bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
E‐cadherin expression in invasive non‐lobular carcinoma of the breast and its prognostic significance
Authors: Rakha E A , Abd El Rehim D , Pinder S E , Lewis S A , Ellis I O 
Published: June 2005

Background : E‐cadherin is a cell adhesion molecule that is expressed in normal breast tissue and is often considered useful as a phenotypic marker in breast cancer diagnosis, with absence of its expression frequently observed in tumours of lobular subtype. However, the clinicopathological and prognostic value of E‐cadherin in the more frequent non‐lobular types of breast carcinoma is unclear.Methods and results : E‐cadherin expression was assessed immunohistochemically in a large and well‐characterized series of invasive non‐lobular breast carcinoma types (n = 1665) with long‐term clinical follow‐up (median 56 months) using tissue microarray technology, to determine the relationship between its expression and primary tumour characteristics and disease outcome. Only membranous expression of E‐cadherin was considered in this study and its expression was categorized as normal (H‐score > 100) or reduced [absent or below the median (score≤100)]. Complete absence of its expression (score = 0) was detected in 7.2% of cases. On univariate analysis, reduced E‐cadherin expression was associated with a reduced disease‐free interval and overall survival and also with indicators of poor prognosis including larger tumour size, higher histological grade, development of distant metastasis and tumours negative for oestrogen receptors. No association between E‐cadherin expression and lymph node status was found. On multivariate analysis, E‐cadherin was an independent predictor of disease‐free interval [hazards ratio (HR) 1.56, 95% confidence intrerval (CI) 1.23, 1.99; P < 0.001] and overall survival (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.09, 2.14; P = 0.013) and there was some evidence that the prognostic value was greater in those with positive lymph nodes (Pinteraction = 0.099).Conclusions : These results suggest that E‐cadherin loss may play a role in progression, development of distant metastasis and recurrence in non‐lobular invasive carcinomas of the breast and its assessment by immunohistochemistry may help in the identification of patients with poor outcomes.
Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of 20 cases of Merkel cell carcinoma in search of prognostic markers
Authors: Llombart B , Monteagudo C , López‐Guerrero J A , Carda C , Jorda E , Sanmartín O , Almenar S , Molina I , Martín J M , Llombart‐Bosch A 
Published: June 2005

Aims: To evaluate the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in an attempt to find new, potentially significant, prognostic markers.Methods and results: Clinical data and follow‐up, histopathological features (pattern, cell size, thickness, mitoses, vascular invasion, lymphocytic infiltration) and immunohistochemical detection [CK20, thyroid transcription factor (TTF‐1), chromogranin A, synaptophysin, p53, Ki67, Fli‐1, CD99, c‐Kit] were evaluated in 20 cases of MCC. Fli‐1 and CD99 were detected in 90% and 55% of cases, respectively. Tumour size > 30 mm, stage II, ‘absent’ lymphocytic infiltration, and the presence of > 50% of Ki67+ tumour cells, were found to be prognostic indicators of disease‐free interval (DFI), but only ‘absent’ lymphocytic infiltration constituted an independent prognostic factor of DFI after multivariate analysis. For overall survival, the same variables, together with local recurrence and lymph node involvement, had prognostic significance, with only local recurrence as an independent prognostic factor after multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Absence of lymphocytic infiltration and Ki67 immunoreactivity in more than 50% of tumour cells should be evaluated in conjunction with other well‐known prognostic markers in MCC. Furthermore, recognizing that Fli‐1 and CD99 expression is commonly found in MCC by immunohistochemistry may avoid misinterpretation in the differential diagnosis of MCC with other small round cell tumours.
Activated CD4+ CD25+ T cells suppress antigen‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells but induce a suppressive phenotype only in CD4+ T cells
Authors: Dieckmann Detlef , Plöttner Heidi , Dotterweich Stefanie , Schuler Gerold 
Published: June 2005

SummaryCD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells are increasingly recognized as central players in the regulation of immune responses. In vitro studies have mostly employed allogeneic or polyclonal responses to monitor suppression. Little is known about the ability of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells to suppress antigen‐specific immune responses in humans. It has been previously shown that CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells anergize CD4+ T cells and turn them into suppressor T cells. In the present study we demonstrate for the first time in humans that CD4+ CD25+ T cells are able to inhibit the proliferation and cytokine production of antigen specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This suppression only occurs when CD4+ CD25+ T cells are preactivated. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that CD4+ T‐cell clones stop secreting interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), start to produce interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β after coculture with preactivated CD4+ CD25+ T cells and become suppressive themselves. Surprisingly preactivated CD4+ CD25+ T cells affect CD8+ T cells differently, leading to reduced proliferation and reduced production of IFN‐γ. This effect is sustained and cannot be reverted by exogenous interleukin‐2. Yet CD8+ T cells, unlike CD4+ T cells do not start to produce immunoregulatory cytokines and do not become suppressive after coculture with CD4+ CD25+ T cells.
Subset‐dependent modulation of dendritic cell activity by circovirus type 2
Authors: Vincent Isabelle E. , Carrasco Carlos P. , Guzylack‐Piriou Laurence , Herrmann Brigitte , McNeilly Francis , Allan Gordon M. , Summerfield Artur , McCullough Kenneth C. 
Published: June 2005

SummaryViral interactions with dendritic cells (DCs) have important consequences for immune defence function. Certain single‐stranded DNA viruses that associate with a number of species, including humans and pigs, exhibit interesting characteristics in this context. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) can persist within myeloid DCs in the absence of virus replication. Internalization was observed with both conventional blood DCs and plasmacytoid DCs [natural interferon‐producing cells (NIPCs)], as well as DC precursors. This PCV2–DC interaction neither induced nor inhibited DC differentiation. The maturation of myeloid DCs induced by a cocktail of interferon‐α/tumour necrosis factor‐α (IFN‐α/TNF‐α), and the ability to process and present antigen to T lymphocytes, remained intact in the presence of PCV2. The virus was clearly internalized by the DCs, a process noted with both mature and immature cells. This suggested a non‐macropinocytic uptake, confirmed by an insensitivity to wortmannin but sensitivity to cytochalasin D, chlorpromazine and bafilomycin. Nevertheless, PCV2 was immunomodulatory, being effected through the reaction of NIPC to danger signals. When NIPCs responded to the CpG‐oligonucleotide (CpG‐ODN), their costimulatory function which induces myeloid DC maturation was clearly impaired by the presence of PCV2. This was caused by a PCV2‐induced inhibition of the IFN‐α and TNF‐α normally produced following interaction with CpG‐ODN. Thus, the immunomodulatory activity of PCV2 is mediated through the disruption of NIPC function. This would impair the maturation of associated myeloid DC and have major implications for the efficient recognition of viral and bacterial danger signals, favouring the establishment of infections additional to that of PCV2.
Close encounters of the monoamine kind: immune cells betray their nervous disposition
Authors: Meredith Elizabeth J. , Chamba Anita , Holder Michelle J. , Barnes Nicholas M. , Gordon John 
Published: June 2005

SummaryHere we review the evidence for immune cells expressing multiple components of the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems that are more commonly associated with the central nervous system (CNS). We discuss where and how peripheral encounters with these biogenic monoamines occur and posit reasons as to why the immune system would wish to deploy these pathways. A full taxonomy of serotonergic and dopaminergic constituents and their workings in component cells of the immune system should facilitate the formulation of novel therapeutic approaches in diseases characterized by immune dysfunction and potentially provide a range of surrogate peripheral markers for registering and monitoring disturbances within the CNS.
Signalling mechanisms underlying subversion of the immune response by the filarial nematode secreted product ES‐62
Authors: Goodridge Helen S. , Stepek Gillian , Harnett William , Harnett Margaret M. 
Published: June 2005

SummarySecretion of immunomodulatory molecules is a key strategy employed by pathogens to enable their survival in host organisms. For example, arthropod‐transmitted filarial nematodes, which achieve longevity within the infected host by suppressing and modulating the host immune response, produce excretory–secretory (ES) products that have been demonstrated to possess immunomodulatory properties. In this review we discuss the immunomodulatory effects of the phosphorylcholine‐containing filarial nematode‐secreted glycoprotein ES‐62 and describe the intracellular signal transduction pathways it targets to achieve these effects.
The phenotype of type 1 and type 2 CD8+ T cells activated in vitro is affected by culture conditions and correlates with effector activity
Authors: Kemp Roslyn A. , Bäckström B. Thomas , Ronchese Franca 
Published: June 2005

SummaryWe used various culture conditions to generate type 1 (Tc1) or type 2 (Tc2) cytotoxic T cells in vitro. T‐cell receptor (TCR) transgenic T cells were cultured with antigen and spleen cells, or antigen and dendritic cells (DC), or anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28. Tc1 cultures contained interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐6, and Tc2 cultures contained IL‐2, IL‐6 and IL‐4. Tc2 cells generated in each culture condition acquired a CD62Llow CD44high phenotype, had high cytotoxic activity, and secreted IL‐4, IL‐5 and moderate amounts of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). In contrast, the phenotype and function of Tc1 cells varied depending on culture conditions. Tc1 cells from anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 cultures had high cytotoxic activity and were CD62Llow CD44high, while Tc1 cells from antigen and spleen cell cultures had low cytotoxic activity and were CD62Lhigh CD44low. Tc1 cells from antigen and DC cultures had an intermediate phenotype. All Tc1 cells secreted high amounts of IFN‐γ, but only Tc1 from anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 cultures had antitumour activity in vivo. Differences were not caused by suboptimal culture conditions, as Tc1 cells divided at a similar rate whether cultured with antigen and spleen cells or with anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28. We conclude that IL‐4 not only induces ‘type 2’ cytokine secretion in CD8+ T cells, but also affects their expression of surface markers and cytotoxic activity.
Contact rates between possums revealed by proximity data loggers
Authors: JI WEIHONG , WHITE PIRAN C. L. , CLOUT MICK N. 
Published: June 2005

Summary

Information on close interactions between wild animals is difficult to obtain for cryptic species, but is important for understanding their social and mating systems as well as the dynamics of directly transmitted diseases.
The persistence of bovine tuberculosis (Tb) in New Zealand is enhanced by the presence of wildlife hosts for the infection, principally the brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula. Quantifying the relationship between the frequency of contacts and possum population density is important for understanding the dynamics of the disease and the potential effectiveness of different methods for disease control.
We used novel proximity data loggers to record contacts (< 40 cm distance) between individual male and female wild‐living brushtail possums over 3 years at three different sites with a range of habitats and population densities.
Most contacts between male and female possums appeared to be sexual in nature, and contact rate was not related linearly to population density. Contacts occurred more frequently during the breeding season, when a female possum could interact with up to four males. However, even during this peak contact period the average contact rate was equivalent to only one contact every 2 days.
The total duration of contacts was significantly higher during the breeding season. During this time, contacts lasting for more than 1 min occurred episodically. A small proportion (2·3%) of the interactions lasted for 5–15 min, although the mean duration of contacts was only 18–26 s 24 h−1. Outside the breeding season, contacts were brief and infrequent.
The frequency of contacts showed a slight increase when the possum density increased sharply at the main study site, although the duration of contacts was unaffected. This increase in contact rate may have been the result of an influx of new animals causing perturbation to the existing population.
Previous paternity analysis using DNA profiling indicated that the possum mating system is polygynous, with males being promiscuous. Our data reveal that females are probably also promiscuous and that the mating system of possums may therefore be polygamous, including both polygyny and polyandry.
Synthesis and applications. Most contacts between possums occur in the peak mating season and appear to be related to mating and associated behaviour. There are some contacts outside the main mating season, but these are infrequent. The transmission of bovine Tb infection in possum populations may therefore occur by other routes in addition to direct contact. The non‐linear (frequency‐dependent) contact rate–density relationship recorded provides some insight as to why repeated population reduction is necessary to achieve lasting Tb control in possum populations. It also provides some support for the role that could be played by sexually transmitted, viral‐vectored immunocontraception in the control of possum populations, either alone or in conjunction with more traditional control methods.
Stubble height affects the use of stubble fields by farmland birds
Authors: BUTLER SIMON J. , BRADBURY RICHARD B. , WHITTINGHAM MARK J. 
Published: June 2005

Summary

In the UK, over‐wintered stubbles are an important foraging habitat for farmland birds, many of which are of current conservation concern. Maximizing the value of stubbles for farmland birds has largely focused on increasing food abundance but has ignored other aspects of foraging behaviour, such as predator avoidance and vigilance.
In this study we investigated the effects of stubble height reduction on seed depletion and the within‐field distribution of farmland birds. Stubble on one half of each of 20 fields was topped to lower vegetation height, while the other half was left untouched to act as a control area.
The abundance of granivorous passerines and invertebrate feeders was higher on treatment plots, which had undergone stubble height reduction, while the abundance of skylark and partridges was higher on control plots. Topping had no effect on the within‐field distribution of either corvids or pigeons.
Seed densities on both plot types fell between November and March, but there was no significant difference in levels of depletion between treatment and control plots.
For many species, food accessibility and detectability are likely to have been higher, and thermo‐energetic and mobility costs lower, on treatment plots. Stubble height reduction could have led to either an increase or a decrease in associated predation risk, depending on the predator escape strategy of a species. Granivorous passerines, which flee to cover, are likely to have benefited from the reduced visual obstruction on treatment plots, while partridges, which rely on crypsis, will have benefited from the greater protection offered by the longer vegetation in control plots.
Synthesis and applications. Increasing the structural heterogeneity of over‐wintered stubble is likely to increase its value as a foraging habitat, making it better suited to the foraging requirements and predator escape strategies of a greater diversity of species. Incorporating explicit management options into agri‐environment schemes, such as the new Environmental Stewardship Scheme, may represent a cost‐effective strategy to achieve this.
The resilience of calcareous and mesotrophic grasslands following disturbance
Authors: HIRST RACHEL A. , PYWELL RICHARD F. , MARRS ROB H. , PUTWAIN PHILIP D. 
Published: June 2005

Summary

Understanding habitat disturbance and recovery is vital for successful conservation management and restoration, particularly of subseral communities with high nature conservation interest and sites subject to unavoidable disturbance pressures, such as that arising from access and recreational activities.
Grassland resilience was investigated on the Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) in southern England, the largest of the UK military training areas. SPTA contains the greatest expanse of unimproved chalk grassland in north‐west Europe, a habitat of particular nature conservation interest.
Historical aerial photographs were used to identify 82 calcareous and mesotrophic grassland sites disturbed over a 50‐year time period. Vegetation, soils and seed bank data were collected from each old disturbance site. Revegetation time periods following disturbance were compared, and habitat resilience following disturbance investigated using the succession of surface vegetation along the chronosequence, the combined changes of vegetation and soil chemistry, and finally vegetation and seed bank composition.
The sampled calcareous grasslands were less resilient following disturbance than the mesotrophic grasslands, with slower colonization of bare ground and target species re‐assembly. The mesotrophic grasslands typically took between 30 and 40 years to re‐establish following disturbance, whereas calcareous grasslands took at least 50 years.
Even after such long time periods, there remained subtle but significant differences between the vegetation composition of the disturbed and undisturbed swards. Perennial forb species, particularly hemicryptophytes, persisted at higher frequencies in swards disturbed 50 years ago than in undisturbed swards.
Synthesis and applications. Prediction of habitat resilience following disturbance is dependent on which components of the system are investigated. However, data such as that presented here can help land managers understand how palimpsests of current habitat characteristics may have evolved, and how disturbance regimes may be managed in the future. It is likely that the resilience of grasslands such as those on SPTA may have been overestimated, and perceptions of habitat carrying capacity for disturbance events may require re‐evaluation.
Aspect modifies the magnitude of edge effects on bryophyte growth in boreal forests
Authors: HYLANDER KRISTOFFER 
Published: June 2005

Summary

The increased length of forest clear‐cut edges is considered to be one of the main ecological consequences of silviculture. The effects vary over the landscape, and studies have shown that aspect is one important factor determining the extent of microclimatic edge effects across forest clear‐cut boundaries. However, little is known about the relationship between contrasts in microclimate at edges and responses of ecological processes and biodiversity, such as growth, decomposition and species distributions.
A field experiment was conducted in the boreal forest of northern Sweden to assess the effect of aspect at north‐ and south‐facing edges using mosses as bioindicators. The growth of two species (Hylocomium splendens and Hylocomiastrum umbratum) was evaluated during one growing season. Samples of each species were planted in pots at eight north‐ and eight south‐facing forest clear‐cut edges.
Growth increased exponentially with distance from the edge to the interior, and there was a significant effect both in north‐ and south‐facing edges. The percentage decline in growth at the edge was larger in the south‐ than in the north‐facing edges.
The spatial extent of the edge effect, when measured at the point of 90% of interior growth, was similar between north‐ and south‐facing edges, although it differed between the two species evaluated.
Synthesis and applications. The difference in exposure to sunlight between north‐ and south‐facing edges was shown to modify the magnitude of the growth of a poikilohydric organism at the very edge, but not the depth of the edge influence. Aspect should be taken into account in management plans for conservation of boreal forests. In the northern hemisphere, wider buffers of uncut forest should be left at the south side than at the north side of retained forest patches. Those forest interior species that are most sensitive to alterations in microclimate will, however, need equal protection from edge effects at all aspects.
Effects of exceptional conservation measures on survival and seasonal hunting mortality in greater snow geese
Authors: CALVERT ANNA M. , GAUTHIER GILLES 
Published: June 2005

SummaryLarge‐scale conservation measures aimed at reducing the abundance of a wild population offer a unique opportunity to study the impacts of human exploitation on demographic parameters. We examined the effects of a spring conservation harvest and liberalized autumn/winter regulations introduced recently to control the rapid population growth of greater snow geeseAnser caerulescens atlantica.We predicted that these changes in regulations affected survival and recovery probabilities, as well as kill rates. This was evaluated by analysing data on geese shot by hunters before and after implementation of these measures.Annual survival and recovery probabilities were estimated using likelihood‐based ring recovery models, and we developed a new, flexible seasonal model to determine the specific effects of regulation changes made during different hunting seasons. We used harvest survey data to estimate ring‐reporting rate, and thus to convert recovery rates into kill rates.Adult recovery and kill rates increased considerably with the implementation of the new measures in 1998–99. The addition of the spring harvest in Québec and the liberalized winter regulations in the USA had the largest impacts, whereas autumn regulation changes in Québec apparently had little effect. Juvenile recovery and kill rates also showed a moderate increase, but were highly variable.We observed a decline in mean annual adult survival rate, from 83·0% to 72·5%, although the implementation of conservation measures did not fully explain temporal variation in adult survival; juvenile survival showed no change. Adult survival was negatively related to harvest rate in adults but not in juveniles.Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate that the spring conservation harvest led to a decrease in adult survival and an increase in hunting mortality, and probably contributed to the decline in abundance observed since its implementation. However, regulations during the traditional autumn and winter hunting seasons could also be manipulated for future population control once the spring conservation harvest is discontinued. Our approach for evaluating hunting mortality on a seasonal basis should be useful in the management of other migratory populations that move through several jurisdictions.