bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Furtive foes: algal viruses as potential invaders
Authors: Lawrence Janice E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractLawrence, J. E. 2008. Furtive foes: algal viruses as potential invaders. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 716–722. Viruses are abundant in the world's oceans, existing through parasitic relationships with their various hosts. Algal viruses infect representatives of all major algal taxa, influencing phytoplankton population dynamics, marine foodweb interactions, and global biogeochemical cycling. Although the transportation, spread, and persistence of specific viruses remain to be explored fully, the potential for algal virus introductions and invasions is clearly evident. An estimated 3 × 1022 viruses are transported globally in ballast water alone, destined for ports where few physiological or physical barriers inhibit their invasive success. This fact, coupled with recent findings that viruses are not homogeneously distributed throughout the world's oceans, suggests that virus invasions pose a potential threat to marine ecosystems.
Non-ambient X-ray diffraction residual stress analysis of thin films: tracing nanosize-related effects on thermoelastic constants and identifying sources of residual stresses
Authors: Kuru Yener , Wohlschlögel Markus , Welzel Udo , Mittemeijer Eric J. 
Published: March 2008

The stress evolutions at non-ambient temperatures in Ni and Pd layers (the thickness of each metal layer was 50 nm) were investigated employingin-situX-ray diffraction measurements in a temperature range between 173 and 523 K. Stress determinations were performed by analysing the X-ray diffraction data according to the sin2ψmethod on the basis of the crystallite group variant. The stress evolution in the Ni layer was correlated with the change of its coherently diffracting domain size and its microstrain with temperature. The advantage of measurements at temperatures below ambient to distinguish the thermal stresses from the effects of stress relaxation and emerging secondary stresses, arising from thermally activated processes (such as grain growth), is highlighted in this work for the first time. The possibility of using thein-situX-ray diffraction stress measurement to obtain coefficients of thermal expansion and thermoelastic slopes of thin films (with nanosized grains) is discussed in detail.
Coping skills training and contingency management treatments for marijuana dependence: exploring mechanisms of behavior change
Authors: Litt Mark D. , Kadden Ronald M. , Kabela‐Cormier Elise , Petry Nancy M. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTAims  Achieving abstinence in the treatment of marijuana dependence has been difficult. To date the most successful treatments have included combinations of motivation enhancement treatment (MET) plus cognitive–behavioral coping skills training (CBT) and/or contingency management (ContM) approaches. Although these treatment approaches are theoretically based, their mechanisms of action have not been explored fully. The purpose of the present study was to explore mechanisms of behavior change from a marijuana treatment trial in which CBT and ContM were evaluated separately and in combination.Design  A dismantling design was used in the context of a randomized clinical trial.Setting  The setting was an out‐patient treatment research facility located in a university medical center.Participants  Participants were 240 adult marijuana smokers, meeting criteria for cannabis dependence.Interventions  Participants were assigned to one of four 9‐week treatment conditions: a case management control condition, MET/CBT coping skills training, ContM and MET/CBT + ContM.Measurements  Outcome measures were total 90‐day abstinence, recorded every 90 days for 12 months post‐treatment.Findings  Regardless of treatment condition, abstinence in near‐term follow‐ups was predicted most clearly by abstinence during treatment, but long‐term abstinence was predicted by use of coping skills and especially by post‐treatment self‐efficacy for abstinence.Conclusions  It was concluded that the most efficacious treatments for marijuana dependence are likely to be those that increase self‐efficacy.
Markers for hepatitis A, B and C in methadone maintained patients: an unexpectedly high co‐infection with silent hepatitis B
Authors: Bart Gavin , Piccolo Paola , Zhang Linqi , Jacobson Ira , Schaefer Robert A. , Kreek Mary Jeanne 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTAims  To determine the prevalence of hepatitis A, B and C viruses in patients attending a methadone maintenance clinic in New York City.Design  Cross‐sectional.Setting  The Adult Services Clinic of Weill Cornell Medical College, an urban hospital‐affiliated methadone program.Participants  Former heroin addicted adults (n = 103) on methadone maintenance therapy.Measurements  Markers for hepatitis A virus [HAV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and imunoglobulin G (IgG)], hepatitis B [hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)] and hepatitis C virus (HCVAb). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and quantitative HCV RNA were also obtained. Qualitative detection of HBV DNA and HCV genotype were obtained in a subset of subjects.Findings  More than 40% of subjects had markers for all three viruses. HCVAb was the most prevalent (83.5%), followed by HBcAb (65.0%), HAV IgG (46.1%) and HBsAb (41.1%). Hepatitis C RNA was detected in 70.6% of HCVAb positive subjects. While no subject had HBsAg, HBV DNA was detected in 26.4% of subjects who underwent this measure; all (n = 20) had HBcAb as their only HBV marker. The presence of HBV DNA did not influence ALT. Subjects with HCV RNA had higher ALTs than those without HCV RNA.Conclusions  Most methadone‐maintained subjects had at least one marker for viral hepatitis, with 41.8% having markers for HAV, HBV and HCV. A quarter of subjects had silent HBV infection, defined as the presence of HBV DNA in the absence of HBsAg. These subjects should be considered infectious and pose a public health risk.
Graft rejection: pharmacogenetic analysis or drug anamnesis?
Authors: Pham V. Vi , Stichtenoth Dirk O. , Borlak Jürgen 
Published: March 2008

AIMSA 23‐year‐old Caucasian woman, with cystic fibrosis, bilateral lung‐transplantation and immunosuppressive therapy with prednisolone, tacrolimus and sirolimus, presented with clinical symptoms of a chronic transplant rejection.METHODSSince constant sufficient blood level of tacrolimus and sirolimus had never been achieved, a genetic analysis was carried out to clarify drug metabolism.RESULTSThe genetic analysis for polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4,5,7 revealed no sequence alterations in the CYP 3A4,5,7 gene. Thus, drug intake was scrutinized in detail, disclosing a missing interval between the intake of both immunosuppressive agents. After a correct drug intake the woman's condition ameliorated and the blood levels reached normal range.CONCLUSIONSThis case report highlights the crucial importance of basic medical skills like an accurate and dainty drug anamnesis before high tech approaches were applied.
Eprosartan modulates the reflex activation of the sympathetic nervous system in sodium restricted healthy humans
Authors: Vase Henrik , Lauridsen Thomas G. , Bech Jesper N. , Pedersen Erling B. 
Published: March 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• A sympatho‐inhibitory effect of ACE‐inhibitors and AT1receptor antagonists has been widely demonstrated in animal models, but in humans this effect tends only to be present during chronic treatment in conditions with pre‐existing high levels of sympathetic activity.• Sodium restriction increases renal sympathetic nerve activity and the activity of the renin‐angiotensin system and may be a favourable condition to demonstrate sympatho‐inhibition as a short‐term effect of the AT1receptor antagonist eprosartan in healthy humans.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• Results from our study indicate that during sodium restriction eprosartan has a small inhibitory effect on nonbaroreflex mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system.• During arterial baroreflex mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system this effect is, however, completely overruled by an increased sensitivity of the arterial baroreflex.AIMSTo test the hypothesis that eprosartan inhibits both nonbaroreflex and arterial baroreflex mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system, assessed by renal tubular function, systemic haemodynamics and vasoactive hormones, in sodium restricted healthy humans.METHODSThe effect of eprosartan on urinary sodium, lithium and water excretion, heart rate (HR), blood pressure and vasoactive hormones was measured before, during and after a cold pressor test (CPT) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) infusion in a randomized, placebo controlled, double‐blind, crossover study in 17 healthy subjects. Glomerular filtration rate and renal tubular function were determined by a continuous infusion clearance technique and vasoactive hormones by radioimmunoassays.RESULTSEprosartan attenuated the impact of the CPT on HR (mean difference from placebo (95% confidence interval) (3.9 (0.7, 7.0) min−1) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (4.7 (0.3, 9.2) mmHg), but no effect of eprosartan was observed on the impact of the CPT on renal tubular function. During a SNP induced reduction in MAP of 10 mmHg eprosartan decreased fractional excretions of sodium (0.46 (0.14, 0.76)%) and lithium (5.1 (2.5, 7.6)%) and tended to increase HR (4.1 (−0.26, 8.4) min−1) and plasma concentrations of norepinephrine (33.8 (−5.8, 72.1) pg ml−1).CONCLUSIONSThese findings suggest that during mild sodium restriction eprosartan has a small inhibitory effect on nonbaroreflex mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system. During arterial baroreflex mediated activation of the sympathetic nervous system this effect is, however, completely overruled by an increased sensitivity of the arterial baroreflex.
Cytogenetic abnormalities and clinical correlations in peripheral T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Nelson Marilu , Horsman Douglas E. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Dave Bhavana J. , Loberiza Fausto R. , Ludkovski Olga , Savage Kerry J. , Armitage James O. , Sanger Warren G. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryCytogenetic correlations among most types of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) have not been very informative to date. This study aimed to identify recurrent chromosomal abnormalities in angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL), ALK‐negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK‐ALCL) and peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, unspecified (PTCL‐US), and to evaluate their prognostic value. We reviewed the cytogenetic findings of 90 previously‐diagnosed cases of PTCL and correlated the cytogenetic findings with the specific histological subtype. The most common abnormalities for AITL were 5q (55%), 21 (41%) and 3q (36%) gains, concurrent trisomies of 5 and 21 (41%), and loss of 6q (23%). In ALK(‐) ALCL, gains of 1q (50%) and 3p (30%), and losses of 16pter (50%), 6q13q21 (30%), 15 (30%), 16qter (30%) and 17p13 (30%) were frequent findings. In PTCL‐US, frequent gains involved 7q22q31 (33%), 1q (24%), 3p (20%), 5p (20%), and 8q24qter (22%), and losses of 6q22q24 (26%) and 10p13pter (26%). We did not observe any association between specific chromosomal abnormalities and overall survival (OS). However, cases with complex karyotypes, most frequently observed in ALK(‐) ALCL and PTCL‐US, had a significantly shorter OS. Although, genetic differences were noted in these subtypes, further studies are needed to determine the key pathogenetic events in PTCL.
β‐Dystroglycan modulates the interplay between actin and microtubules in human‐adhered platelets
Authors: Cerecedo Doris , Cisneros Bulmaro , Suárez‐Sánchez Rocío , Hernández‐González Enrique , Galván Iván 
Published: March 2008

SummaryTo maintain the continuity of an injured blood vessel, platelets change shape, secrete granule contents, adhere, aggregate, and retract in a haemostatic plug. Ordered arrays of microtubules, microfilaments, and associated proteins are responsible for these platelet responses. In full‐spread platelets, microfilament bundles in association with other cytoskeleton proteins are anchored in focal contacts. Recent studies in migrating cells suggest that co‐ordination and direct physical interaction of microtubules and actin network modulate adhesion development. In platelets, we have proposed a feasible association between these two cytoskeletal systems, as well as the participation of the dystrophin‐associated protein complex, as part of the focal adhesion complex. The present study analysed the participation of microtubules and actin during the platelet adhesion process. Confocal microscopy, fluorescence resonance transfer energy and immunoprecipitation assays were used to provide evidence of a cross‐talk between these two cytoskeletal systems. Interestingly, β‐dystroglycan was found to act as an interplay protein between actin and microtubules and an additional communication between these two cytoskeleton networks was maintained through proteins of focal adhesion complex. Altogether our data are indicative of a dynamic co‐participation of actin filaments and microtubules in modulating focal contacts to achieve platelet function.
Redox homeostasis modulates the sensitivity of myeloma cells to bortezomib
Authors: Nerini‐Molteni Silvia , Ferrarini Marina , Cozza Sara , Caligaris‐Cappio Federico , Sitia Roberto 
Published: March 2008

SummaryThe use of proteasome inhibitors have been a major advance in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), but their mechanisms of action remain largely unclear. A better understanding of the cellular events downstream of proteasome inhibition is essential to improve the response and identify new combination therapies for MM and other malignancies. This study analysed the relationships between redox homeostasis and bortezomib treatment in MM cells. Our data showed that decreasing intracellular glutathione through buthionine sulfoximine treatment strongly enhances bortezomib toxicity, whilst antioxidants protect MM cells from bortezomib‐mediated cell death. Bortezomib treatment decreases intracellular glutathione both in MM cell lines and in malignant plasma cells obtained from MM patients. Glutamate‐cysteine ligase (GCLM) and haem‐oxygenase‐1 (HMOX1), two genes involved in the Nrf‐2‐mediated antioxidant response, as well as two eIF2α‐downstream transcription factors, activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), are upregulated, indicating that redox‐related adaptive responses are initiated in bortezomib‐treated MM cells. These findings demonstrate tight links between sensitivity to proteasome inhibition and redox homeostasis in MM cells and have potential implications for treatment.
BRAF mutation associated with other genetic events identifies a subset of aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Costa Angela M. , Herrero Agustín , Fresno Manuel F. , Heymann Jonas , Alvarez José Antonio , Cameselle‐Teijeiro Jose , García‐Rostán Ginesa 
Published: March 2008

SummaryPurpose  BRAF
V600E mutation represents the most common oncogenic event in sporadic papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). There are, however, significant discrepancies regarding the overall frequency, its prevalence in PTC‐variants, and its relationship with clinico‐pathological parameters of poor outcome. Moreover, the impact of BRAFV600E mutants on tumour‐related patient's death has not been evaluated.Design  We analysed, by PCR‐SSCP and/or PCR‐direct sequencing, exons 8, 10, 11 and 15 of BRAF in 113 tumour samples from 49 PTC‐patients. Matched lymph node metastases and/or distant metastases (DMs) were screened in 35 patients. Focal changes in the growth pattern or microscopic grade within the primary tumour (Pt) or the metastases were separately genotyped. Mutations at H‐, K‐, N‐ras and PIK3CA exons 9 and 20 were also investigated. For comparison with PTC cases, the BRAF and Ras mutational status was evaluated in 89 specimens obtained from 24 poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas (PDCs) and 36 anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs).Results  BRAF
V600E was found in 13/16 classical PTCs (CL‐PTCs), 6/17 follicular variant PTCs (FV‐PTCs) and 8/16 mixed (papillary/follicular) PTCs (Mx‐PTCs), being significantly associated with CL‐PTCs (P = 0·015). BRAFV600E segregated with metastatic PTC‐cells in 43% of the patients, but only one DM disclosed the mutation. PTC‐tumours featuring concurrent less‐differentiated foci were BRAF wild‐type in both components. Noteworthy, the frequency of BRAF mutations among PDCs and ATCs resulted considerably lower (16·6% and 25%, respectively) than in PTCs (55%). The prevalence of Ras mutations among PDCs and ATCs (46% and 36%, respectively) was, however, much higher than in PTCs (14%). Five (71%) of the patients who died of PTC displayed somatic mutations. Four of them had other gene alteration associated with BRAFV600E and the only one that did not, BRAFV600E was restricted to the Pt. The occurrence of BRAFV600E associated with other genetic events was an independent predictor of DMs during follow‐up, recurrence and tumour‐related death. Remarkably, two PDCs (8·3%) and five ATCs (14%) revealed concurrent BRAF and Ras mutations.Conclusion  BRAF
V600E‘alone’ does not represent a marker for poor outcome, however, when associated with alterations in other genes identifies a subset of PTCs with increased risk of recurrence and decreased survival.
Escape from natural enemies during climate‐driven range expansion: a case study
Authors: MENÉNDEZ ROSA , GONZÁLEZ‐MEGÍAS ADELA , LEWIS OWEN T. , SHAW MARK R. , THOMAS CHRIS D. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract1. A major, and largely unexplored, uncertainty in projecting the impact of climate change on biodiversity is the consequence of altered interspecific interactions, for example between parasitoids and their hosts. The present study investigated parasitism in the Brown Argus butterfly,Aricia agestis; a species that has expanded northward in Britain during the last 30  years in association with climate warming.2. Aricia agestislarvae suffered lower mortality from parasitoids in newly colonised areas compared with long‐established populations. This result was consistent over four consecutive generations (2 years) when comparing one population of each type, and also when several populations within the historical and recently colonised range of the species were compared within a single year. Thus,A. agestisappears to be partially escaping from parasitism as it expands northwards.3. Reduced parasitism occurred despite the fact that several of the parasitoid species associated withA. agestiswere already present in the newly colonised areas, supported predominantly by an alternative host species, the Common Blue butterfly,Polyommatus icarus.4. As the species expand their distributions into areas of increased climatic suitability, invasion fronts may escape from natural enemies, enhancing rates of range expansion. The results suggest that the decoupling of interspecific interactions may allow some species to exploit a wider range of environments and to do so more rapidly than previously thought possible.
Different allergenic activity of grass pollen allergens revealed by skin testing
Authors: Westritschnig K. , Horak F. , Swoboda I. , Balic N. , Spitzauer S. , Kundi M. , Fiebig H. , Suck R. , Cromwell O. , Valenta R. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTBackground  Grass pollen is one of the most important allergen sources. The aim of this study was to compare the in vivo allergenic activity of two recently characterized major grass pollen allergens, Phl p 4 and Phl p 13, with three established major grass pollen allergens, Phl p 1, Phl p 2 and Phl p 5 as a basis for the formulation of a grass pollen allergy vaccine based on purified allergens.Material and methods  Eighty‐two grass pollen allergic patients were skin prick tested with serial dilutions of approximately equimolar concentrations of the purified allergens in a double‐blind study.Results  Phl p 4 and Phl p 13 were identified as major grass pollen allergens according to IgE binding frequency (Phl p 4: 85%; Phl p 13: 56%), but exhibited a five to nine‐fold lower allergenic skin reactivity compared to Phl p 1, Phl p 2 or Phl p 5.Conclusion  Our results indicate that Phl p 4 and Phl p 13 are not essential components for a therapeutic grass pollen vaccine and underpin the importance of evaluating the in vivo allergenic activity of individual allergens for the formulation of therapeutic vaccines based on purified allergens.
Effect of acid etching time on bond strength of an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive to primary tooth dentine affected by amelogenesis imperfecta
Authors: HIRAISHI NORIKO , YIU CYNTHIA KAR YUNG , KING NIGEL MARTYN 
Published: March 2008

Background.  Dentine affected by amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is histologically altered following loss of the hypoplastic enamel and becomes hypermineralized, which would make bonding less predictable.Aim.  This study examined the effect of etching time on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to AI‐affected primary dentine.Design.  Flat coronal dentine surface was obtained from extracted AI‐affected and noncarious primary molars. Teeth were etched either for 15 or for 30 s using 34% phosphoric acid. Prime & Bond® NT™ (Dentsply De Trey), an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive, was applied to dentine surfaces, air‐dried and light‐cured, followed by composite build‐ups. The bonded teeth were sectioned into beams of 0.8 mm2 and stressed to failure under tension. Representative fractured beams from each group were examined under scanning electron microscopy.Results.  The extended etching time had an adverse effect on the µTBS for the normal dentine, while no significant difference was found for AI‐affected dentine. When the AI‐affected dentine was etched for 30 s, the fracture occurred in the demineralized dentine at the base of the hybrid layer.Conclusion.  Bonding to AI‐affected dentine compromised the bonding of the etch‐and‐rinse adhesive. The bonding could not be improved by increasing etching time.
Lidocaine 20% patch vs lidocaine 5% gel for topical anaesthesia of oral mucosa
Authors: BÅGESUND MATS , TABRIZI PARISA 
Published: March 2008

Background.  Topical anaesthetics are important to provide pain control at dental injection.Aim.  The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of the intraoral topical anaesthetics lidocaine 20% patch (DentiPatch™) and lidocaine 5% gel.Design.  The randomized unblinded cross‐over study included 31 patients (ten boys, 21 girls) aged 13.5 ± 2.5 years. Application of lidocaine patch or gel was randomly used at first and second visit in the upper premolar region. Heart rate was measured before and at each needle insertion after 2.5, 5, and 15 min and at injection after 15 min. Discomfort and pain were expressed in visual analogue scales (VAS). Paired t‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used for statistic analyses.Results.  Heart rate at buccal injection decreased more when the patch was used (P = 0.0149). Heart rate was lower at the second visit (P = 0.0287). Patients expressed less discomfort when the patch was used on both buccal (P = 0.0150) and palatal (P = 0.0391) site. Boys had lower heart rate and VAS pain scale ratings than girls.Conclusions.  Good pain control can reduce the patients’ anxiety level – expressed in heart rate – at the second appointment. The patch and gel seem to provide similar pain reduction at needle stick and injection of local anaesthetics.