bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulatory T cells and their prognostic value for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Boucek Jan , Mrkvan Tomas , Chovanec Martin , Kuchar Martin , Betka Jaroslav , Boucek Vladimir , Hladikova Marie , Betka Jan , Eckschlager Tomas , Rihova Blanka 
Published: January 2009

AbstractRegulatory T cells (Treg) are important regulators of anti‐cancer immune responses, and an increase in Treg frequency was observed in the blood of cancer patients. Blood samples from 112 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma antigen (HNSCC) were obtained at the time of tumour diagnosis, and lymphocyte subpopulations (CD3+; CD3−CD16+CD56+; CD4+; CD8+; CD19+; CD4+CD45RA+) with emphasis on Treg counts (CD3+CD4+CD25+), complete blood count and tumour markers (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]; CEA; α‐1‐antitrypsin [AAT]; Cyfra 21–1; C‐reactive protein [CRP]) were analysed. The data were grouped according to TNM classification, and their significance for the course of the disease at an interval of 1 year after the end of the therapy was determined. The percentage of CD8+ cells increased and the CD/D8 ratio decreased with tumour grade. The ratio of B lymphocytes decreased in patients with locoregional metastases (11.25%versus 9.22%). Treg (15.2%) and CD4+ cells (45.3%) increased, while NK cells (11.8%) decreased in HNSCC patients compared to controls (9.0%, 38.1% and 15.8%, respectively). The data obtained at time of diagnosis were used to assess the significance of tumour markers (SCC, Cyfra 21–1 and AAT) for evaluation of prognosis. The erythrocyte counts (4.64 × 1012/l versus 4.45 × 1012/l) and haemoglobin levels (14.58 g/dl versus 14.05 g/dl) decreased, while Treg counts (8.91%versus 15.70%) increased in patients with early recurrence. Our results show that examination of these parameters could be helpful for prognostication in HNSCC patients and aid improvement of treatment strategy.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Anti‐Elastin Antibodies and Elastin Turnover in Normal Pregnancy and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Konova Emiliana , Aleksovska Tania , Atanasova Milena , Georgieva Miglena , Todorova Katia , Lukanov Tzvetan , Shoenfeld Yehuda 
Published: January 2009

Problem  The aim of this study was to investigate elastin turnover and autoimmunity in patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and during normal pregnancy.Method of study  Anti‐α‐elastin and anti‐tropoelastin IgG and IgM antibodies were measured by a home‐made ELISA in serum samples of 60 medically and obstetrically normal pregnant women, classified to three trimester groups, 18 female patients with RPL and 18 healthy non‐pregnant women with a history of successful pregnancies. One way analyses of variance and Least Significant Difference method were used for a statistical analysis.Results  Anti‐α‐elastin IgG autoantibodies were significantly decreased in the third trimester pregnant women. IgM anti‐α‐elastin autoantibodies were significantly decreased in all pregnancy groups compared with the controls. Synthesis/degradation ratio of elastin was significantly increased in the third trimester pregnancy group, suggesting decreased elastin degradation during this period of pregnancy. Comparing the RPL patients with the healthy non‐pregnant controls showed a significantly increased anti‐α‐elastin IgG antibody and significantly decreased synthesis/degradation ratio in the patient’s group, suggesting increased elastin degradation in RPL.Conclusion  Elastin degradation is decreased during normal pregnancy. Increased anti‐elastin IgG antibodies may contribute to the pathogenesis of pregnancy losses.
Regional variation in celiac disease risk within Sweden revealed by the nationwide prospective incidence register
Authors: Olsson Cecilia , Stenlund Hans , Hörnell Agneta , Hernell Olle , Ivarsson Anneli 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAim: To determine if there is any regional celiac disease (CD) risk variation in the Swedish childhood population.Methods: Prospective nationwide Swedish incidence register of CD in children 0–15 years of age, with the present analysis covering the period from 1998 to 2003. ESPGHAN diagnostic criteria for CD were used. Regions were classified according to the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics. The incidence rate for each region, gender, age group and year of diagnosis was calculated.Results: A regional variation in CD risk was demonstrated. The childhood populations in ‘West Sweden’ and ‘Småland and the islands’, situated in the southern part of the country, had a significantly higher incidence rate compared to in ‘North Middle Sweden’ and ‘Stockholm’, situated in the central part. This regional variation was not explained by variations in risk by gender, age at diagnosis or year of diagnosis.Conclusion: The Swedish regional variation in CD risk supports multifactorial disease aetiology. Continued efforts are warranted to define factors, besides gluten exposure, that modulate CD risk.
Genetic polymorphism as a background of animal behavior
Authors: INOUE‐MURAYAMA Miho 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTVarious studies have shown the associations between differences in human behavioral traits and genetic polymorphism of neurotransmitter‐related proteins such as receptors, transporters and monoamine oxidase. To clarify the genetic background of animal behavior, corresponding regions in animals have been analyzed. The study has been especially focused on primates, as the evolutionally closest animal to humans, and on dogs, as the socially closest animal to humans. In primates, polymorphisms were discovered between or within species, and the functional effects on neural transmission were found to be different by alleles. Even in apes, the closest species to humans, function was different from that in humans. In dogs, allele distributions of several genes were different among breeds showing different behavioral traits, and genes associated with individual differences in aggressiveness and aptitude of working dogs were surveyed. The survey of behavior‐related genes has also been carried out in other mammals such as horses and cetaceans. Genes controlling various behaviors in birds have also been reported. The marker genes for behavior will provide useful information for human evolution, welfare of zoo animals and effective selection of working dogs and industry animals.
Self-Reported Sexual Difficulties and Their Association with Depression and Other Factors Among Gay Men Attending High HIV-Caseload General Practices in Australia
Authors: Mao Limin , Newman Christy E. , Kidd Michael R. , Saltman Deborah C. , Rogers Gary D. , Kippax Susan C. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTIntroductionSexual expression affects physical, mental and social well-being. There is a lack of understanding of male sexual dysfunction in homosexually active men.AimWe investigated gay men’s self-report of a number of sexual problems.MethodsThe survey data were from a sample of 542 self-identified gay men, 40% of whom were HIV positive, recruited from six high HIV-caseload general practices in Australia.Main Outcome MeasuresThe reporting of experiencing three or more sexual problems over a period of at least 1 month in the 12 months prior to a survey was defined here as having “multiple” sexual problems. We explored a number of factors, including HIV status, depression, alcohol and other drug use, and sexual risk-taking with casual male partners, in association with multiple sexual problems.ResultsRates of a range of self-reported sexual problems were high, with erectile dysfunction and lack of sexual desire being the most commonly reported. These high rates were consistent with the limited data from previous Australian studies. Men who had multiple sexual problems were likely to suffer from major depression (P &lt; 0.001). A higher proportion of the HIV-positive gay men (48.4%) reported multiple sexual problems than the HIV-negative men (35.1%, P = 0.002). Factors independently associated with multiple sexual problems among the HIV-negative gay men were poorer general health and interpersonal isolation, whereas for the HIV-positive gay men, they were adoption of avoidant strategies to cope with daily life stress, sexual risk-taking in casual encounters, and the use of antidepressants.ConclusionsOur findings underscore the complex interactions between depression, sexual dysfunction, sexual risk taking, HIV infection, and general well-being among homosexually active men.
Obscuring clouds playing hide-and-seek in the active nucleus H0557-385
Authors: Longinotti A. L. , Bianchi S. , Ballo L. , de la Calle I. , Guainazzi M. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
This Letter reports on two XMM–Newton observations of the type 1 Seyfert galaxy H0557-385 obtained in 2006, which show the source at an historical low flux state, more than a factor of ∼10 lower than a previous XMM–Newton look in 2002. The low flux spectrum presents a strong Fe Kα line associated with a Compton reflection continuum. An additional spectral line around 6.6 keV is required to fit Kα emission from Fe xxv. The spectral curvature below 6 keV implies obscuration by neutral gas with a column density of ∼8 × 1023 cm-2 partially covering the primary emission, which still contributes a few per cent of the soft X-ray emission. Absorption by ionized material on the line of sight is required to fit the deep trough below 1 keV. The comparison of the two spectral states shows that the flux transition is to be ascribed entirely to intervening line-of-sight clouds with high column density.
The location and kinematics of the coronal-line emitting regions in active galactic nuclei
Authors: Mullaney J. R. , Ward M. J. , Done C. , Ferland G. J. , Schurch N. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
We use the photoionization code cloudy to determine both the location and the kinematics of the optical forbidden, high-ionization line (hereafter, FHIL) emitting gas in the narrow line Seyfert 1 galaxy Ark 564. The results of our models are compared with the observed properties of these emission lines to produce a physical model that is used to explain both the kinematics and the source of this gas. The main features of this model are that the FHIL emitting gas is launched from the putative dusty torus and is quickly accelerated to its terminal velocity of a few hundred km s-1. Iron-carrying grains are destroyed during this initial acceleration. This velocity is maintained by a balance between radiative forces and gravity in this super-Eddington source. Eventually the outflow is slowed at large radii by the gravitational forces of and interactions with the host galaxy. In this model, FHIL emission traces the transition between the active galactic nucleus (AGN) and bulge zones of influence.
A Primer on the Distinction between Justification and Excuse
Authors: Botterell Andrew 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis article is about the distinction between justification and excuse, a distinction which, while familiar, remains controversial. My discussion focuses on three questions. First, what is the distinction? Second, why is it important? And third, what are some areas of inquiry in which the distinction might be philosophically fruitful? I suggest that the distinction has practical and theoretical consequences, and is therefore worth taking seriously; I highlight two philosophical issues in which the distinction might play a useful role; but I express skepticism about the prospects for drawing a firm distinction between justification and excuse.
Nurses’ opinions about a web‐based distance course in a specialist education programme for the care of older people: a questionnaire study
Authors: Häggström Elisabeth , Hofsten Anna , Wadensten Barbro 
Published: January 2009

Aim.  The aim of the present study was to investigate students’ opinions about a web‐based distance learning course that was part of a specialist education programme.Background.  Most registered nurses (RNs) who work with older people in Sweden do not have a specialist education in caring for older people.Design.  Survey.Method.  The study was a descriptive survey with both qualitative and quantitative questions.Results.  The students found the web‐based course very useful for their theoretical and professional development. New perspectives on ageing, increased knowledge about analysing and describing theories as well as practising interviews and qualitative analysis as methods were appreciated by the students.Conclusions.  One way for RNs in Sweden to get a university specialist education in the care of older people is to have a distance web‐based course, as it allows flexibility and improves the students’ theoretical and professional knowledge and communication skills.Relevance for clinical practice.  Managers working in care for older people settings and educators will be interested in this study’s finding that distance learning is a useful strategy for providing education for RNs who work with older people.
A population estimate of Heaviside's dolphins, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii, at the southern end of their range
Authors: Elwen Simon H. , Reeb Desray , Thornton Meredith , Best Peter B. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractHeaviside's dolphins, Cephalorhynchus heavisidii, are endemic to southwestern Africa, where they are exposed to unknown levels of anthropogenic threats, including inshore set netting. Using photo‐ID data collected over 3 yr on the west coast of South Africa, we calculated Chapman's‐modified Petersen estimates of the number of distinctive individuals at three spatial scales. Sample sizes were small and recapture rates low resulting in high variance. Total population abundance was extrapolated from the proportion of well‐marked animals in the population (14%–17%) with between‐year estimates adjusted for mortality using data from Commerson's dolphin. The total population size was calculated as 527 animals (CV = 0.35, CI 272–1,020) in the 1999 study area (20 km of coastline, within season), 3,429 animals (CV = 0.36, CI 1,721–6,828) in the central study area (150 km of coastline, 3 yr), and 6,345 animals (CV = 0.26, CI 3,573–11,267) in the full study area (390 km of coastline, 2 yr). Dolphins fitted with satellite transmitters varied in their use of the inshore photographic study area from 39.5% to 94.7% of transmission days (38–51 total). Given the known or suspected biases in the data, these abundance estimates are likely to be biased downward.
Shugendo: Japanese Mountain Religion – State of the Field and Bibliographic Review
Authors: Sekimori Gaynor 
Published: January 2009

AbstractShugendo is a fascinating subject that crosses conceptual and scholarly boundaries. This is a cause of its richness, but also has led to a great deal of misunderstanding. A major concern remains its definition; if this article brings readers to a greater awareness of its parameters, the author will be well‐satisfied. My purpose here is not so much a description of Shugendo history and rituals, important as they are, as to introduce contemporary scholarship regarding them, primarily in English, but also to a lesser extent in French and German, to an English readership. It has been impossible to do this without reference to the Japanese scholarship upon which much of that work is indebted, since knowledge of this scholarship is crucial in dispelling Western misconceptions about Shugendo. Therefore, at the risk of excluding scholars of religion who cannot access the work directly because of the linguistic limitations, I have attempted to draw the attention of readers to the most significant works written in Japanese on the subject as well. At the same time, bearing in mind that this article is not intended simply for historians of religion already in the Japanese field, I have felt it to be important to provide the broadest possible selection of works in English that relate to the theme, to allow English language readers a wide access to monographs and articles about Shugendo or Shugendo‐related subjects. Space considerations have circumscribed detailed discussion of the research history, but every effort has been made to refer to the main issues involved.
Aging stability of complete blood count and white blood cell differential parameters analyzed by Abbott CELL‐DYN Sapphire hematology analyzer
Authors: HEDBERG P. , LEHTO T. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThis study presents the results of an aging stability study of complete blood count (CBC) and leukocyte differential parameters using the Abbott CELL‐DYN Sapphire hematology analyzer. Stability studies showed no substantial change in CBC parameters up to 24–48 h at +23 ± 2 °C (room temperature), except for optical platelet count (PLTo). For specimens aged over 24, the value of impedance platelet count yielded more reliable results than the routine PLTo. White blood cell (WBC) differential parameters, except eosinophils, were stable for up to 48 h at +23 ± 2 °C. CBC parameters were stable for 72 h, except mean platelet volume, which slightly increased between 48 and 72 h, at +4 °C. WBC differentials were stable 48–72 h, with a slight decrease observed in absolute neutrophils and lymphocytes at +4 °C.
Soluble syndecan‐1 (sCD138) as a prognostic factor independent of mutation status in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: JILANI I. , WEI C. , BEKELE B. N. , ZHANG Z. J. , KEATING M. , WIERDA W. , FERRAJOLI A. , ESTROV Z. , KANTARJIAN H. , O’BRIEN S. M. , GILES F. J. , ALBITAR M. 
Published: January 2009

SummarySyndecan‐1 (sCD138) is a transmembrane heparan sulfate‐bearing proteoglycan expressed in epithelial cells as well as hematopoietic cells that demonstrate plasmacytoid differentiation. Higher levels of sCD138 correlate with poor outcome in myeloma. We examined the association of circulating sCD138 levels in plasma with clinical behavior in 104 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. sCD138 levels were significantly higher in patients (median, 52.8 ng/ml; range, 13.4–252.7 ng/ml) than in healthy control subjects (median, 19.86; range, 14.49–33.14 ng/ml) (P < 0.01). Elevated sCD138 (>median, 52.8 ng/ml) was associated with significantly shorter survival (P = 0.0004); this association was independent of IgVH mutation status, β2‐microglobulin (β2‐M) level, and treatment history. Patients with mutated IgVH but high sCD138 levels (>52.8 ng/ml) had significantly shorter survival than those with mutated IgVH and lower levels of sCD138. Similarly, patients with unmutated IgVH but high sCD138 levels had significantly shorter survival than those with lower sCD138 levels and unmutated IgVH (P = 0.007). In a multivariate Cox regression model, only Rai stage, β2‐M, and sCD138 remained predictors of survival. These data suggest that sCD138 when combined with β2‐M and Rai stage, may replace the need for testing IgVH mutation status.
Sodium valproate in combination with ganciclovir induces lysis of EBV‐infected lymphoma cells without impairing EBV‐specific T‐cell immunity
Authors: JONES K. , NOURSE J. , CORBETT G. , GANDHI M. K. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryHistone deacytelase inhibitiors (HDACi) represent a new class of anti‐lymphoma therapeutics. Data in the clinical setting regarding on‐ and off‐target effects of these agents are limited. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive lymphomas represent a highly defined system in which to make these observations. We present a case of a patient with multiple relapsed EBV‐positive Diffuse Large B‐cell Lymphoma that was chemo‐refractory to anthracylcines, alkylating agents and rituximab. Treatment was commenced with the HDACi sodium valproate (VPA) in combination with the anti‐viral nucleoside analogue ganciclovir (GCV). Therapy resulted in detectable cell‐free unencapsulated circulating EBV‐DNA providing supportive evidence for the first‐time that lysis of virus infected lymphoma cells is induced using this therapeutic combination. EBV‐specific CD8+ effector T‐cell immunity was not impaired by VPA/GCV. Although GCV/VPA was insufficient to induce clinical remission, our data furthers the rationale that more potent HDAC inhibitors such as butyrate or gemcitabine together with GCV, perhaps in combination with chemotherapy, should be further investigated as therapy in relapsed/refractory EBV‐positive lymphomas.
Can Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life Measures Substitute for Normative Needs Assessments in 11 to 12‐year‐old Children?
Authors: Tsakos Georgios , Gherunpong Sudaduang , Sheiham Aubrey 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:1) assess the relationship between a measure of condition‐specific oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the related normative need for dental treatments, and 2) test the diagnostic validity of the condition‐specific OHRQoL measure for specific dental conditions in a group of primary school children. Methods:A cross‐sectional study of all 11 to 12 year‐olds carried out in a municipal area of Suphanburi province, Thailand. 1034 children (91.8%) were dentally examined to assess their normative needs for 6 types of treatment (dental caries, traumatic dental injuries, enamel defects, periodontal, orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment). OHRQoL was assessed using the Child‐OIDP index and its Condition‐Specific impacts measure for the 6 treatment types. Results:The prevalence of specific types of normative needs ranged from 3.2% (prosthodontic) to 97.0% (periodontal) and for Condition‐Specific oral impacts from 0.7% (prosthodontic) to 50.6% (dental caries). Despite their statistically significant relationship for every treatment type except for periodontal treatment when need was indicated by a CPI score of 1, there were large differences between measures of normative need and oral impacts. High proportions of children had normative need without impacts and vice versa. The biggest differences were for appearance‐related conditions (e.g. enamel defects and orthodontic treatment). For every type of treatment, oral impacts poorly predicted the normative needs of individuals. Conclusions:Although normative needs and OHRQoL are associated, when assessed appropriately, there was considerable discrepancy between them. OHRQoL measures cannot replace normative needs. Instead, both should be used in combination in order to cover different dimensions of oral health.
School Performance Indicators as Proxy Measures of School Dental Treatment Needs: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Muirhead Vanessa E. , Locker David 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectives:This ecological study assessed the feasibility and predictive ability of readily available educational indicators as proxy measures of school dental treatment needs in York Region elementary school children, Canada. Method:Data sources included York Region Dental Health Unit dental screening data (2003–2004); area‐based income data from Statistics Canada (2001) based on school address postcodes; grade three and grade six school performance results in reading, writing mathematics and English as a second language (ESL) data (2003–2004) obtained from publicly accessible educational websites. Results:Data analyses included 219 schools. Pearson's correlations showed that schools with a higher percentage of children needing urgent dental treatment had significantly higher proportions of children scoring below provincial averages in all six school performance categories. Hierarchical stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that two school performance variables remained in the model after controlling for area‐based median family income and ESL variables: the percentage of grade six pupils scoring below the provincial average in writing and the percentage of grade 3 pupils scoring below the provincial average in reading. Conclusions:The study established the feasibility of using school‐level school performance indicators as proxy measures of school‐level dental treatment needs. School performance results were good predictors of urgent dental treatment in York Region elementary school children. Further studies are needed using data from other jurisdictions to determine the utility of educational indicators in oral health programs.