bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone mineral density in patients of Graves disease pre- & post-treatment in a predominantly vitamin D deficient population
Authors: Jyotsna Viveka P. , Sahoo Abhay , Singh Achouba Ksh , Sreenivas V. , Gupta Nandita 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
Hyperthyroidism causes bone loss, and its treatment may restore bone mass, however, concomitant vitamin D deficiency may prevent this. We undertook this study to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) 25 (OH) vitamin D levels in patients with Graves disease in our population which is predominently vitamin D deficient and how we change with when patients become euthyroid.

Methods:
The biochemical, thyroid functions, serum vitamin D levels and BMD were estimated in 80 consecutive patients with Graves and 80 euthyroid controls. Patients were treated and rendered euthyroid. Fifty four completed one year, and 27 completed two years of follow up.

Results:
Patients had significant reduced BMD during hyperthyroid state compared to normal healthy controls. The mean vitamin D levels at baseline were in the insufficient range both patients (12.67±6.24 ng/ml) and controls (10.99±7.05 ng/ml). The BMD improved at all sites with antithyroid treatment. But, the BMD adjusted for body mass index (BMI) and age at all sites showed significant decrease with time.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Age and body mass index positively correlated with BMD. There was improvement in absolute BMD of patients at one and two years of follow up. When the BMD was adjusted for age and BMI, there was a decrease in BMD at one year which was less in the second year including that the damage in BMD caused by thyroid hormone excess is not made up even after two years of patient being euthyroid. Whether vitamin D replacement would change this needs to be studied.
Cytogenetic & molecular analyses in adult chronic myelogenous leukaemia patients in north India
Authors: Anand Maninder Singh , Varma Neelam , Varma Subhash , Rana Kamer Singh , Malhotra Pankaj 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
Chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) is the commonest leukaemia in Asia. There is a paucity data on cytogenetic and molecular analyses of Indian CML patients. This apparently reflects the low availability of cytogenetic and molecular techniques in our country. This study aimed to document various types of BCR-ABL fusion transcripts in different phases of CML and to compare the Ph chromosome positivity/negativity vis-a-vis BCR-ABL fusion transcripts in adult CML patients.

Methods:
Between June 2004 and February 2009, 208 patients were diagnosed as CML in chronic phase (CP), accelerated phase (AP) and blast crisis (BC), according to standard criteria. Cytogenetic and molecular genetic analyses were performed in all patients. Various types of BCR-ABL hybrid transcripts were compared with phases of CML and cytogenetic abnormalities.

Results:
Among 208 CML patients, b3a2 BCR-ABL transcripts were most commonly detected (66.82%) followed by b2a2 (28.84%), b3a2 + b2a2 (3.36%), b3a2 + e19a2 (0.48%) and b2a2 + e19a2 (0.48%). b3a2 transcripts were more frequently detected than b2a2 transcripts, in the whole group of 208 as well as in 183 CML-CP patients (P<0.0001). Ph chromosome was positive in 135 of 139 patients with b3a2 transcripts and 56 of 60 patients with b2a2 transcripts, difference not being significant. Additional cytogenetic abnormalities detected in 3.8 per cent patients in CML-CP and 44 per cent patients in CML-AP/BC, did not show predilection for any BCR-ABL transcript type.

Interpretation & conclusions:
This study documents higher Ph positivity (96.15%) by cytogenetic analysis among CML patients, as confirmed by qualitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis in a large patient group from north India. Both the techniques contribute towards understanding the disease biology, and have important implications for diagnosis and management of CML patients.
Polymorphisms in base-excision & nucleotide-excision repair genes & prostate cancer risk in north Indian population
Authors: Mandal Raju K. , Gangwar Ruchika , Kapoor Rakesh , Mittal Rama Devi 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
Genetic variation in the DNA repair genes might be associated with altered DNA repair capacities (DRC). Reduced DRC due to inherited polymorphisms may increase the susceptibility to cancers. Base excision and nucleotide excision are the two major repair pathways. We investigated the association between two base excision repair (BER) genes (APE1 exon 5, OGG1 exon 7) and two nucleotide excision repair (NER) genes (XPC PAT, XPC exon 15) with risk of prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods:
The study was designed with 192 histopathologically confirmed PCa patients and 224 age matched healthy controls of similar ethnicity. Genotypes were determined by amplification refractory mutation specific (ARMS) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) methods.

Results:
Overall, a significant association in NER gene, XPC PAT Ins/Ins (I/I) genotype with PCa risk was observed (Adjusted OR- 2.55, 95%CI-1.22-5.33, P=0.012). XPC exon 15 variant CC genotypes presented statistically significant risk of PCa (Adjusted OR- 2.15, 95% CI-1.09-4.23, P=0.026). However, no association was observed for polymorphism with BER genes. Diplotype analysis of XPC PAT and exon 15 revealed that the frequency of the D-C and I-A diplotype was statistically significant in PCa. The variant genotypes of NER genes were also associated with high Gleason grade.

Interpretation & conclusions:
The results indicated that there was a significant modifying effect on the association between genotype XPC PAT and exon 15 polymorphism and PCa risk which was further confirmed by diplotype analysis of XPC PAT and exon 15 in north Indian population.
Comparison of thrice daily biphasic human insulin (30/70) versus basal detemir & bolus aspart in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus – A pilot study
Authors: Shanmugasundar G. , Bhansali Anil , Walia Rama , Dutta Pinaki , Upreti Vimal 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
Conventionally, biphasic human insulin (30/70, BHI) is used twice daily for the management of patients with diabetes. However, this regimen is suboptimal to control post-lunch and/or pre-dinner hyperglycaemia in some patients. This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and safety of thrice-daily biphasic human insulin (30/70, BHI) versus basal detemir and bolus aspart (BB) in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods:
In this open labelled randomized pilot study, 50 patients with uncontrolled T2DM on twice-daily BHI and insulin sensitizers were randomized either to BHI thrice-daily or BB regimen. HbA1c, six point plasma glucose profile, increment in insulin dose, weight gain, hypoglycaemic episodes and cost were compared between the two treatment groups at the end of 12 wk.

Results:
Mean HbAlc (±SD) decreased from 9.0±0.9 per cent at randomization to 7.9±0.8 per cent in BHI (P<0.001) and from 9.4±1.3 to 8.2±1.0 per cent in BB regimen (P<0.001) after 12 wk of treatment. The mean (±SEM) weight gain in patients in the BHI regimen was 1.5±0.33 kg compared to 1.4±0.34 kg in the BB regimen. Insulin dose increment at 12 wk was significantly more in the BB regimen 0.46±0.32 U/kg/day compared to 0.15±0.21 U/kg/day in the BHI regimen (P<0.001). The incidence of major as well as minor hypoglycaemic episodes was not different in both the regimen. The BB regimen was more expensive than the BHI regimen (P<0.001).

Interpretation & conclusions:
The thrice daily biphasic human insulin regimen is non-inferior to the basal bolus insulin analogue regimen in terms efficacy and safety in patients with poorly controlled T2DM. However, these data require further substantiation in large long term prospective studies.
Sex worker-led structural interventions in India
Authors: Reza-Paul Sushena , Lorway Rob , O’Brien Nadia , Lazarus Lisa , Jain Jinendra , Bhagya M. , Fathima Mary P , Venukumar KT , Raviprakash K.N. , Baer James , Steen Richard 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
Structural interventions have the capacity to improve the outcomes of HIV/AIDS interventions by changing the social, economic, political or environmental factors that determine risk and vulnerability. Marginalized groups face disproportionate barriers to health, and sex workers are among those at highest risk of HIV in India. Evidence in India and globally has shown that sex workers face violence in many forms ranging from verbal, psychological and emotional abuse to economic extortion, physical and sexual violence and this is directly linked to lower levels of condom use and higher levels of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the most critical determinants of HIV risk. We present here a case study of an intervention that mobilized sex workers to lead an HIV prevention response that addresses violence in their daily lives.

Methods:
This study draws on ethnographic research and project monitoring data from a community-led structural intervention in Mysore, India, implemented by Ashodaya Samithi. Qualitative and quantitative data were used to characterize baseline conditions, community responses and subsequent outcomes related to violence.

Results:
In 2004, the incidence of reported violence by sex workers was extremely high (> 8 incidents per sex worker, per year) but decreased by 84 per cent over 5 years. Violence by police and anti-social elements, initially most common, decreased substantially after a safe space was established for sex workers to meet and crisis management and advocacy were initiated with different stakeholders. Violence by clients, decreased after working with lodge owners to improve safety. However, initial increases in intimate partner violence were reported, and may be explained by two factors: (i) increased willingness to report such incidents; and (ii) increased violence as a reaction to sex workers’ growing empowerment. Trafficking was addressed through the establishment of a self-regulatory board (SRB). The community's progressive response to violence was enabled by advancing community mobilization, ensuring community ownership of the intervention, and shifting structural vulnerabilities, whereby sex workers increasingly engaged key actors in support of a more enabling environment.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Ashodaya's community-led response to violence at multiple levels proved highly synergistic and effective in reducing structural violence.
Mosquito biting activity on humans & detection of Plasmodium falciparum infection in Anopheles stephensi in Goa, India
Authors: Korgaonkar Nandini S. , Kumar Ashwani , Yadav Rajpal S. , Kabadi Dipak , Dash Aditya P. 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
Knowledge of the bionomics of mosquitoes, especially of disease vectors, is essential to plan appropriate vector avoidance and control strategies. Information on biting activity of vectors during the night hours in different seasons is important for choosing personal protection measures. This study was carried out to find out the composition of mosquito fauna biting on humans and seasonal biting trends in Goa, India.

Methods:
Biting activities of all mosquitoes including vectors were studied from 1800 to 0600 h during 85 nights using human volunteers in 14 different localities of three distinct ecotypes in Goa. Seasonal biting trends of vector species were analysed and compared. Seasonal biting periodicity during different phases of night was also studied using William's mean.

Results:
A total of 4,191 mosquitoes of five genera and 23 species were collected. Ten species belonged to Anopheles, eight to Culex, three to Aedes and one each to Mansonia and Armigeres. Eleven vector species had human hosts, including malaria vectors Anopheles stephensi (1.3%), An. fluviatilis (1.8%), and An. culicifacies (0.76%); filariasis vectors Culex quinquefasciatus (40.8%) and Mansonia uniformis (1.8%); Japanese encephalitis vectors Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (17.4%), Cx. vishnui (7.7%), Cx. pseudovishnui (0.1%), and Cx. gelidus (2.4%); and dengue and chikungunya vectors Aedes albopictus (0.9%) and Ae. aegypti (0.6%). Two An. stephensi of the total 831 female anophelines, were found positive for P. falciparum sporozoites. The entomological inoculation rate (EIR) of P. falciparum was 18.1 and 2.35 for Panaji city and Goa, respectively.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Most of the mosquito vector species were collected in all seasons and throughout the scotophase. Biting rates of different vector species differed during different phases of night and seasons. Personal protection methods could be used to stop vector-host contact.
Association of TNF-α with insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Swaroop Jatla Jyothi , Rajarajeswari Duggirala , Naidu J.N. 
Published: March 2012

Background & objectives:
TNF-α is an adipocytokine that has been implicated in the development of insulin resistance. Dysregulation of TNF-α production has been implicated in a variety of human diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus. We aimed to find out the association of TNF-α levels with insulin resistance, body mass index and waist hip ratio; and to elicit its role with respect to duration of the disease, if any.

Methods:
50 type-2 diabetic patients attending Narayana Medical Hospital, Nellore, were studied. Body mass index and Waist hip ratio were calculated. Homeostasis model assessment method was used to calculate insulin resistance (HOMA IR) and per cent β cell function (HOMA B). Insulin was estimated by chemiluminescence method and TNF-α by ELISA method. The subjects were arbitrarily categorized into three groups based on duration of diabetes. Group 1 included subjects with diabetes of less than 5 yr duration, group 2 included diabetics of 6-10 yr duration and group 3 greater than 10 yr duration.

Results:
Our study revealed a significant correlation between TNF-α levels and BMI (P=0.006), the correlation being stronger in males when compared to females. A significant correlation was found between per cent β cell function and TNF-α (P=0.008). TNF-α correlated significantly with HOMA IR, HOMA B and insulin, in group 2 diabetes.

Interpretation & conclusions:
Our results suggest the possible role of TNF-α in the pathogenesis of type-2 diabetes mellitus and the importance of reducing obesity to prevent elevated levels of the cytokine and related complications.
Searching Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) for Information on Genetic Loci Involved in Human Disease
Authors: Baxevanis Andreas D. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractOnline Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a comprehensive compendium of information on human genes and genetic disorders, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between observed phenotypes and underlying genotypes. This unit focuses on the basic methodology for formulating OMIM searches and illustrates the types of information that can be retrieved from OMIM, including descriptions of clinical manifestations resulting from genetic abnormalities. This unit also provides information on additional relevant medical and molecular biology databases. A basic knowledge of OMIM should be part of the armamentarium of physicians and scientists with an interest in research on the clinical aspects of genetic disorders. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 37:1.2.1‐1.2.10. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using BLAT to Find Sequence Similarity in Closely Related Genomes
Authors: Bhagwat Medha , Young Lynn , Robison Rex R. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe BLAST‐Like Alignment Tool (BLAT) is used to find genomic sequences that match a protein or DNA sequence submitted by the user. BLAT is typically used for searching similar sequences within the same or closely related species. It was developed to align millions of expressed sequence tags and mouse whole‐genome random reads to the human genome at a higher speed. It is freely available either on the Web or as a downloadable stand‐alone program. BLAT search results provide a link for visualization in the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Browser, where associated biological information may be obtained. Three example protocols are given: using an mRNA sequence to identify the exon‐intron locations and associated gene in the genomic sequence of the same species, using a protein sequence to identify the coding regions in a genomic sequence and to search for gene family members in the same species, and using a protein sequence to find homologs in another species. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 37:10.8.1‐10.8.24. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Focused actions to protect carbon nanotube workers
Authors: Schulte Paul A. , Kuempel Eileen D. , Zumwalde Ralph D. , Geraci Charles L. , Schubauer‐Berigan Mary K. , Castranova Vincent , Hodson Laura , Murashov Vladimir , Dahm Matthew M. , Ellenbecker Michael 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThere is still uncertainty about the potential health hazards of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) particularly involving carcinogenicity. However, the evidence is growing that some types of CNTs and nanofibers may have carcinogenic properties. The critical question is that while the carcinogenic potential of CNTs is being further investigated, what steps should be taken to protect workers who face exposure to CNTs, current and future, if CNTs are ultimately found to be carcinogenic? This paper addresses five areas to help focus action to protect workers: (i) review of the current evidence on the carcinogenic potential of CNTs; (ii) role of physical and chemical properties related to cancer development; (iii) CNT doses associated with genotoxicity in vitro and in vivo; (iv) workplace exposures to CNT; and (v) specific risk management actions needed to protect workers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 55:395–411, 2012. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
RNA INTERFERENCE OF TWO ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE GENES IN Plutella xylostella REVEALS THEIR DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS
Authors: He Guiling , Sun Yang , Li Fei 
Published: March 2012

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7) is an important enzyme with a typical function of degrading the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Although two ace genes were reported in Plutella xylostella, their function differences remain largely unknown. The chemically synthesized siRNAs (si‐Pxace1 and si‐Pxace2) were injected into the second instar larvae to knock down Pxace1 and Pxace2, either respectively or simultaneously. The mRNA abundance of Pxace1 and Pxace2 was significantly reduced to 7–33.5% of the control levels at 72 h after siRNA injection. The AChE activities were significantly decreased at 96 h after treatment. Silencing of Pxace1 or Pxace2 resulted in mortality of 33.9 and 22.9%, respectively. The survivors in siRNA‐treated groups had apparent growth inhibition such as reduction in larvae weights and lengths, malformation and motor retardation. Knockdown of Pxace1 apparently affected more on larvae growth than that of Pxace2, suggesting that Pxace1 had more important roles than Pxace2. Both Pxace1 and Pxace2 genes might have atypical functions in regulating larvae growth and motor ability.
Nitrite‐mediated synthesis of chiral epichlorohydrin using halohydrin dehalogenase from Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1
Authors: Jin Huo‐Xi , Hu Zhong‐Ce , Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Zheng Yu‐Guo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn the current study, the haloalcohol dehalogenase HheC gene from Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1 was synthesized and expressed in Escherichia coli. After purification using Ni–nitrilotriacetic acid affinity chromatography, HheC was used in the synthesis of chiral epichlorohydrin in the presence of NO2−. The optimal pH, temperature, and NO2− concentration for enantioselectivity are 5.0, 37°C, and 60 mM, respectively. The maximum velocity and Michaelis constant values for (S)‐epichlorohydrin are 714.3 µmol min−1 mg−1 and 17.2 mM, respectively, whereas those for (R)‐epichlorohydrin are 166.8 µmol min−1 mg−1 and 29.0 mM, respectively. Under optimal conditions, (R)‐epichlorohydrin with 99% enantiomeric excess was obtained after an 18 Min reaction; the yield reached 41%, which is the highest amount obtained for chiral epichlorohydrin synthesis using haloalcohol dehalogenase. In addition, (R)‐epichlorohydrin with 99% enantiomeric excess was successfully obtained from 1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propanol by the ring opening of racemic epichlorohydrin in the presence of NO2− after the ring closure of 1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propanol with HheC. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first report on the kinetic resolution of epichlorohydrin with NO2− and synthesis of chiral epichlorohydrin with 99% enantiomeric excess from 1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propanol by combining ring closure of 1,3‐dichloro‐2‐propanol and ring opening of racemic epichlorohydrin.
Validation of a Motivation‐based Typology of Angry Aggression among Antisocial Youths in Norway
Authors: Bjørnebekk Gunnar , Howard Rick 
Published: March 2012

This article describes the validation of the Angry Aggression Scales (AAS), the Behavior Inhibition System and the Behavior Activation System (BIS/BAS) scales, the reactive aggression and proactive power scales in relation to a Norwegian sample of 101 antisocial youths with conduct problems (64 boys, 37 girls, mean age 15 ± 1.3 years) and 101 prosocial controls matched on age, gender, education, ethnicity, and school district.Maximum likelihood exploratory factor analyses with oblique rotation were performed on AAS, BIS/BAS, reactive aggression and proactive power scales as well as computation of Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. Tests for normality and homogeneity of variance were acceptable. Factor analyses of AAS and the proactive/reactive aggression scales suggested a hierarchical structure comprising a single higher‐order angry aggression (AA) factor and four and two lower‐order factors, respectively. Moreover, results suggested one BIS factor and a single higher‐order BAS factor with three lower‐order factors related to drive, fun‐seeking and reward responsiveness. To compare scores of antisocial youths with controls, t‐tests on the mean scale scores were computed. Results confirmed that antisocial youths were different from controls on the above‐mentioned scales. Consistent with the idea that anger is associated with approach motivation, AAS scores correlated with behavioral activation, but only explosive/reactive and vengeful/ruminative AA correlated with behavioral inhibition. Results generally validated the quadruple typology of aggression and violence proposed by Howard (2009). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.