bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementing the Community Health Worker Model Within Diabetes Management
Authors: Cherrington Andrea , Ayala Guadalupe X. , Amick Halle , Allison Jeroan , Corbie-Smith Giselle , Scarinci Isabel 
Published: October 2008

Purpose The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine methods of implementation of the community health worker (CHW) model within diabetes programs, as well as related challenges and lessons learned. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with program managers. Four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, ISI Web of Knowledge, PsycInfo), the CDC's 1998 directory of CHW programs, and Google Search Engine were used to identify CHW programs. Criteria for inclusion were: DM program; used CHW strategy; occurred in United States. Two independent reviewers performed content analyses to identify major themes and findings. Sixteen programs were assessed, all but 3 focused on minority populations. Most CHWs were recruited informally; 6 programs required CHWs to have diabetes. Results CHW roles and responsibilities varied across programs; educator was the most commonly identified role. Training also varied in terms of both content and intensity. All programs gave CHWs remuneration for their work. Common challenges included difficulties with CHW retention, intervention fidelity and issues related to sustainability. Cultural and gender issues also emerged. Examples of lessons learned included the need for community buy-in and the need to anticipate nondiabetes related issues. Conclusions Lessons learned from these programs may be useful to others as they apply the CHW model to diabetes management within their own communities. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific features of this model necessary to positively impact health outcomes.
Development of an Online University-based Physical Activity and Obesity Education Program
Authors: McFarlin Brian K. , Jackson Andrew S. 
Published: October 2008

Purpose The purpose of this article is to describe the development and implementation of an undergraduate university core course titled, Public Health Issues in Physical Activity and Obesity (KIN1304) at a diverse, urban university. Methods The course was designed to provide the scientific and public health information on obesity with a goal of pre- vention. Whereas the course was administered to college students, there are several applications within diabetes education where its content may be useful. Results The course is entirely Internet based (by means of WebCT Vista) and is a university core requirement for all undergraduate degree programs on campus. Development of such a course provides an opportunity to reach a large portion of the undergraduate population. Conclusion Development of the Internet-based course, Public Health Issues in Physical Activity and Obesity (KIN1304) may be useful for educating a wide variety of people regard- ing the risks and prevention associated with obesity and diabetes
Adult metformin ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers, 2000–2006
Authors: Forrester MB 
Published: October 2008

Metformin is an oral hypoglycemic agent used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Limited information exists on adult metformin ingestions reported to poison control centers. The distribution of adult metformin ingestions reported to Texas poison control centers during 2000–2006 was determined for various factors. In addition, triage guidelines for the management of isolated ingestions were drafted. Of 1528 total metformin ingestions, 58% involved coingestants. Of the 264 ingestions of metformin alone, where the final medical outcome was known, dose ingested was reported for 66%. The mean reported dose was 4739 mg (range 500–60,000 mg). Ingestions of ≤2500 mg and >5000 mg reported doses differed with respect to the proportion involving suspected attempted suicide (6% versus 81%), serious final medical outcome (3% versus 19%), and referral to a health care facility (3% versus 83%). Using 5000 mg as a threshold dose for referral to a health care facility, 91% of cases not already at or en route to a health care facility were managed according drafted triage guidelines.
Early-onset pancytopenia and skin ulcer following low-dose methotrexate therapy
Authors: Hocaoglu N , Atilla R , Onen F , Tuncok Y 
Published: October 2008

Pancytopenia is a rare but serious adverse effect of low-dose methotrexate (MTX) sodium therapy, and this case report describes a very early-onset of pancytopenia and cutaneous lesions after three days of ingestion. A 64-year-old man was presented to Emergency Department with weakness, fever, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting after he had had accidentally ingested MTX tablets (2.5 mg) twice a day for the last three days. On initial examination, several painful lesions in his oral mucosa and a cutaneous ulceration on his right foot were also observed. He had severe pancytopenia, poor kidney functions, and abnormal coagulation parameters. The blood level of MTX was found to be within therapeutic range. He was treated with leucovorine, intravenous antibiotics, and appropriate blood transfusions; he was discharged from hospital without any sequela. Pancytopenia associated with low-dose (cumulative dose of 15 mg in 3 days) MTX therapy had not been reported previously. The Naranjo probability scale showed pancytopenia and skin ulcer associated with low-dose MTX therapy as probable adverse reactions. Risk factors for pancytopenia such as renal insufficiency, hypoalbuminemia, low folate levels, concomitant infections, concomitant use of drugs, and folate supplementation were not identified in our patient. Although pancytopenia associated with low-dose MTX therapy is not expected as early as 3 days after initiation of the therapy, physicians should also be aware of this life threatening adverse effect during the very first days of MTX therapy for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Electrophysiological safety of sibutramine HCl
Authors: Kim KS , Park SJ , Lee HA , Kim DK , Kim EJ 
Published: October 2008

Sibutramine is known to induce cardiovascular side effects such as tachycardia, vasodilation, and hypertension. The present study was aimed to examine the effects of sibutramine on action potential of guinea pig papillary muscle, recombinant hERG currents (IhERG), and inward currents (INa and ICa) of rat ventricular myocytes. Sibutramine at 30 μg/mL induced a shortening of action potential duration (APD) of guinea pig papillary muscle; on average, APD30 and APD90 were shortened by 23% and 17% at a stimulation rate of 1 Hz, respectively. Sibutramine suppressed the following currents: IhERG (IC50:2.408 ± 0.5117 μg/mL), L-type Ca current (IC50:2.709 ± 0.4701 μg/mL), and Na current (IC50:7.718 ± 1.7368 μg/mL). Sibutramine blocked IhERG, ICa, and INa in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, sibutramine exerted a shortening effect on APD in guinea pig papillary muscle through its more powerful blocking effects on ICa and INa rather than IhERG.
Expert opinion: fomepizole may ameliorate the need for hemodialysis in methanol poisoning
Authors: Hovda KE , Jacobsen D 
Published: October 2008

Fomepizole is now the antidote of choice in methanol poisoning. The use of fomepizole may also change the indications for hemodialysis in these patients. We have addressed this change in a review of articles on methanol poisonings. Review of the literature (through PubMed®) combined with our own experiences from two recent methanol outbreaks in Estonia and Norway. The efficiency of dialysis during fomepizole treatment was reported in only a few reports. One recent study challenged the old indications, suggesting a new approach with delayed or even no hemodialysis. Methanol-poisoned patients on fomepizole treatment may be separated into two categories: 1) The critically ill patient, with severe metabolic acidosis (base deficit >15 mM) and/or visual disturbances should be given buffer, fomepizole and immediate hemodialysis: dialysis removes the toxic anion formate, and assists in correcting the metabolic acidosis, thereby also reducing formate toxicity. The removal of methanol per se is not important in this setting because fomepizole prevents further production of formic acid. 2) The stable patient, with less metabolic acidosis and no visual disturbances, should be given buffer and fomepizole. This treatment allows for the possibility to delay, or even drop, dialysis in this setting, because patients will not develop more clinical features from methanol poisoning when fomepizole and bicarbonate is given in adequate doses. Indications and triage for hemodialysis in methanol poisonings should be modified. Delayed hemodialysis or even no hemodialysis may be an option in selected cases.
A nutrient mixture suppresses carbon tetrachloride–induced acute hepatic toxicity in ICR mice
Authors: Roomi MW , Kalinovsky T , Roomi NW , Ivanov V , Rath M , Niedzwiecki A 
Published: October 2008

We examined the effect of a nutrient mixture (NM) that contains lysine, proline, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a model of liver injury in which free radical, oxidative stress, and cytokine production are closely linked. Seven-week-old male Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice were divided into four groups (A–D) of five animals each. Groups A and C mice were fed a regular diet for 2 weeks, whereas groups B and D mice were supplemented with 0.5% NM (w/w) during that period. Groups A and B received corn oil i.p., whereas groups C and D received CCl4 (25 μL/kg, in corn oil, i.p.). All animals were killed 24 h after CCl4 administration, serum was collected to assess liver and kidney functions, and livers and kidneys were excised for histology. Mean serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were comparable in groups A and B, increased markedly in group C, and significantly lowered in group D compared with group C. CCl4 had no significant effect on renal markers (blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine, and BUN/creatinine ratio). CCl4 administration caused an intense degree of liver necrosis that was less severe in the NM fed group D. These results indicate that NM could be a useful supplement in preventing acute chemical-induced liver toxicity.
Cerebral Hyperperfusion After Carotid Stenting: A Transcranial Doppler and SPECT Study
Authors: Sfyroeras Giorgos S. , Karkos Christos D. , Arsos Georgios , Liasidis Charalampos , Dimitriadis Athanassios S. , Papazoglou Konstantinos O. , Gerassimidis Thomas S. 
Published: October 2008

Aim: To document the incidence of symptomatic cerebral hyperperfusion after carotid stenting and to determine possible predisposing factors. Methods: A prospective study of 29 consecutive patients undergoing carotid stenting. All patients underwent 1) brain computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging, 2) transcranial Doppler including assessment of cerebrovascular reactivity of the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery and 3) 99m hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime brain single photon emission computed tomography, before and after the procedure. Results: A total of 5 patients developed adverse neurological events, 4 of them transient. Cerebral hyperperfusion was documented in two of these (6.9%). Both had exhausted cerebrovascular reactivity in the preoperative transcranial Doppler examination. No consistent pattern of interhemispheric asymmetry in brain perfusion was found in these patients. Conclusions: Symptomatic cerebral hyperperfusion is not uncommon after carotid stenting. There seems to be a link between exhausted cerebrovascular reactivity of the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery and increased risk of cerebral hyperperfusion.
cIAP1-dependent TRAF2 degradation regulates the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages and their response to CD40 ligand
Authors: Dupoux Alban , Cartier Jessy , Cathelin Séverine , Filomenko Rodolphe , Solary Eric , Dubrez-Daloz Laurence 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPeripheral blood monocytes are plastic cells that migrate to tissues and differentiate into various cell types, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and osteoclasts. We have described the migration of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (cIAP1), a member of the IAP family of proteins, from the nucleus to the Golgi apparatus in monocytes undergoing differentiation into macrophages. Here we show that, once in the cytoplasm, cIAP1 is involved in the degradation of the adaptor protein tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated factor 2 (TRAF2) by the proteosomal machinery. Inhibition of cIAP1 prevents the decrease in TRAF2 expression that characterizes macrophage formation. We demonstrate that TRAF2 is initially required for macrophage differentiation as its silencing prevents Iκ-Bα degradation, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 nuclear translocation, and the differentiation process. Then, we show that cIAP1-mediated degradation of TRAF2 allows the differentiation process to progress. This degradation is required for the macrophages to be fully functional as TRAF2 overexpression in differentiated cells decreases the c-Jun N-terminal kinase–mediated synthesis and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in response to CD40 ligand. We conclude that TRAF2 expression and subsequent degradation are required for the differentiation of monocytes into fully functional macrophages.
Oncogenomic analysis of mycosis fungoides reveals major differences with Sézary syndrome
Authors: van Doorn Remco , van Kester Marloes S. , Dijkman Remco , Vermeer Maarten H. , Mulder Aat A. , Szuhai Karoly , Knijnenburg Jeroen , Boer Judith M. , Willemze Rein , Tensen Cornelis P. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, is a malignancy of mature, skin-homing T cells. Sézary syndrome (Sz) is often considered to represent a leukemic phase of MF. In this study, the pattern of numerical chromosomal alterations in MF tumor samples was defined using array-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH); simultaneously, gene expression was analyzed using microarrays. Highly recurrent chromosomal alterations in MF include gain of 7q36, 7q21-7q22 and loss of 5q13 and 9p21. The pattern characteristic of MF differs markedly from chromosomal alterations observed in Sz. Integration of data from array-based CGH and gene-expression analysis yielded several candidate genes with potential relevance in the pathogenesis of MF. We confirmed that the FASTK and SKAP1 genes, residing in loci with recurrent gain, demonstrated increased expression. The RB1 and DLEU1 tumor suppressor genes showed diminished expression associated with loss. In addition, it was found that the presence of chromosomal alterations on 9p21, 8q24, and 1q21-1q22 was associated with poor prognosis in patients with MF. This study provides novel insight into genetic alterations underlying MF. Furthermore, our analysis uncovered genomic differences between MF and Sz, which suggest that the molecular pathogenesis and therefore therapeutic requirements of these cutaneous T-cell lymphomas may be distinct.
CD4+CD25+ T cells alloactivated ex vivo by IL-2 or IL-4 become potent alloantigen-specific inhibitors of rejection with different phenotypes, suggesting separate pathways of activation by Th1 and Th2 responses
Authors: Verma Nirupama D. , Plain Karren M. , Nomura Masaru , Tran Giang T. , Robinson Catherine , Boyd Rochelle , Hodgkinson Suzanne J. , Hall Bruce M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractCD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells are regulatory/suppressor cells (Tregs) that include non-antigen (Ag)–specific as well as Ag-specific Tregs. How non–Ag-specific naive CD4+CD25+ Treg develop into specific Tregs is unknown. Here, we generated adaptive Tregs by culture of naive CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells with allo-Ag and either interleukin-2 (IL-2) or IL-4. Within days, IL-2 enhanced interferon-γ receptor (Ifnγr) and Il-5 mRNA and IL-4 induced a reciprocal profile with de novo IL-5Rα and increased IFN-γ mRNA expression. Both IL-2– and IL-4–alloactivated CD4+CD25+ Tregs within 3 to 4 days of culture had enhanced capacity to induce tolerance to specific donor but not to third-party cardiac allografts. These hosts became tolerant as allografts functioned more than 250 days, with a physiologic ratio of less than 10% CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T cells in the CD4+ population. CD4+CD25+ T cells from tolerant hosts given IL-2–cultured cells had increased Il-5 and Ifnγr mRNA. Those from hosts given IL-4–cultured cells had enhanced IL-5Rα mRNA expression and IL-5 enhanced their proliferation to donor but not third-party allo-Ag. Thus, IL-2 and IL-4 activated allo-Ag–specific Tregs with distinct phenotypes that were retained in vivo. These findings suggested that T-helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 responses activate 2 pathways of adaptive Ag-specific Tregs that mediate tolerance. We propose they be known as T-suppressor 1 (Ts1) and Ts2 cells.
R/parallel – speeding up bioinformatics analysis with R
Authors: Vera Gonzalo , Jansen Ritsert C , Suppi Remo L 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundR is the preferred tool for statistical analysis of many bioinformaticians due in part to the increasing number of freely available analytical methods. Such methods can be quickly reused and adapted to each particular experiment. However, in experiments where large amounts of data are generated, for example using high-throughput screening devices, the processing time required to analyze data is often quite long. A solution to reduce the processing time is the use of parallel computing technologies. Because R does not support parallel computations, several tools have been developed to enable such technologies. However, these tools require multiple modications to the way R programs are usually written or run. Although these tools can finally speed up the calculations, the time, skills and additional resources required to use them are an obstacle for most bioinformaticians.ResultsWe have designed and implemented an R add-on package, R/parallel, that extends R by adding user-friendly parallel computing capabilities. With R/parallel any bioinformatician can now easily automate the parallel execution of loops and benefit from the multicore processor power of today's desktop computers. Using a single and simple function, R/parallel can be integrated directly with other existing R packages. With no need to change the implemented algorithms, the processing time can be approximately reducedN-fold,Nbeing the number of available processor cores.ConclusionR/parallel saves bioinformaticians time in their daily tasks of analyzing experimental data. It achieves this objective on two fronts: first, by reducing development time of parallel programs by avoiding reimplementation of existing methods and second, by reducing processing time by speeding up computations on current desktop computers. Future work is focused on extending the envelope of R/parallel by interconnecting and aggregating the power of several computers, both existing office computers and computing clusters.
Deaf-1 regulates epithelial cell proliferation and side-branching in the mammary gland
Authors: Barker Holly E , Smyth Gordon K , Wettenhall James , Ward Teresa A , Bath Mary L , Lindeman Geoffrey J , Visvader Jane E 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe transcription factor DEAF-1 has been identified as a high affinity binding partner of the LIM-only protein LMO4 that plays important roles in mammary gland development and breast cancer. Here we investigated the influence of DEAF-1 on human and mouse mammary epithelial cells bothin vitroandin vivoand identified a potential target gene.ResultsOverexpression of DEAF-1 in human breast epithelial MCF10A cells enhanced cell proliferation in the mammary acini that develop in 3D cultures. To investigate the effects of Deaf-1 on mammary gland development and oncogenesis, we generatedMMTV-Deaf-1transgenic mice. Increased ductal side-branching was observed in young virgin mammary glands, accompanied by augmented cell proliferation. In addition, the ratio of the progesterone receptor isoforms PRA and PRB, previously implicated in regulating ductal side-branching, was altered. Affymetrix gene profiling studies revealedRac3as a potential target gene and quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed thatRac3was upregulated by Deaf-1 in immortalized mouse mammary epithelial cells. Furthermore,MMTV-Deaf-1transgenic mammary glands were found to have elevated levels ofRac3mRNA, suggesting that it is abona fidetarget.ConclusionWe have demonstrated that overexpression ofDeaf-1enhances the proliferation of human breast epithelial cellsin vitroand mouse epithelial cellsin vivo. Transgenic mammary glands overexpressing Deaf-1 exhibited a modest side-branching phenotype, accompanied by an increase in the number of BrdU-positive cells and a decrease in the proportion of PRA-expressing cells. Although proliferation was enhanced in Deaf-1 transgenic mice, overexpression of this gene was not sufficient to induce the formation of mammary tumors. In addition, our studies identifiedRac3, encoding a small Rho-like GTPase, as a potential target of Deaf-1 in mouse mammary epithelial cells.
Prebiotic replicase evolution in a surface-bound metabolic system: parasites as a source of adaptive evolution
Authors: Könnyű Balázs , Czárán Tamás , Szathmáry Eörs 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
The remarkable potential of recent forms of life for reliably passing on genetic information through many generations now depends on the coordinated action of thousands of specialized biochemical "machines" (enzymes) that were obviously absent in prebiotic times. Thus the question how a complicated system like the living cell could have assembled on Earth seems puzzling. In seeking for a scientific explanation one has to search for step-by-step evolutionary changes from prebiotic chemistry to the emergence of the first proto-cell.

Results
We try to sketch a plausible scenario for the first steps of prebiotic evolution by exploring the ecological feasibility of a mineral surface-bound replicator system that facilitates a primitive metabolism. Metabolism is a hypothetical network of simple chemical reactions producing monomers for the template-copying of RNA-like replicators, which in turn catalyse metabolic reactions. Using stochastic cellular automata (SCA) simulations we show that the surface-bound metabolic replicator system is viable despite internal competition among the genes and that it also maintains a set of mild "parasitic" sequences which occasionally evolve functions such as that of a replicase.

Conclusion
Replicase activity is shown to increase even at the expense of slowing down the replication of the evolving ribozyme itself, due to indirect mutualistic benefits in a diffuse form of group selection among neighbouring replicators. We suggest possible paths for further evolutionary changes in the metabolic replicator system leading to increased metabolic efficiency, improved replicase functionality, and membrane production.