bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preterm Birth and Inhaled Corticosteroid Use in 6- to 19-Year-Olds: A Swedish National Cohort Study
Authors: Vogt Hartmut , Lindström Karolina , Bråbäck Lennart , Hjern Anders 
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:
Preterm birth is associated with respiratory morbidity later in life, including asthma. Previous studies have mainly focused on asthma in early childhood in children born extremely preterm. In this study, we examined the risk of asthma in a national cohort of schoolchildren grouped according to degree of immaturity expressed as completed gestational weeks at birth.

METHODS:
This was a register study in a Swedish national cohort of 1 100 826 children 6 to 19 years old. Retrieval of at least 1 prescription of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) during 2006 was used as the main indicator for asthma. Logistic regression was used to test hypotheses, with adjustment for multiple socioeconomic and perinatal indicators.

RESULTS:
Degree of immaturity, expressed as completed gestational weeks at birth, had an inverse dose-response relationship with ICS use. Compared with children born between 39 and 41 weeks' gestation, the odds ratio for ICS use increased with the degree of prematurity, from 1.10 (95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.13) for children born in weeks 37 to 38, to 2.28 (95% confidence interval: 1.96–2.64) for children born in weeks 23 to 28, after adjustment for confounders. The increase in ICS use with decreasing gestational age at delivery was similar in boys and girls, and declined with older age.

CONCLUSION:
Preterm birth increased the risk of ICS use in these 6- to 19-year-olds by degree of immaturity, from extremely preterm to early term birth.
Long-term Impact of Poor Birth Condition on Social and Economic Outcomes in Early Adulthood
Authors: Odd David Edward , Gunnell David , Lewis Glyn , Rasmussen Finn 
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE:
The goal of this study was to investigate the association of poor birth condition with long-term social and economic outcomes at 25 to 31 years of age.

METHODS:
This was a population-based cohort study using data derived from linkage of routinely collected Swedish data. All term infants born in Sweden between 1973 and 1979 identified from the Swedish birth registry (n = 651 615) were included in the study. Infants were categorized into 3 groups: (1) infants with a normal (&gt;7) Apgar score at 1 or 5 minutes of age without encephalopathy; (2) infants with a low (&lt;7) Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes of age without encephalopathy; and (3) infants with a low (&lt;7) Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes with evidence of encephalopathy. The main outcome measures were achievement of a university education and participant's income in early adulthood.

RESULTS:
Infants with low Apgar scores who did not develop encephalopathy were less likely to have attended university (odds ratio [OR]: 1.14 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–1.23]) and were more likely to have no income from work (OR: 1.19 [95% CI: 1.07–1.32]) than those born in good condition. Infants who developed encephalopathy also had greater risks of these adverse outcomes (not attended university, OR: 1.94 [95% CI: 1.13–3.33]); no income from work, OR: 3.08 [95% CI: 1.89–5.01]).

CONCLUSIONS:
Infants born in poor condition had worse measures of social performance than their peers, and this association was not restricted to those infants who developed obvious neurologic symptoms in the neonatal period. However, even in infants with likely encephalopathy, more than half obtained employment and one third attended university.
Preoperative Chemotherapy for Operable Breast Cancer Improves Surgical Outcomes in the Community Hospital Setting
Authors: Komenaka Ian K. , Hibbard Michael L. , Hsu Chiu-Hsieh , Low Boo Ghee , Salganick Jason A. , Bouton Marcia E. , Jha Chandra 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background.
Preoperative chemotherapy (PC) for operable breast cancer has demonstrated significant benefits in clinical trials. Many patients are treated in the community setting and some may question the applicability of PC outside the university setting. The potential benefits of PC in terms of surgical outcomes in a community practice were examined.

Methods.
A retrospective review was performed of stage II and stage IIIA breast cancer patients from January 1, 2002 to July 31, 2009. Surgical outcomes of margin status, volume of lumpectomy, rate of lumpectomy, and re-excision lumpectomy were evaluated.

Results.
There were 212 patients included. Seventy-nine percent of patients who underwent PC had a clinical response and 25% had a pathologic complete response. For clinical stage T2 and stage T3 tumors, the PC group underwent lumpectomy more often than patients in the adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) group (78% versus 50%; p = .016 and 60% versus 29%; p = .015, respectively). The rate of close or positive margins in the PC group was half the rate in the AC group (23% versus 46%; p = .04) and this resulted in fewer re-excisions (p = .01). The volume of tissue removed was also smaller in the PC group (143.6 cm3 versus 273.9 cm3; p = .003).

Conclusions.
PC for operable breast cancer can significantly improve surgical outcomes in community-based practice.
Gender-Specific Acute Organ Toxicity during Intensified Preoperative Radiochemotherapy for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wolff Hendrik A. , Conradi Lena-Christin , Schirmer Markus , Beissbarth Tim , Sprenger Thilo , Rave-Fränk Margret , Hennies Steffen , Hess Clemens F. , Becker Heinz , Christiansen Hans , Liersch Torsten 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe present strategies of treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer and ongoing clinical trials, including neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy with 50.4 Gy and concomitant 5-FU +/− oxaliplatin.Define the basic clinical parameters, with special emphasis on gender and BMI, correlating with radiochemotherapy-associated side effects in rectal cancer patients and differences in severity of toxicity.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (cUICC stages II/III) are typically treated with preoperative 5-fluorouracil–based (5-FU–based) radiochemotherapy (RCT). However, trials are currently being conducted to improve the complete remission rates and the systemic control by combining 5-FU with oxaliplatin. The primary objective was to identify the subgroups of rectal cancer patients who were at risk for high-grade toxicity.
All 196 patients who were included in the present study were treated with 50.4 Gy and chemotherapy that included either 5-FU (n = 115) or 5-FU+oxaliplatin (n = 81). The preoperative RCT was followed by a total mesorectal excision and adjuvant chemotherapy. Acute toxicity was monitored weekly and a toxicity grade ≥3 (Common Toxicity Criteria) for a skin reaction, cystitis, proctitis, or enteritis was defined as high-grade acute organ toxicity. After RCT with 5-FU+oxaliplatin, complete tumor remission was achieved in 13.6% of the patients and in 11.3% after RCT with 5-FU alone.
Complete irradiation dosages of 50.4 Gy were given to 99% (5-FU) and 95% (5-FU+oxaliplatin) of the patients. Concomitant chemotherapy was fully administered in 95% of the patients treated with 5-FU compared with the 84% of patients treated with 5-FU+oxaliplatin.
A significantly higher proportion of acute organ toxicity was found in the patients who were treated with 5-FU+oxaliplatin compared with those who were treated with 5-FU. Additionally, women with a low body mass index were at the highest risk for acute organ toxicity.
These results suggest that there are basic clinical parameters, such as gender and body mass index, that may be potential markers for generating individual risk profiles of RCT-induced toxicity.
Structure and Functions of State Public Health Agencies in 2007
Authors: Madamala Kusuma , Sellers Katie , Beitsch Leslie M. , Pearsol Jim , Jarris Paul E. 
Published: May 2011

We sought to document the structure and functions of state public health agencies throughout the United States in 2007 and compare findings with those from a similar 2001 assessment. In 2007 a survey of the structure and functions of state public health agencies was sent to and completed by senior deputies in all 50 states and the District of Columbia (a 100% response rate). The results of the survey showed that all emerging practice areas in 2001 had expanded by 2007. Also, state health departments generally had greater levels of responsibility in 2007 than they did in 2001, emphasizing the need for continued support of governmental public health systems and research on the operations of those systems.
Reproducibility of landmark identification in the jaw and teeth on 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography images
Authors: Fuyamada Mariko , Nawa Hiroyuki , Shibata Momoko , Yoshida Kazuhito , Kise Yoshitaka , Katsumata Akitoshi , Ariji Eiichiro , Goto Shigemi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective:To compare the reproducibility of landmark identification on three-dimensional (3D) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images between procedures based on traditional cephalometric definitions (procedure 1) and those tentatively proposed for 3D images (procedure 2).Materials and Methods:A phantom with embedded dried human skull was scanned using CBCT. The acquired volume data were transferred to a personal computer, and 3D images were reconstructed. Eighteen dentists plotted nine landmarks related to the jaws and teeth four times: menton (Me), pogonion (Po), upper-1 (U1), lower-1 (L1), left upper-6 (U6), left lower-6 (L6), gonion (Go), condyle (Cd), and coronoid process (Cp). The plotting reliabilities of the two procedures were compared by calculating standard deviations (SDs) in three components (x, y, and z) of coordinates and volumes of 95% confidence ellipsoid.Results:All 27 SDs for procedure 2 were less than 1 mm, and only five of them exceeded 0.5 mm. The variations were significantly different between the two procedures, and the SDs of procedure 2 were smaller than those of procedure 1 in 21 components of coordinates. The ellipsoid volumes were also smaller for procedure 2 than procedure 1, although a significant difference was not found.Conclusions:Definitions determined strictly on each three sectional images, such as for procedure 2, were required for sufficient reliability in identifying the landmark related to the jaws and teeth.
Challenges of Laboratory Medicine: European Answers
Authors: Korita Irena , Blaton Victor 
Published: May 2011

Challenges of Laboratory Medicine: European AnswersMedical laboratories play a vital role in modern healthcare, and qualified specialists in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine are essential for the provision of high-quality preanalytical, analytical and consultative services. Laboratory medicine has undergone major transformations during the last decade. Ongoing technological developments have considerably improved the productivity of clinical laboratories. Information on laboratory services is globally available, and clinical laboratories worldwide face international competition and there is a huge pressure to reduce costs. To be prepared for the future, clinical laboratories should enhance efficiency and reduce the cost increases by forming alliances and networks, consolidating, integrating or outsourcing, and more importantly create additional value by providing knowledge services related toin vitrodiagnostics. Therefore, business models that increase efficiency such as horizontal and vertical integration are proposed, based on collaborative networks for the delivery of clinical laboratory services. Laboratories should cooperate, consolidate and form strategic alliances to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. There is a growing conflict between the science and the art of clinical practice and on the role of the biomedical sciences in medical practice. We have a dehumanizing effect on medical care. Disease is defined at the level of sick molecules and cells and curative medicine is being replaced by the preventive care of the disease. Undoubtedly all those questions will raise considerable problems and challenges for the medical educators.
Antioxidative Enzyme Activities and Lipid Peroxidation in Children with Inflammatory Endothelial Injury
Authors: Stanković Tatjana , Đorđević Vidosava , Kamenov Borislav , Stamenković Hristina , Ćosić Vladan , Milićević Radovan , Slavić Vjeroslava 
Published: May 2011

Antioxidative Enzyme Activities and Lipid Peroxidation in Children with Inflammatory Endothelial InjuryDuring the inflammatory process endothelial cells are activated and a proadherent ability is assumed. The synthesis of reactive oxygen metabolites, which follows the immunological processes, can cause oxidative damage to endothelial cells leading to the clinical expression of disease including a variety of skin manifestations. In this study the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and the malondialdehyde concentration were examined in 36 children with inflammation-mediated damage to microvascular endothelial cells. On the basis of clinical manifestations the studied children were divided into 4 groups (1st group-macular skin manifestations, 2nd group-maculo-papular skin manifestations, 3rd group-papular skin manifestations, 4th group- erythematous skin manifestations). All the examined children showed symptoms of inflammation (mainly respiratory tract infections) with leukocytosis and monocytosis before actual skin manifestations took place. Superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased in three groups of patients, except in the group with erythematous skin manifestations. Catalase activity was significantly increased in all the groups compared to the control group. The values of malondialdehyde were significantly increased in the groups of children with maculo-papular and erythematous skin manifestations. The results have confirmed the presence of a changed antioxidant enzyme pattern indicating oxidative stress during inflammatory endothelial cells injury. Malondialdehyde was not an adequate parameter in its evaluation.
Additions to the lichen flora of Victoria Land, Antarctica
Authors: Smykla Jerzy , Krzewicka Beata , Wilk Karina , Emslie Steven , Śliwa Lucyna 
Published: May 2011

Additions to the lichen flora of Victoria Land, Antarctica
Lichens of relict penguin colonies and sites affected by active penguin colonies were investigated in Victoria Land, Ross Sea sector, continental Antarctica. A total of 17 coastal sites, seven in northern and ten in southern Victoria Land, have been investigated across 7° of latitude from 71° to 78°S. Altogether 40 taxa of lichens have been identified. Four of the recorded species are new to the Antarctic - Caloplaca erecta, C. soropelta, C. tominii and Physcia tenella; two species are new to the Victoria Land area - Lecania nylanderiana and Lecanora polytropa. The first lichen records from Beaufort Island are also provided. Data presented here expand the knowledge on the occurrence, diversity and distribution of Victoria Land lichens.
Transcriptional Activation of the Pirb Gene in B Cells by PU.1 and Runx3
Authors: Arita Kojo , Endo Shota , Kaifu Tomonori , Kitaguchi Kohji , Nakamura Akira , Ohmori Hidetaka , Kohu Kazuyoshi , Satake Masanobu , Takai Toshiyuki 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Cells in the immune system are regulated positively or negatively by sets of receptor pairs that conduct balanced, activating, or inhibitory intracellular signaling. One such receptor pair termed paired Ig-like receptor (PIR) is composed of the inhibitory PIR-B and its activating isoform, PIR-A. Upon binding to their shared ligand, MHC class I molecules, these receptors control the threshold for immune cell activation. Gene-targeting studies on PIR-B in mice revealed the importance of the inhibition mediated by the PIR-B–MHC interaction in the immune system. Recent studies also revealed the significance of the interaction of PIR-B with neurite outgrowth inhibitors, including Nogo in the CNS. The coordinated regulation by PIR-B and PIR-A is considered to be primarily dependent on their expression balance in cells. However, the mechanism underlying transcriptional control of the genes for PIR-B and PIR-A (Pirb and Pira, respectively) remains to be clarified. In this study, we identified the major cis-acting promoter segment for Pirb and Pira in B cells as the −212 to −117 region upstream from the translation initiation codon. PU.1 and Runx3 were found to bind to this Pirb promoter. Truncation of the PU.1-binding motif significantly reduced the promoter activity, whereas the influence of elimination of the Runx3 site was marginal in B lymphoma BCL1-B20 cells. Unexpectedly, PU.1, but not Runx3, knockdown reduced the levels of both the Pirb and Pira transcripts. We conclude that the major promoter of Pirb, and probably Pira as well, is activated dominantly by PU.1 and marginally by Runx3 in B cells.
CD56brightCD16+ NK Cells: A Functional Intermediate Stage of NK Cell Differentiation
Authors: Béziat Vivien , Duffy Darragh , Quoc Stéphanie Nguyen , Le Garff-Tavernier Magali , Decocq Julie , Combadière Béhazine , Debré Patrice , Vieillard Vincent 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Human NK cells comprise two main subsets, CD56bright and CD56dim cells, which differ in function, phenotype, and tissue localization. To further dissect the differentiation from CD56bright to CD56dim cells, we performed ex vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrating that the CD56brightCD16+ cells are an intermediate stage of NK cell maturation. We observed that the maximal frequency of the CD56brightCD16+ subset among NK cells, following unrelated cord blood transplantation, occurs later than this of the CD56brightCD16− subset. We next performed an extensive phenotypic and functional analysis of CD56brightCD16+ cells in healthy donors, which displayed a phenotypic intermediary profile between CD56brightCD16− and CD56dimCD16+ NK cells. We also demonstrated that CD56brightCD16+ NK cells were fully able to kill target cells, both by Ab-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) and direct lysis, as compared with CD56brightCD16− cells. Importantly, in vitro differentiation experiments revealed that autologous T cells specifically encourage the differentiation from CD56brightCD16− to CD56brightCD16+ cells. Finally, further investigations performed in elderly patients clearly showed that both CD56brightCD16+ and CD56dimCD16+ mature subsets were substantially increased in older individuals, whereas the CD56brightCD16− precursor subset was decreased. Altogether, these data provide evidence that the CD56brightCD16+ NK cell subset is a functional intermediate between the CD56bright and CD56dim cells and is generated in the presence of autologous T CD3+ cells.
Nitric Oxide Modulates TGF-β–Directive Signals To Suppress Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cell Differentiation and Potentiate Th1 Development
Authors: Lee Seung-Woo , Choi Heonsik , Eun So-Young , Fukuyama Satoshi , Croft Michael 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
TGF-β can induce Foxp3+ inducible regulatory T cells (Treg) and also synergize with IL-6 and IL-4 to induce Th17 and Th9 cells. We now report that NO modulates TGF-β activity away from Treg but toward the Th1 lineage. NO potentiated Th1 differentiation in the presence of TGF-β in both IL-12–independent and –dependent fashions by augmenting IFN-γ–activated STAT-1 and T-bet. Differentiation into Treg, Th1, and Th17 lineages could be modulated by NO competing with other cofactors, such as IL-6 and retinoic acid. NO antagonized IL-6 to block TGF-β–directed Th17 differentiation, and together with IL-6, NO suppressed Treg development induced by TGF-β and retinoic acid. Furthermore, we show that physiologically produced NO from TNF and inducible NO synthase-producing dendritic cells can contribute to Th1 development predominating over Treg development through a synergistic activity induced when these cells cocluster with conventional dendritic cells presenting Ag to naive Th cells. This illustrates that NO is another cofactor allowing TGF-β to participate in development of multiple Th lineages and suggests a new mechanism by which NO, which is associated with protection against intracellular pathogens, might maintain effective Th1 immunity.
Risk Factors and Preventive Interventions for Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Daviglus Martha L. , Plassman Brenda L. , Pirzada Amber , Bell Carl C. , Bowen Phyllis E. , Burke James R. , Connolly E. Sander , Dunbar-Jacob Jacqueline M. , Granieri Evelyn C. , McGarry Kathleen , Patel Dinesh , Trevisan Maurizio , Williams John W. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundNumerous studies have investigated risk factors for Alzheimer disease (AD). However, at a recent National Institutes of Health State-of-the-Science Conference, an independent panel found insufficient evidence to support the association of any modifiable factor with risk of cognitive decline or AD.ObjectiveTo present key findings for selected factors and AD risk that led the panel to their conclusion.Data SourcesAn evidence report was commissioned by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. It included English-language publications in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from 1984 through October 27, 2009. Expert presentations and public discussions were considered.Study SelectionStudy inclusion criteria for the evidence report were participants aged 50 years and older from general populations in developed countries; minimum sample sizes of 300 for cohort studies and 50 for randomized controlled trials; at least 2 years between exposure and outcome assessment; and use of well-accepted diagnostic criteria for AD.Data ExtractionIncluded studies were evaluated for eligibility and data were abstracted. Quality of overall evidence for each factor was summarized as low, moderate, or high.Data SynthesisDiabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia in midlife, and current tobacco use were associated with increased risk of AD, and Mediterranean-type diet, folic acid intake, low or moderate alcohol intake, cognitive activities, and physical activity were associated with decreased risk. The quality of evidence was low for all of these associations.ConclusionCurrently, insufficient evidence exists to draw firm conclusions on the association of any modifiable factors with risk of AD.
Glucose Transporter 1 Deficiency as a Treatable Cause of Myoclonic Astatic Epilepsy
Authors: Mullen Saul A. , Marini Carla , Suls Arvid , Mei Davide , Della Giustina Elvio , Buti Daniela , Arsov Todor , Damiano John , Lawrence Kate , De Jonghe Peter , Berkovic Samuel F. , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Guerrini Renzo 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveTo determine if a significant proportion of patients with myoclonic-astatic epilepsy (MAE) have glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) deficiency.DesignGenetic analysis.SettingAmbulatory and hospitalized care.PatientsEighty-four unrelated probands with MAE were phenotyped andSLC2A1was sequenced and analyzed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Any identified mutations were then screened in controls.Main Outcome MeasureAnySLC2A1mutations.ResultsFour of 84 probands with MAE had a mutation ofSLC2A1on sequencing. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis did not reveal any genomic rearrangements in 75 of the remaining cases; 5 could not be tested. Two patients with MAE withSLC2A1mutations also developed paroxysmal exertional dyskinesia in childhood.ConclusionsFive percent of our patients with MAE hadSLC2A1mutations, suggesting that patients with MAE should be tested for GLUT1 deficiency. Diagnosis of GLUT1 deficiency is a strong indication for early use of the ketogenic diet, which may substantially improve outcome of this severe disorder.