bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural characterization of the skin glycosaminoglycans in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum
Authors: Maccari Francesca , Volpi Nicola 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground  Complex polysaccharides, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), their amount, and fine structure were determined in the skin (epidermis + dermis) of pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE)‐affected patients in comparison with healthy subjects.Methods  Nonlesional skin GAGs were extracted and specifically determined by enzymatic treatment and high‐performance liquid chromatography separation.Results  Dermatan sulfate (DS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were found to be the major GAG species in normal subjects, with contents of approximately 20% for DS and 58% for HA. The chondroitin sulfate (CS) content (unsaturated six‐sulfated disaccharide) was approximately 21%. Skin from patients with PXE showed similar HA (61%), DS (22%), and CS (16.7%) contents. No change in the total charge density or nonsulfated/sulfated GAG ratio was noted in PXE‐affected subjects, and no modification of the position of the sulfate groups (4s/6s) on the CS/DS backbone. A significant increase (approximately 88%; P < 0.01) in the total amount of GAGs (HA + DS + CS) was found in the PXE group vs. normal subjects, however.Conclusions  In the skin of PXE‐affected patients, the altered metabolic processes produce an increase in the total amount of GAGs able to accumulate salts, in particular calcium ions, within the elastic fibers, producing ion precipitates that affect the organization of the matrix fiber.
Association of serotonin transporter gene‐linked polymorphic region and variable number of tandem repeat polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene in lichen simplex chronicus patients with psychiatric status
Authors: Kirtak Necmettin , Inaloz H. Serhat , Akçali Cenk , Erdal Emin , Herken Hasan , Yildirim Mehmet , Erguven H. Gulcin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground  The serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine; 5‐HT) is a key neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and a responsible mediator for the itch. Dysregulation of serotonergic pathways has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many complex neuropsychiatric diseases.Objectives  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between lichen simplex chronicus and dysfunction and serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) gene polymorphism.Methods  Thirty‐nine patients with lichen simplex chronicus and 61 healthy control subjects were examined.Results  The results for the patients and control subjects were not significantly different (P > 0.05) in long/long (L/L) and long/short (L/S) genotypes of 5‐HTT gene‐linked polymorphic region (HTTLPR) polymorphism, but short/short S/S genotype was lower in lichen simplex chronicus patients (17.9%) than in controls (42.6%). This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.028). The results for the patients and control subjects were not significantly different in 12/12, 10/12 and 10/10 genotypes of variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism (P > 0.05).Beck depression inventory (BDI) scores and symptom checklist‐90‐revised (SCL‐90) psychotic subscale were overrepresented significantly in the 12/12 genotypes than 10/12 genotypes. State and Trait Anxiety Inventory tests (STAI‐I and ‐II) point averages were not statistically significant (P > 0.05)Conclusion  S/S genotypes of HTTLPR polymorphism in the 5‐HTT gene may be related to lichen simplex chronicus and that patients who have 12/12 genotypes of VNTR polymorphism may be affected psychiatrically.
Differentiation of CD24− pancreatic ductal cell‐derived cells into insulin‐secreting cells
Authors: Wang Chun‐You , Gou Shan‐Miao , Liu Tao , Wu He‐Shui , Xiong Jiong‐Xin , Zhou Feng , Tao Jing 
Published: September 2008

Pancreatic progenitor cells represent both a potential source of transplantable islets for the treatment of diabetes and a valuable instrument for the investigation of the tumorigenesis of pancreatic carcinoma. It has been reported that pancreatic ductal cells of adults have the characteristics of pancreatic progenitors, but whether these cells can generate endocrine cells requires verification. Here, the differentiation of daughter cells of CD24− pancreatic ductal cells into insulin‐secreting cells in vitro is reported. Crude pancreatic ductal cells were first obtained from adult mice by gradient centrifugation, and then the CD24− cells were isolated with a fluorescence‐activated cell sorter. The isolated cells were cultured in serum‐containing medium at clonal density to form epithelial colonies (ECs). The ECs were then stimulated with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). After 72 h, insulin‐secreting cells were observed in the ECs. These results indicate that the daughter cells of CD24− pancreatic ductal cells can differentiate into insulin‐secreting cells in vitro when stimulated with exogenous bFGF. Therefore, CD24− pancreatic ductal cells have the potential to be pancreatic progenitor cells.
Two‐year pilot study of newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperlasia in New South Wales compared with nationwide case surveillance in Australia
Authors: Gleeson Helena K , Wiley Veronica , Wilcken Bridget , Elliott Elizabeth , Cowell Christopher , Thonsett Michael , Byrne Geoffrey , Ambler Geoffrey 
Published: September 2008

Aim:  To assess the benefits and practicalities of setting up a newborn screening (NBS) program in Australia for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) through a 2 year pilot screening in ACT/NSW and comparing with case surveillance in other states.Methods:  The pilot newborn screening occurred between 1/10/95 and 30/9/97 in NSW/ACT. Concurrently, case reporting for all new CAH cases occurred through the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) across Australia. Details of clinical presentation, re‐sampling and laboratory performance were assessed.Results:  185,854 newborn infants were screened for CAH in NSW/ACT. Concurrently, 30 cases of CAH were reported to APSU, twelve of which were from NSW/ACT. CAH incidence was 1 in 15 488 (screened population) vs 1 in 18,034 births (unscreened) (difference not significant). Median age of initial notification was day 8 with confirmed diagnosis at 13(5–23) days in the screened population vs 16(7–37) days in the unscreened population (not significant). Of the 5 clinically unsuspected males in the screened population, one had mild salt‐wasting by the time of notification, compared with salt‐wasting crisis in all 6 males from the unscreened population. 96% of results were reported by day 10. Resampling was requested in 637 (0.4%) and median re‐sampling delay was 11(0–28) days with higher resample rates in males (p < 0.0001). The within‐laboratory cost per case of clinically unsuspected cases was A$42 717.Conclusion:  There seems good justification for NBS for CAH based on clear prevention of salt‐wasting crises and their potential long‐term consequences. Also, prospects exist for enhancing screening performance.
The population distributions, upper normal limits and correlations between liver tests among Australian adolescents
Authors: George Jacob , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth , Okely Anthony D , Hardy Louise L , Aitken Robert 
Published: September 2008

Aim:  Relatively little is known about the results of liver tests among adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe the distributions of liver tests, to identify the upper normal limits (UNLs) and to describe the correlations among liver tests.Methods:  Overnight fasting blood samples were collected from a representative population sample of 500 Grade 10 students (15 years old) attending schools in Sydney, Australia. Weight, height and waist girth were measured. UNLs were calculated for each enzyme as the 95th percentiles of the healthy body mass index category, after excluding those with high blood pressure, elevated low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (≥3.4 mmol/L) or triglyceride concentration (≥2.25 mmol/L) (n = 246). The distributions of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ‐glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were described, UNLs were identified and the correlations between enzyme concentrations were described.Results:  The UNLs for ALT were 32 and 20 U/L; for GGT, 24 and 19 U/L; for AST, 33 and 26 U/L; and for ALP, 385 and 183 U/L, for boys and girls, respectively. ALT concentration was strongly correlated with GGT and AST (r = 0.5–0.6). Neither ALT nor GGT concentrations were correlated with ALP concentration, but AST concentration was moderately correlated with ALP concentration.Conclusions:  These data are valuable in defining the distributions of liver tests, normal liver test ranges and relationships between liver tests among adolescents.
Does epilepsy occur more frequently in children with Type 1 diabetes?
Authors: O'Connell Michele A , Harvey A Simon , Mackay Mark T , Cameron Fergus J 
Published: September 2008

Aim:  Hypoglycaemic seizures are common in children with diabetes and electroencephalogram abnormalities are well recognised in this patient group. Elevated antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase, a major auto‐antigen in Type 1 diabetes, are also implicated in a number of neurological disorders. Despite these associations, the question of whether children with diabetes are more prone to epilepsy, possibly as a result of lowered seizure threshold, has not been previously studied. We aimed to determine the prevalence and type of epilepsy in a large paediatric diabetes clinic.Methods:  An audit by chart review was carried out at the Diabetes Clinic at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Clinical, demographical, biochemical, EEG and neuro‐imaging data were recorded.Results:  Of 1384 children and adolescents aged 0–19 years with Type 1 diabetes, we identified 12 with active epilepsy (prevalence of 8.7/1000), the majority of whom had idiopathic generalised epilepsy and benign focal epilepsy of childhood. These findings are similar to those in the general population.Conclusion:  Childhood epilepsy is no more frequently encountered in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes than in the general paediatric population.
Use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire to predict outcome after hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy in the neonate
Authors: Lindsay Natalie M , Healy Genevieve N , Colditz Paul B , Lingwood Barbara E 
Published: September 2008

Background:  Infants who suffer hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) at birth are at increased risk of developmental disability. In this at‐risk population, reliable, inexpensive and early identification of those children who are likely to require formal developmental assessment and intervention is needed.Aim:  To evaluate the ability of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to detect developmentally delayed children in an Australian population of infants who suffered HIE at birth.Methods:  Fifty‐five children who survived HIE were followed until 12–14 months of age. Test characteristics were calculated to examine the ability of the ASQ to appropriately identify developmentally delayed infants against this study's ‘gold standard’: the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II.Results:  Comparing the ASQ with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, the questionnaire had the following test characteristics: sensitivity 92%, specificity 95%, positive predictive value 92%, negative predictive value 95% when used to detect severe developmental delay; and sensitivity 67%, specificity 93%, positive predictive value 92%, negative predictive value 68% when used to detect both severe and mild developmental delay. However, the ASQ used at standard cut‐offs failed to detect any of the children with mild delay.Conclusions:  The ASQ is extremely effective for the detection of severe developmental delay in children who have suffered HIE at birth. Its capacity to identify those with milder delay is limited. The ability of the test to detect only those with severe developmental delay means that the ASQ is of little value as a screening tool in this population.
Biology of the European large raspberry aphid (Amphorophora idaei): its role in virus transmission and resistance breakdown in red raspberry
Authors: McMenemy Lindsay S. , Mitchell Carolyn , Johnson Scott N. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract1 The European large raspberry aphid Amphorophora idaei Börner is the most important vector of viral diseases afflicting commercially grown red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) in Northern Europe, with European raspberry production amounting to 416 000 tonnes per annum. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on its biology and interactions with other organisms, including its host plant and the viral pathogens it vectors.2 Information about trophic interactions with other insect herbivores and natural enemies is reviewed. Vine weevils Otiorhynchus sulcatus compromise aphid resistance in some raspberry cultivars, increasing A. idaei abundance by 80%. Parasitoids show mixed success in parasitizing A. idaei, although Aphidius ervi attack rates more than doubled when A. idaei fed on a partially susceptible raspberry cultivar, compared with a resistant variety. These findings are discussed in the context of potential biological control as part of an integrated pest and disease management framework.3 Amphorophora idaei transmits four known viruses: Black raspberry necrosis virus, Raspberry leaf mottle virus, Raspberry leaf spot virus and Rubus yellow net virus, with A. idaei taking as little as 2 min to transmit some viruses.4 Existing control strategies, including resistant cultivars, insecticides and eradication of disease from parent plants, are described. In particular, strong selection pressures have resulted in A. idaei overcoming genetic resistance in many raspberry cultivars and most insecticides are now ineffective.5 Future directions for the sustained control of A. idaei are suggested, taking into consideration the possible effects of climate change and also changes in agronomic practices in U.K. agriculture.
Structural alignment of 18S and 28S rDNA sequences provides insights into phylogeny of Phytophaga (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea and Chrysomeloidea)
Authors: Marvaldi Adriana E. , Duckett Catherine N. , Kjer Karl M. , Gillespie Joseph J. 
Published: September 2008

We performed a comparative study of partial rDNA sequences from a variety of Coleoptera taxa to construct an annotated alignment based on secondary structure information, which in turn, provides improved rRNA structure models useful for phylogenetic reconstruction. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis was performed to test monophyly and interfamilial relationships of the megadiverse plant feeding beetle group known as ‘Phytophaga’ (Curculionoidea and Chrysomeloidea), as well as to discover their closest relatives among the Cucujiformia. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses were performed based on the structural alignment of segments of 18S rRNA (variable regions V4‐V5, V7‐V9) and 28S rRNA (expansion segment D2). A total of 104 terminal taxa of Coleoptera were included: 96 species of Cucujiformia beetles, representing the families and most ‘subfamilies’ of weevils and chrysomeloids (Phytophaga), as well as several families of Cleroidea, Tenebrionoidea and Cucujoidea, and eight outgroups from three other polyphagan series: Scarabaeiformia, Elateriformia and Bostrichiformia. The results from the different methods of analysis agree — recovering the monophyly of the ‘Phytophaga’, including Curculionoidea and Chrysomeloidea as sister groups. The curculionoid and chrysomeloid phylogeny recovered from the aligned 18S and 28S rDNA segments, which is independent of morphological data, is in agreement with recent hypotheses or concepts based on morphological evidence, particularly with respect to familial relationships. Our results provide clues about the evolutionary origin of the phytophagan beetles within the megaclade Cucujiformia, suggesting that the sister group of ‘Curculionoidea + Chrysomeloidea’ is a clade of the ‘Cucujoidea’, represented in this study by species in Boganiidae, Erotylidae, Nitidulidae, Cucujidae and Silvanidae. The Coccinellidae and Endomychidae are not grouped with the latter, and the remaining terminal taxa are nested in Tenebrionoidea and Cleroidea. We propose that the combination of structurally aligned ribosomal RNA gene regions 18S (V4‐V5, V7‐V9) and 28S (D2) are useful in testing monophyly and resolving relationships among beetle superfamilies and families.
Identifying unreliable informants: do children excuse past inaccuracy?
Authors: Nurmsoo Erika , Robinson Elizabeth J. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract In three experiments (N = 123; 148; 28), children observed a video in which two speakers offered alternative labels for unfamiliar objects. In Experiment 1, 3‐ to 5‐year‐olds endorsed the label given by a speaker who had previously labeled familiar objects accurately, rather than that given by a speaker with a history of inaccurate labeling, even when the inaccurate speaker erred only while blindfolded. In Experiments 2 and 3, 3‐ to 7‐year‐olds showed no preference for the label given by a previously inaccurate but blindfolded speaker, over that given by a second inaccurate speaker with no obvious excuse for erring. Children based their endorsements on speakers’ history of accuracy or inaccuracy irrespective of the speakers’ information access at the time, raising doubts that children made mentalistic interpretations of speakers’ inaccuracy.
The coding‐synonymous polymorphism rs1045280 (Ser280Ser) in β‐arrestin 2 (ARRB2) gene is associated with tardive dyskinesia in Chinese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Liou Y.‐J. , Wang Y.‐C. , Chen J.‐Y. , Chen M.‐L. , Chen T.‐T. , Bai Y.‐M. , Lin C.‐C. , Liao D.‐L. , Lai I.‐C. 
Published: September 2008

Background:  Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a severe and potentially irreversible adverse effect of long‐term antipsychotic treatment. Typical antipsychotics are commonly binding to the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), but the occurrence of antipsychotic‐induced TD is rather delayed; therefore, the development of TD may be associated with mediators or signalling complexes behind DRD2, such as β‐arrestin 2 (ARRB2), an important mediator between DRD2 and serine–threonine protein kinase (AKT) signal cascade.Methods:  A case–control study to evaluate the association between rs1045280 (Ser280Ser) and antipsychotic‐induced TD was performed amongst 381 patients (TD/non‐TD = 228/153).Results:  There was a significant difference in the genotype distribution between TD and non‐TD groups (P = 0.025); furthermore, the allelic analysis indicated that patients with T allele had increased risk of TD occurrence (ORT = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.14–2.19, P = 0.007).Conclusions:  To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting a positive association between the SNP rs1045280 and TD in schizophrenic patients.
Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E deficiency in Friedreich’s ataxia: predictor of efficacy of vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 therapy
Authors: Cooper J. M. , Korlipara L. V. P. , Hart P. E. , Bradley J. L. , Schapira A. H. V. 
Published: September 2008

Background and purpose:  A pilot study of high dose coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)/vitamin E therapy in Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) patients resulted in significant clinical improvements in most patients. This study investigated the potential for this treatment to modify clinical progression in FRDA in a randomized double blind trial.Methods:  Fifty FRDA patients were randomly divided into high or low dose CoQ10/ vitamin E groups. The change in International Co‐operative Ataxia Ratings Scale (ICARS) was assessed over 2 years as the primary end‐point. A post hoc analysis was made using cross‐sectional data.Results:  At baseline serum CoQ10 and vitamin E levels were significantly decreased in the FRDA patients (P < 0.001). During the trial CoQ10 and vitamin E levels significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.01). The primary and secondary end‐points were not significantly different between the therapy groups. When compared to cross‐sectional data 49% of all patients demonstrated improved ICARS scores. This responder group had significantly lower baseline serum CoQ10 levels.Conclusions:  A high proportion of FRDA patients have a decreased serum CoQ10 level which was the best predictor of a positive clinical response to CoQ10/vitamin E therapy. Low and high dose CoQ10/vitamin E therapies were equally effective in improving ICARS scores.
Participation of seniors in the Argentinian labour market: An option value model*
Authors: Alós Marcelo , Apella Ignacio , Grushka Carlos , Muiños Marcelo 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe aim of this article is to define the factors which determine seniors' decisions to continue to participate in the labour market in Argentina. An option value model is developed. This model is used to produce estimates based on micro‐data drawn from household surveys. These indicate the relative importance of the impact of conditions governing eligibility for benefits on decisions to remain actively employed. Work history is found to be the main factor in such decisions. Inadequacy of social security benefits and accumulated human capital also create incentives for economic participation in old age. On the basis of these findings, compensatory policy adjustments, to improve coverage, increase benefit levels and improve employment conditions for seniors, are proposed.
Disability benefits and workers with HIV/AIDS: Coverage issues and challenges in the United Republic of Tanzania
Authors: Ackson Tulia 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper explores the effective non‐availability of disability/invalidity benefits to formal sector employees with HIV/AIDS in the United Republic of Tanzania. The legal difficulty of establishing a direct connection between HIV/AIDS and employment injury and occupational diseases present a challenge to social security institutions and schemes which are simultaneously trying to come to grips with the mounting problems of the shrinkage of the formal sector and low coverage. Remedial policy responses are proposed. These identify the statutory and legal adjustments needed both to ensure convergence of eligibility criteria for invalidity benefit claims among the concerned institutions, and to ensure that qualifying conditions are both consistent and in line with contemporary approaches to disbility. The suggested adjustments would simplify and clarify eligibility criteria in cases of invalidity involving existing scheme members, potentially also allowing for a future expansion of benefit coverage better to reflect labour market realities.
Between labour market and retirement pension — flexible transition as a new paradigm for ageing societies?
Authors: Bredt Stephan 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIncreasing the pensionable age due to rising life expectancy meets strong political resistance. For health and labour market reasons it will always be impossible for some to achieve full pension eligibility directly from employment. Even if early retirement options are not restricted the scope for an accumulation of earnings to fund an early pension is often narrowly defined. Consequently, it is impossible for early retirees to compensate for the reductions in the pension they receive. Contrary to the general tendency to increase the pensionable age an alternative reform proposal is currently under discussion in German social policy circles. This involves free choice of retirement at age 60; unlimited accumulation of additional pension entitlements whilst earning; actuarial deductions for early retirement; and consideration of life expectancy in making adjustments to pension awards. This solution relieves the public pension system financially, raises the attractiveness of senior citizens on the labour market, offers the opportunity for a self‐determined transition from work to retirement and reduces political resistance to pension reform. The effect on the labour market for senior citizens remains to be examined.