bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Genetic Insight into Libyan Tuaregs: A Maternal Perspective
Authors: Ottoni Claudio , Martínez‐Labarga Cristina , Loogväli Eva‐Liis , Pennarun Erwan , Achilli Alessandro , De Angelis Flavio , Trucchi Emiliano , Contini Irene , Biondi Gianfranco , Rickards Olga 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe Tuaregs are a semi‐nomadic pastoralist people of northwest Africa. Their origins are still a matter of debate due to the scarcity of genetic and historical data. Here we report the first data on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genetic characterization of a Tuareg sample from Fezzan (Libyan Sahara). A total of 129 individuals from two villages in the Acacus region were genetically analysed. Both the hypervariable regions and the coding region of mtDNA were investigated. Phylogeographic investigation was carried out in order to reconstruct human migratory shifts in central Sahara, and to shed light on the origin of the Libyan Tuaregs. Our results clearly show low genetic diversity in the sample, possibly due to genetic drift and founder effect associated with the separation of Libyan Tuaregs from an ancestral population. Furthermore, the maternal genetic pool of the Libyan Tuaregs is characterized by a major „European” component shared with the Berbers that could be traced to the Iberian Peninsula, as well as a minor ‘south Saharan’ contribution possibly linked to both Eastern African and Near Eastern populations.
Towards a model of the expert practice educator – interpreting multi‐professional perspectives in the literature
Authors: King Linda M. , Jackson Marcus T. , Gallagher Ann , Wainwright Paul , Lindsay Jane 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe health and social care professions all rely on the use of practice placements for a substantial element of their pre‐qualifying professional education, and these practice‐based professions have roles for existing practitioners to oversee the education and training of students when they are on practice placements. Practice educators play a vital role in the development of new practitioners and also in the development and perpetuation of professional values and standards. In this paper, we argue that the practice educator role is thus fundamentally an ethical function, requiring moral commitment from the practice educator but also playing a critical role in maintaining the ethical values of the profession.
Measuring moral judgement in physical therapy students from different cultures: a dilemma
Authors: Larin Hélène M. , Geddes E. Lynne , Eva Kevin W. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this cross‐cultural study was to compare the level of moral judgement between two groups of students over the period of their professional physical therapy educational programmes as measured by the Defining Issues Test (DIT). Students from two entry‐level physical therapy programmes volunteered to participate. The DIT was completed at entry and exit of their respective programmes. DIT mean scores were compared using ancova controlling for age and grade point average. Thirty‐eight female, second baccalaureate degree students of diverse religious backgrounds, living in a Western culture and 13 female, first baccalaureate degree students of Islamic religious backgrounds living in an Arabic culture participated. At both entry and exit of their programmes, students from the Western group scored significantly higher on the DIT than the Arabic group (average: 51.1 and 29.9 respectively, P < 0.001). An initial score difference was anticipated given the different levels of education between the groups. Over the period of their studies, the DIT scores of the Western group increased significantly while the scores of the Arabic group remained constant. The DIT appears to not measure moral judgement uniformly across cultures. The moral dilemmas are based in Western values and offer limited insight into Arabic, Muslim moral judgement. With increasingly diverse student populations, physical therapy programmes may need to re‐examine the nature of moral judgement and adapt their curricula.
The rise of right‐wing populist Pim Fortuyn in the Netherlands: A discursive opportunity approach
Authors: KOOPMANS RUUD , MUIS JASPER 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis article seeks to explain the dramatic rise of Pim Fortuyn's right‐wing populist party during the campaign for the parliamentary elections in the Netherlands in 2002. Fortuyn succeeded in attracting by far the most media attention of all political actors and his new party won 17 per cent of the votes. This article analyses how this new populist party managed to mobilise so much attention and support so suddenly and so rapidly. It uses the notion of ‘discursive opportunities’ and argues that the public reactions to Pim Fortuyn and his party played a decisive role in his ability to further diffuse his claims in the public sphere and achieve support among the Dutch electorate. The predictions of the effects of discursive opportunities are empirically investigated with longitudinal data from newspapers and opinion polls. To study the dynamics of competition over voter support and over space in the public debate during the election campaign, an ARIMA time‐series model is used as well as a negative binomial regression with lagged variables to account for the time‐series structure of the data. It is found that discursive opportunities have significantly affected the degree to which Fortuyn was successful both in the competition for voter support, and regarding his ability to express his claims in the media. Combining these two results, a dynamic feedback process is identified that can explain why a stable political situation suddenly spiralled out of equilibrium. Visibility and supportive reactions of others positively affected the opinion polls. Consonance significantly increased Fortuyn's claim‐making; dissonance undermined it. Furthermore, electoral support and negative claims on the issue of immigration and integration in the media by others enhanced Fortuyn's ability to further diffuse his viewpoints and to become the main political opinion‐maker during the turbulent election campaign of 2002.
Robustness of solvent/detergent treatment of plasma derivatives: a data collection from Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association member companies
Authors: Dichtelmüller Herbert O. , Biesert Lothar , Fabbrizzi Fabrizio , Gajardo Rodrigo , Gröner Albrecht , von Hoegen Ilka , Jorquera Juan I. , Kempf Christoph , Kreil Thomas R. , Pifat Dominique , Osheroff Wendy , Poelsler Gerhard 
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment is an established virus inactivation technology that has been applied in the manufacture of medicinal products derived from human plasma for more than 20 years. Data on the inactivation of enveloped viruses by S/D treatment collected from seven Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association member companies demonstrate the robustness, reliability, and efficacy of this virus inactivation method.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The results from 308 studies reflecting production conditions as well as technical variables significantly beyond the product release specification were evaluated for virus inactivation, comprising different combinations of solvent and detergent (tri(n‐butyl) phosphate [TNBP]/Tween 80, TNBP/Triton X‐100, TNBP/Na‐cholate) and different products (Factor [F]VIII, F IX, and intravenous and intramuscular immunoglobulins).RESULTS: Neither product class, process temperature, protein concentration, nor pH value has a significant impact on virus inactivation. A variable that did appear to be critical was the concentration of solvent and detergent.CONCLUSION: The data presented here demonstrate the robustness of virus inactivation by S/D treatment for a broad spectrum of enveloped test viruses and process variables. Our data substantiate the fact that no transmission of viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, or of other enveloped viruses was reported for licensed plasma derivatives since the introduction of S/D treatment.
A signaling pathway contributing to platelet storage lesion development: targeting PI3‐kinase–dependent Rap1 activation slows storage‐induced platelet deterioration
Authors: Schubert Peter , Thon Jonathan N. , Walsh Geraldine M. , Chen Cindy H.I. , Moore Edwin D. , Devine Dana V. , Kast Juergen 
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: The term platelet storage lesion (PSL) describes the structural and biochemical changes in platelets (PLTs) during storage. These are typified by alterations of morphologic features and PLT metabolism leading to reduced functionality and hence reduced viability for transfusion. While the manifestations of the storage lesion are well characterized, the biochemical pathways involved in the initiation of this process are unknown.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A complementary proteomic approach has recently been applied to analyze changes in the PLT proteome during storage. By employing stringent proteomic criteria, 12 proteins were identified as significantly and consistently changing in relative concentration over a 7‐day storage period. Microscopy, Western blot analysis, flow cytometry, and PLT functionality analyses were used to unravel the involvement of a subset of these 12 proteins, which are connected through integrin signaling in one potential signaling pathway underlying storage lesion development.RESULTS: Microscopic analysis revealed changes in localization of glycoprotein IIIa, Rap1, and talin during storage. Rap1 activation was observed to correlate with expression of the PLT activation marker CD62P. PLTs incubated for 7 days with the PI3‐kinase inhibitor LY294002 showed diminished Rap1 activation as well as a moderate reduction in integrin αIIbβ3 activation and release of α‐granules. Furthermore, this inhibitor seemed to improve PLT integrity and quality during storage as several in vitro probes showed a deceleration of PLT activation.CONCLUSION: These results provide the first evidence for a signaling pathway mediating PSL in which PI3‐kinase–dependent Rap1 activation leads to integrin αIIbβ3 activation and PLT degranulation.
Comparison of ex vivo expansion culture conditions of mesenchymal stem cells for human cell therapy
Authors: Pérez‐Ilzarbe Maitane , Díez‐Campelo María , Aranda Pablo , Tabera Soraya , Lopez Tania , del Cañizo Consuelo , Merino Juana , Moreno Cristina , Andreu Enrique J. , Prósper Felipe , Pérez‐Simón José Antonio 
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells. Based on their properties, several clinical trials have been designed to explore their potential therapeutic effect. Fetal calf serum (FCS, commonly used for in vitro expansion) is an undesirable source of xenogeneic antigens and bears the risk of transmitting contaminations. As an alternative for FCS, platelet lysate (PL) and both autologous and allogeneic human serum have been proposed. The aim of this study is to compare the culture of bone marrow (BM)‐derived MSCs in the presence of different serum supplements to determine the effect on cell growth, differentiation potential, and immunologic function.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: MSCs from BM of healthy volunteer donors were grown in the presence of 10% FCS supplemented with 1 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), 10% human serum supplemented with 1 ng/mL bFGF, 5% PL, and PL 5% supplemented with 1 ng/mL bFGF (PL plus bFGF).RESULTS: MSCs that expanded in either medium showed a comparable morphology, phenotype, and proliferative and differentiation capacity. While the presence of MSCs in vitro significantly decreased CD3/CD28‐mediated T‐cell activation, this effect was significantly higher in MSCs cultured with human serum. Production of interferon‐γ was inhibited by cocultured media with MSCs while MSCs also induced a significant inhibition of cell cycle in T cells.DISCUSSION: In conclusion, PL or autologous serum could offer an alternative to the use of FCS in MSC expansion for clinical use maintaining the same growing potential, phenotype, immunomodulatory properties, and differentiation potential.
Preliminary findings on the use of pulsatile machine reperfusion of a placenta to improve the cord blood collection yield including primitive hematopoietic stem cell fractions
Authors: Takebe Naoko , Gage Fred , Cheng Xiangfei , Lauw Marietya I. S. 
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord blood (CB) use is limited in most adults since the mean amount of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) collected is generally insufficient to engraft successfully. This study demonstrates for the first time the feasibility of pulsatile machine placenta reperfusion (PMPR), which significantly improves CB collection quantity and quality compared to standard collection methods.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PMPR was performed on eight delivered placentas up to 39 hours after venipuncture‐based collection. PMPR was performed on average for 26 (20‐30) minutes, 17 hours after delivery (6.25‐39), using perfusate approved for donated organ reperfusion. Both PMPR and conventional collection‐derived CB cells were analyzed using immunophenotyping and colony assays.RESULTS: The combination of PMPR and the conventional venipuncture method yielded a mean of 1.5‐, 4.9‐, 11‐, 7.5‐, 7.5‐, and 7.7‐fold increased number of total mononuclear, CD34+, CD34+/CD38−, CD133+, CD133+/CD34+, and CD133+/CD34− cells, respectively, compared to conventional venipuncture alone. CB cells obtained by PMPR alone generally demonstrated a significant increase in percentages of primitive HSC phenotype with equivalent cell viability between PMPR and venipuncture.CONCLUSION: This article demonstrates for the first time that CB can be collected up to 39 hours after delivery with PMPR while maximizing CB collection including HSCs with primitive phenotypes.
C1‐inhibitor concentrate for individual replacement therapy in patients with severe hereditary angioedema refractory to danazol prophylaxis
Authors: Kreuz Wolfhart , Martinez‐Saguer Inmaculada , Aygören‐Pürsün Emel , Rusicke Eva , Heller Christine , Klingebiel Thomas 
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) caused by functional deficiency of C1‐inhibitor (C1‐INH) is a rare disease that manifests with recurrent spontaneous nonallergic edema of the subcutaneous tissues and mucous membranes. In cases of laryngeal edema that are not treated immediately, HAE is associated with high mortality rates. Attenuated androgens (e.g., danazol) are usually administered for prophylaxis, but associated side effects may limit their use. This study investigated the efficacy, safety, and quality of life (QoL) associated with a pasteurized plasma‐derived C1‐inhibitor (pC1‐INH) concentrate for individual replacement therapy (IRT) in patients with severe HAE suffering from frequent attacks who were intolerant or not responding to danazol.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty‐two patients with severe HAE and danazol incompatibility or insufficient efficacy of danazol were recruited. Intraindividual comparisons of efficacy, safety, and QoL with pC1‐INH concentrate IRT versus danazol treatment were made using retrospective and prospective patient data. Pharmacokinetic data were collected for 15 of the 22 patients.RESULTS: In patients receiving pC1‐INH regularly, the median number of attacks per year decreased significantly compared to danazol prophylaxis (p < 0.001), and the 24 laryngeal edema episodes per year ceased. Superior efficacy of pC1‐INH was found for all QoL variables (e.g., general condition, social activities). No transmission of human immunodeficiency virus or hepatitis A, B, or C was observed.CONCLUSION: In patients with severe HAE who experience severe side effects and/or lack of efficacy of danazol prophylaxis, very early substitution with pC1‐INH can completely abolish the incidence of potentially fatal laryngeal edema and can reduce the incidence of acute attacks.
The relationship between soil seed bank, above‐ground vegetation and disturbance intensity on old‐field successional permanent plots
Authors: Dölle Michaela , Schmidt Wolfgang 
Published: May 2009

AbstractQuestions: How does disturbance and successional age influence richness, size and composition of the soil seed bank? What is the potential contribution of the soil seed bank to the plant community composition on sites differing in their successional age or disturbance intensity?Location: Experimental Botanical Garden of Göttingen University, central Germany.Methods: Above‐ground vegetation and soil seed bank were studied on formerly arable fields in a 36‐year‐old permanent plot study with five disturbance intensities, ranging from yearly ploughing via mowing to long‐term uninterrupted succession. We compared species compositions, seed densities and functional features of the seed bank and above‐ground vegetation by using several methods in parallel.Results: The seed bank was mainly composed of early successional species typical of strongly disturbed habitats. The difference between seed bank composition and above‐ground vegetation decreased with increasing disturbance intensity. The species of greatest quantitative importance in the seed bank was the non‐native forb Solidago canadensis.Conclusions: The ability of a plant community to regenerate from the soil seed bank dramatically decreases with increasing time since abandonment (successional age) and with decreasing disturbance intensity. The present study underlines that plant species typical of grasslands and woodlands are limited by dispersal capacity, owing to low capacity for accumulation of seeds in the soil and the fact that most species do not build up persistent seed banks. Rare and target species were almost absent from the seed bank and will, after local elimination, depend on reintroduction for continuation of their presence.
The role of biotic interactions in altering tree seedling responses to an extreme climatic event
Authors: Saccone Patrick , Delzon Sylvain , Pagès Jean‐Philippe , Brun Jean‐Jacques , Michalet Richard 
Published: May 2009

AbstractQuestions: We addressed two poorly understood aspects of plant response to climate change: the impact of extreme climatic events and the mediating role of biotic interactions, through a study of heatwave effects on tree seedling survival rates and ability of the tree canopy to alter seedling responses.Location: Mountain belt of the northern French Alps (Maurienne Valley).Methods: The survival rates of two seedling cohorts from four tree species (Abies alba, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fraxinus excelsior and Picea abies) were measured during both the 2003 European heatwave and an average summer (2004) in deciduous broadleaf mountain forests. Seedlings were transplanted into two soil moisture conditions, and in experimental gaps or under the tree canopy.Results: The heatwave strongly decreased tree seedling survival rates, while there was an important species‐specific mediating role of biotic interactions. In the wettest conditions, the tree canopy strongly increased survival of Abies, buffering the negative impact of the heatwave. In contrast, in the driest conditions, the tree canopy decreased survival of Picea and Acer, amplifying the negative impact of the heatwave. We found evidence of increasing soil water stress in the understorey of the driest community, but further studies including vapour pressure deficit measurements are needed to elucidate the driving mechanism of facilitation.Conclusions: The high species specificity of the mediating role of biotic interactions and its variation along stress gradients leads to questions on our ability to predict large‐scale responses of species to climate changes.
Aspen succession and nitrogen loading: a case for epiphytic lichens as bioindicators in the Rocky Mountains, USA
Authors: Rogers Paul C. , Moore Kori D. , Ryel Ronald J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractQuestion: Can lichen communities be used to assess short‐ and long‐term factors affecting seral quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) communities at the landscape scale?Location: Bear River Range, within the Rocky Mountains, in northern Utah and southern Idaho, USA.Method: Forty‐seven randomly selected mid‐elevation aspen stands were sampled for lichens and stand conditions. Plots were characterized according to tree species cover, basal area, stand age, bole scarring, tree damage, and presence of lichen species. We also recorded ammonia emissions with passive sensors at 25 urban and agricultural sites throughout an adjacent populated valley upwind of the forest stands. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMS) ordination was used to evaluate an array of 20 variables suspected to influence lichen communities.Results: In NMS, forest succession explained most variance in lichen composition and abundance, although atmospheric nitrogen from local agricultural and urban sources also significantly influenced the lichen communities. Abundance of nitrophilous lichen species decreased with distance from peak ammonia sources and the urban center in all aspen succession classes. One lichen, Phaeophyscia nigricans, was found to be an effective bioindicator of nitrogen loading.Conclusions: Lichen communities in this landscape assessment of aspen forests showed clear responses to long‐term (stand succession) and short‐term (nitrogen deposition) influences. At the same time, several environmental factors (e.g. tree damage and scarring, distance to valley, topography, and stand age) had little influence on these same lichen communities. We recommend further use of epiphytic lichens as bioindicators of dynamic forest conditions.
Directional change in upland tundra plant communities 20‐30 years after seismic exploration in the Canadian low‐arctic
Authors: Kemper J. Todd , Macdonald S. Ellen 
Published: May 2009

AbstractQuestion: What is the disturbance response of low‐arctic plant communities two to three decades after seismic exploration.Location: Mackenzie River Delta, low‐arctic, northwestern Canada.Methods: Plant communities in two upland tundra vegetation types were compared between winter seismic lines, created between 1970 and 1986, and adjacent “reference” tundra. Also, we used aerial surveys to quantify the total area impacted by visible linear features.Results: Vascular plant cover was significantly higher, and lichen cover significantly lower, on seismic lines than in reference tundra. The increase in vascular plant cover was attributable to deciduous shrubs and graminoids. There were significant differences in plant community composition between seismic lines and reference tundra but no differences in species diversity or richness. Betula glandulosa and Arctagrostis latifolia were significant indicator species for seismic lines, while Saussurea angustifolia was a significant indicator for reference tundra. Based on the aerial surveys, these effects apply to at least 90% of seismic lines from two‐dimensional programs in these habitat types during the 1970s.Conclusions: Vegetation composition and structure on 20‐30‐year‐old seismic lines differs from reference upland tundra despite no persistent differences in organic layer depth or depth to permafrost. We propose that this reflects: (1) successional redevelopment following changes in soil conditions and nutrient availability arising from the disturbance, and/or (2) disturbance‐initiated succession towards a community reflecting current climatic conditions.