bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioural interventions for preventing and treating obesity in adults
Authors: Sharma M. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to review existing behavioural interventions for preventing and treating obesity in adult population that were published between 2000 and September 2006. A total of 23 interventions were found. Most of these interventions targeted both physical activity and nutrition behaviours. Majority of the interventions were not based on any explicit behavioural theory. In terms of duration, the interventions ranged from 3 weeks to 9 years. Approximately half of the interventions were less than 6 months in duration. Most of the interventions were implemented by the researchers themselves. However, some interventions were implemented by nurse educators, nutritionists, trained public health nurses, dietitians, healthcare providers, fitness workers and certified diabetic educators. Most of the interventions used group sessions as the predominant method to deliver the programme. Three of the interventions used media. Majority of the interventions were implemented in patient care settings with some in community settings. The most common determinant for measuring impact of the interventions has been body mass index. Fifteen interventions showed positive change in adiposity indices while six showed no change in adiposity indices. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for prevention of obesity are presented.
THE IMPACT OF POLICIES TO CONTROL MOTOR VEHICLE EMISSIONS IN MUMBAI, INDIA*
Authors: Takeuchi Akie , Cropper Maureen , Bento Antonio 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the impacts of measures to reduce emissions from buses, cars, and two‐wheelers in Mumbai, India. We have considered three possible policies: conversion of diesel buses to CNG, an increase in the price of gasoline and a tax on vehicle ownership.Our results suggest that the most effective policy to reduce emissions from passenger vehicles—in terms of the total number of tons of PM10 reduced—is to convert diesel buses to CNG. The conversion of 3,391 diesel buses to CNG would result in an emissions reduction of 663 tons of PM10 per year, 14 percent of total emissions from transport.
This is my story: I've got cancer
Authors: Tuffrey‐Wijne Irene , Davies John 
Published: February 2007

Accessible summaryThis is the story of John Davies. John has learning disabilities. He has cancer. He tells his story in his own words.John found a lump on his penis (willie). It was cancer. He didn't go to the doctor. He left it too late. Now he is very ill with cancer. Maybe he will die of it. If he had gone to the doctor sooner, he could have got better.This is what John is telling you: If you find something wrong with you, you should tell someone. You should go to the doctor.We are doing a study. We want to find out what it is like to have cancer. We want to find out what helps people who have cancer. We are listening to their stories. There will be 20 people in our study. John is one of them. His story helps us to look after people with cancer better.SummaryAs people with learning disabilities live longer, and the incidence of cancer is rising, it is of increasing importance to understand the lived cancer experience of this group. Consideration of the viewpoints of people with learning disabilities themselves will facilitate the development of cancer support services that are appropriate and sensitive to their needs. This paper presents preliminary findings of an ethnographic study into the experiences of people with learning disabilities who have cancer. One of the study participants, John Davies (who has mild learning disabilities), relates his cancer experience in his own words. Having ignored his symptoms until it was too late, he now urges others to go to the doctor as soon as possible. The study is ongoing, but findings to date highlight the importance of listening to the story of people's lives and illness.
Aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Kindler Syndrome
Authors: Emanuel Patrick O. , Rudikoff Donald , Phelps Robert G. 
Published: February 2007

A 57‐year‐old Hispanic man with a personal and family history of bullae and photosensitivity presented with a fungating, ulcerated squamous cell carcinoma on his left hand (Figure 1). Physical examination showed conjunctival injection, ectropion, symblepharon, urethral stricture, loss of teeth, short stature, and nail dystrophy. There was reticulated erythema, atrophy, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, and telangiectasia of sun‐exposed skin of the face, neck, and hands consistent with poikiloderma (Figure 2). In addition, there was foreshortening of the left thumb and sclerodermoid changes of his hands (Figure 3). Radiation therapy was applied to shrink the tumor before a local excision was performed. However, a local recurrence followed and axillary lymph nodes became clinically palpable, necessitating amputation and lymph node dissection. Extensive histologic evaluation of the specimen obtained following left arm amputation and lymph node dissection showed moderate‐to‐poorly differentiated deeply invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Two of 3 axillary lymph nodes were positive for metastatic carcinoma. A random biopsy of the trunk showed epidermal atrophy, telangiectasia, a perivascular lymphocytic infiltration, and pigment‐laden macrophages consistent with poikiloderma. Electron microscopy illustrated extensive reduplication of the basement membrane, with loops, curls, and free extensions of the basal lamina in the superficial dermis; reduced numbers of hemidesmosomes and anchoring fibrils; and a basement membrane focally devoid of basal cells (Figure 4). On the basis of the clinical features and the characteristic basement zone changes, a diagnosis of Kindler syndrome was made. Large vegetating tumor on the palm, necessitating amputation. Biopsy revealed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma invading the bone. image Reticulated erythema, atrophy, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, and telangiectasia of the face, neck, and hands (poikiloderma). Atrophy of the epidermis, postinflammatory pigment alteration, and telangiectasia are suggestive of poikiloderma. image Tight, shiny, scaly, poikilodermatous skin with erythema, hypopigmentation, and scale, consistent with sclerodermoid changes. Shortfall of the left thumb. image Electron microscopy showing reduplication of the basement membrane, reduced numbers of hemidesmosomes, and anchoring filaments (uranyl acetate and lead citrate; original magnification ×58,000). image
Phase 2 Trial of the Continuous IV Administration of Interferon‐β in Patients With Disseminated Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Voelter‐Mahlknecht Susanne , Mahlknecht Ulrich , Letzel Stephan , Fierlbeck Gerhard 
Published: February 2007

Background: Interferons have been reported to significantly contribute to tumor suppression via both induction of p53 gene expression and inhibition of angiogenesis.
Objective: The assessment of treatment toxicity and antitumoral effectiveness of continuous IV administration of interferon‐β based on an overall evaluation of laboratory, radiographic, and clinical parameters observed during the trial.
Methods: The authors treated patients with advanced malignant melanoma with continuous IV infusions of 1
×
106 IU interferon‐β daily (0.6
×
106 IU interferon‐β/m2 daily). Results: Continuous IV administration of interferon‐β had no significant effect on overall patient outcome. Interferon side effects were not a reason for treatment discontinuation in any of the patients observed during this trial.
Conclusions: Continuous IV interferon‐β had no significant effect on overall patient outcome in a group of patients with advanced malignant melanoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the continuous IV administration of interferon‐β in patients with advanced malignant melanoma.
Psoriasis and Pentoxifylline: A Clinical, Histopathologic, and Immunohistochemical Evaluation
Authors: Magalhães Geraldo Magela , Da Silva Carneiro Sueli Coelho , Do Amaral Karla Peisino , De Freire Cássia Flávia , Machado‐Pinto Jackson , Cuzzi Tullia 
Published: February 2007

Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical and histopathologic effects of pentoxifylline on psoriasis, compared with placebo.
Methods. Sixty‐one outpatients with active psoriasis were randomly assigned to either of 2 groups: one was given pentoxifylline 400 mg tid PO, and the other, placebo. Fifty‐six patients concluded the study. They were evaluated clinically and by laboratory parameters before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies were taken. Initial sections were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin. Further cuts were immunostained for cytokeratins 10, 14, and 16.
Results. Clinical and histologic improvement did not show statistically significant differences between the groups. No laboratory abnormalities or serious reactions related to the drug were observed.
Conclusions. No statistical difference was seen when the treatment group was compared with the control group. Pentoxifylline is a well tolerated and safe drug, but its efficacy in psoriasis appears to be limited.
The effect of age on prostaglandin‐synthesizing enzymes in the development of gingivitis
Authors: Siegel B. , Weihe E. , Bette M. , Nüsing R. M. , Flores‐de‐Jacoby L. , Mengel R. 
Published: February 2007

Background and Objective:  The aim of this study was to identify the expression of cyclooxygenase‐1, cyclooxygenase‐2, cyclooxygenase‐3, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 in young and elderly subjects.Material and Methods:  Periodontally healthy subjects were divided into young (18–30 years, n = 7) and elderly (46–77 years, n = 7). A gingival biopsy was taken at baseline. After experimental gingivitis, clinical examination was repeated and a second biopsy was taken. The expression of cyclooxygenase‐1, cyclooxygenase‐2, cyclooxygenase‐3, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 was analyzed by means of immunohistochemistry.Results:  In both healthy age groups, cyclooxygenase‐1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 were expressed in epithelial cells, endothelial cells and fibroblast‐like connective tissue cells. Cyclooxygenase‐1 was found in Langerhans' cells of the epithelium. Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression was observed in cells exhibiting the morphology of epithelial mitosis cells, and the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 in periodontally healthy elderly subjects was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05). Following experimental gingivitis, cyclooxygenase‐1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 expression did not change. However, the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 was significantly increased in both age groups (p ≤ 0.05). Cyclooxygenase‐3 was not detected in any group investigated.Conclusion:  Cyclooxygenase‐1 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 were expressed constitutively in gingival tissue, and expression was unaffected by age or inflammation states. In contrast, the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 was weaker in elderly subjects. In the course of experimental gingivitis, cyclooxygenase‐2 was induced in both age groups.
Defense mechanism of heme oxygenase‐1 against cytotoxic and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand inducing effects of hydrogen peroxide in human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Pi S.‐H. , Kim S.‐C. , Kim H.‐T. , Lee H.‐J. , Lee S.‐K. , Kim E.‐C. 
Published: February 2007

Background and Objective:  Although induction of heme oxygenase‐1 by H2O2 has been reported, the protective role of heme oxygenase‐1 against the cytotoxic and osteoclastogenic effects of H2O2 have not been elucidated in human periodontal ligament cells. The aim of this work was to investigate the defense mechanism of heme oxygenase‐1 on H2O2‐induced cytotoxicity and to analyze the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin as markers for osteoclast differentiation in periodontal ligament cells.Material and Methods:  Using human periodontal ligament cells, cytotoxicity was measured by the 3,4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and expression of heme oxygenase‐1, RANKL, and osteoprotegerin mRNA was determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction.Results:  H2O2 produced a cytotoxic effect by reducing the cell viability and enhancing the expression of heme oxygenase‐1 and RANKL mRNAs in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. Additional experiments revealed that heme oxygenase‐1 inducer (hemin), a membrane‐permeable cGMP analog (8‐bromo‐cGMP), carbon monoxide, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitor, protein kinase inhibitor (KT5823), and nuclear factor‐κB inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate) also blocked the effects of H2O2 on cell viability and RANKL mRNA expression in periodontal ligament cells.Conclusion:  These data suggest that heme oxygenase‐1 induction plays a protective role in periodontal ligament cells against the cytotoxic and RANKL‐inducing effects of H2O2, through multiple signaling pathways.
Diabetes‐related parameters and periodontal conditions in children
Authors: Lalla E. , Cheng B. , Lal S. , Kaplan S. , Softness B. , Greenberg E. , Goland R. S. , Lamster I. B. 
Published: February 2007

Background and Objective:  The relationship between diabetes and periodontal diseases is well established. Our aim in this study was to explore the diabetes‐related parameters that are associated with accelerated periodontal destruction in diabetic youth.Material and Methods:  Three‐hundred and fifty 6–18‐year‐old children with diabetes received a periodontal examination. Data on important diabetes‐related variables were collected. Analyses were performed using logistic regression, with gingival/periodontal disease as the dependent variable, for the whole cohort and separately for two subgroups (6–11 and 12–18 years of age).Results:  Regression analyses, adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, frequency of prior dental visits, dental plaque, and dental examiner, revealed a strong positive association between mean hemoglobin A1c over the 2 years prior to inclusion in the study and periodontitis (odds ratio = 1.31, p = 0.030). This association approached significance in the younger subgroup (odds ratio = 1.56, p = 0.052, n = 183). There was no significant relationship between diabetes duration or body mass index‐for‐age and measures of gingival/periodontal disease in this cohort.Conclusion:  These findings suggest that accelerated periodontal destruction in young people with diabetes is related to the level of metabolic control. Good metabolic control may be important in addressing periodontal complications in young patients with diabetes, similarly to what is well established for other systemic complications of this disease.
Lipid A‐associated proteins from Porphyromonas gingivalis stimulate release of nitric oxide by inducing expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase
Authors: Choi E.‐Y. , Hwang Y.‐M. , Lee J.‐Y. , Choi J.‐I. , Choi I.‐S. , Jin J.‐Y. , Ko J. S. , Kim S.‐J. 
Published: February 2007

Background and Objective:  The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of lipid A‐associated proteins from Porphyromonas gingivalis, a major cause of inflammatory periodontal disease, on the production of nitric oxide and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7. We also attempted to throw light on the signaling mechanisms involved in P. gingivalis lipid A‐associated protein‐induced nitric oxide production.Material and Methods:  The lipid A‐associated proteins from P. gingivalis 381 were prepared by standard hot phenol‐water extraction of endotoxin isolated by the butanol method. Nitric oxide production was assayed by measuring the accumulation of nitrite in culture supernatants. Western blot analysis of inducible nitric oxide synthase and analysis of reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction products were carried out.Results:  We found that P. gingivalis lipid A‐associated proteins can induce inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and stimulate the release of nitric oxide without additional stimuli, and we demonstrated that multiple signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor‐κB, microtubule polymerization, protein tyrosine kinase, protein kinase C, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase cascades, are involved in P. gingivalis lipid A‐associated protein‐stimulated nitric oxide production. The production of nitric oxide required l‐arginine.Conclusion:  The present study clearly shows that P. gingivalis lipid A‐associated proteins fully induced inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells in the absence of other stimuli. The ability of P. gingivalis lipid A‐associated proteins to promote the production of nitric oxide may be important in the pathogenesis of inflammatory periodontal disease.
Bactericidal Activities of Meropenem and Ertapenem against Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in a Neutropenic Mouse Thigh Model
Authors: DeRyke C. Andrew , Banevicius Mary Anne , Fan Hong Wei , Nicolau David P. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the in vivo efficacies of meropenem and ertapenem against extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates with a wide range of MICs. Human-simulated dosing regimens in mice were designed to approximate the free drug percent time above the MIC (
f
T>MIC) observed for humans following meropenem at 1 g every 8 h and ertapenem at 1 g every 24 h. An in vivo neutropenic mouse thigh infection model was used to examine the bactericidal effects against 31 clinical ESBL
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates and 2 non-ESBL isolates included for comparison at a standard 10
5
inoculum. Three isolates were examined at a high 10
7
inoculum as well. Meropenem displayed greater in vitro potency, with a median MIC (range) (μg/ml) of 0.125 (0.03 to 32), than did ertapenem, with 0.5 (0.012 to 128). Seven of the 31 ESBL isolates were removed from the efficacy analysis due to their inability to establish infection in the mouse model. When MICs were ≤1.5 μg/ml for ertapenem (≤0.5 μg/ml for meropenem), similar reductions in CFU (≈ 2-log kill) were observed for both ertapenem (
f
T>MIC ≥ 23%) and meropenem (
f
T>MIC ≥ 75%). Ertapenem showed bacterial regrowth for seven of eight isolates, with MICs of ≥2 μg/ml (
f
T>MIC ≤ 20%), while meropenem displayed antibacterial potency that varied from a static effect to a 1-log bacterial reduction in these isolates (
f
T>MIC = 30 to 65%). At a 10
7
inoculum, both agents eradicated bacteria due to adequate exposures (
f
T>MIC = 20 to 45%). Due to low MICs, no difference in bacterial kill was noted for the majority of ESBL isolates tested. However, for isolates with raised ertapenem MICs of ≥2 μg/ml, meropenem displayed sustained efficacy due to its greater in vitro potency and higher resultant
f
T>MIC.
In Vitro Inhibition of
Plasmodium falciparum
Rosette Formation by Curdlan Sulfate
Authors: Kyriacou Helen M. , Steen Katie E. , Raza Ahmed , Arman Monica , Warimwe George , Bull Peter C. , Havlik Ivan , Rowe J. Alexandra 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous binding of infected erythrocytes to uninfected erythrocytes to form rosettes is a property of some strains of
Plasmodium falciparum
that is linked to severe complications of malaria. Curdlan sulfate (CRDS) is a sulfated glycoconjugate compound that is chemically similar to known rosette-inhibiting drugs such as heparin. CRDS has previously been shown to have antimalarial activity in vitro and is safe for clinical use. Here we show that CRDS at therapeutic levels (10 to 100 μg/ml) significantly reduces rosette formation in vitro in seven
P. falciparum
laboratory strains and in a group of 18 African clinical isolates. The strong ability to inhibit rosetting suggests that CRDS has the potential to reduce the severe complications and mortality rates from
P. falciparum
malaria among African children. Our data support further clinical trials of CRDS.
Molecular Epidemiology of CTX-M-Producing
Escherichia coli
in the Calgary Health Region: Emergence of CTX-M-15-Producing Isolates
Authors: Pitout Johann D. D. , Church Deirdre L. , Gregson Daniel B. , Chow Barbara L. , McCracken Melissa , Mulvey Michael R. , Laupland Kevin B. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

A study was designed to describe the molecular epidemiology of CTX-M-producing
Escherichia coli
over a 6-year period (2000 to 2005) in a large well-defined Canadian region with a centralized laboratory system. Molecular characterization was done by isoelectric focusing, PCR, and automated sequencing, while genetic relatedness was determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis with XbaI. Of the 552 viable extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing
E. coli
isolates isolated, 354 (64%) were positive for
bla
CTX-M
genes associated with IS
Ecp1
; 211 produced CTX-M-14, 128 produced CTX-M-15, 5 produced CTX-M-2, 4 produced CTX-M-3, 4 produced CTX-M-24, and 2 produced CTX-M-27. CTX-M-positive isolates were significantly more resistant to the fluoroquinolones than CTX-M-negative isolates, while CTX-M-15 producers were more likely to be resistant to gentamicin and tobramycin. There was a predominance of CTX-M-14 during the first 4 years of the study period, with community outbreaks associated with cluster 14A during 2000, 2001, and 2003. A substantial increase in CTX-M-15 producers occurred during the last 18 months and was due to clusters 15A and 15AR (where AR indicates related to A) in the hospital and nursing home sectors. Our results demonstrate that the persistence and dissemination of CTX-M genes among
E. coli
populations in larger geographic health care regions is dynamic, with the continuous emergence of clonally related CTX-M-15. This study illustrates the importance of molecular surveillance in tracking CTX-M-producing
E. coli
strains in the community and investigating their influx into hospitals.
Miltefosine (Hexadecylphosphocholine) Inhibits Cytochrome
c
Oxidase in
Leishmania donovani
Promastigotes
Authors: Luque-Ortega Juan Román , Rivas Luis 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT

Miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine [HePC]) is currently on trial as a first-choice, orally active drug for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis when resistance to organic pentavalent antimonials becomes epidemic. However, data on the targets involved in its leishmanicidal mechanism have, until now, been only fragmentary. We have carried out a systematic study of the alterations induced on the bioenergetic metabolism of
Leishmania donovani
promastigotes by HePC. Overnight incubation with HePC caused a significant decline in the intracellular ATP levels of the parasites, together with a reduction in the oxygen consumption rate and mitochondrial depolarization, while the integrity of the plasma membrane remained undamaged. In a further step, the effects of HePC on the respiratory chain were addressed in digitonized parasites. The inhibition of the oxygen consumption rate caused by HePC was not reverted either with the uncoupling agent carbonyl cyanide
p
-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone or with tetramethyl-
p
-phenylenediamine plus ascorbate, which feeds the electron transport chain at the level of cytochrome
c
. These results suggest that cytochrome
c
oxidase is a likely target in the complex leishmanicidal mechanism of HePC. This was further confirmed from the finding that this enzyme was specifically inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by HePC, but not the cytochrome
c
reductase, ruling out an unspecific effect of HePC on the respiratory chain.