bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac diseases in people with intellectual disability
Authors: Van Den Akker M. , Maaskant M. A. , Van Der Meijden R. J. M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground In people with ID there is more morbidity than in the general population, including cardiac diseases. Dutch figures on this subject are scarce.Methods Descriptive study of the prevalence of cardiac diseases in 436 residential clients in Echt, the Netherlands, and comparisons between men and women, age groups, and level and aetiology of ID, were carried out.Results It was found that the total prevalence of cardiac diseases was 14%, with a higher prevalence among women, the elderly, and people with mild/moderate ID.Conclusions The prevalence of cardiac diseases in residential clients is substantial. With the increasing number of ageing people with ID and people with ID living more independently in community‐integrated residences, it is expected that the morbidity and mortality from cardiac diseases will increase further.
The ComFor: an instrument for the indication of augmentative communication in people with autism and intellectual disability
Authors: Noens I. , Van Berckelaer‐Onnes I. , Verpoorten R. , Van Duijn G. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground  The ComFor (Forerunners in Communication) is an instrument to explore underlying competence for augmentative communication. More specifically, it measures perception and sense‐making of non‐transient forms of communication at the levels of presentation and representation. The target group consists primarily of individuals with autism and intellectual disability (ID) without or with only limited verbal communication. The ComFor is suitable for children and adults with a developmental level between 12 and 60 months. This paper describes the theoretical framework and structure of the ComFor, the results of a study on its psychometric properties and its clinical uses.Method  The ComFor was tested on a sample of 623 children and adults from the Netherlands and Flanders: a group with autism and ID (n = 310); a group with ID without autism (n = 174); and a control group of typically developing children (n = 139).Results  The data generally support the reliability and validity of the ComFor. Internal consistency, inter‐rater and test–retest reliability were found to be good. Construct validity (internal structure, convergent and divergent patterns) was established in different ways. The criterion‐related validity has yet to be established, as predictive data are not available at the moment.Conclusion  Taken together, the results indicate that the ComFor is a promising instrument to explore underlying competence for augmentative communication. Areas for future research are outlined and the clinical relevance is discussed.
A CH3CN and HCO+ survey towards southern methanol masers associated with star formation
Authors: Purcell C. R. , Balasubramanyam R. , Burton M. G. , Walsh A. J. , Minier V. , Hunt-Cunningham M. R. , Kedziora-Chudczer L. L. , Longmore S. N. , Hill T. , Bains I. , Barnes P. J. , Busfield A. L. , Calisse P. , Crighton N. H. M. , Curran S. J. , Davis T. M. , Dempsey J. T. , Derragopian G. , Fulton B. , Hidas M. G. , Hoare M. G. , Lee J.-K. , Ladd E. F. , Lumsden S. L. , Moore T. J. T. , Murphy M. T. , Oudmaijer R. D. , Pracy M. B. , Rathborne J. , Robertson S. , Schultz A. S. B. , Shobbrook J. , Sparks P. A. , Storey J. , Travouillion T. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
We present the initial results of a 3-mm spectral-line survey towards 83 methanol maser-selected massive star-forming regions. Here, we report observations of the J = 5–4 and 6–5 rotational transitions of methyl cyanide (CH3CN) and the J = 1–0 transition of HCO+ and H13CO+.
CH3CN emission is detected in 58 sources (70 per cent of our sample). We estimate the temperature and column density for 37 of these using the rotational diagram (RD) method. The temperatures we derive range from 28–166 K, and are lower than previously reported temperatures, derived from higher J transitions. We find that CH3CN is brighter and more commonly detected towards ultracompact H ii (UCH ii) regions than towards isolated maser sources. Detection of CH3CN towards isolated maser sources strongly suggests that these objects are internally heated and that CH3CN is excited prior to the UCH ii phase of massive star formation.
HCO+ is detected towards 82 sources (99 per cent of our sample), many of which exhibit asymmetric line profiles compared to H13CO+. Skewed profiles are indicative of inward or outward motions, however, we find approximately equal numbers of red- and blue-skewed profiles among all classes. Column densities are derived from an analysis of the HCO+ and H13CO+ line profiles.
80 sources have mid-infrared (mid-IR) counterparts: 68 seen in emission and 12 seen in absorption as ‘dark clouds’. Seven of the 12 dark clouds exhibit asymmetric HCO+ profiles, six of which are skewed to the blue, indicating infalling motions. CH3CN is also common in dark clouds, where it has a 90 per cent detection rate.
The Arabidopsis thaliana multifunctional protein gene (MFP2) of peroxisomal β‐oxidation is essential for seedling establishment
Authors: Rylott Elizabeth L. , Eastmond Peter J. , Gilday Alison D. , Slocombe Steve P. , Larson Tony R. , Baker Alison , Graham Ian A. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe multifunctional protein (MFP) of peroxisomal β‐oxidation catalyses four separate reactions, two of which (2‐trans enoyl‐CoA hydratase and l‐3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase) are core activities required for the catabolism of all fatty acids. We have isolated and characterized five Arabidopsis thaliana mutants in the MFP2 gene that is expressed predominantly in germinating seeds. Seedlings of mfp2 require an exogenous supply of sucrose for seedling establishment to occur. Analysis of mfp2‐1 seedlings revealed that seed storage lipid was catabolized more slowly, long‐chain acyl‐CoA substrates accumulated and there was an increase in peroxisome size. Despite a reduction in the rate of β‐oxidation, mfp2 seedlings are not resistant to the herbicide 2,4‐dichlorophenoxybutyric acid, which is catabolized to the auxin 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by β‐oxidation. Acyl‐CoA feeding experiments show that the MFP2 2‐trans enoyl‐CoA hydratase only exhibits activity against long chain (C18:0) substrates, whereas the MFP2 l‐3‐hydroxyacyl‐CoA dehydrogenase is active on C6:0, C12:0 and C18:0 substrates. A mutation in the abnormal inflorescence meristem gene AIM1, the only homologue of MFP2, results in an abnormal inflorescence meristem phenotype in mature plants (Richmond and Bleecker, Plant Cell 11, 1999, 1911) demonstrating that the role of these genes is very different. The mfp2‐1 aim1double mutant aborted during the early stages of embryo development showing that these two proteins share a common function that is essential for this key stage in the life cycle.
Quantitative effects of vernalization on FLC and SOC1 expression
Authors: Sheldon Candice C. , Jean Finnegan E. , Dennis Elizabeth S. , James Peacock W. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryProlonged exposure to cold results in early flowering in Arabidopsis winter annual ecotypes, with longer exposures resulting in a greater promotion of flowering than shorter exposures. The promotion of flowering is mediated through an epigenetic down‐regulation of the floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). We present results that provide an insight into the quantitative regulation of FLC by vernalization. Analysis of the effect of seed or plant cold treatment on FLC expression indicates that the time‐dependent nature of vernalization on FLC expression is mediated through the extent of the initial repression of FLC and not by affecting the ability to maintain the repressed state. In the over‐expression mutant flc‐11, the time‐dependent repression of FLC correlates with the proportional deacetylation of histone H3. Our results indicate that sequences within intron 1 and the activities of both VERNALIZATION1 (VRN1) and VERNALIZATION2 (VRN2) are required for efficient establishment of FLC repression; however, VRN1 and VRN2 are not required for maintenance of the repressed state during growth after the cold exposure. SUPPRESSOR OF OVER‐EXPRESSION OF CO 1 (SOC1), a downstream target of FLC, is quantitatively induced by vernalization in a reciprocal manner to FLC. In addition, we show that SOC1 undergoes an acute induction by both short and long cold exposures.
The Mechanics of Duetting in a New Zealand Endemic, the Kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni): Song at a Snail's Pace
Authors: Molles Laura E. , Hudson Jeff D. , Waas Joseph R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractNew Zealand's endemic, duetting kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) produce one of the longest known bird songs (ca 30 s) and duets that differ strikingly from those of most duetters in their unusual length and non‐repetitive structure, long pauses between component phrases, and the great flexibility in sex roles. Here we present a structural analysis of the vocalizations of 17 kokako pairs collected during natural song bouts and in response to conspecific playback, to gain insight into the functional role of this extraordinary vocal behavior. Males tend to sing a greater proportion of the duet than females. Like many duetting species, kokako have a moderately sized repertoire of phrases (mean repertoire size =18) and pair members tend to sing antiphonally rather than in unison. Sharing of phrase types is high among neighboring kokako ( = 86%) and repertoires are not sex specific, as is typical of some but not all duetting species. Timing characteristics, broad sharing of phrase types, and countersinging behavior strongly suggest that kokako duets play an important role in territory defense. Additionally, differences in pairs’ sex role and phrase sequence flexibility suggest that these aspects of duet performance may reflect pair‐bond length or commitment, and require a time investment by pair members.
Social Organization in Woodchucks (Marmota monax) and its Relationship to Growing Season
Authors: Maher Christine R. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAmong sciurids, delayed dispersal may result from slow rates of maturation associated with short growing seasons and large body mass. However, woodchucks (Marmota monax) experience a range of ecological conditions and display behavioral flexibility, often ignored in models of sociality. To investigate relationships between social organization and growing season, I collected data on interaction rates, timing of dispersal, and body mass of woodchucks in southern Maine, and I gathered comparative data from the literature. Interaction rates peaked in spring then declined, with agonistic interactions exceeding amicable interactions in adults and in yearling males. Adult males and females weighed comparable amounts early and late in the season, but female weights lagged behind those of males in early summer. Woodchucks did not attain adult mass until after their second hibernation period. Nearly 50% of juveniles postponed dispersal beyond their first summer, and nearly half of those individuals remained philopatric in the following year. Populations faced with longer growing seasons matured more slowly, but timing of dispersal did not correspond to growing season or maturation rate. Other ecological factors, including burrow density, or benefits associated with joint hibernation, may influence timing of dispersal and degree of sociality and deserve further study.
Clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma that occur after sustained virological response to interferon for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: IKEDA MASAFUMI , FUJIYAMA SHIGETOSHI , TANAKA MOTOHIKO , SATA MICHIO , IDE TATSUYA , YATSUHASHI HIROSHI , WATANABE HIROSHI 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  This study investigated the clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with sustained virological response to interferon for hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection.Methods:  A total of 7715 patients with HCV infection were treated with interferon and followed up for more than 1 year after withdrawal of interferon in 64 Japanese hospitals and clinics between July 1988 and August 2001. Sustained virological response was obtained in 2515 (32.6%) patients. Of these 2515 patients, clinical data were collected for 38 patients in whom hepatocellular carcinoma developed. Sustained virological response was defined as HCV RNA negativity more than 6 months after the termination of interferon.Results:  All patients were HCV RNA negative at the time of diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. The median period until the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma was 4.7 years (range 1.4–9.0 years). There were significant improvements in hepatic function including serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, indocyanine green test, platelet count and histological activity grade in comparison with those before interferon therapy and at the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma. The maximum tumor size in patients without medical follow‐up for 1 year or more (median: 60 mm) was significantly larger than in patients who were periodically followed up for 6 months or less (median: 25 mm) (P = 0.002).Conclusions:  The present findings emphasize the importance of regular medical follow up of patients with HCV infection, as even patients showing a sustained virological response to interferon and in whom hepatic function has improved have the potential to develop hepatocellular carcinoma.
Dietary influence on electrogastrography and association of alterations in gastric myoelectrical activity with symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia
Authors: LEE KWANG JAE , KIM JIN HONG , CHO SUNG WON 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  It is unclear which type of meal is adequate in measuring electrogastrography and which parameter of electrogastrography is of clinical relevance. The aims of the present study were to compare the influence of water and a nutrient drink on electrogastrography in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and in healthy volunteers, and to investigate the association of alterations of electrogastrography with symptoms.Method:  In 30 patients with FD and 12 healthy volunteers, the recording of electrogastrography with symptom assessments was performed preprandially and postprandially. Subjects ingested the same volume of water and a nutrient drink at a fixed rate, which was performed in a randomized cross‐over design.Results:  Unlike water, the power ratio after/before a nutrient drink was significantly lower in patients compared to controls. Patients had more severe bloating and epigastric pain after nutrient ingestion than after water intake. Absent postprandial increase of power was observed in seven of the 30 patients after nutrient intake, and in three of the 30 patients after water intake. The former patients had significantly more severe fullness and bloating. Irrespective of a test meal, the percentage rates of normogastria significantly decreased postprandially in the patient group, but not in the control group. No differences in symptom severity were observed between patients with and without abnormally low percentage rates of normogastria.Conclusions:  Decreased postprandial rates of normogastria and absent postprandial increase of power are electrogastrographic abnormalities found in a subset of patients with FD. A nutrient drink is more adequate for the detection of such alterations than water. The lack of a postprandial increase of power is associated with the severity of some dyspeptic symptoms, but decreased postprandial rates of normogastria are not.
Mucosal mast cell counts correlate with visceral hypersensitivity in patients with diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: PARK JUNG HO , RHEE POONG‐LYUL , KIM HYUN SEO , LEE JUN HAENG , KIM YOUNG‐HO , KIM JAE JUN , RHEE JONG CHUL 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Although increased mast cells in the gut and their role in visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome have been postulated, this relationship remains unclear. Our aim was to determine whether a relationship exists between the number of mucosal mast cells in the gut and visceral hypersensitivity.Method:  Eighteen patients with diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D‐IBS) (eight females, 10 males aged 25–65 years; mean 42.6 years) with symptoms meeting the Rome‐II criteria, and 15 healthy controls (five females, 10 males aged 31–57 years; mean 41.4 years) were recruited. Participants completed a questionnaire for bowel symptoms and psychological distress. Colonic mucosal mast cells were identified immunohistochemically and quantified by image analysis, and maximally tolerable pressures were evaluated using barostat test.Results:  Numbers of mast cells were significantly greater in the terminal ileum, ascending colon and rectum of D‐IBS patients compared with controls (P < 0.01). A multivariate analysis of the barostat test showed that maximally tolerable pressures of D‐IBS patients were significantly lower than those of controls (P < 0.01). When patients were divided into the rectal hypersensitivity (+) and (–) groups by the distension level of 34 mmHg, mast cell counts were significantly higher in the rectal hypersensitivity (–) group than in the rectal hypersensitivity (+) group for the terminal ileum, ascending colon and rectum (P < 0.05, respectively).Conclusions:  Rectal sensitivity was enhanced in D‐IBS patients with moderately increased mucosal mast cells, but it was attenuated in patients with markedly increased ones. This study might provide evidence for an important role of mast cells in visceral hypersensitivity.
A pilot study to evaluate a new combination therapy for gastric ulcer: Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy followed by gastroprotective treatment with rebamipide
Authors: TERANO AKIRA , ARAKAWA TETSUO , SUGIYAMA TOSHIRO , YOSHIKAWA TOSHIKAZU , HARUMA KEN , ASAKA MASAHIRO , SHIMOSEGAWA TOORU , SAKAKI NOBUHIRO , ISHII HIROMASA , SAKAMOTO CHOITSU , TAKAHASHI SHIN‐ICHI , KINOSHITA YOSHIKAZU , FUJIOKA TOSHIO , KOBAYASHI KENZO 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Controversies remain over the need for antiulcer treatment following 1‐week eradication triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori‐positive peptic ulcers. The usefulness of combination therapy for gastric ulcers in Japanese patients, which consists of H. pylori eradication followed by gastroprotective therapy with rebamipide, was therefore evaluated.Methods:  The study was conducted in 52 H. pylori‐positive patients with an endoscopically‐proven open gastric ulcer. All patients received 1‐week triple therapy (lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin) followed by 7‐week rebamipide therapy. After completion of the combination therapy, all patients underwent evaluation of ulcer healing by endoscopy, gastric ulcer symptoms and H. pylori eradication by rapid urease test and 13C‐urea breath test.Results:  The ulcer healing rates were 85.7% (36/42) at 8 weeks, 83.3% (30/36) in eradicated patients and 100% (6/6) in non‐eradicated patients. The overall gastrointestinal symptom‐free rate improved from 19.0% at baseline to 88.1% at 8 weeks. H. pylori was effectively eradicated in 85.7% (36/42) of patients.Conclusions:  The results suggested that the combination therapy for open gastric ulcer was safe, well‐tolerated and effective. However, data from a double‐blind placebo‐controlled study is necessary to confirm these findings.
Duodenal lymphangitis carcinomatosa: Endoscopic characteristics and clinical significance
Authors: NAKASONO MASAHIKO , HIROKAWA MITSUYOSHI , MUGURUMA NAOKI , OKAMURA SEISUKE , ITO SUSUMU , OKAZAKI MICHIYO , HORIE TAKAHIRO , KIMURA MASUO , TAKEUCHI MAYUKO , INOSHITA TOSHI , SANO TOSHIAKI 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Duodenal lymphangitis carcinomatosa has been sporadically described, but so far little attention has been paid to duodenal lymphangitis carcinomatosa.Methods:  Four cases with duodenal lymphangitis carcinomatosa were endoscopically and histologically examined.Results:  The four cases exhibited multiple polypoid lesions along the Kerckring's folds and/or were covered by characteristically granular, non‐ulcerated mucosa upon thickening. The granularity seems to been caused by dilated lymph vessels containing the carcinoma cells. The lesions were microscopically characterized by: (i) involvement of lymph vessels located in the upper portion of the lamina propria; (ii) no inflammatory changes; and (iii) no desmoplastic changes. Primary sites were thought to be the stomach in case 1, the pancreas in cases 2 and 4, and unknown in case 3. All patients died within 6 months after admission or endoscopic examination.Conclusions:  As duodenal lymphangitis carcinomatosis shows characteristic endoscopic appearance, endoscopic diagnosis is not difficult. We should realize that the lesion represents extremely poor prognosis, and it should be distinguished from ordinary metastatic duodenal carcinoma.
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor‐C in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: YAMAGUCHI RIN , YANO HIROHISA , NAKASHIMA OSAMU , AKIBA JUN , NISHIDA NAOYO , KUROGI MINA , KOJIRO MASAMICHI 
Published: February 2006

AbstractBackground/Aims:  Vascular endothelial growth factor‐C (VEGF‐C) is thought to be an important factor in tumor angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not yet been fully investigated.Methods:  We immunohistochemically examined VEGF‐C expression in surgically resected tissues of 90 HCC.Results:  In the 78 HCC with a single histological grade, VEGF‐C expression was significantly stronger in poorly differentiated HCC than in well‐ (P = 0.003) or moderately differentiated HCC (P = 0.0002). A ‘nodule‐in‐nodule’ case presented VEGF‐A expression in the well‐differentiated component and VEGF‐C expression in the moderately–poorly differentiated component. According to nodular diameter, VEGF‐C expression was significantly higher in nodules of 3.0 cm or larger (P = 0.0263). Extrahepatic metastases seen in seven cases expressed VEGF‐C. In 20 of the 28 cases who were able to be followed up, the frequency of intrahepatic recurrence tended to be higher and extrahepatic metastasis was significantly higher in the cases who had VEGF‐C expression in the tumor casts of the intrahepatic portal/hepatic vein branches than other cases without the expression (P = 0.0139). Disease‐free survival time tended to be shorter in cases with VEGF‐C expression in tumor casts of the portal/hepatic vein than in those without VEGF‐C expression (P = 0.053; log–rank test).Conclusions:  VEGF‐C expression is related to the progression of HCC, and VEGF‐C expression in tumor casts of the intrahepatic portal/hepatic vein is considered to be a factor indicating recurrence/metastasis sites.