bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common promoter deletion is associated with 3.9‐fold differential transcription of ovineCCR5and reduced proviral level of ovine progressive pneumonia virus
Authors: White S. N. , Mousel M. R. , Reynolds J. O. , Lewis G. S. , Herrmann‐Hoesing L. M. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryChemokine (C‐C motif) Receptor 5 (CCR5)is a chemokine receptor that regulates immune cell recruitment in inflammation and serves as a coreceptor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A humanCCR5coding deletion (termed delta‐32) results in strong resistance to HIV infection, and sequence variants inCCR5regulatory regions have been implicated in delayed progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Both ovine progressive pneumonia virus (OPPV), also known as maedi‐visna, and HIV are macrophage‐tropic lentiviruses, have similar genomic structures, and cause lifelong persistent host infection, suggestingCCR5may have a role in regulating OPPV provirus levels. Therefore, the ovineCCR5genomic sequence was determined, and sequence variants were obtained from the open reading frame and surrounding regulatory sites. OneCCR5variant contained a 4‐base deletion within a binding site for octamer transcription factors in the promoter region. A test for differential transcription from each allele in heterozygous animals showed a 3.9‐fold transcription difference (P < 0.0001). OPPV proviral levels were also measured in 351 naturally exposed Rambouillet, Polypay and Columbia sheep. Deletion homozygotes showed reduced OPPV proviral levels among these animals (P < 0.01). The association of thisCCR5promoter deletion with OPPV levels will need to be validated in additional populations before the deletion can be recommended for widespread use in marker‐assisted selection. However, because of the large impact on transcription and becauseCCR5has roles in inflammation, recruitment of effector cells, and cell‐mediated immunity, this deletion may play a role in the control of infections of many diverse pathogens of sheep.
Stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 genotype and stage of lactation influences milk fatty acid composition of Canadian Holstein cows
Authors: Kgwatalala P. M. , Ibeagha‐Awemu E. M. , Mustafa A. F. , Zhao X. 
Published: April 2009

SummarySingle nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding region of the bovine stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 gene have been predicted to result in p.293A (alanine at amino acid 293) and p.293V (valine at amino acid 293) alleles at the stearoyl‐CoA desaturase1 locus. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the extent to which genotypes at the stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 locus and stage of lactation influence milk fatty acid composition in Canadian Holstein cows. Cows with the p.293AA genotype had higher C10 index, C12 index and C14 index and higher concentrations of C10:1 (10 carbon fatty acid with one double bond), C12:1 (12 carbon fatty acid with one double bond) and myristoleic acid (C14:1) compared with the p.293AV or p.293VV cows. Cows had higher C18 index and total index, and lower C10 index, C12 index, C14 index and CLA index during early lactation compared with the subsequent lactation stages. Early lactation was also characterized by higher concentrations of oleic acid (C18:1 cis‐9), vaccenic acid (C18:1 trans‐11), linoleic acid (C18:2), monounsaturated fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids, and lower concentrations of capric acid (C10:0), C10:1, lauric acid (C12:0), C12:1, myristic acid (C14:0), myristoleic acid (C14:1), palmitic acid (C16:0) and total saturated fatty acids compared with the subsequent lactation stages. Neither the stearoyl‐CoA desaturase 1 genotype nor the stage of lactation had an influence on conjugated linoleic acid concentrations in milk.
Prevalence of immunoglobulin E‐mediated food allergy in 6–9‐year‐old urban schoolchildren in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey
Authors: Orhan F. , Karakas T. , Cakir M. , Aksoy A. , Baki A. , Gedik Y. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBackground
The prevalence of adverse reactions to food in childhood in Turkey is not known.Objective
We aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of IgE‐mediated food allergies (FAs) in 6–9‐year‐old urban schoolchildren.Methods
This cross‐sectional study recruited 3500 of the randomly selected 6–9‐year‐old urban schoolchildren from the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey during 2006. Following a self‐administered questionnaire completed by the parents and the child, consenting children were invited for skin prick tests (SPTs) and oral food challenges. Children with suspected IgE‐mediated FA were skin prick tested with a predefined panel of food allergens (milk, hen's egg, soy, wheat, peanut, fish, and hazelnut), aeroallergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, cat, dog, Alternaria, grass pollen mix, weed pollen mix, and tree pollen mix), and food allergens reported in the questionnaire. All children with a positive SPT to any food were invited for a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). The prevalence of IgE‐mediated FA was established using DBPCFCs.Results
The response rate to the questionnaire was 78.2% (2739/3500). The estimated prevalence of parental‐reported IgE‐mediated FA was 5.7% (156/2739) [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.83–6.57%]. The rate of sensitization to the food allergens was 33.1% (48/145) in the parental‐reported group. The confirmed prevalence of IgE‐mediated FA by means of DBPCFC in 6–9‐year‐old urban schoolchildren living in the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey was 0.80% (22/2739) (95% CI, 0.47–1.13%). The most common allergenic foods were beef (31.8%), cow's milk (18.1%), cocoa (18.1%), hen's egg (13.6%), and kiwi (13.6%).Conclusions
The rate of reported IgE‐mediated FA was significantly higher than clinically confirmed FA by means of DBPCFC (odds ratio, 7.46; 95% CI, 4.67–12.01; P<0.0001). The order of allergenic foods was different and somewhat unique to the eastern Black Sea region of Turkey when compared with western countries.
Clinical associations of the genetic variants of CTLA‐4, Tg, TSHR, PTPN22, PTPN12 and FCRL3 in patients with Graves’ disease
Authors: Li‐qun Gu , Wei Zhu , Shuang‐xia Zhao , Lin Zhao , Min‐jia Zhang , Bin Cui , Huai‐dong Song , Guang Ning , Yong‐ju Zhao 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  Graves’ disease (GD) is an organ‐specific autoimmune disorder. Both immune‐modulating genes and thyroid‐specific genes are involved in its genetic pathogenesis. It remains unclear, however, how the interactions of various susceptibility genes contribute to the pathogenesis and clinical severity of the disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between GD and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from CTLA‐4, PTPN22, PTPN12, FCRL3 (general autoimmunity genes regulating T and B cells) and the TSHR and Tg genes (disease‐specific genes). Furthermore, we evaluated the influences these SNPs have on the risk and severity of GD.Design and methods  This cross‐sectional clinical study was performed in 436 GD patients and 316 healthy, gender‐matched individuals. Twenty‐eight SNPs from CTLA‐4, PTPN22, PTPN12, FCRL3, TSHR and Tg genes were genotyped and their associations with the risk and severity of GD were analysed.Results  The CTLA‐4 rs231779, Tg rs2069550 and PTPN22 rs3789604 SNPs were associated with GD, with additive risk effects present in rs231779 and rs2069550. The ACACC and ACGCT haplotypes, composed of five SNPs in the CTLA‐4 gene (rs4553808, rs5472909, rs231775, rs231777 and rs231779), were protective and risk haplotypes respectively. The AA genotype of PTPN22 rs3789604 and AA genotype of FCRL3 rs7528684 were correlated with a reduced risk of GD, while the CC genotype of TSHR rs2239610 was associated with higher serum concentrations of FT4 and TRAb. Logistic analysis confirmed the contribution of CTLA‐4 rs231779 to the development of GD.Conclusions  These preliminary results demonstrate that the immune‐regulatory gene CTLA‐4 and the thyroid‐specific gene Tg contribute to the risk of Graves’ disease with additive effects, while PTPN22 rs3789604 and FCRL3 rs7528684 polymorphisms are protective against the disease. In addition, the TSHR rs2239610 SNP is related to the severity of Graves’ disease.
Griefing in virtual worlds: causes, casualties and coping strategies
Authors: Chesney Thomas , Coyne Iain , Logan Brian , Madden Neil 
Published: April 2009

AbstractA virtual world is a computer‐simulated three‐dimensional environment. They are increasingly being used for social and commercial interaction, in addition to their original use for game playing. This paper studies negative behaviour, or ‘griefing’, inside one virtual world through a series of observations and focus groups with users. Data were collected to identify griefing behaviours and their impact, examine why griefing happens and who the likely targets and perpetrators are, and suggest strategies for coping with it. Findings show that griefing behaviour is common. It is defined as unacceptable, persistent behaviour and is typically targeted at inexperienced residents by those with more knowledge of the virtual world. Community and individual coping strategies are identified and discussed.
Range‐wide phylogeography of the European temperate‐montane herbaceous plant Meum athamanticum Jacq.: evidence for periglacial persistence
Authors: Huck Stefan , Büdel Burkhard , Kadereit Joachim W. , Printzen Christian 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim  The aim of this study is to analyse the genetic population structure of Meum athamanticum Jacq. in order to explore the alternative hypotheses (1) that the central and northern highland populations are the result of post‐glacial recolonization from southern refugia, and the disjunct distribution of M. athamanticum can be explained by modern ecological conditions, or (2) that extant populations north of the Alps and Pyrenees persisted in situ during glacial periods.Location  Europe.Methods  Variation of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) was analysed for 23 populations from the entire range of the species. We used band‐based approaches and methods based on allele frequencies to measure genetic diversity and to identify population structure.Results  Our analyses reveal a north–south differentiation within M. athamanticum. High levels of genetic diversity, as well as private fragments, are found in populations both north and south of the Alps. Differentiation among populations is lower in the northern than in the southern population group, and significant isolation‐by‐distance is found only in the latter group.Main conclusions Our results indicate that M. athamanticum survived the last ice age in multiple refugia throughout its contemporary range and did not expand into areas north of the Alps from southern refugia. We found evidence that regional‐scale migration in northern, formerly periglacial, parts of the species range has resulted in the intermingling of populations. In contrast, southern populations are characterized by long‐term isolation. The south‐west Alps represent an area where immigration and mixing of populations from northern and southern refugia appears to have taken place.
Environmental effects on Neotropical liana species richness
Authors: Van Der Heijden Geertje M. F. , Phillips Oliver L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim  Lianas differ physiologically from trees, and therefore their species‐richness patterns and potential climate‐change responses might also differ. However, multivariate assessments of spatial patterns in liana species richness and their controls are lacking. Our aim in this paper is to identify the environmental factors that best explain the variation in liana species richness within tropical forests.Location  Lowland and montane Neotropical forests.Methods  We quantified the contributions of environmental variables and liana and tree‐and‐shrub abundance to the species richness of lianas, trees and shrubs ≥ 2.5 cm in diameter using a subset of 65 standardized (0.1 ha) plots from 57 Neotropical sites from a global dataset collected by the late Alwyn Gentry. We used both regression and structural equation modelling to account for the effects of environmental variables (climate, soil and disturbance) and liana density on liana species richness, and we compared the species‐richness patterns of lianas with those of trees and shrubs.Results  We found that, after accounting for liana density, dry‐season length was the dominant predictor of liana species richness. In addition, liana species richness was also related to stand‐level wood density (a proxy for disturbance) in lowland forests, a pattern that has not hitherto been shown across such a large study region. Liana species richness had a weak association with soil properties, but the effect of soil may be obscured by the strong correlation between soil properties and climate. The diversity patterns of lianas and of trees and shrubs were congruent: wetter forests had a greater species richness of all woody plants.Main conclusions  The primary association of both liana and tree‐and‐shrub species richness with water availability suggests that, if parts of the Neotropics become drier as a result of climate change, substantial declines in the species richness of woody plants at the stand level may be anticipated.
Variability in thermal and UV‐B energy fluxes through time and their influence on plant diversity and speciation
Authors: Willis K. J. , Bennett K. D. , Birks H. J. B. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThroughout Earth’s history there have been temporal and spatial variations in the amount of visible and ultraviolet radiation received by ecosystems. This paper examines if temporal changes in these forms of energy receipt could have influenced the tempo and mode of plant diversity and speciation, focusing in particular upon Cenozoic time‐scales. Evidence for changing patterns of plant diversity and speciation apparent in various fossil records and molecular phylogenies are considered alongside calculated changes in thermal and solar ultraviolet energy (specifically UV‐B) over the past 50 Myr. We suggest that changes in thermal energy influx (amount and variability) affected the tempo of evolution through its influence upon community dynamics (e.g. population size, diversity, turnover, extinctions). It was not only the amount of thermal energy but also variability in its flux that may have influenced these processes, and ultimately the rate of diversification. We suggest that variations in UV‐B would have influenced the mode and tempo of speciation through changes to genome stability during intervals of elevated UV‐B. We argue, therefore, that although variability in thermal energy and UV‐B fluxes through time may lead to the same end‐point (changing the rate of diversification), the processes responsible are very different and both need to be considered when linking evolutionary processes to energy flux.
Kerguelen Plateau and the Late Cretaceous southern‐continent bioconnection hypothesis: tales from a topographical ocean
Authors: Ali Jason R. , Aitchison Jonathan C. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim  To evaluate rigorously an influential palaeobiogeographical hypothesis which states that in the Late Cretaceous (until c. 80 Ma) the Kerguelen Plateau provided a terrestrial causeway between East Antarctica and India that, in turn, formed part of a longer overland route between South America and Madagascar.Location  Southern Ocean, Indian Ocean, East Antarctica, India and Madagascar.Methods  Palaeogeographical modelling drawing on geological and geophysical data, bathymetric charts and plate tectonic reconstructions.Results  During the Late Cretaceous, only small portions of the present‐day Kerguelen Plateau were sub‐aerial. Additionally, the plateau’s north‐north‐west and south‐south‐east ends did not directly abut India and Antarctica, but instead were separated by large gaps. Thus, the notion that the two continents were then linked by a land route running the entire length of the edifice is almost certainly incorrect.Main conclusions  The currently available physical evidence indicates that the Late Cretaceous southern‐continent connection hypothesis, which is based exclusively on biological data, is untenable. Assuming the fossil and/or extant biological records of Madagascar–India are closely related to those of South America, alternative palaeogeographical scenarios need to be explored to explain this conundrum. Overwater dispersal and/or an alternative passage involving a more direct route via Africa (with crossings of the Mozambique Channel and a then appreciably narrower Central Atlantic) should be considered.
Rituximab in auto‐immune haemolytic anaemia and immune thrombocytopenic purpura: a Belgian retrospective multicentric study
Authors: Dierickx D. , Verhoef G. , Van Hoof A. , Mineur P. , Roest A. , Triffet A. , Kentos A. , Pierre P. , Boulet D. , Bries G. , Lê P‐Q , Janssens A. , Delannoy A. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract.Objectives.  For better characterizing the effect of anti‐CD20 therapy, we analysed the use of rituximab in Belgian patients experiencing auto‐immune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).Design.  We performed a retrospective multicentric analysis of patients with AIHA and ITP treated with rituximab in Belgium.Setting.  Haematological departments were invited to fill in a questionnaire about patient and disease characteristics.Subjects.  All patients with AIHA and ITP, both primary and secondary to other diseases, who received one or more courses of rituximab during their disease course were included. Sixty‐eight courses of rituximab in 53 patients with AIHA and 43 courses in 40 patients with ITP were analyzed.Intervention.  Response rates, duration of response and factors predictive for response were assessed.Results.  All patients were given rituximab after failing at least one previous line of treatment, including splenectomy in 19% and 72.5% of AIHA‐patients and ITP‐patients respectively. Overall response rates were 79.2% in AIHA and 70% in ITP, with a median follow‐up since first rituximab administration of 15 months (range 0.5–62) in AIHA and 11 months (range 0–74) in ITP. Progression free survival at 1 and 2 years were 72% and 56% in AIHA and 70% and 44% in ITP. In this retrospective analysis we were not able to identify pretreatment characteristics predictive for response to rituximab. Nine patients with AIHA and three patients with ITP were given one or more additional courses of rituximab. Most of these patients, who had responded to a previous course, experienced a new response comparable to the previous one, both in terms of quality and of duration of response. Finally, the outcome of patients who failed to respond to rituximab therapy was poor both in terms of response to subsequent therapy and in terms of survival.Conclusions.  This study confirms that rituximab induces responses in a majority of previously treated patients with AIHA and ITP. Response duration generally exceeds 1 year. Retreatment with rituximab in responding patients is most often successful. The outcome of patients who fail on rituximab is poor. We were not able to identify pretreatment patient characteristics predicting for response.
Avian influenza and South Jakarta primary healthcare workers: a controlled mixed‐method study
Authors: Koh Gerald Choon‐Huat , Abikusno Nugroho , Kwing Cheong Seng , Yee Wong Teck , Kusumaratna Rina , Sundram Meena , Koh Kelvin , Eng Chia Sin , Koh David 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  To study the attitudes, concerns, perceived impact, coping strategies, knowledge on avian influenza (AI) and personal protection measures, and institutional and personal preparedness for AI among all Indonesian primary healthcare workers (PHW).Methods  Questionnaire survey of PHW from four public primary healthcare clinics in South Jakarta (n = 333), with Singaporean PHW from 18 such clinics as controls (n = 1321). Twelve focus group discussions with 51 South Jakarta PHW were also conducted. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed separately with statistical and thematic analysis, respectively, then combined.Results  South Jakarta PHW had positive attitudes but major concerns about contracting AI, difficulties in diagnosing human AI and inadequacy of personal protection provided. South Jakarta PHW are less knowledgeable about AI and use of personal protection equipment, and reported poorer awareness, availability and participation in AI preparation activities. Only 3% of South Jakarta PHW received influenza vaccination in the preceding 6 months and few felt prepared for AI.Conclusions  South Jakarta primary healthcare workers are not well prepared for avian influenza. There is an urgent need to build their primary healthcare capacity to protect them and contain this global health threat.
CD36 deficiency protects against malarial anaemia in children by reducing Plasmodium falciparum‐infected red blood cell adherence to vascular endothelium
Authors: Chilongola Jaffu , Balthazary Sakurani , Mpina Maximillian , Mhando Martin , Mbugi Erasto 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  CD36 is a receptor that occurs on the surface of activated immune cells, vascular endothelial cells and participates in phagocytosis and lipid metabolism. CD36 is known to be the major endothelial receptor molecule for field isolates of Plasmodium falciparum. A T1264G mutation in exon X of the gene leads to deficiency of CD36. This study aimed at determining associations between CD36 deficiency, P. falciparum in vitro adherence on purified CD36 and anaemia among children in an endemic area.Methods  Genotypes were determined by nested polymerase chain reaction of isolated DNA from filter blood spots followed by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Plasmodium falciparum adherence assays were performed on immobilized purified CD36.Results  The data indicate that CD36 is an important cytoadherence receptor that mediates adherence to most P. falciparum field isolates. Our findings also suggest that mutations causing CD36 deficiency may confer significant protection against malarial anaemia (MA) in children (χ2 = 8.58, P < 0.01).Conclusion  That the protective role that CD36 deficiency may confer against MA in children seems to be mediated through reduced cytoadherence of infected red blood cells to vascular endothelium.
Severe vitamin D deficiency among heart and liver transplant recipients
Authors: Stein Emily M. , Cohen Adi , Freeby Matthew , Rogers Halley , Kokolus Shannon , Scott Vanessa , Mancini Donna , Restaino Susan , Brown Robert , McMahon Donald J. , Shane Elizabeth 
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  Introduction:  Although patients with end‐stage organ failure are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency because of limited sunlight exposure and hepatic dysfunction, few studies have measured 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) at the time of transplantation.Methods:  We measured serum 25OHD immediately after transplantation in 69 heart and liver transplant recipients.Results:  Forty‐six heart and 23 liver transplant recipients were evaluated (mean age 53 yr). Mean 25OHD was well below the lower limit of the normal range (43.2 ± 21.2 nmol/L). Ninety‐one percent had levels below 75 nmol/L, the threshold commonly used to denote sufficiency, and 71% had levels below 50 nmol/L. Severe deficiency (25OHD <25 nmol/L) was found in 16%. Vitamin D levels did not differ by race, age, gender, or season. Mean 25OHD was lower among liver than heart transplant recipients (34.4 ± 17.5 vs. 47.7 ± 20.7 nmol/L; p < 0.03). Among liver transplant recipients, 22% had undetectable levels (<17 nmol/L).Conclusions:  Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among heart and liver transplant recipients; those with liver failure are at greatest risk. As vitamin D deficiency has many serious skeletal and extra‐skeletal sequelae, physicians who treat transplant patients should maintain a high degree of vigilance for this problem.