bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taking a chance: the experience of lung volume reduction procedures for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Gullick Janice G. , Colleen Stainton M. 
Published: November 2009

Objectives: Lung Volume Reduction Surgery and Endo-Bronchial ValveTM insertion have expanded the therapeutic choices for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Controversy over efficacy, costs and risks limits access to these therapies. There are no published findings to guide our understanding of the patient’s experience of surgery. The aim of this study is to understand the experience of palliative surgery for COPD. Methods: Merleau-Ponty’s philosophy provided a framework for this Heideggerian phenomenological inquiry. Fifty-eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 patients undergoing lung volume reduction procedures and 14 family members. Results: Patients and families felt they had no option but to ‘take a chance’ on surgery. Interventions frequently led to regaining lost tasks or easier completion of existing tasks. Where patients did not perceive an increase in things they could ‘do’, surgery allowed some to reclaim their sense of self. Regardless of the outcome, most did not regret their decision for surgery. Discussion: Meanings of surgery are not always tied to the visible, objective measurements of outsiders but may relate to regaining of self. Despite the concerns of some clinicians, patients and families are more likely to accept the risk of morbidity and mortality from surgery than has previously been realized.
Are some more equal than others? Social comparison in self-management skills training for long-term conditions
Authors: Rogers Anne , Gately Claire , Kennedy Anne , Sanders Caroline 
Published: November 2009

Background: Social comparisons influence self-evaluation and social and psychological adjustment to illness but are under-explored in relation to self-skills training group situations. Methods: A longitudinal qualitative study embedded within an RCT of a national programme of lay led self-care support in England (Department of Health, 2001). In-depth interviews were undertaken with a purposeful maximum variation sample of recruits. Data were analysed thematically. Three key themes emerged highlighting (1) the experience of group participation and interaction, (2) the process and (3) function of social comparison. Results: Data highlight the salience of social comparison as an underlying feature of the group dynamics of self-care skills training. The nature, dimensions and scope of social comparisons extend beyond the cognitive states and dimensions traditionally forming the focus of social—psychological approaches to social comparison to include wider dimensions including entitlement to resources. The results confirm the tendency to make positive comparisons that result in beneficial self-evaluations. However, positive comparisons allow respondents to present themselves as socially and morally worthy, which may act to mask the identification of appropriate need and inequalities. Conclusion: Social comparisons function both as an accurate representation of internal cognitive states but also constitutes identity work involving competing values and moral requirements. We show that even those who report significant needs will sometimes portray themselves in a way that suggests positive social comparisons, which fit with a rationed and morally prescriptive and acceptable view of entitlement to NHS services. Such insights suggest that social comparisons in initiatives such as the EPP may be beneficial for some but exacerbate rather than alleviate health inequalities in long-term condition management for others.
VEGF/VEGFR2 interaction down-regulates matrix metalloproteinase–9 via STAT1 activation and inhibits B chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell migration
Authors: Ugarte-Berzal Estefanía , Redondo-Muñoz Javier , Eroles Pilar , del Cerro Mercedes Hernández , García-Marco José A. , Terol María José , García-Pardo Angeles 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) migration involves several molecules, including matrix metalloproteinase–9 (MMP-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We have studied whether VEGF regulates MMP-9. VEGF significantly reduced MMP-9 protein expression in a dose-dependent manner, measured by gelatin zymography. Blocking the VEGFR2 receptor restored MMP-9 levels, implicating this receptor in the observed effect. Down-regulation of MMP-9 by VEGF resulted in significant inhibition of B-CLL cell migration through Matrigel or human umbilical vein endothelial cells, confirming the crucial role of MMP-9 in these processes. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that VEGF regulated MMP-9 at the transcriptional level. Indeed, VEGF induced STAT1 tyrosine phosphorylation, and this was blocked by inhibiting VEGFR2. STAT1 was responsible for MMP-9 down-regulation, as STAT1 gene silencing restored MMP-9 production and B-CLL cell migration in the presence of VEGF. Thus, the levels of VEGF and MMP-9 influence B-CLL cell expansion and both molecules could constitute therapeutic targets for this disease.
Viral and host proteins involved in picornavirus life cycle
Authors: Lin Jing-Yi , Chen Tzu-Chun , Weng Kuo-Feng , Chang Shih-Cheng , Chen Li-Lien , Shih Shin-Ru 
Published: November 2009

AbstractPicornaviruses cause several diseases, not only in humans but also in various animal hosts. For instance, human enteroviruses can cause hand-foot-and-mouth disease, herpangina, myocarditis, acute flaccid paralysis, acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, severe neurological complications, including brainstem encephalitis, meningitis and poliomyelitis, and even death. The interaction between the virus and the host is important for viral replication, virulence and pathogenicity. This article reviews studies of the functions of viral and host factors that are involved in the life cycle of picornavirus. The interactions of viral capsid proteins with host cell receptors is discussed first, and the mechanisms by which the viral and host cell factors are involved in viral replication, viral translation and the switch from translation to RNA replication are then addressed. Understanding how cellular proteins interact with viral RNA or viral proteins, as well as the roles of each in viral infection, will provide insights for the design of novel antiviral agents based on these interactions.
Ligand-specific sequential regulation of transcription factors for differentiation of MCF-7 cells
Authors: Saeki Yuko , Endo Takaho , Ide Kaori , Nagashima Takeshi , Yumoto Noriko , Toyoda Tetsuro , Suzuki Harukazu , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Sakaki Yoshiyuki , Okada-Hatakeyama Mariko 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundSharing a common ErbB/HER receptor signaling pathway, heregulin (HRG) induces differentiation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells while epidermal growth factor (EGF) elicits proliferation. Although cell fates resulting from action of the aforementioned ligands completely different, the respective gene expression profiles in early transcription are qualitatively similar, suggesting that gene expression during late transcription, but not early transcription, may reflect ligand specificity. In this study, based on both the data from time-course quantitative real-time PCR on over 2,000 human transcription factors and microarray of all human genes, we identified a series of transcription factors which may control HRG-specific late transcription in MCF-7 cells.ResultsWe predicted that four transcription factors including EGR4, FRA-1, FHL2, and DIPA should have responsibility of regulation in MCF-7 cell differentiation. Validation analysis suggested that one member of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) family,FOSL-1(FRA-1 gene), appeared immediately followingc-FOSexpression, might be responsible for expression of transcription factorFHL2through activation of the AP-1 complex. Furthermore, RNAi gene silencing ofFOSL-1andFHL2resulted in increase of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation of which duration was sustained by HRG stimulation.ConclusionOur analysis indicated that a time-dependent transcriptional regulatory network including c-FOS, FRA-1, and FHL2 is vital in controlling the ERK signaling pathway through a negative feedback loop for MCF-7 cell differentiation.
Cardiac embolization of an implanted fiducial marker for hepatic stereotactic body radiotherapy: a case report
Authors: Hennessey Hooman , Valenti David , Cabrera Tatiana , Panet-Raymond Valerie , Roberge David 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Introduction
In liver stereotactic body radiotherapy, reduction of normal tissue irradiation requires daily image guidance. This is typically accomplished by imaging a surrogate to the tumor. The surrogate is often an implanted metal fiducial marker. There are few reports addressing the specific risks of hepatic fiducial marker implantation. These risks are assumed to be similar to percutaneous liver biopsies which are associated with a 1-4% complication rate - almost always pain or bleeding. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of such a fiducial marker migrating to the heart.

Case presentation
An 81-year-old Caucasian man (5 years post-gastrectomy for a gastric adenocarcinoma) was referred post-second line palliative chemotherapy for radiotherapy of an isolated liver metastasis. It was decided to proceed with treatment and platinum fiducials were chosen for radiation targeting. Under local anesthesia, three Nester embolization coils (Cook Medical Inc., Bloomington, IN, USA) were implanted under computed tomography guidance. Before the placement of each coil, the location of the tip of the delivery needle was confirmed by computed tomography imaging. During the procedure, the third coil unexpectedly migrated through the hepatic vein to the inferior vena cava and lodged at the junction of the vena cava and the right atrium. The patient remained asymptomatic. He was immediately referred to angiography for extraction of the coil. Using fluoroscopic guidance, an EN Snare Retrieval System (Hatch Medical L.L.C., Snellville, GA, USA) was introduced through a jugular catheter; it successfully grasped the coil and the coil was removed. The patient was kept overnight for observation and no immediate or delayed complications were encountered due to the migration or retrieval of the coil. He subsequently went on to be treated using the remaining fiducials.

Conclusion
Implanted fiducial markers are increasingly used for stereotactic radiotherapy. There is sparse literature on the risks of such procedures. Although uncommon, the risk of migration does exist and therefore physicians (surgeons, oncologists and radiologists) and patients should be aware of this possibility.
Stroke Biomarkers: Progress and Challenges for Diagnosis, Prognosis, Differentiation, and Treatment
Authors: Saenger Amy K , Christenson Robert H 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackground: Stroke is a devastating condition encompassing a wide range of pathophysiological entities that include thrombosis, hemorrhage, and embolism. Current diagnosis of stroke relies on physician clinical examination and is further supplemented with various neuroimaging techniques. A single set or multiple sets of blood biomarkers that could be used in an acute setting to diagnosis stroke, differentiate between stroke types, or even predict an initial/reoccurring stroke would be extremely valuable.Content: We discuss the current classification, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke, focusing on use of novel biomarkers (either solitary markers or multiple markers within a panel) that have been studied in a variety of clinical settings.Summary: The current diagnosis of stroke remains hampered and delayed due to lack of a suitable mechanism for rapid (ideally point-of-care), accurate, and analytically sensitive biomarker-based testing. There is a clear need for further development and translational research in this area. Potential biomarkers identified need to be transitioned quickly into clinical validation testing for further evaluation in an acute stroke setting; to do so would impact and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Advance error by error, with erring steps: embracing and exploring mistakes and failure across the psychophysical performer training space and the page
Authors: Clarke Alissa 
Published: November 2009

Within a practical environment that reeks of the possibility of failure (Zarrilli 2002a: 163), psychophysical performer trainers, like Phillip Zarrilli and Sandra Reeve, discursively construct alternative rules and understandings of mistakes and failure. Participants' sustained assimilation
of these alternative rules lead to the necessary reconsideration and removal of conditioned responses to mistakes and failure. Through a selection of examples, and from the position of participant-observation, this article highlights how these alternative rules of mistakes and failure can
be usefully examined within, and applied to, the reflective documentation of such psychophysical practices. The examination and application of these alternative rules can help to create a more embodied, performative form of articulation that engages with the experiences of the live, fallible,
processual body. Such articulation works to tackle, upon the page and then through to the practice space, participants' disembodied conditioned responses to mistakes and failure, and supports development of a fuller psychophysical engagement.
This article explores the means of, and results
from, creating this embodied articulation in pertinent and reflexive dialogue with Luce Irigaray and, particularly, Hlne Cixous's theoretical writings. These writings explore and play with notions of bodies, embodiment and embodied writing. Moreover, direct and stimulating connections can
be drawn between the practical alternative understandings of mistakes and Cixous's and Irigaray's emphasis upon the importance of frailty, error and kindness within the processes of writing.
Therefore, through the focus of mistakes and failure, this article proposes a new interpretation
of the role of written articulations of pre-performative practice that can be used by, and taught to and by, training participants and practitioners. It demonstrates processes of written reflection that offer access to, feed, and critically analyse the embodied, creative and intuitive experiences
of the psychophysical training space.
A case of pneumonia following human infection with avian influenza a (H5N1)
Authors: Erben Nurettin , Kartal Elif , Alpat Saygin , Ozgunes Ilhan , Usluer Gaye 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The H5N1 infection was diagnosed in 12 patients in Turkey and confirmed by the WHO. Of these 12 patients so far, 8 have been published. In this case, we are presenting a case of pneumonia that developed following avian influenza infection in Eskisehir. Our case is one of the 4 patients who were not reported previously.
Risk factors for osteoporosis in healthy males
Authors: Seven Özlem , Karapolat Hale , Eyigor Sibel , Kirazlı Yesim , Durmaz Berrin 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
We investigated the correlation of bone mineral density (BMD) with risk factors and laboratory parameters (e.g., markers of bone turnover, biochemical indicators, and hormonal factors) in males without secondary osteoporosis. A total of 105 males were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n: 52) <60 years, and Group 2 (n:53) ≥ 60 years. The subjects were evaluated for risk factors (European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study (EVOS) and BMD) and for biochemical (i.e., blood calcium, blood phosphorus, urinary calcium/phosphorus, creatinine clearance, osteocalcin, and deoxypyridinoline) and hormonal markers (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], free testosterone [fT], and parathyroid [PTH]) of bone mineral metabolism. In Group 1, no significant relationship was observed between risk factors for both lumbar and femoral neck BMDs and risk factors and laboratory parameters (p>0.05). On the other hand, we observed in Group 2 a significant positive correlation between lumbar BMD and BMI, BMI at 25 years of age, and fT; in the same group, a negative correlation between lumbar BMD and deoxypyridinoline (p<0.05) was seen. We saw a significant positive correlation between femoral neck BMD and BMI, BMI at 25 years of age, and daily activities of life in Group 2. In addition, we saw a negative correlation between femoral neck BMD and height difference, fT, LH, and deoxypyridinoline in Group 2 (p<0.05). Risk factors for male osteoporosis were multifactorial: demographic and clinical data (difference of height, BMI, physical activity) together with biochemical and hormonal data (deoxypyridinoline, fT, LH) were significant, and most of the risk factors analyzed were related to bone loss in the proximal femur.
Mental retardation and consanguinity in a selected region of the Israeli Arab community
Authors: Sharkia Rajach , Azem Abdussalam , Kaiyal Qassem , Zelnik Nathanel , Mahajnah Muhammad 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The prevalence of genetic diseases and congenital malformation in the Israeli Arab community is relatively high, but its distribution is not uniform. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of mental retardation disorders in children living in 5 Israeli Arab villages and determine its association with consanguinity. Mental retardation was found to affect 300 children in the screened population, yielding an overall prevalence of 14.5 per 1000. Most of those affected (68%) were the offspring of consanguineous marriages. One village with a high prevalence (4.3%) of neurological hereditary diseases was studied in detail. The prevalence of neurological hereditary diseases and mental retardation associated with consanguinity in these children highlights the need to implement appropriate preventive program.
Time Controlled Protein Release from Layer‐by‐Layer Assembled Multilayer Functionalized Agarose Hydrogels
Authors: Mehrotra Sumit , Lynam Daniel , Maloney Ryan , Pawelec Kendell M. , Tuszynski Mark H. , Lee Ilsoon , Chan Christina , Sakamoto Jeffrey 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAxons of the adult central nervous system exhibit an extremely limited ability to regenerate after spinal cord injury. Experimentally generated patterns of axon growth are typically disorganized and randomly oriented. Support of linear axonal growth into spinal cord lesion sites has been demonstrated using arrays of uniaxial channels, templated with agarose hydrogel, and containing genetically engineered cells that secrete brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). However, immobilizing neurotrophic factors secreting cells within a scaffold is relatively cumbersome, and alternative strategies are needed to provide sustained release of BDNF from templated agarose scaffolds. Existing methods of loading the drug or protein into hydrogels cannot provide sustained release from templated agarose hydrogels. Alternatively, here it is shown that pH‐responsive H‐bonded poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG)/poly(acrylic acid)(PAA)/protein hybrid layer‐by‐layer (LbL) thin films, when prepared over agarose, provided sustained release of protein under physiological conditions for more than four weeks. Lysozyme, a protein similar in size and isoelectric point to BDNF, is released from the multilayers on the agarose and is biologically active during the earlier time points, with decreasing activity at later time points. This is the first demonstration of month‐long sustained protein release from an agarose hydrogel, whereby the drug/protein is loaded separately from the agarose hydrogel fabrication process.
High‐Strain Shape‐Memory Polymers
Authors: Voit Walter , Ware Taylor , Dasari Raghunath R. , Smith Paul , Danz Lauren , Simon Dustin , Barlow Stephen , Marder Seth R. , Gall Ken 
Published: November 2009

AbstractShape‐memory polymers (SMPs) are self‐adjusting, smart materials in which shape changes can be accurately controlled at specific, tailored temperatures. In this study, the glass transition temperature (Tg) is adjusted between 28 and 55 °C through synthesis of copolymers of methyl acrylate (MA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and isobornyl acrylate (IBoA). Acrylate compositions with both crosslinker densities and photoinitiator concentrations optimized at fractions of a mole percent demonstrate fully recoverable strains at 807% for a Tg of 28 °C, at 663% for a Tg of 37 °C, and at 553% for a Tg of 55 °C. A new compound, 4,4′‐di(acryloyloxy)benzil (referred to hereafter as Xini) in which both polymerizable and initiating functionalities are incorporated in the same molecule, was synthesized and polymerized into acrylate shape‐memory polymers, which were thermomechanically characterized yielding fully recoverable strains above 500%. The materials synthesized in this work were compared to an industry standard thermoplastic SMP, Mitsubishi's MM5510, which showed failure strains of similar magnitude, but without full shape recovery: residual strain after a single shape‐memory cycle caused large‐scale disfiguration. The materials in this study are intended to enable future applications where both recoverable high‐strain capacity and the ability to accurately and independently position Tg are required.
Sensing of Alkylating Agents Using Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Gannot Yair , Hertzog‐Ronen Carmit , Tessler Nir , Eichen Yoav 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAlkylating agents are simple and reactive molecules that are commonly used in many and diverse fields, such as organic synthesis, medicine, and agriculture. Some highly reactive alkylating species are also being used as blister chemical warfare agents. The detection and identification of alkylating agent is not a trivial issue because of their high reactivity and simple structure. Here, a novel polythiophene derivative that is capable of reacting with alkylating agents is reported, along with its application in direct electrical sensing of alkylators using an organic field‐effect transistor, OFET, device. Upon reacting with alkylators, the OFET containing the new polythiophene analogue as its channel becomes conductive, and the gate effect is lost; this is in marked contrast to the response of the OFET to “innocent” vapors, such as alcohols and acetone. By following the drain–source current under gate bias, one can easily follow the processes of absorption of the analyte to the polythiophene channel and their subsequent reaction.