bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discussion on Le Bas et al. (1997) ‘Oxygen, carbon and strontium
isotope study of the carbonatitic dolomite host of the Bayan Obo Fe-Nb-REE
deposit, Inner Mongolia, China’, Mineralogical Magazine, 61, 531–41
Authors: Campbell L. S. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
Some important and interesting data on the O, C and Sr isotopic compositions
of rocks associated with the Bayan Obo Fe-Nb-REE
deposit have been reported by Le Bas et al. (1997).
However, a number of points relating to the interpretation of these data, and also
to the terminology adopted, are worthy of further discussion. The essence of this
discussion is that some of the geochemical and isotopic signatures found at Bayan
Obo are not exclusively consistent with an igneous origin. A replacement
hypothesis involving deep-sourced fluids could also explain the pattern of data,
if minor carbonatitic intrusions into a sedimentary sequence are
considered.
Inflammation in sputum relates to progression of disease in subjects with COPD: a prospective descriptive study
Authors: Parr David G , White Andrew J , Bayley Darren L , Guest Peter J , Stockley Robert A 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Inflammation is considered to be of primary pathogenic importance in COPD but the evidence on which current understanding is based does not distinguish between cause and effect, and no single mechanism can account for the complex pathology. We performed a prospective longitudinal study of subjects with COPD that related markers of sputum inflammation at baseline to subsequent disease progression.

Methods
A cohort of 56 patients with chronic bronchitis was characterized in the stable state at baseline and after an interval of four years, using physiological measures and CT densitometry. Sputum markers of airway inflammation were quantified at baseline from spontaneously produced sputum in a sub-group (n = 38), and inflammation severity was related to subsequent disease progression.

Results
Physiological and CT measures indicated disease progression in the whole group. In the sub-group, sputum myeloperoxidase correlated with decline in FEV1 (rs = -0.344, p = 0.019, n = 37). LTB4 and albumin leakage correlated with TLCO decline (rs = -0.310, p = 0.033, rs = -0.401, p = 0.008, respectively, n = 35) and IL-8 correlated with progression of lung densitometric indices (rs = -0.464, p = 0.005, n = 38).

Conclusion
The data support a principal causative role for neutrophilic inflammation in the pathogenesis of COPD and suggest that the measurement of sputum inflammatory markers may have a predictive role in clinical practice.
Gene expression profiling following constitutive activation of MEK1 and transformation of rat intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Komatsu Koga , Buchanan F Gregory , Otaka Michiro , Jin Mario , Odashima Masaru , Horikawa Yohei , Watanabe Sumio , DuBois Raymond N 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Constitutive activation of MEK1 (caMEK) can induce the oncogenic transformation of normal intestinal epithelial cells. To define the genetic changes that occur during this process, we used oligonucleotide microarrays to determine which genes are regulated following the constitutive activation of MEK in normal intestinal epithelial cells.

Results
Microarray analysis was performed using Affymetrix GeneChip and total RNA from doxycycline inducible RIEtiCAMEK cells in the presence or absence of doxycycline. MEK-activation induced at least a three-fold difference in 115 gene transcripts (75 transcripts were up-regulated, and 40 transcripts were down-regulated). To verify whether these mRNAs are indeed regulated by the constitutive activation of MEK, RT-PCR analysis was performed using the samples from caMEK expressing RIE cells (RIEcCAMEK cells) as well as RIEtiCAMEK cells. The altered expression level of 69 gene transcripts was confirmed. Sixty-one of the differentially expressed genes have previously been implicated in cellular transformation or tumorogenesis. For the remaining 8 genes (or their human homolog), RT-PCR analysis was performed on RNA from human colon cancer cell lines and matched normal and tumor colon cancer tissues from human patients, revealing three novel targets (rat brain serine protease2, AMP deaminase 3, and cartilage link protein 1).

Conclusion
Following MEK-activation, many tumor-associated genes were found to have significantly altered expression levels. However, we identified three genes that were differentially expressed in caMEK cells and human colorectal cancers, which have not been previously linked to cellular transformation or tumorogenesis.
Prevalence of Rickettsia slovaca in Dermacentor marginatus Ticks Removed from Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Northeastern Spain
Authors: ORTUÑO A. , QUESADA M. , LÓPEZ S. , MIRET J. , CARDEÑOSA N. , CASTELLÀ J. , ANTON E. , SEGURA F. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract:
Rickettsia slovaca, the causative agent of TIBOLA, is transmitted by Dermacentor ticks. Dermacentor marginatus is the most widely species distributed in northeasler Spain, and the wild boar constitutes the main host. D. marginatus ticks were collected from hunterkilled wild boar and were tested by PCR/RFLP. Rickettsial DNA–positive ticks were sequenced using the ompA PCR primers. The prevalence of R. slovaca in D. marginatus ticks was 17.7%. Other spotted fever group rickettsiae were detected in ticks, but these were not definitely identified.
Molecular Identification of Rickettsia felis‐like Bacteria in Haemaphysalis sulcata Ticks Collected from Domestic Animals in Southern Croatia
Authors: DUH DARJA , PUNDA‐POLIĆ VOLGA , TRILAR TOMI , PETROVEC MIROSLAV , BRADARIĆ NIKOLA , AVŠIČ‐ŽUPANC TATJANA 
Published: November 2006

Abstract:
Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks collected from sheep and goats in southern Croatia were found infected with rickettsiae. Molecular analysis of the complete gltA gene and portion of 17 kDa and ompB genes revealed the presence of Rickettsia felis‐like bacteria in up to 26% of tested ticks.
Expression of rOmpA and rOmpB Protein in Rickettsia massiliae during the Rhipicephalus turanicus Life Cycle
Authors: OGAWA MOTOHIKO , MATSUMOTO KOTARO , PHILIPPE PAROLA , RAOULT DIDIER , BROUQUI PHILIPPE 
Published: November 2006

Abstract:
Rhipicephalus turanicus tick colony infected in the laboratory with Rickettsia massiliae showed that the rickettsia is transovarially and transdatially tramsmitted. The expression of rOmpB did not change with temperature or the stages of the tick life cycle. In contrast, rOmpA was less expressed during the larval stage.
Ornithodoros moubata, a Soft Tick Vector for Rickettsia in East Africa?
Authors: CUTLER SALLY J , BROWNING PAUL , SCOTT JULIE C 
Published: November 2006

Abstract:
Omithodoros moubata complex (Argasidae) ticks collected from human dwellings in central Tanzania were found to carry a novel rickettsial species that clustered among the spotted fever group. Atlhough no evidence of human infection was evident, these ticks feed primarily on man, thus providing opportunity for zoonotic infection.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection in Cattle in France
Authors: MATSUMOTO KOTARO , JONCOUR GUY , DAVOUST BERNARD , PITEL PIERRE‐HUGUES , CHAUZY ALAIN , COLLIN ERIC , MORVAN HERVÉ , VASSALLO NATHALIE , BROUQUI PHILIPPE 
Published: November 2006

Abstract:
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is the agent of pasture fever or tick‐borne fever, a disease of ruminants and humans in the United States and in Europe. Although several hundred cases have been suspected to occur in cattle in France, none has yet been microbiologically confirmed. We report the first identification of A. phagocytophilum 16S RNA gene sequence in a case of TBF in France. This indicates that the diagnosis of tick‐borne fever should be also evoked in cattle exposed to Ixodes ticks in France.
The Occurrence of Spotted Fever Group (SFG) Rickettsiae in Ixodes ricinus Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Northern Poland
Authors: STAŃCZAK JOANNA 
Published: November 2006

Abstract:
Ixodes ricinus, the most commonly observed tick species in Poland, is known vector of microorganisms pathogenic for humans as TBE virus, Borrelia burgdorferi s.1., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia sp. in this country. Our study aimed to find out whether this tick can also transmit also rickettsiae of the spotted fever group (SFG). DNA extracts from 560 ticks (28 females, 34 males, and 488 nymphs) collected in different wooded areas in northern Poland were examined by PCR for the detection of Rickettsia sp., using a primer set RpCS.877p and RpCS.1258n designated to amplify a 381‐bp fragment of gltA gene. A total of 2.9% ticks was found to be positive. The percentage of infected females and males was comparable (10.5% and 11.8%, respectively) and 6.6–7.6 times higher than in nymphs (1.6%). Sequences of four PCR‐derived DNA fragments (acc. no. DQ672603) demonstrated 99% similarity with the sequence of Rickettsia helvetica deposited in GenBank. The results obtained suggest the possible role of I. ricinus as a source of a microorganism, which recently has been identified as an agent of human rickettsioses in Europe.
Infective Endocarditis due to Bartonella spp. and Coxiella burnetii
Authors: SICILIANO RINALDO FOCACCIA , STRABELLI TÂNIA MARA , ZEIGLER ROGÉRIO , RODRIGUES CRISTHIENI , CASTELLI JUSSARA BIANCHI , GRINBERG MAX , COLOMBO SILVIA , Da SILVA LUIZ JACINTHO , Do NASCIMENTO ELVIRA MARIA MENDES , Dos SANTOS FABIANA CRISTINA PEREIRA , UIP DAVID EVERSON 
Published: November 2006

Abstract:
Bartonella spp. and Coxiella burnetii are recognized as causative agents of blood culture–negative endocarditis (BCNE) in humans and there are no studies of their occurrences in Brazil. The purpose of this study is to investigate Bartonella spp. and C. burnetii as a causative agent of culture‐negative endocarditis patients at a cardiology hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. From January 2004 to December 2004 patients with a diagnosis of endocarditis at our Institute were identified and recorded prospectively. They were considered to have possible or definite endocarditis according to the modified Duke criteria. Those with blood culture–negative were tested serologically using the indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) for Bartonella henselae, B. quintana, and C. burnetii. IFA‐IgG titers >800 for Bartonella spp. and C. burnetii were considered positive. A total of 61 patients with endocarditis diagnosis were evaluated, 17 (27%) were culture‐negative. Two have had IgG titer greater than 800 (≥3,200) against Bartonella spp. and one against C. burnetii (phase I and II≥6,400). Those with Bartonella‐induced endocarditis had a fatal disease. Necropsy showed calcifications and extensive destruction of the valve tissue, which is diffusely infiltrated with mononuclear inflammatory cells predominantly by foamy macrophages. The patient with C. burnetii endocarditis received specific antibiotic therapy. Reports of infective endocartitis due to Bartonella spp. and C. burnetii in Brazil reveal the importance of investigating the infectious agents in culture‐negative endocarditis.
Phase II Study of Temozolomide in Relapsed or Refractory High-Risk Neuroblastoma: A Joint Société Française des Cancers de l’Enfant and United Kingdom Children Cancer Study Group–New Agents Group Study
Authors: Rubie Hervé , Chisholm Julia , Defachelles Anne Sophie , Morland Bruce , Munzer Caroline , Valteau-Couanet Dominique , Mosseri Véronique , Bergeron Christophe , Weston Clare , Coze Carole , Auvrignon Anne , Djafari Latifa , Hobson Rachel , Baunin Christiane , Dickinson Fiona , Brisse Hervé , McHugh Kieran , Biassoni Lorenzo , Giammarile Francesco , Vassal Gilles 
Published: November 2006

Purpose To determine the response rate (RR) of neuroblastoma (NB) in children to temozolomide (TMZ), and evaluate the duration of response and tolerance of the drug in this patient population. Patients and Methods A multicenter, phase II evaluation of an oral, daily schedule of TMZ (200 mg/m2/d × 5 days every 28 days) was undertaken in children with refractory or relapsed high-risk NB (metastatic or localized with Myc-N amplification). Response assessment was based on imaging with two-dimentional measurement of disease and meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) score. Activity was defined by a reduction in lesion size or isotope uptake at anytime. Methodology included a two-step design using Fleming’s method with a first step of 15 patients and a second of 10 additional patients if two to four responses had been observed in the first cohort. All data was centrally reviewed by a panel. Results Twenty-five assessable patients were recruited over a 14-month period in 14 centers and received 94 cycles of chemotherapy. Twenty-three patients had metastatic NB either refractory (n = 9) or in relapse (n = 14). Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was the most frequent toxicity (16% of cycles). Myelosuppression resulted in treatment delays and dose reductions (24% and 21% of cycles, respectively). Response (complete response, very good partial response, or partial response) was observed in five patients (RR = 20% ± 8%) with a median duration of 6 months and an objective or mixed response in five additional patients. Conclusion Temozolomide shows activity in heavily pretreated patients with NB, and deserves further evaluation in combination with another drug.
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Prophylactic Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor and Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor After Autologous and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Dekker Allison , Bulley Sean , Beyene Joseph , Dupuis L. Lee , Doyle John J. , Sung Lillian 
Published: November 2006

Purpose The primary objective of our meta-analysis was to determine whether prophylactic hematopoietic colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) after hematopoietic autologous and allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (SCT) reduced documented infections. Our secondary objectives were to determine whether prophylactic CSFs affected other outcomes including parenteral antibiotic therapy duration, infection-related mortality, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), or treatment-related mortality. Methods We included studies if there was random assignment between CSFs and placebo/no therapy and CSFs were given after SCT and before recovery of neutrophils. From 3,778 reviewed study articles, 34 were included based on predefined inclusion criteria. All analyses were conducted using a random effects model. Results CSFs reduced the risk of documented infections (relative risk [RR] 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.00; P = .05) and duration of parenteral antibiotics (weighted mean difference, −1.39 days, 95% CI, −2.56 to −0.22; P = .02) but did not reduce infection-related mortality (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.41 to 1.44; P = .4). CSFs did not increase grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.31; P = .8) or treatment-related mortality (RR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.29; P = .98). Conclusion CSFs were associated with a small reduction in the risk of documented infections but did not affect infection or treatment-related mortality.
Communication About Prognosis Between Parents and Physicians of Children With Cancer: Parent Preferences and the Impact of Prognostic Information
Authors: Mack Jennifer W. , Wolfe Joanne , Grier Holcombe E. , Cleary Paul D. , Weeks Jane C. 
Published: November 2006

Purpose Concerns about the harms of prognostic information, including distress and loss of hope, cause some physicians to avoid frank disclosure. We aimed to determine parent preferences for prognostic information about their children with cancer and the results of receiving such information. Patients and Methods We surveyed 194 parents of children with cancer (overall response rate, 70%), treated at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital (Boston, MA) and the children's physicians. Our main outcome measure was parent rating of prognostic information as extremely or very upsetting. Results The majority of parents desired as much information about prognosis as possible (87%) and wanted it expressed numerically (85%). Although 36% of parents found information about prognosis to be extremely or very upsetting, those parents were more likely to want additional information about prognosis than those who were less upset (P = .01). Parents who found information upsetting were no less likely to say that knowing prognosis was important (P = .39), that knowing prognosis helped in decision making (P = .40), or that hope for a cure kept them going (P = .72). Conclusion Although many parents find prognostic information about their children with cancer upsetting, parents who are upset by prognostic information are no less likely to want it. The upsetting nature of prognostic information does not diminish parents' desire for such information, its importance to decision making, or parents' sense of hope.
Irinotecan Plus Temozolomide for Relapsed or Refractory Neuroblastoma
Authors: Kushner Brian H. , Kramer Kim , Modak Shakeel , Cheung Nai-Kong V. 
Published: November 2006

Purpose To report on an irinotecan and temozolomide regimen for neuroblastoma (NB). Quality of life and minimizing toxicity were major considerations. Patients and Methods The plan stipulated 5-day courses of irinotecan 50 mg/m2 (1-hour infusion) and temozolomide 150 mg/m2 (oral) every 3 to 4 weeks, with a pretreatment platelet count more than 30,000/μL. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was used when the absolute neutrophil count was less than 1,000/μL. Results Forty-nine NB patients received 1 to 15 courses (median, 5). Gastrointestinal and myelosuppressive toxicities were readily managed. Lymphocyte responses to phytohemagglutinin after 2 to 10 courses (median, 3.5) were normal in 10 of 10 patients treated after nonimmunosuppressive therapy, and normalized in five of seven patients first treated less than 2 months after high-dose alkylators. Of 19 patients treated for refractory NB and assessable for response, nine showed evidence of disease regression, including two complete responses and seven objective responses. Of 17 patients treated for progressive disease, three showed evidence of disease regression, including one partial response and two objective responses. Multiple courses entailed no cumulative toxicity and controlled disease for prolonged periods in many patients, including some who were unable to complete prior treatments because of hematologic, infectious, cardiac, or renal problems. Conclusion This regimen has anti-NB activity, spares vital organs, is feasible with poor bone marrow reserve, causes limited immunosuppression, and allows good quality of life.
C-Reactive Protein Levels, Variation in the C-Reactive Protein Gene, and Cancer Risk: The Rotterdam Study
Authors: Siemes Claire , Visser Loes E. , Coebergh Jan-Willem W. , Splinter Ted A.W. , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , Uitterlinden André G. , Hofman Albert , Pols Huibert A.P. , Stricker Bruno H.Ch. 
Published: November 2006

Purpose It remains unclear if inflammation itself may induce cancer, if inflammation is a result of tumor growth, or a combination of both exists. The aim of this study was to examine whether C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and CRP gene variations were associated with an altered risk of colorectal, lung, breast, or prostate cancer. Patients and Methods A total of 7,017 participants age ≥ 55 years from the Rotterdam Study were eligible for analyses. Mean follow-up time was 10.2 years. High-sensitivity CRP measurements were performed to identify additional values of 0.2 to 1.0 mg/L compared with standard procedures. Genotypes of the CRP gene were determined with an allelic discrimination assay. Results High levels (> 3 mg/L) of CRP were associated with an increased risk of incident cancer (hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.7) compared with persons with low levels (< 1 mg/L), even after a potential latent period of 5 years was introduced. Although CRP seems to affect several cancer sites, the association was strongest for lung cancer (hazard ratio, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.6 to 4.9). A CRP single nucleotide polymorphism associated with decreased CRP levels was associated with an increased lung cancer risk of 2.6 (95% CI, 1.6 to 4.4) in homozygous carriers. Conclusion Baseline CRP levels seem to be a biomarker of chronic inflammation preceding lung cancer, even after subtracting a 5-year latent period. Furthermore, CRP gene variation associated with low CRP blood levels was relatively common in patients with lung cancer. Both chronic inflammation and impaired defense mechanisms resulting in chronic inflammation might explain these results.
Phase II Study of Etoposide and Cisplatin With Concurrent Twice-Daily Thoracic Radiotherapy Followed by Irinotecan and Cisplatin in Patients With Limited-Disease Small-Cell Lung Cancer: West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group 9902
Authors: Saito Hiroshi , Takada Yoshiki , Ichinose Yukito , Eguchi Kenji , Kudoh Shinzoh , Matsui Kaoru , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Takada Minoru , Negoro Shunichi , Tamura Kenji , Ando Masahiko , Tada Takuhito , Fukuoka Masahiro 
Published: November 2006

Purpose We initially conducted a randomized phase II study to compare irinotecan and cisplatin (IP) versus irinotecan, cisplatin, and etoposide (IPE) after etoposide and cisplatin (EP) with concurrent twice-daily thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) in limited-disease small-cell lung cancer (LD-SCLC). We amended the protocol to evaluate IP after EP with concurrent twice-daily TRT in a single-arm phase II study because of an unacceptable toxicity in IPE. Patients and Methods Previously untreated patients with LD-SCLC were treated intravenously with etoposide 100 mg/m2 on days 1 through 3 and cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1 with concurrent twice-daily TRT (1.5 Gy per fraction, a total dose of 45 Gy) beginning on day 2 followed by three cycles of irinotecan 60 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 and cisplatin 60 mg/m2 on day 1 of a 4-week cycle. Results Of the 51 patients enrolled, 49 patients were assessable for response and toxicity. The overall response rate and complete response rate were 88% and 41%, respectively. The median survival time for all patients was 23 months. The 2-year and 3-year survival rates were 49% and 29.7%, respectively. The median progression-free survival was 11.8 months. The major toxicities observed were neutropenia (grade 4, 84%), febrile neutropenia (grade 3, 31%), infection (grade 3 to 4, 33%), electrolytes imbalance (grade 3 to 4, 20%), and diarrhea (grade 3 to 4, 14%). Conclusion EP with concurrent twice-daily TRT followed by the consolidation of IP appears to be an active regimen which deserves further phase III testing in patients with LD-SCLC.