bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Canada's National Incinerator Testing and Evaluation Program (NITEP) Air Pollution Control Technology Assessment
Authors: Klicius R. , Hay D.J. , Finkelstein A. , Marentette L. 
Published: March 2008

In order to address the many concerns associated with emissions from municipal energy-from-waste facilities, Environment Canada established the National Incinerator Testing and Evaluation Program (NITEP). In recognition of the absence of a useful data base on incinerator emission control systems, Environment Canada, in co-operation with Flakt Canada, constructed a pilot plant to evaluate a dry scrubber system and a spray-dryer (wet-dry) system, each followed by a fabric filter (baghouse). Extensive sampling was done before and after each reactor, as well as in the stack. All particulate material collected in the bottom of the scrubbers and the fabric filter were analysed and subjected to leaching tests to determine the suitability of subsequent disposal alternatives. All samples taken were analysed for dioxins, furans, other organic substances, metals and acid gases. Many different operating conditions were tested to identify optimum removal efficiency for all pollutants of concern. The final results were very significant. Flue gas temperature was found to be an important operating variable for achieving high removal efficiency for many of the pollutants measured. Appropriate operating conditions were identified to obtain extremely high removal efficiencies for dioxins and furans (>99%), other trace organics (up to 98%), heavy metals, including mercury, arsenic, lead (>99%) and up to 97% for mercury. Excellent removal (>95%) was also obtained for acid gases, i.e. HCl and SO2.
Medication Costs in Different Provider Settings
Authors: Morehead M.A. , Lobach K. , Lee J. 
Published: March 2008

Comparison was made of the cost of medications between Shared Health Facilities (SHFs) or Medicaid Mills and a Neighborhood Health Center (NHC) for nine conditions in fields of adult medicine, pediatrics, and gynecology. A total of 10 cases from SHF reviews were matched by diagnosis, age, and length of time under care with those in the NHC. For otitis media and pharyngitis in children and questionable urinary tract infection and vaginitis in adult women, the av erage costs were significantly higher in the SHFs. Average costs for family planning services and vagi nal bleeding were higher in the SHFs but not signifi cantly so. Medication costs for children with asthma and adults with bronchitis and hypertension were approximately the same in both settings. The reasons for higher costs included greater use of more expen sive antibiotics, concurrent use of decongestants and antihistamines for infectious conditions of childhood, and dispensing of medications on a "shot-gun" basis without adequate diagnostic studies. The most strik ing difference was the additional average cost of $798 for hospitalization of the SHF patients with vaginal bleeding when D & C and surgery were performed. The NHC women had no hospitalizations as the rec ommended procedure of endocervical biopsy in the office was Center policy. Other quality inferences noted in the NHC, but not in SHFs, were routine performance of throat cultures for pharyngitis, wet smears for vaginitis, and deferral of treatment until cultures were received for urinary tract infection. The small number of cases for each condition and the large intersample variability were limiting fac tors in this study, but the findings do suggest that higher standards of care contribute to lower therapy costs.
Financial and Operational Impact of a Transfer Center
Authors: Geehr Edward C. , Norton Barbara A. , Whitman Patricia , Metzger Jane M. 
Published: March 2008

A tertiary care hospital established a transfer cen ter to manage the large number of transfer requests from other hospitals in its catchment region. Moti vating factors included occurrence of economic trans fers, medically inappropriate transfers, poor inter facility communication, and a bed shortage. An interdisciplinary task force was convened to design and implement the transfer center, requiring two months from conception to implementation. Non- recurring direct costs were $3000. At the time of implementation, written transfer agreements were promoted and signed with many transferring hospi tals. A retrospective audit covering 28 weeks of opera tion indicates that 1141 inpatient days were avoided for an average of 21.5 days per back-transferred patient. (Back-transfer refers to the return of a pa tient to the original hospital.) An additional 140 ad missions were possible as a result of these avoided days. Approximately $550,000 in variable costs were saved on an annualized basis. Moreover, substantial improvements in communications and interfacility cooperation were realized. No cases of inappropriate denials or delays in transfer were identified. We conclude that a transfer center can be a highly cost-effective mechanism to manage the large number of patients transferred to a tertiary care center.
Analysis of regulatory T-cell changes in patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura receiving B cell–depleting therapy with rituximab
Authors: Stasi Roberto , Cooper Nichola , Del Poeta Giovanni , Stipa Elisa , Laura Evangelista Maria , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Amadori Sergio 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe effects of B-cell depletion with rituximab on regulatory T cells (Tregs) have not been determined. We investigated Tregs in patients receiving rituximab for chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The peripheral blood Tregs, identified as CD4+FOXP3+ T cells, were measured by flow cytometry prior to and after the immunotherapy. In addition, Tregs were analyzed for their usage of the T-cell receptor (TCR) β-variable (VB) region gene as well as their regulatory function as assessed by cell proliferation assays. Pretreatment data revealed a reduced number and a defective suppressive capacity of Tregs in ITP patients compared with control individuals. In addition, Tregs showed a polyclonal spectratype. Patients, particularly responders, showed restored numbers of Tregs as well as a restored regulatory function upon treatment with rituximab. These results indicate that patients with active ITP have a defective T regulatory cell compartment that can be modulated by a B cell–targeted therapy.
Prostacyclin therapies for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Gomberg-Maitland M. , Olschewski H. 
Published: March 2008

Prostacyclin and its analogues (prostanoids) are potent vasodilators and possess antithrombotic, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with vasoconstriction, thrombosis and proliferation, and the lack of endogenous prostacyclin may considerably contribute to this condition. This supports a strong rationale for prostanoid use as therapy for this disease. The first experiences of prostanoid therapy in PH patients were published in 1980.Epoprostenol, a synthetic analogue of prostacyclin, and the chemically stable analogues iloprost, beraprost and treprostinil were tested in randomised controlled trials. The biological actions are mainly mediated by activation of specific receptors of the target cells; however, new data suggest effects on additional intracellular pathways. In the USA and some European countries, intravenous infusion of epoprostenol and treprostinil, as well as subcutaneous infusion of treprostinil and inhalation of iloprost, have been approved for therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Iloprost infusion and beraprost tablets have been approved in few other countries. Ongoing clinical studies investigate oral treprostinil, inhaled treprostinil and the combination of inhaled iloprost and sildenafil in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Combination of other targeted therapies with prostanoids appears to be effective and safe.After 25 yrs of continued knowledge, prostanoids remain a mainstay in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Simultaneous fitting of real-time PCR data with efficiency of amplification modeled as Gaussian function of target fluorescence
Authors: Batsch Anke , Noetel Andrea , Fork Christian , Urban Anita , Lazic Daliborka , Lucas Tina , Pietsch Julia , Lazar Andreas , Schömig Edgar , Gründemann Dirk 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
In real-time PCR, it is necessary to consider the efficiency of amplification (EA) of amplicons in order to determine initial target levels properly. EAs can be deduced from standard curves, but these involve extra effort and cost and may yield invalid EAs. Alternatively, EA can be extracted from individual fluorescence curves. Unfortunately, this is not reliable enough.

Results
Here we introduce simultaneous non-linear fitting to determine – without standard curves – an optimal common EA for all samples of a group. In order to adjust EA as a function of target fluorescence, and still to describe fluorescence as a function of cycle number, we use an iterative algorithm that increases fluorescence cycle by cycle and thus simulates the PCR process. A Gauss peak function is used to model the decrease of EA with increasing amplicon accumulation. Our approach was validated experimentally with hydrolysis probe or SYBR green detection with dilution series of 5 different targets. It performed distinctly better in terms of accuracy than standard curve, DART-PCR, and LinRegPCR approaches. Based on reliable EAs, it was possible to detect that for some amplicons, extraordinary fluorescence (EA > 2.00) was generated with locked nucleic acid hydrolysis probes, but not with SYBR green.

Conclusion
In comparison to previously reported approaches that are based on the separate analysis of each curve and on modelling EA as a function of cycle number, our approach yields more accurate and precise estimates of relative initial target levels.
Altered patterns of gene duplication and differential gene gain and loss in fungal pathogens
Authors: Powell Amy J , Conant Gavin C , Brown Douglas E , Carbone Ignazio , Dean Ralph A 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Duplication, followed by fixation or random loss of novel genes, contributes to genome evolution. Particular outcomes of duplication events are possibly associated with pathogenic life histories in fungi. To date, differential gene gain and loss have not been studied at genomic scales in fungal pathogens, despite this phenomenon's known importance in virulence in bacteria and viruses.

Results
To determine if patterns of gene duplication differed between pathogens and non-pathogens, we identified gene families across nine euascomycete and two basidiomycete species. Gene family size distributions were fit to power laws to compare gene duplication trends in pathogens versus non-pathogens. Fungal phytopathogens showed globally altered patterns of gene duplication, as indicated by differences in gene family size distribution. We also identified sixteen examples of gene family expansion and five instances of gene family contraction in pathogenic lineages. Expanded gene families included those predicted to be important in melanin biosynthesis, host cell wall degradation and transport functions. Contracted families included those encoding genes involved in toxin production, genes with oxidoreductase activity, as well as subunits of the vacuolar ATPase complex. Surveys of the functional distribution of gene duplicates indicated that pathogens show enrichment for gene duplicates associated with receptor and hydrolase activities, while euascomycete pathogens appeared to have not only these differences, but also significantly more duplicates associated with regulatory and carbohydrate binding functions.

Conclusion
Differences in the overall levels of gene duplication in phytopathogenic species versus non-pathogenic relatives implicate gene inventory flux as an important virulence-associated process in fungi. We hypothesize that the observed patterns of gene duplicate enrichment, gene family expansion and contraction reflect adaptation within pathogenic life histories. These adaptations were likely shaped by ancient, as well as contemporary, intimate associations with monocot hosts.
IL-4/IL-13 independent goblet cell hyperplasia in experimental helminth infections
Authors: Marillier Reece G , Michels Chesney , Smith Elizabeth M , Fick Lizette CE , Leeto Mosiuoa , Dewals Benjamin , Horsnell William GC , Brombacher Frank 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal mucus production by hyperplasic goblet cells is a striking pathological feature of many parasitic helminth infections and is related to intestinal protection and worm expulsion. Induction of goblet cell hyperplasia is associated with TH2 immune responses, which in helminth infections are controlled primarily by IL-13, and also IL-4. In the study presented here we examine the goblet cell hyperplasic response to three experimental parasitic helminth infections; namelyNippostrongylus brasiliensis,Syphacia obvelataandSchistosoma mansoni.ResultsAs expectedN. brasiliensisinfection induced a strong goblet cell hyperplasia dependent on IL-4/IL-13/IL-4Rα expression. In contrast, and despite previously published transiently elevated IL-4/IL-13 levels,S. obvelatainfections did not increase goblet cell hyperplasia in the colon. Furthermore, induction of goblet cell hyperplasia in response toS. mansonieggs traversing the intestine was equivalent between BALB/c, IL-4/IL-13-/-and IL-4Rα-/-mice.ConclusionTogether these data demonstrate that intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia can be independent of TH2 immune responses associated with parasitic helminth infections.
Pesticide exposure and risk of Parkinson's disease: A family-based case-control study
Authors: Hancock Dana B , Martin Eden R , Mayhew Gregory M , Stajich Jeffrey M , Jewett Rita , Stacy Mark A , Scott Burton L , Vance Jeffery M , Scott William K 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Pesticides and correlated lifestyle factors (e.g., exposure to well-water and farming) are repeatedly reported risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD), but few family-based studies have examined these relationships.

Methods
Using 319 cases and 296 relative and other controls, associations of direct pesticide application, well-water consumption, and farming residences/occupations with PD were examined using generalized estimating equations while controlling for age-at-examination, sex, cigarette smoking, and caffeine consumption.

Results
Overall, individuals with PD were significantly more likely to report direct pesticide application than their unaffected relatives (odds ratio = 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–2.29). Frequency, duration, and cumulative exposure were also significantly associated with PD in a dose-response pattern (p ≤ 0.013). Associations of direct pesticide application did not vary by sex but were modified by family history of PD, as significant associations were restricted to individuals with no family history. When classifying pesticides by functional type, both insecticides and herbicides were found to significantly increase risk of PD. Two specific insecticide classes, organochlorines and organophosphorus compounds, were significantly associated with PD. Consuming well-water and living/working on a farm were not associated with PD.

Conclusion
These data corroborate positive associations of broadly defined pesticide exposure with PD in families, particularly for sporadic PD. These data also implicate a few specific classes of pesticides in PD and thus emphasize the need to consider a more narrow definition of pesticides in future studies.
Tumor-derived matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) correlates with poor prognosis of invasive breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Bin , Cao Xuchen , Liu Yanxue , Cao Wenfeng , Zhang Fei , Zhang Shiwu , Li Hongtao , Ning Liansheng , Fu Li , Niu Yun , Niu Ruifang , Sun Baocun , Hao Xishan 
Published: March 2008

Abstract

Background
Experimental evidence suggests that matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) protein may promote breast tumor progression, however, its role is yet to be fully established. Furthermore, it is not clear whether MMP-13 can be used as an independent breast cancer biomarker. This study was conducted to assess the expression profile of MMP-13 protein in invasive breast carcinomas to determine its diagnostic and prognostic significance, as well as its correlation with other biomarkers including estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Her-2/neu, MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of MMP-1 and -2 (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2).

Methods
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on paraffin-embedded tissue microarray specimens from 263 breast carcinomas. The intensity and the extent of IHC were scored by pathologists. The correlation of the gene expression profiles with the patients' clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes were analyzed for statistical significance.

Results
MMP-13 protein was detected in the cytoplasm of malignant cells and peritumoral stromal cells. MMP-13 expression by tumor cells (p < 0.001) and stromal fibroblasts (p < 0.001) both correlated with carcinoma infiltration of lymph nodes. MMP-13 also correlated with the expression of Her-2/neu (p = 0.015) and TIMP-1 (p < 0.010), respectively in tumor cells. Tumor-derived, but not stromal fibroblast-derived, MMP-13 correlated with aggressive tumor phenotypes. Moreover, high levels of MMP-13 expression were associated with decreased overall survival. In parallel, the prognostic value of MMP-13 expressed by peritumoral fibroblasts seems less significant. Our data suggest that lymph node status, tumor size, Her-2/neu expression, TIMP-1 and MMP-13 expression in cancer cells are independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion
Tumor-derived, but not stromal fibroblast-derived, MMP-13 correlated with aggressive tumor phenotypes, and inversely correlated with overall survival of breast cancer patients. MMP-13 may serve as an independent prognostic factor for invasive breast cancer patients. MMP-13 may be particularly useful as a prognostic marker when evaluated along with Her-2/neu and lymph node status.
6thInternational Symposium on Retroviral Nucleocapsid
Authors: Berkhout Ben , Gorelick Robert , Summers Michael F , Mély Yves , Darlix Jean-Luc 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Retroviruses and LTR-retrotransposons are widespread in all living organisms and, in some instances such as for HIV, can be a serious threat to the human health. The retroviral nucleocapsid is the inner structure of the virus where several hundred nucleocapsid protein (NC) molecules coat the dimeric, genomic RNA. During the past twenty years, NC was found to play multiple roles in the viral life cycle (Fig. 1), notably during the copying of the genomic RNA into the proviral DNA by viral reverse transcriptase and integrase, and is therefore considered to be a prime target for anti-HIV therapy. The 6th NC symposium was held in the beautiful city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on the 20th and 21st of September 2007. All aspects of NC biology, from structure to function and to anti-HIV vaccination, were covered during this meeting.
Integrated multidisciplinary diagnostic approach for dementia
care: Randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wolfs Claire A. G. , Kessels Alfons , Dirksen Carmen D. , Severens Johan L. , Verhey F. R. J. 
Published: March 2008

BackgroundAn integrated multidisciplinary approach to dementia is often recommended
but has rarely been evaluated.AimsTo evaluate the clinical effects of an integrated multidisciplinary
diagnostic facility for psychogeriatric patients.MethodPatients suspected of having complex psychogeriatric problems were
randomly allocated to the intervention (n=137) or to
treatment as usual (n=93). They were assessed at
baseline, and at 6 months and 12 months follow-up by means of personal
interviews with the patient's proxy. The primary outcome was
health-related quality of life, assessed using the visual analogue scale
(VAS) of the EuroQd measure, EQ-5D.ResultsHealth-related quality of life had improved at 6 months in the
intervention group, whereas that of the control group had decreased.
Furthermore, more patients in the intervention group experienced a
clinically relevant improvement of 10 points or more on the VAS at both
follow-up measurements.ConclusionsAn integrated multidisciplinary approach improves dementia care.
Predictive value of folate, vitamin B12 and
homocysteine levels in late-life depression
Authors: Kim Jae-Min , Stewart Robert , Kim Sung-Wan , Yang Su-Jin , Shin Il-Seon , Yoon Jin-Sang 
Published: March 2008

BackgroundThe role of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in
depression is not clear.AimsTo investigate cross-sectional and prospective associations between
folate, B12 and homocysteine levels and late-life
depression.MethodA total of 732 Korean people aged 65 years or over were evaluated at
baseline. Of the 631 persons who were not depressed, 521 (83%) were
followed over a period of 2–3 years and incident depression was
ascertained with the Geriatric Mental State schedule. Serum folate, serum
vitamin B12 and plasma homocysteine levels were assayed at
both baseline and follow-up.ResultsLower levels of folate and vitamin B12 and higher homocysteine
levels at baseline were associated with a higher risk of incident
depression at follow-up. Incident depression was associated with a
decline in vitamin B12 and an increase in homocysteine levels
over the follow-up period.ConclusionsLower folate, lower vitamin B12 and raised homocysteine levels
may be risk factors for late-life depression.
Liaison psychiatry services in Wales
Authors: Sakhuja Divya , Bisson Jonathan I. 
Published: March 2008

Aims and MethodTo determine the nature of current liaison psychiatry services in Wales, a structured telephone interview was conducted with representatives of all 11 National Health Service trusts.ResultsThree trusts (27%) had no dedicated liaison psychiatry service and only one of the eight (13%) with a service had a full-time consultant liaison psychiatrist. Only two services (25%) had a full-time junior doctor and three (37%) were not multidisciplinary, comprising nursing staff alone. No team had a clinical psychologist and only two (25%) provided a psychological treatment service.Clinical ImplicationsLiaison psychiatry services across Wales are fragmented, under-resourced and unlikely to meet patients' needs. They fall well short of the recommendations of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Psychiatrists.