bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GSTP1 expression predicts poor pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in ER‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Miyake Tomohiro , Nakayama Takahiro , Naoi Yasuto , Yamamoto Noriaki , Otani Yoko , Kim Seung J. , Shimazu Kenzo , Shimomura Atsushi , Maruyama Naomi , Tamaki Yasuhiro , Noguchi Shinzaburo 
Published: February 2012

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association of glutathione S‐transferase P1 (GSTP1) expression with resistance to neoadjuvant paclitaxel followed by 5‐fluorouracil/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide (P‐FEC) in human breast cancers. The relationship of GSTP1 expression and GSTP1 promoter hypermethylation with intrinsic subtypes was also investigated. In this study, primary breast cancer patients (n = 123, stage II–III) treated with neoadjuvant P‐FEC were analyzed. Tumor samples were obtained by vacuum‐assisted core biopsy before P‐FEC. GSTP1 expression was determined using immunohistochemistry, GSTP1 promoter methylation index (MI) using bisulfite methylation assay and intrinsic subtypes using DNA microarray. The pathological complete response (pCR) rate was significantly higher in GSTP1‐negative tumors (80.0%) than GSTP1‐positive tumors (30.6%) (P = 0.009) among estrogen receptor (ER)‐negative tumors but not among ER‐positive tumors (P = 0.267). Multivariate analysis showed that GSTP1 was the only predictive factor for pCR (P = 0.013) among ER‐negative tumors. Luminal A, luminal B and HER2‐enriched tumors showed a significantly lower GSTP1 positivity than basal‐like tumors (P = 0.002, P < 0.001 and P = 0.009, respectively), while luminal A, luminal B and HER2‐enriched tumors showed a higher GSTP1 MI than basal‐like tumors (P = 0.076, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, these results suggest the possibility that GSTP1 expression can predict pathological response to P‐FEC in ER‐negative tumors but not in ER‐positive tumors. Additionally, GSTP1 promoter hypermethylation might be implicated more importantly in the pathogenesis of luminal A, luminal B and HER2‐enriched tumors than basal‐like tumors. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 913–920)
A randomised, controlled trial comparing the Airtraq™ optical laryngoscope with conventional laryngoscopy in infants and children*
Authors: White M. C. , Marsh C. J. , Beringer R. M. , Nolan J. A. , Choi A. Y. S. , Medlock K. E. , Mason D. G. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe Airtraq™ optical laryngoscope became available in paediatric sizes in the UK in May 2008. We conducted a randomised, controlled trial comparing the Airtraq with conventional laryngoscopy during routine anaesthesia in children. We hypothesised that the Airtraq laryngoscope would perform as well as conventional laryngoscopy. Sixty patients (20 infants and 40 children) were recruited. The mean (SD) intubation time using the Airtraq was longer than conventional laryngoscopy overall (47.3 (32.6) vs 26.3 (11.5) s; p = 0.002), though the difference was only significant for children (p = 0.003) and not for infants (p = 0.29). The Airtraq provided a better view of the larynx compared with conventional laryngoscopy (in infants (percentage of glottic opening scores 100 (95–100 [90–100]) vs 77 (50–90 [40–100]), respectively; p = 0.001; visual analogue scores for field of view 9.2 (9.2–9.5 [8.2–10.0]) vs 6.8 (5.1–8.0 [4.7–10.0]), respectively; p = 0.001). In children, the Airtraq provided a similar view of the larynx (percentage of glottic opening scores 100 (100–100 [40–100]) vs 100 (90–100 [50–100]), respectively; visual analogue scores for field of view 9.2 (8.6–10.0 [7.0–10.0]) vs 9.2 (8.6–10.0 [5.6–10.0]), respectively; both p > 0.05), compared with conventional laryngoscopy.
Effect of forced‐air warming on the performance of operating theatre laminar flow ventilation*
Authors: Dasari K. B. , Albrecht M. , Harper M. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryForced‐air warming exhaust may disrupt operating theatre airflows via formation of convection currents, which depends upon differences in exhaust and operating room air temperatures. We investigated whether the floor‐to‐ceiling temperatures around a draped manikin in a laminar‐flow theatre differed when using three types of warming devices: a forced‐air warming blanket (Bair Hugger™); an over‐body conductive blanket (Hot Dog™); and an under‐body resistive mattress (Inditherm™). With forced‐air warming, mean (SD) temperatures were significantly elevated over the surgical site vs those measured with the conductive blanket (+2.73 (0.7) °C; p < 0.001) or resistive mattress (+3.63 (0.7) °C; p < 0.001). Air temperature differences were insignificant between devices at floor (p = 0.339), knee (p = 0.799) and head height levels (p = 0.573). We conclude that forced‐air warming generates convection current activity in the vicinity of the surgical site. The clinical concern is that these currents may disrupt ventilation airflows intended to clear airborne contaminants from the surgical site.
Tracheal intubation in morbidly obese patients: a comparison of the Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway™ and Laryngeal Mask Airway CTrach™*
Authors: Arslan Z. I. , Özdamar D. , Yildiz T. S. , Solak Z. M. , Toker K. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway™ (ILMA) and Laryngeal Mask Airway CTrach™ (LMA CTrach) in facilitating tracheal intubation in morbidly obese patients. Eighty patients (body mass index > 40kg.m−2) were randomly allocated to the ILMA or the LMA CTrach. The median (IQR [range]) total time taken for tracheal intubation was shorter with the ILMA than with the LMA CTrach (78 (63–105 [40–265]) s vs 128 (98–221 [60–423]) s, respectively; p < 0.001). Significantly more manoeuvres were applied for the satisfactory ventilation and viewing of the glottis with the LMA CTrach (25% vs 55% with the ILMA; p = 0.006). During the postoperative period, there was more sore throat with the LMA CTrach (p < 0.02). We conclude that the ILMA results in shorter intubation times with fewer manoeuvres and sore throat compared with the LMA CTrach in the morbidly obese.
Difficult Airway Society Guidelines for the management of tracheal extubation
Authors:   Membership of the Difficult Airway Society Extubation Guidelines Group: M. Popat (Chairman), Mitchell V. , Dravid R. , Patel A. , Swampillai C. , Higgs A. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryTracheal extubation is a high‐risk phase of anaesthesia. The majority of problems that occur during extubation and emergence are of a minor nature, but a small and significant number may result in injury or death. The need for a strategy incorporating extubation is mentioned in several international airway management guidelines, but the subject is not discussed in detail, and the emphasis has been on extubation of the patient with a difficult airway. The Difficult Airway Society has developed guidelines for the safe management of tracheal extubation in adult peri‐operative practice. The guidelines discuss the problems arising during extubation and recovery and promote a strategic, stepwise approach to extubation. They emphasise the importance of planning and preparation, and include practical techniques for use in clinical practice and recommendations for post‐extubation care.
High expression of CD98 alters epithelial barrier functions to promote induction of airway allergy
Authors: Liu T. , Ma J. , Li T.‐L. , Yang J.‐F. , Liang X. , Yang P.‐C. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBackgroundEpithelial barrier dysfunction is critical in the induction of allergy; the aetiology is to be further understood. A recent report indicates that CD98 plays a role in the intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the role of overexpression of CD98 in the induction of nasal allergy.MethodsThe nasal epithelium samples were collected from 30 patients with allergic rhinitis and 30 healthy subjects. The contents of CD98 and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in the nasal epithelium samples were evaluated by using Western blotting. The effect of SEB of inducing the expression of CD98 was evaluated with an airway epithelial cell line, the 16HBE14o cells. The epithelial barrier function was assessed with the indicators of transepithelial resistance (TER) and permeability to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). A mouse model was employed to evaluate the role of CD98 in the induction of nasal allergy.ResultsHigh levels of CD98 and SEB were detected in the nasal epithelium of patients with allergic rhinitis. A positive correlation was identified between CD98 and SEB in nasal epithelium samples. Exposure to SEB could induce the overexpression of CD98 in RPMI 2650 and 16HBE14o cells. The overexpression of CD98 down‐regulated TER and increased the permeability to HRP in 16HBE14o monolayers. Concurrent exposure to SEB and OVA induced nasal allergies in a mouse model that could be blocked by pre‐treatment with anti‐CD98 antibody.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceCD98 plays a critical role in compromising the airway epithelial barrier function that contributes to the induction of airway allergy.
Effects of growth hormone deficiency on body composition and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk after definitive therapy for acromegaly
Authors: Lin E. , Wexler T. L. , Nachtigall L. , Tritos N. , Swearingen B. , Hemphill L. , Loeffler J. , Biller B. M. K. , Klibanski A. , Miller K. K. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBackgroundBoth growth hormone (GH) excess and GH deficiency are associated with abnormalities in body composition and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in patients with pituitary disorders. However, the effects of developing GH deficiency after definitive treatment of acromegaly are largely unknown.ObjectiveTo determine whether development of GH deficiency after definitive therapy for acromegaly is associated with increased visceral adiposity and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk compared with GH sufficiency after definitive therapy for acromegaly.DesignCross‐sectional.PatientsWe studied three groups of subjects, all with a history of acromegaly (n = 76): subjects with subsequent GH deficiency (GHD; n = 31), subjects with subsequent GH sufficiency (GHS; n = 25) and subjects with active acromegaly (AA; n = 20). No study subjects were receiving somatostatin analogues, dopamine agonists or hGH.MeasurementsBody composition (by DXA), abdominal adipose tissue depots (by cross‐sectional CT), total body water (by bioimpedance analysis) and carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) were measured. Fasting morning serum was collected for high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), lipids and lipoprotein levels. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed, and homoeostasis model of assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated.ResultsAbdominal visceral adipose tissue, total adipose tissue and total body fat were higher in subjects with GHD than GHS or AA (P < 0·05). Subcutaneous abdominal fat was higher, and fibrinogen and IMT were lower in GHD (but not GHS) than AA (P < 0·05). Patients with GHD had the highest hsCRP, followed by GHS, and hsCRP was lowest in AA (P < 0·05). Fasting glucose, 120‐min glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA‐IR and per cent total body water were lower in GHD and GHS than AA (P < 0·05). Triglycerides were higher in GHS than AA (P < 0·05). Lean body mass, mean arterial pressure, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL were comparable among groups.ConclusionsDevelopment of GHD after definitive treatment of acromegaly may adversely affect body composition and inflammatory biomarkers of cardiovascular risk but does not appear to adversely affect glucose homoeostasis, lipids and lipoproteins, or other cardiovascular risk markers.
Assessment of the human faecal microbiota: II. Reproducibility and associations of 16S rRNA pyrosequences
Authors: Flores Roberto , Shi Jianxin , Gail Mitchell H. , Gajer Pawel , Ravel Jacques , Goedert James J. 
Published: February 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012;AbstractBackground:  We conducted a pilot study of reproducibility and associations of microbial diversity and composition in faecal microbial DNA.Methods and results:  Participants (25 men and 26 women, aged 17–65 years) provided questionnaire data and multiple samples of one stool collected with two Polymedco and two Sarstedt devices preloaded with RNAlater. 16S rRNA genes in each faecal DNA aliquot were amplified, sequenced (Roche/454 Life Sciences) and assigned to taxa. Devices were compared for ease of use and reproducibility [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)] between duplicate aliquots on diversity and taxonomic assignment. Associations were tested by linear regression. Both collection devices were easy to use. Both alpha diversity (Shannon index) and beta diversity (UniFrac) were higher between than within duplicates (P ≤ 10−8) and did not differ significantly by device (P ≥ 0·62). Reproducibility was good (ICC≥0·77) for alpha diversity and taxonomic assignment to the most abundant phyla, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (71·5% and 25·0% of sequences, respectively), but reproducibility was low (ICC≤0·48) for less abundant taxa. Alpha diversity was lower with nonantibiotic prescription medication (P = 0·02), with younger age (P = 0·03) and marginally with higher body mass index (P = 0·08).Conclusions:  With sampling from various parts of a stool, both devices provided good reproducibility on overall microbial diversity and classification for the major phyla, but not for minor phyla. Implementation of these methods should provide insights into how broad microbial parameters, but not necessarily rare microbes, affect risk of various conditions.
Assessment of the human faecal microbiota: I. Measurement and reproducibility of selected enzymatic activities
Authors: Flores Roberto , Shi Jianxin , Gail Mitchell H. , Ravel Jacques , Goedert James J. 
Published: February 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012AbstractBackground  The intestinal microbial community has major effects on human health, but optimal research methods are unsettled. To facilitate epidemiologic and clinical research, we sought to optimize conditions and to assess reproducibility of selected core functions of the distal gut microbiota, β‐glucuronidase and β‐glucosidase bioactivities.Methods and results  A colorimetric kinetic method was optimized and used to quantify activities of β‐glucuronidase and β‐glucosidase in human faeces. Enzyme detection was optimal with neutral pH, snap freezing in liquid nitrogen and rapid thawing to 37 °C before protein extraction. Enzymatic stability was assessed by delayed freezing for 2–48 h to mimic field settings. Activities decayed approximately 20% within 2 h and 40% within 4 h at room temperature. To formally assess reproducibility, 51 volunteers (25 men; mean age 39) used two devices to self‐collect and rapidly chill four replicates of a stool. Devices were compared for mean enzymatic activities and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) in paired replicates of the self‐collected specimens. Reproducibility was excellent with both devices for β‐glucuronidase (ICC 0·92). The larger collection device had significantly higher reproducibility for β‐glucosidase (ICC 0·92 vs. 0·76, P < 0·0001) and higher mean activities for both enzymes (P < 0·0001).Conclusions  Optimal measurement of these core activities of the microbiota required a sufficient quantity of rapidly chilled or frozen specimens collected in phosphate buffered saline at pH7·0. Application of these methods to clinical and epidemiologic research could provide insights on how the intestinal microbiota affects human health.
Levels and patterns of expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α, vascular endothelial growth factor, glucose transporter‐1 and CD105 in adenoid cystic carcinomas with high‐grade transformation
Authors: Costa Ana F , Tasso Marcelo G , Mariano Fernanda V , Soares Andresa B , Chone Carlos T , Crespo Agricio N , Fresno Manuel F , Llorente Jose L , Suárez Carlos , de Araújo Vera C , Hermsen Mario , Altemani Albina 
Published: February 2012

Costa A F, Tasso M G, Mariano F V, Soares A B, Chone C T, Crespo A N, Fresno M F, Llorente J L, Suárez C, de Araújo V C, Hermsen M & Altemani A  (2012) Histopathology 60, 816–837Levels and patterns of expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α, vascular endothelial growth factor, glucose transporter‐1 and CD105 in adenoid cystic carcinomas with high‐grade transformationAims:  To compare the expression of proteins regulated by hypoxia between adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) with and without high‐grade transformation (HGT).Methods and results:  In eight ACC–HGT and 18 ACC without HGT, expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glucose transporter‐1 (GLUT‐1) and microvascular density (MVD) by CD105 (a hypoxia‐inducible protein expressed in angiogenic endothelial cells) was determined. Expression levels of HIF‐1α and VEGF as well as CD105‐MVD did not differ significantly between: (i) transformed and conventional areas (TA and CA, respectively) of ACC–HGT, (ii) CA and ordinary ACC. HIF‐1α was detected in 100% of cases and presented a diffuse expression pattern. No significant association was found between levels of HIF‐1α expression and tumour size, metastasis and recurrence. GLUT‐1 showed a prostromal expression pattern and was observed exclusively in TA (three of six cases) and in only three of 14 ACC.Conclusions:  Both the absence of significant alterations in levels of expression of HIF‐1α, VEGF and CD105 and the patterns of expression of HIF‐1α and GLUT‐1 suggest that hypoxia may not play a key role in the process of high‐grade transformation of ACC. Although HIF‐1α expression is a common finding in ACC, it cannot be used as a marker of tumour aggressiveness.
Concordance of HER2 status assessed on needle core biopsy and surgical specimens of invasive carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Lee Andrew H S , Key Heather P , Bell Jane A , Hodi Zsolt , Ellis Ian O 
Published: February 2012

Lee A H S, Key H P, Bell J A, Hodi Z & Ellis I O  (2012) Histopathology 60, 880–884Concordance of HER2 status assessed on needle core biopsy and surgical specimens of invasive carcinoma of the breastAims:  Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status of invasive breast cancers is vital for selection of patients for trastuzumab treatment. This study aimed to assess the level of agreement of HER2 status in core biopsy and excision specimens using immunohistochemistry, with in‐situ hybridisation for equivocal cases.Methods and results:  300 consecutive invasive carcinomas with core biopsy and surgical specimens had HER2 assessed on both specimens. Immunohistochemistry was performed first. Fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) was automatically performed if the immunohistochemistry was scored as equivocal (2+). There was agreement between the HER2 status of the two specimens in 294 tumours (98%). In two carcinomas the core was negative and the excision specimen showed focal strong staining with amplification. In four carcinomas the core biopsy was negative and the excision showed 2+ staining with amplification in at least one block (although in three there was no amplification in a second block).Conclusion:  There is excellent agreement between HER2 assessed in core biopsy and surgical specimens. Discrepancies arise most frequently due to focal amplification or levels of gene amplification around the cut‐off for defining positivity.
Recent progress toward understanding the physiological function of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Shi Chao 
Published: February 2012

SummaryMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that are being clinically explored as regenerative therapeutics. Cultured MSCs secrete various modulatory factors, which contribute to the immunosuppressive effects of transplanted MSCs as a therapy. Although the in vitro phenotype of MSCs has been well characterized, identification of MSCs in vivo is made difficult by the lack of specific markers. Current advances in murine MSC research provide valuable tools for studying the localization and function of MSCs in vivo. Recent findings suggest that MSCs exert diverse functions depending on tissue context and physiological conditions. This review focuses on bone marrow MSCs and their roles in haematopoiesis and immune responses.
Effect of fermented rice culture on the microbiological, biochemical and sensory characteristics of low‐salt douchi, a traditional Chinese fermented soybean condiment
Authors: Hu Huiping , Hao Jianxiong , Cheng Yongqiang , Yin Lijun , Ma Yanli , Yu Zhenwei , Li Lite 
Published: February 2012

SummaryA low‐salt (4% NaCl, w/w) douchi supplemented with different concentration of fermented rice culture (FRC) of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% (v/w) was produced, and the effect of FRC on microbiology, biochemistry and sensory quantity was investigated. Results indicated that FRC had a significant effect on low‐salt douchi. Compared with the control (added 0% FRC), in the other treatments, the counts of yeast and lactic acid bacteria increased by about 50%, whereas the moulds decreased by about 30%; the pH reduction was close to 4.7; total acid increased to about 1.300 g per 100 g; reducing sugar maintained a decrease to 21.07 mg per g; amino nitrogen increased to about 0.900 g per 100 g, but not above the control (1.013 g per 100 g). In general terms, total free amino acid contents and three organic acids were higher in low‐salt products than four commercial products. Sensory evaluation of products supplemented with 10% and 15% FRC revealed better overall acceptability compared with other treatments and a commercial product.
Enrichment of tocols from rice germ oil using supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Ko Soon‐Nam , Ha Tae‐Yeoul , In Hong Seung , Yoon Sung Won , Lee Junsoo , Kim Yangha , Kim In‐Hwan 
Published: February 2012

SummaryAn efficient process was developed for enrichment of tocols from rice germ oil (RGO) using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2). Tocols were efficiently enriched in residue by removal of fatty acid methyl ester from the esterified RGO using SC‐CO2. The enrichment of tocols was carried out at an operating pressure of 12.4–15.8 MPa, an operating temperature of 40–60 °C and a carbon dioxide flow rate of 5.0 L min−1. The combination of 13.8 MPa pressure and 60 °C temperature was selected as the most suitable for efficient enrichment of tocols. The level of tocols (1270 mg/100 g) in the residue obtained at these operating conditions was six times higher than the tocols level (192 mg/100 g) of the starting material, namely esterified RGO. There were no significant differences in relative percentages of tocols homologues between esterified RGO and the residue obtained by SC‐CO2 extraction.
Efficiency of modified skimmed milk base media to achieve high exopolysaccharide/cell ratios by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus SZ2 in optimised conditions defined by the response surface methodology
Authors: Abdi Reihaneh , Sheikh‐Zeinoddin Mahmoud , Soleimanian‐Zad Sabihe 
Published: February 2012

SummaryExopolysaccharide (EPS) production by Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus SZ2 was optimised in modified MRS (M‐MRS) using the response surface methodology (RSM). Maximum EPS production was 74.3 ± 2 mg/L, and the optimised values of the three variables predicted for maximum EPS production included a temperature of 38.7 °C, Bacto‐casitone and glucose concentrations of 24.5 and 29.6 g/L, respectively. To compare EPS production in MRS and skimmed milk (SM), the kinetics of EPS formation and growth were monitored in M‐MRS, SM, skimmed milk plus 2% additional sucrose (Suc‐SM) and skimmed milk containing Bacto‐casitone (20 g/L) and yeast nitrogen base (5 g/L) (BY‐SM). EPS production in all the media tested seemed to be growth‐related. The EPS/cell ratios were determined to be 3.12 × 10−10, 1.43 × 10−10, 4.42 × 10−11 and 3.16 × 10−11 mg/cell, in Suc‐SM, SM, M‐MRS and BY‐SM, respectively, clearly indicating the greater effect of C/N ratio when cell behaviour in EPS production is considered.