bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent changes in body weight and wing length among some British passerine birds
Authors: Yom‐Tov Yoram , Yom‐Tov Shlomith , Wright Jonathan , J. R. Thorne Chris , Du Feu Richard 
Published: January 2006

We tested the prediction that global warming has caused recent decreases in body weight (Bergmann's rule) and increases in wing length (Allen's rule) in 14 species of passerine birds at two localities in England: Wicken Fen (1968–2003) and Treswell Wood (1973–2003).Predicted long‐term linear decreases in residual body weight occurred in four species: dunnocks (Wicken Fen), and great tits, blue tits and bullfinches (Treswell Wood). Non‐linear decreases also occurred in reed warblers and blackcaps at Wicken Fen, which also had a surprising linear increase in residual body weight in blackbirds.Residual wing lengths increased linearly, as predicted, in six of seven species at Wicken Fen. Whereas there were non‐linear long‐term increases in wrens, dunnocks and blackbirds in Treswell Wood. Unexpected linear decreases also occurred in residual wing lengths in willow warblers (Wicken Fen), and blue tits, great tits and chaffinches (Treswell Wood).The most parsimonious explanation for such long‐term changes in body weight is global warming, as predicted by Bergmann's rule. Greater site and species‐specific effects on wing length (e.g. non‐linear changes plus shorter wings in the woodland habitat) suggest a less straightforward conclusion concerning Allen's rule, probably because wing length involved variation in both bone and feather growth.Changes in residual body weights and wing lengths often differed between species and were sometimes non‐linear, perhaps reflecting short‐term modifications in selection pressures. Human‐induced influences are discussed, such as avian predator population densities and land‐use change. Short‐term variation in temperature had little effect, but rainfall did explain the unusual increase in blackbird body weight, possibly as a result of improving food (earthworm) availability.
Could sex be maintained through harmful males?
Authors: Dagg Joachim L. 
Published: January 2006

All else being equal, parthenogenetic females should produce as many surviving daughters as sexual couples produce daughters plus sons. Hence the resources spent on producing sons are a cost of sex and parthenogenetic females economize on sons. It has recently been shown that a small competitive advantage of sexual individuals can recoup this large reproductive disadvantage, while the adaptation behind the competitive advantage might differ from case to case. One hypothesis that has not yet been considered as a potential competitive advantage is that males could differentially harm parthenogenetic females, for example, through harassment, toxic seminal fluids, or infanticide. Harmful male functions result from the selection for males that maximise their fitness at the expense of females in the context of sexual conflict. Unless parthenogenetic lineages can maintain their resistance against harmful male functions, a competitive advantage for sex should be a by‐product benefit of sexual conflict.Mutations that make males harm parthenogenetic females worse than sexual ones, however, can be seen as evolutionary spite. The spiteful trait is not the production of costly sons, but the production of males that discriminate against parthenogenetic females. Spiteful behaviour can be positively selected, if it acts against negatively related victims. Sexual and parthenogenetic individuals within a population should usually be negatively related, because the genomes of the sexual individuals are bound together by recombination while those of parthenogenetic individuals will be identical except for divergence through mutation.Some unusual cases of parthenogenesis are discussed in the light of this new hypothesis and an experimental approach for testing it is suggested.
Treating chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon alfa‐2a (40 KD) and ribavirin in clinical practice
Authors: LEE S. S. , BAIN V. G. , PELTEKIAN K. , KRAJDEN M. , YOSHIDA E. M. , DESCHENES M. , HEATHCOTE J. , BAILEY R. J. , SIMONYI S. , SHERMAN M. ,   THE CANADIAN PEGASYS STUDY GROUP
Published: January 2006

SummaryBackgroundPegylated interferon alfa‐2a (40 KD) plus ribavirin therapy induces sustained virological response rates up to 63% in randomized‐controlled trials.AimTo conduct a prospective open‐label programme to examine the efficacy and safety of this therapy in routine clinical practice.MethodsTreatment‐naive patients with chronic hepatitis C received, at the discretion of the investigator, pegylated interferon alfa‐2a 180 μg/week + ribavirin 800 mg/day for 24 or 48 weeks. In total, 508 patients were enrolled [334 non‐cirrhotic; 174 cirrhotic (defined as stage F3 and F4)].ResultsIn genotype 1 patients treated for 48 weeks, sustained virological response rates were 41% in non‐cirrhotics and 34% in cirrhotics. Sustained virological response rates in genotype 2 or 3 non‐cirrhotics were 79% (24 weeks) and 72% (48 weeks). Corresponding values for cirrhotic genotype 2/3 were 66% and 44%. The negative predictive value of an early virological response at week 12 was 94%. Predictive factors for sustained virological response on multivariate analysis were genotype (2/3 vs. 1), low viral load and degree of fibrosis. Rates of serious adverse events (≤5%) and adverse events inducing withdrawal (≤8%) were comparable with the phase III trials.ConclusionEfficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alfa‐2a + ribavirin in clinical practice is comparable with results of randomized‐controlled trials.
Cost‐of‐disease analysis in patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's mucosa
Authors: WILLICH S. N. , NOCON M. , KULIG M. , JASPERSEN D. , LABENZ J. , MEYER‐SABELLEK W. , STOLTE M. , LIND T. , MALFERTHEINER P. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryBackgroundGastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common and frequently chronic condition that causes considerable costs.AimTo estimate the economic burden caused by patients with erosive and non‐erosive reflux disease, and Barrett's oesophagus.MethodsThe Progression of Gastro‐oesophageal Reflux Disease study includes a total of 6215 patients. At baseline, patients were categorized as non‐erosive reflux disease, erosive reflux disease, or Barrett's oesophagus according to endoscopic findings alone or as confirmed by histology. Direct and indirect disease‐related costs were calculated based on 5273 patients with complete information in the second year of the study.ResultsA total of 73% of the Progression of Gastro‐oesophageal Reflux Disease patients had taken GERD medication, 61% had visited a doctor, and 2% had been hospitalized because of GERD during the previous 12 months. Of all employed persons, 6% reported days off work because of GERD. This health resource utilization caused direct costs of €342 ± 864 (mean ± s.d.) and indirect costs of €40 ± 473 per patient and year. Total costs for patients with Barrett's oesophagus or erosive reflux disease were higher than those for patients with non‐erosive reflux disease.ConclusionPatients with GERD frequently need long‐term medication and doctor care. The disorder is associated with a considerable health economic burden to society.
Lansoprazole, levofloxacin and amoxicillin triple therapy vs. quadruple therapy as second‐line treatment of resistant Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: WONG W. M. , GU Q. , CHU K.‐M. , YEE Y. K. , FUNG F. M. Y. , TONG T. S. M. , CHAN A. O. O. , LAI K. C. , CHAN C. K. , WONG B. C. Y. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryAimTo test the efficacy of levofloxacin‐based second‐line therapy for resistant Helicobacter pylori infection.MethodsOne hundred and six patients who failed H. pylori eradication were randomized to receive (i) lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, levofloxacin 500 mg, all given twice daily for 7 days (LAL); or (ii) lansoprazole 30 mg twice daily, metronidazole 400 mg thrice daily, bismuth subcitrate 120 mg and tetracycline 500 mg four times daily for 7 days (quadruple). Post‐treatment H. pylori status was determined by 13C‐urea breath test.ResultsIntention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol H. pylori eradication rates were 57/60% for the LAL group and 71/76% for the quadruple group respectively. Metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin and levofloxacin resistance were found in 76%, 71%, 0% and 18% of patients, respectively. Levofloxacin resistance led to treatment failure in the LAL group. For patients with dual resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin, the eradication rates were 79% in the LAL group (levofloxacin‐sensitive) and 65% in the quadruple group (P = 0.34).ConclusionLansoprazole, amoxicillin plus levofloxacin second‐line therapy is comparable with quadruple therapy in efficacy. Subjects, especially those with dual resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin, may consider levofloxacin‐based therapy for levofloxacin‐sensitive strains.
Influence of citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on oesophageal hypersensitivity: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: BROEKAERT D. , FISCHLER B. , SIFRIM D. , JANSSENS J. , TACK J. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryBackgroundTricyclic antidepressants, which have multiple pharmacological influences, have a therapeutic effect in non‐cardiac chest pain, but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have a single pharmacological effect.AimTo evaluate the acute effect of citalopram on oesophageal hypersensitivity.MethodsOn two separate occasions, 10 healthy subjects (seven men, mean age 25 years) with established oesophageal hypersensitivity, underwent oesophageal manometry with evaluation of mechanical and chemical sensitivity. Subjects received placebo or citalopram 20 mg i.v. in a randomized, crossover, double‐blind fashion.ResultsCitalopram did not alter oesophageal motility. Citalopram significantly increased the threshold inducing first perception (4.6 ± 0.3 vs. 6.7 ± 0.4 mL, P < 0.005) and discomfort (8.6 ± 0.4 vs. 9.9 ± 0.6 mL, P < 0.01) during balloon distention. It also significantly prolonged the acid perfusion time to induce perception of heartburn (6.0 ± 0.9 vs. 10.7 ± 0.6 min, P < 0.005) and discomfort (12.2 ± 0.8 vs. 16.7 ± 0.7 mL, P < 0.001). Seven subjects experienced a retrosternal sensation during edrophonium provocation with placebo, and this was reduced to two of 10 after citalopram (P = 0.02).ConclusionsAcute administration of citalopram significantly lowers chemical and mechanical oesophageal sensitivity in oesophageal hypersensitivity, without altering the motility.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia profiled for prognosis using a fluorescence in situ hybridisation panel
Authors: Reddy K. S. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryA panel of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probes was used on 894 cases to target chromosome 11q, 13q, 17p deletions (del), trisomy 12 (+12) in all and 6q deletion in 59. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) immunophenotype (CD5 and CD19 with CD23) was found in 509 cases (average age 67·7 years, 319 males and 190 females). Among the 509 CLL cases 349 (68·6%) had FISH (4‐probe panel) abnormalities: 160 del 13q [45·8% (122‐del 13q, 18‐biallelic del 13q, 20‐monoallelic/biallelic del 13q)], 71 tri 12 (20·3%), 17 del ATM (5%), 12 del p53 (3·4%) and 89 ≥ 2 FISH abnormalities (25·5%). Of 151/509 cases karyotyped, 108 were normal and 43 (43/151 = 28·5%) abnormal. Del 6q was found in 1/59 (1·6%) FISH cases and in 6/151 (4%) karyotypes. In 14 CD23 negative cases IGH/BCL1 FISH detected t(11;14) and was confirmed to be mantle cell lymphoma. Multiple probes/panels that included IGH probe were ordered for 57 CLL cases, 11 had an IGH rearrangement with an unidentified partner. This study favours the inclusion of del 6q and IGH probes in the CLL panel. The FISH panel could also serve to monitor 13q deletion for secondary changes with adverse prognosis. Understanding prognosis in specific types of 13q deletion would enhance outcome prediction.
Expression levels of asparagine synthetase in blasts from children and adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Leslie M. , Case M. C. , Hall A. G. , Coulthard S. A. 
Published: January 2006

Summary l‐asparaginase is active in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) through the depletion of serum asparagine. Here we report that median asparagine synthetase (AS) mRNA levels were higher in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) than ALL blasts in both children and adults, with intermediate levels in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (NPBMC). NPBMC versus child ALL (Tukeys multiple comparison test, P < 0·05); child ALL versus child AML (P < 0·001) and adult ALL versus adult AML (P < 0·01) were all significant and support the hypothesis that selectivity to treatment with l‐asparaginase is due, at least in part, to lower AS expression.
Role of the C‐terminal actin binding domain in BCR/ABL‐mediated survival and drug resistance
Authors: Underhill‐Day N. , Pierce A. , Thompson S. E. , Xenaki D. , Whetton A. D. , Owen‐Lynch P. J. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryPhiladelphia chromosome‐positive, chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) stem and progenitor cells have a survival and growth advantage compared with their normal counterparts. The mechanisms through which the BCR/ABL protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) induces these effects and the important domains within this protein are not fully defined. The F‐ and G‐actin binding region of the BCR/ABL C‐terminus may be important in BCR/ABL‐mediated events, and we have investigated this by expressing a C‐terminus deletion mutant of the temperature‐sensitive BCR/ABL PTK, in a haemopoietic progenitor cell line, which models the chronic phase of CML. The truncated BCR/ABL PTK displayed similar levels of PTK activity when compared with wild type and activation of second messenger formation (in the form of sn‐1,2‐diacylglycerol) remains intact. On fibronectin substrata, localisation of the protein to the periphery of the cell was, however, dependent on the C‐terminus of BCR/ABL PTK. Deletion of the C‐terminus reversed both BCR/ABL‐mediated apoptotic suppression and drug resistance although the progenitor cells did retain a proliferative advantage at low concentrations of growth factor. These results demonstrated that the C‐terminal actin‐binding domain of BCR/ABL is important for some of BCR/ABL PTK‐mediated leukaemogenic effects.
Near‐total splenectomy for hereditary spherocytosis: clinical prospects in relation to disease severity
Authors: Stoehr Gerhard A. , Sobh Julian N. , Luecken Jan , Heidemann Kathrin , Mittler Uwe , Hilgers Reinhard , Eber Stefan W. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryWe prospectively studied the efficacy of near total splenectomy (NTS) for managing hereditary spherocytosis (HS) based on haemoglobin (Hb), total bilirubin and splenic remnant regrowth in 30 children receiving NTS for HS between November 1996 and December 2004 (mean followup 3·6 years). Patients were classified into three severity groups. At followup, mean Hb had increased by 2·9–5·0 g/dl (P = 0·110) and bilirubin dropped by 15·4–56·4 μmol/l. Remnant regrowth was moderate, within the weight‐specific norm. Amongst spleen‐preserving techniques, NTS shows markedly lower rates of recurrent haemolysis, remnant regrowth and secondary operations, thus potentially benefiting all clinical forms of HS.
IgV gene intraclonal diversification and clonal evolution in B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Bagnara Davide , Callea Vincenzo , Stelitano Caterina , Morabito Fortunato , Fabris Sonia , Neri Antonino , Zanardi Sabrina , Ghiotto Fabio , Ciccone Ermanno , Grossi Carlo Enrico , Fais Franco 
Published: January 2006

SummaryIntraclonal diversification of immunoglobulin (Ig) variable (V) genes was evaluated in leukaemic cells from a B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL) case over a 2‐year period at four time points. Intraclonal heterogeneity was analysed by sequencing 305 molecular clones derived from polymerase chain reaction amplification of B‐CLL cell IgV heavy (H) and light (C) chain gene rearrangements. Sequences were compared with evaluating intraclonal variation and the nature of somatic mutations. Although IgV intraclonal variation was detected at all time points, its level decreased with time and a parallel emergence of two more represented VHDJH clones was observed. They differed by nine nucleotide substitutions one of which only caused a conservative replacement aminoacid change. In addition, one VLJL rearrangement became more represented over time. Analyses of somatic mutations suggest antigen selection and impairment of negative selection of neoplastic cells. In addition, a genealogical tree representing a model of clonal evolution of the neoplastic cells was created. It is of note that, during the period of study, the patient showed clinical progression of disease. We conclude that antigen stimulation and somatic hypermutation may participate in disease progression through the selection and expansion of neoplastic subclone(s).
Missing years of abuse in children's homes
Authors: Stein Mike 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper reflects upon the historic abuse of young people living in children's homes. Beginning with a recognition of ‘individual abuse’, it explores, first of all, the reasons why young people were abused, including: (1) the status of childhood and being in care; (2) the application of ‘approved’ treatment methods; (3) the failure of managerial, organizational and inspection systems; and (4) the institutional critique and the popularity of preventative policies. Second, by identifying common themes arising from this account, it is suggested we need to rethink the way abuse has been conceptualized. Individual direct abuse, sanctioned abuse, organized systematic abuse and system outcome abuse are discussed. Finally, the paper reviews recent changes in law, policy and practice, including the Children Act 2004, designed to prevent abuses happening again. It is argued that challenges still remain in addressing structural inequalities, improving protection, balancing needs and rights, extending protection to different groups of young people and in having a preventative vision for children's homes.
Widening our knowledge concerning young looked after children: the case for research using sociological models of childhood
Authors: Winter Karen 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTThe Assessment and Action framework for looked after children, designed to improve outcomes for all children in public care and those at home on care orders, is now well established in the UK. This paper offers a critical evaluation of the framework by examining the model of childhood upon which it is premised and by exploring its relationship to children's rights as conceptualized in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). It will be argued that the particular child development model which underpins the framework addresses the rights of looked after children to protection and provision but does not allow for their participation rights to be sufficiently addressed. A critical review of the research concerning the education and health of looked after children is used to illustrate these points. It will be argued that what are missing are the detailed accounts of looked after children themselves. It is concluded that there is a need for the development of additional research approaches premised upon sociological models of childhood. These would allow for a greater engagement with the participation rights of this group of children and complement the pre‐existing research agenda.
Young families under stress: assessing maternal and child well‐being using a mixed‐methods approach
Authors: McAuley Colette , McCurry Nyree , Knapp Martin , Beecham Jennifer , Sleed Michelle 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTSupporting parents has been reinforced as central to improving children's lives. Assessment of needs, however, is crucial to the provision of effective support. This paper focuses upon the assessment of well‐being of mothers and their children in 162 young families experiencing stress in south‐east England and Northern Ireland. A mixed‐methods approach to assessment was adopted and the strengths of using face‐to‐face interviews alongside standardized measures are explored.
Safeguarding children: challenges to the effective operation of core groups
Authors: Harlow Elizabeth , Shardlow Steven M. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACTFounded on an evaluative review of core group practice in a northern metropolitan borough of England, this paper highlights the tensions and difficulties that might inhibit the quality of post‐registration services to children and their families. Insights from the empirical data as well as theoretical literature have been explored in the light of current and developing policies. This exploration is focused on inter‐agency coordination; inter‐professional relationships; and partnership with parents and children. The recruitment and retention of social workers, the potential contribution of Children's Trusts, as well as unconscious processes relating to child abuse and child protection, are all given consideration.
Impact of cytopathologist expert on diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic lesions in current clinical practice. A series of 106 endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspirations
Authors: Alsibai K. Drak , Denis B. , Bottlaender J. , Kleinclaus I. , Straub P. , Fabre M. 
Published: January 2006

Objectives:  To evaluate the role of a cytopathologist expert in interpreting difficult pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) in terms of impact on diagnostic yield and therapy in current clinical practice.Methods:  Retrospective study of 106 EUS‐FNA performed between January 2002 and September 2004. Forty‐seven cases of difficult interpretation by the local cytopathologist were mailed to an expert cytopathologist. The final diagnosis was established by histology obtained by either surgery (n = 30), non‐equivocal FNA (n = 40) or core (n = 8) biopsies, or by a mean follow‐up of 14 months (n = 28).Results:  EUS‐FNA involved 68 solid lesions (SL). Specimens collected were adequate in 63%. The overall sensitivity of EUS‐FNA for the diagnosis of malignancy of SL was 88% versus 72% for local cytopathologist and 89% for expert. EUS‐FNA with the reevaluation by expert of 39 SL gave a therapeutic impact in 47% of SL. Thirty‐eight cystic lesions (CL) were evaluated. Specimens collected were adequate for cytology in 84% of cases and for biochemistry in 79%. The sensitivity of imaging + EUS‐FNA ± biochemistry for the diagnosis of a surgical CL was 58% with a therapeutic impact in 39.5%.Conclusion:  Pancreatic EUS‐FNA is an easy technique for experienced endosonographers, which can be safely performed on an outpatient basis. The possibility of mailing difficult cases to an expert cytopathologist increases the diagnostic yield. In these circumstances, EUS‐FNA has a therapeutic impact in current practice in nearly one out of two pancreatic lesions.