bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FoxP3+CD4+ regulatory T cells play an important role in acute HIV-1 infection in humanized Rag2−/−γC−/− mice in vivo
Authors: Jiang Qi , Zhang Liguo , Wang Rui , Jeffrey Jerry , Washburn Michael L. , Brouwer Dedeke , Barbour Selena , Kovalev Grigoriy I. , Unutmaz Derya , Su Lishan 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe role of FoxP3+CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in HIV-1 disease in vivo is poorly understood due to the lack of a robust model. We report here that CD4+FoxP3+ T cells are developed in all lymphoid organs in humanized Rag2−/−γC−/− (DKO-hu HSC) mice and they display both Treg phenotype and Treg function. These FoxP3+ Treg cells are preferentially infected and depleted by a pathogenic HIV-1 isolate in HIV-infected DKO-hu HSC mice; and depletion of Treg cells is correlated with induction of their apoptosis in vivo. When CD4+CD25+/hi Treg cells are depleted with the IL-2–toxin fusion protein (denileukin diftitox), HIV-1 infection is significantly impaired. This is demonstrated by reduced levels of productively infected cells in lymphoid organs and lower plasma viremia. Therefore, FoxP3+ Treg cells are productively infected and play an important role in acute HIV-1 infection in vivo. The DKO-hu HSC mouse will be a valuable model to study human Treg functions and their role in HIV-1 pathogenesis in vivo.
Knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices about colorectal cancer among adults in an area of Southern Italy
Authors: Sessa Alessandra , Abbate Rossella , Di Giuseppe Gabriella , Marinelli Paolo , Angelillo Italo F 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer for both sexes in developed countries. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices regarding CRC of adults in Italy.

Methods
A random sample of 1165 adults received a self-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics; knowledge regarding definition, risk factors, and screening; attitudes regarding perceived risk of contracting CRC and utility of screening tests; health-related behaviors and health care use; source of information.

Results
Only 18.5% knew the two main modifiable risk factors (low physical activity, high caloric intake from fat) and this knowledge was significantly associated with higher educational level, performing physical activity, modification of dietary habits and physical activity for fear of contracting CRC, and lower risk perception of contracting CRC. Half of respondents identified fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) as main test for CRC prevention and were more knowledgeable those unmarried, more educated, who knew the main risk factors of CRC, and have received advice by physician of performing FOBT. Personal opinion that screening is useful for CRC prevention was high with a mean score of 8.3 and it was predicted by respondents' lower education, beliefs that CRC can be prevented, higher personal perceived risk of contracting CRC, and information received by physician about CRC. An appropriate behavior of performing FOBT if eligible or not performing if not eligible was significantly higher in female, younger, more educated, in those who have been recommended by physician for undergo or not undergo FOBT, and who have not personal history of precancerous lesions and familial history of precancerous lesions or CRC.

Conclusion
Linkages between health care and educational systems are needed to improve the levels of knowledge and to raise CRC screening adherence.
Effects of aging and calorie restriction on the global gene expression profiles of mouse testis and ovary
Authors: Sharov Alexei A , Falco Geppino , Piao Yulan , Poosala Suresh , Becker Kevin G , Zonderman Alan B , Longo Dan L , Schlessinger David , Ko Minoru SH 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe aging of reproductive organs is not only a major social issue, but of special interest in aging research. A long-standing view of 'immortal germ line versus mortal soma' poses an important question of whether the reproductive tissues age in similar ways to the somatic tissues. As a first step to understand this phenomenon, we examine global changes in gene expression patterns by DNA microarrays in ovaries and testes of C57BL/6 mice at 1, 6, 16, and 24 months of age. In addition, we compared a group of mice onad libitum(AL) feeding with a group on lifespan-extending 40% calorie restriction (CR).ResultsWe found that gene expression changes occurred in aging gonads, but were generally different from those in somatic organs during aging. For example, only two functional categories of genes previously associated with aging in muscle, kidney, and brain were confirmed in ovary: genes associated with complement activation were upregulated, and genes associated with mitochondrial electron transport were downregulated. The bulk of the changes in gonads were mostly related to gonad-specific functions. Ovaries showed extensive gene expression changes with age, especially in the period when ovulation ceases (from 6 to 16 months), whereas testes showed only limited age-related changes. The same trend was seen for the effects of CR: CR-mediated reversal of age-associated gene expression changes, reported in somatic organs previously, was limited to a small number of genes in gonads. Instead, in both ovary and testis, CR caused small and mostly gonad-specific effects: suppression of ovulation in ovary and activation of testis-specific genes in testis.ConclusionOverall, the results are consistent with unique modes of aging and its modification by CR in testis and ovary.
Pre-clinical development as microbicide of zinc tetra-ascorbo-camphorate, a novel terpenoid derivative: Potent in vitro inhibitory activity against both R5- and X4-tropic HIV-1 strains without significant in vivo mucosal toxicity
Authors: Saïdi Héla , Jenabian Mohammad-Ali , Gombert Bernard , Charpentier Charlotte , Mannarini Aurèle , Bélec Laurent 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Terpenoid derivatives originating from many plants species, are interesting compounds with numerous biological effects, such as anti-HIV-1 activity. The zinc tetra-ascorbo-camphorate complex (or "C14"), a new monoterpenoid derivative was evaluated in vitro for its anti-HIV-1 activity on both R5- and X4-HIV-1 infection of primary target cells (macrophages, dendritic cells and T cells) and on HIV-1 transfer from dendritic cells to T cells.

Results
The toxicity study was carried out in vitro and also with the New Zealand White rabbit vaginal irritation model. C14 was found to be no cytotoxic at high concentrations (CC50 > 10 μM) and showed to be a potential HIV-1 inhibitor of infection of all the primary cells tested (EC50 = 1 μM). No significant changes could be observed in cervicovaginal tissue of rabbit exposed during 10 consecutive days to formulations containing up to 20 μM of C14.

Conclusion
Overall, these preclinical studies suggest that zinc tetra-ascorbo-camphorate derivative is suitable for further testing as a candidate microbicide to prevent male-to-female heterosexual acquisition of HIV-1.
The occurrence of osteoarthritis at a minimum of ten years after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament
Authors: van der Hart Cor P , van den Bekerom Michel PJ , Patt Thomas W 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of radiographic osteoarthritis in the operated knee in comparison with the contralateral knee ten years after a bone-tendon bone patellar autograft ACL-reconstruction and to evaluate to which level patients regain activity ten years after reconstruction.MethodsFifty-three patients with ACL instability were operated arthroscopically using the central third of the patellar tendon as a bone-tendon-bone autograft. At a minimum of 10 year follow up 28/44 patients matched the inclusion criteria and could be reached for follow-up. Evaluation included a patient satisfaction evaluation using a Visual Analog Scale, physical examination (International Knee Documentation Committee score, Tegner score, Lysholm score, KT-1000 stabilometry) and a radiological evaluation (Kellgren and Fairbanks classification).ResultsThe patients' satisfaction, at a mean of 10,3 year follow-up, measured with a VAS score (0–10) was high with a mean of 8.5 (range 4 to 10). The KT 1000 arthrometer laxity measurements revealed in 55% of the patients an A rating (1–2 mm), in 29% a B rating (3–5 mm) and in 16% a C rating (6–10 mm). According to the Tegner score 54% of the patients were able to perform at the same activity level as pre-operatively. The mean pre-operative Tegner score was 6.8 and the mean post-operative Tegner score was 6.0 at final follow up. The Lysholm score showed satisfactory results with a mean of 91 points (range 56 to 100). According to the Kellgren and Fairbank classifications, there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) in development of OA between the ACL injured and subsequently operated knee in comparison to the contralateral knee.ConclusionThe patellar BTB ACL reconstruction does not prevent the occurrence of radiological OA after 10 years but does help the patient to regain the pre-operative level of activity.
Decrease in tobacco consumption after treatment with topiramate and aripiprazole: a case report
Authors: Arbaizar Beatriz , Gómez-Acebo Inés , Llorca Javier 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIntroductionA large part of research into drug addiction focuses on mesolimbic dopamine circuitry; however, both alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid and/or kainate and dopamine D2 receptors can play a role in maintaining the established addiction.Case presentationWe report the case of a 34-year-old man who compulsively smoked 80 to 100 cigarettes each day. After receiving treatment with topiramate and aripiprazole, his tobacco consumption was dramatically reduced.ConclusionAlpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid and/or kainate blocking agents and a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist may be novel instruments for nicotine abuse disorders.
Intensive care outcomes in bone marrow transplant recipients: a population-based cohort analysis
Authors: Scales Damon C , Thiruchelvam Deva , Kiss Alexander , Sibbald William J , Redelmeier Donald A 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Intensive care unit (ICU) admission for bone marrow transplant recipients immediately following transplantation is an ominous event, yet the survival of these patients with subsequent ICU admissions is unknown. Our objective was to determine the long-term outcome of bone marrow transplant recipients admitted to an ICU during subsequent hospitalizations.

Methods
We conducted a population-based cohort analysis of all adult bone marrow transplant recipients who received subsequent ICU care in Ontario, Canada from 1 January 1992 to 31 March 2002. The primary endpoint was mortality at 1 year.

Results
A total of 2,653 patients received bone marrow transplantation; 504 of which received ICU care during a subsequent hospitalization. Patients receiving any major procedure during their ICU stay had higher 1-year mortality than those patients who received no ICU procedure (87% versus 44%, P < 0.0001). Death rates at 1 year were highest for those receiving mechanical ventilation (87%), pulmonary artery catheterization (91%), or hemodialysis (94%). In combination, the strongest independent predictors of death at 1 year were mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 7.4; 95% confidence interval, 4.8 to 11.4) and hemodialysis (odds ratio, 8.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.1 to 36.7), yet no combination of procedures uniformly predicted 100% mortality.

Conclusion
The prognosis of bone marrow transplant recipients receiving ICU care during subsequent hospitalizations is very poor but should not be considered futile.
Bone Metabolism in Adolescent Boys with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Misra Madhusmita , Katzman Debra K. , Cord Jennalee , Manning Stephanie J. , Mendes Nara , Herzog David B. , Miller Karen K. , Klibanski Anne 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a condition of severe undernutrition associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescent females with this disorder. Although primarily a disease in females, AN is increasingly being recognized in males. However, there are few or no data regarding BMD, bone turnover markers or their predictors in adolescent AN boys.Hypotheses: We hypothesized that BMD would be low in adolescent boys with AN compared with controls associated with a decrease in bone turnover markers, and that the gonadal steroids, testosterone and estradiol, and levels of IGF-I and the appetite regulatory hormones leptin, ghrelin, and peptide YY would predict BMD and bone turnover markers.Methods: We assessed BMD using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and measured fasting testosterone, estradiol, IGF-I, leptin, ghrelin, and peptide YY and a bone formation (aminoterminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen) and bone resorption (N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen) marker in 17 AN boys and 17 controls 12–19 yr old.Results: Boys with AN had lower BMD and corresponding Z-scores at the spine, hip, femoral neck, trochanter, intertrochanteric region, and whole body, compared with controls. Height-adjusted measures (lumbar bone mineral apparent density and whole body bone mineral content/height) were also lower. Bone formation and resorption markers were reduced in AN, indicating decreased bone turnover. Testosterone and lean mass predicted BMD. IGF-I was an important predictor of bone turnover markers.Conclusion: AN boys have low BMD at multiple sites associated with decreased bone turnover markers at a time when bone mass accrual is critical for attainment of peak bone mass.
Comparison of Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Vitamin D3 in Ethanol Dosing Protocols for Two Months in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients
Authors: Ish-Shalom Sophia , Segal Elena , Salganik Tina , Raz Batia , Bromberg Irvin L. , Vieth Reinhold 
Published: June 2008

Background: Different dosing protocols have been used for vitamin D supplementation, but there has been a lack of comparative data among them.
Objective: Our objective was to determine whether the same cumulative dose of vitamin D3 produces different effects if it is given daily, weekly, or monthly.
Design: Women, age 81 ± 8 yr (± sd, n = 48), who had undergone surgery to repair hip fracture were randomized to vitamin D3-supplementation protocols at 1,500 IU daily, or 10,500 IU once weekly, or 45,000 IU once every 28 d. The primary outcome measure was the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration attained.
Results: Initially, serum 25(OH)D concentrations for daily, weekly, and monthly groups were, respectively, 15.13 ± 6.9, 15.7 ± 10.1, and 16.2 ± 10.1 ng/ml. By d 7, these had increased significantly in all the groups (P &lt; 0.001). On the first day after the monthly dose, both serum 25(OH)D and serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D had increased significantly (P &lt; 0.012 each), whereas these did not change significantly on the day after daily or weekly doses. After 2 months, serum 25(OH)D with daily, weekly, and monthly dosing were, respectively, 33.2 ± 8.5, 29.2 ± 8.9, and 37.1 ± 10.3 ng/ml; there were no significant differences among these values.
Conclusions: Supplementation with vitamin D can be achieved equally well with daily, weekly, or monthly dosing frequencies. Therefore, the choice of dose frequency can be based on whichever approach will optimize an individual’s adherence with long-term vitamin D supplementation.
Growth-Promoting Effect of Rh(D) Antibody on Human Pancreatic Islet Cells
Authors: Feller John M. , Simpson Ann M. , Nelson Margaret , Swan M. Anne , O'Connell Philip J. , Hawthorne Wayne J. , Tao Chang , O'Brien Bronwyn A. 
Published: June 2008

Context/Objective: Hyperinsulinism with islet cell hyperplasia is a frequent complication, of unknown cause, in hemolytic disease of the newborn, occurring in Rh(D)-positive infants of Rh-isoimmunized Rh(D)-negative mothers, but not in infants with other hemolytic disorders. We investigated the possibility that trans-placentally acquired anti-D Ig is the cause of both conditions.Design: Monolayer cultures of human islet cells were exposed to sera from Rh-isoimmunized mothers and newborns, where jaundice, hyperinsulinism, and hypoglycemia in the infant had ensued. Parallel cultures with anti-D, specific anti-D monoclonal antibodies, normal human Ig (15 μg/ml), and serum controls were also undertaken. Islet cell proliferation was determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation. Insulin storage and chronic and acute insulin secretion to glucose were analyzed by RIA. Rh(D) surface antigen expression was determined on islet cells by flow cytometric analysis.Results: Islet cell proliferation and insulin secretion were significantly greater in coculture with test sera (P &lt; 0.01; n = 8) and with anti-D (P &lt; 0.001; n = 8), compared with either controls or Ig. After 8 d of growth, the static incubation experiment showed a 3.5-fold response to glucose stimulus in all sera. Rh(D) antigen expression was detected on the islet cell surface by flow cytometry, and islet cell morphology was normal. Colocalization of the proliferation marker Ki67 with insulin by immunofluorescent staining further indicated that Rh(D) antibody promoted islet growth.Conclusions: The anti-Rh(D) islet cell proliferative effect generates neonatal hyperinsulinism in Rh isoimmunization. Anti-Rh(D) may have application for islet cell proliferation in diabetes mellitus treatment for Rh(D)-positive subjects. Further analysis is required.
Service Adoption and Pricing of Content Delivery Network (CDN) Services
Authors: Hosanagar Kartik , Chuang John , Krishnan Ramayya , Smith Michael D. 
Published: June 2008

Content delivery networks (CDNs) are a vital component of the Internet's content delivery value chain, servicing nearly a third of the Internet's most popular content sites. However, in spite of their strategic importance, little is known about the optimal pricing policies or adoption drivers of CDNs. We address these questions using analytic models of CDN pricing and adoption under Markovian traffic and extend the results to bursty traffic using numerical simulations.When traffic is Markovian, we find that CDNs should provide volume discounts to content providers. In addition, the optimal pricing policy entails lower emphasis on value-based pricing and greater emphasis on cost-based pricing as the relative density of content providers with high outsourcing costs increases. However, when traffic is bursty and content providers have varying levels of traffic burstiness, volume discounts may be suboptimal and may even be replaced by volume taxes. Finally, when there is heterogeneity in burstiness across content providers, a pricing policy that accounts for both the mean and variance in traffic such as percentile-based pricing is more profitable than traditional volume-based pricing (metering bytes delivered in a given time window). This finding is in contrast to the current practices of many CDN firms that use traditional volume-based pricing.
Association Between Hospitalization and Discontinuity of Medication Therapy Used in the Community Setting in the Netherlands
Authors: Stuffken Rutger , Heerdink Eibert R , Koning Fred HP de , Souverein Patrick C , Egberts Antoine CG 
Published: June 2008

Background: Transitions from one healthcare setting to another often parallel transitions in health status and can be associated with intentional as well as unintentional changes in patient care. Hospitalization may put patients at increased risk of discontinuity of medication use. Objective: To assess the association between hospitalization and medication therapy discontinuities. Methods: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted using data obtained from the PHARMO Record Linkage System. We randomly selected patients who had been hospitalized (index date) between July 1, 1998, and June 30, 2000. For each hospitalized patient, one nonhospitalized patient was matched for age, sex, and geographic area, and was assigned the same index date as the corresponding hospitalized patient. The primary study outcome was the incidence of one or more medication therapy discontinuities at the index date and at several control moments during a period of 18 months before and 18 months after hospital admission. We defined 4 mutually exclusive types of discontinuities: generic–brand substitution, product substitution, therapeutic switch, and stop. Results: The study population comprised 8681 hospitalized patients and an equal number of age/sex-matched nonhospitalized patients. Of all hospitalized patients on drug therapy at the index date (n = 5265) 3322 (63.1 %) had one or more medication therapy discontinuities at the index dale, compared with 1390 (33.5%) of the nonhospitalized patients taking medication at the index date (n = 4147; RR 1.82; 95% CI 1.71 to 1.94). The highest risk estimate was found for therapeutic switch (RR 5.34; 95% CI 3.93 to 7.26), followed by product substitution (RR 2.32; 95% CI 1.88 to 2.86) and stop (RR 1.98; 95% CI 1.85 to 2.13). There was no significantly increased risk for generic-brand name substitution (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.72 to 1.06). Conclusions: Hospitalization is associated with discontinuity of drugs used in the community setting. Medication stops were observed most frequently. Hospital safety programs should focus attention on medication therapy discontinuities at times of transition to ensure continuity of care in relation to drug therapy.
Stages of change in dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder
Authors: Soler Joaquim , Trujols Joan , Pascual Juan Carlos , Portella Maria J. , Barrachina Judith , Campins Josefa , Tejedor Rosa , Alvarez Enrique , Pérez Victor 
Published: June 2008

ObjectivesThe study aims at evaluating the suitability of applying the transtheoretical model (TTM) stage‐of‐change construct to the treatment with dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) of borderline personality disorder (BPD).DesignStages of change were assessed by means of the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA) scale prior to and after 3 months DBT skills group psychotherapy.MethodThe sample was comprised of 79 people with BPD (86% of females) at pre‐treatment, and 42 patients (80% of females) at post‐treatment. All patients were referred from clinical services and diagnosed by means of two semi‐structured interviews.ResultsIn pre‐treatment assessment, precontemplation scores correlated significantly and negatively with the other subscales (contemplation, action, and maintenance) and these three subscales also correlated significantly and positively with each other. The precontemplation stage was directly related to drop‐out from the DBT group. The action subscale and the committed action (CA) composite score were significantly higher by the end of the DBT group treatment. However, with the absence of a control group it cannot be assured that these increases were directly related to DBT intervention.ConclusionsIn this observational design the stages of change of TTM seemed applicable to the DBT conceptualization of BPD and could further our understanding of the process of change in people with BPD treated with DBT.