bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histone H4 acetylation by immunohistochemistry and prognosis in relapsed acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL)
Authors: Advani Anjali S. , Gibson Sarah , Douglas Elizabeth , Diacovo Julia , Elson Paul , Kalaycio Matt , Copelan Ed , Sekeres Mikkael , Sobecks Ronald , Sungren Shawnda , Lagoo Anand , Rizzieri David , Hsi Eric 
Published: March 2011

SummaryHistone H4 acetylation was examined by immunohistochemistry in patients with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) in first relapse. Univariate and multivariate models identified correlates of complete remission (CR) and overall survival (OS). No variables were associated with achievement of CR. In multivariate analysis, weak histone H4 acetylation [Hazard Ratio (HR) 2·20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·93–5·23, P = 0·07], shorter interval from diagnosis to relapse (<9 vs. 9–24 vs. >24 months) (HR 1·82, 95% CI 1·20–2·75, P = 0·005), and central nervous system involvement (HR 3·43, 95% CI 1·31–8·99, P = 0·01) were independent poor prognostic factors for OS. These data provide a rationale for the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors in the treatment of relapsed ALL.
Fairy tales: a compass for children's healthy development – a qualitative study in a Greek island
Authors: Tsitsani P. , Psyllidou S. , Batzios S. P. , Livas S. , Ouranos M. , Cassimos D. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  Fairy tales have always been an integrated part of children's everyday life. In our days, they still represent important ways of helping the children share their desires and express their agonies and inner conflicts. The present descriptive qualitative study aims to describe parents' opinions and children's preferences regarding storytelling.Methods  Four hundred and seventy parents took part in the study and were interviewed following a semi‐structured guide with open‐ended trigger questions. Data were processed via content analysis methods.Results  Three main themes were constructed. The vast majority of interviewees acknowledged their strong belief in the power of fairy tales and stated that their children listen to stories at least once a week. Most of them use storytelling as an instructive tool, in order to soothe their children's anxieties or set examples for them. Concerning children's preferences, the majority of them choose classic fairy tales over modern ones with Little Red Riding Hood taking precedence over other famous stories. All participants acknowledged the fact that their children are amused and positively affected by storytelling, while young readers share their enthusiasm for fairy tales in many ways, mostly by talking about their favourite character. Finally, in relation to the villains, children seem to be satisfied or relieved when they are punished and only a small number of participants stated that the cruel punishment of bad characters creates feelings of fear to their kids.Conclusions  The findings of this study emphasize the crucial role that storytelling plays in children's life and normal development.
The average Adjusted Symptom Score, a new primary efficacy end‐point for specific allergen immunotherapy trials
Authors: Grouin J.‐M. , Vicaut E. , Jean‐Alphonse S. , Demoly P. , Wahn U. , Didier A. , de Beaumont O. , Montagut A. , Le Gall M. , Devillier P. 
Published: March 2011

SummaryBackground
In clinical trials, the efficacy of immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms is often evaluated with the average Rhinoconjunctivitis Total Symptom Score (ARTSS). Effective treatment is associated with a lower ARTSS vs. placebo but use of rescue medication to alleviate symptoms reduces the RTSS and decreases the mean difference between active treatment and placebo groups.Objective
To develop and describe the average Adjusted Symptom Score (AdSS), a new end‐point reflecting symptom severity and rescue medication use in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis trials.Methods
To calculate the AdSS, the RTSS is adjusted as follows: if a patient takes rescue medication on day d, the day's AdSS (AdSSd) is defined as the value of RTSSd or AdSSd−1, whichever is higher. The AdSS on the following day (AdSSd+1) is defined as the value of RTSSd+1 or AdSSd, whichever is higher. The average of the daily AdSSs (during the season) was calculated post hoc for two trials investigating the efficacy of five‐grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy tablets in adult and paediatric patients and compared with the ARTSS and three other outcome measures (the average Rescue Medication Score (ARMS), the ARTSS and the average Combined Score).Results
The average AdSS clearly discriminated between active and placebo treatments and confirmed the original ARTSS results. Adjustment for rescue medication use decreased the observed placebo effect.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
The average AdSS can be a valuable alternative to the ARTSS as a primary efficacy end‐point in grass pollen allergic rhinoconjunctivitis trials. By adjusting the RTSS for rescue medication use, the AdSS can estimate symptom severity and the treatment effect more accurately. The AdSS is now being tested prospectively in large clinical trials. Cite this as: J.‐M. Grouin, E. Vicaut, S. Jean‐Alphonse, P. Demoly, U. Wahn, A. Didier, O. de Beaumont, A. Montagut, M. Le Gall and P. Devillier, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 1282–1288.
Assessment of the quality of life in families with children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities in Slovenia
Authors: Čagran B. , Schmidt M. , Brown I. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  Research was conducted, within the framework of the International Family Quality of Life Project, on the quality of life of families with a member who has a disability. We concentrated on the nine specific domains that the family life measure used, and recorded data from five of its six measurement dimensions: Importance, Opportunities, Initiative, Attainment and Satisfaction.Method  The sample consisted of 20 families from Slovenia with children who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. The data were collected using the Family Quality of Life Survey‐2006.Results  Except for Community Interaction, the other domains (Health, Financial Well‐Being, Family Relations, Support from Others, Support Services, Influence of Values, Careers, Leisure and Recreation) show statistically significant differences among the five dimensions measured. Importance was rated highest, and Attainment and Opportunities were rated lowest, while Initiative and Satisfaction were evaluated lower than Importance but higher than Attainment and Opportunities. Among the domains of family life, Family Relations was evaluated the highest from the perspective of all five dimensions.Conclusions  The family members rated Importance high for all of the quality of family life domains, but it appears from the lower Opportunities scores that their opportunities are limited; this may result in fewer possibilities for attaining a better quality of life. The results of our research are useful to Slovene researchers who work in the areas of special pedagogy and rehabilitation, politicians, non‐governmental organisations and social services. The quality of life of families with children with disabilities, their empowerment and their inclusion into community life should be significantly enhanced when consideration is given to all the family members' support and service needs.
Implications from addiction research towards the understanding and treatment of obesity
Authors: Grosshans Martin , Loeber Sabine , Kiefer Falk 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTRecent research indicates similarities between obesity and addictive disorders on both the phenomenological and neurobiological level. In particular, neuroendocrine and imaging studies suggest a close link between the homeostatic regulation of appetite on the on hand, and motivation and reward expectancy on the other. In addition, findings from neuropsychological studies additionally demonstrate alterations of cognitive function in both obesity and addictive disorders that possibly contribute to a lack of control in resisting consumption. In this review, recent findings on overlapping neurobiological and phenomenological pathways are summarized and the impact with regard to new treatment approaches for obesity is discussed.
Risk factors for Barrett's esophagus in Indian patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Mathew Praveen , Joshi Amita S , Shukla Akash , Bhatia Shobna J 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Barrett's esophagus (BE) is reported to be infrequent in Asians, with no data from India regarding its prevalence and risk factors. We investigated the frequency and risk factors of columnar mucosa with or without specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) in Indian patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Methods:  A total of 278 GERD patients over 2 years underwent gastroscopy and completed a questionnaire for possible BE risk factors. Patients with columnar mucosa on endoscopy underwent four‐quadrant biopsy; BE was histologically defined as columnar mucosa with or without SIM. Patients without columnar mucosa at endoscopy were considered as controls and compared to patients with BE and those with SIM.Results:  Forty‐six patients with GERD had columnar mucosa on histology (16.54%); 25 (8.99%) of these had SIM. The risk factors for BE were the presence of hiatus hernia (odds ratio [OR]: 3.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–8.17) and a history of eructation (OR: 2.28; CI: 1.11–4.66). The risk factors for SIM were age ≥ 45 years (OR: 2.63; CI: 1.03–6.71), hiatus hernia (OR: 3.95; CI: 1.24–12.56), and a history of eructation (OR: 3.41; CI: 1.19–9.78). Sex, severity of symptoms, dietary factors, tobacco or alcohol use, and body mass index were not associated with BE. The median circumferential segment length was 2 (1–10) cm, and the maximal length was 3 (2–11) cm in both groups.Conclusion:  BE is not an uncommon finding among Indian GERD patients. Age ≥ 45 years, history of eructation, and the presence of hiatus hernia are associated with SIM.
Cut‐off value of 1‐h, 50‐g glucose challenge test for screening of gestational diabetes mellitus in an Iranian population
Authors: Gandevani Samira Behboudi , Garshasbi Ahia , Dibaj Shiva 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  This study aimed to investigate the cut‐off value of the glucose challenge test in an Iranian population.Materials and Methods:  A total of 1804 consecutive native Iranian women who underwent a glucose challenge test were prospectively investigated. The test was performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation; each subject received a 50‐g oral glucose load regardless of her fasting or fed state; the 1‐h venous plasma glucose level was then determined. Women exceeding 130 mg/dl received the diagnostic 100‐g, 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test to determine whether or not they had gestational diabetes mellitus.Results:  The prevalence of the glucose challenge test for the whole cohort was 7.2%. The receiver–operator characteristic curve identified a glucose challenge test finding above 135 mg/dl as the cut‐off value for detecting gestational diabetes mellitus, which showed a sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 80%, respectively.Conclusion:  Our results suggest that the cut‐off value of a 50‐g glucose challenge test is 135 mg/dl to identify pregnancies with gestational diabetes mellitus in an Iranian population.
Extra hepatic portal vein obstruction and pregnancy outcome: Largest reported experience
Authors: Aggarwal Neelam , Chopra Seema , Raveendran Ainharan , Suri Vanita , Dhiman Radha Krishan , Chawla Yogesh Kumar 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  Evaluate pregnancy outcome in women with extra hepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO).Material & Methods:  A total of 26 pregnancies in 14 women with EHPVO were evaluated for maternal and perinatal outcomes in a tertiary centre of Northern India. Fourteen pregnancies were evaluated prospectively while the details of 12 previous pregnancies in the same women were studied retrospectively.Results:  Mean age of pregnant women with EHPVO was 24.5 years and approximately one‐third were primigravidae. Only one patient was diagnosed as EHPVO in the index pregnancy. The presenting event was hematemesis in 71% of the patients; others presented with thrombosis, pain abdomen and jaundice or incidental splenomegaly. The incidence of abortion, preterm deliveries and still births was 20%, 15.4% and 7.7%, respectively. Underlying hypercoagulable and prothrombotic state was diagnosed in around one‐fifth of the patients. Half of these women required platelet transfusion in the intrapartum period due to hypersplenism resulting in thrombocytopenia. Anemia was seen in 40% of the patients; however, no other major complications were seen as a result of EHPVO. The vaginal delivery rate and obstetrical outcome were similar as in general population.Conclusion:  Pregnancy outcome is expected to be successful in women with EHPVO if disease is adequately controlled prior to pregnancy.
Mesna, doxorubicin, ifosfamide and dacarbazine chemotherapy for uterine leiomyosarcoma: A report of two cases
Authors: Minobe Shinichiro , Todo Yukiharu , Suzuki Yoshihiro , Aoyagi Yukiko , Umazume Takeshi , Okamoto Kazuhira , Kato Hidenori 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe prognosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is notoriously poor and a standard chemotherapy for patients with uterine LMS has not yet been established. Here, we describe two patients with recurrent LMS of the uterus who were treated with mesna, doxorubicin, ifosfamide and dacarbazine chemotherapy; one achieved complete and the other partial remission.
3D/4D sonographic evaluation of amniotic band syndrome in early pregnancy: A supplement to 2D ultrasound
Authors: Hata Toshiyuki , Tanaka Hirokazu , Noguchi Junko 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe present two cases of amniotic band syndrome diagnosed using two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound with three‐dimensional (3D)/four‐dimensional (4D) ultrasound in early pregnancy. In Case 1, at 13 weeks' gestation, multiple amniotic bands, acrania, the absence of fingers and amputation of the toes bilaterally were clearly shown using transvaginal 3D/4D ultrasound. In Case 2, at 15 weeks' gestation, several amniotic bands, acrania and a cleft lip were depicted with transabdominal 3D/4D ultrasound. The spatial relationship between the amniotic bands and the fetus was clearly visualized and easily discernible by 3D/4D ultrasound. The parents and families could readily understand the fetal conditions and undergo counseling; they then choose the option of termination of pregnancy. 3D/4D ultrasound has the potential to be a supplement to conventional 2D ultrasound in evaluating amniotic band syndrome.
Brain temperature: heat production, elimination and clinical relevance
Authors: Bertolizio Gianluca , Mason Linda , Bissonnette Bruno 
Published: March 2011

SummaryNeurological insults are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, both in adults and especially in children. Among possible therapeutic strategies to limit clinical cerebral damage and improve outcomes, hypothermia remains a promising and beneficial approach. However, its advantages are still debated after decades of use. Studies in adults have generated conflicting results, whereas in children recent data even suggest that hypothermia may be detrimental. Is it because brain temperature physiology is not well understood and/or not applied properly, that hypothermia fails to convince clinicians of its potential benefits? Or is it because hypothermia is not, as believed, the optimal strategy to improve outcome in patients affected with an acute neurological insult? This review article should help to explain the fundamental physiological principles of brain heat production, distribution and elimination under normal conditions and discuss why hypothermia cannot yet be recommended routinely in the management of children affected with various neurological insults.
THE DUTCH NATIONAL LANDSCAPES 1975−2010: POLICIES, AIMS AND RESULTS
Authors: RENES HANS 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTDuring the last ten years, the aesthetic qualities of rural areas have become a growing concern among Dutch policy‐makers as well as among the general public. Especially the ribbon‐like development of industrial estates along the main motorways attracts attention. In August 2008 the Minister of the Environment and Spatial Planning proposed the designation of nine so‐called national motorway‐panoramas to safeguard a number of the most characteristic views from the motorways. These panoramas are situated where motorways cross the National Landscapes that were designated some years earlier. They strengthen the case of the national landscapes, but at the same time illustrate the weakness of this type of area proving it insufficient to stop developments. This paper focuses on the national landscapes and gives a critical overview of the aims and limitations of this concept.
EVAGRIUS PONTICUS AND THE EASTERN MONASTIC TRADITION ON THE INTELLECT AND THE PASSIONS
Authors: STEWART COLUMBA 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEvagrius Ponticus (c. 345–399) combined the resources of Hellenistic philosophy, the theologies of Origen and the Cappadocians, and Egyptian monastic practice to create a comprehensive view of spiritual development, within which he placed a sophisticated study of the human passions. His main tools in this study were an adapted version of Platonic tripartite anthropology and his own system of eight “generic thoughts.” Freedom from control by irrational passions would allow a monk to gain deeper insight into the meaning of Scripture, experience communion with God in “pure prayer,” and love other people in freedom. Evagrius' influence on later eastern and western Christian traditions was profound, though often obscured by his controversial reputation.
WITTGENSTEIN ON FAITH, RATIONALITY AND THE PASSIONS
Authors: MULHALL STEPHEN 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis short article discusses three erroneous interpretations of Wittgenstein's few remarks on the relation between religion, reason and the passions: (1) that the role he allots to pictures in religious discourse commits him to a certain form of expressivism; (2) that the heart and the intellect are essentially opposed in the context of faith; and (3) (in what is thought to be a Kierkegaardian vein) that the passionate heat of faith stands in simple opposition to the doctrinal chill of wisdom. In each case, these misinterpretations result from a failure to appreciate the depth and consistency of his commitment to a conception of the believing human being in which heart, mind, body and soul are fundamentally integrated.
Interventions to reduce the vasovagal reaction rate in young whole blood donors
Authors: Tomasulo Peter , Kamel Hany , Bravo Marjorie , James Robert C. , Custer Brian 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: There have been multiple reports concerning the predictors of fainting reactions in blood donors, but few attempts to reduce the rates of fainting reactions with concomitant rigorous attempts to monitor the success of the interventions.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We used a retrospective observational cohort study design, comparing the likelihood of reaction from 213,031 allogeneic whole blood donations made by 17‐ to 22‐year‐old donors in two separate 12‐month periods before and after the implementation of interventions to reduce reactions. The interventions were 1) a limit on the maximum percentage of estimated blood volume young donors could donate, 2) encouraging applied muscle tension during donation, and 3) providing approximately 500 mL of water before donation. Reactions were defined by severity and time in relation to the end of phlebotomy and documented according to standard procedures. Data analysis included comparison of stratified reaction rates and multivariable logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: The interventions decreased the aggregate reaction rates in male and female donors by 24% (p < 0.0001). There was a 25% decrease in delayed reactions (p = 0.0006) and a 38% decrease in off‐site reactions (p = 0.001) in female donors. The impact of the three interventions together on reaction rate was greater than the combined impact of exercises and water provision. Multivariable modeling showed that the interventions reduced reactions but did not prevent their occurrence in identified higher risk groups.CONCLUSION: The interventions to reduce vasovagal reactions in whole blood donors were effective. Future efforts to reduce reactions in blood donors can build on the strengths and avoid the weaknesses identified while conducting and analyzing the data from this study.
Detection of autologous blood doping with adaptively evaluated biomarkers of doping: a longitudinal blinded study
Authors: Pottgiesser Torben , Sottas Pierre‐Edouard , Echteler Tobias , Robinson Neil , Umhau Markus , Schumacher Yorck Olaf 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Since no direct detection method for autologous blood transfusions exists, the most promising attempt is the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) and its adaptive model that enables a longitudinal monitoring of hematologic measures to identify patterns of blood manipulations. The purpose therefore was to evaluate the performance of this adaptive model for the detection of autologous blood transfusions in a longitudinal blinded setting.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty‐one subjects were divided into a doped group (multiple transfusions of 1‐2 units of red blood cells, n = 11) and a control group (n = 10). The time course of a cycling season (42 weeks) was simulated including three major competitions (Classics, Grand Tour, World Championships). Up to 10 venous blood samples were ordered per subject by a blinded investigator mimicking the intelligent approach in obtaining hematologic data for the adaptive model (hemoglobin [Hb] concentration, reticulocyte percentage, OFF‐score).RESULTS: Retrospective analysis allowed identification of four (probability >99%) or three (probability >99.9%) abnormal samples for Hb and eight (probability >99%) or five (probability >99.9%) abnormal samples for OFF‐hr in doped subjects. Four doped subjects (36%) presented an abnormal OFF‐hr sequence and three doped subjects (27%) an abnormal Hb sequence; there were no false‐positive sequence results. The best possible sensitivity was 82% when a combination of all tests was used.CONCLUSIONS: This investigation provides evidence that the adaptive model allows detection of autologous blood transfusions with a good sensitivity. An intelligent testing approach and the adherence to World Anti‐Doping Agency's ABP operating guidelines are nevertheless determinant in the success.
Placenta perfusion has hematopoietic and mesenchymal progenitor stem cell potential
Authors: Tsagias Nikos , Koliakos Iro , Lappa Maria , Karagiannis Vasileios , Koliakos George G. 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: Placenta is a valuable source of stem cells for cell therapy and future application in the field of regenerative medicine. This is due to the plasticity and the immunomodulatory effects of the stem cells that it contains. In this study we present a totally closed method for hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic stem cell isolation from human term placenta.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixty‐eight placenta units were collected and manipulated for the residual fetal blood drainage. After delivery, placenta flushing with citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose‐adenine was evaluated.RESULTS: Placenta flushing using a totally closed system led to a significant amount of hematopoietic progenitor cells and multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) without additional microbial risk, free of maternal cell contamination.CONCLUSION: Traditionally discarded after childbirth, the term placenta now appears to be an easily accessible and abundant source of diverse origin stem cells suitable for banking strategies and for future clinical applications, including adult therapy.