bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Media reporting of tenofovir trials in Cambodia and Cameroon
Authors: Mills Edward , Rachlis Beth , Wu Ping , Wong Elaine , Wilson Kumanan , Singh Sonal 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Two planned trials of pre-exposure prophylaxis tenofovir in Cambodia and Cameroon to prevent HIV infection in high-risk populations were closed due to activist pressure on host country governments. The international news media contributed substantially as the primary source of knowledge transfer regarding the trials. We aimed to characterize the nature of reporting, specifically focusing on the issues identified by media reports regarding each trial.

Methods
With the aid of an information specialist, we searched 3 electronic media databases, 5 electronic medical databases and extensively searched the Internet. In addition we contacted stakeholder groups. We included media reports addressing the trial closures, the reasons for the trial closures, and who was interviewed. We extracted data using content analysis independently, in duplicate.

Results
We included 24 reports on the Cambodian trial closure and 13 reports on the Cameroon trial closure. One academic news account incorrectly reported that it was an HIV vaccine trial that closed early. The primary reasons cited for the Cambodian trial closure were: a lack of medical insurance for trial related injuries (71%); human rights considerations (71%); study protocol concerns (46%); general suspicions regarding trial location (37%) and inadequate prevention counseling (29%). The primary reasons cited for the Cameroon trial closure were: inadequate access to care for seroconverters (69%); participants not sufficiently informed of risks (69%); inadequate number of staff (46%); participants being exploited (46%) and an unethical study design (38%). Only 3/23 (13%) reports acknowledged interviewing research personnel regarding the Cambodian trial, while 4/13 (30.8%) reports interviewed researchers involved in the Cameroon trial.

Conclusion
Our review indicates that the issues addressed and validity of the media reports of these trials is highly variable. Given the potential impact of the media in formulation of health policy related to HIV, efforts are needed to effectively engage the media during periods of controversy in the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Guidelines, guidelines and more guidelines: And we still do not know how to follow-up patients with breast cancer
Authors: Heys Steven D , Chaturvedi Shailesh , Hutcheon Andrew W , Sarkar Tarun K 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
A major challenge facing us is the provision of health care and appropriate allocation of available resources for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. This is of particular concern in the provision of follow-up care. With the increasing incidence of breast cancer and the improvements in survival which have resulted in up to 75% of patients surviving for more than five years, an increasing resource is required. However, there is controversy as to the most appropriate schedule for follow-up of these patients. This brief review has focused on the evidence-base and guidelines that currently exist in the United Kingdom for the follow-up of patients who have been treated for breast cancer.

Methods
A review of the current guidelines published in the United Kingdom for the follow-up of patients with breast cancer (National Institute for Clinical Excellence, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, British Association of Surgical Oncology) and the randomised controlled trials evaluating the follow-up of patients with breast cancer was undertaken.

Results
The results have demonstrated the different follow-up protocols currently indicated in these guidelines within the same country. Furthermore, the lack of well designed, randomised controlled trials on which to base a follow-up protocol for patients with breast cancer is apparent.

Conclusion
The evidence-base on which these guidelines have been developed is lacking. It is apparent that well designed randomised controlled trials are needed urgently if we are to understand the most appropriate and effective ways of following up patients with breast cancer.
Production and characterization of amplified tumor-derived cRNA libraries to be used as vaccines against metastatic melanomas
Authors: Carralot Jean-Philippe , Weide Benjamin , Schoor Oliver , Probst Jochen , Scheel Birgit , Teufel Regina , Hoerr Ingmar , Garbe Claus , Rammensee Hans-Georg , Pascolo Steve 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Anti-tumor vaccines targeting the entire tumor antigen repertoire represent an attractive immunotherapeutic approach. In the context of a phase I/II clinical trial, we vaccinated metastatic melanoma patients with autologous amplified tumor mRNA. In order to provide the large quantities of mRNA needed for each patient, the Stratagene Creator™ SMART™ cDNA library construction method was modified and applied to produce libraries derived from the tumors of 15 patients. The quality of those mRNA library vaccines was evaluated through sequencing and microarray analysis.

Results
Random analysis of bacterial clones of the library showed a rate of 95% of recombinant plasmids among which a minimum of 51% of the clones contained a full-Open Reading Frame. In addition, despite a biased amplification toward small abundant transcripts compared to large rare fragments, we could document a relatively conserved gene expression profile between the total RNA of the tumor of origin and the corresponding in vitro transcribed complementary RNA (cRNA). Finally, listing the 30 most abundant transcripts of patient MEL02's library, a large number of tumor associated antigens (TAAs) either patient specific or shared by several melanomas were found.

Conclusion
Our results show that unlimited amounts of cRNA representing tumor's transcriptome could be obtained and that this cRNA was a reliable source of a large variety of tumor antigens.
Emergence in Technical Systems (Emergenz in technischen Systemen)
Authors: Rochner Fabian , Müller-Schloer Christian 
Published: August 2005

Summury
This article briefly reviews systems, which show self-organizational behavior and defines emergence as their central property. Then it tries to contrast emergent behavior, which is a bottom-up process, with the classical top-down design process. In the last section the paper discusses the Observer/Controller concept as a possible solution to this apparent contradiction.
Rekonfigurierbare Hardware und intelligente Laufzeitsysteme für adaptives Rechnen (Reconfigurable Hardware and Intelligent Run-time Systems for Adaptive Computing)
Authors: Becker Jürgen , Brändle Kurt , Ullmann Michael 
Published: August 2005

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag motiviert und beschreibt den Aufbau sowie Einsatz dynamisch rekonfigurierbarer Hardwarearchitekturen in intelligenten, laufzeitadaptiven Systemen und vergleicht diese Technologien mit den relevanten organischen Aspekten der genetischen Kontrolle der Entwicklung und Funktion biologischer Zellen.
Air quality evaluation of some industrial cities of Pakistan using INAA and AAS
Authors: Waheed S. , Rahman A. , Daud M. , Rahman S. , Islam Z. , Ahmad S. 
Published: August 2005

Summary
Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis technique (INAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) have been employed for the characterization of 40 trace elements in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and soil samples from Pakistan's industrially important cities of Gujranwala and Faisalabad. The air particulates, which were collected from five different locations of each city, indicate moderate to unhealthy air quality with SPM levels above the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
Enrichment factors (EF) for all the elements have been calculated with respect to their concentrations in the soils. Some of the areas of Gujranwala show high EF values for Pb, Cr, Cu, Cd and Ca, which may indicate contributions due to heavy traffic with automotive exhaust, tanneries and many other acute anthropogenic activities in this area. The presence of high concentration of Cr is due to chrome plating units and leather industry in the adjoining areas. Similarly few sites from Faisalabad have high Pb, Cd and Sb contents from vehicular aerosols with the contributions from coal combustion, battery manufacturing industries, lead smelters and numerous other industries. IAEA Reference Materials were analyzed for the validation of INAA and AAS procedures employed and to ensure the accuracy and precision of the characterized data.
Light‐induced Damage to the Retina: Role of Rhodopsin Chromophore Revisited
Authors: Różanowska Małgorzata , Sarna Tadeusz 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACTThe presence of the regenerable visual pigment rhodopsin has been shown to be primarily responsible for the acute photo‐damage to the retina. The photoexcitation of rhodopsin leads to isomerization of its chromophore 11‐cis‐retinal to all‐trans‐ retinal (ATR). ATR is a potent photosensitizer and its role in mediating photodamage has been suspectéd for over two decades. However, there was lack of experimental evidence that free ATR exists in the retina in sufficient concentrations to impose a risk of photosensitized damage. Identification in the retina of a retinal dimer and a pyridinium bisretinoid, so called A2E, and determination of its biosynthetic pathway indicate that substantial amounts of ATR do accumulate in the retina. Both light damage and A2E accumulation are facilitated under conditions where efficient retinoid cycle operates. Efficient retinoid cycle leads to rapid regeneration of rhodopsin, which may result in ATR release from the opsin “exit site” before its enzymatic reduction to all‐trans‐retinol. Here we discuss photodamage to the retina where ATR could play a role as the main toxic and/or phototoxic agent. Moreover, we discuss secondary products of (photo)toxic properties accumulating within retinal lipofuscin as a result of ATR accumulation.
Evaluation of Siewert classification in gastro‐esophageal junction adenocarcinoma: What is the role of endoscopic ultrasonography?
Authors: Pedrazzani Corrado , Bernini Marco , Giacopuzzi Simone , Pugliese Raffaele , Catalano Filippo , Festini Mara , Rodella Luca , de Manzoni Giovanni 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackgroundPreoperative assessment of gastro‐esophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma stage and its location according to Siewert are essential for planning the therapeutic approach. The present study was aimed at analyzing the utility of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in evaluating GEJ adenocarcinoma stage and whether this modality added to EGD improves assessment of Siewert type.MethodsThe results of 51 patients studied by EGD plus EUS (EGD/EUS group) were compared with the results of 54 patients studied by EGD only (EGD group).ResultsA differentiation of pT1 tumors was attempted by measurement of the tumor length using 4 cm as a criterion. This goal was not achieved because of a high rate of advanced tumors less than 4 cm (sensitivity and specificity were 81.3% and 34.2%, respectively). Conversely EUS ability in pT1 assessment was very reliable (92%). The accuracy in defining the Siewert type was 72.5% and 64.8% for EGD/EUS and EGD groups, respectively (P = 0.394). Some difficulties in distinguishing between type II and III tumors were observed in both groups with an extremely low specificity (44%) in classifying type II tumors by EGD group.ConclusionsEUS seems to be essential in differentiating pT1 from advanced tumors. It shows an accuracy in defining the Siewert type of 72.5%, with some difficulties in distinguishing from type II and III tumors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;91:226–231. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patterns of treatment response in chronic posttraumatic stress disorder: An application of latent growth mixture modeling
Authors: Elliott Peter , Biddle Dirk , Hawthorne Graeme , Forbes David , Creamer Mark 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThis study attempts to differentiate groups of individuals who exhibit different patterns of recovery following treatment for chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and describes these groups in terms of relevant characteristics at program intake. A sample of 2,219 Vietnam veterans who had completed a 12‐week treatment program was followed up at 6, 12, and 24 months post admission using self‐report measures. With change in PTSD symptoms over time as the focus, latent growth mixture modeling was used to assign individual veterans to subgroups. A three‐group solution provided the best account of the data. Two groups showed moderate and consistent improvement over time although the larger group (n = 1,380) began treatment with more PTSD symptoms and improved more quickly over time. The smallest group (n = 87) showed a substantially different trajectory, with almost no net change in symptom levels over the 24‐month period. The groups also varied significantly in terms of their characteristics, with symptom severity and improvements over time reflecting greater comorbidity and younger age. The results have both research and clinical implications.
Preparation and Properties of Cholesteric Network Polymers Based on Liquid Crystalline Epoxides
Authors: Hartwig Andreas , Mahato Tapan Kumar , Kaese Torsten , Wöhrle Dieter 
Published: August 2005

AbstractSummary: Polyether network polymers with cholesteric superstructure are formed by the photochemically induced cationic copolymerisation of a nematic diepoxide with chiral epoxides. If a cholesteric superstructure is formed or not, depends on the temperature at which the photopolymerisation is carried out. The storage modulus is higher above TG in samples with cholesteric superstructure. Optical rotations and vibrational circular dichroism spectra (VCD) depend strongly on the surface state of the substrates. From the VCD spectra it is concluded that the copolymerisation leads to different superstructures depending on the rub directions of the substrates.IR absorption spectrum and VCD spectrum of the cholesterol derivative 4.magnified imageIR absorption spectrum and VCD spectrum of the cholesterol derivative 4.
Dietary iron deficiency induces ventricular dilation, mitochondrial ultrastructural aberrations and cytochrome c release: involvement of nitric oxide synthase and protein tyrosine nitration
Authors: Dong Feng , Zhang Xiaochun , Culver Bruce , Chew Herbert G. , Kelley Robert O. , Ren Jun 
Published: August 2005

Iron deficiency is associated with multiple health problems, including the cardiovascular system. However, the mechanism of action of iron-deficiency-induced cardiovascular damage is unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of dietary iron deficiency on cardiac ultrastructure, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, NOS (nitric oxide synthase) and several stress-related protein molecules, including protein nitrotyrosine, the p47phox subunit of NADPH oxidase, caveolin-1 and RhoA. Male weanling rats were fed with either control or iron-deficient diets for 12 weeks. Cardiac ultrastructure was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate cytochrome c, endothelial and inducible NOS, NADPH oxidase, caveolin-1 and RhoA. Protein nitrotyrosine formation was measured by ELISA. Rats fed an iron-deficient diet exhibited increased heart weight and size compared with the control group. Heart width, length and ventricular free wall thickness were similar between the two groups. However, the left ventricular dimension and chamber volume were significantly enhanced in the iron-deficient group compared with controls. Ultrastructural examination revealed mitochondrial swelling and abnormal sarcomere structure in iron-deficient ventricular tissues. Cytochrome c release was significantly enhanced in iron-deficient rats. Protein expression of eNOS (endothelial NOS) and iNOS (inducible NOS), and protein nitrotyrosine formation were significantly elevated in cardiac tissue or mitochondrial extraction from the iron-deficient group. Significantly up-regulated NADPH oxidase, caveolin-1 and RhoA expression were also detected in ventricular tissue of the iron-deficient group. Taken together, these results suggest that dietary iron deficiency may have induced cardiac hypertrophy characterized by aberrant mitochondrial and irregular sarcomere organization, which was accompanied by increased reactive nitrogen species and RhoA expression.
Breastfeeding, soluble CD14 concentration in breast milk and risk of atopic dermatitis and asthma in early childhood: birth cohort study
Authors: Rothenbacher D. , Weyermann M. , Beermann C. , Brenner H. 
Published: August 2005

SummaryBackground
Breast milk contains a variety of bioactive substances, among them, soluble CD14 (sCD14), which plays an important role in innate immunity.Objective
We analysed data of a large prospective birth cohort study to examine the determinants of sCD14 in breast milk, and investigated whether breastfeeding practice and sCD14 concentrations in breast milk are determinants of the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma in children.Methods
Eight hundred and three mothers and their newborns were included in this analysis. We measured sCD14 concentrations in breast milk samples collected 6 weeks post‐partum. During a 2‐year follow‐up the cumulative incidences of AD and asthma were recorded.Results
Overall, AD was reported for 20.6% of the 2‐year‐olds and asthma was reported for 19.6%. We found the lowest incidence of physician‐reported AD in children of mothers without a history of atopic diseases if breastfed for 6 to less than 9 months. Furthermore, we found an inverse association between duration of breastfeeding and risk of asthma, which was especially evident in children with mothers without a history of atopic disease (P=0.01). These patterns persisted after control for other factors by multivariate analysis methods. The protective effect of breastfeeding seemed to be synergistic with sCD14 concentrations in breast milk (P for trend 0.0005).Conclusions
The results of this prospective birth cohort study suggest that a longer duration of breastfeeding does decrease the risk for asthma in early childhood, especially in children of mothers without a history of atopic disease. The beneficial effects of breastfeeding might be further supported by high levels of sCD14 in breast milk.
The rhizosphere as a reservoir for opportunistic human pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Berg Gabriele , Eberl Leo , Hartmann Anton 
Published: August 2005

SummaryDuring the last years, the number of human infections caused by opportunistic pathogens has increased dramatically. One natural reservoir of opportunistic pathogens is the rhizosphere, the zone around roots that is influenced by the plant. Due to a high content of nutrients, this habitat is a ‘microbial hot‐spot’, where bacterial abundances including those with strong antagonistic traits are enhanced. Various bacterial genera, including Burkholderia, Enterobacter, Herbaspirillum, Ochrobactrum, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Staphylococcus and Stenotrophomonas, contain root‐associated strains that can encounter bivalent interactions with both plant and human hosts. Mechanisms responsible for colonization of the rhizosphere and antagonistic activity against plant pathogens are similar to those responsible for colonization of human organs and tissues, and pathogenicity. Multiple resistances against antibiotics are not only found with clinical strains but also with strains isolated from the rhizosphere. High competition, the occurrence of diverse antibiotics in the rhizosphere, and enhanced horizontal gene transfer rates in this microenvironment appear to contribute to the high levels of natural resistances. While opportunistic bacteria from the rhizosphere have some properties in common, each of these emerging pathogens has its own features, which are discussed in detail for Burkholderia, Ochrobactrum and Stenotrophomonas.
Comparison of the effects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and NPH‐based multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) on glycaemic control and quality of life: results of the 5‐nations trial
Authors: Hoogma R. P. L. M. , Hammond P. J. , Gomis R. , Kerr D. , Bruttomesso D. , Bouter K. P. , Wiefels K. J. , De La Calle H. , Schweitzer D. H. , Pfohl M. , Torlone E. , Krinelke L. G. , Bolli G. B. ,   on behalf of the 5‐Nations Study Group
Published: August 2005

AbstractAims  The goal of the study was to determine whether continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) differs from a multiple daily injection (MDI) regimen based on neutral protamine hagedorn (NPH) as basal insulin with respect to glycaemic control and quality of life in people with Type 1 diabetes.Methods  The 5‐Nations trial was a randomized, controlled, crossover trial conducted in 11 European centres. Two hundred and seventy‐two patients were treated with CSII or MDI during a 2‐month run‐in period followed by a 6‐month treatment period, respectively. The quality of glycaemic control was assessed by HbA1c, blood glucose values, and the frequency of hypoglycaemic events. For the evaluation of the quality of life, three different self‐report questionnaires have been assessed.Results  CSII treatment resulted in lower HbA1c (7.45 vs. 7.67%, P < 0.001), mean blood glucose level (8.6 vs. 9.4 mmol/l, P < 0.001) and less fluctuation in blood glucose levels than MDI (± 3.9 vs. ± 4.3 mmol/l, P < 0.001). There was a marked reduction in the frequency of hypoglycaemic events using CSII compared with MDI, with an incidence ratio of 1.12 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.17] and 2.61 (95% CI: 1.59–4.29) for mild and severe hypoglycaemia, respectively. The overall score of the diabetes quality of life questionnaire was higher for CSII (P < 0.001), and an improvement in pump users’ perception of mental health was detected when using the SF‐12 questionnaire (P < 0.05).Conclusion  CSII usage offers significant benefits over NPH‐based MDI for individuals with Type 1 diabetes, with improvement in all significant metabolic parameters as well as in patients’ quality of life. Additional studies are needed to compare CSII with glargine‐ and detemir‐based MDI.
The metabolic syndrome and changing relationship between blood pressure and insulin with age, as observed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Authors: Schutte A. E. , Shemesh T. , Rowley K. , Best J. D. , McDermott R. , O'Dea K. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractAims  To determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A further objective was to investigate the relationships between fasting insulin and blood pressure (BP) within these groups with increasing age.Methods  A cross‐sectional population‐based study included 369 Torres Strait Islanders (residing in Torres Strait and Far North Queensland), and 675 Aborigines from central Australia. Data necessary for classification of MS was collected, including fasting and 2‐h glucose and insulin, urinary albumin and creatinine, anthropometric measurements, BP, serum lipids.Results  The ATPIII criteria classified 43% of Torres Strait Islanders and 44% of Aborigines with MS, whereas 32 and 28%, respectively, had the MS according to WHO criteria. Agreement between the two criteria was only modest (kappa coefficient from 0.28 to 0.57). Factor analyses indicated no cluster including both insulin and BP in either population. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) [adjusted for gender, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference] were observed between BP and fasting insulin: a positive correlation for Torres Strait Islanders aged 15–29 years, and an inverse correlation for Aborigines aged 40 years and older.Conclusion  Torres Strait Islanders and Aborigines had very high prevalences of the MS. Specific population characteristics (high prevalences of central obesity, dyslipidaemia, renal disease) may make the WHO definition preferable to the ATPIII definition in these population groups. The poor agreement between criteria suggests a more precise definition of the metabolic syndrome that is applicable across populations is required. This study showed an inverse relationship with age for the correlation of BP and fasting insulin.