bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Belgian MIRA (MabThera In Rheumatoid Arthritis) registry: clues for the optimization of rituximab treatment strategies
Authors: Vander Cruyssen Bert , Durez Patrick , Westhovens Rene , Kaiser Marie-Joelle , Hoffman Ilse , De Keyser Filip ,   The MIRA Study Group
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Introduction
This study describes the results of the Belgian 'MabThera In Rheumatoid Arthritis (MIRA)' registry: effectiveness, safety and evaluation of the current retreatment practice on the background of the Belgian reimbursement criteria for rituximab.

Methods
All Belgian rheumatologists had the possibility to participate in the study. Patients entered the registry in November 2006 and the entry is still open.

Results
By mid-September 2009, 401 patients had entered the registry with a mean follow-up time of 70 weeks. Overall, DAS28-ESR decreased from 6.0 at baseline to 4.2 at week 16. Further decrease of disease activity was observed at the end of year 1 and year 2 with mean DAS28-ESR of 4.0 and 3.7 at these respective time points. More than 80% of patients showed a EULAR response at week 16. Patients could be retreated if they had DAS scores of > 3.2 at least 6 months after the previous course. Second and third courses were given in 224 and 104 patients, respectively. At month 6 after the second course, significantly lower DAS28-ESR values were observed compared to the first course. This was especially the case for patients who were retreated before they showed an obvious flare (DAS increase > 1.2).

Conclusions
This study describes the follow-up of a daily clinical practice cohort of 401 RA patients with long-standing refractory disease treated with rituximab. Relatively high DAS28 values at the start of each retreatment, compared to values 6 months after each treatment course, were noted. Moreover, further decrease of DAS28 scores after the second course was significantly more pronounced in those patients who didn't show an obvious flare. These two elements suggest that treatment of RA patients with rituximab could be optimized by earlier retreatment.
Breast tumor kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 mediate Met receptor signaling to cell migration in breast cancer cells
Authors: Castro Nancy E , Lange Carol A 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Breast tumor kinase (Brk/protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6)) is a nonreceptor, soluble tyrosine kinase overexpressed in the majority of breast tumors. Previous work has placed Brk downstream of epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB) activation and upstream of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Herein we investigate the regulation of Brk kinase activity and cell migration in response to treatment of keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells) with hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and macrophage stimulating protein (MSP), peptide ligands for Met and Ron receptors, respectively.

Methods
In vitro kinase assays were performed to directly measure Brk kinase activity in response to MET and RON ligands. Transfection of Brk-targeted RNAi was used to knock down endogenous Brk or ERK5 in multiple cell lines. Kinase activities (downstream of MET signaling) were assayed by Western blotting using total and phospho-specific antibodies. Boyden chamber assays were used to measure cell migration in response to manipulation of Brk and downstream MET effectors. Rescue experiments were performed by knock down of endogenous Brk using RNAi (targeting the untranslated region (3′-UTR)) and transient transfection (re-expression) of either wild-type or kinase-inactive Brk.

Results
Brk gene silencing revealed that HGF, but not MSP, induced robust Brk-dependent cell migration. Brk and ERK5 copurified in HGF-induced protein complexes, and Brk/ERK5 complexes formed independently of Brk kinase activity. ERK5 was required for breast cancer cell but not keratinocyte cell migration, which became ERK1/2-dependent upon ERK5 knockdown. Notably, rescue experiments indicated that the kinase activity of Brk was not required for HGF-induced cell migration. Further, expression of either wild-type or kinase-inactive Brk in Brk-null MDA-MB-435 cells activated ERK5 and conferred increased HGF-induced cell migration.

Conclusions
These results have identified Brk and ERK5 as important downstream effectors of Met signaling to cell migration. Targeting ERK5 kinase activity or inhibiting the formation of Brk/ERK5 complexes may provide an additional means of blocking cell migration associated with breast cancer progression to metastasis.
The Inositol Phosphatase SHIP2 Negatively Regulates Insulin/IGF-I Actions Implicated in Neuroprotection and Memory Function in Mouse Brain
Authors: Soeda Yoshiyuki , Tsuneki Hiroshi , Muranaka Hayato , Mori Norihiko , Hosoh Shuji , Ichihara Yoshinori , Kagawa Syota , Wang Xu , Toyooka Naoki , Takamura Yusaku , Uwano Teruko , Nishijo Hisao , Wada Tsutomu , Sasaoka Toshiyasu 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Impairment of insulin and IGF-I signaling in the brain is one of the causes of dementia associated with diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the precise pathological processes are largely unknown. In the present study, we found that SH2-containing inositol 5′-phosphatase 2 (SHIP2), a negative regulator of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated signals, is widely expressed in adult mouse brain. When a dominant-negative mutant of SHIP2 was expressed in cultured neurons, insulin signaling was augmented, indicating physiological significance of endogenous SHIP2 in neurons. Interestingly, SHIP2 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased in the brain of type 2 diabetic db/db mice. To investigate the impact of increased expression of SHIP2 in the brain, we further employed transgenic mice overexpressing SHIP2 and found that increased amounts of SHIP2 induced the disruption of insulin/IGF-I signaling through Akt. Neuroprotective effects of insulin and IGF-I were significantly attenuated in cultured cerebellar granule neurons from SHIP2 transgenic mice. Consistently, terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay demonstrated that the number of apoptosis-positive cells was increased in cerebral cortex of the transgenic mice at an elderly age. Furthermore, SHIP2 transgenic mice exhibited impaired memory performance in the Morris water maze, step-through passive avoidance, and novel-object-recognition tests. Importantly, inhibition of SHIP2 ameliorated the impairment of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory formation in db/db mice. These results suggest that SHIP2 is a potent negative regulator of insulin/IGF-I actions in the brain, and excess amounts of SHIP2 may be related, at least in part, to brain dysfunction in insulin resistance with type 2 diabetes.
Polarization sensitivity in two species of cuttlefish –Sepia plangon(Gray 1849) andSepia mestus(Gray 1849) – demonstrated with polarized optomotor stimuli
Authors: Talbot Christopher M. , Marshall Justin 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYThe existence of polarization sensitivity (PS), most likely resulting from the orthogonal arrangement of microvilli in photoreceptors, has been proposed in cephalopods for some time, although it has rarely been examined behaviourally. Here, we tested the mourning cuttlefish, Sepia plangon, and the reaper cuttlefish, Sepia mestus, for polarization sensitivity using a large-field optomotor stimulus containing polarization contrast. Polaroid filter drums with stripes producing alternating e-vectors were rotated around free-moving animals. Polarized optomotor responses were displayed, and these responses were similar to those performed in response to a black-and-white, vertically-striped drum, whereas no responses were displayed to a plain polarizing control drum producing just a vertical e-vector. This indicates that the animals are able to see the contrast between adjacent stripes in the polarizing drum. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of functional polarization sensitivity in cuttlefish.
Polarization sensitivity and retinal topography of the striped pyjama squid (Sepioloidea lineolata– Quoy/Gaimard 1832)
Authors: Talbot Christopher M. , Marshall Justin 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYColeoid cephalopods (octopus, cuttlefish and squid) potentially possess polarization sensitivity (PS) based on photoreceptor structure, but this idea has rarely been tested behaviourally. Here, we use a polarized, striped optokinetic stimulus to demonstrate PS in the striped pyjama squid, Sepioloidea lineolata. This species displayed strong, consistent optokinetic nystagmic eye movements in response to a drum with stripes producing e-vectors set to 0 deg, 45 deg, 90 deg and 135 deg that would only be visible to an animal with PS. This is the first behavioural demonstration of a polarized optokinetic response in any species of cephalopod. This species, which typically sits beneath the substrate surface looking upwards for potential predators and prey, possesses a dorsally shifted horizontal pupil slit. Accordingly, it was found to possess a horizontal strip of high-density photoreceptors shifted ventrally in the retina, suggesting modifications such as a change in sensitivity or resolution to the dorsal visual field.
Lactic acid is of low predictive value for the diagnosis of bacterial infection in ventricular cerebrospinal fluid samples containing residual blood
Authors: Böer Klas , Pfister Wolfgang , Kiehntopf Michael 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background: Lactic acid concentrations (LA) are an established marker of bacterial infection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, use of LA for the detection of infection in CSF with residual blood has not been fully evaluated.

Methods: Analysis of LA and total protein, cell count and bacterial culture were performed in 90 lumbar and ventricular CSF samples contaminated with blood.

Results: Bacterial culture was positive in six CSF samples. The diagnostic value of the cell count was significantly higher than that of LA for the prediction of a positive culture, even if all culture positive and all likely infected samples were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in LA concentrations between positive or likely positive ventricular CSF samples and all negative, ventricular samples.

Conclusions: Although LA concentrations in CSF are evidently a predictor of bacterial infection, its diagnostic value for the detection of bacterial infection in ventricular CSF with residual blood is limited.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1777–80.
Basketball-Related Injuries in School-Aged Children and Adolescents in 1997–2007
Authors: Randazzo Charles , Nelson Nicolas G. , McKenzie Lara B. 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:
The objective was to determine national patterns of basketball-related injuries treated in emergency departments in the United States among children and adolescents &lt;20 years of age.

METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted with data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, from 1997 to 2007. Sample weights provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission were used to calculate national estimates of basketball-related injuries. Trend significance of the numbers and rates of basketball-related injuries over time was analyzed by using linear regression.

RESULTS:
An estimated 4 128 852 pediatric basketball-related injuries were treated in emergency departments. Although the total number of injuries decreased during the study period, the number of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) increased by 70%. The most common injury was a strain or sprain to the lower extremities (30.3%), especially the ankle (23.8%). Boys were more likely to sustain lacerations and fractures or dislocations. Girls were more likely to sustain TBIs and to injure the knee. Older children (15–19 years of age) were 3 times more likely to injure the lower extremities. Younger children (5–10 years of age) were more likely to injure the upper extremities and to sustain TBIs and fractures or dislocations.

CONCLUSIONS:
Although the total number of basketball-related injuries decreased during the 11-year study period, the large number of injuries in this popular sport is cause for concern.
Parents' Decision-Making in Newborn Screening: Opinions, Choices, and Information Needs
Authors: Lipstein Ellen A. , Nabi Emara , Perrin James M. , Luff Donna , Browning Marsha F. , Kuhlthau Karen A. 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:Our objective was to describe how parents consider disease and test characteristics when making decisions about newborn screening.METHODS:We conducted focus groups with parents from primary care clinics and interviews of parents from a genetics clinic (total of 45 participants). Participants discussed 7 vignettes about newborn screening that we developed and refined with the assistance of an expert panel. Two coders coded the data independently, compared coding, and resolved disagreements through discussion. Using framework analysis, we analyzed the data and identified how parents' preferences varied according to disease characteristics, test characteristics, and perceptions of the associated risks and benefits.RESULTS:Study participants strongly supported population-wide screening for disorders with well-defined, effective treatments, even if the treatment (eg, a bone marrow transplant) had significant morbidity. However, particularly among primary care clinic participants, there were more-varied preferences and greater difficulty making decisions about disorders associated with older age at onset, less-accurate screening tests, or less-effective treatment. In those cases, many participants suggested optional screening. For all disorders, participants expressed a desire for more information to facilitate decision-making.CONCLUSIONS:Participants supported newborn screening for treatable disorders but suggested optional screening for other disorders. The variable influences on parents' decision-making suggest that parents with diverse experiences, if they were included in decision-making regarding screening policies, could provide critical perspectives and help screening programs address parents' preferences and meet parents' information needs.
Periodontal Status and Neutrophilic Enzyme Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Authors: Gürsoy Mervi , Könönen Eija , Gürsoy Ulvi K. , Tervahartiala Taina , Pajukanta Riitta , Sorsa Timo 
Published: September 2010

Background: Pregnancy induces or enhances susceptibility to gingivitis; however, the presence and role of neutrophilic enzymes in pregnancy‐related gingivitis are not well known. The present study demonstrates the relationship between neutrophilic enzymes in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and periodontal status during pregnancy and postpartum.Methods: At baseline, 30 periodontally healthy pregnant women (Pr group) and 24 non‐pregnant women (N‐Pr group) as their controls participated in the study. The Pr group was examined once per each trimester and twice during postpartum and the N‐Pr group three times (on successive months). During each visit, GCF samples were collected from all first molars, and clinical measurements (visible plaque index, bleeding on probing [BOP], probing depth [PD], and clinical attachment level) were recorded. The samples were analyzed for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) elastase, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1. Their levels were compared to the periodontal status at the collection site.Results: In the Pr group, BOP and PD scores significantly increased between the first and second trimester, indicating pregnancy gingivitis. This increased inflammation was not reflected by the enzymes examined in GCF; the amounts of PMN elastase decreased continuously during the follow‐up period, and those of MPO and MMP‐8 did not increase until delivery, whereas TIMP‐1 amounts remained stable throughout the follow‐up period. In the N‐Pr group, all parameters remained steady.Conclusion: Despite an increased susceptibility to gingivitis during mid‐pregnancy, the host response does not seem to activate its own degradative enzymes.
Survival Rate for Implants Placed in the Posterior Maxilla With and Without Sinus Augmentation: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Barone Antonio , Orlando Bruno , Tonelli Paolo , Covani Ugo 
Published: September 2010

Background: The reduced bone height and proximity of the maxillary sinus are the most common limitations for placement of dental implants in the posterior maxilla. Reconstruction of the atrophic posterior maxilla can be performed with a sinus augmentation procedure. The aim of this cohort study is to compare the survival rate of implants placed in augmented sinus to implants placed in native bone in the posterior maxilla.Methods: This study was designed as a prospective cohort study and included consecutively treated patients. Patients who required the sinus augmentation (test group) were treated according to the two‐stage technique. Patients were scheduled for follow‐up evaluation at 3, 6, and 12 months after implant placement and then every 6 months for ≤6 years.Results: One hundred and five patients with 393 implants were enrolled in the study. Two hundred and one implants were placed after preliminary sinus floor grafting in 41 patients. The control group contained 64 patients with 192 implants that were placed in pristine bone of the posterior maxilla. The cumulative implant survival rates were 86.1% and 96.4%, respectively. The difference between the two groups was highly significant (P <0.005).Conclusions: These findings show that implants placed in augmented sinuses had a lower survival rate compared to implants placed in pristine bone. All the implant failures in the augmented sinuses occurred before the prosthetic rehabilitation. Moreover, it should be considered that most of the failures were observed in few patients, thus suggesting cluster behavior.
Arginine–Nitric Oxide–Polyamine Metabolism in Periodontal Disease
Authors: Ozer Leyla , Elgun Serenay , Ozdemir Burcu , Pervane Beste , Ozmeric Nurdan 
Published: September 2010

Background: Arginine is converted to nitric oxide (NO) via NO synthase and to ornithine via arginase. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) catalyzes the conversion of ornithine to polyamines. Arginase can inhibit NO production, and NO can inhibit ODC activity as part of an early inflammatory response. This study examines the arginine‐NO‐polyamine pathway alteration in saliva and gingival biopsy samples of patients with gingivitis or periodontitis and healthy controls and evaluates the response to periodontal treatment.Methods: This study includes nine gingivitis patients, 15 chronic periodontitis patients, and 11 healthy age‐matched controls. Periodontal clinical measurements, gingival biopsies, and saliva samples were obtained before treatment (BT) and 1 month after periodontal treatment (AT). Arginase and ODC activities and NO levels were determined spectrophotometrically.Results: The BT salivary and gingival NO levels were found to be highest in the gingivitis group, followed by the healthy and the periodontitis groups, respectively. Salivary NO levels significantly increased in the periodontitis group and decreased in the gingivitis group AT (P <0.05). Gingival NO levels decreased significantly in the periodontitis and the gingivitis groups AT (P <0.05). Arginase levels were detected highest in the gingivitis group and lowest in the periodontitis group, both in saliva and gingiva. Only gingival arginase levels significantly increased AT (P <0.05). ODC activity was highest in saliva, and lowest in the gingiva of the periodontitis patients BT. It was found to be significantly higher in the periodontitis group AT (P <0.05).Conclusions: In this study, regarding arginine‐NO‐polyamine metabolism, gingival tissue seems to be more informative about periodontal pathogenesis than saliva. At early phase of periodontal inflammation, NO arginase and ODC levels were measured as higher than at an established lesion of periodontitis.
Knowledge About the Association Between Periodontal Diseases and Diabetes Mellitus: Contrasting Dentists and Physicians
Authors: Al‐Khabbaz Areej K. , Al‐Shammari Khalaf F. , Al‐Saleh Noha A. 
Published: September 2010

Background: There is a strong body of evidence that supports the relationship between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus (DM). Many patients are unaware of the effects of diabetes on oral health. Whether health care providers are applying the information about the link between DM and periodontal diseases in their practices depends on the levels of their knowledge of such valuable information. Therefore, the aims of this study are to evaluate the knowledge of dental and medical practitioners concerning the effects of diabetes on periodontal health and to find out if the practitioners are aware of the bidirectional relationship between periodontal diseases and DM.Methods: This was a cross‐sectional survey of randomly selected general practitioners practicing in Kuwait. Participants were asked about specific periodontal complications that they believed patients diagnosed with diabetes were more susceptible to, and their awareness of the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal diseases was evaluated.Results: A total of 510 general practitioners (232 physicians and 278 dentists) participated in the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding mean ages, sex distributions, and years in practice. Only 50% of all study participants believed that patients with diabetes were more susceptible to tooth loss because of periodontal diseases than were individuals without diabetes. Dentists were significantly more aware of gingival bleeding, tooth mobility, and alveolar bone resorption than were physicians. Factors significantly associated with having knowledge about the effects of diabetes on periodontal health in logistic regression analyses were older age, female sex, and the dental profession.Conclusion: The knowledge about the association between periodontal diseases and DM should be increased among dental and medical practitioners to effectively prevent, manage, and control diabetes and periodontal diseases.