bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of recruitment into acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) 15 and outcome for young patients with AML at a single referral centre
Authors: Stevens Jane M. , MacDougall Finlay , Jenner Michael , Oakervee Heather , Cavenagh Jamie , Lister Andrew T. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryThis study assessed the recruitment to an acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) trial (AML15) in a single centre, evaluated whether outcome was influenced by trial entry and whether the trial population could be considered representative of all AML patients by retrospective comparison of patient characteristics, trial entry and outcome for 81 consecutive patients (<60 years). All patients were considered for trial entry, however the trial was not offered to 12 (15%) patients. These patients had a worse outcome than the 69 (85%) patients that were invited to participate (P = 0·04). Sixteen patients (23%) invited to participate in the trial declined and were treated on equivalent protocols. These patients had a similar outcome to those who accepted entry into the trial (P = 0·2). These results suggested that physicians exert a selection bias when evaluating patients for trial entry. Thus the overall survival estimates generated from large phase III trials may indicate that the outcome for patients with AML is better than the outcome experienced in the ‘real’ world. Furthermore, patients who are considered appropriate for randomization into a trial, but decline entry, experience a similar outcome to those treated on trial when treated in an equivalent manner.
Pathogenesis and management of bleeding and thrombosis in plasma cell dyscrasias
Authors: Eby Charles 
Published: February 2009

SummaryUnexpectedly high rates of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) concurrent with the introduction of highly effective immune modulating drugs thalidomide and lenolidomide for treatment of multiple myeloma have focused attention on the incidence and underlying pathophysiology of VTE in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias, and on thromboprophylaxis approaches. While bleeding complications are relatively uncommon in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, acquired von Willebrand syndrome, typically occurring in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance, and acquired coagulopathies associated with primary amyloidosis can present with haemorrhagic complications and both are challenging to manage. This review highlights these important haemostasis‐related complications of plasma cell dyscrasias and provides an overview of other uncommon bleeding and thrombotic events that can affect diagnostic and therapeutic management of clonal plasma cell disorders. Due to the infrequency of most of these haemostasis complications, available information is typically based on retrospective cases or series.
IL‐17‐producing CD4+T cells, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis are increased in low risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Kordasti Shahram Y. , Afzali Behdad , Lim Ziyi , Ingram Wendy , Hayden Janet , Barber Linda , Matthews Katie , Chelliah Rajani , Guinn Barbara , Lombardi Giovanna , Farzaneh Farzin , Mufti Ghulam J. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryImmunological responses are increasingly recognised as being important in the initiation and progression of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Indeed, autoimmune diseases commonly occur in association with MDS, particularly in subtypes with a low risk of leukaemic transformation. This study showed for the first time that the numbers of CD3+CD4+IL‐17 producing T cells (Th17) were markedly increased in low risk MDS compared with high risk MDS (P < 0·01). An inverse relationship between the numbers of Th17 cells and naturally occurring CD4+CD25highFoxP3+regulatory T cells (Tregs) were also described. The Th17:Tregs ratio was significantly higher in low risk disease (P < 0·005) compared with high risk MDS and was correlated with increased bone marrow (BM) apoptosis (P < 0·01). Tregs from MDS patients suppressed interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) secretion by effector CD4+T cells but had no effect on interleukin (IL)‐17 production. In addition, the serum levels of IL‐7, IL‐12, RANTES and IFN‐γ are significantly elevated in low risk MDS, while inhibitory factors, such as IL‐10 and soluble IL‐2 receptor, are significantly higher in high risk disease. The ‘unfavourable’ Th17:Tregs ratio in low risk MDS may explain the higher risk of autoimmunity and the improved response to immune suppression in patients with low risk MDS compared to those with high risk disease.
Bullying in Pattani primary schools in southern Thailand
Authors: Laeheem K. , Kuning M. , McNeil N. , Besag V. E. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground  The purpose of this research was to examine risk factors that affect the likelihood of students in Pattani primary schools bullying other children. Risk factors investigated include school rural/urban location, age, gender, religion, family physical abuse and preference of cartoon type. Identifying students who are at high risk of bullying could assist educational authorities to introduce better strategies for reducing the problem.Methods  A total of 1440 students at public and private primary schools in Pattani province were interviewed to collect relevant data. Pearson's chi‐square test was used to assess the associations between the likelihood of bullying and possible risk factors. Logistic regression was used to investigate independent associations between the predictor variables and the outcome.Results  We found that 32.9% reported that they had (ever) bullied other children. Bullying was significant associated with age (odds ratio 1.56 for 11+ years, 95% confidence intervals 1.23, 2.18) and family physical abuse (odds ratio 4.50, 95% confidence intervals 3.40, 5.89). In addition, Those students who preferred action cartoons tended to bully others 1.87 times more than those who preferred watching comedy cartoons.Conclusions  There are significant differences in our population in rates of bullying others that vary according to age, preferred cartoon type and whether or not family (parental) physical abuse has been witnessed. The factor ‘preference for cartoon type’, not examined in previous research, remained significant after multivariable adjustment. Although there is an association, the cause of this is not clear but merits further examination.
Psychosocial outcomes of bone marrow transplant for individuals affected by Mucopolysaccharidosis I Hurler Disease: patient social competency
Authors: Pitt C. , Lavery C. , Wager N. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAim To explore the frequency with which children and young people participate in social activities with peers, when they are affected by Mucopolysaccharidosis I Hurler Disease (MPS IH) post bone marrow transplant (BMT). This was investigated in relation to patient age, and in comparison with a normative sample. Patient withdrawal, adaptive and social skills are also described in terms of patient age and in comparison with a normative sample.Method Forty‐four individuals affected by MPS IH post BMT participated in this investigation. Their ages ranged from 16 months to 25 years. Semi‐structured interviews with patients' mothers were utilized, which included the Behaviour Assessment System for Children and a socialization questionnaire. Normative data for the socialization questionnaire were collected from 46 mothers of children not affected by chronic illness or disability.Results A one‐wayanovarevealed that children not affected by disability or chronic illness (mean = 20.63) participated overall in social activities more frequently than children aged under 12 years (mean = 14.87) and over 12 years (mean = 13.25) who were affected by MPS IH post BMT (F = 21.01,P < 0.001). Young people aged 12 years and over affected by this condition were found to participate in social activities the least. A pattern also emerged, which indicated greater withdrawal and less well‐developed adaptive and social skills for MPS IH patients aged 2.5–5 years and 12 years and over, but scores were within the normal range for those aged 6–11 years.Conclusion These data illustrate a lack of social competency and a tendency towards inhibition and withdrawal in this patient group, particularly among the very young children and the adolescents and young adults. Further research is needed to explore these issues longitudinally and to examine the role played by the family, and indeed disability, in the quality and quantity of social interaction experienced by these individuals.
Follow‐up default in a hospital‐based universal newborn hearing screening programme in a low‐income country
Authors: Olusanya B. O. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground  Effective early detection of infants with permanent hearing impairment requires parental compliance with various stages of a screening protocol. However, many infants who failed initial screening tests are often not presented for follow‐up evaluation, thus compromising prospects for early detection and intervention. This study set out to determine maternal and infant factors associated with loss to follow‐up in a hospital‐based universal hearing screening programme in a low‐income country.Methods  A cross‐sectional study in which babies in a tertiary maternity hospital were enrolled into a two‐stage hearing screening programme with transient‐evoked otoacoustic emissions followed by automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) for all transient‐evoked otoacoustic emissions referrals before hospital discharge. Diagnostic evaluation was scheduled for AABR referrals on outpatient basis. Correlates of non‐compliance were determined through multivariable logistic regression analyses of relevant maternal and infant factors.Results  Some 1330 babies participated in the first‐stage screening and of 551 scheduled for AABR; 56 (10.2%) did not complete. Some 37 (84.1%) of the 44 AABR referrals did not complete the diagnostic evaluation. There were no significant differences between the profile of those who did not complete either the second‐stage screening or diagnostic evaluation and those who completed across virtually all socio‐demographic factors except that Christian mothers were significantly more likely not to complete the second‐stage screening than diagnostic evaluation compared with their Muslim counterparts (odds ratio: 3.01; 95% confidence intervals: 1.17–7.87). The only independent predictors of non‐compliance with pre‐discharge screening were delivery by spontaneous vertex (odds ratio: 2.76; 95% confidence intervals: 1.47–5.19) and admission into special care baby unit (odds ratio: 5.62; 95% confidence intervals: 2.92–10.84) while no factor was predictive of non‐compliance with diagnostic evaluation.Conclusions  Mode of delivery or having high‐risk baby influences compliance before hospital discharge while factors other than maternal or infant socio‐demographic/medical profile such as unfavourable cultural beliefs and stigma may be key determinants of follow‐up compliance after discharge.
Parent views on enhancing the quality of health care for their children with fragile X syndrome, autism or Down syndrome
Authors: Minnes P. , Steiner K. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground  International research in recent years has begun to focus on the medical problems of individuals with intellectual disabilities and on family stress in accessing health services for persons with developmental disabilities. Less is known about the needs of individuals in different diagnostic groups, or about their experiences of systems of care. Therefore, we report the results of focus groups with parents of children or adults with fragile X syndrome, autism or Down syndrome.Methods  Semi‐structured group interviews with parents of children, youth or adults from each of three diagnostic groups probed perceptions of challenges and successes in obtaining and negotiating healthcare services in Ontario, Canada.Results  Parents described diverse barriers to care, the need for advocacy in securing services, perceptions of service delivery and the role of healthcare professionals in regulating access to a wide range of services. Diagnostic services represented one area of central concern to parents from all three groups.Discussion  Focus group data yielded a wide range of concerns. Suggestions for enhancing the system included expanding syndrome‐specific education for medical students and health professionals and creating a centre that could offer service‐related information for parents.
Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: February 2009

.

Marmot M.,
Friel S.,
Bell R.,
Houweling T. A. J. &
Taylor S. on behalf of

(
2008
)

,
372
,
1661
–
1669
.

DOI: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(08)61690‐6
.
The Commission on Social Determinants of Health, created to marshal the evidence on what can be done to promote health equity and to foster a global movement to achieve it, is a global collaboration of policymakers, researchers and civil society, led by commissioners with a unique blend of political, academic and advocacy experience. The focus of attention is on countries at all levels of income and development. The commission launched its final report on 28 August 2008. This paper summarizes the key findings and recommendations; the full list is in the final report. The overarching recommendations are:Improve daily living conditions  Improve the well‐being of girls and women and the circumstances in which their children are born, put major emphasis on early child development and education for girls and boys, improve living and working conditions and create social protection policy supportive of all, and create conditions for a flourishing older life. Policies to achieve these goals will involve civil society, governments and global institutions.Tackle the inequitable distribution of power, money and resources  To address health inequities and inequitable conditions of daily living, it is necessary to address inequities – such as those between men and women – in the way society is organized. A strong, committed, capable and adequately financed public sector is needed. To achieve that requires more than strengthened government – it requires strengthened governance: legitimacy, space and support for civil society, for an accountable private sector, and for people across society to agree public interests and reinvest in the value of collective action. In a globalized world, the need for governance dedicated to equity applies equally from the community level to global institutions.Measure and understand the problem and assess the results of action  Acknowledging that there is a problem and ensuring that health inequity is measured – within countries and globally – are essential for action. National governments and international organizations, supported by World Health Organization, should set up national and global health‐equity surveillance systems for routine monitoring of health inequity and the social determinants of health and should asses the health‐equity impact of policy and action. Creating the organizational space and capacity to act effectively on health inequity requires investment in training of policymakers and health practitioners, public understanding of social determinants of health, and a stronger focus on social determinants in public health research.
Speak softly – and forget the stick: corporal punishment and child physical abuse
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: February 2009

.

Zolotor A. J.,
Theodore A. D.,
Chang J. J.,
Berkoff M. C. &
Runyan D. K.
(
2008
)

,
35
,
364
–
369
.

DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2008.06.031
.
Background  Previous studies have shown an association between spanking and child physical abuse. However, the relationship between more frequent and severe corporal punishment and abuse remains unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between reported spanking, spanking frequency or spanking with an object and the odds of physical abuse in a representative sample of mothers from North and South Carolina.Methods  This study is a cross‐sectional, anonymous telephone survey of adult mothers with children aged <18 years living in the Carolinas in 2002. The analysis was conducted in 2007. Survey responses were used to determine the association between corporal punishment (spanking, spanking frequency and spanking with an object) and an index of harsh physical punishment consistent with physical abuse (beating, burning, kicking, hitting with an object somewhere other than the buttocks, or shaking a child aged <2 years).Results  Mothers who report that the child was spanked are 2.7 (95% CI = 1.2, 6.3) times more likely to report abuse. Increases in the frequency of reported spanking in the last year are also associated with increased odds of abuse (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.06). Mothers reporting spanking with an object are at markedly increased odds of reporting abuse (OR = 8.9, 95% CI = 4.1, 19.6).Conclusions  Although reported spanking increases the odds of reported physical abuse, the relationship between the reported hitting of a child with an object and reported abuse is much stronger. Reduction in this form of discipline through media, educational and legislative efforts may reduce child physical abuse.
An integrated evaluation of non‐speech oral motor treatments
Authors: Pennington Lindsay , Miller Nicholas 
Published: February 2009

.

Powell T. W.
(
2008
)

,
39
,
422
–
427
.

DOI: 10.1044/0161‐1461(2008/039)
.
Purpose  This paper functions as an epilogue to the clinical forum examining the use of non‐speech oral motor treatments to remediate speech sound disorders in children.Method  Conclusions to eight clinical questions are formed based on the findings that were reported in the clinical forum. Theoretical and clinical challenges are also identified.Conclusion  Non‐speech oral motor treatments have serious theoretical and empirical shortcomings. At present, there is insufficient evidence to support the routine clinical application of these procedures to remediate developmental speech sound disorders.
Modulation of inflammatory response via α2-adrenoceptor blockade in acute murine colitis
Authors: Bai A , Lu N , Guo Y , Chen J , Liu Z 
Published: February 2009

SummaryInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by heavy production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β. Interactions of the autonomic nervous system with local immune cells play an important role in the development of IBD, and the balance of autonomic nerve function is broken in IBD patients with sympathetic overactivity. However, the function of catecholamines in the progress of colitis is unclear. In this study, we examined the role of catecholamines via α2-adrenoreceptor in acute murine colitis. The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine b-hydroxylase (DBH), two rate-limiting enzymes in catecholamine synthesis, was detected by immunohistochemistry in murine colitis. Murine colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulphate or trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS), and the mice were administered RX821002 or UK14304, α2-adrenoceptor antagonists or agonists. Colitis was evaluated by clinical symptoms, myeloperoxidase assay, TNF-α and IL-1β production and histology. Lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) from mice with TNBS colitis were cultured in the absence or presence of RX821002 or UK14304, and stimulated further by lipopolysaccharide. TH and DBH are induced in LPMCs of inflamed colon, the evidence of catecholamine synthesis during the process of colitis. RX821002 down-regulates the production of proinflammatory cytokines from LPMCs, while UK14304 leads to exacerbation of colitis. Together, our data show a critical role of catecholamines via α2-adrenoreceptors in the progress of acute colitis, and suggest that use of the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist represents a novel therapeutic approach for the management of colitis.
Imbalance between T helper type 17 and T regulatory cells in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis: the serum cytokine profile and peripheral cell population
Authors: Rong G , Zhou Y , Xiong Y , Zhou L , Geng H , Jiang T , Zhu Y , Lu H , Zhang S , Wang P , Zhang B , Zhong R 
Published: February 2009

Summary
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an organ-specific autoimmune liver disease characterized by progressive loss of intrahepatic small bile ducts. Cellular immune mechanisms involving T cell reaction are thought to be involved significantly in the pathogenesis of PBC. Recent studies have independently revealed enhanced T helper type 17 (Th17) response and weakened T regulatory cell (Treg) response in some autoimmune diseases, indicating a role of Th17/Treg imbalance in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. This prompted us to investigate whether the Th17/Treg balance was broken in the peripheral blood of patients with PBC and, if it was, what cytokine circumstances might contribute to this imbalance. The expression of 11 Th17/Treg differentiation-related genes and serum concentrations of the corresponding cytokines in 36 patients with PBC, 28 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 28 healthy controls were measured by real-time quantitative–polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively. Peripheral Th17 and Treg cells were analysed by flow cytometry. Th17-related cytokines were increased significantly in patients with PBC. Consistent with the cytokine profile, the Th17 cell population and retinoid-related orphan receptor γt expression were increased markedly. In contrast, the Treg cell population and forkhead box P3 expression were decreased dramatically in the peripheral blood of patients with PBC. Our study revealed that the Th17/Treg imbalance, both cytokine profile and cell numbers, exists in patients with PBC, suggesting its potential role in the breakdown of immune self-tolerance in PBC. Interleukin-23, which characterized the imbalanced cytokine profile, may play an essential role in Th17-related human autoimmunity.
Innate immunity and heat shock response in islet transplantation
Authors: Lai Y , Chen C , Linn T 
Published: February 2009

Summary
Islet transplantation is an extremely effective therapy for patients with type I diabetes, providing tight control of blood glucose and persistent insulin release. Islet grafts struggle with various stress responses and immunity attacks, which contribute to loss of islet grafts in the long term. In this review we focus upon the innate immunity and heat shock responses, which are closely relevant to the outcome of islet grafts. Potential strategies provided by more comprehensive interventions to control innate immunity and by selective induction of heat shock proteins may ameliorate the outcome of islet transplantation.