bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatocellular carcinoma in Sydney South West: late symptomatic presentation and poor outcome for most
Authors: Gellert L. , Jalaludin B. , Levy M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Hepatocellular cancer (HCC) is a serious complication of cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis B infection. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of patients with HCC presenting within the South West Sydney area, including an analysis of the rates and benefits of hepatocellular surveillance.Methods: Data from patients with HCC presenting to Liverpool and Bankstown Hospitals from July 1993 to June 2003 were analysed retrospectively, predominantly from hospital records.Results: Of the 151 HCC patients, 41% were Asian born. Most of the patients required an interpreter. Chronic viral hepatitis infection was present in 91 patients, of whom only 7% had previously received antiviral therapy. Alcohol alone was considered responsible in 31 patients. Cirrhosis could be documented in 58% of patients. Most of the patients (75%) presented symptomatically. The median survival was 5.1 months. When HCC was detected by surveillance, the tumours were slightly but not significantly more likely to be operable and the patients tended to be offered some form of active treatment more frequently. Multivariate analysis identified detection by surveillance, lower Child–Pugh score, smaller tumour size and eligibility for some form of treatment to be associated with a more favourable outcome.Conclusion: We observed low rates of surveillance for HCC, low recognition of cirrhosis before development of HCC and low rates of prior treatment of viral hepatitis. The poor outcome of HCC in the small group who had some sort of community surveillance is also a concern requiring further investigation.
Pilot study of an outpatient‐based approach for advanced lymphoma using vinorelbine, gemcitabine and filgrastim
Authors: Spencer A , Reed K , Arthur C 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackground: Vinorelbine and gemcitabine have demonstrable single‐agent activity against lymphoma, show differing toxicity profiles and can be given in an outpatient setting.Aims: We have evaluated the feasibility of an outpatient‐based combination of vinorelbine and gemcitabine with filgrastim support (VGF) in patients with advanced lymphoma.Methods: An open‐label, single‐arm study of 40 consecutive patients with relapsed (n = 24) or refractory (n = 16) lymphoma was undertaken. The median number of prior regimens was three (range 1–11) and 12 had undergone prior stem cell transplantation. Patients received vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of each 21‐day cycle. Patients showing no response after two cycles (early response) were offered alternative therapy. Responding patients received two more cycles. Primary end‐points were the early and overall response rates.Results: One hundred and sixteen cycles of therapy were delivered. Hospital admissions were required following 27 treatment cycles (24%), predominantly following cycle 1. Febrile neutropenia followed 6% of cycles. The early and overall response rates on an intention‐to‐treat basis were 60 and 53%, respectively. Responses for peripheral T‐cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma were particularly encouraging, 70 and 75%, respectively. With a median follow up of 34 months overall survival for the entire cohort at 2 years is 50%. Furthermore, for the 23 patients who did not receive high‐dose consolidative therapy 2‐year survival was 35%.Conclusions: Vinorelbine and gemcitabine with filgrastim support can be safely delivered in an outpatient setting and shows clinically meaningful activity against a range of advanced lymphoma subtypes.
Geriatric syndromes as predictors of adverse outcomes of hospitalization
Authors: Anpalahan M. , Gibson S. J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAims: The aim of this study was to determine the association between the common geriatric syndromes and predefined adverse outcomes of hospitalization and to identify the most important independent predictors of adverse outcomes using information gained within 24 h of admission in older general medical patients.Methods: A prospective longitudinal cohort study of patients aged ≥75 years admitted to the rapid assessment medical unit in a teaching hospital was carried out. The role of geriatric syndromes in predicting outcomes was examined in univariate and multivariate models. The outcome measures were (i) length of hospital stay (LOS) of 28 days or more, (ii) institutionalization or change in residential care status to a more dependent category at discharge or during 3 months post‐discharge, (iii) unplanned readmissions during 3 months and (iv) mortality in hospital or 3 months post‐discharge.Results: The presence of geriatric syndromes was significantly associated with increased LOS and institutionalization or change in residential care status to a more dependent category. The factors most predictive of these outcomes were impaired pre‐admission functional status in activities of daily living, recurrent falls, urinary incontinence and supported living arrangements. The geriatric syndromes appeared less important in predicting unplanned readmission and death.Conclusion: The presence of geriatric syndromes in older general medical patients is an important determinant of adverse outcomes of hospitalization, particularly of LOS and admission to residential care. The predictors most useful for screening patients for these outcomes, within 24 h of admission, appear to be the presence of certain pre‐existing geriatric syndromes before admission.
Short interval between symptom onset and medical care as an indication of rapid onset of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome
Authors: Greenberg Patty , Tracy J. Kathleen , Meyer Walter A. , Yates Teresa , Diggs Christina , Warren John W. 
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVETo assess how many patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBlS) obtain medical care soon after symptom onset, and to determine how these patients differ from those who have medical care later.PATIENTS AND METHODSIn a risk‐factor study of IC/PBlS, we recruited women with IC/PBlS symptoms of ≤12 months’ duration and carefully identified the onset date, first medical encounter and early clinical findings.RESULTSOf 138 women with IC/PBlS for ≤12 months, 49% sought medical care within 7 days and another 31% within 4 weeks. These patients had no easier access to medical care but rather experienced symptoms differently, with more evidence for discomfort and inflammation. However, subsequently they did not differ from those with more gradual onset in features indicative of IC/PBlS, i.e. Hunner’s ulcers, petechial haemorrhages, symptoms, medications, or quality of life.CONCLUSIONSA shorter time to the first medical encounter was not a function of greater access to medical care but instead was associated with more discomfort and evidence of inflammation, as distinct from those with more gradual onset. The 6‐month follow‐up of both groups indicated that no significant differences in IC/PBlS symptoms persisted. A careful study of rapid‐onset IC/PBlS might provide clues to the pathogenesis of this enigmatic disease.
Teachers' mindsets and the integration of computer technology
Authors: Subramaniam Karthigeyan 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe paper addresses how the construct of zone of proximal development was used as an analytical lens to examine teachers' integration of computer technology for teaching. The research question ‘What are the teachers' psychological insights that serve to mediate student learning?’ was the focus of the study. Six secondary school science teachers took part in the 5‐month study. Data were collected using qualitative methods. Analysis of participants' natural metaphoric language revealed four themes that framed participants' psychological insights: mediation as a journey; mediation as adopting roles; mediation as mutual investment; and, mediation as liberating and/or domesticating. Collectively, these psychological insights mediated learning actions within the zone of proximal development.
A population matrix model and population viability analysis to predict the fate of endangered species in highly managed water systems
Authors: Zambrano L. , Vega E. , Herrera M. L. G. , Prado E. , Reynoso V. H. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMatrix models and population viability analysis (PVA) have become useful tools to understand population attributes and dynamics. Demography analysis gives valuable information for the management of threatened species, and can be used to create action plans for their conservation. PVA is particularly useful in those species with small population sizes difficult to sample. By calculating the individual fate of each member of the population, PVA simulates temporal population changes and estimates extinction risk over a time period. Here we use these models to analyse the population of axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum, which has decreased more than six times within only 5 years. Its natural environment (the Xochimilco aquatic system within Mexico City) has deteriorated significantly in the last decades. The matrix analysis showed large oscillations in the axolotl population growth rate (damping behaviour), which could explain the fast density reduction in only few generations. Younger ages (eggs and larvae) showed the highest sensitivity and elasticity values, suggesting that the lack of food sources such as zooplankton or the increased predation by exotic carp and tilapia are capable to reduce axolotl density. PVA shows low extinction probabilities using laboratory data for younger ages. However, a small reduction in egg or larvae survival rate is capable to increase extinction probabilities to 100% in 20 years. Based on these results, we found that the best strategy to restore the axolotl population is to increase the survival rate of eggs and larvae by restoring the habitat, eradicating introduced fish and improving water quality, rather than implementing a reintroduction programme.
Characterization and distribution of hyaluronan and the proteoglycans decorin, biglycan and perlecan in the developing embryonic mouse gonad
Authors: Miqueloto C. A. , Zorn T. M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe morphogenesis of tissues and organs requires dynamic changes in cells and in extracellular matrix components. It is known that various extracellular matrix molecules are of fundamental importance for gonad differentiation and growth. In the adult testis, the extracellular matrix represents an important component of the interstitium, participating in the transport of biologically active substances needed for the communication between different cellular components, as well as for the regulation of spermatogenesis and hormone production. The present study was designed in order to identify the proteoglycans biglycan, decorin and perlecan, as well as the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, during testis development in mouse embryos. Our data profile the chronology of testis differentiation, as well as the distribution of these extracellular matrix components during testis development in mice. We show that these extracellular matrix molecules are present early in the development of the gonads, suggesting that they play a role in gonad development. In addition, we found no decorin in the testicular cords. Furthermore, of the proteoglycans analysed, only biglycan was seen surrounding immature Sertoli cells and Leydig cell precursors in the testicular cords. This indicates that specific sets of extracellular matrix molecules are required in the various compartments of the developing gonad.
Nicotinic receptor activation by epibatidine induces heme oxygenase‐1 and protects chromaffin cells against oxidative stress
Authors: Egea Javier , Rosa Angelo O. , Cuadrado Antonio , García Antonio G. , López Manuela G. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractActivation of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) provides neuroprotection against different toxic stimuli that often lead to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell death. ROS production has been related with disease progression in several neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s diseases. In this context, we investigated here if the exposure of bovine chromaffin cells to the potent nAChR agonist epibatidine protected against rotenone (30 μmol/L) plus oligomycin (10 μmol/L) (rot/oligo) toxicity, an in vitro model of mitochondrial ROS production. Epibatidine induced a concentration‐ and time‐dependent protection, which was maximal at 3 μmol/L after 24 h. Pre‐incubation with dantrolene (100 μmol/L) (a blocker of the ryanodine receptor channel), chelerythrine (1 μmol/L) (a protein kinase C inhibitor), or PD98059 (50 μmol/L) (a MEK inhibitor), aborted epibatidine‐elicited cytoprotection. Mitochondrial depolarization, ROS, and caspase 3 active produced by rot/oligo were also prevented by epibatidine. Epibatidine doubled the amount of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), a critical cell defence enzyme against oxidative stress. Furthermore, the HO‐1 inhibitor Sn(IV) protoporphyrin IX dichloride reversed the epibatidine protecting effects and HO‐1 inducer Co (III) protoporphyrin IX dichloride exhibited neuroprotective effects by itself. The results of this study point to HO‐1 as the cytoprotective target of nAChR activation through the following pathway: endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐induced Ca2+‐release activates the protein kinase C/extracellular regulated kinase/HO‐1 axis to mitigate mitochondrial depolarization and ROS production. This study provides a mechanistic insight on how nAChR activation translates into an antioxidant and antiapoptotic signal through up‐regulation of HO‐1.
Amyloid precursor protein knockdown by siRNA impairs spontaneous alternation in adult mice
Authors: Senechal Yann , Kelly Peter H. , Cryan John F. , Natt Francois , Dev Kumlesh K. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe cleavage‐product of amyloid precursor protein (APP) constitutes the core component of plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. APP is ubiquitously expressed and its precise physiological functions remain unclear. This protein has been proposed to regulate synaptic function and processes underlying learning and memory. While APP knockout mice show behavioral impairments, these may occur due to early changes during development and/or due to abolition of APP function in adult. To investigate the acute effects of APP knockdown without involving developmental processes, APP expression was reduced using RNA interference in adult mouse brain. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that down‐regulated mouse APP protein levels (APP‐siRNA) were identified using an APP plasmid‐siRNA co‐transfection assay in mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells. Infusion of APP‐siRNAs into the ventricular system for 2 weeks also down‐regulated APP mRNA in mouse brain. Highest knockdown of APP mRNA levels was found in the CA2‐CA3 regions of the hippocampus. Mice treated with the most active APP‐siRNA showed a significant reduction in spontaneous alternation rate in the Y‐maze, without effects on forelimb grip strength or locomotor activity. These data suggest that acute knockdown of APP in adult mouse brain impairs hippocampus‐dependent spatial working memory.
Cholesterol supports the retinoic acid‐induced synaptic vesicle formation in differentiating human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Sarkanen Jertta‐Riina , Nykky Jonna , Siikanen Jutta , Selinummi Jyrki , Ylikomi Timo , Jalonen Tuula O. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSynaptic vesicle formation, vesicle activation and exo/endocytosis in the pre‐synaptic area are central steps in neuronal communication. The formation and localization of synaptic vesicles in human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, differentiated with 12‐o‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, all‐trans‐retinoic acid (RA) and cholesterol, was studied by fluorescence microscopy and immunocytochemical methods. RA alone or together with cholesterol, produced significant neurite extension and formation of cell‐to‐cell contacts. Synaptic vesicle formation was followed by anti‐synaptophysin (SypI) and AM1‐43 staining. SypI was only weakly detected, mainly in cell somata, before 7 days in vitro, after which it was found in neurites. Depolarization of the differentiated cells with high potassium solution increased the number of fluorescent puncta, as well as SypI and AM1‐43 co‐localization. In addition to increase in the number of synaptic vesicles, RA and cholesterol also increased the number and distribution of lysosome‐associated membrane protein 2 labeled lysosomes. RA‐induced Golgi apparatus fragmentation was partly avoided by co‐treatment with cholesterol. The SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line, differentiated by RA and cholesterol and with good viability in culture, is a valuable tool for basic studies of neuronal metabolism, specifically as a model for dopaminergic neurons.
Genome‐wide survey of Tribolium castaneum microsatellites and description of 509 polymorphic markers
Authors: DEMUTH JEFFERY P. , DRURY DOUGLAS W. , PETERS MORGAN L. , VAN DYKEN J. DAVID , PRIEST NICHOLAS K. , WADE MICHAEL J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe survey the Tribolium castaneum whole genome sequence for 1–6 bp microsatellite motifs. Of the > 12 000 microsatellites discovered, we screened 981 primer pairs which yielded 509 polymorphic markers. We report polymorphism data for pooled DNA samples from three to 11 geographically widespread T. castaneum populations as well as heterozygosity for a subset of the markers. The composition and chromosomal distribution of microsatellites is briefly discussed in relation to previous studies.
kernelpop, a spatially explicit population genetic simulation engine
Authors: STRAND ALLAN E. , NIEHAUS JAMES M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIndividual‐based, spatially explicit models provide a mechanism to understand distributions of individuals on the landscape; however, few models have been coupled with population genetics. The primary benefits of such a combination is to assess performance of population‐genetic estimators in realistic situations. kernelpop represents a flexible framework to implement almost any arbitrary population‐genetic and demographic model in a spatially explicit context using a variety of dispersal kernels. Estimates of type I error associated with genome scans in metapopulations are provided as an illustration of this software's utility.
Microsatellite markers from an expressed sequence tag library of half‐smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) and their application in other related fish species
Authors: LIU Y. G. , SUN X. Q. , GAO H. , LIU L. X. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMicrosatellite markers have been developed from a cDNA library of half‐smooth tongue sole, Cynoglossus semilaevis. Twenty‐five microsatellites were selected for designing microsatellite primers, of which 11 gave working primer pairs. They had between four and 12 alleles. Observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.60 to 0.90 and from 0.57 to 0.88, respectively. Five additional fish species assessed for cross‐species amplification revealed between one and four positive amplifications and between 0 and four polymorphic loci per species.
Microsatellites from clade B Symbiodinium spp. specialized for Caribbean corals in the genus Madracis
Authors: PETTAY DANIEL T. , LAJEUNESSE TODD C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn order to determine boundaries of genetic recombination among putative ‘species’ of endosymbiotic dinoflagellates, nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed and optimized for clade B Symbiodinium designated as type 7 (B7) and two related types, B13 and B13a. Together, they form a subclade in clade B that is specific to Caribbean corals in the genus Madracis. A total of 52 samples were analysed (including 43 B7, 2 B13, 7 B13a) originating from seven Caribbean locations. Diversity indices at each haploid locus ranged from 0.302 to 0.836 and four to 14 alleles were found per locus. The loci were preliminarily cross‐tested on closely related ‘ancestral’ B1 populations found in maze coral Meandrina meandrites and that of another host specialist, B5, from the lesser starlet coral Siderastrea radians.
Microsatellite markers isolated from polyploid wood‐sorrel Oxalis alpina (Oxalidaceae)
Authors: TSYUSKO OLGA V. , TUBERVILLE TRACEY D. , PETERS MAUREEN B. , CRAWFORD NICHOLAS , HAGEN CRIS , WELLER STEPHEN G. , SAKAI ANN K. , GLENN TRAVIS C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTwelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from polyploid alpine wood‐sorrel, Oxalis alpina (Oxalidaceae), and optimized for future studies of its breeding system. The loci were screened for variability among 72 individuals from Pinos Altos, New Mexico. The primers amplified loci with allele number ranging from two to 17 per locus and with estimates of Nei's genetic diversity varying from 0.10 to 0.99. These primers provide an opportunity to use polymorphic DNA markers to study the causes of breeding system variability in this species.
Isolation and characterization of tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in a mouth‐brooding haplochromine cichlid fish (Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae) from Uganda
Authors: CRISPO ERIKA , HAGEN CRIS , GLENN TRAVIS , GENEAU GENEVIÈVE , CHAPMAN LAUREN J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractEight tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated from the haplochromine cichlid fish, Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae, an important model species for studies in respiratory ecology, conservation, and evolution. We surveyed variation at these loci in 23 individuals from western Uganda, finding four to 19 alleles per locus and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.8575. These microsatellite loci will be used to examine gene flow and population structure in Ugandan P. m. victoriae.
Understanding Pensions: Cognitive Function, Numerical Ability and Retirement Saving*
Authors: Banks James , Oldfield Zoë 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn a world of declining state pension provision, it is becoming increasingly important that individuals are able to understand the financial choices they face and can choose savings products, portfolios and contribution rates accordingly. In this paper, we look at numerical ability and other dimensions of cognitive function in a sample of older adults in England and examine the extent to which these abilities are correlated with various measures of wealth and retirement saving outcomes. As well as finding that relatively large fractions of the older population can be seen to have low levels of numeracy, we show that numeracy levels are strongly correlated with measures of retirement saving and investment portfolios, even when controlling for other dimensions of cognitive ability as well as educational attainment. Numeracy is also related to knowledge and understanding of pension arrangements, and with perceived financial security. In the short run, there may be a role for targeting simple retirement planning information at low‐numeracy, low‐education groups; a longer‐run goal for retirement saving policy might be to improve numeracy levels more generally.
Business Optimism for Small, Medium and Large Firms: Does It Explain Investment?*
Authors: Driver Ciaran 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe use UK survey data on variation in business optimism by manufacturing size group to estimate the determinants of optimism using OLS and SURE. There are similarities across the size groups but also some differences: the medium‐size group seems to have been unusually affected by real interest rates in recent years. We also model investment authorisations, conditional on business optimism. Again, there are similarities across the size groups. However, the largest‐size group, and possibly also the medium‐size group, seem to be investing less in recent years in relation to reported optimism. By contrast, capital investment by smaller‐sized firms has been stable in relation to business optimism. Some tentative explanations for these findings are explored.