bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin family member ST2 and mortality in acute dyspnoea
Authors: Socrates T. , DeFilippi C. , Reichlin T. , Twerenbold R. , Breidhardt T. , Noveanu M. , Potocki M. , Reiter M. , Arenja N. , Heinisch C. , Meissner J. , Jaeger C. , Christenson R. , Mueller C. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract.  Socrates T, deFilippi C, Reichlin T, Twerenbold R, Breidhardt T, Noveanu M, Potocki M, Reiter M, Arenja N, Heinisch C, Meissner J, Jaeger C, Christenson R, Mueller C. (Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA). Interleukin family member ST2 and mortality in acute dyspnoea. J Intern Med 2010; 268: 493–500.Objectives.  The study objective was to investigate the prognostic utility and patient‐specific characteristics of ST2 (suppression of tumorigenicity 2), assessed with a novel sensitive assay.Background.  Suppression of tumorigenicity 2 signalling has been shown to be associated with death in cardiac and pulmonary diseases.Design/Subjects.  In an international multicentre cohort design, we prospectively enrolled 1091 patients presenting with acute dyspnoea to the emergency department (ED). ST2 was measured in a blinded fashion using a novel assay and compared to B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NT‐proBNP. The primary end‐point was mortality within 30 days and 1 year. The prognostic value of ST2 was evaluated in comparison and in addition to BNP and NT‐proBNP.Results.  Suppression of tumorigenicity 2 concentrations was higher amongst decedents than among survivors (median 85 vs. 43 U mL−1, P < 0.001) and also higher in patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) when compared with preserved LVEF (P < 0.001). In receiver operator characteristics analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for ST2, BNP and NT‐proBNP to predict 30‐day and 1‐year mortality were 0.76, 0.63 and 0.71, and 0.72, 0.71 and 0.73, respectively. The combinations of ST2 with BNP or NT‐proBNP improved prediction of mortality provided by BNP or NT‐proBNP alone. After multivariable adjustment, ST2 values above the median (50 U mL−1) significantly predicted 1‐year mortality (HR 2.3, P < 0.001).Conclusion.  In patients presenting to the ED with acute dyspnoea, ST2 is a strong and independent predictor of 30‐day and 1‐year mortality and might improve risk stratification already provided by BNP or NT‐proBNP.
Mechanism of water‐stress induced cavitation in conifers: bordered pit structure and function support the hypothesis of seal capillary‐seeding
Authors: DELZON SYLVAIN , DOUTHE CYRIL , SALA ANNA , COCHARD HERVE 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTResistance to water‐stress induced cavitation is an important indicator of drought tolerance in woody species and is known to be intimately linked to the anatomy of the xylem. However, the actual mechanical properties of the pit membrane are not well known and the exact mode of air‐seeding by which cavitation occurs is still uncertain. We examined the relationship between cavitation resistance and bordered pit structure and function in 40 coniferous species. Xylem pressure inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductance (P50, a proxy for cavitation resistance) varied widely among species, from −2.9 to −11.3 MPa. The valve effect of the pit membrane, measured as a function of margo flexibility and torus overlap, explained more variation in cavitation‐resistance than simple anatomical traits such as pit membrane, pit aperture or torus size. Highly cavitation resistant species exhibited both a high flexibility of the margo and a large overlap between the torus and the pit aperture, allowing the torus to tightly seal the pit aperture. Our results support the hypothesis of seal capillary‐seeding as the most likely mode of air‐seeding, and suggest that the adhesion of the torus to the pit border may be the main determinant of cavitation resistance in conifers.
Retroperitoneoscopic living donor nephrectomy: initial experience with a unique hand‐assisted approach
Authors: Capolicchio J.‐P. , Feifer A. , Plante M. K. , Tchervenkov J. 
Published: July 2010

Capolicchio J‐P, Feifer A, Plante MK, Tchervenkov J. Retroperitoneoscopic living donor nephrectomy: initial experience with a unique hand‐assisted approach. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 352–359. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The retroperitoneoscopic (RP) approach to live donor nephrectomy (LDN) may be advantageous for the donor because it avoids mobilization of peritoneal organs and provides direct access to the renal vessels. Notwithstanding, this approach is not popular, likely because of the steeper learning curve. We feel that hand‐assistance (HA) can reduce the learning curve and in this study, we present our experience with a novel hand‐assist approach to retroperitoneoscopic live donor nephrectomy (HARP‐LDN). Over a one‐yr period, 10 consecutive patients underwent left HARP‐LDN with a mean body mass index of 29 and three with prior left abdomen surgery. The surgical technique utilizes a 7 cm, muscle‐sparing incision for the hand‐port with two endoscopic ports. Operative time was an average of 155 min., with no open conversions. Mean blood loss was 68 mL, and warm ischemia time was 2.5 min. Hospital stay averaged 2.7 d with postoperative complications limited to one urinary retention. Our modified HARP approach to left LDN is safe, effective and can be performed expeditiously. Our promising initial results require a larger patient cohort to confirm the advantages of the hand‐assisted retroperitoneal technique.
Medical epidemiology of patients surviving ten years after liver transplantation
Authors: Simo Kerri A. , Sereika Stephanie , Bitner Nathan , Newton Kimberly N. , Gerber David A. 
Published: July 2010

Simo KA, Sereika S, Bitner N, Newton KN, Gerber DA. Medical epidemiology of patients surviving ten years after liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 360–367. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The transition into extended long‐term follow‐up after liver transplantation raises a new series of issues with respect to continuing care of this population. A retrospective study was performed, analyzing patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) and survived ≥10 yr at a single institution. Long‐term comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), chronic kidney disease (CKD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and obesity were identified and standardized prevalence ratios ([SPR]) utilized to compare with the general US population. There was an increased prevalence of HTN ([SPR] = 2.25 ± 0.61), DM ([SPR] = 2.67 ± 0.72), and CKD ([SPR] = 15.3 ± 4.04) but not CAD or obesity. In multivariate analysis, non‐viral etiology of end‐stage liver disease was associated with CKD (OR 3.42 CI 1.11–10.53), and an initial glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (CKD stages III–V) was associated with HTN (OR 4.62 CI 1.14–18.73) after OLT. Creatinine ≥1.5 mg/dL at 10 yr was associated with an initial GFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (p = 0.000) and CAD after OLT (p = 0.012). Patients, 10 yr after OLT, have a significantly higher prevalence of HTN, DM, and CKD than the general population, which is not confounded by obesity. Increased vigilance and proactive management are required to further improve long‐term outcomes.
Increased availability of family donors for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a population with increased incidence of consanguinity
Authors: Balcı Yasemin I. , Tavil Betul , Tan Cagman S. , Ozgur Tuba T. , Bulum Burcu , Cetin Mualla , Balcı Mustafa , Yalcın Songul , Tezcan Ilhan , Uckan Duygu 
Published: July 2010

Balcı YI, Tavil B, Tan CS, Ozgur TT, Bulum B, Cetin M, Balcı M, Yalcın S, Tezcan I, Uckan D. Increased availability of family donors for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a population with increased incidence of consanguinity. Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 475–480. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  The study was planned to determine the frequency of parental and non‐sibling family donor transplants in our center and to investigate the rate of familial donor availability at two HLA‐typing laboratories in Turkey.Among 203 patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), 151 (74.4%) received stem cells from siblings, 48 (23.6%) from non‐sibling family donors, two (1.0%) from unrelated cord blood, and two (1.0%) autologous transplantation. Of these 48 patients received stem cells from non‐sibling family donors; donors were mothers for 26 (12.8%), fathers for 20 (9.9%), and aunts for two (1.0%). The rate of transplants from parental donors was 22.6% in this patient population with increased frequency of inherited diseases (58.1%). Among these 203 patients, there was consanguinity between parents in 60.6% of the patients.Of 833 subjects applying as donor candidates to HLA‐typing laboratories, 527 (63.3%) had HLA 6/6 identical family donors. Among 527 full‐matched donors, 479 (90.9%) were sibling, 21 (4.0%) were fathers, and 17 (3.2%) were mothers. The remaining 10 (1.9%) were other relatives.The results have shown that the unfavorable factor of consanguinity marriage may increase the availability of family donors for HSCT in particularly developing countries where large donor registries are lacking.
Decreased expression of XPO4 is associated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liang Xiao‐ting , Pan Ke , Chen Min‐shan , Li Jian‐jun , Wang Hui , Zhao Jing‐jing , Sun Jian‐cong , Chen Yi‐bing , Ma Hai‐qing , Wang Qi‐jing , Xia Jian‐chuan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Exportin 4 (XPO4) is a recently‐discovered candidate tumor‐suppressor gene identified in a liver cancer mouse model. To investigate the role of XPO4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis, we determined XPO4 expression and its correlation to prognosis in human primary HCC.Methods:  The XPO4 mRNA transcription level in HCC cell lines and tissue samples were detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). XPO4 protein expression in 123 primary HCC clinical surgical specimens were analyzed by immunohistochemical detection.Results:  Real‐time quantitative PCR showed a decrease in XPO4 expression in HCC cell lines BEL‐7402, Hep‐G2, and SK‐hep1 compared to the normal liver cell line LO2. Decreased XPO4 mRNA was also found in the majority of tumor tissues compared with matched non‐tumor liver tissues (P = 0.004). Immunohistochemical detection revealed that XPO4 expression was reduced in 51 of 123 (41.5%) tumor resection samples compared with adjunct non‐tumor tissues. We also found XPO4 expression to be significantly correlated with tumor size (P = 0.045) and histopathological classification (P = 0.004). Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that the downregulation of XPO4 resulted in a significantly poor prognosis (P = 0.008, log–rank test), and multivariate Cox's analysis showed that XPO4 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of HCC patients (P = 0.013).Conclusions:  Our data suggest that XPO4 could be involved in the progression of human HCC and could serve as a potential target for gene therapy in the treatment of HCC.
Helicobacter pylori and pathogenesis of gallbladder cancer
Authors: Mishra Raghvendra R , Tewari Mallika , Shukla Hari S 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare but leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. The incidence of GBC is increasing at an alarming rate in the Varanasi region, and its etiology remains obscure.Methods:  A total of 108 patients, 54 with GBC and 54 with gallstone diseases (GSD), were examined for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in gallbladder specimens by rapid urease test, biochemical test, histology, culture, serology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and partial DNA sequencing. PCR was done using heat shock protein‐60 (Hsp60) gene‐nested primers.Result:  Forty (74%) patients with GBC had gallstones. Upon culture, H. pylori colonies were identified in 24 (44%) GBC and 18 (33%) GSD specimens. H. pylori was detected in 20 (37%) GBC and 15 (28%) GSD samples upon histology. Serology was positive in 17 (32%) GBC and 15 (28%) GSD patients. The DNA isolated from GBC and GSD specimens was amplified by PCR with Hsp60‐nested primers in 18 (33%) patients with GBC and 15 (28%) with GSD (P > 0.05). These sequences had 98% similarity with the presubmitted Hsp60 sequences of H. pylori in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information's GenBank.Conclusion:  The results revealed that H. pylori was present in a large population, including both GBC and GSD patients, which indicates its endemic presence in the Varanasi region. Thus, it appears H. pylori might not have a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of GBC in our region.
Transient elastography
Authors: Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn clinical practice, it is important to assess the severity of liver fibrosis in patients with various liver diseases to determine the prognosis, decide treatment, and monitor disease progression and response to treatment. Liver biopsy is limited by its invasiveness and patient acceptability. The development of transient elastography provides clinicians with a non‐invasive, accurate, and reproducible tool to estimate liver fibrosis. The technique has been validated among many liver diseases and requires only simple training. Due to its non‐invasive nature and ease of use, transient elastography can be used repeatedly on patients, and is optimal for large‐scale epidemiological studies, in which stable patients with no indication for liver biopsy can also be included. However, falsely‐high liver stiffness measurements might occur during acute hepatitis, extrahepatic cholestasis, congestive heart failure, and amyloidosis. Failed acquisition is also common in obese patients. The development of S and XL probes might cater for different population groups, but calibration in patients with liver biopsy is essential.
How to write a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: HENDERSON LORNA K , CRAIG JONATHAN C , WILLIS NARELLE S , TOVEY DAVID , WEBSTER ANGELA C 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTThe Cochrane Collaboration is a global network whose aim is to improve health‐care decision making through systematic reviews of the effects of health‐care interventions. Cochrane systematic reviews are published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews within The Cochrane Library (
http://www.thecochranelibrary.com), and regularly updated as new evidence arises. Cochrane Reviews are undertaken by teams of volunteer authors, who have access to free training resources, reference texts and software for preparing and maintaining their review. Here we aim to describe the steps involved to undertake a new or update an existing Cochrane Review.
Quorum sensing modulation of a putative glycosyltransferase gene cluster essential for Xanthomonas campestris biofilm formation
Authors: Tao Fei , Swarup Sanjay , Zhang Lian‐Hui 
Published: July 2010

SummaryFindings from previous studies suggest that the quorum sensing signal DSF (diffusible signal factor) negatively regulates biofilm formation in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) by affecting the expression of manA encoding biofilm dispersion and an unknown factor(s). In this study, by analysing the double deletion mutant ΔrpfFΔmanA, in which DSF biosynthesis gene rpfF and biofilm dispersal gene manA were deleted, we found that DSF modulated biofilm development by suppression of a mechanism essential for biofilm formation. Transposon mutagenesis of ΔrpfFΔmanA and subsequent analyses led to the identification of a novel gene locus xagABC encoding a putative glycosyl transferase system. Genetic analysis revealed that the transcriptional expression of xagABC was negatively regulated by DSF through the RpfC/RpfG two‐component regulatory system. Deletion of the xag genes resulted in decreased extracellular polysaccharide production, abolished Xcc biofilm formation and attenuated the bacterial resistance to oxidative stress. Furthermore, we provide evidence that xagABC and manA were differentially expressed in Xcc and the biofilm formed by overexpression of xagABC in wild‐type Xcc could be dispersed by ManA. These results provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms by which Xcc switches between planktonic growth and biofilm lifestyle.
Fresh fruit and vegetables as vehicles for the transmission of human pathogens
Authors: Berger Cedric N. , Sodha Samir V. , Shaw Robert K. , Griffin Patricia M. , Pink David , Hand Paul , Frankel Gad 
Published: July 2010

SummaryMuch research into food‐borne human pathogens has focused on transmission from foods of animal origin. However, recent investigations have identified fruits and vegetables are the source of many disease outbreaks. Now believed to be a much larger contributor to produce‐associated outbreaks than previously reported, norovirus outbreaks are commonly caused by contamination of foods from hands of infected workers. Although infections with Shiga toxin‐producing E. coli O157 have been linked to beef more often than to any other food product, severe outbreaks have been traced to consumption of contaminated radish sprouts and pre‐packaged spinach. Similarly, while infections with Salmonella have mainly been linked to consumption of foods of animal origin, many outbreaks have been traced to contaminated fresh produce. E. coli O157 binds to lettuce leaves by alternative mechanisms involving the filamentous type III secretions system, flagella and the pilus curli. Association of Salmonella with fresh produce appears to be serovar‐specific involving flagella, curli, cellulose, and O antigen capsule. A better understanding of plant, microbiological, environmental, processing and food handling factors that facilitate contamination will allow development of evidence‐based policies, procedures and technologies aimed at reducing the risk of contamination of fresh produce.
Generating Classic Mosaics with Graph Cuts
Authors: Liu Y. , Veksler O. , Juan O. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract Classic mosaic is an old and durable art form. Generating artificial classic mosaics from digital images is an interesting problem that has attracted attention in recent years. Previous approaches to mosaic generation are largely based on heuristics, and therefore it is harder to analyse, predict and improve their performance. In addition, previous methods have a number of disadvantages, such as requiring that the number of tiles in a mosaic is known a priori, or relying on extensive user interaction, or using heuristics for tile placement that lead to visible artefacts. We propose a classic mosaic generation algorithm that is based on a principled global optimization. Our approach is fully automatic. We design and optimize an objective function that incorporates the desired mosaic properties, such as tile alignment to significant image edges, prohibiting tile overlap, etc. Our optimization method is based on graph cuts, which proved to be a powerful optimization tool in graphics and computer vision. Experimental comparison to previous work demonstrate the advantages of our approach.
Expression of Ten‐m/Odz3 in the fibrous layer of mandibular condylar cartilage during postnatal growth in mice
Authors: Murakami Takashi , Fukunaga Tomohiro , Takeshita Nobuo , Hiratsuka Koichi , Abiko Yoshimitsu , Yamashiro Takashi , Takano‐Yamamoto Teruko 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIt has been speculated that the mandibular condyle develops via the differentiation of the fibroblast‐like cells covering the condyle into chondrocytes; however, the developmental mechanisms behind this process have not been revealed. We used laser‐capture microdissection and cDNA microarray analysis to elucidate the genes that are highly expressed in these fibroblast‐like cells. Among these genes, the transcription of Ten‐m/Odz3 was significantly increased in the fibroblast‐like cells compared with other cartilage tissues. For the first time, we describe the temporal and spatial expression of Ten‐m/Odz3 mRNA in relation to the expression of type I, II, and X collagen mRNA, as determined by in‐situ hybridization in mouse mandibular condylar cartilage and mouse femoral cartilage during the early stages of development. Ten‐m/Odz3 was expressed in the fibrous layer and the proliferating and mature chondrocyte layers, which expressed type I and II collagen, respectively, but was not detected in the hypertrophic chondrocyte layer. Furthermore, we evaluated the in‐vitro expression of Ten‐m/Odz3 using ATDC5 cells, a mouse chondrogenic cell line. Ten‐m/Odz3 was expressed during the early stage of the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into chondrocytes. These findings suggest that Ten‐m/Odz3 is involved in the differentiation of chondrocytes and that it acts as a regulatory factor in the early stages of the development of mandibular condylar cartilage.
Hereditary Chin‐trembling with Nocturnal Myoclonus and Tongue‐biting in Dizygous Twins
Authors: Johnson Laurence F. , Kinsbourne Marcel , Renuart A. William 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYA fine, rapid, intermittent chin tremor was noted in one of dizygous twin boys, aged 21 months, who had presented with occasional myoclonic jerking and tongue‐biting. It transpired that the other twin, the father, and several male paternal relatives had had a similar tremor. Male prevalence of a recessively inherited non‐progressive brain‐stem abnormality was inferred.RÉSUMÉTremblement héréditaire du menton chez des faux jumeauxUn tremblement du menton fin, rapide, intermittant a été observé chez &#x006c;̂un de deux jumeaux hétérozygotes, agé de 21 mois, qui avait présenté des secousses myocloniques occasionnelles et des morsures de la langue. On a découvert ensuite que &#x006c;̂autre jumeau, le pére et plusieurs parents masculins de la famille paternelle avaient présenté un trouble identique. On en conclut à une prévalence masculine d̂une anomalie du tronc cérébral non progressive, héréditaire sur le mode récessif.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGErbliches Kinn‐Zittern bei dizygoten ZwillingenkEin feinschlägiger, schneller, intermittierender Kinn‐Tremor wurde bei einem von dizygoten Zwillingsknaben mit 21 Monaten bemerkt, der wegen gelegentlicher myoklonischer Krämpfe und Zungenbeißen eingeliefert wurde. Es fand sich, daß der andere Zwilling, der Vater und mehrere männliche Verwandte der váterlichen Linie ähnliche Krankheitszeichen boten. Daraus wurde eine männliche Bevorzugung einer rezessiv vererbten nicht fortschreitenden Abnormitát des Hirnstammes abgeleitet.RESUMENTemblor de mentón hereditaria en gemelos dizigotosSe observó un temblor de mentón, fino, rápido e intermitente en uno de los dos gemelos varones dizigotos de 21 meses de edad, que habia presentado sacudidas mioclónicas ocasionales y mordedura de lengua. Se halló que el otro mellizo, el padre y varios parientes masculinos del padre habian sufrido tambien lo mismo. Se infirió una anomalía de tronco cerebral, no progresiva, heredada recesivamente y con predominio en varones.