bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telomere Length and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Gene Copy Number in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Jendrzejewski Jaroslaw , Tomsic Jerneja , Lozanski Gerard , Labanowska Jadwiga , He Huiling , Liyanarachchi Sandya , Nagy Rebecca , Ringel Matthew D. , Kloos Richard T. , Heerema Nyla A. , de la Chapelle Albert 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Context:
The family risk ratio for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is among the highest of all cancers. Collectively, familial cases (fPTC) and sporadic cases (sPTC) are not known to show molecular differences. However, one study reported that telomeres were markedly shorter and the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene was amplified and up-regulated in germline DNA from patients with fPTC compared with sPTC.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate telomere length and TERT gene amplification and expression in blood samples of fPTC and sPTC patients in a genetically distinct population from the previous study.

Design:
In 42 fPTC and 65 sPTC patients, quantitative real-time PCR was employed to measure the relative telomere length (RTL) and TERT gene copy number and RNA level. To validate the results using alternative methods, we further studied a subset of the original cohort consisting of randomly chosen fPTC (n = 10) and sPTC (n = 14) patients and controls (n = 21) by assessing both telomere length by flow fluorescent in situ hybridization and TERT gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results:
RTL and TERT gene copy number did not differ between fPTC and sPTC (P = 0.957 and P = 0.998, respectively). The mean RTL and TERT gene expression were not significantly different among the groups of the validation series (P = 0.169 and P = 0.718, respectively).

Conclusion:
Our data show no difference between familial and sporadic PTC with respect to telomere length, TERT copy number, or expression in our cohort. Further investigations in additional cohorts of patients are desirable.
Global study of women's experiences of premenstrual symptoms and their effects on daily life
Authors: Dennerstein Lorraine , Lehert Philippe , Heinemann Klaas 
Published: September 2011

Objectives. To determine cross-cultural and other effects on women's experiences of premenstrual symptoms and their impact on activities of daily life (ADL). Study design. Cross-sectional survey. Sample. A total of 7226 women aged 15–49 recruited by random sampling with approximately 400 each from France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, UK, Brazil, Mexico, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Thailand. Approximately 1000 women in Japan and Korea and 500 Australian women were found using Internet panels. Main outcome measures. Questionnaire of 23 premenstrual symptoms, sociodemographic and lifestyle variables, ADL and women's knowledge of premenstrual terms. Results. The most prevalent symptoms were abdominal bloating, cramps or abdominal pain, irritability, mastalgia and joint/muscle/back pains. Severity of symptoms was directly proportional to duration (number of affected cycles) ( R — 0.78). A linear model found that symptom prevalence (duration × severity) was associated with age (linear and quadratic effects), parity, current smoking and country. Premenstrual physical and mental symptom domains had similar negative effects on ADL. Impact on ADL was affected by education and exercise participation. Women's knowledge of the terms premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) varied by symptom intensity, age, education and country. Conclusions. Four of the five most prevalent premenstrual symptoms were physical. There was a great deal of similarities of women's experiences of these symptoms across countries and regions. Women's knowledge of PMS terms is highly dependent on the country in which they live.
Global epidemiological study of variation of premenstrual symptoms with age and sociodemographic factors
Authors: Dennerstein Lorraine , Lehert Philippe , Heinemann Klaas 
Published: September 2011

Objectives. To determine patterns of premenstrual symptom experiences across the reproductive age range, and the effects of other factors on premenstrual symptoms. Study design. Global cross-sectional survey. Sample. A total of 7226 women aged 15–49 recruited by random sampling with approximately 400 each from France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, UK, Brazil, Mexico, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Thailand. Approximately 1000 women in Japan and Korea and 500 Australian women were found using Internet panels. Main outcome measures. Questionnaire of 23 premenstrual symptoms, sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. Results. Four different patterns of premenstrual symptoms were found with ageing: symptoms showing no change with age, symptoms decreasing with age, symptoms reaching a maximum just before or around age 35, and symptoms reaching a maximum around age 40–44. Smoking was associated with an increase in most of the premenstrual symptoms. Increasing parity was associated with a decrease in some of the symptoms. Conclusions. These results suggest that the premenstrual symptoms most associated with the years of regular ovulatory cycles are skin disorders, lack of energy, appetite problems, joint/muscle/back pain, anger, abdominal bloating, depressed mood and irritability. Other symptoms which peaked later (swelling of extremities, breast tenderness/pain, weight gain) may reflect exacerbation by hormonal changes of the late reproductive/early menopausal transition. Smokers report more problematic premenstrual symptoms.
Stopping hormone replacement therapy: were women ill advised?
Authors: Dimming Grant P , Currie Heather D , Panay Nick , Moncur Rik , Lee Amanda J 
Published: September 2011

Objective. To survey women who stopped hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after 2002, including those who later restarted. Study design. A questionnaire on the UK-based menopause website www.menopausematters.co.uk evaluating how women are influenced by HRT advice. Main outcome measures. Answers to questions regarding stopping/restarting HRT in response to the advice in the early 2000s and advice given today. Results. A total of 1100 responses were obtained. Of those who made the decision to stop HRT themselves, 56.4% ( n = 425/754) said that they were influenced by the media. In those who would potentially most benefit from HRT, 72.8% ( n = 220/302) stopped without medical advice. Overall, women aged under 50 years were significantly more likely to stop HRT themselves than women over 50 ( P < 0.001). In women in whom symptoms returned, 37.5% ( n = 362/966) said these affected their ability to work, 45.1% ( n = 436) had problems with decision-making, 53.6% ( n = 518) admitted to relationships being negatively affected and 29.2% ( n = 286) said that symptoms affected their social relationships. Overall 46.5% of women ( n = 485/1044) would not have stopped HRT given the current understanding of risk. Compared with women over 50, significantly more women under the age of 50 said that they would not have previously stopped their HRT based on their current understanding of risk ( P < 0.001). Conclusions. The negative impact of published research and its reporting from the early 2000s are being mitigated by current press coverage. Media reports appear to influence the younger woman more than the older woman. Health professionals and media must learn the lessons from the past.
Iron released from ilmenite mineral sustains a phytoplankton community in microcosms
Authors: Fernandes Christabelle E.G. , Velip Dhillan , Mourya Babu Shashikant , Shaikh Shagufta , Das Anindita , Bharathi P.A. Loka 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Natural biotic communities from Kalbadevi Bay were monitored in microcosms (1-l glass flasks) to test the hypothesis that iron released from ilmenite through microbial action contributes to proliferation of phytoplankton. Microcosms containing ilmenite had significantly higher phytoplankton growth compared with controls containing no ilmenite or those containing only ferrous sulfate. Phytoplankton cell numbers in the ilmenite-supplemented treatment were 20× higher than in controls. The later stages were marked by the dominance of bottom dwelling Nitzschia spp. and Navicula spp. Iron-preferring Eunotia spp. and Pinnularia spp. were also encountered. Hence, increased phytoplankton biomass may be attributable to the steady release of bio-available iron. We therefore infer that ilmenite mineral might sustain the phytoplankton community in ilmenite-dominated systems. Increases in density and diversity of phytoplankton over time and significant interrelationship between various parameters in the microcosm containing ilmenite indicate that stimulatory effect of iron released from this mineral could be beneficial to the biota in the system.
Evidence That Purifying Selection Acts on Promoter Sequences
Authors: Arthur Robert K , Ruvinsky Ilya 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
We tested whether functionally important sites in bacterial, yeast, and animal promoters are more conserved than their neighbors. We found that substitutions are predominantly seen in less important sites and that those that occurred tended to have less impact on gene expression than possible alternatives. These results suggest that purifying selection operates on promoter sequences.
Nuclear Structure and Chromosome Segregation inDrosophilaMale Meiosis Depend on the Ubiquitin Ligase dTopors
Authors: Matsui Maiko , Sharma Krishn C , Cooke Carol , Wakimoto Barbara T , Rasool Mohammad , Hayworth Miranda , Hylton Christopher A , Tomkiel John E 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn many organisms, homolog pairing and synapsis at meiotic prophase depend on interactions between chromosomes and the nuclear membrane. Male Drosophila lack synapsis, but nonetheless, their chromosomes closely associate with the nuclear periphery at prophase I. To explore the functional significance of this association, we characterize mutations in nuclear blebber (nbl), a gene required for both spermatocyte nuclear shape and meiotic chromosome transmission. We demonstrate that nbl corresponds to dtopors, the Drosophila homolog of the mammalian dual ubiquitin/small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) ligase Topors. We show that mutations in dtopors cause abnormalities in lamin localizations, centriole separation, and prophase I chromatin condensation and also cause anaphase I bridges that likely result from unresolved homolog connections. Bridge formation does not require mod(mdg4) in meiosis, suggesting that bridges do not result from misregulation of the male homolog conjunction complex. At the ultrastructural level, we observe disruption of nuclear shape, an uneven perinuclear space, and excess membranous structures. We show that dTopors localizes to the nuclear lamina at prophase, and also transiently to intranuclear foci. As a role of dtopors at gypsy insulator has been reported, we also asked whether these new alleles affected expression of the gypsy-induced mutation ct6 and found that it was unaltered in dtopors homozygotes. Our results indicate that dTopors is required for germline nuclear structure and meiotic chromosome segregation, but in contrast, is not necessary for gypsy insulator function. We suggest that dtopors plays a structural role in spermatocyte lamina that is critical for multiple aspects of meiotic chromosome transmission.
Multiple Adaptive Substitutions During Evolution in Novel Environments
Authors: Jain Kavita , Seetharaman Sarada 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe consider an asexual population under strong selection–weak mutation conditions evolving on rugged fitness landscapes with many local fitness peaks. Unlike the previous studies in which the initial fitness of the population is assumed to be high, here we start the adaptation process with a low fitness corresponding to a population in a stressful novel environment. For generic fitness distributions, using an analytic argument we find that the average number of steps to a local optimum varies logarithmically with the genotype sequence length and increases as the correlations among genotypic fitnesses increase. When the fitnesses are exponentially or uniformly distributed, using an evolution equation for the distribution of population fitness, we analytically calculate the fitness distribution of fixed beneficial mutations and the walk length distribution.
Quality of life among polish Fabry patients — a cross-sectional study quality of life among polish Fabry patients
Authors: Żuraw Wioletta , Golicki Dominik , Jurecka Agnieszka , Tylki-Szymańska Anna 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThis study sought to explore the following issues 1) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Fabry patients relative to the general population 2) the quality of life (QoL) level in heterozygous females as compared to hemizygous males and the general population. A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed in patients diagnosed with Fabry disease in Poland (n=33). HRQoL was assessed with two generic questionnaires: the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) and EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D), which includes the EQ-5D descriptive system and the EQ-visual analogue scale (EQ VAS), as well as a disease-specific author’s questionnaire. When measured with EQ-VAS, the subjective perception of health status was significantly lower in Fabry patients than that of the general population. SF-36 norm-based scores showed that patients are disadvantaged mainly in social functioning, bodily pain, and mental health. Objective assessments of HRQoL according to the EQ-5D Index tend to be lower for males than for females. Only male patients experienced extreme problems identified by the EQ-5D descriptive system. HRQoL of Fabry patients, measured by EQ-5D and SF-36, is lower as compared with that of the general population. Fabry disease effects QoL in its physical, mental and social dimensions.
FMR1 Linked haplotype analysis in a mentally retarded male population
Authors: Daneberga Zanda , Pronina Natalija , Lace Baiba , Lugovska Rita 
Published: September 2011

AbstractFragile X syndrome is caused by dynamic mutation of FMR1 gene CpG island CGG repeats. The underlying mutational mechanism is not fully understood. Different microsatellite markers and SNP have previously been reported as markers associated with FMR1 CGG repeat instability. The aim of the present study was to identify specific haplotypes among Latvian FXS patients and the control group with respect to allelic stability. Eleven male FXS patients and 122 control male patients participated in the study. In total, 27 different DXS548-FRAXAC1-ATL1-FRAXAC2 haplotypes were found. The prevalent haplotype in the control group was 7-4-A-5+ (rel. frequency 0.327). The prevalent haplotype associated with the FXS group was 2-2-G-4 (rel. frequency 0.818; p < 0.0001). Grey zone alleles with a long uninterrupted CGG tract at the 3’ end were significantly associated with the 2-2-G-4 haplotype (p = 0.0022). Our findings suggest that, for the Latvian population, the haplotype 2-2-G-4 is a marker of CGG tract instability. We conclude that a founder effect could not be an explanation for our findings on the basis of heterogeneity exhibited by the Latvian population and lack of studies throughout this geographical region. This data may provide evidence of different mutational pathways of expansion in the Baltic States region.
Efficacy of Orally Administered Low Dose N-methanocarbathymidine against Lethal Herpes Simplex Virus Type-2 Infections of Mice
Authors: Quenelle Debra C , Collins Deborah J , Rice Terri L , Rahman Aquilur , Glazer Robert 
Published: September 2011

Background: N-methanocarbathymidine (N-MCT) has previously been shown to be effective against lethal orthopoxvirus and herpes simplex virus type-1 infections in mice. In this investigation, the antiviral activity of N-MCT was assessed against herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) in BALB/c mice. Methods: BALB/c mice were infected intranasally with a lethal challenge dose of HSV-2. N-MCT was administered orally twice daily to mice using doses of 0.01 to 100 mg/kg to determine effects on survival and on viral replication in organ and central nervous system (CNS) samples. Results: N-MCT provided significant protection from mortality even when treatments were delayed until 3 days after viral infection. Viral replication in organ and CNS samples from N-MCT-treated mice was reduced below the limit of detection after 4 days of treatment. Conclusions: These results indicated that low dose N-MCT treatment was more effective than acyclovir therapy. N-MCT may be effective against HSV disease in humans and is currently undergoing preclinical evaluation. In particular, its potential use as a combination therapy for HSV, with its differing metabolism from acyclovir, make it a promising compound to develop for human use.
Intraoperative Ultrasound Assistance for Excision of Impalpable Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Tumors
Authors: Farfalli Germán L. , Aponte-Tinao Luis A. , Rasumoff Alejandro , Ayerza Miguel A. , Muscolo D. Luis 
Published: September 2011

Intraoperative ultrasonography is a useful tool for the detection and extirpation of liver metastases, breast masses, and melanoma. However, the efficacy of this technology in intraoperative localization and resection of small soft tissue tumors has not been addressed. The purpose of this study is to report on the efficacy of intraoperative ultrasound assistance in excising impalpable musculoskeletal soft tissue tumors.
Twenty-two soft tissue tumors <3 cm (range, 0.7–3 cm) were resected with intraoperative ultrasound assistance. All tumors were localized in the deep panniculus, fascia, or muscle. Surgical time and length of incisions was recorded in all the cases. Intra- and postoperative reregistration was made to confirm the tumor resection. Ultrasound assistance was successful in obtaining an accurate localization in all treated cases. Mean surgical time was 30 minutes (range, 13–87 minutes). Average incision length was 5.7 cm (range, 2.5–10.6 cm). Reregistration allowed intraoperative confirmation of the adequacy of the excision. The procedure allowed recognized and excised additional nodules not previously diagnosed in 3 cases. Postoperative echography done in all patients confirmed complete extirpation of the tumors, and histopathology confirmed adequate margins obtained.
Intraoperative ultrasound can be used as an efficient tool to localize and treat impalpable small soft tissue tumors.
Factors Predicting Health-related Quality of Life in Knee Osteoarthritis Among Community-dwelling Women in Japan: The Hizen-Oshima Study
Authors: Norimatsu Takahiro , Osaki Makoto , Tomita Masato , Ye Zhaojia , Abe Yasuyo , Honda Sumihisa , Kanagae Mitsuo , Mizukami Satoshi , Takamura Noboru , Kusano Yosuke , Shindo Hiroyuki , Aoyagi Kiyoshi 
Published: September 2011

Knee osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint disorder in elderly people. However, a population-based, longitudinal study on health-related quality of life in knee osteoarthritis has not been conducted in Japan. We studied 333 women aged 50 years and older at baseline, with 8 to 9 years of follow-up. Anteroposterior weight-bearing knee radiographs were obtained at baseline and graded according to the Kellgren-Lawrence criteria. Definite osteoarthritis was defined as Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2 or higher in at least 1 joint. At baseline, all participants were asked if they had knee pain and comorbidities (heart disease, lung disease, stroke, or diabetes mellitus). Height (m), weight (kg), and chair stand time were measured.
At follow-up, quality of life in knee osteoarthritis was evaluated using the Japanese Knee Osteoarthritis Measure score. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, knee osteoarthritis, knee pain, comorbidity, and increasing chair stand time were independently related to subsequent health-related quality of life. These findings suggest that treating knee osteoarthritis and comorbidities, managing pain, and optimizing lower extremity muscle strength may be effective targets for intervention.
Dual Poly Liner Mobility Optimizes Wear and Stability in THA: Affirms
Authors: Stulberg S. David 
Published: September 2011

A dual-mobility acetabular component consists of a large, fixed, porous-coated acetabular component and a bipolar femoral component. These components are often called tripolar components. This configuration provides a stable, well-fixed implant platform against bone and 2 articular interfaces, a large polyethylene surface directly apposed to a highly polished metal implant, and a standard-sized (28- or 32-mm) femoral head captured within polyethylene.
The dual-mobility cup appears to offer a safe, effective, durable solution to hip instability. The concept has extensive laboratory and clinical support. Although the long-term durability of these implants is unknown, the tested wear rates of a dual-mobility design with the current generation of highly cross-linked polyethylene are significantly lower than any previously reported wear rates. The recently introduced modular dual-mobility shell offers surgeons substantial flexibility in addressing the issue of hip instability with a cost-efficient, familiar option.
Anterior Approach in THA Improves Outcomes: Affirms
Authors: Moskal Joseph T. 
Published: September 2011

In general, the literature makes numerous positive claims regarding the direct anterior approach with a fracture table for total hip arthroplasty (THA), including quicker recovery and return to unassisted ambulation, along with reduced soft tissue damage, surgery time, pain, and risk of dislocation with early elimination of hip precautions. The benefits of the direct anterior approach are mostly due from muscle preservation rather than muscle splitting, which occurs with the more traditional approaches. With the use of the muscle-preserving direct anterior approach for THA, there is less muscle damage and earlier return to function, and postoperative precautions are not needed.
The most significant improvements in THA have been allowing patients to be immediately weight bearing as tolerated after THA, incorporating a multimodal pain management protocol, and now using the direct anterior approach. There is a learning curve, and I strongly recommend that people attend cadaver-based learning centers as well as surgeon visitations.
We must always remember the oath we took to “do no harm,” especially when embarking on a new procedure such as the direct anterior approach in THA or any other new procedure or technology. My position in the debate is not whether we should embrace this technique or other new techniques, but rather how they should be introduced.
Anterior Approach in THA Improves Outcomes: Opposes
Authors: Sculco Thomas P. 
Published: September 2011

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be performed through multiple surgical approaches, including anterior, anterolateral, lateral, transtrochanteric, posterolateral, posterior, and the 2-incision technique. The overwhelming majority of THAs today are performed through a posterolateral approach, which has many advantages: it can be extended without difficulty, it is expeditious, it results in reduced blood loss and little muscle damage, and recovery is rapid. The major disadvantage of the approach is its increased dislocation rate, which has become less of a problem with the advent of larger femoral heads and dual-mobility acetabular components.
The anterior approach is another hip approach with advantages and disadvantages. One disadvantage is the need for a special table on which to perform the procedure, which can cost ≥$100,000. Many surgeons also recommend the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy with this approach, which prolongs surgery and adds possible draping contamination during the fluoroscopy. Exposure of the femur may be difficult with this approach, especially in patients with increased body mass index. The operative time also tends to be longer with this approach, as exposure may be more tedious. The published data report significant complications with this procedure.