bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Verbal intrusions precede memory decline in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Kittler P. , Krinsky‐McHale S. J. , Devenny D. A. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground  Verbal intrusion errors are irrelevant responses made in the course of verbal memory retrieval or language production that have been associated with disruption of executive functions and the prefrontal cortex. They have been observed to occur more frequently both with normal aging and with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to longitudinally examine the production of verbal intrusions among middle‐aged adults with Down syndrome (DS) and unspecified intellectual disability (ID) to determine whether producing verbal intrusions at one point in time was related to subsequent verbal memory performance. Because of the combination of a relative deficit in verbal working memory (WM), premature aging, and higher risk of AD among adults with DS, it was predicted that they would make more verbal intrusions than adults with unspecified ID.Methods  Word List recall (WLR), the Selective Reminding Test (SRT), and the Cued Recall Test (CRT), were administered three times at 18‐month intervals during a 3‐year period. In Analysis 1, aetiology differences in making intrusion errors were examined. Twenty‐three adults with unspecified ID in the moderate to mild range [time 1(T1) mean age = 47.2 years] and 42 adults with DS (T1 mean age = 44.3) participated. WLR is a serial WM task beginning at two word sequences and progressively increasing by one word every three trials. WLR intrusions were analysed because they were least likely to include ‘educated guesses’ because this test is not based on semantic categories. In Analysis 2, we only examined participants with DS. They were divided into two groups, 16 individuals who made at least one intrusion error at T1 (T1 mean age = 45.8) and 26 who did not (T1 mean age = 43.3). Longitudinal performance for these groups was analysed to determine whether the group that intruded at T1 did more poorly on subsequent memory tests.Results  A higher proportion of responses comprised intrusions for the group with DS and a higher percentage of the participants with DS made at least one intrusion error when compared with participants with unspecified ID (74% and 44% respectively). Those participants with DS who made at least one intrusion error at T1 showed a subsequent decline in performance on both WLR and the SRT.Conclusions  The production of intrusion errors during a verbal WM task is a characteristic of middle‐aged adults with DS. This suggests compromised executive function and control of inhibition within the verbal modality for this group. Further, verbal intrusions are a qualitative aspect of verbal processing that merit attention in considering the issue of deficiencies of language and verbal WM abilities among people with DS. Last, and perhaps most importantly, although not definitive diagnostically, an increase in verbal intrusions is a potentially noteworthy signal when evaluating the cognitive health of adults with DS.
A long‐term population‐based clinical and morbidity review of Prader–Willi syndrome in Western Australia
Authors: Thomson A. K. , Glasson E. J. , Bittles A. H. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground  An investigation of the clinical morbidity and genetic profiles of individuals with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) in Western Australia (WA) was undertaken as part of a wider study into the effects of intellectual disability (ID) on the life course of individuals.Methods  All persons with a diagnosis of PWS were identified from the records of the Disability Services Commission of WA (DSC). The DSC client files formed the main data source, and were supplemented by information from other state health data sets. The analysis was retrospective and quantitative in nature.Results  A total of 56 individuals were identified, 10 of whom exhibited normal methylation patterns and so were analysed separately (PWS‐like). The ages of the PWS group ranged from 0.9 to 48.3 years, with six persons deceased. Most people with PWS (76%) had mild or moderate ID, and 70% lived in their family home. The birth prevalence of the disorder was 1 in 29 500 births. Respiratory disorders, dentistry and gastrointestinal disorders were common reasons for hospital admission, with epilepsy or convulsions also reported at moderate frequency. The PWS‐like group shared many clinical features in common with PWS patients, the principal exceptions being hypotonia and feeding difficulties in infancy.Conclusions  The estimated birth prevalence of PWS was lower than expected; however, the case ascertainment method may have excluded some individuals. Older people with PWS were generally living in sheltered accommodation. As the cohort ages, demand for places in similar accommodation will increase, adding to the existing burden on service providers. Substantial future increases in the use of medical services and hospital‐based care also are predicted with the onset of age‐associated disorders.
Effects of pioglitazone in familial combined hyperlipidaemia
Authors: ABBINK E. J. , DE GRAAF J. , DE HAAN J. H. , HEERSCHAP A. , STALENHOEF A. F. , TACK C. J. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract.Objectives.  Familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH) is associated with insulin resistance. We hypothesized that pioglitazone treatment of FCH patients might increase insulin sensitivity, but may also improve serum lipid levels, body fat distribution, intramyocellular lipids (IMCL) and endothelial function.Design.  Double blind, randomized, cross‐over study.Subjects.  Seventeen FCH patients.Interventions.  Sixteen weeks of pioglitazone treatment (30 mg) compared with 16 weeks of placebo.Main outcome measurements.  Insulin sensitivity was measured using the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp procedure, body fat distribution and IMCL using magnetic resonance techniques and endothelial function using flow‐mediated vasodilatation.Results.  Pioglitazone improved insulin sensitivity (M value 37.7 ± 3.6 μmol min−1 kg−1 vs. 33.0 ± 3.3 μmol min−1 kg−1 during placebo, P < 0.05) and LDL composition by increasing the K value (−0.11 ± 0.06 vs. −0.20 ± 0.06 during placebo, P < 0.05). However, pioglitazone did not affect other serum lipid levels. Endothelial function, body fat distribution and IMCL were also not affected. In addition, pioglitazone was associated with a decrease in liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase).Conclusion.  Pioglitazone treatment of FCH patients without type 2 diabetes mellitus increases insulin sensitivity, decreases liver enzymes and improves LDL composition but has a neutral effect on total serum lipid levels. The change in insulin sensitivity might be too small to induce changes in endothelial function, body fat distribution and IMCL.
Modelling and imaging cardiac repolarization abnormalities
Authors: RUDY Y. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract.Repolarization abnormalities, including those induced by the congenital or acquired long QT (LQT) syndrome, provide a substrate for life‐threatening cardiac arrhythmias. In this article, we use computational biology to link HERG mutations mechanistically to the resulting abnormalities of the whole‐cell action potential. We study how the kinetic properties of IKs (the slow delayed rectifier) that are conferred by molecular subunit interactions, facilitate its role in repolarization and ‘repolarization reserve’. A new noninvasive imaging modality (electrocardiographic imaging) is shown to image cardiac repolarization on the epicardial surface, suggesting its possible role in risk stratification, diagnosis and treatment of LQT syndrome.
Amplification of spatial dispersion of repolarization underlies sudden cardiac death associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic VT, long QT, short QT and Brugada syndromes
Authors: ANTZELEVITCH C. , OLIVA A. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract.This review examines the hypothesis that amplification of spatial dispersion of repolarization in the form of transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) underlies the development of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias associated with inherited ion channelopathies including the long QT, short QT and Brugada syndromes as well as catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. In the long QT syndrome, amplification of TDR is often secondary to preferential prolongation of the action potential duration (APD) of M cells, whereas in the Brugada syndrome, it is thought to be because of selective abbreviation of the APD of right ventricular epicardium. Preferential abbreviation of APD of either endocardium or epicardium appears to be responsible for amplification of TDR in the short QT syndrome. In catecholaminergic polymorphic VT, the reversal of the direction of activation of the ventricular wall is responsible for the increase in TDR. In conclusion, the long QT, short QT, Brugada and catecholaminergic VT syndromes are pathologies with very different phenotypes and aetiologies, but which share a common final pathway in causing sudden death.
Molecular/genetic determinants of repolarization and their modification by environmental stress
Authors: ROSEN M. R. , COHEN I. S. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract.Although a variety of factors, inherited or environmental, can influence expression of ion channel proteins to impact on repolarization, that environment can affect genetic determinants of repolarization for intervals of varying duration is a concept that is not as generally appreciated as it should be. In the following pages we review the molecular/genetic determinants of cardiac repolarization and summarize how pathologic events and environmental intrusions can affect these determinants. Understanding the chains of events involved should yield insights into both the causes and potential avenues of treatment for abnormalities of repolarization.
Estimating population size of endangered brush‐tailed rock‐wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) colonies using faecal DNA
Authors: PIGGOTT M. P. , BANKS S. C. , STONE N. , BANFFY C. , TAYLOR A. C. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe brush‐tailed rock‐wallaby (Petrogale penicillata) is an endangered species in southeastern Australia and many of the remaining populations are declining. The steep rocky habitat and shy nature of the species make it difficult to obtain data on population parameters such as abundance and recruitment. Faecal pellet counts from scat plots are commonly used to monitor population trends but these are imprecise and difficult to relate to absolute population size. We conducted a noninvasive genetic sampling ‘mark–recapture’ study over a 2‐year period to identify individuals from faecal DNA samples and estimate the population size of four brush‐tailed rock‐wallaby colonies located in Wollemi National Park, New South Wales. Scat plots in rock‐wallaby colonies were used as sample collection points for this study. Two separate population estimates were carried out for three of the colonies to determine if we could detect recruitment and changes in population size. We determined that there was one large colony of an estimated 67 individuals (95% confidence interval: 55–91) and three smaller colonies. Monitoring of the smaller colonies also detected possible population size increases in all three. Our results indicate that faecal DNA analysis may be a promising method for estimating and monitoring population trends in this species particularly when used with a traditional field survey method.
Microsatellites reveal a lack of structure in Australian populations of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)
Authors: ENDERSBY N. M. , MCKECHNIE S. W. , RIDLAND P. M. , WEEKS A. R. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractThe diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, is renowned for developing resistance to insecticides and causing significant economic damage to Brassica vegetable crops throughout the world. Yet despite its economic importance, little is known about the population structure and movement patterns of this pest both at local and regional scales. In Australia, the movement patterns and insecticide resistance status of P. xylostella infesting canola, vegetables, forage brassicas and weeds have fundamental implications for the management of this pest. Here we use six polymorphic microsatellite loci to investigate population structure and gene flow in Australian populations of P. xylostella. Samples of P. xylostella from New Zealand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Kenya were also scored at these loci. We found no evidence of population structure within Australia, with most populations having low inbreeding coefficients and in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. In addition, a sample from the North Island of New Zealand was indistinguishable from the Australian samples. However, large genetic differences were found between the Australia/New Zealand samples and samples from Kenya, Malaysia and Indonesia. There was no relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance among Australian and New Zealand samples. Two of the loci were found to have null alleles, the frequency of which was increased in the populations outside the Australia/New Zealand region. We discuss these results with reference to insecticide resistance management strategies for P. xylostella in Australia.
Effect of genotype and environment on branching in weedy green millet (Setaria viridis) and domesticated foxtail millet (Setaria italica) (Poaceae)
Authors: DOUST ANDREW N. , KELLOGG ELIZABETH A. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractMany domesticated crops are derived from species whose life history includes weedy characteristics, such as the ability to vary branching patterns in response to environmental conditions. However, domesticated crop plants are characterized by less variable plant architecture, as well as by a general reduction in vegetative branching compared to their progenitor species. Here we examine weedy green millet and its domesticate foxtail millet that differ in the number of tillers (basal branches) and axillary branches along each tiller. Branch number in F2:3 progeny of a cross between the two species varies with genotype, planting density, and other environmental variables, with significant genotype–environment interactions (GEI). This is shown by a complex pattern of reaction norms and by variation in the pattern of significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) amongst trials. Individual and joint analyses of high and low density trials indicate that most QTL have significant GEI. Dominance and epistasis also explain some variation in branching. Likely candidate genes underlying the QTL (based on map position and phenotypic effect) include teosinte branched1 and barren stalk1. Phytochrome B, which has been found to affect response to shading in other plants, explains little or no variation. Much variation in branching is explained by QTL that do not have obvious candidate genes from maize or rice.
Mycoplasma mycoides ssp. mycoides Biotype Small Colony‐Secreted Components Induce Apoptotic Cell Death in Bovine Leucocytes
Authors: Dedieu L. , Chapey E. , Balcer‐Rodrigues V. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractContagious bovine pleuropneumonia, caused by Mycoplasma mycoides ssp. mycoides biotype small colony (MmmSC), is one of the most serious cattle diseases in Africa. Several observations suggested that MmmSC had evolved an efficient way to escape the bovine immune responses by triggering host‐cell cytotoxicity. This study was implemented to determine whether the cytotoxic effect was due to apoptotic cell death. To that end, bovine blood cells were cultured for up to 3 days in the presence of viable or heat‐killed MmmSC compared to unstimulated cultures. The findings provided evidence for a viable MmmSC‐induced, time‐dependent apoptosis in bovine blood leucocytes, whereas heat‐killed MmmSC had no effect. Morphological and physiological changes (evidenced by TUNEL and annexin V staining) typical of apoptosis were observed in response to viable MmmSC. All the lymphocyte subsets as well as the monocyte/granulocyte subset exhibited extensive apoptosis after exposure to viable MmmSC. Our results demonstrated a potential role for MmmSC‐secreted components as pathogenic factors able to induce programmed cell death in bovine blood leucocytes.
Detection of an Autologous Ligand for Mannan‐Binding Lectin on Human B Lymphocytes
Authors: Downing I. , MacDonald S. L. , Turner M. L. , Kilpatrick D. C. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractMannan‐binding lectin (MBL) is a collectin and a major soluble pattern‐recognition protein. MBL can distinguish self from nonself and altered self using its C‐type carbohydrate recognition domain and may also interact via its collagen‐like region with autologous cells. Recently, it was found that MBL could bind to adherent cells (monocytes) and dendritic cells in a specific and sugar‐sensitive manner. We have now investigated the interaction of MBL with fresh human peripheral blood cells and report binding to B lymphocytes and natural killer cells. The binding to B lymphocytes was studied in detail and was compared with the binding of MBL to monocytes and dendritic cells. Binding of MBL to B cells was evident at physiological MBL and calcium concentrations but was optimal at supraphysiological MBL concentrations. It was readily inhibited by autologous serum, mannan, mannose, GlcNAc and (to a lesser extent) galactose but not by C1q. A similar, but not identical, inhibition profile was observed with dendritic cells, but monocytes were not sensitive to mannose or mannan. We conclude that MBL is capable of binding to differently glycosylated ligands on several autologous cell types via its carbohydrate‐recognition domain. We speculate that this could have functional significance at extravascular sites, but perhaps only in individuals possessing MBL genotypes conferring MBL sufficiency.
Analysis of Epitopes on the Unrelated Proteins Thyrotropin Receptor and α1‐Antitrypsin which are Recognized by A10 Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Piotrowska U. , Adler G. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractIn a previous study, we noticed an unexpected reaction of an antithyrotropin receptor ectodomain (ETSHR)‐reactive monoclonal antibody, A10, with α1‐antitrypsin (antitrypsin). Presently, we decided to probe the structural basis of this cross‐reactivity. Recombinant ETSHR, antitrypsin, synthetic peptides corresponding to the region of similarity in these proteins (EEDFRV and EEDFHV, respectively) and a set of peptides related to this region, N‐ and C‐terminally elongated, were used in the study. Comparing the values of the dissociation constants, we found that the affinity of peptides corresponding to the region of similarity to monoclonal antibody A10 was the same in spite of a difference in one residue (R 38 in ETSHR and H 209 in antitrypsin), whereas a change of E 206 to R in antitrypsin‐related peptide dramatically decreased the affinity. The whole binding site of A10 in ETSHR as well as in antitrypsin was larger than the region of similarity. We propose that residues ECHQEEDFV represent the monoclonal antibody A10 epitope. They form an almost continuous sequence of residues 30–37 and 39 in ETSHR. The monoclonal antibody A10 binding site on antitrypsin is shorter. It comprises amino acids 205–208 and 210, from the region of similarity with, probably, additional two residues, H‐287 and E 363.
Evolution of sex-biased maternal effects in birds: II. Contrasting sex-specific oocyte clustering in native and recently established populations
Authors: Badyaev A. V. , Oh K. P. , Mui R. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
In species that produce broods of multiple offspring, parents need to partition resources among simultaneously growing neonates that often differ in growth requirements. In birds, multiple ovarian follicles develop inside the female at the same time, resulting in a trade-off of resources among them and potentially limiting maternal ability for sex-specific allocation. We compared resource acquisition among oocytes in relation to their future sex and ovulation order in two populations of house finches with contrasting sex-biased maternal strategies. In a native Arizona population, where mothers do not bias offspring sex in relation to ovulation order, the male and female oocytes did not show sex-specific trade-offs of resources during growth and there was no evidence for spatial or temporal segregation of male and female oocytes in the ovary. In contrast, in a recently established Montana population where mothers strongly bias offspring sex in relation to ovulation order, we found evidence for both intra-sexual trade-offs among male and female oocytes and sex-specific clustering of oocytes in the ovary. We discuss the importance of sex-specific resource competition among offspring for the evolution of sex-ratio adjustment and sex-specific maternal resource allocation.
Do the learning needs of rural and urban general practitioners differ?
Authors: Allan James A. , Schaefer Di 
Published: November 2005

AbstractIntroduction:  The challenges of rural general practice have given rise to a separate rural training stream and a separate rural professional body. The differences are characterised by the nature of the work undertaken by rural GPs and reflected in the continuing medical education topic choices made when surveyed. Methods:  In 2001 a survey was designed and distributed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Divisions of General Practice in South Australia and Northern Territory. The survey utilised a list of 104 topics. The topic choices of rural and urban GPs were compared. Results:  The survey was distributed to approximately 1762 GPs and yielded 578 responses (33%). Rural GPs were more likely to select the following topics: Anaesthetics, Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander health, Population Health, Renal medicine, Cardiology, Teaching skills, Obstetrics, Neonates, Arrhythmias, Fracture management, Tropical medicine and Therapeutics. Urban GPs were more likely to select Menopause, Travel medicine and Palliative care (P < 0.05).Discussion:  Many of the areas of difference reflected aspects of rural general practice. There were also many similarities in topic choices between these two groups.
Palliative care in the hinterlands: A description of existing services and doctors’ attitudes
Authors: Pereira Glenn J. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractObjective:  To describe palliative care services as they exist in the hinterlands (towns away from regional centres) of Midwest New South Wales, including an estimation of the numbers of cases treated by local doctors, and the service they provide to their patients. Generalist doctors’ attitudes to palliative care are also explored, as this information is lacking in the literature but is important for service provision.Design:  Descriptive survey. Setting:  Rural primary care and district hospitals. Participants:  Generalist doctors in hinterland areas. Results:  In total, 38% (19/50) of surveys were returned. ‘Visiting rights’ to the district hospital were held by 78.9% of local doctors, and patients are admitted under the care of their own doctor for symptom control and terminal care, 94.1% and 76.5% of the time, respectively. All doctors surveyed perform home visits for terminally ill patients, and 68.4% make themselves routinely available after hours. Doctors surveyed estimated that they managed a mean of 8.4 deaths due to chronic illness in the past 12 months. Most (78.9%) said that they would continue to manage dying patients even if they had a choice, and they feel between moderately and very satisfied that they provide quality care. However, only 21.1% considered their undergraduate training in palliative medicine to be adequate, and all said that they would refer to a specialist service if it were available.Conclusions:  Generalist rural doctors not only treat many dying patients, but also provide a continuity of care that is rarely seen in other settings. Proposals of models for ‘rural’ palliative care should, therefore, take this unique setting into account. One such suggestion is given in this article.