bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helical tomotherapy in the treatment of pediatric malignancies: a preliminary report of feasibility and acute toxicity
Authors: Mesbah Latifa , Matute Raúl , Usychkin Sergey , Marrone Immacolata , Puebla Fernando , Mínguez Cristina , García Rafael , García Graciela , Beltrán César , Marsiglia Hugo 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundRadiation therapy plays a central role in the management of many childhood malignancies and Helical Tomotherapy (HT) provides potential to decrease toxicity by limiting the radiation dose to normal structures. The aim of this article was to report preliminary results of our clinical experience with HT in pediatric malignancies.MethodsIn this study 66 consecutive patients younger than 14 years old, treated with HT at our center between January 2006 and April 2010, have been included. We performed statistical analyses to assess the relationship between acute toxicity, graded according to the RTOG criteria, and several clinical and treatment characteristics such as a dose and irradiation volume.ResultsThe median age of patients was 5 years. The most common tumor sites were: central nervous system (57%), abdomen (17%) and thorax (6%). The most prevalent histological types were: medulloblastoma (16 patients), neuroblastoma (9 patients) and rhabdomyosarcoma (7 patients). A total of 52 patients were treated for primary disease and 14 patients were treated for recurrent tumors. The majority of the patients (72%) were previously treated with chemotherapy. The median prescribed dose was 51 Gy (range 10-70 Gy). In 81% of cases grade 1 or 2 acute toxicity was observed. There were 11 cases (16,6%) of grade 3 hematological toxicity, two cases of grade 3 skin toxicity and one case of grade 3 emesis. Nine patients (13,6%) had grade 4 hematological toxicity. There were no cases of grade 4 non-hematological toxicities. On the univariate analysis, total dose and craniospinal irradiation (24 cases) were significantly associated with severe toxicity (grade 3 or more), whereas age and chemotherapy were not. On the multivariate analysis, craniospinal irradiation was the only significant independent risk factor for grade 3-4 toxicity.ConclusionHT in pediatric population is feasible and safe treatment modality. It is characterized by an acceptable level of acute toxicity that we have seen in this highly selected pediatric patient cohort with clinical features of poor prognosis and/or aggressive therapy needed. Despite of a dosimetrical advantage of HT technique, an exhaustive analysis of long-term follow-up data is needed to assess late toxicity, especially in this potentially sensitive to radiation population.
An unusual case of suprascapular nerve neuropathy: a case report
Authors: Economides Charalambos P , Christodoulou Loizos , Kyriakides Theodoros , Soteriades Elpidoforos S 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Introduction
Suprascapular nerve neuropathy constitutes an unusual cause of shoulder weakness, with the most common etiology being nerve compression from a ganglion cyst at the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch. We present a puzzling case of a man with suprascapular nerve neuropathy that may have been associated with an appendectomy. The case was attributed to nerve injury as the most likely cause that may have occurred during improper post-operative patient mobilization.

Case presentation
A 23-year-old Caucasian man presented to an orthopedic surgeon with a history of left shoulder weakness of several weeks' duration. The patient complained of pain and inability to lift minimal weight, such as a glass of water, following an appendectomy. His orthopedic clinical examination revealed obvious atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles and 2 of 5 muscle strength scores on flexion resistance and external rotation resistance. Magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse high signal intensity within the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles and early signs of minimal fatty infiltration consistent with denervation changes. No compression of the suprascapular nerve in the suprascapular or spinoglenoid notch was noted. Electromyographic studies showed active denervation effects in the supraspinatus muscle and more prominent in the left infraspinatus muscle. The findings were compatible with damage to the suprascapular nerve, especially the part supplying the infraspinatus muscle. On the basis of the patient's history, clinical examination, and imaging studies, the diagnosis was suspected to be associated with a possible traction injury of the suprascapular nerve that could have occurred during the patient's transfer from the operating table following an appendectomy.

Conclusion
Our case report may provide important insight into patient transfer techniques used by hospital personnel, may elucidate the clinical significance of careful movement of patients following general anesthesia, and may have important implications for patient safety techniques, including those outlined in the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist program.
Identification of target antigens of anti-endothelial cell and anti-vascular smooth muscle cell antibodies in patients with giant cell arteritis: a proteomic approach
Authors: Régent Alexis , Dib Hanadi , Ly Kim H , Agard Christian , Tamby Mathieu C , Tamas Nicolas , Weksler Babette , Federici Christian , Broussard Cédric , Guillevin Loïc , Mouthon Luc 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Immunological studies of giant cell arteritis (GCA) suggest that a triggering antigen of unknown nature could generate a specific immune response. We thus decided to detect autoantibodies directed against endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the serum of GCA patients and to identify their target antigens.

Methods
Sera from 15 GCA patients were tested in 5 pools of 3 patients' sera and compared to a sera pool from 12 healthy controls (HCs). Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivity was analysed by 2-D electrophoresis and immunoblotting with antigens from human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) and mammary artery VSMCs. Target antigens were identified by mass spectrometry.

Results
Serum IgG from GCA patients recognised 162 ± 3 (mean ± SD) and 100 ± 17 (mean ± SD) protein spots from HUVECs and VSMCs, respectively, and that from HCs recognised 79 and 94 protein spots, respectively. In total, 30 spots from HUVECs and 19 from VSMCs were recognised by at least two-thirds and three-fifths, respectively, of the pools of sera from GCA patients and not by sera from HCs. Among identified proteins, we found vinculin, lamin A/C, voltage-dependent anion-selective channel protein 2, annexin V and other proteins involved in cell energy metabolism and key cellular pathways. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed that most identified target antigens interacted with growth factor receptor-bound protein 2.

Conclusions
IgG antibodies to proteins in the proteome of ECs and VSMCs are present in the sera of GCA patients and recognise cellular targets that play key roles in cell biology and maintenance of homeostasis. Their potential pathogenic role remains to be determined.
β1 integrin mediates an alternative survival pathway in breast cancer cells resistant to lapatinib
Authors: Huang Catherine , Park Catherine C , Hilsenbeck Susan G , Ward Robin , Rimawi Mothaffar F , Wang Yen-chao , Shou Jiang , Bissell Mina J , Osborne C Kent , Schiff Rachel 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2 in 20% of human breast cancers and its association with aggressive growth has led to widespread use of HER2-targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab (T) and lapatinib (L). Despite the success of these drugs, their efficacy is limited in patients whose tumors demonstrate de novo or acquired resistance to treatment. The β1 integrin resides on the membrane of the breast cancer cell, activating several elements of breast tumor progression including proliferation and survival.

Methods
We developed a panel of HER2-overexpressing cell lines resistant to L, T, and the potent LT combination through long-term exposure and validated these models in 3D culture. Parental and L/T/LT-resistant cells were subject to HER2 and β1 integrin inhibitors in 3D and monitored for 12 days, followed by quantification of colony number. Parallel experiments were conducted where cells were either stained for Ki-67 and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) or harvested for protein and analyzed by immunoblot. Results were subjected to statistical testing using analysis of variance and linear contrasts, followed by adjustment with the Sidak method.

Results
Using multiple cell lines including BT474 and HCC1954, we reveal that in L and LT resistance, where phosphorylation of EGFR/HER1, HER2, and HER3 are strongly inhibited, kinases downstream of β1 integrin--including focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src--are up-regulated. Blockade of β1 by the antibody AIIB2 abrogates this up-regulation and functionally achieves significant growth inhibition of L and LT resistant cells in 3D, without dramatically affecting the parental cells. SiRNA against β1 as well as pharmacologic inhibition of FAK achieve the same growth inhibitory effect. In contrast, trastuzumab-resistant cells, which retain high levels of phosphorylated EGFR/HER1, HER2, and HER3, are only modestly growth-inhibited by AIIB2.

Conclusions
Our data suggest that HER2 activity, which is suppressed in resistance involving L but not T alone, dictates whether β1 mediates an alternative pathway driving resistance. Our findings justify clinical studies investigating the inhibition of β1 or its downstream signaling moieties as strategies to overcome acquired L and LT resistance.
Evolution of secure services for women in England
Authors: Sarkar Jaydip , di Lustro Mary 
Published: September 2011

SummaryPatients detained at high and medium security reveal significant gender differences in the presentation of psychopathology, mental disorder and social and offending profiles. However, secure mental health services in England, like prisons, generally fail to recognise the core importance of the differing biopsychosocial development in women and the impact of life experiences on women's subsequent biopsychosocial functioning. As a consequence, women are often inadequately provided for in services dictated by the identified needs, risks and responsiveness of men. The lack of clinically appropriate facilities for women may account for the increased frequency with which women are readmitted to medium security and for their longer admissions to both high and medium secure care. New tertiary services are developing as a result of the lessons learnt while providing gender-blind care. However, further development is required to ensure that women receive services of the same quality, range and nature of those received by men.
Raising standards in relation to Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983
Authors: Hampson Michele 
Published: September 2011

SummaryDespite the guidance published in revised Codes of Practice and by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, implementation of Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 is still variable. Government funding in England to establish places of safety in psychiatric facilities has been effective but custody suites are still used excessively, especially for those who are brought in intoxicated. Patients feel criminalised by this use of custody suites and by the use of police vehicles rather than ambulance transport for conveyance to the place of safety. There is often a delay in commencing the assessment and the first doctor does not always have Section 12 approval as recommended in the Codes of Practice. The importance of the local Section 136 group tasked with developing and overseeing the implementation of local policy and monitoring is highlighted. There is a need for monitoring locally, but ideally in a form that can be used nationally for benchmarking and research.
Cross-national clinical and functional remission rates: Worldwide Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes (W-SOHO) study
Authors: Haro Josep Maria , Novick Diego , Bertsch Jordan , Karagianis Jamie , Dossenbach Martin , Jones Peter B. 
Published: September 2011

BackgroundEvidence suggests that schizophrenia may have a better outcome for individuals living in low- and middle-income countries compared with affluent settings.AimsTo determine the frequency of symptom and functional remission in out-patients with schizophrenia in different regions of the world.MethodUsing data from the Worldwide-Schizophrenia Outpatient Health Outcomes (W-SOHO) study we measured clinical and functional remission in out-patients with schizophrenia in different regions of the world, and examined sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with these outcomes. The 11 078 participants analysed from 37 participating countries were grouped into 6 regions: South Europe, North Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, North Africa and Middle East, and East Asia.ResultsIn total, 66.1% achieved clinical remission during the 3-year follow-up (range: 60.1% in North Europe to 84.4% in East Asia) and 25.4% achieved functional remission (range: 17.8% in North Africa and Middle East to 35.0% in North Europe). Regional differences were not explained by participants' clinical characteristics. Baseline social functioning, being female and previously untreated were consistent predictors of remission across regions.ConclusionsClinical outcomes of schizophrenia seem to be worse in Europe compared with other regions. However, functional remission follows a different pattern.
Online Product Opinions: Incidence, Evaluation, and Evolution
Authors: Moe Wendy W. , Schweidel David A. 
Published: August 2011

Whereas recent research has demonstrated the impact of online product ratings and reviews on product sales, we still have a limited understanding of the individual's decision to contribute these opinions. In this research, we empirically model the individual's decision to provide a product rating and investigate factors that influence this decision. Specifically, we consider how previously posted ratings may affect an individual's posting behavior in terms of whether to contribute (incidence) and what to contribute (evaluation), and we identify selection effects that influence the incidence decision and adjustment effects that influence the evaluation decision. Across individuals, our results show that positive ratings environments increase posting incidence, whereas negative ratings environments discourage posting. Our results also indicate important differences across individuals in how they respond to previously posted ratings, with less frequent posters exhibiting bandwagon behavior and more active customers revealing differentiation behavior. These dynamics affect the evolution of online product opinions. Through simulations, we illustrate how the evolution of posted product opinions is shaped by the underlying customer base and show that customer bases with the same median opinion may evolve in substantially different ways because of the presence of a core group of “activists” posting increasingly negative opinions.
Measurement of the pro-hormone of brain type natriuretic peptide (proBNP): methodological considerations and pathophysiological relevance
Authors: Clerico Aldo , Vittorini Simona , Passino Claudio 
Published: August 2011

AbstractRecent studies demonstrated that large amounts of the pro-hormone peptide of brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) can be detected in plasma of healthy subjects and in particular of patients with heart failure. As a result, a great part of B-type natriuretic peptides measured in patients with cardio-vascular disease may be devoid of biological activity. These findings stimulated the set up of specific immunoassay methods for the measurement of the intact proBNP peptide. The aim of this review article is to discuss the methodological characteristics and the possible clinical relevance of specific immunoassay methods for the measurement of the proBNP peptide. From an analytical point of view, a fully automated immunoassay of proBNP has some theoretical advantages (e.g., a more stable molecule with higher molecular weight than the derived peptides) compared to the active hormone BNP. Recent studies supported the concept that the precursor proBNP might be actually considered a circulating prohormone, which can be cleaved by specific plasma proteases in BNP, the active hormone, and NT-proBNP, an inactive peptide. The peripheral processing of circulating proBNP could likely be submitted to regulatory rules, which might be impaired in patients with heart failure, opening new perspectives in the treatment of heart failure (e.g., by studying drugs inducing the cleavage of the prohormone into active BNP). Furthermore, as a future perspective, the specific assay in the same plasma sample of the intact precursor proBNP and of the biologically active peptide BNP, could allow a more accurate estimation of the production/secretion of B-type related peptides from cardiomyocytes and of the global cardiac endocrine function.
Rate change detection of frequency modulated signals: developmental trends
Authors: Cohen-Mimran Ravit , Sapir Shimon 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to examine developmental trends in rate change detection of auditory rhythmic signals (repetitive sinusoidally frequency modulated tones).

Methods: Two groups of children (9–10 years old and 11–12 years old) and one group of young adults performed a rate change detection (RCD) task using three types of stimuli. The rate of stimulus modulation was either constant (CR), raised by 1 Hz in the middle of the stimulus (RR1) or raised by 2 Hz in the middle of the stimulus (RR2).

Results: Performance on the RCD task significantly improved with age. Also, the different stimuli showed different developmental trajectories. When the RR2 stimulus was used, results showed adult-like performance by the age of 10 years but when the RR1 stimulus was used performance continued to improve beyond 12 years of age.

Conclusions: Rate change detection of repetitive sinusoidally frequency modulated tones show protracted development beyond the age of 12 years. Given evidence for abnormal processing of auditory rhythmic signals in neurodevelopmental conditions, such as dyslexia, the present methodology might help delineate the nature of these conditions.
Effiziente Prototyp-Passung mittels Kreisbogensplines und Anwendungsbeispiele aus dem Automotive-Bereich
Authors: Maier Georg , Schindler Andreas 
Published: September 2011

Zusammenfassung
Die geeignete Beschreibung eines prototypischen Objekts ist ein zentraler Schritt des Reverse Engineering und der geometrischen Mustererkennung. Für den Einsatz der prototypischen Passung ist eine effiziente Repräsentation des Musterobjektes entscheidend. Vorgestellt wird ein Lösungsansatz, der auf einer Darstellung mittels Kreisbogensplines basiert und eine möglichst praxisnahe Modellierung verfolgt. An Beispielen aus dem Automotive-Bereich wird dessen praktische Relevanz aufgezeigt.
Combining Markers into Haplotypes Can Improve Population Structure Inference
Authors: Gattepaille Lucie M , Jakobsson Mattias 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
High-throughput genotyping and sequencing technologies can generate dense sets of genetic markers for large numbers of individuals. For most species, these data will contain many markers in linkage disequilibrium (LD). To utilize such data for population structure inference, we investigate the use of haplotypes constructed by combining the alleles at single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We introduce a statistic derived from information theory, the gain of informativeness for assignment (GIA), which quantifies the additional information for assigning individuals to populations using haplotype data compared to using individual loci separately. Using a two-loci–two-allele model, we demonstrate that combining markers in linkage equilibrium into haplotypes always leads to nonpositive GIA, suggesting that combining the two markers is not advantageous for ancestry inference. However, for loci in LD, GIA is often positive, suggesting that assignment can be improved by combining markers into haplotypes. Using GIA as a criterion for combining markers into haplotypes, we demonstrate for simulated data a significant improvement of assigning individuals to candidate populations. For the many cases that we investigate, incorrect assignment was reduced between 26% and 97% using haplotype data. For empirical data from French and German individuals, the incorrectly assigned individuals can, for example, be decreased by 73% using haplotypes. Our results can be useful for challenging population structure and assignment problems, in particular for studies where large-scale population–genomic data are available.
Wg Signaling via Zw3 and Mad Restricts Self-Renewal of Sensory Organ Precursor Cells in Drosophila
Authors: Quijano Janine C , Stinchfield Michael J , Newfeld Stuart J 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
It is well known that the Dpp signal transducer Mad is activated by phosphorylation at its carboxy-terminus. The role of phosphorylation on other regions of Mad is not as well understood. Here we report that the phosphorylation of Mad in the linker region by the Wg antagonist Zw3 (homolog of vertebrate Gsk3-β) regulates the development of sensory organs in the anterior–dorsal quadrant of the wing. Proneural expression of Mad-RNA interference (RNAi) or a Mad transgene with its Zw3/Gsk3-β phosphorylation sites mutated (MGM) generated wings with ectopic sensilla and chemosensory bristle duplications. Studies with pMad-Gsk (an antibody specific to Zw3/Gsk3-β-phosphorylated Mad) in larval wing disks revealed that this phosphorylation event is Wg dependent (via an unconventional mechanism), is restricted to anterior–dorsal sensory organ precursors (SOP) expressing Senseless (Sens), and is always co-expressed with the mitotic marker phospho-histone3. Quantitative analysis in both Mad-RNAi and MGM larval wing disks revealed a significant increase in the number of Sens SOP. We conclude that the phosphorylation of Mad by Zw3 functions to prevent the self-renewal of Sens SOP, perhaps facilitating their differentiation via asymmetric division. The conservation of Zw3/Gsk3-β phosphorylation sites in vertebrate homologs of Mad (Smads) suggests that this pathway, the first transforming growth factor β-independent role for any Smad protein, may be widely utilized for regulating mitosis during development.