bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DUAL ROLE OF MANNAN‐BINDING PROTEIN IN INFECTIONS: ANOTHER CASE OF HETEROSIS?
Authors: Garred P. , Harboe M. , Oettinger. T. , Koch C. , Svejgaard A. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYHuman mannan‐binding protein (MBP) is a serum lectin that participates in the immune defence by mediating phagocytosis and activation of complement. Variant MBP alleles causing dominant low‐serum concentrations have high frequencies in all populations studied, and therefore, low MBP concentrations may confer selective advantages to those individuals carrying the variant alleles. Mycobacterium leprae, the causative agent of leprosy, is an obligate intracellular parasite dependent on phagocytosis to invade host cells. The serum concentrations of MBP in 36 Ethiopian patients (median: 1688μgl‐1) with lepromatous or borderline lepromatous leprosy were significantly (P<0.001) higher than in 26 healthy Ethiopian blood donors (median: 368μgl‐1) Only 17% of the patients vs. 58% of the donors (P = 0.0019) had the relatively low MBP concentrations usually associated with variant alleles. Functional studies revealed that M. leprae and M. tuberculosis sonicates bind MBP as strongly as pure mannan. These observations suggest a role for mycobacteria as a selective force in the positive selection of alleles causing low levels of MBP and warrant genetic studies of patients infected with these bacteria.
HLA‐A LOCUS DNA TYPING OF THE 4AOH CELL PANEL BY ARMS PCR
Authors: Krausa P. , Browning M. J. , Moses J. H. , Bodmer J. G. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYAs part of the Fourth Asia‐Oceania Histocompatibility (4AOH) Workshop, the authors have demonstrated a method of DNA‐based tissue typing of the HLA‐A locus using ARMS‐designed primers in a panel of specific PCR reactions. The study was carried out blind under Workshop conditions and the results confirm the method as an accurate means of determining HLA‐A locus tissue types.
HLA‐DQA1 AND DQB 1 ALLELE AND GENOTYPE CONTRIBUTION TO IDDM SUSCEPTIBILITY IN AN ETHNICALLY MIXED POPULATION
Authors: Balducci‐Silano P. L. , Layrisse Z. , Dominguez E. , Amaro R. , Gunczler P. , Lanes R. , Zaro R. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYHLA‐DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 alleles have been determined in 42 families with one IDDM proband and 64 healthy controls, by oligotyping (PCR‐SSO) using primers and probes from the XI International Histocompatibility Workshop. A positive DRB1 *03 and DRB1 *04 association with the disease was observed, whereas DRB 1*11 and DRB 1 *07 showed negative association but 19% of patients carried DRB1 alleles different to DRB 1 *03 or *04. When single alleles were considered, DQA1 *03 showed the strongest association with susceptibility to the disease (RR = 8.2, Pc = 0.00001) but this association was outgrown by 2 and 3 allele combinations, with genotype DRB 1 *04‐DQA 1 *03‐DQB1*0302/DRB1*03‐ DQA 1*0501‐ DQB 1*0201 showing the strongest association (RR = 28, Pc = 0.002). Application of the relative predispositional effect (RPE) method to our data, revealed a further susceptibility risk provided by the DRB1*13‐DQA1*0102‐DQB 1*0604 haplotype once DR3 and DR4 haplotypes were removed. When DQA1‐DQB1 genotypes were analysed for presence of Arg 52 (DQ α) and absence of Asp 57 (DQ β), genotypes SS/SS were found significantly increased in diabetics. Interestingly, one of the strongest associations with the disease was observed with the DQA 1*03‐DQB 1*0201 combination encoded mainly by genes in trans (RR = 11.7 Pc = 0.00004). These observations and their comparison with DR‐DQ haplotypes in more homogeneous ethnic groups support the stronger influence of the DQ molecule rather than the individual DR or DQ alleles in the susceptibility to IDDM. They also emphasize the need for detailed HLA haplotype studies in non‐Caucasian and ethnically mixed populations to gain further insight into the nature of genetic and environmental factors contribution to autoimmunity.
THE HLA‐DRB1*0101 ALLELE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HLA SUSCEPTIBILITY TO LICHEN RUBER PLANUS
Authors: Carcassi C. , Cottoni F. , Floris L. , Nasa G. La , Mulargia M. , Baldini G. , Senes G. , Orru S. , Montesu M. A. , Cerimele D. , Contu L. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYSerological studies have demonstrated that lichen ruber planus is associated with the HLA‐DR1 antigen. This association was also confirmed by us in the Sardinian population. To establish which DRB1 molecular alleles are involved, we studied a selected group of 14 DR1 positive patients affected by cutaneous idiopathic lichen planus and a group of DR1 positive healthy controls using PCR with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP).Comparisons between the allele frequencies in patients and controls showed a positive association with cutaneous idiopathic lichen planus for the DRB 1*0101 allele (RR = 5.8, P= 0.0097). DRB1*0101 and DRB1*0102 are associated with the same DQA1 and DQB1 alleles and are different only for two amino acids in positions 85 and 86 of the DRB 1 gene. In our case report predisposition to cutaneous idiopathic lichen planus is correlated with a valine in position 85 and a glycine in position 86 at the second exon of the DRB 1 gene.
T CELL RECEPTOR DELTA LOCUS POLYMORPHISM IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: Vandevyver C. , Geusens P. , Cassiman J.‐J. , Raus J. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYIn order to identify new susceptibility markers for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), we analysed the dinucleotide repeat polymorphism at the T cell receptor delta locus (TCRD) in 65 RA patients and 99 healthy Belgian controls. A significant under‐representation of the A4‐A5 TCRD genotype was observed in the RA population.
‘BIO‐ID’: RESTRICTED USE OF HLA MARKERS TO DETECT DOUBLE REGISTRATION ON COMPUTER FILES
Authors: Hors J. , Busson M. , Raffoux C. , Baouz A. , Weser A. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYWe propose to use the extreme diversity of HLA in order to detect, by anonymous check, double registration on computer files, of patients waiting for organ transplantation. A simulation on a panel of 69461 unrelated individuals, caucasoid, confirms the relevance of the method.
HLA‐DRB1*0401 IS ASSOCIATED WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO INSULIN‐DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS INDEPENDENTLY OF THE DQB1 LOCUS
Authors: Tait B. D. , Drummond B. P. , Varney M. D. , Harrison L. C. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYThe distribution of DRB1*04 alleles and DRB1/DQB1 haplotypes was analysed in 57 DR4+ caucasoid subjects with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and 96 DR4+ healthy controls selected on the basis of DR serology, and the findings were analysed in relation to age at diagnosis of IDDM. DNA samples were amplified using specific DR and DQ primers and hybridized with sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes.A significantly increased combined frequency of DRB 1*0401 and 0402 was observed in IDDM subjects aged ≤12 years at diagnosis (allele frequency 88.4% compared with 62.0% in controls, P < 0.025). There was a non‐significant increase in DRB 1*0401 and 0402 in IDDM subjects ≤12 years when compared with IDDM subjects >12 years (P < 0.1). DRB 1 *0404 was decreased in the total IDDM subject group compared with controls (4.8% vs. 19.0%, P < 0.025) but did not reach statistical significance in the individual age at diagnosis groups. In contrast, the frequency of DQB1 *0302 was increased uniformly across both ages at diagnosis groups.In controls DRB 1*0401 occurred in haplotype association with DQB 1*0301 in a significantly greater frequency than with DQB 1*0302. However, 95.0% of DRB 1*0401 IDDM subjects were DQB 1*0302. DRB 1*0404, which was decreased in frequency in IDDM subjects, occurred in association significantly more frequently with DQB 1 *0302 in controls. These results imply that DRB 1 and DQB 1 have independent roles as HLA susceptibility genes in IDDM. DQB1 may have a permissive role whereas DRB1 could influence the rate at which underlying disease progresses to clinical IDDM.
DIFFERENT PATTERNS OF HLA‐DR ANTIGEN EXPRESSION IN NORMAL EPITHELIUM, HYPERPLASTIC AND NEOPLASTIC MALIGNANT LESIONS OF THE BREAST
Authors: Concha A. , Ruiz‐Cabello F. , Cabrera T. , Nogales F. , Collado A. , Garrido F. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYFifteen samples of non‐tumoural breast tissue, 24 cases of benign lesions, four biopsies of inflammatory carcinomas and 94 tumour samples of primitive mammary carcinomas were analysed for HLA class II expression. We found, first, that HLA class II antigens were detectable in all cases of non‐neoplastic breast tissue. Secondly, HLA class II antigen expression was notably increased in benign neoplasms and hyperplastic lesions. In contrast, only 32 out of 94 carcinomas showed expression of HLA‐DR antigens, 17 tumours had HLA‐DP antigens and 11 carcinomas were positive for the presence of DQ molecules. The expression of class II antigen was associated with the degree of histological differentiation (P < 0.05) but was independent of stromal leucocytic infiltration. Thirdly, HLA‐DR was very strongly expressed in intravascular tumoural thrombi, especially in the ‘inflammatory carcinomas’. The immunephenotype of inflammatory infiltrate was analysed in benign and malignant lesions. In malignant lesions the mean number of inflammatory cells was significantly higher than in benign lesions. Interestingly, we found no differences in the amount and composition of inflammatory infiltrate between HLA‐DR positive and negative tumours.
MATERNAL HLA CLASS II ALLOGENOTYPES ARE MARKERS FOR THE PREDISPOSITION TO FETAL LOSSES IN FAMILIES OF WOMEN WITH UNEXPLAINED RECURRENT FETAL LOSS
Authors: Christiansen O. B. , Andersen H. H. , Hosjbjerre M. , Kruse T. A. , Lauritzen S. L. , Grunnet N. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYThe HLA allogenotypes DRl/Br, DR3 and DR10 (entitled risk HLA markers) have been reported as being genetic markers for the predisposition to experience unexplained recurrent fetal losses. The aim of the study was to determine whether the putative risk HLA markers might also be markers for the risk of pregnancy loss in sisters and wives of brothers of women with unexplained recurrent fetal losses. Information concerning pregnancy outcomes among the relatives of 146 consecutive women with unexplained recurrent fetal losses was collected. Ninety‐five of the full sisters, 69 of the full brothers and 50 of the wives of the brothers were HLA typed. Sisters who had experienced at least one previous pregnancy loss (affected women) shared more HLA haplotypes with the proband than unaffected sisters, when the proband was positive for the risk markers (P= 0.02). More affected than unaffected sisters and brothers’ wives were positive for the risk markers (P< 0.005 andP< 0.03; respectively). The lowest estimate of the odds ratio for experiencing pregnancy loss among sisters and brothers’ wives who were positive compared with those negative for the risk markers was 3.5 (95% credible interval = 1.9‐5.8). It is concluded that maternal DRl/Br, DR3 and DR10 allogenotypes seem to be genetic markers for the risk of pregnancy loss among relatives of women with unexplained recurrent fetal losses. The pattern of inheritance suggests a polygenic mode of inheritance with alleles linked to the risk HLA markers interacting with non‐HLA linked genes expressed on the fetus or the trophoblast.
POPULATION ANALYSIS OF PROTECTION BY HLA‐DR AND DQ GENES FROM INSULIN‐DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS IN SWEDISH CHILDREN WITH INSULIN‐DEPENDENT DIABETES AND CONTROLS
Authors: Kockum I. , Sanjeevi C.B. , Eastman S. , Landin‐Olsson M. , Dahlouist G. , Lernmark Å. ,   Co‐Authors
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYA negative association between insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and HLA‐DR, DQA1 or DQB1 was found in a large population‐based investigation of childhood‐onset patients (more than 420 patients) and controls (more than 340 controls) from Sweden. The relative risk was decreased for several haplotypes that were negatively associated with IDDM: DR15‐DQA1*0102‐DQB1*0602, DR7‐DQA1*0201‐DQB1*0303, DR14‐DQA1*0101‐DQB1*0503, DRI1‐DQAI*0501‐DQB1*0301, DR13‐DQA1*0103‐DQB1*0603 and DR4‐DQA1*0301‐DQB1*0301. In a relative predispositional effect (RPE) analysis, however, only the DR15‐DQA1*0102‐DQB1*0602 haplotype was significantly decreased, which suggests that the major protective effect for IDDM is carried by this haplotype. This was supported by the observation that all genotypes which were negatively associated with IDDM, except DR7/13, included at least one allele from the DR15‐DQA1*0102‐DQB1*0602 haplotype. Relative predispositional effect (RPE) analysis of genotypes showed further that the DR15‐DQA1*0102‐DQB1*0602 haplotype was also negatively associated with IDDM when combined with any other haplotype, whether negatively or positively associated with IDDM. This supports previous suggestions that DR15‐DQA1*0102‐DQB1*0602 acts dominantly. However, both the stratification and the predispositional allele test failed to distinguish the negative association between IDDM and DR15 from that of DQBT0602. On the other hand, these tests indicated that DQA1*0102 was not likely to explain the negative association between IDDM and the DR15‐DQA1*0102‐DQB1*0602 haplotype. We conclude that the
HLA CLASS II REGION GENES AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS: DPB1 AND TAP2 ASSOCIATIONS ARE SECONDARY TO THOSE OF THE DQ SUBREGION
Authors: Hall M. A. , Lanchbury J. S. , Ciclitira P. J. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYClassical dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is associated with similar HLA class I, II and III polymorphisms to coeliac disease (CD). The two diseases share distinctive pathological changes to the small intestinal mucosa which reverse on withdrawal of dietary gluten. In order to determine the locus primarily associated with DH, and to examine whether there is a common genetic link predisposing to the enteropathy seen in both DH and coeliac disease, HLA‐DR, DQ and DP subregion associations were investigated by HLA genotyping in 23 DH patients and 64 healthy controls. We also studied polymorphisms of the TAP2 locus, which is located between the DP and DQ subregions. Genotyping was carried out by PCR of genomic DNA with allelic assignment by sequence‐specific oligonucleotide (SSO) hybridization or amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS). The strongest associations in the patient group were with HLA DRB1*0301 (91% vs 22% of controls), HLA DQB1*02 (100% vs 32% of controls) and DPB1*0101 (39% and 14%). These associations are similar to those described for CD. 100% of DH patients were positive for the DQA1*0501/DQB1*02 dimer in cis or trans and, by analogy with CD, this is probably responsible for presenting gliadin peptide implicated in the disease process. Homozygosity for DQ2 was significantly increased in the CD patient group compared to the DH patient group (65% versus 39%), and so differences in dosage of HLA class II genotypes between DH and CD may be responsible for the milder gastrointestinal symptoms characteristic of DH.
LONG‐RANGE PCR AMPLIFICATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE STRATEGY FOR CHARACTERIZING NOVEL HLA‐B ALLELES
Authors: Curran M. D. , Williams F. , Earle J. A. P. , Rima B. K. , van Dam M. G. , Bunce M. , Middleton D. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYWe have developed a simple, rapid and reliable method for specifically amplifying and cloning full‐length HLA‐B genes from genomic DNA. Using this methodology we characterized three alleles of interest at the molecular level. Two of the alleles appeared in our routine class I PCR‐SSOP typing system, a variant of B*5801 found in the Daudi cell line and RCE 56 and a variant of B*4101 found in a number of volunteer donors on our Bone Marrow Donor Registry. The third, a variant B35 allele found in RCE 80, was first identified as unusual by serology. Our sequencing analysis of exon 2 and exon 3 identified two of these alleles as the recently reported novel HLA‐B*5802 and HLA‐B*4102 alleles, while the third represents a new B35 allele officially designated B*3513.
Escaping from modified Newtonian dynamics
Authors: Famaey Benoit , Bruneton Jean-Philippe , Zhao HongSheng 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
We present a new test of modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) on galactic scales, based on the escape speed in the solar neighbourhood. This test is independent from other empirical successes of MOND at reproducing the phenomenology of galactic rotation curves. The galactic escape speed in MOND is entirely determined by the baryonic content of the Galaxy and the external field in which it is embedded. We estimate that the external field in which the Milky Way must be embedded to produce the observed local escape speed of ∼550 km s−1 is of the order of a0/100, where a0 is the dividing acceleration scale below which gravity is boosted in MOND. This is compatible with the external gravitational field actually acting on the Milky Way.
Promoting Health Literacy Through the Health Education Assessment Project
Authors: Marx Eva , Hudson Nancy , Deal Tami B. , Pateman Beth , Middleton Kathleen 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:  The Council of Chief State School Officers’ State Collaborative on Assessment and Student Standards Health Education Assessment Project (SCASS‐HEAP) allows states to pool financial and human resources to develop effective ready‐to‐use health education assessment resources through a collaborative process. The purpose of this article is to describe the extensive ongoing development of the SCASS‐HEAP and its benefits for important stakeholders in health and education.Methods:  A review of the products from the first decade of the SCASS‐HEAP was undertaken.Results:  The SCASS‐HEAP supports a comprehensive systems approach to helping educators focus effectively on the most important skills and issues in child and adolescent health and gives health education a place at the school reform table, providing visibility and credibility and promoting the essential links between health and learning.Conclusion:  State education agencies and school districts can use SCASS‐HEAP materials for assessment and, perhaps more importantly, to help teachers modify and improve instruction at the classroom level for increased student learning.
Use of Brief Interventions for Drug Abusing Teenagers Within a Middle and High School Setting
Authors: Winters Ken C. , Leitten Willa , Wagner Eric , O’Leary Tevyaw Tracy 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:  Promising and encouraging results have been recently reported on the use of briefer interventions for adolescent drug abusers. Because middle‐ and high‐school‐based drug abuse intervention programs have grown in popularity over the past several decades, the use of brief interventions (BIs) in school settings merits consideration.Methods:  We review several clinical and school contextual issues pertaining to the scientific efficacy, feasibility, and application of BIs for students who are abusing drugs.Results:  Several advantages for employing BIs in a school setting are identified, including the relatively high base rate of students with mild‐to‐moderate drug involvement and the likelihood that school counselors can readily learn BI techniques. Caveats of implementing BIs include practical, systemic, and clinical barriers.Conclusions:  Despite concerns, schools are a viable setting in which to screen youth for drug abuse problems and to conduct a BI.
Association of the Presence of State and District Health Education Policies With School Tobacco Prevention Program Practices*
Authors: Boerm Melynda , Gingiss Phyllis , Roberts‐Gray Cynthia 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTBackground:  Texas does not require health education or tobacco use prevention education (TUPE) in its middle schools. During planning for the Texas Tobacco Prevention Initiative, this baseline research was conducted to (1) describe tobacco prevention and control practices in middle schools prior to the pilot, (2) analyze implementation of a state law prohibiting tobacco use on campuses and at school events, and (3) identify how schools are influenced by district policies requiring health education.Methods:  Written surveys derived from the 2000 School Health Education Profile Tobacco Module developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were completed by principals and health coordinators at schools in districts requiring health education (n = 31) and schools without district requirements (n = 32).Results:  School tobacco policy familiarity and enforcement were consistently reported in response to a state law with rigorous recommendations prohibiting tobacco use. Significantly more activity in numerous components of TUPE was reported in schools in districts with a health education requirement.Conclusions:  Results have implications for intervention programs planned in schools located in states seeking to develop or strengthen state laws, or in states without health education or specific health content requirements.
Resuscitation competencies in paediatric specialist registrars
Authors: Gemke Reinoud J B J , Weeteling Bianca , van Elburg Ruurd M 
Published: April 2007

Abstract

Background
Despite the increased availability of resuscitation courses and guidelines requiring optimal training for acute situations, little is known on the actual qualification of house staff with in-hospital on-call duties for critically ill newborns and children.

Objective
To assess (1) the characteristics of education and training; (2) the level of experience; and (3) factors that may hamper optimal performance of paediatric specialist registrars caring for acute critically ill newborns and children.

Methods
A structured questionnaire was completed by a national cohort of all paediatric specialist registrars in their fourth year (ie pre-final) of training.

Results
Important shortcomings in training and assessment of actual qualifications of resuscitation competencies were identified in paediatric specialist registrars. In 17 of 57 (30%) specialist registrars, competencies in acute care had never been assessed or reconfirmed when starting on-call duties while in the others, 40 (70%), substantial heterogeneity was found regarding the type of assessment of qualifications for on-call duties. In acute situations, occasionally untrained and unsupervised resuscitation procedures were performed. Individual responsibility was the most important stressor that may hamper optimal performance. Despite these findings, adequate reported levels of self-confidence were found; self confidence was higher in newborns as compared to children (7.8 and 7.0 respectively on scale 1–10, p&lt;0.05).

Conclusions
Successful completion of a resuscitation course does not ensure adequate qualifications by on-call residents, unless regular refresher sessions are provided. Teaching hospitals should establish and implement uniform guidelines for training and assessment of competencies regarding acute care for critically ill children and newborns.
Tako-tsubo syndrome on the rise: a review of the current literature
Authors: Buchholz Stefan , Rudan George 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Tako-tsubo syndrome (TTS) or stress-related acute reversible ventricular apical dysfunction is an emerging but seemingly under-recognised cardiomyopathy mimicking acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without concomitant epicardial coronary artery disease. Severe emotional stress is the most common trigger for this syndrome in the published series, but it can also be precipitated by severe intercurrent medical illness. Precise epidemiological data are not yet available, although TTS most commonly affects elderly women. The exact cause of this syndrome is undetermined, but proposed mechanisms include epicardial coronary artery vasospasm, impaired multivessel coronary microcirculation, calcium overload with direct myocyte damage and disrupted fatty acid metabolism with prolonged myocardial stunning. The time course of electrocardiographic changes is very similar to that of an acute STEMI due to an acute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The left ventricular dysfunction typically displays an akinetic apical half of the left or both ventricles with hyperkinetic basal segments, although a variant with apical sparing has also been described recently. The ventricular dysfunction usually resolves within weeks and carries a generally favourable prognosis.