bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural antibodies, intravenous immunoglobulin and their role in autoimmunity, cancer and inflammation
Authors: Schwartz-Albiez R , Monteiro R C , Rodriguez M , Binder C J , Shoenfeld Y 
Published: October 2009

Summary
Natural antibodies are produced by B lymphocytes in the absence of external antigen stimulation. With their ability to recognize self, altered self and foreign antigens, they comprise an important first-line defence against invading pathogens, but are also important for tissue homeostasis. By recognizing oligosaccharides expressed on tumour cells and modified cell surface structures accompanying necrosis, natural antibodies have an important anti-tumorigenic function. IVIg contains a wide spectrum of specificities presented in normal plasma including natural antibodies and has been shown to exert inhibitory effects on tumour cells through a subfraction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies with anti-angiogenic properties. IgA antibodies also have potent immunomodulatory properties, being able to both induce and suppress immune responses. IgA-mediated inhibitory function is able to inhibit several inflammatory diseases including asthma and glomerulonephritis. Autoantibodies of the IgM type, on the other hand, have shown promising results in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. These autoantibodies promote remyelination rather than modulating inflammation. Oxidation-specific epitopes, as found in atherosclerotic lesions and on apoptotic cells, comprise one important target of natural antibodies. By recognizing these epitopes, natural antibodies neutralize proinflammatory responses and mediate atheroprotection.
Idiopathic male infertility is strongly associated with aberrant methylation of MEST and IGF2/H19 ICR1
Authors: Poplinski A. , Tüttelmann F. , Kanber D. , Horsthemke B. , Gromoll J. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryAberrant imprinting in spermatozoa in a subset of infertile men has been postulated to be a risk factor for congenital diseases in children conceived via assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Studies in clinically well characterized large cohorts, however, have been missing. Using bisulfite sequencing, we determined the degree of methylation of the IGF2/H19 imprinting control region 1 (ICR1) and MEST differentially methylated regions in swim‐up purified spermatozoa from 148 idiopathic infertile men and 33 normozoospermic controls. All control individuals had a high degree of IGF2/H19 ICR1 and a low degree of MEST methylation. Low sperm counts were clearly associated with IGF2/H19 ICR1 hypomethylation and, even stronger, with MEST hypermethylation. MEST hypermethylation, but not IGF2/H19 ICR1 hypomethylation was found in idiopathic infertile men with progressive sperm motility below 40% and bad sperm morphology below 5% normal spermatozoa. Ageing could be ruled out as a cause for the observed methylation defects. Sequence analysis of the CTCFL gene in peripheral blood DNA from 20 men with severe methylation defects revealed several polymorphisms, but no bona fide mutation. We conclude that idiopathic male infertility is strongly associated with imprinting defects at IGF2/H19 ICR1 and MEST, with aberrant MEST methylation being a strong indicator for sperm quality. The male germ cell thus represents a potential source for aberrant epigenetic features in children conceived via ART.
In vitro markers for virulence in Yersinia ruckeri
Authors: Tobback E , Decostere A , Hermans K , Van den Broeck W , Haesebrouck F , Chiers K 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIn this study, different traits that have been associated with bacterial virulence were studied in Yersinia ruckeri. Two isolates that had been shown to cause disease and mortality in experimentally infected rainbow trout were compared with five avirulent isolates. Both virulent isolates showed high adhesion to gill and intestinal mucus of rainbow trout, whereas the majority of non‐virulent strains demonstrated significantly lower adhesion. A decrease in adherence capability following bacterial treatment with sodium metaperiodate and proteolytic enzymes suggested the involvement of carbohydrates and proteins. All strains were able to adhere to and invade chinook salmon embryo cell line (CHSE‐214), fathead minnow epithelial cell line (FHM) and rainbow trout liver cell line (R1). One non‐virulent strain was highly adhesive and invasive in the three cell lines, whereas the virulent strains showed moderate adhesive and invasive capacity. The internalization of several isolates was inhibited by colchicine and cytochalasin‐D, suggesting that microtubules and microfilaments play a role. For all strains, intracellular survival assays showed a decrease of viable bacteria in the cells 6 h after inoculation, suggesting that Y. ruckeri is not able to multiply or survive inside cultured cells. Analysis of the susceptibility to the bactericidal effect of rainbow trout serum demonstrated that virulent Y. ruckeri strains were serum resistant, whereas non‐virulent strains were generally serum sensitive.
Correction of a bootstrap approach to testing for evolution along lines of least resistance
Authors: BERNER D. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractTesting for an association between the leading vectors of multivariate trait (co)variation within populations (the ‘line of least resistance’) and among populations is an important tool for exploring variational bias in evolution. In a recent study of stickleback fish populations, a bootstrap‐based test was introduced that takes into account estimation error in both vectors and hence improves the previously available bootstrap method. Because this test was implemented incorrectly, however, I here describe the correct test protocol and provide a reanalysis of the original data set. The application of this new test protocol should improve future investigations of evolution along lines of least resistance and other vector comparisons.
Alternative reproductive tactics and the propensity of hybridization
Authors: TYNKKYNEN K. , RAATIKAINEN K. J. , HÄKKILÄ M. , HAUKILEHTO E. , KOTIAHO J. S. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractOne explanation for hybridization between species is the fitness benefits it occasionally confers to the hybridizing individuals. This explanation is possible in species that have evolved alternative male reproductive tactics: individuals with inferior tactics might be more prone to hybridization provided it increases their reproductive success and fitness. Here we experimentally tested whether the propensity of hybridization in the wild depends on male reproductive tactic in Calopteryx splendens damselflies. Counter to our expectation, it was males adopting the superior reproductive tactic (territoriality) that had greatest propensity to hybridize than males adopting the inferior tactics (sneakers and floaters). Moreover, among the territorial males, the most ornamented males had greatest propensity to hybridize whereas the pattern was reversed in the sneaker males. Our results suggest that there is fluctuating selection on male mate discrimination against heterospecific females depending on both ornament size and the male’s reproductive tactic.
Evidence for small scale variation in the vertebrate brain: mating strategy and sex affect brain size and structure in wild brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: KOLM N. , GONZALEZ‐VOYER A. , BRELIN D. , WINBERG S. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe basis for our knowledge of brain evolution in vertebrates rests heavily on empirical evidence from comparative studies at the species level. However, little is still known about the natural levels of variation and the evolutionary causes of differences in brain size and brain structure within‐species, even though selection at this level is an important initial generator of macroevolutionary patterns across species. Here, we examine how early life‐history decisions and sex are related to brain size and brain structure in wild populations using the existing natural variation in mating strategies among wild brown trout (Salmo trutta). By comparing the brains of precocious fish that remain in the river and sexually mature at a small size with those of migratory fish that migrate to the sea and sexually mature at a much larger size, we show, for the first time in any vertebrate, strong differences in relative brain size and brain structure across mating strategies. Precocious fish have larger brain size (when controlling for body size) but migratory fish have a larger cerebellum, the structure in charge of motor coordination. Moreover, we demonstrate sex‐specific differences in brain structure as female precocious fish have a larger brain than male precocious fish while males of both strategies have a larger telencephalon, the cognitive control centre, than females. The differences in brain size and structure across mating strategies and sexes thus suggest the possibility for fine scale adaptive evolution of the vertebrate brain in relation to different life histories.
Chronic hepatitis C genotype 6 responds better to pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy than genotype 1
Authors: Tsang Owen T‐Y , Zee Jonpaul S‐T , Chan Jacky M‐C , Li Reggie S‐T , Kan Yee‐Man , Li Francis T‐W , Lo Fu‐Hang , Chow David A , Cheung Kent W‐L , Chan Kam‐Hon , Yeung Yat‐Wah , Ng Fook‐Hong , Li Michael K‐K , Kwan Wai‐Keung , Lai Thomas S‐T 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Chronic hepatitis C genotype 6 is common in Hong Kong, especially among i.v. drug abusers. Responses of these patients to combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment were inconsistent and the numbers of patients involved in previous studies were small. We performed a retrospective study to compare the therapeutic responses of this regimen in patients infected with genotype 6 and genotype 1.Methods:  Seventy patients with either genotype 6 or genotype 1 were recruited. Both groups received 800–1200 mg of ribavirin daily plus either 180 mg of pegylated α‐interferon‐2a or 1.5 mg/kg pegylated α‐interferon‐2b weekly for 48 weeks. Their responses to treatments were compared.Results:  The early virological response to combination therapy of patients with genotype 6 was significantly better than that of genotype 1 (88.6% vs 74.3%, P = 0.03). Significant difference was also identified in the end of treatment response of the two genotypes (60% vs 81.4% for genotype 1 and 6, respectively; P = 0.005). The sustained virological response (SVR) to treatment in patients with genotype 6 was also significantly superior to that of patients with genotype 1 (75.7% vs 57.1%, P = 0.02). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age of 55 years or less, genotypes of hepatitis C virus, liver biopsy staging and baseline hepatitis C virus RNA of 200 000 IU/mL or less were independent predictors for better SVR in this cohort.Conclusion:  Patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 6 respond better to pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination treatment than patients with genotype 1.
Correlations among Helicobacter pylori infection and the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 and vascular endothelial growth factor in gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia
Authors: Liu Dongping , He Qingjuan , Liu Caigang 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground and Aims:  To examine the rate of Helicobacter pylori infection and the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia, and explore their correlations in precancerous gastric lesions.Methods:  A total of 172 patients were included in the study. H. pylori infection was evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin and modified Giemsa staining. The expression of COX‐2 and VEGF proteins was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:  The rates of H. pylori infection in gastric mucosal dysplasia (DYS), intestinal metaplasia in gastric mucosa (IM), chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) and chronic superficial gastritis (CSG) patients were significant differences (P = 0.001). The average optical density (AOD) values of COX‐2 staining in CSG, CAG, IM and DYS patients were 13.81 ± 5.53, 45.28 ± 21.44, 73.67 ± 26.02 and 91.23 ± 45.11, respectively, with significant differences among CSG, CAG and IM patients (P = 0.037, 0.001 and 0.047 for CSG vs CAG, CSG vs IM and CAG vs IM, respectively). The expression level of VEGF in DYS patients was significantly higher than those in other patients (P = 0.001, 0.001 and 0.001 for DYS vs CSG, DYS vs CAG and DYS vs IM, respectively). The expression levels of COX‐2 in H. pylori‐positive IM, CAG and DYS patients were significantly higher than those in H. pylori‐negative counterparts (P = 0.043, 0.009, 0.001, respectively). Additionally, the expression level of COX‐2 was positively correlated with that of VEGF with the aggravation of gastric mucosal lesions (r = 0.640, P = 0.006).Conclusion:  H. pylori infection might be able to induce the expression of COX‐2 in precancerous gastric lesions, which in turn upregulates the expression of VEGF.
Australian Indigenous adolescents with chronic conditions: Sociocultural context
Authors: McDonald Heather 
Published: October 2009

AbstractScant information is available in the health literature on Australian Indigenous adolescents with chronic conditions and disabilities. Little is known about how Indigenous adolescence differs from mainstream adolescence, or how Indigenous adolescents manage chronic conditions. Health services are encouraged to engage in information sharing with Indigenous clients and to develop a collaborative approach to chronic condition management as a way to improve outcomes.
Prostate cancer incidence, stage at diagnosis, treatment and survival in ethnic groups in South‐East England
Authors: Jack Ruth H. , Davies Elizabeth A. , Møller Henrik 
Published: October 2009

Study Type – Prevalence (prospective cohort) Level of Evidence 1bOBJECTIVESTo use self‐assigned ethnicity to examine patterns of incidence, stage, treatment and survival in patients with prostate cancer in South‐east England.PATIENTS AND METHODSData on 36 961 men resident in South‐east England and diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1998 and 2003 were extracted from the Thames Cancer Registry. Ethnicity information was obtained from the Hospital Episode Statistics dataset, and matched to the cancer records. The ethnic groups examined were White (19 688), Black (1422) and Indian/Pakistani (397). Age‐standardized incidence rate ratios were calculated overall and for narrower age groups, with White men as the baseline group. Logistic regression was used to assess whether patients had a stage of disease recorded at diagnosis, if so whether it was metastatic, and to examine treatment received. To assess overall and prostate cancer‐specific survival (PCSS), Cox regression models were fitted, adjusting sequentially for age, socioeconomic status, treatment received and stage of disease at diagnosis.RESULTSIndian/Pakistani men had a lower age‐standardized rate than White men (rate ratio 0.69, 95% confidence interval 0.63–0.75), while Black men had a higher rate ratio (2.51, 2.30–2.73). There was no difference in the proportion of men diagnosed with metastatic disease in each ethnic group. There was variation in recorded surgery and hormone treatment. Indian/Pakistani men had better PCSS than White men (fully adjusted hazard ratio 0.76, P = 0.024). There was no difference in PCSS between Black and White men (hazard ratio 0.93, P = 0.238).CONCLUSIONSBlack men had the highest incidence of prostate cancer, followed by White, then Indian/Pakistani men. The relative excess of prostate cancer in Black vs White men was strongly age‐dependent. Despite differences in recorded treatment, Indian/Pakistani men had better overall survival and PCSS. Black men also had better overall survival, and their PCSS was similar to that of White men. This might be due to access to the publicly funded National Health Service in the UK.
Worldwide status of burbot and conservation measures
Authors: Stapanian Martin A , Paragamian Vaughn L , Madenjian Charles P , Jackson James R , Lappalainen Jyrki , Evenson Matthew J , Neufeld Matthew D 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAlthough burbot (Lota lota Gadidae) are widespread and abundant throughout much of their natural range, there are many populations that have been extirpated, endangered or are in serious decline. Due in part to the species’ lack of popularity as a game and commercial fish, few regions consider burbot in management plans. We review the worldwide population status of burbot and synthesize reasons why some burbot populations are endangered or declining, some burbot populations have recovered and some burbot populations do not recover despite management measures. Burbot have been extirpated in much of Western Europe and the United Kingdom and are threatened or endangered in much of North America and Eurasia. Pollution and habitat change, particularly the effects of dams, appear to be the main causes for declines in riverine burbot populations. Pollution and the adverse effects of invasive species appear to be the main reasons for declines in lacustrine populations. Warmer water temperatures, due either to discharge from dams or climate change, have been noted in declining burbot populations at the southern extent of their range. Currently, fishing pressure does not appear to be limiting burbot populations world‐wide. We suggest mitigation measures for burbot population recovery, particularly those impacted by dams and invasive species.
THE FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF THE GUT OF THE PROSOBRANCH GASTROPOD POMACEA CANALICULATA AND OF SOME OTHER PILIDS
Authors: Andrews Elizabeth B. 
Published: October 2009

The structure and functioning of the gut of Pomacea canaliculata (D'Orb.) has been investigated using living and preserved material. Anatomical studies were also carried out on preserved specimens of Pila globosa, Turbinicola saxea and Lanistes ovum bangweolicus.The gut of pilids is specialised for a macrophagous diet, usually of aquatic angiosperms. The mid‐oesophagus is a crop for storage, and the stomach has a large triturating gizzard developed from the gastric shield area. This is the site of extra‐cellular digestion; there is no intra‐cellular digestion in any part of the gut. The ducts of the digestive gland open into a special region of the stomach, the vestibule, which is histologically similar to them. The style sac begins the compacting of the faeces, which is completed in tho intestine. There is no evidence that absorption ocrurs in the epithelium of tho stomach or intestine; soluble products of digestion are carried into the digestive gland, which is the main site of absorption. Its activity is supplemented by amoebocytes entering the lumen of the style sac and intestine. Two types of cell occur in the gland, one type producing digestive enzymes and absorbing soluble products of digestion, the other type being excretory in function. There is no sign of phagocytosis in either. The excretory activity of the kidney is further supplemented by an anal gland.
TAXONOMIC STUDIES OF SOME HYLID FROGS OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW GUINEA
Authors: Tyler Michael J. 
Published: October 2009

The taxonomic status of the Hylid frogs Hyla serrata Andersson and H. nannotis Andersson of Queensland, and H. eucnemis Lönnberg and H. obsoleta Lönnberg of New Guinea has been the subject of controversy, Loveridge (1935), Copland (1957), Moore (1961).The author has examined the type specimens of the above species and all other available material in an attempt to clarify their taxonomic status. On the basis of this investigation of morphological variation, the following changes to currently recognized generic and specific names are proposed: Hyla obsoleta Lönnberg =Nyctimystes obsoleta (Lönnberg), Hyla rhacophorus Van Kampen =Hyla eucnemis Lönnberg, Hyla serrata Andersson =Hyla eucnemis Lönnberg.
REPAIR OF THE SHELL IN SPECIES OF ANODONTA
Authors: BEEDHAM G.E. 
Published: October 2009

The process of shell repair in specios of Anodonta is re‐examined in the light of current views on the mantle/shell relationship in the Lamellibranchia. Experiments indicate that the epithelia of the general outer mantle surface and mantle isthmus normally responsible for the production, respectively, of the inner layer of the valves and of the ligament can regenerate material comparable with that produced by the outer fold of the mantle edge. The process, which is usually preceded by a phase in which amoebocytes are involved, consists initially of the formation of appreciable quantities of organic material (conchiolin). Much of this conchiolin is histochemically comparable with that of the periostracum and the outer layers of the valves and ligament secreted during marginal increment of the shell by the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of the outer mantle fold. This type of conchiolin is probably rich in quinone‐tanned protein (sclerotin). Repair of the valves is completed by the calcification of this organic matrix to form an outer calcareous (prismatic) layer, followed by the desposition of inner (nacreous) layer material.During the repair process, the form of the general outer mantle epithelium tends to vary according to the type of material being secreted. While regenerating periostracal and outer shell layer components the epithelial cells of the general outer mantle surface and mantle isthmus resemble both histologically and histochemically those of the outer fold of the mantle edge. Completion of valve repair by the deposition of nacre is accompanied by the cells reverting to the form characteristic of the general mantle surface during normal shell growth.In Anodonta and related bivalves, therefore, the relationship which normally exists between the different shell layers and the secretory epithelial zones of the mantle does not appear to be specific and unalterable. The implications of these findings in relation to marginal growth of the mantle and shell are discussed.
THE MANTLE AND SHELL OF SOLEMYA PARKINSONI (PROTOBRANCHIA: BIVALVIA)
Authors: BEEDHAM G. E. , OWEN GARETH 
Published: October 2009

The shell of Solemya exhibits considerable flexibility which is further enhanced by the marked extension of the periostracum beyond the calcareous portions of the valves. This fcature, more than any other, has made possible the habit, unique among bivalves, of burrowing deep within the substrate without direct contact with the water above. The inner calcareous layer of tho valves is restricted to a small area near the umbones while the outer calcareous layer is thin and contains a high proportion of organic material. The shell conchiolin consists mainly of protein, varying in composition, but much of it strengthcned by quinone‐tanning, and in ccrtain regions probably by the presence of appreciable quantities of chitin. The ligament, although superficially resembling an amphidetic structure, is opisthodetic, the extcnsion anterior to the umbones consisting of anterior outer layer only.The mantle is characterized by an extension of the outer fold of the mantle margin which has effected equally both the inner and outer surfaces of this fold. The secretory epithelium and the modified pallial musculature, contraction of which results in the intucking and plaiting of the periostracum, is dcscribed. Simple tubular oil glands open at the mantlo margin and are responsible for the water‐repellent nature of the periostracum.The form of the mantlelshell and that of the enclosed body are discussed and compared with those of other bivalves in which elongation of the mantle/shell is achieved in a different way. It is concluded that the mantlelshell of Solemya is of little value in determining its relationships, and that the greatly elongatod ligament, the edentulous hinge and the flexible shell are all adaptations to a specialized mode of life.