bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sabre Yachts: a case study
Authors: Sherman Herbert , Leach Thomas C. , Rowley Daniel J. 
Published: September 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze Sabre Yachts, a firm that manufactures specialty sail and power boats.Design/methodology/approachA case research method including field interviews and secondary research was carried out. The case describes the dilemma that the Marketing Manager, Bentley Collins of Sabre Yachts faced in developing a profitable marketing mix given the firm's competitors, product line, industry and national economic trends and provides an analysis of the situation through structured case questions and answers.FindingsSabre decided to “stick to the knitting” (Peters and Waterman) and not expand geographically, as the authors suggested, into the largest state market segments. Instead, they took a more conservative approach and expanded their product line which expanded the breadth of their market into other boat market (size) segments.Originality/valueThe case analysis applies strategic management and marketing concepts to a specific real‐life business situation and demonstrates the value of using theory in practice.
Risk factors for sebaceous gland diseases and their relationship to gastrointestinal dysfunction in Han adolescents
Authors: ZHANG Hong , LIAO Wanqing , CHAO Woon , CHEN Qiaoling , ZENG Hanxiang , WU Chipeng , WU Shaoxi , HO Hon In 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTSebaceous gland diseases are a group of common dermatological diseases with multiple causes. To date, a systematic report of the risk factors for sebaceous gland diseases in adolescents has not been published. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors for certain sebaceous gland diseases (seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, androgenetic alopecia and rosacea) and their relationship to gastrointestinal dysfunction in adolescents. From August–October, 2002–2005, a questionnaire survey was carried out to obtain epidemiological data about sebaceous gland diseases. Using random cluster sampling, 13 215 Han adolescents aged 12–20 years were recruited from four countries or districts (Macau; Guangzhou, China; Malaysia; and Indonesia). The statistical software SPSS ver. 13.0 was used to analyze the data. The prevalence of seborrhea, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, androgenetic alopecia and rosacea was 28.27%, 10.17%, 51.03%, 1.65% and 0.97%, respectively. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk factors for sebaceous gland diseases included: age; duration of local residency; halitosis; gastric reflux; abdominal bloating; constipation; sweet food; spicy food; family history of acne; late night sleeping on a daily basis; excessive axillary, body and facial hair; excessive periareolar hair; and anxiety. There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms (halitosis; gastric reflux; abdominal bloating; constipation) between patients with and without sebaceous gland diseases (χ2 = 150.743; P = 0.000). Gastrointestinal dysfunction is an important risk factor for diseases of the sebaceous glands and is correlated with their occurrence and development.
Review article: the evaluation of solitary liver masses
Authors: BAHIRWANI R. , REDDY K. R. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryBackground The increasing use of imaging modalities has led to the detection of more liver masses. The differential diagnosis of a focal liver mass includes a host of benign as well as malignant conditions.Aim To provide a comprehensive review on the commonly encountered liver masses, and to help guide an approach to their evaluation and management.Methods Pertinent literature that was identified through PubMed search and senior author’s experience formed the basis of this review.Results While most incidentally noted liver masses are benign, it may be difficult to differentiate them from those that are malignant. Furthermore, some benign lesions have malignant potential. Certain lesions such as focal nodular hyperplasia, haemangiomas and focal steatosis are often distinctly diagnosed by an imaging modality alone. The less frequently encountered hepatic adenomas are diagnosed radiologically in those with the appropriate clinical background and the absence of radiological features to suggest haemangioma or focal nodular hyperplasia.Conclusions A reasonable approach to the diagnosis, follow‐up and management of liver masses is based on a rudimentary knowledge of their presentation, associated clinical and laboratory features, natural history and available treatment options. Most often, the so called ‘incidentalomas’ are benign and require patient reassurance.
Genetic analysis, breed assignment and conservation priorities of three native Danish horse breeds
Authors: Thirstrup J. P. , Pertoldi C. , Loeschcke V. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryA genetic analysis was performed on three indigenous Danish horse breeds using 12 microsatellite markers from a standard kit for parental testing. These three breeds are all considered endangered based on their small population sizes. Genetic variation in these three breeds was comparable to other horse breeds in Europe, and they do not seem to be at immediate danger of extinction caused by genetic deterioration. The Knabstrupper breed had more genetic variation, as measured by expected heterozygosity and allelic richness, than the other two breeds (Frederiksborg and Jutland).FSTstatistics and population assignments confirmed population differentiation into three distinct breeds. The Frederiksborg and Knabstrupper breeds were closer to each other than to the Jutland breed. When establishing conservation priorities for the breeds, the priorities will depend on the conservation goals. Different methods for establishing conservation priorities are also discussed.
46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD)
Authors: Mendonca Berenice Bilharinho , Domenice Sorahia , Arnhold Ivo J. P. , Costa Elaine M. F. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe term disorders of sex development (DSD) includes congenital conditions in which development of chromosomal, gonadal or anatomical sex is atypical.Mutations in genes present in X, Y or autosomal chromosomes can cause abnormalities of testis determination or disorders of sex differentiation leading to 46,XY DSD. Detailed clinical phenotypes allow the identification of new factors that can alter the expression or function of mutated proteins helping to understand new undisclosed biochemical pathways. In this review we present an update on 46,XY DSD aetiology, diagnosis and treatment based on extensive review of the literature and our three decades of experience with these patients.
Mutations of maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) genes in Thais with early‐onset type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Plengvidhya Nattachet , Boonyasrisawat Watip , Chongjaroen Nalinee , Jungtrakoon Prapaporn , Sriussadaporn Sutin , Vannaseang Sathit , Banchuin Napatawn , Yenchitsomanus Pa‐thai 
Published: September 2008

SummaryObjective  Six known genes responsible for maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (MODY) were analysed to evaluate the prevalence of their mutations in Thai patients with MODY and early‐onset type 2 diabetes.Patients and methods  Fifty‐one unrelated probands with early‐onset type 2 diabetes, 21 of them fitted into classic MODY criteria, were analysed for nucleotide variations in promoters, exons, and exon–intron boundaries of six known MODY genes, including HNF‐4α, GCK, HNF‐1α, IPF‐1, HNF‐1β, and NeuroD1/β2, by the polymerase chain reaction‐single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) method followed by direct DNA sequencing. Missense mutations or mutations located in regulatory region, which were absent in 130 chromosomes of non‐diabetic controls, were classified as potentially pathogenic mutations.Results  We found that mutations of the six known MODY genes account for a small proportion of classic MODY (19%) and early‐onset type 2 diabetes (10%) in Thais. Five of these mutations are novel including GCK R327H, HNF‐1α P475L, HNF‐1αG554fsX556, NeuroD1–1972 G > A and NeuroD1 A322N. Mutations of IPF‐1 and HNF‐1β were not identified in the studied probands.Conclusions  Mutations of the six known MODY genes may not be a major cause of MODY and early‐onset type 2 diabetes in Thais. Therefore, unidentified genes await discovery in a majority of Thai patients with MODY and early‐onset type 2 diabetes.
Myocardial lipofuscin‐laden lysosomes contain the apoptosis marker caspase‐cleaved cytokeratin‐18
Authors: Soleiman A. , Lukschal A. , Hacker S. , Aumayr K. , Hoetzenecker K. , Lichtenauer M. , Moser B. , Untersmayr E. , Horvat R. , Ankersmit H. J. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTBackground  Acute coronary syndrome is related to increased circulatory concentration of soluble apoptosis specific caspase‐cleaved cytokeratin‐18 (ccCK‐18). Potential cardiac sources of this intermediate filament derivative have not been investigated to date.Materials and methods  Paraffin embedded tissue of normal myocardium, and chronically damaged samples of ischaemic, congestive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were analysed by histology and by CK‐8, CK‐18, ccCK‐18 immunohistochemistry (each group, n = 15). Antibody specificity of the ccCK‐18 antibody M30 was checked by immunoblotting on lysed myocardium and enriched myocardial lysosomes.Results  ccCK‐18 and CK‐18 but not CK‐8 were present in all forms of cardiomyopathy, most prominently in ischaemic cardiomyopathy while only traces were detectable immunohistochemically in normal myocardium. Weak CK‐18 and strong ccCK‐18 staining co‐localized to lysosomes with cardiac age pigment lipofuscin. Weak staining of CK‐18 was detected in the cytoplasm of coronary endothelia.Conclusion  Our study reveals that cardiac lipofuscin‐laden lysosomes contain ccCK‐18, a marker of apoptosis and its precursor CK‐18. This ccCK‐18 pool might contribute to increased systemic levels of ccCK‐18 in acute coronary syndrome thus monitoring myocardial damage.
Vascular cell responsiveness to Toll‐like receptor ligands in carotid atheroma
Authors: Erridge C. , Burdess A. , Jackson A. J. , Murray C. , Riggio M. , Lappin D. , Milligan S. , Spickett C. M. , Webb D. J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground  Atherosclerosis is potentiated by stimulation of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), which serve to detect pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). However little is known of which PAMPs may be present in atheroma, or capable of stimulating inflammatory signalling in vascular cells.Materials and Methods  DNA extracted from human carotid atheroma samples was amplified and sequenced using broad‐range 16S gene specific primers to establish historical exposure to bacterial PAMPs. Responsiveness of primary human arterial and venous endothelial and smooth muscle cells to PAMPs specific for each of the TLRs was assessed by measurement of interleukin‐8 secretion and E‐selectin expression.Results  Extracts of atheromatous tissue stimulated little or no signalling in TLR‐transfected HEK‐293 cells. However, sequencing of bacterial DNA amplified from carotid atheroma revealed the presence of DNA from 17 different bacterial genera, suggesting historical exposure to bacterial lipopeptide, lipopolysaccharide and flagellin. All cells examined were responsive to the ligands of TLR3 and TLR4, poly inosine:cytosine and lipopolysaccharide. Arterial cells were responsive to a wider range of PAMPs than venous cells, being additionally responsive to bacterial flagellin and unmethylated cytosine‐phosphate‐guanosine DNA motifs, the ligands of TLR5 and TLR9, respectively. Cells were generally unresponsive towards the ligands of human TLR7 and TLR8, loxoribine and single stranded RNA. Only coronary artery endothelial cells expressed TLR2 mRNA and responded to the TLR2 ligand Pam3CSK4.Conclusions  Vascular cells are responsive to a relatively diverse range of TLR ligands and may be exposed, at least transiently, to ligands of TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR9 during the development of carotid atheroma.
Postprandial intradialytic dysglycaemia and diabetes in maintenance haemodialysis patients
Authors: Haider D. G. , Fuhrmann H. , Kovarik J. , Heiss S. , Graf H. , Auinger M. , Mittermayer F. , Wolzt M. , Hörl W. H. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground  Although the risk of developing dysglycaemia has been investigated in different communities this incidence is poorly studied in patients on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD).Materials and methods  In a multicentre observational cohort study the occurrence of dysglycaemia was assessed in 239 primary normoglycaemic end stage renal disease (ERSD) patients on MHD. Dysglycaemia (fasting blood glucose > 110 mg dL−1, > 140 mg dL−1 2 h after food intake) or diabetes (fasting blood glucose > 126 mg dL−1 or > 200 mg dL−1 at any time) were defined according to WHO criteria and cases were compared with age matched controls within the cohort.Results  Dysglycaemia was found in 82 primary normoglycaemic ESRD patients (34%) within 31 months after initiation of MHD. In 31 of these patients type 2 diabetes was diagnosed. When compared with matched control MHD patients differences in body mass index (BMI), HbA1c and postprandial blood glucose were detectable (P < 0·05). Increments in 0·1% of HbA1c were related with 11% higher odds for dysglycaemia (P = 0·002). In a subgroup of 36 primary normoglycaemic MHD patients who developed dysglycaemia event‐free survival was 64%, 53%, 31%, 17% and 11% after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 years of haemodialysis treatment.Conclusion  Onset of dysglycaemia or diabetes is frequent in ESRD patients after onset of chronic haemodialysis. Routine measurement of blood glucose before and after haemodialysis should be implemented as a standard of care during MHD.
Breath analysis in patients with end‐stage renal disease: effect of haemodialysis
Authors: Rolla G. , Bruno M. , Bommarito L. , Heffler E. , Ferrero N. , Petrarulo M. , Bagnis C. , Bugiani M. , Guida G. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTBackground  There is no agreement about exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) and its change after haemodialysis (HD) in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.To comprehensively assess NO production in the respiratory system, NO metabolites in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) needs to be measured in addition to FENO, taking into account the influence on these markers of airway pH, which may be regulated by ammonia (), present in large amounts in the breath of ESRD patients and removed by HD.Study design  FENO and NO metabolites (NOx, , ), pH and in EBC were measured in 12 ESRD patients, before and after HD. Twelve healthy subjects acted as controls.Results  FENO values of ESRD patients were similar to normals, while EBC‐NOx, , and pH were significantly higher in ESRD patients compared to normals (EBC‐NOx 12·3, range 11·1–41·9 µm vs. 9·4, range 4·6–10·9 µm, P = 0·007; 4·70, range 1·17–8·22 µm vs. 0·90, range 0·72–1·17 µm, P = 0·023; 2340, range 1325–3922 µm vs. 660, range 406–872 µm, P < 0·001; pH 7·16, range 6·82–7·44 vs. 6·60, range 6·42–6·76, P = 0·004, respectively). HD caused a mild significant decrease of FENO, and normalization of , NOx, and pH. A significant positive relationship between EBC‐pH and EBC‐ before and after HD (r2 = 0·65, P = 0·000) was observed, explaining higher than normal EBC‐pH before HD, while no relationship was found between EBC‐pH and FENO or NO metabolites.Conclusion  Oxidative stress, and not EBC‐pH, is the most probable cause of increased NO metabolites in ESRD patients before HD.
Do agricultural pollutants affect competition between filter‐feeding caddis fly larvae? Results of laboratory microcosm experiments
Authors: OLSEN DEAN A. , WATZIN MARY C. 
Published: September 2008

Summary1. Predictable changes in the composition of macroinvertebrate communities in response to non‐point source pollution are the basis of macroinvertebrate community indices. However, other factors, such as biotic interactions, also affect the composition of macroinvertebrate communities and may complicate the interpretation of such indices by interacting with abiotic stressors.2. The effect of agricultural pollutants on competition between two filter‐feeding caddisflies, Brachycentrus appalachia and Hydropsyche spp. was studied in the laboratory using recirculating flow tanks.3. Experiments were conducted at two densities of Hydropsyche: high (300 per tank) and low (80 per tank). Brachycentrus density was kept constant at 40 per tank in all experiments. Experiments assessed the effect of an agricultural pollutant mix (sand, cow‐manure compost mix) and the presence of the competitor on both taxa.4. The only negative response to pollutants was a larger number of Hydropsyche drifting in high‐density tanks. In fact, at high densities, mortality of Hydropsyche was higher in controls than in tanks receiving pollutants.5. Hydropsyche and B. appalachia competed for resources and the presence of pollution did not affect the outcome of this competition. The presence of high densities of Hydropsyche resulted in higher drift and lower condition of B. appalachia. At low densities of Hydropsyche, B. appalachia larvae suffered greater mortality and tended to be in poorer condition. Brachycentrus appalachia may be less successful at even moderate densities of Hydropsyche due to competition between these taxa, most likely for prime feeding positions.6. Streams receiving non‐point source pollution from agriculture may be able to support higher densities of Hydropsyche, which may further reduce the suitability of these habitats for B. appalachia.7. This experimental study suggests that competition may complicate interpretation of biotic indices, as changes in benthic invertebrate community structure normally ascribed to pollution may arise from intra‐specific competition.
Tropical forest and savanna ecosystems show differential impact of N and P additions on soil organic matter and aggregate structure
Authors: TRIPATHI S. K. , KUSHWAHA C. P. , SINGH K. P. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractLandscape transformation and atmospheric nutrient depositions, important global change drivers, are affecting the vegetation and soil properties of natural dry tropical forest and derived savanna ecosystems in India. This study assessed the effect of continuous N and P additions for 6 years on the size distribution and properties of soil aggregates in forest–ecotone–savanna gradient. Addition of N significantly increased the proportion of macroaggregates in forest and ecotone, whereas the same input significantly decreased their proportion in the savanna. Consequently, the stability of soil aggregates increased significantly in forest and ecotone, whereas it decreased significantly in the savanna. The effect of P addition on soil aggregate stability was marginal. N addition also altered the biological and chemical qualities of soil aggregates. It caused increase in microbial biomass C (MBC) associated with macroaggregates in forest and ecotone; however, in savanna, MBC increased in the microaggregates. P addition did not affect the amount of MBC in both types of soil aggregates. Because of rapid accumulation of applied N and P in the microbial biomass, the ratios of MBC to microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) as well as microbial biomass phosphorous (MBP) were decreased in both aggregates. Overall, the effect of N addition was more marked than that of P addition, suggesting that N is more limiting than P in these dry tropical ecosystems. In the current scenario of N loading, continued soil N loading in forest may lead to increased macroaggregates with associated MBC and MBN and greater aggregate stability. In contrast, the extensively distributed savannas may show the reverse trend leading to a decrease in soil fertility.
Semliki Forest virus strongly reduces mosquito host defence signaling
Authors: Fragkoudis R. , Chi Y. , Siu R. W. C. , Barry G. , Attarzadeh‐Yazdi G. , Merits A. , Nash A. A. , Fazakerley J. K. , Kohl A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe Alphavirus genus within the Togaviridae family contains several important mosquito‐borne arboviruses. Other than the antiviral activity of RNAi, relatively little is known about alphavirus interactions with insect cell defences. Here we show that Semliki Forest virus (SFV) infection of Aedes albopictus‐derived U4.4 mosquito cells reduces cellular gene expression. Activation prior to SFV infection of pathways involving STAT/IMD, but not Toll signaling reduced subsequent virus gene expression and RNA levels. These pathways are therefore not only able to mediate protective responses against bacteria but also arboviruses. However, SFV infection of mosquito cells did not result in activation of any of these pathways and suppressed their subsequent activation by other stimuli.
Characterization and expression of the odorant‐binding protein 7 gene in Anopheles stephensi and comparative analysis among five mosquito species
Authors: Sengul M. S. , Tu Z. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractOdorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) are important molecular players in insect olfaction, which has a great influence on the host‐seeking behaviour of mosquitoes and other disease vectors. The mRNA level of the Anopheles gambiae Obp7 gene (Agam‐Obp7) is higher in the adult female antennae and is slightly reduced in the female heads after blood‐feeding. Here we report the cloning, sequencing, chromosomal mapping and transcript analysis of Aste‐Obp7, the Obp7 gene from the Asian malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR showed that in adult female mosquitoes, Aste‐Obp7 was expressed abundantly in the antennae, much less in pooled maxillary palp and proboscis and at the lowest level in the legs. The Aste‐Obp7 level in female antennae was significantly higher than in male antennae and it slightly increased 24 h after a bloodmeal. The same pattern held for leg samples as well. The Aste‐Obp7 mRNA level dropped more than 10‐fold in the female maxillary palp and proboscis after a bloodmeal, although it was still significantly higher than in the males. Together, the above expression profiles suggest that Aste‐Obp7 probably functions in female olfaction and may possibly be involved in behaviour related to blood‐feeding. We also characterized the Obp7 gene from Anopheles quadriannulatus. Comparison among Anopheles Obp7 genes revealed conserved noncoding sequences that contain potential regulatory elements. The coding sequence and gene structure of Obp7 as well as local synteny of surrounding genes are conserved among the three Anopheles species and two divergent mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. OBP7 protein phylogeny is congruent with the mosquito phylogeny and there is evidence of purifying selection acting on the mosquito Obp7 gene. Comparative genomics analysis will improve our understanding of the evolution and regulation of genes involved in mosquito olfaction.