bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum zinc-α2-glycoprotein concentrations in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yilmaz Yusuf , Yonal Oya , Eren Fatih , Kurt Ramazan , Celikel Cigdem Ataizi , Ozdogan Osman , Imeryuz Nese , Kalayci Cem , Avsar Erol 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background: Evidence suggests that zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG) might serve as a biomarker for human metabolic alterations. We measured serum ZAG in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, and examined its association with clinical, biochemical, and histological phenotypes.

Methods: Serum ZAG was determined using ELISA in 90 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 81 controls.

Results: Serum ZAG concentrations did not differ in patients with NAFLD (median 61 μg/mL; interquartile range: 56–73 μg/mL) compared with healthy controls (median 66 μg/mL; interquartile range: 56–78 μg/mL, Mann-Whitney U-test, p=NS). However, among patients with NAFLD serum ZAG concentrations were significantly higher in males and in those with the metabolic syndrome. After stepwise linear regression analysis, serum ZAG concentrations were the only independent predictor of the number of metabolic syndrome components in patients with NAFLD (β=0.22; t=2.001, p<0.05).

Conclusions: In summary, the hypothesis of an association between NAFLD and serum ZAG concentrations is not supported by the present results. However, ZAG remains an interesting molecule for further research in the field of human metabolic disorders.
Warum klingt eine Ohrfeige nass?
Authors: Savchuk Valerij Vladimirovich 
Published: November 2010

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag behandelt die Rolle der Ohrfeige als kodifiziertes Element im Rahmen der Geschichte des Duells insbesondere in der russischen Kultur und Literatur bis zum Beginn der Oktoberrevolution. Er fragt ferner nach ihrer Funktion in einer stratifizierten Gesellschaft, vor allem in der adeligen Kultur, und untersucht sie in diesem Kontext als expressive Geste und in ihrer Widerspiegelung in der Literatur.
Der mimetische und performative Charakter von Gesten. Perspektiven für eine kultur- und sozialwissenschaftliche Gestenforschung
Authors: Wulf Christoph 
Published: November 2010

Zusammenfassung
Vor dem Hintergrund der Forschungen der Berliner Ritualstudie wird in diesem Artikel der performative und mimetische Charakter von Gesten untersucht. Die eng mit Sprache und Imagination verbundenen Gesten werden als Bewegungen des Körpers begriffen. Sie werden als kollektive und individuelle Arten der Darstellung und des Ausdrucks aufgefasst. Sodann werden Gesten als Formen von Erziehung und Bildung untersucht. Es wird gezeigt, dass sie in Erziehung, Bildung und Sozialisation eine weit wichtigere Rolle spielen als dies im Allgemeinen angenommen wird. Schließlich werden Gesten als Mittel und Formen der Sinngebung untersucht.
The Signing System of Mudra in Traditional Indian Dance
Authors: Bagchi Tista 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Body language involving manual gestures of a highly stylized nature is used in traditional Indian dance forms. Termed Mudras, such gestures are related to but distinct from Mudras in Buddhist and/or Tantric iconography and in Carnatic music of Southern India. The Mudra signs in dance occur in families or classes, which often cut across the basic dichotomy between combined-hand and separate-hand gestures, and which reflect linguistic and sociolinguistic classes of words and signs, such as question expressions and hierarchically differentiated pronouns, used in the domain of language. However, the Mudra signing system is also combined with facial mime or acting illustrative of different feelings such as romantic love, mirth, anger, disgust, fear, and sadness, to yield a richly communicative and dynamic aesthetic in Indian dance forms.
Die verborgenen Kräfte des Körpers und ihre Überlieferung durch Kata. Ein internationaler Workshop zur japanischen Körperkultur
Authors: Hirota Yosuke , Ishida Yasushi , Staudacher Edelinde 
Published: November 2010

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Bericht über einen Workshop zur japanischen Körperkultur verdeutlicht an der Demonstration körperlicher Bewegungs- und Übungstechniken ein tradiertes japanisches Prinzip des Körperempfindens und -bewegens (Kata) und seinen kulturellen Stellenwert. Dieser wird dem Traditionsverlust im Zuge der Modernisierung in Japan entgegengesetzt.
Transgene Expression and Transgene-Induced Silencing in Diploid and Autotetraploid Arabidopsis
Authors: Finn Thomas E , Wang Lei , Smolilo David , Smith Neil A , White Rosemary , Chaudhury Abed , Dennis Elizabeth S , Wang Ming-Bo 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPrevious studies have suggested that transgene expression in plants can be affected by ploidy. Here we show that three different transgenes, a reporter transgene, an antisense transgene, and a hairpin RNA (hpRNA) transgene, are all expressed at a lower level in autotetraploid (4n) than in diploid (2n) Arabidopsis. RNA silencing of two endogenous genes was induced by the antisense and hpRNA transgenes and this silencing is significantly less effective in 4n than in 2n Arabidopsis; furthermore, the reduced silencing in 4n Arabidopsis correlated with reduced accumulation of silencing-inducer RNAs. Methylation analysis both of independent 2n and 4n transgenic lines and of 2n and 4n progeny derived from the same 3n transgenic parent, indicated that transgenes are more methylated in 4n than 2n Arabidopsis. These results suggest that transgenes are transcriptionally repressed in the 4n background, resulting in expression levels lower than in the 2n background. Transgenes designed to silence endogenous genes express lower concentrations of silencing-inducer RNAs in 4n Arabidopsis plants, resulting in less effective silencing of target genes than in 2n Arabidopsis plants.
Semele: A Killer-Male, Rescue-Female System for Suppression and Replacement of Insect Disease Vector Populations
Authors: Marshall John M , Pittman Geoffrey W , Buchman Anna B , Hay Bruce A 
Published: November 2010

AbstractTwo strategies to control mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, are reducing mosquito population sizes or replacing populations with disease-refractory varieties. We propose a genetic system, Semele, which may be used for both. Semele consists of two components: a toxin expressed in transgenic males that either kills or renders infertile wild-type female recipients and an antidote expressed in females that protects them from the effects of the toxin. An all-male release results in population suppression because wild-type females that mate with transgenic males produce no offspring. A release that includes transgenic females results in gene drive since females carrying the allele are favored at high population frequencies. We use simple population genetic models to explore the utility of the Semele system. We find that Semele can spread under a wide range of conditions, all of which require a high introduction frequency. This feature is desirable since transgenic insects released accidentally are unlikely to persist, transgenic insects released intentionally can be spatially confined, and the element can be removed from a population through sustained release of wild-type insects. We examine potential barriers to Semele gene drive and suggest molecular tools that could be used to build the Semele system.
Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Study: Neonatal Glycemia
Authors: Metzger Boyd E. , Persson Bengt , Lowe Lynn P. , Dyer Alan R. , Cruickshank J. Kennedy , Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Halliday Henry L. , Hennis Anselm J. , Liley Helen , Ng Pak C. , Coustan Donald R. , Hadden David R. , Hod Moshe , Oats Jeremy J. N. , Trimble Elisabeth R. ,   for the HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE:The goal was to describe the temporal pattern of neonatal plasma glucose levels and associations with maternal glucose levels, cord serum C-peptide levels, and neonatal size and adiposity.METHODS:A total of 17 094 mothers and infants were included in the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome Study (15 centers in 9 countries). Mothers underwent a 75-g, 2-hour, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24 to 32 weeks of gestation. Cord blood and neonatal blood samples were collected. Biochemical neonatal hypoglycemia was defined as glucose levels of &lt;10th percentile (2.2 mmol/L). Clinically identified hypoglycemia was ascertained through medical record review and associations were assessed.RESULTS:Plasma glucose concentrations were stable during the first 5 hours after birth. Maternal glucose levels were weakly positively associated with biochemical neonatal hypoglycemia (odds ratios: 1.07–1.14 for 1-SD higher OGTT glucose levels). Frequency of neonatal hypoglycemia was higher with higher cord C-peptide levels (odds ratio: 11.6 for highest versus lowest C-peptide category). Larger and/or fatter infants were more likely to have hypoglycemia (P &lt; .001), and infants with hypoglycemia tended to have a higher frequency of cord C-peptide levels of &gt;90th percentile.CONCLUSIONS:Mean neonatal plasma glucose concentrations varied little in the first 5 hours after birth, which suggests normal postnatal adjustment. Biochemical and clinical hypoglycemia were weakly related to maternal OGTT glucose measurements but were strongly associated with elevated cord serum C-peptide levels. Larger and/or fatter infants were more likely to develop hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. These relationships suggest physiologic relationships between maternal glycemia and fetal insulin production.
Iatrogenic Events in Neonates: Beneficial Effects of Prevention Strategies and Continuous Monitoring
Authors: Ligi Isabelle , Millet Véronique , Sartor Catherine , Jouve Elisabeth , Tardieu Sophie , Sambuc Roland , Simeoni Umberto 
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVES:
To assess the impact of continuous incident reporting and subsequent prevention strategies on the incidence of severe iatrogenic events and targeted priorities in admitted neonates.

METHODS:
We performed preintervention (January 1 to September 1, 2005) and postintervention (January 1, 2008, to January 1, 2009) prospective investigations based on continuous incident reporting. Patient-safety initiatives were implemented for a period of 2 years. The main outcome was a reduction in the incidence of severe iatrogenic events. Secondary outcomes were improvements in 5 targeted priorities: catheter-related infections; invasive procedures; unplanned extubations; 10-fold drug infusion-rate errors; and severe cutaneous injuries.

RESULTS:
The first and second study periods included totals of 388 and 645 patients (median gestational ages: 34 and 35 weeks, respectively; P = .015). In the second period the incidence of severe iatrogenic events was significantly reduced from 7.6 to 4.8 per 1000 patient-days (P = .005). Infections related to central catheters decreased significantly from 13.9 to 8.2 per 1000 catheter-days (P &lt; .0001), as did exposure to central catheters, which decreased from 359 to 239 days per 1000 patient-days (P &lt; .0001). Tenfold drug-dosing errors were reduced significantly (P = .022). However, the number of unplanned extubations increased significantly from 5.6 to 15.5 per 1000 ventilation-days (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS:
Prospective, continuous incident reporting followed by the implementation of prevention strategies are complementary procedures that constitute an effective system to improve the quality of care and patient safety.
Effects of Current Size, Postnatal Growth, and Birth Size on Blood Pressure in Early Childhood
Authors: Hindmarsh Peter C. , Bryan Sinead , Geary Michael P. P. , Cole Tim J. 
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE:
In a prospective study, we investigated the impact of early growth on blood pressure at 3 years of age.

METHODS:
We measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) for 590 children 3 years of age and related measurements to current size and size at birth, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years of age.

RESULTS:
SBP was related positively to weight at 3 and 2 years and, after adjustment for current size, negatively to weight at birth and 6 months but not at 1 or 2 years. No effect was observed for DBP. A family history of hypertension was associated with higher maternal blood pressure, greater weight, and gestational hypertension (P = .05). Mothers with a history of gestational hypertension had higher SBP and DBP values (P &lt; .001). In multivariate linear regression analyses, SBP was influenced positively by weight at 3 years and family history of hypertension and negatively by weight at 6 months. None of the factors was associated with DBP.

CONCLUSIONS:
For 3-year-old children, current weight was a determinant of SBP and postnatal growth to 6 months of age was more predictive than birth weight. A family history of hypertension is important in determining maternal blood pressure. These observations suggest a window in which postnatal growth might be modified.
Youth Motorcycle-Related Brain Injury by State Helmet Law Type: United States, 2005–2007
Authors: Weiss Harold , Agimi Yll , Steiner Claudia 
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Twenty-seven states have youth-specific helmet laws even though such laws have been shown to decrease helmet use and increase youth mortality compared with all-age (universal) laws. Our goal was to quantify the impact of age-specific helmet laws on youth under age 20 hospitalized with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS:
Our cross-sectional ecological group analysis compared TBI proportions among US states with different helmet laws. We examined the following null hypothesis: If age-specific helmet laws are as effective as universal laws, there will be no difference in the proportion of hospitalized young motorcycle riders with TBI in the respective states. The data are derived from the 2005 to 2007 State Inpatient Databases of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. We examined data for 17 states with universal laws, 6 states with laws for ages &lt;21, and 12 states with laws for children younger than 18 (9287 motorcycle injury discharges).

RESULTS:
In states with a &lt;21 law, serious TBI among youth was 38% higher than in universal-law states. Motorcycle riders aged 12 to 17 in 18 helmet-law states had a higher proportion of serious/severe TBI and higher average Abbreviated Injury Scores for head-region injuries than riders from universal-law states.

CONCLUSIONS:
States with youth-specific laws had an increased risk of TBI that required hospitalization, serious and severe TBI, TBI-related disability, and in-hospital death among the youth they are supposed to protect. The only method known to keep motorcycle-helmet use high among youth is to adopt or maintain universal helmet laws.
Educational Outreach to Reduce Immunization Pain in Office Settings
Authors: Schechter Neil L. , Bernstein Bruce A. , Zempsky William T. , Bright Nancy S. , Willard Alice K. 
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE:
The goal was to examine the impact of a teaching module on immunization pain reduction practices in pediatric offices 1 and 6 months after the intervention.

METHODS:
Fourteen practices were selected randomly to receive a 1-hour teaching session on immunization pain reduction techniques, and 13 completed the study. Before the intervention, telephone interviews were conducted with parents concerning their children's recent immunization experiences. At 1 and 6 months after the intervention, parents of children who had recent immunizations were interviewed by using the same questionnaires. Clinicians also were surveyed at baseline and at 6 months.

RESULTS:
A total of 839 telephone interviews and 92 clinician surveys were included. Significant changes from baseline were identified at 1 and 6 months after the intervention. At 1 month, parents were more likely to report receiving information (P = .04), using strategies to reduce pain (P &lt; .01), learning something new (P &lt; .01), using a ShotBlocker (P &lt; .01), using sucrose (P &lt; .01), and having higher levels of satisfaction (P = .015). At 6 months, all rates remained significantly higher than baseline findings (all P &lt; .01) except for satisfaction. Clinician surveys revealed significant increases in the use of longer needles, sucrose, pinwheels, focused breathing, and ShotBlockers at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS:
A 1-hour teaching session had measurable effects on the use of pain-reducing strategies at 1 and 6 months after the intervention. This research supports the hypothesis that small-group teaching sessions at the site of care can be associated with changes in practice behaviors.
Three‐Dimensional Measurement of Bone Loss at Implants in Patients With Periodontal Disease
Authors: Kehl Marcus , Swierkot Katrin , Mengel Reiner 
Published: November 2010

Background: The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the three‐dimensional marginal bone level around implants 5 to 15 years after loading in partially edentulous patients treated for generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).Methods: Seventeen patients with GCP and 17 patients with GAgP were treated with a total of 119 implants. Patients were examined clinically on a 3‐month recall schedule after insertion of the superstructure, and radiographs were taken at fixed intervals. At the end of the observation period, cone‐beam computed tomography was used for the analysis of the circumferential three‐dimensional bone level (mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual/palatal) and determination of keratinized mucosa thickness (KMT).Results: In both groups, a significant bone loss at implants was observed buccally (GAgP group: 4.49 ± 2.93 mm; GCP group: 3.57 ± 2.94 mm) with significantly more average bone loss in patients with GAgP (3.00 ± 1.67 mm) compared to in patients with GCP (2.45 ± 1.08 mm). The lowest values for KMT in both groups were found in the anterior mandible (GAgP group: 0.99 ± 1.13 mm; GCP group: 0.82 ± 0.91 mm). There were significant correlations between clinical parameters and bone loss in mandibles of patients with GAgP.Conclusions: The lowest value for KMT in both groups was found in the mandible. Bone loss was observed buccally and was more pronounced in patients with GAgP, with a significant correlation with keratinized mucosa and increased inflammation.
Refractory Periodontitis Population Characterized by a Hyperactive Oral Neutrophil Phenotype
Authors: Aboodi Guy M. , Goldberg Michael B. , Glogauer Michael 
Published: November 2010

Background: Neutrophils, in addition to being the primary protective component of the innate immune system, also contribute to periodontal destruction through production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause damage to connective tissues and extracellular matrix after neutrophil activation. We have previously shown that hyperactive neutrophils are present in peripheral blood samples of patients diagnosed with refractory periodontitis. To test the hypothesis that oral neutrophil hyperactivity is related to periodontal disease severity, we used a flow cytometric approach to isolate and analyze oral neutrophil ROS (oROS) production in a refractory periodontal disease patient population.Methods: Oral rinse samples and venous blood were obtained from 13 patients diagnosed with refractory periodontitis. After isolation of neutrophils from both samples, dihydrorhodamine 123 was used as a fluorescent probe for phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate–mediated ROS production as assessed through flow cytometry. For each patient, oROS production levels were expressed as a percentage of their baseline to maximal peripheral blood neutrophil ROS production range.Results: Two distinct groups of refractory patients were identified based on levels of phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate–stimulated oROS production. The patient group with high oROS production had significantly more clinical attachment loss (AL) compared to the patient group with low oROS production.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that a group of refractory patients with increased clinical AL present a hyperactive oral neutrophil phenotype characterized by increased potential for ROS production. Identification of this exaggerated oral neutrophil phenotype could allow clinicians to identify which patients are more susceptible to rapid disease progression.
Levels of Pentraxin‐3 in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Plasma in Periodontal Health and Disease
Authors: Pradeep A.R. , Kathariya Rahul , Raghavendra N.M. , Sharma Anuj 
Published: November 2010

Background: Pentraxins are classic mediators of inflammation and markers of acute‐phase reactions. Pentraxin‐3 (PTX3) is the first‐identified long pentraxin and is believed to be a true independent indicator of disease activity. Although a classic pentraxin, C‐reactive protein, and its association with various systemic diseases is well documented in the periodontal literature, there is no data on PTX3 to our knowledge.Methods: Forty participants (20 males and 20 females; age range: 23 to 50 years) were involved in the study. Participants were divided into three groups based on gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level: the healthy group (group 1; n = 10), gingivitis group (group 2; n = 15), and periodontitis group (group 3; n = 15). Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma samples collected from each subject were quantified for PTX3 levels using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.Results: In tandem with the disease progression from healthy to gingivitis to periodontitis, the mean PTX3 concentrations increased in GCF and plasma. However, GCF values were higher than plasma values. It was found that PTX3 concentration was highest in group 3 and lowest in group 1. PTX3 concentrations also correlated positively with periodontal parameters.Conclusions: GCF and plasma PTX3 concentrations correlated positively in all groups. However, within the limits of the present study, the differences in plasma PTX3 levels were not found to be statistically significant. Hence, GCF PTX3 values were considered a marker of inflammatory activity in periodontal disease. However, PTX3 deserves further consideration as a therapeutic target. Additional large‐scale studies should be carried out to confirm positive correlations.
Biologic Interaction of Three‐Dimensional Periodontal Fibroblast Spheroids With Collagen‐Based and Synthetic Membranes
Authors: Berahim Zurairah , Moharamzadeh Keyvan , Rawlinson Andrew , Jowett Adrian K. 
Published: November 2010

Background: Cell‐based therapy using autologous cells has been suggested as a potential approach for periodontal tissue regeneration. Spheroid systems are a form of three‐dimensional cell culture that promotes cell matrix interaction, which could recapitulate the aspect of cell homeostasis in vivo. The aim of this study is to assess the interaction of periodontal fibroblast spheroids with synthetic and collagen‐based membranes that have been used in guided tissue regeneration.Methods: Commercially available normal human periodontal ligament fibroblasts were grown in spheroid forms using a liquid overlay technique and then transplanted onto a collagen‐based and a polyglycolic acid–based membrane. The biologic interaction of the spheroids with the membranes was assessed using basic histology, Alamar blue tissue viability assay, scanning electron microscopy, and immunohistochemical analysis.Results: Periodontal fibroblast spheroids adhered to both membranes, and the cells were able to proliferate and migrate from the spheroids both horizontally and vertically into the membrane scaffolds. Immunohistochemical analysis showed expression of collagen type I, periostin, and Runx2 by the periodontal fibroblasts.Conclusion: Periodontal fibroblast spheroids were able to grow three‐dimensionally on the biologic membranes and may have the potential to be used together with guided tissue regeneration approaches as an adjunct for periodontal regeneration.