bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurofibromatosis type 1 associated with Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1A
Authors: KOC Filiz , GUZEL A. Irfan 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTNeurofibromatosis and Charcot–Marie‐Tooth are genetic disorders of the nervous system affecting the development and growth of nerve cells and demyelination of peripheral neurons, respectively. We report a 22‐year‐old man who presented clinical manifestations of both neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1A. The simultaneous occurrence of neurofibromatosis and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease has rarely been reported. More extensive reports and further investigations of this combination will certainly provide a better understanding of this linkage in the near future.
Very low prevalence of XPD K751Q polymorphism and its association with XPD expression and outcomes of FOLFOX‐4 treatment in Asian patients with colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Lai Jiun‐I. , Tzeng Cheng‐Hwai , Chen Po‐Min , Lin Jen‐Kou , Lin Tzu‐Chen , Chen Wei‐Shone , Jiang Jeng‐Kae , Wang Huann‐Sheng , Wang Wei‐Shu 
Published: April 2009

Xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) participates in DNA unwinding during nucleotide excision repair, which may alter the efficacy of platinum‐based chemotherapy. We analyzed the influence of codon 751 Lys→Gln polymorphism of XPD on its protein expression levels, clinico‐pathological features, and outcome of 188 Chinese patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma (CRC) that had been treated with first‐line Oxaliplatin + Leucovorin + 5‐Fluorouracil (FOLFOX‐4) chemotherapy. The results showed that in comparison with Caucasian populations, a remarkably lower prevalence of Lys/Gln genotype was noted (16%, n = 30). No between‐group difference in XPD protein expression of patients with or without this polymorphism was noted (56.5%vs 59.7%; P = 0.783). Patients with Gln751 allele have a significantly lower response to FOLFOX‐4 treatment (36.7%vs 58.2%, P = 0.03), and shorter progression‐free (7 vs 11 months; P < 0.01) and overall (14 vs 22 months; P < 0.01) survivals. The incidence of grade 3/4 oxaliplatin‐neuropathies was very similar in both groups (13.3%vs 16.5%; P = 0.67). By adjusted analysis, this polymorphism was further identified as an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.03). These data suggest that Asian populations have a significantly lower prevalence of codon 751 Lys/Gln polymorphism in XPD, which could be a key determinant for good response to oxaliplatin‐based treatment and favorable outcomes. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1261–1266)
Novel spliced form of a lens protein as a novel lung cancer antigen, Lengsin splicing variant 4
Authors: Nakatsugawa Munehide , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Torigoe Toshihiko , Asanuma Hiroko , Takahashi Akari , Inoda Satoko , Kiriyama Kenji , Nakazawa Emiri , Harada Kenji , Takasu Hideo , Tamura Yasuaki , Kamiguchi Kenjiro , Shijubo Noriharu , Honda Ryoichi , Nomura Naohiro , Hasegawa Tadashi , Takahashi Hiroki , Sato Noriyuki 
Published: April 2009

A glutamine synthetase I family protein, Lengsin, was previously identified as a novel lens‐specific transcript in the vertebrate eye. In this report, we show for the first time that Lengsin is a novel tumor‐associated antigen expressed ectopically in lung cancer. Interestingly, a novel spliced form of human Lengsin termed ‘splicing variant 4’, gaining exon 3 that codes extra 63 amino acids, is the dominant transcript form in lung cancer cells. Lengsin mRNA could be detected in 7 of 12 (58%) lung cancer cell lines and 7 of 7 (100%) surgically resected lung cancer tissues. On the other hand, Lengsin transcripts could not be detected in normal major tissues or in other cancer cell lines, including melanoma, colorectal carcinoma, breast carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, knockdown of Lengsin mRNA with RNAi caused cell death and a decrease of cell viability, suggesting that Lengsin has some essential role in cell survival. Since the lens is an immune‐privileged site, we regard Lengsin as a highly immunogenic cancer antigen. Anti‐Lengsin autoantibodies were detectable in sera of lung cancer patients, although these patients did not show any lens‐related disturbances. Hence, Lengsin splicing variant 4 might be an immunogenic lung cancer‐specific antigen that is suitable as a diagnostic marker and for molecular targeting therapy, including immunotherapy. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Enhancement of antitumor natural killer cell activation by orally administered Spirulina extract in mice
Authors: Akao Yuusuke , Ebihara Takashi , Masuda Hisayo , Saeki Yoshiko , Akazawa Takashi , Hazeki Kaoru , Hazeki Osamu , Matsumoto Misako , Seya Tsukasa 
Published: April 2009

Oral administration of hot‐water extract of Spirulina, cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis, leads to augmentation of NK cytotoxicity in humans. Here, we applied to syngeneic tumor‐implant mice (C57BL/6 versus B16 melanoma) Spirulina to elucidate the mechanism of raising antitumor NK activation. A B16D8 subcell line barely expressed MHC class I but about 50% expressed Rae‐1, a ligand for NK activation receptor NKG2D. The Rae‐1‐positive population of implant B16 melanoma was effectively eliminated in the tumor mass progressed in mice. This antitumor activity was induced in parallel with IFN‐γ and abolished in mice by treatment with asialoGM‐1 but not CD8β Ab, suggesting the effector is NK cell. NK cell activation occurred in the spleen of wild‐type mice medicated with Spirulina. This Spirulina‐mediated enhanced NK activation was abrogated in MyD88 –/– mice but not in TICAM‐1 –/– mice. The NK activating properties of Spirulina depending on MyD88 were confirmed with in vitro bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells expressing TLR2/4. In D16D8 tumor challenge studies, the antitumor effect of Spirulina was abolished in MyD88 –/– mice. Hence, orally administered Spirulina enhances tumoricidal NK activation through the MyD88 pathway. Spirulina exerted a synergistic antitumor activity with BCG–cell wall skeleton, which is known to activate the MyD88 pathway via TLR2/4 with no NK enhancing activity. Spirulina and BCG–cell wall skeleton synergistically augmented IFN‐γ production and antitumor potential in the B16D8 versus C57BL/6 system. We infer from these results that NK activation by Spirulina has some advantage in combinational use with BCG–cell wall skeleton for developing adjuvant‐based antitumor immunotherapy. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Radiosensitizing effects of gefitinib at different administration times in vitro
Authors: Zhuang Hong‐Qing , Sun Jian , Yuan Zhi‐Yong , Wang Jun , Zhao Lu‐Jun , Wang Ping , Ren Xiu‐Bao , Wang Chang‐Li 
Published: April 2009

The optimal administration time for applying epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors combined with radiotherapy has been unclear. We investigated the efficacy of combining gefitinib with radiation in different treatment schedules. We demonstrated that gefitinib was administered to A549 lung cancer cells in three ways (administration before irradiation, administration upon irradiation, administration after irradiation) to establish the radiosensitizing effect. Cell‐survival rates were evaluated by colony‐forming assays. Cell apoptosis and cell‐cycle distribution were investigated using flow cytometry; meanwhile, the expression of P21, Cdc25c, Bcl‐2, Bax, Rad51 and phosphorylated DNA‐PKcs (phospho‐DNA‐PK) after 6 Gy irradiation and/or gefitinib were determined by Western blot analysis. The sensitizer enhancement ratios of the gefitinib administration before irradiation, administration upon irradiation, and administration after irradiation groups were 2.23, 1.51 and 1.30, respectively. A higher apoptosis rate and G2/M phase arrest were observed in cells at 48 h after exposure to 6 Gy irradiation when gefitinib was administrated before irradiation. Increased cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were further supported by the expression changes of Bcl‐2, Bax, P21, Cdc25c, Rad51 and phospho‐DNA‐PK at the same time. The best radiosensitizing effect was obtained when gefitinib was delivered before irradiation. Apoptosis might be an important way of cell killing and G2/M phase arrest might be an important mechanism of apoptosis. The expression proportion changes of P21/Cdc25c proteins may play an important role in G2/M cell cycle arrest. Moreover, the pro‐apoptotic/antiapoptotic and DNA repair factors may be important modulators taking part in the molecular events of the radiosensitizing effect of gefitinib combined with irradiation. (Cancer Sci 2009)
Do women change their health behaviours in pregnancy? Findings from the Southampton Women's Survey
Authors: Crozier Sarah R. , Robinson Siân M. , Borland Sharon E. , Godfrey Keith M. , Cooper Cyrus , Inskip Hazel M. ,   the SWS Study Group
Published: April 2009

SummaryA woman's life style choices before and during pregnancy have important implications for her unborn child, but information on behaviour can be unreliable when data are collected retrospectively. In particular there are no large longitudinal datasets that include information collected prospectively before pregnancy to allow accurate description of changes in behaviour into pregnancy. The Southampton Women's Survey is a longitudinal study of women in Southampton, UK, characterised when they were not pregnant and again during pregnancy. The objective of the analyses presented here is to describe the degree to which women comply with diet and life style recommendations before and during pregnancy, and changes between these time points. The analyses are based on 1490 women who delivered between 1998 and 2003 and who provided information before pregnancy and at 11 and 34 weeks' gestation. At each time point a trained research nurse ascertained smoking status and assessed food and drink consumption using a food frequency questionnaire. We derived the proportions of women who complied with recommendations not to smoke, to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables per day and to drink no more than four units of alcohol per week and 300 mg of caffeine per day.There was a notable reduction in smoking when women became pregnant: before pregnancy 27% of women smoked, whereas in early pregnancy 15% smoked. Similarly there were significant reductions in alcohol consumption and intake of caffeinated drinks: before pregnancy 54% of women drank more than four units of alcohol per week and 39% had estimated intakes of caffeine in drinks of >300 mg per day, whereas comparable figures for early pregnancy were 10% and 16% respectively. However, there was little change in fruit and vegetable intake; the percentages of women who did not achieve the recommendation to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per week were 47% before pregnancy and 46% in early pregnancy. Younger women and those with fewer educational qualifications were less likely to comply with public health recommendations. Overall, 81% of women in early pregnancy complied with at least three of the recommendations. Although there is encouraging evidence of changed health behaviours in pregnancy, young women and those with few educational qualifications may particularly benefit from targeted health initiatives.
Association between socio economic status and schistosomiasis infection in Jinja District, Uganda
Authors: Muhumuza Simon , Kitimbo George , Oryema‐Lalobo Michael , Nuwaha Fred 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  To examine the role of socioeconomic situation in influencing the risk and intensity of infection with Schistosomiasis mansoni.Methods  Cross‐sectional study in Walukuba Division bordering Lake Victoria, Jinja District. We assessed a random sample of 463 individuals aged 10–20 years for Schistosoma mansoni infection, water contact behaviour and treatment status with praziquantel as of the last mass treatment. Socioeconomic conditions of the participants’ households were assessed by calculating a wealth index (based on type of housing and ownership of assets). Households were classified in four classes; multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of being infected with schistosomiasis. Intensities of infection with S. mansoni were compared across the classes of wealth index.Results  Wealth index emerged a risk factor for infection with S. mansoni after controlling for water contact and treatment with praziquantel. The adjusted odds ratio of being infected for the lowest level of wealth index compared to the highest was 10.42 (95% CI 3.38–32.36 P < 0.001). The intensity of infection decreased with wealth index Linearity F‐ratio 13.91, 1 df, P < 0.001). The geometric egg count for those in the lowest wealth index was 230 (95% CI 199–279) compared to 114 (95% CI 80–162) for the highest wealth index.Conclusions  In addition to mass treatment with praziquantel, improving the socio‐economic conditions of the population should be given priority.
Simple and inexpensive point‐of‐care tests improve diagnosis of vaginal infections in resource constrained settings
Authors: Madhivanan Purnima , Krupp Karl , Hardin Jill , Karat Chitra , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Reingold Arthur L. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Trichomonas vaginalis infection (TV) have been associated with adverse birth outcomes and increased risk for HIV. We compare the performance of simple inexpensive point‐of‐care (POC) tests to laboratory diagnosis and syndromic management of BV and TV in poor settings.Methods  Between November 2005 and March 2006, 898 sexually active women attending two reproductive health clinics in Mysore, India were recruited into a cohort study investigating the relationship between vaginal flora and HSV‐2 infection. Participants were interviewed and screened for reproductive tract infections. Laboratory tests included serology for HSV‐2; cultures for TV, Candida sp., and Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Gram stains; and two POC tests: vaginal pH; and Whiff test.Results  Of the 898 participants, 411 [45.7%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 42.4–49.0%] had any laboratory diagnosed vaginal infection. BV was detected in 165 women (19.1%, 95%CI: 16.5–21.9%) using Nugent score. TV was detected in 76 women (8.5%, 95%CI: 6.7–10.4%) using culture. Among the entire study population, POC correctly detected 82% of laboratory diagnosed BV cases, and 83% of laboratory diagnosed TV infections. Among women with complaints of vulval itching, burning, abnormal vaginal discharge, and/or sores (445/898), POC correctly detected 83% (60 of 72 cases) of laboratory diagnosed BV cases vs. 40% (29 of 72 cases) correctly managed using the syndromic approach (P < 0.001). Similarly, POC would have detected 82% (37 of 45 cases) of TV cases vs. 51% (23 of 45 cases) correctly managed using the syndromic approach (P = 0.001).Conclusions  In the absence of laboratory diagnostics, POC is not only inexpensive and practical, but also significantly more sensitive than the syndromic management approach, resulting in less overtreatment.
Progress towards the Millennium Development Goals in a community of extreme poverty: local vs. national disparities in Peru
Authors: Gyorkos Theresa W. , Joseph Serene A. , Casapía Martin 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjectives  Standard indicators are being used worldwide to track progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These are usually at country level and do not accurately reflect within‐country variability of progress towards the targets. This may lead to lack of attention and under‐resourcing of the most vulnerable populations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare selected standard MDG indicators at country level and community level in Peru.Methods  As MDG indicators we selected: (i) moderate to severe and severe underweight in children under 5 years old; (ii) immunization against measles in 1‐year olds; (iii) births attended by skilled health professionals and (iv) youth unemployment. Country‐level data for Peru were obtained from United Nations published sources. Community‐level data were obtained from a household survey conducted in 2005–2006 in Belén, a community of extreme poverty in the Amazon region.Results  Belén indicators were consistently less favourable than country‐level indicators, and indicators even differed between zones of high and low socioeconomic status within Belén itself.Conclusions  Compared to MDG indicators at the national level in Peru, the population of Belén experiences intra‐country regional disparities in important health and social outcomes. Improving the coverage and quality of interventions and services in this community is essential. Other vulnerable populations in Peru should also be identified and targeted so that they can benefit from, and ultimately contribute to, progress in achieving the MDGs.
Turning points, reproduction number, and impact of climatological events for multi‐wave dengue outbreaks
Authors: Hsieh Y.‐H. , Chen C. W. S. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjectives  To study climatological and public health events which might have affected the 2007 two‐wave dengue outbreak in Taiwan, an island with both tropical and subtropical regions, where the 2007 dengue incidence exceeded the combined total of the previous four years.Methods  A multi‐phase Richards model was fitted to weekly cumulative dengue data to pinpoint the turning points of the outbreak. We obtained the ‘initial’ reproduction numbers for the two waves of the outbreak. By means of correlation analysis we explored the possible impact of climatological events on the occurrence of turning points.Results  Three turning points occurred around early August, late August/early September, and late October/early November. The ‘initial’ reproduction number for the first wave was Ri = 4.67 (95% CI: 0*–10.92), where 0* = max{0, lower bound}, and Ri = 3.93 (95% CI: 1.74–6.13) for the second wave. The highest correlation was between dengue incidence and two climatological variables: maximum temperature at a lag of 5 weeks (r = 0.66 and 0.71) and total precipitation at a lag of seven weeks (r = 0.53).Conclusions  The first two turning points were partially attributable to two typhoons around early to mid‐August that brought a sharp drop in temperature and substantial rainfall. The drop in temperature first drove the dengue incidence down, then the rainfall drove it up at the beginning of fall. In recent years, Taiwan has witnessed increasingly frequent large summer dengue outbreaks that persisted into early winter, perhaps due to warmer autumns. This highlights the possible impact of global warming on the spread of infectious diseases.
The female sex work typology in India in the context of HIV/AIDS
Authors: Buzdugan Raluca , Halli Shiva S. , Cowan Frances M. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective To conduct a critical review of the typology of female sex work in India.Method Published and unpublished studies (1986–2008) were identified through electronic databases, hand searching and contacting experts.Results The review assesses the appropriateness of the existing typologies from a programmatic perspective and identifies their strengths and limitations. It indicates there is conceptual confusion around the typology and that none of the existing typologies are exhaustive, in that none includes all types of sex work documented in India. The typology developed by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) is the most comprehensive. The typology is based on the primary place of solicitation and categorizes female sex workers (FSWs) as brothel‐based, street‐based, home‐based, lodge‐based, dhaba‐based and highway‐based FSWs. However, this typology has its limitations. First, it does not include all categories of FSWs documented in the literature, such as indirect‐primary (primarily solicit clients at their places of work, which are venues where facilitating sex work is their main purpose e.g. massage parlours, bars), indirect‐secondary (primarily solicit clients at their places of work, which are in non‐sex work related industries e.g. agriculture, construction) and phone‐based FSWs (primarily solicit clients through phones). Second, the methodology used to develop the typology proposed by NACO or by any other researchers is not explicit. In addition, the extent to which the typology captures the HIV risk variability between FSWs types is not explored.Conclusion There is a need to develop an evidence‐based, inclusive typology which takes account of HIV risk for researchers and programmers.
The epidemiology of malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in an area with intense and highly seasonal malaria transmission in northern Ghana
Authors: Clerk Christine Alexandra , Bruce Jane , Greenwood Brian , Chandramohan Daniel 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  To describe the factors associated with malaria infection and anaemia in pregnancy in northern Ghana.Method  We studied 3642 pregnant women of all gravidities and gestational age of 18–32 weeks who attended an antenatal clinic in the Kassena‐Nankana district of Ghana between June 2004 and July 2006. Blood samples were examined for haemoglobin concentrations and parasitaemia, and we obtained socio‐demographic data, an obstetric history, information on their past and current state of health and bed net use.Results  The overall prevalence of malaria parasitaemia during pregnancy was 47%. Older age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.65, 95% CI 0.54–0.78], multigravidity (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.42–0.61) and third trimester of pregnancy (AOR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.99) were associated with a decreased risk of parasitaemia. Enrolment during the rainy or post‐rainy season was associated with an increased risk of parasitaemia (AOR 2.59, 95% CI 2.20–3.04 and AOR 3.12, 95% CI, 2.60–3.74 respectively). Malaria infection was associated with an increased risk of anaemia among young women. The prevalences of anaemia (Hb<11.0 g/dl) and severe anaemia (Hb<7.0 g/dl) during pregnancy were 72% and 2% respectively. The risk of anaemia was lower in older women (AOR 0.79, 95% CI, 0.64–0.97), multigravidae (AOR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55–0.83) and in educated women (AOR 0.81, 0.68–0.98).Conclusion  The prevalence of malaria parasitaemia and anaemia among pregnant women in Kassena‐Nankana district is high with marked seasonal variation. Targeting of interventions to the high transmission season and to paucigravidae may be appropriate in this setting.
Risk factors for typhoid in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India: evidence for practical action
Authors: Sharma Puran K. , Ramakrishnan R. , Hutin Y. , Manickam P. , Gupte M. D. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  To identify risk factors for typhoid and propose prevention measures.Methods  Case–control study; we compared hospital‐based typhoid cases defined as fever>38°C for ≥3 days with four‐fold rise in ‘O’ antibodies on paired sera (Widal) with community, age and neighbourhood matched controls. We obtained information on drinking water, fruits, vegetables, milk products and sanitation; and calculated matched odds ratios (MOR) and attributable fractions in the population (AFP) for the risk factors or failure to use prevention measures.Results  The 123 typhoid cases (median age: 25 years, 47% female) and 123 controls did not differ with respect to baseline characteristics. Cases were less likely to store drinking water in narrow‐mouthed containers (MOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.7, AFP 29%), tip containers to draw water (MOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.7, AFP 33%) and have home latrines (MOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.8, AFP 23%). Cases were more likely to consume butter (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3–4.1, AFP 28%), yoghurt (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4–3.7, AFP 34%) and raw fruits and vegetables, including onions (MOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2–3.9, AFP 34%), cabbages (OR: 2.8, 95% CI: 1.7–4.8, AFP 44%) and unwashed guavas (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2–3, AFP 25%).Conclusion  Typhoid was associated with unsafe water and sanitation practices as well as with consumption of milk products, fruits and vegetables. We propose to chlorinate drinking water at the point of use, wash/cook raw fruits and vegetables and ensure safer preparation/storage of local milk products.