bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C957T DRD2 polymorphism is associated with schizophrenia in Spanish patients
Authors: Hoenicka J. , Aragüés M. , Rodríguez‐Jiménez R. , Ponce G. , Martínez I. , Rubio G. , Jiménez‐Arriero M. A. , Palomo T. ,   Psychosis and Addictions Research Group (PARG)
Published: August 2006

Objective:  The objective was to confirm whether a homozygous genotype for the C957 allele of the C957T DRD2 gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is associated with schizophrenia in an independent study population.Method:  We examined the genotypic distribution of this SNP in a set of clinically ascertained schizophrenic patients (n = 131) and age‐matched control subjects (n = 364). Individuals were genotyped using automated analysis of fluorescently labeled PCR products.Results:  The distribution of grouped genotypes for the C957T DRD2 SNP (CC vs. CT, TT) showed that C homozygote genotype was over‐represented in our patient sample when compared with control subjects. This difference reaches the statistical significance (χ2 = 7.0; df = 1; P = 0.008; OR = 2.05; % CI 1.2–3.4).Conclusion:  The findings of this study provide additional evidence that genetic variation at the DRD2 gene plays an important role in the vulnerability to schizophrenia.
Salivary matrix metalloproteinase‐8 in patients with and without coronary heart disease may indicate an increased susceptibility to periodontal disease
Authors: Furuholm J. , Sorsa T. , Qvarnström M. , Janket S.‐J. , Tervahartiala T. , Nuutinen P. , Meurman J. H. 
Published: August 2006

Background and Objective:  Tissue destruction caused by periodontitis may increase the number of cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We measured the concentration of the leukocyte‐derived proteolytic enzyme, salivary neutrophil collagenase‐2 [matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8)], as a marker of periodontal disease and assessed its relationship to coronary heart disease (CHD). Our aim was to study whether salivary MMP‐8 levels were different among patients with and without CHD. The hypothesis was that patients with heart disease might present higher salivary MMP‐8 levels than cardiologically healthy controls.Material and Methods:  Saliva samples were taken from 256 patients with CHD and from 250 matched controls with known oral and general health status. The MMP‐8 levels in saliva were analyzed by immunofluorometric assay, salivary albumin was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and total protein was determined using the colorimetric method. We further investigated the molecular forms and isoform distribution of salivary MMP‐8 by western immunoblotting. The MMP‐8 results were adjusted for the number of teeth and salivary protein concentrations.Results:  The adjusted logarithmic MMP‐8 values were 0.145 ± 0.245 µg/l in patients with CHD and 0.088 ± 0.115 µg/l in controls (p < 0.01). The respective MMP‐8 : total protein and MMP‐8 : albumin ratios were also significantly higher in CHD patients than in non‐CHD subjects.Conclusion:  Elevated salivary MMP‐8 levels seemed to associate with CHD, suggesting more tissue breakdown as a result of periodontitis among the patients with heart disease.
Intralesional therapy of metastatic spreading melanoma with beta‐interferon
Authors: Rapprich Harriet , Hagedorn Manfred 
Published: August 2006

SummaryA 74‐year‐old female patient developed multiple local metastases after excision of a nodular melanoma of the left cheek. There was no regression after treatment with dacarbazine (DTIC®) and radiotherapy. After treatment with intralesional interferon‐β, the metastases regressed completely. The dosage was 5 million IU interferon‐β (Fiblaferon®) three times weekly with courses of two and four weeks, separated by a month. Except for local swelling and inflammation, no side effects occurred. Five years after completing therapy, the patient is still tumor‐free.
Crunch Time on Carbon: Getting it Right in EU ETS Phase II
Authors: Clough Kirsty 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
Carbon trading has been claimed as the most effective and practical way to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and the first full year of trading in the European Union has recently been completed. But how much has it actually reduced emissions—and can it work any better in future? Kirsty Clough examines the statistics.
Medicine in Black and White: BiDil®: Race and the Limits of Evidence-Based Medicine
Authors: Ellison George 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
When the US Food and Drug Administration licensed the drug BiDil® in June 2005 it was hailed as a significant step towards “personalised prescribing”. This is because BiDil® had been patented, tested and approved for use by just one group of patients: those “of African descent”. George Ellison examines the statistical evidence that underpinned the development of BiDil® as a “racial drug” and finds it less than satisfactory.
Dreadful Crime! Deer-Keeper Feloniously Resisted!
Authors: Fanshawe Tom 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
In 1837, a child under the age of 12 was prosecuted for what was officially described as “Misdemeanor—Administering Poison to Harass and Annoy.” The boy or girl, whose name is unknown, was acquitted. Tom Fanshawe delves into Dickensian crime statistics and finds atrocious murders and a threshing machine destroyed.
Tissue response and Msx1 expression after human fetal digit tip amputation in vitro
Authors: Allan Christopher H. , Fleckman Philip , Fernandes Russell J. , Hager Barbara , James Jennifer , Wisecarver Zudtky , Kyle Satterstrom F. , Gutierrez Alicia , Norman Anthony , Pirrone Anna , Underwood Robert A. , Rubin Brian P. , Zhang Miqin , Ramay Hassna R. , Clark John M. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTRegeneration of mammalian digit tips is well described; however, associated cellular or molecular events have not been studied in humans. We describe an in vitro human fetal model of response to digit tip amputation, and report expression of the transcription repressor Msx1 in the developing and regrowing human digit tip. Human fetal digits from specimens ranging from 53 to 117 days' estimated gestational age (EGA) were cultured in a defined serum‐free medium with supplemented oxygen for time periods from 4 days to 4 weeks. Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed on paired control and tip‐amputated digits. Regrowing tissue covered the cut end of the distal phalanx in digits up to 80 days' EGA. Msx1 expression was detected beneath the nail field in control digits to at least 70 days' EGA and at the regrowing tip of 57‐day digits at 4 and 7 days post‐amputation. Our results show that human fetal digits regrow tissue in vitro in response to tip amputation. This process appears spatially associated with Msx1 expression. Msx1 expression appears increased at the regrowing tip of 57‐day digits by 4 days after amputation.
Etanercept decreases tumor necrosis factor‐α activity in chronic wound fluid
Authors: Cowin Allison J. , Hatzirodos Nicholas , Rigden Justin , Fitridge Robert , Belford David A. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTHigh levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, are present in the wound fluid of chronic nonhealing wounds. This leads to increased inflammation, cytokine expression, and ultimately results in impaired wound healing and tissue destruction. Etanercept is a recombinant fusion protein that consists of the soluble TNF receptor (p75) linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1. It is an effective inhibitor of TNF‐α and has been shown to provide rapid and sustained improvement in rheumatoid arthritis by acting as a soluble receptor binding TNF‐α and preventing its proinflammatory activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether Etanercept could inhibit TNF‐α activity in chronic wound fluid. Wound fluid was collected from the venous leg ulcers of 16 different patients. The effect of Etanercept on TNF‐α activity was evaluated using both a TNF‐α bioassay and an enzyme‐linked immunoassay. Etanercept was found to reduce the cytotoxic effect of chronic wound fluid on L929 fibroblasts by approximately 30% and neutralized TNF‐α binding in the enzyme‐linked immunoassay by up to 80%. Direct application of Etanercept to chronic wounds may therefore reduce the inflammatory activity of TNF‐α, which could reduce the chronicity of venous leg ulcers and thus aid in the healing of these wounds.
The microcirculation in acute murine cutaneous incisional wounds shows a spatial and temporal variation in the functionality of vessels
Authors: Bluff Joanne E. , O'Ceallaigh Siobhan , O'Kane Sharon , Ferguson Mark W. J. , Ireland Grenham 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTA mouse perfusion model using fluorescently labeled dextran has been developed to investigate the functionality of blood vessels during cutaneous wound healing. By immunostaining cryostat sections of perfused wounds with antibodies that identify vessels, we were able to assess their functionality. There was an increase in the proportion of CD31+‐perfused vessels in all wound regions with time, although the vessels of the wound margins and superficial granulation tissue (GT) took the longest to become perfused. More than 50% of the latter vessels were not perfused at 10 days postwounding. This is consistent with the growth of functional vessels from the wound base proceeding to the more superficial GT. The CD34 marker was expressed by a subpopulation of CD31+ vessels. However, in contrast to CD31+ vessels, the functionality of CD34+ vessels did not change significantly with time and 50–75% of CD34+ vessels in the GT and wound margins were nonfunctional. This might be explained either by apoptosis of the CD34+ vessels or the loss of the marker with time. This study has important implications for assays of wound‐healing angiogenesis based on histology and immunohistochemical markers for vessels, because vessel functionality differs both spatially and temporally during wound healing.
Basic fibroblast growth factor stimulates human keratinocyte motility by Rac activation
Authors: Sogabe Yoko , Abe Masatoshi , Yokoyama Yoko , Ishikawa Osamu 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTTopical application of human recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes wound healing. bFGF, however, has been reported to have little in vitro effects on keratinocyte compared with other cell types such as endothelial cells or fibroblasts. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism(s) of bFGF‐stimulated keratinocyte migration. Normal human keratinocytes, seeded on coverslips that were noncoated or coated with type I collagen or fibronectin, were stimulated with bFGF to evaluate their ability to spread. Keratinocyte migration was measured using a Boyden chamber assay. The lysates of keratinocytes, which were plated on noncoated, type I collagen‐coated or fibronectin‐coated plastic dishes and stimulated with bFGF, were subjected to pulldown assays to detect guanine triphosphate‐loaded Rac. Morphologically, keratinocytes formed lamellipodia only when they were stimulated with bFGF on the collagen‐coated coverslips. Keratinocyte migration was significantly enhanced by bFGF. Guanine triphosphate‐loaded Rac was detected only in the lysate of bFGF‐stimulated keratinocytes on collagen‐coated dishes. This in vitro study shows that bFGF exerts a stimulatory effect on keratinocyte migration in the presence of type I collagen as a scaffold, and, at least, Rac activation is involved.
Model of radiation‐impaired healing of a deep excisional wound
Authors: Werier Joel , Ferguson Peter , Bell Robert , Hill Richard , Wunder Jay , O'Sullivan Brian , Kandel Rita 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTDespite many well‐recognized benefits, administration of ionizing radiation before surgical resection of malignancies is associated with a high risk of wound‐healing complications. Most animal models investigating techniques to improve wound healing use a superficial wound. The goal of this study was to develop a novel model of radiation‐impaired healing using a deep excisional wound, which is closer to the clinical situation. In the first part of this study, female Lewis rats were exposed to 0, 12, 15, or 18 Gy single‐fraction radiation to the buttocks. Three weeks later, deep wounds were created by excision of the gluteus maximus muscle. Irradiated wounds had a lower rate of healing of the surgically created defect than unirradiated wounds (p<0.001), but there was no significant difference between the different doses of radiation. Impaired healing was still evident at 12 weeks. The second part of this study investigated the ability of porcine small‐intestinal submucosa (SIS) to improve healing in this animal model. At 6 weeks, wounds implanted with SIS showed improved healing at all doses of radiation compared with unimplanted irradiated wounds. However, higher doses of radiation were still associated with a lower rate of healing. SIS induced a cellular response that was not evident in defects that did not receive SIS, suggesting that SIS has the potential to stimulate repair. This reproducible model of radiation‐impaired wound healing closely resembles the clinical setting. The results indicate that this model can be used to investigate new biomaterials as possible therapeutic agents to enhance wound healing.
Topical application of transforming growth factor‐β1 in acute traumatic tympanic membrane perforations: an experimental study in rats
Authors: Kaftan Holger , Herzog Michael , Miehe Bärbel , Hosemann Werner 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTHigh transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) expression in combination with fibrotic scar was observed in human tympanic membranes containing a chronic perforation. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether application of exogenous TGF‐β1 to experimentally created tympanic membrane perforations might induce a nonhealing tympanic membrane perforation. Bilateral myringotomies were performed in 20 rats. In 10 animals, a single dose of TGF‐β1 (0.1 μg) was topically applied to the left tympanic membrane after perforation. In the second part of the study with 10 animals, repeated applications of TGF‐β1 at a higher concentration were tested. In both groups, the opposite ears received vehicle alone. Tympanic membranes were observed for a total of 5 weeks. The effect of TGF‐β1 on the healing of the tympanic membranes was evaluated by closure rates and histology. In the single application group, the healing process was not delayed. Repeated applications of TGF‐β1 did cause a faster perforation closure and a thicker tympanic membrane. Topical TGF‐β1 applied to a traumatic tympanic membrane perforation does not create a chronic perforation at the concentrations and modes of application used in this study.
Rapid techniques for assessing fibre quality of flax breeding lines and cultivars using visible and near infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis
Authors: Jankauskienė Z. , Bačelis K. , Stuart T. , McCall R.D. , Sharma H.S.S. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractFifteen different flax cultivars and breeding lines (E‐68, Baltučiai, Belinka, Vega 2, Ilona, Elise, Kastyčiai, Evelin, 1963‐3, Ariane, Hermes, 01057‐12, 1698‐13a, 2017‐3, 1864‐24) were cultivated, harvested, water‐retted, scutched and resulting fibres passed through pin frames to produce representative samples for each variety. The aim of this investigation was to develop rapid techniques for assessing quality of fibre obtained from a comparative agronomical trial. The fibres produced were then assessed using visible and near infrared spectroscopy (Vis–NIRS), thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and airflow method for measuring fibre fineness. The relationships between agronomical characteristics, fibre fineness, thermal and spectral results were assessed using principal component analysis and partial least squares regression methods. The micrographs of the samples revealed the presence of residual pectic and cuticular tissues on all fibres, and significant differences between the 15 fibre samples were not observed. A significant relationship of the differences in fibre fineness of the test samples as measured by airflow method and Vis–NIR spectra was observed with an R2 of 0.97 and standard error of calibration (SEC) of 1.69 dtex, and the former parameter also correlated with the measured thermal combustion parameters showing an R2 of 0.91 and SEC of 2.86 dtex, indicating that the two rapid techniques could be used for the assessment of fibre quality of selected plants from the breeding programme. The advantages of using the two instrumental techniques compared with the existing airflow method are briefly discussed.
The effect of dishwater parameters on the survival of Staphylococcus aureus and vegetative cells and spores of Bacillus cereus
Authors: Wernersson Eva Ståhl , Jeppsson Marie , Håkanson Håkan 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIn this study, the effect of dishwater parameters on the survival of Staphylococcus aureus and vegetative cells and spores of Bacillus cereus was evaluated. Both types of bacteria have been found in dishwater and are presumed to be pathogenic; both have also been reported to cause outbreaks of foodborne illness. Experiments were conducted in a 2‐L beaker, and temperature, pH, type of detergent and broth concentrations were altered. The influence of nutrition, which normally exists in dishwater, has a substantial effect on the survival rate of S. aureus. The survival of S. aureus in dishwater solutions at 45°C and pH 7 is similar for two different types of detergents, hand dishwashing and machine dishwashing, after a longer time exposure (50 min). The effect of the temperatures on the survival of S. aureus and B. cerus was investigated for the range typical for professional dishwashers and hand dishwashing (45°−65°C). Only a slight reduction of S. aureus takes place at 45°C; however, at 55°C, no more than seven minutes is required to achieve a 3‐log10 reduction. Vegetative cells of B. cereus revealed a similar temperature dependence; however, for the spores of B. cereus, not even a temperature of 65°C is enough to reduce the bacterial counts. The influence of pH on the bacteria was also investigated. For S. aureus and vegetative cells of B. cereus, the pH influence is moderate and is only apparent after longer exposure times. For B. cereus spores, the results showed that they are not influenced by pH up to 10.6. This investigation points out that the most effective strategy for reducing bacterial counts in dishwashing solutions is to use high temperatures (>55°C) in the dishwater, which reduces the risk for cross‐contamination from dishwater to dishware.
Nutrient content in peas served to patients: vitamin C is degraded during four stages of foodservice processing at two hospitals
Authors: Feldman Charles , Chakraborty Goutam , Hazhin Taraneh , Kane Shannon , Ruskin Martin S. , Toney Jeffrey , Wunderlich Shahla 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis investigation follows seminal work on nutrient degradation as the authors seek to quantify how much vitamin C, as a marker of nutrient quality, is retained at various stages of processing (frozen, steamed, trayline and delivery) of peas at two New Jersey hospitals. Healthcare providers use nutrient data standards provided by various national and international government and nongovernment agencies. Physicians, dietitians and menu planners rely on these values for nutritional therapy. We found that the current methodology for predicting nutritional outcomes of cooked foods in hospitals may not be reliable in assessing nutrients served to patients. Sampled peas were found to contain significantly (P < 0.05 for both Hospitals A and B) less vitamin C compared with the published standard value (‘cooked’) for vitamin C. In Hospitals A and B, the nutrient quality of vitamin C was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) as peas progressed to patients. As improved nutritional status has been shown to correlate with faster healing and recovery, thus reduced hospital stays, we recommend that hospitals use improved cooking methods to reduce the loss of nutrients in foods served to patients. Vegetables in particular should be cooked for the briefest period of time or at the lowest temperature that ensures safety.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Polyomavirus BK Sequences
Authors: Sharma Preety M. , Gupta Gaurav , Vats Abhay , Shapiro Ron , Randhawa Parmjeet 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACT
Polyomavirus BK (BKV) has emerged as an important pathogen in kidney transplant patients. Existing taxonomic classifications of BKV come from conventional DNA sequence alignments based on limited data derived from the VP1 gene. We have used a phylogenetic whole-genome approach to examine the pattern of diversity and evolutionary relationships between 45 BKV strains isolated from multiple clinical settings. This analysis supports the classification of BKV into six genotypes, of which types V and VI have not been previously recognized. BKV strains hitherto classified as type I are, in fact, quite heterogeneous, and several cluster with our newly defined genotypes V and VI. The sequence information needed for assigning genotypes can be captured by VP1, VP2, VP3, or large T-gene sequencing. The most polymorphic coding region in the viral genome is VP1, but significant variation is also present in the large T-antigen gene, wherein polymorphisms are found in 11.39% of all nucleotide sites, 46.22% of which are cluster specific. Type-specific amino acid changes within the VP1 region are predicted to map to the BC and DE loops. The number of taxonomically informative amino acid changes in the large T antigen exceeds even that of the VP1 region. Viral strains isolated from healthy subjects and from patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and vasculopathy with capillary leak syndrome formed distinct subclusters. However, within the kidney transplant population, BKV strains derived from patients with asymptomatic viruria did not show complete separation from strains associated with allograft nephropathy.
An Immunoreceptor Tyrosine Activation Motif in the Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Envelope Protein Plays a Role in Virus-Induced Mammary Tumors
Authors: Ross Susan R. , Schmidt John W. , Katz Elad , Cappelli Laura , Hultine Stacy , Gimotty Phyllis , Monroe John G. 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTMouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) induces breast cancer with almost 100% efficiency in susceptible strains through insertional activation of protooncogenes, such as members of thewntand fibroblast growth factor (fgf) families. We previously showed that expression of the MMTV envelope protein (Env) in normal immortalized mammary epithelial cells grown in three-dimensional cultures caused their morphological transformation, and that this phenotype depended on an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) present in Env and signaling through the Syk tyrosine kinase (E. Katz, M. H. Lareef, J. C. Rassa, S. M. Grande, L. B. King, J. Russo, S. R. Ross, and J. G. Monroe, J. Exp. Med.201:431-439, 2005). Here, we examined the role of the Env protein in virus-induced mammary tumorigenesis in vivo. Similar to the effect seen in vitro, Env expression in the mammary glands of transgenic mice bearing either full-length wild-type provirus or only Env transgenes showed increased lobuloalveolar budding. Introduction of the ITAM mutation into theenvof an infectious, replication-competent MMTV or into MMTV/murine leukemia virus pseudotypes had no effect on incorporation of Env into virus particles or on in vitro infectivity. Moreover, replication-competent MMTV bearing the ITAM mutation in Env infected lymphoid and mammary tissue at the same level as wild-type MMTV and was transmitted through milk. However, mammary tumor induction was greatly attenuated, and the pattern of oncogene activation was altered. Taken together, these studies indicate that the MMTV Env protein participates in mammary epithelial cell transformation in vivo and that this requires a functional ITAM in the envelope protein.