bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Homogeneous Assay to Measure Remnant Lipoprotein Cholesterol
Authors: Miyauchi Kazuhito , Kayahara Norihiko , Ishigami Masato , Kuwata Hideyuki , Mori Hideharu , Sugiuchi Hiroyuki , Irie Tetsumi , Tanaka Akira , Yamashita Shizuya , Yamamura Taku 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground: Quantification of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) remnants is useful for risk assessment of coronary artery disease and the diagnosis of type III hyperlipoproteinemia. Although an immunoseparation procedure for remnant-like particle cholesterol has been evaluated extensively in recent years, available methods for measuring TRL remnants have not achieved wide use in routine laboratory practice, suggesting a need for a homogeneous assay that can measure TRL remnant cholesterol in serum or plasma without pretreatment.Methods: We screened for suitable surfactants that exhibited favorable selectivity toward the VLDL remnant (VLDLR) fraction, including intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDLs). We investigated the principal characteristics of this assay by gel filtration of lipoproteins and their particle size distribution. We developed a simple assay and evaluated its performance with the Hitachi-7170 analyzer.Results: Polyoxyethylene-polyoxybutylene block copolymer (POE-POB) exhibited favorable selectivity toward VLDLR and IDL fractions. POE-POB removed apolipoprotein (apo) E and apo C-III from IDL particles in the presence of cholesterol esterase (CHER), and the particle size distribution of IDLs became smaller after the reaction. These results revealed that IDL particles are specifically modified in the presence of CHER and POE-POB, making their component cholesterol available for enzymatic assay. Addition of phospholipase D improved the reactivity toward chylomicron remnants (CMRs). We found a high correlation [y = 1.018x− 0.01 mmol/L, r = 0.962 (n = 160)] between the proposed assay and the immunoseparation assay in serum from healthy individuals.Conclusion: The homogeneous assay described in this report can measure TRL remnant cholesterol, including CMRs, VLDLRs, and IDLs, with high sensitivity and specificity.
Specifications for Roofing and Industrial Asphalts Using Dynamic Shear Rheometry (DSR)
Authors: Baumgardner Gaylon L. , Rowe Geoffrey M. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Asphalt specifications in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere in the world are increasingly dependent upon basic principles of rheology, in particular dynamic shear rheology (DSR). The roofing industry would be benefited by a revised ASTM specification featuring DSR measurements as opposed to the current ASTM Standard Specification D 312 in which softening point is the primary distinguishing characteristic of roofing asphalts. Rheological performance is the critical determinant of satisfactory roofing asphalt quality in that it must possess sufficient stiffness at higher temperatures to resist slippage on slopes and also be flexible enough at lower temperatures to resist cracking and debonding. This paper demonstrates the use of rheological parameters to replace the current softening point parameters, as well as introduces high and low temperature rheological parameters for climatic consideration. The proposed change incorporates climatic performance grades with high and low temperature limits which are based on DSR testing for the basic types of roofing asphalt.
c-Myb Is Required for Neural Progenitor Cell Proliferation and Maintenance of the Neural Stem Cell Niche in Adult Brain
Authors: Malaterre Jordane , Mantamadiotis Theo , Dworkin Sebastian , Lightowler Sally , Yang Qing , Ransome Mark I. , Turnley Ann M. , Nichols Nancy R. , Emambokus Nikla R. , Frampton Jon , Ramsay Robert G. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractOngoing production of neurons in adult brain is restricted to specialized neurogenic niches. Deregulated expression of genes controlling homeostasis of neural progenitor cell division and/or their microenvironment underpins a spectrum of brain pathologies. Using conditional gene deletion, we show that the proto-oncogene c-myb regulates neural progenitor cell proliferation and maintains ependymal cell integrity in mice. These two cellular compartments constitute the neurogenic niche in the adult brain. Brains devoid of c-Myb showed enlarged ventricular spaces, ependymal cell abnormalities, and reduced neurogenesis. Neural progenitor cells lacking c-Myb showed a reduced intrinsic proliferative capacity and reduction of Sox-2 and Pax-6 expression. These data point to an important role for c-Myb in the neurogenic niche of the adult brain.Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Sonic Hedgehog Stimulates Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Proliferation by Cooperation of Ca2+/Protein Kinase C and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor As Well as Gli1 Activation
Authors: Heo Jung Sun , Lee Min Young , Han Ho Jae 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Hedgehog signaling has an essential role in the control of stem cell growth in embryonic tissues. Therefore, this study examined the effect of sonic hedgehog (Shh) on the self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and its related mechanisms. Shh increased DNA synthesis blocked by the inhibition of the smoothened receptor. Shh required Gli1 activation to induce the increases in Notch/Hes-1 and Wnt/β-catenin. Shh increased the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and protein kinase C (PKC) activity. We show that the Shh-induced increase in the Gli1 mRNA level requires [Ca2+]i and PKC. Shh increased the phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is blocked by the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor. Subsequently, Shh increased the nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 phosphorylation, which was inhibited by blocking PKC and EGFR tyrosine kinase. Shh also increased the level of the cell cycle regulatory proteins in a dose-dependent manner. However, Shh decreased the levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitory proteins. The effect of Shh on these proteins was inhibited by blocking PKC, EGFR, and NF-κB as well as transfection of Gli1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Finally, Shh-induced progression of the G1/S-phase was blocked by the inhibition of PKC and EGFR tyrosine kinase. In conclusion, Shh stimulates mouse ES cell proliferation through Gli1 activation as well as Ca2+/PKC and EGFR.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Availability of Litigation as a Public Health Tool for Firearm Injury Prevention: Comparison of Guns, Vaccines, and Motor Vehicles
Authors: Vernick Jon S. , Rutkow Lainie , Salmon Daniel A. 
Published: September 2007

The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), enacted in 2005, grants the firearm industry broad immunity from liability. The PLCAA not only prevents most people from receiving compensation for their firearm-related injuries, it erodes litigation’s ability to serve its public health role of providing manufacturers with a financial incentive to make their products safer. When the viability of the vaccine industry was threatened in the 1980s, Congress provided limited protection from liability and also established the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The liability of nearly all other products, for example motor vehicles, is governed by traditional common law principles. The absence of both litigation and product safety rules for firearms is a potentially dangerous combination for the public’s health.
Costa Rica: Achievements of a Heterodox Health Policy
Authors: Unger Jean-Pierre , De Paepe Pierre , Buitrón René , Soors Werner 
Published: September 2007

Costa Rica is a middle-income country with a strong governmental emphasis on human development. For more than half a century, its health policies have applied the principles of equity and solidarity to strengthen access to care through public services and universal social health insurance. Costa Rica’s population measures of health service coverage, health service use, and health status are excellent, and in the Americas, life expectancy in Costa Rica is second only to that in Canada. Many of these outcomes can be linked to the performance of the public health care system. However, the current emphasis of international aid organizations on privatization of health services threatens the accomplishments and universality of the Costa Rican health care system.
Current Smoking and Type 2 Diabetes Among Patients in Selected Indian Health Service Clinics, 1998–2003
Authors: Morton Deborah J. , Garrett Mario , Reid Jennifer , Wingard Deborah L. 
Published: September 2007

Objectives. In non-American Indian/Alaska Native groups, current smoking prevalence is similar for those with or without diabetes (26%) We analyzed current smoking prevalence in American Indian/Alaska Natives by diabetes status. Methods. Data were extracted from Indian Health Service clinic visit information from 1998 to 2003. After consolidation into unique patient records, the sample comprised 71221 patients aged 14 years or older with both diabetes and current smoking information. Results. Cross-sectional results indicated that diabetic American Indian/Alaska Natives were significantly more likely than those without diabetes to be current smokers (29.8% vs 18.8%; P<.01). Smoking rates were 2 to 3 times higher among diabetic American Indians and Alaska Natives for each age category (P<.001), and current smokers with diabetes were more likely than nonsmokers to have glycosylated hemoglobin A1c levels at 8.0% or higher (P <.05). Conclusions. American Indian/Alaska Natives with diabetes at all sites and age categories were found to smoke at significantly higher rates than those without diabetes. Smoking cessation programs should target diabetic patients to more effectively prevent complications and promote successful management of diabetes in American Indians/Alaska Natives.
Major Depressive Episodes and Work Stress: Results From a National Population Survey
Authors: Blackmore Emma Robertson , Stansfeld Stephen A. , Weller Iris , Munce Sarah , Zagorski Brandon M. , Stewart Donna E. 
Published: September 2007

Objectives. We determined the proportion of workers meeting criteria for major depressive episodes in the past year and examined the association between psychosocial work-stress variables and these episodes. Methods. Data were derived from the Canadian Community Health Survey 1.2, a population-based survey of 24324 employed, community-dwelling individuals conducted in 2002. We assessed depressive episodes using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Results. Of the original sample, 4.6% (weighted n=745948) met criteria for major depressive episodes. High job strain was significantly associated with depression among men (odds ratio [OR]=2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.29, 4.37), and lack of social support at work was significantly associated with depression in both genders (men, OR=2.70; 95% CI=1.55, 4.71; women, OR=2.37; 95% CI=1.71, 3.29). Women with low levels of decision authority were more likely to have depression (OR=1.59; 95% CI=1.06, 2.39) than were women with high levels of authority. Conclusions. A significant proportion of the workforce experienced major depressive episodes in the year preceding our study. Gender differences appear to affect work-stress factors that increase risk for depression. Prevention strategies need to be developed with employers and employee organizations to address work organization and to increase social support.
Health and Economic Benefits of Reducing the Number of Students per Classroom in US Primary Schools
Authors: Muennig Peter , Woolf Steven H. 
Published: September 2007

Objectives. We estimated the costs associated with reducing class sizes in kindergarten through grade 3 as well as the effects of small class sizes on selected outcomes such as quality-adjusted life-years and future earnings. Methods. We used multiple data sets to predict changes in the outcomes assessed according to level of educational attainment. We then used a Markov model to estimate future costs and benefits incurred and quality-adjusted life-years gained per additional high school graduate produced over time. Results. From a societal perspective (incorporating earnings and health outcomes), class-size reductions would generate a net cost savings of approximately $168 000 and a net gain of 1.7 quality-adjusted life-years for each high school graduate produced by small classes. When targeted to low-income students, the estimated savings would increase to $196 000 per additional graduate. From a governmental perspective (incorporating public expenditures and revenues), the results of reducing class sizes ranged from savings in costs to an additional cost of $15000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Conclusions. Reducing class sizes may be more cost-effective than most public health and medical interventions.
Genotype by Diabetes Interaction Effects on the Detection of Linkage of Glomerular Filtration Rate to a Region on Chromosome 2q in Mexican Americans
Authors: Puppala Sobha , Arya Rector , Thameem Farook , Arar Nedal H. , Bhandari Kusum , Lehman Donna M. , Schneider Jennifer , Fowler Sharon , Farook Vidya S. , Diego Vincent P. , Almasy Laura , Blangero John , Stern Michael P. , Duggirala Ravindranath , Abboud Hanna E. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is used to assess the progression of renal disease. We performed linkage analysis to localize genes that influence GFR using estimated GFR data from the San Antonio Family Diabetes/Gallbladder Study. We also examined the effect of genotype by diabetes interaction (G × DM) on the detection of linkage to address whether genetic effects on GFR differ in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—GFR (N = 453) was estimated using the recently recalculated Cockcroft-Gault (GFR-CGc) and the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (GFR-4VMDRD) formulae. Both estimates of GFR exhibited significant heritabilities, but only GFR-CGc showed significant G × DM interaction. We therefore performed multipoint linkage analyses on both GFR measures using models that did not include G × DM interaction effects (Model 1) and that included G × DM interaction effects (Model 2, in the case of GFR-CGc).
RESULTS—The strongest evidence for linkage (Model 1) of both GFR-CGc (logarithm of odds [LOD] 2.9) and GFR-4VMDRD (LOD 2.6) occurred between markers D9S922 and D9S1120 on chromosome 9q. However, using Model 2, the strongest evidence for linkage of GFR-CGc on chromosome 2q was found near marker D2S427 (corrected LOD score [LODC] 3.3) compared with the LOD score of 2.7 based on Model 1. Potential linkages (LOD or LODC ≥1.2) were found only for GFR-CGc on chromosomes 3p, 3q, 4p, 8q, 11q, and 14q.
CONCLUSIONS—We found a major locus on chromosome 2q that differentially influences GFR in diabetic and nondiabetic environments in the Mexican-American population.
Contribution of Metabolic Syndrome Components to Cognition in Older Individuals
Authors: Dik Miranda G. , Jonker Cees , Comijs Hannie C. , Deeg Dorly J.H. , Kok Astrid , Yaffe Kristine , Penninx Brenda W. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE— Recent evidence suggests that the metabolic syndrome and inflammation affect cognitive decline in old age and that they reinforce each other. However, it is not known what the roles of the individual components of the metabolic syndrome on cognition are.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— The sample consisted of 1,183 participants in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam who were aged 65–88 years. Metabolic syndrome (U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program definition) and its individual components and the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and α1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) were assessed. Cognitive assessments included general cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), memory (verbal learning test), fluid intelligence (Raven's Matrices), and information processing speed (coding task).
RESULTS— Of the sample, 36.3% had metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with all cognitive measures (P &lt; 0.05). Of the individual components, hyperglycemia was most strongly and significantly associated with cognitive function (multivariate adjusted models; B values, indicating differences in scores between both groups, ranging from −0.38 to −1.21). There was a significant interaction between metabolic syndrome and inflammation on cognition (P &lt; 0.01–0.09). Metabolic syndrome was negatively associated with cognition in subjects with high inflammation (highest tertile for both CRP and ACT; B values ranging from −0.86 to −1.94, P &lt; 0.05), whereas an association was absent in subjects with low inflammation (B values ranging from −0.10 to −0.70).
CONCLUSIONS— Subjects with metabolic syndrome showed poorer cognitive performance than subjects without metabolic syndrome, especially those with high levels of inflammation. Hyperglycemia was the main contributor of the association of metabolic syndrome with cognition.
Possible Role of α-Cell Insulin Resistance in Exaggerated Glucagon Responses to Arginine in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tsuchiyama Naomi , Takamura Toshinari , Ando Hitoshi , Sakurai Masaru , Shimizu Akiko , Kato Ken-ichiro , Kurita Seiichiro , Kaneko Shuichi 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Inappropriate excessive secretion of glucagon, which contributes to postprandial hyperglycemia, is a novel target for the treatment of diabetes. In this study, we sought to determine the factors associated with exaggerated glucagon secretion in response to an arginine challenge in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Changes in circulating C-peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) and immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) after an arginine challenge were investigated in 35 patients with type 1 diabetes, 130 patients with type 2 diabetes, and 35 nondiabetic control subjects.
RESULTS—No significant differences were found in the basal level and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of IRG (AUCIRG) among type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients and nondiabetic subjects. However, there was an inverse correlation between the AUCIRG and the AUC of CPR (AUCCPR) for type 1 (r = −0.388, P = 0.023) and type 2 (r = 0.396, P &lt; 0.0001) diabetic patients, whereas AUCIRG was not correlated with AUCCPR in nondiabetic subjects (r = −0.079, P = 0.655). In type 1 diabetic patients, the AUCCPR decreased and the AUCIRG increased with increasing disease duration. In type 2 diabetic patients, both AUCIRG and AUCCPR increased with increasing BMI, basal CPR level, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance value.
CONCLUSIONS—Our findings suggest that the pathophysiology of the exaggerated glucagon response differs between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Intraislet insulin deficiency and α-cell insulin resistance may be the primary contributors to this condition in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively.
Relationship Among Alcohol, Body Weight, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in 27,030 Korean Men
Authors: Sung Ki-Chul , Kim Sun H. , Reaven Gerald M. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE— Recent studies suggest a lower risk for overweight/obesity in moderate alcohol drinkers. However, the validity of this relationship and its impact on the putative benefits of alcohol consumption on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk has not been well evaluated.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We assessed the impact of BMI on the relationship between alcohol consumption and CVD risk factors (blood pressure, lipid panel, and glucose and insulin concentrations) in 27,030 healthy Korean men with no major comorbidities or medication intake seen in a large urban Korean hospital.
RESULTS— BMI and overweight prevalence increased linearly with alcohol intake (P &lt; 0.001). Alcohol intake was also positively associated with blood pressure and triglyceride, HDL, and fasting glucose concentrations (P &lt; 0.001) and negatively associated with LDL and insulin concentrations (P &lt; 0.001). With nondrinkers as the reference group, the odds ratio for having insulin in the top quartile also declined linearly when adjusted for age, BMI, smoking, and exercise, with the heaviest drinkers (&gt;40 g/day) having an odds ratio of 0.71 (95% CI 0.62–0.82) (P &lt; 0.001). The relationship between alcohol and CVD risk factors was similar in normal-weight and overweight individuals.
CONCLUSIONS— Alcohol intake is associated with increasing BMI and several metabolic abnormalities, including higher fasting glucose. Paradoxically, it is also associated with lower insulin concentrations. The clinical significance of these findings needs further investigation.
Patient Perceptions of Quality of Life With Diabetes-Related Complications and Treatments
Authors: Huang Elbert S. , Brown Sydney E.S. , Ewigman Bernard G. , Foley Edward C. , Meltzer David O. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Understanding how individuals weigh the quality of life associated with complications and treatments is important in assessing the economic value of diabetes care and may provide insight into treatment adherence. We quantify patients’ utilities (a measure of preference) for the full array of diabetes-related complications and treatments.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We conducted interviews with a multiethnic sample of 701 adult patients living with diabetes who were attending Chicago area clinics. We elicited utilities (ratings on a 0–1 scale, where 0 represents death and 1 represents perfect health) for hypothetical health states by using time-tradeoff questions. We evaluated 9 complication states (e.g., diabetic retinopathy and blindness) and 10 treatment states (e.g., intensive glucose control vs. conventional glucose control and comprehensive diabetes care [i.e., intensive control of multiple risk factors]).RESULTS—End-stage complications had lower mean utilities than intermediate complications (e.g., blindness 0.38 [SD 0.35] vs. retinopathy 0.53 [0.36], P &lt; 0.01), and end-stage complications had the lowest ratings among all health states. Intensive treatments had lower mean utilities than conventional treatments (e.g., intensive glucose control 0.67 [0.34] vs. conventional glucose control 0.76 [0.31], P &lt; 0.01), and the lowest rated treatment state was comprehensive diabetes care (0.64 [0.34]). Patients rated comprehensive treatment states similarly to intermediate complication states.CONCLUSIONS—End-stage complications have the greatest perceived burden on quality of life; however, comprehensive diabetes treatments also have significant negative quality-of-life effects. Acknowledging these effects of diabetes care will be important for future economic evaluations of novel drug combination therapies and innovations in drug delivery.