bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ki67 index in intracranial ependymoma: a promising histopathological candidate biomarker
Authors: Preusser M , Heinzl H , Gelpi E , Höftberger R , Fischer I , Pipp I , Milenkovic I , Wöhrer A , Popovici F , Wolfsberger S , Hainfellner J A 
Published: June 2008

Aims:  The Ki67 tumour cell proliferation index is an independent prognostic factor in ependymoma patients. Essential prerequisites for validation of the Ki67 index as a histopathological biomarker are the reproducibility of this factor and its prognostic influence by different observers (proof of objective clinical and analytical performance). To this end, the aim was to analyse systematically inter‐ and intraobserver agreement and reproducibility of the prognostic impact of the Ki67 index in intracranial ependymoma.Methods and results:  The study cohort contained 78 cases of intracranial ependymoma. In all cases, the Ki67 index was assessed by four experienced observers (EOs) and by four inexperienced observers (IOs) using the manual hot‐spot method. There was considerable agreement on Ki67 index assessment. There was higher observer agreement among EOs compared with IOs. For each observer, survival analysis showed significant association of low Ki67 index with favourable patient outcome.Conclusions:  Our data show that the Ki67 index in intracranial ependymoma is a reproducible and robust prognostic factor and can be considered a promising histopathological candidate biomarker. Attainment of biomarker status requires further translational studies in the context of prospective therapeutic trials.
A secular theory of coplanar, non-resonant planetary system
Authors: Migaszewski Cezary , Goździewski Krzysztof 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
We present the secular theory of coplanar N-planet system, in the absence of mean motion resonances between the planets. This theory relies on the averaging of a perturbation to the two-body problem over the mean longitudes. We expand the perturbing Hamiltonian in Taylor series with respect to the ratios of semimajor axes which are considered as small parameters, without direct restrictions on the eccentricities. Next, we average out the resulting series term by term. This is possible thanks to a particular but in fact quite elementary choice of the integration variables. It makes it possible to avoid Fourier expansions of the perturbing Hamiltonian. We derive high-order expansions of the averaged secular Hamiltonian (here, up to the order of 24) with respect to the semimajor axes ratio. The resulting secular theory is a generalization of the octupole theory. The analytical results are compared with the results of numerical (i.e. practically exact) averaging. We estimate the convergence radius of the derived expansions, and we propose a further improvement of the algorithm. As a particular application of the method, we consider the secular dynamics of three-planet coplanar system. We focus on stationary solutions in the HD 37124 planetary system.
Dendritic Cells from Peyer’s Patches and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes Differ from Spleen Dendritic Cells in their Response to Commensal Gut Bacteria
Authors: Fink L. N. , Frøkiær H. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractCommensal gut bacteria have potent effects on the immune system, which are partially mediated by intestinal dendritic cells (DC). Distinct commensals confer different properties to in vitro‐generated DC. The aim of the present study was to reveal strain‐dependent maturation patterns in primary DC. To this end, we compared the response of mouse Peyer’s patch (PP) DC, mesenteric lymph node (MLN) DC and spleen DC to the commensal bacteria, Bifidobacterium longum Q46, Lactobacillus acidophilus X37 and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. Bacterial maturation of DC occurred independently of tissue origin. Expression of CCR7 and CD103 on the surface of MLN DC, necessary for the induction of gut‐homing regulatory T cells, increased with stimulation by Gram‐positive commensals. Bacteria‐dependent cytokine production (IL‐6, IL‐10 and TNF‐α) was similar in spleen and MLN DC, and contaminant cells in these DC preparations produced IFN‐γ in response to L. acidophilus. In contrast, PP DC produced IL‐6 only in response to E. coli, little IL‐10 and no TNF‐α, and this low cytokine production was not due to inhibition by IL‐10 or TGF‐β. Bifidobacteria downregulate IL‐6, TNF‐α and IL‐12 production induced in in vitro‐generated DC by L. acidophilus. Similar inhibition was observed in splenic DC, but not in MLN DC. MLN cells responded to bacterial stimulation with higher IFN‐γ production than spleen cells, possibly due to the presence of more responsive natural killer cells. Commensal bacteria therefore play specific roles in the gut immune system distinguishable from the effect they would have if recognized by the systemic immune system.
Global climate change: time to mainstream health risks and their prevention on the medical research and policy agenda
Authors: Tong S. , Mackenzie J. , Pitman A. J. , FitzGerald G. , Nicholls N. , Selvey L. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractClimate change is unequivocal. The fourth assessment report of the Intergovermental Panel on Climate Change has recently projected that global average surface temperature will increase by 1.1 to 6.4°C by 2100. Anthropogenic warming during the twenty‐first century would be much greater than that observed in the twentieth century. Most of the warming observed over the last six decades is attributable to human activities. Climate change is already affecting, and will increasingly have profound effects on human health and well‐being. Therefore, there is an urgent need for societies to take both pre‐emptive and adaptive actions to protect human populations from adverse health consequences of climate change. It is time to mainstream health risks and their prevention in relation to the effects of climate change on the medical research and policy agenda.
Nephron‐sparing surgery: a call for greater application of established techniques
Authors: Young James G. , Luscombe Christopher J. , Lynch Ciaran , Wallace D. Michael A. 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVESTo examine the results of open partial nephrectomy (OPN) over a 15‐year period in a large UK teaching hospital and to compare results with other series including minimally invasive techniques, as nephron‐sparing techniques are still under‐utilized in the surgical treatment of renal carcinoma. A standardized technique is described that we think minimizes the risk of postoperative urinoma.PATIENTS AND METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed a series of 141 patients who underwent OPN performed over a 15‐year period in one centre by the senior author (D.M.A.W.). A notable feature of this series compared with others is the high proportion of patients undergoing other major synchronous surgery.RESULTSIn all, 141 patients underwent 147 OPNs, with six undergoing bilateral procedures, of which 82 were for imperative indications (single kidney, bilateral synchronous tumours, or pre‐existing renal impairment). There were three perioperative deaths, two in patients undergoing other synchronous major surgery. In all, 38 patients had postoperative complications: 28 patients required blood transfusion (four required intervention for their bleeding), five required acute dialysis and three late dialysis. There was a 90% cancer‐specific survival rate at a median follow‐up of 2 years.CONCLUSIONSThis series confirms the trend towards improved outcomes and decreased complications in OPN at a time when its place is challenged by minimally invasive techniques.
‘Who Did What?’: A Participatory Action Research Project to Increase Group Capacity for Advocacy
Authors: Garcia‐Iriarte E. , Kramer J. C. , Kramer J. M. , Hammel J. 
Published: June 2008

Background  This participatory action research (PAR) project involved a collaboration with a self‐advocacy group of people with intellectual disabilities that sought to build group capacity for advocacy.Materials and Methods  This study used a focus group, sustained participatory engagement and a reflexive process to gather qualitative and quantitative data over 15 months. All methods were adapted to ensure accessibility and to support active participation.Results  The collaboration generated action products, including tools to support advocacy and an accessible action and reflection process. Research findings suggest that active participation is essential for group control, but alone does not automatically lead to control. The manner in which supports are provided, including member supports, advisor supports, strategy supports and systems supports, influences the extent to which members have a sense of control over decision making and participation and thus, improved capacity for advocacy.Conclusions  A PAR approach can be used to increase a group’s capacity for advocacy and meaningfully involve self‐advocacy groups in participatory research that leads to change.
Morphology and function of the forelimb in arboreal frogs: specializations for grasping ability?
Authors: Manzano Adriana S. , Abdala Virginia , Herrel Anthony 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFrogs are characterized by a unique morphology associated with their saltatory lifestyle. Although variation in the form and function of the pelvic girdle and associated appendicular system related to specialized locomotor modes such as swimming or burrowing has been documented, the forelimbs have typically been viewed as relatively unspecialized. Yet, previous authors have noted versatility in forelimb function among arboreal frogs associated with feeding. Here we study the morphology and function of the forelimb and hand during locomotion in two species of arboreal frogs (Litoria caerulea and Phyllomedusa bicolor). Our data show a complex arrangement of the distal forelimb and hand musculature with some notable differences between species. Analyses of high‐speed video and video fluoroscopy recordings show that forelimbs are used in alternating fashion in a diagonal sequence footfall pattern and that the position of the hand is adjusted when walking on substrates of different diameters. Electromyographic recordings show that the flexors of the hand are active during substrate contact, suggesting the use of gripping to generate a stabilizing torque. Measurements of grasping forces in vivo and during stimulation experiments show that both species, are capable of executing a so‐called power grip but also indicates marked differences between species, in the magnitude of forces generated. Stimulation experiments showed an increased control of digit flexion in the more specialized of the two species, allowing it to execute a precision grip paralleled only by that seen in primates.
Behavioral evidence for a female‐produced sex attractant in Diaphorina citri
Authors: Wenninger Erik J. , Stelinski Lukasz L. , Hall David G. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is an important worldwide pest of citrus. It vectors three phloem‐restricted bacteria in the genus Candidatus Liberibacter that cause huanglongbing (citrus greening disease). Studies were conducted to examine the behavioral responses of male and female D. citri to conspecifics of the same and opposite sex, with and without associated citrus host plants, in both open‐air arena choice assays and Y‐tube olfactometer assays. Virgin and mated male D. citri colonized citrus plants that were currently or had been previously colonized by virgin or mated female D. citri in greater numbers than control plants without females. However, males or females did not accumulate more on plants colonized by conspecifics of the same sex compared to uninfested plants, and females showed no preference for plants pre‐infested with males compared with uninfested controls. In complementary Y‐tube olfactometer assays, virgin and mated males chose arms with odor sources from mated females compared with blank controls in the absence of associated citrus host plant volatiles. In both behavioral assays, mated female D. citri appeared more attractive than virgin females. The vibrational calling behavior of male D. citri was reduced when males were challenged by the odors of conspecific mated females relative to when males were challenged by the odor of other males. Collectively, our results provide behavioral evidence for a female‐produced volatile sex attractant pheromone in D. citri. Future identification and synthesis of a sex attractant pheromone will be an important contribution to current monitoring and management practices for D. citri.
Longterm findings in peripapillary crescent formation in eyes with mild or moderate myopia
Authors: Nakazawa Mitsuru , Kurotaki Junji , Ruike Hiroshi 
Published: June 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  To describe early changes of optic disc deviation and peripapillary crescent formation in eyes with mild or moderate myopia.Methods:  We carried out a retrospective review of medical records and fundus photographs. We evaluated serial fundus photographs taken in 10 patients with mild or moderate myopia. We observed longterm changes in optic disc areas by creating video files using these photographs and Photoshop® and Windows Movie Maker® software. The distance between the fovea and the temporal edge of the optic disc was measured in each photograph and any gradual changes in distance between these in the same patient were regarded as representative of optic disc deviation. Correlations between optic disc deviation (0–34.5% disc diameter) and either progression of myopia (− 0.75 D to 6.25 D) or length of follow‐up (21–98 months) were statistically examined.Results:  On video files, the optic disc appeared to gradually deviate towards the nasal side and the myopic crescent developed gradually in the temporal side of the optic disc in most myopic patients. A significant correlation was found between optic disc deviation and progression of myopia (r2 = 0.61, p < 0.0001), but no correlation was detected between disc deviation and follow‐up period (r2 = 0.055, p = 0.33). As optic disc deviation progressed, the peripapillary crescent became larger.Conclusions:  The optic disc appears to deviate mostly nasally as myopia progresses and the peripapillary crescent forms as a result of optic disc deviation in eyes with mild or moderate myopia.
The relationship between periodontal condition and serum levels of resistin and adiponectin in elderly Japanese
Authors: Furugen R. , Hayashida H. , Yamaguchi N. , Yoshihara A. , Ogawa H. , Miyazaki H. , Saito T. 
Published: June 2008

Background and Objective:  Diabetes and periodontitis are associated with each other. Adipokines, specifically adiponectin and resistin, are secreted from adipocytes and are thought to cause insulin resistance in rodents. Additionally, adiponectin and resistin may play a role in inflammation and immune responses. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between serum levels of adipokines and periodontal conditions in elderly Japanese people with and without periodontitis.Material and Methods:  A total of 158 Japanese men and women (76 years old) with or without periodontitis were selected for the study. Serum adiponectin, resistin, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) concentrations were compared between subjects with and without periodontitis.Results:  Serum resistin levels and total leukocyte counts in subjects with periodontitis were higher than in control subjects. No significant differences were observed in adiponectin, IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels between subjects with and without periodontitis. Logistic regression analysis showed that periodontitis with at least one tooth that displayed a probing pocket depth of ≥6 mm was significantly associated with higher serum resistin levels (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–4.0). When excluding periodontitis subjects with ≤10% of bleeding on probing and excluding control subjects with >10% bleeding on probing, differences between groups and odds ratio increased. Serum adiponectin tended to decrease in patients with periodontitis, albeit not significantly.Conclusion:  Increased serum resistin levels were significantly associated with periodontal condition, especially when considering bleeding on probing, in elderly Japanese people. There was also a trend, though non‐significant, toward decreased levels of adiponectin in subjects with periodontitis.
Ram pressure stripping in a viscous intracluster medium
Authors: Roediger Elke , Brüggen Marcus 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
In the recent literature, there is circumstantial evidence that the viscosity of the intracluster medium (ICM) may not be too far from the Spitzer value. In this Letter, we present two-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of ram pressure stripping of disc galaxies in a viscous ICM. The values of viscosity explored range between 0.1 and 1.0 times the Spitzer value. We find that viscosity affects the appearance and the dimensions of the galactic wakes but has very little effect on the evolution of the gas mass of the galaxy.
Ecological Strategies to Promote Healthy Body Image Among Children
Authors: Evans Retta R. , Roy Jane , Geiger Brian F. , Werner Karen A. , Burnett Donna 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:  Personal habits of children and adolescents related to healthy body image (BI) are influenced by various determinants in the micro‐ and macroenvironment. These include attitudes and behaviors about eating; exercise and physical appearance modeled by parents, teachers, and peers; as well as opportunities to learn new habits and social praise for healthy choices. The coordinated school health program (CSHP) is compatible with the 5 levels of an ecological approach to developing new health behaviors.Methods:  Authors systematically applied the ecological model to all 8 components of coordinated school health. Next, strategies for each of the components were developed using the professional literature as well as author expertise in the areas of health education, exercise science, and dietetics.Results:  For each strategy, applicable health and physical education standards, as well as goals for each strategy and additional Web resources, were provided to assist educators and administrators in supporting healthy BI among students.Conclusions:  Educators may effectively use a coordinated approach to guide multiple intervention activities aimed at increasing healthy habits among adolescents and their families. The strength of the CSHP is its collaborative nature with active participation by students, faculty members, family caregivers, agency professionals, community residents, and health care providers.
Linking Global Youth Tobacco Survey 2003 and 2006 Data to Tobacco Control Policy in India
Authors: Sinha Dhirendra Narain , Gupta Prakash C. , Reddy K. Srinath , Prasad Vinayak M. , Rahman Khalilur , Warren Charles W. , Jones Nathan R. , Asma Samira 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTBackground: India made 2 important policy statements regarding tobacco control in the past decade. First, the India Tobacco Control Act (ITCA) was signed into law in 2003 with the goal to reduce tobacco consumption and protect citizens from exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). Second, in 2005, India ratified the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). During this same period, India conducted the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) in 2003 and 2006 in an effort to track tobacco use among adolescents.Methods: The GYTS is a school‐based survey of students aged 13‐15 years. Representative national estimates for India in 2003 and 2006 were used in this study.Results: In 2006, 3.8% of students currently smoked cigarettes and 11.9% currently used other tobacco products. These rates were not significantly different than those observed in 2003. Over the same period, exposure to SHS at home and in public places significantly decreased, whereas exposure to pro‐tobacco ads on billboards and the ability to purchase cigarettes in a store did not change significantly.Conclusions: The ITCA and the WHO FCTC have had mixed impacts on the tobacco control effort for adolescents in India. The positive impacts have been the reduction in exposure to SHS, both at home and in public places. The negative impacts are seen with the lack of change in pro‐tobacco advertising and ability to purchase cigarettes in stores. The Government of India needs to consider new and stronger provisions of the ITCA and include strong enforcement measures.
Concurrent Psychosocial Predictors of Sun Safety Among Middle School Youth*
Authors: Andreeva Valentina A. , Reynolds Kim D. , Buller David B. , Chou Chih‐Ping , Yaroch Amy L. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:  Sun‐induced skin damage, which increases skin cancer risk, is initiated in early life and promoted through later sun exposure patterns. If sun safety determinants are well understood and addressed during the school years, skin cancer incidence might be reduced. This study tested psychosocial influences on youth’s sun safety and assessed their strength within and across gender and ethnicity in a sample of 1782 middle school students.Methods:  Predictors included sunburn and skin cancer knowledge, tanning attitudes, peer norms, and barriers regarding sun exposure and were assessed with a self‐administered, validated questionnaire. The hypothesized relationships were tested with structural equation models and confirmed with multilevel regression.Results:  Across gender and ethnicity, knowledge emerged as an important sun safety predictor with both direct and indirect effects mediated through tanning attitudes. The relationship with barriers did not reach statistical significance within any of the subgroups, possibly due to measurement limitations. An indirect effect of peer norms on sun safety, mediated through tanning attitudes, was confirmed only among girls. Also, an indication that peer norms operate differently within the ethnic groups was found, since this predictor had a statistically significantly stronger relationship with sun safety among non‐Hispanics.Conclusions:  Youth’s sun safety is a multifactorial practice, partially determined by ethnicity‐ and gender‐based standards. In order to ensure health‐promoting school environments, needed are multicomponent programs where peer norms and knowledge are salient and where sun safety is addressed individually and together with other health risk behaviors.
Species richness and adaptive capacity in animal communities: lessons from China
Authors: MACKINNON John 
Published: June 2008

AbstractClimate change is already threatening the long‐term viability of many important protected areas, and as global warming accelerates this will increase. Lowered water tables, melting permafrost, changing vegetation zones, combined with the fragmentary distribution of wilderness areas, will cause a wave of local extinctions as species fail to adapt to changing conditions in time or fail to move as climate zones advance across the face of the continents. Ecologists can predict and even model likely scenarios, but can we do anything to help safeguard valuable biodiversity or must we passively document Earth's changes and accept these losses? Studies of the extraordinary species richness of the Hengduan Mountains and the Qionglai Mountain ranges of South‐West China and of the Changbaishan Mountains in North‐East China give us some optimism. This paper provides an explanation for the high species richness in these ranges and identifies design principles that can be used in the selection of protected areas or in the revision of existing protected area boundaries to enhance their ecological resilience and allow them to maintain higher levels of biological diversity under conditions of climate change or other disturbance.