bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Difference between the Abilities of Human Fcγ Receptor-Expressing CV-1 Cells To Neutralize American and Asian Genotypes of Dengue Virus 2
Authors: Rodrigo W. W. I. S. , Alcena D. C. , Kou Z. , Kochel T. J. , Porter K. R. , Comach G. , Rose R. C. , Jin X. , Schlesinger J. J. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT
Sera from patients involved in a Peruvian outbreak of dengue virus serotype 1 infection cross-neutralized the American genotype of dengue virus serotype 2 up to 100-fold more efficiently than they did the virulent Asian genotype of dengue virus serotype 2, as determined by a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) with CV-1 fibroblasts modified to express human Fcγ receptor CD32. The concordant preferential immune enhancement of the Asian genotype of dengue virus serotype 2 in human monocytes suggests that such a modification might strengthen the correlation between the PRNT titer and protection.
Protective HLA Class I Alleles That Restrict Acute-Phase CD8+T-Cell Responses Are Associated with Viral Escape Mutations Located in Highly Conserved Regions of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1
Authors: Wang Yaoyu E. , Li Bin , Carlson Jonathan M. , Streeck Hendrik , Gladden Adrianne D. , Goodman Robert , Schneidewind Arne , Power Karen A. , Toth Ildiko , Frahm Nicole , Alter Galit , Brander Christian , Carrington Mary , Walker Bruce D. , Altfeld Marcus , Heckerman David , Allen Todd M. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe control of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) associated with particular HLA class I alleles suggests that some CD8+T-cell responses may be more effective than others at containing HIV-1. Unfortunately, substantial diversities in the breadth, magnitude, and function of these responses have impaired our ability to identify responses most critical to this control. It has been proposed that CD8 responses targeting conserved regions of the virus may be particularly effective, since the development of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) escape mutations in these regions may significantly impair viral replication. To address this hypothesis at the population level, we derived near-full-length viral genomes from 98 chronically infected individuals and identified a total of 76 HLA class I-associated mutations across the genome, reflective of CD8 responses capable of selecting for sequence evolution. The majority of HLA-associated mutations were found in p24 Gag, Pol, and Nef. Reversion of HLA-associated mutations in the absence of the selecting HLA allele was also commonly observed, suggesting an impact of most CTL escape mutations on viral replication. Although no correlations were observed between the number or location of HLA-associated mutations and protective HLA alleles, limiting the analysis to mutations selected by acute-phase immunodominant responses revealed a strong positive correlation between mutations at conserved residues and protective HLA alleles. These data suggest that control of HIV-1 may be associated with acute-phase CD8 responses capable of selecting for viral escape mutations in highly conserved regions of the virus, supporting the inclusion of these regions in the design of an effective vaccine.
DNA Genome Size Affects the Stability of the Adenovirus Virion
Authors: Smith Adam C. , Poulin Kathy L. , Parks Robin J. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACT
Replication-defective adenovirus (Ad) vectors can vary considerably in genome length, but whether this affects virion stability has not been investigated. Helper-dependent Ad vectors with a genome size of ∼30 kb were 100-fold more sensitive to heat inactivation than their parental helper virus (>36 kb), and increasing the genome size of the vector significantly improved heat stability. A similar relationship between genome size and stability existed for Ad with early region 1 deleted. Loss of infectivity was due to release of vertex proteins, followed by disintegration of the capsid. Thus, not only does the viral DNA encode all of the heritable information essential for virus replication, it also plays a critical role in maintaining capsid strength and integrity.
`It usually happens in older women': Young women's perceptions about breast cancer
Authors: Johnson Nicole , Dickson-Swift Virginia 
Published: November 2008

Objective The aim of the current study was to explore young women's perceptions of breast cancer. Design This study used a qualitative descriptive paradigm. Participants were required to participate in a one-hour, tape-recorded, semi-structured interview. Data obtained were then coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Method A convenience sample of six young women participated in the study. Participants were all in their early twenties, with most being 21 years of age. All were university students who were studying a range of courses. Results The young women had very low levels of knowledge and understanding about breast cancer. Although they identified it was a serious illness, they were not aware of much else about the disease except for treatments. They could only identify two main risk factors, age and family history, and believed in common myths such as getting hit in the breast causing breast cancer. Overall, they did not feel that breast cancer was something that they needed to be concerned about, although they did perceive the need for more age appropriate breast health information to be made available to young women. Conclusions All women need to be educated about breast cancer and to learn early intervention techniques such as breast self examination at an early age. Lack of knowledge about breast cancer and breast cancer risk may lead to inaccurate perceptions of the disease and a lack of utilization of early detection techniques. Low levels of knowledge and a lack of perceived risk coupled with the inundation of breast cancer information that focuses on older women reinforces the belief that young women are not at risk and do not need to be aware of breast cancer. Furthermore, these data strongly support the need for breast health and breast cancer education in young women.
Literacy and health literacy as defined in cancer education research: A systematic review
Authors: Friedman Daniela B , Hoffman-Goetz Laurie 
Published: November 2008

Background Limited literacy and health literacy are associated with lack of cancer screening and later stage cancer diagnoses. Objective To systematically review the literature for definitions of literacy and health literacy as related to patient access, use, and comprehension of cancer prevention and treatment education. Methods Original research articles written from 1992 to 2006 inclusive with the terms health literacy and/or literacy in the title, abstract or key words and explicitly linked to cancer information were found by searching MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CSA Sociological Abstracts, Social Sciences Citation Index, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Results A final sample of 78 studies was included in this review. Fortyfive articles mentioned literacy, seven were on health literacy, and 26 discussed both literacy and health literacy. Only 15 articles (19.2 per cent) defined literacy and/or health literacy. Conclusion This systematic review indicates that definitions of literacy and health literacy are not being used consistently in the cancer education literature. Best practice definitions of literacy and health literacy are important, especially when screening individuals for their understanding of cancer prevention and treatment information.
Lead levels in paint flakes from buildings in Nigeria: a preliminary study
Authors: Nduka JKC , Orisakwe OE , Maduawguna CA 
Published: November 2008

Lead is a malleable metal previously used to improve the durability and color luster of paint applied in homes and on industrial structures such as bridges. Lead has deleterious effects on multiple organs in humans. There is paucity of information on the extent of the use of lead-based paint in Nigerian houses. This study has attempted to estimate the extent of use of lead-based paint in buildings in Eastern Nigeria using 168 buildings. Flaked paint samples were collected from residential, church, commercial, and school buildings from four most populous cities in Eastern Nigeria namely Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, and Port Harcourt, and they were digested using conc HNO3:HCLO4 (1:1) and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The lead levels from buildings in Enugu ranged from 39.385 ± 1.111–69.843 ± 4.886 mg/kg. The highest level of lead was found in Onitsha ranging from 49.503 ± 0.000–74.352 ± 0.571 mg/kg. Residential buildings, which mainly serve the under privileged populations, has the highest lead level in this study. In Aba, the highest lead level (66.432 ± 0.013 mg/kg) was found in commercial buildings aged 5–10 years. The lead levels in paint flakes from buildings in the four cities tended to decrease with increasing age of the buildings. Taken together all the building paint flakes from the four cities had lead levels higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency permissible level of 5 mg/kg. There is a need for primary intervention strategy to reduce the paint lead levels in Nigeria.
Economic analysis of albumin-bound paclitaxel for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Dranitsaris George , Cottrell Wayne , Spirovski Biljana , Hopkins Sean 
Published: November 2008

Background. An albumin-bound formulation of paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) was developed to provide additional efficacy and to overcome the safety drawbacks of paclitaxel and docetaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer. To provide health economic data for the Canadian setting, an economic analysis comparing each of nab-paclitaxel and docetaxel, both as alternatives to paclitaxel in metastatic breast cancer was conducted. Methods. The clinical and safety data were obtained from a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing either nab-paclitaxel (260 mg/m2 q3wk) or docetaxel (100 mg/m 2 q3wk), to standard paclitaxel (175 mg/m2 q3wk). Health care resource use for the delivery of chemotherapy and the management of grade III/IV toxicity was collected from the oncology literature. Treatment preferences and health state utilities were obtained from 24 female oncology nurses and pharmacists using the time trade-off technique. Results. Nab-paclitaxel had the lowest incidence of grade III/IV toxicity. This translated to lower overall costs for managing the grade III/IV events relative to both docetaxel and paclitaxel ($597 vs. $2626 vs. $1227). Using the median number of cycles administered and the cost impact of grade III/ IV toxicity, the overall cost for nab-paclitaxel would be $15,105 compared to $15,268 for docetaxel and $3557 for paclitaxel. When treatment preferences were assessed, 20 of 24 (83.3%) respondents selected nab-paclitaxel as their preferred choice compared to only 4 who selected docetaxel. These corresponded to a gain of 0.203 and 0.016 QALYs for nab-paclitaxel and docetaxel, respectively. With these utility benefits, the incremental cost per QALY gained was more favorable for nab-paclitaxel than docetaxel ($56,800 vs. $739,600). Conclusions. Nab-paclitaxel would be an economically reasonable alternative to docetaxel in MBC patients. As an alternative to paclitaxel, formulary committees must decide if the $56,800 cost per QALY represents good value in their health care setting. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2009) 15: 67—78.
Continuous pharmacodynamic activity of eritoran tetrasodium, a TLR4 antagonist, during intermittent intravenous infusion into normal volunteers
Authors: Rossignol Daniel P. , Wong Nancy , Noveck Robert , Lynn Melvyn 
Published: November 2008

Background: Eritoran tetrasodium (E5564), a structural analogue of the lipid A portion of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide or LPS), is an antagonist of LPS and other Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligands. Eritoran tetrasodium quantitatively blocks LPS response in vivo in animal and human endotoxemia models and demonstrates a long pharmacokinetic half-life, but a short pharmacodynamic half-life. The objective of this study was to assess the safety, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of E5564 infused twice-daily at three target steady-state plasma levels of approximately 1, 3 and 10 µg/ml in healthy volunteers. Results: Loading and maintenance doses of up to 77 mg over 3 days in females and 105 mg over 6 days in males were safe and well-tolerated except for self-limiting phlebitis at the drug infusion site. Plasma levels reached steady state by 24 h. The Cmax, Cmin, and C88, AUC0 —∞ were dose proportional and gender independent. Pharmacodynamic activity measured by an ex vivo LPS challenge assay, demonstrated dose-dependence for both E5564 and LPS and plasma levels of ~3 µg/ml E5564 or greater blocked up to 1 ng/ml LPS. Conclusions: Every 12-h dosing of E5564 can replace continuous infusion, while maintaining uninterrupted blocking of high-dose LPS.
Genomic islands from five strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Tuanyok Apichai , Leadem Benjamin R , Auerbach Raymond K , Beckstrom-Sternberg Stephen M , Beckstrom-Sternberg James S , Mayo Mark , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Brettin Thomas S , Nierman William C , Peacock Sharon J , Currie Bart J , Wagner David M , Keim Paul 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the etiologic agent of melioidosis, a significant cause of morbidity and mortality where this infection is endemic. Genomic differences among strains of B. pseudomallei are predicted to be one of the major causes of the diverse clinical manifestations observed among patients with melioidosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of genomic islands (GIs) as sources of genomic diversity in this species.

Results
We found that genomic islands (GIs) vary greatly among B. pseudomallei strains. We identified 71 distinct GIs from the genome sequences of five reference strains of B. pseudomallei: K96243, 1710b, 1106a, MSHR668, and MSHR305. The genomic positions of these GIs are not random, as many of them are associated with tRNA gene loci. In particular, the 3' end sequences of tRNA genes are predicted to be involved in the integration of GIs. We propose the term "tRNA-mediated site-specific recombination" (tRNA-SSR) for this mechanism. In addition, we provide a GI nomenclature that is based upon integration hotspots identified here or previously described.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that acquisition of GIs is one of the major sources of genomic diversity within B. pseudomallei and the molecular mechanisms that facilitate horizontally-acquired GIs are common across multiple strains of B. pseudomallei. The differential presence of the 71 GIs across multiple strains demonstrates the importance of these mobile elements for shaping the genetic composition of individual strains and populations within this bacterial species.
Validation of putative reference genes for gene expression studies in human hepatocellular carcinoma using real-time quantitative RT-PCR
Authors: Cicinnati Vito R , Shen Qingli , Sotiropoulos Georgios C , Radtke Arnold , Gerken Guido , Beckebaum Susanne 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
Reference genes, which are often referred to as housekeeping genes are frequently used to normalize mRNA levels between different samples in quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The selection of reference genes is critical for gene expression studies because the expression of these genes may vary among tissues or cells and may change under certain circumstances. Here, a systematic evaluation of six putative reference genes for gene expression studies in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is presented.

Methods
Six genes, beta-2-microglobulin (B2M), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), hydroxymethyl-bilane synthase (HMBS), hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl-transferase 1 (HPRT1), succinate dehydrogenase complex, subunit A (SDHA) and ubiquitin C (UBC), with distinct functional characteristics and expression patterns were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Inhibitory substances in RNA samples were quantitatively assessed and controlled using an external RNA control. The stability of selected reference genes was analyzed using both geNorm and NormFinder software.

Results

HMBS and GAPDH were identified as the optimal reference genes for normalizing gene expression data between paired tumoral and adjacent non-tumoral tissues derived from patients with HCC. HMBS, GAPDH and UBC were identified to be suitable for the normalization of gene expression data among tumor tissues; whereas the combination of HMBS, B2M, SDHA and GAPDH was suitable for normalizing gene expression data among five liver cancer cell lines, namely Hep3B, HepG2, HuH7, SK-HEP-1 and SNU-182. The determined gene stability was increased after exclusion of RNA samples containing relatively higher inhibitory substances.

Conclusion
Of six genes studied, HMBS was found to be the single best reference gene for gene expression studies in HCC. The appropriate choice of combination of more than one reference gene to improve qRT-PCR accuracy depends on the kind of liver tissues or cells under investigation. Quantitative assessment and control of qRT-PCR inhibitors using an external RNA control can reduce the variation of qRT-PCR assay and facilitate the evaluation of gene stability. Our results may facilitate the choice of reference genes for expression studies in HCC.
Changes in medicine course curricula in Brazil encouraged by the Program for the Promotion of Medical School Curricula (PROMED)
Authors: Souza Patrícia Alves de , Zeferino Angélica Maria Bicudo , Ros Marco Da Aurélio 
Published: November 2008

Abstract

Background
The Program for the Promotion of Changes in Medical School Curricula (PROMED) was developed by the Brazilian Ministries of Health and Education. The objective of this program was to finance the implementation of changes to the curricula of medical schools directed towards the Brazilian national healthcare system (SUS). This paper reports research carried out together with the coordinators responsible for the PROMED of each medical school approved, in which interviews were used to evaluate whether this financial support succeeded in stimulating changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of this program three years after implementation in the universities that received funding.

Methods
The 19 course coordinators of the medical schools in which the PROMED project was implemented were interviewed using a questionnaire containing 12 questions for qualitative analysis. This paper focuses partially on the reports of the results of this qualitative analysis. Laurence Bardin's.

Results
The universities interviewed were found to have some common concerns: the decoupling of basic and professional training difficulties in achieving proximity to the network of services; insufficient funding; and the emphasis of most teachers being on teaching hospitals and specialization. These findings indicate that the direction of curriculum reform (PROMED) is toward providing a targeted training for this system.

Conclusion
The interviewees were aware that this program would trigger future changes in all aspects of healthcare and represents an ongoing challenge to the academic field. PROMED provided the momentum for change in the nature of medical training in Brazil and was seen as powerful enough to override other processes and as a basis for guidance regarding the methodology, pedagogical approach and scenarios of practical experience.
Intrapetrous internal carotid artery dissection and essential thrombocythemia: what relationship? A case report
Authors: D'Ambrosio Daniele , Della-Morte David , Gargiulo Gaetano , Rossetti Marianna , Rundek Tatjana , Rengo Franco , Abete Pasquale 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection is responsible for 10–20% of strokes in young and middle-aged patients. Isolated ICA dissection involving the intrapetrous carotid canal is particularly rare, and no case has been reported to describe an association between intrapetrous ICA dissection and essential thrombocythemia. We report a case of ischemic stroke in the presence of intrapetrous right ICA dissection and essential thrombocythemia. The diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia was performed by bone marrow biopsy. The essential thrombocythemia may cause endothelial dysfunction and predispose to vascular damage such as carotid artery dissection.
Comprehensive biomarker monitoring in cytokine therapy: heterogeneous, time-dependent, and persisting immune effects of interleukin-10 application in psoriasis
Authors: Döcke Wolf-Dietrich , Asadullah Khusru , Belbe Gudrun , Ebeling Merle , Höflich Conny , Friedrich Markus , Sterry Wolfram , Volk Hans-Dieter 
Published: November 2008

AbstractCytokine and anticytokine treatments represent promising approaches for therapy of immune-mediated diseases. In humans, however, regulatory consequences of interference with the cytokine network are only partially understood. Biomarker analysis in clinical studies may help to overcome this complexity and provide novel information about the in vivo relevance of individual cytokines. We report systemic immunological effects of IL-10 therapy in 10 psoriasis patients during a 7-week treatment period followed by a 7-week observation period. IL-10 was given s.c. at 8 μg/kg/day or 20 μg/kg/3×/week, and a broad range of immunological biomarkers was analyzed in an extended kinetics (17 time-points) before, during, and after IL-10 therapy. Besides the expected anti-inflammatory effects (e.g., inhibition of LPS-induced cytokine secretion), we found unexpected effects, such as activation of NK cells and an increase in parameters indicating proinflammatory activity (C-reactive protein and soluble IL-2R). Furthermore, cumulative effects (IgE and IgA), loss of effect (IL-1R antagonist and IFN-γ secretion), or counter-regulation during and rebound after IL-10 therapy (TNF-α and IL-12/IL-23 p40) were found. Remarkably, some alterations were retained long after the 7-week treatment period (IL-4 secretion, monocytic CD86, and TGF-β1). In summary, we found manifold effects of IL-10 far beyond the immediate anti-inflammatory activity considered initially. These findings may explain the rather disappointing clinical effects of IL-10 therapy in exacerbated inflammation but also hint to its role for sustained immunological reshaping. They further exemplify the importance of analyzing an extended kinetics of an entire panel of biomarkers for understanding the effects of therapeutic interference with the cytokine network.