bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in candidate obesity genes ADRB2, ADRB3, GHRL, HSD11B1, IRS1, IRS2, and SHC1 and risk for breast cancer in the Cancer Prevention Study II
Authors: Feigelson Heather Spencer , Teras Lauren R , Diver W Ryan , Tang Weining , Patel Alpa V , Stevens Victoria L , Calle Eugenia E , Thun Michael J , Bouzyk Mark 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Obesity has consistently been associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Proteins that are secreted by adipose tissue or are involved in regulating body mass may play a role in breast tumor development.

Methods
We conducted a nested case-control study among postmenopausal women from the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study II Nutrition Cohort to determine whether genes associated with obesity increase risk for breast cancer. Tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected to capture common variation across seven candidate genes that encode adipose-related proteins: ADRB2, ADRB3, GHRL, HSD11B1, IRS1, IRS2, and SHC1. Thirty-nine SNPs were genotyped in 648 cases and 659 controls. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between each tagging SNP and risk for breast cancer while adjusting for matching factors and potential confounders. We also examined whether these SNPs were associated with measures of adult adiposity.

Results
Two out of five tagging SNPs in HSD11B1 were associated with breast cancer (rs11807619, P = 0.006; rs932335, P = 0.0001). rs11807619 and rs932335 were highly correlated (r2 = 0.74) and, when modeled as a haplotype, only haplotypes containing the rs932335 C allele were associated with breast cancer. The rs932335 C allele was associated with a nearly twofold increased risk for breast cancer (odds ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–3.33 for C/C versus G/G). Three of the 11 SNPs for IRS2 were associated with breast cancer (rs4773082, P = 0.007; rs2289046, P = 0.016; rs754204, P = 0.03). When these three SNPs were examined as a haplotype, only the haplotype that included the G allele of rs2289046 was associated with breast cancer (odds ratio = 0.76, 95% confidence interval = 0.63–0.92 for TGC versus CAT). IRS2 rs2289046, rs754204, and rs12584136 were also associated with adult weight gain but only among cases. None of the other SNPs in any gene investigated were associated with breast cancer or adiposity.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that these tagging SNPs in HSD11B1 and IRS2 mark regions of the genome that may harbor risk alleles for breast cancer, and these associations are probably independent of adiposity.
The influence of IL-2 family cytokines on activation and function of naturally occurring regulatory T cells
Authors: Wuest Thomas Y , Willette-Brown Jami , Durum Scott K , Hurwitz Arthur A 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIL-2 is essential for CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3+ (FoxP3+) naturally occurring regulatory T cell (Treg) homeostasis and activation. Binding of IL-2 to its receptor leads to phosphorylation of STAT5, and binding of phosphorylated STAT5 to the foxp3 promoter increases foxp3 transcription, resulting in elevated levels of FoxP3 protein in Tregs. Transcriptional regulation by the elevated levels of FoxP3 is thought to be essential for the strong suppressor function seen in activated Tregs. IL-2 belongs to a family cytokines, which all depend on the common γ-receptor chain (γc). Given the well-documented effects of IL-2 on Treg function, the effect of other IL-2 family cytokines (IL-7, -15, and -21) on Tregs was examined. We observed that IL-7 and IL-15 induce STAT5 phosphorylation and up-regulation of FoxP3 in Tregs. STAT5 activation correlated with enhanced viability. However, only in the presence of IL-2 did Tregs acquire potent suppressor function. This finding is surprising, as IL-15 as well as IL-2 use the same IL-2R βc and γc for signaling. In contrast, IL-21 activated STAT3 but did not activate STAT5 and had no effect on Treg viability, activation, or function. We therefore conclude that phosphorylation of STAT5, mediated through the IL-2Rγ, promotes Treg survival in a resting and activated state. However, activation of STAT5 alone in conjunction with TCR signaling is not sufficient for the induction of potent suppressor function in Tregs, as IL-7 and IL-15 are not capable of inducing potent Treg suppressor function.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Its Rate of Change in Defining Menopause Transition Stages
Authors: Sowers MaryFran R. , Zheng Huiyong , McConnell Daniel , Nan Bin , Harlow Sioban , Randolph John F. 
Published: July 2008

Context/Objective: The objective of the study was to identify menopause transition stages using acceleration or deceleration patterns of FSH rates of change from the late reproductive years to postmenopause.Setting/Participants: Participants were the Michigan Bone Health and Metabolism Study cohort of 629 women, aged 24–44 yr (in 1992/3), with 5757 annual FSH data points over a 14-yr period.Design/Main Outcome Measures: The study was designed to relate acceleration/deceleration patterns in FSH rate of change to time to final menstrual period (FMP) and chronological age using nonparametric and piecewise regression modeling.Results: Four major FSH stages, based on rate of FSH change patterns, were identifiable in relation to the FMP. In FSH stage 1, the rate of FSH change increased modestly up to −7 yr prior to the FMP; in FSH stage 2 (−7 to −2 yr prior to FMP), there was a major acceleration in FSH rate of change. FSH stage 3 had an acute increase in FSH rate of change (−2 to +1 yr around the FMP), with average FSH level of 34 mIU/ml. The fourth, or plateau, FSH stage began at 1 yr after FMP when the average FSH level was 54 mIU/ml. During the yr 28–60, there were eight age-specific epochs defined by significant changes of FSH trajectory accelerations or decelerations and rate of change.Conclusions: Four menopause transition stages bounding the FMP and eight epochs in chronological aging from age 28 to 60 yr were defined by changes of FSH trajectory accelerations/decelerations and rates of change. This timing information, combined with knowledge of FSH levels and menstrual cycle characteristics, can help discern the likely status of women with respect to their reproductive viability and menopause transition stage.
Book Reviews
Authors: Wall Robin 
Published: July 2008

Aggressive offenders' cognition: Theory, research and practiceTheresa A. Gannon, Tony Ward, Anthony R. Beech and Dawn Fisher Chichester, UK: John Wiley and Sons Ltd., 2007, p. 273. 978‐0‐470‐03402‐6 (ppc) 978‐0‐470‐ 03401‐9 (pbk)
Factors Predicting Life Satisfaction: A Process Model of Personality, Multidimensional Self-Concept, and Life Satisfaction
Authors: Parker Philip D. , Martin Andrew J. , Marsh Herbert W. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractLife satisfaction is an important component of psychological health and wellbeing. Although personality is consistently linked to life satisfaction, its ‘innate’ and stable nature can make it a difficult target for intervention by practitioners. More malleable and context-specific factors such as multidimensional self-concept may prove to be better targets for such intervention. However, the extent to which multidimensional self-concept predicts life satisfaction over and above personality is unclear. The present study, then, examines the extent to which these two factors predict life satisfaction with a view to ascertaining their relative salience for subsequent research and practice. Among a sample of 523 (predominantly young) adult students from two universities/colleges in Sydney, structural equation modelling using LISREL examined a process model of personality, multidimensional self-concept, and life satisfaction. Results suggest a strong direct role for the personality traits of extraversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness but also an important mediating role for parent, same-sex peer, physical ability, and appearance self-concepts. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Therapeutic Process and Outcome: The Interplay of Research
Authors: Campbell Holly 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFrom Freud through to modern times researchers have aimed to develop a clearer understanding of therapeutic processes and outcomes. Despite this continued interest in the field, the representation of psychotherapy processes and the applicability of research findings and recommendations to the therapeutic field continue to prove difficult. Quantitative and qualitative studies each purport to provide answers, however, they differ greatly in their research methods and underlying ontological and epistemological views. Efficacy and effectiveness studies and the measures of statistical significance and clinical significance are explored with their inherent strengths and weaknesses highlighted. This paper presents the view that research into psychotherapy should enhance the experiences of both the therapist and client. For this to be achieved it is recommended that quantitative and qualitative data, or objective and subjective experiences, should collude rather than collide.
Inclusion and Social Justice for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Members of the Learning Community in Queensland State Schools
Authors: Michaelson Matthew Thomas 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAlthough schools are meant to be safe learning environments for all children, some children are not afforded equal access to the protection of their safety and security. Every day, children who might be same-sex attracted are confronted with a unique set of challenges that are not being adequately addressed by the administrators of educational institutions. Despite increasingly positive shifts in Western societal feelings about homosexuality, educators continue to fail to implement inclusive practices and social justice for children who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT).
Das Risiko von Nadelstichverletzungen im Rahmen des Medizinstudiums / Risk of needlestick injuries in medical school
Authors: Wicker Sabine , Rabenau Holger F. 
Published: July 2008

Zusammenfassung

Einleitung: Medizinisches Personal ist dem Risiko ausgesetzt, sich an kontaminierten Instrumenten zu verletzen. Nadelstichverletzungen (NSV) können zu ernsthaften und möglicherweise schwerwiegenden Infektionen wie Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) und HIV-Infektionen führen. Dieses Risiko betrifft auch Medizinstudenten im Verlaufe ihrer klinischen Ausbildung. Jede NSV sollte als Arbeitsunfall gemeldet werden, damit postexpositionelle Maßnahmen eingeleitet sowie etwaige Infektionen frühzeitzeitig erkannt und behandelt werden können. Im Falle einer Infektion können versicherungsrechtliche Ansprüche gegenüber den Berufsgenossenschaften geltend gemacht werden. Ziel unserer Studie war die Erhebung der Häufigkeit und Melderate von NSV bei Medizinstudenten.

Methoden: Anonyme Fragebogenerhebung bei Medizinstudenten vor Beginn des Praktischen Jahres.

Ergebnisse: Von den befragten Studenten gaben 58,8% (n=183/311) mindestens eine NSV im Rahmen des Studiums an. Insgesamt 284 NSV wurden von den befragten Studenten gemeldet. Lediglich 38,3% der Studenten hatten alle NSV gemeldet. Die häufigste Ursache für das Nichtmelden der NSV war Schamgefühl aufgrund der Verletzung (54,0%).

Schlussfolgerungen: Expositionen gegenüber Blut sind eine häufige und ernstzunehmende Gefährdung von Medizinstudenten. Es sollten Maßnahmen ergriffen werden, um die Häufigkeit von NSV zu reduzieren und das Meldeverhalten der Studenten zu optimieren. Entsprechende Schulungen sollten sowohl die technischen Fertigkeiten der Studenten als auch das Bewusstsein über die Gefährdung durch NSV vermitteln.
Das difficile Clostridium / The difficile Clostridium
Authors: von Eichel-Streiber Christoph , Braun Veit 
Published: July 2008

Zusammenfassung
Clostridium difficile ist nach 3–5 Tagen Krankenhausaufenthalt der bedeutendste Erreger für infektiöse Durchfallerkrankungen und die am häufigsten diagnostizierte Ursache von Durchfällen. Die Epidemiologie der Clostridium difficile assoziierten Durchfälle (CDAD) beginnt sich zu ändern. Gehäufte Infektionen werden heute nicht mehr nur im Krankenhaus, sondern auch im Bereich der niedergelassenen Ärzte gefunden und auch andere Medikamente neben den Antibiotika kommen als Auslöser in Betracht. Ab dem Jahr 2002 wurden zunächst in Nordamerika Ausbrüche mit einer höheren Anzahl an fatalen Verläufen beschrieben. Aus Kanada wird berichtet, dass die Mortalität in der klassischen Gruppe der über 60-jährigen Patienten steigt, aber auch jüngere Menschen an schweren Verläufen erkranken. Ursächlich in Zusammenhang mit diesen Ausbrüchen wird ein Fluoroquinolon-resistenter, hypervirulenter Clostridium difficile Stamm gebracht, der unter der Bezeichnung Ribotyp-027 im April 2007 erstmals auch in Deutschland isoliert werden konnte. Die Ausbreitung dieses hypervirulenten Stammes auf die Bundesrepublik ist im Gange, so dass absehbar scheint, dass sich nicht nur Inzidenz und Schweregrad CDAD in Deutschland erhöhen wird, sondern auch bei uns zunehmend jüngere Personen betroffen sein werden. Das Robert-Koch-Institut hat auf diese Veränderungen mit einer Verschärfung der Meldepflicht der CDAD reagiert. Im vorliegenden Artikel werden historische sowie aktuelle Aspekte des Keims Clostridium difficile und seiner Toxine mit Fokus auf Diagnose, Therapie und Hygienemaßnahmen gegenüber dem Krankheitserreger zusammengefasst. Als Erfahrungsbericht aus unserer nun 10-jährigen C. difficile-Konsiliartätigkeit in Deutschland für das RKI werden häufig gestellte Fragen diskutiert.
Application of a Novel Low NOx Combustion System to an Oil Field Steam Generator
Authors: Robertson Thomas F. , Johnson Gregory 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
For several years low NOx operation of oil field steam generators has been accomplished through the use of flue gas recirculation (FGR). FGR technologies can be easily retrofitted to existing steamers burning natural gas to achieve NOx emission levels between 25–30 ppmvd @ 3% 02. While fairly cost effective to install, FGR systems further incur an increase in operating costs due to the additional fan horsepower required for the flue gas supply. As permissible stack emission levels continue to decrease, alternative technologies must emerge which address the non-FGR NOx formation rate without risking loss of burner stability or unreasonably increasing combustion system operating costs.
North American Mfg. has combined its own patented ultra low NOx burner and control technology with Shell Oil's patented combustion process and installed the system on an oil field steam generator. The resulting combustion system produces 13–17 ppmvd @ 3% 02 of NOX while firing natural gas without the use of FGR. Further development of the technology may provide NOX emission performance approaching selective catalytic reduction (SCR) levels at a greatly reduced cost.
Investigations and mathematical simulation on decentralized anaerobic treatment of agricultural substrate from livestock farming
Authors: Wichern M. , Lübken M. , Schlattmann M. , Gronauer A. , Horn H. 
Published: July 2008

Anaerobic processes are widely used for treatment of both municipal and industrial wastewater as well as agricultural substrates. In contrast to the aerobic methods, they are frequently more cost-efficient, they have a lower surplus sludge production, and the reactors can be run with higher volumetric loads and thus smaller volumes. In the paper presented both experimental data and the application of the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 for agricultural substrate from livestock farming will be described. A 3,500 L reactor with mesophilic operation and loaded with cattle manure was examined with respect to its COD degradation, gas production, and gas composition. Results revealed a reduction of 30–35% COD and a biogas production of 287 LBiogas/kgVS when operated with a specific loading rate of 3.6 kgVS/(m3·d).
After calibration of the ADM 1, which was based predominantly on the acetate uptake rate (kac.m=3.6 g/(g·d)), the disintegration constant (kDis=0.05 d−1) and the exact determination of the influent COD fractions contained in the agricultural substrate, it was possible to simulate the measured data of the plant in excellent quality. For future application of the ADM 1 as part of control strategies a sensitivity analysis was carried out. The analysis based on the SVM slope technique has been done to identify highly sensitive biochemical parameters. These are, amongst others, the acetate uptake rate, the disintegration constant, the biomass decay rates and the half saturation constant for ammonia inhibition. Sensitivity analysis of the inflow COD fractions (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and inert) showed the necessity of detailed measurements for the prediction of the gas flow and composition as well as for prognosis of inhibitions in the anaerobic process. For cattle manure especially the fractions of inert material and carbohydrates should be observed carefully. Due to the high content of NH4-N in manure the protein fraction is not as sensitive as the two mentioned above.
Linking trading ratio with TMDL (total maximum daily load) allocation matrix and uncertainty analysis
Authors: Zhang H. X. 
Published: July 2008

An innovative approach for total maximum daily load (TMDL) allocation and implementation is the watershed-based pollutant trading. Given the inherent scientific uncertainty for the tradeoffs between point and nonpoint sources, setting of trading ratios can be a contentious issue and was already listed as an obstacle by several pollutant trading programs. One of the fundamental reasons that a trading ratio is often set higher (e.g. greater than 2) is to allow for uncertainty in the level of control needed to attain water quality standards, and to provide a buffer in case traded reductions are less effective than expected. However, most of the available studies did not provide an approach to explicitly address the determination of trading ratio. Uncertainty analysis has rarely been linked to determination of trading ratio.
This paper presents a practical methodology in estimating “equivalent trading ratio (ETR)” and links uncertainty analysis with trading ratio determination from TMDL allocation process. Determination of ETR can provide a preliminary evaluation of “tradeoffs” between various combination of point and nonpoint source control strategies on ambient water quality improvement. A greater portion of NPS load reduction in overall TMDL load reduction generally correlates with greater uncertainty and thus requires greater trading ratio. The rigorous quantification of trading ratio will enhance the scientific basis and thus public perception for more informed decision in overall watershed-based pollutant trading program.
The long-term results of benign bile duct strictures reconstruction
Authors: Colovic Radoje , Bilanovic Dragoljub , Jovanovic Miodrag , Grubor Nikica 
Published: July 2008

Over 27 year period (1.01.1974-31.12.2001) a 168 patients (pts) were operated on for benign bile duct strictures of types I to IV according to Bismuth,s classification. Reconstruction of fresh lesions and lesions and strictures of sectoral or segmental ducts were not taken into account. The later are to be the subject of separate publication. There were 107(63,7%) women and 61(36,3%) men of average age of 46 years (ranging from 14 to 76 years). The average time from injury to our reconstruction was 8,2 years. In 162 pts (96,4%) an operative injury was the cause of the stricture, in 150 (89,3%) during cholecystectomy, in 8 (4,76%) during distal gastrectomy for duodenal ulcer and in 4 (2,38%) during surgery of the central hydatid cyst of the liver. In 112 (66,66%) pts 1 to 6 previous attempts of reconstructions had been performed elsewhere. According to the Bismuth,s classification there were 27 (16,07%) strictures of type I, 46 (27,38%) of type II, 66 (39,28%) of type III and 29 (17,26%) of type IV. The most frequent preoperative complications were intrahepatic lithiasis (34%), fibrosis or cirrhosis of the liver in 9,5%, liver abscesses in 6%, bilioduodenal fistula in 4,16% biliary peritonitis in 4,16% and incisional hernia in 8,9% of pts. Suture mucosa-to-mucosa hepaticojejunostomy with 75 cm long Roux-en-Y jejunal limb described by Blumgart was performed in 161 (95,8%), choledochoduodenostomy in 3 (1,8%) and strictureplasty in 2 (1,2%) while in 2 pts the reconstruction was not technically possible.	Three pts died during the first 6 months, 2 in whom the reconstruction was not possible and 1 with chronic endemic nephropathy. Eight of the rest 165 pts were lost from follow up being from Bosnia and Croatia due to well known war events. Six out of the 157 pts died in the mean time, 2 due to variceal bleeding (they had cirrhosis and portal hypertension at the time of reconstruction) an 4 due to unrelated causes (2 due to pancreatic carcinoma, 1 due to myocardial infarction and 1 due to stroke). Out of 151 alive fully followed pts, good result (pts symptom-free as after standard cholecystectomy) was achieved in 121 (80,13%), satisfactory (mild occasional symptoms but not cholangitis) in 27 (17,88%) and unsatisfactory result in 3 pts (2%), 2 of which were successfully reoperated (1 passed into group with good and 1 into group with satisfactory results).
Fat Mass–and Obesity-Associated (FTO) Gene Variant Is Associated With Obesity
Authors: Qi Lu , Kang Kihwa , Zhang Cuilin , van Dam Rob M. , Kraft Peter , Hunter David , Lee Chih-Hao , Hu Frank B. 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVE—To examine the longitudinal association of fat mass–and obesity-associated (FTO) variant with obesity, circulating adipokine levels, and FTO expression in various materials from human and mouse.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We genotyped rs9939609 in 2,287 men and 3,520 women from two prospective cohorts. Plasma adiponectin and leptin were measured in a subset of diabetic men (n = 854) and women (n = 987). Expression of FTO was tested in adipocytes from db/db mice and mouse macrophages.
RESULTS—We observed a trend toward decreasing associations between rs9939609 and BMI at older age (≥65 years) in men, whereas the associations were constant across different age groups in women. In addition, the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs9939609 was associated with lower plasma adiponectin (log[e]− means, 1.82 ± 0.04, 1.73 ± 0.03, and 1.68 ± 0.05 for TT, TA, and AA genotypes, respectively; P for trend = 0.02) and leptin (log[e]− means, 3.56 ± 0.04, 3.63 ± 0.04, and 3.70 ± 0.06; P for trend = 0.06) in diabetic women. Adjustment for BMI attenuated the associations. FTO gene was universally expressed in human and mice tissues, including adipocytes. In an ancillary study of adipocytes from db/db mice, FTO expression was ∼50% lower than in those from wild-type mice.
CONCLUSIONS—The association between FTO SNP rs9939609 and obesity risk may decline at older age. The variant affects circulating adiponectin and leptin levels through the changes in BMI. In addition, the expression of FTO gene was reduced in adipocytes from db/db mice.