bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single‐institution long‐term outcomes for patients receiving nonmyeloablative conditioning hematopoeitic cell transplantation for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and follicular lymphoma
Authors: Mortensen Bo K. , Petersen Søren L. , Kornblit Brian , Andersen Per K. , Braendstrup Peter , Andersen Niels S. , Sengeløv Henrik , Vindeløv Lars 
Published: May 2012

AbstractNon‐myeloablative conditioning hematopoietic cell transplantation (NMC‐HCT) has improved the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and follicular lymphoma (FL). In a cohort of 85 patients (45 with CLL and 40 with FL), we observed 5‐yr overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of 53% and 38% in the CLL group and 81% and 76% in the FL group. In the both the CLL group and the FL group, a strong trend toward better OS and PFS was observed among patients in complete remission (CR) at HCT. Within the FL group, sixteen patients had at one or more time points in their disease history had transformed FL. In contrast to the poor survival found in patients with transformed FL in previous studies, the 5‐yr OS was almost identical in patients with transformed and non‐transformed FL, 83% and 78%, respectively. In conclusion, our study supports that NMC‐HCT is a safe and efficacious treatment that can provide long‐term survival in elderly, heavily pretreated patients with FL and CLL. Especially patients with FL, and also transformed FL, seemed to have a great benefit of NMC‐HCT, and CR at the time of HCT was an important prognostic factor.
Claudin‐5 haploinsufficiency exacerbates UVB‐induced oedema formation by inducing lymphatic vessel leakage
Authors: Matsumoto‐Okazaki Yuuko , Furuse Mikio , Kajiya Kentaro 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAcute exposure of skin to ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation (290–320 nm) leads to epidermal hyperplasia, erythema and oedema formation. We have elucidated that UV irradiation induced the leakiness of cutaneous lymphatic vessels. Although these studies indicated a crucial role of the lymphatic integrity in skin inflammation, the mechanisms underlying its disruption by UVB exposure remain unknown. Here we demonstrated that a vascular‐specific tight junction molecule, claudin‐5 has an important role in lymphatics and skin inflammation. Claudin‐5+/− mice, whose claudin‐5 expression was greatly downregulated in skin, exacerbates oedema formation and inflammation by a low dose of UVB irradiation. Lymphatic vessels of claudin‐5+/− mice were markedly enlarged and leaky after low‐dose UVB exposure, compared with those of wild‐type mice, while the morphology of blood vessels were not different between groups. These results suggest that claudin‐5 in the lymphatic tight junction maintains lymphatic integrity and plays a protective role in skin inflammation.
Collagen XVII (BP180) modulates keratinocyte expression of the proinflammatory chemokine, IL‐8
Authors: Van den Bergh Françoise , Eliason Steven L. , Burmeister Brian T. , Giudice George J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCollagen XVII (COL17), a transmembrane protein expressed in epidermal keratinocytes (EK), is targeted by pathogenic autoantibodies in bullous pemphigoid. Treatment of EK with anti‐COL17 autoantibodies triggers the production of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we test the hypothesis that COL17 is involved in the regulation of the EK proinflammatory response, using IL‐8 expression as the primary readout. The absence of COL17 in EK derived from a junctional epidermolysis bullosa patient or shRNA‐mediated knockdown of COL17 in normal EK resulted in a dysregulation of IL‐8 responses under various conditions. The COL17‐deficient cells showed an abnormally high IL‐8 response after treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), ultraviolet‐B radiation or tumor necrosis factor, but exhibited a blunted IL‐8 response to phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate exposure. Induction of COL17 expression in COL17‐negative EK led to a normalization of the LPS‐induced proinflammatory response. Although α6β4 integrin was found to be up‐regulated in COL17‐deficient EK, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of the α6 and β4 subunits revealed that COL17's effects on the LPS IL‐8 response are not dependent on this integrin. In LPS‐treated cells, inhibition of NF‐kappa B activity in COL17‐negative EK resulted in a normalization of their IL‐8 response, and expression of an NF‐kappa B‐driven reporter was shown to be higher in COL17‐deficient, compared with normal EK. These findings support the hypothesis that COL17 plays an important regulatory role in the EK proinflammatory response, acting largely via NF‐kappa B. Future investigations will focus on further defining the molecular basis of this novel control network.
Effect of azithromycin, as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment, on microbiological parameters and gingival crevicular fluid biomarkers in generalized aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Emingil G. , Han B. , Özdemir G. , Tervahartiala T. , Vural C. , Atilla G. , Baylas H. , Sorsa T. 
Published: May 2012

Emingil G, Han B, Özdemir G, Tervahartiala T, Vural C, Atilla G, Baylas H, Sorsa T. The effect of azithromycin, as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal treatment, on microbiological parameters and gingival crevicular fluid biomarkers in generalized aggressive periodontitis. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 729–739. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  To study the effectiveness of azithromycin in combination with nonsurgical periodontal therapy on clinical and microbiological parameters, and on the MMP‐8 and TIMP‐1 levels in gingival crevicular fluid, over a 6‐mo time‐period in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis.Material and Methods:  Thirty‐two patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis were included in this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐arm study. They were randomly assigned to azithromycin or placebo groups (500 mg once daily for 3 d). Probing depth, clinical attachment levels, presence of bleeding on probing and plaque were recorded. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were obtained from one single‐rooted tooth, while microbiological samples were obtained from two single‐rooted teeth, all with a probing depth of ≥ 6 mm. Microbiological parameters were analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia and total bacteria. Gingival crevicular fluid biomarkers were determined by immunofluorometric assay and ELISA.Results:  All clinical parameters improved, and microbiological parameters and gingival crevicular fluid MMP‐8 levels significantly decreased, over the 6‐mo period (p < 0.05); both groups demonstrated similar improvements. The azithromycin group presented a higher percentage of deep pockets resolved (probing depth reduction of ≥ 3 mm from baseline) compared with the placebo group at 1 mo (p < 0.05).Conclusion:  Adjunctive azithromycin therapy provides no additional benefit over nonsurgical periodontal treatment on clinical parameters, microbiological parameters and gingival crevicular fluid biochemical markers investigated in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis.
Understanding precocious puberty in girls
Authors: Tirumuru Sakunthala Sahithi , Arya Pratibha , Latthe Pallavi , Kirk Jeremy 
Published: May 2012

Key content
Precocious puberty is defined as the development of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of 8 years in girls. It is divided into central (gonadotrophin‐dependent) precocious puberty and peripheral (gonadotrophin‐independent) precocious puberty.
Variants of premature sexual development include isolated premature thelarche, premature pubarche and isolated premature menarche (menstruation without other signs of puberty).
Possible consequences of precocious puberty include short adult stature due to premature epiphyseal closure and psychosocial problems.
Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone analogues are the mainstay of treatment for central precocious puberty.
Treatment options vary for peripheral precocious puberty, depending on the underlying aetiology. These include aromatase inhibitors, anti‐estrogens, anti‐androgens and tumour resection.
Combined consultation with or referral to a paediatric endocrinologist is indicated in all cases.
Learning objectives
To be aware of the normal development and milestones of puberty.
To understand the aetiology and diagnostic evaluation of the girl with precocious puberty.
To be aware of treatment modalities and multidisciplinary management.
Ethical issues
Should children with precocious puberty and severe brain dysfunction be given contraception and treated for behavioural problems on parental request?
Genetic and geographical structure in grapevines from northwestern Spain
Authors: Díaz‐Losada E. , Tato Salgado A. , Ramos‐Cabrer A.M. , Díaz‐Hernández B. , Pereira‐Lorenzo S. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe grapevine germplasm bank from Estación de Viticultura e Enoloxía de Galicia contains 110 accessions collected from more than 100‐year‐old grapevines from northwestern Spain. We identified 60 different genotypes (among which ‘Pinot Noir’ and ‘Shyrah’ were included as references) with 32 polymorphic microsatellites (SSRs), 21 of which were unlinked SSRs and without null alleles, which were used to detect genetic structure. We found four reconstructed populations that were highly differentiated by analysis of molecular variance (18.3%): (i) western Galician group (‘Caíño Bravo’); (ii) eastern Galician group (‘Merenzao’); (iii) Castilian group (‘Garnacha’) and (iv) southern Spanish group (‘Moscatel’). The greatest genetic differentiation was found between the western Galician/eastern Galician groups and the southern Spanish/Castilian groups, with Fst > 0.13. Western and eastern Galician groups contained most of the ancient Galician cultivars (86%) and included ancestors from central Europe, such as ‘Pinot Noir’ and ‘Shyrah’ in the western Galician group and the introgressant ‘Merenzao’ (French ‘Trousseau’) in the eastern Galician group; the Castilian and southern Spain groups included traditional cultivars from central and southern Spanish and suggest a further introduction of those cultivars in northwestern plantations. Genetic structure corresponded with East‐to‐West geographical differentiation in the northern Iberian Peninsula, following the old path to Santiago de Compostela from France, with the southern Spanish and Castilian groups in the East (Castilian plateau and southern Spain), the eastern Galician group and the western Galician group in the West. Five new relationships were discovered: ‘Caíño Bravo’/‘Caíño Longo2’, ‘Albarín Tinto’/‘Torrontés1’, ‘Treixadura’/‘Treixadura Francesa’, ‘Moscatel’/‘Moscatel de Bago Miúdo’ and ‘Moscatel’/‘Moscatel de Hamburgo’, indicating that hybridisation and further selection by growers have been the origin of most of the genetic diversity found in northwestern Spain.
Abnormal acute changes in upper limb muscle cortical representation areas in the patients with writer's cramp during co‐activation of distal and proximal muscles
Authors: Tyč F. , Boyadjian A. , Allam N. , Brasil‐Neto J. P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAimWe analysed cortical muscle representation areas during single muscle activation and during the co‐activation of several upper arm muscles in the patients with writer's cramp to determine the possible occurrence of abnormal dynamic somatotopic changes in M1, in addition to the static map abnormalities already described in this form of dystonia.MethodsUsing transcranial magnetic stimulation, we assessed cortical representations of medial deltoid, extensor carpi radialis and the first dorsal interosseus muscles in eight patients with writer's cramp and in eight healthy control subjects. Cortical maps were obtained during distal muscles' activation either in isolation or in conjunction with voluntary medial deltoid co‐activation.ResultsThis study showed a difference in the organization of cortical representations of these muscles between the patients with dystonia and control subjects. The first dorsal interosseus and the extensor carpi radialis cortical representation areas were larger in the dystonic group. The cortical representations became larger when the medial deltoid was simultaneously co‐activated, and this effect was not observed in the control group. In the dystonic group, the three cortical muscle representations largely overlapped and their centres of gravity were closer.ConclusionPatients with dystonia showed not only a different spatial organization of muscle cortical representation areas, but also abnormal acute somatotopic changes during proximal muscle co‐activation. Task‐specific motor impairment in writer's cramp may result not only from lack of cortical inhibition and the well‐known anomalous cortical organization observed in these patients, but also from abnormal patterns of proximo‐distal functional muscle coupling.
Practices and predictors of 2009 H1N1 vaccination in cancer patients: a nationwide survey in Korea
Authors: Shin Dong W. , Kim Yeol , Park Jong H. , Cho Juhee , Jho Hyun J. , Yang Hyung‐Kook , Kim Hyun S. , Kim So Y. 
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Shin et al. (2012) Practices and predictors of 2009 H1N1 vaccination in cancer patients: a nationwide survey in Korea. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(601), e120–e128.Background  Because patients with cancer are considered to be at high‐risk for influenza infection and related complications, annual vaccination is recommended. The emergence of the novel H1N1 influenza virus in 2009 complicated the medical care of patients with cancer. The present study examined H1N1 vaccination practices among patients with cancer during the pandemic season and investigated factors related to the vaccination.Methods  A national multicenter cross‐sectional survey of patient–doctor dyads was performed; A total of 97 oncologists (response rates of invited participants, 87·4%) and 495 patients (response rates of recruited participants, 86·5%) were included. Patients with cancer provided information concerning vaccination practices and reasons for/against it. Oncologists answered questions about their recommendations and knowledge of H1N1 vaccination. Mixed logistic regression was used to identify patient‐level and physician‐level predictors of H1N1 vaccination.Results  Only 34·1% of the patients had received H1N1 vaccination, and 53·5% had not considered the need for vaccination. The H1N1 vaccine was proactively recommended by physicians in only a small fraction of patients (8·3%). Increasing age, higher educational status, longer time since the cancer diagnosis, comorbidities, and greater knowledge of H1N1 vaccination among oncologists were significant predictors of patients being vaccinated.Conclusions  The present results showed low levels of utilization and poor interaction between patients and physicians with regard to the need for vaccination. In addition, the oncologist’s level of knowledge affected the adoption of preventive services. Intervention strategies are needed to maximize the rapid adoption of preventive methods to confront future pandemic threats in the cancer patient population.
Whither the Preconventional Child? Toward a Life‐Span Moral Development Theory
Authors: Thompson Ross A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA vigorous research literature focused on early childhood conscience, prosocial behavior, and empathy—and also theory of mind, emotion understanding, and social cognition—has important implications for moral development theory. It offers a new understanding of the early conceptual, affective, and relational foundations of moral development. In addition, it provides the opportunity to create a genuinely life‐span theory of moral development when it is considered together with the research literatures on moral character, identity, and judgment at older ages. The purpose of this article is to summarize current research on the early foundations of moral development, highlighting how it compares with earlier formulations and describing its implications for constructing a life‐span moral development theory to guide future research.
Asymptotically Optimal Response‐Adaptive Designs for Allocating the Best Treatment: An Overview
Authors: Flournoy Nancy , May Caterina , Secchi Piercesare 
Published: May 2012

Résumé Les plans d’expériences qui s’adaptent aux réponses déjà acquises sont de plus en plus fréquemment utilisés dans les applications, et c’est tout particulièrement vrai pour les essais cliniques en phase précoce. Cet article est une revue dédiée à une classe de plans adaptatifs qui ont pour propriété de sélectionner le meilleur traitement avec une probabilité tendant vers un. D’un point de vue éthique, ceci est une propriété souhaitable pour les essais cliniques. Pour de tels plans, le modèle sous‐jacent est un modèle d’urne aléatoirement renforcée. Cet article présente un panorama des résultats concernant ces plans, allant de l’article séminal de Durham et Yu (1990) jusqu’au travail récent de Flournoy et al. (2010).
Flood warning responses of farmer households: a case study in Uria Union in the Brahmaputra flood plain, Bangladesh
Authors: Shah M.A.R. , Douven W.J.A.M. , Werner M. , Leentvaar J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractFlood warning aims at reducing flood damage through an adequate response. However, where warnings are provided, the response and particularly the factors that influence the response are often poorly understood. This paper presents a study of the response to flood warnings taken by farmer households in an agricultural area in the Brahmaputra flood plains in Bangladesh. Interviews with experts and a survey of farmer households were used to analyse the flood early warning system and the response to warnings during the 2007 flood event. Results show that warnings received from multiple sources increased confidence as information could be cross‐checked, despite that information originating from a single source. Responses included saving livestock, family members and household assets. It was found that the response was influenced mainly by the source(s) of warnings, the quality of information, visibility of floods, the personality of the warning recipient, as well as the ability to bear the costs. Differences in these factors were found, depending on if the farmers were located in high or low flood‐prone areas. Through this understanding of the response, suggestions to improve flood warning information are given, although further research on the socio‐economic aspects of flood response decisions is recommended.
Lung metastasis of adenoid cystic carcinoma, which mimicked primary lung cancer
Authors: Ito Masaoki , Okita Riki , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Mimura Takeshi , Kawasaki Yukari , Miyata Yoshihiro , Okada Morihito 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe report a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the submandibular gland where pulmonary metastasis occurred twice 16 years after resection, and each metastasis mimicked primary lung adenocarcinoma in imaging findings. The first pulmonary relapse was clinically diagnosed as primary lung adenocarcinoma and intraoperative pathological examination showed that the tumor was an adenocarcinoma; lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection was performed. However, postoperative immunohistochemical analysis showed that the tumor was a metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma. During the secondary pulmonary relapse, although the tumor was correctly diagnosed as a metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma by intraoperative examination, it again mimicked primary lung adenocarcinoma.
Evaluation of Arterial Blood Gases and Arterial Blood Pressures in Brachycephalic Dogs
Authors: Hoareau G.L. , Jourdan G. , Mellema M. , Verwaerde P. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundBrachycephalic dogs (BD) are prone to congenital upper airway obstruction (brachycephalic syndrome, BS). In humans suffering from sleep apnea, upper airway obstruction is known to cause hypertension. There is no information regarding the influence of BS in dogs on cardiorespiratory physiology.Hypothesis
BD are prone to lower PaO2
, higher PaCO
2, and hypertension compared with meso‐ or dolicocephalic dogs (MDD).AnimalsEleven BD and 11 MDD.MethodsAfter a questionnaire was completed by the owner, a physical examination was performed. Height and thoracic circumferences were measured. Arterial blood gases, electrolyte concentrations, and packed cell volume (PCV) were measured. Systolic (SAP), mean (MAP), and diastolic (DAP) arterial blood pressure recordings were performed.ResultsA total of 7 French and 4 English bulldogs met the inclusion criteria. The control group consisted in 6 Beagles, 2 mixed breed dogs, 1 Staffordshire Bull Terrier, 1 Parson Russell Terrier, and 1 Australian Cattle Dog. Statistically, BD had lower PaO2, higher PaCO2, and higher PCV when compared with controls (86.2 ± 15.9 versus 100.2 ± 12.6 mmHg, P = .017; 36.3 ± 4.6 versus 32.7 ± 2.6 mmHg, P = .019; 48.2 ± 3.5 versus 44.2 ± 5.4%, P = .026, respectively). Also, they had significantly higher SAP (177.6 ± 25.0 versus 153.5 ± 21.7 mmHg, P = .013), MAP (123.3 ± 17.1 versus 108.3 ± 12.2 mmHg, P = .014), and DAP (95.3 ± 19.2 versus 83.0 ± 11.5 mmHg, P = .042). BD with a PaCO
2 >35 mmHg were significantly older than those with a PaCO
2 ≤35 mmHg (58 ± 16 and 30 ± 11 months, P = .004).ConclusionResults of this study suggest that some BD are prone to lower PaO2
, higher PaCO
2, and hypertension when compared with MDD. Age may be a contributing factor.
A role for glycosylated serine‐rich repeat proteins in Gram‐positive bacterial pathogenesis
Authors: Lizcano A. , Sanchez C.J. , Orihuela C.J. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBacterial attachment to host surfaces is a pivotal event in the biological and infectious processes of both commensal and pathogenic bacteria, respectively. Serine‐rich repeat proteins (SRRPs) are a family of adhesins in Gram‐positive bacteria that mediate attachment to a variety of host and bacterial surfaces. As such, they contribute towards a wide‐range of diseases including sub‐acute bacterial endocarditis, community‐acquired pneumonia, and meningitis. SRRPs are unique in that they are glycosylated, require a non‐canonical Sec‐translocase for transport, and are largely composed of a domain containing hundreds of alternating serine residues. These serine‐rich repeats are thought to extend a unique non‐repeat (NR) domain outward away from the bacterial surface to mediate adhesion. So far, NR domains have been determined to bind to sialic acid moieties, keratins, or other NR domains of a similar SRRP. This review summarizes how this important family of bacterial adhesins mediates bacterial attachment to host and bacterial cells, contributes to disease pathogenesis, and might be targeted for pharmacological intervention or used as novel protective vaccine antigens. This review also highlights recent structural findings on the NR domains of these proteins.