bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study on the ALAD gene polymorphisms associated with lead exposure
Authors: Shaik AP , Jamil K 
Published: November 2008

δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) plays an important role in lead poisoning, and polymorphisms in this gene may affect the response of individuals to lead toxicity symptoms. This study was carried out to examine the effects of ALAD gene polymorphism (G177C) on blood lead levels (BLL) and hematological parameters. In all, 113 battery manufacturing unit workers and 102 occupationally unexposed controls from Hyderabad, A.P, India formed the study group. Genotypes for the ALAD G177C polymorphism were determined by Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length digestion. BLL were determined by anode stripping voltammetry using ESA Model 3010B Lead analyzer. Complete blood picture was analyzed using ADVIA cell counter for each sample. The frequencies for ALAD1 and ALAD2 alleles were 0.98 and 0.01, respectively. ALAD 1-2 and ALAD 2-2 genotypes together were considered as a single group and compared with the ALAD 1-1 genotype group. BLL did not differ significantly among ALAD1-1, 1-2, and 2-2 genotypes; however, subjects from the ALAD 1-2/2-2 genotype group showed higher BLL concentrations of 80.51 μg/dL when compared with subjects from the ALAD 1-1 genotype group (50.4 μg/dL). Approximately 29.2% volunteers ( n = 33) from the occupationally exposed group had hemoglobin levels below 10.0 g/dL. There was no significant difference in total white cell count and platelet count between occupational and non-exposed lead-exposed groups. BLL of occupationally exposed individuals were significantly high compared with the unexposed group. ALAD G177C polymorphism along with BLL and assessment of hematological parameters may play an important role in evaluation and better understanding of the consequences of lead exposure.
Correlation Between Maternal Plasma Thrombomodulin and Infant Birth Weight in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Varol Füsun G. , Ozgen Levent , Sayin N. Cenk , Demir Muzaffer 
Published: November 2008

Objective: To evaluate the association between maternal plasma thrombomodulin levels and infant birth weights in pregnancy-induced hypertension. Study design: Plasma thrombomodulin levels were measured in 80 pregnant women living in the Trakya region of Turkey. Of these patients, 30 were with severe preeclampsia, 10 with HELLP syndrome, 10 with eclampsia, and 30 were normotensive healthy pregnant women. Plasma thrombomodulin levels were determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The correlation analysis between thrombomodulin and birth weight and placental weights was done using analysis of variance and Bonferroni test (significance at P < .05). Kruskal-Wallis statistical analysis was performed in comparison of the descriptive and laboratory data (significance at P < .05). Results: The plasma thrombomodulin values in hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were found to be highly correlated with the infant birth weights (P < .001). In HELLP syndrome, the highest thrombomodulin levels (94.69 + 10.41 ng/mL) were associated with the lowest infant birth weight (1509.70 + 187.55 g) in the study population. Thrombomodulin in eclampsia (81.37 + 3.59 ng/mL) showed an association with infant birth weight (2078 + 132.65 g). Although thrombomodulin levels in severe preeclampsia (67.15 + 3.72 ng/mL) were associated with the values (1748.20 + 132.62 g) in infant birth weight, thrombomodulin levels of the control group demonstrated the mean (48.06 + 2.45) with the highest infant birth weight (3228.85 + 84.83) in the total group. Conclusion: Elevated plasma thrombomodulin levels in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were well correlated with related infant birth weights of these pathologies. Plasma thrombomodulin levels might point out placental vascular endothelial damage reflecting on infant birth weights.
Proteomic identification of altered apolipoprotein patterns in pulmonary hypertension and vasculopathy of sickle cell disease
Authors: Yuditskaya Susan , Tumblin Ashaunta , Hoehn Gerard T. , Wang Guanghui , Drake Steven K. , Xu Xiuli , Ying Saixia , Chi Amy H. , Remaley Alan T. , Shen Rong-Fong , Munson Peter J. , Suffredini Anthony F. , Kato Gregory J. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is emerging as a major complication and independent risk factor for death among adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). Using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS), we searched for biomarkers of PAH in plasma specimens from 27 homozygous sickle cell anemia (HbSS) patients with PAH and 28 without PAH. In PAH patients, analysis consistently showed lower abundance of a 28.1-kDa peak (P < .001), identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry as the oxidant-scavenging protein apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), which correlated with clinical assays of apoA-I (r = .58, P < .001) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (r = .50, P = .001). Consistent with endothelial dysfunction that may mediate this effect in PAH, HbSS patients with lower apoA-I levels also displayed impaired vasodilatory responses to acetylcholine (mean ± SEM, 189% ± 34% [n = 13] vs 339% ± 51% [n = 13], P < .001). As a group, patients with SCD demonstrated significantly lower apoA-I levels than African-American control subjects. The PAH cohort was further characterized by high levels of apolipoproteins A-II and B and serum amyloid A, and low levels of haptoglobin dimers and plasminogen. These results imply a relationship of apolipoproteins to the development of PAH vasculopathy in SCD, potentially involving an unexpected mechanistic parallel to atherosclerosis, another proliferative vasculopathy.
Analysis of somatic hypermutation in X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome shows specific deficiencies in mutational targeting
Authors: Longo Nancy S. , Lugar Patricia L. , Yavuz Sule , Zhang Wen , Krijger Peter H. L. , Russ Daniel E. , Jima Dereje D. , Dave Sandeep S. , Grammer Amrie C. , Lipsky Peter E. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractSubjects with X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome (X-HIgM) have a markedly reduced frequency of CD27+ memory B cells, and their Ig genes have a low level of somatic hypermutation (SHM). To analyze the nature of SHM in X-HIgM, we sequenced 209 nonproductive and 926 productive Ig heavy chain genes. In nonproductive rearrangements that were not subjected to selection, as well as productive rearrangements, most of the mutations were within targeted RGYW, WRCY, WA, or TW motifs (R = purine, Y = pyrimidine, and W = A or T). However, there was significantly decreased targeting of the hypermutable G in RGYW motifs. Moreover, the ratio of transitions to transversions was markedly increased compared with normal. Microarray analysis documented that specific genes involved in SHM, including activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AICDA) and uracil-DNA glycosylase (UNG2), were up-regulated in normal germinal center (GC) B cells, but not induced by CD40 ligation. Similar results were obtained from light chain rearrangements. These results indicate that in the absence of CD40-CD154 interactions, there is a marked reduction in SHM and, specifically, mutations of AICDA-targeted G residues in RGYW motifs along with a decrease in transversions normally related to UNG2 activity.
Risk factors for overweight and obesity, and changes in body mass index of Chinese adults in Shanghai
Authors: Hou Xuhong , Jia Weiping , Bao Yuqian , Lu Huijuan , Jiang Shan , Zuo Yuhua , Gu Huilin , Xiang Kunsan 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Over the past two decades, the prevalence of overweight or obesity has increased in China. The aims of this study were to firstly assess the baseline prevelences and the risk factors for overweight and obesity, and secondly to detect the changes of body mass index (BMI) over a follow-up period in Chinese adults in Shanghai.

Methods
The data set of a population-based longitudinal study was analyzed. Anthropometric and biochemical data were collected for 5364 subjects (aged 25–95 years) during a period of 1998–2001. Among those individuals, 3032 subjects were interviewed and reexamined at the second survey from 2003 to 2004. Then the standardized prevalences for overweight and obesity were calculated using baseline data; the possible contributing factors of overweight and obesity were detected using binary logistic regression analysis; and the changes of BMI were evaluated after an average of 3.6-year follow-up period.

Results
(1) According to the WHO standard and the Chinese standard, the sex- and age-standardized prevalences were 27.5% and 32.4% for overweight, and 3.7% and 9.1% for obesity, respectively. (2) The risks of overweight and obesity differed among different age groups. Family history of obesity increased the risk of overweight and obesity by about 1.2-fold for both genders. Current male smokers had a lower risk of overweight and obesity (OR = 0.76, p < 0.05) than nonsmokers. In contrast, current male drinkers had a higher risk of overweight and obesity (OR = 1.42, p < 0.05) than nondrinkers. Compared with low-educated women, medium- and high- educated women were at lower risk of overweight and obesity, and the corresponding ORs (95% CIs) were 0.64 (0.52–0.79) and 0.50(0.36–0.68), respectively. (3) The annual changes of BMI means ranged from an increase of 0.1 kg/m2 to a decrease of 0.2 kg/m2 (by genders and age groups). Meanwhile, the BMI increase was statistically significant in the 35–44 years age group, and the BMI decrease was significant above 65 years for both genders.

Conclusion
This study showed high prevalence of overweight and obesity in Shanghai metropolis populations. The risk factors of overweight and obesity were multifactorial and gender specific. After 3.6 years, BMI means changed slightly, BMI increased mainly in middle-aged individuals and decreased in old individuals.
Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Us3 Gene Deletion Influences Toll-like Receptor Responses in Cultured Monocytic Cells
Authors: Peri Piritta , Mattila Riikka K , Kantola Helena , Broberg Eeva , Karttunen Heidi S , Waris Matti , Vuorinen Tytti , Hukkanen Veijo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBackgroundToll-like receptors have a key role in innate immune response to microbial infection. The toll-like receptor (TLR) family consists of ten identified human TLRs, of which TLR2 and TLR9 have been shown to initiate innate responses to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and TLR3 has been shown to be involved in defence against severe HSV-1 infections of the central nervous system. However, no significant activation of the TLR3 pathways has been observed in wild type HSV-1 infections. In this work, we have studied the TLR responses and effects on TLR gene expression by HSV-1 with Us3 and ICP4 gene deletions, which also subject infected cells to apoptosis in human monocytic (U937) cell cultures.ResultsU937 human monocytic cells were infected with the Us3 and ICP4 deletion herpes simplex virus (d120), its parental virus HSV-1 (KOS), the Us3 deletion virus (R7041), its rescue virus (R7306) or wild type HSV-1 (F). The mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR9 and type I interferons (IFN) were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The intracellular expression of TLR3 and type I IFN inducible myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) protein as well as the level of apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. We observed that the mRNA expression of TLR3 and type I IFNs were significantly increased in d120, R7041 and HSV-1 (F)-infected U937 cells. Moreover, the intracellular expression of TLR3 and MxA were significantly increased in d120 and R7041-infected cells. We observed activation of IRF-3 in infections with d120 and R7041. The TLR4 mRNA expression level was significantly decreased in d120 and R7041-infected cells but increased in HSV-1 (KOS)-infected cells in comparison with uninfected cells. No significant difference in TLR2 or TLR9 mRNA expression levels was seen. Both the R7041 and d120 viruses were able to induce apoptosis in U937 cell cultures.ConclusionThe levels of TLR3 and type I IFN mRNA were increased in d120, R7041 and HSV-1 (F)-infected cells when compared with uninfected cells. Also IRF-3 was activated in cells infected with the Us3 gene deletion viruses d120 and R7041. This is consistent with activation of TLR3 signaling in the cells. The intracellular TLR3 and type I IFN inducible MxA protein levels were increased in d120 and R7041-infected cells but not in cells infected with the corresponding parental or rescue viruses, suggesting that the HSV-1 Us3 gene is involved in control of TLR3 responses in U937 cells.
Effects of short duration stress management training on self-perceived depression, anxiety and stress in male automotive assembly workers: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Edimansyah BA , Rusli BN , Naing L 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
To examine the effects of short duration stress management training (SMT) on self-perceived depression, anxiety and stress in male automotive assembly workers, 118 male automotive workers from Pekan, Pahang (n = 60, mean age = 40.0 years, SD = 6.67) and Kota Bharu, Kelantan (n = 58, mean age = 38.1 years, SD = 5.86) were assigned to experimental and control group, respectively. A SMT program consisting of aerobic exercise, stress management manual, video session, lecture, question and answer session, and pamphlet and poster session were conducted in the experimental group. A validated short-form Malay version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) were self-administered before and after the intervention program in the experimental and control group and their time and group interaction effects were examined using the repeated measure ANOVA test. Results indicated that the mean (SD) scores for DASS-Depression (p = 0.036) and DASS-Anxiety (p = 0.011) were significantly decreased, respectively, after the intervention program in the experimental group as compared to the control group (significant time-group interaction effects). No similar effect was observed for the mean (SD) scores for DASS-Stress (p = 0.104). However, the mean (SD) scores for subscales of DASS-Depression (Dysphoria, p = 0.01), DASS-Anxiety (Subjective Anxiety, p = 0.007, Situational Anxiety, p = 0.048), and DASS-Stress (Nervous Arousal, p = 0.018, Easily Upset, p = 0.047) showed significant time and group interaction effects. These findings suggest that short duration SMT is effective in reducing some aspects of self-perceived depression, anxiety and stress in male automotive workers.
Cell death upon epigenetic genome methylation: a novel function of methyl-specific deoxyribonucleases
Authors: Fukuda Eri , Kaminska Katarzyna H , Bujnicki Janusz M , Kobayashi Ichizo 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Background
Alteration in epigenetic methylation can affect gene expression and other processes. In Prokaryota, DNA methyltransferase genes frequently move between genomes and present a potential threat. A methyl-specific deoxyribonuclease, McrBC, of Escherichia coli cuts invading methylated DNAs. Here we examined whether McrBC competes with genome methylation systems through host killing by chromosome cleavage.

Results
McrBC inhibited the establishment of a plasmid carrying a PvuII methyltransferase gene but lacking its recognition sites, likely through the lethal cleavage of chromosomes that became methylated. Indeed, its phage-mediated transfer caused McrBC-dependent chromosome cleavage. Its induction led to cell death accompanied by chromosome methylation, cleavage and degradation. RecA/RecBCD functions affect chromosome processing and, together with the SOS response, reduce lethality. Our evolutionary/genomic analyses of McrBC homologs revealed: a wide distribution in Prokaryota; frequent distant horizontal transfer and linkage with mobility-related genes; and diversification in the DNA binding domain. In these features, McrBCs resemble type II restriction-modification systems, which behave as selfish mobile elements, maintaining their frequency by host killing. McrBCs are frequently found linked with a methyltransferase homolog, which suggests a functional association.

Conclusions
Our experiments indicate McrBC can respond to genome methylation systems by host killing. Combined with our evolutionary/genomic analyses, they support our hypothesis that McrBCs have evolved as mobile elements competing with specific genome methylation systems through host killing. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of a defense system against epigenetic systems through cell death.
Risks and benefits of research on children: developing an ethical framework to meet children's needs
Authors: Appleyard James 
Published: November 2008

Children are put at unnecessary risk in everyday clinical practice by being given medicines whose safety and efficacy have not been adequately researched. The lack of appropriate dosage forms for many ‘essential medicines’ for the main five treatable conditions causing the deaths of 10 million children worldwide under the age of 5 years are a major reason why countries are not achieving their millennium developmental goals. There has been understandable reluctance to undertake the necessary research on children. The reasons for this are reviewed. The existing levels of protection for child subjects worldwide are insufficient. Key principles are suggested both to encourage clinical research and to ensure adequate protection for children around the world.
Holomorphic triples on bielliptic curves
Authors: Ballico Edoardo , Pasotti Stefano , Prantil Francesco 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Here we study the α-stability for holomorphic triples on bielliptic curves. In particular some existence theorems for α-stable triples are proved using as main tool the study of holomorphic triples on elliptic curves. Elementary transformations of triples are also taken into consideration.
Partners' influence on each other's television exposure: Dominance or symmetry?
Authors: Konig Ruben P. , Kraaykamp Gerbert , Westerik Henk 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
In this study we analyzed to what extent partners who share the same household affect each other's exposure to television. With the use of linear structural equation modeling we analyzed data from a large scale representative survey in The Netherlands (n = 697 couples). Results indicate that both men and women influence their partner's exposure to television. When people spend much time watching television, their partners are also likely to spend a lot of time in front of the television. These influences on each other's exposure were of equal magnitude for both men and women. Finally, we found a strong socialization effect of parental viewing in the family of origin.
Online and print newspapers in Europe in 2003. Evolving towards complementarity
Authors: van der Wurff Richard , Lauf Edmund , Balčytienė Auksė , Fortunati Leopoldina , Holmberg Susan L. , Paulussen Steve , Salaverría Ramón 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
This article assesses online newspapers in Europe from a media evolutionary perspective, ten years after the introduction of the World Wide Web. Comparing print and online front pages of 51 newspapers in 14 countries in 2003, we argue that online newspapers complement print newspapers in modest ways. Online, publishers put more emphasis on service information, offer additional news items, that nonetheless report on similar topics in similar ways, and add personal interactivity, content selectivity and real-time news to the print news offering.
One subset of online newspapers charges for services, and offers more content and personal interactivity. Another, partly overlapping subset offers more original news; in a short and anonymous format. Overall, however, online newspapers in Europe make up a heterogeneous group, suggesting that online newspapers still have to find their definite form and role in the European news market.
Occupational position and consumption of news: A research note
Authors: Nelissen Paul , Konig Ruben , Renckstorf Karsten 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
This study explored in what way and to what extent people's occupational position corresponds with the consumption of news and the exposure to political content offered by the traditional mass media TV, radio, and newspaper, using survey data (N = 825). The influence of occupational position in general and perceived amount of public social capital (or: social network) on especially consumption of news as well as the exposure to political media content, was evident. Findings are in line with the central assumptions on ‘audience activity’ of audience-centered models in communication research in general and the ‘media use as social action’ approach especially (cf. Renckstorf and Wester, 2001, 2004). The subjectively perceived social context, indicated by occupational position as well as the subjectively held structure of relevancies is a central predictor of media use.
Differential diagnosis between the syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion and cerebral salt-wasting syndrome1
Authors: Beyersdorf Steffi , Albrecht Christin , Wallaschofski Henri 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Hyponatraemia is one of the most common complications in patients with disorders of the central nervous system or those who have undergone cerebral neurosurgery. The differentiation between the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and the cerebral salt-wasting syndrome (CSWS) is important because the two diseases have different prognoses and require different specific treatment. Although most physicians are familiar with SIADH, they are much less familiar with CSW. This paper emphasizes the need for CSW to be included in the differential diagnosis of hyponatraemia; it reviews the aetiology, pathophysiology, treatment and differential diagnoses of CSW; particular attention is given to diagnostic laboratory markers, both those that are already established and those that are still under investigation.
Virtual Pattern Optimization Based on Performance Prediction Tools
Authors: Mundl R. , Fischer M. , Strache W. , Wiese K. , Wies B. , Zinken K. H. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Due to shorter development cycles and high cost pressure, the tread pattern development process is optimized by an analysis tool, which can predict the influence of the tread pattern on several tire properties. By using this tool conventional development cycles can be substituted by several virtual development cycles. The tool modules for the tire properties traction, handling, plysteer residual aligning torque (PRAT), groove wander, and noise are presented in this paper. The applicability of evolution strategy on tread pattern development is demonstrated, being another prerequisite for a future virtual pattern development process.
From Tread Design to Tread Stiffness Matrices
Authors: Braghin F. , Cheli F. , Sangalli R. 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
The tread design, together with the tread compound, is responsible for the grip characteristics of tires. The aim of this work is to develop an engineering tool that is able to predict the stiffness distribution, i.e., the grip characteristics, of a given tread design without the need of producing a prototype. This is done by combining a graphical preprocessor developed in Matlab that is able to convert a drawing into a mesh, and a commercial FEA code.