bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects ofAgaricus brasiliensismushroom in Walker-256 tumor-bearing rats
Authors: Jumes Fernanda Menon Dias , Lugarini Daiana , Pereira Amanda Leite Bastos , de Oliveira Anabel , Christoff Adriana de Oliveira , Linde Giani Andrea , do Valle Juliana Silveira , Colauto Nelson Barros , Acco Alexandra 
Published: January 2010

Agaricus brasiliensis is a mushroom native to São Paulo State, Brazil, that is studied for its medicinal proprieties. This work aimed to investigate the antitumoral activity of A. brasiliensis extracts and pure powdered basidiocarp preparation using Walker-256 (W256) tumor-bearing rats, a model for cancer-related cachexia studies. The rats were treated for 14 days by gavage (136 mg/kg) and at the end of the experiment tumors were collected to calculate mass and volume. Blood was collected for determination of plasma glucose, albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Hepatic and tumor enzymes indicating oxidative stress were also evaluated. The results showed that all 4 treatments (pure powdered basidiocarp and aqueous, acid, and alkaline extracts) significantly reduced tumor size and promoted gain in body weight. Plasmatic analysis showed a reduction in AST level and increased glycemia in the treated rats. Pure basidiocarp preparations improved the liver catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, but did not change the glutathione S-transferase activity. The data collected from the W256 tumor-bearing rats revealed the beneficial effects of A. brasiliensis in tumor treatment, mainly related to cachexia. The benefits can be partly related to antioxidant activity and to reduction of weight loss and tumor growth.
The effect of metabolic rate on stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions in deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus
Authors: Smith J. J. , Millar J. S. , Longstaffe F. J. , Boonstra R. 
Published: January 2010

The stable isotopic compositions of nitrogen and carbon in animal tissues reflect diet. However, factors other than diet can also affect these stable isotope ratios, leading to misinterpretations of diet composition. To test the hypothesis that variation in metabolic rate alters the isotopic compositions of tissues, deer mice ( Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner, 1845)) were kept at three temperatures (thermoneutral (23 °C), cool (5 °C), and cold (–10 °C)) and fed ad libitum. The changes in carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of liver associated with the thermoneutral versus cool and cold conditions were very small in comparison with those arising from differences in diet. We conclude that temperature-induced variations in metabolic rate are insufficient to produce differences in the stable carbon or nitrogen isotope compositions that could be mistaken for changes in diet.
The role of multiple stressors in ranavirus-caused amphibian mortalities in Acadia National Park wetlands
Authors: Gahl M. K. , Calhoun A.J.K. 
Published: January 2010

Recent studies suggest that multiple sublethal stressors compromise amphibian immune systems and increase susceptibility to disease. We examined two aspects of multiple stressors and incidence of ranavirus-caused amphibian mortalities in free-living amphibian populations: (1) among-pond differences in physical, chemical, and biological stressors that may exacerbate mortality events, and (2) temporal changes in within-pond stressors that coincide with mortality events. At the among-pond scale, we used principal components analysis and logistic regression followed by Akaike’s information criterion (QAICc) to identify stressors associated with disease incidence. Of the stressors we investigated, aluminum, temperature, and conductivity were most correlated with outbreaks, but it was unclear whether they increased ranavirus-caused mortality events. Sublethal stressors were difficult to isolate in the field and few were significantly associated with ranavirus across all breeding ponds. Our results suggest that each wetland, because of varied physical, biological, and chemical settings, will have its own suite of stressors that sublethally affect amphibians.
Does body height reduction influence interpretation of lung function in COPD patients?
Authors: Kjensli A. , Ryg M. , Falch J.A. , Armbrecht G. , Diep L.M. , Eriksen E.F. , Ellingsen I. 
Published: January 2010

Vertebral deformities are prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and may cause excessive loss of height. As height is used for calculating reference values for pulmonary function tests, larger than normal height reduction could cause overestimation of lung function.
In this cross-sectional study of 465 COPD patients and 462 controls, we explored how often lung function is misinterpreted due to height reduction in COPD patients, and whether the number or severity of vertebral deformities correlate with height reduction.
Measured height was compared to recalled tallest height (RTH) and height calculated from arm span (ASH) to assess height reduction. Vertebral deformities were assessed from radiographs and pulmonary function was assessed using standard formulae.
Height reduction was frequent in both the study and control groups, and increased with the number and severity of vertebral deformities. When using current measured height, lung function was overestimated in a significant proportion of COPD patients at relatively modest height reductions. The effects were smallest for forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity, and most pronounced for total lung capacity and residual volume. Therefore, we propose that in COPD patients with excessive height reduction, one might use RTH or ASH in calculating predicted values. Furthermore, such patients should be evaluated for co-existing vertebral deformities and osteoporosis.
Normalization with genes encoding ribosomal proteins but not GAPDH provides an accurate quantification of gene expressions in neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells
Authors: Zhou Lihan , Lim Qing-En , Wan Guoqiang , Too Heng-Phon 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundGene regulation at transcript level can provide a good indication of the complex signaling mechanisms underlying physiological and pathological processes. Transcriptomic methods such as microarray and quantitative real-time PCR require stable reference genes for accurate normalization of gene expression. Some but not all studies have shown that housekeeping genes (HGKs), β-actin (ACTB) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), which are routinely used for normalization, may vary significantly depending on the cell/tissue type and experimental conditions. It is currently unclear if these genes are stably expressed in cells undergoing drastic morphological changes during neuronal differentiation. Recent meta-analysis of microarray datasets showed that some but not all of the ribosomal protein genes are stably expressed. To test the hypothesis that some ribosomal protein genes can serve as reference genes for neuronal differentiation, a genome-wide analysis was performed and putative reference genes were identified based on stability of expressions. The stabilities of these potential reference genes were then analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR in six differentiation conditions.ResultsTwenty stably expressed genes, including thirteen ribosomal protein genes, were selected from microarray analysis of the gene expression profiles of GDNF and NGF induced differentiation of PC12 cells. The expression levels of these candidate genes as well as ACTB and GAPDH were further analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR in PC12 cells differentiated with a variety of stimuli including NGF, GDNF, Forskolin, KCl and ROCK inhibitor, Y27632. The performances of these candidate genes as stable reference genes were evaluated with two independent statistical approaches, geNorm and NormFinder.ConclusionsThe ribosomal protein genes, RPL19 and RPL29, were identified as suitable reference genes during neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells, regardless of the type of differentiation conditions. The combination of these two novel reference genes, but not the commonly used HKG, GAPDH, allows robust and accurate normalization of differentially expressed genes during PC12 differentiation.
Follow-up of phase I trial of adalimumab and rosiglitazone in FSGS: III. Report of the FONT study group
Authors: Peyser Alexandra , MacHardy Nathaniel , Tarapore Freya , MacHardy Jacqueline , Powell Leslie , Gipson Debbie S , Savin Virginia , Pan Cynthia , Kump Theresa , Vento Suzanne , Trachtman Howard 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Patients with resistant primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are at high risk of progression to chronic kidney disease stage V. Antifibrotic agents may slow or halt this process. We present outcomes of follow-up after a Phase I trial of adalimumab and rosiglitazone, antifibrotic drugs tested in the Novel Therapies in Resistant FSGS (FONT) study.

Methods
21 patients -- 12 males and 9 females, age 16.0 ± 7.5 yr, and estimated GFR (GFRe) 121 ± 56 mL/min/1.73 m2 -- received adalimumab (n = 10), 24 mg/m2 every 14 days or rosiglitazone (n = 11), 3 mg/m2 per day for 16 weeks. The change in GFRe per month prior to entry and after completion of the Phase I trial was compared.

Results
19 patients completed the 16-week FONT treatment phase. The observation period pre-FONT was 18.3 ± 10.2 months and 16.1 ± 5.7 months after the study. A similar percentage of patients, 71% and 56%, in the rosiglitazone and adalimumab cohorts, respectively, had stabilization in GFRe, defined as a reduced negative slope of the line plotting GFRe versus time without requiring renal replacement therapy after completion of the FONT treatment period (P = 0.63).

Conclusion
Nearly 50% of patients with resistant FSGS who receive novel antifibrotic agents may have a legacy effect with delayed deterioration in kidney function after completion of therapy. Based on this proof-of-concept preliminary study, we recommend long-term follow-up of patients enrolled in clinical trials to ascertain a more comprehensive assessment of the efficacy of experimental treatments.
Improving the clinical assessment of consciousness with advances in electrophysiological and neuroimaging techniques
Authors: Gawryluk Jodie R , D'Arcy Ryan CN , Connolly John F , Weaver Donald F 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
In clinical neurology, a comprehensive understanding of consciousness has been regarded as an abstract concept - best left to philosophers. However, times are changing and the need to clinically assess consciousness is increasingly becoming a real-world, practical challenge. Current methods for evaluating altered levels of consciousness are highly reliant on either behavioural measures or anatomical imaging. While these methods have some utility, estimates of misdiagnosis are worrisome (as high as 43%) - clearly this is a major clinical problem. The solution must involve objective, physiologically based measures that do not rely on behaviour. This paper reviews recent advances in physiologically based measures that enable better evaluation of consciousness states (coma, vegetative state, minimally conscious state, and locked in syndrome). Based on the evidence to-date, electroencephalographic and neuroimaging based assessments of consciousness provide valuable information for evaluation of residual function, formation of differential diagnoses, and estimation of prognosis.
Simultaneous CXCL12 and ESR1 CpG island hypermethylation correlates with poor prognosis in sporadic breast cancer
Authors: Ramos Edneia AS , Camargo Anamaria A , Braun Karin , Slowik Renata , Cavalli Iglenir J , Ribeiro Enilze MSF , Pedrosa Fábio de O , de Souza Emanuel M , Costa Fabrício F , Klassen Giseli 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
CXCL12 is a chemokine that is constitutively expressed in many organs and tissues. CXCL12 promoter hypermethylation has been detected in primary breast tumours and contributes to their metastatic potential. It has been shown that the oestrogen receptor α (ESR1) gene can also be silenced by DNA methylation. In this study, we used methylation-specific PCR (MSP) to analyse the methylation status in two regions of the CXCL12 promoter and ESR1 in tumour cell lines and in primary breast tumour samples, and correlated our results with clinicopathological data.

Methods
First, we analysed CXCL12 expression in breast tumour cell lines by RT-PCR. We also used 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-CdR) treatment and DNA bisulphite sequencing to study the promoter methylation for a specific region of CXCL12 in breast tumour cell lines. We evaluated CXCL12 and ESR1 methylation in primary tumour samples by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Finally, promoter hypermethylation of these genes was analysed using Fisher's exact test and correlated with clinicopathological data using the Chi square test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis.

Results

CXCL12 promoter hypermethylation in the first region (island 2) and second region (island 4) was correlated with lack of expression of the gene in tumour cell lines. In the primary tumours, island 2 was hypermethylated in 14.5% of the samples and island 4 was hypermethylated in 54% of the samples. The ESR1 promoter was hypermethylated in 41% of breast tumour samples. In addition, the levels of ERα protein expression diminished with increased frequency of ESR1 methylation (p < 0.0001). This study also demonstrated that CXCL12 island 4 and ESR1 methylation occur simultaneously at a high frequency (p = 0.0220).

Conclusions
This is the first study showing a simultaneous involvement of epigenetic regulation for both CXCL12 and ESR1 genes in Brazilian women. The methylation status of both genes was significantly correlated with histologically advanced disease, the presence of metastases and death. Therefore, the methylation pattern of these genes could be used as a molecular marker for the prediction of breast cancer outcome.
Proteomic analysis of prolactinoma cells by immuno-laser capture microdissection combined with online two-dimensional nano-scale liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Yingchao , Wu Jinsong , Yan Guoquan , Hou Ruiping , Zhuang Dongxiao , Chen Luping , Pang Qi , Zhu Jianhong 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Pituitary adenomas, the third most common intracranial tumor, comprise nearly 16.7% of intracranial neoplasm and 25%-44% of pituitary adenomas are prolactinomas. Prolactinoma represents a complex heterogeneous mixture of cells including prolactin (PRL), endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and other stromal cells, making it difficult to dissect the molecular and cellular mechanisms of prolactin cells in pituitary tumorigenesis through high-throughout-omics analysis. Our newly developed immuno-laser capture microdissection (LCM) method would permit rapid and reliable procurement of prolactin cells from this heterogeneous tissue. Thus, prolactin cell specific molecular events involved in pituitary tumorigenesis and cell signaling can be approached by proteomic analysis.

Results
Proteins from immuno-LCM captured prolactin cells were digested; resulting peptides were separated by two dimensional-nanoscale liquid chromatography (2D-nanoLC/MS) and characterized by tandem mass spectrometry. All MS/MS spectrums were analyzed by SEQUEST against the human International Protein Index database and a specific prolactinoma proteome consisting of 2243 proteins was identified. This collection of identified proteins by far represents the largest and the most comprehensive database of proteome for prolactinoma. Category analysis of the proteome revealed a widely unbiased access to various proteins with diverse functional characteristics.

Conclusions
This manuscript described a more comprehensive proteomic profile of prolactinomas compared to other previous published reports. Thanks to the application of immuno-LCM combined with online two-dimensional nano-scale liquid chromatography here permitted identification of more proteins and, to our best knowledge, generated the largest prolactinoma proteome. This enlarged proteome would contribute significantly to further understanding of prolactinoma tumorigenesis which is crucial to the management of prolactinomas.
Gas-permeable ethylene bags for the small scale cultivation of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 and other viruses in embryonated chicken eggs
Authors: Hamilton Sara B , Daniels Deirdre E , Sosna William A , Jeppesen Eric R , Owells Julie M , Halpern Micah D , McCurdy Kimberly S , Rayner Jonathan O , Lednicky John A 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundEmbryonated chicken eggs (ECE) are sometimes used for the primary isolation or passage of influenza viruses, other viruses, and certain bacteria. For small-scale experiments with pathogens that must be studied in biosafety level three (BSL3) facilities, inoculated ECE are sometimes manipulated and maintained in small egg incubators within a biosafety cabinet (BSC). To simplify the clean up and decontamination of an egg incubator in case of egg breakage, we explored whether ethylene breather bags could be used to encase ECE inoculated with pathogens. This concept was tested by determining embryo survival and examining virus yields in bagged ECE.ResultsVirus yields acceptable for many applications were attained when influenza-, alpha-, flavi-, canine distemper-, and mousepox viruses were propagated in ECE sealed within ethylene breather bags.ConclusionsFor many small-scale applications, ethylene breather bags can be used to encase ECE inoculated with various viruses.
Structural abnormalities in gyri of the prefrontal cortex in
individuals with schizophrenia and their unaffected siblings
Authors: Harms Michael P. , Wang Lei , Campanella Carolina , Aldridge Kristina , Moffitt Amanda J. , Kuelper John , Ratnanather J. Tilak , Miller Michael I. , Barch Deanna M. , Csernansky John G. 
Published: January 2010

BackgroundThe relatives of individuals with schizophrenia exhibit deficits of
overall frontal lobe volume, consistent with a genetic contribution to
these deficits.AimsTo quantify the structure of gyral-defined subregions of prefrontal
cortex in individuals with schizophrenia and their siblings.MethodGrey matter volume, cortical thickness, and surface area of the superior,
middle and inferior frontal gyri were measured in participants with
schizophrenia and their unaffected (non-psychotic) siblings
(n = 26 pairs), and controls and their siblings
(n = 40 pairs).ResultsGrey matter volume was reduced in the middle and inferior frontal gyri of
individuals with schizophrenia, relative to controls. However, only
inferior frontal gyrus volume was also reduced in the unaffected siblings
of those with schizophrenia, yielding a volume intermediate between their
affected siblings and controls.ConclusionsThe structure of subregions of the prefrontal cortex may be
differentially influenced by genetic factors in schizophrenia, with
inferior frontal gyrus volume being most related to familial risk.
Antipsychotic polypharmacy: review of mechanisms, mortality and management
Authors: Langan Julie , Shajahan Polash 
Published: January 2010

SummaryAntipsychotic polypharmacy is an increasingly encountered clinical scenario. This review considers the reasons behind antipsychotic polypharmacy and the patterns of its use. We also consider the evidence of effectiveness of combined therapyv.monotherapy and the rationale behind the potentially beneficial combinations that are used. The potential dangers of antipsychotic polypharmacy are also discussed and the limited research regarding switching from polypharmacy to monotherapy is reviewed. Some provisional recommendations regarding antipsychotic polypharmacy are proposed.
Pulmonary metastasectomy in colorectal cancer: a systematic review and quantitative synthesis
Authors: Fiorentino Francesca , Hunt Ian , Teoh Kristine , Treasure Tom , Utley Martin 
Published: January 2010

Summary Objectives Surgical removal of pulmonary metastases from colorectal cancer is undertaken increasingly but the practice is variable. There have been no randomized trials of effectiveness. We needed evidence from a systematic review to plan a randomized controlled trial. Design A formal search for all studies concerning the practice of pulmonary metastasectomy was undertaken including all published articles using pre-specified keywords. Abstracts were screened, reviewed and data extracted by at least two of the authors. Information across studies was collated in a quantitative synthesis. Results Of 101 articles identified, 51 contained sufficient quantitative information to be included in the synthesis. The reports were published between 1971 and 2007, and reported on 3504 patients. There was little change over time in patient characteristics such as age, sex, the time elapsed since resection of the primary cancer, its site or stage. The proportion with multiple metastases or elevated carcinoma embryonic antigen (CEA) did not change over time but there was an apparent increase in the proportion of patients who also had hepatic metastasectomy. Differences in 5-year survival between groups defined by CEA or by single versus multiple metastases persisted over time. Few data were available concerning postoperative morbidity, postoperative lung function or change in symptoms. Conclusion The quality of evidence available concerning pulmonary metastasectomy in colorectal cancer is not sufficient to draw inferences concerning the effectiveness of this surgery. There is great variety in what was reported and its utility. Given the burdensome nature of the surgery involved, better evidence, ideally in the form of a randomized trial, is required for the continuance of this practice.
Achievement differences and self‐concept differences: Stronger associations for above or below average students?
Authors: Möller Jens. , Pohlmann Britta. 
Published: January 2010

BackgroundOn the one hand, achievement indicators like grades or standardized test results are strongly associated with students' domain‐specific self‐concepts. On the other hand, self‐evaluation processes seem to be triggered by a self‐enhancing means of information processing. As a consequence, above average students have more positive self‐concepts than average students whereas below average students have lower self‐concepts than average students.AimsImagine that two students, one above average, the other below average, have identical achievement differences to an average student. Will their self‐concepts also share identical differences with the average students' self‐concept? Our hypothesis is that students who achieve above average develop self‐concepts that are more distinct from average achieving students' self‐concepts than are below average achieving students' self‐concepts.SampleIn Study 1, N = 382 7th–10th graders (62.2% female) from several academic track (Gymnasium) schools in Germany served as participants. Students' ages ranged between 12 and 16 years (M = 14.76, SD = 6.24). In Study 2, the sample comprised N = 1,349 students (49% girls) with a mean age of M = 10.87 (SD = 0.56) from 60 primary schools that were drawn representatively from a federal German state. In an experimental Study 3, N = 81 German teacher education students (76.5% female) aged between 18 and 40 years (M = 22.38, SD = 3.80) served as participants.MethodTwo field studies and one experimental study were conducted.ResultsIn all three studies, achievement differences between above average and average students were identical to those between average and below average students. However, self‐concept differences between above average and average achieving students were greater than those identified between average and below average students.ConclusionsAs our studies show, self‐enhancement and self‐protection processes lead above average students to develop self‐concepts that are more distinct from average students' self‐concepts than those of below average students' self‐concepts.