bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endometrial Adenocarcinoma in a 27-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Fadhlaoui Anis , Hassouna Jamel Ben , Khrouf Mohamed , Zhioua Fethi , Chaker Anis 
Published: December 2010

Background Endometrial adenocarcinoma usually occurs after menopause, but in 2%–14% of cases, it occurs in young patients (less than 40 years of age) who are eager to preserve their fertility. Its treatment includes hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy, and, in some cases, radiation therapy. Aim To describe a case of endometrial adenocarcinoma occurring in a young woman and to undertake a literature review of risk factors and therapeutic options proposed for young women wishing to preserve their fertility. Case We report a case of endometrial cancer in a 27-year-old woman treated for resistant menorrhagia and cared for in our department as well as in the Salah Azaiez Institute. Conclusion Endometrial adenocarcinoma rarely occurs in young women. In such cases, other therapeutic options can be proposed: progesterone therapy and LH-RH (Luteinzing-Hormone-Releasing-Hormone) agonists therapy in order to preserve fertility in younger patients.
Microscopic Colitis and Medication Use
Authors: Pascua Monina F. , Kedia Prashant , Weiner Mark G. , Holmes John , Ellenberg Jonas , Lewis James D. 
Published: December 2010

Background The incidence of microscopic colitis (MC) is increasing, but its etiology remains unknown. Case reports and limited controlled data suggest that commonly prescribed drugs may be triggers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of selected medication use [Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), and Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)] in patients with MC compared to ‘random controls’ and ‘diarrhea controls.' Methods All patients were selected from primary care practices of a university health system during 2002 to 2007. Patients with biopsy proven lymphocytic or collagenous colitis were identified as cases. Diarrhea controls consisted of a 10:1 random sample of patients with chronic diarrhea and normal colon biopsies. Ten random controls were matched to each case on sex and index date (date of biopsy proven diagnosis). Drugs prescribed within the year prior to the index date were collected from the electronic medical record system. Results 26 cases (median age 68.9 yrs), 259 random, and 259 diarrhea controls were identified. The adjusted ORs for PPI, SSRI, and statin prescription within 12 months of diagnosis of MC between cases and diarrhea controls were 0.28 (0.07-1.07), 0.87 (0.28-2.64), 1.12 (0.34-3.71) respectively. Use of PPI and statins was less common in MC patients than in random controls ( P < 0.05 for both comparisons). Conclusions While prior data suggest that PPIs, statins, and SSRIs may be etiologically related to MC, our study found no increased association with these drugs.
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients Presenting Acutely with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lin Chin , Edwards Colin , Armstrong Guy P. , Scott Anthony , Patel Hitesh , Hart Hamish , Christiansen Jonathan P. 
Published: December 2010

The prevalence and prognostic importance of CM occurring as a consequence of AF is poorly defined. This study investigated the incidence of CM in patients with AF, its clinical features and long-term outcomes. We demonstrated that CM is common in patients presenting acutely with newly diagnosed rapid AF, and carries a worse long-term prognosis. Systolic dysfunction was reversible in an important proportion of patients, suggesting a greater prevalence of rate-related CM in AF than has previously been postulated. This underscores the importance of appropriate rhythm management strategies and repeat imaging studies. Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) may precipitate LV dysfunction, potentially leading to cardiomyopathy (CM). The prevalence and prognostic importance of CM occurring as a consequence of AF is poorly defined. We investigated the incidence of CM in patients with AF, its clinical features and long-term outcomes. Methods We reviewed 292 consecutive patients (average age 72 ± 13yrs) presenting acutely with AF and tachycardia over a 3 year period from June 2004. Clinical details were obtained from medical records. CM was defined as ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 50% on index admission. Results Echo was performed 93% of patients at index admission, and 69 (24%) had CM (average EF% = 37 ± 11), 60 of which were newly diagnosed. Patients with CM had significantly higher presenting heart rate (141 ± 19 vs. 132 ± 23 bpm), larger end-diastolic (5.7 vs. 5.2 cm) and end-systolic (4.5 vs. 3.2 cm) dimensions, and larger left atrial size (4.6 vs. 4.3 cm) ( P < 0.05 for all). They were also statistically more likely ( P < 0.05) to be male, present with breathlessness, have a history of coronary disease, and be treated with digoxin and warfarin. Follow-up echo between 6 and 12 months was performed in 46% of patients with new CM, and average EF rose to 53 ± 12%. At an average follow-up of 2.5 years, there was a significant increase in mortality in CM patients (16% vs. 9.5%, P < 0.05). Conclusion CM is common in patients presenting acutely with newly diagnosed rapid AF, and carries a worse long-term prognosis. Systolic dysfunction was reversible in an important proportion of patients, suggesting a greater prevalence of rate-related CM in AF than has previously been postulated. This underscores the importance of appropriate rhythm management strategies and repeat imaging studies.
Comparison of Co-phenylcaine Spray or Lidocaine/Epinephrine Nasal Packing for Flexible Laryngoscopy
Authors: De Freitas R.P. , Hanna B.C. , Hall S.J. 
Published: December 2010

Background Nasal preparation prior to flexible laryngoscopy is a common ENT practice. Co-phenylcaine is increasingly used because it is safe and has both anaesthetic and vasoconstrictive properties. Lidocaine 4% and epinephrine 1:1000 nasal packing is another method used in our department. Methods A prospective case series was performed on eighty-one patients requiring flexible laryngoscopy. Patients were enrolled into either a co-phenylcaine or a lidocaine/epinephrine packing group. Visual analogue scales (VAS) were used to record unpleasantness of nasal preparation and flexible laryngoscopy. Decongestion and ease of endoscope passage were recorded by the doctors. Results Bad taste was statistically significantly worse when using cophenylcaine for nasal preparation ( P = 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in overall unpleasantness from nasal preparation or from subsequent flexible laryngoscopy between the two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in degree of decongestion or ease of endoscope passage between the two groups. Conclusion There is no statistically significant advantage of using cophenylcaine spray over non-proprietary lidocaine 4% and epinephrine 1:1000 nasal packing. However cost and bad taste is less with nasal packing.
Melatonin, a Promising Role in Taxane-Related Neuropathy
Authors: Nahleh Z. , Pruemer J. , Lafollette J. , Sweany S. 
Published: December 2010

Purpose Melatonin has neuroprotective effects in animal studies and has been suggested to decrease adverse reactions of chemotherapy including neuropathy. This pilot trial aimed at assessing whether melatonin, given during taxane chemotherapy for breast cancer, will decrease the incidence and/or severity of neuropathy. Methods Twenty two consecutive patients beginning chemotherapy for breast cancer with paclitaxel, or docetaxel were enrolled. Patients received melatonin 21 mg daily at bedtime. Incidence and severity of neuropathy were assessed using neurological examinations, toxicity assessment per NCI-CTC 3.0 scale and FACT-Taxane quality of life questionnaire. Results Neuropathy was seen in 45% (n = 10) of patients, 23% (n = 6) grade 1 and 22% (n = 5) Grade 2 neuropathy. No grade 3 neuropathies were reported. The majority (55%) of all patients reported no neuropathy. Compliance with melatonin (>60% of dose) was seen in most patients (86%) No patient reported daytime sedation. The median FACT-Taxane quality of life end of study score was 137, with only a 0.5 median decline from baseline. Conclusion Patients receiving melatonin during taxane chemotherapy had a reduced incidence of neuropathy. Melatonin may be useful in the prevention or reduction of taxane-induced neuropathy and in maintaining quality of life. Larger trials are warranted to further explore the role of melatonin in neuropathy treatment and prevention.
Paclitaxel as Neoadjuvant Therapy for High Grade Angiosarcoma of the Spleen: A Brief Report and Literature Review
Authors: Vakkalanka Bhanu , Milhem Mohammed 
Published: December 2010

Introduction Splenic angiosarcoma is a rare tumor with only a few cases reported in the literature. Surgical resection offers the best chance of cure for this aggressive neoplasm but is often precluded by infiltration of the tumor to surrounding critical structures. We report a case of a locally advanced angiosarcoma rendered operable by treatment with Paclitaxel monotherapy. Case presentation A 69 year old female presented with a high grade splenic angiosarcoma, considered inoperable due to the extent of local spread. She received three cycles of single agent Paclitaxel and underwent a successful resection of the tumor. Conclusion Chemotherapy options for splenic angiosarcoma are not well studied. Paclitaxel as monotherapy is a useful therapeutic option in down staging tumors, facilitating surgical resection and merits further study in clinical trials.
Link between Periodontal Diseases, Inflammatory Markers and Preterm Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: El-Gharib M.N. , Nassar M.M. , Elabyary M.T. , Elhawary T.M. , Elshourbagy S.H. 
Published: December 2010

Objective To scrutinize the assumed association between chronic periodontal disease and preterm low birth weight (PTLB) infants. Design Prospective study. Setting Tanta University Hospital. Patients The study incorporated 200 pregnant women in the first stage of labor of a single baby with intact membranes. A hundred women had definite preterm labor and delivered, later live infants whose birth weight were < 2500 g and 100 women with full term labor and delivered, later live infants weighting ≥2500 g. Intervention All patients included in the study were subjected to history taking, general, obstetrical examination and periodontal evaluation. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were measured in gingival cervicular fluid, maternal serum and amniotic fluid using ELISA technique. Results A significant association between chronic periodontal disease and preterm low birth weight infants. Conclusion Screening of pregnant women chronic periodontal disease seems to be a helpful prediction and consequently prevention of preterm labour.
Peptidylglycine α‐Hydroxylating Monooxygenase (PHM)
Authors: Rudzka Katarzyna , Chufán Eduardo E , Eipper Betty , Mains Richard , Amzel Mario L 
Published: December 2010

AbstractNumerous peptides function as hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors. Enzymatic α‐amidation is a biologically important posttranslational modification of the C‐terminus of many of these peptides. This modification alters the biological properties and enhances the stability of the peptides toward digestion by carboxypeptidases. Peptidylglycine α‐hydroxylating monooxygenase (PHM) is an ascorbate and copper‐dependent catalytic domain of an α‐amidating enzyme (peptidylglycine α‐amidating monooxygenase, PAM) that catalyzes the stereospecific hydroxylation of an α‐carbon of a terminal glycine residue, the first step in the amidation reaction. This reaction is followed by cleavage of the glycine N Cα bond, which is carried out by the second PAM catalytic domain, peptidyl‐α‐hydroxyglycine α‐amidating lyase (PAL). Detailed structural studies of PHM revealed that its catalytic core binds two copper ions that support the oxygenation reaction by cycling through Cu(II)/Cu(I) oxidation states. These two Cu ions (CuHand CuM) are located 11 Å apart and are separated by a solvent‐accessible cleft. The monooxygenation reaction requires the two‐electron activation of molecular oxygen, which is achieved by the binding of O2to a single Cu(I) center (CuM). Formation of this complex is dependent upon the presence of a peptidylglycine substrate and a reducing agent (ascorbate). Since the resting state of the enzyme contains two Cu(II) ions, the catalytic reaction requires transfer of two electrons from the reducing agent to the metal centers, and from the reduced copper ions to dioxygen. The reduced oxygen species then carries out the stereospecific hydroxylation of glycine after abstraction of thepro‐Shydrogen from Cα. Although, the structure and function of PHM have been broadly studied, the pathway of its electron transfer, the nature of the metal‐oxygen species, and details of the mechanism are still being investigated.
Superoxide Reductase
Authors: Nivière Vincent , Bonnot Florence , Bourgeois Dominique 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Superoxide reductase (SOR) is a small bacterial metalloprotein, which is present in the cytoplasm of some anaerobic or microaerophilic microorganisms. SOR is involved in the detoxification of the superoxide radical and catalyzes its one‐electron reduction into hydrogen peroxide. Three different classes of SOR have been identified and structurally characterized. They all contain a similar active site, which consists of an unusual nonheme iron center, coordinated in a square‐pyramidal geometry to four nitrogens from four histidine side chains in the equatorial plane and the sulfur of one cysteine residue along the fifth axial position. In the reduced state, the sixth axial coordinating site of the iron is vacant, suggesting the most obvious site for initial binding of the superoxide substrate. The reaction mechanism of SOR has been studied by pulse radiolysis. SOR reacts specifically at a nearly diffusion‐controlled rate with O
2
•−
, generating H
2
O
2
and the oxidized Fe
3+
active site. Reaction intermediates have been observed and proposed to be Fe
3+
‐(hydro)peroxo species, resulting from the fast electron transfer from the ferrous iron to the superoxide anion and from protonation step. Formation of Fe
3+
‐(hydro)peroxo intermediate species in the active site of SOR has been supported by resonance Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray structures of iron(III) peroxide species in the SOR from
Desulfoarculus baarsii
.
Axon Growth
Authors: Toro Carla , Sousa Catia , Tannahill David 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

During embryogenesis, the construction of the nervous system requires that nerve cells connect very precisely to each other and to peripheral tissues. Establishment of these connections involves the growth and extension of long thin processes, known as axons, from the main body of the cell. The tip of this growing axon displays a highly specialised and dynamic structure, called the growth cone. Growth cone sense information presented to it in the embryonic environment and respond by steering axon growth towards the correct targets.

Key Concepts:

The growth cones of growing nerves control axon outgrowth and direction.

Growth cones sense a variety of signals in the environment that initiate a variety of intracellular signalling events.

Growth signals act through the Rho‐GTPase signalling pathways to regulate microtublule dynamics that in turn influences the actinomyosin cytoskeleton.

Once development is complete, axon growth may continue in discrete neurogenic regions of the brain and also following nerve injury.

Intracellular second messengers such as calcium are important in mediating the response of growth cones to attractive and repulsive cues.
Cell Macromolecules
Authors: Bray Dennis 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

The distinctive properties of living organisms arise from very large molecules called macromolecules, which may contain anything from hundreds to many billions of atoms. Macromolecules are polymers made in the cell by linking small chemical subunits together in a specific sequence. Nucleic acids –
deoxyribonucleic acid
and
ribonucleic acid
– are polymers of nucleotide bases and their principle function is to store and transmit hereditary information encoded in the sequence of subunits. Proteins are chains of amino acids that fold up into distinctive shapes and thereby acquire distinctive chemical properties, they are the principal building blocks of the cell and also responsible for activities such as enzyme catalysis, the synthesis of molecules and movements. Nucleic acids, proteins and other macromolecules such as polysaccharides interact with each other and with small molecules through weak chemical bonds. These allow specific molecular recognition to occur and form the basis of information transfer, cell movements, differentiation and the formation of distinctive cells and tissues.

Key Concepts:

Macromolecules are polymers built from subunits in a specific sequence.

Covalent bonds hold a macromolecule together; noncovalent bonds enable it to recognise other molecules.

RNA and DNA carry information in their nucleotide sequence.

Proteins fold into specific shapes and provide the building blocks of the cell.

The function of a protein depends on its ability to interact with and modify other molecules.
Protozoan Ecology
Authors: Anderson O Roger 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

Protozoan ecology is the interaction in space and time of protozoa (flagellates, amoeboid organisms and ciliates) with other living organisms and the physical environment. It encompasses, among other factors, sources of food and energy used to sustain life, food web dynamics, the role of protozoa in maintaining fertility of ecosystems and adaptive strategies for survival in varying habitats. Among the physical environmental (abiotic) factors, temperature, salinity, nutrients and levels of pollutants, when present, are major sources of influence. A complex set of interactions exists among microbial biota, including the role of nutrient regeneration during protozoan predation on bacteria resulting in release of nutrients due to digestion and disruption of the bacteria during feeding. These nutrients in turn are reutilised by algae during photosynthesis. This process of cyclical nutrient uptake by algae and subsequent release by protozoan predation is known as ‘the microbial loop’.

Key Concepts:

Characteristics of the physical environment (including temperature, available nutrients and salinity) set the boundary conditions for the abundance and diversity of protozoa within a given habitat.

Algae and other photosynthetic organisms are primary producers that fix carbon into organic compounds through photosynthesis and thus provide food sources for all other organisms, including protozoa, within a food web.

Heterotrophic (nonphotosynthetic) microorganisms, particularly the protozoa, prey on algae and other microbes, including bacteria, and are consumers within food webs.

A complex set of interactions exist in microbial communities, including predator–prey relationships, that determine the flow of matter and energy through the food webs.

Competition within and among species partially accounts for the abundance and diversity of species in a microbial community.

The stability of microbial communities depends in part on the diversity of species and available resources needed to support life.

Protozoa, as predators and also as prey for larger organisms, are often key members of microbial communities and sustain the flow of energy and matter through food webs, including the regeneration of nutrients through their significant role in the microbial loop.
Plant Quantitative Traits
Authors: Ikram Sobia , Chardon Fabien 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn plants, most of the phenotypic variations are continuously distributed and could be considered as quantitative traits. The complexity of their genetic control is high because the involved genes are numerous, with usually minor effects and very sensitive to environment. The implicated loci are localised by two basic approaches, linkage mapping and association mapping, based on the use of genetic maps and sophisticated statistical analysis. Linkage mapping leads to the identification of small regions of genome but that could contain still several hundred genes. Identification of gene underlying the quantitative trait loci requires positional cloning or direct tests of promising candidates. Association mapping checks directly the relationship between each polymorphism and phenotypic trait variation in wild populations, but physical linkage and population structure are sources of false positives. Finally, validation that an individual gene is responsible for the quantitative trait needs to be performed by using genetic or functional complementation.Key Concepts:Quantitative traits follow continuous, unbroken quasi‐normal distributions whereas qualitative (mendelian) traits are discreetly distributed.Quantitative traits are controlled by several genes, with small additive, dominant or epistatic effects, and in interaction with the environment.A quantitative trait loci (QTL) is defined as an area of genome associated with an effect on a quantitative trait.The combination of alleles at the many genes involved in a quantitative trait leads to constitute the different phenotypes.QTL mapping relies on statistical linkage analysis among quantitative trait and genetic markers using a population that carries combinations of alleles derived from parental lines.Association mapping looks for association between a genetic marker and phenotype in unrelated individuals by exploiting historical recombination events and genetic diversity.Population structure is the presence of hidden subgroups in wild populations that appear because of relatedness and selection with an unequal distribution of alleles.Physical linkage and population structure are sources of linkage disequilibrium and might influence the genome‐wide association (GWA) mapping by creation of false marker‐trait association.Positional cloning of QTL involves the identification of closely linked recombination events requiring analysis of a large number of segregating progeny with molecular markers covering the critical region.Complete genome sequencing has greatly advanced the use of GWA mapping.
HIV
Life Cycle and Inherited Co‐receptors
Authors: Bukrinsky Michael I 
Published: December 2010

Abstract

‘Human immunodeficiency virus’ (HIV) is a

Lentivirus

of the family
Retroviridae
, members of which cause a number of neurological and immunological diseases in humans and animals. HIV is the causative agent of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The disease is caused by virus‐mediated depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes, preferentially
CCR5
‐positive memory T cells. Most of these cells localise to mucosal tissue, in particular gut mucosa, and disruption of the gut mucosal barrier is an early feature of HIV infection that determines the pathogenesis of the disease. More than 20 years of intensive studies identified the molecular mechanisms underlying viral replication and disease pathogenesis, and provided the foundation for development of antiviral therapeutics and vaccine. This article provides a brief overview of the HIV life cycle and focuses on receptors that determine viral binding and entry into the target cells.

Key Concepts:

Virus–cell interaction is initiated by interaction between gp120 and target cell receptors.

HIV preferentially targets memory CD4+ T cells which localise to mucosal lymphoid tissue, in particular the gut mucosa.

HIV replication includes a number of distinct steps: virus–cell fusion and viral entry; viral uncoating; viral reverse transcription and formation of the pre‐integration complex (PIC); PIC nuclear entry and integration; viral transcription and translation; viral assembly and release of nascent virions; viral.

Characterisation of the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV replication and interaction with the target cells provides an opportunity to develop anti‐HIV therapeutics and vaccine.