bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive fetal RhCE genotyping from maternal blood
Authors: Geifman‐Holtzman O , Grotegut CA , Gaughan JP , Holtzman EJ , Floro C , Hernandez E 
Published: May 2008

Background The successful prevention of RhD disease has brought attention to other red blood cells’ antigens causing alloimmunisation including RhC/c and RhE/e. Prenatal diagnosis of fetal Rh genotype from maternal blood is in clinical use in Europe but not in the USA.Objective To estimate the collective reported diagnostic accuracy of fetal RhCE genotyping from peripheral maternal blood and compare the results of genotyping when fetal cells and free fetal DNA (FfDNA) are used.Search strategy English‐written literature describing fetal RhCE determination from maternal blood using fetal cells or FfDNA was performed using medical subject headings and text words. The sources included Pubmed (1966–2007), Ovid (1966–2007), CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, ACP Journal Club and OCLC. Key words were prenatal diagnosis, fetal RhCE, fetal DNA in maternal blood and alloimmunisation.Selection criteria A study was considered eligible if it described fetal RhCE type determination using maternal peripheral blood reported in the English literature. Abstracts were excluded.Data collection and analysis From each study, we determined the number of samples tested, fetal RhCE genotype, the source of the fetal DNA, gestational age, presence of alloimmunisation and confirmation of fetal RhCE type. Exclusions and inclusions were noted. We calculated composite estimates of accuracy using a weighted random effects model. We assessed the papers against an international quality, STARD checklist which is standards for reporting studies of diagnostic accuracy.Main results We identified 20 protocols in six English‐written publications reporting fetal RhC/c (seven protocols) and/or E/e (13 protocols) genotyping using DNA obtained from maternal blood for a total of 369 samples. For RhC/c, 176 samples were tested and for RhE/e, 193 samples were tested. Accuracy was determined for each study and for all studies. The combined accuracy of fetal genotype was 96.3% for RhC/c and 98.2% for RhE/e. Only a few samples of the sorted cells were found to be a source for accurate diagnosis, but plasma was consistently the best source of fetal RhCE genotyping in 147/147 (100%) for RhC/c and 168/168 (100%) for RhE/e.Conclusions The combined accuracy of noninvasive fetal RhC/c or RhE/e determination using maternal peripheral blood is 96.3% and 98.2%, respectively. FfDNA in maternal plasma is a better source for genotyping reported to be 100% correct for both RHCE genotypes. Further studies and reports of accuracy from laboratories performing the tests are required before prenatal determination of fetal RhC/c or RhE/e genotypes from maternal blood can safely replace the current methods used in the management of the RhC/c or RhE alloimmunised pregnancies.
HPV testing as an adjunct to cytology in the follow up of women treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Kitchener HC , Walker PG , Nelson L , Hadwin R , Patnick J , Anthony GB , Sargent A , Wood J , Moore C , Cruickshank ME 
Published: May 2008

Objective  To evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in combination with cytology in the follow up of treated women.Design  A prospective study.Setting  Three UK centres: Manchester, Aberdeen and London.Population or sample  Women treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).Methods  Women were recruited at 6 months of follow up, and cytology and HPV testing was carried out at 6 and 12 months. If either or both results were positive, colposcopy and if appropriate, a biopsy and retreatment was performed. At 24 months, cytology alone was performed.Main outcome measures  Cytology and histology at 6, 12 and 24 months.Results  Nine hundred and seventeen women were recruited at 6 months of follow up, with 778 (85%) and 707 (77.1%) being recruited at 12 and 24 months, respectively. At recruitment, 700 women had had high‐grade CIN (grades 2 or 3) and 217 had CIN1. At 6 months, 14.6% were HPV positive and 10.7% had non‐negative cytology. Of those with negative cytology, 9% were HPV positive. Of the 744 women who were cytology negative/HPV negative at baseline, 3 women with CIN2, 1 with CIN3, 1 with cancer and 1 with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN)1 were identified at 24 months. Nine of 10 cases of CIN3/cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia (CGIN) occurred in HPV‐positive women. At 23 months, cancer was identified in a woman treated for CGIN with clear resection margins, who had been cytology negative/HPV negative at both 6 and 12 months.Conclusions  Women who are cytology negative and HPV negative at 6 months after treatment for CIN can safely be returned to 3‐year recall.
Effect of yoga on cognitive functions in climacteric syndrome: a randomised control study
Authors: Chattha R , Nagarathna R , Padmalatha V , Nagendra HR 
Published: May 2008

Objective  To assess the efficacy of an integrated approach of yoga therapy (IAYT) on cognitive abilities in climacteric syndrome.Design  A randomised control study wherein the participants were divided into experimental and control groups.Settings  Fourteen centres of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation, Bangalore, India.Sample  One hundred and eight perimenopausal women between 40 and 55 years with follicle‐stimulating hormone level equal to or greater than 15 miu/ml. One hundred and twenty perimenopausal women were randomly allotted into the yoga and the control groups.Methods  The yoga group practised a module comprising breathing practices, sun salutation and cyclic meditation, whereas the control group practised a set of simple physical exercises, under supervision (1 hour/day, 5 days/week for 8 weeks).Main outcome measures  Assessments were made by vasomotor symptom checklist, six‐letter cancellation test (SLCT) for attention and concentration and Punit Govil Intelligence Memory Scale (PGIMS) with ten subtests.Results  The Wilcoxon test showed significant (P < 0.001) reduction in hot flushes, night sweats and sleep disturbance in yoga group, with a trend of significant difference between groups at P = 0.06 on Mann–Whitney test in night sweats. There was no change within or between groups in the control group. The SLCT score and the PGIMS showed significant improvement in eight of ten subtests in the yoga group and six of ten subtests in the control group. The yoga group performed significantly better (P < 0.001) with higher effect sizes in SLCT and seven tests of PGIMS compared with the control group.Conclusions  Integrated approach of yoga therapy can improve hot flushes and night sweats. It also can improve cognitive functions such as remote memory, mental balance, attention and concentration, delayed and immediate recall, verbal retention and recognition tests.
The Development of the Negative Pain Thoughts Questionnaire
Authors: Vranceanu Ana‐Maria , Safren Steve , Cowan James , Ring David 
Published: May 2008

▪ AbstractBackground:  Cognitive processes play a pivotal role in the perception of pain intensity, pain‐related disability, and response to medical treatments including surgeries. While various measures of dysfunctional pain coping exist in the literature, there is no instrument available to examine such negative cognitions in relation to perceptions of medical treatment in pain patients presenting to a surgical orthopedics practice.Aims:  The purpose of this article is to report on the development and preliminary testing of the Negative Pain Thoughts Questionnaire (NPTQ).Methods:  The NPTQ is an 11‐item questionnaire assessing cognitions about pain and its treatment in patients presenting to orthopedics surgical practices. It was administered to 2 samples of patients with hand and arm pain seeking medical treatment in a hospital surgical practice. Patients in the second sample also completed a measure of depression and one of disability of hand, arm, and shoulder.Results:  The NPTQ was found to be internally consistent, and unidimensional. The NPTQ total score was found to have a moderate to high positive correlation with perceived hand, arm, and shoulder disability, and a moderate positive correlation with depression. In multivariate analyses, high scores on the NPTQ significantly predicted high perceived hand, arm, and shoulder disability, even after controlling for depression.Conclusion:  This short and easily administered measure of negative pain thoughts could potentially help surgeons identify at risk patients, and facilitate referrals to cognitive behavioral therapy. This, in turn, may prevent unnecessary surgeries, may decrease healthcare costs, and prevent transition toward costly chronic pain syndrome. ▪
Are Reports of Discrimination Valid? Considering the Moral Hazard Effect
Authors: Coleman Major G. , Darity Jr. William A. , Sharpe Rhonda V. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract.  Antidiscrimination laws are designed to prompt employers to stop excluding black workers from jobs they offer and from treating them unequally with respect to promotion and salaries once on the job. However, a moral hazard effect can arise if the existence of the laws leads black employees to bring unjustified claims of discrimination against employers. It has been argued that employers may become more reluctant to hire black workers for fear of being subjected to frivolous lawsuits.Using the Multi‐City Study of Urban Inequality (MCSUI), we find that male and female black workers are far more likely than whites to report racial discrimination at work. This is the case even when a host of human capital and labor market factors are controlled for. Further, nearly all black workers who report they have been discriminated against on the job in the MCSUI Surveys also show statistical evidence of wage discrimination. This is not the case for white males or females. We find little evidence to support a moral hazard effect.
Hand eczema: causes, course, and prognosis II
Authors: Veien Niels K. , Hattel Thais , Laurberg Grete 
Published: May 2008

Background:  Hand eczema is a common dermatosis, often with a chronic course.Objective:  To follow a well‐described cohort of patients with hand eczema for 5 years.Patients and Methods:  522 consecutive hand eczema patients (175 men and 347 women) seen in a private practice of dermatology were sent a questionnaire once a year for 5 years.Results:  After 1 year, the response rate was 80% (417 of 522), and after 5 years, the rate was 68%. After 1 year, 81% of the 417 respondents reported that they still had persistent or intermittent hand eczema. After 5 years, this number was 65% (232 of 355). The larger the area involved at the initial examination, the poorer the prognosis. After 1 year, 48% of the patients felt that their hand eczema had improved, while 6.7% felt that it had worsened. 25% of those who responded stated that they never used gloves. Few patients could provide new information about the cause of the dermatitis during the 5‐year follow‐up.Conclusions:  Hand eczema is a chronic dermatosis. Although treatment may improve hand eczema, it rarely clears completely. Evidence‐based measures need to be developed for the long‐term management of hand eczema.
Elicitation response characteristics to mono‐ and toN,N′‐diacetyl‐para‐phenylenediamine
Authors: Blömeke Brunhilde , Pietzsch Tim , Merk Hans F. 
Published: May 2008

Background: Para‐phenylenediamine (PPD) is an important and common cause of allergic contact dermatitis. The mechanism of sensitization is still unknown. It is believed that PPD is a prohapten and thus the balance between activation and/or detoxification processes may influence responses to PPD. Beside auto‐oxidation to Bandrowski’s base, PPD is enzymatically acetylated to monoacetyl‐PPD (MAPPD) and toN,N′‐diacetyl‐PPD (DAPPD) in skin and keratinocytes.Objective: We investigated if the 2 acetylated PPD derivatives are able to elicit allergic contact dermatitis by performing epicutaneous skin tests in subjects with dermatitis.Patients and Methods: Contact allergy to PPD and the 2 acetylated derivatives (1% in petrolatum) were detected by patch testing of 455 patients with eczema from our clinic who were tested with the baseline series.Results and Conclusions: 16 subjects were found to be patch test positive to PPD (3.5%). No reactions were found for MAPPD, and just 1 PPD‐positive patient was positive for DAPPD (0.2%). In agreement with our earlier publishedin vitrodata, thesein vivopatch test results indicate that acetylation of PPD can be regarded as a detoxification reaction.
Heat‐induced MMP‐1 expression is mediated by TRPV1 through PKCα signaling in HaCaT cells
Authors: Lee Young Mee , Li Wen Hai , Kim Yeon Kyung , Kim Kyu Han , Chung Jin Ho 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground:  Matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1) is considered a key initiator of collagen degradation in inflammatory responses. A heat‐gated channel, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), induces release of proinflammatory mediators. TRPV1 channels have been localized to the epidermis and we have recently suggested that they act as mediators of heat‐induced MMP‐1. The aim of this study was to investigate the signaling of TRPV1 in MMP‐1 regulation by heat shock in human epidermal keratinocytes.Methods:  Heat shock‐induced MMP‐1 expression was decreased by treatment with TRPV1 inhibitor. The heat‐induced MMP‐1 expression was suppressed by Gö6976 [calcium‐dependent inhibitor] and staurosporine (ST, broad‐spectrum PKC inhibitor), while rottlerin (ROT, calcium‐independent PKCδ inhibitor) had no effect. Also, transfection of PKCα siRNA decreased MMP‐1 expression, whereas MMP‐1 expression was not significantly affected in cells transfected with negative control siRNA, PKCβ siRNA or PKCδ siRNA.Results:  We demonstrated that heat shock failed to induce MMP‐1 expression in HaCaT cells cultured in calcium‐free media. The heat‐induced [Ca2+]i increase was inhibited by Gö6976 and ST, but not by ROT. We also found that heat‐induced phosphorylation of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK in HaCaT cells, but capsazepine and ruthenium red had no effect on this activation. In addition to the role of TRPV1 in heat‐induced MMP‐1 expression, we also found that heat increased TRPV1 proteins in human skin in vivo.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that TRPV1 mediates heat shock‐induced MMP‐1 expression via calcium‐dependent PKCα signaling in HaCaT cells.
Naringenin has anti‐inflammatory properties in macrophage and ex vivo human whole‐blood models
Authors: Bodet C. , La V. D. , Epifano F. , Grenier D. 
Published: May 2008

Background and Objective:  Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of bacterial etiology, affecting tooth‐supporting tissues. The host inflammatory response to periodontopathogens, notably the high and continuous production of cytokines, is considered a major factor causing the local tissue destruction observed in periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of naringenin, a major flavanone in grapefruits and tomatoes, on the lipopolysaccharide‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokine production by host cells, using two different models.Material and methods:  The effect of naringenin was characterized using macrophages stimulated with the lipopolysaccharide of either Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans or Escherichia coli and using whole blood stimulated with A. actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide, in the presence or absence of naringenin. Lipopolysaccharide‐induced interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8 and tumor necrosis factor‐α production by macrophages and whole‐blood samples treated with naringenin were evaluated using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Changes in the phosphorylation states of macrophage kinases induced by A. actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide and naringenin were characterized by immunoblot screening.Results:  Our results clearly indicated that naringenin is a potent inhibitor of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine response induced by lipopolysaccharide in both macrophages and in whole blood. Naringenin markedly inhibited the phosphorylation on serines 63 and 73 of Jun proto‐oncogene‐encoded AP‐1 transcription factor in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages.Conclusion:  The results from the present study suggest that naringenin holds promise as a therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis.
The anti‐endotoxic effects of the KSL‐W decapeptide on Escherichia coli O55:B5 and various oral lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Dixon D. R. , Karimi‐Naser L. , Darveau R. P. , Leung K. P. 
Published: May 2008

Background and Objective:  Host responses following the recognition of bacterial lipopolysaccharide can range from acute inflammation to septic shock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the KSL‐W decapeptide to bind to and block the endotoxic effects of lipopolysaccharide.Material and Methods:  An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay‐based binding assay using fluorescently labeled KSL‐W to detect adsorbed Escherichia coli O55:B5 lipopolysaccharide was employed. A commercially available recombinant Factor C lipopolysaccharide detection assay, hemagglutination of rabbit erythrocytes as well as E‐selectin expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used to assess the anti‐endotoxic effects after KSL‐W exposure to E. coli lipopolysaccharide as well as to oral lipopolysaccharide samples.Results:  Lipopolysaccharide‐binding assays using E. coli O55:B5 lipopolysaccharide revealed both a higher maximal binding range (532–713 μm) and a half‐maximum binding concentration (70–185 μm) for the KSL‐W peptide when compared with its analog control. Significant inhibition of E‐selectin expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (p < 0.0001) as well as hemagglutination of rabbit erythrocytes occurred after the interaction of KSL‐W with E. coli lipopolysaccharide. Recombinant Factor C enzyme detection inhibition revealed dose‐dependent inhibition values ranging from 1.0–51.8 μm, which were dependent upon the type of lipopolysaccharide sample tested.Conclusion:  These results demonstrate that for the concentrations tested, the KSL‐W decapeptide was nontoxic to mammalian cells and could bind to and block the host recognition and response towards enteric, as well as oral, lipopolysaccharide samples.
Discovery of a massive variable star with Z = Z⊙/36 in the galaxy DDO 68
Authors: Pustilnik S. A. , Tepliakova A. L. , Kniazev A. Y. , Burenkov A. N. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
The Local Volume dwarf galaxy DDO 68, from the spectroscopy of its two brightest H ii regions (Knots 1 and 2), was designated as the second most metal-poor star-forming galaxy [12 + log (O/H) = 7.14]. In the repeated spectral observations in 2008 January with the 6-m telescope (BTA) of the H ii region Knot 3 [having 12 + log (O/H) = 7.10 ± 0.06], we find a strong evidence of a transient event related to a massive star evolution. From the follow-up observation with the higher spectral resolution in 2008 February, we confirm this phenomenon, and give parameters of its emission-line spectrum comprising of Balmer H i and He i lines. The luminosities of the strongest transient lines (Hα, Hβ) are of a few 1036 erg s-1. We also detected an additional continuum component in the new spectrum of Knot 3, which displays the spectral energy distribution raising to ultraviolet. The estimate of the flux of this continuum leads us to its absolute V-band magnitude of ∼-7.1. Based on the spectral properties of this transient component, we suggest that it is related to an evolved massive star of luminous blue variable type with Z=Z⊙/36. We briefly discuss observational constraints on parameters of this unique (in the aspect of the record low metallicity of the progenitor massive star) event and propose several lines of its study.
RHEOLOGICAL AND TEXTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RAW AND PAR‐COOKED TAEWA (MAORI POTATOES) OF NEW ZEALAND
Authors: SINGH J. , KAUR L. , McCARTHY O.J. , MOUGHAN P.J. , SINGH H. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT The quality characteristics of raw and par‐cooked (partially cooked) tubers from four different Taewa cultivars were evaluated and compared with a modern potato cultivar (Nadine). Significant differences in dry matter, starch content, color and specific gravity were observed among the raw tubers from the different cultivars. Moemoe and Tutaekuri Taewa cultivars showed higher dry matter content (21.97 and 21.57%, respectively) whereas the lowest specific gravity of 1.057 was observed for Nadine. Par‐cooked chef‐ready tubers were prepared from each cultivar and evaluated for quality during 21 days of storage at 4C. Tutaekuri raw as well as par‐cooked tubers had higher fracturability and hardness whereas Nadine par‐cooked tubers had higher adhesiveness than other cultivars. Rheological parameters such as storage modulus (G′), loss modulus and loss tangent (tan δ) were dependent on the dry matter and starch contents of the tubers. The highest peak G′ values of 24,930 Pa and 19,700 Pa were observed for Tutaekuri and Moemoe potato cultivars, respectively.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSReady‐to‐microwave par‐cooked tubers with a refrigerated shelf life of 21 days were developed without using any chemical preservatives. The rheology of the tuber tissue was studied using a dynamic rheometer for the first time. The technique allows the continuous monitoring of the changes occurring in the potato tissue during the heating and cooling cycles. Significant correlations between the textural characteristics of raw and cooked tubers and the dynamic rheological characteristics of fresh tubers were observed. The technique may be helpful in predicting the viscoelastic characteristics of raw potatoes and the changes in the texture of cooked tubers during refrigerated storage.
COMPARISON STUDY OF EGG YOLKS AND EGG ALTERNATIVES IN FRENCH VANILLA ICE CREAM
Authors: HERALD THOMAS J. , ARAMOUNI FADI M. , ABU‐GHOUSH MAHMOUD H. 
Published: May 2008

ABSTRACT Egg alternatives may replace egg as a functional ingredient in French vanilla ice cream due to their functional and dietary benefits. These egg alternative ingredients include modified corn starch (MCS), whey protein concentrate (WPC) and soy protein isolate (SPI). The objective of this study was to compare the physical and sensory properties of several commercially available egg alternatives in a vanilla ice cream formulation. The SPI exhibited a significantly lower L value compared with the other egg alternatives, whereas the control exhibited a significantly higher b value compared with the other treatments. The apparent viscosity value of MCS was approximately 10‐fold greater than the other egg alternatives. There were no significant differences in appearance and mouth‐feel among the control, MCS or WPC treatments, whereas SPI exhibited a significantly lower mouth‐feel score compared with the other treatments. The control exhibited significantly higher flavor and acceptability scores compared with the other egg alternatives, whereas SPI treatment exhibited least desirable flavor and acceptability. Consumer panelists would purchase the control with the egg alternative formulations.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe egg alternatives were used to replace egg as a functional ingredient in French vanilla ice cream production. These alternatives can deliver functionality at a lower cost and can be incorporated to produce a suitable ice cream.
Beyond the Totalitarian: Ethics and the Philosophy of Religion in Recent Hegel Scholarship
Authors: Lewis Thomas A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRecent developments in Hegel scholarship have been dominated by two waves. Focusing on his complex conception of freedom, the first has transformed the dominant view of his ethical and political thought. The second, which has dramatic consequences for the interpretation of his philosophy of religion, reads Hegel as extending rather than repudiating Kant's critical project. These ‘post‐Kantian’ interpretations have rejected the view of Hegel's logic as principally metaphysical in favor of a reading that focuses on the spontaneous and social character of thought.