bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human melanoma integrins contribute to arrest and stabilization potential while flowing over extracellular matrix
Authors: MENTER DAVID G , FITZGERALD LARRY , PATTON JOHN T , MCINTIRE LARRY V , NICOLSON GARTH L 
Published: July 2007

SummaryTo form distant metastases, tumour cells must stabilize adhesive interactions that prevent detachment at secondary sites. Primary receptor‐ligand interactions alone may not maintain prolonged adhesive contacts without secondary events that lead to adhesion stabilization. Computerized imaging methods enable us to examine various substrates for: (i) the wall shear adhesion threshold (WSAT). a measure of the dynamic adhesive potential of tumour cells; (ii) the number of tumour cells that adhered; and (iii) the adhesion stabilization lag time (ASLT) or length of time required for tumour cells to stabilize adhesive contacts capable of withstanding high wall shear force (up to 100 dynes/cm‐). The relative WSAT ratios found were: wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) > laminin > fibronectin > vitronectin > collagen I > collagen IV > von Willebrand factor (vWF) (the greater the shear rate the higher the adhesive potential). The relative stabilization ratios found were as follows: laminin < fibronectin < vitronectin < collagen IV < collagen I < vWF < WGA (shorter times correlate with greater stabilization potential). Stabilization data using fibronectin as a substrate correlated the best with metastatic potential. Using three melanoma lines of ditterent metastatic potential semi‐quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed a two‐ to four‐fold increase in α1, α3, α4, α5, α6, and ICAM‐1 in the highly metastatic 70W cells compared to the Me Wo and non‐metastatic 3SS melanoma cells. There were no differences in α, β1 and β3 levels among the three melanoma lines, and PCR products for αIIb, α2, CD36, or ICAM‐2 were not detected. The 70W cells also had higher levels of αx and β2 (CD11/CD18 and pl50 leukocyte antigen) than either the MeWo or 3S5 cells. The data indicate that melanoma cells exhibit differences in the adhesion properties under fluid shear and differences in the expression of adhesion components that correlate with their metastatic potential.
Natural Diet of an Australian Freshwater Pipefish
Authors: Jones Andrew , Rudstam Lars , Rayner Thomas 
Published: July 2007

AbstractGlobally, the family Syngnathidae (seahorses and pipefish) is recognized as being both under threat from anthropogenic pressures and poorly studied. Of the 47 species that are listed on the IUCN Red List, 33 are currently listed as ‘data deficient’, with inadequate information available to make an assessment of their risk of extinction. Within Australia, this has prompted environmental assessments of specific fisheries, as well as a number of recent ecological studies of marine syngnathids. However, no work has been published on the continent’s four freshwater species. To begin to remedy this, a thorough analysis of the feeding habits of one such species was conducted. Twenty-two specimens of Hippichthys heptagonus Bleeker, 1849 were collected from the Mulgrave River in north Queensland. Dissection and subsequent analysis revealed that microcrustaceans comprised the vast majority of the species diet, with calanoid and cyclopoid copepods being by far the most prevalent prey items (66%). Dipteran, as well as ephemeropteran, larvae were moderately abundant (5% and 10%), and made a notable contribution to the volume of the average diet (16% and 12%). A percent principal component analysis of the volume data reinforced these findings. The first factor accounted for 69.7% of the observed variation, with largest factor loading (0.88) belonging to copepods. there were no significant differences in prey consumption Between genders, but, the percent volume of copepod prey significantly higher in adults was than in juveniles (Mann-Whitney’s U: P < 0.01). These findings indicate that H. heptagonus is primarily a predaceous planktivore, with a specialized diet that is comparable to coastal marine syngnathids. Also, the prevalence of a single prey type suggests that the H. heptagonus occupies a narrow ecological niche, and that its distribution within the watershed may be limited by prey availability.
Prevalence and patterns of alcohol use in the Australian workforce: findings from the 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey
Authors: Berry Jesia G. , Pidd Ken , Roche Ann M. , Harrison James E. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTAims To describe Australian workers' prevalence and patterns of alcohol use.Design A secondary analysis of the 2001 National Drug Strategy Household Survey.Participants A total of 13 582 workers ≥ 14 years old.Measurements Alcohol consumption levels associated with National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines for short‐ and long‐term harm were stratified by occupation and industry.Findings Approximately 8% of the workforce drank at least weekly at short‐term risky or high risk levels, 17% drank at least monthly, 18% drank at least yearly and 11% drank at long‐term risky or high risk levels. The prevalence of risky or high risk drinking was higher for younger than for older workers. Controlling for socio‐demographic factors, the risk of workers frequently drinking at levels associated with short‐term harm was lowest in the education industry and significantly higher in the hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing and construction industries. Drinking patterns associated with long‐term harm were more prevalent in the agriculture, retail and manufacturing industries, compared to the education industry. Drinking patterns associated with both short‐ and long‐term harm were more prevalent for blue‐collar workers than professionals.Conclusions Risky and high risk drinking occurred at least occasionally in 44% of Australian workers. Workers in the hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing, construction and retail industries, workers in blue‐collar occupations and young workers were identified as at‐risk subgroups. These data provide evidence that patterns of consumption differ between occupational and industry groups, and highlight the pressing need to develop policies, prevention and intervention strategies to reduce harmful alcohol use in Australia, particularly among young adults.
Phase Ib clinical trial of starch‐conjugated deferoxamine (40SD02): a novel long‐acting iron chelator
Authors: Harmatz Paul , Grady Robert W. , Dragsten Paul , Vichinsky Elliott , Giardina Patricia , Madden Jacqueline , Jeng Michael , Miller Becky , Hanson Gregory , Hedlund Bo 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe most widely used drug for iron chelation is deferoxamine (DFO) mesylate. While effective in promoting iron excretion, it requires prolonged daily infusions, often resulting in poor compliance. A clinical trial was conducted using starch‐conjugated DFO (S‐DFO; 40SD02), a high‐molecular‐weight iron chelator possessing prolonged vascular retention. Single doses of S‐DFO were infused intravenously into groups of four transfusion‐dependent patients with β‐thalassaemia at doses of 150, 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg. Urinary iron excretion and various pharmacologic parameters were evaluated for 1 week and safety for 3 weeks. No drug‐related effects were observed on clinical chemistries, haematological and coagulation parameters, urinalyses, vital signs or electrocardiograms. Drug‐related adverse events were limited to four urticarial reactions, none requiring termination of the infusion. The drug stimulated clinically significant urinary iron excretion, with the highest dose (900 mg/kg) inducing excretion of 1·31 mg of iron/kg (range 0·79–1·90 mg/kg) over 1 week, with residual iron‐binding capacity present in the plasma for over 6 d. In summary, treatment with S‐DFO, administered weekly, has the potential to achieve iron balance in the poorly compliant patient.
Expression of the γ‐globin gene is sustained by the cAMP‐dependent pathway in β‐thalassaemia
Authors: Bailey Lakiea , Kuroyanagi Yuichi , Franco‐Penteado Carla F. , Conran Nicola , Costa Fernando F. , Ausenda Sabrina , Cappellini Maria D. , Ikuta Tohru 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe present study found that the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)‐dependent pathway efficiently induced γ‐globin expression in adult erythroblasts, and this pathway plays a role in γ‐globin gene (HBG) expression in β‐thalassaemia. Expression ofHBGmRNA increased to about 46% of non‐HBA mRNA in adult erythroblasts treated with forskolin, while a cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analogue inducedHBGmRNA to levels <20% of non‐HBA mRNA. In patients with β‐thalassaemia intermedia, cAMP levels were elevated in both red blood cells and nucleated erythroblasts but no consistent elevation was found with cGMP levels. The transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) was phosphorylated in nucleated erythroblasts and its phosphorylation levels correlated withHBGmRNA levels of the patients. Other signalling molecules, such as mitogen‐activated protein kinases and signal transducers and activators of transcription proteins, were phosphorylated at variable levels and showed no correlations with theHBGmRNA levels. Plasma levels of cytokines, such as erythropoietin, stem cell factor and transforming growth factor‐β were increased in patients, and these cytokines induced bothHBGmRNA expression and CREB phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that the cAMP‐dependent pathway, the activity of which is augmented by multiple cytokines, plays a role in regulatingHBGexpression in β‐thalassaemia.
Young people's and carers' perspectives on the mental health needs of looked‐after adolescents
Authors: Stanley Nicky 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTWhile the mental health needs of looked‐after young people have been described in a number of clinical studies, the views of looked‐after adolescents themselves concerning their mental health needs have only rarely been reported. This study used focus groups to elicit the ideas and experiences of looked‐after young people in two local authorities in England. Front‐line carers in the region were also surveyed. Young people and carers were agreed in highlighting the damaging effects of the discontinuity and change experienced in the looked‐after system. Young people emphasized the importance of exercising choice and control when seeking and receiving support and identified the value of positive role models provided by ‘survivors’ of the care system. Carers reported high levels of risk behaviour, particularly self‐harm, among young people in children's homes. These differing perspectives need to be openly acknowledged and negotiated within care settings in order that relevant and accessible therapeutic and support services can be offered to looked‐after adolescents.
Do immune responses to inhaled skin flakes modulate the expression of allergic disease?
Authors: Tovey E. R. , Kemp A. S. , Almqvist C. , Sharland A. , Marks G. B. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryWe examine the nature of the immune responses to inhaled skin particles and query whether early exposure could play a role in providing protection against the development of allergic disease. Currently, the main hypothesis used to explain environmental modulation of allergic diseases, the ‘hygiene hypothesis’, is linked exclusively to microbial exposures acting upon the innate immune system. However, many of the exposures sustaining this hypothesis also involve co‐exposure to skin flakes from humans or animals. Such skin flakes contain a complex mixture of antigens, glycolipids and small peptides that may induce immune responses. Should these responses prove relevant to the modulation of allergic diseases, it provides new opportunities to better understand the epidemic of allergic disease and to develop new interventions for its prevention.
Preliminary evidence for interaction of PTPN12 polymorphism with TSHR genotype and association with Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Authors: Syed A. A. , Simmonds M. J. , Brand O. J. , Franklyn J. A. , Gough S. C. L. , Heward J. M. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryObjective  Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), such as PTPN22, are important regulators of signal transduction from the T cell receptor and have been associated with autoimmunity. PTPN12 interacts with the same T cell activation accessory molecules, Grb2 and Csk kinase, as the Graves’ disease (GD) associated PTPN22 encoded lymphoid tyrosine phosphatase (LYP) molecule and also plays a key role in T cell receptor signalling, leading to the hypothesis that it too may be involved in GD susceptibility.Design  PTPN12 was tested for association in a large well‐characterized UK Caucasian case control cohort using seven tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).Patients  A total of 1058 GD patients and 864 controls.Measurements  Tests for association with the disease.Results  Despite adequate statistical power to detect an effect if present, none of the seven tag SNPs were associated with GD (P = 0·925–0·089). Three SNPs (rs1468682, rs4729535 and rs17467232), however, demonstrated association with the presence of ophthalmopathy NOSPECS classes 2–4 (P = 0·039–0·004). Four SNPs (rs1468682, rs4729535, rs17155601 and rs17467232) revealed evidence of interaction with the previously associated thyrotropin hormone receptor (TSHR) rs2268458 SNP (P = 0·035–0·002).Conclusions  No association was detected between individual PTPN12 tag SNPs and GD but preliminary evidence suggests PTPN12 confers an increased risk of mild/moderate ophthalmopathy (NOSPECS classes 2–4) and that PTPN12 interacts with the TSHR. Replication of these preliminary results is now required in larger independent datasets to validate these findings.
Over‐expression of the bovine FcRn in the mammary gland results in increased IgG levels in both milk and serum of transgenic mice
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhao Zhihui , Zhao Yaofeng , Yu Shuyang , Zhao Yiqiang , Fan Baoliang , Kacskovics Imre , Hammarström Lennart , Li Ning 
Published: July 2007

SummaryThe neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) protects immunoglobulin G (IgG) from catabolism and is also responsible for IgG absorption in the neonatal small intestine. However, whether it mediates the transfer of IgG from plasma to milk still remains speculative. In the present study, we have generated transgenic mice that over‐express the bovine FcRn (bFcRn) in their lactating mammary glands. Significantly increased IgG levels were observed in the sera and milk from transgenic animals, suggesting that the over‐expressed bFcRn could bind and protect endogenous mouse IgG and thus extend its lifespan. We also found that injected human IgG showed a significantly longer half‐life (7–8 days) in the transgenic mice than in controls (2·9 days). Altogether, the data suggested that bFcRn could bind both mouse and human IgG, showing a cross‐species FcRn–IgG binding activity. However, we found no selective accumulation of endogenous mouse IgG or injected bovine IgG in the milk of the transgenic females, supporting a previous hypothesis that IgG was transported from serum to milk in an inverse correlation to its binding affinity to FcRn.
Molecular evidence for long‐distance dispersal in the New Zealand pteridophyte flora
Authors: Perrie Leon , Brownsey Patrick 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAim  To examine the relative importance of long‐distance dispersal in shaping the New Zealand pteridophyte (ferns and lycophytes) flora and its relationships with other floras, with the null hypothesis that the extant New Zealand pteridophyte flora has been isolated since New Zealand’s separation from Gondwana.Location  New Zealand.Methods  rbcL DNA sequences were assembled for 31 New Zealand pteridophyte genera, with each genus represented by one New Zealand species and the most closely related non‐New Zealand species for which data were available. Maximum‐likelihood, maximum‐parsimony, and Bayesian analysis phylograms were constructed and used as input for r8s molecular dating, along with 23 fossil calibrations. Divergence estimates less than conservatively recent ages for New Zealand’s geological isolation, namely Ho > 30 Ma for pairs involving New Caledonian and Norfolk Island species and Ho > 55 Ma for all others, were taken as rejection of the null hypothesis.Results  The null hypothesis was rejected for all pairs except, under some parameter conditions, for those involving the New Zealand species Cardiomanes reniforme, Lindsaea trichomanoides, Loxsoma cunninghamii, Lygodium articulatum, Marattia salicina, and Pteris comans. However, the Lindsaea and Pteris results probably reflect the absence in the analyses of closely related non‐New Zealand samples, while the Marattia divergence was highly contingent on which fossil calibrations were used.Main conclusions  Rejection of the null hypothesis for the majority of pairs implies that the extant New Zealand lineage has undergone long‐distance dispersal either into or out of New Zealand. The notion of a long isolation since geological separation can, therefore, be dismissed for much of New Zealand’s pteridophyte flora. The analyses do not identify the direction of the long‐distance dispersal, and these New Zealand lineages could have had vicariant origins with subsequent long‐distance emigration. However, the alternative that many extant New Zealand pteridophyte lineages only arrived by long‐distance immigration after geological isolation seems likely.
Bacteria between protists and phages: from antipredation strategies to the evolution of pathogenicity
Authors: Brüssow Harald 
Published: July 2007

SummaryBacteriophages and protists are major causes of bacterial mortality. Genomics suggests that phages evolved well before eukaryotic protists. Bacteria were thus initially only confronted with phage predators. When protists evolved, bacteria were caught between two types of predators. One successful antigrazing strategy of bacteria was the elaboration of toxins that would kill the grazer. The released cell content would feed bystander bacteria. I suggest here that, to fight grazing protists, bacteria teamed up with those phage predators that concluded at least a temporary truce with them in the form of lysogeny. Lysogeny was perhaps initially a resource management strategy of phages that could not maintain infection chains. Subsequently, lysogeny might have evolved into a bacterium–prophage coalition attacking protists, which became a food source for them. When protists evolved into multicellular animals, the lysogenic bacteria tracked their evolving food source. This hypothesis could explain why a frequent scheme of bacterial pathogenicity is the survival in phagocytes, why a significant fraction of bacterial pathogens have prophage‐encoded virulence genes, and why some virulence factors of animal pathogens are active against unicellular eukaryotes. Bacterial pathogenicity might thus be one playing option of the stone–scissor–paper game played between phages–bacteria–protists, with humans getting into the crossfire.
A case of idiopathic granulomatous cheilitis and vulvitis
Authors: Sbano Paolo , Rubegni Pietro , Risulo Massimiliano , De Nisi Maria Caterina , Fimiani Michele 
Published: July 2007

A 36‐year‐old woman presented with chronic recurring dermatitis of the vulva, perineum, and lips. The genital lesions had a 3‐year history and were associated with slight pruritus and occasional pain. The lesions of the upper lip had a history of 6 months. The patient had been treated with cycles of antimycotics and topical steroids which only partially controlled the symptoms during treatment. Dermatologic examination showed erythematous, infiltrative dermatitis with edema of the labia majora and persistent edema of the upper lip (Fig. 1a,b). Routine blood chemistry, urine analysis, and chest X‐ray were normal. Microscopic examination and cultures of vaginal swabs did not reveal any pathogenic bacteria or fungi. Histologic examination of a biopsy of vulval lesional skin showed lichenoid lymphocytic infiltration of the papillary dermis and small, nonnecrotic epithelioid granulomas in the deep dermis (Fig. 1c,d). No microorganisms, including acid‐fast bacilli or fungi, were identified. Culture was negative for fungi. Polymerase chain reaction was negative for the mycobacterial genome. Histologic examination of a biopsy from the upper lip showed similar results. The pathology reports of both regions were compatible with a diagnosis of granulomatous cheilitis and vulvitis. To investigate concomitant asymptomatic inflammatory bowel disease, the patient underwent colonoscopy with retrograde ileoscopy and gastroscopy, which were both negative. The patient refused radiographic examination of the small intestine with a barium meal. The patient was treated with systemic metronidazole (500 mg/day). After 6 months of therapy, the upper lip showed significant improvement and erythema and desquamation in the genital area showed slight improvement, but genital edema was unaffected.Granulomatous vulvitis and cheilitis: (a) erythematous infiltrative dermatitis with edema of the vulva; (b) edema of the upper lip; (c) lichenoid lymphocytic infiltration of the papillary dermis and small, nonnecrotic epithelioid granulomas in the deep dermis (hematoxylin and eosin, ×2.5); (d) detail of granulomatous infiltrate (hematoxylin and eosin, ×40)image
Meeting information needs to facilitate decision making: report cards for people with disabilities1
Authors: Palsbo Susan E. , Kroll Thilo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Several states within the United States offer low‐income adults with disabilities a choice of health plans. No states issue comparative ‘report cards’ specifically for adults with disabilities.Objective  To explore conceptualizations of quality, information needs, and report card preferences from the perspective of people with disabilities.Research design Eight focus group interviews were conducted in 2003. Existing report cards for California, Maryland, Michigan and Texas were shared for feedback.Subjects 34 women and 15 men with various behavioural, physical or sensory disabilities in Oregon, California, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.Results Quality was mostly defined in terms of choice and disability sensitivity of service providers. Respondents identified various obstacles to receiving appropriate health plan and service information. All beneficiaries were keenly interested in the comparative health plan report cards, but did not think the report cards provided enough pertinent information, especially with regard to provider ratings, accessibility, disability competence and reasons for participating in the Medicaid program.Conclusions Existing comparative report cards omit several major content domains important to people with disabilities. Organizations providing decision support to people with disabilities should cultivate novel avenues for distribution, such as food banks, libraries and places of worship.