bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review: Postprandial glycaemia and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Peter Rajesh , Rees Alan 
Published: August 2008

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for almost 75% of mortality in subjects with type 2 diabetes. There is emerging evidence (epidemiological and There is emerging evidence (epidemiological and experimental studies) that postprandial glucose (PPG) contributes significantly to CVD risk, although to date there are no large scale interventional studies with the primary objective of reducing cardiovascular complications by targeting PPG. There is still continuing debate about the definition of postprandial hyperglycaemia. Moreover, we now know more of the cellular mechanisms being triggered in response to glucose excursions which may offer an explanation to this increased susceptibility to CVD. The contribution of PPG to glycosylated haemoglobin, is predominant in relatively well controlled subjects with type 2 diabetes. Hence, PPG is emerging as a legitimate therapeutic target to minimise CVD risk. This review looks at the evidence linking postprandial hyperglycaemia to CVD, the cellular mechanisms explaining this enhanced risk and a therapeutic strategy to address PPG.
Inflammation is associated with liver function markers, independent of other metabolic risk factors in overweight women
Authors: Browning Lucy M , Krebs Jeremy D , Siervo Mario , Hall Rosemary M , Finer Nicholas , Allison Michael ED , Jebb Susan A 
Published: August 2008

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, common in Nobesity, is characterised by fatty infiltration to the liver and can progress to steatohepatitis. Inflammation is a predictor of metabolic disease, but the relationship between inflammation and liver disease is unclear. This study determines whether liver function enzymes are associated with markers of systemic inflammation. In a group of 249 overweight women, fasting blood samples were collected and analysed for insulin, glucose, lipids, C-reactive protein (CRP), sialic acid (SA), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyltransferase. SA and CRP were significant predictors of ALP concentrations, independent of metabolic syndrome features (β=0.35, p<0.0001 and β=0.20, p=0.004). SA and CRP showed significant incremental increases across groups based on the number of features of metabolic disease, which persisted after adjustement for body mass index (β=0.32, p<0.0001 and =0.16, p=0.02). These data suggest that systemic inflammation is significantly associated with liver function markers, Independent of other metabolic risk factors.
Risk of lymphoproliferative disorders among first-degree relatives of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients: a population-based study in Sweden
Authors: Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. , Björkholm Magnus , Goldin Lynn R. , McMaster Mary L. , Turesson Ingemar , Landgren Ola 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
A role for genetic factors in the etiology of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM) is implicated based on prior findings from multiply affected families and small case-control and cohort studies. We identified 2144 LPL/WM patients (1539 WM [72%] and 605 LPL [28%]) diagnosed in Sweden, 8279 population-based matched controls, and linkable first-degree relatives of patients (n = 6177) and controls (n = 24 609). Using a marginal survival model, we calculated relative risks and 95% confidence intervals as measures of familial aggregation. We found first-degree relatives of LPL/WM patients to have 20-fold (4.1-98.4), 3.0-fold (2.0-4.4), 3.4-fold (1.7-6.6), and 5.0-fold (1.3-18.9) increased risks of developing LPL/WM, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), respectively. However, there was no evidence of an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma or Hodgkin lymphoma. In analyses stratified by type of first-degree relative (parent, sibling, offspring), age at diagnosis of the probands (greater or less than 70 years), and sex of the first-degree relative, we did not observe the risk estimates to be significantly different compared with the overall analyses. Our findings of highly increased risks of developing LPL/WM, NHL, CLL, and MGUS support the operation of shared susceptibility genes that predispose to LPL/WM and other lymphoproliferative disorders.
Distribution of the transposable elements bilbo and gypsy in original and colonizing populations of Drosophila subobscura
Authors: García Guerreiro María Pilar , Chávez-Sandoval Blanca E , Balanyà Joan , Serra Lluís , Fontdevila Antonio 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundTransposable elements (TEs) constitute a substantial amount of all eukaryotic genomes. They induce an important proportion of deleterious mutations by insertion into genes or gene regulatory regions. However, their mutational capabilities are not always adverse but can contribute to the genetic diversity and evolution of organisms. Knowledge of their distribution and activity in the genomes of populations under different environmental and demographic regimes, is important to understand their role in species evolution. In this work we study the chromosomal distribution of two TEs,gypsyandbilbo, in original and colonizing populations ofDrosophila subobscurato reveal the putative effect of colonization on their insertion profile.ResultsChromosomal frequency distribution of two TEs in one original and three colonizing populations ofD. subobscura, is different. Whereas the original population shows a low insertion frequency in most TE sites, colonizing populations have a mixture of high (frequency ≥ 10%) and low insertion sites for both TEs. Most highly occupied sites are coincident among colonizing populations and some of them are correlated to chromosomal arrangements. Comparisons of TE copy number between the X chromosome and autosomes show thatgypsyoccupancy seems to be controlled by negative selection, butbilboone does not.ConclusionThese results are in accordance that TEs inDrosophila subobscuracolonizing populations are submitted to a founder effect followed by genetic drift as a consequence of colonization. This would explain the high insertion frequencies ofbilboandgypsyin coincident sites of colonizing populations. High occupancy sites would represent insertion events prior to colonization. Sites of low frequency would be insertions that occurred after colonization and/or copies from the original population whose frequency is decreasing in colonizing populations. This work is a pioneer attempt to explain the chromosomal distribution of TEs in a colonizing species with high inversion polymorphism to reveal the putative effect of arrangements in TE insertion profiles. In general no associations between arrangements and TE have been found, except in a few cases where the association is very strong. Alternatively, founder drift effects, seem to play a leading role in TE genome distribution in colonizing populations.
Multiple actions of lysophosphatidic acid on fibroblasts revealed by transcriptional profiling
Authors: Stortelers Catelijne , Kerkhoven Ron , Moolenaar Wouter H 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a lipid mediator that acts through specific G protein-coupled receptors to stimulate the proliferation, migration and survival of many cell types. LPA signaling has been implicated in development, wound healing and cancer. While LPA signaling pathways have been studied extensively, it remains unknown how LPA affects global gene expression in its target cells.

Results
We have examined the temporal program of global gene expression in quiescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts stimulated with LPA using 32 k oligonucleotide microarrays. In addition to genes involved in growth stimulation and cytoskeletal reorganization, LPA induced many genes that encode secreted factors, including chemokines, growth factors, cytokines, pro-angiogenic and pro-fibrotic factors, components of the plasminogen activator system and metalloproteases. Strikingly, epidermal growth factor induced a broadly overlapping expression pattern, but some 7% of the genes (105 out of 1508 transcripts) showed differential regulation by LPA. The subset of LPA-specific genes was enriched for those associated with cytoskeletal remodeling, in keeping with LPA's ability to regulate cell shape and motility.

Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of LPA in programming fibroblasts not only to proliferate and migrate but also to produce many paracrine mediators of tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, inflammation and tumor progression. Furthermore, our results show that G protein-coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases can signal independently to regulate broadly overlapping sets of genes in the same cell type.
Lung cancer mortality in towns near paper, pulp and board industries in Spain: a point source pollution study
Authors: Monge-Corella Susana , García-Pérez Javier , Aragonés Nuria , Pollán Marina , Pérez-Gómez Beatriz , López-Abente Gonzalo 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
This study sought to ascertain whether there might be excess lung cancer mortality among the population residing in the vicinity of Spanish paper and board industries which report their emissions to the European Pollutant Emission Register (EPER).

Methods
This was an ecological study that modelled the Standardised Mortality Ratio (SMR) for lung cancer in 8073 Spanish towns over the period 1994–2003. Population exposure to industrial pollution was estimated on the basis of distance from town of residence to pollution source. An exploratory, near-versus-far analysis was conducted, using mixed Poisson regression models and an analysis of the effect of municipal proximity within a 50-kilometre radius of each of the 18 installations.

Results
Results varied for the different facilities. In two instances there was an increasing mortality gradient with proximity to the installation, though this was exclusively observed among men.

Conclusion
The study of cancer mortality in areas surrounding pollutant foci is a useful tool for environmental surveillance, and serves to highlight areas of interest susceptible to being investigated by ad hoc studies. Despite present limitations, recognition is therefore due to the advance represented by publication of the EPER and the study of pollutant foci.
Restriction by APOBEC3 proteins of endogenous retroviruses with an extracellular life cycle: ex vivo effects and in vivo"traces" on the murine IAPE and human HERV-K elements
Authors: Esnault Cécile , Priet Stéphane , Ribet David , Heidmann Odile , Heidmann Thierry 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
APOBEC3 cytosine deaminases have been demonstrated to restrict infectivity of a series of retroviruses, with different efficiencies depending on the retrovirus. In addition, APOBEC3 proteins can severely restrict the intracellular transposition of a series of retroelements with a strictly intracellular life cycle, including the murine IAP and MusD LTR-retrotransposons.

Results
Here we show that the IAPE element, which is the infectious progenitor of the strictly intracellular IAP elements, and the infectious human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K are restricted by both murine and human APOBEC3 proteins in an ex vivo assay for infectivity, with evidence in most cases of strand-specific G-to-A editing of the proviruses, with the expected signatures. In silico analysis of the naturally occurring genomic copies of the corresponding endogenous elements performed on the mouse and human genomes discloses "traces" of APOBEC3-editing, with the specific signature of the murine APOBEC3 and human APOBEC3G enzymes, respectively, and to a variable extent depending on the family member.

Conclusion
These results indicate that the IAPE and HERV-K elements, which can only replicate via an extracellular infection cycle, have been restricted at the time of their entry, amplification and integration into their target host genomes by definite APOBEC3 proteins, most probably acting in evolution to limit the mutagenic effect of these endogenized extracellular parasites.
Arch height change during sit‐to‐stand: an alternative for the navicular drop test
Authors: McPoil Thomas G , Cornwall Mark W , Medoff Lynn , Vicenzino Bill , Forsberg Kelly , Hilz Dana 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundA study was conducted to determine the reliability and validity of a new foot mobility assessment method that utilizes digital images to measure the change in dorsal arch height measured at 50% of the length of the foot during the Sit‐to‐Stand test.MethodsTwo hundred – seventy five healthy participants participated in the study. The medial aspect of each foot was photographed with a digital camera while each participant stood with 50% body weight on each foot as well as in sitting for a non‐weight bearing image. The dorsal arch height was measured at 50% of the total length of the foot on both weight bearing and non‐weight bearing images to determine the change in dorsal arch height. The reliability and validity of the measurements were then determined.ResultsThe mean difference in dorsal arch height between non‐weight bearing and weight bearing was 10 millimeters. The change in arch height during the Sit‐to‐Stand test was shown to have good to high levels of intra‐ and inter‐reliability as well as validity using x‐rays as the criterion measure.ConclusionWhile the navicular drop test has been widely used as a clinical method to assess foot mobility, poor levels of inter‐rater reliability have been reported. The results of the current study suggest that the change in dorsal arch height during the Sit‐to‐Stand test offers the clinician a reliable and valid alternative to the navicular drop test.
Maturation of dendritic cells depends on proteolytic cleavage by cathepsin X
Authors: Obermajer Nataša , Švajger Urban , Bogyo Mathew , Jeras Matjaž , Kos Janko 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe maturation status of dendritic cells (DCs) is crucial for effective antigen presentation and initiation of the primary immune response. Maturation stimuli cause the adhesion of immature DCs to the extracellular matrix, which is accompanied by recruitment of the CD11b/CD18 [macrophage antigen-1 (Mac-1)] integrin receptor, cytoskeleton reorganization, and podosome formation. Cathepsin X, a cysteine protease expressed in DCs and other APCs, is involved in Mac-1 activation. We have shown that during maturation, cathepsin X translocates to the plasma membrane of maturing DCs, enabling Mac-1 activation and consequently, cell adhesion. In mature DCs, cathepsin X redistributes from the membrane to the perinuclear region, which coincides with the de-adhesion of DCs, formation of cell clusters, and acquisition of the mature phenotype. Inhibition of cathepsin X activity during DC differentiation and maturation resulted in an altered phenotype and function of mature DCs. It reduced surface expression of costimulatory molecules, increased expression of inhibitory Ig-like transcripts 3 and 4 (ILT3 and ILT4), almost completely abolished cytokine production, diminished migration, and reduced the capacity of DCs to stimulate T lymphocytes. These results stress the importance of cathepsin X in regulating DC adhesion, a crucial event for their maturation and T cell activation.
Choice-Making Among Medicaid HCBS and ICF/MR Recipients in Six States
Authors: Lakin K. Charlie , Doljanac Robert , Byun Soo-Yong , Stancliffe Roger , Taub Sarah , Chiri Giuseppina 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Choice in everyday decisions and in support-related decisions was addressed among 2,398 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/MR) services and living in nonfamily settings in six states. Everyday choice in daily life and in support-related choice was considerably higher on average for HCBS than for ICF/MR recipients, but after controlling for level of intellectual disability, medical care needs, mobility, behavioral and psychiatric conditions, and self-reporting, we found that choice was more strongly associated with living in a congregate setting than whether that setting was HCBS- or ICF/MR-financed. Marked differences in choice were also evident between states.
Strategies and Correlates of Jigsaw Puzzle and Visuospatial Performance by Persons With Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Verdine Brian N. , Troseth Georgene L. , Hodapp Robert M. , Dykens Elisabeth M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractSome individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome exhibit strengths in solving jigsaw puzzles. We compared visuospatial ability and jigsaw puzzle performance and strategies of 26 persons with Prader-Willi syndrome and 26 MA-matched typically developing controls. Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome relied on piece shape. Those in the control group used a different, picture-focused strategy. Individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome performed better than did the control group on an achromatic interlocking puzzle, whereas scores on puzzles with pictures (interlocking or noninterlocking) did not differ. Visuospatial scores related to performance on all puzzles in the control group and on the noninterlocking puzzle in the Prader-Willi syndrome group. The most proficient jigsaw puzzlers with Prader-Willi syndrome tended to be older and have shape-based strategies.
Selective Attention Deficits Associated With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease in Adults With Down Syndrome
Authors: Krinsky-McHale Sharon J. , Devenny Darlynne A. , Kittler Phyllis , Silverman Wayne 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAdults with Down syndrome and early stage Alzheimer's disease showed decline in their ability to selectively attend to stimuli in a multitrial cancellation task. They also showed variability in their performance over the test trials, whereas healthy participants showed stability. These changes in performance were observed approximately 2 years prior to a physician's diagnosis of possible Alzheimer's disease, which was made when they were exhibiting declines in episodic memory suggestive of mild cognitive impairment. Performance on this task varied with the evolution of dementia, showed modestly good sensitivity and specificity, and was relatively easy to administer. Given these qualities this task could be a valuable addition to a neuropsychological battery intended for the assessment of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in adults with Down syndrome.
Symptoms and Behavior Problems of Adolescents and Adults With Autism: Effects of Mother–Child Relationship Quality, Warmth, and Praise
Authors: Smith Leann E. , Greenberg Jan S. , Seltzer Marsha Mailick , Hong Jinkuk 
Published: August 2008

AbstractUsing a cross-lagged panel design, we investigated the impact of positive family processes on change in autism symptoms and behaviors. A sample of 149 co-residing mothers and their adolescent or adult child with autism was drawn from a large, longitudinal study. Maternal warmth and praise were measured using coded speech samples in which mothers talked about their son or daughter. A high level of relationship quality was associated with subsequent reductions in internalizing and externalizing problems as well as reductions in impairments in social reciprocity and repetitive behaviors. Maternal warmth and praise were also related to symptom abatement in the repetitive behaviors domain.
The Brain Injury Biomarker VLP-1 Is Increased in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Alzheimer Disease Patients
Authors: Lee Jin-Moo , Blennow Kaj , Andreasen Niels , Laterza Omar , Modur Vijay , Olander Jitka , Gao Feng , Ohlendorf Matt , Ladenson Jack H 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
background: Definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) can be made only by histopathological examination of brain tissue, prompting the search for premortem disease biomarkers. We sought to determine if the novel brain injury biomarker, visinin-like protein 1 (VLP-1), is altered in the CSF of AD patients compared with controls, and to compare its values to the other well-studied CSF biomarkers 42-amino acid amyloid-β peptide (Aβ1–42), total Tau (tTau), and hyperphosphorylated Tau (pTau).
methods: Using ELISA, we measured concentrations of Aβ1–42, tTau, pTau, and VLP-1 in CSF samples from 33 AD patients and 24 controls. We compared the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers using ROC curves.
results: CSF VLP-1 concentrations were significantly higher in AD patients [median (interquartile range) 365 (166) ng/L] compared with controls [244 (142.5) ng/L]. Although the diagnostic performance of VLP-1 alone was comparable to that of Aβ, tTau, or pTau alone, the combination of the 4 biomarkers demonstrated better performance than each individually. VLP-1 concentrations were higher in AD subjects with APOE ε4/ε4 genotype [599 (240) ng/L] compared with ε3/ε4 [376 (127) ng/L] and ε3/ε3 [280 (115.5) ng/L] genotypes. Furthermore, VLP-1 values demonstrated a high degree of correlation with pTau (r = 0.809) and tTau (r = 0.635) but not Aβ1–42 (r = −0.233). VLP-1 was the only biomarker that correlated with MMSE score (r = −0.384, P = 0.030).
conclusions: These results suggest that neuronal injury markers such as VLP-1 may have utility as biomarkers for AD.
Multidisciplinary Management of Locally Advanced SCCHN: Optimizing Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Ang K. Kian 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The management of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA-SCCHN) is highly complex. Data from recent clinical trials have altered the treatment landscape by refining the use of existing therapies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and providing new treatment options, such as cetuximab. Selecting the most appropriate treatment for an individual patient requires a multidisciplinary approach and careful assessment of the relative advantages and disadvantages of each treatment approach. Surgery is highly effective but can have debilitating long-term consequences. Chemoradiation and altered fractionation radiation therapy are more effective than conventional radiation therapy, but also more toxic; as a consequence of toxicity, suboptimal delivery of radiation may diminish, in practice, the efficacy observed in clinical trials of these strategies. Cetuximab plus radiation therapy is more effective than radiation alone and does not substantially increase radiation-related toxicity, or affect the delivery of planned radiotherapy. However, whether cetuximab plus radiation therapy is similar in efficacy to chemoradiation is unknown at this time. Ideally, multidisciplinary teams weigh all these factors when making individual treatment decisions. Data from current trials will help further optimize multimodality treatment for LA-SCCHN.
Strong, Tough, Electrospun Polymer–Nanotube Composite Membranes with Extremely Low Density
Authors: Blond David , Walshe William , Young Karen , Blighe Fiona M. , Khan Umar , Almecija Dorothée , Carpenter Leslie , McCauley Joe , Blau Werner J. , Coleman Jonathan N. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractElectrospinning has been used to produce porous, low density, polymer–nanotube composite membranes. The membrane mechanical properties can be enhanced by tuning the nanotube content, aligning the fibers during spinning, and by post production drawing. The mechanical properties are maximized for membranes with a nanotube content of 0.43 vol %. Aligned composites at this volume fraction have been prepared by spinning onto a rotating drum collector electrode. This method results in significant increases in modulus, strength, and toughness. The best composites, produced at the maximum drum rotation rate, were post treated by a drawing step to result in further increases in modulus and strength. These methods allows the production of membranes with densities as low as ∼340 kg m−3 but with values of stiffness, strengths and toughness's more typically found in bulk thermoplastics; 1.2 GPa, 40 MPa, and 13 J g−1.