bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Activity Predicts Prognosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Suzuki Yuzo , Suda Takafumi , Asada Kazuhiro , Miwa Seiichi , Suzuki Masako , Fujie Michio , Furuhashi Kazuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Inui Naoki , Shirai Toshihiro , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Nakamura Hirotoshi , Chida Kingo 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTTuberculosis (TB) continues to be a major health problem, and there are few biomarkers for predicting prognosis. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a potent immunoregulatory molecule, catalyzes the rate-limiting step of tryptophan (Trp) degradation in the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway. An increase in IDO activity determined by the serum Trp/Kyn ratio has been shown to be associated with poor prognosis in cancers and bacteremia. In TB, however, there are no studies measuring serum IDO activity to determine its clinical significance. We evaluated serum IDO activity with 174 pulmonary TB (PTB) patients and 85 controls, using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. IDO activity was estimated by calculating the serum Kyn-to-Trp ratio. PTB patients had significantly higher Kyn concentrations and IDO activity and significantly lower Trp concentrations (P< 0.0001,P< 0.0001, andP< 0.0001, respectively) than the controls. Of 174 PTB patients, 39 (22.4%) died. The patients who died had significantly higher concentrations of Kyn and significantly lower Trp concentrations, resulting in significantly higher IDO activity (P< 0.0001,P< 0.0001, andP< 0.0001, respectively). In a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, serum IDO activity had the highest area under the curve (0.850), and this activity was an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis. These results suggest that serum IDO activity can be used as a novel prognostic marker in PTB.
Prospective Evaluation of Commercial Antibody-Based Rapid Tests in Combination with a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification PCR Assay for Detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi during the Acute Phase of Scrub Typhus Infection
Authors: Blacksell Stuart D. , Paris Daniel H. , Chierakul Wirongrong , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Teeratakul Achara , Kantipong Pacharee , Day Nicholas P. J. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT

Samples from 160 prospectively recruited febrile patients with typhus-like illness in an area of Thailand (Chiang Rai, northern Thailand) where scrub typhus is endemic were used to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of four rapid immunochromatographic tests (ICTs) for the detection of
Orientia tsutsugamushi
IgM and total antibodies during acute scrub typhus infection. Of the 160 cases, 54 (34%) had been confirmed to have scrub typhus using the reference scrub typhus infection criteria (STIC), i.e., positive cell culture isolation, an admission IgM antibody titer of ≥1:12,800, a 4-fold rising IgM antibody titer, and/or positivity for ≥2 out of 3 PCR gene targets). The ICTs gave the following sensitivities and specificities: the Panbio IgM ICT, 46% (95% confidence interval [CI], 33 to 60) and 95% (95% CI, 89 to 98), respectively; the Standard Diagnostics IgM ICT, 68% (95% CI, 60 to 75) and 73% (95% CI, 68 to 78), respectively; the AccessBio IgM ICT, 56% (95% CI, 48 to 63) and 90% (95% CI, 87 to 94), respectively; and the AccessBio total antibody ABt ICT, 61% (95% CI, 53 to 68) and 68% (95% CI, 63 to 73), respectively. An isothermal loop amplification (LAMP) PCR assay for scrub typhus demonstrated a sensitivity of 52% (95% CI, 38 to 66) and a specificity of 94% (95% CI, 88 to 98). This study has revealed the diagnostic limitations of antibody-based assays in an acute care setting. However, the combination of ICTs with LAMP usually increased sensitivity with a minimal reduction in specificity. The best combination, the Panbio IgM ICT and LAMP, resulted in a sensitivity of 67% (95% CI, 53 to 79) and a specificity of 91% (95% CI, 83 to 95). The combination of antibody-based assays with DNA- or antigen-based tests shows promise for improved diagnostic sensitivity.
Significant expansion of the distribution of the bumble beeBombus moderatus(Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Alberta over 20 years1This paper is dedicated to the memory of Adolf Scholl.
Authors: Owen R.E. , Otterstatter M.C. , Cartar R.V. , Farmer A. , Colla S.R. , O’Toole N. 
Published: January 2012

Bombus moderatus Cresson, 1863 occurs in the northern and western regions of North America and reaches its southern limit in Alberta. In 1915, the southernmost record was Banff; by 1987, it had appeared in Kananaskis Country, 40 km southeast of Banff, and by 2010, it had spread 80 km farther east to become one of the more common bumble bee species in Calgary, where it had never been previously recorded. This represents a rate of spread over the last 20 years of about 4 km/year. The simplest hypothesis that can account for this change is that it is just a continuation of the natural expansion of its range since the end of the last ice age. An alternative hypothesis is that it is filling the niche vacated as a result of the decline in another species, Bombus occidentalis Greene, 1858.
Mammography Screening and Risk of Breast Cancer Death: A Population-Based Case–Control Study
Authors: Otto Suzie J. , Fracheboud Jacques , Verbeek André L.M. , Boer Rob , Reijerink-Verheij Jacqueline C.I.Y. , Otten Johannes D.M. , Broeders Mireille J.M. , de Koning Harry J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Background: Because the efficacy of mammography screening had been shown in randomized controlled trials, the focus has turned on its effectiveness within the daily practice. Using individual data of women invited to screening, we conducted a case–control study to assess the effectiveness of the Dutch population–based program of mammography screening.
Methods: Cases were women who died from breast cancer between 1995 and 2003 and were closely matched to five controls on year of birth, year of first invitation, and number of invitations before case's diagnosis. ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between attending either of three screening examinations prior to diagnosis and the risk of breast cancer death were calculated using conditional logistic regression and corrected for self-selection bias.
Results: We included 755 cases and 3,739 matched controls. Among the cases, 29.8% was screen-detected, 34.3% interval-detected, and 35.9% never-screened. About 29.5% of the never-screened cases had stage IV tumor compared with 5.3% of the screen-detected and 15.1% of the interval-detected cases. The OR (95% CIs), all ages (49–75 years), was 0.51 (0.40–0.66) and for the age groups 50–69, 50–75, and 70–75 years were 0.61 (0.47–0.79), 0.52 (CI 0.41–0.67), and 0.16 (0.09–0.29), respectively.
Conclusion: The study provides evidence for a beneficial effect of early detection by mammography screening in reducing the risk of breast cancer death among women invited to and who attended the screening.
Impact: This is the first case–control study that accurately accounts for equal screening opportunity for both cases and matched controls by number of invitations before case's diagnosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 66–73. ©2011 AACR.
Lead, Calcium Uptake, and Related Genetic Variants in Association with Renal Cell Carcinoma Risk in a Cohort of Male Finnish Smokers
Authors: Southard Emily B. , Roff Alanna , Fortugno Tracey , Richie John P. , Kaag Matthew , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Virtamo Jarmo , Albanes Demetrius , Weinstein Stephanie , Wilson Robin Taylor 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Background: Lead is classified as a probable human carcinogen. However, its role in renal cell cancer (RCC) has not been established. Calcium and vitamin D may off-set toxicity in vivo.
Methods: In this nested case–control study, whole blood lead, total serum calcium, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured in blood drawn prior to diagnosis among male smokers participating in the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in five genes (CALB1, TRPV5, TRPV6, VDR, and ALAD) related to lead toxicity or calcium transport were genotyped. Logistic and linear regressions were used to determine RCC risk and time to diagnosis (respectively), adjusting for other risk factors.
Results: Among 154 newly diagnosed cases and 308 matched controls, RCC was associated with higher whole blood lead [OR = 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0–3.9; quartile 4 (Q4) vs. Q1, Ptrend = 0.022] and CALB1 rs1800645 (Ptrend = 0.025, minor ‘T' allele frequency = 0.34). Higher total serum calcium (Ptrend ≤ 0.001) was associated with reduced RCC risk. Total serum calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels did not alter the association observed with lead. Time from enrollment to RCC diagnosis was positively associated with serum calcium (Ptrend = 0.002) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (Ptrend = 0.054) among cases.
Conclusions: Higher blood lead concentrations, below the 10 μg/dL level of concern, were associated with RCC, independent from serum calcium and CALB1 promoter polymorphism.
Impact: Increased risk of RCC is associated with lower serum calcium and higher whole blood lead in smokers. The clinical prognostic value of serum calcium and vitamin D in RCC should be further investigated. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 191–201. ©2011 AACR.
Patient Activation Increases Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates: A Randomized Trial among Low-Income Minority Patients
Authors: Katz Mira L. , Fisher James L. , Fleming Kelly , Paskett Electra D. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates remain low among low-income and minority populations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether providing patients with screening information, activating them to ask for a screening test, and telephone barriers counseling improves CRC screening rates compared with providing screening information only.Methods: Patients were randomized to CRC screening information plus patient activation and barriers counseling (n = 138) or CRC screening information (n = 132). Barriers counseling was attempted among activated patients if screening was not completed after one month. CRC screening test completion was determined by medical record review at two months after the medical visit. Logistic regression was used to determine whether activated patients were more likely to complete CRC screening, after adjustment for confounding factors (e.g., demographic characteristics and CRC knowledge).Results: Patients were African American (72.2%), female (63.7%), had annual household incomes less than $20,000 (60.7%), no health insurance (57.0%), and limited health literacy skills (53.7%). In adjusted analyses, more patients randomized to the activation group completed a screening test (19.6% vs. 9.9%; OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.14–5.56; P = 0.020). In addition, more activated patients reported discussing screening with their provider (54.4% vs. 27.5%, OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.95–5.56; P &lt; 0.001) and had more screening tests ordered (39.1% vs. 17.6%; OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.88–6.15; P &lt; 0.001) compared with those in the control group.Conclusion: Patient activation increased CRC screening rates among low-income minority patients.Impact: Innovative strategies are still needed to increase CRC screening discussions, motivate providers to recommend screening to patients, as well as assist patients to complete ordered screening tests. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 45–52. ©2011 AACR.
Long-term Cancer Risk among People Diagnosed with AIDS during Childhood
Authors: Simard Edgar P. , Shiels Meredith S. , Bhatia Kishor , Engels Eric A. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) results in partial immune restoration for people with AIDS, but its impact on cancer risk among children is unknown.
Methods: Data from the U.S. HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study were used to evaluate cancer risk for people diagnosed with AIDS as children (diagnosed with AIDS at ages 0–14 years, during 1980–2007, followed for up to 10 years; N = 5,850). We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) to compare cancer risk to the general population. Poisson regression evaluated changes in cancer incidence between the pre-HAART (1980–1995) and HAART eras (1996–2007).
Results: There were 106 cancers observed with significantly elevated risks for the two major AIDS-defining cancers: Kaposi sarcoma [KS; N = 20, SIR = 1,694; 95% confidence interval (CI), 986–2,712 and SIR = 1,146; 95% CI, 236–3,349] during the pre-HAART and HAART eras, respectively, and non–Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; N = 64, SIR = 338; 95% CI, 242–458 and SIR = 116; 95% CI, 74–175). Incidence of both cancers declined 87% and 60%, respectively, in the HAART era (P &lt; 0.05). Of non–AIDS-defining cancers, leiomyosarcoma risk (N = 9) was elevated during both time periods (SIR = 863; 95% CI, 235–2,211 and SIR = 533; 95% CI, 173–1,243).
Conclusion: People diagnosed with AIDS during childhood remain at elevated risk for KS, NHL, and leiomyosarcoma in the HAART era. Incidence of KS and NHL declined relative to widespread HAART use, but there was no change in the incidence of other cancers.
Impact: People diagnosed with AIDS during childhood remain at elevated risk for certain cancers. Continued monitoring is warranted as this immunosuppressed population ages into adulthood where cancer risks generally increase. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 148–54. ©2011 AACR.
Adjunctive and Alternative Approaches to Current Reperfusion Therapy
Authors: Barreto Andrew D. , Alexandrov Andrei V. 
Published: January 2012

Background and Purpose—
Current ischemic stroke reperfusion therapy consists of intravenous thrombolysis given in eligible patients after review of a noncontrast CT scan and a time-based window of opportunity. Rapid clot lysis has a strong association with clinical improvement but remains incomplete in many patients. This review appraises novel adjunctive or alternative approaches to current reperfusion strategies being tested in all trial phases.

Summary of Review—
Alternative approaches to current reperfusion therapy can be separated into 4 main categories: (1) combinatory approaches with other drugs or devices; (2) novel systemic thrombolytic agents; (3) endovascular medical or mechanical reperfusion treatments; and (4) noninvasive or minimally invasive methods to augment cerebral blood flow and alleviate intracranial blood flow steal.

Conclusions—
Reperfusion treatments must be provided as fast as possible in patients most likely to benefit. Patients who fail to rapidly reperfuse may benefit from other strategies that maintain collateral flow or protect tissue at risk.
Netrin-1 Hyperexpression in Mouse Brain Promotes Angiogenesis and Long-Term Neurological Recovery After Transient Focal Ischemia
Authors: Lu Haiyan , Wang Yongting , He Xiaosong , Yuan Falei , Lin Xiaojie , Xie Bohua , Tang Guanghui , Huang Jun , Tang Yaohui , Jin Kunlin , Chen Shengdi , Yang Guo-Yuan 
Published: January 2012

Background and Purpose—
Netrin-1 (NT-1) stimulates endothelial cell proliferation and migration in vitro and promotes focal neovascularization in the adult brain in vivo. This in vivo study in mice investigated the effect of NT-1 hyperexpression on focal angiogenesis and long-term functional outcome after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO).

Methods—
Adeno-associated viral vectors carrying either the NT-1 gene (AAV–NT-1) or GFP (AAV-GFP) were generated and injected into the brains of separate groups of 93 mice. Seven days later, tMCAO followed by 7–28 days of reperfusion were carried out. Histological outcomes and behavioral deficits were quantified 7–28 days after tMCAO. Small cerebral vessel network and angiogenesis were assessed 28 days after tMCAO, using synchrotron radiation microangiography and immunohistochemistry.

Results—

Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that on the day of tMCAO, NT-1 hyperexpression had been achieved in both normal and ischemic hemispheres. Immunofluorescence imaging showed that NT-1 expression was primarily in neurons and astrocytes. Ischemia-induced infarction in the NT-1 hyperexpression group was attenuated in comparison to saline or AAV-GFP–treated groups (
P
<0.01). Similarly, neurological deficits were greatly improved in AAV–NT-1–treated mice compared with mice in saline or AAV-GFP–treated groups (
P
<0.05). In addition, angiogenesis was increased in AAV–NT-1–treated mice compared with the other 2 groups (
P
<0.05). In vivo synchrotron radiation microangiography 28 days after tMCAO revealed more branches in AAV–NT-1–treated mice than in other groups.

Conclusions—
AAV–NT-1 induced NT-1 hyperexpression before tMCAO reduced infarct size, enhanced neovascularization, and improved long-term functional recovery.
Impacts of a wildfire on the mortality rate and small-scale movements of a Hermann's tortoise Testudo hermanni hermanni population in southeastern France
Authors: Couturier Thibaut , Guérette Emmanuelle , Cheylan Marc , Besnard Aurélien 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBecause they have high longevity and a weak dispersal capacity, chelonians are known to be highly impacted by fire. We investigated the immediate demographic consequences of a wildfire occurring in 2009 on a population of Hermann's tortoises Testudo hermanni in the Plaine des Maures in southeastern France using the multistate capture–recapture method. Over two years (2009 and 2010), 108 adult individuals were marked. Survival probability was higher in the unburned (0.99) than in the burned area (0.43). The inter-annual transition probability from the burned to the unburned area was high (0.72). These results show that fire affects survival by immediately killing individuals and by inducing small-scale movements from burned to unburned areas.
Genetic diversity of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) in the South-West region of Hungary – first results
Authors: Jeney Zsigmond , Molnár Marcell , Magyary István , Lehoczky István , Zsolnai Attila , Molnár Tamás , Benedek Ildikó 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA set of five polymorphic microsatellite markers developed in Emydoidea blandingii was characterized for crossspecies amplification in the European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis. The markers were tested for polymorphism in a total of 155 turtles sampled in four natural habitats in the Danube-Drava National Park, South-West Hungary in order to determine the genetic diversity of European pond turtle populations and to check the functionality of existing ecological corridors in the region. The number of alleles varied from 5 to 24. Observed heterozygosity was moderate (0.43-0.55), while the level for expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.76 to 0.80. Significant heterozygote deficit was found in the populations accompanied by a low degree of genetic differentiation (FST ranges from 0.0166 to 0.0652). Wahlund effect was demonstrated in two populations. The ecological corridor between two water catchment areas (Lake Balaton and Drava River) fulfils its role only partially.
Reflections and Legal Analysis of the Relationship between “Religious Government and Human Rights” from the Perspective of Grand Ayatullāh Muntazirī
Authors: Hajatpour Reza 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis article discusses the book "Religious Government and Human Rights" (Hukūmat-i dīn-i wa huqūq-i insān) by the Shiite Grand Ayatullāh Husayn 'Alī Muntazirī (1922-2009). In this work, he explicitly tackles central issues of religious government and discusses its incongruity with human rights. He advocates the recognition of human rights along general lines, and positions himself firmly against absolutist Islamic rule, thereby undermining the concept of religious authority currently prevalent in the Islamic Republic. Muntazirī justifies these moves by applying the traditional method of jurisprudence (usūl al-fiqh), calls for re-arranging the system of how sections of the law are structured and even for the possibility of adding entirely new articles. Iğtihād for him is the renewal of jurisprudence in accordance with the Zeitgeist, with changing social conditions and with scientific discoveries. Jurisprudence, in contrast to revelation, is the work of man and can therefore be questioned and adapted in the light of the principles of reason ('aql). Muntazirī calls for a fresh review of jurisprudence based on the liberal human rights of our time. He also stresses the permanent and universal character of these natural and fundamental rights, which apply in all situations and under all conditions despite cultural and religious differences. For Muntazirī, these fundamental rights are deduced from the very essence of man's existence (insāniyat-i insān), which constitutes their only legitimate source. The roots for Muntazirī's oppositional and critical stance towards the Islamic Republic and its despotic system of rule lie first and foremost in his negative personal experiences with the system. Gradually, these gave way to a critical and more liberal concept of religion and political authority in his thought.
The Early Days of the European External Action Service: A Practitioner’s View
Authors: Spence David 
Published: January 2012

Summary
The proposal to create the European External Action Service (EEAS) seemed to be an acceptance by the European Union’s political elites that, in the post-Westphalian world, more attention needed to be given to collective European diplomacy rather than individual national diplomacy. Yet there was no guarantee that existing officials, whether from EU institutions or from the EU member states, would easily accept the related diplomatic norms and values. Melding different epistemic communities into one effective new diplomatic community is not a foregone conclusion. Europe’s new diplomatic service ‘an sich’ is not a diplomatic service ‘für sich’. While creating a team with a spirit of unity was the formal goal, ambiguities in the Lisbon Treaty’s articles on the EEAS have facilitated a major reassertion of bureaucratic politics, which are destined to keep Westphalian diplomacy alive and to produce even more turf battles and complexity. The mind-sets of the component parts of the EEAS are so diverse that, without serious discussion of these issues and concentrated training, creating a new European diplomacy will be difficult.
Potential Vorticity Accumulation Following Atmospheric Kelvin Waves in the Active Convective Region of the MJO
Authors: MacRitchie Kyle , Roundy Paul E. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Previous works have shown that most of the rainfall embedded within the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) occurs in large eastward-moving envelopes of enhanced convection known as super cloud clusters. Many of these superclusters have been identified as convectively coupled Kelvin waves. In this work, a simple composite-averaging technique diagnoses the linear and nonlinear contributions to MJO potential vorticity (PV) structure by convection collocated with Kelvin waves. Results demonstrate that PV is generated coincident with active convection in Kelvin waves, but that this PV remains in the environment after Kelvin wave passage and becomes part of the structure of the MJO. Analysis of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rainfall suggests that 62% of the total rainfall within the MJO occurs within the active convective phases of the Kelvin waves (88% higher than the rain rate that occurs outside of the Kelvin waves), supporting the hypothesis that diabatic heating in cloud clusters embedded within the Kelvin waves generates this PV.