bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated expression of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 (AEG‐1) is correlated with cisplatin‐based chemoresistance and shortened outcome in patients with stages III–IV serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Li Cong , Li Yinghong , Wang Xiaochuan , Wang Zhenyu , Cai Jianping , Wang Lihua , Zhao Yulan , Song Hongtao , Meng Xiangning , Ning Xiaoming , Xu Chunlin , Lin Mei , Li Lejing , Geng Jingshu 
Published: February 2012

Li C, Li Y, Wang X, Wang Z, Cai J, Wang L, Zhao Y, Song H, Meng X, Ning X, Xu C, Lin M, Li L & Geng J  (2012) Histopathology 60, 953–963Elevated expression of astrocyte elevated gene‐1 (AEG‐1) is correlated with cisplatin‐based chemoresistance and shortened outcome in patients with stages III–IV serous ovarian carcinomaAims:  To correlate astrocyte elevated gene‐1 (AEG‐1) expression with the clinicopathological features and outcome of patients with stages III–IV ovarian serous carcinoma, and to clinically assess the involvement of AEG‐1 in acquired cisplatin resistance.Methods and results:  The frequency and intensity of immunohistochemical AEG‐1 expression increased in a step‐wise fashion from normal to chemosensitive to chemoresistant tissues. These observations were confirmed by Western blot analysis. AEG‐1 expression level was correlated with lymph nodal metastasis, histological differentiation, residual tumour size and response to primary chemotherapy. Five‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were lower in the high‐expression group than that in the low‐expression group. AEG‐1 overexpression was an independent but poor prognostic factor in the OS and PFS of these patients, as determined by multivariate Cox regression analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of cisplatin‐based chemoresistance was significantly associated with expression level of AEG‐1 and the degree of residual disease (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.0027, respectively).Conclusion:  Our findings indicate that tumour AEG‐1 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and cisplatin resistance in advanced serous ovarian cancer.
The future of testis research is turning 6! Six years of International Network for Young Researchers in Male Fertility
Authors: Tüttelmann F. , De Gendt K. , Amaral A. , Giachini C C. , Welsh M. , Blomberg Jensen M. , Nurmio M. , Wahlgren A. , Stukenborg J. B. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe ‘International Network for Young Researchers in Male Fertility’ has now turned 6 years old and offers a platform that stimulates scientific exchange as well as the development of international cooperation for young researchers. We report on our scope and the exciting achievements, amongst others, the continually increasing number of participants and the growing success of our annual meetings.
Tracking of climatic niche boundaries under recent climate change
Authors: La Sorte Frank A. , Jetz Walter 
Published: February 2012

Summary1. Global climate has changed significantly during the past 30 years and especially in northern temperate regions which have experienced poleward shifts in temperature regimes. While there is evidence that some species have responded by moving their distributions to higher latitudes, the efficiency of this response in tracking species’ climatic niche boundaries over time has yet to be addressed.2. Here, we provide a continental assessment of the temporal structure of species responses to recent spatial shifts in climatic conditions. We examined geographic associations with minimum winter temperature for 59 species of winter avifauna at 476 Christmas Bird Count circles in North America from 1975 to 2009 under three sampling schemes that account for spatial and temporal sampling effects.3. Minimum winter temperature associated with species occurrences showed an overall increase with a weakening trend after 1998. Species displayed highly variable responses that, on average and across sampling schemes, contained a strong lag effect that weakened in strength over time. In general, the conservation of minimum winter temperature was relevant when all species were considered together but only after an initial lag period (c. 35 years) was overcome. The delayed niche tracking observed at the combined species level was likely supported by the post1998 lull in the warming trend.4. There are limited geographic and ecological explanations for the observed variability, suggesting that the efficiency of species’ responses under climate change is likely to be highly idiosyncratic and difficult to predict. This outcome is likely to be even more pronounced and time lags more persistent for less vagile taxa, particularly during the periods of consistent or accelerating warming. Current modelling efforts and conservation strategies need to better appreciate the variation, strength and duration of lag effects and their association with climatic variability. Conservation strategies in particular will benefit through identifying and maintaining dispersal corridors that accommodate diverging dispersal strategies and timetables.
Factors associated with hospitalisations for ambulatory care‐sensitive conditions among persons with an intellectual disability – a publicly insured population perspective
Authors: Balogh R. S. , Ouellette‐Kuntz H. , Brownell M. , Colantonio A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Hospitalisations for ambulatory care‐sensitive (ACS) conditions are used as an indicator of access to, and the quality of, primary care. The objective was to identify factors associated with hospitalisations for ACS conditions among adults with an intellectual disability (ID) in the context of a publicly insured healthcare system.Methods  This study examined adults with an ID living in a Canadian province between 1999 and 2003 identified from administrative databases. Using 5 years of data for the study population, characteristics of persons hospitalised or not hospitalised for ACS conditions were compared. Using a conceptual model, independent variables were selected and an analysis performed to identify which were associated with hospitalisations for ACS conditions. The correlated nature of the observations was accounted for statistically.Results  Living in a rural area [odds ratio (OR) 1.3; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.0, 1.8], living in an area with a high proportion of First Nations people (OR 2.3; 95% CI = 1.3, 4.1), and experiencing higher levels of comorbidity (OR 25.2; 95% CI = 11.9, 53.0) were all associated with a higher likelihood of being hospitalised for an ACS condition. Residing in higher income areas had a protective effect (OR 0.56; 95% CI = 0.37, 0.85). None of the health service resource variables showed statistically significant associations.Conclusions  Persons with an ID experience inequity in hospitalisations for ACS conditions according to rurality, income and proportion who are First Nations in a geographic area. This suggests that addressing the socio‐economic problems of poorer areas and specifically areas densely populated by First Nations people may have an impact on the number of hospitalisations for ACS conditions. Study strengths and limitations and areas for potential future research are discussed.
Determinants of adult functional outcome in adolescents receiving special educational assistance
Authors: McGeown H. R. , Johnstone E. C. , McKirdy J. , Owens D. C. , Stanfield A. C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  This study investigates the role of IQ, autistic traits and challenging behaviours in affecting adult outcomes among adolescents who receive special educational assistance.Methods  A total of 58 participants were recruited from an ongoing longitudinal study. All received assessments of IQ, behavioural patterns (using the Childhood Behaviour Checklist – CBCL) and autistic traits (using the Social Communication Questionnaire – SCQ) during adolescence and were followed up 6 years later (at a mean age of 22 years) using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II (WHO‐DAS II) to assess functional outcome.Results  A significant positive relationship was found between CBCL score and WHO‐DAS II score (β = 0.511, P = 0.001). IQ score showed a negative relationship with total WHO‐DAS II score (β = −0.247, P = 0.04). SCQ score was not found to significantly influence total WHO‐DAS II score (β = −0.028, P = 0.84).Conclusions  Although the role of global intellectual ability is important, these results stress the highly predictive value of adolescent behaviours on functional outcomes in adult life among young adults receiving special educational assistance.
Clopidogrel and the risk of osteoporotic fractures: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Jørgensen N. R. , Grove E. L. , Schwarz P. , Vestergaard P. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract.Jørgensen NR, Grove EL, Schwarz P, Vestergaard P (Research Center for Aging and Osteoporosis, Copenhagen University Hospital Glostrup; Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby; University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen; The Osteoporosis Clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark). Clopidogrel and the risk of osteoporotic fractures: a nationwide cohort study. J Intern Med 2012; 272: 385–393.Objectives:  The P2Y12 inhibitor clopidogrel inhibits platelet aggregation and is used in the treatment and prevention of coronary artery disease. It is widely used and, in combination with acetylsalicylic acid, is the standard of care for acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous coronary intervention. The mode of action of clopidogrel involves pathways that are important to the metabolic activity in bone cells, although to our knowledge whether P2Y12 receptors are involved in the regulation of bone metabolism has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the association between clopidogrel use and risk of fractures.Methods:  We investigated the association between clopidogrel use and fracture incidence in a nationwide cohort study within the Danish population of approximately 5.3 million individuals. All patients who were prescribed clopidogrel during the years 1996–2008 were included in the study (n = 77 503), and three nonusers were randomly selected, matched for age and gender (n = 232 510), for each clopidogrel‐treated subject.Results:  Treatment with clopidogrel was associated with both increased overall fracture risk and increased risk of osteoporotic fractures, especially in subjects with a treatment duration of more than 1 year. However, individuals with low exposure to clopidogrel (<0.01 defined daily dose) had a lower risk of fracture than never users.Conclusions:  Use of the P2Y12 inhibitor clopidogrel is associated with risk of fractures. There seems to be a biphasic relation so that lower doses are associated with decreased fracture risk, whereas higher doses (recommended dose range) are associated with increased risk. More studies are warranted to determine the potential in vivo effect of platelet aggregation inhibitors on bone metabolism.
Concepts of social inclusion, exclusion and mental health: a review of the international literature
Authors: WRIGHT N. , STICKLEY T. 
Published: February 2012

Accessible summary
This is a review of 36 papers published in the peer reviewed literature on the subject of social inclusion, exclusion and mental health.
Many of the reviewed papers offered only simplistic definitions of the concept.
We identify the relationship between exclusion, inequality and injustice and question the application of the findings to current and future mental health policy.
AbstractSocial inclusion and exclusion are concepts which have been widely associated with politics and policy in the first decade of the 2000s. People with mental health problems have become the focus of a range of social inclusion initiatives. A literature review was conducted to explore the peer‐reviewed evidence relating social inclusion/exclusion and mental health. In total 36 papers were included in the review from the UK, Canada, Australia and Scandinavia. The papers had used a range of different approaches to research and evaluation. The included papers associated being socially included to: social roles and responsibilities such as employment, participation in social activities, environmental work and voting. Although some papers engaged in a critical discussion of the concept, many offered only simplistic accounts or definitions. Social inclusion is such a widely used term within political and policy discourses that it is surprising so little research is available within the mental health realm. There was a lack of clarity related to the concept of social exclusion and the qualitative studies focused entirely on the experiences of being excluded within an institutional or semi‐institutional setting. The relationship between exclusion, inequality and injustice is identified and the relevance of the concept to current and future mental health policy is questioned.
The effect of once daily omeprazole and succinic acid (VECAM) vs once daily omeprazole on 24‐h intragastric pH
Authors: Chowers Y. , Atarot T. , Pratha V. S. , Fass R. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  Parietal cell H+/K+ATPase activation is essential for optimal proton pump inhibitor (PPI) activity. Succinic acid (SA) was shown to induce gastric acid secretion. VECAM is a combination of omeprazole (OMP) and SA. To compare the effect of once daily bedtime dosing of VECAM 40 and VECAM 20 without food vs OMP 20 mg administered before breakfast on gastric acidity.Methods  Open label, randomized, crossover study enrolling 36 healthy subjects comparing the study treatments at steady state for 24 h intragastric pH monitoring.Key Results  The median percent time intragastric pH > 4 demonstrated that VECAM 40 was superior to VECAM 20 (65.7%vs 49.1%P < 0.0001) and OMP 20 mg (65.7%vs 47.6%P = 0.005) during 24 h. VECAM 40 was superior to VECAM 20 (52.8%vs 38.8%P = 0.0079) and OMP 20 mg (52.8%vs 27.2%P < 0.0001), and VECAM 20 was superior to OMP 20 mg (38.8 vs 27.2 P = 0.0069) during the nighttime. VECAM 20 and OMP 20 mg were comparable during 24 h.Conclusions & Inferences  VECAM 40 and VECAM 20 were significantly better in maintaining intragastric pH > 4 during the nighttime than OMP 20 mg. Succinic acid eliminates the need for a subsequent meal for intragastric pH control by VECAM.
Organ‐specific responses of tomato growth and phenolic metabolism to nitrate limitation
Authors: Larbat R. , Le Bot J. , Bourgaud F. , Robin C. , Adamowicz S. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPhenolic compounds are secondary metabolites involved in plant innate chemical defence against pests and diseases. Their concentration varies depending on plant tissue and also on genetic and environmental factors, e.g. availability of nutrient resources. This study examines specific effects of low (LN) and high (HN) nitrogen supply on organ (root, stem and leaf) growth and accumulation of major phenolics [chlorogenic acid (CGA); rutin; kaempferol rutinoside (KR)] in nine hydroponically grown tomato cultivars. LN limited shoot growth but did not affect root growth, and increased concentrations of each individual phenolic in all organs. The strength of the response was organ‐dependent, roots being more responsive than leaves and stems. Significant differences were observed between genotypes. Nitrogen limitation did not change the phenolic content in shoots, whereas it stimulated accumulation in roots. The results show that this trade‐off between growth and defence in a LN environment can be discussed within the framework of the growth–differentiation balance hypothesis (i.e. GDBH), but highlight the need to integrate all plant organs in future modelling approaches regarding the impact of nitrogen limitation on primary and secondary metabolism.
Cell‐free antigens of Sporothrix brasiliensis: antigenic diversity and application in an immunoblot assay
Authors: Almeida‐Paes Rodrigo , Bailão Alexandre Melo , Pizzini Cláudia Vera , Reis Rosani Santos , de Almeida Soares Célia Maria , Peralta José Mauro , Gutierrez‐Galhardo Maria Clara , Zancopé‐Oliveira Rosely Maria 
Published: February 2012

SummarySporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis diagnosed by isolation of the fungus in culture. Serological tests for help in diagnosis in general do not use purified or recombinant antigens, because there is a paucity of described immunoreactive proteins, especially for the new described Sporothrix species, such as Sporothrix brasiliensis. This study aims to characterise antigens from S. brasiliensis and verify their application in serodiagnosis of sporotrichosis. An immunoblot assay allied with computer‐based analysis was used to identify putative antigenic molecules in a cell‐free extracts of both morphological phases of this fungus, and to delineate antigenic polymorphism among seven S. brasiliensis isolates and one S. schenckii Brazilian strain. The mycelial and yeast phase of the fungus originated 14 and 23 reactive bands, respectively, which were variable in intensity. An 85 kDa antigen, verified in the yeast phase of the fungus, was observed in all strains used and the immunodominant protein was identified. This protein, however, cross‐react with serum samples from patients infected with other pathogens. The results show that the S. brasiliensis cell‐free antigen extract is a single and inexpensive source of antigens, and can be applied on the sporotrichosis serodiagnosis.
Bone marrow stem cells‐derived microvesicles protect against renal injury in the mouse remnant kidney model
Authors: HE JUAN , WANG YAN , SUN SHU , YU MEINING , WANG CUIYU , PEI XIAOHUA , ZHU BEI , WU JIANQING , ZHAO WEIHONG 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTAims:  Several studies have demonstrated administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) could reverse kidney injury by paracrine mechanisms rather than by MSC transdifferentiation. Recently, a few researchers found microvesicles (MV) derived from MSC might be a paracrine mechanism for cell‐to‐cell communication. The aim of this study was to investigate the repair effects of MV in a 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy (Nx) mice model.Methods:  The animals were randomly divided into four groups: Control, Nx, Nx + MSC and Nx + MV group. MSC were injected (1 × 106/mouse) through caudal vein in Nx + MSC group at the second day after the surgery and MV were injected (30 µg/mouse) through caudal vein in Nx + MV group on alternate days. Mice were killed on day 7 after the first time of administration. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), uric acid (UA) and proteinuria were evaluated. Histopathology of kidney was analysed.Results:  In Nx mice, the levels of Scr, UA and proteinuria were significantly decreased with administration of MV and MSC (P < 0.05). The remnant kidneys of MV and MSC‐treated Nx mice showed less fibrosis, interstitial lymphocyte infiltrates and less or absent tubular atrophy compared with the untreated Nx group. The Histological Score of Kidney in untreated mice was 3.13 ± 0.74, while in the MSC‐treated group it was 1.67 ± 0.47 and in the MV‐treated group it was 1.80 ± 0.44, nearly preserving normal morphology of the kidney (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  This study showed MV protects against renal injury induced by 5/6 Nx, which could mimic the role of MSC in kidney repair. The research showed a newly potential therapeutic approach to kidney diseases.
Relationships between exploratory eye movement dysfunction and clinical symptoms in schizophrenia
Authors: Suzuki Masahiro , Takahashi Sakae , Matsushima Eisuke , Tsunoda Masahiko , Kurachi Masayoshi , Okada Takashi , Hayashi Takuji , Ishii Yohei , Morita Kiichiro , Maeda Hisao , Katayama Seiji , Otsuka Tatsui , Hirayasu Yoshio , Sekine Mizuho , Okubo Yoshiro , Motoshita Mai , Ohta Katsuya , Uchiyama Makoto , Kojima Takuya 
Published: February 2012

Aim:  Many psychophysiological tests have been widely researched in the search for a biological marker of schizophrenia. The exploratory eye movement (EEM) test involves the monitoring of eye movements while subjects freely view geometric figures. Suzuki et al. (2009) performed discriminant analysis between schizophrenia and non‐schizophrenia subjects using EEM test data; consequently, clinically diagnosed schizophrenia patients were identified as having schizophrenia with high probability (73.3%). The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics of schizophrenia patients who were identified as having schizophrenia on EEM discriminant analysis (SPDSE) or schizophrenia patients who were identified as not having schizophrenia on EEM discriminant analysis (SPDNSE).Methods:  The data for the 251 schizophrenia subjects used in the previous discriminant‐analytic study were analyzed, and the demographic or symptomatic characteristics of SPDSE and SPDNSE were investigated. As for the symptomatic features, a factor analysis of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) rating from the schizophrenia subjects was carried out.Results:  Five factors were found for schizophrenia symptoms: excitement/hostility; negative symptoms; depression/anxiety; positive symptoms; and disorganization. SPDSE had significantly higher factor scores for excitement/hostility, negative symptoms and disorganization than SPDNSE. Furthermore, the BPRS total score for the SPDSE was significantly higher than that for the SPDNSE.Conclusion:  SPDSE may be a disease subtype of schizophrenia with severe symptoms related to excitement/hostility, negative symptoms and disorganization, and EEM parameters may detect this subtype. Therefore, the EEM test may be one of the contributors to the simplification of the heterogeneity of schizophrenia.
First report of idiopathic segmental ureteritis successfully treated by steroid therapy
Authors: Atsuta Takeshi , Shimizu Yosuke , Masuda Norihiko , Watanabe Jun , Sumiyoshi Shinji , Yoshimura Koji , Kanematsu Akihiro , Ogawa Osamu 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe report a case of bilateral idiopathic segmental ureteritis in a 52‐year‐old woman. The diagnosis was established by imaging studies (magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography scan), ureteroscopy and biopsies. The left side improved spontaneously, but the right ureteral stricture persisted after 3 months of ureteral stenting. Administration of prednisolone effectively relieved obstruction on the right side after 4 months. This is the first report of idiopathic segmental ureteritis successfully treated by steroid therapy, without invasive open procedures.
Diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis using fine needle aspiration biopsy
Authors: Knox J. , Lane G. , Wong J. S. J. , Trevan P. G. , Karunajeewa H. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:  Tuberculous lymphadenitis is the commonest form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, the optimal approach to diagnosis, employing biopsy by either fine needle aspiration (FNA) or surgical excision, remains uncertain.Aims:  To evaluate the diagnostic value of biopsy using each of the component diagnostic modalities of FNA (microscopy, cytology and culture), and compare these with excision biopsy in the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis in a predominantly migrant population in Melbourne.Methods:  A retrospective examination of tuberculous lymphadenitis cases presenting to Western Health over 12 years was conducted. Using a reference method of positive culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the diagnostic sensitivities of each modality employed in FNA were determined.Results:  Forty‐two subjects having FNA and 30 having excision biopsy as the initial investigation were compared. Among specimens obtained by FNA, sensitivity of microscopy was 18% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5–40%) and sensitivity of cytology was 38% (95% CI: 20–59%). For specimens obtained by excision biopsies, sensitivities for microscopy and histology were 17% (95% CI: 2–32%) and 96% (95% CI: 88–100%) respectively. Sensitivity of culture performed on FNA specimens was 86% (95% CI: 65–97%).Conclusions:  Given the relatively high sensitivity of mycobacterial cultures from FNA, this study supports its routine use as the initial investigation in most patients with suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis. Microscopy and cytology add relatively little to the clinical utility of FNA.