bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma in children and adolescents – a comprehensive review of biology, clinical course and treatment options
Authors: Shankar Ananth , Daw Stephen 
Published: September 2012

SummaryNodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (nLPHL) is a unique variant of Hodgkin lymphoma with an overall good prognosis. It is conspicuously different from classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and is now recognized as distinctive form of B cell lymphoma. Although it has an indolent clinical course, it has a propensity for multiple and often late relapses. Although the majority of children present with early stage disease and without B symptoms, treatment strategy has, until recently, been identical to that used for cHL. This approach is excessively toxic as it predisposes these children and adolescents to serious late effects including end organ damage to heart, gonads, lungs, thyroid and second malignant neoplasms. The aim of this article is to review the published literature on the treatment outcomes of nLPHL in affected children and adolescents, and discuss the options for treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted anti‐CD 20 antibody therapy.
Individual and Temporal Variation in Outcrossing Rates and Pollen Flow Patterns in Ceiba pentandra (Malvaceae: Bombacoidea)
Authors: Lobo Jorge , Solís Silvia , Fuchs Eric J. , Quesada Mauricio 
Published: September 2012

AbstractCeiba pentandra is a tropical tree with high rates of selfing in some populations. In mixed‐mating species, variation in selfing is due to changes in adult density or variability of incompatibility systems. The effect of spatial isolation and phenology on selfing rates and pollen flow distances was analyzed using microsatellites in a fragmented population of Ceiba pentandra, in southern Costa Rica. Adult trees within a heterogeneous landscape were classified as grouped or isolated. We compared selfing rates at the individual level, between isolation conditions and 2 yr (2007, 2009), which differed in the number of flowering individuals. Mixed mating was estimated in both years (tm = 0.624–0.759). Trees mated predominantly by outcrossing, while only a few trees reproduced through selfing. Spatial isolation did not significantly affect outcrossing rates. The progeny of grouped trees was mostly sired by near‐neighbors (<1 km) and by long‐distance pollen flow events in isolated trees. A reduction in the number of flowering individuals in 2009 reduced near‐neighbor matings, increased selfing in grouped trees, and decreased the number of unsampled sires in the progeny. Comparing selfing rates on individuals that flowered in both reproductive periods suggests a flexible mating system. Variation in self‐fertilization rates in this population appears to depend on variation of individual traits, such as genetic variability in self‐incompatibility genes, but it is independent of landscape heterogeneity. In contrast, pollen flow distances depend on local tree density as bats concentrate their foraging between near individuals to maximize energy efficiency.
Value of the clinical history in the diagnosis of urticaria/angioedema induced by NSAIDs with cross‐intolerance
Authors: Blanca‐Lopez N. , J. Torres M. , Doña I. , Campo P. , Rondón C. , Seoane Reula M. E. , Salas M. , Canto G. , Blanca M. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundMultiple Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID)‐induced urticaria/angioedema is the most common manifestation of hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs. Diagnostic evaluation is based on the clinical history and a drug provocation test.ObjectiveTo evaluate the role of the clinical history in the diagnosis of multiple NSAID‐induced urticaria/angioedema.MethodsWe studied a group of patients with an unequivocal history of urticaria and/or angioedema after NSAID intake. Subjects had to have had at least two episodes of cutaneous symptoms with two different COX‐1 inhibitors. The diagnosis was confirmed in all cases by a drug provocation test with acetyl salicylic acid (ASA). Multivariate analysis was done by analysing different variables, including number of drugs involved, episodes and time elapsed between drug intake and symptom onset.ResultsOf the total group of 75 cases with multiple NSAID‐induced urticaria/angioedema diagnosed according to the clinical history, 76% developed a positive drug provocation test with ASA. The risk for having hypersensitivity was 17 times higher in patients who developed symptoms within the first 60 min after drug intake, 13 times higher in those who experienced reactions with more than two non‐chemically related NSAIDs, and 10 times higher in women.ConclusionsDrug provocation testing with ASA confirms the diagnosis of multiple NSAID‐induced urticaria/angioedema in up to 92% of cases with an unequivocal clinical history, when reactions occur within 1 h and more than two different NSAIDs are involved.
Analysis of the insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor gene in children born small for gestational age: in vitro characterization of a novel mutation (p.Arg511Trp)
Authors: Leal Andrea C. , Montenegro Luciana R. , Saito Renata F. , Ribeiro Tamaya C. , Coutinho Debora C. , Mendonca Berenice B. , Arnhold Ivo J. P. , Jorge Alexander A. L. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundInsulin‐like growth factor 1 insensitivity caused by IGF1R mutations has been previously identified as one of the causes of growth impairment in children born small for gestational age (SGA).ObjectiveTo analyse the IGF1R in children born SGA.SubjectsFrom an initial cohort of 54 sequential children born SGA, without catch‐up growth, 25 children were selected for this IGF1R study due to the presence of serum IGF‐1 values above the mean for their age and sex.MethodsThe proximal IGF1R promoter region, the entire coding region and the exon–intron boundaries were directly sequenced, and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis was performed. Fibroblast cultures were developed from one patient with a mutation for the in vitro characterization of IGF‐1 insensitivity.ResultsThe copy number variation analysis did not identify deletions involving the IGF1R gene. We identified two children carrying heterozygous nucleotide substitutions in IGF1R: c.16G>A/p.Gly6Arg and c.1531C>T/p.Arg511Trp. The first variant (p.Gly6Arg) was identified in control subjects (0·3%) and in a relative with normal growth; thus, it was considered to be a rare benign allelic variation. The second variant (p.Arg511Trp) was not found in 306 alleles from control subjects, and it segregated with the growth impairment phenotype in the patient's family. Fibroblasts obtained from this patient had a significantly reduced proliferative response and AKT phosphorylation after IGF‐1 stimulation compared with control fibroblasts.ConclusionThe identification of an inactivating IGF1R mutation in the present cohort should encourage further studies of larger series to establish the precise frequency of this molecular defect in children with growth impairment of a prenatal onset.
Fasudil Ameliorates Disease Progression in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis, Acting Possibly Through Antiinflammatory Effect
Authors: Hou Shao‐Wei , Liu Chun‐Yun , Li Yan‐Hua , Yu Jie‐Zhong , Feng Ling , Liu Yue‐Ting , Guo Ming‐Fang , Xie Yong , Meng Jian , Zhang Hai‐Fei , Xiao Bao‐Guo , Ma Cun‐Gen 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAimThe purpose of this investigation was to further explore the mechanism(s) underlying the amelioration in EAE caused by Fasudil, particularly focusing on anti‐inflammatory effect.MethodsWe induced a chronic‐progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in B6 mice immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein35–55 and performed Fasudil intervention in early and late stages of the disease.ResultsThe administration of Fasudil (40 mg/kg, i.p) had a therapeutic effect in delaying the onset and ameliorating the severity of EAE, accompanied by the improvement in myelination and the decrease in inflammatory cells in spinal cords. Fasudil inhibited TLR‐4, p‐NF‐kB/p65, and inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) and enhanced IL‐10 production in spinal cords. The ratio of arginase/iNOS was enhanced mainly in the spinal cords of EAE mice treated with Fasudil, reflecting a shift toward the M2 (antiinflammation) macrophage/microglia phenotype. The administration of Fasudil also induced the upregulation of CB2 receptor in spinal cords, but did not significantly trigger CB1 receptor. Levels of neurotrophic factors NGF, BDNF, and GDNF in the CNS were not altered by Fasudil.ConclusionFasudil ameliorates disease progression in EAE, acting possibly through antiinflammatory pathway.
Diagnostic accuracy of liquid‐based endometrial cytology in the evaluation of endometrial pathology in postmenopausal women
Authors: Remondi C. , Sesti F. , Bonanno E. , Pietropolli A. , Piccione E. 
Published: September 2012

C. Remondi, F. Sesti, E. Bonanno, A. Pietropolli and E. Piccione  Diagnostic accuracy of liquid‐based endometrial cytology cytology in the evaluation of endometrial pathology in postmenopausal womenObjective:  The aim of this study was to compare liquid‐based endometrial cytology with hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy regarding its diagnostic accuracy in a series of postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or asymptomatic women with thickened endometrium assessed by transvaginal ultrasound as a screening procedure.Methods:  Inclusion criteria were: menopausal status; the presence of AUB and/or thickened endometrium assessed by ultrasound (cut‐off 4 mm); a normal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear; and no adnexal pathology at ultrasound. Exclusion criteria were: previous endometrial pathology; and previous operative hysteroscopy. Of 768 postmenopausal women referred to our general gynaecology clinics, 121 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were recruited to the trial. Twenty‐one refused to participate. Cytological sampling was carried out by brushing the uterine cavity using the Endoflower device with no cervical dilation and the vial was processed using a ThinPrep® 2000 automated slide processor. The slides were stained using a Pap method.Results:  In 98 cases with histological biopsies, endometrial cytology detected five cases of endometrial carcinoma, 10 of atypical hyperplasia and 47 of non‐atypical hyperplasia; 36 cases were negative. In two cases cytology was inadequate because of uterine cervical stenosis. Taking atypical hyperplasia or worse as a positive test and outcome, the diagnostic accuracy of the endometrial cytology was 93.5%, with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 95%, a positive predictive value of 73% and a negative predictive value of 99%. All the carcinomas were detected by cytology. Only 42% of women with a positive diagnosis were symptomatic. The cytological sampling was well tolerated by all patients. No complication was registered.Conclusions:  Liquid‐based endometrial cytology can be considered an useful diagnostic method in the detection of endometrial pathology as a first‐line approach, particularly if associated with transvaginal ultrasound.
A four‐stage model explaining the higher risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in South Asians compared with European populations
Authors: Bhopal R. S. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWith approximately 1.5 billion people at risk, the staggeringly high risk of Type 2 diabetes in South Asians comprises a global problem. The causes of this high risk are complex, with 23 major risk factors identified in a Lancet seminar. This paper proposes a four‐stage explanatory model: (1) the birth of a small, adipose, lowlean mass South Asian baby—the phenotype tracking through life; (2) in childhood and early adulthood, the deposition of any excess energy intake preferentially in upper body and ectopic fat stores rather than in the lower body or superficial subcutaneous fat stores; (3) as a consequence of points 1 and 2, and exacerbated by an environment of low physical activity and excess calories, the accelerated appearance of high levels of plasma insulin, triglycerides and glucose, and the fatty‐liver vicious cycle; (4) β‐cell failure as a result of fewer β‐cells at birth, exposure to apoptotic triggers such as fat in the pancreas, and high demand from insulin resistance, which causes diabetes. Other risk factors—especially energy‐dense hyperglycaemic diet and low physical activity—play into this pathway. The recommended behavioural changes fit with this model, which brings clarity to guide future research, policy, practice and health promotion.
Can diabetes prevention programmes be translated effectively into real‐world settings and still deliver improved outcomes? A synthesis of evidence
Authors: Johnson M. , Jones R. , Freeman C. , Woods H. B. , Gillett M. , Goyder E. , Payne N. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveRandomized trials provide evidence that intensive lifestyle interventions leading to dietary and physical activity change can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes. Translational studies have assessed the impact of interventions based on, but less intensive than, trial protocols delivered in community settings with high‐risk populations. The aim of this review was to synthesize evidence from translational studies of any design to assess the impact of interventions delivered outside large randomized trials.MethodsMedical and scientific databases were searched using specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were included that used a tested diabetes preventive study protocol with an adult population at risk from Type 2 diabetes. Included papers were quality assessed and data extracted using recommended methods.ResultsFrom an initial 793 papers, 19 papers reporting 17 studies were included. Translational studies from a range of settings utilized a variety of methods. All were based on the US Diabetes Prevention Programme protocol or the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study, with modifications that increased feasibility and access. The main outcome that was reported in all studies was weight change. Weight loss, which occurred in all but one study, was greater in intervention arms than in control subjects. No consistent differences were found in blood glucose or waist circumference.ConclusionsTranslational studies based on the intensive diabetes prevention programmes showed that there is potential for less intensive interventions both to be feasible and to have an impact on future progression to diabetes in at‐risk individuals.
Stepwise intensification of insulin therapy in Type 2 diabetes management—exploring the concept of the basal‐plus approach in clinical practice
Authors: Owens D. R. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBasal insulin provides an effective method for initiating insulin therapy in people with Type 2 diabetes, resulting in significant improvements in glycaemic control, lower rates of hypoglycaemia and less weight gain than either prandial or premixed insulin regimens. However, the progressive nature of Type 2 diabetes and the inability of basal insulin to correct excessive postprandial glucose excursions mean that insulin therapy will eventually need to be intensified, typically by adding prandial insulin as part of a basal–bolus or premixed insulin regimen. The aim of this review is to summarize recent clinical evidence for a staged ‘basal‐plus’ strategy for insulin intensification where one, two or three prandial insulin injections are added to basal insulin according to individual need. In the early stages of insulin therapy, most individuals seem to achieve favourable glycaemic control with basal insulin alone, or in combination with a single prandial insulin injection. The addition of a single prandial insulin injection at the largest meal is well tolerated and associated with significant improvements in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), low rates of hypoglycaemia and limited weight gain. More people achieve recommended HbA1c targets with a basal‐plus strategy, compared with twice‐daily premixed insulin therapy, with lower rates of hypoglycaemia. The data indicate that a step‐by‐step approach with the basal‐plus strategy is a promising alternative method of insulin intensification that allows for individualization of treatment and may delay progression to a full basal–bolus insulin replacement therapy for many individuals.
The lived experiences of young people (13–16 years) with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and their parents – a qualitative phenomenological study
Authors: Spencer J. E. , Cooper H. C. , Milton B. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsWithin a programme of research aiming to develop a technology‐based educational intervention for young people with Type 1 diabetes, this study aimed to explore adolescents’ and parents’ experiences of living with Type 1 diabetes from an interpretive phenomenological perspective.MethodsIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 20 adolescents with Type 1 diabetes from a diabetes clinic in North West England, and 27 of their parents.ResultsLiving with Type 1 diabetes in adolescence was characterized by three distinct stages: (1) adapting to the diagnosis; (2) learning to live with Type 1 diabetes; (3) becoming independent. Experiential learning was key to adolescents developing self‐management skills and independence. Parents and health professionals were instrumental in facilitating environments that gave adolescents the freedom to learn through trial and error. They also provided the support, feedback and discussion necessary to facilitate such learning.ConclusionsFor adolescents to become independent in Type 1 diabetes self‐management, they must develop capability through experiential learning. It is important that parents and health professionals understand the important role they play in this process and have the skills to support adolescents in this way. Data from this study have been used to develop an online interactive ‘Adolescent Diabetes Needs Assessment Tool’, which assesses individual learning and support needs to aid the process of feedback and discussion.
Presence of fungi inScots pine needles found to correlate with air quality as measured by bioindicators in northernSpain
Authors: Romeralo C. , Diez J. J. , Santiago N. F. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAtmospheric pollution has increased worldwide during the last decades affecting forest ecosystems. Thermal power plants give off high levels of contaminants, which can damage forest health. Bioindicators can be helpful tools used for evaluating environment changes by giving an accurate measure of the extent of pollution. The focus of this study was to analyse fungal mycoflora inPinus sylvestrisstands near a thermal power plant and the possible correlation between the presence of the fungi and the air quality as measured by lichens and mosses. Fungi associated with pine needles were selected as subjects of this study because of their phytopathological importance and association with the pine trees' decline. Samples for this study were selected from eight plots in close proximity to a thermal power station in northern Spain. Symptoms of decline were previously observed in all the plots before sampling was performed. Lichens were used as bioindicators of environmental quality in two ways, first using the Index of Atmospheric Purity and second through categorization of lichen species based on their sensitivity. In addition, botanical quality was measured regarding the presence or absence of mosses. With two seasonal samplings (autumn and spring) and the use of four types of pine needle plant material (green needles, dried needles, half–green, half‐dried needles and fallen needles), both endophytes and epiphytes present in the needles were isolated and observed. Thirty fungal species in total were identified of the 1095 isolates obtained. Furthermore, significant differences in fungal isolates were observed between seasons and among the different plant material. Results showed that both environmental air quality and botanical quality were negatively correlated with the relative isolation frequency of fungi. The higher number of isolates was attributed to a possible infection produced by fungi, which could be a leading factor in the trees' decline.
Transportation into narrative worlds: implications for entertainment media influences on tobacco use
Authors: Green Melanie C. , Clark Jenna L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsA growing body of research suggests that smoking portrayals in movies influence adolescent tobacco use. However, the mechanism for this influence remains unclear. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of research on narrative transportation theory, particularly as applied to movies and smoking. We propose that this theory can provide a valuable framework for guiding research on the role of entertainment media in smoking and other addictive behaviors.MethodsWe review empirical work on transportation theory and highlight the psychological mechanisms underlying transportation effects. ‘Transportation into narrative worlds’ refers to cognitive, emotional and imagery engagement into a narrative (including movies and entertainment media). We link this work with research on the effects of movie smoking.ResultsResearch suggests that individuals who are more highly transported into narratives show greater attitude, belief and behavior change. Transportation effects work through reducing counterarguing, creating connections (identification and liking) with characters and increasing perceptions of realism and emotional involvement. We propose several future directions and research challenges for applying a transportation framework to the issue of entertainment media effects on smoking and tobacco disparities. Understanding factors contributing to transportation may provide a more nuanced view of who will be affected by movie smoking, and understanding the psychological processes underlying narrative persuasion may guide intervention efforts.ConclusionsNarrative transportation theory suggests that individuals' cognitive, emotional and imagery immersion in a narrative is a key mechanism of attitude, belief and behavior change. This theory provides a potentially generative and psychologically grounded framework for increasing knowledge about the boundary conditions and processes underlying the effects of entertainment media on tobacco use.
Population impact of reimbursement for smoking cessation: a natural experiment in the Netherlands
Authors: Willemsen Marc C. , Segaar Dewi , van Schayck Onno C. P. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsTo report on the impact of financial reimbursement of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in combination with behavioural support on the number of enrollees to proactive counselling in the Dutch national quitline.DesignDescriptive time–series analysis was used to compare quitline enrolment in 2010 and 2012 (no reimbursement) with 2011 (reimbursement).SettingsNational smoking cessation quitline.ParticipantsSmokers signing up for proactive counselling.MeasurementsTreatment enrolment data recorded by the quitline as part of usual care from 2010, 2011 and 2012 (until May).FindingsIn 2010, a total of 848 smokers started treatment. In 2011, 9091 smokers enrolled. In 2012, the number of enrollees dropped dramatically, even below the 2010 level. In addition, the proportion of smokers in the population dropped from 27.2% in 2010 to 24.7% in 2011.ConclusionsThe introduction of a national reimbursement system in the Netherlands was associated with a more than 10‐fold increase in telephone counselling for smoking cessation and suggests that reimbursement for smoking cessation contributed to improvements in public health.