bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multicentric plasma cell variant of Castleman's disease with cutaneous involvement
Authors: Klein Walter M. , Rencic Adrienne , Munshi Nikhil C. , Nousari Carlos H. 
Published: June 2004

Background:  Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare low‐grade B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder that can be associated with a variety of antibody‐mediated paraneoplastic syndromes. The disease is classified clinically by two forms and three histologic variants.Methods:  We describe the clinical and pathological features of a 44‐year‐old woman who presented with an autoimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytosis, polyclonal gammopathy, axillary lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and several erythematous and violaceous nodules and plaques without scaling involving the trunk and extremities.Results:  Histologic examination of the skin lesions revealed a deep dermal and subcutaneous nodular mononuclear infiltrate composed primarily of polyclonal plasmacytoid cells without atypia and an increased vascular proliferation. Additional studies including a bone marrow and lymph node biopsy, serum and urine protein electrophoresis, and computed tomography scans supported the diagnosis of multicentric plasma cell variant of CD with an associated autoimmune paraneoplastic hemolytic anemia.Conclusion:  Cutaneous involvement in CD is part of the multicentric nature and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a polyclonal plasma cell‐rich lymphoproliferative disorder associated with paraneoplastic autoimmune disease.
Hyperplasia of dermal microvascular pericytes in scleroderma*
Authors: Helmbold Peter , Fiedler Eckhard , Fischer Matthias , Marsch Wolfgang Ch. 
Published: June 2004

Background:  Pericytes (PCs) are smooth muscle‐like mural cells of capillaries and venules, which can synthesize matrix components and fibroblast‐activating cytokines, and are thus potential mediators of pathological changes in scleroderma. In this study, alterations in microvessels were quantitatively imaged, taking PC into account for the first time.Methods:  Skin biopsies from systemic (12) and localized (14) scleroderma forms as well as age‐, sex‐, and body location‐matched controls were examined with respect to capillary and venular densities as well as endothelial cell (EC) and PC counts using a newly developed (in respect of PC and EC) indirect collagen IV immunostaining‐based method.Results:  Hyperplasia of the PC that doubled the microvascular PC density was the most conspicuous characteristic. In the capillaries of the upper dermal plexus of the periphery of the sclerotic zones, median ratios of PC : EC were 0.23 (controls 0.10) or 0.18 (controls 0.11) in systemic or localized scleroderma, respectively. Furthermore, an increase in capillary density in the upper dermal plexus could be demonstrated in the marginal zones of both types of disease.Conclusions:  The observed PC increase in the peripheral zones of active disease supports the hypothesis of a vascular pathogenesis of scleroderma and directs the focus to microvascular PC.
Polymorphisms in the genes encoding interferon‐γ and interferon‐γ receptors in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Schrijver H. M. , Hooper‐van Veen T. , Van Belzen M. J. , Crusius J. B. A. , Peña A. S. , Barkhof F. , Polman C. H. , Uitdehaag B. M. J. 
Published: June 2004

SummaryGenome screens suggest that several genes, each contributing to a small extent, are involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility. Simultaneous analysis of related genes may improve the power to detect such small effects. Interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), mediating its effects through the IFN‐γ receptor, is a pleiotropic, pro‐inflammatory cytokine for which a detrimental effect on the course of MS has been reported. The role of IFN‐γ receptor 1 (IFNGR1) and IFN‐γ receptor 2 (IFNGR2) gene polymorphisms has not been studied in MS, and, for the IFNG gene polymorphism there is only one previous study, which incorporates clinical, but not imaging, data. The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms in the IFNG and IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 genes are associated with susceptibility to MS, or disease characteristics, as defined by clinical and imaging criteria. Genotypes for IFNG, IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 were determined in 509 patients with MS and in 193 healthy controls. Patient files were reviewed for disease course, age at onset of disease, and rate of progression. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were available for 107 patients. No significant differences in the distribution of IFNG, IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 genotype and allele frequencies were found between patients and controls. A progressive, as opposed to a relapsing, onset was significantly more frequent in carriers of the IFNGR2 allele Arg64 (P = 0.028). Moreover, IFNGR2 allele Arg64 carriers had a lower black hole ratio than non‐carriers (P = 0.016). No other associations with clinical parameters, such as age at onset or rate of progression, or with imaging parameters, were observed. The IFNG intron 1 gene polymorphism studied is unlikely to play a major role in MS susceptibility or disease course. The IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 gene polymorphisms studied do not exert an important influence on MS susceptibility, but allele IFNGR2*Arg64 may be associated with a progressive disease onset.
CA microsatellite polymorphism of the nuclear factor kappa B1 gene in celiac disease
Authors: Rueda B. , López‐Nevot M. A. , Ruiz M. P. , Ortega E. , Maldonado J. , López M. , Martín J. 
Published: June 2004

SummaryIn the present work, we investigate the possible effect of a CAn microsatellite polymorphism in the nuclear factor kappa B1 (NFKB1) gene on predisposition to celiac disease (CD). Seventy‐eight Spanish families with CD were genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐fluorescent method, and the transmission patterns of different CAn alleles were analysed. Furthermore, in order to type the CAn polymorphism more accurately, samples between 126 and 144 bp were cloned and sequenced. A trend of association with the 132‐bp allele was found (P = 0.02). This allele was more frequently transmitted to affected sibs, although the results of statistical tests were not significant after correction for multiple comparisons. After sequencing, we found that the 132‐, 138‐ and 142‐bp alleles had two As at the end of the CA microsatellite, with the other alleles presenting the described pattern (NCB1 nucleotide U60337) for the microsatellite repeats. These results suggest that the NFKB1 CAn microsatellite does not play a major role in CD susceptibility. In addition, a more detailed molecular characterization of the CA microsatellite is described.
Alport syndrome: HLA association and kidney graft outcome
Authors: Barocci S. , Fiordoro S. , Santori G. , Valente U. , Mossa M. , Antonelli P. , Ferrara G. B. , Cannella G. , Nocera A. 
Published: June 2004

SummaryAlport syndrome (AS) is a genetic disease of type IV collagen involving non‐homogeneous patterns of inheritance characterized clinically by the presence of progressive haematuric nephritis leading to end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), hearing loss and/or ophthalmologic abnormalities. The aim of this study was to investigate, in a cohort of AS patients who had undergone a kidney graft (KG) or who were still on a waiting list for a KG, (a) whether there is a correlation between AS and HLA antigen expression, and (b) long‐term graft outcome in transplant patients. The AS cohort was represented by 34 ESRD patients, of whom 25 received a KG and the remaining nine were still on a waiting list. AS transplant patients represented 2.78% of 899 first KGs performed at our centre (Transplantation Department at S. Martino Hospital, Genoa) between 1983 and 2002. Grafts were procured from cadaveric donors in 18 cases and from living, related donors in seven cases. All AS transplant patients had a post‐transplant follow‐up period of at least 12 months. Results showed that: (i) the frequency of the HLA‐DRB1*16 antigen was significantly increased in the whole AS cohort as compared to 128 healthy subjects (HS) (corrected P‐value 0.0026; relative risk 7.20) as well as to 232 non‐AS ESRD patients on a waiting list for KG (corrected P‐values 0.0156; relative risk 4.67); (ii) 5‐ and 10‐year graft survivals in the AS transplant patients were 80 and 73%, respectively, and did not differ from those of a control group represented by 25 non‐AS KG recipients matched for sex, age, number of HLA mismatches and immunosuppressive treatment. Increased frequency of HLA‐DRB1*16 in AS patients may reflect a linkage disequilibrium with genes coding for collagen synthesis.
Structure of the BoLA‐DRB3 gene and promoter
Authors: Russell G. C. , Smith J. A. , Oliver R. A. 
Published: June 2004

SummaryThe cattle major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II DR gene product is a heterodimer encoded by the BoLA‐DRA and ‐DRB3 genes. Several groups have isolated cDNA and genomic clones for these genes, but their full genomic organization has not been described. We used a combination of long‐range polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning and sequencing to define the organization of the DRB3 gene on existing genomic clones and in genomic DNA. We estimate the size of the coding region to be 11.4 kbp. Sequencing of full‐length PCR clones from two different haplotypes confirmed that they carried complete DRB3 genes and allowed the design of probes and primers to isolate and characterize the DRB3 promoter and 3′ end. Fragments carrying the 5′ end of the DRB3 gene and its promoter were identified on bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones carrying the BoLA‐DR genes. A 10‐kbp promoter fragment was subcloned from one clone and a 1.7‐kbp region including exon 1 and the promoter was sequenced. A 3‐kbp fragment encoding exons 4–6 and the entire 3′ untranslated region of the DRB3 gene was isolated from lambda clone A1 and sequenced. This provides us with improved characterization of the DRB3*0101 and DRB3*2002 alleles, and also subcloned 5′ and 3′ flanking regions of the polymorphic DRB3 gene for use in functional studies.
Topographic controls on the regional‐scale biodiversity of the south‐western USA
Authors: Coblentz David D. , Riitters Kurt H. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAim  Topography is a fundamental geophysical observable that contains valuable information about the geodynamic, tectonic and climatic history of a region. Here, we extend the traditional uses of topographic analysis to evaluate the role played by topography in the distribution of regional‐scale biodiversity in the south‐western USA. An important aspect of our study is its ability to provide a way to quantify characteristics of the topographic fabric and to construct predictive models that can be used to test hypotheses that relate topography and biodiversity.Location  South‐western USA region of the North American Cordillera.Methods  Our approach begins with a quantitative analysis of the topography and the construction of a predicted biodiversity map based on measurable topographic quantities: organization, roughness, slope aspect, grain orientation and mean elevation. We then make a quantitative comparison between the predicted and observed biodiversity, based on the assumption that land‐cover diversity is a plausible measure of regional‐scale biodiversity. Land‐cover information used for this study was collected as part of the U.S.G.S. global land cover characteristics (GLCC) project and is derived from satellite (AVHRR) imagery.Results  To a first order, the predicted regional‐scale biodiversity based on our topographic model shows a good correlation with the observed biodiversity (as estimated from the land‐cover diversity). Our model overestimates the biodiversity in many parts of the Colorado Plateau, Rio Grande Rift, and the low desert regions of the Southern Basin and Range, suggesting that in these provinces a biodiversity estimate based solely on topography is an over‐simplification. However, much of the Madrean Archipelago and Sierra Madre provinces, which are centres of high biodiversity in this region, show excellent agreement between the observed and predicted biodiversity.Main conclusions  While we acknowledge that many other factors in addition to topography have an important influence on biodiversity (particularly on a local scale), we conclude that topography plays a primary role in the regional to continental‐scale biodiversity, particularly in regions characterized by insular mountain fabrics.
Historical biogeography and distribution of the freshwater cyclopine copepods (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Cyclopinae) of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Suárez‐Morales Eduardo , Reid Janet W. , Fiers Frank , Iliffe Thomas M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAim  To determine and analyse the distribution of the freshwater cyclopine copepod fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula (YP) and its relationship with the geological and climatic history of this Neotropical karstic zone.Location  The Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.Methods  Plotting of georeferenced sites, analysis of local and regional geological and climatic history, analysis and comparison of regional and local faunistic records.Results  Distinct dispersal and/or vicariant processes seem to be linked to the current distributions of the seven genera known in the YP. In general, the endemic hypogean or benthic crevicular forms (i.e. Diacyclops chakan, D. puuc and Mesocyclops chaci), derived from epigean, tropical, widely distributed forms (some of them South American) may have been among the earliest colonizers of the subterranean habitats in the YP. The distribution of these and other endemic forms seem to be related to the Holocene dry periods that desiccated the largest bodies of water and isolated local populations of different species. These vicariant processes resulted in forms with restricted distributional areas; some of these formed sister species that speciated in geographically close localities but related to a common identifiable ancestor. Overall, the processes of cyclopine colonization of the YP show the influence of the South American fauna, as the closest relatives of some species endemic to the YP are South American forms; the Nearctic influence is low. The cyclopine fauna of the YP is formed by a mixture of Nearctic‐derived (species of Acanthocyclops), Neotropical (i.e. M. edax, M. longisetus, A. panamensis, Thermocyclops inversus and T. tenuis), and epigean and hypogean endemic forms. The highly dynamic geomorphology of the YP and the recent climatic changes in the Holocene define the YP as a peculiar subregion that harbours a diverse fauna of cyclopine copepods with a high endemism.Main conclusion  The current distribution of cyclopine copepods reflects relatively recent, post‐Pliocene biogeographical patterns; probably older patterns are involved as well. The eastern coast of the Yucatan is the most recently colonized by cyclopine copepods. Most of the genera are linked with South American forms, and the Nearctic influence is weakly represented. This group has no marine relatives, but there is evidence of vicariant events involving cave‐dwelling forms.
Do smaller islands host younger populations? A case study on metapopulations of three carabid species
Authors: Zalewski Marcin 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAims To test a new concept for island ecology and metapopulation studies: if population persistence is a result of colonization and extinction processes, one would expect remarkable variability in the age of neighbouring populations – there would be both old and young (recently established) populations.Location The lake Mamry archipelago, Poland.Methods Forty trap transects with a total of 114 Barber traps were operating from June to September in 1997 and in 1998. The traps (0.5‐L plastic beakers, mouth diameter 120 mm, with a 20 × 20 cm wooden roof) were placed by applying a stratified sampling design into 13 habitat types on the 16 islands and two mainland sites. The frequency of macropterous individuals in wing‐dimorphic populations of three carabid species (Pterostichus melanarius,P. anthracinusandCarabus granulatus) was used as an indicator of population ‘age’.Results The frequency of macropterous individuals in the populations varied from 0% to 100% forP. melanarius(18.5% on average), from 0% to 91% forP. anthracinus(12.6%) and from 0% to 29% forC. granulatus(8.9%). Populations hosted more long‐winged individuals (and were therefore interpreted as being younger) on smaller islands, compared with those inhabiting large islands and the mainland sites. The results also revealed that the viability of the populations of the autumn‐breedingP. melanariusmight be more affected by population size than that of the two studied spring breeders. Island connectivity did not have a significant effect on the frequency of macropterous individuals in the studied populations.Main conclusions The inverse relationship between the proportion of macropterous individuals and island size contrasts with the accepted theory of dispersal, which assumes that there is selection against dispersal on small islands. A regression analysis for population age and habitat characteristics reveals the extinction probability of a given population. I suggest that investigations based on variability in population age can help in studies of colonization–extinction processes that would otherwise face logistic and methodological obstacles.
Phylogeography of the widespread Australian freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium australiense (Decapoda, Palaemonidae)
Authors: Murphy Nicholas P. , Austin Christopher M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAim  To investigate the phylogeographic structure of the widespread freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium australiense, within and between major Australian drainage basins using mitochondrial sequence data. This will enable the investigation of historical connections between major drainages and examination of hypotheses of biogeographic associations among Australian freshwater basins.Location  Inland, eastern and northern Australia.Methods  Sequencing 16S rRNA and ATPase 6 protein coding mitochondrial DNA genes from M. australiense from 19 locations from inland, eastern and northern Australia.Results  Within drainage basins, haplotype trees are monophyletic, with the exception of the Finke River from the Lake Eyre Basin. Macrobrachium australiense from the two main inland drainages, the Murray–Darling and Lake Eyre Basin are divergent from each other and do not form a monophyletic group, instead the Murray–Darling Basin haplotypes clade with eastern coastal haplotypes. Haplotypes from neighbouring eastern coastal drainages were found to be quite divergent from each other.Main conclusions  The phylogeographic relationships among M. australiense suggest that the two major inland drainages, the Murray–Darling Basin and the Lake Eyre Basin, are not biogeographically closely associated to each other. Instead the Murray–Darling Basin is more closely allied with the eastern coastal drainages across the Great Dividing Range. Despite their proximity the neighbouring southeast Queensland coastal Mary and Brisbane Rivers are also biogeographically divergent from each other. The results also indicate that the Finke River appears to have been isolated from the remainder of the Lake Eyre Basin catchment for a significant period of time.
Patch occupancy of two hemipterans sharing a common host plant
Authors: Biedermann Robert 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAim  Two hemipteran species were chosen as a study system for the comparative analysis of patch occupancy and spatial population structure of insects sharing a common host plant. This study tested whether (1) the incidence in the host plant patches differed between the two species, and (2) the two species exhibited a different spatial population structure, i.e. were they affected differentially by isolation and area of the host plant patches.Location  The porphyry landscape north of Halle (Saale) in Germany comprising 506 patches of the host plant Brachypodium pinnatum.Methods  The host plant patches were surveyed for the two hemipterans. To assess the influence of patch quality on species occurrence the patches were characterized by mean cover abundance of B. pinnatum, type of subsoil, slope, exposure, and shading. The spatial configuration of the patches was considered by patch area and isolation. The influence of the habitat factors and the spatial configuration on the occupancy of the two species was analysed by logistic regression.Results  Adarrus multinotatus was found in 441 patches, while Neophilaenus albipennis was found in only 90 patches. While A. multinotatus showed virtually no relationship to the habitat factors, the occupancy of N. albipennis was influenced by subsoil type, cover abundance, and shading. The effects of area and isolation on occupancy of the patches also differed between the two species. The occupancy of N. albipennis was determined largely by area and isolation, whereas in A. multinotatus no considerable effect of spatial configuration was found.Main conclusions  The study revealed a marked difference between the two hemipteran species in respect of spatial population structure. Adarrus multinotatus built up a ‘patchy population’, whereas N. albipennis showed a ‘metapopulation’ structure within the same set of patches in the same landscape. Spatial population structure was found to be not only a function of spatial configuration of habitat patches, but population structure differed between the habitat generalist A. multinotatus and the habitat specialist N. albipennis.
In Vivo Immobilization of Fusion Proteins on Bioplastics by the Novel Tag BioF
Authors: Moldes Cristina , García Pedro , García José L. , Prieto María A. 
Published: June 2004

ABSTRACT

A new protein immobilization and purification system has been developed based on the use of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs, or bioplastics), which are biodegradable polymers accumulated as reserve granules in the cytoplasm of certain bacteria. The N-terminal domain of the PhaF phasin (a PHA-granule-associated protein) from
Pseudomonas putida
GPo1 was used as a polypeptide tag (BioF) to anchor fusion proteins to PHAs. This tag provides a novel way to immobilize proteins in vivo by using bioplastics as supports. The granules carrying the BioF fusion proteins can be isolated by a simple centrifugation step and used directly for some applications. Moreover, when required, a practically pure preparation of the soluble BioF fusion protein can be obtained by a mild detergent treatment of the granule. The efficiency of this system has been demonstrated by constructing two BioF fusion products, including a functional BioF-β-galactosidase. This is the first example of an active bioplastic consisting of a biodegradable matrix carrying an active enzyme.