bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging studies on autism and childhood-onset schizophrenia in children and adolescents – a review
Authors: Lahuis Bertine , Kemner Chantal , Van Engeland Herman 
Published: May 2003

Objective:To find out whether the neurodevelopmental disorders autism and childhood-onset schizophrenia have a common developmental pathway and whether the abnormalities detected are ‘disorder-specific’, by reviewing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies.Methods:As a result of a Medline search, we were able to access 28 studies on autism and 12 studies on childhood-onset schizophrenia, which focused on children and adolescents.Results:Larger lateral ventricles were found to be a common abnormality in both disorders. ‘Disorder-specific’ abnormalities in patients with autism were larger brains, a larger thalamic area, and a smaller right cingulate gyrus. Subjects with childhood-onset schizophrenia were found to have smaller brains, a smaller amygdalum and thalamus, and a larger nucleus caudatus. In subjects with childhood-onset schizophrenia, abnormalities appeared to progress over a limited period of time.Conclusions:Because the study designs varied so much, the results should be interpreted cautiously. Before abnormalities found in the disorders can be designated as equal or ‘disorder-specific’, it will be essential to perform large longitudinal and cross-sectional follow-up studies.
Diversity of rodents and shrews along an elevational gradient in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, south‐western Uganda
Authors: Kasangaki Aventino , Kityo Robert , Kerbis Julian 
Published: June 2003

AbstractSmall mammal species diversity in the major vegetation zones of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is discussed in relation to altitude. Species richness of the small mammals was found to decrease with an increase in altitude. The main factors accounting for the observed diversity are the wide altitudinal variation and a complex array of vegetation types. Sixty‐seven species of rodents and shrews were found to exist in the Park; 47 of which were rodents and 20 shrews. Of these, 26 species are new to the Bwindi Park list. Three species have probably not been described before. The study found 10 species of small mammals to be Albertine Rift endemics. Three genera are recorded in Uganda for the first time: Rwenzorisorex, Suncus and Paracrocidura. Five species are new records for East Africa. These are Crocidura stenocephala, Lophuromys rahmi, L. medicaudatus, Paracrocidura maxima and Hylomyscus aeta. Because of the high endemism of plants, butterflies, birds and now of small mammal species, Bwindi forest is a unique biodiversity hotspot and is among the highest conservation priorities in the Albertine Rift.
Relationship between grass species richness and ecosystem stability in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Kennedy A. D. , Biggs H. , Zambatis N. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe relationship between grass species richness and ecosystem stability was investigated in the Kruger National Park. A total of 135 489 individual grasses were identified from 189 sites spread across 19 485 km2 of savanna biome, making this one of the largest studies of its kind. At each site, grass percentage abundance and standing crop were measured at one year intervals to provide an index of ecosystem function. A severe drought that affected the region between 1991 and 1993 provided a convenient perturbation. At the height of the drought, mean species richness declined by 12.7% while standing crop declined by 38.1%, from 3199 to 1979 kg ha−1. Percentage grass abundance declined to 87.5% of its pre‐drought value. After the drought had passed species richness, standing crop and percentage abundance recovered to 92.1%, 113.8% and 92.8% of their pre‐perturbation values, respectively. Statistical analysis of these responses revealed that grass assemblages of low species richness were more resistant to drought than assemblages of high species richness. Species‐poor sites also showed better recovery from perturbation after the drought had passed. These findings suggest that ecosystem stability may be negatively related to grass species richness in South African savanna grasslands.
Feeding ecology and dietary differences between blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni Matschie) groups in logged and unlogged forest, Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda
Authors: Fairgrieve Chris , Muhumuza Geresomu 
Published: June 2003

AbstractSeveral studies have investigated the effects of logging on primate population density, and attempted to relate density differences to changes in vegetation composition. As population density in some forest primates may be considerably influenced by dietary quality, it is important to understand how the effects of vegetation changes commonly associated with logging influence primate feeding ecology.Results are presented from a study carried out in the Budongo Forest Reserve in Uganda to investigate differences in blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis stuhlmanni) feeding ecology in forest blocks with different logging history.Dietary composition differed between logged and unlogged forest, with a higher proportion of unripe fruit consumed in logged forest. By contrast, the proportion of young leaves, invertebrates and seeds in the diet was higher in unlogged forest. Variations in the intake of fruit was also higher in unlogged forest, but feeding patterns on other dietary items were more selective. These differences in diet reflect differences in availability of different categories of food items, as determined by tree species composition, abundance and plant phenological patterns. The observed differences between feeding ecology in logged and unlogged forest are discussed in relation to primate feeding ecology and habitat composition in Budongo.
Primate census and habitat evaluation in the Tana delta region, Kenya
Authors: Muoria P. K. , Karere G. M. , Moinde N. N. , Suleman M. A. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractNineteen indigenous forest patches in the Tana River delta region, Kenya were surveyed between October and November 2000 for primates and habitat disturbance. Special emphasis was placed on the endangered Tana River red colobus (Procolobus rufomitratus Peters) and crested mangabeys (Cercocebus galeritus galeritus Peters), both of which are endemic to the region. Habitat disturbances evident in the forests included cutting of trees, harvesting of thatching material, firewood collection, dyke construction, cultivation, palm wine tapping and charcoal burning. A total of 85 groups of five primate species were counted. These comprised eighteen, ten, 22, 31 and four groups of red colobus, crested mangabey, baboons (Papio cynocephalus L.), sykes monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis Wolf) and vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops L.), respectively. A wider distribution of red colobus and crested mangabeys than was documented previously was noted, implying that they are probably more abundant than hitherto reported. It is hypothesized that extensive studies on some fauna considered endangered world‐wide would probably redefine their conservation status. Future studies in the lower Tana River region should cover the previously unsurveyed forests and focus on ways of curbing forest destruction.
Assessment of the performance of exotic and indigenous tree and shrub species for rehabilitating saline soils of Northern Kenya
Authors: Olukoye Godfrey A. , Wamicha Wellington N. , Kinyamario Jenesio I. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractIn the semi‐desert zone of North Horr, northern Kenya, soil salinity reaches toxic levels, with extensive salt crusts at the surface. Environmental groups are involved in tree and shrub planting trials with the objective of stabilizing sand dunes and rehabilitating land. However, the performance of the various indigenous and exotic tree and shrub species in rehabilitating these saline soils has not been examined. Therefore this study aimed at evaluating the performance of various exotic and indigenous tree and shrub species in rehabilitating saline soils in North Horr. Mortality and relative growth rates for both exotic and indigenous tree and shrub species were assessed. Compared to indigenous species, exotic tree species (not naturally growing in the Marsabit ecosystem) failed to sustain an improved growth performance in saline soils of North Horr. The results of this study demonstrate that survival rates for indigenous plants in North Horr are higher than those of exotic ones. Thus, to rehabilitate saline soils and stabilize sand dunes, the use of indigenous tree and shrub species adapted to such saline conditions should be encouraged.
The morphology, distribution and conservation implications of introduced rats, Rattus spp. in the granitic Seychelles
Authors: Hill M. J. , Vel T. , Shah N. J. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThere are no native land mammals in the Seychelles archipelago other than bats. Introduced rats have reduced the conservation value of most islands. This paper compares the results of rat‐trapping carried out on eight islands in the granitic Seychelles, between July 1999 and April 2000. Trapping was carried out in both the dry and wet seasons. Three introduced rodent species were caught, including two species of rat (ship rat Rattus rattus Linnaeus and Norway rat R. norvegicus Berkenhout), but only one Rattus species occurred on each island. Both rat species were smaller than European or Asian conspecifics, and there were variations in the size and appearance of rats on different islands. Inter‐island differences in size and pelage colour are discussed.
Short‐ and long‐term therapy for reflux oesophagitis in the elderly: a multi‐centre, placebo‐controlled study with pantoprazole
Authors: Pilotto A. , Leandro G. , Franceschi M. ,   (ON BEHALF OF THE AGEING and ACID‐RELATED DISEASE STUDY GROUP)
Published: June 2003

SummaryBackground: No placebo‐controlled clinical trials have yet been published on the efficacy of therapy in older subjects with oesophagitis.Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of pantoprazole in preventing the recurrence of oesophagitis in elderly subjects.Methods: One hundred and sixty‐four patients aged 65 years and over with acute oesophagitis were treated openly with pantoprazole, 40 mg daily, for 8 weeks. Patients with documented healing of erosive oesophagitis were then treated with pantoprazole, 20 mg daily, for 6 months. Thereafter, cured patients were randomized to receive pantoprazole, 20 mg daily, or placebo for the following 6 months. Clinical evaluations were performed every 2 months, and endoscopy was repeated after 8 weeks and after 6 and 12 months and/or whenever symptoms suggested a relapse of oesophagitis.Results: After 8 weeks, the healing rates of oesophagitis were 81.1% (75.1–87.1%) and 93.7% (89.7–97.7%) by intention‐to‐treat and per protocol analyses, respectively. After 6 months, the corresponding values were 82% (75.4–88.5%) and 92.4% (87.6–97.2%), respectively. After 12 months, the per protocol and intention‐to‐treat healing rates of oesophagitis were 95.1% (88.5–100%) and 79.6% (68.3–90.9%), respectively, in the treatment group vs. 32.7% (19.9–45.4%) and 30.4% (18.3–42.4%), respectively, in the placebo group (P = 0.0001). Heartburn, acid regurgitation and chest pain were significantly associated with the relapse of oesophagitis (P = 0.0001), whereas hiatus hernia, Helicobacter pylori infection, concomitant diseases and treatments were not.Conclusion: In the elderly, pantoprazole was highly effective in healing and reducing the relapse of oesophagitis; discontinuing active treatment after 6 months was associated with a significant increase in the relapse rate.
An open‐label trial of the selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitor, rofecoxib, in inflammatory bowel disease‐associated peripheral arthritis and arthralgia
Authors: Reinisch W. , Miehsler W. , Dejaco C. , Harrer M. , Waldhoer T. , Lichtenberger C. , Vogelsang H. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryBackground: Conventional non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs have been associated with an increased risk of exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease.Aim: To evaluate, in a prospective, open‐label study, the safety and efficacy of a 20‐day regimen of the selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitor, rofecoxib, 12.5–25 mg/day, in inflammatory bowel disease patients with associated peripheral arthropathy and/or arthritis.Methods: Patients with clinically inactive to mild inflammatory bowel disease and a joint pain score of at least two points on a scale ranging from zero (none) to four (very poor) were eligible. Response was defined by a decrease of at least two points in the arthralgia score.Results: Of the 32 patients included, 26 (81%) were treated with rofecoxib, 25 mg/day, and six (19%) with rofecoxib, 12.5 mg/day. In three patients (9%), rofecoxib had to be withdrawn after a few days due to gastrointestinal complaints which ceased immediately after drug discontinuation. No flare of inflammatory bowel disease occurred. Thirteen of the 32 patients (41%) were responders and, overall, the arthralgia score decreased from two to one (P = 0.0001).Conclusions: This is the first prospective study on the use of a selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitor in inflammatory bowel disease patients with peripheral arthropathy and/or arthralgia. The promising safety and efficacy profile warrants further evaluation in controlled trials.
Activation of human intraepithelial lymphocytes reduces CD3 expression
Authors: EBERT E C 
Published: May 2003

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to examine in detail the low functional capacity of human intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) and CD3 ligation. Human IELs were extracted from jejunal mucosa obtained from patients undergoing gastric bypass operations for morbid obesity and compared to peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes composed predominantly of CD8+ T cells. Calcium influx ([Ca2+]i) was analysed using Fura-2-loaded cells; IL-2 receptor expression was measured by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry; IL-2 binding was determined using radiolabelled IL-2; IL-2 production was quantified by ELISA; and apoptosis was detected with Apo 2·7 staining. Compared to naive PB CD8+ T lymphocytes, calcium influx by IELs was only transient with CD3 ligation and low in amplitude with PHA. IL-2 receptor expression was reduced after CD3 ligation, yet normal in numbers and affinity after PHA stimulation. Both cell types secreted similar amounts of IL-2. CD3 expression on IELs, but not PB CD8+ T cells, declined upon activation, due partly to incomplete reexpression after modulation. Little apoptosis was found. The partial activation of IELs in response to PHA and CD3 ligation, as manifested by diminished [Ca2+]i, resulted in a decline in CD3 expression.
Staphylococcal superantigens and T cell expansions in Wegener's granulomatosis
Authors: POPA E R , STEGEMAN C A , BOS N A , KALLENBERG C G M , TERVAERT J W COHEN 
Published: May 2003

SUMMARY
In Wegener's granulomatosis (WG), a form of autoimmune systemic vasculitis, chronic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus constitutes a risk factor for the development of exacerbations. Circulating T cells in this disease are persistently activated, suggesting the presence of a chronic stimulus. A causal link between chronic carriage of S. aureus and chronic T cell activation in WG is conceivable, because S. aureus produces superantigens (SAg), which are potent T cell stimulators. Superantigenic stimulation of T cells results in expansion of T cell subsets expressing SAg-binding T cell receptor V-beta (Vβ) chains. In the present study we hypothesized that in WG the presence of staphylococcal SAg is accompanied by expansion of SAg-reacting T cell subsets. We tested our hypothesis in a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study in which the association between seven staphylococcal SAg genes [typed by poplymerase chain reaction (PCR)], eight SAg-binding Vβ chains and four SAg-non-binding Vβ chains (assessed by flow-cytometry) was assessed. Both studies showed that T cell expansions were present at a significantly higher rate in WG patients than in healthy individuals, but were not associated with the presence of either S. aureus or its SAg. Moreover, T cell expansions were generally of small extent, and did not appear simultaneously in both CD4 and CD8 subsets. We conclude that in WG S. aureus effects its supposed pathogenic function by a mechanism other than superantigenic T cell activation.
The role of p53 in the immunobiology of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: BLACK A P B , OGG G S 
Published: May 2003

SUMMARY
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is typically characterized by the over-expression of the tumour suppressor protein p53. Considerable evidence suggests that immune competence is important in the control of cutaneous SCC. We discuss the immunobiology of p53 and its relevance to cutaneous SCC, including the potential interaction with human papillomavirus.
Circulating concentrations of soluble granzyme A and B increase during natural and experimental Plasmodium falciparum infections
Authors: HERMSEN C C , KONIJNENBERG Y , MULDER L , LOÉ C , VAN DEUREN M , VAN DER MEER J W M , VAN MIERLO G J , ELING W M C , HACK C E , SAUERWEIN R W 
Published: May 2003

SUMMARY
Release of soluble Granzymes (sGranzymes) is considered to reflect activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells. sGranzymes and a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured in plasma of malaria patients with natural or experimentally induced Plasmodium falciparum infections. Concentrations of sGranzyme A and B, IL-10, IL-12p70 and CRP were significantly increased in African children presenting with clinical malaria; IL-10 and CRP concentrations were significantly correlated with disease severity. In nonimmune Dutch volunteers which were experimentally infected by P. falciparum-infected mosquitoes, sGranzyme A increment started 1–2 days prior to clinical symptoms and microscopically detectable parasitaemia. This coincided with increases in IFNγ, IL-12p40 and IL-8, while sGranzyme B and IL-10 levels increased 24–48 h later. The elevation of sGranzyme A and IFNγ in nonimmune volunteers suggests that NK cells are activated upon release of parasites by infected liver cells and subsequently during blood stage infection; thus, NK cells are likely involved innate immune human host resistance in the early phase of a malaria infection.
Evidence for intramolecular B-cell epitope spreading during experimental immunization with an immunogenic thyroglobulin peptide
Authors: THRASYVOULIDES A , LYMBERI P 
Published: May 2003

SUMMARYThyroglobulin (Tg) is a target autoantigen in autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In a previous study we identified three 20mer Tg peptides bearing epitopes of autoantibodies associated with GD (TgP15, TgP26 and TgP41: sequences 2339–2358, 2471–2490 and 2651–2670 of human Tg, respectively). In the present study, we investigated the antigenicity of the above peptides in experimental immunization with Tg, the immunogenicity of antigenic peptides and the possibility of intramolecular B-cell epitope spreading during peptide immunization. For this purpose, two rabbits were injected with human Tg in CFA six times, every three weeks. Two control animals were injected only with CFA. Testing of antisera and of affinity-purified antibodies, by ELISA against the three peptides, revealed reactivity only to TgP41. This synthetic peptide was subsequently administered to two rabbits, in its free form (100µg in CFA six times, every two weeks). A strong serological response was developed not only against TgP41, but also to intact human and rabbit Tg. Immunization with TgP41 induced intramolecular B-cell epitope spreading, i.e. production of antibodies to sites on Tg other than that corresponding to TgP41, as revealed by immunoadsorption and competitive ELISA. Histopathological studies did not reveal any infiltration in thyroid glands. We conclude that peptide TgP41 encompasses not only an epitope of disease-associated autoantibodies, but also a dominant immunogenic epitope of experimentally induced Tg-specific antibodies, able to drive B-cell epitope spreading.
Mucosal and systemic immune responses to plasmid protein pgp3 in patients with genital and ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection
Authors: GHAEM-MAGHAMI S , RATTI G , GHAEM-MAGHAMI M , COMANDUCCI M , HAY P E , BAILEY R L , MABEY D C W , WHITTLE H C , WARD M E , LEWIS D J M 
Published: May 2003

SUMMARY
The circulating and cervical B cell responses to Chlamydia trachomatis plasmid protein pgp3 were characterized in children and adults with ocular or genital chlamydial infection using the enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISPOT) and ELISA. No pgp3-specific ASCs were detected in healthy controls, but predominantly IgA ASCs were detected in UK adults with uncomplicated cervicitis or urethritis (P = 0·03, 0·019). In patients with extragenital complications or pelvic inflammatory disease a mixed response with more IgG and IgM ASCs was evident, suggesting a breach of mucosal immune compartmentalization with more extensive infection. In women with chlamydial cervicitis, ASCs secreting predominantly IgA, but also IgG, to pgp3 were present in cervix at presentation, with a frequency 30–50 times higher than blood. Cervical ASC numbers, especially IgG, fell markedly six weeks after antibiotic treatment. We detected principally IgA pgp3-specific antibody secreting cells (ASCs) in children resident in a Gambian endemic area, with a trend towards suppression of IgA responses during intense trachomatous inflammation (P = 0·06), as previously reported for other chlamydial antigens, and in keeping with the findings in genital disease. These data provide a rationale for further studies of immune responses to pgp3 in humans and animal models of chlamydia-induced disease, and its potential use in diagnostic assays and protective immunization strategies.
Th2 cytokines, IgE and mast cells play a crucial role in the induction of para-phenylenediamine-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: YOKOZEKI H , WU M-H , SUMI K , IGAWA K , MIYAZAKI Y , KATAYAMA I , TAKEDA K , AKIRA S , NISHIOKA K 
Published: May 2003

SUMMARYWe previously reported the establishment of a mouse model system of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) to paraphenylemediamine (PPD). In order to analyse the functional contribution of Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-5, in PPD induced CHS, STAT6 deficient (STAT6–/–) and wild-type control (WT) mice (C57BL/6) were immunized by the topical application of a PPD solution, and then the subsequent skin reactions were examined. Ear swelling was significantly reduced with a delayed peak response in STAT6–/– mice as compared with that of WT mice. A histological analysis showed the infiltration of both eosinophils and neutrophils in the skin of STAT6–/– mice challenged 24 h previously to significantly decrease in comparison with that in the WT mice. The expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5) by ELISA in the PPD-challenged skin tissue specimens as well as the IgE and IgG1 response after challenge were also profoundly reduced in the STAT6–/– mice. The adoptive transfer of the serum obtained from sensitized WT mice for the putative IgE transfer induced a peak response at 3 h and 24 h after challenge. To further investigate the role of mast cells in the induction of PPD-CHS, mast cell deficient W/Wv mice were sensitized with PPD and then were challenged. Maximal ear swelling was detected from 12 to 24 h and another small peak response was observed at 1 h in+/+mice, whereas only a small peak response at 24 h was detected in W/Wv mice. These data indicate that not only Th2 cytokines and IgE but also mast cells play an essential role in the induction of PPD-CHS.