bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Life, Old Friends
Authors: Abeele Mariek Vanden , Roe Keith 
Published: April 2011

Communication technologies make it possible for college freshmen to maintain their pre-college relationships, while at the same time building new relationships on campus. For American freshmen the transition to college is generally considered as a major change that involves distancing oneself from family and pre-college friends, while for Flemish freshmen the transition to college appears to be a more gradual process. Consequently, American freshmen might benefit more from using communication technologies to build new relationships, while Flemish freshmen might benefit more from using communication technologies to maintain existing relationships. This article reports the results of a cross-cultural survey study among American ( N = 198) and Flemish freshmen ( N = 326) at the beginning of the academic year. The results indicate that both for American and Flemish freshmen calling, texting, instant messaging and emailing more frequently with one’s pre-college friends is associated with a higher sense of belongingness to a strong and supportive social network. Communicating with new college friends, however, is only associated with an increased sense of belongingness for American freshmen.
Online Support Intervention for Adolescents With Asthma and Allergies
Authors: Stewart Miriam , Masuda Jeffrey R. , Letourneau Nicole , Anderson Sharon , Cicutto Lisa , McGhan Shawna , Watt Susan 
Published: April 2011

Objectives. To determine appropriate components and contents of an online peer support intervention for young adolescents and to evaluate intervention processes, perceived benefits, and satisfaction with the intervention. Methods. Three months of support were provided through synchronous chat, e-mail exchange, instant messaging, and bulletin boards. Online support group sessions were facilitated by trained peer mentors (older youth/young adults with asthma and allergies) and health professionals. Participant use of online options was tracked (eg, log-ons, e-mails, chat minutes). Qualitative data were elicited from peer mentor reports, online support group chat transcripts, project coordinators’ field notes, peer mentor exit interviews, and adolescent telephone interviews. Results. Almost all adolescents were satisfied with this online support intervention. Topics discussed in the support groups were pertinent to their educational and support needs. Peer mentors provided emotional, affirmation, and information support. Participants appreciated opportunities for social comparison and reciprocal exchange of support with peers. Conclusion and implications. A major contribution was documentation of the complex intervention ingredients and processes through qualitative and quantitative methods that elicited diverse stakeholders’ perspectives. This strategy enables adaptation and integration into practice. Adolescents who benefited most felt isolated, suggesting the importance of targeting vulnerable youth for support programs.
The GTPase-activating protein ARAP3 regulates chemotaxis and adhesion-dependent processes in neutrophils
Authors: Gambardella Laure , Anderson Karen E. , Nussbaum Claudia , Segonds-Pichon Anne , Margarido Tânia , Norton Laura , Ludwig Thomas , Sperandio Markus , Hawkins Phillip T. , Stephens Len , Vermeren Sonja 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNeutrophils form a vital part of the innate immune response, but at the same time their inappropriate activation contributes to autoimmune diseases. Many molecular components are involved in fine-tuning neutrophil function. We report here the first characterization of the role of ARAP3, a PI3K and Rap-regulated GTPase-activating protein for RhoA and Arf6 in murine neutrophils. We show that neutrophils lacking ARAP3 are preactivated in vitro and in vivo, exhibiting increased β2 integrin affinity and avidity. ARAP3-deficient neutrophils are hyperresponsive in several adhesion-dependent situations in vitro, including the formation of reactive oxygen species, adhesion, spreading, and granule release. ARAP3-deficient cells adhere more firmly under flow conditions in vitro and to the vessel wall in vivo. Finally, loss of ARAP3 interferes with integrin-dependent neutrophil chemotaxis. The results of the present study suggest an important function of ARAP3 downstream of Rap. By modulating β2 integrin activity, ARAP3 guards neutrophils in their quiescent state unless activated.
Long-term follow-up of a comparison of nonmyeloablative allografting with autografting for newly diagnosed myeloma
Authors: Giaccone Luisa , Storer Barry , Patriarca Francesca , Rotta Marcello , Sorasio Roberto , Allione Bernardino , Carnevale-Schianca Fabrizio , Festuccia Moreno , Brunello Lucia , Omedè Paola , Bringhen Sara , Aglietta Massimo , Levis Alessandro , Mordini Nicola , Gallamini Andrea , Fanin Renato , Massaia Massimo , Palumbo Antonio , Ciccone Giovannino , Storb Rainer , Gooley Ted A. , Boccadoro Mario , Bruno Benedetto 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Before the introduction of new drugs, we designed a trial where treatment of newly diagnosed myeloma patients was based on the presence or absence of HLA-identical siblings. First-line treatments included a cytoreductive autograft followed by a nonmyeloablative allograft or a second melphalan-based autograft. Here, we report long-term clinical outcomes and discuss them in the light of the recent remarkable advancements in the treatment of myeloma. After a median follow-up of 7 years, median overall survival (OS) was not reached (P = .001) and event-free survival (EFS) was 2.8 years (P = .005) for 80 patients with HLA-identical siblings and 4.25 and 2.4 years for 82 without, respectively. Median OS was not reached (P = .02) and EFS was 39 months (P = .02) in the 58 patients who received a nonmyeloablative allograft whereas OS was 5.3 years and EFS 33 months in the 46 who received 2 high-dose melphalan autografts. Among patients who reached complete remission in these 2 cohorts, 53% and 19% are in continuous complete remission. Among relapsed patients rescued with “new drugs,” median OS from the start of salvage therapy was not reached and was 1.7 (P = .01) years, respectively. Allografting conferred a long-term survival and disease-free advantage over standard autografting in this comparative study.
Lipid rafts enriched in monosialylGb5Cer carrying the stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 epitope are involved in development of mouse preimplantation embryos at cleavage stage
Authors: Sato Ban , Katagiri Yohko U , Miyado Kenji , Okino Nozomu , Ito Makoto , Akutsu Hidenori , Okita Hajime , Umezawa Akihiro , Fujimoto Junichiro , Toshimori Kiyotaka , Kiyokawa Nobutaka 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Lipid rafts enriched in glycosphingolipids (GSLs), cholesterol and signaling molecules play an essential role not only for signal transduction started by ligand binding, but for intracellular events such as organization of actin, intracellular traffic and cell polarity, but their functions in cleavage division of preimplantation embryos are not well known.

Results
Here we show that monosialylGb5Cer (MSGb5Cer)-enriched raft domains are involved in development during the cleavage stage of mouse preimplantation embryos. MSGb5Cer preferentially localizes at the interfaces between blastomeres in mouse preimplantation embryos. Live-imaging analysis revealed that MSGb5Cer localizes in cleavage furrows during cytokinesis, and that by accumulating at the interfaces, it thickens them. Depletion of cholesterol from the cell membrane with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbCD) reduced the expression of MSGb5Cer and stopped cleavage. Extensive accumulation of MSGb5Cer at the interfaces by cross-linking with anti-MSGb5Cer Mab (6E2) caused F-actin to aggregate at the interfaces and suppressed the localization of E-cadherin at the interfaces, which resulted in the cessation of cleavage. In addition, suppression of actin polymerization with cytochalasin D (CCD) decreased the accumulation of MSGb5Cer at the interfaces. In E-cadherin-targeted embryos, the MSGb5Cer-enriched raft membrane domains accumulated heterotopically.

Conclusions
These results indicate that MSGb5Cer-enriched raft membrane domains participate in cytokinesis in a close cooperation with the cortical actin network and the distribution of E-cadherin.
Genetic diversity and demographic instability in Riftia pachyptilatubeworms from eastern Pacific hydrothermal vents
Authors: Coykendall D Katharine , Johnson Shannon B , Karl Stephen A , Lutz Richard A , Vrijenhoek Robert C 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundDeep-sea hydrothermal vent animals occupy patchy and ephemeral habitats supported by chemosynthetic primary production. Volcanic and tectonic activities controlling the turnover of these habitats contribute to demographic instability that erodes genetic variation within and among colonies of these animals. We examined DNA sequences from one mitochondrial and three nuclear gene loci to assess genetic diversity in the siboglinid tubeworm,Riftia pachyptila, a widely distributed constituent of vents along the East Pacific Rise and Galápagos Rift.ResultsGenetic differentiation (FST) among populations increased with geographical distances, as expected under a linear stepping-stone model of dispersal. Low levels of DNA sequence diversity occurred at all four loci, allowing us to exclude the hypothesis that an idiosyncratic selective sweep eliminated mitochondrial diversity alone. Total gene diversity declined with tectonic spreading rates. The southernmost populations, which are subjected to superfast spreading rates and high probabilities of extinction, are relatively homogenous genetically.ConclusionsCompared to other vent species, DNA sequence diversity is extremely low inR. pachyptila. Though its dispersal abilities appear to be effective, the low diversity, particularly in southern hemisphere populations, is consistent with frequent local extinction and (re)colonization events.
Randomized controlled phase I/II study to investigate immune stimulatory effects by low dose radiotherapy in primarily operable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Timke Carmen , Winnenthal Hubertus Schmitz , Klug Felix , Roeder Falk FF , Bonertz Andreas , Reissfelder Christoph , Rochet Nathalie , Koch Moritz , Tjaden Christine , Buechler Markus W , Debus Juergen , Werner Jens , Beckhove Philipp , Weitz Jürgen , Huber Peter E 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
The efficiencies of T cell based immunotherapies are affected by insufficient migration and activation of tumor specific effector T cells in the tumor. Accumulating evidence exists on the ability of ionizing radiation to modify the tumor microenvironment and generate inflammation. The aim of this phase I/II clinical trial is to evaluate whether low dose single fraction radiotherapy can improve T cell associated antitumor immune response in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Methods/Design
This trial has been designed as an investigator initiated; prospective randomised, 4-armed, controlled Phase I/II trial. Patients who are candidates for resection of pancreatic cancer will be randomized into 4 arms. A total of 40 patients will be enrolled. The patients receive 0 Gy, 0.5 Gy, 2 Gy or 5 Gy radiation precisely targeted to their pancreatic carcinoma. Radiation will be delivered by external beam radiotherapy using a 6 MV Linac with IMRT technique 48 h prior to the surgical resection. The primary objective is the determination of an active local external beam radiation dose, leading to tumor infiltrating T cells as a surrogate parameter for antitumor activity. Secondary objectives include local tumor control and recurrence patterns, survival, radiogenic treatment toxicity and postoperative morbidity and mortality, as well as quality of life. Further, frequencies of tumor reactive T cells in blood and bone marrow as well as whole blood cell transcriptomics and plasma-proteomics will be correlated with clinical outcome. An interim analysis will be performed after the enrolment of 20 patients for safety reasons. The evaluation of the primary endpoint will start four weeks after the last patient's enrolment.

Discussion
This trial will answer the question whether a low dose radiotherapy localized to the pancreatic tumor only can increase the number of tumor infiltrating T cells and thus potentially enhance the antitumor immune response. The study will also investigate the prognostic and predictive value of radiation-induced T cell activity along with transcriptomic and proteomic data with respect to clinical outcome.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT01027221
Breastfeeding and the risk for diarrhea morbidity and mortality
Authors: Lamberti Laura M , Fischer Walker Christa L , Noiman Adi , Victora Cesar , Black Robert E 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundLack of exclusive breastfeeding among infants 0-5 months of age and no breastfeeding among children 6-23 months of age are associated with increased diarrhea morbidity and mortality in developing countries. We estimate the protective effects conferred by varying levels of breastfeeding exposure against diarrhea incidence, diarrhea prevalence, diarrhea mortality, all-cause mortality, and hospitalization for diarrhea illness.MethodsWe systematically reviewed all literature published from 1980 to 2009 assessing levels of suboptimal breastfeeding as a risk factor for selected diarrhea morbidity and mortality outcomes. We conducted random effects meta-analyses to generate pooled relative risks by outcome and age category.ResultsWe found a large body of evidence for the protective effects of breastfeeding against diarrhea incidence, prevalence, hospitalizations, diarrhea mortality, and all-cause mortality. The results of random effects meta-analyses of eighteen included studies indicated varying degrees of protection across levels of breastfeeding exposure with the greatest protection conferred by exclusive breastfeeding among infants 0-5 months of age and by any breastfeeding among infants and young children 6-23 months of age. Specifically, not breastfeeding resulted in an excess risk of diarrhea mortality in comparison to exclusive breastfeeding among infants 0-5 months of age (RR: 10.52) and to any breastfeeding among children aged 6-23 months (RR: 2.18).ConclusionsOur findings support the current WHO recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life as a key child survival intervention. Our findings also highlight the importance of breastfeeding to protect against diarrhea-specific morbidity and mortality throughout the first 2 years of life.
An evaluation of emerging vaccines for childhood pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Webster Julia , Theodoratou Evropi , Nair Harish , Seong Ang Choon , Zgaga Lina , Huda Tanvir , Johnson Hope L , Madhi Shabir , Rubens Craig , Zhang Jian Shayne F , El Arifeen Shams , Krause Ryoko , Jacobs Troy A , Brooks Abdullah W , Campbell Harry , Rudan Igor 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Pneumonia is the leading cause of child mortality worldwide. Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) or pneumococcus is estimated to cause 821,000 child deaths each year. It has over 90 serotypes, of which 7 to 13 serotypes are included in current formulations of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that are efficacious in young children. To further reduce the burden from SP pneumonia, a vaccine is required that could protect children from a greater diversity of serotypes. Two different types of vaccines against pneumococcal pneumonia are currently at varying stages of development: a multivalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine covering additional SP serotypes; and a conserved common pneumococcal protein antigen (PPA) vaccine offering protection for all serotypes.

Methods
We used a modified CHNRI methodology for setting priorities in health research investments. This was done in two stages. In Stage I, we systematically reviewed the literature related to emerging SP vaccines relevant to several criteria of interest: answerability; efficacy and effectiveness; cost of development, production and implementation; deliverability, affordability and sustainability; maximum potential for disease burden reduction; acceptability to the end users and health workers; and effect on equity. In Stage II, we conducted an expert opinion exercise by inviting 20 experts (leading basic scientists, international public health researchers, international policy makers and representatives of pharmaceutical companies). The policy makers and industry representatives accepted our invitation on the condition of anonymity, due to sensitive nature of their involvement in such exercises. They answered questions from CHNRI framework and their “collective optimism” towards each criterion was documented on a scale from 0 to 100%.

Results
The experts expressed very high level of optimism (over 80%) that low-cost polysaccharide conjugate SP vaccines would satisfy each of the 9 relevant CHNRI criteria. The median potential effectiveness of conjugate SP vaccines in reduction of overall childhood pneumonia mortality was predicted to be about 25% (interquartile range 20-38%, min. 15%, max 45%). For low cost, cross-protective common protein vaccines for SP the experts expressed concerns over answerability (72%) and the level of development costs (50%), while the scores for all other criteria were over 80%. The median potential effectiveness of common protein vaccines in reduction of overall childhood pneumonia mortality was predicted to be about 30% (interquartile range 26-40%, min. 20%, max 45%).

Conclusions
Improved SP vaccines are a very promising investment that could substantially contribute to reduction of child mortality world-wide.
Effectiveness of interventions to screen and manage infections during pregnancy on reducing stillbirths: a review
Authors: Ishaque Sidra , Yakoob Mohammad Yawar , Imdad Aamer , Goldenberg Robert L , Eisele Thomas P , Bhutta Zulfiqar A 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Background
Infection is a well acknowledged cause of stillbirths and may account for about half of all perinatal deaths today, especially in developing countries. This review presents the impact of interventions targeting various important infections during pregnancy on stillbirth or perinatal mortality.

Methods
We undertook a systematic review including all relevant literature on interventions dealing with infections during pregnancy for assessment of effects on stillbirths or perinatal mortality. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the adapted Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach by Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG). For the outcome of interest, namely stillbirth, we applied the rules developed by CHERG to recommend a final estimate for reduction in stillbirth for input to the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) model.

Results
A total of 25 studies were included in the review. A random-effects meta-analysis of observational studies of detection and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy showed a significant 80% reduction in stillbirths [Relative risk (RR) = 0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12 - 0.34) that is recommended for inclusion in the LiST model. Our meta-analysis showed the malaria prevention interventions i.e. intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) and insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) can reduce stillbirths by 22%, however results were not statistically significant (RR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.59 – 1.03). For human immunodeficiency virus infection, a pooled analysis of 6 radomized controlled trials (RCTs) failed to show a statistically significant reduction in stillbirth with the use of antiretroviral in pregnancy compared to placebo (RR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.45 – 1.92). Similarly, pooled analysis combining four studies for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (3 for oral and 1 for vaginal antibiotic) failed to yield a significant impact on perinatal mortality (OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.50 – 1.55).

Conclusions
The clearest evidence of impact in stillbirth reduction was found for adequate prevention and treatment of syphilis infection and possibly malaria. At present, large gaps exist in the growing list of stillbirth risk factors, especially those that are infection related. Potential causes of stillbirths including HIV and TORCH infections need to be investigated further to help establish the role of prevention/treatment and its subsequent impact on stillbirth reduction.
The effect of folic acid, protein energy and multiple micronutrient supplements in pregnancy on stillbirths
Authors: Imdad Aamer , Yakoob Mohammad Yawar , Bhutta Zulfiqar A 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundPregnancy is a state of increased requirement of macro- and micronutrients, and malnourishment or inadequate dietary intake before and during pregnancy, can lead to adverse perinatal outcomes including stillbirths. Many nutritional interventions have been proposed during pregnancy according to the nutritional status of the mother and baseline risk factors for different gestational disorders. In this paper, we have reviewed three nutritional interventions including peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation, balanced protein energy supplementation and multiple micronutrients supplementation during pregnancy. This paper is a part of a series to estimate the effect of interventions on stillbirths for input to Live Saved Tool (LiST) model.MethodsWe systematically reviewed all published literature to identify studies evaluating effectiveness of peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation in reducing neural tube defects (NTD), related stillbirths and balanced protein energy and multiple micronutrients supplementation during pregnancy in reducing all-cause stillbirths. The primary outcome was stillbirths. Meta-analyses were generated where data were available from more than one study. Recommendations were made for the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) model based on rules developed by the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG).ResultsThere were 18 studies that addressed peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation for prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). Out of these, 7 studies addressed folic acid supplementation while 11 studies evaluated effect of folic acid fortification. Pooled results from 11 fortification studies showed that it reduces primary incidence of NTDs by 41 % [Relative risk (RR) 0.59; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.52-0.68]. This estimate has been recommended for inclusion in the LiST as proxy for reduction in stillbirths. Pooled results from three studies considered to be of low quality and suggest that balanced protein energy supplementation during pregnancy could lead to a reduction of 45% in stillbirths [RR 0.55, 95 % CI 0.31-0.97]. While promising, the intervention needs more effectiveness studies before inclusion in any programs. Pooled results from 13 studies evaluating role of multiple micronutrients supplementation during pregnancy showed no significant effect in reducing stillbirths [RR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.88 – 1.10] or perinatal mortality [RR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.92 – 1.25; random model]. No recommendations have been made for this intervention for inclusion in the LiST model.ConclusionsPeri-conceptional folic acid supplementation reduces stillbirths due to NTDs by approximately 41%, a point estimate recommended for inclusion in LiST.