bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxidized low density lipoproteins induce a pathologic response by retinal pigmented epithelial cells
Authors: Yamada Yuko , Tian Jane , Yang Yanqin , Cutler Roy G. , Wu Tinghuai , Telljohann Richard S. , Mattson Mark P. , Handa James T. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe accumulation of apolipoprotein B100 lipoproteins in Bruch membrane is an early event thought to promote age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). Immunohistochemistry using an anti‐oxidized low density lipoprotein antibody on 10 AMD specimens showed staining in Bruch membrane including basal deposits, a marker of AMD. To determine whether retinal pigmented epithelial cells develop a pathologic phenotype after interaction with lipoproteins, ARPE‐19 cells were exposed to low density lipoproteins (LDL) or oxidized LDLs (oxLDL). Analysis using the Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 (Affymetrix, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, USA) gene chip showed physiological and pathological transcriptional responses after LDL and oxLDL treatment, respectively. LDL induced a down‐regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis genes while oxLDL induced transcriptional alterations in genes related to lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Electrospray mass spectrometry showed that oxLDL, but not LDL induced large cellular increases of sphingomyelin, ceramides, and cholesteryl esters. With TUNEL labeling, oxLDL caused 14.6% apoptosis compared to <1% after LDL. Addition of an inhibitor of sphingomyelin synthase inhibited this apoptosis by 41%. These data support the hypothesis that oxidized lipoproteins are one trigger for initiating early events in the pathogenesis of AMD.
Anti‐apoptotic effect of Mao‐B inhibitor PF9601N [N‐(2‐propynyl)‐2‐(5‐benzyloxy‐indolyl) methylamine] is mediated by p53 pathway inhibition in MPP+‐treated SH‐SY5Y human dopaminergic cells
Authors: Sanz Elisenda , Quintana Albert , Battaglia Valentina , Toninello Antonio , Hidalgo Juan , Ambrosio Santiago , Valoti Massimo , Marco Jose Luis , Tipton Keith F. , Unzeta Mercedes 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPF9601N [N‐(2‐propynyl) 2‐(5‐benzyloxyindol) methylamine] is a non‐amphetamine type MAO‐B inhibitor that has shown neuroprotective properties in vivo using different experimental models of Parkinson’s disease. The mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective effects are poorly understood, but appear to be independent of MAO‐B inhibition. We have studied its neuroprotective properties using the human SH‐SY5Y dopaminergic cell line exposed to 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+), a cellular model of Parkinson’s disease. PF9601N pre‐treatment significantly reduced MPP+‐induced cell death and decreased the activation of one of the main executioner caspases, caspase‐3. MPP+ induced stabilization of transcription factor p53, which led to increased levels of this transcription factor, its nuclear translocation and transactivation of p53 response elements. PF9601N prevented this increase, thus reducing its transcriptional activity. Additional results showed that p53 may mediate its pro‐apoptotic actions through caspase‐2 under our experimental conditions. PUMA‐α may also contribute to the p53‐induced cell death. Since PF9601N significantly reduced MPP+‐induced caspase‐2 activity and PUMA‐α levels, this reduction may lead to increased cell survival. Thus, PF9601N is a novel molecule with an apparently novel mechanism of action which has a promising potential as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Regulation and Bonding: The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act and the Flow of International Listings
Authors: PIOTROSKI JOSEPH D. , SRINIVASAN SURAJ 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we examine the economic impact of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX) by analyzing foreign listing behavior onto U.S. and U.K. stock exchanges before and after the enactment of SOX in 2002. Using a sample of all listing events onto U.S. and U.K. exchanges from 1995–2006, we develop an exchange choice model that captures firm‐level, industry‐level, exchange‐level, and country‐level listing incentives, and test whether these listing preferences changed following the enactment of SOX. After controlling for firm characteristics and other economic determinants of these firms' exchange choice, we find that the listing preferences of large foreign firms choosing between U.S. exchanges and the London Stock Exchange's (LSE) Main Market did not change following the enactment of SOX. In contrast, we find that the likelihood of a U.S. listing among small foreign firms choosing between the NASDAQ and LSE's Alternative Investment Market decreased following the enactment of SOX. The negative effect among small firms is consistent with these marginal companies being less able to absorb the incremental costs associated with SOX compliance. The screening of smaller firms with weaker governance attributes from U.S. exchanges is consistent with the heightened governance costs imposed by SOX increasing the bonding‐related benefits of a U.S. listing.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Helicobacter pylori Infection in Chinese Populations
Authors: Shi Ruihua , Xu Shunfu , Zhang Hongjie , Ding Yanbing , Sun Guiqian , Huang Xiayue , Chen Xiaoxing , Li Xueliang , Yan Zhigang , Zhang Guoxin 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:  The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori is higher in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of H. pylori infection in areas with high prevalence of gastric cancer in Jiangsu Province, China.Methods:  A prospective epidemiologic survey of H. pylori infection was accomplished in a natural population of 1457 individuals in Xiangshui and Gaoyou counties, Jiangsu Province, China. Questionnaires and laboratory tests for H. pylori infection (13C‐urea breath test and serum IgG antibodies to H. pylori) were used and performed, respectively.Result:  Among 1371 subjects who completed questionnaires and H. pylori detection, 851 (62%) were H. pylori positive. The prevalence reached a peak at the age of 30–40 years (67%). There was no sex difference. The annual family income level was shown to be positively correlated with the risk of H. pylori infection. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was also associated with family size, education level, and several diet‐related factors, such as the number of times cooked rice and potatoes eaten per week, and a family history of stomach diseases. Compared to nonsymptomatic individuals, people with dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and belching) presented a low prevalence of H. pylori infection. No association between H. pylori prevalence and smoking or drinking was found. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, annual family income and education level were the independent predictors for H. pylori infection.Conclusion:  High prevalence of H. pylori infection was found in areas with a high risk of gastric cancer and was related to several risk factors. The underlying mechanisms need to be further investigated.
The Role of Serum Pepsinogen and Gastrin Test for the Detection of Gastric Cancer in Korea
Authors: Kang Jung Mook , Kim Nayoung , Yoo Ji Youn , Park Young Soo , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Hyun Young , Lee Hye Seung , Choe Gheeyoung , Kim Joo Sung , Jung Hyun Chae , Song In Sung 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  This study was performed to determine whether serum pepsinogen (PG) and gastrin testing can be used to detect gastric cancer in Korea.Methods:  Serum levels of PG I (sPGI) and sPGII, PG I/II ratios, and gastrin levels were measured in 1006 patients with gastroduodenal diseases including cancer. Follow‐up tests were performed 1 year after Helicobacter pylori eradication.Results:  sPGI and sPGII levels increased and PG I/II ratios decreased in line with the severity of activity, chronic inflammation, and the presence of H. pylori (p < .01). In contrast, sPGI levels and PG I/II ratios decreased in proportion with the severity of atrophic gastritis (AG)/intestinal metaplasia (p < .01). Gastrin levels were found to be correlated with chronic inflammation negatively in the antrum but positively in the corpus. H. pylori eradication reduced sPGI, sPGII, and gastrin levels, and increased PG I/II ratios to the levels of H. pylori‐negative patients, and was found to be correlated with reductions in activity and chronic inflammation of gastritis. The sensitivity and specificity of a PG I/II ratio of ≤ 3.0 for the detection of dysplasia or cancer were 55.8–62.3% and 61%, respectively. In addition, sPGI and sPGII levels of intestinal‐type cancer were significantly lower than those of the diffuse type, respectively (p = .008 and p = .05, respectively). Gastric cancer risk was highest in the H. pylori‐positive, low PGI/II ratio (≤ 3.0) group with an odds ratio of 5.52 (confidence interval: 2.83–10.77).Conclusion:  PG I/II ratio (≤ 3.0) was found to be a reliable marker for the detection of dysplasia or gastric cancer, especially of the intestinal type. This detection power of PG I/II ratio (≤ 3.0) significantly increased in the presence of H. pylori, and thus, provides a means of selecting those at high risk of developing gastric cancer in Korea.
Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Humans by Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 and Effect on Eradication Therapy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Francavilla Ruggiero , Lionetti Elena , Castellaneta Stefania Paola , Magistà Anna Maria , Maurogiovanni Giovanni , Bucci Nunzia , De Canio Angela , Indrio Flavia , Cavallo Luciano , Ierardi Enzo , Miniello Vito Leonardo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:  Several studies report an inhibitory effect of probiotics on Helicobacter pylori.Aim:  To test whether Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 55730 reduces H. pylori intragastric load in vivo, decreases dyspeptic symptoms, and affects eradication rates after conventional treatment.Materials and Methods:  In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled study, 40 H. pylori‐positive subjects were given L. reuteri once a day for 4 weeks or placebo. All underwent upper endoscopy, 13C‐urea breath test, and H. pylori stool antigen determination at entry and 13C‐urea breath test and H. pylori stool antigen (used as both qualitative and semiquantitative markers) after 4 weeks of treatment. Sequential treatment was administered subsequently to all.Results:  In vivo, L. reuteri reduces H. pylori load as semiquantitatively assessed by both 13C‐urea breath test δ‐value and H. pylori stool antigen quantification after 4 weeks of treatment (p < .05). No change was shown in patients receiving placebo. L. reuteri administration was followed by a significant decrease in the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale as compared to pretreatment value (p < .05) that was not present in those receiving placebo (p = not significant). No difference in eradication rates was observed.Conclusions:  L. reuteri effectively suppresses H. pylori infection in humans and decreases the occurrence of dyspeptic symptoms. Nevertheless, it does not seem to affect antibiotic therapy outcome.
Seizures following picornavirus infection
Authors: Libbey Jane E. , Kirkman Nikki J. , Smith Matthew C.P. , Tanaka Tomoko , Wilcox Karen S. , White H. Steve , Fujinami Robert S. 
Published: March 2008

Summary
Purpose: We demonstrate the establishment and characterization of a novel virus infection‐induced seizure model in C57BL/6 mice.
Methods: C57BL/6 mice were infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) or mock infected. Mice were followed for seizures, weight change, body temperature, motor function (righting reflex, rotorod) and neurological manifestations (inflammation [perivascular cuffing], pyknotic neurons, transforming growth factor [TGF]‐β expression).
Results: C57BL/6 mice are susceptible to seizures induced by TMEV infection. Approximately 50% of C57BL/6 mice develop transient afebrile seizures. Motor function and coordination are impaired in seized mice. Pyramidal neuron pyknosis and TGF‐β expression correlate with seizure activity in the hippocampus.
Discussion: The characterization of this model will enable the investigation of viral and immune contributions in the central nervous system to the development of seizure disorders in humans.
Conjoint Developmental Trajectories of Young Adult Substance Use
Authors: Jackson Kristina M. , Sher Kenneth J. , Schulenberg John E. 
Published: March 2008

Background.  Despite the prominence of comorbidity among substances and the recent attention focused on trajectory‐based approaches to characterizing developmental change, little research in the substance use field has simultaneously considered both course and comorbidity.Methods.  Using nationally representative panel data from the Monitoring the Future Project (MTF; n = 32,087; 56% female; 82% Caucasian), we identified developmental courses of heavy drinking, smoking, and marijuana use using 4 waves of data spanning ages 18 to 26 in a multi‐cohort young adult sample. Comorbidity was examined by cross‐classifying group membership in substance use trajectories. Finally, the extent to which risk factors (sex, race, alcohol expectancies, delinquency, sensation seeking, depressive affect, religiosity, academic achievement, and parent education) accounted for combinations of comorbidity that occurred at a rate greater than chance was examined.Results.  For each substance, we identified 4 courses of substance use that were largely consistent with those found in the literature (chronic high use, late‐onset use, developmentally limited use, and low‐use), with a fifth moderate smoking group. Heavy drinking, smoking, and marijuana use were each highly associated, and distinct patterns of comorbidity were evident, with greatest agreement along the diagonal. All risk factors explained comorbidity to some degree, with delinquency, sensation seeking, alcohol expectancies, and religion in particular predicting combinations of comorbidity that were characterized by early onset and chronic high use.Conclusions.  Cross‐substance trajectory concordance was high, with parallel changes in substance use over emerging adulthood. This suggests similar developmental timing of use, perhaps due to the experience of developmental transitions that have a common influence on use of different substances. Prediction of combinations of comorbidity characterized by early onset and persistently high use suggests that to some extent, individuals use multiple substances because of a common vulnerability to each, rather than directional relations among substances (e.g., cross‐tolerance, cueing).
Residual Urine as a Risk Factor for Lower Urinary Tract Infection: A 1‐Year Follow‐Up Study in Nursing Homes
Authors: Omli Ragnhild , Skotnes Liv H. , Mykletun Arnstein , Bakke August M. , Kuhry Esther 
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether postvoid urine is a risk factor for the development of lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing home residents.DESIGN: Prospective surveillance with a follow‐up period of 1 year.SETTING: Six Norwegian nursing homes.PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty nursing home residents.METHODS: Postvoid residual (PVR) urine volumes were measured using a portable ultrasound. UTIs were registered prospectively for 1 year.RESULTS: Ninety‐eight residents (65.3%) had a PVR less than 100 mL, and 52 (34.7%) had a PVR of 100 mL or greater. During the follow‐up period, 51 residents (34.0%) developed one or more UTIs. The prevalence of UTI in women was higher than in men (40.4% vs 19.6%; P=.02). There was no significant difference in mean PVR between residents who did and did not develop a UTI (79 vs 97 mL, P=.26). PVR of 100 mL or greater was not associated with greater risk of developing a UTI (P=.59).CONCLUSION: High PVR is common in nursing home residents. No association between PVR and UTI was found.
PHYSIOGRAPHIC NOTES ON FEATURES IN THE MACKENZIE DELTA AREA
Authors: Fraser J.K. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTEvidence is presented to show that a group of knobby hills on coalescing alluvial fans along the Richardson Mountains is landslide debris rather than glacial deposit, Associated with the debris are pingo‐like features and lenses of ground ice. A heavy layer of silt over remnant snowbanks is attributed to wind deposition.
Evaluation of three‐dimensional changes after sinus floor augmentation with different grafting materials
Authors: Kirmeier Robert , Payer Michael , Wehrschuetz Martin , Jakse Norbert , Platzer Susanne , Lorenzoni Martin 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjective: The aim of this retrospective investigation was to assess the dimensional stability of different grafting materials after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with computed tomography (CT) scans.Materials and methods: Two postoperative CT scans were available from 16 patients who had undergone maxillary sinus lift procedures. The first scan was made within a few days after the surgical intervention and the second one >6 months later. A total of 25 maxillary sinuses were augmented with different materials before implant insertion by lateral antrostomy in a staged approach. The volume of bone formation was calculated using the Somaris® Sienet Magic View software.Results: Based on volumetric measurements of the augmented domes derived from the image sections, shrinkage was about 26%. The mean of the augmented bone volume was 3.02 cm3 (1.4–5.56 cm3; SD±1.18 cm3) as determined in the first CT scan. The respective mean volume in the second CT scan amounted to 2.28 cm3 (0.92–4.46 cm3; SD±1.07 cm3).Conclusion: Within the limits of our descriptive and analytic study, the results indicate a significant reduction of the graft volume after maxillary sinus augmentation. Further prospective studies will have to evaluate the quantitative changes of different bone graft materials for maxillary sinus augmentation procedures in order to improve long‐term implant stability.
Non‐invasive assessment of liver fibrosis by transient elastography in post transfusional iron overload
Authors: Mirault Tristan , Lucidarme Damien , Turlin Bruno , Vandevenne Philippe , Gosset Pierre , Ernst Olivier , Rose Christian 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:  Liver fibrosis, assessed by biopsy, is the main complication of post transfusional liver iron overload. Transient elastography (TE) is a new, non invasive method able to measure liver stiffness (LS) caused by fibrosis.Method:  We prospectively evaluated the predictive value of LS measurement for liver fibrosis evaluation in 15 chronically transfused patients and compared these results with the METAVIR histological fibrosis stage from liver biopsies.Results:  Mean TE values significantly differed in patients with severe fibrosis (METAVIR F3, F4): 9.1 (±3.7 SD) kPa from those with mild or no fibrosis (METAVIR F0, F1, F2): 5.9 (±1.8 SD) kPa (P = 0.046). TE value above 6.25 kPa (Se = 80%; Sp = 70%; AUROC = 0.820) identified patients at risk for severe fibrosis (Negative Predictive Value 88%; Positive Predictive Value 57%).Conclusion:  Transient elastography appears to be a reliable tool to evaluate liver fibrosis in post‐transfusional iron overload.
Enhancement of T cell activation by immobilized hu5C8 (anti‐CD40L) monoclonal antibody
Authors: Arpinati Mario , Chirumbolo Gabriella , Rondelli Damiano 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:  Soluble monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) targeting CD40L on T cells can partially block T cell alloreactivity by preventing the costimulatory signal of antigen presenting cells through CD40. However, it is not known if these MoAbs can also deliver inhibiting or stimulating signals through the CD40L receptor.Materials and methods:  Blood mononuclear cells were stimulated by mitogens or allogeneic stimulator cells in the presence of hu5C8 MoAb, either in soluble form, or immobilized to the culture wells. T cell responses were evaluated by means of primary and secondary mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) generation, immunophenotype, apoptosis assay and cytokine release. Also, the effect of hu5C8 on cells inhibited by CTLA4‐Ig was tested.Results:  While the soluble hu5C8 inhibited T cell proliferation, the immobilized hu5C8 enhanced both mitogen and alloantigen‐induced proliferative and cytotoxic T cell responses, without inducing further apoptotic T cell death. In the presence of CTLA4‐Ig, immobilized hu5C8 increased the residual CD28‐independent proliferation of alloantigen‐specific T cells both in primary and secondary MLC, and prevented the inhibiting effect of CTLA4‐Ig on the generation of CTL. Immobilized hu5C8 MoAb‐stimulated T cells also showed a limited capacity of producing interleukin (IL)‐10, even in the presence of CTLA4‐Ig.Conclusions:  We show that the hu5C8 MoAb has a strong mitogenic activity when immobilized, likely due to higher crosslinking capacity as compared to the soluble antibody. Strategies to induce ex‐vivo T cell responses against tumor or viral antigens by means of hu5C8 MoAb antibody will be exploited based on these findings.
β‐Thalassemia intermedia due to two novel mutations in the promoter region of the β‐globin gene
Authors: Agouti Imane , Bennani Mohcine , Nezri Meyer , Levy Nicolas , Badens Catherine 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTwo novel β‐thalassemia mutations affecting the promoter region of the β‐globin gene are described. The first mutation, found in a Moroccan family, is a G→A substitution at position −190 relative to the β‐globin gene Cap site. The second, found in an Algerian patient, is a G→C substitution at position −56 relative to the β‐globin Cap site. These two mutations occur in a region (−50 to −300) where promoter elements important for differential control of gene expression have been described and lead to β‐thalassemia intermedia in association with a β0‐thalassemia mutations.
Thalidomide in consecutive multiple myeloma patients: single‐center analysis on practical aspects, efficacy, side effects and prognostic factors with lower thalidomide doses
Authors: Haas P. S. , Denz U. , Ihorst G. , Engelhardt M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPurpose:  In this single‐center analysis, we assessed whether lower thalidomide doses are feasible and result in favourable treatment response in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.Results:  Between May 2001 and October 2006, 38 consecutive MM patients received thalidomide. Their median age was 62.4 yr, all had stage II/III MM and 31.6% had deletion 13q14 (del13q14). Prior to thalidomide, patients had received a median of two treatment lines. The median thalidomide dose was 100 mg/d (range 50–800) and the median treatment duration was 34 wk. The median cumulative thalidomide dose was 24 g. Sixteen patients received thalidomide as a single agent and 22 in combination (+dexamethasone n = 18; others n = 4). The median time‐to‐treatment failure (TTF) after thalidomide initiation was 30.4 wk. Analysis of prognostic factors showed a significantly prolonged TTF without del13q14 (38.1 vs. 8.9 wk with del13q14; P = 0.006). Our analysis of TTF between thalidomide given alone vs. in combinations showed a better TTF for the combination (23.6 vs. 30.6 wk), albeit not reaching significance (P = 0.20). Other parameters, such as age, stage, and prior SCT showed no difference in TTF. Peripheral polyneuropathy (PNP) frequencies were increased with longer (>28 wk) and increased cumulative thalidomide doses (>40 g), which emphasizes (a) the need to carefully escalate thalidomide from 50 to 200 mg/d, thereby reducing side effects and increasing patient compliance, and (b) that PNP occurs more frequently with longer and higher thalidomide doses.Conclusion:  The strategy to lower thalidomide doses seems a feasible and attractive approach in MM patients, this being currently tested in prospective randomized trials.