bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statins accelerate the onset of collagen type II-induced arthritis in mice
Authors: Vandebriel Rob J , De Jong Hilda JI , Gremmer Eric R , Klungel Olaf H , Tervaert Jan-Willem Cohen , Slob Wout , Van Der Laan Jan Willem , Van Loveren Henk 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Statins (hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or type II diabetes. Next to their cholesterol-lowering activity, statins have immunomodulatory properties. Based on these properties, we hypothesized that statin use may eventually lead to dysregulation of immune responses, possibly resulting in autoimmunity. We have recently shown in an observational study that statin use was associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Our objective was to investigate whether a causal relationship could be established for this finding.

Methods

The mouse collagen type II (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) model was used, with immunization, challenge, and euthanasia at days 0, 21, and 42, respectively. Statins were given orally before (day -28 until day 21) or after (day 21 until day 42) CIA induction. Atorvastatin (0.2 mg/day) or pravastatin (0.8 mg/day) was administered. Arthritis was recorded three times a week. Serum anti-CII autoantibodies and cytokines in supernatants from Concanavalin-A-stimulated lymph node cells and CII-stimulated spleen cells were measured.

Results

Statin administration accelerated arthritis onset and resulted in 100% arthritic animals, whereas only seven out of 12 nonstatin control animals developed arthritis. Atorvastatin administration after CIA induction resulted in earlier onset than atorvastatin administration before induction, or than pravastatin administration before or after induction. The arthritic score of animals given pravastatin before CIA induction was similar to that of the nonstatin controls, whereas the other groups that received statins showed higher arthritic scores. Atorvastatin administration, especially before CIA induction, increased anti-CII autoantibody production. IL-2 and IL-17 production by lymph node and spleen cells was higher in CIA animals than in PBS controls, but was not affected by statin administration. While IFNγ production was not affected by CIA induction, atorvastatin administration before CIA induction increased the production of this cytokine.

Conclusion

These data support previous results from our observational studies, indicating a role for statins in the induction of autoimmunity.
Enhanced RAD21 cohesin expression confers poor prognosis in BRCA2 and BRCAX, but not BRCA1 familial breast cancers
Authors: Yan Max , Xu Huiling , Waddell Nic , Shield-Artin Kristy , Haviv Izhak ,   kConFab authors, McKay Michael J , Fox Stephen B 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The RAD21 gene encodes a key component of the cohesin complex, which is essential for chromosome segregation, and together with BRCA1 and BRCA2, for high-fidelity DNA repair by homologous recombination. Although its expression correlates with early relapse and treatment resistance in sporadic breast cancers, it is unclear whether familial breast cancers behave in a similar manner.

Methods
We performed an immunohistochemical analysis of RAD21 expression in a cohort of 94 familial breast cancers (28 BRCA1, 27 BRCA2, and 39 BRCAX) and correlated these data with genotype and clinicopathologic parameters, including survival. In these cancers, we also correlated RAD21 expression with genomic expression profiling and gene copy-number changes and miRNAs predicted to target RAD21.

Results
No significant differences in nuclear RAD21 expression were observed between BRCA1 (12 (43%) of 28), BRCA2 (12 (44%) of 27), and BRCAX cancers (12 (33%) of 39 (p = 0.598). No correlation was found between RAD21 expression and grade, size, or lymph node, ER, or HER2 status (all P > 0.05). As for sporadic breast cancers, RAD21 expression correlated with shorter survival in grade 3 (P = 0.009) and but not in grade 1 (P = 0.065) or 2 cancers (P = 0.090). Expression of RAD21 correlated with poorer survival in patients treated with chemotherapy (P = 0.036) but not with hormonal therapy (P = 0.881). RAD21 expression correlated with shorter survival in BRCA2 (P = 0.006) and BRCAX (P = 0.008), but not BRCA1 cancers (P = 0.713). Changes in RAD21 mRNA were reflected by genomic changes in DNA copy number (P < 0.001) and by RAD21 protein expression, as assessed with immunohistochemistry (P = 0.047). High RAD21 expression was associated with genomic instability, as assessed by the total number of base pairs affected by genomic change (P = 0.048). Of 15 miRNAs predicted to target RAD21, mir-299-5p inversely correlated with RAD21 expression (P = 0.002).

Conclusions
Potential use of RAD21 as a predictive and prognostic marker in familial breast cancers is hence feasible and may therefore take into account the patient's BRCA1/2 mutation status.
Role of Ultrasonographic/Clinical Profile, Cytology, and BRAF V600E Mutation Evaluation in Thyroid Nodule Screening for Malignancy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Rossi Martina , Buratto Mattia , Bruni Stefania , Filieri Carlo , Tagliati Federico , Trasforini Giorgio , Rossi Roberta , Beccati Maria Donatella , degli Uberti Ettore C. , Zatelli Maria Chiara 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Context:
Ultrasound (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the most reliable nonsurgical test for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules. However, there is no consensus on which nodules should undergo FNAB.

Aims:
The aims of this study were to evaluate the utility of US-guided FNAB in the diagnostic assessment of nodules with or without clinical/US features suggestive for malignancy and to investigate the additional contribution of BRAF V600E mutation analysis in the detection of differentiated thyroid cancer.

Design and Methods:
Thyroid cytoaspirates from 2421 nodules at least 4 mm in diameter were performed in 1856 patients who underwent cytological evaluation and biomolecular analysis.

Results:
Cytology showed high positive predictive value and specificity for the diagnosis of malignant lesions. BRAF V600E mutation was found in 115 samples, 80 of which were also cytologically diagnosed as papillary thyroid cancer. BRAF mutation analysis significantly enhanced the diagnostic value of cytology, increasing FNAB diagnostic sensitivity for malignant nodules by approximately 28%. Micro PTC (63% of diagnosed papillary thyroid carcinoma) showed a high prevalence of multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastases, underlining the malignant potential of thyroid microcarcinomas. Each investigated US/clinical characteristic of suspected malignancy correlated with the presence of a thyroid cancer in thyroid nodules with diameter of at least 4 mm.

Conclusions:
These data indicate that nodules of at least 4 mm may underlie a thyroid cancer independently of US/clinical characteristics of suspected malignancy, suggesting the need to perform FNAB. The diagnostic sensitivity for thyroid cancer is significantly increased by BRAF V600E mutation analysis, indicating that the screening for BRAF mutation in FNAB samples has a relevant diagnostic potential.
Reduced mRNA and Protein Expression of Perilipin A and G0/G1 Switch Gene 2 (G0S2) in Human Adipose Tissue in Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Nielsen Thomas S. , Kampmann Ulla , Nielsen Roni R. , Jessen Niels , Ørskov Lotte , Pedersen Steen B. , Jørgensen Jens O. , Lund Sten , Møller Niels 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Context:
Increased lipolysis and free fatty acid (FFA) levels contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of chronic and acute insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain.

Objective:
Our objective was to test whether increased lipolysis and FFA levels induced by insulin withdrawal are accompanied by increased adipose tissue (AT) contents of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and/or altered intracellular ATGL regulation.

Design and Participants:
Nine patients with type 2 diabetes were examined twice in a randomized crossover design after 16 h of 1) hyperglycemia/insulin withdrawal and 2) euglycemia/insulin infusion. Blood samples were drawn and a sc abdominal AT biopsy was obtained.

Setting:
The study was conducted at a university hospital research unit.

Results:
Circulating glucose (7.2 ± 0.3 vs. 11.2 ± 0.8 mmol/liter) and FFA (0.51 ± 0.05 vs. 0.65 ± 0.04 mmol/liter) were increased and insulin levels decreased after insulin withdrawal. AT ATGL protein tended to be increased (P = 0.075) after insulin withdrawal; by contrast, AT protein and mRNA content of perilipin A (Plin) and G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2), known negative regulators of ATGL activity, were decreased by 20–30% (all P values &lt;0.03). All measured parameters related to hormone-sensitive lipase remained unaffected.

Conclusions:
We found reduced mRNA and protein content of Plin and G0S2 and borderline increased ATGL protein in sc AT from poorly controlled type 2 diabetic subjects. This suggests that increased ATGL activity may contribute to the elevated lipolysis and circulating FFA levels in acute insulin withdrawal and metabolic dysregulation in type 2 diabetic patients and that this mechanism may be modifiable.
Psychiatric Symptoms and Quality of Life in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Mura G , Bhat Krishna M , Pisano A , Licci G , Carta MG 
Published: April 2012

Introduction:
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare conjunctive tissue disorder characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, and vascular obliteration phenomena. Patients with SSc often experience elevated symptoms of psychological distress, determined by the disfiguration, the pain, the fatigue sensation, and the difficult in daily life occupations. The characteristics of the disease may influence the perceived quality of life (QoL) in people with SSc.

Methods:
This is a narrative review aiming to define the amount of impairment of Quality of Life in patients with Systemic Sclerosis and the component of this impairment due to depressive or other psychiatric symptoms. The search of the significant articles was carried out in PubMed for the key words “Psychiatric symptoms and Systemic Sclerosis”; “Quality of life and Systemic Sclerosis”; “Depressive Disorders and Systemic Sclerosis”.

Results:
Psychiatric symptoms are frequents in patients with SSc, but pain, fatigue, disability, body changes don’t appear to explain the high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in SSc. Many studies founded a significant impairment in SSc patients’ QoL, and despite the undeniable correlation between physical symptoms and SSc patients’ QoL, mental health was found significantly impaired.

Discussion:
The high rate of depression seems to strictly correlate with poor quality of life, and this finding needs more research to establish the cause of such a correlation. Patients’ point of view regarding their health-related QoL could help physicians to enlarge the knowledge about physical and mental correlates of the disease, and to fit therapies as patient required. Particular attention must be given to provide the patient with correct information, in order to mitigate the anxious state on disease course, and to enhance coping skills of the patients.
Editorial - Polymer-Derived Ceramics (PDCs)
Authors: Chu Zengyong 
Published: April 2012

Polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) are the ceramics
derived from preceramic polymers by a pyrolysis process,
which makes them much different from those by traditional
sintering techniques. The PDCs present a growing interest in the ceramic science for their much suitability in (i)
elaborating complex forms (fibers, films, porous ceramics,
etc...), (ii) developing ceramic micro/nanostructures, (iii)
controlling ultimate compositions and (iv) producing
amorphous ceramics stable at ultra-high temperatures. The
most attractive point of the PDCs lies in the tailoring the
complex microstructure and functional properties easily with
the aid of molecular design and polymer synthesis. To some
extent, their life energy is rooted in the polymers.
In this special issue, papers were organized from a
viewpoint of the effect of polymer structures on the
functional properties of the PDCs.
Spatial Variation in Personal Exposure of Parking Attendants to Traffic Emissions in an Urban Conurbation
Authors: Tiwary A. , Namdeo A. , Pareira A. 
Published: April 2012

This study presents temporal and spatial variations in personal exposure of parking attendants in a busy
conurbation in the northern part of the UK. Two traffic related pollutants - carbon monoxide (CO) and ultrafine
particulates (UFP), mainly associated with urban drives, have been considered for two distinct locations- one, in the city
centre and the other in a suburban area of Leeds, a prominent city in West Yorkshire. The monitoring of pollutants was
conducted while parking attendants carried out their duty along the streets during different times of the year to capture the
seasonal fluctuations.
Our results show a wide variation in exposure levels for both CO and UFP, marked both by seasonal and daily
characteristics. There seems to be considerable variations in exposure levels depending on the location of the parking
attendants with respect to traffic activity. Specifically, the level of exposure closer to market areas within the city centre,
despite located in open spaces but closer to congested streets were found to be much higher owing to frequent stopping,
stopping and idling of cars in search of parking spaces. This demonstrates the merit in setting up transport interchanges
and park-and-ride schemes away from busy streets to ameliorate the exposure levels.
Unintended Consequences of LIFO Repeal: The Case of the Oil Industry
Authors: Guenther David A. , Sansing Richard C. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT
This study examines the effect on firm value of repealing the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory method for tax purposes. Our model extends prior literature by determining quantities and prices in equilibrium, rather than specifying them exogenously. We find that LIFO repeal could increase the future after-tax cash flows of firms that had used LIFO, because the higher tax costs associated with FIFO result in lower equilibrium quantities and higher equilibrium output prices, which increase pretax cash flows. We illustrate our model by examining inventory methods used by firms in the oil industry.
Curative Onyx embolization of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Puffer Ross C. , Daniels David J. , Kallmes David F. , Cloft Harry J. , Lanzino Giuseppe 
Published: April 2012

Object
The authors conducted a study to review their experience with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) treated with transarterial endovascular embolization in which Onyx was used.

Methods
The authors reviewed prospectively collected data in 9 patients with tentorial DAVFs treated with Onyx embolization between 2008 and 2011. Information reviewed included clinical presentation, angiographic features, treatment, and clinical and radiologically documented outcome. Clinical follow-up was available in every patient. Radiological follow-up studies were available in 8 of 9 patients (mean follow-up 4.6 months).

Results
Six of 9 patients had complete angiographic obliteration (in 5 this was confirmed by a follow-up angiogram obtained 3–6 months later), and 2 patients had near-complete obliteration (faint filling of the venous drainage in the late venous phase). One patient had partial obliteration and required surgical disconnection. In all patients with complete obliteration, transarterial embolization was performed through the posterior branch of the middle meningeal artery. There were no procedural complications, and no morbidity or mortality resulted from Onyx embolization.

Conclusions
Transarterial Onyx embolization is a valid, effective, and safe alternative to surgical disconnection in many patients with tentorial DAVFs. The presence of an adequate posterior branch of the middle meningeal artery is critical to achieve a microcatheter position distal enough to increase the likelihood of complete obliteration.
Surgical treatment of Type I spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Ropper Alexander E. , Gross Bradley A. , Du Rose 
Published: April 2012

Object
Type I spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVFs) are low-flow vascular shunts fed by radicular arteries in patients who most often present with myelopathy. Although some fistulas are amenable to endovascular embolization, nearly all can be treated with direct microsurgical obliteration.

Methods
The authors reviewed their experience in treating 214 craniospinal arteriovenous malformations and/or fistulas over the last 8 years. Of these, 19 were spinal (9%), of which 15 (79%) were Type I SDAVFs. The authors reviewed the patients' epidemiological characteristics, presenting symptoms, and SDAVF angioarchitecture in all cases. They subsequently analyzed surgical obliteration rates and outcomes of all 11 patients who underwent fistula microsurgical obliteration.

Results
In all patients who underwent microsurgical treatment, complete angiographic obliteration of the fistula was achieved. At follow-up, 10 (91%) of 11 patients exhibited improvement, 1 patient (9%) was the same, and no patients were worse. Specifically, 8 (73%) of 11 patients had improvement in strength and sensation, 5 (71%) of 7 had improvement of bowel/bladder function, and 3 (60%) of 5 had improvement of preoperative paresthesias. There were no wound infections, CSF leaks, or permanent neurological deficits.

Conclusions
Microsurgical treatment of SDAVF provides direct access to the fistula point, allowing for high obliteration rates with excellent long-term improvement of preoperative deficits and limited periprocedural complications.
Management of tandem occlusion stroke with endovascular therapy
Authors: Dababneh Haitham , Guerrero Waldo R. , Khanna Anna , Hoh Brian L. , Mocco J 
Published: April 2012

Object
Approximately 25% of patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion will have a concomitant internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, and 50% of patients with an ICA occlusion will have a proximal MCA occlusion. Cervical ICA occlusion with MCA embolic occlusion is associated with a low rate of recanalization and poor outcome after intravenous thrombolysis. The authors report their experience with acute ischemic stroke patients who suffered tandem ICA/MCA (TIM) occlusions and underwent intravenous thrombolysis followed by extracranial ICA angioplasty and intracranial MCA mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods
In a retrospective analysis of their stroke database (2008–2011), the authors identified 2 patients with TIM occlusion treated with intravenous thrombolysis followed by extracranial ICA angioplasty and intracranial mechanical thrombectomy. They examined early neurological improvement defined by a greater than 10-point reduction of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and an improved modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 60 days. Successful recanalization based on thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score of 2 or 3 was also evaluated.

Results
In both patients a TICI score of 2b or 3 was achieved, signifying successful recanalization. In addition, both patients had a reduction in the NIHSS score by greater than 10 points and an mRS score of 0 at 60 days.

Conclusions
Tandem occlusions of the cervical ICA and MCA may be successfully treated using the multimodality approach of intravenous thrombolysis followed by extracranial ICA angioplasty and intracranial mechanical thrombectomy.
Magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography fusion technique for intraoperative navigation during microsurgical resection of cerebral arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Bekelis Kimon , Missios Symeon , Desai Atman , Eskey Clifford , Erkmen Kadir 
Published: April 2012

Object
Microsurgical resection of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) is facilitated by real-time image guidance that demonstrates the precise size and location of the AVM nidus. Magnetic resonance images have routinely been used for intraoperative navigation, but there is no single MRI sequence that can provide all the details needed for characterization of the AVM. Additional information detailing the specific location of the feeding arteries and draining veins would be valuable during surgery, and this detail may be provided by fusing MR images and MR angiography (MRA) sequences. The current study describes the use of a technique that fuses contrast-enhanced MR images and 3D time-of-flight MR angiograms for intraoperative navigation in AVM resection.

Methods
All patients undergoing microsurgical resection of AVMs at the Dartmouth Cerebrovascular Surgery Program were evaluated from the surgical database. Between 2009 and 2011, 15 patients underwent surgery in which this contrast-enhanced MRI and MRA fusion technique was used, and these patient form the population of the present study.

Results
Image fusion was successful in all 15 cases. The additional data manipulation required to fuse the image sets was performed on the morning of surgery with minimal added setup time. The navigation system accurately identified feeding arteries and draining veins during resection in all cases. There was minimal imaging-related artifact produced by embolic materials in AVMs that had been preoperatively embolized. Complete AVM obliteration was demonstrated on intraoperative angiography in all cases.

Conclusions
Precise anatomical localization, as well as the ability to differentiate between arteries and veins during AVM microsurgery, is feasible with the aforementioned MRI/MRA fusion technique. The technique provides important information that is beneficial to preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, and successful AVM resection.