bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for linkage and association between autoimmune thyroid diseases and the 18q12–q21 region in a large Tunisian family
Authors: Hadj Kacem H. , Rebai A. , Kaffel N. , Abid M. , Ayadi H. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryMany studies have shown linkage between IDDM6 locus on 18q12–q21 chromosome and several autoimmune diseases, suggesting that it might harbour susceptibility genes common to autoimmunity. Using 12 families deriving from a large Tunisian multiplex family (the Akr family) from which 38 people were affected with autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), and 193 unrelated AITD patients, tested against 100 healthy subjects, we tried to replicate the positive results previously reported for the IDDM6. Akr members were genotyped with eight microsatellite markers harbouring the IDDM6 region. Multipoint non‐parametric linkage analysis have shown a clear peak values of NPL score around D18S41 marker (Z = 3.72, P = 0.0001). Family‐based association test (FBAT) and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) have confirmed linkage results. In particular, a significant association with allele 3 of D18S41 and allele 2 of D18S57 markers was found. Case–control studies, using one intragenic microsatellite (locus CTG18.1) marker in the immunoglobulin transcription factor (ITF2) gene, a 5′ flanking AC repeat of the anti‐apoptotic BCL‐2 gene as well as two SNPs at positions +52 and +1955 from transcription start site of BCL‐2, showed no significant association between neither genes and AITD. Our study is the first replication of the 18q12–q21 chromosome region as a potential candidate to AITD genetic susceptibility. The Akr family has shown evidence for linkage between IDDM6 locus and AITD. Moreover, case–control study does not support the involvement of ITF2 and BCL2 genes in AITD pathogenesis.
Global distribution of a novel trinucleotide microsatellite polymorphism (ATA)n in intron 8 of the SLC11A1 gene and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Awomoyi A. , Sirugo G. , Newport M. J. , Tishkoff S. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryWe identified a novel trinucleotide (ATA)n repeat polymorphism in intron 8 of SLC11AI, a candidate gene for susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) infection. We characterized the frequency of this polymorphism in 485 individuals originating from eight globally diverse human populations and compared the distribution of (ATA)n alleles in 146 adults and in 80 cord blood samples from newborns in the Gambian population. Lastly, we tested for association of this microsatellite with pulmonary TB in 318 TB cases and 146 controls in the Gambian population. We found no significant difference in frequency or distribution of alleles in adult and cord blood samples, and we found no significant association between this marker and pulmonary TB.
The role of HLA molecules in susceptibility to chronic rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Kudat H. , Telci G. , Sozen A. B. , Oguz F. , Akkaya V. , Ozcan M. , Atilgan D. , Carin M. , Guven O. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryOnly a small fraction of the streptococcal pharyngitis progress to rheumatic carditis, which implies that environmental, host and microbial factors interact to cause an aberrant immune response against the antigens of the microorganism that cross‐react with cardiac tissues. Although there are numerous studies and a general consensus on the relation between human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class II antigens and rheumatic heart disease (RHD), the details and the culprit antigens are still controversial. The study was undertaken to examine 100 patients with chronic RHD and 100 controls for HLA class I and class II antigens for differences in prevalence. All samples were typed at the HLA‐DRB1/3/4/5 and DQB1 loci by the sequence‐specific primer (PCR‐SSP) method at low resolution. For HLA class I antigens, HLA‐B13 frequency was marginally increased in patients with RHD compared to controls without reaching statistical significance. For class II antigens, RHD patients had higher frequencies for HLA‐DRB1*01 (RHD 24%, controls 10%), DRB1*04 (RHD 35%, controls 26%), DRB1*07 (RHD 18%, controls 11%) and HLA‐DQB1*02 (RHD 32%, controls 17%) without reaching statistical significance, and significantly lower frequencies for DRB1*13 (Pc < 0.003, OR: 5.69), DRB5* (Pc < 0.003, OR: 33) and DRB3* (Pc = 0.03, OR: 2.66) compared to controls. It was concluded that host, microbial and environmental factors collude to create acute rheumatic fever (RF) and chronic rheumatic valve disease. The HLA‐DRB1*13, DRB5* and DRB3* were protective against the development of rheumatic valve damage.
Ethics of international clinical research collaboration — the experience of AlloStem
Authors: Chaplin C. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryThis paper examines the ethics of international clinical collaboration in stem cell research by focusing on the AlloStem project. AlloStem is an international research programme, financed by the European Union under the Sixth Framework Programme, with the aim of advancing the use of stem cells in treating leukaemia and other haematological diseases. Several areas of ethical importance are explored. Research justification and the need to consider both deontological and teleological aspects are examined. Ethical sensitivity in research and the requirement to respond to areas of ethical concern identified by the European Commission, such as the involvement of human beings, the use of human tissue, and the use of animals are also explored. Ethical issues around project structure and management, such as ethical standardization in international research, and achieving set targets are discussed. The ethical importance of dissemination of findings and teaching in clinical research is also considered. Finally, the distribution of benefits is addressed and the importance of distributive justice is emphasized.
Grazing and Chaos in a Periodically Forced, Piecewise Linear System
Authors: Luo Albert C. J. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
The criteria for the grazing bifurcation of a periodically forced, piecewise linear system are developed and the initial grazing manifolds are obtained. The initial grazing manifold is invariant. The grazing flows are illustrated to verify the analytic prediction of grazing. The mechanism of the strange attractors fragmentation caused by the grazing is discussed, and an illustration of the fragmentized strange attractor is given through the Poincaré mapping. This fragmentation phenomenon exists extensively in nonsmooth dynamical systems. The mathematical structure of the fragmentized strange attractors should be further developed.
Organisational injustice and impaired cardiovascular regulation among female employees
Authors: Elovainio M , Kivimäki M , Puttonen S , Lindholm H , Pohjonen T , Sinervo T 
Published: January 2006

Objectives:To examine the relation between perceived organisational justice and cardiovascular reactivity in women.Methods:The participants were 57 women working in long term care homes. Heart rate variability and systolic arterial pressure variability were used as markers of autonomic function. Organisational justice was measured using the scale of Moorman. Data on other risk factors were also collected.Results:Results from logistic regression models showed that the risk for increased low frequency band systolic arterial pressure variability was 3.8–5.8 times higher in employees with low justice than in employees with high justice. Low perceived justice was also related to an 80% excess risk of reduced high frequency heart rate variability compared to high perceived justice, but this association was not statistically significant.Conclusions:These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cardiac dysregulation is one stress mechanism through which a low perceived justice of decision making procedures and interpersonal treatment increases the risk of health problems in personnel.
A higher risk of congenital anomalies in the offspring of personnel who served aboard a Norwegian missile torpedo boat
Authors: Mageroy N , Mollerlokken O J , Riise T , Koefoed V , Moen B E 
Published: January 2006

Background:In the 1990s, congenital anomalies were reported among children whose fathers had served aboard a Norwegian missile torpedo boat (MTB). The Royal Norwegian Navy asked the University of Bergen to look into this problem as one part of a general health and work environment surveillance.Aims:To estimate any increased risk of having children with congenital anomalies and having stillborn children among the offspring of workers that had served aboard the MTB and to investigate possible differences in exposure and other risk factors between these groups.Methods:Data from a cross-sectional study among all current employees of the Norwegian Navy (n = 2265, response rate 58%) were analysed.Results:The prevalence ratio of having a child with congenital malformations associated with working on the ship was 4.0 (95% CI 1.9 to 8.6). The prevalence ratio of having a child who was stillborn or died within one week was 4.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 9.9).Conclusion:Service aboard the MTB was associated with an increased risk of having children with congenital birth defects and having children that were stillborn. The causes of these findings are unknown.
Airborne occupational exposures and risk of oesophageal and cardia adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jansson C , Plato N , Johansson A L V , Nyrén O , Lagergren J 
Published: January 2006

Background:The reasons for the increasing incidence of and strong male predominance in patients with oesophageal and cardia adenocarcinoma remain unclear. The authors hypothesised that airborne occupational exposures in male dominated industries might contribute.Methods:In a nationwide Swedish population based case control study, 189 and 262 cases of oesophageal and cardia adenocarcinoma respectively, 167 cases of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and 820 frequency matched controls underwent personal interviews. Based on each study participant’s lifetime occupational history the authors assessed cumulative airborne occupational exposure for 10 agents, analysed individually and combined, by a deterministic additive model including probability, frequency, and intensity. Furthermore, occupations and industries of longest duration were analysed. Relative risks were estimated by odds ratios (OR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using conditional logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders.Results:Tendencies of positive associations were found between high exposure to pesticides and risk of oesophageal (OR 2.3 (95% CI 0.9 to 5.7)) and cardia adenocarcinoma (OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.0 to 4.6)). Among workers highly exposed to particular agents, a tendency of an increased risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma was found. There was a twofold increased risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma among concrete and construction workers (OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 4.2)) and a nearly fourfold increased risk of cardia adenocarcinoma among workers within the motor vehicle industry (OR 3.9 (95% CI 1.5 to 10.4)). An increased risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OR 3.9 (95% CI 1.2 to 12.5)), and a tendency of an increased risk of cardia adenocarcinoma (OR 2.8 (95% CI 0.9 to 8.5)), were identified among hotel and restaurant workers.Conclusions:Specific airborne occupational exposures do not seem to be of major importance in the aetiology of oesophageal or cardia adenocarcinoma and are unlikely to contribute to the increasing incidence or the male predominance.
Household exposure to pesticides and risk of childhood acute leukaemia
Authors: Menegaux F , Baruchel A , Bertrand Y , Lescoeur B , Leverger G , Nelken B , Sommelet D , Hémon D , Clavel J 
Published: January 2006

Objectives:To investigate the relation between childhood acute leukaemia and household exposure to pesticides.Methods:The study included 280 incident cases of acute leukaemia and 288 controls frequency matched on gender, age, hospital, and ethnic origin. The data were obtained from standardised face to face interviews of the mothers with detailed questions on parental occupational history, home and garden insecticide use, and insecticidal treatment of pediculosis. Odds ratios were estimated using unconditional regression models including the stratification variables parental socioeconomic status and housing characteristics.Results:Acute leukaemia was observed to be significantly associated with maternal home insecticide use during pregnancy (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.8) and during childhood (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.4), with garden insecticide use (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.3), and fungicide use (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.0 to 6.2) during childhood. Insecticidal shampoo treatment of pediculosis was also associated with childhood acute leukaemia (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.3).Conclusion:The results reported herein support the hypothesis that various types of insecticide exposure may be a risk factor for childhood acute leukaemia. The observed association with insecticidal shampoo treatment of pediculosis, which has never been investigated before, requires further study.
Endothelial-cell apoptosis induced by cleaved high-molecular-weight kininogen (HKa) is matrix dependent and requires the generation of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Sun Danyu , McCrae Keith R. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractHigh–molecular-weight kininogen (HK) is an abundant plasma protein that plays a central role in activation of the kallikrein-kinin system. Cleavage of HK by plasma kallikrein results in release of the nonapeptide bradykinin (BK), leaving behind cleaved high–molecular-weight kininogen (HKa). Previous studies have demonstrated that HKa induces apoptosis of proliferating endothelial cells and inhibits angiogenesis in vivo, activities mediated primarily through its domain 5. However, the mechanisms by which these effects occur are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that HKa induces apoptosis of endothelial cells cultured on gelatin, vitronectin, fibronectin, or laminin but not collagen type I or IV. The ability of HKa to induce endothelial-cell apoptosis is dependent on the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and associated with depletion of glutathione and peroxidation of endothelial-cell lipids, effects that occur only in cells cultured on matrix proteins permissive for HKa-induced apoptosis. Finally, the ability of HKa to induce endothelial-cell apoptosis is blocked by the addition of reduced glutathione or N-acetylcysteine. These studies demonstrate a unique role for oxidant stress in mediating the activity of an antiangiogenic polypeptide and highlight the importance of the extracellular matrix in regulating endothelial-cell survival.
Randomized Trial of Long-Term Follow-Up for Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Comparison of Family Physician Versus Specialist Care
Authors: Grunfeld Eva , Levine Mark N. , Julian Jim A. , Coyle Doug , Szechtman Barbara , Mirsky Doug , Verma Shailendara , Dent Susan , Sawka Carol , Pritchard Kathleen I. , Ginsburg David , Wood Marjorie , Whelan Tim 
Published: January 2006

Purpose Most women with breast cancer are diagnosed at an early stage and more than 80% will be long-term survivors. Routine follow-up marks the transition from intensive treatment to survivorship. It is usual practice for routine follow-up to take place in specialist clinics. This study tested the hypothesis that follow-up by the patient's family physician is a safe and acceptable alternative to specialist follow-up. Patients and Methods A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial was conducted involving 968 patients with early-stage breast cancer who had completed adjuvant treatment, were disease free, and were between 9 and 15 months after diagnosis. Patients may have continued receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy. Patients were randomly allocated to follow-up in the cancer center according to usual practice (CC group) or follow-up from their own family physician (FP group). The primary outcome was the rate of recurrence-related serious clinical events (SCEs). The secondary outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQL). Results In the FP group, there were 54 recurrences (11.2%) and 29 deaths (6.0%). In the CC group, there were 64 recurrences (13.2%) and 30 deaths (6.2%). In the FP group, 17 patients (3.5%) compared with 18 patients (3.7%) in the CC group experienced an SCE (0.19% difference; 95% CI, −2.26% to 2.65%). No statistically significant differences (P < .05) were detected between groups on any of the HRQL questionnaires. Conclusion Breast cancer patients can be offered follow-up by their family physician without concern that important recurrence-related SCEs will occur more frequently or that HRQL will be negatively affected.
Hepatitis Associated with Low-Dose Venlafaxine for Postmenopausal Vasomotor Symptoms
Authors: Phillips Beth Bryles , Digmann Rachel R , Beck M Gwen 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To report a case of drug-induced hepatitis associated with low-dose venlafaxine. Case Summary: A 60-year-old white woman receiving venlafaxine 75 mg daily for vasomotor symptoms presented after one month of therapy with nonspecific complaints, including abdominal pain. A series of diagnostic and laboratory tests revealed an enlarged liver and elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) up to 372 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) up to 99 U/L, γ-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) up to 962 U/L, and alkaline phosphatase up to 758 U/L. All potential hepatotoxic medications were discontinued. Within one week after stopping venlafaxine, her liver function test results showed marked improvement. Almost 4 weeks after discontinuing therapy, venlafaxine 37.5 mg was reinitiated. Her ALT, AST, GGT, and alkaline phosphatase again increased to 269, 49, 256, and 263 U/L, respectively, 6 days after resuming therapy. Upon discontinuation of venlafaxine, her liver function abnormalities resolved. Discussion: This case is significant due to the severity of symptoms and consequent liver function test results involved in diagnosing drug-induced hepatitis. It is also remarkable because of the hepatotoxicity that occurred initially and on rechallenge with low-dose venlafaxine. The hepatotoxic effects of venlafaxine have been characterized as rare and idiosyncratic. The Naranjo probability scale revealed that the adverse drug event was probable. Conclusions: Venlafaxine therapy can lead to drug-induced hepatitis, even when used at low doses. Clinicians should be aware of this possible adverse effect of venlafaxine therapy and monitor patients closely after initiation of therapy.
Miller was (mostly) right: Head injury severity inversely related to simulation
Authors: Greiffenstein Manfred F. , Baker W. John 
Published: January 2006

Purpose. British neurologist Henry Miller (1961; Miller & Cartlidge, 1972) provoked controversy by asserting late post‐concussion syndrome (LPCS) is explained by simulation. The present study examines Miller's inverse dose‐response assertion; the more minor the compensable injury, the greater the likelihood of deficit simulation.Method. We examined the prevalence of three types of simulation (memory, motor, and psychiatric) in two archival cohorts of compensation seekers (N = 391 and 368) representing a broad range of cranio‐cervical injury severity. A moderate‐severe brain injured group provided two sets of performance floors to establish ‘possible’ or ‘probable’ pseudoabnormalities. Instruments included the Rey word recognition list, the Smedley dynamometer, the Test of Memory Malingering, and the MMPI‐2 infrequency scale.Results. Chronic whiplash and minor head‐injury litigants produced more invalid signs than severely injured persons on measures of simulated memory and motor deficits irrespective of definitional stringency. ANOVA revealed striking inverse linear trends as a function of severity. Under a ‘possible’ rule, at least one pseudoabnormality was present in 80% of LPCS claimants. Memory and motor pseudoabnormalities were more common than psychotic ones.Conclusions. These findings support Miller and Cartlidge's (1972) observations that embellishment rises as injury severity decreases in a compensable context. Simulating litigants may ‘tailor’ performance to fit aetiological expectations, as we found a low prevalence of psychosis simulation.
Deceptive responses: The impact of verbal and non‐verbal countermeasures
Authors: Caso Letizia , Vrij Aldert , Mann Samantha , De Leo Gaetano 
Published: January 2006

Objectives. This experiment investigates the impact of informing participants about verbal and non‐verbal cues to deception on their verbal and non‐verbal responses. Based on the fact that people are more practised in their verbal behaviour than in their non‐verbal behaviour, we predicted that giving participants information about verbal cues would positively affect their verbal accounts resulting in them giving an account that appeared more credible. In contrast, we predicted that informing participants about non‐verbal cues would have no noticeable effect on credibility. We also predicted that focusing on verbal behaviours would impair non‐verbal performance and that, vice versa, concentrating on non‐verbal behaviours would impair verbal performance, particularly in liars.Method. A total of 128 participants either told the truth or lied about the possession of an object. Prior to these interviews, participants were or were not informed about verbal cues to deception and were or were not informed about non‐verbal cues of deception (these two factors were systematically manipulated).Results. As predicted, participants were able to adapt their verbal behaviour but were not able to change their non‐verbal behaviour. However, focusing on one aspect (either verbal or non‐verbal behaviour) did not occur at the expense of the other behaviour (either non‐verbal or verbal).Conclusion. Verbal countermeasures may well be easier to apply than non‐verbal countermeasures.
The extended health belief model applied to the experience of diabetes in young people
Authors: Gillibrand Rachel , Stevenson Jim 
Published: January 2006

Objectives The experience of diabetes in young people was investigated within the theoretical framework of the extended health belief model (EHBM). It was anticipated that participant reports of high internal locus of control, high diabetes related empowerment, coping with hypoglycaemia, and diabetes related social support would be associated with good patient adherence to the self‐care regime.Method 118 participants aged 16–25 years with Type 1 diabetes mellitus were sent a set of questionnaires incorporating previously published scales measuring all variables of the EHBM.Results High levels of family support and low locus of control beliefs in powerful others to control their diabetes reduce the young person's perception of severity and vulnerability to diabetes related complications. High internal locus of control beliefs and high levels of self‐efficacy predicted the benefits of adhering to the self‐care regime as outweighing the costs of doing so. Adherence to self‐care regime was predicted by high levels of family support.Conclusion The final model explained 12% of the variance in the young person's adherence to diabetes self‐care regime. It is proposed that the EHBM is an adequate model for understanding the socio‐psychological factors present in the young person's appraisal of their diabetes, which, in turn, influences adherence to the diabetes self‐care regime.