bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Navigating the swampy lowland: a framework for evaluating the effect of community mobilisation in female sex workers in Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative
Authors: Galavotti Christine , Wheeler Tisha , Kuhlmann Anne Sebert , Saggurti Niranjan , Narayanan Pradeep , Kiran Usha , Dallabetta Gina 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundFew models of how community mobilisation works have been elaborated in the scientific literature, and evaluation of the impact of these programmes on HIV and other health outcomes is extremely limited. Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative, has been implementing community mobilisation as part of its prevention programming with groups of high-risk individuals across six states since 2005.PurposeTo articulate a programme theory and evaluation framework for evaluation of Avahan's approach to community mobilisation among female sex workers in four southern states in India.MethodsThe authors use a goal-based evaluation approach to describe the programme goals and an underlying programme theory that specifies how the programme is expected to work. Using multilevel structural equation modelling with propensity score matching, the evaluation will compare what is observed in the data with the predicted relationships specified by the model.ResultsThe Avahan model of community mobilisation posits that meaningful participation in high-risk group intervention, structural intervention and organisational development activities leads to identification, collectivisation and ownership, which in turn leads to improved programme outcomes. Strong community groups and an enabling environment reinforce social norm and behaviour change outcomes and lead to sustained impact.DiscussionSpecifying an explicit programme theory can aid in the evaluation of complex interventions, especially when the evaluation design is observational. In addition to articulating Avahan's community mobilisation approach in a model that can be tested, we recommend some specific measures and methods that could be used to improve evaluation efforts in the future.
How effective is community mobilisation in HIV prevention among highly diverse sex workers in urban settings? The Aastha intervention experience in Mumbai and Thane districts, India
Authors: Gaikwad Sanjeev Singh , Bhende Amrita , Nidhi Gaurav , Saggurti Niranjan , Ranebennur Virupax 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundThis paper examines the association between degree of confidence in collective efficacy and self-efficacy for condom use and empowerment among heterogeneous female sex workers (FSWs) in two metropolitan Indian cities with high HIV prevalence.MethodsThe study utilises data from the Behavioural Tracking Survey, a cross-sectional behavioural study with 2106 FSWs recruited from 411 intervention sites in Mumbai and Thane. The key independent measures used determine the degree of confidence in collective efficacy (belief in the power to achieve goals and address problems together) and outcome measures included: self-efficacy for condom use with occasional clients and condom use with regular partners, self-confidence in handling a crisis situation and public speaking ability. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used to examine the study objectives.ResultsOf the analytical sample of 2106 FSWs, 532 (25.3%) reported high degree of collective efficacy for achieving certain goals and 1534 (72.8%) reported collective efficacy for addressing specific problems. FSWs reporting a higher collective efficacy as compared with those reporting lower collective efficacy were as follows: more likely to negotiate condom use with occasional clients (60.3% vs 19.7%; adjusted OR (AOR) =6.3, 95% CI 4.8 to 8.4) as well as regular partners (62.8% vs 20.2%; AOR =6.4, 95% CI 4.9 to 8.4); confident in facing troublesome stakeholders (73.5% vs 38.8%; AOR =4.3, 95% CI 3.3 to 5.6), confident in supporting fellow FSWs in a crisis (76.1% vs 49.6%; AOR =2.9, 95% CI 2.2 to 3.7), received help from other FSWs when a client or partner was violent (73.9% vs 46.3%; AOR =3.5, 95% CI 2.7 to 4.5) and had stood up to the police or madams/brokers to help fellow FSWs in the past 1 year (5.8% vs 3.3%; AOR =2.7, 95% CI 1.5 to 4.9).ConclusionThe results suggest that the strategy of collectivisation in HIV prevention programme has much broader benefits than merely the promotion of safer sex practices. Future HIV prevention interventions in India and elsewhere may include collectivisation as the core strategy within HIV prevention programmes.
Residential racial segregation and racial differences in sexual behaviours: an 11-year longitudinal study of sexual risk of adolescents transitioning to adulthood
Authors: Biello Katie Brooks , Niccolai Linda , Kershaw Trace S , Lin Haiqun , Ickovics Jeannette 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundDetermining the underlying causes of racial disparities in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is important. In the USA, rates of the most common STIs range from 5 to 20 times higher for African–Americans compared to Caucasians, and the health consequences of STIs can be serious. Residential racial segregation results in very different contexts for individuals and may be an important determinant of sexual risk. The purpose of this study was to examine how segregation and race interact to impact the age trajectory of sexual risk behaviours.MethodsUsing 11 years of data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (1997–2007) and 2000 Census data, the authors performed three-level hierarchical linear regression to examine the associations between hypersegregation, race and a sexual risk behaviour index among black and white non-Hispanic adolescents as they transition to adulthood.ResultsThrough most of the teenage years, African–Americans are at higher sexual risk than Caucasians. However, by age 19, Caucasians are at higher risk. Hypersegregation was not associated with increased sexual risk index score on average and did not impact the trajectory of the race–sexual risk association.ConclusionsThe authors did not find any evidence that hypersegregation was associated with the sex risk index or that it modified the race–sex risk association as individuals got older. Future studies should examine whether segregation is associated with other causes of STI/HIV acquisition risk, such as sexual network patterns.
Risk reduction and perceived collective efficacy and community support among female sex workers in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, India: the importance of context
Authors: Guha Mohua , Baschieri Angela , Bharat Shalini , Bhatnagar Tarun , Sane Suvarna Sanjay , Godbole Sheela V , S Saravanamurthy P , Mainkar Mandar Keshav , Williams Joseph , Collumbien Martine 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundEmpowering sex workers to mobilise and influence the structural context that obstructs risk reduction efforts is now seen an essential component of successful HIV prevention programmes. However, success depends on local programme environments and history.MethodsThe authors analysed data from the Integrated Behavioural and Biological Assessment Round I cross-sectional survey among female sex workers in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The authors used propensity score matching to estimate the impact of participation in intervention activities on reduction of risk (consistent condom use) and vulnerability (perceived collective efficacy and community support).ResultsBackground levels of risk and vulnerability as well as intervention impact varied widely across the different settings. The effect size ATT of attending meetings/trainings on consistent condom use was as high as 21% in Tamil Nadu (outside of Chennai) where overall use was lowest at 51%. Overall, levels of perceived collective efficacy were low at the time of the survey; perceived community support was high in Tamil Nadu and especially in Chennai (93%) contrasting with 33% in Mumbai. Consistent with previous research, the context of Mumbai seems least conducive to vulnerability reduction, yet self-help groups had a significant impact on consistent condom use (ATT=10%) and were significantly associated with higher collective efficacy (ATT=31%).ConclusionsSignificant risk reduction can be achieved by large-scale female sex worker interventions, but the impact depends on the history of programming, the complexity of the context in which sex work happens and pre-existing levels of support sex workers perceive from their peers.
Associations between maternal experiences of racism and early child health and development: findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Kelly Yvonne , Becares Laia , Nazroo James 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests that experienced racism might help explain observed ethnic inequalities in early child health and development. There are few studies outside the US context and none that consider mothers' experiences of racism in relation to a range of early childhood health and developmental markers.MethodsThe authors used cross-sectional data from the UK Millennium Cohort Study on 2136 mothers and their 5-year-old children from ethnic minority groups. Measures of racism tapped two dimensions of mothers' experience: perceived frequency of racist attacks in residential area and interpersonal racism. Markers of child health and development were obesity; socioemotional difficulties; cognitive: verbal, non-verbal and spatial ability test scores.ResultsThere was a suggestion that the mothers' experience of interpersonal racism was associated with an increased risk of obesity (‘received insults’ OR=1.47; ‘treated unfairly’ OR=1.57; ‘disrespectful treatment by shop staff’ OR=1.55), but all CIs crossed 1.0, and size estimates were attenuated on further statistical adjustment. Perception of racism in the residential area was associated with socioemotional difficulties (fully adjusted coefficient=1.40, SE=0.47) and spatial abilities (fully adjusted coefficient=−1.99, SE=0.93) but not with verbal or non-verbal ability scores. Maternal experiences of racist insults were associated with non-verbal ability scores (fully adjusted coefficient=−1.70, SE=0.88).ConclusionThe results suggest that mothers' experienced racism is linked to markers of early child health and development. Interventions that aim to improve early child development and address ethnic health inequalities need to incorporate approaches to tackling racism at all levels of society.
Carotid intima–media thickness: ultrasound measurement, prognostic value and role in clinical practice
Authors: Nair Satheesh Balakrishnan , Malik Rayaz , Khattar Rajdeep S 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Ultrasound measurement of carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) has become a valuable tool for detecting and monitoring progression of atherosclerosis and recently published recommendations provide guidance for proper standardisation of these measurements. Important determinants of carotid IMT include age, gender, systolic blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and serum cholesterol levels. Many studies have shown carotid IMT to correlate with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by CT coronary calcification scores, coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound. Consistent with its correlation with cardiovascular risk factors and coronary artery disease, a meta-analysis of large observational studies has shown carotid IMT to be a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events. Moreover, in patients with established coronary artery disease a reduction in carotid IMT has been shown to translate into a reduction in future cardiovascular events. Consensus statements now also recommend carotid IMT measurements to further refine the prognostic assessment of patients traditionally considered to be at an intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease.
Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: who, why and does it work?
Authors: Eyre-Brook S N , Rajappan K 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia. For many years, treatment was predominantly pharmacological. The identification of signals from the pulmonary veins as critical to AF in many patients led to catheter ablation targeting these signals. Catheter ablation is more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs at restoring sinus rhythm, and may improve mortality, morbidity and quality of life in patients with symptomatic AF. There is evidence to suggest that catheter ablation would be even more beneficial if undertaken earlier in the disease process. Cost effectiveness of catheter ablation remains under assessment, but it does meet the NICE definition of cost efficacy and the figure improves as stroke risk rises. It is true that long-term data are lacking. However, until results of current long-term studies become available, ablation will continue to be reserved predominantly for patients with drug-refractory, symptomatic AF.
Pharmacological Inhibition of LIM Kinase Stabilizes Microtubules and Inhibits Neoplastic Growth
Authors: Prudent Renaud , Vassal-Stermann Emilie , Nguyen Chi-Hung , Pillet Catherine , Martinez Anne , Prunier Chloé , Barette Caroline , Soleilhac Emmanuelle , Filhol Odile , Beghin Anne , Valdameri Glaucio , Honoré Stéphane , Aci-Sèche Samia , Grierson David , Antonipillai Juliana , Li Rong , Di Pietro Attilio , Dumontet Charles , Braguer Diane , Florent Jean-Claude , Knapp Stefan , Bernard Ora , Lafanechère Laurence 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The emergence of tumor resistance to conventional microtubule-targeting drugs restricts their clinical use. Using a cell-based assay that recognizes microtubule polymerization status to screen for chemicals that interact with regulators of microtubule dynamics, we identified Pyr1, a cell permeable inhibitor of LIM kinase, which is the enzyme that phosphorylates and inactivates the actin-depolymerizing factor cofilin. Pyr1 reversibly stabilized microtubules, blocked actin microfilament dynamics, inhibited cell motility in vitro and showed anticancer properties in vivo, in the absence of major side effects. Pyr1 inhibition of LIM kinase caused a microtubule-stabilizing effect, which was independent of any direct effects on the actin cytoskeleton. In addition, Pyr1 retained its activity in multidrug-resistant cancer cells that were resistant to conventional microtubule-targeting agents. Our findings suggest that LIM kinase functions as a signaling node that controls both actin and microtubule dynamics. LIM kinase may therefore represent a targetable enzyme for cancer treatment. Cancer Res; 72(17); 4429–39. ©2012 AACR.
Regulatory T-cell Modulation Using Cyclophosphamide in Vaccine Approaches: A Current Perspective
Authors: Le Dung T. , Jaffee Elizabeth M. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg) have become an important player in regulating anticancer immune responses. In fact, published studies describe a correlation between tumor-infiltrating Tregs and poor prognosis. Once called “suppressor T cells,” these T cells evaded isolation because of a lack of known markers that distinguished them from other T cells. However, the biology of these T cells is currently a major focus of immunologic research. Markers have since been discovered that identify these T cells and provide insights into how these T cells are regulated. Despite these advances, much needs to be learned about the subsets of Tregs and their specific roles in regulating immune responses. In addition, specific agents that target Tregs are currently unavailable. Cyclophosphamide has emerged as a clinically feasible agent that can suppress Tregs and allow more effective induction of antitumor immune responses. This review focuses on the use of cyclophosphamide in targeting Tregs to augment cancer vaccine approaches. However, these principles can also be applied to other immunotherapy strategies. Cancer Res; 72(14); 3439–44. ©2012 AACR.
Epstein–Barr Virus Infection as an Epigenetic Driver of Tumorigenesis
Authors: Kaneda Atsushi , Matsusaka Keisuke , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Fukayama Masashi 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) establishes latent infection and is associated with tumors, such as Burkitt lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and gastric cancers. We recently reported that EBV+ gastric cancer shows an EBV+/extensively high-methylation epigenotype, and in vitro EBV infection induces extensive DNA methylation with gene repression within 18 weeks. On the basis of the absence of both EBV and high-methylation accumulation in the surrounding mucosa of EBV+ gastric cancer, it is suggested that an EBV-infected cell acquires extensive methylation to silence multiple tumor suppressor genes in a short time period and transforms into cancer cells, not forming a precancerous field with EBV infection or methylation accumulation. The methylation mechanism induced by EBV infection has not been fully clarified. Differences in EBV genome methylation that are dependent on a different latency status or other epigenomic alterations, such as 3-dimensional conformation and histone modification, may affect host genome methylation. Expressions of viral proteins and small RNAs are also different depending on latency status, and some viral proteins might trigger DNA methylation by inducing DNA methyltransferase overexpression. In this review, we discuss these roles of EBV infection in driving tumorigenesis and their possible association with aberrant DNA methylation. Cancer Res; 72(14); 3445–50. ©2012 AACR.
MiR-96 Downregulates REV1 and RAD51 to Promote Cellular Sensitivity to Cisplatin and PARP Inhibition
Authors: Wang Yemin , Huang Jen-Wei , Calses Philamer , Kemp Christopher J. , Taniguchi Toshiyasu 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCell survival after DNA damage relies on DNA repair, the abrogation of which causes genomic instability. The DNA repair protein RAD51 and the trans-lesion synthesis DNA polymerase REV1 are required for resistance to DNA interstrand cross-linking agents such as cisplatin. In this study, we show that overexpression of miR-96 in human cancer cells reduces the levels of RAD51 and REV1 and impacts the cellular response to agents that cause DNA damage. MiR-96 directly targeted the coding region of RAD51 and the 3′-untranslated region of REV1. Overexpression of miR-96 decreased the efficiency of homologous recombination and enhanced sensitivity to the PARP inhibitor AZD2281 in vitro and to cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicate that miR-96 regulates DNA repair and chemosensitivity by repressing RAD51 and REV1. As a therapeutic candidate, miR-96 may improve chemotherapeutic efficacy by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to DNA damage. Cancer Res; 72(16); 4037–46. ©2012 AACR.
A Phase I Single-Agent Study of Twice-Weekly Consecutive-Day Dosing of the Proteasome Inhibitor Carfilzomib in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma or Lymphoma
Authors: Alsina Melissa , Trudel Suzanne , Furman Richard R. , Rosen Peter J. , O'Connor Owen A. , Comenzo Raymond L. , Wong Alvin , Kunkel Lori A. , Molineaux Christopher J. , Goy Andre 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Purpose: Carfilzomib is a next-generation, selective, proteasome inhibitor with clinical activity in relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma. The objectives of this phase I study were to establish the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profiles of escalating doses of carfilzomib in patients with relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies.
Experimental design: Carfilzomib (doses ranging from 1.2–27 mg/m2) was administered i.v. on 2 consecutive days for 3 weeks of a 4-week cycle. Single-agent dose escalation (n = 37) was followed by a dose-expansion phase (n = 11) that comprised 2 cohorts (carfilzomib or carfilzomib + dexamethasone). During dose expansion, carfilzomib was administered starting with 20 mg/m2 during the first week (days 1, 2) and then escalated to 27 mg/m2 thereafter.
Results: A maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was not reached during dose escalation. Dosing in the expansion cohort was well tolerated. Adverse events were manageable and primarily of grade I or II. The main hematologic adverse events of ≥ grade III were anemia and thrombocytopenia. Notably, there were no observations of grade III or more peripheral neuropathy. Carfilzomib was cleared rapidly with an elimination half-life of less than 30 minutes but still induced dose-dependent inhibition of the 20S chymotrypsin-like proteasome activity. At doses of 15 to 27 mg/m2, there was evidence of activity among patients with multiple myeloma and with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Conclusions: Escalated dosing of carfilzomib on a schedule of 2 consecutive days for 3 weeks of a 4-week cycle was tolerable and showed promising activity. This dose regimen has been selected for ongoing and future clinical studies, including PX-171-003A1 and the pivotal trial ASPIRE. Clin Cancer Res; 18(17); 4830–40. ©2012 AACR.
Reovirus as a Viable Therapeutic Option for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Thirukkumaran Chandini M. , Shi Zhong Qiao , Luider Joanne , Kopciuk Karen , Gao He , Bahlis Nizar , Neri Paola , Pho Mark , Stewart Douglas , Mansoor Adnan , Morris Don G. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Purpose: Despite the recent advances made in the treatment of multiple myeloma, the disease still remains incurable. The oncolytic potential of reovirus has previously been shown and is currently in phase III clinical trials for solid tumors. We tested the hypothesis that reovirus can successfully target human multiple myeloma in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo without affecting human hematopoietic stem cell (HHSC) re-population/differentiation in a murine model that partially recapitulates human multiple myeloma.
Experimental Design: Human myeloma cell lines and ex vivo tumor specimens were exposed to reovirus and oncolysis and mechanisms of cell death were assessed. RPMI 8226GFP+ cells were injected intravenously to non-obese diabetic/severe combined immune deficient (NOD/SCID) mice and treated with live reovirus (LV) or dead virus (DV). Multiple myeloma disease progression was evaluated via whole-body fluorescence and bone marrow infiltration. HHSCs exposed to LV/DV were injected to NOD/SCID mice and re-population/differentiation was monitored.
Results: A total of six of seven myeloma cell lines and five of seven patient tumor specimens exposed to reovirus showed significant in vitro sensitivity. Tumor response of multiple myeloma by LV, but not DV, was confirmed by comparison of total tumor weights (P = 0.05), and bone marrow infiltration (1/6, LV; 5/6, DV). Mice injected with LV- or DV-exposed HHSCs maintained in vivo re-population/lineage differentiation showing a lack of viral effect on the stem cell compartment. Reovirus oncolysis was mediated primarily by activation of the apoptotic pathways.
Conclusions: The unique ability of reovirus to selectively kill multiple myeloma while sparing HHSCs places it as a promising systemic multiple myeloma therapeutic for clinical testing. Clin Cancer Res; 18(18); 4962–72. ©2012 AACR.