bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Cell‐Surface CD200 May Predict Efficacy of Paternal Mononuclear Leukocyte Immunotherapy in Treatment of Human Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Clark David A. 
Published: December 2008

Problem  The allogeneic leukocytes in transfused blood can modulate the recipient’s immune system so as to induce TGF‐β‐producing suppressor cells, and the cell‐surface CD200 tolerance‐signaling molecule on mononuclear dendritic cells is required for this effect. A subset of couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss appears to benefit from transfusion of allogeneic paternal blood leukocytes (LIT), and considerable effort has been devoted to characterizing those who may benefit. Some data has been accumulated for LIT as sole therapy in patients with classical spontaneous abortions with respect to dose–response, duration of protection, need for boosting, excluding patients with autoimmunity, and inefficacy of paternal mononuclear cells stored at 4°C overnight before use which causes loss of cell‐surface CD200. Recent data emphasize an important role of expression of the CD200 tolerance‐signaling molecule on cells used to prevent abortions both in mice and humans.Method of study  An observational study of outcome as a function of the number of CD200+ paternal mononuclear cells was performed. Fourteen patients constituted the pilot group. Patients with autoimmunity who had failed inspite of treatment with IVIG + Heparin + Aspirin ± Prednisone were allowed to have paternal mononuclear cells added to their therapy. CD200 on purified paternal blood mononuclear cells was measured by flow cytometry.Results  The number of CD200+ cells administered was significantly greater in women achieving pregnancy (39.2 × 106 versus 20.8 × 106, P < 0.025) and in those who achieved a live birth (50.2 × 106 versus 20.8 × 106, P < 0.005) compared to those who did not achieve pregnancy, and % of paternal cells that were CD200+ was greater (11–12.5% versus 5.6%, P < 0.01). Amongst those achieving pregnancy which failed, the CD200+ cell dose was not significantly different from the non‐pregnant group (30.5 × 106 versus 20.8 × 106).Conclusion  The number of CD200+ paternal mononuclear leukocytes may be an important determinant of subsequent reproductive outcome in a subset of patients. A lower % CD200+ cell number may also reflect hitherto unappreciated paternal factors bearing on reproductive success. It is feasible to recruit women to enter observational studies and to obtain useful data as a foundation for further studies. More complete patient characterization in a larger study is needed.
Parental feeding practices and children's weight
Authors: Wardle Jane , Carnell Susan 
Published: December 2008

AbstractGlobal increases in childhood obesity rates demand that we tackle the problem from many directions. One promising avenue is to explore the impact of parental feeding practices, particularly those related to parental control over children's intake. In this paper, we review studies of parent feeding and child adiposity covering a range of research methodologies (case‐control studies, high risk studies, cross‐sectional community studies and longitudinal cohort studies). We also present results from a cross‐sectional community study of pre‐schoolers (n = 439) and a longitudinal study of twins from ages of 4 to 7 years (n = 3175 pairs). We conclude that parents are more likely to encourage leaner than heavier children to eat, but relationships between adiposity and other parental feeding strategies are unclear. We suggest that future research should: (i) explore the impact of a comprehensive range of authoritative and authoritarian parental feeding behaviours, preferably using the same validated scales consistently across studies; (ii) test the generalisation of existing findings to diverse socio‐economic and ethnic groups and (iii) utilise experimental, prospective and genetic methodologies to explore the causal relationships between parental feeding and child weight. We describe current projects in our own group that are designed to take forward these recommendations.
Prevention of overweight in the school arena
Authors: Lissau Inge 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis paper gives an overview of studies with the main purpose to intervene against obesity in children at the school arena. Through databases and Cochrane reviews, 14 studies fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. Most of the studies are American and none were performed in Scandinavia. The European studies were performed in Germany and in the United Kingdom. The studies, which had a significant effect on overweight were ‘Dance for Health’, ‘Planet Health’, ‘San Jose Study’, ‘Kiel Obesity Prevention Study’, ‘Healthy Schools’ programme, ‘El Paso Catch’, and ‘Medical College of Georgia FitKid Project’. The studies differ greatly in regards to age group, type of and length of intervention and type and amount of actions. Furthermore, the measures used to evaluate the effect differed. It seems to be important to use several measures of obesity in order to accurately detect a possible effect.In conclusion, half of the studies were successful and had an effect on either overweight or obesity. Much more research is needed in order to effectively prevent paediatric obesity.
Factors related to sexual health in Chinese women with breast cancer in Hong Kong
Authors: ZEE Benny , HUANG Chuwen , MAK Suzanne , WONG Jonathan , CHAN Eunice , YEO Winnie 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim:  To examine the association between a broad array of characteristics and sexuality in breast cancer patients in Hong Kong.Method:  We collected data on demographic and clinical factors, psychosocial well‐being, quality of life (QOL), body image and sexual health of breast cancer patients presented to the Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital from November 2005 to February 2006.Results:  More than 40% of Chinese breast cancer patients experienced moderate problems in sexual health. Their medical treatment had a greater influence on their sexual functioning in a change in their social activities, whereas more support from their partner predicted less influence. The presence of a child and more support from their partner predicted greater sexual satisfaction. Undergoing the menopause related to a longer time to resume sexual activity after cancer treatment. A change of relationship with their partner and a loss of self‐confidence were strong predictors of sexual problems influencing their QOL. Patients who had experienced a change in their relationship with their partner or had greater sexual problems were more likely to perceive greater benefit from professional intervention on sexual problem.Conclusion:  An improvement in their intimate relationships and enhanced psychosocial functioning should improve the sexual health of Chinese women with breast cancer.
Hypofractionated versus standard fractionation radiotherapy in early glottic cancer: A retrospective review
Authors: GUPTA Sanjiv A , WRATTEN Chris R , LUDBROOK Jane J , O'BRIEN Peter C , KUMAR Mahesh B , DENHAM James W 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim:  This retrospective review was conducted to compare outcomes using different fractionation schedules for early stage glottic cancer treated with radiotherapy between 1991 and 2003.Methods:  The records of 87 patients with either T1 or T2 squamous cell carcinomas of the glottic larynx were analysed, dividing the patients into those treated with a hypofractionated schedule, mostly 51 Gy/16# (<53 Gy) and standard fractionation, minimum 60 Gy/30# in 2 Gy fractions. The median follow up was 4 years and 7 months.Results:  Local control at 5 years was 81% with standard fractionation vs 93% in the hypofractionated group (P = 0.1). Laryngectomy free survival at 5 years was 78% with standard fractionation versus 95% in the hypofractionated arm (P = 0.017). Overall survival at 5 years was 65%with standard fractionation versus 74% in the hypofractionated arm (P = 0.55).Conclusion:  In early stage glottic cancer, a hypofractionated course of radiotherapy has been shown to be a safe and possibly more effective treatment compared with standard fractionation.
The Languages of Siberia
Authors: Vajda Edward J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAlthough Russian today is the dominant language in virtually every corner of North Asia, Siberia and the Northern Pacific Rim of Asia remain home to over three dozen mutually unintelligible indigenous language varieties. Except for Tuvan, Buryat, and Yakut, most are rapidly losing ground to Russian if not already critically endangered. Several more have already become extinct in the four centuries since the area's incorporation into the Russian state. From an ethnographic perspective, Siberian languages merit attention for their interplay of pastoral and hunter–gatherer influences and also for the fact that Siberia represents the staging ground for prehistoric migrations into the Americas. North Asia contains several autochthonous microfamilies and isolates not found outside this region – the so‐called ‘Paleo‐Asiatic’ (or ‘Paleosiberian’) languages Ket, Yukaghir, Nivkh, and the Chukotko‐Kamchatkan microfamily, which includes Chukchi, Koryak, and Itelmen. Ainu, formerly spoken on Sakhalin and the Kuriles as well as in Hokkaido, and the three varieties of Eskimoan spoken in historic times on the Russian side of Bering Strait, likewise belong to the earlier, non‐food producing layers of ethnolinguistic diversity in North Asia. All of these languages, aside from Eskimoan, are entirely autochthonous to the northern half of Asia. Siberian languages spoken by pastoral groups, on the other hand, belong to families represented more prominently elsewhere. Families, such as Uralic, Turkic, Mongolic, and especially Tungusic (the northern branch of the Tungus‐Manchu family), became dominant in Siberia long before the coming of the Russians. As an extension of pastoral Inner Eurasia, Siberia displays many traits characteristic of a linguistic area: suffixal agglutination, widespread dependent marking typology, a fairly elaborate system of spatial case markers, and the use of case suffixes or postpositions to signal syntactic subordination. There are also notable idiosyncratic features, particularly among the so‐called Paleo‐Siberian languages. These include the areally atypical feature of possessive prefixes and verb‐internal subject/object prefixes in Ket, the unique verb‐internal focus markers of Yukaghir, the extensive numeral allomorphs that serve as nominal classifiers in Nivkh, and the reduplicative stem augmentation used by Chukchi nouns to express the absolutive singular (in contrast to plurals and oblique case forms, where the stem is simple). While North Asia has long been the preserve of linguists writing in Russian or German (including many Finns and Hungarians), since the collapse of the Soviet Union the number of English‐language treatments of Siberian languages is increasing.
Informal Work in Latin America: Competing Perspectives and Recent Debates
Authors: Biles James J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDuring the ‘lost decade’ of the 1980s, informal work and self‐employment emerged as the most prevalent forms of work throughout Latin America. In response to the economic crisis, the majority of Latin American countries adopted a series of sweeping neoliberal reforms designed to open nations to trade and investment, promote export‐led growth, and generate employment, ultimately reducing the incidence of informal work. Despite the widespread adherence to the neoliberal model and implementation of structural adjustment reforms during the past quarter century, informal work has not diminished and in much of Latin America the odds of finding ‘decent work’ are no better today than during the economic crisis of the 1980s. In light of this seeming paradox, this article offers an overview of the recent debates and controversies surrounding informal work in Latin America. Drawing on recent research, as well as reports and policy documents from key international organizations, I pose and attempt to answer four core questions: What counts as informal work? Who works informally in Latin America? Why do men and women throughout Latin America increasingly resort to informal work? What role does informal work play as a livelihood strategy in Latin America and how has this role changed in recent years?
MC1R variation and melanoma risk in the Swedish population in relation to clinical and pathological parameters
Authors: Höiom Veronica , Tuominen Rainer , Käller Max , Lindén Diana , Ahmadian Afshin , Månsson‐Brahme Eva , Egyhazi Suzanne , Sjöberg Klas , Lundeberg Joakim , Hansson Johan 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe genetic background of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) includes both germ line aberrations in high‐penetrance genes, like CDKN2A, and allelic variation in low‐penetrance genes like the melanocortin‐1 receptor gene, MC1R. Red‐hair colour associated MC1R alleles (RHC) have been associated with red hair, fair skin and risk of CMM. We investigated MC1R and CDKN2A variation in relation to phenotype, clinical factors and CMM risk in the Swedish population. The study cohort consisted of sporadic primary melanoma patients, familial melanoma patients and a control group. An allele‐dose dependent increase in melanoma risk for carriers of variant MC1R alleles (after adjusting for phenotype), with an elevated risk among familial CMM patients, was observed. This elevated risk was found to be significantly associated with an increased frequency of dysplastic nevi (DN) among familial patients compared to sporadic patients. MC1R variation was found to be less frequent among acral lentiginous melanomas (ALM) and dependent on tumour localisation. No association was found between CDKN2A gene variants and general melanoma risk. Two new variants in the POMC gene were identified in red haired individuals without RHC alleles.
Secondary Intracranial Neoplasia in the Dog: 177 Cases (1986–2003)
Authors: Snyder J.M. , Lipitz L. , Skorupski K.A. , Shofer F.S. , Van Winkle T.J. 
Published: December 2008

Background:This study investigates the frequency, location, and clinical findings associated with 177 secondary brain tumors in dogs.Hypothesis:Secondary intracranial neoplasia is more common than primary intracranial neoplasia in dogs during the time period studied, and hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is the most common secondary intracranial tumor.Animals:One hundred and seventy‐seven client‐owned dogs presented to the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital between 1986 and 2003.Methods:Medical records were searched for a diagnosis of intracranial neoplasia in dogs who underwent complete postmortem examination. Of these dogs, those with a diagnosis of primary intracranial neoplasia were excluded.Results:Of the 177 secondary brain tumors, 51 (29%) were HSAs, 44 (25%) were pituitary tumors, 21 (12%) were lymphosarcomas, and 21 (12%) were metastatic carcinomas. The average age at diagnosis was 9.6 ± 3.0 years. Most tumors were located in the cerebrum, and a mentation change was the most common presenting clinical sign. On postmortem examination, the same tumor that was in the brain was also present in the lung in 84 cases (47%), in the kidney in 62 cases (35%), and in the heart in 55 cases (31%).Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Secondary intracranial neoplasia in dogs was more common than primary intracranial neoplasia during the time period studied. Many of these dogs had related disease in other body systems that was apparent on diagnostic tests such as thoracic radiography.
Coagulation Abnormalities and Complications after Percutaneous Liver Biopsy in Horses
Authors: Johns I. C. , Sweeney R. W. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Liver biopsy is useful in the diagnosis of liver disease in horses. However, bleeding is the major complication. Liver dysfunction can result in abnormalities in coagulation, although there is no definitive association between risk of hemorrhage after biopsy and coagulopathy in humans. Frequency of coagulopathies in horses with liver disease and the nature and frequency of complications after liver biopsy are not reported.Hypothesis/Objectives: To determine whether there is an association between coagulopathy and hemorrhage after liver biopsy in horses.Animals: Horses with suspected liver disease from which a liver biopsy had been obtained.Methods: Retrospective study. Variables indicative of coagulation were recorded. The frequency and nature of complications after biopsy were assessed using clinical and hematologic data. The association between abnormal coagulation variables and complications was assessed.Results: Seventy biopsies were obtained from 66 horses. At least 1 coagulation profile abnormality was identified in 58% of the 43 horses with histopathologically confirmed liver disease. Complications were observed in 4/32 monitored horses (33 biopsies). Three horses had a decrease in the packed cell volume suggestive of subclinical bleeding, and 1 horse developed a diaphragmatic hematoma. There was no association between coagulation profile abnormality and complications.Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Abnormalities of coagulation are common in horses with liver disease. Liver biopsy appears to be a safe procedure in the horse. An abnormal coagulation profile is not clearly associated with an increased risk of complications after biopsy.
Survival Characteristics and Prognostic Variables of Dogs with Mitral Regurgitation Attributable to Myxomatous Valve Disease
Authors: Borgarelli M. , Savarino P. , Crosara S. , Santilli R. A. , Chiavegato D. , Poggi M. , Bellino C. , La Rosa G. , Zanatta R. , Haggstrom J. , Tarducci A. 
Published: December 2008

Background:There are few studies evaluating the natural history and prognostic variables in chronic mitral valve disease (CMVI) in a heterogeneous population of dogs.Objectives:To estimate survival and prognostic value of clinical and echocardiographic variables in dogs with CMVI of varying severity. Five hundred and fifty‐eight dogs belonging to 36 breeds were studied.Methods:Dogs were included after clinical examination and echocardiography. Long‐term outcome was assessed by telephone interview with the owner.Results:The mean follow‐up time was 22.7 ± 13.6 months, and the median survival time was 19.5 ± 13.2 months. In univariate analysis, age>8 years, syncope, HR>140 bpm, dyspnea, arrhythmias, class of heart failure (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council), furosemide therapy, end‐systolic volume‐index (ESV‐I)>30 mL/m2, left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao)>1.7, E wave transmitral peak velocity (Emax)>1.2 m/s, and bilateral mitral valve leaflet engagement were associated with survival time when all causes of death were included. For the cardiac‐related deaths, all the previous variables except dyspnea and EDV‐I>100 mL/m2were significantly associated with survival time. Significant variables in multivariate analysis (all causes of death) were syncope, LA/Ao>1.7 m/s, and Emax>1.2 m/s. For cardiac‐related death, the only significant variable was LA/Ao>1.7.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Mild CMVI is a relatively benign condition in dogs. However, some clinical variables can identify dogs at a higher risk of death; these variables might be useful to identify individuals that need more frequent monitoring or therapeutic intervention.
Minimally Invasive Per‐Catheter Patent Ductus Arteriosus Occlusion in Dogs Using a Prototype Duct Occluder
Authors: Nguyenba T. P. , Tobias A. H. 
Published: December 2008

Background:Per‐catheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion in dogs with devices intended for humans is associated with technical difficulties, high rates of procedure abandonment, device migration, and residual ductal flow.Hypothesis:Use of a custom‐made canine duct occluder (Amplatz Canine Duct Occluder, ACDO) would be feasible in dogs of varying weights and somatotypes and effective in occluding a wide range of PDA shapes and sizes.Animals:Eighteen client‐owned dogs of various breeds with PDA. Weights ranged from 3.8 to 32.3 kg (median, 17.8 kg), and angiographic minimal ductal diameters ranged from 1.1 to 6.9 mm (median, 3.7 mm). Ductal morphologies included types IIA, IIB, and III.Methods:Per‐catheter PDA occlusion with the ACDO was performed in all dogs. Persistent or recurrent ductal flow was assessed at the end of the procedure by angiography and at 1 day, 3 months, and ≥12 months after the procedure by echocardiography.Results:Successful ACDO placement was achieved in all 18 dogs. One dog required a 2nd procedure with a larger ACDO after the 1st device migrated to the pulmonary vasculature. Complete occlusion was confirmed in 17 of 18 dogs during the procedure, as well as at 1 day and 3 months after the procedure, and in 12 of 13 dogs evaluated at ≥12 months after the procedure.Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Per‐catheter PDA occlusion in dogs with the ACDO is feasible and effective in dogs of a wide range of weights and somatotypes and with PDAs of varying shapes and sizes.
Principles of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Apheresis in a Preclinical Canine Model of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Lupu M. , Gooley T. , Zellmer E. , Graves S.S. , Storb R. 
Published: December 2008

Background: Preclinical studies of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transplantation conducted in a well‐established canine hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) model have been successfully translated to human patients over the past 5 decades.Objective: We retrospectively investigated the safety and feasibility of PBMC apheresis in the canine model of HCT by analyzing apheresis parameters, cell yields, and the impacts of donor‐related and apheresis‐related variables on collection yields and donor stability.Animals: One hundred and twenty dogs that underwent PBMC aphereses were evaluated.Methods: Aphereses were performed with a COBE Spectra blood separator and a central dual‐lumen catheter, with or without recombinant canine granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (rcG‐CSF) stem cell mobilization.Results: Aphereses from dogs not given rcG‐CSF yielded an average volume of 280 ± 42 mL containing an average of 15,086 ± 9,834 leukocytes/mL. Aphereses from dogs given rcG‐CSF yielded an average volume of 261 ± 55 mL containing an average of 39,711 ± 24,488 leukocytes/mL. Higher pre‐apheresis white blood cell (WBC) counts correlated with higher apheresis WBC yields (R=0.50, P<.0001). The correlations of collection time, inlet volume, and collection flow rate on WBC yields were statistically significant but only weak to moderate in magnitude (R=0.34, P=.0001; R=0.38, P=.0006; R=0.26, P=.002, respectively) as were the correlations of collection time and inlet volume on collection volumes (R=0.30, P=.002; R=0.42, P<.0001, respectively). All dogs recovered promptly after PBMC aphereses and catheter removal, without complications.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: These data may be useful for translating PBMC apheresis technology to the field of veterinary oncology for the treatment of dogs with hematologic malignancies.