bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of parasite persistence in pathogenesis of Chagas heart disease
Authors: GUTIERREZ F. R. S. , GUEDES P. M. M. , GAZZINELLI R. T. , SILVA J. S. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryChagas disease (CD) is caused by the infection with the protozoan haemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi. This disease is still a great menace to public health, and is largely neglected as it affects mostly the poorest populations of Latin America. Nonetheless, there are neither effective diagnostic markers nor therapeutic options to accurately detect and efficiently cure this chronic infection. In spite of the great advances in the knowledge of the biology of natural transmission, as well as the immunobiology of the host–parasite interaction, the understanding of the pathogenesis of CD remains largely elusive. In the recent decades, a controversy in the research community has developed about the relevance of parasite persistence or autoimmune phenomena in the development of chronic cardiac pathology. One of the most notable aspects of chronic CD is the progressive deterioration of cardiac function, derived mostly from structural derangement, as a consequence of the intense inflammatory process. Here we review the evidence supporting the multifactorial nature of Chagas heart disease comprising pathogen persistence and altered host immunoregulatory mechanisms.
Ambient ozone modifies the effect of tumor necrosis factor G‐308A on bronchitic symptoms among children with asthma
Authors: Lee Y.‐L. , McConnell R. , Berhane K. , Gilliland F. D. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α has a recognized role in respiratory pathophysiology. One genetic variant (G‐308A) in the promoter region affecting the expression of this cytokine may contribute to airway inflammatory diseases, but the studies on bronchitic symptoms were still inconclusive. Because ozone produces oxidative stress, increased airway TNF, and inflammation, the associations of the TNF‐308 polymorphism with bronchitic symptoms may vary by ambient ozone exposure.Methods:  We studied associations of TNF‐308 genotype with bronchitic symptoms among asthmatic children in Children’s Health Study. The association of TNF G‐308A polymorphism with bronchitic symptoms was investigated and we also determined whether the associations vary with ambient ozone exposure.Results:  Asthmatic children with TNF‐308 GG genotype had a significantly reduced risk of bronchitic symptoms with low‐ozone exposure (adjusted OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.31–0.91). The risk was not reduced in children living in high‐ozone communities (adjusted OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 0.75–2.70). This difference in genotypic effects between low‐ and high‐ozone environments was statistically significant among asthmatics (P for interaction = 0.01), but insignificant among nonasthmatic children.Conclusion:  Our findings suggest a role of gene–environmental interactions on the occurrence of bronchitic symptoms among children with asthma.
Efficacy of induction therapy on acute rejection and graft outcomes in African American kidney transplantation
Authors: Hammond Emily B. , Taber David J. , Weimert Nicole A. , Egidi Maria F. , Bratton Charles F. , Lin Angello , McGillicuddy John W. , Chavin Kenneth D. , Baliga Prabhakar K. 
Published: February 2009

Hammond EB, Taber DJ, Weimert NA, Egidi MF, Bratton CF, Lin A, McGillicuddy JW, Chavin KD, Baliga PK. Efficacy of induction therapy on acute rejection and graft outcomes in African American kidney transplantation. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 40–47. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  African Americans (AA) have higher rejection rates and poorer graft outcomes compared to non‐AAs. Induction therapy is yet unproven in this high risk population.Methods:  This retrospective study compared the efficacy of induction therapy [IL‐2 receptor antibodies (IL2RA) or thymoglobulin] vs. no induction.Results:  One hundred and seventy‐five AA patients were included in this analysis. Patients were well matched for demographic and immunologic characteristics in the non‐induction and IL2RA induction groups; the Thymoglobulin induction group had significantly higher risk patients. Significantly fewer episodes of acute rejection occurred at one yr in patients treated with thymoglobulin and IL2RA vs. no induction (18% vs. 47%, p = 0.003, 26% vs. 47%, p = 0.02). Three yr graft survival was significantly improved in the IL2RA group compared to the non‐induction group (85% vs. 68%, p = 0.032). Despite the thymoglobulin group being at high risk, they had similar graft survival rates compared to both the IL2RA group (76% vs. 85%, p = 0.18) and the non‐induction group (76% vs. 68%, p = 0.48). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that induction therapy (combining IL2RA and thymoglobulin) independently reduced the risk of both acute rejection and graft loss.Conclusion:  The use and type of induction therapy in AA patients significantly reduces acute rejection rates and may improve long‐term graft outcomes in AA patients.
Pre‐existent portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation: influence of pre‐operative disease severity
Authors: Doenecke A. , Tsui T‐Y. , Zuelke C. , Scherer M.N. , Schnitzbauer A.A. , Schlitt H‐J. , Obed A. 
Published: February 2009

Doenecke A, Tsui T‐Y, Zuelke C, Scherer MN, Schnitzbauer AA, Schlitt H‐J, Obed A. Pre‐existent portal vein thrombosis in liver transplantation: influence of pre‐operative disease severity. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 48–55. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a surgical challenge in liver transplantation (LTx). In contrast to LTx in decompensated liver disease, which are associated with a higher morbidity and mortality, PVT influence on outcome is still under debate. To evaluate this influence at different stages of liver decompensation, we compared the outcome of patients suffering from PVT to patients with patent portal vein within different score ranges.Methods:  We included 193 LTx (24 with PVT) in our study, transplanted between 2004 and 2007 at our institution. Patients were divided into four Model of End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score groups, and outcome was compared between PVT‐ and non‐PVT patients.Results:  In non‐decompensated liver disease (MELD <15), we found a significantly decreased survival in patients suffering from PVT (one‐yr survival 57% vs. 89%). By contrast, MELD score >15 (decompensated liver disease) leads to an equal or even better survival in PVT‐patients compared with patients without PVT (one‐yr survival 91% vs.75%), with an only slightly increased morbidity.Conclusion:  Outcome in patients with PVT seems to be dependent on pre‐operative disease severity. In contrast to compensated liver disease, no influence of PVT on outcome could be found in decompensated liver disease, and should therefore not be considered as a contraindication in LTx.
Lipohypertrophy: does it matter in daily life? A study using a continuous glucose monitoring system
Authors: Overland J. , Molyneaux L. , Tewari S. , Fatouros R. , Melville P. , Foote D. , Wu T. , Yue D. K. 
Published: February 2009

Aims:  To use continuous glucose monitoring (CGMS) to compare glucose profiles in people with type 1 diabetes following injection of insulin into an area affected by lipohypertrophy vs. an area not affected by lipohypertrophy.Methods:  Eight patients with type 1 diabetes underwent 72 h of CGMS while following a standardized diet and injecting all insulin either into an area with or without lipohypertrophy. Patients underwent two testing periods in random order, separated by 4 days. On day 1 of each test subjects were admitted for measurement of insulin and plasma glucose levels immediately prior to, and hourly for 4 h following, a standardized lunch.Results:  Insulin area under the curve (AUC)0–4 h was similar for both test periods; 656; interquartile range (IQR): 518–1755 (normal tissue) vs. 602; IQR: 382–1436 (lipohypertrophic tissue), z = 1.7, p = 0.09. There was also no difference in the median time to maximal insulin concentration (Timemax 2 h; IQR: 2–3 h; z = 0.6; p = 0.6). There was a 37.5% increase in mean plasma glucose levels following a standardized meal; however this was not significant between sites (AUC0–4 ht = −1.7; p = 0.1). Moreover, there was no difference in CGMS profiles (AUC1–72 ht = −0.9; p = 0.4) across the 72‐h monitoring period. Overall the prevalence of hypoglycaemia (CGMS readings < 4 mmol/l) was similar between injection sites (11.6 vs. 10.6%, p = 0.1).Conclusion:  The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effect of injecting into lipohypertrophic tissue is small in comparison to the usual clinical variation observed with insulin injections.
New fossil evidence of the early diversification of bees: Paleohabropoda oudardi from the French Paleocene (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Anthophorini)
Authors: Michez Denis , De Meulemeester Thibaut , Rasmont Pierre , Nel André , Patiny Sébastien 
Published: February 2009

Phylogenetic relationships among and within the major groups of bees (Apoidea Apiformes) were recently reconsidered using extensive molecular and morphological datasets. The next step in the study of bee evolution will consist in estimating the antiquity of the nodes within the inferred topologies. We describe here the third oldest bee fossil, Paleohabropoda oudardi gen. n. sp. N. (Apidae, Apinae, Anthophorini) from the Paleocene of Menat (France, Puy‐de‐Dôme; 60 Myr). Phylogenetic analysis of 17 morphological characters and morphometric analysis of the wing shape were used to recover, respectively, its taxonomic position and morphological affinities. Our results indicate that Paleohabropoda oudardi gen. n. sp. n. clearly belongs to the Anthophorini. Paleohabropoda is therefore the oldest fossil that can be confidently date and place to an extant tribe. Its wing shape is surprisingly close to the extant genus Habropoda. The discovery of Paleohabropoda oudardi gen. n., sp. n. brings further evidence for the Cretaceous diversification of major lineages of bees and for strong constancy of wing shape within the Anthophorini.
Trapezius motor evoked potential in evaluations of corticospinal tract lesions
Authors: Chan Y.‐C. , Yeh I.‐B. , Kannan T. A. , Wilder‐Smith E. 
Published: February 2009

Background:  We wanted to know whether trapezius motor evoked potentials (MEPs) are helpful in the evaluation of corticospinal (CS) lesions above the fifth cervical segment (C5) and compared trapezius MEP measurements in patients with and without radiological evidence of CS lesions.Methods:  Trapezius MEPs were routinely recorded in all MEP studies performed in our hospital. Patients who had MEP studies as well as brain and cervical spine imaging were retrospectively assigned to two groups. Group 1 had radiological evidence of CS lesion above the level of C5 whilst group 2 did not.Results:  Forty‐nine patients were included in the study. Twenty‐eight patients were assigned to group 1 and 21 patients to group 2. The frequencies of abnormal values in the two groups were compared. Twelve (43%) patients in group 1 and three (14%) in group 2 had prolonged MEP latencies. Thirteen patients in group 1 had indentation or impingement of the cervical cord by intervertebral discs as the only relevant radiological abnormality. Seven (54%) of these patients were found to have prolonged trapezius MEP latencies, providing functional correlates to the radiological abnormalities.Conclusions:  Our study gives evidence to the usefulness of trapezius MEP study in the evaluation of CS lesions.
Brachial arterial flow mediated dilation in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Santos‐García D. , Blanco M. , Serena J. , Arias S. , Millán M. , Rodríguez‐Yáñez M. , Leira R. , Dávalos A. , Castillo J. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Brachial arterial flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) reflects endothelium‐dependent vasodilation function. FMD is diminished in patients with endothelial dysfunction (ED). Our aim was to investigate the relationship between FMD and outcome for patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods:  We measured FMD in 120 consecutive patients (58.3% male, median age 73 years) with acute ischemic stroke within the first 48 h of onset of the stroke, using high‐resolution ultrasonography. FMD was calculated as the relationship between basal diameter of the brachial artery before (d1) and after (d2) transient vascular occlusion (300 mmHg for 4 min) was measured using a sphygmomanometer (FMD = d2 − d1/d1 × 100). Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale at 3 months >2. FMD was categorized according to ROC analysis and we defined ED as FMD ≤ 4.5%.Results:  Thirty‐three patients (27.5%) had ED. Median % FMD was 9.12 (7.48). FMD negatively correlated to stroke severity (P = 0.045). Median FMD was significantly lower [4.5 (2.3, 10.3) vs. 9.4 (5.6, 15.1), P = 0.003] for patients with poor outcome (n = 38). The adjusted odds ratio of poor outcome for FMD ≤ 4.5% was 3.03 (95% CI, 1.09–27.3).Conclusions:  Impaired FMD in patients with acute ischemic stroke is associated with poor outcome.
TARDBP (TDP‐43) sequence analysis in patients with familial and sporadic ALS: identification of two novel mutations
Authors: Del Bo R. , Ghezzi S. , Corti S. , Pandolfo M. , Ranieri M. , Santoro D. , Ghione I. , Prelle A. , Orsetti V. , Mancuso M. , Sorarù G. , Briani C. , Angelini C. , Siciliano G. , Bresolin N. , Comi G. P. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Increasing evidence suggests a direct role of the TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) in neurodegeneration. Mutations in the TARDBP gene, which codes for TDP‐43, have been recently reported in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases.Methods:  To further define the spectrum and frequency of TARDBP mutations, we present genetic analysis data on TARDBP in 314 ALS mainly Italian patients, including 16 subjects with non‐SOD1 familial ALS.Results:  We identified four heterozygous missense mutations in five unrelated ALS patients (1.6%). Two of these mutations (p.G348C and p.A382T) were detected in carriers coming from families with an autosomal dominant transmission of different geographic origin (Belgian and Italian, respectively). The Belgian pedigree showed several affected members within five generations and with variable clinical features. Two novel mutations (p.G294V and p.G295S) were identified in two sporadic cases.Conclusion:  The identification of five ALS patients carrying TARDBP alterations extends the spectrum of TARDBP mutations and supports the pathological role of TDP‐43 in motor neurone disease. Our findings provide evidence that TARDBP mutations are not frequent in Italian sporadic ALS patients (1%); however, combined with the literature, our data further support TARDBP mutations as a relevant cause of familial ALS.
Rate of progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia – meta‐analysis of 41 robust inception cohort studies
Authors: Mitchell A. J. , Shiri‐Feshki M. 
Published: February 2009

Objective: To quantify the risk of developing dementia in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Method: Meta‐analysis of inception cohort studies.Results: Forty‐one robust cohort studies were identified. To avoid heterogeneity clinical studies, population studies and clinical trials were analysed separately. Using Mayo defined MCI at baseline and adjusting for sample size, the cumulative proportion who progressed to dementia, to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and to vascular dementia (VaD) was 39.2%, 33.6% and 6.2%, respectively in specialist settings and 21.9%, 28.9% and 5.2%, respectively in population studies. The adjusted annual conversion rate (ACR) from Mayo defined MCI to dementia, AD and VaD was 9.6%, 8.1% and 1.9%, respectively in specialist clinical settings and 4.9%, 6.8% and 1.6% in community studies. Figures from non‐Mayo defined MCI and clinical trials are also reported.Conclusion: The ACR is approximately 5–10% and most people with MCI will not progress to dementia even after 10 years of follow‐up.
Cytogenetic abnormalities in essential thrombocythemia: prevalence and prognostic significance
Authors: Gangat Naseema , Tefferi Ayalew , Thanarajasingam Gita , Patnaik Mrinal , Schwager Susan , Ketterling Rhett , Wolanskyj Alexandra P. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectives:  In the current study we describe cytogenetic findings as well as clinical correlates and long‐term prognostic relevance of abnormal cytogenetics at the time of diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia (ET).Patients and methods:  The study cohort consisted of a consecutive group of patients with ET who fulfilled the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria, and in whom cytogenetic analysis was performed at diagnosis.Results:  A total of 402 patients were studied (median age, 56 yrs; median follow‐up 70 months). The prevalence of abnormal cytogenetics at diagnosis was 7% (28 of 402). The most common cytogenetic anomalies were trisomy 9 (four patients), abnormal chromosome 1 (three patients) and trisomy 8 (two patients). Parameters at diagnosis that were significantly associated with abnormal cytogenetics included palpable splenomegaly (P = 0.03), current tobacco use (P = 0.04); venous thrombosis (P = 0.02), and anemia with a hemoglobin of <10 g/dL (P = 0.02); but did not include JAK2V617F mutation status, or advanced age. During follow up, patients with abnormal cytogenetics did not have shorter survival, or increased transformation to acute leukemia or myelofibrosis.Conclusion:  Cytogenetic anomalies at diagnosis are relatively uncommon in ET, and do not predict evolution into more aggressive myeloid disorders, or inferior survival.
Adiponectin levels are high in children with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21‐hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Völkl Thomas MK , Simm Diemud , Körner Antje , Kiess Wieland , Kratzsch Jürgen , Dörr Helmuth G 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjective: It has been shown that adiponectin serves as an insulin‐sensitizing adipokine. Serum concentrations of adiponectin are low in children with obesity, and increase with fat mass loss, indicating that adiponectin can serve as a biomarker. Since the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increased in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), our study aimed to evaluate serum levels of adiponectin in a cohort of CAH children and adolescents, and their associations with clinical parameters such as chronological age (CA), body mass index (BMI), Tanner stage (TS), medication and metabolic control.Patients and methods: We studied 51 patients, aged between 5.6 and 19.6 years (median 11.8; 30 females, 21 males), cross‐sectionally. All patients had genetically confirmed CAH and received standard steroid substitution therapy. Adiponectin was measured by an enzyme linked immunoassay. Since BMI SDS of the CAH cohort were significantly higher compared to the reference population, we built matched pairs with healthy Caucasian subjects from a normal representative cohort for sex, Tanner stage, chronologic age and BMI.Results: Adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher in CAH patients (median 11 μg/L) compared to the matched controls (6.7 μg/L, p < 0.0001). Correlation analyses in CAH patients revealed a significant inverse relationship between adiponectin and CA, TS, BMI, serum DHEAS and serum testosterone, but no correlation with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone dosage.Conclusion: Currently, the importance of the elevated adiponectin concentrations in CAH children for risk assessment is not clear. However, our data imply that besides adequate metabolic control of glucocorticoid substitution, a long‐term follow‐up of other metabolic markers of insulin resistance should be conducted in CAH patients.
Decreased T‐cell receptor excision DNA circles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells among benzene‐exposed workers
Authors: Li B. , Li Y. Q. , Yang L. J. , Chen S. H. , Yu W. , Chen J. Y. , Liu W. W. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryBenzene is a volatile aromatic hydrocarbon solvent which is widely used in many industries. The chronic exposure of humans to benzene in the workplace has been associated with blood disorders, as well as toxicity in lymphopoiesis, including aplastic anaemia and leukaemia. However, the mechanisms of benzene‐induced haematotoxicity and leukaemogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the level of T‐cell receptor excision DNA circles (TRECs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in benzene‐exposed workers. This would therefore be considered as a potential marker for estimates of thymic output and an evaluation of the content of naïve T‐cells. It is hoped that the data will bring a comprehensive understanding on the influence of benzene exposure in the host T‐cell immune function. Quantitative detection of TRECs in DNA of PBMCs from benzene‐exposed workers was preformed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction using the TaqMan technique. The benzene‐exposed workers were divided into four groups, and 27 normal individuals were served as controls. The result indicated that the TRECs levels of all benzene‐exposed groups were significantly decreased as compared with those of controls. In conclusion, the recent thymic output function and the T‐cell immune function were apparently impaired in workers after benzene exposure.
Developing a food exchange list for Middle Eastern appetisers and desserts commonly consumed in Jordan
Authors: BAWADI Hiba A. , AL‐SHWAIYAT Naseem M. , TAYYEM Reema F. , MEKARY Rania , TUURI Georgianna 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim:  The present study was conducted to develop a meal‐planning exchange list for Middle Eastern foods commonly included in the Jordanian cuisine.Methods:  Forty types of appetisers and another 40 types of desserts were selected, with five different recipes for each item. Recipes were collected from different housewives and Arabic cookbooks. Ingredients’ weight and dish net weight were recorded based on an average recipe, and dishes were prepared accordingly. Dishes were proximately analysed following the Association of Official Analytical Chemists procedures. Proximate analysis was compared with the World Health Organisation Food Composition Tables for the Use in the Middle East, and with food analysis software (ESHA).Results:  Significant correlations (P < 0.001) were found between macronutrient content obtained from proximate analysis and those obtained from ESHA. The correlation coefficients (r) were 0.92 for carbohydrate, 0.86 for protein and 0.86 for fat. Strong correlations were also detected between proximate analysis World Health Organisation food composition tables for carbohydrate (r = 0.91, P < 0.001) and protein (r = 0.81; P < 0.001) contents. However, this significant correlation was not found as strong, yet significant for fat (r = 0. 62, P < 0.001).Conclusion:  A valid exchange system for traditional desserts and appetisers is now available and ready to be used by dietitians and health‐care providers in Jordan and Arab World.