bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in hypothalamic astrocyte response to estradiol stimulation
Authors: Kuo John , Hamid Naheed , Bondar Galyna , Dewing Phoebe , Clarkson Jenny , Micevych Paul 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Background
Reproductive functions controlled by the hypothalamus are highly sexually differentiated. One of the most dramatic differences involves estrogen positive feedback, which leads to ovulation. A crucial feature of this positive feedback is the ability of estradiol to facilitate progesterone synthesis in female hypothalamic astrocytes. Conversely, estradiol fails to elevate hypothalamic progesterone levels in male rodents, which lack the estrogen positive feedback-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. To determine whether hypothalamic astrocytes are sexually differentiated, we examined the cellular responses of female and male astrocytes to estradiol stimulation.

Methods
Primary adult hypothalamic astrocyte cultures were established from wild type rats and mice, estrogen receptor-α knockout (ERKO) mice, and four core genotype (FCG) mice, with the sex determining region of the Y chromosome (Sry) deleted and inserted into an autosome. Astrocytes were analyzed for Sry expression with reverse transcription PCR. Responses to estradiol stimulation were tested by measuring free cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) with fluo-4 AM, and progesterone synthesis with column chromatography and radioimmunoassay. Membrane estrogen receptor-α (mERα) levels were examined using surface biotinylation and western blotting.

Results
Estradiol stimulated both [Ca2+]i release and progesterone synthesis in hypothalamic astrocytes from adult female mice. Male astrocytes had a significantly elevated [Ca2+]i response but it was significantly lower than in females, and progesterone synthesis was not enhanced. Surface biotinylation demonstrated mERα in both female and male astrocytes, but only in female astrocytes did estradiol treatment increase insertion of the receptor into the membrane, a necessary step for maximal [Ca2+]i release. Regardless of the chromosomal sex, estradiol facilitated progesterone synthesis in astrocytes from mice with ovaries (XX and XY-), but not in mice with testes (XY-
Sry and XXSry).

Conclusions
Astrocytes are sexually differentiated, and in adulthood reflect the actions of sex steroids during development. The response of hypothalamic astrocytes to estradiol stimulation was determined by the presence or absence of ovaries, regardless of chromosomal sex. The trafficking of mERα in female, but not male, astrocytes further suggests that cell signaling mechanisms are sexually differentiated.
Increased prevalence of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and low levels of natural IgM antibodies against phosphorylcholine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Anania Cristina , Gustafsson Thomas , Hua Xiang , Su Jun , Vikström Max , de Faire Ulf , Heimbürger Mikael , Jogestrand Tomas , Frostegård Johan 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Introduction
The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and atherosclerosis is reported to be increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We recently reported a negative association between natural IgM-antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) in the general population, high anti-PC levels leading to decreased atherosclerosis development and low levels to increased risk of CVD. Potential mechanisms include anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of uptake of oxidized low density lipoprotein (LDL) in macrophages. The objective herein was to study atherosclerosis in SLE in detail and in relation to traditional and non-traditional risk factors.

Methods
A total of 114 patients with SLE were compared with 122 age- and sex-matched population-based controls. Common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), calculated intima-media area (cIMa) and plaque occurrence were determined by B-mode ultrasound as a surrogate measure of atherosclerosis. Plaques were graded according to echogenicity and grouped as 1 to 4, with 1 being echoluscent, and considered most vulnerable. Anti-PC was studied by ELISA.

Results
Hypertension, triglycerides and insulin resistance (determined by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were increased in SLE (P < 0.01) while smoking, LDL, high density lipoprotein (HDL) did not differ between groups. Low levels of anti-PC IgM (lowest tertile) were more common in SLE patients than in controls (P = 0.0022). IMT and cIMa did not differ significantly between groups. However, plaques were more often found in SLE patients (P = 0.029). Age, LDL and IgM anti-PC (lowest tertile) were independently associated with plaque occurrence in SLE. Further, in the left carotid arteries echoluscent plaques (grade 1) were more prevalent in SLE as compared to controls (P < 0.016).

Conclusions
Plaque occurrence in the carotid arteries is increased in SLE and is independently associated with age, LDL and low anti-PC levels. Vulnerable plaques were more common in SLE. Anti-PC could be a novel risk marker also with a therapeutic potential in SLE.
Cross-comparison of cardiac output trending accuracy of LiDCO, PiCCO, FloTrac and pulmonary artery catheters
Authors: Hadian Mehrnaz , Kim Hyung Kook , Severyn Donald A , Pinsky Michael R 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Although less invasive than pulmonary artery catheters (PACs), arterial pulse pressure analysis techniques for estimating cardiac output (CO) have not been simultaneously compared to PAC bolus thermodilution CO (COtd) or continuous CO (CCO) devices.

Methods
We compared the accuracy, bias and trending ability of LiDCO™, PiCCO™ and FloTrac™ with PACs (COtd, CCO) to simultaneously track CO in a prospective observational study in 17 postoperative cardiac surgery patients for the first 4 hours following intensive care unit admission. Fifty-five paired simultaneous quadruple CO measurements were made before and after therapeutic interventions (volume, vasopressor/dilator, and inotrope).

Results
Mean CO values for PAC, LiDCO, PiCCO and FloTrac were similar (5.6 ± 1.5, 5.4 ± 1.6, 5.4 ± 1.5 and 6.1 ± 1.9 L/min, respectively). The mean CO bias by each paired method was -0.18 (PAC-LiDCO), 0.24 (PAC-PiCCO), -0.43 (PAC-FloTrac), 0.06 (LiDCO-PiCCO), -0.63 (LiDCO-FloTrac) and -0.67 L/min (PiCCO-FloTrac), with limits of agreement (1.96 standard deviation, 95% confidence interval) of ± 1.56, ± 2.22, ± 3.37, ± 2.03, ± 2.97 and ± 3.44 L/min, respectively. The instantaneous directional changes between any paired CO measurements displayed 74% (PAC-LiDCO), 72% (PAC-PiCCO), 59% (PAC-FloTrac), 70% (LiDCO-PiCCO), 71% (LiDCO-FloTrac) and 63% (PiCCO-FloTrac) concordance, but poor correlation (r2 = 0.36, 0.11, 0.08, 0.20, 0.23 and 0.11, respectively). For mean CO < 5 L/min measured by each paired devices, the bias decreased slightly.

Conclusions
Although PAC (COTD/CCO), FloTrac, LiDCO and PiCCO display similar mean CO values, they often trend differently in response to therapy and show different interdevice agreement. In the clinically relevant low CO range (< 5 L/min), agreement improved slightly. Thus, utility and validation studies using only one CO device may potentially not be extrapolated to equivalency of using another similar device.
Activity of Sorafenib in Recurrent Ovarian Cancer and Primary Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Trial
Authors: Matei Daniela , Sill Michael W. , Lankes Heather A. , DeGeest Koen , Bristow Robert E. , Mutch David , Yamada S. Diane , Cohn David , Calvert Valerie , Farley John , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Birrer Michael J. 
Published: November 2010

PurposeSorafenib is a kinase inhibitor targeting Raf and other kinases (ie, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor [VEGFR], platelet-derived growth factor receptor [PDGFR], Flt3, and c-KIT). This study assessed its activity and tolerability in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (OC) or primary peritoneal carcinomatosis (PPC).MethodsThis open-label, multi-institutional, phase II study used a two-stage design. Eligible patients had persistent or recurrent OC/PPC after one to two prior cytotoxic regimens, and they experienced progression within 12 months of platinum-based therapy. Treatment consisted of sorafenib 400 mg orally twice per day. Primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months and toxicity by National Cancer Institute criteria. Secondary end points were tumor response and duration of PFS and overall survival. Biomarker analyses included measurement of ERK and b-Raf expression in tumors and phosphorylation of ERK (pERK) in peripheral-blood lymphocytes (PBLs) before and after 1 month of treatment.ResultsSeventy-three patients were enrolled, of which 71 were eligible. Fifty-nine eligible patients (83%) had measurable disease, and 12 (17%) had detectable disease. Significant grade 3 or 4 toxicities included the following: rash (n = 7), hand-foot syndrome (n = 9), metabolic (n = 10), GI (n = 3), cardiovascular (n = 2), and pulmonary (n = 2). Only patients with measurable disease were used to assess efficacy. Fourteen survived progression free for at least 6 months (24%; 90% CI, 15% to 35%). Two patients had partial responses (3.4%; 90% CI, 1% to 10%); 20 had stable disease; 30 had progressive disease; and seven could not have their tumor assessed. ERK and b-Raf were expressed in all tumors. Exploratory analyses indicated that pERK in post-treatment PBL specimens was associated with PFS.ConclusionSorafenib has modest antitumor activity in patients with recurrent OC, but the activity was at the expense of substantial toxicity.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Risk and Survival in Children With Neuroblastoma: A Children's Oncology Group Study
Authors: Henderson Tara O. , Bhatia Smita , Pinto Navin , London Wendy B. , McGrady Patrick , Crotty Catherine , Sun Can-Lan , Cohn Susan L. 
Published: November 2010

Purpose Although health disparities are well-described for many cancers, little is known about racial and ethnic disparities in neuroblastoma. To evaluate differences in disease presentation and survival by race and ethnicity, data from the Children's Oncology Group (COG) were analyzed. Patients and Methods The racial/ethnic differences in clinical and biologic risk factors, and outcome of patients with neuroblastoma enrolled on COG ANBL00B1 between 2001 and 2009 were investigated. Results A total of 3,539 patients (white, 72%; black, 12%; Hispanic, 12%; Asian, 4%; and Native American, < 1%) with neuroblastoma were included. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rates were 67% for whites (95% CI, 65% to 69%), 69% for Hispanics (95% CI, 63% to 74%), 62% for Asians (95% CI, 51% to 71%), 56% for blacks (95% CI, 50% to 62%), and 37% for Native American (95% CI, 17% to 58%). Blacks (P < .001) and Native Americans (P = .04) had a higher prevalence of high-risk disease than whites, and significantly worse EFS (P = .01 and P = .002, respectively). Adjustment for risk group abrogated these differences. However, closer examination of the EFS among high-risk patients who remained event free for 2 years or longer, revealed a higher prevalence of late-occurring events among blacks compared with whites (hazard ratio, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0 to 2.3; P = .04). Conclusion Black and Native American patients with neuroblastoma have a higher prevalence of high-risk disease, accounting for their worse EFS when compared with whites. The higher prevalence of late-occurring events among blacks with high-risk disease suggests that this population may be more resistant to chemotherapy. Studies focused on delineating the genetic basis for the racial disparities observed in this study are planned.
Impact of Comorbidity on Chemotherapy Use and Outcomes in Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Linda , Cheung Winson Y. , Atkinson Esther , Krzyzanowska Monika K. 
Published: November 2010

Background The treatment of cancer in patients with comorbidities can be challenging as these individuals are underrepresented in clinical trials. We conducted a systematic review to determine the impact of comorbidity on chemotherapy use, delivery, tolerability, and survival among patients with solid tumors to summarize current data and provide recommendations for future research. Methods All English-language articles from 1990 to 2009 that explored the association between comorbidity and chemotherapy were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE. Abstracts were reviewed for eligibility, and data on study design and results were extracted. Results Thirty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. Study populations and design were heterogeneous, and the quality of reporting was generally poor. Most studies were retrospective (76%), were based on a cancer registry linked with administrative data (47%), and assessed the overall effect of comorbidity using an index score (76%). Sixteen studies (47%) investigated chemotherapy use, and 29 (85%) addressed survival. The majority reported decreased chemotherapy use (75%) and inferior survival (69%) for patients with comorbidities compared to those without. In 11 of 14 studies, inferior survival was independent of treatment. Of the few studies that addressed chemotherapy tolerability, seven of 10 reported an increased rate of severe toxicity, and three of five reported increased treatment delays for patients with comorbidity. Conclusion Chemotherapy use and outcomes among cancer patients with comorbidities are generally inferior, but the existing evidence is limited and of insufficient quality to determine the relationship between decreased use and inferior survival. Further studies that are prospective and site and stage specific are warranted.
Solubility of tetravalent actinides in alkaline CaCl2solutions and formation of Ca4[An(OH)8]4+complexes: A study of Np(IV) and Pu(IV) under reducing conditions and the systematic trend in the An(IV) series
Authors: Fellhauer D. , Neck Volker , Altmaier Marcus , Lützenkirchen Johannes , Fanghänel Thomas 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe solubility of Np(IV) and Pu(IV) hydrous oxides was studied at 22±2 °C under reducing conditions in alkaline CaCl2solutions. Redox conditions were adjusted either with 2 mM Na2S2O4or additions of iron powder. In 2.0 and 4.5 M CaCl2and pHc=11–12, the neptunium and plutonium concentrations increase with a slope of +4 (log[An]vs. pHc) as expected for the formation of the complex Ca4[An(OH)8]4+recently identified for Th(IV). At CaCl2concentrations ≤1.0 M this effect is negligible for both Np(IV) and Pu(IV). The conditional equilibrium constants log*Ks,(4,1,8)for the reactionAn(OH)4(am) + 4 H2O + 4 Ca2+⇔ Ca4[An(OH)8]4++ 4 H+are evaluated with the SIT and Pitzer model using the parameters derived from analogous data for Th(IV) in 0.5–4.5 M CaCl2. The log*K°s,(4,1,8)values and the complex formation constants logβ°(4,1,8)follow systematic trends in the series Th(IV), Np(IV) and Pu(IV) which allows the estimation of the corresponding data for U(IV).
Solubility of triuranyl diphosphate tetrahydrate (TDT) and Na autunite at 23 and 50 °C
Authors: Armstrong Christopher R. , Felmy Andrew R. , Clark Sue B. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
In this report we present experimental solubility data for well-characterized triuranyl diphosphate tetrahydrate (TDT: (UO2)3(PO4)2·4H2O) and Na autunite (Na[UO2PO4]· x H2O) at 23 and 50 °C in NaClO4-HClO4 solutions at pCH+
=2. Duplicate samples of TDT in 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 m solutions were equilibrated at 23 and 50 °C. TDT solid was synthesized and characterized with ICP-OES, ATR-IR and powder XRD before and after solubility experiments. The pH of the suspensions were monitored throughout the experiments. Equilibrium was achieved from undersaturation with respect to TDT and oversaturation for Na autunite. Steady-state conditions were achieved in all cases within 82 d. TDT was unstable at ionic strengths above 0.1 m, where its complete conversion to Na autunite was observed. The ion-interaction model was used to interpret the experimental solubility data. The solubility product, logߙK
sp, for TDT was determined to be −49.7 and −51.3 at 23 and 50 °C respectively. logߙK
sp for Na autunite was determined to be −24.4 (23 °C) and −24.1±0.2 (50 °C).
Complexation of Nd(III) with tetraborate ion and its effect on actinide(III) solubility in WIPP brine
Authors: Borkowski Marian , Richmann Michael , Reed Donald T. , Xiong Yongliang 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
The potential importance of tetraborate complexation on lanthanide(III) and actinide(III) solubility is recognized in the literature but a systematic study of f-element complexation has not been performed. In neodymium solubility studies in WIPP brines, the carbonate complexation effect is not observed since tetraborate ions form a moderately strong complex with neodymium(III). The existence of these tetraborate complexes was established for low and high ionic strength solutions. Changes in neodymium(III) concentrations in undersaturation experiments were used to determine the neodymium with tetraborate stability constants as a function of NaCl ionic strength. As very low Nd(III) concentrations have to be measured, it was necessary to use an extraction pre-concentration step combined with ICP-MS analysis to extend the detection limit by a factor of 50.
The determined Nd(III) with borate stability constants at infinite dilution and 25 °C are equal to logβ1=4.55±0.06 using the SIT approach, equal to logβ1=4.99±0.30 using the Pitzer approach, with an apparent logβ1=4.06±0.15 (in molal units) at I=5.6 m NaCl. Pitzer ion-interaction parameters for neodymium with tetraborate and SIT interaction coefficients were also determined and reported.
Influence of iron redox transformations on plutonium sorption to sediments
Authors: Hixon Amy E. , Hu Yung-Jin , Kaplan Daniel , Kukkadapu Ravi K. , Nitsche Heino , Qafoku O. , Powell Brian A. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPlutonium subsurface mobility is primarily controlled by its oxidation state, which in turn is loosely coupled to the oxidation state of iron in the system. Experiments were conducted to examine the effect of sediment iron mineral composition and oxidation state on plutonium sorption and reduction. A pH 6.3 vadose zone sediment containing iron oxides and iron-containing phyllosilicates was treated with various complexants (ammonium oxalate) and reductants (hydroxylamine hydrochloride and dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB)) to selectively leach and/or reduce iron oxide and phyllosilicate/clay Fe(III).57Fe-Mössbauer spectroscopy was used to identify initial iron mineral composition of the sediment and monitor dissolution and reduction of iron oxides and reduction of phyllosilicate Fe(III).57Fe-Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the Fe-mineral composition of the untreated sediment is: 25–30% hematite, 60–65% small-particle/Al-goethite, and <10% Fe(III) in phyllosilicate; there was no detectable Fe(II). Upon reduction with a strong chemical reductant (dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate buffer), much of the hematite and goethite was removed. Partial reduction of phyllosilicate Fe(III) was evident in the sediments subjected to DCB treatment. Sorption of Pu(V) was monitored over one week for the untreated and each of five treated sediment fractions. Plutonium oxidation state speciation in the aqueous and solid phases was monitored using solvent extraction, coprecipitation, and XANES. The rate of sorption appears to correlate with the fraction of Fe(II) in the sediment (untreated or treated). Pu(V) was the only oxidation state measured in the aqueous phase, irrespective of treatment, whereas Pu(IV) and much smaller amounts of Pu(V) and Pu(VI) were measured in the solid phase. Surface-mediated reduction of Pu(V) to Pu(IV) occurred in treated and untreated sediment samples; Pu(V) remained on untreated sediment surface for two days before reducing to Pu(IV). Similar to the sorption kinetics, the reduction rate appears to be correlated with sediment Fe(II) concentration. The correlation between Fe(II) concentrations and Pu(V) reduction demonstrates the potential impact of changing iron mineralogy on plutonium subsurface transport through redox transition areas. These findings should influence the conceptual models of long-term stewardship of Pu contaminated sites that have fluctuating redox conditions, such as vadose zones or riparian zones.
Redefining Outcome of First Seizures by Acute Illness
Authors: Martin Emily T. , Kerin Tara , Christakis Dimitri A. , Blume Heidi K. , Gospe Sidney M. , Vinje Jan , Bowen Michael D. , Gentsch Jon , Zerr Danielle M. 
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:
Seizures are common in children, but the causes and recurrence risk for children with a nonfebrile first seizure remain poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE:
In a prospective longitudinal study of children who presented with a first-time seizure, we investigated the viral etiology of associated infectious illnesses and sought to determine the risk of recurrent seizures stratified by fever and type of illness.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Children (aged 6 months to 6 years) were enrolled at the time of evaluation for their first seizure and followed monthly for up to 5 years. Seizure and illness data were collected through parent interviews and medical-record reviews. Stool, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid collected within 48 hours of the first seizure were evaluated for viral gastrointestinal pathogens.

RESULTS:
Of the 117 children enrolled, 78 (67%) had febrile seizures, 34 (29%) had nonfebrile-illness seizures, and 5 (4%) had unprovoked seizures. Children with nonfebrile-illness seizures were more likely than those with febrile seizures to have acute gastroenteritis (47% and 28%, respectively; P = .05). No significant differences in seizure recurrence were found between children with or without a fever at first seizure. Children with acute gastroenteritis at first seizure, regardless of fever, had a lower risk of seizure recurrence compared with children with other acute illnesses (hazard ratio: 0.28; 95% confidence interval: 0.09–0.80).

CONCLUSIONS:
Our results confirm the role of gastrointestinal illness as a distinguishing feature in childhood seizures. Children with this distinct presentation have a low rate of seizure recurrence and few neurologic complications.
Survival and Morbidity Outcomes for Very Low Birth Weight Infants With Down Syndrome
Authors: Boghossian Nansi S. , Hansen Nellie I. , Bell Edward F. , Stoll Barbara J. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Laptook Abbot R. , Shankaran Seetha , Walsh Michele C. , Das Abhik , Higgins Rosemary D. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE:
Our objective was to compare survival and neonatal morbidity rates between very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with Down syndrome (DS) and VLBW infants with non–DS chromosomal anomalies, nonchromosomal birth defects (BDs), and no chromosomal anomaly or major BD.

METHODS:
Data were collected prospectively for infants weighing 401 to 1500 g who were born and/or cared for at one of the study centers participating in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network in 1994–2008. Risk of death and morbidities, including patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), late-onset sepsis (LOS), retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), were compared between VLBW infants with DS and infants in the other groups.

RESULTS:
Infants with DS were at increased risk of death (adjusted relative risk: 2.47 [95% confidence interval: 2.00–3.07]), PDA, NEC, LOS, and BPD, relative to infants with no BDs. Decreased risk of death (relative risk: 0.40 [95% confidence interval: 0.31–0.52]) and increased risks of NEC and LOS were observed when infants with DS were compared with infants with other non–DS chromosomal anomalies. Relative to infants with nonchromosomal BDs, infants with DS were at increased risk of PDA and NEC.

CONCLUSION:
The increased risk of morbidities among VLBW infants with DS provides useful information for counseling parents and for anticipating the need for enhanced surveillance for prevention of these morbidities.