bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smoke exposure interacts withADAM33polymorphisms in the development of lung function and hyperresponsiveness
Authors: Reijmerink N. E. , Kerkhof M. , Koppelman G. H. , Gerritsen J. , De Jongste J. C. , Smit H. A. , Brunekreef B. , Postma D. S. 
Published: February 2009

Introduction: ADAM33is the first identified asthma gene by positional cloning, especially asthma combined with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR). Moreover,ADAM33is associated with early‐life lung function and decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) in the general population.In uteroand postnatal cigarette smoke exposure (CSE) are associated with reduced lung function, and development of BHR and asthma. We hypothesized that this may occur via interaction withADAM33.Aim: To replicate the role ofADAM33in childhood lung function and development of BHR and asthma. Furthermore, we investigated gene–environment interaction ofADAM33within uteroand postnatal CSE in the Dutch PIAMA cohort.Methods: SixADAM33single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped. Rint was measured at age 4 and 8 years, FEV1and BHR at age 8 years; asthma was based on questionnaire data at age 8.Results: In the total cohort, the rs511898 A, rs528557 C, and rs2280090 A alleles increased the risk to develop asthma (+BHR). There existed interaction betweenin uterobut not postnatal CSE and the rs528557 and rs3918396 SNPs with respect to development of BHR, the rs3918396 SNP with Rint at age 8 and the rs528557 SNP with FEV1% predicted.Conclusions: We confirm associations betweenADAM33and the development of asthma (+BHR). This is the first study suggesting that interaction ofin uteroCSE withADAM33results in reduced lung function and the development of BHR, which needs further confirmation.
Domestic and foreign donor candidates result in differential probability of matching minor histocompatibility antigens – relevance of selection for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Turpeinen H. , Volin L. , Partanen J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMismatches between patient and donor at minor histocompatibility antigens (minor H antigens) account for most of the genetic component of histocompatibility problems in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs). There are usually more genetic differences outside the matched HLA region between unrelated donors and patients than in transplantations between related individuals. Also, foreign unrelated donors may differ from domestic donors at several loci as allele frequencies vary between populations. To unravel differences in minor H antigen matching when using unrelated donors from various registries worldwide, we genotyped 10 minor H antigen loci for 143 consecutive Finnish patients and 424 unrelated donor candidates. We observed that probability of matching specific minor H antigens was different for domestic and foreign donor candidates. HA‐2 and HA‐3 minor H antigens were significantly more often mismatched with Finnish donor candidates (P = 0.0003 for HA‐2 and P= 0.004 for HA‐3), whereas ACC1 and ACC2 minor H antigens were significantly more often mismatched with foreign donor candidates (P = 0.04 for ACC1 and P = 0.03 for ACC2). This observation is of clinical importance when specific minor H antigens are intended to match or mismatch in the future to minimize the risk for graft‐vs‐host disease or to maximize the graft‐vs‐malignancy effect in HLA‐matched HSCT from an unrelated donor.
Population Dynamics of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato Strains on Tomato Cultivars Rio Grande and Rio Grande‐Pto under Field Conditions
Authors: Willis David K. , Kinscherf Thomas G. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe examined the effects of the Pto resistance locus on the population dynamics of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) strains in field experiments with the nearly isogenic tomato lines Rio Grande (RG, susceptible to Pst races 0 and 1) and Rio Grande‐Pto (RG‐Pto, resistant to Pst race 0, susceptible to Pst race 1). Pst strain SM78‐1Smr (race 0) grew well under field conditions and caused ample bacterial speck disease on susceptible RG plants. In contrast, strain DC3000 failed to establish large populations when inoculated onto field grown RG plants. Mean population sizes of SM78‐1Smr were 4–5 orders of magnitude larger on RG than RG‐Pto plants indicating that RG‐Pto plants were highly effective in attenuating pathogen population development. Most of the sampled leaflets from RG‐Pto field plots harboured small numbers of SM78‐1Smr. However, population sizes SM78‐1Smr as large as 105–106 CFU were found on a few leaflets. Bacteria isolated from these leaflets had phenotypes characteristic of Pst race 1 strains. In growth chamber plant assays, the bacterial strains grew well and caused typical speck lesions on RG‐Pto plants. The strains appeared to be race‐shift mutants of SM SM78‐1Smr. Interestingly, results from DNA hybridization experiments demonstrated that the race‐shift mutants were deleted for the avirulence gene, avrPto but not for avrPtoB.
Antioxidants attenuate hyperglycaemia‐mediated brain endothelial cell dysfunction and blood–brain barrier hyperpermeability
Authors: Allen C. L. , Bayraktutan U. 
Published: February 2009

Aims:  Hyperglycaemia (HG), in stroke patients, is associated with worse neurological outcome by compromising endothelial cell function and the blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. We have studied the contribution of HG‐mediated generation of oxidative stress to these pathologies and examined whether antioxidants as well as normalization of glucose levels following hyperglycaemic insult reverse these phenomena.Methods:  Human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) and human astrocyte co‐cultures were used to simulate the human BBB. The integrity of the BBB was measured by transendothelial electrical resistance using STX electrodes and an EVOM resistance meter, while enzyme activities were measured by specific spectrophotometric assays.Results:  After 5 days of hyperglycaemic insult, there was a significant increase in BBB permeability that was reversed by glucose normalization. Co‐treatment of cells with HG and a number of antioxidants including vitamin C, free radical scavengers and antioxidant enzymes including catalase and superoxide dismutase mimetics attenuated the detrimental effects of HG. Inhibition of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and protein kinase C but not phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3 kinase) also reversed HG‐induced BBB hyperpermeability. In HBMEC, HG enhanced pro‐oxidant (NAD(P)H oxidase) enzyme activity and expression that were normalized by reverting to normoglycaemia.Conclusions:  HG impairs brain microvascular endothelial function through involvements of oxidative stress and several signal transduction pathways.
Treatment choice and effectiveness of adding sulphonylurea or glitazones to metformin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Stargardt T. , Yin D. D. , Alexander C. M. 
Published: February 2009

Aim:  This study investigates the treatment choice between, and the effectiveness of, adding sulphonylurea or glitazone to ongoing metformin therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the clinical practice setting.Methods:  A multicentre observational study using data from clinical records was conducted in Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Spain and the UK. Data were collected for patients who added sulphonylurea or glitazone to metformin. Effectiveness was defined as a change in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from baseline to approximately 1 year after the initiation of additional therapy. To allow for comparisons between the two medication regimens, propensity score matching was employed. Treatment choice was analysed using a probit regression model. We hypothesized that treatment choice was associated with factors reflecting patient’s characteristics, patient’s experience with diabetes, patient‘s health or to physician’s characteristics at baseline.Results:  Compared with baseline, adding sulphonylurea to metformin reduced HbA1c by 0.8% (p < 0.0001), while adding glitazone to metformin reduced HbA1c by 0.9% (p < 0.0001). Percentage at HbA1c goal (6.5%) increased from 6.9 to 23.8% for the sulphonylurea group and 8.3 to 33.3% for the glitazone group. Both groups had similar changes in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. In the probit regression model, age, HbA1c, weight, treatment for weight reduction, history of macrovascular complications and type of physician were significant factors associated with treatment choice.Conclusions:  This study is consistent with the results of long‐term randomized clinical trials in a clinical practice setting. Both regimens were able to reduce HbA1c by about 1%.
The Save the Children Fund and the Russian Famine of 1921–23: Claims and Counter‐Claims about Feeding “Bolshevik” Children*
Authors: MAHOOD LINDA , SATZEWICH VIC 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDrawing on literature on the social construction of social problems, this paper examines the British Save the Children Fund's claims making activities regarding support for child famine victims in Russia in 1921–23. It examines 1) how the Fund constructed famine in Russia as a social problem that was worthy of British, and wider international, support and attention; 2) the rhetorical strategies used by the Fund to construct the causes of the famine for the British public; and 3) the claims the Fund made about why Britons should care about starving children in Russia. We also attend to counter‐claims made about the Fund and its involvement with Russia. We used unpublished letters, memos and reports from The Save the Children Fund archives to examine how the Fund responded to attacks on its activities coming from Russian émigrés and from The Daily Express. We suggest that the examination of this case through the concept of claims making offers a lens to understand how children in distress in the early 20th century became the objects of British, and wider international aid.
The relationship of presence or absence of palmaris longus and fifth flexor digitorum superficialis with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Saied A. , Karamoozian S. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  This study was designed to find a possible correlation between the presence of the palmaris longus (PL) tendon and function of the fifth flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).Methods:  The CTS and normal groups consisted of 60 and 180 hands, respectively. The diagnosis of CTS was confirmed by detailed history taking, physical examination and electrodiagnostic testing. The presence of the PL tendon and function of the fifth FDS were determined by physical examination.Results:  In the CTS group, 16/60 hands (26.7%) did not have a PL tendon and 18/60 hands (30%) were lacking fifth FDS function. In the normal group, 27/180 hands (15%) lacked the PL and 25/180 (13.9%) lacked a functional fifth FDS (P = 0.041 and 0.005 for PL and FDS, respectively). Pain distribution and severity of the disease were not related to absence of either of these tendons (P > 0.05).Conclusion:  Our findings showed that the absence of the PL tendon and fifth FDS function, independently and in combination, is more frequent in patients with CTS. Also we found that the severity of CTS or pain distribution in these patients was not related to the presence or absence of these tendons.
Prevalence of subependymal giant cell tumors in patients with tuberous sclerosis and a review of the literature
Authors: Adriaensen M. E. A. P. M. , Schaefer‐Prokop C. M. , Stijnen T. , Duyndam D. A. C. , Zonnenberg B. A. , Prokop M. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  To investigate the prevalence of subependymal giant cell ependymomas (SEGA) in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).Methods:  We performed a retrospective cross‐sectional study in a cohort of 285 patients with known TSC. Institutional review board approval was obtained. We included all 214 TSC‐patients who had received a contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain. The most recent scan was evaluated for SEGA and presence of hydrocephalus. Additionally, a literature search was performed, and pooled estimates of SEGA prevalence in TSC were calculated. We used descriptive statistics, two sample t‐test, chi‐squared‐test, and meta‐analysis as appropriate.Results:  Computed tomography showed radiological evidence of SEGA in 43 of the 214 TSC‐patients (20%); 23 of 105 men (22%) and 20 of 109 women (18%; P = .52). Average maximum tumor size was 11.4 mm (range, 4–29 mm). Patients with SEGA (mean, 31 years; range, 16–58 years) were on average younger than patients without SEGA (mean, 37 years; range, 10–72 years; P = 0.007). No association between tumor size and patient age was detected. Nine patients had bilateral SEGA. Hydrocephalus was present in six of the 43 patients (14%). Meta‐analysis of reported prevalence and our current study showed that studies using radiological evidence to diagnose SEGA gave a higher pooled estimate of the prevalence of SEGA in TSC (0.16; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.21) than studies using mainly histopathological evidence of SEGA (0.09; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.12).Conclusions:  In our cohort, CT demonstrated evidence of SEGA in 20% of TSC‐patients. Prevalence of SEGA in TSC is higher in studies using radiological evidence to diagnose SEGA than in studies using histopathological evidence.
Subcutaneous versus intravenous immunoglobulin in multifocal motor neuropathy: a randomized, single‐blinded cross‐over trial
Authors: Harbo T. , Andersen H. , Hess A. , Hansen K. , Sindrup S. H. , Jakobsen J. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  For treatment of multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN), we hypothesized that (i) infusion of equivalent dosages of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) is as effective as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and that (ii) subcutaneous infusion at home is associated with a better quality of life.Methods:  In a randomized single‐blinded cross‐over study, nine IVIG responsive patients were allocated to receive either SCIG or IVIG for a period equivalent to three IVIG treatment intervals and, subsequently, crossed over to the other treatment. Primary end‐points were (i) dynamometric strength of affected muscles and (ii) the SF‐36 quality of life questionnaire.Results:  The two treatments were equally effective, the mean change in muscle strength after SCIG being 3.6% (95% CI −3.6% to 10.9%) vs. 4.3% (−1.3% to 10.0%) after IVIG (P = 0.86). One patient had sustained erythema and oedema at the injection sites for a few weeks. All other adverse effects during SCIG were mild and transient. No differences between treatments of health‐related quality of life occurred.Conclusion:  In MMN, short‐term subcutaneous infusion of immunoglobulin is feasible, safe and as effective as intravenous infusion. Subcutaneous administration is an alternative option that adds flexibility to the treatment schedule.
Genetic screening of two Tunisian families with generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus
Authors: Fendri‐Kriaa N. , Kammoun F. , Rebai A. , Kolsi D. , Hadj Salem I. , Fakhfakh F. , Triki C. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Febrile Seizure can be associated with heterogeneous epilepsy phenotypes regrouped in a syndrome called generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). The aim of this report is to search for the gene responsible for GEFS+ in two affected Tunisian families.Methods:  Microsatellite marker analysis was performed on the known FS and GEFS+ loci. According to the results obtained by statistical analyses, GABRG2 on GEFS+3 locus and SCN1A on GEFS+2 locus were considered as two of the potential candidate genes and were tested for mutations by direct sequencing.Results and conclusions:  The mutation analysis and statistical test of the GABRG2 gene revealed a disease association with rs211014 in intron 8 (χ2 = 5.25, P = 0.021). A sequencing analysis of the SCN1A gene was performed for the two tested families and showed a known mutation (c.1811G>A) and a putative disease‐associated haplotype in only one family. Our results support that SCN1A is the responsible gene for GEFS+ in one of the two studied Tunisian families and suggest a positive association of an intronic SNP in the GABRG2 gene in both families.
Influence of arterial wave reflection on carotid blood pressure and intima‐media thickness in older endurance trained men and women with pre‐hypertension
Authors: Heffernan Kevin S. , Jae Sae Young , Tomayko Emily , Ishaque Muhammad R. , Fernhall Bo , Wilund Kenneth R. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryIncreased carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) with aging is a significant predictor of mortality. Older endurance trained (ET) individuals have lower carotid artery stiffness but similar carotid IMT when compared to sedentary (SED) age‐matched peers. The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of arterial wave reflections to carotid hemodynamics and IMT in older ET and SED with pre‐hypertension. Subjects consisted of endurance‐trained master athletes and age‐matched sedentary controls (mean age 67 years). Carotid artery Beta‐stiffness index and IMT was assessed with ultrasonography. Carotid pressure and augmented pressure from wave reflections (obtained from pulse contour analysis) was measured with applanation tonometry. Carotid systolic blood pressure (SBP) and IMT were not different between groups (P>0·05). Carotid stiffness was significantly lower in ET versus SED (7·3 ± 0·8 versus 9·9 ± 0·6, P<0·05). Augmented pressure was significantly greater in ET versus SED (17·7 ± 1·6 versus 13·3 ± 1·5 mmHg, P<0·05). When adjusting for differences in resting heart rate, there were no group differences in augmented pressure. In conclusion, older ET persons with pre‐hypertension have reduced carotid artery stiffness, but similar carotid SBP and carotid IMT when compared to SED. The lack of change in carotid SBP and IMT in older ET may be related to the inability of chronic exercise training to reduce bradycardia‐related augmented pressure from wave reflections with aging.
The Health Economy and Health Insurance Research in the JRI
Authors: Santerre Rexford E. , Hilliard James I. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCollege professors typically expend a considerable amount of time, energy, and effort on academic research. But only one study to date has demonstrated the societal benefit of such research by showing that the content of academic research responds to real‐world problems. This article adds to this scant literature by investigating empirically if the prevalence of health insurance articles in the Journal of Risk and Insurance (JRI) can be explained by the state of the health economy. According to the findings, both the uninsured rate and health care spending share are directly related to the percentage of health insurance articles published in the JRI. Thus, the empirical results suggest that the research decisions of insurance economists are influenced at the margin by real‐world problems.
The Perfect Storm: Hurricanes, Insurance, and Regulation
Authors: Grace Martin F. , Klein Robert W. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe intense hurricane seasons of 2004 and 2005 caused considerable instability in property insurance markets in coastal states with the greatest problems occurring in Florida and the Southeast. Insurers have substantially raised rates and decreased their exposures. While no severe hurricanes struck the United States in 2006 and 2007, market pressures remain strong given the high risk still facing coastal states. These developments generate considerable concern and controversy among various stakeholder groups. Government responses have varied. In Florida, political pressures prompted a wave of legislation and regulations to expand government underwriting and subsidization of hurricane risk and constrain insurers' rates and market adjustments. Other states' actions seem more moderate. In this context, it is important to understand how property insurance markets have been changing and governments have been responding to increased catastrophe risk. This article examines important market developments and evaluates associated government policies. We comment on how regulation is affecting the equilibration of insurance markets and offer opinions on policies that are helpful and harmful.
Thermal ecophysiology of seven carrion‐feeding blowflies in Southern Africa
Authors: Richards C. S. , Price B. W. , Villet M. H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA variety of temperature thresholds for larvae, pupae, and adults of seven African species of carrion‐feeding blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was measured and compared to understand their basic thermal biology and the influence of temperature on their behaviour. Calliphora croceipalpis (Jaennicke) had consistently lower temperature thresholds than all other species tested for all larval (42.9 °C), pupal (16.6 °C), and adult (45.6 °C) stages. Larvae (50.1 °C) and adults (53.4 °C) of Chrysomya marginalis (Robineau‐Desvoidy) had higher upper lethal temperature thresholds than all other species and weighed more than all other species. Pupae and adults of both Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) and Lucilia sericata (Meigen) had similar temperature thresholds, whereas Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann), Chrysomya chloropyga (Wiedemann), and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) had inconsistent rank temperature thresholds between the larval, pupal, and adult stages. With a few minor exceptions, the nervous activity, muscle activity, and death thresholds in female adult flies responded at higher temperatures than conspecific male flies for all species tested. Similarly, female adult flies weighed consistently more than conspecific male flies for all species tested, except Ca. croceipalpis. These data suggest that there is a phylogenetic component to the thermal biology of blowflies, because Ca. croceipalpis belongs to a primarily Holarctic genus and shows adaptation to that climate even though it inhabits Africa. Comparisons between these temperature thresholds and the distributions of blowfly species present on three rhinoceros carcasses suggest that blowfly larvae with high upper lethal temperature thresholds (particularly C. marginalis) dominate in interspecific competition on the carcass by raising the temperature of the amassed maggots above the thresholds of other carrion‐feeding blowflies, through metabolically generated heat.