bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unifying and distinguishing diversity ordering methods for comparing communities
Authors: Liu Canran , Whittaker Robert J. , Ma Keping , Malcolm Jay R. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractDiversity indices have been widely used in ecological research, but they remain problematic in that different indices may rank communities inconsistently. This problem can be solved by using diversity ordering methods, the output of which is a diversity profile in graphical form for each community being compared. In this paper, we demonstrate that existing diversity ordering methods can be classified into four groups and that within‐group methods are essentially equivalent, while among‐group methods are not. We find that the intrinsic diversity‐related methods—i.e., the group containing the right tail‐sum method, the logarithmic dominance plot, the majorization method, and the k‐dominance plot—provide the most stringent test of diversity ordering, and we recommend the right tail‐sum method as the method of preference for practical purposes.
Development of a filter paper method potentially applicable to mass and high‐risk urinary screenings for Fabry disease
Authors: Auray‐Blais C. , Cyr D. , Mills K. , Giguère R. , Drouin R. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryFabry disease is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder of glycosphingolipid catabolism resulting from a deficiency of the enzyme α‐galactosidase A, and leading to the progressive accumulation of one biomarker, globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), predominantly elevated in the urine of these patients. We have developed a technique for the analysis of total Gb3 in urine samples collected on filter paper, using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) with a triple quadrupole instrument. Existing Gb3 techniques being both time‐ and labour‐intensive, this filter paper method eliminates lipid extraction, glycolipid isolation, centrifugation and evaporation steps, while maintaining sensitivity and efficiency. The stability of Gb3 on filter paper was good for a 7‐week period under different temperature conditions. Normal control values were established and the technique was tested with anonymized samples from Fabry hemizygotes and heterozygotes. The levels of total Gb3 in all classical hemizygotes were well above the control values and all heterozygotes, except two nonexcretors, were above the reference level. The proposed novel filter paper method favours the collection, storage and shipment of samples. It is simple and efficient for a feasibility study, potentially applicable to the determination of total urinary Gb3 in the newborn population as part of a screening programme, and could also be used in high‐risk screening laboratories. Since the incidence of Fabry disease is hard to establish, owing to the heterogeneous clinical expression of the visible phenotype, this feasibility study could help determine its actual incidence in the Quebec population.
A new infantile case of α‐N‐acetylgalactosaminidase deficiency. Cardiomyopathy as a presenting symptom
Authors: Chabás A. , Duque J. , Gort L. 
Published: December 2006

Summaryα‐N‐Acetylgalactosaminidase deficiency is a lysosomal disorder with clinically very different infantile and adult forms. To date, 12 patients from eight families are known. Neuroaxonal dystrophy or moderate psychomotor retardation, without visceral involvement, have been reported in the infantile form. We describe a new Spanish patient with Schindler disease who presented with hepatomegaly and cardiomyopathy, traits not previously associated with this disease. There was no dysmorphism or neurological involvement in the patient, who died at the age of 8 months. α‐N‐Acetylgalactosaminidase activity was reduced in fibroblasts and liver to 1.6% and 0.57% of controls, respectively. Several lysosomal enzyme activities associated with infantile cardiomyopathy were found in the normal ranges. The patient was a compound heterozygote for the novel mutation p.D217N (c.649G>A) in exon 6 and the already reported mutation p.E325K (c.973G>A) in exon 8. The description of this new case broadens the clinical spectrum of the infantile forms and indicates that Schindler disease should be considered in the diagnosis of metabolic cardiomyopathies.
Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency masquerading as a mitochondrial encephalopathy
Authors: Morris A. A. M. , Appleton R. E. , Power B. , Isherwood D. M. , Abernethy L. J. , Taylor R. W. , Turnbull D. M. , Verhoeven N. M. , Salomons G. S. , Jakobs C. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryGuanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency is a rare disorder of creatine synthesis. We report a patient who presented at 10 months of age with hypotonia and global developmental delay. Subsequently, she developed seizures and choreoathetosis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed high signal bilaterally in the globus pallidus on T2‐weighted images. Mitochondrial respiratory chain studies revealed low complex I activity (in muscle 0.052 nmol NADH oxidized per min per unit citrate synthase, controls 0.166 ± 0.047; in fibroblasts 0.080 nmol NADH oxidized per min per unit citrate synthase, controls 0.197 ± 0.034). The true diagnosis was suspected at 21 months of age because of persistent low plasma and urine creatinine concentrations. GAMT activity was undetectable in fibroblasts and compound heterozygous mutations were found in the GAMT gene (c.327G>A and c.522G>A). The patient was treated with creatine, dietary arginine restriction and ornithine supplements. Her movement disorder and seizures resolved but she still has severe cognitive impairment and no expressive language. The occurrence of secondary respiratory chain abnormalities in GAMT deficiency may lead to misdiagnosis, particularly as the clinical and radiological features resemble those seen in mitochondrial encephalopathies. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis because specific treatment is available.
A Comparative Study of the Properties of Selected Melon Seed Oils as Potential Candidates for Development into Commercial Edible Vegetable Oils
Authors: Mabaleha M. B. , Mitei Y. C. , Yeboah S. O. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractA comprehensive compositional and characterization study was carried out on five seed oils from varieties of the melons Citrullus lanatus and C. colocynth in order to evaluate their suitability for large‐scale exploitation as edible vegetable oils. The oils were extracted by Soxhlet with a 3:1 mixture of n‐hexane/2‐propanol with yields that ranged from 24.8 to 30.0% (wt/wt). The refractive indices and relative densities of the oils fell within the narrow ranges of 1.465–1.469 and 0.874–0.954 g/cm3, respectively. Saponification values ranged between 182.1 and 193.8 mg KOH/g, whilst iodine values (IV) ranged from 95.8 to 124.0 (Wijs). The ranges of the values for free fatty acid (AV), 1.2–4.0 mg KOH/g, peroxide (PV), 1.1–10.9 meq/kg and p‐anisidine (p‐AV), 0.2–9.0, indicated that secondary oxidation products were barely present. GC analysis gave total unsaturation contents of 67.93–82.36%, with linoleic acid (18:2) being the dominant fatty acid (55.21–66.85%). The GC results agreed closely with those from proton NMR analysis of the fatty acid classes. The physicochemical and compositional properties determined in this study show that the qualities of the test Cucurbitacea seed oils are highly comparable to those of soybean, sunflower and groundnut seed oils. Therefore, the test melon seed oils could be developed into commercial products to serve as alternate vegetable oils in Southern and West Africa, the regions where these melons grow.
Glycerolysis of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters: 1. Investigations in a Batch Reactor
Authors: Negi Devender S. , Sobotka Felix , Kimmel Tobias , Wozny Günter , Schomäcker Reinhard 
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe present work focused on the glycerolysis of fatty acid methyl esters. The aim was to develop and test a kinetic model that could be used to reliably simulate different process alternatives for this reaction. A prerequisite was the identification and characterization of the factors that affect the reaction kinetics. Experiments were carried out in a batch reactor with and without forced removal of methanol, which is one of the reaction products. Concentrations of all components in the two‐phase system were measured. It was found that the methanol concentration has a strong effect on the reaction rate and equilibrium conversion. Near‐complete conversions were obtained by stripping methanol with an inert gas. The glycerol concentration in the ester phase was found to increase as the reaction proceeds, which also accelerates the reaction. Effects of mass transfer on the reaction rate were not found to control the reaction rate under well‐agitated conditions. A semi‐empirical model was used to simulate the reaction. The results from the semi‐empirical model show good agreement with experimental results.
Elevated serum uric acid levels impair coronary microvascular function in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gullu Hakan , Erdogan Dogan , Caliskan Mustafa , Tok Derya , Kulaksizoglu Sevsen , Yildirir Aylin , Muderrisoglu Haldun 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC), attenuated coronary flow reserve (CFR) and elevated serum uric acid levels have been reported. In this study, we investigated whether increased uric acid levels correlate with the degree of coronary microvascular dysfunction.Serum uric acid levels were measured in 29 patients with IDC (mean age: 57.0±10.8 years, 10 female), and each patient also underwent transthoracic echocardiographic examination including CFR measurement. The study population was divided into two groups according to the median CFR value (lower CFR group and higher CFR group). Uric acid levels were significantly higher in the lower CFR group than in the higher CFR group (7.59±2.56 vs 4.80±0.80 mg/dL, P=0.000). CFR correlated significantly and inversely to serum uric acid (r=–0.570, P=0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that uric acid level was the only independent predictor of CFR (B=–1080, P=0.015).We found a possibly clinically important negative association between serum uric acid levels and CFR in patients with IDC.
Internal jugular vein ectasia – a rare cause for paroxysmal cough
Authors: Padmanabhan K , Vaishali B , Indudharan R 
Published: December 2006

AbstractInternal jugular vein ectasia (dilatation of the internal jugular vein) is a rare clinical entity, often undiagnosed. Usually it presents as an asymptomatic, soft, compressible neck swelling that increases in size on Valsalva's manoeuvre. Our report describes right internal jugular vein ectasia in a 15-year-old girl who presented to us with intractable paroxysmal cough. The entity was suspected on ultrasound imaging and confirmed by computed tomography scan and Doppler. Ligation and excision of the dilated vein almost immediately cured her cough. The probable reason for the cough was the pressure exerted by the dilated vein on the vagus nerve.
A case of sensorineural deafness following ingestion of sildenafil
Authors: Mukherjee B , Shivakumar T 
Published: December 2006

We report a case of bilateral profound unremitting sensorineural hearing loss, in a 44-year-old male patient occurring after ingestion of sildenafil citrate 50 mg/day for 15 days. Audiological evaluation documented the findings. Sildenafil is an effective oral treatment for erectile dysfunction syndrome. It is being used and abused by many people as availability is easy and it can even be bought over the internet. Many patients are unaware of the harmful effects of sildenafil and take the drug without medical supervision. We could not find any previously reported cases of sildenafil induced hearing loss and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of sildenafil induced sensorineural hearing loss in the world literature.
Substrate Supply for Effective Biocatalysis
Authors: Kim Pei‐Yi , Pollard David J. , Woodley John M. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractUsing biocatalysis for some chemical synthesis steps has unique advantages such as achieving higher product selectivity under ambient process conditions. However, a common limitation with such systems is the inhibition or toxicity posed by the starting substrate as well as limited aqueous solubility in many cases. In this review, we discuss the supply of substrate to bioconversions. The delivery of substrate via an auxiliary, which may be water‐miscible, or a second phase such as a water‐immiscible organic solvent, adsorbing resin, or a gas, is examined through recent examples in the field. Finally, guidelines for experimental planning and process considerations are suggested to facilitate the choice of substrate delivery method and accelerate process development.
Segmentation and intensity estimation of microarray images using a gamma-t mixture model
Authors: Baek Jangsun , Son Young Sook , McLachlan Geoffrey J. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractMotivation: We present a new approach to the analysis of images for complementary DNA microarray experiments. The image segmentation and intensity estimation are performed simultaneously by adopting a two-component mixture model. One component of this mixture corresponds to the distribution of the background intensity, while the other corresponds to the distribution of the foreground intensity. The intensity measurement is a bivariate vector consisting of red and green intensities. The background intensity component is modeled by the bivariate gamma distribution, whose marginal densities for the red and green intensities are independent three-parameter gamma distributions with different parameters. The foreground intensity component is taken to be the bivariate t distribution, with the constraint that the mean of the foreground is greater than that of the background for each of the two colors. The degrees of freedom of this t distribution are inferred from the data but they could be specified in advance to reduce the computation time. Also, the covariance matrix is not restricted to being diagonal and so it allows for nonzero correlation between R and G foreground intensities. This gamma-t mixture model is fitted by maximum likelihood via the EM algorithm. A final step is executed whereby nonparametric (kernel) smoothing is undertaken of the posterior probabilities of component membership.The main advantages of this approach are: (1) it enjoys the well-known strengths of a mixture model, namely flexibility and adaptability to the data; (2) it considers the segmentation and intensity simultaneously and not separately as in commonly used existing software, and it also works with the red and green intensities in a bivariate framework as opposed to their separate estimation via univariate methods; (3) the use of the three-parameter gamma distribution for the background red and green intensities provides a much better fit than the normal (log normal) or t distributions; (4) the use of the bivariate t distribution for the foreground intensity provides a model that is less sensitive to extreme observations; (5) as a consequence of the aforementioned properties, it allows segmentation to be undertaken for a wide range of spot shapes, including doughnut, sickle shape and artifacts.Results: We apply our method for gridding, segmentation and estimation to cDNA microarray real images and artificial data. Our method provides better segmentation results in spot shapes as well as intensity estimation than Spot and spotSegmentation R language softwares. It detected blank spots as well as bright artifact for the real data, and estimated spot intensities with high-accuracy for the synthetic data.Availability: The algorithms were implemented in Matlab. The Matlab codes implementing both the gridding and segmentation/estimation are available upon request.Contact: jbaek@chonnam.ac.krSupplementary information: Supplementary material is available at Bioinformatics online.
Readiness for change and drug use outcomes after treatment
Authors: Gossop Michael , Stewart Duncan , Marsden John 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTAims  The present study represents the first large‐scale test of the capacity to predict illicit drug treatment outcomes of an instrument [Stages of Change and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES)] purporting to measure processes underlying stages of change. The main hypothesis was that ‘taking steps’ should be predictive of less frequent use of illicit opiates (heroin and non‐prescribed methadone) at follow‐up.Design  The sample comprised 1075 people seeking treatment for drug abuse problems in 54 treatment agencies in England. The study uses a longitudinal, prospective cohort design. Structured interviews were conducted at treatment intake and at 1‐year follow‐up. Data were collected about illicit drug use (frequency of use of heroin, non‐prescribed methadone, cocaine and amphetamines, and non‐prescribed benzodiazepines) and other problems.Findings  Results failed to support the hypothesis that taking steps should be associated with less frequent use of illicit opiates at follow‐up. No statistically significant associations of any kind were found between readiness for change measures and use of opiates or stimulants at follow‐up. A negative association was found between taking steps and benzodiazepine misuse. Readiness for change measures were correlated with heroin use and psychiatric symptom scores at treatment intake.Conclusions  Readiness for change measures were not associated with illicit drug use outcomes. Of the 12 hypothesized relationships between readiness for change measures and outcomes, our results show only one ‘hit’ and 11 ‘misses’.
Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with reduced quality of life among methadone patients
Authors: Senbanjo Richard , Wolff Kim , Marshall Jane 
Published: December 2006

ABSTRACTAim  To evaluate the impact of excessive alcohol consumption on the health‐related quality of life of patients receiving methadone treatment for opioid dependence.Design  A cross‐sectional survey.Participants  One hundred and ninety‐two patients attending out‐patient methadone clinics in the south‐east of England, United Kingdom.Measurements  Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study: General Health Survey, Short Form (SF‐12). Alcohol consumption was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).Findings  Approximately one‐third of the sample (57/192) were AUDIT‐positive (score ≥ 8) and 20 of the 135 AUDIT‐negative patients reported past history of alcohol problems. AUDIT‐positive patients were less satisfied with their methadone dose than AUDIT‐negative patients (P = 0.002), despite having a higher dose. AUDIT‐positive patients reported more physical (P = 0.020) and psychological (P = 0.034) health problems and poorer QoL (P = 0.008) with an estimated effect size of 0.46. Lower QoL scores for AUDIT‐positive patients affected both ‘physical’ (P = 0.009) and ‘psychological’ (P = 0.012) health domains with poor role functioning (‘role limitation’ due to physical health, P < 0.001 and to emotional health, P = 0.009), social functioning (P = 0.015) and self‐perceived general health (P = 0.029).Conclusion  Excessive alcohol consumption may be associated with a distinctive pattern of QoL impairment in methadone patients. In addition to advising methadone patients regarding their alcohol consumption, comprehensive care plans should seek to restore normal personal, family and social role functioning through the provision of appropriate health and social care.
Germination responses of the Rubia fruticosa Ait. seed dispersal system in different experimental seasons
Authors: Rodríguez A. , Nogales M. , Nieves C. 
Published: December 2006

AbstractIn this paper, we present results on germination patterns of the seed dispersal system of an endemic Macaronesian plant (Rubia fruticosa). Seeds from this plant are mainly dispersed by endemic lizards and native warblers; therefore, we included three different treatments: control seeds, seeds extracted from lizards and seeds found in warbler droppings. Seeds from the same pool of every treatment were germinated in two different seasons, one in autumn, coinciding with the arrival of the first rains, and another in spring, coinciding with the arrival of the dry season. A clear differential pattern of germination success was observed between the two seasons. Seeds planted in autumn achieved a higher percentage of germination than those sown in spring in all treatments. The great robustness of these results seems to indicate that germination timing is strongly selected in R. fruticosa and this evolutionary trend probably extends to other vascular plants growing in xeric coastal environments of the Macaronesian islands.
Novel methodology for assessment of prophylactic platelet transfusion therapy by measuring increased thrombus formation and thrombin generation
Authors: Cauwenberghs Sandra , Feijge Marion A. H. , Theunissen Evi , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Van Pampus Elisabeth C. M. , Curvers Joyce 
Published: December 2006

SummaryCurrently, patients developing severe thrombocytopenia during chemotherapy treatment are prophylactically transfused with platelets. We developed two platelet function tests to report the improved haemostasis in the transfused patients, which were capable of detecting aberrant responsiveness of the platelets after transfusion. First, in a whole‐blood flow test, platelet adhesion and thrombus formation were determined under high‐shear flow conditions. Second, the procoagulant function of platelets was assayed in platelet‐rich plasma by measurement of thrombin generation. Experimental conditions were established, where flow‐induced adhesion and thrombin generation test parameters increased semi‐linearly with the platelet concentration, and informed on the activation properties of platelets. The transfusion effects were evaluated for 38 thrombocytopenic patients, who were transfused with platelets stored in plasma or in synthetic medium (platelet additive solution II). In most but not all patients, transfusion resulted in increased adhesion and thrombus formation, as well as in improved platelet‐dependent coagulation. Taken together, the increase in platelet count after transfusion explained 57% of the overall improvement in platelet function. In acute graft‐versus‐host disease, thrombus formation was normal, while platelet‐dependent coagulation was higher than expected. We conclude that assessment of flow‐induced adhesion and thrombin generation in acquired thrombocytopenia adequately determines the improved haemostatic activity by transfused platelets.
Case report of HbC/β0‐thalassemia from India
Authors: KUMAR S. , RANA M. , HANDOO A. , SAXENA R. , VERMA I. C. , BHARGAVA M. , SOOD S. K. 
Published: December 2006

SummaryThis 22‐year‐old women presented to the ante‐natal clinic of this hospital for prenatal screening for β‐thalassemia. Cation exchange high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using ‘Beta Thalassemia Short Program’ on Bio‐Rad ‘Variant’ system revealed HbC value of 81.6%. The CBC showed microcytic hypochromic anemia. The HPLC and CBC suggested the possibility of compound heterozygote state for HbC/β‐thalassemia. The alkali and acid electrophoresis findings were consistent with the above diagnosis. The DNA analysis confirmed compound heterozygote state for HbC/β0‐thalassemia (Fr 8/9 mutation). The studies on the parents showed that mother was a compound heterozygote for HbDPunjab and HbC while father had β‐thalassemia trait. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of HbC from India. The paper discusses the hematological findings in this subject and her mother (a compound heterozygote for HbDPunjab and HbC).