bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of CirculatingAspergillus fumigatusDNA by Real-Time PCR Assay of Large Serum Volumes Improves Early Diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis in High-Risk Adult Patients under Hematologic Surveillance
Authors: Suarez F. , Lortholary O. , Buland S. , Rubio M. T. , Ghez D. , Mahé V. , Quesne G. , Poirée S. , Buzyn A. , Varet B. , Berche P. , Bougnoux M. E. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTDetection of galactomannan antigen (GMA) in serum is the standard assay for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in high-risk patients with hematological disorders. Detection ofAspergillusDNA in serum has been proposed, but its sensitivity is lower than that of GMA when small serum volumes (SSV) are used. In this study, we investigated whether extraction of DNA from large serum volumes (LSV) improves diagnostic yield. In a 13-month prospective study, we compared the performances of twice-weekly screening of serum for GMA by an enzyme immunoassay and weekly screening forAspergillus fumigatusDNA by a real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assay of 1.0 ml (LSV) or 100 μl (SSV) of serum. We included 124 patients (138 treatment episodes), with 17 episodes of EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer)/MSG (Mycoses Study Group)-documented IA. In all, 1,870 samples were screened for GMA. The sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) of GMA for IA were 88.2%, 95.8%, 75%, and 98.3%, respectively. We screened 938 samples forAspergillusDNA by using LSV; 404 of these samples were also tested with SSV. The Se, Sp, PPV, and NPV of RT-PCR were 100%, 96.7%, 81%, and 100%, respectively, with LSV and 76.5%, 96.7%, 81.3%, and 95.6%, respectively, with SSV. DNA detection gave a positive result when performed on LSV in two cases of IA where the GMA assay result remained negative. Furthermore, in four IA cases, DNA was detected earlier than GMA. The use of LSV for extraction improved the performance of the RT-PCR, which appears highly sensitive and specific for the early diagnosis of IA in high-risk patients with hematological disorders.
New Insights into Prevalence, Genetic Diversity, and Proviral Load of Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Types 1 and 2 in Pregnant Women in Gabon in Equatorial Central Africa
Authors: Etenna Sonia Lekana-Douki , Caron Mélanie , Besson Guillaume , Makuwa Maria , Gessain Antoine , Mahé Antoine , Kazanji Mirdad 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACT

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is highly endemic in areas of central Africa; mother-to-child transmission and sexual transmission are considered to be the predominant routes. To determine the prevalence and subtypes of HTLV-1/2 in pregnant women in Gabon, we conducted an epidemiological survey in the five main cities of the country. In 907 samples, the HTLV-1 seroprevalence was 2.1%, which is lower than that previously reported. Only one case of HTLV-2 infection was found. The HTLV-1 seroprevalence increased with age and differed between regions (
P
≤ 0.05), with the highest prevalence (5%) in the southeastern region. A wide range of HTLV-1 proviral loads was observed among the infected women. The level of the proviral load was correlated with a high HTLV-1 antibody titer (
P
≤ 0.02). Sequencing of HTLV-1
env
and long terminal repeat fragments showed that all but one strain belonged to the central African subtype B; the outlier was of cosmopolitan subtype A. The new strains of subtype B exhibited wide genetic diversity, but there was no evidence of clustering of specific genomes within geographical regions of the country. Some strains were closely related to simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 strains of great apes, suggesting that in these areas some HTLV-1 strains could arise from relatively recent interspecies transmission. The sole HTLV-2 strain belonged to subtype B. In this study we showed that the prevalence of HTLV-1 in the southeast is one of the highest in the world for pregnant women.
“Working to shape what society’s expectations of us should be”: Philip Morris’ societal alignment strategy
Authors: Yang J S , Malone R E 
Published: October 2008

Background:A key element of Philip Morris’s (PM’s) corporate social responsibility initiatives is “societal alignment”, defined as “strategies and programs to meet society’s expectations of a responsible tobacco company”. This study explored the genesis and implementation of Philip Morris' (PM) societal alignment efforts.Methods:The study retrieved and analysed approximately 375 previously undisclosed PM documents now available electronically. Using an iterative process, the study categorised themes and prepared a case analysis.Results:Beginning in 1999, PM sought to become “societally aligned” by identifying expectations of a responsible tobacco company through public opinion research and developing and publicising programs to meet those expectations. Societal alignment was undertaken within the US and globally to ensure an environment favourable to PM’s business objectives. Despite PM’s claims to be “changing”, however, societal alignment in practice was highly selective. PM responded to public “expectations” largely by retooling existing positions and programs, while entirely ignoring other expectations that might have interfered with its business goals. It also appears that convincing employees of the value and authenticity of societal alignment was difficult.Conclusions:As implementation of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control proceeds, tobacco control advocates should closely monitor development of such “alignment” initiatives and expose the motivations and contradictions they reveal.
Natural polyploidy inVanilla planifolia(Orchidaceae)
Authors: Bory Séverine , Catrice Olivier , Brown Spencer , Leitch Ilia J. , Gigant Rodolphe , Chiroleu Frédéric , Grisoni Michel , Duval Marie-France , Besse Pascale 
Published: October 2008

Vanilla planifolia accessions cultivated in Reunion Island display important phenotypic variation, but little genetic diversity is demonstrated by AFLP and SSR markers. This study, based on analyses of flow cytometry data, Feulgen microdensitometry data, chromosome counts, and stomatal length measurements, was performed to determine whether polyploidy could be responsible for some of the intraspecific phenotypic variation observed. Vanilla planifolia exhibited an important variation in somatic chromosome number in root cells, as well as endoreplication as revealed by flow cytometry. Nevertheless, the 2C-values of the 50 accessions studied segregated into three distinct groups averaging 5.03 pg (for most accessions), 7.67 pg (for the ‘Stérile’ phenotypes), and 10.00 pg (for the ‘Grosse Vanille’ phenotypes). For the three groups, chromosome numbers varied from 16 to 32, 16 to 38, and 22 to 54 chromosomes per cell, respectively. The stomatal length showed a significant variation from 37.75 µm to 48.25 µm. Given that 2C-values, mean chromosome numbers, and stomatal lengths were positively correlated and that ‘Stérile’ and ‘Grosse Vanille’ accessions were indistinguishable from ‘Classique’ accessions using molecular markers, the occurrence of recent autotriploid and autotetraploid types in Reunion Island is supported. This is the first report showing evidence of a recent autopolyploidy in V. planifolia contributing to the phenotypic variation observed in this species.
What is the influence of menopausal status on metabolic profile, eating behaviors, and perceived health of obese women after weight reduction?
Authors: Riesco Eléonor , Roussel Michel , Lemoine Sophie , Garnier Sophie , Sanguignol Frédéric , Mauriège Pascale 
Published: October 2008

The duration of the numerous weight-loss studies that combine physical activity and diet varies from 3 to 14 months, and these studies have often considered pre- and postmenopausal women separately. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a 3-week weight-reducing program that combines caloric restriction and exercise on the metabolic profile, eating behaviors, and perceived health of sedentary obese pre- and postmenopausal women, after adjustment for age. In 10 pre- and 22 postmenopausal women, before and after weight loss, body composition, fasting lipid-lipoprotein profile, glucose and insulin levels, eating behaviors, and perceived health state were assessed. Body mass index, fat mass, and waist girth decreased after weight reduction in both groups (p < 0.0001). Reductions in fasting serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were greater in pre- than in postmenopausal women (p < 0.0001), whereas triacylglycerol, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels decreased similarly in both groups (p < 0.05). Neither fasting insulin nor free fatty-acid concentrations were modified after weight loss in either group. Disinhibition (p < 0.005) and hunger scores on the three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) (p < 0.05) and the state-anxiety score on the state–trait anxiety inventory (STAI) questionnaire (p < 0.0005) decreased in both groups, but restriction (TFEQ) increased (p < 0.01) and trait anxiety (STAI) decreased (p < 0.001) after weight reduction only in premenopausal women. Improvements in selected lipid-lipoprotein indices, eating behaviors, and perceived health-state components were better in pre- than in postmenopausal women, suggesting that menopausal status has an influence on some metabolic and behavioral responses to weight loss.
Protective effect of sodium selenite and zinc sulfate on intensive swimming-induced testicular gamatogenic and steroidogenic disorders in mature male rats
Authors: Jana Kuladip , Samanta Pravat K. , Manna Indranil , Ghosh Prasanta , Singh Narendra , Khetan Ramawatar P. , Ray Binoy R. 
Published: October 2008

To investigate the ameliorative potential of sodium selenite and zinc sulfate on intensive-swimming-induced testicular disorders, 48 Wistar male rats (age, 4 months; mass, 146.2 ± 3.6 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: the unexercised-control group (n = 12); the exercised group (n = 12); the control supplemented group (n = 12); and the exercised supplemented group (n = 12). For 10 weeks, the exercised rats underwent a protocol that consisted of 4 h·d–1swimming, for 6 d·week–1; the control rats did not exercise. For 10 weeks, both the supplemented groups received an oral daily dose of a combination of sodium selenite and zinc sulfate (6 and 3 mg·kg body mass–1, respectively). After 10 weeks, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) was seen in rats in the exercised group, compared with rats in both control groups, in paired testicular masses; in epididymal sperm count; in testicular Δ5, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) and 17β-HSD; in plasma levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin; in the numbers of preleptotine spermatocytes, midpachytene spermatocytes, and stage 7 spermatids of the stage VII seminiferous epithelium cycle; and in fertility performance. As well, a significant increase (p < 0.05) was seen in the exercised group, compared with both control groups, in plasma corticosterone levels and in testicular content of malondialdehyde and catalase activity. At the same time, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the exercised group, compared with both control groups, in plasma concentrations of zinc and selenium; in the testicular content of glutathione (GSH), the glutathione and glutathione disulphide (GSSG) ratio, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol; and in testicular activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione-peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase in the testes. No significant changes were seen in the number of spermatogonia-A from the stage VII seminiferous epithelium cycle or the testicular content of GSSG among the groups. Sodium selenite and zinc sulfate supplementation significantly protected against exercise-induced testicular gamatogenic and spermatogenic disorders, prevented testicular oxidative stress, and increased antioxidant status. It can be concluded that intensive-swimming-induced oxidative stress causes dysfunctions in the male reproductive system, which can be protected by the coadministration of sodium selenite and zinc sulfate.
Heat shock proteins 27 and 70 regulating angiotensin II-induced NF-κB: a possible connection to blood pressure control?
Authors: Voegeli Tracy S. , Wintink Amanda J. , Chen Yu , Currie R. William 
Published: October 2008

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are critical for cell survival and have several mechanisms of action. HSPs regulate protein folding, suppress apoptosis, and regulate anti-oxidative activity. In addition, HSPs are involved in the regulation of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-κB. When angiotensin (Ang) II is infused into rats, there is a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, and NF-κB is activated in the heart. If rats are heat shocked to induce the heat shock response and HSPs before Ang II infusion, there is a significant suppression of both the Ang II-induced increase in blood pressure and NF-κB activation in the heart. Although the role of specific HSPs in the regulation of NF-κB is unclear, several HSPs, including Hsp27 and Hsp70, are thought to be involved in the regulation of Ang II-induced NF-κB. The role of Hsp27 and Hsp70 in NF-κB activation is reviewed here, along with evidence suggesting that HSPs regulate Ang II-induced blood pressure through the regulation of NF-κB.
Maximal and submaximal aerobic fitness in postmenopausal women: influence of hormone-replacement therapy
Authors: Stathokostas Liza , Kowalchuk John M. , Petrella Robert J. , Paterson Donald H. 
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine whether maximal and submaximal aerobic fitness parameters (peak oxygen consumption and ventilatory threshold, respectively) are affected by hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) in moderately active postmenopausal women. Forty healthy, active, postmenopausal women (21 taking HRT, mean age 62 ± 5 years; 19 not taking HRT, mean age 62 ± 7 years) met the peak oxygen consumption criteria during a cycle ergometer test (15 W ramp) and achieved volitional fatigue. Breath-by-breath measurement was used to determine peak oxygen consumption and to estimate ventilatory threshold. There were no differences in characteristics (age, body mass, height, body mass index, leisure-time physical activity) between the non-HRT and HRT groups, nor were there any differences in responses to maximal exercise, with an observed peak oxygen consumption (mL·kg–1·min–1) of 22.9 ± 3.8 in the non-HRT group and 22.0 ± 4.7 in the HRT group. There was also no difference in submaximal aerobic capacity, with ventilatory threshold values (mL·kg–1·min–1) of 16.7 ± 3.4 in the non-HRT group and 15.6 ± 3.2 in the HRT group. In a sample of healthy moderately active postmenopausal women, there was no difference in maximal or submaximal aerobic fitness parameters beteen the HRT and non-HRT groups.
Wheelchair propulsion: effects of experience and push strategy on efficiency and perceived exertion
Authors: Lenton John P. , Fowler Neil E. , van der Woude Lucas , Goosey-Tolfrey Victoria L. 
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of wheeling experience on efficiency, metabolic cost, and differentiated ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) during synchronous and asynchronous hand-rim propulsion with varying arm frequencies. Fourteen able-bodied (AB) male participants and 8 male wheelchair sportsmen (WS) performed tests of peak oxygen consumption for both propulsion modes. Subsequently, 2 series of five 4-min sub-maximal exercise bouts were completed at an individualized velocity (60% of peak oxygen consumption). Arm frequencies consisted of the freely chosen frequency (FCF), followed by 4 counter-balanced paced trials pushing at 60%, 80%, 120%, and 140% of the FCF. Efficiency indices (gross, GE; work, WE) were determined and peripheral (RPE-P), central (RPE-C), and overall (RPE-O) RPEs were recorded. The GE (6.4% vs. 8.4%) and WE (11.3% vs. 15.1%) were significantly higher in WS than in AB (p = 0.001). Trends in the oxygen consumption, GE, and WE data were similar in both groups, propulsion mode, and arm frequency. Data suggest that 80% FCF resulted in improved efficiency for both propulsion mode and group, although the differences between those arm frequencies immediately above and below were non-significant. Lower RPE scores corresponded with higher efficiency values. Regardless of group there were significant differences (p = 0.001) between the differentiated RPE measures, whereby RPE-P was on average always the highest score (13.1) and RPE-C the lowest (11.1; RPE-O was 12.2). In conclusion, despite the anticipated differences in efficiency between the WS and AB participants, this study confirmed that psycho-physiological measures produce similar trends to physiological measures with manipulations of both arm frequency and propulsion mode.
PGC-1α-mediated regulation of gene expression and metabolism: implications for nutrition and exercise prescriptions
Authors: Benton Carley R. , Wright David C. , Bonen Arend 
Published: October 2008

The discovery 10 years ago of PGC-1α represented a major milestone towards understanding of the molecular processes regulating energy metabolism in many tissues, including skeletal muscle. PGC-1α orchestrates a metabolic program regulating oxidative lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This is essentially the same metabolic program that is activated by exercise and down-regulated by sedentary lifestyles and high-fat diets, as well as in cases of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The present review examines the evidence in support of the key role for PGC-1α regulation of substrate metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. Surprisingly, studies with PGC-1α null and transgenic mice have revealed unexpected pathologies when PGC-1α is completely repressed (KO animals) or is massively overexpressed. In contrast, PGC-1α overexpression within normal physiological limits results in marked improvements in fatty acid oxidation and insulin-stimulated glucose transport. Exercise, sedentary lifestyles, and nutritional factors can regulate PGC-1α expression. We speculate that optimal targeting of PGC-1α upregulation, whether by diet, exercise, or a combination of both, could represent effective prophylactic or therapeutic means to improve insulin sensitivity. Indeed, using modern molecular tools, it may indeed be possible to prescribe optimally individualized nutrition and exercise programs.
Development and validation of exercise target heart rate zones for overweight and obese pregnant women
Authors: Davenport Margie H. , Charlesworth Sarah , Vanderspank Dana , Sopper Maggie M. , Mottola Michelle F. 
Published: October 2008

Validated target heart rate (THR) zones for exercise prescription for overweight and obese pregnant women have not been developed. The purposes of this study were to determine if heart rate reserve (HRreserve) is best described by aerobic capacity at peak exercise or by aerobic capacity reserve (VO2 reserve) and to develop and validate THR zones for light-intensity exercise (20%–39%VO2 reserve) in sedentary overweight and obese pregnant women. One hundred six women between 16 and 20 weeks gestation with medical clearance performed a progressive treadmill test to volitional fatigue (peak). Data from every 4th subject were used for cross-validation. Two linear regression equations were performed for each subject, then pooled to obtain mean group values (± SD): %HRreserve vs. %VO2 peak and %HRreserve vs. %VO2 reserve. THR zones equivalent to 20%–39%VO2 reserve were developed and validated based on the strongest relationship. %HRreserve had a stronger linear relationship with %VO2 reserve (y = 1.046x –7.561; R2 = 0.741) than %VO2 peak (y = 1.259x –28.795; R2 = 0.604). Validated THR ranges for sedentary overweight and obese pregnant women are 102–124 beats·min–1 (20–29 years of age) and 101–120 beats·min–1 (30–39 years of age), representing an exercise intensity of 20%–39%VO2 reserve as recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine for previously sedentary pregnant women. Overweight and obese women who are medically prescreened can exercise during pregnancy within our validated THR zones. The relationship between HR and VO2 remains strong, but the two are not equivalent in this population group.
X chromosome inactivation: heterogeneity of heterochromatin
Authors: Sidhu Sharan K. , Minks Jakub , Chang Samuel C. , Cotton Allison M. , Brown Carolyn J. 
Published: October 2008

The silent X chromosome in mammalian females is a classic example of facultative heterochromatin, the term highlighting the compacted and inactive nature of the chromosome. However, it is now clear that the heterochromatin of the inactive X is not homogeneous — as indeed, not all genes on the inactive X are silenced. We summarize known features and events of X inactivation in different mouse and human model systems, and highlight the heterogeneity of chromatin along the inactive X. Characterizing this heterogeneity is likely to provide insight into the cis-acting sequences involved in X chromosome inactivation.
Signaling and apoptosis differences between severe hypoxia and desferoxamine treatment of human epithelial cells
Authors: Box Adrian Harold , Yuen Carol , Ponjevic Dragana , Fick Gordon H. , Demetrick Douglas James 
Published: October 2008

The mechanisms by which cells undergo proliferation arrest or cell death in response to hypoxia are still not completely understood. Originally, we showed that HeLa and Hep3B carcinoma cells undergo different proliferation responses in hypoxia. We now show that these 2 cell lines also have different cell death responses to severe hypoxia, with HeLa showing both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (as early as 12 h after hypoxia treatment), and Hep3B showing resistance to both. Hypoxia-induced apoptosis in Hela was associated with decreases of both phospho-S473- and -T308-AKT and loss of AKT function, whereas Hep3B cells were resistant to hypoxia-induced apoptosis and did not lose phospho-AKT or AKT function. We then decided to test if our observations were confirmed using a hypoxia mimic, desferoxamine. Desferoxamine treatment yielded cell cycle arrest in HeLa and moderate arrest in Hep3B but, surprisingly, did not induce notable apoptosis of either cell line with up to 24 h of treatment. Hypoxia-treated normal human mammary epithelial cells also showed hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, in these cell lines, there was a complete correlation between loss of phospho-AKT and (or) total AKT, and susceptibility to hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Our data suggests a model in which regulated loss of active AKT at a precise time point in hypoxia may be associated with apoptosis in susceptible cells.