bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Extreme Climate on Mediterranean Societies: Climate Extremes During Recent Millennia and Their Impact on Mediterranean Societies; Athens, Greece, 13–16 September 2008
Authors: Xoplaki Elena 
Published: April 2009

Climatic extremes in the past few thousand years have severely affected societies throughout the Mediterranean region and have changed the outcome of historical events in some instances. Climatic extremes—droughts, floods, prolonged cold and heat—affect society in a variety of ways, operating through famine, disease, and social upheaval.These topics were discussed at an interdisciplinary symposium at the National and Kapodistrian University, in Greece, that brought together climatologists, paleoclimatologists, anthropologists, geologists, archaeologists, and historians working in the greater Mediterranean region.
LABORATORY MEASUREMENTS OF NiH BY FOURIER TRANSFORM DISPERSED FLUORESCENCE
Authors: Vallon Raphaël , Richard Cyril , Crozet Patrick , Wannous Ghassan , Ross Amanda 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT
Red and orange bands of laser-induced fluorescence in NiH have been recorded on a Fourier transform interferometer at Doppler resolution. The spectra show strong transitions to low-lying vibronic states which are not thermally populated in a laboratory source, and therefore do not appear in laser excitation spectra, but which would be expected to contribute significantly to any stellar spectrum. The strongest bands belong to the G[Ω′ 5/2]–X
2 2Δ3/2, I[Ω′ 3/2]–X
2, and 2Δ3/2
I[Ω′ 3/2]–W
1
2Π3/2 systems. Measurements are reported for 58NiH, 60NiH, and 62NiH.
Selecting and Sorting Waxy Wheat Kernels Using Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Dowell F. E. , Maghirang E. B. , Graybosch R. A. , Berzonsky W. A. , Delwiche S. R. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTAn automated single kernel near‐infrared (NIR) sorting system was used to separate single wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) kernels with amylose‐free (waxy) starch from reduced‐amylose (partial waxy) or wild‐type wheat kernels. Waxy kernels of hexaploid wheat are null for the granule‐bound starch synthase alleles at all three Wx gene loci; partial waxy kernels have at least one null and one functional allele. Wild‐type kernels have three functional alleles. Our results demonstrate that automated single kernel NIR technology can be used to select waxy kernels from segregating breeding lines or to purify advanced breeding lines for the low‐amylose kernel trait. Calibrations based on either amylose content or the waxy trait performed similarly. Also, a calibration developed using the amylose content of waxy, partial waxy, and wild‐type durum (T. turgidum L. var durum) wheat enabled adequate sorting for hard red winter and hard red spring wheat with no modifications. Regression coefficients indicated that absorption by starch in the NIR region contributed to the classification models. Single kernel NIR technology offers significant benefits to breeding programs that are developing wheat with amylose‐free starches.
Detection of Sprouted and Midge‐Damaged Wheat Kernels Using Near‐Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Singh Chandra B. , Jayas Digvir S. , Paliwal Jitendra , White Noel D. G. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTSprout damage which results in poor breadmaking quality due to enzymatic activity of α‐amylase is one of the important grading factors of wheat in Canada. Potential of near‐infrared (NIR) hyperspectral imaging was investigated to detect sprouting of wheat kernels. Artificially sprouted, midge‐damaged, and healthy wheat kernels were scanned using NIR hyperspectral imaging system in the range of 1000–1600 nm at 60 evenly distributed wavelengths. Multivariate image analysis (MVI) technique based on principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to reduce the dimensionality of the hyperspectral data. Three wavelengths 1101.7, 1132.2, and 1305.1 nm were identified as significant and used in analysis. Statistical discriminant classifiers (linear, quadratic, and Mahalanobis) were used to classify sprouted, midge‐damaged, and healthy wheat kernels. The discriminant classifiers gave maximum accuracy of 98.3 and 100% for classifying healthy and damaged kernels, respectively.
Functional Properties of 7s Globulin Extracted from Cowpea Vicilins
Authors: Zhang Mei‐Li , Gao Ju‐Lin , Yang Hai‐Xia 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe seed of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is rich in protein and the amino acid profiles of the meal are suitable for human dietary products, but little is known about the structure and chemical properties of the protein extracted from this legume. This study determined the functional properties of two selected cowpea cultivars and their solubility, emulsifying capacity, surface hydrophobicity, and thermal stability. Seeds of red and black cowpea were surface sterilized and the 7s globulin was isolated and purified using column chromatography with Sephacryl S‐300 (Hi‐Prep 26/60) gel column. Also, SDS‐PAGE and protein structure were analyzed using biochemical procedures. At high ionic strength (μ = 0.5), cowpea 7s globulin fraction exhibited better solubility for a wide range of pH levels, higher emulsifying capacities, and greater thermal stability than those obtained at low ionic strength (μ = 0.08). The lowest solubility was observed at pH 5.3–6.4 at the low ionic strength. Emulsifying capacities at high protein concentration were greater when compared with low protein concentration. Tm values of black cowpea globulin fraction were higher than those of red cowpea globulin fraction, whereas the surface hydrophobicity of the globulin fraction in red cowpea was larger than that in black cowpea.
Glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor stimulation enhances the multifunctionality of adoptively transferred tumor antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells with tumor regression
Authors: Imai Naoko , Ikeda Hiroaki , Tawara Isao , Wang Linan , Wang Lijie , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi , Kato Takuma , Shiku Hiroshi 
Published: April 2009

We have reported for the first time the significance of effector T‐cell multifunctionality in antitumor immunity, suggesting that the appearance of multifunctional/polyfunctional tumor‐specific CD8+ T cells in vivo is a critical determinant of the success of antitumor immunotherapy, and a strategy to induce multifunctionality in effector cells is required for the successful immunotherapy of hosts with progressing tumor. Glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) stimulation has been shown to enhance antitumor immune response. However, its functional impact on adoptively transferred T cells remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the impact of GITR stimulation in vivo on the functional profiles of adoptively transferred CD8+ T cells specific for murine fibrosarcoma CMS5. GITR stimulation was found to enhance multifunctionality (interferon (IFN)‐γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α production and CD107a mobilization as a degranulation marker) in transferred cells at the single‐cell level. These cells exhibited upregulated expression of CD25 in draining lymph nodes and increased infiltration in tumor. Mice that received T‐cell therapy with GITR stimulation showed reduced Foxp3+CD4+ T cells among tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and increased in vivo cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) activity even with progressing tumor, resulting in enhanced tumor regression. These data strengthen the idea that effector T‐cell multifunctionality is a sensitive immune correlate for successful immunotherapy against malignancy and provide an immunological rationale for effective T‐cell therapy combined with GITR stimulation. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1317–1325)
Malignant mesothelioma‐associated antigens recognized by tumor‐infiltrating B cells and the clinical significance of the antibody titers
Authors: Shigematsu Yoshiki , Hanagiri Takeshi , Kuroda Koji , Baba Tetsuro , Mizukami Makiko , Ichiki Yoshinobu , Yasuda Manabu , Takenoyama Mitsuhiro , Sugio Kenji , Yasumoto Kosei 
Published: April 2009

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. The present study attempted to obtain a tumor‐specific antibody against MPM derived from tumor‐infiltrating B lymphocytes in MPM by using a xenotransplanted severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse model, and to identify the antigens recognized by the antibodies. Among the antigen–antibody relationships, the clinical usefulness of antibody titers in the sera was evaluated from the viewpoint of diagnosis of MPM and monitoring of therapeutic effects. Tumor tissue specimens from two patients with MPM were engrafted subcutaneously in SCID mice and blood samples were obtained and pooled every 2 weeks after xenotransplantation until 14 weeks when the mice were killed. A cDNA library was constructed from the mRNA of a MPM cell line (K921MSO). Immunoscreening of the libraries was carried out by serological identification of antigens by a recombinant expression cloning method (SEREX) and four antigens were identified as MPM‐associated antigens. Among them, antibody titers against two antigens, Gene‐X and thrombospondin‐2 (THBS‐2), were analyzed by phage plaque assay as the first step. ELISA systems correlated with the phage plaque assay to detect antibody titers against the two antigens were constructed using 20‐mer peptides of the antigen‐coding genes. The cut‐off value was decided by the average and standard deviation of normal healthy persons. Antibody against Gene‐X was detected in 10 out of 18 (55.6%) mesothelioma patients and antibody against THBS‐2 was detected in 16 out of 18 (88.9%) mesothelioma patients. No patients with lung cancer regardless of asbestos exposure exhibited positive antibody titer against the two antigens. Furthermore, the serum antibody titers decreased after surgical treatment of MPM and increased after recurrence of the disease. The titers of the antibodies against Gene‐X and THBS‐2 could be used as tumor markers for the diagnosis and follow up of patients with MPM. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1326–1334)
Comparison of the prevalence of fructose and lactose malabsorption across chronic intestinal disorders
Authors: BARRETT J. S. , IRVING P. M. , SHEPHERD S. J. , MUIR J. G. , GIBSON P. R. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBackground  Fructose malabsorption, lactose malabsorption and an early rise in breath hydrogen after lactulose (ERBHAL) may play roles in induction of symptoms in gastrointestinal conditions.Aim  To compare prevalence and interactions of fructose malabsorption, lactose malabsorption and ERBHAL among healthy subjects and those with chronic intestinal disorders using consistent breath hydrogen testing methodologies.Methods  Consecutive series of Caucasian patients with Crohn’s disease (n = 91), ulcerative colitis (56), functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) (201), coeliac disease (136) and 71 healthy volunteers underwent breath hydrogen testing using lactulose, fructose and lactose.Results  Early rise in breath hydrogen after lactulose occurred more commonly in healthy controls (39%) than in Crohn’s disease (20%) and untreated coeliac disease (14%; P < 0.008), but not FGID (27%), ulcerative colitis (26%) or treated coeliac disease (29%). Fructose malabsorption was more frequent in Crohn’s disease (61%) than other groups (33–44%, P < 0.05). Lactose malabsorption was most common in Crohn’s disease (42%) and ulcerative colitis (40%) and uncommon (10%) in 79 patients with newly diagnosed coeliac disease. In Crohn’s disease, concurrent Fructose malabsorption and lactose malabsorption was most common (29%), and the association of fructose malabsorption with ERBHAL seen overall (62%) was not observed (36%, P < 0.0001).Conclusions  Carbohydrate malabsorption and ERBHAL are normal physiological phenomena. The abnormal patterns observed in Crohn’s disease may have pathogenic importance.
Risks and benefits of splenectomy versus no splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis – a personal view
Authors: Schilling Robert F. 
Published: April 2009

SummarySplenectomy is indicated in hereditary spherocytosis to relieve symptoms due to anaemia or splenomegaly, reverse growth failure or skeletal changes due to over‐robust erythropoiesis, and prevent recurrent gallstones. A life‐long risk of bacterial infection has been recognised for many years as a concomitant cost of splenectomy. The scope of this risk has expanded to include a number of organisms beyond the triad of pneumococcus, meningococcus, and haemophilus influenzae. Recently, it has been demonstrated that splenectomy also confers a significant risk of delayed adverse vascular events in patients with hereditary spherocytosis, just as it does in patients undergoing splenectomy for other indications. Further, these same studies demonstrated a benefit of avoiding splenectomy: hereditary spherocytosis patients with a spleen have significantly fewer adverse vascular events than unaffected family members, probably because of the protective effect of chronic, mild anaemia. Accordingly, this review marshals the evidence favouring a conservative approach to splenectomy in spherocytosis.
Immunomodulation of innate immune responses by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP): its therapeutic potential in inflammatory disease
Authors: Smalley S G R , Barrow P A , Foster N 
Published: April 2009

SummarySince the late 1970s a number of laboratories have studied the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in inflammation and immunity. These studies have highlighted the dramatic effect of VIP on immune cell activation and function, and studies using animal models of disease have indicated that VIP has significant therapeutic and prophylactic potential. This review will focus on the effects of VIP on innate immune cell function and discuss the therapeutic potential for VIP in inflammatory diseases of humans.
Histamine H1-receptor antagonists with immunomodulating activities: potential use for modulating T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokine imbalance and inflammatory responses in allergic diseases
Authors: Okamoto T , Iwata S , Ohnuma K , Dang N H , Morimoto C 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBeing a first-line treatment for hypersensitivity allergic disease, histamine H1-receptor antagonists possess anti-inflammatory activity in addition to being H1-receptor antagonists. While it is not purely a histamine-related condition, hypersensitivity allergic disease is associated with an increase in the number of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells and Th2 cytokines, and a decrease in the number of Th1 cells and Th1 cytokines. Suppression of Th2-type cytokine production in addition to H1-receptor blockade may therefore represent a successful therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hypersensitivity allergic diseases. H1-receptor antagonists have been reported to modulate immune cascade at various points by acting on T cell-related inflammatory molecules, including adhesion molecules, chemokines and inflammatory cytokines. These effects of H1-receptor antagonists may be optimized for the treatment of allergic diseases. Besides their ability to regulate inflammatory molecules, some H1-receptor antagonists have been reported to down-regulate Th2 cytokine production. In particular, it has been shown that several H1-receptor antagonists specifically inhibit the production of Th2, but not Th1, cytokines. Accumulating evidence indicates a crucial role for Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance on the development of allergic diseases. Accordingly, the use of H1-receptor antagonist with Th2 cytokine inhibitory activity to modulate Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance might be a favourable strategy for the treatment of hypersensitivity allergic diseases. Furthermore, the identification of H1-receptor antagonists which possess immunoregulatory activities in addition to their anti-histamine activity will provide an important insight into the development of novel immunoregulatory drugs.
Enhanced complement activation is part of the unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile in South Asians
Authors: Siezenga M A , Chandie Shaw P K , Van Der Geest R N , Mollnes T E , Daha M R , Rabelink T J , Berger S P 
Published: April 2009

SummarySouth Asian immigrants in western societies exhibit a high burden of diabetes and subsequent vascular complications. Diabetic vascular complications are associated with vascular inflammation. We hypothesize that enhanced complement activation is involved. Therefore, levels of complement C3 and SC5b-9 – the soluble end product of complement activation – in a group of 200 South Asians were compared with an age- and sex-matched control group of native Caucasians. In addition, the association between complement levels and albuminuria, an indicator of renal damage and a cardiovascular risk marker, was assessed in the diabetic South Asian group. Compared with native Caucasians, South Asians had significantly higher levels of both serum C3 and plasma SC5b-9, even when only non-diabetic South Asians were considered. Diabetic South Asians had significantly higher C3 levels compared with non-diabetic South Asians. In diabetic South Asians, higher levels of SC5b-9 were associated with an increased prevalence of albuminuria (odds ratio 5·4, 95% confidence interval 1·8–15·8). These results suggest that enhanced complement activation is part of the unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile in South Asians.
Ecological specialization of the aphid Aphis gossypii Glover on cultivated host plants
Authors: CARLETTO J. , LOMBAERT E. , CHAVIGNY P. , BRÉVAULT T. , LAPCHIN L. , VANLERBERGHE‐MASUTTI F. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMany plant‐feeding insect species considered to be polyphagous are in fact composed of genetically differentiated sympatric populations that use different hosts and between which gene flow still exists. We studied the population genetic structure of the cotton‐melon aphid Aphis gossypii that is considered as one of the most polyphagous aphid species. We used eight microsatellites to analyse the genetic diversity of numerous samples of A. gossypii collected over several years at a large geographical scale on annual crops from different plant families. The number of multilocus genotypes detected was extremely low and the genotypes were found to be associated with host plants. Five host races were unambiguously identified (Cucurbitaceae, cotton, eggplant, potato and chili‐ or sweet pepper). These host races were dominated by asexual clones. Plant transfer experiments using several specialized clones further confirmed the existence of host‐associated trade‐offs. Finally, both genetic and experimental data suggested that plants of the genus Hibiscus may be used as refuge for the specialized clones. Resource abundance is discussed as a key factor involved in the process of ecological specialization in A. gossypii.
A prospective study examining the effects of gender and sexual/physical abuse on mood outcomes in patients with co‐occurring bipolar I and substance use disorders
Authors: Meade Christina S , McDonald Leah J , Graff Fiona S , Fitzmaurice Garrett M , Griffin Margaret L , Weiss Roger D 
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  Prior research suggests possible gender differences in the longitudinal course of bipolar disorder. This study prospectively examined gender differences in mood outcomes and tested the effects of sexual/physical abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Methods:  Participants (49 men, 41 women) with co‐occurring bipolar I and substance use disorders (92% alcohol, 42% drug) were enrolled in a group treatment trial. They were followed for eight months, with monthly assessments, yielding 32 weeks of data. Primary outcome measures were number of weeks in each mood state, recurrences of depression or mania, and polarity shifts from depression to mania or vice versa. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the effects of gender, lifetime abuse, and PTSD on these outcomes.Results:  Participants met syndromal criteria for a mood episode on a mean of 27% of 32 weeks, with depression occurring most frequently. Compared to men, women reported significantly more weeks of mixed mania [relative rate (RR) = 8.53], fewer weeks of euthymia (RR = 0.58), more recurrences of mania (RR = 1.96), and more direct polarity shifts (RR = 1.49) (all p < 0.05). Women also reported significantly higher rates of lifetime sexual or physical abuse (68% versus 33%), which partially explained the relationships between gender and mixed mania and direct polarity shifts.Conclusions:  Participants experienced persistent mood symptoms over time. Women consistently reported poorer mood outcomes, and lifetime abuse may help explain observed gender differences in mood outcomes. Further research is necessary to better understand the treatment implications of these findings.
Long‐term physical outcome in patients with septic shock
Authors: POULSEN J. B. , MØLLER K. , KEHLET H. , PERNER A. 
Published: April 2009

Background: Limited information is available on physical function after septic shock. The aim of the present study was to assess the physical outcome in survivors 1 year after septic shock.Methods: The outcome status of all 174 adult patients admitted to a mixed ICU with the diagnosis septic shock in a 1‐year period was registered. Survivors were interviewed about physical function and socioeconomic status using a questionnaire including the Short Form‐36 survey. The pre‐ICU‐admission Functional Comorbidity Index (FCI) was also registered.Results: Of the 80 survivors, two were still hospitalised; thus, 78 were invited to participate and 70 replied (inclusion‐rate 88%). Patients were followed up at median 351 days after hospital discharge. At follow‐up the patients had a markedly reduced physical component summary score (PCS) compared with age‐ and sex‐adjusted general population controls (36 vs. 47, P<0.0001). This was also observed in patients with no comorbidity before ICU admission (34 vs. 47, P<0.001). There was a negative correlation (r=−0.27, P=0.03) between pre‐ICU‐admission FCI values and the PCS at follow‐up. According to 81% of the patients, loss of muscle mass was the main cause of decreased physical function. Only 43% (10 vs. 23, P=0.01) of the previously employed had returned to work, and the number of patients in need of home‐based personal assistance had doubled (10/20, P=0.04).Conclusion: Physical function is substantially reduced in survivors of septic shock 1 year after discharge.
Continuous femoral nerve block after total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: KADIC L. , BOONSTRA M. C. , DE WAAL MALEFIJT M. C. , LAKO S. J. , VAN EGMOND J. , DRIESSEN J. J. 
Published: April 2009

Background: A continuous femoral nerve block is frequently used as an adjunct therapy after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is still debate on its benefits.Methods: In this prospective, randomized study, patients received a basic analgesic regimen of paracetamol and dicloflenac for the first 48 h postoperatively. In addition, the study group received a continuous femoral nerve block. A morphine patient‐controlled analgesia pump was also available as a rescue analgesic to all the patients. Patients' numeric rating scores for pain, the amount of morphine consumed and its side effects during the first 48 h were recorded. Knee flexion angles achieved during the first week were registered. Three months postoperatively, patients completed Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Knee Society Score.Results: The study group (n=27) had less pain (P=0.0016) during the first 48 h, was more satisfied with the analgesia (P<0.001) and used less morphine (P=0.007) compared with the control group (n=26). Fewer patients were nauseated, vomited or were drowsy in the study group (P=0.001). Also, the study group achieved better knee flexion in the first 6 days after surgery (P=0.001), with more patients reaching 90° flexion than the control group. However, after 3 months, there were no significant functional differences between the groups.Conclusion: A continuous femoral nerve block leads to better analgesia, less morphine consumption and less morphine‐related side effects after TKA. Early functional recovery is improved, resulting in more patients reaching 90° knee flexion after 6 days. However, after 3 months, no significant functional benefits were found.