bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stem cell factor SALL4, a potential prognostic marker for myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Wang Fei , Guo Ye , Chen Qian , Yang Zhuo , Ning Ning , Zhang Yujuan , Xu Yonggang , Xu Xiaodong , Tong Chunrong , Chai Li , Cui Wei 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of heterogeneous diseases with variable clinical course. Predicting disease progression is difficult due to lack of specific molecular marker(s). SALL4 plays important roles in normal hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis. SALL4 transgenic mice develop MDS prior to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformation. However, the role of SALL4 in human MDS has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we evaluate the diagnostic/prognostic value of SALL4 in MDS by examining its expression levels in a cohort of MDS patients.

Methods
Fifty-five newly diagnosed MDS, twenty MDS-AML, and sixteen post-treatment MDS patients were selected for our study along with ten healthy donors.

Results
We demonstrated that SALL4 was over-expressed in MDS patients and proportionally increased in MDS patients with high grade/IPSS scores. This expression pattern was similar to that of Bmi-1, an important marker in predicting MDS/AML progression. In addition, the level of SALL4 was positively correlated with increased blast counts, high-risk keryotypes and increased significantly in MDS-AML transformation. Furthermore, higher level of SALL4 expression was associated with worse survival rates and SALL4 level decreased following effective therapy.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series and the first to report the expression pattern of SALL4 in detail in various subtypes of MDS in comparison to that of Bmi-1. We conclude that SALL4 is a potential molecular marker in predicting the prognosis of MDS.
Anesthetic management of a patient with a giant ovarian tumor containing 83 l of fluid
Authors: Bamba Keiko , Watanabe Tatsunori , Kohno Tatsuro 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
We report the anesthetic management of a patient scheduled for tumor resection with a giant ovarian tumor containing 83 l of fluid. A 59-year-old woman [height 154 cm; weight 146 kg (ideal: 52 kg)] with a giant ovarian tumor was scheduled for tumor resection. Her preoperative abdominal circumference was 194 cm, which made supine positioning difficult. The thoracoabdominal computed tomography revealed a right giant cystic ovarian tumor with an estimated mass of 100 kg. Evidence of malignant tumor was not observed. In the operation room, she was intubated using a video laryngoscope (Airway Scope®, Hoya, Tokyo, Japan) in a semirecumbent position under conscious sedation. Following general anesthesia, the tumor fluid was gradually aspirated at a rate of 500 ml/min, and during this procedure, spontaneous respiration was preserved with pressure support ventilation. After the fluid was drained, the tumor was resected in a supine position. There were no major perioperative complications in hemodynamic and respiratory status, such as supine hypotensive syndrome or re-expansion pulmonary edema. Her weight decreased to 50 kg postoperatively. Maintenance of spontaneous respiration and slow aspiration of the tumor fluid prevented respiratory and hemodynamic failure and resulted in safe anesthesia management during giant ovarian tumor resection.
Tophus burden reduction with pegloticase: results from phase 3 randomized trials and open-label extension in patients with chronic gout refractory to conventional therapy
Authors: Baraf Herbert SB , Becker Michael A , Gutierrez-Urena Sergio R , Treadwell Edward L , Vazquez-Mellado Janitzia , Rehrig Claudia D , Ottery Faith D , Sundy John S , Yood Robert A 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Two replicate randomized, placebo-controlled six-month trials (RCTs) and an open-label treatment extension (OLE) comprised the pegloticase development program in patients with gout refractory to conventional therapy. In the RCTs, approximately 40% of patients treated with the approved dose saw complete response (CR) of at least one tophus. Here we describe the temporal course of tophus resolution, total tophus burden in patients with multiple tophi, tophus size at baseline, and the relationship between tophus response and urate-lowering efficacy.

Methods
Baseline subcutaneous tophi were analyzed quantitatively using computer-assisted digital images in patients receiving pegloticase (8 mg biweekly or monthly) or placebo in the RCTs, and pegloticase in the OLE. Tophus response, a secondary endpoint in the trials, was evaluated two ways. Overall tophus CR was the proportion of patients achieving a best response of CR (without any new/enlarging tophi) and target tophus complete response (TT-CR) was the proportion of all tophi with CR.

Results
Among 212 patients randomized in the RCTs, 155 (73%) had ≥1 tophus and 547 visible tophi were recorded at baseline. Overall tophus CR was recorded in 45% of patients in the biweekly group (P = 0.002 versus placebo), 26% in the monthly group, and 8% in the placebo group after six months of RCT therapy. TT-CR rates at six months were 28%, 19%, and 2% of tophi, respectively. Patients meeting the primary endpoint of sustained urate-lowering response to therapy (responders) were more likely than nonresponders to have an overall tophus CR at six months (54% vs 20%, respectively and 8% with placebo).
Both overall tophus CR and TT-CRs increased with treatment duration in the OLE, reaching 70% (39/56) of patients and 55% (132/238) of target tophi after one year of treatment in patients receiving pegloticase during both the RCTs and OLE. At that time point, more tophi had resolved in responders (102/145 or 70% of tophi) than nonresponders (30/93; 32%).

Conclusions
Pegloticase reduced tophus burden in patients with refractory tophaceous gout, especially those achieving sustained urate-lowering. Complete resolution of tophi occurred in some patients by 13 weeks and in others with longer-term therapy.

Trial registrations
NCT00325195, NCT01356498
Assessing tumor contrast in radiographically dense breast tissue using Diffuse Optical Spectroscopic Imaging (DOSI)
Authors: Leproux Anaïs , Durkin Amanda , Compton Montana , Cerussi Albert E , Gratton Enrico , Tromberg Bruce J 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Radiographic density adversely affects the performance of X-ray mammography and can be particularly problematic in younger and high-risk women. Because of this limitation, there is significant ongoing effort to develop alternative cancer screening and detection strategies for this population. This pilot study evaluates the potential of Diffuse Optical Spectroscopic Imaging (DOSI) to image known tumors in dense breast tissue.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis on 24 radiographically dense breast cancer subjects measured with DOSI over a four-year period (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System - BI-RADS, category 3 and 4, average age = 39 ± 7.6, average maximum size 31 ± 17 mm). Two previously-described DOSI contrast functions, the tissue optical index (TOI) and the specific tumor component (STC), which are based upon the concentrations and spectral signatures of hemoglobin, water and lipids, respectively, were used to form 2D optical images of breast tumors.

Results
Using TOI and STC, 21 out of 24 breast tumors were found to be statistically different from the surrounding highly vascularized dense tissue and to be distinguishable from the areolar region. For these patients, the tumor to normal contrast was 2.6 ± 1.2 (range 1.3 to 5.5) and 10.0 ± 7.5 (range 3.3 to 26.4) for TOI and STC, respectively. STC images were particularly useful in eliminating metabolic background from the retroareolar region which led to identification of two out of four retroareolar tumors.

Conclusions
Using both the abundance and the disposition of the tissue chromophores recovered from the DOSI measurements, we were able to observe tumor contrast relative to dense breast tissue. These preliminary results suggest that DOSI spectral characterization strategies may provide new information content that could help imaging breast tumors in radiographically dense tissue and in particular in the areolar complex.
PintlincRNA connects the p53 pathway with epigenetic silencing by the Polycomb repressive complex 2
Authors: Marín-Béjar Oskar , Marchese Francesco P , Athie Alejandro , Sánchez Yolanda , González Jovanna , Segura Victor , Huang Lulu , Moreno Isabel , Navarro Alfons , Monzó Mariano , García-Foncillas Jesús , Rinn John L , Guo Shuling , Huarte Maite 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Background
The p53 transcription factor is located at the core of a complex wiring of signaling pathways that are critical for the preservation of cellular homeostasis. Only recently it has become clear that p53 regulates the expression of several long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs). However, relatively little is known about the role that lincRNAs play in this pathway.

Results
Here we characterize a lincRNA named Pint (p53 induced noncoding transcript). We show that Pint is a ubiquitously expressed lincRNA that is finely regulated by p53. In mouse cells, Pint promotes cell proliferation and survival by regulating the expression of genes of the TGF-β, MAPK and p53 pathways. Pint is a nuclear lincRNA that directly interacts with the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), and is required for PRC2 targeting of specific genes for H3K27 tri-methylation and repression. Furthermore, Pint functional activity is highly dependent on PRC2 expression. We have also identified Pint human ortholog (PINT), which presents suggestive analogies with the murine lincRNA. PINT is similarly regulated by p53, and its expression significantly correlates with the same cellular pathways as the mouse ortholog, including the p53 pathway. Interestingly, PINT is downregulated in colon primary tumors, while its overexpression inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells, suggesting a possible role as tumor suppressor.

Conclusions
Our results reveal a p53 autoregulatory negative mechanism where a lincRNA connects p53 activation with epigenetic silencing by PRC2. Additionally, we show analogies and differences between the murine and human orthologs, identifying a novel tumor suppressor candidate lincRNA.
STAT5 polarization promotes iTregs and suppresses human T-cell alloresponses while preserving CTL capacity
Authors: Betts Brian C , Veerapathran Anandharaman , Pidala Joseph , Yu Xue-Zhong , Anasetti Claudio 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTAlloreactivity negatively influences outcomes of organ transplantation or HCT from allogeneic donors. Standard pharmacologic immune suppression impairs T-cell function and jeopardizes the beneficial reconstitution of Tregs. Murine transplantation models have shown that STAT3 is highly expressed in alloreactive T cells and may be therapeutically targeted. The influence and effects of STAT3 neutralization in human alloreactivity, however, remain to be elucidated. In this study, S3I-201, a selective small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3, suppressed human DC-allosensitized T-cell proliferation and abrogated Th17 responses. STAT3 blockade significantly enhanced the expansion of potent iTregs and permitted CD8+ cytolytic effector function. Mechanistically, S3I-201 polarized the ratio of STAT phosphorylation in favor of STAT5 over STAT3 and also achieved a significant degree of Foxp3 demethylation among the iTregs. Conversely, selective impairment of STAT5 phosphorylation with CAS 285986-31-4 markedly reduced iTregs. STAT3 represents a relevant target for achieving control over human alloresponses, where its suppression facilitates STAT5-mediated iTreg growth and function.
Targeted STAT3 disruption in myeloid cells alters immunosuppressor cell abundance in a murine model of spontaneous medulloblastoma
Authors: Abad Catalina , Nobuta Hiroko , Li Jiaxi , Kasai Atsushi , Yong William H , Waschek James A 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTAlthough the immune system may provide early protection against cancer, tumors may exploit the healing arm of the immune system to enhance their growth and metastasis. For example, myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are thought to promote tumor growth by several mechanisms, including the suppression of T cell activity. It has been suggested that STAT3 activation in myeloid cells modulates multiple aspects of MDSC physiology, including their expansion and activity. Whereas most animal studies investigating tumor immunology have used tumor implants, we used transgenic mice (Smo*) that spontaneously develop medulloblastoma brain tumors to investigate the temporal accumulation of MDSCs within tumors and how myeloid STAT3 disruption affects MDSC and other immune cell types. We found distinct populations of MDSC in medulloblastoma tumors, with a high prevalence of CD11b+Ly6G+Ly6Clow/− cells, described previously by others as G-MDSCs. These were found early in tumor development, in premalignant lesions located on the surface of the cerebellum of 28-day-old mice. In fully developed tumors, pSTAT3 was found in the majority of these cells. Conditional STAT3 gene disruption in myeloid cells resulted in an enhanced proinflammatory phenotype of macrophages in Smo* mice. Moreover, a significant reduction in the abundance of G-MDSCs and Tregs was observed within tumors along with an increased presence of CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Despite these alterations in immune cells induced by myeloid STAT3 disruption, we found no effect on tumor incidence in Smo* mice with this deletion.
Recent advances and trends in subsea technologies and seafloor properties characterization
Authors: Djikpesse Hugues , Sobreira Jorge Fiori F. , Hill Andy , Wrobel Kelly , Stephen Ralph , Fehler Michael , Campbell Kerry , Carrière Olivier , Ronen Shuki 
Published: September 2013

Following the 2012 SEG Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, the SEG Research Committee sponsored a post-convention research workshop on subsea technologies, in general, and on seafloor characterization in particular. The goal of the workshop was to share experiences in acquisition, processing and applications of geotechnical and geophysical measurements for seafloor property characterization. This includes: To help geophysicists in better understanding geotechnical seafloor measurements, e.g., when and how they are collected as well as their actual field applications; To help geotechnical specialists in better understanding geophysical seafloor measurements, how they are derived, and their importance for accurate seismic waveform modeling and inversion; To discuss technology and application trends, and how the geophysical community can participate in the fast-growing market for subsea operations in the oil and gas industry.
Molecular mechanism of sphingosine-1-phosphate action in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Nguyen-Tran Diem-Hang , Hait Nitai C. , Sperber Henrik , Qi Junlin , Fischer Karin , Ieronimakis Nick , Pantoja Mario , Hays Aislinn , Allegood Jeremy , Reyes Morayma , Spiegel Sarah , Ruohola-Baker Hannele 
Published: September 2013

Summary
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a lethal muscle wasting disease. Studies in Drosophila showed that genetic increase of the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) or delivery of 2-acetyl-5-tetrahydroxybutyl imidazole (THI), an S1P lyase inhibitor, suppress dystrophic muscle degeneration. In dystrophic mouse (mdx) upregulation of S1P by THI increases regeneration and muscle force. S1P can act as a ligand for S1P receptors and as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Since Drosophila have no identified S1P receptors and DMD correlates with increased HDAC2 levels, we tested whether S1P action in muscle involves HDAC inhibition. Here we show that beneficial effects of THI-treatment in mdx correlate with significantly increased nuclear S1P, decreased HDAC activity and increased acetylation of specific histone residues. Importantly, the HDAC2 target microRNA genes, miR-29 and miR-1, are significantly upregulated, correlating with the down regulation of miR-29 target, Col1a1 in the diaphragm of THI treated mdx mice. Further gene expression analysis revealed a significant THI dependent decrease in inflammation genes and increase in metabolic genes. Accordingly, S1P levels and functional mitochondrial activity are increased after THI treatment of differentiating C2C12 cells. S1P increases the muscle cell capacity to use fatty acids as energy source, suggesting that THI treatment may be beneficial for maintenance of energy metabolism of mdx muscles.
Nanoporous silica coatings on implant surfaces: characterization, stability, biocompatibility and drug release properties
Authors: Ehlert Nina , Lüßenhop Tammo , Krueger Ilka , Feldhoff Armin , Badar Muhammad , Mueller Peter P. , Stieve Martin , Lenarz Thomas , Behrens Peter 
Published: September 2013

AbstractNanoporous silica coatings for drug release purposes were prepared on medical implants. As substrate, we chose Bioverit® II, which is a commercial available glass-mica ceramic implant material. The coating was prepared by a dip-coating technique in which long-chain organic molecules act as placeholders for the pores. Characterization of the coatings by scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed a disordered nanoporous system with a layer thickness of 30–150 nm. The nanoporous structure was stable for about 12 h in a typical cell culture medium and rearranged to a packing of silica nanoparticles. The coating allowed cell attachment and showed excellent biocompatibility in cell culture tests independently of the particular cell type examined. In vivo, implant-tissue interactions were examined in the middle ear in a novel mouse model. Whole genome expression profiling showed no persisting inflammatory response in the presence of the implants. Release profiles of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin demonstrated that the coating is suitable for a local drug delivery. The drug loading capacity could be drastically increased after sulfonic acid modification of the Bioverit® II surface.
Molecular basis and clonal evolution of myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Cleary Ciara , Kralovics Robert 
Published: September 2013

AbstractMyeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) represent a group of diseases that affect the myeloid lineage, characterized by the presence of an excess of terminally differentiated myeloid cells. Defects causing clonal hematopoiesis are a key factor in the emergence of these diseases. Throughout the years, a number of causative defects have been identified, predominantly affecting cytokine signaling and gene expression regulation. This review aims to provide an update on the current status of the MPN field in relation to identification of molecular defects involved in the disease and its clonal evolution.
Technical and clinical evaluation of the VITROS® Immunodiagnostic Products 25-OH Vitamin D Total Assay – comparison with marketed automated immunoassays and a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors: Cavalier Etienne , Rousselle Olivier , Ferrante Nunzio , Carlisi Agnes , Le Goff Caroline , Souberbielle Jean-Claude 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background: The study was conducted to evaluate the technical and clinical performance of the VITROS® Immunodiagnostic Products 25-OH Vitamin D Total Assay, and compare it with the performance of five marketed automated assays and a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry reference method (LC-MS/MS).

Methods: Three hundred patient serum samples were used to compare the correlation of the VITROS® 25-OH Vitamin D Total Assay with both the other immunoassays and the LC-MS/MS method, using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analyses. Concordance of the diagnosis of vitamin D status was calculated to test the agreement between the different assays. In addition, samples containing vitamin D2 were used to test the assay’s ability to detect the D2 form of the vitamin.

Results and conclusions: These results from the VITROS® 25-OH Vitamin D Total Assay generally correlated well with those from most of the marketed immunoassays. Cross-reactivity of the D2 form was calculated as being close to 100%. Additionally, we found substantial variability in performance amongst the various assays, which suggests the need for optimisation and recalibration of commercial methods.
Effect of mild torrefaction on pulverization of Norway spruce (Picea abies) by oscillatory ball milling: particle morphology and cellulose crystallinity
Authors: Karinkanta Pasi , Illikainen Mirja , Niinimäki Jouko 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
The effects of mild torrefaction on the pulverization of Norway spruce sawdust have been studied. To this end, sawdust was dried and torrefied below 230°C for different periods of time to obtain samples with mass losses (ML) of 0.2%, 1.4%, and 2.8%, milled in an oscillatory ball mill, and the particle morphology and cellulose crystallinity of the powders were studied. The pretreatment leading to 0.2% ML had no effect on grindability, but that resulting in 1.4% ML improved grindability and a median particle size below 17.4±0.2 μm was attained. Torrefaction involving 2.8% ML reduced the specific energy consumption more than 21% when the targeted median particle size of the torrefied wood was between 18.7±0.5 and 79±3 μm. The mild torrefaction had a negligible influence on the aspect ratio distribution and cellulose crystallinity in the ball-milled wood.
Quality Differentiation with Flavors: Demand Estimation of Unobserved Attributes
Authors: Toro-González Daniel , Gallardo R. Karina , Yan Jia , McCluskey Jill J. 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This article estimates the demand for mint-flavored gum products using grocery store sales data and accounting for consumers’ valuation of quality. Unobserved product attributes, such as flavor quality, are important elements to consider when estimating the demand for gum. The estimation results suggest that gum is an inelastic product. A positive relationship between willingness to pay and unobserved quality was identified, implying that gum industry should be able to command a premium for higher quality mint-flavored products.
Interferon‐γ, Interleukins‐6 and ‐4, and Factor XIII‐A as Indirect Markers of the Classical and Alternative Macrophage Activation Pathways in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Navarrete Mariely , García Jocelyn , Dutzan Nicolás , Henríquez Leslie , Puente Javier , Carvajal Paola , Hernandez Marcela , Gamonal Jorge 
Published: September 2013

Background: Macrophages account for 5% to 30% of the inflammatory infiltrate in periodontitis and are activated by the classic and alternative pathways. These pathways are identified by indirect markers, among which interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin‐6 (IL)‐6 of the classic pathway and IL‐4 of the alternative pathway have been studied widely. Recently, factor XIII‐A (FXIII‐A) was reported to be a good marker of alternative pathway activation. The aim of this study is to determine the macrophage activation pathways involved in chronic periodontitis (CP) by the detection of the indirect markers IFN‐γ, IL‐6, FXIII‐A, and IL‐4.Methods: Biopsies were taken from patients with CP (n = 10) and healthy individuals (n = 10) for analysis of IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐4, and FXIII‐A by Western blot (WB), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The same biopsies of healthy and diseased gingival tissue were used, and the expressions of these markers were compared between healthy individuals and those with CP.Results: The presence of macrophages was detected by CD68+ immunohistochemistry and their IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐4, and FXIII‐A markers by WB, IHC, and ELISA in all samples of healthy and diseased tissue. IL‐6, IL‐4, and FXIII‐A were significantly higher in patients with CP, whereas FXIII‐A was higher in healthy individuals.Conclusion: The presence of IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐4, and FXIII‐A in healthy individuals and in patients with CP suggests that macrophages may be activated by both classic and alternative pathways in health and in periodontal disease.