bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SNP rs6457327 in the HLA region on chromosome 6p is predictive of the transformation of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Wrench David , Leighton Pamela , Skibola Christine F. , Conde Lucia , Cazier Jean-Baptiste , Matthews Janet , Iqbal Sameena , Carlotti Emanuela , Bödör Csaba , Montoto Silvia , Calaminici Maria , Gribben John G. , Lister T. Andrew , Fitzgibbon Jude 
Published: January 2011

AbstractInherited risk determinants for follicular lymphoma (FL) have recently been described in the immune gene-rich human leukocyte antigen region on chromosome 6p. The known importance of host immune response to FL survival led us to evaluate these germline factors in FL outcome. We confirm the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms rs10484561 (P = 3.5 × 10−9) and rs6457327 (P = .008) with risk of FL and demonstrate that rs6457327 predicts both time to (P = .02) and risk of (P < .01) FL transformation independently of clinical variables, including the Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index.
Chronic ataluren (PTC124) treatment of nonsense mutation cystic fibrosis
Authors: Wilschanski M. , Miller L.L. , Shoseyov D. , Blau H. , Rivlin J. , Aviram M. , Cohen M. , Armoni S. , Yaakov Y. , Pugatch T. , Cohen-Cymberknoh M. , Miller N.L. , Reha A. , Northcutt V.J. , Hirawat S. , Donnelly K. , Elfring G.L. , Ajayi T. , Kerem E. 
Published: January 2011

In a subset of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), nonsense mutations (premature stop codons) disrupt production of full-length, functional CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Ataluren (PTC124) allows ribosomal readthrough of premature stop codons in mRNA.We evaluated drug activity and safety in patients with nonsense mutation CF who took ataluren three times daily (morning, midday and evening) for 12 weeks at either a lower dose (4, 4 and 8 mg·kg−1) or higher dose (10, 10 and 20 mg·kg−1).The study enrolled 19 patients (10 males and nine females aged 19–57 yrs; dose: lower 12, higher seven) with a classic CF phenotype, at least one CFTR nonsense mutation allele, and an abnormal nasal total chloride transport. Both ataluren doses were similarly active, improving total chloride transport with a combined mean change of -5.4 mV (p<0.001), and on-treatment responses (at least -5 mV improvement) and hyperpolarisations (values more electrically negative than -5 mV) in 61% (p<0.001) and 56% (p = 0.002) of patients. CFTR function was greater with time and was accompanied by trends toward improvements in pulmonary function and CF-related coughing. Adverse clinical and laboratory findings were uncommon and usually mild.Chronic ataluren administration produced time-dependent improvements in CFTR activity and clinical parameters with generally good tolerability.
Patient–clinician communication about end-of-life care for Dutch and US patients with COPD
Authors: Janssen D.J.A. , Curtis J.R. , Au D.H. , Spruit M.A. , Downey L. , Schols J.M.G.A. , Wouters E.F.M. , Engelberg R.A. 
Published: January 2011

Improving patient–clinician communication about end-of-life care is important in order to enhance quality of care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our objective was to compare quality of patient–clinician communication about end-of-life care, and endorsement of barriers and facilitators to this communication in the Netherlands and the USA.The present study was an analysis of survey data from 122 Dutch and 391 US outpatients with COPD. We compared quality of patient–clinician communication about end-of-life care (Quality of Communication questionnaire) and barriers and facilitators to communication about end-of-life care (Barriers and Facilitators Questionnaire) between the Netherlands and the USA, controlling for patients’ demographic and illness characteristics.Although Dutch patients in this study had worse lung function and disease-specific health status than US patients, Dutch patients reported lower quality of communication about end-of-life care (median score 0.0 (interquartile range 0.0–2.0)versus1.4 (0.0–3.6); adjusted p<0.005). Clinicians in both countries rarely discussed life-sustaining treatment preferences, prognoses, dying processes or spiritual issues.Quality of communication about end-of-life care needs to improve in the Netherlands and the USA. Future studies to improve this communication should be designed to take into account international differences and patient-specific barriers and facilitators to communication about end-of-life care.
Interstitial lung diseases in a lung cancer screening trial
Authors: Sverzellati N. , Guerci L. , Randi G. , Calabrò E. , La Vecchia C. , Marchianò A. , Pesci A. , Zompatori M. , Pastorino U. 
Published: January 2011

We assessed the prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in a cohort of smokers included in a lung cancer screening trial.Two observers independently reviewed, for the presence of findings consistent with ILD, the computed tomography (CT) examinations of 692 heavy smokers recruited by the Multicentric Italian Lung Detection (MILD) trial. Four CT patterns were considered: usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), other chronic interstitial pneumonia (OCIP), respiratory bronchiolitis (RB) and indeterminate. Subsequently, the evolution of ILD in those subjects who had undergone a repeat CT examination after 3 yrs was assessed.The UIP pattern and the OCIP pattern were identified in two (0.3%) out of 692 and 26 (3.8%) out of 692 patients, respectively; 109 (15.7%) out of 692 patients showed CT abnormalities consistent with RB, while an indeterminate CT pattern was reported in 21 out of 692 (3%) patients. Age, male sex and current smoking status were factors associated with the presence of OCIP and UIP (combined) pattern, although the relationship did not attain statistical significance. A progression of the disease was observed in three (25%) out of 12 subjects with OCIP who underwent repeat CT after 3 yrs.Thin-section CT features of ILD, probably representing smoking-related ILD, are not uncommon in a lung cancer screening population and should not be overlooked.
Sphingosine kinases regulate NOX2 activity via p38 MAPK-dependent translocation of S100A8/A9
Authors: Schenten Véronique , Melchior Chantal , Steinckwich Natacha , Tschirhart Eric J , Bréchard Sabrina 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTNeutrophils play a fundamental role in host defense by neutralizing pathogens through the generation of ROS by NOX2. In nonexcitable cells, Ca2+ influx is essentially mediated via SOCE, a complex mechanism in which depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores from the ER results in Ca2+ entry through Ca2+ SOCs at the plasma membrane. In this regard, it is well established that extracellular Ca2+ entry participates to NOX2 activation. S1P, produced by SphKs, has been involved in Ca2+ homeostasis and thus, could intervene in NOX2 regulation. The aim of this study was to characterize the importance of SphKs in NOX2 activation and the signaling cascade involved in this mechanism. Treatment of neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells by DHS, a SphK inhibitor, and SphK siRNA inhibited fMLF-induced NOX2 activity. Sequential activation of cells by thapsigargin and the phorbol ester PMA revealed that SphK-regulated NOX2 activity relies on intracellular Ca2+ store depletion. Confocal microscopy and immunoblot analysis showed that stimulation by thapsigargin and PMA mediated S100A8/A9 recruitment to the plasma membrane and p38 MAPK activation. S100A8/A9 translocation decreased when SphK activity was blocked. This result was confirmed in purified human neutrophils, which were physiologically stimulated by fMLF. In addition, p38 MAPK was found to be regulated by SphKs. These results define a pathway leading to NOX2 activation, in which p38 MAPK-mediated S100A8/A9 translocation is regulated by Ca2+ store depletion-dependent SphK activation.
Nitric oxide and redox mechanisms in the immune response
Authors: Wink David A , Hines Harry B , Cheng Robert Y S , Switzer Christopher H , Flores-Santana Wilmarie , Vitek Michael P , Ridnour Lisa A , Colton Carol A 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACTThe role of redox molecules, such as NO and ROS, as key mediators of immunity has recently garnered renewed interest and appreciation. To regulate immune responses, these species trigger the eradication of pathogens on the one hand and modulate immunosuppression during tissue-restoration and wound-healing processes on the other. In the acidic environment of the phagosome, a variety of RNS and ROS is produced, thereby providing a cauldron of redox chemistry, which is the first line in fighting infection. Interestingly, fluctuations in the levels of these same reactive intermediates orchestrate other phases of the immune response. NO activates specific signal transduction pathways in tumor cells, endothelial cells, and monocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. As ROS can react directly with NO-forming RNS, NO bioavailability and therefore, NO response(s) are changed. The NO/ROS balance is also important during Th1 to Th2 transition. In this review, we discuss the chemistry of NO and ROS in the context of antipathogen activity and immune regulation and also discuss similarities and differences between murine and human production of these intermediates.
A comparative evaluation of Golgi protein-73, fucosylated hemopexin, α-fetoprotein, and PIVKA-II in the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Morota Kaori , Nakagawa Masatoshi , Sekiya Rika , Hemken Philip M. , Sokoll Lori J. , Elliott Debra , Chan Daniel W. , Dowell Barry L. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract

Background: Golgi protein-73 (GP73) and fucosylated proteins have been proposed as potential serum markers for liver disease and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of serum GP73 and fucosylated hemopexin (Fuc-HPX) with α-fetoprotein (AFP) and with protein induced by the absence of vitamin K or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) for diagnosing chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC.

Methods: The concentration of GP73 in human sera was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay employing mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal GP73 antibodies. Fuc-HPX was detected using a lectin chemiluminescence-linked immunosorbent assay using a mouse monoclonal anti-hemopexin antibody and Aleuria aurantia lectin. A total of 229 serum samples from patients with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC, as well as from normal individuals were evaluated using these four markers.

Results: GP73 and Fuc-HPX showed significantly higher values in samples from patients with cirrhosis and HCC than in samples from patients with hepatitis and from normal individuals. The areas under the curves (AUCs) for GP73, Fuc-HPX, AFP, and PIVKA-II were 0.90, 0.77, 0.74, and 0.88, respectively, for liver cirrhosis and HCC samples vs. hepatitis and normal samples. The AUCs of GP73, Fuc-HPX, AFP, and PIVKA-II were 0.78, 0.72, 0.81, and 0.90, respectively, for HCC samples vs. all other samples.

Conclusions: PIVKA-II showed superior sensitivity and specificity for HCC compared with the other three markers. GP73 may be useful for detecting cirrhosis as a risk factor for HCC. Fuc-HPX showed inferior sensitivity and specificity compared to the other markers.
The impact of humor on memory: Is the humor effect about humor?
Authors: Carlson Kieth A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractHumorous material tends to be recalled at higher rates than non-humorous material however it is not clear why this occurs. The present study evaluated semantic elaboration, incongruity resolution, and perceived humor explanations of this memory phenomenon. Participants rated either inspirational or humorous properties of stimuli and recalled photographs, keywords and phrases. Results were most consistent with the perceived humor hypothesis. Participants' ratings of humor predicted recall performance even when semantic elaboration and incongruity resolution were controlled.
The use of humor in television advertising in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Fanny Fong Yee 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe use of humor in advertising has been well researched in Western countries. However, the study of it in Chinese societies is still in its infancy. This study aims to investigate the utilization of humor in Hong Kong television advertising. A total of 356 television commercials shown between February and May 2004 were content analyzed. Using Kelly and Solomon's (Journal of Advertising 4: 31–35, 1975) classification of humor advertising, it was found that about 20 percent of the sample utilized humorous devices to some extent. A slight increase of utilization was recorded as compared to a similar study conducted a decade ago (Cheung et al., The use of humor in advertising: The case of Hong Kong, Business Research Center, School of Business, Hong Kong Baptist University, 1995). Results also indicate that commercials for durables tend to adopt humorous attempt less often. People expect that humor, as an attention getting means, is more likely to appear at the beginning of an advertisement. Nevertheless, the current study shows that advertisers/advertising practitioners tend to place humor throughout the commercial instead of just the first part of it.
De Novo Bone Formation After the Sinus Lift Procedure
Authors: Price Albert M. , Nunn Martha , Oppenheim Frank G. , Van Dyke Thomas E. 
Published: January 2011

Background: The primary objective of this study is to use histomorphometric techniques to evaluate the concept that the new bone formed in the maxillary sinus lift procedure emanates from the endosteum of the sinus floor. In addition, the effect of the residual crest vertical dimension on the graft outcome and assessment of osteoclast numbers as an indirect measure of a connection between the crest and graft compartment are reported.Methods: After grafting the maxillary sinus with irradiated allogenic bone, 37 intact, vertical bone cores with a 2.7 mm diameter were trephined at right angles to the alveolar crest. Quantitative measures were derived from a histomorphometric analysis of new bone and residual graft particles at contiguous zones along the long axis of the cores. Mean and median data were analyzed for associations with the distance from the sinus floor, dimensions of the residual crest, and other descriptive variables. A parallel series of tartrate resistant acid phosphatase‐stained sections were evaluated for osteoclast counts.Results: Mean new bone formation ranged from 24.3% to 30.2%. A statistically significant gradient of graft‐particle area combined with this uniform distribution of new bone resulted in a false impression of less consolidation with the distance from the floor. There was no significant relationship between the distance from the sinus floor or dimension of the residual crest and the graft result. Mean osteoclast counts revealed a statistically significant difference (P <0.001) between the residual crest and the graft compartment with increased counts in the graft.Conclusions: Histologically, the process of new bone formation resembled a combination of de novo appositional and intramembraneous ossification. The findings suggested a passive role for the graft material and implicated the ingrowth of vascular and perivascular tissues as the most logical source of osteogenic capacity.
Systemic Antimicrobials Adjunctive to a Repeated Mechanical and Antiseptic Therapy for Aggressive Periodontitis: A 6‐Month Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Varela Victor M. , Heller Débora , Silva‐Senem Mayra X. , Torres Maria Cynésia M. B. , Colombo Ana Paula V. , Feres‐Filho Eduardo J. 
Published: January 2011

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the additional benefit of systemic antimicrobials versus placebos to a repeated mechanical instrumentation combined with comprehensive local chemical plaque control for the periodontal treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).Methods: This was a 6‐month randomized, double‐masked, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. All GAgP patients received full‐mouth disinfection followed by staged scaling and root planing without (placebo group; n = 17) or with (test group; n = 18) systemic antimicrobials (500 mg amoxicillin [AMX] + 250 mg metronidazole [MET]; three times a day for 10 days). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months post‐therapy. Significant differences between groups at baseline were sought by using the Mann‐Whitney U test, whereas comparisons over time were examined by using a general linear model repeated measures procedure.Results: Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in most parameters over time. The test group presented a greater mean probing depth (PD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain at sites with initially moderate PD at 6 months (P <0.03). No differences were seen between groups regarding mean reductions and mean gains, respectively, for PD and CAL initially ≥7 mm. The test group presented a higher percentage of sites that improved ≥2 mm and ended up with PD ≤4 mm or a lower percentage of sites that worsened ≥2 mm and remained with PD >4 mm at 3 months (P <0.01). No differences were noticed between groups for these parameters at 6 months.Conclusion: AMX + MET brought additional clinical effects to the repeated mechanical and antiseptic treatment of GAgP in a very short time (3 months), which tended to fade away over time (6 months).
The Use of Etoricoxib and Celecoxib for Pain Prevention After Periodontal Surgery: A Double‐Masked, Parallel‐Group, Placebo‐Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Steffens Joao Paulo , Santos Fábio André , Pilatti Gibson Luiz 
Published: January 2011

Background: Postoperative pain is an adverse effect of periodontal surgeries and may therefore be prevented or minimized. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of two selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors, celecoxib and etoricoxib, on pain prevention after periodontal surgery.Methods: For this double‐masked, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled, and randomized clinical trial, 56 open‐flap debridement surgeries were performed. The groups received three different protocols 1 hour before surgery: 1) 200 mg celecoxib (and another 200 mg 12 hours after the first dose); 2) 120 mg etoricoxib; or 3) placebo. Pain intensity and discomfort were assessed up to 2 days after surgery using the visual analog scale and the four‐point verbal rating scale, respectively. Patients were instructed to take 750 mg acetaminophen as a rescue medication if necessary.Results: Pain intensity levels in the etoricoxib group were lower than in the placebo group at the 2‐, 3‐, 4‐, 5‐, 6‐, and 7‐hour periods after surgery (Kruskal‐Wallis test; P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between celecoxib and etoricoxib. Discomfort in the celecoxib group was significantly lower than in the placebo group only at the 3‐hour period (P = 0.03). Rescue medication intake was significantly less frequent in the etoricoxib group than in the placebo and celecoxib groups (analysis of variance; P = 0.009).Conclusion: It was concluded that a single etoricoxib dose is not superior to two split doses of celecoxib when used for pain prevention after open‐flap debridement surgery.
Advancing Public Health Obesity Policy Through State Attorneys General
Authors: Pomeranz Jennifer L. , Brownell Kelly D. 
Published: January 2011

Obesity in the United States exacts a heavy health and financial toll, requiring new approaches to address this public health crisis. State attorneys general have been underutilized in efforts to formulate and implement food and obesity policy solutions. Their authority lies at the intersection of law and public policy, creating unique opportunities unavailable to other officials and government entities. Attorneys general have a broad range of authority over matters specifically relevant to obesity and nutrition policy, including parens patriae (parent of the country) authority, protecting consumer interests, enacting and supporting rules and regulations, working together across states, engaging in consumer education, and drafting opinions and amicus briefs. Significant room exists for greater attorney general involvement in formulating and championing solutions to public health problems such as obesity.
High Rate of Regression From Micro-Macroalbuminuria to Normoalbuminuria in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Treated or Not With Enalapril
Authors: Salardi Silvana , Balsamo Claudia , Zucchini Stefano , Maltoni Giulio , Scipione Mirella , Rollo Alessandra , Gualandi Stefano , Cicognani Alessandro 
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the frequency of normalization, the persistence of remission, and the impact on normalization of glycemic control and lipid profile, we analyzed data from a retrospective observational cohort study of type 1 diabetic children and adolescents with abnormal urinary albumin excretion (UAE).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
All diabetic children and adolescents (n = 41) who had persistent abnormal UAE in the period of 1984 to 2008 and followed up until 2009 (follow-up duration = 13.1 ± 6.2 years) were included in the study. Nine patients progressed to macroalbuminuria; 24 patients were administered ACE inhibitor treatment.

RESULTS
The cumulative prevalence of abnormal UAE was 9%. During follow-up, 14 of 17 untreated and 19 of 24 treated patients reverted to normoalbuminuria. In the remission group compared with the nonremission group, A1C levels during follow-up decreased (7.5 ± 1.0 vs. 9.4 ± 1.2%, P &lt; 0.0001) and serum HDL cholesterol increased (52.7 ± 11.3 vs. 42.7 ± 8.6 mg/dL, P &lt; 0.05). The micro-macroalbuminuric patients had lower HDL cholesterol (51.0 ± 11.4 vs. 62.4 ± 13.6 mg/dL, P &lt; 0.0001) than 134 normoalbuminuric diabetic patients.

CONCLUSIONS
Microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria were not permanent in most of our diabetic children and adolescents. If abnormal UAE values are high and persist for &gt;1 year, only long-lasting treatment with ACE inhibitors seems able to induce persistent remission, especially when associated with good metabolic control and high HDL cholesterol levels.
Effect of Automated Bio-Behavioral Feedback on the Control of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Kovatchev Boris P. , Mendosa Pamela , Anderson Stacey , Hawley Jeffrey S. , Ritterband Lee M. , Gonder-Frederick Linda 
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE
To test the effect of an automated system providing real-time estimates of HbA1c, glucose variability, and risk for hypoglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
For 1 year, 120 adults with type 1 diabetes (69 female/51 male, age = 39.1 [14.3] years, duration of diabetes 20.3 [12.9] years, HbA1c = 8.0 [1.5]), performed self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and received feedback at three increasingly complex levels, each continuing for 3 months: level 1—routine SMBG; level 2—adding estimated HbA1c, hypoglycemia risk, and glucose variability; and level 3—adding estimates of symptoms potentially related to hypoglycemia. The subjects were randomized to feedback sequences of either levels 1-2-3 or levels 2-3-1. HbA1c, symptomatic hypoglycemia, and blood glucose awareness were evaluated at baseline and at the end of each level.

RESULTS
For all subjects, HbA1c was reduced from 8.0 to 7.6 from baseline to the end of study (P = 0.001). This effect was confined to subjects with baseline HbA1c &gt;8.0 (from 9.3 to 8.5, P &lt; 0.001). Incidence of symptomatic moderate/severe hypoglycemia was reduced from 5.72 to 3.74 episodes/person/month (P = 0.019), more prominently for subjects with a history of severe hypoglycemia (from 7.20 to 4.00 episodes, P = 0.008) and for those who were hypoglycemia unaware (from 6.44 to 3.71 episodes, P = 0.045). The subjects’ ratings of the feedback were positive, with up to 89% approval of the provided features.

CONCLUSIONS
Feedback of SMBG data and summary SMBG-based measures resulted in improvement in average glycemic control and reduction in moderate/severe hypoglycemia. These effects were most prominent in subjects who were at highest risk at the baseline.