bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired neutrophil chemotaxis in Crohn's disease relates to reduced production of chemokines and can be augmented by granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor
Authors: HARBORD M. W. N. , MARKS D. J. B. , FORBES A. , BLOOM S. L. , DAY R. M. , SEGAL A. W. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBackgroundDefective neutrophil recruitment has been described as a primary pathogenic abnormality in Crohn’s disease. Cantharidin‐induced blisters provide a novel investigative tool to assess cellular influx and inflammatory mediator production during acute inflammation and allows the effects of therapy on these parameters to be measured.AimsTo determine whether reduced neutrophil tissue penetration in Crohn's disease relates to impaired production of inflammatory mediators, and whether it can be reversed by granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF).MethodsNeutrophil and monocyte/macrophage populations and inflammatory mediators were measured in cantharidin blisters at 24 h. Neutrophil chemotaxis was assessed in vitro using blister fluid as the chemoattractant. The effect of s.c. G‐CSF on blister phenotype was determined.ResultsSignificantly fewer neutrophils migrated into blisters in Crohn's patients. The production of neutrophil chemokines, but not other inflammatory mediators, was reduced. This significantly correlated with reduced chemotaxis in vitro. Differences were unrelated to caspase‐recruitment domain 15 genotype. G‐CSF significantly increased blister neutrophil concentrations in control subjects and Crohn's patients.ConclusionsReduced neutrophil migration during acute inflammation in Crohn's disease is associated with impaired production of appropriate chemoattractants. G‐CSF therapy increases neutrophil tissue migration, which may partially account for its observed therapeutic effect.
A case study of acenocoumarol sensitivity and genotype‐phenotype discordancy explained by combinations of polymorphisms in VKORC1 and CYP2C9
Authors: Rettie Allan E. , Farin Frederico M. , Beri Nitasha G. , Srinouanprachanh Sengkeo L. , Rieder Mark J. , Thijssen Henk H. 
Published: July 2006

AimsTo determine the cause of a genotype‐phenotype discordancy for acenocoumarol sensitivity.MethodsA patient, highly sensitive to acenocoumarol, and previously determined to carry only a single CYP2C9 *3 allele, was genotyped for additional functionally defective alleles in the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes. Family members were also analyzed to trace the pedigree.ResultsThe acenocoumarol‐sensitive patient was found to possess, in addition to CYP2C9 *3 allele, a CYP2C9 *11 allele and the VKORC1 AA diplotype which were all traced back through the parental lines.ConclusionsAcenocoumarol sensitivity in this subject is the consequence of inheritance of multiple functionally defective alleles in both the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes. The study provides additional data in support of diminished CYP2C9 activity due to the presence of the rare *11 allele.
Prevalence and prediction of malignancy in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules
Authors: Sahin M. , Gursoy A. , Tutuncu N. B. , Guvener D. N. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractObjective Controversy surrounds the evaluation of nodules with indeterminate cytology results. Malignancy rates in these nodules are not low. We examined the malignancy rates in nodules that showed follicular neoplasm or atypical cells on cytology and attempted to predict malignancy based on ultrasonographic features.Design and patients We retrospectively analysed 5 years’ cytopathology results of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens of indeterminate follicular thyroid lesions prior to thyroidectomy. The prevalence of malignancy on final histology was determined. The sonographic features of the thyroid nodules with respect to size, echogenicity, echo structure, border shape and presence of calcification were analysed.Results A total of 86 patients (15 men, 61 women; mean age 52·1 ± 12·5 years) with indeterminate cytology underwent thyroidectomy and had histopathological diagnoses. The average nodule was 18·9 ± 12·3 mm. The prevalence of malignancy in patients with atypical cell cytology was 51·7% (30 of 59), and the prevalence of malignancy in patients with follicular neoplasm cytology was 15% (4 of 27). Malignancy prevalence was higher in patients who had follicular neoplasm cytology with atypical cells than in those without atypical cells (2 of 7 and 2 of 20, respectively).We found no significant correlations between sonographic or clinical features and malignancy in this patient group. Sonographic features and nodule size are not useful predictors of malignancy.Conclusion Until better molecular markers for malignancy are developed, surgical consultation remains necessary after examination of cytologically indeterminate FNAB specimens in patients with follicular thyroid lesions. But in follicular lesions without atypical cells the malignancy rate is low and reassessment later on could be an alternative approach.
Local environmental effects and spatial effects in macroecological studies using mapped abundance classes: the case of the rookCorvus frugilegusin Scotland
Authors: GIMONA A. , BREWER M. J. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe study of the spatial pattern of species abundance is complicated by statistical problems, such as spatial autocorrelation of the abundance data, which lead to the confusion of environmental effects and dispersal.Atlas‐derived data for the rook in Scotland are used as a case study to propose an approach for assessing the likely contribution of dispersal and local environmental effects, based on a Bayesian Conditional Autoregressive (CAR) approach.The availability of moist grasslands is a key factor explaining the spatial pattern of abundance. This is influenced by a combination of climatic and soil‐related factors. A direct link to soil properties is for the first time reported for the wide‐scale distribution of a bird species. In addition, for this species, dispersal seems to contribute significantly to the spatial pattern and produces a smoother than expected decline in abundance at the north‐western edge of its distribution range. Areas where dispersal is most likely to be important are highlighted.The approach described can help ecologists make more efficient use of atlas data for the investigation of the structure of species abundance, and can highlight potential sink areas at the landscape and regional scale.Bayesian spatial models can deal with data autocorrelation in atlas‐type data, while clearly communicating uncertainty through the estimation of the full posterior probability distribution of all parameters.
Reductionist inference‐based medicine, i.e. EBM
Authors: De Simone John 
Published: July 2006

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Unbeknown to many, reductionist and postmodern worldviews competitively coexist in science and society. The debate on evidence‐based medicine (EBM) is at the tip of this ‘iceberg’. Via systems thinking and complexity science EBM reveals crucial flaws and its reductionism entails an inability to appreciate (even tolerate) contrasting ideas and/or ‘see a bigger picture’. An interdisciplinary approach provides insight into novel explanations. Thereafter, the conceptual barrier shifts to communication, a challenge which mandates attempts to steer the discourse by reframing the debate.Method  Interdisciplinary perspectives serve to illustrate a ‘bigger picture’. Also, ‘wicked’ questions stimulate reflection, discern leverage points and dismantle resilient defences. Lastly, a proposal: exploring the value of ‘glasses half full’.Conclusion  Some may realize that postmodern concepts behind compelling criticisms to EBM have already taken root, being shared by policymakers, practitioners and patients as well.
Apparent ‘sympatric’ speciation in ecologically similar herbivorous beetles facilitated by multiple colonizations of an island
Authors: JORDAL BJARTE H. , EMERSON BRENT C. , HEWITT GODFREY M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractCoexistence of recently diverged and ecologically similar sister species in complete sympatry represents a particularly compelling case for sympatric speciation. This study investigates the possible sympatric origin of two coexisting bark beetle taxa that utilize the same host plant on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Aphanarthrum subglabrum and Aphanarthrum glabrum ssp. nudum breed inside dead twigs of Euphorbia lamarckii plants and are closely related to the allopatric A. glabrum ssp. glabrum in Tenerife, El Hierro and La Gomera. We tested the various speciation hypotheses in a genealogical context, using mitochondrial gene fragments from Cytochrome Oxidase I and 16S, and nuclear gene fragments from Enolase, Elongation Factor 1α and Histone H3. Phylogenetic analyses of the combined nuclear DNA data strongly supported a sister relationship between two sympatric and reproductively isolated taxa in La Palma. However, network analyses of subdivided nonrecombinant segments of the Enolase locus indicated a closer relationship between the two allopatric A. glabrum subspecies, suggesting multiple colonizations of this island. A bimodal distribution of mtDNA haplotypes in La Palma further documented the independent colonization of this island, with asymmetric introgression of mtDNA between two lineages. Consequently, the sympatric origin of the La Palma species is concluded to have involved allopatric phases before the parallel colonization of this island and subsequent introgression at some loci. The clear genetic and morphological evidence for reproductive isolation between these species suggests that the sympatric completion of divergence was either due to initial genetic incompatibility, morphological character displacement in male genitalia, or a combination of these factors.
Phosphoenolpyruvate synthase plays an essential role for glycolysis in the modified Embden‐Meyerhof pathway in Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Imanaka Hiroyuki , Yamatsu Atsushi , Fukui Toshiaki , Atomi Haruyuki , Imanaka Tadayuki 
Published: July 2006

SummaryWe have carried out a genetic analysis on pyruvate kinase (PykTk) and phosphoenolpyruvate synthase (PpsTk) in the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakarensis. In principle, both enzymes can catalyse the final step of the modified Embden‐Meyerhof (EM) pathway found in Thermococcales, the conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) to pyruvate, with the former utilizing ADP, while the latter is dependent on AMP and phosphate. Enzyme activities and transcript levels of both PykTk and PpsTk increased in T. kodakarensis under glycolytic conditions when compared with cells grown on pyruvate or amino acids. Using KW128, a tryptophan auxotrophic mutant with a trpE gene disruption, as a host strain, we obtained mutant strains with single gene disruptions in either the pykTk (Δpyk strain) or ppsTk (Δpps strain) gene. Specific growth rates and cell yields were examined in various media and compared with the host KW128 strain. The results indicated that both enzymes participated in pyruvate metabolism, but were not essential. In the presence of maltooligosaccharides, the Δpyk strain displayed a 15% decrease in growth rate compared with the host strain, indicating that PykTk does participate in glycolysis. However an even more dramatic effect was observed in the Δpps strain in that the strain could not grow at all on maltooligosaccharides. The results clearly indicate that, in contrast to the conventional EM pathway dependent on pyruvate kinase, PEP synthase is the essential enzyme for the glycolytic conversion of PEP to pyruvate in T. kodakarensis. The physiological roles of the two enzymes under various growth conditions are discussed.
Distinct white collar‐1 genes control specific light responses in Mucor circinelloides
Authors: Silva Fátima , Torres‐Martínez Santiago , Garre Victoriano 
Published: July 2006

SummaryLight regulates many developmental and physiological processes in a large number of organisms. The best‐known light response in the fungus Mucor circinelloides is the biosynthesis of β‐carotene. Here, we show that M. circinelloides sporangiophores also respond to light, exhibiting a positive phototropism. Analysis of both responses to different light wavelengths within the visible spectrum demonstrated that phototropism is induced by green and blue light, whereas carotenogenesis is only induced by blue light. The blue regulation of both responses suggests the existence of blue‐light photoreceptors in M. circinelloides. Three white collar‐1 genes (mcwc‐1a, mcwc‐1b and mcwc‐1c) coding for proteins showing similarity with the WC‐1 photoreceptor of Neurospora crassa have been identified. All three contain a LOV (light, oxygen or voltage) domain, similar to that present in fungal and plant blue‐light receptors. When knockout mutants for each mcwc‐1 gene were generated to characterize gene functions, only mcwc‐1c mutants were defective in light induction of carotene biosynthesis, indicating that mcwc‐1c is involved in the light transduction pathway that control carotenogenesis. We have also shown that positive phototropism is controlled by the mcwc‐1a gene. It seems therefore that mcwc‐1a and mcwc‐1c genes control different light transduction pathways, although cross‐talk between both pathways probably exists because mcwc‐1a is involved in the light regulation of mcwc‐1c expression.
The diverse antioxidant systems of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Wang Ge , Alamuri Praveen , Maier Robert J. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori induces a strong inflammatory host response, yet the bacterium maintains long‐term persistence in the host. H. pylori combats oxidative stress via a battery of diverse activities, some of which are unique or newly described. In addition to using the well‐studied bacterial oxidative stress resistance enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, H. pylori depends on a family of peroxiredoxins (alkylhydroperoxide reductase, bacterioferritin co‐migratory protein and a thiol‐peroxidase) that function to detoxify organic peroxides. Newly described antioxidant proteins include a soluble NADPH quinone reductase (MdaB) and an iron sequestering protein (NapA) that has dual roles – host inflammation stimulation and minimizing reactive oxygen species production within H. pylori. An H. pylori arginase attenuates host inflammation, a thioredoxin required as a reductant for many oxidative stress enzymes is also a chaperon, and some novel properties of KatA and AhpC were discovered. To repair oxidative DNA damage, H. pylori uses an endonuclease (Nth), DNA recombination pathways and a newly described type of bacterial MutS2 that specifically recognizes 8‐oxoguanine. A methionine sulphoxide reductase (Msr) plays a role in reducing the overall oxidized protein content of the cell, although it specifically targets oxidized Met residues. H. pylori possess few stress regulator proteins, but the key roles of a ferric uptake regulator (Fur) and a post‐transcriptional regulator CsrA in antioxidant protein expression are described. The roles of all of these antioxidant systems have been addressed by a targeted mutant analysis approach and almost all are shown to be important in host colonization. The described antioxidant systems in H. pylori are expected to be relevant to many bacterial‐associated diseases, as genes for most of the enzymes carrying out the newly described roles are present in a number of pathogenic bacteria.
Lactating Females Do Not Discriminate Between Their Own Young and Unrelated Pups in the Communally Breeding Rodent, Octodon degus
Authors: Ebensperger Luis A. , Hurtado María José , Valdivia Isabel 
Published: July 2006

AbstractFemales in numerous rodent species engage in communal nesting and breeding, in which they share one or more nests to rear their young. A potential cost of communal nesting and breeding is that mothers divert resources to unrelated offspring. One way mothers could avoid this cost is to recognize and favour their own young over unrelated offspring when allocating maternal effort. We assessed whether female degus (Octodon degus), a communally nesting and breeding caviomorph rodent, discriminate between their own and unrelated offspring during lactation. Female degus previously have been shown to distinguish between their own and unrelated pups when exposed to odours from both. We measured pup discrimination based on differences in the retrieval behaviour of females that were in early or intermediate lactation directed towards their own and unrelated offspring; offspring presented were of similar or different age. Before any event of pup retrieval, lactating females spent similar amounts of time and interacted to a similar extent with their own and unrelated pups. During pup retrieval, all lactating females transported both pups to the nest. Neither relatedness to pups, nor pup‐age differences, influenced the order in which pups were retrieved to the nest. Dams waited similar amounts of time before retrieving the first pup when the first transported young was their own or unrelated. Likewise, females waited similar amounts of time before retrieving the second pup when the pup transported first was their own or unrelated. The time between first and second pup transport events was longer when dams were in early when compared with intermediate lactation, but only when pups were of similar age. All experimental subjects nursed unrelated pups after they were retrieved. Collectively, our results do not support the hypothesis that communally breeding female degus use their recognition ability to discriminate against unrelated offspring in favour of their own young.
Ovarian Activity and Oestrous Signs among Group‐Housed, Lactating Sows: Influence of Behaviour, Environment and Production
Authors: Hultén F , Wallenbeck A , Rydhmer L 
Published: July 2006

ContentsAnimal welfare concerns require the development of housing systems that allow the animals to express their natural behaviour. One example of this is the group‐housing system for lactating sows. The present study aimed at exploring ovarian activity in such a system. Thirty‐eight sows farrowing individually outdoors during spring and summer, and indoors during autumn and winter, and group‐housed in groups of four during weeks 3–7 of the lactation period, were monitored regarding reproductive functions, behaviour and production during their first to fourth lactation period. Average ovulation frequency during lactation was 47%. Only 50% of these ovulating cases were accompanied by a standing oestrus. Lactational ovulation frequency was higher in later parities (p < 0.001). Ovulation frequency was higher (p < 0.05) during winter (74%) and spring (69%), than during summer (10%) and autumn (23%). Occurrence of lactational ovulation was associated with some aspects of suckling behaviour and also with litter weight gain (p < 0.05). Forty‐nine per cent of the lactational ovulations occurred during the seventh week of lactation. Timing of ovulation seemed positively (p = 0.08) associated with weight loss during lactation. Compared with the sows that were anoestrus during lactation, oestradiol‐17β values were higher (p < 0.05) only in the week before occurrence of lactational ovulation. Weaning‐to‐oestrous interval was prolonged (p < 0.05) among the sows that ovulated during lactation. The present study identifies several factors influencing ovarian activity among group‐housed sows, thereby providing tools for the control of lactational ovulation in group‐housing systems.
Gout in renal transplant recipients
Authors: STAMP LISA , HA LEAH , SEARLE MARTIN , O’DONNELL JOHN , FRAMPTON CHRIS , CHAPMAN PETER 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY:Aims:  The aims of the present audit were to determine the prevalence of gout in renal transplant recipients in Canterbury, New Zealand, to identify risk factors for gout, and to assess the range of treatments used, their efficacy and complications. In addition, the authors wished to assess the impact of post‐renal transplant gout on the patient.Methods:  Patients with post‐transplantation gout were identified from the Christchurch Hospital Nephrology database. For each patient with gout a post‐renal transplantation recipient without gout post transplant was found matched for age, sex and date of transplant. Case notes were audited and patients interviewed.Results:  In total, 47/202 (23%) living renal transplant recipients had gout post transplant. Those patients with gout were more likely to be taking a loop diuretic (68%vs 34%, P < 0.001), to have a higher serum urate and impaired renal function and to have had gout prior to the transplant. Of those patients who developed gout post transplant 70% had an attack at least every 3 months. Of those who returned to work post transplant 48% required time off work because of gout.Conclusion:  Gout is an important problem in the post‐transplant population causing significant morbidity and time off work. Diuretics, impaired renal function, gout prior to transplantation and hyperuricaemia are important risk factors. The need for diuretic therapy should be kept under review in these patients. Hypouricaemic therapy should be considered early in those who develop gout post renal transplantation. Further studies are required to determine whether treatment for asymptomatic hyperuricaemia is justified.
Prevalence and risk factors of undetected proteinuria in an elderly South‐East Asian population
Authors: JOSHI VEENA D , MOOPPIL NANDKUMAR , LIM JEREMY 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY:Background:  Urinalysis is not a standard component of health screening in the elderly population.Objective:  We investigated the prevalence and risk factors of undetected renal disease as defined by proteinuria (PR) in an elderly South‐East Asian population.Method:  There were 19 848 participants of age ≥65 years in National Kidney Foundation’s Nationwide Screening programme at Singapore. Mean age was 70.6 ± 5.3 years. After excluding the 1.1% who had pre‐existing renal disease, 8.5% were identified to have previously undetected PR defined as ≥1+ protein on urine dipstick analysis. Multivariate regression revealed that male gender (OR = 1.2, reference category (Ref): female), known diabetes (odds ratio (OR) = 2.28; P < 0.0001), hypertension (OR = 1.62; P = 0.0001), presence of elevated blood pressure (BP) (≥120/90 mmHg) on screening (OR = 1.38, 1.89, 3.45 for mild, moderate and severe BP, respectively, all P < 0.0001), elevated body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.3 for BMI ≥23 vs BMI < 23 kg/m2), and smoking (OR = 1.2, ref: non‐smokers) were significantly associated with PR. Finally, a progressive increase in OR for PR was observed with stepwise increase in age (years) (OR for 67–68.9: 1.2, P = 0.025; 69–72.9, 1.49, P = 0.49; ≥73: 1.56, P < 0.0001, Ref: 65–66.9 years).Conclusion:  We conclude that there is high prevalence of previously undetected proteinuria in elderly South‐East Asians. Because proteinuria is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, our findings support inclusion of urinalysis in routine health screening for this population.
Understanding biodiversity effects on prey in multi‐enemy systems
Authors: Casula Paolo , Wilby Andrew , Thomas Matthew B. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBiodiversity–ecosystem functioning theory would predict that increasing natural enemy richness should enhance prey consumption rate due to functional complementarity of enemy species. However, several studies show that ecological interactions among natural enemies may result in complex effects of enemy diversity on prey consumption. Therefore, the challenge in understanding natural enemy diversity effects is to predict consumption rates of multiple enemies taking into account effects arising from patterns of prey use together with species interactions. Here, we show how complementary and redundant prey use patterns result in additive and saturating effects, respectively, and how ecological interactions such as phenotypic niche shifts, synergy and intraguild predation enlarge the range of outcomes to include null, synergistic and antagonistic effects. This study provides a simple theoretical framework that can be applied to experimental studies to infer the biological mechanisms underlying natural enemy diversity effects on prey.