bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Very early prophylactic thyroid surgery for infants with a mutation of the RET proto‐oncogene at codon 634: evaluation of the implementation of international guidelines for MEN type 2 in a single centre
Authors: Piolat Christian , Dyon Jean‐François , Sturm Nathalie , Pinson Stéphane , Bost Michel , Jouk Pierre‐Simon , Plantaz Dominique , Chabre Olivier 
Published: June 2006

SummaryObjective  Genetic diagnosis available since 1993 established germinal mutations of the RET proto‐oncogene at codon 634 as the main cause of inherited medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). International guidelines established in 1999 recommend that children with such mutations undergo a total thyroidectomy before age 5, with unspecified cervical neck dissection. Since 1993, only 41 of 275 thyroidectomies reported in RET 634 children were performed before age 5 (15%). The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of these guidelines in a single centre.Design and patients  Genetic diagnosis was proposed to the parents of all eight children born after 1992 from two RET 634 families. Total thyroidectomy was proposed before age 5 if the child carried a mutation.Results  Genetic diagnosis was performed in all the children (aged 1–3) and thyroidectomy in the five who carried a mutation (aged 2–5). Cervical lymph node dissection varied from lymphadenectomy of central and lateral compartments in the eldest child to pickings in the youngest. There was no permanent hypoparathyroidism or recurrent nerve paralysis. C‐cell hyperplasia, medullary thyroid carcinoma and lymph node metastasis were present in 5/5, 3/5 and 0/5, respectively. Undetectable pentagastrin‐stimulated CT levels were achieved and maintained postoperatively in all five children (average follow‐up 3·6 years).Conclusions  MEN 2 guidelines on thyroidectomy can be efficiently and safely implemented by a multidisciplinary team operating in a single centre. The lack of guidelines on cervical neck dissection remains a problem; this could be solved by determining an age under which this procedure would be deemed unnecessary.
Fate of airborne metal pollution in soils as related to agricultural management. 1. Zn and Pb distributions in soil profiles
Authors: Fernandez C. , Labanowski J. , Cambier P. , Jongmans A. G. , Van Oort F. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryThe fate of airborne metal pollutants in soils is still relatively unknown. We studied the incorporation of such airborne metal pollution in two soils under long‐term permanent pasture (PP) and conventional arable land (CA). Both soils were located at an almost equal distance from a former zinc smelter complex and developed under comparable pedogenetic conditions. Profiles of total concentrations of Zn, chosen as a mobile, and Pb as a little‐ or non‐mobile element, were examined and compared with macro‐ and micromorphological soil characteristics (soil colour, biological activity). The two soils showed different profiles of total Zn and Pb concentrations, with a marked decrease of concentrations of both elements under the plough layer in CA, whereas the decrease was more progressive in PP. However, the stocks of Zn and Pb for the 1‐m soil profiles of CA and PP were comparable. Correlation of Zn and Pb concentration at different depths with total Fe contents and comparison with estimated data for the local geochemical background (LGCB), suggests transport of Zn from the surface to depth in CA and PP, and Pb movement in PP. In CA, 53% of Zn and 92.5% of Pb stocks derived from airborne metal pollution were located at depths < 26 cm. In PP, only 40% of Zn and 82% of Pb, derived from airborne pollution, were found in the A11 and A12 horizons (< 26 cm), the remaining 18% of the Pb stock being incorporated until 50 cm depth; one‐third of total Zn stock ascribed to airborne pollution was found at depths > 50 cm. Studies of the composition of gravitational water collected in soils from the same study area suggest two mechanisms for metal movement. First, mobile metal ions (Zn2+) move in the soil solution and are intercepted by iron‐clay complexes in deeper soil horizons. Second, observed only in PP, simultaneous movement of Zn and Pb is ascribed to bioturbation by earthworms.
Effects of benthivorous fish on biogeochemical processes in lake sediments
Authors: PERSSON ANDERS , SVENSSON JONAS M. 
Published: June 2006

Summary1. Studies of aquatic environments have shown that community organisation may strongly affect ecosystem functioning. One common phenomenon is a change in nutrient level following a shift in the fish community composition. Although several hypotheses have been suggested, there is no consensus on which mechanisms are involved. Our study evaluated indirect effects of benthivorous fish on the biogeochemical processes at the sediment–water interface separately from direct effects caused by nutrient excretion or sediment resuspension.2. We assigned field enclosures to three treatments representing typical pond communities; without fish, addition of approximately 10 small tench or addition of one large bream. After one summer, we monitored the water chemistry, benthic invertebrates and periphyton in the enclosures and sampled sediment cores for laboratory analysis of biochemical process rates (oxygen, phosphorus and nitrogen exchange between sediment and water, and denitrification rate).3. Fish had strong negative effects on benthic invertebrates, but weaker effects on periphyton, organic content and porosity of the sediment. Moreover, there were significant positive fish effects on both phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations in the water. However, there were no general treatment effects on sediment processes that could explain the treatment effects on water chemistry in the enclosures.4. Hence, overall treatment effects attenuated along the chain of interactions. We conclude that the observed effect of benthic fish on water chemistry was probably because of direct effects on nutrient excretion or resuspension of sediment. The similarity between bream and tench treatments suggests large niche complementarity despite their different habitat preferences.
CO2 uptake patterns depend on water current velocity and shoot morphology in submerged stream macrophytes
Authors: NIELSEN HANNE DALSGAARD , NIELSEN SØREN LAURENTIUS , MADSEN TOM VINDBÆK 
Published: June 2006

Summary1. The influence of current velocity on the pattern of photosynthetic CO2 uptake in three species of submerged stream macrophytes was described by analysing the grain density in autoradiographs of leaves exposed to 14CO2.2. In Elodea canadensis, the CO2 uptake was approximately two‐fold higher near the leaf periphery compared with the midrib section at high current velocity, whereas at low current velocity the area of relatively high CO2 uptake expanded from the leaf periphery towards the midrib and basal sections of the leaves.3. In Potamogeton crispus and Callitriche stagnalis the CO2 uptake was uniform throughout the leaves at low current velocity, whereas at high current velocity the CO2 uptake appeared to increase randomly in some areas of the leaves.4. The relationship between the photosynthetic CO2 uptake pattern and the dynamics of flow surrounding submerged shoots at low and high current velocity is discussed in relation to shoot morphology. In E. canadensis, thick diffusive boundary layers may develop between leaves because of screening effects at high current velocity. Increased diffusion path for CO2 may contribute to inhibitory effects on photosynthesis in this species.
Transient inhibition of Th1‐type cytokine production by CD4+ T cells in hepatitis B core antigen immunized mice is mediated by regulatory T cells
Authors: Chichester Jessica A. , Feitelson Mark A. , Calkins Catherine E. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryThe non‐cytopathic hepatitis B virus (HBV) can induce chronic infections characterized by weak and limited T cell responses against the virus. The factors contributing to the failure to clear HBV and subsequent development of chronic HBV infections are not clearly understood, but a strong interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) response by CD4+ T cells against the nucleocapsid hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) of the virus appears to be important for viral clearance. The present study documents depressed numbers of CD4+ T cells secreting IFN‐γ and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) in enzyme‐linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) assays restimulated for 24 hr with antigen following both primary and secondary immunizations of mice with recombinant hepatitis B core antigen (rHBcAg). The kinetics of these responses showed that the depression occurred following a peak response and lasted approximately 2 weeks before returning to the previous peak levels. The depression was abrogated by depletion of CD25+ cells prior to culture in the ELISPOT assay, suggesting inhibition by regulatory T cells. This inhibition of IFN‐γ and IL‐2 production was also reversed by in vitro restimulation of the test cells for 48 hr rather than 24 hr in the assay. No such transient, reversible inhibition was detected in the production of IL‐5, a Th2‐type cytokine. The inhibition in cytokine production did not appear to correlate with the number of antibody‐secreting cells or the isotypes produced. This delay by regulatory T cells of Th1‐type cytokine production could contribute to viral persistence in chronic HBV infection by interfering with the critical role IFN‐γ plays in protection against viral infections.
Control of the innate epithelial antimicrobial response is cell‐type specific and dependent on relevant microenvironmental stimuli
Authors: Schauber Jürgen , Dorschner Robert A. , Yamasaki Kenshi , Brouha Brook , Gallo Richard L. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryImmune defence against microbes depends in part on the production of antimicrobial peptides, a process that occurs in a variety of cell types but is incompletely understood. In this study, the mechanisms responsible for the induction of cathelicidin and β‐defensin antimicrobial peptides were found to be independent and specific to the cell type and stimulus. Vitamin D3 induced cathelicidin expression in keratinocytes and monocytes but not in colonic epithelial cells. Conversely, butyrate induced cathelicidin in colonic epithelia but not in keratinocytes or monocytes. Distinct factors induced β‐defensin expression. In all cell types, vitamin D3 activated the cathelicidin promoter and was dependent on a functional vitamin D responsive element. However, in colonic epithelia butyrate induced cathelicidin expression without increasing promoter activity and vitamin D3 activated the cathelicidin promoter without a subsequent increase in transcript accumulation. Induction of cathelicidin transcript correlated with increased processed mature peptide and enhanced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. However, induction of β‐defensin‐2 expression did not alter the innate antimicrobial capacity of cells in culture. These data suggest that antimicrobial peptide expression is regulated in a tissue‐specific manner at transcriptional, post‐transcriptional and post‐translational levels. Furthermore, these data show for the first time that innate antimicrobial activity can be triggered independently of the release of other pro‐inflammatory molecules, and suggest strategies for augmenting innate immune defence without increasing inflammation.
Interleukin‐4 supports interleukin‐12‐induced proliferation and interferon‐γ secretion in human activated lymphoblasts and T helper type 1 cells
Authors: Kriegel Martin A. , Tretter Theresa , Blank Norbert , Schiller Martin , Gabler Christoph , Winkler Silke , Kalden Joachim R. , Lorenz Hanns‐Martin 
Published: June 2006

SummaryInterleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and IL‐4 are known to differentially promote T helper (Th) cell differentiation. While IL‐12 induces interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production and maturation of Th1 cells, IL‐4 is thought to antagonize IL‐12 and to favour Th2 development. Here we studied the combined action of various concentrations of common γ‐chain (γc‐chain) cytokines, including IL‐4 and the Th1 cytokine IL‐12, in human activated lymphoblasts and Th1 cells. IL‐4 and IL‐7 potentiated IL‐12‐induced proliferation at every concentration tested (1–10 ng/ml) without increasing rescue from apoptosis, indicating that proliferation was directly affected by these cytokine combinations. With regards to cytokine secretion, IL‐2 together with IL‐12 initiated tumour necrosis factor‐α synthesis, enhanced IFN‐γ production, and shedding of soluble IL‐2 receptor α as expected. Importantly, combining IL‐4 with IL‐12 also enhanced IFN‐γ secretion in lymphoblasts and a Th1 cell line. Investigating signal transduction in lymphoblasts induced by these cytokines, we found that not only IL‐2 but also IL‐4 enhances signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) tyrosine phosphorylation by IL‐12. Tyrosine phosphorylations of janus kinase 2 (JAK‐2), tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and STAT4, STAT5 and STAT6 were not potentiated by combinations of these cytokines, suggesting specificity for increased STAT3 phosphorylation. In conclusion, two otherwise antagonizing cytokines co‐operate in activated human lymphoblasts and Th1 cells, possibly via STAT3 as a converging signal. These data demonstrate that IL‐4 can directly enhance human Th1 cell function independently of its known actions on antigen‐presenting cells. These findings should be of importance for the design of cytokine‐targeted therapies of human Th‐cell‐driven diseases.
Use of factor analysis in Journal of Advanced Nursing: literature review
Authors: Watson Roger , Thompson David R. 
Published: June 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a review analysing the use of factor analysis in papers in Journal of Advanced Nursing.Background.  Factor analysis is a multivariate statistical method for reducing large numbers of variables to fewer underlying dimensions. There are several methods of factor analysis with principal components analysis being the most commonly applied. Factor analysis has been used by researchers in nursing for many years but the standards for use and reporting are variable.Method.  Papers using factor analysis in Journal of Advanced Nursing were retrieved from 1982 to the end of 2004. The search term ‘factor analysis’ was used in the CINAHL database and applied specifically to Journal of Advanced Nursing in December 2004. Retrieved papers were included in the review if they came from Journal of Advanced Nursing and used factor analysis as part of the method of the reported study.Results.  One hundred and twenty‐four papers were retrieved as a result of the initial search criteria of which 116 were from Journal of Advanced Nursing. Screening of papers for the use of factor analysis left 100 papers for review. Principal components analysis was the most commonly used method of factor analysis; Eigenvalues greater than one was the most commonly applied criterion for selecting the number of factors followed by orthogonal rotation to achieve simple structure. The majority of papers did not report the whole factor solution and there were papers that did not specify anything beyond the fact that they carried out factor analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was rarely used and exploratory methods other than principal components analysis were also rarely used.Conclusions.  Factor analysis is quite commonly used in nursing research reported in Journal of Advanced Nursing. While some papers are exemplary there is room for improvement in the reporting of all aspects of factor analysis.
The determinants of species richness of a relatively young coral‐reef ichthyofauna
Authors: Kiflawi Moshe , Belmaker Jonathan , Brokovich Eran , Einbinder Shai , Holzman Roi 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAim  Unique topographic features left the Red Sea and its north‐eastern extension into the Gulf of Aqaba practically devoid of coral‐reef‐based organisms during the last glacial maximum. The current ichthyofauna in these two ‘regions’ thus represents the product of relatively recent colonization by species found in the Arabian Sea, which adjoins the Red Sea at its southern tip. We used this system to test why some marine species seemingly fail to extend their geographic range, thereby generating spatial heterogeneity in biodiversity.Location  The Arabian Sea, Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aqaba.Methods  A list of coral‐reef‐associated fish species, belonging to the 10 most speciose families, was compiled for each region using published sources. The data were analysed (major axis regression, randomization tests) for taxonomic and body‐size‐dependent biases in colonization probabilities. A simple probabilistic model was used to examine the potential contribution of local (within‐region) extinctions to determining species composition in the Red Sea.Results  Of the 462 reef‐associated species that inhabit the Arabian Sea, 69% have crossed successfully into the Red Sea; of these, 55% have crossed into the Gulf of Aqaba. A species’ probability of being found in either ‘target’ was independent of presumed innate differences, i.e. ecological correlates of taxonomic affiliation and body size. Similarly, local extinctions were found unlikely to have been of consequence over the past several thousand years.Main conclusions  Present‐day differences in the species richness of reef‐associated fish species among the Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba appear to be the product of external, non‐selective constraints on colonization. The random nature of the colonization process is suggestive of ecological redundancy among coral‐reef fish species. Importantly, the study places a time frame on the processes that determine spatial patterns of biodiversity in reef fish.
Adjuvant effect of mushroom glucan and bovine lactoferrin upon Aeromonas hydrophila vaccination in catla, Catla catla (Hamilton)
Authors: Kamilya D , Maiti T K , Joardar S N , Mal B C 
Published: June 2006

AbstractMushroom glucan and bovine lactoferrin (Lf), known for their immunostimulatory potential, were used as adjuvant in conjunction with a formalin‐killed Aeromonas hydrophila vaccine in catla, Catla catla. In vitro antigen‐specific responsiveness of catla leucocytes and protective responses against experimental challenge with homologous antigen were monitored following immunization. Antigen‐specific proliferation, ‘macrophage activating factor’ (MAF) production and antibody production were significantly higher in fish injected with glucan adjuvanted vaccine. Lf adjuvanted preparations showed a weak proliferative response and MAF production, although the antibody production was significantly higher than the controls. A good degree of protection was achieved with the glucan adjuvanted vaccine. However, in spite of producing significant anti‐A. hydrophila antibody, Lf adjuvanted vaccine did not confer any protection following challenge with A. hydrophila. The potential of adjuvanticity of mushroom glucan and bovine Lf in intraperitoneal vaccination is discussed.
First description of non‐motile Yersinia ruckeri serovar I strains causing disease in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), cultured in Spain
Authors: Fouz B , Zarza C , Amaro C 
Published: June 2006

Abstract Yersinia ruckeri, the causal agent of enteric redmouth (ERM) disease, was isolated from epizootics that occurred in different Spanish rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), farms in which vaccination against ERM had been performed. In all episodes, the most pronounced clinical signs exhibited by affected fish were severe haemorrhages in the mouth, eyes and around the vent. The isolates were identified as Y. ruckeri serovar I by 16S rRNA sequencing together with serological tests. They lacked motility and lipase activity and thus belonged to biotype 2, and were highly virulent for juvenile rainbow trout, both by intraperitoneal injection (from 3.1 × 102 to 6.3 × 103 cfu per fish) and bath challenge (5.1–7.3 × 106 cfu mL−1). This is the first description of Y. ruckeri serovar I biotype 2 causing disease in cultured trout in Spain vaccinated with commercial ERM vaccines. The occurrence of this emergent pathogen in Spanish continental aquaculture from its first isolation in 2001 to date is also documented.
How much genetic variation is stored in the seed bank? A study of Atriplex tatarica (Chenopodiaceae)
Authors: MANDÁK B. , BÍMOVÁ K. , MAHELKA V. , PLAČKOVÁ I. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe investigated to what extent the soil seed bank differed genetically and spatially in comparison to three consecutive life history stages (seedlings, mature plants, and fruiting plants) in a natural population of Atriplex tatarica. Representatives of particular life history stages from twenty subunits within a large population were randomly collected and subjected to allozyme analysis. Comparison of population polymorphism among various life history stages showed significant differences in observed heterozygosity (HO) and F statistics (FIS and FST), but nonsignificant ones in the cases of number of alleles per polymorphic locus (A) and gene diversity (HS). These results indicate an increasing number of heterozygotes, a decreasing level of inbreeding and an increase of the partitioning genetic diversity among populations with increasing population age. Spatial autocorrelation was used to calculate f, the average co‐ancestry coefficient between individuals within distance intervals of two meters along a 39 m long transect. Significant positive fine scale genetic structure was detected in mature and fruiting plants but not in soil seeds and seedlings stages. The results of the presented study on A. tatarica indicated that significant differences exist in genetic differentiation, differentiation in allele frequencies and spatial autocorrelation among early (soil seeds and seedlings) and late (mature and fruiting plants) life history stages but not within early and late ones. This pattern suggests that, rather than storing genetic variability in the soil or germination and establishment success, self‐thinning might be the major microselective force in populations of A. tatarica.
Genetic structure in northeastern populations of the Alpine newt (Triturus alpestris): evidence for post‐Pleistocene differentiation
Authors: PABIJAN M. , BABIK W. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractGenetic variation in 13 populations of the Alpine newt, Triturus alpestris, was assessed at the northeastern margin of its range (southern Poland). Variation at six microsatellite loci was scored in 354 newts, and two mitochondrial DNA fragments (c. 2000 bp) were sequenced in a subset of 27 individuals. Significant differences in allele frequencies and the presence of private alleles determined genetic units corresponding to three separate mountain ranges, i.e. the Carpathian, Sudetes and Holy Cross Mountains. FST's were three times greater in among than in within mountain range pairwise comparisons. An assignment test and pairwise FST's suggested relatively high levels of gene flow at the local level, although the Sudetes populations revealed some subtle structuring. Genetic variation was lower in the Carpathians and Holy Cross Mountains. The geographic pattern of mitochondrial DNA variation indicated that these newt populations originated from a single glacial refugium/founder population, and that the colonization of southern Poland took place in an easterly direction. The data show that substantial neutral variation and between group divergence has accumulated relatively quickly in these low‐vagility organisms. The Alpine newt case exemplifies species history as a factor determining patterns of genetic diversity in marginal populations.