bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multidisciplinary clinical treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer complicated with rectovesical fistula: a case report
Authors: Zhan Tiancheng , Wang Lin , Li Ming , Li Zhongwu , Cai Yong , Shen Lin , Gu Jin 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Rectal cancer with rectovesical fistula is a rare and difficult to treat entity. Here, we describe a case of rectal cancer with rectovesical fistula successfully managed by multimodality treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such case report in the literature.

Case presentation
A 51-year-old Chinese man was diagnosed as having rectal cancer accompanied by rectovesical fistula. He underwent treatment with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy combined with total pelvic excision and adjuvant chemotherapy, as recommended by a multimodality treatment team. Post-operative pathology confirmed the achievement of pathological complete response.

Conclusions
This case suggests that a proactive multidisciplinary treatment is needed to achieve complete cure of locally advanced rectal cancer even in the presence of rectovesical fistula.
Case report: When measured free T4 and free T3 may be misleading. Interference with free thyroid hormones measurements on Roche® and Siemens® platforms
Authors: Lewandowski Krzysztof C , Dąbrowska Katarzyna , Lewiński Andrzej 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
A 59-year old female patient presented with apathy and 6 kg weight gain. Investigations revealed severe primary hypothyroidism (TSH>100 μIU/ml). L-thyroxine (L-T4) was started and titrated up to 75 μg, once daily, with clinical improvement. Other investigations revealed very high titres of anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies. After three months, there was a fall in TSH to 12.74 μIU/ml, however, with unexpectedly high free T4 (FT4) - 6.8 ng/ml and free T3 (FT3) - 6.7 pg/ml concentrations [reference range (rr): 0.8-1.9 ng/ml and 1.5-4.1 pg/ml (Siemens®), respectively]. At this stage L-T4 was stopped, and this was followed by a rapid increase in TSH (to 77.76 μIU/ml) and some decrease in FT4 and FT3, however FT4 concentration remained elevated (2.1 ng/ml). Following this, L-T4 was restarted. On admission to our Department, she was clinically euthyroid on L-T4, 88 μg, once daily. Investigations on Roche® platform confirmed mildly elevated TSH - 5.14 (rr: 0.27-4.2 μIU/ml) with high FT4 [4.59 (rr: 0.93-1.7 ng/ml)] and FT3 [4.98 (rr: 2.6-4.4 pg/ml)] concentrations. Other tests revealed hypoechogenic ultrasound pattern typical for Hashimoto thyroiditis. There was no discrepancy in calculated TSH value following TSH dilution (101% recovery). Concentrations of FT4 and FT3 were assessed on the day of discontinuation of L-T4 and after four days by the means of Abbott® Architect I 1000SR platform. These revealed FT4 and FT3 concentrations within the reference range [e.g., FT4 - 1.08 ng/ml (rr: 0.7-1.48)] vs 4.59 ng/ml (rr: 0.93-1.7, Roche®), FT3 - 3.70 pg/ml (rr: 1.71-3.71) vs 4.98 (rr: 2.6-4.4, Roche®)], confirming assay interference. Concentrations of ferritin and SHBG were normal.

Conclusions

Clinicians must be aware of possible assay interference, including the measurements of FT4 and FT3 in the differential diagnosis of abnormal results of thyroid function tests that do not fit the patient clinical presentation.
Effects of IMOD™ and Angipars™ on mouse D-galactose-induced model of aging
Authors: Ghanbari Samane , Yonessi Mahsa , Mohammadirad Azadeh , Gholami Mahdi , Baeeri Maryam , Khorram-Khorshid Hamid Reza , Gharibdoost Farhad , Abdollahi Mohammad 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two registered herbal drugs called IMOD and Angipars on mouse model. Aging was induced by D-galactose (500 mg/kg) administered to animals for 6 weeks through drinking water. Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 5 groups receiving D-galactose (D-galactose, 500 mg/kg) for 6 weeks; positive control (D-galactose [500 mg/kg] for 6 weeks + Vitamin E [200 mg/kg/day] intraperitoneally for 4 weeks); IMOD (D-galactose [500 mg/kg] for 6 weeks + IMOD [20 mg/kg/day] intraperitoneally for 4 weeks), Angipars (D-galactose [500 mg/kg] for 6 weeks + Angipars [2.1 mg/kg/day] by gavage for 4 weeks); and the fifth group that was sham and not given D-galactose. At the end of treatment, pro-inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interlukine-1β (IL-β), interlukine-6 (IL-6), Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-κb), total antioxidant power (TAP), lipid peroxides (LPO) and male sex hormones i.e. testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured in the blood.
Results showed that D-Galactose induces a significant oxidative stress and proinflammatory cascade of aging while both IMOD and Angipars recovered all of them. Interestingly, IMOD and Angipars were better than Vitamin E in improving male sex hormones in aged mice. This effect is so important and should be considered as an advantage although it cannot be explained with current knowledge. The conclusion is that IMOD and Angipars have marked anti-aging effect on D-galactose-induced model of aging.
Effects of soybean isoflavones on reproductive parameters in Chinese mini-pig boars
Authors: Yuan Xiao-xue , Zhang Bin , Li Li-li , Xiao Chao-wu , Fan Jue-xin , Geng Mei-mei , Yin Yu-long 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundSoybean isoflavones are structurally similar to mammalian estrogens and therefore may act as estrogen agonists or antagonists. However, it has not been determined if they have any negative effects on reproductive parameters in male livestock. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soybean isoflavones on male reproduction using Chinese mini-pig boars as a model. Fifty Xiang boars were randomly divided into five groups and fed diets containing 0, 125, 250, or 500 ppm soybean isoflavones or 0.5 ppm diethylstilbestrol for 60 days.ResultsDietary supplementation with 250 ppm of soy isoflavones markedly increased the testis index (P< 0.05), fructose content (P< 0.05), and α-glycosidase content in testicular tissue (P< 0.01), as well as increased the number of viable germ cells (P< 0.01) and the level of Bcl-2 protein (P< 0.01). However, 500 ppm of soybean isoflavones significantly reduced both testis and epididymis indexes (P< 0.05) and lactate dehydrogenase levels (P< 0.01), as well as reduced serum LH and testosterone levels (P< 0.05). High levels of soybean isoflavones also increased malondialdehyde levels (P< 0.05), as well as increased the numbers of early and late apoptotic germ cells (P< 0.01) and the level of Bax proteins (P< 0.05) in the testis.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that consumption of soy isoflavones at dietary levels up to 250 ppm did not adversely affect reproductive parameters in Chinese mini-pig boars whereas higher levels of soy isoflavones may adversely affect male reproduction.
Efficient production of polymer-grade L-lactic acid from corn stover hydrolyzate by thermophilic Bacillus sp. strain XZL4
Authors: Xue Zhangwei , Wang Limin , Ju Jiansong , Yu Bo , Xu Ping , Ma Yanhe 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Lactic acid has been identified as one of the top 30 potential building-block chemicals from biomass. Therefore, the search for cheap raw materials is an objective to reduce the production costs. Efficient polymer-grade L-lactic acid production was achieved in this report by a thermophilic strain Bacillus sp. XZL4 using corn stover hydrolyzate as sole carbon source. High L-lactic acid concentration (81.0 g L-1) was obtained from 162.5 g L-1 concentrated corn stover hydrolyzate (total reducing sugar of 83.0 g L-1) with a volumetric productivity of 1.86 g L-1 h-1 (0–36 h) and a product yield of 0.98 g g-1 total reducing sugars. This is the highest L-lactic acid concentration and yield reported from corn stover hydrolyzate. And the high optical purity of L-lactic acid obtained in this study also indicated that Bacillus sp. XZL4 is a promising polymer-grade L-lactic-acid producer from cellulosic biomass.
The Ontario nuclear power dispute: a strategic analysis
Authors: Armin Motahareh , Hipel Keith W , De Mitali 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
The Graph Model for Conflict Resolution methodology is used to formally investigate the nuclear power dispute that took place in the Canadian province of Ontario in order to obtain strategic insights into its resolution. This flexible systems methodology is used to study the nuclear conflict at two key points in time, 2008 and 2010.

Results
The results of the 2008 analysis show that the only decision makers involved in the conflict who hold real power are the Federal and Ontario governments, although at the beginning of the investigation other organizations had also been considered as participating decision makers. According to a strategic analysis carried out for the conflict as it existed in 2010, the equilibria or potential resolutions of the 2008 analysis are found to be transitional states leading to the 2010 resolution. Moreover, a negative attitude by the Federal Government can cause an outcome to occur that is not highly preferred by either the Federal Government or the province of Ontario.

Conclusions
By closely following the decision makers’ actions, a detailed analysis of the nuclear dispute in Ontario is carried out. Stability, sensitivity, and attitude analyses are performed, and the results are closely correlated with what happened in reality.
Oral curcumin for Alzheimer's disease: tolerability and efficacy in a 24-week randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Ringman John M , Frautschy Sally A , Teng Edmond , Begum Aynun N , Bardens Jenny , Beigi Maryam , Gylys Karen H , Badmaev Vladimir , Heath Dennis D , Apostolova Liana G , Porter Verna , Vanek Zeba , Marshall Gad A , Hellemann Gerhard , Sugar Catherine , Masterman Donna L , Montine Thomas J , Cummings Jeffrey L , Cole Greg M 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound derived from the plant Curcuma Long Lin that has been demonstrated to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as effects on reducing beta-amyloid aggregation. It reduces pathology in transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is a promising candidate for treating human AD. The purpose of the current study is to generate tolerability and preliminary clinical and biomarker efficacy data on curcumin in persons with AD.

Methods
We performed a 24-week randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study of Curcumin C3 Complex® with an open-label extension to 48 weeks. Thirty-six persons with mild-to-moderate AD were randomized to receive placebo, 2 grams/day, or 4 grams/day of oral curcumin for 24 weeks. For weeks 24 through 48, subjects that were receiving curcumin continued with the same dose, while subjects previously receiving placebo were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to 2 grams/day or 4 grams/day. The primary outcome measures were incidence of adverse events, changes in clinical laboratory tests and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) at 24 weeks in those completing the study. Secondary outcome measures included the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study - Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) scale, levels of Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 in plasma and levels of Aβ1-42, t-tau, p-tau181 and F2-isoprostanes in cerebrospinal fluid. Plasma levels of curcumin and its metabolites up to four hours after drug administration were also measured.

Results
Mean age of completers (n = 30) was 73.5 years and mean Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score was 22.5. One subject withdrew in the placebo (8%, worsened memory) and 5/24 subjects withdrew in the curcumin group (21%, 3 due to gastrointestinal symptoms). Curcumin C3 Complex® was associated with lowered hematocrit and increased glucose levels that were clinically insignificant. There were no differences between treatment groups in clinical or biomarker efficacy measures. The levels of native curcumin measured in plasma were low (7.32 ng/mL).

Conclusions
Curcumin was generally well-tolerated although three subjects on curcumin withdrew due to gastrointestinal symptoms. We were unable to demonstrate clinical or biochemical evidence of efficacy of Curcumin C3 Complex® in AD in this 24-week placebo-controlled trial although preliminary data suggest limited bioavailability of this compound.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00099710.
Impact of emergency medical helicopter transport directly to a university hospital trauma center on mortality of severe blunt trauma patients until discharge
Authors: Desmettre Thibaut , Yeguiayan Jean-Michel , Coadou Hervé , Jacquot Claude , Raux Mathieu , Vivien Benoit , Martin Claude , Bonithon-Kopp Claire , Freysz Marc ,   the French Intensive Care Recorded in Severe Trauma
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The benefits of transporting severely injured patients by helicopter remain controversial. This study aimed to analyze the impact on mortality of helicopter compared to ground transport directly from the scene to a University hospital trauma center.

Methods
The French Intensive Care Research for Severe Trauma cohort study enrolled 2,703 patients with severe blunt trauma requiring admission to University hospital intensive care units within 72 hours. Pre-hospital and hospital clinical data, including the mode of transport, (helicopter (HMICU) versus ground (GMICU), both with medical teams), were recorded. The analysis was restricted to patients admitted directly from the scene to a University hospital trauma center. The main endpoint was mortality until ICU discharge.

Results
Of the 1,958 patients analyzed, 74% were transported by GMICU, 26% by HMICU. Median injury severity score (ISS) was 26 (interquartile range (IQR) 19 to 34) for HMICU patients and 25 (IQR 18 to 34) for GMICU patients. Compared to GMICU, HMICU patients had a higher median time frame before hospital admission and were more intensively treated in the pre-hospital phase. Crude mortality until hospital discharge was the same regardless of pre-hospital mode of transport. After adjustment for initial status, the risk of death was significantly lower (odds ratio (OR): 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 0.98, P = 0.035) for HMICU compared with GMICU. This result did not change after further adjustment for ISS and overall surgical procedures.

Conclusions
This study suggests a beneficial impact of helicopter transport on mortality in severe blunt trauma. Whether this association could be due to better management in the pre-hospital phase needs to be more thoroughly assessed.
Novel splenic antigen-presenting cells derive from a Lin−c-kitlo progenitor
Authors: Periasamy Pravin , Tan Jonathan K H , OˈNeill Helen C 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
The spleen contains a novel antigen presenting a cell type which develops from endogenous hematopoietic progenitors.
The main DC subsets in murine spleen arise from BM-derived precursors. Recently, a novel APC type was described in spleen. To determine if spleen contains the progenitors of this subset, a stromal coculture system was used to assess candidate progenitors for their hematopoietic potential. Here, the progenitor of that subset is identified as a spleen endogenous Lin−c-kitlo hematopoietic progenitor and is most highly enriched among the Lin−c-kitloCD34+ subset. Dendritic-like cells produced in vitro functionally resemble the previously described in vivo equivalent subset with high endocytic capacity and capability for antigen-specific activation of CD8+ T cells but not CD4+ T cells.
Activation of the liver X receptor-β potently inhibits osteoclastogenesis from lipopolysaccharide-exposed bone marrow-derived macrophages
Authors: Robertson Remen Kirsten M , Lerner Ulf H , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Andersson Göran 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
LXR, an important inflammatory regulator, potently inhibits the formation of osteoclasts in a bacterial LPS environment.
Bacterial-induced bone diseases, such as periodontitis and osteomyelitis, are chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by increased bone destruction as a result of enhanced osteoclastogenesis. The LXRα and -β are important modulators of inflammatory signaling and can potently inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. Here, we investigated the effects of the LXR agonist GW3965 on LPS-induced osteoclast differentiation. Mouse BMMs primed with RANKL for 24 h, then exposed to LPS in the presence of GW3965 for 4 days, formed significantly fewer and smaller TRAP+-multinucleated osteoclasts with reduced expression of osteoclast markers (Acp5, Ctsk, Mmp-9, Dc-stamp, and Itgβ3), along with inhibition of actin ring development. GW3965 was able to repress proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12p40) expression in BMMs exposed to LPS alone; however, once BMMs entered the osteoclast lineage following RANKL priming, GW3965 no longer inhibited cytokine expression. The inhibitory action of GW3965 involved the Akt pathway but seemed to be independent of MAPKs (p38, ERK, JNK) and NF-κB signaling. GW3965 acted in a LXRβ-dependent mechanism, as osteoclast differentiation was not inhibited in BMMs derived from LXRβ−/− mice. Finally, activation of LXR also inhibited differentiation in LPS-exposed mouse RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, GW3965 acts through LXRβ to potently inhibit osteoclast differentiation from RANKL-primed BMMs in a LPS environment. In this respect, activation of the LXR could have a beneficial, therapeutic effect in the prevention of bacterial-induced bone erosion.
MicroRNA miR-308 regulates dMyc through a negative feedback loop in Drosophila
Authors: Daneshvar Kaveh , Nath Sritama , Khan Abid , Shover Wesley , Richardson Christine , Goodliffe Julie M. 
Published: October 2012

Summary
The abundance of Myc protein must be exquisitely controlled to avoid growth abnormalities caused by too much or too little Myc. An intriguing mode of regulation exists in which Myc protein itself leads to reduction in its abundance. We show here that dMyc binds to the miR-308 locus and increases its expression. Using our gain-of-function approach, we show that an increase in miR-308 causes a destabilization of dMyc mRNA and reduced dMyc protein levels. In vivo knockdown of miR-308 confirmed the regulation of dMyc levels in embryos. This regulatory loop is crucial for maintaining appropriate dMyc levels and normal development. Perturbation of the loop, either by elevated miR-308 or elevated dMyc, caused lethality. Combining elevated levels of both, therefore restoring balance between miR-308 and dMyc levels, resulted in lower apoptotic activity and suppression of lethality. These results reveal a sensitive feedback mechanism that is crucial to prevent the pathologies caused by abnormal levels of dMyc.
Epizoic acoelomorph flatworms impair zooplankton feeding by the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis
Authors: Wijgerde Tim , Schots Pauke , Van Onselen Eline , Janse Max , Karruppannan Eric , Verreth Johan A. J. , Osinga Ronald 
Published: October 2012

Summary
Many scleractinian coral species host epizoic acoelomorph flatworms, both in aquaculture and in situ. These symbiotic flatworms may impair coral growth and health through light-shading, mucus removal and disruption of heterotrophic feeding. To quantify the effect of epizoic flatworms on zooplankton feeding, we conducted video analyses of single polyps of Galaxea fascicularis (Linnaeus 1767) grazing on Artemia nauplii in the presence and absence of symbiotic flatworms. 18S DNA analysis revealed that flatworms inhabiting G. fascicularis belonged to the genus Waminoa (Convolutidae), which were hosted at a density of 3.6±0.4 individuals polyp−1. Polyps hosting flatworms exhibited prey capture rates of 2.2±2.5, 3.4±4.5 and 2.7±3.4 nauplii polyp−1 30 min−1 at prey concentrations of 250, 500 and 1,000 nauplii L−1, respectively. Polyps that had their flatworms removed displayed prey capture rates of 2.7±1.6, 4.8±4.1 and 16.9±10.3 nauplii polyp−1 30 min−1. Significant main and interactive effects of flatworm presence and ambient prey concentration were found, reflected by the fact that flatworms significantly impaired host feeding rates at the highest prey density of 1,000 nauplii L−1. In addition, flatworms displayed kleptoparasitism, removing between 0.1±0.3 and 0.6±1.1 nauplii 30 min−1 from the oral disc of their host, or 5.3±3.3 to 50.0±2.1% of prey acquired by the coral. We suggest classifying the coral-associated Waminoa sp. as an epizoic parasite, as its presence may negatively affect growth and health of the host.
Homeotic functions of the Teashirt transcription factor during adult Drosophila development
Authors: Wang Wei , Tindell Neil , Yan Shun , Yoder John H. 
Published: October 2012

Summary
During Drosophila development region-specific regulation of target genes by Hox proteins is modulated by genetic interactions with various cofactors and genetic collaborators. During embryogenesis one such modulator of Hox target specificity is the zinc-finger transcription factor Teashirt (Tsh) that is expressed in the developing trunk and cooperatively functions with trunk-specific Hox proteins to promote appropriate segment fate. This embryonic function of Tsh is characterized as homeotic since loss of embryonic Tsh activity leads to transformation of trunk segments toward head identity. In addition to this embryonic homeotic role, Tsh also performs vital Hox-independent functions through patterning numerous embryonic, larval and adult structures. Here we address whether the homeotic function of Tsh is maintained throughout development by investigating its contribution to patterning the adult abdomen. We show that Tsh is expressed throughout the developing abdomen and that this expression is dependent on the three Bithorax Hox proteins Ultrabithorax, Abdominal-A and Abdominal-B. Conditional reduction of Tsh activity during pupation reveals broad homeotic roles for this transcription factor throughout the adult abdomen. Additionally we show that, as during embryogenesis, the tsh paralog tiptop (tio) plays a partially redundant role in this homeotic activity.
Toxoplasma gondii infection induces dendritic retraction in basolateral amygdala accompanied by reduced corticosterone secretion
Authors: Mitra Rupshi , Sapolsky Robert Morris , Vyas Ajai 
Published: October 2012

Summary
Pathological anxiety is thought to reflect a maladaptive state characterized by exaggerated fear. Naturally occurring perturbations that reduce fear can be crucial in the search for new treatments. The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii invades rat brain and removes fear of rats for cat odors, a change believed to be parasitic manipulation of host behavior aimed at increasing parasite transmission. It is likely that mechanisms employed by Toxoplasma gondii can be used as a heuristic tool to understand possible means of fear reduction in clinical settings. Male Long-Evans rats were infected with Toxoplasma gondii and compared with sham-infected animals 8 weeks post-infection. Amount of circulating plasma corticosterone and dendritic arborization of basolateral amygdala principal neurons were quantified. Previous studies have shown that corticosterone, acting within the basolateral amygdala, enhances the fear response to environmental stimuli. Here we show that Toxoplasma gondii infection causes a dendritic retraction in basolateral amygdala neurons. Such dendritic retraction is accompanied by lower amount of circulating corticosterone both at baseline and when induced by an aversive cat odor. The concerted effects of parasitism on two pivotal physiological nodes of fear response provide an animal model relevant to stress hormones interaction with amygdalar plasticity.