bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of radiofrequency ablation versus hepatic resection for small hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yanming , Zhao Yanfang , Li Bin , Xu Donghui , Yin Zhengfeng , Xie Feng , Yang Jiamei 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
There is no clear consensus on the better therapy [radiofrequency ablation (RFA) versus hepatic resection (HR)] for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) eligible for surgical treatments. This study is a meta-analysis of the available evidence.

Methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis of trials comparing RFA with HR for small HCC published from 1997 to 2009 in PubMed and Medline. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using either the fixed effects model or random effects model.

Results
One randomized controlled trial, and 9 nonrandomized controlled trials studies were included in this analysis. These studies included a total of 1411 patients: 744 treated with RFA and 667 treated with HR. The overall survival was significantly higher in patients treated with HR than in those treated with RFA at 3 years (OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.44-0.71), and at 5 year (OR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.36-1.01). RFA has a higher rates of local intrahepatic recurrence compared to HR (OR: 4.50, 95% CI: 2.45-8.27). In the HR group the 1, 3, and 5 years disease -free survival rates were significantly better than in the HR-treated patients (respectively: OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35-0.84; OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28-0.68; OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.99). The postoperative morbidity was higher with HR (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.13-0.65), but no significant differences were found concerning mortality. For tumors ≤ 3 cm HR did not differ significantly from RFA for survival, as reported in three NRCTs .

Conclusions
HR was superior to RFA in the treatment of patients with small HCC eligible for surgical treatments, particularly for tumors > 3 cm. However, the findings have to be carefully interpreted due to the lower level of evidence.
Osteopoikilosis and multiple exostoses caused by novel mutations in LEMD3 and EXT1 genes respectively - coincidence within one family
Authors: Baasanjav Sevjidmaa , Jamsheer Aleksander , Kolanczyk Mateusz , Horn Denise , Latos Tomasz , Hoffmann Katrin , Latos-Bielenska Anna , Mundlos Stefan 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Osteopoikilosis is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder, characterised by the occurrence of the hyperostotic spots preferentially localized in the epiphyses and metaphyses of the long bones, and in the carpal and tarsal bones [1]. Heterozygous LEMD3 gene mutations were shown to be the primary cause of the disease [2]. Association of the primarily asymptomatic osteopokilosis with connective tissue nevi of the skin is categorized as Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome (BOS) [3]. Additionally, osteopoikilosis can coincide with melorheostosis (MRO), a more severe bone disease characterised by the ectopic bone formation on the periosteal and endosteal surface of the long bones [4–6]. However, not all MRO affected individuals carry germ-line LEMD3 mutations [7]. Thus, the genetic cause of MRO remains unknown. Here we describe a familial case of osteopoikilosis in which a novel heterozygous LEMD3 mutation coincides with a novel mutation in EXT1, a gene involved in aetiology of multiple exostosis syndrome. The patients affected with both LEMD3 and EXT1 gene mutations displayed typical features of the osteopoikilosis. There were no additional skeletal manifestations detected however, various non-skeletal pathologies coincided in this group.

Methods
We investigated LEMD3 and EXT1 in the three-generation family from Poland, with 5 patients affected with osteopoikilosis and one child affected with multiple exostoses.

Results
We found a novel c.2203C > T (p.R735X) mutation in exon 9 of LEMD3, resulting in a premature stop codon at amino acid position 735. The mutation co-segregates with the osteopoikilosis phenotype and was not found in 200 ethnically matched controls. Another new substitution G > A was found in EXT1 gene at position 1732 (cDNA) in Exon 9 (p.A578T) in three out of five osteopoikilosis affected family members. Evolutionary conservation of the affected amino acid suggested possible functional relevance, however no additional skeletal manifestations were observed other then those specific for osteopoikilosis. Finally in one member of the family we found a splice site mutation in the EXT1 gene intron 5 (IVS5-2 A > G) resulting in the deletion of 9 bp of cDNA encoding three evolutionarily conserved amino acid residues. This child patient suffered from a severe form of exostoses, thus a causal relationship can be postulated.

Conclusions
We identified a new mutation in LEMD3 gene, accounting for the familial case of osteopoikilosis. In the same family we identified two novel EXT1 gene mutations. One of them A598T co-incided with the LEMD3 mutation. Co-incidence of LEMD3 and EXT1 gene mutations was not associated with a more severe skeletal phenotype in those patients.
Deregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) expression and lymph node metastasis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Xiqiang , Wang Anxun , Muzio Lorenzo Lo , Kolokythas Antonia , Sheng Shihu , Rubini Corrado , Ye Hui , Shi Fei , Yu Tianwei , Crowe David L , Zhou Xiaofeng 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Lymph node metastasis is a critical event in the progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). The identification of biomarkers associated with the metastatic process would provide critical prognostic information to facilitate clinical decision making. Previous studies showed that deregulation of manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2) expression is a frequent event in TSCC and may be associated with enhanced cell invasion. The purpose of this study is to further evaluate whether the expression level of SOD2 is correlated with the metastatic status in TSCC patients.

Methods
We first examined the SOD2 expression at mRNA level on 53 TSCC and 22 normal control samples based on pooled-analysis of existing microarray datasets. To confirm our observations, we examined the expression of SOD2 at protein level on an additional TSCC patient cohort (n = 100), as well as 31 premalignant dysplasias, 15 normal tongue mucosa, and 32 lymph node metastatic diseases by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results
The SOD2 mRNA level in primary TSCC tissue is reversely correlated with lymph node metastasis in the first TSCC patient cohort. The SOD2 protein level in primary TSCC tissue is also reversely correlated with lymph node metastasis in the second TSCC patient cohort. Deregulation of SOD2 expression is a common event in TSCC and appears to be associated with disease progression. Statistical analysis revealed that the reduced SOD2 expression in primary tumor tissue is associated with lymph node metastasis in both TSCC patient cohorts examined.

Conclusions
Our study suggested that the deregulation of SOD2 in TSCC has potential predictive values for lymph node metastasis, and may serve as a therapeutic target for patients at risk of metastasis.
Association between arsenic exposure and plasma cholinesterase activity: a population based study in Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Nurshad , Hoque Md Ashraful , Haque Abedul , Salam Kazi Abdus , Karim Md Rezaul , Rahman Aminur , Islam Khairul , Saud Zahangir Alam , Khalek Md Abdul , Akhand Anwarul Azim , Hossain Mostaque , Mandal Abul , Karim Md Rezaul , Miyataka Hideki , Himeno Seiichiro , Hossain Khaled 
Published: July 2010

Abstract

Background
Arsenic is a potent pollutant that has caused an environmental catastrophe in certain parts of the world including Bangladesh where millions of people are presently at risk due to drinking water contaminated by arsenic. Chronic arsenic exposure has been scientifically shown as a cause for liver damage, cancers, neurological disorders and several other ailments. The relationship between plasma cholinesterase (PChE) activity and arsenic exposure has not yet been clearly documented. However, decreased PChE activity has been found in patients suffering liver dysfunction, heart attack, cancer metastasis and neurotoxicity. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the PChE activity in individuals exposed to arsenic via drinking water in Bangladesh.

Methods
A total of 141 Bangladeshi residents living in arsenic endemic areas with the mean arsenic exposure of 14.10 ± 3.27 years were selected as study subjects and split into tertile groups based on three water arsenic concentrations: low (< 129 μg/L), medium (130-264 μg/L) and high (> 265 μg/L). Study subjects were further sub-divided into two groups (≤50 μg/L and > 50 μg/L) based on the recommended upper limit of water arsenic concentration (50 μg/L) in Bangladesh. Blood samples were collected from the study subjects by venipuncture and arsenic concentrations in drinking water, hair and nail samples were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). PChE activity was assayed by spectrophotometer.

Results
Arsenic concentrations in hair and nails were positively correlated with the arsenic levels in drinking water. Significant decreases in PChE activity were observed with increasing concentrations of arsenic in water, hair and nails. The average levels of PChE activity in low, medium and high arsenic exposure groups were also significantly different between each group. Lower levels of PChE activity were also observed in the > 50 μg/L group compared to the ≤50 μg/L group. Moreover, PChE activity was significantly decreased in the skin (+) symptoms group compared to those without (-).

Conclusions
We found a significant inverse relationship between arsenic exposure and PChE activity in a human population in Bangladesh. This research demonstrates a novel exposure-response relationship between arsenic and PChE activity which may explain one of the biological mechanisms through which arsenic exerts its neuro-and hepatotoxicity in humans.
Outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Yunnan, People's Republic of China, 2007
Authors: Yan Dongmei , Zhu Shuangli , Zhang Yong , Zhang Jing , Zhou Yongming , Xu Wenbo 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
An outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) occurred in Yunnan Province, China between August and September in 2007. A total of 3,597 cases were officially reported and the incidence rate reached 1390.94/100,000. Descriptive epidemiological analysis of the outbreak was conducted using the data from National Disease Supervision Information Management System (NDSIMS). To determine the causative agent for this outbreak and to analyze their genetic features, 30 conjunctival swabs and 19 paired serum specimens of acute and convalescent phase were collected from 30 patients with AHC, and viral isolation, molecular typing, antibody assay and phylogenetic analysis were performed.
11 virus strains were isolated from 30 conjunctival swabs. Amplification and sequencing of the VP4 region of these strains identified that coxsackievirus A24 variant (CA24v) could be the causative agent of the AHC outbreak and this was further confirmed by subsequent virus neutralizing antibody test on 19 paired serum specimens. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 3C regions showed that the Yunnan CA24v strains belonged to Group 3 and clustered with the strains isolated from worldwide AHC outbreaks after 2002. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial VP1 revealed that the Yunnan strains differed from the strains isolated from AHC outbreak in Guangdong of China in 2007 with 2.8 - 3.0% nucleotide divergence, suggesting that two different lineages of CA24v caused the independent AHC outbreaks in Yunnan and Guangdong, respectively.
The impact of bisphosphonates on the osteoblast proliferation and Collagen gene expression in vitro
Authors: Koch Felix Peter , Yekta Sareh Said , Merkel Christina , Ziebart Thomas , Smeets Ralf 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackgroundBisphosphonates are widely used in the clinical treatment of bone diseases with increased bone resorption. In terms of side effects, they are known to be associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ).The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of bisphosphonates on osteoblast proliferation by cell count and gene expression analysis of cyclin D1in vitro. Furthermore, the gene expression of the extracellular matrix protein collagen type I was evaluated. Nitrogen-containing and non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates have been compared on gene expression levels.MethodsHuman osteoblast obtained from hip bone were stimulated with zoledronate, ibandronate and clodronate at concentrations of 5 × 10-5M over the experimental periods of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 14 days. At each point in time, the cells were dissolved, the mRNA extracted, and the gene expression level of cyclin D1 and collagen type I were quantified by Real-Time RT-PCR. The gene expression was compared to an unstimulated osteoblast cell culture for control.ResultsThe proliferation appeared to have been influenced only to a small degree by bisphosphonates. Zolendronate led to a lower cyclin D1 gene expression after 10 days. The collagen gene expression was enhanced by nitrogen containing bisphosphonates, decreased however after day 10. The non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate clodronate, however, did not significantly influence cyclin D1 and collagen gene expression.ConclusionsThe above data suggest a limited influence of bisphosphonates on osteoblast proliferation, except for zoledronate. The extracellular matrix production seems to be initially advanced and inhibited after 10 days. Interestingly, clodronate has little influence on osteoblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production in terms of cyclin D1 and collagen gene expression.
Risk factors in critical illness myopathy during the early course of critical illness: a prospective observational study
Authors: Weber-Carstens Steffen , Deja Maria , Koch Susanne , Spranger Joachim , Bubser Florian , Wernecke Klaus D , Spies Claudia D , Spuler Simone , Keh Didier 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Non-excitable muscle membrane indicates critical illness myopathy (CIM) during early critical illness. We investigated predisposing risk factors for non-excitable muscle membrane at onset of critical illness.

Methods
We performed sequential measurements of muscle membrane excitability after direct muscle stimulation (dmCMAP) in 40 intensive care unit (ICU) patients selected upon a simplified acute physiology (SAPS-II) score ≥ 20 on 3 successive days within 1 week after ICU admission. We then investigated predisposing risk factors, including the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-system, inflammatory, metabolic and hemodynamic parameters, as well as suspected medical treatment prior to first occurrence of abnormal dmCMAP. Nonparametric analysis of two-factorial longitudinal data and multivariate analysis were used for statistical analysis.

Results
22 patients showed abnormal muscle membrane excitability during direct muscle stimulation within 7 (5 to 9.25) days after ICU admission. Significant risk factors for the development of impaired muscle membrane excitability in univariate analysis included inflammation, disease severity, catecholamine and sedation requirements, as well as IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-I), but did not include either adjunctive hydrocortisone treatment in septic shock, nor administration of neuromuscular blocking agents or aminoglycosides. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, interleukin-6 remained the significant risk factor for the development of impaired muscle membrane excitability (HR 1.006, 95%-CI (1.002 to 1.011), P = 0.002).

Conclusions
Systemic inflammation during early critical illness was found to be the main risk factor for development of CIM during early critical illness. Inflammation-induced impairment of growth-factor mediated insulin sensitivity may be involved in the development of CIM.
Proven infection-related sepsis induces a differential stress response early after ICU admission
Authors: Lesur Olivier , Roussy Jean-Francois , Chagnon Frederic , Gallo-Payet Nicole , Dumaine Robert , Sarret Philippe , Chraibi Ahmed , Chouinard Lucie , Hogue Bruno 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Neuropeptides arginine-vasopressin (AVP), apelin (APL), and stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) are involved in the dysfunction of the corticotropic axis observed in septic ICU patients. Study aims were: (i) to portray a distinctive stress-related neuro-corticotropic systemic profile of early sepsis, (ii) to propose a combination data score, for aiding ICU physicians in diagnosing sepsis on admission.

Methods
This prospective one-center observational study was carried out in a medical intensive care unit (MICU), tertiary teaching hospital. Seventy-four out of 112 critically ill patients exhibiting systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) were divided into two groups: proven sepsis and non sepsis, based on post hoc analysis of microbiological criteria and final diagnosis, and compared to healthy volunteers (n = 14). A single blood sampling was performed on admission for measurements of AVP, copeptin, APL, SDF-1α, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol baseline and post-stimulation, and procalcitonin (PCT).

Results
Blood baseline ACTH/cortisol ratio was lower and copeptin higher in septic vs. nonseptic patients. SDF-1α was further increased in septic patients vs. normal patients. Cortisol baseline, ACTH, PCT, APACHE II and sepsis scores, and shock on admission, were independent predictors of sepsis diagnosis upon admission. Using the three first aforementioned categorical bio-parameters, a probability score for predicting sepsis yielded an area under the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) curves better than sepsis score or PCT alone (0.903 vs 0.727 and 0.726: P = 0.005 and P < 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions
The stress response of early admitted ICU patients is different in septic vs. non-septic conditions. A proposed combination of variable score analyses will tentatively help in refining bedside diagnostic tools to efficiently diagnose sepsis after further validation.
Highly Stable Solubilization of Membrane Protein Bacteriorhodopsin with a Short-chain Phospholipid Diheptanoylphosphatidylcholine
Authors: Sonoyama Masashi , Fukumoto Mina , Kuwabara Yumiko 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
A short-chain phosphatidylcholine, diheptanoyl PC (diC7 PC), was employed for solubilizing a membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin (bR). Highly stable and efficient solubilization of bR was accomplished above the surfactant concentration of ca. 15 mM. Denaturation experiments for the solubilized bR showed that diC7 PC provided a more stable environment with bR than n-octyl-β-glucosides, especially in the functional state under light irradiation, suggesting that the short chain PC is a promising surfactant for solubilizing membrane proteins.
The Workers' Compensation Experience: A Qualitative Exploration of Workers' Beliefs Regarding the Impact of the Compensation System on Their Recovery and Rehabilitation
Authors: Wall Cindy L. , Morrissey Shirley A. , Ogloff James R.P. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAttempts to develop a better understanding of the interaction between the compensation environment and injured workers suggest that the compensation environment may negatively impact on the psychological wellbeing of injured workers. This study offers a complementary perspective to contemporary quantitative studies exploring the psychosocial aspects of workplace injury and disability, and contributes to the growing body of qualitative data on the interaction of personal and environmental factors influencing recovery from work injury. The beliefs and experience of injured workers, as explored through ethnographic interviewing, offer insight to the social meaning and relationships comprised in the compensation environment and reveal the pervasive impact of workplace injury across personal, social and occupational spheres. Poor claims administration and hostile interpersonal interactions are identified as particular sources of frustration and discontent for injured workers. Strong themes of perceived injustice emerge as a potentially valuable area for future research in improving the outcomes of compensable injury.
Translations of the “Evidence-Based Medicine” concept in different languages: is it time for international standardisation?
Authors: Watine Joseph 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Although the concept of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) is quite popular among English speaking physicians, it still needs to be adopted by an overwhelming majority of health care professionals in countries where English is not familiar. Thus, this concept can be translated in many different, and potentially misleading, ways. This is regrettable because the concept is, at least potentially, a very useful one. As an illustration, I have compiled some of the French translations of EBM that are currently in use in French speaking countries, and indicated briefly how most of these translations (except for one) are bound to be misleading. Many of these misleading translations currently in use strongly suggest that it is time for an international standardisation of the translations of EBM in different languages.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1227–8.
The restrained Rietveld refinement of modulated trivalent metal polyphosphates M(PO3)3
Authors: Ivashkevich Ludmila S. , Lyakhov Alexander S. , Selevich Anatoly F. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Room temperature X-ray powder diffraction data were used to investigate modulated crystal structures of two monoclinic polyphosphates of crystal form C, In(PO3)3 and Y(PO3)3, by the Rietveld refinement. The structures were refined with the program JANA2006 in the superspace groups Xc(0β0)0, β = 1/3, for commensurately modulated In(PO3)3, and Cc(0β0)0, β = 0.36564(7), for incommensurately modulated Y(PO3)3. The positional modulations were described with the first-order harmonic functions. The Rietveld refinement was performed with soft restraints on bond lengths and valence angles in PO4 tetrahedra, as well as on angles in MO6 octahedra. No initial information about modulation parameters was used. A good agreement of the observed and calculated intensities of main and satellite reflections was achieved for both compounds. Obtained modulated structures of In(PO3)3 and Y(PO3)3 are close to published single crystal data.
Structure determination without Fourier inversion. Part VI: High resolution direct space structure information from one-dimensional data obtained with two wavelengths
Authors: Kirfel Armin , Fischer Karl F. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
A method for locating in an unknown one-dimensional structure (or structure projection) a resonant scattering atom from reflection intensities measured at two wavelengths is presented in terms of the parameter space concept. Even with rather few one-dimensional data the method permits high resolution (well beyond that of Fourier or Patterson calculations). In presence of some hundred ‘light’ atoms, a resonant scattering ‘heavy’ atom can be retrieved from a small number of proposed positions, even if reflection intensities with maximum relative errors of up to 20 or 30% are used. The same applies to structures composed of up to about 50 ‘normal’ atoms with scattering powers similar to that of the resonant scatterer. Further, the method allows for combining the results from sub-sets of a harmonic reflection data sequence, and there is no need to include the lowest reflection orders. Results for some hypothetical model structures both with and without inversion centre are presented and discussed. Also, the advantage of the technique compared to conventional one-dimensional difference Patterson calculations is illustrated and possible applications of the method and extensions to several resonant scatterers are adressed.