bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the 4q32-34 Locus in European Familial Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Earl Julie , Yan Li , Vitone Louis J. , Risk Janet , Kemp Steve J. , McFaul Chris , Neoptolemos John P. , Greenhalf William ,   for the European Registry of Hereditary Pancreatitis and Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Kress Ralf , Sina-Frey Mercedes , Hahn Stephan A. , Rieder Harald , Bartsch Detlef K. ,   for the German National Case Collection for Familial Pancreatic Cancer
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Background: Familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) describes a group of families where the inheritance of pancreatic cancer is consistent with an autosomal-dominant mode of inheritance. The 4q32-34 region has been previously identified as a potential locus for FPC in a large American family.
Methods: The region was allelotyped in 231 individuals from 77 European families using nine microsatellite markers, and haplotyping was possible in 191 individuals from 41 families. Families were selected based on at least two affected first-degree relatives with no other cancer syndromes.
Results: Linkage to most of the locus was excluded based on LOD scores less than −2.0. Eight families were excluded from linkage to 4q32-34 based on haplotypes not segregating with the disease compared with a predicted six to seven families. Two groups of families were identified, which seem to share common alleles within the minimal disease-associated region of 4q32-34, one group with an apparently earlier age of cancer death than the other pancreatic cancer families. Four genes were identified with potential tumor suppressor roles within the locus in regions that could not be excluded based on the LOD score. These were HMGB2, PPID, MORF4, and SPOCK3. DNA sequence analysis of exons of these genes in affected individuals and in pancreatic cancer cell lines did not reveal any mutations.
Conclusion: This locus is unlikely to harbor a FPC gene in the majority of our European families. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1948–55)
Maternal Smoking and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: McGlynn Katherine A. , Zhang Yawei , Sakoda Lori C. , Rubertone Mark V. , Erickson Ralph L. , Graubard Barry I. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) are the most common cancer among men ages 15 to 35 years in the United States. The well-established TGCT risk factors cryptorchism, prior diagnosis of TGCT, and family history of testicular cancer indicate that exposures in early life and/or in the familial setting may be critical to determining risk. Previous reports of familial clustering of lung cancer in mothers and testicular cancers in sons suggest that passive smoking in childhood may be such an exposure. To clarify the relationship of passive smoking exposure to TGCT risk, data from 754 cases and 928 controls enrolled in the Servicemen's Testicular Tumor Environmental and Endocrine Determinants study were analyzed. Data from 1,086 mothers of the cases and controls were also examined. Overall, there was no relationship between maternal [odds ratio (OR), 1.1; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.9-1.3] or paternal smoking (OR, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.8-1.3) and TGCT risk. Although living with a nonparent smoker was marginally related to risk (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.0-2.1), there was no relationship with number of smokers, amount smoked, or duration of smoking. Responses from both case-control participants and mothers also revealed no relationship between either maternal smoking while pregnant or while breast-feeding. Results did not differ by TGCT histology (seminoma, nonseminoma). These results do not support the hypothesis that passive smoking, either in utero or in childhood, is related to risk of TGCT. Other early life exposures, however, may explain the familial clustering of lung cancer in mothers and TGCT in sons. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1820–4)
Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Incidence of Gastric Cancer: A Prospective Study
Authors: Larsson Susanna C. , Bergkvist Leif , Wolk Alicja 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Background: Whether fruit and vegetable consumption may confer protection from gastric cancer remains controversial.
Methods: We prospectively investigated the association between consumption of fruits and vegetables and the incidence of gastric cancer among participants from two population-based cohort studies: 36,664 women in the Swedish Mammography Cohort and 45,338 men in the Cohort of Swedish Men. Participants completed a food-frequency questionnaire in 1997 and were followed up for cancer incidence through June 2005. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate multivariate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).
Results: During a mean follow-up of 7.2 years, we ascertained 139 incident cases of gastric cancer. Vegetable consumption was inversely associated with risk of gastric cancer, whereas no significant association was observed for fruit consumption. After controlling for age and other risk factors, women and men who consumed ≥2.5 servings/d of vegetables had a HR of 0.56 (95% CI, 0.34-0.93) for developing gastric cancer compared with those who consumed &lt;1 serving/d. The respective HR for fruit consumption was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.52-1.43). Among specific subgroups of vegetables, consumption of green leafy vegetables and root vegetables was inversely associated with risk of gastric cancer; the multivariate HRs comparing ≥3 servings/wk with &lt;0.5 serving/wk were 0.64 (95% CI, 0.42-0.99) for green leafy vegetables and 0.43 (95% CI, 0.27-0.69) for root vegetables.
Conclusions: Frequent consumption of vegetables may reduce the risk of gastric cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1998–2001)
Sound transmission in the habitats of Japanese macaques and its possible effect on population differences in coo calls
Authors: Tanaka Toshiaki , Sugiura Hideki , Masataka Nobuo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractRecently, the acoustic features of coo calls were reported to differ between two populations of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui), namely the Ohirayama and Yakushima populations. We hypothesized that this difference may arise through differences in the acoustic environments of the two habitats, and measured the degrees of transmission of pure tones (250-8000 Hz) and the coo calls of the two populations in each habitat. In the Ohirayama habitat, lower frequencies were transmitted more efficiently, and the low-pitched coo calls of the Ohirayama population showed significantly better transmission than the high-pitched calls of the Yakushima population. In the Yakushima habitat, the degrees of transmission of the calls of the two populations did not differ significantly. Therefore, the calls of the Ohirayama population possess acoustic features that allow better transmission in their own habitat, suggesting that the habitat acoustics may be a factor contributing to the population difference between the calls.
Picking the right spot: crab spiders position themselves on flowers to maximize prey attraction
Authors: Cheng Ken , Heiling Astrid M. , Herberstein Marie E. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn plant-pollinator interactions, pollinating insects provide reproductive service to plants and receive food rewards. Flowers advertise the presence of nectar or pollen through various characteristics, including visual displays. In daisies (Chrysanthemum frutescens), the center of the inflorescence appears as a UV-absorbing bull's-eye that attracts pollinators, for example honeybees. Thomisus spectabilis crab spiders occupy daisies and prey on honeybees. They typically position themselves on the lingulate florets of daisies and create a color contrast that deceives honeybees. Honeybees prefer daisies with a T. spectabilis on the lingulate florets to vacant daisies. In contrast, when offered the choice between a vacant daisy and a daisy whose center was covered by a T. spectabilis, honeybees preferred the vacant daisy. Similarly, honeybees were deterred by daisies whose center was covered by lingulate daisy florets making a rectangle about the size of a T. spectabilis. Covering the lingulate florets of daisies by a rectangle of lingulate daisy florets, however, neither attracted nor repelled honeybees. Honeybees seem to rely on the visibility of the daisy center to locate food reward and, by positioning themselves on the lingulate florets of daisies, T. spectabilis exploit these sensory biases of prey.
Diaspora Remittances and the Financing of Basic Social Services and Infrastructure in Francophone Africa South of the Sahara
Authors: Sikod Fondo , Tchouassi Gérard 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Migration is a human phenomenon that has intensified during the past several decades, reflecting the dynamics of societies and upholding the fact of its being an eternal human phenomenon. Remittances are a form of showing the attachment the migrant has with the country of origin, and one of the most visible and beneficial aspects of how international migration is reshaping the countries of origin. The hypothesis investigated by this study is that diaspora remittances to Francophone Africa south of the Sahara contribute to finance basic social services and infrastructures. A descriptive approach, based on literature review and secondary data shows how the contribution of diaspora remittances is filling the gap in the provision of social services that official sources cannot fill.
Pan-African Brain Circulation
Authors: Hewitt Cynthia Lucas 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper presents a quantitative analysis of the relationship between the number of immigrants from a country and the amount of U.S. direct investment into that country, showing a direct relationship supportive of the emerging brain-circulation model, and discusses the possible use of this model to assist in bringing about the goals of Pan-Africanism. The principles underlying Pan-Africanism are considered in respect to the outcomes of the movement, given the recent political economy of capitalism. Brain circulation provides one focused approach to designing policies and projects for sustainable development in Africa that will impact the lives of Africans there and globally. The transnationalism paradigm, which provides analysis of immigrant communities' identification and allegiance both with their homeland and their U.S. communities, is useful in highlighting factors important to the global Pan-African networking that is required for a successful African/African American brain circulation.
Keeping the Unit Safe: Mapping Psychiatric Nursing Skills
Authors: Delaney Kathleen R. , Johnson Mary E. 
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: The de-escalation skills of inpatient psychiatric nurses are considered key to violence prevention. Yet their efficacy and translation into practice remains in question. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the de-escalation skills of psychiatric nurses. In the process, the investigators uncover ways nurses interact with patients to create and maintain a safe environment. STUDY DESIGN: Grounded theory methods are used to collect and analyze data derived from staff interviews and direct observation of milieu interactions. RESULTS: Staff behaviors are seen to create a safe milieu and promote a positive unit culture. Skills critical to maintaining a safe environment center on nurses’ awareness, attending, caring, and connecting. CONCLUSIONS: The behaviors identified in this study are at the heart of managing the clinical context of acute psychiatric units. Attention to these behaviors is especially critical in light of the staff expertise needed to keep the unit safe.
Outcome of 609 adults after relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); an MRC UKALL12/ECOG 2993 study
Authors: Fielding Adele K. , Richards Susan M. , Chopra Rajesh , Lazarus Hillard M. , Litzow Mark R. , Buck Georgina , Durrant I. Jill , Luger Selina M. , Marks David I. , Franklin Ian M. , McMillan Andrew K. , Tallman Martin S. , Rowe Jacob M. , Goldstone Anthony H. ,   Medical Research Council of the United Kingdom Adult ALL Working Party and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Most adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who achieve complete remission (CR) will relapse. We examined the outcome of 609 adults with recurring ALL, all of whom were previously treated on the Medical Research Council (MRC) UKALL12/ECOG2993 study, where the overall survival (OS) of newly diagnosed patients is 38% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 36%-41%) at 5 years. By contrast, OS at 5 years after relapse was 7% (95% CI = 4%-9%). Factors predicting a good outcome after salvage therapy were young age (OS of 12% in patients younger than 20 years vs OS of 3% in patients older than 50 years; 2P < .001) and short duration of first remission (CR1) (OS of 11% in those with a CR1 of more than 2 years versus OS of 5% in those with a CR1 of less than 2 years; 2P < .001). Treatment received in CR1 did not influence outcome after relapse. In a very highly selected subgroup of patients who were able to receive HSCT after relapse, some were long-term survivors. We conclude from a large, unselected series with mature follow-up that most adults with recurring ALL, whatever their prior treatment, cannot be rescued using currently available therapies. Prevention of recurrence is the best strategy for long-term survival in this disease.
New agents that stimulate erythropoiesis
Authors: Bunn H. Franklin 
Published: October 2006

AbstractRecombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) has proven to be remarkably safe and effective for treatment of anemias, primarily those secondary to renal disease and malignancy. Despite the worldwide use of rhEpo, concerns about its cost, the need for frequent parenteral administration, and the development of anti-Epo antibodies have prompted development of improved agents to stimulate erythropoiesis. Three strategies appear to be particularly promising. The half-life of Epo in the circulation can be prolonged by the addition of N-linked carbohydrate groups, by formation of adducts with polyethylene glycol, and by preparation of Epo multimers. Second, mimetic peptides can effectively trigger signal transduction at the Epo receptor, thereby boosting red-cell production. Finally, the hypoxia inducible transcription factor (HIF) can be pharmacologically induced by oral agents, resulting in enhanced expression not only of endogenous Epo but also of other genes important in the regulation of erythropoiesis.
Role of TNFα in pulmonary pathophysiology
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Srirupa , Hoidal John R , Mukherjee Tapan K 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is the most widely studied pleiotropic cytokine of the TNF superfamily. In pathophysiological conditions, generation of TNFα at high levels leads to the development of inflammatory responses that are hallmarks of many diseases. Of the various pulmonary diseases, TNFα is implicated in asthma, chronic bronchitis (CB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In addition to its underlying role in the inflammatory events, there is increasing evidence for involvement of TNFα in the cytotoxicity. Thus, pharmacological agents that can either suppress the production of TNFα or block its biological actions may have potential therapeutic value against a wide variety of diseases. Despite some immunological side effects, anti-TNFα therapeutic strategies represent an important breakthrough in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and may have a role in pulmonary diseases characterized by inflammation and cell death.
Extent and structure of health insurance expenditures for complementary and alternative medicine in Swiss primary care
Authors: Busato Andre , Eichenberger Reiner , Künzi Beat 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Background
The study is part of a nationwide evaluation of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in primary care in Switzerland. The goal was to evaluate the extent and structure of basic health insurance expenditures for complementary and alternative medicine in Swiss primary care.

Methods
The study was designed as a cross-sectional evaluation of Swiss primary care providers and included 262 certified CAM physicians, 151 noncertified CAM physicians and 172 conventional physicians. The study was based on data from a mailed questionnaire and on reimbursement information obtained from health insurers. It was therefore purely observational, without interference into diagnostic and therapeutic procedures applied or prescribed by physicians. Main outcome measures included average reimbursed costs per patient, structured into consultation- and medication-related costs, and referred costs.

Results
Total average reimbursed cost per patient did not differ between CAM physicians and conventional practitioners, but considerable differences were observed in cost structure. The proportions of reimbursed costs for consultation time were 56% for certified CAM, 41% for noncertified CAM physicians and 40% for conventional physicians; medication costs – including expenditures for prescriptions and directly dispensed drugs – respectively accounted for 35%, 18%, and 51% of costs.

Conclusion
The results indicate no significant difference for overall treatment cost per patient between CAM and COM primary care in Switzerland. However, CAM physicians treat lower numbers of patients and a more cost-favourable patient population than conventional physicians. Differences in cost structure reflect more patient-centred and individualized treatment modalities of CAM physicians.
Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the extracellular DNA delivered to the nucleus of a living cell
Authors: Rogachev Vladimir A , Likhacheva Anastasia , Vratskikh Oksana , Mechetina Lyudmila V , Sebeleva Tamara E , Bogachev Sergei S , Yakubov Leonid A , Shurdov Mikhail A 
Published: October 2006

Abstract

Background
The blood plasma and other intertissue fluids usually contain a certain amount of DNA, getting there due to a natural cell death in the organism. Cells of this organism can capture the extracellular DNA, whereupon it is delivered to various cell compartments. It is hypothesized that the extracellular DNA is involved in the transfer of genetic information and its fixation in the genome of recipient cell.

Results
The existence of an active flow of extracellular DNA into the cell is demonstrated using human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells as a recipient culture. The qualitative state of the DNA fragments delivered to the main cell compartments (cytoplasm and interchromosomal fraction) was assessed. The extracellular DNA delivered to the cell is characterized quantitatively.

Conclusion
It is demonstrated that the extracellular DNA fragments in several minutes reach the nuclear space, where they are processed so that their linear size increases from about 500 bp to 10,000 bp. The amount of free extracellular DNA fragments simultaneously present in the nuclear space may reach up to 2% of the haploid genome. Using individual DNA fragments with a known molecular weight and sequence as an extracellular DNA, it is found that these fragments degrade instantly in the culture liquid in the absence of a competitor DNA and are delivered into the cell as degradants. When adding a sufficient amount of competitor DNA, the initial undegraded molecules of the DNA fragments with the known molecular weight and sequence are detectable both in the cytoplasm and nuclear space only at the zero point of experiments. The labeled precursor α-dNTP*, added to culture medium, was undetectable inside the cell in all the experiments.
Secretory PLA2-IIA: a new inflammatory factor for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Moses Guna SD , Jensen Michael D , Lue Lih-Fen , Walker Douglas G , Sun Albert Y , Simonyi Agnes , Sun Grace Y 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSecretory phospholipase A2-IIA (sPLA2-IIA) is an inflammatory protein known to play a role in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. Although this enzyme has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, there has not been a direct demonstration of its expression in diseased human brain. In this study, we show that sPLA2-IIA mRNA is up-regulated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains as compared to non-demented elderly brains (ND). We also report a higher percentage of sPLA2-IIA-immunoreactive astrocytes present in AD hippocampus and inferior temporal gyrus (ITG). In ITG, the majority of sPLA2-IIA-positive astrocytes were associated with amyloid β (Aβ)-containing plaques. Studies with human astrocytes in culture demonstrated the ability of oligomeric Aβ1–42and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to induce sPLA2-IIA mRNA expression, indicating that this gene is among those induced by inflammatory cytokines. Since exogenous sPLA2-IIA has been shown to cause neuronal injury, understanding the mechanism(s) and physiological consequences of sPLA2-IIA upregulation in AD brain may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies to inhibit the inflammatory responses and to retard the progression of the disease.
Medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Muthu Chellaiah , Ayyanar Muniappan , Raja Nagappan , Ignacimuthu Savarimuthu 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken to collect information from traditional healers on the use of medicinal plants in Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu during October 2003 to April 2004. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers and the native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips.
The investigation revealed that, the traditional healers used 85 species of plants distributed in 76 genera belonging to 41 families to treat various diseases. The documented medicinal plants were mostly used to cure skin diseases, poison bites, stomachache and nervous disorders. In this study the most dominant family was Euphorbiaceae and leaves were most frequently used for the treatment of diseases.
This study showed that many people in the studied parts of Kancheepuram district still continue to depend on medicinal plants at least for the treatment of primary healthcare. The traditional healers are dwindling in number and there is a grave danger of traditional knowledge disappearing soon since the younger generation is not interested to carry on this tradition.
DAMPs, PAMPs and alarmins: all we need to know about danger
Authors: Bianchi Marco E 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMulticellular animals detect pathogens via a set of receptors that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). However, pathogens are not the only causative agents of tissue and cell damage: trauma is another one. Evidence is accumulating that trauma and its associated tissue damage are recognized at the cell level via receptor-mediated detection of intracellular proteins released by the dead cells. The term “alarmin” is proposed to categorize such endogenous molecules that signal tissue and cell damage. Intriguingly, effector cells of innate and adaptive immunity can secrete alarmins via nonclassical pathways and often do so when they are activated by PAMPs or other alarmins. Endogenous alarmins and exogenous PAMPs therefore convey a similar message and elicit similar responses; they can be considered subgroups of a larger set, the damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs).