bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mosquito transcriptome changes and filarial worm resistance in Armigeres subalbatus
Authors: Aliota Matthew T , Fuchs Jeremy F , Mayhew George F , Chen Cheng-Chen , Christensen Bruce M 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackgroundArmigeres subalbatusis a natural vector of the filarial wormBrugia pahangi, but it rapidly and proficiently killsBrugia malayimicrofilariae by melanotic encapsulation. BecauseB. malayiandB. pahangiare morphologically and biologically similar, theArmigeres-Brugiasystem serves as a valuable model for studying the resistance mechanisms in mosquito vectors. We have initiated transcriptome profiling studies inAr. subalbatusto identify molecular components involved inB. malayirefractoriness.ResultsThese initial studies assessed the transcriptional response ofAr. subalbatustoB. malayiat 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hrs after an infective blood feed. In this investigation, we initiated the first holistic study conducted on the anti-filarial worm immune response in order to effectively explore the functional roles of immune-response genes following a natural exposure to the parasite. Studies assessing the transcriptional response revealed the involvement of unknown and conserved unknowns, cytoskeletal and structural components, and stress and immune responsive factors. The data show that the anti-filarial worm immune response byAr. subalbatusto be a highly complex, tissue-specific process involving varied effector responses working in concert with blood cell-mediated melanization.ConclusionThis initial study provides a foundation and direction for future studies, which will more fully dissect the nature of the anti-filarial worm immune response in this mosquito-parasite system. The study also argues for continued studies with RNA generated from both hemocytes and whole bodies to fully expound the nature of the anti-filarial worm immune response.
Microarray-based method for detection of unknown genetic modifications
Authors: Tengs Torstein , Kristoffersen Anja B , Berdal Knut G , Thorstensen Tage , Butenko Melinka A , Nesvold Håvard , Holst-Jensen Arne 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
Due to the increased use of genetic modifications in crop improvement, there is a need to develop effective methods for the detection of both known and unknown transgene constructs in plants. We have developed a strategy for detection and characterization of unknown genetic modifications and we present a proof of concept for this method using Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa (rice). The approach relies on direct hybridization of total genomic DNA to high density microarrays designed to have probes tiled throughout a set of reference sequences.

Results
We show that by using arrays with 25 basepair probes covering both strands of a set of 235 vectors (2 million basepairs) we can detect transgene sequences in transformed lines of A. thaliana and rice without prior knowledge about the transformation vectors or the T-DNA constructs used to generate the studied plants.

Conclusion
The approach should allow the user to detect the presence of transgene sequences and get sufficient information for further characterization of unknown genetic constructs in plants. The only requirements are access to a small amount of pure transgene plant material, that the genetic construct in question is above a certain size (here ≥ 140 basepairs) and that parts of the construct shows some degree of sequence similarity with published genetic elements.
Haemoglobin and haematocrit: the threefold conversion is also non valid for assessing anaemia in Plasmodium vivax malaria-endemic settings
Authors: Rodríguez-Morales Alfonso J , Sánchez Elia , Arria Melissa , Vargas Miguel , Piccolo Carmelina , Colina Rosa , Franco-Paredes Carlos 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
It has been recently reported that the standard threefold conversion from haematocrit to haemoglobin underestimates the prevalence of anaemia and low levels of haemoglobin in children living in areas endemic for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The data presented herein describes the experience in a malaria-endemic zone in northeastern Venezuela (state of Sucre), where a similar bias between haematocrit and haemoglobin in patients with Plasmodium vivax infection was found. In summary, the relationship between haematocrit and haemoglobin needs to be specifically evaluated according to each particular region or epidemiological setting.
Induction of procalcitonin in liver transplant patients treated with anti-thymocyte globulin
Authors: Zazula Roman , Prucha Miroslav , Tyll Tomas , Kieslichova Eva 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to compare the early postoperative kinetics of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) serum levels in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) with different immunosuppressive regimens.

Methods
PCT and CRP serum concentrations were measured in a group of 28 OLTx recipients before induction of anesthesia, at 4 and 8 hours following graft reperfusion, and daily until postoperative day 4. The same parameters were determined in 12 patients undergoing liver resection without conjunctive immunosuppressive therapy. Summary data are expressed as medians and ranges. Two-tailed nonparametric tests were performed and considered significant at p values of less than 0.05.

Results
The highest serum levels of PCT (median 3.0 ng/mL, minimum 1.4 ng/mL, maximum 13.9 ng/mL) were found in patients after OLTx without ATG therapy, on postoperative day 1. In patients with ATG administration, PCT levels were highly increased on postoperative day 1 (median 53.0 ng/mL, minimum 7.9 ng/mL, maximum 249.1 ng/mL). Thereafter, PCT values continuously decreased independently of further ATG administration in both groups of patients. No evidence of infection was present in either group. In 12 patients undergoing liver resection, peak serum PCT levels did not exceed 3.6 ng/mL. CRP serum levels in a group of patients with and without ATG therapy increased significantly on postoperative day 1, followed by a decrease. The highest levels of CRP were found in patients after liver resection on postoperative day 2 and decreased thereafter.

Conclusion
ATG administration to patients with OLTx is associated with an increase in serum PCT levels, with peak values on postoperative day 1, and this was in the absence of any evidence of infection. The results of this study indicate that ATG immunosuppressive therapy is a stimulus for the synthesis of PCT.
Quality of Life and Survival in the 2 Years After Surgery for Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kenny Patricia M. , King Madeleine T. , Viney Rosalie C. , Boyer Michael J. , Pollicino Christine A. , McLean Jocelyn M. , Fulham Michael J. , McCaughan Brian C. 
Published: December 2007

PurposeAlthough surgery for early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is known to have a substantial impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), there are few published studies about HRQOL in the longer term. This article examines HRQOL and survival in the 2 years after surgery.Patients and MethodsPatients with clinical stage I or II NSCLC (n = 173) completed HRQOL questionnaires before surgery, at discharge, 1 month after surgery, and then every 4 months for 2 years. HRQOL was measured with a generic cancer questionnaire (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC-QLQ] C30) and a lung cancer–specific questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-LC13). Data were analyzed to examine the impact of surgery and any subsequent therapy, and to describe the trajectories of those who remained disease free at 2 years and those with recurrent cancer diagnosed during follow-up.ResultsDisease recurred within 2 years for 36% of patients and 2-year survival was 65%. Surgery substantially reduced HRQOL across all dimensions except emotional functioning. HRQOL improved in the 2 years after surgery for patients without disease recurrence, although approximately half continued to experience symptoms and functional limitations. For those with recurrence within 2 years, there was some early postoperative recovery in HRQOL, with subsequent deterioration across most dimensions.ConclusionSurgery had a substantial impact on HRQOL, and although many disease-free survivors experienced recovery, some lived with long-term HRQOL impairment. HRQOL generally worsened with disease recurrence. The study results are important for informed decision making and ongoing supportive care for patients with operable NSCLC.
Outcome After Relapse Among Children With Standard-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Children's Oncology Group Study CCG-1952
Authors: Malempati Suman , Gaynon Paul S. , Sather Harland , La Mei K. , Stork Linda C. 
Published: December 2007

Purpose The event-free survival (EFS) of children with standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (SR-ALL) is now more than 80%. However, prognosis after relapse continues to be poor. We examined postrelapse outcomes of children initially treated on the Children's Cancer Group CCG-1952 study. Patients and Methods We evaluated outcomes after bone marrow (BM) relapse and isolated extramedullary (EM) relapse for 347 patients with SR-ALL (WBC < 50,000/μL; age, 1 to 9 years). The prognostic significance of several factors for EFS after relapse (EFS2) was assessed by Cox regression analysis. Stem-cell transplant (SCT) was compared with chemotherapy as salvage treatment. Results The mean ± SE times to isolated central nervous system relapse, BM relapse, and isolated testicular relapse were 23 ± 1 months (range, 1 to 88 months), 36 ± 1 months (range, 2 to 79 months), and 40 ± 2 months (range, 16 to 64 months), respectively. The estimated percent ± SE 3-year EFS2 and overall survival rates after BM relapse were 37% ± 4% and 46% ± 4%, respectively, and rates after isolated EM relapse were 57% ± 5% and 71% ± 5%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, we found the duration of first remission to be the most significant predictor of EFS2 for either BM relapse or isolated EM relapse. Outcome was equivalent with SCT or chemotherapy after early or late relapse of SR-ALL at any site. Conclusion Duration of first remission remains the most significant predictor of outcome after either BM or isolated EM relapse of SR-ALL. Prognosis after early BM relapse remains poor and is not improved with SCT in this cohort.
Is Failure to Meet Spiritual Needs Associated With Cancer Patients' Perceptions of Quality of Care and Their Satisfaction With Care?
Authors: Astrow Alan B. , Wexler Ann , Texeira Kenneth , He M. Kai , Sulmasy Daniel P. 
Published: December 2007

Purpose Few studies regarding patients' views about spirituality and health care have included patients with cancer who reside in the urban, northeastern United States. Even fewer have investigated the relationship between patients' spiritual needs and perceptions of quality and satisfaction with care. Patients and Methods Outpatients (N = 369) completed a questionnaire at the Saint Vincent's Comprehensive Cancer Center in New York, NY. The instrument included the Quality of End-of-Life Care and Satisfaction with Treatment quality-of-care scale and questions about spiritual and religious beliefs and needs. Results The participants' mean age was 58 years; 65% were female; 67% were white; 65% were college educated; and 32% had breast cancer. Forty-seven percent were Catholic; 19% were Jewish; 16% were Protestant; and 6% were atheist or agnostic. Sixty-six percent reported that they were spiritual but not religious. Only 29% attended religious services at least once per week. Seventy-three percent reported at least one spiritual need; 58% thought it appropriate for physicians to inquire about their spiritual needs. Eighteen percent reported that their spiritual needs were not being met. Only 6% reported that any staff members had inquired about their spiritual needs (0.9% of inquiries by physicians). Patients who reported that their spiritual needs were not being met gave lower ratings of the quality of care (P = .009) and reported lower satisfaction with care (P = .006). Conclusion Most patients had spiritual needs. A slight majority thought it appropriate to be asked about these needs, although fewer thought this compared with reports in other settings. Few had their spiritual needs addressed by the staff. Patients whose spiritual needs were not met reported lower ratings of quality and satisfaction with care.
High Numbers of Tumor-Associated Macrophages Have an Adverse Prognostic Value That Can Be Circumvented by Rituximab in Patients With Follicular Lymphoma Enrolled Onto the GELA-GOELAMS FL-2000 Trial
Authors: Canioni Danielle , Salles Gilles , Mounier Nicolas , Brousse Nicole , Keuppens Marie , Morchhauser Frank , Lamy Thierry , Sonet Anne , Rousselet Marie-Christine , Foussard Charles , Xerri Luc 
Published: December 2007

PurposeHigh amounts of intratumoral macrophages have been shown to correlate with poor prognosis in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) treated with chemotherapy without rituximab. We tried to establish whether intratumoral macrophage count (MC) definitely is able to predict the outcome of FL patients in the rituximab era.Patients and MethodsWe analyzed immunohistochemical CD68 expression in 194 FL patients from the FL-2000 trial, randomly assigned to receive cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, etoposide, prednisolone, and interferon (CHVP-I) or rituximab plus CHVP-I. Immunohistochemistry was performed on paraffin sections using anti-CD68 KP1 antibody, and stained macrophages were scored on high-power field (hpf) in either intrafollicular (IF) or extrafollicular (EF) areas.ResultsFor IF MC, the best cutoff point was estimated at 10 macrophages/hpf. Low IF MC was significantly associated with a better event-free survival (EFS; P = .011). However, this effect was observed only in the CHVP-I arm (P = .012) and not in the rituximab plus CHVP-I arm. Using a cutoff of 15 IF MC, we found no significant association with EFS. For EF MC, fewer than 22 macrophages/hpf were associated with better EFS in the CHVP-I arm (P = .02) but not in the rituximab plus CHVP-I arm.ConclusionThese results show that MC can predict outcome of FL patients and that rituximab is able to circumvent the unfavorable outcome associated with high MC.
Endocrine Effects of Adjuvant Letrozole + Triptorelin Compared With Tamoxifen + Triptorelin in Premenopausal Patients With Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Rossi Emanuela , Morabito Alessandro , De Maio Ermelinda , Di Rella Francesca , Esposito Giuseppe , Gravina Adriano , Labonia Vincenzo , Landi Gabriella , Nuzzo Francesco , Pacilio Carmen , Piccirillo Maria Carmela , D'Aiuto Giuseppe , D'Aiuto Massimiliano , Rinaldo Massimo , Botti Gerardo , Gallo Ciro , Perrone Francesco , de Matteis Andrea 
Published: December 2007

Purpose To compare the endocrine effects of 6 months of adjuvant treatment with letrozole + triptorelin or tamoxifen + triptorelin in premenopausal patients with early breast cancer within an ongoing phase 3 trial (Hormonal Adjuvant Treatment Bone Effects study). Patients and Methods Prospectively collected hormonal data were available for 81 premenopausal women, of whom 30 were assigned to receive tamoxifen + triptorelin and 51 were assigned letrozole + triptorelin ± zoledronate. Serum 17-β-estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), Δ4-androstenedione, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, progesterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol were measured at baseline and after 6 months of treatment. For each hormone, 6-month values were compared between treatment groups by the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney exact test. Results Median age was 44 years for both groups of patients. Letrozole + triptorelin (± zoledronate) induced a stronger suppression of median E2 serum levels (P = .0008), LH levels (P = .0005), and cortisol serum levels (P < .0001) compared with tamoxifen + triptorelin. Median FSH serum levels were suppressed in both groups, but such suppression was lower among patients receiving letrozole, who showed significantly higher median FSH serum levels (P < .0001). No significant differences were observed for testosterone, progesterone, ACTH, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone between the two groups of patients. Conclusion Letrozole in combination with triptorelin induces a more intense estrogen suppression than tamoxifen + triptorelin in premenopausal patients with early breast cancer.
Poor Survival for US Pacific Islander Cancer Patients: Evidence From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database: 1991 to 2004
Authors: Goggins William B. , Wong Grace K.C. 
Published: December 2007

Purpose Although racial and ethnic differences in cancer survival in the United States have been studied extensively, little is known about cancer survival in US Pacific Islanders (PIs), a fast-growing and economically disadvantaged minority group. Methods Using data from the US National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries, we compared cause-specific and all-cause survival for female breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer for Native Hawaiians, Samoans, other PIs (including Tongans, Guamanians, and others), African Americans, and Native Americans with non-Hispanic whites using Cox proportional hazards models. Separate models were fitted adjusting for demographic factors only and demographic and disease severity variables. Results Among all groups, Samoans were the most likely to present with advanced disease and had the worst cause-specific survival for all sites considered. Samoans had particularly poor results (adjusted for demographic variables only) for female breast (relative risk [RR] = 3.05; 95% CI, 2.31 to 4.02), colorectal (RR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.41) and prostate (RR = 4.82; 95% CI, 3.38 to 6.88) cancers. Native Hawaiians and other PIs also had significantly worse cause-specific survival than did non-Hispanic whites for most sites, but generally had better survival than African Americans or Native Americans. Conclusion Much of the survival disadvantage for PI groups appears to be a result of late diagnosis, and thus targeted interventions have much potential to reduce cancer mortality in this group. More research is needed to find explanations for the particularly poor cancer survival for Samoans in the United States.
Hybrid of Polyaniline/Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Facile Preparation and Catalytic Application
Authors: Amaya Toru , Nishina Yumiko , Saio Daisuke , Hirao Toshikazu 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The facile preparative method of iron oxide nanoparticles with polyaniline was developed by thermal reaction of Fe(acac)3. The efficient catalytic activity was demonstrated in the oxidative coupling of 2,6-di-t-butylphenol.
Spherical Mesoporous Silica Particles with Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles by an Aerosol-assisted Coassembly
Authors: Yamauchi Yusuke , Takeuchi Futoshi , Todoroki Shinichi , Sakka Yoshio , Inoue Satoru 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Functionalized mesoporous silica particles having TiO2 nanoparticles are prepared by an aerosol-assisted coassembly. The obtained mesoporous silica microparticles possess a high surface area (&gt;400 m2/g) and uniform mesopores of about 8 nm. A TEM image shows that the TiO2 nanoparticles aredistributed within the mesoporous silica particles.
Highly Active and Selective Nickel–Cerium(IV) Oxide Catalyst for Water–Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Wang Luhui , Liu Yuan 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Ni–CeO2 catalyst prepared by coprecipitation–nitric-acid-leaching method was highly active and selective for high-temperature water–gas shift reaction in reforming. TPR and XRD results suggested that the high activity for water–gas shift reaction was attributed to high amounts of Ni2+ ions incorporated into CeO2 lattice in the catalyst.
Controlled Photocatalytic Ability of Titanium Dioxide Particle by Coating with Nanoporous Silica
Authors: Kato Risa , Shimura Naoki , Ogawa Makoto 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
We have successfully deposited nanoporous silica layers on titania nanoparticles, commercial P25 (Degussa), by the reaction of P25 with aqueous mixture of TEOS (silica source) and CTA (porogen) and the subsequent calcination. The thickness of nanoporous silica layer was controlled by changing the added amount of TEOS.
Clustered CpG Sequences to Enhance Cytokine Secretion from Macrophages
Authors: Minari Jusaku , Shimada Naohiko , Sakurai Kazuo 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
CG sequences (CpG ODNs) can activate innate immune and thus be potentially useful for immune stimulants in therapeutic use. By hybridizing a CpG ODN having a (dA)40 tail with poly(dT), we prepared a DNA duplex that multiple CpG ODNs are hanging from the duplex. IL-12 cytokine secretion reached the maximum at the composition that two to four CpG ODNs in one duplex. These phenomena can be rationalized by an allosteric or cluster effect, and the present clustered CpG system is the simplest and most elucidating tool to investigate the cluster effect of CpG ODNs.
Molecular Assembly of BChl a Complexes onto ITO Electrode Using Synthetic Light-harvesting Model Polypeptides Bearing Spermine Derivative
Authors: Ochiai Tsuyoshi , Ota Mitsuhiro , Asaoka Takahide , Kato Tomoya , Osaka Shinichiro , Dewa Takehisa , Yamashita Keiji , Hashimoto Hideki , Nango Mamoru 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
1α-Helix hydrophobic polypeptide bearing spermine, which has similar amino acid sequences to the hydrophobic core in the native photosynthetic light-harvesting (LH) 1-α polypeptide from Rhodospirillum (Rsp.) rubrum, was synthesized. Interestingly, an enhanced photoelectric current was observed when BChl a complexes together with the LH1-α model polypeptide were assembled onto an ITO electrode.
Politicians and Prosecutorial Accountability in Hong Kong
Authors: McConville Mike 
Published: December 2007

This article examines the role of the prosecutor in the common law system, with special reference to Hong Kong, and taking as its focus the decision not to initiate a criminal prosecution. Such decisions are the subject of repeated criticism by politicians and the media on the grounds of political and class bias protected by a non-transparent system of accountability. The prosecutor's decision is examined in the broader context of available grounds for challenge, including private prosecution and judicial review. It is argued that the very fact that these grounds of challenge are so limited has contributed to a culture of political interrogation that is both understandable and self-defeating. Political hearings, which may be intended to serve other purposes, have historically failed to get behind non-prosecution decisions, have rarely had any basis in fact and have been easily deflected by a robust refusal to answer key questions. It is argued that modern understandings of accountability require a different approach requiring the prosecutor to give reasons for non-prosecution decisions in defined classes of case to victims, their families and survivors, opening up for scrutiny broad policy issues which current practice has ignored and subjecting the prosecutor's office to a system of independent inspection. The decision of whether or not to prosecute is a vital one. Vital for the suspect. Vital to the victim. Vital to the community. Great care must always be taken. A decision to prosecute should only be taken after the evidence and the surrounding factors, including those which are favourable to the suspect, have been carefully evaluated. An erroneous prosecution decision may erode public confidence in the criminal process.