bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivariate genetic analysis of atopy phenotypes in a selected sample of twins
Authors: Thomsen S. F. , Ulrik C. S. , Kyvik K. O. , Ferreira M. A. R. , Backer V. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBackground
Atopic traits often co‐occur and this can potentially be caused by common aetiological relationships between traits, i.e. a common genetic or a common environmental background.Objective
To estimate to what extent the same genetic and environmental factors influence wheeze, rhinitis, airway hyper‐responsiveness (AHR), and positive skin prick test (posSPT) in a sample of adult twins.Methods
Within a sampling frame of 21 162 twin subjects, 20–49 years of age, from the Danish Twin Registry, a total of 575 subjects (256 intact pairs and 63 single twins), who either themselves and/or their co‐twins reported a history of asthma at a nationwide questionnaire survey, were clinically examined. Symptoms of wheeze and rhinitis were obtained by interview; airway responsiveness and skin test reactivity were measured using standard techniques. Correlations in liability between the different traits were estimated and latent factor models of genetic and environmental effects were fitted to the observed data using maximum likelihood methods.Results
The various phenotypic correlations between wheeze, rhinitis, AHR and posSPT were all significant and ranged between 0.50 and 0.86. Traits that showed highest genetic correlations were wheeze–rhinitis (ρA=0.95), wheeze–AHR (ρA=0.85) and rhinitis–posSPT (ρA=0.92), whereas lower genetic correlations were observed for rhinitis–AHR (ρA=0.43) and AHR–posSPT (ρA=0.59). Traits with a high degree of environmental sharing were rhinitis–posSPT (ρE=0.92) and wheeze–posSPT (ρE=0.71), whereas a lower environmental correlation was seen for wheeze–rhinitis (ρE=0.25). The estimates were corrected for ascertainment and adjusted for age, sex, inhaled corticosteroids and smoking.Conclusions
Different atopic conditions share, to a large extent, a common genetic background. In particular, upper and lower respiratory symptoms seem to be different phenotypic expressions of a common set of genes. These results add new insight into the origins of clinical heterogeneity within atopy and should stimulate the search for pleiotropic genes of importance for these conditions.
Antimicrobial Peptide LL‐37 Internalized by Immature Human Dendritic Cells Alters their Phenotype
Authors: Bandholtz L. , Ekman G. Jacobsson , Vilhelmsson M. , Buentke E. , Agerberth B. , Scheynius A. , Gudmundsson G. H. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe human cathelicidin LL‐37 has been shown to be involved in the barrier function of the innate immunity, being released from specific cells upon challenge and exerting immunomodulatory effects. We here demonstrate that LL‐37 affects immature dendritic cells, derived from human peripheral blood monocytes (MDDC). LL‐37 is internalized by MDDC with subsequent localization primarily in the cytoplasmic compartment. However, LL‐37 could also be detected in the nuclei of MDDC, suggesting that LL‐37 may be transported into the nucleus. The uptake of LL‐37 is dose, time and energy dependent, indicating that the observed internalization process involves an endocytic pathway. Incubation of immature MDDC with LL‐37 caused phenotypic changes, characterized by an increased expression of the antigen‐presenting molecule HLA‐DR, and the costimulatory molecule CD86. Taken together, these findings suggest that LL‐37 released upon triggering of the innate immunity, may affect cellular adaptive immunity through an interaction with immature dendritic cells.
Analysis of 87 patients with Löfgren’s syndrome and the pattern of seasonality of subacute sarcoidosis
Authors: SIPAHI DEMIRKOK Sevtap , BASARANOGLU Metin , DERVIS Emine , BAL Mert , KARAYEL Tuncer 
Published: May 2006

Background and objective:  Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease of unknown aetiology. The seasonality of sarcoidosis in symptomatic, recently diagnosed patients with Löfgren’s syndrome was evaluated to help better understand the possible causative factor(s) in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis.Methods:  Four hundred and ninety‐two consecutive patients with sarcoidosis were investigated. The demographic and clinical features, course of the disease, initial diagnostic methods and both the month and age at initial diagnosis for each patient were analysed. Roger’s test for cyclic variation was used to determine the significance of any seasonal variation of incidence.Results:  Löfgren’s syndrome was diagnosed in 87 patients (18%). The diagnosis of sarcoidosis was delayed in 45% of subjects (mean: 11.2 weeks). The distribution of cumulative monthly presentations peaked in May (spring) and was the lowest in January (winter) and November (autumn) (P < 0.001). The seasonal pattern was also influenced by age and gender (P < 0.05). At the onset, arthralgia was present in 46%, cough or dyspnoea in 37%, constitutional symptoms in 32% and skin lesions in 30% of the patients.Conclusions:  In this study, there were differences in the amplitude of the seasonal variation by age and by gender. Well‐designed prospective studies are required to better understand the importance of the findings we respect to the pathogenesis of the disease.
A phyletic perspective on the allometry of plant biomass‐partitioning patterns and functionally equivalent organ‐categories
Authors: Niklas Karl J. 
Published: May 2006

SummaryBiomass‐partitioning patterns influence the functioning of aquatic and terrestrial vegetation at all levels, ranging from individual growth and reproduction to the flow of mass and energy through entire communities. For this reason, leaf, stem and root dry biomass‐partitioning patterns across taxonomically and ecologically diverse seed plants (spermatophytes) have been intensively investigated, both empirically and theoretically. By contrast, phyletically disparate plants (e.g. green and brown algal macrophytes, mosses and pteridophytes) have not been examined to determine whether the partitioning of their body parts into ‘leaf’, ‘stem’ and ‘root’ analogs accords with that of spermatophytes. In this review, the biomass‐partitioning patterns of siphonous and brown algal macrophytes, mosses and pteridophytes were compared allometrically with those of spermatophytes and were shown to be largely in statistical accordance (thus lending support to the hypothesis that a single scaling relationship exists across eukaryotic photoautotrophs). This concordance is argued to support the hypothesis of functional equivalence across analogous, but developmentally different, body parts, a feature that permits the use of simpler biological model systems with which to derive analytical explanations for the biomass‐partitioning patterns reported for more complex seed plants.ContentsSummary27I.Introduction28II.Statistical considerations30III.Phyletic considerations and the null hypothesis31IV.Observable biomass‐partitioning patterns32V.Two intraspecific digressions34VI.The functional equivalence hypothesis35VII.Plato's cave38VIII.Conclusions38Acknowledgements39References39
Mechanical Evaluation of Pin and Tension‐Band Wire Factors in an Olecranon Osteotomy Model
Authors: NEAT BENJAMIN C. , KOWALESKI MICHAEL P. , LITSKY ALAN S. , BOUDRIEAU RANDY J. 
Published: May 2006

Objective— To evaluate the effect of altering pin and wire diameter, wire position and configuration, and osteotomy angle on applied load and absorbed strain energy in a pin and tension‐band wire (PTBW) fixation model.Study Design— In vitro mechanical study.Sample Population— Delrin® models (n=96).Methods— PTBW was applied to Delrin® olecranon osteotomy models. A control configuration was defined and then altered, 1 variable (wire diameter, pin diameter, wire‐hole position, wire configuration, osteotomy angle) at a time, to create 11 test configurations. Tensile force was applied and displacement at the caudal aspect of the osteotomy was measured. Fixation strength, in terms of tensile load and strain energy, was compared between control and each test configuration at 4 osteotomy displacements.Results— Models with larger wire, pins, or combined figure‐of‐eight/lateral wires were stronger than control, whereas those with smaller wire, pins, or a solitary lateral wire were weaker. The superior strength of the larger wire was apparent for all assessed osteotomy displacement.Conclusions— PTBW fixation strength increases as implant diameter is increased, with wire diameter having greatest effect. Lateral wire configuration is weaker than figure‐of‐eight, but can be added to figure‐of‐eight configuration to increase strength. Wire‐hole position and osteotomy angle have little effect on PTBW strength.Clinical Relevance— Wire diameter is the key determinant of PTBW strength, whereas pin diameter is somewhat less critical. Wire passage through an additional hole proximally provides equivalent strength and may avoid soft‐tissue entrapment and subsequent loosening.
The ultraluminous X-ray source in M82: an intermediate-mass black hole with a giant companion
Authors: Patruno A. , Portegies Zwart S. , Dewi J. , Hopman C. 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
The starburst galaxy M82, at a distance of 12 million light years, is the host of an unusually bright 2.4-16 × 1040 erg s−1 X-ray point source, which is best explained by an accreting black hole 102 to 104 times more massive than the Sun. Though the strongest candidate for a so-called intermediate-mass black hole, the only support stems from the observed luminosity and the 0.05-0.1 Hz quasi-periodicity in its signal. Interestingly, the 7-12 Myr old star cluster MGG-11 which has been associated with the X-ray source is sufficiently dense that an intermediate mass black hole could have been produced in the cluster core via collision runaway. The recently discovered 62.0 ± 2.5 d periodicity in the X-ray source X-1 further supports the hypothesis that this source is powered by a black hole several hundred times more massive than the Sun. We perform detailed binary evolution simulations with an accreting compact object of 10-5000 M⊙ and find that the X-ray luminosity, the age of the cluster, the observed quasi-periodic oscillations and the now observed orbital period are explained best by a black hole of 200-5000 M⊙ that accretes material from a 22-25 M⊙ giant companion in a state of Roche-lobe contact. Interestingly, such a companion star is consistent with the expectation based on the tidal capture in a young and dense star cluster such as MGG-11, making the picture self-consistent.
SENSORY AND RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF LOW‐FAT STIRRED YOGURT
Authors: JANHØJ THOMAS , PETERSEN CHARLOTTE BLANGSTED , FRØST MICHAEL BOM , IPSEN RICHARD 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT With the specific objective of investigating the sensory concept of creaminess, as well as other sensory attributes obtained from descriptive analysis, a set of 25 samples of stirred low‐fat yogurt were submitted to rheological (shear and imperfect squeeze flow viscometry, dynamic oscillation and Posthumus funnel) and sensory testing. Fat levels ranged from 0.3 to 3.5% and protein from 3.4 to 6.0%, and four different protein sources were employed, one being skimmed milk powder, the remaining three were milk protein preparations, one of which contained partially microparticulated whey protein (MPP). Based on averaged data from the sensory panel (n = 12), creaminess could be modeled by two other sensory descriptors, oral viscosity and smoothness (R2 = 0.78), but was poorly modeled by the entire set of rheological data. The MPP‐containing blend did best in terms of matching the creaminess scores of a control yogurt containing 3.5% fat (no additional protein added).
Arthroscopic versus Open Shoulder Stabilization for Recurrent Anterior Instability
Authors: Bottoni Craig R. , Smith Eric L. , Berkowitz Mark J. , Towle Robert B. , Moore Josef H. 
Published: May 2006

Background Arthroscopic stabilization for anterior shoulder instability has been reported to result in a higher rate of recurrent instability compared to traditional open techniques. Purpose To test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the clinical outcomes in patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability treated with open or arthroscopic stabilization. Study Design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods A consecutive series of 64 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability were randomized to receive either arthroscopic or open stabilization by a single surgeon. Magnetic resonance arthrogram studies were obtained preoperatively. These findings were compared to arthroscopic findings. Postoperative evaluations included range of motion, stability, and subjective assessments including Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, Simple Shoulder Test, Western Ontario Instability Index, and University of California, Los Angeles evaluation. Failure was defined as a second dislocation, recurrent subluxation, or symptoms precluding return to previous work or unrestricted active military duty. Results Sixty-one patients, 29 who received open stabilization and 32 who received arthroscopic stabilization, were evaluated at a mean of 32 months postoperatively (range, 24-48 months). Patient demographics were equivalent. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrogram findings were confirmed at arthroscopic examination. The mean operative time was significantly shorter for the arthroscopic repairs (59 vs 149 minutes; P <. 001). There were 3 clinical failures (2 open stabilizations, 1 arthroscopic stabilization) by the established criteria. There was a statistically significant improvement from preoperative to postoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores in both groups (P <. 001). The mean loss of motion (compared to the contralateral shoulder) was greater in the open shoulders. Subjective evaluations were equal in both groups. Conclusion Clinical outcomes after arthroscopic and open stabilization were comparable. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrograms in shoulders with anterior instability allow an accurate diagnosis of intra-articular abnormality that correlates well with operative findings. Arthroscopic stabilization for recurrent anterior shoulder instability can be performed safely; the clinical outcomes are comparable to those after traditional open stabilization.
Adult murine hematopoiesis can proceed without β1 and β7 integrins
Authors: Bungartz Gerd , Stiller Sebastian , Bauer Martina , Müller Werner , Schippers Angela , Wagner Norbert , Fässler Reinhard , Brakebusch Cord 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe function of α4β1 and α4β7 integrins in hematopoiesis is controversial. While some experimental evidence suggests a crucial role for these integrins in retention and expansion of progenitor cells and lymphopoiesis, others report a less important role in hematopoiesis. Using mice with a deletion of the β1 and the β7 integrin genes restricted to the hematopoietic system we show here that α4β1 and α4β7 integrins are not essential for differentiation of lymphocytes or myelocytes. However, β1β7 mutant mice displayed a transient increase of colony-forming unit (CFU-C) progenitors in the bone marrow and, after phenylhydrazine-induced anemia, a decreased number of splenic erythroid colony-forming units in culture (CFUe's). Array gene expression analysis of CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) and CD4–CD8– double-negative (DN) thymocytes and CD19+ and CD4+ splenocytes did not provide any evidence for a compensatory mechanism explaining the mild phenotype. These data show that α4β1 and α4β7 are not required for blood cell differentiation, although in their absence alterations in numbers and distribution of progenitor cells were observed.
Early prediction of therapy response in patients with acute myeloid leukemia by nucleosomal DNA fragments
Authors: Mueller Susanne , Holdenrieder Stefan , Stieber Petra , Haferlach Torsten , Schalhorn Andreas , Braess Jan , Nagel Dorothea , Seidel Dietrich 
Published: May 2006

AbstractBackgroundElevated levels of nucleosomal DNA fragments can be detected in plasma and sera of patients with malignant diseases.MethodsWe investigated the course of nucleosomal DNA, thymidine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and leukocytes in sera of 25 patients with acute myeloid leukemia during the first cycle of induction chemotherapy and tested their power to distinguish between patients with complete remission and those with no remission.ResultsAlmost all patients showed strongly decreasing levels of nucleosomal DNA during the first week, in some cases after initial peaks. In overall analysis of variance, DNA levels could clearly distinguish between patients with complete remission, who had higher DNA values, and those with insufficient response (p = 0.017). The area under the curve of DNA values of days 2–4 after start of therapy (AUC 2–4) discriminated between both groups with a sensitivity of 56% at a specificity of 100%. Further, pretherapeutic levels and AUC 2–4 of nucleosomal DNA correlated significantly with blast reduction after 16 days. A tendency to higher levels in patients with complete response was also found for thymidine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and leukocytes, however the difference did not reach the level of significance (p = 0.542, p = 0.260, and p = 0.144, respectively).ConclusionOur results indicate that nucleosomal DNA fragments are valuable markers for the early prediction of therapeutic efficacy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
The Canadian Natural Health Products (NHP) regulations: industry perceptions and compliance factors
Authors: Laeeque Hina , Boon Heather , Kachan Natasha , Cohen Jillian Clare , D'Cruz Joseph 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
The use of natural health products, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs, by Canadians has been increasing with time. As a result of consumer concern about the quality of these products, the Canadian Department of Health created the Natural Health Products (NHP) Regulations. The new Canadian regulations raise questions about whether and how the NHP industry will be able to comply and what impact they will have on market structure. The objectives of this study were to explore who in the interview sample is complying with Canada's new NHP Regulations (i.e., submitted product licensing applications on time); and explore the factors that affect regulatory compliance.

Methods
Twenty key informant interviews were conducted with employees of the NHP industry. The structured interviews focused on the level of satisfaction with the Regulations and perceptions of compliance and non-compliance. Interviews were tape recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Data were independently coded, using qualitative content analysis. Team meetings were held after every three to four interviews to discuss emerging themes.

Results
The major finding of this study is that most (17 out of 20) companies interviewed were beginning to comply with the new regulatory regime. The factors that contribute to likelihood of regulatory compliance were: perceptions and knowledge of the regulations and business size.

Conclusion
The Canadian case can be instructive for other countries seeking to implement regulatory standards for natural health products. An unintended consequence of the Canadian NHP regulations may be the exit of smaller firms, leading to industry consolidation.
Behavior change following a self-management intervention for housebound older adults with arthritis: an experimental study
Authors: Nour Kareen , Laforest Sophie , Gauvin Lise , Gignac Monique 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
This study examined the impact of a home-based self-management intervention for housebound older adults with arthritis on the adoption of health behaviors. The moderating role of socio-demographic, psychological, and physical characteristics in the process of behavior change was also investigated.

Methods
Participants were 113 older adult women (n = 102) and men (n = 11) with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 68) or wait list control (n = 45) groups. Participants were interviewed using standardized questionnaires at baseline, pre-intervention, and post-intervention.

Results
Adjusted multilevel modeling analyses indicated that from pre to post intervention, experimental participants significantly increased their weekly frequency of exercise and relaxation activities. Socioeconomic status and depression played a moderating role in this change for exercise with larger effects occurring among more privileged, non-depressed participants.

Conclusion
We conclude that a self-management intervention can successfully improve involvement in exercise and relaxation among housebound older adults with arthritis.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Adolescents
Authors: Foltz Lynda M. , Song Kevin W. , Connors Joseph M. 
Published: May 2006

Purpose To compare the clinical presentation, response to treatment, and long-term outcome of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) presenting in adolescents and young adults. Patients and Methods The British Columbia Cancer Agency Lymphoid Cancer database was used to identify adolescents (16 years to 21 years) and young adults (22 years to 45 years) receiving primary treatment for HL between 1981 and 2004. All patients were treated using adult protocols. Results The study population included 259 adolescents and 890 young adults. There were no significant differences in histologic subtypes, sex, stages, or presence of B symptoms or bulky disease between adolescents and adults. Equal proportions of adolescents and adults were treated with radiation alone (38% v 35%), chemotherapy alone (13% v 15%), or combined-modality programs (49% v 50%). There was no difference in progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) between adolescents and adults, with 10-year PFS rates of 77% versus 80% (P = .67) and 10-year OS rates of 91% versus 89% (P = .42). In limited stage disease, 10-year PFS was 89% for adolescents and 89% for adults and OS 96% and 96%, respectively. In advanced stage disease, 10-year PFS was 71% for adolescents and 75% for adults and OS 88% and 86%, respectively. Actuarial risk of second malignancy for adolescents and adults was not different (P = .68). Conclusion Adolescents and young adults with HL have similar baseline characteristics and achieve similar outcomes when treated with the same protocols. The use of adult treatment protocols is a safe and effective strategy for treating adolescents with HL.
Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: New Bug, Old Drugs
Authors: Sabol Kathryn E , Echevarria Kelly L , Lewis James S 
Published: May 2006

Objective: To discuss community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections and evaluate older antibiotics as suitable therapeutic treatment options. Data Sources: Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (1966–May 2006) were performed using the key terms methicillin resistance, community-acquired, community associated, treatment, Staphylococcus aureus, mec, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles were critically evaluated and all relevant information was included in this review. Data Synthesis: There has been a documented shift of methicillin resistance occurring in staphylococcal infections manifested within the community. Infections caused by CA-MRSA possess unique characteristics including lack of hospital-associated risk factors, improved susceptibility patterns, distinct genotypes, faster doubling times, and additional toxins. Potential therapeutic options to treat these infections include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), clindamycin, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and new antimicrobials. Conclusions: CA-MRSA infections can be successfully treated with older, oral antibiotic agents including TMP/SMX, clindamycin, and tetracyclines. Fluoroquinolones and linezolid should be avoided as first-line agents.