bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Metronomic Cyclophosphamide, Celecoxib, and Dexamethasone in Advanced Hormone-refractory Prostate Cancer
Authors: Fontana Andrea , Galli Luca , Fioravanti Anna , Orlandi Paola , Galli Costanza , Landi Lorenza , Bursi Simona , Allegrini Giacomo , Fontana Eloise , Di Marsico Roberta , Antonuzzo Andrea , D'Arcangelo Manolo , Danesi Romano , Del Tacca Mario , Falcone Alfredo , Bocci Guido 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Purpose: The aims of the present study were to evaluate the clinical activity and the pharmacodynamic profile of the novel schedule of a single i.v. standard dose of cyclophosphamide (CTX) immediately followed by an oral metronomic CTX regimen with celecoxib (CXB) and dexamethasone (DEX) in advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer patients.
Experimental Design: Twenty-eight patients (68% docetaxel-resistant) received 500 mg/m2 CTX i.v. bolus on day 1 and, from day 2, 50 mg/day CTX p.o. plus 200 mg/twice a day CXB p.o. and 1 mg/day DEX p.o. until disease progression. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and thrombospondin-1 were detected by ELISA, and real-time reverse transcription-PCR of VEGF and thrombospondin-1 gene expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cell and of VE-cadherin (VE-C) in blood samples was done.
Results: A confirmed prostate-specific antigen decrease of ≥50% from baseline was observed in 9 of 28 patients (32%). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 3 months (95% confidence interval, 2.2-4.2 months) and 21 months (95% confidence interval, 12.4-29.4 months), respectively. Toxicity was mild and no grade 3 to 4 toxicities occurred. A significant relationship was found between plasma VEGF and prostate-specific antigen values (r = 0.4223; P &lt; 0.001). VEGF levels significantly increased in nonresponders, whereas the responder patients maintained significantly lower levels of VE-C gene expression after the beginning of the treatment if compared with nonresponder ones.
Conclusion: Metronomic CTX plus CXB and DEX showed favorable toxicity and activity profile in patients. VE-C gene expression and VEGF levels represent potentially useful pharmacodynamic markers for the clinical response.
Behavioural response of Meloidogyne incognita to benzyl isothiocyanate
Authors: Zasada Inga A. , Masler Edward P. , Halbrendt John M. , Rogers Stephen T. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The breakdown of brassicaceous plant material produces nematotoxic
isothiocyanates (ITCs). However, after the incorporation of brassicaceous
plant material into soil, many nematodes are likely to be exposed only to
sublethal concentrations of these compounds. Although unknown, the effect of
these low ITC concentrations on the behaviour of plant-parasitic nematodes
could play a role in nematode suppression. To address this question, the
behaviour of infective second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne incognita
was evaluated following in vitro exposure to sublethal concentrations of
benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC). Behaviour was qualitatively and quantitatively
affected. Overall nematode activity in treatment groups scored visually, and
individual nematode movement frequencies, quantified by video assay, were
each significantly reduced within 2 h of exposure to 0.01 mM BITC. All
responses were dose dependent. Infectivity of BITC-treated J2 of M.
incognita on soybean (Glycine max) was measured directly by root staining
and gall rating, and indirectly by egg production. All experiments showed
significantly reduced infectivity after treatment of J2 with 0.01 mM BITC.
In addition, egg production was almost completely eliminated (<5% of
control) by 0.03 mM BITC. The correlation between the effect of BITC
concentrations on J2 activity and infectivity was positive, with decreased
J2 activity and infectivity resulting in decreased egg production. BITC
concentrations that do not cause mortality significantly affect the
behaviour of M. incognita J2, indicating that sublethal concentrations
contribute to the overall nematode suppression by brassicaceous green
manures.
Cost-effectiveness of Diabetes Self-management Programs in Community Primary Care Settings
Authors: Brownson Carol A. , Hoerger Thomas J. , Fisher Edwin B. , Kilpatrick Kerry E. 
Published: July 2009

Purpose The purpose of this study is to estimate the cost-effectiveness of diabetes self-management programs in real-world community primary care settings. Estimates incorporated lifetime reductions in disease progression, costs of adverse events, and increases in quality of life. Methods Clinical results and costs were based on programs of the Diabetes Initiative of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, implemented in primary care and community settings in disadvantaged areas with notable health disparities. Program results were used as inputs to a Markov simulation model to estimate the long-term effects of self-management interventions. A health systems perspective was adopted. Results The simulation model estimates that the intervention does reduce discounted lifetime treatment and complication costs by $3385, but this is more than offset by the $15 031 cost of implementing the intervention and maintaining its effects in subsequent years. The intervention is estimated to reduce long-term complications, leading to an increase in remaining life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is $39 563/QALY, well below a common benchmark of $50 000/QALY. Sensitivity analyses tested the robustness of the model’s estimates under various alternative assumptions. The model generally predicts acceptable cost-effectiveness ratios. Conclusions Self-management programs for type 2 diabetes are cost-effective from a health systems perspective when the cost savings due to reductions in long-term complications are recognized. These findings may justify increased reimbursement for effective self-management programs in diverse settings.
Distal Biceps Tendon Repair
Authors: Jobin Charles M. , Kippe Matthew A. , Gardner Thomas R. , Levine William N. , Ahmad Christopher S. 
Published: July 2009

Background Distal biceps tendon repair with interference screw or double suture-anchor fixation are 2 successful techniques performed with either 1- or 2-incision approaches. No study has examined the accuracy and quality of the repaired tendon footprint with these devices and approaches. Hypothesis A 2-incision approach will allow a more anatomic repair of the distal biceps footprint compared with a 1-incision anterior approach. Fixation technique will affect insertional footprint location and footprint contact area. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods After randomization, 36 distal biceps repairs were performed on human cadaveric upper extremity specimens, with 1- or 2-incision approaches and with fixation devices of either two 5.5-mm suture anchors or an 8-mm interference screw. Native and repaired footprint areas and centroid location were calculated with a 3-dimensional digitizer. Results Interference screw repair had the smallest footprint area (135 mm 2 ) compared with suture anchor repair (197 mm 2 ) and the native tendon (259 mm 2 ) ( P = .013). The 2-incision approach repaired the footprint to a more posterior and anatomic position (2.5 mm) than a 1-incision approach ( P = .001). The fixation device did not affect footprint location significantly. Conclusion Suture anchor repair more closely re-creates the footprint area on the radial tuberosity of the native distal biceps tendon compared with the interference screw repair. A 2-incision approach more closely re-creates footprint position compared with the 1-incision approach. Clinical Relevance A 2-incision approach with double suture-anchor fixation may yield a more anatomic distal biceps repair based on reproduction of the footprint compared with a 1-incision approach.
The preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) inhibits myeloid differentiation in normal hematopoietic and leukemic progenitor cells
Authors: Oehler Vivian G. , Guthrie Katherine A. , Cummings Carrie L. , Sabo Kathleen , Wood Brent L. , Gooley Ted , Yang Taimei , Epping Mirjam T. , Shou Yaping , Pogosova-Agadjanyan Era , Ladne Paula , Stirewalt Derek L. , Abkowitz Janis L. , Radich Jerald P. 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
The preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is expressed in several hematologic malignancies, but either is not expressed or is expressed at only low levels in normal hematopoietic cells, making it a target for cancer therapy. PRAME is a tumor-associated antigen and has been described as a corepressor of retinoic acid signaling in solid tumor cells, but its function in hematopoietic cells is unknown. PRAME mRNA expression increased with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) disease progression and its detection in late chronic-phase CML patients before tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy was associated with poorer therapeutic responses and ABL tyrosine kinase domain point mutations. In leukemia cell lines, PRAME protein expression inhibited granulocytic differentiation only in cell lines that differentiate along this lineage after all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) exposure. Forced PRAME expression in normal hematopoietic progenitors, however, inhibited myeloid differentiation both in the presence and absence of ATRA, and this phenotype was reversed when PRAME was silenced in primary CML progenitors. These observations suggest that PRAME inhibits myeloid differentiation in certain myeloid leukemias, and that its function in these cells is lineage and phenotype dependent. Lastly, these observations suggest that PRAME is a target for both prognostic and therapeutic applications.
BMP/Smad signaling is not enhanced in Hfe-deficient mice despite increased Bmp6 expression
Authors: Kautz Léon , Meynard Delphine , Besson-Fournier Céline , Darnaud Valérie , Al Saati Talal , Coppin Hélène , Roth Marie-Paule 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Impaired regulation of hepcidin expression in response to iron loading appears to be the pathogenic mechanism for hereditary hemochromatosis. Iron normally induces expression of the BMP6 ligand, which, in turn, activates the BMP/Smad signaling cascade directing hepcidin expression. The molecular function of the HFE protein, involved in the most common form of hereditary hemochromatosis, is still unknown. We have used Hfe-deficient mice of different genetic backgrounds to test whether HFE has a role in the signaling cascade induced by BMP6. At 7 weeks of age, these mice have accumulated iron in their liver and have increased Bmp6 mRNA and protein. However, in contrast to mice with secondary iron overload, levels of phosphorylated Smads 1/5/8 and of Id1 mRNA, both indicators of BMP signaling, are not significantly higher in the liver of these mice than in wild-type livers. As a consequence, hepcidin mRNA levels in Hfe-deficient mice are similar or marginally reduced, compared with 7-week-old wild-type mice. The inappropriately low levels of Id1 and hepcidin mRNA observed at weaning further suggest that Hfe deficiency triggers iron overload by impairing hepatic Bmp/Smad signaling. HFE therefore appears to facilitate signal transduction induced by the BMP6 ligand.
Reconstructing Indian-Australian phylogenetic link
Authors: Kumar Satish , Ravuri Rajasekhara Reddy , Koneru Padmaja , Urade BP , Sarkar BN , Chandrasekar A , Rao VR 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
An early dispersal of biologically and behaviorally modern humans from their African origins to Australia, by at least 45 thousand years via southern Asia has been suggested by studies based on morphology, archaeology and genetics. However, mtDNA lineages sampled so far from south Asia, eastern Asia and Australasia show non-overlapping distributions of haplogroups within pan Eurasian M and N macrohaplogroups. Likewise, support from the archaeology is still ambiguous.

Results
In our completely sequenced 966-mitochondrial genomes from 26 relic tribes of India, we have identified seven genomes, which share two synonymous polymorphisms with the M42 haplogroup, which is specific to Australian Aborigines.

Conclusion
Our results showing a shared mtDNA lineage between Indians and Australian Aborigines provides direct genetic evidence of an early colonization of Australia through south Asia, following the "southern route".
The evolutionary dynamics of the Helena retrotransposon revealed by sequenced Drosophila genomes
Authors: Granzotto Adriana , Lopes Fabrício R , Lerat Emmanuelle , Vieira Cristina , Carareto Claudia MA 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have shown that genomes contain a mixture of transposable elements, some of which are still active and others ancient relics that have degenerated. This is true for the non-LTR retrotransposonHelena, of which only degenerate sequences have been shown to be present in some species (Drosophila melanogaster), whereas putatively active sequences are present in others (D. simulans). Combining experimental and population analyses with the sequence analysis of the 12Drosophilagenomes, we have investigated the evolution ofHelena, and propose a possible scenario for the evolution of this element.ResultsWe show that six species ofDrosophilahave theHelenatransposable element at different stages of its evolution. The copy number is highly variable among these species, but most of them are truncated at the 5' ends and also harbor several internal deletions and insertions suggesting that they are inactive in all species, except inD. mojavensisin which quantitative RT-PCR experiments have identified a putative active copy.ConclusionOur data suggest thatHelenawas present in the common ancestor of theDrosophilagenus, which has been vertically transmitted to the derived lineages, but that it has been lost in some of them. The wide variation in copy number and sequence degeneration in the different species suggest that the evolutionary dynamics ofHelenadepends on the genomic environment of the host species.
Functional analysis of the C-reactive protein (CRP) gene -717A>G polymorphism associated with coronary heart disease
Authors: Wang Laiyuan , Lu Xiangfeng , Li Yun , Li Hongfan , Chen Shufeng , Gu Dongfeng 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
Atherosclerosis underlies the major pathophysiological mechanisms of coronary heart disease (CHD), and inflammation contributes to all phases of atherosclerosis. C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive, but nonspecific marker of inflammation has been shown to play proatherogenic roles in the process of atherosclerosis. Our previous report showed that rs2794521 (-717A>G), located in the promoter of the CRP gene, was independently associated with CHD in Chinese subjects. In the present study, we tried to investigate the biological significance of this genetic variation in vitro.

Methods
The influence of G to A substitution at the site of rs2794521 on the transcriptional activity of the promoter of the CRP gene was assessed by luciferase reporter assay, and protein binding to the site of rs2794521 was detected by EMSA assay.

Results
The G to A exchange at the site of rs2794521 resulted in an increased transcriptional activity of the promoter of CRP gene, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein factor bound drastically differently to the A and G alleles at the site of rs2794521.

Conclusion
These results provided functional evidence supporting the association of the SNP rs2794521 of the CRP gene with CHD probably through regulating the expression level of CRP by different variations of rs2794521.
Role of the EGF +61A>G polymorphism in melanoma pathogenesis: an experience on a large series of Italian cases and controls
Authors: Casula Milena , Alaibac Mauro , Pizzichetta Maria A , Bono Riccardo , Ascierto Paolo A , Stanganelli Ignazio , Canzanella Sergio , Palomba Grazia , Zattra Edoardo ,   The Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI), Palmieri Giuseppe 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background
A single nucleotide polymorphism (61A>G) in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) gene has been implicated in both melanoma pathogenesis and increased melanoma risk. To further evaluate this association, we conducted a case-control study in a clinic-based Italian population.

Methods
Individuals with less than 10 (N = 127) or more than 100 (N = 128) benign nevi, and patients with cutaneous melanoma (N = 418) were investigated for the EGF +61A>G polymorphism, using an automated sequencing approach.

Results
Overall, no difference in EGF genotype frequencies was observed among subjects with different number of nevi as well as when non-melanoma healthy controls were compared with the melanoma patients. However, a heterogeneous distribution of the frequencies of the G/G genotype was detected among cases and controls originating from North Italy (21.1 and 18.3%, respectively) vs. those from South Italy (12.6 and 17.1%, respectively).

Conclusion
Our findings further suggest that EGF +61A>G polymorphism may have a limited impact on predisposition and/or pathogenesis of melanoma and its prevalence may vary in different populations.
Altered myocardial substrate metabolism is associated with myocardial dysfunction in early diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats: studies using positron emission tomography
Authors: van den Brom Charissa E , Huisman Marc C , Vlasblom Ronald , Boontje Nicky M , Duijst Suzanne , Lubberink Mark , Molthoff Carla FM , Lammertsma Adriaan A , van der Velden Jolanda , Boer Christa , Ouwens D Margriet , Diamant Michaela 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Background

In vitro data suggest that changes in myocardial substrate metabolism may contribute to impaired myocardial function in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The purpose of the present study was to study in a rat model of early DCM, in vivo changes in myocardial substrate metabolism and their association with myocardial function.

Methods
Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and Zucker lean (ZL) rats underwent echocardiography followed by [11C]palmitate positron emission tomography (PET) under fasting, and [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose PET under hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp conditions. Isolated cardiomyocytes were used to determine isometric force development.

Results
PET data showed a 66% decrease in insulin-mediated myocardial glucose utilisation and a 41% increase in fatty acid (FA) oxidation in ZDF vs. ZL rats (both p < 0.05). Echocardiography showed diastolic and systolic dysfunction in ZDF vs. ZL rats, which was paralleled by a significantly decreased maximal force (68%) and maximal rate of force redevelopment (69%) of single cardiomyocytes. Myocardial functional changes were significantly associated with whole-body insulin sensitivity and decreased myocardial glucose utilisation. ZDF hearts showed a 68% decrease in glucose transporter-4 mRNA expression (p < 0.05), a 22% decrease in glucose transporter-4 protein expression (p = 0.10), unchanged levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-4 protein expression, a 57% decreased phosphorylation of AMP activated protein kinase α1/2 (p < 0.05) and a 2.4-fold increased abundance of the FA transporter CD36 to the sarcolemma (p < 0.01) vs. ZL hearts, which are compatible with changes in substrate metabolism. In ZDF vs. ZL hearts a 2.4-fold reduced insulin-mediated phosphorylation of Akt was found (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
Using PET and echocardiography, we found increases in myocardial FA oxidation with a concomitant decrease of insulin-mediated myocardial glucose utilisation in early DCM. In addition, the latter was associated with impaired myocardial function. These in vivo data expand previous in vitro findings showing that early alterations in myocardial substrate metabolism contribute to myocardial dysfunction.
Late presentation of a paranasal sinus glass foreign body: a case report
Authors: Mangwani Jitendra , Su Archibald Paul 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Foreign bodies in the paranasal sinuses are rare and mostly related to maxillo-facial trauma. We treated a 47-year-old man with a late complication arising from a foreign body in the nasoethmoid sinus present for 16 years after a road traffic accident. Patients presenting with maxillo-facial injuries, especially those with lacerations due to glass or car wind-screen trauma should have thorough examination and appropriate imaging of the injury.
Perniosis (chilblains) masquerading as CA-MRSA: a case report
Authors: Bohman Keith D , Papadimos Thomas J , Gottwald Lorie D , Pan Zhixing K 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
Perniosis (chilblains) is a vasospastic, inflammatory disease that occurs when the skin is subjected to cold above the freezing point, under damp conditions. Erythematous (violaceous) blisters, ulcerations or pustules that sit on an edematous base, accompanied by pain, burning or itching, are usually evident. To the inexperienced clinician it may resemble community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and could lead to inappropriate treatment. Here we report such a case.
Metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma to the mandible: a case report
Authors: Ismail Sumairi Bin , Abraham Mannil Thomas , Zaini Zuraiza Binti , Yaacob Hashim Bin , Zain Rosnah Binti 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Metastatic lesions to the oro-facial region may be the first evidence of dissemination of an unknown tumour from its primary site.

Case presentation
We described a case of metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma to the mandible presenting with pain and loosening of teeth in a 70 years old female patient leading to extraction of the loose teeth.

Conclusion
The present case emphasizes the importance of considering metastasis in the differential diagnosis of swelling related to loosening of teeth, even though the patient had no history of any malignant disease.
Epidural bleeding after ACL reconstruction under regional anaesthesia: a case report
Authors: Roidis Nikolaos T , Poultsides Lazaros A , Gougoulias Nikolaos E , Liakou Paraskevi D , Karachalios Theofilos S , Malizos Konstantinos N 
Published: July 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Epidural bleeding as a complication of catheterization or epidural catheter removal is often associated with perioperative thromboprophylaxis especially in adult reconstructive surgery.

Case presentation
We report on a case of a 19 years old male athlete that underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, receiving low molecular weight heparin for thromboprophylaxis and developed an epidural hematoma and subsequent cauda equina syndrome two days after removal of the epidural catheter. An urgent magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed an epidural hematoma from the level of L3 to L4. Emergent decompression and hematoma evacuation resulted in patient's significant neurological improvement immediately postoperatively.

Conclusion
A high index of clinical suspicion and surgical intervention are necessary to prevent such potentially disabling complications especially after procedures on a day-case basis and early patient's discharge.