bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mediterranean gasoline surplus and diesel shortage: the impending conversion bottleneck1
Authors: Guarerra Lisa 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDespite an increase in refinery capacities and an expected global reduction in oil product deficit in the Mediterranean at horizon 2015, the future of the region appears troubled. With little time on their hands to adjust and upgrade their refineries, Mediterranean countries will need to face the growing demand for desulphurised diesel, while their current main provider, Russia, is looking less likely to supply the required quantities and quality over the coming years. The increasing surpluses of gasoline of the region seem to be likely to exceed the needs of its main importers, the USA and European Union, and could possibly lead to future predicaments for the industry, the region and its populations. Moreover, current and foreseen environmental measures are likely to reinforce the imbalance of the region.
Conservation action in a changing climate
Authors: McClanahan T.R. , Cinner J.E. , Maina J. , Graham N.A.J. , Daw T.M. , Stead S.M. , Wamukota A. , Brown K. , Ateweberhan M. , Venus V. , Polunin N.V.C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractClimate change will pose new challenges to conserving Earth's natural ecosystems, due to incremental changes in temperature and weather patterns, and to increased frequency and intensity of extreme climate events. Addressing these challenges will require pragmatic conservation actions informed by site‐specific understanding of susceptibility to climate change and capacity of societies to cope with and adapt to change. Depending on a location's environmental susceptibility and social adaptive capacity, appropriate conservation actions will require some combination of: (1) large‐scale protection of ecosystems; (2) actively transforming and adapting social‐ecological systems; (3) building the capacity of communities to cope with change; and (4) government assistance focused on de‐coupling communities from dependence on natural resources. We apply a novel analytical framework to examine conservation actions in five western Indian Ocean countries, where climate‐mediated disturbance has impacted coral reefs and where adaptive capacity differs markedly. We find that current conservation strategies do not reflect adaptive capacity and are, therefore, ill prepared for climate change. We provide a vision for conservation policies that considers social adaptive capacity that copes with complexities of climate change better than the singular emphasis on government control and the creation of no‐take areas.
Novel ecosystems resulting from landscape transformation create dilemmas for modern conservation practice
Authors: Lindenmayer David B. , Fischer Joern , Felton Adam , Crane Mason , Michael Damian , Macgregor Christopher , Montague‐Drake Rebecca , Manning Adrian , Hobbs Richard J. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Introduction: Novel ecosystems occur when new combinations of species appear within a particular biome due to human activity, environmental change, or impacts of introduced species. Background: Managing the trajectory of ecosystems toward desired outcomes requires an understanding of the means by which they developed. To facilitate this understanding, we present evidence for the development of a novel ecosystem from a natural experiment focusing on 52 woodland remnants surrounded by maturing stands of exotic radiata pine. Results: Bird community composition changed through time resulting in a unique blend of tall closed forest and open‐woodland birds that previously did not occur in the study area, nor in the region's tall closed forest or open‐woodland biomes. Conclusion: Novel ecosystems will become increasingly common due to climate change, raising complex management and ethical dilemmas for policy makers and resource managers.
Activation of B‐Myb by E2F1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Nakajima Tomoaki , Yasui Kohichiroh , Zen Keika , Inagaki Yoshikazu , Fujii Hideki , Minami Masahito , Tanaka Shinji , Taniwaki Masafumi , Itoh Yoshito , Arii Shigeki , Inazawa Johji , Okanoue Takeshi 
Published: July 2008

Aim:  Deregulation of E2F1 transcriptional activity is observed in a variety of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study is to identify transcriptional target genes of E2F1 in HCC.Methods:  We determined expression levels for E2F1 and ten candidate genes thought to be targets of E2F1 in primary HCCs using a real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR assay. Following small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated knockdown of E2F1 in HCC cell lines, we quantified mRNA levels of the candidate E2F1 target genes.Results:  E2F1 was significantly over‐expressed in 41 primary HCCs as compared to non‐tumorous liver tissues. Among the candidates, MYBL2, whose product is the transcriptional factor B‐Myb, which is involved in controlling cell‐cycle progression and apoptosis, was significantly over‐expressed in primary HCCs. Additionally, expression levels of MYBL2 correlated with those of E2F1. Knockdown of E2F1 resulted in a decrease in expression of MYBL2. A copy‐number gain for MYBL2 was observed in 36 of 66 primary HCCs, suggesting that MYBL2 expression is up‐regulated by amplification in addition to being regulated by E2F1. Moreover, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of MYBL2 led to reduced expression of CDC2 (which encodes CDC2), cyclin A2 (CCNA2), and topoisomerase II α (TOP2A), implicating these genes in the cell cycle and suggesting that they may be downstream targets of B‐Myb.Conclusion:  MYBL2 is a probable transcriptional target of E2F1 in HCC and may therefore be a useful biomarker for diagnosis and an attractive target for molecular therapies useful to treat HCC.
Deficiency of forkhead box P3 and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 gene expressions and impaired suppressor function of CD4+CD25+ T cells in patients with autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Okumura Akihiko , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Sato Sayaka , Yamauchi Taeko , Oshima Hisae , Ohashi Tomohiko , Sato Ken , Ayada Minoru , Hotta Naoki , Kakumu Shinichi 
Published: July 2008

Aim:  Recently, forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4), glucocorticoid‐induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family‐related gene (GITR), and CD28 were identified as the key molecules that control the development and activation of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (T‐reg). We investigated the expression pattern of these molecules on T‐reg, and investigated the ability of T‐reg to produce cytokines in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).Methods:  Fifteen patients with AIH and nine healthy patients were included. To determine the frequency of T‐reg, a two‐color flow cytometry analysis was performed. T‐reg were isolated using immunomagnetic beads, and the mRNA levels of Foxp3, CTLA‐4, GITR, and CD28 were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The ability of T‐reg to produce interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐10, transforming growth factor‐β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α after stimulation by OKT3 was evaluated by measuring the levels of mRNA in T‐reg by real‐time PCR.Results:  The frequency of T‐reg was increased in AIH. The mRNA levels of Foxp3 and CTLA‐4 were significantly lower in AIH. The ability of T‐reg to produce IL‐10 was impaired in AIH.Conclusion:  We speculate that the inferiority of the Foxp3 and CTLA‐4 gene expressions on T‐reg results in the impaired suppressor function of T‐reg, and eventually in the breakdown of self‐tolerance.
Griseofulvin, an oral antifungal agent, suppresses hepatitis C virus replication in vitro
Authors: Jin Haofan , Yamashita Atsuya , Maekawa Shinya , Yang Pinting , He Limin , Takayanagi Satoru , Wakita Takaji , Sakamoto Naoya , Enomoto Nobuyuki , Ito Masahiko 
Published: July 2008

Aim:  Hepatitis C virus (HCV), which infects an estimated 170 million people worldwide, is a major cause of chronic liver disease. The current standard therapy for chronic hepatitis C is based on pegylated interferon (IFN)α in combination with ribavirin. However, the success rate remains at approximately 50%. Therefore, alternative agents are needed for the treatment of HCV infection.Methods:  Using an HCV‐1b subgenomic replicon cell culture system (Huh7/Rep‐Feo), we found that griseofulvin, an oral antifungal agent, suppressed HCV‐RNA replication and protein expression in a dose‐dependent manner. We also found that griseofulvin suppressed the replication of infectious HCV JFH‐1. A combination of IFNα and griseofulvin exhibited a synergistic inhibitory effect in Huh7/Rep‐Feo cells.Results:  We found that griseofulvin blocked the cell cycle at the G2/M phase in the HCV subgenomic replicon cells, but did not inhibit HCV internal ribosome entry site‐dependent translation.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that griseofulvin may represent a new approach to the development of a novel therapy for HCV infection.
Up‐regulation of breast cancer resistance protein expression in hepatoblastoma following chemotherapy: A study in patients and in vitro
Authors: Vander Borght Sara , Van Pelt Jos , Van Malenstein Hannah , Cassiman David , Renard Marleen , Verslype Chris , Libbrecht Louis , Roskams Tania A. 
Published: July 2008

Aim:  Hepatoblastoma (HB), the most common pediatric malignant liver tumor, is treated with chemotherapy to facilitate surgical resection. Previous studies suggest that HB acquires chemoresistance via increased expression of multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1, ABCC1). There is no well established evidence that this also occurs in the clinical setting and little is known about the effects of chemotherapeutic treatments on HB in situ.Methods:  Clinical and histopathological features and expression patterns of ABC transporters in diagnostic needle biopsies from 7 HBs taken before chemotherapy were compared with those in surgically resected tumors. To understand the mechanisms leading to chemoresistance we also investigated the involvement of hypoxia on protein expression and functional activity of drug transporters (BCRP and MDR1) in cultures of HepG2 human HB cells.Results:  We found that chemotherapeutical treatment of HBs led to an increased expression of the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP, ABCG2) in all patients studied. There was no change in the expression pattern of MDR1 or other ABC transporters. Chemotherapy‐induced specific vascular abnormalities associated with areas of necrosis and fibrosis were seen in all cases, suggesting tumor hypoxia. The observations of increased BCRP expression in hypoxic areas of three‐dimensional HepG2 aggregates and the enhanced BCRP function in monolayer cultures of HepG2 cells under hypoxic conditions, support a role for hypoxia in enhanced BCRP expression.Conclusions:  Chemotherapeutical treatment of HB leads to vascular alterations that modify the tumor microenvironment, and increased BCRP expression in which hypoxia might play a role. No evidence was found for upregulation of MDR1 in HBs as suggested from previous experimental studies.
Occult hepatitis B virus infection in HIV‐infected patients: Evaluation of biochemical, virological and molecular parameters
Authors: Araujo Natalia M. , Branco‐Vieira Monique , Silva Anita C.M. , Pilotto José H. , Grinsztejn Beatriz , De Almeida Adilson José , Trepo Christian , Gomes Selma A. 
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To determine the prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a group of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected Brazilian patients and to investigate its association with biochemical, virological and molecular features.Methods:  Sera from 43 patients positive for HBV core antibody and negative for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) were tested for HBV DNA positivity by semi‐nested PCR. HBV loads were assessed by real‐time PCR. S gene was cloned and sequenced for HBV isolates from 3 patients. HBsAg expression of these cases was performed in HuH7 cells.Results:  HBV DNA was found in 6/43 (14%) samples, all except one associated with low viral loads. Occult HBV infection was further correlated with anti‐hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) antibodies positivity, but not with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevated levels. S gene sequences derived from three patients were determined. Two of them displayed mutations that may explain HBsAg negativity. In the first one, a stop codon mutation was found at position 216 in the C‐terminal end of HBsAg. In the second patient, E164D and I195M substitutions in HBsAg, associated with lamivudine‐resistance mutations in the polymerase were identified. As expected, all clones showing those mutations displayed undetectable or very low levels of HBsAg.Conclusion:  Occult HBV infection was frequent in HIV‐infected patients, was not associated with ALT elevation but significantly correlated with HCV seropositivity. The low viremia and the detection of HBsAg mutants confirm that multifactorial mechanisms are involved in occult HBV infection. HBV molecular monitoring should be employed for an adequate management of HBV/HIV co‐infected patients.
Differences and similarities between arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and athlete’s heart adaptations
Authors: Bauce B , Frigo G , Benini G , Michieli P , Basso C , Folino A F , Rigato I , Mazzotti E , Daliento L , Thiene G , Nava A 
Published: July 2008

BackgroundRegular intensive physical activity is associated with non-pathological changes in cardiac morphology. Differential diagnosis with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) constitutes a frequent problem, especially in athletes showing ventricular arrhythmias with left bundle branch block morphology.Aim of the studyTo assess the different clinical and non-invasive instrumental features of the subjects affected by ARVC and by athletes.MethodsThree groups of subjects (40 ARVC patients, 40 athletes and 40 controls, mean age 27 (9) years) were examined with family and personal history, physical examination, 12-lead ECG, 24-h ECG, signal-averaged ECG and 2-D and Doppler echocardiography.Results12-Lead ECG was abnormal in 62% of ARVC patients versus 7.5% of athletes and 2.5% of controls (p<0.0001). Ventricular arrhythmias and late potentials were present in 70% and 55% of ARVC subjects, respectively (vs 5% of athletes and 7.5% of controls, p<0.0001). Left ventricular parietal wall thickness and left ventricular end-diastolic diameters were significantly higher in athletes. Both athletes and ARVC patients presented a right ventricular (RV) enlargement compared with controls. Moreover, RV outflow tract, measured on parasternal long axis and at the level of aortic root, was significantly larger in ARVC patients (33.6 (4.7) mm vs 29.1 (3.4) mm and 35.6 (6.8) mm vs 30.1 (2.9) mm; p<0.0001), and RV fractional shortening and ejection fraction were significantly lower in ARVC patients compared with athletes (40 (7.9)% vs 44 (10)%; p=0.05 and 52.9 (8)% vs 59.9 (4.5)%; p<0.0001). A thickened moderator band was found to be present in similar percentage in ARVC patients and athletes.ConclusionsAn accurate clinical and instrumental non-invasive evaluation including echocardiography as imaging technique allows to distinguish RV alterations typical of ARVC from those detected in athletes as a consequence of intensive physical activity.
Catastrophic injuries in the Olympic styles of wrestling in Iran
Authors: Kordi R , Akbarnejad A , Wallace W A 
Published: July 2008

ObjectivesIn this study, a profile of direct catastrophic injuries in international styles of wrestling was developed, and the possible risk factors were described.DesignSurvey and retrospective review.SettingCatastrophic injuries that occurred in wrestling clubs in Iran from July 1998 to June 2005 were identified by contacting several sources. The cases were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsThe injuries included were 29 direct injuries (12 fatalities, 11 non-fatal and 6 serious).The injury rate was 1.99 direct catastrophic injuries/100 000 wrestlers/year. The majority of direct injuries occurred during training sessions, with a trend towards more injuries in the lowweight and middle-weight classes and those who were competing at high performance and experience levels. The takedown position, especially for the attacking wrestler who faces a counterattack, was the most common activity at the time of injury. A list of risk factors was suggested, of which “performing the wrestling manoeuvre incorrectly”, “inappropriate management of the injury”, “lack of the coach supervision”, “mat problems” and “lack of restraining the wrestlers in a precarious position” were the most common risk factors.ConclusionsCatastrophic wrestling injuries are rare and preventable. Coaches have an essential role in the prevention of these injuries.
Subjective and objective measures of physical activity in relationship to bone mineral content during late childhood: the Iowa Bone Development Study
Authors: Janz K F , Medema-Johnson H C , Letuchy E M , Burns T L , Gilmore J M Eichenberger , Torner J C , Willing M , Levy S M 
Published: July 2008

Objective:This study compared accelerometry to self-report for the assessment of physical activity (PA) in relation to bone mineral content (BMC). In addition, we compared the ability of these measures to assess PA in boys versus girls.Methods:Participants in this cross-sectional study included 449 children (mean age 11 years) from the Iowa Bone Development Study. PA was measured via 3–5 days of accelerometry using the Actigraph and 7 day self-report questionnaire using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C). Hip, spine, and whole body BMC were measured via dual energyxray absorptiometry (DXA).Results:Partial correlation analysis (controlling for height, weight, and maturity) showed the Actigraph was significantly associated with hip (r = 0.40), spine (r = 0.20), and whole body (r = 0.33) BMC in boys, as was the PAQ-C (r = 0.28 hip, r = 0.19 spine, and r = 0.22 whole body). Among girls, only the Actigraph was significantly associated with hip (r = 0.18) and whole body (r = 0.16) BMC. Both the Actigraph and PAQ-C were significant in hip, spine, and whole body multivariable linear regression models (after controlling for body size and maturity) in boys. Only the Actigraph entered hip BMC regression model in girls.Conclusions:Our study supports previous work showing associations between everyday PA and BMC in older children. These associations are more likely to be detected with an objective versus subjective measure of PA, particularly in girls.
External auditory canal exostoses in white water kayakers
Authors: Cooper A , Tong R , Neil R , Owens D , Tomkinson A 
Published: July 2008

ObjectiveIn this study, the presence and severity of external auditory canal exostoses (EACE) in a group of white water kayakers related to the duration and intensity of kayaking and the number of ear infections reported were identified.DesignA community-based volunteer cross-sectional study was completed with 92 kayakers (69 men, 23 women; mean (SD) age 29.3 (8.72) years) and 65 control volunteers (37 men, 28 women; mean (SD) age 36.9 (14.9) years). After exclusions, 269 individual ears were examined (154 kayakers and 115 controls). Participants completed a questionnaire and underwent otoscopic examination. Main outcome measures were the presence and severity of EACE, the duration and frequency of kayaking and self-reported ear infections. Exclusion criteria included other cold-water exposure, known ear pathology or poor visualisation of the auditory canal.ResultsThe findings demonstrated that 69.5% of kayaker ears and 1.7% of the control group were found to have EACE. Severity of EACE was significantly associated with the duration (p<0.01) and frequency (p<0.05) of kayaking with 90.6% of kayakers that had participated for more than 10 years having evidence of EACE. A significant relationship also existed between the number of self-reported ear infections and the severity of EACE (p<0.01).ConclusionThere is a positive relationship between the duration and frequency of white water kayaking and the presence and severity of EACE and associated ear infections.
Injuries and musculoskeletal complaints in referees and assistant referees selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup: retrospective and prospective survey
Authors: Bizzini M , Junge A , Bahr R , Helsen W , Dvorak J 
Published: July 2008

Background:There is a considerable amount of scientific literature on football, but few studies have focused on referees, despite their key role in this sport. Existing studies focus on the physiological demands and training of referees.Purpose:To analyse injuries and musculoskeletal complaints in referees and assistant referees selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.Study design:Retrospective survey and prospective study.Methods:During the preparation camps for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, all 123 referees pre-selected for the tournament completed a questionnaire on injuries and musculoskeletal complaints. During the tournament, the characteristics and consequences of all injuries and complaints incurred by the 63 officiating referees were documented.Results:More than 40% of the referees reported having incurred an injury and more than 60% having had musculoskeletal complaints during their career. About 20% of the group reported having suffered from musculoskeletal complaints in the last match. During the World Cup, 14 referees (22%) incurred an injury and more than 30% had musculoskeletal complaints. This prospectively collected data showed an incidence of 20.8 injuries per 1000 match hours (95% CI: 4.17 to 37.4). The most common acute injuries were hamstring strains, calf strains, and ankle sprains, while the most frequent locations of complaints were the low back, hamstring and knee.Conclusion:Considering the injury profile, the prevalence of associated musculoskeletal complaints, and the high physiological demands of refereeing, it appears that injury prevention programmes should be developed and integrated into the fitness training routine of the referee.
Frontal and lateral characteristics of the osseous configuration in chronic ankle instability
Authors: Magerkurth O , Frigg A , Hintermann B , Dick W , Valderrabano V 
Published: July 2008

ObjectiveThe osseous ankle configuration (tibiotalar sector, talar radius and height) has been discovered as intrinsic risk factor for chronic ankle instability (CAI). These measurements were done on lateral radiographs only. In this study, the osseous characteristics in the frontal plane and further lateral values were measured.DesignLevel III case-control study.SettingRadiological measurement of frontal and lateral radiographs by one independent, blinded radiologist using a digital DICOM/PACS system.PatientsA group of 52 patients with CAI was compared with an age- and sex-matched control group of 52 healthy subjects.Main outcome measurementsIn the frontal plane, the depth of the talar curvature (frontal curvature (froCu)) and the lateral and medial malleolar lengths were measured. In the lateral plane, the position of the centre of rotation to the tibial axis (talar centre of rotation to the anatomical axis of the tibia (TibCOR)) and the tibial lateral surface angle (TLS) were also measured.ResultsThe froCu was deeper in patients with CAI (1.8 (0.5) mm) than in healthy subjects (1.0 (0.5) mm, p<0.05). The TibCOR was more anterior in patients with CAI (2.5 (1.9) mm) than in healthy subjects (1.6 (2.2) mm, p<0.05). The distance from the fibular tip to the centre of rotation was smaller in patients with CAI (3.5 (3.4) mm) than in healthy subjects (6.5 (3.3) mm, p<0.05). The TLS and the length of the lateral and medial ankle were not significantly different.ConclusionsThis study supports that the osseous joint configuration is an intrinsic risk factor for CAI. It could be shown that CAI is characterised by a deeper frontal curvature of the talus and a more anterior position of the talus to the tibia.