bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (Glu298Asp) Polymorphism is an Independent Risk Factor for Migraine with Aura
Authors: Borroni Barbara , Rao Renata , Liberini Paolo , Venturelli Elisabetta , Cossandi Michela , Archetti Silvana , Caimi Luigi , Padovani Alessandro 
Published: November 2006

Objective.—The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the functional endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) Glu298Asp polymorphism, which has been demonstrated to decrease the endothelial NOS activity, might be a risk factor for migraine.Background.—It has widely demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) is involved in migraine pathogenesis. Several genetic risk factors have been associated with migraine, but no study has unraveled a possible relationship between migraine and eNOS Glu298Asp.Methods.—One hundred fifty‐six migraine patients and 125 healthy nonheadache volunteers entered the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were carefully recorded, and a neurological workup was performed.Results.—eNOS AspAsp homozygous patients had a 3‐fold time risk for migraine with aura (MA) when compared to migraine without aura (MO) patients (OR‐3.02, 95% CI‐1.21 to 7.51), and more than 2‐fold time increased risk when compared to control subjects (OR‐2.21, 95% CI‐1.00 to 5.04).In migraine patients, no difference in age at onset, mean attack's intensity, family history for any of the studied comorbidities, or the presence of comorbidities was found in eNOS AspAsp homozygous compared to eNOS GluGlu or eNOS GluAs carriers.Conclusions.—Homozygous Asp298, a common variant of the eNOS gene, is an independent risk factor for MA in this study population.
Maternal human platelet antigen‐1a antibody level correlates with the platelet count in the newborns: a retrospective study
Authors: Killie Mette Kjær , Husebekk Anne , Kaplan Cecile , Taaning Ellen , Skogen Bjørn 
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: Maternal plasma and/or serum levels of anti‐HPA‐1a at delivery were compared to neonatal platelet (PLT) counts.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples from HPA‐1bb women who gave birth to children with thrombocytopenia or had anamnestic information about a previous child with neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) were collected at delivery. A modified monoclonal antibody immobilization of PLT antigen method was used for quantification of anti‐HPA‐1a.RESULTS: The anti‐HPA‐1a level in women with severely thrombocytopenic children was higher than the corresponding level in mothers of children born with moderate thrombocytopenia or normal PLT counts.CONCLUSION: Our data show a significant correlation between maternal anti‐HPA‐1a level and the neonatal PLT count and indicate strongly that this may be a reliable predictive measure for NAIT. Suitable test systems for quantitative measurements of anti‐HPA‐1a must be developed and evaluated for this particular purpose.
A prospective study on the prevalence and risk factors for neonatal thrombocytopenia and platelet alloimmunization among 9332 unselected Brazilian newborns
Authors: Castro Vagner , Kroll Hartmut , Origa Andréa F. , Falconi Mônica A. , Marques Sílvia B.D. , Marba Sérgio T. , Passini Renato , Annichino‐Bizzacchi Joyce M. , Costa Fernando F. , Santoso Sentot , Arruda Valder R. 
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: Neonatal thrombocytopenia (NT) occurs in 0.5 to 0.9% of unselected Caucasian newborns. However, the prevalence of this complication in other populations is unknown. In this study the prevalence/causes of NT was determined in Brazilian newborns, a population characterized by admixture among Indigenous, Africans, and Caucasians.STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was carried out in a 3‐year period, to determine the prevalence and causes of thrombocytopenia in cord blood samples. Genotyping for HPA 1‐5 systems was performed in pairs of mother/neonates with and without thrombocytopenia. All mothers with genotypic mismatches from each group were tested for HPA‐specific antibody using the MAIPA technique to identify alloimmunization.RESULTS: Platelet counts <100 × 109/L were detected in 1.5% of 9,332 unselected newborns. In 0.15%, platelet count was <50 × 109/L. Clinically significant bleeding was rare. Underlying diseases were present in 48% of the thrombocytopenic cases. HPA 1‐5 system genotype mismatches occurred in 50% of gestations, but did not predict the risk for thrombocytopenia. Notably, mismatched genotypes for HPA‐5 were slightly increased in the thrombocytopenic group. The presence of anti‐HPA‐5b antibodies was observed in 0.05% of unselected pregnancies, but increased to 12% among mothers of neonates with thrombocytopenia and mismatched genotype (N = 51).CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal thrombocytopenia is common among Brazilian newborns at rates comparable with those described among Caucasians. These data suggest that screening for genotypic HPA mismatch, followed by an HPA‐specific immunoassay system, particularly for the HPA‐5 system, among mothers of newborns with thrombocytopenia in our population would allow the identification of pregnancies at risk of alloimmune thrombocytopenia.
Anti–hepatits B core antigen testing, viral markers, and occult hepatitis B virus infection in Pakistani blood donors: implications for transfusion practice
Authors: Bhatti Farhat Abbas , Ullah Zia , Salamat Nuzhat , Ayub Muhammad , Ghani Ejaz 
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti–hepatitis B core antigen (HBc) and the impact of its testing along with other markers of hepatitis B, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐HCV), and syphilis in Pakistani blood donors.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study design was cross‐sectional. A total of 966 donors were selected randomly for testing of anti‐HBc and HBV markers, including HBV DNA, of 94,177 blood donors who were routinely screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐HCV, human immunodeficiency virus antibody (anti‐HIV), Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA), and malarial parasites from 2003 to October 2005.RESULTS: The seroprevalence of various infectious markers was as follows: HBsAg, 2.16 percent; anti‐HCV, 4.16 percent; anti‐HIV, 0.004 percent; TPHA, 0.75 percent; and malaria, 0.002 percent. Anti‐HBc prevalence in HBsAg‐negative, HBV DNA–negative blood donors was 167 of 966 (17.28%), with 76 percent demonstrating anti‐HBs positivity. Younger donors with mean age of 25 years were exposed to HBV to a lesser extent compared to those with a mean age of 29 years. Anti‐HBc positivity was significantly higher in anti‐HCV–reactive individuals. HBV DNA was detectable in 5 blood donors who were HBsAg‐, anti‐HBc–positive and were categorized as having occult HBV infection.CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that more than 17 percent of healthy, young blood donors in Pakistan are already exposed to HBV, with two‐thirds showing anti‐HBs levels of greater than 100 mIU per mL. One in 200 blood donors who are HBsAg‐, anti‐HBc–positive, however, have occult HBV infection, with likelihood of transmission of hepatitis B in recipients of blood components derived from them. HBsAg–negative individuals who are anti‐HBc–negative and those who are anti‐HBc–positive, anti‐HBs–positive, and HBV DNA–negative should be selected as regular blood donors to minimize transmission due to occult hepatitis B infection.
Monitoring survival and function of transfused platelets in Bernard‐Soulier syndrome by flow cytometry and a cone and plate(let) analyzer (Impact‐R)
Authors: Panzer Simon , Eichelberger Beate , Koren Daniela , Kaufmann Karin , Male Christoph 
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND: Bernard‐Soulier syndrome (BSS) patients may repeatedly require transfusion of platelets (PLTs). The hemostatic competence of transfused PLTs requires monitoring.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Flow cytometry and a cone and plate(let) analyzer (Impact‐R, DiaMed) were used to monitor survival and function of transfused PLTs in a 7‐year‐old girl with BSS undergoing surgery. Flow cytometry was applied to differentiate autologous PLTs from transfused PLTs by staining for CD42b. The Impact, which measures PLT adhesion and aggregation in response to high shear stress, was used to evaluate PLT function.RESULTS: Transfused PLTs were detectable by flow cytometry for 1 week after transfusion. While the patient’s PLTs did not respond to high shear stress before transfusion, a normal response was documented by the Impact on the day after transfusion and 1 week thereafter.CONCLUSION: Transfused PLTs were detectable by flow cytometry, and their functional activity was demonstrated by the Impact.
A short matrix‐version of the Edinburgh Depression Scale
Authors: Eberhard‐Gran M. , Eskild A. , Samuelsen S. O. , Tambs K. 
Published: November 2006

Objective:  Given the importance of depression as a world health problem, depression assessment should be standard practice in large‐scale health surveys. The aim of the study was to construct a short matrix‐version of the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) that can be used in questionnaire studies.Method:  On the basis of the complete EDS scale of ten items, answered by 2730 women, stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to find the combination of items that explains the maximum proportion of the variance of the full scale sum score. The selected EDS items were thereafter correlated with the Hopkins Symptom Check List (SCL‐25) for external validation.Results:  The sum of five selected items from the EDS correlated at r = 0.96 with the full version. The EDS‐5 scores correlated strongly with the SCL‐25 (r = 0.75).Conclusion:  The EDS‐5 version shows good psychometric properties and may, for some scientific purposes, substitute the full EDS scale.
Bindi dermatitis to ‘chandan’ bindi
Authors: Tewary M. , Ahmed I. 
Published: November 2006

Bindi (meaning dot in Sanskrit) is a mark worn by most Indian women on their forehead for religious and social purposes. Traditionally it was worn by only Hindu women to signify their marital status. Nowadays, it is a huge fashion accessory, being worn in different sizes, shapes, designs and colours. The variety includes sequined designs, motifs dusted with gold and silver powder, studded with beads, or even surrounded by glittering gems. Stick‐on and liquid ranges are both equally in demand.We report a case of bindi dermatitis with ‘chandan’ (sandalwood) bindi. To our knowledge this is the first report of contact allergic dermatitis to ‘chandan’ (sandalwood) bindi.
Elicitation response characteristics to permanent hair dye in paraphenylenediamine‐allergic volunteers
Authors: Jowsey Ian R. , Basketter David A. , McFadden John P. , Kullavanijaya Preya , Duangdeeden Imelda 
Published: November 2006

Background:  Elicitation response characteristics to complete permanent hair dye products in paraphenylenediamine (PPD)‐allergic volunteers have not previously been explored in detail.Objectives:  To assess the elicitation response characteristics observed in PPD‐allergic volunteers upon patch testing with complete hair dyes.Methods:  PPD‐allergic volunteers were assigned to 1 of 3 groups depending upon whether they elicited + (group 1), ++ (group 2) or +++ (group 3) reactions following the standard diagnostic procedure. Each group was subsequently patch tested with 2 complete hair dyes (A and B) for 30 min, 1 hr and 24 hr. Patch sites were examined 1 day, 2 days and 3 days after patch removal.Results:  Exposure to either hair dye for 30 min or 1 hr was insufficient to yield positive patch test reactions in all of the PPD‐allergic patients in groups 1 or 2. Application of either hair dye for 24 hr was sufficient to yield positive reactions in all of the individuals within groups 2 and 3.Conclusions:  The frequency of positive patch test reactions observed following 24‐hr exposure to complete permanent hair dyes is comparable to that observed following 48‐hr exposure to 1% PPD/petrolatum in those individuals whose degree of sensitization is such that they typically present ++ or +++ reactions diagnostically.
Nitrogen use efficiency. 1. Uptake of nitrogen from the soil
Authors: Lea P.J. , Azevedo R.A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of crop plants can be expressed very simply as the yield of nitrogen per unit of available nitrogen in the soil. This NUE can be divided into two processes: uptake efficiency, the ability of the plant to remove N from the soil normally present as nitrate or ammonium ions, and the utilisation efficiency, the ability of the plant to transfer the N to the grain, predominantly present as protein. In this article, we have highlighted the latest developments in the isolation and characterisation of the genes involved in the uptake of nitrogen from the soil.
The effect of current grain feeding practices on hindgut starch fermentation and acidosis in the Australian racing Thoroughbred
Authors: Richards N , Hinch GN , Rowe JB 
Published: November 2006

A survey of 72 thoroughbred trainers in several regions of NSW was conducted to better define current grain feeding practices, and the risks involved with grain feeding in the Australian thoroughbred racing industry. Results from the survey indicate that horses in the industry are currently being fed an average of 7.3 ± 0.23 kg of grain concentrate per day, with oats, commercial pre‐mixed diets and corn most commonly used. The feeding of extruded, micronised and steam flaked grains was uncommon.The results of grain and faecal sample analyses conducted during the survey indicate that incomplete starch digestion in the equine small intestine and subsequent hindgut starch fermentation and low hindgut pH are common. These observations quantify the adverse impact of current grain feeding practices on faecal measures of gut health and demonstrate that when selecting grains for use in the thoroughbred racehorse, greater emphasis should be placed on the starch digestibility characteristics of grains.
Enhancement of Umbilical Cord Blood Cell Hematopoiesis by Maitake Beta-Glucan Is Mediated by Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Production
Authors: Lin Hong , Cheung Sandy W. Y. , Nesin Mirjana , Cassileth Barrie R. , Cunningham-Rundles Susanna 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTMaitake beta-glucan (MBG) is an extract from the fruit body of theGrifola frondosamushroom that is being widely used to treat cancer in Asia. We have previously reported that MBG enhances mouse bone marrow cell (BMC) hematopoiesis in vitro and protects BMC from doxorubicin (DOX) toxicity. In the current study, we investigated the ability of MBG to enhance hematopoiesis and to reduce the toxic effects of DOX on fresh human umbilical cord blood (CB) cells. MBG treatment significantly enhanced the colony formation unit (CFU) response of granulocytes-macrophages (CFU-GM response) over the whole dose range of 12.5 to 100 μg/ml (P< 0.05). The addition of MBG to DOX-treated CB cells significantly protected granulocyte-macrophage colony formation from the toxicity of DOX, which otherwise produced strong hematopoietic repression. MBG also partially replaced recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF), as shown by a significant augmentation of the CFU-GM response in the absence of rhG-CSF. We found that MBG induces granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) production in CB CD33+monocytes, as detected by intracellular cytokine flow cytometric assessment. In contrast, we found that adult peripheral blood monocytes did not produce a significant G-CSF response to MBG, whereas both adult and CB monocytes produced G-CSF in response to lipopolysaccharide. These studies provide the first evidence that MBG induces hematopoietic stem cell proliferation and differentiation of CFU-GM in umbilical CB cells and acts directly to induce G-CSF.
Accuracy of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Crude and Purified Antigens for Serodiagnosis of Melioidosis
Authors: Chantratita Narisara , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Thanwisai Aunchalee , Limmathurotsakul Direk , Cheng Allen C. , Chierakul Wirongrong , Day Nicholas P. J. , Peacock Sharon J. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Five enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays developed to detect antibodies to different
Burkholderia pseudomallei
antigen preparations were evaluated as diagnostic tests for melioidosis in northeast Thailand. The highest diagnostic indices were observed for an affinity-purified antigen (sensitivity, 82%; specificity, 72%) and crude
B. pseudomallei
antigen (sensitivity, 81%; specificity, 70%), an improvement over the indirect hemagglutination assay (sensitivity, 73%; specificity, 64%).
Genetic Diversity of Coxsackievirus A16 Associated with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Epidemics in Japan from 1983 to 2003
Authors: Hosoya Mitsuaki , Kawasaki Yukihiko , Sato Masatoki , Honzumi Ken , Hayashi Akio , Hiroshima Toyomasa , Ishiko Hiroaki , Kato Kazuo , Suzuki Hitoshi 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT
To
clarify the chronologic genetic diversity of coxsackievirus A16
(CV-A16) strains associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)
epidemics in a restricted area and their genetic relation with those
isolated in other areas, we investigated the genetic diversity of the
129 CV-A16 strains associated with HFMD epidemics in Fukushima, Japan,
from 1983 to 2003, and compared their genetic relation to 49 CV-A16
strains isolated in other areas of Japan and in China by using
phylogenetic analysis based on the VP4 sequences. Phylogenetic
reconstruction of the CV-A16 strains isolated in Fukushima from 1983 to
2003 demonstrated three distinct genetically divergent clusters related
to HFMD epidemics that occurred from 1984 to 1994 (including the 1985
and 1991 outbreaks), HFMD epidemics from 1987 to 1998 (including the
1988 and 1998 outbreaks), and HFMD epidemics from 1995 to 2003
(including the 1995 and 2002 outbreaks). CV-A16 strains isolated during
each period in Fukushima formed a single cluster with those isolated
during essentially the same time period in other areas of Japan and in
China. Our results demonstrated that prevalent CV-A16 strains causing
HFMD in Fukushima, Japan, genetically changed twice during 21
epidemics, and changes were also observed in the CV-A16 strains causing
HFMD epidemics in other areas. We concluded that repeated outbreaks of
CV-A16-related HFMD in Japan were caused, in part, by the introduction
of genetically changed CV-A16 strains, which might be transmitted
overseas.
Association of Putative Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
Virulence Genes and Biofilm Production in Isolates from Travelers to Developing Countries
Authors: Mohamed Jamal A. , Huang David B. , Jiang Zhi-Dong , DuPont Herbert L. , Nataro James P. , Belkind-Gerson Jaime , Okhuysen Pablo C. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Enteroaggregative
Escherichia coli
(EAEC) is an emerging enteric pathogen that causes acute and chronic diarrhea among children, human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, and travelers to developing regions of the world. The pathogenesis of EAEC strains involves the production of biofilm. In this study, we determined the association between presence of putative EAEC virulence genes and biofilm formation in 57 EAEC isolates (as defined by HEp-2 adherence) from travelers with diarrhea and in 18 EAEC isolates from travelers without diarrhea. Twelve nondiarrheagenic
E. coli
isolates from healthy travelers were used as controls. Biofilm formation was measured by using a microtiter plate assay with the crystal violet staining method, and the presence of the putative EAEC virulence genes
aap
,
aatA
,
aggR
,
astA
,
irp2
,
pet
,
set1A
, and
shf
was determined by PCR. EAEC isolates were more likely to produce biofilm than nondiarrheagenic
E. coli
isolates (
P
= 0.027), and the production of biofilm was associated with the virulence genes
aggR
,
set1A
,
aatA
, and
irp2
, which were found in 16 (40%), 17 (43%), 10 (25%), and 27 (68%) of the biofilm producers versus only 4 (11%), 6 (6%), 2 (6%), and 15 (43%) in non-biofilm producers (
P
= 0.008 for
aggR
,
P
= 0.0004 for
set1A
,
P
= 0.029 for
aatA
, and
P
= 0.04 for
irp2
). Although the proportion of EAEC isolates producing biofilm in patients with diarrhea (51%) was similar to that in patients without diarrhea (61%), biofilm production was related to the carriage of
aggR
(
P
= 0.015),
set1A
(
P
= 0.001), and
aatA
(
P
= 0.025). Since
aggR
is a master regulator of EAEC, the presence of
aap
(
P
= 0.004),
astA
(
P
= 0.001),
irp2
(
P
= 0.0006),
pet
(
P
= 0.002), and
set1A
(
P
= 0.014) in an
aggR
versus an
aggR
-lacking background was investigated and was also found to be associated with biofilm production. This study suggests that biofilm formation is a common phenomenon among EAEC isolates derived from travelers with or without diarrhea and that multiple genes associated with biofilm formation are regulated by
aggR
.
Rapid Multiplex PCR Assay for Identification of USA300 Community-Associated Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Isolates
Authors: Bonnstetter Kristin K. , Wolter Daniel J. , Tenover Fred C. , McDougal Linda K. , Goering Richard V. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Recent reports have noted a discernible increase in the number of community-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(CA-MRSA) infections in patients without traditional risk factors. In the United States, the most prominent CA-MRSA strain encodes Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) cytotoxin genes, belongs to pulsed field gel electrophoresis type USA300 and multilocus sequence type 8, and carries staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
(SCC
mec
) type IV. At present, molecular characterization of MRSA strains, such as USA300, can be time-consuming and is often beyond the technical capability of many clinical laboratories, making routine identification difficult. We analyzed the chromosomal regions flanking the SCC
mec
element in 44 USA300 MRSA isolates and identified a signature “AT repeat” sequence within the conserved hypothetical gene SACOL0058 located 1.4 kb downstream of the 3′ end of the J1-SCC
mec
chromosomal junction. Only USA300 isolates tested contained a sequence of ≥6 AT repeats in combination with PVL (e.g., related USA500 or Iberian strains had ≥6 AT repeats but were PVL negative). Using a locked nucleic acid primer specific for ≥6 AT repeats in combination with primers to detect PVL, we developed a multiplex PCR assay specific for the identification of USA300 strains. Multiplex results were 100% concordant with DNA sequencing, suggesting that the method has promise as a means of rapidly identifying USA300 isolates.