bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher Level of Systemic C‐Reactive Protein Is Independently Predictive of Coronary Heart Disease in Older Community‐Dwelling Adults: The Three‐City Study
Authors: Straczek Celine , Ducimetiere Pierre , Barberger‐Gateau Pascale , Helmer Catherine , Ritchie Karen , Jouven Xavier , Carcaillon Laure , Amouyel Philippe , Tzourio Christophe , Empana Jean‐Philippe 
Published: December 2009

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between systemic C‐reactive protein (CRP) and incident coronary heart disease (CHD) in community‐dwelling elderly people.DESIGN: A French population‐based multicenter prospective cohort study.SETTING: Three cities in France: Bordeaux in the southwest, Dijon in the northeast, and Montpellier in the southeast.PARTICIPANTS: After 4 years of follow‐up, a case–cohort study was designed including 1,004 subjects randomly selected from the initial cohort of 9,294 subjects free of CHD at baseline and 174 subjects who developed first CHD events during follow‐up.MEASUREMENTS: Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using a Cox proportional hazard model adapted for the case–cohort design using a CRP level less than 1 mg/L as the reference category.RESULTS: Of the random sample, 24.3% had a CRP level less than 1.0 mg/L, 45.8% had a CRP level of 1.0 to 2.9 mg/L, and 29.9% had a CRP level of 3.0 to 10.0 mg/L. The HRs for CHD, adjusted for age, sex, and study center, were 1.69 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04–2.75) for CRP from 1.0 to 2.9 mg/L and 2.32 (95% CI=1.41–3.82) for CRP from 3.0 to 10.0 mg/L (P for trend <.001). After additional adjustment for smoking, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, systolic blood pressure, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, statin use, and antihypertensive treatment, a baseline CRP of 3.0 to 10.0 mg/L remained associated with risk of CHD (HR=1.87, 95% CI=1.09–3.25), although CRP did not improve the discriminative ability of a predicting model based on traditional risk factors (receiver operating characteristic curves from 0.740 to 0.749).CONCLUSION: CRP is an independent CHD risk marker but does not improve CHD risk prediction in community‐dwelling elderly people.
Demographic profile of blood donors at three major Brazilian blood centers: results from the International REDS‐II study, 2007 to 2008
Authors: Carneiro‐Proietti Anna Bárbara , Sabino Ester C. , Sampaio Divaldo , Proietti Fernando A. , Gonçalez Thelma T. , Oliveira Cláudia D.L. , Ferreira João E. , Liu Jing , Custer Brian , Schreiber George B. , Murphy Edward L. , Busch Michael P. 
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: The profile of blood donors changed dramatically in Brazil over the past 20 years, from remunerated to nonremunerated and then from replacement to community donors. Donor demographic data from three major blood centers establish current donation profiles in Brazil, serving as baseline for future analyses and tracking longitudinal changes in donor characteristics.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the blood center, compiled in a data warehouse, and analyzed. Population data were obtained from the Brazilian census.RESULTS: During 2007 to 2008, there were 615,379 blood donations from 410,423 donors. A total of 426,142 (69.2%) were from repeat (Rpt) donors and 189,237 (30.8%) were from first‐time (FT) donors. Twenty percent of FT donors returned to donate in the period. FT donors were more likely to be younger, and Rpt donors were more likely to be community donors. All were predominantly male. Replacement donors still represent 50% of FT and 30% of Rpt donors. The mean percentage of the potentially general population who were donors was approximately 1.2% for the three centers (0.7, 1.5, and 3.1%). Adjusting for the catchment's area, the first two were 2.1 and 1.6%.CONCLUSIONS: Donors in the three Brazilian centers tended to be younger with a higher proportion of males than in the general population. Donation rates were lower than desirable. There were substantial differences in sex, age, and community/replacement status by center. Studies on the safety, donation frequencies, and motivations of donors are in progress to orient efforts to enhance the availability of blood.
Formalin deposition as artifact in biopsies from patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America
Authors: Abreu Velez Ana Maria , Howard Michael S. , Restrepo‐Isaza Marcos , Smoller Bruce 
Published: December 2009

Background: Most autoimmune diseases occur sporadically; however, endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) is present in specific locales restricted to some geographic rural regions mostly in South America, Central America and in Tunisia (Africa). Its geographic restriction makes it an invaluable natural model for studying how the environment, genetic background and host response contribute to the development of autoimmunity. We described a new variant of EPF in El Bagre, Colombia, (El Bagre‐EPF). When we examined the skin biopsies from 10 patients and controls from the endemic area, we detected in a systematic manner several types of pigmentation, sometimes intracellular, and sometimes in the extracellular matrix in most biopsies. Aim: We aim to determine the nature of this pigment in these skin biopsies. Methods: We studied 10 patients and 10 controls matched by sex, age and work activity living in the endemic area by routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Results: We were unable to find any bacteriological or parasitic organism. Specifically, we searched for several tropical disease agents as possible causative agents of this pigment. Iron stains and melanin pigment bleaching techniques failed to determine the etiology of this pigment. We then tried the removal of formalin pigment using picric acid. The pigment was removed after very strong treatment with different acids including picric acid. Conclusions: Formalin pigment shares many properties with hemozoin. In this case, the authors recommend the use of neutral buffered formalin to prevent the formation of formalin pigment especially after long periods of fixation when taking biopsies under extreme temperature and environmental humidity.Abreu Velez AM, Howard MS, Restrepo‐Isaza M, Smoller B. Formalin deposition as artifact in biopsies from patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America.
Borrelia in granuloma annulare, morphea and lichen sclerosus: a PCR‐based study and review of the literature
Authors: Zollinger Therese , Mertz Kirsten D. , Schmid Mirka , Schmitt Anja , Pfaltz Madeleine , Kempf Werner 
Published: December 2009

Background: Morphea, granuloma annulare (GA) and lichen sclerosus et atrophicans (LSA) have also been suggested to be linked to Borrelia infection. Previous studies based on serologic data or detection of Borrelia by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reported contradictory results. Thus, we examined skin biopsies of morphea, GA and LSA by PCR to assess the prevalence of Borrelia DNA in an endemic area and to compare our results with data in the literature. Methods: Amplification of DNA sequences of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato by nested PCR from formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded skin biopsies of morphea, GA and LSA, followed by automated sequencing of amplification products. PCR‐based studies on Borrelia species in these disorders published until July 2009 were retrieved by a literature search. Results: Borrelia DNA was detected in 3 of 112 skin biopsies (2.7%) including one of 49 morphea biopsies (2.0%), one of 48 GA biopsies (2.1%) and one of 15 LSA biopsies (6.6%). Amplification products belonged to B. burgdorferi sensu stricto in two cases available for sequence analysis. Conclusions: The results of our and most of other PCR‐based studies do not argue for a significant association of B. burgdorferi sensu lato with morphea, GA, LSA.Zollinger T, Mertz KD, Schmid M, Schmitt A, Pfaltz M, Kempf W. Borrelia in granuloma annulare, morphea and lichen sclerosus: a PCR‐based study and review of the literature.
A pilot study of the role of green tea use on oral health
Authors: Awadalla HI , Ragab MH , Bassuoni MW , Fayed MT , Abbas MO 
Published: December 2009

To cite this article:

Int J Dent Hygiene
9, 2011; 110–116 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2009.00440.x Awadalla HI, Ragab MH, Bassuoni MW, Fayed MT, Abbas MO. A pilot study of the role of green tea use on oral health.Abstract:  Introduction:  An increasing number of people all around the world are turning to the nature by using the natural herbal products in both prophylaxes and treatment of different diseases. Green tea with active chemical ingredients posses diverse pharmacological properties that include anti‐inflammatory, anticariogenic, antioxidant and antibacterial effects.Aims:  To assess the possible protective properties of green tea on oral health.Methods:  The researchers used the following measurements: Streptococcus mutans count in saliva and plaque, Salivary and plaque pH values, Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). The above‐mentioned measurements were applied to a sample consists of 25 subjects before and after rinsing with green tea for 5 min (short‐term study). While, S. mutans count for saliva and plaque and GBI measurements, this experimental intervention study was carried out in the El‐Azhar University dental clinic.Results:  The results of this study showed that there was a statistically significant difference among subjects pre‐ and post‐rinsing with 2% green tea for 5 min concerning S. mutans count in saliva and plaque, salivary and plaque pH values and GBI.Conclusion:  This study supports the effectiveness of local application of green tea as antibacterial and anticariogenic material as it decreases the acidity of the saliva and plaque, so it is a cost‐effective caries prevention measures especially in developing countries.
The microclimate under coloured hailnets affects leaf and fruit temperature, leaf anatomy, vegetative and reproductive growth as well as fruit colouration in apple
Authors: Solomakhin A. , Blanke M. 
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this study was to investigate supposedly positive biological effects of coloured hailnets on microclimate, including photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), UV‐B, air, soil, fruit and leaf temperature as well as humidity, which in turn may affect leaf anatomy, tree growth and fruit quality; apple was chosen as a model crop at Klein‐Altendorf near Bonn, Germany; adjacent uncovered trees served as control.Red and green hailnets transmitted 3–6% more red or green light, without alteration of the red:far red (R–666 nm:FR–730 nm) ratio (0.99–1.01:1) and hence without affecting the phytochrome system. The microclimate was changed with a reduction by 12–23% in PAR and, to a larger extent, by 20–28% in UV, viz. shading. Light measurements at a 45° angle, to mimic the fruit or leaf position, showed that PAR was 90–210 µmol m−2 s−1 larger outside on a sunny summer day than under the white or red‐white and 150–340 µmol m−2 s−1 larger than under red‐black and green‐black hailnets.Air temperature and relative humidity under coloured hailnets decreased by ca. 1.3°C and by ca 2% rh (cloudy) to 5% rh (sunny day), respectively, compared with outside; leaf temperature was decreased by up to 3°C and fruit temperature by up to 6°C. Soil temperatures at 5 cm depth were 0.5–1°C colder under red‐black and green‐black hailnets, but up to 0.9°C warmer under white and red‐white hailnets compared with the uncovered control outside.Alternate bearing had a larger impact on vegetative growth in the affected year than the coloured hailnets; annual trunk diameter increments in cv. ‘Fuji’, i.e. the variety susceptible to alternate bearing, showed a larger variation than cv. ‘Pinova’ without alternate bearing. Reproductive growth, viz. return bloom and leaf anatomy were impaired by the coloured hailnets. Apple trees under dark hailnets developed thinner leaves with a thinner epidermis and fewer layers of palisade cells. These leaves were 3.5°C (dark hailnets) and 2.5°C (white hailnets) cooler than outside on a sunny day compared with ca. 1.5°C (dark hailnets) and 0.85°C (white hailnets) on a cloudy day. Transpirational cooling of cv. ‘Fuji’ leaves was 0.3–0.6°C outside and 1.4–1.6°C under the green‐black hailnet on sunny days compared to <0.1°C on cloudy days. As a practical application, apple fruit colouration was dependent on light (PAR and UV‐B) transmission of the respective hailnet colour.
Relative Importance of Seed‐Bank and Post‐Disturbance Seed Dispersal on Early Gap Regeneration in a Colombian Amazon Forest
Authors: Castillo Luis S. , Stevenson Pablo R. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTEarly forest gap regeneration may be generated by postdisturbance seed rain and by seed, seedling or bud banks (i.e., resprouting). The relative importance of each process may depend on several factors (e.g., fruit/seed production, abundance and behavior of seed dispersers, gap characteristics, etc.). We experimentally compared the importance of seed‐bank and seed‐rain affecting early recruitment of seedlings in an Amazonian forest (Zafire Biological Station, Colombia), using soil transplants from forests to gaps and seed rain enclosures. We found that, during the 8‐mo study, the seed‐bank contributed with a larger number of individuals and species than seed‐rain. The low seedling recruitment rates may be associated with reduced populations of animal seed‐dispersers due to hunting and/or low levels of forest fruit production.
Characterization of sleep–wake patterns in a novel transgenic mouse line overexpressing human prepro‐orexin/hypocretin
Authors: Mäkelä K. A. , Wigren H.‐K. , Zant J. C. , Sakurai T. , Alhonen L. , Kostin A. , Porkka‐Heiskanen T. , Herzig K.‐H. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim:  Orexin/hypocretin peptides are expressed in the lateral hypothalamus and involved in the regulation of autonomic functions, energy homeostasis and arousal states. The sleep disorder narcolepsy, which is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and occurrence of sudden rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, is associated with a loss of orexin neurones. Our study investigated the effects of orexins on sleep–wake patterns in a novel transgenic mouse line overexpressing the human prepro‐orexin (hPPO) gene under the control of its endogenous promoter.Methods:  Orexin overexpression was investigated by PCR, Southern and Western blotting as well as immunohistochemistry. Polysomnographic recordings were performed for analyses of sleep–wake patterns and for electroencephalographic activity during 24 h baseline and during and after 6 h of sleep deprivation (SD).Results:  Transgenic hPPO mice had increased expression of human prepro‐orexin (hPPO) and orexin‐A in the hypothalamus. Transgene expression decreased endogenous orexin‐2 receptors but not orexin‐1 receptors in the hypothalamus without affecting orexin receptor levels in the basal forebrain, cortex or hippocampus. Transgenic mice compared with their wild type littermates showed small but significant differences in the amount of waking and slow wave sleep, particularly during the light–dark transition periods, in addition to a slight reduction in REM sleep during baseline and during recovery sleep after SD.Conclusion:  The hPPO‐overexpressing mice show a small reduction in REM sleep, in addition to differences in vigilance state amounts in the light/dark transition periods, but overall the sleep–wake patterns of hPPO‐overexpressing mice do not significantly differ from their wild type littermates.
Role of ataxia telangiectasia mutated in insulin signalling of muscle‐derived cell lines and mouse soleus
Authors: Jeong I. , Patel A. Y. , Zhang Z. , Patil P. B. , Nadella S. T. , Nair S. , Ralston L. , Hoormann J. K. , Fisher J. S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim:  Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) reportedly plays a role in insulin‐stimulated activation of Akt in some cell types but not in others. The role of ATM in insulin signalling has not been firmly resolved for skeletal muscle cells, for which Akt phosphorylation is a pivotal step in stimulation of glucose transport. Accordingly, our aim was to determine the role of ATM in insulin effects for cell lines derived from skeletal muscle and for skeletal muscle.Methods:  We examined insulin effects in L6 myotubes, mouse soleus, C2C12 myotubes and differentiated rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells in the presence and absence of a low concentration (1 μm) of the ATM inhibitor KU55933. We also compared insulin signalling in C2C12 cells expressing shRNA against ATM and control cell lines (empty vector; cells expressing non‐targeting shRNA).Results:  In L6 myotubes and mouse soleus muscle, KU55933 inhibited insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of the 160 kDa substrate of Akt (AS160) despite no effect on Akt. In contrast, KU55933 prevented insulin‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation in C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, C2C12 myotubes expressing shRNA against ATM displayed reduced insulin‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation compared to controls. KU55933 also decreased insulin‐stimulated Akt phosphorylation in differentiated RD cells.Conclusion:  These model‐dependent differences in the role of ATM in insulin action demonstrate a role of ATM in insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt (in C2C12 and RD cells) but also allow the elucidation of a novel, Akt‐independent role of ATM (in L6 myotubes and mouse soleus, at the level of AS160) in insulin signalling.
Identifying viral infections in vaccinated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients using clinical features and inflammatory markers
Authors: Hutchinson Anastasia F. , Black Jim , Thompson Michelle A. , Bozinovski Steven , Brand Caroline A. , Smallwood David M. , Irving Louis B. , Anderson Gary P. 
Published: December 2009

Background Known inflammatory markers have limited sensitivity and specificity to differentiate viral respiratory tract infections from other causes of acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). To overcome this, we developed a multi‐factorial prediction model combining viral symptoms with inflammatory markers.Methods Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), serum amyloid A (SAA) and viral symptoms were measured in stable COPD and at AECOPD onset and compared with the viral detection rates on multiplex PCR. The predictive accuracy of each measure was assessed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis.Results There was a total of 33 viruses detected at the onset of 148 AECOPD, the majority 26 (79%) were picornavirus. Viral symptoms with the highest predictive values were rhinorrhoea [Odds ratio (OR) 4·52; 95% CI 1·99–10·29;P < 0·001] and sore throat (OR 2·64; 95% CI 1·14–6·08;P = 0·022), combined the AUC ROC curve was 0·67. At AECOPD onset patients experienced a 1·6‐fold increase in IL‐6 (P = 0·008) and 4·5‐fold increase in SAA (P < 0·001). The addition of IL‐6 to the above model significantly improved diagnostic accuracy compared with symptoms alone (AUC ROC 0·80 (P = 0·012).Conclusion The addition of inflammatory markers increases the specificity of a clinical case definition for viral infection, particularly picornavirus infection.
The effect of age on the pathogenesis of a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus in Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) infected experimentally
Authors: Löndt Brandon Z. , Núñez Alejandro. , Banks Jill , Alexander Dennis J. , Russell Christine , Richard‐ Löndt Angela C. , Brown Ian H. 
Published: December 2009

Background  Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have recently displayed increased virulence for wild waterfowl.Objectives  To study the effect of host age on the shedding and tissue dissemination of a HPAI H5N1 virus in infected Pekin ducks.Methods  Pekin ducks in two age‐matched groups (n = 18), 8 and 12 weeks old (wo) were each infected with 106 EID50/0·1 ml of HPAI A/turkey/Turkey/1/05 (H5N1, clade 2·2). Each day for 5 days, birds were monitored clinically, and cloacal and oropharyngeal swabs collected, before three birds from each group were selected randomly for post‐mortem examination. Tissue samples were collected for examination by real‐time RT‐PCR, histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC).Results  Severe clinical signs, including incoordination and torticollis were observed in the 8 wo group resulting in 100% mortality by 4 dpi. Mild clinical signs were observed in the 12 wo group with no mortality. Real‐time RT‐PCR and IHC results demonstrated the systemic spread of H5N1 virus in birds of both age groups. Higher levels of virus shedding were detected in oropharyngeal swabs than in cloacal swabs, with similar levels of shedding detected in both age groups. Variations in level and temporal dissemination of virus within tissues of older ducks, and the presence of the virus in brain and heart were observed, which coincided with the appearance of clinical signs preceding death in younger birds.Conclusions  These results are consistent with reports of natural infections of wild waterfowl and poultry possibly indicating an age‐related association with dissemination and clinical outcome in ducks following infection with H5N1 HPAI virus.
An ex vivo swine tracheal organ culture for the study of influenza infection
Authors: Nunes Sandro F. , Murcia Pablo R. , Tiley Laurence S. , Brown Ian H. , Tucker Alexander W. , Maskell Duncan J. , Wood James Lionel N. 
Published: December 2009

Background The threat posed by swine influenza viruses with potential to transmit from pig populations to other hosts, including humans, requires the development of new experimental systems to study different aspects of influenza infection.Ex vivoorgan culture (EVOC) systems have been successfully used in the study of both human and animal respiratory pathogens.Objectives We aimed to develop an air interface EVOC using pig tracheas in the study of influenza infection demonstrating that tracheal explants can be effectively maintained in organ culture and support productive influenza infection.Methods Tracheal explants were maintained in the air interface EVOC system for 7 days. Histological characteristics were analysed with different staining protocols and co‐ordinated ciliary movement on the epithelial surface was evaluated through a bead clearance assay. Explants were infected with a swine H1N1 influenza virus. Influenza infection of epithelial cells was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and viral replication was quantified by plaque assays and real‐time RT‐PCR.Results Histological analysis and bead clearance assay showed that the tissue architecture of the explants was maintained for up to 7 days, while ciliary movement exhibited a gradual decrease after 4 days. Challenge with swine H1N1 influenza virus showed that the EVOC tracheal system shows histological changes consistent within vivoinfluenza infection and supported productive viral replication over multiple cycles of infection.Conclusion The air interface EVOC system using pig trachea described here constitutes a useful biological tool with a wide range of applications in the study of influenza infection.