bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acquired pure red cell aplasia associated with malignant lymphomas: A nationwide cohort study in Japan for the PRCA Collaborative Study Group
Authors: Hirokawa Makoto , Sawada Ken‐ichi , Fujishima Naohito , Kawano Fumio , Kimura Akiro , Watanabe Takashi , Arai Ayako , Matsui Toshimitsu , Nakao Shinji , Urabe Akio , Omine Mitsuhiro , Ozawa Keiya 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPure red cell aplasia (PRCA) has been reported in association with lymphoma as one of the autoimmune diseases seen during the course of lymphoid malignancies. However, the relation of PRCA with the underlying lymphomas remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the histologic subtypes of lymphomas, the chronological sequence of anemia and lymphoma, and the response to treatment. We conducted a nationwide survey in Japan. From a cohort of 185 PRCA patients, 8 patients with lymphoma were evaluated. Histologic subtypes varied and the lymphoma was of the B‐cell type in four cases and of the T‐cell type in four. Four patients simultaneously developed PRCA and lymphoma. Three patients developed PRCA following lymphoma, two of whom developed anemia during remission of lymphoma. PRCA preceded lymphoma in one patient. Effective chemotherapy was associated with remission of anemia in concurrent lymphoma and PRCA. Overall, anemia responded to chemotherapy and/or immunosuppressive therapy in seven patients. In four responding patients, PRCA remained in durable remission without maintenance immunosuppressive therapy, which is different from a recurrent feature of idiopathic PRCA. We suggest that the mechanism of lymphoma‐associated PRCA is heterogeneous and that durable maintenance‐free remission of anemia can be obtained in some patients. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, anti‐thymocyteglobulin, and low‐dose total body irradiation conditioning enables 1‐HLA‐locus‐mismatched hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for very severe aplastic anemia without affecting ovarian function
Authors: Okuda Shinya , Terasako Kiriko , Oshima Kumi , Sato Miki , Nakasone Hideki , Kako Shinichi , Yamazaki Rie , Tanaka Yukie , Tanihara Aki , Higuchi Takakazu , Nishida Junji , Kanda Yoshinobu 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe aplastic anemia from an alternative donor is associated with higher risks of graft rejection and severe graft‐versus‐host disease. We developed a conditioning regimen consisting of rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin, fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and low‐dose total body irradiation. Two adult female patients with transfusion‐dependent very severe aplastic anemia underwent 1‐locus mismatched transplantation using this regimen. Both patients achieved stable engraftment and the clinical course thereafter was uneventful with persistently normal ovarian function. This novel conditioning regimen may be suitable for alternative donor transplantation for severe aplastic anemia, especially in young female patients. Am. J. Hematol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tracing the distribution and evolution of lactase persistence in Southern Europe through the study of the T‐13910 variant
Authors: Anagnostou Paolo , Battaggia Cinzia , Coia Valentina , Capelli Cristian , Fabbri Cristina , Pettener Davide , Destro‐Bisol Giovanni , Luiselli Donata 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe investigated the occurrence and intra‐allelic variability of the T‐13910 variant located upstream of the lactase gene in 965 individuals from 20 different locations of Italy and Greece. The T‐13910 frequency ranges from 0.072 (Sardinia) to 0.237 (North‐East Italy), with a statistically significant difference between North‐East Italians and other Italian populations. The comparison of the lactose tolerance predicted by T‐13910 and that assessed by other studies using physiological tests shows a one‐way statistically significant discrepancy that could be due to sampling differences. However, the possible role of other genetic factors underlying lactase persistence is worth exploring. The time of the most recent common ancestor and departures from neutrality of the T‐13910 allele were assessed using three microsatellite loci. Time estimates were found to be congruent with the appearance of dairy farming in Southern Europe and the occurrence of a single introgression event. Robust signals of selection can be observed in North‐East Italy only. We discuss the possible role of cultural traits and genetic history in determining these observed micro‐evolutionary patterns. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Life course weight gain and C‐reactive protein levels in young adults: Findings from a Brazilian birth cohort
Authors: Nazmi Aydin , Gonzalez David C. , Oliveira Isabel O. , Horta Bernardo L. , Gigante Denise P. , Victora Cesar G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractRapid weight gain in childhood is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases in adults. C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a mediator of atherosclerosis and chronically elevated levels predict cardiovascular outcomes. The effects of life course weight gain on CRP levels are not clear. The 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study (n = 5,914) has prospectively collected weight and health data at several follow‐ups since birth. The most recent was in 2004–05, when 77.4% of the cohort was traced and CRP levels were measured in 89% of those interviewed (n = 3827). Geometric mean (SE) C‐reactive protein levels were 0.89 mg/l (0.03) and 1.66 mg/l (0.04) in men and women, respectively. In analyses adjusted for confounding variables, weight gain in infancy showed a weak negative association among males, but from the second year onwards, weight gain was positively associated with CRP levels. In females, weight gain was associated with higher CRP at every period tested. The strongest associations were observed in the most recent (18–23 years) period; CRP ratios (95% CI) per z score increase in weight gain were 1.78 (1.57–2.00) and 1.52 (1.30–1.78) for men and women, respectively. Males who were stunted at 2 years and centrally obese at 23 years had the highest CRP levels (P = 0.002 for interaction). In summary, rapid weight gain throughout life predicted higher CRP levels. Public health efforts need to tackle chronic under‐nutrition in infancy, together with rapid weight gain in later childhood and adolescence, especially in countries undergoing the nutritional transition. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship of polymorphisms located in tumor necrosis factor region and HLA loci among Croatians
Authors: Stingl Katarina , Grubic Zorana , Car Helena , Zunec Renata 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPolymorphism of TNFa, TNFb, and TNFd microsatellites, linkage disequilibrium (LD) within TNF region as well as relationship of TNF microsatellites with alleles at HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 loci was investigated on a sample of 160 Croatians, previously typed for HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 loci. Analysis of the relationship of TNF alleles and HLA specificities revealed that very strong associations exist between TNFa2, TNFb3, and TNFd2 alleles and HLA‐A*01, ‐B*08, and ‐DRB1*03 specificities, therefore placing them in the 8.1 ancestral haplotype. Similar findings were observed for TNFa11, TNFb4, and TNFd4 alleles and HLA specificities, which are a part of the 7.1 ancestral haplotype. Finally, multiple associations with significant P‐values were also observed between TNFa10, TNFb4, and TNFd4 microsatellite alleles and HLA‐A*02, ‐B*18, ‐DRB1*11 specificities which form the 18.3 ancestral hapolotype. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Height and relative leg length as indicators of the quality of the environment among Mozambican juveniles and adolescents
Authors: Padez Cristina , Varela‐Silva Maria Inês , Bogin Barry 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe growth status of Mozambique adolescents was assessed to test the hypothesis that relative leg length is a more sensitive indicator of the quality of the environment than the total height. The sample comprised 690 boys and 727 girls, aged between 9 and 17 years, from Maputo. It is divided between those living in the Centre of Maputo and those living in the slums on the periphery of the city. Height, weight, and sitting height were measured and the sitting height ratio was calculated. The hypothesis that relative leg length is more sensitive than total stature as an indicator of environmental quality is not uniformly confirmed. Overall, mean stature is greater for the centre group than the slum group, but relative leg length as measured by the sitting height ratio does not differ. Compared with African‐American references (NHANES II), all centre girls, 9‐ to 14‐year‐old slum girls, all slum boys, and the oldest centre boys show relatively shorter legs. These findings show that within the Mozambique sample, relative leg length is not sensitive enough to distinguish the quality of the living environment. Mozambique was a colony of Portugal until 1975. Civil unrest and warfare characterized the late Colonial period and the postindependence period until a peace settlement was concluded in 1992. It is possible that all socioeconomic status groups within the country suffered sufficiently to reduce relative leg length compared with the better‐off African‐American reference sample. Possible genetic influences on relative leg length are also discussed. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Digit ratio (2D:4D) and sprinting speed in boys
Authors: Manning J.T. , Hill M.R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractDigit ratio (2D:4D), a putative correlate of prenatal testosterone, has been found to relate to performance in sport and athletics such that low 2D:4D (high prenatal testosterone) correlates with high performance. Speed in endurance races is strongly related to 2D:4D, and may be one factor that underlies the link between sport and 2D:4D, but nothing is known of the relationship between 2D:4D and sprinting speed. Here we show that running times over 50 m were positively correlated with 2D:4D in a sample of 241 boys (i.e. runners with low 2D:4D ran faster than runners with high 2D:4D). The relationship was also found for 50 m split times (at 20, 30, and 40 m) and was independent of age, BMI, and an index of maturity. However, associations between 2D:4D and sprinting speed were much weaker than those reported for endurance running. This suggests that 2D:4D is a relatively weak predictor of strength and a stronger predictor of efficiency in aerobic exercise. We discuss the effect sizes for relationships between 2D:4D and sport and target traits in general, and identify areas of strength and weakness in digit ratio research. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physical growth in schoolchildren from Argentina: Comparison with Argentinean and CDC/NCHs growth references
Authors: Orden Alicia B. , Torres María F. , Castro Luis , Cesani María F. , Luis María A. , Quintero Fabián A. , Oyhenart Evelia E. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the physical growth of schoolchildren from Argentina by comparison with the CDC/NCHS and Argentinean growth references (AGR), to contribute to the discussion about the use of local or international references for the assessment of growth in developing countries. Weight and height were measured in 3,411 schoolchildren aged 5–14 years. Data were log‐transformed and compared with both references by paired samples t‐test (CI = 0.95; α = 0.005). The boys' weights were greater than CDC/NCHS (up to 10, and at 14 years old) and the national reference at all ages (P < 0.005). The girls also were heavier than CDC/NCHS (at 7 and 12 years old, P < 0.005) and AGR, except at age 11 and 14 years. In boys, height was lower than CDC/NCHS at 9 and 14 years of age, and higher than AGR at all ages (P < 0.005). The girls were also shorter than CDC/NCHS at 7, 13, and 14 years old (P < 0.005), and—except at age 14—taller than AGR. The weight was higher than both of the references. Height showed a clear dissociation from the national reference and minor differences from CDC/NCHS. Nevertheless, around puberty, the children's height fell short of CDC/NCHS, especially the girls, whose values approached those of their Argentinean peers. This divergence could be associated with cohort effects or population variations in adolescent growth spurt. The use of a single growth reference for preadolescent may be appropriate. The height decrease in adolescents suggests the usefulness of local standards at this period. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Nanoscale Molecular Switch Triggered by Thermal, Light, and Guest Perturbation
Authors: Duriska Martin B. , Neville Suzanne M. , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Cashion John D. , Halder Gregory J. , Chapman Karena W. , Balde Chérif , Létard Jean‐François , Murray Keith S. , Kepert Cameron J. , Batten Stuart R. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBottoms up! A discrete metallo‐supramolecular nanoball (see picture), synthesized by using “bottom‐up” methodologies, uniquely undergoes a solvent‐sensitive, physically addressable electronic spin switching. The switching occurs by thermal, light, or solvent perturbation, where importantly it can be switched “on” or “off” by green or red laser irradiation, respectively.magnified image
Assessing autistic traits: cross‐cultural validation of the social responsiveness scale (SRS)
Authors: Bölte Sven , Poustka Fritz , Constantino John N. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) is a quantitative measure of autistic traits in 4‐ to 18‐year‐olds, which has been used in behavior‐genetic, epidemiological and intervention studies. The US standardization demonstrated a single‐factor structure and good to excellent psychometric properties. The cross‐cultural validity of the German adaptation of the parent‐report SRS in a sample of N=1,436 children and adolescents: 838 typically developing and 527 clinical participants (160 with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)) was examined. Internal consistency (0.91–0.97), test–retest reliability (0.84–0.97), interrater reliability (0.76 and 0.95) and convergent validity with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule as well as the Autism Diagnostic Interview—Revised and Social Communication Questionnaire (0.35–0.58) were satisfactory to good. The SRS total score discriminated between ASD and other mental disorders. SRS scores proved to be sufficiently independent of general psychopathology. Principal component analyses yielded single‐factor solutions for the normative and clinical subsamples. In addition, construct validity was ensured by consistent correlations with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, the Child Behavior Checklist and the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory. Normative SRS total scores for girls and boys as well as values for ASD were lower in the German sample, while scores for conduct disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity/conduct disorder combined were higher. Generally, cross‐cultural validity of the SRS seems to be sufficiently assured for a large European sample. However, some discrepancies regarding SRS normative and clinical raw score distributions, reliability and validity findings are critically discussed.
Screening co‐digestion of food waste water with manure for biogas production
Authors: Liu Yan , Miller Steve A. , Safferman Steven I. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAnaerobic digestion, an environmental protection technology for treating organic compounds in waste water, produces biogas, resulting in a renewable energy source. A protocol including waste analysis, waste blending, energy potential and energy balance calculations was developed to determine the energy production from blending food and animal wastes. Fruit and vegetable waste water produced from crop commodity processing was characterized in terms of quantity and 5‐day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Often these wastes have high levels of degradable carbon but lack buffering capacity and adequate nitrogen and other nutrients to meet the minimal C/N ratio needed for optimal digestion. Blending food‐processing waste water with high nutrient manure can enhance the biogas production by optimizing nutrient levels and providing buffering capacity. The protocol shows the procedure to determine the optimal blend and theoretical biogas production from the anaerobic digestion of that blend. An energy balance technique that determines the lowest COD concentration required to close the energy balance in the digester during different seasons is illustrated. A case study was conducted to determine the potential energy production from anaerobically digesting blended waste water from the top 14 fruit and vegetable commodities in Michigan. The resulting biogas production supports a substantial amount of the energy consumption needed for the treatment process. This case study in Michigan can be extended to national level since the calculations were based on the mean value of their typical range. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Isolated fetal omphalocele, Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome, and assisted reproductive technologies
Authors: Wilkins‐Haug Louise , Porter Amina , Hawley Pam , Benson Carol B. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractOBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) among fetuses with an ultrasound diagnosis of isolated omphalocele and to examine relevant clinical variables, in particular route of conception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ultrasound and consultation database (1988–2007) was searched and cases were included that met the following criteria: omphalocele, no additional major structural anomaly or autosomal aneuploidy, and either newborn examination or molecular diagnostic studies for BWS. Medical records were reviewed and a nested case‐control analysis matching day of birth assessed the route of conception, given the changing prevalence of assisted reproduction during the study period. RESULTS: Thirty cases of isolated omphalocele were identified. Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome was diagnosed in six cases (6/30 [20.0%]); four by newborn examination (4/6) and two on prenatal molecular studies (2/6). Of note, one case of BWS had a karyotype of 47,XXX, the remainder was euploid. Compared with isolated omphaloceles, fetuses with BWS more often were twins (3/6 vs. 1/24; p < 0.001), had polyhydramnios (4/6 vs. 2/24; p < 0.001), were macrosomic at birth (3/6 vs. 4/24 p < 0.001), and had been conceived by assisted reproduction (3/6 vs. 2/22; p = 0.04). When compared with normal controls matched by date of birth, conception by assisted reproductive technique among BWS births was highly significant, (p < 0001). CONCLUSIONS: Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome is present in a noteworthy portion of fetuses with isolated omphalocele on ultrasound, and prenatal molecular studies are warranted. Even among this small cohort, a recurring theme of conception by assisted reproduction exists. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical geneticists in birth defects surveillance and epidemiology research programs: Past, present and future roles
Authors: Lin Angela E. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Scheuerle Angela , Stevenson Roger E. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractClinical geneticists have contributed to the creation and operation of birth defects surveillance systems and epidemiology research programs. Over the years, many continue to assist the multidisciplinary staff at state‐based and regional programs, national networks, and international databases. Currently, all centers participating in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study include a clinical geneticist, which has increased awareness of this role. It is generally assumed that the medical skills and expertise acquired from clinical practice of a clinical geneticist can assist in the tasks of record review, case classification, coding, staff education, peer networking, and research, but these activities have not been formally reviewed. To increase the general knowledge base, this article used the framework of an historical descriptive review focusing on a sample of birth defects surveillance systems presented as illustrative case studies. We examined the contribution of clinical geneticists to a sample of epidemiologic research studies from each program. Looking to the future, we discuss the education of other clinical geneticists, the need to evaluate performance, and the geneticist's participation with other public health colleagues in the shared goal of birth defects prevention. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Child protection training in sport‐related degrees and initial teacher training for physical education: an audit
Authors: Rossato Claire , Brackenridge Celia 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis article reports on an online survey of child protection training for students on sport‐related and Initial Teacher Training Physical Education degrees, and on the views of recently graduated teachers of the usefulness of such training in their everyday work. The results indicate that child protection training is provided in most courses but in varying amounts. Respondents to the survey reported positively, in the main, about the effects of new requirements for teacher training (Every Child Matters: Change for Children, Department for Education and Skills, 2004). Reasons given for not including child protection in courses were: lack of time; the perceived vocational nature of the topic; lack of fit with course aims and objectives; lack of relevance; and the research rather than professional orientation of the course. Recently graduated teachers' views on their pre‐service child protection training differed from the claims made about this in the survey. In particular, they raised concerns about their lack of preparation for dealing with potential child protection situations. The article concludes that child protection training within sport‐related degrees is deficient in both consistency of delivery and in content, and that, in addition to preparing students to recognise signs and indicators of abuse, curricula should also address undergraduates' confidence and skills for responding to abuse in their everyday professional practice. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coherence aware GPU‐based ray casting for virtual colonoscopy
Authors: Lee Taek Hee , Shin Yeoung Gil 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a GPU‐based volume ray casting for virtual colonoscopy to generate high‐quality rendering images with a large screen size. Using the temporal coherence for ray casting, the empty space leaping can be efficiently done by reprojecting first‐hit points of the previous frame; however, these approaches could produce artifacts such as holes or illegal starting positions due to the insufficient resolution of first‐hit points. To eliminate these artifacts, we use a triangle mesh of first‐hit points and check the intersection of each triangle with the corresponding real surface. Illegal starting positions can be avoided by replacing a false triangle cutting the real surface with five newly generated triangles. The proposed algorithm is best fit to the recent GPU architecture withShader Model 4.0which supports not only fast rasterization of a triangle mesh but also many flexible vertex operations. Experimental results on ATI 2900 with DirectX10 show perspective volume renderings of over 24fps on 1024 × 1024 screen size without any loss of image quality. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.