bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori Virulence Genes Detected by String PCR in Children from an Urban Community in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Goncalves Maria H. R. B. , Silva Cícero I. S. M. , Braga-Neto Manuel B. , Fialho Andrea B. C. , Fialho Andre M. N. , Queiroz Dulciene M. M. , Braga Lucia L. B. C. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

The accuracy of a nested PCR in gastric DNA obtained by a string test for the diagnosis of
Helicobacter pylori
infection in asymptomatic children was 94.0%. The
cagA
-positive toxigenic
vacAs1m1
strains were the most prevalent strains, indicating that this population is colonized early by the strains associated with gastric cancer.
Early Antigen Presentation of Protective HIV-1 KF11Gag and KK10Gag Epitopes from Incoming Viral Particles Facilitates Rapid Recognition of Infected Cells by Specific CD8+T Cells
Authors: Kløverpris Henrik N. , Payne Rebecca P. , Sacha Jonah B. , Rasaiyaah Jane T. , Chen Fabian , Takiguchi Masafumi , Yang Otto O. , Towers Greg J. , Goulder Philip , Prado Julia G. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTCD8+T cells are major players in antiviral immunity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) through recognition of viral epitopes presented on the surface of infected cells. However, the early events involving HIV-1 epitope presentation to CD8+T cells remain poorly understood but are nonetheless crucial for the rapid clearance of virus-infected cells. Here, we comprehensively studied the kinetics of antigen presentation of two protective epitopes, KF11Gag and KK10Gag, restricted by HLA alleles B*57:01 and B*27:05, respectively, and compared these to KY9Pol and VL9Vpr epitopes in a single cycle of HIV-1 replication. We consistently demonstrate differences in epitope presentation kinetics, with very early presentation, within 3 h postinfection, for the protective KF11Gag, KK10Gag epitopes, and KY9Pol but only late presentation for VL9Vpr. We show that this early presentation relies on the antigen being presented from incoming viral particles and is correlated with rapid CD8+T cell activation and clearance of virus-infected cells. Additionally, our data indicate a dose-response dependency between the levels of CD8+T cell activation and the amount of virus inoculum. These data reflect a proof of principle emphasizing the importance of identifying early-presented viral epitopes for rapid elimination of HIV-1-infected cells.
Obstructive airway disease and edentulism in the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study
Authors: Offenbacher Steven , Beck James D , Barros Silvana P , Suruki Robert Y , Loewy Zvi G 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesWe examined the potential association between prior chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and edentulism, and whether the association varied by COPD severity using data from the Dental Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.DesignCross-sectional.SettingCommunity dwelling subjects from four US communities.Participants and measurementsCases were identified as edentulous (without teeth) and subjects with one or more natural teeth were identified as dentate. COPD cases were defined by spirometry measurements that showed the ratio of forced expiratory volume (1 s) to vital capacity to be less than 0.7. The severity of COPD cases was also determined using a modified Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease classification criteria (GOLD stage I–IV). Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between COPD and edentulism, while adjusting for age, gender, centre/race, ethnicity, education level, income, diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure, body mass index, smoking, smokeless tobacco use and alcohol consumption.Results13 465 participants were included in this analysis (2087 edentulous; 11 378 dentate). Approximately 28.3% of edentulous participants had prior COPD compared with 19.6% among dentate participants (p<0.0001). After adjustment for potential confounders, we observed a 1.3 (1.08 to 1.62) and 2.5 (1.68 to 3.63) fold increased risk of edentulism among GOLD II and GOLD III/IV COPD, respectively, as compared with the non-COPD/dentate referent. Given the short period of time between the measurements of COPD (visit 2) and dentate status (visit 4) relative to the natural history of both diseases, neither temporality nor insight as to the directionality of the association can be ascertained.ConclusionsWe found a statistically significant association between prior COPD and edentulism, with evidence of a positive incremental effect seen with increasing GOLD classification.
Dying to be famous: retrospective cohort study of rock and pop star mortality and its association with adverse childhood experiences
Authors: Bellis Mark A , Hughes Karen , Sharples Olivia , Hennell Tom , Hardcastle Katherine A 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesRock and pop fame is associated with risk taking, substance use and premature mortality. We examine relationships between fame and premature mortality and test how such relationships vary with type of performer (eg, solo or band member) and nationality and whether cause of death is linked with prefame (adverse childhood) experiences.DesignA retrospective cohort analysis based on biographical data. An actuarial methodology compares postfame mortality to matched general populations. Cox survival and logistic regression techniques examine risk and protective factors for survival and links between adverse childhood experiences and cause of death, respectively.SettingNorth America and Europe.Participants1489 rock and pop stars reaching fame between 1956 and 2006.OutcomesStars’ postfame mortality relative to age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched populations (USA and UK); variations in survival with performer type, and in cause of mortality with exposure to adverse childhood experiences.ResultsRock/pop star mortality increases relative to the general population with time since fame. Increases are greater in North American stars and those with solo careers. Relative mortality begins to recover 25 years after fame in European but not North American stars. Those reaching fame from 1980 onwards have better survival rates. For deceased stars, cause of death was more likely to be substance use or risk-related in those with more adverse childhood experiences.ConclusionsRelationships between fame and mortality vary with performers’ characteristics. Adverse experiences in early life may leave some predisposed to health-damaging behaviours, with fame and extreme wealth providing greater opportunities to engage in risk-taking. Millions of youths wish to emulate their icons. It is important they recognise that substance use and risk-taking may be rooted in childhood adversity rather than seeing them as symbols of success.
A pilot study comparing ESO-2 capsule endoscopy with conventional upper endoscopy for the assessment of uncomplicated heartburn and dyspepsia
Authors: Marelli Laura , Jaboli Francesca Maria , Jackson Linda , Palmer Hansa , Erian Gamal , Hamilton Mark , Epstein Owen 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundESO-2 video capsule endoscopy provides images of the oesophageal mucosa and continues to transmit gastric, and often small bowel images, for up to 30 min. This study compares ESO capsule endoscopy capsule oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (Cap-OGD) with conventional endoscopy (OGD).Methods50 outpatients with uncomplicated dyspepsia underwent Cap-OGD followed by OGD which was recorded on DVD. Cap-OGD and OGD were each reported independently by two gastroenterologists. A benchmark report was also produced by two gastroenterologists viewing both Cap-OGD and OGD on side-by-side monitors. Major findings included large hiatus hernia, Barrett's oesophagus, oesophagitis, erosive gastritis, tumour and ulceration. Minor findings included histologically-proven superficial gastritis, pouting gastric folds and fundic gland polyps. A questionnaire assessed the patient experience.Results49 patients completed the study. In 61%, Cap-OGD transmitted in the duodenum. In the benchmark study, all the major OGD findings were observed on Cap-OGD. Cap-OGD revealed fewer minor findings. When reported independently, Cap-OGD and OGD reports indicated differences in interpretation most marked between the capsule readers with or without previous ESO-2 experience. Patients expressed a clear preference for Cap-OGD.ConclusionsWhen compared side-by-side, all the major findings on OGD are seen on Cap-OGD while there is under-reporting of minor findings. Previous experience of ESO-2 capsule reporting improves reading accuracy and indicates the need for training. This pilot study provides a backdrop to explore the possible role of Cap-OGD, especially where patients are reluctant to undergo conventional OGD or where there is risk of prion contamination of the endoscope.
The Immune Signature of CD8+CCR7+ T Cells in the Peripheral Circulation Associates with Disease Recurrence in Patients with HNSCC
Authors: Czystowska Malgorzata , Gooding William , Szczepanski Miroslaw J. , Lopez-Abaitero Andres , Ferris Robert L. , Johnson Jonas T. , Whiteside Theresa L. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPurpose: Patients with cancer have an increased frequency of circulating apoptosis-sensitive CD8+CCR7neg T cells and few CD8+CCR7+ T cells versus normal controls. The functional and clinical significance of this imbalance was investigated using peripheral blood of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC).Experimental Design: The frequency of circulating CD8+ T cells co-expressing CCR7, CD45RO, CD28, and Annexin V (ANXV) was evaluated in 67 patients and 57 normal controls by flow cytometry. Spearman rank correlations among immunophenotypic profiles were analyzed. Recursive partitioning classified subjects as patients or normal controls based on CD8+CCR7+ T-cell percentages. Kaplan–Meier plots estimated disease-free survival (DFS).Results: The CD8+CCR7+ T-cell frequency was low, whereas that of total CD8+CCR7neg and ANXV-binding CD8+CCR7neg T cells was higher in patients with HNSCC than in normal controls (P &lt; 0.001–0.0001). ANXV binding correlated with the absence of CCR7 on CD8+ T cells (P &lt; 0.001). ANXV binding was negatively correlated with the CD8+CD45ROnegCCR7+ (TN) cell frequency (P &lt; 0.01) but positively correlated (P &lt; 0.01) with that of CD8+CD45RO+CCR7+ (TCM) T cells and of the two CCR7neg subsets (TPM and TTD). In recursive partitioning models, the CD8+CCR7+ T-cell frequency of 31% distinguished patients from normal controls with 77% to 88% accuracy after cross-validation. In 25 patients tested before any therapy, the CD8+CCR7+ T-cell frequency of less than 28% predicted disease recurrence within 4 years of definitive therapy (P &lt; 0.0115).Conclusion: The CD8+CCR7+ T-cell frequency in HNSCC patients' blood tested at diagnosis can discriminate them from normal controls and predicts disease recurrence. Clin Cancer Res; 19(4); 889–99. ©2012 AACR.
Familial Atrial Fibrillation Predicts Increased Risk of Mortality
Authors: Christophersen Ingrid Elisabeth , Budtz-Jørgensen Esben , Olesen Morten S. , Haunsø Stig , Christensen Kaare , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup 
Published: December 2012

Background—
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia. Several studies have shown association of genetic variants with AF and that familial AF increases the risk of AF. We have previously shown a substantial heritability of AF in a twin study. The objective of this study was to determine whether having a co-twin with AF influences mortality.

Methods and Results—

We identified all Danish twins with AF born during and after 1912 in the Danish Twin Registry, the National Patient Registry, and the Central Office of Civil Registration. For each twin, we randomly identified 4 twins without AF, matched on sex, zygosity, and age. We compared survival among the co-twins of the affected twins (co-cases, n=2164) and the co-twins of the unaffected twins (co-controls, n=8626). The co-cases showed increased death rates compared with the co-controls (hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.30;
P
<0.0001), and this effect was more pronounced in monozygotic twins (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.55;
P
=0.003), compared with dizygotic same sex (hazard ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.29;
P
=0.006) and opposite sex twins (hazard ratio, 1.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.47;
P
=0.093).

Conclusions—
The mortality rate was 20% higher in twins who had a co-twin with AF than in twins without familial AF. This effect was almost doubled in monozygotic twins compared with dizygotic twins, suggesting the influence of genetic factors.
Children’s Healthcare and Astrology in the Nurturing of a Central Tibetan Nation-State, 1916–24
Authors: Van Vleet Stacey 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Between 1916 and 1924, a Tibetan public healthcare programme that focused on
childcare and natal astrology comprised a central aspect of the mission of the
Lhasa Mentsikhang (Institute of Medicine and Astrology). Assessing previously
unused Tibetan language materials—including the Thirteenth Dalai
Lama’s edict for implementation and an accompanying childcare
manual—the programme is contextualized with regard to regional
developments in British India and China. Like British
‘mothercraft’ education programmes of the same period, the Tibetan
initiative links the health of the population (from infancy) to the health of
the state and its economy. Rather than appealing to the authority of
‘scientific’ colonial medicine, however, this paper discusses how
indigenous medical techniques and theories are put forward as effective means to
prove the nascent Central Tibetan state’s benevolence, legitimacy and
sovereignty via intervention in the domestic sphere. Such attention to medical
reform and to the domestic sphere brings light to an underappreciated effort by
the Thirteenth Dalai Lama to cultivate a sense of Tibetan subjecthood and to
reconfigure the relationship between his government and various segments of
society. Significantly, this childcare initiative was entrusted not just to
mothers, and the category of class is here more germane than the category of
gender central within British programmes. Various social groups within a
specifically delineated Tibetan territory are assigned tasks in the
programme’s implementation, illustrating the desire to incorporate each
into a reorganised Tibetan state bound by a newly articulated Buddhist ideal of
shared social responsibility.
CYPSI: a structure-based interface for cytochrome P450s and ligands in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Gaihua , Zhang Yijing , Su Zhen 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily enables terrestrial plants to adapt to harsh environments. CYPs are key enzymes involved in a wide range of metabolic pathways. It is particularly useful to be able to analyse the three-dimensional (3D) structure when investigating the interactions between CYPs and their substrates. However, only two plant CYP structures have been resolved. In addition, no currently available databases contain structural information on plant CYPs and ligands. Fortunately, the 3D structure of CYPs is highly conserved and this has made it possible to obtain structural information from template-based modelling (TBM).

Description
The CYP Structure Interface (CYPSI) is a platform for CYP studies. CYPSI integrated the 3D structures for 266 A. thaliana CYPs predicted by three TBM methods: BMCD, which we developed specifically for CYP TBM; and two well-known web-servers, MUSTER and I-TASSER. After careful template selection and optimization, the models built by BMCD were accurate enough for practical application, which we demonstrated using a docking example aimed at searching for the CYPs responsible for ABA 8′-hydroxylation. CYPSI also provides extensive resources for A. thaliana CYP structure and function studies, including 400 PDB entries for solved CYPs, 48 metabolic pathways associated with A. thaliana CYPs, 232 reported CYP ligands and 18 A. thaliana CYPs docked with ligands (61 complexes in total). In addition, CYPSI also includes the ability to search for similar sequences and chemicals.

Conclusions
CYPSI provides comprehensive structure and function information for A. thaliana CYPs, which should facilitate investigations into the interactions between CYPs and their substrates. CYPSI has a user-friendly interface, which is available athttp://bioinfo.cau.edu.cn/CYPSI.
Tuberculosis in the era of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus: assessment and comparison of community knowledge of both infections in rural Uganda
Authors: Wynne Ashley , Jhangri Gian S , Richter Solina , Alibhai Arif , Rubaale Tom , Kipp Walter 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
In Uganda, despite a significant public health burden of tuberculosis (TB) in the context of high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, little is known about community knowledge of TB. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare knowledge about TB and HIV in the general population of western Uganda and to examine common knowledge gaps and misconceptions.

Methods
We implemented a multi-stage survey design to randomly survey 360 participants from one district in western Uganda. Weighted summary knowledge scores for TB and HIV were calculated and multiple linear regression (with knowledge score as the dependant variable) was used to determine significant predictors. Six focus group discussions were conducted to supplement survey findings.

Results
Mean (SD) HIV knowledge score was 58 (12) and TB knowledge score was 33 (15), both scores out of 100. The TB knowledge score was statistically significantly (p < 0.001) lower. Multivariate regression models included age, sex, marital status, education, residence, and having a friend with HIV/TB as independent variables. TB knowledge was predicted by rural residence (coefficient = −6.27, 95% CI: -11.7 to −0.8), and age ≥45 years (coefficient = 7.45, 95% CI: 0.3-14.6). HIV knowledge was only predicted by higher education (coefficient = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.3-1.6). Focus group participants mentioned various beliefs in the aetiology of TB including sharing cups, alcohol consumption, smoking, air pollution, and HIV. Some respondents believed that TB was not curable.

Conclusion
TB knowledge is low and many misconceptions about TB exist: these should be targeted through health education programs. Both TB and HIV-infection knowledge gaps could be better addressed through an integrated health education program on both infections, whereby TB program managers include HIV information and vice versa.
Health-related quality of life (HRQL) for individuals with self-reported chronic physical and/or mental health conditions: panel survey of an adult sample in the United States
Authors: Bayliss Martha , Rendas-Baum Regina , White Michelle K , Maruish Mark , Bjorner Jakob , Tunis Sandra L 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
In the US, approximately 53% of adults have at least one chronic condition. Comorbid physical and mental health conditions often have an incremental negative impact on health-related quality of life (HRQL). Primary study objectives were to quantify the impact on HRQL of a) ≥ 1 physical condition , b) ≥ 1 comorbid mental health conditions added to a physical one, c) ≥ 1 mental health condition, and d) ≥ 1 comorbid physical conditions added to at least one related to mental health. Decrements were based on a “Healthy” reference group reporting no chronic conditions.

Methods
Participants were sampled (n = 3877) from the US adult population as part of a 2009 normative survey. Demographics, number/ type of chronic conditions, and HRQL data were self-reported. HRQL was defined through SF-36v2® Physical Component Summary (PCS) scores and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. Participant “morbidity” groupings included Healthy; Physical Health Condition only, Mental Health Condition only, and Physical and Mental Health (Comorbid). PCS and MCS scores were also analyzed by physical disease clusters (e.g., cardiovascular, gastrointestinal). Multivariate regression models were used for all analyses.

Results
81% of participants were Caucasian; 9% African American. Males and females were about equally represented; 63% were ≥ 45 years old. The average number of reported chronic conditions was 2.4 (SD = 2.4). Relative to the Healthy group, the Physical Condition group scored 6.4 (males) and 7.5 (females) points lower on PCS. The addition of a comorbid mental health condition resulted in a total reduction of 11 points in PCS and 15 points in MCS. Compared to the Healthy group, ≥ 1 mental health conditions was associated with MCS decrements of 11–12 points. A physical comorbidity led to additional decrements of 3–4 points for MCS, with a total of 15 points. Incremental HRQL burden defined by both MCS and PCS scores was relatively similar across the 5 defined physical disease clusters.

Conclusion
Results provide quantitative information for US adults on specific PCS and MCS score decrements associated with a comorbid condition related to mental health, as well as a comorbid condition related to physical health.
Food allergies in developing and emerging economies: need for comprehensive data on prevalence rates
Authors: Boye Joyce Irene 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAlthough much is known today about the prevalence of food allergy in the developed world, there are serious knowledge gaps about the prevalence rates of food allergy in developing countries. Food allergy affects up to 6% of children and 4% of adults. Symptoms include urticaria, gastrointestinal distress, failure to thrive, anaphylaxis and even death. There are over 170 foods known to provoke allergic reactions. Of these, the most common foods responsible for inducing 90% of reported allergic reactions are peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, nuts (e.g., hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, etc.), soybeans, fish, crustaceans and shellfish. Current assumptions are that prevalence rates are lower in developing countries and emerging economies such as China, Brazil and India which raises questions about potential health impacts should the assumptions not be supported by evidence. As the health and social burden of food allergy can be significant, national and international efforts focusing on food security, food safety, food quality and dietary diversity need to pay special attention to the role of food allergy in order to avoid marginalization of sub‐populations in the community. More importantly, as the major food sources used in international food aid programs are frequently priority allergens (e.g., peanut, milk, eggs, soybean, fish, wheat), and due to the similarities between food allergy and some malnutrition symptoms, it will be increasingly important to understand and assess the interplay between food allergy and nutrition in order to protect and identify appropriate sources of foods for sensitized sub‐populations especially in economically disadvantaged countries and communities.