bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and Haematological Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Sida cordifolia in Plasmodium beighei Infected Wistar Rats
Authors: Uko Ogwo Elisha , Nweke Obioma Elizabeth , Fidelis Okoye Ogochukwu , Dimgba Ubani Clement , Sani Suleiman Ali 
Published: April 2024

Assessment of haematological and biochemical parameters can be predictive of the adverse effects resulting from ingesting foreign substances. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and haematological indices in Plasmodium beighei infected wistar rats. Freshly harvested leaves of Sida cordifolia were washed and dried at room temperature, after which they were ground to fine powder and subsequently extracted. Twenty-five adult Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I was the normal control and was administered 2 ml of distilled of water. Group II was infected without treatment, while Group III and IV were infected and afterwards administered 200 and 400 mg/kg of aqueous extract of Sida cordifolia respectively. Group V was administered the standard drug. Biochemical and haematological indices were determined using standard procedures. The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) reported for group II (negative) control was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that reported for the normal control. However, oral administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg of Sida cordifolia leaf extract significantly (P<0.05) increased it, though to a level which was significantly (P<0.05) lower than that reported for the normal control. Similar observation was made on Haemoglobin Concentration (Hb) and Red Blood Cell (RBC). However, a contrary observation was made on the white blood cell. Urea and creatinine reported for the negative control were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those reported for the normal control. However, the aforementioned parameters were significantly (P<0.05) reduced following oral administration of Sida cordifolia. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that Sida cordifolia leaf extract has the ability to restore distorted haematological and biochemical status resulting from P. berghei infection.
Phakomatosis pigmentovascularis: Implications for severity with special reference to Mongolian spots associated with Sturge–Weber and Klippel–Trenaunay syndromes
Authors: Hall Bryan D. , Cadle Ronald G. , Morrill‐Cornelius Shannon M. , Bay Carolyn A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn 1947 the term phakomatosis pigmentovascularis (PPV) was coined to represent the association of widespread, aberrant, and persistent nevus flammeus and pigmentary abnormalities. Four types of PPV have been recognized with type II (nevus flammeus and Mongolian spots) being the most common. Most early cases were of Asian or African descent. Many cases were subsequently associated with Sturge–Weber (S‐W) and Klippel–Trenaunay (K‐T) syndromes. Almost no literature reports have appeared in the genetic or dysmorphology literature! We present six cases of PPV in which five were either African, Asian or Hispanic, and five of six had an admixture of K‐T and S‐W. Four had macrocephaly, and one had microcephaly. Four had CNS abnormalities (three with hydrocephalus, one with Arnold–Chiari and one with polymicrogyria), three had mental retardation, and one had seizures. One each had thumb hypoplasia, hydronephrosis, glaucoma, coronal synostosis, and 3–4 finger syndactyly. It is our suspicion and hypothesis that in the presence of persistent, extensive and aberrant Mongolian spots, vascular abnormalities as are seen in K‐T and S‐W carry a worse prognosis. This may be particularly true either of children of Asian, Hispanic or African heritage or any individuals from darker pigmented skin groups. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absence of the 7‐repeat variant of the DRD4 VNTR is associated with drifting sustained attention in children with ADHD but not in controls
Authors: Johnson Katherine A. , Kelly Simon P. , Robertson Ian H. , Barry Edwina , Mulligan Aisling , Daly Michael , Lambert David , McDonnell Caroline , Connor Thomas J. , Hawi Ziarih , Gill Michael , Bellgrove Mark A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMany genetic studies have demonstrated an association between the 7‐repeat (7r) allele of a 48‐base pair variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in exon 3 of the DRD4 gene and the phenotype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previous studies have shown inconsistent associations between the 7r allele and neurocognitive performance in children with ADHD. We investigated the performance of 128 children with and without ADHD on the Fixed and Random versions of the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART). We employed time‐series analyses of reaction‐time data to allow a fine‐grained analysis of reaction time variability, a candidate endophenotype for ADHD. Children were grouped into either the 7r‐present group (possessing at least one copy of the 7r allele) or the 7r‐absent group. The ADHD group made significantly more commission errors and was significantly more variable in RT in terms of fast moment‐to‐moment variability than the control group, but no effect of genotype was found on these measures. Children with ADHD without the 7r allele made significantly more omission errors, were significantly more variable in the slow frequency domain and showed less sensitivity to the signal (d') than those children with ADHD the 7r and control children with or without the 7r. These results highlight the utility of time‐series analyses of reaction time data for delineating the neuropsychological deficits associated with ADHD and the DRD4 VNTR. Absence of the 7‐repeat allele in children with ADHD is associated with a neurocognitive profile of drifting sustained attention that gives rise to variable and inconsistent performance. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transmission disequilibrium testing of the chromosome 15q11‐q13 region in autism
Authors: Kim Soo‐Jeong , Brune Camille W. , Kistner Emily O. , Christian Susan L. , Courchesne Eric H. , Cox Nancy J. , Cook Edwin H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractEvidence implicates the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and the 15q11‐q13 genes as candidates for autism as well as restricted repetitive behavior (RRB). We conducted dense transmission disequilibrium mapping of the 15q11‐q13 region with 93 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 86 strictly defined autism trios and tested association between SNPs and autism using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). As exploratory analyses, parent‐of‐origin effects were examined using likelihood‐ratio tests (LRTs) and genotype–phenotype associations for specific RRB using the Family‐Based Association Test (FBAT). Additionally, gene–gene interactions between nominally associated 15q11‐q13 variants and 5‐HTTLPR, the common length polymorphism of SLC6A4, were examined using conditional logistic regression (CLR). TDT revealed nominally significant transmission disequilibrium between autism and five SNPs, three of which are located within close proximity of the GABAA receptor subunit gene clusters. Three SNPs in the SNRPN/UBE3A region had marginal imprinting effects. FBAT for genotype–phenotype relations revealed nominally significant association between two SNPs and one ADI‐R subdomain item. However, both TDT and FBAT were not statistically significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. Gene–gene interaction analyses by CLR revealed additive genetic effect models, without interaction terms, fit the data best. Lack of robust association between the 15q11‐q13 SNPs and RRB phenotypes may be due to a small sample size and absence of more specific RRB measurement. Further investigation of the 15q11‐q13 region with denser genotyping in a larger sample set may be necessary to determine whether this region confers risk to autism, indicated by association, or to specific autism phenotypes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cortical enlargement in autism is associated with a functional VNTR in the monoamine oxidase A gene
Authors: Davis Lea K. , Hazlett Heather C. , Librant Amy L. , Nopoulos Peggy , Sheffield Val C. , Piven Joesph , Wassink Thomas H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMonoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is an enzyme expressed in the brain that metabolizes dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin. Abnormalities of serotonin neurotransmission have long been implicated in the psychopathology of autism. A polymorphism exists within the promoter region of the MAOA gene that influences MAOA expression levels so that “low activity” alleles are associated with increased neurotransmitter levels in the brain. Individuals with autism often exhibit elevated serotonin levels. Additional studies indicate that the “low activity” allele may be associated with lower IQ and more severe autistic symptoms. In this study we genotyped the MAOA promoter polymorphism in a group of 29 males (age 2–3 years) with autism and a group of 39 healthy pediatric controls for whom brain MRI data was available. We found a consistent association between the “low activity” allele and larger brain volumes for regions of the cortex in children with autism but not in controls. We did not find evidence for over‐transmission of the “low activity” allele in a separate sample of 114 affected sib pair families. Nor did we find any unknown SNPs in yet another sample of 96 probands. Future studies will determine if there is a more severe clinical phenotype associated with both the “low activity” genotype and the larger brain volumes in our sample. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Osteological and dental markers of health in the transition from the Late Antique to the Early Medieval period in Croatia
Authors: Šlaus Mario 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to analyze health at the transition from the Late Antique (LA) to the Early Medieval (EM) period in Croatia. Results of the analyses of skeletal remains are compared with historical and archaeological data to test the hypothesis that the transition was catastrophic. An additional objective is to determine whether the transition was a uniform process, or differentially affected the past inhabitants of Croatia because of various local considerations. To accomplish this, four markers of health: cribra orbitalia, linear enamel hypoplasia, nonspecific periostitis, and trauma were compared in 981 skeletons: 477 from nine urban LA sites, and 504 from six rural EM sites. Data were collected by sex and age for individual, and for co‐occurrences of various features. Because continental and Adriatic Croatia has different ecological features, data were specifically tabulated for the two regions. Comparisons between the continental and Adriatic regions of the LA series showed no significant differences in the frequencies of the analyzed markers of stress. Comparisons between the LA and EM series showed similar frequencies in continental Croatia—suggesting no significant discontinuity of living conditions, and a significant increase of cribra orbitalia, periostitis, and trauma frequencies during the EM period in Adriatic Croatia. The deterioration of living conditions primarily affected subadults and males. These data suggest that the transition from the LA to the EM period in Croatia was not a uniform process, but differentially affected population biology most likely because of local cultural, socio‐economical or political considerations. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cross‐Species Comparison of Metabolite Profiles in Chemosensory Epithelia: An Indication of Metabolite Roles in Chemosensory Cells
Authors: Mobley Arie Sitthichai , Lucero Mary T. , Michel William C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractComparative studies of chemosensory systems in vertebrates and invertebrates have greatly enhanced our understanding of anatomical and physiological constraints of chemical detection. Immunohistochemical comparisons of chemosensory systems are difficult to make across species due to limited cross‐reactivity of mammalian‐based antibodies. Immunostaining chemosensory tissues with glutaraldehyde‐based antibodies generated against small metabolites in combination with hierarchical cluster analyses provide a novel approach for identifying and classifying cell types regardless of species. We used this “metabolite profiling” technique to determine whether metabolite profiles can be used to identify cell classes within and across different species including mouse, zebrafish, lobster and squid. Within a species, metabolite profiles for distinct cell classes were generally consistent. We found several metabolite‐based cell classifications that mirrored function or receptor protein‐based classifications. Although profiles of all six metabolites differed across species, we found that specific metabolites were associated with certain cell types. For example, elevated levels of glutathione were characteristic of nonsensory cells from vertebrates, suggesting an antioxidative role in non‐neuronal cells in sensory tissues. Collectively, we found significantly different metabolite profiles for distinct cell populations in chemosensory tissue within all of the species studied. Based on their roles in other systems or cells, we discuss the roles of L‐arginine, L‐aspartate, L‐glutamate, glycine, glutathione, and taurine within chemosensory epithelia. Anat Rec, 291:410–432, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histomorphometric Study of Alveolar Bone Healing in Rats Fed a Boron‐Deficient Diet
Authors: Gorustovich Alejandro A. , Steimetz Tammy , Nielsen Forrest H. , Guglielmotti María B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBone healing after tooth extraction in rats is a suitable experimental model to study bone formation. Thus, we performed a study to determine the effects of boron (B) deficiency on bone healing by using this model. The first lower right molar of weanling Wistar rats was extracted under anesthesia. The animals were divided into two groups: +B (adequate; 3 mg B/kg diet), and −B (boron‐deficient; 0.07 mg/kg diet). The animals in both groups were killed in groups of 10 at 7 and 14 days after surgery. The guidelines of the NIH for the care and use of laboratory animals were observed. The mandibles were resected, fixed, decalcified, and embedded in paraffin. Buccolingually oriented sections were obtained at the level of the mesial alveolus and used for histometric evaluations. Total alveolar volume (TAV) and trabecular bone volume per total volume (BV/TV) in the apical third of the alveolus were determined. Percentages of osteoblast surface (ObS), eroded surface (ES), and quiescent surface (QS) were determined. No statistical significant differences in food intake and body weight were observed. Histomorphometric evaluation found −B rats had 36% and 63% reductions in BV/TV at 7 and 14 days, respectively. When compared with +B rats, −B rats had significant reductions (57% and 87%) in ObS concomitantly with increases (120% and 126%) in QS at 7 and 14 days, respectively. The findings show that boron deficiency results in altered bone healing because of a marked reduction in osteogenesis. Anat Rec, 291:441–447, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Herstellung und Eigenschaften eines neuen Leichtbetons: Aerogelbeton
Authors: Ratke Lorenz 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDie Dispergierung von superhydrophobem Aerogelgranulat in konventionelle Zement‐ oder Betonmischungen erzeugt einen Leichtbeton mit außergewöhnlichen Eigenschaften: gute Wärmedämmung, schallisolierend, Brandschutz der Klasse F120 und besser, bewehrbar und leicht mechanisch zu bearbeiten. Der Aufsatz beschreibt die Herstellung und einige Eigenschaften dieses neuartigen Baustoffs.
Smoking and risk of parotid gland tumors
Authors: Sadetzki Siegal , Oberman Bernice , Mandelzweig Lori , Chetrit Angela , Ben‐Tal Tehila , Jarus‐Hakak Avital , Duvdevani Shay , Cardis Elisabeth , Wolf Michael 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDBecause existing data regarding the relation between smoking and salivary gland tumors are sparse, tobacco is currently not classified as a salivary gland carcinogen. The objective of the current study was to assess the association between smoking and benign and malignant parotid gland tumors (PGTs) in a nationwide study.METHODSThe sample included 459 patients with incident PGT, aged ≥18 years, who were diagnosed between 2001 and 2003 and a group of 1265 individually matched, population‐based controls. Analyses of the risk of PGT associated with various smoking variables were performed by using conditional logistic regression. Data also were stratified by histologic type; statistical significance tests were 2‐sided.RESULTSEver smoking cigarettes was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.66 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.31–2.11) for developing a PGT. The risk was strongest for early ages at smoking initiation, and trends of increasing risk were observed with increasing smoking intensity, pack‐years, latent period, and smoking duration (P for trend <.001 for each). Analysis by histologic type indicated remarkably high risks for Warthin tumor (OR for ever cigarette smokers: 15.3; 95% CI, 6.1–38.5). For pleomorphic adenomas and malignant tumors, the risks associated with ever smoking were 1.01 (95% CI, 0.75–1.37) and 1.69 (95% CI, 0.81–3.51), respectively.CONCLUSIONSSmoking plays an important role in the development of Warthin tumor. Although no association was observed for pleomorphic adenoma, the possible indication of increased risk of malignant tumors requires further investigation in larger studies. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
The feasibility and outcome of nephron‐sparing surgery for children with bilateral Wilms tumor
Authors: Davidoff Andrew M. , Giel Dana W. , Jones Deborah P. , Jenkins Jesse J. , Krasin Matthew J. , Hoffer Fredric A. , Williams Mark A. , Dome Jeffrey S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND.Approximately 5% of children with Wilms tumor present with bilateral disease. The treatment challenge is to achieve a high cure rate while maintaining adequate long‐term renal function. The authors of this report assessed the feasibility and outcome of nephron‐sparing surgery in patients with bilateral Wilms tumor who were treated at a single institution.METHODS.A retrospective review was performed of all children who were treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for synchronous, bilateral Wilms tumors from 1999 through 2006. Imaging studies, surgical techniques, and pathology reports were reviewed. The outcomes evaluated included surgical complications, tumor recurrence, renal function, and patient survival.RESULTS.Twelve patients with synchronous, bilateral Wilms tumors were identified, including 10 patients who underwent successful bilateral nephron‐sparing procedures. One patient who presented with renal failure and anaplastic histology underwent bilateral nephrectomies, and 1 patient with intra‐atrial tumor extension underwent an ipsilateral nephrectomy/thrombectomy and subsequent contralateral partial nephrectomy. Postoperative complications included persistent urine leak in 3 patients, macroscopic residual tumor in 2 patients, and pyelonephritis in 1 patient. Long‐term complications included local tumor recurrence in 2 patients, intestinal obstruction in 2 patients, ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 1 patient, and renal failure in 1 patient. The overall survival rate was 83% (mean follow‐up, 3.9 years); both patients who died had bilateral, diffuse, anaplastic histology.CONCLUSIONS.All patients who had bilateral Wilms tumors with favorable histology, except for 1 patient who had extensive tumor thrombus, underwent successful bilateral partial nephrectomies. Complications were minimal, and long‐term renal function and survival were excellent. From this experience, the authors concluded that bilateral nephron‐sparing surgery should be considered for all patients who have bilateral Wilms tumor with favorable histology, even if preoperative imaging studies suggest that the lesions are unresectable.Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
A review
Authors: Cohen Sarah S. , Palmieri Rachel T. , Nyante Sarah J. , Koralek Daniel O. , Kim Sangmi , Bradshaw Patrick , Olshan Andrew F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe literature examining obesity as a barrier to screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer has not been evaluated systematically. With the increasing prevalence of obesity and its impact on cancer incidence and mortality, it is important to determine whether obesity is a barrier to screening so that cancers among women at increased risk because of their body size can be detected early or prevented entirely. On the basis of 32 relevant published studies (10 breast cancer studies, 14 cervical cancer studies, and 8 colorectal cancer studies), the authors reviewed the literature regarding associations between obesity and recommended screening tests for these cancer sites among women in the U.S. The most consistent associations between obesity and screening behavior were observed for cervical cancer. Most studies reported an inverse relation between decreased cervical cancer screening and increasing body size, and several studies reported that the association was more consistent among white women than among black women. For breast cancer, obesity was associated with decreased screening behavior among white women but not among black women. The literature regarding obesity and colorectal cancer screening adherence was mixed, with some studies reporting an inverse effect of body size on screening behavior and others reporting no effect. Overall, the results indicated that obesity most likely is a barrier to screening for breast and cervical cancers, particularly among white women; the evidence for colorectal cancer screening was inconclusive. Thus, efforts to identify barriers and increase screening for breast and cervical cancers may be targeted toward obese women, whereas outreach to all women should remain the objective for colorectal cancer screening programs. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Survival in patients with brain metastases from breast cancer
Authors: Eichler April F. , Kuter Irene , Ryan Paula , Schapira Lidia , Younger Jerry , Henson John W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDBrain metastases (BM) are the most common intracranial tumors in adults. To the authors' knowledge, established prognostic factors for survival after the diagnosis of BM in breast cancer patients do not take into account HER–2 status, which may have increasing relevance in the trastuzumab therapy era.METHODSThe authors identified 83 patients with breast cancer and new parenchymal BM diagnosed between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2005 who were treated at Massachusetts General Hospital. Survival was estimated using the Kaplan‐Meier method and curves were compared using the log‐rank test. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine independent predictors of survival.RESULTSThe median overall survival from the time of BM was 8.3 months. On univariate analysis, HER‐2‐positive patients were found to have prolonged survival after BM compared with HER‐2‐negative patients (17.1 months vs 5.2 months). Patients with triple negative disease had a median survival of 4.0 months, compared with 11.2 months for all other patients. Additional predictors of improved survival on univariate analysis included ≤3 BM, controlled or absent systemic disease, and controlled local disease. On multivariate analysis, only HER‐2 status, number of BM, and local disease status remained independent predictors of survival.CONCLUSIONSHER‐2 status is a strong predictor of survival after the diagnosis of BM. The survival of breast cancer patients with BM appears to be improving, but a better understanding of both the predictors of brain recurrence and the delayed effects of treatment is needed to properly counsel patients regarding the risk‐benefit ratio of various treatment modalities. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.