bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating obesity risk-reduction behaviours and psychosocial factors in Chinese Americans
Authors: Liou Doreen , Bauer Kathleen , Bai Yeon 
Published: May 2013

Aim: The purpose of this research was to examine the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours related to obesity risk reduction in Chinese Americans. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 300 US-born and foreign-born Chinese Americans residing in the New York metropolitan area, ranging from 18 to 40 years of age. Obesity risk reduction behaviours and psychosocial variables derived from the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Health Belief Model were measured. Acculturation was assessed using a modified Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale. Frequency distributions were delineated and stepwise regression analyses were analysed for different acculturation groups. Results: 65% of the respondents were female and the mean age of the sample was 26 years. Respondents indicated the most commonly practised behaviour to be eating home-cooked meals instead of restaurant-prepared foods. Perceived barriers to adopting obesity risk-reduction behaviours included convenience of consuming fast foods, cost, lack of time to prepare home-cooked meals, and the physical environment of unhealthy foods. In predicting intention to perform obesity risk-reduction behaviours, attitude was significant for ‘western-identified’ individuals. In ‘Asian-identified’ individuals, perceived behavioural control, self-efficacy and perceived benefits were salient. Conclusions: Nutrition educators working with Chinese Americans need to address self-efficacy in preparing plant-based, home-cooked meals and making healthy choices at fast-food restaurants with portion control. Concrete and perceived barriers such as lack of time and convenience need to be addressed in nutrition education interventions. Educators need to identify new channels and media outlets to disseminate practical, easy-to-implement behaviours for obesity risk reduction that are socially acceptable.
Gain-of-function Lyn induces anemia: appropriate Lyn activity is essential for normal erythropoiesis and Epo receptor signaling
Authors: Slavova-Azmanova Neli S. , Kucera Nicole , Satiaputra Jiulia , Stone Leah , Magno Aaron , Maxwell Mhairi J. , Quilici Cathy , Erber Wendy , Klinken S. Peter , Hibbs Margaret L. , Ingley Evan 
Published: May 2013

Key PointsGain-of-function Lyn mice develop hemolytic anemia with acanthocyte red blood cells and display compensatory extramedullary erythropoiesis. Hyperactive Lyn notably alters Epo receptor signaling, particularly an Akt-FoxO3 pathway, enhancing viability and delaying differentiation.
The co-receptor BTLA negatively regulates human Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell proliferation: a potential way of immune escape for lymphoma cells
Authors: Gertner-Dardenne Julie , Fauriat Cyril , Orlanducci Florence , Thibult Marie-Laure , Pastor Sonia , Fitzgibbon Jude , Bouabdallah Reda , Xerri Luc , Olive Daniel 
Published: May 2013

Key PointsBTLA-HVEM interaction negatively regulates the proliferation of LTγδ. BTLA-HVEM interaction appears as a new possible mechanism of immune escape by lymphoma cells.
Outcome of patients with hemoglobinopathies given either cord blood or bone marrow transplantation from an HLA-identical sibling
Authors: Locatelli Franco , Kabbara Nabil , Ruggeri Annalisa , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir , Roberts Irene , Li Chi Kong , Bernaudin Françoise , Vermylen Christiane , Dalle Jean-Hugues , Stein Jerry , Wynn Robert , Cordonnier Catherine , Pinto Fernando , Angelucci Emanuele , Socié Gérard , Gluckman Eliane , Walters Mark C. , Rocha Vanderson 
Published: May 2013

Key PointsPatients with thalassemia major or sickle cell disease had excellent outcomes after both CBT and BMT from an HLA-identical sibling. Related cord blood transplantation is a suitable transplant option for patients with hemoglobinopathies.
Perspectives and future directions for epigenetics in hematology
Authors: Goodell Margaret A. , Godley Lucy A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractGenetic analysis of hematologic malignancies over the past 5 years has revealed abundant mutations in epigenetic regulators in all classes of disorders. Here, we summarize the observations made within our review series on the role of epigenetics in hematology. We highlight the clinical implications of mutations in epigenetic regulators and outline what we envision are some of the major areas that merit future research. Recent findings may have immediate prognostic value, but also offer new targets for drug development. However, the pleiotropic action of these regulators indicates caution is warranted and argues for investment in understanding of their underlying mechanisms of action as we proceed to exploit these findings for the benefit of patients.
Results from a study using misoprostol for management of incomplete abortion in Vietnamese hospitals: implications for task shifting
Authors: Ngoc Nguyen Thi Nhu , Shochet Tara , Blum Jennifer , Hai Pham Thanh , Dung Duong Lan , Nhan Tran Thanh , Winikoff Beverly 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Complications following spontaneous or induced abortion are a major cause of maternal morbidity. To manage these complications, post-abortion care (PAC) services should be readily available and easy to access. Standard PAC treatment includes surgical interventions that are highly effective but require surgical providers and medical centers that have the necessary space and equipment. Misoprostol has been shown to be an effective alternative to surgical evacuation and can be offered by lower level clinicians. This study sought to assess whether 400 mcg sublingual misoprostol could effectively evacuate the uterus after incomplete abortion and to confirm its applicability for use at lower level settings.

Methods
All women presenting with incomplete abortion at one of three hospitals in Vietnam were enrolled. Providers were not asked to record if the abortion was spontaneous or induced. It is likely that all were spontaneous given the legal status and easy access to abortion services in Vietnam. Participants were given 400 mcg sublingual misoprostol and instructed to hold the pills under their tongue for 30 minutes and then swallow any remaining fragments. They were then asked to return one week later to confirm their clinical status. Study clinicians were instructed to confirm a complete expulsion clinically. All women were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding satisfaction with the treatment.

Results
Three hundred and two women were enrolled between September 2009 and May 2010. Almost all participants (96.3%) had successful completions using a single dose of 400 mcg misoprostol. The majority of women (87.2%) found the side effects to be tolerable or easily tolerable. Most women (84.3%) were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment they received; only one was dissatisfied (0.3%). Nine out of ten women would select this method again and recommend it to a friend (91.0% and 90.0%, respectively).

Conclusions
This study confirms that 400 mcg sublingual misoprostol effectively evacuates the uterus for most women experiencing incomplete abortion. The high levels of satisfaction and side effect tolerability also attest to the ease of use of this method. From these data and given the international consensus around the effectiveness of misoprostol for incomplete abortion care, it seems timely that use of the drug for this indication be widely expanded both throughout Vietnam and wherever access to abortion care is limited.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00670761
Predictive value of preoperative serum CCL2, CCL18, and VEGF for the patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Wu Jianghong , Liu Xiaowen , Wang Yanong 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
To investigate the expression of chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in peripheral blood of patients with gastric cancer and their correlation with presence of malignancy and disease progression.

Methods
Sixty patients with pathological proved gastric cancer were prospectively included into study. The levels of CCL2, CCL18, and VEGF in peripheral blood were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA). Peripheral blood from 20 healthy people was examined as control.

Results
The preoperative serum levels of CCL2, CCL18 and VEGF in gastric cancer patients were significantly higher than that of controls (P <0.001, P <0.001, and P <0.001, respectively). ROC curve analysis showed that with a cut-off value of ≥1272.8, the VEGF*CCL2 predicted the presence of gastric cancer with 83% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Preoperative serum CCL2 was significantly correlated to N stage (P =0.040); CCL18 associated with N stage (P =0.002), and TNM stage (P =0.002); VEGF correlated to T stage (P =0.000), N stage (P =0.015), and TNM stage (P =0.000).

Conclusion
Preoperative serum levels of CCL2 and VEGF could play a crucial role in predicting the presence and progression of gastric cancer.
Disturbance observer based "Equation missing" control for flexible spacecraft with time-varying input delay
Authors: Zhang Ran , Li Tao , Guo Lei 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In this paper, a composite disturbance-observer-based control (DOBC) and

H
∞

control scheme is applied to solve the spacecraft attitude control with time-varying input delay. Compared with some existing results, distinct features of the proposed method are that the delay-dependent disturbance observer and

H
∞

controller are used to estimate and compensate the main disturbance caused by flexible appendages and to attenuate exogenous bounded disturbances with attenuation level, respectively. The proposed design is obtained by combining the augmented Lyapunov functional with linear matrix inequality technique. The effectiveness of the proposed design method is illustrated via a numerical example.
Development of measurement system for task oriented step tracking using laser range finder
Authors: Matsumura Tetsuya , Moriguchi Toshiki , Yamada Minoru , Uemura Kazuki , Nishiguchi Shu , Aoyama Tomoki , Takahashi Masaki 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Avoiding a fall requires fast and appropriate step responses, stepping speed as a fall risk indicator has only been assessed in older adults. We have developed a new measurement system that applies a laser range finder to assess temporal and spatial parameters of stepping performance such as step speed, length, and accuracy. This measurement system has higher portability, lower cost, and can analyze a larger number of temporal and spatial parameters than existing measurement systems. The aim of this study was to quantify the system for measuring reaction time and stride duration by compared to that obtained using a force platform.

Methods
Ten healthy young adults performed steps in response to visual cues. The measurement system applied a laser range finder to measure the position and velocity of the center of each leg and of both legs.
We applied the developed measurement system to the rhythmic stepping exercise and measured reaction time and stride duration. In addition, the foot-off time and foot-contact time were quantified using the measurement system, and compared to the foot-off time and foot-contact time quantified using a force platform.

Results
We confirmed that the measurement system can detect where a participant stood and measured reaction time and stride duration.
Remarkable consistency was observed in the test-retest reliability of the foot-off time and foot-contact time quantified by the measurement system (p < 0.001). The foot-off time and foot-contact time quantified by the measurement system were highly correlated with the foot-off time and foot-contact time quantified by the force platform (reaction time: r = 0.997, stride duration: r = 0.879; p < 0.001).

Conclusions
The new measurement system provided a valid measure of temporal step parameters in young healthy adults.
The validity of the system to measure reaction time and stride duration was evaluated, and confirmed by applying to the rhythmic stepping exercise.
Longitudinal, genome-scale analysis of DNA methylation in twins from birth to 18 months of age reveals rapid epigenetic change in early life and pair-specific effects of discordance
Authors: Martino David , Loke Yuk Jin , Gordon Lavinia , Ollikainen Miina , Cruickshank Mark N , Saffery Richard , Craig Jeffrey M 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Background
The extent to which development- and age-associated epigenetic changes are influenced by genetic, environmental and stochastic factors remains to be discovered. Twins provide an ideal model with which to investigate these influences but previous cross-sectional twin studies provide contradictory evidence of within-pair epigenetic drift over time. Longitudinal twin studies can potentially address this discrepancy.

Results
In a pilot, genome-scale study of DNA from buccal epithelium, a relatively homogeneous tissue, we show that one-third of the CpGs assayed show dynamic methylation between birth and 18 months. Although all classes of annotated genomic regions assessed show an increase in DNA methylation over time, probes located in intragenic regions, enhancers and low-density CpG promoters are significantly over-represented, while CpG islands and high-CpG density promoters are depleted among the most dynamic probes. Comparison of co-twins demonstrated that within-pair drift in DNA methylation in our cohort is specific to a subset of pairs, who show more differences at 18 months. The rest of the pairs show either minimal change in methylation discordance, or more similar, converging methylation profiles at 18 months. As with age-associated regions, sites that change in their level of within-pair discordance between birth and 18 months are enriched in genes involved in development, but the average magnitude of change is smaller than for longitudinal change.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that DNA methylation in buccal epithelium is influenced by non-shared stochastic and environmental factors that could reflect a degree of epigenetic plasticity within an otherwise constrained developmental program.
Survey of European clinical geneticists on awareness, experiences and attitudes towards direct-to-consumer genetic testing
Authors: Howard Heidi Carmen , Borry Pascal 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Background
The advent of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing (GT) has sparked a number of debates regarding the scientific validity of tests, their broad health and ethical implications for society as well as their legal status. To date, relatively few empirical studies have been published regarding this phenomenon. We conducted a survey of European clinical geneticists to gauge their awareness of, experiences with, and attitudes towards DTC GT.

Methods
We invited 300 clinical geneticists from 28 European countries to complete an online questionnaire. Statistical analyses of closed-ended questions were performed using the STATISTICA software package. Answers to open-ended questions were analysed for recurring themes.

Results
One hundred and thirty-one clinical geneticists answered our survey (response rate, 44%). Eighty-six percent (110/128) of respondents were aware of DTC GT, and over one-third had been contacted by at least one patient regarding these services. The majority (84%) of respondents did not agree with telephone medical supervision outside of an established doctor-patient relationship. The majority of clinical geneticists also found it unacceptable to provide non-face-to-face medical supervision for: (i) a presymptomatic test for a condition with very high penetrance; (ii) a predictive test for a condition that has a 'medium' penetrance of 50% to 60%; and (iii) carrier testing. For conditions that are neither treatable nor preventable and for disorders with serious health consequences, clinical geneticists were almost unanimous in expressing the unacceptability of offering such genetic tests outside of the traditional healthcare setting, without an established physician-patient relationship and without face-to-face medical supervision.

Conclusion
A high percentage of European clinical geneticists are aware of DTC GT and the majority do not agree with the model of provision used by many commercial companies for certain severe or actionable health conditions. Despite this disagreement with the DTC model of provision, >85% of respondents said that they would offer genetic counselling to patients who asked for a consultation after having undergone DTC genetic testing. The understanding of the views and opinions of this expert stakeholder group should be considered in the attempts to shape responsible policy and guidelines for these services.
The enigma of the lower gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)
Authors: Butler John E , Sinkora Marek 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTArtiodactyls possess GALT that appears in fetal life and is located at the extreme end of the ileum. These IPP contain mostly B cells and involute early in postnatal life. Rabbits have a similarly located lymphoid organ, called the sacculus rotundus. Studies in sheep and rabbits have led to the concept that the lower hindgut GALT represents primary lymphoid tissue for B cells and is necessary for normal B cell development, analogous to the bursa of Fabricius. This review traces the history of the observations and theories that have led to the existing concept concerning the role of lower GALT. We then review recent data from piglets with resected IPP that challenges the concept that the IPP is primary B cell lymphoid tissue and that artiodactyls and rabbits are members of the GALT group in the same context as gallinaceous birds. Eliminating the IPP as the primary lymphoid tissue for B cells leads to the hypothesis that the IPP acts as first-responder mucosal lymphoid tissue.
Current clinical immunotherapy targets in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: McCarthy Fiona , Roshani Rozita , Steele Jeremy , Hagemann Thorsten 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTNSCLC remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat. Despite the introduction of innovative therapies over the last decade, the 5-year survival of NSCLC is still &lt;20%. Clearly, novel, therapeutic approaches are required. Targeting the immune system to derive meaningful clinical benefit has proved successful in various malignancies in recent years. As a result, there is renewed focus on the use of immunotherapy in lung cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of current immune-modulatory approaches in the treatment of NSCLC.
IRAK4 kinase activity is not required for induction of endotoxin tolerance but contributes to TLR2-mediated tolerance
Authors: Xiong Yanbao , Pennini Meghan , Vogel Stefanie N , Medvedev Andrei E 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTPrior exposure to LPS induces “endotoxin tolerance” that reprograms TLR4 responses to subsequent LPS challenge by altering expression of inflammatory mediators. Endotoxin tolerance is thought to limit the excessive cytokine storm and prevent tissue damage during sepsis but renders the host immunocompromised and susceptible to secondary infections. Tolerance initiated via one TLR can affect cellular responses to challenge via the same TLR (“homotolerance”) or through different TLRs (“heterotolerance”). IRAK4, an essential component of the MyD88-dependent pathway, functions as a kinase and an adapter, activating subsets of divergent signaling pathways. In this study, we addressed mechanistically the role of IRAK4 kinase activity in TLR4- and TLR2-induced tolerance using macrophages from WT versus IRAK4KDKI mice. Whereas IRAK4 kinase deficiency decreased LPS signaling, it did not prevent endotoxin tolerance, as endotoxin pretreatment of WT and IRAK4KDKI macrophages inhibited LPS-induced MAPK phosphorylation, degradation of IκB-α and recruitment of p65 to the TNF-α promoter, expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and increased levels of A20 and IRAK-M. Pretreatment of WT macrophages with Pam3Cys, a TLR2–TLR1 agonist, ablated p-p38 and p-JNK in response to challenge with Pam3Cys and LPS, whereas IRAK4KDKI macrophages exhibited attenuated TLR2-elicited homo- and heterotolerance at the level of MAPK activation. Thus, IRAK4 kinase activity is not required for the induction of endotoxin tolerance but contributes significantly to TLR2-elicited homo- and heterotolerance.
NK cells are necessary for recovery of corneal CD11c+ dendritic cells after epithelial abrasion injury
Authors: Gao Yuan , Li Zhijie , Hassan Nida , Mehta Pooja , Burns Alan R , Tang Xin , Smith C Wayne 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTMechanisms controlling CD11c+ MHCII+ DCs during corneal epithelial wound healing were investigated in a murine model of corneal abrasion. Selective depletion of NKp46+ CD3− NK cells that normally migrate into the cornea after epithelial abrasion resulted in &gt;85% reduction of the epithelial CD11c+ MHCII+ DCs, normally present during and after epithelial wound closure. Transfer (i.v.) of spleen NK cells into NK cell-depleted mice significantly restored levels of corneal epithelial DCs (P&lt;0.01). Immigrated NK cells were predominately positive for IFN-γ, and topical corneal anti-IFN-γ reduced epithelial DCs by 79% (P&lt;0.01). IFN-γ−/− mice had 69% fewer DCs than WT controls (P&lt;0.01), and topical rIFN-γ applied to NK cell-depleted corneas increased epithelial DCs significantly (P&lt;0.01). The contribution of ICAM-1, an adhesion molecule involved in leukocyte migration, expressed on healing corneal epithelium, was evaluated. ICAM-1−/− mice exhibited &gt;70% reduction in epithelial DC recovery in the first 48 h after epithelial abrasion (P&lt;0.01). These interventions reveal an early turnover of DCs in the epithelium after injury, and ICAM-1, NK cells, and IFN-γ are necessary for the immigration phase of this turnover.
Interpretation of self-potential anomaly over a 2D inclined structure using very fast simulated-annealing global optimization — An insight about ambiguity
Authors: Sharma Shashi Prakash , Biswas Arkoprovo 
Published: May 2013

A very fast simulated-annealing (VFSA) global optimization procedure is developed for the interpretation of self-potential (SP) anomaly measured over a 2D inclined sheet-type structure. Model parameters such as electric current dipole density ([Formula: see text]), horizontal and vertical locations of the center of the causative body ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]), half-width ([Formula: see text]), and polarization/inclination angle ([Formula: see text]) of the sheet are optimized. VFSA optimization yields a large number of well-fitting solutions in a vast model space. Even though the assumed model space (minimum and maximum limits for each model parameter) is appropriate, it has been observed that models obtained by the VFSA process in the predefined model space could also be geologically erroneous. This offers new insight into the interpretation of self-potential data. Our optimization results indicate that there exist at least two sets of solutions that can fit the observed data equally well. The first set of solutions represents a local optimum and is geologically inappropriate. The second set of solutions represents the actual subsurface structure. The mean model estimated from the latter models represents the global solution. The efficacy of the developed approach has been demonstrated using various synthetic examples. Field data from the Surda area of Rakha Mines, India and the Bavarian woods, Germany are also interpreted. The computation time for finding this versatile solution is very short (52 s on a simple PC) and the proposed approach is found to be more advantageous than other approaches.