bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiopoietin 2 levels in serum and bronchial lavage fluids and their relationship with cancer stages in lung cancer patients
Authors: Ayten Omer , Tas Dilaver , Demirer Ersin , Okutan Oguzhan , Ciftci Faruk , Aytekin Metin , Uysal Atilla , Kartaloglu Zafer 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackground:  Angiopoietin 2 (Ang‐2) has an important role in tumor angiogenesis. In this study, Ang‐2 levels of serum and bronchioloalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) in patients with lung cancer were measured and correlated with clinical and biochemical parameters.Methods:  Thirty‐five cases newly diagnosed with lung cancer and 18 controls with non‐cancerous lung diseases were included in the study. Tumor histology, staging, metastasis, tumor markers, biochemical and clinical parameters were all recorded.Results:  Serum Ang‐2 levels were significantly higher in the lung cancer group compared to the control (lung cancer median: 2.42 ng/mL [2.19–2.98], control 0.67 [0.31–1.10]; P < 0.001), whereas Ang‐2 levels in BALF were lower in the lung cancer group compared to the control (lung cancer median 0.41 ng/mL [0.22–0.79], control 0.67 [0.46–1.03]; P = 0.02). In the cancer group, higher serum Ang‐2 levels (r = 0.52, P < 0.001) were associated with the stage of cancer. No significant correlation was observed between BALF Ang‐2 levels and non‐small cell lung cancer stages and small‐cell lung cancer advanced stage (P = 0.793, r = 0.07). Serum Ang‐2 levels were significantly higher in distant metastasis (M1) versus no distant metastasis (M0) (M1: 2.57 ng/mL [2.38–2.87], M0: 2.22 [1.49–2.40], P = 0.01). No significant correlation was observed between BALF Ang‐2 levels and M1 (r = 0.11, P = 0.53).Conclusions:  Serum Ang‐2 levels were significantly higher in lung cancer patients and positive correlations were observed between serum Ang‐2, tumor stage, and metastasis.
Peri‐implantitis: from diagnosis to therapeutics
Authors: Nguyen‐Hieu Tung , Borghetti Alain , Aboudharam Gérard 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPeri‐implantitis is an infection of the tissue around an implant, resulting in the loss of supporting bone. Risk factors for peri‐implantitis consist of a history of periodontitis, dental plaque, poor oral hygiene, smoking, alcohol consumption and diabetes. A clinical diagnosis indicates inflammatory signs including bleeding on probing with or without suppuration and a peri‐implant pocket depth ≥5 mm. A radiograph shows images of marginal bone loss ≥2 mm. A differential diagnosis of peri‐implant mucositis, occlusal overload, retrograde peri‐implantitis and inflammatory implant periapical lesions suggests the appropriate treatment in each case. The non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis, including a mechanical treatment alone or combined with antiseptics or antibiotics can improve clinical parameters in the short term but residual defects may still persist. Surgical treatment such as guided bone regeneration results in a gain of clinical attachment level and bone reconstruction in the long term. The limited effect of laser‐assisted therapy needs to be further evaluated. The concept of prevention based on early detection and regular maintenance plays a principal role in reducing the occurrence of peri‐implantitis.
Biosafety Considerations of Mammalian-Transmissible H5N1 Influenza
Authors: Imperiale Michael J. , Hanna Michael G. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT
The ability to produce an H5N1 influenza virus that can be transmitted from human to human raises both biosecurity and biosafety concerns. After analyzing the biosafety risks of such a virus, we propose that it be handled at biosafety level 4 (BSL4) containment until and unless it becomes clear that the risks to humans and other mammals can be mitigated.
Fibroproliferative changes on high-resolution CT in the acute respiratory distress syndrome predict mortality and ventilator dependency: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Ichikado Kazuya , Muranaka Hiroyuki , Gushima Yasuhiro , Kotani Toru , Nader Habashi M , Fujimoto Kiminori , Johkoh Takeshi , Iwamoto Norihiro , Kawamura Kodai , Nagano Junji , Fukuda Koichiro , Hirata Naomi , Yoshinaga Takeshi , Ichiyasu Hidenori , Tsumura Shinsuke , Kohrogi Hirotsugu , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Yoshioka Masakazu , Sakuma Tsutomu , Suga Moritaka 
Published: March 2012

ObjectivesTo examine whether the extent of fibroproliferative changes on high-resolution CT (HRCT) scan influences prognosis, ventilator dependency and the associated outcomes in patients with early acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).DesignA prospective observational cohort study.SettingIntensive care unit in a teaching hospital.Participants85 patients with ARDS who met American-European Consensus Conference Criteria and eligible criteria.InterventionsHRCT scans were performed and prospectively evaluated by two independent observers on the day of diagnosis and graded into six findings according to the extent of fibroproliferation. An overall HRCT score was obtained by previously published method.Primary and secondary outcomesThe primary outcome was 60-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included the number of ventilator-free days, organ failure-free days, the incidence of barotraumas and the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.ResultsHigher HRCT scores were associated with statistically significant decreases in organ failure-free days as well as ventilator-free days. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model showed that the HRCT score remained an independent risk factor for mortality (HR 1.20; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.36; p=0.005). Multivariate analysis also revealed that the CT score had predictive value for ventilator weaning within 28 days (OR 0.63; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.82; p=0.0006) as well as for an incidence of barotraumas (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.38; p=0.018) and for an occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.89; p=0.004). A HRCT score <210 enabled prediction of 60-day survival with 71% sensitivity and 72% specificity and of ventilator-weaning within 28 days with 75% sensitivity and 76% specificity.ConclusionsPulmonary fibroproliferation assessed by HRCT in patients with early ARDS predicts increased mortality with an increased susceptibility to multiple organ failure, including ventilator dependency and its associated outcomes.
Extensively hydrolysed casein formula supplemented withLactobacillus rhamnosusGG maintains hypoallergenic status: randomised double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial
Authors: Muraro Antonella , Hoekstra Maarten O , Meijer Yolanda , Lifschitz Carlos , Wampler Jennifer L , Harris Cheryl , Scalabrin Deolinda M F 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the hypoallergenicity of an extensively hydrolysed (EH) casein formula supplemented withLactobacillus rhamnosusGG (LGG).DesignA prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.SettingTwo study sites in Italy and The Netherlands.Study participantsChildren with documented cow's milk allergy were eligible for inclusion in this trial.InterventionsAfter a 7-day period of strict avoidance of cow's milk protein and other suspected food allergens, participants were tested with an EH casein formula with demonstrated hypoallergenicity (control, EHF) and a formula of the same composition with LGG added at 108colony-forming units per gram powder (EHF-LGG) in randomised order in a double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC). After absence of adverse reactions in the DBPCFC, an open challenge was performed with EHF-LGG, followed by a 7-day home feeding period with the same formula.Main outcome measureClinical assessment of any adverse reactions to ingestion of study formulae during the DBPCFC.ResultsFor all participants with confirmed cow's milk allergy (n=31), the DBPCFC and open challenge were classified as negative.ConclusionThe EH casein formula supplemented with LGG is hypoallergenic and can be recommended for infants and children allergic to cow's milk who require an alternative to formulae containing intact cow's milk protein.Trial registration numberhttp://ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier:NCT01181297.
Hypertension Analysis of stress Reduction using Mindfulness meditatiON and Yoga (The HARMONY Study): study protocol of a randomised control trial
Authors: Blom Kimberly , How Maxine , Dai Monica , Baker Brian , Irvine Jane , Abbey Susan , Abramson Beth L , Myers Martin , Perkins Nancy , Tobe Sheldon W 
Published: March 2012

IntroductionHypertension (HTN) is a leading risk factor for preventable cardiovascular disease, with over one in five adults affected worldwide. Lifestyle modification is a key strategy for the prevention and treatment of HTN. Stress has been associated with greater cardiovascular risk, and stress management is a recommended intervention for hypertensives. Stress reduction through relaxation therapies has been shown to have an effect on human physiology, including lowering blood pressure (BP). However, individualised behavioural interventions are resource intensive, and group stress management approaches have not been validated for reducing HTN. The HARMONY Study is a pilot randomised controlled trial designed to determine if mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a standardised group therapy, is an effective intervention for lowering BP in stage 1 unmedicated hypertensives.Methods and analysisMen and women unmedicated for HTN with mean daytime ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) ≥135/85 mm Hg or 24 h ABP ≥130/80 mm Hg are included in the study. Subjects are randomised to receive MBSR immediately or after a wait-list control period. The primary outcome measure is mean awake and 24 h ABP. The primary objective of the HARMONY Study is to compare ABP between the treatment and wait-list control arm at the 12-week primary assessment period. Results from this study will determine if MBSR is an effective intervention for lowering BP in early unmedicated hypertensives.Ethics and disseminationThis research project was approved by the Sunnybrook Research Ethics Board and the University Health Network Research Ethics Board (Toronto, Canada). Planned analyses are in full compliance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Data collection will be completed by early spring 2012. Primary and secondary analysis will commence immediately after data monitoring is completed; dissemination plans include preparing publications for submission during the summer of 2012.Trial registration numberThis study is registered withhttp://clinicaltrials.gov(NCT00825526).
Socioeconomic position and place of death of cancer patients
Authors: Neergaard Mette Asbjoern , Jensen Anders Bonde , Sokolowski Ineta , Olesen Frede , Vedsted Peter 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveMost terminally ill patients and relatives prefer care and death to occur at home. However, in many cases patients die in hospital and the question arises whether social inequity in palliative care exists. The aim of this study was to analyse associations between dying at home and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics adjusted for healthcare utilisation among Danish cancer patients.MethodPopulation-based, cross-sectional register study in Aarhus County, Denmark. 599 deceased adults who died from cancer from 1 March to 30 November 2006 in a well-defined geographical area were identified. Based on unique personal identifier numbers, socioeconomic data and healthcare utilisation from different registers were retrieved and analysed.ResultsMultivariate analysis showed that dying at home was negatively associated with, first, being either 50–59 (prevalence ratio (PR): 0.67 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.99)) or 70–79 years of age (PR: 0.83 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.99)) compared with being 80 years or above; second, a middle personal income compared with a high income (PR: 0.86 (95% CI 0.75 to 1.00)); and, third, being employed or having a leadership position compared with being unemployed/student/receiving social security (PR: 0.72 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.98)).ConclusionThe found socioeconomic differences in whether death occurred at home or at institutions indicate that age, income and social class must be taken into account when palliative care services engage in fulfilling preferences of dying at home. This may lead to more equality in the possibility of dying at home, despite differences in socioeconomic level.
Peritoneal fluid analysis in dairy cows with left displaced abomasum and abomasal volvulus
Authors: Grosche A. , Fürll M. , Wittek T. 
Published: March 2012

Peritoneal fluid (PF) was evaluated in 40 cows with left displaced abomasum (LDA) and 15 cows with abomasal volvulus (AV). PF was obtained by abdominocentesis at the right ventral abdomen at admission. Simultaneously, a blood sample was taken from the jugular vein. Biochemical and cytological variables in blood and PF specific for ischaemia, inflammation and cell damage were compared. Total protein, albumin, glucose and cholesterol were normal in PF of cows with LDA and AV. Although L‐lactate increased in both groups, cows with AV had significantly higher values (LDA: 1.47/0.69/2.68 mmol/l; AV: 6.45/4.55/12.89 mmol/l (median/1. quartile/3. quartile)). D‐dimer (LDA: 0.50/0.22/0.88 mg/l; AV: 1.11/0.40/1.85 mg/l) and LDH (LDA: 663/437/943 U/l; AV: 1099/750/1439 U/l) were only increased in PF of cows with AV. The number of leucocytes was normal; however, significantly more peritoneal neutrophils appeared necrotic or apoptotic after AV.PF of cows with abomasal displacement showed distinctive features of ischaemia and inflammation. Characteristics of haemostatic dysfunction and cell damage were mainly evident in PF of cows with AV. The results suggest that anti‐inflammatory therapy is indicated in each cow with abomasal displacement. Additionally, medical treatment should be directed to prevent complications of ischaemia and reperfusion in cows with AV.
Impacts of experimental leaf harvesting on a North American medicinal shrub, Rhododendron groenlandicum
Authors: Tendland Youri , Pellerin Stéphanie , Haddad Pierre , Cuerrier Alain 
Published: March 2012

Harvesting of medicinal plants from wild populations is increasing worldwide, however, studies on sustainable harvesting techniques are lacking. In this exploratory study, we investigated the impact of leaf harvesting on Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron & Judd, a North American temperate shrub, used traditionally as a medicinal plant by the Cree Nation. The species is widely distributed, but Crees are worried that commercial harvesting could threaten local plant populations. Our study was conducted near the Cree Nation of Mistissini (James Bay, Northern Quebec). Three leaf harvest regimes were tested in 2008 and 2009: no harvest, all leaves harvested, and only old leaves harvested; each treatment was performed on 30 plants. The harvesting of all leaves had a negative impact on stem elongation after the first harvest, while leaf production and stem radial growth decreased after the second harvest. Two-thirds of the plants also died following the second regime of harvesting all leaves. The harvesting of old leaves had no significant impact on growth, leaf production, or survival of R. groenlandicum, even after 2 years of harvest. These results lead to the conclusion that sustainable harvest of this species is possible, but further study is required to make definite recommendations.
Antheridiogen concentration and spore size predict gametophyte size inCeratopteris richardii
Authors: Ganger Mike , Sturey Tiffany 
Published: March 2012

In many plants females invest more in reproduction than males. In organisms that exhibit environmental sex determination, individuals in low-quality environments or who are slow growing are expected to develop into males. The gametophytes of Ceratopteris richardii Brongn., a homosporous fern, may develop as males or hermaphrodites. Hermaphrodites secrete a pheromone called antheridiogen that induces undifferentiated spores to develop as males. Given that induction is not 100% in the presence of antheridiogen, it is hypothesized that resources may alter C. richardii gender decisions. An experiment was undertaken to determine (i) whether spore size predicts gender, (ii) whether spore size predicts gametophyte size, (iii) whether antheridiogen negatively affects the growth of C. richardii, and (iv) whether wild-type C. richardii and him1 mutants (genetic mutants disposed to male development regardless of antheridiogen presence) behave similarly in their response to antheridiogen. Spore size was not predictive of gender but was positively related to both male and hermaphrodite gametophyte size. Antheridiogen was found to slow the growth of male and hermaphrodite gametophytes of the wild type and male gametophytes of the him1 mutant. These results are supportive of the idea that gender may be determined indirectly through antheridiogen’s effect on gametophyte growth.
Two distinct pathways for iron acquisition by iron-limited cyanobacterial cells: evidence from experiments using siderophores and synthetic chelators
Authors: Sonier Mathew B. , Contreras Daniel A. , Treble Ron G. , Weger Harold G. 
Published: March 2012

Iron-limited cyanobacterial cells are generally considered to acquire extracellular iron through a siderophore-dependent system, although evidence has started to accumulate that other, as yet poorly characterized, iron acquisition systems may also play a role. Iron-limited cells of the cyanobacterium Anabaena flos-aquae (Lyng.) Brèb. are well known to produce the relatively low Fe(III) affinity dihydroxamate siderophore schizokinen. In this set of experiments we show that iron-limited A. flos-aquae cells (i) acquired iron at substantial rates in the absence of the schizokinen and (ii) acquired iron from a bacterial siderophore (the trihydroxamate molecule desferrioxamine B (DFB)), and also a synthetic chelator (N, N-bis(2-(bis(carboxymethyl)amino)ethyl)glycine (DTPA)), with substantially higher affinities for Fe(III) than schizokinen, indicating that a schizokinen-independent iron acquisition pathway was operating. We suggest that there exists a siderophore-independent iron acquisition system that is able to acquire Fe(III) from high stability Fe(III)-chelates, which are not accessible to iron-limited cells via the schizokinen-based system. As well, we present two possible models for iron acquisition by iron-limited A. flos-aquae cells. Both of these models suggest that there are two major routes for Fe(III) entry into the periplasm of iron-limited cells: (1) the well-characterized siderophore (schizokinen) dependent process and (2) a siderophore-independent process that is able to access Fe(III) sources not biologically available to the schizokinen system.
Interactions between plant hormones and light quality signaling in regulating the shoot growth ofArabidopsis thalianaseedlings
Authors: Kurepin Leonid V. , Walton Linda J. , Hayward Allison , Emery R. J. Neil , Pharis Richard P. , Reid David M. 
Published: March 2012

The effects of a decrease in red to far-red (R/FR) ratio on shoot growth of two-week-old Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. seedlings were examined in the context of possible causal involvement of key plant growth hormones. Decreasing the R/FR ratio significantly increased petiole elongation and leaf area expansion of the Columbia (Col) line seedlings. In contrast, seedlings of the Landsberg erecta (Ler) line showed no significant change in leaf area and only a marginal increase in petiole growth. This low R/FR ratio-induced growth was accompanied by significant increases in concentrations of the growth “effector” gibberellin (GA4) and an auxin (indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)) in shoot tissues of Col. However, cytokinins (CKs) in Col shoot tissues were decreased and ethylene evolution was reduced when the R/FR ratio was decreased from that of normal sunlight to a low R/FR ratio. Several A. thaliana genotypes with plant hormone-related mutations were also assessed, including auxin resistant, axr2-1; GA insensitive, gai-1; and ethylene over-producing, eto2. None of these increased their petiole length or leaf area growth in response to lowering the R/FR ratio. We thus conclude that both GA4and IAA are causally involved in the increased shoot growth of A. thaliana Col seedlings that occurs in response to a lower than normal R/FR ratio.
Endothelial Expression of TNF Receptor-1 Generates a Proapoptotic Signal Inhibited by Integrin α6β1 in Glioblastoma
Authors: Huang Ping , Rani M.R. Sandhya , Ahluwalia Manmeet S. , Bae Eunnyung , Prayson Richard A. , Weil Robert J. , Nowacki Amy S. , Hedayat Hirad , Sloan Andrew E. , Lathia Justin D. , Rich Jeremy N. , Tipps Russell , Gladson Candece L. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Activation of TNF receptor 1 (TNF-R1) can generate signals that promote either apoptosis or survival. In this study, we show that these signals can be determined by the character of the extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, through studies of glioblastoma, we showed that TNFα stimulation induced apoptosis of primary brain endothelial cells (EC) attached to collagen or fibronectin (which engage integrins α2β1/α3β1 and α5β1, respectively), but did not induce apoptosis of ECs attached to laminin (which engages integrins α6β1 and α3β1). TNF-R1 expression was significantly higher in ECs in glioblastoma (GBM) tumors compared with ECs in normal brain specimens. TNFα was also expressed in GBM tumor-associated ECs, which was associated with longer patient survival. ECs plated on anti-integrin α2 or α3 antibody were susceptible to TNFα-induced apoptosis, whereas those plated on anti-integrin α6 antibody were not. Moreover, the ECs plated on laminin, but not collagen, expressed cellular FLICE inhibitory protein (cFLIP) and TNFα stimulation of laminin-attached cells in which cFLIP had been downregulated resulted in the induction of apoptosis. In contrast, attachment to laminin did not induce cFLIP expression in GBM tumor stem cells. Together, our findings indicate that the laminin receptor integrin α6β1 promotes the survival of brain ECs by inhibiting prodeath signaling by TNF-R1, in part by inducing cFLIP expression. Cancer Res; 72(6); 1428–37. ©2012 AACR.
Estrogen Receptor Alpha Mediates Progestin-Induced Mammary Tumor Growth by Interacting with Progesterone Receptors at the Cyclin D1/MYC Promoters
Authors: Giulianelli Sebastián , Vaqué José P. , Soldati Rocío , Wargon Victoria , Vanzulli Silvia I. , Martins Rubén , Zeitlin Eduardo , Molinolo Alfredo A. , Helguero Luisa A. , Lamb Caroline A. , Gutkind J. Silvio , Lanari Claudia 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Synthetic progesterone used in contraception drugs (progestins) can promote breast cancer growth, but the mechanisms involved are unknown. Moreover, it remains unclear whether cytoplasmic interactions between the progesterone receptor (PR) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) are required for PR activation. In this study, we used a murine progestin-dependent tumor to investigate the role of ERα in progestin-induced tumor cell proliferation. We found that treatment with the progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) induced the expression and activation of ERα, as well as rapid nuclear colocalization of activated ERα with PR. Treatment with the pure antiestrogen fulvestrant to block ERα disrupted the interaction of ERα and PR in vitro and induced the regression of MPA-dependent tumor growth in vivo. ERα blockade also prevented an MPA-induced increase in CYCLIN D1 (CCND1) and MYC expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies showed that MPA triggered binding of ERα and PR to the CCND1 and MYC promoters. Interestingly, blockade or RNAi-mediated silencing of ERα inhibited ERα, but not PR binding to both regulatory sequences, indicating that an interaction between ERα and PR at these sites is necessary for MPA-induced gene expression and cell proliferation. We confirmed that nuclear colocalization of both receptors also occurred in human breast cancer samples. Together, our findings argued that ERα–PR association on target gene promoters is essential for progestin-induced cell proliferation. Cancer Res; 72(9); 2416–27. ©2012 AACR.