bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between RUNX3 promoter methylation and gastric cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Fan Xiao-yuan , Hu Xin-lei , Han Tie-mei , Wang Na-na , Zhu Yi-miao , Hu Wen , Ma Zhen-hua , Zhang Chen-jing , Xu Xiang , Ye Zai-yuan , Han Chun-mao , Pan Wen-sheng 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Runt-related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) is a member of the runt-domain family of transcription factors and has been reported to be a candidate tumor suppressor in gastric cancer. However, the association between RUNX3 promoter methylation and gastric cancer remains unclear.

Methods
We systematically reviewed studies of RUNX3 promoter methylation and gastric cancer published in English or Chinese from January 2000 to January 2011, and quantified the association between RUNX3 promoter methylation and gastric cancer using meta-analysis methods.

Results
A total of 1740 samples in 974 participants from seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis. A significant association was observed between RUNX3 promoter methylation and gastric cancer, with an aggregated odds ratio (OR) of 5.63 (95%CI 3.15, 10.07). There was obvious heterogeneity among studies. Subgroup analyses (including by tissue origin, country and age), meta-regression were performed to determine the source of the heterogeneity. Meta-regression showed that the trend in ORs was inversely correlated with age. No publication bias was detected. The ORs for RUNX3 methylation in well-differentiated vs undifferentiated gastric cancers, and in intestinal-type vs diffuse-type carcinomas were 0.59 (95%CI: 0.30, 1.16) and 2.62 (95%CI: 1.33, 5.14), respectively. There were no significant differences in RUNX3 methylation in cancer tissues in relation to age, gender, TNM stage, invasion of tumors into blood vessel or lymphatic ducts, or tumor stage.

Conclusions
This meta-analysis identified a strong association between methylation of the RUNX3 promoter and gastric cancer, confirming the role of RUNX3 as a tumor suppressor gene.
A moderate elevation of circulating levels of IGF-I does not alter ErbB2 induced mammary tumorigenesis
Authors: Dearth Robert K , Kuiatse Isere , Wang Yu-Fen , Liao Lan , Hilsenbeck Susan G , Brown Powel H , Xu Jianming , Lee Adrian V 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Epidemiological evidence suggests that moderately elevated levels of circulating insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are associated with increased risk of breast cancer in women. How circulating IGF-I may promote breast cancer incidence is unknown, however, increased IGF-I signaling is linked to trastuzumab resistance in ErbB2 positive breast cancer. Few models have directly examined the effect of moderately high levels of circulating IGF-I on breast cancer initiation and progression. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of circulating IGF-I to independently initiate mammary tumorigenesis and/or accelerate the progression of ErbB2 mediated mammary tumor growth.

Methods
We crossed heterozygous TTR-IGF-I mice with heterozygous MMTV-ErbB2 mice to generate 4 different genotypes: TTR-IGF-I/MMTV-ErbB2 (bigenic), TTR-IGF-I only, MMTV-ErbB2 only, and wild type (wt). Virgin females were palpated twice a week and harvested when tumors reached 1000 mm3. For study of normal development, blood and tissue were harvested at 4, 6 and 9 weeks of age in TTR-IGF-I and wt mice.

Results
TTR-IGF-I and TTR-IGF-I/ErbB2 bigenic mice showed a moderate 35% increase in circulating total IGF-I compared to ErbB2 and wt control mice. Elevation of circulating IGF-I had no effect upon pubertal mammary gland development. The transgenic increase in IGF-I alone wasn't sufficient to initiate mammary tumorigenesis. Elevated circulating IGF-I had no effect upon ErbB2-induced mammary tumorigenesis or metastasis, with median time to tumor formation being 30 wks and 33 wks in TTR-IGF-I/ErbB2 bigenic and ErbB2 mice respectively (p = 0.65). Levels of IGF-I in lysates from ErbB2/TTR-IGF-I tumors compared to ErbB2 was elevated in a similar manner to the circulating IGF-I, however, there was no effect on the rate of tumor growth (p = 0.23). There were no morphological differences in tumor type (solid adenocarcinomas) between bigenic and ErbB2 mammary glands.

Conclusion
Using the first transgenic animal model to elevate circulating levels of IGF-I to those comparable to women at increased risk of breast cancer, we showed that moderately high levels of systemic IGF-I have no effect on pubertal mammary gland development, initiating mammary tumorigenesis or promoting ErbB2 driven mammary carcinogenesis. Our work suggests that ErbB2-induced mammary tumorigenesis is independent of the normal variation in circulating levels of IGF-I.
Potential link between caffeine consumption and pediatric depression: A case-control study
Authors: Benko Cássia R , Farias Antonio C , Farias Lucilene G , Pereira Erico F , Louzada Fernando M , Cordeiro Mara L 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundEarly-onset depressive disorders can have severe consequences both from developmental and functional aspects. The etiology of depressive disorders is complex and multi-factorial, with an intricate interaction among environmental factors and genetic predisposition. While data from studies on adults suggest that caffeine is fairly safe, effects of caffeine in children, who are in period of rapid brain development, are currently unknown. Furthermore, systematic research addressing the relationship between depressive symptoms in children and caffeine consumption is lacking.The present study examined the effects of caffeine consumption on depressed mood in children with depression and non-depressed participants.MethodsChildren and adolescents (n = 51) already enrolled in an ongoing longitudinal study, aged 9-12 years, were assessed for depressive symptoms with the Children Depressive Inventory (CDI). Psychopathological symptoms were assessed with the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL) and eating habits were assessed with the Nutrition-Behavior Inventory (NBI) [1]. The children were compared to control children without psychopathology attending public schools in a Southern Brazilian city.ResultsParticipants with CDI scores ≥ 15 (mean = 19; S.D. = 4) also had high NBI scores (mean = 52; S.D. = 19, p < 0.001) suggestive of a relationship between depressive symptoms and environmental factors, in this case nutrition/behavior. Additional linear regression adjusted statistical analysis, considering the factors of consumption of sweets and caffeine individually, showed that caffeine, but not sweets, was associated with depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that depressed children consume more caffeinated drinks than non-depressed children. Nonetheless while a strong association between depressive symptoms and caffeine consumption among children was found, further research should investigate whether or not this association is due to a cause and effect relationship.
Development and evaluation of a prototype non-woven fabric filter for purification of malaria-infected blood
Authors: Tao Zhi-Yong , Xia Hui , Cao Jun , Gao Qi 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Many malaria-related studies depend on infected red blood cells (iRBCs) as fundamental material; however, infected blood samples from human or animal models include leukocytes (white blood cells or WBCs), especially difficult to separate from iRBCs in cases involving Plasmodium vivax. These host WBCs are a source of contamination in biology, immunology and molecular biology studies, requiring their removal. Non-woven fabric (NWF) has the ability to adsorb leukocytes and is already used as filtration material to deplete WBCs for blood transfusion and surgery. The present study describes the development and evaluation of a prototype NWF filter designed for purifying iRBCs from malaria-infected blood.

Methods
Blood samples of P. vivax patients were processed separately by NWF filter and CF11 column methods. WBCs and RBCs were counted, parasite density, morphology and developing stage was checked by microscopy, and compared before and after treatment. The viability of filtrated P. vivax parasites was examined by in vitro short-term cultivation.

Results
A total of 15 P. vivax-infected blood samples were treated by both NWF filter and CF11 methods. The WBC removal rate of the NWF filter method was 99.03%, significantly higher than the CF11 methods (98.41%, P < 0.01). The RBC recovery rate of the NWF filter method was 95.48%, also significantly higher than the CF11 method (87.05%, P < 0.01). Fourteen in vitro short-term culture results showed that after filter treatment, P. vivax parasite could develop as normal as CF11 method, and no obvious density, developing stage difference were fund between two methods.

Conclusions
NWF filter filtration removed most leukocytes from malaria-infected blood, and the recovery rate of RBCs was higher than with CF11 column method. Filtrated P. vivax parasites were morphologically normal, viable, and suitable for short-term in vitro culture. NWF filter filtration is simple, fast and robust, and is ideal for purification of malaria-infected blood.
Existence of positive solutions for nonlocal second-order boundary value problem with variable parameter in Banach spaces
Authors: Zhang Peiguo 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBy obtaining intervals of the parameter λ, this article investigates the existence of a positive solution for a class of nonlinear boundary value problems of second-order differential equations with integral boundary conditions in abstract spaces. The arguments are based upon a specially constructed cone and the fixed point theory in cone for a strict set contraction operator.MSC: 34B15; 34B16.
Carotid angiodysplasia complicated by the use of anti-hypertensive drugs during pregnancy: a case report
Authors: de Paula Viviane Ribeiro , Rocha Laura Penna , Tiveron Giovanni Carlos , de Oliveira Guimarães Camila Souza , dos Reis Marlene Antônia , Tavares Beatriz Barco , Corrêa Rosana Rosa Miranda 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Hypertensive syndromes in pregnancy are one of the leading causes of obstetric admissions into intensive care units. They are related to changes in the central nervous system caused by a decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure, indicated by an increase in intracranial pressure. These changes in pressure usually result from acute injuries or a decrease in the mean arterial pressure due to iatrogenic action or shock. However, other vascular disorders may contribute to similar occurrences.

Case presentation
A 15-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital complaining of severe headaches since the eighth month of pregnancy, and presented with an arterial blood pressure of 180/120 mmHg. The diagnostic hypothesis was pre-eclampsia. Our patient's blood pressure levels remained elevated, and she was submitted to a cesarean section. After the procedure, she was referred to our infirmary, presenting with a blank distant look and with no interaction with the environment, dyslalia, and labial and upper and lower right limb paresis. She was confused and unable to speak, but responded to painful stimuli as she conveyed abdominal pain at superficial and deep palpation. The hypothesis of post-partum psychosis was suggested. She was then transferred to our intensive care unit, maintaining an impassive attitude in bed but reacting to external stimuli. Results of a computed tomography scan revealed ischemic infarction of the territory of her left middle cerebral artery. A selective cerebral arteriography showed bilateral occlusion of her internal carotid artery in the intracranial position, prebifurcation and angiodysplasia in the cervical segments of her internal carotid artery. Sixteen days after hospital admission, our patient died.

Conclusion
This data shows the need for careful monitoring of hypertensive syndromes in pregnancy cases, especially in cases with a history of chronic hypertension or with vascular alterations, It also highlights the need for constant supervision of blood pressure levels during the use of anti-hypertensive medications.
Measurement of mRNA Transcripts of Very High Placental Expression in Maternal Blood as Biomarkers of Preeclampsia
Authors: Paiva Premila , Whitehead Clare , Saglam Burcu , Palmer Kirsten , Tong Stephen 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Context:
mRNA of placental origin in maternal blood shows potential as a clinical biomarker of obstetric diseases such as preeclampsia (PE). We hypothesized that mRNA transcripts very highly expressed in the placenta relative to other tissues will be differentially expressed in PE and be useful as mRNA biomarkers in maternal blood.

Objective:
Our objective was to identify a panel of genes highly expressed in the placenta and compare their expression in placenta and maternal whole blood from PE vs. control pregnancies.

Setting:
Placental tissue and maternal whole blood specimens were obtained from normotensive controls (n = 15) and pregnancies complicated by severe preterm PE (n = 21).

Intervention:
mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR.

Results:
We identified 20 genes exhibiting highest to fourth highest expression in the placenta relative to all other tissues. All genes were detectable in placenta. Nine of the 20 genes were detectable in maternal whole blood. Four of the nine genes detectable in blood (i.e. PLAC3, PLAC4, CRH, and ERVWE1) were significantly increased in both maternal blood and placenta from PE pregnancies. The remaining five genes detectable in maternal blood were unchanged in both blood and placenta from PE pregnancies. Thus, there was complete correlation of gene expression between maternal blood and placenta.

Conclusions:
Circulating mRNA coding genes of high placental expression show strong correlation with transcript levels in preeclamptic placenta. Such transcripts may be promising candidates to screen as mRNA biomarkers of PE in maternal whole blood.
Sterol profiles in plasma and erythrocyte membranes in patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: a six-year experience
Authors: Corso Gaetano , Gelzo Monica , Barone Rosalba , Clericuzio Stefano , Pianese Pierluigi , Nappi Angela , Russo Antonio Dello 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis study reports our experience over the last six years in the diagnosis of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome and other inborn errors of cholesterol biosynthesis.Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to obtain sterol profiles in plasma and erythrocyte membranes of suspected patients.Plasma sterol reference values calculated in unaffected subjects (n=276) were in agreement with those previously reported. Among patients investigated from 2005 to 2010, we report 16 patients affected by Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, three of whom represent new cases and 13 of whom were follow-up patients. In this period we also identified a new case of chondrodysplasia punctata 2 X-linked. The estimated incidence obtained for Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome was 1:93 suspected patients (1.08%). We also studied the effect of storage on the dehydrocholesterols/cholesterol ratio in plasma and erythrocyte membranes of patients affected by Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome stored at –20°C for up to 22 and 20 months, respectively. A significant negative linear correlation between storage time and the dehydrocholesterols/cholesterol ratio was identified in both plasma and erythrocyte membranes. The decrease in the dehydrocholesterols/cholesterol ratio in erythrocyte membranes was at least two-fold higher than in plasma.The results of this study may be helpful for diagnosis and interpretation of data in patients with findings suggestive of a cholesterol biosynthesis defect.
Nylon 6,12 fibers under low-dose gamma irradiation
Authors: Menchaca-Campos Carmina , Martínez-Barrera Gonzalo , Fainleib Alexander 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
One of the most important applications of gamma irradiation is in the area of polymer modification. Nylon fibers that were gamma-irradiated with a dose higher than 25 kGy show fusion temperature and fusion enthalpy higher than the nonirradiated nylon. Nevertheless, under certain applications, the influence of nylon-irradiated fibers is noticeable below 50 kGy; therefore, physicochemical characterization is indispensable. In the present work, nylon 6,12 crystalline fibers were irradiated at low dose (from 1 to 25 kGy) at environmental conditions to confirm the thermal behavior. The melting point and fusion enthalpy were measured with differential scanning calorimetry; structural changes were studied using infrared spectroscopy; and fiber surface morphology was studied using atomic force microscopy. The results show an increase in both fusion temperature and fusion enthalpy, which are effects of the newly ordered high-molecular-weight oligo­mers. Recrystallization and oligomer formation can be observed in infrared spectra. Such behaviors are directly related to the partial damage over the surface and the mechanical performance of manufactured composites.
How to Crawl Through a Pipe—Terminology
Authors: Howard Amster 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Personal inspections, such as “crawl throughs” or “walk-throughs,” of buried pipelines need standardized terminology for describing the interior condition of a pipe. In many cases, personal inspection is less expensive and more effective than a closed circuit television inspection. Remote video inspection of a pipeline interior is a valuable method of inspecting pipeline interiors. However, when accessible, a personal inspection can provide quantitative data not available from video inspection. The Pipeline Assessment and Certification Program (PACP) of the National Association of Sewer Service Companies promotes a uniform system of describing conditions encountered during video inspections of pipe. However, there are no national standards, programs, or instructions for terminology of observations made during a personal inspection. A condition assessment protocol, such as the PACP system, would also be useful. The descriptive terms and nomenclature of the PACP is generally recommended for use in personal pipeline inspections, modified for the means and methods available during “crawl-through” and “walk-through” investigations.
Preliminary Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties and Durability of Transparent Structural Silicone Adhesive (TSSA) for Point Fixing in Glazing
Authors: Sitte Sigurd , Brasseur Michael J. , Carbary Lawrence D. , Wolf Andreas T. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
The paper reports on the preliminary evaluation of a transparent structural silicone adhesive (TSSA) developed for point fixing in glazing, which combines high transparency, strong adhesion performance, thermal stability, and excellent weatherability. The transparent film adhesive is a heat curing one-part material that shows strong bonding to glass, metals, ceramics, and even plastics typically without primer. The paper presents information on the durability and physical properties of the new material and suggests a methodology for deriving static and dynamic design strength values for the new material based on creep rupture experiments as well as nondestructive dynamic load experiments using the stress whitening phenomenon observed with this material as the limit state. The paper further discusses material characterization and hyperelastic modeling used in the finite element analysis based on finite strain theory.
THERAPY IN ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Body composition and quality of life in adults treated with GH therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hazem Ahmad , Elamin Mohamed B , Bancos Irina , Malaga German , Prutsky Gabriela , Domecq Juan Pablo , Elraiyah Tarig A , Abu Elnour Nisrin O , Prevost Yolanda , Almandoz Jaime P , Zeballos-Palacios Claudia , Velasquez Edgar R , Erwin Patricia J , Natt Neena , Montori Victor M , Murad Mohammad Hassan 
Published: August 2011

ObjectiveTo summarise the evidence about the efficacy and safety of using GH in adults with GH deficiency focusing on quality of life and body composition.Data sourcesWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science and Scopus through April 2011. We also reviewed reference lists and contacted experts to identify candidate studies.Study selectionReviewers, working independently and in duplicate, selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GH to placebo.Data synthesisWe pooled the relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) by the random effects model and assessed heterogeneity using theI2statistic.ResultsFifty-four RCTs were included enrolling over 3400 patients. The quality of the included trials was fair. GH use was associated with statistically significant reduction in weight (WMD, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): −2.31 kg, −2.66 and −1.96) and body fat content (WMD, 95% CI: −2.56 kg, −2.97 and −2.16); increase in lean body mass (WMD, 95% CI: 1.38, 1.10 and 1.65), the risk of oedema (RR, 95% CI: 6.07, 4.34 and 8.48) and joint stiffness (RR, 95% CI: 4.17, 1.4 and 12.38); without significant changes in body mass index, bone mineral density or other adverse effects. Quality of life measures improved in 11 of the 16 trials although meta-analysis was not feasible.ResultsGH therapy in adults with confirmed GH deficiency reduces weight and body fat, increases lean body mass and increases oedema and joint stiffness. Most trials demonstrated improvement in quality of life measures.
Impact of a Hospitalwide Increase in Empiric Pediatric Vancomycin Dosing on Initial Trough Concentrations
Authors: Frymoyer Adam , Guglielmo B. Joseph , Wilson Stephen D. , Scarpace Sarah B. , Benet Leslie Z. , Hersh Adam L. 
Published: August 2011

Study Objective. To evaluate the impact of a hospitalwide increase in the recommended vancomycin starting dose from 45 to 60 mg/kg/day on initial vancomycin trough concentrations in children suspected of having an invasive methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.Design. Retrospective medical record review.Setting. Dedicated children's hospital located in a tertiary care, academic medical center.Patients. A total of 182 children aged 1 month‐12 years with normal renal function who had suspected MRSA infections treated with vancomycin during two different starting dose recommendation periods: 45 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours during July 2006‐June 2007 (low‐dose group [88 children]) and 60 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours during July 2008‐June 2009 (high‐dose group [94 children]).Measurement and Main Results. Data on patient demographics, vancomycin doses, and initial vancomycin trough concentrations were collected. No significant demographic differences were noted between patients in the low‐dose and high‐dose groups. The mean ± SD initial vancomycin trough level increased from 7 ± 5 μg/ml in the low‐dose group to 9 ± 5 μg/ml in the high‐dose group (p<0.001). The percentage of patients with an initial trough level less than 5 μg/ml declined from 38% (33/88 children) in the low‐dose group to 17% (16/94 children) in the high‐dose group (p<0.001), whereas the percentage of patients with an initial trough concentration in the potentially adverse range (> 20 μg/ml) did not change between the two groups (2% vs 2%, p=0.9). Less than 14% (13/94 children) achieved a trough level in the range of 15–20 μg/ml in the high‐dose group.Conclusion. An increase in the recommended vancomycin starting dose to 60 mg/kg/day decreased the likelihood of an initial low vancomycin trough level (< 5 μg/ml), with no increase in the proportion of patients with trough levels in a potentially toxic range. The 60‐mg/kg/day dose did not consistently achieve a vancomycin trough of 15–20 μg/ml, a goal suggested by some experts for adults. Comparative effectiveness studies are needed to directly evaluate vancomycin dosing regimens and clinical outcomes for children with invasive MRSA infections.