bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toll‐Like Receptor Expression and Function in Subsets of Human γδ T Lymphocytes
Authors: Pietschmann K. , Beetz S. , Welte S. , Martens I. , Gruen J. , Oberg H.‐H. , Wesch D. , Kabelitz D. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTwo subsets of human γδ T cells can be identified by T cell receptor (TCR) V gene usage. Vδ2Vγ9 T cells dominate in peripheral blood and recognize microbe‐ or tumour‐derived phosphoantigens. Vδ1 T cells are abundant in mucosal tissue and recognize stress‐induced MHC‐related molecules. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are known to co‐stimulate interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production in peripheral blood γδ T cells and in Vδ2Vγ9 T cell lines. By microarray analysis, we have identified a range of genes differentially regulated in freshly isolated γδ T cells by TCR versus TCR plus TLR3 stimulation. Furthermore, we have investigated TLR expression in freshly isolated Vδ1 and Vδ2 subsets and cytokine/chemokine production in response to TLR1/2/6, 3 and 5 ligands. TLR1,2,6,7 RNA was abundantly expressed in both subsets, whereas TLR3 RNA was present at low levels, and TLR5 and 8 RNA only marginally in both subsets. Despite abundant RNA expression, TLR1 was rarely detectable by flow cytometry. In contrast, TLR2 and TLR6 proteins were detected in purified Vδ1 and Vδ2 T cells, and TLR3 protein was detected intracellularly in both subsets. TLR1/2/6, 3 and 5 ligands co‐stimulated the IFN‐γ and chemokine secretion in TCR‐activated Vδ1 and Vδ2 subsets, although the levels of IFN‐γ secreted by Vδ1 T cells were much lower than those produced by Vδ2 T cells. Our results reveal comparable expression of TLRs and functional responses to TLR ligands in freshly isolated Vδ1 and Vδ2 T cells and underscore the intrinsically different capacity for IFN‐γ secretion of Vδ1 versus Vδ2 T cells.
A rice tryptophan deficient dwarf mutant, tdd1, contains a reduced level of indole acetic acid and develops abnormal flowers and organless embryos
Authors: Sazuka Takashi , Kamiya Noriko , Nishimura Takeshi , Ohmae Kozue , Sato Yutaka , Imamura Kohei , Nagato Yasuo , Koshiba Tomokazu , Nagamura Yoshiaki , Ashikari Motoyuki , Kitano Hidemi , Matsuoka Makoto 
Published: June 2009

SummaryIndole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) plays a critical role in many aspects of plant growth and development; however, complete pathways of biosynthesis, localization and many aspects of functions of IAA in rice remain unclear. Here, we report the analysis of a rice tryptophan‐ (Trp‐) and IAA‐deficient mutant, tryptophan deficient dwarf1 (tdd1), which is embryonic lethal because of a failure to develop most organs during embryogenesis. Regenerated tdd1 plants showed pleiotropic phenotypes: dwarfing, narrow leaves, short roots and abnormal flowers. TDD1 encodes a protein homologous to anthranilate synthase β‐subunit, which catalyses the first step of the Trp biosynthesis pathway and functions upstream of Trp‐dependent IAA biosynthesis. TDD1‐uidA and DR5‐uidA expression overlapped at many sites in WT plants but was lacking in tdd1, indicating that TDD1 is involved in auxin biosynthesis. Both Trp and IAA levels in flowers and embryos were much lower in tdd1 than in wild type (WT). Trp feeding completely rescued the mutant phenotypes and moderate expression of OsYUCCA1, which encodes a key enzyme in Trp‐dependent IAA biosynthesis, also rescued plant height and root length, indicating that the abnormal phenotypes of tdd1 are caused predominantly by Trp and IAA deficiency. In tdd1 embryos, the expression patterns of OSH1 and OsSCR, which mark the presumptive apical region and the L2 layer, respectively, are identical to those in WT, suggesting a possibility either that different IAA levels are required for basic pattern formation than for organ formation or that an orthologous gene compensates for TDD1 deficiency during pattern formation.
Epidemiological studies of the non‐specific effects of vaccines: II – methodological issues in the design and analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Farrington C. P. , Firth M. J. , Moulton L. H. , Ravn H. , Andersen P. K. , Evans S. ,   on behalf of the Working Group on Non‐specific Effects of Vaccines
Published: June 2009

SummaryWe review sources of bias which can affect non‐randomized cohort studies of non‐specific effects of vaccines on child mortality. Using examples from the literature on non‐specific effects, we describe different sources of selection and information bias, and, where possible, outline analysis strategies to mitigate or eliminate such biases.
Epidemiology and clinical and pathologic characteristics of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Abruzzo (Italy)
Authors: Amerio Paolo , Manzoli Lamberto , Auriemma Matteo , Carbone Angelo , Proietto Gianluca , Angelucci Domenico , Tulli Antonello 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Malignant melanoma incidence has increased worldwide in recent decades. Cancer registry‐derived epidemiologic data on malignant melanoma in Italy are available only in some northern regions of the country.Aim  To report the number and characteristics of incident cases of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Abruzzo, a central‐southern Italian region.Methods  Screening of the archives of the pathology departments of regional hospitals from 2002 to 2005 was performed. For each patient, clinical and pathologic data were collected. Cases of metastatic, multiple, or relapsing melanoma were excluded.Results  Six hundred and seventy‐two cases of primary melanoma were recorded, with an incidence rate of 14.1 per 100,000 inhabitants per year. Differences related to gender (41.1% males and 58.9% females) and age (35% in the 50–70‐year age group) were found. The trunk (30.7%) and lower limbs (25.94%) were the most frequent sites observed. The superficial spreading histiotype and thin melanoma (≤ 1.00 mm) were more often recorded (44.8% and 62%, respectively).Conclusions  Despite the bias present in this study, linked to the nature and source of the data, we believe that the figures found in this report are comparable with those obtained in the international literature from other Mediterranean countries.
Efficacy of glucantime in the treatment of Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Firdous Rukhsana , Yasinzai Masoom , Ranja Khalid 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. Depending on the parasite species and host response, the disease presents itself in different clinical forms. The cutaneous form of the disease is most common in the Old World. Pentavalent antimonials in the form of an injection represent the most widely used therapy for all clinical forms of the disease. As a result of reports on the development of resistance from various parts of the world, we thought it pertinent to determine its response in our region.Methods  Two hundred and seven military personnel with cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania major, were treated with glucantime according to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended protocol. All patients were nonindigenous to the area and had moved from a nonendemic area to a highly endemic area.Results  Thirty‐seven per cent of patients were cured within 15 days. The cure percentage reached 81% when 20 mg/kg/day was continued to 20 days. Twenty‐five patients who failed to respond were subjected to a further course of glucantime injection. Sixteen responded by the 10th day of treatment, and the remaining nine were cured by completion of the second course, i.e. within 40 days. The drug was administered intramuscularly. The common side‐effects noted were vertigo, headache, anorexia, temperature, and joint pain.Conclusion  Glucantime is still effective against Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis when used in the doses recommended by WHO.
Variation in the time‐mortality responses of laboratory and field populations of Helicoverpa armigera infected with nucleopolyhedrovirus
Authors: Grant M. , Bouwer G. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe virulence of Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus (HearNPV) to South African laboratory and field populations of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was evaluated. After determining the volume imbibed by each population, bioassays were performed using the droplet feeding method and gradient‐purified HearNPV occlusion bodies. Evaluation of dose‐ and time‐mortality data showed that the median lethal doses (LD50s) did not differ significantly between the populations but that the median lethal time (LT50) of the laboratory population was significantly shorter than the LT50s of the field populations. The study shows the importance of considering both the dose‐ and time‐mortality responses when comparing the response variability of populations to a nucleopolyhedrovirus infection.
Randomized study of school‐based intensive interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed adolescents with suicidal risk and parasuicide behaviors
Authors: Tang Tze‐Chun , Jou Shaw‐Hwa , Ko Chih‐Hung , Huang Shih‐Yin , Yen Cheng‐Fang 
Published: June 2009

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to examine the intervention effects of intensive interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed adolescents with suicidal risk (IPT‐A‐IN) by comparison with treatment as usual (TAU) at schools.Methods:  A total of 347 students from one‐fifth of the classes of a high school in southern Taiwan completed the Beck Depression Inventory‐II, the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Hopelessness Scale for screening for suicidal risk. Of them, 73 depressed students who had suicidal risk on screening were randomly assigned to the IPT‐A‐IN or TAU group. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to examine the effect of IPT‐A‐IN on reducing the severity of depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety and hopelessness.Results:  Using the pre‐intervention scores as covariates, the IPT‐A‐IN group had lower post‐intervention severity of depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety and hopelessness than the TAU group.Conclusion:  Intensive school‐based IPT‐A‐IN is effective in reducing the severity of depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety and hopelessness in depressed adolescents with suicidal risk.
There's more to transient ischaemic attack than ABCD
Authors: Blacker D. J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractSeveral important studies have contributed to recent changes in clinical thinking regarding transient ischaemic attack (TIA). The use of risk stratification scores and urgent clinics has become popular and incorporated into recent guidelines, but there may be some pitfalls with this approach. This commentary stresses the need for careful individual patient assessment focussed on prompt determination of the underlying pathogenic mechanism for the TIA. Suggestions on how to incorporate assessment of TIA patients into the current duties of stroke units are made.
Systematic prevention of overweight and obesity in adults: a qualitative and quantitative literature analysis
Authors: Kremers S. , Reubsaet A. , Martens M. , Gerards S. , Jonkers R. , Candel M. , De Weerdt I. , De Vries N. 
Published: June 2009

SummaryTo date, most interventions aimed at preventing obesity have underemphasized the application of systematic intervention development, implementation and evaluation. The present review provides a thorough insight in factors promoting implementation and/or effectiveness in interventions aimed at preventing overweight/obesity among adults. A total of 46 studies evaluating interventions aimed at preventing obesity were reviewed, followed by both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The Intervention Mapping protocol and the Environmental Research framework for weight Gain prevention (EnRG) were applied to analyse and classify the included studies. The interventions were categorized by setting (workplace, community, health care) and target group (ethnic minorities, pregnant women, [pre]menopausal women, smokers, people with intellectual disabilities). Generally, interventions were found to have potential in changing energy balance‐related behaviours and anthropometric outcomes. Effect sizes for changes in body mass index ranged between −0.09 and 0.45. When the programme goal specifically aimed at weight management, the intervention was found to be more successful than interventions with programme goals that were aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease or improving general health status. Although a considerable part of studies included motivational interventions, only some actually assessed the effects on potential cognitive mediators. A general lack of reporting underlying theoretical models for behaviour change was observed as well as the inclusion of linkage groups and strategies to promote empowerment.
Does international openness affect the productivity of local firms?
Authors: Damijan Jože P. , De Sousa José , Lamotte Olivier 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper examines how international openness can change firm productivity in south‐eastern Europe (SEE), a crucial question for middle‐income countries. Using firm‐level data for six transition economies over the 1995–2002 period, we identify whether foreign ownership and propensity to trade with more advanced countries can bring about higher learning effects. We find that: (i) foreign ownership has helped restructure and enhance the productivity of local firms in four out of six countries; (ii) exporting to advanced markets has a larger impact on productivity growth in four countries, especially when the firm's absorptive capacity is taken into account; (iii) in contrast, exporting to the less competitive markets of the former Yugoslavia seems to negatively affect productivity growth in three countries; and (iv) learning effects from importing are similar to those from exporting. Our results suggest that trade liberalization is not uniformly beneficial. Regional composition of trade flows and absorptive capacity of local firms matter. Thus, trade liberalization within the SEE region may not provide a substitute for a general trade liberalization which includes access to the more competitive markets of countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development.
Carrier frequency of SMA by quantitative analysis of the SMN1 deletion in the Iranian population
Authors: Hasanzad M. , Azad M. , Kahrizi K. , Saffar B. S. , Nafisi S. , Keyhanidoust Z. , Azimian M. , Refah A. A. , Also E. , Urtizberea J. A. , Tizzano E. F. , Najmabadi H. 
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose:  Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a common autosomal recessive neuromuscular disorder. Carrier frequency studies of SMA have been reported for various populations. Although no large‐scale population‐based studies of SMA have been performed in Iran, previous estimates have indicated that the incidence of autosomal recessive disorder partly because of the high prevalence of consanguineous marriage is much higher in the Iranian population than in other populations.Methods:  In this study, we used a reliable and highly sensitive quantitative real‐time PCR assay with SYBR green I dye to detect the copy number of the SMN1 gene to determine the carrier frequency of SMA in 200 healthy unrelated, non‐consanguineous couples from different part of Iran.Results:  To validate the method in our samples, we determined the relative quantification (RQ) of patients with homozygous deletion (0.00) and hemyzygous carriers (0.29–0.55). The RQ in 10 of 200 normal individuals were within the carrier range of 0.31–0.57, estimating a carrier frequency of 5% in the Iranian population.Conclusions:  Our data show that the SMA carrier frequency in Iran is higher than in the European population and that further programs of population carrier detection and prenatal testing should be implemented.
Screening for LRRK2 R1441 mutations in a cohort of PSP patients from Germany
Authors: Madžar D. , Schulte C. , Gasser T. 
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose:  Mutations in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase gene (LRRK2) have been shown to be the most common genetic cause of both familial and sporadic Parkinson’s disease. Patients harboring LRRK2 mutations develop late onset PD that in most cases cannot be clinically distinguished from idiopathic PD. Furthermore, LRRK2 mutations have been reported to result in a broad spectrum of neuropathological alterations including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)‐like Tau pathology.Methods:  We screened a cohort of 88 clinically confirmed PSP patients for mutations in exon 31.Results:  We did not find any of the known mutations or any new variants.Conclusions:  Thus, there is no evidence that mutations in exon 31 of LRRK2 are a major risk factor for PSP. Our study, however, cannot rule out that other genetic variations in LRRK2 may be associated with PSP.
Cognitive function in early Parkinson’s disease: a population‐based study
Authors: Elgh E. , Domellöf M. , Linder J. , Edström M. , Stenlund H. , Forsgren L. 
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose:  The study aims to describe the frequency, pattern and determinants of cognitive function in patients with newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease (PD); to compare patients with impaired cognition to patients with intact cognition; and to compare to matched healthy controls.Methods:  Patients were identified in a longitudinal population based study of idiopathic non‐drug induced parkinsonism. Eighty‐eight newly diagnosed patients with PD and no dementia were included during a four year period. The patients and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment.Results:  Patients performed significantly worse than healthy controls in a majority of neuropsychological tests. Test results in attention, psychomotor function, episodic memory (free recall), executive function and category fluency were significantly lower in the patient group. Comparison with normative data revealed that 30% of the patients had deficits in ≥1 cognitive domain (episodic memory, executive function and verbal function). Seventy per cent of the patients had normal performance. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III sub scores; speech, facial expression, rigidity and bradykinesia were significantly higher, and disease duration shorter amongst the cognitively impaired than amongst the cognitively intact patients. Tremor showed no difference. Education level was an independent predictor of dysfunction in patients with ≥2 cognitive domains affected.Conclusion:  Cognitive dysfunction is common in untreated patients in early PD, affecting attention, psychomotor function, episodic memory, executive function and category fluency. Education level was an independent predictor of severe cognitive dysfunction.
Histamine‐N‐methyl transferase polymorphism and risk for multiple sclerosis
Authors: García‐Martín E. , Martínez C. , Benito‐León J. , Calleja P. , Díaz‐Sánchez M. , Pisa D. , Alonso‐Navarro H. , Ayuso‐Peralta L. , Torrecilla D. , Agúndez J. A. G. , Jiménez‐Jiménez F. J. 
Published: June 2009

Background:  Histamine N‐methyltransferase (HNMT) is the main metabolizing enzyme of histamine (a mediator of inflammation implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis‐MS) in the CNS. We have investigated the possible association between a single nucleotide polymorphism of the HNMT (chromosome 2q22.1), that causes the amino acid substitution Thr105Ile (decreasing enzyme activity) and the risk for MS.Methods:  We studied the frequency of the HNMT genotypes and allelic variants in 228 MS patients and 295 healthy controls using a PCR‐RLFP method.Results:  The frequencies of the HNMT genotypes and allelic variants did not differ significantly between MS patients and controls, and were unrelated with the age of onset of MS, gender, and course of MS.Conclusion:  The HNMT polymorphism is not related with the risk for MS.
Psychometric Properties of the ASPeCT‐DD: Measuring Positive Traits in Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Woodard Cooper 
Published: June 2009

Background The Assessment Scale for Positive Character Traits‐Developmental Disabilities (ASPeCT‐DD) was designed to measure the presence and strength of selected positive or strength‐based traits in persons with developmental disabilities. These traits may help to determine level of happiness or value associated with the more commonly measured external indicators of quality of life.Method The present study examines the psychometric properties of this scale by exploring the factor structure, test‐retest and split‐half reliability, and inter‐rater reliability measures. Also presented is an analysis of descriminant and convergent validity.Results Results indicate a four‐factor solution, with poor to moderate correlation among the factors. Test‐retest reliability and measures of internal consistency were in the fair to excellent range, and inter‐rater reliability measures were good. Initial evaluation of validation is encouraging.Discussion Limitations of this study are discussed, as are related opportunities for future research endeavours.
Weight Status of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Maaskant Marian A. , Van Knijff‐Raeven Ankie G. M. , Van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk Henny M. J. , Veenstra Marja Y. 
Published: June 2009

Background  The aim was to study the weight and weight status of the study group in 2002 and 2007, and to study the differences in weight and weight status between 2002 and 2007 and the risk groups for (becoming) overweight/obese.Materials and Methods  The Body Mass Index (BMI) of 336 clients of a Dutch service provider for persons with intellectual disabilities was calculated in 2002 and 2007.Results  The mean increase in BMI between 2002 and 2007 was 0.8 (2.2 kg). In 2002, 36% of the study group was overweight/obese; this was higher in 2007: 45%. The expected relationship between increase in BMI and the change in living circumstances could not be confirmed.Conclusions  Further research into health‐control programmes, weight status, food‐intake and physical exercise is recommended.
Practices for prevention, diagnosis and management of postpartum haemorrhage: impact of a regional multifaceted intervention
Authors: Audureau E , Deneux‐Tharaux C , Lefèvre P , Brucato S , Morello R , Dreyfus M , Bouvier‐Colle M‐H 
Published: June 2009

Objective  To evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention on practices for prevention, diagnosis and management of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and on the prevalence of major PPH in a French perinatal network.Design  Quasi‐experimental before‐and‐after survey.Setting  All maternity units (n = 19) of a French administrative region, operating as a perinatal network.Sample  One representative sample of all women delivering in the network, one representative sample of women with PPH deliveries and an exhaustive sample of women with major PPH.Methods  The multifaceted intervention took place between February 2003 and March 2004. Information was retrospectively collected for two periods, 2002 (before the intervention) and 2005 (after).Main outcome measures  Practices for prevention, diagnosis and management of PPH and prevalence of major PPH.Results  After the intervention, the pharmacological prevention of PPH increased from 58.8% to 75.9% of vaginal deliveries (P < 10−4), and the use of blood collecting bags from 3.9% to 76.3% (P < 10−4), but initial PPH management did not change significantly. However, the median delay for second‐line pharmacological treatment was significantly shortened [from 80 min (35–130) in 2002 to 32.5 min (20–75) in 2005]. An increase was observed in the use of surgery for PPH (0.06% versus 0.12% of deliveries; P = 0.03) and in blood transfusions (0.18% versus 0.33%; P = 0.01). The prevalence of major PPH did not change (0.80% versus 0.86% of deliveries; P = 0.62).Conclusions  The intervention was effective at improving PPH‐related preventive and diagnostic practices in a perinatal network. Improving management practices and reducing the prevalence of major PPH might require a different intervention design.