bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of overweight and obesity on physician costs in adolescents and adults in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Janssen I. , Lam M. , Katzmarzyk P. T. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe study purpose was to perform an obesity cost‐of‐illness analysis for individuals living in the province of Ontario, Canada. The participants consisted of a representative sample of 25 038 adults and 2440 adolescents (aged 12–17 years) who participated in the 2000/2001 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). The CCHS data set includes measures of body mass index (BMI) (classified as normal weight, overweight or obese) and relevant covariates (age, income, smoking, alcohol, physical activity). The CCHS data set was linked to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan providers’ database to obtain physician costs for 2002–2003. A two‐part modelling approach was used to calculate and compare the average annual physician cost according to BMI. After adjusting for the covariates, physician costs were not significantly higher in overweight men and women compared with those with a normal weight. Physician costs were 14.7% higher in obese men and 18.2% higher in obese women than in men and women with a normal weight. Average physician costs were comparable in normal‐weight and overweight/obese adolescents ($233 per year in both groups). Because Ontario operates a publicly funded healthcare system, the findings of this study have relevance for other provinces/states and countries that operate similar healthcare systems.
Effects of Various Combinations of Benzodiazepines with Buprenorphine on Arterial Blood Gases in Rats*
Authors: Pirnay Stéphane O. , Mégarbane Bruno , Borron Stephen W. , Risède Patricia , Monier Claire , Ricordel Ivan , Baud Frédéric J. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract: Fatalities have been attributed to combinations of high‐dose buprenorphine with benzodiazepines. In rats, high‐dose buprenorphine combined with midazolam was shown to induce sustained respiratory acidosis, while buprenorphine alone did not. However, the effects of buprenorphine combined with pharmacological doses of benzodiazepines remain unknown. Our objective was to compare the acute effects of four selected benzodiazepines used intravenously at equi‐efficacious doses in rats, alone and in combination with buprenorphine on sedation, respiratory rate and arterial blood gases. Buprenorphine (30 mg/kg) did not significantly modify sedation level or respiratory rate, but induced mild and transient effects on pH and PaCO2(P < 0.05). Similarly, despite having no effects on respiratory rate, nordiazepam (10 mg/kg), bromazepam (1 mg/kg) and oxazepam (12 mg/kg) mildly and transiently altered pH and PaCO2(P < 0.05), whereas clonazepam (5 mg/kg) did not. Buprenorphine combined with each benzodiazepine induced no significant effects on respiratory rate or blood gases, in comparison with buprenorphine alone. However, combinations of oxazepam or nordiazepam with buprenorphine significantly deepened sedation. While both combinations reduced respiratory rate, buprenorphine + 30 mg/kg clonazepam significantly increased PaCO2and buprenorphine + 30 mg/kg nordiazepam decreased PaO2. In conclusion, not all benzodiazepines induce significant respiratory depression at therapeutic doses. We were unable to demonstrate significant effects on rat ventilatory parameters of buprenorphine combined with equi‐efficacious pharmacological doses of benzodiazepines in comparison with buprenorphine alone. Our results may suggest that effects of these combinations are rather mild. Respiratory failure may, however, result from the association of buprenorphine with elevated doses of benzodiazepines.
Metabolic syndrome and estimates of cardiovascular disease in cirrhotic patients
Authors: CHAVEZ‐TAPIA Norberto C , TELLEZ‐AVILA Felix I , VALDES‐ESCARCEGA Marisol , MONTAÑO‐REYES Maria A , RAMOS Martha H , LIZARDI‐CERVERA Javier , URIBE Misael 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE:  The expected survival rate in patients with liver cirrhosis has increased in recent years, putting them into a clinical scenario in which cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome could be common causes of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other risk factors and estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with liver cirrhosis.METHODS:  We conducted a cross‐sectional study assessing the patients’ lifestyle, and their anthropometric and biochemical data. Their metabolic syndrome and estimates of their risk of cardiovascular disease were calculated, comparing patients with and without liver cirrhosis.RESULTS:  The study included 355 patients (99 cirrhotic and 256 non‐cirrhotic patients). There were no differences between them in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (39.4%vs 45.7%, P = 0.340). In patients with liver cirrhosis, the mean values of criteria for metabolic syndrome increased as the model end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score increased (P = 0.01). The mean value of a 10‐year risk for cardiovascular disease was lower in the cirrhotic patients (3.4 ± 3.5%vs 5.8 ± 6.8%, P = 0.001).CONCLUSION:  Metabolic syndrome is prevalent in patients with liver cirrhosis, but their estimated risk for cardiovascular disease is lower than in non‐cirrhotics. The MELD score is a good marker for assessing the severity of the metabolic syndrome in this group.
Development of primers to amplify mitochondrial DNA control region of Old World porcupines (subgenus Hystrix)
Authors: TRUCCHI E. , GENTILE G. , SBORDONI V. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractEight primers were developed for the amplification of mitochondrial DNA control region of Old world porcupines (subgenus Hystrix). Successful amplifications of low‐quality DNA extracted from old (12 years old) and recent quills were performed, thus facilitating field sampling. Successful cross‐species amplifications were obtained for Hystrix africaeaustralis, H. cristata and H. indica. Length and structure of mitochondrial DNA control region were analysed and its usefulness as genetic marker for interspecific and population investigation was discussed.
Microsatellite loci for laticaudine sea kraits
Authors: LANE AMANDA M. , OLDROYD BENJAMIN P. , SHINE RICHARD 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe report the development of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci (three dinucleotides, one trinucleotide and seven tetranucleotides) that are useful for the detection of population subdivision and the study of philopatry, migration and mating biology in laticaudine sea kraits Laticauda saintgironsi and Laticauda laticaudata. Five loci are highly polymorphic and amplify reliably in both L. saintgironsi and L. laticaudata. An additional three are useful in L. saintgironsi and another three in L. laticaudata.
Overexpression of cathepsin K in mice decreases collagen deposition and lung resistance in response to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Srivastava Mrigank , Steinwede Kathrin , Kiviranta Riku , Morko Jukka , Hoymann Heinz-Gerd , Länger Florian , Buhling Frank , Welte Tobias , Maus Ulrich A 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
Lung fibrosis is a devastating pulmonary disorder characterized by alveolar epithelial injury, extracellular matrix deposition and scar tissue formation. Due to its potent collagenolytic activity, cathepsin K, a lysosomal cysteine protease is an interesting target molecule with therapeutic potential to attenuate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. We here tested the hypothesis that over-expression of cathepsin K in the lungs of mice is protective in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods
Wild-type and cathepsin K overexpressing (cathepsin K transgenic; cath K tg) mice were challenged intratracheally with bleomycin and sacrificed at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks post-treatment followed by determination of lung fibrosis by estimating lung collagen content, lung histopathology, leukocytic infiltrates and lung function. In addition, changes in cathepsin K protein levels in the lung were determined by immunohistochemistry, real time RT-PCR and western blotting.

Results
Cathepsin K protein levels were strongly increased in alveolar macrophages and lung parenchymal tissue of mock-treated cathepsin K transgenic (cath K tg) mice relative to wild-type mice and further increased particularly in cath K tg but also wild-type mice in response to bleomycin. Moreover, cath K tg mice responded with a lower collagen deposition in their lungs, which was accompanied by a significantly lower lung resistance (RL) compared to bleomycin-treated wild-type mice. In addition, cath K tg mice responded with a lower degree of lung fibrosis than wild-type mice, a process that was found to be independent of inflammatory leukocyte mobilization in response to bleomycin challenge.

Conclusion
Over-expression of cathepsin K reduced lung collagen deposition and improved lung function parameters in the lungs of transgenic mice, thereby providing at least partial protection against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis.
Why is α-Actinin-3 Deficiency So Common in the General Population? The Evolution of Athletic Performance
Authors: North Kathryn 
Published: July 2008

Abstract‘We can now explain how this common genetic variation influences athletic performance as well as why it has become so common in the general population. There is a fascinating link between factors that influence survival in ancient humans and the factors that contribute to athletic abilities in modern man.’The humanACTN3gene encodes the protein α-actinin-3, a component of the contractile apparatus in fast skeletal muscle fibers. In 1999, we identified a common polymorphism inACTN3(R577X) that results in absence of α-actinin-3 in more than one billion people worldwide, despite theACTN3gene being highly conserved during human evolution. In 2003, we demonstrated thatACTN3genotype influences elite athletic performance, and the association betweenACTN3genotype and skeletal muscle performance has since been replicated in athletes and non-athlete cohorts. We have also studied the evolution of the R577X allele during human evolution and demonstrated that the null (X) allele has undergone strong, recent positive selection in Europeans and Asian populations. We have developed anActn3knockout mouse model that replicates α-actinin-3 deficiency in humans and has already provided insight into the role of α-actinin-3 in the regulation of skeletal muscle metabolism, fibre size, muscle mass and contractile properties. In particular, mouse muscle lacking α-actinin-3 uses energy more efficiently, with the fast fibers displaying metabolic and contractile properties of slow oxidative fibers. While this favors endurance activities, the trade off is that the muscle cannot generate the rapid contractions needed to excel in sprinting. We propose that the shift towards more efficient aerobic muscle metabolism associated with α-actinin-3 deficiency also underlies the adaptive benefit of the 577X allele. Our future studies will focus on the effect ofACTN3genotype on response to exercise and ageing, and the onset and severity of muscle disease phenotype.
Feline combined diaphyseal radial and ulnar fractures
Authors: De La Puerta B. , Trayhorn D. , Moores A. P. , Langley-Hobbs S. J. , Wallace A. M. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryFeline combined diaphyseal radial and ulnar fractures were reviewed in a retrospective study of cases that were admitted to two university teaching hospitals. A high incidence of complications was noted, with 6/26 (23.1%) of cases requiring revision surgery. Open fractures were significantly more likely to require revision surgery. The two main repair methods were external skeletal fixation (ESF) or radial plating. The success rate was greater for radial plating, with only 1/10 (10%) cases requiring revision versus 4/14 (28.6%) for ESF. However, ESF tended to be applied to the more complicated fractures. Stabilisation of both bones proved to be an effective repair strategy with only 1/8 cases (12.5%) requiring revision versus 5/18 cases (27.8%) where only one bone was stabilised. Synostoses and radiohumeral luxation were noted as complications associated with the fractures stabilised by ESF. Final limb function following recovery was assessed as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ in 93.3% of cases.
Ankyrin‐linked hereditary spherocytosis in an African–American kindred
Authors: Sangerman Jose , Maksimova Yelena , Edelman E. Jennifer , Morrow Jon S. , Forget Bernard G. , Gallagher Patrick G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMutations of ankyrin‐1 are the most frequent cause of the inherited hemolytic anemia, hereditary spherocytosis (HS), in people of European ancestry. Ankyrin‐1, which provides the primary linkage between the erythrocyte membrane skeleton and the plasma membrane, has numerous isoforms generated by alternative splicing, alternate polyadenylation, use of tissue‐specific promoters, and alternate NH2 or COOH‐termini. Mutation detection in erythrocyte membrane protein genes, including ankyrin, has been a challenge, primarily due to the large size of these genes, and the apparent frequent occurrence of HS‐associated null alleles. Using denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), we screened the ankyrin gene of the proband of a large, three generation African–American kindred with ankyrin‐deficient HS. DHPLC yielded an abnormal chromatogram for exon 1. Examination of the corresponding exon 1 sequence in genomic DNA from the proband revealed heterozygosity for a mutation of the initiator methionine (ATG to ATA Met 1 Ile). Coupled in vitrotranscription/translation studies with rabbit reticulocyte lysates demonstrated that the wild‐type ankyrin erythroid cDNA initiates only from the known initiator methionine, indicating that the use of alternate initiator methionine is not a mechanism of isoform diversity in erythroid cells. The mutant ankyrin allele, unlike some initiator methionine mutations that utilize downstream codons for translation initiation, was associated with a null allele. This is the first report describing ankyrin‐linked HS in an African–American kindred. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bubble‐free oxygenation of a bi‐enzymatic system: effect on biocatalyst stability
Authors: Van Hecke Wouter , Ludwig Roland , Dewulf Jo , Auly Markus , Messiaen Tom , Haltrich Dietmar , Van Langenhove Herman 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe effect of bubble‐free oxygenation on the stability of a bi‐enzymatic system with redox mediator regeneration for the conversion of lactose to lactobionic acid was investigated in a miniaturized reactor with bubbleless oxygenation. Earlier investigations of this biocatalytic oxidation have shown that the dispersive addition of oxygen can cause significant enzyme inactivation. In the process studied, the enzyme cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) oxidizes lactose at the C‐1 position of the reducing sugar moiety to lactobionolactone, which spontaneously hydrolyzes to lactobionic acid. 2,2′‐Azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) diammonium salt was used as electron acceptor for CDH and was continuously regenerated (reoxidized) by laccase, a blue multi‐copper oxidase. Oxygen served as the terminal electron acceptor of the reaction and was fully reduced to water by laccase. The overall mass transfer coefficient of the miniaturized reactor was determined at 30 and 45°C; conversions were conducted both in the reaction‐limited and diffusion‐limited regime to study catalyst inactivation. The bubbleless oxygenation was successful in avoiding gas/liquid interface inactivation. It was also shown that the oxidized redox mediator plays a key role in the inactivation mechanism of the biocatalysts unobserved during previous studies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 122–131. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direction and speed of microtubule movements driven by kinesin motors arranged on catchin thick filaments
Authors: Taba Toshiki , Edamatsu Masaki , Toba Shiori , Shibata Keitaro , Imafuku Yasuhiro , Toyoshima Yoko Yano , Tawada Katsuhisa , Yamada Akira 
Published: July 2008

AbstractConventional kinesin (Kinesin‐1) is a microtubule‐based molecular motor that supports intracellular vesicle/organelle transport in various eukaryotic cells. To arrange kinesin motors similarly to myosin motors on thick filaments in muscles, the motor domain of rat conventional kinesin (amino acid residues 1‐430) fused to the C‐terminal 829 amino acid residues of catchin (KHC430Cat) was bacterially expressed and attached to catchin filaments that can attach to and arrange myosin molecules in a bipolar manner on their surface. Unlike the case of myosin where actin filaments move toward the center much faster than in the opposite direction along the catchin filaments, microtubules moved at the same speed in both directions. In addition, many microtubules moved across the filaments at the same speed with various angles between the axes of the microtubule and catchin filament. Kinesin/catchin chimera proteins with a shorter kinesin neck domain were also prepared. Those without the whole hinge 1 domain and the C‐terminal part of the neck helix moved microtubules toward the center of the catchin filaments significantly, but only slightly, faster than in the opposite direction, although the movements in both directions were slower than those of the KHC430Cat construct. The results suggest that kinesin has substantial mechanical flexibility within the motor domain, possibly within the neck linker, enabling its interaction with microtubules having any orientation. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heterometallic CoIII–LnIII (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy) Complexes on a p‐Sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene Platform Exhibiting Redox‐Switchable Metal‐to‐Metal Energy Transfer
Authors: Skripacheva Viktoriya , Mustafina Asiya , Rusakova Nataliya , Yanilkin Vitaliy , Nastapova Nataliya , Amirov Rustem , Burilov Vladimir , Zairov Rustem , Kost Svetlana , Solovieva Svetlana , Korovin Yuriy , Antipin Igor , Konovalov Alexander 
Published: July 2008

AbstractNuclear magnetic relaxation along with pH metric data have been used to reveal pH‐dependent heterometallic CoIII–LnIII (Ln = Gd, Tb, and Dy) complex formation on a p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene (TCAS) platform in aqueous solution. The previously obtained 1D and 2D 1H NMR spectroscopic and X‐ray data prove the outer sphere binding of the CoIII block with the upper rim of TCAS, whereas the LnIII ion is coordinated with the phenolate groups of the lower rim of TCAS. The inclusive outer‐sphere binding of CoIII tris(dipyridyl) and tris(ethylendiaminate) complexes with the upper rim of TCAS favors binding of the inner‐sphere lanthanide ions through the lower rim of TCAS, whereas noninclusive binding of CoIII bis(histidinate) provides no effect on the binding of lanthanide ions. The emission properties of [Co(dipy)3]3+–LnIII (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy) complexes indicate the quenching of 4f luminescence by the 3d block. This quenching can be switched off by electrochemical CoIII/CoII reduction with further switching on by reoxidation. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Estimation of change point and compound Poisson process parameters for the earthquake data in Turkey
Authors: Aktas Serpîl , Konsuk Hande , Yîḡîter Ayten 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe existence of change point in the Turkish earthquake data is investigated. For this purpose, the 218 earthquake data of magnitude 5 and higher, between the north (39.00–42.00°) and the east (26.00–45.00°) coordinates in Turkey from 12 July 1900 to 28 February 2007 are used. The characteristic function of the magnitude is derived. Poisson distribution is used to describe the recurrence times. In addition, using the compound Poisson process, the expected value and variance are estimated and computed for the loss of life and damaged buildings after the change point. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictive value for malignancy in the finding of microcalcifications on ultrasonography of thyroid nodules
Authors: Chammas Maria Cristina , de Araujo Filho Vergilius José F. , Moysés Raquel A. , Brescia Marília D. G. , Mulatti Grace C. , Brandão Lenine G. , Cerri Giovanni G. , Ferraz Alberto R. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground.The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value for malignancy of microcalcifications determined by ultrasonography in thyroid nodules.Methods.One hundred seventy‐seven nodules were prospectively studied by ultrasonography and compared with their fine‐needle aspirative biopsy. The association between the presence and type of calcification and cytologic findings was verified through the chi‐square test or likelihood ratio.Results.Thirty nodules showed calcification, of which 17 had fine calcifications, 3 had fine and gross calcifications, and 10 had only coarse calcification. Seven (41.18%) of 17 fine calcified nodules were malignant on cytology, 8 (47.06%) were benign, 1 (5.88%) was indeterminate, and 1 was suspect for malignancy. We found statistical significance between the presence of fine calcifications and malignancy (p = .001) and, in the 13 malignant nodule group, 8 (61.50%) had fine calcifications.Conclusion.This study suggests that microcalcifications were highly specific for malignancy and were present in 61% of the malignant nodules. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Comparison of pullout strength of resorbable screws in human cadaveric laryngeal cartilage using different drill diameters
Authors: Lewis Andrea F. , Jordan J. Randall , Parsell Doug E. , Kosko Mark 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground.In a previous study at our institution, it was determined that resorbable screws with untapped drill holes resulted in the highest resistance forces to linear load when compared with titanium screws. The 1.1‐mm drill diameter/2.0‐mm screw diameter and 1.5/2.0 drill/screw combinations were superior to the 1.1/1.5 combinations; however, there was no conclusion as to the best screw size to drill bit diameter. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the pullout strength of resorbable screws in fresh frozen cadaveric laryngeal cartilage. The importance of drill hole diameter will also be determined.Methods.After debridement of connective tissue and perichondrium, 12 cartilage specimens were tested. Linear pullout strength of screws was measured using a load cell. Resorbable screws of size 2.0 mm were tested using drill hole diameters of 0.0 mm, 0.8 mm, and 1.5 mm. All tested screws were 6 mm in length or greater.Results.We found no strong evidence that the means for the 0.8/2.0 and 1.5/2.0 differ or that the 0.0/2.0 and 0.8/2.0 means differ. There is evidence that the 0.0/2.0 and 1.5/2.0 means differ (adjusted p value .0108), with the 0.0/2.0 combination having a smaller mean.Conclusions.Resorbable screws without predrilled holes result in less resistance to linear loads than either the resorbable screws with the 0.8/2.0 or the 1.5/2.0 drill/screw combinations. The 1.5/2.0 drill/screw combination had the strongest pullout force, though this was not statistically significant. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008