bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximality Principle and General Results of Ekeland and Caristi Types without Lower Semicontinuity Assumptions in Cone Uniform Spaces with Generalized Pseudodistances
Authors: Włodarczyk Kazimierz , Plebaniak Robert 
Published: June 2010

AbstractOur aim is twofold: first, we want to introduce a partial quasiordering in cone uniform spaces with generalized pseudodistances for giving the general maximality principle in these spaces. Second, we want to show how this maximality principle can be used to obtain new and general results of Ekeland and Caristi types without lower semicontinuity assumptions, which was not done in the previous publications on this subject.
Anti-MUC1 Antibodies and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Prospective Data from the Nurses' Health Studies
Authors: Pinheiro Simone P. , Hankinson Susan E. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Rosner Bernard A. , McKolanis John R. , Finn Olivera J. , Cramer Daniel W. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Background: The surface epithelial glycoprotein MUC1 becomes overexpressed and hypoglycosylated in adenocarcinomas; similar changes occur during nonmalignant inflammatory events. Antibodies developed against tumor-like MUC1 in response to such events could be one way through which ovarian cancer risk factors operate.
Methods: We evaluated the association between anti-MUC1 antibodies and risk of ovarian cancer in a prospective nested case-control study in the Nurses' Health Studies. We used an ELISA to measure plasma anti-MUC1 antibodies in 117 ovarian cancer cases collected at least 3 years before diagnosis and 339 matched controls.
Results: In controls, younger women (P-trend = 0.03), those with a tubal ligation (P = 0.03), and those with fewer ovulatory cycles (P-trend = 0.04) had higher antibody levels. In cases, women with late-stage disease (P = 0.04) and those whose specimen was &gt;11 years remote from diagnosis (P = 0.01) had higher antibody levels. Overall, increasing anti-MUC1 antibody levels were associated with a nonsignificant trend for lower risk for ovarian cancer, but there was highly significant heterogeneity by age (P-heterogeneity = 0.005). In women &lt;64 years, the antibody level in quartiles 2 to 4 versus quartile 1 were associated with reduced risk (relative risk = 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.93; P-trend = 0.03), whereas in women ≥64 years, the corresponding relative risk was 2.11 (95% confidence interval, 0.73-6.04); P-trend = 0.05).
Conclusion: Anti-MUC1 antibodies evaluated several years before diagnosis may be associated with lower risk of subsequent ovarian cancer in women &lt;64 years old at assessment.
Impact: Key elements of an “immune model” to explain ovarian cancer risk factors are confirmed and should be evaluated in larger prospective studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(6); 1595–601. ©2010 AACR.
Effect of Differing Levels of Tobacco-Specific Nitrosamines in Cigarette Smoke on the Levels of Biomarkers in Smokers
Authors: Ashley David L. , O'Connor Richard J. , Bernert John T. , Watson Clifford H. , Polzin Gregory M. , Jain Ram B. , Hammond David , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Giovino Gary A. , Cummings K. Michael , McNeill Ann , Shahab Lion , King Bill , Fong Geoffrey T. , Zhang Liqin , Xia Yang , Yan Xizheng , McCraw Joan M. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Background: Smokers are exposed to significant doses of carcinogens, including tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNA). Previous studies have shown significant global differences in the levels of TSNAs in cigarette smoke because of the variation in tobacco blending and curing practices around the world.
Methods: Mouth-level exposure to 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) measured in cigarette butts and urinary concentrations of its major metabolite 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL) were examined among 126 daily smokers in four countries over a 24-hour study period.
Results: As mouth-level exposure of NNK increased, the urinary NNAL increased even after adjustment for other covariates (β = 0.46, P = 0.004). The relationship between mouth-level exposure to nicotine and its salivary metabolite, cotinine, was not statistically significant (β = 0.29, P = 0.057), likely because of the very limited range of differences in mouth-level nicotine exposure in this population.
Conclusions: We have shown a direct association between the 24-hour mouth-level exposure of NNK resulting from cigarette smoking and the concentration of its primary metabolite, NNAL, in the urine of smokers. Internal dose concentrations of urinary NNAL are significantly lower in smokers in countries that have lower TSNA levels in cigarettes such as Canada and Australia in contrast to countries that have high levels of these carcinogens in cigarettes, such as the United States.
Impact: Lowering the levels of NNK in the mainstream smoke of cigarettes through the use of specific tobacco types and known curing practices can significantly affect the exposure of smokers to this known carcinogen. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(6); 1389–98. ©2010 AACR.
Urinary Biomarkers of Oxidative Status in a Clinical Model of Oxidative Assault
Authors: Il'yasova Dora , Spasojevic Ivan , Wang Frances , Tolun Adviye A. , Base Karel , Young Sarah P. , Marcom P. Kelly , Marks Jeffrey , Mixon Gabriel , DiGiulio Richard , Millington David S. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Background: We used doxorubicin-based chemotherapy as a clinical model of oxidative assault in humans.
Methods: The study recruited newly diagnosed breast cancer patients (n = 23). Urine samples were collected immediately before (T0) and at 1 hour (T1) and 24 hours (T24) after i.v. administration of treatment. Measurements included allantoin and the isoprostanes iPF(2α)-III, iPF(2α)-VI, and 8,12-iso-iPF(2α)-VI along with the prostaglandin 2,3-dinor-iPF(2α)-III, a metabolite of iPF(2α)-III. All biomarkers were quantified using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.
Results: In all subjects, the levels of the biomarkers increased at T1: allantoin by 22% (P = 0.06), iPF(2α)-III by 62% (P &lt; 0.05), iPF(2α)-VI by 41% (P &lt; 0.05), 8,12-iso-iPF(2α)-VI by 58% (P &lt; 0.05), and 2,3-dinor-iPF(2α)-III by 52% (P &lt; 0.05). At T24, the F2-isoprostanes returned to their baseline levels; the levels of allantoin continued to increase, although the T24-T0 difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: These results indicate that urinary F2-isoprostanes are valid biomarkers and allantoin is a promising biomarker of oxidative status in humans.
Impact: The levels of biomarkers change quickly in response to oxidative assault and can be used to monitor oxidative status in humans in response to treatments related either to generation of free radicals (chemotherapy and radiation therapy) or to antioxidants (inborn metabolic diseases and Down syndrome). Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 19(6); 1506–10. ©2010 AACR.
Managers’ understanding of workplace health promotion within small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Moore Ann , Parahoo Kader , Fleming Paul 
Published: June 2010

Objective: This study aimed at exploring managers’ understanding of workplace health promotion and experiences of workplace health promotion activity within small and medium-sized enterprises. Design: A Heideggerian interpretive phenomenological methodology was adopted. Setting: This study was undertaken with small and medium-sized enterprise managers from a Health and Social Care Trust area of Northern Ireland. Method: In-depth telephone interviews were carried out with a purposive sample of 18 small and medium-sized enterprise managers. Data was analysed using Benner’s strategy for data analysis. Results: ‘Workplace health promotion as a symbiosis of health and business’ emerged as a main theme from the data. Participants considered workplace health promotion as a key means of harnessing the potential of both their business and their employees: providing protection from harm and opportunities for health improvement for employees and affording protection for the viability and reputation of the business. Participants also viewed themselves as holding a pivotal role in the development and implementation of workplace health promotion activities. Conclusion: Strategies focussing on employee health alone as a separate entity to the business agenda are likely to be ineffective for raising awareness of workplace health promotion activity within small and medium-sized enterprises. Findings suggest an integrated ecological approach needs to be reflected within policy and practice that extends beyond the individual employee. A revised programme planning framework, based upon the work of Green and Kreuter, identifies areas that health promotion practitioners need to consider for more meaningful engagement with workplace health promotion activity by managers to take place within the small and medium-sized enterprise setting.
What factors are important in smoking cessation amongst deprived communities?
Authors: Henderson Hazel J , Memon Anjum , Lawson Kate , Jacobs Barbara , Koutsogeorgou Eleni 
Published: June 2010

Objective: There is limited evidence regarding effective smoking cessation interventions in deprived communities. This study explored what factors are considered most important in smoking cessation, from the perspective of a group of NHS Stop Smoking Service users from a deprived community. Design: A qualitative study. Setting: A deprived community in Brighton and Hove City, Southeast England. Methods: Fifteen adults who had used the local NHS Stop Smoking Service were recruited to the focus groups. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes regarding factors that were considered most helpful during the smoking cessation attempt. Results: Factors deemed most important for a successful smoking cessation attempt were counsellors’ attitude and knowledge, flexibility of appointments, personalized one-to-one support including additional support between sessions, all provided in an accessible local community setting. Individuals were most likely to decide to quit smoking for health reasons, and support from family and friends was important during the quit attempt. Conclusion: This study shows that smokers from deprived communities require more intensive, flexible and personalized support from a stop smoking service which should ideally be located in their community setting. A more innovative, tailored and less prescriptive approach to providing stop smoking services may help to improve cessation rates among smokers in deprived communities.
Migraine is frequent in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A case-control study
Authors: Tjensvoll Anne B , Harboe Erna , Gøransson Lasse G , Beyer Mona K , Greve Ole J , Herigstad Anita , Kvaløy Jan T , Omdal Roald 
Published: June 2010

Introduction The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of primary headaches in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) versus healthy subjects, and to determine whether headaches in SLE are associated with MRI- or cere-brospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalitites. Patients and methods The case-control study included MRI- and CSF investigations. Headache was classified according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Depression and fatigue were measured with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) respectively. Results Twenty-four out of 67 SLE patients and 13 out of 67 age- and gender matched healthy subjects had migraine (36% vs 19%, P = 0.03). Nine (13%) SLE patients had migraine with aura vs 4 (6%) in healthy subjects, P = 0.14. The prevalence of tension type headache was equal (60% in patients vs 58% in controls). There was no association between migraine and SLE disease activity, biochemical or immunological markers, cerebral white matter hyperintensities, interleukin-6 in CSF, impairment of the blood-brain barrier, or intrathecal immunoglobulin production. SLE patients had higher BDI- and FSS scores compared with healthy control subjects, and SLE patients with migraine had higher BDI scores than lupus patients without migraine. Conclusions Migraine is more prevalent in SLE patients, associated with depression like in the general population, but not associated with disease activity or abnormalities detected on cerebral MRI, in CSF, or any SLE characteristics except from SLE photosensitivity. The inclusion of the migraine item in SLE disease activity instruments remains questionable.
Participatory Action Research for High School Students: Transforming Policy, Practice, and the Personal With Social Justice Education
Authors: Cammarota Julio , Romero Augustine 
Published: June 2010

The authors discuss how participatory action research (PAR) informs the pedagogy and epistemology of the social justice education. PAR facilitates students’ engagement in their social context and acquisition of knowledge to initiate personal and social transformation. The scope of research contains knowledge about social justice issues negatively influencing the students’ experiences. This knowledge is essential for what has been described as social justice youth development in which young people participate in practices geared toward achieving an egalitarian world with safe, vibrant neighborhoods that support healthy,positive youth identities. The article is based on program evaluation data collected for progress reports mandated by the project’s financial backers. Funding supports technical assistance provided by the university in the way of teaching students qualitative research methods. The authors’ roles involve both assisting the course instructor with teaching methodologies and collecting data for evaluative purposes. High school students in small project groups (five to six members) conduct participatory action research with the intent of transforming the personal, policies and practices.
Cross-priming CD8+ T cells by targeting antigens to human dendritic cells through DCIR
Authors: Klechevsky Eynav , Flamar Anne-Laure , Cao Yanying , Blanck Jean-Philippe , Liu Maochang , O'Bar Amy , Agouna-Deciat Olivier , Klucar Peter , Thompson-Snipes LuAnn , Zurawski Sandra , Reiter Yoram , Palucka A. Karolina , Zurawski Gerard , Banchereau Jacques 
Published: June 2010

AbstractWe evaluated human CD8+ T-cell responses generated by targeting antigens to dendritic cells (DCs) through various lectin receptors. We found the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif-containing DC immunoreceptor (DCIR) to mediate potent cross-presentation. A single exposure to a low dose of anti-DCIR–antigen conjugate initiated antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell immunity by all human DC subsets including ex vivo–generated DCs, skin-isolated Langerhans cells, and blood myeloid DCs and plasmacytoid DCs. The delivery of influenza matrix protein (FluMP) through DCIR resulted in expansion of FluMP-specific memory CD8+ T cells. Enhanced specific CD8+ T-cell responses were observed when an antigen was delivered to the DCs via DCIR, compared with those induced by a free antigen, or antigen conjugated to a control monoclonal antibody or delivered via DC-SIGN, another lectin receptor. DCIR targeting also induced primary CD8+ T-cell responses against self (MART-1) and viral (HIV gag) antigens. Addition of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonist enhanced DCIR-mediated cross-presentation as well as cross-priming, particularly when combined with a CD40 signal. TLR7/8 activation was associated with increased expansion of the primed CD8+ T cells, high production of interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, and reduced levels of type 2–associated cytokines. Thus, antigen targeting via the human DCIR receptor allows activation of specific CD8+ T-cell immunity.
A chemotactic gradient sequestered on endothelial heparan sulfate induces directional intraluminal crawling of neutrophils
Authors: Massena Sara , Christoffersson Gustaf , Hjertström Elina , Zcharia Eyal , Vlodavsky Israel , Ausmees Nora , Rolny Charlotte , Li Jin-Ping , Phillipson Mia 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
During infection, chemokines sequestered on endothelium induce recruitment of circulating leukocytes into the tissue where they chemotax along chemokine gradients toward the afflicted site. The aim of this in vivo study was to determine whether a chemokine gradient was formed intravascularly and influenced intraluminal neutrophil crawling and transmigration. A chemokine gradient was induced by placing a macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2)–containing (CXCL2) gel on the cremaster muscle of anesthetized wild-type mice or heparanase-overexpressing transgenic mice (hpa-tg) with truncated heparan sulfate (HS) side chains. Neutrophil-endothelial interactions were visualized by intravital microscopy and chemokine gradients detected by confocal microscopy. Localized extravascular chemokine release (MIP-2 gel) induced directed neutrophil crawling along a chemotactic gradient immobilized on the endothelium and accelerated their recruitment into the target tissue compared with homogeneous extravascular chemokine concentration (MIP-2 superfusion). Endothelial chemokine sequestration occurred exclusively in venules and was HS-dependent, and neutrophils in hpa-tg mice exhibited random crawling. Despite similar numbers of adherent neutrophils in hpa-tg and wild-type mice, the altered crawling in hpa-tg mice was translated into decreased number of emigrated neutrophils and ultimately decreased the ability to clear bacterial infections. In conclusion, an intravascular chemokine gradient sequestered by endothelial HS effectively directs crawling leukocytes toward transmigration loci close to the infection site.
Radioimmunotherapy with yttrium-90-ibritumomab tiuxetan as part of a reduced- intensity conditioning regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma: results of a phase 2 study
Authors: Bethge Wolfgang A. , Lange Thoralf , Meisner Christoph , von Harsdorf Stephanie , Bornhaeuser Martin , Federmann Birgit , Stadler Michael , Uharek Lutz , Stelljes Matthias , Knop Stefan , Wulf Gerald , Trenschel Rudolf , Vucinic Vladan , Dittmann Helmut , Faul Christoph , Vogel Wichard , Kanz Lothar , Bunjes Donald 
Published: June 2010

AbstractForty patients were enrolled in this phase 2 study combining radioimmunotherapy (RIT) using yttrium-90-ibritumomab-tiuxetan (15 MBq [0.4 mCi]/kg) with reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) using fludarabine (90 mg/m2) and 2 Gy total body irradiation followed by allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from related (n = 13) or unrelated (n = 27) donors for the treatment of advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Diagnoses were follicular lymphoma (n = 17), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (n = 13), mantle cell lymphoma (n = 8), marginal zone lymphoma (n = 1), and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (n = 1). Median age was 55 years (range, 34-68 years). All patients were high risk with refractory disease or relapse after preceding autologous HCT. No additional toxicities attributable to RIT were observed. Engraftment was rapid and sustained. Incidences of acute graft-versus-host disease 2-4 and chronic graft-versus-host disease were 43% and 53%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier–estimated nonrelapse mortality was 45% at 2 years. Twenty-two of 40 patients (55%) are alive, resulting in a Kaplan-Meier–estimated 2-year survival of 51% for all, 67% for follicular lymphoma, 49% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and 37% for mantle cell lymphoma patients. The combined use of RIT with RIC is feasible with acceptable toxicity, even in elderly and heavily pretreated patients. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00302757.
Usefulness of serum procalcitonin levels in pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Ugajin M. , Miwa S. , Shirai M. , Ohba H. , Eifuku T. , Nakamura H. , Suda T. , Hayakawa H. , Chida K. 
Published: June 2010

There are very few data on serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients who are negative for HIV.We assessed serum PCT in consecutive patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis or community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) on admission to discriminate between PTB and CAP, and examined the value of prognostic factors in PTB.102 PTB patients, 62 CAP patients, and 34 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Serum PCT in PTB patients was significantly lower than in CAP patients (mean±sd0.21±0.49versus4.10±8.68 ng·mL−1; p<0.0001). By receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, serum PCT was an appropriate discrimination marker for PTB and CAP (area under the curve 0.866). PTB patients with ≥0.5 ng·mL−1(normal cut-off) had significantly shorter survival than those with <0.5 ng·mL−1(p<0.0001).Serum PCT is not habitually elevated in HIV-negative PTB patients and is a useful biomarker for discriminating between PTB and CAP; however, when serum PCT is outside the normal range, it is a poor prognostic marker.
Midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide and procalcitonin improve survival prediction in VAP
Authors: Boeck L. , Eggimann P. , Smyrnios N. , Pargger H. , Thakkar N. , Siegemund M. , Marsch S. , Rakic J. , Tamm M. , Stolz D. 
Published: June 2010

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) affects mortality, morbidity and cost of critical care. Reliable risk estimation might improve end-of-life decisions, resource allocation and outcome. Several scoring systems for survival prediction have been established and optimised over the last decades. Recently, new biomarkers have gained interest in the prognostic field. We assessed whether midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and procalcitonin (PCT) improve the predictive value of the Simplified Acute Physiologic Score (SAPS) II and Sequential Related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) in VAP.Specified end-points of a prospective multinational trial including 101 patients with VAP were analysed. Death <28 days after VAP onset was the primary end-point.MR-proANP and PCT were elevated at the onset of VAP in nonsurvivors compared with survivors (p = 0.003 and p = 0.017, respectively) and their slope of decline differed significantly (p = 0.018 and p = 0.039, respectively). Patients with the highest MR-proANP quartile at VAP onset were at increased risk for death (log rank p = 0.013). In a logistic regression model, MR-proANP was identified as the best predictor of survival. Adding MR-proANP and PCT to SAPS II and SOFA improved their predictive properties (area under the curve 0.895 and 0.880).We conclude that the combination of two biomarkers, MR-proANP and PCT, improve survival prediction of clinical severity scores in VAP.