bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coping style mediates impact of stress on alcohol use: a prospective population‐based study
Authors: Veenstra Marja Y. , Lemmens Paul H. H. M. , Friesema Ingrid H. M. , Tan Frans E. S. , Garretsen Henk F. L. , Knottnerus J. André , Zwietering Paul J. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTAims  This study examines the relationship between stressful life‐events and alcohol use in a longitudinal cohort study, and investigates whether gender, coping style and social support modify this relationship.Design, setting and participants  Data analysed in this paper come from a sample of 1608 men and 1645 women drawn randomly from the cohort known as the Dutch Lifestyle and Health Study, consisting of 16 210 men and women aged 45–70 years, who were followed‐up for 4 years (1996–2000).Measurement  Alcohol use (recent and in the more distant past), occurrence of threatening life‐events, coping style (action, cognitive and emotion coping), social support (perceived, actual support and social contacts) and other potential confounding factors were assessed with five annual self‐administered questionnaires. The data were analysed with a mixed‐effects modelling technique, controlling for interactions with time and gender.Findings and conclusion  An interaction effect was found between experiencing a negative life‐event and emotion coping on alcohol use. A positive relationship was found between the occurrence of negative life‐events and alcohol use in subjects scoring high on emotion coping, and a negative one among subjects scoring low on emotion coping. Cognitive coping, action coping, actual support, social contacts and gender did not modify the relationship between life‐events and alcohol use. However, having a more cognitive coping style or more social contacts was associated with a lower level of alcohol use, whereas having an action coping style and receiving more actual social support was associated with a higher drinking level. It seems plausible that people scoring high on emotion coping, characterized by a passive, resigned, indulgent and self‐accusatory coping style, increase their alcohol use after experiencing a negative life‐event.
The ecology of the hippopotamus in Liwonde National Park, Malawi: implications for management
Authors: Harrison Mark E. , Kalindekafe Meya P. , Banda Bryson 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe hippopotamus population in Liwonde National Park, Malawi was studied from December 2002 to June 2003. Motorboat censuses along the River Shire counted 640 animals, but because of the large number of hippos in temporary water sources at the time, the true number is probably closer to 950. Marked shifts in hippo distribution from the Shire into temporary water sources occurred as the wet season advanced. Because of the Shire’s year‐round water supply, the hippo population is not regulated by the availability of aquatic refuges, but by food availability. By following feeding tracks, dry season grazing range was estimated to extend 5 km east and 1 km west of the river. Grazing intensity transects and visual estimates indicated only a small portion of this area is suitable for hippo grazing, leading to over‐grazing in suitable areas. Coupled with low primary productivity levels in Liwonde, this means that dry season food competition between hippos and other herbivores is probably high. Recent proposals to raise the Shire’s dry season water level should be considered very carefully, as this will flood late dry season grazing grounds, thereby intensifying grazing competition and increasing grazing pressure in remaining grazing areas, having potentially serious impacts on the animal community.
Aspects of the ecology of the spotted blindsnake, Typhlops punctatus punctatus in Port‐Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Akani Godfrey C. , Luiselli Luca , Eniang Edem A. , Amuzie Charity C. , Ebere Nwabueze 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe ecology of the blindsnake, Typhlops punctatus punctatus in five selected study plots in the River Niger Delta (Port Harcourt, Nigeria) was investigated. A total of 207 specimens were collected, 43% occurring under stones, 30% under leaf litter and 15% under logs. The number of snakes found under cover objects was significantly influenced by the number of cover objects lifted up. GLM analysis revealed that there was no difference in terms of number of snakes observed, once the relative effect of the different number of cover objects lifted up was taken into account, either among study plots or among types of cover objects. These snakes appeared to have a strong affinity for loamy soils, with moisture content of 8–18%, high organic matter (1–6%) and slightly acid pH of 5.4–6.9. Stomach content analysis revealed that these snakes fed mainly upon ants and termites. A case of predation by the toad Bufo maculatus on a juvenile blindsnake was also reported.
Carbon and nitrogen parasitism by a xylem‐tapping mistletoe (Tapinanthus oleifolius) along the Kalahari Transect: a stable isotope study
Authors: Wang Lixin , Kgope Barney , D’Odorico Paolo , Macko Stephen A. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe present study explores the xylem‐tapping parasitism by mistletoe (Tapinanthus oleifolius) on native tree species along the Kalahari Transect (KT) using the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen. Mistletoe‐host pairs were collected at three geographical locations along the KT rainfall gradient in the 2005 and 2006 wet seasons. Foliar total carbon, total nitrogen and their stable isotope compositions (δ13C and δ15N) were measured. Heterotrophy (H) was calculated using foliar δ13C values of mistletoes and their hosts as an indicator of proportion of carbon in the mistletoes derived from host photosynthate. Based on the mistletoe H‐value and relationship between the mistletoe foliar δ15N and their host foliar δ15N, the results showed that mistletoes along the KT derived both nitrogen and carbon from their hosts. Mistletoes may regulate water use in relation to nitrogen supply. The proportion of carbon in the mistletoes derived from host photosynthate was between 35% and 78%, and the degree of heterotrophy was species‐specific with only limited annual variation. The study emphasizes the importance of incorporating parasitic associations in future studies on studying carbon, water and nutrient cycling along the Kalahari.
B cells behaving badly
Authors: Shim Youn K. , Silver Sharon R. , Caporaso Neil E. , Marti Gerald E. , Middleton Dannie C. , Linet Martha S. , Vogt Robert F. ,   for the 2007 International CLL/MBL Workshop
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe pathogenesis of B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders in general and B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in particular appears to involve dysfunctional regulation of humoral and cellular immunity with the subsequent development of genetic aberrations in B cells. In theory, either component may arise de novo or may be influenced by environmental exposures including infectious agents, antigens, genotoxic chemicals, or radiation. As an intermediary within the exposure‐disease continuum, monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis may be a helpful biomarker for teasing out these various contributions to risk. This article introduces a series of papers that resulted from an International Workshop held in May 2007 entitled ‘Monoclonal B‐cell Lymphocytosis and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Environmental and Genetic Risk Factors’. Research efforts, such as those described in this issue, should lead to improved interventions, more predictive biomarkers, more effective treatments, and a greater appreciation of how the immune system functions over the entire human lifespan.
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia genetics overview
Authors: Caporaso Neil , Goldin Lynn , Plass Christoph , Calin George , Marti Gerald , Bauer Steven , Raveche Elizabeth , McMaster Mary Lou , Ng David , Landgren Ola , Slager Susan 
Published: November 2007

SummaryAlthough the familial aspect of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has been appreciated for decades, it is only with the recent confluence of improved molecular and gene technologies and world‐wide collaborative networks that accelerated progress has become apparent. In this summary we highlight selected themes in the genetics of CLL emphasizing the opportunities and challenges of this malignancy.
Bioethical considerations of monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis: donor transfer after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hardy Nancy M. , Grady Christine , Pentz Rebecca , Stetler‐Stevenson Maryalice , Raffeld Mark , Fontaine Laura S. , Babb Rebecca , Bishop Michael R. , Caporaso Neil , Marti Gerald E. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryMonoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is a recently described laboratory finding in otherwise healthy individuals. In MBL, a light chain‐restricted, clonal B‐cell population, often with a chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) phenotype, is identified by flow cytometry. Although the prognostic significance remains unclear, there is an increased incidence in ageing populations and those with a family history of CLL. During the past decade of MBL study, three families have come to our attention in which prospective sibling haematopoietic stem cell donors were found to have an MBL. These families raise complex bioethical issues with regard to disclosure of research data, eligibility for clinical trials and potential donor transfer of MBL. These issues are explored in this report. Identification of MBL among prospective sibling transplant donors will become a common occurrence in transplant practice as transplantation is increasingly offered to older individuals and those with CLL.
Overview of monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis
Authors: Marti Gerald , Abbasi Fatima , Raveche Elizabeth , Rawstron Andy C. , Ghia Paolo , Aurran Therese , Caporaso Neil , Shim Youn K. , Vogt Robert F. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryMonoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL) has been the subject of more intensive investigation for the last 10 years. The increased presence of MBL in unaffected, first‐degree relatives with familial chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) suggest that it is surrogate marker for early disease. In normal population studies, MBL is found to be increased in ageing subjects. Consensus criteria for the diagnosis of MBL have been proposed. The differential diagnosis has been further clarified and the prevalence of MBL is most prominent in the elderly. The aetiology of MBL is unknown but probably involves immune mechanism of senescence or altered response. Environmental health studies suggest that exposure to certain toxins may lead to MBL but further work is needed. MBL is a precursor to CLL but may also regress, remain stable or progress to clinical CLL.
Age‐dependent accumulation of monoclonal CD4+CD8+double positive T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of the elderly
Authors: Ghia Paolo , Prato Giuseppina , Stella Stefania , Scielzo Cristina , Geuna Massimo , Caligaris‐Cappio Federico 
Published: November 2007

SummaryMulticolour flow cytometric analysis enabled the identification of monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis (MBL), frequently resembling chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, at a rather high frequency in peripheral blood (PB) samples from an elderly population. PB T lymphocytes from 103 otherwise healthy subjects >65 years of age and 51 younger donors (<65 years) were analysed. Besides CD4+ and CD8+ single positive (SP) cells, CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) mature T lymphocytes were present in both series and could be further distinguished into CD4highCD8low and CD4lowCD8high subsets. An age‐dependent increase of both DP T‐cell subsets was observed, while SP T cells remained stable throughout life. Flow cytometry and polymerase chain reaction analysis of the TRBV expression profiles showed the presence of a TRBV restriction within CD4+CD8+ DP cells in more than half (53/103; 55·3%) of the individuals >65 years of age, regardless the actual number of DP T cells observed. Clonal expansions were more prominent within the CD4highCD8low subset, accounting for most circulating DP clones (47/103; 45·6%). A few cases showed more than one (up to three) monoclonal expansion. Clonal CD4lowCD8high DP T‐lymphocyte expansions were detected in only 10/103 samples (9·7%) and showed a close phenotypic similarity to the rare T‐cell large granular lymphocyte leukaemias. The similarities between DP clones and MBL in the elderly may help to better understand the mechanisms of immunosenescence and their relationships with the development of lymphoproliferative disorders.
Myeloma cell expression of 10 candidate genes for osteolytic bone disease. Only overexpression of DKK1 correlates with clinical bone involvement at diagnosis
Authors: Haaber Jacob , Abildgaard Niels , Knudsen Lene Meldgaard , Dahl Inger Marie , Lodahl Marianne , Thomassen Mads , Kerndrup Gitte Birk , Rasmussen Thomas 
Published: November 2007

SummaryOsteolytic bone disease (OBD) in multiple myeloma (MM) is caused by interactions between MM cells and the bone marrow microenvironment and is characterized by increased osteoclastic bone resorption and decreased osteoblastic bone formation. Recently, the role of osteoblast inhibition has come into focus, especially the possible role of overexpression of DKK1, an inhibitor of the Wnt signalling pathway. Further, CKS2, PSME2 and DHFR have also been reported as candidate genes for OBD. We studied the gene expression by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of TNFSF11 (RANKL), TNFSF11A (RANK), TNFRSF11B (OPG), CCL3 (MIP1A), CCL4 (MIP1B), PTHR1 (PTHrp), DKK1, CKS2, PSME2 and DHFR in purified, immunophenotypic FACS‐sorted plasma cells from 171 newly diagnosed MM patients, 20 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and 12 controls. The gene expressions of the analysed genes were correlated with radiographically assessed OBD. Only overexpression of DKK1 was correlated to the degree of OBD. Myeloma cells did not express TNFSF11A, TNFSF11, or TNFRSF11B, and very rarely expressed CCL3 and PTHR11. CCL4, CKS2, PSME2 and DHFR were variably expressed, but the expression of these genes showed no correlation with OBD. In contrast, loss of PSME2 expression in MM plasma cells was significantly correlated with OBD.
Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and smouldering multiple myeloma: emphasis on risk factors for progression
Authors: Kyle Robert A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent 
Published: November 2007

SummaryMonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is characterized by a serum monoclonal protein <30 g/l, <10% plasma cells in the bone marrow, and absence of end‐organ damage (CRAB–hypercalcaemia, renal insufficiency, anaemia, or bone lesions). MGUS is present in 3% of persons >50 years and in 5% >70 years of age. The risk of progression to multiple myeloma (MM) or a related disorder is 1% per year. Patients with risk factors consisting of an abnormal serum free light chain ratio, non‐immunoglobulin G (IgG) MGUS, and an elevated serum M protein ≥15 g/l had a risk of progression at 20 years of 58%, compared with 37% with two risk factors present, 21% with one risk factor present, and 5% when none of the risk factors were present. Smouldering (asymptomatic) multiple myeloma is characterized by having a serum IgG or IgA monoclonal protein of 30 g/l or higher and/or 10% or more plasma cells in the bone marrow but no evidence of end‐organ damage. The cumulative probability of progression to active MM or amyloidosis was 51% at 5 years, 66% at 10 years and 73% at 15 years; the median time to progression was 4·8 years.
Gene expression and pathway analysis of immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Sood Ruchira , Wong Wendy , Gotlib Jason , Jeng Michael , Zehnder James L 
Published: November 2007

SummaryA global expression profile of peripheral blood from patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was performed that identified an ITP‐specific signature, which also included interferon (IFN)‐induced genes. Several genes correlated with ITP have been shown to be associated with expression signatures in systemic lupus erythematosis and rheumatoid arthritis, indicating an overlap with other autoimmune disorders. Pathway analysis demonstrated that IFN signalling, death receptor and protein ubiquitination pathways were associated with ITP. These results provide the first glimpse of the genes and pathways consistently aberrant in ITP, identifying new targets for investigations of pathogenesis and treatment of ITP.
Photochemically enhanced delivery of a cell‐penetrating peptide nucleic acid conjugate targeting human telomerase reverse transcriptase: effects on telomere status and proliferative potential of human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Folini M. , Bandiera R. , Millo E. , Gandellini P. , Sozzi G. , Gasparini P. , Longoni N. , Binda M. , Daidone M. G. , Berg K. , Zaffaroni N. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract.  Objectives: Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are DNA mimics that have been demonstrated to be efficient antisense/antigene tools in cell‐free systems. However, their potential as in vivo regulators of gene expression has been hampered by their poor uptake by living cells, and strategies need to be developed for their intracellular delivery. This study has aimed to demonstrate the possibility (i) of efficiently delivering a PNA, which targets mRNA of the catalytic component of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), into DU145 prostate cancer cells through a combined approach based on conjugation of the PNA to Tat internalizing peptide (hTERT‐PNA‐Tat) and subsequent photochemical internalization, and (ii) to interfere with telomerase function. Materials and methods: Treated cells were analysed for telomerase activity, hTERT expression, growth rate, ability to undergo apoptosis and telomere status. Results: After exposure to light, DU145 cells treated with hTERT‐PNA‐Tat and the photosensitiser TPPS2a showed dose‐dependent inhibition of telomerase activity, which was accompanied by marked reduction of hTERT protein expression. A dose‐dependent decline in DU145 cell population growth and induction of caspase‐dependent apoptosis were also observed from 48 h after treatment. Such an antiproliferative effect was associated with the presence of telomeric dysfunction, as revealed by cytogenetic analysis, in the absence of telomere shrinkage, and with induction of DNA damage response as suggested by the increased expression of γ‐H2AX. Conclusions: Our results (i) indicate photochemical internalization as an efficient approach for intracellular delivery of chimaeric PNAs, and (ii) corroborate earlier evidence suggesting pro‐survival and anti‐apoptotic roles of hTERT, which are independent of its ability to maintain telomere length.
Quantification of allochthonous nutrient input into freshwater bodies by herbivorous waterbirds
Authors: HAHN S. , BAUER S. , KLAASSEN M. 
Published: November 2007

Summary1. Waterbirds are considered to import large quantities of nutrients to freshwater bodies but quantification of these loadings remains problematic. We developed two general models to calculate such allochthonous nutrient inputs considering food intake, foraging behaviour and digestive performance of waterbirds feeding in terrestrial habitats: an intake model (IM), mainly based on an allometric relationship for energy requirements and a dropping model (DM), based on allometric relationships for defaecation.2. Reviewed data of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content of herbivorous food varied according to diet type (foliage, seeds and roots), season and fertilization. For model parameterization average foliage diet contained 38.20 mg N g−1 and 3.21 mg P g−1 (dry weight), whereas mean faeces composition was 45.02 mg N g−1 and 6.18 mg P g−1.3. Daily allochthonous nutrient input increased with body mass ranging from 0.29 g N and 0.03 g P in teals Anas crecca to 5.69 g N and 0.57 g P in mute swans Cygnus olor. Results from IM differed from those of DM from ducks to swans by 63–108% for N and by −4 to 23% for P. Model uncertainty was lowest for the IM and mainly caused by variation in estimates of food retention time (RT). In DM food RT and dropping mass determined model uncertainty in similar extent.4. Exemplarily applying the models to Dutch wetlands resulted in mean annual contribution of herbivorous waterbirds to allochthonous nutrient loading of 382.8 ± 167.1 tonnes N a−1and 34.7 ± 2.3 tonnes P a−1, respectively, which corresponds to annual surface‐water loadings of 1.07 kg N ha−1 and 0.10 kg P ha−1.5. There was a distinct seasonal pattern with peak loadings in January, when bird abundances were highest. Lowest inputs were in August, when bird abundance and nutrient content in food was low and birds foraged less in terrestrial habitats. Three‐quarters of all nutrient input was contributed by greater white‐fronted goose Anser albifrons, greylag goose Anser anser, wigeon Anas penelope and barnacle goose Branta leucopsis alone.6. We provide general, easy to use calculation methods for the estimation of allochthonous nutrient inputs by waterbirds, which are applicable to a range of waterbird species, a variety of potential diets and feeding behaviours, and across spatial scales. Such tools may greatly assist in the planning and execution of management actions for wetland nutrient budgets.
Indirect effects of a parasite on a benthic community: an experiment with trematodes, snails and periphyton
Authors: BERNOT RANDALL J. , LAMBERTI GARY A. 
Published: November 2007

Summary1. Few studies have directly addressed the role played by parasites in the structure and function of ecosystems. Parasites influence the behaviour, reproduction and overall fitness of their hosts, but have been usually overlooked in community and ecosystem‐level studies. We investigated the effects of trematode parasites on snail–periphyton interactions.2.Physa acuta(Gastropoda: Pulmonata) snails infected with the trematodePosthodiplostomum minimum(often >30% of within‐shell biomass) grazed more rapidly than uninfected snails. Trematode effects on snail grazing indirectly affected the standing stock and community structure of periphyton. Populations of snails with 50% infected individuals reduced algal biomass by 20% more than populations with lesser (10% or 0%) infection rates.3. The algaCladophora glomeratadominated periphyton communities grazed by snail populations with 50% infection rates, whereas diatoms and blue–green algal taxa dominated when grazed by snail populations with lower infection rates.4. Thus, trematodes indirectly affected periphyton communities by altering host snail behaviour, a trait‐mediated indirect effect. These results indicate that trematodes can indirectly influence benthic community structure beyond simple population fitness, with possible related effects on ecosystem function.
Assessment of long‐term changes in habitat availability for Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) in a temperate lake using oxygen profiles and hydroacoustic surveys
Authors: JONES IAN D. , WINFIELD IAN J. , CARSE FIONA 
Published: November 2007

Summary1. Hydroacoustics (2002–04) and long‐term oxygen data (1969–2004) have been used in conjunction to examine the habitat of Arctic charr in the north and south basins of Windermere, U.K., a temperate lake subjected to cultural eutrophication and subsequent nutrient management.2. Since 1969 there has been a gradual decline in the oxygen concentration in the bottom waters of both basins of 0.03–0.04 mg L−1year−1, resulting in up to 43% of the volume of the south basin having an oxygen concentration <5 mg L−1 in the early autumn.3. Hydroacoustic data indicate that most Arctic charr routinely avoid the upper 10 m of the water column irrespective of temperature, with the implication that an observed gradual warming of the lake has not yet directly impacted upon their habitat.4. In recent years there has been a behavioural response of the Arctic charr population to migrate vertically to avoid oxygen concentrations <2.3–3.1 mg L−1. Further, the depth of the lower bound of the Arctic charr population is shown to be highly correlated with the deep water oxygen concentration throughout the year prior to autumnal overturn.