bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MORC4, a novel member of the MORC family, is highly expressed in a subset of diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Liggins Amanda P. , Cooper Christopher D. O. , Lawrie Charles H. , Brown Philip J. , Collins Graham P. , Hatton Chris S. , Pulford Karen , Banham Alison H. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe OX‐TES‐4 antigen originally elicited an antibody response in 50% of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients but not in control subjects. OX‐TES‐4 is encoded by a novel gene, MORC4, located at chromosome Xq22.3. The MORC4 protein contains a HATPase‐c domain, CW zinc finger motif, nuclear localisation signals and a nuclear matrix‐binding domain, together with a coiled‐coil region. MORC4 mRNA is widely expressed at low levels in normal tissues, showing highest expression levels in placenta and testis. mRNA levels were increased in non‐germinal centre‐derived DLBCL and Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines, compared with germinal centre‐derived DLBCL cell lines and normal B cells. Nineteen DLBCL patients (66%) expressed significantly higher levels of MORC4 mRNA than normal B cells (P = 0·0031). The differential expression of MORC4 identifies this molecule as a potential lymphoma biomarker, whose overexpression may contribute to the immunological recognition of MORC4 by a subgroup of DLBCL patients.
A clinical score predicting a brief and uneventful course of newly diagnosed idiopathic trombocytopenic purpura in children
Authors: Edslev Pernille Wendtland , Rosthøj Steen , Treutiger Iris , Rajantie Jukka , Zeller Bernward , Jonsson Olafur G. ,   on behalf of the NOPHO ITP Working Group
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe Nordic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura study data showed that morbidity occurred mainly in children with thrombocytopenia lasting >3 months, whereas, the risk period with platelet counts <20 × 109/l was short and the number of bleeding events low in children with shorter disease duration. These brief, uneventful courses were predicted by developing a scoring system based on six clinical features: abrupt onset (weight 5), age <10 years (3), preceding infection (2), platelet count <5 × 109/l, wet purpura (1) and male gender (1). The score was derived and validated in two different cohorts of children. High scores (10–14) clearly identified low‐risk patients. The score provides valid prognostic information and may be useful in clinical decision‐making.
ADAMTS13 activity to antigen ratio in physiological and pathological conditions associated with an increased risk of thrombosis
Authors: Feys Hendrik B. , Canciani Maria T. , Peyvandi Flora , Deckmyn Hans , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Mannucci Pier M. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe plasma metalloprotease ADAMTS13 (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin type 1 motif 13) cleaves prothrombotic ultralarge multimers of the platelet‐adhesive protein von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) into less active multimers that promote haemostasis in injured blood vessels. When the enzyme is dysfunctional or undetectable, circulating ULVWF may cause massive intravascular aggregation of platelets and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. This study compared ADAMTS13 antigen and activity in a large set of plasmas collected from subjects with various conditions of health and disease, most of which were associated with an increased thrombotic tendency. Pathological conditions were liver cirrhosis (n = 90), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 44) and cardiac surgery (n = 30). Healthy conditions were pregnancy (n = 42), oral contraceptive intake (n = 33) and the neonatal state (n = 41). Normal individuals of different ages were taken as controls (n = 132). The antigen assay showed less variability than the collagen binding‐based activity assay. Antigen values correlated well with activity in normal individuals, but were discrepant to various degrees in neonates, pregnancies of later maternal age and cardiac surgery. No discrepancies were noted in liver cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease, which were both associated with low‐plasma levels of ADAMTS13. The parallel measurement of ADAMTS13 activity and antigen provides a new tool for understanding the behaviour of the VWF cleaving protease in health and disease.
Comparison of leptin levels, body composition and insulin sensitivity and secretion by OGTT in healthy, early pubertal girls born at either appropriate‐ or small‐for‐gestational age
Authors: Martínez‐Aguayo A. , Capurro T. , Peña V. , Iñiguez G. , Hernández M. I. , Avila A. , Salazar T. , Asenjo S. , Mericq V. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryBackground  Small for gestational age (SGA) has been associated with decreased insulin sensitivity (IS). A possible mechanism is the postnatal development of a metabolically disadvantageous body composition (BC).Aim  To determine whether there are differences between IS and BC in girls in early puberty who were SGA (birth weight < 10th percentile) or appropriate for gestational age (AGA, 10th–90th percentile).Methods  Age‐matched (SGA/AGA) early pubertal girls (Tanner II) were recruited from local schools. We determined waist circumference (WC), the sum of four skinfolds (S4S), and per cent fat mass (fat %) by impedanciometry. Leptin and OGTT assays were performed. The insulinogenic index (I‐In), HOMA‐IR (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) and WBISI (whole body insulin sensitivity) were calculated.Results  Median age (interquartile range) for 30 SGA and 35 AGA girls was 10·2 (1·1) vs. 9·8 (0·9), respectively (P = NS). BMI percentiles were 62·6 (56) vs. 67·4 (39); WC 60·5 (9·5) vs. 62·2 (6·5) cm; S4S 52 (30) vs. 52·2 (29·5) cm, and fat %[26·2 (6·7) vs. 28·5 (6·3)] was similar in both groups. SGA girls had higher leptin levels [15·4 (9·7) vs. 9·6 (11) ng/ml; P = 0·01] and I‐In [2·05 (1·86) vs. 1·47 (1·27) µU/ml* mg/dl; P = 0·02]. No differences between HOMA‐IR [2·07 (1·26) vs. 2·04 (1·4)] and WBISI [5·3 (3·3) vs. 5·1 (3·1)] were found between groups.Conclusion  The higher leptin level and I‐In in girls born SGA at the beginning of puberty may be early indicators of an underlying subtle degree of insulin resistance, despite similar BMI and BC to AGA girls.
Acute and long‐term pituitary insufficiency in traumatic brain injury: a prospective single‐centre study
Authors: Klose M. , Juul A. , Struck J. , Morgenthaler N. G. , Kosteljanetz M. , Feldt‐Rasmussen U. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryObjective  To assess the prevalence of hypopituitarism following traumatic brain injury (TBI), describe the time‐course and assess the association with trauma‐related parameters and early post‐traumatic hormone alterations.Design  A 12‐month prospective study.Patients  Forty‐six consecutive patients with TBI (mild: N = 22; moderate: N = 9; severe: N = 15).Measurements  Baseline and stimulated hormone concentrations were assessed in the early phase (0–12 days post‐traumatically), and at 3, 6 and 12 months postinjury. Pituitary tests included the Synacthen‐test (acute +6 months) and the insulin tolerance test (ITT) or the GHRH + arginine test if the ITT was contraindicated (3 + 12 months). Insufficiencies were confirmed by retesting.Results  Early post‐traumatic hormone alterations mimicking central hypogonadism or hypothyroidism were present in 35 of the 46 (76%) patients. Three months post‐traumatically, 6 of the 46 patients failed anterior pituitary testing. At 12 months, one patient had recovered, whereas none developed new insufficiencies. All insufficient patients had GH deficiency (5 out of 46), followed by ACTH‐ (3 out of 46), TSH‐ (1 out of 46), LH/FSH‐ (1 out of 46) and ADH deficiency (1 out of 46). Hypopituitary patients had more frequently been exposed to severe TBI (4 out of 15) than to mild or moderate TBI (1 out of 31) (P = 0·02). Early endocrine alterations including lowered thyroid and gonadal hormones, and increased total cortisol, free cortisol and copeptin were positively associated to TBI severity (P < 0·05), but not to long‐term development of hypopituitarism (P > 0·1), although it was indicative in some.Conclusion  Long‐term hypopituitarism was frequent only in severe TBI. During the 3–12 months follow‐up, recovery but no new insufficiencies were recorded, indicating manifest hypothalamic or pituitary damage already a few months postinjury. Very early hormone alterations were not associated to long‐term post‐traumatic hypopituitarism. Clinicians should, nonetheless, be aware of potential ACTH deficiency in the early post‐traumatic period.
Salivary testosterone: a reliable approach to the diagnosis of male hypogonadism
Authors: Arregger Alejandro L. , Contreras Liliana N. , Tumilasci Omar R. , Aquilano Daniel R. , Cardoso Estela M. L. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryObjective  This study was to demonstrate that Sal‐T is a reliable biomarker of androgen status in the diagnosis of male hypogonadism.Design  In order to validate the salivary testosterone assay (Sal‐T), its reproducibility, the agreement with serum free testosterone levels (Free‐T), the correlation with other circulating androgen markers (bioavailable testosterone, total testosterone) and cut‐off values were defined.Patients and methods  We studied 52 eugonadic (E) and 20 hypogonadic (Hy) men. Sal‐T was assayed using an adapted radioimmunoassay for serum testosterone. Sal‐T concentrations were compared in nine cases before and after citric acid stimulation of salivary flow rate. Free‐T and bioavailable testosterone (Bio‐T) were calculated by Vermeulen equation and SHBG were determined by binding assay.Results  Sal‐T did not depend on salivary flow rate and morning samples from 07·00 h to 09·00 h were stable. Agreement between Sal‐T and Free‐T measurements was confirmed in all subjects. Sal‐T levels correlated positively with all circulating androgens, showing the best correlation with Free‐T in E (r = 0·92) as well as in Hy (r = 0·97). A cut‐off value of Sal‐T ≤ 0·195 nm showed 100% sensibility and specificity to rule out hypogonadism.Conclusions  Our data showed that Sal‐T is a reliable marker of testosterone bioavailability. The results support the inclusion of this biomarker as a noninvasive approach in the diagnosis of male androgen deficiency.
Sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to mineral surfaces
Authors: Müller S. , Totsche K. U. , Kögel‐Knabner I. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryMinerals contribute crucially to the retention of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in subsurface environments. To investigate the sorption behaviour to mineral surfaces batch sorption experiments were conducted using three PAHs (phenanthrene, pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene) and three mineral sorbents that were representative of subsurface materials (quartz, goethite‐coated quartz, quartz‐montmorillonite mixture). Sorption kinetics showed an instantaneous, considerable PAH sorption to all minerals, except for phenanthrene sorption to quartz at small aqueous‐phase concentrations. Apparent sorption equilibrium was achieved after 4 hours of contact time. The sorption characteristics were fitted to six isotherm models by applying Monte Carlo simulation and nonlinear regression. Best‐fit models were obtained by a model discrimination approach. Phenanthrene and pyrene sorption were best described by the Freundlich isotherm model, with the exception of phenanthrene sorption to quartz (linear isotherm). Good fit results for quartz were also obtained for the combined linear‐Freundlich isotherm. Benzo(a)pyrene sorption to all minerals followed linear high‐affinity isotherms. In the case of phenanthrene and pyrene, the Monte Carlo simulations resulted in mean values with small standard deviations for the isotherm parameters, indicating a negligible influence of the experimental uncertainties on the accuracy of the fitted parameters. For phenanthrene, (i) linear isotherms to quartz and goethite‐coated quartz and (ii) a nonlinear concave‐shaped isotherm to quartz–montmorillonite, assuming a pore‐filling process to micropores formed by clay aggregates, were confirmed. For pyrene, nonlinear convex‐shaped isotherms to the mineral surfaces were assessed. A specific sorption affinity of pyrene to the goethite surface indicated a non‐covalent cation‐π interaction. Small sorption affinities to quartz–montmorillonite support an unfavourable partitioning into the adjacent water.
The quality of organic matter mediates the response of heterotrophic biofilms to phosphorus enrichment of the water column and substratum
Authors: ARDÓN MARCELO , PRINGLE CATHERINE M. 
Published: June 2007

Summary1. Heterotrophic biofilms are important drivers of community respiration, nutrient cycling and decomposition of organic matter in stream ecosystems. Both organic matter quality and nutrient levels have been shown to affect biofilm biomass and activity individually, but both factors have rarely been manipulated simultaneously.2. To experimentally manipulate the organic matter quality and phosphorus (P) levels of both the substratum and water column, we first used cellulose cloth as a low‐quality organic material and enhanced its quality and P‐content by amending the underlying agar with maltose and P, respectively (Experiment I). To manipulate water column P, artificial substrata were incubated in low‐ and high‐P sites of a whole‐stream P‐enrichment in lowland Costa Rica.3. Results from Experiment I suggest that heterotrophic biofilm respiration on cellulose cloth is co‐limited by carbon (C) and P. Biofilm respiration responded in an additive manner to combined effects of maltose and P‐enrichment of water column and synergistically to maltose and high‐P in substrata.4. As decomposing organic matter that supports heterotrophic biofilms varies naturally in its labile C content along with other physical and chemical properties, we conducted a second experiment (Experiment II) in which we amended leaf discs from two species (Trema integerrima, a labile C source and Zygia longifolia, a recalcitrant C source) with maltose. We incubated the substrata in low‐ and high‐P sites of the P‐enrichment stream.5. Results from Experiment II indicate that biofilm respiration on a labile C source (Trema) was not C‐limited, while biofilm respiration on a recalcitrant C source (Zygia) was C‐limited. Phosphorus stimulated the biofilm respiration and breakdown rate on Trema, but not on Zygia, supporting the hypothesis that the stimulatory effect of P‐enrichment is dependent on the availability of labile C in decomposing leaves.6. Our results suggest that the interactive effects of organic matter quality and nutrient loading of streams can significantly increase microbial biofilm activity, potentially altering the trophic base of stream food webs. Researchers should consider both the organic matter quality and the enrichment of both water column and substrata to better predict the effects of anthropogenic nutrient loading to stream the ecosystems.
Photoprotective compounds in weakly and strongly pigmented copepods and co‐occurring cladocerans
Authors: PERSAUD ANURANI D. , MOELLER ROBERT E. , WILLIAMSON CRAIG E. , BURNS CAROLYN W. 
Published: June 2007

Summary1. The prevalence of mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) – a group of potential ultraviolet (UV)‐photoprotective compounds – was surveyed across 11 species of freshwater copepods from 20 lakes of varying ultraviolet radiation (UVR) transparency in North America, New Zealand and Argentina. Co‐occurring cladocerans were also analysed (seven species from 12 lakes). Many of the calanoid copepod populations were red with carotenoid pigmentation, allowing comparison of MAA and carotenoid accumulation as photoprotective strategies.2. In two Pennsylvania (U.S.A.) lakes, MAA and carotenoid contents were followed during the early spring to mid‐summer period of lake warming. A pronounced seasonal pattern of higher carotenoid/low MAA content in spring, shifting to low carotenoid/higher MAA content in summer, was observed in calanoids from the more UV transparent lake.3. All copepod samples contained MAAs. Visibly red calanoids, especially southern Hemisphere Boeckella, often had moderate to high concentrations (2.5–11 μg MAA mg−1 dw), but low concentrations (0.04–1 μg MAA mg−1 dw) in some N. American red calanoids show that high carotenoid pigmentation (e.g. 5–10 μg carotenoid mg−1 dw) does not necessarily imply high MAA content.4. No cladoceran sample had more than trace amounts of MAAs (<0.05 μg mg−1 dw). Therefore, MAA accumulation does not seem to be a photoprotective strategy utilized by Daphnia (five species from nine lakes) or other cladocerans.5. Seven identifiable MAAs were widely distributed among both calanoids and cyclopoids. Shinorine was ubiquitous and was usually the most abundant MAA in N. American samples. In contrast, porphyra‐334 was the predominant MAA in the southern Hemisphere Boeckella.6. Copepods from higher UVR lakes tended to have a higher MAA content, but this relationship was statistically weak overall and taxon‐specific when found.
Relating endocrinology, physiology and behaviour using species with alternative mating strategies
Authors: MILES D. B. , SINERVO B. , HAZARD L. C. , SVENSSON E. I. , COSTA D. 
Published: June 2007

Summary

Recent reviews demonstrate that genetically determined alternative mating strategies (AMS) are widespread and typically consist of morphs that are recognized by morphological or colour traits. Despite well‐established behavioural differences associated with each morph, and evidence that androgens are involved in the induction of morphs, few studies have examined whether morphs also vary in whole‐organismal performance traits, which may affect dominance status, resource holding potential (RHP) or mate attraction.
Our survey revealed a link between androgens and physiological performance traits that are associated with territorial or courtship displays across vertebrate taxa, although the number of species in the sample is limited. Experimental elevation of testosterone alters muscular contractile properties, swimming performance, sprint speed and endurance in males. Whether morphs differ in physiological capacities is relatively unexplored, although recent studies have found that males with high dominance status also exhibit greater physiological capacities (locomotor performance, call duration).
Multiple studies support the hypothesis that elevated testosterone results in fitness trade‐offs. Potential costs of testosterone include impaired immune function, higher parasite loads, greater energetic requirements and ultimately reduced survival. Long term studies of Uta stansburiana highlight the trade‐offs among life‐history traits induced by variation in testosterone. Circumstantial evidence suggests a role of testosterone in depressing immune function in species with AMS.
We argue that hypotheses regarding the role of trade‐offs in shaping selection on functional modules, which are involved in sexual selection, are best developed by manipulative studies on discrete morphs. Our review highlights the need to measure multiple traits to provide additional insights into the roles of sexual selection and physiological epistasis in maintaining intraspecific variation in reproductive phenotypes. The integration of endocrine control of behaviour, physiology and performance is rarely attempted in most studies and may be facilitated by analyses that focus on estimating correlational selection.
Expression of fascin in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas has prognostic significance – a tissue microarray study of 129 cases
Authors: Chen S F , Yang S F , Li J W , Nieh P C , Lin S Y , Fu E , Bai C Y , Jin J S , Lin C Y , Nieh S 
Published: June 2007

Aims:  To elucidate the role of fascin in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by correlation with clinical parameters.Methods and results:  Paraffin sections using tissue microarrays of 129 patients with OSCC were investigated immunohistochemically. Fascin protein was overexpressed in OSCC cells compared with their non‐neoplastic epithelial counterparts. For evaluating the intensity of fascin, 39 (30.2%) were classified as weakly immunoreactive, 76 (58.9%) as moderate reactive and 14 (10.9%) as intensely reactive. For evaluating the distribution of fascin, 64 (49.6%) were classified as < 55% and 65 (50.4%) were classified as ≥ 55%. Fascin protein expression was correlated with size or extent of the tumour (P < 0.001), positive lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), distant metastasis (P = 0.014) and clinical staging (P < 0.001). The immunoreactivity scores of fascin in OSCC were variable but showed significant correlation with histological grade, clinical TNM system and stage.Conclusion:  Expression of fascin protein may play an important role in progression of OSCC. Overexpression of fascin contributes to a more aggressive clinical course and suggests the potential of fascin as a new molecular target for therapeutic intervention.
Necrotizing sialometaplasia versus invasive carcinoma of the head and neck: the use of myoepithelial markers and keratin subtypes as an adjunct to diagnosis
Authors: Rizkalla H , Toner M 
Published: June 2007

Aims:  To investigate the use of immunohistochemistry in distinguishing necrotizing sialometaplasia (NSM) from squamous cell (SCC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) by (i) the identification of myoepithelial cells and (ii) cytokeratin (CK) expression.Methods and results:  Thirteen cases with the histological changes of NSM, eight SCCs and eight MECs were examined with the following immunohistochemical markers: calponin, S100, smooth muscle actin (SMA), p63, CK7, CK5, CK6 and CAM5.2. The distribution and intensity of staining were recorded. Residual myoepithelial cells (best demonstrated by calponin and SMA) were identified at the periphery of the epithelial islands in all cases of NSM (although not in all islands), in contrast to MEC and SCC. S100 showed a similar pattern, although staining fewer cells. Moderate rather than extensive expression of CK7 may help to distinguish NSM from MEC.Conclusion:  Identification of myoepithelial cells and CK7 expression may help to distinguish NSM from its mimics.
Expression of hGC‐1 is correlated with differentiation of gastric carcinoma
Authors: Liu W , Zhu J , Cao L , Rodgers G P 
Published: June 2007

Aims:  The human G‐CSF‐stimulated clone‐1 (hGC‐1) gene encodes a 510‐amino acid olfactomedin‐related glycoprotein whose exact in vivo localization and function still remain elusive. The aim of this study was to demonstrate hGC‐1 protein localization in the normal human gastrointestinal tract and to explore further a potential relationship between hGC‐1 expression and gastric carcinoma.Methods and results:  A specific hGC‐1 polyclonal antibody raised against purified hGC‐1 protein was developed and characterized. Using immunohistochemistry, it was demonstrated that hGC‐1 is expressed in the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon. The expression pattern of hGC‐1 protein in 173 cases of gastric carcinoma was investigated and a striking correlation was demonstrated between hGC‐1 expression and histological type and differentiation of gastric carcinoma. Enhanced hGC‐1 expression was more frequently seen in intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma, whereas loss of expression tended to occur in the diffuse type. hGC‐1 was highly expressed in well or moderately differentiated cancers and was remarkably reduced or lost in poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumours.Conclusions:  These investigations have defined for the first time the expression pattern of hGC‐1 in the normal human gastrointestinal tract and provide a novel and sensitive marker for the differentiation of gastric carcinoma.