bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical detection of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, downstream effector molecules, and apoptosis‐related genes in an ossifying pilomatrixoma of cheek
Authors: Park Young Wook , Kim Ji Hyuck , Kim Soung Min , Park In Woo , Choi Hang Moon , Park Moon Soo , Kim Young Jun , Lee Young Joon , Lee Sang Shin , Lee Suk Keun 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTPilomatrixoma is an uncommon benign calcifying epithelial neoplasm derived from hair matrix cells, manifested as a firm intracutaneous spheroid mass on the face, neck, and arms, but its pathogenesis is still not clearly understood. This case study aimed to elucidate the downstream effector molecules and apoptotic processes through the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in an ossifying pilomatrixoma. The histological analysis of whole tissue in this case showed the mixture of shadow and basophilic epithelial cells, where the shadow epithelial cells were most abundant in the superficial layer and the transitional epithelial cells were diffusely distributed between the shadow cells and basophilic cells. The basophilic epithelial cells usually distributed around the basal layer were intensely stained for Bcl‐2 and HSP‐70 antisera. The BMP‐2 was strongly condensed in the shadow cell and the osteoid matrix nearby. The transitional epithelial cells also formed the aberrant hair follicle, where the β‐catenin, APC, and TGase C were strongly localized. Especially, the β‐catenin and APC were clearly localized at the nuclei of the transitional epithelial cells, while E‐cadherin and Wnt‐1 were mainly expressed in the mesenchymal cells of underlying connective tissue. On the other hand, the immunostains of PCNA, p21, p53, Bax, TGase E, TGase K, and TUNEL stain were almost negative in the tumor epithelium. These findings suggest that the tumor cells of the ossifying pilomatrixoma are abnormally regulated for their cytodifferentiation and cellular apoptosis, resulted in the accumulation of the shadow epithelial cells, which produce the downstream effector molecules of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, that is the osteogenic molecules of BMP‐2 enable to induce the bony tissue directly in the vicinity of the epithelium.
Histological analysis of synovium by treatment of etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: SUZUKI Yutaka , INOUE Kazuhiko , CHIBA Junji , INOUE Yasuo , KANBE Katsuaki 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAims:  In order to investigate the histological change in effect attenuation cases of etanercept compared with methotrexate (MTX), we performed immunohistochemical examination by seven different molecules.Methods:  We histologically assessed synovial tissue from five MTX‐treated rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as control and six etanercept and MTX‐treated RA patients after synovectomy by arthroscopy. The synovium of both groups were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and we also analysed the expression of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3), B‐cell precursors and mature B‐cell transmembrane protein, CD20, macrophage marker, CD68, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by immunohistochemistry.Results:  HE staining showed vascular and cell proliferations of the synovium of the RA patients who received etanercept compared with the control MTX group. TNF‐α and IL‐6 were expressed in both groups.MMP‐3 and CD68 expressed less significantly in the etanercept group compared with the control (P < 0.05). CD20 strongly expressed in the etanercept group significantly (P < 0.05). BrdU expressed in the synovium in the etanercept group significantly (P < 0.05). VEGF was not found overall in both group.Conclusion:  Based on the histological change of synovium, treatment by etanercept may be involved in vascular and cell proliferations with inhibition of the expression of CD68 and MMP‐3 in synovium of RA patients. These findings indicate immunohistochemical change of synovium with etanercept is one of the mechanism of efficacy of etanercept.
Three years experience with the prescription of anti‐TNF‐α inhibitors at Dr Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: ELEISHI Hatem Hamdi , TOMA Nader Farid , CHAKI Moustapha Cherif , NADA Hanan Rabee 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective:  To document the difficulties that are associated with the prescription of anti‐TNF inhibitors due to their high cost for patients with various autoimmune rheumatic diseases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Methods:  Patients who had been prescribed anti‐TNF inhibitors for the treatment of autoimmune rheumatic diseases at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2005 to July 2008 were retrospectively included in this study. Data collected included patients' demographics, funding methods, treatment doses and assessment results.Results:  Thirty‐six patients were included in this study. Seventy percent of these were covered by various insurance packages while 30% were paying cash for their treatment. Of those 36 patients, seven dropped out within the first 2 months of treatment. Thereafter, a gradually increasing number of patients either discontinued treatment or were no longer compliant with their scheduled injection dates. There was a statistically highly significant correlation between financial difficulties and discontinuing treatment and/or spacing‐out the administration of anti‐TNF agents (P < 0.001). On the other hand, neither safety nor efficacy profiles were shown to significantly impact drug discontinuation. The impact of financial difficulties tended to be more prominent during the first 6 months of treatment.Conclusion:  Financial issues appear to be the major factor that is interfering with the compliance with treatment with anti‐TNF agents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The anti‐TNF agents studied were generally well tolerated and were effective.
Osteitis condensans ilii: a significant association with sacroiliac joint tenderness in women
Authors: JENKS Katey , MEIKLE Grant , GRAY Andrew , STEBBINGS Simon 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAim:  To determine whether subjects with radiological evidence of osteitis condensans ilii exhibit symptoms and signs in common with sacroiliitis when compared with an age‐matched control group and to examine demographic features.Methods:  The Dunedin Hospital radiology database was searched for all subjects with changes of osteitis condensans ilii over a 10‐year period. An age‐matched control group with plain X‐rays of the pelvis was recruited from the same database. All subjects were sent a questionnaire enquiring about back pain and details of previous pregnancies. Those who responded to the questionnaire were invited for clinical assessment.Results:  Thirty‐five individuals with osteitis condensans ilii were identified over the 10‐year period. All were female and reported prior pregnancy supporting an association between osteitis condensans ilii and pregnancy. Stress testing of the sacroiliac joints was associated with greater tenderness in the osteitis condensans ilii group with a mean of 1.8 positive tests out of a possible 4, compared to 0.8 in the control group (Wilcoxon rank‐sum test P = 0.02). Comparison between the two groups showed no difference in number of pregnancies, newborn weight, presence of back pain, back pain assessed by the Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire or loss of function using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI).Conclusion:  Osteitis condensans ilii is associated with tenderness during sacroiliac joint compression tests and should be considered in the differential diagnosis when sacroiliac joint tenderness is elicited.
Cutaneous vasculitis as a presenting manifestation of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: JAYACHANDRAN Nambiar Veettil , THOMAS Joe , CHANDRASEKHARA Pradeep Kumar Shenoy , KANCHINADHAM Suresh , KADEL Jugal Kishore , NARSIMULU Gumdal 
Published: March 2009

AbstractOne of the rare causes of secondary vasculitides is malignancy. Hematological malignancies produce secondary vasculitis more frequently than solid malignancies. Here in we report a case of acute myeloid leukemia presenting with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐positive vasculitis. This case highlights the importance of looking for underlying malignancies, especially leukemias in patients presenting with features of systemic vasculitides.
Visual Evidence of Horizontal Gene Transfer between Plants and Bacteria in the Phytosphere of Transplastomic Tobacco
Authors: Pontiroli Alessandra , Rizzi Aurora , Simonet Pascal , Daffonchio Daniele , Vogel Timothy M. , Monier Jean-Michel 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Plant surfaces, colonized by numerous and diverse bacterial species, are often considered hot spots for horizontal gene transfer (HGT) between plants and bacteria. Plant DNA released during the degradation of plant tissues can persist and remain biologically active for significant periods of time, suggesting that soil or plant-associated bacteria could be in direct contact with plant DNA. In addition, nutrients released during the decaying process may provide a copiotrophic environment conducive for opportunistic microbial growth. Using
Acinetobacter baylyi
strain BD413 and transplastomic tobacco plants harboring the
aadA
gene as models, the objective of this study was to determine whether specific niches could be shown to foster bacterial growth on intact or decaying plant tissues, to develop a competence state, and to possibly acquire exogenous plant DNA by natural transformation. Visualization of HGT in situ was performed using
A. baylyi
strain BD413(
rbcL
-ΔP
aadA
::
gfp
) carrying a promoterless
aadA
::
gfp
fusion. Both antibiotic resistance and green fluorescence phenotypes were restored in recombinant bacterial cells after homologous recombination with transgenic plant DNA. Opportunistic growth occurred on decaying plant tissues, and a significant proportion of the bacteria developed a competence state. Quantification of transformants clearly supported the idea that the phytosphere constitutes a hot spot for HGT between plants and bacteria. The nondisruptive approach used to visualize transformants in situ provides new insights into environmental factors influencing HGT for plant tissues.
A Role for Single-Stranded Exonucleases in the Use of DNA as a Nutrient
Authors: Palchevskiy Vyacheslav , Finkel Steven E. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Nutritional competence is the ability of bacterial cells to utilize exogenous double-stranded DNA molecules as a nutrient source. We previously identified several genes in
Escherichia coli
that are important for this process and proposed a model, based on models of natural competence and transformation in bacteria, where it is assumed that single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is degraded following entry into the cytoplasm. Since
E. coli
has several exonucleases, we determined whether they play a role in the long-term survival and the catabolism of DNA as a nutrient. We show here that mutants lacking either ExoI, ExoVII, ExoX, or RecJ are viable during all phases of the bacterial life cycle yet cannot compete with wild-type cells during long-term stationary-phase incubation. We also show that nuclease mutants, alone or in combination, are defective in DNA catabolism, with the exception of the ExoX
−
single mutant. The ExoX
−
mutant consumes double-stranded DNA better than wild-type cells, possibly implying the presence of two pathways in
E. coli
for the processing of ssDNA as it enters the cytoplasm.
Genomic Islands of Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Contribute to Virulence
Authors: Lloyd Amanda L. , Henderson Tiffany A. , Vigil Patrick D. , Mobley Harry L. T. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) strain CFT073 contains 13 large genomic islands ranging in size from 32 kb to 123 kb. Eleven of these genomic islands were individually deleted from the genome, and nine isogenic mutants were tested for their ability to colonize the CBA/J mouse model of ascending urinary tract infection. Three genomic island mutants (ΔPAI-
aspV
, ΔPAI-
metV
, and ΔPAI-
asnT
) were significantly outcompeted by wild-type CFT073 in the bladders and/or kidneys following transurethral cochallenge (
P
≤ 0.0139). The PAI-
metV
mutant also showed significant attenuation in the ability to independently colonize the kidneys (
P
= 0.0011). Specific genes within these islands contributed to the observed phenotype, including a previously uncharacterized iron acquisition cluster,
fbpABCD
(c0294 to c0297 [c0294-97]), autotransporter,
picU
(c0350), and RTX family exoprotein,
tosA
(c0363) in the PAI-
aspV
island. The double deletion mutant with deletions in both copies of the
fbp
iron acquisition operon (Δc0294-97 Δc2518-15) was significantly outcompeted by wild-type CFT073 in cochallenge. Strains with mutations in a type VI secretion system within the PAI-
metV
island did not show attenuation. The attenuation of the PAI-
metV
island was localized to genes c3405-10, encoding a putative phosphotransferase transport system, which is common to UPEC and avian pathogenic
E
.
coli
strains but absent from
E
.
coli
K-12. We have shown that, in addition to encoding virulence genes, genomic islands contribute to the overall fitness of UPEC strain CFT073 in vivo.
Reporting of ethics-related methods in epidemiological research
Authors: Jacobsen K H 
Published: March 2009

Objective:This paper describes the variety of ways that information about ethics-related methods are included or not included in public health research articles.Methods:Information about the ethics-related content of all articles published in nine highly-respected public health journals in 2006 was extracted.Results:Of 989 primary analyses, 73% of the articles commented on ethics committee approval or exemption, 63% mentioned participant consent and 9% indicated whether or not inducement or compensation was given. 84% of articles mentioned a funding source, but fewer than 4% identified any potential conflict of interest. Reporting rates for committee review and consent were higher for experimental than for observational studies and were comparatively higher in studies conducted among potentially vulnerable populations like children and residents of low income countries.Conclusions:More complete reporting would facilitate the design, evaluation and comparison of future research studies.
The Effect of Integration on Recall of Counterintuitive Stories
Authors: Harmon-Vukić  , Slone D. Jason 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Research on the cognitive foundations of cultural transmission has recently demonstrated that concepts which minimally violate one domain-specific ontological category expectation, or "minimally counterintuitive" concepts (MCI), are better recalled, all else being equal, than "intuitive" concepts (INT), which do not violate domain-specific ontological expectations. In addition, memory for MCI concepts is better than memory for "maximally counterintuitive concepts" (MXCI), or concepts which violate more than one domain-specifi c ontological expectation. Thus, MCI items appear to enjoy a memory advantage, although these effects are heavily affected by context. The present experiment was designed to investigate the influence of integration on the MCI effect. Participants memorized a series of stories that were either intuitive (INT), minimally counterintuitive (MCI), or maximally counterintuitive (MXCI). In addition, the stories were either causally integrated or not. Cued recall results suggested that integration of a story is a significant factor influencing memory performance. We argue that these results are complimentary to the MCI hypothesis.
Abuse liability and safety of oral lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in individuals with a history of stimulant abuse
Authors: Jasinski DR , Krishnan S 
Published: March 2009

Abstract Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) is the first prodrug stimulant and is indicated for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. A single-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, 6-period crossover study evaluated the abuse potential of single oral doses of 50, 100 (equivalent to 40 mg d-amphetamine), and 150 mg LDX, 40 mg d-amphetamine and 200 mg diethylpropion in 36 individuals with a history of stimulant abuse. On the primary abuse liability measure, maximum change of the Drug Rating Questionnaire-Subject Liking Scale compared with placebo, d-amphetamine and diethylpropion showed significant differences of 4.5 and 4.0 units, respectively ( P < 0.001 for both vs placebo). LDX, administered at 50, 100 and 150 mg, showed nonsignificant differences of 2.0 and 2.1 units, respectively, at the two lower doses but a significant ( P < 0.001 vs placebo) difference of 6.1 units at the highest dose. Subjects significantly favoured d-amphetamine 40 mg versus LDX 100 mg (2.4 units difference; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in liking scores between d-amphetamine 40 mg and LDX 150 mg. Drug Rating Questionnaire-Subject Feel-Drug-Effect score was significantly lower for 100 mg LDX than for 40 mg d-amphetamine. There were no statistically significant differences between LDX and diethylpropion hydrochloride, a Schedule IV amphetamine-like stimulant, on abuse-related liking scores. Cardiovascular responses of LDX and d-amphetamine were similar at equivalent doses. In conclusion, at an equivalent amount of amphetamine base taken orally, LDX 100 mg had attenuated responses on measures of abuse liability compared with immediate-release d-amphetamine 40 mg. Abuse-related liking scores of LDX at a dose corresponding to a 50% higher amphetamine base (LDX 150 mg) were similar to d-amphetamine 40 mg.
Success of Nonoperative Management of Adductor Longus Tendon Ruptures in National Football League Athletes
Authors: Schlegel Theodore F. , Bushnell Brandon D. , Godfrey Jenna , Boublik Martin 
Published: March 2009

Background Acute complete ruptures of the proximal adductor longus tendon are rare but challenging injuries to treat. The limited literature supports operative treatment, but data from management of chronic groin pain in athletes indicate that anatomical attachment of the tendon to the pubis may not be required for high-level function. Hypothesis Nonoperative management of complete adductor rupture can provide equal results to surgical repair in terms of return to play in the National Football League. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Using the National Football League Injury Surveillance System, adductor tendon ruptures documented by magnetic resonance imaging were identified in 19 National Football League players from 1992 to 2004. The team physician for each respective player completed a survey with information about history, physical examination, magnetic resonance imaging findings, treatment, and outcomes. Statistics were analyzed with a Student unpaired t test. Results Fourteen players were treated nonoperatively, and 5 players were treated with surgical repair using suture anchors. In both groups, all players eventually returned to play in the National Football League. Mean time for return to play was 6.1 ± 3.1 weeks (range, 3-12 weeks) for the nonoperative group and 12.0 ± 2.5 weeks (range, 10-16 weeks) for the operative group (P = .001). One player in the operative group suffered the complication of a draining wound and heterotopic ossification. Players represented a variety of positions, and 12 of 19 (63%) had experienced prior symptoms or events. Conclusion Nonoperative treatment of proximal adductor tendon rupture results in a statistically significantly faster return to play than does operative treatment in athletes competing in the National Football League and avoids the risks associated with surgery while providing an equal likelihood of return to play at the professional level.
Single-Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Brophy Robert H. , Pearle Andrew D. 
Published: March 2009

Background Conventional endoscopic single-bundle transtibial anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction from the posterolateral tibial footprint to the anteromedial femoral footprint results in a vertical graft. A more oblique horizontal graft from the anteromedial tibial footprint to the posterolateral femoral footprint may offer a better alternative for all endoscopic ACL reconstruction. Hypothesis When compared with a conventional ACL single-bundle position, the horizontal graft ACL position has more obliquity and so undergoes a greater change in length during anterior translation and internal rotation. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods A computer navigation system was used to acquire kinematic data during a flexion-extension cycle and outline the anteromedial and posterolateral aspects of the tibial and femoral footprints on 5 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees. Three virtual graft positions were defined: conventional (posterolateral tibia—anteromedial femur), central, and horizontal (anteromedial tibia— posterolateral femur). After transection of the ACL, the obliquity, anisometry, absolute length change, and apparent strain were computed for each graft position during the Lachman test, the anterior drawer test, and internal rotation at 0° and 30° of flexion. Results The horizontal position was more oblique than the other positions (P < .05). There were no differences in anisometry. The horizontal position elongated more than the other positions during the Lachman test (P < .05) and more than the conventional position during the anterior drawer test (P = .009). During internal rotation at 30° flexion, the horizontal position elongated more than the other positions (P < .05). The central and horizontal positions had more apparent strain than that of the vertical position during the Lachman test and internal rotation (P < .05); no significant difference was found during the anterior drawer test. Conclusion In ACL-deficient cadaveric knees, the horizontal graft position has greater obliquity and so undergoes greater elongation without increased apparent strain when compared to the central graft position, in response to anterior translation and internal rotation maneuvers. Clinical Relevance Horizontal graft placement of a single-bundle ACL may result in greater control of translation and rotation.
Ventilation Parameters and Thermal Comfort of Naturally and Mechanically Ventilated Offices
Authors: Daghigh R. , Adam N.M. , Sahari B.B. 
Published: March 2009

This paper discusses thermal comfort for a postgraduate study office room in the Mechanical Engineering Department of University Putra Malaysia (UPM), which maybe either naturally ventilated or air-conditioned. Thermal comfort variables were assessed by survey of sensation of the indoor climate. Tracer gas analysis, based on the concentration decay method, was employed to determine air exchange rate, age of air, and air exchange effectiveness (AEE). When the air conditioner was working the study office had conditions within the comfort zone of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 55; and the occupants reported they were ``slightly cool.'' Objective data analysis showed that the office was thermally comfortable. Under naturally ventilated conditions objective results showed that the office was uncomfortable but a subjective study revealed that students found the conditions to be ``slightly warm.'' The neutral temperature showed a wider thermal comfort range for Malaysian students than that suggested by ASHRAE Standard 55-1992, which indicates that Malaysians are acclimatized to higher environmental temperatures. However, the result is in line with the current version of ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 that includes an adaptive comfort standard that allows warmer indoor temperatures for warmer climate zones. The results of a ventilation study indicated air flow patterns in the occupied zones, which approximated to ``perfect mixing'' under both ventilation conditions. The measured air exchange rate also indicated that the provision of outside air for ventilation was adequate when the room was mechanically ventilated (air-conditioned). Results of over 50 survey responses to thermal comfort questions in the study room at UPM are given.