bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Chronic Multimorbidity in the Elderly Population
Authors: Marengoni Alessandra , Rizzuto Debora , Wang Hui‐Xin , Winblad Bengt , Fratiglioni Laura 
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVES: To describe patterns of comorbidity and multimorbidity in elderly people.DESIGN: A community‐based survey.SETTING: Data were gathered from the Kungsholmen Project, a urban, community‐based prospective cohort in Sweden.PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 77 and older living in the community and in institutions of the geographically defined Kungsholmen area of Stockholm (N=1,099).MEASUREMENTS: Diagnoses based on physicians' examinations and supported by hospital records, drug use, and blood samples. Patterns of comorbidity and multimorbidity were evaluated using four analytical approaches: prevalence figures, conditional count, logistic regression models, and cluster analysis.RESULTS: Visual impairments and heart failure were the diseases with the highest comorbidity (mean 2.9 and 2.6 co‐occurring conditions, respectively), whereas dementia had the lowest (mean 1.4 comorbidities). Heart failure occurred rarely without any comorbidity (0.4%). The observed prevalence of comorbid pairs of conditions exceeded the expected prevalence for several circulatory diseases and for dementia and depression. Logistic regression analyses detected similar comorbid pairs. The cluster analysis revealed five clusters. Two clusters included vascular conditions (circulatory and cardiopulmonary clusters), and another included mental diseases along with musculoskeletal disorders. The last two clusters included only one major disease each (diabetes mellitus and malignancy) together with their most common consequences (visual impairment and anemia, respectively).CONCLUSION: In persons with multimorbidity, there exists co‐occurrence of diseases beyond chance, which clinicians need to take into account in their daily practice. Some pathological mechanisms behind the identified clusters are well known; others need further clarification to identify possible preventative strategies.
Role of serum cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 in the association between body weight and periodontal infection
Authors: Saxlin Tuomas , Suominen‐Taipale Liisa , Leiviskä Jaana , Jula Antti , Knuuttila Matti , Ylöstalo Pekka 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim: To study the role of serum cytokines tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) as potential mediators in the association between body weight and periodontal infection among an adult population.Material and Methods: This study was based on a subpopulation of the Health 2000 Health Examination Survey, which included dentate non‐diabetic, non‐rheumatic subjects, aged between 45 and 64 years, who had never smoked and whose serum levels of TNF‐α and IL‐6 were analysed and whose periodontal status was clinically determined (effective n=425). The number of teeth with periodontal pockets of 4 mm or more and the number of teeth with periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more were used as outcome variables. Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression models.Results: Serum IL‐6, but not TNF‐α associated with teeth with deepened periodontal pockets. Multivariate models showed that IL‐6, but not TNF‐α, could mediate the effect of body weight on periodontium.Conclusion: In this population of non‐diabetic and non‐rheumatic subjects, who had never smoked, serum IL‐6 was associated with periodontal infection. The results suggest that serum IL‐6 could be one mediating factor that connects body weight and periodontal infection.
Air oxidation increases skin irritation from fragrance terpenes
Authors: Christensson Johanna Bråred , Forsström Pia , Wennberg Ann‐Marie , Karlberg Ann‐Therese , Matura Mihály 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Linalool and limonene are common fragrance terpenes that autoxidize on air exposure. The pure compounds are not allergenic but their oxidation products can cause contact allergy. Little has been investigated regarding the irritancy of oxidized terpenes.Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the irritating effect of pure and oxidized R‐limonene and linalool in concentration series and to study the MNIC (Maximum Non Irritant Concentration) of autoxidized linalool and limonene.Patients/methods:  Patch testing was performed in dermatitis patients and controls with sequentially diluted concentrations of oxidized and non‐oxidized linalool, and oxidized and non‐oxidized R‐limonene. Readings were made with visual assessment and using laser Doppler imaging.Results:  The non‐oxidized terpenes were non‐irritating in all tested concentrations. Both linalool and especially R‐limonene were more irritating after oxidation compared with the pure compounds. No difference in response was seen between dermatitis patients and controls.Conclusion:  Autoxidation of the fragrance terpenes linalool and R‐limonene increases irritation. Oxidized linalool is less irritating than oxidized R‐limonene. In this study, we found no advantages in using laser Doppler technique compared with visual assessment.
Karyotype complements the International Prognostic Scoring System for primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Hussein Kebede , Huang Jocelin , Lasho Terra , Pardanani Animesh , Mesa Ruben A. , Williamson Cynthia M. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Hanson Curtis A. , Van Dyke Daniel L. , Tefferi Ayalew 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:  The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) for primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is based on five independent predictors of inferior survival: age >65 yr, hemoglobin <10 g/dL, leukocyte count >25 × 109/L, circulating blasts ≥1%, and presence of constitutional symptoms. The presence of 0, 1, 2, and ≥3 adverse factors defines low, intermediate‐1, intermediate‐2, and high risk disease, respectively. We examined the additional prognostic relevance of karyotype.Methods:  World Health Organization criteria were used for PMF diagnosis. Only patients with bone marrow cytogenetic studies at the time or within 1 yr of diagnosis and a minimum of 20 evaluable metaphases were considered. Cytogenetic findings were categorized as ‘normal’ vs. ‘abnormal’ or ‘favorable’ (normal or with sole abnormalities of 13q− or 20q−) vs. ‘unfavorable’ (all other abnormalities).Results:  A total of 109 patients were studied (median age 63 yr). Numbers of patients in the above‐listed four IPSS risk groups were 26, 31, 28, and 24, respectively. Cytogenetic results were abnormal in 33% of the patients and unfavorable in 21%. At a median follow‐up of 35 months, 45 (41%) deaths were recorded. ‘Unfavorable’ (P = 0.008) but not ‘abnormal’ (P = 0.19) karyotype predicted shortened survival and its significance remained on multivariable analysis that included the IPSS or other prognostic tools as covariates. JAK2V617F, detected in 63 (58%) patients, was inconsequential to survival.Conclusions:  In PMF, specific cytogenetic abnormalities and not the mere presence of an abnormal karyotype provide important prognostic information that is not accounted for by the IPSS or other established risk factors.
Evaluation of Adjuvant Doxorubicin‐Based Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Feline Mammary Carcinoma
Authors: McNeill C.J. , Sorenmo K.U. , Shofer F.S. , Gibeon L. , Durham A.C. , Barber L.G. , Baez J.L. , Overley B. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Feline mammary carcinomas (FMC) are locally invasive and highly metastatic tumors. Because of the high metastatic potential, patients often are treated with adjuvant doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy, but little data exist to evaluate the effect of this strategy.Hypothesis:Adjuvant doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy improves outcome for FMC compared with surgery alone.Animals:Cats with naturally occurring, biopsy‐confirmed FMC treated with either surgery alone (Sx) or with surgery plus adjuvant doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy (Sx + Chemo).Methods:Retrospective cohort study. Clinical data were collected and compared to identify differences between groups. Outcome results were determined and compared. Prognostic factors for disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival were evaluated.Results:Seventy‐three cats were evaluated, of which 37 were in the Sx group and 36 in the Sx + Chemo group. No differences in clinical data were found between Sx and Sx + Chemo groups. Median DFS times for the Sx and Sx + Chemo groups were 372 and 676 days, respectively (P= .15) and median survival times (ST) were 1,406 and 848 days, respectively (P= .78). For cats that underwent a unilateral radical mastectomy, ST was significantly longer for the Sx + Chemo compared with the Sx group (1,998 versus 414 days, respectively;P= .03).Conclusions and Clinical Importance:This study did not find a benefit to adjuvant doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy in cats with FMC. Additional studies are required to determine whether patient subgroups with negative prognostic factors may benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
CYP2B6
G516T Polymorphism but Not Rifampin Coadministration Influences Steady-State Pharmacokinetics of Efavirenz in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients in South India
Authors: Ramachandran Geetha , Hemanth Kumar A. K. , Rajasekaran Sikhamani , Kumar P. , Ramesh K. , Anitha S. , Narendran G. , Menon Pradeep , Gomathi C. , Swaminathan Soumya 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

The dose of efavirenz during concomitant rifampin (RMP) administration is a matter of debate. We studied the influence of RMP coadministration on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of efavirenz in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients in South India. Fifty-seven HIV-tuberculosis (TB)-coinfected and 15 HIV-1-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (CART) with an efavirenz (600 mg once daily)-containing regimen were recruited. HIV-TB-coinfected patients were receiving treatment with RMP-containing regimens. A complete pharmacokinetic study was conducted with 19 HIV-TB patients on two occasions (with and without RMP). Trough concentrations of efavirenz were measured in the remaining 38 patients during RMP coadministration. The 15 HIV-infected patients underwent complete pharmacokinetic sampling on one occasion. Plasma efavirenz was estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography, and genotyping of
CYP2B6
G516T polymorphism was performed by sequencing. Peak and trough concentrations and exposure to efavirenz were significantly higher in TT than in GT and GG genotype patients (
P
< 0.001). Although RMP coadministration decreased the peak and trough concentrations and exposure to efavirenz by 17.8, 20.4, and 18.6%, respectively, the differences were not statistically significant. The trough concentration of efavirenz was subtherapeutic (less than 1.0 μg/ml) in 6 (8%) of 72 patients. In this South Indian population of HIV-infected patients,
CYP2B6
G516T polymorphism but not RMP coadministration significantly influenced the pharmacokinetics of efavirenz; patients with the TT genotype had very high blood levels of efavirenz. While a small proportion of patients had subtherapeutic efavirenz levels, the clinical implications are uncertain, as all had good immunological responses to CART.
Genome Expression Analyses Revealing the Modulation of the
Salmonella
Rcs Regulon by the Attenuator IgaA
Authors: Mariscotti Javier F. , García-del Portillo Francisco 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Intracellular growth attenuator A (IgaA) was identified as a
Salmonella enterica
regulator limiting bacterial growth inside fibroblasts. Genetic evidence further linked IgaA to repression of the RcsCDB regulatory system, which responds to envelope stress. How IgaA attenuates this system is unknown. Here, we present genome expression profiling data of
S. enterica
serovar Typhimurium
igaA
mutants grown at high osmolarity and displaying exacerbated Rcs responses. Transcriptome data revealed that IgaA attenuates gene expression changes requiring phosphorylated RcsB (RcsB∼P) activity. Some RcsB-regulated genes,
yciGFE
and STM1862 (
pagO
)-STM1863-STM1864, were equally expressed in wild-type and
igaA
strains, suggesting a maximal expression at low levels of RcsB∼P. Other genes, such as
metB
,
ypeC
,
ygaC
,
glnK
,
glnP
,
napA
,
glpA
, and
nirB
, were shown for the first time and by independent methods to be regulated by the RcsCDB system. Interestingly, IgaA-deficient strains with reduced RcsC or RcsD levels exhibited different Rcs responses and distinct virulence properties.
spv
virulence genes were differentially expressed in most of the analyzed strains.
spvA
expression required RcsB and IgaA but, unexpectedly, was also impaired upon stimulation of the RcsC→RcsD→RcsB phosphorelay. Overproduction of either RcsB
+
or a nonphosphorylatable RcsB(D56Q) variant in strains displaying low
spvA
expression unveiled that both dephosphorylated RcsB and RcsB∼P are required for optimal
spvA
expression. Taken together, our data support a model with IgaA attenuating the RcsCDB system by favoring the switch of RcsB∼P to the dephosphorylated state. This role of IgaA in constantly fine-tuning the RcsB∼P/RcsB ratio may ensure the proper expression of important virulence factors, such as the Spv proteins.
LE PROBLÈME DE LEHMER ABÉLIEN POUR UN MODULE DE DRINFEL'D
Authors: DAVID SINNOU , PACHECO AMÍLCAR 
Published: January 2009

Let ϕ be a Drinfel'd module defined over a finite extension K of 𝔽q(T); we establish a uniform lower bound for the canonical height of a point of ϕ, rational over the maximal abelian extension of K, and thus solve the so-called abelian version of the Lehmer problem in this situation. The classical original problem (a non torsion point in 𝔾m(ℚab)) was solved by Amoroso and Dvornicich [1].Soit ϕ un module de Drinfel'd défini sur une extension finie K de 𝔽q(T); nous démontrons une minoration uniforme pour la hauteur canonique d'un point de ϕ, rationnel sur l'extension abélienne maximale de K, et résolvons ainsi la version dite abélienne du problème de Lehmer dans cette situation. Dans le cadre classique (un point d'ordre infini de 𝔾m(ℚab)), cette question a été résolue par Amoroso et Dvornicich dans [1].
The Power-Conflict Story: a Synopsis
Authors: Kadera Kelly M. 
Published: January 2009

The focus of this article is the development of a differential equations model that integrates balance of power and power transition theories. This integration is achieved by proposing three different conditions, each of which is associated with specialized conflict behavior. Extrapolation from the traditional theories' arguments about war to the forces governing the ebb and flow of conflict is another integration technique. Most notably, the formal model predicts three types of power transitions: deflections, tortoise and hare transitions, and single transitions. Only the single transition is similar to the type of transition predicted by power transition theory. The other two types are important because they account for unsuccessful challenges. Important differences in conflict patterns also distinguish the three transition types from one another. The model also makes predictions concerning the relationship between two rivals' conflict levels and the timing of conflict peaks. Using a case study for each of the three types of transitions, the predictions are tested using MID data supplemented with historical analyses. Empirical support is strong. Substantive conclusions include recommendations for slowing rates of reaction, cautions concerning the dangers of the post-transition phase, and advice for tortoises to conserve their resources. This project also advocates the usefulness of a broader collection of events data than is currently available and the possible need for variables that trace the evolution of bonds that tie nations together.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism in arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia: is DD genotype helpful in predicting syncope risk?
Authors: Ozben Beste , Altun Ibrahim , Sabri Hancer Veysel , Bilge Ahmet Kaya , Tanrikulu Azra Meryem , Diz-Kucukkaya Reyhan , Fak Ali Serdar , Yilmaz Ercument , Adalet Kamil 
Published: January 2009

Introduction. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a heritable disorder characterised by fibrofatty replacement of right ventricular myocytes and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism affects myocardialACE levels. DD genotype favours myocardial fibrosis and is associated with malignant ventricular tachycardia.The aim of this study was to explore ACE gene polymorphism inARVD patients. Methods. Twenty-nine patients with ARVD and 24 controls were included.AllARVD patients had documented sustained ventricular tachycardia. Thirteen patients had syncopal episodes. Six patients were resuscitated from sudden cardiac death.ACE gene polymorphism was identified by polymerase chain reaction technique. Results. There was no significant difference in DD genotype frequency between ARVD patients and controls (44.8% vs. 45.8%, p=0.94). However, DD genotype frequency was significantly higher in ARVD patients with syncopal episodes compared to those without syncope (69.2% vs. 25.0%, p=0.017, odds ratio:6.750,95% confidence interval: 1.318—34.565). DD genotype was detected in higher frequency also in patients with a family history of sudden cardiac death (66.7% vs. 39.1%,p=0.36). Conclusion. High prevalence of DD genotype in ARVD patients with syncope suggests that ACE I/D polymorphism might be useful in identifying high-risk patients for syncope.
A new method to compute K-mer frequencies and its application to annotate large repetitive plant genomes
Authors: Kurtz Stefan , Narechania Apurva , Stein Joshua C , Ware Doreen 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
The challenges of accurate gene prediction and enumeration are further aggravated in large genomes that contain highly repetitive transposable elements (TEs). Yet TEs play a substantial role in genome evolution and are themselves an important subject of study. Repeat annotation, based on counting occurrences of k-mers, has been previously used to distinguish TEs from low-copy genic regions; but currently available software solutions are impractical due to high memory requirements or specialization for specific user-tasks.

Results
Here we introduce the Tallymer software, a flexible and memory-efficient collection of programs for k-mer counting and indexing of large sequence sets. Unlike previous methods, Tallymer is based on enhanced suffix arrays. This gives a much larger flexibility concerning the choice of the k-mer size. Tallymer can process large data sizes of several billion bases. We used it in a variety of applications to study the genomes of maize and other plant species. In particular, Tallymer was used to index a set of whole genome shotgun sequences from maize (B73) (total size 109 bp.). We analyzed k-mer frequencies for a wide range of k. At this low genome coverage (≈ 0.45×) highly repetitive 20-mers constituted 44% of the genome but represented only 1% of all possible k-mers. Similar low-complexity was seen in the repeat fractions of sorghum and rice. When applying our method to other maize data sets, High-C
0
t derived sequences showed the greatest enrichment for low-copy sequences. Among annotated TEs, the most highly repetitive were of the Ty3/gypsy class of retrotransposons, followed by the Ty1/copia class, and DNA transposons. Among expressed sequence tags (EST), a notable fraction contained high-copy k-mers, suggesting that transposons are still active in maize. Retrotransposons in Mo17 and McC cultivars were readily detected using the B73 20-mer frequency index, indicating their conservation despite extensive rearrangement across cultivars. Among one hundred annotated bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), k-mer frequency could be used to detect transposon-encoded genes with 92% sensitivity, compared to 96% using alignment-based repeat masking, while both methods showed 92% specificity.

Conclusion
The Tallymer software was effective in a variety of applications to aid genome annotation in maize, despite limitations imposed by the relatively low coverage of sequence available. For more information on the software, see http://www.zbh.uni-hamburg.de/Tallymer.
The first case of isolated facial cutanenous leishmaniasis in a Down syndrome infant: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Abass Kotb , Saad Hekma , Abd-Elsayed Alaa A 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
Cutaneous leishmaniasis can be caused by several Leishmania species and is transmitted to human beings and animals by sand flies, Down syndrome is known to cause immunodeficiency that might lead to increase the susceptibility to infection with Leishmania.
Up to our knowledge this is the first case of isolated facial cutaneous leshmaniasis in association with Down syndrome.

Case presentation
A 2 month old Saudi Arabian male infant was admitted in the pediatric ward of maternity and children's hospital, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the management of multiple ulcers on his face, two ulcers were big and were surrounded by edema, causing severe disfigurement. This disfigurement caused difficulty in recognizing the facial feature of Down syndrome. The presence of hypotonia, microcephaly, low set ears, bilateral simian creases and wide separation between big toe and other toes directed us to request karyotyping. The result of karyotyping confirmed the diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Conclusion
Children with Down syndrome are immunodeficient, they have been reported to have a complex of immunological alterations which might lead to increased susceptibility to infection.
Rel A Is an Independent Biomarker of Clinical Outcome in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Hewamana Saman , Lin Thet Thet , Rowntree Clare , Karunanithi Kamaraj , Pratt Guy , Hills Robert , Fegan Chris , Brennan Paul , Pepper Chris 
Published: January 2009

Purpose We recently demonstrated the biologic importance of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) subunit Rel A in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and hypothesized that Rel A DNA binding would have prognostic significance in this disease. Patients and Methods Rel A DNA binding was quantified in nuclear extracts derived from 131 unselected CLL patient samples using a quantitative DNA-binding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay–based method. We then investigated the ability of Rel A to predict for the requirement for treatment and survival and compared our findings with other established prognostic markers. Results Rel A DNA binding was strongly associated with advanced Binet stage (P < .0001) but did not correlate with immunoglobulin VH (IgVH) mutation status (P = .25), CD38 expression (P = .87), or zeta-chain–associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP-70) expression (P = .55). It was predictive of time to first treatment (P = .02) and time to subsequent treatment (P = .0001). In addition, Rel A was the most predictive marker of survival both from date of diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 9.1; P = .01) and date of entry into the study (HR, 3.9; P = .05) and retained prognostic significance in multivariate analysis for both time to first treatment and overall survival in the presence of Binet stage, IgVH mutation status, CD38, and ZAP-70. Conclusion Rel A is an independent prognostic marker of survival in CLL and seems to have the unique capacity to predict the duration of response to therapy. Prospective assessment of Rel A as a marker of clinical outcome and as a therapeutic target are now warranted.
An In-vitro Investigation of the Effects of Variable Operating Parameters on Alumina Air-abrasion Cutting Characteristics
Authors: Paolinelis G. , Banerjee A. , Watson T. F. 
Published: January 2009

Clinical Relevance
Changing air-abrasion operating parameters has an effect on the cutting rate and, ultimately, the depth and shape of cavities produced in Macor (an enamel analogue).