bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurotensin is increased in serum of young children with autistic disorder
Authors: Angelidou Asimenia , Francis Konstantinos , Vasiadi Magdalini , Alysandratos Konstantinos-Dionysios , Zhang Bodi , Theoharides Athanasios , Lykouras Lefteris , Sideri Kyriaki , Kalogeromitros Dimitrios , Theoharides Theoharis C 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in early childhood. They are associated with a set of "core symptoms" that include disabilities in social interaction skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as repetitive and stereotypic behaviors. There is no definite pathogenetic mechanism or diagnostic tests. Many children with ASD also have "allergic-like" symptoms, but test negative implying mast cell activation by non-allergic triggers. We measured by Milliplex arrays serum levels of 3 neuropeptides that could stimulate mast cells in children with autistic disorder (n = 19; 16 males and 3 females; mean age 3.0 ± 0.4 years) and healthy, unrelated controls (n = 16; 13 males and 3 females; mean age 3 ± 1.2 years). Only neurotensin (NT) was significantly increased from 60.5 ± 6.0 pg/ml in controls to 105.6 ± 12.4 pg/ml in autistic disorder (p = 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in the serum levels of β-endorphin or substance P (SP). NT could stimulate immune cells, especially mast cells, and/or have direct effects on brain inflammation and ASD.
How many are affected? A real limit of epidemiology
Authors: Poole Charles 
Published: August 2010

AbstractA person can experience an effect on the occurrence of an outcome in a defined follow-up period without experiencing an effect on the risk of that outcome over the same period. Sufficient causes are sometimes used to deepen potential-outcome explanations of this phenomenon. In doing so, care should be taken to avoid tipping the balance between simplification and realism too far toward simplification. Death and other competing risks should not be assumed away. The time scale should be explicit, with specific times for the occurrence of specified component causes and for the completion of each sufficient cause. Component causes that affect risk should occur no later than the start of the risk period. Sufficient causes should be allowed to have component causes in common. When individuals experience all components of two or more sufficient causes, the outcome must be recurrent. In addition to effects on rates and risks, effects on incidence time itself should be considered.
Perforated Meckel's diverticulum presenting with combined bowel and urinary obstruction and mimicking Crohn's disease: a case report
Authors: Wong Banny S , Larson David W , Smyrk Thomas C , Oxentenko Amy S 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Meckel's diverticulum is a common congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract, but is an uncommon cause of serious complications in adults. Although cases of patients with hemorrhage, bowel obstruction or perforation associated with Meckel's diverticulum have been reported, there have been no prior reports of patients with combined urinary and bowel obstruction due to abscess formation.

Case presentation
We describe the case of a 21-year-old man with a history of recurrent papillary thyroid cancer, but no prior abdominal surgeries, who presented with a one-month history of rectal pain and new-onset obstipation with urinary retention. He reported night sweats and weight loss, and had a second-degree relative with known Crohn's disease. A digital rectal examination was notable and revealed marked tenderness with proximal induration. A computed tomography scan of the patient's abdomen revealed a large, complex, circumferential perirectal abscess compressing the rectal lumen and base of the urinary bladder, associated with terminal ileal thickening and an ileocecal fistula. A flexible sigmoidoscopy with an endorectal ultrasound scan displayed a complex abscess with extensive mucosal and surrounding inflammation. An exploratory laparotomy revealed a Meckel's diverticulum with a large perforation at its base, positioned near the ileocecal fistula and immediately superior to the perirectal abscess. The section of small bowel containing the Meckel's diverticulum, the terminal ileum, and the cecum, were all resected, and the abscess was debrided.

Conclusions
Pre-operative diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum can be difficult. If the nature of the complication makes ultimate surgical management likely, an early laparoscopic or open exploration should be performed to prevent the morbidity and mortality associated with late complications.
Giant liver hemangioma resected by trisectorectomy after efficient volume reduction by transcatheter arterial embolization: a case report
Authors: Akamatsu Nobuhisa , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Komagome Masahiko , Ishida Takashi , Shin Nobuhiro , Cho Narihiro , Ozawa Fumiaki , Hashimoto Daijo 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntroductionLiver hemangiomas are the most common benign liver tumors, usually small in size and requiring no treatment. Giant hemangiomas complicated with consumptive coagulopathy (Kasabach-Merritt syndrome) or causing severe incapacitating symptoms, however, are generally considered an absolute indication for surgical resection. Here, we present the case of a giant hemangioma, which was, to the best of our knowledge, one of the largest ever reported.Case presentationA 38-year-old Asian man was referred to our hospital with complaints of severe abdominal distension and pancytopenia. Examinations at the first visit revealed a right liver hemangioma occupying the abdominal cavity, protruding into the right diaphragm up to the right thoracic cavity and extending down to the pelvic cavity, with a maximum diameter of 43 cm, complicated with "asymptomatic" Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. Based on the tumor size and the anatomic relationship between the tumor and hepatic vena cava, primary resection seemed difficult and dangerous, leading us to first perform transcatheter arterial embolization to reduce the tumor volume and to ensure the safety of future resection. The tumor volume was significantly decreased by two successive transcatheter arterial embolizations, and a conventional right trisectorectomy was then performed without difficulty to resect the tumor.ConclusionsTo date, there have been several reports of aggressive surgical treatments, including extra-corporeal hepatic resection and liver transplantation, for huge hemangiomas like the present case, but because of its benign nature, every effort should be made to avoid life-threatening surgical stress for patients. Our experience demonstrates that a pre-operative arterial embolization may effectively enable the resection of large hemangiomas.
Co-expressed immune and metabolic genes in visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue from severely obese individuals are associated with plasma HDL and glucose levels: a microarray study
Authors: Wolfs Marcel GM , Rensen Sander S , Bruin-Van Dijk Elinda J , Verdam Froukje J , Greve Jan-Willem , Sanjabi Bahram , Bruinenberg Marcel , Wijmenga Cisca , van Haeften Timon W , Buurman Wim A , Franke Lude , Hofker Marten H 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundExcessive accumulation of body fat, in particular in the visceral fat depot, is a major risk factor to develop a variety of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms underlying the increased risk of obese individuals to develop co-morbid diseases are largely unclear.We aimed to identify genes expressed in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) that are related to blood parameters involved in obesity co-morbidity, such as plasma lipid and glucose levels, and to compare gene expression between the fat depots.MethodsWhole-transcriptome SAT and VAT gene expression levels were determined in 75 individuals with a BMI >35 kg/m2. Modules of co-expressed genes likely to be functionally related were identified and correlated with BMI, plasma levels of glucose, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, ALAT, ASAT, C-reactive protein, and LDL- and HDL cholesterol.ResultsOf the approximately 70 modules identified in SAT and VAT, three SAT modules were inversely associated with plasma HDL-cholesterol levels, and a fourth module was inversely associated with both plasma glucose and plasma triglyceride levels (p < 5.33 × 10-5). These modules were markedly enriched in immune and metabolic genes. In VAT, one module was associated with both BMI and insulin, and another with plasma glucose (p < 4.64 × 10-5). This module was also enriched in inflammatory genes and showed a marked overlap in gene content with the SAT modules related to HDL. Several genes differentially expressed in SAT and VAT were identified.ConclusionsIn obese subjects, groups of co-expressed genes were identified that correlated with lipid and glucose metabolism parameters; they were enriched with immune genes. A number of genes were identified of which the expression in SAT correlated with plasma HDL cholesterol, while their expression in VAT correlated with plasma glucose. This underlines both the singular importance of these genes for lipid and glucose metabolism and the specific roles of these two fat depots in this respect.
A process evaluation of the scale up of a youth‐friendly health services initiative in northern Tanzania
Authors: Renju Jenny , Andrew Bahati , Nyalali Kija , Kishamawe Coleman , Kato Charles , Changalucha John , Obasi Angela 
Published: August 2010

BackgroundWhile there are a number of examples of successful small‐scale, youth‐friendly services interventions aimed at improving reproductive health service provision for young people, these projects are often short term and have low coverage. In order to have a significant, long‐term impact, these initiatives must be implemented over a sustained period and on a large scale. We conducted a process evaluation of the 10‐fold scale up of an evaluated youth‐friendly services intervention in Mwanza Region, Tanzania, in order to identify key facilitating and inhibitory factors from both user and provider perspectives.MethodsThe intervention was scaled up in two training rounds lasting six and 10 months. This process was evaluated through the triangulation of multiple methods: (i) a simulated patient study; (ii) focus group discussions and semi‐structured interviews with health workers and trainers; (iii) training observations; and (iv) pre‐ and post‐training questionnaires. These methods were used to compare pre‐ and post‐intervention groups and assess differences between the two training rounds.ResultsBetween 2004 and 2007, local government officials trained 429 health workers. The training was well implemented and over time, trainers' confidence and ability to lead sessions improved. The district‐led training significantly improved knowledge relating to HIV/AIDS and puberty (RR ranged from 1.06 to 2.0), attitudes towards condoms, confidentiality and young people's right to treatment (RR range: 1.23‐1.36). Intervention health units scored higher in the family planning and condom request simulated patient scenarios, but lower in the sexually transmitted infection scenario than the control health units. The scale up faced challenges in the selection and retention of trained health workers and was limited by various contextual factors and structural constraints.ConclusionsYouth‐friendly services interventions can remain well delivered, even after expansion through existing systems. The scaling‐up process did affect some aspects of intervention quality, and our research supports others in emphasizing the need to train more staff (both clinical and non‐clinical) per facility in order to ensure youth‐friendly services delivery. Further research is needed to identify effective strategies to address structural constraints and broader social norms that hampered the scale up.
Plasma concentrations of Gas6 (growth arrest specific protein 6) and its soluble tyrosine kinase receptor sAxl in sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndromes
Authors: Ekman Carl , Linder Adam , Åkesson Per , Dahlbäck Björn 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Gas6, the protein product of the growth arrest specific gene 6, is present in human circulation at subnanomolar concentrations. It is secreted by endothelial cells and is important for the activation of endothelium during inflammation. Axl, the tyrosine kinase receptor for Gas6, is also present in endothelium and can be cleaved and released into the circulation. The soluble of form Axl (sAxl), which is present in plasma, can bind Gas6 and inhibit Axl-mediated cell signalling.

Methods
We have developed reproducible and accurate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for both Gas6 and sAxl and used them to investigate plasma samples from 70 patients with severe sepsis, 99 patients with sepsis, 42 patients with various infections causing fever but no systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), 20 patients with SIRS without verified infection, and 100 blood donors that served as controls. Correlations between Gas6 and sAxl concentrations and other commonly used analytes were investigated.

Results
The patients with severe sepsis, sepsis, infection or SIRS had all increased concentrations of Gas6, approximately double compared to what was found in the controls. The concentrations of sAxl were also increased in the patient groups compared to the controls. Gas6 correlated with C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and interleukin 6, whereas sAxl correlated to bilirubin and procalcitonin.

Conclusions
We can confirm results of earlier studies showing that circulating Gas6 is increased in sepsis and related syndromes. sAxl is increased, but less pronounced than Gas6. The concentrations of Gas6 and sAxl correlate with a number of inflammatory markers, suggesting a role in systemic inflammation.
Phase III Trial of Carboplatin Plus Paclitaxel With or Without Gemcitabine in First-Line Treatment of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: du Bois Andreas , Herrstedt Jørn , Hardy-Bessard Anne-Claire , Müller Hans-Helge , Harter Philipp , Kristensen Gunnar , Joly Florence , Huober Jens , Åvall-Lundqvist Elisabeth , Weber Béatrice , Kurzeder Christian , Jelic Svetislav , Pujade-Lauraine Eric , Burges Alexander , Pfisterer Jacobus , Gropp Martina , Staehle Anne , Wimberger Pauline , Jackisch Christian , Sehouli Jalid 
Published: August 2010

Purpose One attempt to improve long-term survival in patients with advanced ovarian cancer was thought to be the addition of more non–cross-resistant drugs to platinum-paclitaxel combination regimens. Gemcitabine was among the candidates for a third drug. Patients and Methods We performed a prospective, randomized, phase III, intergroup trial to compare carboplatin plus paclitaxel (TC; area under the curve [AUC] 5 and 175 mg/m2, respectively) with the same combination and additional gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 (TCG) in previously untreated patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. TC was administered intravenously (IV) on day 1 every 21 days for a planned minimum of six courses. Gemcitabine was administered by IV on days 1 and 8 of each cycle in the TCG arm. Results Between 2002 and 2004, 1,742 patients were randomly assigned; 882 and 860 patients received TC and TCG, respectively. Grades 3 to 4 hematologic toxicity and fatigue occurred more frequently in the TCG arm. Accordingly, quality-of-life analysis during chemotherapy showed a disadvantage in the TCG arm. Although objective response was slightly higher in the TCG arm, this did not translate into improved progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS). Median PFS was 17.8 months for the TCG arm and 19.3 months for the TC arm (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.32; P = .0044). Median OS was 49.5 for the TCG arm and 51.5 months for the TC arm (HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.20; P = .5106). Conclusion The addition of gemcitabine to carboplatin plus paclitaxel increased treatment burden, reduced PFS time, and did not improve OS in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Therefore, we recommend no additional clinical use of TCG in this population.
German Jewish Reading Cultures, 1815–1933
Authors: Roemer Nils 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
This article traces the development of German Jewish reading cultures from the Napoleonic wars to the demise of the Weimar Republic. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Jewish reading clubs promoted works of Bildung, but by the second half of the nineteenth century, they provided access to books about Jewish religion, history, literature, and philosophy as well. Whereas the institutions of the Jewish public initially emerged outside of established religious communities as part of bourgeois sociability, the end of the nineteenth century saw public and religious institutions intermingling. Moreover, reading was increasingly represented as a cultural practice that was compatible with religious tradition in times of profound cultural and religious changes and as an example of the educated middle class's ideal of Bildung.
Zukunftserwartungen der deutsch-jüdischen Gesellschaft im langen 19. Jahrhundert
Authors: Zimmermann Moshe 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Future expectations expressed by societies of the past help the historian to develop better insight into their state of mind and understand their modus operandi. The article is one in a series of articles dealing with future expectations of the German Jews and is dedicated to their expectations during the long 19th century. An important source are articles that appeared in the German-Jewish press towards the end of a year, the time for making prognoses. The main objects of collective expectation change over time and vary in the different groups within Judaism (assimilationists, Zionists, Orthodox). The main issues dealt with are the challenge of modernity, assimilation, demographic revolution, anti-Semitism and Zionism. With World War I the pattern of approaching the future changes radically.
›Drei Hochzeiten und ein Todesfall‹. Zwischen jüdischem Eherecht und Zivilehe
Authors: Gotzmann Andreas 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Reflecting on the differing historical approaches to Jewish history from ›within‹ or ›outside‹, this article argues in favor of an integrated approach. Taking a scandal that occurred in Hamburg in the middle of the 19th century as an example, the article shows how closely intertwined both sides – the Jewish and the Christian – were. In contrast to the often used conceptual approaches with distinct polarized ideas of clearly differing entities, the discussions about the religious reinterpretation of Jewish religious law, the recognition of religious law by the state and the definition of a civil marriage law prove how intensely involved both sides were. The differing, interchanging and overlapping political interests during these decisive years forced both sides into intense negotiations about the relationship between church and state, Judaism and general society. While both parts still perceived themselves as distinct, the character of these ambivalent processes clearly shows quite the opposite. Instead of clear-cut and stable religious and political positions, the ongoing debates and their dynamics forced all the parties into a process of mutual social negotiations that generated a close interrelation.
Juden in der Wiener Kultur. Zur (Un-)Angemessenheit dichotomer Kategorisierungen
Authors: Hödl Klaus 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
The article questions dichotomous differentiations, such as Jews vs. Non-Jews, Eastern vs. Western Jews, etc. Rather than clearly identifiable groups, they represent categorizations whose boundaries are fluid. Affiliations change according to the context in which they are brought to expression, and thus articulate themselves in many and varying ways. From this conceptual framework arises the thesis that Jews and non-Jews in finde- siècle Vienna both participated in the shaping of society. Jews did not solely adapt to its culture, but took part in its constitution. Examples to confirm this thesis are taken from the synagogue service, the Yiddish theatre, and popular culture at the turn of the century.
Combination of polymorphisms within the HDAC1 and HDAC3 gene predict tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma patients that have undergone transplant therapy
Authors: Yang Zhe , Zhou Lin , Wu Li-Ming , Xie Hai-Yang , Zhang Feng , Zheng Shu-Sen 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background: Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been reported to be poor prognostic indicators in patients with cancer. However, no data are available for the role of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of class I HDAC in hepato-cellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, we investigated the association of class I HDAC isoforms genomic polymorphisms with risk of HCC and tumor recurrence following liver transplantation (LT).

Methods: One hundred and ninety-six Chinese subjects consisting of 97 HCC patients and 99 controls were enrolled in this study. Nine polymorphisms of the HDAC1,
HDAC2, and HDAC3 gene (rs2530223, rs1741981, rs2547547, rs13204445, rs6568819, rs10499080, rs11741808, rs2475631, rs11391) were examined using Applied Biosystems SNaP-Shot and TaqMan technology.

Results: We found no significant difference in genotype frequencies between the HCC cases and controls. In terms of tumor recurrence following LT, patients carrying the T allele of HDAC1 SNP rs1741981 showed a favorable outcome for recurrence free survival when compared with patients homozygous for CC. In addition, the same significant trend was observed in HDAC3 SNP rs2547547. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the combination of the T variant allele (CT+TT) of HDAC1 SNP rs1741981 and the homozygous TT variant allele of HDAC3 SNP rs2547547 was the most favorable prognostic factor. The risk for postoperative tumor recurrence was about 2.2-fold lower for patients with this genotype combination compared with carriers of the HDAC1 SNP rs1741981 CC and HDAC3 SNP rs2547547 CT genotype combination (hazard ratio: 2.235, p=0.003).

Conclusions: Our data suggest that combined analysis of HDAC1 SNP rs1741981 and HDAC3 SNP rs2547547 may be a potential genetic marker for HCC recurrence in LT patients.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1785–91.