bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumoral Calcinosis of the Foot
Authors: Sharkey Anne , Bibbo Christopher 
Published: September 2011

Tumoral calcinosis is a disorder characterized by deposits of calcium phosphate in the subcutaneous tissues near large joints. While often resembling a neoplasm, the soft tissue deposits of tumoral calcinosis are benign in nature. The deposits can, however, cause significant morbidity to patients due to tissue pressure or impingement. The focus of this case report will include the presentation, radiographic examinations, clinical course, and treatment of a 90-year-old female patient presenting for evaluation of a painful plantar right foot soft tissue mass associated with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV
Optimized anti–tumor effects of anthracyclines plus Vinca alkaloids using a novel, mechanism-based application schedule
Authors: Ehrhardt Harald , Schrembs David , Moritz Christian , Wachter Franziska , Haldar Subrata , Graubner Ulrike , Nathrath Michaela , Jeremias Irmela 
Published: September 2011

AbstractApplication of anthracyclines and Vinca alkaloids on the same day represents a hallmark of polychemotherapy protocols for hematopoietic malignancies. Here we show, for the first time, that both drugs might act most efficiently if they are applied on different days. Proof-of-concept studies in 18 cell lines revealed that anthracyclines inhibited cell death by Vinca alkaloids in 83% of cell lines. Importantly, in a preclinical mouse model, doxorubicin reduced the anti–tumor effect of vincristine. Both drugs acted in a sequence-dependent manner and the strongest anti–tumor effect was obtained if both drugs were applied on different days. Most notably for clinical relevance, in 34% of 35 fresh primary childhood leukemia cells tested in vitro, doxorubicin reduced the anti–tumor effect of vincristine. As underlying mechanism, doxorubicin activated p53, p53 induced cell-cycle arrest, and cell-cycle arrest disabled inactivation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members by vincristine; therefore, vincristine was unable to activate downstream apoptosis signaling. As molecular proof, antagonism was rescued by knockdown of p53, whereas knockdown of cyclin A inhibited vincristine-induced apoptosis. Our data suggest evaluating anthracyclines and Vinca alkaloids on different days in future trials. Selecting drug combinations based on mechanistic understanding represents a novel conceptional strategy for potent polychemotherapy protocols.
Macrophages prevent human red blood cell reconstitution in immunodeficient mice
Authors: Hu Zheng , Van Rooijen Nico , Yang Yong-Guang 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
An animal model supporting human erythropoiesis will be highly valuable for assessing the biologic function of human RBCs under physiologic and disease settings, and for evaluating protocols of in vitro RBC differentiation. Herein, we analyzed human RBC reconstitution in NOD/SCID or NOD/SCID/γc−/− mice that were transplanted with human CD34+ fetal liver cells and fetal thymic tissue. Although a large number of human CD45−CD71+ nucleated immature erythroid cells were detected in the bone marrow, human RBCs were undetectable in the blood of these mice. Human RBCs became detectable in blood after macrophage depletion but disappeared again after withdrawal of treatment. Furthermore, treatment with human erythropoietin and IL-3 significantly increased human RBC reconstitution in macrophage-depleted, but not control, humanized mice. Significantly more rapid rejection of human RBCs than CD47-deficient mouse RBCs indicates that mechanisms other than insufficient CD47-SIRPα signaling are involved in human RBC xenorejection in mice. All considered, our data demonstrate that human RBCs are highly susceptible to rejection by macrophages in immunodeficient mice. Thus, strategies for preventing human RBC rejection by macrophages are required for using immunodeficient mice as an in vivo model to study human erythropoiesis and RBC function.
Human T cells expressing two additional receptors (TETARs) specific for HIV-1 recognize both epitopes
Authors: Hofmann Christian , Höfflin Sandra , Hückelhoven Angela , Bergmann Silke , Harrer Ellen , Schuler Gerold , Dörrie Jan , Schaft Niels , Harrer Thomas 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAdoptive TCR transfer against rapidly mutating targets, such as HIV-1 or cancer, must counteract corresponding immune escape. Hence, we generated T cells expressing two additional receptors (TETARs) specific for HIV-1 by TCR mRNA electroporation. An HLA-A2–restricted gag-specific TCR and an HLA-B13–restricted nef-specific TCR were chosen. When both TCRs were transfected simultaneously, strong competitive effects occurred that were overcome by replacing the human constant domains of one TCR with murine counterparts and adapting the amounts of TCR-RNA used for transfection. The resulting TETAR responded to both epitopes with cytokine secretion and cytotoxic function. Cell sorting revealed that one individual cell indeed recognized both epitopes. The T cells diminished their reactivity to each epitope after stimulation but sequentially killed targets that presented the gag epitope and then targets that presented the nef epitope, or vice versa. Taken together, TETARs represent a sophisticated tool to study TCR functionality and might be a useful strategy in immunotherapy.
PGE2 promotes angiogenesis through EP4 and PKA Cγ pathway
Authors: Zhang Yushan , Daaka Yehia 
Published: September 2011

AbstractInflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical mediator of angiogenesis, and unregulated angiogenic response is involved in human diseases, including cancer. Proinflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is secreted by many cell types and plays important roles in the process of angiogenesis via activation of cognate EP1-4 receptors. Here, we provide evidence that PGE2 promotes the in vitro tube formation of human microvascular endothelial cells, ex vivo vessel outgrowth of aortic rings, and actual in vivo angiogenesis. Use of EP subtype-selective agonists and antagonists suggested EP4 mediates the prostaglandin-induced tube formation, and this conclusion was substantiated with small interfering RNA to specifically knockdown the EP4 expression. EP4 couples to Gαs, leading to activation of protein kinase A (PKA). Inhibition of PKA activity or knockdown of PKA catalytic subunit γ with RNAi attenuates the PGE2-induced tube formation. Further, knocking down the expression of Rap1A, HSPB6, or endothelial NO synthase, which serve as PKA-activatable substrates, inhibits the tube formation, whereas knockdown of RhoA or glycogen synthase kinase 3β that are inactivated after phosphorylation by PKA increases the tube formation. These results support the existence of EP4-to-PKA angiogenic signal and provide rationale for use of selective EP4 signal inhibitors as a probable strategy to control pathologic angiogenesis.
Effect of α+-thalassaemia on episodes of fever due to malaria and other causes: a community-based cohort study in Tanzania
Authors: Veenemans Jacobien , Jansen Esther JS , Baidjoe Amrish Y , Mbugi Erasto V , Demir Ayşe Y , Kraaijenhagen Rob J , Savelkoul Huub FJ , Verhoef Hans 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
It is controversial to what degree α+-thalassaemia protects against episodes of uncomplicated malaria and febrile disease due to infections other than Plasmodium.

Methods
In Tanzania, in children aged 6-60 months and height-for-age z-score < -1.5 SD (n = 612), rates of fevers due to malaria and other causes were compared between those with heterozygous or homozygotes α+-thalassaemia and those with a normal genotype, using Cox regression models that accounted for multiple events per child.

Results
The overall incidence of malaria was 3.0/child-year (1, 572/526 child-years); no differences were found in malaria rates between genotypes (hazard ratios, 95% CI: 0.93, 0.82-1.06 and 0.91, 0.73-1.14 for heterozygotes and homozygotes respectively, adjusted for baseline factors that were predictive for outcome). However, this association strongly depended on age: among children aged 6-17 months, those with α+-thalassaemia experienced episodes more frequently than those with a normal genotype (1.30, 1.02-1.65 and 1.15, 0.80-1.65 for heterozygotes and homozygotes respectively), whereas among their peers aged 18-60 months, α+-thalassaemia protected against malaria (0.80, 0.68-0.95 and 0.78, 0.60-1.03; p-value for interaction 0.001 and 0.10 for hetero- and homozygotes respectively). No effect was observed on non-malarial febrile episodes.

Conclusions
In this population, the association between α+-thalassaemia and malaria depends on age. Our data suggest that protection by α+-thalassaemia is conferred by more efficient acquisition of malaria-specific immunity.
Proteomic analysis of mare follicular fluid during late follicle development
Authors: Fahiminiya Somayyeh , Labas Valérie , Roche Stéphane , Dacheux Jean-Louis , Gérard Nadine 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Follicular fluid accumulates into the antrum of follicle from the early stage of follicle development. Studies on its components may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying follicular development and oocyte quality. With this objective, we performed a proteomic analysis of mare follicular fluid. First, we hypothesized that proteins in follicular fluid may differ from those in the serum, and also may change during follicle development. Second, we used four different approaches of Immunodepletion and one enrichment method, in order to overcome the masking effect of high-abundance proteins present in the follicular fluid, and to identify those present in lower abundance. Finally, we compared our results with previous studies performed in mono-ovulant (human) and poly-ovulant (porcine and canine) species in an attempt to identify common and/or species-specific proteins.

Methods
Follicular fluid samples were collected from ovaries at three different stages of follicle development (early dominant, late dominant and preovulatory). Blood samples were also collected at each time. The proteomic analysis was carried out on crude, depleted and enriched follicular fluid by 2D-PAGE, 1D-PAGE and mass spectrometry.

Results
Total of 459 protein spots were visualized by 2D-PAGE of crude mare follicular fluid, with no difference among the three physiological stages. Thirty proteins were observed as differentially expressed between serum and follicular fluid. Enrichment method was found to be the most powerful method for detection and identification of low-abundance proteins from follicular fluid. Actually, we were able to identify 18 proteins in the crude follicular fluid, and as many as 113 in the enriched follicular fluid. Inhibins and a few other proteins involved in reproduction could only be identified after enrichment of follicular fluid, demonstrating the power of the method used. The comparison of proteins found in mare follicular fluid with proteins previously identified in human, porcine and canine follicular fluids, led to the identification of 12 common proteins and of several species-specific proteins.

Conclusions
This study provides the first description of mare follicular fluid proteome during the late follicle development stages. We identified several proteins from crude, depleted and enriched follicular fluid. Our results demonstrate that the enrichment method, combined with 2D-PAGE and mass spectrometry, can be successfully used to visualize and further identify the low-abundance proteins in the follicular fluid.
Strong convergence of a hybrid method for monotone variational inequalities and fixed point problems
Authors: Yao Yonghong , Liou Yeong-Cheng , Wong Mu-Ming , Yao Jen-Chih 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we suggest a hybrid method for finding a common element of the set of solution of a monotone, Lipschitz-continuous variational inequality problem and the set of common fixed points of an infinite family of nonexpansive mappings. The proposed iterative method combines two well-known methods: extragradient method and CQ method. Under some mild conditions, we prove the strong convergence of the sequences generated by the proposed method.Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 47H05; 47H09; 47H10; 47J05; 47J25.
A common fixed point theorem for a commuting family of nonexpansive mappings one of which is multivalued
Authors: Nanan Narawadee , Dhompongsa Sompong 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBruck [Pac. J. Math. 53, 59-71 1974 Theorem 1] proved that for a nonempty closed convex subset E of a Banach space X, if E is weakly compact or bounded and separable and suppose that E has both (FPP) and (CFPP), then for any commuting family S of nonexpansive self-mappings of E, the set F(S) of common fixed points of S is a nonempty nonexpansive retract of E. In this paper, we extend the above result when one of its elements in S is multivalued. The result extends previously known results (on common fixed points of a pair of single valued and multivalued commuting mappings) to infinite number of mappings and to a wider class of spaces.2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H09; 47H10
Multidetector-row computed tomography of thoracic aortic anomalies in dogs and cats: Patent ductus arteriosus and vascular rings
Authors: Henjes Christiane R , Nolte Ingo , Wefstaedt Patrick 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosis of extracardiac intrathoracic vascular anomalies is of clinical importance, but remains challenging. Traditional imaging modalities, such as radiography, echocardiography, and angiography, are inherently limited by the difficulties of a 2-dimensional approach to a 3-dimensional object. We postulated that accurate characterization of malformations of the aorta would benefit from 3-dimensional assessment. Therefore, multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) was chosen as a 3-dimensional, new, and noninvasive imaging technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients with 2 common diseases of the intrathoracic aorta, either patent ductus arteriosus or vascular ring anomaly, by contrast-enhanced 64-row computed tomography.ResultsElectrocardiography (ECG)-gated and thoracic nongated MDCT images were reviewed in identified cases of either a patent ductus arteriosus or vascular ring anomaly. Ductal size and morphology were determined in 6 dogs that underwent ECG-gated MDCT. Vascular ring anomalies were characterized in 7 dogs and 3 cats by ECG-gated MDCT or by a nongated thoracic standard protocol.Cardiac ECG-gated MDCT clearly displayed the morphology, length, and caliber of the patent ductus arteriosus in 6 affected dogs. Persistent right aortic arch was identified in 10 animals, 8 of which showed a coexisting aberrant left subclavian artery. A mild dilation of the proximal portion of the aberrant subclavian artery near its origin of the aorta was present in 4 dogs, and a diverticulum analogous to the human Kommerell's diverticulum was present in 2 cats.ConclusionsContrast-enhanced MDCT imaging of thoracic anomalies gives valuable information about the exact aortic arch configuration. Furthermore, MDCT was able to characterize the vascular branching patterns in dogs and cats with a persistent right aortic arch and the morphology and size of the patent ductus arteriosus in affected dogs. This additional information can be of help with regard to improved diagnoses of thoracic anomalies and the planning of surgical interventions.
Decreased expression of B cell related genes in leukocytes of women with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kedmi Merav , Bar-Shira Anat , Gurevich Tanya , Giladi Nir , Orr-Urtreger Avi 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex disorder caused by genetic, environmental and age-related factors, and it is more prevalent in men. We aimed to identify differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) that might be involved in PD pathogenesis. Transcriptomes of 30 female PD-patients and 29 age- and sex-matched controls were profiled using GeneChip Human Exon 1.0 ST Arrays. Samples were from unrelated Ashkenazi individuals, non-carriers of LRRK2 G2019S or GBA founder mutations.

Results
Differential expression was detected in 115 genes (206 exons), with over-representation of immune response annotations. Thirty genes were related to B cell functions, including the uniquely B cell-expressed IGHM and IGHD, the B cell surface molecules CD19, CD22 and CD79A, and the B cell gene regulator, PAX5. Quantitative-RT-PCR confirmation of these 6 genes in 79 individuals demonstrated decreased expression, mainly in women patients, independent of PD-pharmacotherapy status.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that the down regulation of genes related to B cell activity reflect the involvement of these cells in PD in Ashkenazi individuals and represents a molecular aspect of gender-specificity in PD.
Short-term effect of fenofibrate on C-reactive protein: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ye Jiatao , Kiage James N , Arnett Donna K , Bartolucci Alfred A , Kabagambe Edmond K 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
C-reactive protein (CRP) is positively associated with risk for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. Some but not all randomized and non-randomized clinical trials found significant associations between fenofibrate therapy and CRP but the direction and magnitude of the association varied across studies. The duration of treatment, patient populations and sample sizes varied greatly, and most short-term studies (i.e., ≤ 12 weeks) had fewer than 50 patients. In this study we meta-analyzed randomized clinical trials to determine the short-term effect of fenofibrate on CRP.

Methods
Two reviewers independently searched PubMed and other online databases for short-term randomized clinical trials that reported CRP concentrations before and after fenofibrate treatment. Of the 81 studies examined, 14 studies with 540 patients were found eligible. Data for the change in CRP and corresponding measures of dispersion were extracted for use in the meta-analysis.

Results
The weighted mean CRP concentrations before and after fenofibrate therapy were 2.15 mg/L and 1.53 mg/L (-28.8% change), respectively. Inverse-variance weighted random effects meta-analysis revealed that short-term fenofibrate treatment significantly lowers CRP by 0.58 mg/L (95% CI: 0.36-0.80). There was significant heterogeneity between studies (Q statistic = 64.5, P< 0.0001, I2 = 79.8%). There was no evidence of publication bias and sensitivity analysis revealed that omitting any of the 14 studies did not lead to a different conclusion from the overall meta-analysis result.

Conclusion
Short-term treatment with fenofibrate significantly lowers CRP concentration. Randomized trials that will recruit patients based with high baseline CRP concentrations and with change in CRP as a primary outcome are needed.
Leptin and leptin receptor polymorphisms are associated with poor outcome (death) in patients with non-appendicular secondary peritonitis
Authors: Bracho-Riquelme Rodolfo L , Loera-Castañeda Verónica , Torres-Valenzuela Alejandro , Loera-Castañeda Guadalupe A , Sánchez-Ramírez J Pablo 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Leptin (LEP) and its receptor (LEPR) participate in the immunological response during infection. LEP serum levels rise during sepsis. In patients with peritonitis, an insufficient elevation in serum LEP is associated with an increased risk of death. As gene variants of LEP and LEPR have been associated with diverse pathologic conditions, we explored the association of genetic polymorphisms of LEP or LEPR with death in patients with secondary peritonitis.

Methods
A case control study was undertaken. LEP Gene -2548G > A and the LEPR Gene 223A > G polymorphism were determined in 74 patients. The odds ratio of genotype and allele distribution in survival (control) versus death (case) among patients was calculated. Serum LEP, interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha, C-reactive protein (C-RP), IL-10 and IL-13 levels were analyzed in 34 patients.

Results
There were significant differences in genotype and allele distribution between survivors and non-survivors for -2548G > A and 223A > G polymorphisms. The presence of the mutant allele A, in -2548, had an odds ratio of 4.64 (95% CI 1.22, 17.67) with significance (P = 0.017) in the risk of death. The presence of mutant allele G, in 223, had an odds ratio of 3.57 (95% CI 1.06, 12.01) with significance in the risk of death (P = 0.033). The presence of allele A in the -2548 polymorphism was associated with differences in serum LEP (P = 0.013), and IL-10 (P = 0.0001). The presence of allele G in 223 polymorphism was likewise correlated with differences in serum LEP (P < 0001), C-RP (P = 0.033), and IL-10 (P = 0.043).

Conclusions
The polymorphisms studied are associated with death in patients with peritonitis of non-appendicular origin. This association is stronger than many known risk-factors related to peritonitis severity, and is independent of body mass. The physiopathologic mechanism is possibly related to an insufficient increase in the elevation of serum LEP levels, and is unrelated to body mass.
Band-selective Mirror Characteristics of Polymer/Metal Multilayer Films
Authors: Matsubayashi Akihiro , Fukunaga Kenji , Tsuji Tetsuro , Ataka Kikuo , Ohsaki Hisashi , Tanaka Keiji 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The optical characteristics of polymer/metal composite films having metal nanoparticles periodically aligned in rows were explored. They were prepared by irradiating ultraviolet light on the polymer films containing metal complex spin-coated on a reflective surface. The films were found to exhibit band-selective mirror characteristics. The wavelength of maximum reflection can be controlled by changing the incident angle of the irradiating light.
The effect of acidification and oxalate concentration on urine calcium measurements in EQAS materials and patient samples
Authors: Gammeren Adriaan J. van , Haperen Corrie van , Kuypers Aldy W.H.M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAn increase in urine calcium compared to the consensus value was observed in some urine samples of the Dutch External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS). It appeared that the increase was due to the addition of oxalate by the EQAS organizers and preanalytical acidification of the samples by some of the participants. Because of this observation, the effect of urine acidification on urine calcium level in EQAS and patient samples with added oxalate was investigated.Twenty-four EQAS urine samples and 20 patient urine samples were subject to recovery measurements of urine calcium before and after addition of sodium oxalate and acidification.Differences in urine calcium between acidified and non-acidified samples up to 30.9% have been observed in EQAS samples with added oxalate. Patient samples show differences up to 80%. Differences between acidified and non-acidified samples are minimal for low calcium oxalate levels but increase with higher levels. Samples without added oxalate show equal urine calcium results between acidified and non-acidified samples.Urine calcium results are decreased in non-acidified samples with an excess of oxalate. In case of hyperoxaluria, acidification of patient urine collections and EQAS samples is recommended for correct urine calcium values.