bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Region-specific tauopathy and synucleinopathy in brain of the alpha-synuclein overexpressing mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kaul Tiffany , Credle Joel , Haggerty Thomas , Oaks Adam W , Masliah Eliezer , Sidhu Anita 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
α-synuclein [α-Syn]-mediated activation of GSK-3β leading to increases in hyperphosphorylated Tau has been shown by us to occur in striata of Parkinson's diseased [PD] patients and in animal models of PD. In Alzheimer's disease, tauopathy exists in several brain regions; however, the pattern of distribution of tauopathy in other brain regions of PD or in animal models of PD is not known. The current studies were undertaken to analyze the distribution of tauopathy in different brain regions in a widely used mouse model of PD, the α-Syn overexpressing mouse.

Results
High levels of α-Syn levels were seen in the brain stem, with a much smaller increase in the frontal cortex; neither cerebellum nor hippocampus showed any overexpression of α-Syn. Elevated levels of p-Tau, hyperphosphorylated at Ser202, Ser262 and Ser396/404, were seen in brain stem, with lower levels seen in hippocampus. In both frontal cortex and cerebellum, increases were seen only in p-Ser396/404 Tau, but not in p-Ser202 and p-Ser262. p-GSK-3β levels were not elevated in any of the brain regions, although total GSK-3β was elevated in brain stem. p-p38MAPK levels were unchanged in all brain regions examined, while p-ERK levels were elevated in brain stem, hippocampus and cerebellum, but not the frontal cortex. p-JNK levels were increased in brain stem and cerebellum but not in the frontal cortex or hippocampus. Elevated levels of free tubulin, indicating microtubule destabilization, were seen only in the brain stem.

Conclusion
Our combined data suggest that in this animal model of PD, tauopathy, along with microtubule destabilization, exists primarily in the brain stem and striatum, which are also the two major brain regions known to express high levels of α-Syn and undergo the highest levels of degeneration in human PD. Thus, tauopathy in PD may have a very restricted pattern of distribution.
Chronic kidney disease in gout in a managed care setting
Authors: Fuldeore Mahesh J , Riedel Aylin A , Zarotsky Victoria , Pandya Bhavik J , Dabbous Omar , Krishnan Eswar 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
To study the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its impact on allopurinol dosing and uric acid control among patients with gout.

Methods
This was a retrospective study using data from a large US health plan. Claims and laboratory data were analyzed for enrollees from the health plan database from January 2002 through December 2005. Patients with gout were identified from pharmacy and medical claims data based on the presence of codes for gout medication or gout diagnosis. Severity of CKD was determined using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Allopurinol titration was defined as a change in average daily dose from first prescription to last prescription of ≥ 50 mg.

Results
A total of 3,929 patients were identified for inclusion in this study, 39% of whom had CKD (based on having an eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m2). Subjects with CKD were older (p < 0.01) and more likely to be women (p < 0.01), had a greater number of comorbid conditions (p < 0.01), and were more likely to be prescribed allopurinol (p < 0.01) compared to those with no CKD. The average starting dose of allopurinol was lower among those with CKD, and it decreased with worsening kidney function. Among the 3,122 gout patients who used allopurinol, only 25.6% without CKD and 22.2% with CKD achieved a serum uric acid concentration of < 6.0 mg/dL (p = 0.0409). Also, only 15% of allopurinol users had an upward dose titration (by ≥50 mg), but the average increase in dose did not differ significantly between those with and without CKD.

Conclusions
About two out of every five patients with gout in this population had CKD. Allopurinol doses were not adjusted in the majority of CKD patients. Serum uric acid control in gout was poor among patients without CKD and even worse among those with CKD.
"I do what I have to do to survive": An investigation into the perceptions, experiences and economic considerations of women engaged in sex work in Northern Namibia
Authors: Fitzgerald-Husek Alanna , Martiniuk Alexandra LC , Hinchcliff Reece , Aochamus Christine E , Lee Richard B 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
There is little published research investigating sex work in Namibia, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to determine the views of women engaged in sex work in the Oshakati area of Namibia concerning the main factors influencing their use, or non-use, of male condoms during transactional sexual exchanges.

Methods
Qualitative interviews were used to better understand the perceptions, experiences and economic considerations of female sex workers in Namibia who were involved in a Behavior Change Communication Program encouraging safer sex practices among high-risk populations in 2006 and 2007.

Results
While the Behavior Change Communication Program has made significant strides in educating and empowering young women to negotiate more consistent condom use with sexual partners, the gendered economic inequalities and power imbalances within rural and semi-urban Namibian society that favor men hinder further advancement towards positive behavioral change for HIV prevention and also hinder the development of the loving relationships sought by some sex workers.

Conclusion
This study found that sex workers and transactional sex encounters are heterogeneous entities dependent upon the characteristics of the man (known, stranger, wealthy, attractive to the woman) and the woman (in financial need, desiring love). These features all influence condom use. The 3 E's 'education, empowerment and economic independence' are critical factors needed to encourage and facilitate consistent condom use to prevent HIV transmission. Without financial independence and occupational alternatives building on their health education and empowerment, women who engage in sex work-and transactional sex more generally-will remain largely marginalized from Namibian society, and will continue engaging in risky sexual practices that facilitate HIV acquisition and transmission throughout the community.
Thermal properties of carbon black aqueous nanofluids for solar absorption
Authors: Han Dongxiao , Meng Zhaoguo , Wu Daxiong , Zhang Canying , Zhu Haitao 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIn this article, carbon black nanofluids were prepared by dispersing the pretreated carbon black powder into distilled water. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles were explored. The photothermal properties, optical properties, rheological behaviors, and thermal conductivities of the nanofluids were also investigated. The results showed that the nanofluids of high-volume fraction had better photothermal properties. Both carbon black powder and nanofluids had good absorption in the whole wavelength ranging from 200 to 2,500 nm. The nanofluids exhibited a shear thinning behavior. The shear viscosity increased with the increasing volume fraction and decreased with the increasing temperature at the same shear rate. The thermal conductivity of carbon black nanofluids increased with the increase of volume fraction and temperature. Carbon black nanofluids had good absorption ability of solar energy and can effectively enhance the solar absorption efficiency.
Molecules important for thyroid hormone synthesis and action - known facts and future perspectives
Authors: Brix Klaudia , Führer Dagmar , Biebermann Heike 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Thyroid hormones are of crucial importance for the functioning of nearly every organ. Remarkably, disturbances of thyroid hormone synthesis and function are among the most common endocrine disorders affecting approximately one third of the working German population. Over the last ten years our understanding of biosynthesis and functioning of these hormones has increased tremendously. This includes the identification of proteins involved in thyroid hormone biosynthesis like Thox2 and Dehal where mutations in these genes are responsible for certain degrees of hypothyroidism. One of the most important findings was the identification of a specific transporter for triiodothyronine (T3), the monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) responsible for directed transport of T3 into target cells and for export of thyroid hormones out of thyroid epithelial cells. Genetic disturbances of MCT8 in patients result in a biochemical constellation of high T3 levels in combination with low or normal TSH and thyroxine levels leading to a new syndrome of severe X-linked mental retardation. Importantly mice lacking MCT8 presented only with a mild phenotype, indicating that compensatory mechanisms exist in mice. Moreover, it has become clear that not only genomic actions of T3 exist. T3 is also capable to activate adhesion receptors and it signals via activation of PI3K and MAPK pathways. Most recently, thyroid hormone derivatives were identified, the thyronamines which are decarboxylated thyroid hormones initiating physiological actions like lowering body temperature and heart rate, thereby acting in opposite direction to the classical thyroid hormones. So far it is believed that thyronamines function via the activation of a G-protein coupled receptor, TAAR1. The objective of this review is to summarise the recent findings in thyroid hormone synthesis and action and to discuss their implications for diagnosis of thyroid disease and for treatment of patients.
Paving the way to personalized medicine: production of some theragnostic radionuclides at Brookhaven National Laboratory
Authors: Srivastava Suresh C. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
This paper introduces a relatively novel paradigm that involves specific individual radionuclides or radionuclide pairs that have emissions that allow pre-therapy low-dose imaging plus higher-dose therapy in the same patient. We have made an attempt to sort out and organize a number of such theragnostic radionuclides and radionuclide pairs that may potentially bring us closer to the age-long dream of personalized medicine for performing tailored low-dose molecular imaging (SPECT/CT or PET/CT) to provide the necessary pre-therapy information on biodistribution, dosimetry, the limiting or critical organ or tissue, and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), etc. If the imaging results then warrant it, it would be possible to perform higher-dose targeted molecular therapy in the same patient with the same radiopharmaceutical. A major problem that remains yet to be fully resolved is the lack of availability, in sufficient quantities, of a majority of the best candidate theragnostic radionuclides in a no-carrier-added (NCA) form. A brief description of the recently developed new or modified methods at BNL for the production of four theragnostic radionuclides, whose nuclear, physical, and chemical characteristics seem to show great promise for personalized cancer therapy are described.
Patterns of third-molar agenesis in an orthodontic patient population with different skeletal malocclusions
Authors: Celikoglu Mevlut , Kamak Hasan 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Objective:
To examine the relationship between third-molar agenesis and different skeletal malocclusion patterns.

Materials and Methods:
Pretreatment records of 1046 orthodontic patients (aged 13–17 years; mean age, 14.07 ± 1.27) were used. Third-molar agenesis was calculated with respect to genders, number of missing teeth, jaws, and skeletal malocclusion patterns. The Pearson chi-square test was performed to determine potential differences.

Results:
Among the 1046 subjects, 237 subjects were diagnosed with third-molar agenesis (22.7%) with no statistical gender difference (P &gt; .05). It was more common in the maxilla than in the mandible or in both jaws (P &lt; .01). The prevalence of patients with a third-molar agenesis was the most commonly found type (P &lt; .001). The prevalence of third-molar agenesis in those with a Class III malocclusion was significantly higher than in those with Class I or Class II (P &lt; .05). However, there was similar prevalence among the hyper-divergent (24.5%), normal (23.8%), and hypo-divergent (19.2%) groups (P &gt; .05).

Conclusion:
These results suggest that agenesis of the third molar does not depend on vertical patterns of the skeletal malocclusions, but does depend on sagittal skeletal malocclusions in this orthodontic patient population.
Development of microsatellite markers for Euryale ferox (Nymphaeaceae), an endangered aquatic plant species in Japan
Authors: Imanishi Ayumi , Kaneko Shingo , Isagi Yuji , Imanishi Junichi , Natuhara Yosihiro , Morimoto Yukihiro 
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed to investigate genetic diversity and genetic structure of Euryale ferox, a vulnerable aquatic plant.• Methods and Results: Ten microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for this species. Eight loci showed polymorphisms with two or three alleles per locus. As for the polymorphic markers, the expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.00 to 0.08 and 0.17 to 0.64, respectively.• Conclusions: The 10 microsatellite markers described here will be useful for investigating genetic diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow between populations of E. ferox.
Comparison of MRI and Arthroscopy in Modified MOCART Scoring System After Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation for Osteochondral Lesion of the Talus
Authors: Lee Kyung Tai , Choi Yun Sun , Lee Young Koo , Cha Seung Do , Koo Hyung Mo 
Published: August 2011

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy have frequently been used to evaluate articular cartilage. Many studies have compared the accuracy of MRI to that of arthroscopy. However, there have been no previous comparison studies between MRI and arthroscopy in the evaluation of repaired cartilage after autologous chondrocyte implantation using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scoring system. The purpose of this study was to compare the results between MRI and arthroscopy after autologous chondrocyte implantation of an osteochondral lesion of the talus using a modified MOCART scoring system.
Our study investigated 27 consecutive cases in 26 patients who underwent follow-up MRI and second-look arthroscopy 1 year following autologous chondrocyte implantation based on their osteochondral lesion of the talus diagnosis. According to the comparison results of those 5 categories, the agreement between MRI and arthroscopy evaluation results was statistically significant with good reliability in the categories of the degree of defect repair and defect filling, the quality of repaired tissue surface, and synovitis. However, the integration with the border zone and the adhesion category showed poor to moderate reliability. There has been no well-established correlation method between arthroscopy and MRI after autologous chondrocyte implantation of an osteochondral lesion of the talus.
Salem Numbers and Pisot Numbers via Interlacing
Authors: McKee James , Smyth Chris 
Published: August 2011

Abstract We present a general construction of Salem numbers via rational functions whose zeros and poles mostly lie on the unit circle and satisfy an interlacing condition. This extends and unifies earlier work. We then consider the “obvious” limit points of the set of Salem numbers produced by our theorems and show that these are all Pisot numbers, in support of a conjecture of Boyd. We then show that all Pisot numbers arise in this way. Combining this with a theorem of Boyd, we produce all Salem numbers via an interlacing construction.
Benign Thyroid Disease causing RLN Palsy
Authors: Jain Manoj , Singh Deependra Narayan , Agarwal Amit 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT
Patients with goiter who have associated RLN palsy and/or hoarseness of voice are usually thought to have a malignant goiter, which has directly or indirectly involved the RLN. However, cases of vocal cord palsy in the setting of benign thyroid disease, though rare has been reported in literature. We present five cases of vocal cord palsy associated with benign thyroid disease and discuss the mechanisms of the vocal cord paralysis and also highlight the impact of early surgery on voice recovery.
Amyloid Goiter with Diffuse Lipomatosis
Authors: Citgez Bulent , Uludag Mehmet , Yetkin Gurkan , Akgun Ismail , Yener Senay , Polat Nedim , Isgör Adnan 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT
We report a case of a 37-year-old man who presented with a neck swelling associated with recent onset respiratory distress. The patient was receiving hemodialysis due to chronic renal failure three times a week for 8 years. Local examination showed a diffuse thyroid enlargement. The thyroid function test results of the patient were within normal limits. At the ultrasonography examination, there was a 17 × 11 mm nodule at the isthmus with a hypoechoic halo containing calcified foci. The fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the nodule at the isthmus that contained calcification revealed adenomatous nodule rich in cells, which showed degeneration and follicular neoplasia. Total thyroidectomy was planned due to the patient's ongoing symptoms and dyspnea. The pathological examination revealed diffuse lipomatosis and amyloidosis.
Long-Term Outcomes in Patients Using Protocol-Directed Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Newcomb Lisa F. , Schenk Jeannette M. , Zheng Yingye , Liu Menghan , Zhu Kehao , Brooks James D. , Carroll Peter R. , Dash Atreya , de la Calle Claire M. , Ellis William J. , Filson Christopher P. , Gleave Martin E. , Liss Michael A. , Martin Frances , McKenney Jesse K. , Morgan Todd M. , Tretiakova Maria S. , Wagner Andrew A. , Nelson Peter S. , Lin Daniel W. 
Published: May 2024

ImportanceOutcomes from protocol-directed active surveillance for favorable-risk prostate cancers are needed to support decision-making.ObjectiveTo characterize the long-term oncological outcomes of patients receiving active surveillance in a multicenter, protocol-directed cohort.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThe Canary Prostate Active Surveillance Study (PASS) is a prospective cohort study initiated in 2008. A cohort of 2155 men with favorable-risk prostate cancer and no prior treatment were enrolled at 10 North American centers through August 2022.ExposureActive surveillance for prostate cancer.Main Outcomes and MeasuresCumulative incidence of biopsy grade reclassification, treatment, metastasis, prostate cancer mortality, overall mortality, and recurrence after treatment in patients treated after the first or subsequent surveillance biopsies.ResultsAmong 2155 patients with localized prostate cancer, the median follow-up was 7.2 years, median age was 63 years, 83% were White, 7% were Black, 90% were diagnosed with grade group 1 cancer, and median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was 5.2 ng/mL. Ten years after diagnosis, the incidence of biopsy grade reclassification and treatment were 43% (95% CI, 40%-45%) and 49% (95% CI, 47%-52%), respectively. There were 425 and 396 patients treated after confirmatory or subsequent surveillance biopsies (median of 1.5 and 4.6 years after diagnosis, respectively) and the 5-year rates of recurrence were 11% (95% CI, 7%-15%) and 8% (95% CI, 5%-11%), respectively. Progression to metastatic cancer occurred in 21 participants and there were 3 prostate cancer–related deaths. The estimated rates of metastasis or prostate cancer–specific mortality at 10 years after diagnosis were 1.4% (95% CI, 0.7%-2%) and 0.1% (95% CI, 0%-0.4%), respectively; overall mortality in the same time period was 5.1% (95% CI, 3.8%-6.4%).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study, 10 years after diagnosis, 49% of men remained free of progression or treatment, less than 2% developed metastatic disease, and less than 1% died of their disease. Later progression and treatment during surveillance were not associated with worse outcomes. These results demonstrate active surveillance as an effective management strategy for patients diagnosed with favorable-risk prostate cancer.
International Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Durvalumab in Stage III Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kareff Samuel A. , Han Sunwoo , Haaland Benjamin , Jani Chinmay J. , Kohli Rhea , Aguiar Pedro Nazareth , Huang Yiqing , Soo Ross A. , Rodríguez-Perez Ángel , García-Foncillas Jesús , Dómine Manuel , de Lima Lopes Gilberto 
Published: May 2024

ImportanceStandard of care for unresectable locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) involves definitive chemoradiotherapy followed by maintenance therapy with durvalumab. However, the cost of durvalumab has been cited as a barrier to its use in various health systems.ObjectiveTo evaluate the cost-effectiveness of durvalumab vs placebo as maintenance therapy in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC from 4 international payer perspectives (US, Brazil, Singapore, and Spain).Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn this economic evaluation, a Markov model was designed to compare the lifetime cost-effectiveness of maintenance durvalumab for unresectable stage III NSCLC with that of placebo, using 5-year outcomes data from the PACIFIC randomized placebo-controlled trial. Individual patient data were extracted from the PACIFIC, KEYNOTE-189, ADAURA, ALEX, and REVEL randomized clinical trials to develop a decision-analytic model to determine the cost-effectiveness of durvalumab compared with placebo maintenance therapy over a 10-year time horizon. Direct costs, adverse events, and patient characteristics were based on country-specific payer perspectives and demographic characteristics. The study was conducted from June 1, 2022, through December 27, 2023.Main Outcomes and MeasuresLife-years, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated at country-specific willingness-to-pay thresholds ([data reported in US$] US: $150 000 per QALY; Brazil: $22 251 per QALY; Singapore: $55 288 per QALY, and Spain: $107 069 per QALY). One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to account for parameters of uncertainty. A cost-threshold analysis was also performed.ResultsThe US base-case model found that treatment with durvalumab was associated with an increased cost of $114 394 and improved effectiveness of 0.50 QALYs compared with placebo, leading to an ICER of $228 788 per QALY. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, according to base-case models, were $141 146 for Brazil, $153 461 for Singapore, and $125 193 for Spain. Durvalumab price adjustments to the PACIFIC data improved cost-effectiveness in Singapore, with an ICER of $45 164. The model was most sensitive to the utility of durvalumab.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cost-effectiveness analysis of durvalumab as maintenance therapy for unresectable stage III NSCLC, the therapy was found to be cost-prohibitive from the perspective of various international payers according to country-specific willingness-to-pay thresholds per QALY. The findings of the study suggest that discounted durvalumab acquisition costs, as possible in Singapore, might improve cost-effectiveness globally.