bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the reaction of abstaining smokers to the smell of other people's cigarettes predict relapse?
Authors: McRobbie Hayden , Hajek Peter , Locker Joanne 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAims  Recent ex‐smokers report a range of reactions to other people's cigarette smoke. We examined the hypothesis that those who find the smell of smoke pleasant and tempting are more likely to relapse than those who have a neutral or even negative reaction to it.Design  A total of 1110 consecutive patients who attended for smoking cessation treatment and achieved at least 1 week of validated abstinence provided weekly ratings of their reactions to other people's cigarette smoke together with routine baseline measures and weekly ratings of withdrawal discomfort [measured on the Mood and Physical Symptom Scale (MPPS)].Findings  Twenty‐three per cent of the sample found the smell of other people's cigarette smoke during their first week of abstinence pleasant, and 54% found it tempting. There was only a modest correlation between the two variables. Finding the smoke pleasant was not related to smoking status in the following week, but finding the smoke tempting predicted relapse. Ratings of temptation were related to the severity of withdrawal discomfort and to dependence. Entering MPPS ratings of urges to smoke in the given week into regression analysis resulted in the general urges to smoke, rather than urges elicited by other people's smoke, becoming a significant predictor of smoking status in the following week. In patients who maintained continuous abstinence throughout 4 weeks of treatment the pleasantness ratings remained stable, while the ratings of temptation steadily decreased.Conclusions  In abstaining smokers, the like or dislike of other people's smoke is not related to relapse. The temptation to smoke elicited by other people's smoke is related to outcome, but only as an indicator of a general ‘temptation threshold’. Patients who find other people's smoke tempting can be reassured that this reaction will gradually decrease.
Scottish smoke‐free legislation and trends in smoking cessation
Authors: Fowkes Freya J. I. , Stewart Marlene C. W. , Fowkes F. Gerald R. , Amos Amanda , Price Jackie F. 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTAim  To investigate trends in smoking cessation before and after the introduction of Scottish smoke‐free legislation and to assess the perceived influence of the legislation on giving up smoking and perceptions of the legislation in smokers.Design, setting and participants  Longitudinal data on smoking cessation were obtained from 1998 to 2007 on a cohort of 3350 Scottish adults aged between 50 and 75 years at baseline. All members of the cohort were participating in a clinical trial of aspirin in people at moderately increased risk of cardiovascular events. A subgroup of 474 participants who had smoked in the year prior to the introduction of legislation in March 2006 also completed a questionnaire on the influence and perceptions of the smoke‐free legislation following its introduction.Measurements   Smoking status was recorded yearly, including dates of quitting and restarting. Participants who gave up smoking for at least 3 months were recorded as having quit smoking. The questionnaire included scales on whether the smoke‐free legislation had helped/influenced cessation, made the individual think about/prompt them to quit and perceptions of the legislation.Findings  The odds of smokers quitting annually increased throughout the 7‐year period prior to introduction of the smoke‐free legislation to 2 years afterwards (odds ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.12, P < 0.001). During 2006, the pattern of quarterly quitting rates changed, with an increase in quit rates (to 5.1%) in the 3‐month period prior to introduction of the legislation (January–March 2006). Socio‐economic status was not related to smoking cessation. In the subgroup completing the questionnaire (n = 474), 57 quit smoking between June 2005 and May 2007 and 43.9% of these said that the smoke‐free legislation had helped them to quit. Most (>70%) smokers were positive about the legislation, especially those from more affluent compared with more deprived communities (P = 0.01).Conclusions  The Scottish smoke‐free legislation was associated with an increase in the rate of smoking cessation in the 3‐month period immediately prior to its introduction. Overall quit rates in the year the legislation was introduced and the subsequent year were consistent with a gradual increase in quit rates prior to introduction of the legislation. Socio‐economic status was not related to smoking cessation, but individuals from more affluent communities were more positive about the legislation.
Infusion of haplo‐identical killer immunoglobulin‐like receptor ligand mismatched NK cells for relapsed myeloma in the setting of autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Shi Jumei , Tricot Guido , Szmania Susann , Rosen Nancy , Garg Tarun K. , Malaviarachchi Priyangi A. , Moreno Amberly , DuPont Bo , Hsu Katharine C. , Baxter‐Lowe Lee Ann , Cottler‐Fox Michele , Shaughnessy Jr John D. , Barlogie Bart , Van Rhee Frits 
Published: October 2008

SummaryKiller immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR)‐ligand mismatched natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in achieving durable remission after haplo‐identical transplantation for acute myeloid leukaemia. We investigated the feasibility of transfusing haplo‐identical, T‐cell depleted, KIR‐ligand mismatched NK cells, after conditioning therapy with melphalan and fludarabine, to patients with advanced multiple myeloma (MM) followed by delayed rescue with autologous stem cells. No graft‐versus‐host disease or failure of autologous stem cells to engraft was observed. There was significant variation in the number of allo‐reactive NK cells transfused. However, all NK products containing allo‐reactive NK cells killed the NK cell target K562, the MM cell line U266, and recipient MM cells when available. Post NK cell infusion there was a rise in endogenous interleukin‐15 accompanied by increasing donor chimaerism. Donor chimaerism was eventually lost, which correlated with the emergence of potent host anti‐donor responses indicating that the immunosuppressive properties of the conditioning regimen require further optimization. Further, blocking of inhibitory KIR‐ligands with anti‐human leucocyte antigen antibody substantially enhanced killing of MM cells thus highlighting the potential for modulating NK/MM cell interaction. Encouragingly, 50% of patients achieved (near) complete remission. These data set the stage for future studies of KIR‐ligand mismatched NK cell therapy in the autologous setting.
Identification of an immunodominant region of Fel d 1 and characterization of constituent epitopes
Authors: Bateman E. A. L. , Ardern‐Jones M. R. , Ogg G. S. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryBackground
Characterization of T cell epitopes restricted by common HLA alleles is a powerful tool in the understanding of the immune responses to allergens and for the identification of potential peptides for future peptide immunotherapy (PIT). One important requirement is the identification and use of peptides that will bind to HLA molecules covering a large proportion of the population.Objective
To identify commonly recognized CD4+ T cell epitopes in Fel d 1, restricted through frequently expressed HLA molecules for potential future use in PIT.Methods
HLA matched antigen presenting cells, HLA blocking antibodies, and peptide truncations were used in ELISpot assays to establish HLA‐restricted T cell epitopes. Cytokine responses were measured by ex vivo and cultured IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐10 ELISpots.Results
Responses to an immunodominant region of chain 2 were identified in the majority of atopic individuals and epitopes restricted by HLA‐DQB1*06 and ‐DPB1*0401 were characterized in detail. Significantly higher ex vivo IL‐4 and lower IFN‐γ responses were observed to both epitopes in individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD) compared with those without disease. IL‐10 responses were significantly lower in those with AD in the individuals with HLA‐DPB1*0401.Conclusions
We have identified an immunodominant region of Fel d 1 which is frequently recognized by CD4+ T cells from atopic individuals and contains epitopes that are restricted by very common HLA alleles.
Alpha‐T‐catenin (CTNNA3) gene was identified as a risk variant for toluene diisocyanate‐induced asthma by genome‐wide association analysis
Authors: Kim S‐H. , Cho B‐Y. , Park C‐S. , Shin E‐S. , Cho E‐Y. , Yang E‐M. , Kim C‐W. , Hong C‐S. , Lee J‐E. , Park H‐S. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryBackground
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is the most important cause of occupational asthma, but the genetic mechanism of TDI‐induced asthma is still unknown.Objective
The objective of the study was to identify susceptibility alleles associated with the TDI‐induced asthma phenotype.Methods
We conducted a genome‐wide association study in 84 patients with TDI‐induced asthma and 263 unexposed healthy normal controls using Affymetrix 500K SNPchip. We also investigated the relationships between genetic polymorphisms and transcript levels in Epstein–Barr virus‐transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines from patients with TDI‐induced asthma enrolled in this study.Results
Genetic polymorphisms of CTNNA3 (catenin alpha 3, alpha‐T catenin) were significantly associated with the TDI‐induced asthma phenotype (5.84 × 10−6 for rs10762058, 1.41 × 10−5 for rs7088181, 2.03 × 10−5 for rs4378283). Carriers with the minor haplotype, HT2 [GG], of two genetic polymorphisms (rs10762058 and rs7088181) showed significantly lower PC20 methacholine level (P=0.041) and lower mRNA expression of CTNNA3 than non‐carriers (P=0.040). A genetic polymorphism in the 3′ downstream region of CTNNA3 (rs1786929), as identified by DNA direct sequencing, was significantly associated with the TDI‐induced asthma phenotype (P=0.015 in recessive analysis model) and the prevalence of serum‐specific IgG to cytokeratin 19 (P=0.031).Conclusion
These findings suggested that multiple genetic polymorphisms of CTNNA3 may be determinants of susceptibility to TDI‐induced asthma.
Impact of thyroid function and polymorphisms in the type 2 deiodinase on blood pressure: the Rotterdam Study and the Rotterdam Scan Study
Authors: Van Der Deure Wendy M. , Peeters Robin P. , Uitterlinden André G. , Hofman Albert , Breteler Monique M. B. , Witteman Jacqueline , Visser Theo J. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryIntroduction  Thyroid function and genetic variation in the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid axis have been implicated in blood pressure regulation and susceptibility to hypertension. However studies conducted thus far were small with controversial results.Objective  To examine whether serum thyroid parameters and polymorphisms in the type 2 deiodinase and the TSH receptor are associated with blood pressure and the presence of hypertension in two large cohorts of elderly subjects.Design and participants  We studied a random sample of 1444 subjects of the Rotterdam study, and 997 subjects of the Rotterdam Scan study, two population‐based cohort studies among elderly individuals aged 55–90 years.Outcome measurements  Data on blood pressure and hypertension were obtained, and serum thyroid parameters, D2‐Thr92Ala, D2‐ORFa‐Gly3Asp and TSHR‐Asp727Glu polymorphisms were determined.Results  In contrast to previous findings, no consistent and/or significant associations were found between serum TSH and FT4 and blood pressure in both cohorts. In addition, the D2‐Thr92Ala, D2‐ORFa‐Gly3Asp and TSHR‐Asp727Glu polymorphisms were not associated with blood pressure or the risk of hypertension.Conclusions  In two large populations of elderly subjects, neither serum thyroid parameters nor polymorphisms in the type 2 deiodinase and the TSH receptor, were associated with blood pressure or the presence of hypertension. Our data suggest that thyroid function is not an important determinant of hypertension in elderly Dutch subjects.
Continuous exposure to infectious pancreatic necrosis virus during early life stages of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Bebak J , McAllister P E 
Published: October 2008

AbstractRainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), were exposed continuously to infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) at 0, 101, 103 or 105 plaque forming units (pfu) L−1 of water to estimate the effects of chronic IPNV exposure on early life stages. Fish density averaged 35 fish L−1 (low density) or 140 fish L−1 (high density), and the tank flow rate was 250 mL−1 min. Virus exposure began at 6 days before hatch and continued until fish were 44 days old. Cumulative per cent mortality, analysis of survival and hazard functions, and discrete‐time event analysis were used to explore the patterns of survival and mortality. In eggs and fish exposed to IPNV, mortality significantly greater than in the 0 pfu L−1 exposure did not occur until IPNV concentration was 105 pfu L−1 at low fish density and 103 pfu IPNV L−1 at high fish density. These results suggest that in the natural aquatic environment, where rainbow trout densities are likely to be considerably lower than in this study, mortality resulting from infection with IPNV will very likely not occur when ambient concentrations of virus are ≤103 pfu IPNV L−1. In aquaculture rearing units, trout density is likely to be as high or higher than the densities used in this study. Therefore, continuous inputs of virus at concentrations greater than 101 pfu L−1 may result in IPN epidemics in aquaculture facilities.
Effects of a combination of napping and bright light pulses on shift workers' sleepiness at the wheel: a pilot study
Authors: LEGER DAMIEN , PHILIP PIERRE , JARRIAULT PHILIPPE , METLAINE ARNAUD , CHOUDAT DOMINIQUE 
Published: October 2008

SummaryTo assess the effects of napping + bright light on shift work drivers sleepiness at the wheel, we performed a pilot study on nine shift workers on three shifts (morning, afternoon, night), driving on a private road circuit. Sleepiness at the wheel was measured by ambulatory polysomnography and assessed using 30‐s segments of recordings with a percentage of theta electroencephalogram of at least 50% (15 s) of the period recorded. Sleepiness was also assessed by the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS). Participants drove the same car on two similar 24‐h periods of work, with three drivers in each shift (morning, afternoon, night), separated by 3 weeks. During the baseline period, the subjects were told to manage their rest as usual. During the second experimental period, they had to rest lying in a dark room with two naps of 20 min and then exposed to bright light (5000 lux) for 10 min. Subjects showed a significantly decreased sleepiness at the wheel with an average of 10.7 ± 6.7 episodes of theta sleep during the baseline (766 ± 425 s) versus 1.0 ± 1.0 episode lasting 166 ± 96 s during the second period (P = 0.016; P = 0.0109). The percentage of driving asleep was also significantly reduced (3.7% ± 1.9% versus 0.9% ± 0.6%, P = 0.0077). The average SSS score in the group decreased from 2.76 ± 1.27 to 2.28 ± 0.74 (P = 0.09). In this pilot and preliminary study, a combination of napping and bright light pulses was powerful in decreasing sleepiness at the wheel of shift work drivers.
Pathological and Bacteriological Studies of Hydrosalpinx in Buffaloes
Authors: Azawi OI , Al‐Abidy HF , Ali AJ 
Published: October 2008

ContentsThe objectives of the present study were to investigate the bacteria accompanying hydrosalpinx of the buffalo cow and investigate the correlation between bacterial infection of the uterus and hydrosalpinx. Buffalo cows’ reproductive tracts were collected from Mosul abattoir. A total 385 uterine samples were examined of which 25 were having hydrosalpinx. Swabs for bacteriology, fluid for cytology and biopsies for histopathology were collected from the hydrosalpinx and the uterus from each samples included in this study. Results of this study indicated high prevalence of hydrosalpinx (6.5%) including unilateral (n = 19; 76%) and bilateral (n = 6; 24%) hydrosalpinx. Although 16 samples (64%) of the hydrosalpinx samples had no bacterial growth, the most prevalent bacteria recovered from hydrosalpinx wereCorynebacterium hemolyticumandActinomyces bovis, 42.8% and 28.6%, respectively. The most prevalent bacteria in the uterus wereArchanobacterium pyogenes(18.5%),Staphylococcus aureus(14.8%), andListeria monocytogenes(11.0%). Higher rates of leukocytes infiltration (p < 0.01) were observed in the uterine discharge than hydrosalpinx. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in lymphocytes was found in uterine discharge. Microscopic examination of the hydrosalpinx showed mucosal atrophy and dilatation of oviductal lumen without any signs of inflammation. It could be concluded that there is no correlation between bacteria isolated from uterus and hydrosalpinx. No association was found between bacteriological cultures and hydrosalpinx. Inflammation of the uterine tissue could be extended to utero‐tubal junction producing local inflammation resulting in fibrosis and tubal obstruction. The obstruction in the lumen of the oviducts resulted in accumulation of fluid.
Immediate blood pressure‐lowering effects of aerobic exercise among patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: HEADLEY SAMUEL A , GERMAIN MICHAEL J , MILCH CHARLES M , BUCHHOLZ MATTHEW P , COUGHLIN MARY ANN , PESCATELLO LINDA S 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY:Aim:  The current study was designed to determine the effect of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise on blood pressure responses within the laboratory for 60 min post exercise and in the subsequent 24 h period in patients with chronic kidney disease.Methods:  Twenty‐four subjects with stages 2–4 chronic kidney disease (age = 54.5 ± 15.2 years, body mass index = 32.0 ± 5.9 kg/m2) on antihypertensive medication completed this study. In random counterbalanced order, subjects were asked to either walk for 40 min at 50–60% VO2peak (oxygen consumption) or, on a separate day, to sit quietly in the laboratory for the same length of time. Following exercise or the non‐exercise period, blood pressure was taken at 10 min intervals for 60 min. Subjects then wore an ambulatory blood pressure monitor for the next 24 h.Results:  Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) was reduced by 6.5 ± 10.8 compared with the pre‐exercise baseline value (130.3 ± 21.1) in the laboratory after exercise and this was greater than after the control period (0.73 ± 10.3, P < 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) was reduced following exercise (2.5 ± 6.4) compared with the control period (2.1 ± 4.9, P < 0.05). The mean 24 h readings did not differ between exercise or non‐exercise days.Conclusion:  Acute aerobic exercise leads to reduced blood pressure for at least 60 min within the laboratory in chronic kidney disease patients.
Change in live donor characteristics over the last 25 years: A single centre experience
Authors: KAISAR MOHD O , NICOL DAVID L , HAWLEY CARMEL M , MUDGE DAVID W , JOHNSON DAVID W , PRESTON JOHN M , WALL DARYL R , GRIFFIN ANTHONY D , CAMPBELL SCOTT B , ISBEL NICOLE M 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARY:Aim:  While deceased donor kidney transplantation rates have remained stagnant, live donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) rates have increased significantly over the last decade, and are now a major component of renal transplantation programmes worldwide. Additionally, there has been an increased utilization of more marginal donors, including donors who are obese, older and subjects with well‐controlled hypertension.Method:  A retrospective audit of all live donors at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Renal Transplantation unit was performed from 24 August 1982 to 29 May 2007 to assess any change in donor characteristics over time.Results:  There were 373 live donor operations. Over the last 25 years there has been a significant increase in the number of donors who are either older or obese. Furthermore, there is a greater proportion of spousal and emotionally related LDKT.Conclusion:  It is imperative that donors, in particular marginal donors, are followed up long‐term to determine their risk of kidney and cardiovascular disease and initiation of appropriate treatment if required.
Cervical phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor binding proteın‐1 for the prediction of preterm delivery in symptomatic cases with intact membranes
Authors: Tanir H. Mete , Sener Turgay , Yildiz Zafer 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAim:  This prospective, observational study was an attempt to evaluate whether a positive cervical phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor binding proteın‐1 admission test in women with signs and symptoms of preterm labor (PTL) may be useful in the prediction of women who will deliver prematurely.Methods:  Pregnant women with confirmed gestational age between 24 and 37 weeks' gestation with <3 cm cervical dilatation and intact membranes were included in the study. Prior to digital examination, a sterile speculum examination was performed using a dacron swab rotated in the external cervical os for 15 s. The test was based on immunochromatographic qualitative analysis of cervical phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor binding proteın‐1. Test (+) and (–) cases were evaluated in terms of maternal demographic characteristics and neonatal outcomes.Results:  A total of 68 cases were enrolled in the study. There were no statistically significant differences between test (+) and (−) groups, in terms of maternal characteristics or adverse neonatal outcomes. However, cases with + test had high Bishop scores on admission (P = 0.01) and gestational age at delivery (P = 0.003). For deliveries within 7 days of admission, the strongest predictors were test positivity (RR:24,%95CI:2.8–204, P < 0.0001) and Bishop score (RR:1.3, %95CI: 1.0–1.6, P = 0.03). For deliveries <34 weeks' gestation, the test had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values, +likelihood ratios and –likelihood ratios of 70%, 74%, 48%, 88, 2.8 and 0.39, respectively.Conclusion:  Among women with signs and symptoms of PTL, the high negative predictive value of this test to predict the PTL <34 weeks' gestation as well as within 7 days of delivery may be of value in the reassurance of patients, avoiding unnecessary medical interventions.
Spatial scene representations formed by self‐organizing learning in a hippocampal extension of the ventral visual system
Authors: Rolls Edmund T. , Tromans James M. , Stringer Simon M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe show in a unifying computational approach that representations of spatial scenes can be formed by adding an additional self‐organizing layer of processing beyond the inferior temporal visual cortex in the ventral visual stream without the introduction of new computational principles. The invariant representations of objects by neurons in the inferior temporal visual cortex can be modelled by a multilayer feature hierarchy network with feedforward convergence from stage to stage, and an associative learning rule with a short‐term memory trace to capture the invariant statistical properties of objects as they transform over short time periods in the world. If an additional layer is added to this architecture, training now with whole scenes that consist of a set of objects in a given fixed spatial relation to each other results in neurons in the added layer that respond to one of the trained whole scenes but do not respond if the objects in the scene are rearranged to make a new scene from the same objects. The formation of these scene‐specific representations in the added layer is related to the fact that in the inferior temporal cortex and, we show, in the VisNet model, the receptive fields of inferior temporal cortex neurons shrink and become asymmetric when multiple objects are present simultaneously in a natural scene. This reduced size and asymmetry of the receptive fields of inferior temporal cortex neurons also provides a solution to the representation of multiple objects, and their relative spatial positions, in complex natural scenes.