bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐monitoring in Type 2 diabetes: a randomized trial of reimbursement policy
Authors: Johnson J. A. , Majumdar S. R. , Bowker S. L. , Toth E. L. , Edwards A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAim  Self‐monitoring of blood glucose is often considered a cornerstone of self‐care for patients with diabetes. We assessed whether provision of free testing strips would improve glycaemic control in non‐insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetic patients.Methods  Adults with Type 2 diabetes, excluding those with private insurance or using insulin, were recruited through community pharmacies and randomized to receive free testing strips for 6 months or not; all patients received similar baseline education and a glucose meter. Primary outcome was change in HbA1c over 6 months.Results  We randomized 262 patients (131 intervention and 131 control subjects). Mean age was 68.4 years (sd 10.9), 48% were male, mean duration of diabetes was 8.2 years (sd 7.2), 97% used oral glucose‐lowering agents and mean baseline HbA1c was 7.4% (sd 1.2). After 6 months, we observed no difference in HbA1c between intervention and control patients, after adjusting for baseline HbA1c[adjusted difference 0.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.16, 0.22; P = 0.78]. A per protocol analysis of study completers (152/262; 60%) yielded similar results. Intervention patients reported testing 0.64 days per week more often than control subjects (95% CI 0.18, 1.10; P = 0.007), although testing was not associated with better glycaemic control (Pearson r = −0.10, P = 0.12).Conclusions  Reducing financial barriers by providing free testing strips did not improve glycaemic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes not using insulin. Our results question the value of policies that reduce financial barriers to testing supplies in this population.
Combining Significance of Correlated Statistics with Application to Panel Data*
Authors: Demetrescu Matei , Hassler Uwe , Tarcolea Adina‐Ioana 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe inverse normal method, which is used to combine P‐values from a series of statistical tests, requires independence of single test statistics in order to obtain asymptotic normality of the joint test statistic. The paper discusses the modification by Hartung (1999, Biometrical Journal, Vol. 41, pp. 849–855), which is designed to allow for a certain correlation matrix of the transformed P‐values. First, the modified inverse normal method is shown here to be valid with more general correlation matrices. Secondly, a necessary and sufficient condition for (asymptotic) normality is provided, using the copula approach. Thirdly, applications to panels of cross‐correlated time series, stationary as well as integrated, are considered. The behaviour of the modified inverse normal method is quantified by means of Monte Carlo experiments.
Population biology of the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) in the Crozet and Kerguelen archipelagos, southern Indian Ocean, approached through genetic and demographic methods
Authors: Bried J. , Nicolaus M. , Jarne P. , Dubois M.‐P. , Jouventin P. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIn many seabird species, the genetic structure of the populations remains poorly known despite potential consequences for conservation. The globally threatened wandering albatrossDiomedea exulansdisplays specific traits, including limited population size, strong philopatry, adults almost always returning to breed on the island where they made their first breeding attempt, delayed maturity, high longevity and low fecundity. Using both genetic and demographic methods, we evaluated how these traits might affect the structure within (inbreeding, low variability) and among (restricted gene flow) discrete wandering albatross colonies. Our study was conducted on Possession Island, Crozet archipelago, and in the Kerguelen archipelago. The genetic approach was based on three colonies and 10 microsatellite loci. The demographic approach used data from a 36‐year capture–mark–recapture survey of the entire population from Possession Island. Inbreeding occurred as often as expected under random pairing. Genetic variability in each colony did not exceed 6.3 alleles per locus. However, no genetic bottleneck was detected. No significant genetic differentiation occurred between the two main colonies from Possession Island (Fst<0.01), consistent with our demographic estimates of dispersal. Conversely, the genetic differentiation between Possession Island and Kerguelen was significant. Although males are more philopatric than females, genetic differentiation among colonies was not higher in males and no significant genetic differentiation between sexes was observed. Finally, we propose that the population from Crozet and that from Kerguelen are considered as distinct management units.
Scent‐marking behaviour by stallions: an assessment of function in a reintroduced population of Przewalski horses (Equus ferus przewalskii)
Authors: King S. R. B. , Gurnell J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractScent marking is a common form of intraspecific communication in mammal species, and using faeces or urine is a cost‐effective way of signalling competitive ability and resource holding power. Marking is ritually performed by male equids, and here we assess the function of male scent‐marking behaviour in a recently introduced population of Przewalski horses Equus ferus przewalskii in Mongolia. Two forms of scent marking were observed: defecation on stud piles formed from repeated dunging in the same place, and overmarking of faeces and urine of mares. Stud piles were marked with dung by the harem holder and sniffed before and after dung was deposited. They were not found specifically at the periphery of harem ranges but occurred for the most part along routes used by the horses, and were more common in the core parts of harem ranges or where harem ranges overlapped. Thus, rather than being used to defend range boundaries, stud piles were placed predominantly where they would be encountered by male intruders. Mare excreta were covered with urine by the stallion, but were only sniffed before they were marked, not after. These marks appear to advertise to the mare and other, intruding stallions that the harem holder was the mare's consort and that the interloper should not risk trying to steal the mare or sneak a mating. Thus, the two forms of marking by harem holders appear to combine as first and second lines of defence of paternity rights in male intrasexual competition.
Alpha‐synuclein inhibits aromatic amino acid decarboxylase activity in dopaminergic cells
Authors: Tehranian Roya , Montoya Susana E. , Van Laar Amber D. , Hastings Teresa G. , Perez Ruth G. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAlpha‐synuclein is a presynaptic protein strongly implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD). Because dopamine neurons are invariably compromised during pathogenesis in PD, we have been exploring the functions of alpha‐synuclein with particular relevance to dopaminergic neuronal cells. We previously discovered reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and minimal dopamine synthesis in stably‐transfected MN9D cells overexpressing either wild‐type or A53T mutant (alanine to threonine at amino acid 53) alpha‐synuclein. TH, the rate‐limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis, converts tyrosine to l‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA), which is then converted to dopamine by the enzyme, aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC). We confirmed an interaction between alpha‐synuclein and AADC in striatum. We then sought to determine whether wild‐type or A53T mutant alpha‐synuclein might have affected AADC activity in dopaminergic cells. Using HPLC with electrochemical detection, we measured dopamine and related catechols after L‐DOPA treatments to bypass the TH step. We discovered that while alpha‐synuclein did not reduce AADC protein levels, it significantly reduced AADC activity and phosphorylation in our cells. These novel findings further support a role for alpha‐synuclein in dopamine homeostasis and may explain, at least in part, the selective vulnerability of dopamine neurons that occurs in PD.
Ontogeny of brain and blood serotonin levels in 5‐HT1A receptor knockout mice: potential relevance to the neurobiology of autism
Authors: Janušonis Skirmantas , Anderson George M. , Shifrovich Ilya , Rakic Pasko 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe most consistent neurochemical finding in autism has been elevated group mean levels of blood platelet 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin). The origin and significance of this platelet hyperserotonemia remain poorly understood. The 5‐HT1A receptor plays important roles in the developing brain and is also expressed in the gut, the main source of platelet 5‐HT. Post‐natal tissue levels of 5‐HT, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) and tryptophan were examined in the brain, duodenum and blood of 5‐HT1A receptor‐knockout and wild‐type mice. At 3 days after birth, the knockout mice had lower mean brain 5‐HT levels and normal mean platelet 5‐HT levels. Also, at 3 days after birth, the mean tryptophan levels in the brain, duodenum and blood of the knockout mice were around 30% lower than those of the wild‐type mice. By 2 weeks after birth, the mean brain 5‐HT levels of the knockout mice normalized, but their mean platelet 5‐HT levels became 24% higher than normal. The possible causes of these dynamic shifts were explored by examining correlations between central and peripheral levels of 5‐HT, 5‐HIAA and tryptophan. The results are discussed in relation to the possible role of 5‐HT in the ontogeny of autism.
Effects of iron overload in a rat nutritional model of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kirsch Richard , Sijtsema Helene P. , Tlali Mpho , Marais Adrian D. , Hall Pauline de la M 
Published: September 2006

Abstract: Background/Aims: This study sought to determine whether excess hepatic iron potentiates liver injury in the methionine choline‐deficient (MCD) model of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Methods: Iron‐loaded rats were fed either MCD or control diets [MCD diet plus choline bitartrate (2 g/kg) and dl‐methionine (3 g/kg)] for 4 and 12 weeks, after which liver pathology, hepatic iron, triglyceride, lipid peroxidation products and hydroxyproline (HYP) levels and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were evaluated.Results: Iron supplementation in MCD animals resulted in histologic evidence of hepatic iron overload at 4 and 12 weeks and a 14‐fold increase in hepatic iron concentration at 12 weeks (P<0.001). Iron supplementation in these animals was associated with increased lobular necroinflammation at 4 weeks (P<0.02) and decreased hepatic steatosis (P<0.01), hepatic triglyceride levels (P<0.01), hepatic‐conjugated dienes (CD; P<0.02) and serum ALT levels (P<0.002) at 12 weeks. Reduced hepatic steatosis (P<0.005) and CD (P<0.01) were apparent by 4 weeks. Iron supplementation was associated with a trend towards increased perivenular fibrosis not hepatic HYP content.Conclusion: Hepatic iron overload in the MCD model of NAFLD is associated with decreased hepatic lipid, decreased early lipid peroxidation products, increased necroinflammation and a trend towards increased perivenular fibrosis.
Impact of human immunodeficiency virus infection in patients infected with the hepatitis C virus
Authors: Valle Tovo Cristiane , Alves de Mattos Angelo , Ribeiro de Souza Andréa , Ferrari de Oliveira Rigo Juliana , Lerias de Almeida Paulo Roberto , Galperim Bruno , Riegel Santos Breno 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground/Aims: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.Methods: Three different groups of patients were considered: group 1, 385 HCV/HIV coinfected; group 2, 198 HIV monoinfected; and group 3, 311 HCV monoinfected. Demographic and epidemiological data were collected. Blood tests included anti‐HCV, HCV‐RNA test, genotyping, CD4 cell count, anti‐HIV, and HIV viral load. Treatment with interferon and ribavirin was proposed. The fibrosis progression rate was assessed.Results: The most prevalent risk factor in the group of coinfected was the use of intravenous drugs; in the HIV monoinfection group, heterosexual relations at risk; in the HCV monoinfection group, the transfusion of blood. There was no difference concerning the distribution of genotypes or HCV viral load between groups 1 and 3. Although the mean time of duration of HCV infection was greater in group 3 than in group 1, there was no difference when the fibrosis progression rate was evaluated. The response to treatment was similar.Conclusion: In the present series there was no relevant impact of HCV infection in patients with HIV.
Factors Affecting Individuals' Decisions to Use Community Mediation
Authors: Charkoudian Lorig , Wilson Carrie 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis article presents research related to community mediation, specifically the factors affecting individuals' choices to accept or decline participation in the mediation process. Alongside a growing literature that emphasizes the significant benefits of mediation, this empirical study finds that individuals involved in personal relationships are more likely than individuals involved in business relationships to choose mediation. This data also finds a nonlinear and significant relationship between the length of time a conflict has been going on and participants' choice to use mediation. Finally, this article finds a significant and nonlinear relationship between differences in perception about the length of a conflict and whether a case is scheduled for mediation. Policy recommendations include suggestions to increase the use of mediation by responding directly to the cases that do not seem as likely to be mediated.
Donor‐derived myofibroblasts in the ocular surface after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Hallberg David , Wernstedt Pernilla , Hanson Charles , Wettergren Yvonne , Stenberg Kristina , Brune Mats , Stenevi Ulf 
Published: September 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To identify and characterize cells of donor origin in the ocular surface of female recipients who have undergone allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) from a male donor.Methods:  Cytological impressions from the eyes of nine allografted patients (17 eyes) were analysed. Donor cells were identified using sex‐chromosome‐specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Cells were characterized by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the CK3 and CK19 epithelial markers, the panleucocytic marker CD45 and the myofibroblast marker α‐SMA.Results:  No epithelial cells of donor origin were observed in the corneal or conjunctival samples. Cells of donor origin were found in the corneal samples, although these were often too degraded to allow characterization by IHC. In the conjunctiva, a median of 86% of the total number of cells were of recipient origin, including a subgroup (2%) of giant cells exhibiting polyploidy (range 4–18 n), found in the limbal region. Donor cells were detected in the conjunctiva of all nine patients at a median ratio of 9%, of which two‐thirds were CD45+/α‐SMA+.Conclusions:  We observed superficially located myofibroblasts of donor origin in all allografted patients, but not in samples from healthy controls. Whether myofibroblasts are implicated in ocular graft‐versus‐host disease requires further studies.
Vitrectomy for non‐ischaemic macular oedema in retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Hvarfner Charlotte , Larsson Jörgen 
Published: September 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the effect of vitrectomy in eyes with non‐ischaemic macular oedema secondary to hemi and central retinal vein occlusion.Methods:  This retrospective study analysed the outcome of eight patients with non‐ischaemic macular oedema without posterior vitreous detachment. Six patients had a central retinal vein occlusion and two had a hemi retinal vein occlusion. A standard three‐port vitrectomy was performed in all patients. Retinal mapping by optical coherence tomography and visual acuity (VA) testing were performed before vitrectomy and at 1, 2 and 12 months postoperatively.Results:  At the 1‐month follow‐up there was a statistically significant reduction in retinal thickness (Wilcoxon; p = 0.04) that persisted at 2 months (Wilcoxon; p = 0.04). However, at 12 months there was no difference compared with baseline. LogMAR VA was significantly improved at 1 month (Wilcoxon p = 0.04), but at 2 and 12 months there was no difference compared with baseline.Conclusions:  Vitrectomy in hemi and central retinal vein occlusion has the potential to reduce macular oedema and improve VA in the early postoperative phase but does not seem to improve the longterm outcome of the disease.
The relationship between stress and acute anterior uveitis
Authors: Carrim Zia I. , Ahmed Taha Y. , Taguri Abdel H. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To examine the relationship between stress and anterior uveitis using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Social Readjustment Rating Questionnaire (SRRQ).Methods:  Patients attending eye casualty with acute anterior uveitis (AAU) and suitable controls were asked to complete the GHQ and the SRRQ. A follow‐up postal survey, using the same questionnaires, was repeated at least 3 months later amongst AAU patients only. Scores for the GHQ and SRRQ at initial presentation and at follow‐up were compared for different groups.Results:  Over 12 months, 42 patients and 25 controls participated in the first stage of this study. Patients with AAU had higher GHQ scores than controls (mean 6.8 versus 3.2, p = 0.01). A total of 25 patients responded to the follow‐up postal survey. At follow‐up, 13 had experienced resolution and 12 had recurrence. In the group with resolution, there was a significant fall in GHQ scores (mean 6.1 versus 1.5, p = 0.0044). Patients with recurrence had higher GHQ scores than those with resolution (mean 6.8 versus 1.5, p = 0.02).Conclusions:  Using the GHQ reveals a clear relationship between stress and the recurrence of AAU in susceptible individuals.
Comparison of the ocular hypotensive effects of bimatoprost and timolol‐dorzolamide combination in patients with elevated intraocular pressure: a 6‐month study
Authors: Ozturk Faruk , Ermis Sıtkı Samet , Inan Umit Ubeyt 
Published: September 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the ocular hypotensive efficacy and safety of topical bimatoprost and timolol‐dorzolamide combination in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension during 6 months of treatment.Methods:  A sample of 65 patients with a diagnosis of POAG or ocular hypertension were randomized to receive either bimatoprost 0.03% once daily or timolol‐dorzolamide combination twice daily. Study visits occurred at baseline and after 2 weeks and 1, 3 and 6 months of therapy. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were performed at 12.00 hours at all study visits and also at 08.00 hours and 16.00 hours at baseline and 6‐month visits. At each visit, local and systemic side‐effects that occurred during the treatment period were recorded. Student's t‐test was used to compare the differences between IOP values.Results:  Differences in IOP between the bimatoprost and timolol‐dorzolamide groups were statistically insignificant at all study visits (p > 0.05). In the bimatoprost‐treated group, the IOP reduction was 6.2 ± 1.8 mmHg, whereas it was 6.5 ± 2.3 mmHg in the timolol‐dorzolamide group after 6 months of treatment. The difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.48).Conclusions:  The IOP‐lowering efficacies of bimatoprost and timolol‐dorzolamide combination were similar over a 6‐month follow‐up. Both bimatoprost and the timolol‐dorzolamide combination were well tolerated. Bimatoprost can be used as a longterm monotherapy agent in the treatment of POAG and ocular hypertension.
Simultaneous quantification of 17 immune mediators in aqueous humour from patients with corneal rejection
Authors: Funding Mikkel , Hansen Troels Krarup , Gjedsted Jakob , Ehlers Niels 
Published: September 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To simultaneously quantitate and compare the concentrations of 17 immune mediators: (1) the cytokines interleukin‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, IL‐13, IL‐17, tumour necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ; (2) the growth factors granulocyte−monocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF), and (3) the chemokines CXCL‐8, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β in aqueous humour from patients with corneal rejection and patients with a non‐inflammatory condition in the anterior chamber.Methods:  Aqueous humour was obtained by paracentesis of the anterior chamber in 14 patients with corneal rejection, three patients with cataract and six patients with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. Simultaneous quantitation of 17 mediators in 25 µl aqueous humour from each patient was performed by employing a highly sensitive Luminex® 100 multiplex array assay.Results:  All 17 immune mediators were detected in aqueous humour from rejection patients. The ranges of the immune mediators were determined. The immune mediators were significantly increased in aqueous humour from rejection patients compared with that from other patients.Conclusions:  The Luminex 100 multiplex array assay is very efficient in simultaneous quantitation of multiple immune mediators in small volumes of aqueous humour. A total of 17 immune mediators were increased in aqueous humour from rejection patients. This underlines the complex immunological interactions of the rejection process.
Identification of variations in the human phosphoinositide 3‐kinase p110δ gene in children with primary B‐cell immunodeficiency of unknown aetiology
Authors: Jou S.‐T. , Chien Y.‐H. , Yang Y.‐H. , Wang T.‐C. , Shyur S.‐D. , Chou C.‐C. , Chang M.‐L. , Lin D.‐T. , Lin K.‐H. , Chiang B.‐L. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryOur recent study demonstrated that defects in p110δ result in B‐cell immunodeficiency that is very similar to that observed in BTK‐deficient mice. We revealed that the p110δ fit the B‐cell signal transduction complex and played a non‐redundant role in the development and function of B cells. In humans, most children with primary B‐cell immunodeficiency have mutations in the BTK, whereas a few have defects in the components of the B‐cell signal transduction complex. But little is known about the genetic variation of p110δ in children with defects in B‐cell immunodeficiency of unknown aetiology. Sixteen patients from 15 unrelated families and 112 normal controls underwent sequence analysis to identify genetic variations of the p110δ. Allele frequency in each group was also analysed and compared. We identified five single base‐pair polymorphic nucleotide exchanges in both patient and control groups with similar allele frequencies, which did not contribute to the immunodeficiency. Three of them are novel (m.953A>G, m.1200C>T and m.1561A>G), and the m.953A>G and m.1561A>G nucleotide exchanges are non‐synonymous (N253S and T456A, respectively). The novel m.1561A>G was in complete linkage disequilibrium with the known m.873A>G in our study of Taiwanese group. In addition, one novel single base‐pair missense mutation, m.3256G>A (E1021K), was identified in one boy with typical clinical features of primary B‐cell immunodeficiency and could not be found in either his family or the normal control population. By atomic structural analysis of the amino acid as well as the alignment comparison between species, it resulted in the replacement of the negative‐charged amino acid E with the positive‐charged amino acid K at codon 1021, located in the highly conservative and important catalytic functional domain. Our findings could shed light on further understanding the polymorphisms of p110δ in B‐cell immunodeficiency and different populations. Moreover, the 3256G>A missense mutation raised the attention and warranted further extensive analysis to elucidate the role of p110δ in human immunodeficiency.