bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevation and connectivity define genetic refugia for mountain sheep as climate warms
Authors: EPPS CLINTON W. , PALSBØLL PER J. , WEHAUSEN JOHN D. , RODERICK GEORGE K. , MCCULLOUGH DALE R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractGlobal warming is predicted to affect the evolutionary potential of natural populations. We assessed genetic diversity of 25 populations of desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) in southeastern California, where temperatures have increased and precipitation has decreased during the 20th century. Populations in low‐elevation habitats had lower genetic diversity, presumably reflecting more fluctuations in population sizes and founder effects. Higher‐elevation habitats acted as reservoirs of genetic diversity. However, genetic diversity was also affected by population connectivity, which has been disrupted by human development. Restoring population connectivity may be necessary to buffer the effects of climate change on this desert‐adapted ungulate.
Antifungal efficacy and pharmacodynamics of posaconazole in experimental models of invasive fungal infections
Authors: Groll Andreas H. , Walsh Thomas J. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryPosaconazole is a novel lipophilic antifungal triazole with potent and broad‐spectrum activity against opportunistic, endemic and dermatophytic fungi. This activity extends to organisms that are often refractory to existing triazoles, amphotericin B or echinocandins such as Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, Aspergillus terreus, Fusarium spp. and the Zygomycetes. A large number of experimental animal models of invasive fungal infections has demonstrated the potent and broad‐spectrum efficacy of posaconazole in vivo, both in normal and in immunocompromised animals. Consistent with these preclinical data, posaconazole showed strong a antifungal efficacy in phase II and phase III clinical trials in immunocompromised patients with oropharyngeal and oesophageal candidiasis and as salvage therapy in patients with invasive fungal infections, and was effective as antifungal prophylaxis in high‐risk patients. This paper reviews the preclinical disposition, antifungal efficacy and pharmacodynamics of posaconazole in and its implications for treatment and prevention of invasive fungal infections.
Rhinocerebral zygomycosis in a young girl undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation for severe aplastic anaemia
Authors: Sörensen Jan , Becker Martina , Porto Luciana , Lambrecht Evelyn , Schuster Tobias , Beske Florian , Rickerts Volker , Klingebiel Thomas , Lehrnbecher Thomas 
Published: September 2006

SummaryWe report on a 10‐year‐old girl with severe aplastic anaemia who developed rhinocerebral infection caused by Absidia corymbifera and a possible co‐infection caused by Alternaria alternata. Despite prolonged neutropenia, therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and posaconazole improved the clinical condition. Subsequently, the girl underwent allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for the underlying disease, but the fungal infection remained under control with the antifungal treatment. No severe side effect of the antifungal drugs was noted. Unfortunately, the girl died 5 months after HSCT due to disseminated adenovirus infection.
Troglitazone inhibits synthesis of transforming growth factor‐β1 and reduces matrix production in human peritoneal mesothelial cells
Authors: PENG YOUMING , LIU HONG , LIU FUYOU , LIU YINGHONG , LI JUN , CHEN XING 
Published: September 2006

SUMMARY:Aim:  Peritoneal matrix accumulation is a characteristic of peritoneal fibrosis (PF). Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients with up‐regulation of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) in their drained effluent show an increased risk of PF. Inhibition of TGF‐β1 expression in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) may provide a potential treatment for PF. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) agonists are increasingly used in patients with diabetes, but their effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover are unknown. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of the PPAR‐γ agonist troglitazone on TGF‐β1 expression and matrix production in HPMC.Methods:  Human peritoneal mesothelial cells were cultured from human omentum by an enzyme digestion method, grown in a medium containing 30 mmol/L D‐glucose. TGF‐β1 expression and matrix production and turnover were measured in HPMC in the presence and absence of 15 µmol/L troglitazone. The mRNA expressions of TGF‐β1, Collagen I (Col I) and fibronectin (FN) were determined by semiquantification reverse‐transcriptive polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The protein of TGF‐β1 was determined by ELISA and proteins of Col I, FN were determined by western blot.Results:  The mRNA expression and protein of TGF‐β1, Col I, FN were significantly increased in HPMC stimulated with 30 mmol/L D‐glucose compared to the control group with F12 media (P < 0.01), which was reversed in the presence of troglitazone (15 µmol/L). Obvious decrease of TGF‐β1 was found in troglitazone‐treated groups as compared to groups stimulated with GS (P < 0.05). Exposure of HPMC to troglitazone reduced collagen I secretion (P < 0.05), and fibronectin secretion (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Troglitazone reduce the expression of TGF‐β1 in HPMC stimulated by 30 mmol/L D‐glucose, and reduces ECM production. These studies suggest that the PPAR‐γ agonists may have a specific role in ameliorating the course of progressive peritoneal fibrosis under long‐term peritoneal dialysis states.
Over‐expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α increases the invasive potency of LNCaP cells in vitro
Authors: Luo Yong , He Da‐Lin , Ning Liang , Shen Shu‐Lin , Li Lei , Li Xiang , Zhau Haiyen E. , Chung Leland W.K. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) over‐expression on the invasion‐associated proteins in human prostate cancer cells, as HIF‐1α is a transcriptional factor that could activate genes involved in the response to hypoxia, but might also enhance the invasive potency of prostate cancer cells.MATERIALS AND METHODSProstate cancer (LNCaP) cells were transfected with recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1(–)/HIF‐1α and pcDNA3.1(–) control vector using a commercial system, designated as LNCaP/HIF‐1α and LNCaP/pcDNA3.1, respectively. The positive clones were selected with G418 and confirmed by Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence labelling. A polycarbonate filter, coated with a matrix gel, was used to analyse the invasive potency. The expression of E‐cadherin, vimentin, cathepsin D, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP2) and urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) was detected by Western blot.RESULTSThe expression level of HIF‐1α in LNCaP/HIF‐1α was distinctly higher than that in LNCaP/pcDNA3.1 and LNCaP. Many more cells of LNCaP/HIF‐1α penetrated through the polycarbonate filter than those of LNCaP/pcDNA3.1 and LNCaP. Compared with the LNCaP/pcDNA3.1 and LNCaP cells, the expression of vimentin, cathepsin D, MMP‐2 and uPAR were up‐regulated in LNCaP/HIF‐1α, whereas the expression of E‐cadherin was down‐regulated.CONCLUSIONThese results show that over‐expression of HIF‐1α directly stimulates the invasive potency of human prostate carcinoma LNCaP cells through the matrix gel. The expression of E‐cadherin, vimentin, cathepsin D, MMP‐2 and uPAR, which are proteins with established roles in the pathophysiology of invasion, could be regulated by HIF‐1α in human prostate cancer cells.
Management of incidental impalpable intratesticular masses of ≤ 5 mm in diameter
Authors: Müller Tilko , Gozzi Christian , Akkad Thomas , Pallwein Leo , Bartsch Georg , Steiner Hannes 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo gain more insight into the histology of small incidental intratesticular lesions and evaluate the need for surgical management, as exploratory surgery is the only way to exclude malignancy in testicular tumours.PATIENTS AND METHODSBetween September 2000 and April 2005, incidental intratesticular masses of ≤ 5 mm in diameter were found in 20 men undergoing scrotal ultrasonography for reasons other than suspected testicular tumour. After staging, an organ‐sparing approach including frozen‐section analysis was used to obtain histological data.RESULTSThe mean diameter of the detected tumour masses was 3.5 mm, and the mean (range) age of the patients was 36.4 (26–58) years. Four men (20%) had orchidectomy because the tumours were found to be malignant; the resected specimens yielded multifocal testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN) in all patients and additional seminomatous tumour cells elsewhere in the testis in one. Frozen‐section results were false‐negative in one patient and he had orchidectomy after having established the definitive histological diagnosis. The 16 patients with benign lesions were correctly diagnosed and their testicles were not removed.CONCLUSIONSAdvanced and innovative ultrasonography technology allows the detection of increasingly small testicular masses. In the present series, most incidental intratesticular lesions were benign. In patients with malignant lesions, multifocal TIN and/or distant seminomatous foci were present despite the tumour being small. Therefore, it is essential to perform exploratory surgery as it is the only way to obtain accurate histological findings, thus providing oncological efficacy and precluding removal of a testicle bearing a benign lesion.
Pre‐clinical evidence for the use of phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Tinel Hanna , Stelte‐Ludwig Beatrix , Hütter Joachim , Sandner Peter 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the potential of sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil, all phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors used for treating erectile dysfunction, for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).MATERIALS AND METHODSThe mRNA expression of the PDE‐5 was determined in rat LUT tissues. The PDE‐5 inhibitors were also tested in organ‐bath experiments and in a partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) rat model in vivo.RESULTSThe highest PDE‐5 mRNA expression was in the bladder, followed by the urethra and prostate. PDE‐5 inhibitors dose‐dependently reduced the contraction of the isolated bladder, urethral and prostate strips. The rank order of potency was vardenafil > sildenafil > tadalafil. In human prostate stromal cells vardenafil inhibited cell proliferation and was more effective than tadalafil and sildenafil. In the BOO model, there was a reduction in the non‐voiding contractions after bolus intravenous administration of 3 mg/kg sildenafil and vardenafil.CONCLUSIONThese results show that PDE‐5 is expressed in LUT tissues. PDE‐5 inhibitors induced significant relaxation of these tissues, inhibited the proliferation of human prostate stromal cells and reduced the irritative symptoms of BPH/LUTS in vivo. Therefore, PDE‐5 inhibitors could be used as an effective treatment for BPH/LUTS.
Impact of an exceptional winter flood on the population dynamics of bearded tits (Panurus biarmicus)
Authors: Wilson J. , Peach W. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMark–recapture data are used to investigate the impact of an exceptional winter flood on the population dynamics of an isolated bearded tit Panurus biarmicus population in north‐west England. Adult numbers increased threefold (from 60 to 180 individuals) between 1992 and 2000, but declined by 94% during 2000/2001. This large reduction in numbers was caused by severe over‐winter mortality associated with a prolonged flood of the Phragmites litter layer, the main winter foraging habitat of bearded tits, followed immediately by cold weather. At the end of the flood, bearded tits were 20% lighter than during previous winters. Population changes in other years were accurately predicted by annual variation in recruitment, and there was evidence that recruitment was higher following the introduction of artificial nest boxes and was density dependent. This study highlights the potential threat to bearded tits in Europe of predicted increases in the frequency and extent of winter flooding, and the potential utility of measures like artificial nest boxes that aim to promote recruitment. Recent extensions of methodology now permit a detailed exploration of animal population dynamics from mark–recapture data alone.
MtDNA diversity of the critically endangered Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas Chevey, 1913) and closely related species: implications for conservation
Authors: Na‐Nakorn U. , Sukmanomon S. , Nakajima M. , Taniguchi N. , Kamonrat W. , Poompuang S. , Nguyen T. T. T. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractCatfishes of the family Pangasiidae are an important group that contributes significantly to the fisheries of the Mekong River basin. In recent times the populations of several catfish species have declined, thought to be due to overfishing and habitat changes brought about by anthropogenic influences. The Mekong giant catfish Pangasianodon gigas Chevey, 1913 is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. In the present study, we assessed the level of genetic diversity of nine catfish species using sequences of the large subunit of mitochondrial DNA (16S rRNA). Approximately 570 base pairs (bp) were sequenced from 672 individuals of nine species. In all species studied, haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity ranged from 0.118±0.101 to 0.667±0.141 and from 0.0002±0.0003 to 0.0016±0.0013, respectively. Four haplotypes were detected among 16 samples from natural populations of the critically endangered Mekong giant catfish. The results, in spite of the limited sample size for some species investigated, indicated that the level of genetic variation observed in wild populations of the Mekong giant catfish (haplotype diversity=0.350±0.148, nucleotide diversity=0.0009±0.0008) is commensurate with that of some other related species. This finding indicates that (1) wild populations of the Mekong giant catfish might be more robust than currently thought or (2) present wild populations of this species carry a genetic signature of the historically larger population(s). Findings from this study also have important implications for conservation of the Mekong giant catfish, especially in designing and implementing artificial breeding programme for restocking purposes.
Iron chelators may help prevent photoaging
Authors: Kitazawa M , Iwasaki K , Sakamoto K 
Published: September 2006

SummaryFor years, cosmetic ingredients for anti‐aging treatments have attracted consumers. Skin aging is accelerated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated by exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), in a process known as photoaging. Because cutaneous iron catalyses ROS generation, it is thought to play a key role in photoaging. Iron is essential to almost all forms of life. However, excess iron is potentially toxic as its catalytic activity induces the generation of ROS. Iron‐catalysed ROS generation is involved in numerous pathological conditions, including cutaneous damage.When skin is directly exposed to UVR, cutaneous intracellular catalytic iron levels increase because of the release of iron from iron‐binding proteins such as ferritin. Consequently, the subsequent ROS generation may overwhelm cutaneous defense systems such as the cellular iron sequestration and ROS scavenging capacity.The harmful role of excess cutaneous iron implies that there may be a potential for topical iron chelator treatments. We now consider cutaneous photodamage skin photoaging as the result of iron‐catalysed ROS generation and discuss preventative strategies based on iron chelators.
Local Concerns: Suicide and Jury Behavior in Medieval England
Authors: Butler Sara M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWhen confronted with cases of self‐killing, medieval jurors had to contend with a vast array of often conflicting concerns, from religious and folkloric condemnations of the act of suicide, to fears for the welfare of the family of the dead, and to coping with royal confiscations of a felon's goods. All of these factors had a profound impact on the verdicts put forward by members of the jury during the various stages of the legal process. While these elements form the base of jury verdicts relating to self‐killings, it must nevertheless be acknowledged that medieval juries did not respond uniformly to cases of suicide. Rather, jurors at various stages of the process differed widely in their familiarity with the dead and this familiarity had an impact on their judgments. Members of the coroners’ inquest juries were often neighbors of the dead, and thus their verdicts reflected a more local resolution to the death of a community member than the verdicts of presentment or trial juries.
‘Seeing voices’: fused visual/auditory verbal hallucinations reported by three persons with schizophrenia‐spectrum disorder
Authors: Hoffman R. E. , Varanko M. 
Published: September 2006

Objective:  The neurocognitive basis of verbal/auditory hallucinations remains uncertain. A leading hypothesis is that these hallucinations correspond to ordinary inner speech mislabeled as non‐self. However, some studies suggest pathogenic activation of receptive language neurocircuitry as the cause. A form of visualized verbal hallucinations not previously reported in the literature is described that may shed light on this controversy.Method:  Review of three cases.Results:  Two patients described visual hallucinations of speech‐like lip and mouth movements fused with simultaneous auditory verbal hallucinations superimposed on perceptions of faces of actual persons in their immediate environment. A third patient described similar experiences incorporated into visual hallucinations of human figures who also exhibited finger and hand movements corresponding to American Sign Language.Conclusion:  These fused, multimodal verbal hallucinations seem unlikely to be due to inner speech mislabeled as non‐self, and instead suggest top‐down re‐shaping of activation in visual processing brain centers by pathogenically active receptive language neurocircuitry.
Procollagen 1 – a marker of fibroblastic and fibrohistiocytic skin tumors
Authors: Krustrup Dorrit , Rossen Kristian , Thomsen Henrik Klem 
Published: September 2006

Background:  When dealing with tumors of presumed fibroblastic or fibrohistiocytic origin, immunohistochemistry is traditionally done to exclude a tumor of non‐fibroblastic or non‐fibrohistiocytic nature, because a reliable marker of fibroblastic or fibrohistiocytic cell origin is still to be introduced. This study investigates whether procollagen 1 is a useful marker of skin tumors composed of cells derived from fibroblasts or fibrohistiocytes.Materials and methods:  Twenty‐nine different types of skin tumors, including tumors composed of spindle cells as well as some additional epithelial and melanocytic tumors, were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against procollagen 1. The total number of cases tested was 154.Results:  Tumors composed of cells of fibroblastic or fibrohistiocytic origin in general showed a high expression of procollagen 1, whereas tumors composed of non‐fibroblastic cells in general showed no expression. However, there were a few exceptions, e.g., leiomyosarcoma and desmoplastic melanoma.Conclusions:  The study suggests that immunohistochemical staining for procollagen 1 is a valuable marker for skin tumors composed of spindle cells derived from fibroblasts or fibrohistiocytes. However, in cases of spindle cell tumors with a morphology suggesting malignancy, it is recommended to use a panel of antibodies, which besides procollagen 1 includes markers such as S100, CD68, CD34, h‐caldesmon, and pancytokeratin.
Mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome: report of an unusual case
Authors: Mehta Anurag , Dhungel Bal Makunda , Khan Mohd. Fawad Farooq 
Published: September 2006

Introduction:  Sézary syndrome (SS) is an uncommon form of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) with a classical triad of lymphadenopathy, characteristic circulating lymphoma cells (Sézary cells) and erythrodermatous skin involvement with classical mycosis fungoides (MF)‐like histological picture.Case report:  A 32‐year‐old woman presented with this classical triad; however, her skin involvement, histologically, was in the form of folliculotropic MF, rather than the usual classical form of MF.Conclusions:  In the vast majority of cases, the cutaneous involvement in SS resembles conventional MF, histologically. One case of CD30‐positive CTCL with pilotropic MF has been reported. However, English literature does not describe any case of SS with folliculotropic MF with typical immunophenotype of SS thus far. We presume that this case represents the first report of SS with folliculotropic MF histologically, displaying the typical CD30‐negative immunophenotype.
Seborrheic keratosis with pseudorosettes and adamantinoid seborrheic keratosis: two new histopathologic variants
Authors: Requena Luis , Kutzner Heinz 
Published: September 2006

Aims:  Seborrheic keratoses are the most common benign cutaneous neoplasms in adult and middle‐age patients. There are six distinctive histopathologic variants of seborrheic keratosis, namely, acanthotic or solid, reticulated or adenoid, hyperkeratotic or papillomatous, clonal or nested, irritated and inflamed.Methods:  We report two additional histopathologic variants of seborrheic keratosis.Results:  One lesion showed abundant intercellular mucin, closely resembling to adamantinoma, and therefore was named adamantinoid seborrheic keratosis. The other one exhibited a peculiar distribution of the basaloid keratinocytes, which were arranged radially around small central spaces, resulting in pseudorosette formation.Discussion:  To our knowledge, these two histopathologic variants of seborrheic keratosis have been not previously described in the literature.
Lead exposure and periodontitis in US adults
Authors: Saraiva M. C. P. , Taichman R. S. , Braun T. , Nriagu J. , Eklund S. A. , Burt B. A. 
Published: September 2006

Background and Objective:  Lead is known to have significant effects on bone metabolism and the immune system. This study tested the hypothesis that lead exposure affects periodontitis in adults.Material and Methods:  This study used the data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988–94). It analyzed data from 2500 men and 2399 women, 20–56 yr old, who received complete periodontal examination. Periodontitis was defined as the presence of > 20% of mesial sites with ≥ 4 mm of attachment loss. Lead exposure was grouped into three categories: < 3; 3–7; and > 7 μg/dL. Covariates were cotinine levels, poverty ratio, race/ethnicity, education, bone mineral density, diabetes, calcium intake, dental visit, and menopause (for women). All analyses were performed separately for men and women and considering the effect design. Univariate, bivariate, and stratified analysis was followed by multivariable analysis by estimating prevalence ratios through poisson regression.Results:  After adjustment for confounders, the prevalence ratios, comparing those with a lead blood level of > 7 μg/dL to those with a lead blood level of < 3 μg/dL was 1.70 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02, 2.85) for men and 3.80 (95% CI: 1.66, 8.73) for women.Conclusion:  The lead blood level was positively and statistically associated with periodontitis for both men and women. Considering the public health importance of periodontitis and lead exposure, further studies are necessary to confirm this association.