bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature response in a shallow-water Mediterranean population ofCaulerpa racemosavar.cylindracea(Caulerpales, Chlorophyta), and a possible strategy of season anticipation
Authors: Flagella Maria Monia , Lorenti Maurizio , Buia Maria Cristina 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe studied growth and photosynthetic response of a shallow-water population of the invasive algaCaulerpa racemosavar.cylindraceaoff the Island of Ischia (Gulf of Naples, Italy). The effects of temperature on relative growth rate (RGR), light-saturated photosynthetic rate (Pmax), dark respiration rate (Rd) and optimal quantum yield (Fv/Fm) were assessed for thalli collected in two seasons (early winter and early summer). While temperatures higher than 22°C stressed early winter thalli, as reflected in the decrease in growth rates and optimal quantum yields, both increased with temperature in early summer plants. A difference between the two seasonal samples also occurred in the high-temperature sensitivity of respiration rates, which was enhanced in early winter plants. As changes in a number of the traits considered occur in advance of seasonal minima and maxima,C. racemosavar.cylindraceamay behave as a season anticipator. The contribution of observed patterns to the colonization success of the alga is discussed.
Application of spin label electron paramagnetic resonance in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer and sepsis
Authors: Gurachevsky Andrey , Kazmierczak Steven C. , Jörres Achim , Muravsky Vladimir 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDiagnostic medicine has seen significant changes during the past decade. The emergence of proteomics and genomics has significantly increased our understanding of disease. These fields have also revealed the vast array of proteins that are expressed in various disease processes, such as cancer. Measurement of these unique proteins expressed in certain diseases may offer diagnostic clues or allow patient prognosis to be assessed. Another approach is to measure the effects that these ligands have on the structure and function of albumin. Albumin is known to play an important role in modulating the serum concentrations of various proteins produced by tumor cells. In this review, we introduce the reader to the technique of spin labeling followed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. This method is a powerful tool for evaluating the structural and functional changes that can occur to albumin following the binding of various ligands. We describe the utility of this technique for the diagnosis of cancer and sepsis, as well as some other novel potential applications.Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1203–10.
Supplemented Access Point Sampling Designs: A Cost-Effective Way of Improving the Accuracy and Precision of Fishing Effort and Harvest Estimates Derived from Recreational Fishing Surveys
Authors: Steffe Aldo S. , Murphy Jeffrey J. , Reid Dennis D. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
We describe a cost-effective method for improving the accuracy and precision of fishing effort and harvest estimates derived from recreational fishing surveys that include an access point method for effort estimation (e.g., traditional access point surveys and bus route designs). Validated auxiliary data that quantify recreational fishing effort at access points within the fishery are used to supplement an existing access point design. This supplemented access point survey (SAPS) method is a form of double sampling and should be viewed as an extension of an access point design. Case study data from a boat-based estuarine fishery in Australia have been used to demonstrate changes in the relative accuracy and precision between a traditional access point design and the supplemented design. We found that the traditional design provided annual effort and harvest estimates for dusky flathead Platycephalus fuscus that were about 7% and 5% lower, respectively, than those obtained with the supplemented design. Importantly, the SAPS method provided improvements in relative precision for annual estimates of effort and harvest of about 76% and 37%, respectively. The SAPS design outperforms other access point designs in terms of relative accuracy and precision because the auxiliary data provide better coverage of the temporal sampling frame for fishing effort. Improvements in relative accuracy and precision are also reflected in harvest estimates because the SAPS design calculates harvest as the product of effort and a harvest rate. The SAPS method can easily be extended to cover multiple sites and offers a cost-effective way to improve estimation procedures for any recreational fishing survey that uses an access point method for effort estimation.
Weight Regain Prevention
Authors: Garcia Ulen Christina , Huizinga Mary Margaret , Beech Bettina , Elasy Tom A. 
Published: July 2008

IN BRIEFLong-term maintenance of weight loss is an important, but often elusive,goal. Diet and pharmacological treatments for obesity are generally effective at inducing 8-10% weight reductions by 6 months. Thereafter, weight regain is a common phenomenon. Maintenance-phase medication and individual and group follow-up slow weight regain such that weight reductions at program completion average 2-6, 2-7, and 2-7% greater, respectively, than those in control groups receiving no maintenance contact. Consistent and structured eating, frequent self-weighing, and high levels of physical activity acquired through short bouts of brisk walking are pragmatic recommendations to support weight regain prevention.
Removal and recovery of compressed CO2 from flue gas by a novel thermal swing chemisorption process
Authors: Lee K. B. , Sircar S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA synopsis of the published literature on removal of CO2 from a flue gas is given. A novel thermal swing chemisorption (TSC) process concept is proposed for removal and recovery of compressed CO2 from a flue gas without precompression, predrying, or precooling. The process uses Na2O promoted alumina as a reversible CO2 selective chemisorbent in conjunction with the principles of rapid thermal swing adsorption for direct production of compressed CO2 from a flue gas. Several complementary process steps are used in the design to compress the product CO2 and to achieve high CO2 recovery and sorbent capacity utilization. Judicious steam purge steps are used for highly efficient sorbent regeneration and to minimize the steam requirement. The CO2 chemisorption characteristics of the sorbent are reviewed and a model simulation of the TSC process performance is reported. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Association of the PIK4CA schizophrenia‐susceptibility gene in adults with the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Vorstman Jacob A.S. , Chow Eva W. , Ophoff Roel A. , van Engeland Herman , Beemer Frits A. , Kahn René S. , Sinke Richard J. , Bassett Anne S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is associated with an increased prevalence (20–30%) of schizophrenia. Therefore, it is likely that one or more genes within the 22q11.2 region are causally related to schizophrenia. Recently, a significant association with schizophrenia in the general population was reported for three SNPs in phosphatidyl‐inositol‐4‐kinase‐catalytic‐α (PIK4CA), a gene located in the 22q11.2 region. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that the same PIK4CA risk‐alleles would be associated with schizophrenia in individuals with 22q11DS. Our analysis of the PIK4CA genotypes in a sample of 79 adults with typical 22q11.2 deletions, comparing those with schizophrenia to those without, revealed a significant association. Our findings represent an independent replication of the previously reported PIK4CA association with schizophrenia in the general population. Second, the results of this study indicate that variation at PIK4CA may be a relevant factor influencing the risk of schizophrenia in individuals with 22q11DS. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interspecies genetics of eating disorder traits
Authors: Kas Martien J.H. , Kaye Walter H. , Foulds Mathes Wendy , Bulik Cynthia M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFamily and twin studies have indicated that genetic factors play a role in the development of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa, but novel views and tools may enhance the identification of neurobiological mechanisms underlying these conditions. Here we propose an integrative genetic approach to reveal novel biological substrates of eating disorder traits analogous in mouse and human. For example, comparable to behavioral hyperactivity that is observed in 40–80% of anorexia nervosa patients, inbred strains of mice with different genetic backgrounds are differentially susceptible to develop behavioral hyperactivity when food restricted. In addition, a list of characteristics that are relevant to eating disorders and approaches to their measurement in humans together with potential analogous rodent models has been generated. Interspecies genetics of neurobehavioral characteristics of eating disorders has the potential to open new roads to identify and functionally test genetic pathways that influence neurocircuits relevant for these heterogeneous psychiatric disorders. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A man with multiple disabilities using a head‐turning response to reduce the effects of his drooling
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O'Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Oliva Doretta , Campodonico Francesca , Groeneweg Jop 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA man with multiple disabilities was taught to perform a head‐turning response to activate optic sensors embedded in a small spongy structure at his shoulder and produce preferred stimuli. By touching the spongy structure with chin and mouth (i.e., to activate the sensors), the man would clean these areas thus curbing the effects of his drooling. Data showed that the man increased the frequency of his head‐turning responses and reduced drooling effects (chin wetness) through the intervention and a 3‐month follow‐up. Forty university students, who were involved in a social validation assessment, indicated that the intervention was suitable and enjoyable to the man, had a social/educational function, and represented an approach that they supported. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing preference in elders with dementia using multimedia and verbal pleasant events schedules
Authors: LeBlanc Linda A. , Raetz Paige B. , Baker Jonathan C. , Strobel Margaret J. , Feeney Brian J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe current study compared an abbreviated oral interview version of the Pleasant Events Schedule – Alzheimer's Disease (PES‐AD) to a multimedia‐supplemented version. Both measures identified multiple preferred items and their scores were moderately correlated (r = .481). Direct observations were conducted to determine whether either of the two measures predicted subsequent engagement. For all nine individuals with dementia, items endorsed as preferred by both versions of the PES‐AD resulted in high levels of engagement and items endorsed as non‐preferred items on both measures resulted in low to moderate levels of engagement. Individuals with MMSE scores of 10 or higher had more stable and differentiated patterns of engagement than individuals with scores below 10. For individuals with higher MMSE scores, items endorsed only by the multimedia version resulted in high engagement levels (i.e., true positive) while items endorsed only on the verbal presentation resulted in low levels (i.e., false positive). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of glutathione disulfide levels in biological samples using thiol–disulfide exchanging agent, dithiothreitol
Authors: Ates Burhan , Ercal Baris Can , Manda Kalyan , Abraham Linu , Ercal Nuran 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA reverse‐phase HPLC method incorporating dithiothreitol (DTT) reduction for quantitative determination of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in biological samples is described here. This method is based on our previous enzymatic reduction technique that uses N‐1‐(pyrenyl) maleimide (NPM) as a derivatizing agent. In our earlier method, glutathione disulfide (GSSG) was measured by first reducing it to GSH with glutathione reductase (GR) in the presence of NADPH. However, this is a very costly and time‐consuming technique. The method described here employs a common and inexpensive thiol–disulfide exchanging agent, DTT, for reduction of GSSG to GSH, followed by derivatization with NPM. The calibration curves are linear over a concentration range of 25–1250 nm (r2 > 0.995). The coefficients of variations for intra‐run precision and inter‐run precision range from 0.49 to 5.10% with an accuracy range of 1.78–6.15%. The percentage of relative recovery ranges from 97.3 to 103.2%. This new method provides a simple, efficient, and cost‐effective way of determining glutathione disulfide levels with a 2.5 nm limit of detection per 5 µL injection volume. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) genetic polymorphism is associated with risk of early‐onset prostate cancer
Authors: Arsova‐Sarafinovska Zorica , Matevska Nadica , Petrovski Daniel , Banev Saso , Dzikova Sonja , Georgiev Vladimir , Sikole Aleksandar , Sayal Ahmet , Aydin Ahmet , Suturkova Ljubica , Dimovski Aleksandar J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractProstate cancer continues to be the most frequently diagnosed neoplasm, and the second leading cause of cancer‐related mortality in men. Oxidative stress may enhance prostatic carcinogenesis. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) is the only known superoxide scavenger in mitochondria. It plays a key role in antioxidant defense as mitochondria are important for oxidative metabolism coupled to the electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation and hence, ROS production. A T→C single nucleotide substitution, resulting in a Val→Ala change at position 9 (Ala‐9Val), which alters the secondary structure of the protein, has been noted to affect transport of MnSOD into the mitochondria. We have determined the MnSOD genotype in 85 prostate cancer cases and 151 control subjects. Ala‐9Val polymorphism was determined using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification with fluorescently labeled primers. No significant difference was found in prostate cancer susceptibility in the subjects with Ala/Ala and Val/Ala genotype compared with Val/Val genotype (Odds ratio (OR), 1.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.69–2.42; p = 0.416). We did not observe an association of the MnSOD genotype or allele frequency between subgroups of cases divided by disease status (aggressive vs. non‐aggressive prostate cancer). However, in the analyses stratified by the age at diagnosis we have observed that men homozygous for Ala had a 5.2‐fold increased risk of early‐onset prostate cancer (under age of 65) compared to men homozygous for Val allele (p = 0.05). These data suggest that Ala/Ala MnSOD genotype in the Macedonian population could have an influence on early onset of prostate cancer, but no impact on the subsequent development of the disease. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study of the residues 63 and 67 on the HLA‐B molecule in patients with Takayasu's arteritis and tuberculosis
Authors: Vargas‐Alarcón Gilberto , Soto María Elena , Pérez‐Hernández Nonanzit , Cicero‐Sabido Raúl , Ramírez Ernestina , Alvarez‐León Edith , Reyes Pedro A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTakayasu's arteritis (TA) and tuberculosis (TB) have been associated with major histocompatibility complex genes, especially HLA‐B alleles. However, different HLA‐B alleles have been detected in these diseases. The aim of the study was to compare the distribution of the residues 63 and 67 on the HLA‐B molecule in patients with TA and TB in order to establish a genetic relationship between these two diseases. HLA‐B sequences obtained in 30 patients with TB were compared to those previously reported in TA and healthy controls. 8 out of 30 TB patients studied (26.6%) presented at least one allele with glutamic acid at position 63 and serine at position 67. This was observed in 73% of the TA patients (p = 0.0005). Ten TB (10/30 = 33.3%) and two TA patients (2/26 = 7.7%) did not show similarity at the mentioned positions (p = 0.019). This preliminary study suggests a difference in the distribution of the residues 63 and 67 of the HLA‐B alleles in patients with TA and TB. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoluminescent Microporous Lanthanide Silicate AV‐21 Frameworks
Authors: Kowalchuk Collin M. , Paz Filipe A. A. , Ananias Duarte , Pattison Philip , Carlos Luís D. , Rocha João 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of the lanthanide silicate system [Na6Ln2Si12O30⋅x H2O] (Ln=La3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, and Tb3+), named AV‐21, has been reported. Structural elucidation of the Sm3+ analogue (isomorphous with the Eu3+, Gd3+, and Tb3+ frameworks) using single‐crystal synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy reveal disorder in the Si(1) second coordination sphere. La‐AV‐21 presents a distinct framework. These materials combine microporosity and interesting photoluminescence features with structural flexibility that allows the introduction of a second or third type of lanthanide center. Room‐temperature lifetime decay dynamics have been used to estimate the Ln3+Ln3+ distances and the maximum distance over which energy transfer is active. Though the majority of Ln3+ centers occupy regular framework positions, the Ln(2) defect centers are disordered over the Na(1) sites in the pores and greatly influence the energy‐transfer process, providing a unique opportunity for studying the relationship between structural disorder and photoluminescence properties in framework solids.
A randomized study of adefovir dipivoxil in place of HBIG in combination with lamivudine as post–liver transplantation hepatitis B prophylaxis
Authors: Angus Peter W. , Patterson Scott J. , Strasser Simone I. , McCaughan Geoffrey W. , Gane Edward 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Prior to effective prophylaxis, liver transplantation for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related disease was frequently complicated by recurrence, which could be severe and rapidly progressive. Combination hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and lamivudine prophylaxis reduces this rate of recurrence to <5% at 5 years; however, HBIG administration is costly and inconvenient. We conducted a multicenter randomized study of adefovir dipivoxil substitution for low-dose intramuscular (IM) HBIG in patients without HBV recurrence at least 12 months posttransplantation for HBV-related disease. Thirty-four patients were randomized, 16 to adefovir (1 patient withdrew consent at 3 months and is not considered in the results) and 18 to continue HBIG. All continued lamivudine. Groups were well matched by age, sex, and time since transplantation (median, 4.5 years), and background virological risk for HBV recurrence (30% of patients in the adefovir group, 24% in the HBIG group having detectable HBV DNA at transplantation). All patients were alive at study completion without recurrence. One patient in the adefovir group became hepatitis B surface antigen–positive at 5 months but was persistently HBV DNA undetectable via polymerase chain reaction (sensitivity 14 IU/mL) over the following 20 months. Median creatinine was not significantly changed over the course of the study in either group. One patient in the adefovir group with a background of diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy (baseline creatinine 150 μmol/L) developed increased creatinine leading to dose reduction and ultimately cessation of adefovir at 15 months. Yearly cost of combination adefovir/lamivudine prophylaxis was $8,290 versus $13,718 IM HBIG/lamivudine.

Conclusion:

Compared with combination HBIG plus lamivudine prophylaxis, combination adefovir plus lamivudine provides equivalent protection against recurrent HBV infection but with better tolerability and less cost. (Hepatology 2008.)
An abnormal gene expression of the β-adrenergic system contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Ceolotto Giulio , Papparella Italia , Sticca Antonietta , Bova Sergio , Cavalli Maurizio , Cargnelli Gabriella , Semplicini Andrea , Gatta Angelo , Angeli Paolo 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Decreased cardiac contractility and β-adrenergic responsiveness have been observed in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, but their molecular mechanisms remain unclear. To study β-adrenergic–stimulated contractility and β-adrenergic gene expression patterns, 20 Wistar Kyoto rats were treated with carbon tetrachloride to induce cirrhosis and 20 rats were used as controls. Left ventricular contractility was recorded in electrically driven isolated hearts perfused at constant flow with isoproterenol (10−10 to 10−6 M). A cardiac gene expression profile was obtained using a microarray for the myocyte adrenergic pathway. The cardiac contractility maximal response to isoproterenol was significantly reduced in cirrhotic rats in comparison to control rats, whereas the half-maximal effective concentration was not different. In cirrhotic rats, cardiac gene expression analysis showed a significant overexpression of G protein alpha–inhibiting subunit 2 (Gαi2), cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE2a), regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2), and down-expression of adenylate cyclase (Adcy3). These results indicate that overexpression of Gαi2, PDE2a, and RGS2 down-regulates the β-adrenergic signaling pathway, thus contributing to the pathogenesis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. (Hepatology 2008;48:1913-1923.)
Low‐dose oral fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide in elderly patients with untreated and relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Forconi Francesco , Fabbri Alberto , Lenoci Mariapia , Sozzi Elisa , Gozzetti Alessandro , Tassi Maristella , Raspadori Donatella , Lauria Francesco 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFludarabine plus cyclophosphamide (FC) at conventional doses is an effective treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). However, FC at standard doses may give hematological and non‐hematological toxicity, predominantly in the elderly. Intravenous or oral low‐dose FC regimens remain highly effective in elderly patients with Low‐Grade Lymphomas other than CLL and are well tolerated. We tested efficacy and toxicity of oral FC at reduced doses in 26 elderly patients (median 71 years) with previously untreated (UT‐CLL, n = 14) or relapsed/refractory CLL (R‐CLL, n = 12), unfit for conventional treatments. Twentyfour‐of‐26 (92%) patients (14/14, 100% UT‐CLL; 10/12, 83.5% R‐CLL) obtained a response, with 12/26 (46%) complete responses (9/14, 64.2% in UT‐CLL; 3/12, 25% in R‐CLL). Non‐hematological toxicity was mild and myelosuppression was documented in 8/26 (31%) patients (4/14, 28% UT‐CLL; 4/12, 33% R‐CLL). With a median follow‐up of 24 months, median event‐free survival was 48 months with no differences between UT‐CLL and R‐CLL and all responders were alive. Low‐dose oral FC treatment showed good efficacy in both untreated and refractory/relapsed CLL. The treatment is useful in elderly patients who cannot benefit of more aggressive schedules and is easy to administer on an outpatient basis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.