bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
19. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Patijn Jacob , Vallejo Ricardo , Janssen Markus , Huygen Frank , Lataster Arno , van Kleef Maarten , Mekhail Nagy 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common disorder. In the majority of cases, patients with CTS can be diagnosed by means of appropriate history taking. Nerve conduction examination of the nervus medianus is the most important additional diagnostic test and is the best predictor of symptom severity and functional status in idiopathic CTS. Treatment option depends on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of functional daily limitations. If few limitations are present, splinting or corticosteroid injections are preferred. Surgical interventions are reserved for the more severe conditions resulting in significant disability.Interventional pain treatment such as pulsed radiofrequency could be an addition to the future treatment options for CTS.
Comparison of Hemodynamic versus Dyssynchrony Assessment for Interventricular Delay Optimization with Echocardiography in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: DOLTRA ADELINA , VIDAL BÀRBARA , SILVA ETELVINO , MONT LLUÍS , TAMBORERO DAVID , CASTEL MARÍA ÁNGELES , TOLOSANA JOSÉ MARÍA , BERRUEZO ANTONIO , BRUGADA JOSEP , SITGES MARTA 
Published: March 2011

Background: Best practice for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device optimization is not established. This study compared Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) to study left ventricular (LV) synchrony and left ventricular outflow tract velocity‐time integral (LVOT VTI) to assess hemodynamic performance.
Methods: LVOT VTI and LV synchrony were tested in 50 patients at three interventricular (VV) delays (LV preactivation at −30 ms, simultaneous biventricular pacing, and right ventricular preactivation at +30 ms), selecting the highest VTI and the greatest degree of superposition of the displacement curves, respectively, as the optimum VV delay.
Results: In 39 patients (81%), both techniques agreed (Kappa = 0.65, p < 0.0001) on the optimum VV delay. LV preactivation (VV − 30) was the interval most frequently chosen.
Conclusions: Both TDI and LVOT VTI are useful CRT programming methods for VV optimization. The best hemodynamic response correlates with the best synchrony. In most patients, the optimum VV interval is LV preactivation. (PACE 2011; 34:984–990)
Secretion of annexin A3 from ovarian cancer cells and its association with platinum resistance in ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Yin Jie , Yan Xuedong , Yao Xin , Zhang Yongli , Shan Ying , Mao Ning , Yang Yili , Pan Lingya 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEarly detection of resistance to platinum‐based therapy is critical for improving the treatment of ovarian cancers. We have previously found that increased expression of annexin A3 is a mechanism for platinum resistance in ovarian cancer cells. Here we demonstrate that annexin A3 can be detected in the culture medium of ovarian cancer cells, particularly these cells that express high levels of annexin A3. Levels of annexin A3 were then determined in sera from ovarian cancer patients using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Compared with those from normal donors, sera from ovarian cancer patients contain significantly higher levels of annexin A3. Furthermore, serum levels of annexin A3 were significantly higher in platinum‐resistant patients than in platinum‐sensitive patients. To gain insight into the mechanism of secretion, the ovarian cancer cell lines were examined using both transmission electron microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy. Compared with parent cells, there are significantly more vesicles in the cytoplasm of ovarian cancer cells that express high levels of annexin A3, and at least some vesicles are annexin A3‐positive. Moreover, some vesicles appear to be fused with the cell membrane, suggesting that annexin A3 secretion may be associated with exocytosis and the release of exosomes. This is supported by our observation that ovarian cancer cells expressing higher levels of annexin A3 released increased numbers of exosomes. Furthermore, annexin A3 can be detected in exosomes released from cisplatin‐resistant cells (SKOV3/Cis) by immunoblotting and immunoelectron microscopy.
Methamphetamine alters occludin expression via NADPH oxidase‐induced oxidative insult and intact caveolae
Authors: Park Minseon , Hennig Bernhard , Toborek Michal 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMethamphetamine (METH) is a drug of abuse with neurotoxic and vascular effects that may be mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, potential sources of METH‐induced generation of ROS are not fully understood. This study is focused on the role of NAD(P)H oxidase (NOX) in METH‐induced dysfunction of brain endothelial cells. Treatment with METH induced a time‐dependent increase in phosphorylation of NOX subunit p47, followed by its binding with gp91 and p22, and the formation of an active NOX complex. An increase in NOX activity was associated with elevated production of ROS, alterations of occludin levels and increased transendothelial migration of monocytes. Inhibition of NOX by NSC 23766 attenuated METH‐induced ROS generation, changes in occludin protein levels and monocyte migration. Because an active NOX complex is localized to caveolae, we next evaluated the role of caveolae in METH‐mediated toxicity to brain endothelial cells. Treatment with METH induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and caveolin‐1 protein. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activity or caveolin‐1 silencing protected against METH‐induced alterations of occludin levels. These findings indicate an important role of NOX and functional caveolae in METH‐induced oxidative stress in brain endothelial cells that contribute to the subsequent alterations of occludin levels and transendothelial migration of inflammatory cells.
In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy imaging of vitiligo, nevus depigmentosus and nevus anemicus
Authors: Lai Lai‐gui , Xu Ai‐e 
Published: March 2011

Background/purpose: Hypopigmentary skin disorders such as vitiligo, nevus depigmentosus and nevus anemicus are common diseases in clinic. The lesions of these diseases could be similar to some extent, although each of them has its own characteristic clinical appearance and histological features. Clinically, the atypical lesions are often difficult to be differentiated. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non‐invasive, repetitive imaging tool that provides real‐time images at a nearly cellular histological resolution. Our aim was to investigate the RCM features of vitiligo, nevus depigmentosus and nevus anemicus.Subjects and Methods: A total of 135 patients with a clinical diagnosis of the aforementioned diseases were included in this study. The RCM images from depigmented skin, border of the white macules, adjacent normal‐appearing skin and distant normal skin for all patients at the dermo‐epidermal junction (DEJ) level were investigated.Results: In the active phase of vitiligo (AVP), the RCM demonstrated a complete loss of melanin in lesional skin in eight (53; 15.1%) patients. In 45 patients (53; 84.9%) of the AVP, part of the bright dermal papillary rings normally seen at the DEJ level disappeared or part of the rings lost their integrity and the content of melanin decreased obviously. In 20 patients (53; 37.7%) of the AVP, highly refractile inflammatory cells could be seen within the papillary dermis in the lesional and adjacent normal‐appearing skin, which may indicate the lesion progresses. In addition, part of the dermal papillary rings showed lack of integrity or their brightness decreased in adjacent normal‐appearing skin in all the patients of the AVP. It is important to know that the RCM demonstrated an ill‐defined border. In the stable phase of vitiligo (SPV), the RCM demonstrates a complete loss of melanin in lesional skin and a clear border in 31 (41; 75.6%) patients; the content of melanin and dermal papillary rings in adjacent normal‐appearing skin show no changes. In 10 (41; 24.4%) patients, the dendritic and highly refractile melanocytes arose in the recovery phase of vitiligo, which may indicate the repigmentation of vitiligo. There are three kinds of repigmentation patterns under RCM: marginal, perifollicular and diffuse. Distant normal skin showed no difference from controls in both the active and the SPV. In all the patients with nevus depigmentosus, the content of melanin decreases obviously but the dermal papillary rings are intact. The dermal papillary rings show no differences between lesional skin and adjacent normal‐appearing skin of nevus anemicus.Conclusion: Considering our results, RCM may be useful to non‐invasively discriminate vitiligo, nevus depigmentosus and nevus anemicus in vivo.
Influence of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and apolipoprotein E genetic variants on hemispheric and lateral ventricular volume of young healthy adults
Authors: Sidiropoulos Christos , Jafari-Khouzani Kourosh , Soltanian-Zadeh Hamid , Mitsias Panayiotis , Alexopoulos Panagiotis , Richter-Schmidinger Tanja , Reichel Martin , Lewczuk Piotr , Doerfler Arnd , Kornhuber Johannes 
Published: March 2011

Objective: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) are thought to be implicated in a variety of neuronal processes, including cell growth, resilience to noxious stimuli and synaptic plasticity. A Val to Met substitution at codon 66 in the BDNF protein has been associated with a variety of neuropsychiatric conditions. The ApoE4 allele is considered a risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease, but its effects on young adults are less clear. We sought to investigate the effects of those two polymorphisms on hemispheric and lateral ventricular volumes of young healthy adults.Methods: Hemispheric and lateral ventricular volumes of 144 healthy individuals, aged 19–35 years, were measured using high resolution magnetic resonance imaging and data were correlated with BDNF and ApoE genotypes.Results: There were no correlations between BDNF or ApoE genotype and hemispheric or lateral ventricular volumes.Conclusion: These findings indicate that it is unlikely that either the BDNF Val66Met or ApoE polymorphisms exert any significant effect on hemispheric or lateral ventricular volume. However, confounding epistatic genetic effects as well as relative insensitivity of the volumetric methods used cannot be ruled out. Further imaging analyses are warranted to better define any genetic influence of the BDNF Val6Met and ApoE polymorphism on brain structure of young healthy adults.
Update on T‐cell immunity: Implications for tumor immunology
Authors: McCLUSKEY James 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe association between the immune system and malignancy is at the forefront of research aimed at identifying and developing effective immunotherapies to treat and suppress cancer. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the biology, differentiation and effector functions of key immune cells in the tumor microenvironment is central to this process. The stimulation of T cells results in their activation, triggering the release of cellular mediators, including cytokines and chemokines. The interplay between these components determines the polarization of T cells into phenotypically‐, functionally‐ and transcriptionally‐distinct subsets (e.g. T‐helper [Th] 1, Th2, Th17 and T‐regulatory cells). Given that antigen recognition, costimulation and the cytokine milieu are critical signals in T‐cell activation and differentiation, they represent potential and important therapeutic targets for modulating immune responses in disease. The aim of this article is to review the role of T cells in immune protection and pathogenesis, and to discuss the key pathways involved in these processes.
Developing cancer immunotherapies
Authors: DAVIS Ian D , CEBON Jonathan S. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractEffective antitumor responses require communication between antigen‐presenting cells, T‐cell subsets, B cells and natural killer cells. However, tumors have developed a number of mechanisms to avoid detection and elimination by the immune system. This results in a microenvironment that can contribute to the failure of the immune response to the tumor or the prevention of effective immune‐mediated killing. Understanding the barriers to effective tumor immunity allows for the rational design of targeted immunotherapies. The characterization of tumor antigens has led to the development of promising vaccine candidates. Our work has concentrated on the cancer/testis antigen NY‐ESO‐1, which has been an important focus in the development of vaccine‐based therapies against melanoma. Immune responses against NY‐ESO‐1 can occur spontaneously or be induced by vaccination in patients with resected disease. In contrast, the use of NY‐ESO‐1 vaccines in the advanced melanoma setting has been disappointing, with reduced clinical and immunological efficacy. This lack of response is observed in other disease settings with other antigens, and might in part be explained by the recruitment of increased numbers of T‐regulatory cells and a strong immunosuppressive environment. The benefits of cancer immunotherapy might be enhanced if it were possible to identify characteristics that distinguish patients who are more likely to respond.
CTLA‐4 to overcome immunological tolerance to melanoma
Authors: HODI F Stephen 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThere has been much recent attention on immunotherapy for cancer due to the promising results of several randomized phase‐III trials. The management of metastatic melanoma in particular is a significant clinical challenge, and it has long been a desired target of immunotherapies due to evidence of the importance of host immune responses. Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) serves as a negative regulator of immunity. Recent trials administering fully‐human anti‐CTLA‐4 monoclonal antibodies to patients with melanoma have demonstrated survival benefits. However, treatment with anti‐CTLA‐4 antibodies is not without potential toxicities. Autoimmune side‐effects, such as diarrhea, bowel inflammation and dermatitis, were the most commonly reported. To build upon the activity seen with anti‐CTLA‐4 antibodies, both in toxicity and efficacy profiles, there has been significant interest in investigating combinations with vaccination strategies. In recent trials, patients who were vaccinated with autologous tumor cells engineered to secrete granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, and were then infused with anti‐CTLA‐4 antibodies, demonstrated clinically‐significant antitumor immunity without grade‐3 or ‐4 toxicity in most patients. These data demonstrate how manipulation of immune regulation has produced patient benefits, and this area is a rich avenue for future investigation.
Regulation by litigation
Authors: Yandle Bruce , Dorchak Andrew , Morriss Andrew P. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe believe that careful application of the logic of economics and public choice shines important light on regulation through litigation and can explain at least partly why regulators choose the litigation route, when they choose it, and how the choice may or may not achieve broad goals of efficiency and fairness. We present three case studies: heavy‐duty diesel engines, silica and asbestos, and the tobacco industry's Master Settlement Agreement (MSA).
Chemopreventive effect of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and folic acid on the N‐methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)‐induced gastrointestinal cancer in rat model
Authors: XU Qi , YANG Chuan Hua , LIU Qiang , JIN Xi Feng , XU Xi Tao , TONG Jin Lu , XIAO Shu Dong , RAN Zhi Hua 
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the chemopreventive effect and mechanisms of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and folic acid on N‐methyl‐N′‐nitro‐N‐nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)‐induced gastrointestinal cancer in rats, and to investigate and compare the combinatorial effects of EGCG and folic acid on the chemoprevention of gastrointestinal carcinogenesis.METHODS:  A total of 159 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups to have the MNNG in drink (group M), MNNG in drink and EGCG in the feed (group ME), MNNG in drink and folic acid in the feed (group MF), MNNG in drink and EGCG + folic acid in the feed (group MEF), EGCG in the feed (group E), folic acid in the feed (group F) or normal feed (group C), respectively. At 44 weeks, all the rats were killed and assessed for the presence of gastrointestinal tumor. The occurrence of cancer was evaluated by histology. Ki‐67 in cancerous tissues and in situ apoptosis were determined by immunohistochemical staining or terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase‐mediated nick‐end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively.RESULTS:  The experiment was completed in 157 rats (98.74%). As compared with group M, the tumor incidence of group MEF decreased significantly (P = 0.011). Ki‐67 expression in cancerous tissues of group ME and MEF also decreased significantly (P = 0.038, P = 0.009), while apoptosis of group ME, MF and MEF increased significantly (P = 0.000, P = 0.003, P = 0.000).CONCLUSION:  EGCG combined with folic acid has an obvious chemopreventive effect on gastrointestinal carcinogenesis induced by MNNG in rats.
Inferred Indium Resources of the Bolivian Tin‐Polymetallic Deposits
Authors: ISHIHARA Shunso , MURAKAMI Hiroyasu , MARQUEZ‐ZAVALIA Maria Florencia 
Published: March 2011

AbstractTin‐polymetallic base metal deposits of Miocene age in the Eastern Cordillera in Bolivia were studied by ICP/MS and EPMA for major and minor elements, paying an attention to indium concentration of the ore deposits. The highest indium content and 1000 In/Zn ratio of individual ore deposits are 5,740 ppm and 22.2 for the Potosi deposits, 2,730 ppm and 7.4 for Bolivar deposit, 2,510 ppm and 17.5 for Siete Suyos–Animas deposits, and 1,290 ppm and 3.3 for San Vicente deposit.The same content and ratio of composite samples of the studied deposits are up to 292 ppm and 4.0 for Potosi deposits, 3,080 ppm and 11.3 for Huari Huari deposit, 100 ppm and 0.3 for Tuntoco deposit, 152 ppm and 1.8 for Porco deposit, 103 ppm and 59.2 for Animas deposit, and 1,160 ppm and 3.7 for Pirquitas deposit. Those of zinc concentrates are as follows: 1,080 ppm and 2.1 at San Lorenzo; 584 ppm and 1.7 at Bolivar; 499 ppm and 1.23 at Porco; 449 ppm and 1.21 at Reserva, and 213 ppm and 0.61 at Colquiri deposit. Indium occurs mostly in dark colored sphalerite and that of the Potosi deposit was found to have one of the highest concentrations, containing up to 1.27 wt% In. Petrukite was discovered in the Potosi deposit, and indium minerals are expected to occur in the Huari Huari deposit and others with the high 1000 In/Zn ratios.The indium contents of the zinc concentrates and composite samples were applied to the produced and remaining ores, then the total amounts of indium in the Bolivian tin‐polymetallic base metal deposits are speculated to be more than 12,000 tons In, which is bigger than that of South China (11,000 tons) and the Japanese Islands (9,000 tons). Sphalerites of the Potosi deposit have one of the highest ranges of indium, similarly to those of the San Vicente deposit. Both the San Vicente and Potosi deposits are rich in silver, implying significance of both silver‐polymetallic and tin‐polymetallic environments for the concentration of trace amounts of indium.
Hydrothermal alteration and K–Ar ages of Neogene‐Quaternary magmatic‐hydrothermal systems at Toyoha‐Muine area in southwest Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: SHIMIZU Toru , AOKI Masahiro 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a review of hydrothermal alteration and K–Ar age data from the Toyoha‐Muine area (TMA), where the Toyoha polymetallic (Ag–Pb–Zn–Cu–In) deposit is located near the Pliocene andesitic volcano that formed Mt Muine. Systematic prospect‐scale mapping, sampling, X‐ray analysis and microscopic observation show that hydrothermal alteration is divided into two groups: acid‐pH and neutral‐pH alteration types. The former is further divided into mineral assemblages I, II and III, while the latter into mineral assemblages IV and V. Different mineralogical features in five mineral assemblages are summarized as follows: (I) Quartz (silicified rock); (II) Pyrophyllite or dickite; (III) Kaolinite or halloysite ± alunite; (IV) Sericite or K‐feldspar; and (V) Interstratified minerals (illite/smectite and chlorite/smectite) and/or smectite.K–Ar radiometric ages determined on twenty‐eight K‐bearing samples (whole volcanic rocks and separated hydrothermal minerals) mainly fall into one of three periods: Early Miocene (24.6–21.4 Ma), Middle–Late Miocene (12.5–8.4 Ma) and Pliocene–Pleistocene (3.2–0 Ma). These three periods are characterized as follows. Early Miocene: A minor hydrothermal activity, which might be genetically related to the intermediate or felsic magmatic activities, formed mineral assemblage IV at 24.6 Ma in the northern part of the TMA. Middle to Late Miocene: The basaltic intrusion, andesitic eruption, and granodiorite intrusions induced hydrothermal activities between 12.5 and 8.4 Ma, resulting in the formation of a mineral assemblage IV with some base metal mineralization. Pliocene–Pleistocene: An andesitic eruption formed Mt Muine between 3.2 and 2.9 Ma. The andesitic activity was associated with acid‐pH mineral assemblages I, II and III locally around the volcano. Latent magmatic intrusions subsequent to the andesitic eruption generated hydrothermal activities that formed mineral assemblages IV and V between 1.9 and 0 Ma in the southern and southeastern parts of Toyoha deposit at depth, overprinting the Middle to Late Miocene alteration. The hydrothermal activities also formed mineral assemblages I, II and III along the Yunosawa fault (east of the Toyoha deposit) and assemblage III in the south and southeast of the Toyoha deposit near the surface.
Flood risk analysis using fuzzy models
Authors: Nandalal H.K. , Ratnayake U.R. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractRisk is a combination of the factors that determine vulnerability and exposure potential for people to a hazard. The computation of flood extents and the identification of vulnerable elements help to determine high‐risk zones due to floods in advance, which helps to take mitigatory measures effectively and efficiently. This study examines how effectively the risk with respect to floods can be assessed using a fuzzy approach taking the frequently flooding Kalu‐Ganga River basin in Sri Lanka as the study area. Flood extent for a 100‐year return period rainfall was determined using Hydrologic Engineering Center's Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC‐HMS)‐ and HEC‐River Analysis System‐based models. Flood extent and mean flood depth were taken as hazard indicators while population density and dependency ratio were used as vulnerability indicators. Based on these indicators, flood risk was determined for the lowest administrative divisions within the inundated area using conventional risk assessment approaches. A methodology was proposed and applied to assess risk assuming the above indicators as fuzzy variables. Comparison of the results obtained from the two approaches indicates the proposed fuzzy‐based method, which takes uncertainty in the determination of hazard, vulnerability and risk levels into account, as providing more accurate results.