bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding and Neonatal Weight Loss in Healthy Term Infants
Authors: Davanzo Riccardo , Cannioto Zemira , Ronfani Luca , Monasta Lorenzo , Demarini Sergio 
Published: May 2012

Background: Neonatal weight loss is universally recognized, yet poorly understood. Limited professional consensus exists on the definition of lower limit of safe weight loss. Objective: Our aim was to assess the extent of neonatal weight loss and its association with selected clinical variables in a population of healthy term infants cared for using a specific protocol on weight loss. Methods: We retrospectively considered 1003 infants consecutively admitted to the regular nursery of the Institute for Maternal and Child Health “Burlo Garofolo” (Trieste, Italy). We studied the relationship of selected variables with neonatal weight loss recorded during the hospital stay. We also analyzed all readmissions in the first month of life as a result of weight loss and its complications. Results: We observed a mean absolute weight loss of 228 g ± 83g, and a mean percent weight loss of 6.7% ± 2.2%. Weight loss ≥ 10% and > 12% were 6% and 0.3%, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression, cesarean section, hot season, any formula feeding, and jaundice not requiring phototherapy were independently associated with neonatal weight loss ≥ 8%. Conversely, low gestational age status was associated with lower weight loss. Readmission within the first month of life because of dehydration occurred in 0.3% of infants. Conclusions: Breastfeeding, compared to formula feeding, may not be a risk factor for greater early neonatal weight loss, at least in contexts in which weight is routinely monitored, breastfeeding is repeatedly assessed and appropriately supported, and careful supplementation is prescribed to limit and promptly treat excess weight loss and its related complications.
Levels of peripheral CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells are negatively associated with clinical response to adoptive immunotherapy of human cancer
Authors: Yao Xin , Ahmadzadeh Mojgan , Lu Yong-Chen , Liewehr David J. , Dudley Mark E. , Liu Fang , Schrump David S. , Steinberg Seth M. , Rosenberg Steven A. , Robbins Paul F. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to suppress T cell–mediated host immune responses against self- and nonself-antigens; however, the impact of CD4+ Tregs on human antitumor immune responses and their influence on cancer treatment are unknown. In the present study, we explored the factors that influence CD4+ Treg reconstitution in patients receiving adoptive immunotherapy following conditioning regimens designed to enhance T-cell function and evaluated potential associations between CD4+ Treg levels and clinical responses to therapy. The analysis of 4 trials employing nonmyeloablative chemotherapy with or without total body irradiation (TBI) before adoptive T-cell transfer revealed that the percentage and number of reconstituting CD4+FoxP3+ Tregs observed in the peripheral blood was higher in nonresponders than in responders. The addition of TBI resulted in a further depletion of CD4+ Tregs, and the degree of depletion was dependent on the TBI dose. The number of administered doses of IL-2 was found to be positively associated with peripheral Treg reconstitution. These observations provide strong evidence that endogenous CD4+ Tregs have a negative impact on cancer therapy, and suggest that strategies reducing Treg levels may provide clinical benefit to cancer patients. All 5 clinical trials are registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00001832, NCT00096382, NCT00335127, NCT00509496, and NCT00513604.
Oral contraceptives do not appear to affect cystic fibrosis disease severity
Authors: Kernan Natalie G. , Alton Eric W.F.W. , Cullinan Paul , Griesenbach Uta , Bilton Diana 
Published: May 2012

Several studies suggest that sex may affect cystic fibrosis (CF) disease severity, with females with CF being more severely affected. In this context, it has been suggested that sex hormones may influence the CF phenotype. A large proportion of females with CF regularly use oral contraceptives (OCs), but the effect of their use on disease severity is unclear. Here, we retrospectively assessed the effects of OCs on clinical outcomes in females with CF.Data from 681 females were available, of whom 42% had taken OCs for varying periods of time. We first performed an inter-patient analysis comparing annual change in % predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s, body mass index and total days of intravenous antibiotic use over a 5-yr study period in 57 females exposed to and 57 females not exposed to OCs. There were no differences between the two groups. We next performed an intra-patient analysis of the same outcomes over a 3-yr period of OC exposure and a 3-yr period of no OC exposure in the same patient (exposure followed by non-exposure, n=27; non-exposure followed by exposure, n=23), but again did not detect any differences in any of the clinical outcomes.Our data suggests that the use of OCs does not affect CF disease severity.
Predicting survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension in the UK
Authors: Lee Wai-Ting Nicola , Ling Yi , Sheares Karen K. , Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Peacock Andrew John , Johnson Martin Keith 
Published: May 2012

Contemporary prognostic equations in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) derived from US and French cohorts may not perform as well in the UK as a locally derived scoring scheme. The aim of the study was to develop and validate a UK risk score to predict prognosis in PAH.Baseline mortality predictors identified by multivariate Cox analysis in 182 incident PAH patients were used to derive the Scottish composite score (SCS). Its prognostic performance in an independent UK cohort was compared with the French registry and Pulmonary Hypertension Connection (PHC) registry equations using Brier scores (BS).The SCS based on age, sex, aetiology, right atrial pressure, cardiac output and 6-min walk distance predicted survival in the validation cohort (hazard ratio (HR) 1.7 per point increase; p<0.001) and provided further prognostic stratification in World Health Organization (WHO) functional class III patients (HR 1.8 per point increase; p<0.001). It was more accurate than the French registry equation in predicting 1-yr survival (BS: 0.092versus0.146; p=0.001) and 2-yr survival (0.131versus0.255; p<0.001). There was no significant difference in BS between the SCS and PHC registry equation.The SCS predicts survival and can be used to supplement WHO functional class in prognostication.
Large-scale transcriptome sequencing and gene analyses in the crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis) for biomedical research
Authors: Huh Jae-Won , Kim Young-Hyun , Park Sang-Je , Kim Dae-Soo , Lee Sang-Rae , Kim Kyoung-Min , Jeong Kang-Jin , Kim Ji-Su , Song Bong-Seok , Sim Bo-Woong , Kim Sun-Uk , Kim Sang-Hyun , Chang Kyu-Tae 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
As a human replacement, the crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis) is an invaluable non-human primate model for biomedical research, but the lack of genetic information on this primate has represented a significant obstacle for its broader use.

Results
Here, we sequenced the transcriptome of 16 tissues originated from two individuals of crab-eating macaque (male and female), and identified genes to resolve the main obstacles for understanding the biological response of the crab-eating macaque. From 4 million reads with 1.4 billion base sequences, 31,786 isotigs containing genes similar to those of humans, 12,672 novel isotigs, and 348,160 singletons were identified using the GS FLX sequencing method. Approximately 86% of human genes were represented among the genes sequenced in this study. Additionally, 175 tissue-specific transcripts were identified, 81 of which were experimentally validated. In total, 4,314 alternative splicing (AS) events were identified and analyzed. Intriguingly, 10.4% of AS events were associated with transposable element (TE) insertions. Finally, investigation of TE exonization events and evolutionary analysis were conducted, revealing interesting phenomena of human-specific amplified trends in TE exonization events.

Conclusions
This report represents the first large-scale transcriptome sequencing and genetic analyses of M. fascicularis and could contribute to its utility for biomedical research and basic biology.
A comparative genomics perspective on the genetic content of the alkaliphilic haloarchaeon Natrialba magadii ATCC 43099T
Authors: Siddaramappa Shivakumara , Challacombe Jean F , DeCastro Rosana E , Pfeiffer Friedhelm , Sastre Diego E , Giménez María I , Paggi Roberto A , Detter John C , Davenport Karen W , Goodwin Lynne A , Kyrpides Nikos , Tapia Roxanne , Pitluck Samuel , Lucas Susan , Woyke Tanja , Maupin-Furlow Julie A 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background

Natrialba magadii is an aerobic chemoorganotrophic member of the Euryarchaeota and is a dual extremophile requiring alkaline conditions and hypersalinity for optimal growth. The genome sequence of Nab. magadii type strain ATCC 43099 was deciphered to obtain a comprehensive insight into the genetic content of this haloarchaeon and to understand the basis of some of the cellular functions necessary for its survival.

Results
The genome of Nab. magadii consists of four replicons with a total sequence of 4,443,643 bp and encodes 4,212 putative proteins, some of which contain peptide repeats of various lengths. Comparative genome analyses facilitated the identification of genes encoding putative proteins involved in adaptation to hypersalinity, stress response, glycosylation, and polysaccharide biosynthesis. A proton-driven ATP synthase and a variety of putative cytochromes and other proteins supporting aerobic respiration and electron transfer were encoded by one or more of Nab. magadii replicons. The genome encodes a number of putative proteases/peptidases as well as protein secretion functions. Genes encoding putative transcriptional regulators, basal transcription factors, signal perception/transduction proteins, and chemotaxis/phototaxis proteins were abundant in the genome. Pathways for the biosynthesis of thiamine, riboflavin, heme, cobalamin, coenzyme F420 and other essential co-factors were deduced by in depth sequence analyses. However, approximately 36% of Nab. magadii protein coding genes could not be assigned a function based on Blast analysis and have been annotated as encoding hypothetical or conserved hypothetical proteins. Furthermore, despite extensive comparative genomic analyses, genes necessary for survival in alkaline conditions could not be identified in Nab. magadii.

Conclusions
Based on genomic analyses, Nab. magadii is predicted to be metabolically versatile and it could use different carbon and energy sources to sustain growth. Nab. magadii has the genetic potential to adapt to its milieu by intracellular accumulation of inorganic cations and/or neutral organic compounds. The identification of Nab. magadii genes involved in coenzyme biosynthesis is a necessary step toward further reconstruction of the metabolic pathways in halophilic archaea and other extremophiles. The knowledge gained from the genome sequence of this haloalkaliphilic archaeon is highly valuable in advancing the applications of extremophiles and their enzymes.
IL-8 as a urinary biomarker for the detection of bladder cancer
Authors: Urquidi Virginia , Chang Myron , Dai Yunfeng , Kim Jeongsoon , Wolfson Edward D , Goodison Steve , Rosser Charles J 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Current urine-based assays for bladder cancer (BCa) diagnosis lack accuracy, so the search for improved biomarkers continues. Through genomic and proteomic profiling of urine, we have identified a panel of biomarkers associated with the presence of BCa. In this study, we evaluated the utility of three of these biomarkers, interleukin 8 (IL-8), Matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and Syndecan in the diagnosis of BCa through urinalysis.

Methods
Voided urines from 127 subjects, cancer subjects (n = 64), non-cancer subjects (n = 63) were analyzed. The protein concentrations of IL-8, MMP-9, and Syndecan were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were also compared to a commercial ELISA-based BCa detection assay (BTA-Trak©) and urinary cytology. We used the area under the curve of a receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) to compare the performance of each biomarker.

Results
Urinary protein concentrations of IL-8, MMP-9 and BTA were significantly elevated in BCa subjects. Of the experimental markers compared to BTA-Trak©, IL-8 was the most prominent marker (AUC; 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.86). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that only IL-8 (OR; 1.51; 95% CI, 1.16-1.97, p = 0.002) was an independent factor for the detection of BCa.

Conclusions
These results suggest that the measurement of IL-8 in voided urinary samples may have utility for urine-based detection of BCa. These findings need to be confirmed in a larger, prospective cohort.
Capillary electrophoresis for the assay of fixed-dose combination tablets of artesunate and amodiaquine
Authors: Amin N’Cho Christophe , Blanchin Marie-Dominique , Aké Michèle , Montels Jérôme , Fabre Huguette 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Quality control of drugs in formulations is still a major challenge in developing countries. For the quality control of artesunate and amodiaquine tablets in fixed-dose combination, only liquid chromatographic methods have been proposed in the literature. There are no capillary electrophoretic methods reported for the determination of these active substances, although this technique presents several advantages over liquid chromatography (long lifetime, low price of the capillary, low volumes of electrolyte consumption) in addition to simplicity. In this paper, a reliable capillary electrophoresis method has been developed and validated for the quality control of these drugs in commercial fixed-dose combination tablets.

Methods
Artesunate and amodiaquine hydrochloride in bilayer tablets were determined by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC). Analytes were extracted from tablets by sonication with a solvent mixture phosphate buffer pH 7.0-acetonitrile containing benzoic acid as internal standard. Separation was carried out on Beckman capillary electrophoresis system equipped with fused silica capillary, 30 cm long (20 cm to detector) × 50 μm internal diameter, using a 25 mM borate buffer pH 9.2 containing 30 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate as background electrolyte, a 500 V cm−1 electric field and a detection wavelength of 214 nm.

Results
Artesunate, amodiaquine and benzoic acid were separated in 6 min. The method was found to be reliable with respect to specificity,linearity of the calibration line (r2 > 0.995), recovery from synthetic tablets (in the range 98–102%), repeatability (RSD 2–3%, n = 7 analytical procedures). Application to four batches of commercial formulations with different dosages gave content in good agreement with the declared content.

Conclusion
The MEKC method proposed is reliable for the determination of artesunate and amodiaquine hydrochloride in fixed-dose combination tablets. The method is well-suited for drug quality control and detection of counterfeit or substandard medicines.
Osteoblast-secreted collagen upregulates paracrine Sonic hedgehog signaling by prostate cancer cells and enhances osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Zunich Samantha M , Valdovinos Maria , Douglas Taneka , Walterhouse David , Iannaccone Philip , Lamm Marilyn L G 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundInduction of osteoblast differentiation by paracrine Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling may be a mechanism through which Shh-expressing prostate cancer cells initiate changes in the bone microenvironment and promote metastases. A hallmark of osteoblast differentiation is the formation of matrix whose predominant protein is type 1 collagen. We investigated the formation of a collagen matrix by osteoblasts cultured with prostate cancer cells, and its effects on interactions between prostate cancer cells and osteoblasts.ResultsIn the presence of exogenous ascorbic acid (AA), a co-factor in collagen synthesis, mouse MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts in mixed cultures with human LNCaP prostate cancer cells or LNCaP cells modified to overexpress Shh (LNShh cells) formed collagen matrix with distinct fibril ultrastructural characteristics. AA increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase and the expression of the alkaline phosphatase geneAkp2, markers of osteoblast differentiation, in MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts cultured with LNCaP or LNShh cells. However, the AA-stimulated increase inAkp2expression in MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts cultured with LNShh cells far exceeded the levels observed in MC3T3 cells cultured with either LNCaP cells with AA or LNShh cells without AA. Therefore, AA and Shh exert a synergistic effect on osteoblast differentiation. We determined whether the effect of AA on LNShh cell-induced osteoblast differentiation was mediated by Shh signaling. AA increased the expression ofGli1andPtc1, target genes of the Shh pathway, in MC3T3 pre-osteoblasts cultured with LNShh cells to at least twice their levels without AA. The ability of AA to upregulate Shh signaling and enhance alkaline phosphatase activity was blocked in MC3T3 cells that expressed a dominant negative form of the transcription factor GLI1. The AA-stimulated increase in Shh signaling and Shh-induced osteoblast differentiation was also inhibited by the specific collagen synthesis inhibitor 3,4-dehydro-L-proline.ConclusionsMatrix collagen, formed by osteoblasts in the presence of AA, potentiates Shh signaling between Shh-expressing prostate cancer cells and osteoblasts. Collagen and Shh signaling exert a synergistic effect on osteoblast differentiation, a defining event in prostate carcinoma bone metastasis. Investigations into paracrine interactions among prostate cancer cells, osteoblasts, and osteoblast-synthesized matrix proteins advance our understanding of mechanisms contributing to prostate cancer bone metastasis.
Maternal feeding practices, child eating behaviour and body mass index in preschool-aged children: a prospective analysis
Authors: Gregory Jane E , Paxton Susan J , Brozovic Anna M 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Previous research has found associations between parental feeding practices and children's eating behaviour and weight status. Prospective research is needed to elucidate these relationships.

Methods
One hundred and fifty-six mothers of 2- to 4-year-old children completed questionnaires including measures of maternal feeding practices (pressure to eat, restriction, monitoring and modelling of healthy eating), child eating behaviour (food responsiveness, food fussiness and interest in food), and mother reported child height and weight. The questionnaire was repeated 12 months later. Regression analyses were used to find longitudinal associations between maternal feeding practices, child eating behaviour and child body mass index (BMI).

Results
Modelling of healthy eating predicted lower child food fussiness and higher interest in food one year later, and pressure to eat predicted lower child interest in food. Restriction did not predict changes in child eating behaviour. Maternal feeding practices did not prospectively predict child food responsiveness or child BMI.

Conclusion
Maternal feeding practices appear to influence young children's eating behaviour but not weight status in the short term.
Association of the Frequency of Respiratory Illness in Early Childhood with a Change in the Distribution of Blood Lymphocyte Subpopulations
Authors: Karsh Jacob , Angel Jonathan B , Young Charlene D , Sahni Vanita , Judek Stan , Miller David , Dales Robert E 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Little is known about the distribution of lymphocyte phenotypes in young children and the association specific phenotypes may have with respiratory illnesses. The objective of this study was to describe lymphocyte distributions in children at approximately 2 years of age and to test for associations with the frequency of respiratory illness during the first 2 years of life. We hypothesized that an increased frequency of illness would be associated with those phenotypes that reflect previous antigen exposure and/or immune activation. Seventy-three children were followed during their first 2 years of life with daily symptom diaries and twice-monthly telephone calls to ascertain the incidence of respiratory illness. After the children reached 2 years of age, the phenotypes of circulating blood lymphocytes were measured by flow cytometry. Associations between illness and phenotypes were adjusted for education level of parents; hours per week in day care; hours per week exposed to environmental tobacco smoke, mould, or water damage in bedroom; and parental history of allergy and asthma. The resulting median lymphocyte count was 4.0 × 109 per litre (standard deviation, 1.3) with a CD4/CD8 count of 2.28, consistent with published values. Illness rates were positively associated with the percentage of CD8+ CD38+ T cells (unadjusted p = .03, adjusted p = .014), CD8+ CD45RO+ T cells (unadjusted p = .06, adjusted p = .036), and CD4+ CD45RO+ T cells (unadjusted p = .01, adjusted p = .005). Our conclusions is that there is an association between the distribution of lymphocyte phenotypes and the incidence of respiratory illness early in life. Future research is recommended to determine the directionality of this association.
Pediatric Hemophagocytic Syndromes: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Jabado Nada , McCusker Christine , Basile Genevieve de Saint 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPediatric hemophagocytic syndrome (HS) is a severe and often fatal clinical disorder. This syndrome is frequently unrecognized, and thus, affected children may receive suboptimal management, leading to an increase in mortality. The purpose of this review is to provide a clinical guide to (1) the recognition of HS based on clinical, biologic, and pathologic features; (2) the identification of the primary cause of HS in a given affected child; and (3) the initiation of effective treatment in a timely manner.
Antigen and Memory CD8 T Cells: Were They Both Right?
Authors: Epelman Slava , Mody Christopher H 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Picture yourself as a researcher in immunology. To begin your project, you ask a question: Do CD8 T cells require antigen to maintain a memory response? This question is of prime importance to numerous medical fields. In chronologic order, you digest the literature, but unfortunately, you hit a major stumbling block in the 1990s. The crux of the problem is that which so often happens in science: two well-recognized, capable groups emerge with diametrically opposed conclusions, leaving you pondering which set of wellcontrolled data to believe. Fortunately, years later, a surprising group of articles sheds light on this mystery and subtly reconciles these two positions.
Navigating the Updated Anaphylaxis Parameters
Authors: Kemp Stephen F 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Anaphylaxis, an acute and potentially lethal multi-system clinical syndrome resulting from the sudden, systemic degranulation of mast cells and basophils, occurs in a variety of clinical scenarios and is almost unavoidable inmedical practice. Healthcare professionalsmust be able to recognize its features, treat an episode promptly and appropriately, and be able to provide recommendations to prevent future episodes. Epinephrine, administered immediately, is the drug of choice for acute anaphylaxis. The discussion provides an overview of one set of evidence-based and consensus parameters for the diagnosis and management of anaphylaxis.