bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced hippocampal activation during episodic encoding in middle-aged individuals at genetic risk of Alzheimer's Disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Trivedi Mehul A , Schmitz Taylor W , Ries Michele L , Torgerson Britta M , Sager Mark A , Hermann Bruce P , Asthana Sanjay , Johnson Sterling C 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
The presence of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a major risk factor for the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and has been associated with metabolic brain changes several years before the onset of typical AD symptoms. Functional MRI (fMRI) is a brain imaging technique that has been used to demonstrate hippocampal activation during measurement of episodic encoding, but the effect of the ε4 allele on hippocampal activation has not been firmly established.

Methods
The present study examined the effects of APOE genotype on brain activation patterns in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) during an episodic encoding task using a well-characterized novel item versus familiar item contrast in cognitively normal, middle-aged (mean = 54 years) individuals who had at least one parent with AD.

Results
We found that ε3/4 heterozygotes displayed reduced activation in the hippocampus and MTL compared to ε3/3 homozygotes. There were no significant differences between the groups in age, education or neuropsychological functioning, suggesting that the altered brain activation seen in ε3/4 heterozygotes was not associated with impaired cognitive function. We also found that participants' ability to encode information on a neuropsychological measure of learning was associated with greater activation in the anterior MTL in the ε3/3 homozygotes, but not in the ε3/4 heterozygotes.

Conclusion
Together with previous studies reporting reduced glucose metabolism and AD-related neuropathology, this study provides convergent validity for the idea that the MTL exhibits functional decline associated with the APOE ε4 allele. Importantly, these changes were detected in the absence of meaningful neuropsychological differences between the groups. A focus of ongoing work in this laboratory is to determine if these findings are predictive of subsequent cognitive decline.
Developing a realistic sexual network model of chlamydia transmission in Britain
Authors: Turner Katherine ME , Adams Elisabeth J , Gay Nigel , Ghani Azra C , Mercer Catherine , Edmunds W John 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackgroundA national chlamydia screening programme is currently being rolled out in the UK and other countries. However, much of the epidemiology remains poorly understood. In this paper we present a stochastic, individual based, dynamic sexual network model of chlamydia transmission and its parameterisation. Mathematical models provide a theoretical framework for understanding the key epidemiological features of chlamydia: sexual behaviour, health care seeking and transmission dynamics.ResultsThe model parameters were estimated either directly or by systematic fitting to a variety of appropriate data sources. The fitted model was representative of sexual behaviour, chlamydia epidemiology and health care use in England. We were able to recapture the observed age distribution of chlamydia prevalence.ConclusionEstimating parameters for models of sexual behaviour and transmission of chlamydia is complex. Most of the parameter values are highly correlated, highly variable and there is little empirical evidence to inform estimates. We used a novel approach to estimate the rate of active treatment seeking, by combining data sources, which improved the credibility of the model results. The model structure is flexible and is broadly applicable to other developed world settings and provides a practical tool for public health decision makers.
Analysis of the human cytomegalovirus genomic region from UL146 through UL147A reveals sequence hypervariability, genotypic stability, and overlapping transcripts
Authors: Lurain Nell S , Fox Andrea M , Lichy Heather M , Bhorade Sangeeta M , Ware Carl F , Huang Diana D , Kwan Sau-Ping , Garrity Edward R , Chou Sunwen 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackgroundAlthough the sequence of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genome is generally conserved among unrelated clinical strains, some open reading frames (ORFs) are highly variable. UL146 and UL147, which encode CXC chemokine homologues are among these variable ORFs.ResultsThe region of the HCMV genome from UL146 through UL147A was analyzed in clinical strains for sequence variability, genotypic stability, and transcriptional expression. The UL146 sequences in clinical strains from two geographically distant sites were assigned to 12 sequence groups that differ by over 60% at the amino acid level. The same groups were generated by sequences from the UL146-UL147 intergenic region and the UL147 ORF. In contrast to the high level of sequence variability among unrelated clinical strains, the sequences of UL146 through UL147A from isolates of the same strain were highly stable after repeated passage both in vitro and in vivo. Riboprobes homologous to these ORFs detected multiple overlapping transcripts differing in temporal expression. UL146 sequences are present only on the largest transcript, which also contains all of the downstream ORFs including UL148 and UL132. The sizes and hybridization patterns of the transcripts are consistent with a common 3'-terminus downstream of the UL132 ORF. Early-late expression of the transcripts associated with UL146 and UL147 is compatible with the potential role of CXC chemokines in pathogenesis associated with viral replication.ConclusionClinical isolates from two different geographic sites cluster in the same groups based on the hypervariability of the UL146, UL147, or the intergenic sequences, which provides strong evidence for linkage and no evidence for interstrain recombination within this region. The sequence of individual strains was absolutely stable in vitro and in vivo, which indicates that sequence drift is not a mechanism for the observed sequence hypervariability. There is also no evidence of transcriptional splicing, although multiple overlapping transcripts extending into the adjacent UL148 and UL132 open reading frames were detected using gene-specific probes.
Effect of diet and omega-3 fatty acid intervention on asymmetric dimethylarginine
Authors: Eid Hilde MA , Arnesen Harald , Hjerkinn Elsa M , Lyberg Torstein , Ellingsen Ingrid , Seljeflot Ingebjørg 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background and aim
Impaired vasodilatation has been suggested to be caused by inhibition of nitric oxide generation by the recently described asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). In the present study we wanted to explore whether n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation and/or diet intervention have beneficial influence on endothelial function assessed as plasma levels of ADMA and L-arginine.

Methods
A male population (n = 563, age 70 ± 6 yrs) with long-standing hyperlipidemia, characterized as high risk individuals in 1970–72, was included, randomly allocated to receive placebo n-3 PUFA capsules (corn oil) and no dietary advice (control group), dietary advice (Mediterranean type), n-3 PUFA capsules, or dietary advice and n-3 PUFA combined and followed for 3 years. Fasting blood samples were drawn at baseline and the end of the study.

Results
Compliance with both intervention regimens were demonstrated by changes in serum fatty acids and by recordings from a food frequency questionnaire. No influence of either regimens on ADMA levels were obtained. However, n-3 PUFA supplementation was accompanied by a significant increase in L-arginine levels, different from the decrease observed in the placebo group (p < 0.05). In individuals with low body mass index (<26 kg/m2), the decrease in L-arginine on placebo was strengthened (p = 0.01), and the L-arginine/ADMA ratio was also significantly reduced (p = 0.04).

Conclusion
In this rather large randomized intervention study, ADMA levels were not influenced by n-3 PUFA supplementation or dietary counselling. n-3 PUFA did, however, counteract the age-related reduction in L-arginine seen on placebo, especially in lean individuals, which might be discussed as an improvement of endothelial function.
Developments in Australian general practice 2000–2002: what did these contribute to a well functioning and comprehensive Primary Health Care System?
Authors: Davies Gawaine Powell , Hu Wendy , McDonald Julie , Furler John , Harris Elizabeth , Harris Mark 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
In recent years, national and state/territory governments have undertaken an increasing number of initiatives to strengthen general practice and improve its links with the rest of the primary health care sector. This paper reviews how far these initiatives were contributing to a well functioning and comprehensive primary health care system during the period 2000–2002, using a normative model of primary health care and data from a descriptive study to evaluate progress.

Results
There was a significant number of programs, at both state/territory and national level. Most focused on individual care, particularly for chronic disease, rather than population health approaches. There was little evidence of integration across programs: each tended to be based in and focus on a single jurisdiction, and build capacity chiefly within the services funded through that jurisdiction. As a result, the overall effect was patchy, with similar difficulties being noted across all jurisdictions and little gain in overall system capacity for effective primary health care.

Conclusion
Efforts to develop more effective primary health care need a more balanced approach to reform, with a better balance across the different elements of primary health care and greater integration across programs and jurisdictions. One way ahead is to form a single funding agency, as in the UK and New Zealand, and so remove the need to work across jurisdictions and manage their competing interests. A second, perhaps less politically challenging starting point, is to create an agreed framework for primary health care within which a collective vision for primary health care can be developed, based on population health needs, and the responsibilities of different sectors services can be negotiated. Either of these approaches would be assisted by a more systematic and comprehensive program of research and evaluation for primary health care.
Physical anhedonia in the acute phase of schizophrenia
Authors: Kontaxakis Vassilis P , Kollias Costas T , Havaki-Kontaxaki Beata J , Margariti Maria M , Stamouli Sophia S , Petridou Eleni , Christodoulou George N 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
The aim of the current study is to investigate the relationship between physical anhedonia and psychopathological parameters, pharmacological parameters or motor side-effects in a sample of inpatients with schizophrenia in an acute episode of their illness.

Method
Eighty one patients with schizophrenia, consecutively admitted, with an acute episode of their illness, at the Eginition Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, University of Athens, during a one-year period were investigated regarding possible relationships between physical anhedonia, social-demographic data and clinical parameters as well as motor side-effects, induced by antipsychotic agents. All patients were assessed using the Chapman Revised Physical Anhedonia Scale (RPAS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Rating Scale for Extrapyramidal Side-Effects (EPSE), the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). Simple cross tabulations were initially employed. Subsequently, multiple regression analysis was performed.

Results
Both positive and negative symptoms were associated with physical anhedonia. A positive association between physical anhedonia and the non-paranoid sub-category of schizophrenia was also proved.

Conclusion
According to these results, it seems that in the acute phase of schizophrenia, physical anhedonia may be a contributing factor to patient's psychopathology.
Fanconi anemia manifesting as a squamous cell carcinoma of the hard palate: a case report
Authors: Gasparini Giulio , Longobardi Gianluigi , Boniello Roberto , Di Petrillo Alessandro , Pelo Sandro 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Fanconi Anemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by various congenital malformations, progressive bone marrow failure at a very young age and of solid tumors development. The authors present a rare case of a squamous cell carcinoma of the hard palate in a Fanconi Anaemia patient. The atypical clinical manifestation rendered the diagnosis more difficult. This case, for age of appearance, sex and localization, is unique in international literature. We recommend a quarterly follow up of the oral-rhino-pharynx complex in FA patients and to consider as carcinomas, all oral lesions that last more than two weeks.
Ethno-diversity within current ethno-pharmacology as part of Israeli traditional medicine – A review
Authors: Lev Efraim 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The Holy Land has absorbed millions of immigrants in recent centuries: Jews from East and West, Druze, Circassians, Muslim and Christian Arabs. The land is unique and diverse in geographical location and ethnic groups, and also in its cultural characteristics, including traditional medicine and use of materia medica. However, these traditions have waned over the years. The young state of Israel adopted a "melting pot" approach to fashion Jews from all over the world into Israelis.
The traditional medicine and materia medica of different ethnic groups (Yemenite, Iranian, and Iraqi Jews) are reviewed in this paper, as well as the ethno-botanical survey (first conducted in the 1980s, covering Bedouins, Druze, Circassians, and Muslim and Christian Arabs), and the matching ethno-pharmacological survey (conducted in the late 1990s) covering the medicines sold in stores.
Present-day healers are usually not young and are believed to be the end of the chain of traditional medical knowledge. The ethno-diversity of Israel is becoming blurred; modernity prevails, and ethnic characteristics are fading. The characteristic lines of traditional medicine and materia medica have hardly lasted three generations.
A salient former dividing line between ethnic groups, namely their use of different medicinal substances, paradoxically becomes a bridge for conservative users of all groups and religions. Shops selling these substances have become centers for "nostalgia" and preserving the oriental heritage, traditional medicine, and medicinal substances!
Use and traditional management of Anadenanthera colubrina(Vell.) Brenan in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Júlio Marcelino , de Almeida Cecília de Fátima CB Rangel , de Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino , de Lucena Reinaldo Farias Paiva , Florentino Alissandra Trajano N , de Oliveira Rodrigo Leonardo C 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The use and management of "angico" (Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan) by a rural community in northeastern Brazil was examined. By employing different techniques of data collection and population structure analysis, it was determined that this species had multiple uses within the local community (especially as timber and for other wood products), and that local management of this species is based on simple maintenance and harvesting of individuals in agroforest homegardens. The study of the population structure of this tree species indicated that management and conservation strategies must include the participation of the local community.
Topographic determinants of foot and mouth disease transmission in the UK 2001 epidemic
Authors: Savill Nicholas J , Shaw Darren J , Deardon Rob , Tildesley Michael J , Keeling Matthew J , Woolhouse Mark EJ , Brooks Stephen P , Grenfell Bryan T 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
A key challenge for modelling infectious disease dynamics is to understand the spatial spread of infection in real landscapes. This ideally requires a parallel record of spatial epidemic spread and a detailed map of susceptible host density along with relevant transport links and geographical features.

Results
Here we analyse the most detailed such data to date arising from the UK 2001 foot and mouth epidemic. We show that Euclidean distance between infectious and susceptible premises is a better predictor of transmission risk than shortest and quickest routes via road, except where major geographical features intervene.

Conclusion
Thus, a simple spatial transmission kernel based on Euclidean distance suffices in most regions, probably reflecting the multiplicity of transmission routes during the epidemic.
Functional inhibition of NF-κB signal transduction in αvβ3 integrin expressing endothelial cells by using RGD-PEG-modified adenovirus with a mutant IκB gene
Authors: Ogawara Ken-ichi , Kułdo Joanna M , Oosterhuis Koen , Kroesen Bart-Jan , Rots Marianne G , Trautwein Christian , Kimura Toshikiro , Haisma Hidde J , Molema Grietje 
Published: January 2006

AbstractIn order to selectively block nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-dependent signal transduction in angiogenic endothelial cells, we constructed an αvβ3 integrin specific adenovirus encoding dominant negative IκB (dnIκB) as a therapeutic gene. By virtue of RGD modification of the PEGylated virus, the specificity of the cell entry pathway of adenovirus shifted from coxsacki-adenovirus receptor dependent to αvβ3 integrin dependent entry. The therapeutic outcome of delivery of the transgene into endothelial cells was determined by analysis of cellular responsiveness to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Using real time reverse transcription PCR, mRNA levels of the cell adhesion molecules E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, the cytokines/growth factors IL-6, IL-8 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and the receptor tyrosine kinase Tie-2 were assessed. Furthermore, levels of ICAM-1 protein were determined by flow cytometric analysis. RGD-targeted adenovirus delivered the dnIκB via αvβ3 to become functionally expressed, leading to complete abolishment of TNF-α-induced up-regulation of E-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, IL-6, IL-8, VEGF-A and Tie-2. The approach of targeted delivery of dnIκB into endothelial cells presented here can be employed for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease where activation of NF-κB activity should be locally restored to basal levels in the endothelium.
The PI3K–NF-κB signal transduction pathway is involved in mediating the anti-inflammatory effect of IB-MECA in adjuvant-induced arthritis
Authors: Fishman Pnina , Bar-Yehuda Sara , Madi Lea , Rath-Wolfson Lea , Ochaion Avivit , Cohen Shira , Baharav Ehud 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe anti-inflammatory effect of adenosine was previously found to be mediated via activation of the A3adenosine receptor (A3AR). The aim of the present study was to decipher the molecular mechanism involved with the inhibitory effect of IB-MECA, an A3AR agonist, on adjuvant-induced arthritis.The adjuvant-induced arthritis rats responded to IB-MECA treatment with a decrease in the clinical score and the pathological score of the disease. The response to IB-MECA was neutralized by the antagonist MRS 1220, confirming that the efficacy of the synthetic agonist was A3AR mediated.The A3AR protein expression level was highly expressed in the synovia, in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in the drain lymph node (DLN) tissues of adjuvant-induced arthritis rats in comparison with naïve animals. Downregulation of A3AR expression was noted upon treatment with IB-MECA. Analysis of synovia and DLN protein extracts revealed a decreased expression level of PI3K, PKB/Akt, IKK, NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor alpha, known to affect survival and apoptosis of inflammatory cells, whereas the caspase-3 level was upregulated.Taken together, high A3AR expression is found in the synovia, in the immune cells in the DLN and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. IB-MECA, an orally bioavailable molecule, activates the A3AR, inducing receptor downregulation and the initiation of a molecular mechanism that involves de-regulation of the PI3K–NF-κB signaling pathway. As a result, a potent anti-inflammatory effect manifested in the improvement of the disease clinical score and pathological score occurs. The finding that the A3AR expression level in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in the DLN reflects the receptor status in the remote inflammatory site suggests use of the A3AR as a follow-up biomarker.
Acetazolamide-mediated decrease in strong ion difference accounts for the correction of metabolic alkalosis in critically ill patients
Authors: Moviat Miriam , Pickkers Peter , van der Voort Peter HJ , van der Hoeven Johannes G 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Metabolic alkalosis is a commonly encountered acid–base derangement in the intensive care unit. Treatment with the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide is indicated in selected cases. According to the quantitative approach described by Stewart, correction of serum pH due to carbonic anhydrase inhibition in the proximal tubule cannot be explained by excretion of bicarbonate. Using the Stewart approach, we studied the mechanism of action of acetazolamide in critically ill patients with a metabolic alkalosis.

Methods
Fifteen consecutive intensive care unit patients with metabolic alkalosis (pH ≥ 7.48 and HCO3- ≥ 28 mmol/l) were treated with a single administration of 500 mg acetazolamide intravenously. Serum levels of strong ions, creatinine, lactate, weak acids, pH and partial carbon dioxide tension were measured at 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. The main strong ions in urine and pH were measured at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Strong ion difference (SID), strong ion gap, sodium–chloride effect, and the urinary SID were calculated. Data (mean ± standard error were analyzed by comparing baseline variables and time dependent changes by one way analysis of variance for repeated measures.

Results
After a single administration of acetazolamide, correction of serum pH (from 7.49 ± 0.01 to 7.46 ± 0.01; P = 0.001) was maximal at 24 hours and sustained during the period of observation. The parallel decrease in partial carbon dioxide tension was not significant (from 5.7 ± 0.2 to 5.3 ± 0.2 kPa; P = 0.08) and there was no significant change in total concentration of weak acids. Serum SID decreased significantly (from 41.5 ± 1.3 to 38.0 ± 1.0 mEq/l; P = 0.03) due to an increase in serum chloride (from 105 ± 1.2 to 110 ± 1.2 mmol/l; P < 0.0001). The decrease in serum SID was explained by a significant increase in the urinary excretion of sodium without chloride during the first 24 hours (increase in urinary SID: from 48.4 ± 15.1 to 85.3 ± 7.7; P = 0.02).

Conclusion
A single dose of acetazolamide effectively corrects metabolic alkalosis in critically ill patients by decreasing the serum SID. This effect is completely explained by the increased renal excretion ratio of sodium to chloride, resulting in an increase in serum chloride.
Syntheses, Structures, and Properties of the First Stable 1,1′-Bis(diphosphenyl)ferrocenes
Authors: Nagahora Noriyoshi , Sasamori Takahiro , Tokitoh Norihiro 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Kinetically stabilized 1,1′-bis(diphosphenyl)ferrocenes have been synthesized by taking advantage of extremely bulky substituents, 2,4,6-tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]phenyl (Tbt) and 2,6-bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-4-[tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl]phenyl (Bbt) groups, and fully characterized by the spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analyses. The electrochemical behavior showed well-defined two reversible one-electron reduction couples.