bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asthma and atopy are associated with chromosome 17q21 markers in Chinese children
Authors: Leung T. F. , Sy H. Y. , Ng M. C. Y. , Chan I. H. S. , Wong G. W. K. , Tang N. L. S. , Waye M. M. Y. , Lam C. W. K. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐based genome‐wide association study revealed that markers on chromosome 17q21 were linked to childhood asthma but not atopy in Caucasians, with the strongest signal being detected for the SNP rs7216389 in the ORMDL3 gene. Such association was unknown in Chinese. This study delineated the allele and genotype frequencies of 10 SNPs at chromosome 17q21, and investigated the relationship between these SNPs and asthma and plasma IgE in southern Chinese children.Methods:  Asthmatic children and non‐allergic controls were recruited from pediatric clinics. Their plasma total and aeroallergen‐specific IgE concentrations were measured by immunoassay. Ten SNPs on 17q21 region were genotyped by multiplex SNaPshot™, and their genotype associations with asthma traits analyzed using multivariate regression.Results:  315 patients and 192 controls were enrolled. The allele frequency for C allele of rs7216389 varied significantly from 0.232 in our controls, 0.389 in Han Chinese to 0.536 in Caucasians. Asthma diagnosis was associated with rs11650680 and five other SNPs including rs7216389 (P = 0.019–0.034), whereas atopy was associated only with rs11650680 (P = 0.0004). Linear regression revealed the covariates for plasma total IgE to be significant for rs11650680 (P = 0.008–0.0002). Haplotypic associations were found with atopy and increased plasma total IgE, with the respective odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for TTTCCGTT haplotype to be 0.21 and 0.09–0.52 (P = 0.0002) and 0.41 and 0.18–0.90 (P = 0.025).Conclusion:  Childhood asthma and atopy are associated with chromosome 17q21 in Chinese, but such association may involve genes other than ORMDL3 in this region.
Intracellular localisation of PPI1 (proton pump interactor, isoform 1), a regulatory protein of the plasma membrane H+‐ATPase of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Bonza M. C. , Fusca T. , Homann U. , Thiel G. , De Michelis M. I. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractPPI1 (proton pump interactor isoform 1) is a novel protein able to interact with the C‐terminal autoinhibitory domain of the Arabidopsis thaliana plasma membrane (PM) H+‐ATPase. In vitro, PPI1 binds the PM H+‐ATPase in a site different from the known 14‐3‐3 binding site and stimulates its activity. In this study, we analysed the intracellular localisation of PPI1. The intracellular distribution was monitored in A. thaliana cultured cells by immunolocalisation using an antiserum against the PPI1 N‐terminus and in Vicia faba guard cells and epidermal cells by transient expression of a GFP::PPI1 fusion. The results indicate that the bulk of PPI1 is localised at the endoplasmic reticulum, from which it might be recruited to the PM for interaction with the H+‐ATPase in response to as yet unidentified signals.
Bathymetric patterns of deep‐sea gastropod species diversity in 10 basins of the Atlantic Ocean and Norwegian Sea
Authors: Stuart Carol T. , Rex Michael A. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractBathymetric patterns of macrofaunal species diversity are best documented in the western North Atlantic where diversity is a unimodal function of depth, peaking in the mid‐bathyal zone and being depressed in the upper slope and abyss. There are few inter‐basin studies of diversity‐depth trends that are controlled for taxonomy, sampling gear, and diversity measures. In this paper, we compare gastropod diversity gradients in the North American Basin of the Atlantic to estimates of diversity in 9 other regions: the Norwegian Sea, West European Basin, Guiana Basin, Gambia Basin, Equatorial Mid‐Atlantic, Brazil Basin, Angola Basin, Cape Basin and Argentine Basin. All samples were collected with epibenthic sleds, and diversity calculated by the Sanders‐Hurlbert normalized expected number of species. While sampling in other regions is generally less complete than in the western North Atlantic, results indicate that a unimodal pattern is not universal. Diversity can increase, decrease or show no relationship with depth. The level of diversity also varies among basins relative to the western North Atlantic, being depressed in the Norwegian Sea, at bathyal depths in the eastern North Atlantic, and below an oxygen minimum zone in the Cape Basin, and generally elevated at tropical latitudes and in abyssal regions where food supply is high. Associations between gastropod diversity and the ecology and geology of basins suggest that productivity, oxygen concentration, hydrographic disturbance and evolutionary‐historical processes may be implicated in shaping bathymetric diversity gradients, but specific causes are difficult to discern. Much more intensive sampling, analyses of other major taxa, and more detailed ecological data are necessary to understand deep‐sea biogeography at within‐ and between‐basin spatial scales.
Comparison of vasa vasorum after intravascular stent placement with sirolimis drug‐eluting and bare metal stents
Authors: Sahler LG , Davis D , Saad WEA , Patel NC , Lee DE , Waldman DL 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe cytostatic drug, sirolimis has shown prevention in neointimal hyperplasia after stent placement. Recent studies have shown persistent inflammation seen with drug‐eluting stents (DES) may result in late stent thrombosis. The aim of this study is to compare effects of bare metal stents (BMS) and sirolimis DES on the neointima and vasa vasorum in stented rabbit aortas. Stents were implanted in eight New Zealand rabbits for 9 weeks. Group I rabbits received BMS. Group II rabbits received sirolimis DES. A balloon‐mounted BMS or DES was placed in the infrarenal aorta. Following euthanasia, aortas were perfused with barium sulfate and sectioned for histology. After 9 weeks the qualitative intrastent luminal diameter was fairly uniform in both the DES and the BMS. The thickness of neointima was similar in both groups. The number of vasa vasorum in the sirolimis DES increased compared with the BMS (P < 0.05). An increased number of vasa vasorum produced by the DES when compared with the BMS shows a difference in response to local vessel injury in rabbits. This result suggests that vasa vasorum may play a role in the persistent inflammation generated by sirolimis‐coated stents.
Stereotactic radiotherapy for the treatment of neurosarcoidosis involving the pituitary gland and hypothalamus
Authors: Sundaresan P , Jayamohan J 
Published: January 2009

SummaryWe report the case of a 38‐year‐old, female patient with neurosarcoidosis involving the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, who was treated with stereotactic radiotherapy (24 Gy in 12 fractions) with an excellent result. The purpose of this case report was to illustrate and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges faced in the management of neurosarcoidosis, as well as document our experience with the use of stereotactic radiotherapy in the treatment of neurosarcoidosis.
Salvage definitive chemo‐radiotherapy for locally recurrent oesophageal carcinoma after primary surgery: Retrospective review
Authors: Baxi SH , Burmeister B , Harvey JA , Smithers M , Thomas J 
Published: January 2009

SummaryTo determine the overall survival and gastrointestinal toxicity for patients treated with salvage definitive chemo‐radiotherapy after primary surgery for locoregional relapse of oesophageal carcinoma. A retrospective review of 525 patients who had a resection for oesophageal or oesophagogastric carcinoma at Princess Alexandra Hospital identified 14 patients treated with salvage definitive radiotherapy or chemo‐radiotherapy, following localized recurrence of their disease. We analysed the patient and treatment characteristics to determine the median overall survival as the primary end point. Gastrointestinal toxicity was examined to determine if increased toxicity occurred when the stomach was irradiated within the intrathoracic radiotherapy field. The median overall survival for patients treated with curative intent using salvage definitive chemo‐radiotherapy was 16 months and the 2‐year overall survival is 21%. One patient is in clinical remission more than 5 years after therapy. Age <60 years old and nodal recurrence were favourable prognostic factors. Treatment compliance was 93% with only one patient unable to complete the intended schedule. Fourteen per cent of patients experienced grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal toxicity. Salvage definitive chemo‐radiotherapy should be considered for good performance status patients with oesophageal carcinoma who have a locoregional relapse after primary surgery. The schedule is tolerable with low toxicity and an acceptable median survival.
A simple and inexpensive method to routinely produce customized neck supports for patient immobilization during radiotherapy
Authors: McKernan B , Bydder S , Ebert M , Waterhouse D , Joseph D 
Published: January 2009

SummaryAccurate and reproducible patient positioning is fundamental to the success of fractionated radiotherapy. Poor patient positioning could result in geographic misses. We have recently reported on an improved method of customized face mask production using laser surface scanning. In this report, we sought to identify and develop a method to routinely make customized neck supports for patients prescribed radiotherapy to the brain or head and neck regions. We identified a potentially suitable product—sealed packs containing two liquids that produce expanding polyurethane foam when mixed—and developed a method for their use. The neck supports are inexpensive and simple to produce (taking less than 5 min of radiation therapist labour). We assessed the customized neck supports in several ways. The effect on setup accuracy was assessed by comparing two consecutive cohorts of patients. Statistically significant differences favouring the customized neck supports included a reduced total displacement error (mean 3.4 vs. 2.1 mm) and a reduced left–right setup error (mean 1.8 vs. 1.1 mm). This is consistent with the greater support provided by the customized neck supports. This method could easily be undertaken by other departments.
Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1) modulates neuronal death, axonal plasticity, and learning and memory
Authors: Jourquin Jérôme , Tremblay Evelyne , Bernard Anne , Charton Gérard , Chaillan Franck A. , Marchetti Evelyne , Roman François S. , Soloway Paul D. , Dive Vincent , Yiotakis Athanasios , Khrestchatisky Michel , Rivera Santiago 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1) belongs to a family of multifunctional proteins that inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), but also regulate cell growth, proliferation, migration and apoptosis in non‐nervous tissues. We had previously reported that kainate (KA)‐mediated excitotoxic seizures induce the expression of TIMP‐1 in resistant neurons and reactive astrocytes of the rat CNS, but the functional implications of these changes had not been elucidated. In the present work we used a targeted gene null mutation in mice to investigatein vivothe involvement of TIMP‐1 in neuronal death and axonal sprouting following KA. We found no differences in seizure behaviour between the wild‐type (WT) and the TIMP‐1 knock‐out (KO) mice, without any compensation by other TIMPs, at least at the mRNA level. However, the TIMP‐1 KO mice were resistant to excitotoxicity and did not undergo the typical mossy fibre sprouting observed in WT mice. The lack of TIMP‐1 paradoxically hampered the increase in the activity of MMPs observed in the seizing WT mice. In addition, we demonstrate that learning and memory are impaired in untreated KO mice. In conclusion, this study provides the firstin vivoevidence for the implication of TIMP‐1 in neuronal death and axonal sprouting in a pathological situation, but also suggests the involvement of TIMP‐1 in the synaptic mechanisms underlying learning and memory in physiological conditions. More generally, these data support the idea that the control of proteolysis is instrumental for pathological and physiological processes in the brain.
Dopamine D3 receptor‐preferring agonists induce neurotrophic effects on mesencephalic dopamine neurons
Authors: Du Fang , Li Rui , Huang Yuangui , Li Xuping , Le Weidong 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAnti‐parkinsonian agents, pramipexole (PPX) and ropinirole (ROP), have been reported to possess neuroprotective properties, bothin vitroandin vivo. The mechanisms underlying neuroprotection afforded by the D3‐preferring receptor agonists remain poorly understood. The present study demonstrates that incubation of primary mesencephalic cultures with PPX and ROP or the conditioned medium from PPX‐ or ROP‐treated primary cultures induced a marked increase in the number of dopamine (DA) neurons in the cultures. Similar effects can be observed after incubating with the conditioned medium derived from PPX‐ and ROP‐treated substantia nigra astroglia. Meanwhile, PPX and ROP can protect the primary cells from insult of 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+), the active metabolite of the neurotoxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,5,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Furthermore, the neurotrophic effects of PPX and ROP on mesencephalic dopamine neurons could be significantly blocked by D3 receptor antagonist, but not by D2 receptor antagonist. Moreover, we found that the levels of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the conditioned medium of mesencephalic cultures treated with PPX and ROP were significantly increased. Blocking GDNF and BDNF with the neutralizing antibodies, the neurotrophic effects of PPX and ROP were greatly diminished. These results suggest that D3 dopamine receptor‐preferring agonists, PPX and ROP, exert neurotrophic effects on cultured DA neurons by modulating the production of endogenous GDNF and BDNF, which may participate in their neuroprotection.
Ret deficiency in mice impairs the development of A5 and A6 neurons and the functional maturation of the respiratory rhythm
Authors: Viemari J. C. , Maussion G. , Bévengut M. , Burnet H. , Pequignot J. M. , Népote V. , Pachnis V. , Simonneau M. , Hilaire G. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAlthough a normal respiratory rhythm is vital at birth, little is known about the genetic factors controlling the prenatal maturation of the respiratory network in mammals. In Phox2a mutant mice, which do not express A6 neurons, we previously hypothesized that the release of endogenous norepinephrine by A6 neurons is required for a normal respiratory rhythm to occur at birth. Here we investigated the role of the Ret gene, which encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor, in the maturation of norepinephrine and respiratory systems. As Ret‐null mutants (Ret–/–) did not survive after birth, our experiments were performed in wild‐type (wt) and Ret–/– fetuses exteriorized from pregnant heterozygous mice at gestational day 18. First, in wt fetuses, quantitative in situ hybridization revealed high levels of Ret transcripts in the pontine A5 and A6 areas. Second, in Ret–/– fetuses, high‐pressure liquid chromatography showed significantly reduced norepinephrine contents in the pons but not the medulla. Third, tyrosine hydroxylase immunocytochemistry revealed a significantly reduced number of pontine A5 and A6 neurons but not medullary norepinephrine neurons in Ret–/– fetuses. Finally, electrophysiological and pharmacological experiments performed on brainstem ‘en bloc’ preparations demonstrated impaired resting respiratory activity and abnormal responses to central hypoxia and norepinephrine application in Ret–/– fetuses. To conclude, our results show that Ret gene contributes to the prenatal maturation of A6 and A5 neurons and respiratory system. They support the hypothesis that the normal maturation of the respiratory network requires afferent activity corresponding to the A6 excitatory and A5 inhibitory input balance.
Ephrin‐A4 inhibits sensory neurite outgrowth and is regulated by neonatal skin wounding
Authors: Moss Andrew , Alvares Debie , Meredith‐Middleton Jacqueta , Robinson Michelle , Slater Rebeccah , Hunt Stephen P. , Fitzgerald Maria 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe mechanisms for directing and organising sensory axons within developing skin remain largely unknown. The present study provides the first evidence that signalling occurs between A‐ephrins and Eph‐A receptors during the development of rat cutaneous sensory innervation both during normal development and following skin injury. Specifically, our data indicate that ephrin‐A4 mRNA and protein are expressed in the epidermis during late embryogenesis and the early postnatal period (E16–P3), and expression is significantly down‐regulated postnatally. In addition, Eph‐A receptors are expressed on dorsal root ganglia (DRG) cells at birth. The pattern of ephrin‐A4 expression is mirrored by epidermal innervation, so that sensory terminals are restricted to epidermal regions devoid of ephrin‐A4 but increase as ephrin‐A4 expression subsides postnatally. Neonatal skin wounding causes sensory hyperinnervation and a differential screen of wounded vs. nonwounded skin revealed down‐regulation of epidermal ephrin‐A4 following neonatal skin wounding. Expression studies showed that this down‐regulation is below the wound and coincides exactly with the onset of hyperinnervation. In vitro experiments show a function for ephrin‐A4‐Fc in inhibiting rat DRG neuronal growth and guidance when presented as either substratum‐bound stripes of ephrin‐A4‐Fc or as soluble clustered proteins. In conclusion, these observations suggest that the Eph family ligand ephrin‐A4 has an inhibitory influence on neonatal cutaneous nerve terminals from DRG sensory neurons in the hindlimb, and may serve to prevent inappropriate innervation of cutaneous regions. In addition, the absence of ephrin‐A4 following neonatal skin wounding may play a critical permissive role in the sprouting response.
The Grueneberg ganglion of the mouse projects axons to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb
Authors: Fuss Stefan H. , Omura Masayo , Mombaerts Peter 
Published: January 2009

AbstractFirst described in 1973, the Grueneberg ganglion (GG) is an arrow‐shaped neuronal structure at the anterior end of the nasal cavity. It lines both sides of the nasal septum, within the nasal vestibule, close to the opening of the naris. The functions of the GG and the pattern of projections to the brain are not known. Here, we report that neurons of the mouse GG express olfactory marker protein, which is normally expressed in mature olfactory or vomeronasal sensory neurons. The approx. 500 cells in each GG are arranged in several densely packed cell clusters. Individual cells give rise to single axons, which fasciculate to form a nerve bundle that projects caudally. The axons terminate in glomeruli of the olfactory bulb, one or two large glomeruli associated with a semicircle of up to 10 smaller, somewhat diffusely organized glomeruli that surround the most anterior part of the accessory olfactory bulb. Development of the GG starts around embryonic day 16 and appears to be completed at birth; cell numbers then undergo a minor decrease during postnatal development. The strategic location of the GG, expression of olfactory marker protein, axonal projections to glomeruli at particular locations in the olfactory bulb and early development suggest that this neuronal structure performs specific chemosensory functions at neonatal stages.
The Black diaspora and health inequalities in the US and England: does where you go and how you get there make a difference?
Authors: Nazroo James , Jackson James , Karlsen Saffron , Torres Myriam 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe relatively poor health of Black American people in the US and Black Caribbean people in England is a consistent finding in the health inequalities literature. Indeed, there are many similarities between the health, social, economic and demographic profiles of these two groups. However, there is evidence that Caribbean people in the US are faring considerably better. This paper explores differences in the social and economic position of Black American, Black Caribbean and white people in the US and Black Caribbean and white people in England, how these relate to ethnic inequalities in health, and may be underpinned by differences in patterns and contexts of migration. We use similar surveys from the US and England to explore these questions. The US data were drawn from the National Survey of American Life and the English data were drawn from the Health Survey for England and a follow up study. Findings show the advantaged health position of Caribbean American people in comparison with both Caribbean people in England and Black American people. Multivariate analyses indicate that these differences, and the differences in health between Black and white people in the two countries, are a consequence of social and economic inequalities.
Circulating beliefs, resilient metaphors and faith in biomedicine: hepatitis C patients and interferon combination therapy
Authors: Jenner Anton , Scott Anne 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn this paper, we argue that circulating metaphors and beliefs can create an environment in which particular biomedical treatments make cultural sense, even if they seem to be ineffective or are associated with unpleasant side effects. We develop this argument in relation to interferon combined therapy. An innovative methodology combining the collection and deconstructive analysis of visual and narrative texts produced by people with hepatitis C is used to demonstrate links between a predisposition towards Western biomedical practice, discomfort with uncertainty, a desire to reassert control, and adoption of conflict metaphors associated with the tropes of invasion and eradication.
Neurocognitive screening tools in HIV/AIDS: comparative performance among patients exposed to antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Skinner S , Adewale AJ , DeBlock L , Gill MJ , Power C 
Published: January 2009

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to compare the performance of several bedside neuropsychological tools for detection of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) in antiretroviral drug‐exposed persons.MethodsWe analysed the relative performance of the HIV Dementia Scale (HDS), International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) and the Mini‐Mental Status Exam (MMSE) together with neuropsychological tests (Symbol‐Digit, Grooved Pegboard and Trail Making) in HIV‐1‐seronegative subjects (HIV−; n=13) and in HIV‐1‐seropositive subjects with HAND (HIV+HAND; n=13) and other neurological disorders (HIV+OND; n=20).ResultsEstablished neuropsychological tests consistently showed significantly poorer performance by HIV+HAND subjects compared with the other two groups. Similarly, the mean HDS and IHDS scores were lower in the HIV+HAND group compared with the other two groups (P<0.005) while the mean MMSE score did not show significant differences between the HIV+HAND and HIV+OND groups. Receiver operator characteristics curves generated from these data using predefined cut‐off scores revealed that the HDS, IHDS and MMSE displayed corresponding area under the curve values of 0.82, 0.74 and 0.48, respectively (P<0.006).ConclusionsThe present findings indicate that the MMSE is a weak tool for diagnosing HAND in this group of patients but the HDS and IHDS demonstrate better efficiencies, although cut‐off values for the HDS require reassessment in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy.