bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The HLA‐A1‐B8 haplotype hitchhiking with the hemochromatosis mutation: does it affect the phenotype?
Authors: Olsson K. Sigvard , Ritter Bernd , Hansson Norbeth 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground:  Hemochromatosis is a recessively inherited disorder caused by a point mutation, C282Y of the HFE gene on chromosome 6p21.3 near the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus. It is unknown why some homozygotes develop a severe iron loading, while others do not. A recent study suggested that the A1‐B8 haplotype may be associated with higher iron storage.Methods:  We studied HLA haplotypes of 85 probands, 31 females and 54 males, and their family members from a rural population where A1‐B8 was common. We tested the hypothesis of a modifying effect of the A1‐B8 haplotype.Results:  Most homozygotes had a mild phenotypic expression, and were often detected accidentally because of a laboratory routine including transferrin saturation. A disease‐related morbidity [serum alanine aminotransferase (S‐ALT) > 43 U] was present in 40%.Three had porphyria cutanea tarda. Two brothers with A1‐B8 died of bronze diabetes, probably caused by co‐inheritance of congenital spherocytosis. In females there were no significant differences in phenotypic expression between groups with regard to the presence or absence of A1‐B8. Two females, <50 yr of age, with this haplotype had iron deficiency. Males with two copies of A1‐B8 had significantly lower serum ferritin (P = 0.02) values than those without. Those with one A1‐B8 haplotype were not different from those without. In men without A1‐B8, those carrying HLA‐A3 were not phenotypically different from those without this ancestral haplotype.Conclusion:  The A1‐B8 haplotype hitchhiking with the C282Y mutation was not associated with a more efficient iron absorption. On the contrary, males with double copies of this haplotype expressed a milder phenotype, possibly an effect of local (environmental and/or genetic) factors.
The Effects of Platelet‐Activating Factor on the Secretion of Interleukin‐8 and Growth‐Regulated Oncogene α in Human Immortalized Granulosa Cell Line (GC1a)
Authors: Kawano Yasushi , Furukawa Yuichi , Fukuda Junichiro , Matsumoto Harunobu , Yuge Akitoshi , Narahara Hisashi 
Published: October 2007

ProblemTo investigate the role of platelet‐activating factor (PAF) in human ovulation, we studied the regulation of interleukin (IL)‐8 and growth‐regulated oncogene (GRO) α in cultured human immortalized granulosa cell line (GC1a).Method of studyGC1a was cultured in serum‐free medium, and incubated with carbamyl‐PAF (C‐PAF) and/or PAF receptor antagonist (WEB 2086). The supernatants were collected, and IL‐8 and GRO α were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsAfter treatment with C‐PAF, the levels of IL‐8 and GROα increased in a time‐dependent manner. The levels of IL‐8 and GROα were significantly increased after treatment with C‐PAF in a dose‐dependent manner. However, the levels of IL‐8 and GROα were significantly decreased by treatment with C‐PAF and with increasing concentrations of WEB 2086.ConclusionOur data indicated that IL‐8 and GROα were regulated by C‐PAF. The results suggested that PAF may play an important role in human pre‐ovulatory processes involving IL‐8 and GROα production.
Relationship Between Human Tumor‐Associated Antigen RCAS1 and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tskitishvili Ekaterine , Komoto Yoshiko , Kinugasa Yukiko , Kanagawa Takeshi , Song Mihyon , Mimura Kazuya , Tomimatsu Takuji , Kimura Tadashi , Shimoya Koichiro 
Published: October 2007

ProblemThe human tumor‐associated receptor‐binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells (RCAS1) is considered to play a role in the inhibition of the maternal immune response during pregnancy. The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of RCAS1 protein in the placenta and to compare its concentration in maternal and cord blood sera between normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Method of studySamples were obtained from women with GDM (n = 8), women with type 1 DM (n = 5), and healthy term controls (n = 27) after delivery. Placentas were studied by immunohistochemistry, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. For assessment of RCAS1 concentrations in maternal and cord blood sera, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed.ResultsThe RCAS1 protein mRNA expression in the placentas of patients with GDM was significantly lower than that in the controls (P = 0.005). The maternal blood RCAS1 protein concentration of the GDM cases was also significantly lower than that in the controls (P = 0.0411), whereas the cord blood RCAS1 protein concentration was significantly higher in the GDM and type 1 DM groups than in the controls (P = 0.0311 and P = 0.0192, respectively).ConclusionThe present results suggest that RCAS1 protein might have an important role in the development of GDM.
An unusual cause of ulceration: ainhum (dactylolysis spontanea)
Authors: Jemmott Timothy , Foster Alethea V , Edmonds Michael E 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe describe a case of ainhum, a mutilating condition, usually seen in peoples of West African origin. A patient presented at the Diabetic Foot Clinic, Kings College Hospital, with a painful infected ulcer between the fourth and fifth toe of his right foot. He was a 43‐year‐old Nigerian and did not have diabetes. He reported that his left fifth toe had autoamputated some months before. Radiograph of the right fifth toe showed absorption of the proximal and intermediate phalanges, and a diagnosis of ainhum was made. Ainhum or dactylolysis spontanea is a rare condition of unknown aetiology in which a groove or fissure of constricting tissue forms around the proximal end of the fifth toe. Eventually, the groove extends to encircle the toe, the underlying structures are absorbed and the toe autoamputates. It may present as chronic fissuring at the base of the fifth toe or as foot ulceration. This condition is seldom seen in the United Kingdom, but it is likely that this condition is underdiagnosed. It is important that wound care specialists be aware of the diagnosis.
Risk factors in the development of pressure ulcers in an intensive care unit in Pontianak, Indonesia
Authors: Suriadi  , Sanada Hiromi , Sugama Junko , Kitagawa Atsuko , Thigpen Brian , Kinosita Sachiko , Murayama Shizuko 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with the presence of pressure ulcer development in adult patients at an intensive care unit hospital in Indonesia. The prospective cohort design was conducted in this study. A total of 105 patients participated and a pressure ulcer developed in 35 patients. The initial analysis identified several variables as significant risk factors for pressure ulcer development (interface pressure, fecal incontinence, skin moisture, diastolic blood pressure, smoking and body temperature). However, when entered into a final multivariate analysis, four factors, interface pressure [odds ratio (OR) 17·6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4·1, 74·3], skin moisture (OR 8·2, 95% CI 2·2, 30·9), smoking (12·7, 95% CI 2·8, 56·7) and body temperature (OR 102·0, 95% CI 7·7, 98·8) were found to be significant. The results suggest that interface pressure measured using a multipad pressure evaluator, skin moisture measured by a moisture checker, thermometer for body temperature and smoking status are adequate instruments for the prediction of pressure ulcer development.
The biomechanics of sitting‐acquired pressure ulcers in patients with spinal cord injury or lesions
Authors: Gefen Amit 
Published: October 2007

AbstractSitting‐acquired pressure ulcers (SAPU) in permanent wheelchair users with traumatic or non traumatic disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are a great medical challenge. The purpose of this review is to summarise what is currently known concerning the aetiology of SAPU, particularly in its severe form, which may now be classified as a ‘deep tissue injury’ according to the US National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Specifically, this review focuses on biomechanical aspects of deep SAPU and describes the relevant bioengineering methodologies and research evidence. It discusses the unique biomechanical conditions in deep tissues, which are caused by chronic sitting associated with CNS disorders, and overall, the present review indicates that avoiding interface pressures above 32 mmHg in such patients is not necessarily a ‘pressure relief.’
The use of recombinant human epidermal growth factor to promote healing for chronic radiation ulcer
Authors: Lee Sang‐wook , Moon Sue Young , Kim Yeun Hwa , Hong Joon Pio 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis case report describes the first successful use of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh‐EGF) in radiation‐induced chronic wound of bone and skin which remains to be difficult to treat. Such wound on the chest of a 59‐year‐old female patient is presented lasting 3 years despite flap surgery and conventional treatment. The treatment with rh‐EGF achieved healing within 16 weeks but further study to evaluate its potential for radiation‐induced chronic wounds is warranted.
The effect of pressure‐relieving surfaces on the prevention of heel ulcers in a variety of settings: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Nicosia Gisella , Gliatta Angela E , Woodbury M. Gail , Houghton Pamela E 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis meta‐analysis investigated the effectiveness of a pressure‐relieving intervention on the incidence of heel pressure ulcers in a variety of settings. Literature searches of Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were conducted for English‐language articles that investigated the effect of pressure relief interventions with or without concurrent prevention programs on the number of heel ulcers occurring on adult humans in a controlled clinical design. Full articles were selected from citations based upon consensus between at least two independent reviewers. Methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Jadad and PEDro scales. A quantitative analysis was performed to determine and compare relative risk (RR) between pressure relief programs/devices that were classified according to similarity of interventions. Fourteen studies that involved a total of 1457 subjects were selected from a total of 105 full articles reviewed. Pressure‐reducing/relieving surfaces were associated with a significantly lower incidence of heel ulcers compared with standard hospital mattresses (RR = 0·50, 95% CI = 0·26–0·93, P < 0·03). Foam mattresses also significantly reduced the risk of developing heel ulcers. There is evidence to support the use of certain air or foam mattresses/overlays in the prevention of heel pressure ulcers when compared with a standard hospital mattress. There is insufficient research available at this time to determine if heel‐protective devices can prevent heel pressure ulcers. These results need to be interpreted with caution given the relatively low number and poor quality of research articles available to date.
A case of Mollitias and Fragilitas Ossium – unusual presentation of hairy cell leukaemia followed by the diagnosis of nonsecretory myeloma
Authors: BESSER M. W. , GOONETILEKE C. , MIN M. S. YOUNG , THOMAS D. W. 
Published: October 2007

SummaryHairy cell leukaemia (HCL) is a B‐cell malignancy with a late developmental arrest. This report describes a patient that presented with leucocytosis and splenomegaly. The abnormal leucocytes showed typical morphology and expressed CD103, CD11c, CD19 and CD20 but not CD25 by immunophenotyping. The patient failed to respond to splenectomy and then developed lytic bone lesions and pathological fractures, which progressed despite a single course of cladribine chemotherapy. Review of the pathology of the bone reamings showed nonsecretory myeloma of the same kappa‐light chain isotype. He went on to receive induction chemotherapy in preparation for an autologous stem‐cell transplant but failed to mobilize sufficient numbers of stem cells. He has had two localized relapses with bony lesions, one within 6 weeks of stopping chemotherapy for which he received localized radiotherapy and thalidomide consolidation. Sequential myeloma has been described in HCL. There is controversy whether this represents clonal evolution or a secondary malignancy. An increased rate of secondary malignancies has been reported by some, but not other, authors in long‐term survivors of HCL. This case illustrates the value of a repeat pathological review in case of unexpected complications.
Autoreactive T‐cell responses in primary biliary cirrhosis are proinflammatory whereas those of controls are regulatory
Authors: Shimoda Shinji , Ishibashi Hiromi , Harada Mine 
Published: October 2007

Background:  Autoreactive T cells that proliferate in response to autoantigens are found in both autoimmune diseases and controls but have important qualitative differences in relative activation states, costimulation signal requirements and pathogenetic significance.Methods:  To understand the differences between autoreactive T cells in PBC versus controls, we have developed autoreactive T‐cell clones (TCC) from patients with PBC and healthy controls, and have used a peptide corresponding to the CD4 major autoantigen (Ag) to define the relative proliferative response. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from PBC respond to the Ag in a costimulation‐independent manner, but PBMC from controls respond to the Ag in a costimulation‐dependent manner. Next, we established nine autoreactive TCC from patients with PBC and eight from healthy controls.Results:  Among 17 TCC, eight were the costimulation‐dependent type and nine were independent. In addition, costimulation‐dependent autoreactive TCC became anergic after stimulation in the presence of APC that did not provide costimulatory signals. Finally, we observed that anergic TCC exhibit regulatory functions.Conclusions:  In the case of regulatory dendritic cells, we could not induce TCC anergy. On the other hand, when using peptide analog in a costimulation‐deficient manner, we could induce TCC anergy, even though these TCC were costimulation independent.
Antibody Detection and Kinetics of Antibody Production during Early Stages of Immunization with Hepatitis B Virus Vaccine
Authors: Odinsen Odd , Owusu-Ofori Shirley , Dompreh Albert , Sarkodie Francis , Opare-Sem Ohene , Parker David , Allain Jean-Pierre 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTAntibodies to influenza virus and human immunodeficiency virus are detectable in B cells during the early stages of the immune response, prior to their occurrence in plasma. To investigate similar phenomena in a model of immunization against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, medical students in Ghana were screened for HBV markers, HBV surface (HBs) antigen (HBsAg), and HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc). Consenting volunteers, 24 of whom were seronegative (susceptible) and 2 of whom were positive for anti-HBc (prior infection), were vaccinated on day 0, day 40, and 6 months. Two sets of 10 blood samples, sequentially collected at intervals of 2 days following each immunization on days 0 and 40, were processed into B-cell lysates and plasma. Solid-phase HBsAg coated on microtiter plates for enzyme immunoassay or nitrocellulose membranes for dot blot assay was used to detect anti-HBs activity by an indirect antiglobulin assay. A commercially procured sandwich immunoassay was used, along with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a dot blot assay, for the detection of anti-HBs in B-cell lysates and plasma. Following the first injection of vaccine, a single sample of B-cell lysate collected between 5 and 21 days revealed anti-HBs in 18/21 subjects with no plasma antibodies detectable by sandwich immunoassay. After the booster dose was injected on day 40, a single sample of B-cell lysate collected between 44 and 49 days showed anti-HBs in 16/19 subjects, and this was accompanied by plasma antibodies in 8 subjects. In contrast, between 8 and 13 days, both subjects with prior HBV infection showed anti-HBs in B-cell lysates and plasma. Thus, primary immunization with the HBV vaccine appears to transiently elicit low-affinity anti-HBs in B-cell lysates into plasma.
Addition of Deoxynucleosides Enhances Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Integration and 2LTR Formation in Resting CD4+T Cells
Authors: Plesa Gabriela , Dai Jihong , Baytop Cliff , Riley James L. , June Carl H. , O'Doherty Una 
Published: October 2007

ABSTRACTResting CD4+T cells restrict human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection at a step prior to integration. Despite this restriction, we showed previously that HIV integration occurs in resting CD4+T cells in vitro, albeit at lower levels than in activated CD4+T cells. Here we show that addition of deoxynucleosides enhanced integration and 2LTR formation in resting CD4+T cells but that the kinetics were still significantly delayed compared to those of activated T cells. Thus, deoxynucleoside addition partially overcomes the restriction to HIV infection in resting CD4+T cells.
The ‘Trough Effect’: an Ultrasound Study
Authors: Vazquez-Alvarez Yolanda , Hewlett Nigel 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Bilabial stops often show a lowering of the tongue in symmetrical VCVsequences. The causes of this phenomenon, sometimes called the ‘trough effect’,are unknown. However, it could have important implications for the study of timevaryingaspects of speech events. Ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that hasallowed us to image the shape of the tongue in real time and measure the actualtongue displacement that occurs in the C of a VCV sequence. Five repetitions ofsymmetrical V<inf>1</inf>CV<inf>2</inf> sequences with the bilabial stops /b, p/ were obtained from 10British English speakers. Results showed not only differences in the direction anddegree of the tongue displacement but also differences in the tongue contour configurationbetween subjects. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of ultrasoundas a technique in phonetic research, making possible the analysis of tonguesurface movement for large amounts of data from multiple subjects.
The Influence of Ambient Speech on Adult Speech Productions through Unintentional Imitation
Authors: Delvaux Véronique , Soquet Alain 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis paper deals with the influence of ambient speech on individual speechproductions. A methodological framework is defined to gather the experimentaldata necessary to feed computer models simulating self-organisation in phonologicalsystems. Two experiments were carried out. Experiment 1 was run onFrench native speakers from two regiolects of Belgium: two from Liège and twofrom Brussels. When exposed to the way of speaking of the other regiolect vialoudspeakers, the speakers of one regiolect produced vowels that were significantlydifferent from their typical realisations, and significantly closer to the wayof speaking specific of the other regiolect. Experiment 2 achieved a replication ofthe results for 8 Mons speakers hearing a Liège speaker. A significant part of theimitative effect remained up to 10 min after the end of the exposure to the otherregiolect productions. As a whole, the results suggest that: (i) imitation occursautomatically and unintentionally, (ii) the modified realisations leave a memorytrace, in which case the mechanism may be better defined as ‘mimesis’ than as‘imitation’. The potential effects of multiple imitative speech interactions on soundchange are discussed in this paper, as well as the implications for a general theoryof phonetic implementation and phonetic representation.
The Signalling of German Rising-Falling Intonation Categories – The Interplay of Synchronization, Shape, and Height
Authors: Niebuhr Oliver 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBased on the phonology of the Kiel Intonation Model (KIM), a tripartite oppositionof German intonation is investigated: early, medial, and late peaks. Theseintonation categories, which can be projected onto H + L*, H*, and L* + H in theAM framework, are described in the KIM as rising-falling F<inf>0</inf> peak patterns differentiatedby their synchronization with the accented-vowel onset. Perception experimentswere carried out, showing that the function-based identification of the peakcategories is not only influenced by peak synchronization, but also by peak shapeand height. While the complete spectrum of findings is not covered by the currentphonological modelling, the findings corroborate the existence of all three categoriesin German intonation and support the idea that the timing of the peakmovements with regard to the accented vowel is important for their perceptualdifferentiation.
The Human Right to a Clean Environment–Phantom or Reality? The European Court of Human Rights and English Courts Perspective on Balancing Rights in Environmental Cases
Authors: Fitzmaurice Malgosia , Marshall Jill 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWhilst many claim there is a human right to a clean environment, the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights is examined to show how that court has balanced rights and interests in deciding relevant cases on this issue. Recent jurisprudential and academic debates on balancing are examined in this context before an analysis of some English decisions in this area to show that the existence of a human right to a clean environment may indeed be a phantom.
Reforming the European Court of Human Rights: An Ongoing Challenge
Authors: Paraskeva Costas 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) plays a unique and central role in upholding human rights in Europe, but in recent years has experienced a huge increase in its workload. The exponential growth in the number of individual applications has and continue to pose a serious threat for the effectiveness of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) system and it can be argued that it is the biggest challenge the ECtHR has been faced with in its history. Despite the substantial increase in its productivity and its output in general, the caseload continues to rise considerably, putting the effectiveness and credibility of the ECHR system in serious danger. Even with the reform of Protocol No. 11 that the ECtHR went through in 1998, its caseload had continued to rise sharply. The need for a second major reform was stressed only a few years after the drastic reform of 1998. There have been various efforts to make the ECtHR more effective and accessible, which have led to the 2004 "reform package" of measures that address the issue of ECtHR's excessive case-load, including Protocol No. 14 to the ECHR. This article provides analysis and critical evaluation of the ongoing efforts to reform the ECtHR in order to guarantee its long-term effectiveness.
Reviving the 'Spirit of San Francisco': The Lost Proposals on Human Rights, Justice and International Law to the UN Charter
Authors: Månsson Katarina 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWhile it has been claimed that no subject matter has been referred to as frequently in the United Nations (UN) Charter as human rights, a close analysis of its traveaux préparatoires reveals that it contains but a fragment of what was actually proposed during the drafting of the Charter in 1945. This article presents and analyses these 'lost proposals', particularly those seeking strong references to human rights, international law and justice in the Charter's preamble and chapters on the purposes and principles of the UN. Presented by smaller states, they include suggestions that respect for and protection of human rights constitutes a principle of the UN and that the maintenance of peace and security is conditioned on adherence to international law. It concludes that UN peacemakers of today struggle with the same conundrum as the drafters of the UN Charter 60 ago: "What comes first, justice or peace?"