bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OpsX from
Haemophilus influenzae
Represents a Novel Type of Heptosyltransferase I in Lipopolysaccharide Biosynthesis
Authors: Gronow Sabine , Brabetz Werner , Lindner Buko , Brade Helmut 
Published: August 2005

ABSTRACT

The inner core region of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of
Haemophilus influenzae
is characterized by the presence of a phosphorylated 3-deoxy-α-
d
-
manno
-octulosonic acid (Kdo). In this study, we show that the heptosyltransferase I adding the first
l
-
glycero
-
d
-
manno
-heptose residue to this acceptor is encoded by the gene
opsX
, which differs in substrate specificity from the other heptosyltransferase I, known as WaaC.
Effect of farming environment on sensitisation to allergens continues after childhood
Authors: Koskela H O , Happonen K K , Remes S T , Pekkanen J 
Published: August 2005

Aims:The farming environment in childhood has been reported to decrease the risk of sensitisation to allergens. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether later exposure to a farming environment also could affect this sensitisation.Methods:A population based sample of 202 women who did not live on a farm and 231 who did. The subjects filled in a questionnaire and underwent skin prick tests for several common and farming related allergens.Results:The prevalence of sensitisation to any of the allergens was similar in the two groups (37.1v34.6% (p = NS). However, compared with women who did not live on a farm, the women who lived on a dairy farm showed a low prevalence of sensitisation to pollens (4.4v17.3%, p = 0.01) and cats (3.5v10.4%, p = 0.047). The risk of sensitisation to pollens and pets was lowest among women with both a childhood and adulthood farming environment and was dose dependently associated with current contact with farm animals. However, this contact increased the risk of sensitisation to bovine dander.Conclusion:The farming environment may reduce sensitisation to common allergens also after early childhood. However, it may also increase sensitisation to farm allergens.
Sensitisation to mites in laboratory animal workers with rhinitis
Authors: Ruoppi P , Koistinen T , Pennanen S 
Published: August 2005

Aims:To determine the frequency of sensitisation to mites among rhinitic laboratory animal workers and to clarify whether sensitisation could be occupational.Methods:Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed in 40 subjects who were working with laboratory animals in Kuopio University research units and who had been referred to Kuopio University Hospital for work related rhinitis. The SPT panel consisted of three storage mites, two house dust mites, 11 other common environmental airborne allergens, latex, and 2–4 individually relevant laboratory animals. To determine signs of mites in animal facilities, guanine was determined in 22 dust samples taken from feedstuffs or bedding material used for laboratory animals and from rooms where these materials were stored and handled.Results:Positive SPT results were found in 35 out of 40 workers: in 14 for storage mites, four for house dust mites, 25 for other common aeroallergens, as well as positive reactions to laboratory animals in 19 individuals. The guanine test was positive, indicating the presence of mite derived material in 21 out of 22 dust samples.Conclusions:This study suggests that subjects who are occupationally exposed to laboratory animals are also exposed to mite derived allergens. Sensitisation to mites is common and may be work related.
Mould/dampness exposure at home is associated with respiratory disorders in Italian children and adolescents: the SIDRIA-2 Study
Authors: Simoni M , Lombardi E , Berti G , Rusconi F , La Grutta S , Piffer S , Petronio M G , Galassi C , Forastiere F , Viegi G 
Published: August 2005

Aims:To report on the relation between home mould and/or dampness exposure and respiratory disorders in a large sample of children and adolescents in Italy, accounting for age at time of exposure.Methods:20 016 children (mean age 7 years) and 13 266 adolescents (mean age 13 years) completed questionnaires on indoor exposures and respiratory symptoms/diseases. Statistical analyses were adjusted for sex, age, questionnaire’s compiler, area of residence, season of interview, parental educational status, family history of asthma, rhinitis, eczema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, presence of gas water heaters, passive smoking, pets, and active smoking (only for adolescents). Population attributable risk % (PAR) was also computed.Results:Asthma was more strongly related to only early than to only current exposure, both in children (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.30) and adolescents (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.59). The same result was found for rhino-conjunctivitis (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.82), in children, and for wheeze among adolescents (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.11). In children, wheeze (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.66) and eczema (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.91) were more strongly related to mould/dampness when exposed both early and currently; the same occurred in adolescents for rhino-conjunctivitis (1.78, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.45). Although persistent cough/phlegm was significantly related to mould/dampness exposure in children, regardless of exposure timing, no significant association between mould/dampness exposure and eczema or cough/phlegm was found among adolescents. PAR estimates were higher for only early than only current exposures. Avoiding early only exposure would abate wheeze by 6%, asthma or cough/phlegm by 7%, rhino-conjunctivitis in children by 4%, and in adolescents, asthma by 6%, and wheeze by 4%.Conclusions:Respiratory disorders such as wheeze and asthma can often be explained by exposure to home mould/dampness, especially early in life. The association seems more evident in children than in adolescents. These findings may suggest the need for environmental prevention strategies.
Memory Tales: Representations of Shembe in the Cultural Discourse of African Renaissance
Authors: Heuser Andreas 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe discourse on African Renaissance in South Africa shapes the current stage of a post-apartheid political culture of memory. One of the frameworks of this negotiation of the past is the representation of religion. In particular, religious traditions that formerly occupied a marginalised status in Africanist circles are assimilated into a choreography of memory to complement an archive of liberation struggle. With respect to one of the most influential African Instituted Churches in South Africa, the Nazareth Baptist Church founded by Isaiah Shembe, this article traces an array of memory productions that range from adaptive and mimetic strategies to contrasting textures of church history. Supported by a spatial map of memory, these alternative religious traditions are manifested inside as well as outside the church. Against a hegemonic Afrocentrist vision, they are assembled from fragments of an intercultural milieu of early Nazareth Baptist Church history.
'Building A New Eden': Lutheran Church Youth Choir Performances in Tanzania
Authors: Bjerk Paul 
Published: August 2005

AbstractA study of three songs by a Tanzanian youth choir reveals a synthesis of historical and intellectual sources ranging from pre-colonial social philosophy to Lutheran theology to Nyerere's Ujamaa socialism. The songs show how the choir performances break down the barrier between Bourdieu's realms of the disputed and undisputed. In appropriating an active role in shaping Christian ideology, the choir members reinterpret its theology into something wholly new and uniquely Tanzanian. Thus they appropriate an authoritative voice that shapes the basic societal concepts about the nature of life and society. They envision themselves as essential workers in an ongoing sacred task of building a modern Tanzanian nation in the image of a new Eden.
The Daily Cycle of Low-Frequency Elephant Calls and Near-Surface Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Garstang Michael , Fitzjarrald David R. , Fristrup Kurt , Brain Conrad 
Published: August 2005

AbstractElephant low-frequency calls and atmospheric conditions that influence the transmission and detection of these calls were recorded at a fixed location over a period of about 3 weeks at the end of the dry season in the Etosha National Park, Namibia. A bimodal distribution in elephant call detections is observed, with the primary maximum (42% of all calls) occurring in a 3-h period following sunset and a secondary maximum (29% of all calls) in a 2-h period following sunrise.This distribution in calls detected is shown to depend upon marked and regular changes over 24 h in near-surface atmospheric stability and velocity, which determine propagation ranges. The observed bimodal distribution of calls detected depends upon these changes in atmospheric conditions as well as the location of the caller and the rate of calling. The findings are supported by results from an atmospheric acoustic model but are at variance with observations of the number of calls made from collared elephants in markedly different habitat.Detection of calls heard at a location remote from the caller represents a valuable and noninvasive research and applied tool that, however, must take note of atmospheric conditions that govern the propagation and reception of such signals.
Experimental Studies on Mechanical Smoke Exhaust System in an Atrium
Authors: Chow W. K. , Yi L. , Shi C. L. , Li Y. Z. , Huo R. 
Published: August 2005

Mechanical smoke exhaust systems are usually required in big atria of the Far East. However, the design criteria are not clearly demonstrated to be worked out through systematic full-scale tests. There are many arguments on sizing the exhaust fans, and whether a high exhaust rate is required in an atrium is a puzzle. Atrium hot smoke tests might be required to be carried out occasionally to evaluate their performance, especially when the design does not comply with the prescriptive code in having a high-enough exhaust rate. Experimental studies on mechanical smoke exhaust systems are necessary and have been carried out. The results are reported in this paper. The measured results are also compared with the empirical equations used in designs, following NFPA-92B derived by a two-layer picture. A simple zone model reported earlier is applied to justify the results. This model is also developed based on a two-layer picture. There are significant deviations of the measured results from those predicted by the equations with a two-layer pattern. Mass exchange through the two layers in an atrium fire is suggested to be the key point. By taking the estimated mass flow rate across the two layers by experiments to be 30% of the exhaust rate under high ventilation conditions, the two-layer zone model is modified. Slightly better argument with the experiments was found for the self-developed two-layer zone model, but still there are large deviations for the NFPA-92B equations.
Randomized Phase III Study of Docetaxel Compared With Paclitaxel in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Jones S.E. , Erban J. , Overmoyer B. , Budd G.T. , Hutchins L. , Lower E. , Laufman L. , Sundaram S. , Urba W.J. , Pritchard K.I. , Mennel R. , Richards D. , Olsen S. , Meyers M.L. , Ravdin P.M. 
Published: August 2005

Purpose This randomized, controlled, multicenter, open-label, phase III study compared docetaxel versus paclitaxel in patients with advanced breast cancer that had progressed after an anthracycline-containing chemotherapy regimen. Patients and Methods Patients (n = 449) were randomly assigned to receive either docetaxel 100 mg/m2 (n = 225) or paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 (n = 224) on day 1, every 21 days until tumor progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. Results In the intent-to-treat population, both the median overall survival (OS, 15.4 v 12.7 months; hazard ratio [HR], 1.41; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.73; P = .03) and the median time to progression (TTP, 5.7 months v 3.6 months; HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.33 to 2.02; P < .0001) for docetaxel were significantly longer than for paclitaxel, and the overall response rate (ORR, 32% v 25%; P = .10) was higher for docetaxel. These results were confirmed by multivariate analyses. The incidence of treatment-related hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities was greater for docetaxel than for paclitaxel; however, quality-of-life scores were not statistically different between treatment groups over time. Conclusion Docetaxel was superior to paclitaxel in terms of OS and TTP. ORR was higher for docetaxel. Hematologic and nonhematologic toxicities occurred more frequently in the docetaxel group. The global quality-of-life scores were similar for both agents over time.
Prevalence and Correlates of Fatigue in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Leukemia
Authors: Meeske Kathleen A. , Siegel Stuart E. , Globe Denise R. , Mack Wendy J. , Bernstein Leslie 
Published: August 2005

Purpose To estimate the prevalence of fatigue, identify the factors associated with fatigue, and to explore the relationship between fatigue and quality of life (QOL) in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods One hundred sixty-one ALL survivors diagnosed at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) before age 18 years and between January 1, 1975 and December 31, 1995, participated in a structured telephone interview. Participants were aged 18 to 41 years and off treatment for an average of 14 years. Four measures of fatigue, including the Revised–Piper Fatigue Scale, were used to assess fatigue; depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Multivariate logistic regression models were developed to identify factors associated with fatigue and depression. Results Prevalence of fatigue (30%) fell within the general population normal limits. Fatigue and depression were highly correlated (Pearson r = 0.75). Fatigue was associated with marriage (OR = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.50), having children (OR = 5.80; 95% CI, 1.30 to 25.82), sleep disturbances (OR = 6.15; 95% CI, 2.33 to 16.22), pain (OR = 5.56; 95% CI, 2.13 to 14.48), obesity (OR = 3.80; 95% CI, 1.41 to 10.26), cognitive impairment (OR = 2.56; 95% CI, 1.02 to 6.38), and exercise-induced symptoms (OR = 2.98; 95% CI, 1.11 to 8.02). Four factors associated with fatigue were also associated with depression: sleep disturbances, pain, obesity, and cognitive impairment. Fatigue was inversely related to QOL. Conclusion Some survivors of childhood ALL experience fatigue many years after treatment. Fatigued survivors represent a high-risk subgroup as they report more depression and poorer QOL than nonfatigued survivors and their peers.
Screening for Familial Ovarian Cancer: Failure of Current Protocols to Detect Ovarian Cancer at an Early Stage According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics System
Authors: Stirling Diane , Evans D. Gareth R. , Pichert Gabriella , Shenton Andrew , Kirk Elaine N. , Rimmer Sylvia , Steel C. Michael , Lawson Sheila , Busby-Earle R.M. Camille , Walker Jane , Lalloo Fiona I. , Eccles Diana M. , Lucassen Anneke M. , Porteous Mary E. 
Published: August 2005

Purpose To assess the effectiveness of annual ovarian cancer screening (transvaginal ultrasound and serum CA-125 estimation) in detecting presymptomatic ovarian cancer in women at increased genetic risk. Patients and Methods A cohort of 1,110 women at increased risk of ovarian cancer were screened between January 1991 and March 2004; 553 were moderate-risk individuals (4% to 10% lifetime risk) and 557 were high-risk individuals (> 10% lifetime risk). Outcome measurements include the number and stage of screen-detected cancers, the number and stage of cancers not detected at screening, the number of equivocal screening results requiring recall/repetition, and the number of women undergoing surgery for benign disease. Results Thirteen epithelial ovarian malignancies (12 invasive and one borderline), developed in the cohort. Ten tumors were detected at screening: three International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I (including borderline), two stage II, four stage III, and one stage IV. Of the three cancers not detected by screening, two were stage III and one was stage IV; 29 women underwent diagnostic surgery but were found not to have ovarian cancer. Conclusion Annual surveillance by transvaginal ultrasound scanning and serum CA-125 measurement in women at increased familial risk of ovarian cancer is ineffective in detecting tumors at a sufficiently early stage to influence prognosis. With a positive predictive value of 17% and a sensitivity of less than 50%, the performance of ultrasound does not satisfy the WHO screening standards. In addition, the combined protocol has a particularly high false-positive rate in premenopausal women, leading to unnecessary surgical intervention.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Pretreatment Biopsies From Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma As a Predictive Factor for a Benefit From Accelerated Radiation Therapy in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bentzen Søren M. , Atasoy Beste M. , Daley Frances M. , Dische Stanley , Richman Paul I. , Saunders Michele I. , Trott Klaus R. , Wilson George D. 
Published: August 2005

Purpose Accelerated repopulation is a main reason for locoregional failure after fractionated radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key controller of cellular proliferation in HNSCC, which stimulated the current study to look for a direct link between EGFR status and a possible clinical advantage of accelerated radiotherapy. Patients and Methods Immunohistochemical staining for EGFR was performed in 304 patients with available pretreatment tumor biopsy material among 918 patients randomized to receive continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy versus conventionally fractionated radiotherapy. The EGFR index was estimated as the proportion of tumor cells with EGFR membrane staining. Results Significant benefit in locoregional tumor control from continuous hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy was seen in patients with HNSCC with high EGFR expression (2P = .010) but not in those with low EGFR expression (2P = .85). EGFR status had no significant effect on survival or rate of distant metastases. The EGFR index was significantly associated with histologic grade and microvessel density. There was moderate support for an association between EGFR status and subsite within the head and neck region but no significant association with Ki-67 index, Ki-67 pattern, p53 index, p53 intensity, bcl-2 expression, or cyclin D1 index. Conclusion This study indicates a key role for the EGFR receptor in determining the proliferative cellular response to fractionated radiotherapy in HNSCC. It also shows that we can select the dose-fractionation regime that has the greatest chance of benefiting the patient. These results also encourage further development of EGFR targeting combined with fractionated radiotherapy in HNSCC.
Immunomonitoring Tumor-Specific T Cells in Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity Skin Biopsies After Dendritic Cell Vaccination Correlates With Clinical Outcome
Authors: de Vries I. Jolanda M. , Bernsen Monique R. , Lesterhuis W. Joost , Scharenborg Nicole M. , Strijk Simon P. , Gerritsen Marie-Jeanne P. , Ruiter Dirk J. , Figdor Carl G. , Punt Cornelis J.A. , Adema Gosse J. 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTumor-specific immunomonitoring is essential to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination against cancer. In this study, we investigated the predictive value of the presence or absence of antigen-specific T cells in biopsies from delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) sites.Patients and MethodsIn our ongoing clinical trials, HLA-A2.1+ melanoma patients were vaccinated with mature dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with melanoma-associated peptides (gp100 and tyrosinase) and keyhole limpet hemocyanin.ResultsAfter intradermal administration of a DTH challenge with gp100- and tyrosinase peptide-loaded DC, essentially all patients showed a positive induration. In clinically responding patients, T cells specific for the antigen preferentially accumulated in the DTH site, as visualized by in situ tetramer staining. Furthermore, significant numbers of functional gp100 and tyrosinase tetramer-positive T cells could be isolated from these DTH biopsies, in accordance with the applied antigen in the DTH challenge. We observed a direct correlation between the presence of DC vaccine-related T cells in the DTH biopsies of stage IV melanoma patients and a positive clinical outcome (P = .0012).ConclusionThese findings demonstrate the potency of this novel approach in the monitoring of vaccination studies in cancer patients.
Swedish Rectal Cancer Trial: Long Lasting Benefits From Radiotherapy on Survival and Local Recurrence Rate
Authors: Folkesson Joakim , Birgisson Helgi , Pahlman Lars , Cedermark Bjorn , Glimelius Bengt , Gunnarsson Ulf 
Published: August 2005

Purpose To evaluate the long-term effects on survival and recurrence rates of preoperative radiotherapy in the treatment of curatively operated rectal cancer patients. Patients and Methods Of 1,168 randomly assigned patients in the Swedish Rectal Cancer Trial between 1987 and 1990, 908 had curative surgery; 454 of these patients had surgery alone, and 454 were administered preoperative radiotherapy (25 Gy in 5 days) followed by surgery within 1 week. Follow-up was performed by matching against three Swedish nationwide registries (the Swedish Cancer Register, the Hospital Discharge Register, and the Cause of Death Register). Results Median follow-up time was 13 years (range, 3 to 15 years). The overall survival rate in the irradiated group was 38% v 30% in the nonirradiated group (P = .008). The cancer-specific survival rate in the irradiated group was 72% v 62% in the nonirradiated group (P = .03), and the local recurrence rate was 9% v 26% (P < .001), respectively. The reduction of local recurrence rates was observed at all tumor heights, although it was not statistically significant for tumors greater than 10 cm from the anal verge. Conclusion Preoperative radiotherapy with 25 Gy in 1 week before curative surgery for rectal cancer is beneficial for overall and cancer-specific survival and local recurrence rates after long-term follow-up.
Increasing Incidence of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Among Black Men in the United States
Authors: McGlynn Katherine A. , Devesa Susan S. , Graubard Barry I. , Castle Philip E. 
Published: August 2005

Purpose There has been marked disparity in the incidence of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) among white and black men for a number of decades in the United States. Since at least the beginning of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program in 1973, incidence rates among white men have been five times higher than rates among black men. In addition, rates among white men have been increasing, whereas rates among black men have remained stable. However, a recent examination of ethnic-specific rates suggested that the incidence among black men may have begun to change in the 1990s. Patients and Methods TGCT incidence data from nine registries of the SEER Program were analyzed for the years 1973 to 2001. Trends were examined separately for seminoma and nonseminoma. Results Analyses found that the incidence of TGCT began to increase among black men between the 1988 to 1992 and 1993 to 1997 periods. Before that time, incidence among black men had decreased by 14.8%. Between 1988 to 1992 and 1998 to 2001, however, the incidence increased by 100%, with the incidence of seminoma increasing twice as much (124.4%) as the incidence of nonseminoma (64.3%). Over the 29-year time period, there was no evidence of a change in the proportion of tumors diagnosed at earlier stages among black men. In contrast, the proportion of tumors diagnosed at localized stages significantly increased among white men. Conclusion The incidence of TGCT among black men has increased since 1988 to 1992. Although the reasons for this increase are unclear, screening and earlier diagnosis of TGCT do not seem to be factors.