bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic value of ultrasonography-derived edema of the temporal artery wall in giant cell arteritis: a second meta-analysis
Authors: Arida Aikaterini , Kyprianou Miltiades , Kanakis Meletios , Sfikakis Petros P 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Ultrasonography of temporal arteries is not commonly used in the approach of patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA) in clinical practice. A meta-analysis of primary studies available through April 2004 concluded that ultrasonography could indeed be helpful in diagnosing GCA. We specifically re-examined the diagnostic value of the ultrasonography-derived halo sign, a dark hypoechoic circumferential thickening around the artery lumen, indicating vasculitic wall edema, in GCA.

Methods
Original, prospective studies in patients with suspected GCA that examined ultrasonography findings of temporal arteries using the ACR 1990 classification criteria for GCA as reference standard, published through 2009, were identified. Only eight studies involving 575 patients, 204 of whom received the final diagnosis of GCA, fulfilled technical quality criteria for ultrasound. Weighted sensitivity and specificity estimates of the halo sign were assessed, their possible heterogeneity was investigated and pooled diagnostic odds ratio was determined.

Results
Unilateral halo sign achieved an overall sensitivity of 68% (95% CI, 0.61-0.74) and specificity of 91% (95% CI, 0.88-0.94) for GCA. The values of inconsistency coefficient (I2) of both sensitivity and specificity of the halo sign, showed significant heterogeneity concerning the results between studies. Pooled diagnostic odds ratio, expressing how much greater the odds of having GCA are for patients with halo sign than for those without, was 34 (95% CI, 8.21-138.23). Diagnostic odds ratio was further increased to 65 (95% CI, 17.86-236.82) when bilateral halo signs were present (sensitivity/specificity of 43% and 100%, respectively). In both cases, it was found that DOR was constant across studies.

Conclusion
Temporal artery edema demonstrated as halo sign should be always looked for in ultrasonography when GCA is suspected. Providing that currently accepted technical quality criteria are fulfilled, halo sign's sensitivity and specificity are comparable to those of autoantibodies used as diagnostic tests in rheumatology. Validation of revised GCA classification criteria which will include the halo sign may be warranted.
Decreased HIV diversity after allogeneic stem cell transplantation of an HIV-1 infected patient: a case report
Authors: Kamp Christel , Wolf Timo , Bravo Ignacio G , Kraus Benjamin , Krause Birgit , Neumann Britta , Winskowsky Gudrun , Thielen Alexander , Werner Albrecht , Schnierle Barbara S 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) coreceptor use and viral evolution were analyzed in blood samples from an HIV-1 infected patient undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Coreceptor use was predictedin silicofrom sequence data obtained from the third variable loop region of the viral envelope gene with two software tools. Viral diversity and evolution was evaluated on the same samples by Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. In addition, phenotypic analysis was done by comparison of viral growth in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in a CCR5 (R5)-deficient T-cell line which was controlled by a reporter assay confirming viral tropism.In silicocoreceptor predictions did not match experimental determinations that showed a consistent R5 tropism. Anti-HIV directed antibodies could be detected before and after the SCT. These preexisting antibodies did not prevent viral rebound after the interruption of antiretroviral therapy during the SCT. Eventually, transplantation and readministration of anti-retroviral drugs lead to sustained increase in CD4 counts and decreased viral load to undetectable levels. Unexpectedly, viral diversity decreased after successful SCT. Our data evidence that only R5-tropic virus was found in the patient before and after transplantation. Therefore, blocking CCR5 receptor during stem cell transplantation might have had beneficial effects and this might apply to more patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Furthermore, we revealed a scenario of HIV-1 dynamic different from the commonly described ones. Analysis of viral evolution shows the decrease of viral diversity even during episodes with bursts in viral load.
Hemizygosity for Atm and Brca1 influence the balance between cell transformation and apoptosis
Authors: Su Fengtao , Smilenov Lubomir B , Ludwig Thomas , Zhou Libin , Zhu Jiayun , Zhou Guangming , Hall Eric J 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years data from both mouse models and human tumors suggest that loss of one allele of genes involved in DNA repair pathways may play a central role in genomic instability and carcinogenesis. Additionally several examples in mouse models confirmed that loss of one allele of two functionally related genes may have an additive effect on tumor development. To understand some of the mechanisms involved, we examined the role of monoallelic loss or Atm and Brca1 on cell transformation and apoptosis induced by radiation.MethodsCell transformation and apoptosis were measured in mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEF) and thymocytes respectively. Combinations of wild type and hemizygous genotypes for ATM and BRCA1 were tested in various comparisons.ResultsHaploinsufficiency of either ATM or BRCA1 resulted in an increase in the incidence of radiation-induced transformation of MEF and a corresponding decrease in the proportion of thymocytes dying an apoptotic death, compared with cells from wild-type animals. Combined haploinsufficiency for both genes resulted in an even larger effect on apoptosis.ConclusionsUnder stress, the efficiency and capacity for DNA repair mediated by the ATM/BRCA1 cell signalling network depends on the expression levels of both proteins.
A Novel microRNA and transcription factor mediated regulatory network in schizophrenia
Authors: Guo An-Yuan , Sun Jingchun , Jia Peilin , Zhao Zhongming 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundSchizophrenia is a complex brain disorder with molecular mechanisms that have yet to be elucidated. Previous studies have suggested that changes in gene expression may play an important role in the etiology of schizophrenia, and that microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) are primary regulators of this gene expression. So far, several miRNA-TF mediated regulatory modules have been verified. We hypothesized that miRNAs and TFs might play combinatory regulatory roles for schizophrenia genes and, thus, explored miRNA-TF regulatory networks in schizophrenia.ResultsWe identified 32 feed-forward loops (FFLs) among our compiled schizophrenia-related miRNAs, TFs and genes. Our evaluation revealed that these observed FFLs were significantly enriched in schizophrenia genes. By converging the FFLs and mutual feedback loops, we constructed a novel miRNA-TF regulatory network for schizophrenia. Our analysis revealed EGR3 and hsa-miR-195 were core regulators in this regulatory network. We next proposed a model highlighting EGR3 and miRNAs involved in signaling pathways and regulatory networks in the nervous system. Finally, we suggested several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located on miRNAs, their target sites, and TFBSs, which may have an effect in schizophrenia gene regulation.ConclusionsThis study provides many insights on the regulatory mechanisms of genes involved in schizophrenia. It represents the first investigation of a miRNA-TF regulatory network for a complex disease, as demonstrated in schizophrenia.
Experiences and Attitudes of Patients With Terminal Cancer and Their Family Caregivers Toward the Disclosure of Terminal Illness
Authors: Yun Young Ho , Kwon Yong Chol , Lee Myung Kyung , Lee Woo Jin , Jung Kyung Hae , Do Young Rok , Kim Samyong , Heo Dae Seog , Choi Jong Soo , Park Sang Yoon 
Published: March 2010

Purpose We investigated the experiences of cancer patients and their family caregivers who became aware that the cancer was terminal, how they became aware, and how they felt about disclosure of the information. Patients and Methods In this cohort study, we administered questionnaires to 619 consecutive patients determined by physicians to be terminally ill and to their family caregivers. Results A total of 481 patients and 381 family caregivers completed the questionnaire. A majority of patients (58.0%) and caregivers (83.4%) were aware of the patient's terminal status. Approximately 28% of patients and 23% of caregivers reported that they guessed it from the patient's worsening condition. The patient group was more likely than the caregiver group (78.6% v 69.6%) to prefer that patients be informed of their terminal status. Patients informed of their terminal diagnosis had a significantly better quality of life and fewer symptoms and had a lower rate of emotional distress than patients who guessed it from their worsening condition. Younger patients and patients who paid the treatment costs themselves were significantly more likely to want to be told when their illness was terminal. If the patient paid the treatment cost and was employed at the time of the cancer diagnosis, the family caregivers were more likely to prefer disclosure of terminal illness. Conclusion Most patients with terminal cancer and their family caregivers preferred disclosure, and patients who knew of their terminal diagnosis had a lower rate of emotional distress and a higher health-related quality of life.
Benefits of the Intermittent Use of 6-Mercaptopurine and Methotrexate in Maintenance Treatment for Low-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Children: Randomized Trial From the Brazilian Childhood Cooperative Group—Protocol ALL-99
Authors: Brandalise Silvia R. , Pinheiro Vitória R. , Aguiar Simone S. , Matsuda Eduardo I. , Otubo Rosemary , Yunes José A. , Pereira Waldir V. , Carvalho Eny G. , Cristofani Lilian M. , Souza Marcelo S. , Lee Maria L. , Dobbin Jane A. , Pombo-de-Oliveira Maria S. , Lopes Luiz F. , Melnikoff Katharina N.T. , Brunetto Algemir L. , Tone Luiz G. , Scrideli Carlos A. , Morais Vera L.L. , Viana Marcos B. 
Published: March 2010

Purpose To describe event-free survival (EFS) and toxicities in children with low-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) assigned to receive either continuous 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) and weekly methotrexate (MTX) or intermittent 6-MP with intermediate-dose MTX, as maintenance treatment. Patients and Methods Between October 1, 2000, and December 31, 2007, 635 patients with low-risk ALL were enrolled onto Brazilian Childhood Cooperative Group for ALL Treatment (GBTLI) ALL-99 protocol. Eligible children (n = 544) were randomly allocated to receive either continuous 6-MP/MTX (group 1, n = 272) or intermittent 6-MP (100 mg/m2/d for 10 days, with 11 days resting) and MTX (200 mg/m2 every 3 weeks; group 2, n = 272). Results The 5-year overall survival (OS) and EFS were 92.5% ± 1.5% SE and 83.6% ± 2.1% SE, respectively. According to maintenance regimen, the OS was 91.4% ± 2.2% SE (group 1) and 93.6% ± 2.1% SE (group 2; P = .28) and EFS 80.9% ± 3.2% SE (group 1) and 86.5% ± 2.8% SE (group 2; P = .089). Remarkably, the intermittent regimen led to significantly higher EFS among boys (85.7% v 74.9% SE; P = .027), while no difference was seen for girls (87.0% v 88.8% SE; P = .78). Toxic episodes were recorded in 226 and 237 children, respectively. Grade 3 to 4 toxic events for groups 1 and 2 were, respectively, 273 and 166 for hepatic dysfunction (P = .002), and 772 and 636 for hematologic episodes (P = .005). Deaths on maintenance were: seven (group 1) and one (group 2). Conclusion The intermittent use of 6-MP and MTX in maintenance is a less toxic regimen, with a trend toward better long-term EFS. Boys treated with the intermittent schedule had significantly better EFS.
Relapse and Late Mortality in 5-Year Survivors of Myeloablative Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in First Chronic Phase
Authors: Goldman John M. , Majhail Navneet S. , Klein John P. , Wang Zhiwei , Sobocinski Kathleen A. , Arora Mukta , Horowitz Mary M. , Rizzo J. Douglas 
Published: March 2010

PurposeAllogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is curative therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but its long-term outcomes are not well described. We studied the long-term outcomes of CML patients in first chronic phase who receive an allogeneic HCT.Patients and MethodsOur study included 2,444 patients who received myeloablative HCT for CML in first chronic phase between 1978 and 1998 and survived in continuous complete remission for at least 5 years (median follow-up, 11 years; range, 5 to 25 years). Donor sources were human leukocyte antigen–matched siblings in 1,692 patients, unrelated donors in 639 patients, and other related donors in 113 patients.ResultsOverall survival rates at 15 years were 88% (95% CI, 86% to 90%) for sibling HCT and 87% (95% CI, 83% to 90%) for unrelated donor HCT. Corresponding cumulative incidences of relapse were 8% (95% CI, 7% to 10%) and 2% (95% CI, 1% to 4%), respectively. The latest relapse was reported 18 years post-HCT. In multivariable analyses, history of chronic graft-versus-host disease increased risks of late overall mortality and nonrelapse mortality but reduced risks of relapse. In comparison with age-, race-, and sex-adjusted normal populations, the mortality of HCT recipients was significantly higher until 14 years post-HCT; thereafter, mortality rates were similar to those of the general population (relative mortality ratio at 15 years, 2.3; 95% CI, 0 to 4.9).ConclusionRecipients of allogeneic HCT for CML in first chronic phase who remain in remission for at least 5 years have favorable subsequent long-term survival, and their mortality rates eventually approach those of the general population.
Relationship between Low Strain Shear Modulus and Standard Penetration Test N Values
Authors: Anbazhagan P. , Sitharam T. G. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
A low strain shear modulus plays a fundamental role in the estimation of site response parameters. In this study an attempt has been made to develop the relationships between standard penetration test (SPT) N values with the low strain shear modulus (Gmax). For this purpose, field experiments SPT and multichannel analysis of surface wave data from 38 locations in Bangalore, India, have been used, which were also used for seismic microzonation project. The in situ density of soil layer was evaluated using undisturbed soil samples from the boreholes. Shear wave velocity (Vs) profiles with depth were obtained for the same locations or close to the boreholes. The values for low strain shear modulus have been calculated using measured Vs and soil density. About 215 pairs of SPT N and Gmax values are used for regression analysis. The differences between fitted regression relations using measured and corrected values were analyzed. It is found that an uncorrected value of N and modulus gives the best fit with a high regression coefficient when compared to corrected N and corrected modulus values. This study shows better correlation between measured values of N and Gmax when compared to overburden stress corrected values of N and Gmax.
Quality Function Deployment Application on the Development of 100Cr6 Bearing Tubes
Authors: Fonseca Antonio Sergio Medeiros , Neto Osvaldo Alves Ferreira 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
In 2001, a Brazilian bearing seamless tubes producer started a 5-year-long research and development (R&D) program to upgrade the global quality of its 100Cr6 bearing tubes, nowadays becoming in line with the requirements of first class producers. This work describes the quality function deployment methodology applied to understand the customer’s needs and how the acquired knowledge was used to promote changes and developments in the production process, to improve quality control procedures on the key processes, and to prioritize investments along the whole manufacturing line (steel plant, tube rolling mill, and cold drawn plant). Present customer audits and quality reports demonstrate the great success of this R&D program, increasing customer satisfaction and enabling the company to sustain and enter new markets.
Low Birth Weight and Lung Function in Adulthood: Retrospective Cohort Study in China, 1948–1996
Authors: Pei Lijun , Chen Gong , Mi Jie , Zhang Ting , Song Xinming , Chen Jiapeng , Ji Ying , Li Chengfu , Zheng Xiaoying 
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE:
The goal was to determine whether the components of low lung function in adulthood were associated with low birth weight in a Chinese population.

METHODS:
A retrospective cohort study was conducted from December 1995 to August 1996. A total of 627 men and women who were born between 1948 and 1954 were recruited; lung function indices were tested and respiratory diseases were examined in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Information on variables was recorded, and multivariate analysis of variance was performed to evaluate associations.

RESULTS:
Significant associations were observed between birth weight and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in adulthood, after adjustment for maternal age, gestational week, offspring's gender, birth height, history of dyspnea and asthma, lung diseases before 16 years of age, lung diseases after measles and pneumonia before 16 years of age, cough with sputum within 2 years, current asthma, taking medicine for asthma, adult BMI, male alcohol consumption, and male smoking (P &lt; .001). Linear trends between birth weight and FEV1, FVC, and PEF were noted (P &lt; .001, 1-way analysis of variance); FEV1, FVC, and PEF values increased with increasing birth weight. Low birth weight was associated with the FEV1/FVC predictive value (P &lt; .05), but there was no linear trend (P &gt; .05).

CONCLUSIONS:
Low birth weight may increase the prevalence of and risk for low lung function in adulthood in the Chinese population. The development of lung function may be affected by hypogenesis in utero.
The Influence of Local Anatomy on the Outcome of Treatment of Gingival Recession Associated With Non‐Carious Cervical Lesions
Authors: Santamaria Mauro Pedrine , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Casati Marcio Zaffalon , Nociti Francisco Humberto , Sallum Antônio Wilson , Sallum Enilson Antônio 
Published: March 2010

Background: The present study evaluates the influence of local anatomy on the reduction in relative gingival recession (ΔRGR) and gain of clinical attachment level (ΔCAL) achieved by coronally advanced flap alone (CAF), CAF plus restoration (CAF + R), subepithelial connective tissue graft alone (CTG), and CTG plus restoration (CTG + R), to treat Miller Class I gingival recessions associated with non‐carious cervical lesions.Methods: A total of 78 defects in maxillary canines or premolars were included, and received one of the following treatments: CAF, CAF + R, CTG, or CTG + R. ΔRGR and ΔCAL after 6 months were associated with cervical lesion height (CLH), cervical lesion width, cervical lesion depth (CLD), keratinized tissue width, keratinized tissue thickness, papillae width, papillae height, bone level (BL), and post‐surgical position of the gingival margin using stepwise multivariate linear regression.Results: CLH was statistically associated with ΔRGR when CAF (P = 0.02) and CTG + R (P = 0.0002) were analyzed and statistically associated with ΔRGR when overall data (P = 0.005) from both CTG groups were analyzed. CLD was significantly associated with ΔRGR in the CAF group (P = 0.0045). BL was statistically associated with ΔRGR when evaluating the CTG group (P = 0.02). It was also significantly associated with ΔCAL when considering the CTG (P = 0.01) and the overall data (P = 0.04) from CAF (CAF and CAF + R).Conclusions: It can be concluded that CLD may influence ΔRGR when CAF is performed to treat combined defects. Additionally, BL may not negatively influence ΔRGR when the CTG technique is used.
Climate Risk Management for Adaptation to Climate Variability and Change
Authors: Baethgen Walter E. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTThe warming of the climate system is evident from observations of air and ocean temperatures as well as in melting of snow and ice and rising sea level. Measures are needed to reverse the trends of increased accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. The two main paths to reverse this trend are: (i) reducing GHG emissions through cleaner energy generation and (ii) removing CO2 through carbon sequestration. The agricultural and forestry sectors can play a key role in both paths. Carbon markets will likely encourage increased carbon sequestration. However, the implementation of carbon‐market projects for small farmers in least developed countries is still a major challenge. Even under the most optimistic scenarios of future GHG emissions adaptive measures are needed to address impacts of the warming due to past and current emissions. Integrating climate change into decision making is complicated by the uncertainty levels of climate scenarios. It is also challenged by a “double conflict of scales”: (i) climate scenarios are available for periods much farther in the future than the ones typically needed for decision making and (ii) spatial scales of the climate scenarios (global to regional) are coarser than the ones often needed for actual decision making (i.e., local level). Introducing the issue of climate change into policy and development agendas can be facilitated by considering the longer‐term variations as part of the continuum of total climate variability (seasons to decades to centuries) and generating information at the temporal scales that are relevant and applicable for particular decisions.
The Future of Food: Scenarios for 2050
Authors: Hubert Bernard , Rosegrant Mark , van Boekel Martinus A. J. S. , Ortiz Rodomiro 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTThis background article addresses key challenges of adequately feeding a population of 9 billion by 2050, while preserving the agro‐ecosystems from which other services are also expected. One of the scenario‐buildings uses the Agrimonde platform, which considers the following steps: choosing the scenarios and their underlying building principles, developing quantitative scenarios, and building complete scenarios by combining quantitative scenarios with qualitative hypotheses. These scenarios consider how food issues link to production, for example, the percentage of animal vs. vegetal calorie intake in the full diet. The first section of this article discusses Agrimonde GO and Agrimonde 1 scenarios, which indicate that global economic growth and ecological intensification remain as main challenges for feeding the earth's growing population toward the mid‐21st century. The second section provides the outcomes of the analysis of alternative futures for agricultural supply and demand and food security to 2050, based on research done for the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development. The last section of this article provides a summary analysis of food systems and functions, as well as the role of food technology that address some of the global challenges affecting the supply of more nutritious and healthy diets. It also highlights the food production by novel means (e.g., alternatives for animal products based on plant materials) and increasing the presence of potentially health‐promoting compounds in food to improve human and animal health. Finally, this article proposes priority areas that should be included in further agri‐food research.