bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-national differences in clinically significant cannabis problems: epidemiologic evidence from 'cannabis-only' smokers in the United States, Mexico, and Colombia
Authors: Fiestas Fabian , Radovanovic Mirjana , Martins Silvia S , Medina-Mora Maria E , Posada-Villa Jose , Anthony James C 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Epidemiological studies show wide variability in the occurrence of cannabis smoking and related disorders across countries. This study aims to estimate cross-national variation in cannabis users' experience of clinically significant cannabis-related problems in three countries of the Americas, with a focus on cannabis users who may have tried alcohol or tobacco, but who have not used cocaine, heroin, LSD, or other internationally regulated drugs.

Methods
Data are from the World Mental Health Surveys Initiative and the National Latino and Asian American Study, with probability samples in Mexico (n = 4426), Colombia (n = 5,782) and the United States (USA; n = 8,228). The samples included 212 'cannabis only' users in Mexico, 260 in Colombia and 1,724 in the USA. Conditional GLM with GEE and 'exact' methods were used to estimate variation in the occurrence of clinically significant problems in cannabis only (CO) users across these surveyed populations.

Results
The experience of cannabis-related problems was quite infrequent among CO users in these countries, with weighted frequencies ranging from 1% to 5% across survey populations, and with no appreciable cross-national variation in general. CO users in Colombia proved to be an exception. As compared to CO users in the USA, the Colombia smokers were more likely to have experienced cannabis-associated 'social problems' (odds ratio, OR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.4, 6.3; p = 0.004) and 'legal problems' (OR = 9.7; 95% CI = 2.7, 35.2; p = 0.001).

Conclusions
This study's most remarkable finding may be the similarity in occurrence of cannabis-related problems in this cross-national comparison within the Americas. Wide cross-national variations in estimated population-level cumulative incidence of cannabis use disorders may be traced to large differences in cannabis smoking prevalence, rather than qualitative differences in cannabis experiences. More research is needed to identify conditions that might make cannabis-related social and legal problems more frequent in Colombia than in the USA.
Intensity level for exercise training in fibromyalgia by using mathematical models
Authors: Lemos Maria Carolina D , Valim Valéria , Zandonade Eliana , Natour Jamil 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundIt has not been assessed before whether mathematical models described in the literature for prescriptions of exercise can be used for fibromyalgia syndrome patients. The objective of this paper was to determine how age-predicted heart rate formulas can be used with fibromyalgia syndrome populations as well as to find out which mathematical models are more accurate to control exercise intensity.MethodsA total of 60 women aged 18-65 years with fibromyalgia syndrome were included; 32 were randomized to walking training at anaerobic threshold. Age-predicted formulas to maximum heart rate ("220 minus age" and "208 minus 0.7 × age") were correlated with achieved maximum heart rate (HRMax) obtained by spiroergometry. Subsequently, six mathematical models using heart rate reserve (HRR) and age-predicted HRMax formulas were studied to estimate the intensity level of exercise training corresponding to heart rate at anaerobic threshold (HRAT) obtained by spiroergometry. Linear and nonlinear regression models were used for correlations and residues analysis for the adequacy of the models.ResultsAge-predicted HRMax and HRAT formulas had a good correlation with achieved heart rate obtained in spiroergometry (r= 0.642;p< 0.05). For exercise prescription in the anaerobic threshold intensity, the percentages were 52.2-60.6% HRR and 75.5-80.9% HRMax. Formulas using HRR and the achieved HRMax showed better correlation. Furthermore, the percentages of HRMax and HRR were significantly higher for the trained individuals (p< 0.05).ConclusionAge-predicted formulas can be used for estimating HRMax and for exercise prescriptions in women with fibromyalgia syndrome. Karnoven's formula using heart rate achieved in ergometric test showed a better correlation. For the prescription of exercises in the threshold intensity, 52% to 60% HRR or 75% to 80% HRMax must be used in sedentary women with fibromyalgia syndrome and these values are higher and must be corrected for trained patients.
Phenotypic analysis of images of zebrafish treated with Alzheimer's γ-secretase inhibitors
Authors: Arslanova Dilyara , Yang Ting , Xu Xiaoyin , Wong Stephen T , Augelli-Szafran Corinne E , Xia Weiming 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundSeveral γ-secretase inhibitors (GSI) are in clinical trials for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This enzyme mediates the proteolytic cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to generate amyloid β protein, Aβ, the pathogenic protein in AD. The γ-secretase also cleaves Notch to generate Notch Intracellular domain (NICD), the signaling molecule that is implicated in tumorigenesis.ResultsWe have developed a method to examine live zebrafish that were each treated with γ-secretase inhibitors (GSI), DAPT {N- [N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl)]-S-phenylglycinet-Butyl Ester}, Gleevec, or fragments of Gleevec. These compounds were first tested in a cell-based assay and the effective concentrations of these compounds that blocked Aβ generation were quantitated. The mortality of zebrafish, as a result of exposure to different doses of compound, was assessed, and any apoptotic processes were examined by TUNEL staining. We then used conventional and automatic microscopes to acquire images of zebrafish and applied algorithms to automate image composition and processing. Zebrafish were treated in 96- or 384-well plates, and the phenotypes were analyzed at 2, 3 and 5 days post fertilization (dpf). We identified that AD95, a fragment of Gleevec, effectively blocks Aβ production and causes specific phenotypes that were different from those treated with DAPT. Finally, we validated the specificity of two Notch phenotypes (pigmentation and the curvature of tail/trunk) induced by DAPT in a dose-dependent manner. These phenotypes were examined in embryos treated with GSIs or AD95 at increasing concentrations. The expression levels of Notch target geneher6were also measured byin situhybridization and the co-relationship between the levels of Notch inhibition by DAPT and AD95 and the severity of phenotypes were determined.ConclusionThe results reported here of the effects on zebrafish suggest that this newly developed method may be used to screen novel GSIs and other leads for a variety of therapeutic indications.
Prevalence and risk profile of cervical human papillomavirus infection in Zhejiang Province, southeast China: a population-based study
Authors: Ye Jing , Cheng Xiaodong , Chen Xiaojing , Ye Feng , Lü Weiguo , Xie Xing 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Benign or malignant lesions caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV) produce considerable health burden worldwide. Since limited cross-protection would be offered between HPV types, heterogeneity in HPV type-specific distribution should be taken into account when predicting the effect of current prophylactic vaccines and forming the basic for the second-generation vaccines targeted to specific regions. Here, we investigated the prevalence of cervical HPV infection, as well as predictors concerned, in Zhejiang Province, southeast China.

Results
Totally 4987 cervical samples from five randomly chosen counties in Zhejiang Province were detected. The overall HPV prevalence was 13.3%. Established high-risk (HR) HPV prevalence was 10.2%. HPV-52 was the most prevalent type (3.1%), followed by HPV-16 (2.5%), -58 (2.1%), -68 (1.0%) and -81 (0.9%). HPV-16 or -18 were present in 3.1% of the detected samples, while 174 specimens (3.5%) were positive for any of HPV-6, -11, -16 and -18. The prevalence of HPV vaccine types was consistently low across age groups. Bimodal age distribution in HR-HPV, including established HR and probably HR-HPV, was observed, with a clear second peak in perimenopausal women. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression models revealed that partner's lifetime number of partners was the only common independent predictor of overall, established HR, established low-risk, single-type and multiple-type HPV infection in current study.

Conclusions
We have observed low prevalence of HPV vaccine types and relatively high prevalence of HPV-52 and -58 in our population. Our findings support universal "catch-up" vaccination of sexual experienced young women in Zhejiang Province, as well as enhance the hypothesis that the second-generation HPV prophylactic vaccines including HPV-52 and -58 may offer higher protection for women in China and other Asian areas. Furthermore, our data support close surveillance of perimenopausal women with HR-HPV infection.
Effect of the CB1 cannabinoid agonist WIN 55212-2 on the acquisition and reinstatement of MDMA-induced conditioned place preference in mice
Authors: Manzanedo Carmen , Rodríguez-Arias Marta , Daza-Losada Manuel , Maldonado Concepción , Aguilar María A , Miñarro José 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundNumerous reports indicate that MDMA users consume other psychoactive drugs, among which cannabis is one of the most common. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, using the conditioned place preference, the effect of the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2 on the rewarding effects of MDMA in mice.MethodsIn the first experiment adolescent mice were initially conditioned with 1.25, 2.5 or 5 mg/kg of MDMA or 0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg of WIN and subsequently with both drugs. Reinstatement of the extinguished preference by priming doses was performed in the groups that showed CPP. In the second experiment, animals were conditioned with 2.5 or 5 mg/kg of MDMA and, after extinction, reinstatement of the preference was induced by 0.5 or 0.1 mg/kg of WIN.ResultsA low dose of WIN 55212-2 (0.1 mg/kg) increased the rewarding effects of low doses of MDMA (1.25 mg/kg), although a decrease in the preference induced by MDMA (5 and 2.5 mg/kg) was observed when the dose of WIN 55212-2 was raised (0.5 mg/kg). The CB1 antagonist SR 141716 also increased the rewarding effects of the lowest MDMA dose and did not block the effects of WIN. Animals treated with the highest WIN dose plus a non-neurotoxic dose of MDMA exhibited decreases of striatal DA and serotonin in the cortex. On the other hand, WIN 55212-2-induced CPP was reinstated by priming injections of MDMA, although WIN did not reinstate the MDMA-induced CPP.ConclusionsThese results confirm that the cannabinoid system plays a role in the rewarding effects of MDMA and highlights the risks that sporadic drug use can pose in terms of relapse to dependence. Finally, the potential neuroprotective action of cannabinoids is not supported by our data; on the contrary, they are evidence of the potential neurotoxic effect of said drugs when administered with MDMA.
Nocardia farcinica lung infection in a patient with cystic fibrosis: a case report
Authors: Bittar Fadi , Stremler Nathalie , Audié Jean-Pierre , Dubus Jean-Christophe , Sarles Jacques , Raoult Didier , Rolain Jean-Marc 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Respiratory tract infections are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis. Nocardia are rarely implicated in these infections and few reports of the involvement of this species are found in the literature.

Case presentation
We describe a case of lung infection followed by chronic colonization of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole resistant Nocardia farcinica in a patient with cystic fibrosis. The chronic colonization of this uncommon bacterium in patients with cystic fibrosis was proved using a newly developed real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, which indicates that this bacterium, despite treatment, is difficult to eradicate.

Conclusion
Our case report confirms that this organism can be recovered in persons with cystic fibrosis. Its eradication is necessary especially if the patient is to undergo lung transplantation.
Comparison of mechanistic models in the initial rate enzymatic hydrolysis of AFEX-treated wheat straw
Authors: Brown Russell F , Agbogbo Frank K , Holtzapple Mark T 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Different mechanistic models have been used in the literature to describe the enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated biomass. Although these different models have been applied to different substrates, most of these mechanistic models fit into two- and three-parameter mechanistic models. The purpose of this study is to compare the models and determine the activation energy and the enthalpy of adsorption of Trichoderma reesei enzymes on ammonia fibre explosion (AFEX)-treated wheat straw. Experimental enzymatic hydrolysis data from AFEX-treated wheat straw were modelled with two- and three-parameter mechanistic models from the literature. In order to discriminate between the models, initial rate data at 49°C were subjected to statistical analysis (analysis of variance and scatter plots).

Results
For three-parameter models, the HCH-1 model best fitted the experimental data; for two-parameter models Michaelis-Menten (M-M) best fitted the experimental data. All the three-parameter models fitted the data better than the two-parameter models. The best three models at 49°C (HCH-1, Huang and M-M) were compared using initial rate data at three temperatures (35°, 42° and 49°C). The HCH-1 model provided the best fit based on the F values, the scatter plot and the residual sum of squares. Also, its kinetic parameters were linear in Arrhenius/van't Hoff's plots, unlike the other models. The activation energy (Ea) is 47.6 kJ/mol and the enthalpy change of adsorption (ΔH) is -118 kJ/mol for T. reesei enzymes on AFEX-treated wheat straw.

Conclusion
Among the two-parameter models, Michaelis-Menten model provided the best fit compared to models proposed by Humphrey and Wald. For the three-parameter models, HCH-1 provided the best fit because the model includes a fractional coverage parameter (ϕ) which accounts for the number of reactive sites covered by the enzymes.
High survival and treatment success sustained after two and three years of first‐line ART for children in Cambodia
Authors: Isaakidis Petros , Raguenaud Marie‐Eve , Te Vantha , Tray Chhraing S , Akao Kazumi , Kumar Varun , Ngin Sopheak , Nerrienet Eric , Zachariah Rony 
Published: March 2010

BackgroundLong‐term outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in children remain poorly documented in resource‐limited settings. The objective of this study was to assess two‐and three‐year survival, CD4 evolution and virological response among children on ART in a programmatic setting in Cambodia.MethodsChildren treated with first‐line ART for at least 24 months were assessed with viral load testing and genotyping. We used Kaplan‐Meier analysis for survival and Cox regression to identify risk factors associated with treatment failure.ResultsOf 1168 registered HIV‐positive children, 670 (57%) started ART between January 2003 and December 2007. Survival probability was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.91‐0.95) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88‐0.93) at 24 and 36 months after ART initiation, respectively. Median CD4 gain for children aged over five years was 704 cells/mm3 at 24 months and 737 at 36 months. Median CD4 percentage gain for children under five years old was 15.2% at 24 months and 15% at 36 months. One hundred and thirty children completed at least 24 months of ART, and 138 completed 36 months: 128 out of 268 (48%) were female. Median age at ART initiation was six years.Overall, 22 children had viral loads of >1000 copies/ml (success ratio = 86% on intention‐to‐treat‐analysis) and 21 of 21 presented mutations conferring resistance mostly to lamivudine and non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Risk factors for failure after 24 and 36 months were CD4 counts below the threshold for severe immunosupression at those months respectively. Only two out of 22 children with viral loads of >1000 copies/ml met the World Health Organization immunological criteria for failure (sensitivity = 0.1).ConclusionsGood survival, immunological restoration and viral suppression can be sustained after two to three years of ART among children in resource‐constrained settings. Increased access to routine virological measurements is needed for timely diagnosis of treatment failure.
Elevated osteoprotegerin is associated with abnormal ankle brachial indices in patients infected with HIV: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jang James J , Schwarcz Aron I , Amaez Daniel A , Woodward Mark , Olin Jeffrey W , Keller Marla J , Schecter Alison D 
Published: March 2010

BackgroundPatients infected with HIV have an increased risk for accelerated atherosclerosis. Elevated levels of osteoprotegerin, an inflammatory cytokine receptor, have been associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease (including peripheral arterial disease, or PAD), acute coronary syndrome, and cardiovascular mortality. The objective of this study was to determine whether PAD is prevalent in an HIV‐infected population, and to identify an association with HIV‐specific and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, as well as levels of osteoprotegerin.MethodsOne hundred and two patients infected with HIV were recruited in a cross‐sectional study. To identify the prevalence of PAD, ankle‐brachial indices (ABIs) were measured. Four standard ABI categories were utilized: ≤ 0.90 (definite PAD); 0.91‐0.99 (borderline); 1.00‐1.30 (normal); and >1.30 (high). Medical history and laboratory measurements were obtained to determine possible risk factors associated with PAD in HIV‐infected patients.ResultsThe prevalence of PAD (ABI ≤ 0.90) in a young HIV‐infected population (mean age: 48 years) was 11%. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including advanced age and previous cardiovascular history, as well as elevated C‐reactive protein levels, were associated with PAD. Compared with patients with normal ABIs, patients with high ABIs had significantly elevated levels of osteoprotegerin [1428.9 (713.1) pg/ml vs. 3088.6 (3565.9) pg/ml, respectively, p = 0.03].ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of PAD in young HIV‐infected patients. A number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and increased osteoprotegerin concentrations are associated with abnormal ABIs. Thus, early screening and aggressive medical management for PAD may be warranted in HIV‐infected patients.
Association between IL-18gene polymorphisms and biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis
Authors: Palomino-Morales Rogelio J , Vazquez-Rodriguez Tomas R , Torres Orlando , Morado Inmaculada C , Castañeda Santos , Miranda-Filloy Jose A , Callejas-Rubio Jose L , Fernandez-Gutierrez Benjamin , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A , Martin Javier 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Introduction
The objective was to investigate the potential implication of the IL18 gene promoter polymorphisms in the susceptibility to giant-cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods
In total, 212 patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven GCA were included in this study. DNA from patients and matched controls was obtained from peripheral blood. Samples were genotyped for the IL18-137 G>C (rs187238), the IL18-607 C>A (rs1946518), and the IL18-1297 T>C (rs360719) gene polymorphisms with polymerase chain reaction, by using a predesigned TaqMan allele discrimination assay.

Results
No significant association between the IL18-137 G>C polymorphism and GCA was found. However, the IL18 -607 allele A was significantly increased in GCA patients compared with controls (47.8% versus 40.9% in patients and controls respectively; P = 0.02; OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.69). It was due to an increased frequency of homozygosity for the IL18 -607 A/A genotype in patients with GCA (20.4%) compared with controls (13.4%) (IL18 -607 A/A versus IL18 -607 A/C plus IL18 -607 C/C genotypes: P = 0.04; OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.46). Also, the IL18-1297 allele C was significantly increased in GCA patients (30.7%) compared with controls (23.0%) (P = 0.003; OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.95). In this regard, an increased susceptibility to GCA was observed in individuals carrying the IL18-1297 C/C or the IL18-1297 C/T genotypes compared with those carrying the IL18-1297 T/T genotype (IL18-1297 C/C plus IL18-1297 T/C versus IL18-1297 T/T genotype in GCA patients compared with controls: P = 0.005; OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.25). We also found an additive effect of the IL18 -1297 and -607 polymorphisms with TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism. The OR for GCA was 1.95 for combinations of genotypes with one or two risk alleles, whereas carriers of three or more risk alleles have an OR of 3.7.

Conclusions
Our results show for the first time an implication of IL18 gene-promoter polymorphisms in the susceptibility to biopsy-proven GCA. In addition, an additive effect between the associated IL18 and TLR4 genetic variants was observed.
Neoadjuvant Treatment With Trastuzumab in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Results From the GeparQuattro Study
Authors: Untch Michael , Rezai Mahdi , Loibl Sibylle , Fasching Peter A. , Huober Jens , Tesch Hans , Bauerfeind Ingo , Hilfrich Jörn , Eidtmann Holger , Gerber Bernd , Hanusch Claus , Kühn Thorsten , du Bois Andreas , Blohmer Jens-Uwe , Thomssen Christoph , Dan Costa Serban , Jackisch Christian , Kaufmann Manfred , Mehta Keyur , von Minckwitz Gunter 
Published: March 2010

Purpose Trastuzumab, a humanized antibody against the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2), has shown high efficacy in breast cancer. We prospectively investigated its efficacy given simultaneously with anthracycline-taxane–based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Patients with operable or locally advanced, HER2-positive tumors were treated preoperatively with four cycles of epirubicin/cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of docetaxel with or without capecitabine (EC-T[X]) and trastuzumab 6 mg/kg (with a loading dose of 8 mg/kg) every 3 weeks during all chemotherapy cycles. Patients with HER2-negative tumors treated in the same study with the same chemotherapy but without trastuzumab were used as a reference group. Results Of 1,509 participants, 445 had HER2-positive tumors treated with trastuzumab and chemotherapy. Pathologic complete response (pCR; defined as no invasive or in situ residual tumors in the breast) rate was 31.7%, which was 16% higher than that in the reference group (15.7%). HER2-positive patients without response to the first four cycles of EC showed an unexpectedly high pCR rate of 16.6% (3.3% in the reference group). Breast conservation rate was 63.1% and comparable to that of the reference group (64.7%). EC-T(X) plus trastuzumab was associated with more febrile neutropenia and conjunctivitis, but with a comparable short-term cardiac toxicity profile as the reference group. Conclusion This trial confirms that combining trastuzumab with anthracycline-taxane–based neoadjuvant chemotherapy results in a high pCR rate without clinically relevant early toxicity. Combination of chemotherapy with trastuzumab should be considered when neoadjuvant treatment is given to patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.