bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complement receptor 1 single nucleotide polymorphisms in Czech and Dutch patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Mrazek F. , Kvezereli M. , Garr E. , Kubistova Z. , Kriegova E. , Fillerova R. , Arakelyan A. , Ruven H. J. T. , Drabek J. , Van Den Bosch J. M. M. , Kolek V. , Welsh K. I. , Grutters J. C. , Du Bois R. M. , Petrek M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractA single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) C5507G of the complement receptor 1 (CR1) gene has been associated with genetic susceptibility to sarcoidosis in an Italian population. In order to provide further data on the possible involvement of CR1 gene polymorphisms in sarcoidosis, CR1 SNPs C5507G and A3650G were investigated in Czech (n = 210) and Dutch (n = 116) patients with sarcoidosis with ethnically matched groups of healthy control subjects (Czech, n = 203; Dutch, n = 112). CR1 C5507G and A3650G SNPs were not associated with susceptibility to sarcoidosis or its clinical course. Further, CR1 messenger RNA expression in bronchoalveolar lavage cells investigated by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction did not differ between sarcoidosis patients and control subjects and was not associated with the presence of the CR1 5507*G allele.
Evolution of the isochore structure in the scale of chromosome: insight from the mutation bias and fixation bias
Authors: LI M.‐K. , GU L. , CHEN S.‐S. , DAI J.‐Q. , TAO S.‐H. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractFollowing the development of reliable methods for inferring the direction of mutations of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and the revealing of the human isochore map, it has become possible to investigate the evolution of the isochore structure in a continuous region. In this study, the recent evolution of the isochore structure on human chromosome 18, as inferred from the SNP, was examined. A remarkable mutation bias was found, which was destroying the present isochore structure. However, a fixation bias contributed by the biased gene conversion (BGC) effect and a rising fixation probability of derived alleles with increasing GC content was extending the present isochore structure. Combining the two opposing processes, the old isochore structure was declining and a more homogenous isochore structure with higher GC content was being formed on the chromosome. During this process, both the CpG and genic sites, which were present in the isochore but were paid little attention to before, played an important role. In addition, the recombination was confirmed to promote the GC alleles fixed in the genome because of the BGC effect. For the first time, it was observed that with the occurrence of little recombination, AT alleles had the identical fixation probability with GC alleles in the recombination cold spots.
Human (non‐severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus infections in hospitalised children in France
Authors: Vabret Astrid , Dina Julia , Gouarin Stéphanie , Petitjean Joëlle , Tripey Valérie , Brouard Jacques , Freymuth François 
Published: November 2007

Aim:  This study has two objectives: to study the clinical symptoms associated with the detection of the four human coronaviruses (HCoVs), 229E, OC43, NL63 and HKU1 types, in the respiratory specimens sampled from hospitalised children in France between September 2004 and May 2005; and to develop a multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay allowing for the simultaneous detection of the four HCoVs.Methods:  1002 respiratory specimens were tested for HCoVs. The clinical and epidemiological data were compared on the basis of the type HCoV infection.Results:  A hundred coronaviruses, 33 NL63, 2229E, 27 OC43 and 38 HKU1, were detected in 97 (9.8%) of 1002 samples negative in routine tests. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the study children were compared in three groups, 24 OC43‐, 27 NL63‐ and 34 HKU1‐infected children. HCoVs were identified mainly in children with upper and lower respiratory tract infections (50.5% vs. 29.4%). The significant difference in clinical presentation between the three coronavirus groups was the very low association between lower respiratory tract illness and HKU1 detection.Conclusions:  HCoV detection in hospitalised children without any other respiratory virus detection was associated with upper and a significant rate of lower respiratory tract illness. The four types of HCoVs were detected, and new types NL63 and HKU1 represented a substantial portion of detection. The multiplex RT‐PCR enabled a sensitive one‐time detection and the characterisation of all of the known HCoV types with the exception severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus.
Polypharmacy management among Australian veterans: improving prescribing through the Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ prescriber feedback programme
Authors: Woodward M. C. , Streeton C. L. , Guttmann A. , Killer G. T. , Peck R. W. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground:  Older patients are potentially at risk from the effects of polypharmacy (PP) and/or drug–drug interactions.Aims:  To examine the effects of a targeted patient‐specific prescriber feedback programme on patients prescribed more than 19 individual medications over the 3‐month study period.Methods:  The Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs commissioned a review of Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme claims data to identify patients potentially at risk of drug injury through either PP (≥20 unique medications during 3 months) or clinically significant drug interactions (DI). Dispensing information for the patient at risk, relevant clinical guidelines and a personalized covering letter were mailed to the main prescribing general practitioner of the identified veteran patient. The claims data were then re‐analysed after the programme.Results:  There was a significant reduction in the mean number of unique medications prescribed over a 3‐month period 1 year after the prescriber feedback (mean change = −2.22; 95% confidence interval −3.54 to −0.90; P = 0.0013) for patients identified with ongoing PP. There was also a significant reduction in the number of DI pairs (mean change = −0.73; 95% confidence interval −0.77 to −0.69; P < 0.0001) for the patients identified with an ongoing DI. The number of patients dispensed one or more DI pairs decreased from 836 to 318 after the feedback.Conclusion:  A targeted prescriber feedback programme can influence general practitioner prescribing at an individual patient level and, therefore, contribute to the quality use of medicines.
Unpredictable feeding schedules unmask a system for daily resetting of behavioural and metabolic food entrainment
Authors: Escobar Carolina , Martínez‐Merlos Ma Teresa , Angeles‐Castellanos Manuel , Del Carmen Miñana María , Buijs Ruud M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractRestricted feeding schedules (RFS) are a potent Zeitgeber that uncouples daily metabolic and clock gene oscillations in peripheral tissues from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which remains entrained to the light–dark cycle. Under RFS, animals develop food anticipatory activity (FAA), characterized by arousal and increased locomotion. Food availability in nature is not precise, which suggests that animals need to adjust their food‐associated activity on a daily basis. This study explored the capacity of rats to adjust to variable and unpredictable feeding schedules. Rats were exposed either to RFS with fixed daily meal (RF) or to a variable meal time (VAR) during the light phase. RF and VAR rats exhibited daily metabolic oscillations driven by the last meal event; however, VAR rats were not able to show a robust adjustment in the anticipating corticosterone peak. VAR rats were unable to exhibit FAA but exhibited a daily activation pattern in phase with the previous meal. In both groups the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and arcuate nucleus, involved in energy balance, exhibited increased c‐Fos expression 24 h after the last meal, while only RF rats exhibited low c‐Fos expression in the SCN. Data show that metabolic and behavioural food‐entrained rhythms can be reset on a daily basis; the two conditions elicit a similar hypothalamic response, while only the SCN is inhibited in rats exhibiting anticipatory activity. The variable feeding strategy uncovered a rapid (24‐h basis) resetting mechanism for metabolism and general behaviour.
Differential expression of PKC beta II in the rat organ of Corti
Authors: Ladrech S. , Wang J. , Boukhaddaoui H. , Puel J. L. , Eybalin M. , Lenoir M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractTo investigate a possible involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) in cochlear efferent neurotransmission, we studied the expression of the calcium‐dependent PKC beta II isoform in the rat organ of Corti at different postnatal ages using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy. We found evidence of PKC beta II as early as postnatal day (PND) 5 in efferent axons running in the inner spiral bundle and in Hensen cells. At PND 8, we also found PKC beta II in efferents targeting outer hair cells (OHCs), and a slight detection at the synaptic pole in the first row of the basal and middle cochlear turns. At PND 12, PKC beta II expression declined in the efferent fibres contacting OHCs, whereas expression was concentrated at the postsynaptic membrane, from the basal and middle turns. The adult‐like pattern of PKC beta II distribution was observed at PND 20. Throughout the cochlea, we found PKC beta II expression in the Hensen cells, non‐sensory cells involved in potassium re‐cycling, and lateral efferent terminals of the inner spiral bundle. In addition, we observed expression in OHCs at the postsynaptic membrane facing the endings of the medial efferent system, with the exception of some OHCs located in the most apical region of the cochlea. These data therefore suggest an involvement of PKC beta II in both cochlear efferent neurotransmission and ion homeostasis. Among other functions, PKC beta II could play a role in the efferent control of OHC activity.
Differential contribution of GABAergic and glycinergic components to inhibitory synaptic transmission in lamina II and laminae III–IV of the young rat spinal cord
Authors: Inquimbert Perrine , Rodeau Jean‐Luc , Schlichter Rémy 
Published: November 2007

AbstractUsing whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings from spinal cord slices of young (10–15 days old) rats, we have characterized and compared the properties of inhibitory synaptic transmission in lamina II and laminae III–IV of the dorsal horn, which are involved in the processing of nociceptive and non‐nociceptive sensory information, respectively. All (100%) of laminae III–IV neurons, but only 55% of lamina II neurons, received both γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glycinergic inputs. The remaining 45% of lamina II neurons received only GABAergic synapses. Neurons receiving only glycinergic synapses were never observed. Among the 55% of lamina II neurons receiving both GABAergic and glycinergic inputs, all displayed a small proportion (∼10%) of mixed miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), indicating the presence of a functional GABA/glycine co‐transmission at a subset of synapses. Such a co‐transmission was never observed in laminae III–IV neurons. The presence of mixed mIPSCs and the differences in decay kinetics of GABAA‐type receptor mIPSCs between lamina II and laminae III–IV were due to the endogenous tonic production of 3α5α‐reduced steroids (3α5α‐RS) in lamina II. Stimulation of the local production of 3α5α‐RS was possible in laminae III–IV after incubation of slices with progesterone, subcutaneous injection of progesterone or induction of a peripheral inflammation. This led to the prolongation of GABAergic mIPSCs, but failed to induce the appearance of mixed mIPSCs in laminae III–IV. Our results indicate that, compared with lamina II, inhibitory synaptic transmission in laminae III–IV is characterized by a dominant role of glycinergic inhibition and the absence of a functional GABA/glycine co‐transmission.
Characterization and synaptic connectivity of melanopsin‐containing ganglion cells in the primate retina
Authors: Jusuf Patricia R. , Lee Sammy C. S. , Hannibal Jens , Grünert Ulrike 
Published: November 2007

AbstractMelanopsin is a photopigment expressed in retinal ganglion cells, which are intrinsically photosensitive and are also involved in retinal circuits arising from rod and cone photoreceptors. This circuitry, however, is poorly understood. Here, we studied the morphology, distribution and synaptic input to melanopsin‐containing ganglion cells in a New World monkey, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). The dendrites of melanopsin‐containing cells in marmoset stratify either close to the inner nuclear layer (outer stratifying), or close to the ganglion cell layer (inner stratifying). The dendritic fields of outer‐stratifying cells tile the retina, with little overlap. However, the dendritic fields of outer‐stratifying cells largely overlap with the dendritic fields of inner‐stratifying cells. Thus, inner‐stratifying and outer‐stratifying cells may form functionally independent populations. The synaptic input to melanopsin‐containing cells was determined using synaptic markers (antibodies to C‐terminal binding protein 2, CtBP2, for presumed bipolar synapses, and antibodies to gephyrin for presumed amacrine synapses). Both outer‐stratifying and inner‐stratifying cells show colocalized immunoreactive puncta across their entire dendritic tree for both markers. The density of CtBP2 puncta on inner dendrites was about 50% higher than that on outer dendrites. The density of gephyrin puncta was comparable for outer and inner dendrites but higher than the density of CtBP2 puncta. The inner‐stratifying cells may receive their input from a type of diffuse bipolar cell (DB6). Our results are consistent with the idea that both outer and inner melanopsin cells receive bipolar and amacrine input across their dendritic tree.
Variations of the internal pudendal artery as a congenital contributing factor to age at onset of erectile dysfunction in Japanese
Authors: Kawanishi Yasuo , Muguruma Hiroshi , Sugiyama Hiroaki , Kagawa Junichirou , Tanimoto Syuji , Yamanaka Masahito , Kojima Keiji , Numata Akira , Kishimoto Tomoteru , Nakanishi Ryoichi , Kanayama Hiro‐omi 
Published: November 2007

Associate EditorMichael G. WyllieEditorial BoardIan Eardley, UKJean Fourcroy, USASidney Glina, BrazilJulia Heiman, USAChris McMahon, AustraliaBob Millar, UKAlvaro Morales, CanadaMichael Perelman, USAMarcel Waldinger, NetherlandsOBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between variations of the pelvic artery arrangement and the age at erectile dysfunction (ED) onset, as some men develop ED while relatively young, while others maintain erectile function into old age despite having cardiovascular diseases, thus congenital factors might be involved.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe examined 290 units of internal iliac arteries (IIA) in 145 patients showing repeated incomplete erectile response to intracavernosal injections with prostaglandin E1. Patients with cardiovascular risk factors, neurological disease or pelvic injury were excluded. The pelvic artery arrangement, evaluated by three‐dimensional computed tomographic angiography, was classified anatomically into five types: Type 1 (normal or basic type), in which the internal pudendal artery (IPA) originates from the anterior trunk at the level between the linea terminalis and the major ischial notch; Type 2, the IPA originates from the anterior trunk of the IIA at the level of the major ischial notch or more distally; Type 3, the IPA originates directly from the IIA at a level proximal to the linea terminalis; Type 4, the IPA originates together with the superior and inferior gluteal artery within 1 cm of each other; and Type 5, the penile blood supply is dependent on arteries other than the IPA, such as the obturator artery.RESULTSAmong the 290 units, eight could not be classified due to poor image quality. There were no statistically significant differences in blood flow parameters among the types of IIAs, but there was a statistically significant difference in the IPA type at the age of onset of ED. Type 1 (153 units or 53%) anatomy, was more common in patients who developed ED at an advanced age. Types 2, 3 and 4 were more common in patients with onset of ED at an early age (log‐rank test P < 0.001, P = 0.044, P < 0.001, respectively). Compared with patients with the common type of IIAs bilaterally, patients with any of the variations bilaterally are at risk of early onset of ED (log‐rank test: P = 0.002).CONCLUSIONIn these anatomical studies, nearly half of all internal artery units are variations in type. Congenital factors might contribute to the development of ED. If a man has bilateral variation from the common type (Type 1), he might develop ED ≈10 years earlier than those who are identical in every way except for their IPA (Type 1) arrangements.
Immunocytology in the assessment of patients with painless gross haematuria
Authors: Schmitz‐Dräger Bernd , Tirsar Lenuta A. , Schmitz‐Dräger Claudia , Dörsam Joachim , Bismarck Ekkehardt , Ebert Thomas 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate, in a prospective study, the role of immunocytology in assessing patients with gross haematuria. Due to the high prevalence of urothelial cancer in this population, a thorough assessment is mandatory to identify all patients with tumours.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe used Ucyt® (DiagnoCure Inc., Quebec, Canada), a commercially available immunocytological assay based on the microscopic detection of tumour‐associated antigens on the membrane of urothelial cells by immunofluorescence. Between October 2000 and March 2007, 61 consecutive patients with a first episode of painless gross haematuria, but no previous transitional cell carcinoma, were included. Urine samples were obtained from all patients and examined cytologically and immunocytologically.RESULTSClinically (by physical examination, laboratory tests, endoscopy and imaging) there was bladder cancer in 17 patients (28%); further diagnoses were benign prostatic enlargement (20, 33%), urinary tract infection (seven, 12%), urolithiasis (two, 3%), and ‘further conditions’ (seven, 12%). In 10 patients (16%) the reasons for haematuria were not disclosed. Of the 61 samples, 59 (97%) were assessable by cytology and immunocytology. For cystoscopy, immunocytology and conventional urine cytology the sensitivity was 76%, 88% and 47%, and the specificity 100%, 77% and 95%, respectively. Two bladder tumours were not detected by cystoscopy and immunocytology (one each), and two upper urinary tract tumours were diagnosed by imaging and immunocytology.CONCLUSIONSThe combination of cystoscopy and immunocytology gave 100% sensitivity, while combining cystoscopy and cytology only marginally improved the sensitivity of cystoscopy alone. As sensitivity appears to be of key relevance in assessing patients with gross haematuria, we suggest adding immunocytology to the diagnostic protocol in this situation.
Lipids, lipoproteins and the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia in community‐dwelling men
Authors: Parsons J. Kellogg , Bergstrom Jaclyn , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVETo examine the associations of serum lipids and lipoproteins with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in community‐dwelling men.SUBJECTS AND METHODSThis analysis was conducted within the Rancho Bernardo Study, a prospective, community‐based cohort study. BPH was defined as a history of prostate surgery for other than cancer, or a medical diagnosis of BPH. Logistic regression modelling, with adjustments for age and stratification by diabetes diagnosis, was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of BPH associated with fasting serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and the triglyceride to HDL ratio.RESULTSAmong 531 eligible participants, 259 (48%) reported BPH and 272 (52%) reported no BPH. Men with BPH, with a mean (range) age of 75.8 (76.1–80.1) years, were older than men without BPH , at 72.7 (72.4–74.0) years. There were no significant associations of total cholesterol (P trend, 0.52), HDL cholesterol (0.56), triglycerides (0.30), or triglyceride to HDL ratio (0.13) with the risk of BPH. In a subset analysis in men with diabetes, those in the highest tertile (>133 mg/dL) of LDL cholesterol, compared with those in the lowest tertile (<110 mg/dL), were four times more likely to have BPH (odds ratio 4.00, 95% confidence interval 1.27–12.63, P trend 0.02). These results were not explained by the use of statins.CONCLUSIONSIn these community‐dwelling men, higher serum LDL was associated with a greater risk of BPH among diabetics. These data suggest that diabetic men with increased LDL cholesterol are at greater risk of BPH. This observation is consistent with the concept that cardiac risk factors are involved with the pathogenesis of BPH.
African NGOs: The New Compradors?
Authors: Hearn Julie 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTIn the course of the last twenty‐five years, Africa has witnessed an astounding growth in the number and influence of non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) in general, and more recently of African NGOs in particular. Initially, the literature on this was dominated by the concerns of the policy‐making and NGO communities, drawing on liberal pluralist theory. Lately, an independent, critical literature has developed based on substantial empirical research. Its findings make for uncomfortable reading. They document the essential lack of autonomy of local non‐state actors and their very close relationship to Northern governments. This essay argues that the position of NGOs must be theorized within the wider context of the global political economy of the continent. With this in mind, it investigates the rationale for using a comprador perspective to understand the contemporary role of African NGOs.
Imperial Geopolitics and the Promise of Democracy
Authors: Slater David 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTIn the context of the growing interest in questions of Empire, this essay sets out to explore certain elements of the significant relation between imperial geopolitics and the promise of democracy. The conceptual and historical setting is focused on the United States and its relations with Latin America. The essay has three sections: first there is a discussion of some of the salient specificities of the US with regard to its encounters with the Latin South; second, the phenomenon of geopolitical interventionism is considered as a key reflection of imperial power; and thirdly the complex relations between geopolitics and democracy are briefly explored.
Globalization from Below: Free Software and Alternatives to Neoliberalism
Authors: Schoonmaker Sara 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTThis article explores one of the central struggles over the politics of globalization: forging alternatives to neoliberalism by developing new forms of globalization from below. It focuses on a unique facet of this struggle, rooted in the centrality of information technologies for global trade and production, as well as new forms of media and digital culture. The analysis has four main parts: examining the key role of software as a technological infrastructure for diverse forms of globalization; conceptualizing the contradictory implications of three software business models for realizing the utopian potential of digital technology to develop forms of globalization from below; exploring how three free and open source software business models were put into practice by Red Hat, IBM and the Free Software Foundation; and analysing Brazilian software policy as a form of globalization from below that challenges the historical dominance of the global North and seeks to develop new forms of digital inclusion and digital culture.