bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The experience of college students with pulmonary tuberculosis in Shaanxi, China: a qualitative study
Authors: Zhang Shao-Ru , Yan Hong , Zhang Jin-Jing , Zhang Tian-Hua , Li Xiao-Hong , Zhang Yin-Ping 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis among college students in Shaanxi is high. Although tuberculosis leaves much psychological and social impact on patients, little is known about its impact on college students. The objective of this study is to explore the experiences and psychological process of college students with pulmonary tuberculosis in Shaanxi, China.

Methods
17 college students with pulmonary tuberculosis were recruited purposively from 9 colleges in Shaanxi. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data and a thematic framework analysis was used.

Results
The participants reported that pulmonary tuberculosis deeply influenced their mental health. They were fearful to the nature of pulmonary tuberculosis at the stage of diagnosis, anxious about the illness before the period of diagnosis and the early week of the treatment, excessive worry immediately before the first recheck. They expected an early full recovery, bored on tedious treatment life and worried about future heath and prospects during the whole treatment phase. Their daily life was also influenced, namely discontinued studies, isolation and increased financial burden. They also reported that they could get strong supports from family members, while little supports from healthcare workers and their friends.

Conclusions
The participants' psychological pressure was significant during the treatment. In addition, there was serious conflict between treatment and study; social support provided for them was insufficient. Healthcare workers should provide psychological support for college students with pulmonary tuberculosis according to the psychological characteristics and offer social support through strengthening communication with them. Colleges should follow governmental policies on TB exactly and provide opportunities for the patients to continue their studies.
Secretion of extracellular hsp90α via exosomes increases cancer cell motility: a role for plasminogen activation
Authors: McCready Jessica , Sims Jessica D , Chan Doug , Jay Daniel G 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Metastasis is a multi-step process that is responsible for the majority of deaths in cancer patients. Current treatments are not effective in targeting metastasis. The molecular chaperone hsp90α is secreted from invasive cancer cells and activates MMP-2 to enhance invasiveness, required for the first step in metastasis.

Methods
We analyzed the morphology and motility of invasive cancer cells that were treated with exogenous exosomes in the presence or absence of hsp90α. We performed mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation to identify plasminogen as a potential client protein of extracellular hsp90α. Plasmin activation assays and migration assays were performed to test if plasminogen is activated by extracellular hsp90α and has a role in migration.

Results
We found that hsp90α is secreted in exosomes in invasive cancer cells and it contributes to their invasive nature. We identified a novel interaction between hsp90α and tissue plasminogen activator that together with annexin II, also found in exosomes, activates plasmin. Extracellular hsp90α promotes plasmin activation as well as increases plasmin dependent cell motility.

Conclusions
Our data indicate that hsp90α is released by invasive cancer cells via exosomes and implicates hsp90α in activating plasmin, a second protease that acts in cancer cell invasion.
The prevalence and social patterning of chronic diseases among older people in a population undergoing health transition. A 10/66 Group cross-sectional population-based survey in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Acosta Daisy , Rottbeck Ruth , Rodríguez Juana G , González Loida M , Almánzar Mary R , Minaya Susana N , Ortiz Maria del C , Ferri Cleusa P , Prince Martin J 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Very little of the increased attention towards chronic diseases in countries with low and middle incomes has been directed towards older people, who contribute 72% of all deaths, and 14% of all Disability Adjusted Life Years linked to this group of conditions in those regions. We aimed to study the prevalence of physical, mental and cognitive diseases and impairments among older people in the Dominican Republic, their social patterning, and their relative contributions to disability.

Methods
A cross-sectional catchment area one-phase survey of chronic disease diagnoses, physical impairments, risk factors and associated disability among 2011 people aged 65 years and over (of whom 1451 gave fasting blood samples) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Results
The most prevalent diagnoses were hypertension (73.0%), anaemia (35.0%), diabetes (17.5%), depression (13.8%) and dementia (11.7%), with 39.6% meeting criteria for metabolic syndrome. After direct standardization (for age and sex) the prevalences of stroke (standardized morbidity ratio [SMR] 100) and hypertension (SMR 108) were similar to those in the United States of America National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES reference SMR 100), while those of diabetes (SMR 83) and metabolic syndrome (SMR 72) were somewhat lower. Anaemia was three times more common than in the USA (SMR 310). Diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obesity and the metabolic syndrome were associated with affluence and female sex. Arthritis, anaemia, dementia and stroke were strongly age-associated and these conditions were also the main independent contributors to disability.

Conclusions
The prevalence of many chronic diseases is similar in predominately low socioeconomic status neighbourhoods in the Dominican Republic to that in the USA. Prevalence of age-associated conditions is likely to increase with demographic ageing. There is also scope for increases in cardiovascular disease prevalence, if, as observed in other settings undergoing the epidemiologic transition, the burden of risk factors shifts towards the less affluent. Monitoring future trends in the prevalence and social patterning of chronic diseases may help to assess the effectiveness and equity of primary and secondary prevention strategies. Specific recommendations from our research include identifying and targeting the causes of anaemia among older people, and addressing women's health disadvantages.
Fibrin clot structure remains unaffected in young, healthy individuals after transient exposure to diesel exhaust
Authors: Metassan Sofian , Routledge Michael N , Lucking Andrew J , de Willige Shirley Uitte , Philippou Helen , Mills Nicholas L , Newby David E , Ariëns Robert AS 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Exposure to urban particulate matter has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and thrombosis. We studied the effects of transient exposure to diesel particles on fibrin clot structure of 16 healthy individuals (age 21- 44). The subjects were randomly exposed to diesel exhaust and filtered air on two separate occasions. Blood samples were collected before exposure, and 2 and 6 hours after exposure. There were no significant changes on clot permeability, maximum turbidity, lag time, fibre diameter, fibre density and fibrinogen level between samples taken after diesel exhaust exposure and samples taken after filtered air exposure. These data show that there are no prothrombotic changes in fibrin clot structure in young, healthy individuals exposed to diesel exhaust.
P3MC: A double blind parallel group randomised placebo controlled trial of Propranolol and Pizotifen in preventing migraine in children
Authors: Silcocks Paul , Whitham Diane , Whitehouse William Patrick 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
A recent Cochrane Review demonstrated the remarkable lack of reliable clinical trials of migraine treatments for children, especially for the two most prescribed preventative treatments in the UK, Propranolol and Pizotifen.
Migraine trials in both children and adults have high placebo responder rates, e.g. of 23%, but for a trial's results to be generalisable "placebo responders" should not be excluded and for a drug to be worthwhile it should be clearly superior, both clinically and statistically, to placebo.

Methods/Design
Two multicentre, two arm double blind parallel group randomised controlled trials, with allocation ratio of 2:1 for each comparison, Propranolol versus placebo and Pizotifen versus placebo. The trial is designed to test whether Propranolol is superior to placebo and whether Pizotifen is superior to placebo for the prevention of migraine attacks in children aged 5 - 16 years referred to secondary care out-patient settings with frequent migraine (2-6/4 weeks). The primary outcome measure is the number of migraine attacks during trial weeks 11 to 14.

Discussion
A strength of this trial is the participation of clinically well defined migraine patients who will also be approached to help with future longer-term follow-up studies.

Trial Registration
ISRCTN97360154
Early clinical experience of radiotherapy of prostate cancer with volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Pesce Gianfranco A , Clivio Alessandro , Cozzi Luca , Nicolini Giorgia , Richetti Antonella , Salati Emanuela , Valli Mariacarla , Vanetti Eugenio , Fogliata Antonella 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
To report about initial clinical experience in radiation treatment of carcinoma of prostate with volumetric modulated arcs with the RapidArc (RA) technology.

Methods
Forty-five patients with a median age of 72 ± 3, affected by prostate carcinoma (T1c: 22 patients, T2a-b: 17 patients, T3a-b: 6 patients. N0: 43 patients, N1-Nx: 2 patients, all M0), with initial PSA of 10.0 ± 3.0 ng/mL, were treated with RapidArc in a feasibility study. All patients were treated with single arc using 6MV photons. Dose prescription ranged between 76 (7 patients) and 78 Gy (38 patients) in 2Gy/fraction. Plan quality was assessed by means of Dose Volume Histogram (DVH) analysis. Technical parameters of arcs and pre-treatment quality assurance results (Gamma Agreement Index, GAI) are reported to describe delivery features. Early toxicity was scored (according to the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Effects scale, CTCAE, scale) at the end of treatment together with biochemical outcome (PSA).

Results
From DVH data, target coverage was fulfilling planning objectives: V95% was in average higher than 98% and V107%~0.0% (D2%~104.0% in average). Homogeneity D5%-D95% ranged between 6.2 ± 1.0% to 6.7 ± 1.3%. For rectum, all planning objectives were largely met (e.g. V70Gy = 10.7 ± 5.5% against an objective of < 25%) similarly for bladder (e.g. D2% = 79.4 ± 1.2Gy against an objective of 80.0Gy). Maximum dose to femurs was D2% = 36.7 ± 5.4Gy against an objective of 47Gy. Monitor Units resulted: MU/Gy = 239 ± 37. Average beam on time was 1.24 ± 0.0 minutes. Pre-treatment GAI resulted in 98.1 ± 1.1%. Clinical data were recorded as PSA at 6 weeks after RT, with median values of 0.4 ± 0.4 ng/mL. Concerning acute toxicity, no patient showed grade 2-3 rectal toxicity; 5/42 (12%) patients experienced grade 2 dysuria; 18/41 (44%) patients preserved complete or partial erectile function.

Conclusion
RapidArc proved to be a safe, qualitative and advantageous treatment modality for prostate cancer.
Hematopoietic differentiation: a coordinated dynamical process towards attractor stable states
Authors: Felli Nadia , Cianetti Luciano , Pelosi Elvira , Carè Alessandra , Liu Chang Gong , Calin George A , Rossi Simona , Peschle Cesare , Marziali Giovanna , Giuliani Alessandro 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
The differentiation process, proceeding from stem cells towards the different committed cell types, can be considered as a trajectory towards an attractor of a dynamical process. This view, taking into consideration the transcriptome and miRNome dynamics considered as a whole, instead of looking at few 'master genes' driving the system, offers a novel perspective on this phenomenon. We investigated the 'differentiation trajectories' of the hematopoietic system considering a genome-wide scenario.

Results
We developed serum-free liquid suspension unilineage cultures of cord blood (CB) CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells through erythroid (E), megakaryocytic (MK), granulocytic (G) and monocytic (Mo) pathways. These cultures recapitulate physiological hematopoiesis, allowing the analysis of almost pure unilineage precursors starting from initial differentiation of HPCs until terminal maturation. By analyzing the expression profile of protein coding genes and microRNAs in unilineage CB E, MK, G and Mo cultures, at sequential stages of differentiation and maturation, we observed a coordinated, fully interconnected and scalable character of cell population behaviour in both transcriptome and miRNome spaces reminiscent of an attractor-like dynamics. MiRNome and transcriptome space differed for a still not terminally committed behaviour of microRNAs.

Conclusions
Consistent with their roles, the transcriptome system can be considered as the state space of a cell population, while the continuously evolving miRNA space corresponds to the tuning system necessary to reach the attractor. The behaviour of miRNA machinery could be of great relevance not only for the promise of reversing the differentiated state but even for tumor biology.
Massive variceal bleeding secondary to splenic vein thrombosis successfully treated with splenic artery embolization: a case report
Authors: Paramythiotis Daniel , Papavramidis Theodossis S , Giavroglou Konstantinos , Potsi Stamatia , Girtovitis Fotis , Michalopoulos Antonis , Papadopoulos Vassilis N , Prousalidis John 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIntroductionSplenic vein thrombosis results in localized portal hypertension called sinistral portal hypertension, which may also lead to massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Symptomatic sinistral portal hypertension is usually best treated by splenectomy, but interventional radiological techniques are safe and effective alternatives in the management of a massive hemorrhage, particularly in cases that have a high surgical risk.Case presentationWe describe a 23-year-old Greek man with acute massive gastric variceal bleeding caused by splenic vein thrombosis due to a missing von Leiden factor, which was successfully managed with splenic arterial embolization.ConclusionsInterventional radiological techniques are attractive alternatives for patients with a high surgical risk or in cases when the immediate surgical excision of the spleen is technically difficult. Additionally, surgery is not always successful because of the presence of numerous portal collaterals and adhesion. Splenic artery embolization is now emerging as a safe and effective alternative to surgery in the management of massive hemorrhage from gastric varices due to splenic vein thrombosis, which often occurs in patients with hypercoagulability.
Pleural aspergillosis complicated by recurrent pneumothorax: a case report
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Hu Ye , Chen Liang'an , Gao Jie , Xie Lixin 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Introduction
Pneumothorax as the first symptom of pleural aspergillosis is rare.

Case presentation
A 31-year-old asthmatic Chinese man presented with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax and underwent lobectomy due to persistent air leakage. Aspergillus was detected histopathologically in the visceral pleural cavity. He was treated with itraconazole at 200 mg a day, and nine months later he had no recurrent pneumothorax or aspergillus infection.

Conclusion
Recurrent pneumothorax may be a rare manifestation of aspergillus infection. Aspergillus species infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of recurrent pneumothorax patients, particularly those with chronic lung disease.
Relationship and prognostic significance of SPARC and VEGF protein expression in colon cancer
Authors: Liang Jian-fang , Wang Hong-kun , Xiao Hong , Li Ning , Cheng Cai-xia , Zhao Yu-ze , Ma Yan-bo , Gao Jian-zhong , Bai Rui-bing , Zheng Hui-xia 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
SPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine) is closely related with the progress, invasion and metastasis of malignant tumor and angiogenesis.

Methods
Using human colon adenocarcinoma tissues (hereinafter referred to as colon cancer) and their corresponding non-diseased colon from 114 patients' biopsies, the expression of SPARC and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were investigated by immunohistochemistry staining to assessment the relationship between SPARC and VEGF, as well as their prognostic significance in patients. Evaluation of VEGF expression level with the same tissues was used to establish the antigenic profiles, and the marker of CD34 staining was used as an indicator of microvessel density (MVD).

Results
SPARC expression was mainly in the stromal cells surrounding the colon cancer, and was significant difference in those tissues with the lymph node metastasis and differentiation degree of tumor. Expression of SPARC was significantly correlated with the expression of VEGF and MVD in colon cancer tissues. Patients with low or absence expressing SPARC had significantly worse overall survival and disease-free survival in a Single Factor Analysis; Cox Regression Analysis, SPARC emerged as an overall survival and disease-free survival independent prognostic factor for colon cancer.

Conclusion
The low expression or absence of stromal SPARC was an independent prognostic factor for poor prognosis of colon cancer. SPARC maybe involved in the regulation of anti-angiogenesis by which it may serve as a novel target for colon cancer treatment as well as a novel distinctive marker.
Effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in patients with ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis and history of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy
Authors: Rudwaleit Martin , Van den Bosch Filip , Kron Martina , Kary Sonja , Kupper Hartmut 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists reduce the signs and symptoms of spondyloarthritides, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab, 40 mg every other week, for patients with AS or PsA and prior treatment with infliximab (IFX) and/or etanercept (ETN).

Methods
Both trials were 12-week, open-label studies with an optional extension period up to week 20. Patients were stratified by history of anti-TNF treatment, prior anti-TNF therapy received (IFX, ETN, or both), and reason for discontinuation of prior TNF antagonist. ETN was discontinued ≥ 3 weeks, and IFX was discontinued ≥ 2 months before the first adalimumab administration. Effectiveness at week 12 was evaluated by using observed standard-outcome measurements for AS and PsA.

Results
At week 12 of adalimumab treatment, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 50 responses were achieved by 40.8% of 326 patients with AS who had received prior anti-TNF therapy and by 63.0% of 924 patients with AS who were naive to TNF antagonist. Observed response rates were generally greater for patients who discontinued the prior anti-TNF therapy because of loss of response or intolerance than for patients who discontinued because of lack of response. Median changes in swollen-joint count and in enthesitis score were similar in patients with and without prior TNF-antagonist treatment. Modified PsA response criteria were fulfilled by 71.2% of 66 patients with PsA, with prior exposure to TNF antagonists, and by 78.8% of 376 patients with no history of anti-TNF therapy. The percentages of patients with PsA attaining a Physician's Global Assessment of psoriasis of "Clear/Almost clear" increased from 33.3% to 61.0% for patients with prior IFX and/or ETN treatment and from 34.6% to 69.7% for patients without anti-TNF therapy. The median change in the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index was -6 for both groups. In both studies, patterns of adverse events were similar for patients with and without prior anti-TNF therapy and were consistent with the known safety profile of adalimumab.

Conclusions
Patients with AS or PsA previously treated with IFX and/or ETN experienced clinically relevant improvements of their diseases after 12 weeks of adalimumab.

Trial registrations
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00478660 and NCT00235885.
Intraoperative fluid optimization using stroke volume variation in high risk surgical patients: results of prospective randomized study
Authors: Benes Jan , Chytra Ivan , Altmann Pavel , Hluchy Marek , Kasal Eduard , Svitak Roman , Pradl Richard , Stepan Martin 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Stroke volume variation (SVV) is a good and easily obtainable predictor of fluid responsiveness, which can be used to guide fluid therapy in mechanically ventilated patients. During major abdominal surgery, inappropriate fluid management may result in occult organ hypoperfusion or fluid overload in patients with compromised cardiovascular reserves and thus increase postoperative morbidity. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of SVV guided fluid optimization on organ functions and postoperative morbidity in high risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Methods
Patients undergoing elective intraabdominal surgery were randomly assigned to a Control group (n = 60) with routine intraoperative care and a Vigileo group (n = 60), where fluid management was guided by SVV (Vigileo/FloTrac system). The aim was to maintain the SVV below 10% using colloid boluses of 3 ml/kg. The laboratory parameters of organ hypoperfusion in perioperative period, the number of infectious and organ complications on day 30 after the operation, and the hospital and ICU length of stay and mortality were evaluated. The local ethics committee approved the study.

Results
The patients in the Vigileo group received more colloid (1425 ml [1000-1500] vs. 1000 ml [540-1250]; P = 0.0028) intraoperatively and a lower number of hypotensive events were observed (2[1-2] Vigileo vs. 3.5[2-6] in Control; P = 0.0001). Lactate levels at the end of surgery were lower in Vigileo (1.78 ± 0.83 mmol/l vs. 2.25 ± 1.12 mmol/l; P = 0.0252). Fewer Vigileo patients developed complications (18 (30%) vs. 35 (58.3%) patients; P = 0.0033) and the overall number of complications was also reduced (34 vs. 77 complications in Vigileo and Control respectively; P = 0.0066). A difference in hospital length of stay was found only in per protocol analysis of patients receiving optimization (9 [8-12] vs. 10 [8-19] days; P = 0.0421). No difference in mortality (1 (1.7%) vs. 2 (3.3%); P = 1.0) and ICU length of stay (3 [2-5] vs. 3 [0.5-5]; P = 0.789) was found.

Conclusions
In this study, fluid optimization guided by SVV during major abdominal surgery is associated with better intraoperative hemodynamic stability, decrease in serum lactate at the end of surgery and lower incidence of postoperative organ complications.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN95085011.