bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interruption of combination antiretroviral therapy and risk of clinical disease progression to AIDS or death
Authors: Holkmann Olsen C , Mocroft A , Kirk O , Vella S , Blaxhult A , Clumeck N , Fisher M , Katlama C , Phillips AN , Lundgren JD ,   for the EuroSIDA study group
Published: March 2007

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to compare incidence rates (IRs) of AIDS/death in patients with and without treatment interruption (TI) of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for periods of 3 months or more for different categories of CD4 cell count and viral load, and to determine risk factors for clinical progression to AIDS/death.MethodsPatients starting cART with a CD4 cell count and a viral load available within 6 months of starting cART were included in the study. The IR and risk factors of TI were determined. We assessed the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for TI and AIDS/death events using Poisson regression models.ResultsOf 3811 patients included in the study, 26% were ART‐naïve prior to cART. The median date of starting cART was July 1997, the median CD4 cell count was 226 cells/μL and the median viral load was 4.36 log10 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL. We observed 1243 interruptions and 403 AIDS‐events/deaths. The IR of AIDS/death was higher in patients with lower CD4 cell counts or higher viral loads, regardless of TI. After adjusting for baseline factors, the IR of AIDS/death was significantly higher in the TI group than in the non‐TI group [IRR 2.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.01–3.44; P<0.0001]; this could be explained by current CD4 cell counts and viral loads, as the CD4 cell count‐ and viral load‐adjusted IRR was 1.14 (95% CI 0.86–1.51; P=0.37). Within the TI group, patients with a current CD4 cell count of <200 cells/μL had a 3‐fold higher risk of AIDS/death than those with a CD4 cell count of 200–350 cells/μL, whereas patients with a current CD4 cell count of >350 cells/μL had a 4‐fold lower risk of disease progression.ConclusionsTI is common in clinical practice. The risk of AIDS/death increased more than 2‐fold for patients stopping all cART regimen drugs for 3 months or more. Among patients experiencing a TI, those with low CD4 cell counts, high viral loads or prior AIDS had an increased risk of AIDS/death. Hence, TI should be discouraged and closely monitored if it occurs.
Pharmacokinetic interaction between rifampicin and ritonavir‐boosted atazanavir in HIV‐infected patients*
Authors: Mallolas J , Sarasa M , Nomdedeu M , Soriano A , López‐Púa Y , Blanco JL , Martínez E , Gatell JM 
Published: March 2007

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is a common opportunistic infection among HIV‐infected people, and rifampicin is an important drug for the treatment of TB. However, administration of rifampicin in combination with antiretroviral therapy, particularly protease inhibitors, is difficult because of drug–drug interactions.MethodsWe have performed a prospective study in three HIV‐infected patients with TB treated with a rifampicin‐containing regimen (rifampicin 600 mg per day) and antiretroviral therapy including only nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus atazanavir 300 mg once a day (qd) and ritonavir 100 mg qd, to evaluate whether the inducing effect of rifampicin on the drug‐metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 could be overcome by the inhibitory effect of ritonavir. A complete pharmacokinetic evaluation of the steady‐state concentrations of atazanavir and ritonavir was performed.ResultsIn all three cases, more than 50% of the time the atazanavir level was below the minimum recommended trough plasma level (150 ng/mL according to current pharmacokinetic guidelines) to inhibit HIV wild‐type replication.ConclusionThese results strongly indicate that the administration of rifampicin with a combination of atazanavir 300 mg qd plus ritonavir 100 mg qd must be avoided because subtherapeutic concentrations of atazanavir are produced.
Confidence intervals for candidate gene effects and environmental factors in population‐based association studies of families
Authors: Shin Janey , Darlington Gerarda A. , Cotton Cecilia , Corey Mary , Bull Shelley B. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryComplex diseases are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Studies of individuals or of families can be used to examine the association of genetic factors, such as candidate genes, and other risk factors with the presence or absence of complex disorders. If families are investigated, whether or not they are randomly ascertained, possible familial correlation among observations must be considered. We have compared two statistical approaches for analyzing correlated binary data from randomly ascertained nuclear families. The generalized estimating equations approach (GEE) can be used to adjust for familial correlation. The relationship between covariates and the response is modelled, and the correlations among family members are treated as nuisance parameters. For comparison, we have proposed two strategies from a hierarchical nonparametric bootstrap approach. One strategy (S1) samples family units, preserving the structure and correlation within each family. A second and novel strategy (S2) also samples family units but then randomly samples offspring with replacement in each family. We applied the methods to data from a study of cardiovascular disease, and followed up with a simulation study in which family data were generated from an underlying multifactorial genetic model. Although the bootstrap approach was more computationally demanding, it outperformed the GEE in terms of confidence interval coverage probabilities for all sample sizes considered.
Ethnic differences in interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and IL6 receptor genes in spontaneous preterm birth and effects on amniotic fluid protein levels
Authors: Velez D. R. , Menon R. , Thorsen P. , Jiang L. , Simhan H. , Morgan N. , Fortunato S. J. , Williams S. M. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryPreterm birth (PTB) is a significant neonatal health problem that is more common in African‐Americans (AA) than in European‐Americans (EA). Part of this disparity is likely to result from the differing genetic architectures of EA and AA. To begin assessing the role of these differences, patterns of genetic variation in two previously proposed candidate genes, encoding interleukin 6 (IL6) and its receptor (IL6R), were analyzed in mothers and fetuses from 496 EA birth‐events (149 cases and 347 controls) and 397 birth‐events in AA (76 cases and 321 controls). IL‐6 levels in amniotic fluid (AF) samples were determined in a subset of these pregnancies. Case‐control comparisons revealed a single SNP in IL6R associated with PTB (p=0.04 for allelic and p=0.05 for genotype association). In addition, all of the SNPs studied showed significant frequency differences between AA and EA in at least one comparison, significantly in excess of that expected from general population databases. Higher IL‐6 concentrations were associated with the IL6 SNP ‐661 in EA preterm samples (p=0.0056), and this result seems to be driven by microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity, indicating a gene by infection interaction. These findings indicate that, as a function of IL6 genotype, EA and AA women respond differently to infection with respect to their expression of IL‐6. Our data support differential genetic control of levels of IL‐6 in amniotic fluid between EA and AA.
Development of microsatellite markers in an amphicarpic species, Amphicarpaea edgeworthii Benth. (Leguminosae)
Authors: LIANG ZHONG‐CHENG , YANG JI , RAO GUANG‐YUAN 
Published: March 2007

AbstractEight polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers were developed for Amphicarpaea edgeworthii Benth., an amphicarpic species in East Asia. The low level of heterozygosity in populations and the high level of population differentiation found in this study suggest that A. edgeworthii has a mixed mating system that is predominantly selfing. The findings also indicate that the new markers can be used in genetic analyses of the mating system and the estimation of the construction of progeny populations contributed by chasmogamously and cleistogamously produced seeds.
Effects of cellular phone use on ear canal temperature measured by NTC thermistors
Authors: Tahvanainen Kari , Niño Juanita , Halonen Pirjo , Kuusela Tom , Alanko Tommi , Laitinen Tomi , Länsimies Esko , Hietanen Maila , Lindholm Harri 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe earlier studies using phantom models and human subjects concerning warming effects during cellular phone use have been controversial, partly because radiofrequency (RF) exposures have been variable. In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial, 30 healthy subjects were submitted to 900 MHz (2W) and 1800 MHz (1W) cellular phone RF exposure, and to sham exposure in separate study sessions. Temperature signals were recorded continuously in both ear canals before, during and after the 35‐min RF exposure and the 35‐min sham exposure sessions. Temperature was measured by using small‐sized NTC thermistors placed in the ear canals through disposable ear plugs. The mean temperature changes were determined during a set cardiovascular autonomic function studies: during a 5‐min controlled breathing test, during a 5‐min spontaneous breathing test, during 7‐min head‐up tilting, 1‐min before, during and after two consecutive Valsalva manoeuvres and during a deep breathing test. Temperatures in the exposed ear were significantly higher during RF exposures compared with sham exposure in both 900 and 1800 MHz studies with maximum differences of 1·2 ± 0·5°C (900 MHz exposure) and 1·3 ± 0·7°C (1800 MHz exposure). Temperatures in the RF‐exposed ear were also significantly higher during the postexposure period compared with post‐sham exposure period with maximum differences of 0·6 ± 0·3°C for 900 MHz and 0·5 ± 0·5°C for 1800 MHz. The results of this study suggest that RF exposure to a cellular phone, either using 900 or 1800 MHz with their maximal allowed antenna powers, increases the temperature in the ear canal. The reason for the ear canal temperature rising is a consequence of mobile phone battery warming during maximal antenna power use. The earlier published articles do not indicate that temperature rising in the ear canal has any significant contribution from the RF fields emitted from mobile phones.
Respiratory effects on the reproducibility of cardiovascular autonomic parameters
Authors: Zöllei Éva , Csillik Andrea , Rabi Sándor , Gingl Zoltán , Rudas László 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe aim of this study was to assess the influence of breathing pattern on the reproducibility of the most commonly used heart rate and blood pressure variability parameters and baroreflex indices. 5–5 min ECG and blood pressure recordings were made and repeated for 10 healthy volunteers in supine rest on 10 consecutive days during spontaneous and 6 min−1 patterned breathing. We investigated the following parameters: mean RR interval (RRI); the standard deviation of RR intervals (SDRR); the root mean square of successive differences in RRI (RMSSD); the percentage of RRIs which differed by 50% from the proceeding RRI (PNN50); mean systolic arterial pressure (SAP); the standard deviation of SAP (SAP SD); mean mean arterial pressure (MAP); mean diastolic blood pressure (DAP) and baroreflex indices from spontaneous sequence method (upBRS and downBRS) and from cross spectral analysis (LF alpha, HF alpha). To assess reproducibility for each parameter within‐ and between‐subject variability values were calculated and the ratio of within‐ and between‐subject variability was assessed. In addition, we calculated intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Compared to spontaneous respiration during 6 min−1 patterned breathing the heart rate and blood pressure variability increased; upBRS, LF alpha and HF alpha increased, downBRS did not change. However, ICC showed good reproducibility for most parameters, which did not improve further with controlled breathing. In conclusion, respiration had a strong influence on the most widely used cardiovascular autonomic parameters. The controlling of breathing did not result in consistent improvement in their reproducibility.
Variability in host‐plant quality for the larvae of a polyphagous insect folivore in midseason: the impact of light on three deciduous sapling species
Authors: Osier T.L. , Jennings S.M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe examined the effects of light availability on the suitability of foliage from red maple (Acer rubrum L.) (Aceraceae), black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrhart) (Rosaceae), and sassafras [Sassafras albidum (Nuttall) Nees (Lauraceae)] for the larvae of the promethea moth, Callosamia promethea Drury (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), in midseason. We identified replicate sun‐ and shade‐grown saplings of red maple, black cherry, and sassafras from naturally growing populations in the field. Foliage collected from the experimental saplings was bioassayed using early instars of the promethea moth and assayed for nitrogen and carbon content. Promethea moth‐larval performance and survivorship was highest on sassafras, intermediate on black cherry, and lowest on red maple. Larvae feeding on foliage from plants grown in the sun performed better than from those grown in the shade; the effect of light did not depend on sapling species. Foliar nitrogen content varied among the sapling species and was higher, overall, in foliage from plants grown in the sun. Nitrogen concentration related strongly and positively with larval performance and accounted for a great deal of the variation in performance both among the sapling species and between the sun and shade treatments. During midseason, foliar nitrogen content is determined by light availability, it varies among sapling species, and it is likely the primary constituent determining host quality for folivores on these sapling species.
Actions of glucocorticoid and their regulatory mechanisms in the ovary
Authors: TETSUKA Masafumi 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTGlucocorticoid (G) directly modulates ovarian functions through binding to G receptor. The actions of G are both agonistic and antagonistic depending on the developmental stage of follicles and corpora lutea (CL). During follicular maturation, G suppresses follicular differentiation by downregulating expression of P450 aromatase and luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor in granulosa cells. During ovulation, G protects the ovulatory follicle from inflammatory damage and promotes luteinization, ensuring a smooth transition of the follicle to CL. Throughout life the ovary is exposed to periodic and sporadic waves of G. The Ovary appears to cope with this situation by locally modulating levels of active G. The primary regulatory mechanism consists of two isoforms of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD) that catalyze conversion between active and inactive G. During follicular maturation the levels of active G are suppressed by the dehydrogenase activity of 11βHSD, whereas during the ovulatory process, levels of active G are further increased by the oxo‐reductase activity of 11βHSD. The expression of these enzymes is under the control of gonadotrpins and local regulatory factors such as cytokines, allowing the mechanism to act in coordination with major reproductive events. Thus the G system is an integral part of ovarian physiology, which ensures that the ovary experiences only beneficial effects of G.
Effects of growth rate during the early fattening period on growth, carcass characteristics and circulating hormones in the different growth hormone genotypes of Japanese black steers
Authors: OKA Akio , IWAKI Fumiyuki , IWAMOTO Eiji , TATSUDA Ken 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTOne of the bovine growth hormone (GH) genetic variants is a substitution of leucine (Leu) to valine (Val) at amino acid position 127 of the protein. The GH genotypes of 14 Japanese black steers used in the present study were Leu/Leu (A, n = 7) and Val/Val (B, n = 7). The steers in each genotype group were divided into two groups based on intended growth rate (high, 1.0 kg/day; low, 0.6 kg/day) during 10–17 months of age. The overall mean concentration of plasma GH was higher (P < 0.05) in the A group than in the B group. The serum concentration of insulin‐like growth factor‐I was higher (P < 0.05) in the B group than in the A group. The carcass weight of the A group was greater (P < 0.01) than that of the B group. However, there was no significant difference in carcass weights between the 1.0 kg/day and 0.6 kg/day groups (P > 0.05). The rib thickness of the 1.0 kg/day group was greater (P < 0.05) than that of the 0.6 kg/day group. The crude fat content of longissimus muscle was greater (P < 0.05) for the 0.6 kg/day group compared with the 1.0 kg/day group.
Application of an early skip‐a‐day feed restriction on physiological parameters, carcass traits and development of ascites in male broilers reared under regular or cold temperatures at high altitude
Authors: KHAJALI Fariborz , ZAMANI‐MOGHADDAM Abdolkarim , ASADI‐KHOSHOEI Ebrahim 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTThe present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a skip‐a‐day feed removal early in life on physiological parameters and ascites occurrence in broilers reared at a high altitude (2100 m above sealevel) under regular or cold temperatures. Three hundred 1‐day‐old male broilers were divided into two equal groups. One group was placed in an enclosure with standard thermal management. The other group treated for the induction of ascites was raised under cold temperature conditions. In each enclosure, birds were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups (three replicate floor pens of 25 chicks per treatment group): (i) a control was fed a standard starter and grower diet according to the National Research Council; or (ii) a skip‐a‐day feed removal, which was similar to the control except for 24 h fasting intervals at 9, 11 and 13 days of age. Results indicate that live bodyweight following the feed removal at up to 42 days of age was significantly different between the control and skip‐a‐day restricted birds (P < 0.01). Skip‐a‐day feed removal resulted in decreased weight gain (P = 0.005) but did not influence feed conversion ratio. The heterophil : lymphocyte ratio was numerically higher for the cold environment and increased when birds were exposed to fasting, but these differences were not significant. Hematocrit was significantly higher (P = 0.0001) in broilers raised in cold conditions whereas it was not influenced by feed restriction. Circulatory thyroid hormone concentrations were not influenced by the feed restriction program under both environments. Birds subjected to cold had significantly lower (P = 0.0023) carcass yield compared to those reared at normal temperature. Breast yield and abdominal fat deposition were not influenced by cold or feed restriction. A reduction in mortality from ascites was noted in broilers who experienced early skip‐a‐day feed removal under both environmental conditions.
Nutritional status in pregnant adolescents: a systematic review of biochemical markers
Authors: Hall Moran Victoria 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAdolescent pregnancy is a major public health challenge for many industrialized countries and is associated with significant medical, nutritional, social and economic risk for mothers and their infants. Despite this, relatively little is known about the nutritional status of this population. The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of the current evidence relating to the biochemical markers of nutritional status of pregnant adolescents living in industrialized countries. Six papers were identified that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, the majority of which were conducted in the United States. The studies were of variable quality and most failed to control for potential confounders which may have strongly influenced the findings. Due to limited research, conclusions cannot be drawn about the zinc and calcium status of pregnant adolescents, and data on folate and vitamin B12status appeared conflicting. There was some consensus among studies, however, to suggest that indicators of anaemia and iron status were compromised in pregnant adolescents, particularly during the third trimester of pregnancy. Chronological age did not appear to influence nutritional status, although there was some evidence to suggest that increasing gynaecologic age may positively influence plasma ferritin levels. Current research is limited by sampling and measurement bias, and research is urgently required to address these limitations. Further consideration should also be made of the influence of the role of socio‐economic support on pregnant adolescents’ nutritional status. The achievement of improved nutrition in pregnancy among adolescents requires multidisciplinary collaborations of adolescent healthcare providers, academics, professional organizations, policymakers, industry and service users. Only once this is achieved can adolescent nutrition, and adolescent nutrition in pregnancy, be significantly and sustainably optimized.
Individual, household, programme and community effects on childhood malnutrition in rural India
Authors: Rajaram S. , Zottarelli Lisa K. , Sunil T.S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe children living in rural areas of India disproportionately suffer from malnutrition compared with their urban counterparts. The present article analyses the individual, household, community and programme factors on nutritional status of children in rural India. Additionally, we consider the random variances at village and state levels after introducing various observed individual‐, household‐ and programme‐level characteristics in the model. A multilevel model is conducted using data from the National Family and Health Survey 2. The results show that maternal characteristics, such as socio‐economic and behavioural factors, are more influential in determining childhood nutritional status than the prevalence of programme factors. Also, it was found that individual factors show evidence of state‐ and village‐level clustering of malnutrition.
Distribution of CCR2 polymorphism in HIV‐1‐infected and healthy subjects in North India
Authors: Kaur G. , Singh P. , Kumar N. , Rapthap C. C. , Sharma G. , Vajpayee M. , Wig N. , Sharma S. K. , Mehra N. K. 
Published: March 2007

SummarySubstitution of V64I in CCR2 relates to delayed progression to AIDS and protects against HIV‐1 infection. We examined the distribution of V64I in HIV‐infected and healthy North Indian subjects. No significant difference in the allele or genotype distribution of CCR2 V64I polymorphism was observed, indicating that there is no association between CCR2 V64I polymorphism and susceptibility to HIV infection in North Indian population.
Bioassay and Identification of Root Exudates of Three Fruit Tree Species
Authors: Zhang Jiang‐Hong , Mao Zhi‐Quan , Wang Li‐Qin , Shu Huai‐Rui 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA laboratory bioassay was designed to determine the allelopathic potential of root exudates of three fruit tree species on apple germination. The results showed that root exudates of apple (Malus pumila L.) and peach (Prunus persica L.), each at concentrations of 0.02 and 0.2 mg/L, inhibited germination and radicle growth of apple seeds by 56.7%, 60.7%, 51.5%, and 59.3%, respectively. The corresponding shoot growth inhibition rate was 49.5%, 46.7%, 36.4%, and 44%, respectively. Root exudates of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) had no significant effect on apple seeds. Qualitative determination of root exudates of apple, peach, and jujube tree was developed with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The root exudates of apple seedlings mainly contain organic acids, glycol, esters, and benzenphenol derivatives. Peach root exudates contained phenolic acids and benzenphenol derivatives in addition to two unidentified compounds. The root exudates of jujube did not contain any phenolic acids.