bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuropsychological testing and biomarkers in the management of brain metastases
Authors: Baschnagel Andrew , Wolters Pamela L , Camphausen Kevin 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Prognosis for patients with brain metastasis remains poor. Whole brain radiation therapy is the conventional treatment option; it can improve neurological symptoms, prevent and improve tumor associated neurocognitive decline, and prevents death from neurologic causes. In addition to whole brain radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, neurosurgery and chemotherapy also are used in the management of brain metastases. Radiosensitizers are now currently being investigated as potential treatment options. All of these treatment modalities carry a risk of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity that can lead to neurocognitive impairment in long term survivors. Neuropsychological testing and biomarkers are potential ways of measuring and better understanding CNS toxicity. These tools may help optimize current therapies and develop new treatments for these patients. This article will review the current management of brain metastases, summarize the data on the CNS effects associated with brain metastases and whole brain radiation therapy in these patients, discuss the use of neuropsychological tests as outcome measures in clinical trials evaluating treatments for brain metastases, and give an overview of the potential of biomarker development in brain metastases research.
Assessment of nodal target definition and dosimetry using three different techniques: implications for re-defining the optimal pelvic field in endometrial cancer
Authors: Guo Susan , Ennis Ronald D , Bhatia Stephen , Trichter Frieda , Bashist Benjamin , Shah Jinesh , Chadha Manjeet 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Purposes
1. To determine the optimal pelvic nodal clinical target volume for post-operative treatment of endometrial cancer. 2. To compare the DVH of different treatment planning techniques applied to this new CTV and the surrounding tissues.

Methods and Materials
Based on the literature, we selected a methodology to delineate nodal target volume to define a NEW-CTV and NEW-PTV. Conventional 2D fields, 3D fields based on anatomic guidelines per RTOG 0418, 3D fields based on our guidelines, and IMRT based on our guidelines were assessed for coverage of NEW-CTV, NEW-PTV, and surrounding structures. CT scans of 10 patients with gynecologic malignancies after TAH/BSO were used. DVHs were compared.

Results
For NEW-PTV, mean V45Gy were 50% and 69% for 2D and RTOG 0418-3DCRT vs. 98% and 97% for NEW-3DCRT and NEW-IMRT (p < 0.0009). Mean V45Gy small bowel were 24% and 20% for 2D and RTOG 0418-3DCRT, increased to 32% with NEW-3DCRT, and decreased to 14% with IMRT (p = 0.005, 0.138, 0.002). Mean V45Gy rectum were 26%, 35%, and 52% for 2D, RTOG 0418-3DCRT, and NEW-3DCRT, and decreased to 26% with NEW-IMRT (p < 0.05). Mean V45Gy bladder were 83%, 51%, and 73% for 2D, RTOG 0418-3DCRT, and NEW-3DCRT, and decreased to 30% with NEW-IMRT (p < 0.002).

Conclusions
Conventional 2D and RTOG 0418-based 3DCRT plans cover only a fraction of our comprehensive PTV. A 3DCRT plan covers this PTV with high doses to normal tissues, whereas IMRT covers the PTV while delivering lower normal tissue doses. Re-consideration of what specifically the pelvic target encompasses is warranted.
Protein sequence and structure alignments within one framework
Authors: Schenk Gundolf , Margraf Thomas , Torda Andrew E 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundProtein structure alignments are usually based on very different techniques to sequence alignments. We propose a method which treats sequence, structure and even combined sequence + structure in a single framework. Using a probabilistic approach, we calculate a similarity measure which can be applied to fragments containing only protein sequence, structure or both simultaneously.ResultsProof-of-concept results are given for the different problems. For sequence alignments, the methodology is no better than conventional methods. For structure alignments, the techniques are very fast, reliable and tolerant of a range of alignment parameters. Combined sequence and structure alignments may provide a more reliable alignment for pairs of proteins where pure structural alignments can be misled by repetitive elements or apparent symmetries.ConclusionThe probabilistic framework has an elegance in principle, merging sequence and structure descriptors into a single framework. It has a practical use in fast structural alignments and a potential use in finding those examples where sequence and structural similarities apparently disagree.
Single-stage repair of adult aortic coarctation and concomitant cardiovascular pathologies: a new alternative surgical approach
Authors: Yilmaz Mert , Polat Bulent , Saba Davit 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Coarctation of the aorta in the adulthood is sometimes associated with additional cardiovascular pathologies that require intervention. Ideal approach in such patients is uncertain. Anatomic left-sided short aortic bypass from the arcus aorta to descending aorta via median sternotomy allows simultaneuos repair of both complex aortic coarctation and concomitant cardiac operation.

Materials
Four adult patients were underwent Anatomic left-sided short aortic bypass operation for complex aortic coarctation through median sternotomy using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Concomitant cardiac operations were Bentall procedure for annuloaortic ectasia in one patient, coronary artery bypass grafting for three vessel disease in two patient, and patch closure of ventricular septal defect in one patient.

Results
All patients survived the operation and were alive with patent bypass at a mean follow-up of 36 months. No graft-related complications occurred, and there were no instances of stroke or paraplegia.

Conclusion
We conclude that single-stage repair of adult aortic coarctation with concomitant cardiovascular lesions can be performed safely using this newest technique.
Granulomatous skin lesions complicating Varicella infection in a patient with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome and immune deficiency: case report
Authors: De Somer Lien , Wouters Carine , Morren Marie-Anne , De Vos Rita , Van Den Oord Joost , Devriendt Koenraad , Meyts Isabelle 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS)(OMIM 268400) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis characterized by poikiloderma, small stature, skeletal and dental abnormalities, cataract and an increased risk of cancer. It is caused by mutations in RECQL4 at 8q24. Immune deficiency is not described as a classical feature of the disease. Here we report the appearance of granulomatous skin lesions complicating primary Varicella Zoster Virus infection in a toddler with Rothmund Thomson syndrome and immune deficiency. Although granulomatous disorders are sometimes seen after Herpes zoster, they are even more rare after Varicella primary infection. Granulomas have hitherto not been described in Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. With this report we aim to stress the importance of screening for immune deficiency in patients with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome.
Heat shock protein 90 in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Luo Wenjie , Sun Weilin , Taldone Tony , Rodina Anna , Chiosis Gabriela 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Hsp90 is a molecular chaperone with important roles in regulating pathogenic transformation. In addition to its well-characterized functions in malignancy, recent evidence from several laboratories suggests a role for Hsp90 in maintaining the functional stability of neuronal proteins of aberrant capacity, whether mutated or over-activated, allowing and sustaining the accumulation of toxic aggregates. In addition, Hsp90 regulates the activity of the transcription factor heat shock factor-1 (HSF-1), the master regulator of the heat shock response, mechanism that cells use for protection when exposed to conditions of stress. These biological functions therefore propose Hsp90 inhibition as a dual therapeutic modality in neurodegenerative diseases. First, by suppressing aberrant neuronal activity, Hsp90 inhibitors may ameliorate protein aggregation and its associated toxicity. Second, by activation of HSF-1 and the subsequent induction of heat shock proteins, such as Hsp70, Hsp90 inhibitors may redirect neuronal aggregate formation, and protect against protein toxicity. This mini-review will summarize our current knowledge on Hsp90 in neurodegeneration and will focus on the potential beneficial application of Hsp90 inhibitors in neurodegenerative diseases.
High-risk and multiple human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in cancer-free Jamaican women
Authors: Watt Angela , Garwood David , Jackson Maria , Younger Novie , Ragin Camille , Smikle Monica , Fletcher Horace , McFarlane-Anderson Norma 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Vaccines, that target human papillomavirus (HPV) high risk genotypes 16 and 18, have recently been developed. This study was aimed at determining genotypes commonly found in high-risk and multiple-HPV infections in Jamaican women. Two hundred and fifty three (253) women were enrolled in the study. Of these, 120 pregnant women, aged 15–44 years, were recruited from the Ante Natal Clinic at the University Hospital of the West Indies and 116 non-pregnant, aged 19–83, from a family practice in Western Jamaica. Cervical cell samples were collected from the women and HPV DNA was detected using Polymerase Chain Reaction and Reverse Line Hybridization. HPV genotypes were assessed in 236 women. Data were collected from January 2003 to October 2006.

Results
HPV DNA was detected in 87.7% (207/236) and of these 80.2% were positive for high-risk types. The most common high-risk HPV types were: HPV 45 (21.7%), HPV 58 (18.8%), HPV 16 (18.4%), HPV 35 (15.0%), HPV 18 (14.5%), HPV 52 (12.0%) and HPV 51(11.1%). Other high-risk types were present in frequencies of 1.4% – 7.2%.
Multivariate regression analyses showed that bacterial vaginosis predicted the presence of multiple infections (OR 3.51; CI, 1.26–9.82) and that alcohol use (OR 0.31; CI, 0.15–0.85) and age at first sexual encounter (12–15 years: OR 3.56; CI, 1.41–9.12; 16–19 years, OR 3.53, CI, 1.22–10.23) were significantly associated with high risk infections. Cervical cytology was normal in the majority of women despite the presence of high-risk and multiple infections.

Conclusion
HPV genotype distribution in this group of Jamaican women differs from the patterns found in Europe, North America and some parts of Asia. It may be necessary therefore to consider development of other vaccines which target genotypes found in our and similar populations. HPV genotyping as well as Pap smears should be considered.
Ethnicity and cancer in Guyana, South America
Authors: Best Plummer Wallis S , Persaud Premini , Layne Penelope J 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
The Cancer Registry of Guyana, a population-based registry was established in 2000. Over the past eight years, data has been collected from the national referral hospital and other public and private institutions.

Methods
A comprehensive review of the Registry's database was undertaken, focusing on the ethnic and site prevalence of the three major reported cancers. The data was then subjected to summary statistics and the frequencies of cases by ethnicity and age-group were subjected to chi squared analysis. A 0.05 level of significance was applied to all tests.

Results
There was a clear ethnic distribution of the three major cancers (breast, cervical and prostate) within the database. Afro-Guyanese men accounted for over 65% of prostate cancers. Among women, Indo-Guyanese presented with the most cases of breast cancer (45%) while Afro-Guyanese had the majority of cervical cancer cases (39%). When the proportion of cervical cancer cases for all cancers in an ethnic group was analysed however, cervical cancer was significantly more common (p < 0.0001) among Indigenous Amerindian women. Similarly, by age-group analysis, there were significantly more cases of cervical than breast cancer (p = 0.014) among women under 30 years of age.

Conclusion
The Cancer Registry of Guyana reflects a high incidence of prostate, cervical and breast cancers among Afro-Guyanese. Socio-economic, dietary and genetic influences on the observed pattern of incidence within this ethnic sub-group, as well as those of Indo-Guyanese and Indigenous Amerindians warrant further investigation.
Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum β-glucosidase: a glucose-tolerant enzyme with high specific activity for cellobiose
Authors: Pei Jianjun , Pang Qian , Zhao Linguo , Fan Song , Shi Hao 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundβ-Glucosidase is an important component of the cellulase enzyme system. It does not only participate in cellulose degradation, it also plays an important role in hydrolyzing cellulose to fermentable glucose by relieving the inhibition of exoglucanase and endoglucanase from cellobiose. Therefore, the glucose-tolerant β-glucosidase with high specific activity for cellobiose might be a potent candidate for industrial applications.ResultsThe β-glucosidase genebglthat encodes a 443-amino-acid protein was cloned and over-expressed fromThermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticumDSM 571 inEscherichia coli. The phylogenetic trees of β-glucosidases were constructed using Neighbor-Joining (NJ) and Maximum-Parsimony (MP) methods. The phylogeny and amino acid analysis indicated that the BGL was a novel β-glucosidase. By replacing the rare codons for the N-terminal amino acids of the target protein, the expression level ofbglwas increased from 6.6 to 11.2 U/mg in LB medium. Recombinant BGL was purified by heat treatment followed by Ni-NTA affinity. The optimal activity was at pH 6.4 and 70°C. The purified enzyme was stable over pH range of 5.2–7.6 and had a 1 h half life at 68°C. The activity of BGL was significantly enhanced by Fe2+and Mn2+. TheVmaxof 64 U/mg and 120 U/mg were found for p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (Kmvalue of 0.62 mM) and cellobiose (Kmvalue of 7.9 mM), respectively. It displayed high tolerance to glucose and cellobiose. TheKcatfor cellobiose was 67.7 s-1at 60°C and pH 6.4, when the concentration of cellobiose was 290 mM. It was activated by glucose at concentrations lower that 200 mM. With glucose further increasing, the enzyme activity of BGL was gradually inhibited, but remained 50% of the original value in even as high as 600 mM glucose.ConclusionsThe article provides a useful novel β-glucosidase which displayed favorable properties: high glucose and cellobiose tolerance, independence of metal ions, and high hydrolysis activity on cellobiose.
A simplified subnormothermic machine perfusion system restores ischemically damaged liver grafts in a rat model of orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Berendsen Tim A , Bruinsma Bote G , Lee Jungwoo , D’Andrea Vincent , Liu Qiang , Izamis Maria-Louisa , Uygun Korkut , Yarmush Martin L 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Liver donor shortages stimulate the development of strategies that incorporate damaged organs into the donor pool. Herein we present a simplified machine perfusion system without the need for oxygen carriers or temperature control, which we validated in a model of orthotopic liver transplantation.

Methods
Rat livers were procured and subnormothermically perfused with supplemented Williams E medium for 3 hours, then transplanted into healthy recipients (Fresh-SNMP group). Outcome was compared with static cold stored organs (UW-Control group). In addition, a rat liver model of donation after cardiac death was adapted using a 60-minute warm ischemic period, after which the grafts were either transplanted directly (WI group) or subnormothermically perfused and transplanted (WI-SNMP group).

Results
One-month survival was 100% in the Fresh-SNMP and UW-Control groups, 83.3% in the WI-SNMP group and 0% in the WI group. Clinical parameters, postoperative blood work and histology did not differ significantly between survivors.

Conclusion
This work demonstrates for the first time in an orthotopic transplantation model that ischemically damaged livers can be regenerated effectively using practical subnormothermic machine perfusion without oxygen carriers.
miRNA-dysregulation associated with tenderness variation induced by acute stress in Angus cattle
Authors: Zhao Chunping , Tian Fei , Yu Ying , Liu George , Zan Linsen , Updike M Scott , Song Jiuzhou 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
miRNAs are a class of small, single-stranded, non-coding RNAs that perform post-transcriptional repression of target genes by binding to 3’ untranslated regions. Research has found that miRNAs involved in the regulation of many metabolic processes. Here we uncovered that the beef quality of Angus cattle sharply diversified after acute stress. By performing miRNA microarray analysis, 13 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in stressed group compared to control group. Using a bioinformatics method, 135 protein-coding genes were predicted as the targets of significant differentially expressed miRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) term and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) mined that these target genes involved in some important pathways, which may have impact on meat quality and beef tenderness.
Tissue expression and developmental regulation of chicken cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Achanta Mallika , Sunkara Lakshmi T , Dai Gan , Bommineni Yugendar R , Jiang Weiyu , Zhang Guolong 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Cathelicidins are a major family of antimicrobial peptides present in vertebrate animals with potent microbicidal and immunomodulatory activities. Four cathelicidins, namely fowlicidins 1 to 3 and cathelicidin B1, have been identified in chickens. As a first step to understand their role in early innate host defense of chickens, we examined the tissue and developmental expression patterns of all four cathelicidins. Real-time PCR revealed an abundant expression of four cathelicidins throughout the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts as well as in all primary and secondary immune organs of chickens. Fowlicidins 1 to 3 exhibited a similar tissue expression pattern with the highest expression in the bone marrow and lung, while cathelicidin B1 was synthesized most abundantly in the bursa of Fabricius. Additionally, a tissue-specific regulatory pattern was evident for all four cathelicidins during the first 28 days after hatching. The expression of fowlicidins 1 to 3 showed an age-dependent increase both in the cecal tonsil and lung, whereas all four cathelicidins were peaked in the bursa on day 4 after hatching, with a gradual decline by day 28. An abrupt augmentation in the expression of fowlicidins 1 to 3 was also observed in the cecum on day 28, while the highest expression of cathelicidin B1 was seen in both the lung and cecal tonsil on day 14. Collectively, the presence of cathelicidins in a broad range of tissues and their largely enhanced expression during development are suggestive of their potential important role in early host defense and disease resistance of chickens.
Size-controlled green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by gum ghatti (Anogeissus latifolia) and its biological activity
Authors: Kora Aruna Jyothi , Beedu Sashidhar Rao , Jayaraman Arunachalam 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Background
Gum ghatti is a proteinaceous edible, exudate tree gum of India and is also used in traditional medicine. A facile and ecofriendly green method has been developed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles from silver nitrate using gum ghatti (Anogeissus latifolia) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The influence of concentration of gum and reaction time on the synthesis of nanoparticles was studied. UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analytical techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles.

Results
By optimizing the reaction conditions, we could achieve nearly monodispersed and size controlled spherical nanoparticles of around 5.7 ± 0.2 nm. A possible mechanism involved in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles has been investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy.

Conclusions
The synthesized silver nanoparticles had significant antibacterial action on both the Gram classes of bacteria. As the silver nanoparticles are encapsulated with functional group rich gum, they can be easily integrated for various biological applications.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases and their roles in phagosome maturation
Authors: Thi Emily P , Reiner Neil E 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Review on how PI3Ks regulate phagosome maturation downstream of different phagocytic receptors, and their involvement in Rab activation and Ca2+ signaling.
Phagosome maturation is a highly organized and sequential process that results in the formation of a microbicidal phagolysosome. This results in crucial contributions to innate and adaptive immunity through pathogen clearance and antigen presentation. Thus, it is important to understand the regulatory networks that control the extent and nature of phagosome maturation. PI3Ks are lipid kinases that catalyze the phosphorylation of the 3′ position of the inositol ring. This enzyme family is divided into three classes based on structure and substrate preferences. Previously, only the class III PI3K, hVps34, was thought to contribute to phagosome maturation. Recent evidence, however, suggests important contributions by class I PI3Ks in bringing about the diverse phagosome maturation phenotypes. Class I PI3Ks have also been implicated in the activation of Rab GTPases that function in maturation, such as Rab14. In addition, recent studies have illuminated the overlap between phagosome maturation and autophagy, which itself is regulated by multiple classes of PI3K. Taken together, a picture of phagosome maturation is emerging in which multiple classes of PI3Ks are involved in modulating maturation phenotypes. This review summarizes the known contributions of PI3Ks to phagosome maturation. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of PI3Ks on different maturation outcomes stemming from the engagement of diverse phagocytic receptors and on Rab and Ca2+ signaling cascades.
The Trifunctional Protein Mediates Thyroid Hormone Receptor-Dependent Stimulation of Mitochondria Metabolism
Authors: Chocron E. Sandra , Sayre Naomi L. , Holstein Deborah , Saelim Nuttawut , Ibdah Jamal A. , Dong Lily Q. , Zhu Xuguang , Cheng Sheue-Yann , Lechleiter James D. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
We previously demonstrated that the thyroid hormone, T3, acutely stimulates mitochondrial metabolism in a thyroid hormone receptor (TR)-dependent manner. T3 has also recently been shown to stimulate mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Here we report that TR-dependent stimulation of metabolism is mediated by the mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP), the enzyme responsible for long-chain FAO. Stimulation of FAO was significant in cells that expressed a nonnuclear amino terminus shortened TR isoform (sTR43) but not in adult fibroblasts cultured from mice deficient in both TRα and TRβ isoforms (TRα−/−β−/−). Mouse embryonic fibroblasts deficient in MTP (MTP−/−) did not support T3-stimulated FAO. Inhibition of fatty-acid trafficking into mitochondria using the AMP-activated protein kinase inhibitor 6-[4-(2-piperidin-1-yl-ethoxy)-phenyl)]-3-pyridin-4-yl-pyrrazolo[1,5-a]-pyrimidine (compound C) or the carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 inhibitor etomoxir prevented T3-stimulated FAO. However, T3 treatment could increase FAO when AMP-activated protein kinase was maximally activated, indicating an alternate mechanism of T3-stimulated FAO exists, even when trafficking is presumably high. MTPα protein levels and higher molecular weight complexes of MTP subunits were increased by T3 treatment. We suggest that T3-induced increases in mitochondrial metabolism are at least in part mediated by a T3-shortened TR isoform-dependent stabilization of the MTP complex, which appears to lower MTP subunit turnover.