bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Successful treatment for acute aortic dissection in pregnancy-bentall procedure concomitant with cesarean section
Authors: Guo Changfa , Xu Demin , Wang Chunsheng 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Acute aortic type A dissection is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate surgical intervention. When dissection occurs during pregnancy, it is of high risk for both the mother and the fetus. In this study, we reported two cases of acute aortic dissection in late pregnancy at 28 weeks and 32 weeks of gestation respectively. After the two patients underwent a cesarean section and delivered a baby, we performed composite graft replacement of the aortic valve, aortic root and ascending aorta, with re-implantation of the coronary arteries into the graft (Bentall procedure) instead of repairing the arch with deep hypothermia and circulation arrest. Both mothers and children survived and recovered well.
Mutational screening of the USH2A gene in Spanish USH patients reveals 23 novel pathogenic mutations
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Gema , Aparisi Maria J , Jaijo Teresa , Rodrigo Regina , Leon Ana M , Avila-Fernandez Almudena , Blanco-Kelly Fiona , Bernal Sara , Navarro Rafael , Diaz-Llopis Manuel , Baiget Montserrat , Ayuso Carmen , Millan Jose M , Aller Elena 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Usher Syndrome type II (USH2) is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by moderate to severe hearing impairment and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Among the three genes implicated, mutations in the USH2A gene account for 74-90% of the USH2 cases.

Methods
To identify the genetic cause of the disease and determine the frequency of USH2A mutations in a cohort of 88 unrelated USH Spanish patients, we carried out a mutation screening of the 72 coding exons of this gene by direct sequencing. Moreover, we performed functional minigene studies for those changes that were predicted to affect splicing.

Results
As a result, a total of 144 DNA sequence variants were identified. Based upon previous studies, allele frequencies, segregation analysis, bioinformatics' predictions and in vitro experiments, 37 variants (23 of them novel) were classified as pathogenic mutations.

Conclusions
This report provide a wide spectrum of USH2A mutations and clinical features, including atypical Usher syndrome phenotypes resembling Usher syndrome type I. Considering only the patients clearly diagnosed with Usher syndrome type II, and results obtained in this and previous studies, we can state that mutations in USH2A are responsible for 76.1% of USH2 disease in patients of Spanish origin.
Male gender predicts mortality in a large cohort of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Uganda
Authors: Mills Edward J , Bakanda Celestin , Birungi Josephine , Chan Keith , Hogg Robert S , Ford Nathan , Nachega Jean B , Cooper Curtis L 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundBecause men in Africa are less likely to access HIV/AIDS care than women, we aimed to determine if men have differing outcomes from women across a nationally representative sample of adult patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy in Uganda.MethodsWe estimated survival distributions for adult male and female patients using Kaplan‐Meier, and constructed multivariable regressions to model associations of baseline variables with mortality. We assessed person‐years of life lost up to age 55 by sex. To minimize the impact of patient attrition, we assumed a weighted 30% mortality rate among those lost to follow up.ResultsWe included data from 22,315 adults receiving antiretroviral therapy. At baseline, men tended to be older, had lower CD4 baseline values, more advanced disease, had pulmonary tuberculosis and had received less treatment follow up (all at p < 0.001). Loss to follow up differed between men and women (7.5 versus 5.9%, p < 0.001). Over the period of study, men had a significantly increased risk of death compared with female patients (adjusted hazard ratio 1.43, 95% CI 1.31‐1.57, p < 0.001). The crude mortality rate for males differed importantly from females (43.9, 95% CI 40.7‐47.0/1000 person‐years versus 26.9, 95% CI 25.4‐28.5/1000 person years, p < 0.001). The probability of survival was 91.2% among males and 94.1% among females at 12 months. Person‐years of life lost was lower for females than males (689.7 versus 995.9 per 1000 person‐years, respectively).ConclusionsIn order to maximize the benefits of antiretroviral therapy, treatment programmes need to be gender sensitive to the specific needs of both women and men. Particular efforts are needed to enroll men earlier into care.
Postcardiac arrest syndrome: from immediate resuscitation to long-term outcome
Authors: Mongardon Nicolas , Dumas Florence , Ricome Sylvie , Grimaldi David , Hissem Tarik , Pène Frédéric , Cariou Alain 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
The prognosis for postcardiac arrest patients remains very bleak, not only because of anoxic-ischemic neurological damage, but also because of the "postcardiac arrest syndrome," a phenomenon often severe enough to cause death before any neurological evaluation. This syndrome includes all clinical and biological manifestations related to the phenomenon of global ischemia-reperfusion triggered by cardiac arrest and return of spontaneous circulation. The main component of the postcardiac arrest syndrome is an early but severe cardiocirculatory dysfunction that may lead to multiple organ failure and death.
Cardiovascular support relies on conventional medical and mechanical treatment of circulatory failure. Hemodynamic stabilization is a major objective to limit secondary brain insult. When the cause of cardiac arrest is related to myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary revascularization is associated with improved prognosis; early angiographic exploration should then be discussed when there is no obvious extracardiac cause. Therapeutic hypothermia is now the cornerstone of postanoxic cerebral protection. Its widespread use is clearly recommended, with a favorable risk-benefit ratio in selected population. Neuroprotection also is based on the prevention of secondary cerebral damages, pending the results of ongoing therapeutic evaluations regarding the potential efficiency of new therapeutic drugs.
The combined influence of multiple sex and growth hormones on risk of postmenopausal breast cancer: a nested case-control study
Authors: Tworoger Shelley S , Rosner Bernard A , Willett Walter C , Hankinson Susan E 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Sex and growth hormones are positively associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk. However, few studies have evaluated the influence of multiple hormones simultaneously.

Methods
We considered the roles of estrone, estradiol, estrone sulfate, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate and prolactin and, secondarily, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and c-peptide in postmenopausal breast cancer risk among 265 cases and 541 controls in the prospective Nurses' Health Study. We created several hormone scores, including ranking women by the number of hormones above the age- and batch-adjusted geometric mean and weighting hormone values by their individual associations with breast cancer risk.

Results
Women in the top versus bottom quintile of individual estrogen or androgen levels had approximately a doubling of postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Having seven or eight compared to zero hormones above the geometric mean level was associated with total (RR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.3 to 5.7, P trend < 0.001) and estrogen receptor (ER)-positive (RR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.3 to 9.4, P trend < 0.001) breast cancer risk. When comparing the top versus bottom quintiles of the score weighted by individual hormone associations, the RR for total breast cancer was 3.0 (95% CI = 1.8 to 5.0, P trend < 0.001) and the RR for ER-positive disease was 3.9 (95% CI = 2.0 to 7.5, P trend < 0.001). The risk further increased when IGF-1 and c-peptide were included in the scores. The results did not change with adjustment for body mass index.

Conclusions
Overall, the results of our study suggest that multiple hormones with high circulating levels substantially increase the risk of breast cancer, particularly ER-positive disease. Additional research should consider the potential impact of developing risk prediction scores that incorporate multiple hormones.
Ectopic Lipid Accumulation and Reduced Glucose Tolerance in Elderly Adults Are Accompanied by Altered Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Activity
Authors: Johannsen Darcy L. , Conley Kevin E. , Bajpeyi Sudip , Punyanitya Mark , Gallagher Dympna , Zhang Zhengyu , Covington Jeffrey , Smith Steven R. , Ravussin Eric 
Published: November 2011

Context:
Aging is associated with insulin resistance and unfavorable changes in body composition including increased fat accumulation, particularly in visceral and ectopic depots. Recent studies suggest that skeletal muscle mitochondrial activity may underlie some age-associated metabolic abnormalities.

Objective:
Our objective was to measure mitochondrial capacity and coupling of the vastus lateralis muscle in elderly and young adults using novel in vivo approaches and relate mitochondrial activity to metabolic characteristics.

Design:
This was a cross-sectional study.

Participants and Intervention:
Fourteen sedentary young (seven males and seven females, 20–34 yr of age) and 15 sedentary elderly (seven males and eight females, 70–84 yr of age) nonobese subjects selected for similar body weight underwent measures of body composition by magnetic resonance imaging and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, oral glucose tolerance, and in vivo mitochondrial activity by 31P magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopy. Muscle biopsy was carried out in the same muscle to measure mitochondrial content, antioxidant activity, fiber type, and markers of mitochondrial biogenesis.

Results:
Elderly volunteers had reduced mitochondrial capacity (P = 0.05) and a trend for decreased coupling efficiency (P = 0.08) despite similar mitochondrial content and fiber type distribution. This was accompanied by greater whole-body oxidative stress (P = 0.007), less skeletal muscle mass (P &lt; 0.001), more adipose tissue in all depots (P ≤ 0.002) except intramyocellular (P = 0.72), and lower glucose tolerance (P = 0.07).

Conclusions:
Elderly adults show evidence of altered mitochondrial activity along with increased adiposity, oxidative stress, and reduced glucose tolerance, independent of obesity. We propose that mild uncoupling may be induced secondary to age-associated oxidative stress as a mechanism to dissipate the proton-motive force and protect against further reactive oxygen species production and damage.
Dual pathway spindle assembly increases both the speed and the fidelity of mitosis
Authors: Kaseda Kuniyoshi , McAinsh Andrew D. , Cross Robert A. 
Published: November 2011

Summary
Roughly half of all animal somatic cell spindles assemble by the classical prophase pathway, in which the centrosomes separate ahead of nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD). The remainder assemble by the prometaphase pathway, in which the centrosomes separate following NEBD. Why cells use dual pathway spindle assembly is unclear. Here, by examining the timing of NEBD relative to the onset of Eg5-mEGFP loading to centrosomes, we show that a time window of 9.2 ± 2.9 min is available for Eg5-driven prophase centrosome separation ahead of NEBD, and that those cells that succeed in separating their centrosomes within this window subsequently show &gt;3-fold fewer chromosome segregation errors and a somewhat faster mitosis. A longer time window would allow more cells to complete prophase centrosome separation and further reduce segregation errors, but at the expense of a slower mitosis. Our data reveal dual pathway mitosis in a new light, as a substantive strategy that increases both the speed and the fidelity of mitosis.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores host bacteria that affect nutrient biodynamics and biocontrol of soil-borne plant pathogens
Authors: Cruz Andre Freire , Ishii Takaaki 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe aim of this research was to isolate and characterize bacteria from spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). We designated these bacteria ‘probable endobacteria’ (PE). Three bacterial strains were isolated from approximately 500 spores of Gigaspora margarita (Becker and Hall) using a hypodermic needle (diameter, 200 μm). The bacteria were identified by morphological methods and on the basis of ribosomal gene sequences as Bacillus sp. (KTCIGM01), Bacillus thuringiensis (KTCIGM02), and Paenibacillus rhizospherae (KTCIGM03). We evaluated the effect of these probable endobacteria on antagonistic activity to the soil-borne plant pathogens (SBPPs) Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae MAFF 744088, Rosellinia necatrix, Rhizoctonia solani MAFF 237426, and Pythium ultimum NBRC 100123. We also tested whether these probable endobacteria affected phosphorus solubilization, ethylene production, nitrogenase activity (NA), and stimulation of AMF hyphal growth. In addition, fresh samples of spores and hyphae were photographed using an in situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) (Quanta 250FEG; FEI Co., Japan). Bacterial aggregates (BAs), structures similar to biofilms, could be detected on the surface of hyphae and spores. We demonstrate that using extraction with an ultrathin needle, it is possible to isolate AMF-associated bacterial species that are likely derived from inside the fungal spores.
Culture parameters for stable expansion, genetic modification and germline transmission of rat pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Blair Kathryn , Leitch Harry G. , Mansfield William , Dumeau Charles-Étienne , Humphreys Peter , Smith Austin G. 
Published: November 2011

Summary
The ability of cultured pluripotent cells to contribute to the germline of chimaeric animals is essential to their utility for genetic manipulation. In the three years since rat embryonic stem (ES) cells were first reported the anticipated proliferation of genetically modified rat models from this new resource has not been realised. Culture instability, karyotypic anomalies, and strain variation are postulated to contribute to poor germline colonisation capacity. The resolution of these issues is essential to bring pluripotent cell-based genetic manipulation technology in the rat to the level of efficiency achieved in the mouse. Recent reports have described various alternative methods to maintain rat ES cells that include provision of additional small molecules and selective passaging methods. In contrast, we report that euploid, germline competent rat ES and embryonic germ (EG) cell lines can be maintained by simple adherent culture methods in defined medium supplemented with the original two inhibitors (2i) of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2) cascade and of glycogen synthase kinase 3, in combination with the cytokine leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF). We demonstrate genetic modification, clonal expansion and transmission through the germline of rat ES and EG cell lines. We also describe a marked preference for full-term chimaera contribution when SD strain blastocysts are used as recipients for either DA or SD pluripotent stem cells.
Klysimplexins U–X, Eunicellin-Based Diterpenoids from the Cultured Soft Coral Klyxum simplex
Authors: Chen Bo-Wei , Huang Chiung-Yao , Wen Zhi-Hong , Su Jui-Hsin , Wang Wei-Hsien , Sung Ping-Jyun , Wu Yang-Chang , Sheu Jyh-Horng 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
New eunicellin-based diterpenoids, klysimplexins U–X (1–4), were isolated from a cultured soft coral Klyxum simplex. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, particularly in 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The absolute configuration of 2 was determined by Mosher’s method. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first example of 4-oxygenated eunicellin-type diterpenes isolated from soft corals of this genus.
The effect of hematocrit on the results of measurements using glucose meters based on different techniques
Authors: Solnica Bogdan , Skupien Jan , Kusnierz-Cabala Beata , Slowinska-Solnica Krystyna , Witek Przemyslaw , Cempa Agnieszka , Malecki Maciej T. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hematocrit (HCT) on glucose meter assays based on different measurement techniques.This paper studied glucose meters utilizing the glucose dehydrogenase reaction and four measurement techniques: colorimetry (HemoCue), reflectometry (Accu-Chek Active), amperometry (Optium Xido) and coulometry (Optium Omega). The EDTA venous blood samples HCT were modified by adding or removing defined aliquots of plasma. Glucose concentration was measured using each meter in 27 batches of blood samples, with HCT ranging from 20% to 60% in 10% increments. The data were analyzed using repeated measures models and a linear random effects model.A significant relationship between HCT and glucose reading in all meters was found and, for all meters except Optium Xido, there was a significant modification of this relationship by glucose level. The relative decrease in glucose concentration per 1% increase of the HCT value varied from 0.30% for Optium Omega in samples with glucose concentrations <5.55 mmol/L to 1.37% for Optium Xido in the same stratum (p<0.0001). The 5% glucose meter error (the ADA recommendation) was reached in the <5.55 mmol/L stratum after HCT change by 3.9%–16.7%.There is a significant continuous effect of HCT on measurement accuracy of glucose meters across its wide range of values and glucose concentrations. The most sensitive to the HCT interference was the system utilizing amperometric technique (Optium Xido) followed by the one with reflectometric technique (Accu-Chek Active), while the systems with the coulometric technique (Optium Omega) or colorimetric measurements in whole blood haemolysate (HemoCue) were less sensitive.
Reproductive function in men affected by X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenomyeloneuropathy
Authors: Stradomska T J , Kubalska J , Janas R , Tylki-Szymańska A 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundX-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is the most frequent, severely neurodegenerative, clinically heterogeneous peroxisomal disorder, the signs of which are a consequence of myelin, adrenal cortex, and testes impairment.ObjectiveWe studied testosterone, LH, and FSH levels in X-ALD/adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) patients. We evaluate the ability to procreate of these patients by analysis of pedigree and family screening by detection of very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels.Subject and methodsSeventeen patients with X-ALD/AMN (16 with AMN and one asymptomatic) aged 24–48 (mean±s.d., 34.7±5.9) years, were identified based on the clinical picture, magnetic resonance imaging, and the presence of increased serum VLCFA levels. Nine X-ALD/AMN patients' daughters, mean ages ±s.d.=7.7±3.8 years, were identified as heterozygote by elevated VLCFA levels.Serum VLCFA levels were determined as ester derivatives by a gas chromatography method. Serum testosterone, LH, and FSH levels in X-ALD/AMN patients were detected by IRMAs.ResultsSerum testosterone levels were at the lowest levels of normal range but serum LH and FSH concentrations were increased in 57.1 and in 42.9% of X-ALD/AMN patients respectively. Among the 11 investigated of X-ALD/AMN married adult men, nine had produced offspring, a total of 13 children. All patients' daughters showed elevated serum VLCFA at heterozygote levels.ConclusionIn this study, we report that in a group of X-ALD/AMN married adult men, we did not find a significant decrease in fertility compared with the Polish population (18.2 vs 15%).
High-dose mitotane strategy in adrenocortical carcinoma: prospective analysis of plasma mitotane measurement during the first 3 months of follow-up
Authors: Mauclère-Denost Sophie , Leboulleux Sophie , Borget Isabelle , Paci Angelo , Young Jacques , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Deandreis Desiree , Drouard Laurence , Tabarin Antoine , Chanson Philippe , Schlumberger Martin , Baudin Eric 
Published: November 2011

BackgroundThe benefit-to-risk ratio of a high-dose strategy at the initiation of mitotane treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) remains unknown.MethodsTo evaluate the performance of a high-dose strategy, defined as the highest tolerated dose administered within 2 weeks and maintenance therapy over 4 weeks, we conducted a single-center, prospective study with two main objectives: to evaluate the percentage of patients who achieve a plasma mitotane level above 14 mg/l and to evaluate the tolerance of mitotane within the first 3 months of treatment. Plasma mitotane levels were measured monthly using HPLC.ResultsTwenty-two patients with ACC were prospectively enrolled. The high-dose mitotane strategy (4 g/day or more in all patients, with a median of 6 g/day within 2 weeks) enabled to reach the therapeutic threshold of >14 mg/l at 1, 2, or 3 months in 6/22 patients (27%), 7/22 patients (32%), and 7/22 patients (32%) respectively. In total, a therapeutic plasma mitotane level was reached in 14 out of 22 patients (63.6%) during the first 3 months in ten patients, and after 3 months in four patients. Grade 3–4 neurological or hematological toxicities were observed in three patients (13.6%).ConclusionEmploying a high-dose strategy at the time of mitotane initiation enabled therapeutic plasma levels of mitotane to be reached within 1 month in 27% of the total group of patients. If this strategy is adopted, we suggest that mitotane dose is readjusted according to plasma mitotane levels at 1 or/and 2 months and patient tolerance.
Primary adrenal angiosarcoma and functioning adrenocortical adenoma: an exceptional combined tumor
Authors: Lepoutre-Lussey Charlotte , Rousseau Audrey , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Amar Laurence , Hignette Chantal , Cioffi Angela , Zinzindohoué Franck , Leboulleux Sophie , Plouin Pierre-François 
Published: November 2011

ContextPrimary adrenal angiosarcoma is an extremely rare neoplasm, as are combined tumors within a given adrenal lesion.Clinical presentation and interventionA 35-year-old man presented with hypokalemic hypertension leading to the discovery of a 6 cm diameter malignant-appearing right adrenal tumor. The lesion displayed marked 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography scanning. Endocrine investigations revealed secretion of both cortisol and aldosterone by the neoplasm. The entire right adrenal gland along with the periadrenal fat tissue was removed during laparoscopic surgery.ResultsHistological examination revealed two intermingled tumor cell proliferations, namely an angiosarcoma and an adrenocortical adenoma. An extensive post-operative search revealed no other primary tumor site, nor metastases. The lesion was then considered to be a primary adrenal angiosarcoma combined with a secreting adrenocortical adenoma. The patient received four cycles of chemotherapy (adriamycin/ifosfamide). At 2-year follow-up, he is alive and well, with no sign of relapse.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of an adrenal neoplasm combining a primary angiosarcoma and a functioning adrenocortical adenoma.
Diverse Tumor Pathology due to Distinctive Patterns of JAK/STAT Pathway Activation Caused by Different Drosophila polyhomeotic Alleles
Authors: Feng Siqian , Thomas Steffi , Wang Jian 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Drosophila polyhomeotic (ph) is one of the important polycomb group genes that is linked to human cancer. In the mosaic eye imaginal discs, while phdel, a null allele, causes only non-autonomous overgrowth, ph505, a hypomorphic allele, causes both autonomous and non-autonomous overgrowth. These allele-specific phenotypes stem from the different sensitivities of ph mutant cells to the Upd homologs that they secrete.