bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Germ‐line origin of intron 1 inversion in two haemophilia A families
Authors: Acquila M. , Pasino M. , Santoro C. , Lanza T. , Molinari A. C. , Bottini F. , Bicocchi M. P. 
Published: November 2003

Summary.  Factor VIII gene inversion of intron 1 has recently been reported to be the mutation responsible for haemophilia A in about 5% of severe cases. In our series of patients, which is made up of 77 Italian cases negative for intron 22 inversion, the mutation was found in three sporadic and in one familial patients, with an overall frequency of 5.2%. The carrier status of the patients’ female relatives was assessed by mutation analysis and showed that only two‐thirds of cases could be considered truly sporadic. The germ‐line origin of the mutation was investigated in the two sporadic families by haplotype analysis on genomic DNA of the patients’ maternal grandparents. These studies indicated that both mutation events had occurred in the germ cell lines of the patients’ healthy grandfather, suggesting that, as already demonstrated for the inversion of intron 22, the male germ cell line is more susceptible to the intrachromosome recombination which leads to the inversion of intron 1.
Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits DNA synthesis of rat hepatocytes induced by partial hepatectomy or mitogen (ciprofibrate)
Authors: Rao M. S. , Subbarao V. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractIn a previous study we have shown that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) inhibits hepatocyte DNA synthesis after short‐term administration and induces hepatocellular carcinomas after long‐term administration in the rat. It is not known whether DHEA is also capable of inhibiting replicative and mitogen‐induced DNA synthesis. In the present study, we have evaluated the effect of DHEA on DNA synthesis in the rat liver after partial hepatectomy and mitogen administration. After partial hepatectomy, DHEA significantly inhibited DNA synthesis at 20, 26, 32 and 38 h. Similarly, combined administration of ciprofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator and mitogen, and DHEA also resulted in significant hepatocyte DNA synthesis. However, DHEA did not affect liver enlargement caused by ciprofibrate. This experimental system will serve as useful tool to evaluate the role of cell proliferation in carcinogenesis.
Identification of a distinct family of genes encoding atypical odorant‐binding proteins in the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Xu P. X. , Zwiebel L. J. , Smith D. P. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractWe performed a genome‐wide analysis for candidate odorant‐binding protein (OBP) genes in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae (Ag). We identified fifty‐seven putative genes including sixteen genes predicted to encode distinct, higher molecular weight proteins that lack orthologues in Drosophila. Expression analysis indicates that several of these atypical AgOBPs are transcribed in chemosensory organs in adult and immature stages. Phylogenetic analysis of the Anopheles and Drosophila OBP families reveals these proteins fall into several clusters based on sequence similarity and suggests the atypical AgOBP genes arose in the mosquito lineage after the divergence of mosquitoes and flies. The identification of these AgOBP genes is the first step towards determining their biological roles in this economically and medically important insect.
The mitochondrial genome of the olive fly Bactrocera oleae: two haplotypes from distant geographical locations
Authors: Nardi F. , Carapelli A. , Dallai R. , Frati F. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractThe complete sequence of the olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) mitochondrial genome has been determined. Two independent haplotypes, from flies of distant geographical origin (Italy and Portugal) were completely sequenced. The molecule is 15 815 bp long, and shows the gene content and organization typical of insects, namely thirteen protein coding genes (PCGs) encoding proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation, two rRNAs, twenty‐two tRNAs and a long (949 bp) noncoding region. The genomes of the two fly specimens share the same arrangement, differing by a mere thirty‐one point mutations. The differences are mostly transitions (26) and synonymous substitutions in PCGs (21). The two new sequences are compared with others already present in the database.
A measurement and comparison of the fluid intake in people with and without back pain
Authors: Cowbrough K. , Lloyd H. 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground  The aim of this study was to investigate and compare fluid intake of people with and without chronic back pain (BP). The research hypothesis was that fluid intake is lower in people with chronic BP.Method  A diary to record fluid intake in the general public was piloted. Seventy‐seven people with chronic BP and 88 without BP were recruited from outpatient clinics and asked to record their fluid intake using this diary for nine consecutive days. Data were analysed to compare the intake of fluid in the two groups.Results  T‐tests showed that there is a higher fluid intake among the cohort with BP for the total daily fluid intake 2344 ± 669 mL (P = 0.008), and daily fluid intake excluding alcohol 2065 ± 658 mL (P = 0.039).Conclusions  This study found that a sample of people with BP drank more fluid than a similar group with no BP.
Performance of lactating sows in response to the dietary valine supply
Authors: Paulicks B. R. , Ott H. , Roth‐Maier D. A. 
Published: November 2003

SummaryIn order to determine the requirement of lactating sows for valine (Val) the effects of graded Val supplementations on feed intake, milk yield and changes of body weight of sows and piglets were examined using 54 multiparous sows over a total of 72 lactations (35 days). The sows were randomly assigned to six treatments (1–6). Each group received the same basic diet, covering the requirements of energy and nutrients except Val (4.5 g native Val, i.e. 3.5 g apparent ileal digestible Val). Adding crystalline l‐Val dietary Val concentrations of 5.5, 6.5, 8.5, 10.5 and 14.5 g/kg, respectively, were realized. Feed intake of the sows was determined daily, body weight was determined on day 110 of gestation and day 1, 22 and 35 of lactation. The piglets were weighed on day 1, 21 and 35. The intake of piglet feed, which was offered from day 21, was determined at day 35 for each litter. Milk yield was determined using the weigh‐suckle‐weigh‐method at day 13, 14, 20 and 21, fat and protein contents were analysed in hand‐milked samples with infrared spectroscopy.Feed intake (kg/day) of the sows during lactation averaged 2.9, 4.3, 4.6, 4.6, 4.9 and 5.1 for treatments 1–6, respectively. For treatments 1 and 2 body weight losses of the sows during lactation were higher (1207 and 805 g/day, respectively) and milk production was lower (7076 and 8686 g/day, respectively), compared with the average of treatments 3–6 (625 g/day body weight loss; 9263 g milk/day). Daily weight gain of the piglets was also lower (146 and 171 g/day vs. 200 g/day) leading to lower weaning weights of 6.6 and 7.5 vs. 8.5 kg. As a consistent growth depression of the piglets in Val deficiency must be assumed, at least 6.5 g Val corresponding to 5.5 g apparent ileal digestible Val per kg lactation feed must be recommended.
Evolution of wild type and mutants of the YMDD motif of hepatitis B virus polymerase during lamivudine therapy
Authors: ZHANG XINXIN , LIU CHUANMIAO , GONG QIMING , ZHANG SHENYING , ZHANG DONGHUA , LU ZHIMENG , WANG YUAN 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Long‐term lamivudine treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection induces the emergence of lamivudine resistant HBV YMDD mutant strains. The aim of the present study was to observe the clone evolution of YMDD wild type and mutant strains in pretreatment and post‐treatment samples during lamivudine therapy and analyze their clinical significance.Methods:  Ten serum samples (five before and five after 48 weeks of therapy) obtained from five patients chronically infected with HBV and treated with lamivudine were studied. Part of the HBV polymerase gene flanking the YMDD motif was sequenced after polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Meanwhile, 20–24 clones were selected at random from each sample and YMDD wild type and mutant strains were detected by real‐time fluorimetry PCR established in our laboratory.Results:  The YMDD mutants were not detectable in all five patients before treatment and were found in four patients after 48 weeks of therapy by sequencing directly on PCR products. Analysis of individual clones showed that the ratios of mutant strains in each of the five patients were 0, 9.5, 0, 4.5 and 5.6%, respectively, before therapy and 100, 100, 65, 100 and 0%, respectively, after 48 weeks of therapy. M552I was detected before therapy in one patient but M552V became the domain strain after therapy. Until 52 weeks of therapy, serum HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) breakthrough were found in two of the four patients with YMDD mutations. The fifth patient experienced breakthrough of ALT but HBV DNA remained undetectable.Conclusions:  The mutant strains of YMDD motif of HBV polymerase could be found in patients before lamivudine treatment, indicating that antiviral therapy allows the rapid selection of resistant strains. The replication ability of the M552V mutant strain might be stronger than that of the M552I mutant strain.
Chronic hepatitis B: A long‐term retrospective cohort study of disease progression in Shanghai, China
Authors: XU BIAO , HU DE‐CHANG , ROSENBERG DANIEL M , JIANG QING‐WU , LIN XI‐MIN , LU JIA‐LIANG , ROBINSON NOAH J 
Published: November 2003

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The present study aimed to describe the disease progression of chronic hepatitis B patients without or with compensated cirrhosis at baseline, to estimate the risk of progression to decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and death, and to determine prognostic factors of disease progression in patients in Shanghai, China.Methods:  Stored medical records from 322 biopsy‐confirmed chronic hepatitis B cases diagnosed between 1981 and 1993 were selected, and the status of patients was tracked in 1999–2000. Among consenting patients, ultrasound examination and laboratory tests were conducted. Person‐year incidence rates, Kaplan–Meier analysis, log‐rank tests, and Cox regression analysis were conducted.Results:  Among chronic hepatitis B patients without compensated cirrhosis, the incidence rates of decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death were 6.3, 2.8, and 7.6 per 1000 person‐years, respectively, while for patients with compensated cirrhosis, the rates were 35.6, 8.2, and 35.2 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. The 15‐year survival rate was 88% for patients without compensated cirrhosis, compared with 56% for patients with compensated cirrhosis (P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that increased α‐fetoprotein (AFP) (P < 0.01), γ‐globulin (P < 0.05), and high‐level severity of hepatic fibrosis (P < 0.01) at baseline were risk factors of decompensated cirrhosis. Factors associated with a high risk of death included elevated AFP at baseline (P < 0.01), severity of hepatic fibrosis (P < 0.003), and sustained positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (P < 0.004).Conclusion:  Increased AFP and severity of hepatic fibrosis at baseline were associated with higher risk of decompensated cirrhosis and death. These data provide rare empirical estimates of the negative long‐term outcomes for patients with chronic hepatitis B in Shanghai, China.
A ‘crack‐like’ notch analogue for a safe‐life fretting fatigue design methodology
Authors: CIAVARELLA M. 
Published: November 2003

ABSTRACTVarious analogies have recently been proposed for comparing the stress fields induced in fretting fatigue contact situations, with those of a crack and a sharp or a rounded notch, resulting in a degree of uncertainty over which model is most appropriate in a given situation. However, a simple recent approach of Atzori–Lazzarin for infinite‐life fatigue design in the presence of a geometrical notch suggests a corresponding unified model also for fretting fatigue (called Crack‐Like Notch Analogue model) considering only two possible behaviours: either ‘crack‐like’ or ‘large blunt notch.’ In a general fretting fatigue situation, the former condition is treated with a single contact problem corresponding to a Crack Analogue model; the latter, with a simple peak stress condition (as in previous Notch Analogue models), simply stating that below the fatigue limit, infinite life is predicted for any size of contact. In the typical situation of constant normal load and in phase oscillating tangential and bulk loads, both limiting conditions can be readily stated. Not only is the model asymptotically correct if friction is infinitely high or the contact area is very small, but also remarkably accurate in realistic conditions, as shown by excellent agreement with Hertzian experimental results on Al and Ti alloys. The model is useful for preliminary design or planning of experiments reducing spurious dependences on an otherwise too large number of parameters. In fact, for not too large contact areas (‘crack‐like’ contact) no dependence at all on geometry is predicted, but only on three load factors (bulk stress, tangential load and average pressure) and size of the contact. Only in the ‘large blunt notch’ region occurring typically only at very large sizes of contact, does the size‐effect disappear, but the dependence is on all other factors including geometry.
The Effect of Group Exercise on Physical Functioning and Falls in Frail Older People Living in Retirement Villages: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Lord Stephen R. , Castell Sally , Corcoran Joanne , Dayhew Julia , Matters Beth , Shan Amelia , Williams Philippa 
Published: November 2003

Objectives: To determine whether a 12‐month program of group exercise can improve physical functioning and reduce the rate of falling in frail older people.Design: Cluster randomized, controlled trial of 12 months duration.Setting: Retirement villages in Sydney and Wollongong, Australia.Participants: Five hundred fifty‐one people aged 62 to 95 (mean±standard deviation=79.5±6.4) who were living in self‐ and intermediate‐care retirement villages.Measurements: Accidental falls, choice stepping reaction time, 6‐minute walk distance postural sway, leaning balance, simple reaction time, and lower‐limb muscle strength.Results: Two hundred eighty subjects were randomized to the weight‐bearing group exercise (GE) intervention that was designed to improve the ability of subjects to undertake activities for daily living. Subjects randomized to the control arm (n=271) attended flexibility and relaxation (FR) classes (n=90) or did not participate in a group activity (n=181). In spite of the reduced precision of cluster randomization, there were few differences in the baseline characteristics of the GE and combined control (CC) subjects, although the mean age of the GE group was higher than that of the CC group, and there were fewer men in the GE group. The mean number of classes attended was 39.4±28.7 for the GE subjects and 31.5±25.2 for the FR subjects. After adjusting for age and sex, there were 22% fewer falls during the trial in the GE group than in the CC group (incident rate ratio=0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.62–0.99), and 31% fewer falls in the 173 subjects who had fallen in the past year (incident rate ratio=0.69, 95% CI=0.48–0.99). At 6‐month retest, the GE group performed significantly better than the CC group in tests of choice stepping reaction time, 6‐minute walking distance, and simple reaction time requiring a hand press. The groups did not differ at retest in tests of strength, sway, or leaning balance.Conclusion: These findings show that group exercise can prevent falls and maintain physical functioning in frail older people.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in the Elderly Medicare Population: Predictors, Disparities, and Trends
Authors: Crystal Stephen , Sambamoorthi Usha , Walkup James T. , Akıncıgil Ayşe 
Published: November 2003

Objectives: To develop nationally representative estimates of rates of diagnosis of depression; to determine rates and type of treatment received by those diagnosed with depression; and to ascertain socioeconomic differences and trends in treatment rates of depression, including the effect of supplemental insurance coverage, for elderly Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries.Design: Analysis of merged interview and Medicare claims data for multiple years from merged Medicare claims and interview data from the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (MCBS), a nationally representative survey of Medicare participants.Setting: Community dwellers.Participants: Twenty thousand nine hundred sixty‐six community‐dwelling respondents aged 65 and older in the MCBS cost and use files for 1992 through 1998.Measurements: Diagnoses recorded in Medicare claims were used to identify individuals who received a diagnosis of depression from a healthcare provider; pharmacy and claims data were used to identify receipt of antidepressants and psychotherapy by those diagnosed.Results: The rate of depression diagnosis more than doubled, reaching 5.8% in 1998. Overall, about two‐thirds of those diagnosed received treatment in each year; but those aged 75 and older, those of “Hispanic or other” ethnicity, and those without additional coverage to supplement Medicare were significantly less likely to receive treatment, controlling for other characteristics. If treated, members of these disadvantaged subgroups were less likely to receive psychotherapy.Conclusion: Although depression has been thought until recent years to be underrecognized in the elderly, rates of diagnosis increased dramatically in the 1990s, with concomitant increases in treatment. Nevertheless, significant disparities by age, ethnicity, and supplemental insurance coverage persist in treatment of those diagnosed. Because depression is a major source of potentially treatable morbidity in older people, increased efforts are needed to ensure access to appropriate treatment across all subgroups of older people and to remove economic barriers to treatment.
Intentional and Unintentional Weight Loss Increase Bone Loss and Hip Fracture Risk in Older Women
Authors: Ensrud Kristine E. , Ewing Susan K. , Stone Katie L. , Cauley Jane A. , Bowman Paula J. , Cummings Steven R. ,   for the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Research Group
Published: November 2003

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that unintentional weight loss increases the rate of bone loss and risk of hip fracture more than intentional weight loss.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: Four communities within the United States.Participants: Six thousand seven hundred eighty‐five elderly white women with measurement of weight change and assessment of intention to lose weight.Measurements: Weight change between baseline and fourth examinations (average 5.7 years between examinations) and assessment of intention to lose weight. Weight loss was defined as a decrease of 5% or more from baseline weight, stable weight was defined as less than a 5% change from baseline weight, and weight gain was defined as an increase of 5% or more from baseline weight. Rate of change in bone mineral density at the hip between fourth and sixth examinations (average 4.4 years between examinations) was measured using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Incident hip fractures occurring after the fourth examination until June 1, 2001 (average follow‐up 6.6 years) was confirmed using radiographic reports.Results: The adjusted average rate of decline in total hipbone density steadily increased from −0.52% per year in women with weight gain to −0.68% per year in women with stable weight to −0.92% per year in women with weight loss (P‐value for trend <.001). Higher rates of hip‐bone loss were observed in women with weight loss irrespective of body mass index (BMI) or intention to lose weight. During follow‐up of an average 6.6 years after the fourth examination, 400 (6%) of the cohort suffered a first hip fracture. Women with weight loss had 1.8 times the risk (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.43–2.24) of subsequent hip fracture as those with stable or increasing weight. The association between weight loss and increased risk of hip fracture was consistent across categories of BMI and intention to lose weight. Even voluntary weight loss in overweight women with a BMI of 25.9 kg/m2 (median) or greater increased the risk of hip fracture (multivariate hazard ratio=2.48, 95% CI=1.33–4.62).Conclusion: Older women who experience weight loss in later years have increased rates of hip‐bone loss and a two‐fold greater risk of subsequent hip fracture, irrespective of current weight or intention to lose weight. These findings indicate that even voluntary weight loss in overweight elderly women increases hip fracture risk.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Strength, Physical Function, and Health Perception in Older, Community‐Dwelling Men
Authors: Kenny Anne M. , Biskup Bradley , Robbins Bertha , Marcella Glenn , Burleson Joseph A. 
Published: November 2003

Objectives: To study the effects of vitamin D supplementation in healthier populations of men.Design: Randomized, controlled trial.Setting: General clinical research center.Participants: Sixty‐five healthy, community‐dwelling men (mean age±standard deviation=76±4, range 65–87).Intervention: Cholecalciferol (1,000 IU/d) or placebo supplementation for 6 months; all received 500 mg supplemental calcium.Measurements: Upper and lower extremity muscle strength and power, physical performance and activity, health perception, calcium and vitamin D intake, and biochemical assessment, including 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and ionized calcium levels.Results: The levels of 25OHD increased and PTH decreased in the cholecalciferol group, whereas there were no significant changes in the control group (P<.001). Baseline 25OHD levels correlated with baseline single‐leg stance time and physical activity score. Baseline PTH levels correlated with baseline 8‐foot walk time and physical activity score. No significant difference in strength, power, physical performance, or health perception was found between groups.Conclusion: The 25OHD or PTH levels correlated with physical activity and physical performance in older, community‐dwelling men with normal 25OHD status. Vitamin D supplementation increased 25OHD levels and decreased PTH levels but did not increase muscle strength or improve physical performance or health perception in this group of healthy, older men. Further investigations of the effects of vitamin D supplementation should focus on individuals with low levels of vitamin D.