bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment with atorvastatin reduces serum adipocyte‐fatty acid binding protein value in patients with hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Karpisek M. , Stejskal D. , Kotolova H. , Kollar P. , Janoutova G. , Ochmanova R. , Cizek L. , Horakova D. , Yahia R. Ben , Lichnovska R. , Janout V. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground  Adipocyte‐fatty acid binding protein (A‐FABP) is a circulating protein expressed in adipocytes and macrophages. Several recent studies demonstrated that A‐FABP might be involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, particularly in dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of atorvastatin treatment (20 mg day−1 for 3 months) on serum A‐FABP value in subjects with hyperlipidaemia.Materials and methods  Anthropometric and serum analyses were performed for body mass index, A‐FABP, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), creatine kinase (CK) and glucose on 26 subjects (BMI 30·3 ± 6·0, mean age 62 ± 10 years) with hyperlipidaemia who met the criteria: total cholesterol > 5·2 mmol L−1, LDL cholesterol > 3·3 mmol L−1 and triglycerides < 3 mmol L−1.Results  After the 3‐month therapy, a significant reduction in total cholesterol (P < 0·001), LDL cholesterol (P < 0·001), glucose (P < 0·001), A‐FABP (from 44·6 ± 26·2 to 38·6 ± 19·3 g L−1, P < 0·01), uric acid (P < 0·05), AST (P < 0·05) and triglycerides (P < 0·05) values was observed. No difference was found in BMI, CK, ALT, hs‐CRP, or HDL cholesterol values. A significant difference in the serum A‐FABP value before and after the therapy remains after the correction for total cholesterol value (P < 0·001). A positive correlation between serum A‐FABP and glucose was found (P < 0·05).Conclusions  In conclusion, our study confirmed in vivo that atorvastatin reduces serum A‐FABP by a pleiotropic mechanism and supports the hypothesis that A‐FABP is involved in atherosclerotic actions.
Oxidation of elongation factor G inhibits the synthesis of the D1 protein of photosystem II
Authors: Kojima Kouji , Oshita Masaru , Nanjo Yohei , Kasai Koji , Tozawa Yuzuru , Hayashi Hidenori , Nishiyama Yoshitaka 
Published: July 2007

SummaryOxidative stress inhibits the repair of photodamaged photosystem II (PSII). This inhibition is due initially to the suppression, by reactive oxygen species (ROS), of the synthesis de novo of proteins that are required for the repair of PSII, such as the D1 protein, at the level of translational elongation. To investigate in vitro the mechanisms whereby ROS inhibit translational elongation, we developed a translation system in vitro from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The synthesis of the D1 protein in vitro was inhibited by exogenous H2O2. However, the addition of reduced forms of elongation factor G (EF‐G), which is known to be particularly sensitive to oxidation, was able to reverse the inhibition of translation. By contrast, the oxidized forms of EF‐G failed to restore translational activity. Furthermore, the overexpression of EF‐G of Synechocystis in another cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 increased the tolerance of cells to H2O2 in terms of protein synthesis. These observations suggest that EF‐G might be the primary target, within the translational machinery, of inhibition by ROS.
Blind reverse faulting system associated with the Mont Chenoua‐Tipaza earthquake of 29 October 1989 (north‐central Algeria)
Authors: Meghraoui M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA shallow and damaging earthquake struck the region of Tipaza located on the coast, 70 km to the west of Algiers (north‐central Algeria). The main shock was felt as far as 200 km from the epicentral area and particularly in the urbanized zone of Algiers. The main shock epicentre determined by CRAAG is on Mt Chenoua, close to the coastline. Coseismic surface breaks with 4.0 km of fault length and 7.0 cm of vertical displacement appeared on the southern side of Mt Chenoua. They consist of cracks and fissures on vertical bedding planes that belong to a Neogene flexure. The aftershock activity was recorded for several weeks and comprised more than 100 seismic events per day, with 1 < M < 5. Aftershocks are distributed in a ENE‐WSW to NE‐SW zone extending offshore. A NW‐SE cross‐section indicates that seismic events affect the crust to a maximum depth of 20 km, showing a complex fault‐plane geometry dipping to the NW. For the main shock, the focal mechanism solution obtained from the readings of first motion polarities of seismograms yields an ENE‐WSW reverse fault dipping to the NNW, which is in good agreement with both field observations and the aftershock distribution at depth.The occurrence of the Mt Chenoua‐Tipaza moderate‐sized event in a previously identified active zone improves the seismotectonic characterization of this part of the Tellan Atlas mountains. This thrust and fold geological domain also shows active folds capable of producing larger earthquakes. Since only a small portion of the Sahel anticline ridge has been reactivated, a serious seismic hazard must be urgently recognized in the Algiers region.
Gravity interpretation along seismic reflection profile DEKORP 9‐N (northern Rhine Graben)
Authors: Gutscher Marc‐André 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA 2‐D gravity model, incorporating geophysical and geological data, is presented for a 110 km long transect across the northern Rhine Graben, coinciding with the 92 km long DEKORP 9‐N seismic reflection profile. The Upper Rhine Graben is marked by a prominent NNE‐striking negative anomaly of 30–40 mgal on Bouguer gravity maps of SW Germany. Surface geological contacts, borehole data and the seismic reflection profile provide boundary constraints during forward modelling.Short‐wavelength (5–10 km) gravity features can be correlated with geologic structures in the upper few km. At deeper levels, the model reflects the asymmetry visible in the seismic profile; a thicker, mostly transparent lower crust in the west and a thinner, reflective lower crust in the east. From west to east Moho depth changes from 31 to 26–28 km. The entire 40 mgal minimum can be accounted for by the 2–3 km of light sedimentary fdl in the graben, which masks the gravitational effects of the elevated Moho. The thickened lower crust in the west partly compensates for the mass deficit from the depressed Moho. A further compensating feature is a relatively low density contrast at the crust‐mantle boundary of 0.25 g cm‐3. The Variscan must displays heterogeneity along the profile which cuts at an angle across the strike of Variscan structures. The asymmetry of the integrated crustal model, both at the surface and at depth suggests an asymmetric mechanism of rift development.
Grass allergen tablet immunotherapy relieves individual seasonal eye and nasal symptoms, including nasal blockage
Authors: Durham S. R. , Riis B. 
Published: July 2007

Background:  Symptoms of allergic rhinitis have a considerable impact on the quality of life of the sufferer. Sneezing, runny nose, blocked nose and headache are some of the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which affects work, home and social life for many patients. Sublingual immunotherapy has shown to induce a protective immune response and provide sustained symptom prevention for allergic patients.Aims of the trial:  The overall aims were to investigate the efficacy and safety of a sublingual grass allergen tablet (Grazax® 75 000 SQ‐T; ALK‐Abelló A/S, Denmark). Reported here are the effects of Grazax on individual eye and nasal symptoms.Methods:  The trial was a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial including 634 participants with significant rhinoconjunctivitis because of grass pollen. Participants were randomized 1 : 1 to Grazax (a fast dissolving, once daily immunotherapy tablet for home administration) or placebo and received treatment for at least 16 weeks prior to and continuing during the grass pollen season of 2005. Four nasal symptoms and two eye symptoms were scored on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 3 (severe symptoms) every day during the entire grass pollen season. Nasal symptoms included runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing and itchy nose; eye symptoms included gritty feeling/red/itchy eyes and watery eyes.Results:  Consistent and highly significant reductions in individual eye and nasal symptoms (from 22 to 44%) were observed following treatment with Grazax as compared with placebo (P < 0.0001).Conclusions:  Grazax has effects on multiple allergic symptoms, including nasal blockage, and is an effective treatment of rhinoconjunctivitis, thereby reducing the need for topical anti‐allergic drugs.
The differences of tear function and ocular surface findings in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis and vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Hu Y. , Matsumoto Y. , Dogru M. , Okada N. , Igarashi A. , Fukagawa K. , Tsubota K. , Fujishima H. 
Published: July 2007

Background:  The pathogenesis of the ocular surface disease in atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) has not been fully understood. We tried to clarify the differences in the ocular surface status in patients with AKC, VKC, and healthy control subjects.Methods:  Twenty‐four eyes of 12 AKC patients, 12 eyes of six VKC patients, and 20 eyes of 10 normal control subjects were studied. The subjects underwent corneal sensitivity measurements, Schirmer test, tear film break‐up time (BUT), vital staining of the ocular surface, conjunctival impression and brush cytology. Impression cytology samples underwent periodic acid Schiff staining for goblet cell density, squamous metaplasia grading, and immunohistochemical staining for MUC1, 2, 4, and 5AC. Brush cytology specimens underwent staining for inflammatory cell counting and Real Time PCR for MUC1, 2, 4, and 5AC mRNA expression.Results:  The mean BUT, corneal sensitivity, and conjunctival goblet cell density values in AKC patients were significantly lower compared with VKC patients and control subjects. The squamous metaplasia grades in eyes with AKC were significantly higher compared to eyes with VKC and controls. The inflammatory cell response in brush cytology specimens was different between patients with AKC and VKC. Eyes with AKC showed significantly higher MUC1, 2 and 4 and lower MUC5AC mRNA expression compared to eyes with VKC.Conclusions:  Differences of the infiltrates, higher level of tear instability, lower corneal sensitivity, up‐regulation of MUC1, 2, and 4, and down regulation of MUC5AC were important differential features of the ocular surface disease in AKC compared with VKC.
Allergen‐induced in vitro expression of IL‐18, SLAM and GATA‐3 mRNA in PBMC during sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Savolainen J. , Nieminen K. , Laaksonen K. , Laiho T. , Jacobsen L. , Lahesmaa R. , Terho E. O. , Valovirta E. 
Published: July 2007

Background:  Signalling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) and interleukin (IL)‐18 induce interferon (IFN)‐γ production from Th1 cells. The allergen‐induced SLAM and IL‐18 mRNA expressions are increased during subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), but nothing is known about their role during sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Transcription factor GATA‐3 is associated with Th2 cells but its role in SCIT and SLIT is yet unexplored. This study was undertaken to analyse the allergen induced in vitro mRNA expression of IL‐18, SLAM and GATA‐3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of children with allergic rhinitis (AR) during SLIT.Methods:  Ten patients with AR undergoing pollen SLIT with a weekly dose of 200 000 SQ‐U, 10 with 24 000 SQ‐U of mixture of Betula verrucosa, Corylus avellana and Alnus glutinosa and 10 with placebo were included. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell were stimulated with birch extract prior to, after 1 and 2 years of the treatment. The mRNA expression was assessed using kinetic real‐time RT‐PCR (TaqMan®; Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA).Results:  The expression of IL‐18 mRNA was increased in the high‐dose group in comparison to the placebo group after 1 year of therapy (P = 0.028) and had an inverse correlation with the late phase skin reaction after the second study year (r = −0.41, P = 0.041). SLAM mRNA expression increased in the high‐dose group from baseline to 1 year (P = 0.028) and correlated with IL‐10 (r = 0.96, P < 0.0001) and transforming growth factor‐β (r = 0.80, P = 0.0037) mRNA expression. No significant changes were seen in GATA‐3 mRNA expression.Conclusions:  During SLIT, IL‐18 and SLAM are upregulated, suggesting that the Th2 type inflammatory response is downregulated during SLIT by increased Th1 type response.
IL‐5 and IL‐5 receptor alpha polymorphisms are associated with atopic dermatitis in Koreans
Authors: Namkung J.‐H. , Lee J.‐E. , Kim E. , Cho H.‐J. , Kim S. , Shin E.‐S. , Cho E.‐Y. , Yang J.‐M. 
Published: July 2007

Background:  Eosinophils are recruited into the affected tissue of asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD) patients. IL‐5 and IL‐5R are highly expressed in the AD skin lesions, yet the reported levels of IL‐8 are controversial.Method:  We genotyped 17 singlenucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from five genes of the 1120 case‐control samples (646 AD and 474 controls). We measured the serum IL‐5 concentrations in 87 individuals [36 ADe (AD extrinsic), 18 ADi (AD intrinsic) and 33 controls] by ELISA, and compared the results among these groups.Result:  The rs2522411SNP and haplotype T‐A in the IL‐5 gene were significantly associated with the ADe. The serum IL‐5 concentration was higher in the ADe than that in the ADi patients without any correlation with the rs2522411SNP. In the IL‐5RA gene, the rs334809SNP showed a weak association with AD, and the rs6771148SNP and the haplotype T‐C‐T of the three adjacent tagged SNPs had an effect on the blood eosinophil counts and the serum ECP levels in the AD patients. However, we could not detect any relationship between AD and the SNPs in the IL‐8 and IL‐8R genes.Conclusion:  We found that the rs2522411SNP and the haplotype T‐A in the IL‐5 gene and the serum IL‐5 levels were strongly associated with the allergic type of AD, but not with the nonallergic type of AD. The association of the rs6771148SNP and the haplotype T‐C‐T in the IL5RA gene with the blood eosinophil counts and the serum ECP levels indicates that the IL5RA gene has a role for controlling eosinophils in the peripheral blood.
AMELIORATION OF l‐THYROXINE‐INDUCED HYPERTHYROIDISM BY COUMARIN (1,2‐BENZOPYRONE) IN FEMALE RATS
Authors: Panda Sunanda , Kar Anand 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARY

The efficacy of coumarin (1,2‐benzopyrone) was examined for the regulation of hyperthyroidism in female rats.
Coumarin was administered (10 mg/kg per day for 15 days) to l‐thyroxine (L‐T4)‐induced hyperthyroid as well as to euthyroid rats and changes in serum concentrations of thyroid hormones and in associated parameters, such as serum cholesterol, activity of hepatic 5′‐monodeiodinase (5′DI) and glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G‐6‐Pase), glycogen content, bodyweight and daily food consumption, were analysed. Simultaneously, changes in hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were also investigated.
Although L‐T4 administration increased serum levels of thyroid hormones, the activity of hepatic 5′DI, G‐6‐Pase and LPO and daily food consumption, it decreased the level of serum cholesterol, hepatic glycogen content and the activities of anti‐oxidant enzymes, such as SOD, CAT and GSH.
However, simultaneous administration of coumarin for 15 days to a group of hyperthyroid animals reversed most of the aforementioned changes, indicating its potential to ameliorate hyperthyroidism. Moreover, the drug did not increase, but rather decreased, hepatic LPO, suggesting its safe nature.
The present findings reveal a positive role for coumarin in the regulation of hyperthyroidism without any hepatotoxicity. It also appears that the test compound inhibits thyroid function at both a glandular level and at the level of peripheral conversion of T4 to tri‐iodothyronine.
Prediction of pathological stages before prostatectomy in prostate cancer patients: Analysis of 12 systematic prostate needle biopsy specimens
Authors: Park Eun‐Ah , Lee Hak Jong , Kim Kwang Gi , Kim Seung Hyup , Lee Sang Eun , Choe Ghee Young 
Published: July 2007

Objective:  To identify the most reliable predictor of the pathological stage among multiple parameters obtained by performing systematic biopsies and to assess the predictive value of any identified parameters in combination with the prostate specific antigen and the Gleason scores.Methods:  We examined 5 biopsy parameters from 12 systematic needle biopsy results in 104 consecutive prostate cancer patients who underwent prostatectomy: the number of cores positive for cancer, percentage of positive biopsy cores, total linear cancer length (absolute sum of tumor length at each core), percentage cancer length (total cancer length divided by total length of cores obtained ×100), and maximum cancer core length. The predictive values of these parameters were assessed using multivariate logistic analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis. We evaluated whether the most reliable biopsy parameter in combination with traditional variables show better predictability of the pathological stage than traditional variables alone by receiver operating characteristic analysis.Results:  Of 104 patients, 85 (82.9%) had organ confined cancer and 19 (17.1%) showed extraprostatic extension. Of the five parameters examined, maximum cancer length was found to best predict pathological staging. Although insignificant, adding results of maximum cancer length to prostate specific antigen and Gleason scores improved predictability. Of 41 patients with a maximum cancer length of <0.9 cm, PSA of <16 ng/mL, and Gleason score of <7, none showed extraprostatic extension.Conclusions:  The maximum cancer length was found to be the most reliable predictor of disease staging. The findings of a maximum cancer length of <0.9 cm, PSA of <16 ng/mL, and a Gleason score of <7 can suggest an organ‐confined disease.
Patterns of bacterial diversity across a range of Antarctic terrestrial habitats
Authors: Yergeau Etienne , Newsham Kevin K. , Pearce David A. , Kowalchuk George A. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryAlthough soil‐borne bacteria represent the world's greatest source of biological diversity, it is not well understood whether extreme environmental conditions, such as those found in Antarctic habitats, result in reduced soil‐borne microbial diversity. To address this issue, patterns of bacterial diversity were studied in soils sampled along a > 3200 km southern polar transect spanning a gradient of increased climate severity over 27° of latitude. Vegetated and fell‐field plots were sampled at the Falkland (51°S), South Georgia (54°S), Signy (60°S) and Anchorage Islands (67°S), while bare frost‐sorted soil polygons were examined at Fossil Bluff (71°S), Mars Oasis (72°S), Coal Nunatak (72°S) and the Ellsworth Mountains (78°S). Bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences were recovered subsequent to direct DNA extraction from soil, polymerase chain reaction amplification and cloning. Although bacterial diversity was observed to decline with increased latitude, habitat‐specific patterns appeared to also be important. Namely, a negative relationship was found between bacterial diversity and latitude for fell‐field soils, but no such pattern was observed for vegetated sites. The Mars Oasis site, previously identified as a biodiversity hotspot within this region, proved exceptional within the study transect, with unusually high bacterial diversity. In independent analyses, geographical distance and vegetation cover were found to significantly influence bacterial community composition. These results provide insight into the factors shaping the composition of bacterial communities in Antarctic terrestrial habitats and support the notion that bacterial diversity declines with increased climatic severity.
The Coin of the Intentional Realm
Authors: MACBETH DANIELLE 
Published: July 2007

I wanted to put that picture before him, and his acceptance of the picture consists in his now being inclined to regard a given case differently: that is to compare it with this rather than that set of pictures. I have changed his way of looking at things. (Wittgenstein 1953, §144)Apicture held us captive. (§ 115)
Maternal anthropometric risk factors for caesarean delivery before or after onset of labour
Authors: Sherrard A , Platt RW , Vallerand D , Usher RH , Zhang X , Kramer MS 
Published: July 2007

Objective  To quantify the effects of pre‐pregnancy body mass and gestational weight gain, above and beyond their known effects on birthweight, on the risk of primary and repeat caesarean delivery performed before or after the onset of labour.Design  Hospital‐based historical cohort study.Setting  Canadian university‐affiliated hospital.Population  A total of 63 390 singleton term (≥37 weeks gestation) infants with cephalic presentation.Methods  We studied prospectively archived deliveries at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Canada, from 1 January 1978 to 31 March 2001 using multiple logistic regression models to estimate relative odds of caesarean delivery.Main outcome measure  Caesarean delivery, primary or repeat and before or after the onset of labour.Results  Pregravid obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) increased the likelihood of primary caesarean delivery before (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.39–2.90) and after (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.86–2.42) the onset of labour. High net rate of gestational weight gain (>0.50 kg/week) increased the risk but only after labour onset (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.23–1.60). Among women with a previous caesarean, high weight gain modestly increased risk but only before labour (OR = 1.38, 95% CI 1.04–1.83), whereas obesity increased the risk of caesarean delivery both before (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.44–2.37) and after (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.11–3.47) labour onset. Increased risks of macrosomia accounted for the association between pregravid adiposity and repeat caesarean delivery performed after but not before the onset of labour.Conclusions  Pregravid obesity increases the risk of caesarean delivery both before and after the onset of labour and both with and without a history of caesarean.
Politics in a New Key
Authors: Ionescu Ghiţa 
Published: July 2007

THE PROPHETS OF DEPOLITIZATION ARE CONFOUNDED. IN THE last year or so, politics have come back with a vengeance. Indeed, what is characteristic in this new political activity is that, anticapitalistic though it may be, its immediate motives did not spring from urgent economic problems. In France, for instance, trouble erupted out of a blue economic sky.For those who, convinced that the political conflict is perennial and ubiquitous, regarded the theories of depolitization with due scepticism, this was a ‘new wave’ of political conflict though with a noticeable change in techniques and mentalities. The change was so considerable and so abrupt, the methods so different, that one could not but wonder if they did not herald also the coming of another code of political behaviour. Once more the need to study the modernization of politics, by which is meant broadly the synchronization of the political process with the evolved economic and social processes, seemed even greater.