bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor suppressor and growth regulatory genes are overexpressed in severe early‐onset preeclampsia – an array study on case‐specific human preeclamptic placental tissue
Authors: Annaleena Heikkilä , Tiina Tuomisto , Sanna‐Kaisa Häkkinen , Leea Keski‐Nisula , Seppo Heinonen , Seppo Ylä‐Herttuala 
Published: June 2005

Background.  Preeclampsia is an important clinical condition with unknown etiology. We used DNA array technique to compare placental gene expression profile in severe early‐onset preeclampsia from 25 to 27 gestational weeks with strictly non‐affected placental samples from similar gestational weeks.Method.  DNA arrays were validated by showing the up‐regulation of several genes typical for preeclampsia such as chorionic gonadotrophin beta‐chain, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1. In DNA array, 5% of genes displayed less than or equal to twofold increase in expression level and only 0.2% of genes showed ≤0.5‐fold decrease in expression in preeclampsia versus control. Signs of immunological factors, hypoxia, apoptosis, oxidative stress and altered thrombosis, coagulation as well as endothelial injury were seen in the gene expression profile.Results.  As a new finding, we identified a group of 13 genes with a function in tumor suppression and growth regulation which were significantly up‐regulated in preeclampsia. Three out of the five most highly up‐regulated genes belonged to this group which included genes, such as protein phosphatase 2, phospholipid scramblase 1, transcription elongation factor, melanoma adhesion molecule, retinoic acid receptor responder 3, and RANTES.Conclusions.  It is concluded that up‐regulation of tumor suppressor and growth regulatory genes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of severe early‐onset preeclampsia.
Six new species of the Anopheles leucosphyrus group, reinterpretation of An. elegans and vector implications
Authors: Sallum M. A. M. , Peyton E. L. , Wilkerson R. C. 
Published: June 2005

Abstract.  Among Oriental anopheline mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), several major vectors of forest malaria belong to the group of Anopheles (Cellia) leucosphyrus Dönitz. We have morphologically examined representative material (> 8000 specimens from seven countries) for taxonomic revision of the Leucosphyrus Group. Six new species are here described from adult, pupal and larval stages (with illustrations of immature stages) and formally named as follows: An. latens n. sp. (= An. leucosphyrus species A of Baimai et al., 1988b), An. cracens n. sp., An. scanloni n. sp., An. baimaii n. sp. (formerly An. dirus species B, C, D, respectively), An. mirans n. sp. and An. recens n. sp. Additionally, An. elegans (James) is redescribed and placed in the complex of An. dirus Peyton & Harrison (comprising An. baimaii, An. cracens, An. dirus, An. elegans, An. nemophilous Peyton & Ramalingam, An. scanloni and An. takasagoensis Morishita) of the Leucosphyrus Subgroup, together with An. baisasi Colless and the An. leucosphyrus complex (comprising An. balabacensis Baisas, An. introlatus Baisas, An. latens and An. leucosphyrus). Hence, the former Elegans Subgroup is renamed the Hackeri Subgroup (comprising An. hackeri Edwards, An. pujutensis Colless, An. recens and An. sulawesi Waktoedi).Distribution data and bionomics of the newly defined species are given, based on new material and published records, with discussion of morphological characters for species distinction and implications for ecology and vector roles of such species. Now these and other members of the Leucosphyrus Group are identifiable, it should be possible to clarify the medical importance and distribution of each species. Those already regarded as vectors of human malaria are: An. baimaii[Bangladesh, China (Yunnan), India (Andamans, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal), Myanmar, Thailand]; An. latens[Borneo (where it also transmits Bancroftian filariasis), peninsular Malaysia, Thailand]; probably An. cracens (Sumatra, peninsular Malaysia, Thailand); presumably An. scanloni (Thailand); perhaps An. elegans (the Western Ghat form of An. dirus, restricted to peninsular India); but apparently not An. recens (Sumatra) nor An. mirans[Sri Lanka and south‐west India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu)], which is a natural vector of simian malarias. Together with typical An. balabacensis, An. dirus and An. leucosphyrus, therefore, the Leucosphyrus Group includes about seven important vectors of forest malaria, plus at least a dozen species of no known medical importance, with differential specific distributions collectively spanning > 5000 km from India to the Philippines.
Towards a more coherent oil policy in Russia?
Authors: Boussena Sadek , Locatelli Catherine 
Published: June 2005

AbstractTwo recent trends have rekindled the debate concerning the place and strategy of Russia on the world oil scene. The first is the development of its oil production and the second is the gradual resumption of control of the country's oil policy by President Vladimir Putin's government. Will Russia be a key variable in world energy balances and could the nation, as some suggest and even desire, become an alternative supply to OPEC and/or challenge Saudi Arabia's position? If so, is that what Russia actually wants? In this study, we attempt to answer some of these important questions by assessing and comparing the capabilities of the producing countries, while studying Russia's aims and objectives for the petroleum sector in the future, when demand for energy supplies is forecast to rise considerably.
Japanese multicenter phase II study of CHOP followed by radiotherapy in stage I–II1, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the stomach
Authors: Ishikura Satoshi , Tobinai Kensei , Ohtsu Atsushi , Nakamura Shigeo , Yoshino Tadashi , Oda Ichiro , Takagi Toshiyuki , Mera Kiyomi , Kagami Yoshikazu , Itoh Kuniaki , Tamaki Yoshio , Suzumiya Junji , Taniwaki Masafumi , Yamamoto Seiichiro 
Published: June 2005

CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) followed by radiotherapy is regarded as standard care for localized aggressive lymphoma; however, prospective confirmation of its applicability to localized primary gastric lymphoma is inadequate, and most patients in Japan have been initially treated with gastrectomy. We conducted a multicenter phase II study to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the non‐surgical treatment. Eligibility criteria required primary gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, stage I–II1, age 20–75, performance status 0–1 and adequate organ function. Treatment consisted of three cycles of CHOP followed by radiotherapy 40.5 Gy. Fifty‐five patients were enrolled between December 1999 and February 2003, and 52 eligible patients were analyzed. Patient characteristics were as follows: median age, 61 years; 28 men, 24 women; 36 with stage I, 16 with stage II1; 47 with a low International Prognostic Index (IPI) and five with a low–intermediate IPI. All but one patient completed planned treatment. No serious complications including massive hemorrhage or perforation were observed. A complete response was achieved in 48 of the 52 patients (92%, 95% confidence interval: 82–98%) and progressive disease in three. Two patients underwent salvage gastrectomy due to disease persistence or recurrence. With a median follow‐up period of 28 months, 2‐year progression‐free and overall survivals were 88 and 94%, respectively. CHOP followed by radiotherapy is safe and highly effective in localized gastric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. This organ‐preserving treatment should be considered as a very reasonable therapeutic option. (Cancer Sci 2005; 96: 349–352)
First cannabis use: does onset shift to younger ages? Findings from 1988 to 2003 from the Dutch National School Survey on Substance Use
Authors: Monshouwer Karin , Smit Filip , De Graaf Ron , Van Os Jim , Vollebergh Wilma 
Published: June 2005

ABSTRACTAims  To investigate the hypothesis that changes in cannabis prevalence among Dutch secondary school students (aged 12–17 years) were paralleled by shifts in the age of first cannabis use.Design and participants  Data were derived from five waves (1988, 1992, 1996, 1999 and 2003) of the Dutch National School Survey on Substance Use, a nationally representative cross‐sectional study, with a total of 32 777 respondents.Measurements  Written questionnaires on cannabis, tobacco, alcohol, other drug use and socio‐demographic and behavioural variables were administered in classroom settings.Findings  Survival analysis showed a strong increase in cumulative incidences by age of first cannabis use from 1988 to 1992, a further increase in 1996 and stabilization in 1999, continuing into 2003. From 1992 to 1996, age of onset shifted towards younger ages. Onset peaked at age 15 in 1992 and age 14 in 1996. The proportion of life‐time cannabis users starting at age 13 or younger increased from 26% in 1992 to 41% in 1996. The overall trend was similar for boys and girls.Conclusions  The study largely confirmed the expectation that the increase in cannabis use from 1988 to 1996 was paralleled by a decrease in the age of first cannabis use. From 1996 to 2003 age of first cannabis use and prevalence stabilized, possibly occasioned by a change in cannabis policy in the mid‐1990s.
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of severe autoimmune disease: results from phase I/II studies, prospective randomized trials and future directions
Authors: Tyndall A , Saccardi R 
Published: June 2005

Summary
Around 700 patients have received an autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) as treatment for a severe autoimmune disease (AD). The majority of these have been within the context of phase I/II clinical trials and following international guidelines proposed 7 years ago. In general, a positive benefit/risk ratio has led to phase III prospective randomized controlled trials in multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Europe. In the US, similar trials are being planned for SSc, MS and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Transplant related mortality (TRM) has fallen in all disease subgroups since the inception due to more appropriate patient selection, and so far a clear advantage of the more intense myeloablative regimens in terms of remission induction and relapse rate has not emerged. Although each AD has a different profile, over a third of patients have sustained a durable remission, often with no further need for immunosuppressive drugs. In those who relapsed, many responded to agents which pre transplant had been ineffective. The study of immune reconstitution and gene expression pre and post HSCT is being undertaken to further understand the mechanism of autoimmunity.
In vivotumouricidal effects of LAD-1 monoclonal antibody on murine RL-male-1 lymphoma mediated by enhanced phagocytosis
Authors: Ito M , Omoto S , Kato Y , Hayashi T , Mori N , Fujii Y R 
Published: June 2005

SummaryWe have reported previously that the LAD-4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against a fibronectin receptor (FNR) on RL-male-1 T lymphoma cells in BALB/c mice partially inhibited their migration to the liver. In the present study, we examined the mechanism by which another anti-FNR mAb, LAD-1, exerts its antitumourigenic effects. Administration of LAD-1 significantly prolonged survival of BALB/c mice challenged previously with RL-male-1 cells. LAD-1 enhanced phagocytosis of RL-male-1 cells by hepatic macrophages and clodronate-mediated macrophage depletion abrogated the antitumour activity of LAD-1. In vitro experiments revealed that a pan-caspase inhibitor, zVAD-fmk, did not affect the ability of LAD-1 to inhibit the proliferation of RL-male-1 cells. These data suggest that the antitumour effects of LAD-1 may be dependent on stimulation of tumour cell phagocytosis and are apoptosis-independent. Thus, LAD-1-induced phagocytosis of lymphoma cells by hepatic macrophages in mice may, at least in part, be responsible for the prolonged survival of the mice.
Enhanced clearance of Candida albicans from the oral cavities of mice following oral administration of Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Elahi S , Pang G , Ashman R , Clancy R 
Published: June 2005

Summary
Orally administered live Lactobacillus acidophilus was assessed for its capacity to enhance clearance from the oral cavity of DBA/2 mice shown previously to be ‘infection prone’. L. acidophilus fed to DBA/2 mice significantly shortened the duration of colonization of the oral cavity compared to controls. Enhanced clearance of Candida albicans correlated with both early mRNA gene expression for interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ and expression of their secreted products in cultures of cervical lymph nodes stimulated with Candida antigen. In addition rapid clearance correlated with higher levels of IFN-γ and nitric oxide in saliva. Delayed clearance, less pronounced levels of the cytokine response, saliva IFN-γ and nitric oxide, and later mRNA expression for IL-4 and IFN-γ relative to feeding with the L. acidophilus isolate were noted in mice fed a different Lactobacillus isolate (L. fermentum). These observations indicate significant variations in individual isolates to activate the common mucosal system.
Increased expression of plasma and cell surface co-stimulatory molecules CTLA-4, CD28 and CD86 in adult patients with allergic asthma
Authors: Wong C K , Lun S W M , Ko F W S , Ip W K , Hui D S C , Lam C W K 
Published: June 2005

SummaryThe co-stimulatory interactions of the B7 family molecules CD80 and CD86 on antigen-presenting cells, together with their T cell counter receptors CD28 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), modulate T lymphocyte-mediated immune responses in a reciprocal manner. To investigate whether there is altered expression and the clinical significance of soluble co-stimulatory molecules in asthmatic patients, plasma concentrations of sCTLA-4, sCD28, sCD80 and sCD86 in 51 adult allergic asthmatic adults with or without steroid treatment, and 35 sex- and age-matched control subjects were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell surface expression of CTLA-4 and CD28 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were analysed by flow cytometry. Results showed that the plasma sCTLA-4 concentration was significantly higher in all asthmatic patients while sCD28 and sCD86 concentrations were significantly higher in steroid and non-steroid treated asthmatic patients, respectively, compared with control subjects (all P &lt; 0·01). Significantly increased cell surface expression of CD28 but not CTLA-4 on PBMC was found in asthmatic patients compared with controls (P &lt; 0·05). The plasma concentration and cell surface expression of CTLA-4 were found to exhibit positive and significant correlations with those of CD28 (both P &lt; 0·05). Serum total IgE concentration correlated positively and significantly with sCTLA-4 and sCD28 concentrations in allergic asthmatic patients (both P &lt; 0·05). The increased expression of these soluble co-stimulatory molecules may reflect the dysregulation of T cell activation, thereby contributing to the immunopathogenesis of allergic asthma.
The distribution of body size in a stream community: one system, many patterns
Authors: STEAD TRACEY K. , SCHMID‐ARAYA JENNY M. , SCHMID PETER E. , HILDREW ALAN G. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryWe investigated abundance–size spectra and body size–density allometry using an exceptionally detailed data set from a stony stream. The body size distribution of the whole metazoan community was expressed in terms of both density and biomass over a 14‐month survey, and the relationships of body size with population density and taxon richness were also evaluated.The distribution of density among size classes varied considerably between sampling occasions, although that of biomass was rather more consistent. This suggests that the body size distribution is dynamic and does not always fall into any single pattern or category, as has been assumed hitherto.Analysis of the modes in the density–body size distribution in individual sample‐units revealed small‐scale spatial variation, with little consistency in the number or position of modes in any one month.This stream community did not conform to the −0·75 (or indeed to any other significant regression) relationship between body size and population density, although such patterns are very sensitive to methodological details.In data aggregated over the whole study, most metazoan taxa fell into the size range < 10–100 µg. The annual average density– and biomass–body size spectra appeared tri‐ and bimodal, respectively (on log–log scales), with minor troughs in the density spectrum at about 100 and 0·1 µg body mass. This could indicate, at this scale of analysis, discontinuities in the way in which benthic species exploit their environment.Spatial and temporal heterogeneity in size spectra, and the lack of clear density–body size allometry, could be due to biotic or physicochemical fluctuations and environmental change (including seasonal and longer‐term changes in acidity) that cause rapid species turnover and changes in density and distribution, particularly among the meiofauna. Small and rare species may thus be in the process of colonization or decline and the pattern would indicate a lack of equilibrium, particularly among organisms in the smallest size classes, at this temporal scale of the study.
Expanding on Watson's framework for classifying patches: when is an island not an island?
Authors: Shepherd U. L. , Brantley S. L. 
Published: June 2005

AbstractAim  The aims were: (1) evaluate the potential of Watson's framework for studying species composition in fragments and islands for a specific landscape type: cryptobiotic crust systems in the arid south‐western US; (2) expand Watson's original model to include ephemeral/non‐equilibrium systems by revising his categories of patch age and matrix contrast; and (3) examine the interplay between patch dynamics and species autecology, demonstrating the need for more work on ephemeral patchy systems.Location  Cryptobiotic crust systems in two piñon‐juniper sites in Central New Mexico, western North America.Results  Watson's patch age designation was not applicable to our system because of its ephemeral or non‐equilibrial nature. Based on this result, we constructed what we refer to as a ‘speed key’ that includes equilibrium and non‐equilibrium patches of all kinds. For this model we maintained one of Watson's original traits: patch origin, and amended two others to describe persistence and permeability across the matrix. Importantly, persistence and matrix permeability must be evaluated as functions of the organisms under consideration. Systems that may be in equilibrium for one taxon may well be non‐equilibrial (ephemeral) for another. A patch that appears to be in high contrast with its intervening matrix may actually be in low contrast, depending on the dispersal ability of the organism through that matrix.Main conclusions  To improve substantially on our understanding of patchy systems (whether islands or fragments) it is important to account explicitly for relevant organismal life‐history traits in the designation of those systems. Too often, patches are defined by how the researcher views them from his/her own spatio‐temporal viewpoint. Once we move to an organism‐centred understanding of these patches we may find surprising and novel comparisons that allow us to move across scales and inform our view of ecological patterns and processes. By incorporating non‐equilibrium systems into a model of insularity, this work has general implications that go beyond the scope of cryptobiotic crusts to add to the current dialogue in biogeography.
Histidine nutrition and genotype affect cataract development in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Breck O , Bjerkås E , Campbell P , Rhodes J D , Sanderson J , Waagbø R 
Published: June 2005

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate effects of dietary levels of histidine (His) and iron (Fe) on cataract development in two strains of Atlantic salmon monitored through parr‐smolt transformation. Three experimental diets were fed: (i) a control diet (CD) with 110 mg kg−1 Fe and 11.7 g kg−1 His; (ii) CD supplemented with crystalline His to a level of 18 g kg−1 (HD); and (iii) HD with added iron up to 220 mg kg−1 (HID). A cross‐over design, with two feeding periods was used. A 6‐week freshwater (FW) period was followed by a 20‐week period, of which the first three were in FW and the following 17 weeks in sea water (SW). Fish were sampled for weighing, cataract assessment and tissue analysis at five time points. Cataracts developed in all groups in SW, but scores were lower in those fed high His diets (P < 0.05). This effect was most pronounced when HD or HID was given in SW, but was also observed when these diets were given in FW only. Histidine supplementation had a positive effect on growth performance and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), whereas this did not occur when iron was added. Groups fed HD or HID had higher lens levels of His and N‐acetyl histidine (NAH), the latter showing a marked increase post‐smoltification (P < 0.05). The HD or HID groups also showed higher muscle concentrations of the His dipeptide anserine (P < 0.05). There was a strong genetic influence on cataract development in the CD groups (P < 0.001), not associated with tissue levels of His or NAH. The role of His and His‐related compounds in cataractogenesis is discussed in relation to tissue buffering, osmoregulation and antioxidation.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurement by gradual acceptor photobleaching
Authors: VAN MUNSTER E. B. , KREMERS G. J. , ADJOBO‐HERMANS M. J. W. , GADELLA T. W. J. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryFluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) is an extremely effective tool to detect molecular interaction at suboptical resolutions. One of the techniques for measuring FRET is acceptor photobleaching: the increase in donor fluorescence after complete acceptor photobleaching is a measure of the FRET efficiency. However, in wide‐field microscopy, complete acceptor photobleaching is difficult due to the low excitation intensities. In addition, the method is sensitive to inadvertent donor bleaching, autofluorescence and bleed‐through of excitation light. In the method introduced in this paper, donor and acceptor intensities are monitored continuously during acceptor photobleaching. Subsequently, curve fitting is used to determine the FRET efficiency. The method was demonstrated on cameleon (YC2.1), a FRET‐based Ca2+ indicator, and on a CFP‐YFP fusion protein expressed in HeLa cells. FRET efficiency of cameleon in the presence of 1 mm Ca2+ was 31 ± 3%. In the absence of Ca2+ a FRET efficiency of 15 ± 2% was found. A FRET efficiency of 28% was found for the CFP‐YFP fusion protein in HeLa cells. Advantages of the method are that it does not require complete acceptor photobleaching, it includes correction for spectral cross‐talk, donor photobleaching and autofluorescence, and is relatively simple to use on a normal wide‐field microscope.