bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Makorin 1 as a novel SEREX antigen of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shimada Hideaki , Shiratori Tooru , Yasuraoka Mari , Kagaya Akiko , Kuboshima Mari , Nomura Fumio , Takiguchi Masaki , Ochiai Takenori , Matsubara Hisahiro , Hiwasa Takaki 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents one of the most malignant tumors. To improve the poor prognosis, it is necessary to diagnose esophageal SCC at early stages using new tumor markers. SEREX (serological identification of antigens by recombinant cDNA expression cloning) is suitable for large-scale screening of tumor antigens and has been applied for various types of human tumors.

Methods
Tumor markers of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were screened by SEREX method. The presence of serum anti-makorin 1 (MKRN1) antibodies (s-MKRN1-Abs) was examined by Western blotting using bacterially expressed MKRN1 protein. The expression levels of MKRN1 mRNA in tissues were examined by RT-PCR. The biological activity of MKRN1 was examined by transfection of ras-NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts with MKRN1 cDNA. Major ubiquitinated proteins in MKRN1-transfected cells were identified by immunoprecipitation with anti-ubiquitin antibody followed by mass spectrometry.

Results
MKRN1 was identified as a novel SEREX antigen of esophageal SCC. Although a total of 18 (25%) of 73 patients with esophageal SCC had s-MKRN1-Abs, none of the 43 healthy donors had a detectable level of s-MKRN1-Abs. There was no correlation between the presence of s-MKRN1-Abs and clinicopathological variables other than histological grading. Well-differentiated tumors were associated significantly with the presence of s-MKRN1-Abs in the patients. The mRNA levels of MKRN1 were frequently higher in esophageal SCC tissues than in the peripheral normal esophageal mucosa. Stable transfection of ras-NIH3T3 cells with MKRN1 cDNA induced prominent morphological changes such as enlargement of the cell body and spreading. Ubiquitination of 80- and 82-kDa proteins were clearly observed in MKRN1-transfected cells but not in the parental cells, which were identified as L-FILIP (filamin A interacting protein 1).

Conclusion
MKRN1 is a novel SEREX antigen of esophageal SCC, and s-NKRN1-Abs can be a candidate of diagnostic markers of esophageal SCC with high specificity. It is plausible that MKRN1 is involved in carcinogenesis of the well-differentiated type of tumors possibly via ubiquitination of L-FILIP.
Characterization of MCF mammary epithelial cells overexpressing the Arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR)
Authors: Wong Patrick S , Li Wen , Vogel Christoph F , Matsumura Fumio 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundRecent reports indicate the existence of breast cancer cells expressing very high levels of the Arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ubiquitous intracellular receptor best known for mediating toxic action of dioxin and related pollutants. Positive correlation between the degree of AhR overexpression and states of increasing transformation of mammary epithelial cells appears to occur in the absence of any exogenous AhR ligands. These observations have raised many questions such as why and how AhR is overexpressed in breast cancer and its physiological roles in the progression to advanced carcinogenic transformation. To address those questions, we hypothesized that AhR overexpression occurs in cells experiencing deficiencies in normally required estrogen receptor (ER) signaling, and the basic role of AhR in such cases is to guide the affected cells to develop orchestrated cellular changes aimed at substituting the normal functions of ER. At the same time, the AhR serves as the mediator of the cell survival program in the absence of ER signaling.MethodsWe subjected two lines of Michigan Cancer Foundation (MCF) mammary epithelial cells to 3 different types ER interacting agents for a number of passages and followed the changes in the expression of AhR mRNA. The resulting sublines were analyzed for phenotypical changes and unique molecular characteristics.ResultsMCF10AT1 cells continuously exposed to 17-beta-estradiol (E2) developed sub-lines that show AhR overexpression with the characteristic phenotype of increased proliferation, and distinct resistance to apoptosis. When these chemically selected cell lines were treated with a specific AhR antagonist, 3-methoxy-4-nitroflavone (MNF), both of the above abnormal cellular characteristics disappeared, indicating the pivotal role of AhR in expressing those cellular phenotypes. The most prominent molecular characteristics of these AhR overexpressing MCF cells were found to be overexpression of ErbB2 and COX-2. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that suppression of AhR functions through anti-AhR siRNA or MNF causes the recovery of ERalpha functions.ConclusionOne of the main causes for AhR overexpression in these MCF breast cancer cells appears to be the loss of ERalpha functions. This phenomenon is likely to be based on the mutually antagonistic relationship between ER and AhR.
Interactive visualization of clusters in microarray data: an efficient tool for improved metabolic analysis of E. coli
Authors: Scharl Theresa , Striedner Gerald , Pötschacher Florentina , Leisch Friedrich , Bayer Karl 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Interpretation of comprehensive DNA microarray data sets is a challenging task for biologists and process engineers where scientific assistance of statistics and bioinformatics is essential. Interdisciplinary cooperation and concerted development of software-tools for simplified and accelerated data analysis and interpretation is the key to overcome the bottleneck in data-analysis workflows. This approach is exemplified by an interactive visualization toolbox based on cluster analysis. Clustering is an important tool in gene expression data analysis to find groups of co-expressed genes which can finally suggest functional pathways and interactions between genes. The visualization of gene clusters gives practitioners an understanding of the cluster structure of their data and makes it easier to interpret the cluster results.

Results
In this study the interactive visualization toolbox is applied to the interpretation of E. coli microarray data. The data sets derive from two fedbatch experiments conducted in order to investigate the impact of different induction strategies on the host metabolism and product yield. The software enables direct graphical comparison of these two experiments. The identification of potentially interesting gene candidates or functional groups is substantially accelerated and eased.

Conclusion
It was shown that is a very helpful tool to gain a general overview of microarray experiments. Interesting gene expression patterns can easily be found, compared among different experiments and combined with information about gene function from publicly available databases.
Assessment of the relative success of sporozoite inoculations in individuals exposed to moderate seasonal transmission
Authors: Tall Adama , Sokhna Cheikh , Perraut Ronald , Fontenille Didier , Marrama Laurence , Ly Alioune B , Sarr Fatoumata D , Toure Aïssatou , Trape Jean-François , Spiegel André , Rogier Christophe , Druilhe Pierre 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe time necessary for malaria parasite to re-appear in the blood following treatment (re-infection time) is an indirect method for evaluating the immune defences operating against pre-erythrocytic and early erythrocytic malaria stages. Few longitudinal data are available in populations in whom malaria transmission level had also been measured.MethodsOne hundred and ten individuals from the village of Ndiop (Senegal), aged between one and 72 years, were cured of malaria by quinine (25 mg/day oral Quinimax™ in three equal daily doses, for seven days). Thereafter, thick blood films were examined to detect the reappearance ofPlasmodium falciparumevery week, for 11 weeks after treatment. Malaria transmission was simultaneously measured weekly by night collection of biting mosquitoes.ResultsMalaria transmission was on average 15.3 infective bites per person during the 77 days follow up. The median reappearance time for the whole study population was 46.8 days, whereas individuals would have received an average one infective bite every 5 days. At the end of the follow-up, after 77 days, 103 of the 110 individuals (93.6%; CI 95% [89.0–98.2]) had been re-infected withP. falciparum. The median reappearance time ('re-positivation') was longer in subjects with patent parasitaemia at enrolment than in parasitologically-negative individuals (58 days vs. 45.9; p = 0.03) and in adults > 30 years than in younger subjects (58.6 days vs. 42.7; p = 0.0002). In a multivariate Cox PH model controlling for the sickle cell trait, G6PD deficiency and the type of habitat, the presence of parasitaemia at enrolment and age ≥ 30 years were independently predictive of a reduced risk of re-infection (PH = 0.5 [95% CI: 0.3–0.9] and 0.4; [95% CI: 0.2–0.6] respectively).ConclusionResults indicate the existence of a substantial resistance to sporozoites inoculations, but which was ultimately overcome in almost every individual after 2 1/2 months of natural challenges. Such a study design and the results obtained suggest that, despite a small sample size, this approach can contribute to assess the impact of intervention methods, such as the efficacy vector-control measures or of malaria pre-erythrocytic stages vaccines.
Food consumption frequency and perceived stress and depressive symptoms among students in three European countries
Authors: Mikolajczyk Rafael T , El Ansari Walid , Maxwell Annette E 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Certain foods might be more frequently eaten under stress or when higher levels of depressive symptoms are experienced. We examined whether poor nutritional habits are associated with stress and depressive symptoms and whether the relationships differ by country and gender in a sample from three European countries collected as part of a Cross National Student Health Survey.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among first-year students in Germany (N = 696), Poland (N = 489) and Bulgaria (N = 654). Self-administered questionnaires included a 12-item food frequency questionnaire, Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, and a modified Beck Depression Index. Linear regression analyses were conducted for two outcomes, perceived stress and depressive symptoms.

Results
Food consumption frequencies differed by country and gender, as did depressive symptoms and perceived stress. For male students, none of the food consumption groups were associated with perceived stress or depressive symptoms. In females, perceived stress was associated with more frequent consumption of sweets/fast foods and less frequent consumption of fruits/vegetables. Additionally, depressive symptoms were associated with less frequent consumption of fruits/vegetables and meat.

Conclusion
Our data show consistent associations between unhealthy food consumption and depressive symptoms and perceived stress among female students from three European countries, but not among male students. This suggests that efforts to reduce depressive symptoms and stress among female students may also lead to the consumption of healthier foods and/or vice-versa.
Cross-packaging of genetically distinct mouse and primate retroviral RNAs
Authors: Al Dhaheri Noura Salem , Phillip Pretty Susan , Ghazawi Akela , Ali Jahabar , Beebi Elizabeth , Jaballah Soumeya Ali , Rizvi Tahir A 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is unique from other retroviruses in having multiple viral promoters, which can be regulated by hormones in a tissue specific manner. This unique property has lead to increased interest in studying MMTV replication with the hope of developing MMTV based vectors for human gene therapy. However, it has recently been reported that related as well as unrelated retroviruses can cross-package each other's genome raising safety concerns towards the use of candidate retroviral vectors for human gene therapy. Therefore, using a trans complementation assay, we looked at the ability of MMTV RNA to be cross-packaged and propagated by an unrelated primate Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) that has intracellular assembly process similar to that of MMTV.

Results
Our results revealed that MMTV and MPMV RNAs could be cross-packaged by the heterologous virus particles reciprocally suggesting that pseudotyping between two genetically distinct retroviruses can take place at the RNA level. However, the cross-packaged RNAs could not be propagated further indicating a block at post-packaging events in the retroviral life cycle. To further confirm that the specificity of cross-packaging was conferred by the packaging sequences (ψ), we cloned the packaging sequences of these viruses on expression plasmids that generated non-viral RNAs. Test of these non-viral RNAs confirmed that the reciprocal cross-packaging was primarily due to the recognition of ψ by the heterologous virus proteins.

Conclusion
The results presented in this study strongly argue that MPMV and MMTV are promiscuous in their ability to cross-package each other's genome suggesting potential RNA-protein interactions among divergent retroviral RNAs proposing that these interactions are more complicated than originally thought. Furthermore, these observations raise the possibility that MMTV and MPMV genomes could also co-package providing substrates for exchanging genetic information.
Predictors of major infections in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ruiz-Irastorza Guillermo , Olivares Nerea , Ruiz-Arruza Ioana , Martinez-Berriotxoa Agustin , Egurbide Maria-Victoria , Aguirre Ciriaco 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Infections commonly complicate the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our aim is to investigate the clinical predictors of major infections in patients with SLE.

Methods
A nested case–control study design was used within the prospective Lupus-Cruces cohort. The endpoints of the study were major infections. Cases were defined as patients with a major infection. Two controls (SLE patients without major infections), matched for time of follow-up until the event and age at diagnosis, were selected for each case. Univariate analysis and logistic regression models were used for the analysis of data.

Results
Two hundred and forty-nine patients (83 cases, 166 controls) were selected. Eighty-three episodes of major infections were analyzed; E. coli, S. aureus, M. tuberculosis and S. pneumoniae being the most frequent isolates. Univariate analysis identified several variables related with infection: lung and renal involvement, at or previous to the study point; leukopenia at the study point; antiphospholipid antibody-positivity and treatment with prednisone within 3 months previous to the study point, and the dose of prednisone received. Treatment with antimalarials, on the other hand, showed a strong inverse association with major infections. Logistic regression models identified treatment with antimalarials (odds ratio (OR) = 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.02 to 0.18), prednisone dose (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.19) and lung involvement (OR = 4.41, 95% CI = 1.06 to 18.36) as significant and independent predictors of major infections. No significant interactions among these three variables were found. Further adjustment for potential confounders related with antimalarial treatment did not change the results.

Conclusions
The risk of major infections in patients with SLE is mostly influenced by treatment. Prednisone treatment, even at moderate doses, increases the risk, whilst antimalarials have a protective effect.
British surgeons' experiences of mandatory online workplace-based assessment
Authors: Pereira Erlick AC , Dean Benjamin JF 
Published: July 2009

Summary Objectives An online workplace-based assessment tool, the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Programme (ISCP), has become mandatory for all British surgical trainees appointed since August 2007. A compulsory £125 annual trainee fee has also been introduced to fund its running costs. The study sought to evaluate user satisfaction with the ISCP. Design and setting A total of 539 users across all surgical specialties (including 122 surgeons acting as assessors) were surveyed in late 2008 by online questionnaire regarding their experiences with the ISCP. Results Sixty-seven percent had used the tool for at least one year. It was rated above average by only 6% for its registration process and only 11% for recording meetings and objectives. Forty-nine percent described its online assessments as poor or very poor, only 9% considering them good or very good. Seventy-nine percent rated the website's user friendliness as average or worse, as did 72% its peer-assessment tool and 61% its logbook of procedures. Seventy-six percent of respondents had carried out paper assessments due to difficulties using the website. Six percent stated that the ISCP had impacted negatively on their training opportunities, 41% reporting a negative impact overall upon their training; only 6% reported a positive impact. Ninety-four percent did not consider the trainee fee good value, only 2% believing it should be paid by the trainee. Conclusions The performance of the ISCP leaves large numbers of British surgeons unsatisfied. Its assessments lack appropriate evidence of validity and its introduction has been problematic. With reducing training hours, the increased online bureaucratic burden exacerbates low morale of trainees and trainers, adversely impacting potentially upon both competency and productivity.
Pneumonia of the Lobe of the Azygos Vein
Authors: Studdert T. C. , Turnbull A. K. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Pneumonia confined to the lobe of the Azygos Vein has been reported on several occasions, but perusal of recent literature has led the authors to consider that the following case history and radiographs are of sufficient interest to justify their publication.
An airman, aged 18 years, was transferred to an R.A.F. Hospital on June 30, 1946. A week previously he had been admitted to his station sick quarters with a feverish illness which had started quite suddenly with headache, fever, sweating, vomiting and a dry cough. The temperature was then 101°F, pulse 100 and respirations 24. During the next few days his general symptoms cleared, but the temperature did not settle completely, and the cough became productive, sputum at first being blood flecked and later yellowish. He had no gross physical signs in the chest at this time, and after the unit medical officer had given him 10 gm. of sulphapyridine, he decided to discontinue this and, suspecting tuberculosis, admitted him to hospital.
When first seen by one of us (T.C.S.) on June 30, 1946, he had no complaints, except for a productive cough. There had been no pain in the chest or breathlessness. His appetite was good. He was, however, a nervous boy, enuretic whilst in hospital, and prone to dizziness and “blackouts”. On examination, temperature was 99°F, pulse 60, respirations 18. The only physical sign detected in the chest was flattening of percussion note at the right apex, and all other systems were normal.
North of England Branch Notice
Authors: Gray E. D. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
At the invitation of Dr. S. Whateley Davidson and Mr. C. J. L. Thurgar, a meeting of the branch will be held at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Saturday, March 15, 1947.
3 p.m. Business meeting followed by a short radiotherapy demonstration.
The Radiotherapeutic Treatment of Cancer Corporis Uteri
Authors: Heyman J. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
I Believe that most gynæcologists and surgeons consider hysterectomy to be the method of choice in the treatment of cancer of the uterine corpus and I would not be surprised should many of my colleagues consider efforts to improve the radiotherapeutic technique in corpus cancer to be a waste of valuable time. For many years we have been taught that cancer of the corpus is a relatively rare disease, that hysterectomy in corpus cancer is a simple and harmless procedure which can be applied to at least 80 per cent. of the cases, and that the final results of hysterectomy are satisfactory.
Because of our experience at the Radiumhemmet during the last decades we have arrived at a some what different opinion.
We find that cancer of the corpus is not as rare a disease as is generally believed. Out of a hundred cases of cancer of the uterus, referred to the Radiumhemmet for treatment, between twenty to twenty-five are corpus cases. This is probably a minimum figure since all cases of cancer of the cervix occurring within the area of our activity are referred to us for radiotherapy, whereas still a considerable number of corpus cases are submitted to hysterectomy by specialists or by the general surgeons.
Hysterectomy may be a simple and harmless procedure. It is, however, definitely not applicable to 80 per cent. of the cases.
The Size of the Vaginal Vault in Relation to the Treatment of Cancer of the Cervix
Authors: Moore John , Tod Margaret 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The possible arrangements of radium in the vagina for the treatment of cancer of the cervix are limited by the size and shape of the vault. This is true whether room is wanted to push applicators as far laterally as possible to irradiate the parametria, or to allow the insertion of a special applicator with heavy metal screenage to direct beams laterally from a central radium source.
A Technique for Cerebral Angiography
Authors: Boardman Reginald H. , Vickers Anthony A. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
A simple method of obtaining a satisfactory record of cerebral angiography is described. The method requires no special apparatus, and is applicable to any department.
We are indebted firstly to Mr. Brodie Hughes, for having been responsible for starting the work, to the Medical Superintendent, Colonel Samuel, for putting the facilities of the Hospital at our disposal, and to the carpenter, Mr. Brown, for the enthusiasm with which he built the tunnel and modified it as required.
A Report of Six Cases of Coxa Magna following Synovitis of the Hip Joint
Authors: McMurray Barry 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Enlargement of the head of the femur occurs in several pathological conditions affecting the hip joint. Notable amongst these are congenital subluxation, pseudo-coxalgia and occasionally in suppurative or tuberculous arthritis.
Ferguson and Howorth (1934) described this condition following temporary synovitis of the hip, and the present series comprises six patients who developed progressive enlargement of the upper femoral epiphysis following synovitis.
The condition occurs before the fusion of the upper femoral epiphysis. The youngest patient was twenty-two months and the eldest fourteen years. The distribution between the sexes was equal; three of the patients were boys and three girls.
As in those cases recorded by Ferguson and Howorth, all the patients in this series had suffered from fairly severe infections during the six months preceding the development of hip symptoms.
The nature of this infection varied; two of the patients suffered from septic sores on the legs, one had suffered from repeated attacks of tonsillitis, one had a brain abscess, and one acute mastoiditis. The sixth, the youngest, however, had the history of a very severe and prolonged reaction following antidiphtheria inoculation, and it was considered at the time that the serum must have been contaminated.
The relationship of this condition to general infection can only be suggested, since young children often contact severe infections. Nevertheless, a careful history on each occasion elicited the fact that these children had been ill for periods exceeding five weeks.