bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanotechnology for bone materials
Authors: Tran Nhiem , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIt has been established that for orthopedic‐related research, nanomaterials (materials defined as those with constituent dimensions less than 100 nm in at least one direction) have superior properties compared to conventional counterparts. This review summarizes studies that have demonstrated enhancedin vitroandin vivoosteoblast (bone‐forming cells) functions (such as adhesion, proliferation, synthesis of bone‐related proteins, and deposition of calcium‐containing mineral) on nanostructured metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites thereof compared to currently used implants. These results strongly imply that nanomaterials may improve osseointegration, which is crucial for long‐term implant efficacy. This review also focuses on novel drug‐carrying magnetic nanoparticles designed to treat various bone diseases (such as osteoporosis). Although further investigation of thein vivoresponses and toxicity of these novel nanomaterials pertinent for orthopedic applications are needed, nanotechnology clearly has already demonstrated the ability to produce better bone implants and therefore should be further investigated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
Over‐expression of the Anti‐apoptotic Protein Bcl‐2 Affects Membrane Lipid Composition in HL‐60 Cells
Authors: Cantrel Catherine , Zachowski Alain , Geny Blandine 
Published: March 2009

AbstractWe studied modifications induced at the membrane lipid level by over‐expression of the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2. When total cell phospholipids were analyzed, the transformation led to a moderate decrease in poly‐unsaturated fatty acids, compensated by an increase in mono‐unsaturated species. At the mitochondrial membrane level, the changes were more important and occurred in saturated and dimethyl acetal fatty acids, which became more abundant, while unsaturated fatty acid content diminished. This indicates a decline in oxidation‐sensitive fatty acids (unsaturated species) together with a gain in oxidation‐insensitive saturated fatty acids and in plasmalogen (as detected by dimethyl acetal fatty acids) considered as oxygen species scavengers. Theses changes, combined with the protective role of Bcl‐2 against oxidation due to its effect on the redox potential, should protect cells from apoptosis starting in mitochondria.
Hearing and vestibular loss in Streptococcus suis infection from swine and traditional raw pork exposure in northern Thailand
Authors: Navacharoen N , Chantharochavong V , Hanprasertpong C , Kangsanarak J , Lekagul S 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjectives:To describe a series of 40 culture-proven, Streptococcus suis infected patients, focusing on route of entry and on hearing and vestibular dysfunction.Methods:Retrospective study of patient records in a tertiary care hospital in northern Thailand, 2003–2007.Results:The majority (75 per cent) of cases were men with heavy drinking habits. A past history of the consumption of raw pork and/or pig's blood was found in 62.5 per cent of cases, whereas contact with swine products was found in 25 per cent. Thirty patients presented with sepsis, 19 with meningitis and 10 with infective endocarditis. The overall mortality rate was 20 per cent. After a mean follow up of 17 months, 73 per cent of the surviving meningitis cases had persistent sensorineural hearing loss and 50 per cent demonstrated vestibular impairment. In one patient, roentgenographic studies of the temporal bone were compatible with labyrinthitis ossificans.Conclusions:Permanent hearing loss and vestibular impairment occur frequently in persons surviving meningitis caused by Streptococcus suis.
Use of snus and risk for cardiovascular disease: results from the Swedish Twin Registry
Authors: Hansson J. , Pedersen N. L. , Galanti M. R. , Andersson T. , Ahlbom A. , Hallqvist J. , Magnusson C. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract.Objective. To study the association between snus use and the risk for cardiovascular disease, i.e. ischemic heart disease and stroke.Design. Cohort study.Setting. Sweden.Subjects. Sixteen thousand six hundred and forty‐two male Swedish twins participating in the Screening Across the Lifespan Twin Study, conducted in 1998–2002, were followed for incident cardiovascular disease. Participants were without a history of cardiovascular disease at baseline and incident cases were identified via the Swedish Cause of Death Register and Hospital Discharge Register.Results. Overall, there was no association between use of snus and risk for cardiovascular disease. Current snus users, without a smoking history, had a relative risk of 1.00 (95% confidence interval 0.69–1.46) for cardiovascular disease as compared to non users. Corresponding relative risks for ischemic heart disease and stroke were 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.51–1.41) and 1.18 (95% confidence interval 0.67–2.08), respectively. In smoking adjusted models, risk estimates for ischemic heart disease in relation to snus use were all close to unity regardless of timing or intensity of snus use. However, current heavy snus users (consuming more than four cans week−1) had a relative risk for stroke of 1.75 (95% confidence interval 0.95–3.21).Conclusion. These data do not support any strong association between snus use and risk for cardiovascular disease.
Estimation of genetic parameters and genome scan for 15 semen characteristics traits of Holstein bulls
Authors: Druet T. , Fritz S. , Sellem E. , Basso B. , Gérard O. , Salas‐Cortes L. , Humblot P. , Druart X. , Eggen A. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryA QTL detection experiment was performed in French dairy cattle to search for QTL related to male fertility. Ten families, involving a total of 515 bulls, were phenotyped for ejaculated volume and sperm concentration, number of spermatozoa, motility, velocity, percentage of motile spermatozoa after thawing and abnormal spermatozoa. A set of 148 microsatellite markers were used to realize a genome scan. First, genetic parameters were estimated for all traits. Semen production traits were found to have moderate heritabilities (from 0.15 to 0.30) while some of the semen quality traits such as motility had high heritabilities (close to 0.60). Genetic correlations among traits showed negative relationships between volume and concentration and between volume and most quality traits such as motility or abnormal sperm while correlations between concentration and these traits were rather favourable. Percentages of abnormal sperm were negatively related to quality traits, especially with motility and velocity of spermatozoa. Three QTL related to abnormal sperm frequencies were significant at p < 0.01. In total, 11 QTL (p < 0.05) were detected. However, the number of QTL detected was within the range of expected false positives. Because of the lack of power to find QTL in this design further analyses are required to confirm these QTL.
Analysis of Cultural and Genetic Diversity in Alternaria helianthi and Determination of Pathogenic Variability Using Wild Helianthus Species
Authors: Santha Lakshmi Prasad Madamsetty , Sujatha Mulpuri , Chander Rao Sankaraneni 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe study aims at assessment of morphological, molecular and pathogenic variability of Alternaria helianthi, incitant of leaf blight of sunflower. Morphological characteristics determined for 26 isolates of A. helianthi from India revealed variations in shape of culture, pigmentation, conidial measurements, number of septa and colony growth. The conidia of isolate Ah‐7 were long, while conidia of isolate Ah‐15 were short. Based on cultural characters, isolates were classified into four groups. Genetic variability of the isolates was assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Good polymorphism was observed and cluster analysis indicated presence of six genetically distinct groups among the isolates. The isolates Ah‐1, Ah‐7 and Ah‐14 were genetically distinct. Resistant sources are not available in cultivated sunflower, while wild Helianthus species possess resistance to multiple stresses. We evaluated reaction of wild Helianthus species to isolates of A. helianthi. Among wild Helianthus species, H. tuberosus followed by H. occidentalis showed moderately to highly resistant reaction to all the isolates and recorded less disease incidence. The species H. argophyllus followed by H. laevigatus showed more disease incidence. The cultivated sunflower recorded susceptible reaction to most of the isolates and recorded high disease incidence. The isolates differed significantly for pathogenic reaction and were grouped into three pathogenicity groups; low, medium and high. Six isolates induced <20% disease incidence and were included in the low pathogenicity group. Majority of isolates were in the medium pathogenicity group. Six isolates i.e. Ah‐9, Ah‐10, Ah‐18, Ah‐20, Ah‐24 and Ah‐26 induced more than 50% disease incidence and were considered high pathogenicity group. Our results demonstrate the existence of considerable variation in resistance of Helianthus species to A. helianthi and also in morphological and genetic characters of A. helianthi isolates prevalent in India.
Molecular Cloning and Characterization of CD9 cDNA from Sheep and Cashmere Goat
Authors: Xing WJ , Wang LQ , Wu Q , Ren SC , Bao XH , Bou S 
Published: March 2009

ContentsCD9 is a glycoprotein of the transmembrane 4 superfamily (TM4SF) and is involved in various cellular processes. Some CD9 cDNA have been cloned in mammals and certain fish genera in recent years, but goat and sheep counterparts of cattle, human and mouse have not been identified. To facilitate the studies, we cloned the cDNA encoding for CD9 of cashmere goat (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries), and expressed sheep CD9 in Escherichia coli cells. Structural analysis indicated for both goat and sheep that a 1123 bp cDNA spanned an open reading frame of 681 bp which predicted a protein of 226 amino acids with a typical TM4SF structure, including four highly conserved transmembrane domains, two extracellular domains and a CCG motif, which is a hallmark of the TM4SF. The predicted amino acid sequences were highly homologous to those of cattle, mouse and human CD9. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on CD9 cDNA sequences indicated that goat and sheep CD9 were closely related to CD9 of cattle, which is in agreement with their morphological taxonomy.
Development and application of the human intestinal tract chip, a phylogenetic microarray: analysis of universally conserved phylotypes in the abundant microbiota of young and elderly adults
Authors: Rajilić‐Stojanović Mirjana , Heilig Hans G. H. J. , Molenaar Douwe , Kajander Kajsa , Surakka Anu , Smidt Hauke , De Vos Willem M. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryIn this paper we present the in silico assessment of the diversity of variable regions of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene based on an ecosystem‐specific curated database, describe a probe design procedure based on two hypervariable regions with minimal redundancy and test the potential of such probe design strategy for the design of a flexible microarray platform. This resulted in the development and application of a phylogenetic microarray for studying the human gastrointestinal microbiota – referred as the human intestinal tract chip (HITChip). Over 4800 dedicated tiling oligonucleotide probes were designed based on two hypervariable regions of the SSU rRNA gene of 1140 unique microbial phylotypes (< 98% identity) following analysis of over 16 000 human intestinal SSU rRNA sequences. These HITChip probes were hybridized to a diverse set of human intestinal samples and SSU rRNA clones to validate its fingerprinting and quantification potential. Excellent reproducibility (median Pearson's correlation of 0.99) was obtained following hybridization with T7 polymerase transcripts generated in vitro from SSU rRNA gene amplicons. A linear dose–response was observed with artificial mixtures of 40 different representative amplicons with relative abundances as low as 0.1% of total microbiota. Analysis of three consecutively collected faecal samples from ten individuals (five young and five elderly adults) revealed temporal dynamics and confirmed that the adult intestinal microbiota is an individual‐specific and relatively stable ecosystem. Further analysis of the stable part allowed for the identification of a universal microbiota core at the approximate genus level (90% sequence similarity). This core consists of members of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Used as a phylogenetic fingerprinting tool with the possibility for relative quantification, the HITChip has the potential to bridge the gaps in our knowledge in the quantitative and qualitative description of the human gastrointestinal microbiota composition.
Avoidable iatrogenic complications of urethral catheterization and inadequate intern training in a tertiary‐care teaching hospital
Authors: Thomas Arun Z. , Giri Subhasis K. , Meagher David , Creagh Tom 
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVETo examine the magnitude of potentially avoidable iatrogenic complications of male urethral catheterization (UC) within a tertiary‐care supra‐regional teaching hospital, and to evaluate risk factors and subjective feeling of interns in our institution on the adequacy of training on UC.SUBJECTS AND METHODSMale UC‐related morbidities were retrospectively identified from our computerized inpatient urology consultation system over a 1‐year period from July 2006 to June 2007. Relevant medical records were also reviewed. An anonymous questionnaire was used for the subjective assessment of interns about their training on UC. The primary outcome measures were the prevalence of urethral trauma secondary to UC by a non‐urological team member in non‐urological departments, risk factors and intern‐perceived adequacy of practical and theoretical training on UC during their intern year, and finally the supervision of interns during first UC.RESULTSOf 864 urological consultations, 51 (6%) were related to complications arising from male UC during the 1‐year period. The most common indication for UC was monitoring urinary output for acute medical illness (34/51, 67%). The most common complication was urethral trauma (35/51, 67%). The balloon was accidentally inflated in the urethra in six patients (12%). Of the 51 cases of UC‐related morbidity, 38 (74%) resulted from interns performing UC, and of these 28 (73%) occurred during the first 6 months of internship. Overall, 76% of interns felt that their practical training was none or inadequate; 52% (26/50) did not receive any supervision during their first UC.CONCLUSIONSUC‐related iatrogenic morbidity is not uncommon even in a tertiary‐care teaching hospital. This study identified that interns receive inadequate training on UC. Finally, most of the complications are potentially avoidable and can be prevented by adopting a proper technique of catheterization. Adequate training and supervision of medical students and interns can achieve this.
Addressing Obesity in the Workplace: The Role of Employers
Authors: HEINEN LUANN , DARLING HELEN 
Published: March 2009

Context: Employers have pursued many strategies over the years to control health care costs and improve care. Disappointed by efforts to manage costs through the use of insurance‐related techniques (e.g., prior authorization, restricted provider networks), employers have also begun to try to manage health by addressing their employees' key lifestyle risks. Reducing obesity (along with tobacco use and inactivity) is a priority for employers seeking to lower the incidence and severity of chronic illness and the associated demand for health services. Methods: This article describes the employer's perspective on the cost impact of obesity, discusses current practices in employer‐sponsored wellness and weight management programs, provides examples from U.S. companies illustrating key points of employers' leverage and opportunities, and suggests policy directions to support the expansion of employers' initiatives, especially for smaller employers. Findings: Researchers and policymakers often overlook the extensive efforts and considerable impact of employer‐sponsored wellness and health improvement programs. Greater focus on opportunities in the workplace is merited, however, for the evidence base supporting the economic and health impacts of employer‐sponsored health promotion and wellness is growing, although not as quickly as the experience base of large employers. Conclusions: Public and private employers can serve their own economic interests by addressing obesity. Health care organizations, particularly hospitals, as well as public employers can be important role models. Policy development is needed to accelerate change, especially for smaller employers (those with fewer than 500 employees), which represent the majority of U.S. employers and are far less likely to offer health promotion programs.
Factors associated with renal dysfunction within an urban HIV‐infected cohort in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Overton ET , Nurutdinova D , Freeman J , Seyfried W , Mondy KE 
Published: March 2009

BackgroundKidney disease remains a prevalent problem in HIV care. The contribution of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV disease factors and traditional factors needs further evaluation.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of all patients seen at an HIV outpatient clinic during 2005 was performed. All data were collected from medical record review. Multivariate regression modelling was used to identify independent predictors of lower glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and chronic renal failure (CRF) from factors significant in univariate analysis. eGFR was calculated using the simplified modification of diet in renal disease equation. Results were compared with those for persons from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) matched for age, race and gender.ResultsOf 845 HIV‐infected persons, 64% were men and 34% were Caucasian, and the mean age was 39.8 years. Thirty per cent of the patients had proteinuria and 43% had eGFR<90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Persons on HAART (63%) had a lower mean eGFR than those not on HAART (92.0 vs. 101.6). In multivariate analyses, significant predictors of eGFR decline were diagnoses of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, proteinuria, use of tenofovir or stavudine, and lower viral load. Compared with those in NHANES, HIV‐infected persons had a lower mean eGFR (94.9 vs. 104.2) and a higher prevalence of CRF (8%vs. 2%).ConclusionIn this cohort, the prevalence of CRF is low, but remains higher than that of the general population. Clinicians should routinely screen for early asymptomatic kidney disease to address risk factors that can be treated.
Three dimensions of oppositionality in youth
Authors: Stringaris Argyris , Goodman Robert 
Published: March 2009

Background:  Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in youth is a strong predictor of mental illness yet the wide range of associations with psychiatric disorders remains largely unexplained. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the identification of irritable, headstrong and hurtful dimensions within youth oppositionality would clarify the pattern of associations between oppositionality and a wide range of psychopathology in early and adult life.Methods:  Cross‐sectional data from national mental health surveys including 18,415 subjects aged 5–16 in the United Kingdom. The main outcome measures were the associations between a priori hypothesised dimensions of oppositionality with psychiatric disorders and symptoms; parent and teacher‐derived information were used in multivariate regression analysis.Results:  Our three a priori dimensions had very different associations with disorders and symptom scales. Irritability was the only predictor of emotional disorders (parent report: OR = 3.26 [CI 95% 2.79, 3.80]; teacher report: OR = 2.78 [2.39, 3.22]); the hurtful dimension was particularly strongly associated with seeming cold‐blooded or callous (parent report: β = .32 [.27, .37]; teacher report: .33 [.30, .36]); and the headstrong dimension was most strongly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; parent report: OR = 3.21 [2.43, 4.23]; teacher report : OR = 7.18 [5.25, 9.82]). All three dimensions were associated with conduct disorder, with the headstrong dimension being the main predictor of non‐aggressive symptoms (parent report: β = .31 [.27, .34]; teacher report: .43 [.40, .45]), and with the hurtful dimension being the main predictor of aggressive symptoms (parent report: β = .35 [.32, .39]; teacher report: .40 [.39, .42]).Conclusions:  The three dimensions of oppositionality have distinctive external correlates, suggesting they may also be differential predictors of aetiology, prognosis and treatment responsiveness.
Apolipoprotein‐D expression is increased during development and maturation of the human prefrontal cortex
Authors: Kim Woojin S. , Wong Jenny , Weickert Cynthia Shannon , Webster Maree J. , Bahn Sabine , Garner Brett 
Published: March 2009

AbstractApolipoprotein D (apoD) is a lipid binding protein expressed in the brain where its function is largely unknown. Based on changes in lipid metabolism and deposition that occur in the human brain during postnatal development, we investigated changes in apoD expression in the prefrontal cortex in 69 normal cases ranging in age from 40 days to 49 years utilizing gene microarray, quantitative PCR and western blotting methods. In contrast to the high expression of apolipoprotein E (APOE), low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 8 (LRP8) and 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐CoA reducatase (HMGCR) (genes that play a role in lipid‐related pathways in brain development) early in life, apoD expression was low in neonates and increased in expression throughout life resulting in six‐ to eight‐fold higher levels at the mRNA and protein levels in adults. Recent studies suggest that apoD has a novel antioxidant function in the brain and we found that the increased apoD expression throughout development and into adulthood was correlated with the expression of antioxidant genes superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) as well as proteins that were modified by the lipid peroxidation end‐product 4‐hydroxynonenal. These studies reveal that apoD expression is increased throughout life in the human prefrontal cortex and that this is correlated with genetic and biochemical markers of oxidative stress.