bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Comorbidity on Perioperative Outcomes of Hip Fractures in a Geriatric Fracture Model
Authors: Menzies Isaura B. , Mendelson Daniel A. , Kates Stephen L. , Friedman Susan M. 
Published: November 2012

Background: Older adults who sustain hip fractures usually have multiple coexisting medical problems that may impact their treatment and outcomes. The geriatric fracture center (GFC) provides a model of care that standardizes treatment and optimizes outcomes. The purpose of this study is to determine whether GFC patients with a higher burden of comorbidity or specific comorbidities are at risk for worsened perioperative outcomes, such as increased time to surgery (TTS), postoperative complications, and longer length of hospital stay (LOS). Method: A total of 1077 patients aged 60 years and older who underwent surgery for a proximal femur fracture between April 15, 2005, and September 30, 2010, were evaluated. Comorbidities measured in the Charlson Comorbidity index were abstracted through chart review. Outcomes were TTS, postoperative complications, and LOS. Results: Most patients were white, with an average age of 85. One half lived in either a nursing home or an assisted living facility. The mean Charlson score was 3.06 and the nursing home residents had a significantly higher score compared to community dwellers (3.4 vs 2.8; P < .0001). Dementia was the most common comorbidity. There was no difference in the LOS or TTS based on Charlson score. The overall complication rate was 44% with delirium being the most common postoperative complication. Peripheral vascular disease, history of solid tumor, and peptic ulcer disease predicted delirium incidence. Charlson score predicted complication risk, with an odds ratio of 1.12 for each point increase. Conclusion: Frailty and comorbidity put this hip fracture population at high risk for adverse perioperative outcomes. This study shows that in the GFC model of care the comorbidity burden did not impact the TTS and LOS but did predict postoperative complication rate.
Sequencing of the needle transcriptome from Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst L.) reveals lower substitution rates, but similar selective constraints in gymnosperms and angiosperms
Authors: Chen Jun , Uebbing Severin , Gyllenstrand Niclas , Lagercrantz Ulf , Lascoux Martin , Källman Thomas 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
A detailed knowledge about spatial and temporal gene expression is important for understanding both the function of genes and their evolution. For the vast majority of species, transcriptomes are still largely uncharacterized and even in those where substantial information is available it is often in the form of partially sequenced transcriptomes. With the development of next generation sequencing, a single experiment can now simultaneously identify the transcribed part of a species genome and estimate levels of gene expression.

Results
mRNA from actively growing needles of Norway spruce (Picea abies) was sequenced using next generation sequencing technology. In total, close to 70 million fragments with a length of 76 bp were sequenced resulting in 5 Gbp of raw data. A de novo assembly of these reads, together with publicly available expressed sequence tag (EST) data from Norway spruce, was used to create a reference transcriptome. Of the 38,419 PUTs (putative unique transcripts) longer than 150 bp in this reference assembly, 83.5% show similarity to ESTs from other spruce species and of the remaining PUTs, 3,704 show similarity to protein sequences from other plant species, leaving 4,167 PUTs with limited similarity to currently available plant proteins. By predicting coding frames and comparing not only the Norway spruce PUTs, but also PUTs from the close relatives Picea glauca and Picea sitchensis to both Pinus taeda and Taxus mairei, we obtained estimates of synonymous and non-synonymous divergence among conifer species. In addition, we detected close to 15,000 SNPs of high quality and estimated gene expression differences between samples collected under dark and light conditions.

Conclusions
Our study yielded a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms as well as estimates of gene expression on transcriptome scale. In agreement with a recent study we find that the synonymous substitution rate per year (0.6 × 10−09and 1.1 × 10−09) is an order of magnitude smaller than values reported for angiosperm herbs. However, if one takes generation time into account, most of this difference disappears. The estimates of the dN/dS ratio (non-synonymous over synonymous divergence) reported here are in general much lower than 1 and only a few genes showed a ratio larger than 1.
Evolution and diversity of periplasmic proteins involved in copper homeostasis in gamma proteobacteria
Authors: Hernández-Montes Georgina , Argüello José M , Valderrama Brenda 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Different systems contributing to copper homeostasis in bacteria have been described in recent years involving periplasmic and transport proteins that provide resistance via metal efflux to the extracellular media (CopA/Cue, Cus, Cut, and Pco). The participation of these proteins in the assembly of membrane, periplasmic and secreted cuproproteins has also been postulated. The integration and interrelation of these systems and their apparent redundancies are less clear since they have been studied in alternative systems. Based on the idea that cellular copper is not free but rather it is transferred via protein-protein interactions, we hypothesized that systems would coevolve and be constituted by set numbers of essential components.

Results
By the use of a phylogenomic approach we identified the distribution of 14 proteins previously characterized as members of homeostasis systems in the genomes of 268 gamma proteobacteria. Only 3% of the genomes presented the complete systems and 5% of them, all intracellular parasites, lacked the 14 genes. Surprisingly, copper homeostatic pathways did not behave as evolutionary units with particular species assembling different combinations of basic functions. The most frequent functions, and probably because of its distribution the most vital, were copper extrusion from the cytoplasm to the periplasm performed by CopA and copper export from the cytoplasm to the extracellular space performed by CusC, which along with the remaining 12 proteins, assemble in nine different functional repertoires.

Conclusions
These observations suggest complex evolutionary dynamics and still unexplored interactions to achieve copper homeostasis, challenging some of the molecular transport mechanism proposed for these systems.
Spontaneous dissection of the coronary and vertebral arteries post-partum: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Cenkowski Marta , daSilva Megan , Bordun Kimberly-Ann , Hussain Farrukh , Kirkpatrick Iain DC , Jassal Davinder S 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Spontaneous coronary and vertebral artery dissections are rare events occurring most commonly in otherwise healthy women during pregnancy or the post-partum period.

Case presentation
This report describes a 35-year-old female who presented with an acute inferior ST elevation myocardial infarction 7 months post-partum secondary to spontaneous dissection of the left obtuse marginal coronary artery. Despite appropriate medical therapy with dual anti-platelet therapy, the patient presented four weeks later with a spontaneous dissection of the right vertebral artery.

Conclusion
We review the presentation, diagnosis, and management of spontaneous dissections of the vasculature in the peri-partum period.
Men’s and women’s exposure and perpetration of partner violence: an epidemiological study from Sweden
Authors: Lövestad Solveig , Krantz Gunilla 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Over the past 30 years, intimate partner violence (IPV) against women and its health consequences has become a well established research area and is recognized worldwide as a significant public health issue. Studies on IPV directed at men are less explored, however recently women’s use of IPV and men’s victimization is gaining growing attention. Earlier population-based studies performed in Sweden have primarily investigated men’s violence against women, while women’s use of violence and men’s exposure as well as the existence of controlling behaviours have been neglected research areas This explorative study investigated the exposure to and perpetration of intimate partner violence, the use of control behaviours and the associated risk factors among a sample of Swedish men and women.

Methods
This cross-sectional population-based study included 173 men and 251 women of age 18–65 randomly selected among the Swedish population. A questionnaire based on the revised Conflicts Tactics Scale (CTS2) and the subscale ‘isolating control’ from the Controlling Behaviour Scale (CBS) was used to collect data on violence exposure and perpetration. Regression analyses were used for risk factor assessment.

Results
More men (11%) than women (8%) reported exposure to physical assault in the past year, while more women reported exposure to sexual coercion. Duration of present relationship ≤ 3 years was identified as a significant risk factor for men’s exposure. Young age, lack of social support and being single, constituted risk factors for women’s exposure. Surprisingly many men (37%) and women (41%) also reported exposure to controlling behaviours.

Conclusions
In partner violence research, both men’s and women’s exposure should be explored however findings need to be interpreted with caution. This first study in a Swedish sample establishes the basis for future investigations on partner violence and coercive control tactics.
Health-related quality of life and needs of care and support of adult Tanzanians with cancer: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Masika Golden M , Wettergren Lena , Kohi Thecla W , von Essen Louise 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Cancer is among the three leading causes of death in low income countries and the highest increase with regard to incidence figures for cancer diseases are found in these countries. This is the first report of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and needs of care and support of adult Tanzanians with cancer.

Methods
A mixed-methods design was used. The study was conducted at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. One hundred and one patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses treated and cared for at ORCI answered the Kiswahili version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 investigating HRQOL. Thirty-two of the patients participated in focus group interviews discussing needs of care and support. Data from focus group interviews were analyzed with content analysis.

Results
The findings show that the patients, both women and men, report a low quality of life, especially with regard to physical, role, and social function and a high level of symptoms and problems especially with financial difficulties and pain. Financial difficulties are reported to a remarkably high extent by both women and men. The patients, both women and men report least problems with emotional function. A content analysis of the interview data revealed needs of food and water, hygienic needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs, financial needs, and needs of closeness to cancer care and treatment services.

Conclusion
The high score for pain points out that ORCI is facing severe challenges regarding care and treatment. However, when considering this finding it should be noted that the pain subscale of the Kiswahili version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 did not reach acceptable internal consistency and showed less than satisfactory convergent validity. This also applies to the subscales cognitive function and global health/quality of life. Attention should be drawn to meet the identified needs of Tanzanian cancer patients while hospitalized but also when at home. Increased accessibility of mosquito nets, pads, and pain-killers would help to fulfil some needs.
Primary bladder adenocarcinoma versus metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma: a persisting diagnostic challenge
Authors: Roy Somak , Smith Matthew A , Cieply Kathy M , Acquafondata Marie B , Parwani Anil V 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Aim
This study attempted to distinguish primary bladder adenocarcinoma (PBA) from metastatic colonic adenocarcinomas (MCA), which is a difficult diagnostic and clinical problem.

Methods
Twenty-four cases of bladder adenocarcinomas (12 primary & 12 metastatic colorectal) were included in the study with urothelial carcinoma (UC) and colonic adenocarcinoma (CA) as controls. A panel of immunohistochemical (IHC) stains along with fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), using the UroVysion probe set, was performed.

Results
The majority of the PBAs presented with advanced disease. Enteric histologic subtype was the most common morphological variant. Strong nuclear with cytoplasmic-membranous staining of β-catenin was seen in 75% of MCA and only 16.7% PBA (<10% staining cells). Although abnormal nuclear staining with E-cadherin was seen in both PBA and MCA, it was more frequent in former. CK-7, CK-20, villin and CDX-2 stains were not helpful in distinguishing the two entities. FISH did not reveal any unique differences in chromosomal abnormality between the two groups.

Conclusion
Although there was a statistically significant difference in β-catenin and E-cadherin staining between two groups, we did not find any IHC or FISH marker that was specific for PBA. Distinction between PBA and MCA remains a diagnostic problem and clinical correlation is vital before rendering a diagnosis.

Virtual slides
The virtual slides for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1393156268152357
Gamma-H2AX foci in cells exposed to a mixed beam of X-rays and alpha particles
Authors: Staaf Elina , Brehwens Karl , Haghdoost Siamak , Czub Joanna , Wojcik Andrzej 
Published: November 2012

Background
Little is known about the cellular effects of exposure to mixed beams of high and low linear energy transfer radiation. So far, the effects of combined exposures have mainly been assessed with clonogenic survival or cytogenetic methods, and the results are contradictory. The gamma-H2AX assay has up to now not been applied in this context, and it is a promising tool for investigating the early cellular response to mixed beam irradiation.

Purpose
To determine the dose response and repair kinetics of gamma-H2AX ionizing radiation-induced foci in VH10 human fibroblasts exposed to mixed beams of 241Am alpha particles and X-rays.

Results
VH10 human fibroblasts were irradiated with each radiation type individually or both in combination at 37°C. Foci were scored for repair kinetics 0.5, 1, 3 and 24 h after irradiation (one dose per irradiation type), and for dose response at the 1 h time point. The dose response effect of mixed beam was additive, and the relative biological effectiveness for alpha particles (as compared to X-rays) was of 0.76 ± 0.52 for the total number of foci, and 2.54 ± 1.11 for large foci. The repair kinetics for total number of foci in cells exposed to mixed beam irradiation was intermediate to that of cells exposed to alpha particles and X-rays. However, for mixed beam-irradiated cells the frequency and area of large foci were initially lower than predicted and increased during the first 3 hours of repair (while the predicted number and area did not).

Conclusions
The repair kinetics of large foci after mixed beam exposure was significantly different from predicted based on the effect of the single dose components. The formation of large foci was delayed and they did not reach their maximum area until 1 h after irradiation. We hypothesize that the presence of low X-ray-induced damage engages the DNA repair machinery leading to a delayed DNA damage response to the more complex DNA damage induced by alpha particles.
Short-Term Pharmacological Suppression of the Hyperprolactinemia of Infertile hCG-Overproducing Female Mice Persistently Restores Their Fertility
Authors: Ratner Laura D. , Gonzalez Betina , Ahtiainen Petteri , Di Giorgio Noelia P. , Poutanen Matti , Calandra Ricardo S. , Huhtaniemi Ilpo T. , Rulli Susana B. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Female infertility is often associated with deregulation of hormonal networks, and hyperprolactinemia is one of the most common endocrine disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis affecting the reproductive functions. We have shown previously that transgenic female mice overexpressing human chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit (hCGβ+ mice), and producing elevated levels of bioactive LH/hCG, exhibit increased production of testosterone and progesterone, are overweight and infertile, and develop hyperprolactinemia associated with pituitary lactotrope adenomas in adult age. In the present study, we analyzed the influence of the hyperprolactinemia of hCGβ+ females on their reproductive phenotype by treating them with the dopamine agonists, bromocriptine and cabergoline. Long-term bromocriptine treatment of adult mice was effective in the control of obesity, pituitary growth, and disturbances in the hormone profile, demonstrating that hyperprolactinemia was the main cause of the hCGβ+ female phenotype. Interestingly, short-term treatment (1 wk) with cabergoline applied on 5-wk-old mice corrected hyperprolactinemia, hyperandrogenism, and hyperprogesteronemia, prevented pituitary overgrowth, normalized gonadal function, and recovered fertility of adult hCGβ+ females after hormone-induced and natural ovulation. The same cabergoline treatment in the short term applied on 3-month-old hCGβ+ females failed to recover their reproductive function. Hence, we demonstrated that the short-term cabergoline treatment applied at a critical early stage of the phenotype progression effectively prevented the hyperprolactinemia-associated reproductive dysfunction of hCG-overproducing females.
Autophagy Activity Is Up-Regulated in Adipose Tissue of Obese Individuals and Modulates Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression
Authors: Jansen H. J. , van Essen P. , Koenen T. , Joosten L. A. B. , Netea M. G. , Tack C. J. , Stienstra R. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Autophagy, an evolutionary conserved process aimed at recycling damaged organelles and protein aggregates in the cell, also modulates proinflammatory cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Because adipose tissue inflammation accompanied by elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines is characteristic for the development of obesity, we hypothesized that modulation of autophagy alters adipose tissue inflammatory gene expression and secretion. We tested our hypothesis using ex vivo and in vivo studies of human and mouse adipose tissue. Levels of the autophagy marker LC3 were elevated in sc adipose tissue of obese vs. lean human subjects and positively correlated to both systemic insulin resistance and morphological characteristics of adipose tissue inflammation. Similarly, autophagic activity levels were increased in adipose tissue of obese and insulin resistant animals as compared with lean mice. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-methylalanine in human and mouse adipose tissue explants led to a significant increase in IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA expression and protein secretion. Noticeably, the enhancement in IL-1β, IL-6, and keratinocyte-derived chemoattractant (KC) by inhibition of autophagy was more robust in the presence of obesity. Similar results were obtained by blocking autophagy using small interfering RNA targeted to ATG7 in human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome adipocytes. Our results demonstrate that autophagy activity is up-regulated in the adipose tissue of obese individuals and inhibition of autophagy enhances proinflammatory gene expression both in adipocytes and adipose tissue explants. Autophagy may function to dampen inflammatory gene expression and thereby limit excessive inflammation in adipose tissue during obesity.
Activin Signaling Regulates Sertoli Cell Differentiation and Function
Authors: Nicholls Peter K. , Stanton Peter G. , Chen Justin L. , Olcorn Justine S. , Haverfield Jenna T. , Qian Hongwei , Walton Kelly L. , Gregorevic Paul , Harrison Craig A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThroughout development, activin A signaling stimulates proliferation and inhibits differentiation of testicular Sertoli cells. A decline in activin levels at puberty corresponds with the differentiation of Sertoli cells that is required to sustain spermatogenesis. In this study, we consider whether terminally differentiated Sertoli cells can revert to a functionally immature phenotype in response to activin A. To increase systemic activin levels, the right tibialis anterior muscle of 7-wk-old C57BL/6J mice was transduced with an adeno-associated virus (rAAV6) expressing activin A. We show that chronic activin signaling reduces testis mass by 23.5% compared with control animals and induces a hypospermatogenic phenotype, consistent with a failure of Sertoli cells to support spermatogenesis. We use permeability tracers and transepithelial electrical resistance measurements to demonstrate that activin potently disrupts blood-testis-barrier function in adult mice and ablates tight junction formation in differentiated primary Sertoli cells, respectively. Furthermore, increased activin signaling reinitiates a program of cellular proliferation in primary Sertoli cells as determined by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation. Proliferative cells reexpress juvenile markers, including cytokeratin-18, and suppress mature markers, including claudin-11. Thus, activin A is the first identified factor capable of reprogramming Sertoli cells to an immature, dedifferentiated phenotype. This study indicates that activin signaling must be strictly controlled in the adult in order to maintain Sertoli cell function in spermatogenesis.
The Role of Adiponectin in Cancer: A Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Dalamaga Maria , Diakopoulos Kalliope N. , Mantzoros Christos S. 
Published: November 2012

Excess body weight is associated not only with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) but also with various types of malignancies. Adiponectin, the most abundant protein secreted by adipose tissue, exhibits insulin-sensitizing, antiinflammatory, antiatherogenic, proapoptotic, and antiproliferative properties. Circulating adiponectin levels, which are determined predominantly by genetic factors, diet, physical activity, and abdominal adiposity, are decreased in patients with diabetes, CVD, and several obesity-associated cancers. Also, adiponectin levels are inversely associated with the risk of developing diabetes, CVD, and several malignancies later in life. Many cancer cell lines express adiponectin receptors, and adiponectin in vitro limits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. Recent in vitro studies demonstrate the antiangiogenic and tumor growth-limiting properties of adiponectin. Studies in both animals and humans have investigated adiponectin and adiponectin receptor regulation and expression in several cancers. Current evidence supports a role of adiponectin as a novel risk factor and potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in cancer. In addition, either adiponectin per se or medications that increase adiponectin levels or up-regulate signaling pathways downstream of adiponectin may prove to be useful anticancer agents.This review presents the role of adiponectin in carcinogenesis and cancer progression and examines the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie the association between adiponectin and malignancy in the context of a dysfunctional adipose tissue in obesity. Understanding of these mechanisms may be important for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies against obesity-associated malignancies.