bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Inducing Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Simpson Kendra D. , Templeton Dennis J. , Cross Janet V. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), an inflammatory cytokine, is overexpressed in many solid tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. We previously identified inhibitors of MIF within a class of natural products with demonstrated anti-cancer activities. We therefore sought to determine how MIF contributes to tumor growth and progression. We show in this study that in murine tumors including the 4T1 model of aggressive, spontaneously metastatic breast cancer in immunologically intact mice, tumor-derived MIF promotes tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis through control of inflammatory cells within the tumor. Specifically, MIF increases the prevalence of a highly immune suppressive subpopulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) within the tumor. In vitro, MIF promotes differentiation of myeloid cells into the same population of MDSCs. Pharmacologic inhibition of MIF reduces MDSC accumulation in the tumor similar to MIF depletion and blocks the MIF-dependent in vitro differentiation of MDSCs. Our results demonstrate that MIF is a therapeutically targetable mechanism for control of tumor growth and metastasis through regulation of the host immune response and support the potential utility of MIF inhibitors, either alone or in combination with standard tumor-targeting therapeutic or immunotherapy approaches.
Migrating Lymph Dendritic Cells Contain Intracellular CD40 That Is Mobilized to the Immunological Synapse during Interactions with Antigen-Specific T Lymphocytes
Authors: Foster Neil , Turnbull Emma L. , Macpherson Gordon 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Steady state migrating rat lymph dendritic cells (LDC) are semimature, expressing high levels of surface MHC class II, but low levels of surface costimulatory molecules. In this study, we show that surface CD40 is not detectable, but LDC contain intracellular CD40. Multiple isoforms of CD40 were detected, including the type 1 isoform required for signal transduction. Culture of LDC with syngeneic T cells does not induce redistribution of cytoplasmic CD40. When LDC were cultured with naive allogeneic CD4+ T lymphocytes, polarization of CD40 to the immune synapse occurred between 3 and 6 h postculture. By 24 h, although large numbers of T cells were engaged with LDC, CD40 could not be detected in LDC or at the synapses. We conclude that migrating LDC contain stores of CD40 that can be mobilized rapidly to the sites of interaction with Ag-specific T cells. The disappearance of CD40 by 24 h may help in the regulation of T cell activation.
Paroxysmal occipital discharges suppressed by eye opening
Authors: Kaul Bhavna , Shukla Garima , Goyal Vinay , Srivastava Achal , Behari Madhuri 
Published: November 2012

Background:
Paroxysmal occipital discharges (PODs) demonstrating the phenomena of fixation-off sensitivity have classically been described in childhood epilepsies with occipital paroxysms.

Aim:
We attempted to delineate the demographic, clinical and imaging characteristics of patients whose interictal electroencephalograms (EEGs) showed occipital discharges with fixation-off sensitivity at our center.

Materials and Methods:
During the period between 2003 and 2005, patients whose interictal EEGs showed PODs were included in the study. A detailed history, clinical examination and EEG findings along with imaging characteristics were analyzed.

Results:
Of the 9,104 interictal EEGs screened during the study period, 11 patients (6 females and 5 males) aged between 5 and 17 years were identified to have PODs with fixation-off sensitivity. Five had history of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Three patients could be classified under Panayiotopoulos syndrome; the remaining 8 (72.2%) patients had symptomatic epilepsy.

Conclusion:
This study suggests that the phenomenon of fixation-off sensitivity is found not only in patients of idiopathic focal epilepsies, but also in a substantial number of patients of symptomatic epilepsy. The high proportion of symptomatic epilepsy with phenomenon of fixation-off sensitivity may be related to the referral pattern.
Translation and validation of restless leg syndrome quality of life questionnaire in Hindi language
Authors: Vishwakarma Kirti , Lahan Vivekananda , Gupta Ravi , Goel Deepak , Dhasmana Dilip Chander , Sharma Taruna , Kalra Juhi 
Published: November 2012

Background:
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) itself as well as the problems that are secondary to RLS may worsen the quality of life.

Aim:
The aim of this study is to translate and validate the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life (RLS-QOL) questionnaire in Hindi language.

Settings and Designs:
Patients attending psychiatry OPD and sleep clinic in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Materials and Methods:
Thirty four consecutive patients of RLS and twenty nine control subjects were included in the study. Permission for translation and validation of RLS-QOL questionnaire scale was obtained. Translation was done according to the guidelines provided by the publisher. After translation, the final version of the scale was applied in both the groups to find the reliability and validity.

Statistical Analysis:
SPSS, version 17.0 was used for the analysis. Independent sample t test was used to compare age. Chi-square test was applied to compare non-parametric variables. Pearson′s and Spearman′s correlations were used to find out the correlation between parametric and non-parametric items, respectively. Reliability analysis was done by using Cronbach′s alpha.

Results:
Among the RLS subjects, mean Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score, International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Rating Scale (IRLS) score and Computed Score of RLS-QOL questionnaire were 25.43 (7.39), 12.7 (8.34) and 29.8 (8.39), respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed between both the groups on all these scores (ISI: t= −11.2, P<0.001, 95% CI= −22.62 to −15.76; IRLS: t = −8.1, P< 0.001, 95% CI =−15.81 to −9.58; RLS-QOL: t =−19.07, P<0.001 with 95% CI = −32.69,- 28.83). A significant correlation between ISI and RLS-QOL (r
2 = 0.59; P< 0.001) was seen. Most of the items also showed good correlation with each other. Internal consistency done by Cronbach′s alpha showed good correlation (0.85).

Conclusion:
Hindi version of the Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life (RLS-QOL) questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of the quality of life in patients with RLS.
Nuclear expression of β-catenin and stem cell markers as potential prognostic indicators in medulloblastoma
Authors: Gowda Kiran K. , Gupta Kirti , Kapoor Rakesh , Vasishta Rakesh K. 
Published: November 2012

Aims:
To study the prognostic role of β-catenin and stem cell markers in medulloblastoma (MB).

Materials and Methods:
Sixty cases of MB were retrospectively analyzed to study the expression of β-catenin, CD15, and CD133 by immunohistochemistry. Their expression was correlated with histological subtypes and event-free survival (EFS). Patients were divided into Group 1 and 2 based on non-occurrence and occurrence of events during the follow-up period.

Results:
Fifty of the 60 cases were of classic type of MB while nine were of desmoplastic subtype and one case showed chondroid and rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. Immunoreactivity for β-catenin was observed as nuclear and/or cytoplasmic positivity within the tumor cells. Forty-one (68.3%) cases showed cytoplasmic positivity, while nuclear positivity was seen in 21 (35%) cases. There was a significant correlation between nuclear expression of β-catenin and different histological subtypes by Chi-square test (P value<0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation of β-catenin nuclear positivity with EFS was observed. Among 60 cases, 37 cases (67.3%) showed presence of CD15+ tumor cells with percentage of positivity varying between 0.1 to 17.1%. Overall, 42 of 60 (70%) cases showed presence of CD133+ cells. The percentage of positivity varied between 0.1 to 16.5%. A statistically significant negative correlation of CD15 and CD133 positivity with EFS was observed.

Conclusions:
Nucleopositive β-catenin cases were associated with a favorable outcome on univariate analysis. Both CD15 and CD133 positivity were associated with a worse outcome on univariate analysis.
Microvascular decompression of cochleovestibular nerve in patients with tinnitus and vertigo
Authors: Zhang Li , Yu Yanbing , Yuan Yue , Xu Jun , Xu Xialo , Zhang Jianguo 
Published: November 2012

Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the patient selection, indications for operation, surgical methods and effects of microvascular decompression (MVD) for treatment of intractable and incapacitating tinnitus and vertigo.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 35 patients were recruited from January 2009 to June 2010 for the MVD surgery.

Results:
Arterial compression of cochleovestibular nerve was found in all the 35 patients. The immediate effect of MVD was observed in 22 patients with tinnitus and 10 patients with vertigo. The follow-up data for the effect of MVD showed complete resolution of tinnitus in 14 patients and vertigo in 6 patients.

Conclusions:
Vascular compression of cochleovestibular nerve in cerebellopontine angle may be one of the causes of intractable and incapacitating tinnitus and/or vertigo. MVD may be a safe and effective surgical procedure for treatment of severe tinnitus and/or vertigo in patients.
Association of CYP11B2 gene polymorphism with ischemic stroke in the north Chinese Han population
Authors: Yan Guanhua , Wang Yan 
Published: November 2012

Background:
Genetic variations of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and stroke.

Aim:
To investigate the -344C/T and intron 2 conversion polymorphisms of aldosterone synthase gene (CYP11B2) for an association with stroke and hypertension in the North Chinese Han population.

Materials and Methods:
This case-control study included 332 patients and 250 controls. Genotypes of -344C/T polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and the intron 2 conversion polymorphism was genotyped using two separated PCRs.

Results:
There were significant differences in genotype frequencies of -344C/T polymorphism between stroke patients and controls (P = 0.002). An association was found between TT genotype and ischemic stroke [odds ratio = 1.572, 95%CI (1.095-2.258), P = 0.014]. However, there was no significant association of intron 2 polymorphism with stroke. Furthermore, when the ischemic stroke patients were classified according to Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification, TT genotype was found to be associated with large artery atherosclerosis [odds ratio = 1.747, 95%CI (1.182-2.584), P = 0.005] and small vessel disease [odds ratio = 1.781, 95%CI (1.134-2.796), P = 0.012]. The intron 2 polymorphism failed to show relationship with any specific stroke subtype.

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest a significant association of CYP11B2 (-344C/T) polymorphism with stroke but intron 2 polymorphism is not associated with increased stroke susceptibility.
First report of upfront treatment with Gefitinib in comparison with chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients from south India: Analysis of 120 patients
Authors: Louis Robert A , Rajendranath Rejiv , Ganesan Prasanth , Sagar T G , Krishnamurthy Arvind 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Background: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in males and sixth among females in south India. Lung cancer is being increasingly recognized among non-smokers. Materials and Methods: Stage IIIB and IV advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (n=120) treated from January 2009 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline clinical parameters, treatment protocol, response to therapy and survival were noted. Decision to use upfront Gefitinib was based on parameters like female sex, non-smoking status, adenocarcinoma histology and poor PS. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by the Kaplan Meier method and prognosis by log rank test and Cox regression. Results: Baseline parameters: median age: 60 years (22-78 years); male sex: 83 (69.2%); Stage IV: 95(79.2%); adenocarcinoma: 109 (90.8%); smokers: 66 (55%); PS 2/3: 65(54.2%); first-line therapy: Gefitinib: 47 (39.2%), chemotherapy: 73 (60.8%). Among those progressing after chemotherapy, 17 (23%) received second-line Gefitinib. After a median follow-up of 7.5 months (1-26 months), median PFS and OS were 5 months (0-23 months) and 7.5 months (1-26 mo), respectively. On univariate analysis, PFS was significantly improved for non-smokers (7 months vs 4 months, P=0.010), females (7 months vs 5 months, P=0.024) and upfront treatment with Gefitinib (10 months vs 4 months, P=0.014). The only significant factor that affected OS was female sex (18 months vs 9 months, P=0.042). No factors were significant on multivariate analysis. Among PS 2/3 patients, PFS was significantly higher with Gefitinib (n=36) than with single-agent chemotherapy (n=29) [median PFS of 10 months vs 4 months (P=0.017)]. Conclusion: In the largest series on the use of first-line Gefitinib from India, we found it to be a useful agent in the treatment of NSCLC, especially in females patients with poor PS and non-smokers, even without Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutation testing. Second-line Gefitinib may have negated the OS differences. However, EGFR mutation studies may help in further individualization of therapy.
Rare and recurrent chromosomal abnormalities and their clinical relevance in pediatric acute leukemia of south Indian population
Authors: Mazloumi Seyed Hashem Mir , Kumari Prasanna , Madhumathi D S , Appaji L 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Background and Objectives: This cytogenetic study detects a wide variety of common, rare and novel chromosomal abnormalities in patients with hematological disorders, providing valuable diagnostic and prognostic information. Materials and Methods: We addressed the utility of the cytogenetic technique in 50 patients of pediatric acute leukemia prospectively. Results: Successful cultures were found in 44 patients (88%) and abnormal karyotypes in 22 (44%). The common abnormalities like hyperdiploidy, del(6q), t(1;19)(q23;p13), t(4;11)(q22;q23), t(9;22)(q34;q11), rare t(2;7)(q23;p11) and t(4;12)(q21;p13) and a novel translocation t(7;9)(q22;q21) were observed in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In acute myeloid leukemia, t(8;21)(q22;q22), del(16)(q22), t(15;17)(q22;q21) and t(9;11)(p22;q23) were commonly seen. Conclusion: Chromosomal abnormalities of this small group of patients are compared with the relevant literature with respect to the incidence rate and prognosis.
Weekly paclitaxel in escalating doses in a patient with anthracycline-resistant, triple-negative, metastatic breast cancer with severe liver dysfunction
Authors: Gupta Ajay 
Published: November 2012

AbstractLiver dysfunction in a patient with anthracycline-resistant breast cancer and liver metastases with poor performance status (PS) represents a serious situation. Taxanes are the drugs of choice, but once the transaminase enzyme levels are raised more than 10-times the upper limit of normal (>10 ULN), paclitaxel administration is contraindicated. We present the report of one such case who had a gratifying response to escalating doses of weekly paclitaxel thus suggesting that even patients with severe liver dysfunction can derive benefits from such a strategy. The patient, a 54-year-old lady with breast cancer metastatic to the liver and bones and previous receipt of anthracycline-based therapy, presented to us with a PS of 3. Her liver functions (LFT) were: serum bilirubin 2.2 mg% (0.3-1.1 mg%), aspartate aminotransferase 375 IU/L (0-25 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase 369 IU/L (0-35 IU/L) and alkaline phosphatase 363 IU/L (38-126 IU/L). She was started on weekly paclitaxel 20 mg/m 2 and zoledronate. After the first dose, the LFTs rose marginally but the skin lesions stabilized. Dose was subsequently escalated to 40 mg/m 2 . At the end of the 10th week, her PS improved to 1 and the disease showed a partial response. LFTs improved markedly. However, 5 days after the administration of the 13 th dose, the disease progressed and paclitaxel had to be discontinued. It is possible to derive maximum palliative benefit with escalating doses of weekly paclitaxel even in patients whose liver functions are deranged with transaminase levels (>10 ULN) and in whom conventional administration of paclitaxel is contraindicated.
Giant velum interpositum meningioma in a child
Authors: Moiyadi Aliasgar V , Shetty Prakash 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIntraventricular meningiomas are rare, but are relatively more often seen in children. Large size at presentation often obscures anatomical details. A particular subset of such tumors arising from the velum interpositum pose a significant surgical challenge. Thorough preoperative imaging, especially with respect to the course of the deep venous structures, provides useful evidence as to the origin. Preservation of venous anatomy at surgery is vital. We describe a 3-year-old girl with a giant velum interpositum meningioma that was completely excised with excellent outcome. This is probably the youngest such case reported.
Congenital sacrococcygeal PNET and chemotherapy
Authors: Hawkes Colin Patrick , Betts David R , O′Brien John , O′Sullivan Maureen J , Capra Michael 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe present the case of a congenital localised sacrococcygeal primitive neuroectodermal tumor treated aggressively with surgical resection and modified age-appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy. The conventional combination chemotherapy of vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide and etoposide was modified to a regimen including vincristine, adriamicin, cyclophosphamide and actinomycin in order to minimise the predicted toxicity in this age group. Adjuvant "induction" chemotherapy commenced at 4 weeks of age and consisted of four cycles of vincristine, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide at 50%, 75%, 75% and 100% of recommended doses (vincristine 0.05 mg/kg, adriamycin 0.83 mg/kg daily × 2, cyclophosphamide 40 mg/kg) at 3-weekly intervals. This was followed by four cycles of "maintenance" chemotherapy with vincristine (0.025 mg/kg), actinomycin (0.025 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide (36 mg/kg) at full recommended doses. Cardioxane at a dose of 16.6 mg/kg was infused immediately prior to the adriamycin. Our patient is thriving at 19 months out from end of treatment.
Sustainable Provincial Power Development Plan: Case Study of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
Authors: Senpong Chariya , Wiwattanadate Dawan 
Published: November 2012

Potential of renewable energy resources for electricity generation as well as energy supply and demand in Nakhon Si Thammarat province were studied with an objective to develop a sustainable provincial power development plan, and/or to search for renewable energy capacity to replace 2 x 800 MW coalfired power plants have been planned to be installed in the province under PDP2010. The study shows significant potential of renewable energy in the province; especially wind energy, solid waste and biomass. Total capacity of the renewable energy for electricity generation reported in other studies was as high as 3,181.84 MW; however, the installed renewable energy power plants in the province as of 2011 just stand at 42 MW due to various limitations. Meanwhile, the provincial electricity demand forecast is continued increasing up to 647 MW by the end of 2030. More Renewable energy has been to fulfill energy demand in the province, integration of renewable energy policy, database, and technology innovation are keys success factors for sustainable provincial energy planning. A renewable information center working together with government, business, and the public would be needed to initiate developing the plan with a public organization proposing the provincial committee under public participation and acceptance. Keywords: Provincial Power Development Plan, renewable energy, coalfired power plant, sustainable energy development, self-reliance energy management, provincial electricity generating.
Performance in Autobiographical Memory of Older Adults with Depression Symptoms
Authors: Latorre José M. , Ricarte Jorge J. , Serrano Juan P. , Ros Laura , Navarro Beatriz , Aguilar María J. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare the performance in the Autobiographical Memory Test in older adults with high scores on depression symptoms (HDS) compared with a matched group with low scores on depression symptoms (LDS) according to the clinical cut‐off of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Participants were asked to generate specific autobiographical memories in response to a series of positive and negative cue words. Latencies of responses for each item were also scored. LDS participants showed a higher proportion of specific memories than HDS participants. Latencies of responses to positive and negative cues were greater for HDS than LDS. Specific autobiographical memory was positively associated with Life Satisfaction. Cognitive emotional changes in the function of memory with age are suggested as a possible explanation for the findings. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Palladium‐Catalyzed CN Cross‐Coupling of N′‐Monosubstituted Sulfondiimines with Aryl Bromides
Authors: Candy Mathieu , Bohmann Rebekka Anna , Bolm Carsten 
Published: November 2012

AbstractA general method for the N‐arylation of sulfondiimines with aryl bromides using tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) [Pd2(dba)3] and 2‐dicyclohexylphosphino‐2′,6′‐diisopropoxybiphenyl (RuPhos) as catalyst system was developed. A new benzothiazine was obtained, and a protocol for the cleavage of para‐methoxyphenyl (PMP) groups in PMP‐protected sulfondiimines has been found, which provides access to synthetically useful NH‐derivatives, that are difficult to prepare by other means.
The Lysine48‐Based Polyubiquitin Chain Proteasomal Signal: Not a Single Child Anymore
Authors: Kravtsova‐Ivantsiv Yelena , Sommer Thomas , Ciechanover Aaron 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe conjugation of ubiquitin (Ub) to proteins is involved in the regulation of many processes. The modification serves as a recognition element in trans, in which downstream effectors bind to the modified protein and determine its fate and/or function. A polyUb chain that is linked through internal lysine (Lys)‐48 of Ub and anchored to an internal Lys residue of the substrate has become the accepted “canonical” signal for proteasomal targeting and degradation. However, recent studies show that the signal is far more diverse and that chains based on other internal linkages, as well as linear or heterologous chains made of Ub and Ub‐like proteins and even monoUb, are recognized by the proteasome. In addition, chains linked to residues other than internal Lys were described, all challenging the current paradigm.
Effect of solvent on ionic liquid dissolved regenerated antheraea assamensis silk fibroin
Authors: Goujon Nicolas , Rajkhowa Rangam , Wang Xungai , Byrne Nolene 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe report on the dissolution of semi‐domestic silk type Antheraea assamensis using ionic liquids. We investigated the impact of different coagulating solvents, including isopropanol and water on the structure and the morphology of the regenerated silk. We found that the water regenerated silk film showed a high β‐sheet content and a native silk‐like XRD pattern. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013