bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bilirubin Binding Contributes to the Increase in Total Bilirubin Concentration in Newborns With Jaundice
Authors: Ahlfors Charles E. , Parker Anne E. 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE:
This study tests the hypothesis that the hourly rate of increase in plasma bilirubin concentration (ΔBT) would increase significantly with increasing binding avidity.

METHODS:
The plasma total bilirubin concentration (BT), unbound bilirubin concentration, and albumin concentration values for healthy newborns with jaundice (≤100 hours of age, ≥35 weeks of gestation, and ≥2.5 kg at birth) were obtained from medical records. ΔBT (in milligrams per deciliter per hour) was calculated as the slope of BT versus age (in hours). Binding avidity was quantified as the product of the albumin concentration and its bilirubin binding constant (K). Linear correlation was used to test the hypothesis that ΔBT would increase significantly with K·albumin concentration.

RESULTS:
The ranges of BT, unbound bilirubin concentration, albumin concentration, and K values for the 21 patients studied were 7.6 to 28.5 mg/dL, 0.53 to 2.52 μg/dL, 2.9 to 4.6 g/dL, and 38 to 163 L/μmol, respectively. ΔBT correlated significantly with K·albumin concentration (r2 = 0.23; P = .026).

CONCLUSIONS:
Plasma bilirubin binding avidity contributes significantly to ΔBT. This component of ΔBT is associated with a lower risk of bilirubin neurotoxicity, and studies aimed at incorporating plasma bilirubin binding avidity measurements into the algorithms used for management of newborn jaundice seem warranted.
Influence of Peers on Breastfeeding Discontinuation Among New Parents: The Melbourne InFANT Program
Authors: Cameron Adrian James , Hesketh Kylie , Ball Kylie , Crawford David , Campbell Karen J. 
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE:
We aimed to investigate whether the proportion of breastfeeding mothers in first-time parent groups influenced the likelihood of ceasing breastfeeding and whether this was independent of socioeconomic position.

METHODS:
Data were from 501 mothers (from 62 first-time parent groups initiated ∼6 weeks after birth) who provided data at the baseline and mid-intervention assessments of the Melbourne Infant Feeding, Activity, and Nutrition Trial. Parent groups were divided into those in which ≤25% of mothers had ceased breastfeeding by 6 weeks (low-cessation groups) and those in which &gt;25% had ceased by 6 weeks (high-cessation groups).

RESULTS:
With the exclusion of mothers who had already ceased breastfeeding by 6 weeks, the proportion of mothers who ceased breastfeeding between the time of parent group initiation (6 weeks) and 6 months was higher in high-cessation groups than in low-cessation groups (37.4% vs 21.7%; P = .001). After adjustment for maternal age, BMI, employment, and education and area-level socioeconomic position, membership in a group in which a large proportion of mothers had ceased breastfeeding by 6 weeks was strongly related to cessation of breastfeeding before 6 months (odds ratio: 2.1 [95% confidence interval: 1.3–3.3]).

CONCLUSIONS:
Attendance at parent groups where peers are breastfeeding infants of a similar age may have an important influence on the continuation of breastfeeding to 6 months. First-time parent groups or other similar groups may be an important setting in which to promote the continuation of breastfeeding.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐7 Enhances Cementoblast Function In Vitro
Authors: Hakki Sema S. , Foster Brian L. , Nagatomo Kanako J. , Bozkurt S. Buket , Hakki Erdogan E. , Somerman Martha J. , Nohutcu Rahime M. 
Published: August 2010

Background: Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐7 is a potent bone‐inducing factor and was shown to promote periodontal regeneration in vivo and in vitro; however, to our knowledge, the specific effect of BMP‐7 on cementoblasts has not been defined. We aimed to investigate the effects of BMP‐7 on cementoblasts, which are cells responsible for tooth root–cementum formation. We hypothesized that BMP‐7 would regulate mineralized tissue–associated genes in cementoblasts and influence the expression profile of genes associated with cementoblast extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs).Methods: A murine immortalized cementoblast cell line (OCCM.30) was cultured with and without 50 ng/ml BMP‐7. After 72 hours, total RNA was isolated, and mRNA levels for bone/cementum markers, including bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (Runx2), were investigated by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR). In vitro mineral nodule formation was assayed on day 8 using von Kossa staining. A pathway‐specific gene‐expression array was used to determine BMP‐7–responsive ECM and CAM genes in cementoblasts.Results: Mineralized tissue markers were strongly regulated by BMP‐7, with an almost three‐fold increase in BSP and OCN transcripts and significant increases in OPN and Runx2 mRNA expressions. BMP‐7 treatment markedly stimulated cementoblast‐mediated biomineralization in vitro compared to untreated cells at day 8. BMP‐7 treatment altered the OCCM.30 expression profile for ECM and CAM functional gene groups. BMP‐7 tended to increase the expression of collagens and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), mildly decreased tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), and had mixed regulatory effects on integrins. Using Q‐PCR, selected array results were confirmed, including a significant BMP‐7–induced increase in MMP‐3 and a decrease in TIMP‐2 mRNA expression.Conclusion: These results support the promising applications of BMP‐7 in therapies aimed at regenerating periodontal tissues lost as a consequence of disease.
Relationship Between Decrease of Erythrocyte Count and Progression of Periodontal Disease in a Rural Japanese Population
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuo , Tsuneishi Midori , Furuta Michiko , Ekuni Daisuke , Morita Manabu , Hirata Yukio 
Published: August 2010

Background: Limited research has been reported on the relationship between periodontal status and erythrocyte parameters. In the present study, longitudinal data from health checkups are used to clarify the relationship between periodontal disease progression and changes in parameters of erythrocytes.Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 120 subjects (35 men and 85 women; age range: 30 to 63 years) participated in a comprehensive health screening and dental checkup in 2006 and 2007. Medical examinations, including anthropometric and manometric measurements, blood‐chemistry tests, and oral examinations, were performed. Subjects with periodontal disease progression (i.e., the progression group) were defined based on the presence of ≥1 tooth demonstrating a longitudinal loss of periodontal attachment ≥3 mm or tooth loss during the study period. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank, χ2, Fisher exact, and Mann‐Whitney U tests and stepwise logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analyses.Results: The progression group comprised 30 subjects. A significant difference between the progression and non‐progression groups was observed in changes of erythrocyte counts but not those of the body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, creatinine, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin, hematocrit, triglycerides, high‐ and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the progression of periodontal disease was associated with a change (year 2007 minus year 2006) of erythrocyte counts (adjusted odds ratio = 0.970; P = 0.009) after adjusting for age at baseline.Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, the progression of periodontal disease is associated with a decrease in erythrocyte counts in a rural Japanese population.
Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor‐BB Release Profile in Gingival Crevicular Fluid After Use of Marginal Periosteal Pedicle Graft as an Autogenous Guided Tissue Membrane to Treat Localized Intrabony Defects
Authors: Gamal Ahmed Yousef , Ahmed El‐Shal Ossama Sayed , El‐Aasara Mahmoud Mohammed , Fakhry Eman Mohammed 
Published: August 2010

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate levels of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during the early stages of healing for sites treated by marginal periosteal pedicle (MPP) graft as an autogenous guided tissue membrane compared to that of the control open flap debridement (OFD).Methods: Fifteen non‐smoking patients (13 males and 2 females) with severe chronic periodontitis participated in this prospective, controlled, masked trial. Each subject contributed matched pairs of 2‐ or 3‐walled intrabony interproximal defects in premolar or molar teeth. Interproximal contralateral defects were randomly assigned to either the MPP group 1 or control OFD group 2. GCF samples were collected at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after surgery. PDGF‐BB in the GCF samples was measured using a human PDGF‐BB enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.Results: In both MPP and OFD, PDGF‐BB concentrations peaked in the samples obtained during the early postoperative days (days 2 and 3) and decreased sharply in the samples obtained 7, 14, and 30 days post‐surgery.Conclusion: Periosteal coverage of periodontal defects is not associated with a significant increase in PDGF‐BB levels.
Elevated Serum Interleukin 33 Is Associated with Autoantibody Production in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: MU RONG , HUANG HE-QING , LI YU-HUI , LI CHUN , YE HUA , LI ZHAN-GUO 
Published: August 2010

Objective.Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a novel cytokine involved in joint inflammation in animal models. We analyzed the expression of IL-33 in the serum and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and investigated its possible pathophysiological importance.Methods.The concentration of IL-33 was measured by ELISA in the serum of 223 patients with RA and 159 controls. Anticyclic citrullinated peptide, rheumatoid factor (RF)-IgA, and RF-IgG were tested by ELISA. Antikeratin antibody and antiperinuclear factor were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and immunoglobulins were measured by standard laboratory techniques. The association of IL-33 level with clinical and serologic features of RA was analyzed. We tested the change of IL-33 level following tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) blockade therapy in 40 patients with RA.Results.In contrast to almost no detectable IL-33 in osteoarthritis and healthy serum, IL-33 could be detected in 94 out of the 223 RA cases (42.2%). Serum IL-33 concentration was significantly higher in patients with RA than in control groups. The level of serum IL-33 decreased after anti-TNF treatment. The level of serum IL-33 was correlated with the production of IgM and RA-related autoantibodies including RF and anticitrullinated protein antibodies. However, no correlation was found between IL-33 concentration and acute-phase inflammation reactant or the score of the Disease Activity Index, suggesting a complex or indirect character of the link between IL-33 and the inflammation in RA.Conclusion.The level of IL-33 is abnormally elevated in RA serum. The elevation of serum IL-33 was at least partly attributed to excessive TNF-α in RA. IL-33 might be involved in the regulation of autoantibody production in RA.
Dendritic Cell Modification of Neutrophil Responses to Infection after Burn Injury
Authors: Bohannon Julia , Cui Weihua , Sherwood Edward , Toliver-Kinsky Tracy 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Burn patients are highly susceptible to infections due to increased exposure through wounds and impairments in a number of immune functions. Dendritic cells (DCs) are important in activation of numerous immune responses that are essential for the clearance of infections. We have found that prophylactic treatment of burn-injured mice with the DC growth factor FLT3 ligand (FL) significantly increases resistance to burn wound infections in a DC-dependent manner that is correlated closely with enhanced bacterial clearance. However, as DCs are not typically microbicidal, the mechanisms by which DC modulation enhances bacterial clearance are not known. Due to the rapid response of neutrophils to cutaneous wounds, and the reported interactions between DCs and neutrophils, we investigated the role of neutrophils in FL-mediated resistance to burn wound infection. This was examined both in vivo and in vitro through neutrophil depletion, supplementation of neutrophils, and assessment of neutrophil chemotaxis following FL treatment. To test the involvement of DCs, CD11c-diphtheria toxin receptor transgenic mice were used to deplete DCs during FL treatment. Studies revealed that neutrophils do play a critical role in FL-mediated resistance to a burn wound infection. Additionally, treatment with FL after a burn injury enhances neutrophil-mediated control of bacterial spread, neutrophil migratory capacity, and myeloperoxidase production in a DC-dependent manner. The results of this study provide new insight into immunological mechanisms that can offer protection against infection after burn injury.
Activation of the Ancestral Polarity Regulator Protein Kinase Cζ at the Immunological Synapse Drives Polarization of Th Cell Secretory Machinery toward APCs
Authors: Bertrand Florie , Esquerré Michael , Petit Anne-Elisabeth , Rodrigues Magda , Duchez Sophie , Delon Jérôme , Valitutti Salvatore 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
A key feature in T lymphocyte biology is that Th cells rapidly polarize their secretory machinery toward cognate APCs. The molecular mechanisms of these dynamic Th cell responses and their impact on APC biology remain to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that protein kinase Cζ (PKCζ) is rapidly activated at the immunological synapse (IS) in human Th cells interacting with cognate dendritic cells (DCs) and that a functional PKCζ is required for the polarization of Th cell secretory machinery toward DCs. We also show that PKCζ-dependent Th cell polarization allows dedicated delivery of IFN-γ and CD40L at the IS and is required for the activation of cognate DCs to IL-12 production. PKCζ synaptic activation is a low-threshold phenomenon and, in Th cells interacting with multiple DCs, selectively occurs at the IS formed with the DCs offering the strongest stimulus leading to dedicated Th cell polarization. Our results identify the PKCζ signaling pathway as a key component of the Th cell polarization machinery and provide a molecular basis for T cell-dedicated activation of cognate DCs.
NK Cells as Effectors of Acquired Immune Responses: Effector CD4+ T Cell-Dependent Activation of NK Cells Following Vaccination
Authors: Horowitz Amir , Behrens Ron H. , Okell Lucy , Fooks Anthony R. , Riley Eleanor M. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
We characterized vaccine-induced cellular responses to rabies virus in naive adult volunteers. Contrary to current paradigms, we observed potent and prolonged in vitro NK cell cytokine production and degranulation responses after restimulation of PBMCs with inactivated rabies virus in vaccinated, but not in unvaccinated, individuals. This “recall” NK cell response was absolutely dependent on Ag-specific IL-2 from CD45RO+ CD4+ T cells as well as IL-12 and IL-18 from accessory cells. Importantly, NK cells represented over 70% of all IFN-γ–secreting and degranulating cells in the first 12–18 h after virus rechallenge indicating they may be required for rapid control of infection after vaccination. Activation of NK cells may be a critical function of IL-2–secreting effector memory T cells. Although IL-2–dependent postvaccination NK cell activation has been reported previously, this is the first time the magnitude of this effect and its contribution to the overall vaccine-induced response has been appreciated and the mechanisms of NK activation postvaccination have been elucidated. Our data will allow standard protocols for evaluating vaccine-induced immunity to be adapted to assess NK cell effector responses.
Mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Parelkar Sandesh V , Sanghvi Beejal 
Published: August 2010

AbstractMesenchymal hamartoma of the liver is the second most common benign liver tumor in children, yet its biology and pathogenesis are poorly understood. Typically, it presents as a large benign multicystic liver mass in children younger than three years, amenable to complete resection. Most tumors gradually increase in size, some reaching enormous proportions, some can undergo incomplete spontaneous regression, and rarely, few have shown malignant transformation to undifferentiated (embryonal) sarcoma. Here, we report a 13 month-old child who presented with abdominal distension and respiratory distress. Ultrasonography, Computed Tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen were suggestive of a mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver. Right hepatectomy was performed. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well. An attempt was also made to understand the possible etiology of the tumor.
Ovarian adenocarcinoma in a young female with skin and umbilical metastasis
Authors: Shukla Pragya , Gupta Deepak , Bisht Shyam S , Pant M C 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe report the case of ovarian carcinoma with skin and umbilical metastasis in a 30-year-old female. The computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen showed a right ovarian mass with anterior abdominal wall metastasis. The CT-guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from the ovarian mass showed adenocarcinoma. FNAC from the umbilical and skin metastasis also showed adenocarcinoma. Because of the unresectability of the mass, the patient was put on taxol-based chemotherapy, which she took for two cycles, and then died of progressive disease after three months.
Analysis of component findings in 79 patients diagnosed with VACTERL association
Authors: Solomon Benjamin D. , Pineda‐Alvarez Daniel E. , Raam Manu S. , Bous Sophia M. , Keaton Amelia A. , Vélez Jorge I. , Cummings Derek A.T. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractVACTERL association is a relatively common condition, though the causes remain poorly understood. We present data on 79 patients diagnosed with VACTERL association and perform statistical analysis on a selected subset of 60 patients with at least three component features, and who, after review, did not meet criteria for a likely alternate diagnosis. Considered individually, no two component features are significantly associated, but several multivariate statistical techniques suggest novel patterns of the co‐occurrence of component features, and latent class cluster analysis demonstrates the presence of five major subgroups of patients. These findings have implications for both our understanding of VACTERL association and for the approach to research involving this condition. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inheritance and variable expression in Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome
Authors: Bartsch Oliver , Kress Wolfram , Kempf Olga , Lechno Stanislav , Haaf Thomas , Zechner Ulrich 
Published: August 2010

AbstractFamilial Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) is very rare. Here we report on the 6th and 7th case of inherited RTS. Family 1 presents with incomplete or mild RTS over three generations; a 13‐year‐old girl (proband 1) with mild but typical facial features and learning disabilities, her very mildly affected mother (proband 2), and the maternal grandmother (proband 3). Family 2 includes three females with classical RTS (probands 4–6) and their father (proband 7) with broad thumbs and halluces. Proband 5 also had a brain tumor (ganglioglioma) at the age of 3 years. In probands 1–3, direct sequencing identified a novel CREBBP missense mutation, c.2728A > G (predicting p.Thr910Ala), that was absent in non‐affected family members. The p.Thr910Ala variant is outside the crucial histone acetyltransferase domain, and this may explain the mild and variable phenotype. In probands 4–7 we identified another novel CREBBP mutation, c.4134G > T, which alters the consensus splice sequence at position 1 of exon 25. The c.4134G > T mutation was transmitted from the very mildly affected father who displayed somatic mosaicism (with 38% mutated alleles in blood and 31% in buccal smear DNA) to his three daughters. Our findings emphasize that variable expression (family 1) and somatic mosaicism (family 2) contribute to the phenotypic variability of RTS. Somatic mosaicism may be more frequent in RTS than previously assumed. Accumulating data suggest a recurrence risk of approximately 0.5–1% for parents of a child with RTS, exceeding the so far estimated risk of ∼0.1% for siblings. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Line transect surveying of arboreal monkeys: problems of group size and spread in a highly fragmented landscape
Authors: Ferrari Stephen F. , Chagas Renata R.D. , Souza‐Alves João Pedro 
Published: August 2010

AbstractLine transect surveying is a relatively rapid and efficient procedure for the assessment of primate populations; although the reliability of the resulting density estimates is affected by a number of factors, including habitat configuration. In this study, primate populations were surveyed at a highly fragmented site in northeastern Brazil, where the resident species include the endangered Coimbra‐Filho's titi,Callicebus coimbrai, and the critically endangered yellow‐breasted capuchin,Cebus xanthosternos. In addition to standard line transect surveys, data were collected on the composition and distribution of resident groups during playback surveys and ecological monitoring. During surveys, a 5.3‐km trail system was walked regularly over a 7‐month period, accumulating a total transect length of 476 km and 104 sightings ofCallicebusand 41 ofCebus(as well as 19 records of a third primate,Callithrix jacchus). Data were analyzed using the DISTANCE program and the Kelker method, using the perpendicular distances to first animal sighted. Estimates of group density were highly discrepant from known values for both species; although in the case ofCebus, this seemed to reflect grouping patterns at the site. ForCallicebus, population density was overestimated considerably when known group counts were used. Overall, there seems to be a need for a much more rigorous standardization of procedures, and the analysis and presentation of results, in order to guarantee the most reliable interpretation possible of the data. These considerations are especially important in the case of endangered species, such as those studied here. Am. J. Primatol. 72:1100–1107, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robust stability criteria for uncertain neutral system with interval time varying discrete delay
Authors: Guo LiangDong , Gu Hong , Zhang DaQing 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis paper deals with the problem of rubost stability for the uncertain neutral system with interval time varying discrete delay. By defining an appropriate Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and by employing the developed free weight matrices technique, several less conservative sufficient conditions are derived in term of the linear matrix inequalities. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and the feasibility of the proposed method.Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society