bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic affinities of north and northeastern populations of India: inference from HLA‐based study
Authors: Agrawal S. , Srivastava S. K. , Borkar M. , Chaudhuri T. K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIndia is like a microcosm of the world in terms of its diversity; religion, climate and ethnicity which leads to genetic variations in the populations. As a highly polymorphic marker, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system plays an important role in the genetic differentiation studies. To assess the genetic diversity of HLA class II loci, we studied a total of 1336 individuals from north India using DNA‐based techniques. The study included four endogamous castes (Kayastha, Mathurs, Rastogies and Vaishyas), two inbreeding Muslim populations (Shias and Sunnis) from north India and three northeast Indian populations (Lachung, Mech and Rajbanshi). A total of 36 alleles were observed at DRB1 locus in both Hindu castes and Muslims from north, while 21 alleles were seen in northeast Indians. At the DQA1 locus, the number of alleles ranged from 11 to 17 in the studied populations. The total number of alleles at DQB1 was 19, 12 and 20 in the studied castes, Muslims and northeastern populations, respectively. The most frequent haplotypes observed in all the studied populations were DRB1*0701‐DQA1*0201‐DQB1*0201 and DRB1*1501‐DQA1*0103‐DQB1*0601. Upon comparing our results with other world populations, we observed the presence of Caucasoid element in north Indian population. However, differential admixturing among Sunnis and Shias with the other north Indians was evident. Northeastern populations showed genetic affinity with Mongoloids from southeast Asia. When genetic distances were calculated, we found the north Indians and northeastern populations to be markedly unrelated.
HLA‐G polymorphism and transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in a Brazilian population
Authors: Castelli E. C. , Mendes‐Junior C. T. , Viana de Camargo J. L. , Donadi E. A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe morphologic appearance and clinical behavior of the human urinary bladder papillary transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) probably result from a complex interaction between carcinogenic insults and host resistance during the patient’s life. While the main recognized risk factors are of environmental origin (e.g. smoking), relatively little information exists about the susceptibility to TCC development. The human leukocyte antigen G (HLA‐G) molecule plays an important role in immune response regulation and has been implicated in the inhibition of the cytolytic function of natural killer and cytotoxic T cells. Several lines of evidence indicate that HLA‐G polymorphisms influence the expression level and production of different HLA‐G isoforms. The aim of this study was to explore a possible influence of the HLA‐G polymorphism on the susceptibility to urinary bladder TCC development and progression in smokers and nonsmokers Brazilian subjects. The HLA‐G locus was found to be associated with susceptibility to TCC development and progression. The G*0104 allelic group (specially the G*010404 allele) and the G*0103 allele were associated with a tobacco‐dependent influence on TCC development. The G*0104 group was associated with progression to high‐grade tumors, irrespective of smoking habit, while the G*0103 allele was associated to high‐grade tumor only in smoking patients. Our results are an evidence that the HLA‐G locus itself, or as part of an extended haplotype encompassing this chromosome region (particularly the HLA‐A given the high linkage disequilibrium observed between them in this data series), may be associated with TCC susceptibility and tumor progression, suggesting a tobacco‐dependent influence of these polymorphisms.
A Taqman assay for high‐throughput genotyping of the multiple sclerosis‐associated HLA‐DRB1*1501 allele
Authors: Goris A. , Walton A. , Ban M. , Dubois B. , Compston A. , Sawcer S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1*1501 allele has long been established as the main genetic risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS), and it therefore follows that stratification of study populations for this allele could aid in the identification of novel susceptibility genes and/or in establishing interactions. To this end, we have developed a simple Taqman‐based assay allowing cost‐efficient medium‐throughput HLA‐DRB1*1501 genotyping. We have validated this assay in 444 trio families with MS and 1066 individuals from the UK 1958 birth cohort (3908 independent chromosomes). In this validation cohort, the correlation coefficient (r2) between rs3135388*A and HLA‐DRB1*1501 was >0.94. Subsequently, applying the assay to a group of MS patients and controls from Belgium confirmed the association of HLA‐DRB1*1501 and MS in this population (P = 5 × 10−21).
Stable public goods cooperation and dynamic social interactions in yeast
Authors: CRAIG MACLEAN R. , BRANDON C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDespite long‐standing theoretical interest in the evolution of cooperation, empirical data on the evolutionary dynamics of cooperative traits remain limited. Here, we investigate the evolutionary dynamics of a simple public goods cooperative trait, invertase secretion, using a long‐term selection experiment in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We show that average investment in cooperation remains essentially constant over a period of hundreds of generations in viscous populations with high relatedness. Average cooperation remains constant despite transient local selection for high and low levels of cooperation that generate dynamic social interactions. Natural populations of yeast show similar variation in social strategies, which is consistent with the existence of similar selective pressures on public goods cooperation in nature.
Identification of Malassezia species from pityriasis versicolor in Indonesia and its relationship with clinical characteristics
Authors: Krisanty Roro Inge Ade , Bramono Kusmarinah , Made Wisnu I. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryPityriasis versicolor (PV) is a chronic superficial fungal disease caused by Malassezia spp. The incidence is as high as 30–40% in tropical climates. Previous studies indicate that the geographic factor has influence on the main species isolated from PV. Our aim was to identify Malassezia spp. from PV patients in Indonesia and their correlation to clinical characteristics. Isolates of Malassezia were collected from 98 PV patients (62 males and 36 females). Identification was based on morphological observation and biochemical evaluation. Leeming Notman agar was used as isolation culture medium. The biochemical evaluation consisted of specimen culture onto Sabouraud dextrose agar, Cremophor EL, Esculin, Dixon’s agar at 37 °C and catalase reaction. The isolates found were Malasseziafurfur (42.9%), M. sympodialis (27.5%), M. globosa (13.3%), M. slooffiae (7.7%), M. obtusa (7.7%) and M. restricta (2.2%), and 7.14% specimens were unidentified. There was no statistically significant association between Malassezia spp. and demographic characteristics and clinical characteristics of the patients. Unlike reports from temperate climate countries, this study in Indonesia found M. furfur as the most frequently isolated Malassezia spp. in PV patients.
Covered expandable nitinol stents for malignant gastroduodenal obstructions
Authors: Seo Eun H , Jung Min K , Park Min J , Park Kwan S , Jeon Seong W , Cho Chang M , Tak Won Y , Kweon Young O , Kim Sung K , Choi Yong H 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical effectiveness, safety, and outcome associated with the use of covered expandable Nitinol stents (Taewoong Medical, Seoul, Korea) for the treatment of malignant gastroduodenal obstructions.Methods:  Between March 2001 and October 2004, covered expandable Nitinol stents were placed in 68 consecutive patients under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance for the following reasons: gastric carcinoma (n = 49), recurrent carcinoma after partial gastrectomy (n = 7), or another malignant neoplasm involving the duodenum (n = 12).Results:  Technical success was achieved in 60 of the 68 patients (88.2%). After stent placement, mean dysphagia score improved from a mean of 3.5 to 1.2 (P < 0.001). The mean period of primary stent patency was 107.2 days. During follow up (mean 4.4 months; range, 1–15 months), major complications (migration [6], bleeding [3], perforation [1], ingrowth [1], overgrowth [7], fistula [1]) occurred in 19 patients (27.9%), and stent migration occurred in six (8.8%) (proximal migration into the stomach [n = 3], or distal migration [n = 3]). Recurrent dysphagia (mainly due to tumor ingrowth/overgrowth) occurred in eight patients (11.8%).Conclusion:  Covered expandable Nitinol stents appear to offer an effective and feasible palliative therapy in patients with a malignant gastroduodenal obstruction.
Erythropoietin promotes hepatic regeneration after extended liver resection in rats
Authors: Schmeding Maximilian , Boas‐Knoop Sabine , Lippert Steffen , Ruehl Martin , Somasundaram Radjan , Dagdelen Tarkan , Neuhaus Peter , Neumann Ulf P 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  It has been proven in various animal studies that recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) protects renal, cardiac and neuronal, as well as hepatic, tissue from ischemia, and promotes regeneration of adult central nervous system neurons. To date, no data are available as to whether rHuEPO has the ability to stimulate liver regeneration after liver resection.Methods:  Rats undergoing 70% or 90% hepatectomy received an intraportalvenous administration (i.p.) of rHuEPO prior to resection or a subcutaneous injection (s.c.) for 3 days postoperatively, control animals were treated with surgery and saline injection only. Regeneration capacity of remnant livers was studied over 7 days by histology and immunohistochemistry (Ki‐67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA]). Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to measure transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β), hypoxia induced factor (HIF), signal transducing activator 3 and vascular endothelial growth factor.Results:  Ten‐day survival in rats undergoing 90% hepatectomy significantly increased in i.p.‐pretreated animals. After 70% hepatectomy the mitotic index was significantly increased in both rHuEPO‐treated groups. These data were confirmed by PCNA and Ki‐67 expression, which was significantly increased in the treated groups 24 h and 2 days after liver resection. TGF‐β and HIF mRNA both were upregulated in control animals 3 h after surgery.Conclusion:  rHuEPO effectively increased liver regeneration in rats after 70% liver resection and enhanced survival after 90% hepatectomy. Thus, rHuEPO may increase the regenerative capacity after major hepatectomy.
Clinical features predicting the detection of abnormalities by double balloon endoscopy in patients with suspected small bowel bleeding
Authors: Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Chung Jun‐Won , Choi Kee Don , Choi Kwi‐Sook , Kim Benjamin , Myung Seung‐Jae , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Kim Jin‐Ho 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Although double balloon endoscopy (DBE) has demonstrated a high diagnostic yield in suspected small bowel bleeding, it is not known whether DBE is of equal value to all patients with suspected small bowel bleeding or of greater benefit in selected subgroups. We aimed to determine whether any clinical features predict an increased likelihood of finding a lesion in patients with suspected small bowel bleeding.Methods:  We retrospectively analyzed clinical features of 43 consecutive patients (M : F = 26:17, age 13–82 years) who underwent DBE because of suspected small bowel bleeding. Data associated with DBE procedure were collected prospectively. Predictive factors for the detection of a lesion were determined by comparison of clinical features between patients with positive DBE findings and those with negative findings.Results:  Potential bleeding sources were discovered in 30 patients (69.8%) out of 43. Duration of bleeding was longer in patients with positive DBE findings than in those with negative findings (195 ± 311 vs 18 ± 17 days, P = 0.015). Number of bleeding episodes was higher in patients with positive DBE findings (2.2 ± 1.2 vs 1.3 ± 0.5, P = 0.011). The odds ratio for the detection of bleeding focus on DBE for patients with two or more bleeding episodes, relative to those with only one current bleeding episode was 5.67 (95% CI: 1.12–28.81, P = 0.036) in multivariate analysis.Conclusion:  DBE may be the most useful in patients with suspected small bowel bleeding if they have a history of frequent bleeding episodes over a long period.
Clinical significance of minimal change lesions of the esophagus in a healthy Korean population: A nationwide multi‐center prospective study
Authors: Lee Jun Haeng , Kim Nayoung , Chung Il Kwun , Jo Yun‐Ju , Seo Geom Seog , Kim Sang Wook , Im Eui Hyeog , Kim Hye Rang , Park Soo Hyun , Lee So‐Young , Cha Hyun‐Min , Lee Kyoung Soo , Hyun Dong Hyo , Kim Hyun Young , Kim Sun‐Mi , Shin Jeong Eun , Park Soo‐Heon , Chung Hyun Chae , Chung In‐Sik ,   The H. pylori and GERD Study Group of Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  At least half of the patients with typical reflux symptoms have non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD). Minimal change lesions are commonly seen in the screening endoscopic examinations for individuals without clinically significant symptoms. We evaluated the correlation between minimal changes and symptoms in individuals visiting the hospital for routine health check‐up by a nationwide survey in 2006.Methods:  Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examinations as a health check‐up were performed for 25 536 patients. Among them, symptom questionnaires were given in 23 350 patients without mucosal break or Barrett's esophagus. Endoscopic findings of the lower esophagus were divided into normal or minimal changes. Minimal changes in the present study included white turbid discoloration and Z‐line blurring.Results:  Among a total of 25 536 subjects, reflux esophagitis was found in 2019 subjects (7.91%) and 3043 patients (11.9%) were classified as having minimal changes. History of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was more commonly found in individuals with minimal changes. Among the reflux‐related symptoms, heartburn, acid regurgitation, globus sensation, and epigastric soreness were related to the minimal changes of the esophagus. Especially, individuals with globus sensation or epigastric soreness were more likely to have minimal changes compared to individuals without respective symptoms. Male gender, current smoker, history of H. pylori eradication, frequent stooping at work, hiatal hernia, and atrophic/metaplastic gastritis were found to be risk factors for minimal changes.Conclusion:  The minimal changes were closely related with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and had similar risk factors for GERD, suggesting that minimal changes could be considered as early endoscopic findings of GERD.
Comparison of insulin analogue regimens in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the PREFER Study: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liebl A. , Prager R. , Binz K. , Kaiser M. , Bergenstal R. , Gallwitz B. ,   PREFER Study Group
Published: July 2008

Aims:  Insulin analogues are widely used but few data exist comparing different analogue regimens. We compared two such regimens in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) uncontrolled by oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) with or without basal insulin.Methods:  In a 26‐week multinational, multicentre, randomized treat‐to‐target trial, OADs were discontinued and subjects randomized to analogue basal–bolus therapy (insulin detemir once daily and insulin aspart mealtimes) or biphasic insulin aspart 30 (30% rapid‐acting insulin aspart), twice daily. Insulin was titrated to targets for fasting, predinner and postprandial plasma glucose (PG), as appropriate.Results:  Of 719 subjects, 92% completed the study; 58% achieved haemoglobin fraction A1c (HbA1c) ≤7.0%, with reductions of 1.56% (to 6.96%) with basal–bolus therapy and 1.23% (to 7.17%) with biphasic insulin aspart. Reduction with basal–bolus therapy was superior in the overall population by 0.23% (p = 0.0052), with no difference between regimens in insulin‐naive patients. Major hypoglycaemia occurred in five basal–bolus patients (0.9%) and in no patients with biphasic insulin aspart. Incidence of minor hypoglycaemia was similar in both groups. All insulin doses increased during titration, with increase in lunchtime insulin aspart dose and equal distribution of breakfast and dinner biphasic insulin aspart doses. Insulin detemir remained once daily in 87% of patients.Conclusions:  Modern insulin analogue regimens, adjusted to PG targets, enable a majority of people with T2DM to reach HbA1c≤7.0% after failure of OADs and OAD‐basal insulin therapy. Insulin‐treated patients may benefit more from transfer to analogue basal–bolus therapy, while insulin‐naive individuals benefit equally well from the more convenient biphasic analogue regimen.
Regulation of adipose triglyceride lipase by rosiglitazone
Authors: Liu L.‐F. , Purushotham A. , Wendel A. A. , Koba K. , DeIuliis J. , Lee K , Belury M. A. 
Published: July 2008

Aim:  To elucidate the mechanism by which rosiglitazone regulates adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL).Methods:  Male C57Bl/6 mice were treated with rosiglitazone daily (10 mg/kg body weight), and adipose tissues were weighed and preserved for mRNA and protein analysis of ATGL. In parallel, preadipocyte (3T3‐L1) cells were differentiated with insulin/dexamethasone/3‐isobutyl‐1‐methlxanthine cocktail or rosiglitazone, and ATGL levels were measured with real‐time PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results:  Rosiglitazone concomitantly promoted differentiation of pre‐adipocytes to functional adipocytes and induced mRNA levels of ATGL. The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) antagonist bisphenol A diglycidyl ether significantly abrogated the induction of mRNA, but not protein levels of ATGL by rosiglitazone in differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. In the presence of epinephrine rosiglitazone stimulated free fatty acid release and increased diacylglycerol acyltransferase‐1 (DGAT‐1) mRNA suggest that ATGL and DGAT‐1 may be cooperatively involved in rosiglitazone‐stimulated triglyceride hydrolysis and fatty acid re‐esterification in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. Treatment of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes with rosiglitazone or insulin did not appear to alter localization of ATGL staining surrounding lipid droplets. Finally, we found that rosiglitazone increased ATGL mRNA levels in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes in the presence of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, suggesting that rosiglitazone regulation of ATGL occurs at the transcriptional level.Conclusions:  Rosiglitazone directly regulates transcription of ATGL, likely through a PPARγ‐mediated mechanism.
Asymétrie d'information, Litiges et Bien‐être social dans le cadre d'un contrat de Partenariat Public/Privé: Le cas de la construction d'infrastructures d'intérêt public en Afrique
Authors: Founanou Mathurin 
Published: July 2008

Résumé:  Dans cet article, nous analysons la structure des contrats optimaux de partenariat Public/Privé concernant la construction d'infrastructures d'intérêt public. Nous considérons une forme générale de contrat incitatif comportant un paiement ex‐post qui dépend du coût du projet observé et d'un prix fixe. Lorsque l'opérateur du projet peut influencer le résultat ex‐post par une action non observable par le partenaire public, il existe un risque de litiges concernant le coût observé ex‐post. On montre que, le contrat optimal réalise un arbitrage entre deux effets: aléa moral et partage du risque. Les mécanismes réalisables en présence ou en absence de litiges sont caractérisés. En cas de litige, le contrat à prix fixe peut être inférieur à un contrat à remboursement de coût. Ce résultat entre en contradiction avec le résultat bien connu selon lequel, en incitant l'agent à exercer un effort de réduction du coût, un contrat à prix fixe domine le contrat à remboursement du coût.Abstract:  In this article, we analyzes the optimal structure of public/private partnership agreements, in cases where these contracts concern the construction of economic infrastructure. We consider a form of incentive contract stipulating rules of payment based on the ex post value, which are calculated based on the observed costs of the project and a fixed price. In cases where a private contractor can influence the final cost of a project by an action unobservable by the principal, there is a risk that a dispute will arise concerning the project's observable cost. We show that, the optimal contract establish a balance between moral hazard and risk sharing. We derive the feasible mechanisms, either in the presence or absence of litigation. In litigation contest, a fixed‐price contract may be inferior to a cost‐plus contract. This result stands in contrast to the well‐established finding that, in providing incentive for the agent to engage in cost‐reducing effort, a fixed‐price contract dominates a cost‐plus contract.
PATIENT AUTONOMY, ASSESSMENT OF COMPETENCE AND SURROGATE DECISION‐MAKING: A CALL FOR REASONABLENESS IN DECIDING FOR OTHERS
Authors: BÆRØE KRISTINE 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTIn this paper, I address some of the shortcomings of established clinical ethics centring on personal autonomy and consent and what I label the Doctrine of Respecting Personal Autonomy in Healthcare. I discuss two implications of this doctrine: 1) the practice for treating patients who are considered to have borderline decision‐making competence and 2) the practice of surrogate decision‐making in general. I argue that none of these practices are currently aligned with respectful treatment of vulnerable individuals. Because of ‘structural arbitrariness’ in the whole process of how we assess decision‐making competence, this area is open to disrespectful treatment of people. The practice of surrogate decision‐ making on the basis of a single person's judgment is arguably not consistent with ethical and political requirements derived from the doctrine itself. In response to the inadequacies of the doctrine, I suggest a framework for reasonableness in surrogate decision‐making which might allow practice to avoid the problems above. I conclude by suggesting an extended concept of Patient Autonomy which integrates both personal autonomy and the regulative idea of morality that is required by reasonableness in deciding for non‐competent others.
Temporal correlation of the memory deficit with Alzheimer‐like lesions induced by activation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhang Jun‐Xia , Du Xiao‐Xia , Zhao Li , Tian Qing , Zhu Ling‐Qiang , Wang Shao‐Hui , Wang Jian‐Zhi 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe have reported that activation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) by ventricle injection of wortmannin (WT) and GF‐109203X (GFX) induces Alzheimer‐like memory deficit in rats [Liuet al.,J. Neurochem.87 (2003), 1333]. To further explore the factors responsible for the memory loss, we studied here the temporal alterations of GSK‐3, tau phosphorylation, β‐amyloid (Aβ), and acetylcholine (ACh) after injection of WT/GFX, and analyzed their correlation with the memory loss. We observed that the severe memory deficit occurred at 24 and 48 h, and simultaneously, GSK‐3 activation, tau hyperphosphorylation at Thr231, Ser396, and Ser404 and decline of ACh in hippocampus were detected, and these changes were mostly recovered at 72 and 96 h after the injection of WT/GFX. Remarkable increase of Aβ and intracellular accumulation of argentophilic substances were detected at 72 h. Pearson analysis showed that the memory deficit was correlated with GSK‐3 activation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and decline of ACh but not with Aβ overproduction. Our data provide direct evidence demonstrating that activation of GSK‐3 by WT/GFX may cause memory deficit through tau hyperphosphorylation and suppression of ACh in hippocampus.