bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applicability of the Polysulphone Horizontal Calibration to Differently Inclined Dosimeters
Authors: Casale Giuseppe R. , Siani Anna Maria , Diémoz Henri , Kimlin Michael G. , Colosimo Alfredo 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPolysulphone (PS) dosimetry has been a widely used technique for more than 30 years to quantify the erythemally effective UV dose received by anatomic sites (personal exposure). The calibration of PS dosimeters is an important issue as their spectral response is different from the erythemal action spectrum. It is performed exposing a set of PS dosimeters on a horizontal plane and measuring the UV doses received by dosimeters using calibrated spectroradiometers or radiometers. In this study, data collected during PS field campaigns (from 2004 to 2006), using horizontal and differently inclined dosimeters, were analyzed to provide some considerations on the transfer of the horizontal calibration to differently inclined dosimeters, as anatomic sites usually are. The role of sky conditions, of the angle of incidence between the sun and the normal to the slope, and of the type of surrounding surface on the calibration were investigated. It was concluded that PS horizontal calibrations apply to differently inclined dosimeters for incidence angles up to approximately 70° and for surfaces excluding ones with high albedo. Caution should be used in the application of horizontal calibrations for cases of high‐incidence angle and/or high albedo surfaces.
Development of a Human-Murine Chimeric Immunoglobulin M for Use in the Serological Detection of Human Alphavirus Antibodies
Authors: Thibodeaux Brett A. , Liss Nathan M. , Panella Amanda N. , Roehrig John T. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT
Diagnosis of human alphaviral infections relies on serological techniques, such as the immunoglobulin M antibody capture–enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MAC-ELISA). We have humanized the alphavirus broadly cross-reactive murine monoclonal antibody 1A4B-6 to create a reagent capable of replacing human positive sera in the MAC-ELISA for diagnosis of human alphaviral infections.
CCR8 Signaling Influences Toll-Like Receptor 4 Responses in Human Macrophages in Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Kvist Reimer Martina , Brange Charlotte , Rosendahl Alexander 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

CCR8 immunity is generally associated with Th2 responses in allergic diseases. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time a pronounced attenuated influx of macrophages in ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged CCR8 knockout mice. To explore whether macrophages in human inflamed lung tissue also were CCR8 positive, human lung tissue from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was evaluated. Indeed, CCR8 expression was pronounced in invading monocytes/macrophages from lungs of patients with Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage IV COPD. Given this expression pattern, the functional role of CCR8 on human macrophages was evaluated
in vitro
. Human peripheral blood monocytes expressed low levels of CCR8, while macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF)-derived human macrophages expressed significantly elevated surface levels of CCR8. Importantly, CCL1 directly regulated the expression of CD18 and CD49b and hence influenced the adhesion capacity of human macrophages. CCL1 drives chemotaxis in M-CSF-derived macrophages, and this could be completely inhibited by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Whereas both CCL1 and LPS monotreatment inhibited spontaneous superoxide release in macrophages, CCL1 significantly induced superoxide release in the presence of LPS in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, CCL1 induced production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and could inhibit LPS-induced cytokine production in a dose-dependent manner. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of CCR8 on inflammatory macrophages in human COPD lung tissue. Importantly, the functional data from human macrophages suggest a potential cross talk between the CCR8 and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathways, both of which are present in COPD patients.
Actinobaculum Bacteremia: a Report of 12 Cases
Authors: Gomez Eric , Gustafson Daniel R. , Rosenblatt Jon E. , Patel Robin 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Actinobaculum
species are anaerobic Gram-positive rods that have previously been associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) in the elderly. We report 12 patients with
Actinobaculum
bacteremia. Only 40% of blood cultures were clinically considered significant by the treating physicians, but most patients were treated for UTI, suggesting a possible urinary source of bacteremia. Clinicians should be aware of the pathogenic potential of
Actinobaculum
spp.
Malaria Hidden in a Patient with Diffuse Large-B-Cell Lymphoma and Sickle-Cell Trait
Authors: Linares María , Albizua Enriqueta , Méndez Darío , Rubio José M. , Martínez-Serna Alejandra , Martínez Miguel A. , Salto Efren , Puyet Antonio , Diez Amalia , Martinez-López Joaquin , Bautista José M. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT
We report a case of an African patient with sickle cell trait who was diagnosed in Spain with B-cell lymphoma. Blood smears were negative for malaria, and no plasmodium antigens were detected in the blood. To treat his lymphoma, the patient underwent chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. Following a splenectomy due to a worsening condition, he developed clinical malaria with detectable parasitemia. This case suggests that the humoral response and parasite removal by the spleen may afford protection from overt disease and may even help maintain subclinical human reservoirs of the disease.
Rapid, Simple, and Sensitive Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification of the
msp2
Gene
Authors: Pan Lei , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Guiqiang , Liu Qinghui , Yu Yanyan , Wang Shiwen , Yu Huilan , He Jing 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Anaplasma phagocytophilum
is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, which is prevalent throughout China. In this study, we describe a rapid, simple, and sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay targeting the
msp2
gene of
A. phagocytophilum
that is ideal for application in rural areas in China. This assay has the potential to detect
A. phagocytophilum
early in infection as an alternative to existing methods. A total of 42 suspected cases of infection with
A. phagocytophilum
, 15 serologically confirmed and 27 probable cases, were analyzed by the
msp2
LAMP assay. To validate the accuracy of LAMP, previously established nested-PCR and real-time PCR assays were utilized. The sensitivity of LAMP was 25 copies per reaction (approximately 1,250 copies per ml blood) for
A. phagocytophilum
, and the assay did not detect false positives among 27 members of the order
Rickettsiales
and 17 common clinical pathogens. To evaluate the clinical applicability of the LAMP assay, a total of 42 clinical samples were examined. A positive LAMP result was obtained for 12 of the confirmed cases and for 14 of 27 suspected cases, while only 1 confirmed case and 3 cases (2 confirmed cases and 1 suspected case) were detected by nested PCR and real-time PCR, respectively. The LAMP assay described in this study demonstrated a high level of sensitivity comparable with that of nested PCR and real-time PCR for the detection of
A. phagocytophilum
. This LAMP assay is a valuable method for rapid, cost-effective, and simple detection of
A. phagocytophilum
in the rural areas of China.
Molecular Characterization of Quinolone-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates from Brazil
Authors: Uehara Aline A. , Amorin Efigênia L. T. , Ferreira Maria de Fátima , Andrade Claudia F. , Clementino Maysa B. M. , de Filippis Ivano , Neves Felipe P. G. , Pinto Tatiana de C. A. , Teixeira Lúcia M. , Giambiagi-deMarval Marcia , Fracalanzza Sérgio E. L. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Despite the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance among gonococci worldwide, limited reports are available from Brazilian locations. In the present study, 25 quinolone-resistant
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(QRNG) strains isolated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were characterized by phenotypic and molecular methods, including analysis of mutations in the
gyrA
and
parC
genes. They represented 16.5% of the
N. gonorrhoeae
isolates obtained during a survey performed from 2006 to 2010. A trend for increasing resistance to ciprofloxacin was observed in the period investigated. The most prevalent pattern of mutation observed among QRNG isolates, Ser-91 to Phe and Asp-95 to Gly in
gyrA
and Ser-87 to Arg in
parC
, was detected in 40% of the isolates exhibiting MICs ranging from 4 to >32 μg/ml. Rare types of mutations were found in the
gyrA
gene (Gln-102 to His [12%] and Asp-95 to Tyr [4%]) and in the
parC
gene (Ser-88 to Thr [4%]). The genetic relationship of the QRNG isolates, evaluated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, suggested that the increase in the frequencies of the QRNG isolates in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, may have arisen as a result of simultaneous spread of two clonal groups. The results also indicate that fluoroquinolones may no longer be used as first line antibiotics for the treatment of gonorrhea in Rio de Janeiro, and that programs for antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance of
N. gonorrhoeae
should also be implemented in other regions of Brazil.
Dried Culture Spots for Xpert MTB/RIF External Quality Assessment: Results of a Phase 1 Pilot Study in South Africa
Authors: Scott L. E. , Gous N. , Cunningham B. E. , Kana B. D. , Perovic O. , Erasmus L. , Coetzee G. J. , Koornhof H. , Stevens W. 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACT

Implementation of Xpert MTB/RIF requires quality assessment. A pilot program using dried culture spots (DCSs) of inactivated
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is described. Of 274 DCS results received, 2.19% generated errors; the remainder yielded 100% correct
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
detection. The probe A cycle threshold (

C
T

) variability of three DCS batches was ≤3.47. The study of longer-term DCS stability is ongoing.
The GISS Trial: a Phase II Prevention Trial of Screening Plus Goserelin, Ibandronate, versus Screening Alone in Premenopausal Women at Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: von Minckwitz Gunter , Loibl Sibylle , Jackisch Christian , Paepke Stefan , Nestle-Kraemling Caroline , Lux Michael P. , Maass Nico , Schmutzler Rita , du Bois Andreas , Wallwiener Diethelm , Vescia Sabine , Budischewski Kai , Kaufmann Manfred 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Background: Genetic testing for inherited mutations in breast cancer genes provides valuable information for disease prevention. Today, premenopausal women with increased risk for breast cancer have only limited nonsurgical options to reduce their risk.
Methods: The GISS trial, a randomized, multicenter, open-label phase II trial, assessed the feasibility of a preventive treatment with goserelin and ibandronate for premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer. The primary endpoints were refusal to undergo randomization and discontinuation of treatment. Safety and quality of life were also evaluated.
Results: Between the years 2001 and 2003, 31 of 322 eligible women participated in the trial; 15 received goserelin/ibandronate plus screening, 15 screening only, and 1 withdrew her consent after randomization. The treatment duration was 24 months. Here, mainly the results from the first 12 months were evaluated because of the low compliance thereafter. Hot flushes, headache, and vaginal dryness/discharge occurred more often in the goserelin arm. No difference was observed between the two arms in the agreement to randomization, compliance, or any other endpoints.
Conclusions: Acceptance of chemoprevention with goserelin and ibandronate was low. Premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer should be better informed about chemoprevention through physician counseling and a more feasible study design (e.g., oral medication) should be provided.
Impact: This is the first chemoprevention trial in premenopausal women at increased risk for breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(10); 2141–9. ©2011 AACR.
Economic Burden of Cancer in the United States: Estimates, Projections, and Future Research
Authors: Yabroff K. Robin , Lund Jennifer , Kepka Deanna , Mariotto Angela 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe economic burden of cancer in the United States is substantial and expected to increase significantly in the future because of expected growth and aging of the population and improvements in survival as well as trends in treatment patterns and costs of care following cancer diagnosis. In this article, we describe measures of the economic burden of cancer and present current estimates and projections of the national burden of cancer in the United States. We discuss ongoing efforts to characterize the economic burden of cancer in the United States and identify key areas for future work including developing and enhancing research resources, improving estimates and projections of economic burden, evaluating targeted therapies, and assessing the financial burden for patients and their families. This work will inform efforts by health care policy makers, health care systems, providers, and employers to improve the cancer survivorship experience in the United States. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(10); 2006–14. ©2011 AACR.
A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial of structured goal-setting following stroke
Authors: Taylor William J , Brown Melanie , William Levack , McPherson Kathryn M , Reed Kirk , Dean Sarah G , Weatherall Mark 
Published: October 2011

Objective: To determine the feasibility, the cluster design effect and the variance and minimal clinical importance difference in the primary outcome in a pilot study of a structured approach to goal-setting. Design: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Subjects: People who were admitted to inpatient rehabilitation following stroke who had sufficient cognition to engage in structured goal-setting and complete the primary outcome measure. Interventions: Structured goal elicitation using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Main measures: Quality of life at 12 weeks using the Schedule for Individualised Quality of Life (SEIQOL-DW), Functional Independence Measure, Short Form 36 and Patient Perception of Rehabilitation (measuring satisfaction with rehabilitation). Assessors were blinded to the intervention. Results: Four rehabilitation services and 41 patients were randomized. We found high values of the intraclass correlation for the outcome measures (ranging from 0.03 to 0.40) and high variance of the SEIQOL-DW (SD 19.6) in relation to the minimally importance difference of 2.1, leading to impractically large sample size requirements for a cluster randomized design. Conclusions: A cluster randomized design is not a practical means of avoiding contamination effects in studies of inpatient rehabilitation goal-setting. Other techniques for coping with contamination effects are necessary.
Mutation of the gastric hydrogen-potassium ATPase alpha subunit causes iron-deficiency anemia in mice
Authors: Krieg Lara , Milstein Oren , Krebs Philippe , Xia Yu , Beutler Bruce , Du Xin 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Iron is an essential component of heme and hemoglobin, and therefore restriction of iron availability directly limits erythropoiesis. In the present study, we report a defect in iron absorption that results in iron-deficiency anemia, as revealed by an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea–induced mouse phenotype called sublytic. Homozygous sublytic mice develop hypochromic microcytic anemia with reduced osmotic fragility of RBCs. The sublytic phenotype stems from impaired gastrointestinal iron absorption caused by a point mutation of the gastric hydrogen-potassium ATPase α subunit encoded by Atp4a, which results in achlorhydria. The anemia of sublytic homozygotes can be corrected by feeding with a high-iron diet or by parenteral injection of iron dextran; rescue can also be achieved by providing acidified drinking water to sublytic homozygotes. These findings establish the necessity of the gastric proton pump for iron absorption and effective erythropoiesis.
Reduced-intensity conditioning with combined haploidentical and cord blood transplantation results in rapid engraftment, low GVHD, and durable remissions
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Rich Elizabeth S. , Godley Lucy , Odenike Olatoyosi , Joseph Loren , Marino Susana , Kline Justin , Nguyen Vu , Cunningham John , Larson Richard A. , del Cerro Paula , Schroeder Linda , Pape Lisa , Stock Wendy , Wickrema Amittha , Artz Andrew S. , van Besien Koen 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
We conducted a 45 patient prospective study of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) and transplantation of unrelated umbilical cord blood (UCB) and CD34+ stem cells from a haploidentical family member. Median age was 50 years; weight was 80 kg. Fifty-eight percent had active disease. Neutrophil engraftment occurred at 11 days (interquartile range [IQR], 9-15) and platelet engraftment at 19 days (IQR, 15-33). In the majority of patients, early haploidentical engraftment was replaced by durable engraftment of UCB by 100 days, with regular persistence of minor host and/or haplo-hematopoiesis. Percentage of haplochimerism at day 100 correlated with the haplo-CD34 dose (P = .003). Cumulative incidence of acute GVHD (aGVHD) was 25% and chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was 5%. Actuarial survival at 1 year was 55%, progression-free survival (PFS) was 42%, nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was 28%, and relapse was 30%. RIC and haplo-cord transplantation results in fast engraftment of neutrophils and platelets, low incidences of aGVHD and cGVHD, low frequency of delayed opportunistic infections, reduced transfusion requirements, shortened length of hospital stay, and promising long-term outcomes. UCB cell dose had no impact on time to hematopoietic recovery. Therefore, UCB selection can prioritize matching, and better matched donors can be identified rapidly for most patients. This study is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov as NCI clinical trial no. NCT00943800.
Reproducibility and day time bias correction of optoelectronic leg volumetry: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Engelberger Rolf P , Blazek Claudia , Amsler Felix , Keo Hong H , Baumann Frédéric , Blättler Werner , Baumgartner Iris , Willenberg Torsten 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Leg edema is a common manifestation of various underlying pathologies. Reliable measurement tools are required to quantify edema and monitor therapeutic interventions. Aim of the present work was to investigate the reproducibility of optoelectronic leg volumetry over 3 weeks' time period and to eliminate daytime related within-individual variability.

Methods
Optoelectronic leg volumetry was performed in 63 hairdressers (mean age 45 ± 16 years, 85.7% female) in standing position twice within a minute for each leg and repeated after 3 weeks. Both lower leg (legBD) and whole limb (limbBF) volumetry were analysed. Reproducibility was expressed as analytical and within-individual coefficients of variance (CVA, CVW), and as intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results
A total of 492 leg volume measurements were analysed. Both legBD and limbBF volumetry were highly reproducible with CVA of 0.5% and 0.7%, respectively. Within-individual reproducibility of legBD and limbBF volumetry over a three weeks' period was high (CVW 1.3% for both; ICC 0.99 for both). At both visits, the second measurement revealed a significantly higher volume compared to the first measurement with a mean increase of 7.3 ml ± 14.1 (0.33% ± 0.58%) for legBD and 30.1 ml ± 48.5 ml (0.52% ± 0.79%) for limbBF volume. A significant linear correlation between absolute and relative leg volume differences and the difference of exact day time of measurement between the two study visits was found (P < .001). A therefore determined time-correction formula permitted further improvement of CVW.

Conclusions
Leg volume changes can be reliably assessed by optoelectronic leg volumetry at a single time point and over a 3 weeks' time period. However, volumetry results are biased by orthostatic and daytime-related volume changes. The bias for day-time related volume changes can be minimized by a time-correction formula.
Defining the optimal dose of radiation in leukemic patients with extramedullary lesions
Authors: Song Jin Ho , Son Seok Hyun , Lee Ju Hwan , Chung Su Mi , Jang Hong Seok , Choi Byung Ock 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Analysis of the clinical response of extramedullary lesions in leukemic patients treated with radiation therapy (RT) and defining the optimal dose of radiation.

Methods
Forty-two extramedullary lesions found in 24 leukemic patients treated with RT were reviewed. The radiation was delivered usually 2 Gy/day, up to a median of 20 Gy (range: 18.0-40.8). The clinical response and symptom palliation effect were analyzed. The factors affecting the response were also included in the analysis.

Results
After a median time of 7.9 weeks, the overall response rate was 76.2%. A complete response (CR) was achieved in 35.7%, a partial response in 40.5%. The symptom was relieved in 85.7% sites. The overall response rate was better in patients whose initial tumor size was smaller than 10 cm2 (p = 0.010) or who were treated with more than 25 Gy (p = 0.031). The overall CR rate was also higher in those who had smaller tumors (smaller than 6 cm or 30 cm2) (p = 0.015), or when the tumor was located in soft tissue (p = 0.029).

Conclusions
Extramedullary lesions in leukemic patients can be successfully treated with RT. The tumor response rate was excellent and symptom relief was achieved in almost all patients. There was a better response to treatment when the tumor was small or it was located in soft tissue. Although, there was no definite correlation between volume reduction and total dose, it seems that higher total dose more of than 25 Gy is needed for better response.