bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The residual background genome from a donor within an improved line selected by marker‐assisted selection: impact on phenotype and combining ability
Authors: Wang L. , Zhang Z. , Wei L. , Zhang D. , Teng F. , Tao Y. , Zheng Y. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA successful marker‐assisted selection (MAS)‐derived line should express new characteristics derived from the donor, and have a small number of donor chromosomal fragments. Different selection strategies can result in a different proportion of donor residual background within the improved line. The effects of the residual background on phenotype and combining ability mostly remain unknown. In this study, waxy (wx) and a restorer gene (Rf3) of S‐type cytoplasm sterility were selected as a model for MAS breeding by three strategies, to develop MAS‐derived lines with a different level of residual background. Three MAS‐derived lines were successfully developed by introgression of the target gene. Furthermore, the genetic background, agriculturally important traits and combining ability of the three MAS‐derived lines were assayed. The results suggested that the three MAS‐derived lines retained 4–18% of the chromosomal fragment of the donor, respectively, and the residual background impacted on the phenotype of important traits and combining ability of MAS‐derived lines. We also showed that whole genome background screening each backcross generation can accelerate recovery of the recurrent parent genome, phenotype and combining ability.
CONTINUOUS FLUOXETINE ADMINISTRATION PREVENTS RECURRENCE OF PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND PROLONGS SURVIVAL IN RATS
Authors: Zhu Shao‐Ping , Mao Zhi‐Fu , Huang Jie , Wang Jun‐Yu 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARYThe serotonin transporter (SERT) is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients and animal models. Inhibitors of SERT have been reported to attenuate or reverse experimental PAH, which makes them potential therapeutic options for the treatment of PAH in humans. However, little is known about pathophysiological features after reversal or attenuation of PAH; moreover, the long‐term therapeutic effects of SERT inhibitors on PAH remain undetermined. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the short‐ and long‐term effects of fluoxetine on monocrotaline (MCT)‐induced PAH and associated pathophysiological changes in PAH models.Rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: (i) an M + F group, in which rats received a single injection of MCT (60 mg/kg, s.c.) and then after 3 weeks were given fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) once daily by gavage from Week 4 to Week 12; (ii) an M/F group, in which 3 weeks after a single MCT (60 mg/kg, s.c.) injection, rats were given fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) by daily gavage from Week 4 to Week 6 and were then given an equivalent volume of saline once daily by gavage from Week 7 to Week 12; (iii) an MCT group, in which 3 weeks after a single MCT (60 mg/kg, s.c.) injection rats were given an equivalent volume of saline by gavage from Week 4 to Week 12; and (iv) a saline group, in which rats received an equivalent volume of saline injection or gavage over the 12 week treatment period. Morphometric changes, pulmonary arterial pressure, percentage wall thickness, right ventricular hypertrophy index and SERT expression were detected at various times during the 12 week treatment period. Survival analysis was performed in each group.After 12 weeks treatment, it was found that even through fluoxetine treatment resulted in complete reversal of PAH, PAH recurred after fluoxetine withdrawal. In contrast, continuous administration of fluoxetine prevented the recurrence of PAH and prolonged survival. Analysis of SERT protein levels in rat lung indicated that, compared with values obtained at Week 0, SERT protein increased significantly after discontinuation of fluoxetine but continuous fluoxetine administration inhibited this increase.In conclusion, SERT overexpression correlates with the recurrence of PAH after withdrawal of fluoxetine in rats. Continuous fluoxetine administration prevents recurrence of PAH and prolongs survival.
NOVEL MITOCHONDRIAL DNA MUTATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CHINESE FAMILIAL HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY
Authors: Wei Yan‐Ling , Yu Chang‐An , Yang Peng , Li Ai‐Li , Wen Jian‐Yan , Zhao Shu‐Min , Liu Hong‐Xing , Ke Yuan‐Nan , Campbell William , Zhang Yi‐Guan , Li Xiao‐Hui , Liao Wen‐Qiang 
Published: March 2009

SUMMARY

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder that has a complex set of symptoms and potentially devastating consequences. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are responsible for the development of HCM, but the mtDNA mutations appear to differ considerably among different populations and regions.
In the present study, three families with HCM were found and investigated: one in Shandong province and two in the Chongqing region of China. The entire mtDNA genome from the 18 affected and 66 unaffected family members was sequenced directly and the mtDNA mutations were determined.
The frequency of haplogroup M10 was significantly higher in family members with HCM (HCM group) than in unaffected family members (normal group). Three mtDNA mutations were found with a significantly higher frequency in affected individuals than in unaffected family individuals, namely G7697A in the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II gene (P < 0.0001; odds ratio (OR) 227.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 23.6–2194.8) and T12477C (P = 0.0037; OR 5.6; 95% CI 1.8–17.6) and G13135A in the NADH dehydrogenase 5 gene (P < 0.0001; OR 26.0; 95% CI 6.9–98.3), suggesting that these mutations are probably associated with susceptibility to HCM. In addition, mitochondrial Complex I activity was markedly decreased in the HCM group, suggesting that these mutations most likely affect mitochondrial respiratory function.
In conclusion, the results of the present study imply that mtDNA mutations G7697A, T12477C and G13135A are genetic factors that indicate a susceptibility to HCM and that could be used for the large‐scale screening of genetic markers as well as the early diagnosis of HCM.
Colorectal and anal neoplasms following liver transplantation
Authors: Albright J. B. , Bonatti H. , Stauffer J. , Dickson R. C. , Nguyen J. , Harnois D. , Jeanpierre C. , Hinder R. , Steers J. , Chua H. , Aranda‐Michel J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective  Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for end‐stage liver disease. The required immunosuppression increases the risk for developing malignancies. Some viruses play a crucial role. Data on neoplasms of the colon, rectum and anus in LT are limited.Method  A retrospective evaluation of the incidence and clinical course of colorectal and anal malignancies and colonic polyps in a series of 467 consecutive LTs in 402 individuals between 1998 and 2001 was performed. Standard immunosuppression included Tacrolimus, Mycophenolic acid and steroids.Results  During a median follow up of 5.2 years, three colon adenocarcinomas, one EBV associated cecal post‐transplant lymphoproliferative tumour and two HPV associated anal tumours were identified. Pre‐LT colonoscopy was performed in 161 patients (40%), and of 153 evaluable individuals, 53 (34.9%) had polyps. Colonoscopy was performed in 186 patients (46.3%) median 14.8 (range 0.2–77.8) months post‐LT and 55 (29.3%) had polyps. Post‐LT adenomatous polyps were detected in 47.3% of patients with pre‐LT polyps vs 6.7% of patients without pre‐LT polyps (P < 0.001). Patients with alcoholic liver disease had a significantly higher rate of adenoma formation (50.0%vs 11.1%, P < 0.001). No patient died from colorectal/anal malignancy.Conclusion  The incidence of metachronous and new polyp formation in our study is similar to people who are not immunocompromised, but subgroups are at increased risk. Viral‐associated malignancies, including post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and anal cancer, are important entities in the LT population suggesting that complete screening of the colon, rectum and anus including pre‐LT and post‐LT colonoscopy should be utilized.
ENDOGENOUS GROWTH, PRICE STABILITY AND MARKET DISEQUILIBRIA
Authors: Gomes Orlando 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTResorting to an endogenous growth framework, the paper studies the implications of taking market clearing as a long‐term possibility rather than an every period implicit assumption, as in conventional growth analysis. The underlying main assumption respects to an adjustment mechanism in which: (1) transitional dynamics are characterized by the persistence of an accumulated market imbalance, and (2) monetary authorities are able to guarantee price stability. The implications of this modeling structure are the following: (1) a market‐clearing equilibrium may co‐exist with other equilibrium points, (2) several types of stability outcomes are obtainable, and (3) monetary policy becomes relevant for growth.
Later onset of herpes zoster‐associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Espinosa E , Peña‐Jiménez Á , Ormsby CE , Vega‐Barrientos R , Reyes‐Terán G 
Published: March 2009

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to determine whether immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) associated with herpes zoster occurs on a different time frame from other instances of IRIS.MethodsStatistical analysis of onset times of herpes zoster‐associated IRIS and other cases of IRIS was carried out in a retrospective cohort starting antiretroviral therapy at advanced stages of HIV infection.ResultsHerpes zoster‐associated IRIS was significantly more frequent after the first 3 months of successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), than other instances of IRIS (IRIS associated with tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex, Kaposi's sarcoma, etc.) which mainly occurred during the first 3 months of treatment.ConclusionsThe characteristic onset time pattern of herpes zoster‐associated IRIS, coincident with the second phase of immune recovery under HAART, suggests that the immune recovery events underlying herpes zoster‐associated IRIS are different from those underlying other types of IRIS. Our findings may be useful in improving the follow‐up of individuals who start HAART at an advanced stage of HIV infection.
Uptake of and virological response to antiretroviral therapy among HIV‐infected former and current injecting drug users and persons in an opiate substitution treatment programme: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Weber R , Huber M , Rickenbach M , Furrer H , Elzi L , Hirschel B , Cavassini M , Bernasconi E , Schmid P , Ledergerber B ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: March 2009

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the influence of continued injecting drug use, enrolment in an opiate substitution treatment programme (OSTP), or cessation of injecting drug use on the uptake and course of antiretroviral therapy (ART).DesignA prospective observational study of all participants in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study followed between 1997 and 2006 was carried out.MethodsWe distinguished four groups of former or current injecting drug users (IDUs): (i) abstinent former IDUs; (ii) persons in OSTPs without concomitant injecting drug use; (iii) persons in OSTPs with concomitant injecting drug use; (vi) current IDUs. These groups were compared with a group of patients who had never been IDUs. Factors related to ART uptake and virological endpoints were analysed using logistic generalized estimating equations.ResultsWe followed 8660 participants for 48 477 person‐years; 29.7% were in the IDU HIV transmission group. The likelihood of being on ART at biannual visits was lower among individuals in OSTPs with concomitant injecting drug use [odds ratio (OR) 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–0.89] and current IDUs (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.67–0.96), compared with those who had never been IDUs (reference), abstinent former IDUs (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.02–1.25) and individuals in OSTPs without injecting drug use (OR 1.18; 95% CI 1.06–1.31). The likelihood of suppressed viral replication on ART was similar among those who had never been IDUs, abstinent former IDUs and individuals in an OSTP without injecting drug use, and lower among those in OSTPs with concomitant drug use (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.72–0.93) and current IDUs (OR 0.81; 0.65–1.00). Adherence to ART was decreased among persons with continued injecting drug use, and correlated with virological outcome.ConclusionsUptake of and virological response to ART were improved among abstinent former IDUs and persons in OSTPs without concomitant injecting drug use, compared with persons with continued injecting drug use.
Effectiveness of the Takeda Three Colors Combination Test as a screening test for dementia
Authors: TAKEDA Shinya , NAKAGOME Kazuyuki , TAJIME Kayo , SAITO Motoi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  The aged population is increasing worldwide and it is expected that dementia, for which aging is a risk factor, will increase as well. A critical issue then becomes a community's capacity for the early detection of dementia among its senior citizens. In the present paper, we report on the development and potential use of a screening test for dementia that can be administered and assessed easily in a short period of time by non‐specialist clinicians and represents no burden for those undergoing the screening.Methods:  Three hundred and sixty senior citizens, over 60 years of age, participated in the study. Of these, 126 had Alzheimer's disease (AD), 60 had vascular dementia (VaD), 41 had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 133 were healthy volunteers (control group). A screening test for dementia, which consisted of a colored cards configuration memory task (the Takeda Three Colors Combination Test; TTCC) was examined for sensitivity, specificity, reliability and criterion‐related validity.Results:  Sufficient sensitivity and specificity were demonstrated for each clinical group (AD, VaD) and the control group. The sensitivity of the TTCC was 0.94, 0.82, and 0.71 for the AD, VaD, and MCI groups, respectively; specificity was 0.83. In addition, sufficient reliability and validity were established. Administration of the TTCCand assessment procedures required only 1 or 2 min.Conclusion:  Satisfactory sensitivity and specificity were indicated for both the AD and VaD groups, with sufficient reliability and validity also indicated. Thus, the TTCC is an effective dementia screening test.
Five cases of frontotemporal dementia with behavioral symptoms improved by Yokukansan
Authors: KIMURA Takemi , HAYASHIDA Hideki , FURUKAWA Hitomi , MIYAUCHI Daisuke , TAKAMATSU Junichi 
Published: March 2009

AbstractHerein, we present five cases with frontotemporal dementia whose behavioral symptoms were improved by Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine (Kampo). All five patients were prescribed Yokukansan (7.5 g/day) to reduce their symptoms. The patients' symptoms were evaluated comprehensively using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Stereotypy Rating Inventory (SRI) before and 4 weeks after Yokukansan treatment. The mean (± SD) scores on the NPI and the SRI before treatment were 55.6 ± 5.4 and 22.2 ± 6.5, respectively. After treatment, these scores were 30.0 ± 7.8 and 11.6 ± 7.5, respectively. Yokukansan was effective for the treatment of clinical symptoms in all five patients without adverse effects and significant changes in laboratory data. Although antipsychotic drugs have been used to control behavioral symptoms, their associated adverse effects frequently impact on the activities of daily living and quality of life of treated patients. The present cases suggest significant improvement of behavioral symptoms in frontotemporal dementia with Yokukansan treatment, leading to probable benefit of the use of Yokukansan in individuals with frontotemporal dementia.
Psychogeriatric services for outpatients undergoing long‐term care at Mental Silver Clinic
Authors: WAKAE Norihiko 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  The Wakae Clinic opened its Mental Silver Clinic in May 2002 to provide psychogeriatric services for outpatients with long‐term care insurance, and medical services and care for patients with senile mental disorders, mainly dementia.Methods:  The present report describes a study of 100 patients who received services from the Mental Silver Clinic over 5 years, from January 2003 to December 2007. It compares the age of first diagnosis and age of onset disorder with confirmed diagnosis, results of the initial Mini‐Mental State Examination, and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD), as well as other parameters.Results:  Sixty‐three of the patients (63%) were diagnosed with dementia. The most problematic behaviors are identified, the most frequent of which was delusion, followed by hallucination, reversed day and night or insomnia, negligence of fire, and delirium.Conclusions:  The number of VaD patients was smaller than DLB patients at mental clinic.
Mandibular overdentures supported by two or four endosseous implants: a 10‐year clinical trial
Authors: Meijer Henny J. A. , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Batenburg Rutger H. K. , Visser Anita , Vissink Arjan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective: The aim of this 10‐year clinical trial was to evaluate the treatment outcome (condition of hard and soft peri‐implant tissues, patient satisfaction, surgical and prosthetic aftercare) of mandibular overdentures supported by two or four implants.Materials and methods: Sixty edentulous patients with a mandibular height between 12 and 18 mm participated. Thirty patients were treated with an overdenture supported by two IMZ implants (group A) and 30 patients were treated with an overdenture supported by four IMZ implants (group B). Standardised clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated 6 weeks after completion of the prosthetic treatment and after 1, 5 and 10 years of functional loading. Prosthetic and surgical aftercare was scored during the evaluation period, as well as patient satisfaction.Results: There were no statistically significant differences with regard to any of the studied clinical or radiographic parameters of the peri‐implant tissues between the groups. In addition, no differences in satisfaction and aftercare were observed between the groups.Conclusion: There is no difference in the clinical and radiographical state of patients treated with an overdenture on two or four implants during a 10‐year evaluation period. Patients of both groups were evenly satisfied with their overdentures and received the same amount of aftercare. For reasons of cost‐effectiveness, a two‐implant overdenture is advised for patients with a Cawood classes IV–VI resorption of the mandible and complaints concerning retention and stability of the lower denture.
Isolation and characterization of 18 new polymorphic microsatellite loci for the swordfish, Xiphias gladius
Authors: KASAPIDIS P. , PAKAKI V. , KOTOULAS G. , MAGOULAS A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractEighteen microsatellite loci (13 di‐ and 5 tri‐repeats) were isolated from swordfish and characterized in two populations from the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 29 and the observed heterozygosity from 0.302 to 0.953. All but one locus conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectations and there was no evidence for linkage disequilibrium between loci.
COMBINATION OF FUZZY ARITHMETIC AND A FAST BOUNDARY ELEMENT METHOD FOR ACOUSTIC SIMULATION WITH UNCERTAINTIES
Authors: JUNGE M. , BRUNNER D. , BECKER J. , MAESS M. , ROSEIRA J. , HANSS M. 
Published: March 2009

A so-called FuzzBEM methodology for analyzing the influence of uncertain acoustic and structural parameters on the radiated sound field of vibrating structures combining fuzzy arithmetic and fast multipole boundary element method is introduced. Uncertainties in acoustic properties may result from uncertain parameters of the vibrating mechanical structures, e.g. material density or geometry, as well as from uncertainties in the acoustic domain, e.g. sound velocity. The use of the transformation method in the proposed approach allows to employ simulation tools based on the crisp number arithmetic by appropriate preprocessing of the fuzzy numbers modeling the uncertain input parameters and postprocessing of the simulation results to determine the fuzzy numbers for the considered output quantities. In this contribution, the proposed FuzzBEM procedure is applied to a sound radiating, vibrating stiffened cylindrical shell where the investigated uncertainties include the shell wall thickness and the driving frequency of a monofrequency point load and the air density and sound velocity. As exemplary output quantities of acoustic performance, the acoustic pressure at multiple field points and the radiated sound power are evaluated. The proposed coupling of fuzzy arithmetic and acoustic boundary elements yields run times two orders of magnitudes or more longer than a single BEM calculation. Nevertheless, the systematic parameterization obtained by the proposed fuzzy analysis has the potential to reveal input–output relationships difficult to identify with individual conventional BEM simulation runs.
THE TSUNAMI-RESILIENT COASTAL COMMUNITY
Authors: BERNARD EDDIE N. 
Published: March 2009

The concept of a tsunami-resilient coastal community is a proactive way to change attitudes from "tsunamis will not affect our community" to "preparing for the next tsunami." The three elements of a tsunami-resilient coastal community include: (1) hazard assessment, the evaluation of the written, oral, and geological history of the community to assess the extent of the tsunami hazard for a specific community; (2) community preparedness, the building of a tsunami-resilient community that functions before, during, and after the tsunami; (3) warning guidance, the acceptance of responsibility for receiving the warnings and taking appropriate action. Communities that adopt these measures will not only save lives, but will recover faster from the next tsunami. The tsunami-resilient coastal community will survive the next tsunami.
Impact of risk stratification on outcome among patients with multiple myeloma receiving initial therapy with lenalidomide and dexamethasone
Authors: Kapoor Prashant , Kumar Shaji , Fonseca Rafael , Lacy Martha Q. , Witzig Thomas E. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Dispenzieri Angela , Buadi Francis , Bergsagel P. Leif , Gertz Morie A. , Dalton Robert J. , Mikhael Joseph R. , Dingli David , Reeder Craig B. , Lust John A. , Russell Stephen J. , Roy Vivek , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Stewart A. Keith , Kyle Robert A. , Greipp Philip R. , Rajkumar S. Vincent 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The outcome of patients with multiple myeloma is dictated primarily by cytogenetic abnormalities and proliferative capacity of plasma cells. We studied the outcome after initial therapy with lenalidomide-dexamethasone among 100 newly diagnosed patients, risk-stratified by genetic abnormalities and plasma cell labeling index. A total of 16% had high-risk multiple myeloma, defined by the presence of hypodiploidy, del(13q) by metaphase cytogenetics, del(17p), IgH translocations [t(4;14), or t(14;16)] or plasma cell labeling index more than or equal to 3%. Response rates were 81% vs 89% in the high-risk and standard-risk groups, respectively. The median progression-free survival was shorter in the high-risk group (18.5 vs 36.5 months, P < .001), but overall survival was comparable. Because of unavailability of all tests for every patient, we separately analyzed 55 stringently classified patients, and the results were similar. In conclusion, high-risk patients achieve less durable responses with lenalidomide-dexamethasone compared with standard-risk patients; no significant differences in overall survival are apparent so far. These results need confirmation in larger, prospectively designed studies.