bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune reconstitution under antiretroviral therapy: the new challenge in HIV-1 infection
Authors: Corbeau Pierre , Reynes Jacques 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAlthough highly active antiretroviral therapy has enabled constant progress in reducing HIV-1 replication, in some patients who are “aviremic” during treatment, the problem of insufficient immune restoration remains, and this exposes them to the risk of immune deficiency–associated pathologies. Various mechanisms may combine and account for this impaired immunologic response to treatment. A first possible mechanism is immune activation, which may be because of residual HIV production, microbial translocation, co-infections, immunosenescence, or lymphopenia per se. A second mechanism is ongoing HIV replication. Finally, deficient thymus output, sex, and genetic polymorphism influencing apoptosis may impair immune reconstitution. In this review we will discuss the tools at our disposal to identify the various mechanisms at work in a given patient and the specific therapeutic strategies we could propose based on this etiologic diagnosis.
First report of multiple CEBPA mutations contributing to donor origin of leukemia relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Xiao Haowen , Shi Jimin , Luo Yi , Tan Yamin , He Jingsong , Xie Wanzhuo , Zhang Lifei , Wang Yingjia , Liu Lizhen , Wu Kangni , Yu Xiaohong , Cai Zhen , Lin Maofang , Ye Xiujin , Huang He 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Donor cell leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation might provide a unique human model for our understanding of leukemogenesis in vivo. We hypothesized that the “2-genetic-hits model” may contribute to the “leukemization” of donor cells and first evaluated these genetic mutations that are implicated in the development of acute myeloid leukemia in a donor cell leukemia patient and donor. The patient and his donor-sister both harbored a germline mutation in CEBPA (584_589dup). Susceptible donor hematopoietic cells evolved to overt acute myeloid leukemia by developing 2 somatic CEBPA mutations (247dupC and 914_916dup) in the patient's microenvironment. These were identical to the acquired mutations identified in leukemic cells that originated from the patient during de novo acute myeloid leukemia. Our results provide the first report of multiple mutations of CEBPA contributing to the transformation of donor cells to the leukemic phenotype and provide clues to support the multiple-genetic-hits mechanism of donor cell leukemia.
Pumped double quantum dot with spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Khomitsky Denis , Sherman Eugene 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe study driven by an external electric field quantum orbital and spin dynamics of electron in a one-dimensional double quantum dot with spin-orbit coupling. Two types of external perturbation are considered: a periodic field at the Zeeman frequency and a single half-period pulse. Spin-orbit coupling leads to a nontrivial evolution in the spin and orbital channels and to a strongly spin- dependent probability density distribution. Both the interdot tunneling and the driven motion contribute into the spin evolution. These results can be important for the design of the spin manipulation schemes in semiconductor nanostructures.PACS numbers: 73.63.Kv,72.25.Dc,72.25.Pn
Growth factor-enriched autologous plasma improves wound healing after surgical debridement in odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis: a case report
Authors: Lopez-Fernandez Rubi , Ramirez-Melgoza Jorge , Martinez-Aguilar Nora Ernestina , Leon-Chavez Alicia , Martinez-Fong Daniel , Gonzalez-Barrios Juan Antonio 
Published: March 2011

Abstract

Background
Odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis of the neck is a fulminant infection of odontogenic origin that quickly spreads along the fascial planes and results in necrosis of the affected tissues. It is usually polymicrobial, occurs frequently in immunocompromised patients, and has a high mortality rate.

Case presentation
A 69-year old Mexican male had a pain in the maxillar right-canine region and a swelling of the submental and submandibular regions. Our examination revealed local pain, tachycardia, hyperthermia (39°C), and the swelling of bilateral submental and submandibular regions, which also were erythematous, hyperthermic, crepitant, and with a positive Godet sign. Mobility and third-degree caries were seen in the right mandibular canine. Bacteriological cultures isolated streptococcus pyogenes and staphylococcus aureus. The histopathological diagnosis was odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis of the submental and submandibular regions. The initial treatment was surgical debridement and the administration of antibiotics. After cultures were negative, the surgical wound was treated with a growth factor-enriched autologous plasma eight times every third day until complete healing occurred.

Conclusions
The treatment with a growth factor-enriched autologous plasma caused a rapid healing of an extensive surgical wound in a patient with odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis. The benefits were rapid tissue regeneration, an aesthetic and a functional scar, and the avoidance of further surgery and possible complications.
A biregional survey and review of first‐line treatment failure and second‐line paediatric antiretroviral access and use in Asia and southern Africa
Authors:   TREAT Asia Pediatric HIV Observational Database (TApHOD),   The International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Southern Africa Paediatric Group
Published: March 2011

BackgroundTo better understand the need for paediatric second‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART), an ART management survey and a cross‐sectional analysis of second‐line ART use were conducted in the TREAT Asia Paediatric HIV Observational Database and the IeDEA Southern Africa (International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS) regional cohorts.MethodsSurveys were conducted in April 2009. Analysis data from the Asia cohort were collected in March 2009 from 12 centres in Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Data from the IeDEA Southern Africa cohort were finalized in February 2008 from 10 centres in Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe.ResultsSurvey responses reflected inter‐regional variations in drug access and national guidelines. A total of 1301 children in the TREAT Asia and 4561 children in the IeDEA Southern Africa cohorts met inclusion criteria for the cross‐sectional analysis.Ten percent of Asian and 3.3% of African children were on second‐line ART at the time of data transfer. Median age (interquartile range) in months at second‐line initiation was 120 (78‐145) months in the Asian cohort and 66 (29‐112) months in the southern African cohort. Regimens varied, and the then current World Health Organization‐recommended nucleoside reverse transcriptase combination of abacavir and didanosine was used in less than 5% of children in each region.ConclusionsIn order to provide life‐long ART for children, better use of current first‐line regimens and broader access to heat‐stable, paediatric second‐line and salvage formulations are needed. There will be limited benefit to earlier diagnosis of treatment failure unless providers and patients have access to appropriate drugs for children to switch to.
PI3Kγ controls leukocyte recruitment, tissue injury, and lethality in a model of graft-versus-host disease in mice
Authors: Castor Marina G M , Rezende Bárbara M , Bernardes Priscila T T , Vieira Angélica T , Vieira Érica L M , Arantes Rosa M E , Souza Danielle G , Silva Tarcília A , Teixeira Mauro M , Pinho Vanessa 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTPI3Kγ is thought to mediate leukocyte migration to injured tissues and may be important in the pathogenesis of various T-lymphocyte-dependent pathologies, including autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The present study evaluated the relevance of PI3Kγ in donor cells for the pathogenesis of acute GVHD using a model of adoptive transfer of splenocytes from WT or PI3Kγ−/− C57BL/6J mice to B6D2F1 mice, and mice that received PI3Kγ−/− cells showed reduced clinical signs of disease, bacterial translocation, tissue injury, and lethality rates. This was associated with reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, CCL2, CCL3, and CCL5) and reduced infiltration of CD8+, CD4+, and CD11c+ cells in the small intestine. Mechanistically, in addition to decreasing production of proinflammatory mediators, absence or pharmacological blockade of PI3Kγ was associated with decreased rolling and adhesion of leukocytes to the mesenteric microcirculation, as assessed by intravital microscopy. Despite decreased GVHD, there was maintained GVL activity when PI3Kγ−/− leukocytes were transferred into WT mice. In conclusion, PI3Kγ plays a critical role in GVHD by mediating leukocyte influx and activation in tissues. PI3Kγ inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of GVHD in patients undergoing BMT.
Causes of Death and Relative Survival of Older Women After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Schonberg Mara A. , Marcantonio Edward R. , Ngo Long , Li Donglin , Silliman Rebecca A. , McCarthy Ellen P. 
Published: March 2011

PurposeTo understand the impact of breast cancer on older women's survival, we compared survival of older women diagnosed with breast cancer with matched controls.MethodsUsing the linked 1992 to 2003 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) -Medicare data set, we identified women age 67 years or older who were newly diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or breast cancer. We identified women not diagnosed with breast cancer from the 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries residing in SEER areas. We matched patient cases to controls by birth year and registry (99% or 66,039 patient cases matched successfully). We assigned the start of follow-up for controls as the patient cases' date of diagnosis. Mortality data were available through 2006. We compared survival of women with breast cancer by stage with survival of controls using multivariable proportional hazards models adjusting for age at diagnosis, comorbidity, prior mammography use, and sociodemographics. We repeated these analyses stratifying by age.ResultsMedian follow-up time was 7.7 years. Differences between patient cases and controls in sociodemographics and comorbidities were small (< 4%). Women diagnosed with DCIS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.7; 95% CI, 0.7 to 0.7) or stage I disease (aHR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.8 to 0.8) had slightly lower mortality than controls. Women diagnosed with stage II disease or higher had greater mortality than controls (stage II disease: aHR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.2). The association of a breast cancer diagnosis with mortality declined with age among women with advanced disease.ConclusionCompared with matched controls, a diagnosis of DCIS or stage I breast cancer in older women is associated with better survival, whereas a diagnosis of stage II or higher breast cancer is associated with worse survival.
Accelerating Physical Simulations Using Graphics Processing Units
Authors: Hoffmann Karl Heinz , Hofmann Michael , Lang Jens , Rünger Gudula , Seeger Steffen 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Graphics processors are used in many fields of applications that require high computational power. Especially in scientific computing, the programming of graphics processing units is an active field of research. Because of their hardware characteristics, graphics processors are well-suited for regular parallelism, however the implementation of irregular problems requires more advanced strategies. In this article, the hardware architecture of graphics processors and different frameworks for graphics processor programming, such as CAL, Brook+, CUDA and OpenCL with their specific properties, are presented. Additionally, an overview of different physical applications that have been implemented successfully on graphics processors is given. The parallel implementation of a specific irregular physical application on graphics processors is presented in more detail. This application simulates anomalous diffusion in porous media using random walk on Random Sierpinski Carpets.
A Hybrid Functional and Object-Oriented Language for a Multi-Core Future
Authors: Veldema Ronald , Philippsen Michael 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Current (heterogeneous) multi-core environments such as GPU architectures are hard to program with normal imperative and object-oriented (OO) languages because of race-conditions and general side-effects that code may have. We propose that both problems can be solved with a hybrid language that combines both Functional Programming (FP) and OO programming. By auto-parallelization in the FP-core, all loops and non-dependent calls can be executed in parallel. FP is to be used to write computationally intensive code with safe concurrent memory access. OO is to be used for I/O and management related tasks. In this article, we propose a new clean way to integrate the two language cores that even grants some restricted means to read and write arrays and objects from within FP mode. For the proposed new language features we have developed a compiler prototype that transparently parallelizes code to target both Cuda and multi-core machines (without annotations from the programmer) and that obtains good speedups.
Do muscle fiber conduction slowing and decreased levels of circulating muscle proteins represent sensitive markers of steroid myopathy? A pilot study in Cushing's disease
Authors: Minetto Marco A , Lanfranco Fabio , Botter Alberto , Motta Giovanna , Mengozzi Giulio , Giordano Roberta , Picu Andreea , Ghigo Ezio , Arvat Emanuela 
Published: March 2011

ObjectiveGlucocorticoids are known to decrease protein synthesis and conduction velocity of muscle fibers. However, the degree of impairment of muscle protein synthesis and conduction slowing in patients with Cushing's disease remains poorly characterized. Our objective was to investigate whether and to what extent chronic endogenous hypercortisolism could decrease the circulating levels of muscle proteins and modify myoelectric indexes of sarcolemmal excitability and fatigability.DesignA total of ten patients with Cushing's disease and 30 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and body mass index were compared.MethodsBlood sampling and electrophysiological tests on vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and tibialis anterior muscles were performed.ResultsSerum creatine kinase (CK) and plasma myoglobin were significantly lower in patients with respect to controls (P<0.001 and P<0.05 respectively): the mean relative difference between patients and controls was 48.9% for CK and 21.4% for myoglobin. Muscle fiber conduction velocity (MFCV) and myoelectric manifestations of fatigue were significantly decreased in all muscles of the patients with respect to controls. The mean relative difference in MFCV between patients and controls was 26.0% for vastus lateralis, 22.9% for vastus medialis, and 11.6% for tibialis anterior. These differences contrasted with the paucity of signs suggestive of myopathy that were obtained by needle electromyography in the patients.ConclusionsSlowing of muscle fiber conduction and decreased levels of circulating muscle proteins are sensitive markers of impaired muscle function, which are suitable for use in combination with clinical assessment and standard electrodiagnostic tests for accurate identification and follow-up of myopathic patients.
Adolescent Alcohol and Tobacco Use and Early Socioeconomic Position: The ALSPAC Birth Cohort
Authors: Melotti Roberto , Heron Jon , Hickman Matthew , Macleod John , Araya Ricardo , Lewis Glyn 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:
To examine the association between use of alcohol and cigarettes among adolescents and their early socioeconomic background.

METHODS:
Members of a longitudinal birth cohort (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children [ALSPAC], United Kingdom) were invited to attend a personal interview. A total of 5837 children aged 13 years were asked about previous consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Information on parental socioeconomic position, collected from questionnaires from the mother, included both social class and education of the expectant mother and her partner and average household disposable income in early preschool childhood. The impact of missing data was assessed by multiple imputation.

RESULTS:
Consuming a drink of alcohol in the previous 6 months was linearly associated with higher income levels even when adjusting for other socioeconomic indicators. In contrast, both the risk of binge drinking and recent drinking was lower for children whose mothers had a higher educational level. Smoking tobacco was associated with lower socioeconomic position irrespective of the indicator used. Analyses after imputation of missing data confirmed these associations.

CONCLUSIONS:
Alcohol drinking was more common in young people from higher-income households but less common with higher levels of maternal education. A consistent inverse socioeconomic gradient with tobacco smoking was apparent. These results may reflect how different aspects of socioeconomic position can influence health behavior in opposing directions. Higher income may increase the availability of alcohol in the family, whereas mothers with higher educational attainment might encourage more healthy behaviors in their children, including reduced alcohol use.
Fathers' Depression Related to Positive and Negative Parenting Behaviors With 1-Year-Old Children
Authors: Davis R. Neal , Davis Matthew M. , Freed Gary L. , Clark Sarah J. 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:To examine the associations between depression in fathers of 1-year-old children and specific positive and negative parenting behaviors discussed by pediatric providers at well-child visits.METHODS:We performed a cross-sectional secondary analysis by using interview data from 1746 fathers of 1-year-old children in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. Positive parenting behaviors included fathers' reports of playing games, singing songs, and reading stories to their children ≥3 days in a typical week. Negative parenting behavior included fathers' reports of spanking their 1-year-old children in the previous month. Depression was assessed by using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form. Weighted bivariate and multivariate analyses of parenting behaviors were performed while controlling for demographics and paternal substance abuse.RESULTS:Overall, 7% of fathers had depression. In bivariate analyses, depressed fathers were more likely than nondepressed fathers to report spanking their 1-year-old children in the previous month (41% compared with 13%; P &lt; .01). In multivariate analyses, depressed fathers were less likely to report reading to their children ≥3 days in a typical week (adjusted odds ratio: 0.38 [95% confidence interval: 0.15–0.98]) and much more likely to report spanking (adjusted odds ratio: 3.92 [95% confidence interval: 1.23–12.5]). Seventy-seven percent of depressed fathers reported talking to their children's doctor in the previous year.CONCLUSIONS:Paternal depression is associated with parenting behaviors relevant to well-child visits. Pediatric providers should consider screening fathers for depression, discussing specific parenting behaviors (eg, reading to children and appropriate discipline), and referring for treatment if appropriate.
Improving Early Literacy Promotion: A Quality-Improvement Project for Reach Out and Read
Authors: Khandekar Aasma A. , Augustyn Marilyn , Sanders Lee , Zuckerman Barry 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND:
The Reach Out and Read (ROR) program promotes early literacy as part of pediatric primary care through the distribution of children's books and anticipatory guidance during early childhood.

OBJECTIVES:
To improve the rates of age-appropriate book-giving during well-child care and the delivery of ROR-recommended anticipatory guidance in 6 pediatric clinics.

METHODS:
Three quality-improvement cycles were completed at each site. Practice-level data were shared with participants in iterative sessions to identify methods for improving care. A provider-training DVD was used to promote these ROR activities.

RESULTS:
Over the course of the project, the median rate of book-giving increased from 97% to 99% and for anticipatory guidance remained at 89%. Providers reported significantly improved ROR-related skills, particularly self-efficacy for modeling reading aloud and for using children's books to assess development.

CONCLUSIONS:
Baseline adherence to the ROR program is high, possibly because of the ease of implementation. Quality improvement for ROR is feasible and may be easier to implement for book distribution than anticipatory guidance, although providers reported improved anticipatory-guidance skills. Future quality-improvement efforts should continue to address giving books and anticipatory guidance, both of which are integral to the ROR model.
The Process of End-of-Life Decision-Making in Pediatrics: A National Survey in the Netherlands
Authors: de Vos Mirjam A. , van der Heide Agnes , Maurice-Stam Heleen , Brouwer Oebele F. , Plötz Frans B. , Schouten-van Meeteren Antoinette Y. N. , Willems Dick L. , Heymans Hugo S. A. , Bos Albert P. 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:
The goal of this study was to investigate how Dutch pediatric specialists reach end-of-life decisions, how they involve parents, and how they address conflicts.

METHODS:
We conducted a national cross-sectional survey among pediatric intensivists, oncologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and metabolic pediatricians practicing in the 8 Dutch university hospitals. We collected information on respondents' overall opinions and their clinical practice.

RESULTS:
Of the 185 eligible pediatric specialists, 74% returned the questionnaire. All responding physicians generally discuss an end-of-life decision with colleagues before discussing it with parents. In half of the reported cases, respondents informed parents about the intended decision and asked their permission. In one-quarter of the cases, respondents informed parents without asking for their permission. In the remaining one-quarter of the cases, respondents advised parents and consequently allowed them to have the decisive voice. The chosen approach is highly influenced by type of decision and type and duration of treatment. Conflicts within medical teams arose as a result of uncertainties about prognosis and treatment options. Most conflicts with parents arose because parents had a more positive view of the prognosis or had religious objections to treatment discontinuation. All conflicts were eventually resolved by a combination of strategies. In 66% of all cases, pain and symptom management were intensified before the child's death.

CONCLUSIONS:
Within Dutch pediatrics, end-of-life decisions are team decisions. Pediatric specialists differ considerably in how they involve parents in end-of-life decision-making, ranging from benevolent paternalism to parental autonomy. Main conflict-solving strategies are taking more time and extending discussions.