bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relapse prediction in acute myeloid leukaemia patients in complete remission using WT1 as a molecular marker: development of a mathematical model to predict time from molecular to clinical relapse and define optimal sampling intervals
Authors: Ommen Hans Beier , Nyvold Charlotte Guldborg , Brændstrup Karin , Andersen Bodil Lind , Ommen Ingrid Beier , Hasle Henrik , Hokland Peter , Østergaard Mette 
Published: April 2008

SummaryWe hypothesized that Wilms tumour 1 gene (WT1) expression levels in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients might have predictive value and reveal molecular relapse kinetics. WT1 level was determined at diagnosis, during therapy and post‐therapy follow‐up in 89 patients who reached first complete remission (CR1) (952 samples, median 8 samples/patient, range 2–38). CR1 bone marrow (BM) WT1 level above normal (based on 39 healthy donors) was an independent adverse prognostic factor regarding both disease‐free survival [hazard ratio (HR) 4·46, P = 0·001] and overall survival (HR 2·62, P = 0·019). By grouping 34 BM and 99 peripheral blood (PB) complete remission samples in monthly intervals prior to clinical relapse, disease development was delineated and a simple mathematical model constructed, that allowed for the prediction of relapse detection rates (RDRs) as well as median times [tms] from WT1 positivity to clinical relapse. BM sampling was required to obtain RDRs above 93% and tms above 67 d. Acceptable RDRs and tms (81% and 44 d, respectively) could be acquired by bimonthly PB sampling. In conclusion, CR1 WT1 expression is an independent prognostic factor in AML. According to our model, BM is superior for relapse prediction, but PB samples are useful when shorter sampling intervals are possible.
Venous thromboembolism in hospitalised patients: a public health crisis?
Authors: Baglin Trevor 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe majority of hospitalised patients are at risk of venous thrombosis and one in ten hospital deaths are due to pulmonary embolism. A report from the House of Commons Health Committee published in 2005 stated that each year over 25 000 people in England die from venous thromboembolism developing during hospitalisation. The report also stated that, whilst many of these deaths are preventable by thromboprophylaxis, this is not as widely used as it should be. This article reflects on the background prompting the report of the Health Committee and the subsequent response to this, including the publication of a National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guideline on reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing surgery and the strategy for venous thrombosis prevention outlined by the Chief Medical Officer for England. It is anticipated that, by 2009, risk assessment will be mandatory for all hospitalised patients in England; the same strategy is likely for the whole UK.
Inferring relative numbers of human leucocyte genome replications
Authors: Chu Michelle , Siegmund Kimberly D. , Hao Qian‐Lin , Crooks Gay M. , Tavaré Simon , Shibata Darryl 
Published: April 2008

SummaryGenome duplication inevitably results in replication errors. A priori, the more times a genome is copied, the greater the average number of replication errors. This principle could be used to ‘count’ mitotic divisions. Although somatic mutations are rare, cytosine methylation is also copied after DNA replication, but measurably increases with aging at certain CpG rich sequences in mitotic tissues, such as the colon. To further test whether such age‐related methylation represents replication errors, these CpG rich ‘clock’ sequences were measured in leucocytes. Leucocytes within an individual have identical chronological ages (time since birth) but their mitotic ages (numbers of divisions since the zygote) may differ. Neutrophils, B‐lymphocytes, and red cell progenitors are produced from relatively quiescent stem cells throughout life, but T‐lymphocyte production largely ceases after puberty when the thymus disappears. However, T‐lymphocyte genomes may continue to replicate throughout life in response to immunological stimulation. Consistent with this biology, clock methylation significantly increased with aging for T‐lymphocyte genomes, but no significant increase was measured in other cell populations. Moreover, this methylation was greater in genomes isolated from their corresponding neoplastic populations. These studies tentatively support the hypothesis that methylation at certain CpG rich sequences in leucocytes could record their mitotic ages.
Maternal and child undernutrition 3: what works? Interventions for maternal and child undernutrition and survival
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: April 2008

.

Bhutta Z.A.,
Ahmed T.,
Black R.E.,
Cousens S.,
Dewey K.,
Giugliani E.,
Haider B.A.,
Kirkwood B.,
Morris S.S.,
Sachdev H.P.S.,
Shekar M. &
(
2008
)

,
371
,
417
–
440
.

DOI: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(07)61693‐6.
Maternal and child undernutrition 5: effective international action against undernutrition: why has it proven so difficult and what can be done to accelerate progress?
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: April 2008

Morris S.S.,
Coghill B.,
Uauy R. &
(
2008
)

,
371
,
608
–
621
.

DOI: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(07)61695‐X.
Unravelling the determinants of stream midge biodiversity in a boreal drainage basin
Authors: HEINO JANI , PAASIVIRTA LAURI 
Published: April 2008

Summary1. Few extensive lotic studies have examined patterns in the biodiversity of non‐biting midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) along major environmental gradients. Our aim was to fill this gap by describing patterns in species diversity, assemblage composition and distributions of midges across a boreal drainage basin.2. We found that the diversity of midges, as measured by rarefied species richness, Fisher’s α and Pielou’s evenness, responded positively to stream size in regression analysis. By contrast, species density was most strongly correlated to a gradient in suspended solids and phosphorus in stream water, as well as macrophyte cover. Spatial variables were not significantly correlated with species diversity.3. Midge assemblage composition was best explained by a model incorporating five composite environmental gradients in canonical correspondence analysis. The environmental gradients were stream size, macrophyte cover, alkalinity, nitrogen and suspended solids. Spatial variables did not overcome the effects of environmental gradients on assemblage composition.4. Cluster analysis divided the 27 study sites into four groups with relatively similar midge assemblages. These groups were statistically significant in multi‐response permutation procedure, and 15 of the 49 midge taxa recorded varied significantly among the groups in indicator value analysis. Discriminant function analysis showed that stream size, macrophyte cover and habitat structure predicted 66.7% of sites into correct groups.5. The information provided by the present analyses may be of considerable importance in conservation planning at the drainage basin level. The fact that species diversity and assemblage composition varied primarily along the stream size gradient suggests that sites belonging to the different size classes (first to fifth order) are needed to conserve the biodiversity of midges. The other environmental gradients should also be considered in conservation planning, because they explained significant amounts of variability in midge assemblage composition.
Common tree growth anomalies over the northeastern Tibetan Plateau during the last six centuries: implications for regional moisture change
Authors: LI JINBAO , COOK EDWARD R. , D'ARRIGO ROSANNE , CHEN FAHU , GOU XIAOHUA , PENG JIANFENG , HUANG JIANGUO 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe world's hydrological cycle is believed to intensify with global warming, yet current climate models have only a limited ability to assess moisture responses at regional scales. Tree‐ring records are a valuable source of information for understanding long‐term, regional‐scale moisture changes, particularly for large regions such as the Tibetan Plateau (TP), where the observational data are short and sparse. Here, we present a new ring‐width chronology developed from Qilian Juniper (Sabina przewalskii) wood at two sites on the northeastern TP. This chronology, combined with others from the same region, demonstrates that tree growth anomalies are linked to regional late spring to early summer moisture availability. Although late monsoon season precipitation in the study area decreased during recent decades, tree growth continued to increase due to persistent moisture availability in the early monsoon season. Comparison with global sea surface temperatures (SSTs) indicates that early (late) monsoon season precipitation is closely related to tropical Pacific (Indian Ocean) SSTs, suggesting a possible seasonal shift in the dominant moisture source area for monsoonal precipitation over the northeastern TP. It is further shown that there is a very high degree of coherency regarding low‐frequency tree growth anomalies over the northeastern TP during the last six centuries. The most prominent drought epoch occurred during ca. 1450–1500, which may have been caused by a significant decrease in the thermal gradient between the Eurasian continent and the tropical oceans. A persistent tree growth increase since the 1880s is coincident with global warming, suggesting an intensified early monsoon season moisture regime in the study area.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Are small sedentary species affected by habitat fragmentation? Local vs. landscape factors predicting species richness and composition of land molluscs in Swedish conservation forests
Authors: Götmark Frank , Von Proschwitz Ted , Franc Niklas 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim To investigate the relative role of local versus landscape factors for local species diversity of snails and slugs in conservation forests. In landscapes with small, isolated patches of semi‐natural habitats, many species that require large habitat areas have disappeared or are threatened. We asked whether small sedentary taxa that depend on local conditions, such as molluscs, are affected if total habitat area decreases in the landscape.Location Temperate broadleaved and oak‐rich forest in southern Sweden.Methods We sampled molluscs in 25 small conservation forests that are well‐spaced out over a large region. In each forest, sampling was conducted in two plots, each of 1 ha, separated by about 25–100 m. Factors potentially influencing local diversity of molluscs were measured in the plots and in the surrounding landscape at different scales (in space and time) and were analysed by stepwise multiple regression and ordination (PCA and NMS).Results We recorded 53 species, and mean species richness per forest (plots pooled) was 22.6. The pH of the plant litter predicted both species richness and composition; other local (plot) factors of lower importance were canopy openness, stony ground and tree species. The area of conservation forest (woodland key habitat) within 10 km of plots was positively associated with species richness, and was also related to species composition. Openness of the landscape (agriculture) was a negative factor, but historical plot openness (1938–59) seemed to be unimportant. In addition, climate/topography (temperature and altitude) also predicted species composition of the sites.Main conclusions We rejected the hypothesis that microhabitat factors alone, or mainly, determine local species richness and composition of land molluscs. These representatives of small, sedentary organisms seem to be substantially influenced by the surrounding landscape, which should be considered in conservation work and in plans for the protection of forest biodiversity.
Autoimmunity in atherosclerosis: a protective response losing control?
Authors: Nilsson J. , Hansson G. K. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract.Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by accumulation of oxidized lipoproteins, increased cell death and hypertrophic degeneration of the arterial intima. The disease process is associated with local formation of modified self antigens that are targeted by both innate and adaptive immune responses. Although it remains to be firmly established it is likely that these autoimmune responses initially have a beneficial effect facilitating the removal of potentially harmful rest products from oxidized LDL and dying cells. However, studies performed on hypercholesterolaemic mice deficient in different components of the immune system uniformly suggest that the net effect of immune activation is pro‐atherogenic and that atherosclerosis, at least to some extent, should be regarded as an autoimmune disease. These observations point to the possibility of developing new treatments for atherosclerosis based on modulation of immune responses against plaque antigens, an approach presently tested clinically for several other chronic inflammatory diseases with autoimmune components. Pilot studies in animals have provided promising results for both parental and oral vaccines based on oxidized LDL antigens. The time when this concept is ready for clinical testing is rapidly approaching but it will be important not to underestimate the difficulties that will be encountered in transferring the promising results from experimental animals into humans.
Possible health hazards associated with the collection and handling of post‐mortem zoological material
Authors: IRVIN A. D. , COOPER J. E. , HEDGES S. R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractZoologists handling post‐mortem material are at risk to infection by a number of potentially dangerous pathogens. The incidence of such infections is small but that is no reason for complacency. The possible sources of infection and precautions to be taken are reviewed and an annotated checklist of potentially dangerous diseases which might be associated with post‐mortem material is given.
Modern whaling in Britain and the north‐east Atlantic Ocean
Authors: BROWN SIDNEY G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractModern whaling, using an explosive harpoon fired from a steam catcher‐boat to kill the fast‐swimming rorquals, began from shore whaling stations in northern Norway in the 1860s. It spread to Iceland, the Faeroe Islands and Spitsbergen, before reaching the British Isles in 1903.Whaling took place from four stations in the Shetland Islands, one in the Outer Hebrides, and two in Ireland, before the First World War. Fin whales were the main species caught but Blue, Humpback, Sei, Right, Sperm and Bottle‐nosed whales were also taken. Four stations re‐opened in 1920, but from 1923 onwards only two continued to operate and whaling ceased in 1929, though the Hebridean station worked again for two seasons in 1950–1951.The species composition of catches at the Hebridean and Irish stations was very similar and different from that of the stations in the Shetland Islands where few Blue whales and Right whales were taken. There is evidence that Fin whales were being overfished on the Shetland Islands whaling grounds at an early date, and that Blue whales and Right whales, but not Fin whales, declined in numbers on the Hebridean grounds.The history of modern whaling in the north‐east North Atlantic region as a whole indicates that the stocks of Blue, Humpback and Right whales were not large enough to support continuous whaling on the scale which took place there. The development of whaling since 1945 supports the view that there are separate populations of Fin whales in the region. The numbers of this species have declined on the whaling grounds of the Faeroe Islands and western Norway, and possibly also of north Norway, but not on the Icelandic grounds where there is no evidence of overfishing.
On food preference in the Red fox
Authors: MACDONALD D. W. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY

Foxes treat different prey species in a variety of ways, eating, burying, or discarding them on the basis of preference.
Because foxes often utilize cached food and because they can remember which prey species is in a given cache the preference effect can be longstanding.
Evidence from the literature suggests that comparable effects of preference for different species of small mammals affects the diet of wild foxes and their behaviour in the same way as demonstrated in these experiments.
Certain distastes appear common to all foxes and most carnivores, for instance, insectivore and carnivore meat, in particular that of their own species.
An incidence of active cannibalism by a fox is reported.
The effect of food preference is shown to change during the course of one individual's life perhaps as a consequence of such factors as rearing cubs and competition for food.
One effect of the behavioural consequences of food preference is to defer the decision of what to eat.
That the fox will kill animals that it does not eat means that populations of animals that are not strictly fox prey are still at risk from fox predatory activity.
A statistical procedure for estimating Grey seal pup production from a single census
Authors: RADFORD P. J. , SUMMERS C. F. , YOUNG K. M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe variable start and duration of the Grey seal breeding season makes the estimation of total pup production from a single census very difficult. Classifying the count into morphological age classes enables the form and timing of the birth rate curve and estimates of pup mortality rates to be elucidated. A simulation technique is described which enables the duration of each morphological stage to be determined from a series of such classified counts taken over one season. A further statistical technique uses these estimates to calculate the mean timing and duration of the breeding season from a single classified count taken from similar populations in subsequent years. This information allows total pup production to be calculated for any appropriate breeding colony. Some guidance is given as to the optimal timing of that single census which would yield the best estimate of production, although the precise date is not critical to the success of the technique. Results from single census estimates obtained in this way are compared with known production data from more detailed surveys for a number of different colonies.
Foods and feeding habits of wild and captive Sirenia
Authors: BEST ROBIN C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Sirenia along with the elephants and hyraxes form the Super‐Order Paenungulata. They are the only fully aquatic mammalian herbivores and are represented by three species of manatees (Trichechidae), the dugong and the now extinct, Steller's sea cow (Dugongidae). Sirenians are non‐ruminant herbivores that have specialized hind‐gut fermentation in a large paired caecum at the juncture of the large and small intestines. The stomach is relatively small and is characterized by a unique cardiac gland which contains most of the digestive‐enzyme secreting cells. Little is known of the digestive physiology of sirenians. The metabolic rate of the manatee is very low in comparison to other mammals and may even represent the lowest weight‐specific metabolic rate for any mammal known. Metabolic rates forDugonghave not yet been determined. Foods and feeding habits of these species are reviewed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Manatees consume approximately 896 of their total body weight in aquatic plants daily, whereas the same value for the dugong is about 14%. Digestibilities of aquatic plants vary from 45 to 70% for manatees and a singlein vitromeasurement forDugongwas 83% for sea‐grass. The chemical composition of various plants consumed by wild and captive sirenians are presented and their value in the nutritional ecoloev of the different species is discussed.
The distribution of the Pine marten (Martes tnartes) in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: O'SULLIVAN P. J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Pine marten is now mainly confined to the woodland and scrub areas of the mid‐western region of Ireland (west of the river Shannon between Sligo and Limerick), though it was much more widespread in the country as recently as 50 years ago. It is suggested that this major reduction in the species' range can be attributed primarily to the continual loss and fragmentation of established woodland habitat. This resulted in a greater susceptibility of the species to predator control programmes, which included extensive poisoning campaigns and trapping to protect game and livestock. The survey recorded localized expansions of the species' range to occupy recently established conifer plantations, mostly on upland peats.
Squirrel numbers and the abundance of tree seeds
Authors: GURNELL JOHN 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis is a literature review of the relationship between the abundance of tree seeds and the productivity, survival and dispersal of Holarctic tree squirrels. Causal links between changes in tree seed supplies and changes in squirrel numbers are often masked by various factors including intraspecifk and interspecific competition for seed, weather, predation and seed hoarding; density‐dependent relationships have not been clearly established. Tamiasciurus and Sciurus species have different seed‐hoarding strategies which are associated with differences in their social and spatial organization. Average squirrel densities in the long‐term are discussed in relation to forest habitat type, and directions for future research indicated.
Squirrel management
Authors: ROWE JUDITH J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe management of Sciurus species is related to three main strategies: utilization; damage prevention; conservation. The tactics which have been used to implement these strategies and their effectiveness in different situations are briefly discussed. It is concluded that management strategies lack flexibility since monitoring is usually related to the current strategy. There is also a considerable time‐lag in translating biological knowledge and recommended changes in tactics to effective practice.
The increased population of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa L.) in Europe
Authors: SáAEZ‐ROYUELA C. , TELLERÍIA J. L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn this paper the recent population changes of the Wild Boar in different European countries is analysed through the study of hunting statistics. A simultaneous increase in numbers is observed throughout the whole area during the period 1965–1975. From 1975 onwards the population stabilizes itself apart from in peripheral areas like Finland. Potentially favourable factors which play a part in this process are discussed and certain reproductive and dispersive characteristics which favour its invasive behaviour are discussed.
Protozoan parasites of British small rodents
Authors: COX F. E. G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThirty‐five species of protozoan parasites belonging to thirteen genera have now been recorded for British small rodents. These include species of Entamoeba, Giardia, Spironucleus, Trichomonas, Chilomastix, Eimeria and Cryptosporidium in the gut; Trypanosoma, Hepatozoon and Babesia in the blood; and Toxoplasma, Frenkelia and Sarcocystis in the tissues. Recent advances have progressed along two lines, the elucidation of the life‐cycles of the species ofFrenkelia and Sarcocystis, which are now known to involve a carnivore as the final host, and laboratory studies on those parasites that can be maintained in laboratory animals. It is now possible to draw up a definitive list of hosts and parasites and this should serve as a basis for studies on the epidemiology of these parasites and their possible effects on their hosts.