bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma adrenomedullin level is related to a single nucleotide polymorphism in the adrenomedullin gene
Authors: Cheung Bernard M Y , Ong Kwok Leung , Tso Annette W K , Leung Raymond Y H , Cherny Stacey S , Sham Pak Chung , Lam Tai Hing , Lam Karen S L 
Published: July 2011

ObjectiveAdrenomedullin (ADM) plays an important role in inflammation and is a marker of future cardiovascular events. We studied common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding ADM and their relationship with the plasma levels of ADM and other inflammatory markers.Design and methodsPlasma ADM, interleukin 6 (IL6), fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 476 subjects from the population-based Hong Kong Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence Study-2. Four tag SNPs in ADM were genotyped.ResultsPlasma ADM level increased with decreasing plasma IL6 level (β=−0.116, P=0.014). Plasma ADM level was not related to plasma levels of CRP and fibrinogen, and other clinical characteristics, except age (P=0.049). The four SNPs, rs3814700, rs11042725, rs34354539, and rs4910118, had minor allele frequencies of 31.1, 28.7, 33.8, and 23.4% respectively. Carriers of the minor allele of rs4910118 had a mean plasma ADM level that was 10.5% (95% confidential interval: 2.5–17.8%) lower than the non-carriers (β=−0.115, P=0.011). Haplotype analysis revealed a similar significant association with plasma ADM (P=0.040). In multivariate analysis, the presence of the minor allele of rs4910118, but not plasma IL6, was independently associated with plasma ADM (P=0.010).ConclusionPlasma ADM correlates with plasma IL6 level, consistent with its role in inflammation. It is related to an SNP common in Chinese, independent of other covariates. ADM genotype should be included in future studies of cardiovascular risk prediction.
The American Cancer Society and the American Health Care System
Authors: Brawley Otis W. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The U.S. health care system is in critical condition. Costs are rising to the point that the high price of health care is a threat to the U.S. economy. In 2010, health care was more than 17% of the gross domestic product, and if it continues to rise at current rates, health care will become more than 25% of the overall U.S. economy. This growth rate is not sustainable.
While U.S. per capita costs are the highest of any country worldwide, quality is varied. Indeed, American health care outcomes for cancer and other diseases are inferior to several European countries with far lower per capita costs.
The truth is many Americans cannot afford adequate health care, and health care is rationed in the U.S. While many do not get the health care they need, some are actually harmed by overconsumption of unnecessary health care. These Americans are treated outside of established guidelines and get unnecessary procedures and take unnecessary medications.
A substantial number of Americans are supportive of health care reform with the goal of getting needed, high-quality health care to those Americans who currently do not get it. The American Cancer Society is committed to using the established scientific methods of epidemiology to define the problems and identify possible solutions. We are committed proponents of the rational, evidence-based use of health care to avoid the wasteful and inefficient rationing of health care.
Patient Navigator Programs, Cancer Disparities, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Authors: Moy Beverly , Chabner Bruce A. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Patients in vulnerable population groups suffer disproportionately from cancer. The elimination of cancer disparities is critically important for lessening the burden of cancer. Patient navigator programs have been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Among its provisions relevant to disparities in cancer care, The Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act authorizes continued funding of patient navigator programs. However, given the current economic and political environment, this funding is in jeopardy. This article describes patient navigator programs and summarizes the elements of the health care law that are relevant to these programs. It is vital that the entire oncology community remain committed to leading efforts toward the improvement of cancer care among our most vulnerable patients.
Multidimensional trade‐offs in species responses to disturbance: implications for diversity in a subtropical forest
Authors: Uriarte María , Clark James S. , Zimmerman Jess K. , Comita Liza S. , Forero-Montaña Jimena , Thompson Jill 
Published: July 2011

Species employ diverse strategies to cope with natural disturbance, but the importance of these strategies for maintaining tree species diversity in forests has been debated. Mechanisms that have the potential to promote tree species coexistence in the context of repeated disturbance include life history trade‐offs in colonization and competitive ability or in species' ability to survive at low resource conditions and exploit the temporary resource‐rich conditions often generated in the wake of disturbance (successional niche). Quantifying these trade‐offs requires long‐term forest monitoring and modeling.We developed a hierarchical Bayes model to investigate the strategies tree species employ to withstand and recover from hurricane disturbance and the life history trade‐offs that may facilitate species coexistence in forests subject to repeated hurricane disturbance. Unlike previous approaches, our model accommodates temporal variation in process error and observations from multiple sources. We parameterized the model using growth and mortality data from four censuses of a 16‐ha plot taken every five years (1990–2005), together with damage data collected after two hurricanes and annual seed production data (1992–2005).Species' susceptibilities to hurricane damage as reflected by changes in diameter growth and fecundity immediately following a storm were weak, highly variable, and unpredictable using traditional life history groupings. The lower crowding conditions (e.g., high light) generated in the wake of storms, however, led to greater gains in growth and fecundity for pioneer and secondary‐forest species than for shade‐tolerant species, in accordance with expectation of life history. We found moderate trade‐offs between survival in high crowding conditions, a metric of competitive ability, and long‐distance colonization. We also uncovered a strong trade‐off between mean species fecundity in low crowding conditions, a metric of recovery potential, and competitive ability. Trade‐offs in competitive and colonization ability, in addition to successional niche processes, are likely to contribute to species persistence in these hurricane‐impacted forests. The strategies species employ to cope with hurricane damage depend on the degree to which species rely on sprouting, repair of adult damage, changes in demographic rates in response to enhanced resource availability after storms, or long‐distance dispersal as recovery mechanisms.
Public Policies, Women's Employment after Childbearing, and Child Well-Being
Authors: Washbrook Elizabeth , Ruhm Christopher J , Waldfogel Jane , Han Wen-Jui 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
In this paper, we consider three U.S. public policies that potentially influence the work decisions of mothers of infants—parental leave laws, exemptions from welfare work requirements, and child care subsidies for low-income families. We estimate the effects of these policies on the timing of work participation after birth, and on a range of outcomes in the subsequent four years, using a group difference-in-difference technique suitable for analysis of cross-sectional data. We find that the three policies affect early maternal work participation, but obtain no evidence of significant consequences for child well-being.
Quantitative and kinetic profile of Wnt/β-catenin signaling components during human neural progenitor cell differentiation
Authors: Mazemondet Orianne , Hubner Rayk , Frahm Jana , Koczan Dirk , Bader Benjamin , Weiss Dieter , Uhrmacher Adelinde , Frech Moritz , Rolfs Arndt , Luo Jiankai 
Published: July 2011

AbstractReNcell VM is an immortalized human neural progenitor cell line with the ability to differentiate in vitro into astrocytes and neurons, in which the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is known to be involved. However, little is known about kinetic changes of this pathway in human neural progenitor cell differentiation. In the present study, we provide a quantitative profile of Wnt/β-catenin pathway dynamics showing its spatio-temporal regulation during ReNcell VM cell differentiation. We show first that T-cell factor dependent transcription can be activated by stabilized β-catenin. Furthermore, endogenous Wnt ligands, pathway receptors and signaling molecules are temporally controlled, demonstrating changes related to differentiation stages. During the first three hours of differentiation the signaling molecules LRP6, Dvl2 and β-catenin are spatio-temporally regulated between distinct cellular compartments. From 24 h onward, components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are strongly activated and regulated as shown by mRNA up-regulation of Wnt ligands (Wnt5a and Wnt7a), receptors including Frizzled-2, -3, -6, -7, and -9, and co-receptors, and target genes including Axin2. This detailed temporal profile of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a first step to understand, control and to orientate, in vitro, human neural progenitor cell differentiation.
Occupational allergy to birds within the population of Polish bird keepers employed in zoo gardens
Authors: Świderska-Kiełbik Sylwia , Krakowiak Anna , Wiszniewska Marta , Nowakowska-Świrta Ewa , Walusiak-Skorupa Jolanta , Śliwkiewicz Konrad , Pałczyński Cezary 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Students Mentoring Students in a Service-Learning Clinical Supervision Experience: An Educational Case Report
Authors: Lattanzi Jill Black , Campbell Sandra L. , Dole Robin L. , Palombaro Kerstin M. 
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose
Service-learning projects present the opportunity to combine academic skill practice and peer mentorship with meaningful community service. Implicit learning outcomes include an enhanced understanding of social responsibility and professional development—concepts difficult to teach in the classroom. The purpose of this educational case report is to describe the development, application, and outcomes of a service-learning project designed to facilitate peer mentorship and the development of social responsibility.

Development of the Process
Widener University mandated that all programs offer student community service opportunities on Martin Luther King Day. In response, the physical therapy program developed a plan to clean and screen assistive and mobility devices and provide blood pressure screening at designated community sites.

Application of the Process
All faculty and all members of the first-year and third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) classes participated. The students and a faculty member traveled to designated community sites in teams. First-year students were able to practice newly acquired skills under the supervision and peer mentorship of third-year students.

Outcomes
Outcomes of the service-learning project were assessed through a tally of services rendered, measurement of curricular goal achievement, a survey of the community partners' satisfaction with the event, and consideration of both first-year and third-year DPT student reflection papers.

Discussion
The service-learning project was effective in meeting a community need, enhancing community partner relationships, fostering student understandings of social responsibility, and creating a valuable peer mentorship experience.
Decrease in proven ventriculitis by reducing the frequency of cerebrospinal fluid sampling from extraventricular drains
Authors: Williams Teresa A. , Leslie Gavin D. , Dobb Geoffrey J. , Roberts Brigit , van Heerden Peter Vernon 
Published: July 2011

Object
Ventriculitis associated with extraventricular drains (EVD) increases rates of morbidity and mortality as well as costs. Surveillance samples of CSF are taken routinely from EVD, but there is no consensus on the optimum frequency of sampling. The goal of this study was to assess whether the incidence of ventriculitis changed when CSF sampling frequency was reduced once every 3 days.

Methods
After receiving institutional ethics committee approval for their project, the authors compared a prospective sample of EVD-treated patients (admitted 2008–2009) and a historical comparison group (admitted 2005–2007) at two tertiary hospital ICUs. A broad definition of ventriculitis included suspected ventriculitis (that is, treated with antibiotics for ventriculitis) and proven ventriculitis (positive CSF culture). Adult ICU patients with no preexisting neurological infection were enrolled in the study. After staff was provided with an education package, sampling of CSF was changed from daily to once every 3 days. All other management of the EVD remained unchanged. More frequent sampling was permitted if clinically indicated during the third daily sampling phase.

Results
Two hundred seven patients were recruited during the daily sampling phase and 176 patients when sampling was reduced to once every 3 days. The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was lower for the daily sampling group than for the every-3rd-day group (18.6 vs 20.3, respectively; p < 0.01), but there was no difference in mean age (47 and 45 years, respectively; p = 0.14), male or female sex (61% and 59%, respectively; p = 0.68), or median EVD duration in the ICU (4.9 and 5.8 days, respectively; p = 0.14). Most patients were admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage (42% in the daily group and 33% in the every-3rd-day group) or traumatic head injuries (29% and 36%, respectively). The incidence of ventriculitis decreased from 17% to 11% overall and for proven ventriculitis from 10% to 3% once sampling frequency was reduced. Sampling of CSF once every 3 days was independently associated with ventriculitis (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22–0.88, p = 0.02).

Conclusions
Reducing the frequency of CSF sampling to once every 3 days was associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of ventriculitis. The authors suggest that CSF sampling should therefore be performed once every 3 days in the absence of clinical indicators of ventriculitis. Reducing frequency of CSF sampling from EVDs decreased proven ventriculitis.
Safety of intramedullary Schwann cell transplantation for postrehabilitation spinal cord injuries: 2-year follow-up of 33 cases
Authors: Saberi Hooshang , Firouzi Masoumeh , Habibi Zohreh , Moshayedi Pouria , Aghayan Hamid Reza , Arjmand Babak , Hosseini Kazem , Razavi Hassan Emami , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed 
Published: July 2011

Object
Many experimental studies on spinal cord injuries (SCIs) support behavioral improvement after Schwann cell treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate safety issues 2 years after intramedullary Schwann cell transplantation in 33 consecutively selected patients with SCI.

Methods
Of 356 patients with SCIs who had completed at least 6 months of a conventional rehabilitation program and who were screened for the study criteria, 33 were enrolled. After giving their informed consent, they volunteered for participation. They underwent sural nerve harvesting and intramedullary injection of a processed Schwann cell solution. Outcome assessments included a general health questionnaire, neurological examination, and functional recordings in terms of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and Functional Independence Measure scoring, which were documented by independent observers. There were 24 patients with thoracic and 9 with cervical injuries. Sixteen patients were categorized in ASIA Grade A, and the 17 remaining participants had ASIA Grade B.

Results
There were no cases of deep infection, and the follow-up MR imaging studies obtained at 2 years did not reveal any deformity related to the procedure. There was no case of permanent neurological worsening or any infectious or viral complications. No new increment in syrinx size or abnormal tissue and/or tumor formation were observed on contrast-enhanced MR imaging studies performed 2 years after the treatment.

Conclusions
Preliminary results, especially in terms of safety, seem to be promising, paving the way for future cell therapy trials.
Reduced Airborne Transmission of Oseltamivir-Resistant Pandemic A/H1N1 Virus in Ferrets
Authors: Hamelin Marie-Eve , Baz Mariana , Bouhy Xavier , Beaulieu Édith , Dubé Karen , Mallett Corey , Boivin Guy 
Published: July 2011

Background The H275Y neuraminidase mutation conferring oseltamivir resistance has been reported in several pandemic A/H1N1 (pH1N1) isolates. We sought to evaluate transmission of this mutant virus through the direct contact and the airborne (aerosol and droplet) routes in the ferret model. Methods Groups of four ferrets were infected with either wild-type (WT) or oseltamivir-resistant pH1N1 (H275Y) strains. At 24 h following viral infection, a receptive ferret was introduced in the same cage as the infected animal to assess direct contact transmission. For the airborne transmission, naive ferrets were placed in a modified separate cage adjacent to that of their respective index ferret. Results The H275Y mutant virus was as efficiently transmitted as the WT strain by direct contact, as 100% (4/4) of contact ferrets in both groups seroconverted and shed virus. Mean peak viral titres were similar in both groups (4x104 and 2.63x104 plaque-forming units/ml after WT or H275Y mutant virus transmission, respectively). Peak viral shedding occurred on day 2 post-contact for the WT group and on day 4 post-contact for the H275Y mutant group. By contrast, airborne transmission of the mutant strain was less efficient, as only 25% (1/4) of contact ferrets seroconverted and shed virus, whereas 100% (4/4) of the WT ferrets did. Peak of viral replication was delayed compared to direct contact transmission and occurred on day 4 post-contact. Conclusions Transmission of the H275Y pH1N1 mutant strain by the airborne route is somewhat compromised, which may limit its widespread dissemination.
Argonaute-2 Enhances Suppression of Human Cytomegalovirus Replication by Polycistronic Short Hairpin Rnas Targeting Ul46, Ul70 and Ul122
Authors: Shao Pei-Lan , Lu Meng-You , Liau Yi-Jen , Chao Miau-Fen , Chang Luan-Yin , Lu Chun-Yi , Kao Chuan-Liang , Chang Shu-Yuan , Chi Ya-Hui , Huang Li-Min 
Published: July 2011

Background Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common human pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality. The efficacy of anti-HCMV drugs such as ganciclovir, foscarnet and cidofovir is limited because of drug toxicities and frequent development of resistance. Here, we report an alternative anti-HCMV method using RNA silencing. Methods Combinatorial use of second-generation short hairpin RNAs (shRNA-miRs) targeting various transcripts of HCMV and an RNA-silencing endonuclease Argonaute-2 (Ago2) expression vector were applied to inhibit replication of HCMV AD169. Normal human fetal lung MRC-5 fibroblasts were transfected with pSM30-shRNA-miRs harbouring single or multiple shRNA-miR cassettes with or without Ago2 and then infected with HCMV AD169. Production of small interfering RNA (siRNA) was quantified by reverse transcription PCR. Virus secretion was evaluated by plaque reduction assays. Results The use of shRNA-miRs targeting a single HCMV gene suppressed HCMV AD169 viral titres by 50–70%. Polycistronic shRNA-miRs targeting UL46+UL122 and UL70+UL46+UL122 reached nearly 80% of inhibition. Coexpression of Ago2 with shRNA-miRs targeting UL46+UL122 and UL70+UL46+UL122 achieved a 95% reduction in viral maturation. Conclusions Coexpression of Ago2 with shRNA-miRs enhanced the production of mature siRNAs and increased the efficiency of RNA silencing in the suppression of HCMV replication. This strategy may be universally applied to RNA interference-based therapies.
Inhibition of Primary Effusion Lymphoma Engraftment in Scid Mice by Morpholino Oligomers against Early Lytic Genes of Kaposi'S Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Authors: Zhang Yan-Jin , Patel Deendayal , Nan Yuchen , Fan Sumin 
Published: July 2011

Background Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with several malignant diseases, including Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman's disease. The objectives of this study were to investigate the use of peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) against KSHV early lytic genes and to assess their efficacy in severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mice against PEL engraftment. PPMOs are short, single-stranded DNA analogues that contain a backbone of morpholine rings and phosphorodiamidate linkages and have high delivery efficiency into cells. Methods PEL cells were treated with PPMOs against viral interferon regulatory factor 1 (vIRF-1) and expression of vIRF-1 was analysed. PPMOs against vIRF-1 and viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6) were evaluated against PEL cell engraftment in SCID mice. The PPMOs were incubated with BCBL-1 cells and then introduced into the peritoneal cavities of SCID mice, followed by 9 more doses of PPMOs administered at 2-day intervals. At weeks 3 and 9 after BCBL-1 delivery, peritoneal lavage was collected and the ratio of PEL cells among total cells was determined by flow cytometry analysis. Results Treatment of PEL cells with PPMOs against vIRF-1 led to a reduction of vIRF-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Reduction of vIRF-1 expression resulted in higher levels of cellular interferon regulatory factor 3 and of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1. SCID mice receiving a PPMO against vIL-6 had no engraftment of PEL cells and remained healthy throughout the 120-day study. Conclusions This study showed that PPMOs can be effective antiviral agents against KSHV. Blocking the expression of early lytic genes might be beneficial for the control of KSHV-associated malignant diseases.
Novel Resistance-Associated Mutations of Thymidine Kinase and Dna Polymerase Genes of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2
Authors: Sauerbrei Andreas , Bohn Kathrin , Heim Albert , Hofmann Jörg , Weißbrich Benedikt , Schnitzler Paul , Hoffmann Dieter , Zell Roland , Jahn Gerhard , Wutzler Peter , Hamprecht Klaus 
Published: July 2011

Background Studies to verify correlations between phenotypes and genotypes of herpes simplex virus (HSV) are an important tool to establish a database of resistance-associated mutations. Methods In this study, 32 acyclovir (ACV)-resistant clinical HSV-1 and 4 ACV-resistant clinical HSV-2 isolates were examined in parallel by both phenotypic and genotypic resistance testing. Additionally, five non-viable HSV-1 strains and two non-viable HSV-2 strains with clinical resistance were included in genotypic resistance analysis. Results All ACV-resistant HSV isolates showed cross-resistance to brivudin and penciclovir, and were sensitive to foscarnet and cidofovir. Acyclovir resistance was assigned to frameshift and single non-synonymous mutations of the thymidine kinase (TK) gene in 32 out of 37 HSV-1 strains and in 4 out of 6 HSV-2 strains. In three HSV-1 isolates, there were resistance-associated amino acid substitutions of the DNA polymerase (pol). Six substitutions in the TK and two in the DNA pol gene could not be attributed without doubt to either ACV resistance or natural gene polymorphism. Altogether, 10 resistance-related mutations in the TK and 1 in the DNA pol gene have not been reported previously. Conclusions The novel non-synonymous mutations found in this study enrich the knowledge about the genetic alterations of TK and DNA pol genes in ACV-resistant clinical HSV strains. Together with data from the literature, the findings justify the generation of a HSV database that contains resistance mutations associated with ACV resistance phenotype.