bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlated evolution of multivariate traits: detecting co‐divergence across multiple dimensions
Authors: MÁRQUEZ E. J. , KNOWLES L. L. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractTests of correlated evolution typically treat phenotypic characters as univariate variables, even though different trait attributes may contribute to their association with other traits. In this study, patterns of character covariation among species are analysed in a multivariate framework to test for both correlated rates and directions of evolutionary change in traits forming the genitalic complex of male grasshoppers. Although the covariation structure differs among traits, and among the constituent species of two grasshopper clades, significant co‐divergence was detected among the most closely interacting genitalic traits (i.e. intromittent characters) in both clades. Co‐divergence across shape space is not accompanied by similar rates of evolution among species, although the intromittent characters tend to show accelerated evolution (relative to nonintromittent characters). Differences in the evolutionary trajectories among traits may relate to their varied roles during mating. The study emphasizes the importance of a multivariate framework for detecting macroevolutionary patterns of correlated change.
Development of transgenic rice seed accumulating a major Japanese cedar pollen allergen (Cry j 1) structurally disrupted for oral immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Lijun , Suzuki Kazuya , Hirose Sakiko , Wakasa Yuhya , Takaiwa Fumio 
Published: August 2007

SummaryRice seed‐based edible vaccines expressing T‐cell epitope peptides derived from Japanese cedar major pollen allergens have been used to successfully suppress allergen‐specific Th2‐mediated immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses in mouse experiments. In order to further expand the application of seed‐based allergen‐specific immunotherapy for controlling Japanese cedar pollinosis, we generated transgenic rice plants that specifically express recombinant Cry j 1 allergens in seeds. Cry j 1 allergens give low specific IgE‐binding activity but contain all of the T‐cell epitopes. The allergens were expressed directly or as a protein fusion with the major rice storage protein glutelin. Fusion proteins expressed under the control of the strong rice endosperm‐specific GluB‐1 promoter accumulated in rice endosperm tissue up to 15% of total seed protein. The fusion proteins aggregated with cysteine‐rich prolamin and were deposited in endoplasmic reticulum‐derived protein body I. The production of transgenic rice expressing structurally disrupted Cry j 1 peptides with low IgE binding activity but spanning the entire Cry j1 region can be used as a universal, safe and effective tolerogen for rice seed‐based oral immunotherapy for cedar pollen allergy in humans and other mammals.
Inter‐Rater Reliability of the Diagnoses of Psychosis and Depression in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Einfeld S. , Tonge B. , Chapman L. , Mohr C. , Taffe J. , Horstead S. 
Published: August 2007

Background  There is a history of over‐prescription of antipsychotics to individuals with intellectual disability (ID), while antidepressants may be under‐prescribed. However, appropriate treatment is best supported when the diagnosis of psychosis or depression is valid and carries good predictive validity. The present authors report a study examining one aspect of validity, namely whether skilled clinicians can agree on whether an individual with an ID is psychotic or depressed.Materials and Methods  Pairs of clinicians assessed 52 individuals. Agreement was assessed using Cohen’s kappa statistic and agreement proportion.Results  Overall agreement was high for both psychosis and depression. Whether the individual had mild ID or moderate/severe ID did not have a significant impact on agreement.Conclusions  Experienced clinicians achieved a high level of agreement as to whether a person with ID was psychotic or depressed similar to that found for those without ID. The findings provide some support for treatment interventions based on diagnosis.
Children with Developmental Disabilities and Sleep Problems: Parental Beliefs and Treatment Acceptability
Authors: Keenan Ruth A. , Wild Matt R. , McArthur Irene , Espie Colin A. 
Published: August 2007

Background This exploratory study investigated the relationships between illness beliefs and treatment acceptability among parents of children with a developmental disability living at home who had sleep onset or maintenance problems.Materials and Methods A within‐subject correlational design was employed. The parents of 58 children each completed questionnaires assessing their beliefs and attributions towards the sleep problem and the acceptability of two common treatments (behavioural and melatonin).Results Parents believed sleep problems to be chronic, to have negative consequences, yet to be potentially curable/controllable. They rated behavioural treatment and melatonin similarly in terms of acceptability. Behavioural treatment acceptability was related to how long parents believed the sleep problem would last and to a number of causal attributions. The acceptability of melatonin was related to how severe the consequences of the sleep problem were believed to be and to a specific causal attribution. Parents who preferred melatonin to behavioural treatment believed that their child’s sleep problem had more negative consequences on their child’s life.Conclusions Specific beliefs held by parents about their child’s sleep problems might influence treatment acceptability and treatment choice. Parents are split between those who would prefer behavioural treatment and those who would prefer melatonin. However, as the sleep problem becomes more severe, it seems more likely that parents would choose the pharmacological treatment.
Mental Health Services for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in Canada: Findings from a National Survey
Authors: Lunsky Y. , Garcin N. , Morin D. , Cobigo V. , Bradley E. 
Published: August 2007

Background  People with intellectual disabilities are known to have a high prevalence of mental health problems but few studies have considered how such mental health problems are addressed in Canada. The purpose of the present study was to document both the range of mental health services available to individuals with intellectual disabilities across Canada and the perceived service gaps.Material and Methods  A 30‐item questionnaire was developed that included questions on mental healthcare services for children, adolescents and adults with intellectual disabilities. This survey was sent to key informants in the 10 Canadian provinces and three territories.Results  More than half of the respondents reported that generic mental health providers were poorly equipped to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues. Certain specialized services (inpatient treatment, emergency room expertise) were reported to exist by less than half of the respondents. Waitlists for specialized services were typically 4 months or longer. Respondents thought that training for staff and professionals was very important.Conclusion  Some specialized services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues were reported to exist in Canada but the need for more specialized services and further training was identified. Documentation of these service gaps should lead to further efforts in Canada for the improvement in services and developing policy.
Consumption of Mental Health Services by People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Spiller Mary Jane , Costello Helen , Bramley Agnieszka , Bouras Nick , Martin Graham , Tsakanikos Elias , Holt Geraldine 
Published: August 2007

Background  Although research is starting to identify those factors that predict contact with mental health services in individuals with intellectual disabilities, very little is known about the patterns of service use following referral. Yet, this information is vital for effective service planning and development. We therefore examined the factors associated with service consumption.Methods  We constructed a service consumption index based on the number of outpatient clinics attended, contacts with the community psychiatric nurses, home visits by a psychiatrist and the number of admissions. This consumption index was used to divide the sample (n = 115) into two groups: heavy and light service users.Results and conclusions  Logistic regression analysis indicated that, after controlling for the length of service contact, individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorder and those with a greater number of affective/neurotic symptoms were more likely to be heavy service users. Age, living situation and the degree of intellectual disabilities were not found to be significant predictors of service consumption. The results also suggest that a small proportion of service users consumed almost half of the service resources.
How far merit selection? Social stratification and the labour market1
Authors: Jackson Michelle 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe question of how societies allocate occupational positions and subsequent rewards has long been of interest to sociologists. According to one influential theory, the needs of modern industrial societies and economies demand that high‐level and functionally important occupational positions are allocated according to meritocratic principles. I argue that, ultimately, employers get the final say about which characteristics are rewarded in the labour market. In order to examine which skills and attributes are required by employers for particular occupations I analyse data drawn from a content analysis of c.5000 British newspaper job advertisements. The results show that both merit and non‐merit characteristics are requested by employers in job advertisements, even for occupations falling within the higher classes. I also find evidence that employers have similar requirements for similar occupations, cross‐cutting class boundaries.
Sociology, ethics, and the priority of the particular: learning from a case study of genetic deliberations
Authors: Haimes Erica , Williams Robin 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThere are growing debates about the relationship between the two disciplines of sociology and ethics, particularly as they each become increasingly involved in research and policy formation on the life sciences, especially genetics. Much of this debate has been highly abstract, often stipulating the seemingly different character of the two disciplines and speculating on their theoretical potential – or lack thereof – for future collaborative work. This article uses an existing collaboration between a sociologist and an ethicist, on a study of participation in genetic databases, to explore some of the challenges, for both disciplines, of working together. Building upon this case study, we examine the suggestion that the Aristotelian concept of ‘phronesis’ provides the grounds for establishing one possible theoretical framework with which the disciplines can be bridged. Further exploration of this approach leads to suggestions for ways of thinking about the apparently fundamental divides between the disciplines and for ways of adding to notions of a ‘public sociology’.
geophylobuilder 1.0: an arcgis extension for creating ‘geophylogenies’
Authors: KIDD DAVID M. , LIU XIANHUA 
Published: August 2007

AbstractEvolution is inherently a spatiotemporal process; however, despite this, phylogenetic and geographical data and models remain largely isolated from one another. Geographical information systems provide a ready‐made spatial modelling, analysis and dissemination environment within which phylogenetic models can be explicitly linked with their associated spatial data and subsequently integrated with other georeferenced data sets describing the biotic and abiotic environment. geophylobuilder 1.0 is an extension for the arcgis geographical information system that builds a ‘geophylogenetic’ data model from a phylogenetic tree and associated geographical data. Geophylogenetic database objects can subsequently be queried, spatially analysed and visualized in both 2D and 3D within a geographical information systems.
Serial determination of biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in dogs with naturally occurring gastric dilatation‐volvulus
Authors: Walker Thomas G. , Chan Daniel L. , Freeman Lisa M. , Milbury Paul E. , Blumberg Jeffrey B. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective:To serially determine the biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status of dogs with gastric dilatation‐volvulus (GDV) over 48 hours.Design:Prospective study.Setting:Veterinary teaching hospital intensive care unit.Animals:Thirteen client‐owned dogs with GDV.Interventions:None.Measurement and main results:For all dogs, biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant status were ascertained. Indicators of oxidative stress measured included F2α‐isoprostanes (isoprostanes) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were measured to assess antioxidant status. Oxidants and antioxidants were measured at the time of admission and at 24 and 48 hours post‐admission. There were significant decreases in vitamin E (P=0.002), vitamin C (P=0.001), ORAC (P=0.02), and MDA (P=0.001) during hospitalization. There was no significant change in GSHPx and isoprostane concentrations over time.Conclusion:Oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in dogs with GDV change over time. Further studies measuring oxidative stress in more severely affected dogs and performing measurements earlier in the disease process may be beneficial in determining when oxidative stress is most severe during the course of GDV management.
Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis from Chinese Literature: the Association Between Helicobacter pylori Eradication and Improvement of Functional Dyspepsia
Authors: Jin Xi , Li You‐ming 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectives:  To evaluate the effect of eradicating Helicobacter pylori on dyspeptic symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia in China.Data sources:  Randomized controlled trials conducted in China and those published between 1989 and April 2007.Review methods:  The articles were retrieved from Chinese biomedicine Web database and Chinese scientific Journals database using proper MESH headings and assessed by two independent investigators according to established inclusion criteria. The characteristics of chosen articles were displayed for further analysis, and summary odds ratio were calculated to determine the overall effect of H. pylori eradication. All the data were entered and analyzed using review manager 4.1, and p < .05 was defined as statistically significant in all analysis.Results:  Seven qualified trials were enrolled, and the summary odds ratio for improvement in dyspeptic symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia in whom H. pylori was eradicated was 3.61 (95%CI: 2.62, 4.98, p < .00001). The difference in the follow‐up period did not influence the final outcomes.Conclusions:  An improvement in dyspeptic symptoms occurred among Chinese patients with functional dyspepsia in whom H. pylori was eradicated.
Anti‐inflammatory Effect of Capsaicin in Helicobacter pylori‐Infected Gastric Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lee In Ohk , Lee Kwang Hyoung , Pyo Jae Hee , Kim Jie Hyun , Choi Yeun Jung , Lee Yong Chan 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground and aim:  Capsaicin, the main pungent ingredient of hot red and chilli pepper, has been considered as not only a cytoprotective but also a detrimental agent to the gastric mucosa. However, the effect and mechanism of capsaicin that modulate the induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokine in Helicobacter pylori‐infected epithelial cells have not been investigated previously. Herein, we demonstrated that capsaicin inhibited the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) by H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelial cells through nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signal pathway.Materials and methods:  AGS or MKN45 cells as gastric epithelial cells and Vac A+, CagA+ wild‐type H. pylori strain ATCC 49503 were used. Gastric epithelial cells were pre‐treated with various concentrations of capsaicin and infected with H. pylori for different periods of time to determine IL‐8 concentrations in culture supernatant by an ELISA assay. We measured IL‐8 mRNA transcripts in H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelial cells co‐treated with capsaicin by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis. We performed electrophoretic mobility shift assay to examine the NF‐κB DNA binding activity with capsaicin and immunofluorescence microscopy to examine nuclear staining of p65. We also performed immunoblotting for IκB, IKK activity with capsaicin.Results:  Capsaicin inhibits H. pylori‐induced IL‐8 production by gastric epithelial cells in dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Capsaicin as low as 100 µmol/L significantly inhibited IL‐8 production in H. pylori‐infected MKN45 cells (43.2% of control) at 24 hours incubation, whereas inhibited IL‐8 production in H. pylori‐infected AGS cells (70% of control). We confirmed that capsaicin inhibited IL‐8 mRNA expression after infection of gastric epithelial cells with H. pylori for 6 hours. The addition of capsaicin (100 µmol/L) suppressed H. pylori‐induced NF‐κB activation in gastric epithelial cells at 1 hour post‐infection. We also found that the degradation of IκB and IKK activation were inhibited by capsaicin.Conclusions:  Nontoxic dose of capsaicin inhibited H. pylori‐induced IL‐8 production by gastric epithelial cells through the modulation of IκB‐, NF‐κB‐, and IL‐8 pathways. We conclude that capsaicin can be proposed as a potential anti‐inflammatory drug by inhibition of the production of IL‐8 in H. pylori‐infected gastric epithelium.
Brazilian Green Propolis on Helicobacter pylori Infection. A Pilot Clinical Study
Authors: Vaz Coelho Luiz Gonzaga , Ferreira Bastos Esther Margarida Alves , Resende Clarissa Carvalho , Paula e Silva Celso Mirra , Fernandes Sanches Bruno Squarcio , De Castro Flávio José , Moretzsohn Luciana Dias , Dos Santos Vieira Washington Luiz , Trindade Osmar Reni 
Published: August 2007

AbstractRecent in vitro studies suggest that propolis and some of its phenolic components are able to inhibit Helicobacter pylori growth. To date, there are no clinical studies.Aims:  To evaluate the effect of Brazilian green propolis on H. pylori‐infected individuals.Patients and methods:  Eighteen (11 females, 7 males, mean age 47 years) participants were included. Before treatment, all participants were submitted to gastroscopy, and H. pylori infection was confirmed by histology, urease test, and 13C‐urea breath test (UBT). Participants with UBT showing a delta over baseline (DOB) value higher than 4‰ were considered positive for H. pylori infection. Twenty drops from an alcoholic preparation of Brazilian green propolis were administered three times a day for 7 days. Clinical evaluation and UBT were performed at 1–3 days and at 40 days after the end of therapy to evaluate H. pylori suppression or eradication, respectively.Results:  All participants took all medication and completed the study. Eighty‐three percent of the subjects did not succeed in suppressing or eradicating H. pylori. Two participants reached partial suppression after treatment, but became positive again at UBT performed 40 days after treatment. Another participant presented negative at UBT 40 days after treatment, not confirmed by a second UBT performed 100 days after treatment.Conclusions:  Brazilian green propolis used in popular dose showed minimal effect on H. pylori infection. Larger studies with longer duration, larger dose, and different frequency of administration of propolis extract should be undertaken to define its role on H. pylori therapy.
Pathogenesis ofHelicobacter pyloriInfection
Authors: Maeda Shin , Mentis Andreas F. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe clinical outcome ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection is determined by a complex interaction between the bacterium and the host. The main bacterial factors associated with pathogenicity comprise outer membrane proteins, including BabA, SabA, OipA, AlpA, and AlpB, the vacuolating cytotoxin VacA and the products ofcagPAI. The multitude of putative virulence factors makes it extremely difficult to test the contribution of each individual factor. Much effort has been put into identifying the mechanism associated withH. pylori‐associated carcinogenesis. Interaction between bacterial factors such as CagA and host signal transduction pathways seems to be critical for mediating cell transformation, cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis/anti‐apoptosis, and angiogenesis. An animal model using the Mongolian gerbil is a useful model for showing gastric pathology due toH. pyloriinfection which is similar to that in humans and can be used to evaluate virulence factors including CagA, host responses, and environmental factors such as salt intake.
Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatrics
Authors: Veres Gabor , Pehlivanoglu Ender 
Published: August 2007

AbstractDuring the last year, epidemiologic studies have shown that spontaneous clearance of Helicobacter pylori infection has a less significant role in countries with high prevalence and, in contrast to adults, there is no male predominance of H. pylori infection in children. Early acquisition of H. pylori may play a role in the development of recurrent abdominal pain in children less than 5 years of age. In this very young age group, the adequate performance of stool antigen test and 13C urea‐breath test demonstrated satisfactory sensitivity and specificity as non‐invasive methods to diagnose H. pylori infection. In the current paper, the most relevant pediatric studies on H. pylori infection published between April 2006 and March 2007 are reviewed.
Diversity of Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA Genes in Costa Rica: Its Relationship with Atrophic Gastritis and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Con Sergio A. , Takeuchi Hiroaki , Valerín Ana L. , Con‐Wong Reinaldo , Con‐Chin Gil R. , Con‐Chin Vicky G. , Nishioka Mitsuaki , Mena Fernando , Brenes Fernando , Yasuda Nobufumi , Araki Keijiro , Sugiura Tetsuro 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBackground:  Associations between Helicobacter pylori gene diversity and gastric cancer have not been reported on in Costa Rica, despite its being one of the countries with the highest gastric cancer incidence and mortality rates in the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori cagA and vacA genes and investigate whether it could be correlated with atrophic gastritis (AG) and gastric cancer (GC) in Costa Rica.Materials and methods:  Genomic DNAs from isolates of 104 patients classified into two groups: non‐atrophic gastritis group (n = 68) and atrophic gastritis group (n = 36), were subjected to PCR‐based genotyping of cagA and vacA genes and their correlation with clinical outcome was investigated. Total DNA extractions from gastric tissues of 25 H. pylori‐infected gastric cancer patients were utilized for comparative purposes.Results:  The presence of cagA (75.3%), vacA s1b (75.3%), and vacA m1 (74.2%) was detected, and colonization by strains with different vacA genotypes in the same stomach was found in 9.7% of the patients. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted vacA s1b and vacA m1 were associated with GC while only vacA m1 was significantly associated with AG. A tendency for association between cagA and vacA s1b, and AG was reported.Conclusions:  The prevalence status of the cagA and vacA (s1/m1) genes in Costa Rica seems to fall between that found in European/North American and East Asian countries, and both cagA and vacA seem to have clinical relevance in this country.