bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Highly Enriched Niche of Precursor Cells with Neuronal and Glial Potential Within the Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla of Adult Skin
Authors: Hunt David P.J. , Morris Paul N. , Sterling Jane , Anderson Jane A. , Joannides Alexis , Jahoda Colin , Compston Alastair , Chandran Siddharthan 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) are multipotent neural crest-related stem cells that grow as self-renewing spheres and are capable of generating neurons and myelinating glial cells. SKPs are of clinical interest because they are accessible and potentially autologous. However, although spheres can be readily isolated from embryonic and neonatal skin, SKP frequency falls away sharply in adulthood, and primary sphere generation from adult human skin is more problematic. In addition, the culture-initiating cell population is undefined and heterogeneous, limiting experimental studies addressing important aspects of these cells such as the behavior of endogenous precursors in vivo and the molecular mechanisms of neural generation. Using a combined fate-mapping and microdissection approach, we identified and characterized a highly enriched niche of neural crest-derived sphere-forming cells within the dermal papilla of the hair follicle of adult skin. We demonstrated that the dermal papilla of the rodent vibrissal follicle is 1,000-fold enriched for sphere-forming neural crest-derived cells compared with whole facial skin. These “papillaspheres” share a phenotypic and developmental profile similar to that of SKPs, can be readily expanded in vitro, and are able to generate both neuronal and glial cells in response to appropriate cues. We demonstrate that papillaspheres can be efficiently generated and expanded from adult human facial skin by microdissection of a single hair follicle. This strategy of targeting a highly enriched niche of sphere-forming cells provides a novel and efficient method for generating neuronal and glial cells from an accessible adult somatic source that is both defined and minimally invasive.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
The Human Insulin Gene Displays Transcriptionally Active Epigenetic Marks in Islet-Derived Mesenchymal Precursor Cells in the Absence of Insulin Expression
Authors: Mutskov Vesco , Raaka Bruce M. , Felsenfeld Gary , Gershengorn Marvin C. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Human islet-derived precursor cells (hIPCs), mesenchymal cells derived in vitro from adult pancreas, proliferate freely and do not express insulin but can be differentiated to epithelial cells that express insulin. hIPCs have been studied with the goal of obtaining large quantities of insulin-producing cells suitable for transplantation into patients suffering from type 1 diabetes. It appeared that undifferentiated hIPCs are “committed” to a pancreatic endocrine phenotype through multiple cell divisions, suggesting that epigenetic modifications at the insulin locus could be responsible. We determined patterns of histone modifications over the insulin gene in human islets and hIPCs and compared them with HeLa and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs), neither of which expresses insulin. The insulin gene in islets displays high levels of histone modifications (H4 hyperacetylation and dimethylation of H3 lysine 4) typical of active genes. These are not present in HeLa and hBM-MSCs, which instead have elevated levels of H3 lysine 9 dimethylation, a mark of inactive genes. hIPCs, in contrast, show significant levels of active chromatin modifications, as much as half those seen in islets, and show no measurable H3 K9 methylation. Cells expanded from a minor population of mesenchymal stromal cells found in islets exhibit the same histone modifications as established hIPCs. We conclude that hIPCs, which do not express the insulin gene, nonetheless uniquely exhibit epigenetic marks that could poise them for activation of insulin expression. This epigenetic signature may be a general mechanism whereby tissue-derived precursor cells are committed to a distinct specification.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Effects of Neighborhood Resources on Aggressive and Delinquent Behaviors Among Urban Youths
Authors: Molnar Beth E. , Cerda Magdalena , Roberts Andrea L. , Buka Stephen L. 
Published: September 2007

Objectives. We sought to identify neighborhood-level resources associated with lower levels of aggression and delinquency among youths aged 9–15 years at baseline after accounting for risk factors and other types of resources. Methods. Data were derived from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, which focused on 2226 ethnically diverse, urban youths, their caregivers, and the 80 neighborhoods in which they resided at baseline. Results. Living in a neighborhood with a higher concentration of organizations or services serving young people and adults was associated with lower levels of aggression (odds ratio [OR]=0.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.8, 1.0); living in such a neighborhood also moderated family, peer, and mentor resources. For example, the presence of well-behaved peers was associated with lower levels of aggression among youths living in neighborhoods where the concentration of organizations and services was at least 1 standard deviation above the mean; the association was less strong among youths living in neighborhoods with organizations and services 1 standard deviation below the mean or less. Conclusions. Certain family, peer, and mentoring resources may confer benefits only in the presence of neighborhood resources. Increasing neighborhood resources should be considered in interventions designed to reduce urban youths’ involvement in violence.
Awareness of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and the US Presidential Apology and Their Influence on Minority Participation in Biomedical Research
Authors: Katz Ralph V. , Kegeles S. Stephen , Kressin Nancy R. , Green B. Lee , James Sherman A. , Wang Min Qi , Russell Stefanie L. , Claudio Cristina 
Published: September 2007

Objectives. We compared the influence of awareness of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and the presidential apology for that study on the willingness of Blacks, non-Hispanic Whites, and Hispanics to participate in biomedical research. Methods. The Tuskegee Legacy Project Questionnaire was administered to 1133 adults in 4 US cities. This 60-item questionnaire addressed issues related to the recruitment of minorities into biomedical studies. Results. Adjusted multivariate analysis showed that, compared with Whites, Blacks were nearly 4 times as likely to have heard of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, more than twice as likely to have correctly named Clinton as the president who made the apology, and 2 to 3 times more likely to have been willing to participate in biomedical studies despite having heard about the Tuskegee Syphilis Study (odds ratio [OR]=2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.4, 6.2) or the presidential apology (OR=2.3; 95% CI=1.4, 3.9). Conclusions. These marked differences likely reflect the cultural reality in the Black community, which has been accustomed to increased risks in many activities. For Whites, this type of information may have been more shocking and at odds with their expectations and, thus, led to a stronger negative impact.
Anthrax Vaccine and Public Health Policy
Authors: Weiss Martin Meyer , Weiss Peter D. , Weiss Joseph B. 
Published: September 2007

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified Bacillus anthracis, the causative organism of anthrax, as a category A potential bioterrorism agent. There are critical shortcomings in the US anthrax vaccine program. Rather than depending on the private sector, the government must assume direct production of anthrax vaccine. The development of a capacity capable of preemptive immunization of the public against anthrax should be considered.
Income Inequality and Socioeconomic Gradients in Mortality
Authors: Wilkinson Richard G. , Pickett Kate E. 
Published: September 2007

Objectives. We investigated whether the processes underlying the association between income inequality and population health are related to those responsible for the socioeconomic gradient in health and whether health disparities are smaller when income differences are narrower. Methods. We used multilevel models in a regression analysis of 10 age- and cause-specific US county mortality rates on county median household incomes and on state income inequality. We assessed whether mortality rates more closely related to county income were also more closely related to state income inequality. We also compared mortality gradients in more- and less-equal states. Results. Mortality rates more strongly associated with county income were more strongly associated with state income inequality: across all mortality rates, r= −0.81; P=.004. The effect of state income inequality on the socioeconomic gradient in health varied by cause of death, but greater equality usually benefited both wealthier and poorer counties. Conclusions. Although mortality rates with steep socioeconomic gradients were more sensitive to income distribution than were rates with flatter gradients, narrower income differences benefit people in both wealthy and poor areas and may, paradoxically, do little to reduce health disparities.
Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone Have Different Effects on Serum Lipoprotein Particle Concentrations and Sizes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Dyslipidemia
Authors: Deeg Mark A. , Buse John B. , Goldberg Ronald B. , Kendall David M. , Zagar Anthony J. , Jacober Scott J. , Khan Mehmood A. , Perez Alfonzo T. , Tan Meng H. ,   on behalf of the GLAI Study Investigators
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Associated with insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes are increased serum triglycerides, decreased HDL cholesterol, and a predominance of large VLDL, small LDL, and small HDL particles. The comparative effects of thiazolidinedione insulin sensitizers on serum lipoprotein particle concentrations and sizes in type 2 diabetes are not known. We studied the effects of pioglitazone (PIO) and rosiglitazone (ROSI) treatments on serum lipoprotein particle concentrations and sizes in type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel-group study. After a 4-week placebo washout period, patients randomized to PIO (n = 369) were treated with 30 mg q.d. for 12 weeks followed by 45 mg q.d. for another 12 weeks, while patients randomized to ROSI (n = 366) were treated with 4 mg q.d. followed by 4 mg b.i.d. for the same intervals. Lipoprotein subclass particle concentrations and sizes were determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at baseline and end point (PIO [n = 333] and ROSI [n = 325] patients).
RESULTS—PIO treatment increased total VLDL particle concentration less than ROSI treatment and decreased VLDL particle size more than ROSI. PIO treatment reduced total LDL particle concentration, whereas ROSI treatment increased it. Both treatments increased LDL particle size, with PIO treatment having a greater effect. Whereas PIO treatment increased total HDL particle concentration and size, ROSI treatment decreased them; both increased HDL cholesterol levels.
CONCLUSIONS—PIO and ROSI treatments have different effects on serum lipoprotein subclass particle concentrations and sizes in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia.
Parental History and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Overweight Latino Adolescents
Authors: Kelly Louise A. , Lane Christianne J. , Weigensberg Marc J. , Koebnick Corinna , Roberts Christian K. , Davis Jaimie N. , Toledo-Corral Claudia M. , Shaibi Gabriel Q. , Goran Michael I. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE— The purpose of this article was to examine metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents as a function of maternal versus paternal family history of type 2 diabetes and to examine whether differences in these risk factors emerge during adolescent growth.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— A total of 247 overweight Latino children (baseline age = 11.1 ± 1.7 years) with a parental history of type 2 diabetes were followed annually for 5 years (2.2 ± 1.2 observations/child) with measures of insulin sensitivity, acute insulin response to glucose, and disposition index. Longitudinal linear mixed-effects modeling was used to evaluate the influence of maternal versus paternal family history of type 2 diabetes on changes in diabetes risk factors over age.
RESULTS— Insulin sensitivity and the disposition index decreased over age (β = −0.052 and β = −0.033, P &lt; 0 0.01). Acute insulin response to glucose and fasting and 2-h glucose increased (β = 0.019, β = 0.002, and β = 0.003, P &lt; 0.01). Declines in insulin sensitivity were significantly greater in participants whose maternal grandmothers had a history of type 2 diabetes (β = −0.03, P = 0.03). Declines in the disposition index (β = −0.02, P = 0.04) and increases in fasting glucose were significantly influenced by a maternal history of type 2 diabetes (β = 0.60, P &lt; 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS— Maternal but not paternal family history for diabetes may have a significant impact on insulin dynamics, becoming more pronounced during growth in overweight Latino adolescents. Further research is clearly warranted.
Diabetic Nephropathy in 27,805 Children, Adolescents, and Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Raile Klemens , Galler Angela , Hofer Sabine , Herbst Antje , Dunstheimer Desiree , Busch Petra , Holl Reinhard W. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—To give an up-to-date profile of nephropathy and the involvement of risk factors in a large, prospective cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes and largely pediatric and adolescent onset of disease.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A total of 27,805 patients from the nationwide, prospective German Diabetes Documentation System survey were included in the present analysis. Inclusion criteria were at least two documented urine analyses with identical classification. Urine analyses, treatment regimens, diabetes complications, and risk factors were recorded prospectively. Baseline characteristics were age at diagnosis 9.94 years (median [interquartile range 5.8–14.3]), age at last visit 16.34 years (12.5–22.2), and follow-up time 2.5 years (0.43–5.3). Cumulative incidence of nephropathy was tested by Kaplan-Meier analysis and association with risk factors by logistic regression.
RESULTS—Nephropathy was classified as normal in 26,605, microalbuminuric in 919, macroalbuminuric in 78, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 203 patients. After calculated diabetes duration of 40 years, 25.4% (95% CI 22.3–28.3) had microalbuminuria and 9.4% (8.3–11.4) had macroalbuminuria or ESRD. Risk factors for microalbuminuria were diabetes duration (odds ratio 1.033, P &lt; 0.0001), A1C (1.13, P &lt; 0.0001), LDL cholesterol (1.003, P &lt; 0.0074), and blood pressure (1.008, P &lt; 0.0074), while childhood diabetes onset (1.011, P &lt; 0.0001) was protective. Male sex was associated with the development of macroalbuminuria.
CONCLUSIONS—Diabetes duration, A1C, dyslipidemia, blood pressure, and male sex were identified as risk factors for nephropathy. Therefore, besides the best possible metabolic control, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of dyslipidemia and hypertension is mandatory in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Preventive Counseling Among Women With Histories of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Kim Catherine , McEwen Laura N. , Kerr Eve A. , Piette John D. , Chames Mark C. , Ferrara Assiamira , Herman William H. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to examine the association between recall of recommendations for diabetes prevention and both health behaviors and screening among women with histories of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We surveyed 228 women with histories of GDM within the past 5 years who were enrolled in a university-affiliated managed care plan. In a cross-sectional analysis, we assessed the association between recall of health care provider advice and both postpartum lifestyle behaviors and reported performance of postpartum diabetes screening. Multivariate models were constructed that adjusted for correlates of counseling including postpartum diabetes, dyslipidemia, insulin use during pregnancy, and provider type.
RESULTS—Participants were predominantly non-Hispanic white, college educated and affluent, and overweight or obese. The majority reported that they received counseling on lifestyle modification and postpartum diabetes screening. Postpartum physical activity levels, fruit and vegetable intake, and screening were suboptimal. No significant association existed between recall of advice and physical activity or between recall of advice and diet. Recall of advice along with distribution of laboratory slips for glucose testing was associated with performance of postpartum diabetes screening using self-report (adjusted odds ratio 2.07 [95% CI 1.51–2.84]) or claims data (1.64 [1.16–2.32]).
CONCLUSIONS—Women with histories of GDM who recalled advice regarding postpartum glucose testing and received laboratory slips were significantly more likely to report having had postpartum diabetes screening. Although women's recall of services may not reflect the actual services received, simple counseling may not be sufficient to optimize postpartum behaviors to reduce future risk of diabetes.
Costs of the Metabolic Syndrome in Elderly Individuals
Authors: Curtis Lesley H. , Hammill Bradley G. , Bethel M. Angelyn , Anstrom Kevin J. , Gottdiener John S. , Schulman Kevin A. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—The cardiovascular consequences of the metabolic syndrome and its component risk factors have been documented in elderly individuals. Little is known about how the metabolic syndrome and its individual components translate into long-term medical costs.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used log-linear regression models to assess the independent contributions of the metabolic syndrome and its individual components to 10-year medical costs among 3,789 individuals aged ≥65 years in the Cardiovascular Health Study.RESULTS—As defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Third Adult Treatment Panel report, the metabolic syndrome was present in 47% of the sample. Total costs to Medicare were 20% higher among participants with the metabolic syndrome ($40,873 vs. $33,010; P &lt; 0.001). Controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and other covariates, we found that abdominal obesity, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated blood pressure were associated with 15% (95% CI 4.3–26.7), 16% (1.7–31.8), and 20% (10.1–31.7) higher costs, respectively. When added to the model, the metabolic syndrome composite variable did not contribute significantly (P = 0.32).CONCLUSIONS—Abdominal obesity, low HDL cholesterol, and hypertension but not the metabolic syndrome per se are important predictors of long-term costs in the Medicare population.
External Rhinoplasty Approach for Malignant Tumors of the Anterior Nasal Septum
Authors: Shikowitz Mark J. , Zahtz Gerald D. , Goldstein Mark N. 
Published: September 2007

Malignant tumors arising from the nasal septum are rare. The predominant tumors include squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and malignant melanoma. The majority of these lesions are seen on the anterior portion of the septum. The recommended treatment for septal malignancies is wide excision usually approached via a lateral rhinotomy. However, this procedure may have increased morbidity and a less than desirable cosmetic result. We feel that the external rhinoplasty approach for tumors of the anterior nasal septum offers the surgeon excellent visualization, decreased morbidity, and superior cosmetic results. We present a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the anterior nasal septum involving the columella that was successfully managed using this approach.
Comparison of Subjective and Objective Nasal Patency before and after Decongestion of the Nasal Mucosa
Authors: Naito Kensei , Cole Philip , Humphrey Donna 
Published: September 2007

In an attempt to determine whether human subjects can sense acute change of nasal patency, we compared measured values of nasal resistance with degree of subjective sensation of nasal stuffiness before and after decongestion of the nasal mucosa in 86 adult patients referred to our laboratory for objective assessment of nasal patency. Only half the subjects recognized the change of sensation appropriately. Moreover, in these subjects the degree of subjective change after decongestion was poorly correlated with reduction of nasal resistance. The remaining subjects were unaware of any change although nasal resistance values were reduced significantly after decongestion of the nasal mucosa.
Uses and Misuses of Intranasal Corticosteroids and Cromolyn
Authors: Mabry Richard L. 
Published: September 2007

Corticosteroids modulate the effect of the allergic event but do not prevent mast cell degranulation and the release of vasoactive kinins. Cromolyn, on the other hand, prevents such reactions from occurring. Confusion still exists in the minds of many physicians as to when and how each of these treatment modalities should be used in the management of allergic rhinitis. Cromolyn should be a first-line drug for allergic rhinitis because of its safety, effectiveness, specificity, and the protective mechanism against acute challenges. Aerosol nasal corticosteroids are more nonspecific and thus can be helpful in situations where other factors such as rebound rhinitis and rhinitis of pregnancy coexist with nasal allergy. However, the local effects and potential systemic absorption of nasal corticosteroids must be considered. Both cromolyn and nasal corticosteroid aerosols are important tools in the management of allergic rhinitis, but they must be properly employed for maximum effectiveness.
Immunologic Evaluation of Nasal Polyps
Authors: Yaremchuk Kathleen , McCullough Judith , Ownby Dennis R. 
Published: September 2007

Forty-seven patients undergoing nasal polypectomy and 27 adult tonsillectomy patients were studied regarding history of allergy, duration of symptoms, and previous polypectomies. At surgery, samples of serum, tissues, and nasal washes were obtained for evaluation of total and allergen-specific IgE. Serum IgE levels were not significantly higher in polypectomy patients. The IgE/mg of protein was significantly greater in polyp than tonsil tissue. Allergen-specific IgE levels did not differ in polyp and tonsil patients, nor was bacterial specific IgE detected in polyp patients. Allergen-specific IgG4 levels and the ratios of specific IgG4 to specific IgE did not differ between the patient groups.
The Anterior Sphenoid Wall: Relative Anatomy for Sphenoidotomy
Authors: Hosemann W. , Gross R. , Göde U. , Kühnel Th. , Röckelein G. 
Published: September 2007

A total of 53 anatomical specimens of the posterior ethmoid and the adjacent anterior sphenoid sinus wall were examined in reference to the operative guidelines for endonasal sphenoidotomy. Six anatomical points of measurement were defined for clinical orientation, and both the absolute and the relative widths of each third (i.e. of each of three vertical sections) of the pars nasalis and the pars ethmoidalis of the anterior sphenoid sinus wall determined. The choana proved to be the most valuable regional anatomic landmark. In 43 cases (41%), a pervading ethmoidal cell was found, extending superiorly and medically all the way up to the nasal septum. In contrast with certain guidelines reported in the literature, 18% of the specimen (sides) showed a wider pars nasalis in the vertical middle third of the anterior sphenoid sinus wall as compared to the adjacent pars ethmoidalis. The thickness of the bone in the anterior wall was similar in both areas. The present measurements support Wigand's recommendation (1990) that the anterior sphenoid sinus wall be perforated paramedially, 10 mm superiorly to the choana.