bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of the PON1 Q192R polymorphism with complications and outcomes of pregnancy: findings from the British Women's Heart and Health cohort study
Authors: Lawlor Debbie A. , Gaunt Tom R. , Hinks Lesley J. , Davey Smith George , Timpson Nick , Day Ian N. M. , Ebrahim Shah 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIt has been hypothesised that paraoxonase genes would be related to adverse pregnancy outcomes, via a maternal or fetal effect on placental hypoperfusion and thrombosis. To date only two studies have assessed this possibility. In this study we assessed the associations of the PON1 Q192R polymorphism with self‐report of having pregnancy‐induced hypertension, gestational hyperglycaemia and a preterm offspring birth. The associations were assessed in 3266 white women who were randomly selected from 23 British towns. There was no association between PON1 Q192R and either self‐report of pregnancy‐induced hypertension or gestational hyperglycaemia but the prevalence of reporting having a preterm birth increased with each R allele: per allele odds ratio 1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03, 1.41]. When our results were pooled with the one previous study of the association of this polymorphism with preterm birth, the pooled per allele odds ratio was 1.19 [95% CI 1.02, 1.39]. Our findings provide some further evidence to suggest that PON1 Q192R is associated with preterm birth; they invite further investigation of both maternal and fetal genotype for PON1 Q192R in relation to preterm birth.
Risk of cancer in children with the diagnosis immaturity at birth
Authors: Mellemkjær Lene , Hasle Henrik , Gridley Gloria , Johansen Christoffer , Kjær Susanne K. , Frederiksen Kirsten , Olsen Jørgen H. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryCancer risk in children born before term has been assessed in a large number of case–control studies but very rarely in cohort studies. We carried out a cohort study of 35 178 children with the diagnosis immaturity at birth in the Hospital Discharge Register during 1977–89. The children were followed for cancer in the Danish Cancer Registry until 1994 and comparisons were made with incidence rates for all children in Denmark. The 64 observed cases of childhood cancer in the cohort corresponded closely to the expected number {standardised incidence ratio (SIR) = 1.03; [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80, 1.32]}. The only cancer site with an observed number that deviated significantly from the expected number was central nervous system (CNS) tumours (26 cases observed; SIR = 1.57; [95% CI 1.02, 2.30]) in particular medulloblastoma (9 cases observed; SIR = 3.1; [95% CI 1.4, 5.9]). In a nested case–control study of the CNS tumours, we found that more cases than controls had been exposed to diagnostic X‐rays, but the result was not significant. Surprisingly, for those born before term, the risk of CNS tumours increased with increasing gestational age in the nested case–control data. Our results are in line with previous evidence that children born before term are not at increased risk for childhood cancer in general. An explanation behind the excess of CNS tumours could not be identified, but the effect of diagnostic X‐rays in newborns may deserve further attention.
Understanding the increased risk of neural tube defect‐affected pregnancies among Mexico‐born women in California: immigration and anthropometric factors
Authors: Velie Ellen M. , Shaw Gary M. , Malcoe Lorraine H. , Schaffer Donna M. , Samuels Steven J. , Todoroff Karen , Block Gladys 
Published: April 2006

SummaryMexico‐born women in the United States have an unexplained twofold increased risk of neural tube defect (NTD)‐affected pregnancies. We examined whether immigration characteristics were associated with the NTD risk and whether anthropometric factors contributed to the increased risk among Mexico‐born women. Data were derived from a large population‐based case–control study in California. In‐person interviews were conducted with mothers of 538 (88% of eligible) NTD‐affected fetuses/infants and mothers of 539 (88%) randomly selected non‐malformed control infants.The crude odds ratio (OR) for NTDs among all Mexico‐born women, women residing <2 years in the US, and women >16 years old at immigration compared with non‐Hispanic white women was 2.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.8, 3.3], 7.2 [95% CI = 3.7, 14.0] and 3.0 [95% CI = 2.0, 4.4], respectively. Risk for second‐ or third‐generation Mexican‐Americans was similar to that of white women. The crude OR for all Mexico‐born women was reduced from 2.4 to 2.0 [95% CI = 1.3, 3.0] and for those residing <2 years in the US from 8.4 to 7.1 [95% CI = 3.2, 15.3] after adjustment for maternal body mass index (BMI), height, compromised diet, diabetes, and other known risk factors. In term pregnancies, additional adjustment for pregnancy weight gain reduced the OR in all Mexico‐born women and recent immigrants by 16% and 25%, respectively. Low pregnancy weight gain (<10 vs. 10–14 kg) was particularly associated with increased NTD risk among Mexico‐born women (ORADJ = 5.8; 95% CI = 2.1, 15.8).Findings indicate that recent Mexican immigrants have a sevenfold increased risk for NTDs. Maternal BMI and height contributed very little, and inadequate weight gain contributed modestly to the NTD risk disparity for Mexican immigrants.
Geological structure of a long‐living geothermal system, Larderello, Italy
Authors: Bertini Giovanni , Casini Michele , Gianelli Giovanni , Pandeli Enrico 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWe have examined the data of 600 geothermal wells and re‐interpreted approximately 500 km seismic profiles through the field of Larderello, Italy. We conclude that the two main seismic reflectors present below the geothermal area host two different fluids: (1) superheated steam in the upper H‐horizon (reached by drillholes) and (2) supercritical fluid in the deeper K‐horizon (reached by few unproductive or damaged wells). The superheated steam has the physical and chemical connotation of the geothermal fluid exploited so far at Larderello, whereas the supercritical fluid represents a potential unconventional deep‐seated resource still to be assessed. The high temperatures existing in correspondence of the K‐horizon suggest that the silica‐rich rocks are close to a plastic state and the fluids should remain confined in a medium sealed to the confining rocks, unless occasional fluid overpressure and abrupt high strain rates occur.
Treatment of basal cell carcinomas by general practitioners in Australia
Authors: Streeton Catherine L. , Gospodarevskaya Elena , Harris Anthony 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are a relatively common form of skin damage in Australians, involving approximately 1 in 200 general practice encounters per year.Aim  To determine current treatments and the associated healthcare resource costs of BCC therapy in Australia.Methods  A retrospective survey was undertaken relating to the treatment of patients presenting to their doctor with previously untreated BCCs. Data were collected from a sample of general practitioners who were asked to randomly select two BCC patients from their medical records and complete a questionnaire. Information about treatment types, number of doctor visits, treatment complications, and specialist referrals was extracted from the patient records.Results  One hundred and sixty‐four patients were recruited into the study (59% male), who were treated for a total of 244 BCCs (average of 1.5 lesions per patient). Twenty‐two per cent of patients were referred to a specialist, most being referred to a general surgeon (45%) or plastic surgeon (25%). Excision was the preferred therapy; second choices were cryosurgery or curettage and cautery. Few adverse events were recorded. The typical number of doctor visits varied from 3.2 to 7.4, with a range of total cost per patient of AUS$146.60–496.20, depending on complexity and the need for referral.Conclusion  With a reported incidence in Australia of approximately 788 per 100,000 persons, BCCs are not inexpensive to treat for such a relatively common condition.
Pemphigus vegetans of the oral cavity
Authors: Markopoulos Anastasios K. , Antoniades Demetrios Z. , Zaraboukas Thomas 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Pemphigus vegetans, a variant of pemphigus vulgaris, constitutes a rare form of all pemphigus cases, and oral involvement is common. Two clinical subtypes of pemphigus vegetans exist, characterized initially by flaccid bullae and erosions (Neumann) or pustules (Hallopeau). Both subtypes subsequently develop into hyperpigmented vegetative plaques with pustules and hypertrophic granulation tissue at the periphery.Methods  We report three cases of pemphigus vegetans with oral manifestations exclusively. Two patients were male aged 30 and 45 years old, respectively, while one was a 51‐year‐old female.Conclusion  Oral lesions in all cases consisted of erosions and whitish, vegetating plaques. The histopathological characteristics were in all cases identical. The spinous cell layer was characterized by intense acanthosis and by the presence of vesicles between the spinous and basal cell layers. Inside the vesicles exudative elements were observed consisting mainly of eosinophils. In the upper lamina propria severe inflammatory reaction was observed. Streptavidin‐biotin immunoperoxidase technique showed in all cases intercellular epithelial deposition of IgG and C3.
Langerhans cells express matrix metalloproteinases 9 and 2 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in healthy human gingival tissue and in periodontitis
Authors: Bodineau A. , Godeau G. , Brousse N. , Pellat B. , Folliguet M. , Séguier S. 
Published: April 2006

Background:  As antigen‐presenting cells, Langerhans cells may play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of periodontal disease. This study is the first report that extends our knowledge of the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their endogenous tissue inhibitors by Langerhans cells in healthy and diseased gingival tissues.Methods:  Single and double immunolabeling procedures were carried out using monoclonal antibodies against CD1a, matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2, and analyzed by conventional and confocal microscopes.Results:  Langerhans cells expressed matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 in healthy and diseased gingival tissues. The tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase‐positive Langerhans cells were mainly observed in the upper epithelial layers. Matrix metalloproteinase 9‐positive Langerhans cells were observed especially during periodontitis and in the basal epithelial layer or crossing the basement membrane.Conclusion:  During periodontal disease, changes in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors by gingival Langerhans cells could be implicated in the migration of the cells towards the connective tissue.
Effect of benzoic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, gastrointestinal microflora and parameters of microbial metabolism in piglets
Authors: Kluge H. , Broz J. , Eder K. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryIn order to investigate the effects of benzoic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and gastrointestinal microflora of piglets, we conducted a performance experiment and a separate balance study. The performance experiment involved four different dietary treatments: (1) basal diet (negative control); (2) basal diet supplemented with benzoic acid at 5 g/kg; (3) basal diet supplemented with benzoic acid at 10 g/kg; (4) basal diet supplemented with potassium diformate at 12 g/kg. Each dietary treatment was assigned to nine replicate groups, each consisting of two piglets. Live weight, daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were monitored as performance parameters over a 35‐day period. Supplementation of the diet with benzoic acid resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in feed intake and body weight gain and an improved feed conversion ratio. Piglets fed the diet supplemented with benzoic acid at 10 g/kg outperformed the control piglets in mean feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio by 9%, 15% and 6% respectively. Growth performance of the piglets fed the diet with benzoic acid at 10 g/kg was similar to that of piglets fed the diet supplemented with potassium diformate. In the balance experiment three groups of six piglets each were fed either a control diet or diets supplemented with benzoic acid at 5 or 10 g/kg respectively. Benzoic acid did not significantly affect nutrient digestibility but increased nitrogen retention. Piglets fed the diets supplemented with benzoic acid at 5 or 10 g/kg retained 5% and 6% more nitrogen, respectively, than control piglets. Supplementation of benzoic acid did not influence the pH value or the concentration of ammonia in the gastrointestinal tract but reduced the number of bacteria in the digesta. In the stomach the number of total aerobic, total anaerobic, lactic acid forming and gram‐negative bacteria was reduced; in the duodenum the presence of benzoic acid reduced the number of gram‐negative bacteria and in the ileum the number of total aerobic bacteria in a dose‐dependent manner. Benzoic acid also considerably reduced the concentration of acetic acid in the duodenum. In conclusion, the data of this study suggest that benzoic acid exerts strong antimicrobial effects in the gastrointestinal tract of piglets and therefore enhances growth performance and nitrogen retention.
Crustal structure and origin of the northeast Japan arc
Authors: Minoura Koji , Hasegawa Akira 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Northeast Japan is a typical island arc region and its topographic arrangement reflects the geophysical characteristics of the island arc system. However, the structural style of the arc is very complicated and varied due to the repeated superposing of faults and folds on to earlier structures.Geotectonic events that involved creation of the fundamental framework of the island arc crust occurred in east Asia in the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous and were probably induced by accretion and collision tectonics. The fragmentation and subsequent displacement of the crust took place during the Early Neogene in response to the terrane collision and the change in oceanic plate motion, leading to the opening of the Japan Sea. Huge amounts of volcano‐sedimentary rocks buried the tilted fault blocks of pre‐Tertiary basement with the development of the island arc.
Miocene pinnipeds of the otariid subfamily Allodesminae in the North Pacific Ocean: Systematics and relationships
Authors: Barnes Lawrence G. , Hirota Kiyoharu 
Published: April 2006

Abstract Fossil pinnipeds in the extinct otariid subfamily Allodesminae are large, relatively highly evolved marine carnivores that became abundant and diverse in Middle Miocene time and were restricted to the North Pacific Ocean. Their record extends from early Middle Miocene through Late Miocene, with records from California, Oregon, Washington, Baja California and Japan. Allodesmines are characterized by extreme sexual dimorphism, a large orbit, retracted orbital margin of the zygomatic arch, a deeply mortised jugal‐squamosal junction, wide palate, bulbous cheek tooth crowns, nearly flat tympanic bulla with wrinkled ventral surface, a large tympanohyal fossa, large ear ossicles and deep mandible.Eleven allodesmine species are known (eight of which are named), in at least four genera, and most belong to the typical genus Allodesmus Kellogg, 1922. The earliest and most generalized allodesmine known is from the early Middle Miocene (ca 16 Ma) Astoria Formation in coastal Oregon. The last known records are from Late Miocene rocks (ca 10 Ma) in California and Washington. New taxa proposed here are: the genus Brachyallodesmus Barnes and Hirota, to contain Allodesmus packardi Barnes, 1972; the genus Megagomphos Hirota and Barnes, to contain Allodesmus sinanoensis (Nagao, 1941); the species Allodesmus sadoensis Hirota, (Middle Miocene, Japan); the species Allodesmus megallos Hirota (Middle Miocene, Japan); and the species Allodesmus gracilis Barnes (Middle Miocene, California). Additionally, the genus Atopotarus Downs, 1956, and the species Allodesmus kelloggi Mitchell, 1966, are resurrected.Allodesmines were apparently a rapidly evolving group, and most appear to have been adapted to roles later filled by otariine, dusignathine and imagotariine otariids, and the Phocidae (true seals). They became extinct in Late Miocene time and left no living descendants. Although some of their characters evolved convergently with various living species of the pinniped family Phocidae, Allodesminae are an otariid group and not part of the evolutionary history of Phocidae.
High‐dose mizoribine treatment for adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: NOZU KANDAI , IIJIMA KAZUMOTO , KAMIOKA ICHIRO , FUJITA TERUO , YOSHIYA KUNIHIKO , TANAKA RYOJIRO , NAKANISHI KOICHI , YOSHIKAWA NORISHIGE , MATSUO MASAFUMI 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground: In treating pediatric patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it is necessary to quickly attain remission to avoid sequelae in various organs and to maintain it over a long period. However, to maintain remission, the prolonged use of immunosuppressants which have various adverse effects, is often necessary in addition to steroids, and complications due to such immunosuppressants pose very important problems. A regimen of mizoribin (MZR) at 150 mg/day divided into two or three doses has been recommended, but while this regimen has been safe, its efficacy has not been satisfactory. However, MZR produces effects dose‐dependently, and the dose recommended to date may have been insufficient for the treatment of children with SLE.Methods: The authors administered oral MZR at 300 mg/day in two divided doses, which is twice the conventional dose for adults, to five adolescents with SLE. Three of these five were markedly steroid‐dependent patients and two had previously been treated with steroids only. Thereafter, the authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of the regimen by following the patients for at least 7 months after the beginning of treatment.Results: Patients 1 and 2 had been treated with prednisolone (PSL) and cyclosporine (CyA), but as the duration of CyA administration became long, it was replaced with 300 mg MZR. This transition could be accomplished smoothly. Patient 3 showed repeated recurrence during the treatment with PSL and CyA or CPM, but the symptoms could be controlled by the addition of 300 mg MZR. In patients 4 and 5, the control of symptoms with PSL alone was judged to be difficult, and concomitant administration of MZR at 300 mg was started. This resulted in a decrease in the dose of PSL. The Cmax (C2) of MZR was 1.33 μg/mL or higher in all five patients, and the efficacy of the treatment was satisfactory. Concerning side‐effects, hyperuricemia was noted in two patients, but it was resolved in one of them by reducing the dose of MZR and in the other spontaneously while the treatment was continued. Temporary exacerbation of hair loss was observed in two patients, but it disappeared in both of them after a few months.Conclusion: MZR could be administered at a high dose effectively and safely. However, monitoring of the serum uric acid level was necessary. High‐dose MZR therapy showed an efficacy and safety that would warrant its application to steroid‐dependent pediatric patients with SLE.
Oral hypertonic glucose solution in the treatment of infantile colic
Authors: AKÇAM MUSTAFA , YILMAZ AYGEN 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground: Safe and effective treatment of infantile colic (IC) has not yet been determined. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the efficiency of 30% glucose solution in the treatment of IC.Methods: A total of 25 infants diagnosed as typical IC were given 1 mL of 30% glucose solution or sterile water for 4 days consecutively, in a randomized, double blind crossover trial. The effect was measured by parents’ scoring.Results: Parents reported varying degrees of improvement in 16 infants (64%) given glucose solution, and in 12 infants (48%) given placebo. Comparison of treatment modalities were statistically significant (P = 0.031). There was no side‐effect during treatments.Conclusion: The present study revealed that 30% glucose was effective in the treatment of IC. Since oral glucose solution is natural, safe, cheap and easily achievable, it might be considered as an alternative therapy.
Characteristics of fatigue crack propagation behaviour as identified by hysteresis loop at the crack tip
Authors: XIONG Y. , KATSUTA J. , KAWANO K. , SAKIYAMA T. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTFatigue crack propagation tests have been carried out under various load conditions. Hysteresis loops denoting the relationship between load and strain at the crack tip are obtained by using local compliance measurement. Crack growth acceleration, delayed retardation and non‐propagation phenomena are investigated by considering the variation of hysteresis loop expansion and hysteresis loop tail. Based on the physical meaning of hysteresis loops, two types of crack closure are ascertained and the effect of crack closure on fatigue crack propagation is studied. Results show that change of the effective amplitude of the stress intensity factor at the crack tip is the reason that crack propagation rates vary.
Horizontal Cells in the Monkey Retina: Immunocytochemical staining with antibodies against calcium binding proteins
Authors: Röhrenbeck Jürgen , Wässle Heinz , Boycott Brian B. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractImmunocytochemistry with antibodies against the calcium binding proteins parvalbumin (PV) and calbindin (CaBP‐28kD) was used to study horizontal cells in the macaque monkey retina. Both morphological types (H1 and H2) are stained by PV immunocytochemistry. Horizontal cells in the centre of the fovea are described for the first time. From a minimum of 250/mm2 at the foveal centre, total horizontal cell density rapidly increases to a peak of 23,000/mm2 in an annulus of 0.6 mm radius around the fovea. Horizontal cell density then drops continuously to approximately 800–1000 cells/mm2 in peripheral retina. The density ratio of cones to horizontal cells is 1.5 in central and 4 in peripheral retina.The cones were stained with antibodies against CaBP‐28kD. Thus the spatial correlation between the cone inner segments and the cone pedicles could be measured to show that they are in perfect register. There is no reorganization of the spatial array of cone outer segments to produce chromatically specific connections between cone pedicles and horizontal cells.