bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Major congenital malformations and residential proximity to a regional industrial park including a national toxic waste site: An ecological study
Authors: Bentov Yaakov , Kordysh Ella , Hershkovitz Reli , Belmaker Ilana , Polyakov Marina , Bilenko Natasha , Sarov Batia 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundPublic concern about exposure to emissions from the regional industrial park (IP), including 17 chemical plants and the national industrial toxic waste site, initiated this study of the possible association between major congenital malformations (MCM) and residence near the IP in Israel's Southern District.MethodsThe study was conducted during the period 1995–2000 and included 63,850 deliveries. Data on deliveries and MCM detected at births were obtained from the regional medical center, and stratified by ethnicity and type of locality. As exposure indicator we used distance categories (proximal and distant) and predominant wind direction from the IP. Distance stratification was based on the geographical distribution of the localities and complaints about the odor related to IP emissions. Based on these complaints, localities up to 20 km from the IP were considered proximal to the IP.ResultsAverage rates of MCM were 5.0% and 4.1% for Bedouin and Jewish newborns, respectively. The rate of MCM for Bedouin from proximal localities was significantly greater compared with distant localities (5.6%vs.4.8%; RR = 1.17 with 95% CI: 1.04–1.29). In the proximal Bedouin permanent localities, the MCM rate reached 8.2 %, which was significantly higher than in distant areas (RR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.39–1.80). Significant risk increase of central nervous system MCM was found in these localities, compared to distant ones (RR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.44–3.60). Among newborns from the traditional tribal settlements, proximity to the IP was associated with increased rates of the following MCM: 1) all combined, 2) those associated with chromosomal abnormalities, and 3) those defined as "others unclassified MCM." Comparison of autosomal recessive disease rates by proximity to the IP in Bedouin newborns indicates that the observed increased risk of MCM is not explained by consanguineous marriages. The rates of MCM in the Jewish population were similar among "exposed" and "unexposed" inhabitants.ConclusionResidential proximity to the IP is associated with increased rates of MCM among Arab-Beduin but not in Jewish populations. These observations indicate the need for public health protection of a vulnerable society in transition, although the relative importance of chemical exposure and health care utilization requires further study.
Spatial and temporal structure of typhoid outbreaks in Washington, D.C., 1906–1909: evaluating local clustering with the G
i
* statistic
Authors: Hinman Sarah E , Blackburn Jason K , Curtis Andrew 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
To better understand the distribution of typhoid outbreaks in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) conducted four investigations of typhoid fever. These studies included maps of cases reported between 1 May – 31 October 1906 – 1909. These data were entered into a GIS database and analyzed using Ripley's K-function followed by the G

i
* statistic in yearly intervals to evaluate spatial clustering, the scale of clustering, and the temporal stability of these clusters.

Results
The Ripley's K-function indicated no global spatial autocorrelation. The G

i
* statistic indicated clustering of typhoid at multiple scales across the four year time period, refuting the conclusions drawn in all four PHS reports concerning the distribution of cases. While the PHS reports suggested an even distribution of the disease, this study quantified both areas of localized disease clustering, as well as mobile larger regions of clustering. Thus, indicating both highly localized and periodic generalized sources of infection within the city.

Conclusion
The methodology applied in this study was useful for evaluating the spatial distribution and annual-level temporal patterns of typhoid outbreaks in Washington, D.C. from 1906 to 1909. While advanced spatial analyses of historical data sets must be interpreted with caution, this study does suggest that there is utility in these types of analyses and that they provide new insights into the urban patterns of typhoid outbreaks during the early part of the twentieth century.
Expression profile of mucins (MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6) in Helicobacter pylori infected pre-neoplastic and neoplastic human gastric epithelium
Authors: Babu Subramani Durai , Jayanthi Venkataraman , Devaraj Niranjali , Reis Celso A , Devaraj Halagowder 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes gastritis and intestinal metaplasia (IM) that may evolve to gastric carcinoma. The objective of this study was to compare the profile of mucins in the progressive stages of H. pylori infected pre-neoplastic and neoplastic human gastric epithelium. We used a panel of monoclonal antibodies with well-defined specificities of MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6 to characterize the expression pattern of mucins by immunohistochemistry.

Methods
RUT and ELISA were down for H. pylori confirmation. Human gastric biopsy sections were stained using immunohistochemistry with MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC6 antibodies.

Results
MUC5AC was expressed in the superficial epithelium and the upper part of the gastric pits. MUC6 expression was detected in the lower part of the gastric glands. MUC2 was expressed in intestinal metaplasia, mostly in goblet cells. The mucin expression profile in the progressive stages of H. pylori infected human gastric epithelium allows the identification of intestinal metaplasia, which is characterized by a decreased expression of the gastric mucins (MUC5AC and MUC6) and de novo expression of MUC2.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our results suggest that there is altered expression of MUC5AC and MUC6 together with the aberrant expression of MUC2 in intestinal metaplasia, during the process of gastric carcinogenesis. The present study indicates that the MUC2 mucin expression pattern is a reliable marker of intestinal metaplasia, which appears in the context of H. pylori infected individuals.
Application of cytology and molecular biology in diagnosing premalignant or malignant oral lesions
Authors: Mehrotra Ravi , Gupta Anurag , Singh Mamta , Ibrahim Rahela 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Early detection of a premalignant or cancerous oral lesion promises to improve the survival and the morbidity of patients suffering from these conditions. Cytological study of oral cells is a non-aggressive technique that is well accepted by the patient, and is therefore an attractive option for the early diagnosis of oral cancer, including epithelial atypia and squamous cell carcinoma. However its usage has been limited so far due to poor sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing oral malignancies. Lately it has re-emerged due to improved methods and it's application in oral precancer and cancer as a diagnostic and predictive method as well as for monitoring patients. Newer diagnostic techniques such as "brush biopsy" and molecular studies have been developed. Recent advances in cytological techniques and novel aspects of applications of scraped or exfoliative cytology for detecting these lesions and predicting their progression or recurrence are reviewed here.
A cross-sectional study of health-related quality of life deficits in individuals with comorbid diabetes and cancer
Authors: Bowker Samantha L , Pohar Sheri L , Johnson Jeffrey A 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
Numerous studies have identified a reduced health related quality of life (HRQL) in patients that have either diabetes or cancer. We assessed the HRQL burden in patients with these comorbid conditions, postulating that they would have even greater HRQL deficits.

Methods
Data from the Public Use File of the Canadian Community Health Survey (PUF CCHS) Cycle 1.1 (September 2000–November 2001) were used for this analysis. The total sample size of the CCHS PUF is 130,880 individuals. We used the Health Utilities Index Mark 3 (HUI3) to assess HRQL in patients with: 1) comorbid diabetes and cancer, 2) diabetes alone, 3) cancer alone, and 4) no diabetes or cancer. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the mean overall HUI3 score, controlling for age, sex, marital status, body mass index (BMI), physical activity level, smoking status, education level, depression status, and other chronic conditions.

Results
We identified 113,587 individuals (87%) with complete data for the analysis. The comorbid diabetes and cancer group were older and a larger proportion reported being obese, inactive, having less than a secondary education and more chronic conditions when compared to the other three cohorts (p < 0.0001). However, the diabetes and cancer cohort was less likely to be depressed (p < 0.0001). Overall HUI3 scores were significantly lower for the diabetes and cancer group (unadjusted mean (SD): 0.67 (0.30)), compared to diabetes (0.78 (0.27)), cancer (0.78 (0.25)), and the reference group (0.89 (0.18)) (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for covariates, the comorbid diabetes and cancer group continued to have significantly lower overall HUI3 scores than the reference group (unstandardized mean difference: -0.11, 95% CI: -0.13 to -.0.09) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
Individuals with diabetes and cancer had a clinically important and significantly lower HRQL than those with either condition alone. A better understanding of the relationship between diabetes and cancer, and their associated comorbidities, complications, and HRQL deficits may have important implications for prevention and management strategies.
Assessing normative cut points through differential item functioning analysis: An example from the adaptation of the Middlesex Elderly Assessment of Mental State (MEAMS) for use as a cognitive screening test in Turkey
Authors: Tennant Alan , Küçükdeveci Ayse A , Kutlay Sehim , Elhan Atilla H 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
The Middlesex Elderly Assessment of Mental State (MEAMS) was developed as a screening test to detect cognitive impairment in the elderly. It includes 12 subtests, each having a 'pass score'. A series of tasks were undertaken to adapt the measure for use in the adult population in Turkey and to determine the validity of existing cut points for passing subtests, given the wide range of educational level in the Turkish population. This study focuses on identifying and validating the scoring system of the MEAMS for Turkish adult population.

Methods
After the translation procedure, 350 normal subjects and 158 acquired brain injury patients were assessed by the Turkish version of MEAMS. Initially, appropriate pass scores for the normal population were determined through ANOVA post-hoc tests according to age, gender and education. Rasch analysis was then used to test the internal construct validity of the scale and the validity of the cut points for pass scores on the pooled data by using Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis within the framework of the Rasch model.

Results
Data with the initially modified pass scores were analyzed. DIF was found for certain subtests by age and education, but not for gender. Following this, pass scores were further adjusted and data re-fitted to the model. All subtests were found to fit the Rasch model (mean item fit 0.184, SD 0.319; person fit -0.224, SD 0.557) and DIF was then found to be absent. Thus the final pass scores for all subtests were determined.

Conclusion
The MEAMS offers a valid assessment of cognitive state for the adult Turkish population, and the revised cut points accommodate for age and education. Further studies are required to ascertain the validity in different diagnostic groups.
Desmoid tumor in Gardner's Syndrome presented as acute abdomen
Authors: Hatzimarkou Andreas , Filippou Dimitrios , Papadopoulos Vasilios , Filippou Georgios , Rizos Spiros , Skandalakis Panagiotis 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
Gardner's syndrome can occasionally be complicated with intra-abdominal desmoid tumor. These tumors usually remain asymptomatic but can exhibit symptoms due to intestinal, vascular and ureteral compression and obstruction.

Case presentation
A rare case of a 41-year-old male patient with Gardner's syndrome complicated with intra-abdominal desmoid tumor, which first presented as acute abdomen, is presented.

Conclusion
Extra-abdominal manifestations of Gardner's syndrome along with a palpable abdominal mass would raise suspicion for the presence of a desmoid tumor in the majority of cases. In life-threatening cases, surgical treatment should be considered as a palliative approach, though the extent of excision remains debatable
Zygote arrest 1 gene in pig, cattle and human: evidence of different transcript variants in male and female germ cells
Authors: Uzbekova Svetlana , Roy-Sabau Monica , Dalbiès-Tran Rozenn , Perreau Christine , Papillier Pascal , Mompart Florence , Thelie Aurore , Pennetier Sophie , Cognie Juliette , Cadoret Veronique , Royere Dominique , Monget Philippe , Mermillod Pascal 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
Zygote arrest 1 (ZAR1) is one of the few known oocyte-specific maternal-effect genes essential for the beginning of embryo development discovered in mice. This gene is evolutionary conserved in vertebrates and ZAR1 protein is characterized by the presence of atypical plant homeobox zing finger domain, suggesting its role in transcription regulation. This work was aimed at the study of this gene, which could be one of the key regulators of successful preimplantation development of domestic animals, in pig and cattle, as compared with human.

Methods
Screenings of somatic cell hybrid panels and in silico research were performed to characterize ZAR1 chromosome localization and sequences. Rapid amplification of cDNA ends was used to obtain full-length cDNAs. Spatio-temporal mRNA expression patterns were studied using Northern blot, reverse transcription coupled to polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization.

Results
We demonstrated that ZAR1 is a single copy gene, positioned on chromosome 8 in pig and 6 in cattle, and several variants of correspondent cDNA were cloned from oocytes. Sequence analysis of ZAR1 cDNAs evidenced numerous short inverted repeats within the coding sequences and putative Pumilio-binding and embryo-deadenylation elements within the 3'-untranslated regions, indicating the potential regulation ways. We showed that ZAR1 expressed exclusively in oocytes in pig ovary, persisted during first cleavages in embryos developed in vivo and declined sharply in morulae and blastocysts. ZAR1 mRNA was also detected in testis, and, at lower level, in hypothalamus and pituitary in both species. For the first time, ZAR1 was localized in testicular germ cells, notably in round spermatids. In addition, in pig, cattle and human only shorter ZAR1 transcript variants resulting from alternative splicing were found in testis as compared to oocyte.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that in addition to its role in early embryo development highlighted by expression pattern of full-length transcript in oocytes and early embryos, ZAR1 could also be implicated in the regulation of meiosis and post meiotic differentiation of male and female germ cells through expression of shorter splicing variants. Species conservation of ZAR1 expression and regulation underlines the central role of this gene in early reproductive processes.
Interleukin-1 mediates Alzheimer and Lewy body pathologies
Authors: Griffin W Sue T , Liu Ling , Li Yuekui , Mrak Robert E , Barger Steven W 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundClinical and neuropathological overlap between Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) is now well recognized. Such cases of concurrent AD and Lewy body disease (AD/LBD) show neuropathological changes that include Lewy bodies (α-synuclein aggregates), neuritic amyloid plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles (hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates). The co-occurrence of these clinical and neuropathological changes suggests shared pathogenic mechanisms in these diseases, previously assumed to be distinct. Glial activation, with overexpression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and other proinflammatory cytokines, has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of both AD and PD.MethodsRat primary cultures of microglia and cortical neurons were cultured either separately or as mixed cultures. Microglia or cocultures were treated with a secreted fragment (sAPPα) of the β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP). Neurons were treated with IL-1β or conditioned medium from sAPPα-activated microglia, with or without IL-1 receptor antagonist. Slow-release pellets containing either IL-1β or bovine serum albumin (control) were implanted in cortex of rats, and mRNA for various neuropathological markers was analyzed by RT-PCR. Many of the same markers were assessed in tissue sections from human cases of AD/LBD.ResultsActivation of microglia with sAPPα resulted in a dose-dependent increase in secreted IL-1β. Cortical neurons treated with IL-1β showed a dose-dependent increase in sAPPα release, an effect that was enhanced in the presence of microglia. IL-1β also elevated the levels of α-synuclein, activated MAPK-p38, and phosphorylated tau; a concomitant decrease in levels of synaptophysin occurred. Delivery of IL-1β by slow-release pellets elevated mRNAs encoding α-synuclein, βAPP, tau, and MAPK-p38 compared to controls. Finally, human cases of AD/LBD showed colocalization of IL-1-expressing microglia with neurons that simultaneously overexpressed βAPP and contained both Lewy bodies and neurofibrillary tangles.ConclusionOur findings suggest that IL-1 drives production of substrates necessary for formation of the major neuropathological changes characteristic of AD/LBD.
Cyclooxygenase-2 mediates microglial activation and secondary dopaminergic cell death in the mouse MPTP model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Vijitruth Rattanavijit , Liu Mei , Choi Dong-Young , Nguyen Xuan V , Hunter Randy L , Bing Guoying 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundAccumulating evidence suggests that inflammation plays an important role in the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD). Among many inflammatory factors found in the PD brain, cyclooxygenase (COX), specifically the inducible isoform, COX-2, is believed to be a critical enzyme in the inflammatory response. Induction of COX-2 is also found in an experimental model of PD produced by administration of 1-methy-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).MethodCOX-2-deficient mice or C57BL/6 mice were treated with MPTP to investigate the effects of COX-2 deficiency or by using various doses of valdecoxib, a specific COX-2 inhibitor, which induces inhibition of COX-2 on dopaminergic neuronal toxicity and locomotor activity impairment. Immunohistochemistry, stereological cell counts, immunoblotting, an automated spontaneous locomotor activity recorder and rotarod behavioral testing apparatus were used to assess microglial activation, cell loss, and behavioral impariments.ResultsMPTP reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cell counts in the substantia nigrapars compacta(SNpc); total distance traveled, vertical activity, and coordination on a rotarod; and increased microglia activation. Valdecoxib alleviated the microglial activation, the loss of TH-positive cells and the decrease in open field and vertical activity. COX-2 deficiency attenuated MPTP-induced microglial activation, degeneration of TH-positive cells, and loss of coordination.ConclusionThese results indicate that reducing COX-2 activity can mitigate the secondary and progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons as well as the motor deficits induced by MPTP, possibly by suppression of microglial activation in the SNpc.
The retrovirus RNA trafficking granule: from birth to maturity
Authors: Cochrane Alan W , McNally Mark T , Mouland Andrew J 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Post-transcriptional events in the life of an RNA including RNA processing, transport, translation and metabolism are characterized by the regulated assembly of multiple ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. At each of these steps, there is the engagement and disengagement of RNA-binding proteins until the RNA reaches its final destination. For retroviral genomic RNA, the final destination is the capsid. Numerous studies have provided crucial information about these processes and serve as the basis for studies on the intracellular fate of retroviral RNA. Retroviral RNAs are like cellular mRNAs but their processing is more tightly regulated by multiple cis-acting sequences and the activities of many trans-acting proteins. This review describes the viral and cellular partners that retroviral RNA encounters during its maturation that begins in the nucleus, focusing on important events including splicing, 3' end-processing, RNA trafficking from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and finally, mechanisms that lead to its compartmentalization into progeny virions.
Reconstruction of skeletal movement using skin markers: comparative assessment of bone pose estimators
Authors: Cereatti Andrea , Della Croce Ugo , Cappozzo Aurelio 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
The assessment of the accuracy of the pose estimation of human bones and consequent joint kinematics is of primary relevance in human movement analysis. This study evaluated the performance of selected pose estimators in reducing the effects of instrumental errors, soft tissue artifacts and anatomical landmark mislocations occurring at the thigh on the determination of the knee kinematics.

Methods
The pattern of a typical knee flexion-extension during a gait cycle was fed into a knee model which generated a six-components knee kinematics and relevant marker trajectories. The marker trajectories were corrupted with both instrumental noise and soft tissue artifacts. Two different cluster configurations (4 and 12-marker cluster) were investigated. Four selected pose estimators, a Geometrical method, a SVD-based method, and the Pointer Cluster Technique in the optimized and non optimized version, were analyzed. The estimated knee kinematics were compared to the nominal kinematics in order to evaluate the accuracy of the selected pose estimators.

Results
Results have shown that optimal pose estimators perform better than traditional geometric pose estimators when soft tissue artifacts are present. The use of redundant markers improved in some cases the estimation of the dynamics of the kinematics patterns, while it does not reduce the offsets from the nominal kinematics curves. Overall, the best performance was obtained by the SVD-based pose estimator, while the performance of the PCT pose estimator in its optimal version was not satisfactory. However, the knee kinematics errors reached 5 deg for rotations and 10 mm for translations).

Conclusion
Given the favorable experimental conditions of this study (soft tissue artifacts determined from a young, healthy and non overweight subject), the errors found in estimating the knee kinematics have to be considered unsatisfactory even if the best performing pose estimator is used. Therefore, it is the authors' opinion that the movement analysis research community should make additional efforts in the search of more subject specific error models to increase the accuracy of joint kinematics estimations.
Genome comparison of two Coccolithoviruses
Authors: Allen Michael J , Schroeder Declan C , Donkin Andrew , Crawfurd Katharine J , Wilson William H 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
The Coccolithoviridae is a recently discovered family of viruses that infect the marine coccolithophorid Emiliania huxleyi. Following on from the sequencing of the type strain EhV-86, we have sequenced a second strain, EhV-163.

Results
We have sequenced approximately 80% of the EhV-163 genome, equating to more than 200 full length CDSs. Conserved and variable CDSs and a gene replacement have been identified in the EhV-86 and EhV-163 genomes.

Conclusion
The sequencing of EhV-163 has provided a wealth of information which will aid the re-annotating of the EhV-86 genome and identified a gene insertion in EhV-163.