bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibodies to surface epitopes of the carbohydrate larval antigen CarLA are associated with passive protection in strongylid nematode challenge infections
Authors: HARRISON G. B. L. , PULFORD H. D. , DOOLIN E. E. , PERNTHANER A. , SHOEMAKER C. B. , HEIN W. R. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY Sheep were immunized by multiple truncated infections with the gastrointestinal nematodes Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Haemonchus contortus and Teladorsagia circumcincta. Three infections with T. colubriformis of 14 days plus five booster doses of L3 stimulated highly effective protection against challenge (99%). Three infections of 14 days plus three booster doses with H. contortus also resulted in significant protection against challenge infection (87%), but the same procedure was not effective for T. circumcincta. Antibodies derived from gastrointestinal mucus of these immunized sheep were tested for their ability to reduce worm burden following injection of antibody‐coated exsheathed larvae into the abomasum (H. contortus and T. circumcincta) or duodenum (T. colubriformis) of nematode‐naïve sheep in a passive immunity test. The IgG fraction from the mucus of immunized sheep reduced worm burdens by 62%, 76% and 91% in three tests with T. colubriformis but was not effective for either of the abomasal dwelling nematodes H. contortus and T. circumcincta. Antibodies in immune mucus predominantly recognized two larval surface antigens on immunoblots of L3 extract, a high MW surface glycoprotein and the carbohydrate larval antigen (CarLA). Antibodies raised against purified T. colubriformis glycoprotein Tc‐120 and CarLA were tested in the passive immunity model and it was found that only the antibody against CarLA resulted in a significant reduction of infection (87%). The protective anti‐CarLA antibodies strongly recognized the surface of living T. colubriformis L3. Antibodies from abomasal mucus of sheep immunized by H. contortus and T. circumcincta infections reacted weakly with CarLA and the larval surface and did not reduce worm counts in a passive immunity test. The results provide further evidence that the larval surface carbohydrate antigen CarLA has potential as a mucosal immunogen for a strongylid nematode vaccine.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathies: Clinical Characteristics and Outcome According to ADAMTS13 Activity
Authors: Malak S. , Wolf M. , Millot G. A. , Mariotte E. , Veyradier A. , Meynard J.‐L. , Korach J.‐M. , Malot S. , Bussel A. , Azoulay E. , Boulanger E. , Galicier L. , Devaux E. , Eschwège V. , Gallien S. , Adrie C. , Schlemmer B. , Rondeau E. , Coppo P. ,   for the Réseau d’Etude des Microangiopathies Thrombotiques (TMA‐Rare Diseases Reference Center)
Published: August 2008

AbstractHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a risk factor for thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). We sought whether a severe deficiency in ADAMTS13, the enzyme specifically involved in the cleavage of von Willebrand factor, was associated with specific presenting features and outcome in HIV‐associated TMA. In this prospective, multicentre, case–control study, 29 patients of 236 in the French Network on TMA had an HIV‐associated TMA. Seventeen patients with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency (ADAMTS13 <5% HIV+ group) were compared to 12 patients with a detectable ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13 ≥5% HIV+ group). HIV+ patients were also compared to 62 patients with idiopathic TMA, either with (45 patients, ADAMTS13 <5% idiopathic group) or without (17 patients, ADAMTS13 ≥5% idiopathic group) severe ADAMTS13 deficiency. ADAMTS13 <5% HIV+ patients had less AIDS‐related complications than ADAMTS13 ≥5% HIV+ patients (23.5% versus 91.6%, respectively, P = 0.0005) and their median CD4+ T cell count was higher (P = 0.05). TMA‐associated death rate was higher in ADAMTS13 ≥5% HIV+ patients than in ADAMTS13 <5% HIV+ patients (50% versus 11.7%, respectively, P = 0.04). In ADAMTS13 <5% patients, TMA‐associated death rate was comparable between HIV+ and idiopathic patients (15.5% in idiopathic patients, P‐value was non‐significant). By contrast, TMA‐associated death rate in ADAMTS13 ≥5% HIV+ patients was higher than in idiopathic patients (11.7% in idiopathic patients, P = 0.04). In conclusion, HIV‐associated TMA with severe ADAMTS13 deficiency have less AIDS‐related complications and a higher CD4+ T cell count. TMA prognosis is better and comparable to this of idiopathic forms.
DNA sequence analysis and the phylogeographical history of the rodent Deltamys kempi (Sigmodontinae, Cricetidae) on the Atlantic Coastal Plain of south of Brazil
Authors: MONTES M. A. , OLIVEIRA L. F. B. , BONATTO S. L. , CALLEGARI‐JACQUES S. M. , MATTEVI M. S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe rodent Deltamys kempiThomas, 1917 is found on the Coastal Plain – a recently formed geographic region located on Brazil’s south‐east coast. Considering that Deltamys is the only South American sigmodontine with a sex chromosome system of type X1X1X2X2/X1X2Y, this investigation was focused on the phylogeographic history of this taxon by using gene sequence analysis, trying to clarify when Deltamys differentiated, what was its centre of diversification, and what were the probable routes it used to reach its present distribution. We analysed sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and nuclear recombination activating gene 2, performed cranial measurements and searched for centric fusions in individuals collected in distinct localities. The results, clearly demonstrate that D. kempi, on the Coastal Plain, divided into two groups, one occupying a small portion to the north of this region and the other spreading widely to the south. In this process, the phenomena of marine transgression and regressions which moulded its habitat, together with the occurrence of successive chromosomal rearrangements, were certainly the fundamental factors in shaping D. kempi diversification.
Genetic independence of female signal form and male receiver design in the almond moth, Cadra cautella
Authors: ALLISON J. D. , ROFF D. A. , CARDÉ R. T. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractEfficient signalling requires coordination of signal form and receiver design. To maintain signal function, parallel changes in signaller and receiver traits are required. Genetic correlation and co‐evolution among signal and response traits have been proposed to preserve signal function (i.e. coordination) during the evolution of mate recognition systems. Empirical studies have provided support for both mechanisms; however, there is debate regarding the interpretation of some of these studies. Tests for a genetic correlation typically hybridize divergent signalling systems and look at hybrid signal form and receiver design, or impose artificial selection on signal form and look for an indirect response to selection in receiver design. Some of the hybridization studies did not achieve reassortment of genes from the parental types, whereas some of the artificial selection studies incorporated random mating in their designs. As a result of these limitations, the hybridization studies cannot discriminate between genetic correlation and co‐evolution with primarily additive genetic effects underlying signal and response traits. Similarly, the artificial selection experiments cannot discriminate between genetic correlation because of linkage disequilibrium and co‐evolution. This study examined the mating preferences of male almond moths, Cadra cautella, before and after female moths were artificially selected (using a design incorporating assortative mating) for novel pheromone blend ratios. Our results demonstrate the absence of a genetic correlation between signal and response traits in the almond moth.
Retrograde vasal sperm aspiration in anejaculatory patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: HIBI HATSUKI , OHORI TADASHI , YAMADA YOSHIAKI , HONDA NOBUAKI , HASHIBA YOSHIKI , ASADA YOSHIMASA 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  This paper describes our experience with retrograde vasal sperm aspiration (ReVSA) in anejaculatory patients with spinal cord injury.Methods:  We performed 11 vasal sperm aspiration procedures on eight patients presenting with neurogenic anejaculation associated with spinal cord injury at our institute between 2004 and 2007. This procedure was conducted under local anesthesia with a spermatic block. A 24G needle was inserted into the vas in a retrograde fashion. Sperm‐washing medium was gently injected into the proximal vas several times and collected. Aspirated sperm was cryopreserved for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.Results:  Adequate motile sperm was obtained from all patients. All couples underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection; clinical pregnancies were achieved in eight cases (two ongoing pregnancies and the births of six healthy babies).Conclusion:  Retrograde vasal sperm aspiration is a reliable method for the consistent recovery of sperm of sufficient quality to afford a high pregnancy rate and in sufficient quantity to permit cryopreservation of excess sperm for future use. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 115–118)
Effect of amino acids and dipeptides on the acrosome reaction and accumulation of ammonia in porcine spermatozoa
Authors: TAREQ K. M. A. , HOSSAIN MD SHAROARE , AKTER QUZI SHARMIN , SAWADA TOMIO , AFROSE SADIA , HAMANO KOH‐ICHI , TSUJII HIROTADA 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  The present study was designed to investigate the effect of amino acids and their dipeptides in the medium related to the urea cycle on the motility, viability, acrosome reaction (AR) and accumulation of ammonia in the medium over different incubation periods in porcine spermatozoa and to assess the utilization of glucose.Methods:  Porcine spermatozoa were washed, swim‐up and incubated at 37°C for 0–4 h in mTALP medium supplemented with 75–600 µmol/L ammonia. Amino acids (1.0 mmol) or their dipeptides (2.0 mmol) were added individually to the mTALP medium containing either no ammonia or 300 µmol/L of ammonia. The viability and AR of porcine spermatozoa were assessed using the triple‐staining technique and the accumulation of ammonia in the medium was measured using the indophenol method.Results:  The motility, viability and AR were adversely affected (P < 0.05) by concentrations of ammonia ≥300 µmol/L compared with the control. Supplementation of l‐alanyl‐l‐glutamine (AlaGln), l‐glycyl‐l‐glutamine (GlyGln) and AlaGln + GlyGln in the presence of 300 µmol/L ammonia significantly increase (P < 0.05) the rate of motility, viability, AR, incorporation, accumulation of ammonia and oxidation of 14C(U)‐glucose compared with the ammonia supplement control.Conclusion:  AlaGln and GlyGln in mTALP medium were more stable and effective than the individual amino acids in reducing the accumulation of ammonia, and subsequently increasing the rate of AR and the utilization of glucose in porcine spermatozoa. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 123–131)
Increase in the concentration of cytosolic‐free calcium induced by human follicular fluid was decreased in single human spermatozoon with abnormal morphology
Authors: SHIMIZU YASUFUMI , MINAGUCHI REIKO , ISHIKAWA TOMONORI , HARADA TATSUYA , YOSHIKI NAOYUKI , KUBOTA TOSHIRO 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  The increase in the concentration of cytosolic‐free calcium ([Ca2+]i) induced by follicular fluid or progesterone has been reported to promote an acrosome reaction and alternation in several motion parameters in human sperm (hyperactivation). We previously reported that populations of sperm in cell suspension obtained from infertile men with abnormal morphology exhibited lower mean peak progesterone‐evoked [Ca2+]i compared with morphologically normal sperm using cell‐suspension methods. In the present study, the change in [Ca2+]i in individual normally and abnormally shaped spermatozoa was compared.Methods:  The change in [Ca2+]i induced by human follicular fluid in individual spermatozoa with normal and abnormal morphology was compared using the fluorescent calcium‐sensitive dye fluo‐3/AM. The spatial distribution of the increase in [Ca2+]i in single sperm was also investigated.Results:  The [Ca2+]i of normally shaped spermatozoa increased rapidly after the administration of human follicular fluid. The response reached a peak within 2–3 s and then slowly declined to a plateau phase. The baseline and peak fluorescence in spermatozoa with abnormal morphology was lower when compared with normal spermatozoa. The follicular‐fluid‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i (expressed as a percentage increase in [Ca2+]i over basal) in morphologically abnormal sperm was 39.2 ± 5.3% (n = 107, mean ± standard error), which was smaller than that of morphologically normal sperm (61.6 ± 5.7%, n = 100, P < 0.005) from seven healthy donors. The follicular‐fluid‐induced [Ca2+]i increases observed in sperm with morphologically abnormal mid‐pieces (20.9 ± 4.3%, n = 12, P < 0.05) or tails (40.7 ± 6.0%, n = 92, P < 0.05) were lower than those of morphologically normal spermatozoa (61.6 ± 5.3%, n = 101). The follicular‐fluid‐induced [Ca2+]i increase of morphologically normal spermatozoa from infertile couples (35.1 ± 6.3%, n = 25, P < 0.05) was also found to be lower than that of morphologically normal spermatozoa from healthy donors.Conclusion:  The present study shows that spermatozoa with abnormal morphology in healthy donors have disorders of signal transduction, as do normally shaped sperm in men from infertile couples. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 143–149)
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour in the ischio‐rectal fossa
Authors: Teoh K. H. , Reddy S. , Beggs I. , Al‐Nafussi A. , Mander B. J. , Porter D. E. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPrimary sarcomas in the ischiorectal fossa are occasionally reported and represent a significant challenge due to the proximity of rectum, levator muscles and pudendal neurovascular structures. We report a case in which the diagnosis changed between biopsy (desmoid tumour) and resection (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour), requiring a multidisciplinary surgical approach involving different sub‐specialties. It also illustrates the importance of undertaking sarcoma surgery in a recognized sarcoma centre with sarcoma expertise available across a range of disciplines.
International Diabetes Federation guideline for management of postmeal glucose: a review of recommendations
Authors: Ceriello A. , Colagiuri S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDiabetes is a significant and growing concern, with over 246 million people around the world living with the disease and another 308 million with impaired glucose tolerance. Depending on the resources of different nations, intervention has generally focused on optimizing overall glycaemic control as assessed by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) values. Nevertheless, increasing evidence supports the importance of controlling all three members of the glucose triad, namely HbA1c, FPG and postmeal glucose (PMG) in order to improve outcome in diabetes. As part of its global mission to promote diabetes care and prevention and to find a cure, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) recently developed a guideline that reviews evidence to date on PMG and the development of diabetic complications. Based on an extensive database search of the literature, and guided by a Steering and Development Committee including experts from around the world, the IDF Guideline for Management of Postmeal Glucose offers recommendations for appropriate clinical management of PMG. These recommendations are intended to help clinicians and organizations in developing strategies for effective management of PMG in individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The following review highlights the recommendations of the guideline, the supporting evidence provided and the major conclusions drawn. The full guideline is available for download at http://www.idf.org.
Psychosocial factors are independent risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes in Japanese workers with impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance1
Authors: Toshihiro M. , Saito K. , Takikawa S. , Takebe N. , Onoda T. , Satoh J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAims  We prospectively studied Japanese workers with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and analysed possible risk factors for diabetes, including psychosocial factors such as stress.Methods  The participants were 128 male Japanese company employees (mean age, 49.3 ± 5.9 years) with IFG and/or IGT diagnosed by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Participants were prospectively studied for 5 years with annual OGTTs. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox's proportional hazard model were used to analyse the incidence of diabetes and the factors affecting glucose tolerance, including anthropometric, biochemical and social–psychological factors.Results  Of 128 participants, 36 (28.1%) developed diabetes and 39 (30.5%) returned to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during a mean follow‐up of 3.2 years. Independent risk factors for diabetes were night duty [hazard ratio (HR) = 5.48, P = 0.002], higher fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels within 6.1–6.9 mmol/l (HR = 1.05, P = 0.031), stress (HR = 3.81, P = 0.037) and administrative position (HR = 12.70, P = 0.045), while independent factors associated with recovery were lower FPG levels (HR = 0.94, P = 0.017), being a white‐collar worker (HR = 0.34, P = 0.033), non‐smoking (HR = 0.31, P = 0.040) and lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (HR = 0.97, P = 0.042).Conclusions  In addition to FPG levels at baseline, psychosocial factors (night duty, stress and administrative position) are risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, while being a white‐collar worker, a non‐smoker and lower serum ALT levels are factors associated with return to NGT in Japanese workers with IFG and/or IGT.
Oxidative stress increases levels of endogenous amyloid‐β peptides secreted from primary chick brain neurons
Authors: Goldsbury Claire , Whiteman Ineka T. , Jeong Erica V. , Lim Yun‐An 
Published: August 2008

SummaryOxidative damage is associated with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, but its relationship to the development of neuropathological lesions involving accumulation of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptides and hyperphosphorylated tau protein remains poorly understood. We show that inducing oxidative stress in primary chick brain neurons by exposure to sublethal doses of H2O2 increases levels of total secreted endogenous Aβ by 2.4‐fold after 20 h. This occurs in the absence of changes to intracellular amyloid precursor protein or tau protein levels, while heat‐shock protein 90 is elevated 2.5‐fold. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that aging‐associated oxidative stress contributes to increasing Aβ generation and up‐regulation of molecular chaperones in Alzheimer's disease.
Very low hepatitis C antibody levels predict false‐positive results and avoid supplemental testing
Authors: Contreras Ana M. , Tornero‐Romo Claudia M. , Toribio José G. , Celis Alfredo , Orozco‐Hernández Axel , Rivera P. Kristian , Méndez Claudia , Hernández‐Lugo M. Isabel , Olivares Laura , Alvarado Martha A. 
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND:False‐positive results for hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐HCV) occur with unacceptable frequency in low‐prevalence populations. The purpose of the study was to determine whether signal‐to‐cutoff (S/CO) ratios of anti‐HCV assay–reactive samples could be used to discriminate false‐positive from true‐positive anti‐HCV results and avoid the need for supplemental testing.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:Using receiver‐operating characteristic curve, the cutoff point that identifies the major proportion (≥95%) of false‐positive results, with a minor proportion (<5%) of true‐positive anti‐HCV results, was determined. An anti‐HCV assay (VITROS, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics) was used to detect the antibodies. The third‐generation recombinant immunoblot assay and HCV RNA tests were performed on all included donors. Third‐generation RIBA is the gold standard for identifying false‐positive antibody results.RESULTS:A total of 649 anti‐HCV–positive blood donors were identified. A S/CO ratio of less than 4.5, defining very low levels in this value, was the optimal cutoff point to identify false‐positive results; 315 of 322 samples with very low levels were false‐positive anti‐HCV results (97.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 95.8%‐99.0%) and 7 were true‐positive (2.2%; 95% CI, 1.0%‐4.3%). Viremia was detected in none of them. A direct relationship was observed between positive supplemental testing and increased antibody levels in the other 327 samples.CONCLUSION:The high prediction rate of false‐positive anti‐HCV results using very low levels by the Ortho VITROS anti‐HCV assay safely avoids the need for supplemental testing.
Age and Gender Effects on Auto Liability Insurance Payouts
Authors: Doerpinghaus Helen I. , Schmit Joan T. , Yeh Jason Jia‐Hsing 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe examine the relationship between claimant demographic characteristics (specifically, gender, age, and marital status) and the relative size of automobile third‐party settlements. We present three possible theories to explain differences in payouts associated with gender and age: variations in risk attitudes, variations in negotiating costs, and discrimination. Results of empirical testing are consistent with differences in settlement amounts, particularly with respect to gender. These differences are examined and discussed along with suggestions for future research.
An Empirical Analysis of the Effects of Increasing Deductibles on Moral Hazard
Authors: Wang Jennifer L. , Chung Ching‐Fan , Tzeng Larry Y. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractUsing information on timing and number of claims in a unique data set pertaining to comprehensive automobile insurance with the increasing deductible provision in Taiwan, the authors provide new evidence for moral hazard. Time‐varying correlations between the choice of the insurance coverage and claim occurrence are significantly positive and exhibit a smirk pattern across policy months. This empirical finding supports the existence of asymmetric information. A subsample estimation depicts insured drivers' significant responses to increasing deductibles, which implies the existence of moral hazard. According to the probit regression results, the increasing deductible makes policyholders who have ever filed claims less likely to file additional claims later in the policy year. The empirical findings strongly support the notion that the increasing deductible provision helps control moral hazard.
APRA's Expert Judgment Ratings and Solvency Cover of Australian General Insurers
Authors: Sharpe Ian G. , Stadnik Andrei 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA's) supervisors use expert judgment to rate the risk of failure of general insurers (GIs). Using statistical data, we model the determinants of GI ratings and solvency cover and find: (1) sufficient predictive power in statistical data to identify GIs for earlier review and assist in quality assurance of APRA's ratings and (2) that profitability, solvency cover, investment, and underwriting risk play different roles in rating foreign branch and Australian‐incorporated GIs. We conclude that supervisors generally correctly incorporate our a priori expectations of the effects of risk indicators on GI risk into their ratings.
Integrating Neural Networks for Risk‐Adjustment Models
Authors: Hsu Shuofen , Lin Chaohsin , Yang Yaling 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article demonstrates the possibility of an alternative approach for risk‐adjustment models. In the proposed model the risk characteristics of the beneficiary's health within the same cohort classified by Self‐Organizing Map network are highly homogeneous, whereas the numbers of individuals within each cohort remain sufficient to allow further investigation of the causal effect from clustered data. A comparison of different models by the 10‐fold cross‐validation reveals that the performance improvement in the proposed integration model is both significant and stable across the estimation and validation sampling.