bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Richter syndrome: a review of clinical, ocular, neurological and other manifestations
Authors: Omoti Caroline Edijana , Omoti Afekhide Ernest 
Published: May 2008

SummaryRichter syndrome describes the development of high‐grade non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or Hodgkin lymphoma in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Richter transformation occurs in 3·3 to 10·6% of patients with CLL. The large cell lymphoma clone occurs by transformation of the original CLL clone in the majority of patients, and as a separate and independent neoplasm in fewer cases. Richter transformation may be triggered by viral infections, such as Epstein‐Barr virus infection, which are common in immunosuppressed patients. Trisomy 12 and chromosome 11 abnormalities, as well as multiple genetic defects, have been described in patients with Richter syndrome. These abnormalities may cause CLL cells to proliferate and, by facilitating the acquisition of new genetic abnormalities, to transform into Richter syndrome cells. Presenting features typically include a rapid clinical deterioration with fever in the absence of infection, progressive lymph node enlargement, and an elevation in serum lactate dehydrogenase. Extranodal Richter syndrome has also been reported to occur in the central nervous system, eye, gastrointestinal system, nose, skin, face, bone and bronchus. The therapeutic options include cytoreductive therapy consisting of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation as postremission therapy.
Bland dyskaryosis: a new pitfall in liquid‐based cytology
Authors: Denton K. , Rana D. N. , Lynch M. A. , Desai M. S. 
Published: May 2008

Objective:  To describe our experience in recognizing an unusual presentation of severe dyskaryosis at two large cytology centres using ThinPrep liquid‐based cytology (LBC). LBC has been introduced in England following successful pilot studies. It is clear that LBC improves visualization and preservation of cells, and that sensitivity for high‐grade dyskaryosis is at least as good as for conventional cytology, and may be better. Several variants of high‐grade dyskaryosis have been described on conventional cytology, including small and pale cell dyskaryosis. These are also seen on LBC.We are reporting a new variant of dyskaryosis which in our experience is seen only in LBC specimens prepared by the Thinprep® method, which we have named bland dyskaryosis. This has not to our knowledge been previously described.Bland dyskaryosis is characterized by cells with a high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, nuclear hyperchromasia and is present in groups with a chaotic architecture. The chromatin pattern appears bland at low power screening examination. On high power examination, however, the chromatin pattern can be seen to be subtly abnormal. Nuclear membranes are smooth. These changes mimic endocervical cells or immature squamous metaplasia at low power.Method:  Identification and description of cytological appearances observed in routine practice and correlation with histological diagnosis.Conclusion:  The features of bland dyskaryosis should be disseminated through teaching activities. Recognition of this previously undescribed variant will prevent false negative reporting of LBC samples.
Pharmacokinetics of ivermectin after maternal or fetal intravenous administration in sheep
Authors: PÉREZ R. , PALMA C. , NÚÑEZ M. J. , COX J. 
Published: May 2008

In pregnant sheep at 120–130 days of gestational age, a study was undertaken in order to characterize the pharmacokinetics and transplacental exchange of Ivermectin after maternal or fetal intravenous administration.Eight pregnant Suffolk Down sheep of 73.2 ± 3.7 kg body weight (bw) were surgically prepared in order to insert polyvinyl catheters in the fetal femoral artery and vein and amniotic sac. Following 48 h of recovery, the ewes were randomly assigned to two experimental groups. In group 1, (maternal injection) five ewes were treated with an intravenous bolus of 0.2 mg ivermectin/kg bw. In group 2, (fetal injection) three ewes were injected with an intravenous bolus of 1 mg of ivermectin to the fetus through a fetal femoral vein catheter. Maternal and fetal blood and amniotic fluid samples were taken before and after ivermectin administration for a period of 144 h post‐treatment. Samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography (HPLC). A computerized non‐compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed and the results were compared by means of the Student t‐test.The main pharmacokinetic changes observed in the maternal compartment were increases in the volume of distribution and in the half‐life of elimination (t½β). A limited maternal‐fetal transfer of ivermectin was evidenced by a low fetal Cmax (1.72 ± 0.6 ng/mL) and AUC (89.1 ± 11.4 ng·h/mL). While the fetal administration of ivermectin resulted in higher values of clearance (554.1 ± 177.9 mL/kg) and lower values of t½β(8.0 ± 1.4 h) and mean residence time (8.0 ± 2.9 h) indicating that fetal‐placental unit is highly efficient in eliminating the drug as well as limiting the transfer of ivermectin from the maternal to fetal compartment.
A novel nucleocytoplasmic traffic GTPase identified as a functional target of the bipartite geminivirus nuclear shuttle protein
Authors: Carvalho Claudine M. , Fontenelle Mariana R. , Florentino Lílian H. , Santos Anésia A. , Zerbini Francisco M. , Fontes Elizabeth P.B. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryIn contrast to the accumulated data on nuclear transport mechanisms of macromolecules, little is known concerning the regulated release of nuclear‐exported complexes and their subsequent trans‐cytoplasmic movement. The bipartite begomovirus nuclear shuttle protein (NSP) facilitates the nuclear export of viral DNA and cooperates with the movement protein (MP) to transport viral DNA across the plant cell wall. Here, we identified a cellular NSP‐interacting GTPase (NIG) with biochemical properties consistent with a nucleocytoplasmic transport role. We show that NIG is a cytosolic GTP‐binding protein that accumulates around the nuclear envelope and possesses intrinsic GTPase activity. NIG interacts with NSP in vitro and in vivo (under transient expression), and redirects the viral protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. We propose that NIG acts as a positive contributor to geminivirus infection by modulating NSP nucleocytoplasmic shuttling and hence facilitating MP–NSP interaction in the cortical cytoplasm. In support of this, overexpression of NIG in Arabidopsis enhances susceptibility to geminivirus infection. In addition to highlighting the relevance of NIG as a cellular co‐factor for NSP function, our findings also have implications for general nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of cellular macromolecules.
Hinokinin biosynthesis in Linum corymbulosum Reichenb.
Authors: Bayindir Ürün , Alfermann August Wilhelm , Fuss Elisabeth 
Published: May 2008

SummaryDue to their peculiar stereochemistry and numerous biological activities, lignans are of widespread interest. As only a few biosynthetic steps have been clarified to date, we aimed to further resolve the molecular basis of lignan biosynthesis. To this end, we first established that the biologically active lignan (−)‐hinokinin could be isolated from in vitro cultures of Linum corymbulosum. Two hypothetical pathways were outlined for the biosynthesis of (−)‐hinokinin. In both pathways, (+)‐pinoresinol serves as the primary substrate. In the first pathway, pinoresinol is reduced via lariciresinol to secoisolariciresinol by a pinoresinol–lariciresinol reductase, and methylenedioxy bridges are formed later. In the second pathway, pinoresinol itself is the substrate for formation of the methylenedioxy bridges, resulting in consecutive production of piperitol and sesamin. To determine which of the proposed hypothetical pathways acts in vivo, we first isolated several cDNAs encoding one pinoresinol‐lariciresinol reductase (PLR‐Lc1), two phenylcoumaran benzylic ether reductases (PCBER‐Lc1 and PCBER‐Lc2), and two PCBER‐like proteins from a cDNA library of L. corymbulosum. PLR‐Lc1 was found to be enantiospecific for the conversion of (+)‐pinoresinol to (−)‐secoisolariciresinol, which can be further converted to give (−)‐hinokinin. Hairy root lines with significantly reduced expression levels of the plr‐Lc1 gene were established using RNAi technology. Hinokinin accumulation was reduced to non‐detectable levels in these lines. Our results strongly indicate that PLR‐Lc1 participates in (−)‐hinokinin biosynthesis in L. corymbulosum by the first of the two hypothetical pathways via (−)‐secoisolariciresinol.
Fish protein substrates can substitute effectively for poultry by‐product meal when incorporated in high‐quality senior dog diets
Authors: Zinn K. E. , Hernot D. C. , Fastinger N. D. , Karr‐Lilienthal L. K. , Bechtel P. J. , Swanson K. S. , Fahey G. C. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryAn experiment was conducted to analytically define several novel fish substrates and determine the effects of feeding diets containing these substrates on total tract nutrient digestibilities and on immune status of senior dogs. The control diet contained poultry by‐product meal while test diets contained 20% milt meal (MM), pink salmon hydrolysate (PSH) and white fish meal (WFM) added at the expense of poultry by‐product meal. Concentrations of lymphocytes positive for CD3, CD4, CD8α and CD21 cell‐surface markers and immunoglobulin concentrations were measured. Gene expression of cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, interferon (IFN)‐γ, IL‐10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Major compositional differences were noted among fish substrates but apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients and immune indices were not affected by treatment. Fish protein substrates were found to be effective substitutes for poultry by‐product meal, providing diets of high nutritive value for senior dogs.
Modulation of apical Na+/Pi cotransporter type IIb expression in epithelial cells of goat mammary glands
Authors: Muscher A. , Breves G. , Huber K. 
Published: May 2008

SummaryRecently, the type II sodium‐dependent phosphate cotransporter NaPi IIb, which mediates the intestinal phosphate transport, was detected in the apical membranes of caprine mammary gland epithelial cells. Regulatory influences of developmental stages, dietary phosphorus (P) supply and hormones like calcitriol are well described for the intestinal NaPi IIb. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to examine the influence of involution and dietary P restriction on the expression of mammary gland NaPi IIb and of vitamin D receptor (VDR). During involution both, NaPi IIb and VDR, showed an initial increase of expression. This resulted in a delayed response on protein level. Dietary P restriction resulted in a decrease of mRNA expression which was not reflected on protein level. Influenced expression pattern, at least on mRNA level, indicate that mammary gland NaPi IIb is a regulated phosphate transporter which might have an important role especially during involution. Coexpression pattern with VDR provides an indication that calcitriol could be the modulator of these adaptive responses to involution and dietary P restriction. Therefore, a physiological meaning of NaPi IIb in mammary gland epithelia during processes of cell regeneration has to be considered.
The Nordic advantage in child mental health: separating health differences from reporting style in a cross‐cultural comparison of psychopathology
Authors: Heiervang Einar , Goodman Anna , Goodman Robert 
Published: May 2008

Background:  The use of similar standardised measures of psychopathology for population surveys permits cross‐cultural comparisons. However, interpretation of findings can be challenging because rating thresholds may differ across cultures. By combining questionnaire and interview data, we explore whether lower questionnaire scores in Norway as compared to Britain reflect genuine differences in child mental health, or simply different reporting thresholds.Methods:  Information from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Development and Well‐Being Assessment (DAWBA) interview were compared across recent population surveys in Norway and Britain. The Norwegian study (2002–03) had questionnaire data for 6,658 and interview data for 1,024 8–10‐year‐old children. The British dataset included questionnaire and interview data for 4,898 children of the same age range from two independent surveys (1999 and 2004).Results:  Norwegian children had lower SDQ scores on all problem scales (emotional, behavioural, hyperactive and peer relationship) according to parents as well as teachers. DAWBA information showed that the Norwegian prevalence of externalising disorders (behavioural and hyperactivity) was about half that found in Britain, whereas rates of emotional disorders were similar. Norwegian and British children with non‐emotional disorders had similar questionnaire scores and rates of problem‐recognition by parents and teachers. By contrast, questionnaire scores and problem‐recognition were all lower in Norwegian children with emotional disorders.Conclusions:  Lower Norwegian questionnaire scores for externalising problems appear to reflect real and substantial differences between the two countries. By contrast, lower questionnaire scores for emotional problems seem to reflect under‐reporting/under‐recognition by Norwegian adults, and not a genuinely lower prevalence of emotional disorders. This illustrates that cross‐cultural differences in psychopathology based only on questionnaire data may be misleading. Nevertheless, careful use of questionnaire and interview data can focus mental health research on cross‐cultural variations likely to reflect genuine health differences.
A new symptom model for autism cross‐validated in an independent sample
Authors: Boomsma A. , Van Lang N.D.J. , De Jonge M.V. , De Bildt A.A. , Van Engeland H. , Minderaa R.B. 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Results from several studies indicated that a symptom model other than the DSM triad might better describe symptom domains of autism. The present study focused on a) investigating the stability of a new symptom model for autism by cross‐validating it in an independent sample and b) examining the invariance of the model regarding three covariates: symptom severity, intelligence, and age.Method:  The validity of the symptom model was examined in an independent sample of N = 263 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, and model invariance was studied in a larger sample of N = 356 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The fit of the symptom model to the sample data was compared to that of alternative models (including the DSM triad), and the invariance of the new model was investigated for each covariate by multiple‐group comparisons.Results:  The fit of the new symptom model was better than that of two alternative models. It could not be compared to that of the DSM triad, because the latter encountered empirical identification problems. There were no significant or substantive differences between the estimated model in each of the dichotomised groups for any of the three covariates, which indicated factorial invariance of both structural form and factor loadings.Conclusions:  The symptom model appeared to be relatively stable: It could be cross‐validated in the independent sample and factorial invariance was shown between the dichotomised groups for each covariate. Further model validation with instruments other than the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R) is recommended.
Victimisation and suicide ideation in the TRAILS study: specific vulnerabilities of victims
Authors: Herba Catherine M. , Ferdinand Robert F. , Stijnen Theo , Veenstra René , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Ormel Johan , Verhulst Frank C. 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Scientific studies have provided some support for a link between being a victim of bullying and suicide ideation. We examine whether (1) parental psychopathology and (2) feelings of rejection (at home and at school) exacerbate vulnerability to suicide ideation in victims of bullying (pure victims and bully‐victims).Method:  Data were from a population‐based cohort study of Dutch children (n = 1526, mean age = 12.29 years). Using peer nominations, three groups were established: (1) victim only; (2) bully‐victims (children who are victims and who also bully others); (3) uninvolved. Self‐report data on suicide ideation were obtained using two items from the Youth Self‐Report (Achenbach, 1991). Parental internalising and externalising disorders were assessed, as were self‐reported feelings of rejection at home and social well‐being among classmates.Results:  The association between victimisation and suicide ideation was moderated by parental internalising disorders (but not externalising disorders) and feelings of rejection at home. Victims (but not bully‐victims) with parents with internalising disorders reported elevated levels of suicide ideation compared to children uninvolved in bullying. Victims feeling more rejected at home also reported more suicide ideation. There were no overall sex differences in suicide ideation. Surprisingly, bully‐victims did not report higher levels of suicide ideation compared to children uninvolved in bullying.Conclusions:  Parental internalising disorders and feelings of rejection at home confer a specific vulnerability for suicide ideation among victims of bullying.
Audiovisual speech integration in pervasive developmental disorder: evidence from event‐related potentials
Authors: Magnée Maurice J.C.M. , De Gelder Beatrice , Van Engeland Herman , Kemner Chantal 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Integration of information from multiple sensory sources is an important prerequisite for successful social behavior, especially during face‐to‐face conversation. It has been suggested that communicative impairments among individuals with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) might be caused by an inability to integrate synchronously presented visual and auditory cues.Method:  We investigated audiovisual integration of speech stimuli among a group of high‐functioning adult PDD individuals and age‐ and IQ‐matched controls using electroencephalography, measuring both early pre‐phonological, as well as late phonologically driven integration.Results:  Pre‐phonological AV interactions are intact, while AV interactions corresponding to more complex phonological processes are impaired in individuals with PDD.Conclusions:  The present findings argue for a pattern of impairments on tasks related to complex audiovisual integration combined with relative sparing of low‐level integrational abilities. This combination may very well contribute to the communicative disabilities which are typical for the disorder.
Risk and resilience for psychological distress amongst unaccompanied asylum seeking adolescents
Authors: Hodes Matthew , Jagdev Daljit , Chandra Navin , Cunniff Anna 
Published: May 2008

Background:  To investigate the level of posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms, and background risk and protective factors that might increase or ameliorate this distress amongst unaccompanied asylum‐seeking children and adolescents (UASC).Methods:  Cross‐sectional survey carried out in London. Participants were 78 UASC aged 13–18 years, predominantly from the Balkans and Africa, compared with 35 accompanied refugee children. Measures included self‐report questionnaires of war trauma, posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms.Results:  UASC had experienced high levels of losses and war trauma, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Predictors of high posttraumatic symptoms included low‐support living arrangements, female gender and trauma events, and increasing age only amongst the UASC. High depressive scores were associated with female gender, and region of origin amongst the UASC.Conclusion:  UASC might have less psychological distress if offered high‐support living arrangements and general support as they approach the age of 18 years, but prospective studies are required to investigate the range of risk and protective factors.
Maternal depression and infant cortisol: influences of timing, comorbidity and treatment
Authors: Brennan Patricia A. , Pargas Rebecca , Walker Elaine F. , Green Paula , Jeffrey Newport D. , Stowe Zachary 
Published: May 2008

Background:  The current study examines the relationship between maternal depression and infant cortisol concentrations. The potential roles of comorbid maternal anxiety disorders, timing of maternal depression, and maternal treatment with psychotropic medications during pregnancy are addressed.Methods:  Women with 6‐month‐old infants (105 boys and 84 girls) participated in a laboratory paradigm that included infant saliva collection at six points, noise burst and arm restraint stressor tasks, and a diagnostic interview of the mother.Results:  Lifetime history of maternal depression was associated with increased baseline and mean (average) infant cortisol levels. Comorbidity with anxiety disorder was related to infant cortisol reactivity. Peripartum (prepartum and/or postpartum) maternal depression, rather than a pre‐pregnancy history of disorder, was associated with higher infant cortisol reactivity. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to maternal disorder had similar effects, but prenatal maternal psychotropic medication treatment appeared to attenuate infant cortisol increases associated with prenatal maternal disorder exposure.Conclusions:  These data suggest that exposure to maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period may increase infant salivary cortisol. This maternal depression–infant cortisol association is independent of the effects of delivery complications, and appears to be modulated by prenatal maternal psychotropic treatment.
Suppression of autophagy precipitates neuronal cell death following low doses of methamphetamine
Authors: Castino Roberta , Lazzeri Gloria , Lenzi Paola , Bellio Natascia , Follo Carlo , Ferrucci Michela , Fornai Francesco , Isidoro Ciro 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMethamphetamine abuse is toxic to dopaminergic neurons, causing nigrostriatal denervation and striatal dopamine loss. Following methamphetamine exposure, the number of nigral cell bodies is generally preserved, but their cytoplasm features autophagic‐like vacuolization and cytoplasmic accumulation of α‐synuclein‐, ubiquitin‐ and parkin‐positive inclusion‐like bodies. Whether autophagy is epiphenomenal or it plays a role in the mechanism of methamphetamine toxicity and, in the latter case, whether its role consists of counteracting or promoting the neurotoxic effect remains obscure. We investigated the signaling pathway and the significance (protective vs. toxic) of autophagy activation and the convergence of the autophagic and the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathways at the level of the same intracellular bodies in a simple cell model of methamphetamine toxicity. We show that autophagy is rapidly up‐regulated in response to methamphetamine. Confocal fluorescence microscopy and immuno‐electron microscopy studies demonstrated the presence of α‐synuclein aggregates in autophagy‐lysosomal structures in cells exposed to methamphetamine, a condition compatible with cell survival. Inhibition of autophagy either by pharmacologic or genetic manipulation of the class III Phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase‐mediated signaling prevented the removal of α‐synuclein aggregates and precipitated a bax‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.