bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of eIF3a on Response of Lung Cancer Patients to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy by Regulating DNA Repair
Authors: Yin Ji-Ye , Shen Jie , Dong Zi-Zheng , Huang Qiong , Zhong Mei-Zuo , Feng De-Yun , Zhou Hong-Hao , Zhang Jian-Ting , Liu Zhao-Qian 
Published: May 2011

AbstractPurpose: The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that eIF3a may regulate the expression of DNA repair proteins which, in turn, affects response of lung cancer patients to treatments by DNA-damaging anticancer drugs.Experimental Design: Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of eIF3a in 211 human lung cancer tissues followed by association analysis of eIF3a expression with patient's response to platinum-based chemotherapy. Ectopic overexpression and RNA interference knockdown of eIF3a were carried out in NIH3T3 and H1299 cell lines, respectively, to determine the effect of altered eIF3a expression on cellular response to cisplatin, doxorubicine, etoposide (VP-16), vincristine, and vinblastine by using MTT assay. The DNA repair capacity of these cells was evaluated by using host-cell reactivation assay. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR and Western Blot analyses were carried out to determine the effect of eIF3a on the DNA repair genes by using cells with altered eIF3a expression.Results: eIF3a expression associates with response of lung cancer patients to platinum-based chemotherapy. eIF3a knockdown or overexpression, respectively, increased and decreased the cellular resistance to cisplatin and anthrocycline anticancer drugs, DNA repair activity, and expression of DNA repair proteins.Conclusions: eIF3a plays an important role in regulating the expression of DNA repair proteins which, in turn, contributes to cellular response to DNA-damaging anticancer drugs and patients' response to platinum-based chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(13); 4600–9. ©2011 AACR.
Mass spectrometry for the evaluation of cardiovascular diseases based on proteomics and lipidomics
Authors: Thomas Aurélien , Lenglet Sébastien , Chaurand Pierre , Déglon Julien , Mangin Patrice , Mach François , Steffens Sabine , Wolfender Jean-Luc , Staub Christian 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe identification and quantification of proteins and lipids is of major importance for the diagnosis, prognosis and understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in disease development. Owing to its selectivity and sensitivity, mass spectrometry has become a key technique in analytical platforms for proteomic and lipidomic investigations. Using this technique, many strategies have been developed based on unbiased or targeted approaches to highlight or monitor molecules of interest from biomatrices. Although these approaches have largely been employed in cancer research, this type of investigation has been met by a growing interest in the field of cardiovascular disorders, potentially leading to the discovery of novel biomarkers and the development of new therapies. In this paper, we will review the different mass spectrometry- based proteomic and lipidomic strategies applied in cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis. Particular attention will be given to recent developments and the role of bioinformatics in data treatment. This review will be of broad interest to the medical community by providing a tutorial of how mass spectrometric strategies can support clinical trials.
10–25-Day Intraseasonal Variability of Convection over the Sahel: A Role of the Saharan Heat Low and Midlatitudes
Authors: Roehrig R. , Chauvin F. , Lafore J.-P. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The understanding and forecasting of persistent dry or wet periods of the West African monsoon (WAM), especially those that occur at the intraseasonal time scale, are crucial to improve food management and disaster mitigation in the Sahel region. In the present study, the authors assess how the 10–25-day intraseasonal variability of convection over the Sahel is related to the recently documented intraseasonal variability of the Saharan heat low (SHL) and the associated extratropical circulation. Strongest and most frequent interactions occur when the SHL intraseasonal fluctuations lead those of convection over the Sahel with a 5-day lag. Using a nonlinear event-based approach, such a combination is shown to concern about one-third of Sahelian dry and wet spells and, in the case of dry spells, to yield convective anomalies that are stronger, last longer by at least 2 days, and reach a larger spatial scale. It is then argued that the 10–25-day intraseasonal variability of convection over the Sahel can be partly explained by the midlatitude intraseasonal variability, through a major role played by the SHL. The anomalous midlevel circulations observed during Sahelian wet and dry events can be shifted from the midlatitudes, which provide a complementary mechanism to that invoking equatorial Rossby wave dynamics. These two mechanisms are likely to interfere together in a constructive or destructive way, leading to high temporal and spatial variability of the Sahelian dry and wet spells.
As a particular intraseasonal event, the WAM onset is shown to be clearly favored by phases of the SHL intraseasonal variability, when the Mediterranean ventilation is weakened and the SHL is able to strengthen. Conversely, the formation of a strong cold air surge over Libya and Egypt and its propagation toward the Sahel lead to the collapse of the SHL, which inhibits the WAM onset. From these extratropical–tropical interactions, more skillful forecasts of the Sahelian wet and dry spells and of the WAM onset can be expected. In particular, the monitoring of both the SHL intraseasonal activity and that of the equatorial Rossby wave should provide relevant information to forecast at least two-thirds of such high-impact events.
Subcutaneous Fat Tissue Thickness of the Anterior Neck and Umbilicus in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Ugur Kadriye Serife , Ark Nebil , Kurtaran Hanifi , Kizilbulut Gultekin , Cakir Banu , Ozol Duygu , Gunduz Mehmet 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveTo investigate the differences in thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue of the anterior neck and umbilicus of patients with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the relationship between thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue of the anterior neck and umbilicus and polysomnographic findings, and the influence of body mass index (BMI), anthropometric findings, and gender.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingTertiary care university hospital.Subject and MethodsSeventy‐three patients with OSA and 24 non‐OSA patients were evaluated with polysomnography for 1 night. Anthropometric parameters and BMI were also investigated. Subcutaneous fat tissue thickness of anterior neck and umbilicus was assessed using ultrasound. The thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue adjacent to the submandibular gland, isthmus, hyoid, suprasternal notch, and umbilicus was measured with ultrasound. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.ResultsApnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly and positively correlated with age (P =. 016, r2 = 0.244), BMI (P <. 001, r2 = 0.416), and anthropometric findings (waist circumference P <. 001, r2 = 0.337; hip circumference P =. 008, r2 = 0.269; neck circumference P =. 002, r2 = 0.309). Minimum oxygen saturation was significantly, negatively correlated with age (P =. 002, r2 = −0.310), BMI (P <. 001, r2 = −0.404), and anthropometric findings (waist circumference P =. 005, r2 = −0.281, hip circumference P <. 001, r2 = −0.353, neck circumference P =. 010, r2 = −0.261). There were no significant differences between the OSA and non‐OSA groups with respect to age (P =. 178), gender (P =. 189), or ultrasonographic findings for subcutaneous fat tissue thickness adjacent to the submandibular gland (P =. 480), thyroid isthmus (P =. 311), suprasternal notch (P =. 950), umbilicus (P =. 691), or hyoid (P =. 159). Neck circumference (P =. 039) and BMI (P =. 014) were significantly higher in the OSA group.ConclusionThese indicate that anterior neck and umbilical subcutaneous fat tissue thickness may not contribute to the severity of OSA.
The Effect of Prilocaine or Levobupivacaine Infiltration on Pain during Nasal Packing Removal
Authors: Apuhan Tayfun , Yıldırım Yavuz Selim , Gulcu Nebahat , Koçoğlu Hasan , Karagöz Yalçın 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of rehydration of Merocel nasal packs with prilocaine or levobupivacaine on reducing pain and discomfort of nasal packing removal in patients who had undergone septoplasties or endoscopic sinus surgery.Study DesignProspective clinical study.SettingTertiary referral center.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted on 72 patients, aged 18 to 55 years, who had undergone septoplasty, bilateral functional endoscopic sinus surgery, or both. The patients were divided into 2 groups: prilocaine group (group P, n = 36), who received 2.5 mL of 2% prilocaine, and levobupivacaine group (group L, n = 36), who received 2.5 mL of levobupivacaine hydrochloride dilution. These solutions were diluted with 2.5 mL saline to a final volume of 5 mL, which was then injected into the Merocel packing 15 minutes before removal of the pack. In both groups, 5 mL of saline was injected into the packing in the contralateral nostril as a control 15 minutes before removal of the pack. Visual analog score (VAS) and the Ramsay sedation score were recorded.ResultsStatistically significant differences were found in VAS and Ramsay sedation scale scores of levobupivacaine and prilocaine groups compared to controls. No significant difference was noted between the groups in terms of levobupivacaine and prilocaine.ConclusionsLevobupivacaine or prilocaine infiltration before removal of nasal packs in patients who undergo septoplasties or endoscopic sinus surgery can decrease discomfort and improve patient tolerability.
Clinical measurement of walking balance in people post stroke: a systematic review
Authors: Pollock CL , Eng JJ , Garland SJ 
Published: May 2011

Objective: To identify walking balance measures which have been established for use with ambulatory people post stroke and reflect the balance requirements of community walking. Data sources: MEDLINE, Embase, AMED. Review methods: Measures reflecting walking balance, with tasks that include a stepping action in standing, used with people post stroke were reviewed. Measures with clinical utility were evaluated for psychometric properties, including reliability, validity and clinical interpretation. Results: Nine measures (24 papers) were identified that met the requirement of measuring walking balance in people post stroke with demonstrated clinical utility. Outcome measures with multiple tasks (Brunel Balance Assessment, Modified Emory Functional Ambulation Profile, Dynamic Gait Index, Community Balance and Mobility Scale, and mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test) as opposed to single task measures (Step Test, Side Step Test and Four Square Step Test, Timed Up and Go), reflect a broader range of walking balance required to accommodate the variable challenges which may be expected at the community level of walking. Most tools report excellent reliability when used by physiotherapists. Validity remains far more challenging to establish. Evaluation of clinical interpretation is limited for all measures. Conclusion: The multiple-task outcome measures reviewed reflected walking balance activities often undertaken during community mobility. Single-task measures may be useful as screening measures, identifying walking balance deficits associated with basic/lower levels of walking balance. Construct validity and clinical interpretability of each measure in ambulatory people post stroke requires further research to identify the level of community mobility represented by each measure of walking balance.
Clinical consequences of MRI activity in treated multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cadavid Diego , Kim Soyeon , Peng Bo , Skurnick Joan , Younes Maha , Hill James , Wolansky Leo J , Cook Stuart D 
Published: May 2011

Background: Inflammation on brain MRI is the most sensitive marker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) but its clinical consequences remain controversial. Objective: Here we investigated the clinical consequences of MRI activity in MS subjects treated with two different first line disease modifying agents. Methods: Seventy-five treatment-naïve subjects with relapsing–remitting MS ( N = 61) or clinically isolated syndromes at risk of MS ( N = 14) from the BECOME study that had been randomized to interferon beta-1b ( N = 39) or glatiramer acetate ( N = 36) and followed for up to two years by monthly brain MRI optimized to detect inflammatory activity were studied for the clinical consequences of lack of MRI remission. Results: MRI remission occurred in 46.4% of participants transiently and in 23.2% completely while it was never achieved in 30.4%. There was no difference by treatment in MRI remission, progression of physical disability, or cognitive function. The percentage of relapse-free subjects was 87.5% for the group in complete MRI remission, 47.6% in the group never in remission and 59.4% in the group in transient remission ( p = 0.017). Similar differences were observed for six-month-confirmed worsening of ambulatory function as measured by the timed 25 foot walk ( p = 0.026) and by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ( p = 0.10). Cognitive function was lowest at baseline for the group that never reached MRI remission on treatment; this group improved the least upon repeated cognitive testing during the two years of treatment ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: Lack of MRI remission during treatment with interferon beta-1b or glatiramer acetate is associated with higher relapse rate and worsening of physical and cognitive function.
Progranulin expression in brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid levels in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Vercellino Marco , Grifoni Silvia , Romagnolo Alberto , Masera Silvia , Mattioda Alessandra , Trebini Claudia , Chiavazza Carlotta , Caligiana Laura , Capello Elisabetta , Mancardi Giovanni Luigi , Giobbe Dario , Mutani Roberto , Giordana Maria Teresa , Cavalla Paola 
Published: May 2011

Background: Progranulin (PGRN) is a fundamental neurotrophic factor, and is also involved in inflammation and wound repair. PGRN may have pro- or anti-inflammatory properties, depending upon proteolysis of the anti-inflammatory parent PGRN protein and the generation of pro-inflammatory granulin peptides. Objectives: Our objectives were as follows: (1) to evaluate the presence and distribution of PGRN in multiple sclerosis (MS) brain tissue, correlating it with demyelination and inflammation; (2) to evaluate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) PGRN concentrations in patients with MS and controls, in relationship to the clinical features of the disease. Methods: Our study involved the following: (1) neuropathological study of PGRN on post-mortem tissue of 19 MS and six control brains; (2) evaluation of PGRN CSF concentration in 40 MS patients, 15 non-inflammatory controls and five inflammatory controls (viral encephalitis). Results: In active demyelinating lesions, PGRN was expressed on macrophages/microglia. In the normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), expression of PGRN was observed on activated microglia. PGRN was expressed by neurons and microglia in cortical lesions and in normal-appearing cortex. No expression of PGRN was observed in controls, except on neurons. PGRN CSF concentrations were significantly higher in patients with relapsing–remitting MS during relapses and in progressive MS patients, compared with relapsing–remitting MS patients during remissions and with non-inflammatory controls. Conclusions: PGRN is strongly expressed in MS brains, by macrophages/microglia in active lesions, and by activated microglia in the NAWM; PGRN CSF concentrations in MS are correspondingly increased in conditions of enhanced macrophage/microglia activation, such as during relapses and in progressive MS.
Population-wide use of behavioural prevention and counselling programmes for lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors in Germany
Authors: Schmitz Roma , Jordan Susanne , Müters Stephan , Neuhauser Hannelore 
Published: May 2011

Background: Behavioural prevention and counselling programmes for lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors are widely offered. However, their population-wide use is largely unexplored, particularly in high-risk persons with known CVD or diabetes. Methods: Data were collected within GEDA 2009, a national health survey covering a representative sample of 21,262 adults in Germany. Standardised structured computer-assisted telephone interviews included self-reported physician-diagnosed coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, diabetes as well as height, weight, usual diet, physical activity, and the use of programmes for weight reduction, healthy diet and improvement of fitness or mobility in the last twelve months. Results: The use of prevention measures was lowest for weight reduction (men 2.1%, women 3.5%), somewhat higher for healthy diet (men 3.2%, women 4.7%), and highest for improvement of fitness or mobility (men 8.6%, women 16.1%). Among individuals with the respective risk factor, programme participation was still low: 5.5% in obese men (women 7.2%) for weight reduction, 2.8% in men (women 3.7%) who did not eat fruit or vegetables daily for healthy diet, and 7.9% in physically inactive men (women 15.7%) for improvement of fitness or mobility. In the presence of known CVD or diabetes, participation increased inconsistently and only moderately. Conclusion: Our results show low participation in behavioural prevention measures for lifestyle-related risk factors even in individuals with known CVD or diabetes. Further studies should investigate knowledge about potential programme benefit, availability and reimbursement in both patients and health care providers.
Coagulation, an ancestral serine protease cascade, exerts a novel function in early immune defense
Authors: Loof Torsten G. , Mörgelin Matthias , Johansson Linda , Oehmcke Sonja , Olin Anders I. , Dickneite Gerhard , Norrby-Teglund Anna , Theopold Ulrich , Herwald Heiko 
Published: May 2011

AbstractPhylogenetically conserved serine protease cascades play an important role in invertebrate and vertebrate immunity. The mammalian coagulation system can be traced back some 400 million years and shares homology with ancestral serine proteinase cascades that are involved in, for example, Toll receptor signaling in insects and release of antimicrobial peptides during hemolymph clotting. In the present study, we show that the induction of coagulation by bacteria leads to immobilization and killing of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria inside the clot. The entrapment is mediated via cross-linking of bacteria to fibrin fibers by the action of coagulation factor XIII (fXIII), an evolutionarily conserved transglutaminase. In a streptococcal skin infection model, fXIII−/− mice developed severe signs of pathologic inflammation at the local site of infection, and fXIII treatment of wild-type animals dampened bacterial dissemination during early infection. Bacterial killing and cross-linking to fibrin networks was also detected in tissue biopsies from patients with streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis, supporting the concept that coagulation is part of the early innate immune system.
The multifunctional role of EKLF/KLF1 during erythropoiesis
Authors: Siatecka Miroslawa , Bieker James J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe cellular events that lead to terminal erythroid differentiation rely on the controlled interplay of extra- and intracellular regulatory factors. Their downstream effects are highly coordinated and result in the structural/morphologic and metabolic changes that uniquely characterize a maturing red blood cell. Erythroid Krüppel-like factor (EKLF/KLF1) is one of a very small number of intrinsic transcription factors that play a major role in regulating these events. This review covers 3 major aspects of erythropoiesis in which EKLF plays crucial functions: (1) at the megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor stage, where it is involved in erythroid lineage commitment; (2) during the global expansion of erythroid gene expression in primitive and definitive lineages, where it plays a direct role in globin switching; and (3) during the terminal maturation of red cells, where it helps control exit from the cell cycle. We conclude by describing recent studies of mammalian EKLF/KLF1 mutations that lead to altered red cell phenotypes and disease.
Assessment of left ventricular regional function in affected and carrier dogs with duchenne muscular dystrophy using speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Takano Hiroshi , Fujii Yoko , Yugeta Naoko , Takeda Shinichi , Wakao Yoshito 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a relatively new method to detect regional myocardial dysfunction. To assess left ventricular (LV) regional myocardial dysfunction using STE in Duchenne muscular dystrophy model dogs (CXMDJ) without overt clinical signs of heart failure.

Methods
Six affected dogs, 8 carrier dogs with CXMDJ, and 8 control dogs were used. Conventional echocardiography, systolic and diastolic function by Doppler echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), and strain indices using STE, were assessed and compared among the 3 groups.

Results
Significant differences were seen in body weight, transmitral E wave and E' wave derived from TDI among the 3 groups. Although no significant difference was observed in any global strain indices, in segmental analysis, the peak radial strain rate during early diastole in posterior segment at chordae the tendineae level showed significant differences among the 3 groups.

Conclusions
The myocardial strain rate by STE served to detect the impaired cardiac diastolic function in CXMDJ without any obvious LV dilation or clinical signs. The radial strain rate may be a useful parameter to detect early myocardial impairment in CXMDJ.
Toxoplasma, Toxocara and Tuberculosis co-infection in a four year old child
Authors: Guneratne Randeewari , Mendis Devan , Bandara Tharaka , Fernando Sumadhya Deepika 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis. toxocariasis and toxoplasmosis are among the common infectious causes of lymphadenitis in children. Cases of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp co-infection have been reported.

Case Presentation
This case report describes a co-infection of Toxoplasma gondii, Toxocara spp and tuberculosis in a child with chronic lymphadenopathy and eosinophilia.

Conclusion
The case report highlights two important points. First is the diagnostic challenges that are encountered by clinicians in tropical countries such as Sri Lanka, where lymphadenopathy and eosinophilia with a positive serology commonly point towards a parasitic infection. Secondly the importance of proper history taking and performing the Mantoux test as a first line investigation in a country where the incidence of tuberculosis is low, even in the absence of a positive contact history.