bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic maps: a visual-analytic methodology for exploring spatio-temporal disease patterns
Authors: Castronovo Denise A , Chui Kenneth KH , Naumova Elena N 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Epidemiologic studies are often confounded by the human and environmental interactions that are complex and dynamic spatio-temporal processes. Hence, it is difficult to discover nuances in the data and generate pertinent hypotheses. Dynamic mapping, a method to simultaneously visualize temporal and spatial information, was introduced to elucidate such complexities. A conceptual framework for dynamic mapping regarding principles and implementation methods was proposed.

Methods
The spatio-temporal dynamics of Salmonella infections for 2002 in the U.S. elderly were depicted via dynamic mapping. Hospitalization records were obtained from the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services. To visualize the spatial relationship, hospitalization rates were computed and superimposed onto maps of environmental exposure factors including livestock densities and ambient temperatures. To visualize the temporal relationship, the resultant maps were composed into a movie.

Results
The dynamic maps revealed that the Salmonella infections peaked at specific spatio-temporal loci: more clusters were observed in the summer months and higher density of such clusters in the South. The peaks were reached when the average temperatures were greater than 83.4°F (28.6°C). Although the relationship of salmonellosis rates and occurrence of temperature anomalies was non-uniform, a strong synchronization was found between high broiler chicken sales and dense clusters of cases in the summer.

Conclusions
Dynamic mapping is a practical visual-analytic technique for public health practitioners and has an outstanding potential in providing insights into spatio-temporal processes such as revealing outbreak origins, percolation and travelling waves of the diseases, peak timing of seasonal outbreaks, and persistence of disease clusters.
Anomalous constitutive Src kinase activity promotes B lymphoma survival and growth
Authors: Ke Jiyuan , Chelvarajan R Lakshman , Sindhava Vishal , Robertson Darrell A , Lekakis Lazaros , Jennings C Darrell , Bondada Subbarao 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundPreviously we have shown that B cell receptor (BCR) expression and B cell receptor signaling pathways are important for the basal growth of B lymphoma cells. In particular we have shown that the activation of Syk, a non-src family protein tyrosine kinase and the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), ERK and JNK that mediate BCR signals are required for the constitutive growth of B lymphoma cells. Since src family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) like Lyn are known to be needed for the phosphorylation of BCR co-receptors, Ig-α and Ig-β, we hypothesized that one or more SFKs will be constitutively activated in B lymphoma cells and may be necessary for B lymphoma growth.ResultsSrc kinase activity was found to be constitutively high in many murine and human B lymphoma cell lines and primary lymphoma samples. The specific pharmacological inhibitors of SFKs, PP1 and PP2 inhibited the proliferation of a number of both murine and human B lymphomas in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, dasatinib (BMS-354825), an oral dual BCR-ABL and SFK specific inhibitor inhibited the growth of B lymphomas in the nanomolar range in vitro and strongly inhibited a mouse lymphoma growth in vivo. Among the SFKs, Lyn is predominantly phosphorylated and Lyn-specific small interfering RNA inhibited the growth of B lymphomas, supporting an important role for Lyn in B lymphoma growth. Suppression of SFK activity blocks BCR mediated signaling pathways. PMA or CpG can partially reverse the growth inhibition induced by SFK inhibition. Although blocking SFK activity inhibited the growth of a number of B lymphomas, some lymphomas such as SudHL-4, SudHL-6, OCI-Ly3 and OCI-Ly10 are more resistant due to an increased expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL.ConclusionsThese studies further support our concept that BCR signaling pathways are important for the continued growth of established B lymphoma cells. Some of the intermediates in this BCR pathway are potential immunotherapeutic targets. In particular, inhibition of SFK activity alone or in synergy with inhibition of the prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins holds promise in developing more effective treatments for B lymphoma patients.
Relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and coronary angiographic findings: a prospective study
Authors: Coskun Ugur , Yildiz Ahmet , Esen Ozlem B , Baskurt Murat , Cakar Mehmet A , Kilickesmez Kadriye O , Orhan Lutfu A , Yildiz Seyma 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Since cardiovascular diseases are associated with high mortality and generally undiagnosed before the onset of clinical findings, there is a need for a reliable tool for early diagnosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a non-invasive marker of coronary artery disease (CAD) and is widely used in practice as an inexpensive, reliable, and reproducible method. In the current study, we aimed to investigate prospectively the relationship of CIMT with the presence and extent of significant coronary artery narrowing in patients evaluated by coronary angiography for stable angina pectoris.

Methods
One hundred consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris and documented ischemia on a stress test were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the result of the coronary angiography: group 1 (39 patients) without a noncritical coronary lesion, and group 2 (61 patients) having at least one lesion more than 50% within the main branches of the coronary arteries. All of the patients underwent carotid Doppler ultrasound examination for measurement of the CIMT by a radiologist blinded to the angiographic data.

Results
The mean CIMT was 0.78 ± 0.21 mm in Group 1, while it was 1.48 ± 0.28 mm in Group 2 (p = 0.001). The mean CIMT in patients with single vessel disease, multi-vessel disease, and left main coronary artery disease were significantly higher compared to Group 1 (1.2 ± 0.34 mm, p = 0.02; 1.6 ± 0.32 mm, p = 0.001; and 1.8 ± 0.31 mm, p = 0.0001, respectively). Logistic regression analysis identified CIMT (OR 4.3, p < 0.001) and hypertension (OR 2.4, p = 0.04) as the most important factors for predicting CAD.

Conclusions
The findings of this study show that increase in CIMT is associated with the presence and extent of CAD. In conclusion, we demonstrated the usefulness of carotid intima-media thickness in predicting coronary artery disease but large-scale studies are required to define its role in clinical practice.
3D-conformal Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation treatment planning: the value of surgical clips in the delineation of the lumpectomy cavity
Authors: Dzhugashvili Maia , Tournay Elodie , Pichenot Charlotte , Dunant Ariane , Pessoa Eduardo , Khallel Adel , Gouy Sébastien , Uzan Catherine , Garbay Jean-Rémy , Rimareix Françoise , Spielmann Marc , Vielh Philippe , Marsiglia Hugo , Bourgier Céline 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Accurate localisation of the lumpectomy cavity (LC) volume is one of the most critical points in 3D-conformal Partial breast irradiation (3D-APBI) treatment planning because the irradiated volume is restricted to a small breast volume. Here, we studied the role of the placement of surgical clips at the 4 cardinal points of the lumpectomy cavity in target delineation.

Methods
Forty CT-based 3D-APBI plans were retrieved on which a total of 4 radiation oncologists, two trainee and two experienced physicians, outlined the lumpectomy cavity. The inter-observer variability of LC contouring was assessed when the CTV was defined as the delineation that encompassed both surgical clips and remodelled breast tissue.

Results
The conformity index of tumour bed delineation was significantly improved by the placement of surgical clips within the LC (median at 0.65). Furthermore, a better conformity index of LC was observed according to the experience of the physicians (median CI = 0.55 for trainee physicians vs 0.65 for experienced physicians).

Conclusions
The placement of surgical clips improved the accuracy of lumpectomy cavity delineation in 3D-APBI. However, a learning curve is needed to improve the conformity index of the lumpectomy cavity.
Toxicity risk of non-target organs at risk receiving low-dose radiation: case report
Authors: Shueng Pei-Wei , Lin Shih-Chiang , Chang Hou-Tai , Chong Ngot-Swan , Chen Yu-Jen , Wang Li-Ying , Hsieh Yen-Ping , Hsieh Chen-Hsi 
Published: December 2009

Absatract
The spine is the most common site for bone metastases. Radiation therapy is a common treatment for palliation of pain and for prevention or treatment of spinal cord compression. Helical tomotherapy (HT), a new image-guided intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), delivers highly conformal dose distributions and provides an impressive ability to spare adjacent organs at risk, thus increasing the local control of spinal column metastases and decreasing the potential risk of critical organs under treatment. However, there are a lot of non-target organs at risk (OARs) occupied by low dose with underestimate in this modern rotational IMRT treatment. Herein, we report a case of a pathologic compression fracture of the T9 vertebra in a 55-year-old patient with cholangiocarcinoma. The patient underwent HT at a dose of 30 Gy/10 fractions delivered to T8-T10 for symptom relief. Two weeks after the radiotherapy had been completed, the first course of chemotherapy comprising gemcitabine, fluorouracil, and leucovorin was administered. After two weeks of chemotherapy, however, the patient developed progressive dyspnea. A computed tomography scan of the chest revealed an interstitial pattern with traction bronchiectasis, diffuse ground-glass opacities, and cystic change with fibrosis. Acute radiation pneumonitis was diagnosed. Oncologists should be alert to the potential risk of radiation toxicities caused by low dose off-targets and abscopal effects even with highly conformal radiotherapy.
Restricted HIV-1 replication in placental macrophages is caused by inefficient viral transcription
Authors: García-Crespo K , Cadilla C , Skolasky R , Meléndez L M 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
HIV-1 infection in placental macrophages is limited as evidence by low viral mRNA and protein production.
HIV-infected PM show restricted replication as compared with MDM. We aimed to determine at what point in the viral replication cycle this restriction occurs in PM as compared with MDM. We performed Alu-LTR PCR for proviral DNA to detect differences in HIV integration, real-time RT-PCR to measure env and gag mRNA levels, and Western blot analysis to detect differences in viral protein expression. PM and MDM were infected with HIV-1 BaL, and DNA was extracted after 24 h and at 6 days p.i. for real-time PCR studies. At 6 and 12 days p.i., cells were lysed for Western blot analyses. We found no difference in viral integration between PM and MDM but significantly lower levels of viral protein gp120 in PM than in MDM. Real-time RT-PCR analyses revealed 24-fold less env mRNA and tenfold less gag mRNA in PM. These results suggest that HIV-1 restriction in PM occurs at the level of transcription. This study is significant, as it advances our understanding of HIV-1 infection in PM and its contribution to decreased in utero vertical transmission.
Mutz-3-derived Langerhans cells are a model to study HIV-1 transmission and potential inhibitors
Authors: de Jong Marein A W P , de Witte Lot , Santegoets Saskia J A M , Fluitsma Donna , Taylor Maureen E , de Gruijl Tanja D , Geijtenbeek Teunis B H 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Mutz-3 derived Langerhans cells are a model to study HIV-1 transmission and to screen potential inhibitors.
Sexual transmission is the primary route of HIV-1 infection, and DC subsets are thought to be involved in viral dissemination to T cells. In the genital mucosa, two main subsets of DCs are present: epithelial LCs capture and degrade HIV-1 through C-type lectin Langerin, whereas subepithelial DCs express DC-SIGN, which facilitates HIV-1 transmission to T cells. As there is currently no HIV-1 vaccine available, microbicides provide an alternative strategy to limit HIV-1 spread. However, research into the function of LCs is hampered by the low availability and donor differences. Here, we set out to investigate whether LCs derived from the Mutz-3 cell line (Mu-LCs) provide a valuable tool to investigate the role of LCs in HIV-1 transmission and identify suitable potential microbicides. We demonstrate that Mu-LCs phenotypically resemble human primary LCs; Mu-LCs do not transmit HIV-1 efficiently, and inhibition of Langerin enhances HIV-1 transmission to T cells. We show that carbohydrate structures blocking DC-SIGN but not Langerin are potential microbicides, as they prevent HIV-1 transmission by DCs but do not affect the antiviral function of LCs. Therefore, Mu-LCs are a suitable model to investigate the role of LCs in HIV-1 transmission and to screen potential microbicides.
c-Maf activates the promoter and enhancer of the IL-21 gene, and TGF-β inhibits c-Maf-induced IL-21 production in CD4+ T cells
Authors: Hiramatsu Yukiko , Suto Akira , Kashiwakuma Daisuke , Kanari Hiroko , Kagami Shin-ichiro , Ikeda Kei , Hirose Koichi , Watanabe Norihiko , Grusby Michael J , Iwamoto Itsuo , Nakajima Hiroshi 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
c-Maf directly induces IL-21 expression by activating IL-21 promoter and CNS-2 enhancer through MARE site and TGF-β suppresses c-Maf-induced IL-21 expression.
Previous studies have shown that IL-6 potently induces IL-21 production in CD4+ T cells, whereas TGF-β inhibits IL-6-induced IL-21 production in CD4+ T cells. In this study, we addressed the mechanisms underlying the transcriptional regulation of IL-21 production in CD4+ T cells. We found that IL-6 induced c-Maf expression in CD4+ T cells and that the enforced expression of c-Maf induced IL-21 production in CD4+ T cells without IL-6, IL-4/STAT6 signaling, or an autocrine effect of IL-21. Moreover, we found that c-Maf directly bound to and activated IL-21P and the CNS-2 enhancer through MARE sites. On the other hand, we also found that although TGF-β up-regulated IL-6-induced c-Maf expression in CD4+ T cells, TGF-β inhibited c-Maf-induced IL-21 production in CD4+ T cells. Finally, we found that Foxp3 bound to IL-21P and the CNS-2 enhancer and inhibited c-Maf-induced IL-21 production modestly but significantly in CD4+ T cells. Taken together, these results suggest that c-Maf induces IL-21 production directly in CD4+ T cells by activating IL-21P and the CNS-2 enhancer and that TGF-β suppresses c-Maf-induced IL-21 production in CD4+ T cells.
From the Editor's desk
Authors: Tyrer Peter 
Published: December 2009

British Made Foreign JournalI am writing this just after returning from India and Sri Lanka and, after being exposed to a welter of cultures and religions in the past few days, I have had cause to reflect on the Journal's aspirations to be international. I think I can detect a touch of sophistry here. Professor Navendra Wig, one of the most distinguished of Indian psychiatrists, puts it better. He describes how the government excise records in India refer to locally produced spirits such as brandy and whisky as IMFL – ‘Indian Made Foreign Liquor’1 – and this made him realise that, at heart, he was an IMFD, an ‘Indian Made Foreign Doctor’, as he could never escape his cultural heritage however much he tried. Similarly, I cannot escape the conclusion that we are seen by all non-UK-born readers as a British Made Foreign Journal, with a style and substance that cannot genuinely resonate with all our readers. But we can learn much from each other, as this issue shows. Manoranjitham et al (pp. 26–30) show that even if we were successful in both identifying and treating depressive illness over in the West, it might have little impact on suicide in south India as there overt depression appears to be rare prior to suicide, and what matters much more is simple stress and isolation following loss. Why south India is different from the UK, and even Pakistan2 here, is a puzzle, but such research shows that we cannot export or import evidence derived from only one country if it is at least partly dependent on culture and setting. Fottrell et al (pp. 18–25) similarly demonstrate the tremendous value of one of the most joyous of events, childbirth, in Benin where perinatal mortality is high, so that even the trauma of a baby almost dying can be overcome triumphantly by the exuberance of successful motherhood. But it is equally important to report results that are entirely consistent with those in countries of different cultures, and Chen et al (pp. 31–35) find that recurrence of self-harm in Taiwan follows a pattern that is virtually identical to that in Western countries.3–5 Large international studies can allow for cultural and national variations and Bottomley et al (pp. 13–17) illustrate this in comparing risk factors for both onset of depression and recovery. Bisson et al (pp. 69–74) do likewise and in their guidelines for psychosocial care after disasters involved experts from 25 nations across the world – quite a feat.
Brain serotonin-2 receptors in acute mania
Authors: Yatham Lakshmi N. , Liddle Peter F. , Erez Jonathan , Kauer-Sant'Anna Marcia , Lam Raymond W. , Imperial Miguel , Sossi Vesna , Ruth Thomas J. 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundAlthough 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has been implicated in mania, the precise alterations in the 5-HT system remain elusive.AimsTo assess brain 5-HT2receptors in drug-free individuals experiencing a manic episode in comparison with healthy volunteers using positron emission tomography (PET).MethodParticipants (n= 10) with DSM–IV bipolar I disorder – manic episode and healthy controls (n= 10) underwent [18F]- setoperone scans. The differences in 5-HT2receptor binding potential between the two groups were determined using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis.ResultsAge was a significant correlate with 5-HT2receptor binding potential with a similar magnitude of correlation in both groups. The SPM analysis with age as a covariate showed that the individuals with current mania had significantly lower 5-HT2receptor binding potential in frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital cortical regions, with changes more prominent in the right cortical regions compared with controls.ConclusionsThis study suggests that brain 5-HT∗2 receptors are decreased in people with acute mania.
Pharmacotherapy for borderline personality disorder: Cochrane systematic review of randomised trials
Authors: Lieb Klaus , Völlm Birgit , Rücker Gerta , Timmer Antje , Stoffers Jutta M. 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundMany patients with borderline personality disorder receive pharmacological treatment, but there is uncertainty about the usefulness of such therapies.AimsTo evaluate the evidence of effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in treating different facets of the psychopathology of borderline personality disorder.MethodA Cochrane Collaboration systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised comparisons of drug v. placebo, drug v. drug, or single drug v. combined drug treatment in adult patients with borderline personality disorder was conducted. Primary outcomes were overall disorder severity as well as specific core symptoms. Secondary outcomes comprised associated psychiatric pathology and drug tolerability.ResultsTwenty-seven trials were included in which first- and second-generation antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, antidepressants and omega-3 fatty acids were tested. Most beneficial effects were found for the mood stabilisers topiramate, lamotrigine and valproate semisodium, and the second-generation antipsychotics aripiprazole and olanzapine. However, the robustness of findings is low, since they are based mostly on single, small studies. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors so far lack high-level evidence of effectiveness.ConclusionsThe current evidence from randomised controlled trials suggests that drug treatment, especially with mood stabilisers and second-generation antipsychotics, may be effective for treating a number of core symptoms and associated psychopathology, but the evidence does not currently support effectiveness for overall severity of borderline personality disorder. Pharmacotherapy should therefore be targeted at specific symptoms.
Enhanced relapse prevention for bipolar disorder by community mental health teams: cluster feasibility randomised trial
Authors: Lobban F. , Taylor L. , Chandler C. , Tyler E. , Kinderman P. , Kolamunnage-Dona R. , Gamble C. , Peters S. , Pontin E. , Sellwood W. , Morriss R. K. 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundRelapse prevention for bipolar disorder increases time to relapse but is not available in routine practice.AimsTo determine the feasibility and effectiveness of training community mental health teams (CMHTs) to deliver enhanced relapse prevention.MethodIn a cluster randomised controlled trial, CMHT workers were allocated to receive 12 h training in enhanced relapse prevention to offer to people with bipolar disorder or to continue giving treatment as usual. The primary outcome was time to relapse and the secondary outcome was functioning.ResultsTwenty-three CMHTs and 96 service users took part. Compared with treatment as usual, enhanced relapse prevention increased median time to the next bipolar episode by 8.5 weeks (hazard ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.45–1.38). Social and occupational functioning improved with the intervention (regression coefficient 0.68, 95% CI 0.05–1.32). The clustering effect was negligible but imprecise (intracluster correlation coefficient 0.0001, 95% CI 0.0000–0.5142).ConclusionsTraining care coordinators to offer enhanced relapse prevention for bipolar disorder may be a feasible effective treatment. Large-scale cluster trials are needed.
Prevalence and correlates of auditory vocal hallucinations in middle childhood
Authors: Bartels-Velthuis Agna A. , Jenner Jack A. , van de Willige Gerard , van Os Jim , Wiersma Durk 
Published: December 2009

BackgroundHearing voices occurs in middle childhood, but little is known about prevalence, aetiology and immediate consequences.AimsTo investigate prevalence, developmental risk factors and behavioural correlates of auditory vocal hallucinations in 7- and 8-year-olds.MethodAuditory vocal hallucinations were assessed with the Auditory Vocal Hallucination Rating Scale in 3870 children. Prospectively recorded data on pre- and perinatal complications, early development and current problem behaviour were analysed in children with auditory vocal hallucinations and matched controls.ResultsThe 1-year prevalence of auditory vocal hallucinations was 9%, with substantial suffering and problem behaviour reported in 15% of those affected. Prevalence was higher in rural areas but auditory vocal hallucinations were more severe and had greater functional impact in the urban environment. There was little evidence for associations with developmental variables.ConclusionsAuditory vocal hallucinations in 7- and 8-year-olds are prevalent but mostly of limited functional impact. Nevertheless, there may be continuity with more severe psychotic outcomes given the serious suffering in a subgroup of children and there is evidence for a poorer prognosis in an urban environment.