bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of IGF‐IR tyrosine kinase induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in imatinib‐resistant chronic myeloid leukaemia cells
Authors: Shi Ping , Chandra Joya , Sun Xiaoping , Gergely Mate , Cortes Jorge E. , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Arlinghaus Ralph B. , Lai Raymond , Amin Hesham M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAlthough signalling through the type I insulin‐like growth factor receptor (IGF‐IR) maintains the survival of haematopoietic cells, a specific role of IGF‐IR in haematological neoplasms remains largely unknown. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is the most common subtype of chronic myeloproliferative diseases. Typically, CML evolves as a chronic phase (CP) disease that progresses into accelerated (AP) and blast phase (BP) stages. In this study, we show that IGF‐IR is universally expressed in four CML cell lines. IGF‐IR was expressed in only 30% and 25% of CP and AP patients, respectively, but its frequency of expression increased to 73% of BP patients. Increased expression levels of IGF‐IR with CML progression was supported by quantitative real‐time PCR that demonstrated significantly higher levels of IGF‐IR mRNA in BP patients. Inhibition of IGF‐IR decreased the viability and proliferation of CML cell lines and abrogated their growth in soft agar. Importantly, inhibition of IGF‐IR decreased the viability of cells resistant to imatinib mesylate including BaF3 cells transfected with p210 BCR‐ABL mutants, CML cell lines and primary neoplastic cells from patients. The negative effects of inhibition of IGF‐IR were attributable to apoptosis and cell cycle arrest due to alterations of downstream target proteins. Our findings suggest that IGF‐IR could represent a potential molecular target particularly for advanced stage or imatinib‐resistant cases.
Functional meals: technological, practical and consumer perspectives
Authors: Rodgers Svetlana 
Published: June 2009

AbstractServing functional (health‐improving) meals in restaurants is a novel concept that requires complex product development to optimise taste and texture and minimise the impact of preparation on nutritional functionality. This can be facilitated through the latest technological advances such as the wide range of novel ingredients, equipment and preparation techniques including developments in molecular gastronomy. From a business perspective, functional meals present an opportunity for differentiation; from a consumer perspective, it offers an alternative to highly processed industrial functional foods such as those found on supermarket shelves. Technological complexity and legislative requirements are the main obstacles for future developments.
Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Lysine Racemase from a Soil Metagenomic Library
Authors: Chen I-Chien , Lin Wei-De , Hsu Shin-Kuang , Thiruvengadam Venkatesan , Hsu Wen-Hwei 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

A lysine racemase (
lyr
) gene was isolated from a soil metagenome by functional complementation for the first time by using
Escherichia coli
BCRC 51734 cells as the host and
d
-lysine as the selection agent. The
lyr
gene consisted of a 1,182-bp nucleotide sequence encoding a protein of 393 amino acids with a molecular mass of about 42.7 kDa. The enzyme exhibited higher specific activity toward lysine in the
l
-lysine-to-
d
-lysine direction than in the reverse reaction.
Modulation of Involuntary Movements in Cerebral Palsy with Acupuncture
Authors: Watson Paul 
Published: June 2009

This case describes the treatment of severe involuntary movements in a 10-year-old boy suffering from cerebral palsy. Needling GB34 and ST36 bilaterally for 25 minutes resulted in immediate temporary cessation of involuntary extension contractions of the erector spinae muscles for the duration of the treatment, resulting in increased functionality in the patient. This response occurred regularly on repeated treatment, but was not maintained between treatments. Involuntary movements are a major disabling feature of cerebral palsy, which impair quality of life and often prove difficult to treat successfully. This case is reported with the hope that this simple technique may provide relief for other patients suffering similar symptoms.
Treatment of lupus skin involvement with quinacrine and hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Cavazzana I , Sala R , Bazzani C , Ceribelli A , Zane C , Cattaneo R , Tincani A , Calzavara-Pinton PG , Franceschini F 
Published: June 2009

To evaluate the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and quinacrine (Qn) association, at two different dosages, in treatment of lupus skin lesions not responding to HCQ alone. Thirty-four patients, affected by cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus, were retrospectively analysed. They were treated by HCQ (5 mg/Kg/qd) and Qn with two regimens: 100 mg/qd (29 cases) and 50 mg/qd (5 cases). Discoid lupus erythematosus (19 cases), acute malar rash (6 cases), chilblain lupus (4 cases) showed a significant improvement with combination therapy ( P = 0.009, P = 0.019, and P = 0.04, respectively). Ten patients with subacute cutaneous lupus showed a partial response, whereas lupus profundus didn’t improve. The same overall response rate was recorded comparing two Qn regimens, but subjects taking 100 mg/qd improved more rapidly than the others ( P = 0.001). Ten patients developed side effects, mainly represented by skin yellowish discolouration. Depression and severe headache with nausea, which were globally recorded in two cases, led to drug withdrawal. One additional case of hepatitis was recorded in a patient with preexisting Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Combination of HCQ and Qn is rapidly effective at 100 mg/qd and well tolerated in the treatment of lupus skin lesions unresponsive to HCQ alone.
Efficacy and safety of infliximab in active SLE: a pilot study
Authors: Uppal SS , Hayat SJ , Raghupathy R 
Published: June 2009

Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) plays a major role in propagating the inflammatory processes responsible for tissue damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is overexpressed both systemically and locally in this disease. Hence, this pilot study was carried out to assess the safety and efficacy of TNF blockade in patients with active SLE. A total of 46 individuals (27 patients with active SLE and 19 healthy control volunteers) were the subjects of this study. Nine patients with SLE were allocated to treatment arm and 18 were allocated to control arm. In addition to conventional treatment, treatment arm received infliximab infusions 3 mg/kg body weight at 0, 2, 6 weeks and then q 8 weeks for a total of 24 weeks, that is, a total of five doses. Patients were closely monitored for infection. Clinical, laboratory and treatment data were entered into a pre-designed proforma. Health status (SF-36), patient global assessment (PGA) of disease activity, disease activity scores by SLEDAI and organ damage by SLICC/ACR-DI (American College Rheumatology) were measured at baseline and end of the study. Relevant immunological studies included serum levels of TNF-α and soluble TNF receptors-1 (p55 srTNF-α) and -2 (p75 srTNF-α), C3 and C4 complement levels, anti-dsDNA antibody titres (IgM, IgG and IgA isotypes), anti-cardiolipin titres (IgM, IgG and IgA isotypes) and anti-β2GPI (Glycoprotein I) antibody titres (IgM, IgG and IgA isotypes). Four patients from treatment arm dropped out due to infliximab infusion reaction and 12 patients dropped out from the control arm. The treatment group showed significantly greater improvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Improvements in several SF-36 subscales, PGA and VAS-Fatigue (Visual Analogue Scale) were also greater in the treatment group but did not achieve statistical significance. The mean levels of TNF-α, soluble TNF receptors-1 (p55 srTNF-α) and -2 (p75 srTNF-α) were higher in the SLE group compared with the healthy controls but did not change significantly over the study period. We did not face any safety issues with infliximab in this study. In view of improvement in several SLE parameters and good safety profile of infliximab, anti-TNF-α therapy is an interesting candidate approach for treating SLE.
The detecting and clinical value of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Qing Y-F , Zhang Q-B , Zhou J-G , Yuan G-H , Wei J , Xing Y , Liu J-P , Jiang L , Chen J-P 
Published: June 2009

The aim of this article is to compare the prevalence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with and without arthritis and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Anti-CCP antibodies were measured using ELISA in 159 SLE patients with arthritis (12 patients with erosive arthritis), 108 SLE patients without arthritis, 76 RA patients, and 87 healthy subjects (controls). The following had anti-CCP antibodies above the cut-off level (5 U/ml): 27.3% of SLE patients, 42.1% SLE patients with arthritis, 5.6% SLE patients without arthritis, 85.5% RA patients and 1.1% controls. The mean titre of anti-CCP antibodies in the SLE group was much lower than that in the RA group (33 ± 72 vs. 160 ± 125 U/ml), but higher in SLE patients with erosive arthritis than those with non-erosive arthritis (221 ± 88 vs. 32 ± 42 U/ml). Hand poly-arthritis occurred more frequently in anti-CCP-positive SLE patients with erosive arthritis than those with non-erosive arthritis. Anti-CCP antibodies were prevalent in some SLE patients, more prevalent in SLE patients with arthritis than those without arthritis. Anti-CCP-positive SLE patients were more likely associated with hand poly-arthritis, and high titre of anti-CCP antibodies might be used as a predictor for the complication of erosive arthritis.
Angiogenic activity in sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Sakly N , Mirshahi P , Ducros E , Soria J , Ghedira I , Mirshahi M 
Published: June 2009

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of several connective tissue diseases. There is, however, relatively little information available on the role of angiogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to investigate the angiogenic activity in sera of patients with SLE and to determine the association between angiogenic activity and clinical complications. Sera from 66 Tunisian females with SLE and from 32 healthy blood donors were studied for their angiogenic activity using the in-vitro tube formation test on Matrigel. Samples were divided into five groups according to their angiogenic activity, which was scored from 0 (no angiogenesis) to 4 (high angiogenic activity). Samples from each group were then tested randomly to assess serum concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). No correlation was found between angiogenic activity scores and serum VEGF levels. Considering angiogenesis assessment in-vitro, sera of patients with SLE showed a much higher angiogenic activity than healthy controls since a high angiogenic score (score 4) is present in 43.9% of patients and in 6.3% of controls ( P < 0.0002). This high angiogenic activity is not correlated with disease activity; however, SLE patients with anti-dsDNA antibodies and those with nephritis showed higher angiogenic activity compared with patients without these complications since score 4 is found in 50.9% and 67.9% versus 9.1% ( P = 0.017) and 26.3% ( P < 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, our study showed that high serum angiogenic activity in SLE was not correlated with the VEGF levels. We suggest the use of the ‘in-vitro’ tube formation test as a better tool to study the angiogenic potential of sera. We found that in patients with SLE, serum angiogenic activity is increased compared with healthy controls. This high angiogenic activity is associated with renal complications and with the presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies. These findings suggest an involvement of angiogenesis disturbance in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Perindopril decreases P wave dispersion in patients with stage 1 hypertension
Authors: Ozben Beste , Sumerkan Mutlu , Tanrikulu Azra Meryem , Papila-Topal Nurdan , Fak Ali Serdar , Toprak Ahmet 
Published: June 2009

Introduction. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors prevent atrial fibrillation episodes by effective control of blood pressure and improving electrical and structural remodelling in the atria. Increased P wave dispersion (PWD) is a non-invasive electrocardiographic marker for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of perindopril treatment on PWD in hypertensive patients. Methods. Forty-eight hypertensive patients (mean age 57.4±11.8 years, 18 men) were included. Blood pressure values were determined and 12-lead electrocardiograms were recorded at the beginning and at the first week, first month, third month and sixth month of the perindopril treatment.The difference between maximum and minimum P wave durations was calculated as PWD. Results. PWDs were significantly shortened at the first, third and sixth months (41.7±8.8 ms, 39.1±6.9 ms and 38.3±7.1 ms, respectively) compared with baseline and first-week measurements (54.3±9.2 ms and 49.0±9.1 ms, respectively, p<0.001). Baseline PWD was correlated with body mass index (r=0.32, p=0.026), while PWD at the sixth month of treatment was significantly correlated with left atrial volume index (r=0.30, p=0.042). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that PWD at the sixth month was related to baseline PWD (p=0.001). Conclusion. Perindopril treatment significantly reduced PWD in hypertensive patients.
Effects of enalapril or nifedipine on muscle strength or functional capacity in elderly subjects. A double blind trial
Authors: Bunout Daniel , Barrera Gladys , de la Maza María Pía , Leiva Laura , Backhouse Claudia , Hirsch Sandra 
Published: June 2009

Introduction. The inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme could be useful to avoid sarcopenia in the elderly. Materials and methods. We compared in a prospective double blind trial, the effects of treatment with enalapril or nifedipine on muscle performance in hypertensive elderly subjects. Patients were followed for nine months, and at baseline, 4.5 months and the end of follow-up, quadriceps and hand grip muscle strength, walking capacity, timed up and go and the short physical performance test were measured. Results. During follow-up, more subjects on nifedipine than on enalapril discontinued the medication due to side-effects. No differences in the evolution of muscle strength, walking capacity or functional measures were observed. At nine months, plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme activity decreased by 6.0±2.5 U/L among patients on enalapril and increased by 8.5±4.2 U/L (p<0.001) among patients on nifedipine. Conclusion. In this group of elderly subjects, enalapril was not superior to nifedipine with regard to the age-related decline of muscle performance.
Effective suppression of Dengue fever virus in mosquito cell cultures using retroviral transduction of hammerhead ribozymes targeting the viral genome
Authors: Nawtaisong Pruksa , Keith James , Fraser Tresa , Balaraman Velmurugan , Kolokoltsov Andrey , Davey Robert A , Higgs Stephen , Mohammed Ahmed , Rongsriyam Yupha , Komalamisra Narumon , Fraser Malcolm J 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Outbreaks of Dengue impose a heavy economic burden on developing countries in terms of vector control and human morbidity. Effective vaccines against all four serotypes of Dengue are in development, but population replacement with transgenic vectors unable to transmit the virus might ultimately prove to be an effective approach to disease suppression, or even eradication. A key element of the refractory transgenic vector approach is the development of transgenes that effectively prohibit viral transmission. In this report we test the effectiveness of several hammerhead ribozymes for suppressing DENV in lentivirus-transduced mosquito cells in an attempt to mimic the transgenic use of these effector molecules in mosquitoes. A lentivirus vector that expresses these ribozymes as a fusion RNA molecule using an Ae. aegypti tRNAval promoter and terminating with a 60A tail insures optimal expression, localization, and activity of the hammerhead ribozyme against the DENV genome. Among the 14 hammerhead ribozymes we designed to attack the DENV-2 NGC genome, several appear to be relatively effective in reducing virus production from transduced cells by as much as 2 logs. Among the sequences targeted are 10 that are conserved among all DENV serotype 2 strains. Our results confirm that hammerhead ribozymes can be effective in suppressing DENV in a transgenic approach, and provide an alternative or supplementary approach to proposed siRNA strategies for DENV suppression in transgenic mosquitoes.
Dissembled DJ-1 high molecular weight complex in cortex mitochondria from Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Nural Hikmet , He Ping , Beach Thomas , Sue Lucia , Xia Weiming , Shen Yong 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The PARK7 gene encodes a protein, DJ-1, with several functions such as protection of cells from oxidative stress, sperm maturation and fertilization, and chaperone activity. Mutations in the PARK7 gene are associated with autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson's disease (PD). DJ-1 has been reported to be expressed in multiple cells in the central nerve system. Here, by using both native and denatured Western blots, we examined levels of total DJ-1 and high molecular weight complexes of DJ-1 (HMW) in both the substantia nigra and cortex from rapidly autopsied 18 PD and 9 non-pathological control (NPC) brains. We have discovered that the level of total DJ-1 protein is significantly reduced in the substantia nigra in brains of sporadic PD patients. Moreover, in the PD cortex mitochondria fraction, the HMW DJ-1 complex is significantly lower than in the NPC. These results suggest abnormal DJ-1 expression levels and DJ-1 complex changes may contribute to PD pathogenesis.
Lemierre's syndrome resulting from streptococcal induced otitis media and mastoiditis: a case report
Authors: Harris Che M , Johnikin Micean , Rhodes Hope , Fuller Theresa , Rana Sohail R , Nabhani Hasan , Hussain Dulara , Kurukumbi Mohan , Jayam-Trouth Annapurni , Gajjala Jhansi , Farhat Faria , Mody Vinod 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Lemierre's syndrome is an extremely rare and almost universally fatal disease characterized as thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular venous system with subsequent metastatic infection. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the most common organism implicated in causation of Lemierre's syndrome. Group A Streptococcus has mainly been observed as a polymicrobial organism in the syndrome. We report a rare finding of a rare disease where Group A Streptococcus was the sole organism triggering Lemierre's syndrome. To our knowledge, this is only the third recorded patient with such an occurrence.

Case presentation
We describe a 9-year-old African American boy, who presented with otitis media and mastoiditis that culminated in Lemierre's syndrome. Isolates bore only Group A Streptococcus. The patient was appropriately treated and responded with full recovery from the syndrome.

Conclusion
Since Lemierre's syndrome is classically detected by clinical diagnosis, these findings should prompt clinicians to consider Group A Streptococcus as an alternative catalyst. It should be pondered that patients who present with typical Group A streptococcal infections have the possibility for developing Lemierre's syndrome. Though this complication appears to be rare, early diagnosis and prompt intervention have proven critical in survival outcome. Indeed, what would seem to be a routine case of strep throat or otitis media easily treated with antibiotics could end up being an unalterable progression to death unless Lemierre's syndrome is immediately diagnosed and treated.
Paradoxical response during antituberculous therapy in a patient discontinuing infliximab: a case report
Authors: Yoon Young Kyung , Kim Jeong Yeon , Sohn Jang Wook , Kim Min Ja , Koo Ja Seol , Choi Jai Hyun , Park Dae Won 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Introduction
The use of the drug infliximab for the treatment of patients with Crohn's disease can be complicated by tuberculosis. A paradoxical reaction during antituberculosis chemotherapy and immunologic reconstitution after discontinuation of infliximab can result in severe disseminated tuberculosis.

Case presentation
A 38-year-old Korean man with severe Crohn's disease presented with fever and diffuse abdominal pain. Infliximab had been started 2 months before admission. A chest X-ray and abdominal computed tomography scan revealed numerous miliary nodules in both lung fields and microabscesses in the spleen. Given the diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis, the infliximab therapy was discontinued and antituberculosis therapy was promptly started. Over the next 3 months, the patient was diagnosed with tuberculosis lymphadenitis on a right supraclavicular lymph node and surgical excision of the lesion was performed. With the diagnosis of a paradoxical response, anti-tuberculous therapy was continued for 12 months.

Conclusion
Our case suggests that patients who develop tuberculosis after infliximab exposure are at an increased risk of developing a paradoxical reaction. The current recommendation of discontinuing infliximab during tuberculosis treatment should be re-evaluated.
Intravascular lymphoma presenting as a specific pulmonary embolism and acute respiratory failure: a case report
Authors: Georgin-Lavialle Sophie , Darmon Michael , Galicier Lionel , Fysekidis Marinos , Azoulay Elie 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Introduction
The occurrence of an intravascular lymphoma with severe pulmonary involvement mimicking pulmonary embolism is described.

Case presentation
A 38-year-old man was referred to our intensive care unit with acute respiratory failure and long lasting fever. Appropriate investigations failed to demonstrate any bacterial, viral, parasitic or mycobacterial infection. A chest computed tomography scan ruled out any proximal or sub-segmental pulmonary embolism but the ventilation/perfusion lung scan concluded that there was a high probability of pulmonary embolism. The cutaneous biopsy pathology diagnosed intravascular lymphoma.

Conclusion
Intravascular lymphoma is a rare disease characterized by exclusive or predominant growth of neoplastic cells within the lumina of small blood vessels. Lung involvement seems to be common, but predominant lung presentation of this disease is rare. In our patient, urgent chemotherapy, along with adequate supportive care allowed complete recovery.