bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Saudi views on consenting for research on medical records and leftover tissue samples
Authors: Al-Qadire Mohammad M , Hammami Muhammad M , Abdulhameed Hunida M , Al Gaai Eman A 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
Consenting for retrospective medical records-based research (MR) and leftover tissue-based research (TR) continues to be controversial. Our objective was to survey Saudis attending outpatient clinics at a tertiary care hospital on their personal preference and perceptions of norm and current practice in relation to consenting for MR and TR.

Methods
We surveyed 528 Saudis attending clinics at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia to explore their preferences and perceptions of norm and current practice. The respondents selected one of 7 options from each of 6 questionnaires.

Results
Respondents' mean (SD) age was 33 (11) years, 42% were males, 56% were patients, 84% had ≥ secondary school education, and 10% had previously volunteered for research. Respectively, 40% and 49% perceived that the norm is to conduct MR and TR without consent and 38% and 37% with general or proposal-specific consent; the rest objected to such research. There was significant difference in the distribution of choices according to health status (patients vs. companions) for MR (adjusted Kruskal-Wallis test P = 0.03) but not to age group, gender, education level, or previous participation in research (unadjusted P = 0.02 - 0.59). The distributions of perceptions of current practice and norm were similar (unadjusted Marginal Homogeneity test P = 0.44 for MR and P = 0.89 for TR), whereas the distributions of preferences and perceptions of norm were different (adjusted P = 0.09 for MR and P = 0.02 for TR). The distributions of perceptions of norm, preferences, and perceptions of current practice for MR were significantly different from those of TR (adjusted P < 0.009 for all).

Conclusions
We conclude that: 1) there is a considerable diversity among Saudi views regarding consenting for retrospective research which may be related to health status, 2) the distribution of perceptions of norm was similar to the distribution of perceptions of current practice but different from that of preferences, and 3) MR and TR are perceived differently in regard to consenting.
Development and validation of an ELISA using a protein encoded by ORF2 antigenic domain of porcine circovirus type 2
Authors: Sun Shi-Qi , Guo Hui-Chen , Sun De-Hui , Yin Shuang-Hui , Shang You-Jun , Cai Xue-Peng , Liu Xiang-Tao 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
The capsid protein (ORF2) is a major structural protein of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). A simple and reliable diagnostic method based on ORF2 protein immunoreactivity would serve as a valuable diagnostic method for detecting serum antibodies to PCV2 and monitoring PCV infection. Here, we reported an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) by using an antigenic domain (113-147AA) of ORF2-encoded antigen, expressed in E. coli, for diagnosis of PCV infection.

Results
The ELISA was performed on 288 serum samples collected from different porcine herds and compared with an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). In total, 262 of 288 samples were positive as indicated by both I-ELISA and IFA. The specificity and sensitivity of I-ELISA were 87.7% and 93.57%.

Conclusions
This ELISA is suitable for detection and discrimination of PCV2 infection in both SPF and farm antisera.
Protective effects and potential mechanisms of Pien Tze Huang on cerebral chronic ischemia and hypertensive stroke
Authors: Zhang Lihong , Lam Wai Ping , Lü Lanhai , Wang Chunmei , Wong Yeuk Wa , Lam Lok Hang , Tang Hong Chai , Wai Maria SenMun , Wang Mingwei , Kwong Wing Hang , Ngai Sai Ming , Mak Ying Tat , Yew David TaiWai 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackgroundStroke caused by brain ischemia is the third leading cause of adult disability. Active prevention and early treatment of stroke targeting the causes and risk factors may decrease its incidence, mortality and subsequent disability. Pien Tze Huang (PZH), a Chinese medicine formula, was found to have anti-edema, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects that can prevent brain damage. This study aims to investigate the potential mechanisms of the preventive effects of Pien Tze Huang on brain damage caused by chronic ischemia and hypertensive stroke in rats.MethodsThe effects of Pien Tze Huang on brain protein expression in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and stroke prone SHR (SHRsp) were studied with 2-D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometric analysis with a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF)/TOF tandem mass spectrometer and on brain cell death with enzyme link immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunostaining.ResultsPien Tze Huang decreased cell death in hippocampus and cerebellum caused by chronic ischemia and hypertensive stroke. Immunostaining of caspase-3 results indicated that Pien Tze Huang prevents brain cells from apoptosis caused by ischemia. Brain protein expression results suggested that Pien Tze Huang downregulated QCR2in the electron transfer chain of mitochondria preventing reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage and possibly subsequent cell death (caspase 3 assay) as caused by chronic ischemia or hypertensive stroke to hippocampus and cerebellum.ConclusionPien Tze Huang showed preventive effects on limiting the damage or injury caused by chronic ischemia and hypertensive stroke in rats. The effect of Pien Tze Huang was possibly related to prevention of cell death from apoptosis or ROS/oxidative damage in mitochondria.
Comparison of mitotic cell death by chromosome fragmentation to premature chromosome condensation
Authors: Stevens Joshua B , Abdallah Batoul Y , Regan Sarah M , Liu Guo , Bremer Steven W , Ye Christine J , Heng Henry H 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMitotic cell death is an important form of cell death, particularly in cancer. Chromosome fragmentation is a major form of mitotic cell death which is identifiable during common cytogenetic analysis by its unique phenotype of progressively degraded chromosomes. This morphology however, can appear similar to the morphology of premature chromosome condensation (PCC) and thus, PCC has been at times confused with chromosome fragmentation. In this analysis the phenomena of chromosome fragmentation and PCC are reviewed and their similarities and differences are discussed in order to facilitate differentiation of the similar morphologies. Furthermore, chromosome pulverization, which has been used almost synonymously with PCC, is re-examined. Interestingly, many past reports of chromosome pulverization are identified here as chromosome fragmentation and not PCC. These reports describe broad ranging mechanisms of pulverization induction and agree with recent evidence showing chromosome fragmentation is a cellular response to stress. Finally, biological aspects of chromosome fragmentation are discussed, including its application as one form of non-clonal chromosome aberration (NCCA), the driving force of cancer evolution.
Effects of legal and illegal use of benzodiazepines at acute admission to a psychiatric acute department
Authors: Fløvig John C , Vaaler Arne E , Morken Gunnar 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Background
In the psychiatric acute and emergency services patients present in severe crisis often complicated by behavioral problems, substance use, and multiple axis 1 diagnoses. In these clinical settings both legal and illegal use of benzodiazepines are difficult to evaluate since benzodiazepines could in some patients be regarded as first line treatment and in other patients as the cause of the acute psychiatric condition. The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency and clinical effects of both legal and illegal use of benzodiazepines at admittance to a psychiatric acute department.

Methods
All patients acutely admitted to a Norwegian acute psychiatric university department serving a catchment area were asked about use of benzodiazepines, other medications and substances before admission. Patients were asked to give urine samples for analyses of benzodiazepines and substances.

Results
In 227 consecutive admissions there was legal use of benzodiazepines before admission in 39%, illegal use in 13% and no use in 48%. Patients with legal use of benzodiazepines were older, used more often antidepressants and a higher number of prescribed psychotropic medications. Illegal users of benzodiazepines more often used other illegal substances, were evaluated as clinically affected by a substance at admittance and were diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Patients with psychoses or major affective disorders treated with adequate medication (antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood-stabilizers) before admission more often received benzodiazepines than patients without adequate medication.

Conclusions
The patients using benzodiazepines at admittance to psychiatric acute departments could be divided in illegal and legal users. The illegal users were young, used illegal substances and were more often regarded clinically affected by substances at admittance. The legal users were older, did not use other substances and were not regarded as clinically affected by substances at admittance. Benzodiazepines were used as adjuvant therapy to specific pharmacological treatment with antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers for major psychiatric disorders.

Trial registration
NCT 00184119/NCT 00184132
Small artery elasticity is decreased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without increased intima media thickness
Authors: Nienhuis Hans LA , de Leeuw Karina , Bijzet Johan , van Doormaal Jasper J , van Roon Arie M , Smit Andries J , Graaff Reindert , Kallenberg Cees GM , Bijl Marc 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Introduction
The objectives of this study were to determine small arterial elasticity (SAE) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to investigate its relationship with intima media thickness (IMT), accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), endothelial activation and inflammation.

Methods
Thirty SLE patients with inactive disease and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Twenty patients with essential hypertension (EH) served as positive control. SAE was assessed by pulse-wave analysis using tonometric recordings of the radial artery. IMT of the carotid arteries was measured by ultrasound. AGE accumulation was assessed with an AGE-reader. Endothelial activation markers and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results
SAE was decreased in SLE (P = 0.01) and further decreased in EH (P < 0.01) compared to healthy controls. IMT was increased in EH (P < 0.05), but not in SLE. AGE accumulation was increased in SLE (P < 0.05) and further increased in EH (P < 0.01) compared to healthy controls. Endothelial activation markers and CRP were increased in SLE but not in EH. SAE related to AGE accumulation (r = -0.370, P < 0.05), CRP (r = -0.429, P < 0.05) and creatinine clearance (r = 0.440, P < 0.05), but not to IMT and endothelial activation markers. In multivariate analysis SLE was an independent predictor of SAE.

Conclusions
SAE is decreased in SLE patients without increased IMT, independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate whether SAE, endothelial activation and AGE accumulation are early markers for cardiovascular disease in SLE.
A phase 2 randomized, double-blind study of AMG 108, a fully human monoclonal antibody to IL-1R, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cardiel Mario H , Tak Paul P , Bensen William , Burch Francis X , Forejtova Sarka , Badurski Janusz E , Kakkar Tarundeep , Bevirt Terry , Ni Liyun , McCroskery Ellen , Jahreis Angelika , Zack Debra J 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Preclinical work has suggested that IL-1 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of a long-acting IL-1 receptor inhibitor, AMG 108, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-dosing study in patients with active RA who were receiving stable methotrexate (15 to 25 mg/week).

Methods
Patients were randomized equally to receive placebo or 50, 125, or 250 mg AMG 108 subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 6 months. The primary efficacy endpoint was a 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology response (ACR20) at week 24; other efficacy endpoints included the ACR50, the ACR70, and the RA disease activity score (28-joint count Disease Activity Score) responses, patient-reported outcomes, and pharmacokinetic parameters. Safety endpoints included treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs), infectious AEs, serious AEs, serious infections, injection site reactions, laboratory abnormalities, and antibodies to AMG 108.

Results
Of 813 patients enrolled in the study, 204 patients were randomized to the 50 mg group, 203 to the 125 mg group, 203 to the 250 mg group, and 203 to placebo. At week 24, 40.4% of the 250 mg group, 36% of the 125 mg group, 30.9% of the 50 mg group, and 29.1% of the placebo group achieved an ACR20 (P = 0.022, 250 mg vs. placebo). Of the individual ACR components, numerical dose-dependent improvements were only seen in tender joint counts, pain (visual analog scale), and the acute phase reactants, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. No dose-related increase was observed in the incidence of treatment-emergent AEs. No deaths were reported, and the incidence of AEs and infections, serious AEs and infections, and withdrawals from study for safety were similar in the AMG 108 and placebo groups.

Conclusions
This large double-blind randomized trial with a long-acting IL-1 receptor blocker, AMG 108, is consistent with the experience of other IL-1 blockers, represents a definitive experiment showing that IL-1 inhibition provides only moderate symptomatic amelioration of arthritis activity in the majority of RA patients, and provides an answer to a question that has been discussed for many years in the rheumatologic community.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00293826
Opioid-induced chemokine expression requires NF-κB activity: the role of PKCζ
Authors: Happel Christine , Kutzler Michele , Rogers Thomas J 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTOpioid receptor agonists induce broad immunomodulatory activity, which substantially alters host defense and the inflammatory response. Previous studies have shown that the MOR selective agonist DAMGO has the capacity to increase the expression of the proinflammatory chemokines CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL10 in human PBMCs. NF-κB is a transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in innate and adaptive immune responses. We report that NF-κB is a vital player in the DAMGO-induced, MOR-mediated regulation of chemokine expression. Results show that NF-κB inhibitors prevent the induction of CCL2 expression in response to DAMGO administration and that the NF-κB subunit, p65, is phosphorylated at serine residues 311 and 536 in response to MOR activation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PKCζ is phosphorylated following DAMGO-induced MOR activation, and this kinase is essential for NF-κB activation as well as CCL2 expression and transcriptional activity. Finally, ChIP analysis shows that DAMGO administration induces binding of p65 to the enhancer region of the CCL2 promoter. These data are consistent with the notion that MOR activation promotes a proinflammatory response, which involves NF-κB activation. Our results also suggest a significant and novel role for PKCζ as an essential participant in the MOR-mediated regulation of proinflammatory chemokine expression.
NKG2A inhibits NKG2C effector functions of γδ T cells: implications in health and disease
Authors: Angelini Daniela F , Zambello Renato , Galandrini Ricciarda , Diamantini Adamo , Placido Roberta , Micucci Federica , Poccia Fabrizio , Semenzato Giuseppe , Borsellino Giovanna , Santoni Angela , Battistini Luca 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTThe CD94/NKG2 complex is expressed on T and NK lymphocytes. CD94 molecules covalently associate to activating or inhibitory NKG2 molecules, and their expression finely tunes cell responses. Human γδ T cells express several NKRs. Expression of these receptors is confined to the cytolytic Vδ2 subset, which coexpresses the FcγRIII CD16 and CD45RA and has been defined as Vγ9Vδ2 TEMRA cells. We show that the CD94/NKG2C complex, associated with KARAP/DAP12, is fully functional in γδ T cells, as determined by measuring IFN-γ production, T cell proliferation, and cytolytic activity by γδ lymphocytes. In contrast, NKG2A expression was found on all γδ T cell memory subsets, suggesting a crucial role of the inhibitory signal provided by this receptor on γδ T cell responses. Moreover, we found Vγ9Vδ2 TEMRA, NK, and CD8+ αβ T cells coexpressing NKG2A and NKG2C receptors. Functional experiments showed that the inhibitory signal mediated by the NKG2A receptor prevails when double-positive cells are activated. Finally, NKG2A expression on γδ LDGL correlates with asymptomatic pathology, even in the presence of NKG2C coexpression, whereas in symptomatic patients affected by severe disease, the inhibitory NKG2A receptor is absent, and a variety of activatory NKRs was found. We propose that the silent behavior of γδ cells in LDGL patients is a result of effective inhibitory HLA class I receptors.
The biological paths of IL-1 family members IL-18 and IL-33
Authors: Smith Dirk E 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACT
Cytokines are key mediators of the immune system, and few have been more thoroughly studied than those of the IL-1 family. IL-1α and IL-1β are the founding members and now celebrate 25 years since their cloning. In that time, IL-1-directed research has illuminated many aspects of cytokine biology and innate immunity. The family is now recognized to include 11 total members, including IL-18 and IL-33, which are the topic of this review. These two inflammatory cytokines are expressed broadly, and their actions influence a variety of physiologic responses involved in inflammation and immunity. The purpose of this article is not to provide an exhaustive review of IL-18 and IL-33 but rather, to summarize what is known about their key functions and to provide perspective on their similarities and differences.
Foxp3+IL-17+ T cells promote development of cancer-initiating cells in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yang Shaobo , Wang Binquan , Guan Chunying , Wu Benyan , Cai Changhao , Wang Mengwei , Zhang Binsheng , Liu Tao , Yang Pingchang 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTThe pathogenesis of CRC remains to be further understood. This study was designed to elucidate the role of Foxp3+IL-17+ T cells in the pathogenesis of CRC. Surgically removed CRC tissue was collected from 12 patients with CRC. The frequency and cytokine profile of Foxp3+IL-17+ T cells in CRC were examined by flow cytometry. Chemokine CXCL11 was examined in CRC tissue by Western blotting. Treg chemotaxis was examined in a transwell system. The effect of Foxp3+IL-17+ T cells on induction of cancer-initiating cells was examined; the latter's Akt and MAPK activities and colony formation were examined afterward. Abundant Foxp3+IL-17+ T cells were detected in CRC tissue that expresses high levels of TGF-β, CXCR3, CCR6, and RORγt. High levels of CXCL11 were detected in CRC tissue-derived CD68+ cells, which had a strong chemotactic effect on Foxp3+ Tregs. Hypoxia induced the expression of IL-17 in Foxp3+ Tregs; Foxp3+IL-17+ T cells were capable of inducing CRC-associated cell markers in BMMo and drove the cells to be cancer-initiating cells. High levels of phosphorylated Akt and MAPK were detected in the induced cancer-initiation cells; the latter has the capability to form a colony. CRC tissue-derived Foxp3+IL-17+ cells have the capacity to induce cancer-initiating cells.
Radiotherapy With Concurrent Carbogen and Nicotinamide in Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Hoskin Peter J. , Rojas Ana M. , Bentzen Søren M. , Saunders Michele I. 
Published: October 2010

Purpose Phase II clinical studies suggest that hypoxic modification with carbogen and nicotinamide (CON) may increase the efficacy of radiotherapy (RT). Patients and Methods Three hundred thirty-three patients with locally advanced bladder carcinoma were randomly assigned to RT alone versus RT with CON. A schedule of either 55 Gy in 20 fractions in 4 weeks or 64 Gy in 32 fractions in 6.5 weeks was used. The primary end point was cystoscopic control at 6 months (CC6m) and secondary end points were overall survival (OS), local relapse-free survival (RFS), urinary and rectal morbidity. Results CC6m was 81% for RT + CON and 76% for RT alone (P = .3); however, just more than half of patients underwent cystoscopy at that time. Three-year estimates of OS were 59% and 46% (P = .04) and 3-year estimates of RFS were 54% and 43% (P = .06) for RT + CON versus RT alone. Risk of death was 14% lower with RT + CON (P = .04). In multivariate comparison, RT + CON significantly reduced the risk of relapse (P = .05) and death (P = .03). There was no evidence that differences in late urinary or GI morbidity between treatment groups or between fractionation schedules were significant. Conclusion RT + CON produced a small nonsignificant improvement in CC6m. Differences in OS, risk of death, and local relapse were significantly in favor of RT + CON. Late morbidity was similar in both trial arms. Results indicate a benefit of adding CON to radical RT.
Dose Escalation of Lenalidomide in Relapsed or Refractory Acute Leukemias
Authors: Blum William , Klisovic Rebecca B. , Becker Heiko , Yang Xiaoxia , Rozewski Darlene M. , Phelps Mitch A. , Garzon Ramiro , Walker Alison , Chandler Jason C. , Whitman Susan P. , Curfman John , Liu Shujun , Schaaf Larry , Mickle Jon , Kefauver Cheryl , Devine Steven M. , Grever Michael R. , Marcucci, and Guido , Byrd John C. 
Published: October 2010

PurposeLenalidomide is effective in myeloma and low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes with deletion 5q. We report results of a phase I dose-escalation trial of lenalidomide in relapsed or refractory acute leukemia.Patients and MethodsThirty-one adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and four adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were enrolled. Lenalidomide was given orally at escalating doses of 25 to 75 mg daily on days 1 through 21 of 28-day cycles to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), as well as to provide pharmacokinetic and preliminary efficacy data.ResultsPatients had a median age of 63 years (range, 22 to 79 years) and a median of two prior therapies (range, one to four therapies). The DLT was fatigue; 50 mg/d was the MTD. Infectious complications were frequent. Plasma lenalidomide concentration increased proportionally with dose. In AML, five (16%) of 31 patients achieved complete remission (CR); three of three patients with cytogenetic abnormalities achieved cytogenetic CR (none with deletion 5q). Response duration ranged from 5.6 to 14 months. All responses occurred in AML with low presenting WBC count. No patient with ALL responded. Two of four patients who received lenalidomide as initial therapy for AML relapse after allogeneic transplantation achieved durable CR after development of cutaneous graft-versus-host disease, without donor leukocyte infusion.ConclusionLenalidomide was safely escalated to 50 mg daily for 21 days, every 4 weeks, and was active with relatively low toxicity in patients with relapsed/refractory AML. Remissions achieved after transplantation suggest a possible immunomodulatory effect of lenalidomide, and results provide enthusiasm for further studies in AML, either alone or in combination with conventional agents or other immunotherapies.