bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IgG subclasses of anti‐FVIII antibodies during immune tolerance induction in patients with hemophilia A
Authors: van Helden Pauline M. W. , van den Berg H. Marijke , Gouw Samantha C. , Kaijen Paul H. P. , Zuurveld Marleen G. , Mauser‐Bunschoten Evelien P. , Aalberse Rob C. , Vidarsson Gestur , Voorberg Jan 
Published: May 2008

SummaryThe eradication of inhibitory antibodies in patients with haemophilia A can be accomplished by frequent administration of high or intermediate doses of factor VIII (FVIII), so‐called immune tolerance induction (ITI). This study monitored the distribution of IgG subclasses of anti‐FVIII antibodies during ITI. FVIII‐specific antibodies of subclass IgG1 were detected in all inhibitor patients tested, anti‐FVIII IgG4 in 16, IgG2 in 10 and IgG3 in one of 20 patients analysed. Levels of anti‐FVIII IgG1 and IgG4 correlated well with inhibitor titres as measured by Bethesda assay. In low‐titre inhibitor patients, anti‐FVIII antibodies consisted primarily of subclass IgG1 whereas, anti‐FVIII antibodies of subclass IgG4 were more prominent in patients with high titre inhibitors who needed prolonged treatment or who failed ITI. Longitudinal analysis of 14 patients undergoing ITI revealed that the relative contribution of IgG subclasses was constant for most of the patients analysed. In two patients, the relative contribution of IgG4 increased during ITI. Overall, our findings document the distribution and dynamics of anti‐FVIII IgG subclasses during ITI. Future studies will need to address whether monitoring the relative contribution of anti‐FVIII subclasses IgG1 and IgG4 may be useful for the identification of patients who are at risk of failing ITI.
Cytology and outcome of LSIL: cannot exclude HSIL compared to ASC‐H
Authors: Hunter C. , Duggan M. A. , Duan Q. , Power P. , Gregoire J. , Nation J. 
Published: May 2008

Objective:  The cytological features associated with clinical outcome of ‘LSIL cannot exclude HSIL (LSIL‐H)’ in comparison with ‘atypical squamous cells cannot exclude HSIL (ASC‐H)’ are incompletely described.Methods:  LSIL‐H and ASC‐H Pap tests reported in a regional laboratory during a 13‐month period were reviewed by two pathologists. Cytological features suspicious for HSIL were evaluated against a check list of 52 atypical features. All histology over 2 years of follow up for tests reclassified as LSIL‐H and ASC‐H was retrieved to determine clinical outcome. Atypical cytological features were correlated with outcome.Results:  The review yielded 89 LSIL‐H and 86 ASC‐H. The highest ranked atypical cytological feature in each group was increased nuclear cytoplasmic ratio. Clinical outcome was positive (CIN II/III or AIS) in 44 (49%) LSIL‐H and 33 (38%) ASC‐H. Round (P = 0.02) and naked nuclei (P = 0.009) were significant correlates of outcome amongst LSIL‐H tests, but no feature correlated with outcome in the ASC‐H group.Conclusions:  LSIL‐H is different to ASC‐H because of the 11% higher frequency of a positive outcome and the cytological features associated with outcome.
Prediction of recurrent disease by cytology and HPV testing after treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Aerssens A. , Claeys P. , Beerens E. , Garcia A. , Weyers S. , Van Renterghem L. , Praet M. , Temmerman M. , Velasquez R. , Cuvelier C.A. 
Published: May 2008

Objective:  To assess the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and cytology as predictors of residual/recurrent disease after treatment of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial lesions.Methods:  One hundred and thirty‐eight women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2/3 lesion on biopsy were included in a prospective follow‐up study in Belgium and Nicaragua. All women were treated with loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and follow‐up visits took place at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. During these visits, a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test was taken, colposcopy was performed and specimens were collected for HPV testing. Cytology, high‐risk (HR) HPV presence, persistent HR HPV infection and combinations of these tests at different time points during follow‐up were correlated with histologically confirmed residual/recurrent disease.Results:  Thirteen patients (9%) developed residual/recurrent disease during follow‐up. Abnormal cytology at 6 weeks after treatment was significantly correlated with residual/recurrent disease. Nine of thirty‐seven patients with abnormal cytology at 6 weeks had recurrent disease versus three of seventy with a normal cytology [odds ratio (OR): 7.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.8–28.5; P = 0.003). Sensitivity of this test was 75.0%, specificity 70.5%. Combining abnormal cytology and the presence of HR HPV within the first 6 months after treatment gave the best correlation with residual/recurrent disease: of the 54 women with abnormal cytology and/or HR HPV presence within the first 6 months, 11 developed residual/recurrent disease (OR 10.2; 95% CI: 2.2–48.3). Sensitivity of this combination was 84.6% and specificity 65.0%.Conclusion:  Cytology remains the cornerstone in the early follow‐up after LEEP for CIN lesions of the cervix. HPV testing can add value as it increases the sensitivity of cytology in concomitant testing within the first 6 months.
Terrestrial detritus supports the food webs in lowland intermittent streams of south‐eastern Australia: a stable isotope study
Authors: REID DAVID J. , QUINN GERRY P. , LAKE P. S. , REICH PAUL 
Published: May 2008

Summary

Large amounts of terrestrial detritus enter many low‐order forested streams, and this organic material is often the major basal resource in the metazoan food webs of such systems. However, despite their apparently low biomass, algae are the dominant food of organisms in a number of aquatic communities which conventionally would have been presumed to be dependent on allochthonous detritus, particularly those in the tropics and also in lowland intermittent streams in arid Australia.
The dual stable isotope signatures (δ13C and δ15N) of potential primary food sources were compared with the isotopic signatures of common aquatic animals in lowland intermittent streams in south‐eastern Australia, in both spring and summer, to determine whether allochthonous detritus was an important nutritional resource in these systems. The isotopic signatures of the major potential allochthonous plant food sources (Eucalyptus, Phalaris and Juncus) overlapped, but were distinct from algae and the dominant macrophytes growing in the study reaches. The isotopic signatures of biofilm were more spatially and temporally variable than those of the other basal resources.
Despite allochthonous detritus having relatively high C : N ratios compared to other potential basal resources, results from isosource mixing model calculations demonstrated that this detritus, and the associated biofilm, were the major energy sources assimilated by macroinvertebrate primary consumers in both spring and summer. The importance of these energy sources was also reflected in animals higher in the food web, including predatory macroinvertebrates and fish. These resources were supplemented by autochthonous sources of higher nutritional value (i.e. filamentous algae and macrophytes, which had relatively low C : N ratios) when they became more prolific as the streams dried to disconnected pools in summer.
The results highlight the importance of allochthonous detritus (particularly from Eucalyptus) as a dependable energy source for benthic macroinvertebrates and fish in lowland intermittent streams of south‐eastern Australia. This contrasts with previous stable isotope studies conducted in lowland intermittent streams in arid Australia, which have reported that the fauna are primarily dependent on autochthonous algae.
Temperature dependence of stream benthic respiration in an Alpine river network under global warming
Authors: ACUÑA V. , WOLF A. , UEHLINGER U. , TOCKNER K. 
Published: May 2008

Summary1. Global warming has increased the mean surface temperature of the Earth by 0.6 °C in the past century, and temperature is probably to increase by an additional 3 °C by 2100. Water temperature has also increased, which in turn can affect metabolic rate in rivers. Such an increase in metabolic rate could alter the role of river networks in the global C cycle, because the fraction of allochthonous organic C that is respired may increase.2. Laboratory‐based incubations at increasing water temperature were used to estimate the temperature dependence of benthic respiration in streams. These experiments were performed on stones taken from seven reaches with different thermal conditions (mean temperature ranging 8–19 °C) within the pre‐alpine Thur River network in Switzerland, June–October 2007.3. The activation energy of respiration in different reaches along the river network (0.53 ± 0.12 eV, n = 94) was similar, indicating that respiration was constrained by the activation energy of the respiratory complex (E = 0.62 eV). Water temperature and the thickness of the benthic biofilm influence the temperature dependence of respiration and our results suggest that an increase of 2.5 °C will increase river respiration by an average of 20 ± 1.6%.
An exploration of factors that influence the regular consumption of water by Irish primary school children
Authors: Johnston Molloy C. , Gandy J. , Cunningham C. , Glennon Slattery C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground  Inadequate hydration has been linked to many factors that may impact on children’s education and health. Teachers play an important role in the education and behaviour of children. Previous research has demonstrated low water intake amongst children and negative teachers’ attitudes to water in the classroom. The present study aimed to explore teachers’ knowledge about water and the perceived barriers to allowing children access to water during lesson time.Methods  In‐depth interviews were conducted with 12 teachers from primary schools in the Midlands of Ireland. Interviews were continued until there was saturation of the data. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted.Results  Participants had a poor knowledge of hydration requirements and the associated health benefits and effect on concentration. Low water intake amongst teachers and pupils, and barriers such as disruption to class and increased need to urinate, were reported. Teachers identified the hydration effect on learning as the education message most likely to influence the decision to allow water in the classroom.Conclusions  The issues, opinions and perceived barriers raised by teachers as part of this qualitative research provide a basis for future health promotion around water.
Inferring recruitment history from spatial genetic structure within populations of the colonizing treeAlbizia julibrissin(Fabaceae)
Authors: PARDINI E. A. , HAMRICK J. L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractComparative analyses of spatial genetic structure (SGS) among species, populations, or cohorts give insight into the genetic consequences of seed dispersal in plants. We analysed SGS of a weedy tree in populations with known and unknown recruitment histories to first establish patterns in populations with single vs. multiple founders, and then to infer possible recruitment scenarios in populations with unknown histories. We analysed SGS in six populations of the colonizing treeAlbizia julibrissinDurazz. (Fabaceae) in Athens, Georgia. Study sites included two large populations with multiple, known founders, two small populations with a single, known founder, and two large populations with unknown recruitment histories. Eleven allozyme loci were used to genotype 1385 individuals. Insights about the effects of colonization history from the SGS analyses were obtained from correlograms andSpstatistics. Distinct differences in patterns of SGS were identified between populations with multiple founders vs. a single founder. We observed significant, positive SGS, which decayed with increasing distance in the populations with multiple colonists, but little to no SGS in populations founded by one colonist. Because relatedness among individuals is estimated relative to a local reference population, which usually consists of those individuals sampled in the study population, SGS in populations with high background relatedness, such as those with a single founder, may be obscured. We performed additional analyses using a regional reference population and, in populations with a single founder, detected significant, positive SGS at all distances, indicating that these populations consist of highly related descendants and receive little seed immigration. Subsequent analyses of SGS in size cohorts in the four large study populations showed significant SGS in both juveniles and adults, probably because of a relative lack of intraspecific demographic thinning. SGS in populations of this colonizing tree is pronounced and persistent and is determined by the number and relatedness of founding individuals and adjacent seed sources. Patterns of SGS in populations with known histories may be used to indirectly infer possible colonization scenarios for populations where it is unknown.
Phylogeography and local endemism of the native Mediterranean brine shrimp Artemia salina (Branchiopoda: Anostraca)
Authors: MUÑOZ JOAQUÍN , GÓMEZ AFRICA , GREEN ANDY J. , FIGUEROLA JORDI , AMAT FRANCISCO , RICO CIRO 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThere has been a recent appreciation of the ecological impacts of zooplanktonic species invasions. The North American brine shrimp Artemia franciscana is one such alien invader in hyper‐saline water ecosystems at a global scale. It has been shown to outcompete native Artemia species, leading to their local extinction. We used partial sequences of the mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit 1 (COI or cox1) gene to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogeography of A. salina, an extreme halophilic sexual brine shrimp, over its known distribution range (Mediterranean Basin and South Africa) and to assess the extent of local endemism, the degree of population structure and the potential impact of traditional human saltpan management on this species. We also examined the phylogenetic relationships in the genus Artemia using COI sequences. Our results show extensive regional endemism and indicate an early Pleistocene expansion of A. salina in the Mediterranean Basin. Subsequent population isolation in a mosaic of Pleistocene refugia is suggested, with two or three refugia located in the Iberian Peninsula. Two instances of long‐distance colonization were also observed. Surprisingly, given its strong phylogeographical structure, A. salina showed a signature of correlation between geographical and genetic distance. Owing to strong ‘priority effects’, extensive population differentiation is retained, despite dispersal via migrant birds and human management of saltpans. The foreseeable expansion of A. franciscana is likely to be followed by substantial loss of genetic diversity in Mediterranean A. salina. Large genetic divergences between Mediterranean and South African A. salina suggest that the latter deserves species status.
Genetic variation in Arabidopsis thaliana for night‐time leaf conductance
Authors: CHRISTMAN MAIRGARETH A. , RICHARDS JAMES H. , MCKAY JOHN K. , STAHL ELI A. , JUENGER THOMAS E. , DONOVAN LISA A. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACTNight‐time leaf conductance (gnight) and transpiration may have several adaptive benefits related to plant water, nutrient and carbon relations. Little is known, however, about genetic variation in gnight and whether this variation correlates with other gas exchange traits related to water use and/or native habitat climate. We investigated gnight in 12 natural accessions and three near isogenic lines (NILs) of Arabidopsis thaliana. Genetic variation in gnight was found for the natural accessions, and gnight was negatively correlated with native habitat atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPDair), suggesting lower gnight may be favoured by natural selection in drier habitats. However, there were also significant genetic correlations of gnight with daytime gas exchange traits expected to affect plant fitness [i.e. daytime leaf conductance, photosynthesis and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (WUEi)], indicating that selection on daytime gas exchange traits may result in indirect selection on gnight. The comparison of three NILs to their parental genotypes identified one quantitative trait locus (QTL) contributing to variation in gnight. Further characterization of genetic variation in gnight within and among populations and species, and of associations with other traits and native habitats will be needed to understand gnight as a putatively adaptive trait.
Maintenance of clinal variation for shell colour phenotype in the flat periwinkle Littorina obtusata
Authors: PHIFER‐RIXEY M. , HECKMAN M. , TRUSSELL G. C. , SCHMIDT P. S. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractClines can signal spatially varying selection and therefore have long been used to investigate the role of environmental heterogeneity in maintaining genetic variation. However, clinal patterns alone are not sufficient to reject neutrality or to establish the mechanism of selection. Indirect, inferential methods can be used to address neutrality and mechanism, but fully understanding the adaptive significance of clinal variation ultimately requires a direct approach. Ecological model systems such as the rocky intertidal provide a useful context for direct experimentation and can serve as a complement to studies in more traditional genetic model systems. In this study, we use indirect and direct approaches to investigate the role of environmental heterogeneity in the maintenance of shell colour polymorphism in the flat periwinkle snail, Littorina obtusata. We document replicated clines in shell colour morph frequencies over thermal gradients at two spatial scales, contrasting with patterns at previously reported microsatellite loci. In addition, experimental results demonstrate that that shell colour has predictable effects on shell temperature and that these differences in temperature, in turn, coincide with patterns of survivorship under episodic thermal stress. Direct manipulation of shell colour revealed that shell colour, and not a correlated character, was the target of selection. Our study provides evidence that spatially varying selection via thermal regime contributes to the maintenance of shell colour phenotype variation in L. obtusata in the sampled areas of the Gulf of Maine.
The contribution of parasitism to selection on floral traits in Heuchera grossulariifolia
Authors: NUISMER S. L. , RIDENHOUR B. J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractParasites are ubiquitous and have well‐documented ecological consequences. In contrast, the extent to which parasites drive phenotypic evolution in hosts remains obscure. We use a recently developed statistical technique – selective source analysis – to analyse the strength of phenotypic selection acting on floral traits in the plant Heuchera grossulariifolia attributable to attack by the seed‐parasitic moth, Greya politella. This analysis spanned 3 years and included two sympatric populations of the host plant H. grossulariifolia that differ in ploidy. Our analyses revealed that attack by G. politella contributed to phenotypic selection for flowering time and floral display size, favouring earlier flowering in the polyploid population, later flowering in the diploid population and increased floral display size in the polyploid population. Although selection imposed by parasite attack was generally quite weak, in one of the 3 years parasites generated a modestly strong selection gradient (β = −0.059) that explained 38.6% of total observed phenotypic selection for earlier flowering in the polyploid population. Together, our results demonstrate parasites can generate significant phenotypic selection, but that such selection may be sporadic across populations and time.
Prostaglandin F2α Stimulates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Depending on the Existence of Bovine Granulosa Cells: Analysis by Co‐culture System of Endothelial Cells, Smooth Muscle Cells and Granulosa Cells
Authors: Shirasuna K , Yamamoto D , Morota K , Shimizu T , Matsui M , Miyamoto A 
Published: May 2008

ContentsProstaglandin F2α (PGF2α) induces luteolysis in the mid but not in the early luteal phase; despite this, both the early and the mid corpus luteum (CL) have PGF2α receptor (FPr). We previously indicated that the luteal blood flow surrounding the CL drastically increases prior to a decrease of progesterone (P) in the cows, suggesting that an acute increase of luteal blood flow may be an early sign of luteolysis in response to PGF2α and that this may be induced by a vasorelaxant nitric oxide (NO). The aim of this study was to investigate the luteal stage‐dependent and the site‐restricted effect of PGF2α and NO on the mRNA expressions and P secretion. To mimic the local luteal region both of peripheral and central areas of the CL, we utilized co‐cultures using bovine aorta endothelial cells (EC), smooth muscle cells (SMC) and luteinizing granulosa cells (GC) or fully‐luteinized GC. PGF2α stimulated the expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) mRNA at 0.5 h in mix‐cultures of EC and SMC with fully‐luteinized GC but not with luteinizing GC. The expression of eNOS mRNA in EC was increased by PGF2α at 1 h only when EC was cultured together with fully‐luteinized GC but not with luteinizing GC. In all co‐cultures, PGF2α did not affect the mRNA expression of FPr. Treatment of NO donor inhibited P secretion at 0.5 h. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the coexistence of the mature luteal cells (fully‐luteinized GC) with EC/SMC may be crucial for acquiring functional NO synthesis induced by PGF2α.
Evaluation of ‘Section‐Ligation‐Release (SLR)’ Technique Devised for Castration in the Stallion
Authors: Saifzadeh S , Hobbenaghi R , Asri‐Rezaei S , Shokouhi SJ F , Dalir‐Naghadeh B , Rohi S M 
Published: May 2008

ContentsA novel technique [Section‐Ligation‐Release (SLR)] was evaluated for castration in the horse. Clinical traits, serum testosterone concentrations after challenge with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), and histopathological changes of the testicular tissue were assessed. Five stallions, aged 24–48 months, were castrated using SLR technique under general anaesthesia. Both spermatic cords in each stallion were exposed at the scrotal neck by two 5‐cm long incisions, followed by sharp dissection through the parietal vaginal tunic. Both vascular and non‐vascular structures in the cords were triple clamped, transected and ligated. Both testes were leftin situ. Serum testosterone concentrations were measured pre‐operatively and at 2 months after castration following IV administration of 1 × 104 IU of hCG. Both testes from each castrate were collected at 2 months for histopathologic examination. SLR castration was successfully achieved. Moderated scrotal and preputial swelling was the only experienced short‐term complication. Serum testosterone concentrations were significantly lower than basal pre‐operative levels at 2 months after castration, and did not respond to hCG. On histopathology, hyalinization of the seminiferous tubules and loss of testicular interstitial tissue were indicative of complete avascular necrosis. This novel primary closure castration technique of stallion is a simple practical method, with minimal post‐operative complications; and could be safely advocated as an alternative to the traditional castration techniques allowing for second intention healing of scrotal wounds.