bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet factor-4 and its p17-70 peptide inhibit myeloma proliferation and angiogenesis in vivo
Authors: Yang Longjiang , Du Juan , Hou Jian , Jiang Hua , Zou Jianfeng 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Angiogenesis plays an important role in the development of multiple myeloma (MM). The interaction between MM cells and the bone marrow microenvironment stimulates the proliferation and migration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contributes to the formation of new blood vessels by actively recruiting circulating EPCs. The production of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors is also dysregulated in MM. Platelet factor 4 (PF4) is a potent angiostatic cytokine that inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth in several animal models.

Methods
In this study, we stably transfected human myeloma cell lines with the PF4 gene or the sequence encoding its more potent p17-70 peptide and investigated the effects of PF4 and p17-70 on angiogenesis and tumor growth in vitro and in a SCID-rab myeloma model.

Results
PF4 and p17-70 significantly attenuated VEGF production, both in vitro and in vivo. In a migration study using a Transwell system, PF4 or p17-70 markedly suppressed the migration of co-cultured human endothelial progenitor cells. PF4 or p17-70 also caused a significant reduction in microvessel densities in myeloma xenografts and markedly reduced the tumor volume in the SCID mice. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that PF4 and p17-70 significantly extended the overall survival of SCID mice bearing human myeloma xenografts.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that PF4 or p17-70 could be valuable in combating multiple myeloma by disrupting tumor angiogenesis.
Synthetic fiber from a teddy bear causing keratitis and conjunctival granuloma: case report
Authors: Farooq Mohammed K , Prause Jan U , Heegaard Steffen 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
To report a case of keratitis and a case of conjunctivitis caused by synthetic fibers from toy teddy bears.

Case presentation
Case stories with histopathological analysis. 1) A two-year-old girl developed a severe case of keratitis and corneal ulceration. The initial treatment with various antibiotics gave no improvement and eventually the patient developed spontaneous perforation of the cornea. The corneal swabs contained no bacteria or fungi. Corneal grafting was performed and the corneal button was sent for histopathological examination. 2) A five-year-old girl presented with ocular irritation in her left eye. Examination revealed a conjunctival granuloma in the inferior fornix. The lesion was excised and histopathologically examined.

Results
Microscopy revealed synthetic fibers embedded in the cornea and in the conjunctival granuloma. The diagnosis was confirmed by demonstration of marked birefringence of the synthetic fibers. Microscopical examination of synthetic fibers from two different types of fur (whiskers and face hairs) from the two-year-old girl's teddy bear was performed. Hairs from the face of the teddy bear were morphologically and microscopically identical with the fibers causing the severe corneal ulceration in the two-year-old girl.

Conclusions
Doctors should especially in small children be aware of the risk of ocular consequences of close exposure of synthetic fibers from stuffed toy animals. Corneal ulceration, clinically presenting as corneal infection with negative culturing and staining, should lead to a different clinical strategy and treatment. The treatment of conjunctival synthetic fiber granuloma is excision and antibiotic eye drops.
Alcohol and fatal life trajectories in Russia: understanding narrative accounts of premature male death in the family
Authors: Saburova Lyudmila , Keenan Katherine , Bobrova Natalia , Leon David A , Elbourne Diana 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
In the post-Soviet period, Russian working-age men have suffered unusually high mortality rates. Earlier quantitative work found that part of this is attributable to hazardous and harmful patterns of alcohol consumption, which increased in the period of transition at a time of massive social and economic disruption and uncertainty. However, there has been very little work done to document and understand in detail the downward life trajectories of individual men who died prematurely from alcohol-related conditions. Building on an earlier case-control study, this unique qualitative study investigates the perceived interplay between men's drinking careers, their employment and family history, health and eventual death.

Methods
In-depth interviews were conducted with close relatives (most often the widow) of 19 men who died between 2003 and 2005 aged 25-54 years whose close relatives reported that alcohol contributed to their death. The study was conducted in a typical medium-sized Russian city. The relative's accounts were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results
The accounts describe how hazardous drinking both contributed to serious employment, family and health problems, and was simultaneously used as a coping mechanism to deal with life crises and a decline in social status. The interviews highlighted the importance of the workplace and employment status for shaping men's drinking patterns. Common themes emerged around a culture of drinking in the workplace, peer pressure from colleagues to drink, use of alcohol as remuneration, consuming non-beverage alcohols, Russian-specific drinking patterns, attitudes to treatment, and passive attitudes towards health and drinking.

Conclusions
The study provides a unique insight into the personal decline that lies behind the extremely high working-age mortality due to heavy drinking in Russia, and highlights how health status and hazardous drinking are often closely intertwined with economic and social functioning. Descriptions of the development of drinking careers, hazardous drinking patterns and treatment experiences can be used to plan effective interventions relevant in the Russian context.
A simple clinical model for planning transfusion quantities in heart surgery
Authors: Simeone Felicetta , Franchi Federico , Cevenini Gabriele , Marullo Antonino , Fossombroni Vittorio , Scolletta Sabino , Biagioli Bonizella , Giomarelli Pierpaolo , Barbini Paolo 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Patients undergoing heart surgery continue to be the largest demand on blood transfusions. The need for transfusion is based on the risk of complications due to poor cell oxygenation, however large transfusions are associated with increased morbidity and risk of mortality in heart surgery patients. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for transfusion and create a reliable model for planning transfusion quantities in heart surgery procedures.

Methods
We performed an observational study on 3315 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery between January 2000 and December 2007. To estimate the number of packs of red blood cells (PRBC) transfused during heart surgery, we developed a multivariate regression model with discrete coefficients by selecting dummy variables as regressors in a stepwise manner. Model performance was assessed statistically by splitting cases into training and testing sets of the same size, and clinically by investigating the clinical course details of about one quarter of the patients in whom the difference between model estimates and actual number of PRBC transfused was higher than the root mean squared error.

Results
Ten preoperative and intraoperative dichotomous variables were entered in the model. Approximating the regression coefficients to the nearest half unit, each dummy regressor equal to one gave a number of half PRBC. The model assigned 4 units for kidney failure requiring preoperative dialysis, 2.5 units for cardiogenic shock, 2 units for minimum hematocrit at cardiopulmonary bypass less than or equal to 20%, 1.5 units for emergency operation, 1 unit for preoperative hematocrit less than or equal to 40%, cardiopulmonary bypass time greater than 130 minutes and type of surgery different from isolated artery bypass grafting, and 0.5 units for urgent operation, age over 70 years and systemic arterial hypertension.

Conclusions
The regression model proved reliable for quantitative planning of number of PRBC in patients undergoing heart surgery. Besides enabling more rational resource allocation of costly blood-conservation strategies and blood bank resources, the results indicated a strong association between some essential postoperative variables and differences between the model estimate and the actual number of packs transfused.
Trends in malaria research in 11 Asian Pacific countries: an analysis of peer-reviewed publications over two decades
Authors: Andersen Finn , Douglas Nick M , Bustos Dorina , Galappaththy Gawrie , Qi Gao , Hsiang Michelle S , Kusriastuti Rita , Mendis Kamini , Taleo George , Whittaker Maxine , Price Ric N , von Seidlein Lorenz 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Quantitative data are lacking on published malaria research. The purpose of the study is to characterize trends in malaria-related literature from 1990 to 2009 in 11 Asian-Pacific countries that are committed to malaria elimination as a national goal.

Methods
A systematic search was conducted for articles published from January 1990 to December 2009 in PubMed/MEDLINE using terms for malaria and 11 target countries (Bhutan, China, North Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vanuatu). The references were collated and categorized according to subject, Plasmodium species, and whether they contained original or derivative data.

Results
2,700 articles published between 1990 and 2009 related to malaria in the target countries. The annual output of malaria-related papers increased linearly whereas the overall biomedical output from these countries grew exponentially. The percentage of malaria-related publications was nearly 3% (111/3741) of all biomedical publications in 1992 and decreased to less than 1% (118/12171; p < 0.001) in 2009. Thailand had the highest absolute output of malaria-related papers (n = 1211), followed by China (n = 609) and Indonesia (n = 346). Solomon Islands and Vanuatu had lower absolute numbers of publications, but both countries had the highest number of publications per capita (1.3 and 2.5 papers/1,000 population). The largest percentage of papers concerned the epidemiology and control of malaria (53%) followed by studies of drugs and drug resistance (47%). There was an increase in the proportion of articles relating to epidemiology, entomology, biology, molecular biology, pathophysiology and diagnostics from the first to the second decade, whereas the percentage of papers on drugs, clinical aspects of malaria, immunology, and social sciences decreased.

Conclusions
The proportion of malaria-related publications out of the overall biomedical output from the 11 target Asian-Pacific countries is decreasing. The discovery and evaluation of new, safe and effective drugs and vaccines is paramount. In addition the elimination of malaria will require operational research to implement and scale up interventions.
Measuring naturally acquired immune responses to candidate malaria vaccine antigens in Ghanaian adults
Authors: Dodoo Daniel , Hollingdale Michael R , Anum Dorothy , Koram Kwadwo A , Gyan Ben , Akanmori Bartholomew D , Ocran Josephine , Adu-Amankwah Susan , Geneshan Harini , Abot Esteban , Legano Jennylyn , Banania Glenna , Sayo Renato , Brambilla Donald , Kumar Sanjai , Doolan Denise L , Rogers William O , Epstein Judith , Richie Thomas L , Sedegah Martha 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundTo prepare field sites for malaria vaccine trials, it is important to determine baseline antibody and T cell responses to candidate malaria vaccine antigens. Assessing T cell responses is especially challenging, given genetic restriction, low responses observed in endemic areas, their variability over time, potential suppression by parasitaemia and the intrinsic variability of the assays.MethodsIn Part A of this study, antibody titres were measured in adults from urban and rural communities in Ghana to recombinantPlasmodium falciparumCSP, SSP2/TRAP, LSA1, EXP1, MSP1, MSP3 and EBA175 by ELISA, and to sporozoites and infected erythrocytes by IFA. Positive ELISA responses were determined using two methods. T cell responses to defined CD8 or CD4 T cell epitopes from CSP, SSP2/TRAP, LSA1 and EXP1 were measured byex vivoIFN-γ ELISpot assays using HLA-matched Class I- and DR-restricted synthetic peptides. In Part B, the reproducibility of the ELISpot assay to CSP and AMA1 was measured by repeating assays of individual samples using peptide pools and low, medium or high stringency criteria for defining positive responses, and by comparing samples collected two weeks apart.ResultsIn Part A, positive antibody responses varied widely from 17%-100%, according to the antigen and statistical method, with blood stage antigens showing more frequent and higher magnitude responses. ELISA titres were higher in rural subjects, while IFA titres and the frequencies and magnitudes of ex vivoELISpot activities were similar in both communities. DR-restricted peptides showed stronger responses than Class I-restricted peptides. In Part B, the most stringent statistical criteria gave the fewest, and the least stringent the most positive responses, with reproducibility slightly higher using the least stringent method when assays were repeated. Results varied significantly between the two-week time-points for many participants.ConclusionsAll participants were positive for at least one malaria protein by ELISA, with results dependent on the criteria for positivity. Likewise, ELISpot responses varied among participants, but were relatively reproducible by the three methods tested, especially the least stringent, when assays were repeated. However, results often differed between samples taken two weeks apart, indicating significant biological variability over short intervals.
Hormonal, follicular and endometrial dynamics in letrozole-treated versus natural cycles in patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation
Authors: Bedaiwy Mohamed A , Abdelaleem Mahmoud A , Hussein Mostafa , Mousa Noha , Brunengraber Lisa N , Casper Robert F 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare letrozole-stimulated cycles to natural cycles in 208 patients undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) between July of 2004 and January of 2007. Group I (n = 47) received cycle monitoring only (natural group), Group II (n = 125) received letrozole 2.5 mg/day on cycle days three to seven, and Group III (n = 36) received letrozole 5 mg/day on cycle days three to seven. There were no differences between the groups in endometrial thickness or P4 on the day of hCG. Estradiol levels had higher variation in the second half of the follicular phase in both letrozole-treated groups compared to the control group. Estradiol per preovulatory follicle was similar in both letrozole cycles to that observed in the natural cycles. LH was lower on the day of hCG administration in the letrozole 2.5 mg/day group vs. the natural group. In summary, letrozole results in some minor changes in follicular, hormonal and endometrial dynamics compared to natural cycles. Increased folliculogenesis and pregnancy rates were observed in the letrozole-treated groups compared to the natural group. These findings need to be confirmed in larger, prospective studies.
Weakly contractive multivalued maps and w-distances on complete quasi-metric spaces
Authors: Marín Josefa , Romaguera Salvador , Tirado Pedro 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe obtain versions of the Boyd and Wong fixed point theorem and of the Matkowski fixed point theorem for multivalued maps and w-distances on complete quasi-metric spaces. Our results generalize, in several directions, some well-known fixed point theorems.
Fixed point results for contractions involving generalized altering distances in ordered metric spaces
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Samet Bessem , Kim Jong Kyu 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this article, we establish coincidence point and common fixed point theorems for mappings satisfying a contractive inequality which involves two generalized altering distance functions in ordered complete metric spaces. As application, we study the existence of a common solution to a system of integral equations.2000 Mathematics subject classification. Primary 47H10, Secondary 54H25
On ε-optimality conditions for multiobjective fractional optimization problems
Authors: Kim Moon Hee , Kim Gwi Soo , Lee Gue Myung 
Published: June 2011

AbstractA multiobjective fractional optimization problem (MFP), which consists of more than two fractional objective functions with convex numerator functions and convex denominator functions, finitely many convex constraint functions, and a geometric constraint set, is considered. Using parametric approach, we transform the problem (MFP) into the non-fractional multiobjective convex optimization problem (NMCP)
v
with parametric v ∈ ℝ
p
, and then give the equivalent relation between (weakly) ε-efficient solution of (MFP) and (weakly) "Equation missing"-efficient solution of "Equation missing". Using the equivalent relations, we obtain ε- optimality conditions for (weakly) ε- efficient solution for (MFP). Furthermore, we present examples illustrating the main results of this study.2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 90C30, 90C46.
A stabilized HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimer fused to CD40 ligand targets and activates dendritic cells
Authors: Melchers Mark , Matthews Katie , de Vries Robert P , Eggink Dirk , van Montfort Thijs , Bontjer Ilja , van de Sandt Carolien , David Kathryn , Berkhout Ben , Moore John P , Sanders Rogier W 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundOne reason why subunit protein and DNA vaccines are often less immunogenic than live-attenuated and whole-inactivated virus vaccines is that they lack the co-stimulatory signals provided by various components of the more complex vaccines. The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein complex (Env) is no exception to this rule. Other factors that limit the induction of neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 lie in the structure and instability of Env. We have previously stabilized soluble trimeric mimics of Env by introducing a disulfide bond between gp120 and gp41 and adding a trimer stabilizing mutation in gp41 (SOSIP.R6 gp140).ResultsWe further stabilized the SOSIP.R6 gp140 using a GCN4-based isoleucine zipper motif, creating SOSIP.R6-IZ gp140. In order to target SOSIP.R6-IZ to immune cells, including dendritic cells, while at the same time activating these cells, we fused SOSIP.R6-IZ to the active domain of CD40 ligand (CD40L), which may serve as a 'cis-adjuvant'. The Env component of the SOSIP.R6-IZ-CD40L fusion construct bound to CD4 and neutralizing antibodies, while the CD40L moiety interacted with CD40. Furthermore, the chimeric molecule was able to signal efficiently through CD40 and induce maturation of human dendritic cells. Dendritic cells secreted IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 in response to stimulation by SOSIP.R6-IZ-CD40L and were able to activate naïve T cells.ConclusionsChimeric HIV-1 gp140 - CD40L trimers can target and activate dendritic cells. Targeting and activating immune cells using CD40L and other 'cis-adjuvants' may improve subunit protein vaccine immunogenicity for HIV-1 and other infectious diseases.
Changes in multi‐segment foot biomechanics with a heat‐mouldable semi‐custom foot orthotic device
Authors: Ferber Reed , Benson Brittany 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundSemi‐custom foot orthoses (SCO) are thought to be a cost‐effective alternative to custom‐made devices. However, previous biomechanical research involving either custom or SCO has only focused on rearfoot biomechanics. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine changes in multi‐segment foot biomechanics during shod walking with and without an SCO. We chose to investigate an SCO device that incorporates a heat‐moulding process, to further understand if the moulding process would significantly alter rearfoot, midfoot, or shank kinematics as compared to a no‐orthotic condition. We hypothesized the SCO, whether moulded or non‐moulded, would reduce peak rearfoot eversion, tibial internal rotation, arch deformation, and plantar fascia strain as compared to the no‐orthoses condition.MethodsTwenty participants had retroreflective markers placed on the right limb to represent forefoot, midfoot, rearfoot and shank segments. 3D kinematics were recorded using an 8‐camera motion capture system while participants walked on a treadmill.ResultsPlantar fascia strain was reduced by 34% when participants walked in either the moulded or non‐moulded SCO condition compared to no‐orthoses. However, there were no significant differences in peak rearfoot eversion, tibial internal rotation, or medial longitudinal arch angles between any conditions.ConclusionsA semi‐custom moulded orthotic does not control rearfoot, shank, or arch deformation but does, however, reduce plantar fascia strain compared to walking without an orthoses. Heat‐moulding the orthotic device does not have a measurable effect on any biomechanical variables compared to the non‐moulded condition. These data may, in part, help explain the clinical efficacy of orthotic devices.
Novel mutations in NEB cause abnormal nebulin expression and markedly impaired muscle force generation in severe nemaline myopathy
Authors: Lawlor Michael W , Ottenheijm Coen A , Lehtokari Vilma-Lotta , Cho Kiyomi , Pelin Katarina , Wallgren-Pettersson Carina , Granzier Henk , Beggs Alan H 
Published: June 2011

Abstract

Background
Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a congenital muscle disease associated with weakness and the presence of nemaline bodies (rods) in muscle fibers. Mutations in seven genes have been associated with NM, but the most commonly mutated gene is nebulin (NEB), which is thought to account for roughly 50% of cases.

Results
We describe two siblings with severe NM, arthrogryposis and neonatal death caused by two novel NEB mutations: a point mutation in intron 13 and a frameshift mutation in exon 81. Levels of detectable nebulin protein were significantly lower than those in normal control muscle biopsies or those from patients with less severe NM due to deletion of NEB exon 55. Mechanical studies of skinned myofibers revealed marked impairment of force development, with an increase in tension cost.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that the mechanical phenotype of severe NM is the consequence of mutations that severely reduce nebulin protein levels and suggest that the level of nebulin expression may correlate with the severity of disease.