bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measured vs simulated portal images for low MU fields on three accelerator types: Possible consequences for 2D portal dosimetry
Authors: Podesta Mark , Nijsten Sebastiaan M. J. J. G. , Snaith Julia , Orlandini Marc , Lustberg Tim , Emans Davy , Aland Trent , Verhaegen Frank 
Published: November 2012

Purpose:As external beam treatment plans become more dynamic and the dose to normal tissue is further constrained, treatments may consist of a larger number of beams, each delivering smaller doses (or monitor units, MU), in, e.g., volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Electronic portal imaging devices (EPID) may be used to verify external beam treatments on integrated fractions as well as in a more time dependant manner such as field by field. For treatment verification performed during a fraction (e.g., individual fields or VMAT control points), the lower limit of EPID measurement capability becomes important. The authors quantified the signal and timing accuracy of EPID images for low MU intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and conformal fields.Methods:EPID images were collected from three different vendorˈs accelerators for low MU fields and compared to expected images. Simulations were performed to replicate the EPID acquisition pattern and to enhance the understanding of EPID readout schemes.Results:Large discrepancies between observed and predicted images were noted due to an under‐response to single low MU fields. It is shown that a variability of up to 37% can be observed for low MU fields in clinically used EPID acquisition modes and that the majority of this variability can be accounted for by the readout scheme, integration, and timing of EPID acquisitions. Simulations have confirmed the causes of the discrepancies. The occurrence and extent of the variation has been estimated for clinical settings.Conclusions:Incorrect absolute EPID signals collected for low MU fields in external beam treatments will negatively affect quantitative applications such as individual field based EPID dosimetry, typically appearing as an underdose, unless corrections to currently employed EPID readout schemes are made.
Characterization of tumor vasculature distributions in central and peripheral regions based on Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Chen Jia‐Jiun , Fu Sheng‐Yung , Chiang Chi‐Shiun , Hong Ji‐Hong , Yeh Chih‐Kuang 
Published: November 2012

Purpose:Tumor heterogeneity is a major obstacle to therapy, and thus, how to achieve the maximal therapeutic gain in tumor suppression is an important issue. To accomplish this goal, assessing changes in tumor behaviors before treatment is helpful for physicians to adjust treatment schedules. In this study, the authors longitudinally and spatially investigated tumor perfusion and vascular density by power Doppler imaging and immunohistochemical analysis, respectively. Moreover, the authors developed a method to describe quantitatively the spatial distribution of the vasculature within the central and peripheral regions of tumors.Methods:Tumor perfusion was estimated by power Doppler images at an operating frequency of 25 MHz. To avoid the attenuation effect of such high‐frequency ultrasound, murine tumors were subcutaneously transplanted into the thighs of mice and then monitored for 11 days. The tumors were removed at various time intervals for immunohistochemical analysis of their vascular density using CD31 staining. The spatial characteristics of the tumor vasculature were quantified by aγ value, which characterizes the rate at which vascular signals increase with the fractional sizes of the peripheral area within the tumor.Results:During tumor progression, the volume of tumor perfusion in the power Doppler images was strongly correlated with the vascular density determined by immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, theγ value significantly decreased with increased tumor size in the power Doppler images but not in the immunohistochemical analysis.Conclusions:Although the tumor perfusion and vascular density estimates showed good temporal correlations during tumor progression, they did not show good spatial correlations due to tumor perfusion patterns changing from homogeneous to heterogeneous. In contrast to the perfusion patterns, the vascular density of the tumor remained uniformly distributed. In the present study, no necrosis regions were found in the tumor experiments. Furthermore, the measurement ofγ value is a simple method for assessing the vasculatures of spatial distribution within tumors.
Link between Geographical Origin and Occurrence of Brucella abortus Biovars in Cow and Water Buffalo Herds
Authors: Borriello Giorgia , Peletto Simone , Lucibelli Maria G. , Acutis Pier L. , Ercolini Danilo , Galiero Giorgio 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Sixty-three
Brucella
isolates from water buffaloes and cattle slaughtered within the Italian national plan for brucellosis control were characterized by multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). Genotyping indicated a strong influence of geographic origin on the
Brucella abortus
biovar distribution in areas where brucellosis is endemic and highlighted the importance of rigorous management procedures aimed at avoiding inter- and intraherd spreading of pathogens.
Identification of
Borrelia burgdorferi ospC
Genotypes in Host Tissue and Feeding Ticks by Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms
Authors: Tsao Kimberly , Bent Stephen J. , Fish Durland 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

We developed a high-throughput method based on terminal restriction fragment length polymorphisms (T-RFLP) to identify
ospC
genotypes from field-collected samples of
Borrelia burgdorferi
. We first validated the method by analyzing
B. burgdorferi ospC
previously identified by sequencing. We then analyzed and compared
ospC
genotypes detected from ear biopsy tissue from natural populations of the white-footed mouse, a major
B. burgdorferi
reservoir host species in the eastern United States, and larval ticks feeding on those individual mice. The T-RFLP method enabled us to distinguish all 17
ospC
genotypes tested, as well as mixed samples containing more than one genotype. Analysis costs compare favorably to those of alternative
ospC
identification methods. The T-RFLP method will facilitate large-scale field studies to advance our understanding of genotype-specific transmission patterns.
Distinct Roles of Phenol-Soluble Modulins in Spreading of Staphylococcus aureus on Wet Surfaces
Authors: Tsompanidou Eleni , Denham Emma L. , Becher Dörte , de Jong Anne , Buist Girbe , van Oosten Marleen , Manson Willem L. , Back Jaap Willem , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Dreisbach Annette 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

The human pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
is renowned for the rapid colonization of contaminated wounds, medical implants, and food products. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanisms that allow
S. aureus
to colonize the respective wet surfaces. The present studies were therefore aimed at identifying factors used by
S. aureus
cells to spread over wet surfaces, starting either from planktonic or biofilm-associated states. Through proteomics analyses we pinpoint phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) as prime facilitators of the spreading process. To dissect the roles of the eight PSMs produced by
S. aureus
, these peptides were chemically synthesized and tested in spreading assays with different
psm
mutant strains. The results show that PSMα3 and PSMγ are the strongest facilitators of spreading both for planktonic cells and cells in catheter-associated biofilms. Compared to the six other PSMs of
S. aureus
, PSMα3 and PSMγ combine strong surfactant activities with a relatively low overall hydropathicity. Importantly, we show that PSM-mediated motility of
S. aureus
facilitates the rapid colonization of wet surfaces next to catheters and the colonization of fresh meat.
M-Ficolin Binds Selectively to the Capsular Polysaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotypes 19B and 19C and of a Streptococcus mitis Strain
Authors: Kjaer Troels R. , Hansen Annette G. , Sørensen Uffe B. S. , Holm Anne T. , Sørensen Grith L. , Jensenius Jens C. , Thiel Steffen 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

The three human ficolins (H-, L-, and M-ficolins) and mannan-binding lectin are pattern recognition molecules of the innate immune system mediating activation of the lectin pathway of the complement system. These four human proteins bind to some microorganisms and may be involved in the resolution of infections. We investigated binding selectivity by examining the binding of M-ficolin to a panel of more than 100 different streptococcal strains (
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and
Streptococcus mitis
), each expressing distinct polysaccharide structures. M-ficolin binding was observed for three strains only: strains of the pneumococcal serotypes 19B and 19C and a single
S. mitis
strain expressing a similar polysaccharide structure. The bound M-ficolin, in association with MASP-2, mediated the cleavage of complement factor C4. Binding to the bacteria was inhibitable by
N
-acetylglucosamine, indicating that the interaction with the bacterial surface takes place via the fibrinogen-like domain. The common
N
-acetylmannosamine residue present in the structures of the four capsular polysaccharides of group 19 is linked via a phosphodiester bond. This residue is apparently not a ligand for M-ficolin, since the lectin binds to two of the group 19 polysaccharides only. M-ficolin bound strongly to serotype 19B and 19C polysaccharides. In contrast to those of serotypes 19A and 19F, serotype 19B and 19C polysaccharides contain an extra
N
-acetylmannosamine residue linked via glycoside linkage only. Thus, this extra residue seems to be the M-ficolin ligand. In conclusion, we were able to demonstrate specific binding of M-ficolin to some capsular polysaccharides of the opportunistic pathogen
S. pneumoniae
and of the commensal bacterium
S. mitis
.
Dietary Intake of Lignans and Risk of Esophageal and Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Cohort Study in Sweden
Authors: Lin Yulan , Wolk Alicja , Håkansson Niclas , Lagergren Jesper , Lu Yunxia 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
High intake of phytoestrogen lignans has been found to be associated with decreased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma in our previous population-based case–control study in Sweden. To further evaluate this possible association, we tested the hypothesis of an inverse association between dietary lignan intake and risk of esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma using a prospective design. In a population-based cohort study in Sweden, 81,670 participants who were cancer-free at baseline were followed up during 1998 to 2009. All participants completed a 96-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which was used to assess dietary exposure to lignans (secoisolariciresinol, matairesinol, lariciresinol, pinoresinol, medioresinol, and syringaresinol). All cases of esophageal, gastroesophageal junctional, and gastric adenocarcinoma were identified through linkage to the Swedish Cancer Register. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI), with adjustment for potential confounding factors. During an average follow-up of 9.9 years, a total of 211 cases were identified, including 83 cases of esophageal or junctional adenocarcinoma, and 128 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma. There was no statistically significant association between dietary intake of lignans and any of the studied adenocarcinomas. Compared with participants in the lowest quartile of lignan intake, the adjusted HR of the highest quartile was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.46–2.00; Ptrend = 0.70) for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction, and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.52–1.55: Ptrend = 0.78) for gastric adenocarcinoma. No clear support for a protective role of dietary intake of lignans in the development of esophageal or gastric adenocarcinoma was found. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(2); 308–12. ©2012 AACR.
HIV Disease Activity as a Modulator of Lipoprotein(a) and Allele-Specific Apolipoprotein(a) Levels
Authors: Enkhmaa Byambaa , Anuurad Erdembileg , Zhang Wei , Abbuthalha Adnan , Li Xiao-Dong , Dotterweich William , Pollard Richard B. , Asmuth David M. , Berglund Lars 
Published: November 2012

Objective—
Mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular risk of lipoprotein(a) are poorly understood. We investigated the relationship of apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) size, lipoprotein(a), and allele-specific apo(a) levels with HIV disease activity parameters in a biethnic population.

Methods and Results—

Lipoprotein(a) and allele-specific apo(a) levels were determined in 139 white and 168 black HIV-positive patients. Plasma HIV RNA viral load and CD4+ T-cell count were used as surrogates for disease activity. Lipoprotein(a) and allele-specific apo(a) levels were higher in blacks than whites (for both
P
<0.001). Apo(a) allele size distribution was similar between the 2 ethnic groups, with a median apo(a) size of 28 kringle 4 repeats. Allele-specific apo(a) levels were positively associated with CD4+ T-cell count (
P
=0.027) and negatively with plasma HIV RNA viral load (
P
<0.001). Further, allele-specific apo(a) levels associated with smaller (<28 kringle 4) atherogenic apo(a) sizes were higher in subjects with CD4+ T-cell counts of ≥350 (
P
=0.002).

Conclusion—
Allele-specific apo(a) levels were higher in subjects with high CD4+ T-cell count or low plasma HIV RNA viral load. The findings suggest that HIV disease activity reduced allele-specific apo(a) levels. Higher allele-specific apo(a) levels associated with atherogenic small apo(a) sizes might contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in HIV-positive subjects with improved disease status.
Marginal turbid band and light blue crest, signs observed in magnifying narrow-band imaging endoscopy, are indicative of gastric intestinal metaplasia
Authors: An Jin Kwang , Song Geun Am , Kim Gwang Ha , Park Do Youn , Shin Na Ri , Lee Bong Eun , Woo Hyun Young , Ryu Dong Yup , Kim Dong Uk , Heo Jeong 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) usually appears in flat mucosa and shows few morphologic changes, making diagnosis using conventional endoscopy unreliable. Magnifying narrow-band imaging (NBI) endoscopy enables evaluation of detailed morphological features that correspond with the underlying histology. The aim of this study was to investigate and clarify the diagnostic efficacy of magnifying NBI endoscopic findings for the prediction and diagnosis of IM.

Methods
Forty-seven patients were prospectively enrolled, and magnifying NBI examinations were performed in the lesser curvature of the midbody and the greater curvature of the upper body. The marginal turbid band (MTB) was defined as an enclosing white turbid band on the epithelial surface/gyri; light blue crest (LBC), as a fine, blue-white line on the crest of the epithelial surface/gyri. Immediately after observation under magnifying endoscopy, biopsy specimens were obtained from the evaluated areas.

Results
The degree of IM significantly increased with increasing MTB/LBC positivity (MTB-/LBC-, 0.00 ± 0.00; MTB+/LBC-, 0.44 ± 0.51; MTB+/LBC+, 0.94 ± 0.24; p < 0.001). Moderate-to-severe IM was more common in MTB+/LBC+ areas than in MTB+/LBC- areas (p < 0.001). For the diagnosis of IM, MTB had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100%, 66.0%, and 81.7%, respectively, and the corresponding values for LBC were 72.1%, 96.0%, and 84.9%.

Conclusion
MTB and LBC observed in the gastric mucosa with magnifying NBI endoscopy are highly accurate indicators of the presence of IM. MTB likely represents a sign of early gastric IM, while LBC appears with progression to severe IM.
Localization of lipoprotein lipase and GPIHBP1 in mouse pancreas: effects of diet and leptin deficiency
Authors: Nyrén Rakel , Chang Chuchun L , Lindström Per , Barmina Anastasia , Vorrsjö Evelina , Ali Yusuf , Juntti-Berggren Lisa , Bensadoun André , Young Stephen G , Olivecrona Thomas , Olivecrona Gunilla 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) hydrolyzes triglycerides in plasma lipoproteins and enables uptake of lipolysis products for energy production or storage in tissues. Our aim was to study the localization of LPL and its endothelial anchoring protein glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1) in mouse pancreas, and effects of diet and leptin deficiency on their expression patterns. For this, immunofluorescence microscopy was used on pancreatic tissue from C57BL/6 mouse embryos (E18), adult mice on normal or high-fat diet, and adult ob/ob-mice treated or not with leptin. The distribution of LPL and GPIHBP1 was compared to insulin, glucagon and CD31. Heparin injections were used to discriminate between intracellular and extracellular LPL.

Results
In the exocrine pancreas LPL was found in capillaries, and was mostly co-localized with GPIHBP1. LPL was releasable by heparin, indicating localization on cell surfaces. Within the islets, most of the LPL was associated with beta cells and could not be released by heparin, indicating that the enzyme remained mostly within cells. Staining for LPL was found also in the glucagon-producing alpha cells, both in embryos (E18) and in adult mice. Only small amounts of LPL were found together with GPIHBP1 within the capillaries of islets. Neither a high fat diet nor fasting/re-feeding markedly altered the distribution pattern of LPL or GPIHBP1 in mouse pancreas. Islets from ob/ob mice appeared completely deficient of LPL in the beta cells, while LPL-staining was normal in alpha cells and in the exocrine pancreas. Leptin treatment of ob/ob mice for 12 days reversed this pattern, so that most of the islets expressed LPL in beta cells.

Conclusions
We conclude that both LPL and GPIHBP1 are present in mouse pancreas, and that LPL expression in beta cells is dependent on leptin.
Ku80 is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and promotes cisplatin resistance
Authors: Ma Qingshan , Li Ping , Xu Minyu , Yin Jinzhi , Su Zhenzhong , Li Wei , Zhang Jie 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Ku80 is crucially implicated in DNA repair, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. In this study, we aimed to assess the expression of Ku80 in clinical lung adenocarcinoma specimens, and investigate its role in the regulation of cisplatin sensitivity in cisplatin resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cells A549/DDP.

Methods
Tumor specimens and medical records of 106 patients with operable lung adenocarcinoma were obtained from 1998 to 2003. Ku80 mRNA and protein levels of the tumor samples, cultured human lung adenocarcinoma cells A549 cells and their cisplatin resistant variant A549/DDP cells were examined by reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis. Ku80-specific siRNA or control scramble siRNA was transfected into A549/DDP cells, then cell sensitivity to cisplatin was examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthia-zol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometric analysis. In addition, the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP in the treated cells were detected by western blot analysis.

Results
Total 83.3% (20/24) cisplatin-resistant tumors had high Ku80 expression, while 8.3% (4/48) cisplatin-sensitive tumors had high Ku80 expression (p < 0.01). Univariate analysis indicated that overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly better in lung adenocarcinoma patients with low vs. high Ku80 expression level (p < 0.01). Ku80 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased in A549/DDP cells compared to parental A549 cells. siRNA mediated knockdown of Ku80 resensitized A549/DDP cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions
Ku80 expression level could predict the outcome and the sensitivity to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with lung adenocarcima. Ku80-siRNA could be utilized as a therapeutic strategy to resensitize nonresponders to cisplatin.
Moving Toward Quality Palliative Cancer Care: Parent and Clinician Perspectives on Gaps Between What Matters and What Is Accessible
Authors: Kassam Alisha , Skiadaresis Julia , Habib Sharifa , Alexander Sarah , Wolfe Joanne 
Published: November 2012

Purpose The National Consensus Project (NCP) published a set of standards for quality palliative care delivery. A key step before applying these guidelines to pediatric oncology is to evaluate how much families and clinicians value these standards. We aimed to determine which elements of palliative care are considered important according to bereaved parents and pediatric oncology clinicians and to determine accessibility of these elements. Methods We administered questionnaires to 75 bereaved parents (response rate, 54%) and 48 pediatric oncology clinicians (response rate, 91%) at a large teaching hospital. Outcome measures included importance ratings and accessibility of core elements of palliative care delivery. Results Fifteen of 20 core elements were highly valued by both parents and clinicians (defined as > 60% of parents and clinicians reporting the item as important). Compared with clinicians, parents gave higher ratings to receiving cancer-directed therapy during the last month of life (P < .01) and involvement of a spiritual mentor (P = .03). Of the valued elements, only three were accessible more than 60% of the time according to clinicians and parents. Valued elements least likely to be accessible included a direct admission policy to hospital, sibling support, and parent preparation for medical aspects surrounding death. Conclusion Parents and clinicians highly value a majority of palliative care elements described in the NCP framework. Children with advanced cancer may not be receiving key elements of palliative care despite parents and clinicians recognizing them as important. Evaluation of barriers to provision of quality palliative care and strategies for overcoming them are critical.