bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of primary health care services between urban and rural settings after the introduction of the first urban health centre in Vyronas, Greece
Authors: Mariolis Anargiros , Mihas Constantinos , Alevizos Alevizos , Mariolis-Sapsakos Theodoros , Marayiannis Konstantinos , Papathanasiou Marek , Gizlis Vassilios , Karanasios Dimitris , Merkouris Bodossakis 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundDiscrepancies in primary health care (PHC) services between urban and rural settings have already been studied in many countries; however, limited information exists regarding countries, such as Greece, where public Health Centres dedicated to primary care have not been in existence in major cities. The objective of this study was to evaluate points of divergence or convergence between an urban and a rural health centre, in an attempt to underline challenges faced by the introduction of urban health centres in Greece.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was conducted in the Health Centre of Vyronas, Athens, Greece and in the Health Centre of Nea (New) Madytos, Thessaloniki Prefecture, Greece between February 2004 and February 2006. The profile of the population seeking care, as well as data on the services provided were collected and compared. In addition, the reason for choosing each primary health care unit was also recorded.ResultsMore patients visited the urban centre (145415 vs. 112513), while the pattern of services utilized by the citizens differed significantly (p < 0.001) between the two Health Centres. The frequency of diagnoses made according to ICPC-2 was not similar in the two Health Centres (p < 0.001). The three most frequent reasons for the adults choosing the Health Centre for their problem were low waiting time, proximity to residence and satisfaction with the services provided in previous visits in Vyronas.ConclusionThe results of this study highlight the significant differences regarding PHC services utilization between an urban and a rural population. Urban citizens seem to have different health needs and reasons for choosing a PHC unit than residents of the Greek countryside. Proximity to health services and the public character of the urban health centre seem to be its main advantages.
The resting sites and blood-meal sources of Anopheles minimus in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Mei-Chun , Teng Hwa-Jen , Chen Chen-Fu , Chen Yung-Chen , Jeng Chian-Ren 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
The WHO declared Taiwan free from malaria in 1965, but in 2003 the reporting of two introduced cases in a rural area suggested a possible local transmission of this disease. Therefore, understanding the resting sites and the blood sources of Anopheles minimus is crucial in order to provide information for implementing vector control strategies.

Methods
During a two-year survey, mosquitoes were collected in houses and their surrounding areas and at the bank of larval habitats by backpack aspirators in 17 villages in rural areas of southern and eastern Taiwan for 1 hr. On the same day, blacklight traps were hung downward overnight. Blood-fed mosquito samples were analysed by PCR.

Results
Of the 195 total households surveyed by backpack aspirators, no Anopheles adults were collected inside the houses, while a single Anopheles minimus and a single Anopheles maculatus were collected outside of the houses. On the same day, 23 An. minimus, two An. maculatus, two Anopheles ludlowae, two Anopheles sinensis, and one Anopheles tessellatus were collected along the bank of larval habitats. In blacklight traps hung outside of the houses in the villages, 69 An. minimus, 62 An. ludlowae, 31 An. sinensis, and 19 An. maculatus were collected. In larval habitats, 98 An. ludlowae, 64 An. minimus, 49 An. sinensis, and 14 An. maculatus were collected. Of a total of 10 blood-fed samples, An. minimus fed on four animals including bovine (60%), dogs (20%), pig (10%), and non-chicken avian (10%).

Conclusion

Anopheles minimus, an opportunist feeder in Taiwan, was not collected inside the houses, but was found outside of the houses in villages and surrounding larval habitats. Therefore, an outdoor transmission of malaria is likely to occur and, thus, the bed nets, which are favoured for controlling the late biting of An. minimus, should be a very efficient and effective method for those local residents who sleep outdoors. Additionally, space spray of insecticides for Anopheles at night, as well as residual spray inside animal huts and selective larval habitats, are also helpful to control female adults.
Clinical efficacy and problems with CT lymphography in identifying the sentinel node in breast cancer
Authors: Takahashi Masako , Sasa Mitsunori , Hirose Chieko , Hisaoka Sonoka , Taki Masako , Hirose Toshiyuki , Bando Yoshimi 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Combining a radioisotope with a dye-guided method is the best method for identification of the sentinel lymph nodes (SNs) in breast cancer. However, some institutions are limited to use of a dye-guided method alone. Recently, computed tomographic lymphography (CTLG) employing a nonionic contrast medium has achieved SN identification.

Patients and methods
218 patients with primary breast cancer and no clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis were studied. SN identification was performed by CTLG and a dye-guided method. The SN identification rate was analyzed for correlations with the clinicopathological findings.

Results
The SN identification rates were 96% with CTLG, 92% with the dye-guided method and 99% with both methods combined. The identification rates with CTLG and the combined method were significantly lower in node-positive patients compared to node-negative patients, and significantly lower with the combined method in vascular invasion-positive patients compared to negative patients. In addition, the SN identification rate with the dye-guided method was significantly lower in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 25, whereas the BMI did not affect the identification rate with CTLG or the combined method. Multiple SNs were detected in approximately 20% of the patients.

Conclusion
Combined performance of CTLG and a dye-guided method enables identification of SNs prior to breast cancer surgery. That SN identification is easier compared with by the dye-guided method alone, and the identification rate is improved compared with either method alone. The combination of methods was especially useful in obese patients. For patients with multiple SNs, the combination has the further advantage of enabling accurate SN biopsy. CTLG may yield false-negative findings in node-positive patients and patients with lymph vessel obstruction.
Diversity of Bacillus-like organisms isolated from deep-sea hypersaline anoxic sediments
Authors: Sass Andrea M , McKew Boyd A , Sass Henrik , Fichtel Jörg , Timmis Kenneth N , McGenity Terry J 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
The deep-sea, hypersaline anoxic brine lakes in the Mediterranean are among the most extreme environments on earth, and in one of them, the MgCl2-rich Discovery basin, the presence of active microbes is equivocal. However, thriving microbial communities have been detected especially in the chemocline between deep seawater and three NaCl-rich brine lakes, l'Atalante, Bannock and Urania. By contrast, the microbiota of these brine-lake sediments remains largely unexplored.

Results
Eighty nine isolates were obtained from the sediments of four deep-sea, hypersaline anoxic brine lakes in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea: l'Atalante, Bannock, Discovery and Urania basins. This culture collection was dominated by representatives of the genus Bacillus and close relatives (90% of all isolates) that were investigated further. Physiological characterization of representative strains revealed large versatility with respect to enzyme activities or substrate utilization. Two third of the isolates did not grow at in-situ salinities and were presumably present as endospores. This is supported by high numbers of endospores in Bannock, Discovery and Urania basins ranging from 3.8 × 105 to 1.2 × 106 g-1 dw sediment. However, the remaining isolates were highly halotolerant growing at salinities of up to 30% NaCl. Some of the novel isolates affiliating with the genus Pontibacillus grew well under anoxic conditions in sulfidic medium by fermentation or anaerobic respiration using dimethylsulfoxide or trimethylamine N-oxide as electron acceptor.

Conclusion
Some of the halophilic, facultatively anaerobic relatives of Bacillus appear well adapted to life in this hostile environment and suggest the presence of actively growing microbial communities in the NaCl-rich, deep-sea brine-lake sediments.
Phenylhexyl isothiocyanate has dual function as histone deacetylase inhibitor and hypomethylating agent and can inhibit myeloma cell growth by targeting critical pathways
Authors: Lu Quanyi , Lin Xianghua , Feng Jean , Zhao Xiangmin , Gallagher Ruth , Lee Marietta Y , Chiao Jen-Wei , Liu Delong 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are a new class of chemotherapeutic agents. Our laboratory has recently reported that phenylhexyl isothiocyanate (PHI), a synthetic isothiocyanate, is an inhibitor of HDAC. In this study we examined whether PHI is a hypomethylating agent and its effects on myeloma cells. RPMI8226, a myeloma cell line, was treated with PHI. PHI inhibited the proliferation of the myeloma cells and induced apoptosis in a concentration as low as 0.5 μM. Cell proliferation was reduced to 50% of control with PHI concentration of 0.5 μM. Cell cycle analysis revealed that PHI caused G1-phase arrest of RPMI8226 cells. PHI induced p16 hypomethylation in a concentration- dependent manner. PHI was further shown to induce histone H3 hyperacetylation in a concentration-dependent manner. It was also demonstrated that PHI inhibited IL-6 receptor expression and VEGF production in the RPMI8226 cells, and reactivated p21 expression. It was found that PHI induced apoptosis through disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. For the first time we show that PHI can induce both p16 hypomethylation and histone H3 hyperacetylation. We conclude that PHI has dual epigenetic effects on p16 hypomethylation and histone hyperacetylation in myeloma cells and targets several critical processes of myeloma proliferation.
The hidden universal distribution of amino acid biosynthetic networks: a genomic perspective on their origins and evolution
Authors: Hernández-Montes Georgina , Díaz-Mejía J Javier , Pérez-Rueda Ernesto , Segovia Lorenzo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Background
Twenty amino acids comprise the universal building blocks of proteins. However, their biosynthetic routes do not appear to be universal from an Escherichia coli-centric perspective. Nevertheless, it is necessary to understand their origin and evolution in a global context, that is, to include more 'model' species and alternative routes in order to do so. We use a comparative genomics approach to assess the origins and evolution of alternative amino acid biosynthetic network branches.

Results
By tracking the taxonomic distribution of amino acid biosynthetic enzymes, we predicted a core of widely distributed network branches biosynthesizing at least 16 out of the 20 standard amino acids, suggesting that this core occurred in ancient cells, before the separation of the three cellular domains of life. Additionally, we detail the distribution of two types of alternative branches to this core: analogs, enzymes that catalyze the same reaction (using the same metabolites) and belong to different superfamilies; and 'alternologs', herein defined as branches that, proceeding via different metabolites, converge to the same end product. We suggest that the origin of alternative branches is closely related to different environmental metabolite sources and life-styles among species.

Conclusion
The multi-organismal seed strategy employed in this work improves the precision of dating and determining evolutionary relationships among amino acid biosynthetic branches. This strategy could be extended to diverse metabolic routes and even other biological processes. Additionally, we introduce the concept of 'alternolog', which not only plays an important role in the relationships between structure and function in biological networks, but also, as shown here, has strong implications for their evolution, almost equal to paralogy and analogy.
Axitinib Is an Active Treatment for All Histologic Subtypes of Advanced Thyroid Cancer: Results From a Phase II Study
Authors: Cohen Ezra E.W. , Rosen Lee S. , Vokes Everett E. , Kies Merrill S. , Forastiere Arlene A. , Worden Francis P. , Kane Madeleine A. , Sherman Eric , Kim Sinil , Bycott Paul , Tortorici Michael , Shalinsky David R. , Liau Katherine F. , Cohen Roger B. 
Published: June 2008

Purpose Patients with advanced, incurable thyroid cancer not amenable to surgery or radioactive iodine (131I) therapy have few satisfactory therapeutic options. This multi-institutional study assessed the activity and safety of axitinib, an oral, potent, and selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) 1, 2, and 3 in patients with advanced thyroid cancer. Patients and Methods Patients with thyroid cancer of any histology that was resistant or not appropriate for 131I were enrolled onto a single-arm phase II trial to receive axitinib orally (starting dose, 5 mg twice daily). Objective response rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors was the primary end point. Secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, safety, and modulation of soluble (s) VEGFR. Results Sixty patients were enrolled. Partial responses were observed in 18 patients, yielding an ORR of 30% (95% CI, 18.9 to 43.2). Stable disease lasting ≥ 16 weeks was reported in another 23 patients (38%). Objective responses were noted in all histologic subtypes. Median PFS was 18.1 months (95% CI, 12.1 to not estimable). Axitinib was generally well tolerated, with the most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse event being hypertension (n = 7; 12%). Eight patients (13%) discontinued treatment because of adverse events. Axitinib selectively decreased sVEGFR-2 and sVEGFR-3 plasma concentrations versus sKIT, demonstrating its targeting of VEGFR. Conclusion Axitinib is a selective inhibitor of VEGFR with compelling antitumor activity in all histologic subtypes of advanced thyroid cancer.
Primary Cutaneous Small/Medium CD4+ T-Cell Lymphomas: A Heterogeneous Group of Tumors With Different Clinicopathologic Features and Outcome
Authors: Garcia-Herrera Adriana , Colomo Luis , Camós Mireia , Carreras Joaquín , Balague Olga , Martinez Antonio , Lopéz-Guillermo Armando , Estrach Teresa , Campo Elias 
Published: June 2008

Purpose To define the clinical and pathologic characteristics of primary cutaneous small/medium CD4+ T-cell lymphoma (PCSM-TCL) and identify parameters of prognostic significance. Patients and Methods We have investigated 24 patients with primary cutaneous lymphomas composed of small/medium mature T-cells with a βF1, CD3, CD4+ and/or noncytotoxic, CD8– and CD30– phenotype. The proliferation index and CD8+ infiltrating cells were quantified with an automated image analysis system. Results Sixteen patients presenting with solitary or localized plaques or small nodules (< 3 cm) had an indolent course. Only three patients experienced repeated cutaneous relapses, and none of them died as a result of the disease after 1 to 168 months (median, 17 months) of follow-up. The tumors had a low proliferation (median Ki-67, 9% ± 5%) and an intense infiltrate of reactive CD8+ (median, 20% ± 11.7%). Five patients presenting with rapidly evolving large tumors or nodules (≥ 5 cm) had an aggressive disease and died with extracutaneous dissemination 18 to 36 months after diagnosis (median, 23 months). These tumors had a significantly higher proliferation (median Ki-67, 22% ± 11.3%; P < .05) and lower number of infiltrating CD8+ (median, 1% ± 3%; P < .05) than the previous group. A third group of three patients had a peculiar clinical presentation with multifocal relapsing lesions without extracutaneous dissemination after a long period of follow-up ranging from 41 to 92 months. Histologically, these cases had an intense infiltrate of eosinophils. Conclusion PCSM-TCL is a heterogeneous group of tumors with differentiated clinical and pathological characteristics with impact in the outcome of the patients.
Composition-Dependent Ion-Exchange Reactivity of Potassium Lithium Titanates
Authors: Fuse Yasufumi , Ide Yusuke , Ogawa Makoto 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The ion exchange of dodecylammonium ion was examined for two potassium lithium titanates; the titanates were K0.80Ti1.71Li0.29O3.97 prepared by a solid-state reaction at 800 °C and K0.66Ti1.73Li0.27O3.93 prepared by a solid-state reaction at 1020 °C followed by reaction with aqueous H2SO4 and subsequent annealing. A single phase intercalation compound formed successfully for K0.66Ti1.73Li0.27O3.93 (the amount of the adsorbed dodecylammonium was 2.1 mmol g−1) by reaction with an aqueous solution of dodecylammonium chloride. On the other hand, the parent titanate remained for K0.80Ti1.71Li0.29O3.97 (1.4 mmol g−1).
Psychological theory and pedagogical effectiveness: The learning promotion potential framework
Authors: Tomlinson Peter 
Published: June 2008

Background: After a century of educational psychology, eminent commentators are still lamenting problems besetting the appropriate relating of psychological insights to teaching design, a situation not helped by the persistence of crude assumptions concerning the nature of pedagogical effectiveness.Aims To propose an analytical or meta‐theoretical framework based on the concept of learning promotion potential (LPP) as a basis for understanding the basic relationship between psychological insights and teaching strategies, and to draw out implications for psychology‐based pedagogical design, development and research.Method This is a theoretical and meta‐theoretical paper relying mainly on conceptual analysis, though also calling on psychological theory and research.Content Since teaching consists essentially in activity designed to promote learning, it follows that a teaching strategy has the potential in principle to achieve particular kinds of learning gains (LPP) to the extent that it embodies or stimulates the relevant learning processes on the part of learners and enables the teacher's functions of on‐line monitoring and assistance for such learning processes. Whether a teaching strategy actually does realize its LPP by way of achieving its intended learning goals depends also on the quality of its implementation, in conjunction with other factors in the situated interaction that teaching always involves. The core role of psychology is to provide well‐grounded indication of the nature of such learning processes and the teaching functions that support them, rather than to directly generate particular ways of teaching. A critically eclectic stance towards potential sources of psychological insight is argued for. Applying this framework, the paper proposes five kinds of issue to be attended to in the design and evaluation of psychology‐based pedagogy. Other work proposing comparable ideas is briefly reviewed, with particular attention to similarities and a key difference with the ideas of Oser and Baeriswyl (2001).
Association of Conventional Goals and Perceptions of Pregnancy with Female Teenagers’ Pregnancy Avoidance Behavior and Attitudes
Authors: Jumping‐Eagle Sara , Sheeder Jeanelle , Kelly Lisa S. , Stevens‐Simon Catherine 
Published: June 2008

CONTEXT:  Fostering conventional goals is a key component of pregnancy prevention interventions for teenagers. However, research has not shown whether having goals independently influences sexual behavior, or whether the perception that pregnancy represents an impediment to achieving goals mediates any association. METHODS:  In 1999–2001, a racially mixed group of 351 sexually experienced female teenagers who were inadequate contraceptive users completed surveys about goals, the anticipated impact of childbearing on these goals, and protective behaviors and attitudes. Chi‐square, regression and two‐by‐two table analyses assessed associations between goals and perceptions of early childbearing and pregnancy avoidance measures. RESULTS:  Three‐fourths of respondents had educational or vocational goals. Eight in 10 of these teenagers perceived their goals to be achievable, but fewer than half thought pregnancy would be an impediment to achieving these goals. Teenagers who had goals were more likely than others to have used a contraceptive at last intercourse (odds ratio, 1.9), but controlling for the perception of pregnancy as an impediment eliminated this association. In contrast, considering pregnancy an impediment was associated with an increased likelihood of supporting each pregnancy avoidance measure (2.1–9.6), and of intending to avoid pregnancy and to have an abortion if pregnant, regardless of whether teenagers had goals (8.3–13.8). CONCLUSIONS:  Conventional goals appear to motivate teenagers to avoid getting pregnant only if they believe pregnancy will be an impediment. Thus, it may be less important to encourage young women to formulate goals than to ensure that they consider adolescent childbearing a threat to their plans.
Counseling About and Use of Emergency Contraception in the United States
Authors: Kavanaugh Megan L. , Schwarz Eleanor Bimla 
Published: June 2008

CONTEXT:  Few nationally representative studies have examined the prevalence and predictors of emergency contraception use or of receipt of counseling about the method. The impact of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s 2006 approval of behind‐the‐counter sales of the method to women aged 18 and older remains to be seen; therefore, understanding patterns of use and counseling before the 2006 policy change is necessary to assess its impact. METHODS:  Data collected from 7,643 women aged 15–44 participating in the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to assess predictors of receipt of counseling and use of emergency contraception. RESULTS:  Overall, 3% of women reported that a clinician had discussed emergency contraception with them in the past year, and 4% of those who had ever had sex with a man reported having used the method. Only 4% of those who had seen a gynecologist in the past year reported having received counseling. Women’s likelihood of having received counseling was reduced if they were 30 or older (odds ratio, 0.2), and was elevated if they were Hispanic (4.1), black (2.6) or ever‐married (2.4). Receipt of counseling in the last 12 months was the strongest predictor of ever‐use (11.7). CONCLUSIONS:  Clinicians can play a pivotal role in ensuring that women have accurate information about how to access and use emergency contraception. However, efforts are needed to explore other ways to deliver this counseling.