bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunodeficiency and immunotherapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Pratt Guy , Goodyear Oliver , Moss Paul 
Published: August 2007

SummaryMultiple myeloma is a malignant tumour of plasma cells that remains incurable for the vast majority of patients, with a median survival of 2–3 years. It is characterized by the patchy accumulation of tumour cells within bone marrow leading to variable anaemia, bone destruction, hypercalcaemia, renal failure and infections. Immune dysfunction is an important feature of the disease and leads to infections that are both a major cause of morbidity and mortality and may promote tumour growth and resistance to chemotherapy. Numerous defects of the immune system have been described in multiple myeloma although the relative clinical importance of these remains elusive. There has been considerable interest in the identification of an autologous response against myeloma. Although T cells and humoral responses directed against myeloma‐associated antigens have been described, it is uncertain if the immune system plays a role in preventing or controlling myeloma cell growth. There is increasing interest in the potential role of immunotherapy but the success of these interventions is likely to be modified by the immunologically hostile environment associated with multiple myeloma. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge relating to the immune defects found in multiple myeloma.
Haematopoietic stem cells participate in muscle regeneration
Authors: Abedi Mehrdad , Foster Bethany M. , Wood Kyle D. , Colvin Gerald A. , McLean Scott D. , Johnson Kevin W. , Greer Deborah A. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryIt has previously been shown that bone marrow cells contribute to skeletal muscle regeneration, but the nature of marrow cell(s) involved in this process is unknown. We used an immunocompetent and an immunocompromised model of bone marrow transplantation to characterize the type of marrow cells participating regenerating skeletal muscle fibres. Animals were transplanted with different populations of marrow cells from Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) transgenic mice and the presence of GFP(+) muscle fibres were evaluated in the cardiotoxin‐injured tibialis anterior muscles. GFP(+) muscle fibres were found mostly in animals that received either CD45(−), lineage(−), c‐Kit(+), Sca‐1(+) or Flk‐2(+) populations of marrow cells, suggesting that haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) rather than mesenchymal cells or more differentiated haematopoietic cells are responsible for the formation of GFP(+) muscle fibres. Mac‐1 positive population of marrow cells was also associated with the emergence of GFP(+) skeletal muscle fibres. However, most of this activity was limited to either Mac‐1(+) Sca(+) or Mac‐1(+)c‐Kit(+) cells with long‐term haematopoietic repopulation capabilities, indicating a stem cell phenotype for these cells. Experiments in the immunocompromised transplant model showed that participation of HSC in the skeletal muscle fibre formation could occur without haematopoietic chimerism.
Measurement of global haemostasis in severe haemophilia A following factor VIII infusion
Authors: Lewis S. J. , Stephens E. , Florou G. , Macartney N. J. , Hathaway L. S. , Knipping J. , Collins P. W. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryPatients with haemophilia requires different amounts of FVIII to prevent and treat bleeds. We hypothesise that this is because FVIII has variable effects on individual patients’ global haemostasis. Twelve patients with severe haemophilia A were infused with 50 IU/kg FVIII and thrombin generation in platelet rich (PRP) and platelet poor plasma (PPP) and velocity of changing clot elasticity were measured preinfusion and at nine subsequent time points over 72 h. Despite a close correlation between median FVIII and median initial rate of thrombin generation (R2 0·94), endogenous thrombin potential (ETP; R2 0·94) and peak thrombin (R2 0·91) in PPP, there was wide inter‐patient variability at each time point. There was, however, a highly predictable intra‐patient relationship between FVIII level and thrombin generation. Inter‐patient variability was due to both differences in FVIII levels and the variable effect FVIII had on an individuals’ thrombin generation. The utility of PRP was limited because, at low‐FVIII levels, only rate of thrombin generation was measurable. At low‐FVIII concentrations, the rate of thrombin generation in PPP was the most useful test whilst at higher levels ETP and peak thrombin could also be used.
High host specificity of obligate ectoparasites
Authors: DICK CARL W. 
Published: July 2007

Abstract 1. Host specificity is the degree to which a parasite species occurs in association with a host species.2. The degree to which obligate ectoparasites are host specific has been debated, but effects of sampling contamination were usually not addressed. Data from a controlled mammal–ectoparasite survey were used to assess host specificity of an obligate group of ectoparasites – streblid bat flies.3. Host–parasite associations were categorised as primary or non‐primary. Non‐primary host associations were evaluated against primary associations via proportional comparison.4. Results indicate that host specificity was high, exceeding previous reports. Natural host transfers were rare.5. Non‐primary host associations were almost completely explained by disturbance transfers during sampling of the host or by contamination upon sampling the parasite. These conclusions likely hold for other taxa of obligate parasites.
Including species interactions in risk assessments for global change
Authors: SUTHERST R. W. , MAYWALD G. F. , BOURNE A. S. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractMost ecological risk assessments for global change are restricted to the effects of trends in climate or atmospheric carbon dioxide. In order to move beyond investigation of the effects of climate alone, the climex™ model was extended to investigate the effects of species interactions, in the same or different trophic levels, along environmental gradients on a geographical scale. Specific needs that were revealed during the investigations include: better treatment of the effects of temporal and spatial climatic variation; elucidation of the nature of boundaries of species ranges; data to quantify the role of species traits in interspecies interactions; integrated observational, experimental, and modelling studies on mechanisms of species interactions along environmental gradients; and high‐resolution global environmental datasets. Greater acknowledgement of the shared limitations of simplified models and experimental studies is also needed. Above all, use of the scientific method to understand representative species ranges is essential. This requires the use of mechanistic approaches capable of progressive enhancement.
Interspecific phylogenetic analysis enhances intraspecific phylogeographical inference: a case study inPinus lambertiana
Authors: LISTON AARON , PARKER‐DEFENIKS MARIAH , SYRING JOHN V. , WILLYARD ANN , CRONN RICHARD 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPinus lambertiana(sugar pine) is an economically and ecologically important conifer with a 1600‐km latitudinal range extending from Oregon, USA, to northern Baja California, Mexico. Like all North American white pines (subsect.Strobus), sugar pine is highly susceptible to white pine blister rust, a disease caused by the fungusCronartium ribicola. We conducted a chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) survey ofPinussubsect.Strobuswith comprehensive geographical sampling ofP. lambertiana. Sequence analysis of 12 sugar pine individuals revealed strong geographical differentiation for two chloroplast haplotypes. A diagnostic restriction site survey of an additional 72 individuals demarcated a narrow 150‐km contact zone in northeastern California. In the contact zone, maternal (megagametophtye) and paternal (embryo) haplotypes were identified in 31 single seeds, demonstrating bidirectional pollen flow extending beyond the range of maternal haplotypes. The frequencies of theCr1allele for white pine blister rust major gene resistance, previously determined for 41 seed zones, differ significantly among seed zones that are fixed for the alternate haplotypes, or contain a mixture of both haplotypes. Interspecific phylogenetic analysis reveals that the northern sugar pine haplotype belongs to a clade that includesPinus albicaulis(whitebark pine) and all of the East Asian white pines. Furthermore, there is little cpDNA divergence between northern sugar pine and whitebark pine (dS = 0.00058). These results are consistent with a Pleistocene migration of whitebark pine into North America and subsequent chloroplast introgression from whitebark pine to sugar pine. This study demonstrates the importance of placing phylogeographical results in a broader phylogenetic context.
Disruption of arabinogalactan proteins disorganizes cortical microtubules in the root of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Nguema‐Ona Eric , Bannigan Alex , Chevalier Laurence , Baskin Tobias I. , Driouich Azeddine 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe cortical array of microtubules inside the cell and arabinogalactan proteins on the external surface of the cell are each implicated in plant morphogenesis. To determine whether the cortical array is influenced by arabinogalactan proteins, we first treated Arabidopsis roots with a Yariv reagent that binds arabinogalactan proteins. Cortical microtubules were markedly disorganized by 1 μmβ‐d‐glucosyl (active) Yariv but not by up to 10 μmβ‐d‐mannosyl (inactive) Yariv. This was observed for 24‐h treatments in wild‐type roots, fixed and stained with anti‐tubulin antibodies, as well as in living roots expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter for microtubules. Using the reporter line, microtubule disorganization was evident within 10 min of treatment with 5 μm active Yariv and extensive by 30 min. Active Yariv (5 μm) disorganized cortical microtubules after gadolinium pre‐treatment, suggesting that this effect is independent of calcium influx across the plasma membrane. Similar effects on cortical microtubules, over a similar time scale, were induced by two anti‐arabinogalactan‐protein antibodies (JIM13 and JIM14) but not by antibodies recognizing pectin or xyloglucan epitopes. Active Yariv, JIM13, and JIM14 caused arabinogalactan proteins to aggregate rapidly, as assessed either in fixed wild‐type roots or in the living cells of a line expressing a plasma membrane‐anchored arabinogalactan protein from tomato fused to GFP. Finally, electron microscopy of roots prepared by high‐pressure freezing showed that treatment with 5 μm active Yariv for 2 h significantly increased the distance between cortical microtubules and the plasma membrane. These findings demonstrate that cell surface arabinogalactan proteins influence the organization of cortical microtubules.
Red cell damage after pumping by two infusion control devices (Arcomed VP 7000 and IVAC 572)
Authors: Parfitt H. S. , Davies S. V. , Tighe P. , Ewings P. 
Published: July 2007

summary The aim of this study was to assess the performance in terms of red cell damage of two peristaltic volumetric infusion pumps – the Alaris IVAC 572 (San Diego, CA, USA) and Arcomed Volumed VP7000 (Regensdorf, Switzerland).Various infusion pumps are available to transfuse blood at a predetermined rate. It is recommended that each machine should be individually assessed.This experiment used six units of single‐donor‐transfusable packed red cells and ran each unit through both pumps. This was carried out at 9, 28 and 35 days post‐donation at rates from 2 to 150 mL h−1. Post‐pumping samples from these experiments, and a pre‐pumping sample in each case, were analysed for levels of potassium and free haemoglobin (Hb). They were also examined microscopically for evidence of cell damage.Potassium levels showed no significant change with pumping on any occasion, but rose significantly as the samples aged. Free Hb showed some variation, but the only consistent finding was a similar rise in value with increasing pack age. Microscopic examination revealed no cell damage under any condition.Both pumps performed to an acceptable level and appear safe to be used for red cell transfusion.
Continuation versus discontinuation of lithium in recurrent bipolar illness: a naturalistic study
Authors: Biel Matthew G , Peselow Eric , Mulcare Loretta , Case Brady G , Fieve Ron 
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  Lithium's efficacy in prophylaxis of mood episodes in bipolar disorder (BD) is well established in the clinical trial setting, but may be less robust in routine clinical practice. We compared illness recurrence in bipolar patients naturalistically continued on or discontinued from lithium after an extended period of clinical stability on lithium monotherapy, and evaluated other potential risk factors for relapse.Methods:  We followed 213 patients who were stable for 2 years on lithium monotherapy following resolution of acute symptoms marking their last manic episode. Based upon patient preference and clinical judgment, 159 patients were continued on lithium monotherapy and 54 patients were slowly discontinued. Survival differences between the continued and discontinued groups were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier product limit method, and risk factors for relapse were evaluated in Cox proportional hazards regression.Results:  Patients continued on lithium prophylaxis experienced risk of recurrence equivalent to a third of that suffered by discontinued patients during the first year of treatment (0.15 versus 0.45), and significant survival differences persisted throughout follow‐up. Median survival time to illness recurrence for patients continued on lithium was 7.33 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.67–9.67]; that for patients discontinued from lithium was 1.33 years (95% CI 0.33–2.33). After controlling for all significant covariates, lithium discontinuation was associated with a hazard ratio of 4.85. Inter‐episode manic and depressive symptoms conferred increased risk for subsequent recurrence of illness in both groups, while lower lithium levels recorded during the two years of clinical stability preceding study onset were protective.Conclusions:  Despite considerable rates of illness recurrence in both groups, those who continued on lithium sustained markedly lower rates of recurrence over a lengthy follow‐up period. Lithium discontinuation in BD after successful maintenance monotherapy is not advisable. If discontinuation is considered, lithium levels previously required to maintain clinical stability, and breakthrough or residual mood symptoms experienced during remission, should inform clinical decision making.
White matter abnormalities observed in bipolar disorder: a diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Yurgelun‐Todd Deborah A , Silveri Marisa M , Gruber Staci A , Rohan Michael L , Pimentel Patricia J 
Published: August 2007

Objectives:  An increased incidence in white matter abnormalities is among the most frequently reported brain change in patients with bipolar disorder. The objective of the present study was to examine white matter tract integrity, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), in bipolar patients and healthy comparison subjects.Methods:  Eleven DSM‐IV bipolar I patients and 10 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched controls were studied. DTI data were acquired on a 1.5 Tesla scanner. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and diffusivity (trace) were determined from axial images using region of interest (ROI) analyses. The ROIs were manually placed in the midline and forward projecting arms of the genu (anterior) and the midline of the splenium (posterior) of the corpus callosum.Results:  Bipolar patients had significantly higher FA in the midline of the genu compared with healthy controls. Regional white matter differences were also observed, with significantly lower FA in the genu than forward projecting regions in both groups and lower FA in the genu than the splenium in controls.Conclusions:  Diffusion tensor imaging revealed significant microstructural differences in the genu, as measured by elevated FA in bipolar patients compared with healthy controls. These preliminary findings further support the hypothesis that anomalous frontal brain mechanisms may be associated with bipolar disorder.
Upregulation of connective tissue growth factor in a rat model of chronic allograft nephropathy
Authors: TU ZHIDAN , SHI YUJUN , WANG JINJING , BAO JI , BU HONG 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARY:Aim:  To study the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in transplanted rat kidney and its relationship with chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).Methods:  Kidney transplantation was performed from Lewis to Fisher 344 allogeneic rat strain, and kidney grafts were harvested at the eighth, 12th and 16th week. The morphological changes were studied, and collagen deposition was determined by Masson trichrome stain. Serum creatinine was examined. The fibrotic process and the CAN grades were evaluated according to Banff 97 schema. The expressions of transforming growth factor beta, CTGF and α‐smooth muscle actin were detected to assess the development of grafted kidney fibrosis and to discuss their relationships. Spearman correlation was used for correlation study between CTGF expression and development of CAN.Results:  Serum creatinine was promoted in a time‐dependent manner. Morphological changes suggested that the grafted kidneys were under abnormalities. At the end stage, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was seen; tubular epithelial cells lost their phenotype and interstitial fibrosis was notable. Masson trichrome stain showed significant collagen accumulation in a time‐dependent manner. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting results showed that the transforming growth factor beta, CTGF and α‐smooth muscle actin expression were markedly promoted compared with the control group. CTGF was mainly expressed in the plasm of proximal tubular epithelial cells based on the severity of CAN.Conclusion:  Connective tissue growth factor might play an important role in the pathological changes of CAN after kidney transplantation. The expression of CTGF in epithelial cells could act as a molecular marker of interstitial fibrosis and CAN.
The impact of postmodernism on research methodology: implications for nursing
Authors: Parsons Claire 
Published: August 2007

The impact of postmodernism on research methodology: implications for nursingThis article considers what have been referred to as die two major crises in research methodology: (i) the crisis of legitimation (to what extent are the notions of reliability and validity still meaningful in the light of a posture that is said to approach an ’anything goes’ standpoint); and (ii) the crisis of representation (to what extent is it possible to represent the world view of ‘the odier’ without it being merely a construction of the researcher). These are discussed in order to identify aspects of a continuing debate that is of relevance to nurses for they are integral to graduate research and the ongoing application of research in hospital or community contexts. Educating nurses in research requires that they learn a repertoire of research skills such as literature critiques, developing research questions, interviewing, analysing techniques and computer‐assisted analysis. However, postmodern debates can also be beneficial by facilitating their understanding of contemporary research issues so that they can critically integrate such reflexive thinking into dieir own research practices and go on to explore new ways to undertake research.
Narrative and exploration: toward a poetics of knowledge in nursing
Authors: Gadow Sally 
Published: August 2007

Narrative and exploration: toward a poetics of knowledge in nursingThe dualism of subject and object has been a traditional model for nursing knowledge. That model is portrayed here as an epistemological exile. Our self‐imposed exile from the lived world of nursing can be remedied by inquiry based on engagement rather than distance. One model for engaged inquiry is explorers'journeys in remote regions. Knowledge of a region can be local or colonial, according to the explorer's stake in the region as homeland or territory. Nursing is an existential region where people live. In the exploration of nursing as homeland, knowledge takes the form of local narrative, the story of a place told by its inhabitants. Narrative inquiry offers nursing an epistemology that is both ethically and aesthetically congruent with its practice of engagement.
Grounded theory method, part II: options for users of the method
Authors: Annells Merilyn 
Published: August 2007

Grounded theory method, part two: options for users of the methodEra‐specific issues are presented for the consideration of the potential grounded theorist. Two of die issues are general to grounded theory mediod, while die otiier four assist in clarifying aspects relevant to die selection of a specific mode of die mediod. Five broad options regarding multiple possible modes of grounded dieory method are suggested and detailed. The inquirer is not limited to the two major modes usually presented and discussed in die literature. Users of the mediod are challenged to continue contributing to die development of die mediod, while justifying and debating mediodological modifications.
Reading nursing history
Authors: Nelson Sioban 
Published: August 2007

Reading nursing historyThis paper undertakes a reading of nursing history as a constituent discourse. The discursive power of history, with its active mining of the archives of the past to construct a narrative of contemporary force and power, is emphasized. The essay begins with the nineteenth‐century and early twentieth‐century professional histories that celebrated nursing's evolutionary achievements. It then moves to the sociologically influenced revisions of the 1960s, and the feminist and critical revisions of the 1980s and 1990s. We then turn to recent scholarship and examine the call for nursing history to participate in the theoretical construction of the discipline of nursing. The observation is made that, in the name of relevance, contemporary nursing history appears to be expected to contribute to the development of nursing knowledge, just as early histories contributed to the professionalization of nursing. The teleological assumptions of both nursing history and nursing theory are then argued to set the limits of nursing discourse, with detrimental effect on scholarship.