bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen characteristics in sediments of Xiangxi Bay, China Three‐Gorge Reservoir
Authors: Luo Hua‐Jun , Liu De‐Fu , Huang Ying‐Ping 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSpatial and temporal distribution characteristics of total nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen in the sediments, pore water and overlying water of Xiangxi Bay in China Three‐Gorge Reservoir were investigated. In surveys, the sampling was undertaken from six sites of Xiangxi Bay on three dates: 29 March 2009, 28 March 2010 and 17 August 2010. Mean values of total nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen contents in the sediments and pore water of Xiangxi Bay all increased with time, especially in summer. There were intimate relationships between internal nitrogen loading and water ecosystem. Correlation coefficients R were 0.7408 (between total nitrogen in pore water and total nitrogen in sediments) and 0.7483 (between total nitrogen in sediments and chlorophyll‐a in surface water), respectively. Total nitrogen concentration differences between pore water and overlying water were all positive and had good correlation with chlorophyll‐a concentration of Xiangxi Bay. The release of nitrogen in sediments had an important impact on phytoplankton growth in Xiangxi Bay.
Assessment of haematological parameters in HIV-infected and uninfected Rwandan women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Munyazesa Elisaphane , Emile Ivan , Mutimura Eugene , Hoover Donald R , Shi Qiuhu , McGinn Aileen P , Musiime Stephenson , Muhairwe Fred , Rutagengwa Alfred , Dusingize Jean Claude , Anastos Kathryn 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesAlthough haematological abnormalities are common manifestations of HIV infection, few studies on haematological parameters in HIV-infected persons have been undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa. The authors assessed factors associated with haematological parameters in HIV-infected antiretroviral-naïve and HIV-uninfected Rwandan women.Study designCross-sectional analysis of a longitudinal cohort.SettingCommunity-based women's associations.Participants710 HIV-infected (HIV+) antiretroviral-naïve and 226 HIV-uninfected (HIV−) women from the Rwanda Women's Interassociation Study Assessment. Haematological parameters categorised as (abnormal vs normal) were compared by HIV status and among HIV+ women by CD4 count category using proportions. Multivariate logistic regression models using forward selection were fit.ResultsPrevalence of anaemia (haemoglobin (Hb) <12.0 g/dl) was higher in the HIV+ group (20.5% vs 6.3%; p<0.001), and increased with lower CD4 counts: ≥350 (7.6%), 200–349 (16%) and <200 cells/mm3(32.2%). Marked anaemia (Hb <10.0 g/dl) was found in 4.2% of HIV+ and none of the HIV− women (p<0.001), and was highest in HIV+ women with CD4 <200 cells/mm3(8.4%). The HIV+ were more likely than HIV− women (4.2 vs 0.5%, respectively, p=0.002) to have moderate neutropenia with white blood cells <2.0×103cells/mm3and 8.4% of HIV+ women with CD4 <200 cells/mm3had moderate neutropenia. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, BMI (OR 0.87/kg/m2, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.93; p<0.001), CD4 200–350 vs HIV− (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.89 to 6.83; p<0.001) and CD4 <200 cells/mm3vs HIV− (OR 8.09, 95% CI 4.37 to 14.97; <0.001) had large independent associations with anaemia. There were large independent associations of CD4 <200 cells/mm3vs HIV− (OR 7.18, 95% CI 0.78 to 65.82; p=0.081) and co-trimoxazole and/or dapsone use (OR 5.69, 95% CI 0.63 to 51.45; p=0.122) with moderate neutropenia.ConclusionsAnaemia was more common than neutropenia or thrombocytopenia in the HIV-infected Rwandan women. Future comparisons of haematological parameters in HIV-infected patients before and after antiretroviral therapy initiation are warranted.
CVID patients with autoimmunity have elevated T cell expression of granzyme B and HLA-DR and reduced levels of Treg cells
Authors: Carter Clive R D , Aravind Ganesha , Smalle Natuley L , Cole June Y , Savic Sinisa , Wood Philip M D 
Published: November 2012

AimsCommon variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary antibody immunodeficiency with approximately 20% of patients reporting additional autoimmune symptoms. The primary aim of this study was to compare the levels of activated and regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in CVID patients in an attempt to clarify their possible interactions leading to the generation of autoimmunity.MethodsImmunophenotyping of T cells was performed by flow cytometry using a whole blood approach. Surface expression of human leukocyte antigen HLA class II DR and intracellular levels of granzyme B in T cell subsets were assessed; Treg levels were measured using CD4 CD25, FOXp3 and CTLA-4.ResultsCVID patients had higher levels of granzyme B and HLA-DR on CD8+T cells compared with control values (mean of 59% vs 30% and 45% vs 21%, respectively). Patients also had reduced levels of Treg cells compared with control values (con mean=3.24% vs pat=2.54%). Patients with autoimmunity (5/23) had a similar level of T cell activation markers to the rest of the patients but with lower Treg cells (mean of 1.1%) and reduced CD25 and CTLA-4 expression. Patients with autoimmunity had a higher ratio of activated to Treg cells compared with patients with no autoimmune symptoms.ConclusionsThese results highlight that reduced levels of Treg cells were associated with elevated levels of activated T cells, suggesting that reduced Treg cells in these patients may have functional consequences in allowing exaggerated T cell responses.
The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression: The making of a “gold standard” and the unmaking of a chronic illness, 1960–1980
Authors: Worboys Michael 
Published: November 2012

Objectives: To show why and how the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression became the ‘Gold Standard’ for assessing therapies from the mid-1960s and how it was used to frame depression as a short-term and curable illness rather than a chronic one. Methods: My approach is that of the social construction of knowledge, identifying the interests, institutional contexts and practices that produce knowledge claims and then mapping the social processes of their circulation, validation and acceptance. Results: The circulation and validation of Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was relatively slow and it became a ‘Gold Standard’ ‘from below’, from an emerging consensus amongst psychiatrists undertaking clinical trials for depression, which from the 1960s were principally with psychopharmaceuticals for short-term illness. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, drug trials and the construction of depression as non-chronic were mutually constituted. Discussion: Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression framed depression and its sufferers in new ways, leading psychiatrists to understand illness as a treatable episode, rather than a life course condition. As such, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression served the interests of psychiatrists and psychiatry in its new era of drug therapy outside the mental hospital. However, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was a strange kind of ‘standard’, being quite non-standard in the widely varying ways it was used and the meanings given to its findings.
The Vocation to Heal: Health Care in the Light of Catholic Faith: Scriptural, Theological, and Philosophical Reflections
Authors: Latkovic Mark S. 
Published: November 2012

“Better a poor man strong and robust, than a rich man with wasted frame. More precious than gold is health and well-being, contentment of spirit than coral. No treasure greater than a healthy body; no happiness, than a joyful heart! Preferable is death to a bitter life, unending sleep to constant illness. Dainties set before one who cannot eat are like the offerings placed before a tomb. What good is an offering to an idol that can neither taste nor smell? So it is with the afflicted man who groans at the good things his eyes behold!” (Sirach 30:14–20) 1 “Hold the physician in honor, for he is essential to you, and God it was who established his profession. From God the doctor has his wisdom…His knowledge makes the doctor distinguished…[But God] endows men with the knowledge to glory in His mighty works, through which the doctor eases pain and the druggist prepares his medicines; thus God's creative work continues without cease in its efficacy on the… earth…[The doctor] beseeches God that his diagnosis may be correct and his treatment bring about a cure.” (Sirach 38:1–3, 6–8, 14)
“Reproductive Health Care,” the “Demographic Imperative,” and the Real Health Needs of Women in the Developing World (Part Two)
Authors: Mosher Steven W. 
Published: November 2012

Proponents of “reproductive health care” assert that the 1994 population conference in Cairo marked a watershed between two radically different approaches to reducing the fertility of women in the developing world. They concede that, prior to Cairo, population control programs were driven solely by a narrow demographic imperative. Following Cairo, however, they maintain that a broad approach to improving reproductive health was adopted that not only encouraged smaller families, but did so in the context of providing “client-centered” programs that conferred significant health and welfare benefits to their target population. This two-part article will show that these several claims are misleading, if not altogether false. In the first article, which was published in the previous issue, the failure of population control programs to address women's health needs was documented, as the women themselves perceive them. The rationalizations used to support an exclusive focus on contraception and sterilization (“latent demand” and “unmet need”) were examined, as well as the harm that has been done to women's health by such drugs and devices. In this, the second, article the post-Cairo conference rhetorical shift to “reproductive health” is discussed, and the claims that such programs have reduced maternal mortality, infant mortality, and the absolute number of abortions are analyzed. A discussion ensues of how the health needs of women in the developing world could be better met by redirecting existing resources to primary health care, including obstetric care.
Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation
Authors: Shea John B. 
Published: November 2012

Since 1968, vital organs, necessary for life, have been removed from patients for transplantation into patients in whom corresponding organs have ceased to function. Since then this has been morally justified by the claim that the donor is “brain dead” or has suffered “cardiac death.” Brain death is defined as complete and irreversible loss of all brain function, and cardiac death is declared two to five minutes after cessation of the heartbeat. The moral problem is that the criteria used to declare that brain death or cardiac death has occurred are arbitrary, open to serious world-wide debate, variable in definition and application, and, more seriously, do not necessarily provide moral certainty that real death has occurred and that such organ retrieval does not actually cause the death of the donor. This problem has been debated over the years at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and remains a subject of legitimate debate to this day. The declaration of brain death or cardiac death also does not appear to be consistent with the teaching of Pope Benedict XVI that the definition of death receive the consensus of the entire scientific community and does not give everyone certainty that the primary criterion is respect for the life of the donor and that the organs are removed from a dead body, a cadaver.
Pope Benedict XVI on the Priesthood and Homosexuality
Authors: Mullady Brian 
Published: November 2012

In his recent interview published as the book Light of the World, Pope Benedict XVI noted that the Vatican has repeatedly stated that men with a homosexual orientation should not be admitted to the priesthood even if they performed no homosexual acts. He stated that he did not want celibacy to be an excuse to attract people with a homosexual orientation. There are several reasons for this stance. The priesthood is not a denial of the spousal meaning of the body which underlies marriage. This spousal meaning entails the fact that since man is a composite of body and spirit, the body is the physical self by which the gift of the soul which characterizes married love is finally ratified. The giving and receiving of sperm and ova expresses physically the prior giving and receiving of soul. This gift of self to another, for those who are called to it, can also be realized by the gift of self to God as is the case with virgins and religious. Though celibacy is a discipline, because of the all-encompassing concentration of forces necessary for the priesthood, realized especially in the consecration of the Eucharist, it is a fit means for carrying out this spousal meaning of the body. As a result, a priest must have the same ability to give the gift of himself totally as a married man does; only his gift is to the whole Church. There is an argument as to whether homosexuality is a result of nurture or nature. In either case, as long as this condition remains, the total dedication of self required of the priest would not be possible. If this is the result of nature, this cannot be changed; and the person could not contemplate a priestly vocation. If this results from nurture, then it could be changed; in which case after a person has changed it, he could pursue the priesthood.
Inositol tetrakisphosphate limits NK cell effector functions by controlling PI3K signaling
Authors: Sauer Karsten , Park Eugene , Siegemund Sabine , French Anthony R. , Wahle Joseph A. , Sternberg Luise , Rigaud Stephanie , Jonsson A. Helena , Yokoyama Wayne M. , Huang Yina H. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have important functions in cancer immunosurveillance, BM allograft rejection, fighting infections, tissue homeostasis, and reproduction. NK cell–based therapies are promising treatments for blood cancers. Overcoming their currently limited efficacy requires a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling NK cell development and dampening their effector functions. NK cells recognize the loss of self-antigens or up-regulation of stress-induced ligands on pathogen-infected or tumor cells through invariant NK cell receptors (NKRs), and then kill such stressed cells. Two second-messenger pathways downstream of NKRs are required for NK cell maturation and effector responses: PIP3 generation by PI3K and generation of diacylglycerol and IP3 by phospholipase-Cγ (PLCγ). In the present study, we identify a novel role for the phosphorylated IP3 metabolite inositol (1,3,4,5)tetrakisphosphate (IP4) in NK cells. IP4 promotes NK cell terminal differentiation and acquisition of a mature NKR repertoire. However, in mature NK cells, IP4 limits NKR-induced IFNγ secretion, granule exocytosis, and target-cell killing, in part by inhibiting the PIP3 effector-kinase Akt. This identifies IP4 as an important novel regulator of NK cell development and function and expands our understanding of the therapeutically important mechanisms dampening NK cell responses. Our results further suggest that PI3K regulation by soluble IP4 is a broadly important signaling paradigm.
PXR and CAR single nucleotide polymorphisms influence plasma efavirenz levels in South African HIV/AIDS patients
Authors: Swart Marelize , Whitehorn Heather , Ren Yuan , Smith Peter , Ramesar Rajkumar S , Dandara Collet 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
This study investigated variation in NR1I2 and NR1I3 and its effect on plasma efavirenz levels in HIV/AIDS patients. Variability in plasma drug levels has largely led research on identifying causative variants in drug metabolising enzyme (DME) genes, with little focus on the nuclear receptor genes NR1I2 and NR1I3, coding for PXR and CAR, respectively, that are involved in regulating DMEs.

Methods
464 Bantu-speaking South Africans comprising of HIV/AIDS patients on efavirenz-based treatment (n=301) and 163 healthy subjects were genotyped for 6 SNPs in NR1I2 and NR1I3. 32 of the 301 patients had their DNA binding domains (DBDs) in NR1I2 and NR1I3 sequenced.

Results
Significantly decreased efavirenz plasma concentrations were observed in patients carrying the NR1I3 rs3003596C/C and T/C genotypes (P=0.015 and P=0.010, respectively). Sequencing resulted in the discovery of a further 13 SNPs, 3 of which are novel variants in the DBD of NR1I2. There were significant differences in the distribution of NR1I2 and NR1I3 SNPs between South Africans when compared to Caucasian, Asian and Yoruba population groups.

Conclusion
For the realisation of personalised medicine, PXR and CAR genetic variation should be taken into consideration because of their involvement in the regulation of DMEs.
Plasmodium serine hydroxymethyltransferase: indispensability and display of distinct localization
Authors: Pornthanakasem Wichai , Kongkasuriyachai Darin , Uthaipibull Chairat , Yuthavong Yongyuth , Leartsakulpanich Ubolsree 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme, plays a vital role in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway in malaria parasites. Two genes have been identified in Plasmodium spp. encoding a cytosolic SHMT (cSHMT) and putative mitochondria SHMT (mSHMT), but their roles have not been fully investigated.

Methods
The presence of Plasmodium SHMT isoforms in the intra-erythrocytic stage was assessed based on their gene expression using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Localization studies of Plasmodium SHMT isoforms were performed by transfection of fluorescent-tagged gene constructs into P. falciparum and expressions of fluorescent fusion proteins in parasites were observed using a laser scanning confocal microscope. Genetic targeting through homologous recombination was used to study the essentiality of SHMT in Plasmodium spp.

Results
Semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed the expression of these two genes throughout intra-erythrocytic development. Localization studies using P. falciparum expressing fluorescent-tagged SHMT showed that Pf cSHMT-red fluorescent fusion protein (Pf cSHMT-DsRed) is localized in the cytoplasm, while Pf mSHMT-green fluorescent fusion protein (Pf mSHMT-GFP) co-localized with Mitotracker™-labelled mitochondria as predicted. The essentiality of plasmodial cSHMT was inferred from transfection experiments where recovery of viable knock-out parasites was not achieved, unless complemented with a functional equivalent copy of shmt.

Conclusions
Distinct compartment localizations of Pf SHMT were observed between cytoplasmic and mitochondrial isoforms, and evidence was provided for the indispensable role of plasmodial cSHMT indicating it as a valid target for development of novel anti-malarials.
Intermittent fasting combined with calorie restriction is effective for weight loss and cardio-protection in obese women
Authors: Klempel Monica C , Kroeger Cynthia M , Bhutani Surabhi , Trepanowski John F , Varady Krista A 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Intermittent fasting (IF; severe restriction 1 d/week) facilitates weight loss and improves coronary heart disease (CHD) risk indicators. The degree to which weight loss can be enhanced if IF is combined with calorie restriction (CR) and liquid meals, remains unknown.

Objective
This study examined the effects of IF plus CR (with or without a liquid diet) on body weight, body composition, and CHD risk.

Methods
Obese women (n = 54) were randomized to either the IFCR-liquid (IFCR-L) or IFCR-food based (IFCR-F) diet. The trial had two phases: 1) 2-week weight maintenance period, and 2) 8-week weight loss period.

Results
Body weight decreased more (P = 0.04) in the IFCR-L group (3.9 ± 1.4 kg) versus the IFCR-F group (2.5 ± 0.6 kg). Fat mass decreased similarly (P < 0.0001) in the IFCR-L and IFCR-F groups (2.8 ± 1.2 kg and 1.9 ± 0.7 kg, respectively). Visceral fat was reduced (P < 0.001) by IFCR-L (0.7 ± 0.5 kg) and IFCR-F (0.3 ± 0.5 kg) diets. Reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels were greater (P = 0.04) in the IFCR-L (19 ± 10%; 20 ± 9%, respectively) versus the IFCR-F group (8 ± 3%; 7 ± 4%, respectively). LDL peak particle size increased (P < 0.01), while heart rate, glucose, insulin, and homocysteine decreased (P < 0.05), in the IFCR-L group only.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that IF combined with CR and liquid meals is an effective strategy to help obese women lose weight and lower CHD risk.
Assessment of cervical lymph node metastasis for therapeutic decision-making in squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa: a prospective clinical analysis
Authors: Essig Harald , Warraich Riaz , Zulfiqar Gulraiz , Rana Madiha , Eckardt André Michael , Gellrich Nils-Claudius , Rana Majeed 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Cervical metastasis has a tremendous impact on the prognosis in patients with carcinomas of the head and neck and the frequency of such spread is greater than 20% for most squamous cell carcinomas. With emerging evidence, focus is shifting to conservative neck procedures aimed at achieving good shoulder function without compromising oncologic safety. The purpose of this study was to analyze the pattern of nodal metastasis in patients presenting with squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa.

Materials and methods
This was a prospective clinical analysis of patients who were histologically diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal cavity and clinically N1 and had not received treatment anywhere else. Patients were analyzed for age and sex distribution, tumor staging, location, and metastasis.

Results
The incidence of metastatic lymph node in T4 (n=44) was the highest, that is, level I was 100% (44/44), level II was 43.18% (19/44), level III was 15.90% (7/44), and level IV was 4.5% (2/44). Level V was free of metastasis. Among T3 (n=10) lesions, incidence of metastasis in level I was 100% (10/10), level II was 20% (2/10), and level III, IV, and V were free of metastasis. Among T2 (n=6) lesions, incidence of lymph node metastasis in level I was 100% (6/6) and all other levels of lymph nodes were found free of metastasis.

Conclusion
Lymphatic spread from carcinoma of the buccal mucosa is low. Involvement of level IV is seen in only 3% of patients. A more conservative approach to the neck in patients with carcinoma of the buccal mucosa is recommended.
Effect of periodic number of [Si/Sb80Te20]
x
multilayer film on its laser-induced crystallization studied by coherent phonon spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Weiling , Wang Changzhou , Sun Mingcheng , Li Simian , Zhai Jiwei , Lai Tianshu 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The periodic number dependence of the femtosecond laser-induced crystallization threshold of [Si(5nm)/Sb80Te20(5nm)]
x
nanocomposite multilayer films has been investigated by coherent phonon spectroscopy. Coherent optical phonon spectra show that femtosecond laser-irradiated crystallization threshold of the multilayer films relies obviously on the periodic number of the multilayer films and decreases with the increasing periodic number. The mechanism of the periodic number dependence is also studied. Possible mechanisms of reflectivity and thermal conductivity losses as well as the effect of the glass substrate are ruled out, while the remaining superlattice structure effect is ascribed to be responsible for the periodic number dependence. The sheet resistance of multilayer films versus a lattice temperature is measured and shows a similar periodic number dependence with one of the laser irradiation crystallization power threshold. In addition, the periodic number dependence of the crystallization temperature can be fitted well with an experiential formula obtained by considering coupling exchange interactions between adjacent layers in a superlattice. Those results provide us with the evidence to support our viewpoint. Our results show that the periodic number of multilayer films may become another controllable parameter in the design and parameter optimization of multilayer phase change films.