bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Daily physical activity and its contribution to the health-related quality of life of ambulatory individuals with chronic stroke
Authors: Rand Debbie , Eng Janice J , Tang Pei-Fang , Hung Chihya , Jeng Jiann-Shing 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundParticipation in daily physical activity (PA) post-stroke has not previously been investigated as a possible explanatory variable of health-related quality of life (HRQL). The aims were 1) to determine the contribution of daily PA to the HRQL of individuals with chronic stroke and 2) to assess the relationship between the functional ability of these individuals to the amount of daily PA.MethodsThe amount of daily PA of forty adults with chronic stroke (mean age 66.5 ± 9.6 years) was monitored using two measures. Accelerometers (Actical) were worn on the hip for three consecutive days in conjunction with a self-report questionnaire [the PA Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD)]. The daily physical activity was measured as the mean total accelerometer activity counts/day and the PASIPD scores as the metabolic equivalent (MET) hr/day. HRQL was assessed by the Physical and Mental composite scores of the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) in addition to the functional ability of the participants. Correlation and regression analyses were performed.ResultsAfter controlling for the severity of the motor impairment, the amount of daily PA, as assessed by the PASIPD and accelerometers, was found to independently contribute to 10-12% of the variance of the Physical Composite Score of the SF-36. No significant relationship was found between PA and the Mental Composite Score of the SF-36.The functional ability of the participants was found to be correlated to the amount of daily PA (r = 0.33 - 0.67, p < 0.01).ConclusionThe results suggest that daily PA is associated with better HRQL (as assessed by the Physical composite score of the SF-36) for people living with stroke. Daily PA should be encouraged to potentially increase HRQL. Accelerometers in conjunction with a self-report questionnaire may provide important measures of PA which can be monitored and modified, and potentially influence HRQL.
Safety evaluation of allogeneic umbilical cord blood mononuclear cell therapy for degenerative conditions
Authors: Yang Wan-Zhang , Zhang Yun , Wu Fang , Min Wei-Ping , Minev Boris , Zhang Min , Luo Xiao-Ling , Ramos Famela , Ichim Thomas E , Riordan Neil H , Hu Xiang 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
The current paradigm for cord blood transplantation is that HLA matching and immune suppression are strictly required to prevent graft versus host disease (GVHD). Immunological arguments and historical examples have been made that the use of cord blood for non-hematopoietic activities such as growth factor production, stimulation of angiogenesis, and immune modulation may not require matching or immune suppression.

Methods
114 patients suffering from non-hematopoietic degenerative conditions were treated with non-matched, allogeneic cord blood. Doses of 1-3 × 107 cord blood mononuclear cells per treatment, with 4-5 treatments both intrathecal and intravenously were performed. Adverse events and hematological, immunological, and biochemical parameters were analyzed for safety evaluation.

Results
No serious adverse effects were reported. Hematological, immunological, and biochemical parameters did not deviate from normal ranges as a result of therapy.

Conclusion
The current hematology-based paradigm of need for matching and immune suppression needs to be revisited when cord blood is used for non-hematopoietic regenerative purposes in immune competent recipients.
Genetic and functional analysis of HIV-1 Rev Responsive Element (RRE) sequences from North-India
Authors: Sharma Yogeshwar , Neogi Ujjwal , Sood Vikas , Banerjee Snigdha , Samrat Subodh , Wanchu Ajay , Singh Surjit , Banerjea Akhil C 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
HIV-1 Rev protein regulates the expression of HIV-1 transcripts by binding to a highly structured stem loop structure called the Rev Responsive Element (RRE) present in the genomic and partially spliced RNAs. Genetic variation in this structure is likely to affect binding of Rev protein and ultimately overall gene expression and replication. We characterized RRE sequences from 13 HIV-1 infected individuals from North India which also included two mother-child pairs following vertical transmission. We observed high degree of conservation of sequences, including the 9-nt (CACUAUGGG) long sequence in stem-loop B, required for efficient binding of Rev protein. All of our 13 RRE sequences possessed G to A (position 66) mutation located in the critical branched-stem-loop B which is not present in consensus C or B sequence. We derived a consensus RRE structure which showed interesting changes in the stem-loop structures including the stem-loop B. Mother-Child RRE sequences showed conservation of unique polymorphisms as well as some new mutations in child RRE sequences. Despite these changes, the ability to form multiple essential stem-loop structures required for Rev binding was conserved. RRE RNA derived from one of the samples, VT5, retained the ability to bind Rev protein under in vitro conditions although it showed alternate secondary structure. This is the first study from India describing the structural and possible functional implications due to very unique RRE sequence heterogeneity and its possible role in vertical transmission and gene expression.
Sampling strategies to measure the prevalence of common recurrent infections in longitudinal studies
Authors: Schmidt Wolf-Peter , Genser Bernd , Barreto Mauricio L , Clasen Thomas , Luby Stephen P , Cairncross Sandy , Chalabi Zaid 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Background
Measuring recurrent infections such as diarrhoea or respiratory infections in epidemiological studies is a methodological challenge. Problems in measuring the incidence of recurrent infections include the episode definition, recall error, and the logistics of close follow up. Longitudinal prevalence (LP), the proportion-of-time-ill estimated by repeated prevalence measurements, is an alternative measure to incidence of recurrent infections. In contrast to incidence which usually requires continuous sampling, LP can be measured at intervals. This study explored how many more participants are needed for infrequent sampling to achieve the same study power as frequent sampling.

Methods
We developed a set of four empirical simulation models representing low and high risk settings with short or long episode durations. The model was used to evaluate different sampling strategies with different assumptions on recall period and recall error.

Results
The model identified three major factors that influence sampling strategies: (1) the clustering of episodes in individuals; (2) the duration of episodes; (3) the positive correlation between an individual's disease incidence and episode duration. Intermittent sampling (e.g. 12 times per year) often requires only a slightly larger sample size compared to continuous sampling, especially in cluster-randomized trials. The collection of period prevalence data can lead to highly biased effect estimates if the exposure variable is associated with episode duration. To maximize study power, recall periods of 3 to 7 days may be preferable over shorter periods, even if this leads to inaccuracy in the prevalence estimates.

Conclusion
Choosing the optimal approach to measure recurrent infections in epidemiological studies depends on the setting, the study objectives, study design and budget constraints. Sampling at intervals can contribute to making epidemiological studies and trials more efficient, valid and cost-effective.
Characterization of alphasatellites associated with monopartite begomovirus/betasatellite complexes in Yunnan, China
Authors: Xie Yan , Wu Peijun , Liu Pei , Gong Huanran , Zhou Xueping 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Alphasatellites are single-stranded molecules that are associated with monopartite begomovirus/betasatellite complexes.

Results
Alphasatellites were identified in begomovirus-infected plant samples in Yunnan, China. All samples that contained alphasatellites also contained betasatellites, but only some samples that contained betasatellites contained alphasatellites. Thirty-three alphasatellites were sequenced, and they ranged from 1360 to 1376 nucleotides. All alphasatellites contain 3 conserved features: a single open reading frame (Rep), a conserved hairpin structure, and an adenine-rich (A-rich) region. On the basis of the phylogenetic tree of the complete nucleotide sequences, the alphasatellites were divided into 3 types with one exception. Type 1 was associated with Tomato yellow leaf curl China virus (TYLCCNV)/Tomato yellow leaf curl China betasatellite (TYLCCNB) complex. Type 2 was associated with Tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV)/Tobacco curly shoot betasatellite (TbCSB) complex. Type 3 was associated with TbCSV/Ageratum yellow vein betasatellite (AYVB) complex. Within each type, nucleotide sequence identity ranged from 83.4 to 99.7%, while 63.4-81.3% identity was found between types. Mixed infections of alphasatellites associated with begomovirus/betasatellite complexes were documented.

Conclusions
Our results validate that alphasatellites are only associated with begomovirus/betasatellite complexes. Thirty-three sequenced alphasatellites isolated from Yunnan Province, China were divided into 3 types--each associated with a specific begomovirus/betasatellite complex. Mix-infections of alphasatellite molecules may not be unusual.
Roles of KChIP1 in the regulation of GABA-mediated transmission and behavioral anxiety
Authors: Xia Kun , Xiong Hui , Shin Yeonsook , Wang Danling , Deerinck Tom , Takahashi Hiroto , Ellisman Mark H , Lipton Stuart A , Tong Gang , Descalzi Giannina , Zhang Dongxian , Zhuo Min , Zhang Zhuohua 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
K+ channel interacting protein 1 (KChIP1) is a neuronal calcium sensor (NCS) protein that interacts with multiple intracellular molecules. Its physiological function, however, remains largely unknown. We report that KChIP1 is predominantly expressed at GABAergic synapses of a subset of parvalbumin-positive neurons in the brain. Forced expression of KChIP1 in cultured hippocampal neurons increased the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), reduced paired pulse facilitation of autaptic IPSCs, and decreases potassium current density. Furthermore, genetic ablation of KChIP1 potentiated potassium current density in neurons and caused a robust enhancement of anxiety-like behavior in mice. Our study suggests that KChIP1 is a synaptic protein that regulates behavioral anxiety by modulating inhibitory synaptic transmission, and drugs that act on KChIP1 may help to treat patients with mood disorders including anxiety.
Association of sulfotransferase SULT1A1 with breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis of case-control studies with subgroups of ethnic and menopausal statue
Authors: Jiang Yiwei , Zhou Liheng , Yan Tingting , Shen Zhenzhou , Shao Zhimin , Lu Jinsong 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background
Sulfotransferase (SULT) plays an important role in the formation of estrogen which is usually conferred as a risk factor for breast cancer. Polymorphism of the SULT1A1 may be closely associated with breast cancer. However, studies on the association between polymorphism and breast cancer have yielded inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis including ethnic subgroup and menopausal statue subgroup to investigate the association of SULT1A1 Arg213His polymorphism with breast cancer.

Methods
PubMed, EBSCO and Web of Science databases were searched for the correlative articles up to January 2010 (10362 breast cancer patients and 14250 controls). The risk (odds ratio, OR) was used to estimate the association between SULT1A1 polymorphism and breast cancer risk. All of the data from each study use either fixed-effects or random-effects.

Results
We found that SULT1A1 Arg213His had no exact effect to increase the risk of breast cancer (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.97-1.17, P = 0.164), but it did increase the risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women in the dominant model (OR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.04-1.58, P = 0.019). No similar effect was found among premenopausal breast cancer women (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.88-1.27, P = 0.537). There was a significant increase in breast cancer risk among Asian women (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.00-4.14, P = 0.051) but not Caucasian women in recessive model. There was publication bias among postmenopausal women subgroup (P = 0.002), however by using the trim and fill method, if the publication bias was the only source of the funnel plot asymmetry, it needed two more studies to be symmetrical. The value of Log OR did not change too much after the adjustment and the fail-safe number of missing studies that would bring the P-value changed was 17.

Conclusions
We concluded that the polymorphism of SULT1A1 Arg213His might be one of the high risk factors for breast cancer in Asian women and in postmenopausal women for all races. We should point out that the publication bias among postmenopausal women may partly account for the result, but the conclusion might not affected deeply by the publication bias.
Phase I Trial of the Irreversible EGFR and HER2 Kinase Inhibitor BIBW 2992 in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Yap Timothy A. , Vidal Laura , Adam Jan , Stephens Peter , Spicer James , Shaw Heather , Ang Jooern , Temple Graham , Bell Susan , Shahidi Mehdi , Uttenreuther-Fischer Martina , Stopfer Peter , Futreal Andrew , Calvert Hilary , de Bono Johann S. , Plummer Ruth 
Published: August 2010

Purpose Preclinical data have demonstrated that BIBW 2992 is a potent irreversible inhibitor of ErbB1 (EGFR/HER1) and mutated ErbB1 receptors including the T790M variant, as well as ErbB2 (HER2). A phase I study of continuous once-daily oral BIBW 2992 was conducted to determine safety, maximum-tolerated dose, pharmacokinetics (PK), food effect, and preliminary antitumor efficacy. Patients and Methods Patients with advanced solid tumors were treated. PK evaluation was performed after the first dose and at steady-state. Results Fifty-three patients received BIBW 2992 at 10 to 50 mg/d. BIBW 2992 was generally well-tolerated. The most common adverse effects included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, and fatigue. Dose-limiting toxicities included grade 3 rash (n = 2) and reversible dyspnea secondary to pneumonitis (n = 1). The recommended phase II dose was 50 mg/d. PK was dose proportional with a terminal elimination half-life ranging between 21.3 and 27.7 hours on day 1 and between 22.3 and 67.0 hours on day 27; BIBW 2992 exposure decreased after food intake. Three patients with non–small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC; two with in-frame exon 19 mutation deletions) experienced confirmed partial responses (PR) sustained for 24, 18, and 34 months, respectively. Two other patients (esophageal carcinoma and NSCLC) had nonconfirmed PRs. A patient with a PR at 10 mg/d progressed and developed symptomatic brain metastases, which subsequently regressed with an increased dose of 40 mg/d of BIBW 2992. A further seven patients had disease stabilization lasting ≥ 6 months. Conclusion Continuous, daily, oral BIBW 2992 is safe and has durable antitumor activity. It is currently being evaluated in phase III trials.
Impact of Common Medications on Serum Total Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Chang Steven L. , Harshman Lauren C. , Presti Joseph C. 
Published: August 2010

Purpose Previous studies suggest that some common medications alter prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. It remains unclear whether these reported medication effects are due to clinicodemographic factors or concurrent use of other medications. We investigated the impact of individual and combinations of common medications on PSA in a large cross-sectional study of the United States population. Patients and Methods The study included men ≥ 40 years old without prostate cancer from the 2003 to 2004 and 2005 to 2006 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Men with recent prostate manipulation, prostatitis, and those on hormone therapy were excluded. Weighted multivariate linear regression was performed on log-transformed total PSA to determine the effect of the 10 most commonly prescribed medication classes, adjusting for potential confounders including demographics, clinical characteristics, physical examination, laboratory studies, and duration of medication use. Results In total, 1,864 men met inclusion criteria. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID; P = .03), statin (P = .01), and thiazide diuretic (P = .025) intake was inversely related to PSA levels. Five years of NSAID, statin, and thiazide diuretic use was associated with PSA levels lower by 6%, 13%, and 26%, respectively. The combination of statins and thiazide diuretics showed the greatest reduction in PSA levels: 36% after 5 years. Concurrent calcium channel blocker use minimizes or negates the inverse relationship of statin use and PSA level. Conclusion We found that men using NSAIDs, statins, and thiazide diuretics have reduced PSA levels by clinically relevant amounts. The impact of regularly consuming these common medications on prostate cancer screening is unknown.
Measurement of urinary metadrenaline and normetadrenaline by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma
Authors: Marrington Rachel , Johnston Jane , Knowles Sarah , Webster Craig 
Published: August 2010

Background Measurement of metadrenalines has been recommended in the investigation of phaeochromocytoma. Urinary assays remain the most common; however, drug interference is still one of the main challenges for analytical systems. We have developed a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the quantification of total urinary normetadrenaline and total urinary metadrenaline, which does not require extraction procedures prior to analysis. Method Total urinary normetadrenaline and total urinary metadrenaline were individually quantified by electrospray ionization in the multiple-reaction monitoring mode. Deuterated internal standards were used and an acid hydrolysis step was used to convert conjugated metabolites into free metadrenalines. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Phenomenex Luna 3 μ PFP column followed by analysis on an API 3200 LC–MS/MS. Results Linearity was exhibited across the calibration range for both normetadrenaline ( r = 1, P < 0.0001) and metadrenaline ( r = 1, P < 0.0001) with the limit of quantification of 0.05 and 0.02 μmol/L, respectively. Intra-assay imprecision for both normetadrenaline and metadrenaline was less than 5.5% with % coefficient of variations of less than 4%. Inter-assay imprecision was less than 13%. Neither noradrenaline or adrenaline interfere with the assay as determined by the spiking of samples with high concentrations of noradrenaline or adrenaline ( P > 0.05). Acceptable analytical performance was seen with comparison to a high-performance liquid chromatography method and on External Quality Assessment returns. Conclusions An analytically simple and sensitive method has been developed and evaluated for the analysis of total urinary normetadrenaline and total urinary metadrenaline which is now in routine use.
Transfer of myxovirus-protein-A mRNA assay for interferon-β bioactivity measurement in multiple sclerosis patients to routine laboratory practice. A 4-year experience
Authors: Zanotti Cinzia , Ghidini Claudia , Lamorgese Cinzia , Caimi Luigi , Capra Ruggero , Imberti Luisa 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background: As new biomarkers are validated and their significance in the natural history of specific diseases is established, these technologies can be rapidly transferred to clinical application. Since it has been shown that a single post-interferon-β (IFNβ) injection measurement of myxovirus-protein-A (MxA) mRNA correlates with IFNβ bioactivity in IFNβ treated patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), we had previously validated an assay for its quantification.

Methods: We introduced a real-time PCR relative quantification assay into routine clinical practice and measured MxA mRNA expression in 564 samples from 500 unselected IFNβ treated MS patients over a 4-year period.

Results: We confirmed that the assay is reproducible over time, and found that the percentage of patients lacking MxA mRNA induction is comparable to that described in studies performed worldwide after patient selection by pre-screening for the presence of anti-IFNβ antibodies.

Conclusions: In view of its simplicity and reproducibility, this MxA assay is an alternative to anti-IFNβ antibody determinations for use in routine clinical practice.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1235–8.
Administration of testosterone to elderly hypogonadal men with Crohn's disease improves their Crohn's Disease Activity Index: a pilot study
Authors: Haider Ahmad , Kurtz Winfried , Giltay Erik J. , Gooren Louis J. , Saad Farid 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background: Both elevated and depressed testosterone (T) levels have been reported in Crohn's disease (CD). In this pilot study, effects of T administration on CD were assessed.

Materials and methods: A total of 13 men with CD, aged 45–67 years, had subnormal plasma T (mean±SD=9.0±1.4 nmol/L) (reference >12.0); they were compared to a group of 110 men of similar age with sexual and urological problems whose plasma T was also subnormal: 10.4±1.4 nmol/L (p=0.02). All received treatment with parenteral T undecanoate for 24 months. The Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) was assessed as an indicator of the severity of the disease every 3 months. Levels of T and C-reactive protein (CRP) were compared between the 13 men with CD and the other men in this study. Values of CDAI and CRP were followed-up.

Results: CRP levels were 22.7 mg/dL (95% confidence interval of the mean: 14.9–34.3) in the 13 men with CD vs. 3.5 (2.9–4.1) in 107 control men (p=0.001). Upon normalization of serum T, there was a significant decline of CDAI (from 243±19 to 89±9), CRP levels from 22.7±8.1 to 6.9±2.9 mg/dL, and white blood cell count. Hemoglobin/hematocrit increased significantly.

Conclusions: Upon normalization of plasma T the CDAI and CRP levels decreased in hypogonadal patients with CD. The mechanism of this improvement could be through immunosuppressive effects of T, reducing chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall in CD.