bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of PPAR-δ in the development of zymosan-induced multiple organ failure: an experiment mice study
Authors: Galuppo Maria , Di Paola Rosanna , Mazzon Emanuela , Genovese Tiziana , Crisafulli Concetta , Paterniti Irene , Cuzzocrea Elisabetta , Bramanti Placido , Kapoor Amar , Thiemermann Christoph , Cuzzocrea Salvatore 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-beta/delta is a nuclear receptor transcription factor that regulates gene expression in many important biological processes. It is expressed ubiquitously, especially white adipose tissue, heart, muscle, intestine, placenta and macrophages but many of its functions are unknown. Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids activate PPAR-beta/delta, but physiological ligands have not yet been identified. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of PPAR-beta/delta activation, through the use of GW0742 (0,3 mg/kg 10% Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) i.p), a synthetic high affinity ligand, on the development of zymosan-induced multiple organ failure (MOF).MethodsMultiple organ failure (MOF) was induced in mice by administration of zymosan (given at 500 mg/kg, i.p. as a suspension in saline). The control groups were treated with vehicle (0.25 ml/mouse saline), while the pharmacological treatment was the administration of GW0742 (0,3 mg/kg 10% DMSO i.p. 1 h and 6 h after zymosan administration). MOF and systemic inflammation in mice was assessed 18 hours after administration of zymosan.ResultsTreatment with GW0742 caused a significant reduction of the peritoneal exudate formation and of the neutrophil infiltration caused by zymosan resulting in a reduction in myeloperoxidase activity. The PPAR-beta/delta agonist, GW0742, at the dose of 0,3 mg/kg in 10% DMSO, also attenuated the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome caused by zymosan. In pancreas, lung and gut, immunohistochemical analysis of some end points of the inflammatory response, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitrotyrosine, poly (ADP-ribose) (PAR), TNF- and IL-1as well as FasL, Bax, Bcl-2 and apoptosis, revealed positive staining in sections of tissue obtained from zymosan-injected mice. On the contrary, these parameters were markedly reduced in samples obtained from mice treated with GW0742ConclusionsIn this study, we have shown that GW0742 attenuates the degree of zymosan-induced non-septic shock in mice.
miR-17-92 expression in differentiated T cells - implications for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Sasaki Kotaro , Kohanbash Gary , Hoji Aki , Ueda Ryo , McDonald Heather A , Reinhart Todd A , Martinson Jeremy , Lotze Michael T , Marincola Francesco M , Wang Ena , Fujita Mitsugu , Okada Hideho 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
Type-1 T cells are critical for effective anti-tumor immune responses. The recently discovered microRNAs (miRs) are a large family of small regulatory RNAs that control diverse aspects of cell function, including immune regulation. We identified miRs differentially regulated between type-1 and type-2 T cells, and determined how the expression of such miRs is regulated.

Methods
We performed miR microarray analyses on in vitro differentiated murine T helper type-1 (Th1) and T helper type-2 (Th2) cells to identify differentially expressed miRs. We used quantitative RT-PCR to confirm the differential expression levels. We also used WST-1, ELISA, and flow cytometry to evaluate the survival, function and phenotype of cells, respectively. We employed mice transgenic for the identified miRs to determine the biological impact of miR-17-92 expression in T cells.

Results
Our initial miR microarray analyses revealed that the miR-17-92 cluster is one of the most significantly over-expressed miR in murine Th1 cells when compared with Th2 cells. RT-PCR confirmed that the miR-17-92 cluster expression was consistently higher in Th1 cells than Th2 cells. Disruption of the IL-4 signaling through either IL-4 neutralizing antibody or knockout of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)6 reversed the miR-17-92 cluster suppression in Th2 cells. Furthermore, T cells from tumor bearing mice and glioma patients had decreased levels of miR-17-92 when compared with cells from non-tumor bearing counterparts. CD4+ T cells derived from miR-17-92 transgenic mice demonstrated superior type-1 phenotype with increased IFN-γ production and very late antigen (VLA)-4 expression when compared with counterparts derived from wild type mice. Human Jurkat T cells ectopically expressing increased levels of miR-17-92 cluster members demonstrated increased IL-2 production and resistance to activation-induced cell death (AICD).

Conclusion
The type-2-skewing tumor microenvironment induces the down-regulation of miR-17-92 expression in T cells, thereby diminishing the persistence of tumor-specific T cells and tumor control. Genetic engineering of T cells to express miR-17-92 may represent a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy.
Whole brain radiotherapy with a conformational external beam radiation boost for lung cancer patients with 1-3 brain metastasis: a multi institutional study
Authors: Casanova Nathalie , Mazouni Zohra , Bieri Sabine , Combescure Christophe , Pica Alessia , Weber Damien C 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
To determine the outcome of patients with brain metastasis (BM) from lung cancer treated with an external beam radiotherapy boost (RTB) after whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT).

Methods
A total of 53 BM patients with lung cancer were treated sequentially with WBRT and RTB between 1996 and 2008 according to our institutional protocol. Mean age was 58.8 years. The median KPS was 90. Median recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) and graded prognostic assessment (GPA) grouping were 2 and 2.5, respectively. Surgery was performed on 38 (71%) patients. The median number of BM was 1 (range, 1-3). Median WBRT and RTB combined dose was 39 Gy (range, 37.5 - 54). Median follow-up was 12.0 months.

Results
During the period of follow-up, 37 (70%) patients died. The median overall survival (OS) was 14.5 months. Only 13 patients failed in the brain. The majority of patients (n = 29) failed distantly. The 1-year OS, -local control, extracranial failure rates were 61.2%, 75.2% and 60.8%, respectively. On univariate analysis, improved OS was found to be significantly associated with total dose (≤ 39 Gy vs. > 39 Gy; p < 0.01), age < 65 (p < 0.01), absence of extracranial metastasis (p < 0.01), GPA ≥ 2.5 (p = 0.01), KPS ≥ 90 (p = 0.01), and RPA < 2 (p = 0.04). On multivariate analysis, total dose (p < 0.01) and the absence of extracranial metastasis (p = 0.03) retained statistical significance.

Conclusions
The majority of lung cancer patients treated with WBRT and RTB progressed extracranially. There might be a subgroup of younger patients with good performance status and no extracranial disease who may benefit from dose escalation after WBRT to the metastatic site.
Bilateral rectus femoris intramuscular haematoma following simultaneous quadriceps strain in an athlete: a case report
Authors: Natsis Konstantinos , Lyrtzis Christos , Noussios Georgios , Papathanasiou Efthymia , Anastasopoulos Nikolaos , Totlis Trifon 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIntroductionBilateral rectus femoris haematoma following a simultaneous strain of the quadriceps muscles is a very rare condition.Case presentationWe report the case of a 21-year-old Greek Caucasian female rowing athlete who was injured on both thighs. She complained of pain and inability to walk. Physical examination revealed tenderness over the thighs and restriction of knee movement. The result of a roentgenogram was normal, and there was no evidence of fracture or patella displacement. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed haematoma formation in both the rectus femoris muscles. The diameters of the left and right haematomas within the muscles were 6 cm and 5 cm, respectively. Therapeutic approaches included compression bandages, ice application, rest, elevation, and administration of muscle relaxant drugs. Active stretching and isometric exercises were performed after three days. The patient was able to walk using crutches two days after the initiation of treatment. On the seventh day, she had regained her full ability to walk without crutches. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were administered on the fifth day and continued for one week. Six weeks later, she had pain-free function and the result of magnetic resonance imaging was normal. She was able to resume her training programme and two weeks later, she returned to her previous sport activities and competitions.ConclusionThere are references in the literature regarding the occurrence of unilateral quadriceps haematomas following strain and bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture in athletes. Simultaneous bilateral rectus femoris haematomas after a muscle strain is a rare condition. It must be diagnosed early. The three phases of treatment are rest, knee mobilization, and restoration of quadriceps function.
Ophthalmic complications of endoscopic ethmoidectomy: a case report
Authors: Niedzielska Iwona , Cieslik Tadeusz , Janic Tomasz 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Damage to ethmoid structures following removal of nasal polyps can cause severe complications. A patient aged 48 years with damage to right orbital structures sustained in the course of transnasal endoscopic surgery for ethmoid polyps was operated. After operation were complications.
Pentosan polysulfate promotes proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of adult human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal precursor cells
Authors: Ghosh Peter , Wu Jiehua , Shimmon Susan , Zannettino Andrew CW , Gronthos Stan , Itescu Silviu 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Introduction
This study was undertaken to determine whether the anti-osteoarthritis drug pentosan polysulfate (PPS) influenced mesenchymal precursor cell (MPC) proliferation and differentiation.

Methods
Human MPCs were maintained in monolayer, pellet or micromass cultures (MMC) for up to 10 days with PPS at concentrations of 0 to 20 μg/ml. MPC viability and proliferation was assessed using the WST-1 assay and 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA, while apoptosis was monitored by flow cytometry. Proteoglycan (PG) biosynthesis was determined by 35SO42- incorporation and staining with Alcian blue. Proteoglycan and collagen type I and collagen type II deposition in pellet cultures was also examined by Toluidine blue and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. The production of hyaluronan (HA) by MPCs in MMC was assessed by ELISA. The relative outcome of PPS, HA, heparin or dextran sulfate (DS) on PG synthesis was compared in 5-day MMC. Gene expression of MPCs in 7-day and 10-day MMC was examined using real-time PCR. MPC differentiation was investigated by co-culturing with PPS in osteogenic or adipogenic inductive culture media for 28 days.

Results
Significant MPC proliferation was evident by day 3 at PPS concentrations of 1 to 5 μg/ml (P < 0.01). In the presence of 1 to 10 μg/ml PPS, a 38% reduction in IL-4/IFNγ-induced MPC apoptosis was observed. In 5-day MMC, 130% stimulation of PG synthesis occurred at 2.5 μg/ml PPS (P < 0.0001), while 5.0 μg/ml PPS achieved maximal stimulation in the 7-day and 10-day cultures (P < 0.05). HA and DS at ≥ 5 μg/ml inhibited PG synthesis (P < 0.05) in 5-day MMC. Collagen type II deposition by MMC was significant at ≥ 0.5 μg/ml PPS (P < 0.001 to 0.05). In MPC-PPS pellet cultures, more PG, collagen type II but less collagen type I was deposited than in controls. Real-time PCR results were consistent with the protein data. At 5 and 10 μg/ml PPS, MPC osteogenic differentiation was suppressed (P < 0.01).

Conclusions
This is the first study to demonstrate that PPS promotes MPC proliferation and chondrogenesis, offering new strategies for cartilage regeneration and repair in osteoarthritic joints.
Endogenous Steroids Measured by High-Specificity Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Prevalent Cardiovascular Disease in 70-Year-Old Men and Women
Authors: Naessen Tord , Sjogren Ulrika , Bergquist Jonas , Larsson Marita , Lind Lars , Kushnir Mark M. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Context: There is a need for increased knowledge about endogenous sex hormone levels and clinical outcomes of risk/benefit. Immunoassays have poor specificity to reliably measure low steroid concentrations in elderly.
Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate plasma steroid concentrations with regard to prevalent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in elderly, using mass spectrometry.
Setting: The study was conducted at a university hospital research unit.
Design and Methods: Plasma samples were analyzed from 202 70-yr-olds as part of a large population-based study, Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors. Twenty-eight of these had prevalent CVD. Eleven steroids were quantified, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Women with current/previous menopausal hormone therapy (n = 35) were excluded.
Results: Men without prevalent CVD had higher plasma 17β-estradiol (E2), compared with women. Men with prevalent CVD, compared with those without, had lower 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17OHPregn), 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and higher estrone/androstenedione and E2/testosterone (T) (aromatase activity). Women with prevalent CVD had lower pregnenolone, 17OHPregn, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) but higher DHEA/17OHPregn, androstenedione/DHEA, E2/T, E2/estrone, and E2/SHBG. The aromatase index, E2/T, was higher for prevalent CVD in both sexes. Adjustment for statin use, smoking, and body mass index yielded additional significant differences in men, whereas some were lost in women. Logistic regression indicated strong associations between prevalent CVD and low 17OHPregn, adjusted odds ratio of 0.18, 95% confidence interval (0.06–0.61); P = 0.006, in women and low 17-hydroxyprogesterone, 0.45 (0.25–0.80); P = 0.007 in men, most likely caused by increased throughput (consumption) toward estrogen synthesis.
Conclusions: Prevalent CVD was associated with indications of lower androgen precursors, increased aromatase activity, and higher estrogen levels in both sexes. Results might represent an endogenous response to a condition of developing atherosclerosis, rather than a causative relationship. Furthermore studies are needed.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Bone Mineral Density in Premenopausal European-American Women and Replication in African-American Women
Authors: Koller Daniel L. , Ichikawa Shoji , Lai Dongbing , Padgett Leah R. , Doheny Kimberly F. , Pugh Elizabeth , Paschall Justin , Hui Siu L. , Edenberg Howard J. , Xuei Xiaoling , Peacock Munro , Econs Michael J. , Foroud Tatiana 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Context: Several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been performed to identify genes contributing to bone mineral density (BMD), typically in samples of elderly women and men.
Objective: The objective of the study was to identify genes contributing to BMD in premenopausal women.
Design: GWAS using the Illumina 610Quad array in premenopausal European-American (EA) women and replication of the top 50 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for two BMD measures in African-American (AA) women.
Subjects: Subjects included 1524 premenopausal EA women aged 20–45 yr from 762 sibships and 669 AA premenopausal women aged 20–44 yr from 383 sibships.
Interventions: There were no interventions.
Main Outcome Measures: BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Age- and weight-adjusted BMD values were tested for association with each SNP, with P values determined by permutation.
Results: SNPs in CATSPERB on chromosome 14 provided evidence of association with femoral neck BMD (rs1298989, P = 2.7 × 10−5; rs1285635, P = 3.0 × 10−5) in the EA women, and some supporting evidence was also observed with these SNPs in the AA women (rs1285635, P = 0.003). Genes identified in other BMD GWAS studies, including IBSP and ADAMTS18, were also among the most significant findings in our GWAS.
Conclusions: Evidence of association to several novel loci was detected in a GWAS of premenopausal EA women, and SNPs in one of these loci also provided supporting evidence in a sample of AA women.
Vitamin D Status and Its Relation to Muscle Mass and Muscle Fat in Young Women
Authors: Gilsanz Vicente , Kremer Arye , Mo Ashley O. , Wren Tishya A. L. , Kremer Richard 
Published: February 2010

AbstractContext: Vitamin D insufficiency has now reached epidemic proportions and has been linked to increased body fat and decreased muscle strength. Whether vitamin D insufficiency is also related to adipose tissue infiltration in muscle is not known.Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and the degree of fat infiltration in muscle.Design: This was a cross-sectional study.Outcome Measures and Subjects: Measures were anthropometric measures, serum 25OHD radioimmunoassay values, and computed tomography (CT) values of fat, muscle mass, and percent muscle fat in 90 postpubertal females, aged 16–22 yr, residing in California.Results: Approximately 59% of subjects were 25OHD insufficient (≤29 ng/ml), of which 24% were deficient (≤20 ng/ml), whereas 41% were sufficient (≥30 ng/ml). A strong negative relationship was present between serum 25OHD and CT measures of percent muscle fat (r = −0.37; P &lt; 0.001). In contrast, no relationship was observed between circulating 25OHD concentrations and CT measures of thigh muscle area (r = 0.16; P = 0.14). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the relation between 25OHD and muscle adiposity was independent of body mass or CT measures of sc and visceral fat. Percent muscle fat was significantly lower in women with normal serum 25OHD concentrations than in women with insufficient levels and deficient levels (3.15 ± 1.4 vs. 3.90 ± 1.9; P = 0.038).Conclusions: We found that vitamin D insufficiency is associated with increased fat infiltration in muscle in healthy young women.
Blood Analysis by Headspace Gas Chromatography: Does a deficient sample volume distort ethanol concentration?
Authors: Jones A W , Fransson M 
Published: February 2010

This study was prompted by a recent judgment in the Royal Courts of Justice ( Gregory v. Director of Public Prosecutions, 2002) in a case of driving a motor vehicle after consuming too much alcohol (Road Traffic Act 1988). An expert witness for the defence alleged that a deficient volume of blood in the tube sent for analysis meant an excess amount of sodium fluoride (NaF) preservative, which would increase the concentration of ethanol, determined by headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC), owing to a salting-out effect. The prosecution did not produce expert evidence to rebut this argument and the drunk driving suspect was acquitted. A small volume of blood and excess sodium fluoride might have increased the concentration of ethanol in the air-space in the tube sent for analysis but this does not mean that the result of the HS-GC analysis would be higher. This follows because prior to analysis an aliquot of blood is removed and diluted (~10 times) with n-propanol as the internal standard. The dilution lowers the concentration of NaF in the blood and for quantitative analysis the ratio of the ethanol to n-propanol response is measured. The use of a ratio also helps to compensate for any salting-out effect of ethanol. Our experiments showed that a deficient volume of blood and excess NaF actually lowered the concentration of ethanol by 2-3% compared with heparinised blood. Seemingly, n-propanol (n-PrOH) a 3-carbon straight chain alcohol is salted out slightly more effectively than the 2-carbon ethanol (EtOH) causing a lower peak area ratio (EtOH/n-PrOH) and a lower apparent concentration of ethanol. In a separate study, we showed that the concentration of ethanol was lowered even more when a 4-carbon alcohol (t-butanol) was used as the internal standard.
The Creation of Inter-Ethnic Images for Studies in Applied Psychology
Authors: VANEZIS MARIA , VANEZIS PETER , MINNIS HELEN , McMILLAN ALISON , GILLIES MARJORIE , SMITH SHUBULADE 
Published: February 2010

The facial transformation programme, is an integral part of the computerised three-dimensional facial reconstruction system, employed at the University of Glasgow for forensic and historical cases. It was applied to the creation of inter-ethnic images for use in studies to assess the response of various groups to facial appearance in the assessment of racial stereotyping. We initially acquired a three-dimensional facial image from a young black (Negroid) male volunteer, using our optical laser scanning system. This image was then used as a template over a Caucasian skull to produce a reconstruction using facial criteria applicable to white (Caucasian) males. The other image used was that of the facial template of the black male. A commercially available electronic identikit system, E-FIT™ was then used to add appropriate hair styles and open eyes to both images. In addition, on the ‘Caucasian reconstruction’ we were able to reduce the contrast and lighting on the face. This was relatively straightforward as we were using greyscale images rather than colour. The shape of the nose and lips on the white male were also altered to be more in keeping with Caucasoid average measurements. The resulting images were shown to a group of second-year clinical psychology students and their responses are discussed. Similar images may also be used in studies of racial stereotyping in different categories of professionals such as police, prison personnel, probation officers, social workers, potential employers, doctors, and others, in order to assess the response to individuals by facial appearance.
Fatal Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Singapore: Has anything changed?
Authors: LAU GILBERT , THAMBOO THOMAS PAULRAJ , LAI SIANG-HU 
Published: February 2010

A previous study of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) during a five-year period (1989-1993) in Singapore found a low post-mortem prevalence of fatal PE (1.05%). The present study investigated cases of fatal PE among 10,097 coroner's post-mortems conducted between 1994 and 1998 at the Centre for Forensic Medicine, Health Sciences Authority, Singapore, and compared the results with the previous study. There were 130 cases of fatal PE, representing a post-mortem prevalence of 1.29%. This is comparable to the previous study but is lower than most other published series from other countries. There was a shift towards younger subjects, with the modal age group being 40 to 49 years, compared with 70 to 79 years previously. A large proportion of subjects had risk factors for PE, with 42.3%, 23.8% and 11.5% having had a history of surgery, trauma or malignancy respectively. After the onset of immobility or trauma, 50% of subjects developed PE in the first seven days and 76.8% in the first two weeks. PE was not suspected as the cause of death in 74.6% of cases under medical care. The incidence of fatal PE in Singapore remains low. However, a large proportion of cases continue to be unsuspected as the cause of death. It would appear that, on the whole, a correct clinical diagnosis of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism remains largely elusive.
Lies... Damned Lies... and Suicide Statistics!
Authors: SALIB EMAD , THOMAS NOIR 
Published: February 2010

In the absence of any measurable outcome in psychiatry, suicide is now regarded as an outcome measure in Mental Health Services. The National Service Framework (NSF) has set the reduction of the suicide rate by 20 per cent over the next seven years as a national priority. This article will examine how reliable suicide is as an outcome measure.