bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of two independent bone marrow samples on minimal residual disease monitoring in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: van der Velden Vincent H. J. , Hoogeveen Patricia G. , Pieters Rob , van Dongen Jacques J. M. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryMinimal residual disease (MRD) diagnostics are used for risk group stratification in several acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) treatment protocols. It is, however, unclear whether MRD is homogeneously distributed within the bone marrow (BM) and whether this affects MRD diagnostics. We, therefore, analysed MRD levels in 141 paired BM samples (two independent punctures at different locations) from 26 ALL patients by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of immunoglobulin and T‐cell receptor gene rearrangements. MRD levels were comparable in 112 paired samples (79%), whereas two samples (both taken at day 15) had MRD levels that differed more than threefold. In the remaining 27 paired samples, MRD could be quantified or detected in one sample only. In four patients, MRD‐based risk group classification was dependent on the site of BM puncture. Repetition of MRD analyses using 10‐fold replicates instead of triplicates resolved most differences. In conclusion, MRD levels in paired BM samples were highly comparable, indicating that it is sufficient to analyse MRD in a single sample only. Nevertheless, MRD‐based risk group classification can differ between paired BM samples, mainly because of variation below the quantitative range of the PCR assay rather than to a different distribution of leukaemic cells within the BM.
Immunostimulation of larvae and juveniles of cod, Gadus morhua L.
Authors: Magnadottir B , Gudmundsdottir B K , Lange S , Steinarsson A , Oddgeirsson M , Bowden T , Bricknell I , Dalmo R A , Gudmundsdottir S 
Published: March 2006

AbstractCod larval culture is currently hampered by high mortalities in the first 2–3 weeks after hatching, often due to infectious diseases. The immune system of cod is not fully competent until 2–3 months after hatching. Conventional vaccination is, therefore, not of value before this time, and the larvae are wholly reliant on non‐specific parameters for their defence against infection. A range of substances, generally derived from bacterial, fungal or plant origin, can activate these non‐specific parameters. During three hatching seasons, 2001–2003, at the Marine Institute's Experimental Station, Stadur, Grindavik, Iceland, the effects of several immunostimulants on survival and disease resistance of cod larvae and juveniles were examined. Both bathing treatments and administration in the feed were used. One of these substances, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), isolated from the bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida (ssp. salmonicida or achromogenes), appeared in some instances to improve survival and have a beneficial effect on disease resistance. Other substances tested had limited effects. The results emphasize the need for further work in this field.
Diet, blood lipid profile and physical activity patterns in primary school children from a semi‐rural area of Greece
Authors: Magkos F. , Piperkou I. , Manios Y. , Papoutsakis C. , Yiannakouris N. , Cimponerio A. , Aloumanis K. , Skenderi K. , Papathoma A. , Arvaniti F. , Sialvera T. E. , Christou D. , Zampelas A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground  Risk factors for heart disease are becoming increasingly prevalent among young populations. The aim of this study was to assess the cardiovascular risk profile of young adolescents living in a semi‐rural area of mainland Greece, Volos.Materials and methods  A total of 198 children (106 females and 92 males) aged 11.6 ± 0.4 years were randomly recruited.Results  Mean body mass index was 20.4 ± 3.5 kg m−2, while 30.3% of children were overweight and 6.7% were obese; no differences were observed between boys and girls. Mean plasma cholesterol (4.93 ± 0.75 mmol L−1), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (3.29 ± 0.64 mmol L−1) and triglyceride (0.97 ± 0.31 mmol L−1) concentrations were above age‐specific recommended values. On the other hand, mean high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol was acceptable for 92.3% of the children. Self‐reported daily energy intake (8.37 ± 3.06 MJ) was adequate for age, but intake of fat was high (42.0 ± 9.2% of energy) and that of carbohydrate was relatively low (44.5 ± 10.0% of energy). Saturated fat consumption was elevated (15.6 ± 4.3% of energy), while polyunsaturated fat intake fell short (4.8 ± 1.6% of energy). The study participants spent 9.60 ± 6.44 h week−1 on moderate to vigorous physical activities, while they devoted 16.60 ± 8.81 h week−1 to sedentary activities. Boys spent significantly more time than girls on both physical (P < 0.001) and sedentary (P = 0.001) activities. No major gender differences were observed in anthropometric, dietary and plasma lipid parameters.Conclusion  The findings from the present study support the worrisome trends that have been documented in Greek youngsters elsewhere, and predict an unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile for the Greek population in the foreseeable future.
A personalized snack‐based intervention for hip fracture patients: development, feasibility and acceptability
Authors: Price Rosemary J. G. , McMurdo Marion E. T. , Anderson Annie S. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIntroduction  Undernutrition is common in older people admitted to hospital with hip fracture. Oral supplementation with sip feeds may be provided but compliance is a major problem.Objective  To develop a personalized snack‐based intervention for practical implementation in hip fracture patients and to assess feasibility, adherence, acceptability and cost.Participants and methods  Twenty‐three older hip fracture patients with a mean age (SD) 84.1 (6.3) were provided with three between‐meal snacks daily for 4 weeks following surgery. Dietary counselling, assessment of acceptability and feasibility were undertaken and costs of intervention calculated.Results  Sixteen of the 23 participants recruited completed the study. Mean estimated energy derived from the snacks provided 26% of daily energy requirements. Monitoring adherence proved problematic and stocktakes highlighted discrepancies. Although several participants reported that they did not usually eat between meals, overall the intervention was acceptable to participants. The cost of implementation was £21.29 per participant per week.Conclusions  Although it proved feasible, practical difficulties were encountered with implementation and adherence due to timing. A more appropriate time to deliver such an intervention may be after the acute phase is over and patients are back home. The costs compared favourably with the alternative of providing sip feeds.
Reliability and validity of a maternal food frequency questionnaire designed to estimate consumption of common food allergens
Authors: Venter C. , Higgins B. , Grundy J. , Clayton C. B. , Gant C. , Dean T. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground Maternal food intake during pregnancy may influence the development of food hypersensitivity (FHS) in the child. A food frequency questionnaire estimating the frequency with which some of the mains food allergens are consumed was designed and validated.Materials and methods Pregnant women were recruited at the ante‐natal clinic of St. Mary's Hospital, Isle of Wight, UK. A food frequency questionnaire was developed and validated by comparing responses to information recorded in 7 days food diaries. The reliability of the food frequency questionnaire was evaluated by asking women to complete the questionnaire on two separate occasions at 30 and 36 weeks gestation.Results Fifty‐seven women completed the validity study and 91 women completed the reliability study. For both validity and reliability, questions with dichotomous response categories showed the highest level of agreement. Frequency of intake of foods commonly ‘hidden’ in foods produced the lowest validity and reliability scores. In the validity study responses to the food frequency questionnaire identically matched information recorded in the food diaries 80% of the time, on average. In the reliability study, responses were identical on both questionnaires 85% of the time on average.Conclusion In this study a food frequency questionnaire estimating the frequency with which some of the main food allergens are consumed during pregnancy was designed and validated. This food frequency questionnaire could be used in future studies to assess the role of maternal food intake in the development of FHS in the infant.
Reproduction Phase‐Related Expression of β‐Endorphin‐Like Immunoreactivity in the Nucleus Lateralis Tuberis of the Female Indian Major Carp Cirrhinus mrigala: Correlation with the Luteinising Hormone Cells‐Ovary Axis
Authors: Sakharkar A. J. , Singru P. S. , Mazumdar M. , Subhedar N. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe present study aimed to determine whether β‐endorphin immunoreactivity (bEP‐ir) in the neurones of the nucleus lateralis tuberis (NLT) is linked to the seasonal cycle and shows correlation with the number of luteinising hormone (LH) cells in the pituitary gland and ovaries in the teleost, Cirrhinus mrigala. Although LH cells were moderately immunostained during the resting phase (December to January), the morphological profile suggested increased synthetic and secretory activity during the preparatory (February to April) and prespawning (May to June) phases. However, LH immunoreactivity was greatly reduced (P < 0.001) in the spawning (July to August) phase, suggesting massive discharge of the hormone; this pool was partly replenished in the postspawning (September to November) phase. The ovaries grew rapidly in the preparatory and prespawning phases; maximal size was attained during spawning, when ovulation occurred. Thereafter, the ovaries regressed. The NLT of C. mrigala is divisible into the pars lateralis (NLTl) and medialis (NLTm). During the postspawning and resting phases, bEP‐ir was readily detectable in the NLTm as well as NLTl neurones. However, a steady reduction in the immunoreactivity was observed in the NLTm neurones during the preparatory through spawning phases (P < 0.001), suggesting a negative correlation with the LH cells‐ovary axis. Thus, the inhibitory influence of β‐endorphin on the gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐LH axis appears to be attenuated during the preparatory through spawning phases. This may be necessary for the rapid stimulation of the axis culminating in spawning. Neurones of the NLTl also showed a gradual reduction in bEP‐ir during the preparatory and prespawning phases (P < 0.01) and may therefore play a similar role. However, significant augmentation of the immunoreactivity was noticed in these neurones during the spawning phase (P < 0.001), the physiological significance of which is unknown. Although the present study demonstrated a temporal correlation between the β‐endorphin in the NLT, LH cells and the ovary, we suggest that the peptide in the NLTl and NLTm may show functional duality during the spawning phase.
Differential Effects of Acute and Chronic Social Defeat Stress on Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Axis Function and Hippocampal Serotonin Release in Mice
Authors: Keeney A. , Jessop D. S. , Harbuz M. S. , Marsden C. A. , Hogg S. , Blackburn‐Munro R. E. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractHyperactivity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) stress axis and disturbances in serotonin (5‐HT) neurotransmission have been implicated in the pathogenesis of depressive disorder. Repeated social defeat of male NMRI mice has been shown to induce increases in core body temperature and corticosterone, indicative of a state of chronic stress in subordinate animals. The present study further characterised the HPA axis response to social defeat stress, and also examined hippocampal extracellular 5‐HT release during the stress. Exposure to an acute social defeat elicits increases in plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone and corticosterone levels, peaking at 15 and 30 min, respectively, and enhances corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) mRNA, but not arginine vasopressin (AVP) mRNA within the medial parvocellular division of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. A concomitant increase in hippocampal corticosterone and 5‐HT levels is observed. By contrast, although chronic social defeat is associated with greatly elevated corticosterone levels, the predominant drive appears to be via parvocellular AVP rather than CRF. Furthermore, subordinate animals allowed to recover for 9 days after chronic social defeat display an increase in immobility in the forced swimming model of depression, indicating that animals previously exposed to the homotypic defeat stress are sensitised to the behavioural effects of a novel stressor. These results demonstrate that social defeat induces prolonged activation of the HPA axis and alterations in 5‐HT neurotransmission that could be of relevance to some of the pathological abnormalities observed in clinical depression.
The large peculiar velocity of the cD galaxy in Abell 3653
Authors: Pimbblet Kevin A. , Roseboom Isaac G. , Doyle Marianne T. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
We present a catalogue of galaxies in Abell 3653 from observations made with the 2-degree field (2dF) spectrograph at the Anglo-Australian Telescope. Of the 391 objects observed, we find 111 are bona fide members of Abell 3653. We show that the cluster has a velocity of cz= 32 214 ± 83 km s−1 (z= 0.10 738 ± 0.00 027), with a velocity dispersion typical of rich, massive clusters of σcz= 880+66−54. We find that the cD galaxy has a peculiar velocity of 683 ± 96 km s−1 in the cluster rest frame – some 7σ away from the mean cluster velocity, making it one of the largest and most significant peculiar velocities found for a cD galaxy to date. We investigate the cluster for signs of substructure, but do not find any significant groupings on any length scale. We consider the implications of our findings on cD formation theories.
Managing sulphur metabolism in plants
Authors: HAWKESFORD MALCOLM J. , DE KOK LUIT J. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTResolution and analysis of genes encoding components of the pathways of primary sulphur assimilation have provided the potential to elucidate how sulphur is managed by plants. Individual roles for members of gene families and regulatory mechanisms operating at gene, cellular and whole plant levels have been recognized. Sulphur is taken up and transported around the plant principally as sulphate, catalysed for the most part by a single gene family of highly regulated transporters. Additional regulation occurs in the pathway of reduction of sulphate to sulphide and its incorporation into cysteine, which occurs principally within the plastid. Cellular and whole‐plant regulation of uptake, and the assimilatory pathway attempt to balance supply with demand for growth and include mechanisms for re‐mobilization and redistribution of sulphur. Furthermore, optimization of sulphur assimilation requires coordination with carbon and nitrogen pathways, and multiple processes have been proposed to contribute to this balance. Present studies on cis and trans elements are focusing on transcriptional regulation, but this regulation still needs to be linked to apparent metabolite sensing. Whilst the components of the assimilatory pathways have been resolved after many years of controversy, uncertainties remain concerning roles of individual genes in gene families, their sub‐cellular localization and their significance in balancing sulphur flux to sulphur demand of the plant for growth under variable environmental conditions.
Brassinosteroids and plant function: some clues, more puzzles
Authors: HAUBRICK L. L. , ASSMANN S. M. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe role of brassinosteroids (BRs) in plant function has been intensively studied in the last few years. Mutant analysis has demonstrated that the ability to synthesize, perceive and respond to BRs is essential to normal plant growth and development. Several key elements of BR response have been identified using both genetic and biochemical approaches, and molecular models that parallel Wingless (Wnt), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signalling in animals have been proposed. Many studies have demonstrated the role of BRs, alone and in interaction with other plant hormones, in processes such as cell elongation and seed germination. In contrast, little is known about how the sensing of BRs is connected to specific physiological responses such as stress resistance. There remain many open questions about how these connections are made.
Transgenic approaches to manipulate the environmental responses of the C3 carbon fixation cycle
Authors: RAINES CHRISTINE A. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTThe limitation to photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in C3 plants in hot, dry environments is dominated by ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) because CO2 availability is restricted and photorespiration is stimulated. Using a combination of genetic engineering and transgenic technology, three approaches to reduce photorespiration have been taken; two of these focused on increasing the carboxylation efficiency of Rubisco either by reducing the oxygenase reaction directly or by manipulating the Rubisco enzyme by concentrating CO2 in the region of Rubisco through the introduction of enzymes of the C4 pathway. The third approach attempted to reduce photorespiration directly by manipulation of enzymes in this pathway. The progress in each of these areas is discussed, and the most promising approaches are highlighted. Under saturating CO2 conditions, Rubisco did not limit photosynthesis, and limitation shifted to ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) regeneration capacity of the C3 cycle. Transgenic analysis was used to identify the specific enzymes that may be targets for improving carbon fixation, and the way this may be exploited in the high CO2 future is considered.
Functional dynamics of plant growth and photosynthesis – from steady‐state to dynamics – from homogeneity to heterogeneity
Authors: SCHURR U. , WALTER A. , RASCHER U. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTPlants are much more dynamic than we usually expect them to be. This dynamic behaviour is of paramount importance for their performance under natural conditions, when resources are distributed heterogeneously in space and time. However, plants are not only the cue ball of their physical and chemical environment. Endogenous rhythms and networks controlling photosynthesis and growth buffer plant processes from external fluctuations. This review highlights recent evidence of the importance of dynamic temporal and spatial organization of photosynthesis and of growth in leaves and roots. These central processes for plant performance differ strongly in their dependence on environmental impact and endogenous properties, respectively. Growth involves a wealth of processes ranging from the supply of resources from external and internal sources to the growth processes themselves. In contrast, photosynthesis can only take place when light and CO2 are present and thus clearly requires ‘input from the environment’. Nevertheless, growth and photosynthesis are connected to each other via mechanisms that are still not fully understood. Recent advances in imaging technology have provided new insights into the dynamics of plant–environment interactions. Such processes do not only play a crucial role in understanding stress response of plants under extreme environmental conditions. Dynamics of plants under modest growth conditions rise from endogenous mechanisms as well as exogenous impact too. It is thus an important task for future research to identify how dynamic external conditions interact with plant‐internal signalling networks to optimize plant behaviour in real time and to understand how plants have adapted to characteristic spatial and temporal properties of the resources from their environment, on which they depend on.
Conformation of the Equine Skull: A Morphometric Study
Authors: Evans K. E. , McGreevy P. D. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryThere is a lack of an established method for quantifying equine skull morphology. This study proposes a method that is valid for use on both live and deceased horses. A total of nine head measurements (skull length, cranial length, nasal length, ratio of cranial:nasal length, cranial width, zygomatic width, mandibular depth, nasal profile area, cranial profile area) and six indices (skull index, cranial index, nasal index, mandibular index, nasal profile index, cranial profile index) were recorded from 30 horses from a variety of breeds whilst the soft tissues of the head were intact. A line was drawn level with the palpable notches caudal to the caudal lacrimal process of each orbit to estimate the suture line of the nasal and frontal bones and distinguish between the neurocranium and splanchnocranium. There were positive correlations between many of the head measurements. This method also illustrated significant differences in the skull morphology of three breeds (Arabians, thoroughbreds and standardbreds).
Morphological Study of the Transition of Haematopoietic Sites in the Developing Mouse During the Peri‐natal Period
Authors: Tada T. , Widayati D. T. , Fukuta K. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryThe transition of fetal haematopoietic sites in mice was examined histologically from 12.5‐day embryos (E12.5) until 10 days of age (D10), and the expression of the adhesive molecules VCAM‐1 and fibronectin was examined immunohistologically. Erythropoiesis occurred in the liver (E12.5–18.5), spleen (E18.5–D4) and bone marrow (D6–10), in that sequence. Even at D10, some erythropoiesis occurred in the liver, and more so in the spleen, although the active haematopoietic site was the bone marrow. Similarly, granulopoiesis of neutrophils occurred in the liver, spleen and bone marrow in turn. Granulopoiesis still occurred in the spleen at D10, but no neutrophils were found in the liver after D4. VCAM‐1 appeared in the liver, spleen and bone marrow in parallel with active erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis. The co‐expression of VCAM‐1 and fibronectin was recognized in the endothelial cells of the sinus at the onset of haematopoiesis. This study showed that haematopoiesis in the liver, spleen and bone marrow overlapped peri‐natally, although it shifted sequentially. VCAM‐1 appears to be closely associated with erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis, and the co‐expression of VCAM‐1 and fibronectin plays a role in inducing haematopoietic stem cells to move to the tissues.