bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semiquantitative analysis of intrahepatic CC‐chemokine mRNAs in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Nischalke Hans Dieter , Nattermann Jacob , Fischer Hans-Peter , Sauerbruch Tilman , Spengler Ulrich , Dumoulin Franz Ludwig 
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms leading to hepatic injury in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are only incompletely understood. Recent data propose a correlation of the intrahepatic expression of the CC chemokine RANTES and the degree of periportal and portal inflammatory liver damage.Aim: Here, we have studied the intrahepatic mRNA levels of CC chemokines RANTES together with that of other members of this chemokine family (MIP‐1β, MCP‐1, and MCP‐2) in chronic hepatitis C as compared with healthy controls.Methods: Liver samples from 22 HCV‐infected patients, nine individuals with primary biliary cirrhosis and from 12 normal controls were included into this study. Intrahepatic mRNA levels of CC chemokines RANTES, MIP‐1β, MCP‐1, and MCP‐2 were analyzed by a semi‐quantitative reverse transcription/real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay.Results: In chronic HCV infection, intrahepatic RANTES mRNA levels were significantly higher than in non‐infected controls (7.2‐fold, p < 0.001) or in the disease control group (2.8‐fold, p < 0.001) and higher levels of RANTES mRNA levels were observed in livers with an advanced stage of liver cell injury (histologic activity index ≥6), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). In contrast, mRNA levels of MIP‐1β (p = 0.021) and MCP‐1 (p = 0.021) were significantly lower in HCV liver samples while MCP‐2 expression was similar in all groups analyzed.Conclusion: The data support the concept of chemokines as mediators of liver cell injury in chronic hepatitis C.
Mast cells are responsible for the lack of anti‐inflammatory effects of morphine in CBA mice
Authors: Stankiewicz Elzbieta , Wypasek Ewa , Plytycz Barbara 
Published: January 2005

BACKGROUND and aim: Morphine co‐injection has anti‐inflammatory effects on zymosan‐induced peritonitis in several strains of mice except that of CBA. As peritoneal mast cells (pMCs) are much more numerous in CBA mice than in SWISS mice, the role of pMCs in morphine‐modulated zymosan peritonitis is compared in CBA and SWISS males.Methods: pMCs were treated in vitro with morphine or C48/80 for comparison of histamine release. In vivo accumulation of leukocytes and histamine in peritoneal exudate were recorded after intraperitoneal injection with morphine, zymosan, or zymosan plus morphine.Results and conclusion: Morphine induces histamine release by pMCs from CBA mice but not SWISS mice. In vivo morphine‐induced peritonitis is stronger in CBA mice than SWISS mice. Corollary, morphine anti‐inflammatory effects on zymosan peritonitis are reversed in CBA mice by its pro‐inflammatory action through CBA pMCs.
The effects of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis on serum homocysteine and C‐reactive protein levels
Authors: Borazan Ali , Aydemir Selim , Sert Mehmet , Yilmaz Ahmet 
Published: January 2005

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to investigate plasma homocysteine (Hcy) and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels in hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, and the relation among them.Materials and methods: This study was carried out on 52 HD patients, 26 CAPD patients and a control group of 22 healthy persons. Blood samples were taken from the patients for Hcy and CRP measurements.Results: Serum CRP level was found to be high in 48.1% of HD patients, 69.2% of CAPD patients and 4.5% of the healthy control group. Plasma Hcy level was found out to be above the normal limits in 73.1% of HD patients, 65.4% of CAPD patients and 9% of the healthy control group. There was a significant positive relation (r = 0.384, p < 0.001) between the levels of plasma Hcy and serum CRP in HD and CAPD patients.Conclusion: The high levels of Hcy and CRP were found out to be higher in HD and CAPD patients than in the control group. In order to determine the risk rate of Hcy and CRP for coronary artery disease, extensive investigations are required in patients with chronic renal failure that also have coronary artery disease.
Leptin levels in obese women with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Buyukbese Mehmet Akif , Cetinkaya Ali , Kocabas Ramazan , Guven Aytekin , Tarakcioglu Mehmet 
Published: January 2005

INTRODUCTION: The role of leptin has been more clear in the endocrinology area after the discovery of its secretion from the adipose tissue. The aim of the study is to investigate the leptin levels in obese women in whom type 2 diabetes mellitus were present or absent.Materials and methods: Thirty‐five obese women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (group 1) and 34 obese women without type 2 diabetes mellitus (group 2) were enrolled in the study. In both groups the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist‐to‐hip ratio were measured. Leptin, HbA1c, creatinine and the lipid profile were assessed.Results: Leptin was found to be statistically significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (40.22±17.77 ng/ml versus 50.12±15.51 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.019). It was well correlated with BMI in group 1 (r = 0.60, p = 0.0001). In group 1 also, correlation of leptin was moderate with creatinine and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (r = 0.36, p = 0.037 versus r = 0.37, p = 0.027, respectively), whereas triglyceride had a negative correlation (r = ‐0.34, p = 0.046). In group 2, the only significant correlation with leptin was BMI (r = 0.41, p = 0.02). Leptin was also significantly lower in 17 subjects with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus than in 18 well‐controlled diabetics (33.54±15.82 ng/ml versus 44.61±17.54 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.038).Conclusion: Since leptin is lower in obese women with diabetes than without diabetes and additionally it is even lower in the poorly controlled diabetes subgroup, we think that further studies are required to make clear the issue for lower leptin levels, whether it is a reason or an outcome.
Influence of serotonin on the analgesic effect of granisetron on temporomandibular joint arthritis
Authors: Voog Ülle , Alstergren Per , Leibur Edvitar , Kallikorm Riina , Kopp Sigvard 
Published: January 2005

THE influence of circulating serotonin (5‐HT) on the effects of intra‐articular administration of granisetron on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain was investigated in 11 patients with chronic polyarthritides. An analgesic effect superior to placebo has been shown previously.The change in TMJ movement pain intensity was negatively correlated to circulating 5‐HT; that is, the higher the 5‐HT before injection, the greater the reduction of pain intensity. The resting pain intensity reduction was not related to 5‐HT.In conclusion, this study indicates a stronger short‐term analgesic effect on TMJ movement pain by intra‐articular administration of the 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist granisetron in patients with high levels of circulating 5‐HT.
The identification of family members’ contribution to patients’ care in the intensive care unit: a naturalistic inquiry
Authors: Williams Caroline MA 
Published: January 2005

Summary• The admission of a patient to an intensive care unit (ICU) is recognized as being a stressful experience for their families• Many studies have focused on the needs of families within ICU, but few have highlighted the unique contribution that family members make towards patient care and recovery• Using a naturalistic approach, data were collected through observation, video recording, in‐depth interviewing and reflective video analysis to explore the processes and factors underpinning families’ contribution to patient care• The findings can be grouped into three themes: getting to know the patient through the family, family contribution to care and the nurses’ role in supporting families of ICU patients• Families can have a very positive influence on the patient's care and recovery from ICU, but both the family members, and in turn the nursing staff, need to be supported appropriately if this valuable contribution to patient care is to be maximized and maintained
Effects of Holocene climate change on the historical demography of migrating sharp‐shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus velox) in North America
Authors: HULL JOSHUA M. , GIRMAN DEREK J. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractDNA sequences of the mitochondrial control region were analysed from 298 individual sharp‐shinned hawks (Accipiter striatus velox) sampled at 12 different migration study sites across North America. The control region proved to be an appropriate genetic marker for identification of continental‐scale population genetic structure and for determining the historical demography of population units. These data suggest that sharp‐shinned hawks sampled at migration sites in North America are divided into distinct eastern and western groups. The eastern group appears to have recently expanded in response to the retreat of glacial ice at the end of the last glacial maximum. The western group appears to have been strongly effected by the Holocene Hypsithermal dry period, with molecular evidence indicating the most recent expansion following this mid‐Holocene climatic event 7000–5000 years before present.
Impact of oilseed rape expressing the insecticidal serine protease inhibitor, mustard trypsin inhibitor‐2 on the beneficial predator Pterostichus madidus
Authors: FERRY N. , JOUANIN L. , CECI L. R. , MULLIGAN E. A. , EMAMI K. , GATEHOUSE J. A. , GATEHOUSE A. M. R. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractInsect‐resistant transgenic plants have been suggested to have deleterious effects on beneficial predators feeding on crop pests, through transmission of the transgene product by the pest to the predator. To test this hypothesis, effects of oilseed rape expressing the serine protease inhibitor, mustard trypsin inhibitor −2 (MTI‐2), on the predatory ground beetle Pterostichus madidus were investigated, using diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella as the intermediary pest species. As expected, oilseed rape expressing MTI‐2 had a deleterious effect on the development and survival of the pest. However, incomplete pest mortality resulted in survivors being available to predators at the next trophic level, and inhibition studies confirmed the presence of biologically active transgene product in pest larvae. Characterization of proteolytic digestive enzymes of P. madidus demonstrated that adults utilize serine proteases with trypsin‐like and chymotrypsin‐like specificities; the former activity was completely inhibited by MTI‐2 in vitro. When P. madidus consumed prey reared on MTI‐2 expressing plants over the reproductive period in their life cycle, no significant effects upon survival were observed as a result of exposure to the inhibitor. However, there was a short‐term significant inhibition of weight gain in female beetles fed unlimited prey containing MTI‐2, with a concomitant reduction of prey consumption. Biochemical analyses showed that the inhibitory effects of MTI‐2 delivered via prey on gut proteolysis in the carabid decreased with time of exposure, possibly resulting from up‐regulation of inhibitor‐insensitive proteases. Of ecological significance, consumption of MTI‐2 dosed prey had no detrimental effects on reproductive fitness of adult P. madidus.
Mating patterns and gene flow in the neotropical epiphytic orchid, Laelia rubescens
Authors: TRAPNELL D. W. , HAMRICK J. L. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractUnderstanding mating patterns and gene movement in plant populations occupying highly disturbed landscapes is essential for insights into their long‐term survival. We used allozyme genetic markers to examine mating patterns and to directly measure pollen flow in the Central American epiphytic orchid, Laelia rubescens. Study populations were located in disturbed, seasonally dry tropical forest in Costa Rica. Every flowering individual within 15 populations and 12–18 seedlings from each maternal individual were genotyped over two reproductive seasons. Strict correlated mating by orchids produces full‐sib progeny arrays from which the multilocus diploid genotype of the pollen parent can be inferred. These paternity analyses produced detailed quantitative estimates of pollen movement within and among populations of this species. Although our data illustrate that mating patterns vary spatially and temporally among trees, among pastures, and between years, overall patterns were surprisingly consistent. Thirty‐four per cent of the capsules produced in both years resulted from gene flow events. Where pollen parents were identified, pollen moved mean distances of 279 m and 519 m in 1999 and 2000 respectively and a maximum documented distance of 1034 m. A substantially larger floral display in 2000 corresponded to a marked increase in pollen dispersal distances. Smaller populations, which more closely resembled those in undisturbed forest, had higher rates of gene flow than the large populations that characterize disturbed sites. We predict the occurrence of greater gene flow between low‐density populations occupying undisturbed habitats.
Genetic diversity in perennial ryegrass and white clover among old Dutch grasslands as compared to cultivars and nature reserves
Authors: VAN TREUREN R. , BAS N. , GOOSSENS P. J. , JANSEN J. , VAN SOEST L. J. M. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractTo support conservation policies for old Dutch grasslands that are still in agricultural use, morphological variation and AFLP‐based (amplified fragment length polymorphism‐based) genetic diversity was studied in perennial ryegrass and white clover populations and compared with the diversity in reference varieties. In addition, AFLP variation was also studied in grasslands located in nature reserves. From principal component analysis (PCA), it appeared that date of ear emergence in perennial ryegrass and characters related to plant vigour in white clover were the main morphological characters separating the reference varieties from the old Dutch grassland populations, and some of the grassland populations from each other. In both species, intrapopulation variation was lower for the reference varieties. Lower heterogeneity within the reference varieties was also found in the AFLP analysis. All common AFLP's observed in old Dutch grasslands could also be found in the reference varieties and nature reserves. Only a small number of low‐frequency alleles found in old Dutch grasslands were absent from the other two groups. However, band frequencies of markers could vary considerably between populations, which may have been caused by selection. Analysis of the AFLP data by PCA distinguished the majority of reference varieties from the old Dutch grasslands, and showed genetic differentiation only between some grasslands. Comparison of old Dutch grasslands with grasslands in nature reserves indicated that basically the same range of genetic variation is covered by the two groups. Our study indicates that the Netherlands harbour a more or less continuous population for major parts of the diversity of perennial ryegrass and white clover. It was concluded that no specific conservation measures are presently needed to maintain genetic diversity of perennial ryegrass and white clover occurring in old Dutch grasslands.
On the ubiquity and phylogeny ofWolbachiain lice
Authors: KYEI‐POKU G. K. , COLWELL D. D. , COGHLIN P. , BENKEL B. , FLOATE K. D. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractWolbachiaare intracellular bacteria that occur in an estimated 20% of arthropod species. They are of broad interest because they profoundly affect the reproductive fitness of diverse host taxa. Here we document the apparent ubiquity and diversity ofWolbachiain the insect orders Anoplura (sucking lice) and Mallophaga (chewing lice), by detecting single or multiple infections in each of 25 tested populations of lice, representing 19 species from 15 genera spanning eight taxonomic families. Phylogenetic analyses indicate a high diversity ofWolbachiain lice, as evidenced by the identification of 39 unique strains. Some of these strains are apparently unique to lice, whereas others are similar to strains that infect other insect taxa.Wolbachiaare transmitted from infected females to their offspring via egg cyto‐plasm, such that similar species of lice are predicted to have similar strains ofWolbachia. This predicted pattern is not supported in the current study and may reflect multiple events of recent horizontal transmission between host species. At present, there is no known mechanism that would allow for this latter mode of transmission to and within species of lice.
Loneliness and social adaptation in Brazilian, Canadian, Chinese and Italian children: a multi‐national comparative study
Authors: Chen Xinyin , He Yunfeng , Oliveira Ana Maria De , Coco Alida Lo , Zappulla Carla , Kaspar Violet , Schneider Barry , Valdivia Ibis Alvarez , Tse Hennis Chi‐Hang , DeSouza Amanda 
Published: January 2005

Background:  Research on children's loneliness has been conducted mostly in Western, especially North American, cultures. The purpose of the study was to examine relations between loneliness and social adaptation among children and adolescents in four different societies.Methods:  A total of 2263 children from grade 3 to grade 6, aged 9 to 12 years, in Brazil, Canada, P. R. China, and Southern Italy participated in the study. The participants completed a self‐report measure of loneliness. Information about social behaviors and peer relationships was obtained from peer assessments.Results:  Multi‐group analyses revealed that the overall patterns of relations among social behaviors, peer relationships and loneliness differed across the samples. Specifically, sociability was positively associated with peer relationships and made negative indirect contributions to loneliness through peer relationships in all four samples. Aggression made significant indirect contributions to the prediction of loneliness in Chinese children, but not in other samples. Shyness‐sensitivity was associated with loneliness directly in Brazilian and Italian children and indirectly through peer relationships in Canadian children, but not associated with loneliness in Chinese children.Conclusions:  The results suggest that the nature of children's loneliness may be affected by the broad socio‐cultural context.
A new social communication intervention for children with autism: pilot randomised controlled treatment study suggesting effectiveness
Authors: Aldred Catherine , Green Jonathan , Adams Catherine 
Published: January 2005

Background:  Psychosocial treatments are the mainstay of management of autism in the UK but there is a notable lack of a systematic evidence base for their effectiveness. Randomised controlled trial (RCT) studies in this area have been rare but are essential because of the developmental heterogeneity of the disorder. We aimed to test a new theoretically based social communication intervention targeting parental communication in a randomised design against routine care alone.Methods:  The intervention was given in addition to existing care and involved regular monthly therapist contact for 6 months with a further 6 months of 2‐monthly consolidation sessions. It aimed to educate parents and train them in adapted communication tailored to their child's individual competencies. Twenty‐eight children with autism were randomised between this treatment and routine care alone, stratified for age and baseline severity. Outcome was measured at 12 months from commencement of intervention, using standardised instruments.Results:  All cases studied met full Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) criteria for classical autism. Treatment and controls had similar routine care during the study period and there were no study dropouts after treatment had started. The active treatment group showed significant improvement compared with controls on the primary outcome measure – Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) total score, particularly in reciprocal social interaction – and on secondary measures of expressive language, communicative initiation and parent–child interaction. Suggestive but non‐significant results were found in Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (Communication Sub‐domain) and ADOS stereotyped and restricted behaviour domain.Conclusions:  A Randomised Treatment Trial design of this kind in classical autism is feasible and acceptable to patients. This pilot study suggests significant additional treatment benefits following a targeted (but relatively non‐intensive) dyadic social communication treatment, when compared with routine care. The study needs replication on larger and independent samples. It should encourage further RCT designs in this area.
Practitioner Review: Stress intervention for parents of children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Hastings Richard P. , Beck Alexandra 
Published: January 2005

Background:  Parents of children with intellectual disabilities are at increased risk for stress and other mental health problems. The purpose of the present review is to consider the evidence base for psychological intervention to remediate stress in these parents.Methods:  A selective review of interventions designed to reduce stress in parents of children with intellectual disabilities, with a focus on group interventions that incorporate various cognitive behavioural techniques.Results:  Research evidence suggests that standard service models (e.g., respite care, case management) probably help to reduce parental stress. The strongest evidence base is for cognitive behavioural group interventions, especially for the reduction of stress in mothers. Some data also indicate the potential value of parent‐led support networks.Conclusions:  More research and clinical development are needed to establish a firmer evidence base for stress interventions with parents of children with intellectual disabilities. There are also a number of potential practical implications of reducing parental stress for maximising the efficacy of general parent training interventions and also behavioural programmes for children's challenging behaviours.
Catalysing Events, Think Tanks and American Foreign Policy Shifts: A Comparative Analysis of the Impacts of Pearl Harbor 1941 and 11 September 2001
Authors: Parmar Inderjeet 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe American aggression in Iraq and the campaign in Afghanistan resulted from the 11 September 2001 attacks in the US. 9/11 has had a massive, catalysing effect on the American public, press, main political parties and official foreign policy makers. This article assesses the impact of 9/11 in changing US foreign policy and especially in creating a new foreign policy establishment by comparing it to the consequences of an historical military attack on the United States – Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941. It concludes that there is adequate evidence to suggest that a new bipartisan foreign policy consensus/establishment has emerged.