bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Oral Supplementation with Vitamin E on the Oxido-Reductive Status of Red Blood Cells in Normal Mice and Mice Subject to Oxidative Stress by Chronic Administration of Adriamycin
Authors: Thabrew M I , Samarawickrema N , Chandrasena L G , Jayasekera S 
Published: February 2014

The effect of oral vitamin E supplementation on the oxido-reductive status of red blood cells in normal mice and those subject to oxidative stress by chronic administration of the anti-tumour drug Adriamycin was investigated. Mice were randomly separated into three groups of 20 animals each and maintained on diets identical in all respects except for vitamin E content. Group 1 received a low vitamin E diet that provided 10 mg vitamin E/kg body weight/day, group 2 received a normal mice chow diet (45 mg vitamin E/kg body weight/day) while group 3 received a high vitamin E diet (200 mg vitamin E/kg body weight/day). In comparison with the normal mice in group 1, their counterparts in groups 2 and 3 exhibited significantly higher ( P < 0·001) activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in red blood cells (79·4% higher in group 2 and 114·2% higher in group 3, respectively) and produced lower concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (22·9% less in group 2 and 51·2% less in group 3, respectively), with little difference in the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity. In Adriamycintreated animals on the low vitamin E diet (group 1) the red blood cell SOD activity and MDA production were 46·2% and 200·7% higher ( P < 0·001), respectively, and the GPX activity was 39 1% lower than in the red blood cells of untreated (normal) animals in the same group. The Adriamycin-induced changes were significantly less in animals receiving higher doses of vitamin E (groups 2 and 3). Thus, in the group maintained on the high vitamin E diet (group 3), Adriamycin administration resulted in only a 38·9% increase in the MDA production above that generated by red blood cells of normal mice in the same group, with no significant change in the SOD or GPX activities. Thus, in normal conditions as well as in conditions of oxidative stress, high doses of vitamin E appear to be able to protect the oxido-reductive status of red blood cells by modulating the extent of lipid peroxidation as well as the activities of antioxidant enzymes.
Eosinophil Cationic Protein in Serum from Nonatopic and Asymptomatic Atopic Individuals after Standardized Blood Clotting at 37°C
Authors: Pronk-Admiraal Claudia J , Bartels Piet C M , Mulder Kees 
Published: February 2014

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and ECP/eosinophil ratio were measured in 223 apparently healthy subjects. The serum sample for ECP measurement was obtained by standardized clotting of the blood sample for 2 hours at 37°C. Eosinophil count, ECP concentration and ECP/eosinophil ratio were no different between men ( n = 122) and women ( n = 101). Reference ranges for serum ECP and ECP/eosinophil ratio were 12–99 μg/L and 61–367 μg ECP per 109 eosinophils, respectively. Serum ECP and blood eosinophil count were positively correlated ( y = 141 x + 18, R2 = 0·45, P < 0·001). The ECP/eosinophil ratio, however, was found to decrease with increasing eosinophil count. Twenty-three per cent of the apparently healthy subjects were found to have a positive score for immunoglobulin E antibodies specific to inhalant allergens, and thus were considered atopic. Serum ECP concentrations and eosinophil counts were significantly higher in this group compared with the non-atopic group. In this healthy population no decision level for either eosinophil count, serum ECP or ECP/eosinophil ratio could be found that discriminated atopic from non-atopic individuals.
Screening for Aetiology of Thrombophilia: A High Prevalence of Protein S Abnormality
Authors: Tsuda H , Hattori S , Tanabe S , Iida H , Nakahara M , Nishioka S , Fujise M , Kinoshita S , Okubo K , Hamasaki N 
Published: February 2014

We systematically screened for the aetiology of thrombophilia in 115 patients with venous, arterial and small vessel thromboses. Forty-one patients (36% of those we examined) suffering from a variety of thromboses, including deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, arterial occlusion, cerebral infarction, Moyamoya disease and ulcerative colitis, were characterized either with positive lupus anticoagulants or with decreased activities of protein S, protein C, antithrombin III and/or plasminogen. Eight mutation sites were confirmed in 11 thrombotic patients using gene analysis. Decreased protein S activity was found with a high incidence (23 out of 115) in Japanese patients who suffered from not only venous thrombosis but also arterial and small vessel thrombosis. We emphasize here the important role of protein S in the pathogenesis of thrombosis in the Japanese population.
Incidental Parathyroidectomy during Thyroid Surgery Using Capsular Dissection Technique
Authors: Praženica Pavol , O'Driscoll Kieran , Holý Richard 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo identify incidence, preoperative features, surgical factors, and postoperative events of incidental parathyroidectomy (IP) during thyroidectomy.Study DesignA total of 1068 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy performed by a single surgeon between January 2003 and April 2012 were enrolled in retrospective study with prospectively collected data.SettingUniversity hospital.Subjects and MethodsTo assess the impact of IP on study variables, patients were stratified into 2 study groups: IP group and non‐IP group. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified significant correlates of IP.ResultsIn all, 5.4% patients experienced IP. Significant difference (P <. 001) was in incidence of temporary hypocalcemia between IP group (36.2%) and non‐IP group (16.8%). Multivariable logistic regression model identified total thyroidectomy (odds ratio 3.937, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.462‐10.601, P =. 007) and Graves’ disease (odds ratio 2.192, 95% CI 1.157‐4.158, P =. 016) as risk‐adjusted factors associated with IP. Multivariate analysis of repeated measures identified statistically significant difference of repeated total calcium level (P <. 001) and ionized calcium level (P =. 020) between study groups.ConclusionIP during thyroidectomy might be potential complication. Total thyroidectomy, Graves’ disease, longer operation time, and identification 3 and more parathyroid glands seemed to be predictive factors for IP. IP is significantly associated with temporary hypocalcemia, but not with permanent hypoparathyroidism.
Relationship Between Concussion History and Neurocognitive Test Performance in National Football League Draft Picks
Authors: Solomon Gary S. , Kuhn Andrew 
Published: February 2014

Background: There are limited empirical data available regarding the relationship between concussion history and neurocognitive functioning in active National Football League (NFL) players in general and NFL draft picks in particular. Potential NFL draft picks undergo 2 neurocognitive tests at the National Invitational Camp (Scouting Combine) every year: the Wonderlic and, since 2011, the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). After conclusion of the combine and before the draft, NFL teams invite potential draft picks to their headquarters for individual visits where further assessment may occur. Purpose: To examine the relationship between concussion history and neurocognitive performance (ImPACT and Wonderlic) in a sample of elite NFL draft picks. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Over 7 years, 226 potential draft picks were invited to visit a specific NFL team’s headquarters after the combine. The athletes were divided into 3 groups based on self-reported concussion history: no prior concussions, 1 prior concussion, and 2 or more prior concussions. Neurocognitive measures of interest included Wonderlic scores (provided by the NFL team) and ImPACT composite scores (administered either at the combine or during a visit to the team headquarters). The relationship between concussion history and neurocognitive scores was assessed, as were the relationships among the 2 neurocognitive tests. Results: Concussion history had no relationship to neurocognitive performance on either the Wonderlic or ImPACT. Conclusion: Concussion history did not affect performance on either neurocognitive test, suggesting that for this cohort, a history of concussion may not have adverse effects on neurocognitive functioning as measured by these 2 tests. This study reveals no correlation between concussion history and neurocognitive test scores (ImPACT, Wonderlic) in soon-to-be active NFL athletes.
The addition of sirolimus to tacrolimus/methotrexate GVHD prophylaxis in children with ALL: a phase 3 Children’s Oncology Group/Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Consortium trial
Authors: Pulsipher Michael A. , Langholz Bryan , Wall Donna A. , Schultz Kirk R. , Bunin Nancy , Carroll William L. , Raetz Elizabeth , Gardner Sharon , Gastier-Foster Julie M. , Howrie Denise , Goyal Rakesh K. , Douglas James G. , Borowitz Michael , Barnes Yvonne , Teachey David T. , Taylor Candace , Grupp Stephan A. 
Published: February 2014

Key PointsAdding sirolimus to tacrolimus/methotrexate GVHD prophylaxis decreased grade 2-4 aGVHD but did not improve survival in pediatric ALL. The addition of sirolimus to tacrolimus/methotrexate increased rates of VOD and TMA compared with tacrolimus/methotrexate alone.
Lineage and species-specific long noncoding RNAs during erythro-megakaryocytic development
Authors: Paralkar Vikram R. , Mishra Tejaswini , Luan Jing , Yao Yu , Kossenkov Andrew V. , Anderson Stacie M. , Dunagin Margaret , Pimkin Maxim , Gore Meghneel , Sun Diana , Konuthula Neeraja , Raj Arjun , An Xiuli , Mohandas Narla , Bodine David M. , Hardison Ross C. , Weiss Mitchell J. 
Published: February 2014

Key Points
Hundreds of lineage-specific lncRNAs are expressed during mouse and human erythropoiesis. Most mouse erythroid lncRNAs are not expressed in human erythroblasts and vice versa, yet some appear to be functional.
GATA-3 expression identifies a high-risk subset of PTCL, NOS with distinct molecular and clinical features
Authors: Wang Tianjiao , Feldman Andrew L. , Wada David A. , Lu Ye , Polk Avery , Briski Robert , Ristow Kay , Habermann Thomas M. , Thomas Dafydd , Ziesmer Steven C. , Wellik Linda E. , Lanigan Thomas M. , Witzig Thomas E. , Pittelkow Mark R. , Bailey Nathanael G. , Hristov Alexandra C. , Lim Megan S. , Ansell Stephen M. , Wilcox Ryan A. 
Published: February 2014

Key Points
Alternatively polarized macrophages are abundant constituents of the tumor microenvironment in T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. GATA-3 expression identifies a subset of PTCL, NOS with a distinct cytokine profile and inferior survival.
A degenerate PCR-based strategy as a means of identifying homologues of aminoglycoside and β-lactam resistance genes in the gut microbiota
Authors: Fouhy Fiona , Ross R Paul , Fitzgerald Gerald F , Stanton Catherine , Cotter Paul D 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The potential for the human gut microbiota to serve as a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes has been the subject of recent discussion. However, this has yet to be investigated using a rapid PCR-based approach. In light of this, here we aim to determine if degenerate PCR primers can detect aminoglycoside and β-lactam resistance genes in the gut microbiota of healthy adults, without the need for an initial culture-based screen for resistant isolates. In doing so, we would determine if the gut microbiota of healthy adults, lacking recent antibiotic exposure, is a reservoir for resistance genes.

Results
The strategy employed resulted in the identification of numerous aminoglycoside (acetylation, adenylation and phosphorylation) and β-lactam (including bla
OXA, bla
TEM, bla
SHV and bla
CTX-M) resistance gene homologues. On the basis of homology, it would appear that these genes originated from different bacterial taxa, with members of the Enterobacteriaceae being a particularly rich source. The results demonstrate that, even in the absence of recent antibiotic exposure, the human gut microbiota is a considerable reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes.

Conclusions
This study has demonstrated that the gut can be a significant source of aminoglycoside and β-lactam resistance genes, even in the absence of recent antibiotic exposure. The results also demonstrate that PCR-based approaches can be successfully applied to detect antibiotic resistance genes in the human gut microbiota, without the need to isolate resistant strains. This approach could also be used to rapidly screen other complex environments for target genes.
Concerted down-regulation of immune-system related genes predicts metastasis in colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Fehlker Marion , Huska Matthew R , Jöns Thomas , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A , Kemmner Wolfgang 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed at the identification of prognostic gene expression markers in early primary colorectal carcinomas without metastasis at the time point of surgery by analyzing genome-wide gene expression profiles using oligonucleotide microarrays.MethodsCryo-conserved tumor specimens from 45 patients with early colorectal cancers were examined, with the majority of them being UICC stage II or earlier and with a follow-up time of 41–115 months. Gene expression profiling was performed using Whole Human Genome 4x44K Oligonucleotide Microarrays. Validation of microarray data was performed on five of the genes in a smaller cohort.ResultsUsing a novel algorithm based on the recursive application of support vector machines (SVMs), we selected a signature of 44 probes that discriminated between patients developing later metastasis and patients with a good prognosis. Interestingly, almost half of the genes was related to the patients’ immune response and showed reduced expression in the metastatic cases.ConclusionsWhereas up to now gene signatures containing genes with various biological functions have been described for prediction of metastasis in CRC, in this study metastasis could be well predicted by a set of gene expression markers consisting exclusively of genes related to the MHC class II complex involved in immune response. Thus, our data emphasize that the proper function of a comprehensive network of immune response genes is of vital importance for the survival of colorectal cancer patients.
A survey of undernutrition in children under three years of age in rural Western China
Authors: Pei Leilei , Ren Lin , Yan Hong 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Childhood undernutrition adversely impacts child health and is one of China’s largest health burdens. However, there is limited information on the current rate of childhood undernutrition in rural Western China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of childhood undernutrition and explore its association with socio-economic characteristics in Western China.

Methods
A total of 13,532 children of 0 ~ 36 months of age were recruited as subjects from 45 counties and 10 provinces in Western China with a 3-stage probability proportion to size sampling. The composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) was used to assess the childhood undernutrition. The association between socio-economic characteristics and childhood undernutrition was analyzed using a two-level logistic regression.

Results
Based on CIAF, the prevalence of undernutrition among children under three years of age in rural Western China in 2005 was 21.7%. The two-level logistic analysis presented a large difference in undernutrition among the 10 provinces with the highest odds ratio in Guizhou (OR: 2.15, 95%CI: 1.50, 3.08). Older children had a higher prevalence of undernutrition. As compared to girls, boys were more likely to be undernourished (OR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.39). The likelihood of undernutrition was lower in subjects of Han ethnicity as opposed to subjects of minority ethnicities (OR 0.77, 95%CI: 0.65, 0.90). In addition, the education levels of the mother as well as wealth index were both negatively associated with childhood undernutrition.

Conclusions
Childhood undernutrition still remains a large health challenge in rural Western China. This study has important policy implications for the Chinese government to improve childhood undernutrition in the surveyed areas.
SAP domain-dependent Mkl1 signaling stimulates proliferation and cell migration by induction of a distinct gene set indicative of poor prognosis in breast cancer patients
Authors: Gurbuz Irem , Ferralli Jacqueline , Roloff Tim , Chiquet-Ehrismann Ruth , Asparuhova Maria B 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The main cause of death of breast cancer patients is not the primary tumor itself but the metastatic disease. Identifying breast cancer-specific signatures for metastasis and learning more about the nature of the genes involved in the metastatic process would 1) improve our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer progression and 2) reveal new therapeutic targets. Previous studies showed that the transcriptional regulator megakaryoblastic leukemia-1 (Mkl1) induces tenascin-C expression in normal and transformed mammary epithelial cells. Tenascin-C is known to be expressed in metastatic niches, is highly induced in cancer stroma and promotes breast cancer metastasis to the lung.

Methods
Using HC11 mammary epithelial cells overexpressing different Mkl1 constructs, we devised a subtractive transcript profiling screen to identify the mechanism by which Mkl1 induces a gene set co-regulated with tenascin-C. We performed computational analysis of the Mkl1 target genes and used cell biological experiments to confirm the effect of these gene products on cell behavior. To analyze whether this gene set is prognostic of accelerated cancer progression in human patients, we used the bioinformatics tool GOBO that allowed us to investigate a large breast tumor data set linked to patient data.

Results
We discovered a breast cancer-specific set of genes including tenascin-C, which is regulated by Mkl1 in a SAP domain-dependent, serum response factor-independent manner and is strongly implicated in cell proliferation, cell motility and cancer. Downregulation of this set of transcripts by overexpression of Mkl1 lacking the SAP domain inhibited cell growth and cell migration. Many of these genes are direct Mkl1 targets since their promoter-reporter constructs were induced by Mkl1 in a SAP domain-dependent manner. Transcripts, most strongly reduced in the absence of the SAP domain were mechanoresponsive. Finally, expression of this gene set is associated with high-proliferative poor-outcome classes in human breast cancer and a strongly reduced survival rate for patients independent of tumor grade.

Conclusions
This study highlights a crucial role for the transcriptional regulator Mkl1 and its SAP domain during breast cancer progression. We identified a novel gene set that correlates with bad prognosis and thus may help in deciding the rigor of therapy.
Cancer risk of incremental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in electrocautery smoke for mastectomy personnel
Authors: Tseng Hsin-Shun , Liu Shi-Ping , Uang Shi-Nian , Yang Li-Ru , Lee Shien-Chih , Liu Yao-Jen , Chen Dar-Ren 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Electrocautery applications in surgical operations produce evasive odorous smoke in the cleanest operation rooms. Because of the incomplete combustion of electrical current in the tissues and blood vessels during electrocautery applications, electrocautery smoke (ES) containing significant unknown chemicals and biological forms is released. The potential hazards and cancer risk should be further investigated from the perspective of the occupational health of surgical staff.

Methods
The particle number concentration and the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ES were thoroughly investigated in 10 mastectomies to estimate the cancer risk for surgical staff. The particle number concentration and gaseous/particle PAHs at the surgeons’ and anesthetic technologists’ (AT) breathing heights were measured with a particle counter and filter/adsorbent samplers. PAHs were soxhlet-extracted, cleaned, and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results
Abundant submicron particles and high PAH concentrations were found in ES during regular surgical mastectomies. Most particles in ES were in the size range of 0.3 to 0.5 μm, which may potentially penetrate through the medical masks into human respiration. The average particle/gaseous phase PAH concentrations at the surgeon’s breathing height were 131 and 1,415 ng/m3, respectively, which is 20 to 30 times higher than those in regular outdoor environments. By using a toxicity equivalency factor, the cancer risk for the surgeons and anesthetic technologists was calculated to be 117 × 10-6 and 270 × 10-6, respectively; the higher cancer risk for anesthetic technologists arises due to the longer working hours in operation rooms.

Conclusions
The carcinogenic effects of PAHs in ES on the occupational health of surgical staff should not be neglected. The use of an effective ES evacuator or smoke removal apparatus is strongly suggested to diminish the ES hazards to surgical staff.
Asthma: Gln27Glu and Arg16Gly polymorphisms of the beta2-adrenergic receptor gene as risk factors
Authors: de Paiva Ana Carolina Zimiani , Marson Fernando Augusto de Lima , Ribeiro José Dirceu , Bertuzzo Carmen Sílvia 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Asthma is caused by both environmental and genetic factors. The ADRB2 gene, which encodes the beta 2-adrenergic receptor, is one of the most extensively studied genes with respect to asthma prevalence and severity. The Arg16Gly (+46A > G) and Gln27Glu (+79C > G) polymorphisms in the ADRB2 gene cause changes in the amino acids flanking the receptor ligand site, altering the response to bronchodilators and the risk of asthma through complex pathways. The ADRB2 polymorphisms affect beta-adrenergic bronchodilator action and are a tool to identify at-risk populations.

Objective
To determine the frequency of these two polymorphisms in allergic asthma patients and healthy subjects and to correlate these data with the occurrence and severity of asthma.

Methods
Eighty-eight allergic asthma patients and 141 healthy subjects were included in this study. The ADRB2 polymorphisms were analyzed using the amplification-refractory mutation system – polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) technique. The statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 21.0 software using the Fisher’s Exact and χ2 tests.

Results
The ADRB2 polymorphisms were associated with asthma occurrence. The Arg16Arg, Gln27Gln and Gln27Glu genotypes were risk factors; the odds ratios were 6.782 (CI = 3.07 to 16.03), 2.120 (CI = 1.22 to 3.71) and 8.096 (CI = 3.90 to 17.77), respectively. For the Gly16Gly and Glu27Glu genotypes, the odds ratios were 0.312 (CI = 0.17 to 0.56) and 0.084 (CI = 0.04 to 0.17), respectively. The haplotype analysis showed that there were associations between the following groups: Arg16Arg-Gln27Gln (OR = 5.108, CI = 1.82 to 16.37), Gly16Gly-Glu27Glu (OR = 2.816, CI = 1.25 to 6.54), Arg16Gly-Gln27Glu (OR = 0.048, CI = 0.01 to 0.14) and Gly16Gly-Gln27Glu (OR = 0.1036, CI = 0.02 to 0.39). The polymorphism Gln27Glu was associated with asthma severity, as the Gln27Gln genotype was a risk factor for severe asthma (OR = 2.798, CI = 1.099 to 6.674) and the Gln27Glu genotype was a protective factor for mild (OR = 3.063, CI = 1.037 to 9.041) and severe (OR = 0.182, CI = 0.048 to 0.691) asthma.

Conclusions
The Arg16Gly and Gln27Glu polymorphisms in the ADRB2 gene are associated with asthma presence and severity.