bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significance of platelet volume indices and platelet count in ischaemic heart disease
Authors: Ranjith M P , Divya R , Mehta V K , Krishnan M G , KamalRaj R , Kavishwar Arvind 
Published: September 2009

Background:Ischaemic heart disease is mainly caused by atherosclerosis and its complications. Platelets and their activity have an important role in initiation of atherosclerotic lesions and coronary thrombus formation. Larger platelets are enzymatically and metabolically more active and have a higher potential thrombotic ability as compared with smaller platelets.Aims:To study the changes in platelet volume indices and platelet count in ischaemic heart disease and assess their usefulness in predicting coronary events.Methods:This was a comparative study of 180 patients (60 patients with stable angina, 60 with acute coronary syndrome and 60 with non-cardiac chest pain). Blood venous sample were drawn from all subjects after admission (within 30 min) and collected in standardised EDTA sample tubes. Platelet count and volume indices were assayed within 30 min of blood collection, using Sysmex KX21-N autoanalyzer.Results:The platelet count was significantly lower in patients with acute coronary syndrome (201.28×109/l) as compared with patients with stable angina (267.07×109/l) and those from the normal population (256.65×109/l) (p<0.001). In addition, patients with acute coronary syndrome had higher platelet volume indices (10.97) compared with patients in the stable angina (10.03) and normal population groups (9.12) (p<0.001).Conclusions:Patients with acute coronary syndrome had higher platelet volume indices and lower platelet counts compared with those with stable angina and the normal population. Measurements of platelet volume indices and platelet count may be of some benefit in detecting those patients at higher risk for acute coronary events.
Cold damage to the extremities: frostbite and non-freezing cold injuries
Authors: Imray C , Grieve A , Dhillon S ,   The Caudwell Xtreme Everest Research Group
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe treatment of cold injuries to the periphery has advanced substantially in the last 10 years and optimal outcomes are only likely to be achieved if a multidisciplinary team uses the full range of diagnostic and treatment modalities that are now available. The internet and satellite phones with digital images allow immediate access by patients from remote geographical locations to hospital based specialists who can assess cold injuries and advise on early field care. The severity of frostbite injuries can now be assessed with triple phase bone scanning, allowing early prediction of likely subsequent tissue loss. Early hyperbaric oxygen therapy appears to improve outcome and the use of intravenous drugs such as synthetic prostaglandin analogues infusions and tissue plasminogen activator have been shown to reduce amputation rates. In non-freezing cold injuries the early administration of analgesia, the avoidance of secondary exposure, and the use of infrared thermography to assess the injuries are among newer approaches being introduced.
SHRIMP U-Pbc. 1860 Ma anorogenic magmatic signatures from the NW Himalaya: implications for Palaeoproterozoic assembly of the Columbia Supercontinent
Authors: Singh Sandeep , Jain A. K. , Barley Mark E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe basal parts of the Higher Himalayan Crystallines (HHC), Lesser Himalayan sedimentary sequences and mylonite zone at the base of Main Central Thrust (MCT) within the NW Himalaya clearly demonstrate anorogenic magmatic signatures at around 1860 Ma, as indicated by SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages from Bandal granitoids, Kulu–Bajura mylonite and Wangtu granitoids along the Sutlej Valley, Himachal Pradesh. Some of the zircon crystals contain older cores mostly extending back to 2600 Ma. We report for the first time a 3000 Ma old zircon core from Wangtu granitoids, which indicates reworking of ensialic Archaean crust during the assembly of the Columbia Supercontinent between 2.1 and 1.8 Ga. During the Himalayan collisional tectonics, the reworked Archaean and Palaeoproterozoic crust was imbricated and placed adjacent to each other in the Higher Himalayan Crystallines, the Inner Lesser Himalayan window zone and the Kulu–Bajura Nappe.
Palaeoproterozoic seismites (fine-grained facies of the Chaibasa Formation, east India) and their soft-sediment deformation structures
Authors: Mazumder R. , Rodríguez-López J. P. , Arima M. , van Loon A. J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMetamorphosed shales, heterolithic deposits and sandstones build up the Palaeoproterozoic Chaibasa Formation in east India. The shales (referred here to as the fine-grained facies) comprising mudstone (clay and silt size) with some minor amounts of very fine to fine sandstone were deposited below storm wave base in a deep marine basin that simultaneously underwent tectonic activity. This fine-grained facies contains strongly deformed layers, intercalated between undeformed layers. Sedimentological analysis of the deformations indicates that they formed while still in an unconsolidated or slightly consolidated state, partly during and after sedimentation, but before being covered by younger sediments. The types of deformation structures indicate an earthquake-induced origin. Thus, they should be considered as seismites. The soft-sediment deformation structures in the seismites show a wide variety of shapes and other characteristics that appear to depend on their relative position to the epicentre of the earthquake.
The Anatomy of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament
Authors: Baldwin James L. 
Published: September 2009

Background Fibrous connections and fibrofatty tissue between the layers of the medial retinaculum have prevented accurate definition of the true anatomy of the medial patellofemoral ligament. This has led to confusion about the origin, form, course, and insertion of this structure. Hypothesis The medial patellofemoral ligament is a discrete structure that can be approached, isolated, and definitively described. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Fifty fresh or fresh-frozen human knee specimens were carefully dissected to determine the precise anatomy of the medial patellofemoral ligament. Results Present in all specimens, the medial patellofemoral ligament was found to have 2 origins: (1) a transverse 10.6-mm origin from the bony groove between the medial epicondyle and the adductor tubercle, and (2) an oblique decussation originating from the proximal 30 mm of the leading edge of the superficial medial collateral ligament. The 2 origins combined and inseparably joined the vastus medialis obliquus tendon and inserted securely into the ventral edge of the bony patella over a span of 28.2 ± 5.6 mm adjacent to the articular surface of the patella. The length from the femoral origin to the patella was 59.8 ± 4.8 mm. The key to the dissection was finding the fine capsular vessels from the descending genicular artery that is between layers I and II of the medial retinacular structures. Conclusion The medial patellofemoral ligament is a constant structure in la‡yer II, with a complex anatomy that can be defined by careful dissection using the capsular branches of the descending genicular artery as a guide. Clinical Relevance This study provides essential new information that could help surgeons safely locate the medial patellofemoral ligament and repair or reconstruct it anatomically.
The Value of Using Radiographic Criteria for the Treatment of Persistent Symptomatic Olecranon Physis in Adolescent Throwing Athletes
Authors: Matsuura Tetsuya , Kashiwaguchi Shinji , Iwase Takenobu , Enishi Tetsuya , Yasui Natsuo 
Published: September 2009

Background Previously published reports present a variety of nonoperative and operative treatments for a persistent olecranon physis. However, the radiographic indication for the operative treatment is not clear. Hypothesis Our radiographic classification of persistent olecranon physis is helpful in formulating treatment decisions. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Sixteen male baseball players with persistent olecranon physis were retrospectively evaluated. The mean age at first presentation was 14.7 years (range, 12-17 years). The lesion was classified into 2 stages based on radiographic appearance. Stage I demonstrated widening of the olecranon epiphyseal plate when compared with the contralateral elbow on the lateral view. Sclerotic change indicated stage II. All patients underwent nonoperative treatment for at least 3 months. Follow-up radiographs were taken at 1-month intervals. Operative treatment was provided to the patients whose condition had failed to improve after nonoperative treatment. Results Of the 16 patients, 12 had stage I lesions and 4 had stage II lesions. Nonoperative management produced healing in 91.7% of patients with stage I lesions and none of the patients with stage II lesions. Conclusion Our radiographic classification of persistent olecranon physis is useful for treatment decision making. In addition, our results demonstrated that sclerotic change is a high predictive indicator of the need for operative treatment.
Comparison of genotoxic effect between smokeless tobacco (Maras powder) users and cigarette smokers by the alkaline comet assay
Authors: Sardas S , Cimen B , Karsli S , Yurdun T , Donbak L 
Published: September 2009

Maras powder (MP) is a kind of smokeless tobacco used in the south-eastern region of Turkey and in several other countries of Middle and Far East. The present study was performed to assess the impacts of MP and cigarette smoking on the possible DNA damaging effect. Alkaline comet assay, which is a reliable and an important tool in human biomonitoring studies in the area of genetic toxicology, was used in peripheral lymphocytes of MP users, cigarette smokers, and non-smokers while their frequencies of total comet scores (TCS) were evaluated. The mean TCS (±SD) frequency in the peripheral lymphocytes was 14.4 (±10.04) for MP users and 8.26 (±5.38), 5.94 (±3.87) for cigarette smokers ( P < 0.05) and non-smoking control subjects, respectively ( P < 0.001). There was no significant effect of daily consumption of MP and the duration of MP usage on comet frequencies. In reply to a wrong belief among MP users (“the use of smokeless tobacco product is substantially less hazardous than cigarettes”), the present study shows that the oral use of smokeless tobacco represents a genotoxic hazard which is even higher than the DNA damage observed in cigarette smokers. Therefore, habitual use of MP should be taken into account and could be considered unsafe, equally harmful, and it should not be viewed as a safe alternative to cigarettes.
Protective effect of N-acetylcysteine on experimental chronic cadmium nephrotoxicity in immature female rats
Authors: Wang L , Chen D , Cao J , Liu Z 
Published: September 2009

In the present study, female Sprague-Dawley rats received CdCl2 (50 mg/L through drinking water) and/or N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 120 mg/kg/day, orally) to investigate the protective effect of NAC on Cd-induced renal damage. Renal toxicity was evaluated by measuring the contents of total protein, β2-microglobulin, and α1-microglobulin in the urine and urinary enzyme markers of tubular necrosis, as well as levels of serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine. Activities of antioxidant enzymes and contents of glutathione, malondialdehyde, and trace elements in the kidney were also measured. Animals that received both Cd and NAC showed a better renal function than those receiving Cd alone. In addition, NAC significantly reduced the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the kidney of cadmium-treated rats. The enzymic and nonenzymatic antioxidants levels are not restored, but their further decrease is prevented by NAC. Also NAC administration does not modify the urinary excretion of cadmium or contents of cadmium in the serum and kidney. In conclusion, NAC exerts its protective effect by decreased LPO and improving antioxidants status to prevent renal tubular damage induced by chronic Cd administration, most probably through its antioxidant properties.
The role and regulation of friend of GATA-1 (FOG-1) during blood development in the zebrafish
Authors: Amigo Julio D. , Ackermann Gabriele E. , Cope John J. , Yu Ming , Cooney Jeffrey D. , Ma Dongdong , Langer Nathaniel B. , Shafizadeh Ebrahim , Shaw George C. , Horsely Wyatt , Trede Nikolaus S. , Davidson Alan J. , Barut Bruce A. , Zhou Yi , Wojiski Sarah A. , Traver David , Moran Tyler B. , Kourkoulis George , Hsu Karl , Kanki John P. , Shah Dhvanit I. , Lin Hui Feng , Handin Robert I. , Cantor Alan B. , Paw Barry H. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe nuclear protein FOG-1 binds transcription factor GATA-1 to facilitate erythroid and megakaryocytic maturation. However, little is known about the function of FOG-1 during myeloid and lymphoid development or how FOG-1 expression is regulated in any tissue. We used in situ hybridization, gain- and loss-of-function studies in zebrafish to address these problems. Zebrafish FOG-1 is expressed in early hematopoietic cells, as well as heart, viscera, and paraspinal neurons, suggesting that it has multifaceted functions in organogenesis. We found that FOG-1 is dispensable for endoderm specification but is required for endoderm patterning affecting the expression of late-stage T-cell markers, independent of GATA-1. The suppression of FOG-1, in the presence of normal GATA-1 levels, induces severe anemia and thrombocytopenia and expands myeloid-progenitor cells, indicating that FOG-1 is required during erythroid/myeloid commitment. To functionally interrogate whether GATA-1 regulates FOG-1 in vivo, we used bioinformatics combined with transgenic assays. Thus, we identified 2 cis-regulatory elements that control the tissue-specific gene expression of FOG-1. One of these enhancers contains functional GATA-binding sites, indicating the potential for a regulatory loop in which GATA factors control the expression of their partner protein FOG-1.
E3 ligase–defective Cbl mutants lead to a generalized mastocytosis and myeloproliferative disease
Authors: Bandi Srinivasa Rao , Brandts Christian , Rensinghoff Marion , Grundler Rebekka , Tickenbrock Lara , Köhler Gabriele , Duyster Justus , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Müller-Tidow Carsten , Serve Hubert ,   on behalf of the Study Alliance Leukemias, Sargin Bülent 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Somatic mutations of Kit have been found in leukemias and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The proto-oncogene c-Cbl negatively regulates Kit and Flt3 by its E3 ligase activity and acts as a scaffold. We recently identified the first c-Cbl mutation in human disease in an acute myeloid leukemia patient, called Cbl-R420Q. Here we analyzed the role of Cbl mutants on Kit-mediated transformation. Coexpression of Cbl-R420Q or Cbl-70Z with Kit induced cytokine-independent proliferation, survival, and clonogenic growth. Primary murine bone marrow retrovirally transduced with c-Cbl mutants and transplanted into mice led to a generalized mastocytosis, a myeloproliferative disease, and myeloid leukemia. Overexpression of these Cbl mutants inhibited stem cell factor (SCF)–induced ubiquitination and internalization of Kit. Both Cbl mutants enhanced the basal activation of Akt and prolonged the ligand-dependent activation. Importantly, transformation was observed also with kinase-dead forms of Kit and Flt3 in the presence of Cbl-70Z, but not in the absence of Kit or Flt3, suggesting a mechanism dependent on receptor tyrosine kinases, but independent of their kinase activity. Instead, transformation depends on the Src family kinase Fyn, as c-Cbl coimmunoprecipitated with Fyn and inhibition abolished transformation. These findings may explain primary resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeted at receptor tyrosine kinases.
Acute ablation of PERK results in ER dysfunctions followed by reduced insulin secretion and cell proliferation
Authors: Feng Daorong , Wei Jianwen , Gupta Sounak , McGrath Barbara C , Cavener Douglas R 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
A deficiency in Perk (EIF2AK3) causes multiple neonatal defects in humans known as the Wolcott Rallison syndrome. Perk KO mice exhibit the same array of defects including permanent neonatal diabetes (PND). PND in mice was previously shown by us to be due to a decrease in beta cell proliferation and insulin secretion. The aim of this study was to determine if acute ablation of PERK in the 832/13 beta cells recapitulates these defects and to identify the primary molecular basis for beta cell dysfunction.

Results
The INS1 832/13 transformed rat beta cell line was transduced with a dominant-negative Perk transgene via an adenoviral vector. AdDNPerk-832/13 beta cells exhibited reduced expression of insulin and MafA mRNAs, reduced insulin secretion, and reduced cell proliferation. Although proinsulin content was reduced in AdDNPerk-832/13 beta cells, proinsulin was abnormally retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. A temporal study of the acute ablation of Perk revealed that the earliest defect seen was induced expression of two ER chaperone proteins, GRP78/BiP and ERp72. The oxidized states of ERp72 and ERp57 were also increased suggesting an imbalance in the redox state of the ER.

Conclusion
Acute ablation of Perk in INS 832/13 beta cells exhibited all of the major defects seen in Perk KO mice and revealed abnormal expression and redox state of key ER chaperone proteins. Dysregulation of ER chaperone/folding enzymes ERp72 and GRP78/BiP occurred early after ablation of PERK function suggesting that changes in ER secretory functions may give rise to the other defects including reduced insulin gene expression, secretion, and cell proliferation.
Rapid high-throughput analysis of DNaseI hypersensitive sites using a modified Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification approach
Authors: Ohnesorg Thomas , Eggers Stefanie , Leonhard Wouter N , Sinclair Andrew H , White Stefan J 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Mapping DNaseI hypersensitive sites is commonly used to identify regulatory regions in the genome. However, currently available methods are either time consuming and laborious, expensive or require large numbers of cells. We aimed to develop a quick and straightforward method for the analysis of DNaseI hypersensitive sites that overcomes these problems.

Results
We have developed a modified Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) approach for the identification and analysis of genomic regulatory regions. The utility of this approach was demonstrated by simultaneously analysing 20 loci from the ENCODE project for DNaseI hypersensitivity in a range of different cell lines. We were able to obtain reproducible results with as little as 5 × 104 cells per DNaseI treatment. Our results broadly matched those previously reported by the ENCODE project, and both technical and biological replicates showed high correlations, indicating the sensitivity and reproducibility of this method.

Conclusion
This new method will considerably facilitate the identification and analysis of DNaseI hypersensitive sites. Due to the multiplexing potential of MLPA (up to 50 loci can be examined) it is possible to analyse dozens of DNaseI hypersensitive sites in a single reaction. Furthermore, the high sensitivity of MLPA means that fewer than 105 cells per DNaseI treatment can be used, allowing the discovery and analysis of tissue specific regulatory regions without the need for pooling. This method is quick and easy and results can be obtained within 48 hours after harvesting of cells or tissues. As no special equipment is required, this method can be applied by any laboratory interested in the analysis of DNaseI hypersensitive regions.
Salivary cotinine concentrations in daily smokers in Barcelona, Spain: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fu Marcela , Fernandez Esteve , Martínez-Sánchez Jose M , Pascual José A , Schiaffino Anna , Agudo Antoni , Ariza Carles , Borràs Josep M , Samet Jonathan M ,   the DCOT Study investigators
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundCharacterizing and comparing the determinant of cotinine concentrations in different populations should facilitate a better understanding of smoking patterns and addiction. This study describes and characterizes determinants of salivary cotinine concentration in a sample of Spanish adult daily smoker men and women.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out between March 2004 and December 2005 in a representative sample of 1245 people from the general population of Barcelona, Spain. A standard questionnaire was used to gather information on active tobacco smoking and passive exposure, and a saliva specimen was obtained to determine salivary cotinine concentration. Two hundred and eleven adult smokers (>16 years old) with complete data were included in the analysis. Determinants of cotinine concentrations were assessed using linear regression models.ResultsSalivary cotinine concentration was associated with the reported number of cigarettes smoked in the previous 24 hours (R2= 0.339; p < 0.05). The inclusion of a quadratic component for number of cigarettes smoked in the regression analyses resulted in an improvement of the fit (R2= 0.386; p < 0.05). Cotinine concentration differed significantly by sex, with men having higher levels.ConclusionThis study shows that salivary cotinine concentration is significantly associated with the number of cigarettes smoked and sex, but not with other smoking-related variables.
Prediction of outcome of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and bortezomib by time-course MALDI-TOF-MS serum peptide profiling
Authors: Voortman Johannes , Pham Thang V , Knol Jaco C , Giaccone Giuseppe , Jimenez Connie R 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Only a minority of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) benefit from chemotherapy. Serum peptide profiling of NSCLC patients was performed to investigate patterns associated with treatment outcome.
Using magnetic bead-assisted serum peptide capture coupled to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), serum peptide mass profiles of 27 NSCLC patients treated with cisplatin-gemcitabine chemotherapy and bortezomib were obtained. Support vector machine-based algorithms to predict clinical outcome were established based on differential pre-treatment peptide profiles and dynamic changes in peptide abundance during treatment.

Results
A 6-peptide ion signature distinguished with 82% accuracy, sensitivity and specificity patients with a relatively short vs. long progression-free survival (PFS) upon treatment. Prediction of long PFS was associated with longer overall survival. Inclusion of 7 peptide ions showing differential changes in abundance during treatment led to a 13-peptide ion signature with 86% accuracy at 100% sensitivity and 73% specificity. A 5-peptide ion signature could separate patients with a partial response vs. non-responders with 89% accuracy at 100% sensitivity and 83% specificity. Differential peptide profiles were also found when comparing the NSCLC serum profiles to those from cancer-free control subjects.

Conclusion
This study shows that serum peptidome profiling using MALDI-TOF-MS coupled to pattern diagnostics may aid in prediction of treatment outcome of advanced NSCLC patients treated with chemotherapy.