bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Reduced immunomodulation potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells induced CCR4+CCR6+Th/Treg cell subset imbalance in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Wu Yanfeng , Ren Mingliang , Yang Rui , Liang Xinjun , Ma Yuanchen , Tang Yong , Huang Lin , Ye Jichao , Chen Keng , Wang Peng , Shen Huiyong 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease, and the precise pathogenesis is largely unknown at present. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory potential and Th17/Treg cells with a reciprocal relationship regulated by BMSCs have been reported to be involved in some autoimmune disorders. Here we studied the biological and immunological characteristics of BMSCs, the frequency and phenotype of CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cells and their interaction in vitro in AS.

Methods
The biological and immunomodulation characteristics of BMSCs were examined by induced multiple-differentiation and two-way mixed peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) reactions or after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin, respectively. The interactions of BMSCs and PBMCs were detected with a direct-contact co-culturing system. CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cells and surface markers of BMSCs were assayed using flow cytometry.

Results
The AS-BMSCs at active stage showed normal proliferation, cell viability, surface markers and multiple differentiation characteristics, but significantly reduced immunomodulation potential (decreased 68 ± 14%); the frequencies of Treg and Fox-P3+ cells in AS-PBMCs decreased, while CCR4+CCR6+ Th cells increased, compared with healthy donors. Moreover, the AS-BMSCs induced imbalance in the ratio of CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cells by reducing Treg/PBMCs and increasing CCR4+CCR6+ Th/PBMCs, and also reduced Fox-P3+ cells when co-cultured with PBMCs. Correlation analysis showed that the immunomodulation potential of BMSCs has significant negative correlations with the ratio of CCR4+CCR6+ Th to Treg cells in peripheral blood.

Conclusions
The immunomodulation potential of BMSCs is reduced and the ratio of CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cells is imbalanced in AS. The BMSCs with reduced immunomodulation potential may play a novel role in AS pathogenesis by inducing CCR4+CCR6+ Th/Treg cell imbalance.
Multisensor-Koordinatenmesstechnik zur Erfassung dimensioneller Messgrößen
Authors: Wiedenhöfer Thomas 
Published: February 2011

Zusammenfassung
Die Anforderungen an die Koordinatenmesstechnik haben in den letzten beiden Jahrzehnten rasant zugenommen. Die Messobjekte sind bei steigender Anzahl an Prüfmerkmalen zunehmend komplexer, die Taktzyklen kürzer, und die zu prüfenden Toleranzen enger geworden. Die Messaufgaben können häufig nicht mehr mit nur einem Messgerät bzw. Sensorprinzip allein bewältigt werden. Mit Multisensor-Koordinatenmessgeräten wird eine höhere Flexibilität erreicht. Messungen mit mehreren Sensoren können in einem Messablauf durchgeführt werden. Zeit und Kosten werden gespart, und die Messunsicherheit wird reduziert. Multisensor-Koordinatenmessgeräte haben deshalb heute eine weite Verbreitung im industriellen Messwesen erreicht.
Vitamin D absorption: consequences of gastric bypass surgery
Authors: Aarts Edo , van Groningen Lenneke , Horst Ronald , Telting Darryl , van Sorge Adriaan , Janssen Ignace , de Boer Hans 
Published: February 2011

BackgroundSevere vitamin D deficiency is a common finding in morbid obesity, and the incidence increases markedly after RYGB. Normalization of vitamin D levels after RYGB is difficult to achieve because the degree of surgery-induced malabsorption is not known.ObjectiveTo develop a test that quantifies the changes in intestinal cholecalciferol absorption induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.MethodsAbsorption characteristics of cholecalciferol were studied in 14 morbidly obese, premenopausal women before and 4 weeks after laparoscopic RYGB. Serum cholecalciferol levels were measured at baseline and 1, 2, 3, and 14 days after a single oral dose of 50 000 IU solubilized cholecalciferol.ResultsPeak serum cholecalciferol levels were observed on day 1 in all patients. They were 26.6±3.7% lower after RYGB (P=0.02). Inter-individual variability was high.ConclusionPeak cholecalciferol levels are reduced by about 25% after RYGB. Further analysis suggested that the timing of sampling in the current study was not optimal. This might have caused an underestimation of the true decrease in cholecalciferol absorption induced by RYGB.
Rhabdoviruses in Two Species of Drosophila: Vertical Transmission and a Recent Sweep
Authors: Longdon Ben , Wilfert Lena , Obbard Darren J , Jiggins Francis M 
Published: February 2011

AbstractInsects are host to a diverse range of vertically transmitted micro-organisms, but while their bacterial symbionts are well-studied, little is known about their vertically transmitted viruses. We have found that two sigma viruses (Rhabdoviridae) recently discovered in Drosophila affinis and Drosophila obscura are both vertically transmitted. As is the case for the sigma virus of Drosophila melanogaster, we find that both males and females can transmit these viruses to their offspring. Males transmit lower viral titers through sperm than females transmit through eggs, and a lower proportion of their offspring become infected. In natural populations of D. obscura in the United Kingdom, we found that 39% of flies were infected and that the viral population shows clear evidence of a recent expansion, with extremely low genetic diversity and a large excess of rare polymorphisms. Using sequence data we estimate that the virus has swept across the United Kingdom within the past ∼11 years, during which time the viral population size doubled approximately every 9 months. Using simulations based on our lab estimates of transmission rates, we show that the biparental mode of transmission allows the virus to invade and rapidly spread through populations at rates consistent with those measured in the field. Therefore, as predicted by our simulations, the virus has undergone an extremely rapid and recent increase in population size. In light of this and earlier studies of a related virus in D. melanogaster, we conclude that vertically transmitted rhabdoviruses may be common in insects and that these host–parasite interactions can be highly dynamic.
Timing of Excess Weight Gain in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Authors: Hughes Adrienne R. , Sherriff Andrea , Lawlor Debbie A. , Ness Andrew R. , Reilly John J. 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVES:
To test the hypothesis that most excess weight gain occurs by school entry in a large sample of English children, and to determine when the greatest gain in excess weight occurred between birth and 15 years.

METHODS:
Longitudinal data were collected annually from birth to 15 years in 625 children. Weight and BMI at each time point were expressed relative to UK 1990 growth reference as z scores. Excess weight gain was calculated as the group increase in weight and BMI z scores between specific time periods.

RESULTS:
Weight z score did not increase from birth to 5 years (mean difference: 0.04 [95% confidence interval (CI): −0.03–0.12] P = .30) but increased from 5 to 9 years (mean difference: 0.19 [95% CI: 0.14–0.23] P &lt; .001). BMI z score increased from 7 to 9 years (mean difference: 0.22 [95% CI: 0.18–0.26] P &lt; .001), with no evidence of a large increase before 7 years and after 9 years.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our results do not support the hypothesis that most excess weight gain occurs in early childhood in contemporary English children. Excess weight gain was substantial in mid-childhood, with more gradual increases in early childhood and adolescence, which indicates that interventions to prevent excess weight should focus on school-aged children and adolescents as well as the preschool years.
Longitudinal Validation of the Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids in Pediatric Practices
Authors: Chipps Bradley , Zeiger Robert S. , Murphy Kevin , Mellon Michael , Schatz Michael , Kosinski Mark , Lampl Kathy , Ramachandran Sulabha 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE:
The 5-item, caregiver-completed Test for Respiratory and Asthma Control in Kids (TRACK) was developed and validated primarily in asthma-specialist practices to monitor respiratory control in preschool-aged children. This longitudinal study in children treated by pediatricians evaluated the responsiveness of TRACK to changes in respiratory- and asthma-control status over time and further assessed TRACK's reliability and validity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Caregivers of children younger than 5 years with symptoms consistent with asthma within the past year (N = 438) completed TRACK at 2 clinic visits separated by 4 to 6 weeks. Physicians were blinded to caregiver assessment, completed a guidelines-based respiratory-control survey at both visits, and were asked whether the visit resulted in a change in therapy. Responsiveness of TRACK to change in respiratory-control status over time was evaluated; reliability and discriminant validity were assessed.

RESULTS:
Mean changes in TRACK scores from the initial to follow-up visits differed in the expected direction in subsets of children whose clinical status improved, remained unchanged, or worsened based on physicians' and caregivers' assessments (P &lt; .001). Mean TRACK scores also differed significantly (P &lt; .001) across patient subsets, with lower scores (indicating poorer control) in children classified as very poorly controlled, in those who required a step-up in therapy, and in those who had 4 or more episodes or attacks of wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath per week in the past 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS:
The present study extends the validity and reliability of TRACK by demonstrating its responsiveness to change in respiratory-control status over time in preschool-aged children with symptoms consistent with asthma.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Cephalexin Versus Clindamycin for Uncomplicated Pediatric Skin Infections
Authors: Chen Aaron E. , Carroll Karen C. , Diener-West Marie , Ross Tracy , Ordun Joyce , Goldstein Mitchell A. , Kulkarni Gaurav , Cantey J. B. , Siberry George K. 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE:To compare clindamycin and cephalexin for treatment of uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) caused predominantly by community-associated (CA) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We hypothesized that clindamycin would be superior to cephalexin (an antibiotic without MRSA activity) for treatment of these infections.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Patients aged 6 months to 18 years with uncomplicated SSTIs not requiring hospitalization were enrolled September 2006 through May 2009. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to 7 days of cephalexin or clindamycin; primary and secondary outcomes were clinical improvement at 48 to 72 hours and resolution at 7 days. Cultures were obtained and tested for antimicrobial susceptibilities, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin status.RESULTS:Of 200 enrolled patients, 69% had MRSA cultured from wounds. Most MRSA were USA300 or subtypes, positive for Panton-Valentine leukocidin, and clindamycin susceptible, consistent with CA-MRSA. Spontaneous drainage occurred or a drainage procedure was performed in 97% of subjects. By 48 to 72 hours, 94% of subjects in the cephalexin arm and 97% in the clindamycin arm were improved (P = .50). By 7 days, all subjects were improved, with complete resolution in 97% in the cephalexin arm and 94% in the clindamycin arm (P = .33). Fevers and age less than 1 year, but not initial erythema &gt; 5 cm, were associated with early treatment failures, regardless of antibiotic used.CONCLUSIONS:There is no significant difference between cephalexin and clindamycin for treatment of uncomplicated pediatric SSTIs caused predominantly by CA-MRSA. Close follow-up and fastidious wound care of appropriately drained, uncomplicated SSTIs are likely more important than initial antibiotic choice.
Up-to-Date Haemophilus influenzae Type b Vaccination Coverage During a Vaccine Shortage
Authors: White Karen E. , Pabst Laura J. , Cullen Karen A. 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVES:
We sought to assess Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination coverage in diverse areas of the United States during the 2008–2009 Hib vaccine shortage. Interim recommendations for Hib vaccination during the shortage called for deferral of the booster dose only among children not at high risk for disease; the primary series given during the first year of life continued to be recommended for all children.

METHODS:
Vaccination data on ∼123 000 children were collected from 8 Immunization Information System (IIS) sentinel sites. Completion of the primary Hib series (with 2 or 3 doses depending on vaccine type) by 9 months old during the vaccine shortage was compared with coverage of 2 vaccines given at similar ages (7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and diphtheria, tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine) in children born between November 1, 2007, and March 31, 2008.

RESULTS:
During the shortage period, Hib vaccination coverage for the primary series was 7.8 to 10.3 percentage points lower than diphtheria, tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine and 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine coverage for children by the age of 9 months in 7 of 8 sentinel sites.

CONCLUSIONS:
A significant decrease in Hib vaccination coverage for the primary series was observed and was consistent across several US localities. Close collaboration between the public health community and vaccine providers is essential during vaccine shortages to ensure that interim vaccination recommendations are clear, widely disseminated, and closely followed, and that access to available vaccine supplies is maintained.
Statewide NICU Central-Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Rates Decline After Bundles and Checklists
Authors: Schulman Joseph , Stricof Rachel , Stevens Timothy P. , Horgan Michael , Gase Kathleen , Holzman Ian R. , Koppel Robert I. , Nafday Suhas , Gibbs Kathleen , Angert Robert , Simmonds Aryeh , Furdon Susan A. , Saiman Lisa ,   the New York State Regional Perinatal Care Centers
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE:
In 2008, all 18 regional referral NICUs in New York state adopted central-line insertion and maintenance bundles and agreed to use checklists to monitor maintenance-bundle adherence and report checklist use. We sought to confirm whether adopting standardized bundles and using central-line maintenance checklists reduced central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI).

METHODS:
This was a prospective cohort study that enrolled all neonates with a central line who were hospitalized in any of 18 NICUs. Each NICU reported CLABSI and central-line utilization data and checklist use. We used χ2 to compare CLABSI rates in the preintervention (January to December 2007) versus the postintervention (March to December 2009) periods and Poisson regression to model adjusted CLABSI rates.

RESULTS:
Each study period included more than 55 000 central-line days and more than 200 000 patient-days. CLABSI rates decreased 67% statewide (risk ratio: 0.33 [95% confidence interval: 0.27–0.41]; P &lt; .0005); after adjusting for the altered central-line–associated bloodstream infection definition in 2008, by 40% (risk ratio: 0.60 [95% confidence interval: 0.48–0.75]; P &lt; .0005). A total of 13 of 18 NICUs reported using maintenance checklists for 10% to 100% of central-line days. The checklist-use rate was associated with the CLABSI rate (coefficient: −0.57, P = .04). A total of 10 of 18 NICUs were independent CLABSI rate predictors, ranging from 1 site with greatly reduced risk (incidence rate ratio: 0.04, P &lt; .0005) to 1 site with greatly increased risk (incidence rate ratio: 2.87, P &lt; .0005).

CONCLUSIONS:
Although standardizing central-line care elements led to a significant statewide decline in NICU CLABSIs, site of care remains an independent risk factor. Using maintenance checklists reduced CLABSIs.
Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: Targeted Therapies and Individualized Treatment
Authors: Aggarwal Rahul , Ryan Charles J. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Various molecular mechanisms have been implicated in the progression from hormone-sensitive to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Novel targeted agents to treat CRPC have been developed that inhibit either androgen receptor (AR)-mediated signaling (AR antagonists and inhibitors of androgen synthesis) or non–AR-mediated signaling (inhibitors of Src, mammalian target of rapamycin, chaperone proteins, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and endothelin-A receptor) pathways. However, variable efficacy has been observed in clinical trials, most likely because of the biologic heterogeneity of CRPC. To account for potential differences in disease biology, a more individualized approach to treatment, based on genomic and/or proteomic analyses of individual tumors, is being investigated. By identifying tumors with a characteristic molecular subtype and assigning treatment accordingly, it is hoped that a higher proportion of patients will benefit from targeted therapy. Additionally, lessons learned through the application of these technologies to prostate cancer may subsequently influence therapeutic development in other solid tumors.
Role of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Predicting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Mak Raymond H. , Digumarthy Subba R. , Muzikansky Alona , Engelman Jeffrey A. , Shepard Jo-Anne O. , Choi Noah C. , Sequist Lecia V. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Purpose.
To compare 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with or without epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.

Methods.
We retrospectively identified NSCLC patients who underwent EGFR mutation testing and pretreatment FDG-PET and CT scans. The maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) of the primary tumor and any metastases was measured and normalized to the SUV of blood in the pulmonary artery. We compared normalized SUVmax values between EGFR-mutant and wild-type patients and modeled radiographic and clinical predictors of EGFR mutation status. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify potential SUV cutoffs predictive of genotype.

Results.
We included 100 patients (24 EGFR-mutant and 76 wild-type). There was a trend for higher normalized SUVmax in the primary tumors among patients with EGFR-wild-type versus mutant (median, 3.4; range, 0.6–12.8; versus median, 2.9; range, 0.4–5.0; p = .09). Normalized SUVmax of nodal and distant metastases, and CT characteristics were not associated with genotype. On multivariate analysis, low normalized SUVmax of the primary tumor was predictive for EGFR mutation (odds ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.98; p = .034). ROC curve analyses yielded an area under the curve of 0.62, and identified a potential cutoff of ≥5.0 to distinguish wild-type from mutant tumors.

Conclusions.
In this retrospective study, high FDG avidity (normalized SUVmax ≥5) correlated with EGFR-wild-type genotype. Although genotyping remains the gold standard, further work to validate FDG-PET as a surrogate for tumor genotype may provide useful information in patients without available tumor tissue.
A Review of an Unfavorable Subset of Breast Cancer: Estrogen Receptor Positive Progesterone Receptor Negative
Authors: Thakkar Jigisha P. , Mehta Divyesh G. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractEstrogen receptor (ER)+ progesterone receptor (PR)− tumors are a distinct subset of breast cancers characterized by aggressive behavior and tamoxifen resistance in spite of being ER+. They are categorized as luminal B tumors and have greater genomic instability and a higher proliferation rate. High growth factor (GF) signaling and membranous ER activity contribute to the aggressive behavior of these tumors. The absence of PR is attributable to low serum estrogen, low levels of nuclear ER, and features of molecular crosstalk between GFs and membranous ER. PR expression is also downregulated by expression of mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRvIII). This subset of patients has greater expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-1 and HER-2 and active GF signaling mediated by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase–Akt–mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Currently, aromatase inhibitors, fulvestrant, and chemotherapy may be the favored treatment approaches for this subset of patients. Overcoming tamoxifen resistance with targeted therapies such as gefitinib is being evaluated and strategies involving short courses of tamoxifen have been postulated for prevention of recurrence of this subtype. Understanding the interplay between molecular endocrinology and tumor biology has provided experimental therapeutic insights, and continued work in this area holds the promise of future advances in prognosis.
Progression of Periodontitis in a Sample of Regular and Irregular Compliers Under Maintenance Therapy: A 3‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Oliveira Costa Fernando , Miranda Cota Luís Otávio , Pereira Lages Eugênio José , Medeiros Lorentz Telma Campos , Soares Dutra Oliveira Alcione Maria , Dutra Oliveira Peterson Antônio , Costa José Eustáquio 
Published: February 2011

Background: To our knowledge, prospective studies (matched for sex, smoking, and diabetes) that investigated the influence of compliance in the progression of periodontitis and tooth loss in periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) programs were not previously reported.Methods: A total of 58 regular complier (RC) and 58 erratic complier (EC) individuals were recruited from a prospective cohort with 238 patients under PMT and matched by sex, diabetes, and smoking habits. A full‐mouth periodontal examination that included bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depths (PDs), clinical attachment levels, and number of teeth were determined at all PMT visits during a 3‐year interval. The influence of variables of interest was tested through multivariate logistic regression.Results: The progression of periodontitis and tooth loss was significantly lower among RC compared to EC patients. A higher progression of periodontitis was observed among EC patients who smoked. The final logistic model for the progression of periodontitis in the RC group included smoking (odds ratio [OR]: 4.2) and >30% of sites with BOP (OR: 2.8), and the final logistic model for the progression of periodontitis in the EC group included smoking (OR: 7.3), >30% of sites with BOP (OR: 3.2), PDs of 4 to 6 mm in 10% of sites (OR: 3.5), diabetes (OR: 1.9), and number of lost teeth (OR: 3.1).Conclusions: RC patients presented a lower progression of periodontitis and tooth loss compared to EC patients. This result highlighted the influence of the pattern of compliance in maintaining a good periodontal status. Moreover, important risk variables such as smoking and diabetes influenced the periodontal status and should be considered when determining the risk profile and interval time for PMT visits.