bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telmisartan Effects on Insulin Resistance in Obese or Overweight Adults Without Diabetes or Hypertension
Authors: Hsueh Willa , Davidai Giora , Henry Robert , Mudaliar Sunder 
Published: July 2010

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2010;12:746–752. ©2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are antihypertensive agents associated with reduced risk of new‐onset diabetes mellitus. The ARB telmisartan is a partial agonist of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐gamma (PPAR‐γ). This study evaluated the effect of telmisartan on insulin resistance, a known target of PPAR‐γ agonism. Overweight/obese persons with body mass index ≥28 kg/m2, waist circumference ≥35 inches, and components of the metabolic syndrome without hypertension or diabetes who were not preselected for insulin resistance were enrolled. Patients were randomized to telmisartan or matching placebo for 16 weeks. The primary efficacy measure was changed from baseline in the insulin sensitivity index (SI), calculated from oral glucose tolerance testing. SI was also evaluated in a subset of patients using a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Secondary end points included measures of insulin sensitivity and glucose and lipid metabolism. A total of 138 patients were randomized and received ≥1 dose of study medication; 128 completed the study. At end point, no significant difference was found between telmisartan and placebo groups regarding change from baseline in SI or in glucose area under the curve. No significant between‐group differences were found regarding glucose metabolism or lipoprotein levels. In the population with abdominal obesity and components of the metabolic syndrome, telmisartan did not increase insulin sensitivity.
Combining contemporary and ancient DNA in population genetic and phylogeographical studies
Authors: NAVASCUÉS MIGUEL , DEPAULIS FRANTZ , EMERSON BRENT C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe analysis of ancient DNA in a population genetic or phylogeographical framework is an emerging field, as traditional analytical tools were largely developed for the purpose of analysing data sampled from a single time point. Markov chain Monte Carlo approaches have been successfully developed for the analysis of heterochronous sequence data from closed panmictic populations. However, attributing genetic differences between temporal samples to mutational events between time points requires the consideration of other factors that may also result in genetic differentiation. Geographical effects are an obvious factor for species exhibiting geographical structuring of genetic variation. The departure from a closed panmictic model require researchers to either exploit software developed for the analysis of isochronous data, take advantage of simulation approaches using algorithms developed for heterochronous data, or explore approximate Bayesian computation. Here, we review statistical approaches employed and available software for the joint analysis of ancient and modern DNA, and where appropriate we suggest how these may be further developed.
Stimulation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Collagen Synthesis by Angiotensin II in Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Lijnen Paul J. , van Pelt Jos F. , Fagard Robert H. 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYSuperoxide anion generated by NAD(P)H‐oxidase has an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and scavenging superoxide anion can be considered as a reasonable therapeutic strategy. In hypertensive heart diseases there is a mutual reinforcement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and angiotensin II (ANG II). ANG II increases the NAD(P)H‐dependent superoxide anion production and the intracellular generation of ROS in cardiac fibroblasts and apocynin, a membrane NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, abrogates this rise. ANG II also stimulates the collagen production, the collagen I and III content and mRNA expression in cardiac fibroblasts and apocynin abolishes this induction. In this review we demonstrate that scavenging superoxide anion by tempol or EUK‐8 or administration of PEG‐superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibits collagen production in cardiac fibroblasts. On the contrary increasing superoxide anion formation by inhibition of SOD stimulates collagen production. A vital role of SOD and the generated ROS can be suggested in the regulation and organization of collagen in cardiac fibroblasts. Specific pharmacological intervention with SOD mimetics can probably be an alternative approach for reducing myocardial fibrosis.
REVIEW: Neurosyphilis: A Historical Perspective and Review
Authors: Ghanem Khalil G. 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARY Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, disseminates to the central nervous system within days after exposure. Clinical manifestations can occur during any stage of the infection, and include asymptomatic neurosyphilis, acute meningeal syphilis, meningovascular syphilis, paretic neurosyphilis, and tabetic neurosyphilis. The majority of cases are reported in HIV‐infected patients but the epidemiology of modern neurosyphilis is not well defined because of the paucity of population‐based data. Decreasing reports of late neurosyphilis have been countered with increasing reports of early neurologic involvement. This review summarizes the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and therapy of neurosyphilis, focusing on areas of continued controversy, and highlighting several important questions that remain unanswered. Since 2000, the rates of syphilis continue to increase. Given the effectiveness of penicillin therapy, these trends suggest a failure of prevention. Regrettably, rather than become an infection of historical significance, syphilis in the era of HIV continues to challenge researchers and clinicians.
Serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α in rats fed with Kashin‐Beck disease‐affected diet
Authors: YAN Denglu , KANG Pengde , SHEN Bing , YANG Jing , ZHOU Zongke , DUAN Lijun , PEI Fuxing 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim:  To investigator the serum level of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in rats which have been fed with Kashin–Beck disease (KBD) epidemic district food.Method:  Two hundred and twenty Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Group A was fed with a normal diet as control; group B was fed with a normal diet and T‐2 toxin; group C was fed with a low‐nutrition diet and T‐2 toxin; group D was fed with a low‐nutrition diet; and group E was fed with a KBD‐affected diet. The serum bioactivity of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α were tested by enzyme‐linked immeunosorbent assay.Results:  After 4 weeks, the epiphyseal plate showed more obvious necrosis of chondrocytes in groups B, C and E. Among the KBD‐affected feed, normal feed combined with T‐2 toxin and low protein combined with T‐2 toxin, KBD‐affected feed rats had the highest serum levels, and normal feed combined with T‐2 toxin group was the lowest. Although the IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels were no different in the KBD‐affected feed compared to low protein combined with T‐2 toxin, there were significant differences compared to normal feed combined with the T‐2 toxin (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α metabolism are altered in the KBD model rats. This effect is relatively similar to the low‐nutrition diet combined with the T‐2 toxin, which means low‐nutrition diet may be involved in the aetiology of KBD.
The Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire: validation in a New Zealand cohort
Authors: JENKS Katherine , TREHARNE Gareth J. , GARCIA Jose , STEBBINGS Simon 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim:  To examine the validity of the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) in a New Zealand population with defined axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). Once validated, the ASQoL will be included as an outcome measure in a proposed multicentre New Zealand study.Methods:  Five healthy participants were interviewed to identify any issues related to local dialect or linguistic comprehension of the questionnaire. Cognitive debriefing interviews were conducted with four participants with SpA to assess the relevance and comprehensiveness of the questionnaire. Internal consistency was established by determining the Cronbach’s alpha. Finally, convergent validity of the ASQoL was assessed by testing the correlation with the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and patient global visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in a cohort of 63 SpA patients.Results:  The language used in the ASQoL was considered clear, comprehensible and accessible to speakers of New Zealand English. The questionnaire displayed content validity for patients with SpA. The ASQoL had good internal consistency in the present sample (α = 0.854). A positive correlation was found between the ASQoL and the BASFI (rho = 0.635, P < 0.001), BASDAI (rho = 0.521, P < 0.001) and patient global assessment VAS (rho = 0.546, P < 0.001), providing evidence that the ASQoL has convergent validity among patients with SpA in New Zealand. Test–retest reliability was good over 16 weeks (rho = 0.730, P < 0.001).Conclusions:  The ASQoL has been demonstrated in this study to be feasible, internally consistent and to have content and convergent validity in a New Zealand population of patients with axial spondyloarthritis; it is a measure of quality of life which is both easy to employ and reliable.
Therapeutic effects of astragalus polysaccharides on inflammation and synovial apoptosis in rats with adjuvant‐induced arthritis
Authors: JIANG Jun‐Bing , QIU Jian‐Dong , YANG Li‐Hua , HE Jun‐Ping , SMITH George W. , LI Hong‐Quan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground:  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease, is characterized by pronounced inflammation and cell accumulation within affected joints. Beneficial effects of active ingredients of the astragalus root (Radix astrogali) in treatment of immunological diseases have been previously observed, but the mechanisms are not well understood. This study aims to evaluate therapeutic effects and the mechanisms of astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on adjuvant‐induced arthritis (AA) in rats.Methods:  Effects of treatment of AA rats with increasing doses of APS, Tripterygium glycosides (positive control) and saline (negative control) on swelling, arthritic index, synovial cell accumulation, serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), synovial apoptosis and immunostaining for Bcl‐2 and Bax were determined.Results:  APS treatment reduced cell accumulation, swelling and arthritic index of the joints and serum concentrations of TNF‐α and IL1‐β in a dose‐dependent manner in AA rats. Synovial cell apoptosis was elevated in response to APS treatment and accompanied by increased staining for pro‐apoptotic Bax protein and decreased staining for anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein.Conclusions:  APS treatment reduced multiple indices of arthritis in rats with AA. Results support further investigation of therapeutic effects of APS in treatment of RA and other autoimmune diseases.
Chymase inhibition attenuates tetrachloride‐induced liver fibrosis in hamsters
Authors: Komeda Koji , Takai Shinji , Jin Denan , Tashiro Keitaro , Hayashi Michihiro , Tanigawa Nobuhiko , Miyazaki Mizuo 
Published: July 2010

Aim:  Chymase converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which may promote the development of liver fibrosis. In this study, whether a chymase inhibitor TY‐51469 attenuated tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis was examined.Methods:  Liver fibrosis was induced by the s.c. injection of 1 mL/kg of CCl4 twice weekly for 8 weeks, and each hamster was given TY‐51469 (1 mg/kg per day) or placebo. Untreated hamsters were used as a control group.Results:  Significant increases of serum alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and hyaluronic acid levels were observed in the placebo‐treated group compared with the control group, but these levels were significantly attenuated in the TY‐51469‐treated group. Liver chymase activity was significantly higher in the placebo‐treated group than in the control group, whereas the activity in the TY51469‐treated group was not. Total angiotensin II‐forming activity in the liver was also significantly higher in the placebo‐treatedgroup than in the control group or the TY‐51469‐treated group. The ratio of the fibrotic area to the total area in the liver was significantly higher in the placebo‐treated group than in the control group, but the ratio was significantly lower in the TY‐51469‐treated group than in the placebo‐treated group. A significant decrease in the number of α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA)‐positive cells was seen in the TY‐51469‐treated group compared to the placebo‐treated group.Conclusion:  Significant correlations between the number of chymase‐positive cells and the degree of fibrosis and between the numbers of chymase‐positive cells and α‐SMA‐positive cells were observed. Thus, chymase inhibition may be a useful strategy for preventing liver fibrosis.
Python based GIS tools for landscape genetics: visualising genetic relatedness and measuring landscape connectivity
Authors: Etherington Thomas R. 
Published: July 2010

Summary1. Landscape genetics is an area of research that can help to understand many spatial ecological processes, but requires significant interdisciplinary collaboration. Use of geographic information system (GIS) software is essential, but requires a degree of customisation that is often beyond the non‐specialist.2. To help address this, a series of Python script based GIS tools have been developed for use in landscape genetics studies.3. The scripts convert files, visualise genetic relatedness, and measure landscape connectivity using least‐cost path analysis. The scripts are housed in an ArcToolbox that is freely available along with the underlying Python code.4. The Python scripts allow researchers to use more current software, provide the option of further development by the user community, and reduce the amount of time that would be spent developing common solutions.
HIV-1 Reactivation Induced by the Periodontal Pathogens
Fusobacterium nucleatum
and
Porphyromonas gingivalis
Involves Toll-Like Receptor 4 and 9 Activation in Monocytes/Macrophages
Authors: González Octavio A. , Li Mengtao , Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Huang Chifu B. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT

Although oral coinfections (e.g., periodontal disease) are highly prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-positive (HIV-1
+
) patients and appear to positively correlate with viral load levels, the potential for oral bacteria to induce HIV-1 reactivation in latently infected cells has received little attention. We showed that HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter activation can be induced by periodontopathogens in monocytes/macrophages; nevertheless, the mechanisms involved in this response remain undetermined. Since Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4, and TLR9 activation have been involved in HIV-1 recrudescence, we sought to determine the role of these TLRs in HIV-1 reactivation induced by the periodontal pathogens
Fusobacterium nucleatum
and
Porphyromonas gingivalis
using BF24 monocytes/macrophages stably transfected with the HIV-1 promoter driving chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) expression and THP89GFP cells, a model of HIV-1 latency. We demonstrated that TLR9 activation by
F. nucleatum
and TLR2 activation by both bacteria appear to be involved in HIV-1 reactivation; however, TLR4 activation had no effect. Moreover, the autocrine activity of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) but not interleukin-1β (IL-1β) produced in response to bacteria could impact viral reactivation. The transcription factors NF-κB and Sp1 appear to be positively regulating HIV-1 reactivation induced by these oral pathogens. These results suggest that oral Gram-negative bacteria (
F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis
) associated with oral and systemic chronic inflammatory disorders enhance HIV-1 reactivation in monocytes/macrophages through TLR2 and TLR9 activation in a mechanism that appears to be transcriptionally regulated. Increased bacterial growth and emergence of these bacteria or their products accompanying chronic oral inflammatory diseases could be risk modifiers for viral replication, systemic immune activation, and AIDS progression in HIV-1
+
patients.
External Quality Assessment for the Determination of Diphtheria Antitoxin in Human Serum
Authors: Di Giovine Paolo , Pinto Antonella , Ölander Rose-Marie , Sesardic Dorothea , Stickings Paul , Berbers Guy , Neal Shona , Efstratiou Androulla , Paberza Ruta , Dauksiene Snieguole , Bujko Marina , Detcheva Antoaneta , Joks Unna , Levent Belkis , von Hunolstein Christina 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTAccurate determination of diphtheria toxin antibodies is of value in determining the rates of immunity within broad populations or the immune status of individuals who may be at risk of infection, by assessing responses to vaccination and immunization schedule efficacy. Here we report the results of an external quality assessment (EQA) study for diphtheria serology, performed within the dedicated surveillance network DIPNET. Twelve national laboratories from 11 European countries participated by testing a standard panel of 150 sera using their current routine method: Vero cell neutralization test (NT), double-antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; DAE), dual double-antigen time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (dDA-DELFIA), passive hemagglutination assay (PHA), toxin binding inhibition assay (ToBI), and in-house or commercial ELISAs. The objective of the study was not to identify the best assay, as the advantages and drawbacks of methods used were known, but to verify if laboratories using their routine method would have categorized (as negative, equivocal, or positive) a serum sample in the same way. The performance of each laboratory was determined by comparing its results on a quantitative and qualitative basis to NT results from a single reference laboratory, as this test is considered thein vitro“gold standard.” The performance of laboratories using NT was generally very good, while the laboratories’ performance using otherin vitromethods was variable. Laboratories using ELISA and PHA performed less well than those using DAE, dDA-DELFIA, or ToBI. EQA is important for both laboratories that usein vitrononstandardized methods and those that use commercial ELISA kits.
Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 and Susceptibility to Autoimmune Type 1 Diabetes in Tunisians
Authors: Benmansour Jihen , Stayoussef Mouna , Al-Jenaidi Fayza A. , Rajab Mansoor H. , Rayana Chiheb B. , Said Hichem B. , Mahjoub Touhami , Almawi Wassim Y. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT

In addition to HLA and insulin genes, the costimulatory molecule
CTLA-4
gene is a confirmed type 1 diabetes (T1D) susceptibility gene. Previous studies investigated the association of
CTLA-4
genetic variants with the risk of T1D, but with inconclusive findings. Here, we tested the contributions of common
CTLA-4
gene variants to T1D susceptibility in Tunisian patients and control subjects. The study subjects comprised 228 T1D patients (47.8% females) and 193 unrelated healthy controls (45.6% females). Genotyping for
CTLA-4
CT60A/G (rs3087243), +49A/G (rs231775), and −318C/T (rs5742909) was performed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The minor-allele frequencies (MAF) for the three
CTLA-4
variants were significantly higher in T1D patients, and significantly higher frequencies of homozygous +49G/G and homozygous CT60G/G genotypes were seen in patients, which was confirmed by univariate regression analysis (taking the homozygous wild type as a reference). Of the eight possible three-locus
CTLA-4
haplotypes (+49A/G, −318C/T, and CT60A/G) identified, multivariate regression analysis confirmed the positive association of ACG (odds ratio [OR], 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26 to 2.94), GCG (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.11 to 5.21), and GTA (OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.52 to 14.39) haplotypes with T1D, after confounding variables were adjusted for. Our results indicate that
CTLA-4
gene variants are associated with increased T1D susceptibility in Tunisian patients, further supporting a central role for altered T-cell costimulation in T1D pathogenesis.
Aortic Valve Endocarditis Possibly Caused by a
Haematobacter-
Like Species
Authors: Buscher April , Li Linda , Han Xiang Y. , Trautner Barbara W. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT

Haematobacter
is a newly proposed genus for a group of fastidious Gram-negative aerobic bacilli isolated mostly from blood samples from patients with septicemia. The
Haematobacter
genus currently includes two species,
H. massiliensis
and
H. missouriensis
. We report isolation of a novel
Haematobacter-
like species from the blood of a 65-year-old man who suffered from probable aortic valve endocarditis. The possible causative role was suggested by the monomicrobial culture and the absence of another causative agent in a patient with probable endocarditis by Duke criteria. This fastidious organism could not be identified by routine biochemical tests. Sequencing analysis of the 16S rRNA gene (1,425 bp) best matched the known
Haematobacter
species yet was substantially different with a nucleotide similarity of 96.7%. This strain also reduced nitrate to nitrite, unlike known species. This case is likely the first reported case of endocarditis possibly caused by a
Haematobacter-
like organism.
Should South Africa Be Performing Nucleic Acid Testing on HIV Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay-Negative Samples?
Authors: Gous Natasha , Scott Lesley , Perovic Olga , Venter Francios , Stevens Wendy 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT
The frequency of acute HIV infection (AHI) among HIV-1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-negative samples received from general hospital patient admissions was assessed. Of 3,005 samples pooled for nucleic acid testing, a prevalence of 0.13% was found. Pooled nucleic acid testing may be feasible for low-cost identification of AHI in high-prevalence settings.
Analytical Performance Determination and Clinical Validation of the Novel Roche RealTime Ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set
Authors: Wenzel Jürgen J. , Panning Marcus , Kaul Karen L. , Mangold Kathy A. , Revell Paula A. , Luna Ruth Ann , Zepeda Héctor , Perea Lizbeth , Vazquez-Perez Joel A. , Young Steve , Rodic-Polic Bojana , Eickmann Markus , Drosten Christian , Jilg Wolfgang , Reischl Udo 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT
The emergence of a novel pandemic human strain of influenza A (H1N1/09) virus in April 2009 has demonstrated the need for well-validated diagnostic tests that are broadly applicable, rapid, sensitive, and specific. The analytical performance and clinical validity of results generated with the novel Roche RealTime Ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set using the LightCycler 2.0 instrument were characterized. Analytical performance was assessed by processing respiratory samples spiked with H1N1/09 and seasonal influenza A virus, a set of seasonal influenza A virus subtypes, and samples containing common viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens. The clinical validity of results was assessed in comparison to other assays by analyzing 359 specimens at three clinical sites and one reference laboratory. Direct sequencing was used to resolve samples with discrepant results. The assay detected virus concentrations down to <50 RNA copies per reverse transcription (RT)-quantitative PCR (qPCR). Various influenza A virus subtypes were covered. The analytical specificity was 100%. High clinical validity was demonstrated by the 99% positive agreement between seasonal influenza A viruses, 98% positive agreement between H1N1/09 viruses, and 88% agreement between negative results. The analytical sensitivity was compared to those of three other RT-qPCR assays and was found to be equivalent. The novel Roche RealTime Ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set can be utilized on the widely used LightCycler platform. We demonstrate its usefulness for the rapid detection and surveillance of pandemic H1N1/09 influenza A virus infections.