bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antithrombin‐TRI (Ala 382 to Thr) causing severe thromboembolic tendency undergoes the S‐to‐R transition and is associated with a plasma‐inactive high‐molecular‐weight complex of aggregated antithrombin
Authors: Lindo V. S. , Kakkar V. V. , Learmonth M. , Melissari E. , Zappacosta F. , Panico M. , Morris H. R. 
Published: March 2008

An antithrombin (AT) variant Ala382 to Thr (AT‐TRI) was identified by mass spectrometric techniques. The variant behaved as a substrate rather than a thrombin inhibitor, but, contrary to previously described P12 AT variants, AT‐TRI, expressed as a heterozygous dominant trait, caused severe thromboembolic tendency beginning in their teens in affected members of an English family. In addition, it underwent the S‐to‐R conformational state transition as evidenced by an increased resistance to thermal denaturation on active centre cleavage, but did not react with a monoclonal antibody, 4C9, directed against a neoepitope that is present on complexed and cleaved normal AT. Antithrombin‐TRI, in plasma, was also associated with an abnormal high molecular weight (Mr 194000) component composed of non‐covalently‐linked antithrombin molecules. This component (D194) showed low affinity for heparin and was devoid of antithrombin progressive activity. D194, isolated by ammonium sulphate precipitation and three chromatographic steps (heparin Sepharose, ion exchange and immunoaffinity), migrated as a single band of Mr 60000 on SDS‐PAGE under both reducing and non‐reducing conditions and was recognized by monospecific anti‐human antithrombin antibodies, but did not immunoreact with antibodies raised against a number of proteins including albumin and thrombin. The above data and the fact that the 15 N‐terminal amino acids of this Mr 60 000 band were identical to that of normal antithrombin indicated that the inactive D194 component was composed of aggregated antithrombin molecules, possibly antithrombin trimers.In conclusion, early adulthood severe thromboembolic tendency, failure to expose the 4C9 epitope, and presence of aggregated AT molecules in the plasma are characteristic features of AT‐TRI not previously described in other ALA‐382 THR mutations.
Refractory anaemia with preleukaemic polyclonal haemopoiesis and the emergence of monoclonal erythropoiesis on disease progression
Authors: Culligan Dominic J. , Bowen David T. , May Alison , White Denise , Padua Rose Ann , Burnett Alan K. 
Published: March 2008

We describe a young woman with a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) of the type refractory anaemia (RA) which remained stable for 11 years and then underwent rapid progression manifested by bone marrow failure with the emergence of a complex clonal cytogenetic abnormality. Peripheral blood granulocytes. mononuclear cells and bone marrow erythro‐blasts were all polyclonal by X‐inactivation analysis detected by the probe M27B during the preleukaemic phase. On disease progression, bone marrow erythroblasts developed an extremely skewed monoclonal pattern of X‐inactivation.In some cases of MDS, therefore, polyclonal haemopoiesis can be detected for a considerable time during the preleukaemic phase and we report the demonstration of bone marrow erythroblasts changing from a polyclonal to a monoclonal pattern on disease progression.
Pyrethroid sensitivity monitoring in Germany of oilseed rape pest insects other than pollen beetle
Authors: Müller A. , Heimbach U. , Thieme T. 
Published: March 2008

Pyrethroid resistant pollen beetles (Meligethes aeneus) are widely distributed in Germany and other European countries. Other insect pests on oilseed rape are also exposed to pyrethroids which often have more than one application per season. In spite of this scarce information about the sensitivity of other oilseed rape pest insects is available. To address this monitoring of pyrethroid sensitivity of different oilseed rape pest insects has been carried out since 2005. Laboratory experiments were conducted using an adult‐vial‐test design with samples collected in different areas of Germany.Most samples of Ceutorhynchus napi, C. assimilis, C. pallidactylus, Dasineura brassicae, Phyllotreta spp. and Psylliodes chrysocephala tested from 2005–2007 showed 100% mortality at 0.003 and 0.015 µg/cm2 lambda‐cyhalothrin used as reference test pyrethroid. Some samples especially of C. pallidactylus, C. napi and C. assimilis showed a lower mortality with alive and healthy beetles at 0.015 µg/cm2 lambda‐cyhalothrin. For all samples tested from 2005–2007 100% mortality was found only at higher rates of 0.0375 or 0.075 µg/cm2 lambda‐cyhalothrin.To date, no clear pyrethroid resistance has been detected in other oil seed rape pest insect populations in Germany.
Pliocene climatic change in insular Southeast Asia as an engine of diversification inFicedulaflycatchers
Authors: Outlaw Diana Cumings , Voelker Gary 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAims Insular Southeast Asia and adjacent regions are geographically complex, and were dramatically affected by both Pliocene and Pleistocene changes in climate, sea level and geology. These circumstances allow the testing of several biogeographical hypotheses regarding species distribution patterns and phylogeny. Avian species in this area present a challenge to biogeographers, as many are less hindered by barriers that may block the movements of other species. Widely distributed Southeast Asian avian lineages, of which there are many, have been generally neglected.Ficedulaflycatchers are distributed across Eurasia, but are most diverse within southern Asia and Southeast Asian and Indo‐Australian islands. We tested the roles of vicariance, dispersal and the evolution of migratory behaviours as mechanisms of speciation within theFicedulaflycatchers, with a focus on species distributed in insular Southeast Asia.Methods Using a published molecular phylogeny ofFicedulaflycatchers, we reconstructed ancestral geographical areas using dispersal vicariance analysis, weighted ancestral area analysis, and a maximum likelihood method. We evaluated the evolution of migratory behaviours using maximum likelihood ancestral character state reconstruction. Speciation timing estimates were calculated via local molecular clock methods.Results Ficedulaoriginated in southern mainland Asia,c. 6.5 Ma. Our analyses indicate that two lineages withinFicedulaindependently and contemporaneously colonized insular Southeast Asia and Indo‐Australia,c. 5 Ma. The potential impact of vicariance due to rising sea levels is difficult to assess in these early colonization events because the ancestral areas to these clades are reconstructed as oceanic islands. Within each of these clades, inter‐island dispersal was critical to species’ diversification across oceanic and continental islands. Furthermore, Pliocene and Pleistocene climatic change may have caused the disjunct island distributions between several pairs of sister taxa. Both vicariance and dispersal shaped the distributions of continental species.Main conclusions This study presents the first evaluation, forFicedula,of the importance of vicariance and dispersal in shaping distributions, particularly across insular Southeast Asia and Indo‐Australia. Although vicariant speciation may have initially separated the island clades from mainland ancestors, speciation within these clades was driven primarily by dispersal. Our results contribute to the emerging body of literature concluding that dynamic geological processes and climatic change throughout the Pliocene and Pleistocene have been important factors in faunal diversification across continental and oceanic islands.
Environmental influences on spatial and temporal patterns of body‐size variation in California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi)
Authors: Blois Jessica L. , Feranec Robert S. , Hadly Elizabeth A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAim  In order to understand how ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) may respond to future environmental change, we investigated five biotic and environmental factors potentially responsible for explaining body‐size variation in this species across California. We examined the concordance of spatial patterns with temporal body‐size change since the last glacial maximum (LGM).Location  California, western North America.Methods  We quantified body size of modern populations of ground squirrels (n = 81) and used a model‐selection approach to determine the best variables (sex, vegetation, number of congeners, temperature and/or precipitation) explaining geographical variation in body size among modern populations. We also quantified body size of one fossil population in northern California (n = 39) and compared temporal body‐size change in S. beecheyi at this location since the LGM with model predictions.Results  Body size of modern populations conformed to Bergmann’s rule, with larger individuals in northern (wetter and cooler) portions of California. However, the models suggest that precipitation, rather than temperature or other variables, may best explain variation in body size across modern spatial gradients. Our conclusion is supported by the temporal data, demonstrating that the body size of S. beecheyi has increased in northern California since the LGM, concordant with precipitation but not temperature change in the region.Main conclusions  Precipitation, rather than temperature, vegetation or number of congeneric species, was the main factor explaining both spatial and temporal patterns of body‐size variation in S. beecheyi. The integration of space and time provides a powerful mechanism for predicting how local populations may respond to current and future climatic changes.
Habitual caffeine intake in women of childbearing age
Authors: Derbyshire E. , Abdula S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  For women, delayed conception and recurrent pregnant loss are just a few of the health implications associated with a caffeine‐rich diet (Mol. Hum. Reprod., 11, 357). At present there is a deficit of prospective research measuring current habitual intakes of caffeine in UK women. The purpose of the current study was to collect up‐to‐date baseline data to assess caffeine intake and knowledge in a group of women (aged 16–45 years).Methods  Seventy Caucasian subjects (mean age 30.4 ± 8.7 years) were recruited from business offices within the Manchester area. Each participant completed a 3‐day food diary and lifestyle questionnaire.Results  The mean intake of caffeine was 173.95 mg day−1 (±128.39 mg day−1). Eighteen per cent of subjects exceeded caffeine guidelines and consumed 300 mg caffeine or more each day. Subjects consuming over 300 mg day−1 were more likely to be older (P = 0.016) and smokers (P = 0.000). Individuals given previous advice about caffeine and health, had lower intakes (P = 0.002).Conclusions  Many women are unaware of health perturbations associated with caffeine consumption. A diet abundant in caffeine may result in delayed conception, infertility and increased risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer later in life. Such information needs to be conveyed to the public sector. Future research is also required to devise specific caffeine guidelines, particularly safe upper limits.
The conceptualisation of dreams by adults with intellectual disabilities: relationship with theory of mind abilities and verbal ability
Authors: Dodd A. , Hare D. J. , Hendy S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  Empirical studies suggest that individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) have difficulties in conceptualising dreams as perceptually private, non‐physical, individuated and potentially fictional entities. The aim of the current study was to replicate the results found by Stenfert Kroese et al. using a comparative sample size, and to examine putative cognitive correlates of accurate dream conceptualisation [receptive language and 1st order theory of mind (ToM) abilities].Method  Conceptualisation of dreams, real objects and photographs was assessed with a structured closed‐question interview schedule, together with receptive language, and ToM abilities.Results  Findings from the current study replicated those of previous research, finding that many adults with ID tend to think that dreams take place around them, can be witnessed by others, can be touched and manipulated, can be shared by others and are about real events. The ability to accurately conceptualise dreams was found to increase along with receptive language ability, and there was a non‐significant association between ToM ability and the ability to understand that dreams can be about potentially fictional entities.Conclusions  Some individuals with ID have a different understanding of mental phenomena such as dreams, which has implications for several aspects of care and support, particularly relating to mental health and therapeutic work.
A comparison of patients with intellectual disability receiving specialised and general services in Ontario's psychiatric hospitals
Authors: Lunsky Y. , Bradley E. , Durbin J. , Koegl C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  Over the years, the closure of institutions has meant that individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) must access mainstream (i.e. general) mental health services. However, concern that general services may not adequately meet the needs of patients with ID and mental illness has led to the development and implementation of more specialised programmes. This study compares patients with ID receiving specialised services to patients with ID receiving general services in Ontario's tertiary mental healthcare system in terms of demographics, symptom profile, strengths and resources and clinical service needs.Method  A secondary analysis of Colorado Client Assessment Record data collected from all tertiary psychiatric hospitals in the province was completed for all 371 inpatients with ID, from both specialised and general programmes.Results  Inpatients in specialised programmes were more likely to have a diagnosis of mood disorder and were less likely to have a substance abuse or psychotic disorder. Individuals receiving specialised services had higher ratings of challenging behaviour than those in more general programmes. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of recommended level of care, although more inpatients from specialised programmes were rated as requiring Level 4 care than inpatients from general programmes.Conclusions  In Ontario, inpatients in specialised and general programmes have similar overall levels of need but unique clinical profiles that should be taken into consideration when designing interventions for them.
Characterisation of user‐defined health status in older adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Starr J. M. , Marsden L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground  Older adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) have an excess disease burden that standard health assessments are designed to detect. Older adults with ID have a broader concept of health with dimensions of well being in addition to absence of disease in line with the World Health Organization's health definition. We sought to characterise user‐defined health status in a sample of older adults with ID.Methods  We administered a user‐led health assessment to 57 adults with ID aged 40 years and over. Cluster analysis on user‐defined health themes of participation, nutrition and hygiene/self‐care identified clear separation of participants into a healthier and a less healthy group.Results  Disease burden (P = 0.002) and medication use (P = 0.003) were greater in the less healthy group. The healthier group were taller (P = 0.005), stronger (P = 0.005) and had better vision (P < 0.001) than the less healthy group. Constipation (P = 0.014), urinary incontinence (P < 0.001) and faecal incontinence (P < 0.001) were commoner in the less healthy group. There were few significant differences between health groups on the majority of standard physical‐examination items.Conclusions  There is considerable overlap between user‐defined health and that assessed by standard instruments. In addition, user‐defined health encompasses aspects of physical fitness not captured by traditional disease‐based health models.
Sequences variations in 5′‐flanking region of ABO gene and correlation with ABO alleles in the indigenous Chinese
Authors: Yan L. , Zhu F. , Liu Y. , Xu X. , Hong X. 
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives  5′‐flanking sequences of the ABO gene play important role in the regulation of gene expression, but polymorphism of 5′‐flanking sequence of ABO gene is rarely known. Here, we further characterize the molecular genetic basis and ABO allele‐related polymorphism of the 5′‐untranslated regions (5′‐UTR) of the human ABO gene.Materials and Methods  Collecting blood samples from 72 blood donors in Hangzhou, China, we analysed sequences of exons 6 and 7 of ABO gene and amplified an enhanced segment of 43 bp repeats in the 5′‐UTR. Subsequently, we selected 25 homozygotes [of genotypes A101/A101 (two), A102/A102 (seven), B101/B101 (seven) and O01/O01 (nine)] and five heterozygotes [A102/O01 (two), B101/O01 (two) and O01/O105 (one)] for sequencing 5 ‐kb amplicons spanning the 5′‐UTR and partial exon 1 of the ABO gene. We sequenced the amplicons bidirectionally and, when pertinent, analysed selected haplotypes by cloning.Results  As a result, we identified 11 new polymorphic sites (10 point mutations, one 8‐bp deletion) in the 5′‐UTR of the A102, B101 and O01 alleles of common ABO phenotypes. Five A102 alleles carry four tandem repeats of a 43‐bp minisatellite unit that deviated from previous reports.Conclusion  The results revealed the DNA polymorphisms in the 5′‐UTRs correlated with the common ABO alleles. Elucidation of the diversity of the 5′‐UTRs is an important supplement to existing methods for increasing our understanding of the molecular basis of the ABO blood group system.
Payment for whole blood donations in Lithuania: the risk for infectious disease markers
Authors: Kalibatas V. 
Published: March 2008

Background and Objectives  In Lithuania, remuneration for whole blood donations still prevails, with the government covering payment for the donors. The payment per donation in cash is equal to 40 litas (€11·6); it is offered to all blood donors and accepted by the majority of them. Donors who gave blood and received the payment are treated as remunerated donors; those who gave blood and did not take the payment are treated as non‐remunerated ones. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of payment for whole blood donations and to analyse the prevalence of infectious diseases markers per 100 remunerated and non‐remunerated, first‐time and regular whole blood donations, and to compare the risk ratios of infectious disease markers of remunerated and non‐remunerated whole blood donations in 2005 and 2006 at the National Blood Center in Lithuania.Materials and Methods  Whole blood donors were categorized as follows: (i) first‐time donor, remunerated; (ii) first‐time donor, non‐remunerated; (iii) regular donor, remunerated; and (iv) regular donor, non‐remunerated. The blood donations were analysed for the presence or absence of the following infectious disease markers: anti‐hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐human immunodeficiency virus (anti‐HIV 1/2) and syphilis. Only confirmed infectious disease markers were classified. To assess the risk of payment for whole blood donations, the prevalence of infectious disease markers per 100 donations in the different donor groups and the risk ratios between the remunerated and non‐remunerated donations were determined.Results  The prevalence per 100 first‐time remunerated donations was: for anti‐HCV 1·84 (2005) and 2·98 (2006); for HBsAg 1·73 (2005) and 2·03 (2006); for syphilis 0·67 (2005) and 1·03 (2006). The prevalence per 100 first‐time non‐remunerated donations was: for anti‐HCV 0·93 (2005) and 0·98 (2006); for HBsAg 1·57 (2005) and 1·33 (2006); for syphilis 0·29 (2005) and 0·47 (2006). The first‐time donors who were remunerated for whole blood donations had a significantly higher prevalence of infectious disease markers per 100 donations and a higher risk ratio for at least three infectious disease markers (HBsAg, anti‐HCV and syphilis) as compared to first‐time donors who were non‐remunerated. The regular donors who were non‐remunerated for whole blood donations had the lowest prevalence of all infectious disease markers: anti‐HCV –0·03 (2005) and 0·04 (2005); syphilis –0·06 (2005) and 0·02 (2006); and any positive cases of HBsAg and anti‐HIV 1/2 were found both in 2005 and 2006. No statistically significance differences in incidence and risk ratio existed when comparing the regular donations who were remunerated and non‐remunerated.Conclusion  The payment for whole blood donors provides a higher risk for infectious disease markers of first‐time donations at the National Blood Center in Lithuania.
Heat shock proteins in pancreatic diseases
Authors: Saluja Ashok , Dudeja Vikas 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHeat shock proteins (HSPs) are chaperone proteins that protect living cells against injury‐inducing stimuli. Dysregulated expression of HSPs has been observed in various disease conditions including cancer. Using knock‐out and transgenic animal approach, as well as standard, methods of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) induction (i.e. thermal stress and arsenite administration), it has been shown that HSP70 protects against cell injury and acinar necrosis in experimental model of pancreatitis in animals. Animals in which HSP70 is induced prior to cerulein administration in a cerulein model of pancreatitits have reduced severity of pancreatitis, as demonstrated by lower serum amylase, lesser acinar necrosis on histology and decreased neutrophilic infiltration, suggesting that HSP70 is protective against cell death. Similar to the protective role of HSP70 in a pancreatitis model, HSP70 overexpression has been observed in pancreatic cancer and is believed to protect cancer cells from cell death. HSP70 is overexpressed both at mRNA and protein levels in pancreatic cancer cell lines as compared to normal pancreatic ductal cells. On a more clinical note, HSP70 is present in great abundance in pancreatic cancer clinical specimens as compared to normal pancreatic margins. Inhibition of HSP70 expression in pancreatic cancer cells leads to caspase‐dependent apoptotic cell death and is a novel therapeutic modality for pancreatic cancer. Triptolide is a pharmacological agent which highly effective inhibiting HSP70 expression in pancreatic cancer cells and thus induces cell death. Moreover, triptolide is highly efficacious in reducing growth as well as locoregioinal spread of pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic model of pancreatic cancer and has tremendous potential as a novel therapeutic agent.