bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generation of anti-tumour immune response using dendritic cells pulsed with carbonic anhydrase IX-Acinetobacter baumanniiouter membrane protein A fusion proteins against renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kim B-R , Yang E-K , Kim D-Y , Kim S-H , Moon D-C , Lee J-H , Kim H-J , Lee J-C 
Published: September 2011

SummaryCarbonic anhydrase IX (CA9), a specific molecular marker for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), serves as a potential target for RCC-specific immunotherapy using dendritic cells (DCs). However, pulsing of DCs with CA9 alone is not sufficient for generation of a therapeutic anti-tumour immune response against RCC. In this study, in order to generate a potent anti-tumour immune response against RCC, we produced recombinant CA9-Acinetobacter baumannii outer membrane protein A (AbOmpA) fusion proteins, designated CA9-AbOmpA, and investigated the ability of DCs pulsed with CA9-AbOmpA fusion proteins in a murine renal cell carcinoma (RENCA) model. A recombinant CA9-AbOmpA fusion protein was composed of a unique proteoglycan-related region of CA9 (1–120 amino acids) fused at the C-terminus with transmembrane domain of AbOmpA (1–200 amino acids). This fusion protein was capable of inducing DC maturation and interleukin (IL)-12 production in DCs. Interaction of DCs pulsed with CA9-AbOmpA fusion proteins with naive T cells stimulated secretion of IL-2, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α in T cells. Lymphocytes harvested from mice immunized with DCs pulsed with CA9-AbOmpA fusion proteins secreted IFN-γ and showed a specific cytotoxic activity against CA9-expressing RENCA (RENCA-CA9) cells. Administration of CA9-AbOmpA-pulsed DC vaccine suppressed growth of RENCA-CA9 cells in mice with an established tumour burden. These results suggest that DCs pulsed with CA9-AbOmpA fusion proteins generate a specific anti-tumour immune response against RCC, which can be utilized in immunotherapy of RCC.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 in Japan: establishment and analysis of a multicentre database
Authors: Sakurai Akihiro , Suzuki Shinichi , Kosugi Shinji , Okamoto Takahiro , Uchino Shinya , Miya Akihiro , Imai Tsuneo , Kaji Hiroshi , Komoto Izumi , Miura Daishu , Yamada Masanobu , Uruno Takashi , Horiuchi Kiyomi , Miyauchi Akira , Imamura Masayuki ,   MEN Consortium of Japan
Published: September 2011

SummaryObjective  Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is less well recognized in Asian countries, including Japan, than in the West. The clinical features and optimal management of MEN1 have yet to be clarified in Japan. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical features of Japanese patients with MEN1.Design/Patients  We established a MEN study group designated the ‘MEN Consortium of Japan’ in 2008, and asked physicians and surgeons to provide clinical and genetic information on patients they had treated. Of 680 registered patients, 560 were analysed.Measurements  Clinical and genetic features of Japanese patients with MEN1 were examined.Results  Primary hyperparathyroidism, gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEPNET), and pituitary tumours were seen in 94·4%, 58·6% and 49·6% of patients, respectively. The prevalence of insulinoma was higher in the Japanese than in the West (22%vs 10%). In addition, 37% of patients with thymic carcinoids were women, while most were men in western countries. The MEN1 mutation positive rate was 91·7% in familial cases and only 49·3% in sporadic cases. Eight novel mutations were identified. Despite the availability of genetic testing for MEN1, the application of genetic testing, especially presymptomatic diagnosis for at‐risk family members appeared to be insufficient.Conclusions  We established the first extensive database for Asian patients with MEN1. Although the clinical features of Japanese patients were similar to those in western countries, there were several characteristic differences between them.
Plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and insulin‐like growth factor I levels in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Makino Shinya , Fujiwara Masayoshi , Handa Hiroshi , Fujie Tatsuro , Aoki Yoshiyuki , Hashimoto Kozo , Terada Yoshio , Sugimoto Tamotsu 
Published: September 2011

SummaryContext  We aimed to assess whether obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) affects plasma IGF‐1 and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA‐S) levels in men, factors implicated in the development of age‐related metabolic disorders.Design  We conducted a cross‐sectional and longitudinal clinical study.Patients and setting  We measured plasma IGF‐1 and DHEA‐S levels in 191 non–drug‐treated Japanese men (34 primary snorers (PS), 88 patients with mild‐to‐moderate OSAS and 69 patients severe OSAS ).Results  Plasma IGF‐1 and DHEA‐S were negatively correlated with age. Plasma IGF‐1 was also negatively correlated with plasma glucose, HOMA‐IR and systolic blood pressure and apnoea parameters such as the apnoea–hypopnea index, minimum oxygen saturation and slow‐wave sleep (SWS) time. Plasma DHEA‐S was associated with plasma glucose, HbA1c and free fatty acid and was negatively correlated with SWS time. To eliminate the influence of age, PS, patients with mild‐to‐moderate OSAS and severe OSAS were divided into three groups by age: young (<40 years), middle‐aged (40–59 years) and elderly (≥60 years). Patients with severe OSAS aged <40 or <60 years had lower plasma IGF‐1 or DHEA‐S levels, respectively, than did the corresponding snorers and mild‐to‐moderate OSAS groups. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy for generally 16–18 months increased plasma IGF‐1 levels in patients with severe OSAS aged <40 years (n = 18). Plasma DHEA‐S levels were increased in patients with severe OSAS aged <60 years, whose DHEA‐S level was below the mean value for that age (n = 23/41).Conclusion  Severe OSAS could reduce plasma IGF‐1 and DHEA‐S levels in younger, but not elderly Japanese men, which is potentially associated with the development of metabolic abnormalities.
The use of neuroimaging for assessing disorders of pituitary development
Authors: Iorgi Natascia D. , Allegri Anna E. M. , Napoli Flavia , Bertelli Enrica , Olivieri Irene , Rossi Andrea , Maghnie Mohamad 
Published: September 2011

SummaryMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the radiological examination method of choice for evaluating hypothalamo‐pituitary‐related endocrine disease and is considered essential in the assessment of patients with suspected hypothalamo‐pituitary pathology. Physicians involved in the care of such patients have, in MRI, a valuable tool that can aid them in determining the pathogenesis of their patients’ underlying pituitary conditions. Indeed, the use of MRI has led to an enormous increase in our knowledge of pituitary morphology, improving, in particular, the differential diagnosis of hypopituitarism. Specifically, MRI allows detailed and precise anatomical study of the pituitary gland by differentiating between the anterior and posterior pituitary lobes. MRI recognition of pituitary hyperintensity in the posterior part of the sella, now considered a marker of neurohypophyseal functional integrity, has been the most striking finding in the diagnosis and understanding of certain forms of ‘idiopathic’ and permanent growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Published data show a number of correlations between pituitary abnormalities as observed on MRI and a patient’s endocrine profile. Indeed, several trends have emerged and have been confirmed: (i) a normal MRI or anterior pituitary hypoplasia generally indicates isolated growth hormone deficiency that is mostly transient and resolves upon adult height achievement; (ii) patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHD) seldom show a normal pituitary gland; and (iii) the classic triad of ectopic posterior pituitary, pituitary stalk hypoplasia/agenesis and anterior pituitary hypoplasia is more frequently reported in MPHD patients and is generally associated with permanent GHD. Pituitary abnormalities have also been reported in patients with hypopituitarism carrying mutations in several genes encoding transcription factors. Establishing endocrine and MRI phenotypes is extremely useful for the selection and management of patients with hypopituitarism, both in terms of possible genetic counselling and in the early diagnosis of evolving anterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. Going forward, neuroimaging techniques are expected to progressively expand and improve our knowledge and understanding of pituitary diseases.
Environmental factors controlling temporal and spatial variability in the soil‐atmosphere exchange of CO2, CH4 and N2O from an Australian subtropical rainforest
Authors: Rowlings D. W. , Grace P. R. , Kiese R. , Weier K. L. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe temporal variations in CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes were measured over two consecutive years from February 2007 to March 2009 from a subtropical rainforest in south‐eastern Queensland, Australia, using an automated sampling system. A concurrent study using an additional 30 manual chambers examined the spatial variability of emissions distributed across three nearby remnant rainforest sites with similar vegetation and climatic conditions. Interannual variation in fluxes of all gases over the 2 years was minimal, despite large discrepancies in rainfall, whereas a pronounced seasonal variation could only be observed for CO2 fluxes. High infiltration, drainage and subsequent high soil aeration under the rainforest limited N2O loss while promoting substantial CH4 uptake. The average annual N2O loss of 0.5 ± 0.1 kg N2O‐N ha−1 over the 2‐year measurement period was at the lower end of reported fluxes from rainforest soils. The rainforest soil functioned as a sink for atmospheric CH4 throughout the entire 2‐year period, despite periods of substantial rainfall. A clear linear correlation between soil moisture and CH4 uptake was found. Rates of uptake ranged from greater than 15 g CH4‐C ha−1 day−1 during extended dry periods to less than 2–5 g CH4‐C ha−1 day−1 when soil water content was high. The calculated annual CH4 uptake at the site was 3.65 kg CH4‐C ha−1 yr−1. This is amongst the highest reported for rainforest systems, reiterating the ability of aerated subtropical rainforests to act as substantial sinks of CH4. The spatial study showed N2O fluxes almost eight times higher, and CH4 uptake reduced by over one‐third, as clay content of the rainforest soil increased from 12% to more than 23%. This demonstrates that for some rainforest ecosystems, soil texture and related water infiltration and drainage capacity constraints may play a more important role in controlling fluxes than either vegetation or seasonal variability.
The androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism as a risk factor of low serum testosterone and its cardiometabolic effects in men
Authors: Haring R. , Ernst F. , Schurmann C. , Homuth G. , Völker U. , Völzke H. , Nauck M. , Wallaschofski H. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryPrevious studies reported correlations of CAG repeat length with sex hormone serum concentrations and cardiometabolic risk factors, but were limited by small cross‐sectional samples. We used data of 1859 men aged 20–79 years from the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) to investigate the direct and modulating effects of CAG repeat length on androgen action and cardiometabolic risk factors. We performed cross‐sectional and longitudinal linear and Poisson regression models adjusted for age, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption and body mass index. The CAG repeat length was categorized into quartiles and low total testosterone (TT) defined according to the age‐specific (by decades) 10th percentile, respectively. Age‐adjusted cross‐sectional linear regression models showed a positive association between CAG repeat length and serum testosterone concentrations [β coefficient for TT, 0.099 (p = 0.028) and for free T, 0.002 (p = 0.001), respectively]. After a 5.0 year median follow‐up period, men with CAG repeat length in the lowest quartile had an increased risk of incident low TT concentrations [relative risk (RR), 2.31; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–4.55]. We found no direct association between CAG repeat length and cardiometabolic risk factors in cross‐sectional and longitudinal multivariable linear regression analyses; whereas men with longer CAG repeat length and low TT concentrations showed the highest risk of incident MetS (RR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.05–2.16). CAG repeat length is a risk factor of incident low TT concentrations and a contributing factor of testosterone‐related cardiometabolic effects. The added clinical value of a combined assessment of CAG repeat length and serum TT concentrations merits further investigation.
Spermatozoa DNA damage measured by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) and birth characteristics in children conceived by IVF and ICSI
Authors: Bungum M. , Bungum L. , Lynch K.‐F. , Wedlund L. , Humaidan P. , Giwercman A. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryHigh levels of spermatozoa DNA damage hinder fertility in vivo but not in vitro. It is a source of worry that following in vitro fertilization (IVF) spermatozoa DNA damage, if not repaired by the oocyte, might have a negative impact on the offspring. The aim of this study was to assess if a high spermatozoa DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) is associated with alterations in birthweight (BW) and/or gestational length in IVF children. One hundred and thirty‐one singleton pregnancies established by standard IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were included in the study. DFI was measured by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) in semen samples used for fertilization. DFI was categorized as low and high, using 20, 30, 40 and 50% as cut‐off levels. Birthweight, gestational age, as well as gestational age adjusted BW score were used in a linear regression model as end points For none of the tested birth characteristics, statistically significant differences between the groups with low and high DFI were seen regardless of whether 20, 30, 40 or 50% were used as cut‐off levels, both when the IVF and ICSI data were merged or analysed separately. Spermatozoa DNA damage as assessed by SCSA is not associated with BW or gestational length in IVF and ICSI children.
Oncology patients’ perceptions of the good nurse: an explorative study on the psychometric properties of the Flemish adaptation of the Care‐Q instrument
Authors: Rchaidia Leila , Dierckx de Casterlé Bernadette , Verbeke Geert , Gastmans Chris 
Published: September 2011

Aims and objectives.  The aims of this study were to translate the Care‐Q into Dutch, adapt it for use in oncological care settings in Flanders and explore its psychometric properties in oncology patients.Background.  The ‘good nurse’ is a difficult concept to measure. Patients’ experiences are essential for understanding what characterises good nurses in the oncology setting. Although the Care‐Q is one of the most widely used instruments to measure cancer patients’ perceptions of good nurses, no translated, validated instrument has been developed for Flanders.Design.  A quantitative, descriptive, non‐experimental research design was used.Method.  We translated the Care‐Q into Dutch, adapted it and assessed its face and content validity. Its psychometric properties were examined in 100 oncology patients. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and test‐retest reliability was assessed using Wilcoxon matched pairs test and Spearman’s rho coefficient. Factor structure was studied using explorative factor analysis derived from principal component analysis with varimax rotation, and the user‐friendliness was examined using descriptive statistics.Results.  Several items from the original Care‐Q were removed or adapted, and new items were added. The content validity index was 0·83. Five reliable, consistent and meaningful subscales were identified that explained 49·7% of the total variance: good nurses are empathic (towards patients and family), professional, patient‐centred, respectful and communicative. Cronbach’s alpha was 0·92 for the whole instrument and 0·65–0·81 for the subscales. User‐friendliness was deemed favourable.Conclusions.  The Flemish adaptation of the Care‐Q has favourable psychometric properties. It appears to be a useful instrument for studying cancer patients’ perceptions of good nurses in Flanders.Relevance to clinical practice.  The Flemish adaptation of the Care‐Q is useful for helping nurses to reflect critically on the care they offer and to adapt and improve care to the real needs and expectations of patients with cancer.
Challenges in handling elder abuse in community care. An exploratory study among nurses and care coordinators in Norway and Australia
Authors: Sandmoe Astrid , Kirkevold Marit , Ballantyne Alison 
Published: September 2011

Aim and objective.  The aim of this study was to explore how nurses and care coordinators in community care in Norway and Australia experienced and handled cases of abused older clients, including the support they received in clinical interventions.Background.  Norway and Australia base their approaches to elder abuse problems on similar philosophies. The Australian Government, however, has taken a more active position on this issue by focusing on structures and policies that might influence professionals’ handling of abuse cases. The organisation and funding of community care services in the two countries are different, although common concerns are client‐centeredness, equal access to services and enabling the client to live at home as long as possible.Design.  Explorative design with a qualitative hermeneutic approach.Method.  Twenty participants, nurses, auxiliary nurses and care workers in Norway and Australia, were recruited by purposeful sampling. They participated in in‐depth interviews.Results.  The similarity of the information given in the two countries was striking. The interventions differed based on the type and seriousness of the abuse and the client’s cognitive capacity. Financial abuse was a more prominent issue in Australia than in Norway. The handling of neglect cases in both countries followed much the same pathway and the intervention usually involved long‐lasting processes. The managers’ support and the elder protective services were of great importance to the nurses.Conclusions.  Community care agencies in both countries struggle with similar problems in handling cases of abuse. The participants’ concerns were securing and supporting the older victim by individualising the intervention.Relevance to clinical practice.  Community care agencies in both countries need to be aware of the huge impact of the managers’ involvement and the services’ responsibility and capacity to support professionals in the handling of elder abuse.
Analytical electron microscopy of black carbon and microaggregated mineral matter in Amazonian dark Earth
Authors: CHIA C.H. , MUNROE P. , JOSEPH S.D. , LIN Y. , LEHMANN J. , MULLER D.A. , XIN H.L. , NEVES E. 
Published: September 2011

SummaryBlack carbon (BC) is one of the most stable forms of soil organic matter. Its surface functional groups and structure have been well characterized by a range of analytical methods. However, little is known about the mechanisms of interactions between the BC particles and the surrounding mineral matter. In this paper a range of microscopy techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy, were used to investigate the possible reactions of BC particles within microaggregates (<2 mm) found in Amazonian dark Earth. Attention is given to the interactions that occur at the interfacial regions between the organic and inorganic phases. Examination of Amazonian dark Earth showed that the carbon‐rich phase detected within the BC particles has a significant calcium concentration and a high density of micropores was found at the BC–mineral interface. These observations provide evidence to support suggested mechanisms of interaction between these phases.
Adolescent client views towards the treatment of anorexia nervosa: a review of the literature
Authors: WESTWOOD L. M. , KENDAL S. E. 
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary
Anorexia nervosa (AN) affects many young people but they can be reluctant to accept treatment. If we understood the views of young people with AN we might be able to develop more acceptable treatments. At the moment, most of what we know about their views is taken from studies of girls and young women.
For some young people, having AN means being able to control something, but AN can also be an illness that controls the person. Confusion about control is one of the things that make AN hard to treat.
It is difficult to find the right combination of treatments for the physical and psychological symptoms of AN. The research evidence we have does not offer enough guidance for clinicians.
Good relationships with clinicians can be difficult to achieve. Young people with AN want clinicians to look after them but at the same time they may resent it when clinicians tell them what to do. However, once they have recovered they often say that they needed firm treatment in order to get better.
AbstractThis paper reviews current literature in which adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) were consulted about their views of their treatment. Published research was systematically retrieved and interrogated during 2009–2010 and analysed using a four‐stage model. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Three core themes were identified. AN was perceived as a means of taking control and also something that controlled the individual. Tensions were recognized between client preferences for psychological interventions and treatments that prioritized physical care. Therapeutic alliance emerged as a strategy for overcoming these difficulties but was challenged by client ambivalence towards treatment. Most included studies were qualitative. Young males and individuals who dropped out of treatment were underrepresented in the studies. Adolescents' perspectives on treatment for AN were characterized by paradoxes and tensions. Egosyntonic theory was used as a theoretical construct to interpret findings.
Probabilistic sleep architecture models in patients with and without sleep apnea
Authors: BIANCHI MATT T. , EISEMAN NATHANIEL A. , CASH SYDNEY S. , MIETUS JOSEPH , PENG CHUNG‐KANG , THOMAS ROBERT J. 
Published: September 2011

SummarySleep fragmentation of any cause is disruptive to the rejuvenating value of sleep. However, methods to quantify sleep architecture remain limited. We have previously shown that human sleep–wake stage distributions exhibit multi‐exponential dynamics, which are fragmented by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), suggesting that Markov models may be a useful method to quantify architecture in health and disease. Sleep stage data were obtained from two subsets of the Sleep Heart Health Study database: control subjects with no medications, no OSA, no medical co‐morbidities and no sleepiness (n = 374); and subjects with severe OSA (n = 338). Sleep architecture was simplified into three stages: wake after sleep onset (WASO); non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep; and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The connectivity and transition rates among eight ‘generator’ states of a first‐order continuous‐time Markov model were inferred from the observed (‘phenotypic’) distributions: three exponentials each of NREM sleep and WASO; and two exponentials of REM sleep. Ultradian REM cycling was accomplished by imposing time‐variation to REM state entry rates. Fragmentation in subjects with severe OSA involved faster transition probabilities as well as additional state transition paths within the model. The Markov models exhibit two important features of human sleep architecture: multi‐exponential stage dynamics (accounting for observed bout distributions); and probabilistic transitions (an inherent source of variability). In addition, the model quantifies the fragmentation associated with severe OSA. Markov sleep models may prove important for quantifying sleep disruption to provide objective metrics to correlate with endpoints ranging from sleepiness to cardiovascular morbidity.