bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein AI and apolipoprotein E mRNA expression in peripheral white blood cells from patients with orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Martínez‐López Erika , Nuño‐González Patricia , Ruiz‐Madrigal Bertha , Rodríguez‐Sancho Luis Carlos , Hernández‐Nazará Zamira H. , Segura‐Ortega Jorge Enrique , Panduro Arturo 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground: Apolipoprotein AI/apolipoprotein E (apo‐AI/apo‐E) ratio change and its induction in non‐hepatic tissues have been reported during liver development, regeneration, and several pathophysiologic states. The clinical implication of such changes is unclear, but these could reflect recovery and/or severity of liver damage.Methods and Results: Using RT‐PCR we analysed the mRNA expression of apo‐AI and apo‐E in peripheral white blood cells (PWBC) of patients with different liver diseases who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and compared its expression with the lipid profile and liver function tests. We found that patients showed higher levels of apo‐AI mRNA without detection of apo‐E mRNA on PWBC at the preoperative day, compared with healthy volunteers (HV). We found an apo‐AI/apo‐E mRNA ratio of 2.7 during the anhepatic stage, followed by a decrease to 1.3, 0.95, and 0.55 at days 30, 60, and 90, respectively. At the last time point, the apo‐AI/apo‐E ratio was similar to HV. At day 3 post‐OLT, the lowest levels of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol (17 mg/dl; P<0.05) and the highest levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (77.5 IU/l, 37.9 g/dl, 177.8 IU/l, respectively; P<0.05) were detected.Conclusion: These results indicate that changes of HDL‐cholesterol and apo‐AI/apo‐E mRNA ratio could be a good indicator of liver damage and/or hepatic functional recovery post‐OLT.
Characterization of mononuclear cells remaining in the leukoreduction system chambers of apheresis instruments after routine platelet collection: a new source of viable human blood cells
Authors: Néron Sonia , Thibault Louis , Dussault Nathalie , Côté Geneviève , Ducas Éric , Pineault Nicolas , Roy Annie 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: The yield of white blood cells (WBCs) extracted from whole‐blood leukoreduction filters can be affected by the storage conditions and delay before filtration. Platelets (PLTs) collected with apheresis instruments (Trima Accel, Gambro BCT) are leukoreduced during the procedure on a fluidized particle bed in a leukoreduction chamber (LRS chamber). In this report, the residual cell content of these LRS chambers was characterized to determine whether it would be a valuable source of viable human blood cells.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The content of LRS chambers was eluted by gravity, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) were purified on a Ficoll‐Paque gradient. Analyses were performed before and after freezing. Proportions of CD3+, CD14+, CD16+, CD19+, CD34+, and CD45+ cells were determined by flow cytometry. The frequency of T cells expressing CD4, CD8, and CD27 and of B cells expressing immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgM, and CD27 was also determined.RESULTS: LRS chambers held approximately 109 CD45+ cells representing the normal proportions of CD3+, CD14+, CD16+, and CD19+ cell populations of PBMNCs. A small fraction of these CD45+ cells were CD34+CD38+ cells (0.3 ± 0.2%). The viability of these cells, measured before and after freezing, was more than 95 percent.CONCLUSION: The residual cell content of Trima Accel LRS chambers recovered after PLT collection is a good source of viable monocytes and lymphocytes. These PBMNCs, containing CD3+, CD14+, CD16+, CD19+, and CD34+ cells can be frozen to prepare cell banks, which opens new avenues for utilization in several physiologic studies or even in cellular therapy applications.
Differences in functional activity and antigen expression of granulocytes primed in vivo with filgrastim, lenograstim, or pegfilgrastim
Authors: Ribeiro Daniel , Veldwijk Marlon R. , Benner Axel , Laufs Stephanie , Wenz Frederik , Ho Anthony D. , Fruehauf Stefan 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: Granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) is known to affect functional activity and antigen expression of neutrophil granulocytes. Beside nonglycosylated filgrastim and glycosylated lenograstim, pegylated filgrastim (pegfilgrastim) has recently been introduced for single administration into clinical use.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Here, granulocytes from 27 patients with nonmyeloid malignancies were compared functionally (migration, reactive oxygen species production, and G‐CSF serum levels) and phenotypically (cell surface antigen expression) before and after G‐CSF administration.RESULTS: After exposure to G‐CSF, chemotaxis was reduced significantly in the filgrastim group. Immunophenotypically, in vivo G‐CSF–primed granulocytes were more mature in the lenograstim than in the filgrastim and to lesser extent in the pegfilgrastim groups as shown by the expression profile for CD11b, CD14, and CD16. Of note, G‐CSF serum levels were similar among the groups.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that granulocytes exposed to glycosylated G‐CSF in vivo seem to resemble more closely their steady‐state phenotype than after treatment with nonglycosylated and to lesser extent pegylated G‐CSF.
Neurostimulation therapies in depression: a review of new modalities
Authors: Marangell L. B. , Martinez M. , Jurdi R. A. , Zboyan H. 
Published: May 2007

Objective:  In response to an increased understanding of the neurobiology of severe psychiatric disorders, new therapeutic modalities are entering clinical practice that involve the direct stimulation of the brain.Method:  We provide a review of published literature regarding the clinical use of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) in psychiatric disorders, with an emphasis on treatment‐resistant depression (TRD).Results:  Vagus nerve stimulation is approved for use in both the EU and US for TRD. TMS has been approved for TRD in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union and Israel, but not yet in the United States. DBS remains in the early stages of investigation.Conclusion:  While additional studies are clearly warranted, treatments that directly stimulate the brain appear to hold great therapeutic promise for severe psychiatric disorders.
The impact of contact with psychiatry on senior medical students’ attitudes toward psychiatry
Authors: Holm‐Petersen C. , Vinge S. , Hansen J. , Gyrd‐Hansen D. 
Published: May 2007

Objective:  To investigate the attitudes of Danish medical students as to the attractiveness of psychiatry as a career possibility and to asses the impact on such attitudes of actual contact with psychiatry.Method:  A base‐line survey included 222 senior medical students, of whom 160 were also surveyed subsequent to a 4‐week psychiatric affiliation.Results:  The base‐line survey shows that psychiatry is rated as less attractive than other specialization groups, and that working as health assistants in psychiatric wards contributes to the problematic image. However, a 4‐week psychiatric affiliation resolves a number of image issues, and following such an affiliation more medical students were considering specializing in psychiatry.Conclusion:  The findings of this study suggest that psychiatric affiliations can influence students’ attitudes to psychiatry. The observed changes in attitudes lead to the presumption that some aspects of the image problem of psychiatry stem from inadequate knowledge of psychiatry as a specialty and the actual work psychiatrists perform.
European citizens’ opinions on water fluoridation
Authors: Griffin Marcus , Shickle Darren , Moran Nicola 
Published: May 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  To understand European citizens’ opinions on water fluoridation, as part of research on their attitudes to the tensions between private and public interest.Methods:  Sixty‐eight focus groups held (with an average of eight people per group) in September and October 2003 in 16 countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK).Results:  Most participants were against water fluoridation, although groups in Greece, Ireland, Poland and Sweden were more in favour. Many felt dental health was an issue to be dealt with at the level of the individual, rather than a solution to be imposed en masse. While people accepted that some children were not encouraged to brush their teeth, they proposed other solutions to addressing these needs rather than having a solution of unproved safety imposed on them by public health authorities whom they did not fully trust. They did not see why they should accept potential side effects in order that a minority may benefit. In particular, water was something that should be kept as pure as possible, even though it was recognized that it already contains many additives.Conclusions:  While the vast majority of people opposed water fluoridation, this may be indicative of shifts away from public support of population interventions towards private interventions, as well as reduced trust in public agencies. Thus if research were to demonstrate more clear benefits of water fluoridation over and above that which can be achieved by use of fluoride toothpaste, then the public may become more supportive. However, lobby groups are likely to remain influential.
Fox‐P3‐positive regulatory T cells are present in the skin of generalized atopic eczema patients and are not particularly affected by medium‐dose UVA1 therapy
Authors: Schnopp Christina , Rad Roland , Weidinger Anke , Weidinger Stefan , Ring Johannes , Eberlein Bernadette , Ollert Markus , Mempel Martin 
Published: May 2007

Background: Regulatory T cells (T‐reg cells) have been described as an important cell population in the UV treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.Methods: We have treated five patients with generalized atopic eczema (AE) using medium‐dose (15 cycles of 50 J/cm2, total dose of 750 J/cm2) UVA1 therapy and have analyzed the skin‐infiltrating T‐cellular subsets before and after therapy. Skin biopsies were split for immunohistochemistry and Real‐time PCR and analyzed for CD4, Fox‐P3, GATA‐3, and IL‐10 transcription as well as for CD3, CD4, CD152, Fox‐P3, and GITR staining.Results: In all the investigated patients, we observed a good clinical response to UVA1. As described previously, the number of epidermal T cells slightly declined after irradiation. However, we did not observe a general decrease in T cell numbers. Within the population of T cells, no specific difference in the kinetics of Fox‐P3‐positive cells and Fox‐P3‐specific mRNA was noted as compared with GATA‐3 positive T cells. These results were paralleled by RT‐PCR for IL‐10 and staining for CD152, a surface molecule that has been described for T‐reg cells.Conclusion: In our hands, the clinical benefit of UVA1 treatment in AE patients does not seem to be due to a preferential survival/proliferation of T‐reg cells.
Anti‐inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus brevis (CD2) on periodontal disease
Authors: Riccia DN Della , Bizzini F , Perilli MG , Polimeni A , Trinchieri V , Amicosante G , Cifone MG 
Published: May 2007

Objectives:  To analyze the anti‐inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus brevis extracts on periodontitis patients and to investigate the involved mechanisms in vitro on activated macrophages.Methods:  Eight healthy subjects and 21 patients with chronic periodontitis were enrolled to analyze the effect of L. brevis‐containing lozenges on periodontitis‐associated symptoms and signs. Before and after the treatment, the patients received a complete periodontal examination. Saliva samples, collected before and after treatment, were analyzed for metalloproteinase and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, immunoglobulin‐A (IgA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and γ‐interferon (IFN‐γ) levels. Arginine deiminase (AD) and NOS activities were determined through a radiometric assay. Metalloproteinases were assayed by zymogram and Western blotting, whereas IgA, PGE2 and IFN‐γ were assayed by enzyme‐linked imunosorbent assay tests.Results:  The treatment led to the total disappearance or amelioration of all analyzed clinical parameters in all patients. This was paralleled to a significant decrease of nitrite/nitrate, PGE2, matrix metalloproteinase, and IFN‐γ levels in saliva samples.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that the anti‐inflammatory effects of L. brevis could be attributed to the presence of AD which prevented nitric oxide generation. Our findings give further insights into the knowledge of the molecular basis of periodontitis and have a potential clinical significance, giving the experimental ground for a new innovative, simple and efficacious therapeutical approach of periodontal disease.
Genetic defects in common variable immunodeficiency
Authors: Kopecký O. , Lukešová Š. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryCommon variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most frequent clinically manifested primary immunodeficiency. According to clinical and laboratory findings, CVID is a heterogeneous group of diseases. Recently, the defects of molecules regulating activation and terminal differentiation of B lymphocytes have been described in some patients with CVID. In this study, we show the overview of deficiencies of inducible costimulator, transmembrane activator and calcium‐modulator and cytophilin ligand interactor, CD19 molecules, their genetic basis, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations.
Sequence‐based typing of a novel HLA‐DRB1*04 allele, DRB1*0461, in a Taiwanese volunteer marrow donor
Authors: Chen M. J. , Chu C. C. , Lin P. Y. , Yang K. L. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryWe report here a novel HLA‐DRB1 allele, DRB1*0461, discovered in a Taiwanese volunteer marrow donor. The new sequence has nucleotide variation at positions 260 (C→A) and 261 (C→G), i.e. codon 58, as compared to DRB1*0408. Nucleotide change caused an amino acid substitution from alanine to glutamic acid. We believe that the gene conversion took place between DRB1*0405 and DRB1*1101 based on sequence homology and gene frequency in population studies. In comparison to DRB1*0405, DRB1*0461 has two amino acid changes at codons 57 and 58. Amino acid residue substitution at position 57 may affect peptide‐binding environment at pocket P9 of the antigen‐binding groove of the MHC molecule. This would have potential effect in peptide binding as well as in T‐cell recognition, which could have clinical significance in bone marrow and organ transplantations.
Constraining H0 from the Sunyaev–Zel'dovich effect, galaxy cluster X-ray data and baryon oscillations
Authors: Cunha J. V. , Marassi L. , Lima J. A. S. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Estimates of H0 from the Sunyaev–Zel'dovich effect (SZE) and X-ray surface brightness of galaxy clusters depends on the underlying cosmology. In the current Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) flat cosmology, a possible technique to broke the degeneracy on the mass density parameter (Ωm) is to apply a joint analysis involving the baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs). By adopting this technique to the (H0, Ωm) parameter space, we obtain new constraints on the Hubble constant H0 from BAO signatures as given by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) catalogue. Our analysis based on the SZE/X-ray data for a sample of 25 clusters yields H0= 74+4−3.5 km s−1 Mpc−1 (1σ, neglecting systematic uncertainties). This result is in good agreement with independent studies from the Hubble Space Telescope key project and the recent estimates of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, thereby suggesting that the combination of these three independent phenomena provides an interesting method to constrain the Hubble constant.
Correlation of macroscopic instability and Lyapunov times in the general three-body problem
Authors: Mikkola Seppo , Tanikawa Kiyotaka 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
We conducted extensive numerical experiments of equal mass three-body systems until they became disrupted. The system lifetimes, as a bound triple, and the Lyapunov times show a correlation similar to what has been earlier obtained for small bodies in the Solar system. Numerical integrations of several sets of differently randomized initial conditions produced the same relationship of the instability time and Lyapunov time. Marginal probability densities of the various times in the three-body experiments are also discussed. Our high accuracy numerical method for three-body orbit computations and Lyapunov time determinations is concisely described.
EFFECT OF LACTIC ACID AND LACTIC ACID BACTERIA TREATMENT ON MYOFIBRILLAR PROTEIN DEGRADATION AND DYNAMIC RHEOLOGY OF BEEF
Authors: SIGNORINI M. , SALAZAR J.A. , PONCE‐ALQUICIRA E. , GUERRERO‐LEGARRETA I. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACT Lactic acid has been used as an efficient decontaminant in meats aimed for direct consumption or product fabrication. However, reports on the functionality of proteins extracted from lactic acid‐treated meat are scattered. The objective of this work was to study the degradation and gelling ability of myofibrillar protein extracts obtained from beef treated with lactic acid of chemical and microbial origins, stored at 4 and 20C. The gelling ability was considerably reduced by lactic acid treatment as a result of protein denaturation in acid conditions at both storage temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy showed loose structures resulting in low penetration resistance and storage modulus. Treatments with lactic acid or lactic acid bacteria (LAB) had similar effect on tanδ, affecting gel rigidity but not elasticity. Penetration in gels obtained from LAB‐treated meat was highly correlated with myosin degradation. Lactobacillus carnis‐treated meat produced compact gels with high penetration resistance and storage modulus, although the structure became looser with storage time. LAB treatment, although not as efficient as lactic acid as a meat preservative, is a milder process causing less severe changes in meat structure rheology.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe potential of lactic fermentation by selected strains is somewhat limited as compared to lactic acid preservation of meat substrates, regarding pH reduction and its consequence on pathogens and spoilage microorganism population reduction. However, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) treatments are milder; therefore, changes in protein structure and rheology are less severe. Lactic acid in its chemical form promotes protein changes, whereas LAB does not. As myofibrillar protein configuration is responsible for most meat functional properties, such as gel and emulsion formation, it is important that protein structure remains unchanged as much as possible. Using nonproteolytic strains, protein degradation can only be altered by endogenous or bacteria‐produced enzymes, which can be inhibited by several means. Meat preservation by lactic fermentation with selected strains can be an alternative when keeping meat protein functional properties unaltered.
Unscrambling the research: Eggs, serum cholesterol and coronary heart disease
Authors: NATOLI Sharon , MARKOVIC Tania , LIM David , NOAKES Manny , KOSTNER Karam 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThe role of dietary cholesterol in raising plasma cholesterol levels has been debated over the past 25 years. Consequently, eggs, as a food high in dietary cholesterol, have been targeted as a food to limit when advising patients on a diet to lower serum cholesterol levels. The aim of the present review was to evaluate the literature to address the effects of dietary cholesterol from eggs on serum cholesterol levels and risk of coronary heart disease. An increase in dietary cholesterol from eggs by 100 mg daily, equivalent to half a medium egg or three to four eggs a week, results in an increase of approximately 0.05 mmol/L in LDL cholesterol. Adding 100 mg of cholesterol per day (equivalent to three to four eggs a week) to a high saturated fat diet caused an increase in LDL cholesterol of 0.061 ± 0.006 mmol/L, whereas adding the same quantity of cholesterol to a low saturated fat diet caused an increase in LDL cholesterol of only 0.036 ± 0.004 mmol/L (P = 0.03). Despite the small increase in LDL‐cholesterol levels with increasing egg intake, most epidemiological studies have shown little or no association between egg intake and risk of coronary heart disease. However, the impact of dietary cholesterol for people with type 2 diabetes has been poorly studied. In conclusion, in a healthy Western population, there is insufficient evidence to excessively restrict egg intake as part of a healthy diet. Eggs should be considered in a similar way as other protein‐rich foods and selected as part of a varied diet that is low in saturated fat and contains a variety of cardio‐protective foods such as fish, wholegrains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts.
Thick, cheap and easy: Fortifying texture‐modified meals with infant cereal
Authors: KENNEWELL Suzanne , KOKKINAKOS Maria 
Published: May 2007

AbstractPatients requiring texture‐modified meals, particularly those with dysphagia, were identified as being at high risk of malnutrition and aspiration. The innovative use of a common infant cereal as an iron‐fortified thickening agent significantly improved food texture and increased iron content of pureed and minced meals by 57%, without any discernible change in flavour. These results are currently benefiting up to 33% of patients and can be directly applied to all areas where consumers require thickened, iron‐rich texture‐modified meals with minimal additional cost.
Development and reproducibility of a tool to assess school food‐purchasing practices and lifestyle habits of Australian primary school‐aged children
Authors: FINCH Meghan , BEGLEY Andrea , SUTHERLAND Rachel , HARRISON Michelle , COLLINS Clare 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective:  To describe the development and reproducibility of a self‐report instrument, for use with children in years 4–6, to identify sources of food eaten during the day, and type and frequency of food purchases at school.Design:  Tool development stages included formulation of content and format, expert review, piloting and a test–retest study.Subjects/setting:  The pilot study included school students (n = 20) in years 4 and 5 (seven girls, mean age 9.7 ± 0.7 years) attending an Australian public primary school. The test–retest study was performed in a large metropolitan public primary school (n = 245 children, 52% female, mean age 10.7 ± 0.91 years) including children from years 4 (n = 88), 5 (n = 84) and 6 (n = 73).Statistical analysis:  A Kappa statistic was used to assess level of agreement between the two time periods separated by 1 week. The results were analysed using SAS version 8.2 with each question compared at time 1 and 2.Results:  The mean kappa was 0.529 using pairings from 17 questions. Values ranged from 0.18 to 0.71 (CI 0.46–0.60).Conclusions and applications:  The School Eating Habits and Lifestyle Survey has been developed and pilot‐tested in primary school‐aged children and shown to have moderate stability over time. The results show that each phase of development, particularly those spent in consultation and testing, led to progressive improvement of this instrument. This process improved the quality of information produced and gave insights to self‐report of dietary intake and behaviours among children.