bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Personality differences in monozygotic twins discordant for cannabis use
Authors: Vink Jacqueline M. , Nawijn Laura , Boomsma Dorret I. , Willemsen Gonneke 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTAims  To explore the association between cannabis and personality scores when genetic background and shared environment are controlled for.Design  The co‐twin control design. This design provides a powerful method for controlling for the effects of potentially confounding familial factors that may act to predispose subjects both to cannabis use and a particular personality profile.Participants  118 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for cannabis use.Measurements  Data on personality and cannabis use were obtained through a questionnaire survey. The Dutch Sensation Seeking List was used to assess various aspects of sensation seeking. The Amsterdamse Biografische Vragenlijst assessed extraversion, neuroticism, somatic complaints and test attitude.Findings  The affected twins scored higher on all scales than their unaffected co‐twins, especially on experience seeking (P = 0.004), total sensation seeking score (P = 0.004) and neuroticism (P = 0.039). Differences were also observed when items on drug use were removed from the experience seeking scale (P = 0.037) and total sensation seeking score (P = 0.009) although these differences were no longer significant after Bonferoni correction (P < 0.005).Conclusions  Cannabis use is associated with a higher score on personality scales. This result was obtained in a sample of monozygotic twins discordant for cannabis use. Thus, at least part of the association between cannabis use and experience seeking cannot be attributed to underlying genetic or shared environmental factors that influence both personality and cannabis use and must be explained by unique environmental influences.
Varenicline in the routine treatment of tobacco dependence: a pre–post comparison with nicotine replacement therapy and an evaluation in those with mental illness
Authors: Stapleton John A. , Watson Lucy , Spirling Lucy I. , Smith Robert , Milbrandt Andrea , Ratcliffe Marina , Sutherland Gay 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTAims  To compare the effectiveness of varenicline with nicotine replacement for smoking cessation and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of varenicline in people with mental illness.Design  Evaluation of consecutive routine cases before and after the introduction of varenicline.Setting  National Health Service (NHS) tobacco dependence clinic in London, UK.Participants  A total of 412 cases receiving routine care.Intervention  Seven group support sessions over 6 weeks with either nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) (n = 204) or varenicline (n = 208).Measurements  Verified abstinence 4 weeks after quit day, severity of withdrawal symptoms, incidence and severity of adverse drug symptoms, cost per patient treated and cost per successful short‐term quitter.Findings  Short‐term cessation rates were higher with varenicline than NRT (odds ratio = 1.70, 95% confidence interval = 1.09–2.67). Varenicline was equally effective in those with and without mental illness. Craving to smoke, but not adverse mood, was less severe with varenicline than NRT. The cost per quitter was similar for varenicline and NRT. There was a higher incidence of adverse drug symptoms among those taking varenicline, but these were tolerated by most smokers. There was no evidence that varenicline exacerbated mental illness.Conclusions  In this setting and with group support varenicline appears to improve success rates over those achieved with NRT, and is equally effective and safe in those with and without a mental illness.
Inferior outcomes for overweight children undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Bulley Sean , Gassas Adam , Dupuis L. Lee , Aplenc Richard , Beyene Joseph , Greenberg Mark L , Doyle John J , Sung Lillian 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThis retrospective cohort study aimed at determining whether overweight children undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) had inferior overall survival compared with children who were not overweight. Children ≥2 years of age who received allogeneic SCT were included. Overweight was defined as a body mass index ≥ 95th percentile; 54/325 (17%) children were overweight. Overall survival at 5 years was significantly inferior at 46·6 ± 7·3% in the overweight group compared with 59·5 ± 3·2% in the non‐overweight group (P = 0·02). Our study demonstrated that overweight children who undergo allogeneic SCT had inferior survival compared with children who were not overweight.
The GOAL study: a prospective examination of the impact of factor V Leiden and ABO(H) blood groups on haemorrhagic and thrombotic pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Clark Peter , Walker Isobel D. , Govan Lindsay , Wu Olivia , Greer Ian A. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryFactor V Leiden (FVL) and ABO(H) blood groups are the common influences on haemostasis and retrospective studies have linked FVL with pregnancy complications. However, only one sizeable prospective examination has taken place. As a result, neither the impact of FVL in unselected subjects, any interaction with ABO(H) in pregnancy, nor the utility of screening for FVL is defined. A prospective study of 4250 unselected pregnancies was carried out. A venous thromboembolism (VTE) rate of 1·23/1000 was observed, but no significant association between FVL and pre‐eclampsia, intra‐uterine growth restriction or pregnancy loss was seen. No influence of FVL and/or ABO(H) on ante‐natal bleeding or intra‐partum or postpartum haemorrhage was observed. However, FVL was associated with birth‐weights >90th centile [odds ratio (OR) 1·81; 95% confidence interval (CI95) 1·04–3·31] and neonatal death (OR 14·79; CI95 2·71–80·74). No association with ABO(H) alone, or any interaction between ABO(H) and FVL was observed. We neither confirmed the protective effect of FVL on pregnancy‐related blood loss reported in previous smaller studies, nor did we find the increased risk of some vascular complications reported in retrospective studies.
Drug allergy claims in children: from self‐reporting to confirmed diagnosis
Authors: Rebelo Gomes E. , Fonseca J. , Araujo L. , Demoly P. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryBackgroundPoorly documented self‐reported drug allergy (DAll) is a frequent problem in daily clinical practice and has a considerable impact on prescription choices. The diagnostic work‐up of drug hypersensitivity (DHs) allows a better classification of the reactions and provides patients with more reliable information and recommendations for future treatments.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of self‐reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and DAll in a paediatric population and to investigate children reporting suspected DAll in order to achieve a firm diagnosis.DesignThe first phase was based on a cross‐sectional survey assessing the life occurrence of ADRs and self‐reported DAll carried out at the outpatient clinic of a paediatric hospital. The second phase was based on the diagnostic work‐up in children with parent‐reported DAll, including detailed anamnesis andin vitroandin vivoinvestigations (skin and provocation tests).ParticipantsOne thousand four hundred and twenty‐six parents responded to the initial survey. Sixty of the 67 patients with reported DAll were evaluated at the allergy clinic.ResultsThe prevalences of self‐reported ADRs and DAll were 10.2% and 6.0%, respectively. Most of the suspected allergic reactions were non‐immediate cutaneous events attributable to β‐lactam antibiotics and occurred in very young children. Thirty‐nine of the 60 patients consulting for evaluation had a plausible clinical history and were recommended further investigation. DHs was diagnosed in three children only, based on positive responses in skin (n=1) and oral provocation (n=2) tests.ConclusionADRs are frequently reported in children, and many children are classified as having a DAll. After complete evaluation, only a few of these reactions can be attributed to DHs and DAll. Most of the patients (94% in this study) could actually tolerate the initially suspected drug.
Immunologic analysis of monoclonal and immunoglobulin E antibody epitopes on natural and recombinant Amb a 1
Authors: Wopfner N. , Bauer R. , Thalhamer J. , Ferreira F. , Chapman M. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryBackground
Amb a 1 is the major allergen from ragweed pollen and more than 90% of ragweed‐allergic patients react with this protein. Although Amb a 1 was cloned and sequenced in 1991, little is known of the specificity of anti‐Amb a 1 antibodies or of the immunologic properties of the recombinant allergen.Objective
To compare binding of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and IgE antibodies to purified natural Amb a 1 (nAmb a 1) and recombinant Amb a 1 (rAmb a 1).Methods
Binding of a panel of anti‐Amb a 1 mAb and IgE antibodies to nAmb a 1 or rAmb a 1 was compared by immunoblotting. Chimeric ELISA was used to measure specific IgE to these allergens using 89 ragweed‐allergic sera from Austria, Italy, Canada and the United States.Results
The 8 mAb bound to a 38 kDa Amb a 1 band in ragweed pollen extract and a subset of 5 mAb also bound to the 26 kDa chain of nAmb a 1. A two‐site ELISA was developed using a mAb pair, which was ∼10‐fold more sensitive to rAmb a 1. There was a significant correlation between IgE antibody binding to nAmb a 1 and rAmb a 1 (n=89, r=0.79, P<0.001). A subset of ∼40% of patients showed greater reactivity to nAmb a 1 than to rAmb a 1.Conclusions
The data suggest that there is less reactivity of human IgE to rAmb a 1 compared with nAmb a 1. The development of more sensitive, quantitative ELISA for Amb a 1 will require the production of new mAb especially directed against nAmb a 1.
Molecular characterization of five Italian families with inherited severe factor XIII deficiency
Authors: CASTAMAN G. , GIACOMELLI S. H. , IVASKEVICIUS V. , SCHROEDER V. , KOHLER H. P. , DRAGANI A. , BIASIOLI C. , OLDENBURG J. , MADEO D. , RODEGHIERO F. 
Published: November 2007

Summary. Factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency is a very rare (1:2 000 000) severe autosomal recessive bleeding disorder, mostly due to mutations in the coagulation FXIII A‐subunit gene. We have studied the molecular basis of FXIII deficiency in five unrelated Italian families. The coding region, intron–exon boundaries and 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions of the FXIII gene encoding the A subunit were amplified and directly sequenced. Candidate mutations were identified in all the patients. Three novel mutations occurred in three patients. These include a novel homozygous deletion of two base pairs (bp) in exon 14 (c.2002–2003 DelCT). This deletion causes a frameshift from Leu667 and the formation of a stop codon at amino acid position 681. The second patient presents a novel homozygous (c.2126 G>A) transition in exon 15, predicting a Ser708Asn in Barrel 2 domain. The third patient is compound heterozygote for two missense mutations, a previously reported Arg260His substitution, and a novel transition in exon 4 (c.560 C>T) predicting a Pro186Leu in the core domain. The remaining two patients have two previously reported mutations: a 4‐bp homozygous deletion in exon 11 (c.1392–1395 Del AATT), previously reported to occur in the Vicenza Area, and a homozygous nonsense mutation in exon 8 (c.979 C>T) predicting an Arg326X in the core domain. The novel mutations occurred at amino acid residues highly conserved among different species (pig, monkey, mouse and dog) and were not detected in 110 normal alleles. Structural analysis shows that Pro186Leu mutation leads to the replacement of the rigid proline pyrrolidine ring by the larger and more flexible leucine side chain and Ser708Asn may probably disrupt the hydrogen bond with Ala291.
A subset of dendritic cells express joining chain (J‐chain) protein
Authors: Källberg Eva , Leanderson Tomas 
Published: November 2007

SummaryJoining chain (J‐chain) is well known as an integrated component of dimeric immunoglobulin A (IgA) and pentameric IgM. We show here that the J‐chain protein is also expressed in a subset of CD11c+ dendritic cells (DC) in C57BL/6 mice. J‐chain knockout mice (J−/− mice) had a reduced fraction of CD4−/CD8α+ and mPDCA‐1+ DC in the spleen. J−/− mice also had reduced levels of RNA for the immunoregulatory enzyme indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) in the spleen. Furthermore, in lymph nodes from C57BL/6 mice the majority of J‐chain‐expressing CD11c+ cells also expressed IDO, while the number of IDO‐expressing cells in lymph nodes and the amount of IDO protein in splenic CD11c+ cells were reduced in J−/− mice. Also, J−/− mice had a lower ratio of kynurenine/tryptophan in serum compared to C57BL/6 mice, indicating a lower overall IDO activity in J−/− mice. We also show that J−/− mice are less susceptible to tolerance induction than C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, our data show that J‐chain protein is expressed outside the B‐cell compartment in a subset of immunoregulatory DC that are compromised in animals that cannot express J‐chain.
Idiopathic generalized apical root resorption: a report of three cases
Authors: McMULLIN AILBHE , FLEMING PADHRAIG S. , DiBIASE ANDREW T. 
Published: November 2007

Background.  Idiopathic apical root resorption usually presents as a chance radiographic finding. It may be widespread, affecting the majority of teeth, with implications for the longevity of the dentition.Case report.  Three cases of significant idiopathic apical resorption resulting, respectively, in prevention, abandonment, and alternative methods of orthodontic treatment are described.Conclusion.  Significant idiopathic resorption may present as a chance radiographic finding, as pain, or excessive mobility. The prognosis for affected teeth is often poor with very limited scope for orthodontic movement due to the likelihood of uncontrolled resorption. Definitive prosthetic rehabilitation is often best deferred until adulthood due to the potential for further resorption during adolescence in addition to vertical growth considerations.
Size distribution, density and disturbance in two Mediterranean gorgonians: Paramuricea clavata and Eunicella singularis
Authors: Linares Cristina , Coma Rafel , Garrabou Joaquim , Díaz David , Zabala Mikel 
Published: November 2007

Summary

Gorgonians are long‐lived engineering species and their conservation is crucial to maintaining the biodiversity of marine communities. The slow dynamics displayed by these species make them especially vulnerable when faced with increasing disturbances.
The sessile nature and structural role of gorgonians provide several ecological similarities with trees, allowing the application of different approaches developed by forest ecology studies to overcome the constraint of long time‐scales to collect valuable dynamic data. Using these approaches, we examined the distribution and demography of two representative Mediterranean gorgonian species, Paramuricea clavata and Eunicella singularis, along a regional spatial scale as well as their response to disturbances.
The regular spatial distribution and the upper distribution limit of E. singularis suggest that this species is more tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions than P. clavata, which exhibited a more asymmetrical spatial distribution and variation in the upper distribution limit on the latitudinal scale.
Size distributions of both species showed contrasting population dynamics. The size distribution of E. singularis was characterized by initial stages of populations (0–10 cm) in contrast to the scarcity of this stage displayed by P. clavata. This suggests differences in recruitment between species. Furthermore, only P. clavata populations displayed a strong negative correlation between density and biomass with a slope close to –3/2, indicating a self‐thinning mechanism and therefore the existence of a carrying capacity. This result and the trajectories of disturbed populations below the self‐thinning line revealed this approach as a useful method to identify the effects of biological or physical disturbance.
Synthesis and applications. The approaches used in this study provide insights into management needs in face of the difficulty of having to deal with the population dynamics of very slow‐growing threatened species. In particular, gorgonian populations can be used as an indicator of the effects of climatic anomalies on the coralligenous community.
A new paradigm in leaf‐level photosynthesis: direct and diffuse lights are not equal
Authors: BRODERSEN CRAIG R. , VOGELMANN THOMAS C. , WILLIAMS WILLIAM E. , GORTON HOLLY L. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTGlobal‐change scenarios suggest a trend of increasing diffuse light due to expected increases in cloud cover. Canopy‐level measurements of plant‐community photosynthesis under diffuse light show increased productivity attributed to more uniform distribution of light within the forest canopy, yet the effect of the directional quality of light at the leaf level is unknown. Here we show that leaf‐level photosynthesis in sun leaves of both C3 and C4 plants can be 10–15% higher under direct light compared to equivalent absorbed irradiances of diffuse light. High‐light‐grown leaves showed significant photosynthetic enhancement in direct light, while shade‐adapted leaves showed no preference for direct or diffuse light at any irradiance. High‐light‐grown leaves with multiple palisade layers may be adapted to better utilize direct than diffuse light, while shade leaf structure does not appear to discriminate light based on its directionality. Based upon our measurements, it appears that leaf‐level and canopy‐level photosynthetic processes react differently to the directionality of light, and previously observed increases in canopy‐level photosynthesis occur even though leaf‐level photosynthesis decreases under diffuse light.
Berry infection and the development of bunch rot in grapes caused by Aspergillus carbonarius
Authors: Kazi B. A. , Emmett R. W. , Nancarrow N. , Partington D. L. 
Published: November 2007

The effects of different levels of inoculum of Aspergillus carbonarius and time of inoculation on berry infection and the development of aspergillus bunch rot on grapevines (cv. Sultana) were studied under field conditions. Inflorescences at full bloom were inoculated with aqueous spore suspensions of A. carbonarius containing 0 or 1 × 106 spores mL−1 in 2004/05 and 0, 1 × 102 or 1 × 105 spores mL−1 in 2005/06. In both years, the incidence of infection in inoculated berries was significantly higher than in uninoculated berries. Incidence of infection in berries from veraison until harvest was higher than at earlier stages of bunch development (berry set to berries that were still hard and green). Inoculation of bunches at veraison did not significantly increase A. carbonarius infection prior to harvest, at harvest, 6 days after harvest or when berries were over‐ripe. Bunches inoculated at harvest did not significantly increase infection 6 days after harvest or when berries were over‐ripe. Aspergillus carbonarius was isolated more frequently from the pedicel end (53·1%) than from the middle section (37·5%) and distal end (35·0%) of berries that were inoculated with 105 spores mL−1.
Complications related to blood donation: a population‐based study
Authors: Sorensen B. S. , Johnsen S. P. , Jorgensen J. 
Published: November 2007

Background  Population‐based data on the rate and outcome of complications related to blood donation are sparse.Study Design and Methods  Data from a survey conducted in 2003 in Aarhus County, Denmark, were used to assess the overall rate of donor complications. Additional nationwide data on moderate and severe donor complications were obtained from the Danish Register of Complications Related to Blood Donation, with records of all moderate and severe donor complications in Denmark occurring during the period 1997–2003.Results  In the regional survey, we identified 340 complications of any type among 41 274 donations, corresponding to a rate of 824/100 000 donations [95% confidence interval (CI): 741–916]. All complications were either needle injuries or vasovagal reactions. In the nationwide register, a total of 752 moderate and severe complications were recorded among 2 575 264 donations, corresponding to a rate of 29/100 000 donations (95% CI: 27–31). The rates of complications leading to long‐term morbidity or disablement (> 5% loss of working capacity) were 5/100 000 donations (95% CI: 4·2–5·9) and 2·3/100 000 donations (95% CI: 1·8–2·9), respectively.Conclusion  The risk of complications related to blood donation is low. However, attention towards donor complications is warranted, given the non‐negligible rate of complications resulting in long‐term morbidity and disablement.
Post‐thaw viable CD34+ cell count is a valuable predictor of haematopoietic stem cell engraftment in autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Lee S. , Kim S. , Kim H. , Baek E. J. , Jin H. , Kim J. , Kim H. O. 
Published: November 2007

Background and Objectives  In peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, the number of CD34+ cells infused is considered a predictor of haematopoietic engraftment. However, the currently accepted minimal threshold of CD34+ cells/kg was determined by counting CD34+ cells before freezing, and the loss of viable CD34+ cells during freezing, cryopreservation or thawing prior to reinfusion has not been assessed.Materials and Methods  Total and viable CD34+ cells were quantified using single platform flow cytometry and viability dye, 7‐amino actinomycin D (7‐ADD), at the time of collection and prior to reinfusion in 46 peripheral haematopoietic stem cell grafts from 36 patients. The time to engraftment of neutrophil and platelet was assessed by routine peripheral blood cell counts performed daily.Results  The median number of viable CD34+ cells harvested was 3·6 × 106/kg (range 0·05–21·2), and the median viability was 98% (range 70–100%) before freezing. After thawing, the median number of viable CD34+ cells was reduced to 2·2 × 106/kg (range 0·04–14·8) and the median viability was reduced to 71% (range 31–89%). The number of viable CD34+ cells/kg before freezing and after thawing significantly correlated with engraftment of neutrophils (P < 0·0001 both) and platelets (P = 0·007 and 0·006, respectively). Although the minimum dose for engraftment (2·0 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg) was harvested in 37 of 46 cases (85%), only 25 cases (54%) met this threshold at the time of reinfusion. For platelet engraftment, determination of viable CD34+ cells prior to reinfusion was more important than enumeration at the time of collection.Conclusion  Quantification of post‐thaw viable CD34+ cells better represents the actual composition of the graft and may be a more accurate predictor of haematopoietic engraftment than post‐thaw total CD34+ cell counts, or prefreeze determinations, especially for platelet engraftment. It is necessary to develop good quality controls for freezing and thawing procedures to minimize variance in cell viability.