bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BMP‐2 Expression Correlates with Local Failure in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sand Jordan P. , Kokorina Natalia A. , Zakharkin Stanislav O. , Lewis James S. , Nussenbaum Brian 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivePreclinical data show that exogenous administration of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) to human oral carcinoma cell lines increases pathogenicity using a nude mouse model. The objectives of this study are to (1) describe the characteristics of baseline protein expression of BMP‐2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and (2) determine if BMP‐2 expression level correlates with worse oncologic outcomes.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of previously harvested patient samples.SettingAcademic medical center.SubjectsIn total, 149 patients with oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx HNSCC treated between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2004.MethodsA tissue microarray of HNSCC was assembled and immunohistochemistry for BMP‐2 performed. Staining was quantified using a standardized scoring system. Specimens were dichotomized into high or low expression level. Statistical analyses using log‐rank, Wilcoxon, and Fisher exact test were performed for associations between BMP‐2 protein level and clinicopathologic features and patient survival.ResultsBMP‐2 expression at any level was noted in 146 of 149 (98%) of samples. Tumors with high BMP‐2 expression had higher rates of local failure compared with low‐expressing tumors (17.3% vs 6.3%; P =. 04). There was no significant association for BMP‐2 expression level with tumor location, T stage, N stage, overall survival, regional failure, or distant failure.ConclusionHead and neck squamous cell carcinomas with high baseline BMP‐2 protein level are associated with higher rates of local recurrence. These data have important implications for using rhBMP‐2 in tissue engineering reconstructive approaches in the setting of cancer‐related defects.
Reliability of a New Clinical Instrument for Measuring Internal and External Glenohumeral Rotation
Authors: Lindenfeld Thomas N. , Fleckenstein Cassie M. , Levy Martin S. , Grood Edward S. , Frush Todd J. , Parameswaran A. Dushi 
Published: November 2013

Background: The shoulder plays a critical role in many overhead athletic activities. Several studies have shown alterations in shoulder range of motion (ROM) in the dominant shoulder of overhead athletes and correlation with significantly increased risk of injury to the shoulder and elbow. The purpose of this study was to measure isolated glenohumeral joint internal/external rotation (IR/ER) to determine inter- and intraobserver reliability of a new clinical device. Hypothesis: (1) Inter- and intraobserver reliability would exceed 90% for measures of glenohumeral joint IR, ER, and total arc of motion; (2) the dominant arm would exhibit significantly increased ER, significantly decreased IR, and no difference in total arc of motion compared with the nondominant shoulder; and (3) a significant difference exists in total arc between male and female patients. Study Design: Case series. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Thirty-seven subjects (mean age, 23 years; range, 13-54 years) were tested by 2 orthopaedic surgeons. A single test consisted of 1 arc of motion from neutral to external rotation to internal rotation and back to neutral within preset torque limits. Each examiner performed 3 tests on the dominant and nondominant shoulders. Each examiner completed 2 installations. Results: Testing reliability demonstrated that neither trial, installation, nor observer were significant sources of variation. The maximum standard deviation was 1.3° for total arc of motion and less than 2° for most other measurements. Dominant arm ER was significantly greater than nondominant arm ER ( P = 0.02), and dominant arm IR was significantly less than nondominant arm IR ( P = 0.00). Mean total rotation was 162°, with no significant differences in total rotation between dominant and nondominant arms ( P = 0.34). Mean total arc of motion was 45° greater in female subjects. Differences in total arc of motion between male and female subjects was statistically significant ( P < 0.00). Conclusion: This simple, clinical device allows for both inter- and intraobserver reliability measurements of glenohumeral internal and external rotation.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate-mediated cardioprotection by Akt/GSK-3β/caveolin signalling in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Hsieh Shih-Ron , Hsu Chen-Sen , Lu Chen-Hua , Chen Wei-Cheng , Chiu Chun-Hwei , Liou Ying-Ming 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundEpigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg) with its potent anti-oxidative capabilities is known for its beneficial effects ameliorating oxidative injury to cardiac cells. Although studies have provided convincing evidence to support the cardioprotective effects of EGCg, it remains unclear whether EGCg affect trans-membrane signalling in cardiac cells. Here, we have demonstrated the potential mechanism for cardioprotection of EGCg against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts.ResultsExposing H9c2 cells to H2O2suppressed cell viability and altered the expression of adherens and gap junction proteins with increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and cytosolic Ca2+. These detrimental effects were attenuated by pre-treating cells with EGCg for 30 min. EGCg also attenuated H2O2-mediated cell cycle arrest at the G1-S phase through the glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)/β-catenin/cyclin D1 signalling pathway. To determine how EGCg targets H9c2 cells, enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) was ectopically expressed in these cells. EGFP-emission fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that EGCg induced dose-dependent fluorescence changes in EGFP expressing cells, suggesting that EGCg signalling events might trigger proximity changes of EGFP expressed in these cells.Proteomics studies showed that EGFP formed complexes with the 67 kD laminin receptor, caveolin-1 and -3, β-actin, myosin 9, vimentin in EGFP expressing cells. Using in vitro oxidative stress and in vivo myocardial ischemia models, we also demonstrated the involvement of caveolin in EGCg-mediated cardioprotection. In addition, EGCg-mediated caveolin-1 activation was found to be modulated by Akt/GSK-3β signalling in H2O2-induced H9c2 cell injury.ConclusionsOur data suggest that caveolin serves as a membrane raft that may help mediate cardioprotective EGCg transmembrane signalling.
Computer quantification of airway collapse on forced expiration to predict the presence of emphysema
Authors: Topalovic Marko , Exadaktylos Vasileios , Peeters Anneleen , Coolen Johan , Dewever Walter , Hemeryck Martijn , Slagmolen Pieter , Janssens Karl , Berckmans Daniel , Decramer Marc , Janssens Wim 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Spirometric parameters are the mainstay for diagnosis of COPD, but cannot distinguish airway obstruction from emphysema. We aimed to develop a computer model that quantifies airway collapse on forced expiratory flow–volume loops. We then explored and validated the relationship of airway collapse with computed tomography (CT) diagnosed emphysema in two large independent cohorts.

Methods
A computer model was developed in 513 Caucasian individuals with ≥15 pack-years who performed spirometry, diffusion capacity and CT scans to quantify emphysema presence. The model computed the two best fitting regression lines on the expiratory phase of the flow-volume loop and calculated the angle between them. The collapse was expressed as an Angle of collapse (AC) which was then correlated with the presence of emphysema. Findings were validated in an independent group of 340 individuals.

Results
AC in emphysema subjects (N = 251) was significantly lower (131° ± 14°) compared to AC in subjects without emphysema (N = 223), (152° ± 10°) (p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed AC as best indicator of visually scored emphysema (R2 = 0.505, p < 0.0001) with little significant contribution of KCO, %predicted and FEV1, %predicted to the total model (total R2 = 0.626, p < 0.0001). Similar associations were obtained when using CT-automated density scores for emphysema assessment. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves pointed to 131° as the best cut-off for emphysema (95.5% positive predictive value, 97% specificity and 51% sensitivity). Validation in a second group confirmed the significant difference in mean AC between emphysema and non-emphysema subjects. When applying the 131° cut-off, a positive predictive value of 95.6%, a specificity of 96% and a sensitivity of 59% were demonstrated.

Conclusions
Airway collapse on forced expiration quantified by a computer model correlates with emphysema. An AC below 131° can be considered as a specific cut-off for predicting the presence of emphysema in heavy smokers.
The ambulatory arterial stiffness index and target-organ damage in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Cheng , Zhang Jun , Li Cui-Cui , Gong Wen-Yu , Liu Xun , Ye Zeng-Chun , Peng Hui , Lou Tan-Qi 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
The ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) can be used to predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in hypertensive patients. However, data on AASI in Chinese patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not available.

Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 583 CKD patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between AASI and renal function and parameters of cardiovascular injury.

Results
Patients with a higher AASI had a higher systolic blood pressure, a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a higher serum cystatin C, a higher left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). Univariate analyses showed that AASI was positively correlated with serum cystatin C (r=0.296, P < 0.001), serum creatinine (r=0.182, P < 0.001), and LVMI (r = 0.205, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with the eGFR (r = –0.200, P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that serum cystatin C, eGFR, serum creatinine and LVMI were independently correlated with AASI.

Conclusions
These data suggest that AASI was closely correlated with renal function and parameters of cardiovascular injury in Chinese CKD patients. Good quality, long-term, large longitudinal trials to validate the role of AASI in clinical practice for Chinese CKD patients.
Crystal structure of the γ-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas sp. strainWBC-3, a key enzyme involved in para-Nitrophenol degradation
Authors: Su Jing , Zhang Cong , Zhang Jun-Jie , Wei Tiandi , Zhu Deyu , Zhou Ning-Yi , Gu Li chuan 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background

para-Nitrophenol (PNP) is a highly toxic compound with threats to mammalian health. The pnpE-encoded γ-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde dehydrogenase catalyzes the reduction of γ-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde to maleylacetate in Pseudomonas sp. strain WBC-3, playing a key role in the catabolism of PNP to Krebs cycle intermediates. However, the catalyzing mechanism by PnpE has not been well understood.

Results
Here we report the crystal structures of the apo and NAD bound PnpE. In the PnpE-NAD complex structure, NAD is situated in a cleft of PnpE. The cofactor binding site is composed of two pockets. The adenosine and the first ribose group of NAD bind in one pocket and the nicotinamide ring in the other.

Conclusions
Six amino acids have interactions with the cofactor. They are C281, E247, Q210, W148, I146 and K172. Highly conserved residues C281 and E247 were identified to be critical for its catalytic activity. In addition, flexible docking studies of the enzyme-substrate system were performed to predict the interactions between PnpE and its substrate γ-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde. Amino acids that interact extensively with the substrate and stabilize the substrate in an orientation suitable for enzyme catalysis were identified. The importance of these residues for catalytic activity was confirmed by the relevant site-directed mutagenesis and their biochemical characterization.
Chemokine receptor CX3CR1 contributes to macrophage survival in tumor metastasis
Authors: Zheng Jiao , Yang Min , Shao Jianghua , Miao Yanju , Han Jiahuai , Du Jie 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Macrophages, the key component of the tumor microenvironment, are differentiated mononuclear phagocyte lineage cells that are characterized by specific phenotypic characteristics that have been implicated in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and invasion. CX3CR1, the chemoattractant cytokine CX3CL1 receptor, plays an important role in modulating inflammatory responses, including monocyte homeostasis and macrophage phenotype and function. However, the role of CX3CR1 in the regulation of the tumor inflammatory microenvironment is not fully understood.

Methods
Using in vivo hepatic metastasis model, human colon carcinoma specimens, immunohistochemical staining, TUNEL staining, flow cytometry analysis, Western blotting assay and co-culture in three-dimensional peptide gel, we determined the effects of CX3CR1 on angiogenic macrophage survival and tumor metastasis.

Results
In this study, we found that CX3CR1 was expressed in human colon carcinomas in a histologic grade- and stage-dependent manner, and CX3CR1 upregulation in TAMs was correlated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, we showed that in a microenvironment lacking CX3CR1, the liver metastasis of colon cancer cells was significantly inhibited. The underlying mechanism is associated with decrease accumulation of angiogenic macrophages that can be partly attributed to increased apoptosis in the tumor microenvironment, thus leading to impaired tumor angiogenesis in the liver and suppressed tumor metastasis.

Conclusions
Our results suggest a role of CX3CR1 in angiogenic macrophage survival in the tumor microenvironment contributing to tumor metastasis.
Analysis of pectin mutants and natural accessions of Arabidopsis highlights the impact of de-methyl-esterified homogalacturonan on tissue saccharification
Authors: Francocci Fedra , Bastianelli Elisa , Lionetti Vincenzo , Ferrari Simone , De Lorenzo Giulia , Bellincampi Daniela , Cervone Felice 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Plant biomass is a potentially important renewable source of energy and industrial products. The natural recalcitrance of the cell walls to enzymatic degradation (saccharification), which plants have evolved to defend themselves from biotic stresses, represents a major bottleneck for the industrial bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomasses. The identification of factors that influence the cell wall recalcitrance to saccharification may help to overcome the existing limitations that hamper the utilization of biomass.

Results
Here we have investigated in Arabidopsis thaliana the impact of homogalacturonan (HG) content and structure on tissue saccharification. We characterized mutants affected in genes encoding proteins involved in HG biosynthesis (quasimodo2-1; qua2-1) and methylesterification (pectin methylesterase 3; pme3). We also analyzed the natural variation of Arabidopsis through the characterization of a nested core collection of 24 accessions generated to maximize genetic variability. We found a negative correlation between the level of de-methyl-esterified HG (HGA) and cellulose degradability.

Conclusions
We propose to use the level of HGA domains as a biochemical marker of the cell wall recalcitrance to saccharification. This may be utilized for selecting, on a large scale, natural variants or mutants with improved bioconversion features.
Metastatic involvement of the spleen by endometrial adenocarcioma; a rare asylum for a common malignancy: a case report
Authors: Arif Adnan , Abideen Zain Ul , Zia Naeem , Khan Muhammad Atif , Nawaz Tariq , Malik Asif Zafar 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Metastatic involvement of the spleen by solid tumors is a rare clinical entity; those coming from endometrial adenocarcinomas are exceptionally rare. Spleen is an uncommon site for metastatic deposits due to its specific anatomy and microenvironment. Typically, splenic metastasis from endometrial carcinomas present months to years after curative surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The most common complaint in symptomatic patients is abdominal pain localized to the left hypochondrium. Most however, are asymptomatic only to be picked up on vigilant routine ultrasonography or computerized tomography during follow up. We report the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented to us after 50 months of total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for an endometrial adenocarcinoma. She had severe abdominal pain localized to the left hypochondrium as the presenting complaint. To the best of our knowledge, this is the 1st case to be reported from Pakistan with 14 cases reported prior to our report. All past cases report the endometroid variant of endometrial adenocarcinoma as the primary tumor and our patient was a victim to the same variant.

Case presentation
A 54-year-old, nulliparous widowed woman presented with severe abdominal pain in the left hypochondrium for the last 4 months. The pain radiated to the left shoulder and was exacerbated with deep breathing. She had a history of total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy done 50 months back for stage 1a endometroid endometrial adenocarcinoma. Clinical examination revealed tenderness in the left hypochondrium but no visceromeglay was appreciable. Ultrasonography and computerized tomography revealed a space-occupying lesion within the spleen with associated splenomegaly. Computed tomography further suggested a large splenic abscess however the patient did not have fever, vomiting or leukocytosis which are the hallmarks of a splenic abscess. A splenectomy was performed for her complaints. On histopathology a metastatic adenocarcinoma was identified consistent with the primary tumor. The tumor was CK7, CA-125 and epithelial membrane antigen positive (EMA). The patient was then referred for further chemotherapy.

Conclusion
From this case we conclude, that although very rare, the spleen is a potential site for metastasis in endometroid endometrial adenocarcinoma. Since most patients are asymptomatic, routine examinations and imaging can identify its presence and avoid complications. If the practice is employed with vigilance, we may expect the clinical event to be diagnosed more frequently. The standard treatment is a classic splenectomy followed by chemotherapy.
Patient eligibility criteria for a surgical treatment that enhances tissue sealing by use of a medicated sponge: observational study ELITE
Authors: Raiffort Cyril , Benabdallah Farid , Paillasseur Jean-Louis , Gangner Yves , Leutenegger Eric , Sockeel Philippe 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Rationale
The application of a haemostatic agent in general surgery, in addition to its effect on bleeding, also provides tissue sealing and adhesion. A sponge drug is used with some actions of resection and wide dissection, without knowledge of the eligibility of patients. In this study, we sought to identify clusters of patients for which the medicated sponge enhances tissue sealing.

Methods
Observational study (ELITE), from a panel of selected surgeons from hospitals in France in several surgical areas: abdominal, gynaecology, urology and thoracic. The survey identified the criteria for using the sponge TachoSil® in their surgical practices involving n = 683 patients. A multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) followed by an ascending hierarchical classification (AHC) was used in order to identify the eligibility criteria for the application of the sponge for tissue sealing in addition to hemostasis.

Results
The most relevant classification was based on 9 groups of patients for which the sponge was used. 6 of them are mainly linked with the kind of lesion, 2 with the site of application and the latest one with the type of operation.

Conclusions
The ELITE study revealed that the TachoSil® sponge was used mainly during surgery, requiring a reinforcement of the resection tissue sealing. The expected objective was successfully reached in 97% of the cases.
Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Malignant Mesotheliomas Arising in Patients With a History of Radiation for Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Chirieac Lucian R. , Barletta Justine A. , Yeap Beow Y. , Richards William G. , Tilleman Tamara , Bueno Raphael , Baldini Elizabeth H. , Godleski John , Sugarbaker David J. 
Published: November 2013

Purpose Studies have reported an association between pleural diffuse malignant mesothelioma (PDMM) and chest radiation for lymphoma. The clinicopathologic characteristics of malignant mesotheliomas arising in these patients have not been established. Patients and Methods We studied 1,618 consecutive patients diagnosed with pleural PDMM from July 1993 to February 2008 and identified patients with a history of radiation for Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. We evaluated the histology in the surgical resection specimens and compared clinicopathologic features with overall survival. Results We identified 22 patients who developed PDMM after chest radiation as part of their treatment for lymphoma (mean latency time, 21.4 years; 95% CI, 17.0 to 25.8 years). Asbestos bodies in lymphoma-associated PDMM were lower than in asbestos-associated PDMM (median count, 15 v 325 bodies, respectively; P < .001) and similar to an unexposed control group (median count, 15 v 10 bodies, respectively; P = .6). Seventeen lymphoma-associated PDMMs (77%) were epithelioid and five (23%) were biphasic. Seven PDMMs (32%) had unusual histologies (pleomorphic, myxoid, clear cell, and signet ring cell). Patients with lymphoma-associated PDMM were younger than patients with asbestos-associated PDMM (median age, 45 v 64 years, respectively; P < .001) and had a significantly longer overall survival time (median, 32.5 v 12.7 months, respectively; P = .018). In multivariate analysis, independent favorable predictors for overall survival were history of prior radiation (P = .022), female sex (P < .001), age ≤ 65 years (P = .005), cytoreductive surgery (P < .001), and epithelioid histology (P < .001). Conclusion Patients with lymphoma-associated PDMM are likely to have unusual histologic features, are significantly younger, and seem to have a longer overall survival compared with patients with asbestos-associated PDMM.