bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human γδ T cell Recognition of lipid A is predominately presented by CD1b or CD1c on dendritic cells
Authors: Cui Yongchun , Kang Lei , Cui Lianxian , He Wei 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe γδ T cells serve as early immune defense against certain encountered microbes. Only a few γδ T cell-recognized ligands from microbial antigens have been identified so far and the mechanisms by which γδ T cells recognize these ligands remain unknown. Here we explored the mechanism of interaction of human γδ T cells in peripheral blood with Lipid A (LA).ResultsFirst, resting γδ T cells (mainly Vδ2 T cells) displayed a strong proliferative response to LA-pulsed monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC) and LA-pulsed paraformaldehyde-fixed moDC, but not to free LA in a TCR γδ-dependent manner. Second, anti-CD1b or anti-CD1c antibodies could block proliferative response of resting γδ T cells to LA-loaded moDC. Besides, only LA-loaded CD1b/CD1c-transfected C1R lymphoblastoma cells (CD1b-/CD1c-C1R) were able to stimulate the proliferation of human γδ T cells. Third, the expressions of both Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 on surface of LA-activated γδ T cells were upregulated, whereas only anti-TLR4 antibody could partially block their response to LA; Finally LA-loaded moDCs induce γδ T cells to produce Th1 cytokines, such as IFN-γ.ConclusionTaken together, we found a novel mechanism that human γδ T cells recognize LA in a CD1b- or CD1c-restricted manner in first response against Gram-bacteria, while the interaction between TLR4 on γδ T cells and LA might strengthen the subsequent response of γδ T cells.ReviewersThis article was reviewed by Hao Shen, Youwen He (nominated by Dr. Laurence C Eisenlohr), Dr. Michael Lenardo and Dr. Pushpa Pandiyan.
Crop and non-crop productivity in a traditional maize agroecosystem of the highland of Mexico
Authors: González-Amaro Rosa M , Martínez-Bernal Angélica , Basurto-Peña Francisco , Vibrans Heike 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
In Mexico, the traditional maize cultivation system has resisted intensification attempts for many decades in some areas, even in some well-connected regions of the temperate highlands. We suggest that this is due to economics.

Methods
The total useful biomass of several fields in Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala, are evaluated for productivity and costs.

Results
Maize grain production is low (1.5 t ha-1) and does not cover costs. However, maize stover demands a relatively high price. If it included, a profit is possible (about 110 US $ ha-1). We show that non-crop production (weeds for food and forage) potentially has a higher value than the crop. It is only partially used, as there are constraints on animal husbandry, but it diversifies production and plays a role as a back-up system in case of crop failure.

Conclusion
The diversified system described is economically rational under current conditions and labor costs. It is also stable, low-input and ecologically benign, and should be recognized as an important example of integrated agriculture, though some improvements could be investigated.
Mesothelioma of the testis and nephrotic syndrome: a case report
Authors: Bacchetta Justine , Ranchère Dominique , Dijoud Frédérique , Droz Jean-Pierre 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Paraneoplastic glomerulopathies are rare manifestations of neoplastic disease to be distinguished from iatrogenic renal damage. Solid tumors are preferentially associated with membranous nephropathy, whereas Hodgkin's lymphomas are associated with minimal change disease.

Case presentation
We report a 63-year-old Caucasian male diagnosed with a mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis who, secondary to this, also presented with a nephrotic syndrome due to minimal change disease. In the present case, the paraneoplastic etiology of the nephrotic syndrome can be discussed on four unusual elements: minimal change lesions were found; the glomerulopathy was very sensitive to corticosteroids; the nephrotic syndrome occurred 11 months after the diagnosis of the primary malignancy, but concomitantly with the recurrence; and the nephrotic syndrome did not decrease with tumor control and did not recur when the mesothelioma escaped treatment. No other etiologies could nevertheless explain this phenomenon.

Conclusion
Paraneoplastic nephrotic syndrome is often associated with membranous nephropathy in patients with solid tumors, especially in patients with lung and gastrointestinal tract neoplasia. The management of these patients is associated with a symptomatic treatment such as sodium and water restriction, diuretics and ACE inhibitors and a prophylaxis of specific complications of nephrotic syndrome including thromboembolism, infections and lipid abnormalities. Treatment of neoplasia must be undertaken rapidly, treatments must be regularly analyzed and drugs binding to albumin may be used with precaution.
Meiotic segregation and interchromosomal effect in the sperm of a double translocation carrier: a case report
Authors: Juchniuk de Vozzi Maria S , Santos Silvio A , Pereira Ciro S , Cuzzi Juliana F , Laureano Lucimar AF , Franco Jr José G , Martelli Lucia 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundInfertility is a natural mechanism of selection intended to prevent the delivery of a child with malformations or mental retardation. Male infertility is closely related to chromosomal abnormalities. This study was focused on the analysis of meiotic segregation involving a Robertsonian translocation, 45,XY,der(13;13) [56]/45,XY,der(13;14) [44] and the evaluation of possible interchromosomal effects.ResultsHybridisation with LSI 13q14 and subtelomere 14q probes and WCP13 SpectrumGreen and WCP14 SpectrumOrange probes showed a high proportion of unbalanced gametes, corresponding to 71.2% of the spermatozoa. The disomic frequencies of the sexual chromosomes and chromosome 18 of the patient were higher (5.28% and 2.55%, respectively) than those of the control (0.6% and 0.59%, respectively).ConclusionMeiotic segregation studies in sperm are an important tool for genetic counselling of chromosomal aberrations, allowing for a prediction of the risks and consequent implications for the reproductive life. The patient with this rare translocation exhibited meiotic segregation fidelity, and a high rate of unbalanced gametes with disomic spermatozoa.
Spontaneous bowel perforation due to norovirus: a case report
Authors: Pawa Nikhil , Vanezis Andrew P , Tutton Matthew G 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNorovirus is the leading cause of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide but the disease is usually self-limiting and generally only causes serious health problems in the young, elderly and immunocompromised. The authors report a case of bowel perforation in an elderly Caucasian lady with confirmed infection with Norovirus genogroup II and no other presumptive cause. To the authors' knowledge this is the first such case of bowel perforation due to Norovirus. Viral gastroenteritis should be considered in the list of differentials when no obvious cause of bowel perforation can be identified to minimise morbidity and mortality.
HIV, disability and discrimination: making the links in international and domestic human rights law
Authors: Elliott Richard , Utyasheva Leah , Zack Elisse 
Published: December 2009

Stigma and discrimination constitute one of the greatest barriers to dealing effectively with the HIV epidemic, underlying a range of human rights violations and hindering access to prevention, care, treatment and support. There is some existing protection against HIV‐based discrimination under international law, but the extent of states' obligations to address such discrimination has not been comprehensively addressed in an international instrument.The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force in May 2008. As countries ratify the convention, they are required to amend national laws and policies to give greater protection to the human rights of people with disabilities, including abolishing disability‐based discrimination by the state and protecting persons against such discrimination by others. The Disability Convention addresses many of the issues faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV) but does not explicitly include HIV or AIDS within its open‐ended definition of “disability”.Therefore, the advent of the Disability Convention prompts us to consider the links between HIV and disability and, specifically, to consider the opportunities it and other legal mechanisms, international or domestic, may afford for advancing the human rights of PLHIV facing human rights infringements. We do so in the belief that the movement for human rights is stronger when constituencies with so many common and overlapping interests are united, and that respectful and strategic collaboration ultimately strengthens both the disability rights and the AIDS movements.In this article, we first examine the links between HIV and disability. We then provide a brief overview of how international human rights law has treated both disability and HIV/AIDS. We note some of the different ways in which national anti‐discrimination laws have reflected the links between HIV and disability, illustrated with representative examples from a number of countries. Finally, we offer some conclusions and recommendations about ways forward for collaboration between HIV and disability rights advocates in advancing human rights at the international level, including the use of the new tool that is the Disability Convention. We hope these reflections will promote further discussion across movements, ultimately to the benefit of all persons with disabilities and/or HIV.
Transition from stress sensitivity to a depressive state: longitudinal twin study
Authors: Wichers Marieke , Geschwind Nicole , Jacobs Nele , Kenis Gunter , Peeters Frenk , Derom Catherine , Thiery Evert , Delespaul Philippe , van Os Jim 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundDaily-life stress sensitivity is associated with depression, but prospective data are lacking.AimsTo examine associations between baseline ecological daily-life stress sensitivity and later depression, and to identify genetic and non-genetic factors moderating the transition from stress sensitivity to depression.MethodDaily-life stress sensitivity was assessed at baseline in twins (n= 502). One baseline and four follow-up measurements of depressive symptoms and negative life events were collected, as well as interview-based diagnoses at baseline and last follow-up. Hypothesised genetic markers were determined.ResultsBaseline stress sensitivity was associated with increased depressive symptoms at follow-up and risk of major depressive disorder. Both genetic liability and major life events moderated the probability of transition from stress sensitivity to depression.ConclusionsOnset of depression is attributable to pre-onset ecological measurements of stress sensitivity, particularly where genetic liability is high and individuals have reached a stage where the influence of competing environmental causes is low.
Recent trends in the incidence of recorded depression in primary care
Authors: Rait Greta , Walters Kate , Griffin Mark , Buszewicz Marta , Petersen Irene , Nazareth Irwin 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundThere is a paucity of data describing how general practitioners (GPs) label or record depression.AimsTo determine incidence and sociodemographic variation in GP-recorded depression diagnoses and depressive symptoms.MethodAnnual incidence rates calculated using data from 298 UK general practices between 1996 and 2006, adjusted for year of diagnosis, gender, age and deprivation.ResultsIncidence of diagnosed depression fell from 22.5 to 14.0 per 1000 person-years at risk (PYAR) from 1996 to 2006. The incidence of depressive symptoms rose threefold from 5.1 to 15.5 per 1000 PYAR. Combined incidence of diagnoses and symptoms remained stable. Diagnosed depression and symptoms were more common in women and in more deprived areas.ConclusionsDepression recorded by general practitioners has lower incidence rates than depression recorded in epidemiological studies, although there are similar associations with gender and deprivation. General practitioners increasingly use symptoms rather than diagnostic labels to categorise people's illnesses. Studies using standardised diagnostic instruments may not be easily comparable with clinical practice.
Influence of perceived organisational factors on job burnout: survey of community mental health staff
Authors: Lasalvia Antonio , Bonetto Chiara , Bertani Mariaelena , Bissoli Sarah , Cristofalo Doriana , Marrella Giovanna , Ceccato Enrico , Cremonese Carla , De Rossi Moreno , Lazzarotto Lorenza , Marangon Vanna , Morandin Idana , Zucchetto Maria , Tansella Michele ,   PICOS-Veneto Group
Published: December 2009

BackgroundStaff burnout is a critical issue for mental healthcare delivery, as it can lead to decreased work performance and, ultimately to poorer treatment outcomes.AimsTo explore the relative weight of job-related characteristics and perceived organisational factors in predicting burnout in staff working in community-based psychiatric services.MethodA representative sample of 2000 mental health staff working in the Veneto region, Italy, participated. Burnout and perceived organisational factors were assessed by using the Organizational Checkup Survey.ResultsOverall, high levels of job distress affected nearly two-thirds of the psychiatric staff and one in five staff members suffered from burnout. Psychiatrists and social workers reported the highest levels of burnout, and support workers and psychologists, the lowest. Burnout was mostly predicted by a higher frequency of face-to-face interaction with users, longer tenure in mental healthcare, weak work group cohesion and perceived unfairness.ConclusionsImproving the workplace atmosphere within psychiatric services should be one of the most important targets in staff burnout prevention strategies. The potential benefits of such programmes may, in turn, have a favourable impact on patient outcomes.
There is no place for the psychoanalytic case report in theBritish Journal of Psychiatry
Authors: Wolpert Lewis , Fonagy Peter 
Published: December 2009

SummaryAs evidence-based mental health and the randomised controlled trial come to dominate the content of major psychiatric journals, the status and clinical utility of single case reports have been increasingly questioned. Arguably, owing to their subjective, anecdotal nature and unsuitability for rigorous scientific testing, this is particularly true of psychoanalytic case studies. Professor Peter Fonagy and Professor Lewis Wolpert debate here whether or not there is a place for such case reports in theBritish Journal of Psychiatry.
Self-stigma, group identification, perceived legitimacy of discrimination and mental health service use
Authors: Rüsch Nicolas , Corrigan Patrick W. , Wassel Abigail , Michaels Patrick , Larson Jonathon E. , Olschewski Manfred , Wilkniss Sandra , Batia Karen 
Published: December 2009

SummaryStigma may interfere with mental health service use. We measured self-stigma and stigma-related cognitions (group identification and perceived legitimacy of discrimination) at baseline in 85 people with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or affective disorders. After 6 months, 75 (88%) had reported use of mental health services. Controlling for baseline psychopathology, perceived stigma and diagnosis, low perceived legitimacy of discrimination predicted use of counselling/psychotherapy. Strong group identification was associated with participation in mutual-help groups. More self-stigma predicted psychiatric hospitalisation. Cognitive indicators of stigma resilience may predict out-patient service use, whereas self-stigma may increase the risk of psychiatric hospitalisation.
Distinct Patterns of Cytokine and Angiogenic Factor Modulation and Markers of Benefit for Vandetanib and/or Chemotherapy in Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hanrahan Emer O. , Lin Heather Y. , Kim Edward S. , Yan Shaoyu , Du Danny Z. , McKee Kathryn S. , Tran Hai T. , Lee J. Jack , Ryan Anderson J. , Langmuir Peter , Johnson Bruce E. , Heymach John V. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose There is an unmet need for biomarkers for identifying patients likely to benefit from anticancer treatments, selecting dose, and understanding mechanisms of resistance. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble VEGF receptor 2 (sVEGFR-2) are known to be modulated by VEGF pathway inhibitors. It is unknown whether chemotherapy or VEGFR inhibitor/chemotherapy combinations induce changes in these or other cytokines and angiogenic factors (CAFs) and whether such changes could be markers of benefit. Methods Thirty-five plasma CAFs were analyzed using multiplexed bead arrays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays from 123 patients with non–small-cell lung cancer in a randomized phase II study who received vandetanib, a VEGFR and epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, monotherapy carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP), or the combination (VCP). Changes in CAFs at days 8, 22, and 43 from baseline were correlated with progression risk. Results VEGF increased and sVEGFR-2 decreased by day 43 in the vandetanib arm, whereas a distinct pattern was observed in the CP and VCP arms, with significant decreases in interleukin (IL) -12, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and increased macrophage chemoattractant protein 1. In each treatment arm, changes in different markers were associated with progression risk. For example, increases in IL-8 with VCP, MMP-9 with CP, and VEGF with vandetanib monotherapy were associated with increased progression risk, and increase in intercellular adhesion molecule 1 with vandetanib was associated with decreased risk. Conclusion Vandetanib and chemotherapy treatment led to distinct patterns of CAF changes; the combination resembled chemotherapy alone. Changes in specific CAFs correlated with clinical outcome, but markers differed for each treatment arm. CAF profiling may provide insights into the biologic effects of treatment and identify drug-specific markers of activity and clinical benefit.
Phase I Study of Intravenous Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Trap, Aflibercept, in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Lockhart A. Craig , Rothenberg Mace L. , Dupont Jakob , Cooper Wendy , Chevalier Paul , Sternas Lars , Buzenet Giliane , Koehler Elizabeth , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Gultekin David H. , Koutcher Jason A. , Donnelly Edwin F. , Andal Ric , Dancy Isabelle , Spriggs David R. , Tew William P. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) Trap (aflibercept) is an angiogenesis inhibitor comprising portions of the extracellular domains of human VEGF receptors 1 and 2 fused to the Fc portion of human immunoglobulin G. This phase I study was designed to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of VEGF Trap administered intravenously (IV) every 2 weeks.Patients and MethodsPatients with refractory solid tumors or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with adequate organ function were eligible. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic markers included measurement of plasma VEGF bound to VEGF Trap and free VEGF Trap. Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) was incorporated to measure the biologic effects of the drug on tumor vascularity and permeability.ResultsThe study enrolled 47 patients at doses ranging from 0.3 to 7.0 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks. Dose-limiting toxicities were rectal ulceration and proteinuria at the 7.0 mg/kg dose. Other mechanism-specific toxicities included hypertension. On the basis of these observations and on pharmacokinetics, the recommended phase II dose of VEGF Trap as a single agent is 4 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Three RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) –defined partial responses were observed, one at the 3.0 mg/kg and two at the 7.0 mg/kg dose level. Maximum plasma concentration of free VEGF Trap increased proportionally with dose. Maximal VEGF-bound VEGF Trap complex levels were reached at doses ≥ 2.0 mg/kg. Changes in volume transfer constant measured by DCE-MRI at baseline and at 24 hours after administration indicate a possible dose-related change in this pharmacodynamic marker.ConclusionIV VEGF Trap was well tolerated at the dose levels tested. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic markers were indicative of VEGF blockade.
Revised TN Categorization for Colon Cancer Based on National Survival Outcomes Data
Authors: Gunderson Leonard L. , Jessup John Milburn , Sargent Daniel J. , Greene Frederick L. , Stewart Andrew K. 
Published: December 2009

Purpose The sixth edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual for colon cancer subdivided stage II into IIA (T3N0) and IIB (T4N0) and stage III into IIIA (T1-2N1M0), IIIB (T3-4N1M0), and IIIC (anyTN2M0). Subsequent analyses supported revised substaging of stage III because of improved survival for T1-2N2 versus T3-4N2 and T4N1 survival was more similar to T3-4N2 than to T3N1. The AJCC Hindgut Taskforce sought population-based validation that depth of invasion and nodal status interact to affect survival. Patients and Methods Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) population-based data from January 1992 to December 2004 for 109,953 colon cancer patients were compared with National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) data on 134,206 patients. T4N0 cancers were stratified by tumors that perforate visceral peritoneum (T4a) versus tumors that invade or are adherent to adjacent organs or structures (T4b). N1 and N2 were stratified by number of involved positive lymph nodes (N+): N1a/N1b (1 v 2-3), N2a/N2b (4 to 6 v ≥ 7). Five-year observed and relative survival data were obtained for each TN category. Results SEER colon cancer analyses confirm that patients with T1-2N0 cancers have better survival than T3N0, T3N0 better than T4N0, T1-2N2 better than T3-4N2, and T4bN1 similar to T4N2. Patients with T4a lesions have better survival than T4b by N category. The number of positive nodes affects survival for each T category. Conclusion This SEER population-based colon cancer analysis is highly consistent with rectal cancer pooled analysis and SEER rectal cancer analyses, supporting the shift of T1-2N2 lesions from IIIC to IIIA/IIIB, shifting T4bN1 from IIIB to IIIC, subdividing T4/N1/N2, and revising substaging of stages II/III. Survival outcomes by TN category for colon and rectal cancer are strikingly similar.