bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nrf2 is required to maintain the self-renewal of glioma stem cells
Authors: Zhu Jianhong , Wang Handong , Sun Qing , Ji Xiangjun , Zhu Lin , Cong Zixiang , Zhou Yuan , Liu Huandong , Zhou Mengliang 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundGlioblastomas are deadly cancers that display a functional cellular hierarchy maintained by self-renewing glioma stem cells (GSCs). Self-renewal is a complex biological process necessary for maintaining the glioma stem cells. Nuclear factor rythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) plays a significant role in protecting cells from endogenous and exogenous stresses. Nrf2 is a key nuclear transcription factor that regulates antioxidant response element (ARE)-containing genes. Previous studies have demonstrated the significant role of Nrf2 in the proliferation of glioblastoma, and in their resistance to radioactive therapies. We examined the effect of knocking down Nrf2 in GSCs.MethodsNrf2 expression was down-regulated by shRNA transinfected with lentivirus. Expression levels of Nestin, Nrf2, BMI-1, Sox2 and Cyclin E were assessed by western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry analysis. The capacity for self-renewalin vitrowas assessed by genesis of colonies. The capacity for self-renewalin vivowas analyzed by tumor genesis of xenografts in nude mice.ResultsKnockdown of Nrf2 inhibited the proliferation of GSCs, and significantly reduced the expression of BMI-1, Sox2 and CyclinE. Knocking down of Nrf2 changed the cell cycle distribution of GSCs by causing an uncharacteristic increase in the proportion of cells in the G2 phase and a decrease in the proportion of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle.ConclusionsNrf2 is required to maintain the self-renewal of GSCs, and its down-regulation can attenuate the self-renewal of GSCs significantly.
Efavirenz-induced gynecomastia in a prepubertal girl with human immunodeficiency virus infection: a case report
Authors: van Ramshorst Mette S , Kekana Magdeline , Struthers Helen E , McIntyre James A , Peters Remco PH 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Prepubertal gynecomastia is a rare condition and most frequently classified as idiopathic. In HIV-infected adults gynecomastia is a recognised but infrequent side-effect of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and mostly attributed to efavirenz use. Gynecomastia should be distinguished from pseudogynecomastia as part of the lipodystrophy syndrome caused by Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs) to avoid incorrect substitution of drugs. In the medical literature only five cases of prepubertal gynecomastia in children taking ART are described and underlying pathogenesis was unknown. The occurrence of adverse effects of ART may interfere with therapy adherence and long-term prognosis and for that reason requires attention. We report the first case of prepubertal gynecomastia in a young girl attributed to efavirenz use.

Case presentation
A seven-year-old African girl presented with true gynecomastia four months after initiation on ART (abacavir, lamivudine, efavirenz). History, physical examination and laboratory tests excluded known causes of gynecomastia and efavirenz was considered as the most likely cause. Six weeks after withdrawal of efavirenz the breast enlargement had completely resolved.

Conclusions
Efavirenz-induced gynecomastia may occur in children as well as in adults. With the increasing access to ART, the possibility of efavirenz-exposure and the potential occurrence of its associated side-effects may be high. In resource-poor settings, empirical change from efavirenz to nevirapine may be considered, providing no other known or alarming cause is identified, as efavirenz-induced gynecomastia can resolve quickly after withdrawal of the drug. Timely recognition of gynecomastia as a side-effect of efavirenz is important in order to intervene while the condition may still be reversible, to sustain adherence to ART and to maintain the sociopsychological health of the child.
‘It is like a tomato stall where someone can pick what he likes’: structure and practices of female sex work in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Mbonye Martin , Nakamanya Sarah , Nalukenge Winifred , King Rachel , Vandepitte Judith , Seeley Janet 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Effective interventions among female sex workers require a thorough knowledge of the context of local sex industries. We explore the organisation of female sex work in a low socio-economic setting in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods
We conducted a qualitative study with 101 participants selected from an epidemiological cohort of 1027 women at high risk of HIV in Kampala. Repeat in-depth life history and work practice interviews were conducted from March 2010 to June 2011. Context specific factors of female sex workers’ day-to-day lives were captured. Reported themes were identified and categorised inductively.

Results
Of the 101 women, 58 were active self-identified sex workers operating in different locations within the area of study and nine had quit sex work. This paper focuses on these 67 women who gave information about their involvement in sex work. The majority had not gone beyond primary level of education and all had at least one child. Thirty one voluntarily disclosed that they were HIV-positive. Common sex work locations were streets/roadsides, bars and night clubs. Typically sex occurred in lodges near bars/night clubs, dark alleyways or car parking lots. Overall, women experienced sex work-related challenges at their work locations but these were more apparent in outdoor settings. These settings exposed women to violence, visibility to police, a stigmatising public as well as competition for clients, while bars provided some protection from these challenges. Older sex workers tended to prefer bars while the younger ones were mostly based on the streets. Alcohol consumption was a feature in all locations and women said it gave them courage and helped them to withstand the night chill. Condom use was determined by clients’ willingness, a woman’s level of sobriety or price offered.

Conclusions
Sex work operates across a variety of locations in the study area in Kampala, with each presenting different strategies and challenges for those operating there. Risky practices are present in all locations although they are higher on the streets compared to other locations. Location specific interventions are required to address the complex challenges in sex work environments.
Improving access to care in low and middle-income countries: institutional factors related to enrollment and patient outcome in a cancer drug access program
Authors: Tekinturhan Ebru , Audureau Etienne , Tavolacci Marie-Pierre , Garcia-Gonzalez Patricia , Ladner Joël , Saba Joseph 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Limited access to drugs is a crucial barrier to reducing the growing impact of cancer in low- and middle-income countries. Approaches based on drug donations or adaptive pricing strategies yield promising but varying results across countries or programs, The Glivec International Patient Assistance Program (GIPAP) is a program designed to provide imatinib free of charge to patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The objective of this work was to identify institutional factors associated with enrollment and patient survival in GIPAP.

Methods
We analyzed follow-up data from 4,946 patients participating in 47 institutions within 44 countries between 2003 and 2010. Active status in the program was considered as a proxy for survival.

Results
Presence of ≥1 hematologist or oncologist at the institution was associated with increased patient enrollment. After adjusting for individual factors such as age (>55 years: Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.42 [1.16; 1.73]; p = 0.001) and initial stage of disease (accelerated or blast crisis at diagnosis: HR = 4.16 [1.87; 9.25]; p < 10-4), increased survival was found in institutions with research capabilities (HR = 0.55 [0.35; 0.86]; p = 0.01) and those with enrollment of >5 patients/year into GIPAP (HR = 0.48 [0.35; 0.67]; p < 10-4), while a non-significant trend for decreased survival was found for treatment at a public institution (HR = 1.32 [0.95; 1.84]; p = 0.10). The negative impact of an accelerated form of CML was attenuated by the presence of ≥1 hematologist or oncologist at the institution (interaction term HR = 0.43 [0.18; 0.99]; p = 0.05).

Conclusions
Application of these findings to the support and selection of institutions participating in GIPAP may help to optimize care and outcomes for CML and GIST patients in the developing world. These results may also be applicable to the treatment of patients with other forms of cancer, due to the overlap of infrastructure and staff resources used to treat a variety of cancer indications. A multi-sector approach is required to address these barriers.
Plasmodium knowlesi and HIV co-infection in a German traveller to Thailand
Authors: Ehrhardt Jonas , Trein Andreas , Kremsner Peter Gottfried , Frank Matthias 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A case of Plasmodium knowlesi and HIV co-infection is reported in a German traveller returning from Thailand. The 54 year-old patient presented to the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Tübingen with a 11-day history of daily fever and chills. Initial microscopic evaluation of Giemsa-stained thin blood smears was suggestive of a mixed infection with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium malariae. However, PCR amplification of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene revealed a P. knowlesi infection. Parasitaemia was 473 parasites/μl and the platelet count was within the normal range. Oral treatment with Malarone® was initiated and resulted in a fast recovery without any complications.
As part of routine screening the patient also underwent HIV testing and was found to be HIV positive with a CD4 cell count of 115/μl and a viral load of 34,799 copies/ml. A follow-up measurement of the viral load seven days after the first quantification revealed an increase to 102,000 copies/ml. Three months after the first quantification the viral load had dropped to 10,000 copies/ml without the initiation of antiretroviral treatment. This suggests the possibility of a P. knowlesi malaria-induced temporary elevation of viral load similar to that reported for P. falciparum and HIV co-infection.
USP1 deubiquitinase: cellular functions, regulatory mechanisms and emerging potential as target in cancer therapy
Authors: García-Santisteban Iraia , Peters Godefridus J , Giovannetti Elisa , Rodríguez Jose Antonio 
Published: August 2013

AbstractReversible protein ubiquitination is emerging as a key process for maintaining cell homeostasis, and the enzymes that participate in this process, in particular E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs), are increasingly being regarded as candidates for drug discovery. Human DUBs are a group of approximately 100 proteins, whose cellular functions and regulatory mechanisms remain, with some exceptions, poorly characterized. One of the best-characterized human DUBs is ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1), which plays an important role in the cellular response to DNA damage. USP1 levels, localization and activity are modulated through several mechanisms, including protein-protein interactions, autocleavage/degradation and phosphorylation, ensuring that USP1 function is carried out in a properly regulated spatio-temporal manner. Importantly, USP1 expression is deregulated in certain types of human cancer, suggesting that USP1 could represent a valid target in cancer therapy. This view has gained recent support with the finding that USP1 inhibition may contribute to revert cisplatin resistance in anin vitromodel of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we describe the current knowledge on the cellular functions and regulatory mechanisms of USP1. We also summarize USP1 alterations found in cancer, combining data from the literature and public databases with our own data. Finally, we discuss the emerging potential of USP1 as a target, integrating published data with our novel findings on the effects of the USP1 inhibitor pimozide in combination with cisplatin in NSCLC cells.
Comparative measurement of aortic root by transthoracic echocardiography in normal Korean population based on two different guidelines
Authors: Son Myoung Kyun , Chang Sung-A , Kwak Ji Hye , Lim Hye Jin , Park Sung-Ji , Choi Jin-Oh , Lee Sang-Chol , Park Seung Woo , Kim Duk-Kyung , Oh Jae K 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Aortic root size is an important parameter in vascular diseases and can be easily assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. However, measurements values may vary according to cardiac cycle and the definition used for edge. This study aimed to define normal values according to the measurement method specified by two different guidelines to determine the influence of the different methods on echocardiographic measurements.

Methods
Healthy Korean adults were enrolled. The aortic root diameters were measured twice at four levels (aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, sinotubular junction, and ascending aorta) by the 2005 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) guidelines (measured from leading edge to leading edge during diastole) and the 2010 ASE pediatric guidelines (measured from inner edge to inner edge during systole).

Results
One hundred twelve subjects aged 20–69 years were enrolled. The aortic diameters (cm) determine by the aforementioned two guidelines showed significant difference. Measurements were larger in 2005 ASE guideline at aortic annuls, sinuses of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction level, but smaller at ascending aortic level with 2-3mm of differences. Intraobserver variability was similarly good, but interobserver variability was slightly higher than intraobserver variability in both measurement methods. BSA and age was most important determinant for aortic root size.

Conclusions
The measurement method of aortic root can affect the echocardiographic result. The measurement method should be noted when assessing clinical significance of aortic root measurement.
Radiofrequency ablation versus hepatic resection for the treatment of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma meeting Milan criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Duan Chenyang , Liu Mengying , Zhang Zhuohang , Ma Kuansheng , Bie Ping 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Current options for the treatment of the early-stage HCC conforming to the Milan criteria consist of liver transplantation, hepatic resection (HR), transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) .Whether HR or RFA is the better treatment for early HCC has long been debated. The aim of our paper is to compare the therapeutic effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and hepatic resection (HR) in the treatment of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Controlled trials evaluating the efficacy between RFA and HR for the treatment of early-stage HCC published before June 2013 were searched electronically using MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases. Using inclusion and exclusion criteria, two randomized controlled trials and 10 nonrandomized controlled trials were included in the meta- analysis. The results showed that the 3,5-year overall survival rates and 1,3,5 disease-free survival rates were significantly lower after RFA than after HR. However, complications after treatment were less common and the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter after RFA. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the 1-year overall survival rate between RFA and HR. The conclusions of the results show that the difference in the short-term effectiveness of RFA and HR in the treatment of small HCC is not notable, but the long-term efficacy of HR is better than that of RFA. However, HR is associated with more complications and a longer hospital stay.
Two-stage hepatectomy after autologous CD133+ stem cells administration: a case report
Authors: Franchi Eloisa , Canepa Maria C , Peloso Andrea , Barbieri Letizia , Briani Laura , Panyor Gabor , Dionigi Paolo , Maestri Marcello 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Liver resection is the mainstay of treatment for patients with primary and metastatic liver tumors. However, a large majority of patients present for initial medical evaluation with primary and metastatic liver tumors when their cancer is unresectable. Several trials have been undertaken to identify alternative treatments and complementary therapies. In the near future, the field of liver surgery will aim to increase the number of patients that can benefit from resection, since radical removal of the tumor currently provides the sole chance of cure. This paper reports the case of a patient with an advanced colonic cancer in the era of stem cell therapyIn 2011, a 57 years old white Caucasian man with a previous history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) was diagnosed with colon cancer and bilobar liver metastases. Following neoadjuvant therapy, the patient was enrolled in a protocol of stem cell administration for liver regeneration. Surgery was initially performed on the primary cancer and left liver lobe. An extended right lobectomy to S1 was then performed after a portal vein embolization (PVE) and stem cell stimulation of the remaining liver. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was free of disease after 12 months. Extreme liver resection can provide a safer option and a chance of cure to otherwise unresectable patients when liver regeneration is boosted by PVE and stem cell administration.
Plasma procalcitonin is associated with all-cause and cancer mortality in apparently healthy men: a prospective population-based study
Authors: Cotoi Ovidiu S , Manjer Jonas , Hedblad Bo , Engström Gunnar , Melander Olle , Schiopu Alexandru 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe inflammatory mediator procalcitonin (PCT) has previously been associated with prognosis in myocardial infarction, cancer and sepsis patients. The importance of PCT in the general population is currently unknown. Our aim was to assess the relationship between plasma PCT and the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in apparently healthy individuals with no previous history of cardiovascular disease or cancer.MethodsWe performed a prospective, population-based study on 3,322 individuals recruited from the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort, with a median follow-up time of 16.2 years. Plasma PCT, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides and cystatin C were measured at baseline and a thorough risk factor assessment was performed for all subjects. The primary end-points of the study were all-cause mortality, cancer mortality and cardiovascular mortality.ResultsMen had higher PCT levels compared to women. In Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, plasma lipids, renal function, body mass index and smoking, baseline PCT was associated with all-cause mortality and cancer mortality in men. The hazard ratio (HR) for men with PCT levels within the highest compared with the lowest quartile was 1.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 2.16;P= 0.024) for all-cause mortality and 2.37 (95% CI 1.36 to 4.14;P= 0.006) for cancer mortality. Additionally, men with increased plasma PCT were found to be at a higher risk to develop colon cancer (HR per 1 SD increase = 1.49 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.95);P= 0.005). In multivariate Cox regression analyses with mutual adjustments for PCT and hsCRP, PCT was independently associated with cancer death (HR per 1 SD increase = 1.28 (95% CI 1.10 to 1.49);P= 0.001) and hsCRP with cardiovascular death (HR per 1 SD increase = 1.42 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.83);P= 0.006) in men. We found no significant correlations between baseline PCT or hsCRP and incident cancer or cardiovascular death in women.ConclusionsWe disclose for the first time important independent associations between PCT and the risk for all-cause and cancer mortality in apparently healthy men. Our findings warrant further investigation into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between PCT and cancer.
A duplex, SYBR Green I-based RT-qPCR assay for the simultaneous detection of Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus and Cherry green ring mottle virus in peach
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Yu Yun , Zhang Zhixiang , Liang Pengbo , Ma Yuxin , Li Shifang , Wang Hongqing 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundCo-infections ofApple chlorotic leaf spot virus(ACLSV) andCherry green ring mottle virus(CGRMV) in peach is common in China and have resulted in significant yield reductions. A reliable, sensitive and quantitive method is needed to detect and distinguish between ACLSV and CGRMV in peach.FindingsWe developed a sensitive and specific SYBR Green-I based RT-qPCR for the quantification of ACLSV and CGRMV in different peach tissues, and a duplex RT-qPCR system to detect ACLSV and CGRMV simultaneously. The RT-qPCR method was optimized using standard samples transcribed by the T7 Large Scale RNA Production System in vitro. The peach genes,RNA Polymerase subunit II(RPII) andUbiquitin 10(UBQ10), which were used as the internal controls for the quantification assay also showed good expression stability in this system. Single RT-qPCR assays showed that CGRMV in peach accumulates to a higher level than ACLSV. The detection limits of the duplex RT-qPCR assay were 102and 104copies for ACLSV and CGRMV, respectively. The sensitivity of the duplex RT-qPCR was as high as RT-qPCR and higher than RT-PCR.ConclusionsThe SYBR Green-I RT-qPCR assay provided a sensitive, specific and reliable method for the detection and quantification of ACLSV and CGRMV in different peach tissues. The duplex RT-qPCR system provided a sensitive and specific method to detect and differentiate between ACLSV and CGRMV in a single sample. This RT-qPCR assay could be a useful tool for the routine diagnosis of these two viruses and for disease epidemiology studies in peach orchards.
An analysis of the molecular evolution of Hepatitis B viral genotypes A/B/D using a Bayesian evolutionary method
Authors: Xu Guangyu , Wei Chengguo , Guo Yuqi , Zhang Chao , Zhang Nan , Wang Guoqing 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem. The infectious virion contains an inner “core particle”, which is made of 180 or 240 copies of core protein, alternatively known as hepatitis B core antigen, or HBcAg which encloses the viral genome.

Method
In this study, we characterized HBV genotypes and used Bayesian analyses to estimate date of emergence of the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) of three HBV genotypes, A, B, and D.

Results
We estimated that the rate of evolution of HBV core protein gene to be 1.127 (0.925–1.329, 95% HPD) substitutions per site per year. The TMRCA of HBV for genotypes A, B, D were 118 (54–194, 95% HPD) year, 184 (78–323, 95% HPD) year and 133 (65–230, 95% HPD) year, respectively. Demographic histories of the HBcAg gene showed that the relative genetic diversity had a sharp increase within the first 10 years of its emergence.

Conclusion
Using a bayesian evolutionary method to predict the outbreak trends of HBV through evolutionary trees of HBV, and provide theoretical foundations for clinical prevention and treatment of HBV.