bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of caspase‐3 and structural changes associated with apoptotic cell death of keratinocytes in oral lichen planus
Authors: Tobón‐Arroyave SI , Villegas‐Acosta FA , Ruiz‐Restrepo SM , Vieco‐Durán B , Restrepo‐Misas M , Londoño‐López ML 
Published: April 2004

Objective:  Apoptosis appears to be the mode of cell death by which damaged cells are removed from the lesional tissue. The aim of this study was to examine keratinocyte apoptosis and caspase‐3 (CPP32) expression in oral lichen planus (OLP).Materials and methods:  Paraffin‐embedded samples of OLP (n = 30) and normal oral mucosa (NOM; n = 5) were prepared for haematoxylin–eosin (H & E), immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The number of apoptotic cells and the proportion of total cells that were either apoptotic (apoptotic index; AI) or mitotic (mitotic index; MI) were assessed in H & E stained sections. An immunostaining‐intensity‐distribution index (IIDI; proportion of stained cells × staining intensity) was used to assess CPP32 immunoreactivity.Results:  Results showed a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells in OLP (P < 0.001). In OLP, all apoptotic bodies were found in the basal and prickle epithelial layers. Compared with NOM, the AI was significantly greater in atrophic (P < 0.05), reticular (P < 0.001) and plaque‐like (P < 0.01) OLP. The MI was significantly greater in plaque‐like OLP (P < 0.01). The proportion of CPP32‐positive cells and the IIDI were significantly greater in all forms of OLP compared with NOM (P < 0.05). No difference in CPP32 expression was evident between clinical forms of OLP. Electron microscopy confirmed the light microscopic finding of apoptosis.Conclusion:  Keratinocyte apoptosis and caspase‐3 expression co‐localized to the basal and parabasal epithelial layers, suggesting that proliferating epithelial cells may be targeted for destruction in OLP. Differences in epithelial AI and MI may underlie the various clinical and histological appearances of OLP.
Pelican: pedigree editor for linkage computer analysis
Authors: Dudbridge Frank , Carver Tim , Williams Gary W. 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Summary: Linkage analysis software requires an input text file that describes the structure of the pedigrees to be analysed. Manual creation of these files is tedious and error-prone, and a graphical input tool is desirable. This is currently only available in commercial packages that include much greater functionality. We have therefore developed Pelican, a lightweight graphical pedigree editor for rapid construction of linkage pedigree files and diagrams.
Availability: The software runs on any Java-enabled machine (version 1.2 or higher). A Java Web Start launch, class files, a demonstration applet, source code and documentation are freely available at http://www.rfcgr.mrc.ac.uk/Software/PELICAN/
INCA: synonymous codon usage analysis and clustering by means of self-organizing map
Authors: Supek Fran , Vlahoviček Kristian 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
Summary: INteractive Codon usage Analysis (INCA) provides an array of features useful in analysis of synonymous codon usage in whole genomes. In addition to computing codon frequencies and several usage indices, such as ‘codon bias’, effective Nc and CAI, the primary strength of INCA has numerous options for the interactive graphical display of calculated values, thus allowing visual detection of various trends in codon usage. Finally, INCA includes a specific unsupervised neural network algorithm, the self-organizing map, used for gene clustering according to the preferred utilization of codons.
Availability: INCA is available for the Win32 platform and is free of charge for academic use. For details, visit the web page http://www.bioinfo-hr.org/inca or contact the author directly.
Supplementary information: Software is accompanied with a user manual and a short tutorial.
Proletarianization in the Industrial Revolution: Regionalism and Kinship in the Labour Markets of the British Coal Industry from the Seventeenth to the Nineteenth Centuries
Authors: Langton John 
Published: March 2004

Were labour markets highly segmented or well integrated in the past?  Do they become better integrated over time as modem economic growth unfolds?  These are important questions.(Hatton and Williamson 1993, 89)Profits depend on successful responses to prices in commodity and factor markets, which did not exist before capitalism. Entrepreneurs are most likely to succeed if they operate in perfect markets. In the labour market this requires flexibility: the capacity to treat labour like a commodity, hiring and firing atomized individuals in numbers and at wages appropriate to prices in other markets. Flexible labour supplies characterized periods of rapid economic growth in history. However, labour proletarianization was historically and geographically varied. Even in principle, because labour is not a true commodity, the market on which it is supplied must be imperfect. In practice, imperfections were massive in the coal industry in the industrial revolution because pre‐existing workers' cultural traits survived and evolved. A range of examples shows that this ensured wide regional variations in the responses of heavily segmented labour markets as coal output grew, which ramified into other segments of regional labour markets. A more detailed case study shows that south‐west Lancashire colliers controlled recruitment through family labour groups and kinship networks; labour was not available in atomized units. Women miners made the region's labour market distinctive, with marked cultural and political effects beyond the coal industry and that region. Because it brought rapid demographic growth, family labour recruitment aided the expansion of production. It ensured a large reserve army if growth slowed, even if demand for labour was rising outside mining. Although it did not promote technological innovation and therefore increased wages and profits in the long run, this imperfect labour market initially benefited development by providing a particular kind of labour‐market flexibility in the coal industry.
Expression of β‐defensins in gingival health and in periodontal disease
Authors: Bissell John , Joly Sophie , Johnson Georgia K. , Organ Connie C. , Dawson Deborah , B. McCray Paul , Guthmiller Janet M. 
Published: April 2004

Background:  Human β‐defensins (HBDs) are epithelial‐derived antimicrobial peptides. The expression of three HBDs (HBD‐1, HBD‐2, and HBD‐3) has been reported in oral mucosa, gingiva, and salivary glands. However, their role in protection against oral infections is not well understood. This study examined the expression of HBD‐1, HBD‐2, and HBD‐3 mRNAs in gingival health and periodontal disease.Methods:  Gingival tissue discarded from periodontal procedures was obtained from 20 periodontally healthy and 29 periodontally diseased sites. Total RNA was isolated, and expression of β‐defensins was analyzed by both 35‐cycle and semiquantitative (25‐cycle) reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The level of expression was assigned ordinal scores of no expression, low expression, or high expression. mRNA expression was compared between healthy and diseased groups using exact tests of homogeneity and Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests; associations among the variables were assessed using exact tests and Kendall's tau‐b statistic.Results:  All 49 samples demonstrated basal mRNA expression of HBD‐1, HBD‐2, and HBD‐3. Significantly higher levels of HBD‐3 (P = 0.012) expression were found in the healthy tissues as compared to the diseased ones. There was also a suggestion of higher expression of HBD‐2 in the healthy tissues (P = 0.12). Levels of HBD‐1, HBD‐2, and HBD‐3 mRNA expression were correlated with one another (P < 0.001).Conclusions:  High levels of HBD‐3 mRNA expression in healthy tissues suggest a potentially important protective role for defensins in the host immune response to infection by periodontal pathogens.
Advances in the conservation of British mammals, 1954–2004: 50 years of progress with The Mammal Society
Authors: FLOWERDEW John R. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACT1. The Mammal Society was established in 1954 to link amateurs and professionals in promoting the study of mammals. It now directly assists British conservation science, and has fostered The British Deer Society, the National Federation of Badger Groups, The Bat Conservation Trust, the Ungulate Research Group and Sea Watch Foundation. The Society also has strong links with the Zoological Society of London, the Vincent Wildlife Trust and the People's Trust for Endangered Species/Mammals Trust UK, as well as with many other non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and statutory bodies.2. The Mammal Society provides fora for discussion, scientific symposia, mammal publications, and practical studies. It has also instigated major advances in the presentation of scientific knowledge through three editions ofThe Handbook of British Mammalsunder three successive editors: H.N. Southern, G.B. Corbet and S. Harris.3. From the 1970s the Society has highlighted conservation concerns (e.g. the decline of otters and persecution and management of badgers), informed legislation, supported many surveys, including harvest mice, pine marten, polecat, small rodents, hares, yellow‐necked mice and foxes, and published authoritative species’ accounts, guides to methodology,Mammal Review,Notes/Communications from The Mammal Society, the annualCurrent Projects on British Mammalsand other scientific and educational material.4. Country‐wide mammal recording and training (Look Out for Mammals) developed in the 1990s alongside the Endangered British Mammals Fund. The ‘ground breaking’A Red Data Book for British Mammals, andA Review of British Mammals, both drew on Mammal Society expertise, helping to meet the UK Government's conservation responsibilities and emphasizing the growing influence of The Society. Co‐operative monitoring has been developed with the British Trust for Ornithology through the Winter Mammal Monitoring scheme and is further projected with more than 20 NGOs and statutory bodies forming the ‘Tracking Mammals Partnership’.5. The Mammal Society now advises on UK Biodiversity Action Plans and plays a lead role in UK mammal conservation, highlighting problems and promoting solutions. However, many British mammals are still declining, many are neither legally protected nor subject to national conservation initiatives, and data are still lacking on the status of many terrestrial and most marine species. Much has been done, but there is still much to do.
Could we live with reintroduced large carnivores in the UK?
Authors: WILSON CHARLES J. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACT 1. Literature on the wolf Canis lupus, brown bear Ursus arctos and lynx Lynx lynx is reviewed to determine if sufficient semi‐natural habitat exists in the UK for a viable population of any of these species and to assess the potential risks to human safety, livestock and economically valuable wildlife. Public attitudes to the recovery and reintroduction of some other mammals are also briefly reviewed. 2. The large home range sizes and low population densities of large carnivores mean that the Scottish Highlands is the only UK region with the potential to support a viable population. Human population density is also lower in the Highlands and the density of wild ungulate prey higher than in many parts of Europe where large carnivores survive. 3. Attacks on people have been recorded in Europe for healthy bears and for rabid bears and wolves but there are no reports of attacks by lynx. Bears are more carnivorous in the north of their range than in the south and although wild mammals seldom appear to be important prey serious predation of livestock can occur. Livestock predation is also reported for the wolf and the lynx but they appear to prefer wild prey if available. However, mass kills of up to 100 or more sheep are occasionally recorded for wolves. 4. Attitudes to reintroductions and carnivores generally tend to be favourable amongst the general public, but negative amongst those most likely to be adversely affected. Fears for human safety and significant livestock predation with bears and wolves, respectively, suggest that reintroduction of these species is unlikely to be acceptable in the foreseeable future. Reintroduction of the lynx may be feasible but habitat suitability and potential impact on vulnerable native wildlife need to be assessed. Socio‐economic and legal issues also need to be addressed before such a reintroduction is considered.
The potential interplay of posture, digestive anatomy, density of ingesta and gravity in mammalian herbivores: why sloths do not rest upside down
Authors: CLAUSS MARCUS 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACT 1. The interaction between the density of ingesta and gravity observed in the digestive systems of ruminant herbivores should receive attention in other non‐ruminant herbivorous mammals. The resting postures adopted by non‐ruminants are of particular interest. 2. A new interpretation of established findings regarding the digestive tract of sloths illustrates that the interplay of posture, anatomy, the density of ingesta and gravity can provide a novel explanation of behavioural and morphological adaptations in herbivores, as the average particle size and dry‐matter content increases within their forestomach from its caudal towards its cranial portion. In sloths, this could be indicative of a stratification of ingesta occurring in the upright sitting posture adopted while resting, as opposed to their characteristic upside down posture when moving. 3. The sitting resting posture of sloths could therefore be an adaptation to exploit the tendency of the forestomach contents to stratify in order to pass larger, more difficult‐to‐digest particles faster from the fermentation chamber.
Distribution and population density of badgers Meles meles in Luxembourg
Authors: SCHLEY L. , SCHAUL M. , ROPER T. J. 
Published: March 2004

ABSTRACT 1. The distribution and density of Eurasian badgers Meles meles in Luxembourg was estimated by gathering information about the location of badger setts with a questionnaire survey, by visiting 708 setts in order to classify them as ‘main setts’ or ‘outliers’, and by estimating social group size by directly counting emerging badgers. 2. Badgers were found to be widely distributed in Luxembourg, with a minimum main sett density of 0.17 setts/km2. Setts were sited preferentially in forest habitat. The mean minimum group size was 4.6 badgers. 3. The Luxembourg badger population was conservatively estimated to contain at least 2010 adult and young badgers (95% CI 1674–2347) in spring 2002, equivalent to a density of 0.78 adult and young badgers/km2 (95% CI 0.65–0.91). This is moderate compared to most of continental Europe.
Cyclosporin induces renal proto‐oncogene RNA message and increased transforming growth factor‐β prior to renal fibrosis: Modification by calcium channel blockade in the salt replete rat
Authors: SAGGI SUBODH J , ANDOH TAKESHI F , SAFIRSTEIN ROBERT , BENNETT WILLIAM M 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY:Background:  Chronic cyclosporin (CsA) administration has been shown to result in the replacement of epithelial cells in the kidney with fibrous tissue. These changes are kidney‐specific, as they do not occur in any other organ.Results:  Cyclosporin exposure increases c‐fos and c‐jun mRNA in the rat kidney but not in the liver. Furthermore, chronic CsA exposure causes a further increase in c‐fos and c‐jun mRNA and increases the renal expression of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) mRNA. These changes precede the development of fibrosis. The combined insult of ischaemia and CsA resulted in synergistic increases in c‐fos, suggesting that CsA recruited a pathway for c‐fos activation different from ischaemia. The calcium channel blocker, verapamil, blocked CsA‐induced expression of c‐fos and c‐jun mRNA, and reduced the amount of TGF‐β expression.Conclusion:  These data are consistent with the notion that CsA induces protooncogenes, which may be, at least partially, responsible for long‐term CsA nephrotoxicity.
Effects of long‐term passive smoking on the diameter of glomeruli in rats: Histopathological evaluation
Authors: DÜNDAR MEHMET , KOCAK IZZET , CULHACI NIL 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY:Background and Aims:  Long‐term smoking increases the risk of renal diseases and it also causes the progression of the diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of smoking on glomeruli in healthy rats exposed to long‐term passive smoking for a short period of time after birth.Methods:  Sixty‐five rats were randomly assigned into four groups. Groups 1 (18 males) and 2 (18 females) were exposed to smoke, whereas groups 3 (15 males) and 4 (14 females) were not exposed to smoke. Overall, 130 renal units were evaluated, and diameters of 10 different glomeruli were measured. The renal and bodyweights of the rats were measured.Results:  The diameter of the glomeruli was 95.51 ± 9.25 and 100.91 ± 4.06 µm in groups 1 and 3, respectively (P < 0.05). It was 97.32 ± 4.06 and 98.86 ± 6.25 µm in groups 2 and 4, respectively (P > 0.05). Irrespective of the sex, the diameter of the glomeruli was 96.42 ± 7.15 µm in smokers and 99.92 ± 5.56 µm in non‐smokers (P < 0.05). The renal weights of the male rats affected by smoke were significantly lower than that of those that were not affected by smoke (P < 0.05). Bodyweights of male rats affected by smoke were significantly lower that of those not affected (P < 0.05). There was a weak correlation between the diameter of the glomeruli and the bodyweights of male rats affected by smoke (r = 0.474, P < 0.05).Conclusion:  We conclude that passive smoking might have a negative affect on renal morphometry and body growth.
Acute renal failure associated with Legionella pneumonia and acute cholecystitis
Authors: FUNG ANNIE SC , LEIKIS MURRAY J , McMAHON LAWRENCE P 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY:Background and Aims:  Acute cholecystitis in critically ill patients has a high morbidity and mortality. We observed a number of patients presenting with Legionella pneumonia and acute renal failure who subsequently developed acute cholecystitis. There has previously been no reported association between Legionella pneumonia, renal failure and cholecystitis, prompting this examination of the cases and review of the available literature.Methods:  The Western Hospital patient record discharge codes (DRG) from 1993 to 2001 were searched retrospectively for all cases of Legionella pneumonia or acute renal failure requiring dialysis (ARF) at presentation or during their period of hospitalization. Acute cholecystitis was then included as a cross‐search and results analysed.Results:  Twenty‐six cases of isolated Legionella pneumonia and 112 of ARF were identified with a further 10 having both conditions simultaneously. Of these 10 cases, three were identified as also having acute cholecystitis. The combination of Legionella pneumonia and ARF was associated with an increased risk of acute cholecystitis (P = 0.002) whereas neither condition in isolation demonstrated this association.Conclusions:  Patients with Legionella pneumonia can become critically ill with multiple complications including acute renal failure requiring dialysis. In this setting, they may have an increased risk of developing acute cholecystitis, which clinically can be difficult to ascertain. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion and vigilance.
Incidence and outcome of antiglomerular basement membrane disease in Chinese
Authors: LI FU KEUNG , TSE KAI CHUNG , LAM MAN FAI , YIP TERENCE PS , LUI SING LEUNG , CHAN GAVIN SW , CHAN KWOK WAH , CHAN ERIC YT , CHOY BO YING , LO WAI KEI , CHAN TAK MAO , LAI KAR NENG 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY:Background:  Antiglomerular basement membrane (anti‐GBM) disease is an uncommon disease, especially among Asian population. Many reports and studies on this condition in the Caucasian population are available, but little information exists on anti‐GBM disease in Asians. To study the incidence and clinical characteristics of anti‐GBM disease among Chinese patients, we reviewed our experience of anti‐GBM disease in our hospital (Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong) from 1992 to 2003.Methods:  All patients who were admitted for acute renal impairment, which was caused by crescentic glomerulonephritis associated with linear immunoglobulin G (IgG) staining on immunofluorescence, were included in the analysis. Serum anti‐GBM antibodies were detected by either enzyme‐linked immunofluorescence or indirect immunofluorescence. Ten patients were treated for anti‐GBM disease during this 11‐year period, yielding an incidence of approximately 0.6 cases per million population per year.Results:  In this cohort, anti‐GBM disease predominantly affected older patients (mean age: 58.6 ± 21.7 years). Eight patients were aged between 60 and 80 years and there was a female preponderance (M:F =  2:8). The 1‐year renal and patient survival was 15% (95% CI 0–40%) and 70% (95% CI 42–98%), respectively. Most patients presented with non‐specific symptoms as well as impaired renal function. Detection of anti‐GBM antibody provided a good screening test for the disease. Antiglomerular basement membrane antibodies were not detected in two patients. All but two patients received steroid, cyclophosphamide and intensive plasmapheresis therapy. Haemoptysis occurred in four patients (40%), and usually lagged behind the renal presentation and commencement of treatment. Six patients required long‐term dialysis after the acute disease. Three patients died from the disease, two died from pulmonary complications and one died suddenly after a partial recovery of renal function.Conclusion:  Antiglomerular basement membrane disease is uncommon among the Chinese population. It predominantly affects older patients, and prognosis is poor. Long‐term preservation of renal function after the initial attack is unusual.
Formaldehyde scavenging from peritoneal dialysis solutions using reduced aminothiol compounds
Authors: BIRD STEPHEN D , LEGGE MICHAEL , WALKER ROBERT J 
Published: March 2004

SUMMARY:Background:  Aldehydes were identified in clinical solutions, including peritoneal dialysis (PD) and cryoprotection solutions, which were used to freeze cells, tissues and embryos. Aldehydes are associated with increased cellular injury and may contribute to peritoneal membrane damage that occurs in patients on peritoneal dialysis. Recently, it was demonstrated that aldehydes could be ‘scavenged’ from these solutions by using aminothiol compounds. Although aldehydes were removed during the scavenging process, the kinetics of scavenging and the products formed were not characterized.Methods:  Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to investigate formaldehyde scavenging from an artificial PD solution supplemented with aminothiol compounds, cysteamine or l‐cysteine. Artificial PD solutions were formulated on the basis of commercial PD solutions and consisted of 132 mmol/L NaCl, 0.25 mmol/L MgCl2, 1.25 mmol/L CaCl2, and buffered with lactate (4.0 mmol/L) and lacked d‐glucose. Formaldehyde scavenging was a two‐step process involving an intermediate step followed by the formation of stable thiazolidine compounds. These included the derivatives of cysteamine and l‐cysteine; thiazolidine and thiazolidine‐4‐carboxylic acid, respectively.Conclusion:  Scavenging with aminothiol compounds masked the destructive carbonyl group (C = O) of formaldehyde and formed a compound that has antioxidant properties. The addition of aminothiol compounds may improve the biocompatibility of commercial PD solutions.