bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychological defenses of young osteosarcoma survivors
Authors: Sammallahti Pirkko , Lehto‐Salo Pirkko , Mäenpää Hanna , Elomaa Inkeri , Aalberg Veikko 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo self‐report measures—one assessing psychiatric symptoms (SCL‐90) and the other ego defenses (DSQ)—were completed by 16 young survivors of osteosarcoma and 72 healthy controls. The survivors were found to be well adjusted, with no evidence of the self‐report being biased by defensiveness. There was one difference in the way the two study groups described themselves, however. Though far from conclusive, the finding seems to suggest that survivors have problems in trusting that they can obtain support and understanding from other people when they need it most. Possibly one of the most vulnerable areas where the negative impact of major illness may become evident is the capacity to feel secure in interpersonal relationships.
Detection of the equilibrium folding intermediate of β‐lactoglobulin in the presence of trifluoroethanol by mass spectrometry
Authors: Invernizzi Gaetano , Grandori Rita 
Published: February 2007

AbstractNano‐electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nano‐ESI‐MS) was used to monitor the effect of trifluoroethanol (TFE) on the conformational properties of β‐lactoglobulin (BLG). TFE stabilizes protein secondary structure, particularly α‐helices. However, it also acts as a denaturant above critical concentrations. In the case of BLG, TFE at low concentrations is known to induce formation of an equilibrium intermediate that contains non‐native helical structure. Such an intermediate is thought to form also under physiological conditions, playing a role in BLG folding in vivo by preventing aggregation. This well‐characterized system was chosen in order to test species distributions obtained by nano‐ESI‐MS. BLG spectra at increasing concentrations of TFE at pH 2 indicate transient accumulation of a conformer whose charge‐state distribution (CSD) falls between that of the native and that of the denatured protein, indicating that the TFE‐induced, partially folded form can be selectively monitored by this technique. The condition of its maximum accumulation corresponds to 16% TFE, in excellent agreement with results from solution experiments. In contrast, titrations with methanol or acetonitrile (ACN) reveal apparent two‐state transitions from native to fully unfolded BLG. At 10% TFE, the protein appears to be still fully folded at room temperature but, if unfolding is elicited by the combination with other denaturing agents, e.g. heat or low concentrations of ACN, it proceeds via formation of the intermediate. Thus, TFE can also induce formation of the BLG intermediate in synergism with generic denaturing agents. This study indicates good agreement between ESI‐MS and other biophysical methods monitoring protein conformational transitions in the presence of TFE. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐parametric regression models for cost‐effectiveness analysis: improving the efficiency of estimation from censored data
Authors: Pullenayegum Eleanor M. , Willan Andrew R. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn a cost‐effectiveness analysis using clinical trial data, estimates of the between‐treatment difference in mean cost and mean effectiveness are needed. Several methods for handling censored data have been suggested. One of them is inverse‐probability weighting, and has the advantage that it can also be applied to estimate the parameters from a linear regression of the mean. Such regression models can potentially estimate the treatment contrast more precisely, since some of the residual variance can be explained by baseline covariates. The drawback, however, is that inverse‐probability weighting may not be efficient. Using existing results on semi‐parametric efficiency, this paper derives the semi‐parametric efficient parameter estimates for regression of mean cost, mean quality‐adjusted survival time and mean survival time. The performance of these estimates is evaluated through a simulation study. Applying both the new estimators and the inverse‐probability weighted estimators to the results of the EVALUATE trial showed that the new estimators achieved a halving of the variance of the estimated treatment contrast for cost. Some practical suggestions for choosing an estimator are offered. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A harmonized design for process assessment indicators
Authors: Mäkinen Timo , Varkoi Timo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIndicators are used for providing detailed information to support process assessment. The development of the indicators could be assisted by deploying a solid conceptual model for process assessment indicators. This article uses a process meta‐model and existing assessment models as bases in designing the assessment indicators. We also discuss the benefits of the model in indicator development. The presented harmonized design of assessment indicators can be used in the development of assessment models and methods. The conclusion is a simplified, yet sufficient presentation of the elements required as assessment indicators. This article is intended for developers of assessment models, methods or tools, and users of current assessment models. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved serodiagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis of humans using anin vitro-producedEchinococcus multilocularisantigen
Authors: MÜLLER N. , FREI E. , NUÑEZ S. , GOTTSTEIN B. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYSerology is an important tool for the diagnosis of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) in humans. In order to improve serodiagnostic performance, we have developed anin vitro-producedEchinococcus mulilocularismetacestode vesicle fluid (EmVF) antigen for application in an immunoblot assay. Immunoblot analysis of EmVF revealed an abundant immunoreactive band triplet of 20–22 kDa, achieving a sensitivity of 100% based on the testing of sera from 62 pre-operative and pre-treatment cases of active and inactive AE. Thus, the EmVF-immunoblotting allowed the specific detection of cases seronegative by the Em2- and/or EmII/3–10-ELISA, usually attributable to abortive, inactive cases of AE. The specificity of the EmVF-immunoblotting did not allow discrimination between AE and cystic echinococcosis (CE) but was 100% with respect to non-Echinococcusparasitic infections or cancer malignancies. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the current ELISA test combination (Em2- and II/3–10-ELISA) be complemented with EmVF-immunoblotting, allowing an improved diagnosis of both clinical and subclinical forms of AE, including those associated withE. multilocularis-specific antibody reactivities not detectable by ELISA.
Differential gene expression analysis in antimony-unresponsive Indian kala azar (visceral leishmaniasis) clinical isolates by DNA microarray
Authors: SINGH N. , ALMEIDA R. , KOTHARI H. , KUMAR P. , MANDAL G. , CHATTERJEE M. , VENKATACHALAM S. , GOVIND M. K. , MANDAL S. K. , SUNDAR S. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYIn this study, cDNA microarray analysis of a closely related species,Leishmania major, was used as a screening tool to compare antimonial-resistant and susceptible clinical isolates ofLeishmania donovaniin order to to identify candidate genes on the basis of antimony resistance. Clinically confirmed resistant isolate 39 and sensitive isolate 2001 were used in this study. Many differentially regulated genes were identified whose expression levels differ in sodium antimony gluconate (SAG)-treated patients. Interestingly, genes on the array, showing changes in expression of over 2-fold revealed the identity of ABC transporters, which are known determinants of drug resistance in laboratory mutants. The functionality of the transporters was validated by flow cytometry which, being biologically informative, provides direct clues to gene function. The results suggest that isolate 39 could have developed resistance by an increased multidrug resistance protein (MRP)-like pump. This study provides preliminary clues to the role of a thiol-dependent efflux system in antimonial resistant clinical isolates ofLeishmania donovani.
A trypanosome species isolated from naturally infectedHaemaphysalis hystricisticks in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Authors: THEKISOE O. M. M. , HONDA T. , FUJITA H. , BATTSETSEG B. , HATTA T. , FUJISAKI K. , SUGIMOTO C. , INOUE N. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYCommon arthropod vectors for trypanosomes are flies, fleas and bugs. This study reports on an unknown trypanosome species isolated from naturally infectedHaemaphysalis hystricisticks, hereby, referred to asTrypanosomaKG1 isolate. The parasite has been successfully culturedin vitrowith L929 or HEK 293T cell line as feeder cells. This trypanosome cannot survivein vitrowithout feeder cells. Following experimental infections of ticks, the trypomastigote-like and the epimastigote-like forms of this trypanosome could be detected by Giemsa-stained smears of the midgut and salivary glands ofOrnithodoros moubataticks which were made to feed on a culturing medium containingTrypanosomaKG1 isolate through an artificial membrane.TrypanosomaKG1 isolate could also be detected from Giemsa-stained smears of the haemolymph up to 30 days post-inoculation into theO. moubatahaemocoel.TrypanosomaKG1 isolate cannot be propagated in laboratory animals including mice, rats, rabbits and sheep. A phylogenetic tree constructed with the 18S rRNA gene indicates thatTrypanosomaKG1 is a member of the stercorarian trypanosomes.
What makes self-help interventions effective in the management of depressive symptoms? Meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: GELLATLY JUDITH , BOWER PETER , HENNESSY SUE , RICHARDS DAVID , GILBODY SIMON , LOVELL KARINA 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlthough self-help interventions are effective in treating depression, less is known about the factors that determine effectiveness (i.e. moderators of effect). This study sought to determine whether the content of self-help interventions, the study populations or aspects of study design were the most important moderators.MethodRandomized trials of the effectiveness of self-help interventionsversuscontrols in the treatment of depressive symptoms were identified using previous reviews and electronic database searches. Data on moderators (i.e. patient populations, study design, intervention content) and outcomes were extracted and analysed using meta-regression.ResultsThirty-four studies were identified with 39 comparisons. Study design factors associated with greater effectiveness were unclear allocation concealment, observer-rated outcome measures and waiting-list control groups. Greater effectiveness was also associated with recruitment in non-clinical settings, patients with existing depression (rather than those ‘at risk’), contact with a therapist (i.e. guided self-help) and the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques. However, only guided self-help remained significant in the multivariate analysis [regression coefficient 0·36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·05–0·68,p=0·03]. In the subset of guided studies, there were no significant associations between outcomes and the session length, content, delivery mode or therapist background.ConclusionsThe results provide some insights into moderators of self-help interventions, which might assist in the design of future interventions. However, the present study did not provide a comprehensive description, and other research methods might be required to identify factors associated with the effectiveness of self-help.
Is bereavement-related depression different than non-bereavement-related depression?
Authors: ZISOOK SIDNEY , KENDLER KENNETH S. 
Published: February 2007

Background. This review tackles the question: ‘Is bereavement related depression (BRD) the same or different from standard (non-bereavement-related) major depression (SMD)?’ To answer this question, we examined published data on key characteristics that define and characterize SMD to assess whether they also characterize BRD.Method. We searched all English-language reports in Medline up to November 2006 to identify relevant studies. Bibliographies of located articles were searched for additional studies.Results. Consistent with the position that BRD is distinct from SMD, some, but not all, studies report that men are as likely as women to have BRD and that past or family histories of SMD do not predict BRD. With greater consistency, studies suggest that, like SMD, BRD is: more common in younger than in older adults, predicated by poor health or low social support, followed by recurrent episodes of major depressive episode (MDE), and associated with impaired immunological responses, altered sleep architecture, and responsivity to antidepressant treatment.Conclusions. Overall, the prevailing evidence more strongly supports similarities than differences between BRD and SMD. Because so few studies focus on BRD occurring within the first 2 months of bereavement, the period identified by the DSM to exclude the diagnosis of MDE, more research is needed specifically on this group to help us evaluate the validity of this important diagnostic convention.
Re-emergence ofFrancisella tularensisin Germany: fatal tularaemia in a colony of semi-free-living marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: SPLETTSTOESSER W. D. , MäTZ-RENSING K. , SEIBOLD E. , TOMASO H. , AL DAHOUK S. , GRUNOW R. , ESSBAUER S. , BUCKENDAHL A. , FINKE E.-J. , NEUBAUER H. 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYFrancisella tularensiswas identified as the cause of a die-off which occurred among a colony of semi-free-living common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). During the outbreak 5 out of 62 animals died of tularaemia in a research facility located in the district of Goettingen, Germany. All animals had been born at the facility suggesting an endemic infection. A total of five culture isolates were recovered and characterized asF. tularensis holarctica, biovar I. These cultures represent the first isolates obtained in the Federal Republic of Germany for more than 45 years. The outbreak area shows several geographical and ecological characteristics known to favour long-term presence ofF. tularensis. Persistence of the pathogen in the remote region along the former German–German border, continuous re-introduction from eastern European countries after destruction of the ‘Iron curtain’ or introduction through migrating birds are testable hypotheses which could explain the emergence of tularaemia in this particular region.
Relationship of pulsed-field profiles with key phage types of Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis in Europe: results of an international multi-centre study
Authors: PETERS T. M. , BERGHOLD C. , BROWN D. , COIA J. , DIONISI A. M. , ECHEITA A. , FISHER I. S. T. , GATTO A. J. , GILL N. , GREEN J. , GERNER-SMIDT P. , HECK M. , LEDERER I. , LUKINMAA S. , LUZZI I. , MAGUIRE C. , PRAGER R. , USERA M. , SIITONEN A. , THRELFALL E. J. , TORPDAHL M. , TSCHÄPE H. , WANNET W. , ZWALUW W. K. Van der 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYSalmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne infection in Europe with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) being the most commonly identified serovar. The predominant phage type for S. Enteritidis is phage type (PT) 4, although PT 8 has increased in incidence. Within these phage types, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) provides a method of further subdivision. The international project, Salm-gene, was established in 2001 to develop a database of PFGE profiles within nine European countries and to establish criteria for real-time pattern recognition. It uses DNA fingerprints of salmonellas to investigate outbreaks and to evaluate trends and emerging issues of foodborne infection within Europe. The Salm-gene database contains details of about 11 700 S. Enteritidis isolates, demonstrating more than 65 unique PFGE profiles. The clonal nature of S. Enteritidis is evidenced by the high similarity and distribution of PFGE profiles. Over 56% (6603/11 716) of the submitted isolates of several different phage types were profile SENTXB.0001, although this profile is most closely associated with PT 4. The next most common profiles, SENTXB.0002 and SENTXB.0005, were closely associated with PT 8 and PT 21 respectively. Studies to investigate the relationship of profile types with outbreaks and possible vehicles of infection suggest that the incidence of PFGE profile SENTXB.0002, and thus PT 8, in some countries may be due to importation of foods or food production animals from Eastern Europe, where PT 8 is amongst the most frequently identified phage types. Collation of subtyping data, especially in the commonly recognized phage types, is necessary in order to evaluate trends and emerging issues in salmonella infection.
Assessment of intake inadequacy and food sources of zinc of people in China
Authors: Ma Guansheng , Li Yanping , Jin Ying , Du Songming , Kok Frans J , Yang Xiaoguang 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the intake inadequacy and food sources of zinc of people in China.Design and subjectsDiets of 68 962 subjects aged 2–101 years (urban 21 103, rural 47 859) in the 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey were analysed. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour recall for three consecutive days. Zinc intake inadequacy was calculated based on values suggested by the World Health Organization.ResultsThe median zinc intake ranged from 4.9 mg day− 1(urban girls, 2–3 years) to 11.9 mg day− 1(rural males, 19+ years). The zinc density of urban residents (2–3 to 19+ years) was 5.0–5.3 mg day− 1 (1000 kcal)− 1, significantly higher than that of their rural counterparts (4.7–4.8 mg day− 1 (1000 kcal)− 1). Differences in food sources of zinc from cereal grains (27.4–45.1 vs. 51.6–63.2%) and animal foods (28.4–54.8 vs. 16.8–30.6%) were found between urban and rural residents. Zinc from vegetables and fruits (8.2–13.8 vs. 9.7–12.4%) and legumes (1.3–3.3 vs. 2.5–3.4%) was comparable between urban and rural residents. The proportion of zinc intake inadequacy ranged between 2.8% (urban females, 19+ years) and 29.4% (rural lactating women). Rural residents had higher proportions of zinc intake inadequacy than their urban counterparts. Significantly higher proportions of zinc inadequacy were found in the category of phytate/zinc molar ratio >15 for both rural and urban residents.ConclusionsAbout 20% of rural children are at risk of inadequate zinc intake, with phytate as a potential important inhibitor. Moreover, lactating women are also considered a vulnerable group.
Pregravid body mass index is negatively associated with diet quality during pregnancy
Authors: Laraia Barbara A , Bodnar Lisa M , Siega-Riz Anna Maria 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between pregravid weight status and diet quality.DesignInstitute of Medicine body mass index (BMI) cut-off points of < 19.8 kg m− 2for underweight, 19.8–26.0 kg m− 2for normal weight, >26.0–29.0 kg m− 2for overweight and >29 kg m− 2for obese were used to categorise women's weight status. Dietary information was obtained by self-report at 26–28 weeks' gestation using a modified Block food-frequency questionnaire. The Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI-P) included: servings of grains, vegetables and fruits, folate, iron and calcium intake, percentage calories from fat, and meal pattern score. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between weight status and tertiles of DQI-P controlling for potential individual confounders.SettingA clinical-based population recruited through four prenatal clinics in central North Carolina.SubjectsA total of 2394 women from the Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition study were included in this analysis.ResultsEvidence of a dose–response relationship was found between BMI and inadequate servings of grains and vegetables, and iron and folate intake. Pregravid obesity was associated with 76% increased odds of falling into the lowest diet quality tertile compared with underweight women after controlling for potential confounders.ConclusionA modest association was found between pregravid weight status and diet quality. If corroborated, these findings suggest that overweight pregnant women should be targeted for nutrition counselling interventions aimed to improve diet quality.
Biological effects of gamma-ray bursts: distances for severe damage on the biota
Authors: Galante Douglas , Ernesto Horvath Jorge 
Published: February 2007

In this paper we present a unified, quantitative synthesis of analytical and numerical calculations of the effects that could be caused on Earth by a gamma-ray burst (GRB), considering atmospheric and biological implications. The main consequences of the illumination by a GRB are grouped into four distinct classes and analysed separately, namely: direct γ flash, UV flash, O3 layer depletion and cosmic rays. The effectiveness of each of these classes is compared and distances for significant biological damage are given for each one. We find that the first three effects have the potential to cause global environmental changes and biospheric damage, even if the source is located at galactic distances or even farther afield (up to 150 kpc, where 1 parsec=3.09×1016 m, about five times the Galactic diameter of 30 kpc). Instead, cosmic rays would only be a serious threat for close sources (of the order of a few parsecs).As a concrete application from a well-recorded event, the effects on the biosphere of an event identical to the giant flare of SGR1806-20 on 27 December 2004 have been calculated. In spite of not belonging to the so-called ‘classical’ GRBs, most of the parameters of this recent flare are quite well known and have been used as a calibration for our study. We find that a giant flare impinging on Earth is not a threat for life in all practical situations, mainly because it is not as energetic, in spite of being much more frequent than GRBs, unless the source happens to be extremely close.
Hochu‐ekki‐to inhibits rhinovirus infection in human tracheal epithelial cells
Authors: Yamaya M , Sasaki T , Yasuda H , Inoue D , Suzuki T , Asada M , Yoshida M , Seki T , Iwasaki K , Nishimura H , Nakayama K 
Published: February 2007

Background and purpose:A traditional Japanese herbal medicine, hochu‐ekki‐to, has been used for the symptomatic treatment of the common cold and to reduce the frequency of colds in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, the inhibitory effects of hochu‐ekki‐to on infection by rhinovirus (RV), the major cause of common colds, have not been studied.Experimental approach:Human tracheal epithelial cells in culture were infected with a major group rhinovirus‐RV14. Virus output and viral RNA were measured along with interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α), mRNA for intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 and acidic endosomes in cells.Key results:RV14 infection increased virus titers, the content of cytokines in supernatants and RV14 RNA in the cells. Hochu‐ekki‐to decreased virus output, RV14 RNA in the cells, susceptibility to RV infection and supernatant cytokine concentrations after RV14 infection. Hochu‐ekki‐to reduced mRNA for ICAM‐1, the receptor for RV14, the concentration of the soluble form of ICAM‐1 and the number and fluorescence intensity of acidic endosomes in the cells, from which RV RNA enters into the cytoplasm, at RV14 infection. Glycyrrhizin, one of the chemical constituents of hochu‐ekki‐to, reduced supernatant virus titers dose‐dependently.Conclusion and implications:Hochu‐ekki‐to inhibited RV14 infection by decreasing ICAM‐1 and by blocking entry of viral RNA into the cytoplasm from the endosomes, in airway epithelial cells. Glycyrrhizin may be partly responsible for inhibition of RV infection by hochu‐ekki‐to. Hochu‐ekki‐to could modulate airway inflammation by reducing production of cytokines in RV infections.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 702–710. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707135