiro , Inui Ken‐ichi , Chiba Tsutomu 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Little is known about the efficacy and safety of infliximab for ulcerative colitis refractory to tacrolimus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of infliximab in the induction of remission in ulcerative colitis patients with persistent symptoms despite tacrolimus therapy.Methods:  We report a retrospective, observational, single‐center case series of 12 consecutively enrolled patients with ulcerative colitis refractory to tacrolimus that received infliximab therapy for the induction of remission. Eight patients received a single infusion of infliximab, and four received two or more infusions. Median follow‐up duration was 16.0 months (range, 1.6–41.4 months). The clinical response was evaluated based on a modified Truelove‐Witts severity index.Results:  Six patients (50.0%) achieved clinical remission within 30 days. Overall cumulative colectomy‐free survival was estimated to be 58.3% at 41.4 months. Adverse events included an elevation of liver enzymes (1/12; 8.3%) and a mild infusion reaction (1/12; 8.3%). No mortality occurred.Conclusions:  Infliximab can induce remission in patients with ulcerative colitis who do not tolerate or respond to tacrolimus therapy.
Corynoplastis japonica gen. et sp. nov. and Dixoniellales ord. nov. (Rhodellophyceae, Rhodophyta) based on morphological and molecular evidence
Authors: Yokoyama Akiko , Scott Joseph L. , Zuccarello Giuseppe C. , Kajikawa Makiko , Hara Yoshiaki , West John A. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYA new unicellular red alga, Corynoplastis japonica gen. et sp. nov., is described from Tobishima, Japan. Cells are spherical, 18–33 µm in diameter, pale purple to brownish red and surrounded by a mucilaginous sheath. A single chloroplast with many lobes extends from the cell periphery to the cell center. A peripheral thylakoid is present. A pyrenoid occurs at each innermost chloroplast lobe end and one or two thylakoids are present in the pyrenoid matrix. The nucleus is eccentric to peripheral and Golgi bodies are scattered throughout the cell and associated with endoplasmic reticulum. Cells have a slow random gliding motility. The low molecular weight carbohydrate mannitol is present in the cells. Molecular phylogenetic analysis indicates that this alga is closely related to members of the genus Rhodella. A new order, Dixoniellales, is established for Dixoniella, Neorhodella and Glaucosphaera based on molecular and ultrastructural evidence (Golgi bodies associated only with the nucleus). The redefined order Rhodellales in which Rhodella and Corynoplastis are placed is characterized ultrastructurally by Golgi bodies scattered throughout the cytoplasm and associated with endoplasmic reticulum.
PROGRESSIVE CORNEAL ENDOTHELIAL CELL CHANGES IN ANTERIOR SEGMENT DISEASE
Authors: ANNE M. V. BROOKS md, fraco, fracs, fracp  , GLENYS GRANT aiap, mbpa  , IAN F. ROBERTSON fraco, fracs  , W. E. GlLLlES FRACO, FRACS, FRCS (Edin)  
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe have demonstrated marked changes in the corneal endothelium in some groups of patients with ocular anterior segment disease including chronic cyclitis, both heterochromic an! classical pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule, and anterior segment pigment dispersal syndrome.The most striking changes occurred in heterchromic cyclitis with reduced endothelial cell counts (p>0.01) and altered cellular morphology. In almost all eyes with cyclitis endothellal belbs were seen. In eyes with unilateral pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule there was a lower endothelial cell count with pleomorphisrn and polymegathism, the changes being somewhat more marked with raised introcular pressure (p>0.07). In anterior segment pigment dispersal syndrome there was an even smaller reduction in count (p>0.05)with mild changes in morphology.Factors producing endothelial cell changes included hypoperfusion of the iris with microneovascularisation of the iris stroma, intercellular bleb formation with oedema of the corneal endothelium. and raised intraocular pressure.A normal iris circulation is important to the integrity of the corneal endothelium.
Cleft closure for the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease
Authors: Senapati A. , Cripps N. P. J. , Flashman K. , Thompson M. R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim  Treatments for pilonidal sinus disease are numerous and prone to failure. In complex disease, the morbidity is high. In contrast with complex operations, the cleft closure procedure can be done simply and successfully with better cosmetic results. We present the results of a single‐centre experience of this procedure.Method  One hundred and fifty patients had the operation; most were treated as a day case and many were operated under local anaesthetic.Results  Primary healing occurred in 83 (60%) of 139 patients. Recurrences requiring surgery have been seen in 5.3%. The long‐term cosmetic appearance has been noted to approach normality.Conclusion  Cleft closure is a simple and highly effective operation to treat recurrent or extensive pilonidal sinus disease.
Imprinted numbers: newborn chicks’ sensitivity to number vs. continuous extent of objects they have been reared with
Authors: Rugani Rosa , Regolin Lucia , Vallortigara Giorgio 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNewborn chicks were tested for their sensitivity to number vs. continuous physical extent of artificial objects they had been reared with soon after hatching. Because of the imprinting process, such objects were treated by chicks as social companions. We found that when the objects were similar, chicks faced with choices between 1 vs. 2 or 2 vs. 3 objects chose the set of objects of larger numerosity, irrespective of the number of objects they had been reared with. Moreover, when volume, surface or contour length were controlled for using sets of 1 vs. 4, 1 vs. 6 or 1 vs. 3 objects, chicks resorted to choosing the larger object, rather than the familiar numerosity. When, however, chicks were reared with objects differing in their aspect (colour, size, and shape) and then tested with completely novel objects (of different colour and shape but controlled for continuous extent), they chose to associate with the same number of objects they had been reared with. These results suggest that identification of objects as different and separate individuals is crucial for the computation of number rather than continuous extent in numerical representation of small numerosities and provide a striking parallel with results obtained in human infants. Early availability of small numerosity discrimination by chicks strongly suggests that these abilities are in place at birth.
A comparative study of the effects of using dynamic geometry software and physical manipulatives on the spatial visualisation skills of pre‐service mathematics teachers
Authors: Baki Adnan , Kosa Temel , Guven Bulent 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe study compared the effects of dynamic geometry software and physical manipulatives on the spatial visualisation skills of first‐year pre‐service mathematics teachers. A pre‐ and post‐test quasi‐experimental design was used. The Purdue Spatial Visualisation Test (PSVT) was used for the pre‐ and post‐test. There were three treatment groups. The first group (n = 34) used Dynamic Geometry Software (DGS) Cabri 3D as a virtual manipulative and the second group (n = 32) used physical manipulatives. In the control group (n = 30), the students received traditional instruction. The results of the study showed that physical manipulatives and DGS‐based types of instruction are more effective in developing the students' spatial visualisation skills than traditional instruction. In addition, students in the DGS‐based group performed better than the physical manipulative‐based group in the views section of the PSVT.
Non‐medically supervised treatment interruptions among participants in a universally accessible antiretroviral therapy programme
Authors: Moore DM , Zhang W , Yip B , Genebat M , Lima VD , Montaner JSG , Hogg RS 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundWe examined clinical outcomes, patient characteristics and trends over time of non‐medically supervised treatment interruptions (TIs) from a free‐of‐charge antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme in British Columbia (BC), Canada.MethodsData from ART‐naïve individuals ≥18 years old who initiated triple combination highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) between January 2000 and June 2006 were analysed. Participants having ≥3 month gap in HAART coverage were defined as having a TI. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to examine factors associated with TIs and to examine factors associated with resumption of treatment.ResultsA total of 1707 participants were study eligible and 643 (37.7%) experienced TIs. TIs within 1 year of ART initiation decreased from 29% of individuals in 2000 to 19% in 2006 (P<0.001). TIs were independently associated with a history of injection drug use (IDU) (P=0.02), higher baseline CD4 cell counts (P<0.001), hepatitis C co‐infection (P<0.001) and the use of nelfinavir (NFV) (P=0.04) or zidovudine (ZDV)/lamivudine (3TC) (P=0.009) in the primary HAART regimen. Male gender (P<0.001), older age (P<0.001), AIDS at baseline (P=0.008) and having a physician who had prescribed HAART to fewer patients (P=0.03) were protective against TIs. Four hundred and eighty‐eight (71.9%) participants eventually restarted ART with male patients and those who developed an AIDS‐defining illness prior to their TI more likely to restart therapy. Higher CD4 cell counts at the time of TI and unknown hepatitis C status were associated with a reduced likelihood of restarting ART.ConclusionTreatment interruptions were associated with younger, less ill, female and IDU participants. Most participants with interruptions eventually restarted therapy. Interruptions occurred less frequently in recent years.
Anticipation of age at onset in familial multiple sclerosis
Authors: Romero‐Pinel L. , Martínez‐Yélamos S. , Gubieras L. , Matas E. , Bau L. , Kremenchutzky M. , Arbizu T. 
Published: December 2009

Background and objective:  Anticipation of age at onset in the younger generations is a widely known characteristic of many diseases with genetic inheritance. This study was performed to assess whether there is anticipation of age at onset in younger generations of familial multiple sclerosis (MS) in a Spanish population and to compare clinical characteristics of familial and sporadic MS.Methods:  We studied a cohort of 1110 patients diagnosed with MS and followed‐up in our MS Unit. Patients were considered as familial MS if they had in their family at least one relative of first or second degree diagnosed with MS. Otherwise, patients were considered to have sporadic MS. We compared the age at onset between relatives from different generations, and we also compared the age at onset of familial and sporadic MS.Results:  A lower age at onset in the younger generations was found (median 22 years vs. 30 years, P < 0.001) and a significant lower age at onset of the disease in familial MS comparing to sporadic MS (median 25 years vs. 29 years, P = 0.042).Conclusions:  There is an anticipation of the age at onset of MS in the younger generations of patients with familial MS. There is also a lower age at onset in familial versus sporadic MS.
Routine use of Xeomin® in patients previously treated with Botox®: long term results
Authors: Dressler D. 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  Based upon large and carefully performed studies Xeomin® was first registered in 2005. However, its real potential can only be assessed, when it is used outside of study design restrictions, in an independent setting, in off‐label indications and during continued use.Methods and results:  Two hundred and sixty‐three patients (91 with dystonia, 84 with spasticity, 17 with hemifacial spasm and re‐innervation synkinesias, 64 with hyperhidrosis, 7 with hypersalivation), who were previously treated with Botox® for at least 1 year under stable conditions, were converted in a blinded fashion to Xeomin® using a 1:1 conversion ratio and identical treatment parameters. Therapeutic outcome and adverse effects were monitored by neurological examination and structuralised interviews. In 223 patients (all except those with axillary hyperhidrosis) Xeomin® was used continuously throughout a 3 year period. Altogether 1050 injection series were performed. Patients with dystonia received 261.5 ± 141.0 MU Botox®/Xeomin®, patients with spasticity 450.5 ± 177.1 MU, patients with hemifacial spasm and reinnervation synkinesias 44.7 ± 19.5 MU and patients with hyperhidrosis 286.9 ± 141.6 MU. The maximum botulinum toxin dose applied was 840 MU. There were no subjective or objective differences between Botox® and Xeomin® treatments with respect to onset latency, maximum and duration of their therapeutic effects and their adverse effect profiles. Long‐term use did not reveal additional safety relevant aspects. None of the patients lost therapeutic efficacy during the observation period.Conclusions:  Xeomin® can be used safely in doses of up to 840 MU. Even when applied in high doses it did not produce secondary therapy failure. There were no diffusion differences between Botox® and Xeomin®. Using a conversion ratio of 1:1 Xeomin® and Botox® can easily be exchanged in a continued treatment.
Xeomin® in the treatment of cervical dystonia
Authors: Benecke R. 
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) is a highly effective and well‐tolerated treatment for focal dystonias. The BoNT/A in Botox® and Dysport® is part of a high‐molecular‐weight complex that contains hemagglutinins and other non‐toxic proteins, whilst Xeomin® is a highly purified BoNT/A free of such complexing proteins. In the largest controlled study of BoNT/A published to date (Neurology 2005; 64: 1949), it was demonstrated that Xeomin® is non‐inferior to Botox® and has 1:1 efficacy in the treatment of cervical dystonia. A possible limitation of continued BoNT/A treatment is antibody development. Based on its physiochemical properties and toxicological evidence, Xeomin® is expected to have a reduced incidence of non‐responders after long‐term treatment compared with other marketed BoNT/A products.Methods and results:  In our ongoing open‐label study, 100 patients suffering from cervical dystonia are continuously treated with Xeomin®; 50 patients were treated de novo, the remaining patients had been previously treated with Botox®, Dysport® or NeuroBloc®/Myobloc®. All patients showed negative results in antibody testing at the beginning of Xeomin® treatment. During continuous treatment with Xeomin® up to 2 years, patients continued to respond well to Xeomin® treatment.Conclusion:  The treatment was well tolerated and no patient has developed neutralizing antibodies as measured using the sensitive mouse hemidiaphragma assay within these first 2 years.