bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leflunomide in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. An analysis of predictors for treatment continuation
Authors: Van Roon E. N. , Hoekstra M. , Tobi H. , Jansen T. L. TH. A. , Bernelot Moens H. J. , Brouwers J. R. B. J. , Van De Laar M. A. F. J. 
Published: August 2005

AimsTo determine factors predictive for leflunomide drug survival in an outpatient population with rheumatoid arthritis in a setting of care‐as‐usual.MethodsA standard dataset was collected from medical records of consecutive outpatients on leflunomide treatment for rheumatoid arthritis between January 2000 and June 2003. The dataset consisted of patient, disease and treatment characteristics at the start of leflunomide treatment, and data on leflunomide use.ResultsLeflunomide was started in 279 patients and 173 patients (62.0%) withdrew from treatment during follow‐up. From univariate analysis, concomitant systemic corticosteroid use [hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval) 1.35 (1.00, 1.83)] and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate <35 mm h−1[HR 1.38 (1.01, 1.88)] at start of leflunomide were found to be predictive for better leflunomide survival. Furthermore, the attending rheumatologist was correlated with leflunomide drug survival. Hazard ratios varied, depending on the individual rheumatologist, from 0.60 to 2.66. Multivariate analysis suggested attending rheumatologist (HR varying from 0.54 to 2.30 depending on the individual rheumatologist), concomitant systemic corticosteroid use [HR 1.58 (1.14 2.21)] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate <35 mm h−1[HR 1.42 (1.03, 1.96)] at start of leflunomide to be associated with leflunomide survival.ConclusionsConcomitant systemic corticosteroid use, erythrocyte sedimentation rate at the start of treatment and attending rheumatologist were found to be predictive for leflunomide survival. Information on these predictors at the start of leflunomide therapy may offer information on which patients are at an increased risk of withdrawal from leflunomide. Whether this information leads to optimization of leflunomide treatment outcomes remains to be studied.
Effects of grapefruit juice on the absorption of levothyroxine
Authors: Lilja Jari J. , Laitinen Kalevi , Neuvonen Pertti J. 
Published: August 2005

AimsOur aim was to study the effect of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of levothyroxine.MethodsIn a randomized cross‐over study with two phases, 10 healthy subjects ingested 200 ml grapefruit juice or water (control) three times daily for 2 days. On day 3, a single 600 µg dose of levothyroxine was administered with 200 ml grapefruit juice or water, which was also ingested 1 h before and 1 h after levothyroxine. Serum concentrations of total thyroxine (T4) and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured up to 24 h.ResultsGrapefruit juice decreased slightly (11%; P < 0.01) the maximal increase of T4 concentration after ingestion of levothyroxine from 66.4 nmol l−1 to 59.4 nmol l−1 (95% CI on the difference −11.3, −2.7). The incremental areas under the serum T4 concentration‐time curve (dAUC) during the first 4 and 6 h were also decreased slightly: dAUC(0,4 h) by 13% (P < 0.05), from 195 nmol l−1 h to 169 nmol l−1 h (95% CI −51, −1) and dAUC(0,6 h) by 9% (P = 0.085), from 298 nmol l−1 h to 271 nmol l−1 h (95% CI −58, 4). The decrease in the serum concentration of TSH (1.25 mU l−1) measured 24 h after ingestion of levothyroxine, was not altered by grapefruit juice.ConclusionsGrapefruit juice may slightly delay the absorption of levothyroxine, but it seems to have only a minor effect on its bioavailability. Accordingly, the clinical relevance of the grapefruit juice‐levothyroxine interaction is likely to be small.
Comparative ecology of seed mass in Psychotria (Rubiaceae): within‐ and between‐species effects of seed mass on early performance
Authors: PAZ H. , MAZER S. J. , MARTINEZ‐RAMOS M. 
Published: August 2005

Summary

Experimental field data and interspecific comparative analyses were used to detect effects of seed mass on seedling performance within and among seven species of Psychotria sown in gaps and shaded rainforest sites. In addition we compared the effects of seed mass within and among species to detect concordance between the two ecological scales. We used two comparative methods: phylogenetically independent contrasts and cross‐species correlations.
Among species, we detected weak evidence of a positive correlation between seed mass and the probability of emergence in the shaded forest, and no effects of seed mass in gaps.
Among species, no significant correlations between seed mass and either seedling survival or seedling recruitment were found in any habitat. Other variables specific to each subgenus appear to be more important than seed mass in determining survival in the shaded forest.
There was a negative correlation between seed mass and relative growth rate (RGR) in both habitats. In gaps, small‐seeded taxa exhibited particularly high RGR, compensating for the initial advantages of higher seed mass.
All species studied exhibited recruitment in gaps equal to or higher than that in the shaded forest. However, recruitment success in shaded forest relative to gaps increased with seed mass, indicating a higher affinity for shaded forest among larger‐seeded taxa, but this relationship was only detected using PICS analysis.
6. Correlations between seed mass and seedling mass are similar within and among species, indicating a simple principle of mass transference. In contrast, correlations between seed mass and seedling emergence, seedling survival, seedling recruitment and RGR depend on the scale at which they are observed.
Egg carotenoids in passerine birds introduced to New Zealand: relations to ecological factors, integument coloration and phylogeny
Authors: CASSEY P. , EWEN J. G. , BOULTON R. L. , BLACKBURN T. M. , MØLLER A. P. , BIARD C. , OLSON V. , KARADAS F. 
Published: August 2005

Summary

Carotenoids are a diverse group of organic compounds that function as important antioxidants and immunostimulants and are of particular importance to developing embryos and young birds. In addition, they constitute the majority of yellow to red hues in the integumentary pigments of birds.
We investigated the maternally derived carotenoid concentrations and balances in the yolks of eight European passerine species successfully introduced and abundant in New Zealand. Specifically, we addressed whether variation in maternally derived yolk carotenoids were related to phylogeny, integument coloration, native vs introduced distribution, breeding habitat and laying sequence.
Across species, the concentration and balance of carotenoids deposited in yolks varied significantly. Egg carotenoid concentration was positively associated with the occurrence of male carotenoid pigmented body regions. Carotenoid concentrations differed between agricultural habitat types within New Zealand but not between samples from New Zealand and Europe. Controlling for the differences among species, and among clutches within species, increased egg carotenoid concentrations were significantly associated with decreasing fresh egg mass and eggs laid earlier in the laying sequence.
We conclude that variability in the concentration and balance of carotenoids deposited in the egg yolk imply different relative roles for ecological and phylogenetic factors that warrant further investigation, both within and across species.
Functional linkages between leaf traits and net photosynthetic rate: reconciling empirical and mechanistic models
Authors: SHIPLEY B. , VILE D. , GARNIER E. , WRIGHT I. J. , POORTER H. 
Published: August 2005

Summary

We had two objectives: (i) to determine the generality of, and extend the applicability of, a previously reported empirical relationship between leaf‐level net photosynthetic rate (AM, nmol g−1 s−1), specific leaf area (SLA, m2 kg−1) and leaf nitrogen mass fraction (NM, mmol g−1); and (ii) to compare these empirical results with a mechanistic model of photosynthesis in order to provide a mechanistic justification for the empirical pattern.
Our results were based on both literature and original data. There were a total of 160 and 87 data points for the leaf‐level and whole‐plant data, respectively.
Our multiple regression for single leaves was ln(AM) = 0·66 + 0·71 ln(SLA) + 0·79 ln(NM), r2 = −0·80; only the intercept (0·11) differed for the whole‐plant data. These results are not significantly different from previously published relationships.
We then converted the mechanistic model of Evans and Poorter, and a modified version which includes leaf lamina thickness (T) and leaf dry matter (tissue) concentration (CM), into directed acyclic graphs. We then derived reduced graphs that involved only T, CM, SLA, NM and AM. These were tested using structural equation modelling, with measured lamina thickness (T′) and leaf dry matter ratio (LDMR, g dry mass g−1 fresh mass) as indicators of T and CM. The original Evans–Poorter model was rejected, but the modified version fitted the structural relationships well. The same qualitative models also applied to the whole‐plant data, although the path coefficients sometimes differed.
Using simulations, we show that the original Evans–Poorter model predicts a positive correlation between SLA and NM that maximizes AM. The data closely follow this predicted relationship. The correlation between the actual values of AM (standardized units) and the predicted values obtained from the modified Evans–Poorter model was 0·74 and increased to 0·82 once three outlier points were removed.
These results provide a mechanistic explanation for the empirical trends relating leaf form and carbon fixation, and predict that SLA and leaf N must be quantitatively co‐ordinated to maximize C fixation.
Variation in pollination performance gradients in a Dudleya species complex: can generalization promote floral divergence?
Authors: AIGNER P. A. 
Published: August 2005

Summary

Adaptive floral divergence may evolve in plants that are generalized for pollination when geographic variation in pollinator assemblages produces a mosaic of phenotypic optima. Within a Dudleya species complex, I estimated the relationship between pollination success and floral phenotype at four sites, and asked whether this relationship depended on the composition of the pollinator assemblage.
Flowers were visited by hummingbirds and insects (primarily bees), and the frequency of visitors varied among sites and between years. In 2000, pollination success did not depend on floral phenotype, but in 2001 visitation by hummingbirds increased, and flowers that were longer, produced more nectar, and had more inserted stigmas received more pollen.
An independent experiment with hummingbirds confirmed a positive relationship between pollination success and these floral traits, which was due in part to a hummingbird visitation preference for longer, more rewarding flowers.
The absence of a trade‐off in obtaining service from insects vs birds suggests that variation in pollination environment will not promote floral divergence in Dudleya. However, if longer, more rewarding flowers incur metabolic costs, then the difference between insects and birds as agents of selection on floral function may be sufficient to generate trade‐offs in total fitness.
Seed dispersal by small herbivores and tidal water: are they important filters in the assembly of salt‐marsh communities?
Authors: CHANG E. R. , ZOZAYA E. L. , KUIJPER D. P. J. , BAKKER J. P. 
Published: August 2005

Summary

Characteristics of internal seed dispersal (endozoochory) by European Brown Hares were compared with similar dispersal by Brent Geese. Hares deposited more seeds of mid‐successional, perennial, high‐marsh species than did geese, which deposited more seeds of early successional, annual, low‐marsh species.
Seed survival and germination of salt‐marsh species were higher after ingestion and passage through the digestive system of hares compared with geese. Both hares and geese had a negative effect on the percentage of seeds that germinated in comparison with uningested seeds.
Small herbivores (hares and geese) dispersed two orders of magnitude fewer seeds than those dispersed by tidal water.
Thus these herbivores are not likely to be important filters (constraints) in community assembly at this salt‐marsh site on a coastal island in the Netherlands.
Sensitivity analysis of the tree distribution model Phenofitto climatic input characteristics: implications for climate impact assessment
Authors: Morin Xavier , Chuine Isabelle 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSpecies distributions are already affected by climate change. Forecasting their long‐term evolution requires models with thoroughly assessed validation. Our aim here is to demonstrate that the sensitivity of such models to climate input characteristics may complicate their validation and introduce uncertainties in their predictions. In this study, we conducted a sensitivity analysis of a process‐based tree distribution model Phenofitto climate input characteristics. This analysis was conducted for two North American trees which differ greatly in their distribution and eight different types of climate input for the historic period which differ in their spatial (local or gridded data) and temporal (daily vs. monthly) resolution as well as their type (locally recorded, extrapolated or simulated by General Circulation Models). We show that the climate data resolution (spatial and temporal) and their type, highly affect the model predictions. The sensitivity analysis also revealed, the importance, for global climate change impact assessment, of (i) the daily variability of temperatures in modeling the biological processes shaping species distribution, (ii) climate data at high latitudes and elevations and (iii) climate data with high spatial resolution.
Cytokeratin 7 and 20 expression in intestinal metaplasia of the distal oesophagus: relationship to gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Shearer C , Going J , Neilson L , Mackay C , Stuart R C 
Published: August 2005

Aims : Intestinal metaplasia and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease typify classical Barrett's oesophagus. Cytokeratin (CK) 7 and 20 phenotypes differentiate intestinal metaplasia in long segment Barrett's oesophagus from gastric intestinal metaplasia. This study examines the relationship between CK7/20 phenotypes and reflux disease in intestinal metaplasia of the distal oesophagus.Methods and results : Eighty patients with oesophageal pH studies included 30 with long segment Barrett's, 16 with short segment Barrett's and 34 with intestinal meatplasia of the gastro‐oesophageal junction. Representative biopsy specimens were immunostained for CK7 and CK20. All 30 long segment patients demonstrated a Barrett's CK7/20 phenotype. All nine short segment patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux had a Barrett's CK7/20 phenotype, while four of seven short segment patients without reflux had a gastric CK7/20 phenotype (P = 0.019). Of 14 patients with intestinal metaplasia of the gastro‐oesophageal junction and reflux, 10 (71%) had a Barrett's CK7/20 phenotype, compared with 11 (55%) of the 20 non‐reflux patients.Conclusions : CK7/20 immunoreactivity for patients with intestinal metaplasia of the distal oesophagus without long segment Barrett's oesophagus suggests a heterogeneous group, with an association between Barrett's CK7/20 pattern and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in both short segment Barrett's and intestinal metaplasia of the gastro‐oesophageal junction.
Pinus cembra L. (arolla pine), a common tree in the inner French Alps since the early Holocene and above the present tree line: a synthesis based on charcoal data from soils and travertines
Authors: Ali Adam A. , Carcaillet Christopher , Talon Brigitte , Roiron Paul , Terral Jean‐Frédéric 
Published: August 2005

AbstractAim  In this study, charcoal‐based data for Pinus cembra L. (arolla pine) were gathered from soil and travertine sequences in order to reconstruct its historical biogeography at the landscape level in the inner western Alps during the Holocene.Location  The study sites are located between 1700 and 2990 m a.s.l., in the southern (Queyras Massif and Ubaye Valley) and the northern (Maurienne Valley) parts of the inner French Alps.Methods  Charcoal fragments were extracted from sediments by water sieving, using meshes of 5, 2, 0.8 and 0.4 mm. The charcoal mass of P. cembra was determined in each charcoal assemblage. Accelerator mass spectrometry and conventional 14C measurements were used to date the fragments.Results  Supported by 40 14C datings, the fragments show that, over 2000 m a.s.l., P. cembra accounts for around 40% (mean value) of identified fragments. Data reveal that arolla pine once extended between 260 and 375 m above the present‐day local tree lines. It was established in the southern and the northern French Alps from at least c. 9000 and 6000 cal yr bp, respectively.Main conclusions  While present‐day populations of P. cembra are very fragmented in the inner French Alps, charcoal records indicate large past occurrences of this tree since the early Holocene. Human disturbance since the Neolithic seems to be the main reason for the regression of the arolla pine woodlands. On the south‐facing slopes of the study sites, currently deforested, this species extended up to 2800 m a.s.l. In the northern areas, charcoal records of the P. cembra expansion are consistent with the regional pollen archives, but in the southern massifs charcoal records indicate its presence c. 2600 years earlier than other palaeobotanical studies suggest. This discrepancy highlights the necessity to crosscheck data using several different proxies in order to assess the validity of conclusions regarding tree development in space and time.
Swiss Atherothrombosis Survey: a field report on the occurrence of symptomatic and asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease
Authors: HAYOZ D. , BOUNAMEAUX H. , CANOVA C. R. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract.Objectives.  To investigate the Ankle/Brachial Pressure Index (ABI) for its suitability in daily practice to identify patients at atherothrombotic risk. To collect data on the prevalence of atherothrombotic events [coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA)], of ‘hidden’ (asymptomatic) versus ‘known’ (symptomatic) peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and treatment in the general practice population.Design.  Field survey from everyday Swiss practice. On five consecutive workdays, 276 doctors documented all patients, recording gender, age, history of atherothrombotic events, risk factors and family history. In the case of a previous stroke/TIA and/or CAD, or two or more risk factors were present at age >55, the ABI was determined. A total of 25 351 patients were included and 3921 ABI measurements were performed in eligible patients.Setting.  Practices of primary care doctors.Participants.  All patients who visited one of the 276 participating doctors on one of five consecutive workdays were included in the survey.Intervention.  Data recording and measurement of the ABI on those patients who qualified.Results.  Of the patients 3.7% had symptomatic PAD. An additional 2.7% of hitherto asymptomatic patients were identified as being at high atherothrombotic risk by having an ABI value <0.9. Exactly 93.9% of the participating doctors considered the ABI measurement easy to incorporate into the diagnostic routine of patients presenting with risk factors.Conclusions.  The ABI measurement is an easy‐to‐use, noninvasive and reliable means to identify patients at risk of atherothrombotic events. Identification of asymptomatic PAD leads to intensified targeted prophylactic atherothrombotic treatment that can reduce morbidity and mortality.
A dichotomous epigenetic mechanism governs expression of the LlaJI restriction/modification system
Authors: O'Driscoll Jonathan , Fitzgerald Gerald F. , van Sinderen Douwe 
Published: August 2005

SummaryThe LlaJI restriction/modification (R/M) system is comprised of two 5mC MTase‐encoding genes, llaJIM1 and llaJIM2, and two genes required for restriction  activity, llaJIR1  and llaJIR2.  Here,  we  report the molecular mechanism by which this R/M system is transcriptionally regulated. The recognition sequence for the LlaJI MTases was deduced to be 5′GACGC′3 for M1.LlaJI and 5′GCGTC′3 for M2.LlaJI, thus together constituting an asymmetric complementary recognition site. Two recognition sequences for both LlaJI MTases are present within the LlaJI promoter region, indicative of an epigenetic role. Following in vivo analysis of expression of the LlaJI promoter, we established that both LlaJI MTases were required for complete transcriptional repression. A mutational analysis and DNA binding studies of this promoter revealed that the methylation of two specific cytosines by M2.LlaJI within this region was required to trigger the specific and high affinity binding of M1.LlaJI, which serves to regulate expression of the LlaJI operon. This regulatory system therefore represents the amalgamation of an epigenetic stimulation coupled to the formation of a MTase/repressor:promoter complex.
A randomized controlled trial of the provision of a social support service during pregnancy: the South Manchester Family Worker Project
Authors: SPENCER BRENDA , THOMAS HELEN , MORRIS JANE 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA pilot scheme was introduced in Manchester to provide additional social support to pregnant women at above average risk of giving birth to a low‐birthweight baby. The help of lay workers, known as family workers, was made available to eligible women. The effect on infant birthweight of offering the help of a family worker was assessed by a randomized controlled trial. No significant differences were observed between the experimental and control group, but on a number of grounds the interpretation of this finding is not straightforward, and further research is recommended.
Socio‐economic Status and pregnancy outcome. An Australian study
Authors: MORRISON J. , NAJMAN J. M. , WILLIAMS G. M. , KEEPING J. D. , ANDERSEN M. J. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryA prospective cohort of 8556 pregnant women attending the Mater Misericordiae Mothers' Hospital in Brisbane was examined to consider the impact of socio‐economic Status on pregnancy outcome. The indicators of socio‐economic Status selected were family income, maternal education and paternal occupational Status. Pregnancy out‐comes considered were preterm delivery, low birthweight, low birth‐weight for gestational age, and perinatal death. Subsidiary analyses were also undertaken for Apgar scores, time to establish respiration, need for mechanical respiration and admission to intensive care. Before adjustment, the main consistent association was between the occupational Status of the father and three measures of perinatal morbidity. Initial adjustment for the mother's socio‐demographic background and weight/height ratio reduced the strength and statistical significance of the above associations, while further adjustment for lifestyle variations between the three Status groups further reduced the above associations to marginal statistical significance. The findings suggest that observed dass differences in pregnancy outcome are attributable to the mother's personal characteristics (height/weight2, parity) and her lifestyle.