bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profiling of intestinal regeneration in the sea cucumber
Authors: Ortiz-Pineda Pablo A , Ramírez-Gómez Francisco , Pérez-Ortiz Judit , González-Díaz Sebastián , Santiago-De Jesús Francisco , Hernández-Pasos Josue , Del Valle-Avila Cristina , Rojas-Cartagena Carmencita , Suárez-Castillo Edna C , Tossas Karen , Méndez-Merced Ana T , Roig-López José L , Ortiz-Zuazaga Humberto , García-Arrarás José E 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundAmong deuterostomes, the regenerative potential is maximally expressed in echinoderms, animals that can quickly replace most injured organs. In particular, sea cucumbers are excellent models for studying organ regeneration since they regenerate their digestive tract after evisceration. However, echinoderms have been sidelined in modern regeneration studies partially because of the lack of genome-wide profiling approaches afforded by modern genomic tools.For the last decade, our laboratory has been using the sea cucumberHolothuria glaberrimato dissect the cellular and molecular events that allow for such amazing regenerative processes. We have already established an EST database obtained from cDNA libraries of normal and regenerating intestine at two different regeneration stages. This database now has over 7000 sequences.ResultsIn the present work we used a custom-made microchip from Agilent with 60-mer probes for these ESTs, to determine the gene expression profile during intestinal regeneration. Here we compared the expression profile of animals at three different intestinal regeneration stages (3-, 7- and 14-days post evisceration) against the profile from normal (uneviscerated) intestines. The number of differentially expressed probes ranged from 70% at p < 0.05 to 39% at p < 0.001. Clustering analyses show specific profiles of expression for early (first week) and late (second week) regeneration stages. We used semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to validate the expression profile of fifteen microarray detected differentially expressed genes which resulted in over 86% concordance between both techniques. Most of the differentially expressed ESTs showed no clear similarity to sequences in the databases and might represent novel genes associated with regeneration. However, other ESTs were similar to genes known to be involved in regeneration-related processes, wound healing, cell proliferation, differentiation, morphological plasticity, cell survival, stress response, immune challenge, and neoplastic transformation. Among those that have been validated, cytoskeletal genes, such asactins, and developmental genes, such asWntandHoxgenes, show interesting expression profiles during regeneration.ConclusionOur findings set the base for future studies into the molecular basis of intestinal regeneration. Moreover, it advances the use of echinoderms in regenerative biology, animals that because of their amazing properties and their key evolutionary position, might provide important clues to the genetic basis of regenerative processes.
The orphan adapter protein SLY1 as a novel anti-apoptotic protein required for thymocyte development
Authors: Reis Bernhard , Pfeffer Klaus , Beer-Hammer Sandra 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundSH3 containing Lymphocyte Protein (SLY1) is a putative adapter protein exclusively expressed in lymphocytes which is involved in antigen receptor induced activation. We previously have generated SLY1Δ/Δmice harbouring a partial deletion in the N-terminal region of SLY1 which revealed profound immunological defects in T and B cell functions.ResultsIn this study, T cell development in SLY1-/-and SLY1Δ/Δmice was analysedex vivoand upon cultivation with the bone marrow stromal cell line OP9. SLY1-deficient thymocytes were compromised in inducing nutrient receptor expression and ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation, indicating a defect in mTOR complex activation. Furthermore, SLY1 was identified as a novel anti-apoptotic protein required for developmental progression of T cell precursors to the CD4+CD8+double-positive stage by protecting from premature programmed cell death initiation in developing CD4-CD8-double-negative thymocytes. In addition, SLY1 phosphorylation was differentially regulated upon Notch ligand-mediated stimulation and expression of the preTCR.ConclusionThus, our results suggest a non-redundant role for SLY1 in integrating signals from both receptors in early T cell progenitors in the thymus.
Three-dimensional Huh7 cell culture system for the study of Hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Sainz Bruno , TenCate Veronica , Uprichard Susan L 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
In order to elucidate how Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) interacts with polarized hepatocytes in vivo and how HCV-induced alterations in cellular function contribute to HCV-associated liver disease, a more physiologically relevant hepatocyte culture model is needed. As such, NASA-engineered three-dimensional (3-D) rotating wall vessel (RWV) bioreactors were used in effort to promote differentiation of HCV-permissive Huh7 hepatoma cells.

Results
When cultured in the RWV, Huh7 cells became morphologically and transcriptionally distinct from more standard Huh7 two-dimensional (2-D) monolayers. Specifically, RWV-cultured Huh7 cells formed complex, multilayered 3-D aggregates in which Phase I and Phase II xenobiotic drug metabolism genes, as well as hepatocyte-specific transcripts (HNF4α, Albumin, TTR and α1AT), were upregulated compared to 2-D cultured Huh7 cells. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that these HCV-permissive 3-D cultured Huh7 cells were more polarized than their 2D counterparts with the expression of HCV receptors, cell adhesion and tight junction markers (CD81, scavenger receptor class B member 1, claudin-1, occludin, ZO-1, β-Catenin and E-Cadherin) significantly increased and exhibiting apical, lateral and/or basolateral localization.

Conclusion
These findings show that when cultured in 3-D, Huh7 cells acquire a more differentiated hepatocyte-like phenotype. Importantly, we show that these 3D cultures are highly permissive for HCV infection, thus providing an opportunity to study HCV entry and the effects of HCV infection on host cell function in a more physiologically relevant cell culture system.
Phenotype changes and impaired function of dendritic cell subsets in patients with sepsis: a prospective observational analysis
Authors: Poehlmann Holger , Schefold Joerg C , Zuckermann-Becker Heidrun , Volk Hans-Dieter , Meisel Christian 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Patients with sepsis often demonstrate severely impaired immune responses. The hallmark of this state of immunoparalysis is monocytic deactivation characterized by decreased human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR expression and reduced production of proinflammatory cytokines. Recently, diminished numbers of dendritic cells (DCs) were reported in patients with sepsis. However, little is known about DC phenotype and function in human sepsis. We therefore compared phenotypic and functional changes in monocyte and DC subsets in patients with sepsis and immunoparalysis.

Methods
In a prospective observational analysis, 16 consecutive patients with severe sepsis and septic shock (age 59.2 ± 9.7 years, 13 male, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score 6.1 ± 2.7) and immunoparalysis (monocytic HLA-DR expression < 5,000 antibodies/cell) and 16 healthy volunteers were included. Peripheral blood DC counts, HLA-DR expression and ex vivo cytokine production were evaluated in comparison with monocyte subsets over time.

Results
At baseline, a profound reduction in the numbers of myeloid DCs (MDCs), plasmacytoid DCs (PDCs), and CD14dimCD16positive monocytes was observed in sepsis whereas CD14brightCD16negative and CD14brightCD16positive monocyte numbers were increased. HLA-DR expression was reduced on all monocyte and DC subsets. Production of proinflammatory cytokines and intracellular cytokine staining in response to lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acid was impaired in monocyte subsets and MDCs, whereas IL-10 secretion was increased. IFNα response by stimulated PDCs was significantly decreased compared with controls. At day 28, HLA-DR expression and cytokine production of DC and monocyte subsets remained lower in septic patients compared with controls.

Conclusions
In sepsis, long-lasting functional deactivation is common to all circulating monocyte and DC subsets. In addition to decreased peripheral blood DC counts, functional impairment of antigen-presenting cells may contribute to an impaired antimicrobial defense in sepsis.
Peak Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone-Arginine-Stimulated Growth Hormone Is Inversely Associated with Intramyocellular and Intrahepatic Lipid Content in Premenopausal Women with Obesity
Authors: Bredella Miriam A. , Torriani Martin , Thomas Bijoy J. , Ghomi Reza Hosseini , Brick Danielle J. , Gerweck Anu V. , Miller Karen K. 
Published: July 2009

Context: Visceral adiposity is a strong determinant of GH secretion, and low endogenous GH secretion is associated with increased insulin resistance, a key component of the metabolic syndrome. Increased fat accumulation in skeletal muscle and liver may play an etiological role in the development of insulin resistance and other complications of the metabolic syndrome. Little is known about the role of decreased endogenous GH secretion in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in obesity.
Objective: To investigate the relationship between intramyocellular lipids (IMCL), intrahepatic lipids, and peak-stimulated GH in premenopausal women with obesity.
Design and Setting: We conducted a cross-sectional study at a clinical translational research center.
Patients: Patients included 21 premenopausal women with obesity (mean body mass index, 34.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2) and 17 normal-weight controls (mean body mass index, 21.9 ± 2.0 kg/m2) of comparable mean age.
Main Outcomes Measures: IMCL and intrahepatic lipids were measured with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Body composition was measured with magnetic resonance imaging. Peak GH was measured after stimulation with GHRH-arginine.
Results: Obese subjects had higher IMCL, intrahepatic lipids, abdominal and thigh fat, and thigh muscle mass compared with normal-weight controls. There were strong inverse associations between peak GH and both IMCL and intrahepatic lipids independent of age and visceral adiposity. There were positive associations between IMCL and intrahepatic lipids with measures of insulin resistance and serum triglycerides.
Conclusion: In premenopausal women with obesity, peak GH is inversely associated with IMCL and intrahepatic lipids independent of age and visceral adiposity. This suggests that low GH may contribute to insulin resistance in obesity through effects on muscle and intrahepatic lipids.
Peak growth hormone after GHRH-arginine stimulation is inversely associated with intramyocellular and intrahepatic lipids in premenopausal women with obesity.
Independent sector treatment centres: the first independent evaluation, a Scottish case study
Authors: Pollock Allyson M , Kirkwood Graham 
Published: July 2009

Summary Objectives The £5 billion English Independent Sector Treatment Centre (ISTC) programme remains unevaluated because of a lack of published contract data and poor quality data returns. Scotland has a three-year pilot ISTC, the Scottish Regional Treatment Centre (SRTC), the contract for which is now in the public domain. This study aims to conduct an independent evaluation of the performance of the SRTC during the first year of operation. Design A retrospective analysis of the SRTC comparing activity as reported by hospital episode statistics returned to ISD Scotland with: volume and cost data in the SRTC contract; a 10-month audit carried out by management consultants Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC); and an internal NHS Tayside performance report. Setting All day-case and inpatient activity at the SRTC from 1 December 2006 to 31 January 2008. Main outcome measures Activity and cost. Results The annual contract was based on patient referrals to the SRTC and not actual treatments. The contract was awarded on the basis of 2624 referrals a year, total value of £5,667,464. According to ISD data, the SRTC performed 831 procedures (32% of annual contract) in the first 13 months worth £1,035,603 (18%). PWC's figures report 2200 referrals (84%) to the SRTC at a cost of 2,642,000 (47%) in the first 10 months. Conclusions Basing the SRTC contract on payments for referrals rather than actual treatment represents a major departure from normal standards of reporting and commissioning and may have resulted in over-payment for referrals for patients who did not receive treatment of up to £3 million in the first 10 months. The PWC report falls well below the standards one would expect of an independent evaluation and we were unable to validate PWC's analysis and the claim of value for money. If wave-one ISTCs in England perform similarly to the SRTC then as much as £927 million may have been paid for patients who did not receive treatment. We recommend a moratorium on all ISTC contracts until the contracts have been published and properly evaluated with respect to work paid for and actual work carried out and quality of care.
The Clinical, Radiological and Pathological Aspects of Pulmonary Hæmosiderosis
Authors: Scott L. D. W. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Hæmosiderin may be deposited in the lungs in any disorder causing pulmonary hæmorrhage but, so far as is known, in only two diseases can the deposits be shown radiologically. Pulmonary hæmosiderosis in children seems to be a rare disease characterised by anæmia and occasional hæmoptysis. The X-ray picture is one of miliary shadows in the lungs which can be shown at post-mortem examination to be due to focal accumulations of iron pigment. I have not seen an example of this condition myself, although I know of two recent cases in the neighbourhood.
Hæmosiderosis of the lungs, sufficiently dense to affect the X-ray picture, has also been recognised as occurring very infrequently in cases of mitral stenosis, and it is this disorder in which we are particularly interested. In 1943 a male, aged thirty-eight years, was admitted to Professor McNee's wards with cardiac failure. He gave a history of rheumatic fever eleven years previously, with subsequent dyspnœa on exertion. Ever since then he had suffered from breathlessness and, latterly, had been confined to bed with cardiac failure. The clinical findings were those of mitral stenosis and auricular fibrillation.
X-ray examination of the chest showed miliary opacities in both lungs—an appearance which suggested miliary congestion. However, during an illness which lasted seven months, the small opacities remained comparatively unaltered and this, to my mind, argued against congestion as a cause and in favour of some other lesion.
Standardised Radiological Pelvimetry—II. Qualitative
Authors: Allen E. Peter 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
An attempt is made to provide standards for classification of the pelvis into types. The principle is adopted that standardisation is only possible on the basis of the relationship existing between the various brim diameters expressed as ratios. It is concluded that the brim index provides most of the information required for a standard system, and that the Caldwell and Moloy system is not satisfactory. Standard figures for the basic pelvic types are suggested.
The Effect of X rays on Ascorbic Acid Concentration in Plasma and in Tissues
Authors: Kretzshmar Carol H. , Ellis Frank 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The ascorbic acid has been estimated in plasma of patients under X-ray treatment, and in most cases it has been found to be below the initial level before exposure.
Normal rabbits have been exposed to X rays and the blood concentration of ascorbic acid estimated. It was found that for a considerable time after exposure the level of ascorbic acid kept below the average concentration in rabbit blood. In one instance this was accompanied by an X-ray leucopenia which ran almost parallel with the rise and fall of the ascorbic acid concentration in the blood.
Muscle and kidney tissues from rats were exposed in vivo to X rays and the ascorbic acid content estimated after extraction. This was found to be lower in the exposed organ as compared with the unexposed organ.
Physical Aspects of Intracavitary Radium Treatment of Carcinoma of the Cervix Uteri. Part III—A New Applicator
Authors: Neary G. J. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
A new applicator for the treatment of carcinoma of the cervix uteri is described, the design of which is based on the author's analysis of intracavitary techniques (Neary 1943).
Without exceeding the local doses normally arising in conventional techniques, a more than two-fold improvement in the dose at the pelvic wall (5000 r) is achieved. Further, the predetermined radiation field cannot change during treatment and it is maintained in correct relationship to the bony pelvis.
The radium sources consist of 70 mg. in the uterus and two units of 140 mg. each in the vagina on the midline. The treatment time is seventy-two hours leading to a total of 25,000 mg. hr. Drastic modification of the distribution of radiation is brought about by massive platinum screens.
The design of this applicator is not regarded as necessarily final or universally applicable. It is one possible embodiment of the principles previously elucidated, permitting a clinical trial. [Already, it has been found desirable to modify the uterine tube.]
The wider importance of the principle of screening for obtaining special dose distributions is stressed, and it is pointed out that its application will be greatly simplified when powerful sources of radio-elements giving radiation in the X-ray region become available.
Melorheostosis and the Creeping Periostitic Form of Leontiasis
Authors: Sear H. R. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
A case is reported of sclerosis occurring in one rib and unilaterally in a vertebra. The similarity of this condition to melorhéostosis is discussed and argument adduced to relate this condition to the creeping periostitic form of leontiasis ossea. Significance is attached to the occurrence of this lesion in a somite of the trunk as distinct from the more usually affected limb bud.
II. Gastroscopy in the Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Rodgers H. W. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The medical student is taught to examine the patient by inspection first and then palpation and then by percussion and auscultation. Learned discourses are not delivered on the relative values of inspection as opposed to palpation, and we do not give statistics which support palpation as being a diagnostic procedure better or worse than percussion. Similarly, radiology is one method of examining the stomach and gastroscopy is another. To set the one up in rivalry against the other is of no more value than praising the percussion finger at the expense of the stethoscope. If, however, the value of gastroscopy is to be compared with radiology, every care must be taken to assess both methods at their best. For a keen and expert gastroscopist to hold up to ridicule the mistakes of a tired radiological colleague working with an antiquated machine may increase his sense of self-importance, but advances our art in no way at all.
Gastroscopy should logically follow the X-ray examination in the routine investigation of dyspepsia, and in a case suspected of carcinoma it is particularly important that this routine should be adhered to, for there are certain important contra-indications diagnosable by X ray which make gastroscopy dangerous in the presence of carcinoma.
III. Cancer of the Stomach: Some Pathological Considerations
Authors: Stewart Matthew J. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The problem of ulcer-cancer remains an exceedingly difficult one, since the pathological criteria on which this diagnosis must be based are still not fully established. The presence of malignancy can usually be determined with complete certainty and, indeed, in most cases without difficulty. In the stomach, as in the rest of the digestive tract, the various coats are well defined, even in the margins of chronic peptic ulcers, and the degree of invasion by epithelial malignancy can be accurately assessed. The chief if not the only source of error is the mistaking of deep epithelial heterotopia, not uncommon in the margins of healing chronic ulcers, for malignancy, and this is probably the reason for the very high incidence figures for ulcer-cancer given by some observers in the past. Deep heterotopia may penetrate, but it never in my experience transgresses, the muscular coat, contrasting in this respect with that other non-neoplastic but highly invasive lesion, endometriosis. Deep gastric heterotopia also remains more or less confined to the margin of the healing ulcer and does not spread centrifugally, like cancer, in the lymphatics of the submucosa.
The chief histological difficulty is in determining whether there is sufficient evidence to say that a simple chronic ulcer has certainly preceded the onset of epithelial malignancy.
IV. The Surgical Aspect of Carcinoma of the Stomach
Authors: Taylor Hermon 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The outstanding clinical fact about carcinoma of the stomach is that it is in itself a symptomless disease, so that a large tumour may develop without being suspected by the patient. Bleeding, of a degree sufficient to give rise to a warning hæmatemesis or malæna, is uncommon, and pain due to irritation of the parietal peritoneum is often a late symptom. Unless the growth is in a position to cause obstruction there is no compelling reason to drive the patient to his doctor, and it is upon this rock that most efforts to improve the results of treatment have foundered.
It is necessary, therefore, to appreciate the potential significance of such minor symptoms as the patient may mention if he should approach his doctor, and above all to refrain from treating them until they have been investigated. It is a fatal misconception to suppose that carcinoma need only be postulated if symptoms fail to respond to treatment. The complaints may be of loss of vitality in various ways, due to the insidious effect of the growing tumour and the persistent though unnoticed blood loss from it; or they may be of nausea and lack of appetite, due to gastritis caused by the sloughing mass in the stomach. It is important to recognise the latter as a secondary effect, because the nausea and anorexia may be temporarily abated by treatment if the true cause is not suspected.
V. Irradiation of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Fairchild G. Cranston , Shorter Alan 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
As you will have learnt from previous speakers, some 80 per cent. of cases of gastric cancer are beyond any hope of cure by surgery when first brought to the surgeon (Ogilvie, 1938). Due to the impossibility of a surgical cure in such a vast number of cases, many other forms of treatment, including irradiation, have been tried in the past, but without striking success.
Hardly had Röntgen discovered X rays in 1896, when Despeignes applied them to the external irradiation of a gastric cancer.
There is no need for me to recall the different forms and combinations of irradiation applied to this viscus from then to the present day. The results of these different methods are too well known to need further repetition here; it should suffice merely to make some general remarks on their limitations and shortcomings.
External irradiation fails because of the deep situation of the gastric tumour and its close relation to other vital organs, both factors tending to prevent adequate tumour dosage, and because of the high but variable radio-resistance of gastric cancer cells, possibly increased by infection. This high resistance may be only apparent, owing to limitation of the tumour dose by severe general and skin reactions. Owing to movements of the tumour, accurate centring of the X-ray beam at repeated exposures is difficult to obtain. Livingston and Pack (1941) stated that most patients will not survive long enough to benefit from prolonged external irradiation alone, due to their eventual profound malnutrition.