bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term clinical and immunological effects of p53‐SLP® vaccine in patients with ovarian cancer
Authors: Leffers Ninke , Vermeij Renee , Hoogeboom Baukje‐Nynke , Schulze Ute R. , Wolf Rinze , Hamming Ineke E. , van der Zee Ate G. , Melief Kees J. , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Daemen Toos , Nijman Hans W. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractVaccine‐induced p53‐specific immune responses were previously reported to be associated with improved response to secondary chemotherapy in patients with small cell lung cancer. We investigated long‐term clinical and immunological effects of the p53‐synthetic long peptide (p53‐SLP®) vaccine in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Twenty patients were immunized with the p53‐SLP® vaccine between July 2006 and August 2007. Follow‐up information on patients was obtained. Clinical responses to secondary chemotherapy after p53‐SLP® immunizations were determined by computerized tomography and/or tumor marker levels (CA125). Disease‐specific survival was compared to a matched historical control group. Immune responses were analyzed by flow cytometry, proliferation assay, interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) ELISPOT and/or cytokine bead array. Lymphocytes cultured from skin biopsy were analyzed by flow cytometry and proliferation assay. Of 20 patients treated with the p53‐SLP® vaccine, 17 were subsequently treated with chemotherapy. Eight of these patients volunteered another blood sample. No differences in clinical response rates to secondary chemotherapy or disease‐specific survival were observed between immunized patients and historical controls (p = 0.925, resp. p = 0.601). p53‐specific proliferative responses were observed in 5/8 patients and IFN‐γ production in 2/7 patients. Lymphocytes cultured from a prior injection site showing inflammation during chemotherapy did not recognize p53‐SLP®. Thus, treatment with the p53‐SLP® vaccine does not affect responses to secondary chemotherapy or survival, although p53‐specific T‐cells do survive chemotherapy.
Combining 33 genetic variants with prostate‐specific antigen for prediction of prostate cancer: Longitudinal study
Authors: Johansson Mattias , Holmström Benny , Hinchliffe Sally R. , Bergh Anders , Stenman Ulf‐Håkan , Hallmans Göran , Wiklund Fredrik , Stattin Pär 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate if a genetic risk score including 33 common genetic variants improves prediction of prostate cancer when added to measures of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). We conducted a case–control study nested within the Northern Sweden Health and Disease Cohort (NSHDC), a prospective cohort in northern Sweden. A total of 520 cases and 988 controls matched for age, and date of blood draw were identified by linkage between the regional cancer register and the NSHDC. Receiver operating characteristic curves with area under curve (AUC) estimates were used as measures of prostate cancer prediction. The AUC for the genetic risk score was 64.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 61.4–67.2], and the AUC for total PSA and the ratio of free to total PSA was 86.2% (95% CI = 84.4–88.1). A model including the genetic risk score, total PSA and the ratio of free to total PSA increased the AUC to 87.2% (95% CI = 85.4–89.0, p difference = 0.002). The addition of a genetic risk score to PSA resulted in a marginal improvement in prostate cancer prediction that would not seem useful for clinical risk assessment.
Selective and efficient retardation of cancers expressing cytoskeleton‐associated protein 2 by targeted RNA replacement
Authors: Ban Guyee , Jeong Jin‐Sook , Kim Areum , Kim Sung Jin , Han Sang‐Young , Kim In‐Hoo , Lee Seong‐Wook 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHuman cytoskeleton‐associated protein 2 (hCKAP2) is upregulated and highly expressed in various human malignances. hCKAP2 has microtubule‐stabilizing characteristics and potentially regulates the dynamics and assembly of the mitotic spindle and chromosome segregation, indicating that hCKAP2 plays important functions during mitosis. In this study, we evaluated hCKAP2 as a plausible anticancer target through development and validation of a targeted cancer gene therapy strategy based on targeting and replacement of hCKAP2 RNA using a trans‐splicing ribozyme. This targeted RNA replacement triggered transgene activity via accurate trans‐splicing reaction selectively in human cancer cells expressing the hCKAP2 RNA and simultaneously reduced the expression level of the RNA in the cells. Adenoviral vector encoding the hCKAP2‐specific trans‐splicing ribozyme selectively induced cytotoxicity in tumor cells expressing hCKAP2. Moreover, intratumoral injection of the virus produced selective and efficient regression of tumor that had been subcutaneously inoculated with hCKAP2‐positive colon cancer cells in mice with minimal liver toxicity. Furthermore, orthotopically multifocal hCKAP2‐positive hepatocarcinoma established in mice were efficiently regressed by systemic delivery of adenoviral vector encoding the specific ribozyme under the control of a liver‐selective phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase promoter with least hepatotoxicity. The results indicate that hCKAP2 RNA is a promising target for anticancer approach based on trans‐splicing ribozyme‐mediated RNA replacement.
Intake of vegetables, fruits, carotenoids and vitamins C and E and pancreatic cancer risk in The Netherlands Cohort Study
Authors: Heinen Mirjam M. , Verhage Bas A.J. , Goldbohm R. Alexandra , van den Brandt Piet A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractEpidemiological data investigating the relation between fruit and vegetable consumption and pancreatic cancer risk have shown inconsistent results so far. Most case‐control studies observed an inverse association with total fruit and vegetable consumption, whereas results from most cohort studies have largely been null. We examined prospectively the relation between pancreatic cancer risk and intake of vegetables, fruits, carotenoids and vitamins C and E. The Netherlands Cohort Study consisted of 120,852 men and women who completed a questionnaire at baseline in 1986, including a validated 150‐item food‐frequency questionnaire. After 16.3 years of follow‐up, 423 cases were available for analysis. Total vegetable and total fruit consumption were not associated with pancreatic cancer risk (highest vs. lowest quintile, multivariable‐adjusted hazard rate ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.86‐1.75 and multivariable‐adjusted hazard rate ratio = 0.90, 95% confidence interval: 0.66‐1.24, respectively). Also, for cooked vegetables, raw vegetables and vegetables and fruits classified into subgroups, no associations were observed. Dietary carotenoids, vitamin C and E intake and supplements containing vitamin C or E were not associated with pancreatic cancer risk. The results were not modified by sex, smoking status and body mass index. In conclusion, we observed no association between a high consumption of vegetables and fruits and pancreatic cancer risk in this large cohort study, which is in agreement with previous prospective studies. Furthermore, we observed no association between the intake of carotenoids, vitamins and vitamin supplements and pancreatic cancer risk.
A new line symmetry distance based automatic clustering technique: Application to image segmentation
Authors: Saha Sriparna , Maulik Ujjwal 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this article, at first an automatic clustering technique using the concept of line symmetry property is developed. The proposed real‐coded variable string length genetic clustering technique (VGALS clustering) is able to evolve the number of clusters present in the data set automatically. Here assignment of points to different clusters is done based on the line symmetry based distance rather than the Euclidean distance. The cluster centers are encoded in the chromosomes, whose value may vary. A newly developed line symmetry based cluster validity index, LineSym‐index, is used as a measure of “goodness” of the corresponding partitioning. This validity index is able to correctly indicate the presence of clusters of different sizes as long as they are line symmetrical. A Kd‐tree based data structure is used to reduce the complexity of computing the line symmetry distance. The proposed technique is then applied to automatically segment different images. At first, the superiority of the proposed method to automatically segment the image data sets over Fuzzy C‐means clustering technique, well‐known mean‐shift based method and GAPS clustering with Sym‐index based method, are demonstrated for three remote sensing satellite images. Thereafter it is applied on several simulated T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and proton density normal and MS lesion magnetic resonance brain images. The proposed method is able to detect most of the regions well. Superiority of the proposed method over Fuzzy C‐means and Expectation Maximization clustering algorithms are demonstrated quantitatively. The automatic segmentation obtained by VGALS clustering technique is also compared with the available ground truth information. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 21, 86–100, 2011
The kinetics of 18f‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the choroid plexus
Authors: Rmeily‐Haddad Mireille , Balédent Olivier , Stoquart‐ElSankari Souraya , Sérot Jean‐Marie , Bailly Pascal , Meyer Marc‐Etienne 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIt is now clear that cerebrospinal fluid [CSF, produced by the choroid plexi (CP)] plays a fundamental role in brain pathophysiology and neurodegenerative processes. However, the CP's functional activity has only been studied in vitro. This article presents a new approach for studying the CP and the CSF with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). Ten elderly, non‐neurological patients underwent a 45‐min, dynamic FDG‐PET acquisition with scheduled 34 time frames. Our method provided successive images representing the FDG uptake dynamics, with calculation of three parameters of an exponential fitting function for the 34 frames and every voxel in the brain volume. Regions of interest in the CSF and CP were manually selected on the reconstructed map, and mean raw FDG uptake curves were reconstructed. We have monitored the kinetics of FDG uptake by the CP and the CSF during PET acquisition. The FDG kinetics in the CP differs markedly from those seen in the CSF and all other brain tissues. In our study population, the CP's final uptake intensity was significantly greater than that of the CSF. This work is an initial step toward using PET to evaluate CP functions in vivo. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 21, 107–114, 2011.
Frequent walking, but not total physical activity, is associated with increased fracture incidence: A 5-year follow-up of an Australian population-based prospective study (AusDiab)
Authors: Nikander Riku , Gagnon Claudia , Dunstan David W , Magliano Dianna J , Ebeling Peter R , Lu Zhong X , Zimmet Paul Z , Shaw Jonathan E , Daly Robin M 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Current public health physical activity (PA) guidelines recommend that older adults accumulate ≥ 2.5 hours per week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA to optimize health. The aim of this study was to examine (1) whether adults who meet the current PA guidelines are at reduced risk of fracture, (2) whether fracture risk varies by PA type/intensity and frequency, and (3) whether prolonged TV viewing, as a marker of sedentary behavior, is associated with fracture risk. This national, population-based prospective study with a 5-year follow-up included 2780 postmenopausal women and 2129 men aged 50 years or older. Incident nontraumatic clinical fractures were self-reported. Overall, 307 (6.3%) participants sustained at least one incident low-trauma fracture (women 9.3%, men 2.3%). Multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), physical function, previous fracture history, smoking, and dietary calcium and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, showed that women who walked more than 3 hours per week or completed at least 6 weekly bouts of walking had a 51% and 56% increased fracture risk, respectively, compared with women who did no walking [odds ratio (OR) time = 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–2.24; OR frequency = 1.56, 95% CI 1.07–2.27]. However, total and moderate to vigorous PA time and the accumulation of 2.5 hours per week or more of PA and TV viewing time were not associated with incident fractures. In men, there also was an increased fracture risk for those who walked more than 3 hours per week (OR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.06-4.97) compared with those who reported no walking. In conclusion, older adults who adhered to the current PA guidelines were not protected against fragility fractures, but more frequent walking was associated with an increased fracture risk. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Modulatory effects of connexin‐43 expression on gap junction intercellular communications with mast cells and fibroblasts
Authors: Pistorio Ashley L. , Ehrlich H. Paul 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe influence of mast cells upon aberrant wound repair and excessive fibrosis has supportive evidence, but the mechanism for these mast cell activities is unclear. It is proposed that heterocellular gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) between fibroblasts and mast cells directs some fibroblast activities. An in vitro model was used employing a rodent derived peritoneal mast cell line (RMC‐1) and human dermal derived fibroblasts. The influence of the expression of the gap junction channel structural protein, connexin 43 (Cx‐43) on heterocellular GJIC, the expression of microtubule β‐tubulin and microfilament α smooth muscle actin (SMA) were investigated. The knockdown of Cx‐43 by siRNA in RMC‐1 cells completely blocked GJIC between RMC‐1 cells. SiRNA knockdown of Cx‐43 within fibroblasts only dampened GJIC between fibroblasts. It appears Cx‐43 is the only expressed connexin (Cx) in RMC‐1 cells. Fibroblasts express other Cxs that participate in GJIC between fibroblasts in the absence of Cx‐43 expression. Heterocellular GJIC between RMC‐1 cells and fibroblasts transformed fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, expressing α SMA within cytoplasmic stress fibers. The knockdown of Cx‐43 in RMC‐1 cells increased β‐tubulin expression, but its knockdown in fibroblasts reduced β‐tubulin expression. Knocking down the expression of Cx‐43 in fibroblasts limited αSMA expression. Cx‐43 participation is critical for heterocellular GJIC between mast cells and fibroblasts, which may herald a novel direction for controlling fibrosis. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1441–1449, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Groundswell effect part I: a new concept emerging in the world of social networks
Authors: Madhavi C. Vasanta , Akbar M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractCompany strategies for profitability and efficacy have to be reorganized as the diffusion of the new means of communication within online social networks is empowering people (customers, employees, managers, entrepreneurs, investors, students, and researchers) in terms of knowledge and technology transfers.
Informatics for mass spectrometry‐based RNA analysis
Authors: Nakayama Hiroshi , Takahashi Nobuhiro , Isobe Toshiaki 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMass spectrometry (MS) allows the sensitive and direct characterization of biological macromolecules and therefore has the potential to complement the more conventional genetic and biochemical methods used for RNA characterization. Although MS has been used much less frequently for RNA research than it has been for protein research, recent technical improvements in both instrumentation and software make MS a powerful tool for RNA analysis because it can now be used to sequence, quantify, and chemically analyze RNAs. Mass spectrometry is particularly well suited for the characterization of RNAs associated with ribonucleoprotein complexes. This review focuses on the software and databases that can be used for MS‐based RNA studies. Software for the processing of raw mass spectra, the identification and characterization of RNAs by mass mapping, de novo sequencing, and tandem MS‐based database searching are available. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 30:1000–1012, 2011
Triad stimulation frequency for cortical facilitation in cortical myoclonus
Authors: Hanajima R. , Terao Y. , Nakatani‐Enomoto S. , Okabe S. , Shirota Y. , Oominami S. , Matsumoto H. , Tsuji S. , Ugawa Y. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground:Abnormally enhanced cortical rhythmic activities have been reported in patients with cortical myoclonus. We recently reported a new triad‐conditioning transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) method to detect the intrinsic rhythms of the primary motor cortex (M1). Triad‐conditioning TMS revealed a 40‐Hz intrinsic rhythm of M1 in normal subjects. In this investigation, we study the motor cortical facilitation induced by rhythmic triple TMS pulses (triad‐conditioning TMS) in patients with cortical myoclonus.Methods:Subjects were 7 patients with cortical myoclonus (28–74 years old) and 13 healthy volunteers (30–71 years old). Three conditioning stimuli over M1 at the intensity of 110% active motor threshold preceded the test TMS at various interstimulus intervals corresponding to 10–200 Hz. The resulting amplitudes of conditioned motor evoked potentials recorded from the contralateral hand muscle were compared with those evoked by the test stimulus alone.Results:The facilitation at 25 ms (40 Hz) observed in normal subjects was absent in patients with cortical myoclonus. Instead, triad‐conditioning TMS induced facilitation at a 40 ms interval (25 Hz) in cortical myoclonus.Discussions:This change in the timing of facilitation may be explained by a shift of the most preferential intrinsic rhythm of M1, or by some dysfunction in the interneuronal network in cortical myoclonus. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Phosphodiesterase‐4 inhibition reduces proteolysis and atrogenes expression in rat skeletal muscles
Authors: Lira Eduardo C. , Gonçalves Dawit A.P. , Parreiras‐E‐Silva Lucas T. , Zanon Neusa M. , Kettelhut Isis C. , Navegantes Luiz C.C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPhosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition reduces skeletal muscle atrophy, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. We used microdialysis to investigate the effects of different PDE inhibitors on interstitial tyrosine concentration as well as proteolytic activity and atrogenes expression in isolated rat muscle. Rolipram, a PDE‐4–selective inhibitor, reduced the interstitial tyrosine concentration and rates of muscle protein degradation. The rolipram‐induced muscle cAMP increase was accompanied by a decrease in ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) activity and atrogin‐1 mRNA, a ubiquitin‐ligase involved in muscle atrophy. This effect was not associated with Akt phosphorylation but was partially blocked by a protein kinase A inhibitor. Fasting increased atrogin‐1, MuRF‐1 and LC3b expression, and these effects were markedly suppressed by rolipram. Our data suggest that activation of cAMP signaling by PDE‐4 blockade leads to inhibition of UPS activity and atrogenes expression independently of Akt. These findings are important for identifying novel approaches to attenuate muscle atrophy. Muscle Nerve 44: 371–381, 2011
Median nerve changes following steroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Cartwright Michael S. , White David L. , Demar Samantha , Wiesler Ethan R. , Sarlikiotis Thomas , Chloros George D. , Yoon Joon Shik , Won Sun Jae , Molnar Joseph A. , Defranzo Anthony J. , Walker Francis O. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Neuromuscular ultrasound is a painless, radiation‐free, high‐resolution imaging modality for assessment of the peripheral nervous system. The purpose of this study was to use neuromuscular ultrasound to assess the changes that occur in the median nerve after steroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods: Ultrasound and nerve conduction studies were performed at baseline and 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after steroid injection in 19 individuals (29 wrists) with CTS. Results: Significant changes were noted in median nerve cross‐sectional area (P < 0.001), mobility (P = 0.001), and vascularity (P = 0.042) at the distal wrist crease after steroid injection, and the nerve cross‐sectional area correlated with symptom score and electrodiagnostic parameters. Changes in the ultrasonographic parameters were seen within 1 week of injection. Conclusions: These findings suggest neuromuscular ultrasound is potentially helpful for the assessment of individuals undergoing treatment for CTS, as typical changes can be expected after successful treatment injection. Muscle Nerve 44: 25–29, 2011
Lower limb electromygraphy and kinematics of neuropathic diabetic patients during real‐life activities: Stair negotiation
Authors: Onodera Andrea N. , Gomes Aline A. , Pripas Denise , Mezzarane Rinaldo A. , Sacco Isabel C.N. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction:In this study we investigate the influence of diabetic neuropathy (DN) on lower limb electromyography (EMG) and kinematics during stair negotiation.Methods:Forty‐six adults (healthy and DN) performed stair ascent and descent tasks. Kinematic and EMG data were assessed unilaterally.Results:DN patients had lower ankle dorsiflexion while ascending and plantarflexion while descending. This reduced dorsiflexion compromises proper ankle and knee positions necessary for an efficient lifting action by the vastus lateralis (VL). The mechanical disadvantage of VL at the beginning of the stance triggered prolonged VL activation at the end of stair ascent. In stair descent, DN patients showed lower tibialis anterior activity in the early phase that can potentially impair the mechanism of impact absorption when the forefoot contacts the step.Conclusions:Our results reveal an adaptive motor strategy in DN patients to overcome the challenge of stair ascent, which promoted more biomechanical deficits. Muscle Nerve, 2011
Pattern of summation with fatigue and inhibition of calcium release in rat muscle
Authors: MacIntosh Brian R. , Glumpak Jennifer J. , Macnaughton Meredith B. , Rassier Dilson E. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntroduction:Fatigue disrupts muscle force summation and is associated with a decrease in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. The purpose of this study was to compare summation during fatigue and recovery with summation during dantrolene‐induced inhibition of Ca2+ release.Methods:Rat medial gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated before and after fatigue, or during exposure to dantrolene. Summation was quantified by the ratio of the force transient associated with the final activation in a train of stimuli (Twf), obtained by subtraction of the force with one less stimulus, and the force of the twitch (Tw).Results:This ratio (Twf/Tw) decreased from 2.46 ± 0.11 (mean ± SEM) to 0.8 ± 0.1 during intermittent contractions, but was still significantly different from non‐fatigued muscle after 10 min of recovery. Dantrolene altered summation, as Twf/Tw was 1.7 ± 0.2 and 1.27 ± 0.15 at a low dose and a high dose, respectively.Conclusions:Inhibition of Ca2+ release alters summation, but repetitive stimulation leading to fatigue changes it more substantially. Muscle Nerve 44: 410–417, 2011