bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significant increase of CKS1B amplification from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance to multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukaemia as demonstrated by interphase fluorescence in situ hybridisation
Authors: Chang Hong , Yeung Joanna , Xu Wei , Ning Yi , Patterson Bruce 
Published: August 2006

SummaryThe genetic events that lead to tumour progression in plasma cell dyscrasia are not well understood. Interphase cytoplasmic fluorescence in situ hybridisation was used to investigate the CKS1B amplification status (at 1q21) in clonal plasma cells from 123 patients: 23 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), 75 multiple myeloma (MM) and 26 plasma cell leukaemia (PCL). While CKS1B amplification was absent in MGUS patients, such amplification (3–8 copies) was detected in 36% of newly diagnosed MM, 52% relapsed MM and 62% PCL (P < 0·001). Our results suggest that CKS1B amplification is associated with transformation from MGUS to MM and progression to PCL.
Synthetic double‐stranded RNA induces multiple genes related to inflammation through Toll‐like receptor 3 depending on NF‐κB and/or IRF‐3 in airway epithelial cells
Authors: Matsukura S. , Kokubu F. , Kurokawa M. , Kawaguchi M. , Ieki K. , Kuga H. , Odaka M. , Suzuki S. , Watanabe S. , Takeuchi H. , Kasama T. , Adachi M. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryBackground
We hypothesized that synthetic double‐stranded (ds)RNA may mimic viral infection and induce expression of genes related to inflammation in airway epithelial cells.Objective
We analysed what gene was up‐regulated by synthetic dsRNA poly I : C and then focused this study on the role of Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3), a receptor of dsRNA and its transcriptional pathway.Methods
Airway epithelial cell BEAS‐2B and normal human bronchial epithelial cells were cultured in vitro. Expression of targets RNA and protein were analysed by PCR and ELISA. Localization of TLR3 expression in the cells was analysed with flow cytometry. To analyse the role of TLR3 and transcription factors, knockdown of these genes was performed with short interfering RNA (siRNA).Results
Real‐time PCR revealed that poly I : C significantly increased the expression of mRNAs for chemokines IP‐10, RANTES, LARC, MIP‐1α, IL‐8, GRO‐α and ENA‐78 and cytokines IL‐1β, GM‐CSF, IL‐6 and the cell adhesion molecule ICAM‐1 in both cell types. Increases in protein levels were also observed. Expression of these genes was significantly inhibited in BEAS‐2B cells in which TLR3 expression was knocked down. However, pre‐treatment with anti‐TLR3 mAb, which interferes with the function of TLR3 expressed on the cell surface, did not inhibit the genes expression and these data were concordant with the results that TLR3 was expressed inside airway epithelial cells. The study of siRNA for NF‐κB and IRF3 showed that they transduce the signal of poly I : C, but their roles were different in each target gene.Conclusion
TLR3 is expressed inside airway epithelial cells and transduces synthetic dsRNA signals. These signals may increase expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and ICAM‐1 through activation of transcription factors NF‐κB and/or IRF3 in airway epithelial cells.
Investigation of the skin characteristics in patients with severe GH deficiency and the effects of 6 months of GH replacement therapy: a randomized placebo controlled study
Authors: Tanriverdi Fatih , Borlu Murat , Atmaca Hulusi , Koc Cagdas Atasavun , Unluhizarci Kursad , Utas Serap , Kelestimur Fahrettin 
Published: August 2006

SummaryObjective  The presence of GH receptor in human skin and its appendages suggests a direct effect of GH on skin characteristics. The skin is usually thin and dry in patients with GH deficiency (GHD). Sheehan's syndrome classically refers to postpartum hypopituitarism and GH is one of the earliest pituitary hormones lost. While severe GHD is a well‐established feature of Sheehan's Syndrome, skin characteristics and the effects of GH replacement therapy (GHRT) have been investigated neither in Sheehan's syndrome nor in other disorders of GHD. The aim of this study was to investigate the skin characteristics, including the sebum content, hydration (skin capacitance), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH and skin temperature, and particularly the effects of 6 months of GHRT on these parameters in GH deficient patients with Sheehan's syndrome.Patients and design  Sixteen severely GH deficient women with Sheehan's syndrome (48·1 ± 10·9 years), and 20 age and menopausal status similar women as control subjects were included. Ten patients received recombinant GH for 6 months (treatment group) and 6 patients received placebo (placebo group) during this period. Skin properties were measured at baseline and after 6 months of GHRT using noninvasive and well‐established measuring methods.Results  At baseline the skin capacitance was significantly decreased on the forehead and forearm, and sebum content was significantly decreased on forehead in patients with Sheehan's syndrome compared to control subjects (P < 0·05). In the treatment group there was a significant increase in sebum content on forehead after 6 months of GHRT compared to the baseline value (P < 0·05). However there were no significant changes in other parameters including sebum content on the forearm, TEWL, Ph, skin capacitance and temperature of both the forearm and forehead. In the placebo group there were no changes in any of the evaluated parameters after 6 months of treatment compared to baseline values.Conclusions  The present study clearly shows that the sebum content on the forehead and skin hydration of the forehead and forearm are significantly decreased in GH deficient patients with Sheehan's syndrome. However 6 months of GHRT significantly increased only the sebum content on the forehead. These data suggest that GH and/or IGF‐I may have a modulatory role on several skin characteristics.
Current treatment options in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension and experiences with oral bosentan
Authors: Beghetti M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening disease characterized by vasoconstriction and progressive remodelling of the pulmonary arterial wall leading to right ventricular failure and death. Idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and PAH associated with congenital heart defects account for the majority of paediatric patients with PAH. During the last few decades, several pharmacological approaches have been introduced, including calcium channel‐blockers (CCBs), prostacyclin analogues, endothelin receptor antagonists and, most recently, phosphodiesterase inhibitors.This paper reviews the treatment options available to children with a special focus on the initial experience with bosentan. Although CCBs have been shown to increase survival in IPAH, the beneficial effect appears to be limited to a small number of patients, defined as ‘responders’ to the vasoreactivity testing. With the availability of prostacyclin (intravenous epoprostenol) and then prostacyclin analogues, the treatment options have increased markedly and particularly in patients who have not responded to conventional therapy. Although epoprostenol has been shown to be efficacious in PAH, the drug is not ideal owing to serious complications arising from the invasive mode of application, particularly in children. Phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors have also shown beneficial effects. Targeting the endothelin (ET) system with the oral, dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, bosentan has been demonstrated to improve the cardiopulmonary haemodynamics, exercise capacity, quality‐of‐life and survival in adult patients with PAH. Specific ETA antagonists may also present the same beneficial profile. Recent experience with bosentan in paediatric patients with PAH indicates that the results obtained in adult patients may be extrapolated to children, thus offering a safe and effective therapy that is easy to administer.
Bosentan therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension in connective tissue diseases
Authors: Cozzi F. , Montisci R. , Marotta H. , Bobbo F. , Durigon N. , Ruscazio M. , Sfriso P. , Iliceto S. , Todesco S. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening and debilitating complication of several connective tissue diseases. We aimed to evaluate the effects of long‐term treatment with bosentan, an oral dual endothelin ETA/ETB receptor antagonist, in a cohort of patients with PAH related to connective tissue diseases.Material and methods  In the present prospective, noncontrolled study, 13 patients (nine with systemic sclerosis, two with systemic lupus erythematosus, one with mixed connective tissue disease and one with overlap syndrome including scleroderma and myositis), mostly nonresponders to prostanoids therapy, were treated for 1 year with bosentan. Cardiac haemodynamics and the diagnosis of PAH were performed by Doppler ultrasound examination. Exercise capacity was assessed by 6‐min walking test at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months of therapy.Results  During bosentan treatment, progressive improvement of exercise capacity was observed. Walk distance increased in seven patients, remained unchanged in three and slightly decreased in three patients. A progressive significant decrease of right ventricular systolic pressure was also observed, whereas pulmonary artery mean pressure remained unchanged. Adverse effects related to bosentan (elevation of hepatic aminotransferases) were noted in two patients.Conclusion  Long‐term treatment with bosentan was effective in improving exercise capacity and pulmonary haemodynamics in patients with PAH related to connective tissue diseases.
Bosentan for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart defects
Authors: Sitbon O. , Beghetti M. , Petit J. , Iserin L. , Humbert M. , Gressin V. , Simonneau G. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBackground  Bosentan is an effective first‐line therapy in New York Heart Association (NYHA) III patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Pre‐clinical data support the rationale for the potential benefit of bosentan in PAH associated with congenital heart disease (CHD).Materials and Methods  We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with PAH‐associated CHD who were treated with bosentan on top of conventional therapy. Bosentan was started at 62·5 mg bid for 4 weeks, then titrated to 125 mg bid. New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, 6‐min walking distance (6MWD), Borg dyspnoea index, arterial oxygen saturation and cardiopulmonary haemodynamic data (cardiac output, pulmonary blood flow and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistances) were collected at baseline and at follow up.Results  Twenty‐seven patients (23 females, mean 35 ± 15 years) with NYHA class III–IV PAH‐associated CHD (not repaired in 23 cases) were treated with bosentan for a mean 18·3 ± 9·9 months. Bosentan improved 6MWD from 298 ± 92 m at baseline to 355 ± 82 m at 3 months (P = 0·0002) and to 364 ± 92 m (P = 0·0001) at the last follow up (mean 15·2 ± 9·7 months). At the last follow up, 13 patients had improved (= 1 NYHA class) and 14 remained stable. A favourable effect was observed in pulmonary blood flow and pulmonary vascular resistance for the 11 available patients. No change in pulse oximetry or liver enzyme elevation was reported.Conclusions  Bosentan improves exercise capacity, functional class and haemodynamics in most patients with PAH‐associated CHD, without serious side‐effects, suggesting bosentan may be an important treatment option for these patients.
Bosentan treatment of portopulmonary hypertension related to liver cirrhosis owing to hepatitis C
Authors: Grander W. , Eller P. , Fuschelberger R. , Tilg H. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with coexisting portal hypertension has been defined as portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN). It is often related to liver cirrhosis of various aetiologies and is associated with a high mortality rate. Endothelin‐1 (ET) is supposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of PAH as well as portal hypertension. Therefore, therapy with an ETA/ETB receptor antagonist might be of use in the treatment of PPHTN. We report the case of a 76‐year‐old male with liver cirrhosis owing to chronic hepatitis C virus infection and PPHTN who was treated with the dual ETA/ETB receptor antagonist bosentan. The patient showed remarkable improvement of 6‐min walking distance from 300 to 480 m after 2 weeks and to 540 m after 14 weeks, respectively. In addition, a significant decline of N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide fraction (NT‐proBNP) from 4928 ng mL−1 to 640 ng mL−1 was observed. Bosentan might be a promising new therapeutical option for patients suffering from PPHTN.
Endothelin and endothelin receptor antagonism in portopulmonary hypertension
Authors: Neuhofer W. , Gülberg V. , Gerbes A. L. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractPortopulmonary hypertension (PPHT) is a rare but devastating complication in patients with portal hypertension, characterized by pulmonary arterial obliterative disease with a concomitant rise in pulmonary vascular resistance. A broad body of evidence has accumulated, indicating that endothelin (ET) peptides and their cognate receptors are causally involved in the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) owing to different aetiologies, including PPHT. In addition, the ET system may be involved in hepatic fibrotic remodelling and portal hypertension. Several experimental models have provided evidence that ET receptor antagonism may have therapeutic potential in PPHT. Initial experience has accumulated during the last 2 years, suggesting that targeting the ET system may have beneficial effects in the clinical setting. In these studies, the orally active, dual ET receptor antagonist bosentan improved pulmonary haemodynamics and functional capacity. These effects were sustained and occurred in the absence of adverse events. If these observations can be corroborated by controlled clinical trials, bosentan would offer several advantages over available therapies, which have major drawbacks owing to their invasive and demanding mode of application.
Soil carbon storage potential of direct seeding mulch‐based cropping systems in the Cerrados of Brazil
Authors: CORBEELS MARC , SCOPEL ERIC , CARDOSO ALEXANDRE , BERNOUX MARTIAL , DOUZET JEAN‐MARIE , NETO MARCOS SIQUEIRA 
Published: August 2006

AbstractNo‐tillage cropping systems with direct seeding into a mulch of plant residues from cover crops – the so‐called direct seeding mulch‐based cropping (DMC) systems – have been adopted widely over the last 10–15 years in the Cerrado region of Brazil. They are replacing the traditional soybean monoculture with bare fallow using conventional tillage (CT) practices. The objective of this study was to examine how DMC practices affect soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and to assess their potential for enhanced soil carbon (C) storage. The approach was to determine soil C stocks along a chronosequence of fields under DMC, and then to apply the generic decomposition and yield (G'DAY) plant–soil model to analyse the soil C storage potential for a number of cropping systems. Forty‐five fields were selected on a plateau of Ferralsols in the central Cerrado region to represent a chronosequence of 0–12 years under continuous DMC. Before DMC the fields had been under CT soybean monoculture following the clearing of the native savannah. An average increase in SOC stocks of 0.83 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in the 0–20 cm topsoil was measured. The corresponding increase in total soil nitrogen was 79 kg N ha−1 yr−1. The G'DAY model predicted a net accumulation of 0.70–1.15 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in the 0–40 cm topsoil for the first 12 years, depending on the type of soil and DMC system. Model predictions showed that less soil C was accumulated under DMC systems that commenced immediately after clearing the native savannah. Gains in soil C under DMC were primarily due to the introduction of a second crop that caused higher net primary productivity, leading to higher plant C inputs to soil. A rough estimation shows that the conversion of 6 million ha of CT soybean monoculture to DMC in the Cerrados would enhance soil C storage by 4.9 Tg C yr−1 during at least the first 12 years following the conversion to DMC.
Transcriptional response of Choristoneura fumiferana to sublethal exposure of Cry1Ab protoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Meunier L. , Préfontaine G. , Van Munster M. , Brousseau R. , Masson L. 
Published: August 2006

Abstract Bacillus thuringiensis is a microbial control agent active against Choristoneura fumiferana, a lepidopteran defoliator of North American forests. Although the B. thuringiensis insecticidal crystal protoxins have a relatively narrow host range, there is concern about their impact on non‐target species where intoxication effects may not be overt. Larval toxicity effects can be assessed at the molecular level by determining altered transcriptional profiles in response to sublethal protoxin exposure in sensitive insects. Subtraction hybridization libraries were created using two larval populations, control and protoxin‐fed and were characterized by sequencing 1091 clones. Differential mRNA expression of selected clones, as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, identified a number of metabolic and stress‐related genes that were either transcriptionally enhanced or repressed after protoxin exposure.
Biological relativity to water–energy dynamics
Authors: O'Brien Eileen M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractClimate has long been related to geographical differences in the distribution and diversity of life. What has eluded explanation is why this should be so. One emerging possibility is biological relativity to water–energy dynamics: the relative nature of biotic dynamics to changes in energy/matter conditions caused by changes in water (all states) while doing work, especially liquid water. The dynamic parameters involved – liquid water and optimal energy conditions – are independent of life, and have been shown to provide a simple, globally predictive explanation for co‐variation between climate and the species richness of woody plants. Here I elaborate on what I mean by ‘biological relativity to water–energy dynamics’ and how it should relate to the geography and evolution of life in general (terrestrial, subterranean, marine/aquatic biota). Working through a natural hierarchy of physical, geographical, ecological and biological first principles, I outline the hierarchical, abiotic → biotic conceptual framework within which this idea operates. The implications of this idea include the following. First, the biosphere is better conceptualized as a ‘subsphere’ of the liquid hydrosphere – a system within a system, wherein ‘life’ has all the unique physical properties of liquid water, plus unique emergent properties of its own. Second, the fundamental capacity for life to exist and be dynamic in all biotic systems is determined by the abiotic capacity for liquid water to exist and be dynamic, which is always relative to the capacity for water–energy dynamics in general. Third, liquid water–energy dynamics acts as a fundamental mechanism of evolution, while being a constant mechanism of natural selection. Fourth, over space and time, there should be first‐order predictable and/or systematic differences in the capacity for, operation and outcomes of, biotic dynamics globally (e.g. species richness), that necessarily dissolve into apparent chaos locally. Fifth, biological relativity to water–energy dynamics provides a fundamental and natural framework for operationalizing hierarchy theory and developing trans‐scalar explanations for the geography and evolution of life's diversity.
Nested areas of endemism analysis
Authors: Deo Anthony J. , DeSalle Rob 
Published: August 2006

AbstractAim To develop and evaluate a nested clade approach to aid in the determination of areas of endemism (AoE) in biogeographical studies.Methods We adapted the nested clade analysis (NCA) to studies of areas of endemism. For this purpose we adapted several of the programs currently in use. Two data sets were examined using this approach – one involvingSciobiusin southern Africa and the other involving terrestrial mammals in Mexico.Results Nested clade analysis as applied to areas of endemism produced results similar to those of previous analyses ofSciobusin southern Africa. An analysis of terrestrial mammals in Mexico supports the designation of some biogeographical provinces as areas of endemism while suggesting that other provinces may comprise composite distributions that should be subdivided.Main conclusions The nested clade analysis approach utilized primarily in genetic analysis of phylogeographical patterns in population biology studies can be adapted to understanding AoE in the realm of biogeography. This approach offers a statistical paradigm to evaluate AoE suggested by parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) trees.
A comparative study of susceptibility and induced pathology of cod, Gadus morhua (L.), and halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.), following experimental infection with Moritella viscosa
Authors: Gudmundsdóttir B K , Björnsdóttir B , Gudmundsdóttir S , Bambir S H 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIn this study experimental challenges with Moritella viscosa, the causative agent of winter ulcers in salmonids, were performed on juvenile Atlantic cod and Atlantic halibut. The challenges involved both intramuscular (i.m.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections and bath with a strain originally isolated from Atlantic salmon. Cod was found to be significantly more sensitive than halibut to the infection. Both fish species were found to be more sensitive to i.m. than i.p. challenges. Both challenges induced a systemic disease in cod and halibut, but only cod was infected with an experimental bath challenge. Pathognomonic signs were found to be comparable with those described in M. viscosa‐infected salmon and turbot. The main distinguishing pathological sign was that the cod showed host response to M. viscosa infection resulting in granuloma formation in infected tissues, which is a known response of cod to a infection with another Gram‐negative bacterium, Aeromonas salmonicida. Re‐isolation of M. viscosa from kidneys of cod and halibut with clear disease signs was problematic and optimization of isolation measures is needed. The results of this study indicate that M. viscosa infection may be a risk factor in cod farming, but that halibut is more resistant.
Experimental infections with Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer) on threespine sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus L., and juvenile Pacific salmon, Oncorhynchus spp.
Authors: Jones S , Kim E , Dawe S 
Published: August 2006

AbstractExperimental infections with Lepeophtheirus salmonis (Krøyer) were established on threespine sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus L., juvenile pink, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha (Walbaum), and chum, Oncorhynchus keta (Walbaum), salmon. The prevalence and abundance of infections were initially higher on sticklebacks than on either salmon species. The initial prevalence and intensity of infections on chum salmon were higher than those on pink salmon, and declined on both species during louse development. The rate of parasite development to adult stages was similar on all species although development beyond the preadult stage was not observed on sticklebacks. These results confirm previous field observations on the occurrence and development of L. salmonis on threespine sticklebacks.