bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mannose‐binding lectin in innate immunity: past, present and future
Authors: Dommett R. M. , Klein N , Turner M. W. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe human collectin, mannose‐binding lectin (MBL), is an important protein of the humoral innate immune system. With multiple carbohydrate‐recognition domains, it is able to bind to sugar groups displayed on the surfaces of a wide range of microorganisms and thereby provide first‐line defence. Importantly, it also activates the complement system through a distinctive third pathway, independent of both antibody and the C1 complex. Three single point mutations in exon 1 of the expressed human MBL‐2 gene appear to impair the generation of functional oligomers. Such deficiencies of functional protein are common in certain populations, e.g. in sub‐Saharan Africa, but virtually absent in others, e.g. indigenous Australians. MBL disease association studies have been a fruitful area of research and implicate a role for MBL in infective, inflammatory and autoimmune disease processes. Overall, there appears to be a genetic balance in which individuals generally benefit from high levels of the protein. However, in certain situations, reduced levels of circulating MBL may be beneficial to the host and this may explain the persistence of the deleterious gene polymorphisms in many population groups.
A crypto‐Dravidian origin for the nontribal communities of South India based on human leukocyte antigen class I diversity
Authors: Thomas R. , Nair S. B. , Banerjee M 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe Dravidian communities are considered to be the original inhabitants of India, now restricted to South India. The southern most state, Kerala, is socio‐culturally stratified into Hindus, Muslims and Christians on the basis of religion. The origin of these religious communities in Kerala is considered to be unique in comparison with that in other parts of the country. These communities were later influenced by the hierarchical caste structure established by the Hindu Brahmins. In the present study, we compared six nontribal (Namboothiri, Nair, Ezhava, Pulaya, Malabar Muslim and Syrian Christian) communities belonging to the major religious groups in Kerala (Hindu, Muslim and Christian) based on the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A, ‐B and ‐C diversity. Our aim was to understand the genomic substructuring associated with the changing social scenario in various caste and religious groups and compare it with the Dravidian tribal and other world populations. The present study reveals that the HLA diversity of the Dravidian communities is very distinct from that in the other world populations. It is obvious that the nontribal communities of Kerala display a greater Dravidian influence, but traces of genetic admixture with the Mediterranean, western European, central Asian and East Asian populations can be observed. This characterizes the crypto‐Dravidian features of the nontribal communities of Kerala. Demic diffusion of the local progressive communities with the migrant communities may have given rise to crypto‐Dravidian features among the nontribal communities of Kerala.
HLA‐B35 upregulates the production of endothelin‐1 in HLA‐transfected cells: a possible pathogenetic role in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Santaniello A. , Salazar G. , Lenna S. , Antonioli R. , Colombo G. , Beretta L. , Scorza R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractHLA‐B35 is associated with an increased risk for developing isolated pulmonary hypertension (iPHT) in systemic sclerosis, but the mechanisms underlying this association have not been fully elucidated yet. Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is the main pathogenetic molecule implied in the development of iPHT; therefore, we sought to determine if ECV304 cells transfected with the HLA‐B35 allele produce increased amounts of ET‐1 after incubation with physiological concentrations of interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β). ECV304 cells transfected with HLA‐B*3501 and HLA‐B*0801 polymorphic α chain or with pIRESneo2 were incubated with 100 U/ml of IL‐1β for 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. ET‐1 levels were determined using EIA kit (CAYMAN Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI) in supernatants from different cell cultures; the relative expression of the preproendothelin‐1 (PPET‐1) gene was also determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Cells expressing the HLA‐B35 allele showed significantly increased levels of ET‐1 at all the selected times compared with controls or HLA‐B8‐transfected cells. The relative expression of the PPET‐1 gene was also increased in a proportionally direct manner. The HLA‐B35 allele influences the production of ET‐1 in HLA‐B35‐transfected ECV304 cells by promoting the expression of its precursor, PPET‐1. Our results provide an explanation for the epidemiological association existing between iPHT and HLA‐B35.
Association analysis of MYO9B gene polymorphisms and inflammatory bowel disease in a Norwegian cohort
Authors: Amundsen S. S. , Vatn M. ,   the IBSEN study group, Wijmenga C. , Sollid L. M. , Lie B. A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAssociation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the MYO9B gene and celiac disease was recently reported. The role of MYO9B in celiac disease was suggested to relate to an epithelial barrier defect. The region to which MYO9B localize is also linked with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For these reasons, we hypothesize that MYO9B could also be a susceptibility gene in IBD. To address this, we performed an association study of a Norwegian IBD cohort (149 patients with Crohn’s disease, 308 patients with ulcerative colitis and 562 healthy controls) using SNPs, which tagged the celiac disease associated MYO9B haplotype. No association between these SNPs and IBD was observed. Our results failed to support the notion that MYO9B is a susceptibility gene in IBD.
Presence of soldier larvae determines the outcome of competition in a polyembryonic wasp
Authors: GIRON D. , ROSS K. G. , STRAND M. R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSoldier‐producing polyembryonic waSPS are the only social animals that develop as parasites inside the bodies of other insects. Characterizing the kin composition of broods is central to understanding the evolution of the soldier caste in these unique social insects. Here we studied the role of soldiers in mediating the outcome of competition among clones of the polyembryonic waspCopidosoma floridanum. Soldier‐producing female clones usually monopolized host resources, whereas soldierless male clones usually coexisted in hosts. Behavioural experiments further indicated that early‐emerging soldiers are specialized to combat intraspecific competitors and later‐emerging soldiers are specialized for defence against interspecific competitors. Taken together, our results point to intraspecific competition as a major selective force in the evolution of the soldier caste. Our data also present an evolutionary conundrum: given the benefit of soldiers, why are male clones functionally soldierless?
Stability of field‐selected resistance to insecticides in Plutella xylostella (Lep., Plutellidae) from Pakistan
Authors: Sayyed A. H. , Attique M. N. R. , Khaliq A. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  To investigate fluctuation in susceptibility to insecticides, natural populations of Plutella xylostella were collected from the same field in the region of Multan, Pakistan, in late summer, mid‐winter and early spring. After bulking up for a generation in the laboratory, the populations were examined against pyrethroids and organophosphates as well as newer insecticides (spinosad, indoxacarb and emamectin). Each population showed a broad range of variation in susceptibility to all chemicals. Comparison between populations collected in different times of years in 2003 and 2004 showed variation in susceptibility to organophosphates and pyrethroids. In winter, susceptibility to organophosphates increased, whereas it decreased in relation to pyrethroids. However, susceptibility to the newer insecticides was unchanged within the season. The results suggest that the fluctuation observed in susceptibility could be either associated with fitness costs of organophosphate and pyrethroids or cessation of insecticides. These results might have important implications in resistance management. We propose a strategy for application of insecticides in relation to P. xylostella management in Pakistan.
Who Exploits who?
Authors: Widerquist Karl 
Published: September 2006

This whole program is voluntary … The men don't have to … if they don't want to. But we need you to starve them to death if they don't (Joseph Heller, Catch-22). This article considers two concepts put forward by van Donselaar in a case against basic income: ‘the abuse of rights’, i.e. receiving income from an asset one has no interest in working with; and ‘Donselaarian exploitation’, i.e. A exploits B if A is better off and B worse off than either of them would have been in the other's absence. This article argues that these concepts do not imply a solid case against unconditional transfers. Most of van Donselaar's conclusions rely on two-person examples with very specific assumptions about preferences. Under other reasonable assumptions, unconditional transfers do not involve the abuse of rights or exploitation and the proposed solution of work requirements can actually cause abuse and exploitation.
Effects of anodized oxidation or turned implants on bone healing after using conventional drilling or trabecular compaction technique: histomorphometric analysis and RFA
Authors: Kim Shin Koo , Lee Han Na , Choi Yong Chang , Heo Seong‐Joo , Lee Cheol Won , Choie Mok Kyun 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this study was to compare the bone healing characteristics adjacent to anodic oxidation and turned surfaces after implant installation using the trabecular compaction technique or the conventional drilling technique in the soft bone area.Material and methods: A total of 72 implants (36 anodic oxidation surface and 36 turned surface implants) were inserted into the distal end of the femur head of 12 dogs by two different surgical techniques. There were four experimental groups: (1) DT group; drilling+turned, (2) DO group; drilling+oxidation, (3) CT group; compaction+turned, and (4) CO group; compaction+oxidation. The resonance frequency was measured and six specimens/treatment group were obtained at 0, 3 and 8 weeks, postoperatively. Undecalcified ground sections were prepared for histologic and histomorphometric examinations.Results: At week 0, the trabecular compaction groups showed a higher bone to implant contact ratio (BIC) than the conventional drilling groups, regardless of surface types. The CT group showed a higher implant stability quotient (ISQ) than the DT group. At week 3, the oxidation groups showed a higher BIC than the turned groups regardless of the surgical technique used. The CO group showed higher ISQ than the CT group. At week 8, there was no statistically significant difference in BIC and ISQ between the groups.Conclusions: Surgical technique and implant surface state have an effect on the initial bone response to two‐stage implants inserted into trabecular bone regions.
A systematic review of marginal soft tissue at implants subjected to immediate loading or immediate restoration
Authors: Glauser Roland , Zembic Anja , Hämmerle Christoph H.F. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjectives: The objective of this systematic review was to critically evaluate marginal soft‐tissue aspects at implants subjected to immediate loading or immediate restoration.Methods: An electronic Medline search from 1966 up to August 2005 was conducted to identify prospective and retrospective studies on immediate implant loading. The search strategy was complemented by hand searching in peer‐reviewed journals. Studies reporting on soft‐tissue aspects at implants subjected to immediate loading or immediate restoration and with a follow‐up time of at least 1 year were included. Assessment of identified studies and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. An attempt was made to isolate and categorize studies with similar protocols in order to identify trends and relevant factors. Variables that were considered included marginal and interproximal soft‐tissue stability, marginal plaque accumulation, probing depth, bleeding on probing, peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis.Results: From an initial yield of 581 titles, 240 articles were selected for text analysis, finally resulting in 17 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Six studies on immediate implant loading or restoration were controlled studies, whereas the remainder was prospective case series. Seven studies reported on a 1‐year data, and the longest follow‐up within the included studies was 4 years. The total number of patients treated within the 17 studies was 432 including a total 706 implants studied. Overall, the articles reported on many different procedures and follow‐up times, time points and evaluated soft‐tissue parameters varied considerably between the different articles.Conclusion: Within the limits of the evaluated data it can be cautiously concluded that once immediately loaded or restored implants integrate successfully, they appear to show a soft‐tissue reaction with regard to periodontal as well as morphologic aspects comparable with those of conventionally loaded implants. However, follow‐up periods are generally short, number of patients and/or implants per study are few, and most studies present only limited data on peri‐implant soft‐tissue evaluation. More accurate long‐term studies with a stronger study design (i.e., RCT) reporting more detailed on treatment and follow‐up protocols are required to allow for proper comparisons and conclusions.
Augmentation procedures for the rehabilitation of deficient edentulous ridges with oral implants
Authors: Chiapasco Matteo , Zaniboni Marco , Boisco Maurizio 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjectives: To analyze publications related to augmentation procedures and to evaluate the success of different surgical techniques for ridge reconstruction and the survival/success rates of implants placed in the augmented areas.Material and methods: Clinical investigations published in English involving at least 5 patients and with a minimum follow‐up of 6 months were included. The following procedures were considered: a) Guided bone regeneration (GBR); 2) Onlay bone grafts; 3) Inlay grafts; 4) Bone splitting for ridge expansion (RE); 5) Distraction osteogenesis (DO); and 6) Revascularized flaps. Success rates of augmentation procedures and related morbidity, as well as survival and success rates of implants placed in the augmented sites were analyzed.Results: Success rates of surgical procedures ranged from 60% to 100% for GBR, from 92% to 100% for onlay bone grafts, from 98% to 100% for ridge expansion techniques, from 96,7% to 100% for DO, and was 87.5% for revascularized flaps, whereas survival rates of implants ranged from 92% to 100% for GBR, from 60% to 100% for onlay bone grafts, from 91% to 97.3% for RE, from 90.4% to 100% for DO, and, finally, was 88.2% for revascularized flaps.Conclusion: On the basis of available data it was shown that it was difficult to demonstrate that a particular surgical procedure offered better outcome as compared to another. The main limit encountered in this review has been the overall poor methodological quality of the published articles. Therefore larger well‐designed long term trials are needed.
Utility of two oral health‐related quality‐of‐life measures in patients with xerostomia
Authors: Baker Sarah R. , Pankhurst Caroline L. , Robinson Peter G. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract –  Objectives:  The study compared the validity of the short form of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) as measures of oral health‐related quality of life in patients with xerostomia in the UK.Methods:  A cross‐sectional comparison of OHIP14 and OIDP with measures of clinical indicators, xerostomia symptom status, speech function, global oral health ratings and psychological well‐being, in 85 patients attending outpatient clinics.Results:  Both OHIP14 and OIDP had excellent internal reliability, and good criterion and construct validity when used in this population of xerostomia patients. In regression analyses, salivary gland condition and xerostomia symptom status significantly predicted oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL), accounting for 29% and 14% of the variance in OHIP and OIDP scores respectively. In turn, OHRQoL predicted global ratings of oral health (26% of variance) and psychological well‐being (depression) scores (15%). Sex, ethnicity and age were associated with clinical presentation and patient‐reported symptoms. Clinical presentation, OHRQoL (as measured by the OIDP) and speech function were related to duration of symptoms.Conclusion:  Both OHIP14 and OIDP have good psychometric properties and appear useful measures of OHRQoL in xerostomia. Overall, the OHIP14 performed better than did OIDP. For both measures, the additive scoring method may be more relevant for this population that the number of impacts.
Botching the Balkans: Germany's Recognition of Slovenia and Croatia
Authors: Hodge Carl Cavanagh 
Published: September 2006

On December 23, 1991, the Federal Republic of Germany announced its intention to proceed with unilateral diplomatic recognition of the secessionist Yugoslav states of Croatia and Slovenia, unquestionably one of the most precipitous acts in post-Cold War Europe. With it the Bonn government in effect renounced the legitimacy of the existing Yugoslav state and pressured other European governments to do the same. Within weeks the Yugoslav federation came apart at every seam, while its civil affairs degenerated into an anarchy of armed violence as convoluted in many respects as the Thirty Years' War.In Germany's defense, it should be conceded at the outset that an alternative approach to recognition would not necessarily have produced a fundamentally more peaceful transformation of Yugoslavia. In light of the deepening political and economic cleavages with which the multinational state had been wrestling since the 1970s, the reasonable question is not whether the serial wars of the Yugoslav succession could have been avoided altogether, but whether Germany's action offered Yugoslavia and its populace the best chance for a more peaceful course of change given the circumstances. Did Bonn apply the best of its diplomatic and political brains to the issues of sovereignty, self-determination, and human rights? Were its actions morally responsible with regard to Balkan, German, and European history?
Reactivity, stability, and strength performance capacity in motor sports
Authors: Baur H , Müller S , Hirschmüller A , Huber G , Mayer F 
Published: September 2006

Background:Racing drivers require multifaceted cognitive and physical abilities in a multitasking situation. A knowledge of their physical capacities may help to improve fitness and performance.Objective:To compare reaction time, stability performance capacity, and strength performance capacity of élite racing drivers with those of age-matched, physically active controls.Methods:Eight élite racing drivers and 10 physically active controls matched for age and weight were tested in a reaction and determination test requiring upper and lower extremity responses to visual and audio cues. Further tests comprised evaluation of one-leg postural stability on a two-dimensional moveable platform, measures of maximum strength performance capacity of the extensors of the leg on a leg press, and a test of force capacity of the arms in a sitting position at a steering wheel. An additional arm endurance test consisted of isometric work at the steering wheel at +30° and −30° where an eccentric threshold load of 30 N.m was applied. Subjects had to hold the end positions above this threshold until exhaustion. Univariate one way analysis of variance (α  =  0.05) including a Bonferroni adjustment was used to detect group differences between the drivers and controls.Results:The reaction time of the racing drivers was significantly faster than the controls (p  =  0.004). The following motor reaction time and reaction times in the multiple determination test did not differ between the groups. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found for postural stability, leg extensor strength, or arm strength and endurance.Conclusions:Racing drivers have faster reaction times than age-matched physically active controls. Further development of motor sport-specific test protocols is suggested. According to the requirements of motor racing, strength and sensorimotor performance capacity can potentially be improved.
Coronary risk in a cohort of Paralympic athletes
Authors: Filho J A O , Salvetti X M , de Mello M T , da Silva A C , Filho B L 
Published: September 2006

Objective:To determine the prevalence of coronary risk factors in Paralympic athletes and evaluate their risk of coronary events.Method:An observational prospective cross sectional study of 79 consecutive Brazilian Paralympic athletes (mean (SD) age 27.8 (6.7) years (median 26 years)). There were 56 men and 23 women, 67 with physical and 12 with visual disabilities. The occurrence of systemic hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, familial antecedents, obesity, and hypertriglyceridaemia was investigated. The risk of coronary events was calculated using the American Heart AssociationCoronary risk handbook, and also the 10 year probability of a coronary event using the Framingham risk score.Results:The prevalence of risk factors was: systemic hypertension, 11%; familial antecedents, 10%; smoking, 9%; hypertriglyceridaemia, 6%; hypercholesterolaemia, 1.3%; obesity, 4%; diabetes, 0%. They occurred in 51% of the Paralympic athletes: one factor (41%), two factors (4%), and three factors (6%). The risk of coronary events was absent in 80%, slight in 17%, and moderate in 3%. This could only be evaluated in 81% of the athletes, as 8% had amputations, 9% were young, and 2% had unknown familial antecedents. The Framingham risk score ranged from −14 to +6, predicting a 10 year probability of a coronary event of 3.3 (3.8)%.Conclusion:This study shows a reasonably high prevalence of coronary risk factors (51%), despite a low probability of coronary events in Paralympic athletes. The lipid and blood pressure profiles were similar in ambulatory and wheelchair athletes.
MASSES AND INTERACTIONS OF q-FERMIONIC KNOTS
Authors: FINKELSTEIN ROBERT J. , CADAVID A. C. 
Published: September 2006

The q-electroweak theory suggests a description of elementary particles as solitons labeled by the irreducible representations of SU q(2). Since knots may also be labeled by the irreducible representations of SU q(2), we study a model of elementary particles based on a one-to-one correspondence between the four families of fermions (leptons, neutrinos, (-1/3) quarks, (2/3) quarks) and the four simplest knots (trefoils). In this model the three particles of each family are identified with the ground and first two excited states of their common trefoil. Guided by the standard electroweak theory, we calculate conditions restricting the masses of the fermions and the interactions between them. In its present form the model predicts a fourth generation of fermions as well as a neutrino spectrum. The same model with q ≅ 1 is compatible with the Kobayashi–Maskawa matrix. Depending on the test of these predictions, the model may be refined.