bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain metastases from testicular germ cell tumors: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Nonomura Norio , Nagahara Akira , Oka Daizo , Mukai Masatoshi , Nakai Yasutomo , Nakayama Masashi , Nishimura Kazuo , Kakimoto Kennichi , Nakamura Terukazu , Usami Michiyuki , Okuyama Akihiko , Miki Tsuneharu 
Published: October 2009

Objectives:  To review our series of testicular germ cell tumors with brain metastases and to establish an optimal treatment strategy for them.Methods:  Twenty‐seven cases of testicular germ cell tumors from three institutions were retrospectively reviewed.Results:  Twenty‐six were non‐seminomatous tumors and only one was a seminoma. Based on the International Germ Cell Consensus Classification, two cases were classified as good prognosis, seven as intermediate prognosis and 18 as poor prognosis. Chemotherapy was carried out in all patients. Additionally, whole‐brain radiotherapy was performed in 10 cases, stereotactic radiosurgery in six, whole‐brain radiotherapy combined with stereotactic radiosurgery in three and complete surgical resection in five. Three patients received chemotherapy only. Cancer‐specific 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates were both 35.9%. The prognosis of those with brain metastases at the time of diagnosis tended to be better than those developing brain metastases during treatment. Those with a single brain metastasis showed significantly better survival than those with multiple brain metastases. No other significant prognostic factor was found at multivariate analysis.Conclusion:  Testicular germ cell tumors with brain metastases can be managed with the combination of whole‐brain radiotherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy, and/or surgical resection in combination with chemotherapy.
An examination of amphibian sensitivity to environmental contaminants: are amphibians poor canaries?
Authors: Kerby Jacob L. , Richards‐Hrdlicka Kathryn L. , Storfer Andrew , Skelly David K. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractNearly two decades ago, the global biodiversity crisis was catapulted to the front pages of newspapers with the recognition of worldwide amphibian declines. Amphibians earned their appellation, ‘canaries in a coal mine’, because of apparent high sensitivity to human‐mediated environmental change. The most frequently cited causes for high susceptibility include permeable skin, a dual aquatic‐terrestrial life cycle and a relatively rudimentary immune system. While some researchers have questioned the basis for the canary assertion, there has been no systematic evaluation of amphibian sensitivity to environmental challenges relative to other taxa. Here, we apply a database representing thousands of toxicity tests to compare the responses of amphibians relative to that of other taxonomic groups. The use of standardized methods combined with large numbers of identical challenges enables a particularly powerful test of relative effect size. Overall, we found that amphibians only exhibit moderate relative responses to water‐borne toxins. Our findings imply that, as far as chemical contaminants are concerned, amphibians are not particularly sensitive and might more aptly be described as ‘miners in a coal mine’. To the extent that amphibian declines have been mediated by chemical contaminants, our findings suggest that population losses and extinctions may have already occurred in a variety of taxa much more sensitive than amphibians. Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 60–67
Obesity and low‐grade inflammation: a paediatric perspective
Authors: Tam C. S. , Clément K. , Baur L. A. , Tordjman J. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryChildhood obesity is a major public health problem. Low‐grade inflammation, a hallmark characterizing adult obesity, may be a pivotal mechanism linking obesity to its numerous systemic complications, with adipose tissue depots secreting and producing inflammatory mediators and visceral fat displaying an increased inflammatory profile. While knowledge is relatively scarce regarding the importance of the adipose tissue inflammation process in children, identifying its contribution in childhood obesity and the associated influences of age, sex, weight status, growth, and adipose depot phenotypes are crucial for understanding physiopathology and implementing early intervention strategies. We review the latest research linking obesity and inflammation in childhood focusing on serum inflammatory markers and the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in improving systemic inflammation. Generally, there are significant correlations between body mass index and increased c‐reactive protein and decreased adiponectin levels in children; these levels tend to be improved in interventions resulting in ∼5% weight loss, regardless of the type or length of intervention. There is a need for further research measuring other inflammatory mediators (e.g. tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8) and histological studies examining immune cell infiltration in adipose tissue depots in obese children.
Construing Collective Concerns
Authors: Sauna Lawrence J. , Chang Edward C. , Parks Craig D. , Kennedy Lindsay A. 
Published: October 2009

The following article has been retracted by the Editor and publishers of Psychological Science at the request of the lead author, Lawrence J. Sanna: Sanna, L. J., Chang, E. C., Parks, C. D., & Kennedy, L. A. (2009). Construing collective concerns: Increasing cooperation by broadening construals in social dilemmas. Psychological Science, 20, 1319–1321. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2009.02458.x In a letter to the Editor (Eric Eich), Dr. Sanna wrote: The data reported in this article are invalid and should not be considered part of the scientific literature. The responsibility for this problem rests solely with the first author, Lawrence J. Sanna. Coauthors Edward C. Chang, Craig D. Parks, and Lindsay A. Kennedy are in no way responsible for this problem. In response, the Editor noted that Psychological Science follows the retraction guidelines developed by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Dr. Sanna was urged to follow these guidelines carefully in drafting a retraction notice, particularly with respect to stating the reasons for the retraction, to distinguish misconduct from honest error. To assist Dr. Sanna with this task, the Editor provided Dr. Sanna with a copy of the COPE guidelines ( http://publicationethics.org/resources/guidelines ) and a link to a retraction notice that was published in Psychological Science last year. This notice was considered a "model" by Retraction Watch, and Dr. Sanna was advised that, in keeping with this notice, he "must specify clearly the reasons for the retraction in such language that all of your coauthors agree to it." While awaiting Dr. Sanna's reply, the Editor sought to contact Dr. Sanna's three coauthors. Although one coauthor was aware of Dr. Sanna's request to retract the 2009 Psychological Science article, the other two were not. All of the coauthors have agreed to retraction of the article, and each has received a copy of this notice. Dr. Sanna replied by noting with regret that "research errors" have made it necessary for him to request retraction. The letter concluded with the following: "At the direction of legal counsel, I am unable to say anything further than that contained in my previous letter at this time." Because it is unclear when, if ever, details on these research errors will be forthcoming, the Editor owes it to the journal's readership to retract the article now, even though this notice does not reflect COPE guidelines or journal policy.
LABOUR MARKET EFFECTS OF FLEXICURITY FROM A REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: DE GROOT AYOLT J. , ELHORST J. PAUL 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTOne of the main questions for politicians is how to introduce more flexibility in the labour market while still providing employees with ample social security. The concept of flexicurity has sprung to attention through its success in Denmark. This paper explores whether the Danish model can also be successful in other European countries. A simultaneous equations model is constructed and estimated using regional data, which is an extension of the Blanchard‐Katz model developed in 1992. It is found that a European country such as the Netherlands can permanently lower its unemployment rate and increase its participation and employment growth rates at the regional level, by 1.47, 2.08 and 1.05 percentage points respectively, if it copies the Danish model.
Analysis of the GIGYF2 gene in familial and sporadic Parkinson disease in the Spanish population
Authors: Samaranch L. , Lorenzo E. , Pastor M. A. , Riverol M. , Luquin M. R. , Rodríguez‐Oroz M. C. , Obeso J. A. , Pastor P. 
Published: October 2009

Background and purpose:  Linkage analysis in familial Parkinson’s disease (PD) identified a locus in 2q36‐37 (PARK11). Sequencing of GIGYF2 identified several variants only present amongst PD individuals.Methods:  We analyzed the presence of disease‐associated GIGYF2 variants in familial and sporadic PD from Spanish origin by sequencing of 147 PD individuals. The entire GIGYF2 coding sequence was analyzed in 122 familial PD individuals and exons 2, 4, 8–11, 14 and 25–26 were sequenced in 25 sporadic PD to identify disease‐associated variants.Results:  We found no variants associated with PD and failed to identify any of previously PD‐associated GIGYF2 variants in our sample. We identified four novel missense changes in GIGYF2. p.Met48Ile was found in a PD individual who also was a carrier of two PARKIN mutations. p.Q1244_Q1247del variant was present only in one PD individual but not found in 70 controls. However, its location in the highly polymorphic GIGYF2 glutamine/proline‐rich region does not support a role in PD. Two variants (p.P1238insAGC and p.Q1249del) were present both in PD subjects and in controls. Additionally, the p.L1230_Q1237del variant, which was previously considered as a PD‐associated change, was found in one control.Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that GIGYF2 mutations are not a frequent cause of PD in the Spanish population, since we found no clearly segregating variants. We propose further analyses in PD subjects from different populations to define the role of GIGYF2. A clear pathogenic mutation in other gene at 2q36‐37 in the PARK11‐linked PD families would definitively disprove GIGYF2 as the responsible gene.
Disease‐toxicant screen reveals a neuroprotective interaction between Huntington’s disease and manganese exposure
Authors: Williams B. Blairanne , Li Daphne , Wegrzynowicz Michal , Vadodaria Bhavin K. , Anderson Joel G. , Kwakye Gunnar F. , Aschner Michael , Erikson Keith M. , Bowman Aaron B. 
Published: October 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 227–237.AbstractRecognizing the similarities between Huntington’s disease (HD) pathophysiology and the neurotoxicology of various metals, we hypothesized that they may exhibit disease‐toxicant interactions revealing cellular pathways underlying neurodegeneration. Here, we utilize metals and the STHdh mouse striatal cell line model of HD to perform a gene–environment interaction screen. We report that striatal cells expressing mutant Huntingtin exhibit elevated sensitivity to cadmium toxicity and resistance to manganese toxicity. This neuroprotective gene–environment interaction with manganese is highly specific, as it does not occur with iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, cadmium, lead, or nickel ions. Analysis of the Akt cell stress signaling pathway showed diminished activation with manganese exposure and elevated activation after cadmium exposure in the mutant cells. Direct examination of intracellular manganese levels found that mutant cells have a significant impairment in manganese accumulation. Furthermore, YAC128Q mice, a HD model, showed decreased total striatal manganese levels following manganese exposure relative to wild‐type mice. Thus, this disease‐toxicant interaction screen has revealed that expression of mutant Huntingtin results in heightened sensitivity to cadmium neurotoxicity and a selective impairment of manganese accumulation.
ACh receptors link two signaling pathways to neuroprotection against glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity in isolated RGCs
Authors: Asomugha Chinwe O. , Linn David M. , Linn Cindy L. 
Published: October 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 214–226.AbstractPrevious studies have reported that activation of nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (nAChRs) on cultured pig retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) has a neuroprotective effect against glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity. However, the mechanism linking nAChRs to neuroprotection is unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that signaling cascades involving p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) → Akt are involved in linking activation of nAChRs to neuroprotection in isolated pig RGCs. In ELISA studies, regulation of phosphorylated p38 MAPK and Akt were analyzed after inducing excitotoxicity or neuroprotection in the presence and absence of specific inhibitors for p38 MAPK and PI3K. ELISA results demonstrated that ACh significantly increased phosphorylated Akt and decreased p38 MAPK. Glutamate increased phosphorylated p38 MAPK but had no significant effect on phosphorylated Akt. Other ELISA studies using p38 MAPK and PI3K inhibitors also supported the hypothesis that ACh up‐regulated Bcl‐2 levels downstream from PI3K and Akt, whereas glutamate down‐regulated Bcl‐2 levels downstream from p38 MAPK. RGC survival was subsequently assessed by culturing RGCs in conditions to induce excitotoxicity or neuroprotection in the presence or absence of specific inhibitors of p38 MAPK or PI3K. The p38 MAPK inhibitor significantly decreased the number of RGCs that died by glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity but had no effect on the number of cells that survived because of ACh‐induced neuroprotection. PI3K inhibitors significantly decreased cell survival caused by ACh‐induced neuroprotection but had no effect on cell death caused by glutamate‐induced excitotoxicity. These results demonstrate that glutamate mediates excitotoxicity through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and that ACh provides neuroprotection by stimulating the PI3K → Akt → Bcl‐2 signaling pathway and inhibiting the p38 MAPK → Bcl‐2 pathway.
Perception of risk of adverse drug reactions: a 3‐year follow‐up of a cohort of medical students
Authors: Durrieu Geneviève , Hurault C. , Damase‐Michel C. , Montastruc J.L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractPrevious studies have pointed out the question of effective training and information to health professionals on pharmacovigilance. The lack of training is known to induce inadequate use of drugs and noncompliance of patients. Pharmacology teaching is performed in the third year of medical studies at the Toulouse Faculty of Medicine. The aim of the study was to investigate the perception of risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) by medical students at the end of the one year pharmacology course and two years later, after clinical training period. Sixty‐seven students were interviewed in May 2005 and in October 2007. Visual analogue scales were used to define a score of perceived risk of ADRs associated with each drug class (ranking from 0 to 10) before and after pharmacology training. The drug classes evaluated were antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidepressants, aspirin, contraceptive pill, corticosteroids, drugs for arterial hypertension, drugs for diabetes (other than insulin), hypnotics, hypocholesterolaemic drugs, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and tranquilisers. After pharmacology courses (May 2005), antidepressants were ranked as the most dangerous drugs by medical students [median score (25th–75th centiles): 7.7 (6.3–8.6)], followed by anticoagulants [7.6 (6.6–8.4)] and hypnotics [7.4 (6.1–8.1)]. Contraceptive pills was listed in the last position [median score [4.7 (2.2–6.7)]. Two years later (October 2007), anticoagulants moved into the first position [8.3 (7.3–9.2)], followed by NSAIDs [6.9 (5.0–8.4)] and aspirin [6.8 (5.8–8.4)]. Contraceptive pills remained in the last position. No change was observed for NSAIDs and aspirin, still ranked as dangerous drugs by medical students after clinical training. Values of perceived risk were significantly increased for anticoagulant (+9.2%, P < 0.01) and hypoglycemiant drugs (+27.7%, P < 0.0001). The perceived risk significantly decreased for hypocholesterolaemic (−14.3%, P < 0.0001) and antidepressant drugs (−19.5%, P < 0.0001), but not for hypnotics. The study shows that the perception of risk of ADRs by medical students was modified after clinical training. They were still aware of potentially serious ADRs associated with anticoagulants, aspirin or NSAIDs, but they remained less cautious for drugs such as antidepressants. Additional pharmacology training at the end of medical studies will be useful.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Serotonin Transporter Gene in Migraine – An Association Study
Authors: Bayerer Bettina , Engelbergs Jörg , Savidou Irini , Boes Tanja , Küper Michael , Schorn Christoph F. , Wissmann Andreas , Knop Dietmar , Diener Hans C. , Limmroth Volker 
Published: October 2009

We report a case–control study with 251 unrelated migraine patients and 192 unrelated healthy controls to evaluate an association between the polymorphisms of the 5‐HT transporter (5‐HTT) gene rs2066713 and rs1979572 and different migraine phenotypes. We found a genetic association for the A allele of rs1979572 for migraine with aura (MA) especially in women as well as a significant lower prevalence for MA for carrier of the A allele of rs2066713 in women.These findings support previous results suggesting that the 5‐HTT gene is involved in the polygenic etiology of MA. These data further suggest that women are more likely to be clinically affected by mutations in the 5‐HTT gene than men.
Significance of quantitative measurement of heparin‐induced platelet antibodies
Authors: Javela Kaija , Kekomäki Riitta , Koskinen Sinikka 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a prothrombotic immune‐mediated adverse drug reaction. Antigen and platelet activation assays are used for detection of antibodies. Quantitative results from platelet factor 4 (PF4)‐dependent immunoassays may lead to inter‐laboratory standardization of measurements.Objectives:  The aim was to modify a PF4‐dependent immunoassay to measure PF4/heparin antibodies quantitatively.Methods:  Over five consecutive years, 1070 samples from thrombocytopenic, heparin‐treated patients were analyzed by a PF4/heparin ELISA and the heparin‐induced platelet activation assay (HIPA). Results of ELISA assay were expressed as arbitrary units per liter (AU/L).Results:  Precision of ELISA at the concentration of 50 AU/L was 3.6%. Of 1070 samples, 117 were positive for antibodies by ELISA and/or HIPA assay. The higher the antibody concentration was, the higher was the proportion of HIPA positive cases (>140 AU/L, 100%, n = 26; 100–140 AU/L, 55%, n = 20; 50–99 AU/L, 38%, n = 29; 30–49 AU/L, 17%, n = 36).Conclusions:  The measurement of anti‐PF4/heparin antibody concentration is a new parameter that may improve the diagnosis of HIT. All samples with extremely strong antibody concentration were positive also by HIPA. For accuracy, antibody concentrations must be in the linear range of the assay and an international standard is needed.
Nestin and SOX9 and SOX10 transcription factors are coexpressed in melanoma
Authors: Bakos Renato M. , Maier Tanja , Besch Robert , Mestel Dominik S. , Ruzicka Thomas , Sturm Richard A. , Berking Carola 
Published: October 2009

Please cite this paper as: Nestin and SOX9 and SOX10 transcription factors are coexpressed in melanoma. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: e89–e94.Abstract:  Nestin is an intermediate filament expressed in proliferating neural progenitor cells and has been considered as a stem cell marker. Nestin is also found in melanoma and we recently demonstrated that its expression in melanoma cell lines is regulated by the transcription factors SOX9 and SOX10, but not BRN2. In this study, the expression levels of nestin, BRN2, SOX9 and SOX10 were analysed in tissues of melanoma (n = 78) and melanocytic nevi (n = 26) by immunohistochemistry. All proteins were highly expressed in primary and metastatic melanomas and, apart from BRN2, showed much lower levels in melanocytic nevi. Significant coexpression of nestin with SOX9 and SOX10 was found in primary melanoma confirming our in vitro data. Correlation analysis with clinicopathological data revealed that nestin was significantly associated with presence of ulceration in primary tumors and SOX9 with more advanced stage of disease. Our data reveal that SOX9 and SOX10 are highly expressed in melanoma and seem to have a regulatory role in nestin expression. The association with ulceration and advanced‐stage tumors, respectively, suggests that nestin and SOX9 may be negative prognostic markers in melanoma.
Sexual Satisfaction in Men with Erectile Dysfunction: Correlates and Potential Predictors
Authors: Althof Stanley E. , Buvat Jacques , Gutkin Stephen W. , Belger Mark , Stothard Diane R. , Fugl-Meyer Axel R. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sexual satisfaction is an important treatment objective for men with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aims
To evaluate potential associations between International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) satisfaction at study endpoint and a range of baseline, on-treatment, and endpoint variables.

Methods
An exploratory analysis was conducted involving 3,935 subjects with ED randomized to on-demand tadalafil (N=2,824) or placebo (N=1,111) in randomized, controlled trials across 28 countries. Patients achieving scores ≥16 on IIEF questions 7, 8, 13, and 14 at study endpoint were operationally defined as satisfied (vs. &lt;16, not satisfied). Multivariate logistic regression and other analyses were conducted to ascertain correlates and potential predictors of improvements in the IIEF-erectile function domain (IIEF-EF).

Main Outcome Measures
Satisfaction on the IIEF at study endpoint, on-treatment improvements in IIEF-EF, and endpoint sexual frequency.

Results
Patients who were satisfied with sexual function were on average younger and had less severe ED, a shorter history of the condition, and no history of vascular disorders, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus/insulin use at baseline (P &lt;0.01 vs. not satisfied for each). Satisfied patients were also more likely to experience a ≥4-point increase on the IIEF-EF domain on treatment (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=22.4; 95% CI=17.6–28.5; P &lt;0.0001) or IIEF-EF ≥26 at endpoint (adjusted OR=41.0; 95% CI=33.6–50.2; P &lt;0.0001). Satisfaction emerged as a strong correlate of a ≥4-point increase in the IIEF-EF on treatment; however, as a correlate of endpoint sexual frequency, baseline sexual frequency was stronger than endpoint satisfaction.

Conclusions
Satisfaction is associated with certain baseline, on-treatment, and endpoint variables in ED patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings and explore their meaning for female partners.