bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic venous insufficiency – a potential trigger for localized scleroderma
Authors: Ludwig RJ , Werner RJ , Winker W , Boehncke W‐H , Wolter M , Kaufmann R 
Published: November 2005

AbstractLocalized scleroderma is a cutaneous disease that is characterized by an initial inflammatory response, followed by sclerosis of the skin. The cause of localized scleroderma has not yet been determined. Seifarth et al. reported two cases of localized scleroderma at sites of chronic venous insufficiency. We document here three more patients in whom localized scleroderma was located at insufficient veins. Treatment of underlying chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) leads to a substantial clinical improvement of scleroderma at the site of insufficient veins, but not elsewhere. Experimental data support the concept of chronic venous insufficiency creating a microenvironment, which may lead to localized scleroderma. Local hypoxaemia, which is present in CVI, induces the release of endothelium‐derived cytokines, such as IL‐1. Subsequently, expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and consequently leucocyte extravasation are induced. Infiltrating leucocytes secrete a number of inflammatory mediators, including transforming growth factor β, which is a potent stimulus for collagen synthesis. Therefore, it may well be that CVI is a potential trigger factor for localized scleroderma. In addition, localized scleroderma may only develop if a certain amount of trigger factors are present – and resolves if one or more of the contributing factors (i.e. CVI) can be treated.
Disability Statistics in the Developing World: A Reflection on the Meanings in our Numbers
Authors: Fujiura Glenn T. , Park Hye J. , Rutkowski‐Kmitta Violet 
Published: November 2005

Background  The imbalance between the sheer size of the developing world and what little is known about the lives and life circumstances of persons with disabilities living there should command our attention.Method  International development initiatives routinely give great priority to the collection of statistical indicators yet even the most basic data on intellectual disability is lacking. In response to the recent adoption of the ‘international classification of function’, numerous initiatives are attempting to expand and improve the quality of disability surveillance.Results  We argue that these efforts must not lose sight of the core focus and promise of disability statistics – that of advocacy and the elevation of a disability policy agenda.Conclusions  To this end, we weave throughout our analysis of the technical features of surveillance, reflections on the meanings we attach to disability statistics and by extension, disability itself.
Telomere length in white blood cells is not associated with morbidity or mortality in the oldest old: a population‐based study
Authors: Martin‐Ruiz Carmen M. , Gussekloo Jacobijn , van Heemst Diana , von Zglinicki Thomas , Westendorp Rudi G. J. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryCross‐sectional studies have repeatedly suggested peripheral blood monocyte telomere length as a biomarker of aging. To test this suggestion in a large population‐based follow‐up study of the oldest old, we measured telomere length at baseline in 598 participants of the Leiden 85‐plus Study (mean age at baseline 89.8 years). We also obtained second telomere measurements from 81 participants after an average time span of between 3.9 and 12.9 years. Telomere length at baseline was not predictive for mortality (P > 0.40 for all‐cause, cardiovascular causes, cancer or infectious diseases, Cox regression for gender‐adjusted tertiles of telomere length) or for the incidence of dementia (P = 0.78). Longitudinally, telomere length was highly unstable in a large fraction of participants. We conclude that blood monocyte telomere length is not a predictive indicator for age‐related morbidity and mortality at ages over 85 years, possibly because of a high degree of telomere length instability in this group.
Raised cortisol:DHEAS ratios in the elderly after injury: potential impact upon neutrophil function and immunity
Authors: Butcher Stephen K. , Killampalli Vijay , Lascelles David , Wang Keqing , Alpar E. Kaya , Lord Janet M. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryThe detrimental effect of stress on the immune response increases with age, though the mechanisms responsible are not fully understood. The physiological response to stress is regulated in part by the adrenocortical system. Adrenal hormones dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and cortisol have opposing effects on the innate immune system, DHEAS enhances while cortisol suppresses immunity and the molar ratio of cortisol to DHEAS increases with age. We found that elderly hip fracture patients produced a robust neutrophilia after injury, but circulating neutrophils showed an impaired antibacterial response. We therefore proposed that adrenocortical hormones mediate the heightened immunosuppression seen in the elderly after injury. We examined neutrophil function and adrenocortical hormone levels in elderly (> 65 years) hip fracture patients and age‐matched healthy controls. Thirteen out of 35 elderly patients acquired infections following hip fracture. Neutrophil superoxide production was lower in elderly hip fracture patients compared with controls (P < 0.005) and lower in patients who acquired infection following injury compared with those who did not (P < 0.05). Serum cortisol:DHEAS ratio was higher in elderly hip fracture patients (0.56 ± 0.38) compared with either age‐matched controls (0.36 ± 0.21; P < 0.05) or young fracture patients (0.087 ± 0.033; P < 0.0001). Moreover, cortisol: DHEAS was increased in elderly patients who succumbed to infection compared with those who did not (0.803 ± 0.42 vs. 0.467 ± 0.28; P < 0.02). In vitro cortisol significantly decreased neutrophil superoxide generation (P < 0.05) and this was prevented by coincubation with DHEAS. We propose that increased cortisol:DHEAS ratios may contribute to reduced immunity following physical stress in the elderly.
Behavioral, physical, and demographic changes in Drosophila populations through dietary restriction
Authors: Bross Tyson G. , Rogina Blanka , Helfand Stephen L. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryDietary restriction (DR) is a valuable experimental tool for studying the aging process. Primary advancement of research in this area has relied on rodent models, but attention has recently turned toward Drosophila melanogaster. However, little is known about the baseline effects of DR on wild‐type Drosophila and continued experimentation requires such information. The findings described here survey the effects of DR on inbred, wild‐type populations of Canton‐S fruit flies and demonstrate a robust effect of diet on longevity. Over a circumscribed range of dietary conditions, healthy lifespan varies by as much as 121% for wild‐type Drosophila females. Significant differences are also observed for male flies, but the magnitude of the DR effect is less robust. Mortality analyses of the survivorship data reveal that this variation in lifespan can be attributed to a modulation of the rate parameter for the mortality function – a change in the demographic rate of aging. Since the feeding of fruit flies is less easily controlled than that of rodents, this research also addresses the validity of applying a DR model to Drosophila populations. Feeding and body weight data for flies given the various dietary conditions surveyed indicate that Drosophila on higher‐calorie diets consume a similar volume of food to those on a low‐calorie diet, resulting in different levels of calorie intake. Fertility and activity levels demonstrate that the diets surveyed are comparable, and that increasing the calorie content of laboratory food up to twice the normal concentration is not pathologic for experimental fly populations.
Is There a Possible Relation Between Atrophic Gastritis and Premature Atherosclerosis?
Authors: Kutluana Ufuk , Simsek Ilkay , Akarsu Mesut , Kupelioglu Ali , Karasu Sebnem , Altekin Emel 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTBackground.  In this study, we have aimed to show the possible relation between atrophic gastritis and premature atherosclerosis via hyperhomocysteinemia.Materials and Methods.  Thirty‐four patients with atrophic gastritis were enrolled to the study. The control group consisted of 35 patients with non‐atrophic gastritis. Classical cardiovascular disease risk factors did not significantly differ between atrophic gastritis and control subjects. The presence and degree of atrophic gastritis were assessed histologically and Helicobacter pylori infection was determined by both histologic and serologic methods. Body mass index was measured by standard technique blood fasting glucose, serum creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine levels were measured by biochemical methods. Carotid intima‐media thickness was measured by B‐mode ultrasonography to examine the premature atherosclerosis.Results.  Plasma vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower (p = .00) and homocysteine levels were significantly higher (p = .01) in the atrophic gastritis group. There was no statistically significant difference in plasma folic acid levels between the two groups (p = .728). Carotid intima‐media thickness was higher in the atrophic gastritis group than in the control group (0.516 mm versus 0.465 mm), but this difference did not show any statistical significance (p = .062).Conclusion.  Our results showed that atrophic gastritis may cause hyperhomocysteinemia, which is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. However, when compared with controls, carotid intima‐media thickness of the atrophic gastritis patients was found to be higher but did not reach statistically significant levels.
No Correlation of babA2 with vacA and cagA Genotypes of Helicobacter pylori and Grading of Gastritis from Peptic Ulcer Disease Patients in Brazil
Authors: Mattar Rejane , Santos Anibal Ferreira dos , Eisig Jaime Natan , Rodrigues Tomas Navarro , Silva Fernando Marcuz , Lupinacci Renato Micelli , Iriya Kiyoshi , Carrilho Flair José 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTBackground.  The babA2 gene, which encodes a blood‐group antigen‐binding adhesin that mediates attachment of Helicobacter pylori to human Lewisb antigens on gastric epithelial cells, has been associated with a higher risk of peptic ulcer and gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the frequency of babA2 genotype in H. pylori strains of patients with peptic ulcer and to correlate with other virulence factors.Materials and Methods.  vacA, cagA, and babA2 genotypes of H. pylori were determined by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA was extracted from positive urease test gastric samples of 150 patients with peptic ulcer. Antrum and corpus biopsies were taken for histologic examination according to the updated Sydney system classification.Results.  babA2 genotype was present in 104 (69.3%) and cagA in 113 (75.3%) gastric samples. No significant correlation was observed between babA2 and vacAs1 genotype or between babA2 and cagA status. The correlation of vacAs1 genotype with positive cagA was statistically significant ( p < .001). The babA2‐positive strain was more frequently found from the gastric samples of men, than of women (p = .01). Strains harboring cagA, vacAs1, and babA2 genotypes had no association to the grading of gastritis, presence of glandular atrophy, or intestinal metaplasia. The simultaneous presence of cagA, vacAs1, and babA2 was found in 32.6% of the H. pylori strains.Conclusions.  babA2 genotype is frequently found in H. pylori strains from peptic ulcer disease in Brazil, although it has no significant correlation to the worsening of the gastritis and to other virulence markers such as vacAs1 and cagA.
Effect of Long‐Term Helicobacter felis Infection in a Mouse Model of Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetes
Authors: Spinetti Nelson , Zavala‐Spinetti Livania , Hempe James , Correa Hernán , Bégué Rodolfo E. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTBackground.  We previously REPORTED that mice with diabetes and short‐term Helicobacter felis infection had an increase in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Here we report the effect of long‐term infection.Materials and Methods.  Six‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes and started on daily insulin. Following streptozotocin injection, animals were paired according to their HbA1c values and randomized to orally receive either H. felis or culture medium alone. Weight and HbA1c were monitored monthly for 6 months.Results.  Thirty animals corresponding to 15 pairs were included in the study. H. felis‐infected diabetic mice developed significantly more gastritis than uninfected animals. Sixteen mice died during the observation period. As compared to uninfected animals, infected mice died more frequently (40% versus 67%, p = .14) and earlier (160 versus 61 days, p = .20); both variables combined showed that H. felis infection significantly decreased the chances of survival during the study period (p = .045). In addition, infected mice showed a trend for higher increase in their HbA1c (0.97 ± 2.5% versus – 0.22 ± 3.0%; p = .21) and lower weight gain (2.0 ± 3.4 g versus 2.9 ± 2.0 g; p = .15) than uninfected mice.Conclusion.  Long‐term H. felis infection had a deleterious effect in mice with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes resulting in increased mortality. If the same phenomenon occurs in humans this could lead to interventions to improve the long‐term outcome of patients with diabetes.
Inhibition of Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression by NF‐κB (p65) Antisense Oligonucleotide in Helicobacter pylori‐Infected Mice
Authors: Kim Sang Gyun , Kim Joo Sung , Kim Jung Mogg , Chae Jung Hyun , Sung Song In 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTBackground.  Helicobacter pylori induces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro by activating nuclear factor‐κB, a transcriptional regulator. However, it has not been clarified whether H. pylori‐induced proinflammatory cytokines are also mediated through nuclear factor‐κB in vivo. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of nuclear factor‐κB on the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines in H. pylori‐infected mice.Materials and Methods.  We evaluated nuclear factor‐κB (p65) activation in the H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa of mice by immunofluorescent staining using antip65 polyclonal antibody, and the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines with inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB pathway by using phosphorothioate antisense and sense oligonucleotide against the nuclear factor‐κB (p65).Results.  In the H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa of mice, immunofluorescent staining using antip65 polyclonal antibody showed nuclear factor‐κB (p65) activation, which was particularly localized to epithelial cells. Tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β concentrations in gastric mucosa by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were elevated in the infected group versus the uninfected group. Pretreatment with nuclear factor‐κB (p65) antisense oligonucleotide inhibited the activation of nuclear factor‐κB and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β in H. pylori‐infected gastric mucosa. Sense oligonucleotide did not influence on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines.Conclusions.  H. pylori infection was found to activate the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines via nuclear factor‐κB in vivo, and this may play an important role in the initiation of H. pylori‐induced gastric inflammation.
PaCE: a technique to avoid subretinal fluid drainage in retinal detachment surgery
Authors: Saeed Manzar , Ganeshalingham Ramesh , McHugh Dominic 
Published: November 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  Subretinal fluid (SRF) drainage and thus the potential complications of this procedure during scleral buckling can be avoided by inducing SRF absorption preoperatively. The technique described in this series is named PaCE (Pneumatic Cryo Explant). Methods:  A total of 22 eyes of 22 patients with primary bullous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) were included in this prospective non‐comparative case trial. All satisfied specific inclusion criteria similar to those used in previous pneumatic retinopexy (PR) studies. Under direct visualization, 0.3 ml C3F8 100% was injected into the vitreous cavity through the pars plana. Postoperative posturing was encouraged. Retinopexy with either cryotherapy or laser was performed, combined with scleral buckling (SB) when the SRF was absorbed. Avoidance of SRF drainage and persistent reattachment of the retina at the end of the 12‐month follow‐up was considered a successful outcome. A change in vision by one line (logMAR) was considered significant. Results:  Resolution of SRF before retinopexy and the SB procedure was achieved in 20 of 22 eyes (90.9%) and hence SRF drainage was not required. Visual improvement was achieved in 95% of cases. One eye (4.5%) lost vision due to a total RD after gas injection (further surgery was not carried out). Conclusion:  PaCE should be considered in any suitable case of primary RRD where SRF drainage is deemed necessary. The potential complications associated with this procedure are relatively less serious and it does not compromise the viability of subsequent procedures.
Rarebit and frequency‐doubling technology perimetry in children and young adults
Authors: Martin Lene 
Published: November 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe the outcome of visual field examinations performed with rarebit (RB) and frequency‐doubling technology perimetry (FDT) in children and young adults. Methods:  Twenty‐one children (aged 6.5–12 years) and 30 teenagers and young adults (aged 14–20 years), participated in the study. Results:  Reliable RB examinations were carried out in 76% of the younger group and 90% of the older group. Corresponding values for FDT were 57% and 90–95%, respectively. The RB results were very similar to those previously obtained in adult subjects, while some subjects showed borderline values in FDT, depending on the criteria used. The RB perimetry was preferred by 88% of the examined subjects. Conclusions:  Rarebit perimetry seems useful for visual field examination in children aged 7 years and over, if age‐corrected normative data are established; this test was also preferred by the tested subjects. No adaptation or special instructions were needed and the children found it rather amusing.
A non‐invasive method for studying an index of pupil diameter and visual performance in the rhesus monkey
Authors: Fairhall Sarah J. , Dickson Carol A. , Scott Leah , Pearce Peter C. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractBackground  A non‐invasive model has been developed to estimate gaze direction and relative pupil diameter, in minimally restrained rhesus monkeys, to investigate the effects of low doses of ocularly administered cholinergic compounds on visual performance.Methods  Animals were trained to co‐operate with a novel device, which enabled eye movements to be recorded using modified human eye‐tracking equipment, and to perform a task which determined visual threshold contrast. Responses were made by gaze transfer under twilight conditions. 4% w/v pilocarpine nitrate was studied to demonstrate the suitability of the model.Results  Pilocarpine induced marked miosis for >3 h which was accompanied by a decrement in task performance.Conclusions  The method obviates the need for invasive surgery and, as the position of point of gaze can be approximately defined, the approach may have utility in other areas of research involving non‐human primates.
Evaluation of a Western Blot Method for the Detection of
Yersinia
Antibodies: Evidence of Serological Cross-Reactivity between
Yersinia
Outer Membrane Proteins and
Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Rawlins Mindy L. , Gerstner Cecilia , Hill Harry R. , Litwin Christine M. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT

Yersinia enterocolitica
and
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
have been identified as causative organisms of reactive arthritis in humans. We evaluated a Western blot assay which uses
Yersinia
outer membrane proteins as antigens for the detection of
Yersinia
antibodies as a replacement for the complement fixation (CF) assay. Clinical agreement, sensitivity, and specificity were determined by testing 19 positive and 21 negative serum samples by the CF assay, Western blot assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The CF assay and ELISA were compared to the Western blot assay, which was the reference method used in this study. Sera with antibodies that could potentially cross-react with
Yersinia
were also tested by the Western blot assay. The agreement, sensitivity, and specificity of the CF method were 61%, 26%, and 95%, respectively; and those for the ELISA were 89%, 95%, and 82%, respectively. The prevalences of
Yersinia
antibodies in 50 healthy donors were 6% for immunoglobulin G (IgG), 2% for IgA, and 2% for IgM. Sera positive for
Bartonella henselae
,
Brucella
,
Chlamydia pneumoniae
, and
Rickettsia rickettsii
antibodies showed cross-reactivity by the Western blot assay. The highest cross-reactivity was observed with
Borrelia burgdorferi
; 5 of 11 (45%) specimens were cross-reactive by the IgM-specific assay. Overall, the Western blot assay performs acceptably and is more sensitive than the CF assay, warranting replacement of the CF assay in the laboratory. Due to the evidence of cross-reactivity, particularly with
B. burgdorferi
, which can cause an oligoarthritis similar to reactive arthritis, the diagnosis of reactive arthritis should be based on clinical findings and complete serologic analysis of the potential causative infectious pathogens.
Serological Markers (Anti-
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Mannan Antibodies and Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies) in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Diagnostic Utility and Phenotypic Correlation
Authors: Buckland M. S. , Mylonaki M. , Rampton D. , Longhurst H. J. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT

We have evaluated the utility of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and anti-
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
mannan antibodies for distinguishing Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis and other diarrheal illnesses by evaluating sera from 396 patients. Sensitivity, specificity, and phenotypic correlations were investigated. The implications of our findings for implementing these tests in routine clinical testing are discussed.
Immunoglobulin G(κ) [IgG(κ)] and IgG(λ) Paraproteinemia in a Child with AIDS and Response to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Seeborg Filiz Odabasi , Gay Hannah , Schmiege Lorenz M. , Bernard David , Shearer William T. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACTWe report an 8-year-old boy with AIDS, extremely elevated serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and IgG kappa [IgG(κ)] and IgG lambda [IgG(λ)] paraproteinemia. This paraproteinemia partially responded to highly active antiretroviral therapy. This case emphasizes the importance of controlling B-cell activation.
Evaluation of the PANBIO
Brucella
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Diagnosis of Human Brucellosis
Authors: Araj George F. , Kattar Mireille M. , Fattouh Layla G. , Bajakian Kayane O. , Kobeissi Sara A. 
Published: November 2005

ABSTRACT

PANBIO
Brucella
immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were assessed against
Brucella
standard agglutination tube and Coombs tests. The sensitivities of ELISA IgG and IgM were 91% and 100%, respectively, while the specificity was 100% for both. These ELISAs are simple, rapid, and reliable for the diagnosis of human brucellosis.